The battle between the two alliances of Takomen has transpired at last, and we can rightfully claim to be the victors. The enthusiasm of the strategic officers such as I is tempered by the serious reservations we have and the inconclusive nature of the outcome. However, we have no intention of dampening the jubilation of the common personnel and citizens. And, though the victory was not as crushing and game-changing as we had hoped, the fact we were victorious at all despite our battle plans almost in their entirety having to be scrapped and various adverse conditions, is truly something to take pride and solace in.

As we approached the date this grand engagement would occur on, it was increasingly apparent to us we were rapidly nearing such a time. Our series of raids on coastal positions and fleets were causing progressively worsening degradation of their infrastructure. The enemy capability to repair or even to build ships was steadily declining (especially in Bengaria), and if they waited much longer we should start to outproduce them and they would have little capability to repair in nearby bases after battle. On 11 January, a large detachment of Likurian heavy bombers and warships joined the fray, causing substantial additional damage and further burdening the defenses in the area. The arrival of such large reinforcements from our ally and the images of Bengarian and Wesitarian coastal positions being set ablaze further galvanized our people while persuading the enemy they needed to strike soon.

On 11 and 12 January I and the rest of the Strategic Council were quite active. New information was being analyzed and incorporated into our battle plans when justified, drills continued to be performed, the coastal facilities made last-minute repairs and upgrades, and the troops were addressed and encouraged. I spent most of the time at Marietta doing a combination of facility touring, fleet inspections, and trying to recuperate while I had the chance. At around midnight I spoke to Marshal Larien at length, the activity and sounds typical of a naval base having intensified rather than subsided.

"We just installed an additional capital turret, and that brings capital gun strength to 70. Many of these cannons were actually on your fancy flagship and were incorporated into the base's defenses when the upgraded cannons arrived and replaced what you had." my subordinate reported with his usual rhetorical style.

"Well, that will add additional strength to the defense and give the enemy a few more heavy shells to intercept or allow to land. I don't think we can fortify the base or the rest of the perimeter anymore. We're seeing fleet movements indicative of an impending invasion and we might be fighting as early as late morning." 

"Please do me a favor and don't let the base be used as target practice for gun and bomber crews. I don't have enough firepower to contend with half the enemy fleet alone. If you want repairs to be made here quickly, I need the base to not be demolished when you get back."

"I'll try my best to prevent that from happening. We're going to be at a numerical disadvantage no matter what and Marietta must be relied upon to draw as much fire as they're willing to give. Some damage probably will be sustained. If you report it's reaching critical levels, though, I'll be-"

Lucien made an appearance typical for him, interrupting me as he ran up to me and wrapped his arms around me upon collision. "I heard the great battle will be tomorrow. I want to be on the bridge with you and watch you defeat them! Can I come?!"

I shook my head with some level of annoyance while I embraced him and scritched an ear, "No, I already told you I'm not letting cubs on a ship of war during battles. It's too dangerous and I need to concentrate on coordinating so many fleets and our own movements. We could have an entire fleet shooting at us at one time!" 

"It can't be that dangerous if you're going to be there rather than in Mirukan! Pleeease, can I come?!" he effectively and accurately implored.

"Lucien... No. I am serious. I let you do practically everything else you ask or beg of me, but I cannot allow this. Your father agrees. Right?" I looked at the marshal while trying to counteract the inevitable upset with massages of his back.

"Better he's with you than me while this base is under attack!" he responded sarcastically, prompting an angry glare from me before he resumed speaking, "Anyway, yeah, you really need to be with your mom tomorrow. He and I will be far too busy and distracted. I want you far from any incoming."

His protestations failed to cause either of us to acquiesce, and he was soon commanded to return home to sleep or do whatever else he wanted far away from the action. He finally capitulated and he left us be, though he would defy us in the end.

I returned to my quarters on the Procyonidae after all the imperative business had been attended to on the base. I was unable to sleep due to the excitement and apprehension, even after masturbating 4 times and trying to sleep after each release. I soon gave up trying and made a couple of tours of the ship. My various causes of distraction caused me to forget to change back into my uniform, so I had inspected a third of the ship and its personnel in my casual prancer clothes before someone informed me of my oversight. 

