Posted by: Warer
« on: April 27, 2025, 08:32:14 PM »It returns! Holy heck wasn't expecting that!
Posted by: Louella
« on: April 27, 2025, 05:33:14 PM »Landing Zone Gamma
'C' Battery, 4th Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery, supporting 3rd Infantry Division
"I say, what's that you're painting on that shell, Sergeant ?"
"Horsell's Revenge, sah"
"Oh, of course. Carry on."
"what was that about, Sergeant ?"
"I were at Horsell Common, the first Martian cylinder landed right there, it did."
"How come you never said before ?"
"Never thought I'd be ere to give them what for. Ten bloody years, and ere we are. Let's get this gun in action"
"Tripods, Left sector, Left Section Engage!"
Landing Zone Beta
2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry
"Can't raise Division or Brigade on the radio, sir"
"Problems with the equipment ?"
"Not on our end, sir."
"Alright, see who we can raise"
"I think the Martians must have hit the HQ, the other battalion we've managed to contact reports the same situation"
"Hmm. Well we're not going to get any replacements any time soon. Knox over at 5th Brigade is senior, she'll have to take over Division. Everett at the Ox and Bucks is senior so he should take Brigade. Did you get him on the radio ?"
"No sir, we couldn't make contact with them."
"Damn. We'll have to send someone out."
"Sergeant, take 5 men, and head to the Ox and Bucks position, see who's still in command there"
"Very good, sir"
"Nothing but craters and dead Martians far as the eye can see, Sergeant."
"Must be someone still alive, wait, I've got an idea. McCullough! play a tune on your pipes. If any of our lads are still alive, they'll let us know"
As the bagpipes played, the surviving Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry came out of their foxholes and trenches, waving and cheering.
'C' Battery, 4th Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery, supporting 3rd Infantry Division
"I say, what's that you're painting on that shell, Sergeant ?"
"Horsell's Revenge, sah"
"Oh, of course. Carry on."
"what was that about, Sergeant ?"
"I were at Horsell Common, the first Martian cylinder landed right there, it did."
"How come you never said before ?"
"Never thought I'd be ere to give them what for. Ten bloody years, and ere we are. Let's get this gun in action"
"Tripods, Left sector, Left Section Engage!"
Quote from: Major Willis, Royal Artillery
The gunnery tables and calibrations for Mars have proven to be quite accurate, with fall of shot within 100 yards of the nominal distances. The thinner atmosphere and lower gravity also allows exceptional long range shooting to be undertaken, to the limit of our ability to distinguish targets with the available optical sights.
Landing Zone Beta
2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry
"Can't raise Division or Brigade on the radio, sir"
"Problems with the equipment ?"
"Not on our end, sir."
"Alright, see who we can raise"
"I think the Martians must have hit the HQ, the other battalion we've managed to contact reports the same situation"
"Hmm. Well we're not going to get any replacements any time soon. Knox over at 5th Brigade is senior, she'll have to take over Division. Everett at the Ox and Bucks is senior so he should take Brigade. Did you get him on the radio ?"
"No sir, we couldn't make contact with them."
"Damn. We'll have to send someone out."
"Sergeant, take 5 men, and head to the Ox and Bucks position, see who's still in command there"
"Very good, sir"
"Nothing but craters and dead Martians far as the eye can see, Sergeant."
"Must be someone still alive, wait, I've got an idea. McCullough! play a tune on your pipes. If any of our lads are still alive, they'll let us know"
As the bagpipes played, the surviving Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry came out of their foxholes and trenches, waving and cheering.
Quote from: Colonel Charlotte Knox
Having repelled the Martian attack, albeit with significant casualties, 2nd Division have restored our chain of command by borrowing some command cars from 8th Cavalry Div, who have consolidated their own formations. We're still in the fight.
Posted by: Louella
« on: December 28, 2024, 04:01:51 PM »Landing Zone Gamma
17th Lancers, Hill G17
"Stop short of the ridge, so we're not skylined."
"Squadron, hold position"
"Alright, let's get out and take a look"
The Lancers dismounted from their armoured cars, and crept forward to peer over the ridge.
"Martian machines, sir. Not ones we've seen before though."
"Hmm. Not their tripods. No obvious weapons either."
"What do you suggest, sir ?"
"Take B squadron, go down the hill that way, then swing around, come out the valley there and engage. C squadron will go downhill on the other side, attack them from the opposite direction. A squadron, we'll wait here till the attack, then we'll cross the ridge and engage them head-on."
"Very good, sir."
