1.12 - The Alliance

[Desdinova (OP)]

Campaign Background
The turbulent 21st century has finally ended. Earth is still recovering from the bloody third world war of the 2050s. Social and sectarian strife, rising authoritarianism, and the effects of a changing climate all contributed to escalating tensions; the final flashpoint was a water dispute between China and India. Within a matter of months, almost all of the major world powers were drawn to one side or another. Many millions died.

The victorious Allies are now tasked with rebuilding a ruined world. Most of the West joined the Allies, but they are now politically dominated by the United States, Great Britain, and Japan; mainland Eurasia having been devastated by a decade of war. While these countries retain the trappings of western democracy, much of the world remains under provisional military government.

With Earth still reeling, many people, yearning for a hopeful future, look to space as a possible refuge for mankind.

But mankind is not alone in the universe. The recovery of a crashed alien spacecraft in 1947 has been a closely-held secret for 150 years. Study of that craft revealed the existence of the Trans-Newtonian elements: stable trans-uranic elements with exotic matter properties. Earth's scientists are only a few years away from unlocking their potential, which will reshape human understanding of not just material science, but challenge the most closely-held assumptions about the inner workings of the universe.

A new age of space exploration is almost at hand. But will humanity find a new home among the stars, or only more war and death?

Early Developments, 2100-2110

Heavy wartime casualties, and later steady decline from food insecurity, water shortages, and disease have reduced Earth's population to around 4 billion. The available workforce of the Alliance member states stands at approximately 500 million in 2100. Allied territory consists of the United States, Great Britain, the European and Indian Recovery Zones, and occupied sectors within what remains of China as well as parts of Africa and the Middle East that were devastated by the war. Most of South America, and parts of Africa and Asia remained neutral, sparing them the destruction of the war, but in turn leading them to miss out on the post-war Trans-Newtonian revolution, as the victorious allies are loathe to share such valuable and potentially dangerous technology.

The Trans-Newtonian industrial revolution begins in earnest in January 2103, following scientist Sugi Muraoka's work on industrial applications for Trans-Newtonian elements. The Allies rapidly begin converting their surviving industrial capacity to exploit these elements.

The first spacecraft to take advantage of Trans-Newtonian technology is the United States' Endeavour. The ship is the first to be equipped with a Trans-Newtonian drive field generator. While under its effect, the ship exists partially in normal space, and partially in what some call 'fluidic space' or the 'aether' - a realm very different physical properties. Not only does this render the ship immune to the effects of inertia, but it allows it to maintain unprecedented speed with very little effort. With a conventional rocket engine converted to sorium fuel, she can cruise to Jupiter and back on only 8,000 liters of fuel. The tyranny of the rocket equation has been forever broken. Launched on 11 November 2104, Endeavour, commanded by Natasha Hurst, completes her shakedown and begins a survey of the inner solar system.

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Endeavour class Science Vessel      499 tons       14 Crew       121.2 BP       TCS 10    TH 2    EM 0
160 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 2      Sensors 0/0/0/1      DCR 0      PPV 0
Maint Life 4.16 Years     MSP 37    AFR 8%    IFR 0.1%    1YR 3    5YR 51    Max Repair 100 MSP
Lieutenant    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 12 months    Morale Check Required   

Conventional Engine  EP1.60 (1)    Power 1.6    Fuel Use 128.00%    Signature 1.60    Explosion 8%
Fuel Capacity 8,000 Litres    Range 2.3 billion km (162 days at full power)

Geological Survey Sensors (1)   1 Survey Points Per Hour

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction

A total of four vessels are planned: Endeavour, Discovery, Voyager, and Enterprise.

Their survey of the inner planets proves interesting. All planets save Mercury are devoid of trans-Newtonian minerals, but Mercury has abundant and relatively accessible supplies of duranium, neutronium, and corundium -  the raw materials needed to fuel TN industry. Colonizing Mercury instantly becomes a top priority for the American government. In order to secure funding & resources, they form a Joint Space Command with the other Alliance member states. The moon and Mars are considered lower priority, but also prime colonization targets due to the more habitable environmental conditions.

Construction begins in December 2105 of three new colony ships. These will be the largest spacecraft ever constructed, and be built entirely on-orbit using TN methods and technologies. When complete, they spearhead the construction of colonies on Mars, Mercury, and the moon.

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Horizon class Colony Ship      11,492 tons       56 Crew       236.4 BP       TCS 230    TH 25    EM 0
108 km/s      Armour 1-45       Shields 0-0       HTK 17      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 0
MSP 12    Max Repair 100 MSP
Cargo 5,000    Cryogenic Berths 10,000    Cargo Shuttle Multiplier 1   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   BRG   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months   

Commercial Conventional Engine  EP12.5 (2)    Power 25.0    Fuel Use 11.18%    Signature 12.5    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 50,000 Litres    Range 7 billion km (745 days at full power)

This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes

In February 2106, large deposits of duranium, neutronium, and corundium are found on Europa. The Jovian moons had not previously been considered for colonization due to the distance and inherent cost, but Europa now looks particularly appealing. Ganymede also has large duranium deposits, and the potential that a ground-based survey might find more resources.

The Horizon-class enter service at the end of July 2106 and immediately are put to work on constructing Earth's first off-world colonies.

In May 2107, the first practical designs for nuclear thermal rocket engines are unveiled. This technology will enable much faster travel, and also open up the outer solar system to colonization or mining.

The first civilian TN-equipped spacecraft, a freighter, is launched in June 2107, and begins supplying the lunar colony with infrastructure.

By July 2108, the Endeavour-class survey ships have completed their survey of the inner solar system and asteroid belt, and are retired. By early 2109, the civilian merchant shipping fleet has grown large enough to service the colonies and the Horizon-class are also moved into reserve, after less than 3 years of service.

