Fiction:Andromeda War/Firestorm

Occupation of Vanexia Prime
Vanexia Prime was the unofficial capital of the local solar cluster on the edge of Imperial space. Arriving from the edges of the galaxy the Tybusen Intergalactic Allied Federation planned to invade.

Space traffic control - ''Attention unidentified ships, you are approaching Imperium-controlled space. State your intentions now and pull back now or prepare for lethal force.'' Vice Admiral Lee - Back off before we use lethal force of our own. Space Traffic Control - ''Your registrations do not match known codes. You are not an imperial fleet and therefore your numbers suggest you are either pirates, raiders or an enemy of the Imperium, which are you?'' Admiral Tzena - ''We have no intent on allowing you to know. Now, scram!'' Space Traffic Control - ''I beg your pardon! Are you asking us to leave a world rightfully claimed by the Imperium? You have a lot of nerve, pull back to the outer belt until further notice!'' Tzena - ''You have been pardoned. We have no intent on leaving, in fact, let us continue forward, Vice Admiral...'' Space Traffic Control - This is unauthoised! All hands to your stations. I give you one last chance to pull away NOW.'' Lee - Surrender now, or face the power of the Federation. Tzena - Stand down your weapons, Draconis, you will have no time to use them. Space Traffic Control - ''*checks console* Ah, the Tybusen Intergalactic Allied Federation... We have no intention, there are three imperial fleets en-route. Withdraw now and our superiors won't have to know about this whole incident. This is your final warning. Withdraw NOW.''

Tzena complied, ordering the fleet to warp away. Unknown to space-traffic-control the hips returned with cloaking fields active. What betrayed theri strealth attack was the spacetime disruption created by their warp bubbles. this was picked up by Space Traffic Control which ordered a state of yellow alert.

As they arrived the Imperium scrambled hundreds of thousands of fighters to defend the planet and larger warships position themselves in orbit of major settlements. The TIAF's first strike corps were deployed to assess the Imperium's numbers using Bladewing and Thunderstrike-class fighters, all of them cloaked. While still cloaked they come across several ITN fighter wings and are ambushed as the bladewings slice them in half. Eventually one of the fighters' cloaking fields breaks, exposing it for a splpit second, an opprtunistic ITN pilot fires and the craft is easily torn apart without shields.

After realising that they were under attack the Imperium's defence fleet mobilises, watching as the TIAF's shields decloaked. Admiral Dorastion, who was in command ordered a full broadside, the shots tearing at some of the ships who did not raise shields in time. Tzena retaliated be firing a broadside of her own. The Draconis fired a series of EM missiles to counter the TIAF's shields, as they buckled Tzena ordered then to raise non-phasic shields

As the battle raged the planet's sattellite-based defences turned on the TIAF fleet. They respond by sending fighters to disable several of the sattellites and disable a communications relay in the proccess. on the bridge of the Battlemaster-class TNSS Archon the Admiral grws uncertain the battle would be won quickly.

Dorastion - ''Inform subsector command. The TIAF have invaded the Vandexia System and we are sending datastreams to counter further incursions. I want the thing quantum-encrypted with enigma cypher, understood?''

The officer nods in response and transmits a tachyon signal away from the battle. The TIAF realised that the missiles fired at them were burrowing into the hull using diamond-strength drillbits. Vessels on both sides were weakening from the volleys.

Tzena - ''USS Victory to fleet, prepare suspension defense systems to counteract the Draconis assault! Hold defensive positions until ordered otherwise!''

The TIAF vessels projected graviton fuelds around themselves in order to capture all projectiles and upon discovery Admiral Dorastion ordered for the fleet to use phasic warheads. Fighters fire scatterbeams in order to scramble and disrupt the Imperium's inter-fleet communication. The Imperium's fighters, which were smaller, more numerous and were capable of smaller turning circles than what the Federation had, continued to overwhelm the TIAF fighter wings. Eventually several flotillas of Flakcluster frigates moved in to pick off the fighters, their fast-tracking lasers making short work of what they were up against.

