Star Wars: The United Terran Federation
Chapter 17: New Contact, New War?
33 BBY / March 2058
Within Hyperspace
Deep Space Recon Force 2
Mermaid Class Deep Space Exploration Vessel: TFS Blue Nose
The Mermaid Class Deep Space Exploration Vessel was one of the most different designs the Terrans had ever made.
While most Terran ships that would have Magnetic Cannons as main armaments, the Mermaid had Four Light Duel Turbo Laser Turrets to protect the ship, along with the two normal of the stander point defense systems along with a new experimental point defense system, the New DX4 Iron Beam Laser Point defense lasers.
It was also one of the only ships within the Terran Navy equipped with the most advanced sensor system, the Heavy Long Range Sensor package or HLRS.
The HLRS was incredible in every way anyone could think of.
It had both incredible scanning range and in depth detail in regards to whatever it scans, be it planets, ships, asteroids. Its scanning abilities were unmatched by any other ship within the galaxy.
However, that unmatched scanning ability came with one extremely downside.
It took up almost the entirety of the ship.
The high speed transmitters, high definition long range scanners, short range hyperspace detectors and computers to run it all took up a large portion of the ship, along with the remote control research/recon drones, there wasn't much space left for everything else.
It was the reason why this ship development was delayed and fell behind the rest of the fleet.
(That and the need for combat ships but we don't talk about it.)
Another problem with the ship was the fact that so much of the interior space of the ship was dedicated to the mission of exploration.
Meaning in short, the original design was completely unarmed, therefore the admiralty didn't want it.
Fortunately, some tech from another source (Republic) finally was able to give the ship a little teeth.
With the Four Light Duel Turbo Laser Turrets might not be much, but it gave it the ability to fight at least.
And with the navy switching into gears away from protecting systems to explore and possibly expand the Federations border.
And that was why the Mermaid Class Deep Space Exploration Vessel, the TFS Blue Nose was in hyperspace, along with escorts of one Mississippi class Destroyer, the TFS Flasher and three Martin class Frigates, TFS Banbury, TFS Yellowknife and the TFS Fencer.
While exploration should be a peaceful affair, one could not be too careful.
It was one fact that Captain Darwin Garrett, the commanding officer of the Blue Nose, was happy about, while Professor Miranda Dax, the lead Terran civilian scientist on board the Blue Nose, was annoyed about their escort and was really complaining about it.
"I still don't understand why we need an escort if we're just exploring. It's not like we're at war or something."
The Captain had to hold back once again from tearing a strip off the lady.
Instead, he turned to the blond woman and replied with a forced smile.
"Professor Dax, you know the reason why we have the escorts. It's to protect you and your colleagues in case something happens." Holding the unspoken words of 'Like getting shot at.'
Unconcerned about the Captain statement, she continued. "And another thing I don't quite understand is while the Military is running this ship, since its purpose is pretty much non-military in nature. It should be runned by a civilian captain, in my opinion."
The Blue Nose XO counters the Terran civilian, responding in a courteous but solid tone. "It's because all the tech on this ship belongs to the navy and we builded it out of the navy's pocket, so we decided who crews the ship, mam."
The blond scientist, not wanting to lose her new toys in the Blue Nose Laborites, decided to leave the bridge.
Over half of the bridge crew sighed in relief a moment after the annoying Civilian left the bridge.
The navigator raised his hands to the air, speaking out in a fashion and tone that only a preacher could do.
"O, thank the lord, I thought she would never shut up."
The XO deciding the man was out of line, thought right, spoke up to give the man a little navy discipline.
"Stow it Jones." "Sir yes, Sir."
The Captain looked at his XO before commenting about his response. "You know, you don't have to be so hard on the crew so much XO." His kind smile shows that he cares for an answer to his question.
"Not trying to be hard on them sir, just don't want to have the entire ship have to handle non stop complaining about 'disrespectful' navy officers every time someone walks around a corner for the next six months. Sir."
"And you'll have the gratitude of the crew, Mr. Book."
Everyone on the bridge had a laugh about the XO's name. The man's name was literally Book, and funny enough, he was also an, by the book navy commander.
"Ok Helm, ETA to this next system…" The captain, grabbing his data pad, looked up the name of the next system that they were heading to, raising an eyebrow at the name. "Who the hell came up with the name of J48-DB508?"
"Scientist, sir. All their names are just Letters and Numbers, and no imagination and creativity sir."
"Ok, People that's enough. I don't want to hear a hour long discussion about Scientists and how they can't name Jack S**t. Got it?" Order the ship's commanding officer. "Now, regarding my last question. What's the ETA to this system?"
The ship's talkative navigation officer responded to the point, however have the same enthusiasm from his previous amusing statement to the bridge crew.
"ETA to the 'Worst name in history' star system, one hour and three minutes, sir. Give or take a few seconds." The cheeky navigator replied to his Captain.
