Portfolio: Lost Squad
Undefined Undefined PortfolioContent
English
For almost three centuries, Squadron 89 delivered on its motto — “Stand and Deliver.” The squadron’s lineage goes back to the Second Tevarin War, although it didn’t see action. It spent time along the Perry Line and, most famously, made the ultimate sacrifice during the Fall of Caliban. It was there the 89th earned its famous and fateful nickname, ‘The Lost Squad’.
The 89th was formed in 2608 as the Tevarin military was pushing their way through the Empire for a second time. Their leader, Corath’Thal, was expertly using guerilla tactics to terrorize the Human public and force the UEE Navy to divide their more powerful military resources. In response, the Navy reorganized its ranks to better respond to the Tevarin’s asymmetrical warfare. It was as part of this restructuring that the 89th came into existence.
Classified as a support squadron, the 89th provided logistical help to both forces fighting along the front lines and civilian populations ravaged by unexpected Tevarin attacks. The diverse workload birthed a squadron that became known as a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. It was capable of efficiently establishing a secure supply line, setting up and managing sensor beacons, or swooping into battle at a moment’s notice.
While the 89th was never known for its fighter pilots, it groomed some of the best logistic officers. The squadron’s wide range of assignments gave its members an understanding of the Navy’s many roles, birthing a culture of starmen dedicated to making the Navy better in every capacity.
With the Tevarin conflict resolved, the 89th was reassigned to the Castra System in the mid-27th century as the cold war with the Xi’an intensified. Though technically not on the Perry Line, documents released under Imperator Costigan’s Historical Truth Act of 2941 revealed that the 89th participated in at least 50 missions in Perry Line systems. They assumed many roles, but mainly provided logistical support and resupplied squadrons patrolling the borders.
After the Akari/Kr.ē Treaty eased tensions with the Xi’an and effectively ended the cold war, the 89th became an integral part of Castra’s transition from a closed military system to one open to the public. When the first civilian convoys entered the system, members of the 89th were given the honor of leading them to Sherman’s perch atop Mount Ulysses. For many outside the Navy, it was the first time they had heard of the 89th, but tragically, it would not be the last.
The Next Assignment
After its help transitioning Castra into an open system, Squadron 89 was once again transferred. The squadron was relocated to the Caliban System and established operations on Crion (Caliban II). Though it had been almost 70 years since the Vanduul had ripped Virgil from Humanity’s hands, Caliban was still under threat. The system faced sporadic attacks from small clans. Even though those attacks were repelled, it was clear the system was a target and things were only getting worse.
The 89th’s presence was heralded as a sign that the UEE was serious about keeping the Vanduul out of the system, yet behind the scenes, things were far from perfect. Though the squadron was charged with maintaining and repairing the system’s aging sensor grid, leaked documents following the Fall of Caliban showed that the 89th’s commanders often fought with Navy brass over funding and resources. In 2878, Avery Sinaga, the squadron’s commanding officer, even requested a transfer unless she received the assets necessary to protect Caliban. She was subsequently sent to a different squadron, though in later years she would state she regretted not being there when her troops needed her most.
The Fall of Caliban
On record, Caliban had everything it needed to defend itself: a vast network of early warning sensors, anti-aircraft weaponry built into the asteroid belt, and even supplemental patrols by competent local militias to augment Squadron 89’s routine watch throughout the system. The infrastructure was there to prevent a tragedy; yet one still occurred on July 7, 2884.
It is still not exactly known how the massive Vanduul clan slipped past early warning sensors to enter the system, but the 89th’s pilots on patrol near Caliban IV were the first to spot the aggressors. A distress signal was sent, but the accompanying message was cut off. The rest of the squadron mobilized to engage the threat, not knowing how overpowering it would be.
It was only when the faster scout ships neared the approaching clan that they realized the true scope of the raid. At the heart of the Vanduul force loomed a Kingship, kilometers long and with more than enough firepower to eliminate a full fleet, let alone a single squadron. The 89th immediately dispatched comm drones requesting reinforcements. Based on the distance and response time, the squadron knew it would be, at least, a day or two before they received any support.
Commander Randall, Squadron 89’s CO, quickly shifted the strategy away from defending Crion to organizing and defending civilian convoys evacuating the system. As she climbed into her ship to lead the effort, Commander Randall told the 89th that the goal wasn’t to track confirmed kills, but count the number of people they saved, “We must stand firm in the face of the enemy, and deliver these people to safety. We’re the 89th. If it needs to be done, we’re the ones to do it.”
For two long and brutal days the men and women of the 89th fought a fearless delaying action, waiting for the reinforcements to arrive. Though completely outnumbered and outclassed, they gave everything they had to slow down the encroaching attackers. When the 2nd Fleet finally made their approach to Crion, they were shocked to discover any survivors at all amidst the utter devastation and the planet-wide flames. Civilian losses were heavy, and the brave pilots of the 89th suffered even worse. However, thanks to the squadron’s incredible sacrifice, millions of civilians were able to escape the system. The 2nd Fleet quickly moved to rescue any remaining Humans they could find before they too abandoned the system. Caliban has been under Vanduul control ever since.
