{"id":230,"date":"2015-07-05T12:35:00","date_gmt":"2015-07-05T12:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=230"},"modified":"2015-07-05T12:36:57","modified_gmt":"2015-07-05T12:36:57","slug":"the-cimalian-princess-invasion-ch-13","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=230","title":{"rendered":"The Cimalian Princess: Invasion – Ch 13"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Cimalian Princess: Invasion<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter 13<\/span><\/p>\n

Randy watched as Meia walked off the bridge. He really didn\u2019t know what to say to her. The one thing he wanted to do was offer support to her. However, he was needed on the bridge as reports came in about damage and losses. Then he also had to deal with what was happening down on the planet\u2019s surface. So far he\u2019d heard nothing from the planet\u2019s surface. Commander Porkins had left a few minutes ago to check it out.<\/p>\n

\u201cFleet status,\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBismarck reporting slight damage, should be repaired within an hour. Warspite ready to go, and we\u2019re under going repairs that should be finished by the end of the day,\u201d Kim replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the fighters,\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey took a beating, the 116 lost seven while the 201 lost nine.\u201d<\/p>\n

That leaves us with a full working squadron,\u201d Randy replied. The news didn\u2019t sound too good.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas that our mysterious guest,\u201d Yvette finally asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Randy said. \u201cHer eyes gave her away right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, yeah, right,\u201d Yvette said smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I need to know what replacement fighters well receive,\u201d Randy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take a look admiral,\u201d Hans said. A few seconds later he looked back up. \u201cCommand has twenty-five pilots ready and on the way from command, plus the survivors from the Enterprise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, let me know when they arrive, and let John know as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Randy realized that he\u2019d have a lot to do before he\u2019d be able to talk with Meia. The bridge crew was working at their assigned tasks. He also had another idea pop into his head. He\u2019d have to talk with John first but it might help.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, Captain Orti is asking for you,\u201d Hans said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take it in my office,\u201d Randy replied walked off the bridge towards his office. Sitting down at his desk he activated the communicator as Captain Orti\u2019s face appeared.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain, what\u2019s wrong,\u201d Randy asked. He immediately assumed something had gone wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ve finished picking up the escape pods, and well, we\u2019ve picked up a few that belonged to the enemy,\u201d Orti replied. \u201cI have no idea what to do with them. We\u2019re keeping them in the hanger but that\u2019s not going to be feasible for long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, how long can you hold them there,\u201d Randy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt most a day,\u201d Orti replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get someone on it. Perhaps we can transfer them to the planet\u2019s surface,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll let my guards know,\u201d Orti replied. \u201cBy the way, how did you know to close the distance?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you wouldn\u2019t believe me if I told you. Just be glad for now,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWish we\u2019d learned about it a few minutes earlier,\u201d Orti said. \u201cThe Enterprise might have survived.\u201d<\/p>\n

Randy only nodded his head at that. He didn\u2019t know if he could do what Meia had done, tell a secret of the military he\u2019d been a part of.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many were saved,\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we picked up two hundred survivors,\u201d Orti replied.<\/p>\n

Randy knew then that almost fifteen hundred had been killed. Add in the fact that probably around five hundred from the cruiser London and two hundred from the destroyer and it added up to over two thousand casualties not including pilots. Despite the loss of three ships he had to call it a victory.<\/p>\n

Leaning back in his chair, which creaked, he now had to worry about casualties from the planet\u2019s surface. The ground forces should be landing soon with the help of fighters giving recon and support.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Jezic waited for word from the 2nd CF so their combined fleet could begin the second attack on Pacifica. The fleet should be arriving within the next couple of hours. The last he\u2019d heard had been the fleet was preparing to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, incoming ships,\u201d Diern said.<\/p>\n

\u201cFinally, notify all ships to prepare for departure,\u201d Jezic ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy your will admiral,\u201d Diern replied. Jezic watched as the captain relayed the information to the rest of the fleet. After the 2nd CF had refueled they would go to Pacifica.<\/p>\n

