Difference between revisions of "User:MJ/sandbox/Earth-Romulan War"

From Bravo Fleet
m (Removing blank plainlist values to remove sections and headers that hadn't been filled out. Added templatemode tag to the infobox to remove the category tags adding this sandbox page to the category pages.)
m
 
Line 4: Line 4:
| date = July 24th 2155-November 9th 2160
| date = July 24th 2155-November 9th 2160
| location = [[Alpha Quadrant|Alpha]] & [[Beta Quadrant|Beta]] Quadrants
| location = [[Alpha Quadrant|Alpha]] & [[Beta Quadrant|Beta]] Quadrants
| result =
| result =  
* Victory for Earth and its allies
Victory for Earth and its allies
* Establishment of the [[Romulan Neutral Zone]]
* Establishment of the [[Romulan Neutral Zone]]
* Later formation of the [[United Federation of Planets]]
* Later formation of the [[United Federation of Planets]]
Line 40: Line 40:
| casualties left =  
| casualties left =  
| casualties right =  
| casualties right =  
| templatemode = nocats
}}
}}
The '''Earth-Romulan War''' was one of the most devastating interstellar conflicts that took place during the mid-22nd century. The war itself was incited by the [[Romulan Star Empire]]'s covert expansionism and an aggressive foreign policy. Neither side ever spoke face-to-face with a few audio exchanges taking place during the war. The war ended with victory for Earth and its allies signing a peace treaty with the Romulans.  
The '''Earth-Romulan War''' was one of the most devastating interstellar conflicts to take place during the mid-22nd century, incited by the [[Romulan Star Empire]]'s expansionism. Neither side ever spoke face-to-face, with only audio communication occurring. The war ended with victory for Earth and its allies in 2160.  


==Prelude to War==
==Prelude to War==
===First Contact===
===First Contact===
The Romulans had shown their aggressive tendencies towards Earth when [[ma:Enterprise (NX-01)|''Enterprise'' NX-01]] accidentally entered one of their star systems in early 2152. After ''Enterprise'' was heavily damaged by a mine, the Romulans revealed their presence and demanded the Earth ship leave the system at once.
The Romulans first showed their aggression towards Earth when [[ma:Enterprise (NX-01)|''Enterprise'' NX-01]] entered one of their star systems in early 2152. After ''Enterprise'' was heavily damaged by a mine, the Romulans revealed their presence and demanded the Earth ship leave the system at once.


===The Babel Crisis===
===The Babel Crisis===
Two years later and ''Enterprise'' found itself once again engaged in with the Romulans. While escorting Tellarite diplomats to [[Babel]] through Andorian space, the ship responded to the distress call of the [[ma:Kumari|IGS ''Kumari'']] and found the ship destroyed, it's crew all in escape pods. Further investigation by the Human vessel determined that the Romulans were attempting to destabilise the peace in the region by igniting a war between the Andorian Empire and the United Planets of Tellar. Thanks to the intervention of Captain Jonathan Archer, the opposite happened and an alliance between Tellar, Andoria, Earth and Vulcan was established to remove the Romulan threat. After discovering that the ships they were using were drones and being controlled by [[MA:Telepresence_unit|telepresence]] technology, they were able to combat the threat.  
It was another two years before ''Enterprise'' again encountered the Romulans. While escorting Tellarite diplomats to Babel through Andorian space, they found the [[ma:Kumari|IGS ''Kumari'']] destroyed, its crew in escape pods. ''Enterprise'' investigated and found the Romulans were trying to destabilise the region by inciting a war between Andoria and Tellar, a discovery that led to an alliance between the two governments, Earth, and Vulcan to counter the Romulans. This was also one of the first confirmed encounters with Romulan[[MA:Telepresence_unit|telepresence]] technology.  


