Chapter I
Some time prior to the year 1025 the Cordrazine declared war with the Ralyeh or vice versa. Good, we thought that would keep them occupied. Shortly thereafter they declared war with us Humans. That caught all the Governors and the ruling body completely by surprise. Of course, the Ryuken IV Governor was quick to point out their proximity to the Cordrazine.Perhaps they felt crowded, we had only colonized two planets. Did they claim that last one? Don't recall. Perhaps they felt threatened and emboldened. At this time only four other races are known. Our science ranking was third and theirs last. While our military strength was last and theirs was first.
Perhaps they sought merely to take advantage of a perceived weakness. Not very sociable nor a good way to be remembered by the galaxy.
Regardless they only had fighter tech as did we. We also had missile tech but we soon found this was not a suitable weapon to counter fighters.
So our only fleet was small, 14 fighters. We had also just lost our prototype frigate by Remnant forces; perceived weakness? Additional fighters were already being built and would be added to First fleet.
First fleet was en-route to the Ryuken system. A small contingent of troops were already present on Ryuken IV. Troops would be sent from Rioner I and Earth to reinforce Ryuken IV and later be used in a counter attack.
By 1033 the Ralyeh had taken Inotuar II from the Cordrazine and First fleet was near full strength. The Cordrazine had also colonized a system that we desired.
The ruling body and Governors decided a quick strike on their home planet would be the best solution. Thus the "Cripple Cordrazine" mission was formed. 30 fighters were produced and assembled in First fleet. Ten troop contingents were also readied.
Around 1038, First fleet jumped into the Cordrazine system to find a comparable number of fighters. While these were engaged, our troops landed on Cordron III. As the space battle ensued, half of First fleet was lost and ordered to retreat. The troops would be on their own but as the Cordrazine had no means to reinforce their home world, we believed our troops would be safe. They prevailed, Cordron III was captured and the Cordrazine threat dramatically crippled. Their only remaining planet had approximately 400 million colonists and no means for support.
Capturing Cordron III proved to be a great benefit to our research effort. They had a research lab and of course billions of Owlwoks relieved of their masters "mind control drugs".
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Concerning recently declassified espionage missions, our spies have been busy. Many have been lost. We learned a rebellion was started on one of our planets by an enemy espionage team. Fortunately, four troop contingents were based there and they managed to quell the rebellion before it could take hold. Technology has also been stolen and our treasury robbed by enemy agents.
While highly ranked spies can help stop these attacks. Our leaders decided on a more effective approach and that is to assassinate enemy agents. Initially we lost a few of our own agents and this mission was then relegated to the most skilled agents. With much effort and patience enemy agents were eliminated and espionage missions against us diminished or ceased entirely. At least for awhile.
Chapter II
While our relation with the Ralyeh were entirely neutral, shortly after taking Cordron III, in the year 1045 they declared war. Now rather than eliminating the Cordrazine threat our focus shifted to defending against the Ralyeh and crippling them as we had the Cordrazine.The "Cripple Ralyeh" mission was considerably more complicated. Taking Kothlar III would not be enough to cripple the Ralyeh, as they had colonized several Terran worlds having a high capacity for population growth. The Ralyeh occupied 6 systems, had colonized 5 planets and captured 1. Four of these were on the "Cripple Ralyeh" mission report.
At this time, we now controlled 6 systems including Sol. First fleet had just defeated a Remnant force in the Rylon system and consisted of only 17 fighters, some of which were damaged. Rylon II was the newest addition to the Human Empire. It was of course the closest system to the Ralyeh.
The Federation rulers were also concerned with slowing the Pollop expansion. This meant colonizing systems near their borders even if it meant taking their claims.
The Ralyeh made several attempts to take Rylon II. We were unprepared for the first invasion. Troops stationed on Thirionerul II and Earth were diverted to Rylon II while the Ralyeh assault was underway. First fleet tried to interdict as many enemy troop ships as possible before they could land. The Thirionerul II contingents made it just in time and the invasion was repelled. The contingents from Earth proved unnecessary. First fleet was devastated; They gave their lives attempting to hold off the Ralyeh fighters while the cavalry was on their way. Despite both fleets being fairly equal in numbers, the ruling body was still producing Falcon R I fighters, which continued to prove ineffective against enemy fighters. Furthermore, the Ralyeh Interceptors were design with four Vulcan cannons to our three.
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By 1055 the "Cripple Ralyeh" mission was under way. Second fleet, consisting of 27 mixed fighters, was heading to Kothlar III. Ten troop contingents were also en-route. Our scientists had just completed the "Research Lab" project and these were being built across all planets.
