I'll be completely honest, I expect my plan to be a holding action. Things will probably get worse. But it's also the most reasonable thing we can do without a significant landing capacity to hand. And if somebody gets really uppity about our conditions, we at least know who we can't work with.
[X] Allow it to play out. However, commit to protecting the orbital infrastructure and enforcing a no-use policy regarding nuclear weapons or deliberate dome-cracking. State that breaking these rules or attacking assets in orbit will invite HSWS intervention against the attacker.
-[X] Deploy four ICs, four Frigates and the MMV and place them in orbit of Xyri.
-[X] Deploy MIC. Ask the warring sides for permission to attach them as observers to monitor the situation.
I feel like we at least have to issue a bland communique saying that we are watching the situation with concern and we hope for a speedy ceasefire/end of hostilities, etc, etc.
[X] Allow it to play out. However, commit to protecting the orbital infrastructure and enforcing a no-use policy regarding nuclear weapons or deliberate dome-cracking. State that breaking these rules or attacking assets in orbit will invite HSWS intervention against the attacker.
-[X] Deploy four ICs, four Frigates and the MMV and place them in orbit of Xyri.
-[X] Deploy MIC. Ask the warring sides for permission to attach them as observers to monitor the situation.
The power move would be to let this escalate into major battles, then jump the whole fleet in and burn all their armies from orbit so they can't fight back. (joking)
I feel like we at least have to issue a bland communique saying that we are watching the situation with concern and we hope for a speedy ceasefire/end of hostilities, etc, etc.
[X] Allow it to play out. However, commit to protecting the orbital infrastructure and enforcing a no-use policy regarding nuclear weapons or deliberate dome-cracking. State that breaking these rules or attacking assets in orbit will invite HSWS intervention against the attacker.
-[X] Deploy four ICs, four Frigates and the MMV and place them in orbit of Xyri.
-[X] Deploy MIC. Ask the warring sides for permission to attach them as observers to monitor the situation.
[X] Allow it to play out. However, commit to protecting the orbital infrastructure and enforcing a no-use policy regarding nuclear weapons or deliberate dome-cracking. State that breaking these rules or attacking assets in orbit will invite HSWS intervention against the attacker.
-[X] Deploy four ICs, four Frigates and the MMV and place them in orbit of Xyri.
-[X] Deploy MIC. Ask the warring sides for permission to attach them as observers to monitor the situation.
Is this saying we got both casaba howitzer and bomb pumped laser warheads, or does Traveller conflate casaba howitzer (actually a nuclear shaped charge) with bomb pumped lasers?
[X] Allow it to play out. However, commit to protecting the orbital infrastructure and enforcing a no-use policy regarding nuclear weapons or deliberate dome-cracking. State that breaking these rules or attacking assets in orbit will invite HSWS intervention against the attacker.
-[X] Deploy four ICs, four Frigates and the MMV and place them in orbit of Xyri.
-[X] Deploy MIC. Ask the warring sides for permission to attach them as observers to monitor the situation.
Is this saying we got both casaba howitzer and bomb pumped laser warheads, or does Traveller conflate casaba howitzer (actually a nuclear shaped charge) with bomb pumped lasers?
[X] Allow it to play out. However, commit to protecting the orbital infrastructure and enforcing a no-use policy regarding nuclear weapons or deliberate dome-cracking. State that breaking these rules or attacking assets in orbit will invite HSWS intervention against the attacker.
-[X] Deploy four ICs, four Frigates and the MMV and place them in orbit of Xyri.
-[X] Deploy MIC. Ask the warring sides for permission to attach them as observers to monitor the situation.
[X] Allow it to play out. However, commit to protecting the orbital infrastructure and enforcing a no-use policy regarding nuclear weapons or deliberate dome-cracking. State that breaking these rules or attacking assets in orbit will invite HSWS intervention against the attacker.
-[X] Deploy four ICs, four Frigates and the MMV and place them in orbit of Xyri.
-[X] Deploy MIC. Ask the warring sides for permission to attach them as observers to monitor the situation.
[X] Allow it to play out. However, commit to protecting the orbital infrastructure and enforcing a no-use policy regarding nuclear weapons or deliberate dome-cracking. State that breaking these rules or attacking assets in orbit will invite HSWS intervention against the attacker.
-[X] Deploy four ICs, four Frigates and the MMV and place them in orbit of Xyri.
-[X] Deploy MIC. Ask the warring sides for permission to attach them as observers to monitor the situation.
[X] Approach republicans and technocrats with offer of loan and credit for hiring Aslan, while officially being neutral. If Aslan are hired seize space assets for "safekeeping"
-[X] Deploy four ICs, four Frigates and the MMV for that purpose.
Adhoc vote count started by 4WheelSword on Sep 3, 2024 at 4:52 AM, finished with 29 posts and 8 votes.
