drakensis Aleksandr the Good « on: January 16, 2010, 05:25:42 PM »Unity City, North America
Terra, Terran Hegemony
10 October 2780
The scars of the ferocious battles that had swept across humanity's homeworld for almost two years were still evident around the Court of the Star League. For that matter, despite the best efforts of thousands of men and women over the course of twelve months, a few marks of Stefan Amaris' hated rule were also visible, Robert Steiner noticed as he walked through the passageways of the Court towards the High Council Chamber followed by a small handful of officers and advisors.
Then again, it may have been a deliberate choice to leave those signs. For better or worse - almost entirely the latter - Stefan Amaris had ruled Terra for over a decade. He was part of its often bloody history and it would not be totally inappropriate to remember that, in the same way that sites associated with even the bloodiest tyrants of Europe had been preserved as warnings to the future.
Warnings that had been ignored, Robert cautioned himself. Again. His lip curled.
The servants and courtiers that he recalled from previous gatherings of the High Council under Richard Cameron's 'leadership' were gone, replaced by soldiers in SLDF dress uniforms... and others in SLDF combat gear at key points. A message from Kerensky?
Sheer chance had made Robert the last to arrive and he paused as he crossed the threshold of the Chamber, standing between the double doors and glancing from left to right around the horseshoe table that seated the other four Council Lords whle his entourage broke off.
John Davion and Barbara Liao. Aleksandr Kerensky, occupying the place used by the First Star Lord when he sat here amongst his peers and not upon his throne a few hundred yards away across the Court complex. Kenyon Marik, flanked on his other side by Robert's chair, and then Minoru Kurita. The seats at either end of the long curve had been removed in tacit acknowledgement that Territorial Administrators or rulers of the four Territorial States would not be in attendance for the forseeable future.
Previously - gods, more than thirteen years ago - Robert had preferred to walk around the long way rather than simply around the side of the table occupied by Minoru's father Takiro. The old samurai lord had been disturbing enough to sit next to when at least the Archon could focus his attention away. But not this time.
No, this time Robert Steiner walked right, passing them empty space that had previously represented the Outworlds Alliance and - heh - the former Rim Worlds Republic. Fat chance of that being taken up again. Despite every effort of the SLDF, the Republic was sliding further and further into the grip of the Commonwealth. And who knew? Perhaps Amaris' dream of an empire stretching from Terra to Apollo wasn't as far-fetched as it might have been, if under a rather different ruler. First Lord Robert Steiner would have a nice ring to it.
Finally, he took his place and Kerensky leant forwards, placing his forearms flat on the table. The old general nodded his bald head casually towards the door and the two soldiers flanking it leapt to pull the doors closed as they left the Council alone.
The time was right for someone to exert leadership. Robert's lips parted - he could see Kenyon about to do the same...
"There are several matters that need to be addressed immediately," Kerensky said in a quiet voice that nonetheless cut through any efforts by the Council Lords to speak. Sheer authority. Robert would wager that no one had spoken to any of the rulers here without a slight edge of deference since they had last gathered here. And oh, it was not welcome.
"Firstly, I should make you aware that the Hegemony Congress has voted to confirm me as Director-General of the Terran Hegemony," the general told them, a slight note of ruefulness in his voice. "I did not seek the office, but the point has been made that there is no one else within the Hegemony who can carry the burden at this time."
Oh hell. That was the last thing that anyone wanted. Kerensky as First Lord? After he'd done such a lousy job as regent for Richard? Wait... he hadn't said First Lord. Just Director-General. Was that a wedge?
"Obviously, this is not compatible with my holding the position of Commanding General of the Star League Defense Forces." Kerensky produced a simple, folded sheet of paper from a pocket. With a start, Robert noticed for the first time that the old man was not wearing his uniform, but a plain suit cut in a similar fashion. "I am sure that this will give you greatest pleasure, Captain-General," that gentle voice continued, "So you may be the first to read the resignation of commission within the Star League Defense Force."
Kenyon swallowed angrily but unfolded the document and scanned it swiftly before handing it curtly to Robert. The Archon glanced and saw that it was scarcely more than a note to the effect that the new Director-General had explained. He passed it on to Minoru.
