Avalon:Volume 0 Chapter 13 - Revision history

Aorii at 18:04, 20 April 2013

2013-04-20T18:04:04Z

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Aorii: 3P edit

2013-04-20T04:00:21Z

3P edit

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Aorii: em-dash fix

2012-12-27T00:28:53Z

em-dash fix

Aorii: major grammar pass (end of 2012)

2012-12-24T15:59:28Z

major grammar pass (end of 2012)

Aorii at 15:28, 20 December 2012

2012-12-20T15:28:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 20 December 2012
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	One of these rebel groups, the ''Nisshoku Getsumei'' or ''Moonlit Eclipse'', was known for their derived East-Asian magic that allowed a physical entity to cross over into the spiritual.		One of these rebel groups, the ''Nisshoku Getsumei'' or ''Moonlit Eclipse'', was known for their derived East-Asian magic that allowed a physical entity to cross over into the spiritual.

	A daring raid by the Black Prince and his elite black ops team nearly a year ago had captured two ~~dozen~~ of these mages --- to be enslaved by binding them within magic-extraction crystals. The very same that powered countless ~~EtherTech~~ equipment and weapon platforms, including the powerful ''Cataphract''-class METAAC mech, designed from the ground-up with special magic-conductive circuitry that could channel spells through its entire body.		A daring raid by the Black Prince and his elite black ops team nearly a year ago had captured two dozens of these mages --- to be enslaved by binding them within magic-extraction crystals. The very same that powered countless ether-tech equipment and weapon platforms, including the powerful ''Cataphract''-class METAAC mech, designed from the ground-up with special magic-conductive circuitry that could channel spells through its entire body.

	Two squads of elite METAAC pilots knew they had recently received a special upgrade to their machines' crystal core. Although security surrounding it had been ~~air-tight. Not~~ even the specialists who did the installation had any clue what the new function was.		Two squads of elite METAAC pilots knew they had recently received a special upgrade to their machines' crystal core. Although security surrounding it had been airtight; not even the specialists who did the installation had any clue what the new function was.

	After all, there was a way to defeat this magic, but only if the enemy knew what to prepare for.		After all, there was a way to defeat this magic, but only if the enemy knew what to prepare for.

Aorii at 06:46, 27 November 2012

2012-11-27T06:46:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:46, 27 November 2012
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	The rest of the battle went downhill from there. Within the hour, an overwhelming force had been decisively defeated by their lack of informational intelligence as a single strikegroup penetrated their defenses and dealt the fatal blow.		The rest of the battle went downhill from there. Within the hour, an overwhelming force had been decisively defeated by their lack of informational intelligence as a single strikegroup penetrated their defenses and dealt the fatal blow.

	It was like the surprise of ''Pearl Harbor'' combined with the intensity and strategic impact of ''~~Midway~~''.		It was like the surprise of ''Pearl Harbor'' combined with the intensity and strategic impact of the ''Battle of France''.

	The 1st District had gotten off with comparatively light casualties: one armored cruiser (CA) destroyed as the skipper did her best to protect the flagship, two more CAs gutted. Not to mention REDEIN fighters lost in the triple digits and most of the screening frigates, but unmanned craft were disposable.		The 1st District had gotten off with comparatively light casualties: one armored cruiser (CA) destroyed as the skipper did her best to protect the flagship, two more CAs gutted. Not to mention REDEIN fighters lost in the triple digits and most of the screening frigates, but unmanned craft were disposable.
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	Total of forty-two METAACs and their aces, including four Knight-of-Rounds, was a hefty price to pay for the battle.		Total of forty-two METAACs and their aces, including four Knight-of-Rounds, was a hefty price to pay for the battle.

	But it was still worth it.		But it was still worth it.

	~~The ''Attack on Pearl Harbor'' had been a strategic failure that merely awoke a sleeping giant, while ''Midway'' had only turned the tide in the Pacific theater of World War II.~~ The 1st Battle of Brocéliande Orbit both began and ended the first stage of the war.		The 1st Battle of Brocéliande Orbit both began and ended the first stage of the war.

	Combined with the ground-side ''Operation Crecy'' which laid waste to 2nd District Headquarters, the loss of their flagship was devastating. 2nd District Command had not merely been crushed, it had been destroyed, with no one left more senior than individual squadron commanders, none of whom had both the charisma and prestige to rally the fleet's remnants under unified command. Most of them surrendered, some of them fought to their dying breath, and a few of them pledged to continue the war as subordinates of the 3rd District.		Combined with the ground-side ''Operation Crecy'' which laid waste to 2nd District Headquarters, the loss of their flagship was devastating. 2nd District Command had not merely been crushed, it had been destroyed, with no one left more senior than individual squadron commanders, none of whom had both the charisma and prestige to rally the fleet's remnants under unified command. Most of them surrendered, some of them fought to their dying breath, and a few of them pledged to continue the war as subordinates of the 3rd District.

Aorii at 15:51, 1 November 2012

2012-11-01T15:51:23Z

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Aorii at 14:22, 17 September 2012

2012-09-17T14:22:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:22, 17 September 2012
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	After all, there was a way to defeat this magic, but only if the enemy knew what to prepare for.		After all, there was a way to defeat this magic, but only if the enemy knew what to prepare for.

	Now, as those METAAC mechs spearheaded the charge into masses of hostile markers that hopelessly outnumbered them, ~~''Excaliber'' CO Commodore Marcus Kernow sent~~ down ~~the signal~~ for an obvious, almost obtrusively placed trigger to reveal itself on the pilots' control interfaces~~, before finally~~ gave them the order with bared teeth, a sadistic and predatory grin lighting up his entire face:		Now, as those METAAC mechs spearheaded the charge into masses of hostile markers that hopelessly outnumbered them, a command signal came down for an an obvious, almost obtrusively placed trigger to reveal itself on the pilots' Augmented Reality control interfaces. ''Excaliber'' CO Commodore Marcus Kernow then gave them the order with bared teeth, a sadistic and predatory grin lighting up his entire face:

	"Gentlemen, this offer comes once-in-a-lifetime: push, the button, and inscribe your names into history with the annihilation of our foes."		"Gentlemen, this offer comes once-in-a-lifetime: push, the button, and inscribe your names into history with the annihilation of our foes."

