Jupiterra - Search for the Relikan Star Fleet (IC/Semi-Open)

Hyper Warp was somewhat effective, but Alexander of course, preferred FTL jumps. While FTL Jumping might have been more boring and repeating, it was really fast. With all the calculations made, and especially once the AI's had been introduced, the Colonial ships were able to travel through the galaxy at an incredible speed, that couldn't have been imagined in the past. Still, warp wasn't that bad. And Haruna, she was simply amazing. Controlling the Kongou and coordinating the Seydlitz and the Dresden in the same time, that was quite an impressive task. Would she be able to control something like the Ark? It was an interesting thought,but it would be most probably too much for any human. Even Kobol had problems at controlling that ship. And since it was eating so many resources, it was unlikely it would be ever used again anyway.

Even if now they were heading to the Andromeda, Alexander  was a little worried. Not necessarily about the mission, since hopefully, there weren't going to be any Invaders to oppose them, but more about what was happening back home. Even if the Zentraloberkommando was optimistic, the relative silence on the galactic front in the last time was.. worrying to say at least. The Invaders were good at fooling their enemies.. and the lack of major Invader offensives in the last time could only mean that they were preparing something big. Something really big. Hopefully, when the wave of Invaders was going to meet the Colonial lines, they weren't going to break. They couldn't break.

Suddenly interrupted from looking at her as she called him,  Alexander approached her and smiled when she asked her questions."Your hairband?", the young Colonial said, still smiling. "It looks amazing on you, of course. It really matches your eyes.". he said, managing to control himself and blushing only a little. "And your uniform?.. It might not be as bright as the uniforms I'm used with, but you look wonderful in it. I'm lucky to have such a beautiful second in command."

Unoccupied Star System
Within comms range of the Kongou

A Nagusian fleet was travelling through a nearby star system to the Kongou. A colonization fleet, it consisted of a the following:

1 Savior colony cruiser
1 Firefly Corvette
2 Darkray scout frigates
2 Ulterior Construction frigates
2 Stormwatcher Supply frigates

A small fleet, the Nagusi had already scanned the system in the past, and were flying to deploy a small 100 man colony on a planet rich with Pirisium, a crystal-like substance that the Nagusi used as fuel.

Morale was high, and scanners were active as the fleet made sure that the system was clear for colonisation. Depening on their mission's outcome, a larger colonisation fleet was scheduled to join the current fleet, to deploy additional Colonies onto the planet of interest.

Haruna gave Alexander a smile as he asked a question that many did. Haruna took pride in her work and position, but her decision and presence caused plenty of rumors to fly around.

"I know what you mean. It would seem strange but... I want to protect them... from themselves. Only those of the Star Fleet would understand, or even soldiers, like you, that the world isn't safe, that we live life on the edge every second. To protect Jupiterra from themselves, we of the Star Fleet has become autonomous. A cycle was predicted by Augustine Relikai, that Jupiterra would ultimately fall back into their wasteful and hedonistic ways with the concept of the Star Fleet present in Sol. However, such a presence is still required, and men and women are required to make the sacrifice. To protect the many through the sacrifice of the few, and when the time comes, the few will have to sacrifice even more, to prepare for another Civil War. Only the Star Fleet knew of this plan, but Jupiterra has caught wind of it. That is probably why they took Gaius. They thought that the Star Fleet would crumble from the loss of one man. They were right, but Gaius has prepared several individuals to take over from him. I only know of one, who is Fleet Admiral Kanzaki, but even you have seen, she lacked the mobility, the physical presence to drive people on."

Leaning back on the chair, Haruna stretched again.

"You can call me someone with severe Stockholm's Syndrome... But even if they were the only people left, I will still protect them. The people aren't responsible for the corruption which befell Jupiterra, they aren't responsible for me being who I am. I am born naturally, and everything was just... business. Commercial and entertainment. I may have hated that life, and me being in the Star Fleet was already a punishment so harsh that the Government would actually prefer me dead. Their cover-up was foiled by Gaius again, and now they know that I am alive, I am here, but out of their grasp."

"If I were simply dead, they will just find another person to replace Shimazaki Haruna. But the whole of Jupiterra knows that I exist in the Star Fleet, that news and updates could be gotten upon interaction, which ironically, would require them to join the Star Fleet. This is Gaius' way of getting back at Jupiterra. Like holding a laser light and pointing it at the ceiling, with the cats of Jupiterra unable to even touch me. All they can do is see me on their screens in the occasional holo-cast, but here, I am untouchable in a literal sense."

Looking back at Alexander, Haruna smiled again. "Untouchable, except by a particular someone."

Haruna stayed silent for a while. It was as if she did not want to hear the question, no... She already had her answer, but Alexander could see the conflict within her thoughts. It was as if he could feel Haruna's strongest emotions from where he was, and what he sensed right now, was shame.