By 1060 Kothlar III had been captured and Second fleet, having sustained numerous casualties was in retreat. The military contingents left on Kothlar II were now on their own. In the meantime, First fleet was continuing to fend off Ralyeh attacks on Rylon II and similarly suffered numerous casualties. Both fleets would be merged into First and would still be below strength. The "Military Outpost" research was now complete, so these could be built and Earth would no longer be the sole producer of troop contingents.
Taking Kothlar III similarly boosted our research capability. Furthermore, the Ralyeh had completed Xeno Mining as one was present on the planet.
It wasn't long before our scientists had completed the Corvette technologies. It was believed this would be the answer to defeating the Ralyeh although no Flak designs were ever built. In the year 1067 the Corsair Raider fleet appeared in the Cordron system. Several corvettes were produced to determine their capabilities and effectiveness versus the raiders. The immediate consensus was that shields would be required. So this technology was moved up the queue. These shielded ships fared marginally better but the Corsair cruiser had proved to be deadly in and of itself. An entire fleet would be needed to destroy these Corsairs. However, everyone wanted this ship. The military wanted to wield it. The scientific community wanted to study it. So the ruling body decided that the Corsair cruiser should be captured. Capturing this ship would require several new technologies. The plan would be to build a Space Station outfitted with Assault Shuttle Launch Bays...
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In the year 1070 the Cordrazine threat was over. Their last planet had been captured and the Owlwok populace were now happily members of the human led Federation. The Pollops continued their expansion, colonizing a Barren Rich planet in the Hammer system where we already had colonized a Terran planet. They also had colonized a planet in one of the Ralyeh systems. The ruling body decided to step up its colonization efforts.
Somehow the Ralyeh saw Dugerma II, the last Cordrazine planet and newest planet in the Federation as an opportunity. By 1080 their invasion was underway. Caught unready, again, the Forth fleet, consisting of fighters only was nearby and responded. Two, troop contingents were rush built on Dugerma II and several were rebased from Ryukon IV. Ralyeh troops managed to land but did so sporadically. Defending troops easily eliminated the invading Ralyeh forces. Third fleet had just defeated Remnant forces in nearby Tamand and were redirected to Dugerma. Third fleet was the first to be made up solely of Corvettes. The second planet in the "Cripple Ralyeh" mission, Might IV, had also been readily captured.
The Opteris are also expanding and colonized a Barren Ultra Poor planet practically next door to Briton. As their motives are unknown, our leaders are baffled by their willingness to colonize such an inhospitable planet.
Around 1086 the Pollops proposed an alliance, which was accepted. Shortly thereafter they asked for help against the Opteris. A small Opteris invasion fleet was detected approaching the Pollop Ndollis system. It would seem they were already at war with the Opteris and used this as an excuse to ally with us. While the truth may never be known and the wars just keep coming, the ruling body saw this as an opportunity to initiate the "Cripple Opteris Offensive".
The Fifth fleet would be assembled at Briton, consisting of a mix of 8 corvettes and 5 Flak/Rail Gun frigates, the Dauntless KG I's. Fourteen troop contingents were at the ready.
Meanwhile, construction of the first space station was begun to orbit Cordron III in response of the plan to capture the Corsair cruiser. The station was designed with Class I shields, 5 Assault Shuttle Launch Bays, and numerous Flak and MRLS turrets.
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While the number of agents is classified, reports indicate their skill is significant. Few have been caught and killed. Few missions fail. The ruling body has indicated that the effective use of espionage missions like sabotaging a planets industrial capability has further hindered the Ralyeh. And missions such as these will continue to be an integral part of enemy "Cripple Offensives".
Chapter III
Fifth fleet was assembled and the offensive begun. By the time Fifth fleet was en-route to the Opteris system, the small Opteris invasion fleet had successfully captured Ndolla II, a Barren Rich planet. Before Fifth fleet could even reach its destination The Pollops had brokered a peaceful cessation of hostilities. The Pollops had not recaptured their planet but were continuing to colonize. Fifth fleet's mission orders were confirmed and they continued on course.Confusion reigns: Fifth fleet included 3 Falcons. These arrived ahead of the fleet at the assembly area on the outskirts of the Opteris system. The first mistake in this mission was that the assembly point was inside the Opteris system near the orbit of Opteris III itself. At least that is where the Falcons jumped. One Falcon failed to wait and jumped to engage the approximate 30 fighter defense fleet stationed near Opteris III. The other two naturally followed suit. Fortunately this was noticed in time and all three fighters were ordered to fall back to a more distant assembly point and wait for the core of the Fifth fleet. One didn't make it. The Fifth fleet and all troop contingents were ordered to hold at the new assembly area. Both groups were still some distance from the Opteris system.
