Reinforcements – Safe, not Sorry
“Coalition aggression is at an all time high and it will not be tolerated!”
High Cardinal Umarlrich Oyzamndais slammed his fist against the conference table spread out between the Colonial representatives.
Present were the key figures within the Colonial power structure.
The High Cardinal had spent less then half of the meeting in his chair. An inscrutably animated character, the High Cardinal could rally a man to his cause by passion and conviction alone. His powerful appearance only added to his impressive, inspiring presence. Robes of black and crimson were draped over his figure with sigils of David paired with Colonial emblems in blazing cerulean.
“David Colony is not a military installation,” he added.
“Thank you,” replied the Vice Commodore, Lance Shipwright, from his position at the head of the table. With a raised palm he motioned for the Cardinal to be seated. “We appreciate your concerns, Umarlrich. I would point out however that the Colony of David is more then adequately defended for its size and contribution.”
Seated to the immediate left of the Vice Commodore was Admiral Ruben Mar-Veil, commander of the CDF.
“Our priority defenses are well known,” supplied the Admiral. “But I agree with the High Cardinal. Elements of the Coalition continue to press themselves against the Empire and I wager that it is but a matter of time before the Empire strikes back.”
“And our membership within the Coalition will be, in my estimation, more then enough motivation to bring the Empire to our door stoop.” Paula Ramos, the elected Colonial Minister, was seated to the right of the VC almost equidistant to the Admiral on the left. She studied the room from behind her high rimed reading glasses. “Our contributions are not considerable but it could be enough to excuse any moral media ramifications.”
Lance cleared his throat.
“We engage in regulated trade with Stellar Enterprises, the people of Kashan and the Coalition Government. The Contegorian Confederation is our single largest trading partner, both in military and industrial exchange. Let’s keep things in perspective here people.”
The other three shared looks before nodding.
“Regardless,” put the High Cardinal. “My charge is the furthest out and most exposed. I demand that we reinforce the system. My sources aboard tell me that the Onyxians are planning another attack. The voice of David tells me that this will lead us in to war and the pertinent course of action would be to ready our defenses.”
“I have heard the same,” Colonial Minister Ramos agreed. “My information says that the fighting is mostly regulated to the Eastern provinces. Maybe the Empire will deal with them alone, leaving us out of it. The press would be bad, on the Coalition side of things, but it keeps us out of a war.”
Admiral Mar-Veil shook his head emphatically, “No, no that won’t be enough. We can expect pressure from the Kashans and I know, for a fact, that the Empire will not leave them alone. They’ve clashed too many times and the Commodore is not the type to sit back and watch his allies besieged. I estimate that it’s only a matter of time until the Confederation is pulled in. What then?”
Everyone looked to Lance, searching his face for an answer. He and the Kashan Commodore were close, as far as political alliances went. Even the harshly logical Shipwright would be hard pressed to watch his friend go to war without lending his assistance.
He spoke. “If the Empire engages the Kashans in their own territory, I will extend the offer of assistance.”
Again, they all nodded.
“In the interim I want to supplement our local defenses.” He turned to the Admiral, “What is our status?”
“The Home Armada is localized around the three Colonies. The First Fleet is at Gestalt I with elements of the Second. The remainder of the Second is divided between the Ring and David Colony. Third Fleet is posted to David Colony.” With a finger the Admiral gestured for one of his aides to activate a hologram. A rendering of the Gestalt Star System resolved in the space above the table, between those present. “Stellar Enterprises has been spectacular.”
“You see here the Automated Defense Platform network. Our choke point is heavily fortified stemming back from the Junction and we have staggered positions here, here and here.” David Colony and its host of ADP’s appeared in the hologram along with the rotating network of platforms spread out through the system at their thickest near the Junction. “These are the Gladiator installations. As you can see, our two primary units at the Junction are detailed here, the David Colony Gladiators are here and here… and we have the rest of the squadron situated here, between the Ring and Gestalt I.”