The Lancers returned to their vehicles, and the squadrons began their attack, the cars throwing up dust as they roared across the sandy Martian terrain. Soon, only burning wreckage remained of the Martian column, as the heavy machine guns and light cannon of the armoured cars ripped through the thinly-armoured Martian machines.
The officers gathered to examine the wreckage of the unknown Martian machines.
"Any survivors ?"
"None found so far, sir"
"Hardly any resistance, only smallarms sir."
"Damage ?"
"A few holes in some of the cars, nothing we can't patch up."
One of the Lancers stopped picking through the wreckage, and brought some items over.
"Hmm. What do you make of this, sir ? These Martian machines were full of them."
"Little blocks of something ? Wonder what ?"
"I've had a thought. Let's see one of the Martian smallarms."
A Martian infantry weapon was located and brought up.
"Right, let's take a look. Stand clear. Alright, that one's the trigger, this one... must do something but I can't tell what, this one... well, would you look at that."
An object detached from the Martian weapon when the third control was manipulated.
"That's the same kind of block as those ones. Spare ammunition ?"
"Could be. Try putting one in."
"Fits right in."
"See if it fires."
"Nothing."
"Try that second control"
"There we go. Simple enough. Trigger, safety catch, and magazine ejector."
"Well, we've figured out the Martian smallarms at least. So this must have been a supply column ?"
"Looks like it. There were some larger blocks in one of their other machines. And some barrels of some liquid too, though they're all punctured."
"Ammunition for their larger machines perhaps. Anyone's guess about the liquid."
"Take some pictures, we'll transmit them to Division, see what they make of them."
"Very good sir."
"Alright, gather up all those boxes, and dump them in a pile. We'll destroy them, then press on to our next objective."
17th Lancers, Hill G17
"Stop short of the ridge, so we're not skylined."
"Squadron, hold position"
"Alright, let's get out and take a look"
The Lancers dismounted from their armoured cars, and crept forward to peer over the ridge.
"Martian machines, sir. Not ones we've seen before though."
"Hmm. Not their tripods. No obvious weapons either."
"What do you suggest, sir ?"
"Take B squadron, go down the hill that way, then swing around, come out the valley there and engage. C squadron will go downhill on the other side, attack them from the opposite direction. A squadron, we'll wait here till the attack, then we'll cross the ridge and engage them head-on."
"Very good, sir."
The Lancers returned to their vehicles, and the squadrons began their attack, the cars throwing up dust as they roared across the sandy Martian terrain. Soon, only burning wreckage remained of the Martian column, as the heavy machine guns and light cannon of the armoured cars ripped through the thinly-armoured Martian machines.
The officers gathered to examine the wreckage of the unknown Martian machines.
"Any survivors ?"
"None found so far, sir"
"Hardly any resistance, only smallarms sir."
"Damage ?"
"A few holes in some of the cars, nothing we can't patch up."
One of the Lancers stopped picking through the wreckage, and brought some items over.
"Hmm. What do you make of this, sir ? These Martian machines were full of them."
"Little blocks of something ? Wonder what ?"
"I've had a thought. Let's see one of the Martian smallarms."
A Martian infantry weapon was located and brought up.
"Right, let's take a look. Stand clear. Alright, that one's the trigger, this one... must do something but I can't tell what, this one... well, would you look at that."
An object detached from the Martian weapon when the third control was manipulated.
"That's the same kind of block as those ones. Spare ammunition ?"
"Could be. Try putting one in."
"Fits right in."
"See if it fires."
"Nothing."
"Try that second control"
"There we go. Simple enough. Trigger, safety catch, and magazine ejector."
"Well, we've figured out the Martian smallarms at least. So this must have been a supply column ?"
"Looks like it. There were some larger blocks in one of their other machines. And some barrels of some liquid too, though they're all punctured."
"Ammunition for their larger machines perhaps. Anyone's guess about the liquid."
"Take some pictures, we'll transmit them to Division, see what they make of them."
"Very good sir."
"Alright, gather up all those boxes, and dump them in a pile. We'll destroy them, then press on to our next objective."
Quote from: Report from 17th Lancers
Destroyed apparent Martian supply column at G17, advancing to G18.
Quote from: Report from 9th Cavalry Division
The Lancers have broken through the Martian lines and are attacking rear area supply and communications units
Posted by: Louella
« on: August 12, 2024, 04:43:55 PM »Today is of course an important anniversary
Landing Zone Beta
2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry
"Ground's still hot from the preliminary bombardment."
"So I see. Hmm, some of the rocks have turned to glass. Better tell the men to watch their step when we advance."
"Heat haze makes it difficult to get accurate distances."
