{"data":{"id":"0Gz5DNryvE","title":"Fall of Caliban","slug":"fall-of-caliban","thumbnail":"https:\/\/static.robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/upload\/67be6e7d-4ecb-4c32-a2fe-6a80a24d2247","type":"Event","template":"Event","category":"Military, History, Human, Vanduul","tag":"fall of caliban, vanduul invasions, battles, lost squad, squadron 89, human history, vanduul history, caliban system","rsi_url":"\/galactapedia\/article\/0Gz5DNryvE-fall-of-caliban","api_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/api\/galactapedia\/0Gz5DNryvE","web_url":"https:\/\/api.star-citizen.wiki\/galactapedia\/0Gz5DNryvE","categories":[{"id":"R6vNW9BEo1","name":"Military"},{"id":"VpGna961QN","name":"History"},{"id":"R6vqrLdp2e","name":"Human"},{"id":"0OaBnApyme","name":"Vanduul"}],"categories_count":4,"tags":[{"id":"R56nm4v3ZN","name":"fall of caliban"},{"id":"0QxYEqBEml","name":"vanduul invasions"},{"id":"ReJajXYoKY","name":"battles"},{"id":"0dQ4Ov4njJ","name":"lost squad"},{"id":"0j46v79LyK","name":"squadron 89"},{"id":"RkZlvJw2M4","name":"human history"},{"id":"02kzNawGp7","name":"vanduul history"},{"id":"R9vEJKe9pZ","name":"caliban system"}],"tags_count":8,"related_articles_count":2,"translations":{"en_EN":"# FALL OF CALIBAN\n\nOn 7 July 2884 SEY, a [Vanduul Clan](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/R9vzjxmEBx-vanduul-clans) led by a [Kingship](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V3qWn9Dlvm-vanduul-kingship) launched a surprise attack on the moderately-populated planet [Crion (Caliban II)](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/bEzvPwYZ96-crion-caliban-ii). The [89th UEE Navy Logistic Support Squadron](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0Gz5BNmPqo-squadron-89) were the only military forces in system at the time of the attack. They managed to hold off the [Vanduul](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/VpGPp92gdO-vanduul) for two days, allowing much of the planet's population to escape at the cost of nearly the entire squadron. [Naval](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/RPDvKOpdP4-uee-navy) reinforcements arrived on the third day to engage the full Vanduul fleet, but they were unable to hold out against the onslaught. On 23 July 2884, after heavy casualties, Crion and the rest of the [Caliban system](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0jGyPQ1r5m-caliban-system) were lost to the Vanduul. In honor of their sacrifice, the 89th Squadron was retired, earning them the nickname \"the Lost Squad.\" This battle marked the last time a [Kingship](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V3qWn9Dlvm-vanduul-kingship) was spotted by [United Empire of Earth](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/VyvyKxy4v6-united-empire-of-earth) (UEE) forces until the [Battle of Vega II](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0Gz5mkprmg-battle-of-vega-ii) in 2945.\n\n# PRELUDE TO BATTLE\nSmall [Vanduul raiding parties](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/Rw1gdnOKBp-vanduul-raids) first began attacking Caliban in 2739, during the latter years of the [Messer era](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V8gJ6ZwGqo-messer-era). While the initial raid sparked fear in the system's inhabitants, causing a brief population drain, subsequent skirmishes were largely casualty-free. As raids continued to occur at a steady rate of between two and five per year, the UEE installed a small [naval](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/RPDvKOpdP4-uee-navy) presence in Caliban along with system-wide perimeter sensors. The people of Crion saw this response as inadequate; political activism spiked among the populace, but the [Messers](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/tag\/messer-dynasty) sent no more aid.\n\nDuring the [fall](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/bE3rKa32P7-anti-messer-revolution) of the Messer regime in 2792, the military presence in Caliban was pulled away from the system to repress mass civilian uprisings elsewhere. A medium-sized Vanduul Clan launched a raid on the largely undefended system, which claimed over one hundred lives. The newly formed post-Messer UEE government ordered the 31st Battle Group to Caliban to fend off the invasion. Their efforts were successful in stopping the raid from spiraling into something much deadlier.