Dawn

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2410.6

Zezzis system
Zezzis VII...

The Phong builders on the planet had been dedicating their talents to refitting existing ships for the empire, as well as upgrading their own facilities for maximum production and support. This month, however, they produced their first ship for the empire. A second Harvester 600 was now in service, and it now mined the first of the Zezzis asteroid systems. When the Phong had been shown this technology they couldn’t believe that asteroids could be mined the same way a planet could. Once shown, however, they caught on easily enough. Their contribution to the fleet of asteroid miners just added another 16,000 minerals a month to the empire’s totals…

...Zezzis XI...

The Sergetti on the planet were in a much better mood – so much so that most of the ships orbiting the planet could be released for general system duties. CDS Polk had arrived with a load of Terrans from Zezzis I. The Terrans would now breathe the oxygen on Zezzis XI with their Sergetti counterparts, while the Phong on Zezzis I were now able to demolish the domes. Zezzis X and XII, the two large ice worlds with oxygen atmospheres were earmarked for a shipyard each, as their population was already over a billion on each planet. That type of production advantage could not be ignored. The small Phong planet Zezzis VII would eventually use its shipyard for repairs and upgrades only, eschewing production to the larger planets. Once the colonists on Zezzis X and XII were happier in their new role as empire citizens, the transformation from research and farming colonies to construction yards could begin.

Sheliak system
Shelak-Pantrissa warp point...

They really didn’t mean to do it.

The cruiser Mastiff led the frigates Dover, Bristol, and Weymouth as well as the point defense destroyer Longbow into the Sheliak system from the Pantrissa side of the warp point. They knew a Norak destroyer would be guarding the Sheliak side of the point.

They didn’t know the Cheththod would have a pair of destroyers there as well.

As Mastiff materialized in the Sheliak system, the Norak destroyer was firing on the Cheththod. Unfortunately, the inexperienced crew on Mastiff fired on the first target presented to it by the computer systems on board. While the Norak fired on one of the Cheththod destroyer, Mastiff fired on the other. When the mistake was realized, it was too late. The Cheththod targeted by Mastiff was crippled, and the second Cheththod destroyer was trying to disengage from the Norak. Meanwhile, the Norak captain saw all five of the Empire ships materialize, and realized he was seriously outgunned. He broke off and almost made it out of the sector before the frigates caught him. Seeing the Norak being chased down by the frigates, Mastiff’s captain took it upon himself to chase down the second “enemy” and destroy it.

When all was said and done, the Dawn empire would regretfully inform their Cheththod allies that their destroyers were destroyed by a Norak ship that was observed to be firing on them. The fact that the Cheththod were able to destroy their attacker before perishing themselves spoke highly of their ability.

...onboard CDS Mastiff...

The crew didn’t have time for recriminations – they were on their way to the Norak colony of Sheliak II. Standing in their path was another pair of Norak destroyers. They were destroyed as the fleet moved into orbit around their target. The attack was carefully planned, as the planet had seven weapon platforms with level two capital ship missiles whose range was 120km. The anti-photon beams on Mastiff had a range of 110km.

Longbow played her role to perfection, drawing the enemy’s missiles to her skimming along the edge of their firing range, and then pulling away, firing her flak cannons as the missiles closed. She did take three missiles which wiped her shields out and disabled one engine. She was able to get the shields back, but not the engine. Still, she was more careful and didn’t make any more mistakes.

Mastiff and her three frigates were taking advantage of the missiles that were targeting Longbow and closed to fire two beam salvos before retreating outside the missile’s range. Working together in this way, Mastiff, the frigates, and Longbow were able to eventually wipe the weapon platforms out, along with four intelligence facilities. The frigate Weymouth also took a missile hit and also lost a single engine, but the planet itself was dead. The Dawn empire had finally entered the intelligence war - in about as most blunt of a way as is possible...

As the five ships moved back to the warp point to wait for the eventual response, Weymouth distributed her supplies to the four remaining ships and warped back into Pantrissa. Until a repair ship could get to them, she would ferry supplies to the ships on the Sheliak side of the warp point...

Nekkar III
Corporate Headquarters...

The successful strike against a Norak intelligence colony wasn’t without risks. The damaged ships were not really that much of a concern, at least as much as how the Cheththod would respond to the attack on a planet in their system. Ironically, the mistake at the warp point could work out to their advantage. If the Cheththod could be convinced that the Norak were attacking their ships and trying to blame their ally (which was exactly what the Dawn was trying to do, albeit in reverse) then they might be convinced to join their ally in expelling the Norak from Sheliak.

