Chapter I: The Rise of the Terran Republic

[Cavgunner (OP)]

July 13, 2054

Following the Fleet's successful mission at Struve 2398 it returned to Earth for a routine rest and refit.  Admiral Conway was reviewing crew assessments in her London office.  Crew readiness was slowly improving, she noted, but was still not satisfactory.  A cough at her door caught her attention, and she looked up.  Her operations officer, Commander (formerly Lieutenant Commander) Christopher Butler stood in the entryway holding a tablet.  He seemed to be searching for something to say, but couldn't find the words.

"Yes, Chris?" she asked.  "Good grief man.  Come on then, spit it out.  What is it?"

Butler stepped forward, and placed the tablet on her desk.  "Ah... ma'am, I-  you'd better just take a look at this." 

The color drained away from Conway's face as she read the words on the screen.  "No..."

Conway flew out of the office, Butler close behind her.

[Cavgunner (OP)]

Pathfinder is certainly an interesting approach to survey work.

Thanks, but I assume you mean Farsight?  The Pathfinders are the old, unarmed exploration ships that the Farsight frigates will replace. 

[Cavgunner (OP)]

They are fairly ordinary light carriers relying entirely on their parasites for surveying.

That's true.  However, much like the Hoff, they are a big deal in the Republic.

[Cavgunner (OP)]

July 31, 2054

The funeral of First Minister Edward Perkins was the largest state event in the young Republic's history.  Over one million mourners crammed London's streets to observe the funeral procession.  The service at St. Paul's Cathedral was attended by a veritable who's-who of dignitaries from Earth and its young colonies, and was watched live by hundreds of millions more via the Net.  The First Minister's ashes will be spread in an undisclosed location, per his will.  The First Minister is survived by his son, Daniel. 

The First Minister died on July 13 after a recreational vehicle accident near his home of Bayou Le Batre, Gulf Coast District.  Foul play is not suspected.  Councilwoman Shapa Akkineni has been appointed minister pro-tem pending a formal ratification.


**********************


A woman and a small boy embraced each other on a pristine piece of shoreline overlooking a shimmering stretch of the Gulf of Mexico.  There were no VIPs here, no security detail, no reporters, no news-drones.  Just the waves lapping lazily at the shore, and the orange sun dipping into the west.  Its blazing reflection transformed the water into a sea of silver and gold.  Far in the distance, a returning shrimper sounded its horn. 

Sophia looked down at the boy huddled up against her, and clutched his small hand more tightly.  All of seven years old.  By the time she retired, if she lived that long, he'd be a grown man.  His exhausted sobs had died down to an occasional, silent shudder against her body. 

"I'm sorry, Danny.  I'm so sorry about your dad.  He- we didn't quite get along all of the time.  But the one thing we always agreed on is that we both loved you more than anything."  Sophia sighed deeply, enjoying his warmth against her.  "I know I haven't been around very much.  And I'm afraid that it's going to be a while yet before I have the freedom to see you as much as I'd like to.  Do you understand that?" 

The boy brushed his tears away with his sleeve.  "It's okay," he said quietly.  "I'm sorry for crying."

Sophia held him even closer, if that was possible.  "Danny, you never need to apologize to anyone for that.  Not ever."  She stood up and held out her hand.  "Come then.  There is one more thing we have to do for him." 

With her other hand Sophia opened the leather satchel slung on her shoulder, retrieving the simple urn it contained.  Together they walked barefoot in the warm sand toward the edge of the water.

[Garfunkel]

Pathfinder is certainly an interesting approach to survey work.

Given that the Pathfinders themsleves aren't actually capable of survey work, I would dispute that.  They are fairly ordinary light carriers relying entirely on their parasites for surveying.

Yes, I meant that players rarely bother arming them that way or at all - survey carriers in themselves are not a new or novel concept. In a way it's closer to those Star Trek Enterprise designs people have built. And yes, I meant Farsight, got the two mixed up.

[Cavgunner (OP)]

January - December, 2055

2055 has been a relatively peaceful year.  The only major fleet action was at Wolf 359.  Upon entering the system, the Fleet encountered two Zhuk attack boats, and no other ships.  These hostiles were swiftly eliminated. 





With Wolf 359 cleared, the only remaining known Ancient Guardian presense is at Hussey 644, aka "The Boneyard."  Because the system is so far from Earth - eighteen jumps, round trip - an assault against this stronghold has not yet been authorized.  Although the frontier seems quiet at the moment, in truth there are a large number of outlying systems that are totally unexplored.

