Author's Note: I normal post the events for an entire year, but so much had happened in the first couple of months that I felt I should post this as it has been time consuming to work through...
January 3, 2367
The 3rd PDCC Battle Group jumps out of the Kappa Ceti system into a single-star system with an M1-V primary. The system contains several planets and a relatively small asteroid belt. The third planet has an oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere, and it is capable of sustaining life, although not human life. The 3rd sets out to probe the inner system.
January 14, 2367
The ground-based sensor stations on Plateau begin sending alerts when a ship is detected entering the Procyon system through the warp point to Psi Capricorni, 3.4 billion kilometers out-system. This warp point is not picketed, as there was no known threat in that system. The PDCC immediately dispatches the 1st Battle Group and the 2nd SDB Flotilla to the warp point. It will take SDBF #2 three days to arrive at the warp point, while the 1st BG will take 13 days. The unknown ship jumps out almost immediately.
February 13, 2367
A PDCC ship tasked with surveying the resources of the Luyten 1305-10 system, three jumps from Procyon, makes a momentous discovery. Immediately after jumping into the system, while still five billion kilometers from the star, it detects a planetary population on the system’s second planet. The population’s thermal signature is enormous, more than twice that of Plateau. The survey ship jumps out immediately and sets its course for Procyon.
February 17, 2367
The survey ship arrives in the Procyon system with news of the alien population. The PDCC carefully considers the situation. One of its four battle groups was currently guarding the warp point to Psi Capricorni, the site of the most recent incursion into the Procyon system. Another was training in the inner system, the third was in orbit as the system reserve, and the fourth, with the PDCC’s single operational jump-warship, was returning to Plateau and would be in orbit in just under nine hours.
There were currently three warp points that were threats, and all three were guarded by SDB’s. The warp point to the Terran Empire had long been quiet, and there was no reason to suspect that the Empire would launch an offensive in the short term. The PDCC’s long-term analysis indicated a near 100% chance that the Empire would launch an assault in the next 3-5 years, but in the short term the probability was very low. The most recent incursion, through the Psi Capricorni warp point, was troublesome in that the new race was an unknown factor. They could do almost anything, and the PDCC had no data with which to predict their actions. The third warp point, to Kappa Ceti, had seen multiple incursions from what was now known to be the Tacna Imperium. Survivors rescued from life pods had been rigorously interrogated and some information had been obtained. The Tacna were insectoids, and from the limited information obtained from the survivors appeared to be militaristic and expansionist. Certainly the survivors all seemed absolutely positive that the PDCC would not be able to hold out long against their advance, although none seemed to be able to relate any concrete information about timelines or plans.
In the end, the PDCC decided to eliminate one of the risks facing it. The fleet would be assembled, and then Battle Groups 1-3 would be dispatched to conquer the Tacna, preferably, or destroy them if necessary, reducing the number of threats facing the PDCC. Only the weakest Battle Group, BG#4, would remain over Plateau as a strategic reserve. While the fleet was gone, the system defense would rely on the SDB’s, fighters, and PDC’s that the PDCC had spent so much time and effort building over the last several years.
It would take several weeks for the ships to assemble, refuel and rearm, then move to the warp point to Kappa Ceti, but the decision had been made.
February 19, 2367
A PDCC survey ship in the inner system of YZ Canis Minoris detects a small outpost on one of the inner planets. The location is logged and the survey ship continues on with its survey.
February 20, 2367
Yet another Tacna ship appears on the warp point to Kappa Ceti, 40,000 kilometers from the warp point. The difference is that this time the alien ship had been detected in the Gliese 87 system, transiting from that system to Kappa Ceti, making it almost certain that it had come from Luyten 1305-10 and the alien population there.
SDB Group #4 began powering its weapons and sensors when incoming fire scored the armor of SDB #27. The small PDCC ship was rocked by three strength three hits from an energy or kinetic weapon.
Fifteen seconds later, while the PDCC’s system defense boats were still attempting to power up their weapons and target the enemy ship Unit #27 was staggered by another two hits. The SDB’s armor wasn’t penetrated, but it had lost nearly half of its armor belt and its luck would not continue.
Ten seconds after the second salvo hit, four of SDB Group #4’s units managed to get their weapons online and scored seven hits on the enemy ship. Five seconds later all of the SDB’s in Group #4 were online and the enemy ship was rocked by fifteen hits. The next salvo also caused fifteen hits, and by this time the enemy ship was overdue to fire its next salvo, perhaps indicating that its weapons had been destroyed.
By this point the enemy ship was headed back to the warp point, perhaps in an attempt to escape. It didn’t have a chance, though; as the follow salvo destroyed the ship twenty-thousand km’s short of the warp point.