Aorii at 14:19, 17 September 2012

2012-09-17T14:19:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 17 September 2012
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	==Chapter 13 - Interlude - The Day of Reckoning==		==Chapter 13 - Interlude - The Day of Reckoning==

	In times past, the people of each generation would always remember the day on which the greatest war in their lives began. In that one moment when fresh news shook the entire world, when memories would record in perfect clarity a moment of their lives --- what, where, and when. Years and decades later, as they ~~reminiscenced~~ their past, contemporaries would always return to the same questions and answers: ''What did you do''... when emissaries of Pope Urban II called upon the faithful to 'take the cross' and launch the Crusades? When Nazi Germany invaded Poland, triggering the Second World War and all of its horrors? When Chinese Convoy 524, en-route to beleaguered Iran, burned in the Persian Gulf under the fury of American missiles, sparking the near-apocalyptic Third World War?		In times past, the people of each generation would always remember the day on which the greatest war in their lives began. In that one moment when fresh news shook the entire world, when memories would record in perfect clarity a moment of their lives --- what, where, and when. Years and decades later, as they reminisced their past, contemporaries would always return to the same questions and answers: ''What did you do''... when emissaries of Pope Urban II called upon the faithful to 'take the cross' and launch the Crusades? When Nazi Germany invaded Poland, triggering the Second World War and all of its horrors? When Chinese Convoy 524, en-route to beleaguered Iran, burned in the Persian Gulf under the fury of American missiles, sparking the near-apocalyptic Third World War?

	For the last generation of the Avalonian Republic, a snapshot of their lives would forever burn itself into their memories the moment they saw the mushroom clouds in the emergency news broadcast, burning red with fury against the pitch darkness --- the telltale sign of multiple strategic nuclear warheads that ravaged Rennes, shining metropolis of the planet Brocéliande and capital of the Avalonian 2nd District.		For the last generation of the Avalonian Republic, a snapshot of their lives would forever burn itself into their memories the moment they saw the mushroom clouds in the emergency news broadcast, burning red with fury against the pitch darkness --- the telltale sign of multiple strategic nuclear warheads that ravaged Rennes, shining metropolis of the planet Brocéliande and capital of the Avalonian 2nd District.
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	A daring raid by the Black Prince and his elite black ops team nearly a year ago had captured two dozen of these mages --- to be enslaved by binding them within magic-extraction crystals. The very same that powered countless ethertech equipment and weapon platforms, including the powerful ''Cataphract''-class METAAC mech, designed from the ground-up with special magic-conductive circuitry that could channel spells through its entire body.		A daring raid by the Black Prince and his elite black ops team nearly a year ago had captured two dozen of these mages --- to be enslaved by binding them within magic-extraction crystals. The very same that powered countless ethertech equipment and weapon platforms, including the powerful ''Cataphract''-class METAAC mech, designed from the ground-up with special magic-conductive circuitry that could channel spells through its entire body.

	Two squads of elite METAAC pilots knew they had recently received a special upgrade to their machines' crystal core, ~~and each of them~~ had ~~a trigger of the ''do-not-touch'' variety added to their latest control interface update. Security was~~ air-tight and not even the specialists who did the installation had any clue what the function was~~. Running unknown equipment without permission was not only dangerous, but a court-martial-able offense~~.		Two squads of elite METAAC pilots knew they had recently received a special upgrade to their machines' crystal core, although security surrounding it had been air-tight and not even the specialists who did the installation had any clue what the new function was.

	After all, there was a way to defeat this magic, but only if the enemy knew what to prepare for.		After all, there was a way to defeat this magic, but only if the enemy knew what to prepare for.

	Now, as those METAAC mechs spearheaded the charge into masses of hostile markers that hopelessly outnumbered them, ''Excaliber'' CO Commodore Marcus Kernow finally gave them the order with bared teeth, a sadistic and predatory grin lighting up his entire face:		Now, as those METAAC mechs spearheaded the charge into masses of hostile markers that hopelessly outnumbered them, ''Excaliber'' CO Commodore Marcus Kernow sent down the signal for an obvious, almost obtrusively placed trigger to reveal itself on the pilots' control interfaces, before finally gave them the order with bared teeth, a sadistic and predatory grin lighting up his entire face:

	"Gentlemen, this offer comes once-in-a-lifetime: push, the button, and inscribe your names into history with the annihilation of our foes."		"Gentlemen, this offer comes once-in-a-lifetime: push, the button, and inscribe your names into history with the annihilation of our foes."

Aorii at 18:46, 11 September 2012

2012-09-11T18:46:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:28, 27 December 2012
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	==Chapter 13 - Interlude - The Day of Reckoning==		==Chapter 13 - Interlude - The Day of Reckoning==

	In times past, the people of each generation would always remember the day on which the greatest war in their lives began. In that one moment when fresh news shook the entire world, when memories would record in perfect clarity a moment of their lives --- what, where, and when. Years and decades later, as they reminisced their past, contemporaries would always return to the same questions and answers: ''What did you do''... when emissaries of Pope Urban II called upon the faithful to 'take the cross' and launch the Crusades? When Nazi Germany invaded Poland, triggering the Second World War and all of its horrors? When Chinese Convoy 524, en-route to beleaguered Iran, burned in the Persian Gulf under the fury of American missiles, sparking the near-apocalyptic Third World War?		In times past, the people of each generation would always remember the day on which the greatest war in their lives began. In that one moment when fresh news shook the entire world, when memories would record in perfect clarity a moment of their lives -- what, where, and when. Years and decades later, as they reminisced their past, contemporaries would always return to the same questions and answers: ''What did you do''... when emissaries of Pope Urban II called upon the faithful to 'take the cross' and launch the Crusades? When Nazi Germany invaded Poland, triggering the Second World War and all of its horrors? When Chinese Convoy 524, en-route to beleaguered Iran, burned in the Persian Gulf under the fury of American missiles, sparking the near-apocalyptic Third World War?