"I don't know whether you're actually trying to seduce your subordinates or the stress of this caused you to forget. But, you look like a 15-year-old schoolboy dressed to yiff and a few of the personnel are wondering why a horny teenager is acting like the senior officer of our flagship." one of the bridge crew remarked in a friendly and nonchalant manner.

After being momentarily surprised, I shrugged and responded with my typical blitheness on such matters, "Whatever. I'll change into my strategist clothes later. It doesn't hurt if a few of the crew paw off to their admiral before a battle. I don't know how people don't know it's me when I'm not in uniform."

After getting around to changing into clothes commensurate with my position as leader of the Kantarian military, I oversaw various last-minute actions and developments. The Likurian 3rd fleet arrived in the general area and reported for action. System upgrades to our flagship were conducted hurriedly. We had to make some adjustments to our plans because of meteorological conditions and the unplanned movements of the enemy fleets we were tracking. Our departure from Marietta was rushed and somewhat sloppy despite our elaborate plans and weeks of rehearsals, and it would only get worse in the field.

As we departed from our base and took up battle formations with the other naval units as dawn arrived, I gave a final address to the fleets and the military in general. With 190 Likurian and 415 Kantarian vessels opposing 465 Wesitarian and 370 Bengarian warships, the impending naval battle would be by far the largest and most violent our planet had ever seen and hopefully would see. Over 1,400 ships would by late morning be actively firing their main armaments simultaneously to decide the course of the war. If we lost, our planned campaign on land would be seriously compromised and our military demoralized. If we won moderately, it would broadcast to all of Takomen that the enemy's best was not good enough. If we trounced the enemy alliance's forces, it would be a harbinger of their rapid demise on land and sea. If it was merely a stalemate by all objective standards, our planet will have gotten more of the same from the year before. Of course, aircraft and regular soldiers would also be involved in this general struggle. Artillery fire across the Western Front already had begun in earnest. This was a period of paramount importance to our planet militarily. Upon concluding my address, us and the remaining ships which hadn't already been put on higher alert were placed on Orange Status, meaning combat was imminent. 

As the orange warning lights flashed and the aural equivalents blared, I proceeded to do one last final inspection of the ship to bolster morale and give me a maximal understanding of our conditions and capabilities. Halfway to Damage Control and Propulsion, a familiar ottercub sprung in front of me and cheerfully blurted out, "I'm here to cheer you and the other sailors on!"

Being a combination of agitated, horrified, and appreciative by his ambush (more the first two), I exclaimed, "Lucien! I told you to stay home! How did you get and stay on here without security intervening?! I have staff who are even more lax than I am! They just allow someone who obviously shouldn't be here onto the flagship just before battle? I need to have a long talk with-". My rant was interrupted by Lucien's facial expression, which was indicative of an imminent crying fit. I truly believe our ship suffering 75% armor damage and being forced to flee in disarray would have been less painful for me to experience than the younger otter crying in rejection, so I immediately changed my tone and extended my arms. "Okay, sweetheart, come here. Please don't cry!".

Lucien rushed into my arms and chirred happily as he mutually embraced his mentor, hero, and sexual partner. "I know you said to stay home, but I couldn't stay away. I wanna see our hero in action as he leads us to victory!" 

Still unhappy with his unauthorized presence and feeling his confidence was excessive, I sort of smirked in response to his praise while I stroked an ear and his back, "I hope your confidence isn't in error...". I pondered the matter, and determined since we were about to enter combat, he couldn't be taken back to the mainland now. The only recourse was to take him back to the bridge with me to keep him occupied and prevent him from distracting staff. It was also the safest place on the ship in case the worst was to happen. "Okay, you disobedient otter. Follow me."

Lucien excitedly responded as he trailed behind me, correctly guessing what my command meant, "We're going to the bridge?! Where you lead the navy?!".

I refrained from sighing exasperatedly, "Yes, Lucien, you're coming to the bridge with me. I can't have you wandering around while we're being shot at." 

Lucien replied with the expected jubilation, which somewhat irritated me since he was being rewarded for his blatant insubordination. But, there was no choice, and now that he was there I probably couldn't have brought myself to forcibly return him to land even if it was a viable option. My bridge crew and senior staff, having been well accustomed to my complete disregard for formality and penchant for playing with cubs, immediately assumed his presence was my idea. 