"I... I told myself that if this was to be an act for Jupiterra and her system, then yes. I want to make sure that at least for the next century or two, Jupiterra will be able to survive as it's core self, a people who worked hard to colonize the largest planet in the Solar System. The rot could happen for several centuries, but left unchecked, Jupiterra would fall, Humanity may collapse upon itself. Without the sacrifice of many for the masses, Humans will fall upon themselves through complacency. Revolution, a change of ideals... it happens. Relikai's revolution was to purge corruption from Jupiterra, to install a new slate of discipline and ideals into the nation. It worked. However, mankind rebelled against Relikai's ideals over five hundred years, till this point where a totally different image of Relikai's ideals took hold.

"Like a patient undergoing emergency treatment, we have to give them the shock before our people flat lines, and disappeared into nothingness, without a pulse, without a trace... We were hoping that the Invaders might be a catalyst for the heart of Jupiterra to start beating again, but they are too weak. The Star Fleet will need to initiate procedures to stimulate the people, even if it might cause pain."

Finishing her explanation, Haruna took another sip of juice, seemingly in deep thought.

"You know about my past, Alexander. I sensed that Kanzaki has told you some, that you had seen in my dreams and nightmares, that I was the center of billions of lives. Idolised and worshiped, Shimazaki Haruna was the driving power behind most people. Getting off from work, they'd log into their terminals to read up the latest scoop in my life, to see me in adverts, modelling, acting, singing... Shimazaki Haruna, the perfect role model for Jupiterra. Everything was okay, or rather, everything seemed okay. Except for Haruna, who was weak, who needed an escape. Shimazaki Haruna, who escaped and abandoned billions of Jupiterrans for her own sake, Shimazaki Haruna, who did not want to be the center, the pillar, the cornerstone of her worshipers. She would rather spend her days away from the cameras, letting the people starve from the lack of news, the lack of exposure and insight into her life."

Haruna took a moment to pound her chest lightly, where Alexander could see, was where her heart is.

"Shimazaki Haruna was a traitor to the people of Jupiterra, to the government... she'd abandoned her duty, abandoned her people, for her own selfish wants. She'd seek to find her own happiness, instead of bringing happiness to others. She'd put the happiness of one, over the happiness of billions. Gaius Silverheart, who aided her in her wants, became known as a Jupiterran traitor, who sought to hide a national wonder away, in his own personal chambers, some said. Gaius Silverheart, who refused the order of the government, and continued to condemn Jupiterra... who hurt an innocent, who broke the life of Kanzaki when she was wounded..."

Haruna could not continue. Waving her hand at her eyes as she fought back tears, knowing that she could not break down now, Haruna blew into a piece of tissue before turning to Alexander.

"Star Admiral. I need to know your honest thoughts. Shimazaki Haruna knew her crimes and what she was guilty of. She needs yours. Should she surrender herself to Jupiterra and return everything to the status quo, or was what she did, right? No one is perfect, neither is she. An honest answer, Star Admiral."

Hearing Alexander's words, Haruna nodded. As much as she'd like to give Alexander an embrace as thanks, they were in an active state of war, as well as the risk of being seen all too real.

"Thank you, Star Admiral. I promise, that your trust in me would not be in vain. Even if the current generation of Jupiterra goes through much pain and suffering to purge itself of the poison, the successors of the Star Fleet will ensure that what we strove to do was right. I, being a Jupiterran myself, will ensure that the Star Fleet of Gaius Silverheart and Alexander Werther strove for justice, something which the people would thank us for five hundred years later, just as we still thank Augustine Relikai for his sacrifice."

Placing a hand on Alexander's, Haruna again gave him a smile as she turned back to her terminal. Alexander could have sworn that she wiped a tear off her eye. Tapping a button on her terminal, Haruna gave a General Quarters order just as the crew began filling into the Command Center.

"Aye Vice-Ad. Navigations are in green."
"Roger Vice-Admiral, armaments are warmed up and ready."
"Commanders, Flotilla disengaging from Hyper Warp in three minutes. Standing by for Particle Dispersion."

The countdown was tense, and the three ships entered the Andromeda System. At a slower speed, other fleets in FTL modes could catch up with them. However, it does not seem to be the case for now.

"Five, Four." Suddenly, Alexander could see Haruna place a gloved hand on her hairband. "Three, Two, One-"
"Disengaging Hyper Warp!" Haruna screamed as the galaxy materialized around the three ships. Haruna has counted to the final two Picoseconds of Hyper Warp, manually disengaging the systems as she overrode it from her terminal, causing the flotilla to disengage 800 kilometers from their original landing point. Just as it happened, the screens in the Command Center flared with light and beams, lasers and missiles crisscrossing at a point far ahead of them.

Their original landing point. It was a trap.

Invader cruisers and battleships materialized ahead of the Kongou as the PARDAR fired trillions of particles, illuminating them on the fire-control screens.