===Formation of the Coalition of Planets===
===Formation of the Coalition of Planets===
Realising that many of them had encountered a common threat and the need to for further stability was required for the region, many worlds banded together to discuss finalising an alliance that would not just be military based but would allow further exchanges in ideas and the development of strong trading ties. Where officials from Earth, Vulcan, Andoria and Tellar were certain they wanted to go ahead with the coalition, others like the Rigellians, Denobulans and Coridanites needed more assurances. As such it was agreed by the former worlds that this needed to be taken seriously, so as Earth was one of the most neutral parties they led the diplomatic missions to all three home worlds of the latter states. Once again the need for the alliance was reenforced as the task forces that were sent to each world were attacked by mercenaries who were hired by an unknown benefactor at the time (it was later discovered to be the Romulans).  That said the diplomatic efforts of these crews were ruined when Coridan was attacked by a singular ship after it rammed into the world at high warp igniting the mass amount of dilithium crystals that the planet had. This assault left half a billion Coridanites dead and the planet in ecological ruin. Diplomatic overtures and relief efforts were made to the Coridan government, as were similar offers made to the Denobulan and Rigel governments but all three states felt that joining the alliance at that time would be fateful for them. Instead the treaty was signed by the United Earth Commonwealth, the Confederacy of Vulcan, the Andorian Empire and the United Planets of Tellar. This treaty solidified peace in the region and was one of the crowning achievements for Earth to bring the Vulcans, Andorians and Tellarites to the table to agree to ever-lasting peace especially as there had always been constant tension, friction and conflict among these nation states. The Romulan attempt of prevent the alliance was stopped and the worst fears had come to light.
In the face of the Romulan threat, worlds banded together to discuss an alliance based on mutual defence and further cooperation in commerce and research. Efforts to expand this agreement beyond the four founding governments saw Earth, the most neutral world with the least political baggage as a relative newcomer to the galactic stage, leading diplomatic missions to the Rigellians, Denobulans, and Coridanites.


===The Docana Invasion===
Each mission met opposition, attacked by mercenaries later discovered to have been hired by the Romulans. An attack on Coridan ignited dilithium reserves, causing devastation and killing millions, and all three diplomatic overtures failed as Coridan, Rigel, and Denobula withdrew in the face of this aggression.  
The alliance in its early days saw action quite quickly when the Andorian colony on Docana was invaded by a joint Malurian-Nassican armada. [[Challenger (NX-03)|''Challenger'' (NX-03)]] led the task force sent to deal with the incursion later discovered that it was in fact the Romulans who had hired mercenaries from criminal organisations from the Malurian and Nausicaan societies. At the time the allies, realising that they were not ready for a war with the Star Empire, agreed to keep the Romulan involvement in the Docana occupation quiet from public knowledge. However it did force the coalition to begin preparation for war, the conflict seemed inevitable.


===The Kobayashi Maru Incident===
This left the original parties to the agreement - Earth, Vulcan, Tellar, and Andoria - to sign what would become the Coalition of Planets. Despite the failure to expand, this was the first major diplomatic peace treaty between some of these historic enemies.
By 2155 it was soon discovered that the Romulans were using their telepresence units again, but for other purposes. Instead of controlling their own fleet, they were using a trojan like computer virus that used telepresence technology to take control of alien ships. Several ships from the coalition were attacked, along with those that were their trading partners. The Romulans focussed their attacks on civilian trading ships, as these were easier targets, and were able to take over Klingon ships. One notable event was when ''Enterprise'' was forced to abandon the ECS ''Kobayashi Maru'' when it was attacked by Klingons ships (that were under Romulan telepresence control). If the ''Enterprise'' hadn't departed the Romulans would have gained controlled of it and more than likely used it against the coalition. This no-win scenario was one of many that would test many commanders in the coalition.  
 
=== Early Tensions ===
The alliance was quickly confronted as the Romulans exerted their power through their telepresence technology and proxies. ''Challenger'' NX-03 protected the Andorian colony of Docana from Romulan-hired mercenaries, though the Coalition agreed to keep the involvement of the Star Empire hidden from public knowledge. In 2155, the Romulans seized control of Klingon ships to attack civilian trading vessels, resulting in the ''Enterprise'' NX-01 being forced to abandon a rescue mission of the ECS ''Kobayashi Maru'' in the face of overwhelming enemy forces. Later that year, diplomatic overtures from the Coalition towards the Deltans and Carreons failed when the Romulans stoked a conflict between these two governments.


