Empires
 

I started a story once before and ended up having to abandon it due to too many changes in the mod I am working on; which provides the backdrop for the story right? So here it is round two and I am feeling very optimistic about it this time. No background into the Tal-Re Republic this time, been there done that and will answer questions as needed. If you want to know what the Republics modifiers are download my Governments Mod and look up “Republic” <gee>. A word about my writing style; I don’t have one. I will try to stick with the “third person” point of view at the strategic level but may dip into first person from time to time as I see fit. I will try for a hybrid of this approach at the tactical level and write in first person with a third person synopsis for those who aren’t interested in whether or not CPT So-and-So’s cat got sick before being atomized. Anyway here you go, for your reading pleasure; Empires!

Re: Empires
 

2400.3 -- The Democratic Peoples of Opeechee are the first species to make a warp jump. By chance their home planet (6,1) lies next to one of their stars gravity wells (6,0); or warp points as they are called by laymen. The warp point leads to the Atull System and allows the Opeechee's astronomers to become the first to prove the existence of warp points and black holes. Luckily the transiting ship arrives far enough away from the event horizon that it is easily able to make its escape.

2400.9 -- The Empire of Thebes having setup a colony on one of its home systems planets finally completes the construction of a sensor system. As soon as the system comes on line they discover another warp point (-7, -3) and much to their shock there is an unknown ship sitting picket on the warp point. Since the ship has shown no indication of approaching the colony it is surmised that the aliens shipboard sensors must be no better than their own. The ruling clan, Clan Jartol, decides to postpone attempts at contact until some form of defense can be built up.

2401.0 -- The Tal-Re Republic achieves a new economic and technological level (High Tech 1) which opens the door into new avenues of research. One line is into space based construction and focus is placed into this area.

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2401.2 -- This month the Republic makes its first jump through a warp point. Although two Daphnes are in position at two wp only one is allowed to go at a time. The first jump is successful and the ship sends word that they have arrived in a system with a single large blue star. The captain of the ship names the system Olontra; he is given the go ahead to begin survey operations and the second Daphne is told to make its jump. This wp leads to a tri-nary system with a large yellow, large orange, and small blue star. Survey of this system, dubbed the Roris System, commences. The Daphne Class Frigate [FG] is the standard exploration and defense ship of the Republic. It is not the largest hull which can be built with current technology; that honor goes to the destroyer [DD] hull which comes in at 300kT. Still the Daphnes 220kT FG hull is an impressive size. The Daphne class itself mounts 5 commercial grade engines which can produce a sustained thrust of 7km/s. It mounts a full and half sized cargo bay for extended exploration operations. A half sized magazine feeds two Missile Launchers each capable of spitting out a long range self guided dual fused 100Mt thermonuclear tipped missile. The crews’ personal areas and supporting atmosphere (as well as less discussed but necessary biological needs) is provided by a Small Crew Quarters. This section of the ship has only 50% the capability of a dedicated Crew Quarters and 10% of that provided by a dedicated Life Support system; however, when space is at a premium there is no better choice since it is only 50% the size of the full blown systems. All of this is wrapped up in 30kT of armor. Currently the Daphne (and everything else for that matter) is constructed at Tal-Re Prime (the home world) at the rate of 1 every two months.

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2401.4 -- Five months after detecting an alien ship the Empire of Thebes is forced to make its presence known when another one of the alien ships approaches to close to a Thebean colony, the same colony that first detected the aliens in fact. The aliens; the Orion Imperium, open gun ports and attack. The Thebean FG is easily able to defeat the Orion's 120kT Escort [ES] but sustains enough damage that the captain withdraws for repairs.

2401.6 -- The Democratic Peoples of Opeechee are the first species to establish a colony in another solar system. The Republic completes research into Space Yards. This component will be able to construct at over double the rate of planet side ship yards. Plans are proposed for the construction of an orbital ship yard base; work begins even before the final approvals are given.

2401.9 -- Republic scientist develop a new engine which they are calling the Military Engine. The only difference between the Military and Commercial Engine is that the Military Engine costs more but is only half the size. The lead scientist of the team explains that the name came about when one of the members jokingly said "The only people foolish enough to pay this much for something that small would be the military!"

