Breaking the Veil (Commissioned NuBSG/BT crossover)

[Baldrick the Wise]

It's also bound to enrage the bureaucrats, doing things quick and efficient makes every cell in their bodies scream in agony.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 11

Date: January 13, 2994

Location: Hyades Nebula

"Alright people," Commmodore Robert Miller glanced around the briefing room of the Jumpship. "We have a series of tasks to conduct here. The last group evaluated whether or not the Vandenburg could jump out of the system if we towed her to a jump point. The consensus there was 'yes'. As long as we ensure that she can maintain power to the K-F drive. Our job is to make that happen. The Navy is to take possession of Four Warships in three months, but they're going to be stripped of any weapons or technology that our new friends don't feel comfortable sharing yet."


"Don't we still make capital-grade weapons for the defense grid?" Space Master Alex Packe asked. "Why bother trying to salvage this wreck if we're getting something that doesn't require that much work?"

"Two reasons," Miller replied. "The big one is that while there are industries that manufacture the autocannon, lasers, and PPCs for the defense grid, we haven't built capital-grade missiles or the launchers for them in centuries. We're going to need samples to reproduce from. Tagged onto that fact is we also haven't had to build a Warship level drive since then. We're hoping to study them along with some of the other ships to see what we can come up with insofar as potentially more efficient designs are concerned."

"And the other reason?"

"Now that we have other ships that can fill the role of the Vandenburg, the Protector and others have decided to make the old ship a museum piece. A dedication to the lives lost and the people who tried to defend us during the War of Terran and Davion Aggression, and also a sign to the Davions and rest of the Inner Sphere that the Taurians are not to be messed with. She'll be a visible presence while we refit the ships we're to receive from the Kobolians," Commodore Miller smirked. "The best deterrents are those that never have to be used."

The room went silent as they processed the extra information.

"Now, if there aren't any more questions, you may now go to your dropships and prepare to receive specific instructions on what you're to do and how to do it. We do not, I repeat. Not want to cause any more damage to the Vandenburg than she already took during the war," Miller sighed. "We have already lost so much of our history as a people. I do not want us to also lose this. Go to your stations, standby for orders."

–

–

It took a few days to get things set up for the six tugs to be in the appropriate positions to move the Vandenburg without causing undue damage. Meanwhile, a small team was onboard making sure that the corvette was able to retain the ability to jump once they reached the zenith point. As the solar sail had long since been destroyed, they were reliant on charging the drive via some reactor's they'd brought aboard.

That was something Commodore Miller and the rest found perfectly acceptable. Especially given they wanted to take their time to ensure that things went smoothly. Especially after the first idiots had wanted to try purchasing the exterior thrusters from a Mammoth and rigging them to a massive harness instead of using the tried and true method.

There was always someone with a bright, overcomplicated idea. Usually, it was those people that won contracts and spun things to make them look really good. In this case, cooler heads had prevailed and they were now watching as the six tugs slowly and carefully nudged the Corvette into position.

Hours and hours of careful movements, gentle nudges of thrusters, and watching for the slightest sign of damage. But eventually, they were en route to the zenith point. A twelve-hour trip under the Vandenburg's normal power transformed into a multiple day affair.

The emotional part of Miller wanted the Concordat to spend the money and resources to restore the ship. The practical military officer knew that it wasn't worth it. That it was a waste of said resources and money. Those two parts warred against eachother within him. Thankfully, it wasn't his job to actually plan any of that out. He just had to get it back to Taurus. So, he shoved aside the emotions and focused on the task at hand.

---

Date: March 19, 2994

Location: Taurus, Taurian Concordat

It had taken a few months, but finally, Commodore Miller and his group celebrated as the TCS Vandenburg returned to Concordat space once more. Despite the damage to the long0hidden ship, Miller stepped upon the bridge of the Warship one last time as a handful of technicians and engineers routed power to the communications systems.

"This is Taurus System Control, please state your business before you are destroyed," The pseudo-calm of the space traffic controller was delayed but clear.