February 28, 2367
Three of the PDCC’s four battle groups have assembled on the warp point to Kappa Ceti. After a short time spent reorganizing the eighteen Hunter-Killers and thirty-three Defense Ships jump out of the Procyon system.
March 4, 2367, 2131 hours
The PDCC fleet has arrived at the warp point to Luyten 1305-10 warp point. Without hesitating, the sole jump-ship, escorted by two Hunter-Killers, jumped through. Once on the far side the AI ships found themselves alone. The jump ship jumped back through and began escorting the rest of the fleet through.
Once the fleet was through the main fleet set out for the enemy planet, while the jump-ship remained at the warp point along with a Hunter-Killer and a Defense Ship.
March 12, 2367, 1019 hours
The AI fleet was just 38 mkm’s from the orbit of the Luyten 1305-10 system’s outermost planet when it detected five active sensors approximately 100 mkm’s ahead. The fleet continued on its course towards the planet.
One hour later the contact was 123 mkm’s away, and was traveling at 11,900 kps. As time went on the unknown contacts opened the range to 136 mkm’s, which was their maximum observed sensor range. Unfortunately for the AI fleet, their maximum sensor range was only 72 mkm’s.
<Time index 1439>
The AI fleet now detects a new active sensor approaching, of the same strength as the other five contacts.
<Time index 1441>
Two additional active sensors are detected in formation with the five previous contacts.
<Time index 1522>
All eight contacts are now information, running in front of the AI fleet.
<Time index 1546>
Seventeen new contacts activate their sensors, all in formation with the first eight.
<Time index 2126>
Five previously undetected active sensor units are detected 29.5 mkm’s from the fleet at bearing 305, directly in line with the twenty eight active sensor contacts. This is well within the fleet’s active sensor range, indicating that this contact is too small to be detected by the fleet’s sensors, or that the enemy has some sort of device that shields its ships from detection. The new contacts are moving at 8,000 kps.
<Time index 2141:06>
One hundred and thirty seven additional contacts are detected by the fleet’s active sensors 17.2 mkm’s out, on the same bearing. All new contacts are 1,000 tons and moving at 8,000 kps directly towards the fleet.
Available fire controls/weapons: 1600 AS box launchers on the H&K units
Decision: Target each SDB in succession with five missiles
Ten seconds later the first missiles are launched
Over the next forty seconds the PDCC fleet ripple-fires six hundred and eighty five anti-ship missiles
<Time Index 2142:21>
Status Change: Target Group Bravo (137x1,000 ton ships) now moving directly away from PDCC fleet
<Time index 2147:36>
New Detection: 680 size 5 missiles, range 2.285 mkm’s, speed 33,900 kps, time to impact: 67 seconds
All missile defenses engaged
AMM’s intercepting with 50% effectiveness, targeting adjusted accordingly.
Laser turrets engaged, effectiveness 56%
Point Blank defenses engaged, effectiveness 50%
Seventeen enemy missiles survived and impacted Hunter Killer 013…
Shields down…
Armor penetrated…
Moderate internal damage to offensive weaponry…
Speed reduced by 17%
Hunter-Killer 013 detached from fleet and ordered to return to the warp point.
All other units to continue forward…
<Time index 2149:46>
New Detection: 15 size 5 missiles, range 2.3 mkm’s, speed 33,900 kps, time to impact: 67 seconds
AMM defenses engaged…
All incoming missiles destroyed 1.1 mkm’s from fleet
<Time index 2153:51>
Two leading PDCC missile salvoes approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missiles impacting targets, AS missile effectiveness: 63%
Attack Results: 23 targets destroyed
<Time Index 2153:56>
Third missile salvo approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness: 63%
Attack Results: 19 targets destroyed
Cumulative Attack Results: 42 targets destroyed
<Time Index 2154:01>
Fourth missile salvo approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness: 57%
Attack Results: 15 targets destroyed
Cumulative Attack Results: 57 targets destroyed
<Time Index 2154:06>
Fifth missile salvo approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness: 52%
Attack Results: 9 targets destroyed
Cumulative Attack Results: 66 targets destroyed
<Time Index 2154:11>
Sixth missile salvo approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness: 50%
Attack Results: 10 targets destroyed
Cumulative Attack Results: 76 targets destroyed
<Time Index 2154:16>
Seventh missile salvo approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness: 56%
Attack Results: 14 targets destroyed
Cumulative Attack Results: 90 targets destroyed
<Time Index 2154:21>
Eighth missile salvo approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness: 66%
Attack Results: 15 targets destroyed
Cumulative Attack Results: 105 targets destroyed
<Time Index 2154:26>
Ninth missile salvo approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness: 62%
