Chapter 159
Supreme Overlord Shimrra Jamaane turned his head to face the priest his face full of anger at the moment since their invasion had been failing ever since they arrived.
"What!" Answered Shimrra Jamaane.
"Warmaster Nas Choka and his fleet have been destroyed. Whether or not he died or was captured is unknown" reported the Priest.
The Supreme Overlord's eyes glowed with a menacing red fury at the news. "Destroyed?" he said, his voice filled with palpable disbelief and fury. He knew the risks of this invasion, yet every loss was a blow to his pride, a defiance of his authority.
"Recoup our losses," Shimrra Jamaane ordered, regaining some of his composure. "If possible, ensure that any survivors from Nas Choka's fleet are recovered."
"And search for Nas Choka," he added. Despite his failure, Nas Choka was still one of their finest warriors. Whether he was dead or alive would greatly influence their next course of action. But if he still lived—well, there were worse fates than death waiting for those who failed the Supreme Overlord Shimrra Jamaane.
"As you command, Supreme One," the Priest bowed low, his spiky skin glistening in the dark war chamber. He turned away and began to carry out the orders.
For a moment, Shimrra Jamaane was alone with his thoughts. No space-faring race had ever resisted them as these races have.
With a growl of frustration, he slammed his fist onto the armrest of his throne, causing a shockwave that rippled across the room. His mind filled with plans of vengeance against those who dared to resist them, his heart aflame with rage.
"We will not be defeated!" Shimrra Jamaane roared into the empty chamber when he was alone once more.
Meanwhile across the Galaxy, the Yuuzhan Vong were being pushed back and worlds were being reclaimed as the High Admirals spearheaded the war from the command of their ships. Every High Admiral was in charge of defending their own sectors and carrying out offensive missions against Yuuzhan Vong fleet.
They coordinated with other High Admirals to achieve this mission which increased the Terran fleet's coordination across the galaxy.
In the lead flagship of the 12th Fleet, High Admiral Marcellus was plotting their next move. The holographic galaxy map in front of him shimmered with markers indicating both friendly and hostile forces. So far, they had been able to reclaim several key worlds, but the war was far from over.
"Admiral Zara," Kael said into his communicator, "I need you to send a scouting party to sector delta 4. We've got reports of Yuuzhan Vong activity there."
"Understood, Admiral," replied Admiral Zara.
Slowly but surely, they were making a difference. As each world was reclaimed and each Yuuzhan Vong ship was destroyed, the morale amongst the Galaxy and the Terran military was high, and its victory drew closer.
Back on his throne, Shimrra Jamaane received another bit of grim news. "The Terrans have taken back Kessel," reported one of his officers.
A vein throbbed in Shimrra's forehead. "They continue to resist... and succeed," he growled under his breath. But he knew that the tide of battle could turn as quickly as it had changed in their favor.
He summoned his council of advisors, knowing their strategies needed to be recalibrated if they were going to regain control of the territories lost. Their biotech ships needed repair, their warriors required replenishing, and new formations and strategies needed to be formulated.
Meanwhile, on board High Admiral Marcellus Flagship he had just received good news. "Admiral, we have successfully regained control of Kessel," reported one of his officers.
A small smile tugged at the corner of Marcellus' mouth. "Good work, relay my congratulations to the men," he replied. Turning back to the holographic map, he contemplated their next move. They have had several victories in a row now. It was time to press this advantage, to carry forward with greater momentum before the Yuuzhan Vong had a chance to regroup.
"Prepare an assault on their shipyards at Stennaros," Marcellus ordered, pointing out a sector on the map where intelligence reports suggested heavy enemy presence. "We cripple their ability to repair and replenish their forces, we cripple their entire campaign."
Back in his war chamber, Supreme Overlord Shimrra Jamaane was growing restless as he awaited his council's arrival. He knew that time was not on their side; for every moment they wasted in contemplation, the Terrans were advancing, gathering strength and resolve from each victory.
Finally, the new Warmaster and shapers arrived, but they brought with them troubling news. The Terrans has somehow gained knowledge of their shipyards at Stennaros and were preparing for an assault.
"Stennaros is crucial to our operations... we cannot afford to lose it," Shimrra Jamaane stated. "And we shall not. Gather all available resources. We will defend Stennaros at all costs."
The Shapers nodded in agreement; some visibly pale under the Supreme Overlord's intense gaze. They quickly dispersed to prepare for the impending conflict.
"Reinforcements... we'll need reinforcements," Shimrra Jamaane murmured to himself.
Meanwhile, on board the Terran flagship, a decisive and strategic plan was taking shape. High Admiral Marcellus was huddled together with his senior officers, their collective attention focused on the holographic map.
"Stennaros is heavily fortified," one of his officers warned, pointing to a cluster of red markers that signaled enemy presence. "We can expect fierce resistance from their side."
Marcellus nodded, acknowledging the concern. "Yes, but the element of surprise is on our side." He pointed towards an adjacent sector of space near Stennaros. "We'll use sector delta-7 as a staging point for our attack, they won't see us coming."
Back at Shimrra Jamaane's war chamber, preparations were underway for the defense of Stennaros. Vast arrays of biotech ships were being readied for battle, and fresh warriors were brought in from other fleets.
"Our fate rests with Stennaros," Shimrra Jamaane said grimly to his new Warmaster. "We must hold it at any cost. Victory or death."