Chapter 6: Frozen Rebels

It had been well over forty minutes. The Lifen was at a different location. It had long landed near a stationary mass-wide military encampment not far from a nearby high cliffside covered in thick snow. Sets of vehicles and landed aircraft were everywhere, along with a set of planetary defense AIO turrets parked high over the mountaintops. T’rintar ground hover APCs, tanks, and other assorted equipment were among the many military vehicles strewn about. The great Alara’jal tank even remained parked some distance away. Emergency tents and makeshift shelters were all established. Other space transports also remained temporarily parked throughout the region. All in all, it consisted of well over 5,000 personnel alone.

Near inside the Lifen’s briefing room, Thiago walked alongside Javier. The high-ranking officer showed a hint of injury after the recent attack. His left cheek had a sealed wound that went from his lip to near the tip of his right ear. Even with recent first aid, the scar was enough for many to see. His clothing consisted of a thick brown coat that covered much of his red and blue uniform. Pieces of snowflakes caught on his clothing were still melting into water. A few random crewmembers walking down the corridor would salute the admiral, although his injury made him almost nonchalant when he reciprocated the salute in return.

“I’m glad you survived the attack, Admiral,” Javier told him.

“I would say the same,” Thiago replied. “But the others in my shuttle squadron weren’t so lucky. The Shal’rein interceptors were fast ... they chased us almost halfway to the other side of the planet just to get us. I’ve never seen such dogged determination in those sharks. Then the irony is that a Shal’rein and her husband come barreling in to rescue me with an old relic of a tank. You and Shira are many surprises, XO.”

“I appreciate it, sir. Shira, Master Sergeant Stone, and Lesser Adjunct Wio’kako are waiting to talk to you. Admiral Hazer and Captain Brayan are on comms. We kept the waiting committee small for you.”

“Bueno,” he replied with a gruff. They reached the closed door before Thiago briefly took a deep breath.

“Looks good on you, sir,” Javier said with some confidence.

“Hmmm...,” Thiago grabbed his chin and felt the scar on his face. “All I remember was the explosion ... shrapnel blew and hit the face. One of the medical team almost grew lightheaded from the sight she saw.”

“Are you sure you’re well enough to...”

“No,” Thiago interrupted him before briefly patting the officer’s shoulder. “No time to stop when my home is in danger. Let’s go...”

“Understood.” Javier tapped the door panel, which caused it to slide open.

“Admiral on deck!” Stone yelled out, being the first to call attention before Javier did.

“At ease,” Thiago said before entering the room. When Javier stepped inside behind the admiral, the door closed behind him.

Shira, Stone, and a Yutilian stood not far from a table in the nearly empty briefing room. On it was a digital map layout of Palora, showing both the flat topographical surface and another one of the fleet battles going on in orbit. A set of digital wave communication links was also labeled for Admiral Hazer and Captain Brayan. Stone wasn’t in his power armor but dressed in his marine uniform. The Shal’rein captain seemed to be discussing a little bit with the lesser adjunct. The Yutilian woman wore the green and black wrap armor that covered her entire body except her head. Her head feathers consisted of orange and green, along with green and brown scales over her body. On her snout was a set of three golden chains that dangled from her side lips, along with one from the top of her snout.

“Admiral Hazer, Captain Brayan,” Thiago addressed the nonvideo feeds. “I have arrived and in one piece, thanks to the Lifen crew.”

The small, statured Yutilian spoke with a hard Itrean accent. “My name is Lesser Adjunct Wio’kako. I represent the Greater Adjuncts that are currently preoccupied with the battle. Your words will go to them.”

“Understood, Wio’kako. You can tell the T’rintar that we appreciate their determination in defending Palora from this invasion.”

“As per the alliance desires...”

Javier stood next to Shira as the others encircled the table. Upon closer inspection, the map layout showed a cluster of multiple green and blue dots that resided over the northern and southern dark side of the planet. Sets of gray dots were scattered throughout Palora’s orbit. The purple dots remained focused against the concentration of green dots while remaining away from the planet.

