98868.4
CAPT Dubois, C.
LOCATION Axikol System, Doza Sector
MISSION Main objective identified in re-taking the system from the Terrans. Secondary objective identified in the destruction of enemy forces.
OUTCOME Terran fleet severely damaged, with five vessels destroyed and one crippled. Main objective achieved.
KEY PERSONNEL
- CAPT C. Dubois, USS Peacecraft
- BGEN S. Cynis, IKS Daramar
- CAPT A. Holmes, USS Dallas
- CAPT S. Hanson, USS Sunrise
NARRATIVE Recent SIGINT and MASINT had confirmed that the Terran presence in the Axikol system had recently weakened due to fleet movements needed to counter allied operations. Taking into consideration Axikol strategic importance, and the fact that the Terrans had established a planetary blockade around the Tellarite colony on the system main planet, the window thus opened was deemed to be too relevant not to exploited.
For this reason, a task force was hastily assembled in an attempt to take the system back. Despite initial predictions to have more assets available, emergency frontline needs diverted some units at the last minute. As a result, the task force came to be composed of the USS Peacecraft, USS Dallas, and IKS Daramar. Operational command was assigned to the USS Peacecraft.
Our intel suggested a clear numerical superiority in favour of the Terrans, with at least eight units at Axicol, identified as one dreadnought-level asset, one support unit, three cruisers, and three escorts. In order to even our odds, the commanding officers devised a plan to lure some Terran units out of the main area of operations. The ruse was to be carried out by IKS Kor’goth, who managed to slip into the system and attract the attention of half the Terran force, leaving around Axikol the Terran dreadnought, supported by two cruisers and one escort.
The task force then immediately entered the system, approaching the main area of operations, and the battle began with the USS Peacecraft opening fire against the Terran dreadnought, ISS Asgrim, however meeting with immediate return fire. The ensuing battle saw the USS Dallas averting more damage to the Peacecraft, with the IKS Daramar attracting most of the enemy fire. A focus fire tactic was followed by the task force, under suggestion of Gen. Cynis, and the Terran forces were overwhelmed, with the resulting destruction of all four units, and relatively heavy damage to allied ships.
The rest of the Terran fleet did not manage to come to support its allies until control of Axikol orbit had been achieved. When the IKS Kor’goth reached back the task force, the Terrans followed, and the task force braced for another battle. At that moment, the USS Sunrise arrived on the scene, in response to a call for help. The Terrans engaged battle nonetheless, but the result was the destruction of their support vessel, ISS Dadae, and the crippling of their surving cruiser, ISS Timur. At this point, the commanding officer of the Timur, who identified herself as Acting Captain Command Allster, asked for terms for their withdrawal. After a brief consultation with the members of the task force, it was decided to let the Terrans leave the system unhindered. At that moment, the Terrans broke the engagement, and left Axikol, leaving the task force controlling the area of operations.
RECOMMENDATION The liberation of the system and its colony is a significant achievement, and it should not go wasted. The damage inflicted to the Terran forces in situ, despite the initial significant numerical disadvantage, should be exploited as well. Consistent with Terran strategic culture and usual behavior, it should be expected that they will attempt a new offensive in the system, should they be able to muster sufficient forces for it. For this reason, it is this officer’s opinion that further offensive operations should be pursued as soon as feasible against at least Itrin and Ikmore systems in order to exploit our success, widening the gap in the enemy frontline, and keeping the initiative in our hands. I will leave further details to a memorandum I intend to send to this Command.
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RECOGNITION All Commanding Officers and their crew performed admirably during this operation, despite the odds of a defeat being significant, to say the least. I would like to personally commend Gen. Cynis and Capt. Holmes for their bravery and strategic and tactical acumen, and skills. I would also like to extend my personal gratitude, and that of my crew, to Capt. Hanson and the crew of the USS Sunrise. Their timely intervention avoided the further prosecution of the battle which could have possibly turned against us.
OOC This is the AAR for The Axikol Campaign. I thank everyone who joined the event despite the short notice.