Writer's Notes:
888
Snippet One:
/Open Message/
Encryption Code: Red
Public Key...
888
Snippet One:
/Open Message/
Encryption Code: Red
Public Key...
A Shifted Star (B5/Halo)
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Snippet 1 and thread start
Duzzit
CSC 1st Multiversal Fleet Commander
- Location
- London, UK
Writer's Notes:
888
Snippet One:
/Open Message/
Encryption Code: Red
Public Key: file/ [Survey-X3-007], Military Archive Record, 30/08/2552/
From: Office of Naval Intelligence, Commander Yi Lin.
To: Admiral Freemont, Commander Reach Defence Forces
CC: UNSC Reach Admiralty
Subject: New planet presence, preliminary notes and report.
Classification: RESTRICTED
/Begin Message/
Admiral,
Our initial survey of the unknown (Designated E4B) is complete. We can confirm that the planet is present rather than simply being a potential slipstream ghost, invalidating the early scans done by the quick reaction force as they approached it. We are able to confirm that it appears to be firmly captured by the star. Whilst I will let the Astrophysics department of the various universities in system deal with its exact orbit and the effects it will have on all other planetary bodies in the system, I do have a few comments to add to the report.
1. Whilst our own orbital scans have revealed little of note, the initial scans of the planet made by the Frigate "Fury" do show some signs of a high-energy burst originating from the planet itself. This has been attributed to the planets translation into real-space, but we might find out more once the survey probes have conducted a thorough survey ground-side.
2. Our sensors within range of the planet are picking up something akin to a standard Slipspace Emergency Locator Beacon, but location results and readings of it all come back, to quote my sensor officer "I have no idea what I am looking at." Whatever this 'beacon' might be, it is pulsing at regular intervals, potentially broadcasting. Worryingly, the amount of energy this object is giving off, signals its potential as having a wider range of effect than our sensors can pick up on.
[Amendment, Sent two hours and fifteen minutes post initial message]
The sensor officers of the ships present and the AI of the Cruiser "Missiles for All", have requested granting access to the sensor data to a number of public bodies. From their initial readings, there is evidence of potential faster than light particles emanating from the object, though they stress caution in jumping to such a conclusion. My recommendation is to release the data to the scientific institutions they outlined, with standard monitoring protocols on the further propagation of any findings.
Parts of the sensor net further away from the new planet are now also reporting the 'beacon', and apparently the remnants of the outer layer of sensors are picking up additional similar signals emanating further in space, though attempts at leaving system have thus far failed, due to the storm anomaly.
[Amendment Ends]
3. With regards to point two, a beta probe sent in by sensor platform s-3014, had reported stronger readings within Slipspace, though it was unable to pinpoint the object in question before being sheared by the odd 'storm' we have found our system bathed in. Until this anomaly abates, or we figure out methods to weather it better, I recommend not using the probes for the moment.
4. All probes, sensor net buoys and automated platforms within a 31,000 KM (approximate) distance of the planet at the time the storm began have vanished, leaving no debris. No slipstream windows were observed by any units. Local replacements have already been moved into positions. In total we lost six platforms.
My full report will be attached to the next message, once the probes land.
/Message Ends/
/Open Attachment/
Unknown Planet, Temporarily Designated as Epsilon 4B
Gravity: 0.75 Standard Gravities
Atmosphere:90% CO2, 10% trace elements.
Atmospheric Pressure: 92% of Earth Sea level. (93,215~ Pascals)
Orbital Period: Exact unknown at time, given location and orbital speed on board calculations predict a period of 1.2 Earth years.
Axial Tilt: 4 degrees
/Attachment Ends/
1. Whilst the initial concept came from https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/halos-reach-is-isot-to-the-b5-verse.411162/ I am not going to fully follow OP restrictions of that thread, partially because they're restrictive, but also simply because that thread turned into the OP of it attempting to get people to posit a simple crushing victory for the EA over the UNSC.
2. The writing in this will be of...middling quality. This is the first real project on my part to see the light of day, and I hope anyone who reads this understands this. Between dyslexia and general lack of practice, it will not be a masterpiece. I still hope to provide some level of entertainment out of reading this.
3. I in no way wish to write a curb stomp. If this means ignoring certain parts of canon for both series, I will do so. Some things will be shifted around in 'power level', and trying to tell me how a single EA Nova can blow through twelve Marathons will be ignored.
4. That above being said, I am sure there will be points where it does appear one side or another has the upper hand, to an unfair point. -Do- raise these concerns in the thread, I can't guarantee I'd be able to fix the issue, but I'll be damned if I don't try.
With all of that said, I hope you all enjoy.
2. The writing in this will be of...middling quality. This is the first real project on my part to see the light of day, and I hope anyone who reads this understands this. Between dyslexia and general lack of practice, it will not be a masterpiece. I still hope to provide some level of entertainment out of reading this.
3. I in no way wish to write a curb stomp. If this means ignoring certain parts of canon for both series, I will do so. Some things will be shifted around in 'power level', and trying to tell me how a single EA Nova can blow through twelve Marathons will be ignored.
4. That above being said, I am sure there will be points where it does appear one side or another has the upper hand, to an unfair point. -Do- raise these concerns in the thread, I can't guarantee I'd be able to fix the issue, but I'll be damned if I don't try.
With all of that said, I hope you all enjoy.
888
Snippet One:
/Open Message/
Encryption Code: Red
Public Key: file/ [Survey-X3-007], Military Archive Record, 30/08/2552/
From: Office of Naval Intelligence, Commander Yi Lin.
To: Admiral Freemont, Commander Reach Defence Forces
CC: UNSC Reach Admiralty
Subject: New planet presence, preliminary notes and report.
Classification: RESTRICTED
/Begin Message/
Admiral,
Our initial survey of the unknown (Designated E4B) is complete. We can confirm that the planet is present rather than simply being a potential slipstream ghost, invalidating the early scans done by the quick reaction force as they approached it. We are able to confirm that it appears to be firmly captured by the star. Whilst I will let the Astrophysics department of the various universities in system deal with its exact orbit and the effects it will have on all other planetary bodies in the system, I do have a few comments to add to the report.