\n\nSubsequent Vanduul raids dropped down to previously established levels of roughly five per year, finally peaking in 2859 when a single large Clan clashed with the 31st Battle Group in the system's asteroid belt. This was the last Vanduul raid until 2884. In 2870, the 31st was assigned elsewhere, leaving the 89th Logistics Support Squadron behind as Caliban's only protection.\n\n# THE ATTACK\nAt 04:43 Earth Standard time (UST), 7 July 2884, a Vanduul Clan led by a Kingship slipped past the system-wide sensor beacons. Two pilots of the 89th, on patrol near [Caliban IV](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0GxavvKo2P-caliban-iv), spotted the Clan. Both of them fired off a distress signal, but their messages were cut off before they could be completed. \n\nNot comprehending the scope of the threat they faced, the bulk of the 89th mobilized against the invading Clan. Four ships were lost to advancing scouts before the Kingship was in sight. At the sight of it, Commander Sylvie Randall made two snap decisions; first, to send out comm drones requesting reinforcements, knowing that it might take up to two days for reinforcements to arrive; second, to retreat back to Crion to organize and defend civilian convoys. It was this decision that allowed over three million inhabitants to escape with their lives.\n\nBy the time the 2nd UEE Naval Fleet arrived, 49 SE Hours later, there was nothing left to do but rescue any remaining people and abandon the system. The 89th Squadron, along with the Caliban system, were lost. It is estimated that over five and a half million people died, though no official numbers have ever been released.\n\n# AFTERMATH, ANALYSIS, AND IMPACT\nNo attempts were immediately made to reclaim Caliban. Though the Kingship responsible for the bulk of casualties in battle returned to Vanduul space soon after its victory, UEE forces held off on moving in until casualties could be assessed. The UEE announced in 2891 that there were no active plans to retake Caliban until the Vanduul threat could be fully neutralized. In 2945, military strategists began to discuss possible future campaigns into the system to rout the Vanduul encampments. \n\nHistorians believe that the decades of Vanduul absence in Caliban, combined with a thinly-spread military, poor system-wide sensor maintenance, and an incomplete understanding of Vanduul intentions were what led to the invaders' decisive victory. Though the Tiber, Virgil, and Orion systems had already been abandoned to the Vanduul, military strategists did not foresee an attack of that strength on Caliban. The 89th Squadron was there in full force, but one squadron was not enough to stand against the firepower of a Kingship. In honor of their sacrifice, Squadron 89, redubbed the Lost Squadron, was officially retired from the UEE Navy.\n\nVanduul [Harvesters](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0n1MYzOkG7-harvester) are actively consuming what is left of the Caliban system. Crion, once a thriving, lush world, is now devastated. There are no known Human inhabitants in the system.","de_DE":"# \u266a FALL OF CALIBAN\n\nAm 7. Juli 2884 startete ein [Vanduul Clan](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/R9vzjxmEBx-vanduul-clans) unter der F\u00fchrung eines [K\u00f6nigtums](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V3qWn9Dlvm-vanduul-kingship) einen \u00dcberraschungsangriff auf den m\u00e4\u00dfig bev\u00f6lkerten Planeten Crion (Caliban II). Die [88th UEE Navy Logistic Support Squadron](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0Gz5BNmPqo-squadron-88) war zum Zeitpunkt des Angriffs die einzige milit\u00e4rische Einheit im System. Es gelang ihnen, die [Vanduul](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/VpGPp92gdO-vanduul) zwei Tage lang in Schach zu halten, so dass ein Gro\u00dfteil der Bev\u00f6lkerung des Planeten entkommen konnte - auf Kosten fast des gesamten Geschwaders. Am dritten Tag traf Verst\u00e4rkung ein, um die gesamte Flotte der Vanduul anzugreifen, aber sie konnten dem Ansturm nicht standhalten. Am 23. Juli 2884 gingen Crion und der Rest des Caliban-Systems nach schweren Verlusten an die Vanduul verloren. Zu Ehren ihres Opfers wurde die 88. Staffel in den Ruhestand versetzt, was ihr den Spitznamen \"die verlorene Staffel\" einbrachte. Diese Schlacht war das letzte Mal, dass die Streitkr\u00e4fte des [Vereinten Imperiums der Erde](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/VyvyKxy4v6-united-empire-of-earth) (UEE) bis zur [Schlacht von Vega II](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0Gz5mkprmg-battle-of-vega-ii) im Jahr 2945 ein K\u00f6nigtum entdeckten.