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2402.1 -- This month the engineers and researches of Alcon Defense Corp present the designs for a defensive system which they call Shields. This Shield is designed to provide protection against missiles and will be rechargeable between combat rounds. The Alcon team warns that this shield will not stop laser beams. The Department of Defense with President Shang's blessings issues a challenge for the development of a general purpose warship design. A team from AeroSpace Developers Inc. wins the contract with their Agamemnon Class DD design. This ship as proposed will utilize 7 Military Engines to generate a sustained 7km/s thrust. Crew support will be provided by 2 independent Small Crew Quarters meaning the loss of one will not completely cripple the ship by leaving the crew dependent on their Combat Suit systems. Offensive capability will be provided by 1 Laser for close in combat and 3 Missile Launchers fed by a Small Magazine which means the ship could be bleed dry of ammo in under 2 minutes of sustained combat. All of this is wrapped inside 40kT of armor and 3 of the new Shield generators. Sky Marshall Kana presents the Senate with the design and asks for the commission of 10 of these ships. While all of this is going on the Sky Marshall has a secret request issued to AeroSpace for a warp point assault design.

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2402.3 -- The Berg-SIS Company presents to the DoD [Department of Defense] a prototype system which they are calling Survey Instruments. This suite of computers and sensors will double the current survey capability of any Republic ship which mounts them. Sky Marshall Kana instructs Grumman AeroSpace, the original developers of the Daphne, to produce an updated version for production. The resulting design doubles the passive defenses, increases mission longevity by some 140%, and incorporates the new survey instruments package. Although ammo storage is reduced the Senate and President overwhelmingly approve of the new design; the Daphne II, and Sky Marshall Kana issues an immediate recall to all survey assists for immediate upgrade. In other news the colony on Beta Cassiopeia III (Beta Cassiopeia is the home system for the Republic) completes construction of a ship yard facility becoming the second site in the Republic which is capable of producing ships. Since this colony is on the other habitable planet in the Republic’s home system there are still plenty of other facilities to be produced. Steady production from this yard will have to wait until then. The only reason this yard was rushed to completion was for the single purpose of producing a colony ship. A colony ship which will be sent to setup a new colony on another habitable world in the Roris System.

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2402.6 -- Wyoming 001 Yard is completed in orbit of Tal-Re Prime. The Senate declines Sky Marshall Kana's request for the Agamemnon DD and instead orders the production of 6 Daphne II's. The old Daphne class FG's were scrapped when engineers announced that the old hull construction could not be made compatible with the new design. The Daphne II's will be produced at a rate of 1 every 2 months. This is much faster than ground based construction which would have only been able to produce 1 every 4 months. The Senate assures the Sky Marshall that after the production run has been completed the Agamemnon will be given top priority. This does nothing to assuage the Sky Marshall who points out, rather noisily, that the Republic is ripe for invasion. Senator Young of Tal-Re Prime: "And tell us Sky Marshall, where are these invading hordes of yours? In your little war mongering mind I think. Be happy with the bone we have thrown you, now go gnaw on it and get off the porch." Kana slowly turns and without a word walks away. Aid: "Sky Marshall I thought you were going to kill him back there." Kana: "A confrontation with a Senator, even one as arrogant and small minded as Young would kill my future. I may want to wrap my hands around his scrawny little bird neck right now but that wouldn't help the Republic at all. My successor may be just like him."

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2402.7 – In the Delta Trianguli System a survey ship from the Arachnid Oligarchy crosses paths with a survey ship from the Imperial Council of Terra. Attempts at communication go awry and the Arachnid captain resorts to weapons. In the Republic developers at SAAB Aeronautics develop two small craft and boat bays for launching these craft. The first small craft; the Cutter, is a limited utility vehicle with a few ammo storage racks for remote re-arming operations. The Shuttle is a slightly larger small craft but is capable of transporting a larger quantity of ammo. Neither of these small craft are wp capable or able to outrun a starship in or out of combat. Although SAAB promises weapons will be available for them there are none at present. The boat bays for housing, care, and launch of these small craft come in a verity of sizes from tiny to large. Although Sky Marshall Kana finds these small craft to be pretty useless the Chairman for the Department of Exploration sees the potential for speeding up system surveys. He requests and receives funding for testing and design proposals of this new system. The resulting design; the Quasar (not attached), is a modified Daphne II platform with 10kT of Armor removed to make room for a Small Boat Bay. A Senate committee agrees to fund the modification of one of the Daphne II’s as soon as SAAB can gear up a plant to produce 2 of the accompanying Cutter designs.

2402.9 – The Republic emplaces its first extra-solar colony in the Roris System. Although the planet is habitable the conditions are less than perfect. Despite the challenges the colonists waste little time setting up a temporary seat of government. They appoint their first planetary governor and Senator so they may have representation in the Senate of the Republic. In a grand ceremony (grand for a newly formed colony anyway) the colonies governor presents the Planetary Charter and in honor of the home world names the planet New Tal-Re.

