Gra Valkas Empire
Ragna, Imperial Palace.
Emperor Gralux Office
His military advisors requested that Emperor Gralux hold an urgent meeting to discuss the Mu Empire's troop movements. Attending the meeting were:
- Xand Pastal, military leader of Gra Valkas
- Kaisar, imperial navy eastern fleet commander
- Myrkaenes, army commander
- Kurtz, Secretary of the Office of the Sovereign
- Mobarl, Chief of the Foreign Affairs Bureau
"Your Majesty, we requested this meeting because intelligence has confirmed a large-scale movement of the Mu Empire navy. The news we received from intelligence states that they will be conducting an amphibious assault on Leifor. The landing site is yet to be determined." Xand Pastal said.
"Oh, can't our navy attack the fleet?" asked Emperor Gralux.
"That is not possible in the timeframe in which the Mu Empire's attack is likely to take place. Our naval forces available near the location are still very weak due to yesterday's naval battle. Our ships are still on their way to Ragna. If we use our existing forces, not only will we have to battle with that fleet, we will still have to pass through the fleet of Mu Empire ships that defeated our fleet yesterday. The probability of winning both battles is very low with our existing forces. That fleet is still at sea between Laifor and Gra Valkas," said Kaisar.
"Then what can we do?" asked Emperor Gralux.
"For the time being, we can only strengthen our defenses along the coast between Leiforia and the border. Other than that, when we have enough naval power, we can attack. Hopefully, we can attack while they are still unloading our military hardware. But obviously, we don't have the ability to prevent the attack from happening." Xand Pascal said.
"What are our chances in the attack?" asked Emperor Gralux.
"In terms of army numbers, we still have a much larger force. The Mu Empire will not be able to attack with more than a few tens of thousands of soldiers, 100 thousands at most. Our army is still around half a million soldiers. Also, right now, we are much better prepared than when our army confronted the Mu Empire's army at the border. But the weakness is that the defense line is so long that our troops are spread quite thin." Xand Pascal said.
"Then how can we contain the enemy's movements after they land?" asked Emperor Gralux.
"The only thing we can do first is slow their movements, after which we can concentrate our troops at the point where they landed. For the time being, we don't know the location of the landing," said Xand Pascal.
"Aren't there any of our military assets that can track the ships' movements?" asked Emperor Gralux.
"Unfortunately not, Your Majesty. We have no aircraft that can keep an eye on them, nor do we have any submarines that can approach the coastal areas of Leiforia. They patrol very closely with destroyers," said Xand Pascal.
"There is nothing we can do but wait for them to land on Leiforia. Only then can we do something," said Kaisar.
"Hmmm, how difficult. If they manage to make landfall, then it will be very difficult for us to repel their attacks," said Emperor Gralux.
"That's true. Right now, it seems very difficult to do anything in Leifor. Should we just stay in the southern part of Leifor? Near the capital of Leiforia? While waiting for us to have enough strength to break their naval blockade," asked Myrkaenes.
"That's an interesting idea. Because the conditions there seem difficult to maintain. If we withdraw most of the troops and set up a defense line in the south, then we still have the air force strength of our air force bases in the south that have not been attacked by the Mu Empire," said Emperor Gralux.
"That tactic is possible. We just don't have enough power to defend the entire coastal area. We assume they will make an amphibious landing on the beach between Leiforia and the Mu-Leifor border," said Xand Pascal.
"We can't be in two places at once. With the danger of an amphibious assault, it is not possible for us to launch a new offensive against the Mu Empire forces besieging our troops at the border. We will try to harass the Mu Empire forces, but no more," said Myrkaenes.
"Alright, maybe we can come up with a plan that contains elements of both plans. We're starting to establish a defensive line in the south, but we're still trying to impede their troop movements after making an amphibious landing. We hope that our troops can hold off the enemy's troop movements for as long as possible. Practically speaking, it may not be feasible to push the enemy troops back into the sea, we don't have enough forces and don't have time to gather our troops at the point where the enemy troops landed." Xand Pascal said.
