WoWS3 Chpt 64

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==Weapons of War Saga: The Final March- Chapter 64 - ==
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===Orbital struggle for domination===
In Orbit
Arcadia Class Cruiser/Carrier, SLS Gremlin
Sol System, Republic of the Sphere
May 24th, 3145
The dogfight was going on multiple levels-Clan Wolf had succeeded over the weeks in landing a few places and even secured a couple of major beacheads…and now, those were spewing fighters and dropships up, to try and plug the losses Taffy 1 Task Force had inflicted thus far.
It was a trickle, because reserve forces from Terra were engaging the Wolves as they lifted, or at their landing zones. 'Thinning the herd'.
"Wheel the formation starboard five six degrees, up angle fifteen, one gravity." Rear Admiral Amanda Roberts ordered, "Maintain formation, flank forces fire at will. Second line engage dropships, priority being those Isegrims, core forces continue bracket-fire ADA coverage and engage large targets as designated."
Damage control systems lit, showing further ablation of armor plate and damage to some systems. DC efforts showed some areas were already shifting from red, to yellow.
"Admiral, the Turks leveled out and she's pushing full thrust in an intercept vector for the Tabarinth!"
"CAG! Strike package, Alamo that son of a bitch, former Turkina's Pride, on approach vector! Tell the Tabiranth to evasive now, make that ****** burn fuel if he's going to close to ram!! Acknowledge and Execute!"
<<“Acknowledged! Taffy 1 is wheeling about to counter.”>>
Nuclear weapons began fly at the Cameron Class Battlecruiser.
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Port and low, coming at one point five Gees, was the SLS McKenna's Pride, trying to close to short-medium for her main batteries. "Oh, you clever boy… Helm, evasive Two, all hands brace for acceleration." Evasive two wouldn't solve the problem, but it would open clear firing lines for Gremlin's main batteries.
“Aye, Ma’am. Opening the distance…”
The ramming attack was the distraction, this was Sukhanov's play.
But he clearly had not taken into account the mechanical precision of a fully ATACs linked Destroyer Division. Hard to blame him as there were few people who had the requisite hands-on experience to do so that were still alive.
What had formerly been the battlecruiser Turkina’s Pride managed some volleys into Johnston and Heerman to try and clear a path but was now little more than a burning wreck.
<(”Won’t lie, that damage was unpleasant but we’re still combat functional.”)> Johnston reported.
"Wheel Port forty degrees, down-angle thirty." Amanda stated, "Re-form formation 'diamonds in the dust', execute." on the comm, she almost sounded more artificial, more mechanical than actual AI. "Squadron Two tighten along Johnston, Three support Heerman, four configure screen ADA defense over Tabiranth. Concentrate fire on the second Cameron Class all ships on the Starboard, cut that ****** in half, Execute."
“Aye, ma’am.”
The sheer number of Naval PPCs and Naval Autocannons of the formation combined into a hail of fire that left no doubt that Amanda would get more pieces than she wanted.
“Sorry ma’am. I know you said in half…”
"Do better on that Liberator class cruiser." she said dully, "Strike wing three, Alamo that Lola III, don't piss, kick their ass in, execute."
Even with Isegrim Assault Dropship support the Wolf Fighter screen was hard pressed already and it was getting more and more pressure applied to it, enough that the Lola III turned into radioactive wreckage after only the second strike.
This was no longer a battle. The Wolf formation was collapsing.
"Bring in the sack, formation Killing Sack. Variation Four, Execute preplanned maneuver Foxtrot Alpha, codeword…" she ordered, "Devour. Jolie Rouge. The pretty red flies."
The RAF forces combined with Taffy 1 globed around the Wolf fleet, what was left of it.
They stayed clear of the McKenna as best as they could. It was the only real threat left and could core anything short of one of the Cruisers in one good volley.
“Time to call it, Sukhanov. You might have pulled it off if you weren’t so strung out.”
Mike…that is, 'Michael of the Camerons', a former Privateer who couldn't make the cut to the Touman's warrior caste and was allowed to resign, noticed it.
Her knuckles were clenched, posture tense, and he could almost see a tear running from her eye.
"Call it, Sukhanov, it's the right play dammit…" she was muttering.
The comm panel indicated an incoming transmission.
<<”You win, Roberts. I must preserve The Great Father’s tomb. Alaric be damned.”>> Star Admiral broadcasted.
She visibly relaxed. "Stand down your drives and weapons, McKenna's Pride, and stand to for a boarding inspection. Over."
”Putting us in a stable orbit now and standing down all weapons and personnel.”
She tongued a comm switch, "Sally, get your Marines ready to board the McKenna's Pride, watch it over there, I don't trust these guys, don't relax until he turns over command, understood?" 
((“Yes, Ma’am.”)) Sally Cameron’s voice came back over the comm.
Amanda relaxed a little, then, "I wonder how Task Force Tribal is doing?" this got a few laughs. "Form up defensive cordon, and begin under-way repairs. I want SAR birds in the sky looking for stranded spacers, This isn't over yet."
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===Looking past today to Tomorrow===
Arcadia Class Cruiser, SLS Gremlin
Terra-Luna L1 point
24th May, 3144
Haake Sukhanov had seen the reports, and the records, he'd witnessed a dropship duel over Tharkad, but until today, he had not believed.
Right to the moment when Superior Warriors, in superior ships, had been crushed and torn apart by an enemy with superior command, superior tactics, and superior coordination.
“I cannot even blame Alaric for this. I agreed to the splitting of our forces as such. It invited this defeat in detail.” Haake said in disbelief.
"Admiral Roberts predicted you would." Lt. Sally Cameron had come over from the enemy flag vessel. "She thought your Clan would have to divide your forces, to secure the system after defeating the main body of the Republic Fleet."