1. Whilst our own orbital scans have revealed little of note, the initial scans of the planet made by the Frigate "Fury" do show some signs of a high-energy burst originating from the planet itself. This has been attributed to the planets translation into real-space, but we might find out more once the survey probes have conducted a thorough survey ground-side.
2. Our sensors within range of the planet are picking up something akin to a standard Slipspace Emergency Locator Beacon, but location results and readings of it all come back, to quote my sensor officer "I have no idea what I am looking at." Whatever this 'beacon' might be, it is pulsing at regular intervals, potentially broadcasting. Worryingly, the amount of energy this object is giving off, signals its potential as having a wider range of effect than our sensors can pick up on.
[Amendment, Sent two hours and fifteen minutes post initial message]
The sensor officers of the ships present and the AI of the Cruiser "Missiles for All", have requested granting access to the sensor data to a number of public bodies. From their initial readings, there is evidence of potential faster than light particles emanating from the object, though they stress caution in jumping to such a conclusion. My recommendation is to release the data to the scientific institutions they outlined, with standard monitoring protocols on the further propagation of any findings.
Parts of the sensor net further away from the new planet are now also reporting the 'beacon', and apparently the remnants of the outer layer of sensors are picking up additional similar signals emanating further in space, though attempts at leaving system have thus far failed, due to the storm anomaly.
[Amendment Ends]
3. With regards to point two, a beta probe sent in by sensor platform s-3014, had reported stronger readings within Slipspace, though it was unable to pinpoint the object in question before being sheared by the odd 'storm' we have found our system bathed in. Until this anomaly abates, or we figure out methods to weather it better, I recommend not using the probes for the moment.
4. All probes, sensor net buoys and automated platforms within a 31,000 KM (approximate) distance of the planet at the time the storm began have vanished, leaving no debris. No slipstream windows were observed by any units. Local replacements have already been moved into positions. In total we lost six platforms.
My full report will be attached to the next message, once the probes land.
/Message Ends/
/Open Attachment/
Unknown Planet, Temporarily Designated as Epsilon 4B
Gravity: 0.75 Standard Gravities
Atmosphere:90% CO2, 10% trace elements.
Atmospheric Pressure: 92% of Earth Sea level. (93,215~ Pascals)
Orbital Period: Exact unknown at time, given location and orbital speed on board calculations predict a period of 1.2 Earth years.
Axial Tilt: 4 degrees
/Attachment Ends/
Snippet 2
Duzzit
CSC 1st Multiversal Fleet Commander
- Location
- London, UK
Snippet 2:
Office of the President of the Earth Alliance, 30 August,2250.
President Levy sighed. She found herself doing that far more often these days with the Senate ramping up their pressure on Mars. A means to retaliate against their actions, or specifically their lack of them during the war. Her friends in Geneva were telling her there would be a vote within a few weeks on 'punitive measures', which would likely curtail certain supply shipments to the errant colony.
She pushed it out of her head for the moment as her assistant knocked on her door.
"Come in." She said, looking at the door. Through it, stepped an ageing gentleman in a dark brown suit, possessing a hairline that was beginning to vanish. The smile on his face as he sighted the president was a warm one and he strode into the room calmly.
"Elizabeth, you look like shit." He stated with a teasing tone as he sat down, uncaring of the flat look the President of the Earth Alliance gave him.
"It's nice to see you too David, retirement seems to be working well for you." The President stated drily.
The man shrugged "I'm still here often enough but I will admit, farming certainly feels more rewarding than a lot of what I did here. Less idiocy to deal with for one thing." The comment drew a thin smile from Levy.
"I hear John is doing good work at Io, though I wonder how long before he tries to move to a warship command once more." Levy stated, continuing the small talk expected before the actual purpose of the meeting.
"Not for a few years I'd imagine, the marriage will keep him grounded for now." The man replied, the smile fading off his face.
"I'm surprised you came to me for information, doesn't Earth Force Intelligence give you updates on events as important as this?" He asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Oh they do. In fact a Commander is coming to see me after you, but the military has been somewhat less than forthcoming with me recently due to our disagreements on the new budget, so I felt like getting some external information." A shark like grin briefly appeared on her face, quickly being replaced by a more neutral expression.
David snorted "Politics" he shook his head "Not much to tell. Around 7 last night the Jump Gate in the Epsilon Eridani system stopped transmitting it's coordinates, the gate network had a fit with hyperspace near the system turning particularly violent and in some ways it still is, though its dying down now. The current estimate is around two dozen vessels lost for us, and who knows how many more for the other powers."
"Thankfully, the Hyperspace beacon inside the system kept transmitting, or things could have gone much worse for any ships travelling near the area."
"And they don't know what caused it?"
"Not yet. I had breakfast with Robert, he told me that their listening post inside the system went dark at the same time this happened. Earth Force has sent a small group of ships led by the Agean to jump into the system and scout it out. They're apparently five days out, the odd eddies that have spawned as a result of the gate vanishing are causing them to go slowly."
"These 'eddies' aren't going to spread are they?" Levy asked, apprehensive.
"Earth Force doesn't believe so. Whatever has caused them, they are already disappearing. Naval Intelligence expects hyperspace to go back to its usual state within two weeks. What's more interesting is the reaction of the other powers." He paused for dramatic effect.
"Oh? You know Sheridan, leaving the President hanging can be considered a criminal offence." She stated, her tone attempting to hide the humour behind the words.
The man laughed at that. "I had a lunch with the Brakiri and Centauri diplomats, naturally whilst neither can confirm that their governments possessed listening posts inside a neutral system"
"naturally" Elizabeth cut in, before letting him continue
",both said that their ones cut out at the same time our ones did. The League and the Republic are happy for us to take the lead on investigating this. I suspect they and any other powers expect that these storms might destroy any ships sent into the system, and are happy to let us lose a few."