"Secondly," Kerensky picked up the thread effortlessly before any commentary could be inserted into what was obviously a practised presentation. "My resignation vacates one of two bureaucratic positions within the administration of the Star League that I do not believe can be left empty without dire conseqences, the second of course being the Minster of Communications. I have invited a nominee for the latter position - a Mr. Jerome Blake - to present himself tomorrow for consideration by the High Council. With regard to the Star League Defense Force, however, there is a regrettable shortage of senior officers of suitable experience due to the recent conflict's casualties. It is my considered assertion that the only feasible choice would be General Aaron DeChevalier with whom many of you are acquainted. Does anyone wish to name an alternative candidate?"
That isn't the position that we came here to appoint a replacement to, Robert thought irritably. Besides, you know damn well that there's a good chance of the SLDF ignoring any orders supplanting your choice. "I second Director-General Kerensky's nomination of Aaron DeChevalier," he said. Maybe that would buy some support from Kerensky in the coming election. "And move that the appointment be by acclamation, with no further debate."
There was a ripple of annoyance but no verbal objection was raised. Kerensky produced another folded piece of paper from his jacket - hadn't the damn man ever heard of an attache case? - and unfolded it, signing at the bottom before sliding it over to Barbara. When the document returned around the table to Robert, signed by four of the six Lords he saw that in contrast to the earlier note it was a neatly printed commission of Aaron DeChevalier to the rank and office of Commanding General, SLDF. Probably no one had seen such a document since Kerensky's own appointment forty-two years before. More than half my life, Robert realised with a start. More than half of his for that matter. He'd almost forgotten that Aleksandr Kerensky was only a few months his elder.
"Thank you," the Director General said pleasently when the document was returned to him.
He steepled his fingers. "And now to the matter that doubtless has the bulk of your concern. The appointment of a new First Star Lord."
Robert swallowed. No. Not to Kerensky's schedule. Let him drive this further and he'd steamroll them all.
Clearly he was not the only one to see the risk and Barbara Liao rose to her feet, the only woman in the room. "Respectfully, Director General, I move that any discussion of that matter be deferred for a few days. It is clear that the new First Star Lord will face a formidable burden and it would be better that we take a measure of the condition of the Star League, and most particularly our stricken Terran Member State before that duty is bestowed."
A storm of objections failed to manifest at the proposed delay and John Davion seconded in a subdued voice, the First Prince's eyes flickering between the other Lords. The reports - and more importantly - the chance to politck quietly amongst themselves over Kerensky's new unavoidable presence were agreed without incident and the doors were unsealed to admit the aides who would assist their masters in presenting impromptu - and at best half-truthful - accountings of the state of their respective nations.
Knightmare Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #1 on: January 16, 2010, 06:43:28 PM »Love this.
Takiro Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #2 on: January 16, 2010, 06:45:26 PM »Very good drakensis! I had envisioned my own Kerensky Remains story that began with Arron DeChevalier. It was entitled Some Things Better Left Unsaid. Might be a good prologue here if your interested. The opening chapter had focused on DeChevalier's original utterance after the defeat of Amaris when he and Kerensky were thinking what next? The scene is set up according to FASA 1709 - The Clans Warriors of Kerensky (page 6 under Exodus) but in my version instead of speaking up DeChevalier decides "some things are better left unsaid". Hence the name.
Would love to help out with any other development for this continued line. A very relevant thread we had here that discusses the possibilities as well as a possible troop breakdown for the SLDF and discusses what might happen.
Look forward to seeing more!
muttley Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #3 on: January 16, 2010, 06:49:22 PM »More please!
drakensis Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #4 on: January 17, 2010, 04:29:23 AM »Unity City, North America
Terra, Terran Hegemony
12 October 2780
Robert Steiner sat back in the armchair and counted votes. It wasn't difficult, even a cretin wouldn't have needed the fingers of more than one hand after all.
Election of a new First Star Lord required one of the six Lords to persuade three others to support him. Right at the moment, Robert could see three individuals who didn't stand a chance of getting even one supporting vote: Minoru, Kenyon and Kerensky. Which was damn good news, in the Archon's not at all biased opinion, since all of them had borders with the Lyran Commonwealth and the authority of the First Lord might be enough to start nibbling away at them.
That left John Davion, Barbara Liao and - of course - himself as the prospective candidates. Robert sipped at the one lager that his doctors permitted him. Of course, it was in a litre capacity stein, which might be more than they really meant, he thought wickedly to himself. So there were three real prospects for the vacant throne and three votes up for grabs once the holders realised that they were not in the running. Ideally, winning over all three would emplace Robert as First Star Lord. More probably, winning over two of them and making some kind of concession to either the First Prince or the Chancellor.