Out of respect to the families of those who died, exact casualty reports have remained classified, but from what historians have been able to piece together, the losses were among the most devastating in Naval history. Most telling is that following the Fall of Caliban, the UEE Navy officially retired Squadron 89, cementing its legacy as having made the ultimate sacrifice for their Empire, and leading to the evocative moniker, bestowed upon it by the public, of “The Lost Squad.”
The 89th was formed in 2608 as the Tevarin military was pushing their way through the Empire for a second time. Their leader, Corath’Thal, was expertly using guerilla tactics to terrorize the Human public and force the UEE Navy to divide their more powerful military resources. In response, the Navy reorganized its ranks to better respond to the Tevarin’s asymmetrical warfare. It was as part of this restructuring that the 89th came into existence.
Classified as a support squadron, the 89th provided logistical help to both forces fighting along the front lines and civilian populations ravaged by unexpected Tevarin attacks. The diverse workload birthed a squadron that became known as a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. It was capable of efficiently establishing a secure supply line, setting up and managing sensor beacons, or swooping into battle at a moment’s notice.
While the 89th was never known for its fighter pilots, it groomed some of the best logistic officers. The squadron’s wide range of assignments gave its members an understanding of the Navy’s many roles, birthing a culture of starmen dedicated to making the Navy better in every capacity.
With the Tevarin conflict resolved, the 89th was reassigned to the Castra System in the mid-27th century as the cold war with the Xi’an intensified. Though technically not on the Perry Line, documents released under Imperator Costigan’s Historical Truth Act of 2941 revealed that the 89th participated in at least 50 missions in Perry Line systems. They assumed many roles, but mainly provided logistical support and resupplied squadrons patrolling the borders.
After the Akari/Kr.ē Treaty eased tensions with the Xi’an and effectively ended the cold war, the 89th became an integral part of Castra’s transition from a closed military system to one open to the public. When the first civilian convoys entered the system, members of the 89th were given the honor of leading them to Sherman’s perch atop Mount Ulysses. For many outside the Navy, it was the first time they had heard of the 89th, but tragically, it would not be the last.
The Next Assignment
After its help transitioning Castra into an open system, Squadron 89 was once again transferred. The squadron was relocated to the Caliban System and established operations on Crion (Caliban II). Though it had been almost 70 years since the Vanduul had ripped Virgil from Humanity’s hands, Caliban was still under threat. The system faced sporadic attacks from small clans. Even though those attacks were repelled, it was clear the system was a target and things were only getting worse.
The 89th’s presence was heralded as a sign that the UEE was serious about keeping the Vanduul out of the system, yet behind the scenes, things were far from perfect. Though the squadron was charged with maintaining and repairing the system’s aging sensor grid, leaked documents following the Fall of Caliban showed that the 89th’s commanders often fought with Navy brass over funding and resources. In 2878, Avery Sinaga, the squadron’s commanding officer, even requested a transfer unless she received the assets necessary to protect Caliban. She was subsequently sent to a different squadron, though in later years she would state she regretted not being there when her troops needed her most.
The Fall of Caliban
On record, Caliban had everything it needed to defend itself: a vast network of early warning sensors, anti-aircraft weaponry built into the asteroid belt, and even supplemental patrols by competent local militias to augment Squadron 89’s routine watch throughout the system. The infrastructure was there to prevent a tragedy; yet one still occurred on July 7, 2884.
It is still not exactly known how the massive Vanduul clan slipped past early warning sensors to enter the system, but the 89th’s pilots on patrol near Caliban IV were the first to spot the aggressors. A distress signal was sent, but the accompanying message was cut off. The rest of the squadron mobilized to engage the threat, not knowing how overpowering it would be.
It was only when the faster scout ships neared the approaching clan that they realized the true scope of the raid. At the heart of the Vanduul force loomed a Kingship, kilometers long and with more than enough firepower to eliminate a full fleet, let alone a single squadron. The 89th immediately dispatched comm drones requesting reinforcements. Based on the distance and response time, the squadron knew it would be, at least, a day or two before they received any support.
Commander Randall, Squadron 89’s CO, quickly shifted the strategy away from defending Crion to organizing and defending civilian convoys evacuating the system. As she climbed into her ship to lead the effort, Commander Randall told the 89th that the goal wasn’t to track confirmed kills, but count the number of people they saved, “We must stand firm in the face of the enemy, and deliver these people to safety. We’re the 89th. If it needs to be done, we’re the ones to do it.”
