Final Battle Part 2: Sweeping Wind

"Admiral Keogh we've lost too many ships and fighters. The Zandar are reporting the same."

"The Cutani?"

"More ships coming from their territory to finish the job.

"Sir, Admiral Vincent in charge of the 5th and 6th fleets is on his way. They'll be here in a minute."

"This war isn't over yet. Keep pouring it on!"

Yorktown.

"All survivors have been transferred to the escape ship." says Muldoon

"Let's get back in there Ms Sally!" says Outlaw

"Aye sir."

****

In the cockpit of a fighter. Lt Kevin Sherman is trying to keep his squadron together.

"Kit Leader to Kit 7 fighter at your 9:00."

"Got em sir."

"This is Kit 4, 5 enemy fighters strafing the destroyer Jupiter.

"This is Kit Leader, I seen 'em. Let's go."

"This is Griff 3 to Kit 9, behind you."

"Get 'em off me! Augh!!!"

"Charlie! Eat laser you filthy Cats!"

"Enemy destroyer heading for the Merrimack."

"All Kit's follow me and protect the Merrimack."

*****

"Admiral, carriers Taiho and Franklin destroyed. Battleship Saipan also gone. Destroyers Pegasus, Grissom and Mojave gone as well." reports Reeves

"Close up the lines! Let's get some results!" says Keogh

"Zandar flagship destroyed." says Dunn "Kzatti destroyer coming up on the port side."

The ship begins to rock with hits.

"182nd squadron trying to divert her attention."

"She's on a collision course!"

"Brace for impact!"

The Kzatti destroyer gets closer and then a heavy shot pounds it and it misses them by inches.

"Report!"

"Battleship Guadalcanal took her out sir."

"My regards to her captain. What's the situation below decks?"

"Fire in engine room #2, under control. Damage to decks 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, and 12. Hull breach on deck 7."

"Hangar bays?"

"Operational so far."

"Kzatti fleet in retreat sir!"

"Heading?"

"Kzat Prime."

"From what I hear sir the Cutani will finish the job permanently." says Reeves

"Let's get moving!" says Keogh

"Message from Cutani General Reji sir."

"Put him on."

Admiral Reji appears on a screen.

"Admiral Keogh, you may stand down your forces. We will finish this."

"What do you plan to do?"

"What we should have done years ago: eliminate the Kzatti!"

"What?!"

"The Kzatti are a ruthless people who are going to get what they deserve! They've exteriminated billions and now they will pay."

"But there must be a way---"

"No! As you say "Butt Out"! We shall finish this!"

Reji's image fade's from the screen.

"Orders Admiral?"

"I want to take a small force to observe. Have the battleship Guadalcanal, cruisers Yorktown and Akagi acommpany us."

"Yes sir."

On Yorktown bridge. They all witness as the Cutani Fleet flattens the surface of the Kzatti homeworld.

"Picking up a distress call from the surface." says Scout

"Let's have it."

"Please stop your bombardment! There are women and children down here! Don't you understand?! Terran Fleet, help us! Forget our past! Stop the Cutani-----"

"I've lost contact, sir." says Scout

"Why are they doing this?" says Saphire

"Revenge." says Outlaw "Simple, cold revenge."

"All ships, let's go home."

*****

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Terran Federation. Stand by for an announcment from the President."

"Citizens of the Terran Federation. The war is over. But it cost us and others. The Cutani military exacted a revenge that had been simmering among them for many years. The Kzatti homeworld is flattened. As of today, November 11, 2356 7:32 pm, GST I hearby declare the war over. Now the process of rebuilding begins. Congratulations.

*****

Outlaw narrates

"The war was over and the Kzatti were spread out over half the quadrant looking for a new home. The Cutani made no apologies. And the Terran Federation continued it's mission of exploration. What was left of the crew from the Corregidor were decorated for their bravery. But we had not seen the last of the Kzatti. Not by a long shot.

The End