There would be the usual arguements over the candidates' 'finer qualities' - balancing youth and vigor against age and experience (older than the other two by at least twenty years, Robert knew which side he came down on); but what would really matter would be horse-trading. And that was what he was here for.
"Long day?" he asked with carefully masked amusement as a weary looking Aleksandr Kerensky entered the room, sinking into the chair on the other side of the hearth with a groan of relief.
"I am torn between regret at the lack of bureaucratic support and relief that they aren't here to whine about my 'arbitary rule'," Kerensky admitted wryly. Subsumed to no small part into the mechanisms of ruling the Star League even before Amaris' coup and then fragmented by the long war to remove the tyrant, the Hegemony's civil service was all but extinct. "Now, at the risk of being abrupt Archon, your visit is cutting into the already limited time I can set aside for my family. What can I do for you?"
Family? Robert narrowed his eyes. "I see that I shall have to speak to my information services," he murmered. "My apologies, Aleksandr. I had not been aware that you were wed to anyone but your duties."
"A well kept secret," the former Commanding General confessed. "My wife and sons were in Moscow during the occupation."
Even the fearsome Minoru Kurita had been kept at bay when Amaris used members of his clan as hostages. A frisson of terror went through Robert Steiner as he considered what might have happened if the Usurper had known that his ultimate enemy's loved ones were within his grasp. "That is a long time to be seperated. I will keep this short then. The Rim Worlds Republic cannot continue as a League Protectorate indefinitely. What are your thoughts on its future?"
It was a 'hot' issue between them. Robert had ordered two campaigns into the Republic over the last decade, occupying swathes of it to 'suppress' uprisings after the SLDF left for its campaign to liberate the Terran Hegemony. Aleksandr Kerensky had not approved and had issued a blunt reprimand that had halted the first. The second, following from Amaris' execution, had not thus far been objected to.
"That is a matter that the whole Council to decide," Kerensky told him, somewhat weakly Robert thought.
He nodded. "Of course, but I would appreciate your thinking on the matter to decide my own vote." A branch for the new Director-General. Steiner was willing to give up those territorial gains if something was offered...
Kerensky sighed. "As you say, the protectorate cannot continue and no one wishes to return to the former status. Perhaps some form of joint administration, as with those worlds colonised under joint authority between the Hegemony and the other Member-States."
"I'm not convinced that the rest of the Periphery would look well on such an arrangement." And that would be a problem for the League, the Confederation, the Suns and the Combine which all happened to border on the other three Territorial States. What a shame. Robert lifted his lager again.
"I suspect that they will far too happy that I'm not despatching the SLDF out to conquer them again," Kerensky told him.
Lager exploded out of Robert's mouth as he choked, a healthy slug of the liquid having tried to go down his windpipe. For a long moment the Archon had trouble focusing on anything but the burning sensation in his throat. "Y-you aren't?"
"I'm not the Commanding General any more," Kerensky reminded him with just the faintest hint of amusement. "That would be a decision for the new First Lord and frankly I would advise whoever that might be against doing so. If the Council Lords want to conquer the Periphery then surely their newly enlarged armed forces will be sufficent on their own."
Takiro Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #5 on: January 17, 2010, 08:02:42 AM »Excellent, Robert damn well knows he holds the entire Republican government hostage. President Lucien Dormax is stuffed down a Loki rat hole somewhere and he my even occupy Apollo at this time (not sure of that). If he does he holds the Rim Parliament captive as well.
Knightmare Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #6 on: January 17, 2010, 11:21:31 AM »Interesting play with the SLDF. If you read a little between the lines it's almost as if Kerensky will "encourage" the other Great Houses to conduct a second Reunification War of their own accord. Siphon off or whittle down their "enlarged" armies a bit. He'll use the Commonwealth's pacification of the Rim Worlds Republic as a precedent (or convince the others to do so themselves) - If Kerensky's smart, he'll sit pretty, make big claims about rebuilding the Hegemony and peace, while manipulating the others into exercising their frustrations elsewhere. Works if he can stall election of a First Lord without losing their interest in electing one, as opposed to conquering to become one, keep the SLDF together and bleed the Houses enough to make them more "manageable" at the bargaining table.
The Periphery is always a good choice. Just gotta encourage that adventurism with a little restraint. No easy task.
Well done drakensis!
Ice Hellion Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #7 on: January 17, 2010, 02:37:14 PM »Nice read.