\n\n# AUFTAKT ZUR SCHLACHT\nKleine [Vanduul-\u00dcberfallkommandos](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/Rw1gdnOKBp-vanduul-raids) griffen Caliban erstmals im Jahr 2739 an, in den letzten Jahren der [Messer-\u00c4ra](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V8gJ6ZwGqo-messer-era) (2546 - 2792). Der erste \u00dcberfall l\u00f6ste bei den Bewohnern des Systems Angst aus und f\u00fchrte zu einem kurzzeitigen Bev\u00f6lkerungsr\u00fcckgang, aber die Scharm\u00fctzel verliefen weitgehend ohne Opfer. Da die \u00dcberf\u00e4lle weiterhin regelm\u00e4\u00dfig zwischen zwei und f\u00fcnf pro Jahr stattfanden, installierte die UEE eine kleine [Marine](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/RPDvKOpdP4-uee-navy) Pr\u00e4senz sowie systemweite Perimetersensoren. Die Bev\u00f6lkerung von Crion empfand diese Reaktion als unzureichend; der politische Aktivismus in der Bev\u00f6lkerung nahm zu, aber die [Messers](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/tag\/messer-dynasty) schickten keine weitere Hilfe.\n\nW\u00e4hrend des [Sturzes](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/bE3rKa32P7-anti-messer-revolution) des Messer-Regimes im Jahr 2792 wurde die milit\u00e4rische Pr\u00e4senz in Caliban aus dem System abgezogen, um anderswo Massenaufst\u00e4nde der Zivilbev\u00f6lkerung zu unterdr\u00fccken. Ein mittelgro\u00dfer Vanduul-Clan startete einen \u00dcberfall auf das weitgehend unverteidigte System, der \u00fcber hundert Menschenleben forderte. Die neu gebildete Post-Messer UEE-Regierung beorderte die 31. Battle Group nach Caliban, um die Invasion abzuwehren. Ihre Bem\u00fchungen waren erfolgreich und verhinderten, dass sich der \u00dcberfall zu etwas viel T\u00f6dlicherem ausweitete.\n\nNachfolgende Vanduul-Angriffe gingen auf die zuvor festgestellte Zahl von etwa f\u00fcnf pro Jahr zur\u00fcck und erreichten ihren H\u00f6hepunkt im Jahr 2859, als ein einziger gro\u00dfer Clan im Asteroideng\u00fcrtel des Systems mit dem 31sten Kampfverband zusammenstie\u00df. Dies war der letzte \u00dcberfall der Vanduul bis 2884. Bis 2870 war die 88. Logistische Unterst\u00fctzungsstaffel der einzige Schutz f\u00fcr Caliban.\n\n# DER ANGRIFF\nUm 04:43 Uhr Erdstandardzeit (UST), am 7. Juli 2884, schlich sich ein Vanduul-Clan unter der F\u00fchrung eines K\u00f6nigtums an den systemweiten Sensorbaken vorbei. Zwei Piloten der 88., die in der N\u00e4he von Caliban IV patrouillierten, entdeckten den Clan. Beide feuerten ein Notsignal ab, aber ihre Nachrichten wurden abgeschnitten, bevor sie zu Ende gesendet werden konnten.\n\nOhne das Ausma\u00df der Bedrohung zu begreifen, mobilisierte sich der Gro\u00dfteil der 88. gegen den eindringenden Clan. Vier Schiffe gingen den anr\u00fcckenden Sp\u00e4hern verloren, bevor das K\u00f6nigsschiff in Sichtweite war. Bei seinem Anblick traf Kommandantin Sylvie Randall zwei schnelle Entscheidungen: Erstens sandte sie Kommunikationsdrohnen aus, um Verst\u00e4rkung anzufordern, obwohl sie wusste, dass es bis zu zwei Tage dauern konnte, bis die Verst\u00e4rkung eintraf; zweitens zog sie sich nach Crion zur\u00fcck, um zivile Konvois zu organisieren und zu verteidigen. Dank dieser Entscheidung konnten \u00fcber drei Millionen Einwohner mit dem Leben davonkommen.\n\nAls die 2. UEE-Marineflotte 49 SE-Stunden sp\u00e4ter eintraf, blieb nichts anderes \u00fcbrig, als die restlichen Menschen zu retten und das System zu verlassen. Das 88. Geschwader war zusammen mit dem Caliban-System verloren. Es wird gesch\u00e4tzt, dass \u00fcber f\u00fcnfeinhalb Millionen Menschen starben, obwohl keine offiziellen Zahlen ver\u00f6ffentlicht wurden.\n\n# NACHWIRKUNGEN, ANALYSE UND AUSWIRKUNGEN\nEs wurden keine unmittelbaren Versuche unternommen, Caliban zur\u00fcckzuerobern. Obwohl das K\u00f6nigtum, das f\u00fcr den Gro\u00dfteil der Verluste in der Schlacht verantwortlich war, schon bald nach seinem Sieg in den vanduulischen Raum zur\u00fcckkehrte, hielten sich die Streitkr\u00e4fte der UEE zur\u00fcck, bis die Opferzahlen ermittelt werden konnten. Im Jahr 2891 gab die UEE bekannt, dass es keine aktiven Pl\u00e4ne zur R\u00fcckeroberung Calibans gab, solange die vanduulische Bedrohung nicht vollst\u00e4ndig neutralisiert werden konnte. Im Jahr 2945 begannen Milit\u00e4rstrategen, \u00fcber m\u00f6gliche zuk\u00fcnftige Feldz\u00fcge in das System zu diskutieren, um die Lager der Vanduul zu vernichten.