The Price of Victory

Part I - Quelling a Rebellion
The cycle is 1872 C.E. and a Commanding Triumvirate of the Sian Dereta class ship - Moltok, are on route to the planet Paternia. Relatively small and insignificant, however, it served as an important outpost for the Master's Empire's outlying colonies. They have received reports that there were rumors of rebellion within the planet's governorship. At this time of war with the once thought destroyed Invid such a crisis is unforgivable in the Empire. The Zorrlev'dra Gisterae had commanded a squadron from the 217th Fleet into action. The ongoing war with the Invid had shrunk the squadron to a mere 30 ships, the Moltok being the only one solely controlled by Tiroleans. The other ships run by loyal Zentraedi. "My lords we have a report coming back from our scout ships." Reported the Operations Triumvirate. "Display the message…" the Commanders barked in perfect unison. The image blinked and showed a powerful Zentraedi Captain, his features revealing quite a few scars, more than likely from battle. "Report!" Citar commanded. The first of the Commanders he stood like his brothers tall and proud, with long blue hair with a trace of a beard showing on his face. All three wore the identical Tiresian attire still worn by the Masters military elite. "It appears that there is no protoculture activity at all on the surface, there is some sort of energy barrier around Prime City. Wait…just a moment…" In the background alarms and klaxons began wailing. "High level energy readings begin evasive maneuvers!!!" The transmission was cut, but not before the battlefortress' main viewer saw fire render the Zentraedi ship and all aboard to sub atomic particles. Alarms sounded as well on the Moltok. "What happened?" X'del asked. "Reflex cannon fired from the planet's atmosphere, both scout ships destroyed. We are detecting one vessel launching into orbit. It is a Zentraedi Quiltra Queleual, heavily modified." Pausing for a moment to look at their scanning screen they continued. "Multiple targets are now being released, they are Zentraedi Nousjadeul-Ger!" The clones reported in as much shock as the rest of bridge crew.
"Impossible!!! How could this be???" Loxar asked. "Inform the Zentraedi they may proceed to attack…order them to destroy these traitors." X'del commanded. "Do not destroy the ship, cripple it and leave it adrift, we need to know who is behind this rebellion. Citar added. Battlepods launched from all launch bays, outnumbering the traitors 50 to 1 in seconds. Death reined supreme as the main viewer lit up with brilliant flashes of light that were the explosions of the distant dogfight. The outcome of the battle had no doubt. The overwhelming number of Regults began taking apart the attack squadrons of male power armors from the rogue ship. "Signal the Rineundaou Lojeumean to fire it's reflex cannon off pitch thirty radii, that will be efficient enough to cripple the enemy vessel." Loxar ordered after consulting with his brothers. The Zentraedi monitor advanced and it's bow parted as the reflex cannon began charging up. In seconds it released a volley towards the traitorous ship, tearing open its belly to the vacuum and wounding it critically. The crew was silent as many emotions were non-existent, however the Zentraedi could be heard yelling out a victorious battle cry. "Lords, enemy units retreating to the planet's surface." This was the obvious report told by the operations triumvirate. "Recall all Regult battlepods, inform all ships to lock on a target and fire!" X'del ordered with a hint of satisfaction. With terrible accuracy and deadly precision the ships opened their batteries on the fleeing rebel mecha, annihilating them easily. In the space of a few microns the retreating forces were destroyed and the squadron had surrounded the wounded ship. Regults took positions around the ship as a Roil Tiluvo corvette launched from a bay on the Moltok. Crewed by a squadron of azure T'siendral a triumvirate of crimson Gister'dohl, and another two groups of mixed Regults. The smaller bay opened and the mecha launched towards the ship. Upon entering through a tear in the hull the Zentraedi took up defensive positions around the Bioroids. Immediate scans revealed no life signs. The commanding Gister'dhols constantly reported back to the Moltok. A few survivors tried in vein to push back the scouting party. A firefight that sent another score of insurrectionists into the void beyond, dying with their blood boiling and bodies freezing. It took almost a sentar pass before the team reached the command deck of the ship. Bodies littered the floor; there would be no interrogations here.