Jezic turned to look over the last intel of their target. The last scout ship indicated that one of the battle-cruisers had been damaged but the other two were still combat ready. The planet also had an assortment of other combat ships from cruisers to scout ships, but he was primarily concerned with the battle-cruisers.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t fear the Alliance ships, only when they outnumbered him. The Yulov battle-cruiser held a slight technological advantage but against superior numbers that advantage disappeared. The Alliance fleet was proving even more formidable than the intel mentioned. The Alliance fighters were more maneuverable than the Vengeance fighters even though the vengeance was faster.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, there\u2019s a problem with the incoming ships,\u201d Diern said.<\/p>\n

\u201cProblem, how,\u201d Jezic said wondering if he shouldn\u2019t call for a red alert.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fleet is missing four ships, including two battle-cruisers,\u201d the reply came back.<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting,\u201d Jezic said, as he mused it over. \u201cAlert all commands, when will we have an ID of the ships?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost,\u201d Diern said. Jezic watched the scanner operator for a few seconds before he finally spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re ours admiral,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen a communication then,\u201d Jezic said. He didn\u2019t have to wait long until a reply came though.<\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain Torka of the cruiser Jerriz,\u201d the reply came in.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Admiral Jezic of the 3rd CF, what happened,\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were preparing to leave Vernada when an unknown Alliance fleet attacked us in force. At least four battle-cruiser, six destroyers and a dozen destroyers destroyed the Icibus and Sorrot along with Admiral Lazaris,\u201d Torka said.<\/p>\n

Jezic stood stunned for a second upon learning what had just happened. Two battle-cruisers destroyed as well as two other ships effectively rendering the fleet useless.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you the ranking officer,\u201d Jezic asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes admiral,\u201d Torka said. \u201cWhen we lost the Sorrot I ordered a retreat to save as many ships as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will have to inform High Command of the 2nd CF\u2019s failure,\u201d Jezic said leaving the knowledge of a severe punishment to be passed down. Both men knew it would happen.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course admiral, by your will,\u201d Torka replied.<\/p>\n

Jezic now wondered what High Command would think about this. He knew the punishment for losing on battle-cruiser, two he could only imagine should be double. He also wondered how this would affect the invasion plans of Pacifica.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet me Cimalius,\u201d Jezic said. He didn\u2019t have to wait too long until High Command replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral Jezic, this is a surprise. How are the preparations for Pacifica,\u201d the high admiral asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a slight problem admiral, the 2nd CF was attacked at Vernada by the Alliance in a counter-strike. The Sorrot and Icibus were lost,\u201d Jezic relayed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, and Admiral Lazaris?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDead, Captain Torka of the Jerriz ordered a retreat to prevent the loss of any more ships against a superior Alliance fleet,\u201d Jezic replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see, this will have to be discussed then,\u201d the high admiral said. \u201cI\u2019ll talk with you later after punishments have been decided. Then we\u2019ll decide on Pacifica.\u201d The man didn\u2019t wait for Jezic\u2019s reply as the line went dead.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet me Olin at once,\u201d Jezic said. If the Alliance had attacked Vernada then he needed to be prepared if they came here.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Randy finally managed to reduce the reports from the battle and decided he deserved a small break. He had worked hard so he could check in on Meia. Her reaction to what had happened made him hope she was all right. He had a feeling that something deeper was bothering her and he wanted to find out what that was.<\/p>\n

