OBT Forum
General BattleTech => Alternate Universe => Taurian Initiative => Topic started by: lrose on July 10, 2011, 10:07:21 AM
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Here is the start of the timeline for the Taurian Initiative setting. More will follow later.
Timeline
July 9th 2571 SL is formed
Fall 2572 – United Triumph exercises conducted by SLDF.
2572 – SL begans trying to entice the Periphery states to join the SL
Dec 14th, 2572 – Santiago Massacre
Feb 19th, 2573 – A Taurian warship squadron strays into the Malagrotta System due to a navigation error. The local FS forces overreact and send a distress call for aid. The AFFS deploys a 10 ship flotilla to the system and destroys or captures most of the TDF squadron. Gisela Cadenas is assigned to the TCS Anaheim and is killed during this action.
March 2573 – SL imposes sanctions on the Periphery States.
April 2573 – David Santos is appointed commander of the Concordat Navy's 5th Fleet. The 5th Fleet is responsible for large portions of the Concordat/Federation border. Marshal Santos begins developing a series of contingency plans for scenarios involving hostilities with the SLDF and AFFS.
Tensions between the Inner Sphere powers and the Concordat increase in the wake of the Malagrotta Crisis.
April 2573- In response to the increasing tensions and the Malagrotta Crisis, TC quadruples Warship and military dropship production. The Concordat also dramatically increases production of aerospace fighters.
March 14, 2574- Mitchell Calderon becomes Protector following the death of his mother. The Concordat begins a massive military build up – as a result TC will double it's military and place strong militias on nearly every world over the next few years.
May 2574 During a visit to Taurus Marshal David Santos has a chance encounter with the Protector at TDF HQ. When questioned about what he needs to defend the border against threats from the SL and the FS, Marshal Santos proposes 2 new types of ships- the Star Runner class Scout Ship and the Armageddon Class Missile Cruiser. He also recommends the establishment of several forward operating bases for the Concordat Navy, which will reduce the need for ships to return to the Hyades Cluster for major repairs and resupply. As a result of this meeting, Taurus Shipyards is awarded a contract to develop the Armageddon, while Illuishin Shipyards is awarded a contract to begin developing the Star Runner. Designers from both shipyards work with Marshal Santos to develop the specifications for the new ships. The Protector also authorizes the construction of new Fleet bases in the Pleiades Cluster, the Badlands Cluster and the Anaheim System.
January 2, 2575 – SL issues the Pollux Proclamation
January 25th, 2575- In response to the Pollux Proclamation Protector Calderon declares a national emergency and requires all citizens to provide 4 years of national service.
March 1, 2575 – periphery states reject the Pollux Proclamation.
March 2576 David Santos is recalled to Taurus to plan and implement Case Amber.
July 2576- First Star Runner Class Scout ship is launched from Illiushin Shipyards. The design also enters production at the Horsham. The ships are coming off the building slips at a rate of 6 ships per year.
Sept/Oct 2577 – The Concordat Navy launches Case Amber. After luring the AFFS Navy deep into the Concordat, the Taurians launch a strike against the staging area of Panpour, destroying 9 warships and capturing 3 at the cost of a single corvette. They then ambush the AFFS fleet in the Tentativa system, destroying 28 AFFS warships and captures 11 others at the cost of 2 ships. During the operation numerous transports and supply ships are captured.
April 30th, 2578 – SL declares war on TC.
May 15th, 2578 – SLDF I Corps (1st & 2nd Divisions) invades Ridgebrook. During the invasion 4 TC warships are lost, while 3 of the SLDF's warships are destroyed. The SLDF also loses 10 dropships that are carrying over a regiment of troops. TDF forces hole up in mountain fortress outside the capital city and hold off SLDF troops with artillery and conventional forces.
May 2578 – SLDF III Corps (9th Division) invades Keuterville . There are no major naval actions in the system. TDF units on planet conduct a guerrilla warfare campaign. The SLDF suffers heavy losses with minimal results.
May 2578- SLDF VI Corps (16th Div) occupies Malagrotta system against no Taurian resistance.
July 2578 – SLDF VI Corps invades Csomad (17th Royal) and Armington (18th Div). The defenders on both worlds are easily overwhelmed, but on Armington the survivors manage to establish an effective guerrilla campaign, tying down the SLDF troopers.
August 2578 – An AFFS & SLDF naval task forces invade the Tentativa system. Tentativa is defended by a strong planetary defense flotilla supplemented by a roving warship patrol. The SLDF & AFFS Task Forces time their arrival in system to try and ambush the Taurian warship patrol. The 2 sides fight a long range battle as they head towards Tentativa. Unknown to the SLDF forces, the first operational Star Runner scout ship was assigned to the system. As soon as the invaders arrived at the Tentativa jump points, the Star Runner jumped to the Pierce system where the Taurian 5th Fleet was waiting. Provided with the heading and speed of the SLDF & AFFS Task Forces, the Taurian reinforcements jumped into a transient point near the planet, arriving mere moments after the Taurian fleet had halted it's retreat towards Tentative and engaged the attackers. Out flanked and out numbered, the SLDF & AFFS fleets took heavy losses before they were able to break off and retreat from the system.
Sept 2578 – Csomad is secured by the SLDF. Ridgebrook secured by the SLDF.
Sept 2578 – Following the stunning success of the Concordat Navy in the early days of the war, David Santos is promoted to command of the Concordat Navy and is a key advisor of the Protector. He is given free reign to run naval operations as he sees fit. Having proven the Star Runner concept during the 2nd battle of Tentativa, the Concordat orders increased production of the vessels. Marshal Santos also orders changes to the Navy training programs, placing increased emphasis on navigation skills, especially the use of transient points.
October 2578 – The first Armageddon Class Missile Cruiser enters service. Produced only in the Hyades Cluster the production rate is 2 ships per year.
October 2578 – Marshal Santos unveils Case Black, an audacious plan to take the war to the SLDF and FS. The plan calls for using the AFFS Warships captured at Tentativa and Panpour to strike into the FS.
October 2578 – Under pressure to produce results, General Wexworth launches several new operations. I Corps (1st & 3rd Divisions) drives on from Ridgebrook to Wrentham. While this move was not totally unexpected by the TDF, they did not provide any warships to defend the system. TDF ground forces were quickly defeated but inflict heavy losses on the SLDF.
October 2578 – The SLDF IV Corps (12th Division) invades Anaheim. Much to their surprise the system is home to a major TDF base hidden in the system's asteroid belt. 3 Concordat Warship Squadrons are in system as are a huge number of aerospace fighters and gunships. The TC warships make their presence known, drawing the attention of the SLDF warships, the majority of which head for the asteroid belt, while the SLDF transports head for the planet. Just before the transports make orbit, 1 of the Concordat squadrons conducts an in system jump to a transient point near the planet. Deploying large numbers of fighters and gunships, the squadron destroys many of the transports. The remaining ships are disorganized and upon landing their troops are easily overwhelmed by the local defenders. The SLDF warships, engage the TDF forces in the asteroid belt. Using their superior mobility and numbers, the TDF forces inflict heavy losses on the SLDF warships, chasing them back to the zenith point, where they retreat from the system.
November 2578 – The Concordat Navy launches Case Black. Intended to take the war to the SLDF, the attack involves 2 seperate operations. Rather then rely of Taurian warships, the plan calls for the use of the 14 AFFS vessels that were captured during Case Amber. One strike force, built around a captured New Syrtis class Carrier and 6 other ships, launches an audacious attack against the major AFFS command center and staging area at New Syrtis. Using AFFS transponder codes, the ships sneak into the system, where they launch a massive attack against the shipping and shipyards in the system. Caught by surprise, the SLDF loses several warships in the opening attack. Using marines, several ships are boarded and captured, while the shipyards in the system were destroyed using nukes. Fighting a running battle until their jump cores can be recharged, the Taurians lose 4 ships before they can make their escape. This is offset by the capture of 3 jumpships and 2 corvettes by Taurian Marines.
Meanwhile the other Taurian Strike force, launching from Weippe, hits Songgang, As Samik, Basantapur, Birmensdorf, June and Malagrotta before jumping into the Armington system. In each system, the Taurians destroyed any jumpships and dropships that they could not capture and stayed only long enough to recharge their jump cores. The only major encounter was in the Songgang system, where the SLDF's 11th Royal Division was based. The only warships in the system was a single squadron, which was quickly overwhelmed, with 3 ships destroyed and 1 captured. In the Armington System, the squadron swept aside the few naval vessels in the system and landed reinforcements on planet. The SLDF's 18th Division is force back on the defensive.
November 2578- SLDF VI Corps 16th division invades Estuan- small naval battle- TDF loses 1 corvette and 2 assault dropships. Major battles last 3 weeks, then a guerrilla campaign begins.
November 2578- SLDF replaces General Yulan on Keuterville with General Jamand a former CCAF special forces soldier. The SLDF begins a guerrilla campaign against the Taurian defenders.
December 2578, TDF deploys 2nd fleet to Armington in anticipation of SLDF reinforcements. When the SLDF ships arrived in system they are ambushed by the Taurians and suffer heavy losses. The ground campaign begins to turn in favor of the TDF.
2579 – This year sees a lull in the campaign. General Wexworth focuses his efforts on consolidating the gains he has already made and tracking down the Taurian fleet, which has been causing him so many problems. Short on supplies and replacements, it is difficult for the SLDF to rebuild damaged commands. Further complicating issues is the damage suffered by the navy- the warship fleet is spread thin trying to protect convoys moving into the Concordat and following Case Black they are also forced to defend numerous worlds along the FS border as the AFFS fleet is for all intents and purposes, non-existant. The major effort by the SLDF during this year is an effort to reoccupy Armington. Rather then provide the SLDF with a fixed target, the Taurian Navy takes to maintaining roving patrols of the system and relying on a Star Runner to monitor the situation in the system and provide intelligence. Both sides begin to lose numerous warships during the various engagements that occur in the system.
2579- The TC takes advantage of the lull in the war- warship production is further increased with the opening of new building slips at existing ship yards and construction of a new shipyard in the New Vandenberg System. The TDF also raises a number of new armor and mech formations. Efforts are also made to reinforce guerrilla forces on SLDF occupied worlds. A number of old jumpships that are barely serviceable are outfitted for automated operations. Loaded with dropships filled with troops and supplies, the ships are brought to within 1 jump of their target by a small Navy crew. The jump coordinates for the final jump are loaded into the computer and the ship is set on automatic control. Using pirate points, the ships arrive in the occupied system and detach their dropships which make a high speed run to the planet. While some of the dropships were destroyed by the SLDF, the majority made it safely to the planet. The jumpship were rigged with nukes and proximity sensors, when SLDF forces approached the ships the nukes detonated taking as many enemies with them as possible. These ships are used to re-supply the resistance on Csomad, Keuterville, Ridgebrook Estuan and Wrentham.
During this time, the TDF Navy continues to conduct numerous raids against shipping along the FS border. Typically operating in small squadrons, they not only destroyed numerous transports, but they also managed to hit several supply centers. Both sides suffered some warship losses, but the TDF warships largely avoiding attack SLDF warships unless they had numerical superiority. Realizing that the SLDF would eventually resume their attack, the Navy conducted numerous recon operations, scouting systems along the border for signs of SLDF troop convoys. After noting numerous troop carriers in the Taygeta, Sanurcha and Mandaree systems, TDF Intelligence assumed the next target would be the valuable Pleiades Cluster.
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Interesting... I am looking forward to see this continued.
Ciao
Hessian
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Interesting... I am looking forward to see this continued.
Me too.