Part II - Keeping the Peace


"Recall the scout team to the Moltok." Citar ordered as he communicated with his brothers on what to do next. We need to retake the colony for the safety of the Empire. The cursed Invid are poised to advance. X'del inputted after a moment. What madness possessed them to attack us? Loxar added a bit troubled. The barrier remains erected on the surface; it must be destroyed at once! Citar finally surmised. AGREED! The trio thought at once. "Move the squadron over Prime City and open fire!" X'del ordered. "The objective is to destroy the barrier." Citar followed. "Make preparations for a surface attack, all Zentraedi forces to the front!" Loxar finished. The clones on the bridge all complied without response; only the efficient following of the orders and consequently the perfection of the deployment was proof of acknowledgement. Hovering in geo-synch orbit over the city the Monitor and Sian Dereta opened fire first to the target below. The reflex cannons unleashing a blinding volley below that exploded over the barrier, for a moment it looked as if the barrier had actually absorbed the dual shots. This soon changed as the green aura around the city turned fire red and erupted, blinking out and blanketing the city with radiation. The other ships now blasted away at the city with particle beams and orbit to surface missiles. The massive bombardment from space leaving Prime City a raging inferno but still, for the most part, intact. "We have successfully neutralized the target, what are your commands?" came the uplifted report from the scanning triumvirate. "Begin landing the occupation forces. Destroy any resistance, this pathetic attempt to betray and defy the Masters will end now!" X'del said with more than an arrogant tone, his triumvirate brothers nodded with a smirk. On the surface Frandlar Tiluvo dropships surrounded Prime City. The squadrons of Raulonve Fighters escorting the landing craft down easily destroyed the few surface to air defenses left. Victory was assured and the pitiful attempt to break free from the Empire was crushed with minimal losses. Apparently there were sympathizers to the Ci'von, a former colony of Tirol that betrayed the Masters and attempted to destroy the Empire. These conspirators infected the Zentraedi with ideals of freedom and liberty to go away from the Imperative. All such rebellions were thought to be a thing of the past, but with the Invid War getting more intense, such foolishness was possible. The Moltok relayed the report on the quelling of the attempted rebellion to Tirol and was hence commanded to remain in system to re-establish order.
After a few weeks of boredom and uneventful protests the citizens of the planet Paternia had once again resumed it's place in the Empire. Trading with the outlying colonies recommenced, however not as great as was expected. Communications were nearly non-existent with most of the colonies abroad, and some had lost total contact. The Commanding Triumvirate soon ordered a small reconnaissance team to the Devool System to investigate why there was a sudden loss of communications. This team never returned or reported any of its findings to the Moltok. The situation became worsened as a trade ship entered the Paternian system and reported that it had barely escaped an Invid attack on the planet Criax-II. The Commanding Triumvirate immediately sent this urgent message to Tirol, the word from the Zorrlev'dra Gisterae was to hold position over Paternia and await Zentraedi reinforcements. This never happened.

