General Category > AI War II- After Action Reports

Command Theater

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Cyborg:
I get it. You would like to create some emergent theater.

Pireciter:
Oh hi.

Yep, I'm still here. Little thing called the holiday season.

Sorry on the delayed update. I'll have the next part up this weekend.


Happy New Year!


Pi

Pireciter:
--Multiple Operations Selected: REDEEMER & ENDURING SHIELD—

Day 134, 0224 Local
Cresida Command
Low Orbit, Cresida System


“Acknowledged Command. We will get construction started.” He closed the communications link and turned to his staff. “Home Fleet has contacted the Zenith again. It seems they have a mass driver available. We are to approach the trader in system and acquire those plans. A good boost for the defense of this data center.”


Day 143, 2336 Local
Hopcroft Command
Low Orbit, Hopcroft system


“Steady boys, here they come.”
“Where’s the cavalry when you need it…”
“Cut the chatter! If you have time to talk, you have time to control your defenses. Get to it!”
“Yes sir.”
“Comms, alert Aegis. The AI is in position. They are the hammer, we are the anvil.” 


Day 150, 1512 Local
Citadel Aegis
High Orbit, Lynch System


“Damn, the AI is hitting us hard.”
“I noticed. Tactical, get some more fire on those frigates. We need to knock them out.”
“Incoming message from Lynch sir. Their shields are failing and they are requesting assistance.”
He grimaced. The rest of the fleet is elsewhere and can’t get here in time. There isn’t anyone else. The fortunes of war indeed… “Let them know help is on the way. Then get a FLASH message to Home Fleet. Request an emergency recall of the battlegroup.”


2336 Local
Lynch Command
Low Orbit, Lynch System


“Dammit Aegis, where is the rest of the fleet!”
“On the way Lynch. Just hold for a little longer.”
“Aegis, our shields are toast. The turrets are falling fast and we can’t maintain them under this barrage.” Another tremor rocked the station as he made his report. “We need more support out here!”
“Hold the line Lynch, just hold t…” A massive blow knocked the officer off his feet and the transmission dissolved into static. “Damage report!”
“Sir, that last shot disabled the shields. More reports are coming in.”
“Incoming!” He didn’t know who called it, but he turned toward the viewport. He never got the chance to finish the turn, as a wall of glass and shrapnel blew into the command center. His last conscious vision was of nothing but fire.


Day 152, 0200 Local
Strike Group Termagant
High Orbit, Lynch System


“We were too late.”
“Dammit. Is there anything left?”
“Scans are showing nothing but debris. Aegis said the AI really did a number on the system.”
“Very well. Get the drones out there and start salvaging what we can.”


Day 156, 1336 Local
Strike Group Orestes
High Orbit, Hebron System


“Instigator down sir. Recalling the drones.”
“Comms, let Menelaus know the objective is down and to cover our retreat out.”
“Yes sir.”


Day 169, 1736 Local
Home Fleet Command
Low Orbit, Rhodia Prime


“Is that what I think it is?”
“Yes sir. Latest scouting reports have been confirmed. It’s the Superterminal.”
“Do you think we could make use of it now?”
“Sir?”
“See if you follow my thinking. We only get one shot at it before the AI locks us out. We can go now, or wait and possibly get a bigger bang for our efforts.”
“I follow you. Given our latest intel, the AI seems unaware of how big of a threat we are. We are being a nuisance, but haven’t really gotten its attention yet.
“So we wait. Draw up the plans and have them available. In the meantime, time to ‘help’ our new Dyson friends. Signal the fleet to start the countdown.”


Day 212, 1136 Local
Strike Group Orestes
Low Orbit, Alterra System


“Recall the hacking teams. Set the scuttling charges and evacuate the station.”
“We are leaving sir?”
“You saw the reports. As long as we are here, the Dyson consider us a threat. We’ve ‘helped” them enough for now. It’s time to let them be…and attack the AI a bit.”
“Won’t the AI try to reclaim the system after we are gone?”
“The Dyson will fight them for it. We will leave a few turrets behind to assist, but beyond that they can have their fun.”


