[CT27]

Since a couple people asked for it, here's the scenario from the GTVA perspective I did for where WIH left off.  I don't know much about internal GTVA politics, so I had to make a couple guesses for how that worked.  Same with the UEF scenario I did, I regretfully had to leave the "project" out.



GTVA VICTORY

The recent victory at Saturn over the UEF’s vaunted Wargods task force has led to an increase in morale for GTVA forces not seen since the official surrender of Jupiter.  For now at least, it appears the war will be allowed to continue as public support for the war in the GTVA went up a couple points in the face of this victory.  Many people are willing to support the war effort as long as it appears to be winnable.

While the Carthage took a beating and is in need of repair (but still overall combat capable), the UEF is in similar, if worse shape.  Losing three Karunas in one engagement was a heavy blow.  That, along with Calder losing a Narayana and some cruisers in one of his diversionary attacks, means the UEF has to regroup before it can think of going on the offensive again.

Emperor Khonsu II of the Vasudans has been taking note of events too.  He considers himself a pragmatic politician/ruler.  He sees the tide turning in this war and doesn’t want the Vasudans to be left out totally of affairs in Sol.  Also, while he privately holds some sympathy for the UEF and those fighting for Earth, he doesn’t want to strain the ties of the Alliance any more than they are already.  Plus, many Vasudans are upset at the UEF as a result of the recent deception regarding the recent attempted meeting with a UEF Elder and the perceived UEF-supported GEF attack on a Vasudan observer destroyer in Sol. 

While Khonsu wields a great deal of power, he does not act like an absolute dictator.  He tries to read popular sentiment.  Even though feelings toward the UEF have been going down in Vasudan space, Emperor Khonsu II judges there is insufficient desire for all out-war.  Plus, there is also the desire to use most of the Vasudan military to protect GTVA space against a possible Shivan return, even though sensors have not detected any Shivan craft in GTVA space for decades. 

Currently the Vasudans are helping to provide logistical support in the rear-lines of the Sol theater for Steele’s forces.  Khonsu decides to increase the level of support Vasudans are giving to the war against Sol.  Vasudans will now provide what some have unofficially termed ‘forward support’.  In short, the Vasudans will continue to help supply Steele’s supply depots, but they will also send a number of corvettes and cruisers to help protect the GTVA destroyers already in system.  The Vasudans have also agreed to send another (this time more heavily guarded) logistics vessel to help the GTVA front lines in Sol.  Finally, as a gesture to try and further repair relations between the two GTVA species, Emperor Khonsu ordered the Medjai to send one Hatshepsut destroyer to combat duty in Sol as a token of his personal loyalty to the GTVA.

These moves help to greatly strengthen GTVA Terran and Vasudan relations.  Relations had been going down slightly but now have warmed back up.  Steele is only too happy to receive this assistance as he can afford to reach out and try to hit more UEF targets now.  Plus, his ships will now have more escort. 

On the other hand, this is another major hit to the UEF.  The numerical advantage of the GTVA over the UEF has increased further.  With the addition of the GVD Shepseskaf to GTVA combat forces in Sol, the GTVA now has a 2 to 1 advantage over the UEF in terms of destroyers.  The
UEF First Fleet is now even more adamant that the UED Solaris be kept in the Earth area of operations to keep the home planet safe rather than send the destroyer off somewhere and leave Earth open to another major attack.  Second Fleet Mars is also nervous about sending out its only destroyer on offensive ventures when Mars itself is likely to prove a major target of the GTVA in the near future; Admiral Netreba who is usually more assertive also favors a fighting defense under these new developments.  Naturally, these developments infuriate the exiled Third Fleet and Admiral Calder who favor much more aggressive responses.  Now that the Vasudans had basically sided with the GTVA Terrans, the UEF military regretfully rescinded its policy of not attacking Vasudan ships…regarding them now as active belligerants.

Calder was stated adamantly to his fellow admirals:  “If we can’t win, then we’ll at least go down fighting.  Your passiveness will only lead to certain defeat.”  He then stormed out of the meeting room.  He seemed desperate to fight the war all by himself.

The new numbers were continuing to wear down the already small Third Fleet in exile.  Calder tried to launch raids behind the GTVA front lines at places like Neptune.  He even worked on some raids on forces guarding the Sol jump node.  However, newly arrived Vasudan forces helped to defeat these raids and limit the damage to ‘acceptable levels’.  Calder saw he was fighting a losing battle and decided to go out in a blaze of glory (especially since he saw he wasn’t going to get much help from the other two UEF admirals).  His recon flights showed the GTD Hood under repair in a rear area near Neptune with relatively little protection.  He jumped most of his forces back to this area, but left his two remaining Narayanas to engage the GVD Shepseskaf and its battle group along with some accompanying Terran vessels and fighters (the Vasudan destroyer’s battle group was able to destroy one while the other was heavily damaged and self-destructed rather than be captured).  Calder’s escorts (including an AWACS ship) was able to whittle down the Hood’s defenses.  The UED Toutatis took damage from the Hood’s battle group but finally managed to destroy the ship while what was left of the Hood’s battle group fled to Jupiter.

He had won a significant tactical victory, but his elation was short lived.  A new Raynor class vessel, escorted by a Bellerophon corvette, at the time, jumped in.  Calder panicked as he had no intelligence on this ship.  The Toutatis’ fighter screen, already damaged by the action with the Hood, was depleted by the arrival of this new GTVA destroyer and its fresh fighters.  Rather than surrender, Calder fought as long as he could until the Toutatis succumbed to heavy beam fire.  The escape pods that made it out were taken into custody by the GTVA.

This new destroyer, along with its escort ships, made their way to Jupiter.  The ship’s commanding officer met with theater commander Admiral Steele and identified himself and his ship’s mission.  This was the newest destroyer made by the GTVA, just out of the shipyards.  It was named the GTD Bastion in honor of the famous destroyer that helped win the Great War and seal off Capella in the Second Great War.  The commander was Admiral Christopher Snipes, a famous Second Great War veteran who quickly rose in the ranks of the SOC.  The Security Council felt it could afford the deployment of just one more destroyer to Sol if it would help end the conflict decisively.  Snipes made clear to Steele that if the Shivans did return, the Bastion would leave Sol and head to fight them.  Steele had no problem with that as he would take what he could get.  Especially since the famed squadron, the 70th Blue Lions, had come along
(equipped with the GTVA’s best space superiority heavy fighter, the GTF Nyx).

Historians generally argue that this recent engagement was a tactical draw, but a strategic victory for the GTVA.  Each side did lose one destroyer, but the UEF couldn’t replace its lost destroyer anytime soon while the GTVA did essentially get a replacement.  This new development worried the UEF as it showed the GTVA was now increasing its commitment to the war.  The UEF now had only two destroyers remaining (Eris and Solaris) to combat the GTVA’s six (Meredian, Imperiuse, Carthage, Atreus, Shepseskaf, and Bastion).

Pollsters back in the GTVA showed a somewhat slight majority now favored increasing forces in Sol as long as the Shivans didn’t come back.  The general mood was that the war would be supported as long as it was being won.  For General Secretary Tocqueville and his currently in power center-right party, this was welcome news…especially considering several Terran systems were having General Assembly elections later in the year.

A strategy meeting was held with Steele and a number of other commanders to determine the next major course of the war.  It was determined that Mars would be the next target strategically.  Some wanted to make a major assault on Earth, but it was felt that if Mars could be knocked out of the war, Earth would not be able to fight on alone much longer (or would choose not to).  On the other hand, it was felt Mars would fight on until occupied even if Earth fell first.

With Third Fleet virtually non-existent now, the GTVA fleet has become a little more confident.  Vasudans operating on the flanks help blunt most of the UEF attempts to attack behind the GTVA front lines.  GTVA hunter-killer groups, with their double/sprint drives are able to pick off cruisers before Karunas or Narayanas can respond often times.  Interestingly, though he is in political disgrace right now, elements of former Admiral Severanti’s strategy (a somewhat slower strangulation of the UEF military) is being put in place in spots; Steele, with his pride, would never admit to it though.  Steele’s overall vision is that he is willing to sacrifice ships and soldiers/pilots if it advances the GTVA’s war effort but does not want to throw away people or resources needlessly.

Phobos and Deimos, the moons of Mars, now are being hit hard by GTVA forces.  The UEF had previously wanted to wait for opportune times to attack its enemy, but an attack on this important of a target has forced the hand of its military.  UEF 2nd Fleet frantically attacks GTVA positions around Mars, but does not have the numbers to dislodge the GTVA assault positions.  GTVA casualties are not light, but not enough to change the momentum of this campaign.  After several orbital bombardments destroy much of the military infrastructure on these places, GTVA marines land and after a harsh campaign, finally capture the moons of Phobos and Deimos.  Mars proper is now basically under siege.  With more GTVA ships with special drives coming in, even Narayanas have to be very careful about their deployment.