	For the last generation of the Avalonian Republic, a snapshot of their lives would forever burn itself into their memories the moment they saw the mushroom clouds in the emergency news broadcast, burning red with fury against the pitch darkness. They were the telltale signs of multiple strategic nuclear warheads that ravaged Rennes, shining metropolis of the planet Brocéliande and capital of the Avalonian 2nd District.		For the last generation of the Avalonian Republic, a snapshot of their lives would forever burn itself into their memories the moment they saw the mushroom clouds in the emergency news broadcast, burning red with fury against the pitch darkness. They were the telltale signs of multiple strategic nuclear warheads that ravaged Rennes, shining metropolis of the planet Brocéliande and capital of the Avalonian 2nd District.
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	Even as late as five minutes prior, only three people knew exactly what to expect, their surnames one and same. But with a single confirmation through Marshal Comorus Kernow's neural-implants, a seemingly harmless codeword flooded its way through the entire fleet network, unraveling sealed orders hidden aboard the internal networks of every warship.		Even as late as five minutes prior, only three people knew exactly what to expect, their surnames one and same. But with a single confirmation through Marshal Comorus Kernow's neural-implants, a seemingly harmless codeword flooded its way through the entire fleet network, unraveling sealed orders hidden aboard the internal networks of every warship.

	It wasn't even a new operation. They went through a full simulated wargame of it once under a hypothetical scenario --- two Terran-years ago.		It wasn't even a new operation. They went through a full simulated wargame of it once under a hypothetical scenario -- two Terran-years ago.

	Speculation of system error escalated, then immediately pacified as Marshal Comorus stood up over the secured fleet broadcast channel and spoke only two words, his voice colder than the darkest depth of space:		Speculation of system error escalated, then immediately pacified as Marshal Comorus stood up over the secured fleet broadcast channel and spoke only two words, his voice colder than the darkest depth of space:
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	The ''Orleans'' did not survive a second salvo. The blinding fury of its destruction the first of many that night.		The ''Orleans'' did not survive a second salvo. The blinding fury of its destruction the first of many that night.

	Yet the opening volleys hardly balanced out the skewed force balance. Despite the overwhelming surprise, the Republican Guard was quickly recovering. Its own strike craft, already prepared for launch with the now-forgotten military parade, hurled into space like a swarm of angry locusts --- terrifying clouds of red blips on sensors, awesome not only in numbers but also their organization and discipline. They were led by one-hundred-twenty METAAC mechs, including six fearsome names renowned throughout the new world as the ace killers of the 2nd District, half of the 'Twelve Peers'.		Yet the opening volleys hardly balanced out the skewed force balance. Despite the overwhelming surprise, the Republican Guard was quickly recovering. Its own strike craft, already prepared for launch with the now-forgotten military parade, hurled into space like a swarm of angry locusts -- terrifying clouds of red blips on sensors, awesome not only in numbers but also their organization and discipline. They were led by one-hundred-twenty METAAC mechs, including six fearsome names renowned throughout the new world as the ace killers of the 2nd District, half of the 'Twelve Peers'.

	Rear-Admiral Geoffroi, Commanding-Officer (CO) of the Republican Guard, ordered his troops with insurmountable confidence that a victory was in the making. Surely, the 1st District had underestimated the integrity of his command, and overestimated the morale impact of their surprise attack and nuclear strike. The 1st ''did'' destroy 2nd District Headquarters and would have crippled fleet command --- if not for his presence.		Rear-Admiral Geoffroi, Commanding-Officer (CO) of the Republican Guard, ordered his troops with insurmountable confidence that a victory was in the making. Surely, the 1st District had underestimated the integrity of his command, and overestimated the morale impact of their surprise attack and nuclear strike. The 1st ''did'' destroy 2nd District Headquarters and would have crippled fleet command -- if not for his presence.

	Now, they would have their vengeance.		Now, they would have their vengeance.
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	One of these rebel groups, the ''Nisshoku Getsumei'' or ''Moonlit Eclipse'', was known for their derived East-Asian magic that allowed a physical entity to cross over into the spiritual.		One of these rebel groups, the ''Nisshoku Getsumei'' or ''Moonlit Eclipse'', was known for their derived East-Asian magic that allowed a physical entity to cross over into the spiritual.

	A daring raid by the Black Prince and his elite black ops team nearly a year ago had captured two dozens of these mages --- to be enslaved by binding them within magic-extraction crystals. The very same that powered countless ether-tech equipment and weapon platforms, including the powerful ''Cataphract''-class METAAC mech, designed from the ground-up with special magic-conductive circuitry that could channel spells through its entire body.		A daring raid by the Black Prince and his elite black ops team nearly a year ago had captured two dozens of these mages -- to be enslaved by binding them within magic-extraction crystals. The very same that powered countless ether-tech equipment and weapon platforms, including the powerful ''Cataphract''-class METAAC mech, designed from the ground-up with special magic-conductive circuitry that could channel spells through its entire body.

	Two squads of elite METAAC pilots knew they had recently received a special upgrade to their machines' crystal core. Although security surrounding it had been airtight; not even the specialists who did the installation had any clue what the new function was.		Two squads of elite METAAC pilots knew they had recently received a special upgrade to their machines' crystal core. Although security surrounding it had been airtight; not even the specialists who did the installation had any clue what the new function was.
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	Alexis had no idea why he could detect his foes but not vice versa, but he wasn't about to complain.		Alexis had no idea why he could detect his foes but not vice versa, but he wasn't about to complain.