"Oh, come on! I know you have huge sexual needs and you two are really close, but we're fighting a major battle here! Can't you wait until after we return to yiff around?" one of my staff objected immediately upon arrival.

I growled in annoyance and shook my head, "I swear, this wasn't my idea! I don't even masturbate during naval battles, let alone bring children for that."

"Oh, suuure. That's a likely story, you pederastic prancer." he retorted, probably having deduced from my response and countenance I was being serious. 

"I'm being serious! He came here on his own after I told him not to, and our security division apparently doesn't think a child on a ship in a time of battle is out of place!" I angrily responded, not realizing at first he was probably being facetious. 

"To be fair, Lord Roketsune, they probably assumed he actually wasn't out of place in this situation. He's been on here many times and you're a shameless cub lover. Everyone knows you two get each other off on a regular basis. Why would they suddenly find it odd now?" Perredine interjected, another person who shouldn't have been on board due to Council orders.

"What?! I have TWO people here who shouldn't be? Does no one follow any orders from anyone on this ship?! The Council decided we shouldn't both be in the same place during this battle in case the worst happened. Yet, here you are! You're as bad as Lucien, only less yiffable!" I practically yelled in response, only my anger was clearly feigned this time.

"Are you saying I'm not desirable? I'm hurt." Perredine snickered. "Anyway, I know what they said. What are they going to do, fire us?" 

"Their conclusion was actually quite justified and rational, though I highly doubt such an outcome will happen. We're also not immune from their pronouncements. They aren't going to be happy."

"Ehh, it'll be fine. Besides, it's more efficient if both of us are in the same place, especially if you run off with Lucien for a quickie."

Lucien was quite confused and disconcerted by the rapid-fire banter taking place, "Are people angry I'm here? I didn't want to make people mad..." he inquired with splayed ears.

I protectively embraced him and reassured, "No, this is merely adult humor you wouldn't understand. No one actually minds." I placed my paws on his shoulders and sternly made eye contact, "But, for the love of Takomen, do not press any buttons, and do not distract any of the crew when they are busy. And do not leave this room! I am really super-serious about this!" 

He submissively nodded in response, "Okay! I'll be good!" 

"Excellent." I grabbed Kaleusthes from the Admiral's Table, and handed my plushie raccoon companion to him, "You can play with him when or if you're bored. Just don't ejaculate or pee on him." 

He giggled and nodded, and I resumed doing what the supreme strategist for a nation ought to be doing in battle. The fleets from the two sides continued to converge on each other. The 1st Kantarian and Wesitarian Fleets were now 600 kms apart on 08:00, other fleets similarly positioned. Long-range fire from missiles and specialized torpedoes had begun. Our new Long Lance Torpedoes we had made as many of as we could between their entry into mass production last month and now, but we didn't have more than 2,500 to fire. They were one of several types of weapons that were to be used, of course. These early long-range exchanges didn't have a huge effect on the course of the battle, but we did damage about a hundred ships, and 5 Tier 4s were seriously damaged before they could close to artillery range. On 09:00, some units were within capital artillery range and commenced firing, but the remainder of the fleet were not quite in main weapons range. We discovered that the repairs and upgrades to the coolant systems were not made and could not be made since we lacked the equipment in the field. This was very troubling since our turrets' rate of fire could be severely curtailed without those corrections. 

Just as we were informed of this rather critical blunder, we received a request for video communication from the enemy flagship. Marshal Taneru wanted to chat before we were to directly fire on each other, and I saw no reason to decline. 

"Greetings, esteemed leader of Kantarian forces. It's been a while!" she almost cheerfully opened.

"It certainly has. I'd wish you luck in what's happening right now, but, well..." I responded with an enthusiastic grin.

"Yes, of course. No matter what happens today, I hope for the best for our planet and our nations. I wish we didn't have to be here right now." she soberly conveyed.

"At least we'll decide which alliance is superior at sea after all of this. At least, I hope so. Anyway, enough about that. Did you all watch that Terran commercial? The one with the unicorn that defecates rainbows?" I abruptly diverted, prompting laughter from a few crew members on both sides.

Taneru smiled and nodded, "Oh, yes, we did. It is proof that Terrans CAN make excellent things. I don't think Takomen ever made a commercial that hilarious. Even I was laughing loudly."