Attack Results: 6 targets destroyed
Cumulative Attack Results: 111 targets destroyed
Attack Evaluation: 26 targets remaining…
Decision: Second attack required to eliminate Target Group Bravo
<Time Index 2154:36>
AS Missiles launching…
<Time Index 2154:41>
AS Missiles launching…
<Time Index 2204:41>
Initial wave of missiles approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness 100% (target immobile)…
Attack results: 3 targets destroyed
<Time Index 2204:46>
Second wave of missiles approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness 100% (target immobile)…
Attack results: 13 targets destroyed
Cumulative attack results: 16 targets destroyed
<Time Index 2204:51>
Third wave of missiles approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness 100% (target immobile)…
Attack results: 8 targets destroyed
Cumulative attack results: 24 targets destroyed
<Time Index 2204:56>
Fourth wave of missiles approaching targets…
No active defenses detected…
AS missile effectiveness 100% (target immobile)…
Attack results: 2 targets destroyed
Cumulative attack results: 26 targets destroyed
Attack Evaluation: All targets in Target Group Bravo destroyed
Information: Offensive Missile Stocks: 50%, Defensive Missile Stocks: 88%
…………………………………………
Decision: Continue with mission
March 13, 2367
<Time Index 0423:56>
Detection: Target Group Charlie, range 72 mkm, speed 5950 kps
Detection: Target Group Delta, range 79 mkm, speed 5950 kps
Target Group Charlie Composition:
6x18,150 tons
15x12,100 tons
45x6,050 tons
9x6,000 tons
Target Group Delta composition:
13x6,050 tons
Situation Evaluation:
Enemy Groups Charlie and Delta exceed PDCC Fleet’s speed by 600 kps, therefore evasion and disengagement not possible.
Engagement is inevitable. Long-range missile strike by the enemy is likely. Pre-emptive missile strike by PDCC fleet is preferable. Recommendation: adopt a movement strategy designed to minimize the enemy’s ability to strike at long-range and maximize the PDCC fleet’s long-range strike ability, then launch at the longest range possible.
Evaluation: Given known or estimated parameters, existing missile stocks are insufficient to eliminate the enemy fleet. Missile engagement is inevitable, and the PDCC fleet cannot eliminate the entire enemy fleet before it attacks, therefore, the PDCC fleet must strike at high-value fleet units within the enemy fleet to reduce or disrupt the enemy’s attack on the PDCC fleet.
Evaluation: Assuming a successful strike the enemy may disengage. If not, the PDCC fleet may/will come under sustained missile attack by the enemy fleet. Recommendation: the PDCC command must reorganize the fleet to maximize the fleet’s anti-missile capability.
Evaluation: If the PDCC fleet survives missile attack, and the enemy fleet does not disengage, the probability exists that the enemy will continue to close to direct-fire engagement range.
<Time Index 0524:01>
Target Group Charlie, range 44.5 mkm
Reversing course away from Target Groups Charlie and Delta
Launching on Target Group Charlie…
<Time Index 0524:06>
440 AS Missile launched on Target Group Charlie
Launching second wave on Target Group Charlie…
<Time Index 0524:11>
285 AS Missiles launched on Target Group Charlie
AS Missile stocks exhausted
<Time Index 0545:11>
First wave of missiles approaching targets…
Active missile defenses detected…
166 strength 1 explosions detected…
101 AS missiles destroyed by point blank fire…
158 strength 6 explosions detected…
Attack Result: 1 target destroyed (12,100 ton), multiple targets streaming atmosphere
<Time Index 0545:16>
Second wave of missiles approaching targets…
Active missile defenses detected…
130 strength 1 explosions detected…
80 AS missiles destroyed by point blank fire…
73 strength 6 explosions detected…
Attack Result: 1 target destroyed (6,050 ton), multiple targets streaming atmosphere
Cumulative Attack Result: 2 targets destroyed (12,100 ton/6050 ton), multiple targets streaming atmosphere
Reconfiguring fleet to receive missile attack. Two groups of missile defense ships are detached from the main fleet. Sub-group #1, composed of eleven of the best trained escort ships, will take up position four mkm’s astern of the main fleet, while the eighteen escorts of the second sub-group take position two mkm’s astern of the main fleet.
<Time Index 0602:01>
Incoming missile salvo detected…
39 size 6 missiles, inbound at 25,350 kps, 2.3 mkm’s astern of Sub-group #1
Sub-group #1 launching counter-missiles…
<Time Index 0602:36>
Second incoming missile salvo detected…
39 size 6 missiles, inbound at 25,350 kps, 2.3 mkm’s astern of Sub-group #1
Sub-group #1 launching counter-missiles…
<Time Index 0602:41>
Interception by first salvo of counter-missiles…
Twenty-seven interceptions, effectiveness 69%
<Time Index 0603:21>
Third incoming missile salvo detected…
39 size 6 missiles, inbound at 25,350 kps, 2.3 mkm’s astern of Sub-group #1
Sub-group #1 launching counter-missiles…
Enemy missile salvoes arriving every 45 seconds.
