{"id":234,"date":"2015-07-05T12:37:45","date_gmt":"2015-07-05T12:37:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=234"},"modified":"2015-07-06T12:41:27","modified_gmt":"2015-07-06T12:41:27","slug":"the-cimalian-princess-invasion-ch-15","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=234","title":{"rendered":"The Cimalian Princess: Invasion – Ch 15"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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

Chapter 15<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben wiped his hands as he looked at the readout making sure that John\u2019s fighter would be operating at peak performance. The fighter had received some damage from the last battle, but not too much. John was a pilot who flew on the edge which was why he probably came back alive most times.<\/p>\n

\u201cJean, how\u2019s that repair doing,\u201d Ben asked. He looked over to see Jean, who had taken apart the fighter, tinkering inside of the engines. The fighter had held together but the pilot had been severely injured and transported back to Pacifica for treatment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s coming, slowly, but I\u2019ve almost got it,\u201d Jean replied, her voice muffled a bit by the engine.<\/p>\n

Ben gave a chuckle then turned when a movement caught his attention. Looking over at the hangar entrance he noticed at first what he assumed as a replacement pilot. He quickly rethought that at seeing her uniform and hair. The blue and white uniform was out of place for pilots, but her hair, that\u2019s what really caught his attention, it was blue.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, can I help you,\u201d Ben asked walking over to where she stood. \u201cBen,\u201d he said extending his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeia,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the pilot we rescued a few days ago,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be me,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI found you, about over there,\u201d Ben said pointing to a spot not far away. He turned to see her looking at the fighters though.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mark Six fighter, or Wolf as she\u2019s called, a beauty she is,\u201d Ben said proudly. \u201cQuite possibly the most maneuverable fighter out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Hecus would get along great,\u201d Meia said. Ben watched as she walked around the fighter a bit. \u201cBut a fighter might be great, but the pilot is what makes it better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, but the abilities have to be there for both fighter otherwise even the best pilot can\u2019t make up for that,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue,\u201d Meia said. Ben realized that Meia had conceded that point to him. \u201cSpeed is also good, but not very good if you can\u2019t turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe advantage that the Alliance fighters have,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, something few of the Alliance pilots use,\u201d Meia said.<\/p>\n

They stood there a few more seconds before Meia walked off.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was that,\u201d Jean asked popping her head out of the engine.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeia, a bit strange,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn what way,\u201d Jean asked.<\/p>\n

Ben realized he didn\u2019t want to say anything about Meia having been an enemy. \u201cShe had blue hair,\u201d he finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting,\u201d Jean said then she stopped. \u201cDid that enemy pilot that was rescued on the hanger have blue hair?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Ben replied turning back to his work.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonder if the admiral knows about her roaming around,\u201d Jean said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t see any guards, I guess he\u2019s got a good reason for that,\u201d Ben said pulling the file out for the next fighter.<\/p>\n

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

Randy returned to the bridge hoping for word that the mission had been completed. Commander Jorkins would contact him the moment it had been completed. His current thoughts had nothing to do with the mission, but Meia. He\u2019d seen her leave rather quickly and gotten the story from John.<\/p>\n

Randy could still hear the amazement in John\u2019s voice as he described how quickly she\u2019d reacted to the threat. In a small way Randy felt relieved that John had somewhat accepted Meia. It would be critical for the next part of Randy\u2019s plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, information from the Dragon arriving,\u201d Hans said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Randy said. He glanced down at the information scanning though it quickly. He noticed that the enemy fleet around Hesslius was a few ships. That didn\u2019t settle too well with him. He figured that the rest of the ships were headed somewhere else, probably to attack another planet. The Victorious had arrived but replacement pilots had run short.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, Commander Jorkins is on the line for you,\u201d Hans said.<\/p>\n

Randy switched his screen from the information to Frank Jorkins.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommander, how was the mission,\u201d Randy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe relayed your message and she\u2019s agreed,\u201d Frank said. \u201cYou might say she turned red when we told her everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Randy replied. He had the feeling that an angry Amy Barnes would help out the military quite a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe wanted to leave right away but we finally got her to agree to wait until transportation had been arranged,\u201d Frank said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd her injuries?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral broken bones, which have healed,\u201d Frank said. \u201cShe\u2019ll be ready when we finally have a ship to take her back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, we\u2019ll begin working on the arrangements at once then,\u201d Randy told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll relay that information.\u201d<\/p>\n