[X] Allow it to play out. However, commit to protecting the orbital infrastructure and enforcing a no-use policy regarding nuclear weapons or deliberate dome-cracking. State that breaking these rules or attacking assets in orbit will invite HSWS intervention against the attacker.
-[X] Deploy four ICs, four Frigates and the MMV and place them in orbit of Xyri.
-[X] Deploy MIC. Ask the warring sides for permission to attach them as observers to monitor the situation.
What is the HSWS response to the situation in Xyri? Allow it to play out. However, commit to protecting the orbital infrastructure and enforcing a no-use policy regarding nuclear weapons or deliberate dome-cracking.
Xyrian Conflict
12y01m01w - Nine ships assemble as a single task force in Home. These include:
- The MMV HSWSPerkūnas, operating as task force flagship.
- The Interstellar Cruisers HSWS Korravai, HSWS Ninurta, HSWS Sekhmet, and HSWS Tohil.
- The Frigates Alaz, Keres, Ogun, and Zhurong.
Conversation recorded aboard the bridge of HSWSPerkūnas eight hours prior to jump into Xyri Combat Zone (XCZ): "Inbound message from an Aslan mercenary cruiser, Captain."
"Put it through." The Captain picks up a handset, "Aslan Cruiser, Perkūnas actual. Send traffic."
"Ho, Aewar. We understand you are going into a war zone. Can the Aslan be of use to you this day?" A gruff, masculine voice almost barks.
"We have it under control, Aslan Cruiser, but appreciate the offer."
"Hah. Understood. Mind if we follow along? Others might not have it so... 'under control'."
"The space lanes are free, Aslan Cruiser. Perkūnas actual out." The Captain replaces the handset. "Jackals."
-
12y01m02w - Task Force arrives in Xyri space with a time lag of eleven hours between first (HSWS Korravai) and last (HSWS Keres) arrival in local space. Force begins transit to Xyri main world. A message is broadcast - on repeat - signalling intent to remain non-aggressive. Two Aslan cruisers, identified as belonging to Wawindaji Hodari and the Abulali Benkosi, arrive in the system 21 and 23 hours after the Task Forces arrival respectively.
Task Force establishes two orbital patrols:
- High Orbit - controlling position in geostationary orbit established by HSWSPerkūnas in company with significant elements of the Task Force. Intended to allow immediate access and control to civilian stations and orbitals. Protection offered to occupied stations.
- Low Orbit - variable orbits generally established at or around 300km above surface. Observation position used to track combat manoeuvres by surface forces. Rotating force of two Frigates, two Cruisers used to monitor various poitions.
Conversation recorded aboard the bridge of HSWSPerkūnas, moments before arrival in Xyri orbital space: "Xyri Orbital Control to all Home ships, all ships respond."
"Xyri Control, this is Colonel Chey commanding the Task Force preparing to perform orbital entry. I assume you have us on scans."
"We can see you, Home fleet. We're going to need you to redirect to the fourth planet in the system and remain on station there until further notice."
"No can do, Xyri Control. You've heard our broadcast?"
"Repeatedly, Home fleet. Still going to need you to redirect."
-A heavy sigh is recorded-
"I'm afraid I cannot comply, Xyri Control. While we have no aggressive intent, we are going to ensure the security of orbital complexes and surface infrastructure that is relied upon by shipping. This is a humanitarian operation, Xyri Control, nothing more."
"Humanitarian my ass"
"Say again, Control, you broke up."
"I'll be briefing my superiors, Home fleet."
"Copy that, Xyri Control. Let them know I'd like a word with them."
-
12y01m03w - Aslan forces from the cruiser identified as belonging to the Abulali Benkosi lands in Republican controlled territory. Observations report a company strength formation of Aslan ground forces moving towards the front line. Three days later, the cruiser aligned with the Wawindaji Hodari lands in dictatorship controlled territory. Similar force strengths are seen operating in the rear elements on the local forces.
Several engagements are reported as occurring on the surface, including the shelling of several suburban industrial developments by both forces. Colonel Chey, in a meeting with his senior officers, expresses dismay that their ROE precludes action against military forces engaged in 'legitimate' conflict. Thus far, attempts to have MIC officers deployed to the conflict zone to observe the ongoing hostilities have been met with stonewalling.
-
12y02m00w - Radiological alerts scream on the bridge of several low-orbit observer ships. Imaging suites are turned on a specific part of the frontline and 'polite' messages are sent to the surface requesting further information. Dictatorship has demonstrated first usage of a 'man-portable' plasma weapon against Republican vehicle column, massive high-energy radiological 'back blast' reported.