2403.2 – In the Narcisston System (0, 9) exploration ships of the Imperial Council of Terra and the Archanid Oligarchy make contact. Again the Archanid captain resorts to weapons and once again the Terran captain retreats. Now there are two points of contact for these empires which are clearly on a crash course for war.

Re: Empires
 

"resorts to weapons"

..do they ever resort to anything else? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

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2403.3 – Boeing IDS announces they have developed a system to assist in the flow and processing of combat information. This new Combat Information Center [CIC] will aid ship captains to extract only the information they specify from a combat situation. More importantly though it will assist a ships tactical computers in calculating targeting solutions and aid the engineering computers in drive field distortion calculations making the mounting ship a more difficult target to resolve. Unfortunately the space needed for this system is on par with a weapons system. Sky Marshal Kana dismisses the CIC in an interview with Military Times: “It is a beneficial system, there is no arguing that. However; at this time, I just can’t consent to giving that much space up to a non-weapons system.” The Chairman for DoD does not agree and orders a military team to research the systems practical applications. And after an exhaustive study Kana’s predications prove accurate.

2403.6 – The Wyoming 002 ship yard base is completed in orbit around Tal-Re Prime. This time Sky Marshal Kana’s request is granted and 6 Agamemnon Class DD are funded. Furthermore Kana is promised funding for 6 more following the launch of the Quasar Class prototype; SAAB having held up its end of the agreement. In a surprise move Kana gives his staff the rest of the day off. At the same time Kana’s buoyant mood is lifting the spirits of his personnel another section of the quadrant is witness to sullen depression. The leader of the Empire of Thebes watches helplessly as Orion invaders make planet fall on one of the home systems colonies. Having had its ships smashed by the Orion onslaught the Thebeans hatch a radical plan. They take a group of their finest and load them on a colony ship in cold sleep. Their last warship is assigned escort duty and “Salvation Fleet” is launched. Its mission is to run far, as far as its supplies can take it, in hopes that a new empire can be founded and revenge extracted.

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2403.7 – The Thebean home world falls before the Orion Imperium and the First Intersystem War ends after a brief 2 years and 8 months.

2403.8 – Recent breakthroughs lead to advances in industrial production and hull engineering. A new vessel class dubbed the Light Cruiser, a 450kT monster, is one such new hull. In all actuality though, the larger vehicles are not so much a reflection of the recent advances as they are a capitalization of existing technology. Thanks to SAAB’s development of small craft ships no longer need to be designed and reinforced for landing on planets. Instead they can use small craft for shuttling personnel and other necessaries. By having at least one dedicated boat bay designers can free themselves of the need to land the hulls. Although several companies offer to create and present designs DoD turns down all offers. On the advice of Sky Marshal Kana development of a new ship class will wait to see what new goodies are developed. Besides with the Agamemnon class DD in full production swing there is no need to rush another design.

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2404.2 – The Raytheon Corp introduces to Sky Marshal Kana and Chairman Shoebach (the Chairman of DoD) a new weapons defense system which fires non-nuclear interceptor missiles at incoming standard mode missiles. This Basic Point Defense system is not very effective and has an extremely short engagement range. Field tests show it is not effective enough to give a single ship a firm upper hand over another. Despite its shortcomings Sky Marshal Kana believes that it is a worthwhile system and gives the go ahead for further testing. He assures the Raytheon CEO that any time and money spent by his company will be worthwhile as this system will be included on any future designs; but not any refits. The Department of Exploration [DoEx] Chairman; Chairman Whitmore, is so pleased with the field trials of the Quasar Class FG he requests funding for an additional 4; however, instead of asking SAAB for Cutters he requests Shuttles for their greater endurance.

2404.5 – LRM Manufacturers arranges a demonstration of a weapon system they have developed for Sky Marshal Kana, Chairman Schoeback, President Shang, and a few other notable dignitaries. Despite Kana’s protesting that it is unwise to make himself such a vulnerable target Shang agrees to go. The group is shuttled up to a freighter barge and treated to a fine meal. After which they are lead to the starboard side of the ship which has been completely covered by a screen giving the illusion of there being no hull. The CEO of LRM clears his throat for attention. CEO: “You have all been speculating as to why I have asked you here. Obviously this is something of great import to go to such lengths and expense. I could tell you why, but I feel seeing will convey the message far better than I could.” A sudden shudder nearly throws a guest or two to the deck. On the screen five things leap from the outer hull of the ship and speed off into the depths of space. The screen constantly refocuses to keep these things just far enough away to prohibit a clear view. Soon enough another ship starts to take form. The things home in on the ship and with a blinding flash end there journey in nuclear fire. The screen quickly polarizes but not before causing the guests to cringe. CEO: “This is what we are calling an External Ordinance mounted Standard Missile. There is no internal launcher to tie up valuable space. It can only be used once per engagement since you must lower the drive field and have a two man team physically carry another missile to reload the rack. And you can only fit a certain quantity depending on the size of the ship. This may not sound like such a great trade off except consider this final tid-bit. A single Agamemnon with XO mounts has the first round fire power of three Agamemnon combined.” His point made the CEO walks back to the dinning hull leaving more than one mouth agape.

