The night is silent in Poseidon harbour as three squads of five UNT soldiers slowly make their way towards the massive shore-gun emplacements. Jackson signals his troop to crouch down as a group of guards walk by casually, talking leisurely as if the war never existed. A small shadow emerges behind them and executes the both with two daggers. The troop continues their advance, hoping that they did not waste much time and ruined the entire synchronized detonation.

"KABOOM!" All three gun emplacements guarding Poseidon harbour are destroyed, floodlights begin turning on, illuminating the entire harbor, but not quick enough to spot the UNT troops diving into the ocean.

Nothing happens later on...... Jackson was patient, he knew they needed the bright sunlight 7 hours later for a massive advantage. He waited, at the same time, he gave the shore guards something to panic upon.

"All available units in hundred kilometer radius report to Poseidon Harbor. Repeat--" Hawke flicked the radio switch off.

"General?"

"I heard the man. Mobilize the Dragon."

The Dreadnought Walker slowly rose to its feet from its crouching position. "Strap in, all." the voice blared on the speakers. The Dragon broke into a run, its enormous footsteps shaking the ground. The Dragon was the only one of its class that was able to run, albeit for a short time. The Dragon's supporting units and snipers were like a swarm, every Walker at top speed heading towards the harbor.

When they reached Poseidon, the sun was about to rise, and other Mech battalions had already assembled, awaiting orders. At the hills at the east of the harbour, sniper and artillery units readied themselves. No one knew why so many units were called to the harbor. Their only clue as to what was going to happen were the twisted ruins of three gun placements facing the sea.

"Defense position. Hold position." the radio crackled.

Whatever was coming, the mechanical Gods of War were ready.

"SS Illustrious and DD Blackjack, launch cruise missiles at Poseidon harbor, commence 30cm barrage. Distract their attention while we take over the empty Taros harbor."

Fifteen naval guns begin raining a massive bombardment of shells onto the harbor, an intelligence ship also begins to play pre-recorded gunfire sounds on it's speakers. These dummies are here only for a reason, to distract the L.A.A.F's main force while the battlefleet advances upon the empty Taros Harbor and dispatches a small ground force to assist the Dune stalker's taking of the ground command center located fifty miles behind Taros harbor. Once these bases were taken, the Imperial control over the thousand islands are bound to be lost.

Aircraft begin launching off the CV Prince of Wings, their pilots knew that they were going to be part of a gigantic operation today, an operation to spark a war, to serve in a Revolution. The flagship Endeavour begins barraging the massive Taros harbor with it's four three barrelled 60cm guns, the Imperial defenses crumble within minutes of continuous bombardment, paving a free way for unexperienced marines to begin their first taste of battle on the ground since they left base 12 months ago. One of them looks up as a gunship lands beside him, transforming into a ground battle mecha and taking out several enemies ahead, he screams a war cry and begins firing at the massively outnumbered and almost unarmed Imperial defenders.

Jackson sits in his ship and starts wondering how his old nemesis is dealing with Poseidon harbor now........

The Dreadnought was barely scratched as it was struck by the first barrage. "Artillery cannons and snipers focus target on dual ships opening fire on the harbor. Dragon taking fire. Will retaliate." The Dragon raised its cannon-arms and fired off a series of blasts at the Endeavor, but missing and making waves in the sea. The General cursed and ordered for all assault units to proceed with the standard counterattack strategy, swarm and push through. The General never expected the whole Revolution Navy to attack the harbor. But something was wrong. The gunfire was too loud, with too little casualties.

"Sniper Unit under Orion. Scout for targets in the vicinity." As the general barked orders, the L.A.A.T. was bringing in new reinforcements. "Dreadnoughts Rivald and Core on their way. ETA fifteen minutes." one channel screeched out. "Empire Special Engagement Forces on their way. Give us... uh, how long? Ten minutes, at our pace. Harrow out." another channel called out. the general grinned insanely. This battle would show the puny Revolution the true strength of the Empire.

Orion sat at the controls of the twin cannons, his spotter scanning for targets. "Taros harbor. Massive enemy fleet spotted. All snipers open fire." The boom of the sniper cannons of every Mech could be heard for miles. "Artillery firing." The Taros attackers were blown off one by one, but more just kept coming. "Low on ammo. Requesting supply units on area 56-B3 hillside."