"Then what about our troops at the border?" asked the Emperor.
"Unfortunately, there is not much we can do for them. They should have enough supplies to survive. We hope that they will be able to hold out so as to prevent enemy troops from entering from the border until we can reinforce our troops in Leifor from Gra Valkas," said Xand Pascal.
"Alright, this seems to be a good plan. We will implement this plan," said Emperor Gralux.
It seemed that Emperor Gralux had realized that the conditions in Leifor were getting hopeless. Something had to be done to prevent this from turning into a disaster.
"What is the condition of the gathering force here? How long before we can start attacking the Mu Empire?" asked Emperor Gralux.
"It is estimated that we can begin military operations in about 2 weeks. However, our ships will only be reactivated in over a month," replied Xand Pascal.
"Can it be expedited? Order the reactivation process 24 hours a day," said Emperor Gralux.
"The reactivation may be accelerated. But the process of gathering military assets such as ships, troops, and combat vehicles cannot be accelerated due to distance. Even the reactivation time of the monthball fleet cannot be accelerated much because it still requires spare parts to be imported from various places in Gra Valkas," said Xand Pascal.
"Hmm, as much as possible, accelerate. We cannot abandon our troops in Leifor, let alone our troops at the border," said Emperor Gralux.
"Of course, Your Majesty. Our ships have already begun to gather around Ragna. In less than a week, we hope to have enough to break through the Mu Empire's naval blockade of Leifor, at least temporarily. At that time, we can send troops and military equipment, especially fighters," said Xand Pascal. "If we wait one week, then the numbers will rise enough for us to start a naval offensive."
"Alright, do your best immediately," said Emperor Gralux while closing the meeting.
In the end, the meeting ended. Outside the room, the meeting participants were whispering about why Emperor Gralux was not angry today due to the poor military conditions.
---oOo---
Annorial Empire, Magicaregia
The study of the leader of the Annorial Empire, Emperor Zaratosthra
Emperor Zaratosthra was working on the study when suddenly his secretary informed him that the deputy secretary general, Histaspia Durum, was about to meet him.
"Send him in!" Emperor Zaratosthra ordered his secretary.
Moments later, Histaspia Durum walked into his office and saluted Emperor Zaratosthra.
"What is it? You wanted to see me?" asked Emperor Zaratosthra.
"Report your majesty, I got new information from our embassy in HME," said Histaspia Durum.
"Oh, how did they react to our refusal?" asked Emperor Zaratosthra.
"They said that our decision and our stance will be notified to Milishial VIII as well as the participants in the 11-country conference," said Hispastia Durum.
"Hah, leave it alone. They have their hands full with their dispute with Gra Valkas. They won't care much about us as long as we keep quiet. We can just reap the rewards later, after the war is over." Emperor Zaratosthra said.
"That's right, Your Majesty. But I report the bad news obtained from the meeting with the HME official." Hispatia Durum said.
"What is it?" asked Emperor Zaratosthra.
"They have apparently begun to take out and dismantle both the Revernal Empire satellite and the Revernal beacon. It seems that they have also begun to destroy the rest." Hispatia Durum said.
"Whaaaat!!!?" shouted Emperor Zaratosthra.
Hispastia Durum handed over a folder containing the photos obtained from the HME side.
"It seems that they are really capable of carrying out what was said the other day. They have also notified all members of the 11-country conference, so all countries in Elysia are now starting to search for and secure the Revernal beacon. We received reports from several locations that the Revernal beacon is currently heavily guarded," said Hispastia Durum.
Emperor Zaratosthra only heard Hispastia Durun's words while looking at the photos handed to him. The distinctive shapes of the Revernal Empire satellite and the Revernal beacon that no one in Elysia had ever known caused him to realize the truth of the photos. There was also an enlargement of the photo that showed the internal parts of the two objects, revealing the magic circuit surface. This showed that the two objects were really being studied. This caused him to feel even angrier that anyone would dare to tamper with the Revernal Empire's satellites and Revernal beacons, which could cause the secret of the Revernal Empire's return to be revealed and prevented.