Just a question, it seems the AFFS and the SLDF didn't change their codes between the capture of the ships and Case Black.
Strange, no? Or were they overconfident?
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Just a question, it seems the AFFS and the SLDF didn't change their codes between the capture of the ships and Case Black.
Strange, no? Or were they overconfident?
Actually the codes were probably SLDF transponders captured from the Anaheim invasion fleet. Without HPGs to spread info quickly, the TC was able to use the codes before the bulk of the AFFS and SLDF knew they were compromised.
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Early 2580- Under increased pressure to produce results General Wexworth plans to invade the Pleiades Cluster in early 2580. This decision is made despite the fact that most of the occupied worlds are still heavily resisting the SLDF invaders. Wexworth deploys 3 naval assault fleets on seek and destroy missions to try and take out the TDF fleet before the invasion of the Pleiades Cluster. However, despite major efforts to locate the Taurian fleet, there were few encounters in early 2580.
March 2580- The SLDF invades the Pleiades Cluster. Led personally by General Wexworth, the invasion included 2 fleets each about 30 warships strong, the IV Corps (10th Div & 11th Royal), I Corps ( 2nd & 3rd Div) and III Corps (8th Div) . They were met by the 1st and 3rd Taurian fleets, and the 7th Special Attack Squadron which was composed of the first 3 Armageddon Class Missile Cruisers to come off of the building slips. The Taurian forces hid in the Deep Pleiades Asteroid Field (DPAF), awaiting the arrival of the SLDF, remaining undetected among all of the rocks. Upon arriving in system, the SLDF fleets began to search for the Taurian forces. The 2nd Battle Fleet soon located the Taurian forces in the DPAF and the two sides were locked in battle. The SLDF 2nd Battle Fleet fought a holding action, trying to pin down the Taurians until the 1st Battle Fleet could arrive.
As the 1st Battle Fleet began to approach the Concordat forces, the 7th SAS which had remained hidden in the asteroid field, suddenly darted out and headed at top speed for the approaching SLDF warships. Unaware of the ships or their capabilities, the SLDF was surprised to be hit by a barrage of hundreds of nuclear tipped missiles. The 1st Battle Fleet was almost completely wiped out by the attack and the few survivors retreated towards the system's jump point and escaped. In the Asteroid Belt, the Concordat forces out numbered the 2nd fleet and managed to out maneuver it among all the rocks and debris that made up the DPAF. Several SLDF ships were boarded and captured while others were destroyed in the attack. Only a few ships managed to break off and retreat. These ships were pursued by the Taurian's 1st Fleet. With the SLDF warships in shambles the Taurian 3rd Fleet headed for the vulnerable troop transports. Quickly sweeping aside the few escorts, the Taurians called upon the SLDF to surrender for face destruction. While a majority of the ships surrendered, a few attempted to fight or flee. Most of these were captured in daring boarding operations but a few were destroyed. At the end of the battle the SLDF lost almost 2 entire fleets, SLDF warship losses were 51 out of 63 ships in the 2 battle fleets plus the loss of the 10 escorts guarding the troop convoy, the capture of the entire IV Corps and elements of the I Corps and III Corps including the capture of numerous senior officers, including General Wexworth.
March 2580 – Pelatore Charlis a grad student at the Taurus Science Academy develops a solution to the Haggu-Thorns Uncertainty Problem.
April 2580- the TDF begins taking advantage of the huge boon from the battle of the Pleiades- much of the captured equipment is used to outfit new regiments, while much of the advanced technology that was captured was turned over the Taurian scientists who begin studying the equipment and reverse engineering it. The captured warships and transports are pressed into service with the TDF.
April 2580- Upon learning of detsruction of 2 Battle Fleets and the capture of several divisions of troops- Ian Cameron fumes- General Wexworth is tried in abstentia for incompetence and sentenced to death. The SLDF's campaign on the Taurian front is facing severe problems. The RWR is rebelling against Amaris and there are no forces available to deploy there. VII Corps is fighting in the MOC. In the Concordat the situation is dire. I Corps has been reduced to a single division, while IV Corps has been effectively wiped out. III Corps has lost 1 division, with another suffering heavy damage in the fighting on Keuterville. Lastly VI Corp is spread across 3 worlds, trying to put down Taurian resistance.
With the situation looking so poor, there are some in the SL who call on the First Lord to end the war, but Ian Cameron refuses. Instead he seeks to reinforce the Concordat Front. V Corp, intended for the OWA campaign is transferred to the Taurian front, as over 100 warships and parts of the Reserve Corps. The Magistracy campaign continues with the resources it has, name VII Corps and it's Marik Auxiliary Corps. On the Rim World Front, the newly formed VIII Provisional Corps is tasked with liberating Gregory Amaris and restoring him to the rule of the RWR, but with such limited resources, they are only able to conduct very limited operations. General Amalthia Kinkaid is assigned to take command of the Taurian front and restore order. She will arrive at the SLDF HQ on Firgrove in May of 2580. The SLDF will spend the rest of 2580 on the defensive reorganizing.
May 2580- With the SLDF reeling, the Concordat tries to take advantage of the situation. Efforts are made to further reinforce guerrilla campaigns on occupied worlds, with an eye towards tying down the SLDF invaders, rather then driving them off planet. The TDF takes the opportunity provided by the lull to being shift some of their forces around and develop new plans for when the SLDF resumes their attacks. The first of the new advanced tech weapons reverse engineered from the capture SLDF equipment begin to reach front line units in very limited quantities. The TDF's main combat efforts focus on raiding supply convoys and disrupting attempts to bring reinforcements to the front lines.
July 2580- Taurian Peace Proposal – Mitchell Calderon sends a peace proposal to the First Lord- it calls for the SLDF to leave all Taurian worlds, for the Star League to recognize the independence of the Concordat and the other Periphery Realms and reparations for the damage suffered during the war. Cameron immediately rejects the proposal, his response is received by the Periphery states in late August 2580.
October 2580- In response to Cameron's rejection of the Taurian Peace Proposal, Marshal Santos develops a new plan to keep the SLDF tied down. Realizing that the SL with it's thousands of worlds can marshal more resources and troops then the TC can ever hope to, the only way the Concordat can to win is by tying down the SLDF and making the war too expensive for the SL. Marshal Santos realized that the key is taking the initiative from the SLDF Navy and controlling the space ways. He proposes Case Gold which is quickly accepted by the Protector. As part of Case Gold, the TDF begins development of the Mustang class Corvette, based on the Pinto- it features a reconfigured weapons configuration better suited to raiding.
November 2580- The TC begins execution of Case Gold. The first stage of the plan establishes a secret forward operating base, code named Shangri-la, in an uninhabited system deep in the Federated Suns. Little more then several heavily loaded supply ships and repair tenders floating at a jump point, the base provides a safe haven for TDF warships to refuel and rearm.
January 2581 – TC forces operating from Shangri-La begin operating against FS and SLDF targets. Equipped mainly with captured FS and SLDF warships, the TC strike forces managed to hit numerous targets across the FS. Using uninhabited systems and staffed with some of the best navigators in the Concordat, the strike forces seem to be everywhere. While only a few warships are destroyed during these operations, numerous transports, space stations and supply centers are destroyed, disrupting vital shipping in the Federated Suns and creating panic among the population.
January 2581 – E-Toro recruits Charlis and his advisers.
February 2581- General Kinkaid begins a large operation against the TC. With III and VI Corps tied down and unable to redeploy, the campaign fell to the newly arrived V Corps and a rebuilt I Corps. This was also the first deployment of the new Striker regiments that were created by General Kinkaid. Unwilling to attempt another assault against the Pleiades, the SLDF targets were chosen to help support the initial invasions. I Corps was tasked with securing Flintoff while V Corps went after Brusett.
March 2581 – After minor naval skirmishes in the Brusett and Flintoff systems, the SLDF lands ground troops and engages the TDF. On both worlds, the local defenders took heavy losses before fading into the wilderness and conduction a guerrilla campaign. It is about this time that word arrives from the interior of the FS about the Taurian raids against Federation shipping. General Kinkaid is forced to withdraw the majority of her warships to protect rear areas. The attack forces on both Brusett and Flintoff remain on planet despite the withdrawal of most of their warship support.
April 2581- With the SLDF tied up by Taurian raiders in the FS, the TC takes the initiative in the campaign. Realizing that there was a small window until more SLDF reinforcements and warships could be brought up to counter Case Gold and free up ships to return to the front lines, Marshal Santos takes the war to the SLDF. While several squadrons are assigned to harass the worlds that have been occupied by the SLDF, the majority of the Taurian Navy is tasked with raids against SLDF staging areas at New Syrtis, Firgrove and Panpour. While each system is defended by a warship squadron of about 5 ships, the Taurians overwhelming force was too much for the defenders. Numerous warships are destroyed or captured, while many transports and supply ships are captured. In the Panpour system, the TC conducts limited orbital bombardment of military staging areas on the planet.
April 2581 – During a meeting of the Council Lords, First Prince Alexander rages at Ian Cameron over the problems along the Concordat front - especially the deep raids into the FS. He calls for more SLDF naval forces to be deployed in the FS. Alexander also threatens that if the situation isn't resolved soon he may have to take the FS out of the SL. The First Prince is also very upset that the CC has not provided troops to support the RW and is not suffering from attacks by the TC- in response Ursula Liao points out that she did not support the RW and is turning out to be right in her assessment of the situation. In order to mollify Prince Davion, Ian Cameron is forced to deploy the Star Guards Corps to the TC front as well as pulling II Corps from the OWA Front. (To the relief of the OWA and dismay of General Furlough, who is only left with a few brigades in the newly formed IX provisional Corps and DCMS Auxiliary Corps). With VII Corps still heavily involved in the MOC front they are not able to be reassigned to the Taurian front.
Huge numbers of warships are transferred to the TC front to make up the losses – The warship forces assigned to the VII Corps (62 warships) and VIII Provisional Corps (32 warships) are not affected by these orders. But 15 warships from the OWA front are transferred to the Concordat border, as are 150 other warships from the SLDF fleet. The majority of these vessels are corvettes, destroyers and frigates which are tasked with protecting military convoys and commercial shipping in the Federated Suns. The SLDF also begins routing most vital shipping through Capellan space as the Concordat has not been seen operating in those regions. Ursula Liao protests the decision fearing the TC may begin attacking targets in the Confederation. In an effort to discourage this decision, she increases the tax imposed on SLDF troops moving through Capellan space.
May/June 2581 SLDF Navy tries to hunt down the Taurian raiders operating in the Federated Suns. The TDF refuses to bite at obvious traps, instead a number of raiders drive deeper into the FS- some even hit worlds in the Draconis March, forcing the SLDF warships to spread themselves even thinner.
June 2581 – First Mustang enters service with TDF Navy.
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The Star League Navy is likely to develop its own Armageddon warships and deploy them in response. The Taurians need to breakup the League or the Federated Suns (locate a Varnay, try to create a UHC seperatist cause) because its only a matter of time before their superior numbers and industry bring you to heel.
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The Star League Navy is likely to develop its own Armageddon warships and deploy them in response.
Maybe- the SLDF was never that inspired when it came to warship design- I don't necessarily see that changing.
The Taurians need to breakup the League or the Federated Suns (locate a Varnay, try to create a UHC seperatist cause) because its only a matter of time before their superior numbers and industry bring you to heel.
Definitely- that is one of the points I keep making in the timeline. I'm keeping some numbers on the how many ships each side has and even with all of the damage the Concordat Navy has done to the SLDF the SLDF still has 2-3 times as many warships as the TC. That is also the major reason for the TC's raiding campaign- it is not only tying down huge numbers of warships trying to protect the rear areas it is creating a huge strain between the FS and Ian Cameron.