\n\nHistoriker glauben, dass die jahrzehntelange Abwesenheit der Vanduul in Caliban in Kombination mit einem d\u00fcnn ges\u00e4ten Milit\u00e4r, einer schlechten Wartung der Sensoren im gesamten System und einem unvollst\u00e4ndigen Verst\u00e4ndnis der Absichten der Vanduul zum entscheidenden Sieg der Invasoren f\u00fchrte. Obwohl die Systeme Tiber, Virgil und Orion bereits den Vanduul \u00fcberlassen worden waren, hatten die Milit\u00e4rstrategen nicht mit einem Angriff dieser St\u00e4rke auf Caliban gerechnet. Die 88. Staffel war in voller St\u00e4rke vor Ort, aber eine Staffel reichte nicht aus, um sich gegen die Feuerkraft eines K\u00f6nigtums zu behaupten. Zu Ehren ihres Opfers wurde das 88. Geschwader, das in \"Verlorenes Geschwader\" umbenannt wurde, offiziell aus der UEE Navy ausgemustert.\n\nDie Vanduul [Harvester] (https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0n1MYzOkG7-harvester) sind dabei, die \u00dcberreste des Caliban-Systems zu vernichten. Crion, einst eine bl\u00fchende, \u00fcppige Welt, ist jetzt verw\u00fcstet. Es gibt keine bekannten menschlichen Bewohner in dem System.","zh_CN":"# FALL OF CALIBAN\n\nOn 7 July 2884 SEY, a [Vanduul Clan](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/R9vzjxmEBx-vanduul-clans) led by a [Kingship](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V3qWn9Dlvm-vanduul-kingship) launched a surprise attack on the moderately-populated planet [Crion (Caliban II)](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/bEzvPwYZ96-crion-caliban-ii). The [89th UEE Navy Logistic Support Squadron](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0Gz5BNmPqo-squadron-89) were the only military forces in system at the time of the attack. They managed to hold off the [Vanduul](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/VpGPp92gdO-vanduul) for two days, allowing much of the planet's population to escape at the cost of nearly the entire squadron. [Naval](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/RPDvKOpdP4-uee-navy) reinforcements arrived on the third day to engage the full Vanduul fleet, but they were unable to hold out against the onslaught. On 23 July 2884, after heavy casualties, Crion and the rest of the [Caliban system](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0jGyPQ1r5m-caliban-system) were lost to the Vanduul. In honor of their sacrifice, the 89th Squadron was retired, earning them the nickname \"the Lost Squad.\" This battle marked the last time a [Kingship](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V3qWn9Dlvm-vanduul-kingship) was spotted by [United Empire of Earth](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/VyvyKxy4v6-united-empire-of-earth) (UEE) forces until the [Battle of Vega II](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0Gz5mkprmg-battle-of-vega-ii) in 2945.\n\n# PRELUDE TO BATTLE\nSmall [Vanduul raiding parties](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/Rw1gdnOKBp-vanduul-raids) first began attacking Caliban in 2739, during the latter years of the [Messer era](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V8gJ6ZwGqo-messer-era). While the initial raid sparked fear in the system's inhabitants, causing a brief population drain, subsequent skirmishes were largely casualty-free. As raids continued to occur at a steady rate of between two and five per year, the UEE installed a small [naval](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/RPDvKOpdP4-uee-navy) presence in Caliban along with system-wide perimeter sensors. The people of Crion saw this response as inadequate; political activism spiked among the populace, but the [Messers](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/tag\/messer-dynasty) sent no more aid.\n\nDuring the [fall](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/bE3rKa32P7-anti-messer-revolution) of the Messer regime in 2792, the military presence in Caliban was pulled away from the system to repress mass civilian uprisings elsewhere. A medium-sized Vanduul Clan launched a raid on the largely undefended system, which claimed over one hundred lives. The newly formed post-Messer UEE government ordered the 31st Battle Group to Caliban to fend off the invasion. Their efforts were successful in stopping the raid from spiraling into something much deadlier.\n\nSubsequent Vanduul raids dropped down to previously established levels of roughly five per year, finally peaking in 2859 when a single large Clan clashed with the 31st Battle Group in the system's asteroid belt. This was the last Vanduul raid until 2884. In 2870, the 31st was assigned elsewhere, leaving the 89th Logistics Support Squadron behind as Caliban's only protection.