Somehow all troop contingents continued to jump straight to the Opteris home planet. No one recalls, nor will admit to giving that order. It is by shear providence that they weren't decimated before the offensive could even begin. As they jumped to within Opteris III, there were only a handful of defending drones in the system. The defense fleet had left to pursue the remaining Falcons. As the Opteris fleet moved to engage the Falcons they spotted the Fifth fleet and changed course to intercept. The Fifth fleet cruised past the Opteris fleet but appeared to stop and engage the Opteris fleet. Their orders were updated: "Disengage Enemy, Jump Directly to Opteris III". Warp drives activated and the Opteris fleet was soon beyond sensor range. Fifth fleet arrived at Opteris III in time to assist the invasion troops.
The defenseless troop shuttles struggled to reach the Opteris home world. Most troop contingents were able to successfully land and begin the occupation. Only a hand-full of defenders were present. The Opteris fleet did continue to pursue the Fifth fleet and soon arrived at Opteris to join the battle already under way. All elements of the "Cripple Opteris" offensive had managed to come together despite the confusion and the unexpected Opteris tactical maneuver.
The Opteris Drone Interceptors are approximately twice the size of our fighters and are equipped with 6 Vulcan cannons. While a considerable threat they were no match for our Dauntless KG I frigates. Some Opteris Corvettes warped in, the Attack Worker class, equipped with laser turrets. None in our arsenal had such technology. While this concerned the ruling body, it would have no real bearing on the outcome of the battle. One of the first frigates to arrive faced the few Opteris defenders alone and while sustaining heavy damage managed to safely withdraw until the battle was over. The battle was decisive. Only two Falcons were lost compared with the many Opteris interceptors and corvettes.
The invasion of Opteris III was uncertain for awhile. Several troops were lost to the defending forces and defensive structures remained, including the capital. In 1096 the Opteris home world had been captured and the "Cripple Opteris" Offensive successfully completed.
Still, the ruling body had little insight of this enemy. They were uncertain as to the effect, capturing the Opteris home world would have on their capabilities. While they appeared to need food, it was significantly less than us. Similarly they produced far less food than us.
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Our espionage efforts resulted in the early acquisition of the "Energy Weapons" technology from the Opteris. This helped to accelerate our technical progress somewhat. We are now in first place in all categories. One of our agents suggested that regardless of our rank, it is possible for another race to have a technology we do not. An Agent was tasked to acquire new technology from the Opteris yet again. The mission failed but in this case they had nothing we did not already possess.
So much happened during the Cripple Opteris Offensive and immediately following. We now have energy weapons technology including "Energy Cannons" and new Corvette and Frigate designs using these went into effect. The Dauntless GM I would be upgraded to the Harbinger LM I class and the Hunter GM III would be replaced by the Hunter L I. Furthermore, all fighters would be decommissioned despite new designs using Fighter Shields.
The Corsair cruiser was easily captured by a single assault team. The fear was that the cruiser would destroy one or more teams as they attempted to board it. Given its facing and our attack trajectory, the Corsair never fired once on our assault teams. Under our control we were able to use it to quickly dispatch the remaining Corsair Gunship. We now effectively have a trophy Cruiser prototype. Its only apparent weakness is its slow warp speed; it is necessary to power down shields during warp.
Remnant studies were completed shortly after taking Opteris III. New ship designs were implemented across all classes. The Remnant small reactors are ideal for increasing component space; our ships now have increased power, energy stores and are even more survivable in combat than the earlier models. While there is an increased production cost the benefits far outweigh the cost. The Energy shield alone is more than double that of our Class I shield. While we can replicate the small power plant, power cell and shield, our science teams have discovered no way to up or down size these components. Therefore a larger reactor and power cell or a smaller, fighter class shield are beyond our understanding. What is curious is that the Remnant forces are not using weapons and armor that are beyond our capability to discover or produce...
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The final objective in the "Cripple Ralyeh" mission was completed in 1092. The Ralyeh colonized another planet in the Bathorda system. Given the socio-political nature and religious dogma of this race the ruling body and all governors have been discussing how best to deal with this people and the threat they continue to represent. Unbeknownst to them the Pollops would soon provide the answer.