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Maybe- the SLDF was never that inspired when it came to warship design- I don't necessarily see that changing.
Perhaps but they would still try to find a way to counter this new ship (just look at what happened when the first Dreadnought was built).
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I'm loving how even though you're concentrating on the Taurian sector I feel as though the other sectors of the war are happening simultaiously and although they aren't going as badly for the SLDF they are starting to. Very interesting, many people have mused (including me) about how the periphery could have escaped their fate in the Reunification War but most would try to change things much further back to allow a more powerful periphey relative to the League - this take is much more plausible I think and is a very fun read. Keep up the awesome work!
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I'm loving how even though you're concentrating on the Taurian sector I feel as though the other sectors of the war are happening simultaiously and although they aren't going as badly for the SLDF they are starting to.
Largely the other 3 fronts are proceeding somewhat as detailed in H:RW- the MOC is basically unchanged at this point (2581)- the major difference along the RWR front is that they will not get either IV or VI Corps from the TC front (IV Corps is wiped out and with the heavy fighting they can't spare VI Corps). Which means the RWR campaign is progressing very slowly (I will probably start touching on this a bit to flesh out the universe). The OWA campaign is still waiting for this settings equivalent of the Battle of Robsart to begin the campaign (which in canon didn't happen until 2581 anyway), but even if that happens their forces are so weak that they will have a hard time in the fight.
Very interesting, many people have mused (including me) about how the periphery could have escaped their fate in the Reunification War but most would try to change things much further back to allow a more powerful periphey relative to the League - this take is much more plausible I think and is a very fun read. Keep up the awesome work!
Glad you're enjoying this. I never would have thought the TC could have held off the SLDF until I got new H:RW- then I saw just how powerful the TC was prior to the RW and well this is the result.
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Glad you're enjoying this. I never would have thought the TC could have held off the SLDF until I got new H:RW- then I saw just how powerful the TC was prior to the RW and well this is the result.
Never underestimate the stubbornness and raw power of a Froggy Bull ;)
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I picked up Historical: Reunification War when it came out (what was that like 2 weeks ago, my days and weeks are running together) but haven't have a chance to more than scan through it but I did see that the TDF had more warships than the FS (actually more than anyone except the SLDF proper) so that was cool. I'm looking forward to having time to really read it.
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July 2581 – General Kinkaid tries to retake the initiative from the Taurians. Organizing a brigade of 5 striker regiments, she bypasses the front lines and hits Lindsay. Her plan calls for capturing Lindsay and using it as a base to drive deeper into the Concordat and hit the key worlds of MacLeod's Land, Pinard and Illiushin. While some of her advisers had called for an attack on the provincial capital of Robsert or the shipyards at Horsham, General Kinkaid felt Lindsay would not be well protected and offered a better chance of ending the war quickly. What General Kinkaid did not count on was the presence of a Star Runner Scout Ship in the Lindsay system. Having identified the SLDF attack force, the ship jumped to the Midale System. A relatively minor world in the Concordat, Midale was located within the jump range of 6 systems along the front lines. It was for this reason that the Concordat Navy had stationed a powerful force in the system, the 1st Taurian Fleet and the 7th Special Attack Squadron, both of which were ready to respond to any SLDF incursion.
Upon receiving reports of the SLDF attack force, the Taurian ships plotted a tricky jump to a pirate point near Lindsay. While the Lindsay Planetary Defense Flotilla led the SLDF warships on a game of cat and mouse around the world and its single moon, the Taurian Fleet jumped in behind the attackers. Caught by surprise, the SLDF warships became the hunted, and were chased across the system until they were able to jump out, after having suffered moderate losses. The SLDF troop transports largely escaped the system unharmed, hot charging their KF drives to escape before the Taurian boarding parties could arrive. Only a few transports were captured or destroyed.
July 2581- With the MOC front in a lull, many senior officers of the TDF are afraid that the SLDF may pull forces from that front to reinforce the Taurian one. In an unprecedented move, Protector Calderon dispatches his eldest daughter Marantha, along with a squadron of 10 warships to the Magistracy. Marantha has full authority to negotiate on behalf of the Protector.
August 2581- General Kinkaid re-assesses the situation on the Taurian Front, in light of the failed attack on Lindsay. Calls for a hold on further offensive operations.
September 2581- The Taurian diplomatic mission arrives at Canopus. After a few days of negotiation Marantha Calderon and Crystalla Centrella work out the frame work of the Pan-Periphery Alliance. Really more symbolic then anything else, the Alliance calls for the sharing of intelligence and providing aid where possible. At this time the aid is mainly a one way conduit from from the Concordat to the Magistracy. Among the aid provided is technical data on captured SLDF weapons and technology and the assignment of the 10 warships that accompanied Marantha to aid the Canopian Navy. Composed of Concordat Frigates, Pinto Corvettes and captured AFFS and SLDF Warships, the vessels are quickly repainted with Canopian markings and tasked with raiding targets in the Free Worlds League.
September 2581 – The TC conducts another round of reinforcing SLDF occupied worlds. Large naval task forces are assigned to escort the transports carrying reinforcements & supplies. Any SLDF naval units in system are either destroyed or captured, at which point the TC task forces leave the system. Systems hit include Ridgebrook, Keuterville and Csomad. Each system is defended by an SLDF Squadron- Taurian suffer light/moderate losses.
October 2581 – News of the Pan-Periphery Alliance raises morale in the MOC. There is a huge spike in recruitment efforts. Many of the MOC citizens feel that the SLDF can be defeated.
October 2581- Taurian resistance efforts are having a good deal of success. On Csomad and Keuterville, the SLDF units are pushed back. On Keuterville on the arrival of timely reinforcements keeps the SLDF units from surrendering. On Csomad, the SLDF 17th Royal Division is surrounded by the TDF.
November 2581- TC forces hit targets deep in the Free Worlds League. Rather then hitting supply depots along the border, they strike at Dalton, Keeling, Wallid and Norfolk. In each system, they hit any shipping they locate before moving. Following the strike on Norfolk the Taurian squadron heads back to Canopian space for resupply. A number of SLDF warships are transferred to the Canooian front in January. A number of the warships assigned to support the VII Corps are transferred to protect rear areas in the FWL.
January 2582- After studying the situation along the Concordat front, General Kinkaid sees a pattern in the Concordat Navy's deployment. The bulk of the navy is assigned to the worlds around the Pleiades Cluster and Hyades Cluster. The spinward region is only lightly defended by the navy, mainly by roving warship patrols. She begins planning her next operation to hit Montour and secure it as a base of operation in the Concordat.
January 2582 – During a review of the War, Marshal Santos studies several reports on the performance of the AFFS' New Syrtis class. Included are performance reports of the New Syrtis in various actions as well as the performance of the TCW Benedict- formerly the FSS Chesterton which was captured during Case Amber. This ship has proven remarkable effective operating as part of the Taurian fleet based at Shangri-La. Marshal Santos is convinced that the Concordat needs to deploy its own carrier. Design work is commissioned on the Lexington class carrier.
February 2582- The SLDF's II Corps invades Montour. The Taurian defenders take to the world's wilderness and manage to hold off the SLDF for almost month before they are caught and destroyed.
March 2582- The Concordat transfers the 3rd Fleet to Mavegh as a precaution against any further SLDF attacks in the area.
March 2582- In the MOC Royal Foxx falls to the SLDF. The Canopians launch a raid against Eleusis and destroy a number of SLDF transports, greatly reducing the SLDF's shipping capacity.
April 2582 – The TDF begins to get the first intelligence from E-Toro that is decoded from the SLDF's Voodoo Red code. The intel reveals an SLDF plan to make it appear that the SLDF was planning to hit Caldwell and Cyrton in June of 2582. The SLDF attackers will jump into the system with a large While the Concordat Navy is assigned to deal with these perceived threats, the main strike will be made at the valuable Lothair system.
April 2582- The Concordat squadron assigned to the MOC launches a raiding operation towards the Gibson and Clipperton systems.
May 2582- The TDF begins Case Blue. The 5th Fleet is transferred from the Pleiades Cluster and deployed in the Victralla System. The 7th and 9th Special Attack Squadrons are also transferred to Victralla, while the newly formed 15th Special Attack Squadron is assigned to cover the Pleiades Cluster. Reinforcements from the Hyades Cluster and outlying worlds are gathered up and deployed to the Werfer system. In the Lothair system, 2 Star Runner Scout Ships are deployed to keep a watch on the system, while the defenders, who already include the 6th Concordat Velites, are reinforced with the 3rd Taurian Guard, additional artillery assets and engineering units.
June 2582- SLDF hits Caldwell and Cyrton. In both cases the SLDF assault fleets have a large number of transports, enough to transport and entire division. In reality these transports are largely empty and are present simply to provoke a response from the Concordat Navy. In both systems, the SLDF's warships engage the local defense flotillas. During the battles, the Taurian forces send messages to jumpships stationed in the system calling for aid from the Concordat Navy. The messages are transmitted using the Autumn Spring encryption code, which Taurians believe (correctly) has been cracked by the SLDF. Upon intercepting the messages LF battery equipped jumpships report back to the Montour system, informing General Kinkaid that the Concordat has fallen for the trap. She then orders the SLDF to launch an attack against the Lothair system. The Taurian Jumpships at Caldwell and Cyrton head to the Mavegh system where they inform the TDF that the SLDF has launched their attack.
June 2582 – Along the RWR front there has been little progress made. The SLDF has attempted to drive on Apollo, but their limited forces have severely hampered the campaign. Almost no progress has been made and there have been huge issues between the SLDF, LCAF and FWLM forces. The biggest issue is Archon Steiner-Dineson's demand for a broad front campaign in the wake of the raid against Alarion. With so few forces available, General Isaacson has basically been forced on the defensive. In the RWR itself, the rebels and loyalists continue to fight among themselves. By this time only Persistence and Treeline have fallen to the SLDF.
July 2582- The SLDF invades Lothair. A massive fleet of over 60 warships jumps into the system along with the entire II Corps. Brushing aside the local defense flotilla, the SLDF transports land the II Corps on the planet. Having seen the SLDF arrive in system, one of the Star Runners in the system jumped to Victralla to report on the attack, while the other ship remained in system monitoring the situation and gathering intel. Initially on the Taurian side, the bulk of the fighting was conducted by the 6th Velites and the planetary armor and infantry forces. The 3rd Taurian Guard remained hidden in reserve.
Once the SLDF II Corps was entire on planet and engaged in combat operations, the Taurian 5th Fleet along with the 7th and 9th SAS and 4 mech regiments arrive in system at a pirate point. The Taurian fleet quickly engage the SLDF warships, while the reinforcements, consisting of the 1st Taurian Guard, 1st Concordat Velites, Calderon Red Hand and 15th Concordat Chasseurs land on planet. At the same time the 3rd Taurian Guard launch a surprise attack against the II Corps command center on planet, quickly overrunning it. The SLDF is thrown into chaos. Some units fight, while others attempt to retreat to their dropships and escape off world. In orbit the Concordat Navy manages to engage and destroy a number of SLDF warships. While the bulk of the fleet is engaging the SLDF, a squadron of Pinto Corvettes takes up station over the planet and begins providing the ground forces with orbital fire support.
