Chapter II: Operation Starfell

The clock's ticking to midnight. It was silent on the city of Molodin, but inside the Army HQ, all is busy. The codebreakers especially, and the secret service. Spies are being sent to Concordia to gather intels, some are even in the Junta Army, acting as moles. One of the mole, reported back. "It's true. It was estimated that within 48 hours, the Junta Navy will start shelling Lunican homeland. Battleship Orion will be included in this fight."

Battleship Orion is the Junta's biggest asset. She is a Betelgeuse-Class Heavy Battleship, making her essentially the same as now Lunican Navy owned Betelgeuse. Now, the assembly of the navy starts. Under Zee, there are going to be 1 Battleship, 3 Battlecruisers, 10 Light Cruisers, and 10 Destroyers. And under Solema, there are going to be 2 Cruisers, 2 Light Carriers, and 15 Destroyers. The small Lunican Navy threw every ship available, and things are dire knowing that project supercarrier XR-101 hasn't been completed yet.

"This is too dire. We are going to be impossibly outnumbered in this fight. Some of our fighters are even too old." Said Commander-in-chief Lord Rigelis Emil Mathias von Marthersteim. "I'll tell you milord, I served in their army. Maybe their sheer number can certainly defeated us, but their power is exactly the thing that came at a cost. The ships are barely armed. Even torpedoes are scarce and some unreliable to detonate. Lunica's factories can rival their factories. Remember, without the Romano Company, Betelgeuse and Orion cannot even run because their engines are produced here." Said Zee, optimistic about the strength of their own navy.

Inside the Army base, all soldiers were awakened. Ralph wakes up, lining alongside other soldiers. Captain Cole Phillips addressed the soldiers. "Attention soldiers! Keep your eyes open tonight. Our spies confirmed a fleet of invasion force is on their way to invade us. As you all might know, our army isn't that large when compared to our foes. I've received a letter from General Reynhard, that the entire 4th Royal Rifles Battalion must move to Lünestadt, the soon will be the first landing zone. Pack your gears up, gentlemen, we're going to evacuate the civvies."

"Sir Yes Sir!" Shouted every soldier, including Ralph.

Captain Cole is the Captain of L Corps. Although playful, he can be serious when it came to fighting. Everyone in the base knew Captain Cole from his brightly red "lucky ribbon" tightened to the left side of his helmet. As Ralph prepares to exit with his kit, Cole approaches Ralph, "You are the best recruit yet, kid. This night, we are gonna prove that fighting on Lunican soil is their worst decision ever. The whole of Lunica depends on you. Make me proud, son." Captain Cole then tapped on Ralph's shoulder. He then proceeded into an army truck, heading towards Lünestadt. A convoy of tanks, trucks, and busses for evacuate the civilians are ready.

As they arrived, the civilians are already lined up. With the busses, they will be relocated to the Royal Bunker of Molodin, built in just 1 year to shield all Lunicans from war and natural disaster. Lunican Army, consisted of 2 Battalions the 4th and 18th, now occupying the city, and trapped the city with barbed wires, mines, and grenade traps. A militia is also formed, mostly Lunican Army retirees that were the inhabitants of the city.

At midnight, it really happened. As the Betelgeuse and the main fleet left the orbit, they encountered hostile warships that started firing at them. Admiral Deitz, the commander of The Betelgeuse, ordered to open fire at the Orion. "All ships, this is Admiral Deitz, concentrate all fire at the Orion!" Shouted Deitz. Though small, Lunican Escort Carriers put up a fight. From their hangars 10 Radiata-Class Bombers armed with AP bombs. Betelgeuse meanwhile, launched also their fighters from the small hangars. ShVaK fighter-interceptors, the same type being used the Junta, were launched. Though a General, Zee joined the fight inside one of the fighter. "Saunder-One, you copy?" Asked Zee. "We're on your tail, General Zee. Preparing to engage."

"Here they come." Said Zee.

A swarm of fighters. Using his skills, Zee quickly moved behind one of the enemy fighter, before releasing plasma machine gun fire at the target. The plane then exploded, but instead of popping the pilot's emergency space bag, he left him alive to be retrieved by the Junta rescue ship. "You didn't shot his balloon sir, why?" Asked Saunder-One. "He's no harm to us anymore. Let him be." Answered Zee.

On the ground, what can be seen as meteors are actually pods. Launched with high speed from a troop carrier, it contained 20 soldiers each, and landed shortly after at the outskirts of Lünestadt. "They are here! Men! Open fire!" Said an unknown Lunican soldier. With their sheer number and weaponry, they pushed inwards. Captain Cole, quickly rallied his men to an intersection. There, a machine gun nest quickly erected at the second floor of a building. Junta soldiers poured in, and were ambushed, delaying their push. As a machine gunner, Ralph put down a suppressing fire. But the Junta are well positioned, and in a moment of battle, managed to blast Ralph with a grenade launcher, disabling his machine gun nest. With his broken bones, Ralph crawled, before discovered by Captain Cole, who quickly called a paramedic. The battle was over for Ralph.