The Republic's economy has been a mixed bag.  On one hand, the government is finally running a consistent budget surplus.  For the first time in years, credit is in good supply.  On the other hand, Earth's industries have been experiencing a mild Duranium crunch.  This has been partially alleviated by modest shipments of Duranium from the colonies, but even so, this resource is being consumed considerably faster than it is being produced.

The most important news of the year occurred on December 19, with the development of the Internal Confinement Fusion Drive.  The Republic versions of this system are directly descended from Ancient Guardian and Corronian propulsion units and design theory.  The "ICFD" system represents a 25% increase in power, per ton, over comparable Magneto-Plasma drives.  Although the large ship-based engines will take several more months to design and enter production in quantity, a number of systems for fighter-based craft were developed almost immediately. 

The Starhawk Mk Ib space superiority fighter is an improved version of the prototype Starhawk (aka MK I).  The Mk Ib is considerably faster than its predecessor, being able to outpace and outmaneuver the Fang fighter-boat.   The railgun targeting system is a more compact model, and the active sensor has also been miniaturized to the smallest possible size.  As a result of these changes, the crew requirement has dropped to only 3: the pilot, copilot/navigator, and electronics operator.  Range remains limited, but has nevertheless been improved by approximately 500 million kilometers.  The inclusion of the active probe remains controversial, but military planners contend that it is necessary so that Starhawk squadrons stationed in remote regions will be able to work in conjunction with planetary-based passive sensor arrays.  The Mk Ib was intentionally kept to less than 400 tons so that a Farsight-class frigate could accommodate up to five of them, if necessary.  With these improvements the Starhawk is not only a useful short-range strike weapon but also a highly effective tool for anti-missile defense.

Code: [Select]

Starhawk Mk Ib class Fighter    397 tons     3 Crew     132.775 BP      TCS 7.94  TH 32.55  EM 0
11712 km/s     Armour 1-4     Shields 0-0     Sensors 1/1/0/0     Damage Control Rating 0     PPV 3
Maint Life 0 Years     MSP 0    AFR 79%    IFR 1.1%    1YR 19    5YR 288    Max Repair 81.375 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 0.1 months    Spare Berths 1   

General Dynamics 93 EP Internal Fusion Drive (1)    Power 93    Fuel Use 145.07%    Signature 32.55    Exp 15%
Fuel Capacity 15 000 Litres    Range 4.7 billion km   (4 days at full power)

Bofors AB 10cm Railgun V3/C3 (1x4)    Range 30 000km     TS: 11712 km/s     Power 3-3     RM 3    ROF 5        1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bofors Starhawk Fire Control S00.5 32-3000 (FTR) (1)    Max Range: 64 000 km   TS: 12000 km/s     84 69 53 37 22 6 0 0 0 0
General Dynamics "Triple Three" Stellarator Fusion Reactor Technology PB-1 (1)     Total Power Output 3    Armour 0    Exp 5%

Raytheon Microglass II Active Search Sensor MR0-R10 (1)     GPS 21     Range 730k km    Resolution 10

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and maintenance purposes


The Lewis-class Geological Survey Vessels and the Clark-class Gravitational Survey Vessels represent the next stage in the Fleet's exploration mission.  Relatively short-ranged, these ships are meant to operate from a nearby carrier ship such as the Farsight-class.  Due to their improved survey sensors these tiny craft are a far more efficient alternative to the aging Pathfinder-class exploration ships.  In design these ships are essentially identical to each other, except for the survey units they operate.  The inclusion of an Internal Confinement Fusion Drive means that these ships can, if needed, just barely outrun the larger Ancient Guardian ships that the Republic has encountered.

Accompanying the Lewis and Clark survey ships is the Sacagawea-class Buoy Tender.  Smaller and somewhat slower than its compatriots, this vessel is exclusively designed to replace the Pathfinder in the buoy deployment role.  The Sacagawea deploys a size 2 buoy, designated the Terrier.  Despite the tiny size of this buoy its active sensor radius is superior to that of the size 6 Beagle.  The compactness of the Terrier also means that an impressive load of 35 units can be carried within the Sacagawea's magazine. 

When performing their exploration mission the Farsight frigates will generally operate two each of the Lewis and Clark, and one Sacagawea. 

