Alpha Centauri IV. The space carrier T.F.S. Merrimack, flagship of Admiral Keogh sits in orbit. In a briefing room onboard several more Admirals and Generals are here as well. A map of several star systems is currently on display.
"OK Admiral Elliot, what does Intellegence think about it?"
Admiral Thomas Elliot steps up to the front.
"Planet Zeta Gadni II. It used to be one of our main bases in that sector until it fell to the Kzatti. They use the runway for their fighters to raid nearby systems. Now is the time to strike and take it back.
"General Massey?"
General Simon Massey steps up.
"Space Marines from the 3rd, 7th, 9th and 12th fleets will sweep in, in both fighters and shuttles and secure the runway and surrounding areas of any enemy activity."
"Casualties?"
"Should be minimal."
"Very well. Let Operation Thunderbolt get underway."
*****
T.F.S Lexington galley. The marines line up for morning chow.
"Check this out!" says Tundra "Steak and eggs."
"There's only one reason were getting this stuff." says Blaze
"Today's the day." says Miles
An hour later in the main briefing room, every space marine squadron on the Lexington is here. Captain Zimmerman enters.
"Ten-HUT!"
"As you were. Listen up. Were going in. Zeta Gadni II is the target. 21st and 38th will be going in to sweep the area of enemy fighters while the rest go in shuttles and secure the area. Let's make it happen!"
On board the bridge of the Merrimack the respective Admirals and Generals are standing over a printout of the base.
"All right, lets get going." says Keogh "Tell all battleships to open fire and soften it up down there."
"All battleships, commence fire. Repeat: commence fire."
In orbit of the planet 6 battleships bombard the surface with main guns as the fighters and shuttles head down. Kzatti troops are scattering in every direction. Near the airfield, two fighters get ready to fly.
"Two fighters just waiting to be taken" says Tim "who wants 'em?"
"They're mine!" says BJ
BJ swoops in and fires before they can get ten feet off the ground.
"Do ya hafta hog all the targets?" says Miles "What is it, one battleship, 2 cruisers, 3 destroyers and numerous fighters you've peronally taken out?"
"What can I say, I'm an ace."
As all the fighters and shuttles land, all the marines hop out and take up position. The 21st goes inside a building to secure it. It looks like an old fashoined restaurant.
"Secure." reports Tundra
""I swear I was off Route 66 back home." says Tim
"Must have been great stationed here." says Kirby
*****
In orbit, the space carrier T.F.S. Manchester holds position. Captain Nigel Burton in command.
"Captain, I'm reading a lone enemy fighter near the second moon."
"Coming or going Mr Harris?" says Burton
"Going sir. Probably just a scout."
"Maybe. Launch the 184th reserve and tell them to take that pest out of my sky."
"Aye sir."
Three fighters launch from the Manchester and pursue the lone fighter.
"Voodoo 3 this is Voodoo 1, feel free to take him out."
"Thank you sir."
The fighter goes around the moon, but after several minutes does not come around.
"Base this Voodoo 1 were going on the other side. He may have been damaged."
"Copy."
As the two fighters round the moon they are greeted by..... Back on the surface of Zeta Gadni II most of the soldiers have gathered together outside congratulating each other. BJ is listening on earphones.
"Manchester's been destroyed! It's a trap! Enemy fighters heading for the planet! They're jamming------
"Holy---! SCRAMBLE!! SCRAMBLE!!!
Everyone takes cover as Kzatti fighters swoop in and strafe the area and destroy most of the fighters and shuttles on the ground. The 21st hide in a bomb crater.
""What the heck is going on?!" shouts Tim
"It was a trap!" says BJ "The Manchester's been destroyed! They're jamming the radio's!"
****
In orbit on the Yorktown, enemy fighters swoop in and take shots.
"Sha'biza!" swears Wazim "Where'd they come from?!"
"This was a trap!" says Hood
"Get us out of here Wazim!" shouts Outlaw
"Yes sir!"
A section of the ceiling over the helm explodes and hits Wazim. He goes down hard.
"Robert take over!" shouts Outlaw
As Robert takes the helm, Isis looks over Wazim. She looks up and shakes her head no. A panel near the back explodes in sparks.
