Dominion & Empire : Turn 78 (long)
Turn 78
Imperium Income 136,900 Mcr
Imperium Scientists report that development of the Primary beam, a
refinement of the Force beam has been completed, and is ready for
production. The Primary beam has tremendous power, over a very narrow focus,
allowing the beam to bypass locally all passive defences. The cost of this
power is the slow firing rate. Such a powerful beam needs a 30 second
"cooling off" period after firing.
Also ready for production is the Tractor Lock Sensor. Functionally identical
to a Tractor Beam, except that it cannot actually tractor an object, the Trs
will allow vastly more accurate fire control solutions for military vessels.
Our Scientists also report that enough new information has been gathered and
processed to begin researching upgrades to the Imperium technical base line.
Dubbed "High Tech level Seven", the research begins immediately as it will
boost the Imperium gross productivity, a vital necessity considering the
current war with the Overmind.
On the construction side of things, the vast majority of the damaged vessels
of the 1st Striking Fleet have now been repaired, and begin shakedown
cruises. Joining the fleet this month are 6 Forrest CAs ( SC Eternity).
New construction this month extends to 20 Heavy Cruisers, and several Squall
Space Stations, to expand the shipyards of both Eternity and Gods Home.
While two Squall SS are due for completion next month in Eternity, more
shipyards are needed to keep pace with Imperium Fleet requirements.
The Sensor net expands again, extending now to all systems within 6 weeks
travel of Eternity.
In Codalus, the repair and refitting of the 1st Striking Fleet is
progressing well. Only three ships remain in the shipyards, one of which is
the new Essex class flagship. The remainder of the fleet is broadly split,
with the ships fresh from the shipyards going through shakedown cruises,
while the undamaged "survivors" of the last Donwaltz reconnaissance
assisting in picketing the warp point. Frankly, the crew-members of the
fleet regard current events as a relief from offensive operations, a short
pause to recover and relax, in preparation for the next hell.
Unfortunately for Codalus, hell is about to pay a visit.
[***** short interlude*****]
On the far side of the warp point, scores of coal black ships, in
mathematically precise positions, prepare to continue to eradication of
HLF325. [ SM note HLF325 = Hostile Life Form # 325 ; AKA imperium ]
Dozens of mammoth battleships surround the warp point, each leading a column
of cruisers, destroyers and frigates. Preparations are completed, and the
attack begins.
[***** end short interlude*****]
For the defenders, the first warning of the attack is a staggering explosion
of ships from the warp point. In the past, the Overmind has simal-transited
smaller ships, up to light cruisers, in an effort to overwhelm their
opponents. This time, almost 150 ships blast free of the warp point, the
ships stretching space itself by trying to cram such a huge amount of metal
into the tiny warp point. Just under a third of the black ships implode, the
gravitic stresses too powerful to overcome, and the remainder pull free of
the warp point. Mammoth battleships lumber towards Imperium bases, while
smaller light cruisers, and destroyers dance around the behemoths. Tiny
frigates round out the Overmind attack, questing outwards, searching for
prey.
Stunned Imperium defenders race to activate weapons, and start praying for
help. The beleaguered Imperium defenders are massively out-numbered, and
hideously out-gunned. Imperium training, and prior experience aids the
defenders, and over 50% begin the grin task of burning down the enemy.
Missiles, lasers, force and energy beams scour space, as ship after ship is
destroyed. Over a dozen Overmind light vessels are destroyed, quickly joined
by all the Imperium Nail bases, and five of the BS3's. Imperium Forrest
cruisers, hovering 7 LS from the warp point, add to the fray, with volleys
of capital missiles shattering Overmind destroyers.
Regardless of the accuracy of Imperium fire, the defenders are massively
outnumbered, and the main hope lies in the 1200 laser buoys seeded around
the warp point. Before destruction, the BS3's activated their buoys, and
these 600 buoys detonate, spearing Overmind ships with coherent light. Few
Overmind ships are destroyed, but many are severely damaged, including most
of the heavier units.
The Overmind assault has cleared the area within 4 LS of the warp point,
excepting one lone base. The cost would be ruinous to a sane star-nation,
eighty ships destroyed so far ; more than 50% of the attacking ships. The
"leaders" of the Overmind must be willing to pay enormous costs to win.