The TDF Army and SLDF fight a vicious battle on Lothair. Loses are high on both sides but the TDF manages to drive the SLDF off planet. The ground forces are aided by the Pintos which target supply depots, command centers and troop concentrations. The 6th Royal fights a desperate holding action, buying time for the remaining survivors of the 4th & 5th Divisions to retreat off world. The 6th is almost completely wiped out and the 4th & 5th suffer losses of approximately 75%. The TDF forces also suffer heavy losses. The 6th Concordat Velites suffer such heavy losses that they are disbanded. The 1st Concordat Velites, Calderon Red Hand, 15th Concordat Chasseurs, 1st Taurian Guard and 3rd Taurian Guards all suffer losses in excess of 50%. The Concordat Navy fairs much better, destroying or capturing over 40 SLDF warships, while losing 10.
July 2582 – Along the OWA Front, General Furlough is finally given authorization to open the campaign, in the expectation that the TC will be badly damaged during General Kinkaid's new campaign. With only 3 brigades and a DCMS Auxiliary, he launches limited attacks as he drives toward Alpheratz.
July 2582- E-Toro decodes information that the SLDF is beginning its campaign against the OWA. Word is sent to the base at Shangri-La and they are given orders to organize a strike mission to hit some of the SLDF staging areas in the Federated Suns.
August- SLDF launches the first Kimagure Class Pursuit Cruiser. The Kimagure is designed to try and counter the Concordat Navy.
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July 2582- SLDF forces invade Lindenmarle in the MOC. Soon after the invasion begins, the Captain General is forced to withdraw a number of warships to provide security in the FWL. The Canopians take advantage of the situation by using their fleet to hit the remaining ships at Lindenmarle. Additional troops are landed on planet and the SLDF is slowly being pushed back.
August 2582- SLDF launches the first Kimagure Class Pursuit Cruiser. The Kimagure is designed to try and counter the Concordat Navy.
August 2582 – SLDF launches it's first operations of the OWA campaign. The 132nd Brigade invaded Bryceland. The 134th Brigade invaded Groveld III. Both planets were defended by several battalions of armor and regiment of infantry. However unknown to the SLDF, these forces had received training from the soldiers of the Pitcairn Legion. While the SLDF enjoyed massive numerical superiority, the local defenders were able to take advantage of their knowledge of the terrain to fight a guerilla campaign. In both cases the SLDF units were tied down trying to locate the defenders.
August 2582- The SLDF deploys reinforcements to the Lindenmarle System. The MAF fleet flights a brief action against the SLDF and then retreats from the system. On planet, the bulk of the defenders go into hidding. SLDF ground units are forced to try and hunt them down.
August 2582 – The Taurian Navy Squadron in the MOC arrives in the Afarsin system. There they link up with the 2nd and 3rd Canopian Fusiliers and the MOC Fleet. Plans begin for an assault on Lindenmarle.
September 2582 – The SLDF deploys the Achilles class assault ship as a counter to the Concordat's Pegasus class Assault ship.
September 2582 – The joint TC/MOC fleet jumps into the Lindenmarle System at a pirate point. While the Concordat Squadron moves to engage the SLDF fleet, the MOC forces land on the planet. Simultaneously with the landings, the local defenders- the 1st & 2nd Canopian Light Horse plus several militia units- attack the SLDF, pinning them down. The SLDF soon finds itself caught between the 2 forces. In space the TC squadron fights a running battle with the numerically superior SLDF flotilla. Using their superior mobility, the Concordat manages to destroy 4 ships, losing 2 in exchange. After having covered the drop of the 2nd & 3rd Fusiliers, the MOC fleet joins the Concordat forces. Backed up by 2 Monsoon class Battleships, the SLDF fleet is simply too strong for the smaller vessels of TC and MOC, but they continue to nibble at the edges of the fleet. Ultimately the SLDF loses a total of 6 ships in the battle, while the TC loses 3 and the MOC loses 2. The SLDF withdraws from the system after the 56th Brigade suffers heavy losses and faces possible annihilation. Under cover of the remaining warships, the SLDF dropships land on planet and evacuate the survivors of the 56th Brigade and the 2 FWL regiments on the planet. News of this victory quickly spreads across the MOC, sparking hope that the Star League can be defeated.
September 2582 – The Concordat manages to recapture Armington after 3 years of fighting. The remnants of the 18th Division are withdrawn from the world.
September 2582 – The TDF develops the Naval Flechette Round. Designed in response to the threat posed by the large number of fighters carried by the AFFS' New Syrtis class carrier, the Naval Flechette turns the Naval Autocannon into a potent anti-fighter weapon.
September 2582- The Taurian Forces operating from Shangri-La hit several SLDF staging bases along the OWA border. These bases are largely empty and the raids have little impact, other then psychologically. General Furlough requests more naval support in response to these raids but does not receive it as the ships are simply not available.
September 2582 – The SLDF 143rd Brigade hit Weisau. Lightly defended by the Alliance, the world proved problematic as many of the miners fought to protect their claims. Supported by trainers from the Pitcairn Legion, the miners have some success at holding off the SLDF. The SLDF cuts off the planets food supply, but the miners at the encouragement of their advisers have created several large stock piles.
September 2582 – The Combine force hit Schirmack and Tabayama. While Schirmack falls quickly, Tabayama proves to be more problematic.
October 2582 – SLDF begins major redeployments along the TC front. Forces from the Reserve Corps are used to garrison Concordat worlds, freeing up front line forces for new assignments. A number of reinforcements arrive but even so the SLDF can not keep up with their losses. There is a call for increased recruiting. General Kinkaid is given an ultimatum – produce results of be sacked.
October 2582- With only limited resources the OWA campaign progressed slowly. By October the SLDF had easily secured Niles and Bad News, while the DCMS has been dealing with a guerrilla campaign on Santiago and Tabayama. The SLDF brigades are tied down dealing insurgents. General Furlough rages and wants to launch a strike towards Alpheratz but lacks the forces needed for the offensive.
November 2582 – With the SLDF still reorganizing, the TDF takes advantage of the situation. Strong reinforcements are sent to Estuan and Brusset. The TDF attackers catch the newly arrived Reserve Corps units off guard and in coordination with the local defenders already on planet they manage to inflict heavy losses on the SLDF.
November 2582 – SLDF begins a raiding campaign against the MOC. They hit Canopus, Lockton and Cate's Hold. At the same time the MOC launches a number of raids against worlds that have been captured by the SLDF, including Royal Foxx, Cranston and Resititution.
December 2582 – The Lexington Class Carrier enters production at the Taurus Shipyards.
December 2582- frustrated by the rebels on the Weisau, Bryceland and Groveld III-General Furlough orders the populations decimated to punish their resistance to the SL.
January 2582- Upon hearing of the attacks on the civilian populations by the SLDF, the OWA deploys Pitcairn's Legion to Bryceland and Groveld III. Arriving under the guise of aiding General Furlough, the Pitcairn Legion used the execution of innocent civilians as an excuse to turn on the SLDF. On both planets the SLDF and Pitcairn Legion fight each other. After about 2 weeks of fighting both Furlough and Pitcairn receive joint messages from the First Lord and Prince Davion to halt their attacks until the situation can be sorted out. Both sides retreat to their bases to lick their wounds.
Jnauary 2583- General Kinkaid reveals her new plan of attack for 2582. Rather then try to hit the Concordat one world at a time, she plans to launch 4 major attacks, knowing that the Concordat lacks the ability to repel so many attacks at once. The previously unengaged Star Guard Corps will hit Robsart, I Corps and II Corps will hit Diefenbaker, V Corps will hit Werfer and the Davion Auxiliary Corps is tasked with attacking Warren. III Corps, which is still understrength and heavily involved in a guerrilla campaign in Keuterville is unavailable to General Kinkaid, while VI Corps is held in reserve due to lack of escorts for their transports. The plan calls for the attacks to take place in late February.
February 2583 – E-Toro intercepts and decodes messages detailing parts of General Kinkaid's plans. Marshal Santos realizes this is the scenario he feared would happen. With only a little time to plan, he quickly issues orders to the Concordat Navy. The 3rd fleet is currently operating in support of operations near Estuan and Armington and will be unable to reach the battle in time. They are ordered to raid June and Malagrotta in an effort to pull some of the SLDF and AFFS reserves to that area.
The 1st Fleet along with the 7th and 9th SAS is ordered to Robsart. The 4th Fleet with is currently heavily understrength is ordered to Carmichael to meet up with reinforcements from the Hyades Cluster. The 5th Fleet, which is currently operating in the Lothair area is ordered to the Warren system to counter the AFFS. The newly formed 15th SAS which is still working up in the Hyades Cluster is ordered to the Werfer system. They are not expected to arrive in system until after the SLDF arrives.
February 2583- The SLDF arrives in the Robsart system. As Robsart is a provincial capital and is expected to be the best defended target, the SLDF deploys the largest naval task force to this system, consisting of 52 warships. They soon encountered the Concordat's 1st Fleet and fought a running battle towards a large LaGrangian dust cloud. While the SLDF fleet chased the Taurians, the SLDF's transports carrying the Star Guard Corps headed for the planet. During the naval chase, the Taurians kept their distance from the SLDF ships and neither side suffered significant losses. Once the two sides reach the dust cloud, the Taurians sprung their trap. The 7th and 9th SAS hit the flanks of the SLDF fleet, unleashing large numbers of nuclear missiles. As the SLDF began to maneuver to avoid these attacks, the 1st Fleet, supported by a large number of fighters tore up the SLDF vessels. Caught by surprise, the SLDF suffered heavy losses, numerous ships were destroyed and most of the survivors had suffered heavy damage. While the SLDF retreated to the systems Nadir Point, the Concordat fleet instead headed for a nearby pirate point. From there they jumped to a proximity point near Robsart, arriving soon after the SLDF transports. The SLDF transports and their escorts had battered aside the weak planetary defense force and landed their troops on the planet. The attackers were soon engaged with the 1st, 82nd & 90th Concordat Chasseurs who were supported by a large force of armor and infantry. The SLDF's superior numbers and technology began to take their toll on the defenders who were slowly pushed back. It was at that point that the Concordat fleet arrived overhead. Soon Taurian fighters were conducting strafing and bombing attacks against the SLDF, while the warships began orbitally bombarding SLDF troop concentrations and dropships. The Star Guard soon called for a retreat and fled from the world.
February 2583- The SLDF arrives in the Diefenbaker System. They easily brush aside the local defense flotilla and land their troops on the planet. Knowing that the 2nd Taurian Guard are based on this world, the SLDF deploys the 1st division from the I Corps and the 4th division from II Corps. The 2nd Taurian Guard fight a defensive battle, slowly retreating towards the hills and mountains of the world, where they have established a number of fighting positions.
February 2583 - The SLDF arrives in the Werfer system. The SLDF quickly dispatches the small planetary defense flotilla and lands on the planet. Expecting an easy battle, the SLDF V Corps only deploys a single Division to the planet. What they fail to account for is a powerful garrison with heavy armor and battlemechs. While the Werfer Volunteer Guard deploy older equipment and lack experience, they make up for it with determination. The SLDF is forced to call in the 14th Division to aid the attack.
February 2583 – The AFFS Corps attacks Warren. With the AFFS fleet largely destroyed, they are escorted by only 10 warships, anchored by 4 New Syrtis class cruisers. Along with a number of fighter carriers, the Davion fleet could deploy over 600 aerospace fighters. Upon arriving in system, the AFFS fleet headed for the planet where a squadron of Taurian Warships was waiting. The Taurian Squadron, composed of 5 Concordat Frigates and led by a Bulldog Destroyer, moved to intercept the AFFS fleet. As the 2 sides rapidly approached each other, the AFFS launched all of their fighters, which then sped off to engage the Taurian vessels. The Taurian ships allowed the fighters to get reasonable close before they opened fire, bombarding the approaching fighters with the hundreds of Naval Flechette rounds. Unaware of the new Taurian development, the AFFS fighters suffer tremendous casualties. While some of the fighters manage to either breakthrough and attack the Taurians or escape back to their carriers, the majority of them are destroyed. It is at this time that the rest of the Taurian fleet, which had been hiding mostly powered down at a pirate point near the 5th planet in the system executes an in-system jump to the Nadir point of the system. Trapped between the 2 forces, the AFFS warships turn and try to escape the system. Without most of their fighters, the AFFS ships are vulnerable to attacks from Taurian fighters and assault ships. By the end of the battle only 3 AFFS warships and several transports manage to escape the system, the majority of the fleet has either been destroyed or captured.