Hell. The battle was at Taros while the idiot General was bringing two more dreadnought to Poseidon. Orion sighed. it wasn't his affair to meddle in. He just carried out his orders.

"Special Units, detour to Taros harbor." Harrow pushed the pedals hard and swung his mech towards the right, keeping in the forest. Their unit had been airdropped at the other edge of the island. What an irritation to have to come all the way to the other. "Taros harbor. Sounds like a nice place."

"You said it." a voice came over the radio. The mechs were to do a few hit-and-run attacks before being picked up for repairs.

"Holy." Harrow swore. The Taros harbour was almost taken, with the last few Walkers taking heavy fire before falling.

"This is commander Slight of the CT special forces. Taros is being taken." Although some enemy Mechs were being sniped by distant Snipe Mechs, it wasn't enough.

"CT squad retreating."

Observing the entire battle from his bridge with a happy smile on his face, everything was going on the way Jackson wanted it to, suddenly a piece of lead cuts off a strand of hair. Aware of the situation, Jackson immediately runs to get his binoculars and starts looking at the hills far ahead. He spots the failed assailant, a Sniper Mech.

Jackson quickly runs to the back of the bridge and snatches a long range rifle from the hands of a soldier. Taking a very sharp aim and calculating the range bullet drop all in two seconds, Jackson pulls the trigger thrice without hesitation. Three 10mm bullets cut through the air, the first one breaks the glass of the mecha's cockpit, the second kills the commander, the third injures the gunner's leg. The Admiral throws the gun back to the soldier and directs all sniper on board the Endeavour to take out the sniper mechs on the hillside while he makes his way back to the bridge, roaring a loud request for a status report of the entire fleet and the battle.

"Divert main force to Taros harbor." The general muttered. They would have won in a straight-up head to head skirmish, but this was taking too long. "Where are the special guerrillas? Gorgon team, form up on my left. Helix on my right. Regall, take command. Support with artillery." The general slid into his customized assault mech and dropped from the hangar hatch of the Dragon, landing and breaking into a run, with two squads of Walkers on his sides. The army's morale rose at the sight of the General, and roared in approval. "Break through the middle and hold on until the Dreadnoughts get there. Go. GO!" the general pushed his controls to the maximum, and the walker thrust forward sprinting, in its arms a formidable assault rifle engraved with the words: Ares.

The Core thundered into view. A Class Three Dreadnought, it packed a good load of firepower but moved at a slow pace. An artillery shell smashed into the ground, sending mechs rocketing into the air and men screaming in pain. The R56 Support/Battle Dreadnought went down on one knee and released its entire payload of missiles, flattening the buildings at Taros harbor. As the general had said, if they couldn't get Taros back, they merely destroyed it.

"I guess we go back in now?" Harrow asked.

"Yep."

the CTs turned and ran out of the forest, guns blazing. The whole twenty-something legion mobbed a single heavy mech, taking it down before proceeding to split into teams of four, striking at each enemy and bringing them down before running towards another. The CT mechs were nimble enough to run circles around a quick mech, and used that to their advantage. The legion hadn't reported anyt damage yet, because nothing could hit them. Hell, they'd have the port cleared in no time.

"Sniper Unit Arrow down. Commander killed."

"This is Unit Orion. All guns to bear on Endeavor. Artillery on the east side of the hill to release payload. Guns free!"

It would be hell on the flagship. Rifleman's cannons ripped through the hull of the ship and with the fire of all two hundred snipers, more than half hidden, the Endeavor took heavy damage. In the distance, they saw Taros being fought for, with the General's mech pumping bullets through every mech and infantry unit.

At least he wasn't the one on the ground. Mechs were much more safe. Being an infantry meant instant death on the battlefield. He tapped the fire controls and a shell destroyed a cannon on the Endeavor. The artillery was on target today. The flagship was smoking from the heavy barrage.

"General Hawke here. Requesting fire support."

Orion considered for a moment, then turned off the comms. "All fire from hillside to flagship Endeavor. Finish her, she's already badly wound up."