For two long and brutal days the men and women of the 89th fought a fearless delaying action, waiting for the reinforcements to arrive. Though completely outnumbered and outclassed, they gave everything they had to slow down the encroaching attackers. When the 2nd Fleet finally made their approach to Crion, they were shocked to discover any survivors at all amidst the utter devastation and the planet-wide flames. Civilian losses were heavy, and the brave pilots of the 89th suffered even worse. However, thanks to the squadron’s incredible sacrifice, millions of civilians were able to escape the system. The 2nd Fleet quickly moved to rescue any remaining Humans they could find before they too abandoned the system. Caliban has been under Vanduul control ever since.
Out of respect to the families of those who died, exact casualty reports have remained classified, but from what historians have been able to piece together, the losses were among the most devastating in Naval history. Most telling is that following the Fall of Caliban, the UEE Navy officially retired Squadron 89, cementing its legacy as having made the ultimate sacrifice for their Empire, and leading to the evocative moniker, bestowed upon it by the public, of “The Lost Squad.”
German
Fast drei Jahrhunderte lang lieferte die Staffel 88 nach ihrem Motto - "Stand and Deliver". Die Abstammung der Staffel geht auf den Zweiten Tevarinkrieg zurück, obwohl sie keine Action gesehen hat. Er verbrachte Zeit entlang der Perry-Linie und brachte, was am bekanntesten ist, das ultimative Opfer während des Falles von Kaliban. Dort erhielt der 88. seinen berühmten und schicksalhaften Spitznamen "The Lost Squad".
Der 88. wurde 2608 gegründet, als sich das Militär von Tevarin zum zweiten Mal durch das Reich drängte. Ihr Anführer, Corath'Thal, benutzte geschickt Guerillataktiken, um die menschliche Öffentlichkeit zu terrorisieren und die UEE-Marine zu zwingen, ihre mächtigeren militärischen Ressourcen zu teilen. Als Reaktion darauf reorganisierte die Marine ihre Reihen, um besser auf die asymmetrische Kriegsführung der Tevarin reagieren zu können. Im Rahmen dieser Umstrukturierung entstand der 88.
Die 88. Staffel, die als Unterstützungsstaffel eingestuft wurde, leistete logistische Hilfe sowohl für die Streitkräfte, die an vorderster Front kämpfen, als auch für die Zivilbevölkerung, die von unerwarteten Angriffen der Tevarin verwüstet wurde. Die vielfältige Arbeitsbelastung brachte eine Staffel hervor, die als Alleskönner, aber nicht als Meister bekannt wurde. Sie war in der Lage, eine sichere Versorgungsleitung effizient zu etablieren, Sensorkennleuchten einzurichten und zu verwalten oder kurzfristig in den Kampf zu ziehen.
Während der 88. nie für seine Kampfflieger bekannt war, wurden einige der besten Logistiker ausgebildet. Die große Bandbreite der Aufgaben der Staffel gab ihren Mitgliedern ein Verständnis für die vielen Rollen der Marine und brachte eine Kultur von Stars hervor, die sich dafür einsetzen, die Marine in jeder Hinsicht besser zu machen.
Nach der Lösung des Tevarin-Konflikts wurde der 88. Mitte des 27. Jahrhunderts dem Castra-System zugewiesen, da sich der Kalte Krieg mit dem Xi'an intensivierte. Obwohl technisch nicht auf der Perry Line, zeigten Dokumente, die unter Imperator Costigans Historical Truth Act von 2941 veröffentlicht wurden, dass die 88. an mindestens 50 Missionen in Perry Line-Systemen teilnahm. Sie übernahmen viele Rollen, leisteten aber vor allem logistische Unterstützung und lieferten wieder Staffeln, die an den Grenzen patrouillierten.
Nachdem der Akari/Kray-Vertrag die Spannungen mit dem Xi'an gelockert und den Kalten Krieg effektiv beendet hatte, wurde der 88. ein integraler Bestandteil von Castras Übergang von einem geschlossenen Militärsystem zu einem öffentlich zugänglichen System. Als die ersten zivilen Konvois in das System eintraten, erhielten die Mitglieder des 88. Jahrhunderts die Ehre, sie zu Shermans Barsch auf dem Berg Ulysses zu führen. Für viele außerhalb der Marine war es das erste Mal, dass sie von der 88. gehört hatten, aber tragischerweise war es nicht die letzte.
Die nächste Aufgabe
Nach der Hilfe bei der Umstellung von Castra auf ein offenes System wurde die Staffel 88 erneut versetzt. Die Staffel wurde in das Kaliban-System verlegt und etablierte den Betrieb auf Crion (Caliban II). Obwohl es fast 70 Jahre her war, dass die Vanduul Jungfrau aus den Händen der Menschheit gerissen hatten, war Caliban immer noch in Gefahr. Das System sah sich sporadischen Angriffen von kleinen Clans ausgesetzt. Obwohl diese Angriffe abgewehrt wurden, war klar, dass das System ein Ziel war und die Dinge nur noch schlimmer wurden.