===The Deltan-Carreon Conflict===
Wanting to prevent the Coalition from expanding further, the Romulans diverted some of their resources in escalating a conflict between the [[Deltan Union]] and the [[Imperial Realms of Carrea]]. Stuck in the centre of the fight, the starship ''Challenger'' had to fight its way out of the region. The conflict resulted in Earth unable to formalise any treaty with the Deltans, but more tragically it caused significant loss of life between the Deltans and Carreons.
==Declaration of War==
==Declaration of War==
Further attacks against various worlds, ships and stations by the Romulans was enough for the coalition to declare war. The Coalition declared war on July 24th 2155 and fierce fighting took place. The Vulcan, Andorian and Tellarite fleets were brutally being destroyed by the Romulans through the use of their telepresence capturing technology. Coalition scientists and engineers determined that the more advanced designs, compared to Earth ships, were more susceptible to the computer virus that allowed the Romulans to take control. All three governments withdraw a majority of their forces from the frontlines and it was down to Earth and its Starfleet to defend the Coalition.
These and other attacks against various worlds, ships, and stations of the Coalition by the Romulans led to a declaration of war. It was formalised on July 24th, 2155, and fierce fighting immediately broke out. The Vulcan, Andorian, and Tellarite fleets were soon devastated by the Romulans through their use of their telepresence-capturing technology. Coalition scientists ascertained that their sophisticated computer technology, compared to Earth ships, was more susceptible to the computer virus that allowed the Romulans to seize control.
 
Within months of the war's starting, the three governments withdrew a majority of their forces from the frontlines, leaving Earth and its Starfleet to lead the defence of the Coalition.


==The War==
==The War==
===2155-2156===
===2155===
For most of 2155 the attacks by the Romulans were quick hit and runs against the Coalition. A majority of them gave the Romulans a victory.  
For most of 2155, the attacks by the Romulans were quick hit and runs against the Coalition. A majority of them gave the Romulans a victory.
 
One of the first attacks against an Earth world was against the colony on Gault. The Romulans attempted to destroy the farming colony but were unsuccessful thanks to the arrival of a task group led by  ''Discovery'' NX-04. Eventually, it was decided that the colony should be evacuated due to its lack of technology to fully defend itself without Starfleet's support. The Gault colonists were taken to Alpha Centauri.  


One of the first attacks against an Earth world was against the colony on [[Gault]]. The Romulans attempted to destroy the farming colony but were unsuccessful thanks to the arrival of a task group led by  [[Discovery (NX-04)|''Discovery'' NX-04]]. Eventually it was decided that the colony should be evacuated due to its lack of technology to fully defend itself without Starfleet support. The Gault colonists were taken to Alpha Centauri.  
Around the same time, the Vulcan colony on Merak was attacked. Merak II was home to one of the biggest starship construction facilities in the Vulcan Confederacy. Avoiding detection, the Romulans assaulted the fleet and dry-docks, including suicide attacks resulting in heavy casualties and high casualties.  


Around the same time, the Vulcan colony on Merak was attacked. Merak II was home to one of the biggest starship construction facilities in the Vulcan Confederacy (it almost rivalled the shipyards in orbit of Vulcan). The Romulans had somehow avoided detection, had circumvented pass the outer worlds in the Merak system and launched an assault against the Vulcan fleet and some of the dry-docks. Their attack hadn’t lasted long, but it resulted in heavy casualties for the Vulcan people after the Romulans had launched kamikaze attacks after they inflicted high damage. The first ship to arrive was the [[Atlantis (NX-05|''Atlantis'' NX-05]]. After this attack, the Coalition were able to meet the Romulans in a number of decisive battles.  
After this attack, the Coalition were able to meet the Romulans in a number of decisive battles.  