I can't wait to read more.
drakensis Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #8 on: January 17, 2010, 06:02:22 PM »Unity City, North America
Terra, Terran Hegemony
15 October 2780
Robert let his eyelids sink low as Minoru Kurita reeled off a detailed and yet beautifully misleading accounting of the strength of the DCMS and the DCA. If the account was to be believed, then neither was much below the legal limits imposed by the Star League, albeit the more relaxed standards that had been obtained during Richard's minority. By the estimation of LIC, Minoru was understating his forces by at least twenty percent.
Personally, the Archon would add another ten percent to that calculation, just on his personal estimation of Minoru's craftiness since they had met on Terra. And unlike most of the other Successor Lords, the Coordinator had a decent cadre of battle-hardened veterans from the low intensity conflicts in the first half of the century.
Of course, the fighting in the former Republic was providing a similar hardening effect for the LCAF and Robert made a mental note to rotate units in the new year, so as to spread the experience around and let the affected regiments recover.
Two seats away around the Council table, Kerensky produced a folded paper from his jacket, drawing a frown from Kenyon that in turn forewarned Robert that the blasted Terran was up to something again. Although what - the five Lords had presented the status of their militaries and since Kerensky was no longer representative of the SLDF, it should be the turn of Aaron DeChevalier, invited for this very purpose, to make his report.
"Some of you will recall my opposition twenty-eight years ago to the amendment of the Edict of 2650," Kerensky said seriously. He shook his head sadly. "It is never easy to admit oneself mistaken, but events have shown that my judgement at that time was in error." The old man nodded to John Davion, the only Council Lord to have been present during that particular vote. "The events of the last years make it clear that it is vital that all Member States should possess powerful forces to defend themselves without immediate recourse to the Star League Defense Force."
Robert forced his lips not to shape a silent curse as he saw where the old general was going. The Terran Hegemony had had no forces of its own, forcing Richard Cameron to 'borrow' troops from Stefan Amaris in order to man his defenses while the bulk of the SLDF moved out to deal with the Perophery Uprisings. A permanent force loyal first to the Hegemony would have averted that, but even those elite units formed exclusively from the Hegemony looked first to the League. Robert would not have wagered a bent kroner that Kerensky had already corrected that and cursed LIC for the inevitable delays in re-establishing human intelligence sources within the Terran Hegemony.
"General DeChevalier has been kind enough to permit me to address demobilising soldiers from the soldiers of the Star League Defense Forces," Kerensky continued. "As well as those soldiers of the Rim Worlds Republic who have been found not to be implicated in the crimes of the Usurper and who have, perfectly naturally, formed bonds upon the worlds that they called home for as long as twelve years. As part of the reconstruction efforts, he has already turned over stockpiles that had been in use by the Rim Worlds Forces, providing sufficent equipment for the noble volunteers who have joined me to recreate the Hegemony Armed Forces of the past."
He unfolded the paper to remind himself of the figures. "At this time, the Hegemony utilises the organisation patterns that will be familiar to you from the Star League Defense Forces. Its operational strength in ground forces is approximately thirty divisions, of which one third are designated as BattleMech and the remainders as Infantry. This would equate to one hundred and twenty regiments of BattleMechs and one hundred and fifty infantry regiments in addition to the various regiments and brigades of armoured vehicles with a total force of one hundred regiments."
Robert remained stoney faced. That was a smaller force than that of any of the other Member States... but it was a respectable force nonetheless and no doubt the SLDF would jump to their aid if need be. So functionally speaking, this changed nothing. "And your naval resources?"
Kerensky folded the paper again, leaving it on the table in front of him. "The usual transport flotillas," he said casually - drawing suspicious looks from five of the other six at the table. Aaron DeChevalier, alone of them, simply looked resigned. "And the remaining Rim Worlds Fleet, intact or otherwise."
There was a moment of silence and then Barbara Liao snorted in realisation, something approaching respect in her eyes. "By otherwise, I suppose that you include 'under construction'. Including those in Amaris' captured Terran yards."
The bald old man simply bowed his head, with the good grace not to smile. "Indeed, Madame Chancellor," he agreed pleasently.
There was a choking sound from Kenyon Marik, whose face was almost as purple as the eagle on his uniform. Robert fixed the expression in his memory. It was only a shame that he didn't have a camera to immortalise the popinjay forever in that pose. And then his satisfaction fell away.
The entire SLDF had perhaps three hundred operable warships, placing them significantly below the strength of any one of the House Lord navies. The Rim Worlds Republic's own fleet was little more than a task force as a result of the same erosion, but it was well known that Stefan Amaris had been frantically building ships to replenish his losses right up until the last defenses over Terra had been destroyed. There was literally no knowing how many incomplete ships Aleksandr Kerensky had just laid claim to or how long it would take for them to be ready for war. And those ships would not be supporting the SLDF. They would be right here in the Hegemony, an unseen threat to any adventurism.
