<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> How long had he been waiting in the cluster, waiting for his chance to redeem himself. Now was the time.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"Commander Brinsk? Are you still with us?"

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Brinsk snapped out of his reverie, his attention drawn to the Non-com who had called to him.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Yes Corporal, Begin the landings."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The Corporal turned and made his way back to the command centre of the Luxury Cruiser. Looking around, Brinsk saw soldiers, but not soldiers. They were all dressed in civilian clothing, their weapons all concealed, impossible to find by even the most thorough search. They were all members of elite and veteran units of the Hapes Cluster Military, sent out from the cluster to help the colonies expand. And the journey had been a long one.

From the cluster to Hapes where they were all breifed, like thousands before them had. From there they had moved into cargo ships and traders, leaving the system. Docking at different rendeavoux points, they had boarded ships. Some civilian liners, others smuggling ships. The civilian liners would take 'tourists' to Democles, the target planet, and one of 2 large populous planets in that system. The others would be taken and landed in the forested regions of Democles, ready to move into areas of strategic importance and tactical advantage. The land battle would be swift. As would the Naval clash, Hopefully.

Trouble was not expected from the neighboring planet. Democles and Kamchatka had long been at odds, and Hapan diplomacy had them fawning over the Consortium.

Not only were there troops on the ground, but there were a surprising ammount of vehicles on the ground. A large number of small combat vehicles had landed on the ground with the smuggler groups, but were lightly armoured. But boy they were fast, and packed a mean punch too.

A coup de tant of the Hapan strategic planning was that the assault coincided with the starting of a Challenge between a number of arms manufacturers, the Hapan Consortium included, to supply Heavy Armoured Vehicles to the Democles Defense Forces. All were expected to bring a range of vehicles for all types of situations. Most groups brought 2 of each, totalling around 50 for each group. The Hapan Consortium brought over 300 vehicles of every type possible. So many so it warented the bringing of a Hapan Star Destroyer into Democles space. The judges believed that this was an attempt to sway them with superior military might. They were alot closer to the truth than they had thought....<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"WELCOME TO DEMOCLES" Boomed the head of the welcoming commitee. Up until 10 weeks ago, Democles didn't even have a tourism board. But the sudden arrival of swarms of tourists from all points of the galaxy had enricened the people, its bearecrats particularly. That single fact had forced the people to ignore the obvious question. Why were they all coming here?

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Stepping off the luxury liner, he noticed natives all offering their wares, like a fleamarket. The sudden growth of trade had made this a nice living.

Soon, he was out of the city, his men all moving at a steady rate. He knew in the back of his mind that somewhere out there, the 'backpackers' had taken tours of all the military instalations on and above the planet, and alot had taken menial jobs in those instalations as janitors or guides or cooks.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> This is looking to be way too easy.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"And here is the Hapan Main Battle Tank, the Hapes T-Alpha 34 model. The most advanced and heavily armed tank on display here."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The Hapan emisary pressed a button and the red velvet drapes fell, revealing 3 shiney new vehicles, each slightly different than the next.

The foremost was the standard all purpose model. It was sleek, as all Hapan designs, but packed a deadly punch. Its single main armament packed the power of a heavy Quad laser into a single barrel, and could punch through any target with a successful hit. On each side of the turret stood two bars of anti-personel rockets, short range but damaging. Atop the turret stood a standard repeater blaster, found all over the galaxy. In sponsons on each side sat heavy repeater lasers, able to destroy light vehicles and men with equal ease.

To the left and behind the MBT was the antipersonel model, tasked as the Tarantula. It absolutly bristled with light lasers and heavy lasers of all kinds. Built around the same chassis as the MBT, its main armament was replaced with 4 Heavy Quad lasers drawing on the same powersource. It also had a dual repeater laser on the turret top, for command use. Gatling light lasers stood in sponsons on each side, as well as to the front and rear. No man would survive an encounter with this tank.

FInally, to the right of the MBT and in line with the Tarantula stood the Cantankerous, or the Can' as it was known in the field. It was slower, more cumbersome and more heavily armed than all 3. It mounted four heavy laser Cannons linked for targeting at a single target on the turret, along with the standard anti-personel repeating laser. The side sponsons mount single long range piercing lasers for engaging tanks at long ranges. They were the cream of Hapan land technology, and were about to prove their worth.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"EXCELLENT!" boomed the Governer, all excited with the 'big toys'. "When can we see them in action?"

