We Need a Deathworlder!

The Cali homeworld of Sind’Montas rests in the void in quiet solace with its accompanying moons and scatterings of organized Cali home defense fleets. The planet’s vast forests from orbit are primarily near black in coloration, yet speckled with organically shaped patches and swirls of colors spanning across the light spectrum. Among it bolder visible complex networking light patterns of Cali civilization.

The oceans cover sixty percent of the surface brimming with their own bioluminescent life that causes it to appear as dazzling marbling illuminations.

The major moon is in contrast almost pure white, reflecting a grand amount of light back to its parent world. It’s nearly a third of the size of the planet and orbits at what must be close with the minimal safe distance between the two celestial bodies.

The planet and moons are a visual wonder of beauty amongst the stars and for the longest time a beacon of prosperous peace to match. But now as thousands of incoming ships drop out of FTL soaring towards it, Sind’Montas becomes the first battlefield to determine the galaxy’s future and all who dwell within it.

“Engage immediately. Waste no time identifying ourselves to their hails until the path to the planet is carved and secured.'' Admiral Sreiak reminded the allegiance of forces under her command.

The Cali fleets scramble to respond to the unprecedented attack on their homeworld, arranging in defensive positions to counter the invaders. Across the span of combat-zone space, long range Slugger-class ships on both sides open up upon the other side with their rail guns.

Seeming to quickly realize that these invading forces had no intention of entertaining long range skirmishes to soften their forces, the Cali ships rushed out vessels to hastily deploy fields of smart-mines in the more exposed zones of their defenses.

Yet the effort is almost proven pointless as the attackers press on to meet the defending forces directly. Truly foolish it seems, but honestly unexpected even from the array of incoming Deathworlders.

Railguns are soon supplemented by long range missiles and guided plasma mortars, as the astonished defenders bring everything to bear to repel this insane aggressive rush, most unable to see the reasoning behind it.

Blazing through walls on incoming armament while throwing their own, the engaging combat forces of the FSA have their shields tested and suffer the losses of a few Defender-class ships prematurely.

Yet not one ship stalls from their fairly straightforward maneuvers. The Admiral’s plan must be abided if this operation is to succeed to any degree. That isn't to say that the Cali aren’t suffering their own losses.

Much of the Cali’s fleets defending their world are of ‘older’ and more Central standardized vessels, but a surprising number are of clearly new models manufactured with estranged-yet-familiar Cali 'insectoid’ design principles.

Including the defending Admiral’s Field Operator-class flagship.

It’s size easily dwarfs every other Cali ship present and plated with odd gold and pearl-white plating between the usual dark red-wine viper-steel infused metals that constructed the outer shell like a titanic demonic mutated pillbug dressed up in heavenly adornment.

Despite its grandeur, the Cali flagship hides behind a formation of protective vessels, keeping most direct fire occupied. But the attacking forces didn’t give the flagship too much mind yet, not wanting to give it more reason to maneuver away from their approach. It’s their prime target, but the key is to keep it exactly where it is for the time being.

Thankfully no doubt due to the Cali Admiral’s pride or confidence, the flagship only maneuvers to adjust for optimal weapons clearance as the foes grow exponentially closer. Then, within astonishing time and audacity they achieve their directive, the FSA forces lock in dangerously close shot-for-shot combat with the bulk of Cali defenses.Jumping straight into barbaric slugging matches like fictional depictions of glorified space combat media.

Almost to emphasize that, clouds of fully loaded fighters emerge from Transport-class vessels to counter and engage in precision strikes upon the opposing side of the battle. And soon the light-filled planet of Sind’montas is given sparse twinkling lights above it as ships erupt, shields deflect, engines burn and plasma flies. A lightshow over a light show.

Feeling a shutter within the floor she stands upon, Admiral Sreiak accepts a hail from the opposing flagship.

The incredibly aged visage of the Cali Admiral known as Klin’chunamka came into Z’ah’tuck Admiral’s personal screen.

“What is the meaning of this barbaric affront to the Cali people and our guiding King Lovia’motaas?” he demanded in his assisted voice without an ounce of courdual respect.