By January 2110, the allied Earth-based population has grown to 659 million, mostly from refugees and new nations joining; 7.83 million people now live on the moon, 1.17 million on Mercury, and 740,000 on Mars. These colonies are all jointly administered by the Allied JSC.

[Desdinova (OP)]

Early Exploration, 2110-2130

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GEC-1 class Geological Survey Craft      500 tons       12 Crew       122.5 BP       TCS 10    TH 5    EM 0
500 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 2      Sensors 0/0/0/1      DCR 0      PPV 0
Maint Life 5.56 Years     MSP 135    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 7    5YR 110    Max Repair 100 MSP
Lieutenant    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 24 months    Morale Check Required   

Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP5.00 (1)    Power 5.0    Fuel Use 39.53%    Signature 5.00    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 24,000 Litres    Range 21.9 billion km (505 days at full power)

Geological Survey Sensors (1)   1 Survey Points Per Hour

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction

The Endeavour-class, being equipped with conventional rocket engines, were slow and limited to operating within Jupiter's orbit. The GEC-1-class survey craft, while similar in size, are optimized for long-duration survey missions and capable of reaching the Kuiper Belt. Ten ships are ordered, with the first entering service in March 2110.

Unrest on Luna
The colonization process has not always gone smoothly, and keeping order from Earth is not always easy. The colonies, particularly Mercury, have on occasion suffered from lawlessness and civil disorder. In August 2110, the Colonial Marshals are established as an armed, paramilitary wing of the Alliance Space Command, tasked with law enforcement and maintainig civil order. Detachments of colonial marshals will be trained on Earth over the coming months.

In order to facilitate the movement of troops to the colonies if necessary, construction begins of five troop transports:

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TT-1 class Troop Transport      8,764 tons       59 Crew       221.1 BP       TCS 175    TH 125    EM 0
713 km/s      Armour 1-37       Shields 0-0       HTK 26      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 0
MSP 15    Max Repair 80 MSP
Troop Capacity 5,000 tons     Cargo Shuttle Multiplier 1   
Lieutenant    Control Rating 1   BRG   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months   

Commercial Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP62.5 (2)    Power 125.0    Fuel Use 11.18%    Signature 62.5    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 100,000 Litres    Range 18.4 billion km (298 days at full power)

This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes

These ships will share a common hull form with a planned freighter design, to be constructed later.

The foundation of the Colonial Marshal Service is timely, as weeks later, Allied intelligence learns that certain elements on Luna are agitating for independence. This is seen as a long shot, at best, and a lunatic gambit by most, considering the moon lacks all mineral resources and industry and has no hope of being self-sustaining.  But at the same time, there is a risk that such a movement could spread to other human colonies. At the moment, the Allies have no plans for armed spacecraft, even on paper, but it's becoming clear that an armed space force is required in order to maintain order and protect trade in the solar system. The inner planets are already buzzing with civilian craft that the Allied governments have trouble policing.

The Colonial Marshals arrive on Luna in 2111 and foil the separatist plot. After the troop transports enter service, construction begins of five freighters designed along a derivative hull form.

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FT-1 class Freighter      8,743 tons       46 Crew       149.1 BP       TCS 175    TH 125    EM 0
714 km/s      Armour 1-37       Shields 0-0       HTK 17      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 0
MSP 10    Max Repair 20 MSP
Cargo 5,000    Cargo Shuttle Multiplier 1   
Lieutenant    Control Rating 1   BRG   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months   

Commercial Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP62.5 (2)    Power 125.0    Fuel Use 11.18%    Signature 62.5    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 100,000 Litres    Range 18.4 billion km (298 days at full power)

This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes

The JSC perceives a future need to construct orbital infrastructure. In particular, Earth has only a very limited fuel refining capacity. In the solar system, Uranus has a decent amount of atmospheric Sorium that could be harvested and refined into fuel. In order to construct a future harvesting operation, five tugs are ordered in December 2113:

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TG-1 class Tug      23,319 tons       212 Crew       544.7 BP       TCS 466    TH 1,000    EM 0
2144 km/s      Armour 1-72       Shields 0-0       HTK 99      Sensors 0/0/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 0
MSP 14    Max Repair 100 MSP
Tractor Beam     
Lieutenant    Control Rating 1   BRG   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months   

Commercial Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP62.5 (16)    Power 1000.0    Fuel Use 11.18%    Signature 62.5    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 1,500,000 Litres    Range 103.6 billion km (559 days at full power)

This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes

While slow, these ships will be more than capable of towing fuel harvesters or the like to Jupiter or Saturn.


In September 2117, the first civilian comet mining operation is established on Stephan-Otema, with several more comet or asteroid mining operations springing up soon after.

In August of 2119, construction begins of a Europa colony. Europa is well-endowed with TN minerals, and capable of self-sustaining its own industry. It is chosen for colonization despite the harsh environment. Settlers arrive early the next year.

The Rijkers Incident
The Allies have been seeking out volunteers for resettlement in the many war refugee camps scattered around Earth. Most are happy to find a new, better life off-world, but not everyone adapts to living in a new, foreign culture on a strange planet where no one can survive outside. Conditions can be harsh. Crime, madness, and terrorism are unknown. In mid-2120, Martian terrorists attempt to hijack the Hassan Rijkers, a civilian cryo liner, but are foiled -only narrowly- by ship's security. The Allies now recognize the immediate need for an armed space police force. The Allied Joint Space Command is expanded into a multinational Joint Space Force, and given authorization to maintain a fleet of armed patrol craft in order to ensure the safety of the spacelanes. The Allies contribute military personnel from their own navies and space branches to staff the new, expanded JSF. Several designs are submitted for armed patrol craft.