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Sooner than you think.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> thought Colonel Morrell, who stood off to the side of the stage.

**************************************
In the Outskirts of Democles, the Planets Capital.
**************************************

"Commander Brinsk? Colonel Morrell sends word, the tanks are doing excellently, and are showing up all competitors. He wishes to know if the infiltrators are ready to seize the enemy vehicles."

"Send word that they are ready. As we shall be, as soon as all our charges are placed on the buildings. Those gas grenades will make it a bloodless victory, making the people more inclined to cooperate."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The Lance Corporal turned without saluting. There was no rank out here. I keep forgeting this. My training is too ingrained.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Poring over the maps, he made mental adjustments to where the men of his 'army' were, as no markings could be shown. Brinsk chuckled to himself.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Well technically there ARE no men there...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Crown Prince Dakkon stood on the Mini Space station that served as the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Royal Pavilion<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> to watch the massing of the Fleet. He smiled at the strength of arms shown to have grown in such a small time.

In the Centre of the fleet sat the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Jorgamund<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, his Battle Dragon and the Flagship of the Fleet. It was flanked by the four Star Destroyers that were gifts from both IDTech and The Tholatin Republic. Both groups were small, but excellent allies. Arrayed around the Core of the fleet were the most versitile ships in the Fleet, the Nova Class Cruisers. They were sleek and deadly, 3 being easily capable of taking on an Imperial Class Star Destroyer and destroying it without losing much on their shields. To one side of the fleet was the 5 Lancer Frigates, the newest additions to the fleet. They were to move into the system on the pretense of picking up the tanks. That was another slieght of hand.

Attached to the outside of the Lancers were landing crafts. They were an ugly sight to behold, but in them sat almost a division of Hapan Main Battle Tanks which would land and disembark. They would be secured in the wilderness of Democles and ready for use by the troops already on the ground. The Landing craft would remain on planet overnight, and during which time be used to transport more men around into better positions. Artillery would also be brought down and be lugged into position overnight. When morning came the invasion would begin.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Vice Admiral? I have made a slight alteration to the plans."

"But sir, this are carefully laid and cannot....."

The Prince interupted.

"You are forgeting that <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> I<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> was the one who made those plans you wish to retain so much. Send one of the Imperial Class Star Destroyers, the one which delivered the tanks actually. They should relax, and it would be for a simple reason, such as protection from pirates. I want to knock out their Main Capital ship as soon as possible, preferably at the begining of the battle. Thus the miniature fleet would be made major targets for the planets landbased fighters."

"But sir! We would isolate and lose one of our greatest assets!"

"Incorrect. Intelligence shows they have around 100 snub fighters on land am i correct? And that was around 100 worthy of the name. TIE Fighters i was told. And they are in disrepair with poorly trained crews and bad ground staff. There are also a number of Y-TIEs. They were the major portion of the unknown numbers. All are completely unsheilded, and packing no major punch. Also, all the TIEs are stationed in one of either two Orbital Hangars, of which both are near our docking area. We would by most chances knock out most of their TIEs, as well as their Flagship in the opening minutes.

Also, Lancers are designed to counter fighters. If we succede in taking out those TIE Hangars, they have only uglies to throw at us, which will be churned up by out Lancers. We could cripple their navy within such a short time that we would be able to begin towing in whatever we want almost immediatly. And that is before we have encountered their own fleet, which without the Imperial Class Star Destroyer is a fleet of Support ships. The best they could muster would be a Dreadnought, that Nebulon B and some original model Carrack cruisers. Our Imperial Class Star Destroyer alone could defeat that."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Dakkon stood triumphant, but was humbled by the Vice Admirals smirk<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"I was about to say sir, that intelligence has shown a small Democlean task force is assaulting a neighboring system. The governer has aspirations it seems. The total numbers are unsure, but a Victory Class Star Destroyer has been confirmed by some of our operatives on the planets surface."

"Regardless, that has no immediate effect on the battle at hand. Dispatch the task force."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The Vice Admiral turned and activated a Fleet Orders beacon. The 5 Lancers and the Imperial Class Star Destroyer moved off, and onto Democles.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

Vessana stood in her office in the Fountain Palace on Hapes, staring up intently at the rising moons. Her arms were delicately crossed over her chest and a soft smile played on her lips. Two of the seven moons that orbitted the planet had already crested the horizon and three more were starting their journey across the purplish-black sky.