The Pollops were invited to join our Federation. They declined indicating the Ralyeh were their friends... This was confounding. Regardless, they did state that if we could ally with the Ralyeh they would join. It was unclear if the Ralyeh would ever agree to an alliance. A predominant argument in the Senate was that the Ralyeh threat should be entirely eliminated just like the Cordrazine. This might increase the Pollop's fear of us; it also might make them angry. But without their [i]"friend"[/i] they might join the United Federation. Then having joined, it was believed the Ralyeh would surely follow. Arguments on both sides continued for some time, the majority swaying from one side to the other. One consideration was the the number of remaining Ralyeh controlled systems and the time required to capture them. Eventually, a consensus was reached. Peace would be offered to the Ralyeh. Steps would be initiated to ally with them. During this time, the Pollop's would continue to be offered membership in the Federation to confirm their resolve.
In 1104 peace was offered to the Ralyeh and they accepted. They seemed pleased and commented our fleet was in "much better condition". The belief that a race should be eliminated based solely upon their military strength is what resulted in them nearly being utterly destroyed themselves in retaliation. If this is what the Senate will have to deal with then bringing them into the Federation might be a grand mistake.
The Pollop's were subsequently contacted to determine their reaction. Entrance into the Federation was offered and they eagerly accepted. They were actually delighted and kept talking about all the beaches they would visit. Their acceptance was a great relief. The Pollop expansion threat was ended and our Federation was now considerably stronger.
One unexpected benefit of the Pollops joining the Federation was the addition of their technology. The had already completed the Cruiser Construction technology. We would now be able to build Cruisers.
The Ralyeh feared us but didn't trust us. In an attempt to improve relations, Venfield III and Xeno Linguistics were given to them. While they said the Elder God was pleased their anger did not abate. Perhaps it was too soon.
The Senate believed the Vulfen would be beneficial allies and members of the United Federation. However, they didn't fear nor trust us. Perhaps they don't fear us because virtually our entire military complex is being refit. Xeno Linguistics was offered to the Vulfen. They approved of the Tribute.
More worrisome than the Ralyeh is the Opteris retaliation in kind. While they haven't attacked Earth, they did somehow manage to convince the Draylock and Kulrathi to join their Federation. It was now imperative that the "Cripple Opteris" Offensive be reactivated and appended to include the original Kulrathi and Draylok home worlds and that the mission be started as soon as possible.
Chapter IV
We humans have a saying "When it rains it pours". We don't know what leverage the Opteris have, especially more so than us. But they managed to convince both the Ralyeh and Vulfen to join their Federation. There are now only two sides in this galactic war, call it GWI. An unreasonable and hostile side and a fun loving side of beach goers. This is sad really, as we believed there was room in the Federation for the the Kulrathi, Vulfen and even the Draylok. Now they will only be members of the Federation as a conquered species.The Draylok hadn't fared well. They never colonized beyond their home system. So taking their home world will be the end of that aspect of the Opteris Federation of Anarchy. The Ralyeh were severely weakened and capturing the remaining planets under their control should prove easy. The Vulfen also failed to expand aggressively, as they only control two planets.
The Senate continues to believe we have the advantage over the Opteris. We are constructing cruisers and refitting all of our Corvettes and Frigates with Remnant tech and energy weapons. We have not even seen a Frigate class Opteris ship. While their current military strength is greater than ours, this is certainly due to our fleets being in space dock for refit.
The vast majority of our ships are still in space dock being or awaiting refit and the Opteris launched a counter attack on Opteris III. At the time only a single Harbinger LM I was in the Opteris system. It valiantly held off the attack sustaining heavy damage. A second Harbinger LM I came off the line in time to support the first, but this proved unnecessary. The odds against this lone frigate were considerable but the captain and crew did not allow themselves to be overwhelmed by concentrated missile fire. The Senate named the ship Constellation and awarded the ship its Captain and crew the Space Navy Unit Commendation.
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First fleet was partially reassembled in the Opteris system in preparation for taking the Draylok home planet. First fleet is made up of 5 mixed corvettes and 3 Harbinger LM II frigates. The defending enemy fleet while larger, was comprised of Flak and Vulcan cannon equipped ships. Despite this, their numbers managed to destroy 2 of our corvettes in the battle. Our troops landed on Drell III to begin the invasion.
During the Drell invasion, Opteris troops landed on Opteris III in an attempt to retake their home world. Fifth fleet, also partially reassembled, readily defeated the invading fleet but were unable to interdict the invading troops. These were repelled by our defending troops but one contingent was lost.