Counter-missile effectiveness averaging 54%
<Time Index 0603:21 to 0618:36>
Twenty salvoes consisting of thirty nine size six missiles…
Overall AMM effectiveness 52%
No impacts on fleet ships
Last missile salvo is destroyed 500,000 kilometers short of Sub-Group #1
Sub-Group #1’s units reduced to 45% AMM magazine capacity
No damage incurred from enemy missile attack.
Both sub-groups ordered to rejoin the main fleet.
<Time Index 0643:41>
Contact with thirteen 6,050 ton ships lost. Several additional ships falling behind main enemy fleet.
<Time Index 0706:41>
Re-indexing and categorizing enemy ship concentrations…
Status Report:
Target Group Alpha
Range 39 mkm’s
Speed 5,949 kps (overtake speed 592 kps)
5x 18,150 ton ships
Target Group Bravo
Range 45.5 mkm’s
Speed 4,628 kps (speed deficit 729 kps)
1x 18,150 ton ships
12x 12,100 ton ships
42x 6,050 ton ships
8x 6,000 ton ships
Target Group Charlie
Range 55.2 mkm
Speed 2,644 kps (speed deficit 2,713 kps)
1x 12,100 ton ship
1x 6,050 ton ship
Target Group Delta
Range 63.4 mkm
Speed 991 kps (speed deficit 4366 kps)
1x 12,100 ton ship
1x 6,000 ton ship
Target Group Echo
Range 90 mkm
Speed 5,950 kps (speed advantage 593 kps) – group headed away from PDCC fleet
14 active sensor contacts
Evaluation:
Enemy fleet groups separated and out of direct-fire support range, some are moving slower than PDCC fleet due to battle damage…
Conclusion:
Close on nearest group and engage with laser weaponry.
<Time Index 0804:16>
Range to Target Group Alpha: 325,000 kilometers
15 Hunter-Killers targeting one 18,150 ton ship
Target designated Kiev-5 hit by twenty-six 35cm lasers, multiple atmosphere leaks
Targeting shift…
Engaging with 12cm lasers on missile defense ships…
<Time Index 0804:51>
Range to Target Group Alpha: 250,000 kilometers
15 H&K targeting Kiev-6
32 Missile Defense Ships targeting Kiev-3
Thirteen hits on Kiev-6 by 35cm lasers, multiple atmosphere leaks
Two secondary explosions, total internal explosion strength 290 standard units…
Kiev-3 destroyed, shifting targeting…
<Time Index 0804:56>
Range to Target Group Alpha: 219,000 kilometers
15 H&K targeting Kiev-4
16 Missile Defense Ships targeting Kiev-3
16 Missile Defense Ships targeting Kiev-2
Kiev-2 hit by 22 12cm lasers, no observed damage
Kiev-3 hit by 31 12cm lasers, no observed damage
Interlude…
For the next fifty seconds the PDCC ships pummeled the oncoming Tacna ships. The PDCC fleet mounted one hundred and ninety two 12 cm lasers on the missile defense ships and one hundred and thirty five heavy 35 cm lasers on the Hunter-Killers. The heavy lasers had enough time to fire twice, and were devastating when they did fire, but it was the 12 cm lasers that really picked apart the Tacna fleet. The smaller 12 cm lasers, intended primarily for missile defense, fired every five seconds, and while they did less damage individually, they were constantly firing, constantly scoring hits. The Tacna ships had closed to 166,000 kilometers by the end, and never fired on the PDCC fleet. It was a blood-bath.
<Time Index 0805:46>
Range to Target Group Alpha: 166,000 km’s
15 H&K targeting Kiev-5
32 Missile Defense Ships targeting Kiev-5
Kiev-3 hit by 70 12cm lasers, multiple atmosphere leaks
Target destroyed…
Shifting targeting…Target Group Alpha destroyed.
New target…Target Group Bravo, range 11.2 mkm
Interlude…
The PDCC fleet left the burning hulks of Target Group Alpha in its wake, along with a scattering of tumbling life pods. Target Group Bravo was next…
<Time Index 0822:31>
Range to Target Group Bravo: 1.154 mkm’s
438 size 1 missiles detected inbound, range 970,000 kilometers
Anti-missile missiles launched…
Anomaly Alert…
Incoming missiles scan within established parameters of missiles classified as “Anti-Missile Missiles. Incoming salvo is consistent with observed effects of Tacna active missile defense demonstrated at <Time Index 0545:11>. Anomalous Behavior Observed: Currently observed AMM’s are targeted on PDCC H&K units…no PDCC originated missiles in space to be targeted. AMM’s are classified as defensive weapons…not dual use. Tacna Imperium units are utilizing sole-use defensive weapons in dual use role. Current classification of weaponry and basis for all PDCC designs originate with old Terran Empire archives included in the inception of PDCC.