The topographical map showed the great mountains of Palora that took up much of the planet’s eastern hemisphere. The center of the east hemisphere showed two of the major cities under UWA control, which were tucked into the large valley surrounded by these mountains. The third city resided away from this enclosed valley, where a set of various smaller canyons and snow-forested environments resided. A glowing x far from the two cities and near the mountain edge indicated where the Lifen was currently located. Three of the six cities in the western hemisphere had purple flags depicting the black shark fin of the Shal’rein clan. Meanwhile, a series of various gray, green, blue, and purple dots and arrows showed troop movements.

“Admiral Hazer,” Thiago addressed him. “What is the status of the orbital campaign?”

“Martian and Batrice reinforcements, including your fleet, have managed to rout Leo’pre’s ships back to their main fleets successfully. They remain focused on the T’rintar and Helera’kun fleets more than the planet.”

“And the status of the Helera’kun refugee ships?”

“With the exception of the ones that landed on Palora. I’ve ordered their remaining ships to initiate a full burn retreat from Palora. It’ll help discourage Lea’pre from launching multiple attacks on the rear Paloran fleets. Greater Adjunct Kas’ora has cooperated and ordered their continual retreat.”

“Can Lea’pre still attack these ships?” Javier asked.

“Possibly,” Shira calmly stated. “However, Itrean ships at their maximum speeds are difficult to intercept, even for civilian freighters and transports. It requires warships to initiate full-speed gate jumps in order to catch them, a difficult task and one that is dangerous to perform. With Lea’pre and her adjuncts focused on the T’rintar and Helera’kun rebel fleets, she will undoubtedly lessen her focus on the Helera’kun refugees. This is the only thing I can recommend now, as it will likely discourage Lea’pre from launching multiple orbital attacks throughout Palora, which will undoubtedly further weaken the UHN fleets that are protecting it.”

“That’s good,” Thiago confirmed. “It gives us some breathing space.”

“That is not correct,” Shira put her hands behind her back. “The first rule of defense against the Shal’rein has been violated.”

“Never let the Shal’rein reach the ground,” Javier said.

“Yes. By doing so, Lea’pre has conquered half of the planet along with taking much of the remaining population hostage ... assuming, of course, she hasn’t already disposed of them.”

“You think she’ll execute them?” Thiago asked.

“This is the first time she is dealing with human prisoners. The answer is complex and one that you might not find favorably.”

Thiago sighed. “I spoke with Major General Tenoch just before I was shot down. He’s currently busy reorganizing the marine divisions to begin launching counterassaults against any of Lea’pre’s ground forces.” He pointed at the map. “Right now, Meridia Neuva is safe, along with Puerta Tampico and Fort Redentor. With the Shal’rein fleets contained on the western hemisphere’s dark side, we have some time to resituate ourselves for a counteroffensive. Lea’pre’s ships can’t fire onto this side of the planet. But we have an obvious problem.”

The leading officer waved his hand over the surface map. A dark silhouette slowly encroached on the eastern side of the map.

“The biggest issue is that we have seven hours of daylight,” Thiago explained. “When that happens, the Eastern Hemisphere will be aimed directly at the direction of the battling fleets. We’ll be right under Lea’pre’s nose if some of her ships decide to start bombarding us.”

“Which she will do,” Shira added. “However, that is the least of your worries.” She used one of her gray hands to point at the map. Sets of purple arrows could be seen as they were heading towards the three uncaptured cities.

“Lea’pre’s ground armies are heading towards us as we speak,” Shira remarked. “It will take her approximately 14 hours to complete her conquest of Palora. From there, she will find and execute the Helera’kun refugees that reside on the surface while taking one of your worlds in the process.”

“She will not succeed,” Wio’kako remarked. “T’rintar armies will fight, Helera’kun will fight, humans will fight, ... we can destroy them.”

Thiago tapped the table. “The only reason why she managed to conquer half the planet was that our marine armies and airforce weren’t consolidated enough. Plus, we destroyed and routed some of her assault carriers. Without them, their airforce will be strained. We can make our stand.”

“And we can still destroy her ground forces from orbit ourselves.”

“While I wish to share your optimism,” Shira remarked. “You are both incorrect. You underestimate Shal’rein ground troops. Their tanks, soldiers, vehicles, and other equipment are among the best of all the Itrean clan species. Your current intel shows that she managed to deploy six laden divisions. Her heavy carriers were also equipped with Click Gotar Click Goalrein Light Mobile Ground Carriers, the largest ground vehicles in the Shal’rein clan inventory.”

