Month 13, 7 PD, Decordova, Republic of Cresson
Lieutenant Commander Ricardo “Iggy” Martinez studied his display on the bridge of RCNS DINICOLA (FF 20). The Esteer had brought a pair of superdreadnaughts with them this time. Superdreadnaughts were hard on frigates, especially beamers like his MADIA-class DINICOLA. The five MADIAs of DESRON 11 had been augmented by a pair of the new Refit 2 KENNIGNTONs, the prelude of the MADIAs’ eventual conversion to the missile box launcher configuration.
Surveying the display, Martinez sought to find comfort from the blue icons representing the combined strength of TFs 4 and 5. Nine BCGs, including three of the new LA SALLE COUNTY box launcher ships, six SAN BENITO light missile cruisers, and nearly forty KENNINGTONs, MADIAs, BURNINGHAMs, TRIPPETTs, and SALOISs faced a pair of angry red icons. Outnumbered and outgunned, Martinez had no doubt the Esteer SDs would be destroyed before reaching the twin planets of Faith and Hope.
But, damn, it was going to be hard on the frigates.
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Month 14, 7 PD, Cnir, Republic of Cresson
“Dear Mrs. Martinez,
“It is with a heavy heart and sincerest regrets that I must inform you of the loss of your husband, LCDR Ricardo Ignacio Martinez, due to enemy action in the Decordova system on 22.13.7.
“Your husband’s ship, RCNS DINICOLA (FF 20), was part of a combined task force charged with the defense of the Decordova system. On 22.13.7, we intercepted a pair of heavily armed Esteer warships en route to the twin planets of Faith and Hope. During the ensuing action, your husband’s ship was heavily damaged while conducting a close assault on an Esteer superdreadnaught. Streaming atmosphere, with shields down and having suffered significant damage and heavy casualties, your husband nevertheless interposed his ship to shield his seriously damaged squadron mate, RCNS WOLAVER (FF 21), from intense Esteer fire. While successful in the defense of RCNS WOLAVER (FF 21), your husband’s ship was unable to intercept all of the enemy torpedoes and was lost with all hands.
“Words cannot express the sorrow I feel at Iggy’s death. Iggy was one of my best frigate commanders, a man whom everyone could rely upon in difficult situations. He was well-liked and respected by his seniors, peers, and subordinates. His actions during the Battle of Decordova not only saved the RCNS WOLAVER (FF 21); they were instrumental in the defense of the Decordova system. He gave his life protecting you and your daughters on Faith. I pray that may provide you with some measure of solace.
I am always your humble servant,
Carissa Reutzel, RADM, RCNS
Commander, Task Force 4”
RADM Reutzel read the handwritten letter one last time, then placed it with its nineteen sisters in a neat stack on her desk. Leaning back in her chair, she pinched the bridge of her nose in an attempt to quell the incipient headache she felt forming. Things had been quiet on Cnir station for nearly two years…two years? Had it been that long since TF5 arrived battered and bruised from the Battle of Adayswen? TF5 had been operating with TF4 ever since that battle. We were still replacing the frigates they’d lost. Task Forces 6 and 7 had primacy on maser-capable replacements for the defense of Charysh station. That had become even more important with the discovery of the immense Hico trinary system with its 3 T and 1 ST planets and asteroid belts. Fleet HQ was going crazy trying to get forces out there to defend the new colonies.
Wheatland’s yards have been expanding and producing frigates as rapidly as possible. The yards in Decordova are almost operational, and those in Cnir and Godley should follow a few months later. Perhaps then HQ could start dedicating some serious replacements to TFs 4 and 5.
Reutzel’s musings were interrupted by the beep of her intercom. “Admiral, Chief-of-Staff here. We just received flash traffic from HQ”
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Month 2, 8 PD, Fleet HQ, Cresson, Republic of Cresson
“You may begin”.
“Yes, sir.” The S3 referred to this note cards, then addressed the staff.
“Admiral, in response to the Zaxi invocation of the mutual defense clause of our trade treaty, Task Forces 1, 3, 4, and 5 have been diverted to Adayswen in preparation for further movement to Zaxi Alpha. We have taken on responsibility for the defense of that system, and if possible, Zaxi Beta, from projected Esteer incursions. RADM Meggison has been placed in command of the combined task force with RADM Reutzel as her second. The combined force is understrength in frigates, and the admirals have been instructed to take no unnecessary risks in the possible defense of Zaxi Beta.
“Have we received any intel on this Yngling Star Empire that has the Zaxi tied in knots?”
“No, sir. We have no contact with them, which is why the Administration has limited our assistance to responding to Esteer incursions in local Zaxi space. We do know the Nanri have a trade treaty with the Zaxi, but we do not know what, if any, military options they may have.”
“Very well. Proceed.”
“Yes, sir. RADM Rede has submitted her post-action report on the action in Ethaoclya earlier this month. Task Forces 6 and 7 intercepted and destroyed a trio of kinetic weapon-armed Esteer SDs. Eighteen frigates were lost in the action, and RCNS REMMERS received significant damage.”
“REMMERS? Didn’t she get slapped around in Cerasa a few months ago?”
The S3 failed to stop a wry smile before responding. “Actually, sir, it was Fortaleza exactly a year ago yesterday.”
ADM Williams considered that for a moment, then matched the S3’s smile. It was the rare frigate that survived an Esteer slap down, let alone two. “You think they might want to share a bit of their luck with their squadron mates? “
“Would you, sir?”
“Probably not. Proceed.”
“Construction has commenced on three new ship classes. RCNS CRESSON was laid down in Aledo this month and should take about a year to build, as is to be expected for our first superdreadnaught. Sarita yards began construction on the BELLATRIX-class survey destroyers, and Tolar yards began construction on the FANNIN COUNTY scout battlecruiser. The BELLATRIXs will replace our unarmed PATHFINDER survey ships while the FANNINs will be assigned to the Task Forces as scouts and to the Survey Groups as command ships.
“If there are no further questions, sir, that concludes this briefing.”