For the Imperium defenders, the situation is bleak. While another 600 buoys
remain in place, only five control systems remain intact. Otherwise, the
defence rests on the small force of ships, which must hold the line for at
least another 2 minutes before the rest of the fleet can arrive. 27 cruisers
facing a horde of Overmind ships. Outnumbered over 5-1. The cruisers fall
back slowly, staying out of Overmind weapon range, while continuing to snipe
with long-range missile volleys. More Overmind ships are damaged and
destroyed, while the remaining BS3 is pounded by plasma fire, until it
explodes. More XO mounted capital missiles volley from Overmind ships,
smashing shields and armour of Imperium ships. Again the firepower of the
laser buoys reaches out, burning Overmind ships. Accumulated damage destroys
many, and very few escape the buoy's wrath. Defensively deployed in two
rings, the buoys have proved again their effectiveness and efficiency.
A group of Overmind battleships has crept into range of damaged Imperium
Pegasus cruisers, and unleash almost three dozen primary beams on three
ships. Almost as if by design, engines are knocked out, slowing these ships
by 30%. Suddenly, keeping the range open from the Overmind battleships looks
like a very good idea..
Thankfully, the primary armed BBs are the only Overmind ships in range, and
the Imperium fire is otherwise unanswered. More missiles pound Overmind
ships, crushing shields and armour. The Overmind has been culled
significantly, with only 4 BBs and 5 CAs left in-system. The battle is
effectively won, barring Overmind reinforcements.
The reinforcements are not forthcoming, and the last Overmind ships are
quickly destroyed, although joined by Daran, Dautless, and Davinport, the
damage caused by primary fire allowing the Overmind into force beam range,
where no cruiser can withstand a battleship's firepower.
Codalus has held off another Overmind attack, though the carnage is
incredible. Without the deployment of laser buoys, the system would never be
held against the ravening might of the Overmind forces.
In Gods Home, so recently reunited with the larger Imperium, the alliance
with the Athenian Diktats is holding. Despite the almost overwhelming
eagerness of the Diktats to take the war to the Overmind, cooler heads have
prevailed, delaying the attack until more ships are available. The threat of
the Overmind's minefield technology is also a restraint, as no sane admiral
wishes to lose ships so easily for so little gain. [ Note, hopefully the
Zanzibarians will learn this lesson properly.. ]
With the last Overmind attack destroying a huge percentage of the defences
of Gods Home, maintaining the alliance with the Diktats is vital, as the
presence of their Home Fleet comprises over 50% of the current defences.
With 48 ships, half heavy cruisers, and remaining split between light and
battle cruisers, the Diktats are paired with the Imperium defenders, 3 BS2,
12 Dionysus CLs, and 17 refitted explorers. A large number of laser buoys
are deployed, but only the bases have the necessary facilities to control
the buoys.
This defence is put to the test, when a huge force of Overmind ships appear
in the warp point. Later information will show the assault took place
simultaneously with the Overmind attack on Codalus, and both assaults used
equivalent forces.
Almost 140 Overmind ships transit the warp point, from battleships to
frigates, and 93 survive the transit. Streaming off the warp point,
seemingly regardless of any formation, the Overmind ships head immediately
for the nearest enemy.
With the lack of bases, a close-in defence has been rejected. The closest
friendly ships to the warp point are 12 Athenian CLs, 3 LS distant. The
remainder of the friendly ships are at least 4 LS from the warp point. Less
than half the defenders manage to activate weapons, but thankfully, the
three bases do so, and send 300 laser buoys their last orders. Weapons fire
crosses in space, and the carnage begins.
Dozens of Overmind ships vanish, blasted by nuclear fire. The return fire is
massive, but the havoc a warp transit plays with fire control systems saves
most of the defenders. Nonetheless, all 17 Explorers are swept away, in
addition to several Athenian ships. Again, the primary defences are the
Imperium laser buoys, 300 of which detonate, spearing more Overmind ships,
sending dozens of smaller ships to hell.
The Overmind fleet continues to speed away from the warp point, trying to
close to knife-fighting range. The defenders prefer a longer ranged battle,
moving away from the oncoming ships, except the Athenian Hera class CLs.
Armed with force beams, the Heras dart behind the nearest Overmind ships,
closing to point blank range of several damaged Overmind battleships and
cruisers. Opening fire before the startled Overmind ships can react, the
Heras destroy a battleship, and over a dozen destroyers and frigates.
A large proportion of the Overmind fleet, and roughly 25% of the Athenians
are armed with either Primary beams or Plasma guns, and having "shot their
bolts", are temporarily weaponless. This allows unanswered fire by the
defenders, allowing more time to plot fire control solutions, and a storm of
fire descends on the Overmind. Ship after ship is destroyed by missile and
force beam fire.