Conclusion: Local reclassification of AMM’s as dual-use weapons is necessary. Anomaly reconciliation report to be compiled and dispatched to warp point guard units to ensure data survival. Recommendation for re-evaluation of basic strategic and tactical assumptions included within report.
<Time Index 0822:41>
New group of size 1 missiles detected incoming, speed 42,000 kps
AMM’s launched…
Dual-purpose AMM’s cannot be repurposed at this time, 100% capacity absorbed by intercepting incoming missiles.
<Time Index 0822:46>
First group of incoming size 1 missiles intercepted…
438 interception attempts…157 hits, 36% interception rate
AMM engagement protocols adjusted…
<Time Index 0822:51>
Interceptions continuing
12cm lasers on Missile Defense Ships engaging incoming missiles…
AMM interception efficiency 38%
<Time Index 0822:56>
Interceptions continuing…
Close-In-Weapons-Systems on targeted ship engaging…3 size 1 missiles destroyed
Sixty three impacts on H&K-012, shield strength reduced to 49%
<Time Index 0823:06>
Interceptions continuing…
AMM interception efficiency 29%
<Time Index 0823:11>
Interceptions continuing…
AMM interception efficiency 34%
<Time Index 0823:16>
Interceptions continuing…
AMM interception efficiency 34%
12cm lasers on Missile Defense Ships engaging incoming missiles…
Close-In-Weapons-Systems on targeted ship engaging…19 size 1 missiles destroyed
Thirty-eight impacts on H&K-012, shield strength reduced to 23.5%
One hundred forty two impacts on H&K-014, shield strength reduced to 0%, armor reduced, no hull penetrations…
Interlude…
For the next thirty seconds the PDCC fleet closed on Target Group Bravo, weathering sustained AMM fire from the Tacna fleet. The Tacna continued to focus their fire on H&K 012, ultimately causing multiple hull penetrations and engine damage. After inflicting internal damage on H&K 012 the Tacna switched targets to H&K’s 014 and 015, but caused no hull penetrations.
<Time Index 0823:56>
Target Group Bravo range: 311,000 kilometers
Interceptions continuing…
AMM interception efficiency 30%
H&K units targeting multiple 6,050 ton units in Target Group Bravo with 35cm lasers, no hits registered…
Laser attack evaluation: H&K long-range targeting systems unable to effectively resolve the smaller Tacna ships. Conclusion: Reduce the range to the targeted ships.
<Time Index 0824:01>
Target Group Bravo range: 271,000 kilometers
Interceptions continuing…
AMM interception efficiency 30%
12cm lasers on missile defense ships engaging incoming missiles
CIWS on targeted ships engaging…9 incoming missiles destroyed
One hundred twenty one impacts on H&K-012, shield strength reduced to 0%
Multiple armor penetrations, internal damage increasing
Changing targeting priorities…12cm lasers repurposed from defense to offense, now targeting Target Group Bravo
<Time Index 0824:06>
Target Group Bravo range: 275,000 kilometers
Interceptions continuing…
AMM interception efficiency 34%
12cm lasers on missile defense ships engaging incoming missiles
CIWS on targeted ships engaging…10 incoming missiles destroyed
Sixty one impacts on H&K-012, shield strength reduced to 0%
Multiple armor penetrations, H&K-012 destroyed
Changing course to close on Target Group Bravo
<Time Index 0824:11>
Target Group Bravo range: 254,000 kilometers
Interceptions continuing…
AMM interception efficiency 0%
12cm lasers on missile defense ships engaging incoming missiles
CIWS on targeted ships engaging…16 incoming missiles destroyed
Sixty three impacts on H&K-014, shield strength reduced to 0%
Multiple armor penetrations
Re-evaluating current targeting…Target Group Bravo too close for efficient AM missile interception. Changing targeting for dual-purpose AMM’s to Target Group Bravo.