"Guns free guns free." The standard Empire command for firing at any enemy was called out through radio. "General Hawke here. Requesting fire support." he spoke into the snipers' channel, receiving static in return. He swore and turned his attention to the battle here. A Helix mech was on one knee, providing support with a heavy chain gun. "Make sure that thing kills off the enemy. All guns free!" the general lunged out from his cover, pulling and holding down the trigger. This was a full-frontal battle, with the Dragon arriving soon and the Core having reached and providing support from five hundred meters. Hawke's mech drew the enemy fire, but as a shell was fired by a mech holding a rocket launcher, the Arcturus merely swung sideways and allowed the projectile to hit its back, leaving nothing except for a tiny scratch. the general roared in his cockpit and raised his rifle, its hail of bullets cracking the pilot's glass cockpit and killing the Dune Stalker.

Glass cockpits. Huh.

As Admiral Jackson asked for a update on the units, Major Dierk Herrmann was one of the first to respond as he sat in his Walker which was currently hidden via the thick forest.

"This is Omega, Pluto squad is in position and will be beginning operation" Dierk says on the communication line.
Major Herrmann and his squad of A.T.I's were given one objective during the battle, help take and hold the ground command center on Taros harbour. They had entered the field late last night and spent much of their time trekking through the thick forest, staying out of the enemies sight going. Luckily the nearby attack on the harbour and Poseidon had left this place with a lot less security. However despite this, this attack had to be brief , making sure to destroy the communication towers to avoid any Empire troops finding out about the attack if they requested help. Looking at his heads up display they had the towers marked with several numbers.
"Squad commence attack on my mark." Dierk said as his Walker's shoulder mounted rocket launcher begins to take aim at the first tower.

"MARK!" With that a series of explosions rock the base as the three towers fall almost in complete unison knocking out long range communication. A moment later the ten A.T.I's began their assault on the command centre.

A squad of A.T.Is had rushed headlong into the battle. "Lock and kill." The General noticed the fallen comm towers and ordered the Helixes to move in. "Stay at a distance. Danger blades." A Helix light mech was ripped open by broadside fire from the Endeavor. "Why isn't she down yet!" Hawke shouted into his radio. At that moment, a sniper cannon blast hit the cannon that had fired the shot dead on, followed by a series of sniper fire and artillery shells.

The ground command center was as good as gone. The reinforcements were coming too slow. CT squad, Helix and Gorgon, pull out and clear three hundred meter radius. We'll blow this place apart. If we don't get it, they won't."

"All fire on Taros in one minute clear timing. Starting now."

"Douchebags!" Jackson cursed as the Endeavour took another hit, "drop the lifeboats! Evacuate all spare crew to the Aircraft Carrier! Immediately direct all aviation support towards defending the flagship!" He beckons a commodore towards him,"I don't give a shit about how this ship sinks, but i give a shit about the dignity of going home. Go downstairs and launch everything we have at that mother effing mountain!"

Minutes later.... Two hundred boards fell off the side of the Endeavour broadside as rockets begin emerging from the holes. As three 60mm guns empty their clip, an explosion blasts off the entire tri-barrel turret, landing it several miles off shore. A massive cannon replaces it, the 200cm Magnetic Pulse, single shot only. Jackson takes aim at a Dreadnought from his bridge, after taking a clear view, he bellows, "ALL HANDS! Activate Pulse Cannon!"

A massive bright energy gathers on the tip of the 200cm wide cannon, gathering a mass double the size of the tip of the cannon. The ships begins to tip abit as the mass weighs it down, Jackson mutters,"Now, THIS is God Moding in the face of Ares's God of War." He pulls the trigger and the ship immediately tips unbalancely to the other side as the magnetic mass is released by the magnet tips. It takes a clear hit on the Dreadnought, devouring the entire machine as the flagship scores it first pulse cannon kill.

"All hands, well done, that should make sure the other Dreadnoughts will go off. Call the Kirov, ask it to empty it's entire armory onto the Poseidon shore after everyone gets off there. Retreat! For today. We assault again, tonight."

Jackson walks down the stairs from the bridge, picking a cup of coffee off a random sailor as he walks towards a lifeboat, preparing himself to board their new flagship, Hades II.