The Federation continued to press overwhelming firepower. In deperation Dorastion ordered for another broadside, as they did the Federation fleet reactivated it's suspension fields, capturing projectile rounds and missiles and suspending them in space. A reflection wave was projected in the direction of the ITN fleet, sending missiles and rounds back at the Draconis fleet. On board his flagship the Admiral ordered to hastily engage warp drive and he devastation was mixed - some were able to warp away unscathed while others were completely destroyed before they had the chance, the Archon itself was damaged.

Ozzel - Orbital dominance achieved! Tzena - ''Excellent! I was expecting a lot more from the Draconis. *to planet's remaining resistance* We have secured orbital dominance. We will give you a chance to surrender Vanexia without further damage.'' Lee - ''Sir, we have discovered some containers left by the Draconis. Shall we investigate?'' Solar Prefect Valocanus - Will we be allowed to evacuate?'' Tzena - ''If you wish. But the Federation promises good treatment for those who stay and join the Federation in all of its glory.'' Valocanus - Glory? We have seen nothing benevolent about you.'' Tzena - There will be a short space of martial rule to control the more...unruly inhabitants, but we assure you that the Federation is benevolent to its citizens. Valocanus - ''You have a lot to learn young lady. However the Imperium will not recognise this system as yours yet, you're still some way inside Imperial territory.'' Tzena - Is that the wish of the citizens? Valocanus - I will submit to your demands as long as you honour my request: Allow the planet's people to evacuate what they have, if they want to stay that's fine. Tzena - Request granted. Valocanus - I warn you now: The Sector council and the Imperium will not tolerate a police state on their own people.

After the battle the Federation decided to collect one of the containers and placed it in the quarantine bay of USS Raysong. As they moved it into quarantine the devices activated and in seconds the quarantine bay was engulfed by a violent fireball as the devices ignited the atmosphere. The force was great enough to devastate some of the lower decks and left the quarantine bay a charred mess.

Revolution
Grand Vanexia had been designated as the planetary capital since the occupation of Vanexia Prime. the TIAF had been imposing martial law for a fortnight and several members of the population were unhappy with the situation. For the past week several key members had organised and now was the time to strike. In the dead of night four squads of draconis, armed with gauss and fusion rifles stealthily made their way to the city limits. As they approached a patrol became suspicious but were quckly and silently taken out by the rebels. A TIAF general radioed in and after a delay one of them picked up the headset and cleared his throat while the others picked off a sniper who fell from his nest.

General - ''Patrol Unit 4, what is your status? Patrol? Come in!'' Rebel - ''No cause for alarm, a minor incursion. We can handle it.'' General - ''Ah, good, you're there. Has your voice gotten deeper? Should I send Patrols 5 and 3 to assist you?'' Rebel - No need command. General - ''Very well. Report in if you have any more trouble.'' Rebel - ''Understood command. Patrol Unit 4, out.'' Rebel 2 - Marine coding is so much more efficcient...

The general was not convinced by what was said. He discussed with the rest of command on how to deal with the situation and eventually he agreed with is peers for Agent Kale to check it out. She agreed and left the room. Back in Grand Vanexia the rebels were preparing to make their move. when they were innterupted by another patrol.

Rebel - ''Teams two and three head for the comm relay. Team one and four are with me.'' Rebel - Pri-stealth (priority on stealth) TIAF Patrol - ''Hey! Firearms in public aren't permitted!''

The patrol is quickly eliminated with some of them reduced to gel from fusion rounds. More patrols heard the gunshots and rushed to aid their comrades. This prompted the rebels to rush to their destinations. In another part of the city another patrol was quickly ambushed, unaware of what had just attacked them...

TIAF Patrol - ''Butter... That'll go great on my Grand Slam!''

The patrol was quickly dispatched as the rebels engaged them in close-combat.

TIAF Patrol - ''NOOOOOOO!!! MY BREAKFASTTTTTT'' TIAF Patrol - *over comms* We have a disturbance in the south-west sector of the city, investigate. Rebel - Dominicuus vinterva lowly Krann. Rebel - Respect your enemy Kravidus.

Another sniper spots the squad however honly manages to injure one of them before being shot himself. the noide rouses several citizens from their sleep. Eventually the rebel squads manage to get to a transmitter linked to the relay network. However in the process they had alerted TIAF comamnd to their position.