"Damn those lowly nations!!! How wretched they are. We must prevent it, otherwise, the return of the Revernal Empire can be prevented. Do you have any ideas?" asked Emperor Zaratosthra.
"Frankly speaking, we have enough Revernal beacons to make the Revernal Empire return. According to the data we have, only 3 active beacons are needed for the Revernal Empire to return, we currently have 4. What is difficult is the satellite component of the Revernal beacons. We do not have access to space. This makes it difficult for us. Do we activate the satellites and beacons immediately before all the satellites are destroyed?" asked Hispastia Durum.
"That is also difficult to do. We need to be able to place the beacons in predetermined places. There are places in countries that are hostile towards us in HME. That is very difficult. But your information is a bit wrong. If we have four beacons, that is enough to get the Revernal Empire back without satellite components. We can also likely launch the satellite components into orbit using our core magic launchers. We also have one satellite that is currently being researched. Order that it be restored to its original state so that it can be launched, and order that research into the use of core magic launchers as a means to launch satellites be conducted." Emperor Zaratosthra ordered.
"Does this mean that with only 4 revernal beacons on the ground, we can restore the Revernal Empire?" asked Hispastia Durum for reassurance.
"Out of the 8 sources about it, there is 1 source that says so, while the other 7 do not mention anything. So the possibility exists, but it is not certain. That's why we must keep trying to launch the Revernal satellite into orbit," said Emperor Zaratosthra. "To only use four beacons is our backup plan. We should also try to get at least one more beacon in case one of the beacons fails."
"Yes, your highness, I will order our R&D to do so," said Hispastia Durum.
"Then what about the readiness of our magic cores?" asked Emperor Zaratosthra.
"We have enough components to make 22 Core Magic and their launchers. But right now, those components are placed in separate places so that no one knows what they are used for. As you know, we are also preparing four launch sites for the magic cores. That is where the final assembly of all the core magic components will take place," said Hispastia Durum.
"Hmm, leave two launchers for satellite launching purposes," ordered Emperor Zaratosthra.
"Yes, Your Majesty. That means we have 20 core magics, Your Majesty." Hispastia Durum said.
"Can we create additional magic cores?" asked Emperor Zaratosthra.
"We are doing the research, but as of now we cannot produce the core magic, especially in the warhead. But actually, we still have about 10 incomplete components. If we can complete them, then theoretically we could have 30 magic cores," said Hispastia Durum.
"Can we get them from sites outside the Annonrial Empire and members of the 11-country conference?" asked Emperor Zaratosthra. "Or, in other words, from countries with low military and technological capabilities."
"We detected some of the old Revernal Empire's core magic launch sites. I will order them to retrieve the components." Hispastia Durum said.
"Alright, do it immediately. We can't lose with this. Remember that HME also knows about this core magic."
"Of course, Your Highness." Hispastia Durum said.
Thus, Hispastia Durum excused himself and ended the meeting between the two people.
---oOo---
Solar System 2NK1
200 light years from Elysia
This system is where the testing of all the systems of 'Cochem', including the weaponry, is carried out. There were a number of astroids that had been prepared to be used as targets for the 'Cochem'. Two Gozanti cruisers, each carrying four TIE fighters, four armed light frighters, and one medium frighter to carry the test-related equipment, were currently guarding the system.
'Cochem' arrived in the 2NK1 system together with several escort ships, namely 1 Galactica class battlestar as the flagship, 3 Concordat class destroyers, and 8 K'tinga class attack cruisers. There are also three armed light freighters carrying various components from 'Cochen' as supplies in case 'Cochen' is damaged during trials. Additionally, a Concordat-class destroyer with three CR90 Corvettes carrying Myto Empire officials was present during the test. Trevat was also watching the trials, so some of his active personal fleet—which included 6 CR90 Corvettes, 14 Concordat Class Destroyers, 30 K'tinga Class Attack Cruisers, 7 Galactica Class Battlestar and 1 Imperial Star Destroyer named "Myto"—was also present. In addition, there were also starships belonging to Governor Ira, namely 1 Galactica Class Battlestar and 8 K'tinga Class cruisers. Governor Ira opted not to bring his personal ship, an Imperial Class star destroyer, because he was traveling with Trevat.