In January 2122, the final design is selected for an armed space vessel. The contract winner is a British Spacecraft design firm. As a nod to British military history, the names selected for the 15 authorize police patrol vessels are taken from historical Royal Navy destroyers. The Daring-class is designed as a very fast, rapid-reaction unit with a range to reach any point in the inhabited solar system. They will be armed with a mix of railguns and anti-ship missiles.  Although the JSF greatly desired a boarding combat capability in a 'police' vessel, the technology to facilitate boarding a noncompliant vessel doesn't yet exist. The class are  euphemistically called 'patrol vessels', but the Daring is, first and foremost, a warship. There is concern among the Allied leadership that a non-allied nation will acquire Trans-Newtonian technology and challenge the allies for space dominance. They are also aware that alien life exists, and has visited Earth in the recent past.

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Daring class Patrol Vessel      5,865 tons       130 Crew       580 BP       TCS 117    TH 264    EM 0
3000 km/s      Armour 3-28       Shields 0-0       HTK 30      Sensors 5/5/0/0      DCR 2      PPV 25.2
Maint Life 3.46 Years     MSP 523    AFR 138%    IFR 1.9%    1YR 67    5YR 1,001    Max Repair 110.0000 MSP
Magazine 108   
Commander    Control Rating 2   BRG   AUX   
Intended Deployment Time: 6 months    Morale Check Required   

Improved Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP176.00 (2)    Power 352.0    Fuel Use 106.00%    Signature 132.0000    Explosion 12%
Fuel Capacity 673,000 Litres    Range 19.5 billion km (75 days at full power)

10cm Railgun V10/C1 (3x4)    Range 10,000km     TS: 3,000 km/s     Power 3-1     RM 10,000 km    ROF 15       
Beam Fire Control R40-TS3000 (1)     Max Range: 40,000 km   TS: 3,000 km/s     56 38 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Improved Pressurised Water Reactor R9 (1)     Total Power Output 9    Exp 5%

Size 6 Box Launcher Mk I (18)     Missile Size: 6.00    Hangar Reload 122 minutes    MF Reload 20 hours
Missile Fire Control FC28-R100 (1)     Range 28.7m km    Resolution 100
Size 6 ASM Mk I (18)    Speed: 9,600 km/s    End: 45.5m     Range: 26.2m km    WH: 4    Size: 6.0    TH: 38/23/11

Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1)     GPS 10     Range 4m km    MCR 359k km    Resolution 1
Active Search Sensor AS26-R100 (1)     GPS 2000     Range 26.2m km    Resolution 100
EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5.0     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5.0     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km

Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s

This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes


Fifteen ships are authorized, entering service between 2123 and 2126: Daring, Brilliant, Charger, Rattlesnake, Wolf, Gallant, Hurricane, Nemesis, Tempest, Venturous, Albatross, Chivalrous, Griffin, Intrepid, and Ready.


The first Daring-class ships enter service just as Esteban Bode formalizes his theory of FTL travel through 'jump' points. He believes that, by manipulating a Trans-Newtonian drive field at certain points in space, it is possible to open an artificial wormhole and travel instantaneously between points in space. These points would occur naturally within powerful gravity wells and could be calculated by measuring the interaction of  gravitational fields. The theory is initally closely-held by the Allied powers as a state secret.

July of 2123 also sees the start of construction of the TK-1 class. Being able to replenish a fleet in space is a critical logistic need. Five ships are ordered.

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TK-1 class Tanker      10,205 tons       72 Crew       237.9 BP       TCS 204    TH 240    EM 0
1175 km/s      Armour 1-41       Shields 0-0       HTK 29      Sensors 5/5/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 0
MSP 14    Max Repair 20 MSP
Lieutenant    Control Rating 1   BRG   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months   

Commercial Improved Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP80.00 (3)    Power 240.0    Fuel Use 10.06%    Signature 80.00    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 5,250,000 Litres    Range 919.6 billion km (9058 days at full power)
Refuelling Capability: 50,000 litres per hour     Complete Refuel 105 hours

Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1)     GPS 10     Range 4m km    MCR 359k km    Resolution 1
EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5.0     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5.0     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km

This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes

Five GSC-1 class survey ships are launched by May of 2124. These are a simple adaptation of the GEC-1-class, now equipped with sensitive gravitometric equipment. They immediately begin a gravitational survey of the solar system.

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GSC-1 class Gravitational Survey Craft      500 tons       12 Crew       122.5 BP       TCS 10    TH 5    EM 0
500 km/s      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 2      Sensors 0/0/1/0      DCR 0      PPV 0
Maint Life 5.56 Years     MSP 135    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 7    5YR 110    Max Repair 100 MSP
Lieutenant    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 24 months    Morale Check Required   

Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP5.00 (1)    Power 5.0    Fuel Use 39.53%    Signature 5.00    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 24,000 Litres    Range 21.9 billion km (505 days at full power)

Gravitational Survey Sensors (1)   1 Survey Points Per Hour

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction

The first confirmed jump point is identified only three months later, fixed at a point within the asteroid belt. Construction of a pair of experimental jump ships begins in July 2125.

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JS-1 class Jump Scout      494 tons       12 Crew       41.5 BP       TCS 10    TH 10    EM 0
971 km/s    JR 1-50      Armour 1-5       Shields 0-0       HTK 5      Sensors 5/5/0/0      DCR 0      PPV 0
Maint Life 7.40 Years     MSP 25    AFR 20%    IFR 0.3%    1YR 1    5YR 12    Max Repair 10 MSP
Lieutenant    Control Rating 1   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months    Morale Check Required   

J500(1-50) Military Jump Drive     Max Ship Size 500 tons    Distance 50k km     Squadron Size 1

Improved Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP9.60 (1)    Power 9.6    Fuel Use 98.03%    Signature 9.60    Explosion 7%
Fuel Capacity 95,000 Litres    Range 35.3 billion km (420 days at full power)

EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5.0     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5.0     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and planetary interaction

They are launched in August 2125, and soon afterwards the first JS-1, under command of LT Arnulfo Eichner, makes the first FTL jump in human history. After taking astrological measurements, they fix their position in the Wolf 359 system, almost 8 light years from Earth. The system is an unremarkable red dwarf star, with no orbiting planets and only a few scattered comets. Nonetheless, a hugely important mileston in human history has been reached.