Admiral Netreba feels he has to do something now or Mars will be lost.  The newly deployed class of cruiser, UEC Custos, has helped to deter GTVA fighter attacks.  However, the GTVA has responded with its own anti-fighter cruiser:  the GTC Cretheus.  This, plus the addition of Vasudan AWACS ships, which can temporarily negate the use of UEF torpedoes, has helped the GTVA to achieve some more tactical advantages.  Netreba takes the UED Eris in and tries to interdict GTVA convoys moving in for short range attacks on Mars.  Quite a few troop transports and supply ships are destroyed, but the attack is disrupted by the GTD Meredian.  One for one, a Solaris class destroyer outclasses a Hecate class destroyer (some want to reclassify the Hecate as
a carrier).  Without AWACS to jam the Meredian’s beams, the GTVA vessel is able to hold back the Eris.  However, it takes a great deal of damage of its own again and is forced to retreat back to GTVA controlled space in Delta Serpentis.  Fortunately, it bought enough time for Serkr Team to jump in and attack the Eris.  The Eris is heavily damaged and is forced to retreat to Earth; Netreba is also seriously injured in the attack which hurts the UEF command structure. 

Mars begs for First Fleet reinforcements, but smaller GTVA raids are hitting Earth at this time as well…distracting Earth forces so relatively little is able to be sent to help Mars.  First Fleet also judges the blockade around Mars to be too strong to break with their remaining destroyer, the Solaris (Eris is still technically alive but will need a great deal of repair time before it is combat ready again).  Orbital bombardment of military targets on Mars proper begins.  Steele has received directives from the Security Council to not attack civilian targets unless they serve a clear military purpose.  He would prefer a more ‘shock and awe’ type of strategy, but acknowledges that the Security Council order serves a good PR purpose as well.  Reinforcements are largely blocked.

The Martian Congress has an emergency meeting.  Second Fleet Mars cannot break the GTVA blockade, nor can First Fleet break in to help Mars.  After several months of bombardment (and after some GTVA marines have landed on Mars), the Martian government requests terms of surrender from Admiral Steele.  The terms are basically what Jupiter got when it surrendered:  a military government will take control of the planet for at least the duration of the conflict; the GTVA will also get control of, and docking privileges at all Martian installations.  A few cruisers and a Karuna are captured by GTVA forces, but most capital ships in the 2nd Fleet have fled to Earth or been destroyed to prevent GTVA capture.    The GTVA is able to take control of most remaining Martian installations (including shipyards and supply bases).  However, some are destroyed by retreating Martians who leave and join the First Fleet (Earth) for what is assumed to be the final battle to come.  Enough remain for the GTVA to bring up its logistics train to Mars now though. 

With Admiral Carder dead and Admiral Netreba in a coma (but expected to eventually recover and be able to resume his duties), Admiral Robert Byrne (CO of First Fleet Earth) is now the de facto commander in chief of all UEF forces still active in Sol.  His doctors tell him he does not get enough sleep, but he feels he has to keep going on.  The weight of a whole system is on his shoulders now as the most senior military officer active.  He is being bombarded with political opinions on both sides.  Some want him to fight on until the last UEF citizen falls, but there are also those who want him to look for terms now.  A part of the ‘seek terms now’ faction is willing to let the GTVA keep Mars and Jupiter if they would let Earth stay independent.  Byrne still believes Sol can keep its independence if the GTVA can be bled enough (though he doesn’t emphasize this with great ferocity, leading some to believe he doesn’t really believe it himself).  The Elders and Ubuntu Party hope to maintain Sol’s independence, but are greatly saddened at the loss of life the UEF military is suffering. 

Meanwhile, another council of war is organized by Admiral Steele.  The surrender of Mars did
not bring about the immediate surrender of Earth.  Some form of action against Earth proper and its immediate area would have to be put in action.  Despite the numerical advantage in destroyers the GTVA holds, it doesn’t want to charge straight in and lose.  The GTVA wants to use its numbers as effectively as it can.  GTVA forces work on picking off smaller vessels like cruisers and transport ships so that more powerful vessels like Karunas and Narayanas can be isolated.  A number of Karunas are destroyed when the campaign against Earth begins in earnest; Karunas are strong against fighter attacks, but lack the range to take on GTVA heavy corvettes whose beam cannons outrange the kinetic weaponry of the Karunas. 

GTVA forces made up of destroyers, corvettes, cruisers, and AWACS ships continue blitzes on Earth.  One of the notable early incidents in this Second Earth Blitz is that Rheza Station, which valiantly held on in the First Earth Blitz against the Imperiuse and Atreus, finally was destroyed by fighter wings from the resupplied and repaired GTD Carthage.  The GTD Imperiuse and GTD Bastion attack other shipyards and military targets under Earth control.  The GVD Shepseskaf gains notoriety when its battle group finally locates and finishes off the UED Eris (Admiral Netreba was not on board and was recovering in a military hospital.  The Vasudan destroyer continues to patrol the area between Earth and Jupiter to prevent smaller UEF ships from attacking important GTVA supply ships.  However, a squadron of the UEF’s elite Durga bombers attacks and moderately damages the Shepseskaf which forces it back to Mars for combat repairs.  Reinforcements from other GTVA destroyers eliminate this squadron.  A point of frustration for the GTVA though is that the UED Solaris continues to evade GTVA forces and launch hit and run attacks on GTVA positions around Earth.  The Solaris’ fighter group is taking casualties, but the ship itself is still active.  A tragedy occurred though, when a Narayana from the Solaris’ battle group miscalculated a jump and jumped next to a GTVA corvette group.  The Narayana was able to damage a couple corvettes but was soon shredded by beam fire.

Elections occur in early 2087 in the Terran portion of the GTVA General Assembly.  General Secretary Tocqueville’s center-right party retains power and gains a couple seats.  He and Steele see this as a validation of the war effort.  People were excited that the war may be over soon and were happy with the military victories in Mars and elsewhere.  With new elections not due until 2089, the UEF now feels that the GTVA is committed to the end of this war and a decisive end of the conflict.  The UEF Admiralty is not sure it can hold on for another two years.

Admiral Robert Byrne’s room on the UED Solaris is a sad place.  He doesn’t want to give up, but can’t see what to do now.  The Elders and Ubuntu Party give him their private recommendations (that Byrne doesn’t make clear to many other than his inner circle).  One day, Admiral Netreba comes into his room.  After exchanging pleasantries and expressing his happiness that Netreba is well again, Byrne asks Netreba what he wishes to talk about.  Kyle Netreba almost breaks down in tears.  “It’s over Rob,” he states.  “We’re not accomplishing anything anymore.  If we stop now, maybe they’ll be merciful.”

“Kyle, are you aware the Elders and Ubuntu leaders basically told me the same thing?”

Netreba sighed.  “No, but it’s not surprising.”

Byrne continued:  “Kyle, what do you think good old Hans Calder would say right now?”
“Ha,” Netreba let out a light laugh.  “He’d fight to the last man, woman, and child, of the UEF.”

Byrne got up and gestured for Netreba to walk with him.  “I know what I have to do.  Let’s head to the bridge.  Hans served us well when he was alive and will be remembered as a great military hero.  Unfortunately, the universe is as we find it, not as we wish it.  Well, we’re here at the bridge.  Just a second Kyle,” some on the bridge were surprised at the informality of Admiral Byrne using Admiral Netreba’s first name but at this point Admiral Byrne didn’t really care, “helm…take us to this position.  It’s the last known coordinates of the GTD Atreus.  Men and women of the 1st Fleet, I love each and every one of you.  What is about to happen may be difficult, but it is the will of Ubuntu and the Elders; I also assure you I would not ask you to take this course if I was unwilling to do so myself.”

The GTD Atreus was heading back to Mars to refuel and rearm itself and its craft for another attack on Earth.  Admiral Steele was in a relatively good mood.  Military facilities on Earth and Luna were being constantly bombarded and Luna might be able to have troops landed on it soon.  Though Earth would be an extremely tough nut to crack; Steele was thankful he wasn’t the general who would have to command that invasion.  All he had to worry about now primarily were the few Narayanas (GTVI estimated less than half a dozen remained in the UEF arsenal) and the UED Solaris out there.  Once those were taken out, he figured, the remaining Karunas shouldn’t be much trouble.  He was even thinking he might even be able to go take a nap now.

“Admiral Steele!” one of his bridge crew shouted.  “The Solaris just jumped in right in front of us!”

Steele spun around and looked at a computer readout.  Apparently his intelligence was wrong about the location of the UEF’s remaining destroyer.  “Let’s end this now everyone!  Helm, charge all beam cannons and get us in forward beam range.  Recall our fighter patrols and launch all our remaining fighters.  We might need the Blue Lions’ help so inform Admiral Snipes on the Bastion and ask if he can spare any fighters…the UEF may be going for broke here.”

