PRELIMINARY REPORT ON S'TAXU INCIDENT TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Colonel Amine Bennani, HSWS Command Staff
Note: for ease of readability, the beginning of the S'taxu Incident is noted as '0 Hour'.
00:00 - PMC Indefatigable starts on track that, if continued, will enter the DMZ/cross into the inner system. HSWS Pallas flash PMC warship with warning broadcast; no response.
03:00 - HSWS Pallas flashes second inquiry to PMC Indefatigable after several hours; no response. Sakumo and Pallas discuss.
06:00 -HSWS Sakumo receives recorded broadcast on Dynast frequencies and passes to Pallas. Unclear if the PMC ship has crossed the DMZ.
06:01 - Pallas and Sakumo begin to go to action stations; request flash traffic and update from station crews.
06:05 - Pallas and Sakumo at action stations; no response recorded from station crews. Sakumo reports multiple launches from multiple Dynast stations in orbit and ground launch vehicles.
06:06 - Pallas initiates SCRAM procedure; receives data dump from Sakumo and maneuvers for jump point. Sakumo begins evasive maneuvers. Turrets are fire free.
06:09 - Two missiles with atomic warheads penetrate Sakumo's defense perimeter and explode. Sakumo continues to maneuver. Pallas initiates emergency jump to Home system.
06:11 - Second missile volley tracks on Sakumo. Sakumo returns fire and destroys an orbital defense station.
06:13 - Two more atomics explode close-in on the Sakumo, causing battle damage.
06:17 - Third missile volley. Additional stations are now firing. Sakumo destroys a second orbital defense station with particle beam fire.
06:19 - Sakumo struck by seven warheads. This is enough to knock the jump drive offline, cause hull ruptures across three frames, knock out a particle bay, and disable two weapons turrets. Captain Nacar orders Sakumo out of orbit.
06:20 - Captain Nacar wounded in action by additional missile strike. Senior Lieutenant Terzi takes command as the Sakumo leaves orbit and evades further damage.
END OF INITIAL INCIDENT
Following the exchange of weapons fire, the Indefatigable continued their inbound track and took control of S'Taxu-4's orbitals. It is presumed that the nuclear exchange caused mass casualties on the surface. All orbital stations destroyed or rendered inoperative. Sakumo suffered ten KIA, four WIA.
As of this writing, only seven service-members are known to have survived from the station crews in orbit. The rest of the watch crews are currently missing in action, but (in the opinion of this writer) must be presumed lost, either by treacherous Dynasts or as a result of being aboard the orbital stations when they were destroyed by weapons fire from the Sakumo or Indefatigable.
A note: the Sakumo broke orbit quite late in the engagement, considering it would have restricted her freedom to maneuver a good bit. Unless, of course, she was staying in orbit for a reason...
GUNNERY LOG, HSWS SAKUMO
ACTION IN ORBIT S'TAXU 4
SUBMITTED VIA HSWS TISHTRAYA
IN ACTION: 22 minutes 45 seconds.
00:00: SAKUMO Actual orders beat to quarters.
00:15: SAKUMO Sandcaster turrets report manned and ready
00:35: SAKUMO Beam Laser turrets report manned and ready
00:37: SAKUMO Pulse Laser turrets report manned and ready.
00:56 SAKUMO Particle Beams report manned and ready. SAKUMO Guns reports all gunnery stations manned and ready to Actual.
01:45: SAKUMO Guns requests permission from Actual to dirty vectors to PMCS INDEFATIGABLE. Actual grants permission.
01:48: Sandcaster turrets active to dirty direct course and best-time course vectors to PMCS INDEFATIGABLE.
02:43: Nearest orbital station reported opening silo doors.
03:05: SAKUMO Guns orders cease fire on Sandcasters. Fire Control is directed to develop plan to dirty as many vectors between ground targets and stations as possible.
05:02: Multiple orbital stations opening silo doors. SAKUMO Guns requests permission to implement plan to dirty vectors to ground targets unless the stations respond to comms.
05:32: SAKUMO Actual orders Point Defense free, Helm free to conduct orbital maneuver, turns to close nearest station.
05:55: Copied Dynast transmission. SAKUMO Actual orders immediate implementation of Guns' plan to dirty vectors. Sandcasters in action.
06:10: Multiple launches detected. Sand effectively clogs groundward vectors for the nearest two stations and degrades or destroys several missiles and reentry vehicles. Beam and Pulse Lasers in action.
06:50: Guns orders Particle Beams weapons free, fire as they bear. Captain orders Helm to bring Particle Beams to bear on nearest orbital station as feasible. Multiple successful interceptions by Beam and Pulse Lasers of missiles exiting nearest station and attempting to get up to speed.
07:00: Sandcasters retargeted. Nearest station combat ineffective in face of SAKUMO point-defense hitting birds as they come off their launchers. Particle Beams attempt to engage missile flight headed groundward from distant station. One hit.
08:03: Volley from second most distant station enters SAKUMO Point Defense envelope. Multiple interceptions.
08:30: Sandcasters retasked to point defense against incoming missiles.
08:55: Sandcaster Turret 2 has feed jam, cause unknown. Damage Control responding.
09:01: Two nuclear warheads initiate in close proximity to SAKUMO. Multiple turrets report on-mount IR and LIDAR systems blinded, still functional on main sensors. External hull damage. Ship systems holding.
09:33: Sandcaster Turret 2 manages to remove offending round in feed manually, resumes fire. Sandcaster turrets attempting to dirty field towards the next-nearest orbital station.
10:01: Nearest surviving station conducts coordinated launch against SAKUMO. Sand degrades multiple missiles.
11:05 SAKUMO Particle Beams fire on nearest orbital station. Target destroyed. SAKUMO Actual orders turn to engage second station.
11:45: Multiple missiles from multiple vectors enter SAKUMO Point Defense envelope. Sandcasters again retasked.
12:30: Nuclear warhead initiates out of effective range of SAKUMO.
13:09: Two nuclear warheads initiate in proximity to SAKUMO. Pulse Laser Turret 1 does not answer and is not connected to bridge controls. Sandcaster Turret 2 reports feed jamming again. Fire Control reports heavy degradation of main sensors on aft vectors.
14:02: SAKUMO Point Defense envelope now encompasses nearest surviving orbital station. Station is combat-ineffective as missile launches are killed before they can gain speed. SAKUMO Actual demands station surrender.
14:32: Station refuses to surrender. Sandcasters attempting to dirty aft arc where sensor coverage is degraded. Pulse Laser Turret 1 crewman reported dead at station, turret open to space, control linkages down. Cause: Impulsive shock from nearby nuclear initiation cracked turret seals. Damage Control brings the turret back online with relief crewman in suit, on local control.
14:56: Coordinated launch from multiple stations reported inbound. Sandcaster Turret 2 cleared for action.
15:05: SAKUMO Actual orders Helm to present as many working weapons as possible.
15:12: Coordinated launch enters SAKUMO Point Defense envelope. Beam lasers doing superlative work.
15:52: Missile volley defeated. SAKUMO Actual logs recommendation for decoration for skill for Beam Laser crews, orders Helm to bring Particle Beams to bear on nearest station.
16:02: Additional missile volley inbound. Time on target with several stations behind the limb of the planet.
16:38: Particle Beams destroy orbital station. SAKUMO Actual orders helm to again present as many weapons as possible on inbound vectors.
17:02: Sand degrading inbounds. Six fallen off-course.
17:33: Missile volley enters SAKUMO Point Defense envelope. Nuclear warhead initiates early, destroys several other missiles.
17:35: Second volley detected. Hard radiation flash just below planetary horizon; possible station fratricide or ground-based response.
18:02: Missile volley defeated. Second volley will enter Point Defense envelope in twenty seconds. Fire Control reports ground-based laser flash on primary sensor array is blinding IR, LIDAR, Vislight. Station jamming degrading the effectiveness of radar.