"We'll manage... what's that ? See it ? To the south"
In the distance, a plume of dust appeared, then another, and another.
"Martians ! All right. To your positions everyone ! Get ready !"
The Highlanders took up their fighting positions, the power-armoured infantrymen dispersing into foxholes and trenches, the support weapons in fire pits and sangars, ready for action against the incoming Martians.
"Three columns of Tripods, sir. Plus some smaller... machines ? Martian infantry ?"
"How soon till they're in range ?"
"Coming into range shortly... They've spotted us. Incoming rockets."
"I guess we'll find out now how good these suits are against the Black Smoke"
Martian rockets bearing the Black Smoke streaked through the air, crashing around the Highlanders positions, the acrid black clouds billowing from every crater.
"Filters working sir. Visibility is poor. Thermal vision isn't much help due to the hot rocks."
"Hmm. Are they in range yet ?"
"Looks like it sir."
The Martian machines advanced slowly, then with a roar, the Highlanders anti-vehicle guns fired in unison. Several of the tripods staggered, a few crashing to the ground. Others raised their Heat Rays and fired, the beams sweeping across the ground in front of, through, and behind the Highlander's lines.
The smaller Martian vehicles advanced rapidly, then came to a sudden halt, and to the surprise of the human observers, dozens of Martian figures poured out, each protected by armour and wielding a miniature Heat Ray. They surged forward, letting out the terrible ululating cry that was once heard on Earth during the Invasion. "Uuu-Llllaaaa!"
"Seems you were right, it is Martian infantry."
"Highlanders ! Up and at them ! Pipers !"
The Highlander's bagpipers began to play, as the battalion engaged in this horrendous close-range firefight, Heat Rays vs Pattern 1904 Enfield Laser Rifles. The low hum of the heat rays contrasting with the high-pitched whine of the rifles, and the terrifying continuous rattle of the Machine Gun, Vendarite, Mk1, Vickers.
Quote from: H.G.Wells
At midnight, on the 12th of August, a huge mass of luminous gas erupted from Mars and sped towards Earth. Across two hundred million miles of void, invisibly hurtling towards us, came the first of the missiles that were to bring so much calamity to Earth
Landing Zone Beta
2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry
"Ground's still hot from the preliminary bombardment."
"So I see. Hmm, some of the rocks have turned to glass. Better tell the men to watch their step when we advance."
"Heat haze makes it difficult to get accurate distances."
"We'll manage... what's that ? See it ? To the south"
In the distance, a plume of dust appeared, then another, and another.
"Martians ! All right. To your positions everyone ! Get ready !"
The Highlanders took up their fighting positions, the power-armoured infantrymen dispersing into foxholes and trenches, the support weapons in fire pits and sangars, ready for action against the incoming Martians.
"Three columns of Tripods, sir. Plus some smaller... machines ? Martian infantry ?"
"How soon till they're in range ?"
"Coming into range shortly... They've spotted us. Incoming rockets."
"I guess we'll find out now how good these suits are against the Black Smoke"
Martian rockets bearing the Black Smoke streaked through the air, crashing around the Highlanders positions, the acrid black clouds billowing from every crater.
"Filters working sir. Visibility is poor. Thermal vision isn't much help due to the hot rocks."
"Hmm. Are they in range yet ?"
"Looks like it sir."
The Martian machines advanced slowly, then with a roar, the Highlanders anti-vehicle guns fired in unison. Several of the tripods staggered, a few crashing to the ground. Others raised their Heat Rays and fired, the beams sweeping across the ground in front of, through, and behind the Highlander's lines.
The smaller Martian vehicles advanced rapidly, then came to a sudden halt, and to the surprise of the human observers, dozens of Martian figures poured out, each protected by armour and wielding a miniature Heat Ray. They surged forward, letting out the terrible ululating cry that was once heard on Earth during the Invasion. "Uuu-Llllaaaa!"
"Seems you were right, it is Martian infantry."
"Highlanders ! Up and at them ! Pipers !"
The Highlander's bagpipers began to play, as the battalion engaged in this horrendous close-range firefight, Heat Rays vs Pattern 1904 Enfield Laser Rifles. The low hum of the heat rays contrasting with the high-pitched whine of the rifles, and the terrifying continuous rattle of the Machine Gun, Vendarite, Mk1, Vickers.
Posted by: Louella
« on: July 13, 2024, 12:44:17 PM »This is a rather frightening report, given that each ton detected is probably several tons of actual forces.
"Sentries report Martians to the southwest. Thousands of 'em."
"Alright Colour Sergeant. Stand to."