====Significant Battles====
====Significant Battles====
=====The First Battle of Deneva=====
=====The First Battle of Deneva=====
On October 23rd 2155, a Starfleet task group of eight ships engaged fifteen Romulan ships. The Romulans attempted to use their drone ships again, this time en-masse. Starfleet were able to defend themselves and the colony against the attack and thanks to an ingenious idea, the crew of ''Discovery'' were able to trick the last two drone ships in following them into the nearby region known as the [[MA:The Barrens|Barrens]]. The subspace node was effective in block the Romulans long range communications in controlling their ships. From inside the Barrens, the ''Discovery'' was able to capture one ship and with the assistance of ''Challenger''.  
On October 23rd 2155, a Starfleet task group of eight ships engaged fifteen Romulan ships. The Romulans attempted to use their drone ships again, this time en masse. Starfleet defended themselves and the Deneva colony against the attack, and the crew of ''Discovery'' tricked the last two drone ships into following them into the nearby region known as the [[MA:The Barrens|Barrens]]. The subspace node was effective in blocking the Romulans' long-range communications in controlling their ships. From inside the Barrens, Starfleet captured one ship.  
=====The Battle of the Bassen Rift=====
=====The Battle of the Bassen Rift=====
Thanks to the capturing of the Romulan drone, the crews of ''Challenger'' and ''Discovery'' launched a covert attack after discovering the home base of the Romulan drone ship. They also discovered that the Romulans were using an artificial [[MA:ingularity#Microsingularities|micro-singularity]] to amplify their telepresence signals from the [[MA:Bassen_Rift|Bassen Rift]]. The attack was successfully carried out, it resulted in the destruction of the Romulan base, its support craft but ''Challenger'' lost a few of its crew.  
Thanks to the capturing of the Romulan drone, the crews of ''Challenger'' and ''Discovery'' launched a covert attack after discovering the home base of the Romulan drone ship. They also discovered that the Romulans were using an artificial [[MA:ingularity#Microsingularities|micro-singularity]] to amplify their telepresence signals from the [[MA:Bassen_Rift|Bassen Rift]]. The attack was successful, resulting in the destruction of the Romulan base and its support craft, but with heavy Starfleet losses.  
=====The Battle of Rator=====
=====The Battle of Krios=====
=====The Battle of Sol=====
=====The Battle of Sol=====
On December 31st 2155, the Romulans launched an unprovoked and daring attack against Starfleet at the heart of the Commonwealth in the Sol system. A fleet of Romulan ships broke passed the outer defence detection grid and made its way across the system. In orbit of Mars, as well as in orbit of Earth, Starfleet prepared its fleet and the two sides met in a deadly and fierce battle. However the Romulans had not been properly prepared for Earth's government to use its defence systems. As a result the Romulan force was made to retreat after taking heavy losses, nevertheless the Romulans were able to give Earth and its forces a bloody nose. A number of nuclear warheads were fired against Earth and a number of Starfleet ships and civilian vessels were lost during the fight.  
On December 31st 2155, the Romulans launched a daring attack against the Sol system. A fleet of Romulan ships broke past the outer defence grid and made its way across the system. In orbit of Mars, as well as in orbit of Earth, Starfleet prepared its fleet and the two sides met in a deadly and fierce battle. However, the Romulans had not been properly prepared for Earth's defence systems and were forced to retreat after taking heavy losses. Earth and Starfleet similarly suffered significant casualties in the battle.  
 