March 2583- SLDF reinforces arrive in the Werfer system and successful make planetfall.
March 2583- The 15th SAS arrives in the Werfer system. There is a significant SLDF Naval presence in the system. The 15th attacks the SLDF ships, destroys 6 and then escapes the system.
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September 2582 – The TDF develops the Naval Flechette Round. Designed in response to the threat posed by the large number of fighters carried by the AFFS' New Syrtis class carrier, the Naval Flechette turns the Naval Autocannon into a potent anti-fighter weapon.
This is awesome, as is the whole timeline. I'm a sucker for the periphery of course so my view is slightly rose-tinted but I'm loving what you're doing here. The campaigns are really starting to go poorly for the SLDF, I'll be interested to see if they give up and how you'll handle that.
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Flack Naval AC, nice idea.
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March 2583- The truce between the Pitcairn Legion and the SLDF ends when the DCMS Auxiliary Corps arrives at Goveld III and Bryceland. On both worlds, the Legion is slowly pushed back and then finally forced to retreat.
March 2583- In the Rim Worlds Republic, the SLDF has made almost no headway. Having had to deal with several counter attacks by the RWR and pressure from the Archon to attack across a broad front, the SLDF has been largely stymied. By this time they have only managed to capture Urjala, Stirling, Bucklands and Malibu. They are also attempting to secure Treeline, Persistence and Steelton but the lack of men and materials has proven more troublesome then the enemy.
March 2583- With the initial successes in the Diefenbaker system, the SLDF reinforces the system with additional warships.
March 2583- The Concordat's 4th Fleet escorts the 4th Taurian Guard and 17th Concordat Chasseurs to the Diefenbaker system. Caught off guard by the additional SLDF vessels in the system, the Taurian 4th Fleet is forced to punch a hole through the SLDF warships for the transports. While they succeed in doing this, the 4th Fleet suffers heavy loses as do the ground forces, almost a third of the troop transports are destroyed before they can land. The surviving troops manage to link up with the 2nd Taurian Guard who are already on the planet.
April 2583 – The SLDF launches an attack at Tetski in the MOC. Initially the 3rd Canopian Light Horse perform well against the 1st Marik Militia, but as the battle continues, more SLDF units arrive in the system. The 2 MOC warships in the system are destroyed. Fortunately for the MOC, the Taurian and MOC naval squadron is at Joyz on their way to the fleet base at Cate's Hold. Redirecting their path to the Tetski system, the MOC and Taurian fleet engaged the SLDF and FWL warships. While they are unable to destroy the SLDF warships, two of the Taurian Pinto Corvettes are able to briefly take up position over the planet, where they bombard several SLDF staging areas and supply depots. The MOC and Taurian forces then escape the system.
April 2583- Marshal Santos, Protector Calderon and several other senior military officers meet to discuss the impact of the SLDF attack in February. While the TC managed to inflict heavy losses at Robsart and Warren, the SLDF Navy has established a major presence in the Diefenbaker and Werfer systems, although the battles between the SLDF and TDF ground forces continues in both systems. The inescapable conclusion is that if the SLDF continues to keep launching multiple simultaneous attacks, there is no way the TDF can defend against them all and eventually the Concordat will fall. One of the conclusions that they come to is that General Kinkaid must be eliminated. While not all of her plans work, she has proven to be a very challenging opponent. Protector Calderon authorizes her assassination.
May 2583 Anxious to make progress in the war against the OWA, General Forlough authorizes a deep strike against Sevon. Having received warning of this attack through Davion Intelligence, Colonel Pitcairn deploys his troops on planet. Backed up by a number of Alliance units, including armor, infantry, aerospace fighters and even mechs, the forces on Sevon represent a formidable foe for the SLDF. Forlough deploys the 132nd & 134th Brigade supported by the DCMS Auxiliary. After landing uncontested, the DCMS units are hit by the Pitcairn Legion, while several armor and infantry units engage the SLDF brigades, tying them down. The DCMS suffers moderate losses before the Legion disengages. The two sides fight a series of inconclusive battles. Ultimately the defenders take up position in the city of Semal. The SLDF and DCMS forces besiege the city, while the Legion fights off several attempts to break into the city.
May 2583- Fighting continues on Tetski. The Canopian Light Horse are using their superior mobility to stay ahead of the SLDF units that are chasing them.
June 2583 The Concordat Navy raids both Diefenbaker and Werfer. They inflict only minimal losses on the SLDF but in response the SLDF Navy deploys more units to forward areas. On both planets the TDF ground forces continue to resist the SLDF advance.
July 2583- Having monitored General Kinkaid's movements through the efforts of E-Toro, they learn that the General will be on Drienfontein in July. A TDF commando team slips on to the planet and using a prototype particle weapon they manage to kill the General. The Taurian team is killed after a short battle and the weapon is destroyed.
July 2583- the SLDF along the Concordat front falls into chaos. General Zhao Li, Kinkaid's deputy and Major General Elias Priest, commanding I Corps, struggle for control. General Zhao orders a halt on any further action until he can assemble the staff and review the war plans. General Priest heads to Kinkaid's HQ and takes charge, issuing orders to all of the Corps in the theater. Most Corps commanders do nothing in the face of the conflicting orders. The SLDF fleet prepares to deploy on an offensive against the Concordat Navy.
July 2583- On Sevon in the OWA, the Pitcairn Legion continues to hold off the SLDF. General Forlough simply lacks the troops needed to overwhelm the well entrenched defenders.
August 2583 – Command and Control begins to breakdown on the Taurian Front. General Zhao and Priest battle for control of the front. Admiral Roberts, commanding the SLDF Fleet, takes off on his own to seek out and destroy the Taurian fleet. Admiral Roberts feels that the SLDF Navy has been tied to the needs of the Army for too long and that given more independence they could have crushed the Taurian fleet long ago. He dispatches a number of hunter-killer squadrons with orders to locate the Taurian Navy and tie it down long enough for the main fleet to arrive.
August 2583- Protector Calderon and the senior officers of the TDF are monitoring the situation with the SLDF. Of particular interest are the battles between SLDF officers for supplies and personnel and the movements of the SLDF fleets.
July 2583 – On Diefenbaker and Werfer the SLDF and TDF continue to fight. In both cases the SLDF begins to suffer from supply shortages brought about largely by the battles between General Zhao and General Priest.
August 2583- the SLDF destroys the 3rd Canopian Light Horse on Tetski and secure the planet.
September 2583 – General Lee appoints General Zhao as commander of the Taurian Front and General Priest as his deputy. There are huge conflicts between the 2 men and discipline becomes a major problem.
September 2583 – The Pitcairn Legion and the OWA forces are running low on supplies and so they retreat from Sevon. Guerrilla resistance on the planet remains high.
September 2583- The Magistrix orders a retaliatory strike against the FWL after the loss of Tetski. In a controversial decision by Adam Buquoy and the commanders of the Taurian Squadron and the MOC Navy it is decided to raid Oriente. Locate nearly 2 months travel from the front lines, the world has numerous factories and supply centers. While it is the center of the Duchy of Oriente, it is also expected to be lightly defended as it is so far behind the front lines. The strike force consists of the 7 surviving Taurian vessels supported by 2 MOC Warships with Kincani's Dragoons, Force Majoris and the 2nd Canopian Grenadiers.
September 2583- The SLDF invades Afarsin and Megarez. Both worlds fall fairly rapidly to the SLDF. Captain General Marik prepares another invasion of Lindenmarle.
October 2583 – The Concordat Navy strikes at the SLDF Navy. After spending September hiding in uninhabited systems, the Taurian Navy launches a series of strikes against Admiral Roberts' Hunter Killer Squadrons. Fielding superior numbers, the Taurian forces hit hard and fast, leaving the system before SLDF reinforcements can arrive. Large numbers of SLDF warships are destroyed. Taurian losses are minimal. Admiral Roberts becomes enraged by his losses. He decides to launch an attack against the TC fleet base at Anaheim. General Zhao and Priest are so involved in their own power struggle that neither is paying any attention to what Admiral Roberts is doing.
October 2583 – On Diefenbaker the TDF gains the upper hand and forces the SLDF on the defensive. On Werfer the the two sides maintain a level of parity, with the defenders slowly wearing down the SLDF's superior numbers.
November 2583 – Captain General Marik launches an attack against Lindenmarle. Having anticipated that the SLDF would return, the MOC evacuated the defenders from the world. Lindenmarle soon falls to the SL.
November 2583- The MOC/TC Strike force hits Oriente. The warships quickly brush aside the few defenders in the system and the ground troops land on the planet. They raid several industrial facilities and supply depots, capturing huge stores of equipment. There is a running battle with the Fusiliers of Oriente, but the MOC forces are able to escape off world.
November 2583 – Admiral Roberts gathers nearly the entire SLDF Navy for a strike against Anaheim. Warned of the attack by E-Toro, Marshal Santos gathers most of the Taurian Fleet to launch a counter strike. Marshal Santos deploys a number of gunships, assault ships and marines to the asteroid belt in the Anaheim system while marshaling the 1st, 4th and 5th Taurian fleets, supported by the 7th, 9th and 15th Special Attack Squadrons at Weippe. Only the 3rd Fleet is held back in the Pleiades Cluster as a reserve. 3 Star Runners are deployed in the Anaheim system to watch for the Star League attack.
December 2583 – In the OWA General Forlough launches a new attack. Leaving a regiment of the DCMS Auxiliary Corps on Sevon, he sets out to track down Pitcairn and his forces. The 132nd Brigade hits Medron, the 134th Brigade hits Kinkaid II and the 143rd Brigade hits Banori. The DCMS hits Budington, Nexus Ri, Valentina, and Kazanaka. All of the worlds were well defended. In the wake of Forlough's orders to slaughter civilians enlistment has surged. Many of these forces are trained by Davion military advisors and are well trained. Resistance to the invasions is heavy and the SLDF and DCMS units are unable to make significant progress. The SLDF & DCMS' superiority in equipment is balanced out by the OWA superior numbers and determination.
December 2583- having received word of the attack on Oriente, Captain General Marik is forced to withdraw a number of her forces to defend her rear areas. Operations to capture Adherlwin and Nobel are canceled.
December 2583- The TC/MOC strike force hit several worlds on their way back to the MOC. The attacks are very limited and mainly intended to disrupt shipping.
December 2583 – The SLDF Navy attacks Anaheim. Arriving in system at both the Zenith and Nadir points, the SLDF forces head for the Asteroid Belt where the Concordat Naval Base is located. Three days later when the SLDF is halfway to the Asteroid Belt, Taurian forces jump into the Zenith and Nadir points. Lead by the Armageddons of the Special Attack Squadrons, they race towards the SLDF ships. Realizing the threat posed by the Armageddons and their nuclear arsenal, Admiral Roberts orders his forces to make for the Asteroid Belt, as the debris will prevent the Armageddons from making their customary high speed hit and run attacks. The Taurian fleet maintains a constant 2.5G thrust during it's drive towards the SLDF units, rapidly closing the distance between them. The SLDF manages to reach the asteroid belt when it receives a rude surprise. Hidden among the debris is hundreds of assault ships and thousands of fighters and gunships. There are also numerous defense platforms and detachments of zero-g marines. The Taurians inflict heavy damage on the SLDF vessels. Numerous ships are boarded and captured. Admiral Roberts is killed aboard his flagship and Admiral Hiroku takes command of the fleet, ordering a retreat to the systems Zenith point. En route the SLDF fights a brief battle with the inbound Taurian fleet before escaping the system with the remnants of the fleet.
