Hello all
I'm adding this prequel to my Ministry of Space tale as I've just realized I didn't explain enough as to what the Ministry of Space actually is.
Here's a quick time line so as to set the scene for the story.
1945: British special force capture German Rocket research teams from Peenemunde in Germany, taking with them all notes and transportable equipment. American advance scouts who enter the base are killed when Lancaster bombers flatten what remains of the German research centre.
Air Marshall John Dashwood holds a secret meeting with Winston Churchill, in which he reveals that he is responsible for the capture of the German scientists and intends to use their expertise to put Britain and the Empire ahead in the coming space race. He also reveals he has obtained a "Black Budget" and Churchill approves the formation of the Ministry of Space.
Churchill also secretly orders the formation of a universal military intelligence and police force known as the M system with M7 being the highest obtainable level. Able to access all information and being held above the law in order that they may carry out their duty, to ensure the safety of the British Empire and the collection of vital information whatever the cost. Also known as Red Book carriers due to the colour of the booklet containing their security passes.
1946: First rocket containing cameras is launched into space on an upgraded V-2 rocket chassis. British industrialists are ordered to cooperate and supply all the Ministry's needs. First Radio telescope is built at Jodrell Bank in Cheshire, becoming the control centre for British space operations.
1948: First Satellite is launched successfully, broadcasting "God save the King" in Morse code. Plans are made for the launch of the first Britannia class "Space Plane".
1950: Britannia is launch with John Dashwood at the controls, while initially successful in reaching space, control is lost on descent causing the plane to crash into a farm house. John Dashwood loses both his legs as a result. When released from hospital, John Dashwood is knighted for services to the Empire in 1952
1953: on the day of Queen Elizabeth's coronation the first multi-stage orbital rocket is launched, carrying with it the first foundation for a British controlled space station.
1956: Churchill Station, the first British space station, begins to generate its own power. National service conscription is continued and opened to include the royal space force.
Launched from Churchill Station, The Royal Spaceship Victoria completes the first successful moon landing.
1960: With the first lunar colony established, Corporal Langton discovers water on the moon.
1969: Captain Langton, leads the first colonisation fleet of 700 personnel to mars.
1976: Mars colony sets up green houses allowing for the rapid growth of crops. Exports to earth start at the end of the year making food one of the cheapest products in Britain.
1980: Under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's orders, the Ministry of Space weaponizes over a dozen vessels in order to keep the Cold War from boiling over. Further research into already common laser and rail-launching technology is commenced.
1982: Thatcher orders the orbital bombardment of Argentine military bases and installations on the Falkland Islands and on the Argentine Mainland in response to the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands, while this decision is greeted with shock by the world, Thatcher refuses to back down and threatens further bombardment until Argentine forces withdraw from the islands.
1985: Sir John Dashwood resigns as head of the Ministry of Space and becomes head lecturer in Space technology at Lowlands University.
1990: Due to increasing tension between America, Russia and Britain, Thatcher orders MoS hackers to launch all Nuclear Weapons from all countries except Britain. Once the missiles are in space, the British Space Station chain headed by Churchill Station is able to destroy all nuclear missiles, ensuring British dominance. While increasing her popularity with the military and the MoS and effectively ending the cold war, this act causes her cabinet to force her resignation.
1995: The first military fleet, the 1st Home System Fleet of the MoS is established consisting of 2 Dreadnoughts, 4 Cruisers and 8 Frigates.
2001: The Prothean Mars Archive is located and within months is mostly decoded. Knowledge of the Reapers is located but kept highly confidential, available only to Ministry of Defence, Intelligence and Space Supreme command and Red Book carriers.
America launches their first circum-lunar space flight named Apollo, despite British warnings. Due to malfunction the rocket explodes on launch. Rumours of British sabotage bring Anglo-American Relations to a new low.
2010: The Mass Relay at Pluto is discovered and activated, first probes sent through reveal more relays and liveable planets.
2012: First Space Carrier "Sir John Dashwood" is launched, at over 1.2 kilometres long and 600m wide at widest point it is the single largest craft built in space, has a compliment of 1,600 personnel and is armed with two squadrons of Sidley-Hawker "Hussar" class space fighters and one squadron of Avro-Supermarine "Dragoon" class light orbital and deep space bombers. "Sir John Dashwood" becomes the flagship of the 1st or Home System Fleet.
2015: Formation of the first Royal Space Marine regiments, 1st and 2nd regiments comprised mainly of British, 3rd is from Canada, the 4th is New Zealand and the 5th and 6th are from Australia. A 7th regiment is drafted in secret and comprises of special-forces from all commonwealth countries. The 7th Royal Space Marine's mission is to search for and protect any further Prothean relics or archives similar to those found on Mars. Men are equipped with specialist heavy armour capable of surviving space and weapons damage as well as Vickers-Maxim Pilum Assault rifles utilizing Mass Effect tech.
2018: President Ransky of America, building on America's suspicion and increasing dislike of Britain's growth since the Apollo incident, authorizes CIA and Delta force operations against Britsh Mass Effect research labs and Military research bases in Canada, Australia and the Carribian. Britain retaliates by presicion orbital bombardment of American Military complexes and placing America under economic blockade.
2020: Albion the first colony outside the Sol system is founded.
2030: Due to crippling national debt and the British blockade America joins the Commonwealth as The United Commonwealth of America, Texas and the California Republic vote to remain independent. The role of President is replaced with a Prime-Minister who reports to a Governor-General.
First Thatcher Class heavy Dreadnoughts constructed, these ships are the largest in the MoS fleet, over 1.75 kilometres long and with a main armament of 6 ship-length forward-facing Mass Effect enhanced rail guns allowing one salvo from this ship to slit open a planets crust. Vessel also contains 6 fighter and four bomber squadrons.
2049: First of the Commonwealth Frigates launched. Named after cities throughout the Commonwealth, are known to be crewed by particular nations rather than mixed crews of original Royal Space Force ships. Carries the latest in weaponry, and has an average crew of 180 ratings and officers and a further 60 marines, along with 18 flight crew for the four Puffin Class shuttles and three Avro-Supermarine Collie Class multi-purpose space fighters
2050: The British Space Empire consists of well over 40 Solar systems with 16 fleets to patrol. 10 of the fleets are heavy fleets consisting of 1 Thatcher Class Dreadnought, 2 Dashwood Class Carriers, 12 Boadicea Class Cruisers as well as on average 20-30 Frigates and Corvets.
Finding and activating of Mass Relays becomes a priority as Colonisation becomes vital. Britsh High Command is also seeking further Prothean Beacons to assist in the coming defence against the Reapers.
Construction of the "Crucible" is begun.
Hope this helps the story make more sense. Hope you all enjoy and don't forget to send feedback on what you want to see happen in the story.
P.S. Would any of you know anyone interested in doing fan art based on this story?