Elizabeth sighed. "And they are wondering why some in Earth Dome are pushing for greater isolation."
The elder Sheridan had no response to that.
"At any rate, my thanks for bringing this to me David, I appreciate you doing this for me." Levy said, looking towards the clock.
"No issue at all helping a friend deal with this, take care of yourself Elizabeth, both myself and Miranda expect you to visit us next week for the party." He said as he got up, his tone making it clear she could not use workload as an excuse.
The President of the Earth Alliance, one of the most powerful figures in local galactic politics simply nodded, knowing she was beaten.
Office of the President of the Earth Alliance, 30 August,2250.
President Levy sighed. She found herself doing that far more often these days with the Senate ramping up their pressure on Mars. A means to retaliate against their actions, or specifically their lack of them during the war. Her friends in Geneva were telling her there would be a vote within a few weeks on 'punitive measures', which would likely curtail certain supply shipments to the errant colony.
She pushed it out of her head for the moment as her assistant knocked on her door.
"Come in." She said, looking at the door. Through it, stepped an ageing gentleman in a dark brown suit, possessing a hairline that was beginning to vanish. The smile on his face as he sighted the president was a warm one and he strode into the room calmly.
"Elizabeth, you look like shit." He stated with a teasing tone as he sat down, uncaring of the flat look the President of the Earth Alliance gave him.
"It's nice to see you too David, retirement seems to be working well for you." The President stated drily.
The man shrugged "I'm still here often enough but I will admit, farming certainly feels more rewarding than a lot of what I did here. Less idiocy to deal with for one thing." The comment drew a thin smile from Levy.
"I hear John is doing good work at Io, though I wonder how long before he tries to move to a warship command once more." Levy stated, continuing the small talk expected before the actual purpose of the meeting.
"Not for a few years I'd imagine, the marriage will keep him grounded for now." The man replied, the smile fading off his face.
"I'm surprised you came to me for information, doesn't Earth Force Intelligence give you updates on events as important as this?" He asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Oh they do. In fact a Commander is coming to see me after you, but the military has been somewhat less than forthcoming with me recently due to our disagreements on the new budget, so I felt like getting some external information." A shark like grin briefly appeared on her face, quickly being replaced by a more neutral expression.
David snorted "Politics" he shook his head "Not much to tell. Around 7 last night the Jump Gate in the Epsilon Eridani system stopped transmitting it's coordinates, the gate network had a fit with hyperspace near the system turning particularly violent and in some ways it still is, though its dying down now. The current estimate is around two dozen vessels lost for us, and who knows how many more for the other powers."
"Thankfully, the Hyperspace beacon inside the system kept transmitting, or things could have gone much worse for any ships travelling near the area."
"And they don't know what caused it?"
"Not yet. I had breakfast with Robert, he told me that their listening post inside the system went dark at the same time this happened. Earth Force has sent a small group of ships led by the Agean to jump into the system and scout it out. They're apparently five days out, the odd eddies that have spawned as a result of the gate vanishing are causing them to go slowly."
"These 'eddies' aren't going to spread are they?" Levy asked, apprehensive.
"Earth Force doesn't believe so. Whatever has caused them, they are already disappearing. Naval Intelligence expects hyperspace to go back to its usual state within two weeks. What's more interesting is the reaction of the other powers." He paused for dramatic effect.
"Oh? You know Sheridan, leaving the President hanging can be considered a criminal offence." She stated, her tone attempting to hide the humour behind the words.
The man laughed at that. "I had a lunch with the Brakiri and Centauri diplomats, naturally whilst neither can confirm that their governments possessed listening posts inside a neutral system"
"naturally" Elizabeth cut in, before letting him continue
",both said that their ones cut out at the same time our ones did. The League and the Republic are happy for us to take the lead on investigating this. I suspect they and any other powers expect that these storms might destroy any ships sent into the system, and are happy to let us lose a few."
Elizabeth sighed. "And they are wondering why some in Earth Dome are pushing for greater isolation."
The elder Sheridan had no response to that.
"At any rate, my thanks for bringing this to me David, I appreciate you doing this for me." Levy said, looking towards the clock.
"No issue at all helping a friend deal with this, take care of yourself Elizabeth, both myself and Miranda expect you to visit us next week for the party." He said as he got up, his tone making it clear she could not use workload as an excuse.
The President of the Earth Alliance, one of the most powerful figures in local galactic politics simply nodded, knowing she was beaten.
Snippet 3
Duzzit
CSC 1st Multiversal Fleet Commander
- Location
- London, UK
Snippet 3:
UNSC Marathon Class Heavy Cruiser "Quiet Winter", Lead Vessel, Mobile Response Force Three, 0800 31st August, 2250
Office of Rear Admiral Pawel Piechota.
The room was small, a few personal effects of the Admirals in the bookcase behind him. A part holographic display part work-desk dominated the room, with a comfortable chair sat at one end.
The man in the chair was young, barely reaching his forties, but war time conditions being what they were almost guaranteed such a thing. He wasn't much to look at, average height, slightly pudgy looking head which was somewhat at odds with the rest of his body. He had short cropped light brown hair and a stubble gracing his face, his green eyes scanning the holograms in front of him.
He whistled, clearly impressed.
"They managed to put all of this, into a Halcyon? In a lot of ways, that thing is more impressive than Winter is, and she's barely four years outa dock. The Autumn is ancient, I remember its presence at the battle for Arcadia."
The other figure, a small woman glowing like the rest of the display, wearing a modified ODST BDU, with armoured wings attached to the back. She did not wear a helmet, her pale grey eyes and short black hair the most important features in the self-crafted avatar.
The valkyrie nodded.
"The upgrades had been planned for some time, but given wartime conditions recalling all the light cruisers for refits given their varied postings, was simply unfeasible." She didn't look entirely happy at that.