“Expeditionary Fleet is broken up all over the system.” A pinpoint map of information points were added at these words. “As you all know, EF is composed of our variety of smaller patrol and security starships. EF units are broken into servicing patrol squadrons detailed above.”
“The JTF is on extended patrol along the Junction Corridor. The JTF has our Interdictor units, thanks to the Kashans, and will act as our primary line of defense and detection if our security is breached.”
“The Starfighter Mandate is almost complete and you can see highlights of its operational changes here.”
The Admiral waved, the hologram vanished, “As you can see, Lady and Gentlemen, the system is very well defended.”
“Yes,” agreed the Vice Commodore. “As I understand it, the only units not present in system are those detached to the Kashan JTF and our good Captain d'Foose and the Restigouche.”
The Admiral nodded.
“Fine,” conceded the High Cardinal. “But when can we expect our additional starfighter units?”
Lance checked his data. “They should be delivered within the week. I believe their flight crews will be shipped out from Camp Mar-Veil within the same period.”
“And what of our ground defenses?” asked Umarlrich, relentless in his persuit of additional defenses for his people. His concerns were justified however, as aside from Gestalt I the Colony of David hosted the largest civilian population and was the spiritual core of their faith, the Way of David. Home to the Colonies best institutions of learning, those non-military, the youngest of the best and brightest lived on David Colony. “What if we are invaded?”
At this, the Vice Commodore turned towards the Admiral.
Again the Admiral matched him and answered accordingly.
“Lucerne Academy has had full classes since we opened our doors. The Colonial Commandos are quickly gaining numbers. It’s important to note though that these are a lot of young, ideal and raw men and women. Our commanders are second to none, and that will help if it comes down to a fire fight, but we’re going to have to face a grim reality at some point; if the Empire lands it’s troops on our soil, the fight will not be far from over.”
“It will not come to that,” stated the Vice Commodore simply. “Trust me.”
Again, the Admiral nodded. “David Colony and the Ring will be our easiest defensive points if an enemy tries to land troops. David Colony is finite and easily garrisoned, the same is true of the Ring and even the Shipyards. Gestalt I and the Seven Cities are what I worry about. We don’t have the forces required to secure the whole planet and so we’re reliant on our information systems to inform us of any attempted landings but the fact of the matter is that we’ll be hard pressed prevent them securing a LZ… a landing zone, as in all likelihood any attacking force would first deal with our fleet, thus hampering our defensive abilities. The Seven Cities themselves are well protected, but it’s the rest of the planet that worries me.”
“We should encourage the population to stay near defensible areas in the event of an attack and be prepared to allow the enemy to land, establish a beach head, and hope to confine them from there. Camp Mar-Veil and Lucerne Academy can be converted to this purpose easily and established as defensive perimeters outside of HQ.”
“That sounds grim,” observed Colonial Minister Ramos. “Will it be that bad?”
“War is always grim. War with a superior enemy is worse. If the Empire comes here, for whatever reason, the fight will be hard.” The Admiral’s visage did not inspire immediate confidence. “Aside from the moral ambition to crush the Coalition and all its sub-factions, which the Empire seems destined to do; we have to consider the tactical advantage of attacking Gestalt.”
Another wave and another holographic map were offered by the Admiral. “The Gestalt Colonies, as you all know, are located near the extreme south-western edge of the Galaxy. This provides us with excellent access, through our single Junction, to the Corellian Trade Route and the Hydian Way. From there we have access to the Rimma Trade Route and even the Sanctuary Pipeline. With the establishment of the Gestalt/Kashan corridor we’ve created a direct route from the Coalition proper through Kashan to Gestalt. The Coalition forces doubtless realize this and, if we’re pressed, I wonder how long it will be before we become a system-wide launching point for attacks into the Western regions of the Empire. Or, worse yet, if the Empire is aware of this fact and comes calling, hoping to prevent us from utilizing that potential advantage…”
“High Cardinal Oyzamndais is correct. I fear that it will only be a matter of time…”
The Vice Commodore interrupted, he turned his gaze across those gathered and finished, “And I would rather be safe, than sorry.”