Otherwise, the empire ran the risk of going to war with another empire – something they distinctly wished to avoid...

Drepana system
...onboard CDS Lugosi...

The system belonged to the Cue Cappa. There were space stations, frigates and destroyers almost everywhere. Some were damaged, but the analysis of the data suggested the damage was from refits rather than battle. The stealth ship approached Drepana I and performed a scan. The results were coded and sent as a burst transmission. What the rest of the empire’s planners would find out in the next hour is what Lugosi’s crew already knew.

They had found the home world of the Cue Cappa...

[attack_condor]

2410.7

Drepana system
Onboard CDS Lugosi...

The stealth ship had just finished mapping out the Drepana system. There was only the one Cue Cappa planet – albeit the homeworld. The last planet to be scanned was a large ice planet. There were no signs of life there.

But there was something else...

Mentocka system
...onboard CDS North Weald...

They were the closest, so they went first.

Plymouth would follow, but the orders sent to North Weald were painfully succinct and to the point.

"Proceed best speed Drepana III. Rendezvous Beta. Await orders."

“Beta” was the code name for the stealth ship waiting for them there. Lugosi would not move from her position, using her solar collectors to generate supplies to replenish those that the Dawn ships would surely need. It wouldn’t be hard to figure out what the Cue Cappa response would be when an empire they were at war with suddenly appears at your home planet and warships start charging in...

And so North Weald made the trip to the warp point at the best possible speed, ignoring the two Cue Cappa colonies on the way there. Once there, she warped into the new system...

...Mentocka VI shipyard...

The communication was handled in a uniquely Abbidon style. Chameleon like, they used colors to send the message, “painting” the information that needed to be passed. As one, they all picked up on the hues and repeated the patterns. The Terrans who worked with the gaseous beings could interpret the message, and use a child-like (as far as the Abbidon was concerned) version of the same communication with computer-generated images.

But however the message was passed, the meaning was clear. Work on the new ship needed to be done faster. More would work. Somewhere, someone needed a colony ship.

Very badly...

[attack_condor]

2410.8

Drepana system
...onboard CDS North Weald...

She had achieved orbit with surprisingly little resistance. A single Cue Cappa destroyer challenged them, but it was dispatched easily enough. Around the homeworld, however, a frigate and eight destroyers apparently took no notice of the enemy in their system.

More correctly, the two enemies in their system. A second frigate - Plymouth - was two sectors away from North Weald.

More correctly still – the two enemies they could see...

Mentocka system
...onboard CDS Bulldog...

Commander O’Rourke would have preferred to been escorting the support ships into Drepana, but her ship had a different role to play. By now, the fact that ancient ruins had been discovered on Drepana III was becoming the worst-kept secret (as all secrets usually do) and it would be interesting to be on hand to see them when the planet was colonized. Vancouver was escorting the cargo ship Taylor and the repair ship Melbourne to Drepana III. Taylor carried a load of weapon platforms and fighters for the new colony.

Bulldog was with escorting the cargo ship McKinley to Mentocka II – one of the two Cue Cappa planets in Mentocka. Once Bulldog destroyed the two weapon platforms and indigenous troops, McKinley moved in and launched fourth generation invasion troops and the fighters. Mentocka II wasn’t very big, and its mining facilities survived Bulldog’s bombardment. Once taken, they would add to the empires resource production, but of more importance was that the attack may serve to distract the Cue Cappa from what was happening in their own front yard...

Fezzran system
Fezzran-Zezzis warp point...

They were back together again. This time, they were a much more potent force.

West End and Southampton, along with Dunwich were now part of the newly created Fezzran fleet. The light cruiser Toronto was also with them, as was the point defense ship Artemis. With the exception of Dunwich, these four ships were the first four ships of the fleet so many years ago. Refit with the latest technology, they were now charged with protecting the Fezzran system from enemies of the empire. As soon as they entered the system, their scans detected a Phong colony on Fezzran II. Four intelligence facilities were on the colony. Rather than destroy them, the decision was made to dispatch the cargo ship Grant with a load of third generation invasion troops to try to take the planet, and use the intelligence facilities against their former owners...

...Pantrissa system...

