[ooc]A real treat today, I played it from 8pm last night to 2am. It was one the best intense battles I have had with Aurora. Also used a few home rules based on reality of the attack such as certain senior fleet officers not on duty at the time, so they could not move[/ooc]
Barnwell, 2166.1.11Eighteen Valour class vessels of Jagga entered the Hershel system. The staff at Barnwell was getting concerned. Some of the vessels that have entered over the last month were displaying active sensors. Barnwell made a request to Earth to send a larger Military force. Border Force was patched together from Earth Training and Home Fleet, much of Border forec was still in a state of overhaul. The Light Carrier Agincourt with it new fighters and repaired armour was also dispatched
Earth, Geneva 2166.1.13Trade re-establish between the Kingdom of Jagga
Earth, Geneva 2166.1.15Trade revoked access between the Kingdom of Jagga
Battle of BarnwellTT Neville Chamberlain, Barnwell Orbit, 2166.2.17 05.42Commander Christopher Sylvis, was rocked from his bunk and splayed out onto the floor. He felt as if he had been struck by a hammer. His vessel in the next few seconds rocked a number of time, as the alarm klaxon's around his ship screamed it's perpetual 'whoop' sound.
He was digesting what was happening to his vessel, it was under attack but from whom. He banged on his communicator. “Bridge Report!”
Border Force, Barnwell Orbit, 2166.2.17 05.42Bridge Watch Officer Marion Dykes, watched as six great explosions buffered TT Neville Chamberlain. The explosions lit up space for a fraction of a second. The scarring of the TT Neville could be seen. Her first thoughts were they were under attack but was it sabotage or an assault. She banged on the Emergency Command button, which launched active sensor and brought shield online. Action stations would be called.
She yelled over to the comms station “Get the Rear Admiral up here and fast!”
Border Force, Barnwell Orbit, 2166.2.17 +5 secondsBridge Watch Officer Marion Dykes read the sensor reports, which flowed from her terminal. The nearby Jagga ships had fired the missiles. The damage could have been a lot worse but TT Neville automated systems managed to destroy 12 of the 16 inbound missiles. Someone needed thank the designers for installing those four CIWS. They just saved a lot of lives.
“Fleet Weapons target and fire on Sebo 002 and 003 targets”, these were the two closest targets in range and more likely the ones which fired.
SO2 Squadron, Barnwell Orbit, 2166.2.17 +5 secondsCaptain Koyama Matsuko happened to be on the bridge when the explosions happened, his computers were linked with Border Fleet’s and was streaming data to his console. He made a decision that may cost him his career or perhaps life. The two targets near Barnwell, he was sure Border Fleet could handle. There was many more near the Jagga colony that could also be a threat, he need to delay them. Atleast he could fire a passing shot at Sebo 002 and 003 to help.
Border Force, Barnwell Orbit 2166.2.17 +10 secondsThree Belgium 35cm Lasers opened up on the two targets, these were point blank shots, they did not miss. The foolishness of the Kingdom of Jagga was astounding, not only did they choose the wrong target for their surprise attack, they may have chosen a superior opponent.
The Sebo 003 target exploded, after taking 2 beams of laser damage. Sebo 003 was wounded after receiving four and was streaming atmosphere. And the missiles were still inbound.
Border Force, Barnwell Orbit 2166.2.17 +15 secondsThe Sebo 002 never got a chance to fire again as three GSlam missiles ruptured the superstructure. Life pods had been ejected from both craft. Marion watched at the SO2 squadron had moved off, in the direction of the enemy colony on Hershel 4. It would be atleast a few minutes before the Rear Admiral made it to the bridge before offensive actions could take place.
This small action took only 15 seconds, Marion could not believe how fast people lives could be squashed in a instant. Action these days were presses of buttons, with nano computers doing most the targeting and heavy lifting.
Border Force, Barnwell Orbit, 2166.2.17 05:50Claudia was reviewing the situation after getting to the bridge. The duty officer had done well, although there was not much in the way of tactics. She knew SO2 Squadron had left its station and was heading to Hershel IV, likewise sensor reading 5 enemy vessels were heading to Barnwell.
She did not think it wise to leave Barnwell unguarded, so the SO2 squadron should be able to counter the enemy. She also requested the Troop Carriers to pick up the lifepods and continue to hold station on Barnwell.