“Sir!” shouted his communication officer.  “The Solaris is…it’s hailing us.”

“What?”  Admiral Steele replied in surprise.  “On screen then.  Let’s see what he has to say.”

Admiral Steele sat down in his bridge chair and watched as a face appeared on his viewscreen.  “This is GTVA Admiral Steele, Sol Theater Commander.  How may I help?”

“Admiral Steele, this is Admiral Robert Byrne, commander of UEF First Fleet Home.  I know you may be suspicious of my wanting to speak with you, but I assure you I’m not planning any sort of ambush.  As your sensors can read, I’ve powered down my weapons and my accompanying escorts have done so too.”

Steele wasn’t sure exactly what to expect here.  “Helm, inform any returning craft to form a screen around us and not fire on the UEF vessels here without my permission.  Admiral Byrne, I thank you for your noble gesture.  But what is it you wish to discuss?  We are the two main commanders of opposing militaries so I presume this isn’t a friendly chit chat.”

Byrne looked saddened as he prepared his words to speak.  “No Admiral Steele, it’s not.  To be quite frank, I wish I didn’t have to have this conversation with you.  I apologize if I come off as rude and I don’t mean any offense, but this is difficult for me to do.  The Council of Elders and Ubuntu officials have directed me to seek you out and begin communications with you regarding…regarding seeking…an honorable end to hostilities…”

Steele was taken aback at this statement and was stunned.  Silence, in a similar fashion swept over the bridge of the GTD Atreus.  Needing to say something, Steele spoke up after carefully considering his words:  “Admiral Byrne, forgive my hesitation, this is a momentous occasion and I needed a second to pick out my words.  Any final settlement will of course have to go above my head and through the Security Council and General Assembly, but I’d be honored to hear you out and hear what you have to say.”

“Thank you for not lording this over me Admiral Steele and thank you also for not gloating.  This is the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do, and I’ve seen thousands die.  May I come over to the Atreus to discuss things with you personally?  I will be coming over in a standard UEF shuttle craft with myself and Admiral Kyle Netreba of UEF Second Fleet Mars and some of our staff, eight people in total.  We will be unarmed and no weapons will be on our shuttle, I promise.”

Steele felt joy for the first time in a long time.  He wanted to be professional about all these huge developments and not appear to be a braggart so he had to not make a visual representation of the growing sense of elation that he was feeling.  “Acknowledged, Admiral Byrne.  I have informed my battle group of our meeting so no one will fire on you as you come over in your shuttle.  Just in case, though, that not all GTVA craft in our area got the message, I’m sending a wing of Erinyes over to the Solaris to escort you to the Atreus.”

“Thank you Admiral Steele.  See you in a few minutes.  Admiral Byrne out.”

As the communications channel closed on the Atreus, Steele looked up at all the stunned faces on the bridge staring at him.  Shock was clearly registered on their faces, but some were beginning to even smile too.  Steele even began to crack a smile too, but first some business had to be done…
“Helm, inform all our admirals of this event.  Get a priority message to GTVA High Command, the Security Council, and Secretary General Tocqueville.  Have someone get a State diplomacy team out here immediately.  Also, tell Admiral Recamai on the Shepseskaf to please inform Emperor Khonsu of these events; we could really use his help in ending this thing.  He’ll probably want to have some of his people at final negotiations.  That’s fine, we might not have won this without the Vasudans coming in.  Have my staff meet me in the fighter bay in five minutes.  I want to greet Admirals Byrne and Netreba with as much honor as I can under the circumstances.  Let’s go.”

The preliminary meetings on board the GTD Atreus were professional, and later reports would say relatively cordial, given the circumstances.  To break the ice at first, each talked about their family and how they got into military service and other small talk.  However, they eventually got
down to business.  Steele had some worries that he was not a professional negotiator so he didn’t want to screw up anything important. 

While preliminary ideas were exchanged, it was agreed that a final treaty would be negotiated at Luna after various representatives from the GTVA arrived.  In the meantime, a general armistice was put in place; GTVA ships were allowed to dock at Lunar and Earth stations for this meeting.  General Secretary Tocqueville would lead the delegation from the Terran portion of the GTVA along with the Assembly Speaker and Emperor Khonsu II would lead the GTVA Vasudan diplomatic mission, accompanied by Admiral Recamai of the Medjai.  Along with them would come a Vasudan and Terran representative from the Security Council.  Admiral Steele, Sol Theater Commander, would also sit with the GTVA delegation. 

On the other side of the table sat the UEF delegation.  This included Admirals Netreba and Byrne.  The UEF also sent the Ubuntu Party chairman and Ubuntu Party Speaker of the Congress; three representatives from the Council of Elders were also present.  Seven representatives were present on each side.

Negotiations had a very serious tone, but the tone was also respectful for the most part.  Khonsu convinced his fellow GTVA negotiators to treat Sol not as a conquered people but as lost family.   He believed not only would this decrease lasting hatred, but would also serve the free peoples of the universe better in that Shivans could be fought better in the future.

After approximately two weeks of negotiations, a final treaty was announced and signed by all the concerned parties (how much negotiating ability the UEF actually had is debated since the GTVA was definitely in control of the military situation in Sol).  It was clear that the GTVA won but the final terms were slightly less harsh than what the Security Council originally demanded at the war’s start.  To list all the Treaty of Luna provisions would be quite large, but for the sake of simplification, here are some of the more important provisions:
*The UEF (Ubuntu Party and Council of Elders) will ratify the Beta Aquilae Convention and acknowledge GTVA sovereignty over Sol
*No war crimes tribunals or war reparations will have to be paid by the UEF to the GTVA
*The Solaris, and all frigates (Narayanas and Karunas) and AWACS ships will be turned over to GTVA custody.  A small number of Sanctus cruisers will be allowed to be kept for militia duty against pirates and whatnot (with GTVA officers), though the GTVA now assumes national defense of the system
*GTVA citizens will be allowed to immigrate to Sol (per year numbers allowed to be decided by the General Assembly and Security Council
*The GTVA will assist with the rebuilding of military and civilian infrastructure
*Sol will be governed as a military territory for a period of time and (subject to a vote of the Security Council and General Assembly) will become a regular territory in 20 years, and then (subject to another GTVA vote) a full member system of the GTVA 10 years after that
*The Ubuntu Party and Council of Elders are disbanded.  However, these people can run for the civilian government again if/when Sol is elevated above militarily governed territory. 
*Former UEF military people will be allowed to join the GTVA military if they so choose, subject to taking a loyalty oath and undergoing a background check (it is suspected that some will want to join just for the sake of having work)
*For the sake of improving the defense of the GTVA:  more of Sol’s resources will be moved to military production, and all UEF military files and technology will be handed over to the Security Council

In its final act, the Ubuntu Party (on Earth, Mars, and Jupiter) ratifies BETAC and on May 17, 2387, the GTVA-Sol War officially comes to a close.  Humanity is now reunited, at least politically.  The Treaty of Luna was firm, but there were some in the GTVA who wanted it to be harsher.  Emperor Khonsu II was one of the leading GTVA advocates for being relatively magnanimous to the former UEF.  Interestingly, Admiral Steele also believed in eventual reunification of the GTVA and Sol and not just treating them as a conquered people and pillaging and plundering for resources.  He viewed this as the best way to secure humanity’s future against the Shivans. 

Admiral Recamai is overseeing the GTVA Vasudan led-portion of the reconstruction efforts in Sol with Admiral Lopez leading the GTVA Terran forces involved in civilian and military reconstruction projects.  Admiral Steele, in addition to being the overall GTVA Military Commandant of Sol, is currently overseeing a cooperative project between GTVA military R&D personnel and former UEF engineers (with the GTVA people in lead) to create military technologies that combine the best of GTVA and former UEF technology; already a fighter and frigate design have made it to the drawing board.  The project also hopes to have a cruiser proposal ready in a month and a destroyer idea ready by the end of the year.

[Crybertrance]

Good job!! Really well written! I still have to read the UEF part of the story now...(TEVs suck BTW)

*Cybertracnce pats CT27 on the back and congratulates him for work well done.

[CT27]

GTVA VICTORY (extended edition) PART 1 (I had to divide this into two posts as the whole thing exceeded the character limit)

The recent victory at Saturn over the UEF’s vaunted Wargods task force has led to an increase in morale for GTVA forces not seen since the official surrender of Jupiter.  For now at least, it appears the war will be allowed to continue as public support for the war in the GTVA went up a couple points in the face of this victory.  Many people are willing to support the war effort as long as it appears to be winnable.

While the Carthage took a beating and is in need of repair (but still overall combat capable), the UEF is in similar, if worse shape.  Losing three Karunas in one engagement was a heavy blow.  That, along with Calder losing a Narayana and some cruisers in one of his diversionary attacks, means the UEF has to regroup before it can think of going on the offensive again.