Re: Empires
 

2404.6 – This month the Senate approves Chairman Whitmore’s request for 4 more Quasar Class FGs and accompanying small craft. The Senate also earmarks funds for the upgrading of all Agamemnon Class DD to the Agamemnon II Class; the only difference being the new version mounts 6 XO Standard Missile racks. The Senates generosity does not end there though. Since two more Wyoming Space Yards have come on line this month (bringing the total to four) the Senate agrees to fund the production of 2 new Galaxy Class LC [Light Cruiser]. This ship, which will be the largest warship the Republic has ever undertaken, was designed by Sukhoi Aero-Space Industries. The Galaxy Class (attached) utilizes 9 Military Engines to accelerate it to 6km/s. Offensive capability is provided by 5 Missile Launchers, 1 Laser, and 8 XO Standard Missiles. Defense is in the form of 2 Basic Point Defense cannons, 4 Shield generators, and 40kT of armor wrapped around the outer hull. Construction time for 1 Galaxy Class LC is 5 months. One of these new flagships of the Republic is earmarked for Admiral Derek who was just promoted and charged with command of the newly formed Republican Guard. Six Agamemnon II Class DDs are also earmarked for this fleet.

Derek: “Thank you Sky Marshal for giving me this opportunity, I assure you I will not let you down.”
Kana: “I really don’t give a d*** about you letting me down or not. All I care about is this Republic and if you fail her I will push you out the nearest airlock personally.”
Derek’s mood turns frosty “Sky Marshal with all due respect you don’t have the authority to relieve me… forcibly… or not. That power is reserved for the President.”
Kana turns equally cold “Make no mistakes Derek; he is nothing but a political puppet for the corporations that fund his campaigns. I am the Navy and the defense for this Republic. You do your job if the Republic calls on you and everything will be fine. Otherwise I will make it my mission in life to see you and your family disgraced and dishonored. Do I make myself CRYSTAL_CLEAR Ad-Maw-Rule?”
Derek noted the way Kana pronounced the word Admiral, more of an insult than a rank. Looking at the Sky Marshal he suddenly understood why this man didn’t have a wife and children. He felt sadness and pity but tucked both aside before they could become expressions on his face. Kana didn’t deserve those feelings from him or anyone else. Kana had chosen to sacrifice his personal life for the Republic. If the Sky Marshal wanted dedication to duty than that is what he would get. Derek managed a weak smile before replying “Sky Marshal I will die before failing. Failure means my family is lost too.” With a sharp click Derek snaps off an academy crisp salute “Hail the Republic” and spinning in place leaves the Sky Marshal standing alone.

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2404.8 – This month sees a great leap forward for the Republic. Ariane-Space; a company with an established history in satellites, presents for the Department of Interior Affairs [DoIA] a new satellite system they are calling the Deep Space Buoy [DSB]. This system has the detection range and power of the Survey Instruments system on ships but comes in a stand alone package with station keeping drives which allow it to remain on location performing observation duty. Ariane-Space developers suggest that the Republic can use them for remote observation of wp’s not within the detection range of a colonies sensor net. The optimal placement depends upon the effect desired. Chairman Hayle of DoIA is so impressed with the system he request that they be placed throughout the Republic. The Senate agrees that this is a wise move and provides the funding. When asked about a system to deploy the DSB Ariane-Space drops the proverbial ball. It seems that their R&D section for that part of the package has yet to produce results. The Ariane-Space CEO assures Chairman Hayle the system will be developed in 6 months or less. I suppose the Ariane-Space CEO could stand to take a few lessons from the LRM CEO.

2404.9 – The Archanid Oligarchies 1st Fleet finally breaks into the home system of the Imperial Council of Terra. The 1st begins probing for planets as it awaits support units to refill its magazines and supply holds. During their probing they stumble across two separate Terraen DD which appear to be on course to reinforce the now defeated wp defenders. Although reduced to 50% its original strength the 1st smashes them both easily in detail.