18:07: SAKUMO Actual orders maneuver to bring primary array clear.
18:22: SAKUMO Point Defense again in action. SAKUMO Actual orders Helm at ten seconds from inpact to present most minimal target profile. Efforts to maneuver clear of ground-based laser jamming ineffective.
18:57: Multiple nuclear warheads initiate in proximity to SAKUMO, including at least one contact hit. Fire Control reports lost power. Particle Beam 1 and 2 report inoperable. Pulse Laser Turret 1 does not answer. Sandcaster Turret 2 reports turret and weapons inoperable. Inner hull breached. Crew ordered to suits, seal helmets.
19:02: Incoming missile volley from nearest surviving station. Sandcaster Turret 2 has been dirtying bearing without orders, degrades multiple missiles. Fire Control reports backup sensors online, Pulse Laser and Beam Laser turrets remaining operational engaging. Incoming missile drive flares on ballistic arcs from the PMCS INDEFATIGABLE targeting orbital stations. SAKUMO ACTUAL orders break orbit, SAKUMO no longer able to degrade attacks on ground targets.
19:32: Nuclear weapon believed disabled by sand overshoots, initiates behind SAKUMO. Drive flutter. Multiple casualties from equipment breaking loose. Fire Control reports primary sensors back online. SAKUMO Actual injured.
19:55: SAKUMO pivots on course and fires at nearest surviving orbital station with remaining Particle Beams, scores damage. Missile volley inbound. SAKUMO Actual, Acting, orders Helm to outrun them on primary drives.
20:27: Final missile volley unable to achieve intercept. SAKUMO Guns orders particle beams secure from stations, requests they report status of Pulse Laser Turret 1 relief crewman.
21:43: Pulse Laser Turret 1 relief crewman reported dead at station. Cause: Impulsive shock from nearby nuclear initiation dished in helmet visor. SAKUMO Guns logs recommendation for decoration for bravery for relief crewman of Pulse Laser Turret 1 and decoration for initiative for crew of Sandcaster Turret 2.
22:45: SAKUMO Actual, Acting, orders secure from action stations, maximum damage-control effort. Log ends.
Adhoc vote count started by Magnificate on Aug 15, 2024 at 3:58 PM, finished with 63 posts and 11 votes.
[X] Plan Investigations and Tribunals
-[X] Offer to conduct multilateral trial of the Chambrestrongs, with a set of judges from both S'taxu and Home. Reason than an attack on HSWS Sakumo warrants our full participation in the trial.
-[X] Begin detailed investigation into the sequence of events and motives leading toS'taxu-4 being bombarded with nuclear weapons. Get to HSWS personel and gather their statements. Search for recordings of the battle in orbit. Request access to Indefatigable's logs and the permission to question Junta personel. Verify the whereabouts of Dynasts' System Defense Boats. Verify why our watchdogs failed to prevent or at least report the takeover of orbital weapon platforms.
-[X] Appeal to the Junta leaders for unrestricted access to the Chambrestrongs, for questioning. Request access to other Dynast servicemen held prisoners for questioning. State that should the Chambrestrongs perish or be mistreated before the tribunal can render their judgment, the HSWS shall be most crossed with the Junta.
-[X] If the false flag operation has been ruled out, work to improve cooperation and bring the Junta into closer ties with Home.
-[X] Assing both FSSs with escorts to ferry aid to S'taxu. Work with the Civilians' Council to have the Interstellar Converyors assist.
-[X] Review information flow and reporting procedures within HSWS. Create an intelligence service within HSWS.
[X] Plan Find the Red Herring
-[x] get sensor logs from as many sources as possible, Junta, Dynast, and civilian. Compare them to our logs, look for signs of doctored logs, and establish a timeline of events
-[x] retrieve our personnel and debrief them
-[x] keep the status quo while investigations are ongoing. Only make a decision once we have more information and our personnel are secured.
-[x] establish a military intelligence arm
[X] OPLAN: FLASH BLIND
-[X] Write-In: prepare a civilian tribunal under Home and S'taxi law from prior to the civil war's outbreak-draw jury members and prosecutors from all affected parties, including any surviving civilians in Dynast territory, Xyphoni refugees, PMC forces not involved in the incident, and the HSWS survivors from the initial attacks. This tribunal will be held at Armistice Station, if still spaceworthy, and if not, broadcast live from Home via satellite and jump message relay. To ensure an impartial defense, Dynast officials who stand accused will be assigned legal representation through the few trained lawyers within the Daughters of the People.
-[X] All information and investigation should be triple-checked by the HSWS Counterintelligence Directorate-we cannot proceed into a humanitarian nightmare with bad intel.
-[X] We should improve cooperation and bring them closer into cooperation with Home.
There is a great deal to understand and review here, but one thing is obvious to the Citizens Council - the Chambrestrong Dynasty will not enjoy a fair trial in S'Taxu. The HSWS must find a way to have them transferred to Home while investigations are ongoing. How will this be achieved? - Offer to conduct multilateral trial of the Chambrestrongs, with a set of judges from both S'taxu and Home.
- Begin detailed investigation into the sequence of events and motives leading toS'taxu-4 being bombarded with nuclear weapons. We clearly need to reappraise our approach to peace in S'Taxu. What is the advice or recommendations of the HSWS? - If the false flag operation has been ruled out, work to improve cooperation and bring the Junta into closer ties with Home.
- Assing both FSSs with escorts to ferry aid to S'taxu. Work with the Civilians' Council to have the Interstellar Converyors assist. Any other comments on ongoing operations or operations that should be conducted in S'Taxy should be added here. You can get as deep into it or as light on information as you need: - Review information flow and reporting procedures within HSWS. Create an intelligence service within HSWS.
The S'Taxu Debacle Aid Efforts
Months pass as the HSWS scrambles to provide aid and succour to the people of S'Taxu - those not killed in the blasts. It is perhaps fortunate that the people are accustomed to living in dome-cities, only venturing out wearing respirators and visors to protect against the thin atmosphere and the ravenous dust storms. As such, when the consequences of multiple nuclear detonations on the surface are felt and the skies grew dark, those not already directly affected simply sheltered in place as their crops withered and their solar panels failed.
The efforts of both Home and Xyri - once notified - were immediate. Almost every available interstellar merchant was pressed into service shuttling supplies from Home and from further afield. Both of the Flotilla Support Ships began regularly rotations delivering hundreds of tons into the system. Even the Monitor makes several deliveries, Most of these supplies were simple things; food aid, chemical power plants to replace temporarily blinded solar, medical supplies and the like. Other elements were more complex; replacement panels for damaged domes, great industrial machines to help with the growing of food in dire conditions and more. Most of this aid is funnelled into Cassalon territory and distributed with the assistance of local chapters of the Daughters of the People.
None of this aid is given freely of course. The Citizens Council keeps a log of every grain of food, every gram of replacement machinery, every drop of fuel expended delivering the supplies into S'Taxu space. To deliver the bill while the planet is suffering would be crass. It will be saved until the people of S'Taxu are in a position to actually pay their debts and cover the cost of their own dire circumstances.
It is rumoured that the Daughters leader, a prophetic figure and messiah, has visited S'Taxu in secret. Whether that is true or not is unknown, but it implies a hole in our security net that positively must be closed.
Casualties
It will likely take months - perhaps years - for the true death count of this tragedy to become known. With S'Taxu's main world already reeling from the effects of the HSWS orbital bombardment a census will take significant time to effectively implement. What is known is that most of the casualties are contained on the Western continent. Nuclear detonations have cracked the Capital city dome despite the attempts of local interceptors, likely killing hundreds of thousands on the low end. The palace of the Chambrestrong Dynasty is gone, eliminated in a flash of explosions. Multiple weapons also detonated above the domes of the remaining Xyphoni cities, with casualty estimations reaching the low millions.