Code: [Select]

Lewis class Geological Survey Vessel    410 tons     13 Crew     199 BP      TCS 8.2  TH 14  EM 0
4878 km/s     Armour 1-4     Shields 0-0     Sensors 1/1/0/2     Damage Control Rating 0     PPV 0
Maint Life 2.09 Years     MSP 30    AFR 13%    IFR 0.2%    1YR 9    5YR 138    Max Repair 150 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 3.6 months    Spare Berths 0   

General Dynamics 40 EP Internal Fusion Drive (1)    Power 40    Fuel Use 49%    Signature 14    Exp 10%
Fuel Capacity 10 000 Litres    Range 9.0 billion km   (21 days at full power)

Improved Geological Sensors (1)   2 Survey Points Per Hour

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and maintenance purposes


Code: [Select]

Clark class Gravitational Survey Vessel    410 tons     13 Crew     199 BP      TCS 8.2  TH 14  EM 0
4878 km/s     Armour 1-4     Shields 0-0     Sensors 1/1/2/0     Damage Control Rating 0     PPV 0
Maint Life 2.09 Years     MSP 30    AFR 13%    IFR 0.2%    1YR 9    5YR 138    Max Repair 150 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 3.6 months    Spare Berths 0   

General Dynamics 40 EP Internal Fusion Drive (1)    Power 40    Fuel Use 49%    Signature 14    Exp 10%
Fuel Capacity 10 000 Litres    Range 9.0 billion km   (21 days at full power)

Improved Gravitational Sensors (1)   2 Survey Points Per Hour

This design is classed as a Fighter for production, combat and maintenance purposes


Code: [Select]

Sacagawea class Buoy Tender    328 tons     6 Crew     52 BP      TCS 6.55  TH 7  EM 0
3053 km/s     Armour 1-4     Shields 0-0     Sensors 1/1/0/0     Damage Control Rating 0     PPV 0.5
Maint Life 12.26 Years     MSP 25    AFR 3%    IFR 0%    1YR 0    5YR 5    Max Repair 17.5 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months    Spare Berths 0   
Magazine 70   

General Dynamics 20 EP Internal Fusion Drive (1)    Power 20    Fuel Use 49.5%    Signature 7    Exp 10%
Fuel Capacity 10 000 Litres    Range 11.1 billion km   (42 days at full power)

Raytheon Buoy Launcher Size 2 Missile Launcher (25% Reduction) (1)    Missile Size 2    Rate of Fire 6000
Terrier Size 2 Buoy (35)  Speed: 0 km/s   End: 0m    Range: 0m km   WH: 0    Size: 2    TH: 0/0/0

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 Fighter for production, combat and maintenance purposes


[Cavgunner (OP)]

KNOWN SPACE:  2056

[Cavgunner (OP)]

October 19, 2057

The Republic has experienced nearly two years of peace.  Even though the borders of known space continue to be slowly pushed back, humanity has yet to encounter another spacefaring civilization. 

With no real outside threats to contend with, the Republic has focused on growth and consolidation.  The colonies are for the most part vibrant and healthy, and they are already making meaningful contributions to the wider Republic.  The "mild" Duranium crunch of 2056 nearly became a full-on disaster that was averted only because some of the colonies, particularly Darwin, were producing just enough Duranium to prevent Earth's industries from grinding to a complete halt.  Duranium stocks are currently hovering around 2300 units, and seem to be increasing slowly as mining capacity is enhanced.  Gallicite stocks have also been nearly exhausted by starship drive and missile construction, so an eye is being kept on those reserves as well.

As noted earlier, the ocean-world of Darwin is well on its way to becoming a major mining center.  Great pains are being taken to ensure that the environment is not unduly impacted by these efforts.  Darwin is also notable for being the first Republic world to have fully completed its terraforming regimen.  The last traces of atmospheric ammonia were extracted about a year ago, and the oxygen level became Earth-compatible about a month ago.  Darwin has finally become the warm and gentle ocean paradise that the Republic has long promised. 

At present, most ships in the Fleet are either undergoing or awaiting refits to upgrade their drive units, armor belts, sensors, and targeting systems.  A new series of missiles has also been introduced.  The size-1 Flash is an upgrade to the Dart, while the size-5 Harpoon is derived from the Javelin.  Compared to their predecessors both missiles are faster, longer ranged, and more maneuverable.  It will, however, be at least a few years before these weapons are available in enough quantity to equip the entire Fleet. 