Emperor Khonsu II of the Vasudans has been taking note of events too.  He considers himself a pragmatic politician/ruler.  He sees the tide turning in this war and doesn’t want the Vasudans to be left out totally of affairs in Sol.  Also, while he privately holds some sympathy for the UEF and those fighting for Earth, he doesn’t want to strain the ties of the Alliance any more than they are already.  Plus, many Vasudans are upset at the UEF as a result of the recent deception regarding the recent attempted meeting with a UEF Elder and the perceived UEF-supported GEF attack on a Vasudan observer destroyer in Sol. 

While Khonsu wields a great deal of power, he does not act like an absolute dictator.  He tries to read popular sentiment.  Even though feelings toward the UEF have been going down in Vasudan space, Emperor Khonsu II judges there is insufficient desire for all out-war.  Plus, there is also the desire to use most of the Vasudan military to protect GTVA space against a possible Shivan return, even though sensors have not detected any Shivan craft in GTVA space for decades. 

Currently the Vasudans are helping to provide logistical support in the rear-lines of the Sol theater for Steele’s forces.  Khonsu decides to increase the level of support Vasudans are giving to the war against Sol.  Vasudans will now provide what some have unofficially termed ‘forward support’.  In short, the Vasudans will continue to help supply Steele’s supply depots, but they will also send a number of corvettes and cruisers to help protect the GTVA destroyers already in system.  The Vasudans have also agreed to send another (this time more heavily guarded) logistics vessel to help the GTVA front lines in Sol.  Finally, as a gesture to try and further repair relations between the two GTVA species, Emperor Khonsu ordered the Medjai to send one Hatshepsut destroyer to combat duty in Sol as a token of his personal loyalty to the GTVA.

These moves help to greatly strengthen GTVA Terran and Vasudan relations.  Relations had been going down slightly but now have warmed back up.  Steele is only too happy to receive this assistance as he can afford to reach out and try to hit more UEF targets now.  Plus, his ships will now have more escort. 

On the other hand, this is another major hit to the UEF.  The numerical advantage of the GTVA over the UEF has increased further.  With the addition of the GVD Shepseskaf to GTVA combat forces in Sol, the GTVA now has a 2 to 1 advantage over the UEF in terms of destroyers.  The
UEF First Fleet is now even more adamant that the UED Solaris be kept in the Earth area of operations to keep the home planet safe rather than send the destroyer off somewhere and leave Earth open to another major attack.  Second Fleet Mars is also nervous about sending out its only destroyer on offensive ventures when Mars itself is likely to prove a major target of the GTVA in the near future; Admiral Netreba who is usually more assertive also favors a fighting defense under these new developments.  Naturally, these developments infuriate the exiled Third Fleet and Admiral Calder who favor much more aggressive responses.  Now that the Vasudans had basically sided with the GTVA Terrans, the UEF military regretfully rescinded its policy of not attacking Vasudan ships…regarding them now as active belligerants.

Calder was stated adamantly to his fellow admirals:  “If we can’t win, then we’ll at least go down fighting.  Your passiveness will only lead to certain defeat.”  He then stormed out of the meeting room.  He seemed desperate to fight the war all by himself.

The new numbers were continuing to wear down the already small Third Fleet in exile.  Calder tried to launch raids behind the GTVA front lines at places like Neptune.  He even worked on some raids on forces guarding the Sol jump node.  However, newly arrived Vasudan forces helped to defeat these raids and limit the damage to ‘acceptable levels’.  Calder saw he was fighting a losing battle and decided to go out in a blaze of glory (especially since he saw he wasn’t going to get much help from the other two UEF admirals).  His recon flights showed the GTD Hood under repair in a rear area near Neptune with relatively little protection.  He jumped most of his forces back to this area, but left his two remaining Narayanas to engage the GVD Shepseskaf and its battle group along with some accompanying Terran vessels and fighters (the Vasudan destroyer’s battle group was able to destroy one while the other was heavily damaged and self-destructed rather than be captured).  Calder’s escorts (including an AWACS ship) was able to whittle down the Hood’s defenses.  The UED Toutatis took damage from the Hood’s battle group but finally managed to destroy the ship while what was left of the Hood’s battle group fled to Jupiter.

He had won a significant tactical victory, but his elation was short lived.  A new Raynor class vessel, escorted by a Bellerophon corvette, at the time, jumped in.  Calder panicked as he had no intelligence on this ship.  The Toutatis’ fighter screen, already damaged by the action with the Hood, was depleted by the arrival of this new GTVA destroyer and its fresh fighters.  Rather than surrender, Calder fought as long as he could until the Toutatis succumbed to heavy beam fire.  The escape pods that made it out were taken into custody by the GTVA.

This new destroyer, along with its escort ships, made their way to Jupiter.  The ship’s commanding officer met with theater commander Admiral Steele and identified himself and his ship’s mission.  This was the newest destroyer made by the GTVA, just out of the shipyards.  It was named the GTD Bastion in honor of the famous destroyer that helped win the Great War and seal off Capella in the Second Great War.  The commander was Admiral Christopher Snipes, a famous Second Great War veteran who quickly rose in the ranks of the SOC.  The Security Council felt it could afford the deployment of just one more destroyer to Sol if it would help end the conflict decisively.  Snipes made clear to Steele that if the Shivans did return, the Bastion would leave Sol and head to fight them.  Steele had no problem with that as he would take what he could get.  Especially since the famed squadron, the 70th Blue Lions, had come along
(equipped with the GTVA’s best space superiority heavy fighter, the GTF Nyx).

Historians generally argue that this recent engagement was a tactical draw, but a strategic victory for the GTVA.  Each side did lose one destroyer, but the UEF couldn’t replace its lost destroyer anytime soon while the GTVA did essentially get a replacement.  This new development worried the UEF as it showed the GTVA was now increasing its commitment to the war.  The UEF now had only two destroyers remaining (Eris and Solaris) to combat the GTVA’s six (Meredian, Imperiuse, Carthage, Atreus, Shepseskaf, and Bastion).

Pollsters back in the GTVA showed a somewhat slight majority now favored increasing forces in Sol as long as the Shivans didn’t come back.  The general mood was that the war would be supported as long as it was being won.  For General Secretary Tocqueville and his currently in power center-right party, this was welcome news…especially considering several Terran systems were having General Assembly elections later in the year.

A strategy meeting was held with Steele and a number of other commanders to determine the next major course of the war.  It was determined that Mars would be the next target strategically.  Some wanted to make a major assault on Earth, but it was felt that if Mars could be knocked out of the war, Earth would not be able to fight on alone much longer (or would choose not to).  On the other hand, it was felt Mars would fight on until occupied even if Earth fell first.

With Third Fleet virtually non-existent now, the GTVA fleet has become a little more confident.  Vasudans operating on the flanks help blunt most of the UEF attempts to attack behind the GTVA front lines.  GTVA hunter-killer groups, with their double/sprint drives are able to pick off cruisers before Karunas or Narayanas can respond often times.  Interestingly, though he is in political disgrace right now, elements of former Admiral Severanti’s strategy (a somewhat slower strangulation of the UEF military) is being put in place in spots; Steele, with his pride, would never admit to it though.  Steele’s overall vision is that he is willing to sacrifice ships and soldiers/pilots if it advances the GTVA’s war effort but does not want to throw away people or resources needlessly.

Phobos and Deimos, the moons of Mars, now are being hit hard by GTVA forces.  The UEF had previously wanted to wait for opportune times to attack its enemy, but an attack on this important of a target has forced the hand of its military.  UEF 2nd Fleet frantically attacks GTVA positions around Mars, but does not have the numbers to dislodge the GTVA assault positions.  GTVA casualties are not light, but not enough to change the momentum of this campaign.  After several orbital bombardments destroy much of the military infrastructure on these places, GTVA marines land and after a harsh campaign, finally capture the moons of Phobos and Deimos.  Mars proper is now basically under siege.  With more GTVA ships with special drives coming in, even Narayanas have to be very careful about their deployment.

Admiral Netreba feels he has to do something now or Mars will be lost.  The newly deployed class of cruiser, UEC Custos, has helped to deter GTVA fighter attacks.  However, the GTVA has responded with its own anti-fighter cruiser:  the GTC Cretheus.  This, plus the addition of Vasudan AWACS ships, which can temporarily negate the use of UEF torpedoes, has helped the GTVA to achieve some more tactical advantages.  Netreba takes the UED Eris in and tries to interdict GTVA convoys moving in for short range attacks on Mars.  Quite a few troop transports and supply ships are destroyed, but the attack is disrupted by the GTD Meredian.  One for one, a Solaris class destroyer outclasses a Hecate class destroyer (some want to reclassify the Hecate as
a carrier).  Without AWACS to jam the Meredian’s beams, the GTVA vessel is able to hold back the Eris.  However, it takes a great deal of damage of its own again and is forced to retreat back to GTVA controlled space in Delta Serpentis.  Fortunately, it bought enough time for Serkr Team to jump in and attack the Eris.  The Eris is heavily damaged and is forced to retreat to Earth; Netreba is also seriously injured in the attack which hurts the UEF command structure. 