She would need to relay back to Earth the news. The Jump gates provided real time conversations but having said that getting the right people may take 30 or so minutes. 30 minutes in space combat could be the start and end of a war.
SO2 Squadron, Barnwell,2166.2.17 07.24Captain Koyama noticed the number of missiles inbound, there was almost 100 missiles. This was going to be rough. It seemed the 5 warships that had launched these, the 22000 tons were definitely not used in propulsion on these vessels. If salvo was a single wave, it was not going to be an issue, however?. Captain Koyama took the extordinary step to reverse course and head back to Border Force, but first a number of GSLams could be launched.
SO2 Squadron, Barnwell, 2166.2.17 07:27It seemed may well be a single launch, atleast the move away was giving maybe a few more intercept missile launches, there was very few missile making it through, due to their slow technology. Captain Koyama could swing back once these missiles were over come, perhaps another minute or two and then he head right at the 5 attackers.
SO Squadron, Barnwell, 2166.2.17 07:27Captain Koyama breathed a sigh of relief, the last 14 missiles were defeated by the point defence gun of the FF Glasgow, which seemed to be the target at least for that salvo. He look at his sensors and saw another identical wave inbound, although he knew his defence would hold, that was not the issue. His issue was enough AAM missile the stocks were already running low. The umbrella from Border Force would be needed, he headed for Border fleet as fast as he could.
SO2 Squadron, 2166.2.17 07:42The last of the AAM were launched, it was at this point the Captain understood the mistake he had made. Five hundred odd missiles were bearing down on his two ships. There would be nothing that could stand this destruction. He hoped only one of the two ships had been targeted but he did not know.
SO2 Squadron, 2166.2.17 07.43Captain Koyama braced for the impact of the first 30 missiles, as he counted the seconds he waited and waited but no impact. He risked to look at his sensor could his point defence system work so well. He realised his mistake the missile were headed for the border fleet., he sighed a relief but he thought if the border fleet was to lose, he would not last that long anyway. Koyama though well it was now or never and order the ship turned about to head directly towards the enemy.
SO2 Squadron, 2166.2.17 07.56The crew cheered as the first wave of GSlam missile struck the enemy, 4 missiles had penetrated it defences and there was obvious damage to River 002.
Border Force, 2166.2.17 07:56Rear Admiral Heinieke watched as the missile that had made it through the AAM, headed for the CVL Agincourt. The Agincourt had 4 CIWS left to defend herself, these guns burnt through the ammo but brought down 15 missiles. The first wave was stopped but it was bound to have another slip through. Rear Admiral decided not to risk the fighters, and launched them now. Barnwell was not to far away if they needed refuelling.
Border Force, 2166.2.17 07:56Rear Admiral Heinieke moved closer to the forward monitor, she watched a multitude of explosion rock the Frigate Falkirk, her armour plating buckled and was torn away it was a horrid mess. The ship bucked violently and slowed. The fighters did what they could bringing down a few missiles but there was just too many. There was still a final salvo aimed at the poor ship coming. Her heart leaped for Commander Ding and her crew, she knew they would not survive.
Border Force, 2166.2.17 07:57Rear Admiral Heinieke opened her mouth in horror as the missile flew past the Falkirk. The missiles were headed towards the planet or perhaps the Troop transport ships. They were almost defenceless against a barrage of this size. She told the Falkirk to head to the planet as fast as she could. Rescue survivors or do what ever it could.
Border Force 2166.2.17 08:07Rage was not even a slight comparison to what Claudia was feeling, the Nuclear explosions on the planet targeted at Military and Civilian centres, killed everyone on the planet. There was a whole Division of troops gone. Over 800,000 civilians gone. The Jaggian were going to pay for what they had done.
SO2 Squadron 21667.2.17 08.19Captain Koyama banged his table, he miscalculated the Tallboy launches. The missiles fuel was running out a mere 2 million kms before separation. He was also staring down the barrel of another salvo of missile launches heading his way. What the enemy did not make up in tech they made up in the sheer weight of the barrages. Koyama was feeling very disappointed.
SO2 Squadron 21667.2.17 08:22The FFG Glasgow was battered by only 4 missiles the other 16 had been destroyed by point defence or deflected by shield. The armour was holding for now.