Die Anwesenheit des 88. wurde als Zeichen dafür gewertet, dass es der UEE ernst damit war, die Vanduul aus dem System zu halten, aber hinter den Kulissen war alles andere als perfekt. Obwohl die Staffel mit der Wartung und Reparatur des alternden Sensorgitters des Systems beauftragt wurde, zeigten undichte Dokumente nach dem Fall von Caliban, dass die Kommandanten der 88. oft mit Marine-Messing um Geld und Ressourcen kämpften. Im Jahr 2878 beantragte Avery Sinaga, der kommandierende Offizier der Staffel, sogar eine Versetzung, es sei denn, sie erhielt die für den Schutz von Caliban notwendigen Vermögenswerte. Sie wurde später zu einer anderen Staffel geschickt, obwohl sie in späteren Jahren behaupten würde, dass sie es bedauerte, nicht da zu sein, wenn ihre Truppen sie am meisten brauchten.
Der Fall des Kalibers
In den Aufzeichnungen hatte Caliban alles, was es brauchte, um sich zu verteidigen: ein riesiges Netzwerk von Frühwarnsensoren, Flugabwehrwaffen, die in den Asteroidengürtel eingebaut waren, und sogar zusätzliche Patrouillen durch kompetente lokale Milizen, um die Routinewache der Staffel 88 im gesamten System zu ergänzen. Die Infrastruktur war da, um eine Tragödie zu verhindern, aber eine geschah noch am 7. Juli 2884.
Es ist noch nicht genau bekannt, wie der massive Vanduul-Clan an Frühwarnsensoren vorbeigeflogen ist, um in das System einzudringen, aber die Piloten des 88. auf Patrouille bei Kaliban IV waren die ersten, die die Angreifer entdeckten. Es wurde ein Notsignal gesendet, aber die zugehörige Nachricht wurde abgeschnitten. Der Rest der Staffel mobilisierte sich, um sich der Bedrohung zu stellen, ohne zu wissen, wie überwältigend sie sein würde.
Erst als sich die schnelleren Spähschiffe dem nahenden Clan näherten, erkannten sie den wahren Umfang des Angriffs. Im Herzen der Vanduul-Truppe tauchte ein Königsschiff auf, kilometerlang und mit mehr als genug Feuerkraft, um eine ganze Flotte, geschweige denn eine einzige Staffel zu eliminieren. Die 88. schickte sofort Kommando-Drohnen, die Verstärkung anforderten. Basierend auf der Entfernung und der Reaktionszeit wusste die Staffel, dass es mindestens ein oder zwei Tage dauern würde, bis sie Unterstützung erhielt.
Kommandant Randall, der CO der Staffel 88, verlagerte die Strategie schnell von der Verteidigung von Crion auf die Organisation und Verteidigung ziviler Konvois, die das System evakuierten. Als sie in ihr Schiff kletterte, um die Anstrengung zu leiten, sagte Commander Randall dem 88., dass das Ziel nicht darin bestand, bestätigte Morde zu verfolgen, sondern die Anzahl der Menschen zu zählen, die sie gerettet haben: "Wir müssen fest im Angesicht des Feindes stehen und diese Menschen in Sicherheit bringen. Wir sind die 88. Wenn es getan werden muss, sind wir diejenigen, die es tun."
Zwei lange und brutale Tage lang kämpften die Männer und Frauen des 88. Jahrhunderts gegen eine furchtlos verzögernde Aktion und warteten auf die Ankunft der Verstärkung. Obwohl sie völlig in der Unterzahl und in der Unterklasse waren, gaben sie alles, was sie brauchten, um die übergreifenden Angreifer zu verlangsamen. Als sich die zweite Flotte schließlich Crion näherte, waren sie schockiert, als sie inmitten der völligen Verwüstung und der weltumspannenden Flammen überhaupt Überlebende entdeckten. Die zivilen Verluste waren schwer, und die tapferen Piloten des 88. Jahrhunderts litten noch mehr. Dank des unglaublichen Opfers der Staffel konnten jedoch Millionen von Zivilisten dem System entkommen. Die zweite Flotte bewegte sich schnell, um alle verbleibenden Menschen zu retten, die sie finden konnten, bevor sie das System ebenfalls verließen. Caliban steht seitdem unter Vanduuls Kontrolle.
Aus Respekt vor den Familien der Verstorbenen sind genaue Verlustberichte geheim geblieben, aber von dem, was Historiker zusammensetzen konnten, gehörten die Verluste zu den verheerendsten in der Geschichte der Marine. Am aufschlussreichsten ist, dass die UEE Navy nach dem Fall of Caliban die Staffel 88 offiziell in den Ruhestand verabschiedet hat, indem sie ihr Erbe als das ultimative Opfer für ihr Imperium festigte und zu dem beschwörerischen Spitznamen "The Lost Squad" führte, der ihr von der Öffentlichkeit verliehen wurde.