“Even more powerful than our MMACCs?” Hazer asked.

“Yes. These vehicles are capable of refueling and repairing Shal’rein aircraft, using their capital ship grade autocannons to destroy missiles and fightercraft, along with assaulting heavily armed targets. Even our Alara’jal tank will not be enough to repel them.”

“Is there any way that we can use our fleets to close in and destroy their armies with our railguns?” Captain Brayan questioned.

“The answer to that is one that can be answered easily,” she told him. “What happens when you bring your ship close enough to reliably destroy Shal’rein tanks, whose gunners are capable marksmen? Not only are they faster in responding to the shelling, but their accuracy is one that could easily decimate UHN battleships in turn. Even T’rintar and Yutilian capital ships struggle to take down Shal’rein ground armies as their anti-aircraft weaponry allows them to wipe out volleys of enemy missiles and torpedoes that rain down upon them.”

Thiago gestured his hand to the table. “You’re almost making this sound like we can’t defeat Lea’pre’s forces.”

Shira’s single eye seemed focused on Thiago. “That is correct. It is important to realize that with Lea’pre’s naval force focused on the T’rintar clan fleets, both her force and our allies will not be able to provide adequate assistance to either side when it comes to the planetary assault. With your current ground forces, even with additional reinforcements such as the T’rintar, Helera’kun, and the few potential Alara’jal volunteers, you have no hope of wiping out her armies. The first rule of engagement with the Shal’rein ground assaults are often the most devastating when broken.”

“So, what does that supposed to mean?” The admiral gave a stern look at the Shal’rein captain. “We just sit here and surrender to her ground forces? No ... no, I’m not letting this happen. I can call my Vice Admiral foolish for doing what she did in getting her and her crew killed ... by ignoring my commands and standing her ground. But I can still at least honor the integrity of her decision to defend Palora at all costs. I’m not leaving Palora ... we fought too long and too hard to regain Cipra from Aksren control, but we lost good men in the process ... marines, some of the best we ever got. Regaining Cipra was a victory, but one we can’t repeat.” Thiago started to walk around the table to look up at Shira. “I’m not leaving this planet. I don’t want to hear it from you that defeat is inevitable. I want you to tell me everything that’s going on in that head of yours if we ever have any hope of keeping this winter wonderland.” Thiago turned and looked at the others. “And that goes for all of you! I want answers! How do we stop the tiburóns from reaching the capital?”

Thiago turned to look up at Shira. There was a pause as her brow lifted. “Of course,” she replied with her almost lack of emotion. “You cannot defeat her, but you can still halt her advance. That is all that I can promise. However, the price may still be somewhat unfavorable to your desires.”

“As I recall,” Thiago said, pacing near her. “You helped me out greatly against the Nova pirates. Then you had a criminal tortured and executed while broadcasting it throughout Palora like some gloating psychopath.” Thiago gave an angry look at Stone, knowing that he had a significant part in it. “However, I also know that you hold the answers and will do what it takes to achieve victory. What is it that needs to be done?”

“You stalemate her...” She explained. “Lea’pre is one that focuses her attacks into confined but powerful strikes. She is used to having things her way until enough force is there to repel her elsewhere. Even now, the orbital campaign is not going in the direction she was hoping for. Her reputation with the Shal’rein clan, the council, and the Autarch is at stake when dealing with the Kun people. The only reason why she is still here is because she managed to reach the surface. If she can take Palora or the refugees, then her status as Greater Adjunct will remain. If you are able to provide an adequate defense and halt her advances toward the capital, then she will likely alter her current plan of action.”

“A draw then?” Thiago paced back to his original place. “The only hope we can gain out of this is a draw?”

“If you succeed. Lea’pre respects strength even from her enemies. The longer you can maintain it, the more she will grow desperate and ultimately make a mistake you can capitalize on.”

Thiago took a deep breath before he highlighted the map again. “Then what are we waiting for?” The admiral gestured to the map. “Our fleets are watching the current Shal’rein surface movements. It looks like Lea’pre’s armies are split into three groups. The largest one consists of 4 of her divisions. It is heading west and will reach the Eastern Hemisphere in a couple of hours. It looks like it’s going to encircle around the southern portion of the Montañas Aztecas Blancas.”