Code: [Select]

"Flash" AMM (Dart series)
Missile Size: 1 MSP  (0.05 HS)     Warhead: 1    Armour: 0     Manoeuvre Rating: 11
Speed: 52500 km/s    Engine Endurance: 8 minutes   Range: 24.9m km
Cost Per Missile: 0.9264
Chance to Hit: 1k km/s 577.5%   3k km/s 187%   5k km/s 115.5%   10k km/s 57.7%
Materials Required:    0.25x Tritanium   0.6764x Gallicite   Fuel x72.5

Development Cost for Project: 93RP


Code: [Select]

"Harpoon" medium ASM (Javelin series)
Missile Size: 5 MSP  (0.25 HS)     Warhead: 9    Armour: 0     Manoeuvre Rating: 11
Speed: 36400 km/s    Engine Endurance: 79 minutes   Range: 172.9m km
Thermal Sensor Strength: 0.0302    Detect Sig Strength 1000:  30 200 km
Cost Per Missile: 4.6692
Chance to Hit: 1k km/s 400.4%   3k km/s 132%   5k km/s 80.1%   10k km/s 40%
Materials Required:    2.25x Tritanium   0.018x Boronide   0.0302x Uridium   2.371x Gallicite   Fuel x1075

Development Cost for Project: 467RP



Once the Republic's Duranium stocks return to sustainability Space Command has bold plans to introduce a series of new planetary defense bases.  Foremost among these is the Cheyenne Mountain-class planetary missile base.  As the colonies have grown their requests for local protection have become increasingly vociferous.  To meet this growing need for local planetary defense the Cheyenne Mountain bases will be prefabricated on Earth and shipped to the colonies in sections, who will then assemble them on-site. 

Initially the Cheyenne Mountain was conceived as a platform for deploying massive, very long ranged MIRV-capable missiles.  While promising, in order to avoid designing a whole host of new technologies it was decided that for now the base should be able to utilize existing stocks of warheads.  The anti-ship barrage that this base can throw into space is still rather fearsome, comparatively speaking.  The base also provides surrounding space with a reasonable measure of anti-warhead and anti-small-craft defense.  A trio of Phalanx CIWS arrays provide a last-ditch screen in the event that the anti-missile systems are insufficient.  As a PDC the armor protection of the Cheyenne Mountain is exceptionally thick.  In theory, it could sustain dozens of direct fusion strikes and remain fully operational.  Furthermore the massive reinforced ammunition bay, second only to that of a Red Oak Victory collier, allows for extended barrages to overcome the point defense of any target.  Finally, since the Cheyenne Mountain is designed as a planet's main (and perhaps only) armed planetary base, it features a Flag Bridge to effectively coordinate all local operations.  The Republic plans to field at least one of these bases on each major world, and in time, to seed asteroids and other planetary bodies near jump points with these units as well.

Code: [Select]

Cheyenne Mountain class Missile Base    25 000 tons     460 Crew     4471.4 BP      TCS 500  TH 0  EM 0
Armour 32-76     Sensors 1/210     Damage Control Rating 0     PPV 93
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months    Spare Berths 1   
Flag Bridge    Magazine 1965   

Phalanx ROF 4 CIWS-120 (3x4)    Range 1000 km     TS: 12000 km/s     ROF 5       Base 50% To Hit
Raytheon RL 20 PDC Size 5 Missile Launcher (15)    Missile Size 5    Rate of Fire 20
Raytheon RL 5 PDC Size 1 Missile Launcher (18)    Missile Size 1    Rate of Fire 5
Raytheon "Longbow" Missile Fire Control FC173-R100 (1)     Range 173.3m km    Resolution 100
Raytheon "Bullseye II" Missile Fire Control FC24-R1 (3)     Range 24.2m km    Resolution 1
Harpoon Size 5 Anti-ship Missile (321)  Speed: 36 400 km/s   End: 79.1m    Range: 172.9m km   WH: 9    Size: 5    TH: 133/80/40
Flash Size 1 Anti-missile Missile (360)  Speed: 52 500 km/s   End: 7.9m    Range: 24.9m km   WH: 1    Size: 1    TH: 192/115/57

Raytheon "UV" Active Search Sensor MR23-R1 (1)     GPS 210     Range 23.1m km    MCR 2.5m km    Resolution 1
Raytheon "Clear Sky" Active Search Sensor MR161-R100 (1)     GPS 14700     Range 161.7m km    Resolution 100