"Taurus System Conrol, this is Commodore Robert Miller of the Concordat Navy returning home with the Taurian Concordat Ship Vandenburg. We are unable to move under our own power, and as such are utilizing tugs to maneuver. I'm requesting a clear line for transport to orbit as instructed by the Protector."

"One moment, Vandenburg," the reply came back several moments later. It was clear they were checking to make sure that this was authentic, even as dropships and aerospace fighter squadrons began to head their way. "Authorization confirmed, we're clearing a path for you and escorting you in."

"Thank you, system control, we're transmitting the intended course now," Miller nodded at a tech, and waited for him to signal that it had been sent. "Message is sent, Vandenburg, out."

"We're going to cut the power now to these systems now," The tech stated. "We should move to the small craft and transfer over to the tug."

"Just one last look," Miller replied, looking out the armored viewport at the welcoming asteroid belts of Taurus. "I don't think I'll get to see this from this bridge again. Might as well enjoy it while I can."

---

Date: April 1, 2994

Location: New Avalon, Federated Suns

"This report is current?" First Prince Andrew Davion asked.

"As far as we've been able to verify, yes," Minister Park replied, standing nervously across from the First Prince. "We're unaware of how long they've been hiding this Warship from our intelligence services. Usually, TMI leaks like a sieve. But from what we've been able to pull from the Capellans, League, and other nations, it seems they're just as shocked as we are."

"What can we do about it?" Andrew leaned forward over his desk. "What should we even do about it?"

"Well, sir. Given the suddenness of the information, we don't have any assets in place for sabotage or anything similar. I do have ideas regarding how we can utilize this to finish rooting out the Warior's Cabal with less risk to yourself or your children."

"I'll hear those later," Andrew waved that thought to the side. "Vengeance for my father comes after the good of the nation. Now, the Concordat's message to us, the Capellans, and the Magistracy indicated they would only use the ship for defensive operations. How certain of that can we be?"

"Well, one Warship isn't as much of a gamechanger as they might have hoped," Park shrugged. "If it had been a battleship, a cruiser, or anything similar, we might be having a different discussion, but according to the records we dug out, the TCS Vandenburg is a survivor of the Reunificaiton War. Even if it's in pristine condition, it's one corvette against squadrons of aerospace fighters we'd send out with nukes to neutralize the threat."

"My concern is them attempting to use it offensively," Andrew responded. "I'd hoped that we wouldn't have to worry about that border during my lifetime. I'm going to start retasking sections of the Avalon Hussars to the Taurian Border. Hopefully the Capellans do the same, otherwise we might run into issues..."

"I've already shifted MIIO assets to begin a more thorough infiltration of the Taurians," Park nodded. "Now, we need to discuss how to utilize this against the Warrior's Cabal. If there were ever a time to shatter morale, this would be it."

---

Date: April 2, 2994

Location: Sian, Capellan Confederation

"And how, pray tell," Maximilian Liao hissed at Chandra Ling. "Did this slip by your spies?"

"If I knew, I would be telling you now," Chandra replied, calmly rebutting the younger man. "As it is, both the Davions, the Free Worlds League, and the nominal 'allies' of the Concordat, the Magistracy were completely in the dark as well."

"A warship is not a small thing to keep hidden," Max glared.

"It is trivial to keep a warship hidden in the vast voids of space," Chandra shrugged. "The difficult part was ensuring the information never leaked. For that, I am actually impressed with the Taurians Ministry of Intelligence. It is rare that they are able to keep secrets from the rest of the Inner Sphere."

"I'm going to have to assign more units to the Concordat border," Max sighed. "If they were able to hide a Warship, even if it is only a corvette, then there may be other things that were hidden that are ready to strike against us."

"I've already shifted the Maskirovka to begin more thorough infiltrations," Chandra nodded. "I'm hoping that anything else hidden in relation to the Vandenburg will be brought to light."

"They've promised not to use the ship offensively," Max tapped the 'official notice' the Concordat had sent out while scoffing. "I do not believe them. They are within striking distance of Victoria, Grand Base, and other worlds critical to production. We cannot allow them to believe the Capellans are the easier target."