The starships carrying the spectators gathered on one side, and the 'Cochen' and its escort ships moved towards the test site. The escort starships of the 'Cochen' were behind the 'Cochen' and in a slightly spread-out position so as to provide security but not interfere with the trials.
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15 minutes after that.
Star Destroyer 'Myto' Fleet Bridge.
Moff Trevat and Governor Ira sat in the seats facing the main viewscreen installed at the front of the fleet bridge. The Fleet Bridge is a separate place from the command bridge where the entire fleet can be controlled. The fleet bridge is located inside the hull of the stardestroyer itself, so it is highly protected. In addition, the Fleet Bridge also serves as a backup to the Command Bridge. The fleet bridge is arranged like the bridge in Star Trek TOS, with a much larger size because it has to accommodate more people, and the console not only faces the wall but also faces the center. At the back of the bridge is also a chart plotting room connected to the Fleet Bridge, where strategic and tactical planning of the entire fleet is done.
In addition to the addition of the Fleet Bridge on his dedicated stardestroyer, Trevat also installed armored shutters on all windows in the command bridge that could be quickly closed and an independent shield protecting the command bridge. Trevat did not want the fiasco that happened to the super stardestroyer Executor to happen, where the command bridge could be destroyed with a single strike.
"Moff, 'Cochen' is in position and ready to run the test," said a communications officer.
"Very good. Order to proceed." Trevat said.
"Actually, this is a bit redundant, because the 'Cochen' has already been tested on Trantor." Ira said.
"Yes, but I really want to see the efficacy of our new weapons, the Transform Cannon and linear coupling distruptor array." Trevat said.
"You are so obsessive about that linear coupling distruptor array weapon, you even gave it a strange name, phaser array." Ira said it suspiciously.
"Not really. This weapon will theoretically be very good because it can produce a greater output than a turbolaser and also because its continuous nature will provide great energy to the target so that the shield or hull can easily be penetrated. Also, the field of fire is so large that there is no need for many such weapons on a starship." Trevat said defensively.
Ira just scoffed at Trevat out of contex answer.
Fortunately, Trevat was saved by an announcement from the communications officer, "Moff, the 'Cochen' is about to begin trials."
Seen on the viewscreen, 'Cochen' performed various extreme maneuvers. This was possible because the thrusters on its equator could be moved, creating a vectored thrust. As a result, the maneuverability of the 'Cochen' is extreme, almost like a starfighter.
"Are the intertial compensators on the 'Cochen' capable of dealing with that maneuver?" Trevat asked Governor Noona through hypercomm communication on his armrest.
"We have designed extra-heavy-duty inertial compensators for the 'Cochen', Moff. In our simulations, the maximum G force they experience in the most extreme moneuvers is only 1.2 G." Governor Noona replied over hypercomm.
"If the thruster of the 'Cochen' is enlarged so that its speed can be increased, then even starfighters will have difficulty facing it in a 1-on-1 combat or dogfight." Ira said admiringly.
"This alone is already difficult to deal with. 'Cochen's' speed is 90 MGLT, whereas a TIE/Ln or X-Wing Fighter alone is only 100 MGLT. Because he has quite a lot of point defense weapons, even a squadron of TIE/Ln Fighters or Rebel X-wings will be shredded." Trevat said this in amazement. "This is supermanueverability."
"Hmm, maybe that's the right term." Ira said.
"What is the maneuverability of the 'Cochen'?" Trevat asked Governor Noona over hypercomm.
"It is currently 90 DPF. We haven't had time to install the weight-reducing field device that was recently researched. If that device can be installed on the 'Cochen', then our simulations show that the speed of the 'Cochen' can reach 115 MGLT and its maneuverability reaches 100 DPF." Governor Noona said it over hypercomm.
"Wow, that's more than a old style starfighter can do!" said Ira.
