FY80.030


FY80.030: Day One of the Second Sathar War.

4 Sathar Fleets have been detected entering Frontier space and decelerating to combat speed.  3 of those fleets will arrive in 4 days at Kizk-Kar, Fromeltar and Zebulon.  The 4th fleet will arrive at Prenglar in 5 days.  The composition of the enemy fleets is unknown.

The UPF have Task Force Cassidine stationed at Cassidine, Task Force Prenglar stationed at Prenglar and Strike Force Nova currently deployed in Ktsa-Kar.


This message was last edited by the GM at 20:10, Sat 04 July 2020.

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

FY80.030|07:00 (Frontier Year 80, day 30, 7am)

Four Sathar Fleets detected entering Frontier space at Kizk-Kar, Fromeltar, Zebulon and Prenglar systems.

Task Force Prenglar immediately goes on alert.

FY80.030|12:00 Truane's Star receives alert from Zebulon
FY80.030|12:00 Dixon's Star receives alert from Prenglar

It was 5 hours before news spread beyond the first four systems by subspace radio reports.

FY80.030|14:00 K'aken Kar receives alert from Kizk-Kar
FY80.030|14:00 Dramune receives alert from Fromeltar
FY80.030|14:00 Cassidine receives alert from Prenglar

2 hours later, UPF Task Force Cassidine is now on alert.

FY80.030|15:00 Fromeltar receives alert from Kizk-Kar
FY80.030|15:00 Kizk-Kar receives alert from Fromeltar
FY80.030|15:00 Timeon receives alert from Prenglar
FY80.030|15:00 Scree Fron receives alert from Zebulon

Only 8 hours after the Sathar fleets are detected and half the Frontier systems are on alert.

FY80.030|17:00 Dixon's Star receives alert from Truane's Star
FY80.030|17:00 Cassidine receives alert from Truane's Star
FY80.030|17:00 Cassidine receives alert from Fromeltar
FY80.030|17:00 K'tsa Kar receives alert from Kizk-Kar

10 hours into the crisis and all three UPF Fleets are now on alert as Strike Force Nova gets under way and a clearer picture begins to emerge at UPF Fleet command.

FY80.030|18:00 Athor receives alert from Prenglar

FY80.030|19:00 Athor receives alert from Zebulon

FY80.030|20:00 Cassidine receives alert from Kizk-Kar

Task Force Cassidine is the first fleet to get the full picture of the Sathar assault, 3 hours later task Force Prenglar also has the same data but by then the UPF Fleet Admirals had already taken steps to begin taking the fight to their long awaited enemy.

FY80.031|01:00 Prenglar receives alert from Zebulon
FY80.031|01:00 Gruna Garu receives alert from Prenglar

14 hours after the first Sathar ships are detected in Frontier space, all UPF Fleet ships are on alert.

FY80.031|03:00 Prenglar receives alert from Kizk-Kar
FY80.031|03:00 Prenglar receives alert from Fromeltar

UPF Fleet High Command now had the complete picture of the first Sathar assault of the Second Sathar War.

Many historians looking back at the early days of that war criticize the UPF preparations but they often overlook the circumstances of that time.  It had been 80 years since the First Sathar War, much had been forgotten or dismissed.  There was very limited knowledge of the Sathar beyond the events of the first war.  No understanding of their culture or motives and only a fundamental understanding of their strategy and tactics.  No idea of their homeworld, shipyards or the size of their civilization.

The Sathar knew far more about the UPF than we knew about them.  They had total surprise and were able to choose the best time and location of their assault.  They also had knowledge of star routes unknown to the UPF as well as complete access to all Frontier star routes through their network of agents.  The star routes into Fromeltar, Kizk Kar and Ktsa Kar had not even been confirmed, only theorized at that time.

It is also believed the Sathar had been monitoring the movement of all UPF Fleet ships, both in Fleets and also unattached vessels for many years, waiting for as many ships as possible to be out of the immediate area of operation for their assault.

There are also some who believe the Sathar even manipulated situations, hacked defence systems and compromised individuals to achieve outcomes to aid their plans.  Perhaps even influencing some ship deployments and crew assignments.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:05, Sat 04 July 2020.

  The seeds of the Second Sathar War had been sown at the end of the first war.  Sathar culture would never allow the Empire of Worms to accept defeat at the hands of another race or races!  The clans that had led the war effort in the first clash between the forces of the Frontier and the Sathar had long been relegated to the scrap heap of history.  New clans had risen to fill the power vacuum and new bidders had won the contracts to prosecute war against their foes.
  New intelligence gathering techniques were developed.  A massive network of spies, agents and other assets was built throughout the Frontier, amassing a wealth of data on the strengths and weaknesses of the Frontier races.  The Sathar rebuilt their war machine anew whilst maintaining almost complete secrecy around their own plans, in some cases even from their rival clans.
  Four major clans had successfully bid to provide invasion fleets and support facilities for their forces.  The Sathar High Command, drawn from members of all four clans as well as other senior Sathar military figures.  An overarching plan had been crafted but each clan still had autonomy over their own fleet and the first war had shown that plans are the first casualty of contact with the enemy.
  Now the die was cast, the Fleets had been launched yet there was still disagreement about the timing of some attacks and even the targets of the first wave.  The one unifying factor in all the Sathar fleets was their hatred of their foe.