=== 2156 ===
 
==== Significant Battles ====
 
=====The Second Battle of Deneva=====
=====The Second Battle of Deneva=====
At the start of 2156, ''Endeavour'' led Earth's forces in defending Deneva colony from its second attack. The battle was fierce and resulted in an Earth victory, but again a number of lives, ships and resources were lost. The colony was heavily damaged and discussions about abandoning it were discussed shortly thereafter.   
At the start of 2156, ''Endeavour'' led Earth's forces in defending the Deneva colony from its second attack. The battle was fierce and resulted in an Earth victory, but again a number of lives, ships and resources were lost. The colony was heavily damaged and discussions about abandoning it were discussed shortly thereafter.   
=====The Battle of Kreetassa=====
=====The Battle of Kreetassa=====
On 20th February 2156, the starship ''Endeavour'' intercepted a distress call from the Kreetassan homeworld. When they arrived they discovered the Romulans had attempted to wipe out the Kreetassan military, however their assault failed due to the fact that Kreetassan technology, like Earth technology, was almost immune to the tele-capturing devices. Endeavour would go on to help the Kreetassans and this act would go on to begin diplomatic overtures which resulted in the Kreetassans joining the war effort as an ally of Earth.  
On 20th February 2156, the starship ''Endeavour'' intercepted a distress call from the Kreetassan homeworld. When they arrived they discovered the Romulans had attempted to wipe out the Kreetassan military, however, their assault failed due to the fact that Kreetassan technology, like Earth technology, was almost immune to the telepresence-capturing devices. Endeavour would go on to help the Kreetassans and this act would go on to begin diplomatic overtures which resulted in the Kreetassans joining the war effort as an ally of Earth.  
=====The Battle of Berengaria=====
=====The Battle of Berengaria=====
Annoyed and frustrated with their defeat with the Kreetassans, the Romulans next target was to take out Earth's beachhead on Berengaria VII and remove Starbase One. The attack took place on 29th February 2156. Once again the Romulans inflicted heavy damage to Earth's forces. Not only did they land troops on the planet but attempted to capture the starbase too. With thanks to their new allies, the Kreetassans, Earth was able to take back the damaged Starbase One but the Earth forces ended up loosing their battle on Berengaria VII. The Romulans ended up detonating a nuclear warhead, killing a majority of Earth's forces who were sent down to liberate the miners. The entire mining community were wiped out with their captors too.
Annoyed and frustrated with their defeat with the Kreetassans, the Romulans' next target was Earth's beachhead on Berengaria VII and Starbase One. The attack took place on 29th February 2156, with the Romulans briefly landing troops on the planet and starbase before a joint response by Starfleet and their Kreetassan allies. Starbase One was recovered, but a nuclear warhead was detonated over Berengia VII, killing a majority of Earth's forces and the civilian mining community.
=====The Battle of Devron=====
=====The Battle of Devron=====
5th April 2156, the starship ''Endeavour'' led a combined Starfleet-Kreetassan task force to attack a Romulan repair outpost in the Devron system. The allies suffered the loss of many brave men and women while the Romulans lost their base and several ships too. The Romulans had been wiped away from the map for good from the Devron system. After spending almost three days in the system, Starfleet forces felt they had done all they could to secure it and prevent the Romulans from ever using it again. The fleet had planted a range of mines in the asteroid field along with a basic detection grid. If the Romulans did return then Starbase One would know and the Romulans would encounter a few surprises.
5th April 2156, the starship ''Endeavour'' led a combined Starfleet-Kreetassan task force to attack a Romulan repair outpost in the Devron system. The allies suffered the loss of many brave men and women while the Romulans lost their base and several ships too. The Romulans had been wiped away from the map for good from the Devron system. After spending almost three days in the system, Starfleet forces felt they had done all they could to secure it and prevent the Romulans from ever using it again. The fleet had planted a range of mines in the asteroid field along with a basic detection grid. If the Romulans did return then Starbase One would know and the Romulans would encounter a few surprises.
=====The Battle of Nelvana=====
=====The Battle of Nelvana=====
In May 2156, Starfleet forces, led by the ''Endeavour'' tricked the Romulans in thinking that Starfleet had established a beachhead on the third planet by placing a probe on the planet's surface. The probe emitted false readings, appearing to send signals from a concealed base. The Romulans sent eight ships into the system to remove the apparent forward base. Not expecting to find a hidden Starfleet task force waiting for them, the Romulans were outgunned two-to-one and were completely obliterated.
In May 2156, Starfleet forces, led by the ''Endeavour'' tricked the Romulans into thinking that Starfleet had established a beachhead on the third planet by placing a probe on the planet's surface. The probe emitted false readings, appearing to send signals from a concealed base. The Romulans sent eight ships into the system to remove the apparent forward base. Not expecting to find a hidden Starfleet task force waiting for them, the Romulans were outgunned two-to-one and were completely obliterated.
=====The Battle of Altair=====
=====The Battle of Altair=====
On June 21st 2156, a month after the Battle of Nelvana, the Earth colony on Altair VI was successfully defended. The Romulans, thinking they could have a go at taking the planet, had not expected to find a joint Earth-Andorian-Tellarite task force waiting for them at Altair. As such, after loosing ships at Nelvana and now, once again out-gunned, found themselves having to be quite ruthless to damage their enemies. Once again ''Endeavour'' led the combined coalition forces to victory, however the battle resulted in a majority of the Andorian and Tellarite forces being lost. This high cost resulted in both sides withdrawing from supporting the defence of other worlds that were not part of their own states.  
On June 21st 2156, a month after the Battle of Nelvana, the Earth colony on Altair VI was successfully defended. The Romulans, thinking they could have a go at taking the planet, had not expected to find a joint Earth-Andorian-Tellarite task force waiting for them at Altair. As such, after losing ships at Nelvana and now, once again out-gunned, found themselves having to be quite ruthless to damage their enemies. Once again ''Endeavour'' led the combined coalition forces to victory, however, the battle resulted in a majority of the Andorian and Tellarite forces being lost. This high cost resulted in both sides withdrawing from supporting the defence of other worlds that were not part of their own states.  
===2157-2158===
 