Der 88. wurde 2608 gegründet, als sich das Militär von Tevarin zum zweiten Mal durch das Reich drängte. Ihr Anführer, Corath'Thal, benutzte geschickt Guerillataktiken, um die menschliche Öffentlichkeit zu terrorisieren und die UEE-Marine zu zwingen, ihre mächtigeren militärischen Ressourcen zu teilen. Als Reaktion darauf reorganisierte die Marine ihre Reihen, um besser auf die asymmetrische Kriegsführung der Tevarin reagieren zu können. Im Rahmen dieser Umstrukturierung entstand der 88.
Die 88. Staffel, die als Unterstützungsstaffel eingestuft wurde, leistete logistische Hilfe sowohl für die Streitkräfte, die an vorderster Front kämpfen, als auch für die Zivilbevölkerung, die von unerwarteten Angriffen der Tevarin verwüstet wurde. Die vielfältige Arbeitsbelastung brachte eine Staffel hervor, die als Alleskönner, aber nicht als Meister bekannt wurde. Sie war in der Lage, eine sichere Versorgungsleitung effizient zu etablieren, Sensorkennleuchten einzurichten und zu verwalten oder kurzfristig in den Kampf zu ziehen.
Während der 88. nie für seine Kampfflieger bekannt war, wurden einige der besten Logistiker ausgebildet. Die große Bandbreite der Aufgaben der Staffel gab ihren Mitgliedern ein Verständnis für die vielen Rollen der Marine und brachte eine Kultur von Stars hervor, die sich dafür einsetzen, die Marine in jeder Hinsicht besser zu machen.
Nach der Lösung des Tevarin-Konflikts wurde der 88. Mitte des 27. Jahrhunderts dem Castra-System zugewiesen, da sich der Kalte Krieg mit dem Xi'an intensivierte. Obwohl technisch nicht auf der Perry Line, zeigten Dokumente, die unter Imperator Costigans Historical Truth Act von 2941 veröffentlicht wurden, dass die 88. an mindestens 50 Missionen in Perry Line-Systemen teilnahm. Sie übernahmen viele Rollen, leisteten aber vor allem logistische Unterstützung und lieferten wieder Staffeln, die an den Grenzen patrouillierten.
Nachdem der Akari/Kray-Vertrag die Spannungen mit dem Xi'an gelockert und den Kalten Krieg effektiv beendet hatte, wurde der 88. ein integraler Bestandteil von Castras Übergang von einem geschlossenen Militärsystem zu einem öffentlich zugänglichen System. Als die ersten zivilen Konvois in das System eintraten, erhielten die Mitglieder des 88. Jahrhunderts die Ehre, sie zu Shermans Barsch auf dem Berg Ulysses zu führen. Für viele außerhalb der Marine war es das erste Mal, dass sie von der 88. gehört hatten, aber tragischerweise war es nicht die letzte.
Die nächste Aufgabe
Nach der Hilfe bei der Umstellung von Castra auf ein offenes System wurde die Staffel 88 erneut versetzt. Die Staffel wurde in das Kaliban-System verlegt und etablierte den Betrieb auf Crion (Caliban II). Obwohl es fast 70 Jahre her war, dass die Vanduul Jungfrau aus den Händen der Menschheit gerissen hatten, war Caliban immer noch in Gefahr. Das System sah sich sporadischen Angriffen von kleinen Clans ausgesetzt. Obwohl diese Angriffe abgewehrt wurden, war klar, dass das System ein Ziel war und die Dinge nur noch schlimmer wurden.
Die Anwesenheit des 88. wurde als Zeichen dafür gewertet, dass es der UEE ernst damit war, die Vanduul aus dem System zu halten, aber hinter den Kulissen war alles andere als perfekt. Obwohl die Staffel mit der Wartung und Reparatur des alternden Sensorgitters des Systems beauftragt wurde, zeigten undichte Dokumente nach dem Fall von Caliban, dass die Kommandanten der 88. oft mit Marine-Messing um Geld und Ressourcen kämpften. Im Jahr 2878 beantragte Avery Sinaga, der kommandierende Offizier der Staffel, sogar eine Versetzung, es sei denn, sie erhielt die für den Schutz von Caliban notwendigen Vermögenswerte. Sie wurde später zu einer anderen Staffel geschickt, obwohl sie in späteren Jahren behaupten würde, dass sie es bedauerte, nicht da zu sein, wenn ihre Truppen sie am meisten brauchten.