"Twenty ships, fifteen cruisers and five battleships. Sounds intimidating, but the JSRF Haruna took out two battleships on her own." Slexander heard Haruna announce over the ship's communication systems, raising the morale of the crew. Immediately, the Invaders turned as they were the ones caught by surprise, Haruna being the one to predict their tactics. The three human warships also got into position, the Kongou taking the lead as the battlecruiser sought to provide cover for the Colonial ships. Although they were by no means superior to the Invaders, the Colonial ships were a class of their own, and the newly modernized Kongou has proven it's effectiveness in the previous battle.

"Star Admiral Alexander, all stations ready. Typhoon fighters are standing by, Ballistic and Laser Cannons armed. Anti-Starbase Shatterer missiles prepared and locked on. Engaging Cyberlink."

Alexander would feel a slight mental tug as his mental vision shot into the multiple screens of the Kongou, but this time, the tug was minor, and he almost felt as ease. Haruna was prepared for a double-link this time, and had allocated full control of non-critical systems to their own crew, while Haruna held on to the weapons, shields and AI Typhoons.

"Not so much of a headache now huh!" Haruna exclaimed in her mind. "Choose your pick Star Admiral, but don't forget to keep your voice up in your physical form!"

Suddenly, their worst fears had come true. The Invaders were waiting for them. If not for Haruna's quick reaction, they would have fallen right in their trap. And judging by their forces, it would have been a deadly trap. All types of ships were always the most helpless right in the moments after ending FTL travel. But.. how did the Invaders know exactly where they were going to arrive? No time to think about that though.

"All hands, action stations!", Alexander said, more out of an reflex, just before the cyberlink was enabled. Luckily, this time it seemed to be more easier, probably because the crew was also active. And he had a lot more confidence this time. "Alright, let's do it!"

The decision to let the modernized Kongou in the front was a good one. Even if they were only Type III, and weren't modernized though, both the Seydlitz and the Dresden were powerful enough to pack a punch, just like most of the older Colonial ships. The Seydlitz was similar to how the Prinz Eugen was before the upgrade in many ways, after all, the two were sister ships, in the same class. The Dresden was a little smaller and faster, but also weaker. With the situation in the Milky Way deteriorating, it was clear that the Colonial Fleet couldn't afford sending anything too powerful.

With the Kongou in the front, the three ships advanced at full speed. Colonial fighters and drones were soon launched by the two battlestars, closely followed by Typhoon squadrons, entering and causing chaos in the Invader formations. Taken by surprise, the Invaders were only now entering formation, being probably a little confused. With the Kongou in the front, Alexander chose to try more of an aggressive strategy, attacking directly. The torpedoes of the Kongou and the salvos of the Seydlitz's main batteries soon destroyed two Invader cruisers, while the attacks of the fighters and the help of the Dresden took out a third one.
"They don't have a Marker, we have to do this quick before they call for reinforcements!", Alexander said, as he was trying to lead the Kongou and the Colonial ships to outmaneuver the battleships. While accelerating, the combined main batteries salvos of the Kongou, the Seydlitz and the Dresden managed to destroy another cruiser, and damage a third one.

Unfortunately, the Invaders, who still had 10 cruisers and five battleships, managed to regroup, opening fire. Having fifteen ships open fire in the same time.. while the number wasn't that great, the Invader ships, even if they were lacking on defense, were filled up with offensive means. Because of Haruna, the Kongou managed to resist. The Seydlitz was also a hard nut to crack. But the Dresden.. the Dresden was really old. A relic of the first Secession War.. it was so old, that its real origins had been lost. Even if the upgrades, the Dresden was worn out from all points of view. Heavily damaged, the Dresden broke formation. The only thing that saved it was Haruna's quick reaction, the Kongou turning around and protecting the Dresden. This time though too, the only thing that saved the Kongou was Haruna's incredible ability, controlling the shields, she managed to mostly protect it. Even so, the Kongou was shaken and lightly damaged.

The Seydlitz on the other hand quickly took advantage of the fact that the attention of the Invaders was attracted by the other two ships, and after a violent main battery fire, which destroyed the previously damaged cruiser, launched its Opilium rockets. Opilium,,.. in its middle form, between its raw and its pure form, it was probably one of the most unstable and destructive substances in the universe. It was a rash move.. but it payed off. Noticing the Seydlitz's attempt, Haruna fired the all lasers and torpedoes of the Kongou in the same time, severely damaging many of the enemy shields. Massive explosions shook off most of the Invader ships. Four out of the five battleships were destroyed, and eight of the 10 cruisers. The other Invader ships retreated, soon chased by fighters. The battle was over. For now.

---

"That was close...", Alexander said as the adrenaline started to wear off. The Kongou was in a little bit of a chaos right now, the crew running, occupied to check the exact damages the ship had went through. The Dresden was also in need of help. "Good job.. everyone."

"We had some good luck.. with a little repairs, the Dresden will be okay. It's a battlestar after all. But how did they know where we were going to exist FTL travel?..", Alexander said, more for himself."Local ships?", the young Colonial asked,looking at his terminal."Yeah, let's open communications with them. Maybe they can speak Galactic or Colonial Standard. But we should try to avoid talking about the Seydlitz and the Dresden. Until required, they aren't and they have never been Colonial."