Again the laser buoys fire, and over a dozen Overmind ships are either
destroyed or lose drive fields, the later leaving them dead in space, now a
hazard to navigation rather than feared enemies. 41 Overmind ships are still
intact, however, this number includes the drive field-less ships. All the
Overmind ships have some degree of engine damage, and are significantly
slowed. As none of the Overmind ships can catch the defenders, they
withdraw, and pound the enemy to scrap with capital missiles. It is
fortunate that none of the attacking ships have long range weapons, whereas
12 Athenian BCs are capital missile armed. Another Overmind assault has been
fought off, though without the assistance of the Athenians, the outcome
would have been very different.
Amongst the debris is a startling find. 13 Overmind ships are still
relatively intact. Lacking drive fields, and blasted to near scrap, the fact
that these ships are still "intact" is incredible. 2 Battleships, 5 Heavy
Cruisers, and 6 Destroyers, to be exact. All the ships appear to have no
functional life support, not surprising given the punishment each has taken.
Repair parties immediately board, for the capture of these units will be a
significant boost to the Imperium. The joyful mood is quickly lost when
reports of combat on board the enemy ships is received. All Imperium
personnel evacuate quickly, and it appears there will be no choice in the
matter. The Overmind ships will need to be destroyed, as no Imperium ground
forces are available.
At this point, the Athenian commander, Strategos Pericles, steps forward
with another suggestion. All Athenian ships carry onboard a marine company,
fully trained on zero-G combat, and ready to fight. Pericles requests
permission to attempt to capture the enemy vessels, as any intelligence
would be valuable, and indeed, the hulls themselves would be very welcome.
With the damage suffered by the Overmind ships, there can only be a few
dozen personnel on each, and a full company of Athenian Marines should
suffice. Indeed, this is proven, as the Athenian troops, displaying
righteous hatred of their ancient enemy, swarm over the ships, trying
desperately to bring the Overmind "people" into combat range. The secondary
objective ( and vastly more minor, at least to the marines. ) of capturing
the hulls is completed, but not before three of the CAs manage to self
destruct, as do four of the Destroyers.
The capture of the ships is an incredible coup, both for the construction
possibilities, but more importantly, the morale benefits. The news of the
attack is broadcast over the entire Imperium, specifically the civilian
bands. For the first time, we have repulsed the Overmind, not just
ship-to-ship, but also being to being.
As an intelligence coup, it is amazing. While sections of destroyed ships
have been recovered previously, we now have actual intact ships, to inspect,
and scour, for any information on the life support systems. This will
eventually lead to a better understanding of the planetary preferences of
the Overmind, which will surely be beneficial in the long term.
Given that the Athenians played no small part in the victory, Commodore
Orbison ( Cmdr Skywatch Gods Home ) offers to split the hulls equally,
allowing both the Imperium and the Athenians to learn from them, on the
proviso that all information is shared. Strategos Pericles agrees, and the
hulls are transported to the respective facilities. Admittedly, none of the
captured ships are in particularly good condition, and the only operable
systems appear to be some of the shield generators, and an advanced point
defence system. Nonetheless, with our own battleship prototype several
months from completion, any additional information that can be gleaned from
the hull is worthwhile. In a worst case scenario, the Imperium now has the
basis for research into the advanced point defence system the Overmind
capital ships use, and a hull, that once repaired, would currently take
approximately 5 months to construct.
In surveying news, Survey 02 completes surveying in Cinnabar, finding three
additional warp points. The first leads to a binary system, Red star with
Orange companion, and no terrestrial planets. Surveying commences. Meanwhile
both Survey 01 and 03 continue their respective work. Survey 04 is still
waiting for the ships to be constructed.
On the diplomatic front, under the agreement last month reached with the
Imperial Worlds, our diplomats have arrived in Danzig, and meet with
representatives of the races the Imperials discovered exploring from Danzig.
While no communications breakthroughs are achieved, the assistance of the
Imperial Worlds is invaluable in achieving the partial understandings
between ourselves, and the other races. None of the races appear to be more
technically advanced then the Imperium, and as such should prove no major
threat, assuming an unfortunate breakdown in diplomatic efforts.
It has been a very eventful month for the Imperium. Two major attacks by the
Overmind have been repulsed, and even more information gathered. The economy
continues to prosper, and the research into upgrades will only boost it
further. With the completion next month of the prototype battlecruiser and
class 7 freighter, both the Imperium military and civilian sectors will
experience a boost in capability, and efficiency. Militarily, the
battlecruiser hull will be of no small assistance in evening the odds in
battles with the Overmind. While taking approximately 33% longer to
construct than a heavy cruiser, the BC hull is far more capable, and
survivable, thus more cost effective.
(
geocities.com/mwadwell)