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 Planetary Defence Centre and can be pre-fabricated in 10 sections



The Offutt-class fighter base will be a vast improvement over the old Hickam-class (which was essentially just a lightly armored hangar).  The Offutt features integral refueling and maintenance capability for its squadrons.  The dual Phalanx systems provide a small measure of self-defense ability, but the base's true defense lies in its heavy armor protection.  Although not nearly as tough as the Cheyenne Mountain-class, the Offutt-class can still take a beating and remain functional.  Because the Offutt is relatively simple, small, and compact it can be locally produced on nearly any colony world, or it can be prefabricated for deployment to remote locations.  The Offutt-class will be the key ingredient toward Space Command's long-delayed dream of seeding strategically important sites with starfighter garrisons.

Code: [Select]

Offutt class Fighter Base    12 450 tons     123 Crew     1601.8 BP      TCS 249  TH 0  EM 0
Armour 20-47     Sensors 1/0     Damage Control Rating 0     PPV 0
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months    Flight Crew Berths 1   
Hangar Deck Capacity 6000 tons     Magazine 234   

Fuel Capacity 250 000 Litres    Range N/A
Phalanx ROF 4 CIWS-120 (2x4)    Range 1000 km     TS: 12000 km/s     ROF 5       Base 50% To Hit

This design is classed as a Planetary Defence Centre and can be pre-fabricated in 5 sections



Although the Fleet has proven very effective at annihilating potential threats to the Republic, it is also very expensive to operate.  Over the last few years military planners have come to realize that the Republic would benefit from having a second-line spacefaring security force equivalent to the old Coast Guards of the Chinese and American navies.  The ships of this force would be small, modestly armed, and short-legged.  However they would be far better suited for low-intensity tasks such as convoy escort, customs work, and peacetime planetary security.  They would also ensure that important systems would always have some level of mobile fighting capability in the event of an unforeseeable calamity. 

Enter the Mellor-class Insystem Patrol Cutter.  By Republic standards the Mellor-class is quite small at 4,800 tons.  It is also relatively slow at 4166 km/s, even with an Internal Confinement drive.  However, this speed is still more than enough to overtake all civilian commercial designs currently in service.  For main firepower the cutter utilizes a trio of Raytheon Size 5 missile launchers.  These launchers, the active sensors, and the targeting systems are all common to designs now entering use across the Fleet.  For point defense the cutter mounts a pair of surplus Bofors AB 10cm railguns. 

Because the Mellor-class is designed primarily to operate from within the confines of its home system, it is not really suited for the extremely long-ranged combat patrols that the Fleet is famous for undertaking.  However, because it uses compatible weaponry, in an emergency the Mellor could stand in battle alongside the Fleet if absolutely required. 

No ships of this class are in service, but production is slated to begin soon.  The class leader will be named after Captain Sebastian Mellor, who gave his life while exploring the Hussey 644 system in 2050. 

Code: [Select]

Mellor class Insystem Patrol Cutter    4 800 tons     138 Crew     1012.74 BP      TCS 96  TH 140  EM 0
4166 km/s     Armour 5-25     Shields 0-0     Sensors 1/1/0/0     Damage Control Rating 2     PPV 21
Maint Life 1.95 Years     MSP 297    AFR 81%    IFR 1.1%    1YR 103    5YR 1540    Max Repair 280 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 3 months    Flight Crew Berths 0   
Hangar Deck Capacity 125 tons     Magazine 180   

General Dynamics 400 EP Internal Fusion Drive (1)    Power 400    Fuel Use 21.47%    Signature 140    Exp 8%
Fuel Capacity 155 000 Litres    Range 27.1 billion km   (75 days at full power)

Bofors AB 10cm Railgun V3/C3 (2x4)    Range 30 000km     TS: 4166 km/s     Power 3-3     RM 3    ROF 5        1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bofors AB 10cm Railgun Fire Control S01 32-6000 (1)    Max Range: 64 000 km   TS: 6000 km/s     84 69 53 37 22 6 0 0 0 0
General Dynamics "Slick 6" Stellarator Fusion Reactor Technology PB-1 (1)     Total Power Output 6    Armour 0    Exp 5%