Plans were being made against the Norak colony in the Sheliak system. Three planets were tasked to build troops, while the cargo ships Monroe and Roosevelt would ferry them to the Sheliak system. The repair ship CDS Townsville had warped into Pantrissa and was on her way to the Pantrissa-Sheliak warp point to repair Weymouth. Once that was complete, both ships would warp back into Sheliak and await the invasion forces to join them...

[attack_condor]

2410.9

Nekkar III
Corporate Headquarters...

The policy of unrestricted warfare against Norak and Phong intelligence colonies was winning support among the population. A strike against Fezzran II led by Toronto destroyed four more Phong intelligence facilities. In Pantrissa, troops were being assembled for an attack on Norak colonies in Sheliak. Both operations were the brainchild of Rita Edwards, who persuaded the military to destroy the threat to allow the empire to operate with as few research restrictions as possible...

Mentocka system
Mentocka I...

Commander O’Rourke was pulling her ship away from the planet. Bulldog had just bombarded the planet’s defenses into oblivion, and McKinley dropped the troops that were fresh off of their victory at Mentocka II. The governor and population of the former Cue Cappa possession were already producing a new supply depot. The rioting that had occurred at the captured Zezis colonies was non-existent here. The Cue Cappa race also breathed oxygen, and woud no doubt begin to migrate within the empire, as had the other races that now made up the Dawn...

[attack_condor]

2411.0

Lezzari system
...onboard CDS Springer...

The stealth ship was quietly monitoring the comings and goings in the system. She recorded the destruction of the Phong colony by the Dawn and was in a position to keep an eye on a prize the Dawn had marked – a huge gas giant with an oxygen atmosphere. The Pinta colonizer was poised on the Zezzis side of the warp point, ready to enter and colonize the planet all in one move, before the Sithrak, who had five of their own colonies in the system, could react. At least, that was the plan.

Springer monitored a warp point entry from an unknown system and counted twenty-three Norak frigates that had entered. The plan for a colony on the gas giant would continue, but the protection would have to be increased...

Fezzran system
Onboard CDS Bismarck...

Launched from the Sergetti shipyard at Zezzis XI, the ship was impressive.

Enemies of the Dawn would have another adjective for it.

Monstrous.

At over a metric ton, the battleship was easily the largest space vehicle ever encountered. This class was built for assault. It didn’t carry much in the way of defensive equipment – indeed the technician who suggested putting an ECM unit on the battleship was just stared at – but was carrying eight anti-proton cannons on heavy ship mounts. She did carry a single shield with regenerator, but her purpose was simple. Engage the enemy with massive amounts of firepower. At Fezzran II, she would do just that...

She warped into the system and briefly rendezvoused with the Toronto group. Dunwich was detached to escort the battleship, and was absurdly small compared to the behemoth. Together, they moved to Fezzran II and encountered an Abbidon destroyer. Both forces closed on each other, and Dunwich was ordered to break off. This was to be a live fire exercise for the new warship class with very real consequences...

Scanners reported the Abbdion destroyer had no shields, but carried 640 kT of armor. With Bismarck’s first salvo, six of her eight cannons hit and reduced that number to just 131 kT. The Abbidon began to turn and run, but Bismarck fired a second salvo...

With just two salvos, the destroyer had ceased to exist. The battleship was pronounced a success...

Nekkar III
Corporate headquarters...

The success of the battleship class in combat was somewhat of a relief. There were those who advocated mass production of smaller and faster ships, which could prove just as lethal in sufficient numbers. The ability of a large ship to stand off and destroy with long range weapons, however, won the day (and the debate). While the frigates would still be a mainstay in ship-to-ship combat, the battleship would be the weapon of choice in reducing a planet’s defenses prior to invasion. Of course, the battleship would still be a terrifying foe to any enemy ship that would be unlucky enough to encounter it; but the plan was for fleets to be organized around these giants and not waste their firepower on individual ships.

Reports from the Sheliak system were of another encounter between a Cheththod destroyer and the Empire ships at the Sheliak-Pantrissa warp point. The Empire sent its regrets to the Cheththod with a reminder that they valued the friendship of their first and only ally. The Empire renewed its offer for increased trade and military protection to the Cheththod. It was hoped this one would be accepted.

There was one more item from Sheliak – another set of ruins was located. This time, the planet was an ice planet; Sheliak X. A Santa Maria ice colony ship was already en route from Pantrissa V, but it would take three months to get there. Meanwhile, the frigates Dover and Bristol were released from guarding the warp point and sped toward the planet. Bristol stopped halfway there and would escort the colony ship into the planet.