Part III - A Piece of an Empire Lost


Shortly after the message was sent to Tirol, the Moltok detected massive gravitational disruption coming from the fifth planet in the Paternia system. This was obviously a massive fold and approaching Invid fleet, with the intention of destroying Paternia and take whatever protoculture was there. "My lords, the squadron is deployed and ready for attack. All Regults and Queadluun-Rau's are launched." Came the report from one clone. "We detect a total of 100 Invid Mollusk Carriers, accompanied by a Trilobite-class Command Frigate." Said another of the triumvirate. "Mecha has yet to be launched from the carriers. What are your orders?" finished the third. "Advance the squadron and prepare to fire the reflex cannons. Inform the Monitor to target the Frigate, we shall open up on attacking mecha." X'del announced, his two brothers nodding confidently. Soon enough the main viewer was lit with almost a limitless amount of targets. "Massive attack has begun. We are detecting Invid Armored scouts and another mecha of unknown configurations at the vanguard." Citar said as he read the reports from the front. "Display it at once!" Loxar commanded and immediately the viewer showed this new Invid mecha. Much larger than the scouts it was purplish in hue, with what looked to be two plasma pulse cannons mounted on it's shoulders. The arms ended in a three taloned claw, which at that moment was ripping open, a female power armor to pieces. "Begin relaying this information at once to Tirol." X'del ordered as the Invid mecha decapitated the unfortunate Zentraedi female. "Monitor ready to fire!" Citar reported as all turned to watch the reflex cannon strike true and disintegrate the Invid Frigate. "Primary weapon ready to fire!" Loxar announced with a touch of excitement. "Fire!!!" X'del and Citar said at once. The shot ranged just around the defending Zentraedi at hit a wave of Invid Scouts, who were accompanied by the new mecha. All were immediately evaporated; many more however still pressed on to attack. The battle seemingly was beginning to favor the Tiroleans. Losses were mounting, but the precision and deadliness of the Zentraedi was tipping the scales in their favor. This ended quickly as another fold brought yet another 100 Mollusk Carriers and five more Trilobite Frigates into the fray. "Invid fold on our flank, prepare to defend against attack!" X'del yelled as the first wave of mecha had broken the rear defenses. "Launch all Bioroids and reserve fighters, prepare for ship to ship combat!" Loxar said as the bridge went orange-red for battle. "Bring us about and prepare to fire primary weapon on the Frigates, inform the Monitor to do the same." Citar said, just as the defending Bioroids launched.
They began their death dance with the Invid, blasting away at an almost infinite number of enemies. Raspy cries of death from the piloting clones could be heard at various monitoring stations on the bridge, where the mood still remained impassive and cool, regardless of their impending doom. "Monitor reports they are under heavy attack from the frigates, reflex cannon not operative." X'del noted quietly, almost a whisper. "Prepare to offer support, move to their position he finished. The viewer showed the Monitor indeed in grave peril, openings in the hull were already visible, and smaller lights revealed that the Invid had sent mecha to finish off the Zentraedi gunship. "We have lost 10 ships, ranging from the Quaedol Magdomilla to the remaining Tou Redir." Loxar reported just as the Moitor took another hit amid ship and split in two. The fragmented remains falling towards the planet, lighting up the sky in the eastern hemisphere with a shower of debris. The Moltok now shook as a volley hit it hard, the viewer went blank for a few seconds and then returned as soon as auxiliary power was turned on. "Second wave of Invid are now launching from the second fleet, fifth wave also breaking our lines fighting against first fleet. Zentraedi reporting heavy casualties and falling back fast." X'del said over the sound of another explosion that struck near the Sian Dereta. Outside the valiant efforts of the Bioriods and Zentraedi faltered as the sheer numbers of Invid began to overwhelm them. Many scouts and Shock Troopers, as one already deceased Zentraedi called them, broke through the lines and began assaulting the Zentraedi ships covering the Masters battlefortress. "Prepare to retreat, pull back all mecha and begin preparations for a fold to Haydon IV." Citar yelled over a fire that had erupted in the command deck. "It is the closest point of retreat from here." Loxar agreed. "What is the status of the reflex cannon?" X'del asked. "It is ready to fire, however there will not be enough power for a fold if it is used. Damage to the Moltok is increasing, we suggest an immediate withdrawal from this system." Came the advice from the Engineering Triumvirate. "The Zentraedi acknowledge but protest the order to retreat." Citar observed to his brothers quietly. The Invid pushed forward and began to rip apart the retreating lines, many now causing irreparable damage to the dwindling number of Zentraedi ships. "Fold capability in two microns…Bioroid squadrons nearly destroyed, we have lost five more Zentraedi ships.
The Invid are on final approach towards our position. Frigates moving into position to attack." X'del informed his brothers, just as the ship shook again from another barrage. "Invid Troopers have entered the ship! Invid troopers have entered…" The report was cut off at the source." Repel the invaders! Leave them wishing they were never berthed!" The Triumvirate Commanders announced. Mecha to mecha combat within a battlefortress more times than not resulted in the destruction of said battlefortress. This reality became true as the Engineering Triumvirate reported that the fold generators had been the targets of the Invid suicide force. Now the Moltok was helpless and unable to retreat. Defeat was imminent. We shall not fall silently brothers! Citar thought to his brethren. Agreed, use the remaining power for the reflex cannon. X'del continued. And set this vessel to critical mass. Loxar finished.
The battle was over, the few remaining Zentraedi fell back to defend the Moltok. The Invid pressed on, not knowing that in a few moments many of their numbers would be decimated. As the Moltok's twin booms parted and began building up towards it's final attack, Invid began their landing on the recently recaptured colony. Eradicating the hapless population. As the last of the Zentraedi were obliterated the Moltok was ready to strike. "Fire reflex cannon!" The three clone commanders ordered in an almost serene calmness. The Sian Dereta gave its swan song in a brilliant and devastating blast; thousands of Invid mecha were wiped from existence, along with a score of Mollusk carriers and three frigates. "Set Moltok to critical mass, overload the reflex furnaces!" X'del commanded from his post. "Launch relay probe to Haydon IV." Citar announced, his voice resigning and surrendering to defeat. "Our deaths will sow the seed of destruction to our enemies! Long live the three who are as one!" Loxar proclaimed with finality. The last thing the three saw was the innumerable Invid horde ripping into the command tower, and soon all embraced death...

Part IV - Master Plans


Hovering over Tirol, onboard the mothership Kasatsziri the Zorrlev'dra Gisterae grunted in disgust as the screen faded to black and the relay probe's telemetry finished displaying the events from the Paternian System. "It is obvious that we must double our efforts and secure the colonies along the eastern rim." Kritar concluded. "Yes, but our protoculture supply is not as limitless as we think it be." Observed the Robotech Master Garug. "Development of the next generation Bioroid is already underway. Reported the third named Terrik. "Zor must surrender the secrets of his matrix to us!" Garug said a bit angered. "Yes, for the preservation of our race! The Elders agree to this." Terrik said somewhat second handed once the Elders name was mentioned. "Very well, we will begin forcing more pressure on Zor to give us the secrets of the Matrix. We have been patient with him for far too long." Kritar said as the three Masters glided over to where the Zorrlev'dra Ertulve sat in total silence and apparently oblivious to what was shown to them. "Elders, we have agreed that the time has come to perhaps wrest the secrets of the Protoculture Matrix from Zor by any means necessary." Garug stated as the other two nodded. "NO! If he dies than the salvation for our culture dies with him! He is not to be harmed!" The Robotech Elders screamed telepathically to the Masters. Arguing with them had always proven futile. They merely bowed and left the chambers, a bit vexed. "It matters little what they say, we will advise Dolza to take Zor's city. He will give us the matrix!" Terrik said. "Yes, and if anything happens to Zor Derelda he can always be cloned…" Kritar said with a smirk. The Robotech Masters permitted themselves a smile as they continued making plans...


FIN

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