A sweet sounding chime resonated through the office pulling the Queen Mother from her musings.

" Enter."

The doors slid open and Sorsha, Vessana's red-headed young assistant, entered with a datapad.

" Pardon the intrusion Highness, but we have begun to receive the first reports of the coup on Democles."

Vessana turned away from the window and moved around the large desk that seperated the two women. She took the pad from Sorsha and scanned over it quickly. Her eyes lit up as she read.

" Excelent! The last of the troops landed this morning and the armaments are in place. If these reports are accurate then there should be minimal loss of life on Democles or in its fleet."

" The Admiral has taken great care planning this, Highness."

She nodded at the assistants statement.

" Aye, it's what he enjoys. The strategies, the intrigues. I, on the other hand, would be content with hiding ourselves away inside the Consortium. But Dakkon-"

A whistful sigh escapes her rosey lips.

" But my Dakkon has always been the adventurer."

The datapad is handed back to the assistant and Vessana rests against the edge of the desk.

" I want to see every report as it comes in. When the military aspect of this is over the rest of it will be left to us Diplomats."

" As you wish, Highness."

"Unidentified Fleet, identify your selves."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The radio blared to the newly Arrived Hapan Convoy, its Lancer Frigates slowly forming into a line adrift while the Imperial Class Star Destroyer led the way.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"This is the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Heir of Ratkus<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, we are escorting the Hapan convoy to pick up the Hapan Arms Delegation."

"Roger that, move into our docking areas."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Acknowledging the order, the Fleet moved into the Democlean Naval Zone on one side of the planet. They assumed their docking positions and completed the maneuvere quickly and efficiently. The landing craft detached from all the Lancers and descended towards the darkened planets surface.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

**************************************
Outside Democles Central, Democles Capital City
**************************************


<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Brinsk was woken from a dull doze by the sounds of gunfire emanating from the City.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"What the? Whats going on....."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The camp was buzzing with activity, people running around on errands and waking the camp. One that was running past turned to Brinsk<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Theres been a coup! A General has seized power. The Governer was arrested, but his papers instantly began to spread the news, criticism flying at everyone, including some to the governer himself...

We have been ordered to prepare for action in the morning, the tanks are arriving soon."

"Where are their troops?"

"Most were sent away from Democles major city by the General prior to the coup so they couldn't intervene. They've been kept isolated and the city is being blockaded from the inside. The media has been clamped down in the city and the Generals loyalists units have returned and manned the city. They are residing in the outer city barracks, but most of the defences have been moved to the Governers Palace where the General is residing. Seems to be the standard tin pot dictator..."

"Right then. Has our cover been compromised?"

"Negative. And they are having communications problems. Thats how we could confuse their detection of our transports which are due to arrive in half an hour."

"Excellent Lieutenant. Continue."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The man turned and ran away back to his task. Moving back into his tent, Brinsk quickly dressed in his quasi-fatigues, able to convert into practical combat attire quickly and quietly. Eating nothing, but drinking some water, he left his tent and headed over to the the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> command centre<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->. As he approached he formulated his plan in his head.

Before he spoke a radarman and reciever simultaneously detected the cloaked landing ships and jumped up.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Sir, the Landing Ship (Tanks) are coming. The LSTs are going to arrive in 10 minutes out on the plain."

"Well lets head there then shall we?"

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Ten minutes later the Landing Ships we buzzing over head, quietly descended and the vehicles AI rolled them out off the ships, which were still moving at fast speeds. As the tanks dropped off, the Ships picked up speed and headed off in the direction of Democles Central, to relay the crews that would capture the other delegations tanks. The entire attack was coming together perfectly.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Commander Brinsk! Commander Brinsk! We have news from our operatives in the barracks compound where the rest of the Democlean army is stationed. They heard about us and wish to defect provided we get rid of the General. They say he is crazy and is planning on making a suicidal attack on the neighboring planet Kamchatka."

"Thats obviously suicidal. Send a small team to negotiate. We need to send out our operatives for the knocking out of the Cities Barracks, and the men inside them."