"Orion to all far ranged units. Open fire on Taros. Code rubble." Orion passed on the orders from higher up. "All focus. Changing targets now." The sniper mechs moved to zoom in onto Taros, blindly tapping the controls, flattening buildings and towers there. Orion sighed. His lunch was in the command center. So much for an easy job. "All artillery. Aim for Ground Command Taros." The rumble of the rockets could be heard from the Rifleman's cockpit as they flew towards their target. The Rifleman soon released two shells, reducing a bunker to a wreck. "This is General Hawke. Get ready for evacuation in fifteen. Until then, do as much damage as you can."

They weren't called snipers for no reason.

The Core was damaged severely. The pilots were doing everything to get it back on its feet. The Endeavor had retreated, for now. Taros was being flattened. hawke was satisfied. They had fended off a larger force with minimal damages. Not including the Dreadnought and Taros. They had no use anyway. the Dragon would never go down to such an attack, merely a show of force. "Hawke to all Empire units. We pull back to the other side of the island and wait for evac. To all other Empire units in the area, return to the Capital. And CT squad, hang around for a while. Bring any news to us. Eyes in the sky can't see everything."

The Dreadnought aerial carrier was a huge platform. The Dragon climbed onto it. "Ditch the Core." Hawke muttered. He could still hear the pounding of sniper and artillery cannons. They must have levelled Taros by now. "Ranged units, pull back. We're done here."

Today, he ceded the battle. But the war had just began, and now, they were prepared. "Get High Commander Leon. Tell him to start testing of Weapon One."

Jackson picks up a walkie talkie, and listens as every squad on Taros shore reports their casualties and a safe retreat. Jackson is relieved, there weren't much casualties, despite that fact that this was the first time their Marines had ever encountered real amphibious warfare. He tunes the radio into a another frequency and says,"Major Dierk Herrmann, i hope everything's going well, the SS First Republic awaits your orders, radio them if you need any artillery assistance and do me a favor, nothing personal in taking this base please."

Not even waiting for a reply, Jackson turns the thing off and looks forward, towards a ship presumably half in diameter of the Endeavour, but half the longer and thrice the faster and more powerful, not to mention the superweapon mounted on it. It also had one single massive advantage, it was a submersible. A God of Death emerging from the hells of the sea, that was Jacksons' name for it.

"This is Lieutenant Hunt, DS unit 1137, to all DS unit's in the Taros Harbor area, Navy free Riders are pulling out, were doing the same." Hunt released the comm allowing him to hear the many aggravated responses. "Just shut up and get out of there you morons." He switched off the comm and sighed. "Who knew the imperials had this many reinforcements available in this area, Poseidon obviously didn't go as well as we had hoped." He brought a hand to his chin as he thought. "Those damn Dreadnoughts are a serious pain in my ass, Before we launch another major attack I think it would be best to take them into account more seriously." He sighed again. "Well better leave the thinking for later." He switched his comm back on. "Anderson try and draw some fire as the others retreat, I'll support from here." Hunt didnt wait for a response and he placed his arms onto the controls of his walker. The huge, black metal warrior was kneeled deep in the forest on a ridge over looking the distant harbor. Vines and loose branches covered the ACW from head to toe.
Hunt watched through his sensors the battle raging at Taros, The Free Rider's flag ship Endeavour highly damaged and most likely sinking. He was impressed by the shot it got off with that magnetic cannon, and lustfully thought of a smaller implementation and version that could be equipped to a walker. He grew focused on the task at hand and began to work the walker's targeting computer. The walker raised the SWP-113 rifle slightly, and soon the low hum of the weapon charging could be heard. within moments it fired, an invisible burst of electricty setting off the chain reaction to fire a large slug that connected with the midsection of an imperial CT-6608 that had been running around engaging hunt's allies.

Hunt smirked. "One Little green Bastard down." Thus began a string of firings and him counting the kills in his head as his allies retreated into the forest and to the Free Rider's ships.