“I agree,” Shira remarked. “It is straightforward and her quickest route in reaching the other three cities.”

“This will be labeled as her primary force. We’ll press 65% of our land forces in a direct counterattack against it. The smallest one is heading south and going to loop around Palora’s Grandes Montañas Blancas. From there they will either take the long path around the edge or they’ll take the Pase del Diablo Delgado to strike the capital.”

“She will take the Pase del Diablo Delgado,” Shira answered.

“Are you sure about that? She has half of a division. If she took the pass, she’ll shave five hours of travel but overshoot her primary force by several hours.”

“No,” Shira pointed at the great range of mountains. “You believe that the Shal’rein southern army’s goal is to link up with her primary force. That is an incorrect assumption. Lea’pre focuses on a Jio’kal Maneuver when it comes to her ground strategy. The Jio’kal is an older Shal’rein trident with a hard hammer on one side, a sharp, heavy point in the center, and a thin, partially curved blade for the last.”

“Almost similar to a pike,” Javier added.

“Yes, but more in the form of a trident. Each point is designed to cause different forms of damage when it makes contact with unarmored tissue. Each point of the Jio’kal is capable of killing its prey when it strikes. Most adversaries underestimate even the weakest of the trident’s three great points. For Lea’pre, she does not hold much issue in losing her people if it means trying to gain greater ground. She will likely have this one slip through your mountain pass and save time. From there, she will strike whatever army it reaches first and slow down your main force in the process. Meanwhile, her ‘primary force’ will be able to choose the best location for your counterattack. The southern army, much like the curved blade, is designed to make you bleed out.”

“And what about the other one?” Thiago asked. “The one that’s heading north around Grandes Montañas Blancas through the Valle del Bosque del Norte?”

“The hammer of her Jio’kal. It is the 2nd strongest part of the trident, designed to stun and maul an opponent. For Lea’pre, it is important that you have a sizeable ground force to counter it...” She looked at the map more closely. “Preferably 30% will be suffice.”

“30!?” Thiago questioned her. “That leaves very little to stop the southern army.”

“Correct.”

“But how are we supposed to repel a Shal’rein army with 5% of our ground forces? A 1,000 marines, not including the T’rintar reserves, isn’t enough to fight half of a division. They’ll be slaughtered...”

“Because Lea’pre is expecting a sizeable percentage force to repel her southern army. The reality of the battle is that you cannot afford to send your forces when you barely have enough to adequately repel the northern and western Shal’rein armies as we speak. You will need everything that you have. However,” she pointed at the narrow passage on the map. “With a dedicated set of marines, the Alara’jal tank, and some of the best T’rintar soldiers and equipment, it is possible to bottleneck the Shal’rein southern army at the Pase del Diablo Delgado.”

“I can have the Martian UHN Alpha Battalion participate in that battle,” Admiral Hazer added. “500 of my best soldiers, mobile artillery, and mobile Anti-Air.”

“Including our mobile railgun destroyers and some of my centurions,” Wio’kako commented. “They can destroy any Shal’rein vehicle that emerges from that passage.”

“Hmmm...,” Thiago seemed to think about it. “It’s true that the Devil’s pass has some thin areas, some being less than a quarter kilometer wide. I trekked through 10 kilometers when I was a kid. The high walls make it impassible for vehicles, except for the narrow passageway. You plan on sending your big tank there?”

“Yes,” Shira replied.

The admiral continued to think about it. “Even if we bottleneck their forces, it would be one against five. Even with all these factors at play, I don’t think it’ll be enough.”

“Can we shell and seal off the passageway?” Captain Brayan asked. “We might be able to trap their ground forces in the canyon, make it easier to destroy them.”

“Lea’pre’s forces are equipped with powerful Behe’ton Mobile Railgun platforms,” Shira answered. “She would anticipate the idea that you would try to cut her forces off. The older models are equipped with a powerful forward-mounted railgun cannon designed to destroy ground fortifications. She can easily obliterate any natural blockages that you try to make. Her southern forces would also utilize her assault mechs capable of traversing walls and fortifications that you create.” Her eye looked at Stone. “You will not succeed in stopping them; only slow them down.”