It is theoretically possible to 'stabilize' a jump point, making it transitable by any ship equipped with a TN drive field, without the need for a specialized jump drive. In order to accomplish this, five jump point stabilization stations are ordered in late 2126.

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Jump Stabilization Station class Jump Stabilisation Station      50,836 tons       123 Crew       1,117.1 BP       TCS 1,017    TH 0    EM 0
1 km/s      No Armour       Shields 0-0     HTK 15      Sensors 5/5/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 0
MSP 13    Max Repair 1000 MSP
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 2   BRG   AUX   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months   
Jump Point Stabilisation: 180 days


Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1)     GPS 10     Range 4m km    MCR 359k km    Resolution 1
Active Search Sensor AS18-R100 (1)     GPS 1000     Range 18.5m km    Resolution 100
EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5.0     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5.0     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km

This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes
This design is classed as a Space Station for construction purposes


The fourth and final jump point in the solar system is charted in August 2127. By the end of that year, the the first stable jump point link has been created. Exploration of the solar jump points leads human explorers to the Luhman 16, WISE 0350-5658, and Luyten 726-8 systems, in addition to Wolf 359. Wolf 359 and Luyten 726-8 are red dwarfs, while the other two are brown dwarf systems. None possess planets.

By the end of the decade, human survey ships have surveyed every system save Luyten 726-8, whose Sol jump point 6 billion km from Earth. Five more jump points have been identified, but not yet explored. The GEC and GSC-class survey ships were never designed to operate outside the solar system, and thus, a new, dedicated high-endurance science ship is required. That ship is the Armstrong-class.

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Armstrong class Science Vessel      3,000 tons       84 Crew       424.4 BP       TCS 60    TH 56    EM 0
1248 km/s    JR 1-50      Armour 1-18       Shields 0-0       HTK 21      Sensors 5/5/1/1      DCR 1      PPV 0
Maint Life 8.28 Years     MSP 532    AFR 48%    IFR 0.7%    1YR 14    5YR 207    Max Repair 100 MSP
Commander    Control Rating 2   BRG   SCI   
Intended Deployment Time: 24 months    Morale Check Required   

J3000(1-50) Military Jump Drive     Max Ship Size 3000 tons    Distance 50k km     Squadron Size 1

HE Improved Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP37.44 (2)    Power 74.9    Fuel Use 32.32%    Signature 28.0800    Explosion 6%
Fuel Capacity 264,000 Litres    Range 49 billion km (454 days at full power)

EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5.0     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5.0     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Geological Survey Sensors (1)   1 Survey Points Per Hour
Gravitational Survey Sensors (1)   1 Survey Points Per Hour

This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes

Five ships are part of the initial order: Armstrong, Aldrin, Gagarin, Glenn, and Shepard.

Jump Network, 2130


By 2130, There are 1.03 billion Alliance citizens on Earth, 50.5 million on Mars, 39.1 million on Europa, 24.6 million on Mercury, and 20.3 million on the moon.

[Desdinova (OP)]

The First Wave of Colonization, 21230-2135
In the early months of 2130, the jump points in Wolf 359 are explored, revealing the systems of Tau Ceti and Ross 780. Both possess interesting planets:

Tau Ceti III is a desert super-Earth, with an oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere with a density of 4.36 atm. Unfortunately, its surface gravity is too high for permanent human habitation, however, due to its density, it is likely to possess valuable mineral deposits.

On the other hand, Tau Ceti IV is a bit larger than Mars, with a comfortable surface gravity of .051g. It has liquid oceans covering 40% of its surface, and is cooler than Earth, with a chilly but tolerable average surface temperature of -0.55C. It's a primordial world with a nitrogen/CO2 atmosphere of 0.263 atm. There is no magnetic field, and only minor signs of tectonic activity. The year is almost exactly as long as Earth's, and the day is 13.2 hours long. The conditions make it a perfect terraforming candidate.

Ross 780 II is a cold, tidally-locked Earth-sized world, 98% covered in water ice. With an average surface temperature of -39.5C, it's far colder than Earth, but could perhaps be terraformed. It possesses a nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere of 0.363 atm - almost breathable. This indicates that it may possess a native biosphere.

on 15 April 2130, the second jump scout makes another remarkable discovery. The second jump point in the WISE 0350-5658 system takes her to Gliese 625, another red dwarf system. Gliese 625's first planet is a remarkable super-Earth. It's 50% bigger than Earth in diameter, with a surface gravity of 1.31g, possesses a thick nitrogen/oxygen atmosphere, 69.5% ocean coverage, and a trace magnetic field. The sunward-side of the tidally-locked planet is covered in lush forests. The scout makes a quick sensor pass in an attempt to identify any possible native civilization, but finds nothing.


In September 2131, following the survey of the Tau Ceti system, civilian transports operating under a government contract being delivering infrastructure to Tau Ceti IV. By the end of the year, almost 2 million colonists have arrived on Earth's first extrasolar colony. The planet is renamed Terra Nova. Survey results are extremely promising, with every known TN mineral present in varying quantities across the system's four planets.

Settling the stars requires significant spacelift capability. In order to facilitate further colonization, a fleet of midsize freighters are ordered.

