A large squadron of Italian Fortuna's, cruising at altitude above a thick layer of cloud cover, had already been en route to Pan for staging when they received the alert from the island. Increasing to attack speed while descending through the overcast, each bomber's crews trained their weapons to the fore arc. Ready to annihilate whatever target appeared through the overcast. Something that a Federated States Battle Cruiser had no awareness of, as it raced to unload a compliment of marines onto the southern tip of the island, under the speed provided by it's workhorse kinetic generator. Eyeing the plump target in prime torpedo range, the Fortuna's dropped pinpoint accurate ordinance into the sea. Before the Annapolis Class could react, it's bow was thrust up as the impact delivered a critical explosion. Metal and crew were thrown from the vessel with incredible force. Dazed, the men left on deck grasped to the hull. Only to look out on the skyline and see a massive French Vuban take shape from what had appeared to be low level clouds. Almost as instantaneously as it appeared flashes from her barrels signaled another crushing hit to the already disarrayed ship. The Annapolis fired wildly missing targets as leadership failed to rally from the assault. A second wave of Fortuna, bemused by the weak showing of the FSA vessel, unleashed a flood of torpedoes to end the battle cruisers time on the surface. Cheers rung out through the radios of the bombers. Had this been the feared force that had sailed so hard to reach them. If so this war would be quickly won.
However reactions from the Grand Coalition came swiftly there after. Three flying assault robots from the FSA thrusted forward and centered above Pan. Situated directly in front of the Italian bombers, advanced targeting systems on board the John Henry Robots locked on the enemies they were built to engage. Spreading heavy damage across the squadron with precision and speed.
To the north of the island, Ottoman Fettah Class Cruisers eyed a squad of Italian light cruisers. Bellows from high powered turrets ripped through the air as round after round struck home. Explosions of the corrosive shells, splitting the sleek lead Gladius in two. While long range broadsides allowed the Ottomans to claim an Cinquedea Frigate. The momentum not being lost on a squad of Ottoman Separatist Destroyers, who's coordinated attacks lead to the loss of another Gladius and Frigate combination.
With first kills recorded and the fight well under way, the sky's to the south of Pan came alive as massive air forces launched into full engagement. Speedy and deadly French Interceptor planes advanced from well south to target the John Henry's. While Lee Class Scout ships moved to cover the hole left by the sunken FSA Battle Cruiser. Smaller naval vessels exchanged blows between the French and Federated States in the open waters. Each looking to make a move to flank the opposing force, yet neither able to decidedly make way.
The northern engagement beginning to suffer from the the same stalemate in advance at stake, with the destruction of the entire Ottoman Arci by combined Italian small weapons, sophisticated generators whirled to life onboard the OE-S Kanuni Dreadnought. Spinning and humming, with raw power the weather manipulating mechanisms true effect began to take form right before the Italian navy. Churning waves and darkening clouds created a barrier both impassable to the light vessels, and hindered the site of the incoming rounds from a distant Affondatore Assault Carrier. Allowing for crucial time to regroup to OE-S forces.
Italian commanders knew well of this tactic. Having shared lines and battle plans with the once ally only weeks before. Expert Ussicore swift boat pilots maneuver gaps in the choppy sea. Disappearing and reappearing in the waves, before abruptly surrounding the lead Fettah. Point blank torpedo fire detonated directly underneath the skimming cruiser. Blowing the semi flight mechanisms from their moorings.
French Armored Toulon Cruisers having until now been holding back, content to analyze the battlefield under the Vuban's cover, positioned themselves near Pans docks. From the shores of the main island, sailors from the doomed Annapolis were again witness to the Imperial Bond's incredible force. Steam began to rise from the bows of the Tulon's as the deadly heat lances warmed and glowed hotter and hotter, before three beams of intense heat shot forward striking an FSA Scoutship. Flash fires turned the insides of the ship white. Exciting the gases in the envelope enough to expand the steel framework beyond capacity. In mere seconds after being struck the Lee popped like fire filled ballon. Lighting the darkening sky while shredding armor on the nearest companion skyship, and erasing a wing of support aircraft nearby.
Identical devastation occurred on the northern front, with Italian Ussicore's setting ablaze an OE-S cruiser. Followed by the mutual destruction of the last Fettah by the astounding gunpower of a reformed unit of LoIS frigates and corvettes. With the edge being lost, this last dash assault looked to bring the situation back under control for the quickly depleted Italian force.