	With the left mech-arm already gripping a ''Firelance'' Close-Assault Warhead, he conjured a preloaded ''Black Blade'' spell with his mech's right hand and focused all attention on offense. A quick scan of his sensors found an enemy worthy of his attention, and he charged into the maelstrom on an uncertain bet. It had paid seconds later. His anti-capital Black Blade, a seventeen-meter-long gash of disintegrating void power, a magical tear upon the very fabric of the universe, completely ignored the dimensional difference between material and ethereal and cut its unfortunate, unaware foe --- the METAAC mech ''Roland'' --- in two.		With the left mech-arm already gripping a ''Firelance'' Close-Assault Warhead, he conjured a preloaded ''Black Blade'' spell with his mech's right hand and focused all attention on offense. A quick scan of his sensors found an enemy worthy of his attention, and he charged into the maelstrom on an uncertain bet. It had paid seconds later. His anti-capital Black Blade, a seventeen-meter-long gash of disintegrating void power, a magical tear upon the very fabric of the universe, completely ignored the dimensional difference between material and ethereal and cut its unfortunate, unaware foe -- the METAAC mech ''Roland'' -- in two.

	It took but a second long before his mates began copying him, charging through the tide of oncoming foes while tearing apart targets of value on their way to their true goal, the flagship ''Oriflamme''.		It took but a second long before his mates began copying him, charging through the tide of oncoming foes while tearing apart targets of value on their way to their true goal, the flagship ''Oriflamme''.
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	In a deep space battle, that may not mean much, for it was the exchange of long-range missiles and warheads teleported by Starwarp 'Cannons', that decided the fight. But in a close-quarters ambush like this one, where METAAC mechs could easily breach multiple layers of defensive missile fire and reach point-blank range where their maneuverability and melee-tactics dominated with impunity, the battle had just taken a decisive turn.		In a deep space battle, that may not mean much, for it was the exchange of long-range missiles and warheads teleported by Starwarp 'Cannons', that decided the fight. But in a close-quarters ambush like this one, where METAAC mechs could easily breach multiple layers of defensive missile fire and reach point-blank range where their maneuverability and melee-tactics dominated with impunity, the battle had just taken a decisive turn.

	The surviving thirteen of the 1st District vanguard dove past the defensive fire of the frigate screen --- now twelve mechs remaining --- and straight into the Republican Guard's capital ships to ignite their ''Firelances''. Close-Assault Warheads were seemingly-smaller versions of the Anti-Capital Cruise Missile that traded range for a much larger payload. But ''Firelances'' were actually magically shrunken, the magic then dismissed after launching. Like the ACCM, they carried both on-board shield penetrators and defensive shields to shrug off point-defense fire. Launched from close range, these 'lances' soared straight in, crashing into hostile hulls before their bomb-pumped gamma-ray laser warheads exploded, flooding their targets with both a thermonuclear blast and a hailstorm of destructive high-energy radiation.		The surviving thirteen of the 1st District vanguard dove past the defensive fire of the frigate screen -- now twelve mechs remaining -- and straight into the Republican Guard's capital ships to ignite their ''Firelances''. Close-Assault Warheads were seemingly-smaller versions of the Anti-Capital Cruise Missile that traded range for a much larger payload. But ''Firelances'' were actually magically shrunken, the magic then dismissed after launching. Like the ACCM, they carried both on-board shield penetrators and defensive shields to shrug off point-defense fire. Launched from close range, these 'lances' soared straight in, crashing into hostile hulls before their bomb-pumped gamma-ray laser warheads exploded, flooding their targets with both a thermonuclear blast and a hailstorm of destructive high-energy radiation.

	Already damaged by grasers and proximity-hit ACCMs, six battlecarriers (CVBs) vanished as their hulls violently bloomed into balls of incandescent fury, indications of reactors gone critical. Three other CVBs and two armored cruisers were left as drifting wrecks, while the last remaining CVB was crippled beyond repair. Masses of REDEIN fighters, their remote-control pilots dying aboard their carriers, turned autonomous --- still capable of basic formations and tactics, but a far cry from the coordination and ability once displayed by their human controllers.		Already damaged by grasers and proximity-hit ACCMs, six battlecarriers (CVBs) vanished as their hulls violently bloomed into balls of incandescent fury, indications of reactors gone critical. Three other CVBs and two armored cruisers were left as drifting wrecks, while the last remaining CVB was crippled beyond repair. Masses of REDEIN fighters, their remote-control pilots dying aboard their carriers, turned autonomous -- still capable of basic formations and tactics, but a far cry from the coordination and ability once displayed by their human controllers.

	The rest of the battle went downhill from there. Within the hour, an overwhelming force was decisively defeated by their lack of informational intelligence as a single strikegroup penetrated their defenses and dealt the fatal blow.		The rest of the battle went downhill from there. Within the hour, an overwhelming force was decisively defeated by their lack of informational intelligence as a single strikegroup penetrated their defenses and dealt the fatal blow.
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	No one knew if Marshal Comorus Kernow would have approved. He was a cold-blooded bastard himself, but he was also too busy coordinating forces in other areas, despite his presence aboard the ''Excaliber'' during the entire battle.		No one knew if Marshal Comorus Kernow would have approved. He was a cold-blooded bastard himself, but he was also too busy coordinating forces in other areas, despite his presence aboard the ''Excaliber'' during the entire battle.

	The 'Black Prince' would never be heard from again. To all but a very few, it was Marcus Kernow --- the real, biological son of the 1st District Marshal who would receive credit for this 'heroic' victory.		The 'Black Prince' would never be heard from again. To all but a very few, it was Marcus Kernow -- the real, biological son of the 1st District Marshal who would receive credit for this 'heroic' victory.

	Which was... actually a surprisingly lucky turn for Arkadi.		Which was... actually a surprisingly lucky turn for Arkadi.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 24 December 2012
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	The visiting team was a mere five starships: the colossal 1st District Flagship, Fleet Carrier (CV) ''Excaliber'', plus four ''Bucellarii''-class Armored Cruisers (CAs).		The visiting team was a mere five starships: the colossal 1st District Flagship, Fleet Carrier (CV) ''Excaliber'', plus four ''Bucellarii''-class Armored Cruisers (CAs).