"We can likely put out Propaganda pushing for more hatred of the Federated Suns," Chandra stated. "Whether they believe it or not, it will seed doubts in their minds…"

 

[Doomsought]

It turns out that the Bulls can distract their enemies with a red cape just as well as a matador.

 

[Baldrick the Wise]

"A warship is not a small thing to keep hidden," Max glared.

Click to shrink...

99% of star systems in Inner Sphere are uninhabited and have no Jumpship traffic going through, given that Taurians managed to keep it hidden from SLDF, when it throrugly combed through TC after the Ruinification war for any shreds of military tech, it is of no fault of Maskirovka director that she didn't know of Vanderburg's existence. Sure shows the genesis of a man we all loved to loathe.

 

[Bev]

It turns out that the Bulls can distract their enemies with a red cape just as well as a matador.

Click to shrink...

Hopefully this red cape can distract the telephone company long enough for the Taurians to equip those Colonial shells.

 

[Baldrick the Wise]

ROM is already past the red cape.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 12

Year: 1986C (Two and a half years since Treaty)

Location: Caprica

"My people believe that we should cease this alliance with the Concordat and pull back from any further exploration outside of our core borders," Representative Winson of Sagittaron stated calmly. His face set as if from stone. "They have provided us with enough technology that we can begin to work towards making ourselves independent of their aid by pushing funding away from the military."

"Shifting funding away from the military now that we know just how many nations are out there would be a mistake," Representative Nikos of Caprica shook her head. "I understand that you believe we will be able to build our own fusion reactors similar to those we have been provided. That is not the case," Nikos sighed. "Despite our best efforts, our own replication attempts have come up short. The Taurian generators work, need very little maintenance, and are allowing us to finally reverse the damage done by the Tylium shortages. If we cease our treaty now, we will have given away eight ships of our fleet for nothing more then a temporary gain."

"Canceron is in favor of maintaining the alliance, for one thing, the ships are old decrepit hulks we were preparing to dispose of, anyway," Jax of Canceron commented. "For another, are we to set aside the economic benefits our worlds have begun to see, large migrations of the people dwelling in our slums have proven fruitful. There are plentiful jobs to be done in a new colony, even one jointly ruled with the Concordat. Setting aside their lack of religious fervor, they have been more than fair in their dealings with us. I also know that other members of this body feel the same that my people do."

"Is there anything else that needs to be said?" President Jackson Hall asked. "We have debated these same arguments for the last three days. Now, let us hold a vote."

"All in favor of continuing our trade alliance and continuing the budget from last year?" Hall asked.

"Aye," six people responded.

"All against?"

"Nay," five replied.

"Abstain," the representative from Aquaria replied. "We cannot in good conscience participate in this vote given how it has impacted our people."

The ice world had become infinitely more habitable when Fusion Reactors had been introduced. Without needing Tylium to heat their settlement, they had been able to afford the funding to begin Kobolforming their icy home. In the second year, they had already discovered massive mineral deposits that would only provide more to their world. Given Sagittaron had been the ones that had started funding the mining operations, and Caprica had been the ones who negotiated the alliance, they would prefer to remain out of the vote.

"Motion passes," President Hall stated. "We will begin refitting another four ships for exchange by the end of the year. Bringing the total of ships traded to the Condorcet up to twelve."

"I hope we have not made a mistake," Winson said. "Those other nations will not remain ignorant of us forever. What will happen to our people and our 'allies', then?"

"We will determine what to do if and when that happens," President Hall commented. "If you wish to do things differently, then you must persuade the rest of the Quorum of your ways. If not, we will abide by the winning vote, just as others have when they have lost."

"Very well," Winson nodded. "But Sagittaron does not approve of this in any way, and will participate only under protest."

---

Date: June 7, 2997

Location: Taurian Joint Technology Institute, Alamo

"Alright, let's run that simulation," Doctor Home said. "If we're right, we'll have finally developed a working prototype drive that runs off of Fusion instead of Tylium."