Der Fall des Kalibers
In den Aufzeichnungen hatte Caliban alles, was es brauchte, um sich zu verteidigen: ein riesiges Netzwerk von Frühwarnsensoren, Flugabwehrwaffen, die in den Asteroidengürtel eingebaut waren, und sogar zusätzliche Patrouillen durch kompetente lokale Milizen, um die Routinewache der Staffel 88 im gesamten System zu ergänzen. Die Infrastruktur war da, um eine Tragödie zu verhindern, aber eine geschah noch am 7. Juli 2884.
Es ist noch nicht genau bekannt, wie der massive Vanduul-Clan an Frühwarnsensoren vorbeigeflogen ist, um in das System einzudringen, aber die Piloten des 88. auf Patrouille bei Kaliban IV waren die ersten, die die Angreifer entdeckten. Es wurde ein Notsignal gesendet, aber die zugehörige Nachricht wurde abgeschnitten. Der Rest der Staffel mobilisierte sich, um sich der Bedrohung zu stellen, ohne zu wissen, wie überwältigend sie sein würde.
Erst als sich die schnelleren Spähschiffe dem nahenden Clan näherten, erkannten sie den wahren Umfang des Angriffs. Im Herzen der Vanduul-Truppe tauchte ein Königsschiff auf, kilometerlang und mit mehr als genug Feuerkraft, um eine ganze Flotte, geschweige denn eine einzige Staffel zu eliminieren. Die 88. schickte sofort Kommando-Drohnen, die Verstärkung anforderten. Basierend auf der Entfernung und der Reaktionszeit wusste die Staffel, dass es mindestens ein oder zwei Tage dauern würde, bis sie Unterstützung erhielt.
Kommandant Randall, der CO der Staffel 88, verlagerte die Strategie schnell von der Verteidigung von Crion auf die Organisation und Verteidigung ziviler Konvois, die das System evakuierten. Als sie in ihr Schiff kletterte, um die Anstrengung zu leiten, sagte Commander Randall dem 88., dass das Ziel nicht darin bestand, bestätigte Morde zu verfolgen, sondern die Anzahl der Menschen zu zählen, die sie gerettet haben: "Wir müssen fest im Angesicht des Feindes stehen und diese Menschen in Sicherheit bringen. Wir sind die 88. Wenn es getan werden muss, sind wir diejenigen, die es tun."
Zwei lange und brutale Tage lang kämpften die Männer und Frauen des 88. Jahrhunderts gegen eine furchtlos verzögernde Aktion und warteten auf die Ankunft der Verstärkung. Obwohl sie völlig in der Unterzahl und in der Unterklasse waren, gaben sie alles, was sie brauchten, um die übergreifenden Angreifer zu verlangsamen. Als sich die zweite Flotte schließlich Crion näherte, waren sie schockiert, als sie inmitten der völligen Verwüstung und der weltumspannenden Flammen überhaupt Überlebende entdeckten. Die zivilen Verluste waren schwer, und die tapferen Piloten des 88. Jahrhunderts litten noch mehr. Dank des unglaublichen Opfers der Staffel konnten jedoch Millionen von Zivilisten dem System entkommen. Die zweite Flotte bewegte sich schnell, um alle verbleibenden Menschen zu retten, die sie finden konnten, bevor sie das System ebenfalls verließen. Caliban steht seitdem unter Vanduuls Kontrolle.
Aus Respekt vor den Familien der Verstorbenen sind genaue Verlustberichte geheim geblieben, aber von dem, was Historiker zusammensetzen konnten, gehörten die Verluste zu den verheerendsten in der Geschichte der Marine. Am aufschlussreichsten ist, dass die UEE Navy nach dem Fall of Caliban die Staffel 88 offiziell in den Ruhestand verabschiedet hat, indem sie ihr Erbe als das ultimative Opfer für ihr Imperium festigte und zu dem beschwörerischen Spitznamen "The Lost Squad" führte, der ihr von der Öffentlichkeit verliehen wurde.
Chinese
For almost three centuries, Squadron 89 delivered on its motto — “Stand and Deliver.” The squadron’s lineage goes back to the Second Tevarin War, although it didn’t see action. It spent time along the Perry Line and, most famously, made the ultimate sacrifice during the Fall of Caliban. It was there the 89th earned its famous and fateful nickname, ‘The Lost Squad’.
The 89th was formed in 2608 as the Tevarin military was pushing their way through the Empire for a second time. Their leader, Corath’Thal, was expertly using guerilla tactics to terrorize the Human public and force the UEE Navy to divide their more powerful military resources. In response, the Navy reorganized its ranks to better respond to the Tevarin’s asymmetrical warfare. It was as part of this restructuring that the 89th came into existence.
Classified as a support squadron, the 89th provided logistical help to both forces fighting along the front lines and civilian populations ravaged by unexpected Tevarin attacks. The diverse workload birthed a squadron that became known as a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. It was capable of efficiently establishing a secure supply line, setting up and managing sensor beacons, or swooping into battle at a moment’s notice.