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FT-2 class Freighter      35,011 tons       111 Crew       386.3 BP       TCS 700    TH 512    EM 0
731 km/s      Armour 1-95       Shields 0-0       HTK 36      Sensors 5/5/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 0
MSP 6    Max Repair 50 MSP
Cargo 25,000    Cargo Shuttle Multiplier 1   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 1   BRG   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months   

Commercial Improved Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP128.00 (4)    Power 512    Fuel Use 7.95%    Signature 128    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 500,000 Litres    Range 32.3 billion km (511 days at full power)

Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1)     GPS 10     Range 4m km    MCR 359k km    Resolution 1
EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km

This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes


20 ships are authorized.


The survey of Ross 780 II reveals something startling: a massive artificial construct, its builder and purpose unknown. The ancient device's builders must have been foreign to the planet, as it shows no other sign of habitation or advanced life forms. The Allies agree to prioritize settling the planet in order to study the strange artifact, with the first colonists arriving in January 2133. The Ross 780 colony comes to be known as Thalassa, after the primordial sea goddess. Remarkably, in November, the survey of Gliese 625 I reveals another mysterious construct, as well as an abandoned alien outpost nearby. Whether the outpost and the construct were built by the same race is unkown, but the outpost appears to be far younger.

First Contact, 2135-2140
In January 2135, science ship Chaffee discovers a stable jump point in the Gliese 433 system. Stable jump points are not known to be a naturally-occuring phenomenon. Less than two months later, a previously unknown settlement is detected on the 9th moon of the fourth planet. Observation and transmissions from the planet clearly indicate the inhabitants are not human. The onboard first-contact teams go to work, and, almost three months later, basic communication is established with the Republic of Curium. The Curians request that the human ships withdraw from Gliese 433. It does not appear to be the their home system, rather a far-flung mining colony, even though the third planet is a good terraforming candidate, at least by human standards. The Curians seem uninterested in relating any information about their physiology. Exploration of Gliese 433's only other jump point finds no planet in that system amenable to life. A jump station is towed onto the Glise 433-Tau Ceti jump point to watch for alien activity, but none is detected. It is theoretically possible for a jump point to be only detectable from side, which may be why the Curians are never seen in the Tau Ceti system. If true, this means that they are unlikely to be the alien race responsible for the crashed probe found on Earth almost two centuries prior.

Colonists arrive on Gliese 625 in November 2135, with a purpose of studying the alien construct found there as well as the native biosphere. The construct seems to have been built by the same race that built the object on Thalassa, and both are ancient. The ruined outpost nearby is a relatively recent construction, most likely in order to study the construct, but appears to have been abandoned. The early colonists name the planet Silvanus.

The confirmation that alien civilization not only exists, but is immediately adjacent to one of Earth's colonies, sends shockwaves the Allied nations as well as Earth in general. The Allied Joint Space Force has been operating as a de facto Earth military and government for humanity's extraterrestrial colonies. In the wake of alien contact, the Allies as well as many associate nations agree to formally create a new federal government, that allows each member nation to continue managing internal affairs, gives the colonies a path to home rule, but allows for the creation of a centralized navy, army, and federal police force. Officially, this new multi-system government is named the "United Systems Federation", but outside of official correspondence, almost everyone continues to refer to it as "The Alliance". The Daring-class are the first ships admitted to the now official Alliance navy, and are reclassified as missile destroyers.

Although the Curians seem disinterested in humanity for now, there is concern that a military conflict could erupt, with them or another undiscovered race. In order to provide early warning, the destroyer Brilliant is dispatched to drop sensor buoys throughout known space.

Explored Space, 2135, Post First Contact



There has been rapid advance in drive technology since the Daring-class was designed, therefore, a replacement class, the Vigilant, is drawn up. Although almost 20% smaller than the Daring, they retain most of the firepower while boasting a more than 50% increase in speed. The Alliance navy plans to order 20 ships, with the first five being laid down in mid-2137.

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Vigilant class Missile Destroyer      5,000 tons       106 Crew       706 BP       TCS 100    TH 240    EM 0
4800 km/s      Armour 3-26       Shields 0-0       HTK 29      Sensors 5/5/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 22.2
Maint Life 3.77 Years     MSP 952    AFR 133%    IFR 1.9%    1YR 105    5YR 1,572    Max Repair 180 MSP
Magazine 108   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 2   BRG   AUX   
Intended Deployment Time: 12 months    Morale Check Required   

Improved Nuclear Pulse Engine  EP240.00 (2)    Power 480    Fuel Use 78.08%    Signature 120.0    Explosion 12%
Fuel Capacity 454,000 Litres    Range 20.9 billion km (50 days at full power)

10cm Railgun V10/C3 (2x4)    Range 10,000km     TS: 4,800 km/s     Power 3-3     RM 10,000 km    ROF 5       
Beam Fire Control R48-TS4800 (1)     Max Range: 48,000 km   TS: 4,800 km/s     79 58 38 17 0 0 0 0 0 0
Improved Pebble Bed Reactor R6-PB30 (1)     Total Power Output 6    Exp 15%

Size 6 Box Launcher Mk I (18)     Missile Size: 6    Hangar Reload 122 minutes    MF Reload 20 hours
Missile Fire Control FC28-R100 (1)     Range 28.7m km    Resolution 100
Size 6 ASM Mk II (18)    Speed: 14,000 km/s    End: 32.7m     Range: 27.5m km    WH: 4    Size: 6    TH: 70/42/21

Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1)     GPS 10     Range 4m km    MCR 359k km    Resolution 1
Active Search Sensor AS26-R100 (1)     GPS 2000     Range 26.2m km    Resolution 100
EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km

Missile to hit chances are vs targets moving at 3000 km/s, 5000 km/s and 10,000 km/s

This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes

There is concern that relying on missiles for anti-ship armament could backfire. Both the Daring and Vigilant classes rely on shore facilities that exist only on Earth in order to reload, and missile stockpiles might be depleted in a sustained conflict. Therefore, plans are also drawn up for a combat cruiser armed with long-range particle beams as a primary weapon. The Chicago class begins construction in July 2138, with plans for 10 ships.