SO2 Squadron 21667.2.17 08:24The FFG Glasgow was again rocked by 20 explosions, the point defence did as well as it could but it was just overwhelmed. The Glasgow slowed to almost being dead in the space. It looked like it was out of the fight. Captain Koyama was going to get in range, and destroy them these aliens with his 35cm Laser or die trying.
SO2 Squadron 21667.2.17 08:30Captain Koyama rocked from his position as multiple explosion hit his vessel, but the armour had held for this salvo. Perhaps the next he would not be so lucky. It was not too long before the theory was tested, another salvo battered against his ship and again the armour had held.
Border Force, 21667.2.17 08:32The DDG Abyssinia was rocked by multiple explosions, but the thick hide of the vessel armour, stopped any penetrations. The DDG Greenland were also hit with a similar amount of explosions and again the Belgium class Destroyer had proved its worth.
Border Force, 21667.2.17 08:51The GSlam missiles did impacted the target River 002, but enemy vessels were almost as strong as Earth class vessels, it had slowed but seemed to be still in the fight. Border force was now face with another huge onslaught of missiles, but they were almost in range to give a reply with a salvo of Tallboy MWS.
Border Force, 21667.2.17 08:53The Agincourt peppered with a few explosions but nothing critical.
FFG Glasgow, 2166.2.17 09.02Captain Borya Konstantinov had watched the multiple salvos of missiles fly by. The FFG Glasgow trailed SO2 Squadron, after sustaining previous damage. The FFG Glasgow had not been targeted since that point. The Captain elt his chance of getting back in the fight was good. That was until 40 missiles plowed into his ship and destroyed every system. One of the first few missiles hit the bridge killing the Captain instantly. The ship had not come apart but it was a floating wreck.
SO2 Squadron, 21667.2.17 09:05The DDG Ecuador had been hit again, the armour was now starting to wear a little thin. A single ICF drive had come offline, but the Captain was happy they were still in the fight. Five minutes later that ICF was back online, he was proud of his crew.
Border Fleet, 2166.2.17 09:14Claudia receives a blinked at the single line that appeared on her console. The FFG Falkirk had been destroyed. Alpha Squadron was closing and there did not seem an end to these salvos AAM were a thing of the past. Point defence, armour and a little luck had held them together. If Alpha squadron could not do the job, they were out of luck and she need to make a run for the gate.
Border Fleet, 2166.2.17 09:18DDG Abyssinia's armour held after the first volley. The second volley however penetrated and caused a secondary explosion from ICF drive knocking out multiple systems. Claudia had fell and bang her head against a bulkhead. A deep cut had opened up on her forehead as blood trickled down her face. "Damage Report!"
Alpha Squadron, 2166.2.17 09:23"This is Alpha 001 approaching wounded vessel River 003, commencing attack run. Wing form on me, in we go" lasers fired from the fighters against the large enemy warship, the amour had sprung multiple leaks as the laser penetrated the armour. "YAHOOOO! this is like a turkey shoot", "Roger that Alpha 010, this is easier the Jontys training runs"
"This is Alpha 001, stay focused guys, concentrate no cowboy smeg". River 003 started to break apart from the multiple hits.
Alpha Squadron, 2166.2.17 09:24"Rinse and Repeat guys we got 3 more ships to destroy" "And stay away from our own Tallboys then are inbound and hitting as we are in the attack run"
Alpha Squadron, 2166.2.17 09:25Karabane 002 destroyed
Alpha Squadron, 2166.2.17 09:28Karabane 003 destroyed
Alpha Squadron, 2166.2.17 09:29Karabane 004 destroyed
Aftermath
Enemy vessel lost
Sebo 002
Sebo 003
River 002
River 003
Karabane 002
Karabane 003
Karabane 004
Friendly Losses
FFG Falkirk - 1137 dead
Crew losses
FFG Glasgow 379 dead
DDG Abyssinia 274 dead
DDG Ecuador 30 dead
TT James Callaghan 65 dead
TT Neville Chamberlian 77 dead
Barnwell
10th Infantry Regiment
1st Marine Regiment
1st Construction Regiment
2nd Construction Regiment
42nd Replacement Battalion
820,000 civilians dead.