January 2584- First Lord Ian Cameron rages when he learns of the destruction of the fleet in the Concordat. He threatens to sack every senior officer and put them up on charges. General Lee is ordered to the Taurian Front to clean up the situation and take charge if necessary.
January 2584 – With the success against the SLDF at Anaheim, the Protector orders increased attacks against shipping and convoys in the Federated Suns. Nearly every world along the border with the Concordat will be hit in the next few months. Deciding it is time to take advantage of the chaos and confusion among the SLDF, the Protector orders the TDF to begin a campaign to liberate the worlds that have been captured by the SLDF.
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Now things are really going badly for the SLDF, I'm anxious to see what your vision of the BattleTech universe would be like with the Star League loosing the Reunification War - as it looks like (and I hope) they are ;D
I'm interested to know why you chose Oriente and not a closer provincial capital like Andurien. I assume the base political structure of the FWL at the time would be fairly similar to more modern battletech so I guess hitting a more loyal province like Oriente makes sense but dang that's far back. Then again the TC is hitting all throughout the FS it seems and looks like its being pretty effective.
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The reason I chose Oriente is simple- Andurien is a Capellan holding at this point and the Concordat has not hit any Liao worlds. It's part of their strategy, which has only been brief hit upon in the timeline. Basically the TC has specifically avoided striking the the Capellans to try and create tension between the FS and the CC, which it is starting to do. Oriente was chosen because it is an important world, with military factories and probably a lot of shipping to raid. It is also far enough from the front that it will not be well defended and the shock of the attack will both unnerve the FWL and probably lead to demands to deploy more ships and troops in the rear areas, pulling them off of the front lines.
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Duh! Were's my head nvm of course Andurien wouldn't be the target. Making more sense the more I think :D
Striking at the FS and FWL but avoiding CC is an awesome way to get them mad at eachother, chaulk up another awesome idea.
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Avoiding hitting targets is a good idea but it's going to come back and bite the Concordat in a bit.
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Striking at the FS and FWL but avoiding CC is an awesome way to get them mad at eachother, chaulk up another awesome idea.
Even more in a coalition.
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I'm just sad that you seem to have continued H:RW's nonsense about code-breaking. No serious military traffic is encoded based on the sort of mathematical principles mentioned in passing in H:RW, precisely because no one can confirm if they're breakable or not. Which is why anyone who plays the code game uses one-time pads for important message traffic, because they are the only absolutely unbreakable system on a depth of one.
On the other hand, humans get notoriously silly about their technological achievements, and pride can get in the way of good sense on these matters. I'm just sad that the SLDF, which did have some decent brains in the technology department, fell victim to this.
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I just can't see how the SLDF can manage a one time pad system across so many different units and so many light years when it can take months just to get from earth to the front. I could see a one time pad for important messages from say the Commanding General Taurian Front to the First Lord, but with message flying between all the units on the Taurian Front I just don't see how they can use a one time pad system.
Besides the SLDF and HAF before it are arrogant- they would never suspect that anyone can break their codes, much less the periphery.
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I'm not versed in encryption and the ins and outs of encoding, etc. but I would suspect that it should be possible to figure out the algorithms that are used to make a one-off encryption so with enough computing power you should be able to crack even a one time pad system if you can figure out how they go about coming up with them. - If I'm totally off base tell me but in my experience anything human beings are involved in can be decoded.
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From what I understand it has been mathematically proven that a One Time Pad System is the most secure method of encryption. In practice there are reasons why it is not foolproof (can you make a truly random pad, security of providing a copy of the pad to both sender and receiver) but in theory it is immune to being cracked through the use of brute force computer decoding.
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I see, still I think its reasonable to think eventually someone will find a way to break those as well especially like I say if you can figure out how the other guy is coming up with the "random" one time pads because unless I wasn't informed and it would be a big enough deal that I think I would be - there is no way yet to produce a truly random number its always based off of something.
Again maybe its just my ignorance but I was easily able to accept that the SLDF's code being broken is a plausible scenario.
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Besides the SLDF and HAF before it are arrogant- they would never suspect that anyone can break their codes, much less the periphery.
Just look at Enigma and also at the Japanese codes.
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One-time pads are often "randomized" based on recorded atmospheric noise, precisely to avoid any unexpected human-produced patterns. Given how closely-guarded encryption keys are, and the ridiculous lengths I've seen first-class militaries go to transporting and securing said encryption keys so that everyone gets a new copy on schedule, I don't actually foresee a major problem for the SLDF with codes, unless it bases them on something like Public Key Infrastructure with its supposedly asymmetric encoding. But the military doesn't use such for tactical communications.
And precisely because of things like the killing of Admiral Yamamoto in WWII, in the US Military the travel itinerary of the top generals are less widely distributed than most "Top Secret" intelligence. And even then, code words and cover terms are typically employed in any electronic communication, so that even if someone breaks the encryption they still may not know what the message is about.
However, not just with the encryption, my other issue with E-Toro is that there's no reason for the SLDF to ever actually broadcast a communication in such a way that the enemy can intercept it. Since they have to send a ship physically from one planet to the next, a series of courier small craft would get the message from JumpShip to planetary HQ at the cost of only the travel time from JumpPoint to planet, and then their communications could only be compromised via a human source, which is much easier to protect against in the pre-HPG environment. This is how I would expect even an arrogant military force to operate in the given conditions.
This still isn't as paranoid as I'd operate; what I'd do if I were the CG would be to give whoever I plan to visit no more than a week's warning before I hit planet; this would make it practically impossible for the enemy to get a specially-trained and specially equipped assassination team in position just to whack me, because there's be insufficient time for the enemy to figure out where I was and move assets around. Unless the enemy wanted to put such strike teams on every single planet they have units on, which would be possible but very difficult, and a great way to force the enemy to dilute their strength and attention. I'm still amazed that in a pre-HPG era the word still managed to make it to Taurus in time for the strike team that killed Kincaid to make it into position. This would have required two command circuits of jump ships; one from wherever the VOODOO RED traffic was intercepted to Taurus, and another from Taurus to Firgrove. The latter looks to be about five jumps. And it's not stated when they got the word, but I've never known a CG to plan movements months in advance. Generally the show up with no more than a week's warning and completely screw up ongoing operations due to the massive security details they require, to say nothing of intelligence assets for force protection.
Good job for the Taurians, managing to pull that off. Even if it ultimately earned them Forlough in Kincaid's place, which, although he's easier to outsmart, resulted in many more dead Taurians. And probably made it easier for the FedSuns to integrate so many Taurian worlds into their realm, because 1) they weren't the SLDF and 2) the Taurian Gov't clearly couldn't protect its citizens, which rather delegitimizes a government in many citizens' views.
On the other hand, I should also stop criticizing Irose's decisions with this; it is, after all, his alternate universe, and as the creator he can justify anything happening however he likes.
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On the other hand, I should also stop criticizing Irose's decisions with this; it is, after all, his alternate universe, and as the creator he can justify anything happening however he likes.
I've been thinking some more about this and while I do see what you are saying at this point I am going to keep what I have to date about E-Toro (rather then rewrite everything) but down play it going forward- basically the SLDF having learned their lesson following the death of General Kinkaid switches their methods of communicating sensitive information. Actually that will work out well - it gives the SLDF a chance to score some big victories.
I do want to say that I am not offended by the criticism and I appreciate it- even I don't use it on this project it gives me something to think about and consider on future projects.
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February 2584 – General Lee arrives at the SLDF HQ along the Taurian front and is appalled by what he finds. General Zhao is placed under arrest and returned to Terra for trials of corruption. General Priest is relieved of command for insubordination. General Lee spends the next month conducting a full review of the situation along the Taurian front.
February 2584 – SLDF Intelligence determines that the Concordat has somehow managed to crack the Voodoo Red code. No longer trusting their supposedly secure communications, all orders are to be sent by physical courier. While this will increase the time it takes to disseminate messages it will improve security. Several senior officers in the Intelligence Command who were responsible for the decision to trust the SLDF communications to encrypted electronic transmissions rather then relying on physical copies are court-martialed for incompetence.
March 2584- The Concordat launches a new campaign against the SLDF. Strike forces are sent to Estuan, Montor, Werfer and Diefenbaker. In combination they manage to push the SLDF off the worlds, with near complete naval superiority, the SLDF troops are repeatedly exposed to orbital bombardment strikes.
March 2584- General Lee reorganizes the Concordat front. He relocates a number of supply depots and units to worlds in the Capellan Confederation as they have so far not been attacked by the Concordat. He also sends orders to Terra for more reinforcements. He recommends to the First Lord that additional forces be provided by the member states and the the mothball fleet, including both older HAF ships and vessels provided by the member states, be reactivated to make up for the losses suffered by the SL Navy. He advises the First Lord that with the limited naval assets available to the SLDF it is inadvisable to launch any more assaults, as the Taurian naval superiority will prove highly dangerous. He sends orders for General Forlough to transfer from the OWA front to command of the Taurian front.
March 2584- The MOC takes advantage of the lull along their front to rebuild. Operations are limited to a few small naval raids.
April 2584- General Forlough receives his orders to take command of the Taurian front. He takes with him the few SL Warships that are remaining on the OWA front. Command of the OWA front is turned over to Major General Rachel Carson. Still heavily involved in fighting on Kinkaid II, Medron and Banori, the SLDF is basically stalemated. Supplies and replacements, never very large to begin with almost completely dry up. With few naval assets in the area, the SLDF is forced to simply maintain the status quo. The DCMS forces are slightly better off, but face stiff resistance from the Alliance military.
April 2584 – The First Lord receives General Lee's recommendations. He immediately orders the mothball fleet (approximately 400 warships of dubious value) reactivated. He also calls a meeting of the Council Lords to discuss the situation.
May 2584- TDF provides a number of reinforcements to the forces fighting on Flintoff, Brusett, Keuterville and Csomad. The Concordat Navy conducts major raids against New Syrtis, Panpour, and Taygeta.
May 2584 – General Forlough arrives at SLDF HQ for the TC front and begins conferring with General Lee about new plans for the front.
June 2584 – TCW Lexington is launched
June 2584- Council Lords meet at Terra. The First Lord calls for the houses to commit more troops to battle. Coordinator Kurita is all in favor of this and offers large numbers of DCMS units to support the RWR and OWA campaigns. First Prince Davion complains that his forces have suffered heavy losses against the Taurians and are spread thin trying to protect against Taurian raiders. Chancellor Liao protests, saying that huge numbers of her citizens have already died fighting for the SLDF and that she was against the war from the beginning and still thinks they should stop fighting. Captain-General Marik pledges more federal forces to the campaign but states that she has been receiving complaints from the Provincial leaders that their units are suffering high losses and that with the raids into the FWL they feel a need to withhold forces for their own defense. Archon Steiner complains that the RWR raids into the LC have been very devastating and that while she can supply a few units to help in the fighting against the RWR, she can not spare units for any other fronts. Privately First Lord Cameron fumes about the lack of support from the IS states. Publicly he accepts what he can get from the House Lords.
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I do want to say that I am not offended by the criticism and I appreciate it- even I don't use it on this project it gives me something to think about and consider on future projects.