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Chicago class Cruiser      12,000 tons       359 Crew       1,971.2 BP       TCS 240    TH 576    EM 0
4800 km/s      Armour 6-46       Shields 0-0       HTK 71      Sensors 5/5/0/0      DCR 7      PPV 36
Maint Life 2.58 Years     MSP 1,118    AFR 165%    IFR 2.3%    1YR 235    5YR 3,531    Max Repair 288 MSP
Troop Capacity 200 tons     Boarding Capable   
Captain    Control Rating 4   BRG   AUX   ENG   FLG   
Intended Deployment Time: 12 months    Morale Check Required   

Improved Nuclear Pulse Engine  EP384.00 (3)    Power 1152    Fuel Use 61.73%    Signature 192.0    Explosion 12%
Fuel Capacity 849,000 Litres    Range 20.6 billion km (49 days at full power)

Particle Beam-3 (4)    Range 150,000km     TS: 4,800 km/s     Power 7-3    ROF 15       
10cm Railgun V10/C3 (4x4)    Range 10,000km     TS: 4,800 km/s     Power 3-3     RM 10,000 km    ROF 5       
Beam Fire Control R192-TS4800 (1)     Max Range: 192,000 km   TS: 4,800 km/s     95 90 84 79 74 69 64 58 53 48
Beam Fire Control R48-TS4800 (1)     Max Range: 48,000 km   TS: 4,800 km/s     79 58 38 17 0 0 0 0 0 0
Improved Pebble Bed Reactor R12-PB30 (2)     Total Power Output 24    Exp 15%

Active Search Sensor AS36-R200 (1)     GPS 5000     Range 36.9m km    Resolution 200
Active Search Sensor AS6-R1 (1)     GPS 25     Range 6.3m km    MCR 567.7k km    Resolution 1
EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km

This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes

Exploration continues apace throughout the second half of the decade. In March 2139, an unknown alien spacecraft is detected in the Altair system. Human scouts are forced to withdraw to refuel, having failed to establish communications. In August 2140, the same race is detected in Gliese 625. Communication is finally established in mid-September 2140 with the Ndjamena Alliance. The Ndjamena presence in Gliese 625 is troubling to the human leadership, as they seem to reject humanity's claim on the system. A task force of 10 destroyers is dispatched in order to protect the Silvanus colony.

Another troubling development occurs in June 2141, when Ndjamena transports land materiel and ground troops on Silvanus. Although they have yet to take any hostile action, the presence of alien ground troops on a human colony world is seen as a flagrant violation of the Alliance's territory. Human protests are ignored. Alliance leadership is in a bad position - they aren't prepared to defend against a ground attack, and the alien space strength is completely unknown. If Altair is their home system, they are likely to be roughly equivalent to humanity technologically, but there is no way to be sure.

Human fleet strength stands at 30 missile destroyers: 15 Daring and 15 Vigilant class, and five newly-commissioned Chicago-class cruisers. The cruisers and five new destroyers are fresh out of the yard and not at an adequate level of operational readiness. The Alliance army consists only of survey and engineering units, with no front-line combat troops. The Colonial Marshals are a civilian police force with only light weapons; although a sizeable force is enroute, their combat effectiveness in the event of an alien ground attack is questionable.

An emergency meeting of the federal parliament agrees to take no immediate hostile action until Silvanus can be reinforced. The colonial marshals will land in force, dig in, and wait for reinforcements. Several member states will contribute troops that will begin immediate training for deployment. If ground superiority can be achieved, then Alliance will do whatever it takes to remove the Ndjamena from the system.

Known Space, 2140

[Desdinova (OP)]

The Silvanus Crisis

Amid the ongoing tensions in Gliese 625, ships from the Republic of Curium are detected in Tau Ceti. Unlike the Ndjamena, they accept the Alliance's claim on the system and depart without complaint. This does dispel the idea that the jump link was one-way, as they apparently discovered it on their own.

On 10 September 2141, the Ndjamena Alliance delivers a formal message claiming ownership of the Gliese 625 system and demanding the removal of the human colony on Silvanus. The Alliance fleet is dispatched immediately from Earth, a journey of only about 11 days. Almost the entire human fleet takes up station in the inner system, within missile range of the colony.

On October 22nd, the Ndjamena threaten that if human ships don't immediately leave the system, they will be fired upon. The Fleet commander, Rear Admiral Lisa Mertens, aboard Alexandria, decides to call their bluff. The Ndjamena ships begin darting towards and away the colony and the assembled human fleet, as if trying to bait a response. Mertens takes no action.

On 5 November, the outnumbered Ndjamena ships retreat through the jump point, destroying the Alliance sensor buoy placed there.  Admiral Mertens orders the task force to take up station on the jump point, in case they return in force. 12 days later, the Ndjamena send a message buoy through the jump point, claiming that they will no longer consider human forces hostile. This seems to imply that they will tolerate the human colony on Silvanus; Admiral Mertens isn't sure if this is a sincere attempt at deescalation or a ploy. She decides to stay on the jump point until the troop transports, now only days away, arrive.

On December 3rd, five detachments of Colonial Marshals arrive on-planet. Although not trained or equipped to fight a war, they're the closest thing to soldiers the Alliance has at the moment. At any rate, they mean the colony is no longer totally undefended. With over 8,000 men, they may be enough to deter the Ndjamena, or at least delay them enough for help to arrive from Earth.