Raytheon RL 4 Size 5 Missile Launcher (3)    Missile Size 5    Rate of Fire 40
Raytheon AuxCon II Missile Fire Control FC6-R1 (1)     Range 6.9m km    Resolution 1
Raytheon "Longbow" Missile Fire Control FC173-R100 (1)     Range 173.3m km    Resolution 100
Harpoon Size 5 Anti-ship Missile (36)  Speed: 36 400 km/s   End: 79.1m    Range: 172.9m km   WH: 9    Size: 5    TH: 133/80/40

Raytheon Lynx II Active Search Sensor MR3-R1 (1)     GPS 30     Range 3.2m km    MCR 352k km    Resolution 1
Raytheon "Clear Sky" Active Search Sensor MR161-R100 (1)     GPS 14700     Range 161.7m km    Resolution 100

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


[Garfunkel]

Those PDCs will require an horde of construction brigades to assemble! But it's certainly fearsome.

[Cavgunner (OP)]

January 14, 2058


In 2058 the Republic suffered its most significant starship loss while combating a previously undiscovered Ancient Guardian force, and also endured its longest battle.  The opening moves of this fight occurred when the high-endurance frigate Oracle, 3rd in the Farsight-class, entered the Wolf 636 system while on its maiden voyage.  Shortly after entering the system, the Oracle detected the largest concentration of Ancient Guardian forces yet encountered.  This appeared to include two corvette-sized ships, two major destroyer equivalents, and two planetary defense installations. 





Demonstrating extreme overconfidence in his new warship's abilities, Captain Fabian Giacomini attempted to pick off one of the smaller Ancient Guardian ships rather than immediately withdraw.  Unfortunately, a formidable anti-ship barrage intercepted the Oracle while its own missiles were still enroute.





The Oracle was only able to shoot down 3 missiles with its point defense, but to its credit, the frigate was able to sustain 23 size-12 missile strikes before finally losing structural integrity.  The Oracle's survey craft, launched just moments before the ship's destruction, picked up 93 surviving crewmembers before withdrawing to the Gliese 673 system.  Captain Giacomini was not among the survivors.





Despite the destruction of the ship, the Oracle's new Harpoon missiles continued to home in on their target, and managed to inflict some damage, including an apparent engine hit. 





Lacking the range to make way to the nearest outpost, the Oracle's survivors endured highly unpleasant conditions for nearly ten weeks until the Farsight-class frigate Stargazer arrived to pick them up.  The Stargazer then posted at the Wolf 636 jumpgate, awaiting the arrival of the Fleet.

[Cavgunner (OP)]

June 23, 2058: The Battle of Wolf 636

Space Command estimated that such a large collection of Ancient Guardian firepower meant that there must be an equally valuable prize to be found on Wolf 636-A III.  Deployment of the Fleet was delayed somewhat as some of the Fleet's major combatants were still completing upgrades.  By June 22, however, the gathered units included:

6 Luna-class destroyers
4 Moray-class frigates
2 Farsight-class frigates
6 Broadsword-class corvettes
12 Akizuki-class missile boats
4 Red Oak Victory-class fleet support vessels
1 Ropucha-class dropship
1 Nakhimov-class command boat
2 Mercy-class medical boats
3 Outrider-class fleet scouts
8 Starhawk fighters
8 Starhawk Mk Ib fighters
2 Luyang-class tankers
5 Condor-class salvaging ships

The Fleet announces its arrival by unleasing a massive volley at the planetary installations on Wolf 636-A III. 





The Fleet's anti-missile screen remains effective, but occasionally a few warheads manage to slip through.  The Luna and the Callisto both take some hits, but remain fully operational. 







The installation at Wolf 636-A III is proving to be extremely proficient at shooting down our missiles.  Over 600 of our first-wave Javelin missiles are intercepted, and not one of them gets through.  The planetary bases remain untouched.  The only bright spot is that the smaller Nyryat-class ship, previously damaged by the Oracle, now seems to be mostly disabled. 

Since this single expenditure of missiles represents over a years' worth of production, it is a blow to the Fleet's fighting capacity nearly as signficant as the loss of a ship. 





Undaunted, and knowing that the fleet colliers still have ammunition available nearby, Admiral Conway directs the Luna-class destroyers to empty their magazines at the defense installations.  Soon enough, this strategy pays off; it appears that the Ancient Guardian bases expended most of their anti-missile capacity shooting down the first large wave. 