Ditto!
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It sounds like the SLDF has a new plan. 8)
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One that will drag the Confederation into the war.
Although if the Capellans take offense at being used they could end up fighting the SLDF rather than supporting them.
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Although if the Capellans take offense at being used they could end up fighting the SLDF rather than supporting them.
No that wouldn't happen... That couldn't possibly be the way the Star League falls apart... (well not exactly but you're heading along the right track)
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No that wouldn't happen... That couldn't possibly be the way the Star League falls apart... (well not exactly but you're heading along the right track)
But the Capellan Confederation belongs to the Star League, quiaff?
And the Star League is at war with the Periphery States.
Then the Capellan Confederation is at war with the Periphery States, isn't it?
And don't go with the good old
Ulysses comes out of Crete,
Ulysses says that all people from Crete are liars,
Then...
;)
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August 2584- Taurian forces easily push the SLDF off of Csomad. The SLDF defenders put up only token resistance to a new Taurian push before retreating.
August 2584- The MOC front continues to be relatively quiet. FWL reinforcements are soon arriving along the border, but overall operations are very slow due to a lack of transports.
August 2584- The OWA front is also fairly quiet. A small number of DCMS units are arriving along the front.
August 2584- The RWR front sees a huge surge in action. Large numbers of DCMS and LCAF regiments and a few additional FWL units deploy to the RWR front. A number of Republic worlds are invaded.
September 2584 – The first ships of the Mothball fleet begin to arrive on the Taurian Front. Rather then being deployed along the FS/TC border, most of these ships are stationed in the CC- First Prince Davion protests this decision as numerous FS worlds are being raided by the Taurians but Generals Lee & Forlough largely ignore the Prince.
October 2584- The Concordat starts to get nervous. There almost no traffic over Voodoo Red. What little information is sent over those channels is easily discredited by Taurian Intelligence as false.
Concordat Navy raiders operating along the FS/TC border report a major decrease in interstellar traffic in the area. Few SLDF convoys are detected by the forces based at Shangri-La, but this information will take time to reach the Concordat.
November 2584- Marshal Santos suspecting a new threat orders a recon of Capellan systems along the border with the Concordat. Using captured Davion merchant ships they send scouting missions to Shaunavon, Mendham, Corodiz and Kern. In the Corodiz and Mendham systems they spy large numbers of SLDF transports and warships.
December 2584- The Protector and TDF High Command discuss the situation and what they should do. Many in the TDF are afraid to launch an attack into Capellan Space, as that may push the Capellans to deploy troops against the Concordat. The decision is made to reinforce the border with the Capellans and wait and see what happens. The Concordat Navy is deployed to counter potential attacks from Capellan Space. The 1st Fleet is based at Pinard. The 3rd Fleet is based at the valuable shipyards at Horsham. The 4th fleet is based at Midale and the 5th Fleet is split between the Pleiades Cluster and Anaheim. There are very few Concordat Navy ships in the Spinward regions of the Concordat.
January 2585 – AFFS forces begin taking over for the SLDF units on Keuterville, Brusett, Ridgebrook, Wrentham and Flintoff.
February 2585 – Upon hearing of the redeployment of the SLDF occupation forces, the Protector and High Command assume that this a prelude to an attack against the Concordat. Additional forces are deployed along the CC/TC border. The decision is made to not further reinforce the occupied worlds- the existing forces on planet are considered sufficient to tie down the Davions. The forces at Shangri-La are ordered to focus the efforts closer to the TC border, they are specifically ordered to locate and destroy military convoys bringing AFFS reinforcements to the front.
February 2585 – Chancellor Liao secretly issues orders to her commanders that if they spot Taurian forces they are not fire unless they are fired upon first.
March 2585 – Along the MOC front, the SLDF launches invasions of Adherlwin, Nobel and Early Dawn. With naval assets spread very thin, largely due to losses on the Taurian front, each fleet only contains about 20 warships. The TC Naval Squadron and MOC Fleet which are based at Canopus IV hit the SLDF units in the Adherlwin system. With near parity in numbers, the superior performance of the TC/MOC vessels allows them to inflict heavy losses on the SLDF. The attackers are forced to retreat, leaving the ground forces isolated on planet. Under the threat of orbital bombardment, the joint FWL/MOC attack force (1 SLDF brigade supported by 4 FWL regiments) is forced to surrender.
April 2585 – Along the OWA, the joint SLDF/DCMS force is still largely stymied by the OWA and Pitcairn Legion. There are also issues between General Carson and the DCMS forces. Realizing that General Furlough's targeting of civilians has only made the situation more difficult, she has tried to rescind those policies. The DCMS soldiers and commanders don't see eye to eye with her and so she has spent as much time fighting them (politically) as she has the Alliance military. Requests for aid from the SLDF (in the form of aid in getting the DCMS to follow her orders- being female only makes the situation that much harder for her) has been non-existent as the attention of the senior commanders of the SLDF and the First Lord are on the Taurian Campaign.
April 2585- the Rim Worlds Campaign really heats up. With the addition of more LCAF and DCMS units, the SLDF finally has enough forces for a real campaign. They hit numerous RWR worlds all along the length of the border.
April 2585 – The MOC uses the captured equipment from Adherlwin to outfit several new regiments of troops. The Naval strike force hits Nobel, crushing the SLDF warships and then continuing Anti-Spinward.
April 2585 – Fearing an SLDF attack being launched from Capellan Territory, the Concordat increases its scouting forces along the border. Additional Star Runners are deployed to the Robsart, Rollis and Bromhead systems.
May 2585 – The Concordat continues to strengthen their borders along the CC. TC raiders operating from Shangri-La hit AFFS staging areas, destroying a number of transports and supply convoys. The AFFS fleet is tied down trying to hunt down the raiders. The AFFS refuses to launch any more offensives until they have warships to help escort their transports.
June 2585- The MOC hits Royal Foxx. They quickly sweep aside the naval defenders and land 3 regiments of troops on planet. The SLDF garrison is overrun and the planet is liberated.
Mid-Late July 2585- General Forlough launches his offensive against the Concordat. Reinforced with large numbers of ships from the Mothball fleet, he simultaneously hits Horsham, Rollis and Bromhead. Only Horsham with it's valuable shipyards has a large naval defense force, built around the 3rd Fleet- the rest of the Taurian forces are deployed behind the front lines.
In the Horsham system the SLDF fleet encounters the Taurian 3rd Fleet supported by the 7th SAS. Despite being out numbered nearly 3 to 1 in warships, the defenders have the advantage of deploying superior vessels. The bulk of the SLDF fleet is older ships, the majority of which came from the mothball fleet. In a surprising move, the invaders jumped to the system's Zenith Point, rather then the Nadir Point and the Shipyards. The SLDF then raced for the planet, while the Concordat Fleet also raced for the planet. The Taurians easily beat the SLDF to the planet engaging them before they could get close to the orbiting shipyards. The Armageddons opened the attack, destroying numerous ships and causing the fleet to break formation. These attacks were followed up by main fleet which was built around 2 Lexington class carriers. While the warships of the fleet engaged the remaining warships of the SLDF Navy, the fighters and assault drops engaged the troop transports. By the end of the battle the bulk of the SLDF fleet had been destroyed, only a few ships were able to escape the system, while most of the transports had been shot down.
When the SLDF arrived in the Bromhead and Rollis system, one of the Star Runners in each system reported to the 1st Fleet which was stationed in the Pinard System. It is quickly decided to deploy the 1st to the Bromhead System.
In the Rollis system the SLDF easily brushes aside the local defense flotilla and takes up position over the planet. They issue an ultimatum calling for the planet to surrender in 24 hours or else they will begin bombarding the planet. When the time limit passes, the SLDF opens fire on every military base on the planet, followed by targeting the major cities and economic centers. Millions are killed. The 2nd Star Runner that had remained in the system to monitor the situation and gather intel immediately jumps to Pinard where it reports the information. Another ship then takes the report to Taurus where it is rushed to the Protector and Marshal Santos.
In the Bromhead system, the SLDF makes a high speed burn for the planet. The Taurian forces arrive at a pirate point a day after the SLDF arrives in system and moves to intercept them. The Taurian fleet is out numbered nearly 2 to 1 but as in the Horsham system have an advantage in that they operating superior vessels. The Taurian fleet splits into two, the main fleet approaches the enemy head on, while a smaller contingent of corvettes and assault dropships performs a high speed flanking maneuver. The local planetary defense flotilla hits the other flank of the SLDF fleet. Caught on 3 sides, the SLDF ships try to punch their way through to the planets. While the Taurian defenders take heavy damage in the fighting, they manage to destroy most of the SLDF fleet, only a few stragglers make it out of the system.
Early August 2585 A fourth SLDF assault fleet arrives at MacLeod's Land. As soon as it arrives the Star Runner in the system heads for Taurus with news of the invasion.
Early August 2585 – On Taurus, Protector Calderon and Marshal Santos receive the information about the invasions of Horsham, Rollis and Bromhead. Initially Protector Calderon orders the 4th Fleet to redeploy from Midale to Rollis. Soon on the heels of this, the Protector receives word of the strikes against Taurian citizens on Rollis. The Protector is enraged and orders Marshal Santos to develop a response to this attack. Before much progress can be made, the Star Runner from the MacLeod's Land system arrives at Taurus with news that an invasion fleet appeared in the system. Expecting that this fleet will use the same tactics as were used at Rollis, the Protector orders Marshal Santos to put together whatever ships he can and to head for the MacLeod's Land system. Gathering together a total 10 warships, some of which were finishing repairs and several new ships undergoing shakedown cruises, and numerous conventional transports carrying assault dropships and carriers, Marshal Santos leads this force, designated the Reserve Fleet, to the MacLeod's Land System.
Early August 2585- Upon arriving in the MacLeod's Land System, the SLDF forces burn for the planet at high speed. Reaching orbit they issue an ultimatum that the planet surrender in 24 hours or they will bombard it. The Taurians refuse and the SLDF then targets every military base on the planet. After a few days they turn their attention to the civilian population, starting with the capital city. Millions are killed in the attacks.
Mid-Late August - The Taurian Reserve Fleet arrives in system at a pirate point. Caught off guard, the SLDF Fleet moves to engage Marshal Sanos' small fleet (1 Lexington Carrier, 1 Armageddon Missile Cruiser, 3 Concordat Frigates, 1 Bulldog Destroyer, 2 Pinto Corvettes and 2 Modified Vincents.) Marshal Santos surprises the SLDF Fleet when a large number of attack dropships and small craft, which had been hiding in the radar shadow of his warships, suddenly race towards the approaching SLDF vessels under heavy cover from the fighters of the Lexington Class TCW Prometheus and numerous Phoenix class carriers. Among the small craft are several hundred boarding shuttles carrying Marines. Enraged about the attacks against civilian targets, the Marines are highly motivated- they conduct boarding operations against dozens of ships, in each case there is no mercy for the crews, among the captured ships there are very few prisoners. By the time the Reserve Fleet reaches the SLDF a large number of the ships have been captured and several others crippled. Marshal Santos' forces then mop up the survivors. Almost no SLDF warships manage to escape the system.
Late August 2585 – The 4th Fleet arrives in the Rollis system. The SLDF Fleet engages the Taurians. Enraged by the attack on civilian targets the Taurian fleet races to engage the SLDF head on. The SLDF is able to use their superior numbers to inflict heavy losses on the 4th Fleet. Following the death of Marshal Gary Hampton, commander of the fleet, his 2nd in command, Commodore Amanda Laner calls for a retreat. The few surviving Taurian ships lead the SLDF on a chase across the Rollis System.