Posted by: nuclearslurpee
« on: July 13, 2024, 12:16:08 PM »This is a rather frightening report, given that each ton detected is probably several tons of actual forces. I worry that six divisions may not be nearly enough...
Quote
Phobos Battery
"Target coming over the horizon sir"
"Very good, commence shooting as soon as we're overhead"
"Lots of dust sir"
"Hmm, quite. Did we hit anything ?"
"Not sure, sir."
"Oh well. Carry on."
0 shots - 1 hit - hilarious!
Posted by: Louella
« on: July 13, 2024, 11:51:30 AM »"This is the British Aether Broadcasting Corporation. There now follows a short address from the Prime Minister."
"Good evening. Earlier today, British forces and our allies began landing troops on the northern hemisphere of Mars, beginning the final campaign to end the Martian menace. Six divisions under the command of General Stevens, supported by strong naval forces under the command of Admiral Barton, have landed around the Martian capital city, in order to compel them to surrender. The first official reports back indicate that heavy fighting is ongoing, though our forces are making good progress. Their task is not an easy one. The Martian forces are well equipped and will fight savagely. I have full confidence in our forces courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We shall accept nothing less than total victory."
"That was an address from the Prime Minister. His Majesty the King will broadcast to his people at home and in space at 9 o'clock this evening."
"In other news, heavy rain stops play in the fourth Test match in Sydney, with the series currently tied at one all."
Operation Olympus
"This marks the location of the Martian capital city, you can see these orbital photographs showing the launch sites for the cylinders they used in their invasion. The landing sites are here, here, and here, at the junctions of their industrial canal network. Seizing these will cut off the flow of materiel to their capital, and thus their ability to produce war machines."
"Landing point Alpha, is allocated to the 1st Infantry Division, and the 7th (Armoured) Division. Landing point Beta, to the 2nd Infantry Division and 8th (Cavalry) division. and Landing point Gamma to 3rd Infantry Division and 9th (Cavalry) Division."
"Each landing point will be cleared of enemy forces by orbital bombardment by the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Cruiser squadrons, which will then support the landing forces as needed. The orbital gun batteries on Phobos and Deimos will provide suppressive fire across the northern hemisphere, to prevent the Martians bringing up any reinforcements."
"Once the landing zones are secured, our forces shall advance upon the capital city."
"As you know our sensors can only provide limited information. We expect a great number of their Fighting Machines and their rocket artillery, so remind your troops to follow biological warfare procedures at all times."
"This will be the toughest battle in human history, but I have every confidence in our troops ability."
"Any questions ?"
Orders, 5th Transport Squadron
Proceed to LONDON orbital port, berths 25-36.
Embark 1st Infantry Division, consisting: 1st Infantry Division HQ, 1st Armoured Infantry Brigade HQ, 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards, 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, 2nd Armoured Infantry Brigade HQ, 3rd Battalion Scots Guards, 5th Battalion Irish Guards, 3rd Armoured Infantry Brigade HQ, 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 1st Battalion Scots Guards, 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards
Proceed to MARS, Landing point Alpha, for disembarking
Orders, 9th Transport Squadron
Proceed to PORTSMOUTH orbital port, berths 1-12
Embark 7th (Armoured) Division, consisting: 7th (Armoured) Division HQ, 1st Army Tank Brigade HQ, North Irish Horse, Queen's Own Worcestershire Hussars, Lanarkshire Yeomanry, 2nd Army Tank Brigade HQ, 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, Royal Scots Greys, Glamorganshire Yeomanry, 3rd Army Tank Brigade HQ, 15th (The King's) Hussars, 12th (Prince of Wales's) Royal Lancers, 6th Royal Tank Regiment
Proceed to MARS, Landing point Alpha, for disembarking
Phobos Battery
"Target coming over the horizon sir"
"Very good, commence shooting as soon as we're overhead"
"Lots of dust sir"
"Hmm, quite. Did we hit anything ?"
"Not sure, sir."
"Oh well. Carry on."
Posted by: Louella
« on: June 24, 2024, 09:57:22 AM »Don't let this die! NPR Sol action is so rare!
I've been a bit busy lately. Bought a house and all that. Will get back into things as soon as I can !
Posted by: Garfunkel
« on: June 24, 2024, 06:01:46 AM »Don't let this die! NPR Sol action is so rare!
Posted by: Gyrfalcon
« on: February 21, 2024, 07:04:20 AM »
"That is, what you would call, a very good question", replied the Prime Minister. "This map was obtained last week by an intelligence officer, from an official of the Americans. While we have been giving the Martians our full attention, they appear to have somehow determined how to travel between stars."
"Rather devious of them, sir."