===== The Battle of Vega =====
In August 2156, the ''Phoenix'' NX-08 was dispatched on its first mission to patrol Vega. With the colony far from the Romulan border, it was considered a low-priority target, but instead ''Phoenix'' encountered Romulan forces threatening the system. After evading a warbird's interception, ''Phoenix'' marshalled the defences of Vega and successfully repelled the Romulan assault, which had clearly not been ready for the arrival of a starship of ''Phoenix's'' magnitude. But this short battle was plainly the start of a Romulan campaign against less-protected and more far-out Earth colonies, anticipated as a gambit to draw Coalition attention and sap morale.
 
===== The Vega Campaign =====
Through late 2156, ''Phoenix'' continued to lead the defences of the Vega Sector. Starfleet were reluctant to redirect more ships to its protection, aware this was likely the Romulan intention, and so the ''Phoenix'' shored up and trained the local militia and built defensive platforms and infrastructure through Coalition holdings in the region. ''Phoenix'' also encountered forces of the Enolian Guard attacking Earth civilian supply ships, and discovered the Enolian Hierarchy had been invaded and vassalised by the Romulans, with its military harnessed to take part in the campaign against Vega.
 
With additional ships eventually redirected to Vega by Starfleet, continued skirmishes occurred between Starfleet and Romulan ships across the region for months as the Star Empire tried to unlock this back door into Commonwealth territory.
 
===2157===
====Significant Battles====
====Significant Battles====


===2159-2160===
===== The Battle of Gliese-47 =====
====Significant Battles====
In March 2157, local intelligence in the Vega Campaign identified a Romulan supply depot hidden in the Gliese-47 system. With Vega so far from Romulan lines, it was apparent that their continued harrying of the sector relied on supply caches and networks such as this, and Starfleet determined its destruction could end the Vega Campaign. Sent on a quick surveillance mission, ''Phoenix'' NX-08 proceeded to assault the supply depot without backup and was almost destroyed when its apparent lack of defences proved to be a ruse. Only the timely arrival of Starfleet reinforcements prevented the total loss, with all Starfleet ships escaping. While the supply depot was not destroyed, the uncovering of its location led to the Romulans quickly dismantling it, and soon after the Star Empire withdrew from the Vega sector. The campaign had ended with a Starfleet victory, though without any significant blows against Romulan resources or ships.

Latest revision as of 13:03, 14 February 2023


The Earth-Romulan War was one of the most devastating interstellar conflicts to take place during the mid-22nd century, incited by the Romulan Star Empire's expansionism. Neither side ever spoke face-to-face, with only audio communication occurring. The war ended with victory for Earth and its allies in 2160.

Prelude to War

First Contact

The Romulans first showed their aggression towards Earth when Enterprise NX-01 entered one of their star systems in early 2152. After Enterprise was heavily damaged by a mine, the Romulans revealed their presence and demanded the Earth ship leave the system at once.

The Babel Crisis

It was another two years before Enterprise again encountered the Romulans. While escorting Tellarite diplomats to Babel through Andorian space, they found the IGS Kumari destroyed, its crew in escape pods. Enterprise investigated and found the Romulans were trying to destabilise the region by inciting a war between Andoria and Tellar, a discovery that led to an alliance between the two governments, Earth, and Vulcan to counter the Romulans. This was also one of the first confirmed encounters with Romulantelepresence technology.

Formation of the Coalition of Planets

In the face of the Romulan threat, worlds banded together to discuss an alliance based on mutual defence and further cooperation in commerce and research. Efforts to expand this agreement beyond the four founding governments saw Earth, the most neutral world with the least political baggage as a relative newcomer to the galactic stage, leading diplomatic missions to the Rigellians, Denobulans, and Coridanites.

Each mission met opposition, attacked by mercenaries later discovered to have been hired by the Romulans. An attack on Coridan ignited dilithium reserves, causing devastation and killing millions, and all three diplomatic overtures failed as Coridan, Rigel, and Denobula withdrew in the face of this aggression.

