Zenith over Cartier City
21 Aug 2024Haraldsen
Xi Wangda, approaching Cartier CityThe lights of the station glimmered coldly against the void as an Azimuth Special Operations unit approached Cartier City. The space station, a once-thriving hub of commerce and innovation, now stood isolated and defiant against the rule of Azimuth Biotech, while the battle raged all around it in the system and numerous large and small ship formations were engaged in combat.
The mission of the Special Operations unit was clear: seize control of Cartier City and secure the strategic advantage it offered. The stakes were high, and none other than Victoria Hothis herself had made it clear to the officers that failure was out of the question. The elite soldiers in their midnight-black high-tech battle armor with the “V” symbol on the sides of their helmets were supposed to either return victorious or not at all.
As the unit drew closer, the station’s defense systems roared to life. Turrets unleashed a torrent of fire, lighting up the darkness with deadly precision. The shields of the attacking ships held, but the strain was palpable. Every impact reverberated through their hulls, a stark reminder of the peril they faced.
“All units, prepare for boarding,” the officer in command announced, his voice steady despite the chaos. “Take Cartier City today, or don’t come back at all.”
***
Xi Wangda, perimeter of Cartier City
The chaos of the battle for Xi Wangda raged around her, but Cassia Verda's focus was singular. Intelligence had reported a damaged and abandoned carrier, the Zenith, drifting in the outer perimeter of Cartier City. Cassia had supposedly had herself and some members of her new organization recruited by Azimuth for the money, but her real aim was to plunder the battlefield in order to better equip her organization. If she could secure the carrier, it would provide a significant tactical advantage to the new NMLA.
Navigating through the debris and enemy fire, she led the small ship with her team towards the area where the Zenith drifted. The carrier loomed ahead, a dark silhouette against the backdrop of the station’s defenses firing. Its once-proud hull was scarred and battered, but it still held the promise of power.
“Stay sharp,” Cassia instructed her team upon approaching the carrier. “We don’t know what we’ll find inside.”
The team breached the airlock and entered the carrier. The interior was eerily silent, the only sound the hum of their boots on the metal floor and their suits’ life support systems.
“Split into two groups. Team one, head straight to the bridge. The rest, follow me. Sweep each section thoroughly,” Cassia instructed. “We can’t afford any surprises.”
Room by room, they swept through the carrier. The signs of a hasty evacuation were everywhere - personal belongings left behind, some meals still on the table. But so far there were no signs of life, hostile or otherwise.
As they approached the engineering bay, a sudden clatter echoed through the corridor. The team froze, weapons at the ready.
“Movement detected,” whispered a member of the team, his eyes scanning the shadows.
Two engineers stepped out from the darkness, their tools buzzing ominously.
“Hold your fire!” Cassia commanded. “Identify yourselves!”
The engineers hesitated, then dropped their tools and raised their hands in surrender.
“We’re just maintenance crew,” one of them stammered. “We don’t want any trouble.”
Cassia nodded, lowering her weapon. “Secure them and make sure they’re not a threat.”
"Engineering is secure," the team reported.
“Bridge is secure,” reported the other team. “Systems are intact but offline.”
“Good,” Cassia replied. “Let’s get the power back on and see what we’re dealing with.”
***
Xi Wangda, Cartier City
The boarding pods launched, streaking towards the station like vengeful comets. Inside, the Azimuth Special Operations troops braced for the imminent clash. The defender was well-prepared, their resolve still as unyielding as the steel walls that encased them.
The first wave hit the docking bay with a resounding crash. Explosions rocked the corridors as the elite forces pushed forward, each step a battle against entrenched defenders. The air was thick with smoke and the acrid scent of burning metal.
“Sector 3 secured,” came the report.
“Sector 2 secured," sounded another.
“Moving to Sector 4.”
“Good,” the commanding officer replied. “Keep the pressure on. We can’t afford to lose momentum.”
***
Xi Wangda, on board the Zenith
As the lights flickered to life, the full scale of the carrier’s potential became clear. Weapon systems, hangar bays, and advanced navigation controls - all at their disposal. However, the reason for its abandonment soon became evident after the diagnostic systems came back online. The hull bore a few deep gashes, and several sections were sealed off due to breaches. Despite the damage, the core systems remained operational, and the carrier could still move, albeit at a reduced speed and jump range.
“Command, this is Verda,” Cassia transmitted. “The Zenith is secure. Initiating system reboot and preparing for operational status.”
“Understood, Verda,” came the response. “You're clear to move.”
Cassia allowed herself a moment of relief. Securing the Zenith was a significant victory, but the battle for Cartier City was nearing its final phase. They had to take advantage of the situation while it lasted and all forces were distracted.
“Prepare for immediate action and jump out of Xi Wangda,” she told her team. “We’re seizing the carrier for ourselves. This is just the beginning for the new NMLA. This ship will be our new flagship - The John Tyburn!”
To the jubilant roar and cheers of the team, the carrier prepared for its jump.
***
Xi Wangda, Cartier City
Minutes felt like hours as the fight raged on. Every inch gained was paid for in blood and sweat. But slowly, inexorably, the elite troops advanced. The defenders’ lines began to falter, their resistance waning under the death-defying onslaught of the Azimuth elite troops who fought to take the station at all costs.
Finally, the first soldiers of the Special Operations unit reached the command center. The heart of Cartier City lay before them, its control systems the key to their victory. With a final, coordinated strike, the Azimuth troops breached the defenses and stormed inside.
“Cartier City is ours,” the commanding officer declared, the weight of the moment settling over him. “Secure the area and prepare for reinforcements. This war against our enemies is far from over, but today, we have taken a crucial step towards victory. Rise high the banner of Azimuth!”