Cassalon received less damage, with a highly effective interceptor system neutralising most incoming threats. A few coastal towns are suffering from Dome cracks and irradiated sea water. Casualties are, again, in the low hundreds of thousands. It and the Peoples Military Council - who have had their asteroid ships on orbit since the disaster to assist in all ways possible - have been coordinating aid efforts and plugging gaps in services wherever possible.
The short platoon aboard the HSWS Caturix has been deployed to the surface since the recovery operation began. There is now a company of FLF soldiers on the surface, delivered piecemeal by the Caturix and other ships with spare bunks, integrated with the Cassalon and PMC command and control networks and doing their level best to provide support.
Sequence of Events
As far as anyone is able to piece together, based on best evidence, interviews with survivors, the black-boxes from the weapon stations and reports from the Indefatigable and other PMC ships, the following is the sequence of events that led to this tragedy:
- A message is passed through back-channels to multiple senior personnel in the Peoples Military Council that 'an incident' is planned on S'Taxu in the coming days. The Indefatigable is ordered to go radio silent and drift towards the inner system at low power just in case.
- A bomb detonates in the Chambrestrong Capital, killing several senior members of the Dynasty. Type of device unclear, nuclear deployment rumoured. Surviving senior officers in the military hierarchy order PLAN UNTHINKABLE into effect. The order is transmitted to all Chambrestrong loyalist military installations.
- PMCS Indefatigable accelerates to combat speeds and begins fast transit to S'Taxu-4.
- Aboard the nuclear weapon stations, commanding officers are flashed their orders and the vast majority obey without delay. Many watchdog crews are disarmed or executed in a pre-planned strike that returns control of the stations to the dynasts. Several stations see conflict, running gun fights in crew sections and are essentially disarmed.
- Four separate armoured surface bunkers receive the orders to enact PLAN UNTHINKABLE. The commanders of the system defence boats coordinate over land-line comms. Agree to delay launch until more information is provided.
- Weapon stations on orbit begin fire at both orbital and surface targets. Xyphonese mobile launchers begin deployment operations. Most are caught in the open by initial wave of strikes and are destroyed. Several do manage to fire, but poorly maintained systems means only two manage to land on target.
- HSWS Sakumo is engaged repeatedly by orbital weapon stations and is forced to retreat. Before succumbing she manages to intercept multiple weapons in flight that are aimed at the surface. HSWS Sakumo heads for the gas giant.
- PMCS Indefatigable engages remaining stations, destroying or disabling even those that fired on their fellow stations. It is likely that Indefatigable destroyed several stations that were in the hands of Home watchdogs, a tragic consequence of battle.
- Indefatigable orders all surface forces to lay down their arms and stand down. Several precision strikes are conducted against known surface installations after they fail to respond. It is possible that several of these strikes were simply 'bouncing rubble' on already destroyed installations, but the PMC considered this a case of 'better safe than sorry'.
- Commanders of the Dynast SDB's surrender themselves to the Indefatigable via vid-link communication. Surviving junior members of the dynasty are transported aboard the Indefatigable and placed in the brig. Twelve survivors of the watchdog crews are recovered from orbital wreckage, five succumb to their wounds before Operation Bowshot returns Home forces to the system.
- HSWS Sakumo is invited to dock with the yards at S'Taxu-8 in PMC territory, where they can refit and receive adequate medical care for their wounded.
Responsibility for the 'first shot', as it were, is ill-understood. It is considered quite possible that this was a last desperate gasp from the Xyphon Freedom League, but given the almost total destruction of the Xyphoni people and the deaths of the vast majority of their political class, that will remain unclear. It is also considered plausible that this was a false flag engineered by a mid-ranking member of the Chambrestrong Dynasty which was supposed to lead to their rule. If that is the case, it would appear that it got out of hand.
The Dynasts
The fates of the remaining members of the Dynasty are as follows:
- Seneca Amealia Chambrestrong, Duchess, Noted as killed in initial blast.
- Boris Laurenz Tertius Chambrestrong, Duke, Missing, presumed dead.
- Ruedi Adelbert Chambrestrong, Baron, Missing, presumed dead.
- Dietfried Kasimia Hartwig Chambrestrong, Lord, Noted as wounded in initial blast, presumed dead.
- Dimo Marcius Chambrestrong, Baronet, Noted as killed in initial blast.
- Diana Mechtilde Chambrestrong, Lady, Missing, presumed dead.
- Valaria Arissa Chambrestrong, Lady, Alive and in custody.
- Damjana Simona Chambrestrong, Baroness, Alive and in custody.
- Julius Danial Stefan Chambrestrong, Marquess, Alive and in custody.
The three surviving members of the primary branch - Valaria (sister of Boris), Damjana (wife of Ruedi) and Julius (Son of Boris and Seneca) - are in the custody of the Peoples Military Council and are awaiting trial.
It has been made very quietly clear that none of the Chambrestrongs are going to survive the coming months. Whatever the result of the trial, the Dynasts will be executed. They - or their family or their advisors - planned for the nuclear annihilation of their peoples and managed to succeed at least partially. They have succeeded in reducing the Xyphonese from a political entity and cultural force to a wasteland with only a few survivors. They or their family or their subordinates have committed a genocide. Home forces absolutely have a right to be present, given their losses in the recent conflict, but there is no two ways about it - they will be executed. Even the 11 year old.
The local forces have made their positions clear. So have the Citizens Council. As the link between those two groups, the Home Space Warfare Service has a decision to make. They can:
[ ] Find a way to recover the survivors of the Chambrestrong Dynasty and deliver them to Home.
[ ] Acknowledge the rights of the S'Taxu people to decide upon and enact justice.
[ ] Write ins are welcome but note that failing to satisfy both sides is inadvisable. A new intelligence branch will be established within the Home Space Warfare Service, intended to operate both inside and outside the service to ensure a broader understanding of the situations the Service finds itself in. It will be the:
[ ] HSWS Intelligence & Espionage Branch
[ ] HSWS Security Branch
[ ] HSWS Military Intelligence Corps
[ ] Write in. What is next for the HSWS? Select as many as required or desired:
[ ] Continue to negotiate with the Aslan. What would you like to achieve?
[ ] Scouting towards and around Hermosa, since the Heimdall station is soon to be online.
[ ] Continue to explore North to increase our knowledge of the systems there.
[ ] Design and produce a carrier ship which can deploy the X-40 or similar strike craft. How many?
[ ] Design and produce a landing ship which can deploy FLForces. How many?
[ ] Continue to produce the Interstellar Cruiser block IIa as possible.
[ ] Continue to produce the Multi-Mission Vehicle as possible.
[ ] Deploy forces. Where? With what tasking?
[ ] Write-in.
Welcome to the end of part 5 of this traveller game. I'm going to be away this weekend, so I figured I'd set you up with plenty to talk about. As such, Voting will not open until
. Discussion is v welcome. You have plenty of time to formulate grand and all-encompassing plans. I will be available for questions and curiosities, I just am unlikely to have the time to sit and write until Monday.
Best of luck to you all. I hope you're enjoying the quest so far.
[X] OPLAN: Slow Walk
-[X] Write-In: Perform back-alley negotiations/communications with the PMC. Expend diplomatic capital (such as forgiveness of incurred aid debt that might otherwise be called in) to convince them to commute the sentence (conditional on the individuals actually not being responsible for execution of UNTHINKBLE) of the three survivors to exile to Home space, on pain of death if they ever return to the S'taxu system in any capacity (they cannot transit through S'Taxu even as a passenger) and a complete release of all claims to rulership etc. Inform them that the HSWS and Home desire peace, stability, and good relations, but that some concessions will avoid ruffled feathers in the future and ease cooperation and economic recovery for S'Taxu-4 and the S'Taxu system.