"Yes sir."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The NCO turned and ran his message to the temporary Head Quarters. Brinsk turned his attention to the man next to him.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Find me a comlink active and linked with Colonel Morrell. I need to organise the defence of Democles Central as soon as the operation commences. I also need to know the status of the other tank Contractors and the success of the capturing of their compounds."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The man turned and ran off to the communications tent. Brinsk uncliped his blaster rife, its scope set to infra red, one of the four available modes. It was standard fare amongst the Hapan elites on planet, and as soon as Democles was captured, it would become standard fare for the entire Hapan Military.


TWO HOURS LATER<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Colonel Morrell? Its great to speak to you again! How is everything coming?"

"Oh its going excellently. The new Governer has just come down to our compound and asked for our representative to organise a deal for full sale of 100,000 of our T-Alpha 34 model tank, with full update rights."

"100,000?? Lucky he isnt getting them then isn't it! I hear he was planning on taking on Kamchatka, the planet we just did make a tank deal with! Anyway, i need to know how well the operation is going to capture the other tanks?"

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Morrell chottled, obviously knowing something interesting.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Well actually, they went perfectly. And not only that, but we discovered that the Danoz Arms Manufacturing Corporation has stolen our Tarantula design and has built a slightly modified version of it for their own Main Battle Tank. I think we have our next target in reconquest!"

"Yes, it seems we do. I have gotten all your tanks on the ground, no exceptions. And their crews are ready to engage the Rebel Forces. We have already ambushed 4 convoys of men loyal to the dictator who were leaving their outlying forts to gain better positions around Democles Prime. Intell reports that they are travelling lightly, not believing there is any challenge to their authority, and also have not checked to see if those forts the men were moving to occupy have been occupied.

We have sent units to take the forts and act as decoys. In other words, this should be a pushover. The only worry is some hard street to street fighting, but if all our plans work, there won't be any need for that..."

"Well we can only hope Commander Brinsk. And if this pans out, you and i both are getting promotions."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Colonel Morrell signed off with a laugh, leaving Brinsk holding the reciever. Putting down the field telephone, a trooper ran up to him and thrust a holopad and Datacard into his hand before striding off faster than he appeared.

Looking at the datacard, he saw a list of demands from the Loyalists regarding their joining the fight.

REQUEST FOR GOODS AND ALLIANCE

1) That we be allowed to fight with you to retake the City, giving you deference and the right to set up a functioning government once the fighting is completed.

2) Allowing These men to retain their positions in the New Democles Defence Forces, once the Rebels have been defeated.

3) Right of passage through any lands held by Hapan forces.

5) Equal sharing of military and other pertinent information regarding the Rebellion and the Planet.



Looking over the list, Brinsk noted that they were easily satisfiable demands, and called over the Lieutenant in charge of communications to the Barracks compound Quadrant.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Send word to the Garrison, we agree to their terms whole heartedly, and wish to begin military activities together at day light."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The man turned and transmited the message and Brinsk smiled. Yep, he would be getting a promotion for this one after all....

**************************************
Hapes, Naval Proving Grounds, Hyperpoint X-2938
**************************************

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Admiral Blackblade stood aboard the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Jorgamund<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, the flagship of the Hapan Fleet. They were preparing to move into Hyperspace to engage the main Fleet of Demcles before it made its way back to its home pla<!--EZCODE BOLD END--><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Commodore, i am ready. Have Squadron Leader Carsten ready his fighters as soon as we make real space. I want no casualties, have them engage the Victory Class Star Destroyer and avoid any anti-starfighter ships."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The Commodore turned and gestured for the fleet to move out. The stars faded into lines and they were away......

-------------------------------------------------------
3 Hours Later, Unknown System.
-------------------------------------------------------

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The star streaks dissappeared and a Naval Battle was revealed.

2 Corvettes, CR-90 Class, were engaging a single Loronar Strike Cruiser, and were assisted by a pair of Carrack Class Cruisers. An MC40a Light Star Cruiser was being engaged by the Democlean Victory Class, taking a massive pounding, but doing significant damage on its <!--EZCODE BOLD END--><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Commodore, scan those ships and tell me their shield level."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> He turned silently before turning back and reporting.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Sire, the MC40a Light Star Cruiser is down to 0% and is suffering hull damage. The Victory Class is down to its back up set, which are on 50%. The Loronar is almost destroyed, as is one of the Corvettes. The other is undamaged and the two Carracks are low on sheilds, no structural damage."

"Thank you Commodore. Move our fighters to engage the Victory Class, and have our Capital ships move into combat range of the smaller ships. Except for 2 of our Imperial Class Star Destroyers, who should move in to support the fighters and engage the Victory."