The captain decided to take care of some paperwork, spoke up and requested his XO to inform him when they were five minutes out from the system.
Leaving the bridge in a calm and normal demeanor, as if today was just any other day.
Unknown to him and everyone else on the ship, today would not be a normal day, but instead would be one of chaos soon to come upon them.
Unknown system
Unknown Warship
Same day
In high orbit of a Yellow and Green color Planet with three dead moons, sat an armada of many ships.
The ships, most 210 meters long, 400 meters wide and 90 meters tall, were bulkily seamy boxy and heavy armored ships. Large single barrel cannons could be seen littering the top and bottom of the ships, lining up like a straight artillery line on the ship, as six massive engines pushed the ships through and around a large debris field of destroyed ships, a mix of mostly different ship with a few
While there were a few others, larger and equipped with more weapons, the ships were the same in basic design. Large guns only facing forward, with heavy and thick amore design to take possible hours of beating from ships of similar make.
On the largest of the many ships, in what appeared to be the nerve center of the ship, along with what appeared to be an command center that not only was connected to every ship in the fleet, but actively coordinating and organizing the entirety of the armada of warships.
Within this command center, sitting on a large chair above the rest of the crew was the commander of the fleet of warships. The Chef War Master.
Before the very decorated Chef War Master was another of his race, a blue skin, obsidian hair and ice-blue eyes male. While decorated in a uniform similar to the Chef War Master, the man in front of the Chef War Master was one of his subordinates, Chef Ship Leader Ra'dabo.
The lower ranking Alien officer kneeled in front of the Chef War Master. "You have summoned me, Chef War Master?" The man asked.
The higher ranking officer replied in a controlled but confident tone. "Yes, Chef Ship Leader Ra'dabo. How is the campaign on the planet going?"
"The last resistance on the planet has been finished, the whole population is either in chains or dead."
"Good, we can't allow anything to go wrong with our mission. And that is also why you're here today Ra'dabo."
The Chef Ship Leader raised an eyebrow in confusion before the Chef War Master Explained.
"After our battle with the Dravikans fleet in orbit, I ordered an inspection of the fleet to find any information in regards to their Home World. We found it and more."
The command Holo table changed from an image showing the armada, to a completely different star system.
Two planets, one dead and the other was habitable with five moons, a Gas giant with one dead moon with three rings around it, with one large star in the Center.
However, his focus was on the habitable jungle-like planet.
"Xyrlon." Spoke Ra'dabo.
"Yes, the Dravikans Home World." Replied his superior. "And unfortunately more."
"More?" Asked the Chef Ship Leader.
The Chef War Master explained the information they acquired. "Within the information we acquired, also was information about a new ship the Dravikans are building. One that could take on our own ships and incur needless losses.
From reports gathered, the ship won't be ready for another month, however it will be just over a month before I can reorganize our invasion force to take the planet.
Therefore I have devised a plan that will take care of this ship before it becomes a problem."
Turning back towards the Chef Ship Leader and with a stone cold look and a commanding tone of voice as he spoke to his subordinate.
"You will lead a force of ships, twenty frigates and five destroyers types, and will destroy the ship that they are building along with any other ships within the system. Once you do this you will report back after you gather additional information about the system and any defenses you encounter."
"As you command, Chef War Master. For the glory of the Grand Imperium." Said the Chef Ship Leader.
The rest of the crew spoke up in one voice and joined in.
"For the glory of the Grand Imperium."
"For the glory of the Grand Imperium."
"For the glory of the Grand Imperium."
Within Hyperspace, Two minutes to the J48-DB508 star system
Deep Space Recon Force 2
Mermaid Class Deep Space Exploration Vessel: TFS Blue Nose
"Sensors ready and standing by."
"Shields at full power and standing by."
"All weapons and point defense systems locked and loaded, sir."
"Engines and reactors 100% ready, able to increase to 120% on command."
"Recon and survey Drones standing by."
"Why do you have to go through this process every time, we're not going to a war zone!"
The crew's enthusiasm crashed when Professor Miranda Dax spoke up in a rude tone.
One of them tried to speak his mind before the captain cut him off.
"Professor, I'm sure you know this but it's standard procedure to do a full systems check before entering an unknown system just in case something happens."
'Like getting ambushed' was left unsaid.
While that hadn't happened to them, many patrol ships in the past before the pirates were taken care of had been ambushed many times and lives had been lost needlessly because they entered a system without checking all their systems first.
"I know about standard procedure captain. It's just very frustrating having to participate in drills and procedures all the time. It's just getting on my nerves."
"Well, your complaints have been getting on my nerves but I don't complain." Replied the captain.
Before they could argue the navigator spoke up, interrupted them before there shouting match.
"Entering the system in T- minus 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… we have arrived." Said the man, as the bright colors of hyperspace chanced to the darkness of space with a planet directly in front of them.