“You are well aware, Admiral. Now do all of Cali-kind the grandest favor you can ever give in your revived career and surrender. You and those serving under you will be treated with the utmost-” Sreiak replies before being cut off.

“Surrender!?” Klin hacked out violently in both astonishment and amusement before taking a moment to recover, “It’s clear your juvenile and brash tactics have placed you in a position of certain defeat. Do you really think my people are so fragile to not contend with you until you’re spent!? This is our home that you’re assaulting! We may lose our share, but not before you and your forces are rendered back into stardust!”

“That certainly is a possibility, Admiral. But frankly, I don’t see this scenario playing out that way.” Sreiak responds with a growing excited hiss in her tone.

“Have you lost your rationality along with your wits? Or… perhaps there’s more forces on the way here to assist you… Regardless, all of this is in vane on your part. Before this battle all hammers out our own reinforcements will have arrived and dealt with whatever remains of your fleets.”

“Oh, Admiral… this isn’t just a battle…” Sreiak chuckles in low barking before casually cutting the call early, “This is a hunt…”

Looking to a coordination officer she gives the awaited snarling call of permission to fully enact their plot.

Suddenly, another round of fighters and tactical bombers are released from their presumably spent Transporter-class’ bays, but these all b-line it directly towards the Cali flagship while the previous surviving fighters fight to maintain some -still perilous- breathing room for their approach.

In coordination, the comabing ships all shift their primary targets to those defending the Cali flagship in severe concentration of output.

Overwhelmed fairly quickly the defending Cali ships are torn asunder and shredded in glorious hellfire, meanwhile the Z’ah’tuck fighters and bombers storm the massive pillbug shaped flagship and begin their onslaught of its shielding.

Like a massive blanket, the ‘top’ of the hull shielding is engulfed in constant dragging plasmic energy until the attacking smaller crests the other end of the Cali ship, where they then completely focus their targeting on the primary engines without mercy.

“Begin phase two.” Vice Admiral Steiak commands as she watches the rear end of her rival’s precious ship be rendered into compromised melted slag and expelling scrap.

A few moments later, the arriving signatures of the invading forces drop out of FTL and head straight for their planetary target.

Cali ships scramble once again, but only reserves and sparse uncontested vessels are able to maneuver into an intercepting blockade. Unfortunately despite that the smart-mines are not meant to activate upon nearby friendly ships, being accidentally rammed from non optimal placement causes several Cali ships to be damaged before exchanging a single shot.

The Central blockade-runners charge ahead of the newly arrived fleet, taking on the bulk of incoming fire of which their heavily armored wedged fronts were built to theoretically withstand for a long enough time.

As they draw close to the blockade, their hulls are ignited with peppering explosions from entering the field of smart-mines which unfortunately are able to strike the more vulnerable rear sections of the blockade runners.

Moving up the sides, Mikk Defender-class ships take up the task of specifically targeting the incoming mines using their own armaments and combat drones in order to achieve it. However, several are swiftly picked off by Cali slugger-shots.

Thankfully their sacrifice was enough for the massive wedged ships to break into the blockade and erupt their array of heavy side armaments and almost unfathomable swarms of combat drones.

Like pissed off wasps fresh from their kicked hives, the blockade-runner drones specifically begin targeting opposing ships’ shielding, weapon systems and deployed fighters in sheer overwhelming swarming force.

Forcing enemy ships away that aren’t yet destroyed or effectively disabled, the heavily damaged runners part from each other in opposing directions and are properly reinforced with the dividing followup fleet.

Many designated ships join the battle to assist to keep the blockade divided, while others press on with loaded cargo towards the planet to loom close to its atmosphere.

…

Simone grips Chak’s armored shoulder reassuringly as the signal of ground deployment is presented.

In battles past that she took a part in, this was possibly one of the parts of the process she personally dreaded. Being cooped up in a packed space with many other faces around while hoping that you’re not obliterated from something you simply can’t see or expect.

The armored shuttle they stand in is one of many that are beginning their descent towards the planet’s surface. But even with forward fighters and bombers softening the city’s AA defenses there’s still the very likely chance of winning the worst kind of lottery.