"Hold firm, lads! Tanks are on the way!" Shouted Cole, who called the tanks to the location. 1 hour later, Lunican tanks arrived. With the Junta's casualties mounting, they retreated. Those who didn't retreat were shot by tank cannon. It was the first battle won by the Lunicans. As he breathe the fresh air of victory, Cole opened his can of liquorice candy as he didn't smoke, unlike the majority of the Lunican soldiers. "There, that should teach 'em." commented Cole.

Because of his fracture, Ralph was transferred into the biggest field hospital of the army. And due to Lunica's advanced medical technology, managed to recover in just 4 days.

Now back at the front with his first wound badge, he felt proud. The Lunican Army, after the small skirmish, decided to dig a trench that circles the city of Lünestadt. Captain Cole ordered Ralph to be his message officer, after hearing about Ralph's condition. Instead of fighting, Ralph is now inside Captain Cole's office, giving orders to artillery on behalf of Captain Cole orders. "You're doing a good job, Ralph. I wish I have more soldier like you." Praised Cole. "Why thank you, sir. I'm just doing my duties as a soldier." Answered Ralph. "By the way Ralph son, you want some liquorice candies? I brought an extra can today. I want to give it to Captain Theodore of the 18th Shock Troops, but he is far to be found since we are assigned to different sector. So, this one's for you." Cole then handed over his candies to Ralph. As a thank, Ralph offered his cigarettes, but Cole declined. "Sorry son, I don't smoke. No need for a payback. Because... One technical reason. When Ralph asked the reason, Cole only smiled.

Fast forward to few weeks, Ralph started to get bored of his job. Wandering the office, Ralph found Cole pistol. A hammerless pistol with engravings and match barrel, it is unusual for an officer. Suddenly, Cole came back to his dugout office. "What are you doing with my gun?" asked Captain Cole. "Nothing sir. Just curious. What a beautiful firearm you got there, sir." Cole then walked, and started to inspect his pistol. "Beautiful, isn't she? You might be wondering, isn't the issued pistol for officers is the 9mm LA-19? That doesn't apply for me. This isn't an army issue. It was a gift. Ah, long ago before I became a Captain. Before this, I served with the Lunican State Police. I received the pistol, and something important for me around that time. This girl I have... Chambered in 45 Auto. I ever heard a quote from a man long ago, he said that, '9mm kills the body, but 45 kills the soul.' I will always carry this gun with me, son. She's my company." Said Cole. "Wanna hear a lie, Ralph son?" Asked Cole. "Yes sir." Then Cole told Ralph, "I overheard some of the POW conversation. They are convinced that due to their sheer power, the war will be over in just 2 months. And looking at their situation, I can say that they are being lied to. I mean c'mon Ralph son, Molodin is even still untouched. How can they advance so far if they can't even capture a city from us?" Said Cole jokingly.

Their conversation was cut short, and suddenly there's a charge attack. The Junta managed to advance beyond the forward trench, and now advancing to the command rear trench. "Take your rifle, son. You'll see some action today." Said Cole while at the same time loading his pistol and cocking it. Seeing Junta officer outside, he stared at him. The Junta officer had not cleared his holster before a bullet fairly pierced his uniform, and Captain Cole's aim was deadly with his pistol on his hip. "Show's over son, better keep moving or we'll lose this lovely office." said Cole after holstering his pistol back. Despite the dire situation, Cole kept his cool, walking the trenches like nothing was happened nowhere. When he sees an enemy, he did the same thing that he did to that officer. "I guess being a veteran cop really did taught him something." Ralph said to himself.

Unable to regain control, the forward trench fell. Now, the enemies are closer. But despite the dangers still, Cole always calm. Even refused to evacuate to even far command trench and stated that, "I spent time decorating this office for days! I can't just leave my masterpiece!" to a Lieutenant Colonel. Over time, Cole is becoming closer with Ralph, and became good friends. And now, he opened up his secrets to Ralph. "You know Ralph son, why I always energetic each day, like I always on caffeine? It is because... My heart." Said Cole. "What heart, sir?" asked Ralph. "You know, I'm not always full of energy and able to lead men to the battle. Ever heard of General Zee? He's also the recipient of this newfound tech. You see, I was born with an inherited heart disease. When he, back then Captain Zee was shot in heart, the scientists used his body to create a revival device, to keep him alive. An artificial heart. When my colleagues saw that it was a success, they decided to give me the device. And it worked well ever since. Chasing bandits were becoming much easier thanks to the heart they gave me." Cole explained everything to Ralph. Now Ralph understands why Cole don't smoke, not because he don't want to, but because that could be possibly dangerous for his artificial heart. Ralph also realized that Cole is shorter than most senior officers despite being 29 years old.

Days went by. And his relationship with Cole grew and grew. Other days, Cole taught Ralph how to interrogate, breaking out of handcuffs, spying, and be a good police officer. Cole also jokingly said, "When I died someday, please take her (his pistol) with you, son.".

The story inside the trenches continues

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***