/End
Gestalt I - Seven Cities Complex
“Coalition aggression is at an all time high and it will not be tolerated!”
High Cardinal Umarlrich Oyzamndais slammed his fist against the conference table spread out between the Colonial representatives.
Present were the key figures within the Colonial power structure.
The High Cardinal had spent less then half of the meeting in his chair. An inscrutably animated character, the High Cardinal could rally a man to his cause by passion and conviction alone. His powerful appearance only added to his impressive, inspiring presence. Robes of black and crimson were draped over his figure with sigils of David paired with Colonial emblems in blazing cerulean.
“David Colony is not a military installation,” he added.
“Thank you,” replied the Vice Commodore, Lance Shipwright, from his position at the head of the table. With a raised palm he motioned for the Cardinal to be seated. “We appreciate your concerns, Umarlrich. I would point out however that the Colony of David is more then adequately defended for its size and contribution.”
Seated to the immediate left of the Vice Commodore was Admiral Ruben Mar-Veil, commander of the CDF.
“Our priority defenses are well known,” supplied the Admiral. “But I agree with the High Cardinal. Elements of the Coalition continue to press themselves against the Empire and I wager that it is but a matter of time before the Empire strikes back.”
“And our membership within the Coalition will be, in my estimation, more then enough motivation to bring the Empire to our door stoop.” Paula Ramos, the elected Colonial Minister, was seated to the right of the VC almost equidistant to the Admiral on the left. She studied the room from behind her high rimed reading glasses. “Our contributions are not considerable but it could be enough to excuse any moral media ramifications.”
Lance cleared his throat.
“We engage in regulated trade with Stellar Enterprises, the people of Kashan and the Coalition Government. The Contegorian Confederation is our single largest trading partner, both in military and industrial exchange. Let’s keep things in perspective here people.”
The other three shared looks before nodding.
“Regardless,” put the High Cardinal. “My charge is the furthest out and most exposed. I demand that we reinforce the system. My sources aboard tell me that the Onyxians are planning another attack. The voice of David tells me that this will lead us in to war and the pertinent course of action would be to ready our defenses.”
“I have heard the same,” Colonial Minister Ramos agreed. “My information says that the fighting is mostly regulated to the Eastern provinces. Maybe the Empire will deal with them alone, leaving us out of it. The press would be bad, on the Coalition side of things, but it keeps us out of a war.”
Admiral Mar-Veil shook his head emphatically, “No, no that won’t be enough. We can expect pressure from the Kashans and I know, for a fact, that the Empire will not leave them alone. They’ve clashed too many times and the Commodore is not the type to sit back and watch his allies besieged. I estimate that it’s only a matter of time until the Confederation is pulled in. What then?”
Everyone looked to Lance, searching his face for an answer. He and the Kashan Commodore were close, as far as political alliances went. Even the harshly logical Shipwright would be hard pressed to watch his friend go to war without lending his assistance.
He spoke. “If the Empire engages the Kashans in their own territory, I will extend the offer of assistance.”
Again, they all nodded.
“In the interim I want to supplement our local defenses.” He turned to the Admiral, “What is our status?”
“The Home Armada is localized around the three Colonies. The First Fleet is at Gestalt I with elements of the Second. The remainder of the Second is divided between the Ring and David Colony. Third Fleet is posted to David Colony.” With a finger the Admiral gestured for one of his aides to activate a hologram. A rendering of the Gestalt Star System resolved in the space above the table, between those present. “Stellar Enterprises has been spectacular.”
“You see here the Automated Defense Platform network. Our choke point is heavily fortified stemming back from the Junction and we have staggered positions here, here and here.” David Colony and its host of ADP’s appeared in the hologram along with the rotating network of platforms spread out through the system at their thickest near the Junction. “These are the Gladiator installations. As you can see, our two primary units at the Junction are detailed here, the David Colony Gladiators are here and here… and we have the rest of the squadron situated here, between the Ring and Gestalt I.”