  The Sathar subspace net lights up within hours of their first fleets arriving in Frontier space.  The UPF Fleet immediately clamped down on security around all their bases as soon as news reached them of Sathar incursions so details on UPF shipping is now limited.

  UPF ships have now been detected leaving K'tsa Kar, heading toward Kaken Kar. From Theseus heading toward White Light and also Madderlys Star heading towards White Light.
  The news from Cassidine caused a ripple through Sathar High Command.  Two fleets left the Cassidine system, one headed toward Dramune but the   second fleet headed toward Prenglar was moving considerably faster, perhaps twice the speed.
  There are other flights detected from Dixon's Star to Truane's Star, Scree Fron to Araks and Gruna Garu to Prenglar.

  The Sathar High Command conferred as soon as the reports were confirmed.

  The response from Sathar High Command was predictable, all fleets continue to adavance.  Attention turned once more to the UPF forces.

  At the end of the second day of the war all UPF fleets continued on their same course and speed however updated reports confirmed the fleet heading to Araks from Screen Fron was also traveling at an accelerated rate.

  Day 3 of the war and all Sathar fleets continue following their standard operational orders, decelerating at regulation speed to their target systems.
  On bridges of UPF ships across the Frontier, officers and crew are settling into the regular routine of fleet deployments.  The initial excitement of the declaration of war had worn off and now thoughts turned to the coming battles and possible outcomes, good and bad, that lie ahead.  All UPF ships continued on their courses into history.  There is some relief in UPF High Command when the detachment from Task Force Cassidine arrives in the Prenglar system to reinforce Task Force Prenglar.  The press are fed very limited information to assuage the public and the politicians' fear about the impending arrival of the Sathar fleet.

  FY80.033  The fourth day of the war

  All four Sathar fleets continue closing on their targets, tensions begin to rise rapidly on the inhabited planets of the target systems.
  Local Militia's are now patrolling regularly on full alert across the Frontier, preparing to integrate with UPF fleets if required in their local systems.
  UPF forces continue their deployments, many eagerly anticipating the chance for some action at last!  Others dreading what might be just over the horizon. The Sathar also detect another UPF Fleet moving from Athor toward Prenglar.

  FY80.034 The fifth day of the Second Sathar War

  The first shots in anger are fired in the war as Sathar fleets enter the Fromeltar and Kizk Kar systems and local Militias and Armed Stations engage the Sathar fleets.    In the Zebulon system, the Sathar fleet arrives unopposed and the first system of the Frontier falls to the invaders.
  UPF fleets are closing in on Truane's Star and Araks, both expected to arrive tomorrow.  Strike Force Nova arrives in Kaken Kar and a detachment from Task Force Cassidine arrives in the Dramune system, while the rest of their fleets continue on their previously plotted courses.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:02, Mon 24 Aug 2020.

  At the end of the fifth day of the Second Sathar War, the people of the Frontier knew the Sathar were not holding back.  The militia forces at Groth were forced to retreat after the loss of their Frigate, the remaining Assault Scouts withdrawing to Terledrom.  With the retreat of the militia ships, the crew of UPF Armed Station Groth fought bravely but the overwhelming firepower of the Sathar fleet reduced the station to plasma and molten slag within minutes of the fleet getting in range.  Two Sathar fighters are reported to be their only casualties for this action.

  The two militia scouts in the Kizk Kar system attempted to engage the Sathar fleet there at long range.  Again the combined fire of the capital ships, even at maximum range, was punishing.  One of the Assault Scout was targeted by every weapon in the Sathar fleet and although the scout managed to survive the initial fusillade of fire, the resulting damage to it's navigation system and a fire in the ships electrical system sent the scout spinning out of control, and on fire.  The fire quickly burned out of control and the ship exploded with the loss of all hands.  The surviving assault scout withdrew toward the Kaken Kar and again the Sathar fleet made short work of the UPF Armed Station in orbit around the planet.  Some crew were able to abandon the station and make it to the surface of the planet before the station was destroyed.

  Now all eyes turn to the Prenglar system where a third Sathar fleet is on course to arrive tomorrow to face Task Force Prenglar and a detachment of ships from Task Force Cassidine.