“What’s stopping Lea’pre from just ferrying her soldiers over Grandes Montañas Blancas?” Javier asked. “Wouldn’t it be easier just to use her remaining carriers to fly over the entire mountain region and deploy her soldiers next to the capital?”

“It is possible,” Shira replied. “However, with most of Palora’s planetary weapon’s batteries untouched on the eastern side, including the UHN fleet over the eastern hemisphere, she will not risk losing what she has left of her aerial transport mobilities. Lea’pre has a stable ground force. She can bide her time and weigh the decisions of summoning further reinforcements over Palora while using the carriers to push her armies quickly towards the remaining cities.”

“For now,” Thiago stated. “I’m not holding any of our armies and marines back to defend our remaining cities. We meet her strength with our strength.”

Brayan jumped back into the conversation. “I recommend we use nuclear warheads to destroy the Shal’rein ground armies,” he added. “We still carry strike packages ready to be deployed at your command, Admiral.”

“What?” Wio’kaku questioned. “You would use nuclear weapons on your own planet? Foolish human...”

The admiral seemed somewhat surprised at Brayan’s suggestion, including Wio’kaku’s response, but he started to think about it.

“No,” Javier protested.

“I would not recommend that course of action,” Shira stated.

“Why?” Thiago questioned both of them. “Despite the environmental fallout, we can still inflict heavy damage against the Shal’rein if we conduct nuclear strikes. These would be concentrated in the areas where there’s no population. We could help stave off the invasion.”

Shira took a step toward the admiral as Wio’kaku faced the admiral’s direction. Everyone watched the scene unfold while the Shal’rein captain gave a stern look toward Thiago.

“Let me ask you this, Admiral,” Shira calmly questioned him. “How much do you know of Itrean war history in the last 100,000 years?”

“I don’t know much at all,” Thiago replied and gestured toward Javier. “I can ask our historian here and he would give us information, Si?”

The XO nodded his head.

“Javier,” Shira asked him. “How many times has there been a nuclear strike conducted on Itrean worlds in the last 100,000 years?”

“The last set of strikes were done during the Emphra War,” Javier answered. “Besides that, there were none.”

“None?” Thiago asked. “How?”

Shira put her hands behind her back. “It is called ‘Dasri Click,’” she explained. “Or what you would call the ‘The Silent Agreement.’ In Itrean history, at the end of Dead Space, progressing into the era of New Space, the Itreans withheld using nuclear or anti-matter weapons on planetary surfaces. Despite our desires to conquer or kill each other, we know that our worlds are more valuable than even ourselves. Without a treaty being ushered, all Itreans believe in the Dasri Click. Instead, we use conventional weapons to exterminate the other when it comes to fighting in surface engagements.”

“It’s why the Aksren clan never used nuclear strikes against Cipra, sir,” Javier added. “The cost of rebuilding ravaged cities and environments would be significantly higher than simply using disease to eliminate us. You can almost call it their Itrean code of honor. The only time they violated that rule was during the Emphra War, and for absolute reason. They all agreed it was necessary.”

“Correct,” Shira added. “But it is more than just a code of honor or idealism. It is one that can easily be answered in the realm of realism. Tell me, Admiral. What would Lea’pre’s response be if we were to use nuclear weapons against her armies?”

“ ... She would use nuclear weapons against us...,” Thiago said as he made a big sigh.

“Correct. Much like any Itrean, the Dasri Click is a fundamental belief, one that has held her back from using nuclear shells against your cities, even when she was presented to use them against the refugees that reside on Palora’s surface. If you use nuclear weapons, she will obliterate your world and reduce Palora to a radioactive cold wasteland. I would think carefully about your decision, Admiral...”

“ ... Well,” Thiago replied. “As long as we hold back on using them, at least we don’t have to worry about her using it against us.”

There was a beeping sound on the table. Thiago read it before looking at the others.

“The southern army is approaching the pass’s entrance,” Thiago said. “Looks like Lea’pre is going to proceed with going through it. It’s going to take her a couple of hours to traverse it. Shira, Javier, take Hazer’s marines and your tank to the exit point. The marines will make their stand there. The same goes with Wio’kaku and what she can spare. I’m ordering Major General Tenoch to move his forces north and eastward away from the cities to prepare for the brunt of both Shal’rein armies.”

“Understood,” Shira replied.

