Stellaris Ch 12

Chapter 12 - 2374 to 2386:

In the past few decades, the Jibru Cooperative has expanded immensely. The Uri Accord, once so threatened by the Vissari, joined the Jibru about 20 years previously, as did the Klaggian Star Dynasty some years later. Now, the Jibru Cooperative is one of the most expansive empires in the galaxy.

The first strike by the Thimoid Watchers happens in the former Uri system of Zaffa. Eight battle cruisers and two escorts enter the system and obliterate the station within days. They are the most powerful ships ever encountered.

They enter Polaris next and overwhelm the small Jibru fleet stationed there. The war is not going well so far.

In 2375, all four main fleets jump into Vissari territory, ready to take on the first Thimoid armada. It will be an extremely tough fight, with Federation firepower barely equal to the few massive battle cruisers in the enemy fleet.

1st and 2nd Fleets arrive in Polaris nearly a year later, but no enemy fleets are seen except two large transports. These are destroyed and the base is cleared of occupying enemies.

The first Thimoid system of Gol is entered some months later. This is defended with an extremely powerful station, equipped with missiles, lasers, and strike crafts. The planet Gol I is inhabited by billions of Thimoids.

About ten Federation ships are lost in the process of taking over the station. Still, it proves that the enemy is not invincible. All that remains for the system is the invasion of Gol I.

Right behind the fleets are thousands of transports, ready to land millions of troops. These troops are comprised of humans, Screk, robots, and Mandasuran soldiers. In early 2377, they land on Gol I. The invasion will take 6 months and millions of lives before the Federation is victorious.

At the same time, the fight to retake Polaris begins. The Thimoid have left close to no occupying forces, so it is an easy battle.

In mid 2377, the Kalaxenon Ancients begin to look towards rebuilding their once grand empire. Their survey and science ships have been spotted in all corners of the galaxy, for previously unknown reasons. Now, it is discovered their purpose was to gain information useful for their eventual return to power. They are rebuilding and retrofitting old, worn out stations and ships, preparing for something that will return them to glory.

Saqqis system is the next to fall to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fleets. Then, word arrives that an enemy fleet is inbound. It is weak in terms of the overall fleet of the Thimoid Watchers, but it still vastly overpowers any single Federation fleet. It is made up of 32 escorts, and they are on the way to liberate Saqqis.

It does not go well in the beginning. The enemy escorts are very difficult to destroy, and the swarm missiles they fire are deadly. As ship after ship of the Federation is destroyed, it looks like the battle could turn sour. Then, 4th Fleet arrives to help, and they tip the balance. Only three escorts are destroyed, but over a dozen are badly damaged, and they flee.

Then, word comes that their most powerful fleet is pulling back from their raids in the Jibru territories. The fleets retreat back into Gol and prepare for the defense. Before the powerful fleet arrives, the defeated, yet still powerful, escort fleet turns up.

Two escorts are destroyed before the enemies withdraw, but just as they do, the powerful fleet arrives. Eight super powerful battle cruisers, equipped with arc emitters, a technology not yet discovered for the Federation.

It is a devastating battle, and over a dozen Federation ships are lost in the confusing, blinding display. Worst of all, two of the three Federation titans were destroyed. It is not known how many enemy ships are destroyed, but at least one is left floating in the graveyard of the battle. The rest have seemingly retreated.

The fleets are reorganized into two, the 1st very powerful titan-led Fleet, and 2nd less powerful support Fleet. They are sent back into Saqqis to retake the system. After that station is occupied, the Wodriax system is next. This one is guarded by an immense station.

Just as the station is occupied, the enemy fleet returns, battered but still strong. 1st Fleet retreats immediately, having sustained moderate damage from the station. However, 2nd Fleet's battleship's jump drive fails, and retreat is not possible for over a week. By the time they can retreat, they are reduced to dust. Immediately, dozens of new ships are put into production to replace the lost ships. It will be a long time before new battleships or titans are finished.

2nd Fleet retreats back to the Federation for repairs and upgrades. In other news, a new Federation has been created between the Jonus Star Mandate and the Hlilje Industrial, called the Star Entente. Also given association status are the Cartel and the Greater Lozavata Khanate, one of the remnant states of the Horde.

Nothing changes in the war, as the next election begins. Luckily, the two replacement titans are completed, and the decimated 2nd Fleet is reinforced. As the campaigns begin, President HistoryDude starts a grand propaganda, showcasing the new titans and the upgraded fleets. He also reveals plans he and his administration have been working on for years: a megastructural "Ringworld" around Earth. At the moment, Earth is getting very overpopulated, and new living space is very lacking. This new structure will provide much needed space. The campaign works, and HistoryDude wins reelection.

Soon after, the fleets are sent back to Thimoid territory. It will take another few months before they arrive. The first stage of the Ringworld is also completed around Earth. It will only take about two years for the rest to be built.

2nd Fleet arrives back in Gol in 2385, engaging the station. 1st Fleet arrives shortly after, and the station is quickly occupied.

Next up is retaking the Saqqis system. There are little to no defenses, so it is a very quick and easy victory. Next up is Wodriax. It offers more resistance, destroying five Federation ships, but it too falls.

The invasion of Wodriax II starts shortly after. It takes just a month before the defenders surrender. Finally, the Thimoid Watchers realize that total victory over Earth and the Jibru is not possible, and they agree to a meeting between the Federation's top admiral Mirox and the Thimoid admiral Obr-Ligt. It takes place in the neutral Steel Bank system of Hanneri, with both sides' fleets standing down. They agree to a peace with no goals or claims. And both sides depart in worse relations than before.