"Already done sir."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The Fleet moved quickly to engage, and was almost in range of the smaller capital ships when the Loronar buckled, and finally exploaded, 2 escape pods heading back towards its planets surface. The Corvettes moved to engage them.

Before they could, the Battle Dragon unleashed a full blindside, all its turbolasers directed into the ship without shields. It exploded, damaging its partner heavily. The 3 support ships turned to meet the new threat, and we enaged immediatly by the Nova Class Cruisers, their Captains heavily pounding the ships. Immediatly one of the Carrack Cruisers exploded. Not only had the fusilade of fire damaged the ship, but missles had pierced its power generators causing them to exploded.

This explosion rocked its neighbor also, lowering its sheilds partially. The 2 remaining ships turned and began to move back towards the relative safety of the Victory Class. Before the Corvette could move out of range once again, the Battle Dragon unleashed another broadside, the blasts wrecking the shields and causing mass explosions in the engine room. It was overhauled by the Novas, who sent a salvo of turbolaser into the ships hull, destroying it completely.

Meanwhile, the Victory Class was embattled on all fronts. When the Imperial Class Destroyers engaged it, they directed their fire onto the new targets, giving the MC40a Light Star Cruiser enough time to recoup some shields, and was now pressing home its attack. The shields buckled under star fighter attack, the Miy'Tils unleashed a salvo of heavy Proton Torpedos. The untrained crewers of the Victory class we unable to stop the torrent of green missles, and ran to escape pods. None we to escape.

The missles impacted, the Victory shuddering, and slowly broke apart. Not much in the way of external exploisions were visable, but internally, the torps had done their work. The ship was gutted, its once glorious floors black and chard.

Seeing this, the Carrack, in between the two groupings of ships, but being slowly overhauled by the Nova's.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Commodore, active the Pulse Mass Generators."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Onboard the Carrack cruiser, the crew was in hysterics. Barely even the Captain had control. They were only .3 klicks from the jump point and the entire crew was counting down the seconds. As soon as they were at the beacon the Captain called to his Navigation booth.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"PUNCH IT!!!"

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The crew cheered as the Nav Com hit the hyperbuttons, but nothing Happened. The Battle Dragon had activated their Pulse Mass Generators just in time. The crew were to poorly trained to realise an interdictor when they saw one, and it was to cost them all their lives.

The Cruisers moved in for the kill, turbolasers pounding the ship into oblivion. For most part, the crew outside the bridge believed themselves to be safe, not realising their death until they stood before their maker.

The Captain of the MC40a Light Star Cruiser hailed the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Jorgamund<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> <!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Hey thanks you guys, we were going to lose that if you hadn't shown up! Can i ask who you guys are??"

"No."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The Fleet quickly formed up and disappeared into Hyperspace, leaving the MC40a Light Star Cruisers Crew stunned....<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The sun set once again over Democles, and much had changed in the last two days.

A rebel General had siezed power and placed the planetary governer under arrest. The loyalist troops, having been sent out in to the country side while the coup took place, had alligned themselves with the insurgents, the men and women of the elite Hapan landing forces. And although the new dictator claimed absolute control of the planet, he infact only held the Capital city, the remainer of the planet and its population being oblivious to the events of the last 48 hours.

Now the final strike would begin.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Colonel Morrell? This is Commander Brinsk. Ocavango Delta is flooding."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Colonel Morrell recieved the message, but did not reply. He knew the code for opening of hostilities, and was now able to sieze the rest of the city. Moving over to his aide de camp, he nodded.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"We are good to go. Have our infiltration units begin military activities. Put all our men on high alert..."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Withing 5 minutes, thousands of men, both inside and outside the city were changing into their military gear, arming up and preparing for battle.

In each of the five barracks around the city which were stocked with rebel troops, about 10 Hapan Special Forces men were standing outside each of the main dormitaries with sleeping gas grenades in their hands. Rolling them silently in, their pins removed, an odorless and colourless gas seeped out, sending all of the men into deeper and longer lasting sleep.

Meanwhile, at the former planetary Governers residence the Janitors, Hapan Special Forces men in disguise, had installed gas emitors in the ventalation and air circulatory systems. Pulsing through the building, guards and beaurecrats alike passed out, falling like puppets with their strings cut.