-[X] Write-In: Provide continual Fleet Landing Forces deployment in peacekeeping and aid operations; FLF Rangers, our in-house SOF squadron, will be attached to search for remaining Dynast and Xyphoni high-value personnel who may have survived, such as the Lady Diana Mechtilde. If the Lady Mechtilde is located AND efforts to release the Marquess fail, she is to be transported to Home under absolute secrecy and her death "verified" as part of our diplomatic break with the PMC.
-[X] HSWS Military Intelligence Corps
-[X] Continue to negotiate with the Aslan. Attempt to hire advisors in the design and operation of small strike-craft and larger carriers.
-[X] Design and produce a landing ship which can deploy FLF Forces; up to five craft (dependent on final carrying capacity), each capable of carrying and deploying at least company of FLIF and supporting landings with orbit-to-ground or ship-to-station fire and potentially carrying the fighter-bombers as a contributing strike package or self-defense. Look into potential MMV variant, as well as entirely purpose-built craft as design alternatives.
-[X] Design and produce a single experimental carrier for further development of strikecraft operations and doctrine and to serve as a defense vessel for Home.
-[X] Design and produce a small courier / cargo vessel to establish a permanent military "mail service" between far-flung outposts and HSWS HQ so we can stop relying on our DSS, etc. as makeshift couriers.
-[X] Look into potential refit options for older craft, such as the system destroyers.
-[X] Continue to produce the Multi-Mission Vehicle as rapidly as possible, as budget and yard space allows.
-[X] Continue to produce the Interstellar Cruiser block IIa as possible, secondary to the MMV.
-[X] Continue to produce the new missile frigate as possible; at least one frigate per larger MMV or cruiser laid down or currently in active service.
-[X] Perform sensor sweeps "south", beyond Heimdall to get an idea of what lies beyond
-[X] Deploy forces:
--[X] Maintain OPLAN Bowshot forces in S'Taxu until the crisis is over, aid has slowed, and they are no longer needed to conduct missions or maintain our stronger diplomatic presence.
--[X] Heimdall Station: After conclusion of Bowshot - one IC and two escorts, when available, in Heimdall to protect the mining and fueling operations and to act as a tripwire force.
--[X] S'Taxu Station: After conclusion of Bowshot - one IC and two escorts, when available, as a permanent S'Taxu station.
--[X] Home Defense Station: Monitor, two IC, six escorts when constructed, as the main Home Defense Fleet (plus orbitals and system defense ships).
--[X] Expeditionary Station: After conclusion of Bowshot - 2 IC, 1 MMV, 1 FSS, Scout Flotilla - available for exploration and exploration escort or other expeditionary missions. headquartered in Home, but can be deployed as necessary.
--[X] Reserve Station: After conclusion of Bowshot - four IC, eight escorts when available; "stationed" in Home, but generally available to be deployed in case of emergency. Generally ships who are doing rest/refit and preparing to be cycled out to other duty stations.
[X] OPLAN: Shadow Marshal
-[X] HSWS Military Intelligence Corps
-[X] Write-in: Make all possible diplomatic attempts to preserve the life of the Marquess Chambrestrong alone. Offer money, weapons, the revocation of titles-anything to make clear that the death of a child will not wash off from the hands that enact it, and that such illegal orders threaten a permanent diplomatic break.
-[X] Write-in: Make clear that we will not interfere with the trials of any adult Chambrestrong survivors, but that we require those trials be fair and impartial; offer all legal and diplomatic aid, including the work of our nascent SWS JAG corps, in arraigning and interrogating Dynasty personnel and leadership for trial.
-[X] Provide continual Fleet Landing Forces deployment in peacekeeping and aid operations; FLF Rangers, our in-house SOF squadron, will be attached to search for remaining Dynast and Xyphoni high-value personnel who may have survived, such as the Lady Diana Mechtilde. If the Lady Mechtilde is located AND efforts to release the Marquess fail, she is to be transported to Home under absolute secrecy and her death "verified" as part of our diplomatic break with the PMC.
-[X] Scouting towards and around Hermosa, since the Heimdall station is soon to be online.
-[X] Design and produce a carrier ship which can deploy the X-40 or similar strike craft. Begin with one prototype and long-term flight testing.
-[X] Design and produce a landing ship which can deploy FLForces at company or battalion strength; build at least 5, enough to deploy most of a full squadron out of our current operational wing (two squadrons) of FLF troops.
-[X] Continue to produce the Multi-Mission Vehicle as rapidly as possible.
-[X] Continue to produce the Interstellar Cruiser block IIa as possible, secondary to the MMV.
-[X] Deploy and maintain deployment of Bowshot forces (hereafter Task Force Angelus) with full FLF ground support until conclusion of S'taxu crisis. Consider this a long-term security assistance and humanitarian aid mission.
[X] Message to PMC: "You knew something would happen and did not inform us. On contrary, you've sent a warship to the planet which could be interpreted as attempt to aid at anti-Chambestrong effort.
[X] Seize the remaining Chamnbestrong space infrastructure, such as naval yards. Inform remaining Chambestrong servicemen, that if they want to survive the inevitable purges by new autorities on S'Taxu, they should cooperate with us. Have them seize for us the Capital City and anything that survived from Chambestrong infrastructure planetside. We are going to "safeguard" these as to protect the people from purges, until the true investigation is done.
[X] Continue to negotiate with the Aslan. Have embassies open, have a "naval attachee and supporting staff" added to each embassy. At least part of "supporting staff" should be EWaFaR people. Hire a lot of SIS personnel to EWaFaR there.
[X] Have embassies with naval attachees ant supporting staff open in all Xyri factions. Study the security situation there, how likely is the conflict in system.
[X] Have embassy and naval attachee and supporting staff open at Nova Refugio. Learn about people there - are they political dissidents? Religious dissidents? Send them some supplies on regular basis. If we are already sending, send more. Learn whatever they can tell us about Hermosa. Ease them to our presense.
[X] Continue to produce the Interstellar Cruiser block IIa and Frigates as possible (we can possibly lose the PMC yard space, we need to build smaller ships at the moment).
The Months That Follow
Operations on the surface of S'Taxu-4 slowly but surely drag to an end. The dust clouds settle, weeks pass, and it slowly becomes apparent that there are no more survivors trapped and now the problem is fundamentally one for the civil architects and engineers, not military search and rescue. The FLF Rangers stay on the surface, assisting in the deployment of aid from Cassalon transport barges and ensuring there is at least some modicum of peaceful life for the refugees and survivors of this nuclear terror. There are two notable incidents where the FLF are forced to engage with lethal force, both well within their rules of engagement: a Xyphoni attack on an aid convoy is turned back with relative ease and only a single casualty amongst the FLF, while an attempted attack on a religious gathering turns into a gun battle on the steps of an ad-hoc house of worship. Three men and a woman with ties to the Chambrestrong Dynasty are killed.
During negotiations it rapidly becomes clear that the PMC and representatives of Cassalon are not interested in negotiating for the release of their captives. Valaria is arguably the next in line for control of the Duchy and thus constitutes a figurehead behind which monarchists could rally. Damjana is less closely tied to the family, but is nonetheless ennobled and was closely involved with Dynastic politicking and power-brokering. Neither of these women will see out the year, considered guilty even before bringing up the events of the last months. They were, after all, part of the ruling class that threw the entire system into internecine conflict.
The boy, however, is a different matter. Nobody is particularly in love with the idea of executing a child, there was simply no other option. He cannot be allowed to grow up on S'Taxu, where a thousand political groups will attempt to sway him to their side. Fortunately, Home offers another option; the abrogation of at least part of the aid bill, a new name and a caretaker family who will raise him in something approaching normality aboard an orbital station that circles Home. He will, of course, never be allowed to return to S'Taxu but that is considered a small price for his life. Julius Danial Stefan Chambrestrong dies in S'Taxu - but Julian Demirci will hopefully have a full and long life in Home.