<Time Index 0824:16>
Target Group Bravo range: 217,000 kilometers
Interceptions continuing…
12cm lasers on missile defense ships engaging incoming missiles
CIWS on targeted ships engaging…14 incoming missiles destroyed
One hundred eleven impacts on H&K-014, shield strength reduced to 0%, Multiple armor penetrations, significant internal damage
Nine impacts on H&K-015, shield strength reduced to 2%
Kiev-001(18,100 ton) hit by fifty one 12cm lasers, multiple armor breaches
<Time Index 0824:21>
Target Group Bravo range: 171,000 kilometers
Interceptions continuing…
12cm lasers on missile defense ships engaging incoming missiles
CIWS on targeted ships engaging…10 incoming missiles destroyed
Two hundred and seventy three impacts on H&K-007, shield strength reduced to 0%
Multiple armor penetrations, significant internal damage
Neustrashimy-001(12,100 ton) hit by forty 12cm lasers
Neustrashimy-011(12,100 ton) hit by thirty-five 12cm lasers
<Time Index 0824:26>
Target Group Bravo range: 124,000 kilometers
Interceptions continuing…
12cm lasers on missile defense ships engaging incoming missiles
CIWS on targeted ships engaging…11 incoming missiles destroyed
Eighty three impacts on H&K-007, shield strength reduced to 0%
Multiple armor penetrations, significant internal damage
Neustrashimy-001(12,100 ton) hit by forty six 12cm lasers, multiple penetrations
Neustrashimy-011(12,100 ton) hit by twelve 12cm lasers, multiple penetrations
Oscar-010(6,050 ton) hit by 140 AMM’s, target destroyed
Oscar-007(6,050 ton) hit by 65 AMM’s, target destroyed
Neustrashimy-004(12,100 ton) hit by 140 AMM’s, multiple penetrations
Interlude…
Five seconds later the huge 35cm lasers on the PDCC H&K’s lashed out at the Tacna ships, now just 80,000 kilometers away. The heavy lasers were targeted on fourteen 6,050 ton Tacna ships. Thirteen of the fourteen were immediately destroyed. In some cases the heavy lasers punched all the way through the small ships, impaling them on fingers of fire. Over the next twenty seconds PDCC AMM’s ravaged the Tacna fleet, destroying multiple units and, along with the PDCC fleet’s 12 cm lasers, carved the heart out of the Tacna fleet’s will to fight. At that point the number of Tacna ships capable of engaging the PDCC fleet had been reduced to acceptable levels and the PDCC fleet controller discontinued use of the AMM’s in the offensive role, concerned about the fleet’s dwindling stocks.
<Time Index 0825:16>
Enemy fleet destroyed…
Offensive missile stocks depleted…
Anti-missile missile stocks at 33%...
2xH&K destroyed
2xH&K damaged
3xMissile Defense Ship damaged
Decision: Retreat to warp point, disengage, return to home base and resupply magazines
March 15, 2367, 0241 hours
Detection: (Contact Group Bravo) 4xActive sensor, 100 degrees relative, 124.7 mkm’s, speed 5949 kps
Existing contact: (Contact Group Alpha) 25xActive sensor, 180 degrees relative, 134.4 mkms, speed 5357 kps (Matching PDCC fleet course and speed)
0731 hours…
Contact Group Bravo has closed to 72 mkm’s, within active sensor range
Contact Group Bravo resolved on active sensors…
13x6,050 ton ships
8x12,100 ton ships
Contact Group Bravo now at 135 degrees and closing with an overtake speed of 593 kps
<Time Index 1320:11>
Contact Group Bravo now at 180 degrees relative, range 2.5 mkm…
Initiating engagement with AMM’s from Missile Defense Ships…
<Time Index 1320:16>
290 AMM’s launched against eight 6,050 ton targets
<Time Index 1320:26>
290 AMM’s launched against the same eight 6,050 ton targets
<Time Index 1320:31>
20 AMM’s launched against a 6,050 ton target
<Time Index 1320:36>
300 AMM’s launched against five 6,050 ton targets and two 12,100 ton targets
<Time Index 1320:41>
20 AMM’s launched against a 6,050 ton target
<Time Index 1320:46>
300 AMM’s launched against five 6,050 ton targets and two 12,100 ton targets
AMM launches stopped for target damage evaluation…
Tacna AMM’s detected closing on initial AMM salvo
<Time Index 1321:01>
Fifty six AMM’s intercepted by Tacna AMM’s…
<Time Index 1321:06>
Thirty four AMM’s intercepted by Tacna AMM’s…
<Time Index 1321:11>
Twenty eight AMM’s intercepted by Tacna AMM’s…
One hundred and sixty two AMM’s impacted targets, multiple hull breaches…
<Time Index 1321:21>
Two hundred and ninety AMM’s impacted targets, multiple hull breaches…
<Time Index 1321:26>
Twenty AMM’s impacted targets, hull breach detected…
<Time Index 1321:31>
Three hundred AMM’s impacted targets, multiple hull breaches…
<Time Index 1321:36>
Thirteen AMM’s intercepted by Tacna AMM’s…
Eight AMM’s impacted targets, multiple hull breaches, target destroyed…
<Time Index 1321:41>
Thirteen AMM’s intercepted by Tacna AMM’s…
Two hundred and sixty eight AMM’s impacted targets, multiple hull breaches…
Interlude…
For the next four seconds the PDCC fleet pounded the Tacna units with AMM’s unmercifully, destroying the bulk of the force and damaging the rest. In the aftermath of three separate AMM strikes the remaining Tacna ships were damaged and limping away individually, their cohesion lost. The PDCC controller saw no reason to waste precious AMM’s on a broken force, so the PDCC fleet closed in to engage with lasers.