"Beginning simulation," Doctor Susan Lee replied, entering a few commands on her terminal. "What percentage of success will grant us funding for the next stage?"

"Seventy percent," Home grinned. "Both the Kobolians and the Concordat want our research. If we succeed, we get funding for the next stage, the patents, and everything else."

"Even if the prototype works, we're still a few years out from production," Lee commented. "You think they'll wait?"

"I think if we come in at budget and on time we'll be better than every government contract I've ever seen," Home shrugged. "We'll reach production when we reach production. Rushing things, cutting corners for cost, doing anything like that will result in an inferior design. Right now, we're on the cusp of greatness and have the opportunity to change things just like Kearny and Fuchida did with their research!"

"Didn't they die as laughingstock before their research ever became anything important?" Lee raised a blond eyebrow. "Sure, we venerate them now, but they didn't achieve any of that while they were alive."

"Even if we don't end up producing the finalized design, the fact that we're achieving breakthroughs means that our names will be immortalized if an when our research does come to fruition," the lead researcher leaned over Dr. Lee's shoulder to get a glimpse of the simulation results. "Besides, we have a sixty eight percent success rate. A few minor tweaks to our design, and we will have a viable prototype for more than lab testing…"

---

Date: July 8, 2997

Location: Hilton Head, Terra


"Precentor ROM, I believe it is time for your report on the Taurian Concordat," Primus Allen Rusenstein nodded at Precentor Karl Sims. "You have been given ample time by the First Circuit to expand operations in the Periphery, the minor reports made for good reading, but did little to quell the mistrust that has sprung up after TMI revealed the TCS Vandenburg."

"Yes, I thank the Circuit for granting me the time to further our operations and complete the required analysis," the old man gave a bow to the First Circuit, both those present and those who were tuning in via HPG. "I also thank you for not pushing for harsh actions when such a thing was revealed to us unexpectedly. While acting to eliminate the Vandenburg might have eliminated its potential as a threat, it would not have been productive to intelligence gathering. Now, to begin with, we began to push for our deep cover agents embedded within the Taurian Ministry of Intelligence to start incorporating and hiring more of our agents. Through our efforts, we have finally obtained some reports from said agents.

As we expected, the Taurians had stepped up their own counterintelligence efforts as soon as they revealed the TCS Vandenburg. Given all other intelligence agencies were attempting infiltration at the same time, it was decided to take it slow and allow the Capellans, Federated Suns, and Canopians either make missteps and have their agents revealed, or for us to reveal them so as to promote our agents to higher levels of clearance."

Behind Precentor ROM, there were screens showing different reports from agents with document numbersl listed for the First Circuit to review at their leisure or during the briefing.

"What we have discovered is that the TCS Vandenburg's weapons and power systems are functional, but that the transit drives are damaged beyond repair," A picture of a Vincent-Class Corvette appeared behind Sims. "They are studying the drives to attempt replication, and we have been moderately successful at hampering further efforts by directing them towards avenues that are dead ends."

"Then all of our funding, the redirection was all for naught?" Precentor New Avalon asked.

"No," Sims shook his head. "We have not yet managed to get one of our agents aboard. However, we did discover that capital-scale weapons were being manufactured on a scale that was beyond that which the Vandenburg would require. Now, this being the Concordat, some of the systems were being designated and separated out for their defensive grid. But, there were far too many orders of missiles and their push to rebuild capital-scale PPCs revealed their hand.

While we have yet to intercept full reports, what scraps we have found and intercepted via SIGINT sources indicate they're hiding something else. Unfortunately, the Hyades Nebula is an excellent place for them to hide anything, and they do possess the largest and most detailed maps of that area."

"What have we pieced together?" Precentor Tharkad asked.

"We cannot be certain, but we believe the Taurians discovered a cache of ships that were left behind prior to the Reunification War and are restoring them. It would go line up well with their discovery of the Vandenburg as well as complete the puzzle of why we seem to have seen the Taurians push for more military spending of late.

Some of our reports indicate that the Far Lookers were directly responsible for this discovery, which would explain why they have also received direct funding from the government of late."