\n\n# THE ATTACK\nAt 04:43 Earth Standard time (UST), 7 July 2884, a Vanduul Clan led by a Kingship slipped past the system-wide sensor beacons. Two pilots of the 89th, on patrol near [Caliban IV](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0GxavvKo2P-caliban-iv), spotted the Clan. Both of them fired off a distress signal, but their messages were cut off before they could be completed. \n\nNot comprehending the scope of the threat they faced, the bulk of the 89th mobilized against the invading Clan. Four ships were lost to advancing scouts before the Kingship was in sight. At the sight of it, Commander Sylvie Randall made two snap decisions; first, to send out comm drones requesting reinforcements, knowing that it might take up to two days for reinforcements to arrive; second, to retreat back to Crion to organize and defend civilian convoys. It was this decision that allowed over three million inhabitants to escape with their lives.\n\nBy the time the 2nd UEE Naval Fleet arrived, 49 SE Hours later, there was nothing left to do but rescue any remaining people and abandon the system. The 89th Squadron, along with the Caliban system, were lost. It is estimated that over five and a half million people died, though no official numbers have ever been released.\n\n# AFTERMATH, ANALYSIS, AND IMPACT\nNo attempts were immediately made to reclaim Caliban. Though the Kingship responsible for the bulk of casualties in battle returned to Vanduul space soon after its victory, UEE forces held off on moving in until casualties could be assessed. The UEE announced in 2891 that there were no active plans to retake Caliban until the Vanduul threat could be fully neutralized. In 2945, military strategists began to discuss possible future campaigns into the system to rout the Vanduul encampments. \n\nHistorians believe that the decades of Vanduul absence in Caliban, combined with a thinly-spread military, poor system-wide sensor maintenance, and an incomplete understanding of Vanduul intentions were what led to the invaders' decisive victory. Though the Tiber, Virgil, and Orion systems had already been abandoned to the Vanduul, military strategists did not foresee an attack of that strength on Caliban. The 89th Squadron was there in full force, but one squadron was not enough to stand against the firepower of a Kingship. In honor of their sacrifice, Squadron 89, redubbed the Lost Squadron, was officially retired from the UEE Navy.\n\nVanduul [Harvesters](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0n1MYzOkG7-harvester) are actively consuming what is left of the Caliban system. Crion, once a thriving, lush world, is now devastated. There are no known Human inhabitants in the system.","fr_FR":"# FALL OF CALIBAN\n\nOn 7 July 2884 SEY, a [Vanduul Clan](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/R9vzjxmEBx-vanduul-clans) led by a [Kingship](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V3qWn9Dlvm-vanduul-kingship) launched a surprise attack on the moderately-populated planet [Crion (Caliban II)](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/bEzvPwYZ96-crion-caliban-ii). The [89th UEE Navy Logistic Support Squadron](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0Gz5BNmPqo-squadron-89) were the only military forces in system at the time of the attack. They managed to hold off the [Vanduul](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/VpGPp92gdO-vanduul) for two days, allowing much of the planet's population to escape at the cost of nearly the entire squadron. [Naval](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/RPDvKOpdP4-uee-navy) reinforcements arrived on the third day to engage the full Vanduul fleet, but they were unable to hold out against the onslaught. On 23 July 2884, after heavy casualties, Crion and the rest of the [Caliban system](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0jGyPQ1r5m-caliban-system) were lost to the Vanduul. In honor of their sacrifice, the 89th Squadron was retired, earning them the nickname \"the Lost Squad.\" This battle marked the last time a [Kingship](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V3qWn9Dlvm-vanduul-kingship) was spotted by [United Empire of Earth](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/VyvyKxy4v6-united-empire-of-earth) (UEE) forces until the [Battle of Vega II](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0Gz5mkprmg-battle-of-vega-ii) in 2945.