A few minutes later both installations have been destroyed, but with only a few missiles to spare. 





Despite the destruction of these bases, the two large Ancient Guardian Matsilo-class destroyers have replenished their magazines from somewhere, and have resumed firing.  The Callisto, Calypso, and Ariel are hit 3-5 times each by strength 12 warheads.  Thanks in part to the ships' upgraded armor and shielding, no casualties are reported.  However, if not for the excellent point defense being provided by the Fleet's Starhawk fighters, this damage would certainly have been much worse. 





Having been reloaded by the its support ships, the Fleet resumes firing at the two Matsilo destroyers.  Both hostiles are destroyed during an apparent attempt to reload on one of the system's planets.  The Mamba-class fast attack corvette has also been eliminated. 





An Ancient Guardian Nyryat-class corvette is the sole remaining hostile.  The dropship Ropucha is directed to seize this vessel.  The Ancient Guardian AIs appear to be attempting repairs, so a single Starhawk is dispatched to fire a few rounds into the ship each time it starts moving.  This boarding action is successful, and the 113th Marine Battalion takes the battered ship with no casualties.  A handful of AI drones are recovered, but they do not respond to communication.  Within less than an hour the Marine's engineering team has managed to restore one of the ship's engines.  It slowly begins making its way to Earth under assistance from Atlantic Victory and Pacific Victory.





After a brief battle between the 2nd Mobile Infantry Division and a detachment of robotic warrior drones on Wolf 636-A II, the battle for Wolf 636 is officially over.  As the Fleet heads home the Stargazer's survey scouts get to work.  A massive number of ruined complexes are discovered on Wolf 636-A III, as well as a Power-Propulsion research center (70%).  The world is also discovered to be fairly rich in high-accessibility minerals.  A colony mission is dispatched immediately, and additional Xenology and Geology teams are deployed to the world.

[Cavgunner (OP)]

The first capture of an intact Ancient Guardian ship represents the most important technological find since the discovery of the ruins at Corronis.  Formerly designated by Space Command as the Nyryat-class, it appears that the Ancient Guardians referred to this type of ship as the Reaper-class jump destroyer (although it would be classified as a large corvette by Republic standards).  Alluding to its name this ship contains a very odd piece of technology, a quantum-based Jump Drive.  Why the Ancient Guardians would need such a piece of technology is unknown, since nearly all known jump points are highly stable and thus can be traversed without the use of this device.  Perhaps the Ancient Guardians existed in a time when this ease of travel was not yet known.

This mystery aside, analysis of the ship captured at Wolf 636 has confirmed many of our other assumptions about Ancient Guardian technology.  The vessel uses a quartet of small but very advanced Magnetic Confinement Fusion Drive thrusters, giving it modest speed.  These engines remain considerably more advanced than the Republic's current generation of Internal Confinement Fusion Drives.  The Reaper's armor protection is also modest, and as a result the ship seems to rely heavily on its highly advanced sensors and ECM/ECCM gear.  This particular class is a laser gunboat.  The five absurdly large 30cm lasers are considerably more advanced and far more powerful than anything the Republic is currently capable of producing.  Indeed, a single combined volley from these weapons would severely damage any ship in the Republic's inventory.  However, like all other Ancient Guardian ships, this design lacks energy shielding.  It is unknown why the Ancient Guardians did not utilize this technology. 

The interior of this ship was clearly designed for a living crew, and its arrangement follows a pattern not unlike our own: Bridge, engineering areas, living quarters, etcetera.  However the ship's only occupants were a handful of AI repair drones.  Inside and out the ship presents a well-maintained, but extremely well-worn appearance.  It is likely hundreds of years old, if not more.

Upon arrival at Earth the Reaper will be broken down and studied for further analysis.

Code: [Select]

Reaper-J class Jump Destroyer    8 300 tons     275 Crew     2402 BP      TCS 166  TH 800  EM 0
4819 km/s    JR 3-50     Armour 5-36     Shields 0-0     Sensors 18/1/0/0     Damage Control Rating 3     PPV 45
Maint Life 2 Years     MSP 543    AFR 183%    IFR 2.6%    1YR 182    5YR 2724    Max Repair 252 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 6 months    Spare Berths 0   

J8500(3-50) Military Jump Drive     Max Ship Size 8500 tons    Distance 50k km     Squadron Size 3
200 EP Magnetic Fusion Drive (4)    Power 200    Fuel Use 46%    Signature 200    Exp 10%
Fuel Capacity 600 000 Litres    Range 28.3 billion km   (67 days at full power)