"If the Taurians have ships that they are restoring, then they are a threat that must be made an example of," Allen Rusenstein said, folding his arms within the sleeves of his robes. "Unfortunately, we lack the justification for an Interdiction on the Concordat at this precise moment. That being said, I have tasked Precentor ROM with laying down the foundation for such a task. I have also instructed him to do his level best to sour any positive relations the Concordat may have built over the last few years. We want them alienated, we want them hated, and we want them isolated from the rest of the Inner Sphere. We control the HPGs, and we control the narrative, the rest of the Inner Sphere will believe what we tell them to."

"We estimate we can prompt a full invasion of the Concordat by the year three thousand," Karl Sims stated. "While the relationship between the Capellan Confederation and Concordat is warmer than that of the Federated Suns, the Capellans are more likely to be persuaded into launching a first strike at this junction. Andrew Davion is more concerned with rebuilding after eliminating the Warrior's Cabal we had an indirect hand in funding. It is unlikely he will be able or willing to attempt such an action. We had hoped to eliminate him during the fighting against said insurrection, Evalutions determined that Ian Davion would be more easily manipulated. Unfortunately, some operations are no successful, especially when it is agents who are not in our direct control."

"We will operate as if the Federated Suns is not going to be a part of any offensive actions against the Concordat," Allen said to the first Circuit. "Tamara Centrella is old, and we can arrange for her untimely demise as well as set things in place for her daughter, Kyalla to take her place. She is young and paranoid, a good mix for us to persuade to lash out."

"The Concordat is not strong enough to endure an attack on them from the Capellan Confederation," Precentor Sian stated. "However, if they should prove harder to strike and weaken, then the balance of power among the Inner Sphere will shift."

"We will do our best for the rest of the Inner Sphere to remain distracted," Precentor Dieron said. "Now, how do we plan on justifying an Interdiction on the Concordat?"

 

[zack1224]

Thanks for the chapte

 

[MarkWarrior]

Taurian Concordat Navy (Circa 3000)

4 Orion-Class ships
4 Demeter-Class ships
2 Defender-Class ships
1 Manticore-Class ships
1 Valkyrie-Class Block I Battlestars

 

[kycan12231]

Thanks for the chapter!

 

[HellTeddy]

Has the Taurians given the 12 Colonies history books?
I'd like to know what they think about the claim that they are just Greek colonists that missjumped.

Thank you for the chappy!

 

[Baldrick the Wise]

CCAF striking the Taurians and learning about the existence of their warship fleet the hard way should do wonders for Maximilian's state of mind.

 

[MarkWarrior]

Chapter 13

Date: August 28, 2997

Location: Alamo, Shared World


"Is there a reason we're all sitting here meeting for information on your enemies?" Aramis asked. "We're all familiar with your histories and your enemies called the Cylons by now."

"Yes," Doctor Russell nodded. "However, I do not believe we have discussed the exact nature of the threat we faced. You were under the impression that we fought other humans in a sort of civil war. That is not the case. While it is true that we only unified underneath a sole governing body recently, we did not face humans in the Cylon War."

"Then what was it you faced?" Aramis crossed his arms over his chest, he had hundreds of different things ot respond to with the development of the colony, and this was just one of them. "There have always been rumors of 'grays' and other aliens in the Inner Sphere and Periphery. Such things have never proven accurate or true. Not for hundreds of years of exploration."

"We didn't face an external threat," Russell shook his head. "What we faced was an enemy of our own making. The Cylons are and were a group of robotic servants we created. Oddly similar to the smallest of your 'mechs and the powered exoskeletons you utilized. The big difference is that we decided on a different approach to this than human control. Graystone industries created a battle robot they called the Cylon. Which is the shortened form of Cybernetic Lifeform Node. After the initial breakthrough, they spread throughout the colonies rapidly over the next six years. The industry grew from military applications to civil and labor oriented industries seemingly overnight. The problem we encountered was something we did not expect. They were sentient. And as has occurred throughout history, slaves rebel. Due to their integration into the military and labor forces, we quickly found ourselves on the backfoot before we were able to retaliate and drive them back to what is now known as the Armistice Line. The War ended almost two decades ago, but both sides still monitor the line ot ensure that neither of us break our treaty."