Every single rebel soldier had been incapacitated, falling almost lifeless to an invisiable and inexorable foe. Sleep.

The city, as well as the planet was in Hapan hands. If only the same could be said about the space around it.

--------------------------------------------------
Above Democles, Port Authority Control booth.
--------------------------------------------------

The man was board. He was paid to watch for unknowns entering the system, but he didn't like working the late shift. Especially not the graveyard shift.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Goddamit. Why can't i be down on the planets surface...."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> He was mumbling to himself, for no other reason that he had noone else he could mumble and whinge to. He failed to notice the 2 Nova Class Cruisers make their way to the spacedock where the Hapan delegation lay. Such were the failings of an underpaid and massively underappreciated public servent. His eyes were forced open when a load call went up over the PA system localised inside his booth. The noise was so loud it was merely good luck his ear drums did not explode.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Democles Port Authority. This is Hapan Floatila Alpha Bravo Zulu. We have arrived at the request of the Hapan delegation, who had trouble with their tank payloads. We are here to make short work of the problem."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> He looked on the liquid screen display, 10 ships were identified as part of this new group. All Lancer frigates. Wearily he grabbed the microphone and taped in the signal lock.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Ah, of course. Please make your way to the homing beacon activated. You'll find your friends there..."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> When they acknowledged, he turned off the sound warning system and activated the manual over ride. He wanted nothing to disturb his sleep.

Captain Carnak stood relaxed on board his frigate, newly commisioned into the Hapan Navy. His crew were wide awake, and he had just recieved the covert acknowledgement of his arrival from both Hapan Command at the main fleet as well as from the small group stationed in Democles space. Silently, the ship moved from its hyperspace arrival point to where the beacon was activated. The sight that greeted him was reasuring.

The <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Heir of Ratkus<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> was floating directly above the Imperial Class Star Destroyer of the Democlean Defence forces. Its shields and weapons were fully charged, as were those of the other Lancers. 15 in all, including his boat. He also noticed the Miy'Til fighters were already in the sky, under the pretense of being ready for any pirate attack that may be seeking to steal its cargo of valuable and powerful battle tanks.

Steeling himself, he sent the attack authorisation codes through to the commander of the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Heir of Ratkus<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->. Suddenly, the Miy'Til fighters drifted towards the Democlean ship, its shields and weapons unpowered. In a single word, Carnak could unleash hell.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->

"Fire."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Suddenly, hundreds of heavy rockets and proton torpedos spewed forth from both the Miy'Til fighters and the Star Destroyer. From close range, the result was a foregone conclusion. Chunks of plasteel and feronite ripping from the hull of the once proud ship, the numerous impacts crippling, then destroying the ship.

Not a single lifeform escaped.

Other fighters, further from the ISD had other targets. Their missles streaked out, destroying both of the space bourne Hangars, destroying all fighters that were stowed on board.

Once again, not a lifeform survived or escaped.

On the planets surface the explosions reached the underground hangars of the Ugly type fighters, men scrambling to their ships. But they could not take off. The despot had placed all the military under his direct control, and they could not act until he authorised them to. And he lay, asleep with a street whore, awaiting loyalist forces to seize and execute him.

Elsewhere, Hapan and Loyalist units were moving into cities around the planet, spreading word of the reactionary movement, and relieving the planets populace of the burden of the wait.

In one of the barracks in Democles Central, as the troops broke in and aprehended the rebels, a locked room was discovered. Blowing down the door with a small explosive charge they saw the Governer, passed out and locked into a steel chair, surrounded by 10 vicious men, all rebels, and all the most vicious men in the system, and all sleeping like babies, belying their evil nature.

In space, the 3 remaining Democlean ships broke ranks, fleeing towards the jump point that would lead to their fleet, or where they were supposed to be. Just as they were about .5 klicks from the jump point, the rest of the Hapan Fleet arrived, returning from its total annihilation of the rest of the Fleet.

Still unshielded and weapons unpowered, the ships having refused to surrender, were destroyed without loss.

Democles was under the Hapan Flag.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Five days later
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->
"..... And i do solemnly swear to uphold the honours and respect the position of Hapan Governer demands."

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> The crowd all over the planet cheered as the Governer was reinstated as ruler of Democles, under the Hapes Consortium. Beside him stood Commander Brinsk, Colonel Morrell and Captain Carnak new medals pinned to their breasts, the Orders of Democles.<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->