30cm C6 Soft X-ray Laser (5)    Range 384 000km     TS: 6250 km/s     Power 24-6     RM 6    ROF 20        24 24 24 24 24 24 20 18 16 14
CIWS-250 (1x2)    Range 1000 km     TS: 25000 km/s     ROF 5       Base 50% To Hit
Fire Control S02 192-6250 (1)    Max Range: 384 000 km   TS: 6250 km/s     97 95 92 90 87 84 82 79 77 74
Magnetic Confinement Fusion Reactor Technology PB-1 (3)     Total Power Output 30    Armour 0    Exp 5%

Active Search Sensor MR432-R91 (1)     GPS 22932     Range 432.7m km    Resolution 91
Thermal Sensor TH1-18 (1)     Sensitivity 18     Detect Sig Strength 1000:  18m km

ECCM-3 (1)         ECM 30

This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes


The Ropucha-class dropship was designed solely to conduct boarding actions against hostile ships.  Over the years the Fleet has occasionally disabled Ancient Guardian ships, but was unable to capture them because no mechanism to board them was available.  The tiny Ropucha fills this need by using its great speed to overtake crippled ships before delivering an entire battalion of Star Marines.  The first deployment of the Ropucha was during the battle of Wolf 636, when it successfully deployed the 113th Marine Battalion onto a Reaper-class vessel, which resulted in that ship's capture. 

The Ropucha relies mainly on its speed and small size to avoid enemy fire, but it also has enough armor to take a few hits if necessary.  The Ropucha has no weaponry other than the Marines it carries.

Code: [Select]

Ropucha class Dropship    2 500 tons     40 Crew     484 BP      TCS 50  TH 140  EM 0
8000 km/s     Armour 5-16     Shields 0-0     Sensors 1/1/0/0     Damage Control Rating 0     PPV 0
Maint Life 0.38 Years     MSP 60    AFR 100%    IFR 1.4%    1YR 159    5YR 2381    Max Repair 280 MSP
Intended Deployment Time: 6 months    Spare Berths 1   
Drop Capacity: 1 Battalion    Cargo Handling Multiplier 5   

General Dynamics 400 EP Internal Fusion Drive (1)    Power 400    Fuel Use 21.47%    Signature 140    Exp 8%
Fuel Capacity 90 000 Litres    Range 30.2 billion km   (43 days at full power)

This design is classed as a Military Vessel for maintenance purposes


[joansam]

Just wanted to pop in and say this is fantastic.  I've just started playing Aurora and your level of skill is well beyond what I'm capable of (and I say this as someone who loves hardcore strategy).  But I'm even more impressed by your writing - anyone who's sufficiently OCD can play Aurora and do an AAR - I built these ships, I mined these asteroids, etc.  Yours is the only AAR I've seen on here that's really great at combining gameplay and storytelling.  I'm actually enjoying reading about the fledgling Republic's efforts to build a fleet, its first battle (a bit overkill, but better safe than sorry, and still thrilling), the Prime Minister's death, the drama.  I'd love to read anything else you've written.

Also - if anyone can point me to other fiction of comparable quality, I'll check that out.

[JustAnotherDude]

Yeah, this is honestly one of the best AARs I've seen, and I've read a few. I hope you end up doing one for C#!

[Cavgunner (OP)]

Thank you both; I consider myself a passable writer at best so this is generous feedback.  Most of the story-writing I've ever done has been in small chunks and not for public viewing (such as backstory for a Rogue Trader RPG character here, or a unit history for a Warhammer 40k Imperial Guard unit there).  Most of what I have written in public recently is in my post history here in the Aurora forums.  Years ago I did submit a AAR for the 4x game Distant Worlds, over on the Matrix Games forums.  To my surprise it ended up being one of the most viewed AARs on that forum, and can be found here:  http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=2757007&mpage=1&key=&

In terms of pointing you toward Aurora fiction that has been updated recently, there is Steve's fiction of course, and his Suns Never Set campaign.  Steve's Solarian Empires campaign was also fun to read.  Kurt's Corporate Federation campaign is also quite outstanding.  Unlike my Republic which has been lucky enough to have time to grow, Kurt's Corporate Federation finds itself in a brutal death-match almost from the beginning.  Definitely worth a look.