The screen went blank and he turned to Hans only to see Kim looking strangely at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that about,\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA counter political attack,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThought you didn\u2019t like politics,\u201d Kim said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t, too much backstabbing and lying to get anything done. Give me something straightforward any day,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

Kim chuckled at that.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, get me the Dresser, I have a mission for it,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Hans said.<\/p>\n

Randy felt things in one area were now also looking up. Now he just had to hope that the missing Cimalian fleet didn\u2019t show up somewhere else.<\/p>\n

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

Jack stood in the command room where he figured he\u2019d been spending way too much time in. He\u2019d have to call Mary once more to let her know that he\u2019d be late again. Things seemed to be moving on their own lately, especially in the political field. The only good new had been that the Strike Fleet had accomplished their mission, that and the press had begun questioning the news from the government. The government\u2019s stand still maintained that everything was a military conspiracy. So far only a few press reporters had even talked to him.<\/p>\n

He had told them that the Alliance was being invaded by, at the time, an unknown force. Four planets had been invaded while a fifth had been attempted and the loss of thousands of lives yet the government denied an invader. He wondered where everything would lead, perhaps an attack on Corestar itself. The extremists would probably say the military is trying to overthrow the government.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral,\u201d Chad said. Jack had come to learn the troubled tone his aid had and sighed.<\/p>\n

He glanced down at the data pad Chad had thrust to him scanning the contents. \u201cIs this confirmed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir! I asked for verification myself from Admiral Hayes,\u201d Chad replied.<\/p>\n

Jack sat down needed the moment to compose himself. The Second Fleet had been destroyed. Thousands of men and women had died. \u201cGet me the President!\u201d<\/p>\n

He watched as Chad quickly worked on his order. Part of Jack wished he\u2019d never carried out the President\u2019s order. He felt that the order had caused the loss of so many lives that might be alive today if the order had been different.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, the President is in a meeting with senior members of the Constrict and Radical parties,\u201d Chad said. \u201cHe isn\u2019t to be disturbed for any reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHades, it figures,\u201d Jack said getting up and pacing the floor now. \u201cGet me Admiral White then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chad hesitated for a second then carried out the order. A few minutes later Randy\u2019s face appeared on the screen.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

Randy, new mission high priority,\u201d Jack said. \u201cWe have a confirmed report that the Second Fleet has been destroyed. I need you to head to Serria and investigate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens if we\u2019re attacked,\u201d Randy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have discretion then,\u201d Jack said. He noticed a small smile appear on Randy\u2019s face at that.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstood sir. We\u2019ll leave within the hour,\u201d Randy replied. The communication ended leaving Chad and Jack in the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, is that wise admiral,\u201d Chad asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so. Serria has a large population, we need to make sure its all right. Besides it could be the break we need,\u201d Jack said.<\/p>\n

Chad nodded then walked back to his station leaving Jack alone. He could only hope he didn\u2019t hear from the President for a while. He needed some time to get everything done then he might be able to confront the President.<\/p>\n

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

Randy turned to the rest of the bridge crew of the Akagi after hearing the news. He had the feeling he now knew where the missing Hesslius fleet had gone. His father had basically countered the standing \u2018talk to the enemy\u2019 order that had been given. That relieved Randy a lot.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the closest scout ship?\u201d Randy asked turning to Yvette.<\/p>\n

She looked down for a second then back up. \u201cThat would be here admiral,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, tell,\u201d he glanced down for a second, \u201cthe Starhopper to leave at once, the rest of the fleet is to leave in one hour for Serria.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Kim replied turning to relay the message to the fleet. \u201cStarhopper\u2019s captain says they\u2019re on their way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Randy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the plan admiral,\u201d Yvette asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hoping to get the information from the Starhopper but we\u2019ll drop as close as possible to the enemy ships, especially the battle-cruisers,\u201d Randy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cNegating their advantage right away, I like it,\u201d Yvette replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThought you would,\u201d Randy said. He turned working out a message to the rest of the fleet as to the new orders. He didn\u2019t want any ship caught unprepared for battle. Now things were going to get interesting.<\/p>\n