“And because Labbe knew better than to stand and fight we did not inflict the losses we should have.”
"Cheer up, she was afraid we'd have to use nukes on this fine vessel." Sally offered, "She didn't want to do it, but she thought she'd maybe have to."
“Then I have done one thing right. Alaric did order we not allow this vessel to fall into enemy hands. But I found I could not force our destruction. I know he was attempting to give the Clan a rallying point, anger at how his enemies destroyed the Great Father’s remains and his tomb.”
Sally adjusted the position of her rifle, to a cradled posture, "Let me offer you a better one than anger. The Star League Reborn-this time for real, this war will end, and you're a good commander, we're going to need those."
“It is true. With our Navy defeated it is only a formality now. We can no longer safely move troops while you can exert your will on us as you please.”
"Sir, just remember there's a future, and you can be part of it." she said, "You'll have to spend some time in internment, but there's a pathway out, and not as a corpse."
“Yes. I think I would prefer to stay alive. To teach others about the price of hubris. Let them learn from my mistakes so they are not repeated. I will comply.” Sukhanov told her.
She extended her hand, and he laid his sidearm in it. "You stand relieved, Star Admiral, sir." she said.
“Thank you for allowing me some dignity Lady-in-Waiting Cameron.” Haake Sukhanov nodded as he followed his escorts out.
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With pressure restored aboard Gremlin, Amanda handed off to her Flag Captain and went to her quarters.
Here, she unbottled the emotional storm she'd been suppressing since the first shots of the battle were fired.
She Grieved for them, for them all, in snot-running tears she could not let the crewmen see, wails that she could not let them hear, and mumbled, burbling prayers that were only for the ears of a god who does not answer anything directly.
As she let herself fall into her bunk she felt the weight of it all wash over her.
She wasn’t sure how long she was like this before her comm panel chirped.
((”Ma’am. We just got word. Alaric himself has surrendered out past Callisto. I thought you’d like to know.”)) 
She wiped her face and took many breaths to regain her poise, "Thank you, Chief. Continue as you were, we have to wait for Her Majesty to declare the fighting over. Send request to the Director-General for further instructions, Roberts out."
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===Acceptance of Defeat===
Geneva, Capital Building
Terra, Republic of the Sphere
June 6th, 3145
“Your sense of irony in choosing this date for our formal surrender is…interesting.” Khan Alaric Ward said as he signed the formal documents.
“A lot of historical events on this day. Some good. Some bad. But I think this one will be viewed in a positive manner.” Star Lord Helena Cameron smiled as she signed.
“We are just pleased that the conflict with Clan Wolf is over. Daoshen Liao is still out there, posturing. But without a Navy he is nothing more than a nuisance.” Exarch Jonah Levin said as he signed for the Republic.
“Agreed. You sure you want to allow the Wolf Empire to remain as an independent power?” Archon Trillian Steiner was still pushing for that revision to the terms even now.
"Can't have a Star League without Member states." Today, Rear Admiral Roberts wore the uniform of the Outworlds Privateers, not the SLDF. "Can't have member states if we burn everything to a crisp, now can we?" she added her signature on behalf of Kolossus.
“And despite everything the Wolves have proven they are a strong and independent people. It would end poorly if we split them among the victorious parties. History has proven that many times when strong cultures find themselves suddenly inside the border of another power, but without the autonomy they previously had.” Helena nodded.
Anton Borchardt, of the "Solar Outer Planets Collective" signed next. "Sovereignty is important to people." the Belta had to wear an exoskeleton to even be here. "My people have waited centuries for it, for the recognition of it."
“And on my word, you will have it as long as I have a say in the matter.” Helena bowed her head at Anton.
“Well then, Lady Cameron, I do believe it is time for you to assume your rightful place.” Jonah Levin stated. “It was argued and debated for sometime, but with what you have done it is only right that we recognize you for what you really are. First Lord and Director-General. You are where you belong finally.”
"Don't think that gets you off the hook, Levin, you're still my chamberlain for the Republic, only now, you'll have help getting things back in order." Helana told him, "Instead of having to wrestle with invisible ghosts."
“Of course, Lady Cameron.” Jonah Levin smiled. “The Republic shall endure now thanks to your efforts.”
“Then just one last matter of formality. Alaric as the instigator of the war and the leader of your faction it is now time for me to proclaim your punishment for these facts. I am charging you with returning to your Empire. To reshape it in accordance with the Star League Charter.”
Amanda cleared her throat, and looked at Helena meaningfully.
"Oh, and your Warriors. They're to form up into proper SLDF units for service." Helena told him, "Front line troops please, there is a powerful lot of work for them to do, and fairly soon. Also I’m going to offer Anastasia Kerensky the job of being my Commanding General."
Alaric simply nodded. It was clear he was no longer the same man he was before the war.
“No offense, Amanda, your daughter has been doing a great job with my forces, but I think she is ready for a change in assignment.”
"Not a worry in the world, Your Highness." Amanda said, "As things stand, I've got a lot of work to be doing soon myself…there's been renewed piracy along the Free Worlds League's rimward border, and it'll be nice to get back to doing fun things instead of crushing wars."
“Well, you ever need our help again you be sure to call and feel free to visit anytime you like.”
"Once we've sorted out the Marians, I'll be sure to see to that, as well. There's a threat out there, we've got to get ready for it."
“Yeah and it’s time I let you go and be your own woman. No more meddling from me. I will still hope you find some happiness out there for yourself, whatever form that takes.” Helena said.
Amanda doffed her hat, and bowed with a flourish, "I'll endeavor not to embarrass you overmuch, Your Majesty."
“Well time for my flight to Unity City. Nice of Stone to have restored the Palace as best he could. I won’t be offended if you decide to leave rather than stay.”
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