As soon as they arrived, sensor scans started to map out the entire system.
The command holo table soon displayed a full in-depth layout of the system, including the Gas giant (and its single moon and rings), the two planets which one was dead and the other with five moons seemed habitable. And not to mention the large grouping of ships that were approaching them….
"What the hell?"
"Sir, sixteen unknown contacts approaching us at high speed, their weapons appeared to be locked on to us."
"Send the first contact message along with translation software. After that, open a com channel."
Looking at the tactical display, he noticed just how powerful his scanners on his ship truly were.
Of the sixteen ships that were before him, twelve 105 meter long corvettes and four 212 meter long frigates. All sixteen were lightly armed, from what the computer could gather, the corvettes only had two forwarded and one rear laser cannons (by republic standards) with what could estimate fire rate of about once every two seconds.
While the other four frigates had three additional forward and two additional rear, the captain had decided that their ships didn't pose much of a threat.
That belief was further supported by the fact that according to scans of the ships, they didn't have any energy shields.
After being informed that the first contact message had arrived and been accepted, he let his com officer open a channel before he spoke to the group of ships in front of him, hoping they would listen.
"Unknown vessels, this is Captain Darwin Garrett of the Terran Federation exploration vessel Blue Nose. We are just peacefully exploring this part of space, I hope we can get along. Please respond."
After a minute or two of nothing, their communication request came through.
Before him on the holo table was a reptilian alien with sleek, scaly skin that ranged from deep green to iridescent blue with what he could distinguish as two sets of eyelids.
But to the simple mind, it would look like a good cross between a frog and a lizard.
The response was a series of hiss and gowns, however the computer was soon able to translate after receiving the needed information from the alien computers. "I am Space Force Leader Quushosk. We thank you for the first contact package and your peaceful ways."
"No problem, the priority of our mission in regards to first contact is not to start any unnecessary problems."
"I thank you for that. If you don't mind, my government has ordered me to… 'ask' you to your ships to enter orbit of our gas giant." The military command asked, visibly uncomfortable about his orders. "It's to allow our defense network to keep an eye on you while we arrange a proper diplomatic team to take a proper look over this first contact package, no offense but there is a lot of information in there."
"Understood, the package is a bit large so I understand why you would want to look at it carefully."
After giving final pleasantries, the holo call ended, leaving the captain to do his job and not screw up.
Turning to look at his com officer, Captain Darwin Garrett began to give orders to her.
"Com, send a message to Fleet COM, inform them of everything about this first contact and request any nearby ships to be on standby."
His XO turned to him, worry apparent on his face. "You think somethings wrong, Sir?"
"Yes XO, something has them on edge. Why ask for a flotilla to orbit a Gas Giant and not their world? Security reasons, maybe. But why even let us stay in the system in the first place if they're that paranoid?" He said, scratching his chin in confusion.
However, since he didn't have all the facts, he decided to push the line of thought to the back of his mind.
"Send a message to our escorts, have them follow us to Gas Giant."
A few yes sirs and relating orders later, Deep Space Recon Force 2 had entered orbit of the gas giant, and followed standard operating procedures in unknown territory, recon.
After a few minutes of non-invasive scans of the system, the captains of the five ships decided to have a secure Holo conversation.
"I believe that I speak for us all when I say that something is wrong here." Said Captain Soctt of the Mississippi class Destroyer, TFS Flasher.
Amir Habib, captain of the Martin class Frigate, TFS Banbury spoke up with his arabian accent, concern filled his voice. "I agree with Captain Soctt, they are up to something. Unfortunately, my ship's sensors haven't found anything yet." The image said, before turning to Garrett. "Captain Garrett, the Blue Nose has the best sensors in the Recon Force, have you found anything?"
Expecting the question, he begins by sending all collected information before he begins to speak.
"We have found out a few things about them. From intercepted communications, the habitable planet in the system in their home world called Xyrlon, the species is called Dravikans.
Next, their ships are lightly armed, and I mean lightly. They have no shields, but have some sort of high density energized armor plating for defense."
"High density energized armor plating?" Asked one of the Captains.
"From what we have been able to gather from our scans, it's designed to increase the strength of the ship's armor. Also when hit by a plasma bolt, the impact of the hit would be disputed throughout the ship's armor, allowing it to take nearly two to four times as many hits before the armor is compromised.
However, against kinetic weapons like what we use, it's nearly useless."
"Go on."
"We have also found a small number of shipyards that are building a far number of ships, including what we could consider to be a Cruiser with a lot more armaments when compared to the other ships.
And lastly, most if not all of their ships and shipyards are only a month old at best, maybe even newer."
"How old are their oldest shipyards?"
"About Ten years old, another Six at most. But the rest have been built in the last month or so."