	The home team was the proud Republican Guard Flotilla, with a total of twenty capital ships ~~---~~ five ''Foederati''-class Battlecruisers (BCs), ten ''Comitatensis''-class Battlecarriers (CVBs), and four ''Bucellarii''-class Armored Cruisers, led by the equally enormous 2nd District Flagship, Fleet Carrier ''Oriflamme''.		The home team was the proud Republican Guard Flotilla, with a total of twenty capital ships: five ''Foederati''-class Battlecruisers (BCs), ten ''Comitatensis''-class Battlecarriers (CVBs), and four ''Bucellarii''-class Armored Cruisers, led by the equally enormous 2nd District Flagship, Fleet Carrier ''Oriflamme''.

	There was originally a third team, for the balance of power within the Avalonian Republic was carefully orchestrated between three different Military Districts. But the 3rd District was running late~~. After~~ news of the disaster spread, they never arrived at all.		There was originally a third team, for the balance of power within the Avalonian Republic was carefully orchestrated between three different Military Districts. But the 3rd District was running late; after news of the disaster spread, they never arrived at all.

	With a four-to-one advantage in hulls, three-to-one advantage in tonnage, and equivalent technology on both sides, the result of any combat would be a foregone conclusion even without considering the planetary defenses. Nobody from the 1st District ~~would~~ be stupid enough to gamble against such odds.		With a four-to-one advantage in hulls, three-to-one advantage in tonnage, and equivalent technology on both sides, the result of any combat would be a foregone conclusion even without considering the planetary defenses. Nobody from the 1st District should be stupid or crazy enough to gamble against such odds.

	Not that any fighting was expected. A century of cold war between the three Military Districts of Avalon has allowed each faction's intelligence to thoroughly infiltrate the others' military rank and file. There were no orders and no preparations. This was purely a diplomatic visit, beginning with a mutual display of power through a joint military parade as per tradition.		Not that any fighting was expected. A century of cold war between the three Military Districts of Avalon has allowed each faction's intelligence to thoroughly infiltrate the others' military rank and file. There were no orders and no preparations. This was purely a diplomatic visit, beginning with a mutual display of power through a joint military parade as per tradition.
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	But the damage had been done.		But the damage had been done.

	Over seventy METAAC mechs destroyed. Five ''Peers'' killed in action. Flight leaders thoroughly confused and demoralized by the wave of destruction that swept through their formation like an unseen scythe of death.		Over seventy METAAC mechs destroyed. Five 'Peers' killed in action. Flight leaders thoroughly confused and demoralized by the wave of destruction that swept through their formation like an unseen scythe of death.

	In a deep space battle, that may not mean much, for it was the exchange of long-range missiles~~, as well as~~ warheads teleported by Starwarp 'Cannons', that decided the fight. But in a close-quarters ambush like this one, where METAAC mechs could easily breach multiple layers of defensive missile fire and reach point-blank range where their maneuverability and melee-tactics dominated with impunity, the battle had just taken a decisive turn.		In a deep space battle, that may not mean much, for it was the exchange of long-range missiles and warheads teleported by Starwarp 'Cannons', that decided the fight. But in a close-quarters ambush like this one, where METAAC mechs could easily breach multiple layers of defensive missile fire and reach point-blank range where their maneuverability and melee-tactics dominated with impunity, the battle had just taken a decisive turn.

	The surviving thirteen of the 1st District vanguard dove past the defensive fire of the frigate screen --- now twelve mechs remaining --- and straight into the Republican Guard's capital ships to ignite their ''Firelances''. Close-Assault Warheads were seemingly-smaller versions of the Anti-Capital Cruise Missile that traded range for a much larger payload. But ''Firelances'' were actually magically shrunken, the magic then dismissed after launching. Like the ACCM, they carried both ~~onboard~~ shield penetrators and defensive shields to shrug off point-defense fire. Launched from close range, these 'lances' soared straight in, crashing into hostile hulls before their bomb-pumped gamma-ray laser warheads exploded, flooding their targets with both a thermonuclear blast and a hailstorm of destructive high-energy radiation.		The surviving thirteen of the 1st District vanguard dove past the defensive fire of the frigate screen --- now twelve mechs remaining --- and straight into the Republican Guard's capital ships to ignite their ''Firelances''. Close-Assault Warheads were seemingly-smaller versions of the Anti-Capital Cruise Missile that traded range for a much larger payload. But ''Firelances'' were actually magically shrunken, the magic then dismissed after launching. Like the ACCM, they carried both on-board shield penetrators and defensive shields to shrug off point-defense fire. Launched from close range, these 'lances' soared straight in, crashing into hostile hulls before their bomb-pumped gamma-ray laser warheads exploded, flooding their targets with both a thermonuclear blast and a hailstorm of destructive high-energy radiation.

	Already damaged by grasers and proximity-hit ACCMs, six battlecarriers (CVBs) vanished as their hulls violently bloomed into balls of incandescent fury, indications of reactors gone critical. Three other CVBs and two armored cruisers were left as drifting wrecks, while the last remaining CVB was crippled beyond repair. Masses of REDEIN fighters, their remote-control pilots dying ~~onboard~~ their carriers, turned autonomous --- still capable of basic formations and tactics, but a far cry from the coordination and ability once displayed by their human controllers.		Already damaged by grasers and proximity-hit ACCMs, six battlecarriers (CVBs) vanished as their hulls violently bloomed into balls of incandescent fury, indications of reactors gone critical. Three other CVBs and two armored cruisers were left as drifting wrecks, while the last remaining CVB was crippled beyond repair. Masses of REDEIN fighters, their remote-control pilots dying aboard their carriers, turned autonomous --- still capable of basic formations and tactics, but a far cry from the coordination and ability once displayed by their human controllers.

	The rest of the battle went downhill from there. Within the hour, an overwhelming force ~~had been~~ decisively defeated by their lack of informational intelligence as a single strikegroup penetrated their defenses and dealt the fatal blow.		The rest of the battle went downhill from there. Within the hour, an overwhelming force was decisively defeated by their lack of informational intelligence as a single strikegroup penetrated their defenses and dealt the fatal blow.