S'Taxu will recover, and a new government will form from the fires of nuclear war. The Peoples Military Council has always considered itself a temporary body necessary for fighting off the Dynasts threat to the rest of the system and now, with their power shattered, it can be reincorporated back into the system. The Democratic Republic of Cassalon will inherit control of the entire system, with the Peoples Military of Cassalon becoming simply the armed forces of the state. They do have several quite reasonable requests and demands during the ongoing negotiations with Home that incorporate the transition of power;
- S'Taxu - or Cassalon - is not prepared to defend itself at this time, focused as it will be on the survival of its people and rebuilding the cities that have been devastated. It is requested that people from Cassalon be able to volunteer and enlist in the HSWS, as they have been up until now, and that the HSWS inherently take on the defence of Cassalon's space as if it was our own. This is fundamentally a continuation of current policies, formalised with the transition of power.
- Cassalon will continue to provide 4,000 dTons of yard space to the HSWS for construction of militarily vital ships and ship components, and will also provide 500MCr. of additional funding to assist in this construction and to the maintenance of the fleet.
- Cassalon will retain control of the defence asteroids, the four Dynast SDB's and any other in-system forces, but would be pleased to cross train their defence forces with the HSWS to ensure compatibility of doctrine and strategy.
- In return, Home will recognise Cassalon, allow the construction of civilian jump ships in Cassalon yards and allow open trade between Cassalon and Home.
The Citizens Council is unhappy about the loss of two significant survivors of the Chambrestrong Dynasty, having considered them to be a useful tool they could have held over the heads of the people of S'Taxu. They will, however, accept the complete economic and military reliance on Home that Cassalon has agreed too, and they already have plans to further ensure that reliance as time goes on. After all, the people of Cassalon are going to need a great deal of aid as they recover...
New Deployments, New Construction - 09y00m00w
The HSWS undergoes a period of reorganisation as new ships come out of the yards, new stations are established and new postings are formulated. From hereon out, the Service will be organised into the following established groups (several ships listed are not yet with the fleet but will be in time): Home Fleet - The Interstellar Monitor, two Interstellar Cruisers, one Multi Mission Vehicle, six Frigate, Fleet Escorts, one Flotilla Support Ship. Heimdall Station - Two Interstellar Cruisers until the arrival of the Frigate, Fleet Escort then the post becomes one IC and two FFE's on rotation. Cassalon Station - Two Interstellar Cruisers until the arrival of the Frigate, Fleet Escort then the post becomes one IC and two FFE's on rotation. Expeditionary Force - Two Interstellar Cruisers, one Multi Mission Vehicle, one Flotilla Support Ship. 1st Scout Flotilla - As already described. Reserve Station - All other ships, especially those on rest and refit
This creates six new formal and permanent postings for five Flight Commodores (O-7) and a single Vice-Marshal (O-8) and plans for a total force strength of eight cruisers, two MMV's and ten FFE's in the permanent force structure. This will require, according to estimates, fourteen cruisers, at least three MMV's and preferably four, and 16-18 FFE's.
If you would like to design patches for these forces, I have been using this generator. Any submitted will be voted on in the next update.
With 5,000 dTons available in yards, the Service considers the following to be a reasonable construction plan for the beginning of our tenth year;
- 2 x Interstellar Cruiser block IIa - 783.18MCr.
- 4 x FFE (2nd tranche) - 757.04MCr.
For a total cost at the start of the year of 1540.22MCr. This would leave 2,000 tons and around 700MCr. for experimental construction and planning, especially of the courier concept and the small carrier. It is broadly understood that at the beginning of next year we will lay down a second MMV, slow-rolling the deployment of the class but ensuring that there are enough ships to cover our stations in the short term.
Regarding other planned forces there are some simple choices to make: The courier will be a small, fast ship capable of multiple jumps. It should be capable of (choose 1+):
[ ] Four jumps on internal fuel (40% of tonnage)
[ ] Defending itself against minor threats
[ ] High speed transit between the main world and the jump point.
[ ] Carrying priority cargo and passengers between systems.
[ ] Not be intended to fly in system, relying on local shuttles and ships.
[ ] Other - write in. The Landing Ship will carry multiple platoon landing shuttles. It should be capable of (choose 1+):
[ ] Deploying a Company strength formation (3 platoons plus HQ - 150 FLF - 4 shuttles) - ~550 tons
[ ] Deploying a Battalion strength formation (3 infantry coys, 1 fires coy, 1 rangers coy - 772 FLF - 20 shuttles) - 3,000 tons
[ ] Supporting a landing with ortillery missiles
[ ] Supporting a landing with ortillery torpedoes
[ ] Supporting a landing with ortillery mass drivers
[ ] Defending itself against incidental fire
[ ] Defending itself against concerted attack
[ ] Other - write-in
Next Update: Aslan, Scouting South, Refits
Please present any votes as a plan. Voting opens at
Last edited:
Proposed HSWS Rank Insignia for Enlisted and Officers.
Proposed HSWS Rank Insignia for Enlisted and Officers. Ranks are featured on both collars and sleeves of dress, duty and combat uniforms with Department Colors as background. Combat Uniforms/Spacesuits will have dull or blackened insignia for security and visibility issues. All Uniform Sleeves feature the Service Insignia. Duty Uniforms will feature mission and vessel/station patches on the sleeves while Dress Uniforms will have Mission/Campaign ribbons and Medals on the chest.
E-2: Spacer
One Red Solid Circle outlined in silver.
E-3: Lance Air(wo)man
Two Red Solid Circles outlined in silver.
E-4: Senior Spacer
Three Red Solid Circles outlined in silver.
E-5: Sergeant
One Red Solid Diamond outlined in silver.
E-6:Flight Sergeant
Two Red Solid Diamonds outlined in silver.
E-7:Technical Sergeant
Three Red Solid Diamonds outlined in silver.
E-8:Chief Star Sergeant (Highest Non-Commissioned Rank).
Four Red Solid Diamonds outlined in silver.
O-1: Lieutenant (Requires University Degree and Officer Training Courses)
One Red Pentagon outlined in gold.
O-2: Flight Lieutenant
Two Red Pentagons outlined in gold.
O-3: Flight Captain
Three Red Pentagons outlined in gold.
O-4: Major
One Red Parallelogram outlined in gold.
O-5: Lieutenant-Colonel
Two Red Parallelograms outlined in gold.
O-6: Colonel
Three Red Parallelograms outlined in gold.
O-7: Flight Commodore
One Red Star outlined in platinum.
O-8: Vice-Marshal
Two Red Stars outlined in platinum.
O-9: Marshal
Three Red Stars outlined in platinum.
O-10:Chief Marshal
Four Red Stars on outlined in platinum..
O-11:Marshal of the Home Space Warfare Service
Five Red Stars outlined in platinum.
Department Colors.
Tactical/Weapons: Dark Blue Navigation: Blue Logistics: Green
Medical; Purple Engineering: Gold Landing/Rangers: Orange
Adhoc vote count started by 4WheelSword on Aug 20, 2024 at 4:22 AM, finished with 50 posts and 8 votes.
[X] PLAN - Fast as F**k boi and Assault Carrier
-[X] Four jumps on internal fuel (40% of tonnage)
-[X] Carrying priority cargo and passengers between systems.
-[X] High speed transit between the main world and the jump point.
-[X] Other - minimal point-defense armament.
-[X] Deploying a Battalion strength formation (3 infantry coys, 1 fires coy, 1 rangers coy - 720 FLF - 20 shuttles) - Approx 6,000 tons
-[X] Supporting a landing with ortillery missiles
-[X] Supporting a landing with ortillery mass drivers
-[X] Defending itself against incidental fire
-[X] Other - At minimum a flight of X-40s to provide close escort and air support for FLF landings. If possible expand this to a full squadron if this does not compromise on the other requirements - if not feasible, keep the reduced complement to a single flight.