"...Anderson try and draw some fire as the others retreat, I'll support from here." As his orders came over the radio he had just blew a hole into a enemy AVMT with SKJ-31 shotgun attached to his mech left arm. Instead of replying he simplily continued to engage the enemy reinforcements. A group of CT's came round a destroyed building. Turning his booster on in reverse, David maneuvered his mech around a corner. The CT's foolishly followed. When they turned the corner, David's Vengence was kneeled, waiting. It's TDL-838 heavy chain-gun pointed at them. He open fired on the unsuspecting troops, the bullets ripped into the cockpit of several of them, while the other turned and ran. He was about to give chase when his radio cracked into life "All units oscar mike." David pulled out of the battlefield and regrouped with his squad. He then turned on his radio and said. "2nd Lieutenant David Anderson, with squad, returning to HQ." With that he ordered his troops to move out.

The low thrum of a mecha's engines cut through the fog of the beach, followed by the crunch of metal on sand. Soon, a dark shape loomed in the soaked air, getting larger and larger as it neared. "Bloody thing, i'm gonna have to get you fixed huh... " Hunter sighed and wiped his brow, it was hot, and humid on this island, two things he absolutely abhored. For the fifth time in as many hours, he flipped the silencer switch, hoping that maybe this time it would work. But no, the engine still continued to broadcast his presence to anyone within a hundred foot radius. Again he sighed, turning his attention to the monitor in front of him, checking for any signs of Imperial forces. None yet, he hoped he hadnt missed the battle, well if he had, thats what he got for falling asleep on the job. Bad thing about covered ditches, you cant see when the sun rises.
With sure fingers he dialed a command into the control pannel in front of him, pulling up a digital 3D map of the island. A green blip on the screen showed his position, walking along the beach on the lee side of the island. He fiddled with the controls for a moment, and was soon zoomed in to a close up of the area surounding Taros harbor. There, a ridge overlooking the whole battle, and on a side where there shouldnt be any soldiers from either side as well. Perfect.
He zoomed out again and was soon plotting a course, directing his Night Stalker across the beach and up past the brushline. Soon he was in deep shade, the overhanging tree's of the jungle blocking out all but small rays of sun light. The jungle was good cover, and with the camoflauge he had already aplied, his walker would be hard to see, but of course, that didnt matter if the enemy could hear him coming. Again he cursed his bad fortune, pausing the walker and flipping the silencer switch again, no response. Well at least he could stop crashign through the brush like a stampeding beast. He typed in a command and switched the controls completely to manual.
Carefully he threaded his way through the tree's, actually going faster now that he wasnt on auto, his naturual reflexes, honed from years in the wild, letting him pilot virtually without thinking. After a few minutes he started singing softly, his eyes still on the path before him. "And when the wind blows its haunting melody, and the tree's bend with the ever constant snows, I'll be there with you to light the fire, and share it's flickering warmth..." He trailed off as a patch of light brightened the path ahead. A few more steps and he was out, now only randomly placed tree's replaced the thick forest he had just come from. Seeing the ridge he had noted, he made his way towards it, stopping on the summit and whistling with a grin. "Looks like I am a bit late... oh well... they seem to have done a number without me..."
Pulling his gaze away from the carnage, he took a mark on the retreating imperials. "Ok, i may at least do a bit-o damgae eh?" he flipped a few switches, setting the walker into a crouch, knees and claws digging into the ground for stabability. "At least now i can turn you off you bloody engine..." With a casual swipe, he cut the engine, letting silence fall upon his little walker. "Now, for some fresh air..." he could have targeted the guns from inside, but he wanted to get out and stretch his legs after being in the cockpit for nearly a full day.
With a soft sigh, the hatch opened, letting the cocophany of the battle below rain upon his ears. He grinned and reached down into the cockpit once again, grabbing first his beret and placing it atop his head, before pulling his long rifle out of it's hoslter next to the ladder. With a few quick adjustments he was soon sitting with his back against the large gun on his mecha, the rifle raised and aimed at a Imperial who was turning to engage a squad of rebel Marines. "Tsh, thats just unfair..." As the last word left his mouth, he pulled the trigger, sending an armor piercing shell straight into the back joint of the Mech. The knee joint buckled, and the whole thing went toppling on it's side, a cloud of dust rising from the impact. He gave a small salute, though no one would be able to see it, and aimed again, picking off imperial troops one, by, one.

