The Shepherd’s Path, Part 28: Reckoning
The Sheperds’ plan to launch a counterattack against the CEF consisted of two major offensive operations. The bulk of the 7th Fleet’s ground assets would deploy for an assault on Home, with the aim of opening a second front against the CEF. Home is a priority strategic target, and the 7th Fleet under Admiral Untide, with personal oversight from Grand Marshal Lucius Albrecht, is best suited for full-scale planetary assaults. Given their capacity to operate independently, though, many of the 7th Fleet’s ships are earmarked for the second prong of the counteroffensive.
This second assault force would be sent to Terra Nova via the Eden gate. This would save several jumps and avoid Caprice and its CEF defenses. The fleet would still need to transition across Atlantis and Eden, though. CEF space assets in both systems are usually fairly minimal given neither planet has any space forces of note. Their arrival would, however, correspond with sabotage by Black Talon and local units specifically targeting CEF intersystem communications as well as a stepping up of resistance operations. As soon as the Shepherds expeditionary units transit in system at one gate, the communications at the other gates would be jammed. This would ensure that the arrival of the Shepherds in each system is a surprise to those on the other side. This force would consist mostly of the Shepherds’ regular line units, a force of some 25 regiments all told, plus several brigades from the 7th fleet. In addition to the assault units, automated factories with preloaded schematics for replacement materials, an army of support personnel, and even a corps from the civilian orders will be sent. While on Terra Nova, Shepherds units will be cleared for local recruitment in addition to those that can be sent from the homeworld. Master General Alan Rourke will be in overall command of this force. Some privately view this as a snubbing by Albrecht. Prior to the defection of Admiral Untide, Rourke was viewed as one of Albrecht’s favorites. To be sent to a far-flung operation strikes some as unfair or even a deliberate insult. Several other names who have issues with Albrecht have also been sent to Terra Nova including the now legendary ace Captain Leah Mannerheim. Critics of this theory are quick to point out that the Order of the Divine Crescent has committed to the Terra Nova operation, and such an illustrious organization is above any political concerns.
The few regiments that remain on New Jerusalem will support allied local forces in peacekeeping operations and, should it be needed, rotate out with the assault units every 2 years when possible. Most CEF units on the planet have been destroyed, but several cases of more organized resistance have been reported. Rumors have begun to spread of some cooperation between those Post-Collapse States that reject the Shepherds’ outreach and CEF remnants.
Of those on Terra Nova, only the Black Talons and some high level officials in the various leagues and polar confederations know that New Jerusalem is coming. Even then, it is only those with close ties to the Westphalia Cabinet that know any details. In order to sustain the Shepherds’ forces, the Black Talons had to make deals that may involve parties who are not aware of what is going on. It also seems likely that New Jerusalem pathfinders and representatives are already on Terra Nova, paving the way for the storm to come…
Grand Marshal Lucius Albrecht looked out over the podium to the muster field below. He could make out the myriad shapes and sizes of his audience. The light directly above him was harsh and overwhelming, all the better for them to see him. The field, and his audience, were in the dark. The light did partially blind him to what was in front of him, but his mind filled in the blanks. Hundreds, no, thousands of warriors formed up in perfect ranks. Angels of all classes stood at attention as dozens of VTOLs and their crews waited idle on the tarmac alongside them. There was a light snow in the air, and Lucius adjusted his greatcoat as he leaned forward into the microphone.
“Seven hundred years ago, our ancestors first set foot upon this world. They came, not as conquerors or explorers, but as guides. They were the beacon in the darkness that millions would flock to. As the secrets of our world were uncovered for the first time, it was our ancestors who would protect those who could not protect themselves. For centuries they would give mind and body to protect and shepherd their flock.”
Lucius combined his words with grandiose hand and arm motions, but quickly turned somber as he spoke. The crowd was silent, and there was a harsh intensity to his next words.
“But our ancestors did not shrink from their sacred task, even as our world was tamed. New communities rose and an era of peace and prosperity was ahead. That is, until the Collapse threatened to destroy all that they had built. As the ancient Church fell to ruin around them, they did not forget their role as shepherds to the flock. They guided as many people as they could to a new sanctuary. The journey was not easy. Many would perish, and many more nearly lost faith, but His shepherds were there no matter what.”
Lucius began to pace, his actions becoming more energetic. With his energy came a low buzz from the crowd. Lucius’s voice got louder as he built on their excitement.
“Our forefathers would once again be that beacon of light in the darkness. It was them, and them alone, who stood true to their faith and morals. It was them that guided and protected their flock against a cruel world. In time they would found Sanctuary, and set about rebuilding all that was lost. But, just as before, they did not forget their duty as shepherds. In the centuries that followed, they would reach out and defend those who could not defend themselves. They would strike down those who would prey upon the weak and defenseless without mercy.”
Lucius suddenly stopped and looked out at the crowd. There was an audible noise now, though it hadn't resolved itself yet. His voice grew louder again.
“But, just as before, a new threat arose. Earth, the motherworld, returned. Not as a mother reaching out to her children but as a monster, devouring all in its path. We watched as their landing craft darkened our skies and sought to subjugate this world and its people. We saw them burn and pillage and destroy everything they touched. All of us remember. None of us have forgotten. ”
Resuming his motion just as suddenly has stopped, Lucius went on. The sound from the crowd was now clearly that of a low cheer. Lucius’ voice became even louder as he began to walk back towards the podium.
“But we did not forget our sacred task! It was us who would once again become a light in the darkness against this encroaching cataclysm. Just as our ancestors watched over the first colonists, just as our forefathers watched over the refugees that would form the core of Sanctuary, we watched over our flock. Our blood, our sweat and our tears turned into the dam upon which the invaders broke. Many, seeing the righteousness of our cause, joined us. Our light shone so brightly that those from other worlds sought us out.”
Lucius timed it perfectly, ending this last word just as he reached the podium. He turned to the crowd and leaned forward, resting his arms on it. The cheering was growing in intensity. He could see slight movements as those in the crowd began to rustle. Lucius began again, raising his voice a final time to nearly a shout.
“I stand before you today with a question. Far from our world, this threat has devoured many and threatens to consume that which remains. Terra Nova is one such world that stands against the predator that is Earth. Sometimes, my brothers and sisters, it is necessary that in order to protect his flock a shepherd must go hunt the monsters in the darkness. To guide others, to serve as that pillar of light in the oppressive darkness, we must take this fight off our world. I ask you now, will you honor your calling as a shepherd of the flock? Will you stand with me as we march off to other worlds to protect those who cannot protect themselves?
Seven hundred years ago, our ancestors first set foot upon this world. Now it is our time to leave it. We do so not as conquerors or explorers, but as guides. A beacon in the shining darkness for all to see. To those who cry in the night for salvation, for those who cannot defend themselves, let that beacon be a light of hope. To those who would deny us peace and threaten His flock, let it be the burning wrath of God and His Shepherds!”
The cheer was now so loud it no longer sounded like a cheer. As Lucius stepped away from the podium, he turned around and smiled.