Fleet Status:
Strike Group Orestes –
52x Velociraptor Mk.I
208x Dagger Mk.IV
208x Turbo Stingray Mk.I
42x Sniper Mk.I
42x Spider Mk.I
6x Raid Frigate Mk.IV

Strike Group Termagant -
267x Space Plane Mk.IV
58x Inhibiting Tesla Corvette Mk.III
16x Zapper Mk.III

Striker Group Menelaus –
51x Harasser Mk.III
54x Grenade Launcher Corvette Mk.III
24x Vanguard Mk.I
1x Devastator Frigate Mk.I

Strike Group Bellerophon –
8x Vanguard Mk.I
2x Tritium Sniper Frigate Mk.I
2x Assault Frigate Mk.I


Tech Updates:
Engineering III
Raid III
Splash II


Strategic Theatres – Choose 1
A: Operation SWITCHBACK – Another Zenith Power Generator has been spotted. Scouting intel says it is the wrong direction from the AI homeworld, but it could still be worth it. Circled in GREEN
B: Operation VELVET HAMMER – The Superterminal. It’s a bear of a target. We need to improve our forces before going for it. A major part being additional defensive turrets. Capture additional battlestations and citadels. Options circled in YELLOW
C: Operation SHOWDOWN – Strike the Superterminal now. Hinder the AI with a single massive hack. Circled in RED

Pireciter:
--Multiple Operations Selected: SWITCHBACK & VELVET HAMMER—


Day 216, 0248 Local
Strike Group Orestes
High Orbit, Ahn System


“Alright folks, you heard the man. The hacking crews want those grenadiers.”
“Incoming!” The ship rocked with the incoming fire. “More AI on scope sir!”
“Figured. They have been fortifying this system for a while. Get some fire on those tractor units. They are spreading us out too much.”
“Sir, message from Termagant. They have deployed and are moving to intercept.”
“Copy that. Coordinate our fire with Termagant. Let’s get this done.”


Day 218, 1824 Local


“That’s the last of them sir.”
“Signal Menelaus. They have point for the hack. Helm, move us to the Dourish wormhole. We are out of here once the hack is done.”


Day 221, 1936 Local
Strike Group Menelaus
High Orbit, Dourish System


“Phase 1 is complete sir. We have repaired the citadel.”
“Excellent. Let Orestes know they are clear for Phase 2. Aalst is theirs, we will keep things clear on the home front.”


Day 234, 1112 Local
Strike Group Orestes
High Orbit, Aalst System


He shook his head in amazement. It seemed the brass never changed. They spend all their effort on what is called a “high-priority”, then they go and deploy it wastefully. “Sir, command reports both the Aegis and Phalanx have been disabled and are heading to the rear for repairs.”
“Very well, what’s our status here?”
“Crews are working on the station construction now. Once that is complete, they will move to repair the battlestation.”


Day 238, 1600 Local


“That was a close one. The AI clearly isn’t happy.”
“No ****. Dourish is down and we almost lost it here. Get the repair crews out there. Rumor has it command wants that new power generator next door.”


Day 250, 0112 Local
Home Fleet Command
Low Orbit, Rhodia Prime


Not a moment too soon…”Sir the warp grid is spiking! It’s looks similar to the massive attack we had 4 months ago.”
“Another one? I guess I’m not surprised, given our recent windfall. Is Dourish back online?”
“Yes sir, and it’s a real tempting target for the AI. All our crews have been pulled out, it’s in automatic mode now.”
“Perfect. If we can’t stop the flood, we can at least direct it. At least we are ready for it this time.”


Day 271, 1512 Local


“Excellent. That makes 3 of these power generators under our control.”
“Sir, take a look at this.” He turned the monitor so he could see, “The latest scout reports.”
He let a hint of a smile appear on his face, “Another one, and what is that thing?”
“Unknown sir. They describe it as looking similar to an old Terran hornet or wasp nest, but it’s massive. Even larger than our battlestations.”
“Hmm…have the scouts get some more information. I’m recalling the battlegroups now from the eastern flank. They will be in position to either go for the superterminal, the 3rd citadel, or…that.”


Day 280, 1612 Local
Strike Group Orestes
High Orbit, Hudak System


“They call it a Hive.”
“A Hive? An apt description. Damn thing even looks like one. Has command given us the go?”
“Not yet. Latest intel shows the AI is still in a holding pattern, but command has not said anything beyond that.”
“We have Aegis, Phalanx, and Bastion all moving toward the superterminal. Command has parked us here, and they still haven’t given us a green light to grab the last citadel. We can’t sit around forever.” A bell rang in the command center, signaling FLASH traffic was incoming. He nodded once, “Good. Someone finally got a boot in the rear.”
His aide brought him the printout. He took it with a quick nod and skimmed the contents. He suddenly stopped and started reading it again from the top. “So…that’s why command has been so quiet.” He softly chuckled and passed the brief to his XO. “Take a look at this.”
“They finally found it have they? About time.”
“Pardon me sir, if I may ask, command found what?” his aide inquired.
“The AI homeworld. Their command and control system.” His aide turned three shades paler at that pronouncement. “But that’s not our target this time. Signal the group, we are moving out.”