-[X] Other - on-board hospital facilities and staff to manage receiving, triaging, stabilising, damage-control surgery and the initial recovery of casualties.
-[X] Other - a detachment of CASEVAC, SAR and general utility shuttles to support the embarked battalion and squadron.
Instant Messaging
Clarity of intelligence is going to be vital going forwards, if the incidents in Cassalon have taught us anything. The senior members of the fleet have decided that what is needed is a small, cheap message carrier that is capable of delivering priority cargo and messages at very long ranges without refuelling. Thus the Corvette, Fast Courier is born, a 100-dton ship with a crew of just five and a range of 4 parsecs without ever seeing a drop tank.
It does not, unfortunately, meet the requirements for a fast passenger transport as designed, but it is broadly understood that in the event of requiring just such a transport the gunner will give up their bunk and re-unite with their ship at a later date. Is the CFC going to be a comfortable ship for its crew? No. However, this is a vessel that can cross four parsecs in a months without ever seeing a refuelling station and thus can make a journey from the furthest known points of space all the way to Home without stopping. All of this capability will cost the HSWS barely more than 40 million credits per ship, as well.
How many should be built?
[ ] Three, used sparingly and deployed when necessary.
[ ] Six, one for each potential posting.
[ ] Nine, one each plus spares.
The FLF carrier is going to be almost the exact opposite of the sleek corvette. While the former is trimmed as much as possible, the latter will be a fat, bloated whale of a ship that can carry and deploy some 800 people to the surface of the world from their deep hangers. The carrier - likely to receive the designation 'Military Assault Transport' - will require the following components:
- Quarters for 33 officers and 748 enlisted soldiers, requiring a tonnage of at least 1,628 devoted solely to this. It is expected that common areas and other requirements will raise this to 1,700 tons. This will allow the carriage and deployment of three rifle companies, a fires company and the ranger company, as well as the HQ&S unit that organises the battalion. See the following chart for force org:
- Hanger space, launch and landing facilities for a total of 20 shuttles. This will allow the 17 landing craft the battalion requires, plus three spares for emergencies, low intensity operations or supply deliveries. Current plans are for the FLF to use the 'standard' 50-ton prototype boarding shuttle once that reaches mass production. This will require 2,300 tons devoted solely to carrier operations.
- Drives will require 6.5% of the ships hull, the power plant around 14%, fuel for two jumps will need 20% and plant fuel another 2.8%, a moderate armour scheme suggests 10% of volume as plating. Based solely on the above additional equipment and given this 53.3% devoted to vital equipment, it is expected that the ship must be 8,000 tons or even larger in total volume.
If we are to fit the additional requirements into the ship, as well as arming it, fulfilling crew requirements and more, we will need to make some compromises in order to bring it to the requested 6,000 tons. What elements would the HSWS be willing to compromise on?
[ ] Carry only one jump, relying on a tanker for range.
[ ] Reduce the in-system speed, lowering both drive and plant requirements.
[ ] Slim down the armour scheme.
[ ] Slow launch - save 500 tons by skipping the launch tubes
[ ] Slow landing - save 500 tons by skipping the recovery deck
[ ] Other - write-in
The Coming of the Lion
The first Aslan ship to ever be allowed into the Home system identifies itself over communications as the Halaheike-class pocket warship Perumai. Escorted by a pair of Interstellar Cruisers, this rotund little ship slides into Home's orbit with all the skill of an experienced pilot. Its fighters dance around orbital traffic, demonstrating performance flying for the entertainment of HSWS sailors. Eventually they form up on the wing of their carrier, drifting closer and closer until one by one they slide back into snug hangars.
Over the next weeks the Perumai operates alongside the Ninurta and the Tlaloc, conducting a series of mock-engagements with the larger, but less heavily armed ship. The high firepower quotient of the Interstellar Cruisers proves decisive in several engagements, though strafing runs by the Aslan fighters are particularly effective at picking off turrets and beam cannons.
The Aslan also see the first flight tests of the XF-40 multi-role attack craft. The tiny ship with its crew of two conducts numerous demonstration flights and attack runs with both anti-ship missiles in space and air-to-ground missiles deployed from its ordnance bays. The HSWS is very happy with it and the Aslan males roar their approval with every accurate pass made with bombs or missiles.
I'm considering upscaling this drawing to get a real good sense of the design because I think it's cute.
When the Aslan leave, they depart in company with a single Interstellar Cruiser and the HSLS Bá Kim, the diplomatic ship designed to be a travelling embassy. They will hopefully return in several months with news of successful diplomacy and a more detailed agreement reached between the two peoples - ours and theirs.
What would the HSWS hope to achieve from this diplomacy?
[ ] Transit rights, to extend the range of our scouts.
[ ] Technological exchange, to improve our ship building.
[ ] Trade, to increase the wealth of Home.
[ ] Something else - write in
Please present any votes as a plan. Voting opens at
I'm leaving the patches competition open for another day, so be sure to get your designs in!
[X] OPLAN: Starfall
-[X] Nine, one each plus spares.
-[X] Leave lander as-is; assess final cost of complete design before deciding on if revisions are needed.
-[X] Trade, to increase the wealth of home.
-[X] Transit rights, to extend the range of our scouts.
-[X] A permanent embassy, if the Aslan are willing and negotiations go well.
[X] Plan A
-[X] Nine, one each plus spares.
-[X] Military Assault Transport should be slimmed down to 6K tonnes. As needed, in order of priority:
--[X] remove the fighter-bombers
--[X] remove the recovery deck
--[X] lower the in-system speed
--[X] lower the FLF complement
-[X] Transit rights, to extend the range of our scouts.
--[X] If the negotiations are going well, then in addition to the above inquire about setting up a permanent embassy.
--[X] If the negotiations are going well, then in addition to the above out potential trade deals.
[X] OPLAN: Pickup and Home
-[X] Reduce the in-system speed, lowering both drive and plant requirements.
-[X] Write-in: maintain current Carrier specs in spite of weight if necessary.
-[X] Transit rights, to extend the range of our scouts.
-[X] Trade, to increase the wealth of home.
How many should be built? Nine, one each plus spares. What elements would the HSWS be willing to compromise on? Leave lander as-is; assess final cost of complete design before deciding on if revisions are needed. What would the HSWS hope to achieve from this diplomacy? Trade, to increase the wealth of home. Transit rights, to extend the range of our scouts. A permanent embassy, if the Aslan are willing and negotiations go well.
Military Assault Transport
The Marine Lander, the FLF Fast Conveyor, the Military Assault Transport. It has gone through several names and conceptualisations of design over the last few years, but the near finalised version is finally in front of the HSWS. The MAT is to be the largest ship in the fleet, capable of emptying almost half of its volume in order to deploy a full battalion of FLF infantry to the surface of a world and then provide them with orbital fire-power in the form of four mass drivers and twenty missile tubes. It will also be capable of delivering a full squadron of fighters into the locale, to conduct orbital and atmospheric supremacy missions as well as ground strike with their cavernous weapons bays.
Unfortunately, the design is overweight by half a kiloton. The HSWS has two choices, according to the architects; Either cut some capabilities or enlarge the ship by another kiloton or more. The latter option is likely to expand construction times dramatically as it will require shipping components in from Cassalon rather than simply relying on the local yards.
How would the HSWS like to solve this problem:
[ ] Reduce the fighter complement to 4, saving nearly 600 tons.
[ ] Remove the mass drivers, saving 250 tons.
[ ] Trim the drives and power plant to minimum levels, saving some 200 tons.
[ ] Enlarge the ship to 9ktons+
[ ] Other - write in.