\u201cKim, I\u2019m headed for a quick snack, and wash up, let me know if anything happens,\u201d Randy said. They were flying constant combat patrols in case of a counter-strike.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Kim replied. \u201cThe ground forces have said they are encountering minor resistance, mostly from the invaders. Many inhabitants of Vernada are helping out our forces. The replacement pilots arrived, I can bring the 201 up to full strength, but the 116 is still three pilots short after the other ships replenished their fighter squadrons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll have to do then,\u201d Randy said. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what the political situation is back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs something going on,\u201d Kim asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore like when isn\u2019t there,\u201d Randy said not sure whither to chuckle or sigh at the truth in the statement. \u201cLast I heard it\u2019s under control but the Constricts are very anti-military. I wonder which side their on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last Constrict senator I heard said conversation is the great way to get anything done,\u201d Kim said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true, if the other side is conversing with you,\u201d Randy said. \u201cSometimes I wish it was that simple. We\u2019ve lost over two thousand good men and women today, and that doesn\u2019t include those killed on Corrius, Dredius, Hesslius and Vernada plus the failed assault on Pacifica.\u201d<\/p>\n

Randy noticed Kim didn\u2019t respond. They both understood the results of war all too well. A war might not have been declared but they were fighting one.<\/p>\n

Randy left the bridge and found himself standing outside Meia\u2019s quarters a few minutes later. He glanced back and forth in the hallway trying to psyche himself up to knock on her door.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can do this,\u201d he said to himself. He backed off a second later berating himself for his cowardice. \u201cI\u2019m not even sure she\u2019s there,\u201d he said to himself, trying to justify his actions.<\/p>\n

He began to turn in defeat only to see the door open.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Meia continued to sit on her bed where she\u2019d been since leaving the bridge. Her stomach growled as she realized she had gotten hungry. Not really knowing where the cafeteria was she decided to try and find it on her own. Opening the door she almost ran right into Randy who appeared as surprised as she felt.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, um hi,\u201d she said, still trying to recover from the shock.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I was about to knock,\u201d Randy replied. She watched as he ran his hand though his hair. \u201cHow are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA bit hungry,\u201d Meia replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can show you the cafeteria,\u201d Randy said. \u201cI don\u2019t remember showing you where it was, or much of the ship for that matter, well a lot of is probably classified, but the cafeteria isn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

They walked over to the elevator in comfortable silence. Meia was glad that Randy didn\u2019t feel as if he had to keep talking to her. Strangely enough just his presence alone seemed to comfort her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cafeteria is on level 4,\u201d Randy told her. He pressed the button as she watched on. She already knew how to operate the elevator, not that it differed much from Cimalian elevators.<\/p>\n

A few seconds later the elevator doors opened again revealing the cafeteria in front of her. The smells of foods assaulted her nose as her stomach growled in reply. Randy chuckled a bit as Meia felt her face flush.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, let\u2019s get you fed,\u201d Randy said, leading her across the room. Halfway across Meia noticed a strange-looking piece of furniture set.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh, oh, that a piano\u201d Randy replied. \u201cA musical instrument used for entertainment usually during the evening meals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPe-an-o,\u201d Meia replied. The word sounded strange on her tongue.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll show you after we eat, though I\u2019m not that good,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a plan,\u201d Meia replied not taking her eyes of it until they arrived at the food.<\/p>\n

Randy led her though the line quickly pointing items out. She thought they all looked good and couldn\u2019t wait to try them.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Greg made it back to his hotel room after another long day of listening to Senator Agnes. The man seemed to have some sort of personal vendetta against the military. He briefly wondered if the man had a military service record. Making a mental note to check that out later on he continued to checked his mail one last time.<\/p>\n

He quickly scrolled down until reaching one in particular. Opening it up he scanned though it before looking at his watch. He just had time to make it before the person left. Walking back out the door he headed to the contact point.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Meia glanced up after the dinner. She\u2019s decided on something called a hamburger. Surprisingly it had been very good, except for the tomato which she\u2019d taken off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI enjoyed it thank you,\u201d Meia said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI figured you would,\u201d Randy replied to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now this piano,\u201d Meia asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said, I\u2019m not that good, oh wait,\u201d Randy said. Meia turned to see what had caught his attention. Another man in a flight suit walked across the room. \u201cJohn!\u201d<\/p>\n

The man turned heading straight to where they were sitting. \u201cRandy, and our mysterious guest, Meia,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about a small demonstration of your musical skills,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