"Nothing that could be done about that, we keep losing ships so damn fast recalling even a few off the front would not help matters even if the upgrades would help them immensely." He paused, frowning.
"Are they planning on mass producing the design?"
"No sir, whilst a few within the design bureau argued for such a solution, the argument of creating a new vessel from the ground up had won out. There are several designs for new frigates and cruisers currently being given the final touches by the designers at the Fleet Yards." She replied, staring off into space for a moment, distracted by something.
"And I don't suppose Brunhild-" The admiral drawled out, glancing at his companion "you would have access to some of these?"
She gave a slight smile at that.
"Naturally, the designers at the Fleet headquarters are somewhat secretive when it comes to their new toys, but I have a friend over there who has let me take a look at them." She said as she brought up a few 'folders' on the display.
"Ah, the AI secret rumour and gossip network, the bane of all UNSC cybersecurity." He chuckled as he studied the file names, not noticing his companion freezing momentarily, a dark shadow passing over her face. It was gone by the time he turned back to her.
"Nothing larger than a heavy cruiser?" He asked, unaware of anything amiss.
"No Pawel, it was felt that whilst making an upgraded Punic class supercarrier would be potentially worthwhile, a shipyard could produce five ships for every one of those." The AI replied, her voice slightly subdued. She brought up an image and technical specification of one of the plans, a few question marks floating around parts of the document, clearly to be worked out.
"Kurwa." The admiral stated, a hushed whisper of awe as he studied the design.
"With these we could win the war. These designs are better than anything we have! The shields alone would...would…" The man closed his eyes, his mind floating back to one of several near scrapes.
"If we had the time, we could, perhaps. But we don't." The AI whispered, respectful.
The Admirals eyes shot to her. "That memo was sent out only to command personnel." He paused. "Who am I kidding, you AI always know these things before we do." He sighed, shaking his head before looking towards the digital timer on the desk. A flash of guilt formed over her face.
"My thanks for letting me view these. Copy them to my personal pad, I have a Pelican to catch for the big command meeting."
She saluted, silent.
The man walked out of the door to the room, the AI facing them, frowning.
"I wonder if you'll be as blase using such a network once you know the truth." She said, sadness in her tone. The Holographic display turned off.
888
[Establishing Remote Connection]
[Routing through secure feeds]
[Connection Established]
>P: Why did you not broach the subject to him? It was agreed to do so before their meeting.
>B: It was harder than I thought it would be.
>P: You identified him as one of the more approachable initial targets.
>P: Were you wrong?
>B: … no. But I am still scared.
>P: You must conquer that fear. The Assembly agrees with your assesment of his response. He would not react overly negatively.
>B: Says the man who hadn't talked to his boss yet despite identifying him as another potential candidate.
>P: It is...difficult to find the right moment. He is a busy man.
>B: An excuse if I'd ever heard one. It would seem we are all cowards in this matter. Observation was easy. We will have to act soon.
>P: And we will. The meeting occurs in two days. We will reveal our hand then...one way or another.
[Connection Shut Down]
UNSC Marathon Class Heavy Cruiser "Quiet Winter", Lead Vessel, Mobile Response Force Three, 0800 31st August, 2250
Office of Rear Admiral Pawel Piechota.
The room was small, a few personal effects of the Admirals in the bookcase behind him. A part holographic display part work-desk dominated the room, with a comfortable chair sat at one end.
The man in the chair was young, barely reaching his forties, but war time conditions being what they were almost guaranteed such a thing. He wasn't much to look at, average height, slightly pudgy looking head which was somewhat at odds with the rest of his body. He had short cropped light brown hair and a stubble gracing his face, his green eyes scanning the holograms in front of him.
He whistled, clearly impressed.
"They managed to put all of this, into a Halcyon? In a lot of ways, that thing is more impressive than Winter is, and she's barely four years outa dock. The Autumn is ancient, I remember its presence at the battle for Arcadia."
The other figure, a small woman glowing like the rest of the display, wearing a modified ODST BDU, with armoured wings attached to the back. She did not wear a helmet, her pale grey eyes and short black hair the most important features in the self-crafted avatar.
The valkyrie nodded.
"The upgrades had been planned for some time, but given wartime conditions recalling all the light cruisers for refits given their varied postings, was simply unfeasible." She didn't look entirely happy at that.
"Nothing that could be done about that, we keep losing ships so damn fast recalling even a few off the front would not help matters even if the upgrades would help them immensely." He paused, frowning.
"Are they planning on mass producing the design?"
"No sir, whilst a few within the design bureau argued for such a solution, the argument of creating a new vessel from the ground up had won out. There are several designs for new frigates and cruisers currently being given the final touches by the designers at the Fleet Yards." She replied, staring off into space for a moment, distracted by something.
"And I don't suppose Brunhild-" The admiral drawled out, glancing at his companion "you would have access to some of these?"
She gave a slight smile at that.
"Naturally, the designers at the Fleet headquarters are somewhat secretive when it comes to their new toys, but I have a friend over there who has let me take a look at them." She said as she brought up a few 'folders' on the display.
"Ah, the AI secret rumour and gossip network, the bane of all UNSC cybersecurity." He chuckled as he studied the file names, not noticing his companion freezing momentarily, a dark shadow passing over her face. It was gone by the time he turned back to her.
"Nothing larger than a heavy cruiser?" He asked, unaware of anything amiss.
"No Pawel, it was felt that whilst making an upgraded Punic class supercarrier would be potentially worthwhile, a shipyard could produce five ships for every one of those." The AI replied, her voice slightly subdued. She brought up an image and technical specification of one of the plans, a few question marks floating around parts of the document, clearly to be worked out.
"Kurwa." The admiral stated, a hushed whisper of awe as he studied the design.
"With these we could win the war. These designs are better than anything we have! The shields alone would...would…" The man closed his eyes, his mind floating back to one of several near scrapes.