TIAF Colonel - Attention, we have a rebellion occuring in the city of Grand Vanaxia, all civilians, do not panic, all military units in the vicinity, respond immediately!

As they make it inside they were set-upon by plasma railguns that force them to take shelter. They cry out 'Imperium Eternal' but not all of them make it to shelter.

Rebel - Imperium Eternal! TIAF Gunner - ''Imperium Eternal my ass! Federation Forever!'' Rebel - let's see how the like this...

The rebel throws an adhesive plasma grenade which sticks firmly to the machinegun. As the gunner screams in horror his face is covered in plasma as the others duck. As they scramble the Draconis fire on them while they are in the open, one rebel steps out into the corridor and unleashes a supressive barrage of fusion rounds. As they scramble from the dissolving barriers several are soon killed. They prepare onother machinegun and the rebels respond with another plasma grenade. As the soldiers recover from the granade's shockwave the rebels close in and engage in close-combat. The leader of the assault, a veteren marine draws his sword and cuts through TIAF armour with ease. As he stabs a Tybusen in the chest the Colonel jumps from nowhere with a katana, the veteren parries and forces the Colonel back.

Leader - You're out of your league! Colonel - Perhaps I am, but I suppose uncultured baboons like you rebels have no knowledge of what an upset in sports is!

He strikes the veteren's shoulder who then retaliates by swingin his sword at the Colonel's leg. The man is brought to his knees as his soldiers dwindle. The Colonel remained adamant that he was the better man.

Leader - ''Gah! Uncultured? You know nothing Invader.'' Colonel - ''Very good, Draconis, you have been taught well. Very well then, strike me down here. I know a barbarian like you would take that as your first choice. *smirks maliciously*'' Leader - You're more imprtant to us alive, restrain him, His rank could be of use to us... Soldier - All units retreat and scatter! Colonel - ''Hmph. You will not elicit information or service from me.'' Leader - ''We shall see. Veredia, activate the relay.'' Veredia - Aye sir.

As she works on the console Admiral Tzena appears on screen and she was not pleased at all.

Leader - Greetings. Tzena - ''Draconis? The Grand Vanaxia Comms Base was put under command of the TIAF... You filthy rebels!'' Leader - I serve my Paragon and the Imperium and you seem to think those who resist you come from the dregs of society with little better to do than challenge authority. Tzena - ''We had agreed to begin a peaceful transition of the remaining populace into TIAF society. This is no more than an example of your dishonor!'' Leader - ''Your attack was so far unprovoked, all Draconis belong to the Imperium. Do you really think we would consider ourselves better-off under your governance?'' Tzena - ''You are quite detached, you...rebellious bastard. To so blatantly state that all Draconis are members of your Imperium is quite a lie. Believe me, I've been watching Andromedan news for the past month.''

Tzena was referring to the recent mechanisation of a Draconid borderworld and was aware that the new Draconis Mechis were not considered part of the Imperium.

Tzena - ''Yes. Studies show we have better standards of living. Point defeated.'' Leader - ''Perhaps in the colonies... The core worlds however are a different matter.'' Tzena - ''Hmph. It is unlawful and barbaric to act with such violence to an established armistice on this planet. If you were loyal to the Imperium, you would know that by doing this, we are forced to extend the martial law period on this planet even further. You are not helping Vanaxia's populace in any way.'' Leader - ''I saw what happened to your flagship, my fellow revolutionaries are broadcasting it planetwide and perhaps further and my kin know what it means. We all must take sacrifices, we will not bow to invaders who use conflict-first strategems. that is what is barbaric!'' Tzena - ''We have enough sense to know that what happened to the Raysong were coordinated explosives, and it is in drydock for repairs. Retaliating with violence is the barbaric way out, accepting fate and a no-worse lifestyle is the way a civilized race does it!'' Leader - The imperium cares for its kin, it is what the lifefather wanted and if you even think i have been brainwashed think again, i have seen cultures far worse than what the Imperium offers, i have seen war. Tzena - ''I would be happy to destroy Grand Vanaxia and all of the rebel filth in it, but I am civilized. We have seen cultures far worse as well. It is called the Draconis Imperium. *smirks maliciously*'' Leader - ''How dare you insult me. It seems you are no better off than you claim me to be... Is this how the Federation treats all it's enemies?'' Tzena - ''If you had let us, the police state would have ended next week, and your citizens on Vanaxia would be able to live content lives as citizens of the Federation. But it is apparent to us that the Draconis would rather die than see what life is like in the Federation, it shows us that you are nothing but a warmaking people.'' Leader - ''I do not accept the idea of being ruled by such an infantile race as yours, few of my kin would. It's nothing personal, it's just a race as young as yours lacks the level of experience we admire.'' Tzena - ''Very well, you have made your choice, I will accept it. Colonel, set the turbolaser on Level 3, aim for the Grand Vanaxia Comms Base. That will wipe the dirty smirk off your face, I assume.'' Leader - hold fire!