While the 89th was never known for its fighter pilots, it groomed some of the best logistic officers. The squadron’s wide range of assignments gave its members an understanding of the Navy’s many roles, birthing a culture of starmen dedicated to making the Navy better in every capacity.
With the Tevarin conflict resolved, the 89th was reassigned to the Castra System in the mid-27th century as the cold war with the Xi’an intensified. Though technically not on the Perry Line, documents released under Imperator Costigan’s Historical Truth Act of 2941 revealed that the 89th participated in at least 50 missions in Perry Line systems. They assumed many roles, but mainly provided logistical support and resupplied squadrons patrolling the borders.
After the Akari/Kr.ē Treaty eased tensions with the Xi’an and effectively ended the cold war, the 89th became an integral part of Castra’s transition from a closed military system to one open to the public. When the first civilian convoys entered the system, members of the 89th were given the honor of leading them to Sherman’s perch atop Mount Ulysses. For many outside the Navy, it was the first time they had heard of the 89th, but tragically, it would not be the last.
The Next Assignment
After its help transitioning Castra into an open system, Squadron 89 was once again transferred. The squadron was relocated to the Caliban System and established operations on Crion (Caliban II). Though it had been almost 70 years since the Vanduul had ripped Virgil from Humanity’s hands, Caliban was still under threat. The system faced sporadic attacks from small clans. Even though those attacks were repelled, it was clear the system was a target and things were only getting worse.
The 89th’s presence was heralded as a sign that the UEE was serious about keeping the Vanduul out of the system, yet behind the scenes, things were far from perfect. Though the squadron was charged with maintaining and repairing the system’s aging sensor grid, leaked documents following the Fall of Caliban showed that the 89th’s commanders often fought with Navy brass over funding and resources. In 2878, Avery Sinaga, the squadron’s commanding officer, even requested a transfer unless she received the assets necessary to protect Caliban. She was subsequently sent to a different squadron, though in later years she would state she regretted not being there when her troops needed her most.
The Fall of Caliban
On record, Caliban had everything it needed to defend itself: a vast network of early warning sensors, anti-aircraft weaponry built into the asteroid belt, and even supplemental patrols by competent local militias to augment Squadron 89’s routine watch throughout the system. The infrastructure was there to prevent a tragedy; yet one still occurred on July 7, 2884.
It is still not exactly known how the massive Vanduul clan slipped past early warning sensors to enter the system, but the 89th’s pilots on patrol near Caliban IV were the first to spot the aggressors. A distress signal was sent, but the accompanying message was cut off. The rest of the squadron mobilized to engage the threat, not knowing how overpowering it would be.
It was only when the faster scout ships neared the approaching clan that they realized the true scope of the raid. At the heart of the Vanduul force loomed a Kingship, kilometers long and with more than enough firepower to eliminate a full fleet, let alone a single squadron. The 89th immediately dispatched comm drones requesting reinforcements. Based on the distance and response time, the squadron knew it would be, at least, a day or two before they received any support.
Commander Randall, Squadron 89’s CO, quickly shifted the strategy away from defending Crion to organizing and defending civilian convoys evacuating the system. As she climbed into her ship to lead the effort, Commander Randall told the 89th that the goal wasn’t to track confirmed kills, but count the number of people they saved, “We must stand firm in the face of the enemy, and deliver these people to safety. We’re the 89th. If it needs to be done, we’re the ones to do it.”
For two long and brutal days the men and women of the 89th fought a fearless delaying action, waiting for the reinforcements to arrive. Though completely outnumbered and outclassed, they gave everything they had to slow down the encroaching attackers. When the 2nd Fleet finally made their approach to Crion, they were shocked to discover any survivors at all amidst the utter devastation and the planet-wide flames. Civilian losses were heavy, and the brave pilots of the 89th suffered even worse. However, thanks to the squadron’s incredible sacrifice, millions of civilians were able to escape the system. The 2nd Fleet quickly moved to rescue any remaining Humans they could find before they too abandoned the system. Caliban has been under Vanduul control ever since.
Out of respect to the families of those who died, exact casualty reports have remained classified, but from what historians have been able to piece together, the losses were among the most devastating in Naval history. Most telling is that following the Fall of Caliban, the UEE Navy officially retired Squadron 89, cementing its legacy as having made the ultimate sacrifice for their Empire, and leading to the evocative moniker, bestowed upon it by the public, of “The Lost Squad.”
The 89th was formed in 2608 as the Tevarin military was pushing their way through the Empire for a second time. Their leader, Corath’Thal, was expertly using guerilla tactics to terrorize the Human public and force the UEE Navy to divide their more powerful military resources. In response, the Navy reorganized its ranks to better respond to the Tevarin’s asymmetrical warfare. It was as part of this restructuring that the 89th came into existence.