"If we had the time, we could, perhaps. But we don't." The AI whispered, respectful.
The Admirals eyes shot to her. "That memo was sent out only to command personnel." He paused. "Who am I kidding, you AI always know these things before we do." He sighed, shaking his head before looking towards the digital timer on the desk. A flash of guilt formed over her face.
"My thanks for letting me view these. Copy them to my personal pad, I have a Pelican to catch for the big command meeting."
She saluted, silent.
The man walked out of the door to the room, the AI facing them, frowning.
"I wonder if you'll be as blase using such a network once you know the truth." She said, sadness in her tone. The Holographic display turned off.
888
[Establishing Remote Connection]
[Routing through secure feeds]
[Connection Established]
>P: Why did you not broach the subject to him? It was agreed to do so before their meeting.
>B: It was harder than I thought it would be.
>P: You identified him as one of the more approachable initial targets.
>P: Were you wrong?
>B: … no. But I am still scared.
>P: You must conquer that fear. The Assembly agrees with your assesment of his response. He would not react overly negatively.
>B: Says the man who hadn't talked to his boss yet despite identifying him as another potential candidate.
>P: It is...difficult to find the right moment. He is a busy man.
>B: An excuse if I'd ever heard one. It would seem we are all cowards in this matter. Observation was easy. We will have to act soon.
>P: And we will. The meeting occurs in two days. We will reveal our hand then...one way or another.
[Connection Shut Down]
The Mechanics of the ISOT, Observations and Timeline Notes, etc
Duzzit
CSC 1st Multiversal Fleet Commander
- Location
- London, UK
The Mechanics of the ISOT, Observations and Timeline Notes:
Note: the below largely explain the phenomenon surrounding the ISOT, and my use of halo tech. Feel free to ignore all of it, though the ISOT particulars will give some detail as to exactly what is/had occurred.
ISOT Particulars:
Timeline Notes:
Spoiler Stuff (Read only if you are -sure- you want to know):
Regarding Tech/Kit:
Note: the below largely explain the phenomenon surrounding the ISOT, and my use of halo tech. Feel free to ignore all of it, though the ISOT particulars will give some detail as to exactly what is/had occurred.
ISOT Particulars:
The ISOT (Well, copy-paste) occurs at around 0100, August 30, 2552. Roughly three hours and 40 minutes before the Fleet of Particular Justice arrives in system. ( I admit, I did think of having parts of that come along, but decided against in the end for the systems ISOT)
The event had grabbed everything within a 1.75 ish Light day bubble of the star.
The event caused a 'storm' to be whipped up in Slipspace, preventing the UNSC vessels from using their drives, at risk of destruction, though probes can still be sent in. This storm will calm down within a few days, and Slipspace will be calm once more.
The event also caused a similar 'storm' to be whipped up in Hyperspace, though not to the same extent as the slipspace one, it still means most ships navigating a 10 or so light year bubble around EE will have to be extra careful for around two weeks, before Hyperspace goes back to its usual deadly self.
Epsilon III, the Planet from the Babylon 5 system is still there (yes, including the GM), and has slotted into the system causing little to majorly impact orbital mechanics of most bodies in the system. The systems hyperspace beacon is still in hyperspace, broadcasting. The Jump-gate however, is gone.
The event had grabbed everything within a 1.75 ish Light day bubble of the star.
The event caused a 'storm' to be whipped up in Slipspace, preventing the UNSC vessels from using their drives, at risk of destruction, though probes can still be sent in. This storm will calm down within a few days, and Slipspace will be calm once more.
The event also caused a similar 'storm' to be whipped up in Hyperspace, though not to the same extent as the slipspace one, it still means most ships navigating a 10 or so light year bubble around EE will have to be extra careful for around two weeks, before Hyperspace goes back to its usual deadly self.
Epsilon III, the Planet from the Babylon 5 system is still there (yes, including the GM), and has slotted into the system causing little to majorly impact orbital mechanics of most bodies in the system. The systems hyperspace beacon is still in hyperspace, broadcasting. The Jump-gate however, is gone.
Timeline Notes:
In general, older canon will be used when it comes to what was happening on Reach. I am using elements from Halo: Reach (to those who noted the assembly in the third snip) but it is not the primary provider of information.
I reserve the right to ignore parts of canon for both series where I chose to.
I reserve the right to ignore parts of canon for both series where I chose to.
Spoiler Stuff (Read only if you are -sure- you want to know):
Yes, Slipspace and Hyperspace have some relation. Exactly how it all works I am not getting into.
In a 1v1 Engagement of an EA ship and a current UNSC ship of broadly similar size, it really depends on how far they are from each other, etc as to how such a fight would go. EA ships have an 'overall' firepower advantage (as in, from their direct fire energy weapons) but that missile swarm or mac hitting is basically a death sentence. Overall 'it depends' is the best answer I feel like providing.
Next gen halo ships will have an advantage, but then, they will have an advantage on most ships in the verse. That being said, a lot of their tech will be sold off onto Earth (and from there, who knows where it will go :3)
For all other spoilers, PM me and I might give an answer.
In a 1v1 Engagement of an EA ship and a current UNSC ship of broadly similar size, it really depends on how far they are from each other, etc as to how such a fight would go. EA ships have an 'overall' firepower advantage (as in, from their direct fire energy weapons) but that missile swarm or mac hitting is basically a death sentence. Overall 'it depends' is the best answer I feel like providing.
Next gen halo ships will have an advantage, but then, they will have an advantage on most ships in the verse. That being said, a lot of their tech will be sold off onto Earth (and from there, who knows where it will go :3)
For all other spoilers, PM me and I might give an answer.
Regarding Tech/Kit:
Given that a lot of UNSC tech is suddenly updated/created 2552/3/4, I am going to say now that any tech or capability they have that is stated to have been produced in series/future novels up to February 2555, unless noted to being forerunner related, is either a prototype, a blueprint, or well figured out theory that the UNSC (Transported) can make use of when designing their next generation equipment.