Mars begs for First Fleet reinforcements, but smaller GTVA raids are hitting Earth at this time as well…distracting Earth forces so relatively little is able to be sent to help Mars.  First Fleet also judges the blockade around Mars to be too strong to break with their remaining destroyer, the Solaris (Eris is still technically alive but will need a great deal of repair time before it is combat ready again).  Orbital bombardment of military targets on Mars proper begins.  Steele has received directives from the Security Council to not attack civilian targets unless they serve a clear military purpose.  He would prefer a more ‘shock and awe’ type of strategy, but acknowledges that the Security Council order serves a good PR purpose as well.  Reinforcements are largely blocked.

The Martian Congress has an emergency meeting.  Second Fleet Mars cannot break the GTVA blockade, nor can First Fleet break in to help Mars.  After several months of bombardment (and after some GTVA marines have landed on Mars), the Martian government requests terms of surrender from Admiral Steele.  The terms are basically what Jupiter got when it surrendered:  a military government will take control of the planet for at least the duration of the conflict; the GTVA will also get control of, and docking privileges at all Martian installations.  A few cruisers and a Karuna are captured by GTVA forces, but most capital ships in the 2nd Fleet have fled to Earth or been destroyed to prevent GTVA capture.    The GTVA is able to take control of most remaining Martian installations (including shipyards and supply bases).  However, some are destroyed by retreating Martians who leave and join the First Fleet (Earth) for what is assumed to be the final battle to come.  Enough remain for the GTVA to bring up its logistics train to Mars now though. 

With Admiral Carder dead and Admiral Netreba in a coma (but expected to eventually recover and be able to resume his duties), Admiral Robert Byrne (CO of First Fleet Earth) is now the de facto commander in chief of all UEF forces still active in Sol.  His doctors tell him he does not get enough sleep, but he feels he has to keep going on.  The weight of a whole system is on his shoulders now as the most senior military officer active.  He is being bombarded with political opinions on both sides.  Some want him to fight on until the last UEF citizen falls, but there are also those who want him to look for terms now.  A part of the ‘seek terms now’ faction is willing to let the GTVA keep Mars and Jupiter if they would let Earth stay independent.  Byrne still believes Sol can keep its independence if the GTVA can be bled enough (though he doesn’t emphasize this with great ferocity, leading some to believe he doesn’t really believe it himself).  The Elders and Ubuntu Party hope to maintain Sol’s independence, but are greatly saddened at the loss of life the UEF military is suffering. 

Meanwhile, another council of war is organized by Admiral Steele.  The surrender of Mars did
not bring about the immediate surrender of Earth.  Some form of action against Earth proper and its immediate area would have to be put in action.  Despite the numerical advantage in destroyers the GTVA holds, it doesn’t want to charge straight in and lose.  The GTVA wants to use its numbers as effectively as it can.  GTVA forces work on picking off smaller vessels like cruisers and transport ships so that more powerful vessels like Karunas and Narayanas can be isolated.  A number of Karunas are destroyed when the campaign against Earth begins in earnest; Karunas are strong against fighter attacks, but lack the range to take on GTVA heavy corvettes whose beam cannons outrange the kinetic weaponry of the Karunas. 

GTVA forces made up of destroyers, corvettes, cruisers, and AWACS ships continue blitzes on Earth.  One of the notable early incidents in this Second Earth Blitz is that Rheza Station, which valiantly held on in the First Earth Blitz against the Imperiuse and Atreus, finally was destroyed by fighter wings from the resupplied and repaired GTD Carthage.  The GTD Imperiuse and GTD Bastion attack other shipyards and military targets under Earth control.  The GVD Shepseskaf gains notoriety when its battle group finally locates and finishes off the UED Eris (Admiral Netreba was not on board and was recovering in a military hospital.  The Vasudan destroyer continues to patrol the area between Earth and Jupiter to prevent smaller UEF ships from attacking important GTVA supply ships.  However, a squadron of the UEF’s elite Durga bombers attacks and moderately damages the Shepseskaf which forces it back to Mars for combat repairs.  Reinforcements from other GTVA destroyers eliminate this squadron.  A point of frustration for the GTVA though is that the UED Solaris continues to evade GTVA forces and launch hit and run attacks on GTVA positions around Earth.  The Solaris’ fighter group is taking casualties, but the ship itself is still active.  A tragedy occurred though, when a Narayana from the Solaris’ battle group miscalculated a jump and jumped next to a GTVA corvette group.  The Narayana was able to damage a couple corvettes but was soon shredded by beam fire.

Elections occur in early 2087 in the Terran portion of the GTVA General Assembly.  General Secretary Tocqueville’s center-right party retains power and gains a couple seats.  He and Steele see this as a validation of the war effort.  People were excited that the war may be over soon and were happy with the military victories in Mars and elsewhere.  With new elections not due until 2089, the UEF now feels that the GTVA is committed to the end of this war and a decisive end of the conflict.  The UEF Admiralty is not sure it can hold on for another two years.

[CT27]

GTVA VICTORY (extended edition) PART 2

Admiral Robert Byrne’s room on the UED Solaris is a sad place.  He doesn’t want to give up, but can’t see what to do now.  After a while an aide requested entry.  Byrne got up and opened the door and asked what the problem was.  The aide tried to maintain a neutral expression as he handed Admiral Byrne a message.  “It was listed for your eyes only Admiral, and those of your command staff,” the aide spoke.  “I don’t know its contents, but it was graded priority one and came directly from the top of Ubuntu and the Council.”
Byrne thanked him and sat down on his bed while opening the message:

“To Admiral Robert Byrne, UEF military commander-in-chief and field commander of First Fleet Home:
The military situation is grim, and that is an understatement.  With the addition of new Tev forces into the war, including Vasudans, our updated projections give us less than a month of military and logistic operations at current levels before we are forced to reduce operations.  The GTVA are making heavy runs on our military supply chains.  We also estimate they may attempt landing operations on Luna in the very near future.  Serious landings on Earth itself are expected less than a month after that.  No new frigates are coming online in time to help you; what little resources we have left are used to keep the Solaris active. 
Since Tocqueville’s party won the GTVA elections, we have no other choice but to assume their population is behind the war effort.  To be quite frank, there’s no way we can hold on until their next elections.  I have no doubt you could inflict grievous ha"rm on the Tev fleet, but you and the rest of the fleet would be destroyed and Earth would be damaged beyond all recognition if we fought a true battle for our mother planet.  It would serve no purpose and would literally be hell on Earth.  It is doubtful whether we could actually prevent landings on Earth now.  With Mars under GTVA control, they have a dagger at our throats.
If we want to preserve any semblance of our culture, we have no other choice since achieving a military victory is now impossible barring divine intervention.  Rob, we aren’t going to lie to you, this was a contentious issue and there was some disagreement among Ubuntu and Elder members…but eventually all came to support, or at least not openly oppose this course of action we’re about to take.  With a great deal of regret, we are prepared to surrender the UEF to the GTVA.  Since they don’t know exactly how bad our situation is, I think we can get a conditional surrender that maintains some semblance of our honor.
Your next assignment is to open contact with Admiral Steele and begin negotiations.  You aren’t expected to make a final treaty between the two of you, but at least get an armistice in place and the time and place of the final negotiations can be established later. 
The GTVA has the power here, but try and get what you can.  UEF leaders were only able to come to a consensus on this on the basis that we aren’t treated like slaves.  If the GTVA intends to rape, pillage, and plunder us, we will keep fighting.  Preserving the de jure independence and sovereignty of the Sol system is doubtful, but it is hopeful terms better than the original demands of the GTVA Security Council can be achieved. 
Appeal to Steele’s ego if you must.  Let him know if the war ends now he could be known as the man who won the war and that history will record him as magnanimous and merciful if he agrees to less harsh terms.  If he wants to oversee the final ceremony and be on all the networks and be the General MacArthur for this negotiation, let him.  Admiral Steele has been an advocate of ending this war quickly; if he will treat us well and reduce the GTVA’s standing draconian terms for surrender, appeal to his honor and let him know the war could be over soon.  If we have to flatter him to get what we want, so be it.
Robert, I know you have been a tireless fighter in our war effort.  We in Ubuntu and the Council of Elders will be eternally grateful to you for your service.  This action must be just as distasteful to you as it is to us, but we just don’t have a better option at this point.  We respect your intellect as well as your fighting skills, your politics degree from the University of Washington proves that.  After these preliminary negotiations with Steele, we will reserve a spot for you on the final negotiation team should you wish to be a part of that.
It is understood Admiral Kyle Netreba is en route to the Solaris for a strategy meeting with you.  Please inform him of these developments.  Let him be involved with talking with Steele if he wishes, but only if Admiral Netreba will support what we are doing here. 
This is certainly not the outcome to the war that we wished; the Ubuntu Party and Council of Elders would much rather be sending you to Delta Serpentis to negotiate terms for our victory.  Still, despite this somber situation we all find ourselves in, we hope the war can end soon.