Tear slides down cheek as a bald eagle calls in the background. My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, letting the Britishdothehardworkofnavalsupremecybeforesurpassingthemeconomicallyandtechnologically...
I wish I had more then one thanks to give for managing to make that rhyme so well.
Posted by: DrBladeSTEEL
« on: February 20, 2024, 10:46:40 AM »
"That is, what you would call, a very good question", replied the Prime Minister. "This map was obtained last week by an intelligence officer, from an official of the Americans. While we have been giving the Martians our full attention, they appear to have somehow determined how to travel between stars."
"Rather devious of them, sir."
Tear slides down cheek as a bald eagle calls in the background. My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, letting the Britishdothehardworkofnavalsupremecybeforesurpassingthemeconomicallyandtechnologically...
Posted by: Louella
« on: February 01, 2024, 03:11:37 PM »Operation Olympus
With Mars having been blockaded, there is now the possibility of putting an end to the Martian Menace once and for all, with a ground operation, Operation Olympus.
6 divisions shall make up the landing force, totalling 750,000 tons of men and materiel. Three divisions of infantry, two of armoured cars, and one division of heavy armoured vehicles.
It will take at least two years to train and equip this force, during which time the Blockade must be maintained.
Meanwhile, elsewhere
"It just doesn't sound right, Sergeant"
"Well of course lad, we're on Earth. Not Mars."
"How do they know it'll sound right on Mars ?"
"Sergeant McWilliam, Piper McCullough, everything alright with the pipes ?"
"Sir. Yes sir, well, mostly sir. Not sure of the tone of the pipes, difficult to tune them"
"Hmm, of course, they're intended for the thinner atmosphere on Mars. Well, we'll just have to do our best. The Highlanders have always entered battle to the sound of the pipes, Mars will be no different."
"Yes sir."
"Alright, as you were then, men."
"Sir."
"Sir."
"Still feels a bit odd, Sergeant, since the pipes hook into a compressor. More like the Northumbrian pipes than Highland ones"
"I know, lad, I know."
With Mars having been blockaded, there is now the possibility of putting an end to the Martian Menace once and for all, with a ground operation, Operation Olympus.
6 divisions shall make up the landing force, totalling 750,000 tons of men and materiel. Three divisions of infantry, two of armoured cars, and one division of heavy armoured vehicles.
It will take at least two years to train and equip this force, during which time the Blockade must be maintained.
Meanwhile, elsewhere
"It just doesn't sound right, Sergeant"
"Well of course lad, we're on Earth. Not Mars."
"How do they know it'll sound right on Mars ?"
"Sergeant McWilliam, Piper McCullough, everything alright with the pipes ?"
"Sir. Yes sir, well, mostly sir. Not sure of the tone of the pipes, difficult to tune them"
"Hmm, of course, they're intended for the thinner atmosphere on Mars. Well, we'll just have to do our best. The Highlanders have always entered battle to the sound of the pipes, Mars will be no different."
"Yes sir."
"Alright, as you were then, men."
"Sir."
"Sir."
"Still feels a bit odd, Sergeant, since the pipes hook into a compressor. More like the Northumbrian pipes than Highland ones"
"I know, lad, I know."
Posted by: Louella
« on: January 16, 2024, 03:21:02 PM »The Battle of Phobos
Objectives: Draw off the Martian fleet, Neutralise remaining defences, Establish anti-ship batteries on Phobos and Deimos.
Plan: 3rd, 4th Cruiser squadrons and their support shall engage the Martian fleet with missiles at long range. 1st, 2nd Cruiser squadrons will approach Deimos, then Phobos, covering the transport fleet.
"Gentlemen, Ladies. We have the upper hand against the Martians now, and it is time to deal them a decisive blow. Intelligence shows that Mars is now protected by just one squadron of cruisers, which our Archer class torpedo cruisers easily outrange. Therefore, our torpedo force shall engage them, and the remaining orbital defences. Meanwhile, our laser cruisers shall provide close escort for the landing ships, then engage the Martian shipyards and ground forces. This should allow us to disarm the Martians, until a ground invasion can be properly prepared, which as you can appreciate, will be no easy task."
Admiral Barton looked up from his notes, at the assembled audience of ship captains and senior officers.
"I have every confidence in your ability to carry out this plan. Commodore Birch will answer any questions you may have. Now if you'll excuse me, I must meet with the Prime Minister"
The Suspicious Star Map
"Prime Minister"
"Admiral"
"What's this about, anyway ?"
"I'll tell you shortly, How are things at the Admiralty ?"
"Rather good, actually. Just gave the fleet their orders for the Phobos plan"
"Outstanding, aha, here we are, good morning Doctor."