Other construction
Nine CFC's are laid down in the Cassalon yards, taking up a tiny amount of yard space in return for a remarkable change in capability. These nine little ships will be named for the muses - Calliope, Clio, Polyhymnia, Euterpe, Terpsichore, Erato, Melpomene, Thalia and Urania - and will be ready for duty in just ten months. At that point, the last of the block I Interstellar Cruisers will be in the yards for refits, the first of the block IIa will be coming off the slips and the first eight FFE's will be ready and with the fleet. If the HSWS is willing, there should be 8,000 tons of yard space available at 10y00m00w.
Scouting South
The 1st Scouting Flotilla spends months in the South surveying deep space and conducting long range scans of unknown space. What they return with is the knowledge of multiple direct routes to Home from Hermosa with barely any time spent in deep space. The 1st SF seek permission to conduct scouting operations into these sectors in order to establish exactly how possible it is for the Hermosans to travel into what is at this point broadly considered Home space.
How does the HSWS feel about this?
[ ] Conduct peaceful exploration missions into this space, establishing routes of access and ensuring the Hermosans are not a threat.
[ ] Attach military forces and conduct scouting with escorts - which ships?
[ ] Something else - write in.
Formations
Numerous squadron patches have been submitted to the fleet, including: Cassalon Station Fleet Landing Force Infantry Home Fleet MMV Patch, Perkūnas variant Expeditionary Force Patch
Are there any objections from the HSWS?
[ ] None
[ ] Write in.
Please present any votes as a plan. Voting opens at
[X] Plan: SCR-270
-[X] Reduce the fighter complement to 4, saving nearly 600 tons.
-[X] Other - write in: Reduce the mass drivers to 2
-[X] Other - write in: Increase the number of missile turrets, and correspondingly increase magazine sizes
-[X] Write-in: Assemble a scouting mission only after the Fast Escorts are ready for assignment to these flights as the point ships to guard Scouts and DSS-we know Hermosa to be a hostile power and cannot go in unprepared.
-[X] None
[X] OPLAN Chain Home
-[X] Reduce the fighter complement to 4, saving nearly 600 tons.
-[X] Write-in: Assemble a scouting mission only after the Fast Escorts are ready for assignment to these flights as the point ships to guard Scouts and DSS-we know Hermosa to be a hostile power and cannot go in unprepared.
-[X] None
How would the HSWS like to solve this problem: Reduce the fighter complement to 4, saving nearly 600 tons. How does the HSWS feel about this? Assemble a scouting mission only after the Fast Escorts are ready for assignment to these flights as the point ships to guard Scouts and DSS-we know Hermosa to be a hostile power and cannot go in unprepared. Are there any objections from the HSWS? None
Finalising Designs
The MAT undergoes its final variation, the slimming down of the onboard fighter squadron in order to fit into an 8,000dton volume. This version of the massive ship will be the one laid down, though it will be some time before that can actually be achieved.
Looking at the yard schedules, the MAT will have its first members laid down and the first steel cut somewhere in the middle of the tenth year. It will cost the majority of the budget for that year, but it will also extend capabilities dramatically in the same way that the MMV and the FSS before them did. It will not be named yet - that doesn't come until the keel is laid down.
By 09y06m00w, a bevy of new ships join the Service. The first of the block IIa Interstellar Cruisers, with their comfortable quarters and their advanced sensors, enter service as the HSWS Neto and the HSWS Ullr. The Alaz, Ogun, Wadjet and Zhurong, the first of the Frigate, Fleet Escorts, come into fleet hands and spend a month in rigorous shakedowns in preparation for their deployment on scouting operations to the 'South'.
There are around 700MCr. left in the budget for financial year 09y, and a desire to ensure that in a years time there will be 8,000 dtons of yard space clear for the MAT. Please select up to 4k dtons of construction to begin 09y06m:
[ ] Frigate, Fleet Escort (500 dtons, 189.26MCr.)
[ ] Interstellar Cruiser (1,000 dtons, 391.59MCr.)
[ ] Diplomatic Cruiser (1,000 dtons, 420.43MCr.)
[ ] Refitting an SDD into a carrier (4,000 dtons, ?MCr.)
[ ] Something else - write-in
Scouting South
A fleet comprising of nine ships leaves Home on 09y06m00w, heading all the way to Heimdall station for fuelling and to prepare for the next leg of their mission. It takes them a month to reach the empty system with the fat gas giants and the tiny station that harvests thousands of tons of fuel from it. A pair of Interstellar Cruisers - the Apolake and the Tlaloc - welcome the scouting flotilla warmly, the eleven ships assembling around the mining station in a grand display of the modern capabilities of the HSWS.
Of course, no-one is there to see it, and once the various ships have tanked off the station, they begin splitting off on their various missions.
- Tasking One is a force of one Interstellar Surveyor, one Deep Space Surveyor and two Frigate, Fleet Escorts, charged with chumping into sectors -03,02 and -03,01 in order to assess the systems 'North' of Hermosa. The intention is to return to Heimdall and the safety of the cruisers between missions in order to refuel.
- Tasking Two is an identical force which will operate out of Shambala, using the FFS as a fuelling depot and scouting into sectors '-01,03' and '00,03'. While a less well protected deployment, it's considered less risky due to the additional distance between Shambala and Hermosa.
- Tasking Three is the FFS, which is going to spend most of its time floating around Shambala and not really worrying about anything at all. The HSWS Ikapati is quite used to this type of mission by now.
Arriving in Heimdall on 09y07m00w, it is another week before the mission proper begins due to the time needed for the station to process enough fuel for the entire task force. Once that is done, however, they scatter and begin their jumps.
-03, 01 - Equus
Survey Index: 10 System Code: D977589-7 Star(s): Type G (Yellow Star) Orbitals: -0301-1 (Small Gas Giant),-0301-2 (Large Gas Giant), -0301-3 (Rocky planet), -0301-4 (Rocky planet), -0301-5 (Rocky planet), -0301-6 (Rocky planet), -0301-7 (Rocky planet), -0301-8 (Planetoid Belt), -0301-9 (Rocky planet) Comments: Entry was made in the system with a force of four ships. Contact was made with local inhabitants, a small enclave of workers who demonstrate a remarkably xenophobic position. They maintain an orbital fuelling depot in orbit around the inner most gas giant which we are invited to pay for the use of. No other contact is allowed, according to local doctrine.
-03, 02 - Sinone
Survey Index: 8 System Code: ?300???-? Star(s): Type M (Red Star) Orbitals: -0302-1 (Large Gas Giant),-0302-2 (Rocky planet), -0302-3 (Rocky planet), -0302-4 (Small Gas Giant), -0302-5 (Small Gas Giant), -0302-6 (Rocky planet) Comments: Contact made with governor of a local colony. Advised not to approach any worlds or the inner system and that any approach will be considered a hostile act. A large ship, circa 3k dtons, begins transit into outer system after task forces arrival. Task force departs, but not before learning this is a colony from Hermosa.
-01, 03 - Hexos
Survey Index: 10 System Code: C42048C-9 Star(s): Type M (Red Star) with distant Binary companion Orbitals: -0103-1 (Rocky Planet),-0103-2 (Rocky planet) Comments: First contact established with local government. Tidally locked main world on brink of political collapse, major disasters have caused die-off of majority of population. Aid sought for the remaining few thousand.
00, 03 - Garda-Villis
Survey Index: 10 System Code: B978868-A Star(s): Type M (Red Star) Orbitals: 0003-1 (Planetoid Belt), 0003-2 (Rocky planet), 0003-3 (Planetoid Belt), 0003-4 (Planetoid Belt), 0003-5 (Rocky Planet), 0003-5-1 (Trojan Planet) Comments: First contact made, tasking invited to visit the main world or to accept an escort back to origin point. Both refused. Advanced ships meet our scouts, accompany them around a tour of the system. Non-standard jump point is selected for return journey due to one captains 'gut feeling'. It must be noted that the locals did not seem hostile.
The scouts begin their return journey to Home and finally arrive back in their usual station on 09y10m00w.