Godspeed Admiral Byrne."



One day, Admiral Netreba comes into Admiral Byrne’s room on the UED Solaris.  After exchanging pleasantries and expressing his happiness that Netreba is well again, Byrne asks Netreba what he wishes to talk about.  Kyle Netreba almost breaks down in tears.  “It’s over Rob,” he states.  “We’re not accomplishing anything anymore.  If we stop now, maybe they’ll be merciful.”

“Kyle, are you aware the Elders and Ubuntu leaders basically told me the same thing?”

Netreba sighed.  “No, but it’s not surprising.”  Byrne told Netreba about the message from the UEF leadership.  “I don’t like it any more than you do Rob,” Netreba started.  “But, I don’t want to drag you down further by arguing with you over all this.  I have your back in this, you can trust me here my friend.”

Byrne continued:  “Kyle, what do you think good old Hans Calder would say right now?”

“Ha,” Netreba let out a light laugh.  “He’d fight to the last man, woman, and child, of the UEF.  With all due respect to our fallen comrade, perhaps it is well he is not here for these negotiations.  He doesn’t have your…shall we say…political acumen.”

Byrne got up and gestured for Netreba to walk with him.  “I know what I have to do.  Let’s head to the bridge.  Hans served us well when he was alive and will be remembered as a great military hero.  Unfortunately, the universe is as we find it, not as we wish it.  Well, we’re here at the bridge.  Just a second Kyle,” some on the bridge were surprised at the informality of Admiral Byrne using Admiral Netreba’s first name but at this point Admiral Byrne didn’t really care, “Helm…take us to this position.  It’s the last known coordinates of the GTD Atreus.  Men and women of the 1st Fleet, I love each and every one of you.  What is about to happen may be difficult, but it is the will of Ubuntu and the Elders; I also assure you I would not ask you to take this course if I was unwilling to do so myself.”

The executive officer of the Solaris put in coordinates.  “Roger, Admiral.  I’ve input a course for the coordinates you provided.  If we can’t win, let’s at least take down Steele with us.  We can stall them and one of the Narayanas with us can ram and take down the Atreus.”

“That’s not…exactly what I hope to meet up with the GTD Atreus for and what the Elders and Ubuntu Party directed me to do,” Byrne replied somewhat nervously as he took his exec aside for some privacy.

“Well, what else could it be sir?”  The exec asked, confused.  “What other reason could the UEF want you to directly seek out Steele for?”  The exec paused, neither saying anything for about a minute.  “Oh…, I see sir.  We’re giving up, aren’t we?”

“Matt, this isn’t any easier for me,” Byrne continued.  “But like I said, this is a direct order from the highest levels, Ubuntu, the Council, and the Joint Chiefs.  We’re going to try to get the best terms we can, if not then we continue the war.  This is the will of the Elders; Admiral Netreba here also supports this.  You know how bad our military situation is, I would speak up if I thought we had any better options.  I don’t want a civil war on my ship, can I count on you Matt?  You’re one of the best officers I’ve ever had under my command.”

The executive officer, Matthew, silently pondered these things for a few seconds.  “As tough as this may be Admiral, I’ll stand by you.  While this will be disappointing news, I think most of the officers here won’t oppose you.”

Byrne spoke up again:  “Thank you, this means a lot.  When we enter into sensor range of the Atreus, power down our forward weapons and go to normal cruise speed; we don’t want to frighten them.  Order the rest of our battle group to do the same.  Then open a communications channel with Admiral Steele as soon as you can.  I’ll be in my bridge command chair.  Admiral Netreba, please watch over the Solaris while I’m on the Atreus.”




The GTD Atreus was heading back to Mars to refuel and rearm itself and its craft for another attack on Earth.  Admiral Steele was in a relatively good mood.  Military facilities on Earth and Luna were being constantly bombarded and Luna might be able to have troops landed on it soon.  Though Earth would be an extremely tough nut to crack; Steele was thankful he wasn’t the general who would have to command that invasion.  All he had to worry about now primarily were the few Narayanas (GTVI estimated less than half a dozen remained in the UEF arsenal) and the UED Solaris out there.  Once those were taken out, he figured, the remaining Karunas shouldn’t be much trouble.  He was even thinking he might even be able to go take a nap now.

“Admiral Steele!” one of his bridge crew shouted.  “The Solaris just jumped in right in front of us!  Two Narayanas, two Karunas, and four Sanctus cruisers in escort position!”

Steele spun around and looked at a computer readout.  Apparently his intelligence was wrong about the location of the UEF’s remaining destroyer.  “Let’s end this now everyone!  Helm, charge all beam cannons and get us in forward beam range.  Recall our fighter patrols and launch all our remaining fighters.  We might need the Blue Lions’ help so inform Admiral Snipes on the Bastion and ask if he can spare any fighters…the UEF may be going for broke here.”

“Sir!” shouted his communication officer.  “The Solaris is…it’s hailing us.”

“What?”  Admiral Steele replied in surprise.  “On screen then.  Let’s see what he has to say.”

Admiral Steele sat down in his bridge chair and watched as a face appeared on his viewscreen.  “This is GTVA Admiral Steele, Sol Theater Commander.  How may I help?”

“Admiral Steele, this is Admiral Robert Byrne, commander of UEF First Fleet Home.  I know you may be suspicious of my wanting to speak with you, but I assure you I’m not planning any sort of ambush.  As your sensors can read, I’ve powered down my weapons and my accompanying escorts have done so too.”

Steele wasn’t sure exactly what to expect here.  “Helm, inform any returning craft to form a screen around us and not fire on the UEF vessels here without my permission.  Admiral Byrne, I thank you for your noble gesture.  But what is it you wish to discuss?  We are the two main commanders of opposing militaries so I presume this isn’t a friendly chit chat.”

Byrne looked saddened as he prepared his words to speak.  “No Admiral Steele, it’s not.  To be quite frank, I wish I didn’t have to have this conversation with you.  I apologize if I come off as rude and I don’t mean any offense, but this is difficult for me to do.  The Council of Elders and Ubuntu officials have directed me to seek you out and begin communications with you regarding…regarding seeking…an honorable end to hostilities…”

Steele was taken aback at this statement and was stunned.  Silence, in a similar fashion swept over the bridge of the GTD Atreus.  Needing to say something, Steele spoke up after carefully considering his words:  “Admiral Byrne, forgive my hesitation, this is a momentous occasion and I needed a second to pick out my words.  Any final settlement will of course have to go above my head and through the Security Council and General Assembly, but I’d be honored to hear you out and hear what you have to say.  While these meetings are taking place, would a general cease-fire be acceptable?”

“Yes, I think that can be arranged, I will ask First Fleet to stay in their defensive positions and not fire unless fired upon.  I believe I can convince Admiral Netreba to convince the remnants of Second Fleet to do the same.  Thank you for not lording this over me Admiral Steele and thank you also for not gloating.  This is the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do, and I’ve seen thousands die.  May I come over to the Atreus to discuss things with you personally?  Please understand that I too don’t have authority to settle a final treaty; like you, any final settlement will have to be settled by our leaders. I will be coming over in a standard UEF shuttle craft.  I will be unarmed and no weapons will be on our shuttle, I promise.”

Steele felt joy for the first time in a long time.  He wanted to be professional about all these huge developments and not appear to be a braggart so he had to not make a visual representation of the growing sense of elation that he was feeling.  “Acknowledged, Admiral Byrne.  I have informed my battle group of our meeting so no one will fire on you as you come over in your shuttle.  Just in case, though, that not all GTVA craft in our area got the message, I’m sending a wing of Erinyes over to the Solaris to escort you to the Atreus.”

“Thank you Admiral Steele.  See you in a few minutes.  Admiral Byrne out.”

As the communications channel closed on the Atreus, Steele looked up at all the stunned faces on the bridge staring at him.  Shock was clearly registered on their faces, but some were beginning to even smile too.  Steele even began to crack a smile too, but first some business had to be done…
“Helm, inform all our admirals of this event.  Get a priority message to GTVA High Command, the Security Council, and Secretary General Tocqueville.  Have someone get a State diplomacy team out here immediately.  Also, tell Admiral Recamai on the Shepseskaf to please inform Emperor Khonsu of these events; we could really use his help in ending this thing.  He’ll probably want to have some of his people at final negotiations.  That’s fine, we might not have won this without the Vasudans coming in.  Have my staff meet me in the fighter bay  I want to greet Admirals Byrne with as much honor as I can under the circumstances.  Let’s go.”