As the assault continued things were looking good for Pluto squad, they had been able to neutralize several main Walkers. However a loud sound fills the battlefield as a giant explosion hits half the base instantly destroying two A.T.Is .
As each squad mate chirped in their reaction the Major finishes a nearby enemy Walker before shouting into their communications link.
"These assholes are destroying their own base! We're pulling out for now. Theta!" he calls out to the squads marksman as the Walkers fall back into the forest.

"Sir?" A female voice calls out, she was currently on top of a small cliff that overlooked the base a couple of miles away.
"Can you get a fix on where the shots are being fired from?"
"Yes sending trajectory calculations to you now."
"Good work solider now fall back and regroup with us at fallback point Delta"
"Yes Sir!"
As Pluto squad makes it way away from all the artillery fire Dierk receives the information from Theta, from the looks of it some of the fire was coming from atop a series of peaks all across the island. Changing to another channel he begins to speak.

"This is Major Dierk Herrmann paging the SS First Republic, do you read me?"
"We hear you loud and clear Major. Orders?"
"Begin firing at the coordinates that I am currently sending you."
"Coordinates received, we will commence firing now."

The major lets out a small sigh of relief, hopefully the Republic would be able to put a dent into their long range support. As they trekked through the forest heading for their meeting point, Dierk puts his Walker on auto pilot as he rests his head against his chair. The admirals words echoing in his head.

"Do me a favour, nothing personal in taking this base please."

The way Dierk saw it this whole damn rebellion for him was personal. Grabbing a photo of his lover clipped onto the top of his dashboard he stares at it for a while before placing it back. It was the Empires fault that he was dead, along with an entire village destroyed because of a accusation. All Dierk knew was that he would not stop until the Empire was nothing but a bad stain in the history books of Heav.

The final ships were departing the island, leaving only the CT6608 squad on it. The bases were almost completely destroyed, and three last demolition CT-012 squadrons were on its way to clear up any more standing buildings as well as pick off some rebels. It was a suicide mission, but the CT special forces would do anything for the Empire. "Orion Unit evacuating." That was the last of them. The General sat and thought. Perhaps this would finally present a challenge to him. A war was on the cards, and this time the Empire was uncertain if they could win.

But as long as Hawke was in the battle, their chances would increase.

The General was passed a note by his assistant. He read it and smirked. "Straight for the Capital. Now."

The trip would take a few hours, but it was worth the wait. Hawke was about to show the rebels what war machines they would face if they meddled with the Empire. "Ares!" the general roared. The crew followed suit.

When he did think about it clearly, there was no way they could lose.

"Guess that should be last of them," Jackson says as he observes the last lifeboat descending from the now abandoned Endeavour,"this ship has served us well, but i guess i must trouble her to serve us for a little more. Are the other ships in place?"
"Yes sir, all fifteen of them lined up, from far, this pile of scrap metal looks as convincing as though they just won a war." Jackson's commodore replies.

Lifting an eyebrow and fumbling with his fingers behind his back, Jackson begins issuing a string of commands again, "Assemble the crew in twenty minutes, I want this ship to be ready to submerge in forty. Radio the Prince of Wings and it's fleet, 'retreat all amphibious craft to safe distance and continue to provide aviation and missile support' then, radio Major Dierk and tell him that the Republic is retreating with us, the Kirov will continue to provide twice the firepower from a further range." Noting everything down mentally, the commodore proceeds into the submarine and begins relaying the Admiral's command to the crew.

As the entire super submarine comes to life, Jackson salutes the Endeavour from the deck, several sailors follow suit too, saluting their symbolical flagship. After a long arm raise, Jackson proceeds into the submarine and makes his way to his very own Admiralty Cabin, a place where he would spend his restless nights for the coming few years in the war.

(Okay, Part One finish? :D Moving on!)