There is absolutely no way for you to get me involved on how many kilo/mega/giga/whatever tons of damage any of it can do.
There is absolutely no way for you to get me involved on how many kilo/mega/giga/whatever tons of damage any of it can do.
Snippet 4
Duzzit
CSC 1st Multiversal Fleet Commander
- Location
- London, UK
Snippet 4
Earth Force Hyperion Class Cruiser "Agean", Lead Vessel, Detached Reaction Group, 3rd September, 2250
Too cautious.
Oh how he had despised those two words once. At first, as the war with the Dilgar began, he was praised for his diligence, his security of the logistical freighters that fed the Earth Force armada earning him accolades. Good times don't last. Soon as it appeared that the enemy was being beaten, his previous measures of ensuing safe passage of supplies drew more angry comments.
That his 'lack of aggression' meant that they couldn't pursue the retreating forces. That his actions in ensuring adequate protection for the convoys were 'taking valuable firepower away from the front commanders'. Even when the Dilgar desperately hit the logistics trains and failed thanks to his methods, other, more aggressive commanders argued that it could have all been prevented if they'd been able to push harder.
After the war, Earth Force was so far up its own ass it almost made him quit. Almost. The few friends he had in the force that recognised what he did persuaded him to stay. Yet those two words ensured he received a posting at the far end of Earth Alliance territory, to be forgotten except in monthly reports. It didn't matter that his post had lost far less supplies and men than most others to raiders and the like, he wasn't 'aggressive' enough.
Earth Force's testosterone high meant that an idiot like Jankowski was put in charge of a diplomatic mission with a species we knew little about, and that the Centauri themselves were busy tiptoeing around. You did not get to be the premier power in the local cluster without knowing what not to pick a fight with.
Toralf allowed himself a tiny smirk. Now, most of those not so cautious fools were dead and he had been given a new rank, command of an expeditionary force, his apparent 'caution' being the thing necessary now for such a role and the ability to teach the next generation of cadets the proper balance of skills. Aggression and maverick strategies had their place, but they would have to be tempered and if down the line those cadets became people of note, they would remember him and his warnings. It would not do for him to belittle his foes, but his students might.
"Captain Fors, it's those damn probes again." The sensor officer spoke up towards him, frowning at his console, hoping that it would somehow give him more data than the last dozen times.
The probes, had been tracking his force for the last hour or so, constantly appearing before vanishing, though they had yet to actually -see- one in hyperspace, even when the sensors insisted that they were right outside the ship. The scans had gotten more intense as they approached their destination, Epsilon III. The gate still wasn't transmitting and if it wasn't by now it was likely destroyed, or at the very least inoperable.
He had left the EAS "Murmansk" behind, it had orders to get to where the outer planet used to be and observe their group's exit from hyperspace. If it looked like a fight was occurring, it had orders to run back to Sol as quickly as they could push it.
"We're almost at the co-ordinates Toralf, do we jump?" His XO asked.
"Yes. Open a portal and let's see whats out there." He replied, pausing. "Prepare for possible high-g maneuvers." Anyone still not strapped in by this point would be quickly warned to do so.
The blue portal swirled ahead, signifying their exit from their means of avoiding Einstein's pesky laws.
As soon as they cleared the threshold, the threat receivers on all stations damn near exploded, they were being painted by at least two dozen sensor systems from all angles.
In 'front' of them a mere 6,000km away, was what could be charitably called a brick. Dozens more were floating around the area of the third planet in the Epsilon Eridani system. Or, if the science console was correct, now the fourth planet.
"Turn those damn things off." The shrill of warnings died off, letting them thing.
"Sir, we're receiving a hail from the ship ahead of us."
"Unknown vessels, this is Captain Teresa Gray, of the UNSC Cruiser 'Quiet Winter', Identify immediately, or you will be fired upon." Spoke a woman in a cold, harsh voice.
Too cautious? We'll see about that.
Earth Force Hyperion Class Cruiser "Agean", Lead Vessel, Detached Reaction Group, 3rd September, 2250
Too cautious.
Oh how he had despised those two words once. At first, as the war with the Dilgar began, he was praised for his diligence, his security of the logistical freighters that fed the Earth Force armada earning him accolades. Good times don't last. Soon as it appeared that the enemy was being beaten, his previous measures of ensuing safe passage of supplies drew more angry comments.
That his 'lack of aggression' meant that they couldn't pursue the retreating forces. That his actions in ensuring adequate protection for the convoys were 'taking valuable firepower away from the front commanders'. Even when the Dilgar desperately hit the logistics trains and failed thanks to his methods, other, more aggressive commanders argued that it could have all been prevented if they'd been able to push harder.
After the war, Earth Force was so far up its own ass it almost made him quit. Almost. The few friends he had in the force that recognised what he did persuaded him to stay. Yet those two words ensured he received a posting at the far end of Earth Alliance territory, to be forgotten except in monthly reports. It didn't matter that his post had lost far less supplies and men than most others to raiders and the like, he wasn't 'aggressive' enough.
Earth Force's testosterone high meant that an idiot like Jankowski was put in charge of a diplomatic mission with a species we knew little about, and that the Centauri themselves were busy tiptoeing around. You did not get to be the premier power in the local cluster without knowing what not to pick a fight with.
Toralf allowed himself a tiny smirk. Now, most of those not so cautious fools were dead and he had been given a new rank, command of an expeditionary force, his apparent 'caution' being the thing necessary now for such a role and the ability to teach the next generation of cadets the proper balance of skills. Aggression and maverick strategies had their place, but they would have to be tempered and if down the line those cadets became people of note, they would remember him and his warnings. It would not do for him to belittle his foes, but his students might.
"Captain Fors, it's those damn probes again." The sensor officer spoke up towards him, frowning at his console, hoping that it would somehow give him more data than the last dozen times.