<Time Index 1325:56>
Target Group Bravo (TGB) spread out over 3.8 mkm’s. Lead TGB unit is 232,000 kilometers ahead of PDCC fleet. Targeting lead unit with all lasers.
<Time Index 1326:01>
Nine hits by 35cm lasers on lead target, target destroyed…
<Time Index 1326:46>
Second TGB unit within laser range, engaging…
Three hits by 35cm lasers on lead target, target destroyed…
<Time Index 1326:56>
Third TGB unit within laser range, engaging…
Twenty seven hits by 12cm lasers on lead target, target destroyed…
<Time Index 1328:06>
Range to fourth TGB unit 255,000 kilometers…
Engaging with 35 cm lasers…
Multiple hull penetrations…
<Time Index 1328:11>
Range to fourth TGB unit 240,000 kilometers…
Engaging with 35 cm lasers…
Target eliminated…
<Time Index 1328:26>
Range to fifth and sixth TGB units 162,000 kilometers…
Engaging with 35 cm lasers…
One target eliminated…
<Time Index 1328:31>
Range to sixth TGB unit 140,000 kilometers…
Engaging with 35 cm lasers…
Target eliminated…
<Time Index 1329:06>
Situation Evaluation:
Target Group Bravo: 4x12,100 ton units, 6x6,050 ton units
All Target Group Bravo units fleeing, except one 12,100 ton unit
Target Group Alpha (2 sensor contacts) 134 mkm’s in-system
PDCC fleet Offensive Missile stocks: 0%
PDCC fleet defensive missile stocks: 10%
PDCC fleet currently pursuing fleeing Target Group Bravo units…
Strategic Override: Return to Procyon for refuel and resupply, and to report status…
Turning back towards warp point…
<Time Index 1330:11>
Eight Target Group Bravo units within range of dual use AMM’s.
Target Group Bravo units continuing to engage PDCC fleet with sporadic AMM fire…
Decision: engage TGB units within range to end incoming missile fire…
<Time Index 1330:16>
227 AMM’s launched on eight Target Group Bravo units
<Time Index 1330:46>
TGB unit impacted by 27 AMM’s, multiple internal explosions, target destroyed…
<Time Index 1330:51>
TGB unit impacted by 28 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations
TGB unit impacted by 15 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations
TGB unit impacted by 15 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations
TGB unit impacted by 25 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations
<Time Index 1330:56>
TGB unit impacted by 2 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations
<Time Index 1331:01>
TGB unit impacted by 26 AMM’s, no observed damage
<Time Index 1331:06>
TGB unit impacted by 20 AMM’s, no observed damage
<Time Index 1331:16>
TGB unit impacted by 27 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations, unit destgroyed
Attack Evaluation: Two TGB units destroyed, second launch authorized…
<Time Index 1331:21>
245 dual purpose AMM’s launchced at six TGB units
<Time Index 1331:51>
TGB unit impacted by 20 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations
<Time Index 1331:56>
TGB unit impacted by 131 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations
TGB unit impacted by 20 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations
TGB unit impacted by 30 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations
TGB unit impacted by 20 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations
<Time Index 1332:06>
TGB unit impacted by 10 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations, unit destroyed…
Attack Evaluation: One TGB unit destroyed, third launch authorized…
<Time Index 1332:11>
235 dual purpose AMM’s launchced at five TGB units
<Time Index 1332:41>
TGB unit impacted by 6 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations, unit destroyed
TGB unit impacted by 92 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations, unit destroyed
<Time Index 1332:46>
TGB unit impacted by 25 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations, unit destroyed
TGB unit impacted by 25 AMM’s, multiple hull penetrations, unit destroyed
Attack Evaluation: All targeted units destroyed…
Nearest TGB unit 3.1 mkm’s away…
Target Group Bravo now consists of 1x12,100 ton unit, 2x6,050 ton units, all retreating…
PDCC fleet can now disengage…
<Time Index 1633:51>
Target Group Alpha now twenty five sensor contacts, maintaining range
Observation: Target Group Alpha is maintaining range at 135 mkm’s. This distance is outside of PDCC active sensor range, but within estimated sensor range of Tacna long-range sensors detected on Target Group Alpha units. Due to range, actual composition of Target Group Alpha is impossible to determine.