“Wait,” Admiral Steele interrupted his communications officer.  “Inform the other admirals and GTVA officials as ordered, but I’ll talk to Admiral Recamai myself, open a separate channel with the Shepseskaf.”

A Vasudan face soon emerged on a communications terminal.  “This is Admiral Recamai, what is it, Admiral Steele?”

“Admiral Recamai, I have momentous news,” Steele began.  “Admiral Byrne of the UEF just opened contact with me…”

“Why would the enemy commander open communications with you personally?”  Recamai broke in.

Steele wasn’t fazed by the interruption.  “This has impact on the war as a whole.  He indicated that the UEF is willing to surrender and wishes to open preliminary negotiations with me.  He and Admiral Kyle Netreba, commander Second Fleet Mars, are coming over in a shuttle craft to the Atreus in just a few minutes.  We won’t be able to settle things, but this may truly be the beginning of the end.”

“I see.”

“Admiral Recamai, would you do me a personal favor?”  Steele asked.

“How may I be of help?”  Recamai replied.

Admiral Steele answered:  “Would you please personally inform Emperor Khonsu II of these events?  Also, would you get in touch with diplomatic leaders and have them coordinate to send an official diplomatic team out here in the event we have the ability to reach a final settlement?  I’ve already sent such notices to Terran leaders, but I strongly believe the GTVA delegation should consist of both Terrans and Vasudans.  This victory would not have been reachable without your help.”

“I would be honored to help play a role in ending this tragic war,” Recamai answered.  “As soon as I close out communications with you, I will inform Emperor Khonsu personally.  He will then choose which Vasudans to send out to negotiate the end of the war.  Thank you for informing me of these events, Admiral Steele.  Admiral Recamai out.”

Not long afterwards, UEF Admiral Byrne landed aboard the GTD Atreus in his shuttle craft.  Many pilots and deck crew on the deck tried to get a look at the UEF people that came aboard.  Admiral Steele allowed those on the deck to watch, but at a distance, and ordered them to be respectful.  Admiral Byrne followed Steele to a meeting room on the bridge of the Atreus.

The preliminary meetings on board the GTD Atreus were professional, and later reports would say relatively cordial, given the circumstances.  To break the ice at first, each talked about their family and how they got into military service and other small talk.  However, they eventually got
down to business.  Steele had some worries that he was not a professional negotiator so he didn’t want to screw up anything important. 

“Well Admiral, you requested this meeting.  I will give you the honor of speaking first.  What do you wish to say?”

“I’ll get a point of diplomatic protocol out of the way first, if that’s all right,” Admiral Byrne began.  “I have talked with Admiral Netreba and he is agreeable to my doing most of the talking here.  That is how the Ubuntu Party and Council of Elders directed me to proceed, in any case.  Anyways, to the point…I did not ask to come here under false pretenses.  The UEF does wish to end the war considering a military solution has not been reached for us.  I recognize that we will have to give quite a bit.  However, we will not be treated as slaves.  If all you intend to do is rape, pillage, plunder, and or enslave us perpetually, we will fight on.  The original demands of the GTVA Security Council appear that way to us.  I hope that we, as reasonable military men who have seen the horrors of war, can come to a more practical accommodation.”

Steele made an effort to keep his tone neutral.  “Admiral Byrne, if you’re asking for status quo ante bellum, that’s out of the question I’m afraid.  Politically, that’s not what our people want.  There might be some room for deviation from the original Security Council demands, but not that far.”

“No, no, no,” Admiral Byrne interjected.  “I recognize that status quo ante bellum is out of reach; I’m not that naïve.  That’s not the impression I intended to give.  Like I said before, I and the UEF are prepared to acknowledge we lost the war if you’ll merely show at least a modicum of mercy or magnanimity.  As for your second point about what the people of the GTVA want, ironically by showing us some leniency, you could give the people ‘what they want’.  You could give them the victory that you say that they want relatively quickly if you just treat us as more than just a conquered people which would result in an indefinite quagmire for everyone.”

Steele raised an eyebrow.  “I hope you’re not overestimating the power that I wield.”

“But you’re the face of the GTVA war effort and a personal friend of Tocqueville along with a number of other General Assembly politicians.  Give yourself some credit Admiral.”

“Well, I’ll try.  That’s all I can promise.  I want this over soon.  That’s one of the reasons I increased military operations beyond that of my predecessor Severanti.  There are some people who would want to run Sol into the ground, I’m not one of them.  I want to move forward so we can all be better prepared to fight the Shivans.”

Byrne nodded.  “Fair enough.  Let’s get down to business.  Since you’ve indicated you might have some degree of flexibility, what is one of your non-negotiables?”

“Well, Steele began.  “I think the obvious point would be the status of the Sol system.  The people want to see the GTVA flag on Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and elsewhere.  I don’t think you’ll be able to avoid the loss of UEF sovereignty over Sol, this is a massive issue of cultural pride for us.  There might be some degree of local control for certain industries, but the GTVA will have sovereignty of the Sol system and will nationalize the military industries.”

“Truth be told, I expected that,” Byrne nodded sadly.  “One point of contention I have concerns our Elders.  They are an extremely important point of culture to us.  It would not go over well, to say the least, to see them in chains or in prison…which some of your more bombastic politicians have proposed doing according to news reports.”

“I can see what you’re saying,” Steele said somewhat sympathetically.  “That would not go over well in terms of accomplishing the GTVA goal either:  namely that of integrating Sol into the GTVA.  On the other hand, they are seen as enemy leadership.  Perhaps this as a compromise on the matter:  there will be no war crimes tribunals or prison terms for the Elders or Ubuntu leadership if they will agree to sign loyalty oaths recognizing GTVA sovereignty over Sol and promising not to take up arms again against us.  Unfortunately, for you, both the Ubuntu Party and Council of Elders will have to be stripped of official decision making authority and disbanded.”

Byrne silently pondered this.  “Seeing as how you hold the whip hand in this war now and that that’s likely the best deal we could get, I accept.  On to another matter, I’ve read more statements from the General Assembly and some have even argued for forced repatriation of now-UEF citizens to GTVA space.  Sol is our home, and even if a different flag flies over the planets here, people won’t want to be forced to leave.”

“Again,” Steele began to reply.  “My goal is to try and reintegrate Sol into our galactic government for the purpose of fighting the chaotic forces that are out there.  “Fostering perpetual hostility is not the best way to go for that aim.  I do not wish to unnecessarily drag people from their homes.  I think we can agree to nix forced repatriation if you will allow for immigration to Sol from GTVA citizens.  I don’t know the exact numbers per year that will be allowed, civilian politicians will have to determine that, but after the war, there will be GTVA citizens who want to return to the mother planet system.”

 “Having no realistic alternative,” Byrne sighed, “…agreed.”

“Think about it,” Steele began again.  “Having GTVA citizens in Sol might be good for the system in the long run.  With more GTVA citizens in the system, it is likely the system will gain back civilian rights sooner rather than later.  By that I mean, for a period of time, the system will be under military governance after the war ends.”

“Perhaps you’re right.”  After pausing, Byrne decided to bring up another point.  “Now to the matter of war and financial reparations.  What exactly are you going to be demanding of us?”

“Truth be told, it is actually going to be we who are going to be paying you war reparations, in a matter of speaking,” Steele laughed slightly as he replied.

Byrne blinked in surprise.  “Say again Admiral?”

“Well,” Steele replied.  “The GTVA wishes to rebuild this system on more of a military footing, so the GTVA will wish to pour in resources into Sol to develop more shipyards and whatnot and to rebuild the general economy of the system.  We will be building the industry of this system to better fight the dangers of the universe.  More of the economy will be devoted to military resources.  Also, we will pay for the accommodations for the GTVA immigrants to this system.  Subject to background checks and loyalty oaths, perhaps now UEF citizens might be allowed to work on those projects.  They may not like us, but most able-bodied people will want jobs.”

“I have one more point to make now.”  Steele spoke again and Byrne nodded.  “We may be able to negotiate for things like local control of utilities and local police forces.  However, the GTVA will take control of your major military industries.  This will include, but not necessarily limited to:  Bradbury Fleet Yards, Tethis Designs, Manadyne Designs, Saab Spaceframes,, Stormrider, your special factory out by Mercury, and this ‘secret project’ that GTVI has said you’re working on.  There will be no sabotage or scorched Earth policy enacted by you on installations.”

“If you take control of all those industries…while I understand why you want to do that…the GTVA would be putting a lot of people out of work.”

“This concern of yours is understood,” Admiral Steele noted.  “I think it could be arranged for some people to remain in some lower level positions, subject to loyalty oaths of course.  This transition, if you agree to it, won’t be 100% pretty…I wouldn’t lie to you.  But I wouldn’t want to make things purposefully miserable for the people of Sol.”