On December 6th, a fleet of Ndjamena civilian ships, escorted by two destroyers, appears on the jump point. By December 10th, the Ndjamena have not made any hostile action, but neither have they made any attempt at communication. Admiral Mertens faces a difficult choice. She can't stay on the jump point forever. But if she returns to Earth, she may be handing the system, and the colony, to the Ndjamena. But if she stays, she may be risking further escalation and even destruction - the brief standoff revealed the enemy warships have a maximum speed of almost 7,000 km/s, more than twice the Daring-class, and that they are equipped with lasers far more powerful than human technology can build. The Ndjamena made no attempt to fire missiles during the standoff, despite being within the human ships missile range, leading her to surmise that the Ndjamena may not even use missiles. Her fleet has full magazines, but no reloads, and if that fails to stop an enemy they have no hope of escape. The enemy is fast enough that a human missile may only have a 50% chance to hit.

She makes the difficult decision to return to Earth, hoping only that she's bought enough time.

[Desdinova (OP)]

Escalation
Hopes for a diplomatic solution are short-lived. In March 2142, the Ndjamena return to Gliese 625 and again demand that humanity withdraw from the system. Unfortunately, the Alliance has no means of evacuating the 700,000 colonists on Silvanus, and no intention abandoning them to an alien empire. As a quick reaction task force is dispatched from Earth, the Ndjamena land additional troops on the planet.

Far away from the escalating crisis in Gliese 625, survey ships in the Lacaille 9352 system discover a third ancient construct on the third planet of that system.

July 13, 2142: Alliance troop transports have arrived in-system with five battalions of light infantry. Two Ndjamena ships pass through the jump point, and intelligence identifies them as likely troop transports. Rear Admiral Mertens orders them to be turned back at any cost. Five destroyers are sent out to intercept. The transports ignore a warning shot from Albatross and continue holding a steady course towards the planet. With no other option, the transports are engaged and eventually destroyed by railgun fire, although it takes several minutes of concentrated fire to chew through their thick armor. The Alliance destroyer squadron recovers 227 survivors and returns them to Silvanus.

There is considerable shock when the first life pods are brought aboard. No human has ever seen an alien to face before, although orbital imaging captured several images of the Curians in Gliese 433 with enough resolution to indicate that that species is not remotely humanoid, but has a centauroid body plan. The Ndjamena, on the other hand, are outwardly indistinguishable from humans, which seems impossible to have occured naturally. But there are physiological differences - the Ndjamena are adapted for a thicker atmosphere, with a partial pressure of oxygen high enough to cause toxicity in humans. Earthlike conditions are uncomfortable for them. No useful information is recovered from interrogating the frightened, wounded survivors, who are entirely enlisted crewmen and soldiers, other than confirming that their mission was to reinforce their presence on Silvanus and presumably conquer the human colony.

As the transports prepare to unload, Alliance reconaissance reports the existence of Ndjamena surface-to-orbit batteries on the planet, having presumably been part of the last transport run. They haven't engaged the human forces for reasons unknown, although Alliance leadership surmises the equipment takes time to install. The human ships in orbit beign a brutal preliminary bombardment of Ndjamena positions, desparate to knock out these batteries before they can be brought online. They succeed, but only after inflicting brutal damage to the planet and its native biosphere. When the railguns stop shooting, the temperature on the planet has been reduced by 50 degrees C from atmospheric dust.

After Alliance troops land, the Ndjamena begin a full-scale assault on the human colony. But the previous bombardment destroyed most of the Ndjamena supply capacity, and so the situation quickly grinds into a stalemate. It quickly becomes clear that the Ndjamena far outmatch humanity technologically. The human soldiers are equipped with the first generation of powered infantry armor, but it offers little protection against the advanced enemy lasers. Meanwhile, the enemy armor is almost completely proof against human small arms - even orbital railgun support sometimes fails to penetrate Ndjamena vehicle armor. But a lucky shot can still an Ndjamena trooper, and with a five-to-one numerical advantage, as well as orbital bombardment support, the casualty numbers favor the humans. Luckily, the Ndjamena have only a few anti-air vehicles on planet, and no tanks or other combat vehicles. On September 24th, the enemy finally ceases their attack, after both sides have suffered about 200 casualties, or 40% of the Ndjamena force.

On 24 September, an enemy civilian ship, presumed to be a freighter, enters the system and is destroyed in orbit of asteroid #30, a presumed Ndjamena mining colony.

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Callisto class Patrol Ship      5,000 tons       120 Crew       654.5 BP       TCS 100    TH 240    EM 0
4800 km/s      Armour 3-26       Shields 0-0       HTK 32      Sensors 5/5/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 6
Maint Life 3.18 Years     MSP 702    AFR 133%    IFR 1.9%    1YR 104    5YR 1,563    Max Repair 180 MSP
Troop Capacity 800 tons     Boarding Capable   
Lieutenant Commander    Control Rating 2   BRG   AUX   
Intended Deployment Time: 12 months    Morale Check Required   

Improved Nuclear Pulse Engine  EP240.00 (2)    Power 480    Fuel Use 78.08%    Signature 120.0    Explosion 12%
Fuel Capacity 514,000 Litres    Range 23.7 billion km (57 days at full power)

10cm Railgun V10/C3 (2x4)    Range 10,000km     TS: 4,800 km/s     Power 3-3     RM 10,000 km    ROF 5       
Beam Fire Control R48-TS4800 (1)     Max Range: 48,000 km   TS: 4,800 km/s     79 58 38 17 0 0 0 0 0 0
Improved Pebble Bed Reactor R6-PB30 (1)     Total Power Output 6    Exp 15%

Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1)     GPS 10     Range 4m km    MCR 359k km    Resolution 1
EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km

This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes

The Callisto-class were designed to meet a perceived need for a patrol vessel capable of boarding other starships and conducting routine police & antipiracy patrols. It shares a common drive section with the Vigilant-class destroyer, but has the capacity for 800 tons of Marines. It was hoped that in war time, these ships could be used to board and capture disabled enemy vessels. Whether that strategy will be employable against the  Ndjamena remains to be seen. After the first order of five ships is delivered, the yard is converted to produce more Vigilant-class destroyers, as the Alliance has a much more pressing need for missile destroyers than for police cutters.