This left the original parties to the agreement - Earth, Vulcan, Tellar, and Andoria - to sign what would become the Coalition of Planets. Despite the failure to expand, this was the first major diplomatic peace treaty between some of these historic enemies.

Early Tensions

The alliance was quickly confronted as the Romulans exerted their power through their telepresence technology and proxies. Challenger NX-03 protected the Andorian colony of Docana from Romulan-hired mercenaries, though the Coalition agreed to keep the involvement of the Star Empire hidden from public knowledge. In 2155, the Romulans seized control of Klingon ships to attack civilian trading vessels, resulting in the Enterprise NX-01 being forced to abandon a rescue mission of the ECS Kobayashi Maru in the face of overwhelming enemy forces. Later that year, diplomatic overtures from the Coalition towards the Deltans and Carreons failed when the Romulans stoked a conflict between these two governments.

Declaration of War

These and other attacks against various worlds, ships, and stations of the Coalition by the Romulans led to a declaration of war. It was formalised on July 24th, 2155, and fierce fighting immediately broke out. The Vulcan, Andorian, and Tellarite fleets were soon devastated by the Romulans through their use of their telepresence-capturing technology. Coalition scientists ascertained that their sophisticated computer technology, compared to Earth ships, was more susceptible to the computer virus that allowed the Romulans to seize control.

Within months of the war's starting, the three governments withdrew a majority of their forces from the frontlines, leaving Earth and its Starfleet to lead the defence of the Coalition.

The War

2155

For most of 2155, the attacks by the Romulans were quick hit and runs against the Coalition. A majority of them gave the Romulans a victory.

One of the first attacks against an Earth world was against the colony on Gault. The Romulans attempted to destroy the farming colony but were unsuccessful thanks to the arrival of a task group led by Discovery NX-04. Eventually, it was decided that the colony should be evacuated due to its lack of technology to fully defend itself without Starfleet's support. The Gault colonists were taken to Alpha Centauri.

Around the same time, the Vulcan colony on Merak was attacked. Merak II was home to one of the biggest starship construction facilities in the Vulcan Confederacy. Avoiding detection, the Romulans assaulted the fleet and dry-docks, including suicide attacks resulting in heavy casualties and high casualties.

After this attack, the Coalition were able to meet the Romulans in a number of decisive battles.

Significant Battles

The First Battle of Deneva

On October 23rd 2155, a Starfleet task group of eight ships engaged fifteen Romulan ships. The Romulans attempted to use their drone ships again, this time en masse. Starfleet defended themselves and the Deneva colony against the attack, and the crew of Discovery tricked the last two drone ships into following them into the nearby region known as the Barrens. The subspace node was effective in blocking the Romulans' long-range communications in controlling their ships. From inside the Barrens, Starfleet captured one ship.

The Battle of the Bassen Rift

Thanks to the capturing of the Romulan drone, the crews of Challenger and Discovery launched a covert attack after discovering the home base of the Romulan drone ship. They also discovered that the Romulans were using an artificial micro-singularity to amplify their telepresence signals from the Bassen Rift. The attack was successful, resulting in the destruction of the Romulan base and its support craft, but with heavy Starfleet losses.

The Battle of Sol

On December 31st 2155, the Romulans launched a daring attack against the Sol system. A fleet of Romulan ships broke past the outer defence grid and made its way across the system. In orbit of Mars, as well as in orbit of Earth, Starfleet prepared its fleet and the two sides met in a deadly and fierce battle. However, the Romulans had not been properly prepared for Earth's defence systems and were forced to retreat after taking heavy losses. Earth and Starfleet similarly suffered significant casualties in the battle.

2156

Significant Battles

The Second Battle of Deneva

At the start of 2156, Endeavour led Earth's forces in defending the Deneva colony from its second attack. The battle was fierce and resulted in an Earth victory, but again a number of lives, ships and resources were lost. The colony was heavily damaged and discussions about abandoning it were discussed shortly thereafter.

The Battle of Kreetassa

On 20th February 2156, the starship Endeavour intercepted a distress call from the Kreetassan homeworld. When they arrived they discovered the Romulans had attempted to wipe out the Kreetassan military, however, their assault failed due to the fact that Kreetassan technology, like Earth technology, was almost immune to the telepresence-capturing devices. Endeavour would go on to help the Kreetassans and this act would go on to begin diplomatic overtures which resulted in the Kreetassans joining the war effort as an ally of Earth.