"Prime Minister"
"Doctor Evie Sinclair, meet Admiral Ethan Barton. Admiral, this is Doctor Evie Sinclair, Professor Sinclair's daughter."
"A pleasure."
"Now then", said the Prime Minister. "Now that you're both here, I can tell you what this is about. Admiral, you remember the captured Martian ship, the... Homtet ?"
"Indeed sir. The one with the peculiar devices on board"
"The very one. Now then, Doctor Sinclair's group has been working on it, and has come up with some rather profound findings... Doctor ?"
"Thank you sir. Yes, what we found was that, space, the aether, there are certain points that can, with the right stimulus, act as a sort of door to other star systems. A ship properly equipped can open and close these doors at will, travelling vast distances in an instant. The equipment on the Homtet was designed to open these doors permanently, allowing more conventional ships to travel through them."
"I see... and the Martians know this method as well."
"Not just the Martians. Look at this.", said the Prime Minister, placing a large chart on the desk, "What does it look like to you, Admiral ?"
"It's a star map. A star here, three planets, some asteroids... these points here, what do they mean ?"
"Those are the points in space where doors exist, Admiral", said Dr. Sinclair.
"Hmmm. I see. Wait... where did this map come from ?"
"That is, what you would call, a very good question", replied the Prime Minister. "This map was obtained last week by an intelligence officer, from an official of the Americans. While we have been giving the Martians our full attention, they appear to have somehow determined how to travel between stars."
"Rather devious of them, sir."
"Quite. Now then, in order to catch up and surpass them, I am tripling the resources available to Dr. Sinclair, and I want you two to work together to devise a plan for ships to exploit these doors."
"Of course sir."
Objectives: Draw off the Martian fleet, Neutralise remaining defences, Establish anti-ship batteries on Phobos and Deimos.
Plan: 3rd, 4th Cruiser squadrons and their support shall engage the Martian fleet with missiles at long range. 1st, 2nd Cruiser squadrons will approach Deimos, then Phobos, covering the transport fleet.
"Gentlemen, Ladies. We have the upper hand against the Martians now, and it is time to deal them a decisive blow. Intelligence shows that Mars is now protected by just one squadron of cruisers, which our Archer class torpedo cruisers easily outrange. Therefore, our torpedo force shall engage them, and the remaining orbital defences. Meanwhile, our laser cruisers shall provide close escort for the landing ships, then engage the Martian shipyards and ground forces. This should allow us to disarm the Martians, until a ground invasion can be properly prepared, which as you can appreciate, will be no easy task."
Admiral Barton looked up from his notes, at the assembled audience of ship captains and senior officers.
"I have every confidence in your ability to carry out this plan. Commodore Birch will answer any questions you may have. Now if you'll excuse me, I must meet with the Prime Minister"
The Suspicious Star Map
"Prime Minister"
"Admiral"
"What's this about, anyway ?"
"I'll tell you shortly, How are things at the Admiralty ?"
"Rather good, actually. Just gave the fleet their orders for the Phobos plan"
"Outstanding, aha, here we are, good morning Doctor."
"Prime Minister"
"Doctor Evie Sinclair, meet Admiral Ethan Barton. Admiral, this is Doctor Evie Sinclair, Professor Sinclair's daughter."
"A pleasure."
"Now then", said the Prime Minister. "Now that you're both here, I can tell you what this is about. Admiral, you remember the captured Martian ship, the... Homtet ?"
"Indeed sir. The one with the peculiar devices on board"
"The very one. Now then, Doctor Sinclair's group has been working on it, and has come up with some rather profound findings... Doctor ?"
"Thank you sir. Yes, what we found was that, space, the aether, there are certain points that can, with the right stimulus, act as a sort of door to other star systems. A ship properly equipped can open and close these doors at will, travelling vast distances in an instant. The equipment on the Homtet was designed to open these doors permanently, allowing more conventional ships to travel through them."
"I see... and the Martians know this method as well."
"Not just the Martians. Look at this.", said the Prime Minister, placing a large chart on the desk, "What does it look like to you, Admiral ?"
"It's a star map. A star here, three planets, some asteroids... these points here, what do they mean ?"
"Those are the points in space where doors exist, Admiral", said Dr. Sinclair.
"Hmmm. I see. Wait... where did this map come from ?"
"That is, what you would call, a very good question", replied the Prime Minister. "This map was obtained last week by an intelligence officer, from an official of the Americans. While we have been giving the Martians our full attention, they appear to have somehow determined how to travel between stars."
"Rather devious of them, sir."