"I wanted to play it on Kantarian television, but the Council felt that was an idiotic use of resources and vetoed the idea." I facetiously declared, clearly relishing the nonsensical discussion unfolding between the leaders of the two strongest nations. Others were clearly at least as amused as we were.

"I actually don't know whether you're joking, you're just that unpredictable and capricious. I actually can imagine you wanting that done." she responded with what seemed to be utter sincerity. Perredine erupted into laughter, probably because he agreed with her.

"I actually was joking about that one. I did actually try to have the erotica and fashion industries declared critical to the war effort and placed under my direct command, but the Council didn't go along with me. They're no fun at all!" I improvised with a very mischievous grin. 

"Oh, I'm sure you actually tried that once. I'm sure your collection of both is quite extensive." she replied with a smile. She raised an eyebrow and adopted an inquisitive and intrigued expression and tone once she saw the plushie-holding Lucien near me, "Roketsune, I know battles are stressful and unpleasant, but, don't you think this one needs your undivided attention from start to finish?"

I was momentarily confused, but then realized what she was talking about. I responded with genuine annoyance due to both her assumption and the cub's defiance, "Damn it, my staff assumed the same thing! This wasn't my idea!"

"Why would we assume otherwise? Half the time you're on duty you're chasing tail, and Lucien's your type." one crewmember interjected good-naturedly but with feigned disgust.

Between fits of laughter, Perredine contributed, "And he was angry our security details didn't keep him off the ship!"

"I promise, when we get back to base, I am demoting each and every one of you! I'll actually make a rank lower than the lowest we have now just so I can demote you all to it! You all are mean to your superior officer!" I exclaimed in feigned outrage, eliciting yet more laughter from my own crew as well as the enemy.

Evidently, Lucien was visibly confused by the banter he had never heard before, and, as Taneru was looking directly at him, she noticed this first. "Don't worry, little one. We all actually like Roketsune very much. He's a very compassionate and talented commander. We're just engaging in some grown-up humor before battle."

Having been directly addressed, he was encouraged to speak, "Okay. I wasn't sure whether they were actually angry. Who are you? Are you one of his admirals?" There was some muted laughter in response.

"That would be a very interesting thing to ponder, being under his command... No, dear, I am Supreme Strategist and Marshal Taneru of Wesitaria. I am your friend's opponent." she replied respectfully and gently. 

I privately cringed when I realized the cub might become disrespectful since she was the enemy and he now knew it. I was privately very relieved when he replied with similar respect, "Oh, yeah! Our hero has spoken highly of you a few times! Too bad you're on the other side." 

His response inadvertently drove both of us close to tears. I was able to tell she was very moved from her face and voice, "He's one of the best this planet has to offer, in ways besides militarily. I wish I didn't have to fight him."

His next question mortified me and I assume at least several others on both bridges. It was a reality, especially after all this, neither of us wanted to ponder or carry out. "Will he have to destroy your ship even if you're on it?" 

"Lucien!" was all I could manage as I looked to the side. 

"No, he won't, and I won't try to sink the ship you're on. It won't get that far. We'll put a few dents in each other's ships, though." she truthfully responded. Even if he wasn't on board, neither of us would have been able to deliberately cause the other's death in such a manner.

Expecting him to ask even more depressing questions while he had the chance, I preempted him adroitly by pulling him close to me and scritching his scalp, "He's quite intelligent as well as adorable! I should take a picture of you right now, cutie. You're so adorable while you're holding my companion." He grinned and chirred and swished his lutrine tail.

"I'm sure you'll have him disrobe first. The concept of too much cub porn is foreign to you." Taneru playfully taunted, assisting me with rediverting the conversation.

I stuck out my tongue at my opponent, behaving even more immaturely than the cub we were speaking of. Lucien again thought we were being serious and endorsed the idea, "That sounds fun! I'll pose however you want with him! You wanna do it now?" Various staff resumed their uproarious laughter.

"Oh, my. Well, this has been quite amusing, but, I have a job to do and so do you." she politely remarked, nodding as she ended the call.

Perredine indicated he might need to be declared incapacitated because he couldn't stop laughing. 

"They're not going to believe us. Historians won't believe such a conversation happened on our word alone. I hope we recorded that, or no one will believe us." I sincerely observed.