	It was like the surprise of ''Pearl Harbor'' combined with the intensity and strategic impact of the ''Battle of France''.		It was like the surprise of ''Pearl Harbor'' combined with the tactical execution, intensity, and strategic impact of the ''Battle of France''.

	The 1st District had gotten off with comparatively light casualties: one armored cruiser (CA) destroyed as the skipper did her best to protect the flagship, two more CAs gutted. Not to mention REDEIN fighters lost in the triple digits and most of the screening frigates, but unmanned craft were disposable.		The 1st District had gotten off with comparatively light casualties: one armored cruiser (CA) destroyed as the skipper did her best to protect the flagship, two more CAs gutted. Not to mention REDEIN fighters lost in the triple digits and most of the screening frigates, but unmanned craft were disposable.

	It would have been easily tolerable had METAAC mechs and marines not landed aboard the CV ''Oriflamme'' in an attempt to seize the mighty Fleet Carrier, which took years to build and each District had only one of. Unfortunately, the boarders failed to hack the central system fast enough~~, and~~ Rear-Admiral Geoffroi's dying words took all of them with him to the grave as he scuttled the massive ship:		It would have been easily tolerable had METAAC mechs and marines not landed aboard the CV ''Oriflamme'' in an attempt to seize the mighty Fleet Carrier, which took years to build and each District had only one of. Unfortunately, the boarders failed to hack the central system fast enough. Rear-Admiral Geoffroi's dying words then took all of them with him to the grave as he scuttled the massive ship:

	"The guard dies, it does not surrender."		"The guard dies, it does not surrender."
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	The 1st Battle of Brocéliande Orbit both began and ended the first stage of the war.		The 1st Battle of Brocéliande Orbit both began and ended the first stage of the war.

	Combined with the ground-side ''Operation Crecy'' which laid waste to 2nd District Headquarters, the loss of their flagship was devastating. 2nd District Command had not merely been crushed, it had been destroyed~~, with no~~ one left more senior than individual squadron commanders, none of whom had both the charisma and prestige to rally the fleet's remnants under unified command. Most of them surrendered, some of them fought to their dying breath~~, and~~ a few of them pledged to continue the war as subordinates of the 3rd District.		Combined with the ground-side ''Operation Crecy'' which laid waste to 2nd District Headquarters, the loss of their flagship was devastating. 2nd District Command had not merely been crushed, it had been destroyed. No one left was more senior than individual squadron commanders, none of whom had both the charisma and the prestige to rally the fleet's remnants under unified command. Most of them surrendered; some of them fought to their dying breath; a final few of them pledged to continue the war as subordinates of the 3rd District.

	The 2nd District and the Republic's most populous planet, Brocéliande, fell within a single day.		The 2nd District and the Republic's most populous planet, Brocéliande, fell within a single day.
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	Yet what of the man who planned it all? The man who initially proposed the entire 'First Strike' plan, who infiltrated the 2nd District and installed the pieces required for ''Operation Crecy'' to paralyze the planetary defenses, who mislead the enemy with layers of false operational codewords and objectives, and who delivered the method that would allow a single strike group to pierce the heart of the Republican Guard Flotilla in the orbital battle?		Yet what of the man who planned it all? The man who initially proposed the entire 'First Strike' plan, who infiltrated the 2nd District and installed the pieces required for ''Operation Crecy'' to paralyze the planetary defenses, who mislead the enemy with layers of false operational codewords and objectives, and who delivered the method that would allow a single strike group to pierce the heart of the Republican Guard Flotilla in the orbital battle?

	Arkadi Kernow was officially marked as killed-in-action ~~during~~ a last-minute raid that was supposed to claim the life of the 3rd District Marshal as she visited Brocéliande for diplomatic talks. Only the officers aboard the CV ''Excaliber'''s bridge knew that Commodore Marcus Kernow had sent down a few nukes, courtesy of the Starwarp Cannon, straight into his adoptive brother's operational area.		Arkadi Kernow was officially marked as killed-in-action; his life lost to a last-minute raid that was supposed to claim the life of the 3rd District Marshal as she visited Brocéliande for diplomatic talks. Only the officers aboard the CV ''Excaliber'''s bridge knew that Commodore Marcus Kernow had sent down a few nukes, courtesy of the Starwarp Cannon, straight into his adoptive brother's operational area.

	No one knew if Marshal Comorus Kernow would have approved. He was a cold-blooded bastard himself, but he was also too busy coordinating forces in other areas, despite his presence ~~onboard~~ the ''Excaliber'' during the entire battle.		No one knew if Marshal Comorus Kernow would have approved. He was a cold-blooded bastard himself, but he was also too busy coordinating forces in other areas, despite his presence aboard the ''Excaliber'' during the entire battle.

	The 'Black Prince' would never be heard from again. To all but a very few, it was Marcus Kernow --- the real, biological son of the 1st District Marshal who would receive credit for this 'heroic' victory.		The 'Black Prince' would never be heard from again. To all but a very few, it was Marcus Kernow --- the real, biological son of the 1st District Marshal who would receive credit for this 'heroic' victory.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:46, 11 September 2012
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	With a four-to-one advantage in hulls, three-to-one advantage in tonnage, and equivalent technology on both sides, the result of any combat would be a foregone conclusion even without considering the planetary defenses. Nobody from the 1st District would be stupid enough to gamble against such odds.		With a four-to-one advantage in hulls, three-to-one advantage in tonnage, and equivalent technology on both sides, the result of any combat would be a foregone conclusion even without considering the planetary defenses. Nobody from the 1st District would be stupid enough to gamble against such odds.

	~~...So the 2nd District high command told themselves, assuming their counterparts in the 1st District to be ''sane''.~~		Not that any fighting was expected. A century of cold war between the three Military Districts of Avalon has allowed each faction's intelligence to thoroughly infiltrate the others' military rank and file. There were no orders and no preparations. This was purely a diplomatic visit, beginning with a mutual display of power through a joint military parade as per tradition.