At that moment, the viewscreen showed a large number of drones approaching the 'Cochen' and attacking using a very low-capability laser (about 1 kW) with a very bright color, just to show the direction of the attack. 'Cochen' maneuvered nimbly to avoid most of the shots. The 'Cochen's' 4 point defense type 4 weapons started firing, and part of the drone was brought down. After that, the linear coupling distruptor array or phaser weapon of 'Cochen' started firing. Each segment of the weapon could fire in a different direction, so the volume of fire from 'Cochen' increased dramatically. Soon, all the attacking drones were destroyed.
"Well, that's the advantage of a phaser, Ira. Besides being able to fire with a large output, it can also be used as a point defense weapon, each element can be aimed at a different target," said Trevat to Ira.
"Hmm, that means 'Cochen' can be used as an anti-star fighter ship, huh? Truly a multirole starship." Ira said while holding his chin.
"Governor, order the starship designer to make a starship with a size of about 30 meters that can be used as a heavy starfighter. Use the spinal mount superlaser as its main weapon." Trevat ordered Governor Noona through the hypercomm.
"Yes, moff." Governor Noona replied via hypercomm.
After that, 'Cochen' began to use his main weapons, namely the turbolaser, ion cannon, transform cannon, and phaser, to destroy various simulated targets in the form of fixed targets in the form of shielded astroids and mobile targets in the form of junk starships, but can still function marginally with reinforced shields.
The result of the research is that the transform cannon can act like a proton bomb that has a large enough yield but has stand-off delivery capability. Meanwhile, the phaser array has an energy output capability that can approach a spinal mount of the same size.
"At least we know the capabilities of these new weapons from live tests," said Ira.
"That's right, because transform cannons have already begun to be installed on various starships, including the star destroyer 'Myto'." said Trevat.
"I also agree with your opinion that we can make a smaller ship that is used as a heavy fighter. A ship with a 30m diameter would have a larger internal volume than an ordinary ship of the same size, and besides having good maneuverability, it would have enough firepower to rival a corvette or even a frigate, let alone in a swarm." Ira said.
"That's right, Ira," said Trevat, who was watching closely on the viewscreen as the 'Cochen' destroyed a shielded astroid with a phaser array.
The test lasted for almost 3 hours, which was cut short for breaks and lunch. After all the tests were completed, the hypercomm and holonet were full of congratulations to Governor Noona for making such an excellent starship. Trevat and Ira were among those congratulating Governor Noona.
After some time, the hypercomm and holonet became quiet again, and the starship escorting the 'Cochen' and preparing for the trials were busy cleaning up the remnants of the trials. They destroy or retrieve all the equipment left after the trials. This was done so that no one could obtain technology from the Empire.
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Fleet Bridge, Stardestroyer 'Myto'
"Well, that's a wrap. Shall we go to Trantor, or shall we go straight back to Elysia?" Trevat asked Ira.
Before Ira could answer, there was a sudden sound of the red alert klaxon, and the red alert lights flashed on the Fleet Bridge.
"Moff, we are receiving a distress signal from Star System K17T, they are being attacked by our 'friends' who used to fight there." Captain Lockhi, commander of the stardestroyer 'Myto', said over the intercom from the command bridge.
"What? They were attacked? What's the condition?" asked Trevat through the intercom.
"Our ships are temporarily retreating while putting up a fight. The enemy force is too great for them. There are no casualties on either side at the moment," said Captain Lockhi.
Trevat looked at Ira for a while.
"I think we should help them," said Ira.
"Right, I agree," said Trevat.
"Captain, order the starships from Trantor, including the 'Cochen', to return to Trantor immediately. Prepare our fleet for the K17T star system." Trevat ordered.
"Yes, moff," replied Captain Lockhi.
Ira approached the communications officer and said, "Order the fleets on Elysia except the home fleet and Elysia Defense Fleet to head for Star System K17T immediately. Put Elysia on high alert. Tighten patrols in Elysia. Hurry."
"Yes, governor." The communications officer said.
Within minutes, all starships in star system 2NK1 split into two and each entered hyperspace to their respective destinations, some back to Trantor and most to star system K17T.