MIC is deployed to the ground, with forward observers attached to several relief companies headed for the front line on both Republican and Dictatorship sides of the war. Immediate reports indicate that moral is low amongst the Republicans, while the Dictatorship Housecarls are excited about new weapons supplied by their mercenary allies.
MIC FO and RO pair observes close contact between Dictatorship mechanised infantry formation and Aslan mercenary company. Highly aggressive Aslan tactics noted, including closing to CQB ranges under cover of friendly fire. Effectiveness of melee combat noted, including the use of the previously-presumed ceremonial dew claw in active combat conditions. Summation of FO report: Don't fight the Aslan on the ground.
-
12y02m01w - Senior officers of the Task Force are invited to visit a township recently liberated from Republican forces. Colonel Chey visits the surface of Xyri for the first time, along with an 'honour guard' of fully equipped combat veterans of the FLF. Dictatorship representatives demonstrate several mass graves and execution sites. The claim is made that the republicans killed potential collaborators in preparation for their departure.
Dictatorship representatives call on the Home Task Force to bring an end to this war through the use of targeted, specific orbit-to-ground strikes.
A shuttle carrying relief MIC officers and other ground personnel from the Task Force is lased by targeting radar. Evasive manoeuvres are conducted, and several missiles from an unidentified SAM site are evaded but not without suffering significant damage and several casualties. The shuttle is forced to land in the plains near technocrat settlements. Permission is sought to land troops to recover the shuttle and personnel. No response is recorded.
-
12y02m02w - Frigate Ogun arrives in Home, bringing news, information, and requests:
What is the HSWS position on potential Republican crimes?
[ ] Conduct a single wave of pin-point strikes against republican positions.
[ ] We should conduct research into the deaths and attempt to collate evidence of crimes.
[ ] The war is none of our business. Do not get involved beyond protecting the orbitals.
[ ] Other - write in. What is the HSWS position on the downed Shuttle?
[ ] Force an FLF landing to recover casualties and equipment.
[ ] Negotiate with nearby ground forces to conduct a rescue mission.
[ ] Request the Technocrats recover the downed shuttle and return it. Debates are being held in popular culture at Home about the need for a 'Rule of War', an establishment of Doctrine and Agreements that would protect people in future. What is the HSWS position on this?
[ ] We should come to an agreement and expect our allies to ratify it!
[ ] We should not be bound by anything but common sense.
[ ] Other - Write in.
Please present any votes as a plan. Voting opens at
I'm starting to feel like the U.S. during the cold War.
I don't know what good options there are in these situations. Even sitting on the sidelines might allow atrocities to go forward that we might've prevented.
Maybe the key takeaway is to intervene before things escalate. Try to push tot peaceful unification. Divided planets, when left to themselves, seem to keep boiling over into war.
Colonel Chey, in a meeting with his senior officers, expresses dismay that their ROE precludes action against military forces engaged in 'legitimate' conflict.
Dictatorship has demonstrated first usage of a 'man-portable' plasma weapon against Republican vehicle column, massive high-energy radiological 'back blast' reported.
Dictatorship representatives demonstrate several mass graves and execution sites. The claim is made that the republicans killed potential collaborators in preparation for their departure.
What follows is a report on the current distribution of HSWS forces and the planned distribution based on the expected future construction planned for by the Service. Please note that several of these stations are under strength of ill equipped based on current forces available.
Home Fleet - Vice-Admiral Isa Burakgazi
Arguably the most prestigious posting available to the HSWS, the Home Fleet should always consists of:
- One CFA, acting flagship
- Two ICbIII
- Four FFE (various models)
Expeditionary Flotilla - Vice-Admiral Matxalen Gebara
The 'Rapid Response Force' of the HSWS, it is from this force that any reaction ships are initially drawn. It is intended to consist of:
- One CFA, acting flagship
- Two ICbIII
- Four FFE (various models)
- One FFS
Heimdall Station - Vice-Admiral Belinay Celik
The most distant permanent posting currently maintained by the HSWS, it consists of:
- One CFA, acting flagship
- Two ICbIII
Cassalon Station - Vice-Admiral Anisa Mendoza
A safeguard posting, intended to defend Cassalon against aggressors and give Home plenty of warning of trouble brewing on the surface. It consists of:
- One CFA, acting flagship
- Two ICbIII
Scout Flotilla - Vice Admiral Amir Adabayo
The Interstellar Explorers, highly regarded by the rest of the fleet for being the first into danger, the first into new systems. It consists of:
- Two ISbII
- Two DSS
- One FFS
Boy it sure would be a shame if the Technocrats, who desperately desire to go to space, recovered a space-capable shuttle and became independently capable of reaching orbit.
[ ] Ask the Technocrats to recover the crew and shuttle logs. Recovery of the shuttle itself can wait until the area is not under active threat.
I'm torn between investigation and giving Chey a freer hand and might recommend both.