Townsville also warped into Sheliak along with the cargo ship Adams. Townsville immediately began effecting the minor repairs to Weymouth and Longbow. Also due to the warp point was the second battleship, the CDS Tirpitz. It would join the fleet at the warp point in Sheliak and begin the assault on the Norak colonies there...

(note to the readers: The entries may be coming a bit further apart - there is so much going on and I don't want to miss sharing any of it. The Mentocka campaign begins to wind down as the move into Drepana begins. The Zezzis victory leads to operations in Fezzran and Lezzari. And the attempt to evict the Norak and their never-ending spy operations from Sheliak without alienating my only ally will be something of a challenge. I am tempted to just turn it all over to ministers, but I want to keep the colonies on track with the story. Patience on my end is going to be the hardest part!)

[attack_condor]

2411.1

Nekkar III
Fleet Training Academy...

The simulator was state of the art. The bridge of any ship known to the empire – friend or foe – could be simulated. Prototypes could also be simulated - which was, of course, the entire reason for the simulator in the first place. Those that proved successful throughout the various trials the designers and military put forth were now serving the Empire as ships of the line. Those that didn’t pass had their failures analyzed and evaluated. There were unsuccessful tests, but each test increased the knowledge of the designers, even if it was only in what not to do.

Today’s simulation was a test of the current anti-proton cannon battleship and a torpedo equipped battleship. Their challenge was to reduce the defenses of an active Norak colony. The crew that commanded the current battleship bridge simulator were Academy students, under the command of one of the heavy warship theory instructors. The command staff of the school had been asked to provide their best, and the crew on the bridge simulator was doing a very good job in reducing the defenses. The classic technique of slipping into range of enemy, firing and slipping back out again was used, and the defenses were ultimately eliminated.

Admiral Harrison had been running this Academy since its inception. He had pioneered the technique used and it was now standard practice when assaulting a planet.

Until today.

After the simulation was cleared, a lone man entered. He was carrying a single small satchel, and withdrew a set of chips, which he connected into the simulator computer. He then punched in an access code and looked back at Admiral Harrison.

“We’re ready.”

The exercise was repeated with two changes. First the anti-proton beam cannons had been replaced by the anti-matter torpedoes that were now available. Maintaining their lethality over 130km, they could out range the current cannons, out-punch them over distance, and as a result end assaults quicker. The only drawbacks to the torpedoes were their reliance on ordinance and the fact that point defense had a chance at destroying them. Still, with proper ordinance and supply support, they could be even more devastating than the beam weapons.

The second change was a bit more radical.

There was no crew.

The ship was run by a master computer, which could control the ship’s functions. Ship space would no longer be designated for the support of personnel, which meant more weapons, armor, shields, etc.

Harrison watched the demonstration impassively. He, and most professionals, knew the day was coming when computers would control the ships. Of course, they all thought it would come just a bit later.

Harrison signed off on the test results. Seeing no significant advantage to having members of the military in harm’s way, the ships would begin to refit for computer control as soon as they could...

Lezzari system
Lezzari IV...

The planet was colonized, and work began immediately on a Hercules VIII platform. Crews on the planet worked overtime to get the platform completed. The frigates Thames and Oxford orbited to defend the colony, while Montreal and the repair ship Alice Springs waited at the warp point. The stealth ship Springer was still shadowing the Norak fleet as it moved through the system. Springer reported that the fleet’s orders were to still warp out into an unknown system. Now that Dawn had established the colony there, everyone was wondering what the Norak fleet would do now...

Zezzis system...

With the establishment of the Dawn colony in Lezzari, Southampton, West End and Artemis were detached from Fezzran and were now heading to Lezzari. The Norak weren’t the only ships in the system, as a Sithrak carrier and support ships were also present, in orbit over one of their colonies. The Sithrak had stayed out of the war to this point, but caution would be observed. They would be offered a treaty, but the ships were still on their way.

Toronto also warped into the system from Fezzran, but she put into port to begin the upgrade to a Canada X class light cruiser. She would be the first capital ship in service to get the master computer upgrade. She would also swap one of her anti-proton beam cannons to carry 900kT of armor and a level-2 flak cannon with a range of 110km. She would also upgrade to a level 2 solar sail.

Fezzran system
Fezzran-Zezzis warp point...

With the departure of the four ships to Zezzis, the task of guarding the warp point now fell to Bismarck, along with Dunwich and Norwich. They would also upgrade as the situation allowed...