Admiral Byrne looked at his watch.  “I think we have time for one more preliminary discussion item, Admiral Steele.  I will have to make a preliminary report of these unofficial negotiations to officials on Earth.  They are expecting to hear from me.  My last question for today is:  What will become of our navy?”

“If I had to gauge what the Security Council would go for, I’d say heavy capital vessels will be turned over to GTVA custody after a final agreement is signed; that’s my view.  This includes the Solaris and Narayanas.  Probably your AWACS ships, although those aren’t warships per se.  You might be able to keep a small number of Karunas and Sanctus cruisers for militia duty, though I’m not promising anything there.  I agree that it is getting late Admiral Byrne.  Shall we retire for today to inform our respective governments of these discussions?”

“Agreed, Admiral Steele.  I think the UEF will agree to these ideas.  They won’t like them, but I think these are ideas they could at least live with, given the circumstances.  I thank you for being somewhat flexible.  You’re pragmatic if nothing else.”

“Thank you,” Steele replied.  “I am a student of military history.  Do you know about the United States Civil War?”

“I’m relatively familiar with that conflict, yes.  One of the reasons is that my great-great-great-great…you get the point, grandfather fought in it.”

“At the end of the conflict, Union General Grant decided to be merciful to Confederate General Robert E. Lee rather lord it over him when the surrender at Appomattox took place.  The goal was to reunify the peoples rather than totally enslave the southern states.  That’s one of my inspirations for how I decided I would handle the war when I first entered this conflict.”

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” Admiral Byrne noted.  “For what it’s worth Admiral Steele, this was the hardest mission I’ve ever had to do and I thank you for making it as easy for me as you possibly could.  As long as remaining UEF forces are not fired upon, I will order them to hold defensive positions above Earth.  Hopefully this cease-fire will hold until something final can be signed.  I will leave the frigate, UEFg Endurance and a Sanctus cruiser with your battle group.  When GTVA negotiators get here, they will escort any GTVA ships to Earth where they will be allowed docking privileges at Earth and Luna installations.”

An officer came in and after apologizing handed a note to Admiral Steele.  “Well, well,” Steele
said.  “It appears General Secretary Tocqueville and Emperor Khonsu II themselves are heading to Sol.”

While preliminary ideas were exchanged, it was agreed that a final treaty would be negotiated at Luna after various representatives from the GTVA arrived a few days later.  In the meantime, a general armistice was put in place; GTVA ships were allowed to dock at Lunar and Earth stations for this meeting.  General Secretary Tocqueville would lead the delegation from the Terran portion of the GTVA along with the Assembly Speaker and Emperor Khonsu II would lead the GTVA Vasudan diplomatic mission, accompanied by Admiral Recamai of the Medjai.  Along with them would come a Vasudan and Terran representative from the Security Council.  Admiral Steele, Sol Theater Commander, would also sit with the GTVA delegation. 

On the other side of the table sat the UEF delegation.  This included Admirals Netreba and Byrne.  The UEF also sent the Ubuntu Party chairman and Ubuntu Party Speaker of the Congress; three representatives from the Council of Elders were also present.  Seven representatives were present on each side.

Negotiations had a very serious tone, but the tone was also respectful for the most part.  Khonsu convinced his fellow GTVA negotiators to treat Sol not as a conquered people but as lost family.   He believed not only would this decrease lasting hatred, but would also serve the free peoples of the universe better in that Shivans could be fought better in the future.

After approximately two weeks of negotiations, a final treaty was announced and signed by all the concerned parties (how much negotiating ability the UEF actually had is debated since the GTVA was definitely in control of the military situation in Sol).  It was clear that the GTVA won but the final terms were slightly less harsh than what the Security Council originally demanded at the war’s start.  To list all the Treaty of Luna provisions would be quite large, but for the sake of simplification, here are some of the more important provisions:
*The UEF (Ubuntu Party and Council of Elders) will ratify the Beta Aquilae Convention and acknowledge GTVA sovereignty over Sol
*No war crimes tribunals or war reparations will have to be paid by the UEF to the GTVA
*The Solaris, and most frigates (Narayanas and Karunas) and AWACS ships will be turned over to GTVA custody.  A small number of Karunas and Sanctus cruisers will be allowed to be kept for militia duty against pirates and whatnot (with GTVA officers), though the GTVA now assumes national defense of the system
*GTVA citizens will be allowed to immigrate to Sol (per year numbers allowed to be decided by the General Assembly and Security Council
*The GTVA will assist with the rebuilding of military and civilian infrastructure
*Sol will be governed as a military territory for a period of time and (subject to a vote of the Security Council and General Assembly) will become a regular territory in 10 years, and then (subject to another GTVA vote) a full member system of the GTVA 5 years after that
*The Ubuntu Party and Council of Elders are disbanded.  However, these people can run for the civilian government again if/when Sol is elevated above militarily governed territory. 
*Former UEF military people will be allowed to join the GTVA military if they so choose, subject to taking a loyalty oath and undergoing a background check (it is suspected that some will want to join just for the sake of having work)
*For the sake of improving the defense of the GTVA:  more of Sol’s resources will be moved to military production, and all UEF military files and technology will be handed over to the Security Council

At the official treaty ceremony, many UEF personnel were in attendance.  Many were sad, others were hopeful they could get back to their families.  After he signed the Treaty of Luna in his last act as UEF military commander in chief, Admiral Byrne asked Admiral Steele:  “Admiral Steele, with your permission, may I address my men and women in attendance one last time as their commander?  I give you my word I won’t try to incite rebellion or insurrection or anything of the sort.”

Steele gave his permission.  Admiral Byrne stepped up to a podium:  “Men, women, soldiers of the former UEF First Fleet Home, Second Fleet Mars, and Third Fleet Jovian Rim, it has been the honor of my life to serve with you all.  I know this road we are about to travel may be difficult, but as I have always said:  I would never ask you to take a course of action I was unwilling to do myself.  I consider myself a good judge of character; over the past few weeks I have got to know Admiral Steele and I believe him when he says he will be just towards the inhabitants of Sol.  History will remember you all as great warriors.  If you can all be as good citizens of the GTVA as you were soldiers for the UEF, I know humanity will be that much stronger for the result.  Along with our Vasudan brothers and sisters the Shivans will then never be able to conquer us.”

In its final act, the Ubuntu Party (on Earth, Mars, and Jupiter) ratifies BETAC and on May 17, 2387, the GTVA-UEF War officially comes to a close. The UEF flag was then lowered from the capitol building in Washington, D.C. and the GTVA flag raised in its place.     Humanity is now reunited, at least politically.  The Treaty of Luna was firm, but there were some in the GTVA who wanted it to be harsher.  Emperor Khonsu II was one of the leading GTVA advocates for being relatively magnanimous to the former UEF.  Interestingly, Admiral Steele also believed in eventual reunification of the GTVA and Sol and not just treating them as a conquered people and pillaging and plundering for resources.  He viewed this as the best way to secure humanity’s future against the Shivans. 

Admiral Steele was appointed Military Commandant of the Sol system by the Security Council.  He tries to rule with a firm, but just hand.  Steele also chose Admiral Recamai as his second in command.  He wanted to choose Admiral Anita Lopez, but the GTVA Terrans owed the Vasudans a political favor.  Lopez assured Steele she was not upset and understood the decision.

Admiral Recamai is overseeing the GTVA Vasudan led-portion of the reconstruction efforts in Sol with Admiral Lopez leading the GTVA Terran forces involved in civilian and military reconstruction projects.  Admiral Steele, in addition to being the overall GTVA Military Commandant of Sol, is currently overseeing a cooperative project between GTVA military R&D personnel and former UEF engineers (with the GTVA people in lead) to create military technologies that combine the best of GTVA and former UEF technology; already a heavy fighter and frigate design have made it to the drawing board.  The project also hopes to have a cruiser proposal ready in a month and a destroyer idea ready by the end of the year.

[CT27]

A small addition I made to this scenario (showing what might be a GTVA loyalty oath):

GALACTIC TERRAN-VASUDAN ALLIANCE LOYALTY OATH



I, __________________________, acknowledge the following:

1-GTVA political sovereignty over the Sol system
2-GTVA military sovereignty over the Sol system
3-To maintain employment, I promise to work for the good of the GTVA
4-I will obey the orders of lawful GTVA authorities
5-If I wish to stay in the military, now under GTVA control, or ever join the GTVA military in the future, I may be called upon to fight the Shivans or any other enemies of the GTVA



I, __________________________, promise to NOT do the following:

1-Advocate for the return of United Earth Federation political sovereignty over Sol
2-Promote the return of the UEF military’s sovereignty over Sol
3-Take up arms against the GTVA in Sol or anywhere else
4-Advocate the return of the Ubuntu Party or the Council of Elders


I, __________________________, also acknowledge that violation of this oath may result in a charge up to that of treason, a capital crime under the GTVA