"Sounds like your SDS system worked out for you about as well as the Hegemony's did," Aramis gave a snort of amusement. "It honestly doesn't change all that much for us. We're still allies and will step in to assist if anything happens, but human, 'mech, or robot, we're here for the long haul. Now, is there a reason you're explaining that to me now?"

"We thought it would be best to have full disclosure of what you may face in the event of a war," Russell explained. "Given what we know of your ships andjump drive technology, we believe that if the Cylons should attempt to strike at the Concordat in a preemptive strike, that they would likely be able to destroy a significant amount of your spaceborne forces. So, I've been authorized to offer more assistance and resources to address that problem."

"Meaning, what, exactly?" Aramis raised an eyebrow.

"We have had issues mating the fusion technology with both our jump drives and the gravity generators," Russell admitted. "But we are not limited using our jump drives on larger vessels. We are willing to provide you with smaller examples of the drives and gravity generators if you are willing to share your research with us."

"I'll have to confer back with the Concordat proper," Aramis replied after a minute or so. "And I'm probably not allowed to disclose everything, but I think I can work out a tentative agreement."

The two stood up to shake hands before the door burst open, revealing both of their assistants.

"Count/Doctor!" they both gasped.

"Count Aramis, we've got a small cluster of jumpships at the zenith point," Reports from the defense forces from both us and the Kobolians are that they're unknown IFFs."

"What strength are we looking at?" Aramis began walking out, Russell trailing behind allowing the Taurian Noble to ask questions that he wouldn't have even thought of in the moment.

"Two Invaders and a lone Merchant," The assistant replied. "Four Danais or Unions, it's impossible to be certain, and a mixed bag of Leopards, Mules, and some Age of War designs."

"Doctor Russell, I don't believe the defense fleet will have any issues with dealing with the enemy forces, but if possible, we should do our best to seize the Jumpships. Figuring out where this pirate band came from will only benefit both of us."

"I'll inform Commander Senner of the request," Russell nodded. "Your Aerospace fighters are on standby?"

"Commodore Peterson will already have launched them." Aramis nodded. "I don't think the pirates will be around for much longer. But there's alwas the chance they manage to surprise us. Either way, we can't let them leave. So, capture the jumpships if possible, destroy them if we can't. Sorry to cut off our meeting, Russell, but we can finish discussing the Cylons later. If you want to understand our thoughts on the matter, consult with one of the historians about the SDS system. That should explain most of it."

"Where are you going?" Russell asked.

"To the mobile HQ," Aramis shrugged. "I'm responsible for the safety and security of this Colony. I'm going to be listening in and assisting where I am able. If the HQ has no need of me, then I will assist in helping civilians to the shelters. Pirates often don't have access to the resources most of the House units or mercs do. That doesn't make them stupid. They're dangerous, and willing to commit grevious harm to everyone around. Pirates have no friends, they are the enemies of all civilized peoples, and it's our duty as leaders to ensure our people do not fall into their hands."

---

"This is Bulldog lead, give ready status and prepare to escort our marines in to board the pirate jumpships," Ensign Ackerson ordered. "Just remember to keep clear of our Kobolian allies. They're more fragile than we are, even if they are more maneuverable."

"Roger, lead/Copy that/Yes, sir!" Came back from Ackerson's wing in response as the pair of modified Leopard dropships carrying their marines began accelerating.

With the help of their new friends, the Taurians had towed a decently-sized asteroid into position near the zenith and nadir points to act as a Forward operating base and line of defense for the Alamo system. Each base had a pair of refitted Leopards designed for void combat and boarding actions. The bases were supplemented by two wings of aerospace fighters, apiece. Then the Kobolians had stationed one of their ships each by the base to aid if anything happened.

All of those thoughts flashed through Ackerson's mind as the stars streaked by. In the vastness of space, travel always felt both instantaneous and eternally long at the same time. The Kobolians were supposed to 'handle' the pirate dropships, but it was his job and that of the marines to ensure that the jumpships never left the system.