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

Jezic leaned over the screen wiping away a small speck of dirt with his hand. Satisfied he sat back down as the door chimed. He\u2019d been expecting Olin and wasn\u2019t disappointed when the door opened allowing the green haired pilot in his office.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, you wanted to see me,\u201d Olin said. He stood in front of Jezic\u2019s desk and the admiral noted the relaxed posture that he took. The arrogance of the Beta class and Olin had been filled with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we\u2019ve received new orders. The 1st FC has attacked Serria destroying a large Alliance fleet based there. Our target is the base at New Zeus. Our scouts indicate there is one battle-cruiser along with two enemy cruisers. I want a clean victory, do I make myself clear,\u201d Jezic said. He noted a slight waver in the man\u2019s posture indicating that the pilot did indeed understand. \u201cHigh Command won\u2019t be tolerant of failures of anyone, even me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be no failures sir,\u201d Olin said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen make your preparations,\u201d Jezic said dismissing the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy your will admiral,\u201d Olin replied.<\/p>\n

Jezic watched as the pilot walked out before returning his attention back to the screen in front o him. It showed the data from the latest battle of the 1st CF. They had destroyed two Alliance battle-cruisers along with five other smaller ships. Three ships had managed to get away but a large portion of the Alliance fleet had been disabled or destroyed.<\/p>\n

He went over intelligence reports of the Alliance fleet. With the recent losses he figured the Alliance battle-cruiser strength had been cut almost a third. The Cimalian fleet had lost three battle-cruisers but still had fourteen left, against the Alliance which had about ten or so remaining. High Command had already sent some ships to reform the 2nd CF, but that would take time. Once the fleets had been reformed they could continue their offensive against the Alliance.<\/p>\n

He noticed one other high level message from High Command. Slightly surprised when he noticed who the message was about, Meia. He wondered why the young pilot, an Epsilon at that, would be so important in the battle plans.<\/p>\n

Sure Meia had a natural talent for leadership but her class would prevent anything from happening with that. As he thought about it he remembered one mission he had received almost twenty years ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that has to be it,\u201d Jezic said. \u201cHer hair color changed, but I do remember that mission well.\u201d<\/p>\n

It had been a strange mission, one that had him taking orders from Henry himself. Henry, now the Emperor of the Cimalian Empire had given him that special mission. He called it an \u2018Alliance mission\u2019 because of the nature of sensitivity of the mission. It had been easy to rig the explosion then blame the Alliance.<\/p>\n

His career had been made with that one mission. He quickly rose thought the ranks and had the personal attention of the Alpha superior class. Now he wondered who Meia\u2019s mother had been, for Henry to personally order her elimination.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral,\u201d Diern\u2019s voice said interrupting him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Jezic replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fleet is ready,\u201d Diern said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be on the bridge shortly. Have all ships ready to go on my order,\u201d Jezic said. He got up shutting the file down, then encrypting it. Straightening his uniform he walked out of his office for the bridge.<\/p>\n

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

Jack over at Chad who had informed him that the scout ship, Dresser had arrived from Vernada. He knew that Randy had mentioned something about a ship arriving but that had been several hours ago. He had a feeling though as to who would be on board that ship, Amy Barnes, the senator\u2019s daughter and a lot of trouble.<\/p>\n

He walked out in time to see Amy walk out of the shuttle. She stood about the same height as her father, but with dark brown hair streaked with blonde. He watched as she turned and said something to someone inside the shuttle then back around to approach him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be Admiral White,\u201d she said as he neared.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhem, yes, I assume you\u2019re Amy Barnes,\u201d Jack replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe one and only,\u201d she replied glancing at Chad then back at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think we have a lot to discuss then,\u201d Jack said to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d she replied. He noticed her tone hardened from the carefree tone she\u2019d been using. \u201cCommander Jorkins told me about Senator Pappas, any news about that,\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the police are still investigating,\u201d Jack replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the government?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting,\u201d she said. He glanced over as they walked towards the HQ building. She appeared to be deep in thought about something.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe seemed to think that something had been going on within the upper levels of the government. I can\u2019t say I disagree with him the way their handling this invasion,\u201d Jack said.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u201dHmm, that might give me a bit of a starting point then,\u201d she said. \u201cWhat other planet\u2019s have been invaded by them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, for sure Vernada, which has been liberated for now, Hesslius, Cirrius, and now Serria,\u201d Jack replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know the governor of Vernada, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll help us out,\u201d Amy said. \u201cYes, I think I\u2019ll contact him right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack watched as Amy continued on though the door. He only hoped she had some sort of plan that didn\u2019t backfire.<\/p>\n

End Chapter 15<\/p>\n

Continued in Chapter 16<\/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 15 Ben wiped his hands as he looked at the readout making sure that John\u2019s fighter would be operating at peak performance. The fighter had received some damage from the last battle, but not too much. John was a pilot who flew on the edge which was […]
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