  On the sixth day of the Second Sathar War, the skies above Morgaine's World were the scene of the bloodiest battle of the war so far.
  The UPF defenders had deployed a field of mines and seeker missiles in the space between the planet and the approaching Sathar fleet but less than half an hour before coming into range of the planet and it's defenders, the Sathar fleet maneuvered away from the planet and circled around the defensive minefield.
  As the Sathar fleet moved to flank the UPF position, a single fighter swooped in at high speed, diving toward the planet.  Defensive fire from the orbiting station Fortress Gollwin, along with the UPF fleet managed to destroy the fighter before it could inflict any damage, however UPF fleet command now believed they had identified the Sathar attack vector and deployed their ships to cover the approach.
  Squadrons of UPF Assault Scouts and fighters now engaged the Sathar fighters and the capital ships of both aides engaged each other in a massive exchange of fire.  It was now that the deficiencies of both sides began to be exposed.  The lack of combat experience was telling in the gunnery of both sides, as close range fusillades failed to achieve significant impacts.
  The sheer volume of fire coming from the close packed Sathar fleet eventually began to wear down the UPF attack squadrons as one Assault Scout after another fell victim along with several fighters and Sathar fighters were also eliminated.
  A lucky volley of torpedo attacks at short range from the UPF fleet was the first hint that one side was starting to gain the upper hand.  The Sathar Destroyers SAV MegaTsunami and SAV Supervolcano were both destroyed by torpedo hits to their magazines and the Frigate SAV Contagion quickly followed as the UPF gunners began to find their range and accuracy.
  With one of his Cruisers now also damaged and unable to maneuver, the Sathar admiral decided discretion was the better part of valour and attempted to disengage and save his remaining ships.  But the UPF fleet commanders could now smell blood and were motivated to both defend Gran Quivera, the core system of the Frontier and seek revenge for the crews of the stations and militia ships already massacred by Sathar incursions.
  The UPF forces now concentrated in pursuit of the fleeing Sathar vessels and the next casualty was the Heavy Cruiser SAV Firestorm as all UPF fire was being targeted at specific ships.  In their over eagerness to close with and destroy the Sathar capital ships, the remaining UPF fighters and Assault Scouts launched another bombing run on the Sathar fleet, again inflicting serious damage to a number of ships but their inexperience showed once more as they flew into a storm of Sathar fire whilst attempting to escape.  None of the fighters or assault scouts survived that attack run.
  With most of their ships crippled, damaged or on fire the Sathar attempted to limp away from the battlefield but the UPF pursuit was unrelenting.  The greater speed and maneuverability of the UPF forces now truly came into it's own as the UPF fleet closed on the Sathar ships from behind and began picking off the remaining capital ships, one at a time.
  The final gasp of the Sathar fleet was a handful of Seeker missiles deployed in hope of taking out the UPF Assault Carrier.  One seeker was intercepted by a UPF fighter who sacrificed himself to save the Cruiser, UPFS Daring.  Another seeker targeting the UPFS Quasar was foiled by a screen of ICMs and the Assault Carrier weathered the blow.  The last two seeker missiles zeroed in on the minelayer, UPFS Z'rak't Zoz orbiting near Fortress Gollwin but the volley of ICM's from the station saved the day here as well.
  Apart from one escaping fighter, every Sathar ship entering the Prenglar system was eliminated but the UPF had been bloodied as well.  A total of seven assault scouts and five fighters were destroyed and most of the capital ships had sustained damage in one form or another and would require a day or two to effect repairs.
  Lessons were learned by both sides from this engagement and the UPF admirals were under no illusion that their next encounter with the Sathar forces would be quite so fortuitous.

  Meanwhile at Fromeltar, the local Militia were again engaged by the Sathar fleet there.  After trying to keep their distance, the remaining three assault scouts watched the Sathar fleet destroy the armed UPF station orbiting the planet.  Finally deciding to return fire, the militia ships probed the Sathar fleet at long range with their laser batteries but did not manage to land a single blow.  The Sathar on the other hand, fired every weapon available at just one Militia assault scout, tearing it apart with a blast from a disruptor beam canon.  The pair of assault scouts fired one last parting shot as they left, one of them taking major hull damage from Sathar return fire before the last 2 scouts turned and fled toward Dramune leaving the Sathar fleet in control of the Fromeltar system.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:45, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

  While the UPF forces celebrated their decisive victory at Prenglar on the seventh day of the war, Sathar Fleet Gamma continued it's approach to Truane's Star.  Both elements of Sathar Fleet Alpha continue their respective movements toward Kaken Kar and Fromeltar, while their Fleet Beta also divides into two separate elements, one remains in the Fromletar system while the other heads towards the Dramune system.

  While Strike Force Nova held position at Kaken Kar and Task Force Prenglar remained in it's home system, a detachment of ships left Prenglar headed towards Cassidine and across the Frontier, various Militia and Non-Attached UPF vessels continued on their existing courses.

  It now appeared the next blow was likely to fall Truane's Star in several days time.