Once the Diplomatic Ship returns from the Aslan, we should consider dispatching it to one of these locales. We should send it to:
[ ] Sinone, to begin contacting the Hermosans
[ ] Hexos, to establish what aid is needed by local population
[ ] Garda-Villis to find out exactly what is going on there Any other business in the wake of this mission?
[ ] Write-in.
Please present any votes as a plan. Voting opens at
Adhoc vote count started by 4WheelSword on Aug 23, 2024 at 1:45 AM, finished with 23 posts and 10 votes.
[X] Plan Anchorage
-[X] Write-In: Modular armed fleet station for emplacement in Heimdall, so that crews can stretch their legs and ships can undergo basic repair.
-[X] Immediate on an IC: Hexos, to establish what aid is needed by local population
-[X] Wait for the Diplomatic Cruiser: Garda-Villis to find out exactly what is going on there
Please select up to 4k dtons of construction to begin 09y06m: Modular armed fleet station for emplacement in Heimdall, so that crews can stretch their legs and ships can undergo basic repair. We should send it to: Immediate on an IC: Hexos, to establish what aid is needed by local population. Wait for the Diplomatic Cruiser: Garda-Villis to find out exactly what is going on there Meeting the Aslan
It is several months before the diplomatic mission that was sent into Aslan space returns, and it does so with a fanfare. The returning ship comes escorted by a 600-ton personnel transport (Khtukhao-class) and a 400-ton trade ship (Eakhau-class), unusual little ships that are as brightly painted and decorated as Home's previous visitor. They bring trade goods, a diplomatic mission to be stationed permanently on Home and the invitation for reciprocity.
The traders - a merchant family led by a heavily scarred woman with a permanent scowl etched onto her leonine features - bring with them one hundred and seventy tons of technological marvels. Wearable reflective anti-laser suits, and thick polymer carapace rated against small arms. Advanced Hostile Environment suits, far superior to anything the HSWS is currently able to procure for its service members. Full motion holographic entertainment systems and floating tables with miniaturised anti-grav systems installed on the underside. Insta-freeze emergency ice boxes, intended to flash-cool a trauma victim and store them until they can be transported to a properly appointed medical facility. As for weapons, well...
The Aslan seem particular proud to show off their advanced personal weaponry and compare it to Home standards. Their 'ACR' is a gyroscopically stabilised personal weapon with integrated electronics support, firing a 6mm rifle round faster and more accurately than anything Home can deliver. Effective and viable laser rifles that have good effect on target despite atmospheric disruption of their beam. Multi-use dialable tactical missile launchers which can fire in anti-air, anti-tank or even anti-personnel modes.
The wealthy of Home swoop down on the traders and soon there is nothing left. Examples have been procured for the HSWS, but many items show materials science currently beyond our ability to machine and maintain. We could, potentially, acquire a steady supply of equipment for small parts of our force, but it would leave us technologically reliant on the Aslan until such a time as we can develop our own capabilities.
As for a returning mission, one problem faces the HSWS - there is no personnel transport of anything like the capacity for the transport of a diplomatic mission to return to Aslan space. Normally the HSWS would simply deliver them via the Diplomatic Cruiser, but that ship is already scheduled to make a run 'South' to Garda-Villis. The only option is to rely on the Aslan mission for now, but the Citizens Council would have another avenue opened up.
Until now, the only jump ships allowed to be built in civilian yards are the Interstellar Conveyors, the fat little trade ships that run to Deep Hope, Xyri, Cassalon and even all the way to Heimdall. This pseudo-merchant service has proved vitally useful in recent months, delivering great quantities of aid to Cassalon, and it would behoove the HSWS to allow for the construction of a larger civilian ship with deeper holds and, vitally, a passenger capability.
Should we allow the procurement of militarily vital materials from the Aslan?
[ ] Yes, trade is the life blood of peace!
[ ] No, we cannot rely on a foreign power for any capabilities.
[ ] Other - write in.
What of the Citizen's Councils suggestion?
[ ] We should free the civilians to build whatever they like.
[ ] We should commission a design for a larger ship.
[ ] We should establish a true semi-civilian merchant service to operate alongside the HSWS.
[ ] Other - write in.
Modular Defence Station
Taking the 2,000 ton mining and fuelling modular station as its basis, a defensive anchorage of 2,000 tons would have some 1,800 tons to devote to vital military capacity especially because a modular station will inherently be unarmoured. The following have been recommended for integration:
- The commander of the small but burgeoning fighter force argues that this would be a perfect long-term base for a 12-ship flight of bombers, where they can conduct patrols and interdict ships moving through the sector without requiring one of the guard ships to head out and take a look. 1,200 tons would turn this station into a true fighter base, while still retaining space for weapon systems or other plans.
- The Gunnery School suggests that point defence on an un-armoured station would be (relatively) pointless, and that this would be an opportunity to demonstrate the superiority of its longest range weapons. Massive particle cannons and multi-tube torpedo launchers would suit the station very well, though some consideration will have to be given to not crowding out any other plans.
- Representatives from a group of junior officers (junior here meaning Lieutenant-Colonel and below) propose a dedicated R&R space that would allow crews on long rotations out in the deep black to spend some time in slightly more comfortable quarters. It's fully expected that ships will spend significant time docked with the station, after all.
- Bunkerage for ships on station. Fuel can be supplied by the mining station, but the additional tankage in the system would allow for more expansive missions to be deployed through the region faster.
What would the HSWS consider most vital? (select two)
[ ] Capacity for a squadron of XF-40 bombers.
[ ] A large gunnery armament, with particle beams and torpedoes.
[ ] Plenty of space for R&R.
[ ] Fuel bunkerage for any single deployment of ships.
Operation FAST RUN
With a potential crisis on the hands of the HSWS, a group of diplomats and negotiators are loaded onto an under-crewed Interstellar Cruiser and they depart in company with the HSLS Lakapati. The pair make the two week trip to Staging Point, where fuel is supplied, before continuing their journey. Another two weeks sees them arrive in Hexos. Five weeks later, the two ships return with news of the terrible conditions.
Hexos was once a thriving planet with hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. While a tidally locked planet is not ideal for settlement, a great belt of towns ran around the charred equator, where warmth could be gathered on one side and ice on the other. However, what could have been a grand world was struck by disaster - a destabilising series of cometary impactors followed by a solar storm. Electronic infrastructure was devastated when it was needed most, and thousands died. Now the last remnants of the planets population live in the ruins of several equatorial settlements, divided politically, economically and by unassailable distance.
They do not, however, wish to abandon their home world. They would like aid, support and industrial machinery to allow them to rebuild and re-establish their world and perhaps, in time, grow it back into something that can be considered a thriving world once more.
If the HSWS and Home are to offer this aid, what would be wanted in return?
[ ] Mathematically inclined members of the populace, to train as pilots.
[ ] Development rights to the systems orbitals, allowing for basing.
[ ] Exploration and excavation rights in the uninhabited sectors of the equatorial ring.
[ ] Something else - write in.
Please present any votes as a plan. Voting opens at
Lieutenant Intan Đình received her degree in Accounting after completing a correspondence course from the University of Kopet. While this is nothing new, it was how she completed the degree that has attracted notice. Lt. Dinh is one of the new pilots of the new Corvette Fast Courier that are stationed in various systems. These pilots act not only as messengers but also are part of the early warning system set up by the Service. While on station, these pilots have massive amounts of time available, time which pilots such as the Lieutenant have used to further their education.
"I was already midway in completing my degree before I was given my first assignment", said Lt. Dinh. "I found out that I could review and complete my work without interruptions, which sometimes was difficult during Boot Camp. I had the materials and course schedule so I was able to submit my materials when I was near Home." The Lieutenant is the first of her family to serve in the Service and the second to complete a University degree. She plans to apply for the Logistics Department at a later time. We in the IDS salute the further education and service of members like the Lieutenant.