The redhead looks to the other familiar faces in the shuttle. Meeki, Nodrin, and Troy stand across from her, closely holding themselves together in their own uniquely painted sets of power armor. Troy even repainted his own to better match the Gratts’ with the visor fangs and such.

She can’t see their faces clearly, but from their slight movements she guesses they are sharing private words with one another, telling eachother how much they mean to them and that they will do everything it takes to ensure they all make it out alive.

Simone almost does the same with Chak, however a sudden shudder of the craft they ride in causes her to freeze up and focus on anything potentially more concerning.

She calms slightly at the realization it was likely the blistering and burning resistance of the world’s atmosphere against the shuttle. Hopefully, that is.

Chak puts a hand on Simone’s and also finds herself gazing over at the Gratt and Terran.

“I know you insisted on coming with us, but I’m sorry my people assisted in saving your people from an invasion, only to then drag you into an invasion of our own. Since your people aren’t war-like, it feels like a great injustice to involve them like this.” she says to both Meeki and Nodrin.

The Gratt duo return their lines of sight directly so that she can see the tinted view of the two’s eight eyes.

“The words I spoke to the rude interviewer was not lies.” Meeki replied sternly, “Gratt will show the stars our worth, our compassion, our morals. Gratt are beings of the stars now.”

“And the spirits of our ancestors are without a doubt proud to see us defending our new community. Our home.” Nodrin adds, “Not only are we returning the gift you gave us, but will ensure it was not in vain.”

“We’re all in this together. Your dad and the Manarians won’t know what hit them.” Troy chimes in with a chuckle.

Chak’s eyes flicker between gray and red before she returns a slow nod.

“Your friendship, loyalty and duty will not be forgotten. Thank you for sticking with us, and following us to the most insane of places.” she says genuinely.

“There will be much more places to go!” Meeki assures without hesitation, “Much!”

“Much.” Nodrin echoes more humbly.

Simone gives the three a nod as she slightly shakes her wife’s shoulder encouragingly just before a far more concerning rattle of the shuttle occurred.

For a brief moment it felt like their feet would have lifted free from the floor, but the sudden disturbance levels out. They can’t hear the sounds outside, but they can certainly hear and feels the muffled reverberations from the weapons fire trying to take them and other craft around them down.

“Princess! The forward fighters’ progress has been neutered! There’s far more hidden defenses appearing everywhere in the city!” A Cali comm officer privately informed her directly, “We may have to divert our landing further from the palace than planned!”

“No!” Chak replies sharply before pulling away from Simone to make her way to where the Comm officer is stationed, “We do not have the time to divert, we have to keep the course.” she told the man directly.

“Princess… with all due respect, if we do that we may lose too many forces to accomplish the operation if we maintain course.” he informed, “The commanders are saying our best chances are to spearhead a focused attack from further away and hope that we do not stall.”

Knowing giving her father any more time to form an escape was unacceptable, Chak goes silent as she considers any possible solution. She doesn’t want to throw the lives away of those willingly helping her… but none of the choices are good. And if the assault is stalled, many will die anyway.

The stress of the situation is overwhelming, but the Queen of the Cali remembered that there is one thing that may just work enough to alleviate the unforeseen additional defenses.

But, that’s only if the faith in her own people is reflective of the truth, rather than blinding misplaced trust.

“Give me access to all comm channels. And I mean all.” she orders.

“Princess-” the Comm officer begins to protest in uncertainty before his head is rammed by Chak’s, just hard enough to assert herself.

“It’s Queen and you will address me as such. Now do as I say, I want everyone with any device capable of picking up a signal to hear my voice.” she commands with the utmost authority.

Stunned, the comm operator can only silently nod as he follows the order. Once set up he gives a bounce of apology and transfers the broadcast link to his Queen.

Turning around to face all the cramped soldiers in the shuttle, she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before speaking.

