Resurgence - The Champion
The Champion
Over the next two weeks, Stormhawk Galaxy arrived at and jumped from Weldon, then to Point Barrow by mid-September. Speed was urgent because Precentor Imala informed Galaxy Commander Dominic McKenna that Abbeville was a corridor attack point for the Word of Blake, seeking out New Avalon. Knowing that they are in the path of the Blakists with Point Barrow as a target due to its resources was unnerving. However, at their projected pace, they should be at New Avalon before the Blakists caught up.
Much to their surprise, while charging their jump drives, multiple Federated Suns jumpships began arriving in system. Early contact showed that the jumpships were ferrying forces to the planet. It would be an easy guess that the Federated Suns had word of the Blakists en route to New Avalon. A concerned Federated Suns Captain made contact with the Snow Raven fleet and confirmed there were no hostile intentions, yet even if there were the three warships would be able to overwhelm the smaller Federated Suns ships.
Soon enough a Command vessel arrived with a very important person onboard – The Prince’s Champion. Erik Sandoval-Groell immediately sought to reach out to the Snow Raven fleet mysteriously sitting in the middle of the Federated Suns. After coordinating, the Raven’s Nest would be the greeting point for the leaders. Erik’s dropship soon docked with the massive ship. Erik knew to be diplomatic because even with his attendant pocket warships and more arriving by the day, the Stormhawk Galaxy could still devastate his commands.
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When the pressure equalized, the hatches opened to reveal the officers of the Raven Alliance and Federated Suns. Both sides took a second to look over and size each other up. The Ravens were fleeing a shattered nation. The Prince’s Champion hoped to hold off those same attackers when they reached Point Barrow.
“Welcome aboard the Raven’s Nest, Prince’s Champion Sandoval-Groell.” Galaxy Commander McKenna initiated.
“Thank you for the welcome, Galaxy Commander. Looks like we need to have a discussion; about finding one of your warship stars and fleets in the middle of the Federated Suns.” Said Erik in return. Although there’s only three of the five.
Both approached each other and shook hands firmly, still sizing each other up. McKenna knew if somehow things went ballistic, the Ravens would overwhelm the Federated Suns fleet. However, he was deep in another nation’s territory and it was simply not even worth venturing down that path. The losses just trying to escape the nation’s borders would be staggering
“We have quite the tale to tell.” Stated Dominic. He began by explaining the attack on the Alliance, then the attack by the Sea Foxes, the loss of Galaxy Commander Magnus and two warships, and now they are going to jump to New Avalon to inform the Prince of the situation; he decided not to mention Comstar for now. “Given Khan McKenna’s past with Harrison Davion and mostly positive interactions with Prince Julian, I thought this warning would be a courtesy to rebuild our nations relationship.”
Erik was certainly taken back by the scope of events playing out in that region of the Inner Sphere’s Periphery. “You do realize we don’t have the capacity to help retake your nation, correct?” asked Erik. “Also, you might remember that the Ravens played a role… or at least didn’t play at all in helping us get to this position.” Hinting at the Ravens not showing up at Palmyra, leaving the “fool Prince” Caleb Davion to die and most of those forces to get slaughtered.
Nodding and pursing his lips, Dominic recognized the past treachery was a daunting obstacle to overcome. “You are correct, Prince’s Champion. We did not fulfill our obligations and we regret that decision. However, we do not seek your nation’s aid in retaking Alpheratz, simply safe passage through your realm that we might reach Clan space to further decide our future.”
“I am prepared to grant you that safe passage, I will prepare a message. However, I am in urgent need of aid and your fleet is already present.” Said Erik, a hint of a grin on his face. If they want to just skip and hop through the Federated Suns, it is time they repay some of their debts owed.
“Prince’s Champion, we just faced down the Sea Foxes, some of our ships are in urgent need of repair.” Noted Dominic, trying to avoid being asked the question he knew was imminent.
“Our ship picked up on that information as we approached, we have multiple shipyards that we could bring your fleet to.” Erik offered generously as he moved to his true motive. “I will send word ahead that we will be coming after we repel the Blakists.”
Dominic’s face hardened as he recognized the frustrating situation he was now entangled in with the Prince’s Champion. Erik was well known for stunts like this, even as far out as Alpheratz. “Prince’s Champion, we do not know the true numbers of the Blakists.” Warned Dominic. “Staying here is a risk to all of our people, even with what I have at my disposal I do not know we can overtake what we have seen.”
“Rest assured Galaxy Commander, the Prince’s Champion is not easily rebuffed.” Erik seemed to puff his chest up a bit. “While a Federated Suns warship will not be joining us, we have enough assault dropship and aerospace fighters to even the odds. Reports by Nomad Republic have shown us what we will face, what size of a force they attack a world with. We can do this together.” Erik held up a hand size holoprojector palm up that showed two images above it. One side was about the size of the Word of Blake fleet that chased them out of Raven space. The other was his three Warships, fleet, and then combined with the Federated Suns ships.
Erik stood proud and was not going to back down. If Dominic abandoned him now it would be Palmyra all over again but, worse. This time the Ravens are at the system and would be abandoning it. The Federated Suns could still do a lot of damage, even by refusing us access to resupplying food and water. Clenching his teeth for a second and taking a deep breath, Dominic responded somewhat reluctantly. “Very well, Prince’s Champion, we will assist you in the defense of this world. Once it is complete you will grant us repairs and safe passage, quiaff?”
“Affirmative, Galaxy Commander, I will also take you to the Prince himself.” Responded Erik as he extended his hand to shake again. Dominic regretted this meeting and being put in a position he did not desire. However, it was possible that given the history of Palmyra and that New Avalon was only recently recovered by the Federated Suns, there was a chance they would be shot on sight in the system without Erik’s assistance.