“Expeditionary Fleet is broken up all over the system.” A pinpoint map of information points were added at these words. “As you all know, EF is composed of our variety of smaller patrol and security starships. EF units are broken into servicing patrol squadrons detailed above.”
“The JTF is on extended patrol along the Junction Corridor. The JTF has our Interdictor units, thanks to the Kashans, and will act as our primary line of defense and detection if our security is breached.”
“The Starfighter Mandate is almost complete and you can see highlights of its operational changes here.”
The Admiral waved, the hologram vanished, “As you can see, Lady and Gentlemen, the system is very well defended.”
“Yes,” agreed the Vice Commodore. “As I understand it, the only units not present in system are those detached to the Kashan JTF and our good Captain d'Foose and the Restigouche.”
The Admiral nodded.
“Fine,” conceded the High Cardinal. “But when can we expect our additional starfighter units?”
Lance checked his data. “They should be delivered within the week. I believe their flight crews will be shipped out from Camp Mar-Veil within the same period.”
“And what of our ground defenses?” asked Umarlrich, relentless in his persuit of additional defenses for his people. His concerns were justified however, as aside from Gestalt I the Colony of David hosted the largest civilian population and was the spiritual core of their faith, the Way of David. Home to the Colonies best institutions of learning, those non-military, the youngest of the best and brightest lived on David Colony. “What if we are invaded?”
At this, the Vice Commodore turned towards the Admiral.
Again the Admiral matched him and answered accordingly.
“Lucerne Academy has had full classes since we opened our doors. The Colonial Commandos are quickly gaining numbers. It’s important to note though that these are a lot of young, ideal and raw men and women. Our commanders are second to none, and that will help if it comes down to a fire fight, but we’re going to have to face a grim reality at some point; if the Empire lands it’s troops on our soil, the fight will not be far from over.”
“It will not come to that,” stated the Vice Commodore simply. “Trust me.”
Again, the Admiral nodded. “David Colony and the Ring will be our easiest defensive points if an enemy tries to land troops. David Colony is finite and easily garrisoned, the same is true of the Ring and even the Shipyards. Gestalt I and the Seven Cities are what I worry about. We don’t have the forces required to secure the whole planet and so we’re reliant on our information systems to inform us of any attempted landings but the fact of the matter is that we’ll be hard pressed prevent them securing a LZ… a landing zone, as in all likelihood any attacking force would first deal with our fleet, thus hampering our defensive abilities. The Seven Cities themselves are well protected, but it’s the rest of the planet that worries me.”
“We should encourage the population to stay near defensible areas in the event of an attack and be prepared to allow the enemy to land, establish a beach head, and hope to confine them from there. Camp Mar-Veil and Lucerne Academy can be converted to this purpose easily and established as defensive perimeters outside of HQ.”
“That sounds grim,” observed Colonial Minister Ramos. “Will it be that bad?”
“War is always grim. War with a superior enemy is worse. If the Empire comes here, for whatever reason, the fight will be hard.” The Admiral’s visage did not inspire immediate confidence. “Aside from the moral ambition to crush the Coalition and all its sub-factions, which the Empire seems destined to do; we have to consider the tactical advantage of attacking Gestalt.”
Another wave and another holographic map were offered by the Admiral. “The Gestalt Colonies, as you all know, are located near the extreme south-western edge of the Galaxy. This provides us with excellent access, through our single Junction, to the Corellian Trade Route and the Hydian Way. From there we have access to the Rimma Trade Route and even the Sanctuary Pipeline. With the establishment of the Gestalt/Kashan corridor we’ve created a direct route from the Coalition proper through Kashan to Gestalt. The Coalition forces doubtless realize this and, if we’re pressed, I wonder how long it will be before we become a system-wide launching point for attacks into the Western regions of the Empire. Or, worse yet, if the Empire is aware of this fact and comes calling, hoping to prevent us from utilizing that potential advantage…”
“High Cardinal Oyzamndais is correct. I fear that it will only be a matter of time…”
The Vice Commodore interrupted, he turned his gaze across those gathered and finished, “And I would rather be safe, than sorry.”
/End