Classified as a support squadron, the 89th provided logistical help to both forces fighting along the front lines and civilian populations ravaged by unexpected Tevarin attacks. The diverse workload birthed a squadron that became known as a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. It was capable of efficiently establishing a secure supply line, setting up and managing sensor beacons, or swooping into battle at a moment’s notice.
While the 89th was never known for its fighter pilots, it groomed some of the best logistic officers. The squadron’s wide range of assignments gave its members an understanding of the Navy’s many roles, birthing a culture of starmen dedicated to making the Navy better in every capacity.
With the Tevarin conflict resolved, the 89th was reassigned to the Castra System in the mid-27th century as the cold war with the Xi’an intensified. Though technically not on the Perry Line, documents released under Imperator Costigan’s Historical Truth Act of 2941 revealed that the 89th participated in at least 50 missions in Perry Line systems. They assumed many roles, but mainly provided logistical support and resupplied squadrons patrolling the borders.
After the Akari/Kr.ē Treaty eased tensions with the Xi’an and effectively ended the cold war, the 89th became an integral part of Castra’s transition from a closed military system to one open to the public. When the first civilian convoys entered the system, members of the 89th were given the honor of leading them to Sherman’s perch atop Mount Ulysses. For many outside the Navy, it was the first time they had heard of the 89th, but tragically, it would not be the last.
The Next Assignment
After its help transitioning Castra into an open system, Squadron 89 was once again transferred. The squadron was relocated to the Caliban System and established operations on Crion (Caliban II). Though it had been almost 70 years since the Vanduul had ripped Virgil from Humanity’s hands, Caliban was still under threat. The system faced sporadic attacks from small clans. Even though those attacks were repelled, it was clear the system was a target and things were only getting worse.
The 89th’s presence was heralded as a sign that the UEE was serious about keeping the Vanduul out of the system, yet behind the scenes, things were far from perfect. Though the squadron was charged with maintaining and repairing the system’s aging sensor grid, leaked documents following the Fall of Caliban showed that the 89th’s commanders often fought with Navy brass over funding and resources. In 2878, Avery Sinaga, the squadron’s commanding officer, even requested a transfer unless she received the assets necessary to protect Caliban. She was subsequently sent to a different squadron, though in later years she would state she regretted not being there when her troops needed her most.
The Fall of Caliban
On record, Caliban had everything it needed to defend itself: a vast network of early warning sensors, anti-aircraft weaponry built into the asteroid belt, and even supplemental patrols by competent local militias to augment Squadron 89’s routine watch throughout the system. The infrastructure was there to prevent a tragedy; yet one still occurred on July 7, 2884.
It is still not exactly known how the massive Vanduul clan slipped past early warning sensors to enter the system, but the 89th’s pilots on patrol near Caliban IV were the first to spot the aggressors. A distress signal was sent, but the accompanying message was cut off. The rest of the squadron mobilized to engage the threat, not knowing how overpowering it would be.
It was only when the faster scout ships neared the approaching clan that they realized the true scope of the raid. At the heart of the Vanduul force loomed a Kingship, kilometers long and with more than enough firepower to eliminate a full fleet, let alone a single squadron. The 89th immediately dispatched comm drones requesting reinforcements. Based on the distance and response time, the squadron knew it would be, at least, a day or two before they received any support.
Commander Randall, Squadron 89’s CO, quickly shifted the strategy away from defending Crion to organizing and defending civilian convoys evacuating the system. As she climbed into her ship to lead the effort, Commander Randall told the 89th that the goal wasn’t to track confirmed kills, but count the number of people they saved, “We must stand firm in the face of the enemy, and deliver these people to safety. We’re the 89th. If it needs to be done, we’re the ones to do it.”
For two long and brutal days the men and women of the 89th fought a fearless delaying action, waiting for the reinforcements to arrive. Though completely outnumbered and outclassed, they gave everything they had to slow down the encroaching attackers. When the 2nd Fleet finally made their approach to Crion, they were shocked to discover any survivors at all amidst the utter devastation and the planet-wide flames. Civilian losses were heavy, and the brave pilots of the 89th suffered even worse. However, thanks to the squadron’s incredible sacrifice, millions of civilians were able to escape the system. The 2nd Fleet quickly moved to rescue any remaining Humans they could find before they too abandoned the system. Caliban has been under Vanduul control ever since.
Out of respect to the families of those who died, exact casualty reports have remained classified, but from what historians have been able to piece together, the losses were among the most devastating in Naval history. Most telling is that following the Fall of Caliban, the UEE Navy officially retired Squadron 89, cementing its legacy as having made the ultimate sacrifice for their Empire, and leading to the evocative moniker, bestowed upon it by the public, of “The Lost Squad.”
Links
No links available.
Metadata
- CIG ID
- 16558
- Channel
- Undefined
- Category
- Undefined
- Series
- Portfolio
- Comments
- 49
- Published
- 7 years ago (2018-05-09T00:00:00+00:00)