Sheliak system...

In Sheliak, Mastiff escorted the cargo ship Adams and the repair ship Townsville to the first Norak colony, Sheliak IV. It was a tiny planet with only one mining colony, but it was a first step. The Santa Maria ice planet colony ship on its way to the ruins at Sheliak X was met by Dover, and would be escorted through the system until it reached the planet. Bristol was already there as a deterrent from others to send a colony ship that way.

The stealth ship Beagle reported that the spaceport on Sheliak I was now protected by ten weapon platforms. The Cheththod fleet guarding the warp point to Lacerta was still over forty ships strong with two carriers, which held thirty fighters. A third Norak destroyer was on its way to the Sheliak-Pantrissa warp point, and the empire ships guarding that point were alerte...

Pantrissa system
Pantrissa V shipyard...

The cargo ship Monroe returned for a master computer upgrade. Roosevelt was due in for the same next month. Warping in from Zanthris was the battleship Tirpitz. She was en route to Sheliak and would take part in the assault on the Norak colonies there. A Santa Maria would colonize another ice planet in Pantrissa next month as well. This was a large ice planet, with a carbon dioxide atmosphere that would be home to a colony of Phong citizens of the Empire.

Drepana system
Drepana III...

The colony ship navigated around the sectors known to contain hostile ships, and eventually touched down. More Cue Cappa ships were starting to come into the system, but the Dawn had established a colony in Drepana, and had three warships there to defend it. The colonists immediately began working on a supply point to keep their defenders well stocked. The ruins yielded secrets of massive planetary shields, and would prove useful on high value planets.

Nekkar III
Corporate headquarters...

Along with the offer of trade to the Sithrak, a new peace offering was made to the Phong, this time showing Phong citizens of the empire productively engaged. They were happy and prosperous. It was a blatant attempt at propaganda, but if it worked, one less empire would be seeking to destroy the Dawn...

[attack_condor]

2411.2

Sheliak system
Sheliak IV...

The ground troops moved throughout the colony. They had already destroyed the colony militia that opposed them. There was still the task of finding the inhabitants and meeting with their leader, to explain that the “occupation” wouldn’t really be an “occupation”, that – with the exception of activities that would hurt the empire – the colony was free to pursue whatever goals it desired.

During the battle, the residents left their homes and facilities, and had probably gone to some underground shelter. The commander of the ground forces reported that the colony proper was deserted. The search continued into the undeveloped areas on the planet. A report had finally come in that the Norak had been located. The members of the Pantrissa Urban Pacification Center were on board Adams overhead, and now prepared to shuttle down to the planet to meet with the residents.

They never made it.

Reports began to come in from various points along the planet. More and more enclaves of the Norak citizens were being located. Each report was more disheartening than the last. The Norak, either through their own propaganda, religious fervor, or abject fear of capture had taken their own lives rather than live under the rule of the empire.

The empire’s latest addition was a dead planet.

At the same time as the ground troops were making their discoveries, Tirpitz had warped into the system and began the trip to the Norak spaceport at Sheliak I. She had steamrolled over a Norak destroyer who challenged her, and would meet with Bristol to begin the bombardment of the planet. Dover was escorting the Santa Maria ice colony ship to Sheliak X and would be there next month, freeing Bristol to escort the battleship...

Nekkar III
Corporate headquarters...

Upgrades were in progress throughout the system. Medical labs and space yards were undergoing improvements. Also being improved was the satellite coverage of systems. Warp points would be monitored by anti-photon cannons mounted on Checkpoint satellite systems, while interior system coverage would be provided by new Navstar satellites. Little more than radars on a computer platform, they would provide low-maintenance coverage of system space.

Chairman Lomax listened to the reports of the improvements in the empire’s technology and living standards. They were upbeat, but his mind kept wandering to the reports of the Norak colonists on Sheliak IV. How the Dawn empire must be perceived for a group to choose to take their own lives as opposed to living with them was something he couldn’t fathom. Of course, he was biased. But had he ever looked from the viewpoint of others? Did the Dawn empire have the right to impose their standards on others? Surely the improvements were considered beneficial – other races had adopted to their way of life easily enough.

Still, the thought persisted. Would they win the wars they found themselves engaged? Probably. Their technology and skill were more than a match for anyone they found themselves in opposition with. Yes, they would probably win against whoever they faced. That wasn’t the issue. There was a more fundamental question.

Should they?