Leader - *the Colonel is dragged forward* Kill me and your Colonel dies Colonel - I will die if it means the Federation will march to victory!

Regardless, the USS Victory fires a low-power turbolaser blast at the Comms Base, utterly destroying it and all inside. Outside rebels watch in horror as everyone inside is killed. Screens accros the planet broacast the footage of USS Raysong's crippling and was accompanied by a message

"Citizens of Vanexia! The footage you see is proof our 'benefactors' are unfit to lead us. The explosion you see on the USS Raysong is proof they are greedy, ambitious and naive. As such they do not deserve t orule over us. Rise up children of Drakon, Imperium Eternal."

The message was soon cut of in place of Admiral Tzena's own broadcast.

Tzena - ''Attention, citizens of Vanaxia, we are experiencing a rebellion in the city of Grand Vanaxia, and measures are being taken to quell it. Stay calm, and do not panic.''

The Revolution Spreads
As the broadcast continued a few of the citizens became dissolusioned and coem weer contemplating joining the rebellion due to the heavy-handed nature of the TIAF's occupation.

Citizen - These rebels have a point. Citizen - Are you considering it? TIAF Soldier - ''We have no intention of killing civilians. If you rebel, however, we will have no choice.'' Citizen - ''You are content to simply kill rebels? That's just.. savage.'' Soldier - ''They obviously do not respect our laws, which means they are still associated with the Imperium. We in the Federation do not take violence lightly.'' Citizen - It's madness, they are not beyond reason! Soldier - ''Well, then, what do you assume their logic is staying behind to fight a useless resistance? If only they were obedient citizens like the rest of this city...'' Citizen - Perhaps they were brave enough to actually stand up to upstarts like you! Citizen - Tavus no! Soldier - ''Such a hypocritical statement, Draconis. Such a rebellious bunch.'' Tavus - ''No... I will not be brainwahsed by your Federation!''

The desperate citizen pulls a pistol and fires at the soldier. Fearful of what would happen next he made a dash for the back streets. He was caught and restrained, despite rebel intervention the TIAF had sent fighter jets to gun down the rebels on the rooftops. The citizen was dragged away, accused of assaulting a military officer. Tzena, frustrated with the revelation contacted the Prefect.