Fleet Status:
Strike Group Orestes –
52x Velociraptor Mk.I
208x Dagger Mk.IV
208x Turbo Stingray Mk.I
42x Sniper Mk.I
42x Spider Mk.I
6x Raid Frigate Mk.IV

Strike Group Termagant -
267x Space Plane Mk.IV
58x Inhibiting Tesla Corvette Mk.III
16x Zapper Mk.III

Striker Group Menelaus –
51x Harasser Mk.III
54x Grenade Launcher Corvette Mk.III
24x Vanguard Mk.I
94x Raider Mk.IV
1x Devastator Frigate Mk.I

Strike Group Bellerophon –
8x Vanguard Mk.I
149x Grenade Launcher Corvette Mk.III
2x Tritium Sniper Frigate Mk.I
2x Assault Frigate Mk.I

Strike Group Aeneas –
46x Porcupine Mk.I
51x Kite Mk.I
55x MLRS Corvette Mk.III
34x Concussion Corvette Mk.I    


Strategic Theatres:
A: Operation SHOWDOWN – Strike the Super Terminal now. Hinder the AI with a single massive hack. Circled in GREEN
B: Operation SWARM LOGIC– Capture and repair the Hive. As a side bonus, another ZPG is on site. Circled in YELLOW
C: Operation SPOTLIGHT(CHRONOS revised) – The frigate communications node. However, unlike CHRONOS, we have included provisions to hack the command augmenter on site. We need to get more defenses on our backwater planets to slow the AI down. Circled in RED

Pireciter:
--Multiple Operations Selected: SHOWDOWN/SWARM LOGIC/SPOTLIGHT—


Day 280, 1648 Local
Strike Group Orestes
Hudak Wormhole, Mores System


“All units, engage the AI! If they are going to be so kind to leave out these toys, it would be a shame for us to ignore them. Comms, coordinate our fire with the fleet on that guardian. It’s going to tear through our units quickly if we don’t take it out fast.”


Day 282, 1224 Local


“Status update Orestes.”
“Things are moving forward sir. We continue to pacify the system and should be able to begin station construction tomorrow.”
“Good, because we have another problem on the home front. The AI isn’t taking kindly to your attack and is pouncing on our rear areas. Dourish is under heavy fire and the warp grid indicates additional AI forces are enroute. Our forces are holding for now, but they have sent out a call for reinforcements. I need to you detach some units to send back this way.”
“Roger that. I’ll pull out Aeneas and have them make haste.”
“Very well, wrap things up quickly. I want to start preparations soon for SHOWDOWN.”
“Understood.”


Day 282, 0200 Local


“Scope is clear sir. No more AI are in system.”
“Excellent. Get the build crews out there. I want this system up and running yesterday. Also, get some units over to inspect our prizes. Any updates from command?”
“The AI continues to press us hard. Defenses are bending, but nothing broken.”
“Detach Termagant and Menelaus to reinforce Aeneas. They can take point for SPOTLIGHT once the AI is clear. We have work to do here.”


Day 285, 2400 Local
Battlestation Aegis
Low Orbit, Lyonesse System


“Alright folks, I want this system locked up so tight I can walk from one end of the gravity well to the other without needing a vacuum suit.” He called up the hacking team’s report on his monitor again to review the situation. Once things started, it would get awful exciting quickly. They needed to be ready.


Day 292, 0248 Local
Strike Group Termagant
High Orbit, Brore System


Better late than never…“Well done. Those plan revisions you made up were flawless, even if it’s later than we anticipated.” “Yes ma’am, though I wondered if we would ever use them.” She nodded once, “Indeed. We must always remember though that we are in this for the species. We can’t let our personal desires get in the way of that goal.” She turned her attention back to the bridge crew, “Comms, message to command: Operation SPOTLIGHT successful. Moving to the front for the next phase of SHOWDOWN.”