I could crack that, Robert decided judiciously. I could... but it would cost me. And when the dust settled, it would be Minoru or Kenyon moving in to take the spoils because I'd sure as hell not be able to stop them. Not unless I gave up on the Rim Worlds... and not if it was both of them moving in on the carcass. He'd considered the exercise before, purely as a hypothetical exercise. The prospect of him beating down Kerensky's new armies and fleet, only to be ground down between Minoru and Kenyon as they fought over the remains... No. Just, no.
Diplomacy remained his best option. At least until his position was consolidated and he had allies that could pin down his neighbours from behind while he took the prize. John or Barbara, John and Barbara, or maybe some of the Periphery states. That was an option with real potential now that he thought about it.
Knightmare Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #9 on: January 17, 2010, 09:23:09 PM »Simply fantastic.
Takiro Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #10 on: January 17, 2010, 09:52:10 PM »A couple of nitpicks but love to see more.
muttley Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #11 on: January 17, 2010, 10:58:47 PM »Fun... nothing like an unverified but large force to keep people honest...
drakensis Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #12 on: January 18, 2010, 03:17:21 AM »Mind sharing the nitpicks?
Takiro Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #13 on: January 18, 2010, 01:08:32 PM »Warning the following nitpicks are perhaps just poorly worded or me being obtuse but here we go;
Quote from: drakensis on January 17, 2010, 06:02:22 PM
The Terran Hegemony had had no forces of its own, forcing Richard Cameron to 'borrow' troops from Stefan Amaris in order to man his defenses while the bulk of the SLDF moved out to deal with the Perophery Uprisings. A permanent force loyal first to the Hegemony would have averted that, but even those elite units formed exclusively from the Hegemony looked first to the League.
My first nitpick would be this paragraph which doesn't seem to acknowledge the Royal Command or the Royal units of the SLDF which were wholly Terran. See the entry from the SLSB page 130 which I have quoted.
ROYAL COMMAND
Upon the creation of the Star League, the High Command of the Hegemony Armed Forces became the Royal Command of the SLDF. Because the HAF units entered the SLDF intact, becoming the military's only units composed of soldiers from just one realm, the Royal Command was assigned to handle any special problems that might arise in the Royal units. This command also had a second, and less well-known , mission. It operated as a shadow High Command, allowing the First Lord on several occasions to issue private orders to Royal units. An example of this occurred in 2699 when Jonathan Cameron used the Royal Command to order Hegemony units to seize the 20 Gal-Tech Weapons factories because they were selling Hegemony military secrets to) the other member states.
So the Hegemony does have its own contingent in the SLDF although you kind of acknowledged that in your last sentence.
"General DeChevalier has been kind enough to permit me to address demobilizing soldiers from the soldiers of the Star League Defense Forces," Kerensky continued. "As well as those soldiers of the Rim Worlds Republic who have been found not to be implicated in the crimes of the Usurper and who have, perfectly naturally, formed bonds upon the worlds that they called home for as long as twelve years. As part of the reconstruction efforts, he has already turned over stockpiles that had been in use by the Rim Worlds Forces, providing sufficent equipment for the noble volunteers who have joined me to recreate the Hegemony Armed Forces of the past."
Just wanted to give you specific numbers we did based on extensive research which I have quickly redone for this situation. Note this data does not include units that eventually pledged loyalty to the Great Houses. Also all of these groups contain Terran personnel in some fashion as even the non-Royal units had Hegemony citizens serving in them.