Meia watched as John glanced over at the piano then back at Randy. \u201cSure, why not,\u201d John said, walking over to it. Sitting down he made a show of flexing his fingers for a few seconds.<\/p>\n

\u201cShow off,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are newbies on board,\u201d John said matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNewbies,\u201d Meia repeated the word. Something else she was unfamiliar with.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople who are new on board or its their first mission,\u201d Randy replied.<\/p>\n

Meia nodded her head in slight understanding. They had similar people in the Cimalian fleet but it had been the job of the leader to make sure everyone understood their job. Of course the Cimalian ships didn\u2019t have any form of recreation either. Everything had been geared to an efficient ship making the most of every space on board the ship. A person had to create their own forms of entertainment when off duty.<\/p>\n

She heard the first couple of notes and froze. It couldn\u2019t be? The song he had chosen to play so echoingly familiar.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a favorite\u2026\u201d Randy\u2019s voice faded out as her world grew dark.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Randy had to move quickly to catch Meia before she fell to the floor. She appeared to be breathing and fine as he wondered quickly if she was having an allergic reaction to the food.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet the doc,\u201d he said one of the nearby crew members.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened,\u201d John asked as he appeared by Randy\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know, she was fine one second then the next she just, well passed out,\u201d Randy replied. He calmed his racing heart when he noticed nothing else seemed to be happening to her.<\/p>\n

Tommy arrived along with a nurse. He carried his portable kit and quickly crouched down next to Randy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened,\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. She appeared fine, then this.\u201d Randy said shaking his head and pointing to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, might be something we missed or the scanners didn\u2019t pick up. Or it might be a result of detoxifying the drug from her system. I\u2019ll take her to med lab and keep her under observation for a couple of hours,\u201d Tommy said. He activated the stretcher as it levitated Meia so he could take her to the med lab. \u201cI\u2019ll keep you informed admiral.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Randy said watching as the doctor and nurse walked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never had that happen to one of my performances before. I don\u2019t know whether to be insulted or flattered,\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

Randy cracked a smile at his friend\u2019s joke. \u201cI guess we\u2019ll find out later on.\u201d<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Meia glanced around not sure what had happened. One second she remembered standing next to Randy listening to John play the piano the next, she stood in some strange park.<\/p>\n

\u201cI should know this place,\u201d she said to herself. It seemed familiar to her but her memory just refused to cooperate with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeia, there you are,\u201d the familiar voice of her mother said. Turning around she noticed her mother standing there. She glanced down at herself noticing she was a little girl once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cMomma,\u201d Meia asked unsure about this.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know there are a lot of strange things you don\u2019t understand, but remember sometimes the grown-up world is difficult to understand. I will always love you,\u201d she said. Her mother glanced up looking down the road.<\/p>\n

Meia glanced around seeing three men walk up to them. She recognized one man right away, as Admiral Ordex, another high ranking official and the third, another important looking official who looked vaguely familiar. He had black hair, average height and brown eyes. But the shape of the face seemed vaguely familiar.<\/p>\n

\u201cIts time,\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

Meia watched as her mother\u2019s eyes narrowed at the man before speaking. \u201cYou think you know so much, yet you\u2019re afraid of a small child. Your brother would be ashamed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSilence,\u201d Ordex said striking Meia\u2019s mother. \u201cBoris was a weak fool.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuiet you fool,\u201d the man said. Ordex quickly shut up.<\/p>\n

Meia launched herself at the man who had struck her mother. She quickly was picked up by the third man. The other man waited for her mother to get up.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember what we told you Didi,\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

Meia squirmed trying to get down but the man refused to let her go as her world slowly went dark again.<\/p>\n

End Chapter 13<\/p>\n

Continued in Chapter 14<\/a><\/p>\n

Comment below or send to AJMarks01@aol.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Cimalian Princess: Invasion by AJ Marks Chapter 13 Randy watched as Meia walked off the bridge. He really didn\u2019t know what to say to her. The one thing he wanted to do was offer support to her. However, he was needed on the bridge as reports came in about damage and losses. Then he […]
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