A second, larger counter attack was launched in the Opteris system. Still the attacking fleet was mostly fighter craft. Fifth fleet failed to maneuver and one frigate was lost in the battle.
By 1124 the Drell III invasion concluded successfully. The Draylok home world is now under our control and the Opteris Federation has lost a significant resource... we believe.
In 1126 The last former Ralyeh planet was captured. Capturing these planets was straight forward as they didn't even have any stationed defense troops. While taking these could have been much quicker, the Senate required each planet to have a minimum of 4 defending garrisons.
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An assault on the Vulfen home world began in 1137 and the first enemy cruiser was spotted. It was equipped with heavy fusion beams. While our scientists have also completed this technology, our military has yet to see them equipped (space dock queues are still back logged). Their cruiser simply could not stand against the shear numbers of the Sixth fleet, although it certainly seemed agile enough. With the enemy cruiser defeated the invasion of Vater III could begin. Our military now has Spider tanks but despite these the invasion force was completely lost. The most diverse defense force was present planet-side and our invasion consisted of four tank contingents and five troop contingents. A second invasion force would need to be assembled.
The Opteris began an invasion of Ndolla III. Fourth fleet had recently been sent to Rfolk for refit and was ordered back to engage the only military vessel, a cruiser equipped with bombs. Colony shields have only been sporadically built, so until the Fourth fleet returned, planets in the Ndolla system were vulnerable. One Paragon LM III was en-route to reinforce First fleet. It was close enough to intercept the enemy fleet in the Ndolla system and was redirected there. The enemy upon detecting our single cruiser jumped to engage. The battle was close and our cruiser had sustained heavy damage. Just as it was disengaging, the enemy cruiser suffered catastrophic internal damage. This battle emphasized two aspects of our design. The battle would have been shorter had heavy fusion beams been installed. More forward armor was needed and most importantly it was discovered that the Remnant reactors had caused cascading failures which deprived operable weapons of their power. All cruiser designs would benefit from the investigation of this battle. In particular, the Paragon LM III and Paragon FM I designs were immediately modified. This ship, its captain and crew were awarded the Space Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. The ship was also given a unique name, Indomitable.
The invasion of Vater III had begun again in 1149. This time 10 troop contingents and 8 Tank divisions took part in the invasion. There were 8 remaining mixed defending troop contingents. The invasion was successful but 4 entire Troop contingents were lost in the assault. The Senate hoped Vater III would be a significant loss to the Opteris.
The majority of our fleets have now been upgraded and they have been equipped with Phasors. Technically the fleets were refit twice in some cases. Our first Battle Cruisers have also come into service. The time to refit was delayed as Space Stations were being built to help speed construction and refitting. These delays made it possible for the Opteris not only to research Cruiser Construction but to start building them as well.
Second, Fifth and Sixth fleets were given new mission objectives and were under way toward key Opteris planets. One of these was the Kulrathi home world Tor. Another was Wilistus I, it is an average ocean world with 4.7 billion... bugz... Sixth fleet was heading to Ratholid III, the last former Vulfen occupied planet.
Second fleet arrived at Tor to find the largest Opteris fleet thus far. Still there was only a single frigate in the fleet and no cruisers. The invasion of Tor was successfully completed on 1170.8. But there were no more Kulrathi, there were only bugz...
Epilogue
The United Federation continued to grow as more and more Opteris planets were conquered. Few planets had defense troops and most of those that did had less than a handful. Progression toward eliminating the Opteris was slow but steady. Each planet was the same. Bugz don't need homes or entertainment and care little for their environment.In 1192 the Galactic War ended to little fanfare. The last Opteris colony was conquered. The cost of being in the Opteris Federation was high; it was to lose your identity as a species. The Opteris were little more than researchers, constructors and conquerors. They were soulless, they had no vibrancy nor social needs. There were few if any true Ralyeh, Draylok, Vulfen, and Kulrathi. Their bodies were lost forever, their consciousness now resided in a bug-like bio-mechanical machine. Had any citizens rebelled? If so, were they just exterminated, as useless? How could an entire species be so convinced as to shed their identity; to abandon every aspect that made them unique, individual; to become almost entirely a machine? The Opteris did continue to assemble troops of the various races; the only conclusion is that you join the military or be made into a machine; perhaps they were grown in vats.
The war was over, we only wanted peace but there were only the machines... cold, calculating, machines... too many machines...
© 2013 Randall C Porter
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