The Battle of Berengaria

Annoyed and frustrated with their defeat with the Kreetassans, the Romulans' next target was Earth's beachhead on Berengaria VII and Starbase One. The attack took place on 29th February 2156, with the Romulans briefly landing troops on the planet and starbase before a joint response by Starfleet and their Kreetassan allies. Starbase One was recovered, but a nuclear warhead was detonated over Berengia VII, killing a majority of Earth's forces and the civilian mining community.

The Battle of Devron

5th April 2156, the starship Endeavour led a combined Starfleet-Kreetassan task force to attack a Romulan repair outpost in the Devron system. The allies suffered the loss of many brave men and women while the Romulans lost their base and several ships too. The Romulans had been wiped away from the map for good from the Devron system. After spending almost three days in the system, Starfleet forces felt they had done all they could to secure it and prevent the Romulans from ever using it again. The fleet had planted a range of mines in the asteroid field along with a basic detection grid. If the Romulans did return then Starbase One would know and the Romulans would encounter a few surprises.

The Battle of Nelvana

In May 2156, Starfleet forces, led by the Endeavour tricked the Romulans into thinking that Starfleet had established a beachhead on the third planet by placing a probe on the planet's surface. The probe emitted false readings, appearing to send signals from a concealed base. The Romulans sent eight ships into the system to remove the apparent forward base. Not expecting to find a hidden Starfleet task force waiting for them, the Romulans were outgunned two-to-one and were completely obliterated.

The Battle of Altair

On June 21st 2156, a month after the Battle of Nelvana, the Earth colony on Altair VI was successfully defended. The Romulans, thinking they could have a go at taking the planet, had not expected to find a joint Earth-Andorian-Tellarite task force waiting for them at Altair. As such, after losing ships at Nelvana and now, once again out-gunned, found themselves having to be quite ruthless to damage their enemies. Once again Endeavour led the combined coalition forces to victory, however, the battle resulted in a majority of the Andorian and Tellarite forces being lost. This high cost resulted in both sides withdrawing from supporting the defence of other worlds that were not part of their own states.

The Battle of Vega

In August 2156, the Phoenix NX-08 was dispatched on its first mission to patrol Vega. With the colony far from the Romulan border, it was considered a low-priority target, but instead Phoenix encountered Romulan forces threatening the system. After evading a warbird's interception, Phoenix marshalled the defences of Vega and successfully repelled the Romulan assault, which had clearly not been ready for the arrival of a starship of Phoenix's magnitude. But this short battle was plainly the start of a Romulan campaign against less-protected and more far-out Earth colonies, anticipated as a gambit to draw Coalition attention and sap morale.

The Vega Campaign

Through late 2156, Phoenix continued to lead the defences of the Vega Sector. Starfleet were reluctant to redirect more ships to its protection, aware this was likely the Romulan intention, and so the Phoenix shored up and trained the local militia and built defensive platforms and infrastructure through Coalition holdings in the region. Phoenix also encountered forces of the Enolian Guard attacking Earth civilian supply ships, and discovered the Enolian Hierarchy had been invaded and vassalised by the Romulans, with its military harnessed to take part in the campaign against Vega.

With additional ships eventually redirected to Vega by Starfleet, continued skirmishes occurred between Starfleet and Romulan ships across the region for months as the Star Empire tried to unlock this back door into Commonwealth territory.

2157

Significant Battles

The Battle of Gliese-47

In March 2157, local intelligence in the Vega Campaign identified a Romulan supply depot hidden in the Gliese-47 system. With Vega so far from Romulan lines, it was apparent that their continued harrying of the sector relied on supply caches and networks such as this, and Starfleet determined its destruction could end the Vega Campaign. Sent on a quick surveillance mission, Phoenix NX-08 proceeded to assault the supply depot without backup and was almost destroyed when its apparent lack of defences proved to be a ruse. Only the timely arrival of Starfleet reinforcements prevented the total loss, with all Starfleet ships escaping. While the supply depot was not destroyed, the uncovering of its location led to the Romulans quickly dismantling it, and soon after the Star Empire withdrew from the Vega sector. The campaign had ended with a Starfleet victory, though without any significant blows against Romulan resources or ships.