Angelika Queen Of Mars

Chapter 46

Chapter 46 Deliverance

Notes for After Action Report…..Commander Angelika Aelfric

The campaign against the Skaven raiders was completed better than expected, although we lost seven fighters, four dead, 3 recovered. There were a total of twelve Skaven prisoners taken; all have been turned over to the Celestian survivors for justice.

It must be stated from the beginning, that this fight would not have been as successful as it was, were it not for our deciphering Skaven codes and other pertinent information recovered from the first Skaven destroyer encountered in deep space.

The effectiveness of the gunship Durzok is now without question. It's powerful pulse cannon performed beyond anyone's wildest expectations, there were however charging problems associated with the condensed energy particles used as ammunition, which will require further refinement, however recorded results reveal incredible damage inflicted on both force shields as well as hulls and internal structures.

The Skaven appeared to have relied too heavily on central command and control, once we were able to jam their signals, the individual fighter craft were thrown into confusion, allowing us to gain the upper hand rather quickly. However, it has been noted, that not all relied as much as some others on this control, and thus were able to inflict causalities on us. In fact, all our losses were due to Skaven craft acting on an individual basis.

The Skaven are a ruthless band of raiders who have inflicted great damage on Gale Celesta, destroying over 75 per cent of its infrastructure and imprisoning most of its population, although we have been told of many who have been hiding in the "Great Dark" a vast forest to the west of BelMara, their capital. The atrocities committed by these raiders will be documented in a report being written by Dr. Kran Karrak, needless to say they are horrific, and the previously mentioned prisoners will be dealt with harshly.

Dr. Kran Karrak, along with Tarmon, an Elansian android, were able to interrogate two other prisoners determining that this race comes from further out in space, however their testimony was confusing, leading to speculation that they had originally passed through the giant black hole previously encountered in the Lu'Korian sector.

Information obtained from the prisoners reveals that there may be several other outposts of these raiders scattered throughout this sector of the galaxy, but that their travel is limited due to lack of craft capable of extended deep space travel.

Although the Skaven have either developed, or possibly acquired advanced technology, their abilities are roughly twenty to thirty dorns behind us.

Further notes on Gale Celesta

The Celestian people have suffered greatly at the hands of these Skaven raiders. Virtually all of their government structure and leaders have been destroyed (see recommendations)

At present, we are attempting to assist the survivors in rebuilding some semblance of an organized society appointing interim leaders and administrators, however most of the better educated population is either dead, or still in hiding. At this point, we can only offer limited assistance, other than medical, and then only in a limited amount, the medics tell us that the Celestians physiology is somewhat different than ours, and they're afraid to administer incorrect dosages. We also have no naval engineers, to construct temporary shelters for the sick and injured, although local help is starting to come forward.

The real heartbreak in all this is that we are forbidden to offer some of our weaponry as there are reports of Skaven holdouts hiding in the surrounding areas, although the population is beginning to form a militia to protect it's citizens, as well as a wooden stockade, although we are talking about shifting people out to the village of Dunn's Passage where Skaven depredations aren't as severe.

Recommendations

These poor people obviously need help, for one reason or another, our hands are tied, I have put forth the suggestion of opening a channel to the Kagorians informing them of this place and situation, and asking for volunteers to be transported here to assist these people, as I am convinced they are of the same race.

I have also suggested that a special mix of specialists be sent, (physicians, engineers, agricultural specialists, and teachers.) Whether this plan is feasible or even practical remains to be worked out.

Perhaps more than anything else, vigilance concerning the Skaven is of paramount importance, these monsters must not be allowed to gain a foothold anywhere in this galaxy or any other, they must be eradicated with all due haste.

Should there be a conference at some point with the Lu'Korians, the matter of these raiders must be at the top of the agenda.

Task force Kalika remained for almost a full alyt over Gale Celesta doing what ever they could to assist the remaining population, moving the remaining citizens out of the capital BelMara which the Skaven had burned and looted, out to Dunn's Crossing, and the village of Indaren, on the Jelnoolian River. There refugee camps were established, with hand picked citizenry being placed in charge. A few una's before the task force was due to leave, admiral Korthal along with all of his commanders held a conference with the Celistians who had taken on the responsibility of trying to rebuild their society. A three man commission consisting of Reggin Moneymaker, Eno Sotha, and Martin Cobham, listened to the offer admiral Korthal was making.