“I am Queen Chakalata’motaas. Rightful heir and monarch to the Cali throne. In this moment I speak to all and not just those who are to fight beside me. Yes, I am here, I am personally taking part in the liberation of not only my family’s throne, but the liberation of the people I am meant to serve. It is clear that my father does not intend to serve the Cali people, or desires to step out of his cowardly bunker to defend them. To my people, even those ordered to oppose me on this day… I hold no hate or ill will towards you and I’m so sorry that I brought an army to our beautiful world after I proclaimed that I would do whatever it took to avoid such violence. I couldn’t keep that promise, but it’s through that promise that I’m here now. Forces beyond any of our control are at play and if we are to survive the coming future I needed to act and liberate us. Many of you are scared for your families, what would become of you if the old family assumed the throne once more, but on the graves and memories of my slain family I vow everything I am to bestow forgiveness and understanding wherever possible. If my family ever did anything that would justify their fates in your mind I will listen to every word and I will make things right, because my father’s plans of dictatorship and galactic-wide chaos isn’t the solution any of us wanted. We desire peace, we desire prosperity, we desire progress. I’m more than happy to personally work to find the solutions that can accomplish all of it. Now, to those who will fire upon me once my hooves hit the ground, I understand you have your orders, your duty. But nothing is going to stop me from my mission here, and although it’s not my desire to defeat you, defeat you I will. I’m not the ‘Runaway Princess’ that you may know me as… I’m the ‘Returning Queen’. As such I intend on acting on every duty a Queen of the Cali must fulfill…” Chak opens her beaming eyes of fury as she takes another steady breath, “I’m enacting the Right of the Queen’s Hunt.” she states firmly.

A few of the younger Cali soldiers within the shuttle look around unsure of what the Queen meant exactly, but the older among them nod slowly. Though even those in the know have a sense of vague confusion as well.

Simone narrows her eyes and nudges a Cali next to her.

“What is the ‘Queen’s hunt?” she softly asks.

“An old, old, royal right of the Cali royalty… not since the Age of the Hunted has it actually been enforced or even… declared… And the beasts that the right was originally established for are long dead now.” he answers cautiously.

“‘The Right of the Queen’s Hunt. Only once in her service to her people, the queen can enact her right to personally lead a hunt against a predatory beast of her choice. She must be granted this right, regardless of harm that may befall her.’” another Cali clarifies with a recitation from next to the Gratt and Troy, “Though… the right never says which beast by name.”

“Well it was firmly implied…” the first Cali points out.

“The name of the beast I’m hunting is Lovia’motaas.” Chakalata’Thatch continues, causing every Cali within the shuttle to correct themselves in decorum, “I’ll be leading this hunt, and all available willing warriors will be my party. I know the right was initially established for a beat that no longer walks upon Sind’montas, but the Right’s purpose is clear and needed. In our emerging days, behind the first Queen we as a people turned around at the beasts together and trampled those fucks into extinction! This, my dear fellow Cali, is no different! We’re going to strike that pathetic monster once more and show him why the Cali rose to the stars as one! As a united voice guided by my foremothers!” Chak is practically screaming in primal rage by this point, something she knows no living Cali has ever seen or heard a ‘modern’ Queen do, “My hunting party and I shall hunt the beast and make our home safe again!” she declares passionately, “Honor me this Right, let me guide you into our future here and now like days of old! Trust me, like how our people trusted the first of my line. Be the gloriously wonderful people I know you to be. Our Mother Moon is always watching, make her proud above all but yourselves! I do not ask you to fight for me, but at the very least I order you as your Queen to grant me what I’m owed as your servant!”

Chak ends the broadcast and eyes the comm officer, awaiting any update.

An incredibly tense ten or so minutes pass as the officer listens to the incoming feed and reports from command. The shuttle grows silent as everyone waits with bated breath at what possible response can come from such a declaration. Though, one by one, those still waiting realize that the silence was not only from the lack of words from their mouths, but the significantly dampening barrage that thunders outside.

“We have a window.” the comm officer informs the Queen quickly. “Feed is showing wide confusion and conflict amongst enemy forces over how to proceed. Regardless if they choose to open fire again collectively, command is taking the chance- hold on… oh… oh… by our Mother Moon’s light…” he trails off at what he’s seeing and hearing.

Chak leans in closer.

“What is it? What’s happening?” she asks urgently.

Collecting himself for a few seconds, the man responds.

“Open civil war… your majesty.” he says with a mix of a hopeful and somber tone.