August 2585 – MOC/TC Naval forces hit the Umka system. Included in their strike force are 2 new mech regiments and several conventional regiments that were built using the SLDF equipment captured at Adherlwin. After brushing aside the minimal naval presence in the system, the ground forces land and after a series of battles manage to liberate the world.
Early September 2585 – After receiving word of the successful destruction of the SLDF fleet in the MacLeod's Land, the Protector along with a number of transports carrying emergency supplies arrives in the MacLeod's Land System. After viewing the damage done to the system the Protector meets with Marshal Santos. The Protector is enraged at the senseless slaughter of his citizens and orders the Marshal to strike back and make the SLDF pay for their actions.
Mid September 2585 – Marshal Santos develops a new plan for the war. Having received no word from the 4th Fleet, he orders the 1st Fleet to the system. He also gathers 10 of the newly captured SLDF warships and after outfitting them with crews sends them to reinforce the Concordat Flotilla operating in the Magistracy. While the 5th Fleet remains on station along the FS/TC border, the 3rd Fleet undergoes repairs at the Horsham shipyards and the Reserve Fleet is expanded using many of the captured SLDF warships. Marshal Santos begins to develop two new plans, Case Green and Case Orange. While the Protector seeks to strike back immediately, Marshal Santos convinces the Protector that the Concordat Navy needs time to rebuild and reorganize before it can strike. He asks for a 6 week break, with operations resuming in November.
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This war is getting hotter.
Just a quick question: where does the Taurian Concordat get its crews for so many Warships?
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This war is getting hotter.
Just a quick question: where does the Taurian Concordat get its crews for so many Warships?
At this point the Concordat has a large navy and a naval training programing to go with it. At the start of the war they massively increased their warship production and so it makes sense that they would increase the training program for naval crews.
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Plus, with the increased number of TDF victories and SLDF atrocities, more people have a reason to join up.
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Lexington Carrier?
I hope you will show us what this is, Irose.
(Somehow I would not be surprised to see something rivaling a Thera-class carrier... ;)
Ciao
Hessian
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The Lexington is more along the lines of the New Syrtis. I hope to have it written up and posted later tonight.
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Plus, with the increased number of TDF victories and SLDF atrocities, more people have a reason to join up.
Yes but it takes years to train good Space Navy crews.
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Yes but the expansion of the Taurian Navy began in 2573 -pretty much right after Malagrotta- in this time line it's 12 years-so there's no reason why the TC can't be turning out 10,000 naval cadets a year.
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Yes but the expansion of the Taurian Navy began in 2573 -pretty much right after Malagrotta- in this time line it's 12 years-so there's no reason why the TC can't be turning out 10,000 naval cadets a year.
Thanks for the explanation.
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Late September 2585- The 1st Fleet arrives in the Rollis system. They soon make contact with the few survivors of the 4th Fleet. Working together they coordinate an attack on the SLDF fleet, catching it in between them. After taking moderate losses, the SLDF retreats from the system.
Early October 2585 – With the Concordat distracted by the fighting along the Capellan border, the FS tries to take advantage of the situation. They invade Pierce and Tentative. With no warships in the systems, the AFFS is able to brush aside the small Taurian naval presence and land on planet. There they face heavy resistance from the local defenders.
Late October 2585 – Taskforce Purple departs for the MOC. The fleet of 10 ships is composed of captured SLDF vessels, including several cruisers.
October 2585 – The MOC hits Fanardir. With local naval superiority, they are able to land on the planet nearly unmolested. However as Fanardir is home to a large SLDF garrison, the MOC forces are unable to push them off world and after a few inconclusive battles, the Canopian forces retreat off world.
Late November 2585 – Marshal Santos launches Case Green. The 3rd Fleet, which has rebuilt most of it's strength is tasked to hit the SLDF staging areas on Mendham. Their orders are simple and direct- level ever SLDF facility they can find and destroy and naval elements in system. Arriving in the system, the Concordat fleet fights a short battle against a single SLDF warship squadron that is assigned to protect the system. After dispatching them, the Concordat fleet heads in towards the planet when they detect 2 Capellan destroyers near the planet. Soon after this the Taurians receive a message from the Capellan commander, who states that as long the as the Concordat does not attack Capellan units or citizens, the Capellan forces will not attack. Marshal Jackson Ross, commander of the Taurian fleet is wary but decides to take the risk and does not engage the Capellans. Arriving in orbit over the planet, the fleet conducts precision orbital bombardment of SLDF bases across the world. After several days, the Concordat forces leave the system. The SLDF suffers huge loses.
December 2585- General Forlough in his command center on Zanzibar, rages when he learns about the attack on Mendham. He rages even more when he learns that only SLDF facilities and troops were hit and that apparently the Capellans did not intervene. He fires off a series of heated messages to General Lee back on Terra complaining about the situation and the Capellans actions.
December 2585 – With the success of the strike against Mendham, Marshal Santos leads the Reserve fleet against Corodiz. The Taurians quickly destroy the few SLDF warships in the system and head for the planet. As before they receive a message from the Capellans that as long as they do not target Capellan citizens or property, the CCAF will not intervene. The Taurians quickly target the SLDF bases, and as on Mendham leave after several days of orbital bombardment.
Late December 2585- When General Forlough learns that the CCAF refused to fight at Corodiz, he flips. He orders his troops on Zanzibar to disarm the Capellans and take control of the planet. The large SLDF fleet in the system is ordered to capture the Capellan naval assets. The Capellans do not roll over and actively resist the SLDF. Fighting breaks out across the system.
December 2585 – On the RWR front the SLDF is finally starting to make progress and has secured several worlds.
January 2586 – Learning of the attacks on Corodiz and Mendham, the First Lord orders an emergency meeting of the Council for early February.
January 2586- Taskforce Purple arrives in the Canopus IV system. After initially scaring the defenders, the Taurian squadron convinces the defenders that they are friendly. The joint MOC/TC fleet is recalled to Canopus IV.
January 2586- General Forlough secures Zanzibar. The CCAF suffers heavy losses. General Forlough orders SLDF forces on other worlds along the CC/TC border to take control of the worlds from the locals.
Late January 2586 – As First Prince Alexander Davion is headed to Terra, he learns of the actions along the TC/CC border and how the CCAF is not fighting against the TC. He begins to issue orders mobilizing his units that are along the FS/CC border.
Early February 2586- the Council lords meet on Terra. The meeting starts with a discussion of the Concordat Front- Soon Prince Davion and Chancellor Liao are at each others throats. Davion is pissed that the Capellans have not contributed a force to aid the SLDF and that they are not being hit by the Concordat, while the FS is suffering huge losses, to both its military and economy (due to disruption of shipping). Chancellor Liao responds that she was not in favor of the war and the FS is reaping what it sows. Cameron tries to maintain order but is actually very upset with Liao as he knows that they did not aid in the defense of Corodiz or Mendham. The situation takes a huge turn for the worst when Chancellor Liao receives word that the SLDF under orders from Forlough are attacking the CCAF. Chancellor Liao says that any attacks by the SLDF will be meet with force and storms out of the meeting. Prince Davion, seeing this as a sign that the Capellans are working against the SLDF issues orders to the AFFS to invade the CC. Cameron issues orders calling for General Forlough to stand down and tries to convince the Chancellor and First Prince to stop fighting. General Forlough is ordered to return to Terra to face charges.
March 2586- The first CCAF reinforcements reach the TC border, where they soon engage the SLDF. General Forlough refuses to acknowledge his orders to return to Terra and continues to fight against those “damn Capellan traitorsâ€. The AFFS begins deploying for an invasion of the CC. Operations against the TC slow as supplies begin to be diverted to the CC Front.
March 2586 – With the SLDF fighting itself, the Concordat takes advantage of the breathing space they have gained. The Concordat Navy takes advantage of the lull to stand down and reorganize. TDF ground forces are prepared for liberation missions to occupied worlds.
March 2586 – The Canopian/Taurian strike force hits Gallis. Finding it only minimally garrisoned they are able to liberate the world.
April 2586- The CCAF and SLDF fight several battles on Mendham, Corodiz and surrounding worlds. The fresh CCAF troops generally hold the upper hand against the superior but very weary SLDF troops. There is also some confusion among the SLDF as several officers will not follow Forlough's commands as they feel (correctly) that he is acting illegally given that he was relieved of command and recalled to Terra.
April 2586- SL diplomatic missions to the CC try to convince the Chancellor to stand down and not leave the SL.
May 2586 – The AFFS attacks the CCAF invading worlds in the Chesterton region – Algot, Almach and Valexa.
May 2586 -With SLDF operations badly disrupted, the TDF deploys forces to all of the occupied worlds. Low on supplies, many of the SLDF units are forced to surrender or retreat off world.
June 2586 – Learning of the AFFS attacks against the Confederation, the Chancellor orders a counter attack- CCAF units invade Chesterton and Ulan Bator.
June 2586- General Richardson, 2nd in command of the SLDF, is sent by General Lee to remove General Forlough from command. He is accompanied by 2 Royal Divisions.
July 2586- The MOC/TC strike force hits Bethonolog. Lightly garrisoned, they quickly liberate the world. There is serious concern in the MOC High Command as to where the SLDF has gone. The suspicion is that they are massing for an invasion of Canopus IV. The fleet is recalled to the capital to defend against the attack.
August 2586- Having learned of the fighting between the CC and FS, the First Lord feels he needs to intervene. With only a few SLDF units available, the First Lord calls upon the FWL and DC to provide “peacekeepersâ€. Coordinator Kurita is particularly excited by this option and pulls his forces from the OWA campaign.
August 2586 – The fighting between the CCAF and FS continues. The Capellans have captured Chesterton, while the AFFS has largely secured Algot and Valexa.
September 2586- The Concordat has liberated all of their prewar holdings with the exception of the Malagrotta system.
September 2586 – Captain General Marion Marik arrives in the Canopus IV system aboard her flagship the FWLS Albert Marik. Rather then attack, she requests to meet with the Magistrix. Despite some concerns that this is a trap. The Magestrix agrees. The Captain General arrives at Canopus under heavy guard. In a meeting with the Magistrix she says that the FWL and SLDF are withdrawing from Canopian space. She states that she can't keep fighting to incorporate the MOC into the SL when the SL is tearing itself apart. Captain General Marik asks that the MOC suspend any further offensive operations while the SLDF withdraws. The Captain General says that she will order her troops not to attack unless fired upon and will turn all occupied worlds back over their local governments. They both agree and the Captain General leaves. The SLDF begins withdrawing from the MOC.
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Alright now the shit really is hitting the fan, if I had been the Magestrix I would have made a few reperation demands but then again that might be overeaching. The FWL would be in a good position to move in on the CC now... The Star League Civil War, could this be the end of the league before it barely begins?
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At this point while the Magistrix would love reparations, she is just happy to see the SLDF leaving and so she did not chose to press the issue. Especially since the war between the SLDF and MOC was fought cleanly.
As for the SL Civil War- yes the 7th Corps is in a great position to hit the CC. I actually see where this is going- the SL doesn't completely collapse but it is very different from canon.
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Chaos is descending upon the Star League ;D 8)
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Interesting to see if the MoC will repay the TC for its assistance, they should at least be pretty buddy-buddy for a while.
Also with the SL delving into Civil War I'd hope they abandon their OWA and TC campaigns, don't know if the LC will let them stop in the RWR or at least continue on their own.
I'm loving how this is going.
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Very interesting AU. I'm sure others would be pleased to see it picked up again. I know I would.
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Not to necro post but I have to say this is a damn good au, Irose if you are still here thank you for your hard work.