Very soon, though, we reverted to our usual states. At 09:30 our fleet and Taneru's were 450 km away. Most of the other fleets had maneuvered in such a way that they were similarly close to main weapons range. The battle at this stage had consisted of long-range missile barrages all across the lines, aircraft from both sides and both types of bases (regular and ship bases) taking positions and often firing on each other, and in a few zones primary weapons exchanges between ships. While the action was intense by normal standards, it was light compared to the standards of the battle itself. Within the span of an hour, the affair transformed from a series of skirmishes into a veritable maelstrom of explosive death in all forms on an unrivaled scale over many hundreds of kilometers. Of course, this does not include the action on the Western Front over ground.

Some time before 10:00, the Kantarian and Wesitarian 1st Fleets came to within 420 km of each other, and much of the latter had come as close to Marietta. "All main rail howitzers in the area are to target the opposing vessels according to our previous plans and fire at will." was my command. That part of the battlefield immediately turned into a blizzard of large-caliber steel rain, and most of the others would momentarily follow. We started faring badly early on despite Likurian support. The enemy alliance forces had not maneuvered and targeted as we had predicted, forcing us to deviate from our painstakingly crafted series of maneuvers. A severe hurricane to the northwest had come between the enemy and the Kantarian 5th Fleet, causing our planned ambush in that quadrant to be cancelled and causing massive adjustments to enemy and ally movements alike. We and other capital ships were ambushed by submarines and other stealth platforms, causing extensive nuclear damage. The Wesitarian 1st Fleet focused far less on bombarding Marietta than we planned. The Kantarian 1st Fleet thus had taken substantial damage for comparatively little benefit, and we would be defeated by the enemy equivalent at this pace.

We were rocked by a nuclear torpedo soon after the battle became an infernal conflagration. "Was that a nuclear weapon?" Lucien inquired, remembering my commentary on how little we feel while on the flagship. I responded affirmatively. This was the only question he asked over the course of several hours. I was so obviously preoccupied with everything from monitoring the precarious conditions of the ship to directing the fleets that even he could tell I needed to be undisturbed. The rest of the crew was in a similarly frenetic state. He seemed content with watching us and the status screens with a combination of acute curiosity and admiration, and of moderate concern for our welfare. Unbeknownst to him, Taneru's flagship and ours had been firing upon each other at times and cause differing levels of damage. Of course, even this aspect proceeded contrary to our expectations and wishes. We expected a personal battle between strategists and flagships, neither ship being substantially distracted from the task of eroding each other's armor and firepower during the main phase of the battle. Instead, we only intermittently fired upon each other, usually having to provide support to other areas or being supported by several other vessels. I was simultaneously relieved and dismayed we didn't have a personal duel from start to finish.

Our fortunes started to improve from our undesirable start. A combination of superior skill and technology, naval doctrine, rapid redeployments, and the substantial level of Likurian involvement caused ratios of damage to favor our side after we fully reacted to the setbacks and unplanned factors. So massive were the efforts on both sides and so compressed was the field of battle, that by noon both sides could see we were prevailing and that nothing could be done short of a miracle to turn the situation around. Rather than make that gamble, Taneru opted to recall the fleets of ships and planes and stage a fighting withdrawal to their respective primary bases. As so many vessels were short of ammunition and many were severely damaged, and resistance would only increase the further away from our own bases we pursued them, we did not give chase for long. As the 5th Fleet was unable to take up their ambush positions and only a few divisions of the 3rd Likurian Fleet were in that area, we were not able to get between them and their lines of retreat and rake them with close-range fire. We fired three final volleys of our new torpedoes at the retreating foe and sunk two capital ships that otherwise would have made it back. After 15:00, the sea was as quiet as it was the day before, the activity now being rescuing of survivors rather than firing on each other. A cease-fire was agreed to by the two sides to effect the rescue of many sailors from both sides, our ships having to do the majority of the retrievals since we retained the field. It was a compassionate and humane ending to an affair of unparalleled violence at sea. 