“Don’t get used to being away for too long. This upcoming battle at the pass has to conclude quickly. As soon as you deploy everything, I need the Lifen to provide assistance in moving Tenoch’s armies. Captain Brayan, use your ships to shell the northern Shal’rein army. Do not get close enough for them to target your ships. We might not be to adequately hit them, but maybe we can slow them down a bit.”

“Aye, Admiral,” Brayan replied.

“Understood,” Shira replied.

“Then that concludes our current surface brief,” Thiago stated. “I’ll reconvene the briefing at 1400 on the UHN Omicron...” He looked at Shira and Javier. “I’m staying mobile ... on something bigger than a shuttle. Are there any other questions?”

There was a pause as he seemed focused on Shira. “Shira, Javier, Stone, remain here. Everyone else is dismissed.”

The communication feeds were cut as Wio’kaku left the room. Thiago waited for Wio’kaku to go before approaching the three, ignoring the table. Shira and Stone remained stoic in their own poses. Meanwhile, Javier was curious about what the admiral would say.

“Thank you for saving my life back there,” Thiago told Shira and Javier. “Along with the others ... The Shal’rein hit our shuttle squadron hard. I lost half of my staff in that attack ... but, it could have been worse if you didn’t show up...”

“Of course, sir,” Javier replied.

“It was expected on our part to do so,” Shira added.

“ ... I don’t have time to reminisce about what you and the Lifen managed to do,” Thiago commented. “Maybe until this battle is all over. Have you spoken to Greater Adjunct Kas’ora?”

“No,” Shira replied.

“I think you should ... I need to coordinate the plan of action against Lea’pre. I’m going to set aside some time to speak with her myself, but I have a feeling your words will be more ... impactful on her than what I have to tell her.”

“It will be done.”

“She’s on her way here. She was on one of the transports that landed on Palora, coordinating with T’rintar clan naval forces when it came to the orbital battle. The Helera’kun didn’t bring much for vehicles, but it looks like her people will fight with us to the end.”

“Kun forces were more coordinated for sea assault rather than land battles,” Shira told him. “By the time the Shin’Fo’mil religion came into existence, the Shal’rein were moving to other types of planets instead of aquatic ones. Do not expect the Helera’kun to be pivotal in your surface defense. The T’rintar clan will have better use of them than the UHN.”

“I agree, but they helped bring this fight to us, so I’ll throw them into the frontlines if necessary. If you speak to Kas’ora before I do, you can tell her I’m doing just that.”

“Understood,” Shira replied.

“I’ve been debating about doing this. Our messages to Lea’pre are being ignored.”

“You’ve requested a ceasefire with her, sir?” Javier asked.

“Parlay, ceasefire, talk; I’m doing whatever I can to make her stop before there’s any more bloodshed. But, she’s ignoring our hails.”

“It is expected,” Shira replied. “However, you may find that action more difficult than simply fighting her on the battlefield.”

“I’m wondering about having you talk with Lea’pre, but I have a feeling that you’re going to tell me that it’s going to be... ‘unwise.’”

“Of course. Having me speak with her would only verify to her that I’m present in this campaign. The Shal’rein clan have very little information on my whereabouts, assuming that I’m still alive to them. If she knows I’m providing assistance to you, she will likely alter her current strategy to something we have even less control over. It’s best to let her guess while she remains on Palora to command her current armies personally.”

Thiago gave a somewhat confused look at her. “Wait ... what did you say?”

“She is personally commanding the ground assault.”

“You mean that she’s on her flagship right now, ordering her compadres on the ground on what to do.”

“That is what she wants you to think,” Shira told him. “I believe she is on the surface, much as Kas’ora has managed to accomplish.”

Javier looked at Shira. “Lea’pre is on the surface? She would really do that?”

“Lea’pre has an affinity for ground combat first over ship-to-ship combat. Remember that the assault to retake the Kun refugees falls upon her responsibility. For her, failure is not an option. In her belief, she will die trying rather than face humiliation. She brought her flagship, transferred her flag to one of the assault carriers, and landed on the surface. However, with no proof to provide, I cannot verify my statement. It is much like your desire, Admiral. She will not leave until she gets what she wants. It is your will against hers, one that you cannot falter upon if you commit to your decision to fight to the end.”