–

–

"Alright, people, we've got twelve bogeys at our twelve. Pick your targets and stick with your wingman. Try not to get bogged down. We're here for the jumpships, their fighters would just be a bonus."

"Ensign," Elicia. His XO said over a private channel. "Is it just me, or do these fighters have white painted on them?"

Ackerson tapped a control and zoomed in on the largest of the fighters that was approaching, an aging Chippewa that was clearly patched together on his scopes.

"That's a negative, Chief," Ackerson replied. "We're not facing off against ghosts. Just bog-standard pirates. Keep your wits about you and we should be able to take them out. Pull up close to the Leopards if you need their batteries to clear them out. Now, focus up and let's take these people out."

As the two groups of fighters neared eachother, Ackerson kept a close eye on his sensor suite, the Kobolians had jumped right into the middle of the dropships and begun deploying fighters while using their guns to target the dropship's engines.

"Godspeed, Daedelus" the Ensign took his eyes off the distant battle to focus on the more immediate fight in front of him. "Godspeed."

Taking a deep breath, Ackerson relaxed his grip around the stick before slamming on his pedals and focing his Hellcat to spin around in time to counteract the momentum of his current thrust. The g forces pull against him, crowding his vision in black for a brief moment before the prototype inertial dampeners began to help drain some of the pressure away.

Sighing in relief, the Ensign focused on the target in front of him. Now that he was closer, he could see that the pirate Chippewa only appeared white because of the amount of 'skulls' that had been painted on the black armor plating. It was probably some form of bragging over how many kills or slaves he had, but none of that mattered at this moment.

Pulling the trigger on his paired large lasers, Ackerson watched a small bit of armor melt off the pirate bird. With lasers being invisible in the void, damage to the enemy was one of the few ways to tell if you were accurate or not.

Unfortunately, that initial hit on the pirate was the only one he got for the next several minutes. The pirate pilot was good, and seemed able to anticipate when and where the lasers were going to hit at next. So, Ackerson resorted to something that he wasn't supposed to do. Forgoing precise aimed shots, he shotgunned his medium lasers across the void with alternating fire from his large lasers. The space around the Chippewa was filled with invisible beams of heat and light that melted away tons of armor until a lucky strike hit the fusion engine, sending the heavier fighter tumbling end over end.

Checking his armor and noting that he was still in the yellow, Ackerson wrote the pirate pilot off and shifted to go assist another member of his wing, they could come back for that pilot later…

---

The ships used by these pirates were… Interesting. Commander Senner noted as his ship targeted the dropship that was most similar to that which was commonly used by their Taurian Allies. It was both fragile and not at the same time. The first dropship had endured a withering barrage of fire that should have destroyed something of that size and tonnage. Instead, the armor seemed to endure even that.

But once they'd broken through the armor in one place, the superstructure underneath was not as durable as the armor that covered the outside of the pirate vessel, and it began to drift, secondary explosions causing its crew to die out or worse, face the void.

"Damage report," Senner stated.

"Minor hits across our bow," Lieutenant Lenz reported. "Damage teams say that a lucky hit caused a fire and a short in section Gamma-five, we've sealed that corridor until we can get a team in to assess everything.

"Very well," Senner nodded, reaching for the handset and indicating for him to be put through to the Viper squadrons that had been launched from his battlestar. "Captain Versa, report."

"Commander, we're faster than they are, but their weapons are chewing through us. I'm requesting permission to fall back underneath the Daedelus's flak battery for protection, before we take heavy casualties," the captain responded. "This is definitely a job for the ships, not for the Vipers."

"Permission granted, fall back under our umbrella," Senner said. "Lieutenant Lenz, I don't want to see those ships anymore, erase them."

Author's note: Updated a bit early as I'm now back at work early and there's not a lot of work for an IT person to do when there's no one at the office.

 

[Baldrick the Wise]

I wonder if there is Comstar Bugeye in the far reaches of the system, recording how pirates are doing versus the warships.