With a lull in the fighting on Silvanus, the Alliance is able to bring in reinforcements, including logistics and artillery support. The enemy garrison on Silvanus is finally defeated on 19 March 2143. The Chicago-class cruisers return immediately to Earth for a badly-needed overhaul, having expended almost all of their maintenance supplies in the ground support role. Augusta and Kyoto, in particular, have suffered engine damage from the sustained campaign and are no longer combat-effective.

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Anzio class Assault Ship      15,598 tons       138 Crew       508.6 BP       TCS 312    TH 512    EM 0
1641 km/s      Armour 1-55       Shields 0-0       HTK 47      Sensors 5/5/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 0
MSP 20    Max Repair 200 MSP
Troop Capacity 5,000 tons     Drop Capable    Cargo Shuttle Multiplier 1   
Lieutenant    Control Rating 1   BRG   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months   

Commercial Improved Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP128.00 (4)    Power 512    Fuel Use 7.95%    Signature 128    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 250,000 Litres    Range 36.3 billion km (255 days at full power)

Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1)     GPS 10     Range 4m km    MCR 359k km    Resolution 1
Active Search Sensor AS18-R100 (1)     GPS 1000     Range 18.5m km    Resolution 100
EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km

This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes

Forced to rely on slow and antiquated troop transports, the Alliance desperately needs a faster, more capable assault ship with orbital drop capability. The Anzio-class is a stopgap measure designed to fill that role until the larger, planned Normandy-class can be constructed. Both classes are compromise designs, using the proven nuclear thermal commercial engine technology, for which tooling already exists. The first three Anzi-class ships are launched in June 2144.

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Normandy class Assault Ship      51,019 tons       348 Crew       2,012.1 BP       TCS 1,020    TH 1,024    EM 0
1003 km/s      Armour 4-122       Shields 0-0       HTK 128      Sensors 5/5/0/0      DCR 1      PPV 0
MSP 24    Max Repair 200 MSP
Troop Capacity 25,000 tons     Drop Capable    Cargo Shuttle Multiplier 1   
Captain    Control Rating 2   BRG   ENG   
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months   

Commercial Improved Nuclear Thermal Engine  EP128.00 (8)    Power 1024    Fuel Use 7.95%    Signature 128    Explosion 5%
Fuel Capacity 500,000 Litres    Range 22.2 billion km (255 days at full power)

Active Search Sensor AS3-R1 (1)     GPS 10     Range 4m km    MCR 359k km    Resolution 1
Active Search Sensor AS18-R100 (1)     GPS 1000     Range 18.5m km    Resolution 100
EM Sensor EM1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km
Thermal Sensor TH1.0-5.0 (1)     Sensitivity 5     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  17.7m km

This design is classed as a Commercial Vessel for maintenance purposes

The Normandy class enters service in December 2144. These ships are slower, but have armor, and can embark and drop an entire battalion.

After the defeat of Ndjamena ground forces, no enemy ships are sighted in Gliese until July 2145, when two more troop transports enter the system. They turn tail when they spot the Earth force in orbit, but are intercepted and destroyed.

Alliance intelligence is looking for ways to explain why the Ndjamena haven't committed any combat units to the system since the outbreak of hostilities, and believe that there are a few likely explanations: they may place little strategic value on Gliese, and have essentially written of the system; they may be fortifying on the other side of the jump point, hoping Alliance forces will blunder into a trap; they may be occupied elsewhere, in another external or internal conflict; they may be overconfident due to the technological disparity and may not believe the Alliance poses a credible threat. They clearly weren't expecting the Alliance to be maintaining a constant watch on Silvanus, having entered the system with an unescorted troop transport.

Sure enough, in November, another troop transport enters the system, escorted by a 13,000-ton cruiser, but Silvanus is very close to the jump point at this point in its orbit and both ships are able to escape after detecting the Alliance fleet.

By December 2145, five battalions equipped with ground-based surface-to-orbit particle beam have been raised on Earth. These units are immediately dispatched for Silvanus. with 12 emplacements per battalion, they pack a powerful anti-ship punch, although from the apparent effectiveness of Ndjamena armor, it may not be enough.

In May 2146, another troop transport escorted by a Taugh-class cruiser appears in the system. This time, the Alliance fleet is able to engage. The first task force of ten Vigilant-class destroyers attempts to lock their missiles on the enemy cruiser, but finds the enemy is equipped with a powerful ECM suite. After burn-through of the enemy jammers, a full salvo of 180 missiles is launched. The Alliance discovers, unhappily, that their Mk II anti-ship missiles only have a 18% hit rate against the enemy, which withstands two such volleys without internal damage. With their ammunition expended, the task force decides to close on the enemy. Their first volley of railgun fire does inflict internal damage on the cruiser, but in closing the distance, destroyer Fortune is struck by two laser volleys and explodes. 28 crewmen survive out of a crew of 106.

The brief engagement is the first battle in space between Ndjamena and Alliance forces. The Ndjamena seem to heavily favor powerful, fast laser-armed warships. They do possess very good point-defense fire control, but would still be vulnerable to mass box-launcher strikes - provided the Alliance missiles could hit anything. But the Alliance dependence on box launchers is a critical weakness when defending Silvanus, as they have to return to Earth to reload. One school of thought proposes that the Alliance should fight the Ndjamena on their terms: with a fleet of fast beam vessels designed to out-speed and out-range the enemy. It is technically possible to build a ship capable of matching the speed of Ndjamena warships, although not very efficiently.