The probes, had been tracking his force for the last hour or so, constantly appearing before vanishing, though they had yet to actually -see- one in hyperspace, even when the sensors insisted that they were right outside the ship. The scans had gotten more intense as they approached their destination, Epsilon III. The gate still wasn't transmitting and if it wasn't by now it was likely destroyed, or at the very least inoperable.
He had left the EAS "Murmansk" behind, it had orders to get to where the outer planet used to be and observe their group's exit from hyperspace. If it looked like a fight was occurring, it had orders to run back to Sol as quickly as they could push it.
"We're almost at the co-ordinates Toralf, do we jump?" His XO asked.
"Yes. Open a portal and let's see whats out there." He replied, pausing. "Prepare for possible high-g maneuvers." Anyone still not strapped in by this point would be quickly warned to do so.
The blue portal swirled ahead, signifying their exit from their means of avoiding Einstein's pesky laws.
As soon as they cleared the threshold, the threat receivers on all stations damn near exploded, they were being painted by at least two dozen sensor systems from all angles.
In 'front' of them a mere 6,000km away, was what could be charitably called a brick. Dozens more were floating around the area of the third planet in the Epsilon Eridani system. Or, if the science console was correct, now the fourth planet.
"Turn those damn things off." The shrill of warnings died off, letting them thing.
"Sir, we're receiving a hail from the ship ahead of us."
"Unknown vessels, this is Captain Teresa Gray, of the UNSC Cruiser 'Quiet Winter', Identify immediately, or you will be fired upon." Spoke a woman in a cold, harsh voice.
Too cautious? We'll see about that.
Honestly, the UNSC is pretty much outgunned here by a lot. I mean the MAC is powerful yes but the standard heavy weapons in B5 verse measures in megatons to gigatons. The main advantage UNSC has is that they have artificial gravity (meaning a lot more manueverable), AI, and a FTL not limited via Hyperspace beacons. And of course the ODPs.
Mechanis
Confirmed Extremely Screwed
- Location
- Absconding with Alacrity
uh.
EA ships are made of steel for the most part. like, not even some fancy space-age super-alloy, plain old-fashioned structural steel.
meaning that, from the UNSC point of view, they might as well be made of Styrofoam.
now, the EA's profusion of energy weapons and Actually Having Point Defense Weapons Worth Shit will even things up a bit, but it's still only even, so then you run into little problems like 'local concentration of force.'
it doesn't really matter if the EA has 15 Novas for every Halcyon, if they can't bring said forces to bear... and the UNSC, after years of war with the Covenant, has a lot of institutional experience with the concept of not fighting unnecessary battles.
well, that and UNSC forces are way more battle-hardened than EA folks. being in a loosing war for something like a decade will do that.
and on top of that, Reach.
which means SMACs. and SMACs are the sort of ow that can crack full-up Battlecrabs like walnuts.
oh and that's the other thing: engagement range. EA stuff, and for that matter B5 stuff in general, tends to not have a lot of range, weapons-wise, because of diffusion/diffraction issues inherent to DEWs. MACs... don't really have that issue. the first time someone jumps out at what they think is a safe distance (CoughMimbariCough) they are going to be in for a very rude surprise.
EA ships are made of steel for the most part. like, not even some fancy space-age super-alloy, plain old-fashioned structural steel.
meaning that, from the UNSC point of view, they might as well be made of Styrofoam.
now, the EA's profusion of energy weapons and Actually Having Point Defense Weapons Worth Shit will even things up a bit, but it's still only even, so then you run into little problems like 'local concentration of force.'
it doesn't really matter if the EA has 15 Novas for every Halcyon, if they can't bring said forces to bear... and the UNSC, after years of war with the Covenant, has a lot of institutional experience with the concept of not fighting unnecessary battles.
well, that and UNSC forces are way more battle-hardened than EA folks. being in a loosing war for something like a decade will do that.
and on top of that, Reach.
which means SMACs. and SMACs are the sort of ow that can crack full-up Battlecrabs like walnuts.
oh and that's the other thing: engagement range. EA stuff, and for that matter B5 stuff in general, tends to not have a lot of range, weapons-wise, because of diffusion/diffraction issues inherent to DEWs. MACs... don't really have that issue. the first time someone jumps out at what they think is a safe distance (CoughMimbariCough) they are going to be in for a very rude surprise.
Ghostdevil
The Devil of Ghosts
- Location
- United States
Author's first post has a whole thing about Fuck power levels, Balance HO thing and the first thing we see after their story post is people talking about Power levels
- Location
- wherever
The author said at the very top of the OP that power levels on both sides would shifted at the expense of canon that says one side should have biggatons.
Assuming the UNSC can figure out how to burn through Minbari stealth to target them, that is?
Ghostdevil
The Devil of Ghosts
- Location
- United States
This...
*Though that is kind of a cop out in my opinion, but its his story*
Mechanis
Confirmed Extremely Screwed
- Location
- Absconding with Alacrity
no mention is made of what the UNSC use for sensors beyond LIDAR, though they must have them, and EA sensors at this period are explicitly shitty.
as for any 'nerfing'... why bother? B5 weapon yields are never explicitly stated, but can be generally inferred at about the same 'power bracket' as Halo stuff, at least insofar as the UNSC is concerned. the main issues the B5 side will have is the inferiority, or more like non-existence, of their armor comparatively, while the Halo side deals with weapon numbers. B5 ships pack considerably more firepower in smaller guns than the UNSC can, so their doctrines tend to favor lots of turreted main battery guns, while the UNSC builds around one really big gun with secondary weapons.
complete apples and oranges.
and further, the UNSC stuff may be effectively invulnerable on the defense, but their ability to project power is going to be sharply limited. they only have so many people, and Reach isn't exactly hugely populated as such.
as for any 'nerfing'... why bother? B5 weapon yields are never explicitly stated, but can be generally inferred at about the same 'power bracket' as Halo stuff, at least insofar as the UNSC is concerned. the main issues the B5 side will have is the inferiority, or more like non-existence, of their armor comparatively, while the Halo side deals with weapon numbers. B5 ships pack considerably more firepower in smaller guns than the UNSC can, so their doctrines tend to favor lots of turreted main battery guns, while the UNSC builds around one really big gun with secondary weapons.
complete apples and oranges.
and further, the UNSC stuff may be effectively invulnerable on the defense, but their ability to project power is going to be sharply limited. they only have so many people, and Reach isn't exactly hugely populated as such.