"Quite. Now then, in order to catch up and surpass them, I am tripling the resources available to Dr. Sinclair, and I want you two to work together to devise a plan for ships to exploit these doors."
"Of course sir."
Posted by: Louella
« on: January 13, 2024, 11:19:30 AM »The Aether Torpedo
4 million km from Mars, outside the known reach of Martian orbital defences, the 3rd Cruiser squadron hove to, awaiting the arrival 3rd and 6th Frigate squadrons.
Aboard HMS Archer, Captain Nicholas Storey adjusted the display on the long-range sensor scope, to focus on one of the four large Martian defence stations.
"What do you think, Miss Singh ? This will be the third time we've tried to breach their defences."
Lieutenant Commander Naomi Singh looked up from her screen. "The decoys on this new Kingfisher torpedo should confuse them, sir. If they work."
"If indeed."
"HMS Apollo on the radio, sir", said the communication officer.
"Very good", replied the captain, pressing the switch to activate the radio. "Captain Whitehead, a pleasure as always. Ready to try this ?"
On HMS Apollo of the 6th Frigate Squadron, Captain Madeleine Whitehead grinned as she spoke into the communicator. "Have a little faith, Nicholas. With those decoys, and our little fast missiles, and those of Dylan's squadron, the Martians won't know where to shoot. Trust me !".
Miss Whitehead, debutante and industrial heiress, was one of the bubbliest personalities in the Royal Aether Navy, though her enthusiasm occasionally grated with the more conservative officers, such as Captain Dylan Gibson, the commander of 3rd Frigate Squadron.
"Synchronise chronometers to minus 5 minutes."
All three fire groups adjusted their ships clocks.
"3rd Cruiser will commence launching at zero minute, 6th Frig at zero plus 3, 3rd Frig at zero plus 4. Six salvoes only.", spoke Captain Storey
"Ready", replied Captain Gibson. "Ready", responded Captain Whitehead.
The clock ticked down...
"Torpedoes away !", announced Lt.Cdr Singh. "Six minutes to target"
The crew of the Archer hustled and bustled, reloading the tubes to fire a new salvo.
"Thee minutes... damnit, Whitehead missed her mark!". Captain Gibson frowned, as 6th Frigate Squadron launched their torpedoes ten seconds late.
The clock ticked down...
Aboard the Archer, Lt.Cdr Singh and Captain Storey watched the sensor screen intently. at 5:45 on the chronometer a number of small flashes showed.
"Enemy beams firing, sir". The flashes grew in frequency and number, until at six minutes on the chronometer, a constant flickering began as the torpedoes reached the target, and the Martian point defences opened up. Some brighter bigger flashes popped up at sporadic intervals.
"They're getting through, Captain. Some of them at least."
"So we can hurt them after all, good."
A bright flash showed on the sensor screen.
"Secondary explosion on the target sir !"
"Did we get them ?"
"Not quite sir. It's still there. Damaged heavily though."
"Ordnance ! What's our status ?"
"Enough for another nine salvoes, Captain."
"Hmm. Six used, nine left... Send fleet. Another three salvoes, same method"
The second wave of missiles crashed through the Martian defences, and with a large explosion, the Martian defence base ceased to exist, raining debris onto the surface.
"Good shooting everyone ! Let's try for another !", said Captain Storey over the radio.
4 million km from Mars, outside the known reach of Martian orbital defences, the 3rd Cruiser squadron hove to, awaiting the arrival 3rd and 6th Frigate squadrons.
Aboard HMS Archer, Captain Nicholas Storey adjusted the display on the long-range sensor scope, to focus on one of the four large Martian defence stations.
"What do you think, Miss Singh ? This will be the third time we've tried to breach their defences."
Lieutenant Commander Naomi Singh looked up from her screen. "The decoys on this new Kingfisher torpedo should confuse them, sir. If they work."
"If indeed."
"HMS Apollo on the radio, sir", said the communication officer.
"Very good", replied the captain, pressing the switch to activate the radio. "Captain Whitehead, a pleasure as always. Ready to try this ?"
On HMS Apollo of the 6th Frigate Squadron, Captain Madeleine Whitehead grinned as she spoke into the communicator. "Have a little faith, Nicholas. With those decoys, and our little fast missiles, and those of Dylan's squadron, the Martians won't know where to shoot. Trust me !".
Miss Whitehead, debutante and industrial heiress, was one of the bubbliest personalities in the Royal Aether Navy, though her enthusiasm occasionally grated with the more conservative officers, such as Captain Dylan Gibson, the commander of 3rd Frigate Squadron.
"Synchronise chronometers to minus 5 minutes."