	Not that any fighting was expected. A century of cold war between the three Military Districts of Avalon has allowed each faction's intelligence to thoroughly infiltrate the others' military rank and file. There were no orders and no preparations. This was purely a diplomatic visit, beginning with a mutual display of power through a joint military parade.

	Even as late as five minutes prior, only three people knew exactly what to expect, their surnames one and same. But with a single confirmation through Marshal Comorus Kernow's neural-implants, a seemingly harmless codeword flooded its way through the entire fleet network, unraveling hidden sealed orders kept onboard the internal networks of every warship.		Even as late as five minutes prior, only three people knew exactly what to expect, their surnames one and same. But with a single confirmation through Marshal Comorus Kernow's neural-implants, a seemingly harmless codeword flooded its way through the entire fleet network, unraveling hidden sealed orders kept onboard the internal networks of every warship.
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	Fleet engagements normally began with long-range Anti-Capital Cruise Missile (ACCM) exchanges, but both sides were already within each others' energy weapon envelopes, and 1st District skippers wasted no time slamming in an initial salvo from their gamma-ray laser turrets even as their broadside launchers went into sprint-fire.		Fleet engagements normally began with long-range Anti-Capital Cruise Missile (ACCM) exchanges, but both sides were already within each others' energy weapon envelopes, and 1st District skippers wasted no time slamming in an initial salvo from their gamma-ray laser turrets even as their broadside launchers went into sprint-fire.

	The Republican Guard were proud elites, and ~~rightfully so~~ as they went into battle-stations immediately. Panic failed to seize their senses despite total surprise and an incoming avalanche of destructive fire. Even onboard the leading battlecruiser ''Orleans'', where multiple layers of shields failed almost instantaneously under concentrated fire, where lightspeed grasers gouged deep into its armor, shattering bulwarks and killing men, its crew still fought back valiantly, counter-~~missile~~ racing out to meet the first incoming wave of shipkillers even as their own faltering batteries returned fire.		The Republican Guard were proud elites, and proved their reputation as they went into battle-stations immediately. Panic failed to seize their senses despite total surprise and an incoming avalanche of destructive fire. Even onboard the leading battlecruiser ''Orleans'', where multiple layers of shields failed almost instantaneously under concentrated fire, where lightspeed grasers gouged deep into its armor, shattering bulwarks and killing men, its crew still fought back valiantly, counter-missiles racing out to meet the first incoming wave of shipkillers even as their own faltering batteries returned fire.

	But under Avalonian naval doctrine, battlecruisers were glass-cannon raiders and skirmishers. Their role was to flush out racks of Anti-Capital Cruise Missiles from rapid-fire launchers at long range before withdrawing behind the main wall-of-battle. Their thin armor and meager defenses completely outmatched in any close-combat, especially against Armored Cruisers which were built for it.		But under Avalonian naval doctrine, battlecruisers were glass-cannon raiders and skirmishers. Their role was to flush out racks of Anti-Capital Cruise Missiles from rapid-fire launchers at long range before withdrawing behind the main wall-of-battle. Their thin armor and meager defenses were completely outmatched in any close-combat, especially against Armored Cruisers which were built for it.

	The ''Orleans'' did not survive a second salvo. The blinding fury of its destruction the first of many that night.		The ''Orleans'' did not survive a second salvo. The blinding fury of its destruction the first of many that night.
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	It would have been true, had the Black Prince not sprang a second surprise on them with his grand scheme.		It would have been true, had the Black Prince not sprang a second surprise on them with his grand scheme.

	Over a century of internal turmoil within the Avalonian Republic had spawned a number of paramilitary organizations, each deriving its power from a unique mastery of magic that gave them some degree of advantage over military and enforcement mages ~~--- the Auxilia~~. Some of these organizations were officially sanctioned as knightly orders, serving as special arbiters of the law. Many more were proxies, paid by one District to terrorize the others while publicly claiming their righteously independent actions. A last few were true rebels who sought only to topple the corrupt, existing system.		Over a century of internal turmoil within the Avalonian Republic had spawned a number of paramilitary organizations, each deriving its power from a unique mastery of magic that gave them some degree of advantage over military and enforcement mages. Some of these organizations were officially sanctioned as knightly orders, serving as special arbiters of the law. Many more were proxies, paid by one District to terrorize the others while publicly claiming their righteously independent actions. A last few were true rebels who sought only to topple the corrupt, existing system.

	One of these rebel groups, the ''Nisshoku Getsumei'' or ''Moonlit Eclipse'', was known for their derived East-Asian magic that allowed a physical entity to cross over into the spiritual.		One of these rebel groups, the ''Nisshoku Getsumei'' or ''Moonlit Eclipse'', was known for their derived East-Asian magic that allowed a physical entity to cross over into the spiritual.
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	With a ''click'' from each METAAC control interface that linked directly to their neural-implants, twenty-four machines vanished from every sensor display their opponents had --- except one, but ''Aurasense'' magic sensors were inherently prone to overload, and their field of detection was oversaturated with targets this day.		With a ''click'' from each METAAC control interface that linked directly to their neural-implants, twenty-four machines vanished from every sensor display their opponents had --- except one, but ''Aurasense'' magic sensors were inherently prone to overload, and their field of detection was oversaturated with targets this day.

	The two opposing forces soon opened fire upon one another and at the Anti-Capital Cruise Missiles (ACCMs) attempting to breach through to the capital ships. Unlike most historical carrier strike craft, the REDEIN fighters' primary role was not to attack, but to serve as an outer interdiction screen against missiles as well as escorting friendly ACCMs. Their weaponry generally lacked the power to breach METAAC shields, for which they often resorted to kamikazes. After all, a downed pilot can just switch their control station's uplink to a new REDEIN and ~~'respawn'~~, while the carriers would continuously launch REDEIN fighters throughout the battle to keep their front lines adequately 'supplied'.		The two opposing forces soon opened fire upon one another and at the Anti-Capital Cruise Missiles (ACCMs) attempting to breach through to the capital ships. Unlike most historical carrier strike craft, the REDEIN fighters' primary role was not to attack, but to serve as an outer interdiction screen against missiles as well as escorting friendly ACCMs. Their weaponry generally lacked the power to breach METAAC shields, for which they often resorted to kamikazes. After all, a downed pilot can just switch their control station's uplink to a new REDEIN and rejoin the fray, while the carriers would continuously launch REDEIN fighters throughout the battle to keep their front lines adequately 'supplied'.