_!2!_
Sky'sGambit:Revolution

The General noticed a soldier step into the bridge on the Dragon. "Sir. Juggernaut Revenant is fully operational and the Sacrifice is finishing its final tests. Both will be sent to guard the weapon testing area." Hawke nodded, deep in thought. The Juggernauts were new versions of the Dreadnoughts, and far bigger and much more powerful. The Dragon would seem small compared to the new Revenant. It would be under the command of a certain General Ravne. "Mobilize the Dragon, the Core 2, the Banshee, the Tealis and the Rivald. Prepare to move towards Ulies." The five Dreadnoughts and their respective units under them had been placed under Hawke. The recent promotion of Hawke as Grand General of the Empire was old news. The Dragon was now the symbol of the L.A.A.T., having been upgraded and added with more firepower.

Ulies was a small country having risen in revolt after hearing the news of the taking of Taros. The general smirked when he thought of the harbor. If the full force of the Free Navy, added with the fact that the Empire was unaware of the attack until after it had hit could only take the harbor, what did a small country pose to them? Now the General was bringing the war to Ulies as an example. A fully land-surrounded country, they would have no support from sea. Even if the Dune Stalkers came, they were nothing against the might of the Dreadnought invaders. A second Land Cruiser army comprising the multi-legged, more heavily armed cruisers Osiris and Edge would smash through the country's main defenses facing west towards the Empire, before Hawke's army entered through the north and attacked through the mountains. As long as they stayed away from the Ulies Desert they would be successful. Hawke stood up from the captain's chair and watched as his Dreadnought's assault Mechs combined ranks with the others'. It wasn't even a fraction of the L.A.A.T, but it was still more than enough to crush the new rebellion country.

"Captains of all Dreadnoughts as well as Land Cruisers, confirm ready."

"Captain Greene of Core 2 ready."

"Yorak here. Banshee ready."

"Ousru. Tealis prepared."

"Captain Hayle reporting. Rivald mobilized."

"Dirge. Osiris moving out."

"Atae at the radio. Edge on the Osiris' tail."

"All accounted for." said the comms officer.

"Mobilize."

A low hum echoes in the middle of the Taros sea as the SS Hades II emerges from the depths with a massive splash. Bow first, it breaks the peace of the calm sea as it announces it's presence. The massive vessel gradually balances itself and comes to a halt.

Leading the way for a group of giddy sailors, Jackson opens a hatch on the front deck and pulls out his Admiral sword, like a child, he announces jokingly, "i hereby claim this sea for the Navy Free Riders! This sea is to be our recreational grounds till i get bored of fresh air!" A troop of sailors appear on the deck with tables, chairs, bats, balls and all types of props, as if it was Sports Day for the entire crew of 300. The massive, almost endless deck is filled in several minutes as more crew emerge from the inside of the vessel, all bringing different things with them.

It wasn't much of a special day for anyone actually, the Admiral merely wanted to let everyone have a breath of fresh air after sailing and working endless inside the vessel for a long 238 days. Some snacks are passed among the men and chairs were rearranged away from the tables as evening came to past.

The crew did good with whatever torches they could fit onto the deck and made a circle, watching intently as several female sailors danced to the radio belonging to the Commodore. Jackson moves into the middle and joins the ladies in their dance, several watching sailors are tempted and join in too, dancing off all their worries of the war and hoping that somehow this dance would bring them a bit closer to home.

The party never ends as the sailors, reluctant to return to their cabins, party until they eventually fall asleep on the ice cold titanium deck.

Everyone falls asleep except for Jackson and his vice. Inhaling deeply, Jackson puts one hand onto the shoulder of his vice and asks,"Commodore, I never knew we were gonna drag so many people into this war when it started, now Ulies is revolting and sooner or later it will be flattened by the L.A.A.T. Sometimes I regret invading Taros Harbor, although we didn't lose much men but then it was proved to our men that the Free Riders' dream of a revolution was nothing compared to the massive technological advances of the Empire. I've pulled everyone into a war, and i don't have the confidence to win it. However, a man must be responsible for his actions, I've had enough keeping everyone in the seas, time for us to take responsibility. Tomorrow we set off for Klein, then we see what we can do for Ulies."
The commodore, now filled with compassion with the Admiral's words, quickly motioned to wake up the entire crew sleeping on the deck. Jackson stops him, "Let them sleep for now, there are many more restless nights to come for them, this might be the last time they ever sleep so peacefully again."