"Unfortunately, our resources are very limited, we simply are not set up for nation building, and as much as we'd like to, we just cannot. However we do not intend to leave you or your people in the lurch, Commander Aelfric here has brought to my attention a rather novel idea; however the success or failure of it heavily depends on the other party involved, I'll let her explain it to you." The commission now listened to Angelika as she explained her idea.

"Since owe last met, some things have become clear concerning you and your origins.

There is a planet a very long way from here that it's population call earth, but we call Kagor. It is our belief that you Celestians at one time came from that planet, and we think we know how."

This got the three men very interested, as where they had come from had always been a mystery. Most Celestians had always felt that this had never been their home, too many strange happenings and unusual life forms for that.

"So tell us commander," asked Eno Sotha, "explain the mystery." Angelika stared at the man, she hadn't cared for him or his attitude the first time she had been here, and obviously, occupation by the Skaven had done nothing to change it.

"We believe you originally came from a country on Kagor called England and were traveling on a ship across a large body of water, or ocean as they call it on…Earth. Anyway, we also believe this ship was somehow taken by an unknown race with space traveling abilities and your ancestors were brought here, to what end or purpose we do not know, further investigation is necessary."

"What we have in mind is to return to Kagor, and make a proposal for volunteers to come to this planet and assist you in getting back on your feet. Now these people are of your own race but they speak a different variation of your language, however the language barrier is not insurmountable. At the present time we have in mind, doctors, farmers, teachers, and people with essential skills. We also intend to return with needed supplies but at a much later date. How would you feel about this?"

"First of all," asked Cobham, "What do our so-called "kin," have to say about this, and would they be open to this idea?"

"Obviously, we don't know yet," replied Angelika, "they are more technologically advanced than you, they level of space travel is still in infancy, but if they reject the idea then we'll have to find another solution. Do not loose heart, we will help you."

The three men requested that they be given time to consult with their countrymen and form a consensus before returning with a reply.

As it turned out, there was a great uproar over the offer. Angelika and admiral Korthal were forced to explain the whole thing all over again to three separate "delegations" demanding more information. Nationalistic pride seemed to be running high as many were against the offer, and an equally large number were for it. Then the two factions began to argue and bicker among themselves.

"This defies all logic," Angelika said to admiral Korthal, after one meeting ended in shouting and name calling.

"You would think that after all these people have been through, there would be a level of clarity here but it was just like this when the Elansa offered them the terra bomb. You know its behavior like this that just makes you just shake your head and leave."

"Oh I agree," replied admiral Korthal, "it's a wonder they have advanced as far as they have." Angelika gave it one more shot by bringing in Moneymaker, Sotha, and Cobham, and laying down the law.

"Is this all you people are able to do…Bicker? Again we make an offer of help, and there is nothing but arguing and discontent, what is the matter with you people?" The three men were shocked and incensed by her comments. Reggin Moneymaker called for attention, then began to explain.

"We are truly sorry you see things this way, but I think you are completely misjudging us

I'm truly sorry all this argumentative behavior disturbs you, it's just simply our way, just give it a little more time, you'll see. You wouldn't know it, but the majority actually approve of your offer. Now if it was someone else you were planning to send here, well, that would be a different story but since these people would come from the same planet as once did our ancestors…Well, that's an entirely different matter, there is great excitement and interest in that possibility."

By now both Angelika, admiral Korthal, and even Mikah Ulric were totally confused,

"But…All the shouting and disharmony, I -I don't understand," replied a thoroughly confused Angelika.

"Of course you don't," replied Eno, this isn't your world, you know very little about us, but unless I miss my guess, your offer will gain support, just remain a little longer."

Reluctantly, the Kagorians remained two more days, but then a vote was taken, and by an overwhelming majority, the offer to bring specialists from Kagor was whole-heartedly accepted, with many in tears coming up to Angelika, and admiral Korthal begging them to quickly return with people to help them. In the end, the Falthians departed with promises to return with help and aid. Shortly after their departure, "birdcages" began to appear at every city and village limit, and crossroad, inside were shackled Skaven prisoners who had been beaten and left to starve to death. The "birdcages" would remain until the all that remained were scraps of cloth and bones.