"Why the rush? Why would someone who only makes a few shipyards every few years need so many so quickly?" Asked the Captain of the Yellowknife.
They all thought for a moment before Garrett realized the answer.
'The reason why they need the ships and shipyards so soon is because they're at..' Before he could finish his thought, the ship's lighting went red as the ship entered red alert, the Captains XO voice blaring over the intercom system.
"Red Alert, all hands to battlestations, this is not a Drill. General quarters, all hands man your battlestations. Captain to the Bridge."
Garrett ended the call as all five captains left the holo call, rushing to their respective bridges.
When he arrived at his Bridge, everyone was at their stations ready and not panaking.
He walked up to his chair, and ordered in a loud voice, which pierced the still blaring alarms. "SITREP."
"Sir, one minute ago twenty five ships of unknown origin came out of hyperspace and are advancing into the system." Said his Tactical Officer.
"Are they our new friends, the Dravikans?"
"Negintive, Dravikans forces and Unknown are both powering up weapons and actively targeting each other. Sir, it looks like we…" The Officer Voice was cut off by the Captain. "We are in the middle of a F**king war, shit!"
As the Unknown ships slowly entered the system, they soon noticed the Terran ships, and changed course. Heading right at them, their weapons shifting slightly, aiming right at the Terran Recon Force with weapons charged.
"Open all hailing frequencies. Unknown vessels, this is Captain Darwin Garrett of the Terran Federation exploration vessel Blue Nose. We are just peacefully exploring this part of space, why are you targeting us?"
The Holo table shaked for a moment before a blue alien appeared in front of him.
"I'm Chef Ship Leader Ra'dabo, of the Grand Alerian Imperium. Your ships are in our new territory, and therefore are now property of the Grand Alerian Imperium. Surrender now and your lives might be spared from the mines, and your race absorbed."
"I'm sorry but you're not having my ship. We apologize if we have entered your territory illegally, we will leave the system right away…" The Captain was cut off by the Blue Alien furious voice. "No, you and your ships will submit to the might of the Grand Alerian Imperium or you will be destroyed."
Captain Garret was very annoyed, yet remained calm as he gestured to his subordinates to inform the other ships to get ready to take evasive action as the Alerian warships began to close on them, their ships just entering the effective weapons range of the Terrans magnetic accelerator turrets.
"Chef Ship Leader Ra'dabo, this is a Terran Federation ship, and any act of aggression to my ships will seen as an act of war against the Federation." The Terran Captain told his counterpart, unsure if he would even care.
His doubt came true and Ra'dabo spoke up and laughed. "You think your 'Federation' can match the power and might of the Grand Alerian Imperium. Ha. We are the most powerful and advanced Empire in the galaxy. We are unmatched in strength. Your primitive ships would be ruble before us. I hope you enjoy death."
The channel was closed by the other side as mere moments later, the ship shaked as the ship along with its escorts at the Grand Imperium twenty frigates and five destroyers began to rain down plasma bolts at the five Terranships.
"Evasive Action. Hard Right, get us away from that fleet."
The ships did so before even the orders were given out. Shiting up and down, side to side, the Terran ships did all they could do to try to avoid the majority of the bolts of plasma. However, due to the large number of ships and weapons, they still took hits.
The Captain of the Blue Nose looked at his display, their ships were running deeper into the system as fast as they could as their ships power was diverted to their shields as they took the beating from the new enemy.
73%, 64%, 51%. Their shields were rapidly collapsing.
However, as they accelerated faster and faster into the system, they started to outpace their enemies as the amount of hits on the shields started to decrease, and finally ceased.
Looking towards his TAC officer, he asked what their shield strength was. The response from said officer was simple and explained it all. "You don't want to know, sir."
Before he could say anything, his Com officer spoke up. "Sir, Captain Soctt is assuming command of the Recon Force, under Regulation 32B, subsection A1. He ordered the force to rendezvous with the Dravikans fleet."
Realizing that it would be better to work with then fighting alone, he sinks into his seat and concedes. "Helm, set course for the Dravikans fleet, maxime speed. Comm's, send out a general distress call to all ships in range. God I hope we get help soon."
Hello there, StarTrekBattlestar123AMF here. I hope you all enjoyed the story so far.
Please do give me some reviews, I would love to hear all your feedback about my first try at a fanfiction and thank you for your reviews so far.
I must thank you for the countless reviews that I have received so far.
I made a few corrections in my previous chapters, like fixing typos and any grammar I could find (I don't have any AI spell check programs).
Plenty of action soon people, so for the people who would like battles in space and on the ground, get ready for some crazy fights. Because I got plenty of Crazy Ideas for the Terrans.
How do you like the Terrans' new enemy? Think they are going to become a Problem?
Thank you for your time to read my story, have a nice day.
From StarTrekBattlestar123AMF, Peace and long life and Live Long a Prosper.