Royal or Terran units of the SLDF that survived the Amaris Coup. (179 BattleMech Regiments)
14 Royal BattleMech Divisions (84 BattleMech Regiments)
19 Royal Mechanized Infantry Divisions (57 BattleMech Regiments)
3 Royal Infantry Divisions (9 BattleMech Regiments)
4 Royal Jump Infantry Divisions (12 BattleMech Regiments)
17 Independent BattleMech Regiments
2 Special Units (587th Royal Artillery Regiment, 188th Royal Independent Aero Wing)
Non Royal SLDF Units that remained with ComStar (67 Mech Regiments)
4 BattleMech Divisions (24 Mech Regiments)
10 Infantry Divisions (30 Mech Regiments)
13 Independent Regiments (13 Mech Regiments)
Non-Royal Star League units that departed on the Exodus (303 BattleMech Regiments)
20 Battlemech Divisions (– 2 = 118 ‘Mech Regiments)
27 Mechanized Infantry Divisions (81 ‘Mech Regiments)
7 Infantry Divisions (21 ‘Mech Regiments)
16 Jump Infantry Division (- 1 = 47 ‘Mech Regiments)
36 Independent BattleMech Regiments
10 Special Units (105th Wheeled Armor Regiment, 658th Marine Infantry Regiment, 1007th Jump Infantry Regiment, 9873rd Mechanized Infantry Regiment, 9999th Mechanized Infantry Regiment, 687th Independent Aero Wing, 1002nd Independent Aero Wing, 2369th Independent Aero Wing, 2525th Independent Aero Wing, 3058th Independent Aero Wing)
He unfolded the paper to remind himself of the figures. "At this time, the Hegemony utilises the organisation patterns that will be familiar to you from the Star League Defense Forces. Its operational strength in ground forces is approximately thirty divisions, of which one third are designated as BattleMech and the remainders as Infantry. This would equate to one hundred and twenty regiments of BattleMechs and one hundred and fifty infantry regiments in addition to the various regiments and brigades of armoured vehicles with a total force of one hundred regiments."
Why not address the very real possibility of someone else becoming the First Lord and not Kerensky. Withdraw Terran support and see how many House Lords are willing to make the same commitment the Hegemony did. Perhaps they might then realize the awesome obligation they are taking on. This ain't all fun and power games you see it comes with a great deal of responsibility. Also you restore HAF by withdrawing the Royals from the SLDF. Now granted 179 BattleMech Regiments of the Royals probably violates the Arms Control limitations which might be 120 Mech Regiments. But it would be funny to see Kerensky hide the extra troops in the same way the Houses did. The other 50 plus regiments could be demobilized into Hegemony Militias which were gutted by the Coup.
The entire SLDF had perhaps three hundred operable warships, placing them significantly below the strength of any one of the House Lord navies.
Now this my biggest nitpick. “Significantly†gives me the greatest pause as I have estimated House strength at 500-700 warships. The SLDF took 402 warships plus with it on the Exodus and unlike the ground forces which splintered the Navy followed Kerensky without much debate. Pulling the entire Navy for the Hegemony which could very well be possible leaves whoever the next First Lord is with the job of rebuilding a new SLDF fleet. If this is the new HAF Navy in total it compares very favorably to the Great Houses which field inferior ships as well. Please note that I have not included Derelict or Mothballed vessels which could very well exist. Canon evidence seems to point in this direction and several other fanfics including ours had one although these ships would be inferior to House ships hence their retirement. But it gives the Hegemony another asset that the Houses don’t have. Then there is the Rim Worlds fleet which I don’t know how you are calculating.
Those are a few of my thoughts on that. I do have other thoughts on this very interesting new story line that is developing nicely. Looking forward to more!
drakensis Re: Aleksandr the Good « Reply #14 on: January 18, 2010, 04:20:46 PM »Thanks for the feedback.
The principle reason for the ground force numbers that I have quoted is that rather than pulling entire divisions or even regiments out of the SLDF, Kerensky is trying to leave the SLDF structurally intact for DeChevalier. He fully intends that the Star League and the SLDF should continue and pulling something like 30% of their number out would not help that.
So most Royal units have been left in the SLDF, albeit quite obviously depleted of personnel. Roughly fifty percent of the new HAF has come from the Royal units, with somewhat more than half the rest being former RimWorlds types (not just those who served Amaris but also volunteer regiments from the conquered RWR). The balance is made up of Hegemony citizens from the line SLDF and former resistance fighters. It's a brand new organisation, something of a break from the past.
On a side note, for the purposes of the fic the new HAF is below the maximum strength of a House Army pre-2650 (roughly 500 regiments, no more than one quarter of them BattleMech). By comparison, Robert's estimate of the DCMS puts them around 1150 regiments total although fewer than 200 Mech regiments as conventional units can be raised faster). This puts them on a level with the SLDF in total but much lighter in Mechs, as well as the generally lower technology.
You make an excellent point on relative strength: I should really have written numerical strength since the actual force capability should be roughly on par with one of the Member State navies. As above, Kerensky will not be pulling significant strength out of that - but the Hegemony's yards will not be doing serious new construction for the SLDF for a little while. Those slips will be busy bringing the HAF's new fleet up to operational standards for a few years. So rebuilding the SLDF fleet will be a significant expense and problem.