Decision: Continue to retreat to warp point…
March 19, 2367, 2333 hours
New Contact: Designated Target Group Charlie, twelve active sensors, 25 mkm’s astern of Target Group Alpha and closing…
March 21, 2367, 1203 hours
Target Group Alpha, 25 sensor contacts, maintaining range at 134 mkm’s astern
Target Group Charlie, 12 sensor contacts, closing, now at 81 mkm’s
PDCC fleet now 89 mkm’s from the warp point…
PDCC fleet will reach the warp point in 281 minutes. Target Group Charlie will close to 71 mkm’s by the time the fleet reaches the warp point.
March 21, 2367, 1606 hours
Target Group Alpha, 25 sensor contacts, maintaining range at 134 mkm’s astern
Target Group Charlie, now at 72 mkm’s and within sensor range, resolved as thirteen 6,050 ton ships, continuing to close…
PDCC fleet now 12.2 mkm’s from the warp point…
PDCC fleet will reach the warp point in 38 minutes. Target Group Charlie will reach the warp point in 238 minutes.
March 21, 2367, 1645 hours
PDCC Fleet has arrived at the warp point and integrated detached units…
PDCC Fleet is now composed of seventeen H&K’s (all types) and thirty three missile defense ships…
AMM stocks redistributed…the magazines on the Missile Defense Ships are now at 25%, H&K units have minimal stocks for self-defense.
Two H&K units retain offensive missiles, 160 total.
Decision: Continue to retreat or engage Target Group Charlie…Target Group Charlie will intercept PDCC fleet in Gliese 87 given current overtake speed. Decision reached: Engage at optimal time with long-range missiles, then retreat through warp point and engage when Target Group Charlie jumps through.
Target Group Alpha time to warp point: 419 minutes, current speed
Target Group Charlie time to warp point: 200 minutes
<Time Index 1750:51>
PDCC Fleet targeting Target Group Charlie…
<Time Index 1750:56>
Forty AS missiles launched against two Target Group Charlie units…
<Time Index 1751:01>
Forty AS missiles launched against two Target Group Charlie units…
<Time Index 1751:06>
Forty AS missiles launched against two Target Group Charlie units…
H&K-013 expended all AS missiles…
<Time Index 1751:11>
Twenty AS missiles launched against two Target Group Charlie units…
<Time Index 1751:16>
Twenty AS missiles launched against two Target Group Charlie units…
H&K-015 expended all AS missiles, launch complete…
<Time Index 1813:11>
First salvo impacting targets…
Target #1: 18 hits, multiple hull penetrations…
Target #2: 19 hits, multiple hull penetrations…
<Time Index 1813:16>
Second salvo impacting targets…
Target #3: 20 hits, multiple hull penetrations…
Target #4: 13 hits, multiple hull penetrations…
Multiple internal explosions detected…
<Time Index 1813:21>
Third salvo impacting targets…
Target #5: 16 hits, multiple hull penetrations…
Target #6: 20 hits, multiple hull penetrations…
<Time Index 1813:26>
Fourth salvo impacting targets…
Target #7: 15 hits, multiple hull penetrations…
Multiple internal explosions detected…
<Time Index 1813:31>
Fifth salvo impacting targets…
Target #8: 19 hits, multiple hull penetrations…
Attack Evaluation: Eight targets damaged, several possibly destroyed, no confirmation…
Jumping out of the system…
One hundred and eight minutes until Target Group Charlie lead units reach the warp point…
March 21, 2367, 2013 hours
ETA of Target Group Charlie exceeded by twelve minutes…
March 21, 2367, 2129 hours
ETA of Target Group Charlie exceeded by eighty eight minutes…
ETA of Target Group Alpha, one hundred thirty six minutes…
March 21, 2367, 2349 hours
ETA of Target Group Charlie exceeded by one hundred and twenty eight minutes…
ETA of Target Group Alpha exceeded by four minutes…
March 22, 2367, 0049 hours
ETA of Target Group Charlie exceeded by one hundred and eighty eight minutes…
ETA of Target Group Alpha exceeded by sixty four minutes…
Decision: Disengage, return to Procyon…
March 28, 2367
The PDCC fleet jumped into Procyon at this time. In any other fleet the crew members would have felt relief at being home, but of course the PDCC fleet’s controllers felt nothing of the sort. Without hesitation the fleet continued on toward Plateau.
On Plateau the PDCC immediately instituted emergency missile construction routines. The existing missile stocks were not sufficient to resupply the returning fleet, and would not be enough to do so for some time.
An evaluation of the assault on the Tacna system revealed the fact that the PDCC fleet had lost two H&K’s in action, in exchange for destroying two hundred and twenty nine Tacna ships, or 879,850 tons of Tacna warships.