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2405.1 – Ariane-Space finally makes good on its promise to deliver a deployment system for their new DSB system. They also provide the plans for a ship; the Evansville Class Corvette [CT] (not attached but can be upon request). The CT is a 160kT hull design, old technology but useful for this purpose and most importantly it will only take 2 months for a Wyoming to build one. Cost is not a factor for the Republic; the challenge is always in build time. The first in a series of colony ships has been completed this month and sent to the Epsilon Ceti System which contains 3 habitable and 5 hostile planets; 8 prime colony sites in one system! It will take years to completely populate and build up the system; however, once complete it is sure to become the most powerful single solar system in the Republic. Also completed this month is the TRNS Galaxy; Admiral Derek wastes no time in introducing himself to his ship captain, assembling his command staff, and setting up his command center. Once fully settled in he gives Kana a buzz:
Derek: “Good day Sky Marshal.”
Kana: “Good day Derek, I assume you are settled in and fully prepared for business?”
Derek: “Yes Sky Marshal. Do you have any marching orders for me; maybe a cruise out to the Epsilon Ceti System? Show the colonist the Republic Navy is always present and ready to defend them.”
Kana: “That sounds fine Admiral, you may fly your flag as you see fit. Return here before the end of the year. Is there anything else Admiral?”
Derek: “Just one thing. I wanted to take this opportunity; Sky Marshal, to point out that I now have 7 of the most powerful warships the Republic has ever conceived and built under my direct command. I now have enough fire power to burn every planet in the Republic into radioactive dust and not even have to stop to take on ammo. So; with all do respect Sky Marshal, the next time you want to threaten my family please remember that even one of my nukes would be overkill for your little office; Derek out.” Cutting the comm line Derek leans back in his command couch: That felt good. Pushing another set of buttons the vid screen jumps to life again but this time the face of a handsome young man appears. “Captain Ward please set course for the Epsilon Ceti system and issue the same order to the rest of the fleet.”
CPT Ward: “Yes Sir immediately, where in the system are we going?”
Derek: “At your discretion my fine Captain. Oh and do me one last favor if you please. After issuing the order run a full diagnostic on all commo equipment. That should take a few hours to complete.” Derek severs the connection and settles even further into his couches cushions: Yes, that felt very good.

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2405.2 – This month the Senate authorizes the construction of 5 shuttles, 11 DSB, 1 Galaxy Class LC, and 6 Agamemnon Class DD’s. Colonization efforts continue and President Shang gears up for next years elections. Scheduling a private conference with Kana he gauges his current standing with the “Old Man of the Republic.”
Shang: “Good morning Kana, thank you for joining me for breakfast. So, how are things going in your ivory tower up there?”
Kana: “Fine sir, my staff and I have completed moving and have set up shop. We are now tying down the last lines of communication.”
Shang: “Excellent, I didn’t expect you to move from groundside, what caused the move anyway?”
Kana: “Let’s just say it was a move to a better defended vantage point.”
Shang: “Better what? I don’t follow you; Tal-Re is impervious to attack!”
Kana looking a little more cross: “President-Elect why have you called me here? This has nothing to do with the upcoming elections I hope? You may be my boss but I work for the Republic and the Senate that represents it; not your personal political agenda.”
Shang leans back in his chair takes a bite of food and chews longer than necessary before replying: “Kana let me explain a little something to you. I am not just the President your boss. I am your personal angel.” Shang leans forward putting his weight on the table: “You see Kana more than a few people would like nothing more than to see you put in charge of a broom closet. Me; I like you because I know what you stand for. As long as you play nice and work with me there will be no problems. However; should you step out of lines I can find you a nice desk job in a far off section of the Republic were no one will hear you screaming.”
Kana: “Are you threatening me Mr. President?”
Shang: “Never; I don’t threaten I make promises. It comes with the job you know. The people elect me therefore I am the Republic for which YOU stand!” replies Shang leaning back in his chair pointing at Kana’s chest.
Kana: “I could kill you right now, who would be screaming then?”
Shang: “Watch yourself Kana, you are playing with fire.”
Kana leans back in his chair and eyes Shang I could kill him before his guards make it in here. No he isn’t worth my job: “What do you want Shang?”
Shang: “You to make these eight appearances with me over the next six months” Shang reaches into a folder lying on the table and slides a sheet across to Kana. “Do me this favor and I will see to it that you get plenty of goodies to shoot the bad guys with.”
Kana: “Fine whatever, I do this and you get off my back deal?”
Shang: “Done, but there are two more things…”
Kana growing terse: “What?”
Shang: “First it’s not Shang its Mr. President; and second… pass the salt.”