	Group-Captain Alexis Skye, pilot of the 1st District METAAC mech ''Gawain'', was the first to realize that the maneuvers of his machine's auto-evasion protocols were utterly pointless and only reducing his aim. Not only were the incoming energy fire not focusing on them, those that should of struck shields went through them as if they didn't exist. The same could be said for his defensive-fire, which passed through missiles as though they were illusions.		Group-Captain Alexis Skye, pilot of the 1st District METAAC mech ''Gawain'', was the first to realize that the maneuvers of his machine's auto-evasion protocols were utterly pointless and only reducing his aim. Not only were the incoming energy fire not focusing on them, those that should of struck shields went through them as if they didn't exist. The same could be said for his defensive-fire, which passed through missiles as though they were illusions.
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	Over seventy METAAC mechs destroyed. Five ''Peers'' killed in action. Flight leaders thoroughly confused and demoralized by the wave of destruction that swept through their formation like an unseen scythe of death.		Over seventy METAAC mechs destroyed. Five ''Peers'' killed in action. Flight leaders thoroughly confused and demoralized by the wave of destruction that swept through their formation like an unseen scythe of death.

	In a deep space battle, that may not mean much, for it was the exchange of long-range missiles and warheads teleported by Starwarp 'Cannons' that decided the battle. But in a close-quarters ambush like this one, where ~~METAACs~~ could easily breach multiple layers of defensive missile fire and reach point-blank range where their maneuverability and melee-tactics dominated with impunity, the battle had just taken a decisive turn.		In a deep space battle, that may not mean much, for it was the exchange of long-range missiles and warheads teleported by Starwarp 'Cannons' that decided the battle. But in a close-quarters ambush like this one, where METAAC mechs could easily breach multiple layers of defensive missile fire and reach point-blank range where their maneuverability and melee-tactics dominated with impunity, the battle had just taken a decisive turn.

	The surviving thirteen of the 1st District vanguard dove past the defensive fire of the frigate screen --- now twelve remaining --- and straight into the Republican Guard's capital ships and ignited their ''Firelances''. Close-Assault Warheads ~~(CLAW)~~ were seemingly-smaller versions of the Anti-Capital Cruise Missile that traded range for a much larger payload, for ''Firelances'' were actually magically shrunken, the ~~spell~~ then dismissed after launching. Like the ACCM, they carried both onboard shield penetrators and defensive shields to shrug off point-defense fire. Launched from close range, these 'lances' soared straight in, crashing into hostile hulls before their bomb-pumped gamma-ray laser warhead exploded, flooding their targets with both a thermonuclear blast and a hailstorm of destructive high-energy radiation.		The surviving thirteen of the 1st District vanguard dove past the defensive fire of the frigate screen --- now twelve remaining --- and straight into the Republican Guard's capital ships and ignited their ''Firelances''. Close-Assault Warheads were seemingly-smaller versions of the Anti-Capital Cruise Missile that traded range for a much larger payload, for ''Firelances'' were actually magically shrunken, the magic then dismissed after launching. Like the ACCM, they carried both onboard shield penetrators and defensive shields to shrug off point-defense fire. Launched from close range, these 'lances' soared straight in, crashing into hostile hulls before their bomb-pumped gamma-ray laser warhead exploded, flooding their targets with both a thermonuclear blast and a hailstorm of destructive high-energy radiation.

	Already damaged by grasers and proxity-hit ACCMs, six battlecarriers (CVBs) vanished as their hulls violently bloomed into balls of incandescent fury, indications of reactors gone critical. Three other CVBs and two armored cruisers were left as drifting wrecks, while the last remaining CVB was crippled beyond repair. Masses of ~~REDEINs~~, their remote-control pilots dying onboard their carriers, turned autonomous --- still capable of basic formations and tactics, but a far cry from the coordination and ability once displayed by their human controllers.		Already damaged by grasers and proxity-hit ACCMs, six battlecarriers (CVBs) vanished as their hulls violently bloomed into balls of incandescent fury, indications of reactors gone critical. Three other CVBs and two armored cruisers were left as drifting wrecks, while the last remaining CVB was crippled beyond repair. Masses of REDEIN fighters, their remote-control pilots dying onboard their carriers, turned autonomous --- still capable of basic formations and tactics, but a far cry from the coordination and ability once displayed by their human controllers.

	The rest of the battle went downhill from there. Within the hour, an overwhelming force had been decisively defeated by their lack of informational intelligence as a single strikegroup penetrated their defenses and dealt the fatal blow.		The rest of the battle went downhill from there. Within the hour, an overwhelming force had been decisively defeated by their lack of informational intelligence as a single strikegroup penetrated their defenses and dealt the fatal blow.
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	No one knew if Marshal Comorus Kernow would have approved. He was a cold-blooded bastard himself, but he was also too busy coordinating forces in other areas, despite his presence onboard the ''Excaliber'' during the entire battle.		No one knew if Marshal Comorus Kernow would have approved. He was a cold-blooded bastard himself, but he was also too busy coordinating forces in other areas, despite his presence onboard the ''Excaliber'' during the entire battle.

	The 'Black Prince' would never be heard from again, and to all but a very few, it was Marcus Kernow --- the real, biological son of the 1st District Marshal who would be receive credit for this 'heroic' victory.		The 'Black Prince' would never be heard from again, and to all but a very few, it was Marcus Kernow --- the real, biological son of the 1st District Marshal who would receive credit for this 'heroic' victory.

	Which was... actually a surprisingly lucky turn for Arkadi.		Which was... actually a surprisingly lucky turn for Arkadi.