Project Relia: Project Relia: Ashes of Ordessa

Chapter 1 ~Dia-Meinz~

Thunder began to sound in the distance, a dull rumble. The first drops of the coming rain started hitting the sidewalks of Denbae. What had become of Reina and Relia? How fast a day of birthday shopping turned into total chaos. When the attack started, they were separated by a panicked crowd. Dia-Mainz knew Reina would to get to a shelter, but which one? City wide plans were constructed after the first few skirmishes with the Drac, but that was 10 years ago. No one ever expected a full scale attack on the home planet, but here it was. It was happening right now.

He ran as fast as he could to the closest outpost. Two armed guards stood ready to drop anyone attempting to gain illegal entry. They trained their pulse-rifles on him as he approached.

"STOP! Identify yourself!!!" The senior officer demanded as the rain started soaking the ground

"I am Dia-Meinz Cohl, Lance Lieutenant of the 14th star." Dia replied showing his identify card. The two guards snapped to attention "Sir! Yes, sir! What the hell's going on Sir?!"

"We are under attack from orbit. At this point, you know as much as I do." Dia stated "Good work. Stay sharp, we'll get through this. I will try to have someone keep you informed."

"Thank you, sir. Please enter." The grunt said, somewhat calmer than a minute ago.

Dia made his way to the command center of the Operations Base. "Lieutenant Cohl reporting, sir! Your orders."

A holographic image of the Fleet Commander Citan Ferdn appeared in the middle of the room, as well as several holo-markers to signify each Lance Lieutenant. "We are under attack from an unknown force. We have gotten ident image of one large ship in orbit firing on the city of Denbae."

"Yes, sir. I can confirm their target. I am here in Denbae now." Dia reported

"Thank you, Lieutenant Cohl. Lieutenants, this ship's attack is cutting deep into the planet. We estimate the assault could destroy our planet if it is not stopped." The F.C. reported "We need all wings in the air five minutes ago. Lieutenant Gert, you are in command. Then Horda, then Cohl. Take them down!"

"SIR, YES, SIR!" The lieutenants replied together.

Dia raced to the small hangar bay, signaled all wings in the air, and issued the rally point coordinates. He performed the fastest pre-flight of his life, hopped into the pit, and powered the engines.

The whine of the model 722 MARA engine of the fighter always seemed to calm Dia, though the trip to the rally point let his thoughts drift to his girls. Were they okay? Were they somewhere safe? He needed to push the questions out of his mind, and focus on the task at hand.

There were 320,000 fighters in the Planetary Defense Fleet, however his grid only counted about 400.

"This is Lance Leader Cohl to Pilot In Command, (P.I.C.), come in" Dia called on a sea channel.

"Lieutenant Cohl, Lieutenants Gert and Hort were launching from the central bay. It was hit before their stars got out. This is all that's left. You are in command."

Dia swallowed hard. He had never been in command before. Fear began to creep up his body. He felt his stomach twinge at the thought of screwing up. He gave himself five seconds to be terrified, then forced it from his mind.

He heard Reina's voice in his head, I love you Dia. Always remember that.

"Roll call, I need to know what we have flying!"

The reports were coming in: 16 heavy bombers, each with six torpedoes. 12 boarding shuttles each with 20 marines. 22 shield boats and a ton of small fighters. This didn't bode well.