Day 313, 0712 Local
Battlestation Aegis
High Orbit, Lyonesse System


“All units, check in.” He waited while the Comm’s officer made the calls. After a couple of minutes, he turned to face him with a hint of a grin on his face,“Sir, all units report in-system and ready.”
“This is it then. Inform Divine Wind they are going to take point on the hack. With their enhanced hull and shield strength, they can take a heavy beating from the AI if it comes from that. We go on their signal.”


Golem Divine Wind


“Alright folks. You heard the man. Have the drones ready for immediate deployment, the AI isn’t going to pull any punches on this one. Let’s put this ship to the test. Hacking teams, you are go for ingress.”


Day 315, 1512 Local
Battlestation Aegis


“Latest report from Divine Wind.” he said as he handed over the printout. He scanned it quickly and nodded, “Good. The AI is restless, but the line is holding. Our duty rotations are keeping all stations manned and still allowing us to continue our efforts. I’m beginning to worry about the AI’s response though. They are getting more lively…that warp grid is spiking pretty high.”
“I agree sir. We’ve seen larger AI responses in the past. I think this is only the beginning.” He nodded in reply, “Perhaps. We’ve been at this for two days now. I would…” He cut off as the ready room buzzer went off, “Sir, incoming FLASH traffic from command.” The Comm officer spoke through the room’s intercom. He frowned at that, “There’s that AI we’ve come to know…put that message through Comms.”
A burst of static accompanied the signal then it resolved into a voice, “Aegis, this is Command. The AI is launching a counter attack on the Lynch system. Latest intel has our forces there outnumbered three to one. You are hereby ordered to detach available units to render aid. You are also ordered to terminate SHOWDOWN if necessary to release forces for this task.”
As the message ended, he shook his head, “Terminate SHOWDOWN? It’s too early to throw that towel. Detach Orestes and send them to Lynch. We can make do without their firepower and they also are the fastest ship.”


Day 320, 2112 Local
Golem Divine Wind


“Report!” “Sir, another wave of AI has made the warp transition. Minimal turrets remain in-system. Termagant and Menelaus report their forces are starting to be overwhelmed. Phalanx reports they have been disabled and are attempting to pull out.”
“Alright troops, I’m calling it. Signal the hacking teams to terminate operations. Inform all units of the situation and keep the remaining AI in system. Let’s keep things locked down until we clean this up.”


Day 321, 1800 Local
Home Fleet Command
Low Orbit, Rhodia Prime


“Understood Aegis. Continue repairs and report back when the group is ready to move.”
“Acknowledged Command. Aegis out.”
With a wave of his hand, he summoned the warp grid status back onto the screen. The AI had indeed been neutered significantly with their efforts. They did well and had prepared the road ahead. On that note, he switched his display over to the plans he had been working on. He allowed himself a small smile…just a year ago they were barely surviving. Now, it even looked like they had a chance. They still had a long way to go, he reminded himself, but perhaps…


Fleet Status:
Strike Group Orestes –
52x Velociraptor Mk.I
208x Dagger Mk.IV
208x Turbo Stingray Mk.I
42x Sniper Mk.I
42x Spider Mk.I
7x Raid Frigate Mk.IV

Strike Group Termagant -
267x Space Plane Mk.IV
58x Inhibiting Tesla Corvette Mk.III
16x Zapper Mk.III

Striker Group Menelaus –
51x Harasser Mk.III
54x Grenade Launcher Corvette Mk.III
24x Vanguard Mk.I
94x Raider Mk.IV
2x Devastator Frigate Mk.I

Strike Group Bellerophon –
8x Vanguard Mk.I
149x Grenade Launcher Corvette Mk.III
3x Tritium Sniper Frigate Mk.I
3x Assault Frigate Mk.I

Strike Group Aeneas –
46x Porcupine Mk.I
51x Kite Mk.I
55x MLRS Corvette Mk.III
34x Concussion Corvette Mk.I

Strategic Theatres:
A: Operation HIGHER THOUGHT – The Spire Archive. We’ve spotted it next to the AI Homeworld. Retrieving the knowledge contained within would be a major boon. Circled in GREEN
B: Operation VIGILANT TURMOIL– Containment and preparation. The AI Homeworld has several very powerful core planets. We need to prepare the way by clearing and developing staging grounds for our assault. Circled in YELLOW
C: Operation ENDGAME – The final battle. Destroy the AI command and control systems. Circled in RED






Side note: For those curious, it wasn't my largest ST hack, but still 90AIP reduction. Though most of it is buffer vs. actually dropping AIP.

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