What was left to do was count casualties and determine an appropriate next course of action. As neither side was crushed in the conflagration, neither side was precluded from making a full-scale assault. Out of 605 friendly vessels, 42 were destroyed and 160 were moderately to severely damaged. Out of 835 enemy vessels, we estimated (and we use conservative estimates in such situations) 80 were destroyed and 260 were moderately to severely damaged. In percentages, that is 7% allied and 9.6% enemy destroyed, and 26.4% allied and 31.1% enemy vessels damaged, and 33.4% allied and 40.1% enemy total casualties. Aircraft losses were more or less equivalent to naval losses. This is most assuredly not an overwhelming victory by any interpretation. However, we did hold the field, we did inflict substantially more damage in percentages on a foe that outnumbered us by almost 40%, we can repair our damage much more quickly than the enemy can, and we did all this despite our carefully crafted plans having to be thrown out almost entirely early on. We announced to our peoples that we had unequivocally won the engagement and emphasized we overcame much to achieve that. Widespread celebrations from the fleets to the capitals of Kantaria and Likuria broke out. For whatever reasons, the Terran news agencies extensively reported our victories.

We then had to contemplate whether we should mount a follow-up attack or allow them to try again after repairing and regrouping. As I was very fixated on determining how best to exploit this victory and couldn't be bothered with more stress, despite having returned to Marietta I didn't command Lucien to leave (he surely would have protested). I did tell him he was not to say a word of any of what he heard with people besides his parents or other senior officers, which he acceded to without delay. The various officers wanted to confer again in 24 hours, but generally agreed that it was imperative we basically repeat this battle soon with us as the offensive side. We don't believe it is prudent to attempt this for a few days. We determined that maybe on the 16th we could either attack Kalobol and force a massive naval confrontation, or intercept another attempt of theirs between Marietta and Kalobol. In subsequent discussions the next day, we determined we would need to strike them first while they are still repairing their fleet with their degraded infrastructure, and that in the interim we ought to mount hit-and-run assaults on the primary facilities to impede their efforts. Thus, the combat at sea is far from over, though we're on the road to success. Our superior repair and service capacity will now make the difference between defeat and victory.

As I was mentally and physically exhausted from my exploits and oversights over the preceding 26 hours, after speaking to the officers, I wanted to sleep alone. Fortunately for me, Lucien was also exhausted from all the excitement and his own inability to sleep the night before.

"As you were not a pest when you were on the bridge, I didn't tell Daddy that you defied us, and asked the other officers to keep that secret. Whether all of them do is something I can't promise." I fatiguedly relayed to the impetuous whelp.

He smiled broadly and nodded as he blushed somewhat, "Thank you! I knew you wanted me with you during our great battle!" I was too exhausted to argue the matter with him. "May I sleep with Kaleusthes tonight?"

"No, I always want him with me overnight, especially when I'm alone. If you are a good little otter, I will let you sleep with him and me tomorrow."

"Tomorrow, do you wanna take erotic pictures of me while I'm holding him and looking really adorable and harmless, like you all were talking about before the battle?" he proposed with a persuasively mischievous grin.

I was surprised by the request. "What? We were all joking about that. But..." I weakly grinned back at him, "If you actually would get off on that, I don't mind, you adorable yiffer. Just don't get any fluids on him."

It is a very good thing I was born on Takomen rather than Terra.

Today, I have been conducting most of what I had been the week before: lots of conversations with personnel and reviews in various forms of our capabilities. Marietta had been spared all but marginal damage in the battle, so Marshal Larien quickly set to work repairing our ship and as many Tier 4s that needed repairs as he could with the facilities and bolstered personnel. All along our western and southern coasts, warships berthed at naval bases which are capable of repairs of their tiers and are being repaired as rapidly as can be arranged. We probably will not have sufficient numbers of a couple of components to replace all that was irreparably damaged since so much was damaged in one battle, but we overall should have little impairment of battle readiness because of that. Also, as we did in the climactic battle we just fought, we are drawing up precise operational plans which we hope will be relevant when fighting resumes in just three days. We will cause very severe damage to enemy forces even near Kalobol if those plans, unlike the last battle, are adhered to. If history repeats itself, we expect to still have made progress, but far less for our casualties than our hopes.

I expect within a week to write about a second major victory by our alliance. This is a period of mounting enthusiasm for our side, and that momentum is ours to lose at this point barring some extraordinary development. Marine landings could ensure as early as late January if we are successful enough on the 16th. Likuria is sending over more panzers to assist with a concurring cavalry offensive. However, we need to severely maul the enemy in order to conduct both of these, and we are not at that point yet.