All three fire groups adjusted their ships clocks.
"3rd Cruiser will commence launching at zero minute, 6th Frig at zero plus 3, 3rd Frig at zero plus 4. Six salvoes only.", spoke Captain Storey
"Ready", replied Captain Gibson. "Ready", responded Captain Whitehead.
The clock ticked down...
"Torpedoes away !", announced Lt.Cdr Singh. "Six minutes to target"
The crew of the Archer hustled and bustled, reloading the tubes to fire a new salvo.
"Thee minutes... damnit, Whitehead missed her mark!". Captain Gibson frowned, as 6th Frigate Squadron launched their torpedoes ten seconds late.
The clock ticked down...
Aboard the Archer, Lt.Cdr Singh and Captain Storey watched the sensor screen intently. at 5:45 on the chronometer a number of small flashes showed.
"Enemy beams firing, sir". The flashes grew in frequency and number, until at six minutes on the chronometer, a constant flickering began as the torpedoes reached the target, and the Martian point defences opened up. Some brighter bigger flashes popped up at sporadic intervals.
"They're getting through, Captain. Some of them at least."
"So we can hurt them after all, good."
A bright flash showed on the sensor screen.
"Secondary explosion on the target sir !"
"Did we get them ?"
"Not quite sir. It's still there. Damaged heavily though."
"Ordnance ! What's our status ?"
"Enough for another nine salvoes, Captain."
"Hmm. Six used, nine left... Send fleet. Another three salvoes, same method"
The second wave of missiles crashed through the Martian defences, and with a large explosion, the Martian defence base ceased to exist, raining debris onto the surface.
"Good shooting everyone ! Let's try for another !", said Captain Storey over the radio.
Quote from: Report to the Admiralty
With the Martian fleet having sortied two days earlier to attack the Chinese asteroids, we were able to conduct our shoot undisturbed. The good news is that we were able to destroy two of the Martian defence stations outright, and damage the others before running out of ordnance. The new Kingfisher torpedo functioned better than our previous models, though a significant number were still shot down without exploding. We can now strike back effectively against Mars.
Quote from: Report to the Minister of Armaments
The attack on Mars consumed three months worth of production in less than an hour. We have to expand production much faster than we have done, if we wish to keep the pressure up on the Martians. It will not do for them to be able to repair the damage before we can afford a follow-up bombardment.
Posted by: Louella
« on: January 09, 2024, 10:37:15 AM »The Ceres Catastrophe
Operation Diamond Rock
Seizure of JCS Homtet
Royal Marines boarding parties from ships of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron, boarded the "Homtet", a Martian ship of as-yet unknown purpose. This marks the first time since the Invasion of Earth that human forces engaged in face-to-face combat with Martians.
Despite heavy losses, the Marines were able to defeat the crew and seize the ship, which was then taken under tow back to Earth, where it will be studied.
The nature of the technical equipment found intact on the ship is reported to be of "Great and Profound Interest" by the physicists of the Cavendish Laboratory, who are not normally given to being excitable.
Quote from: Commodore Robertson
To Rear Admiral Barton
Sir, I regret to inform you that the 4th Frigate squadron, whilst engaging Martian raiders near Ceres, was entirely destroyed, all twelve ships. The survivors we were able to pick up report they were overwhelmed by a multitude of small Martian missiles of a previously unknown type, the speed of which was sufficient to swamp the close-in defences of our ships.
We should be able to recover most of the material from the wrecks in a few months, as the position of Mars at this time makes it too risky for the Salvage Squadron to conduct operations.
Quote from: Vice-Admiral Wood
This new Martian rocket threatens our strategy. We cannot afford to let up pressure on the Martian economic machine though. Until a more effective solution presents itself, I would have to recommend withdrawing the frigate squadrons from the more dangerous areas of the asteroids, instead relying on our cruisers.
Operation Diamond Rock
Quote from: Speeches in Parliament
We must continue in our efforts at denying the Martians the use of any of the asteroids. To this end, a number of asteroids of strategic significance shall be seized and fortified with orbital guns, to prevent the approach of any Martian mining vessels.
Seizure of JCS Homtet
Royal Marines boarding parties from ships of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron, boarded the "Homtet", a Martian ship of as-yet unknown purpose. This marks the first time since the Invasion of Earth that human forces engaged in face-to-face combat with Martians.
Despite heavy losses, the Marines were able to defeat the crew and seize the ship, which was then taken under tow back to Earth, where it will be studied.
The nature of the technical equipment found intact on the ship is reported to be of "Great and Profound Interest" by the physicists of the Cavendish Laboratory, who are not normally given to being excitable.