""Sir, They're calling a general retreat!" says Muldoon
"You heard him! Let's move it Mr. Hood!"
*****
Back on planet, the 21st is trying to shoot down enemy fighters with what they have with some success. Admiral Keogh comes on the radio to address what troops are left.
"You have all fought well. But the safety of the fleet comes first. We will provide supply drops when we can. The battle up here has been a draw so far. Both fleets are leaving. We will come back for you, I promise. It'll just take time. Good luck."
All the 21st can do is sit there in stunned silence.
One Month Later...
The 21st has just finished burying several soldiers and end the small funeral.
"Hey check that out." says Levy
They all look up to see bright spots amid the night sky.
"Ships in orbital combat." says Kirby "There's a battle going on up there."
"I wonder how their doing." says Danny
"Is that a shooting star or debris?" says Blaze
BJ looks with bionculars.
"Escape pods!"
"Can you make out the name of the ship their from?" says Tim
"Alexander, Horizon and Normandy.
"That can't be good." says Tundra
"Come on, lets get to where they're landing." says Tim
"Isn't the Alexander Silver's ship?" says Miles
As the 21st reach the area, the survivors pile out of the escape pods. Captain Silver climbs out just as the 21st come by and they salute.
"As you were." says Silver
"Lieutenant Tim London, squad leader of the 21st."
"What happened up there Captain?" says Miles
"It's a mess." says Silver "It took us a month to mobilize to get back here. Most of the survivors here are from the Alexander. The others here are lower deck crew from the other two ships we lost. And these pods aren't going anywhere soon."
"Welcome to the party sir." says BJ
2 Months later....
At the restaurant on the airfield, the ship survivors, the 21st and several more men are firing toward a hill. The restaurant is shot up pretty good.
"Cease fire!" shouts Silver "Cease fire!"
"Ha! We beat 'em!" says BJ "They'll think twice before engaging us again!"
"Don't get cocky Ensign. Mr. Gordon, form a burial detail."
"Aye sir."
Danny walks up to Tim.
"Well?"
"Levy and Duffy are dead. Cunningham was hit in the shoulder. Kirby was grazed in the arm."
"We gotta get off this planet!" moans a marine
"Uh, ensign I din't catch your name?" says Tim
"Potter sir."
"Potter. Help Danny here in treating our wounded."
"Yes sir."
Silver walks up to Tim.
"All the crew from the Horizon are dead, only 4 left from the Normandy."
"This isn't good."
"Incoming!"
Everyone srambles outside to see a Federation fighter come in smoking. It lands on the runway but the landing gear gives and it skids several yards before stopping. The pilot jumps out and runs.
"Get down!" shouts Silver
Everyone ducks as the fighter explodes. The pilot looks back and then heads for the restaurant. He is a Fox-Sapien.
"Lt Rif, reporting for duty sir."
"Glad to have you."
"Welcome to the show." says Miles
"So what's going on up there?" says Silver
"They keep telling us we'll win this planet back anyday." says Rif "I'm not so sure. There have been half a dozen fights in the past two months. We've lost 3 more carriers and the battleship Sarajevo.
"What about the Yorktown?" says Miles
"Oh, it's still fighting. Outlaw refuses to see it go."
10 weeks later.....
Everyone is still gathered around the restaurant. Suddenly the only working radio crackles to life.
"Attention ground troops and ship survivors. The planet is ours! We are sending shuttles to pick you up. Stand by."
Everyone cheers as several shuttles come down and land. Several hours later in Lexington sickbay. All the survivors are lying in beds. Captain Zimmerman and Admiral Keogh walk in.
"Congratulation all of you. I realize you don't know so I'll tell you. The Kzatti have withdrawn from this sector. They got tired of fighting for the same real estate. Captain Silver, you and your crew performed above and beyond the call of duty. You will all be rewarded for your bravery. Again, congratulations."
Both men leave the room.
"Man, am I glad that's over with." says BJ
"Say Rif, we're in need of a couple replacements, care for the job?" says Tim
"Sure, why not."
"Welcome aboard hot shot." says Miles
The End