\n\n# PRELUDE TO BATTLE\nSmall [Vanduul raiding parties](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/Rw1gdnOKBp-vanduul-raids) first began attacking Caliban in 2739, during the latter years of the [Messer era](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/V8gJ6ZwGqo-messer-era). While the initial raid sparked fear in the system's inhabitants, causing a brief population drain, subsequent skirmishes were largely casualty-free. As raids continued to occur at a steady rate of between two and five per year, the UEE installed a small [naval](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/RPDvKOpdP4-uee-navy) presence in Caliban along with system-wide perimeter sensors. The people of Crion saw this response as inadequate; political activism spiked among the populace, but the [Messers](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/tag\/messer-dynasty) sent no more aid.\n\nDuring the [fall](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/bE3rKa32P7-anti-messer-revolution) of the Messer regime in 2792, the military presence in Caliban was pulled away from the system to repress mass civilian uprisings elsewhere. A medium-sized Vanduul Clan launched a raid on the largely undefended system, which claimed over one hundred lives. The newly formed post-Messer UEE government ordered the 31st Battle Group to Caliban to fend off the invasion. Their efforts were successful in stopping the raid from spiraling into something much deadlier.\n\nSubsequent Vanduul raids dropped down to previously established levels of roughly five per year, finally peaking in 2859 when a single large Clan clashed with the 31st Battle Group in the system's asteroid belt. This was the last Vanduul raid until 2884. In 2870, the 31st was assigned elsewhere, leaving the 89th Logistics Support Squadron behind as Caliban's only protection.\n\n# THE ATTACK\nAt 04:43 Earth Standard time (UST), 7 July 2884, a Vanduul Clan led by a Kingship slipped past the system-wide sensor beacons. Two pilots of the 89th, on patrol near [Caliban IV](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0GxavvKo2P-caliban-iv), spotted the Clan. Both of them fired off a distress signal, but their messages were cut off before they could be completed. \n\nNot comprehending the scope of the threat they faced, the bulk of the 89th mobilized against the invading Clan. Four ships were lost to advancing scouts before the Kingship was in sight. At the sight of it, Commander Sylvie Randall made two snap decisions; first, to send out comm drones requesting reinforcements, knowing that it might take up to two days for reinforcements to arrive; second, to retreat back to Crion to organize and defend civilian convoys. It was this decision that allowed over three million inhabitants to escape with their lives.\n\nBy the time the 2nd UEE Naval Fleet arrived, 49 SE Hours later, there was nothing left to do but rescue any remaining people and abandon the system. The 89th Squadron, along with the Caliban system, were lost. It is estimated that over five and a half million people died, though no official numbers have ever been released.\n\n# AFTERMATH, ANALYSIS, AND IMPACT\nNo attempts were immediately made to reclaim Caliban. Though the Kingship responsible for the bulk of casualties in battle returned to Vanduul space soon after its victory, UEE forces held off on moving in until casualties could be assessed. The UEE announced in 2891 that there were no active plans to retake Caliban until the Vanduul threat could be fully neutralized. In 2945, military strategists began to discuss possible future campaigns into the system to rout the Vanduul encampments. \n\nHistorians believe that the decades of Vanduul absence in Caliban, combined with a thinly-spread military, poor system-wide sensor maintenance, and an incomplete understanding of Vanduul intentions were what led to the invaders' decisive victory. Though the Tiber, Virgil, and Orion systems had already been abandoned to the Vanduul, military strategists did not foresee an attack of that strength on Caliban. The 89th Squadron was there in full force, but one squadron was not enough to stand against the firepower of a Kingship. In honor of their sacrifice, Squadron 89, redubbed the Lost Squadron, was officially retired from the UEE Navy.\n\nVanduul [Harvesters](https:\/\/robertsspaceindustries.com\/galactapedia\/article\/0n1MYzOkG7-harvester) are actively consuming what is left of the Caliban system. Crion, once a thriving, lush world, is now devastated. There are no known Human inhabitants in the system."},"created_at":"2021-02-08T01:46:53+00:00","created_at_human":"5 years ago"},"meta":{"processed_at":"2026-07-22 03:40:20","valid_relations":["categories","properties","tags","related"]}}