Tzena - ''Hail, Prefect of Vanaxia. We are having trouble controlling your populace, might you be of some assistance, my friend?'' Prefect - ''*calmly* What did you expect from my kin? To simply bow to you just because you won a fight?'' Tzena - ''Yes, actually. That's sorta how it works in the modern world.'' Prefect - ''It's a little more complicated than that. You seem certain yours is the better culture.'' Tzena - Well, then, Prefect, if you believe you are so superior, how would you treat a rebellion if you were to theoretically occupy one of our better planets? Prefect - ''With understanding. my kin rebel because they do not truly consider you their betters. My people respect age and experience. The TIAF has not matured enough in their eyes to be worthy of recognition.'' Tzena - ''You are a passionate group. I respect that. But for a rebellion to be tolerated when we have explicitly agreed to armistice on Vanaxia is simply inappropriate.'' Prefect - ''Have you ever known how it feels to have a part of you taken away? to know how it feels to have one of your most prized posesions stripped from you? Tzena - ''Indeed. But in no way were we taking anything, we would have left Vanaxia to its own matters if you had shown some respect.'' Prefect - ''You know little of our culture. When annexing a protectorate the Imperium does not use martial law, there are better methods.'' Tzena - ''You consider simple military patrols in the cities martial law? We give your people all the freedoms in the multiverse, this is how you repay us?'' Prefect - ''Listen here. Not once was our governemnt contacted, not once was the possibility of averting war ever made! This... occupation was the first act you have made against us and you gave us No warning.'' Tzena - ''You know little. We did make contact, but peace talks were unsuccessful. We have endured nothing but volleys of insults from your leaders, perhaps it is time I pay back some of that. Colonel, turbolaser setting ELEVEN.'' Prefect - ''To the Imperium the occupation was nothing short of another empire deciding they wanted what we had. You are no better than the Iteok!'' Tzena - ''How DARE YOU COMPARE US TO THOSE BUGS! *hammers the turbolaser button, leading a shot straight into the city of Grand Vanaxia*'' Prefect - Even now rather than seeing a reason you threaten to incinerate the capital!

He watches as an inner-city district is obliterated by the shot. He stares in horror before taking deep breaths.

Prefect - ''Monsters... You have just condemened five million people!'' Tzena - ''I have perfect reason now to completely obliterate Vanaxia Prime! But since we are kind enough to allow the innocent survive, I will make my demands once more. Call off the rebellion, submit in peace, and there will be no more deaths. Grand Vanaxia would be content to fire their AA guns at our fleet, there is no point in letting them continue that.'' Prefect - Do you think my people and the Tmperium would back down because of this act of extermination? Tzena - ''I LIVED AND SERVED THROUGH FIVE WARS, F**K YES I THINK THIS IS REASON ENOUGH! *calms down* Impudent rascal.'' Preferct - *sighs* Admiral, you are simply fueling your enemies to act against you. Tzena - ''Perhaps I am fanning the flames, but you are providing the fuel. I know very well that you would try something like this. I have no more reason to withhold from pushing the turbolaser fire button again, perhaps you could give me one, Prefect?'' Prefect - The rebellion was not my fabrication, I do not command them and I am unsure if they will listen to me. Tzena - ''Well then, Prefect, if you are not with them, then surely you are against them. You have a choice, Prefect. Stay there and die labeled as a traitor to your kin, or come with us to the Federation, and live on labeled a hero.'' Prefect - ''Perhaps you are right... I was the one who signed the annexation, i was the one who submitted. But is there really any place for me?'' Tzena - ''The Federation welcomes you with open arms. We can get you into a position of power, if that is what you desire.'' Prefect - ''*sighs* Give me some time to prepare. There is nothing left for me it seems...'' Tzena - ''We respect your choice, Prefect, sometimes it is good to stop fighting a losing war. Any of your loyalists are welcome.'' Prefect - I will ask any loyalists to come forward and will order that they are to be unharmed. Tzena - They will be treated as members of the Federation, they will be under our care. Prefect - ''Undershood. I will prepare.'' Tzena - *broadcast to planet* It is of our understanding that the planet has been consumed by uprising, this is an order for all military units and those who wish to continue to be members of the Federation to immediately evacuate!

The prefect sat in his office, if he was to leave the Imperium then he figured he may as well try for redemption. He downloaded the conversation and all information regarding the incidents on Vanexi and called for one of his assistants.

Prefect - ''Lifefather forgive me... Elivessa, I want this drive delivered to Alcanti as quickly as possible, be discreet.'' Elivessa - What about you? Prefect - ''There is nothing for me here, I submitted to all of this and will seek asylum in the Federation. go.'' Tzena - ''Prepare to cripple their industrial complexes. We will retreat to the nearby Avanti System and establish a new front base there. Immediately prep all ships in drydock for immediate recommission, and destroy the drydocks after they are unloaded. We will leave them so hopelessly crippled that they'll wish they never questioned our authority.''

As the TIAF prepared to leave factories, industries and mines were bombarded by the retreating fleet. In their evacuation they made sure that the emergent industrial potential of the planet was reduced to nothing, leaving the planet with little industry.