Lifetime of War
Chapter 10: Re-organization and Defense Plans.
With our ships scattered throughout Human space, and public reports of troops turning traitor, I had some re-organizing to do.
First was to re-gain the moral that had once captured out civilian populace. I asked every noble person of age if they would be willing to enter the military and serve on the front lines. I told them it would show the public their patriotic spirit wasn't limited to just words and flag waiving while sitting in the lap of ease and luxury.
Second, Order Sixty-six was initiated. This one order would allow all current convicts to sign up for active military service in exchange for their freedom once the war was over. Our ranks swelled from these two acts but it was still not enough.
I than began secret backroom deals with the leaders of the three largest mercenary guilds in the Terminus systems. For some simple de-regulations in the financial, trade, and security sectors the Blood Pack, Eclipse Security Forces, and Aria's Angles would lend their forces to our cause.
Third, I knew we could not defend all our worlds so I ordered all ships and troops closest to our boarders to retreat back into Citadel space. There they would receive new orders as to where to go. Any world or system that wasn't directly responsible for the construction of our weapons of war or a critical secondary relay was abandoned.
As for the ships that didn't receive an order to retreat? They received one new order: no retreating to Council space and no surrender.
Fourth, new updated defense plans were put into place:
When ships defending a planet that was to be overwhelmed they would retreat to the nearest critical relay. There they would give all information regarding their encounter to the commander in charge.
If a relay came under attack then the lead ship would send a message to the Citadel informing them of the attack. Once losses approached forty-five percent then the ships were allowed to retreat through the relay they were defending.
If relays or worlds were by-passed then all ships stationed at said worlds or relays would be given a new set of coordinates to defend.
Once the Humans had extended their lines to the breaking point we would be there to break it. Then and only then would we be able to sue for peace. An unfavorable outcome yes, but better than total defeat.