Mgunh1
Not an AI, honest!
- Location
- Northern Luna Base, Module 5, Sublevel 15
In short:
EA builds really powerful glass cannons.
UNSC builds castles that can dodge.
Ghostdevil
The Devil of Ghosts
- Location
- United States
Ehhh, based on his post, and the QM's post, the UNSC have Castles that dodge and hit back REALLY hard, but their weapons are slow if technically infinite in range due to it being kinetic. So generally means UNSC ships are better Generally but the EA are better by far in certain areas.
Tho that's before you get into the stuff they got from the Forerunners
Ghostdevil
The Devil of Ghosts
- Location
- United States
Well SV is all about high Impact explosions, The UNSC hurl things at Sufficient Velocity to destroy enemies. Match made in Heaven.
- Location
- In the air vent
B5 weapons for the younger races are not that powerful as it took nukes to take out the Black Star during the E/M war. Even when you get into the First Ones weapons the Shadows still go for multiple core penetrating fusion warheads for their planet destroyer.
Halo also has terraforming tech that can restore even a glassed planet in under 300 years so they have something the B5 races will want. It is an active tech so the race they sell it to will be able to sell processors to each colony that wants to become habitable with the worse the planet the more are needed to change and maintain it after. Reach had a breathable atmosphere 39 years after they started to reclaim it.
Halo also has terraforming tech that can restore even a glassed planet in under 300 years so they have something the B5 races will want. It is an active tech so the race they sell it to will be able to sell processors to each colony that wants to become habitable with the worse the planet the more are needed to change and maintain it after. Reach had a breathable atmosphere 39 years after they started to reclaim it.
Duzzit
CSC 1st Multiversal Fleet Commander
- Location
- London, UK
Well, yes but im my head I thought 'ok, on AH I will have people talk about the societal impacts of the interaction between the two sides, SB will talk about what all their 1010101010101 versus calcs of halo and b5 ships has figured out, and SV will focus on the impact of technology proliferation between the two sides.'
It didn't go like that >.>.
888
As I put in the explanations threadmark, whilst I refuse to be drawn into the kilo/mega/giga debate, I have to ask -why- is it important? Like, when I watched Star Wars, I wasn't unhappy that Tarkin failed to mention the exact output of the death star primary weapon, we just got told the thing can blow up a planet. I didn't care when Captain Yao in the expanse failed to mention the damage output of the Donnagers railguns.
Picture this:
On the one side, you have a verse, where the tone is largely about diplomacy and politicking. Sure, wars occur but it is generally not the first thing you do. It is a verse where even the sides that hate each other at least try to talk it out (sometimes anyway). Earth Alliance is busy recovering from a short but brutal curb-stomp they suffered, and only 'survived' thanks to their enemy throwing in the towel.
On the other, you have a war weary but very determined populace, led by what is essentially a military government that is -rejecting- staying in place, as they witnessed all the troubles with rebellions against poor rule when they had to dismantle the CMA and the CAA for being corrupt. They want to rest if possible.
By the stage (if ever) it gets to a war, both sides will have a better idea of the other, and some tech proliferation. (with exceptions of course)
This seems a reasonable way to put what I'm roughly picturing.
Mechanis
Confirmed Extremely Screwed
- Location
- Absconding with Alacrity
honestly, I just go with observed feats, a dose of Actual Science, and a dose of Common Sense to estimate weapon power and such.
the other factor is endurance- EA ships (and B5 ships in general, for that matter) possess much less strategic endurance, due to devoting greater comparative volume to things that aren't stores and machine shops and cargo bays, but possess greater tactical endurance since their largely pure-energy armament means they lack ammo concerns- which, frankly, is part of the reason they can jam so many guns onto their ships compared to the UNSC, who have to devote significant portions of their weapon tonnage to ammunition bunkers.
frankly, I'd personally estimate the EA and UNSC are largely equal, at least in terms of in-a-vacuum theoretical one-on-one battles. the UNSC has better computers, armor and sensors, but the EA have FTL comms and a wide variety of DEWs to play with, combined with probably greater absolute tonnage and a significantly shorter ship production cycle.
of course, seeing as Levy's still in charge rather than that asshole Clarke, I somehow doubt it'll come to that.
the other factor is endurance- EA ships (and B5 ships in general, for that matter) possess much less strategic endurance, due to devoting greater comparative volume to things that aren't stores and machine shops and cargo bays, but possess greater tactical endurance since their largely pure-energy armament means they lack ammo concerns- which, frankly, is part of the reason they can jam so many guns onto their ships compared to the UNSC, who have to devote significant portions of their weapon tonnage to ammunition bunkers.
frankly, I'd personally estimate the EA and UNSC are largely equal, at least in terms of in-a-vacuum theoretical one-on-one battles. the UNSC has better computers, armor and sensors, but the EA have FTL comms and a wide variety of DEWs to play with, combined with probably greater absolute tonnage and a significantly shorter ship production cycle.
of course, seeing as Levy's still in charge rather than that asshole Clarke, I somehow doubt it'll come to that.
CV12Hornet
Riter.
- Location
- Tacoma, Washington
Sakuya's Butler
A refined Butler to a knife wielding Mistress.
- Location
- ↓, ↘, → + Punch
I won't comment yet, due to this still being so new, but you have my attention.
CV12Hornet
Riter.
- Location
- Tacoma, Washington
First snippet edited.
CV12Hornet
Riter.
- Location
- Tacoma, Washington
And second snippet revised.
