False Armistice
The False Armistice was a ceasefire initiated between the Terran Confederation and the Kilrathi Empire during the Terran-Kilrathi War in 2668.
Rationale
During the year 2668, the Kilrathi Empire, which had been engaged in a brutal crusade against humanity for over thirty years, found itself badly outmatched by the Terran Confederation during the later years of the war. The Kilrathi had suffered many humiliating defeats against the Terrans during the 2660s. The Kilrathi had lost control of the strategically-vital Enigma Sector, and numerous deep-space raids conducted by Wake-Class Escort Carriers had smashed the Kilrathi's infrastructure and new fleets. Terran manpower grew to outstrip that of the Kilrathi. The Empire found itself at a loss of funds and the Imperial Forces were losing their ability to wage war. If action was not taken, the Empire would face an imminent collapse.
In response to this dire situation, Baron Jukaga nar Ki'ra, a noble of the Nar Ki'ra clan, presented his own plan to the Imperial leadership. He suggested that the Empire present the humans with an armistice in order to buy the Kilrathi the time required to rebuild its fleet. It would also give Jukaga more time to prepare Project Hari, a top-secret military project aimed towards the final destruction of humanity. He figured that the battle-weary Terrans would welcome such a proposal, so it was agreed that they would deceive the Terrans into accepting this false peace.
Armistice
The Kilrathi presented the proposed ceasefire to Confederation President Harold Rodham and his cabinet on Earth. When word of the ceasefire spread across the Confederation, the reaction proved extremely negative. Many Terrans and their allies saw the ceasefire as a trick, and insisted that the Kilrathi were planning more meets the eye. Even the Confed military was wary of this proposal despite their support for the President. Unfortunately, President Rodham was convinced to sign the armistice by his Foreign Secretary, Rhonda Jamison. She had accused the military of continuing the War and insisted that the costs of the War had become unbearable. Agreeing with his secretary, Rodham formally signed Confed General Order #2312A, ordering an immediate ceasefire in the Terran-Kilrathi War on all fronts.
Opposition
The Armistice proved unpopular in the Terran Confederation. Protests took place in the Union of Border Worlds, the Grovsner Colonies, and the Free Republic of the Landreich. The Firekkans were so outraged at the signing that the Teehyn Ree, Rikik, withdrew Firekka from the Terran Confederation. Unconvinced at the Kilrathi's sincerity, the Confed military launched undercover investigations into the motives behind the Armistice. Others refused to do anything, instead throwing their support behind the President.
Project Hari
Meanwhile, back in the Kilrathi Empire, Baron Jukaga continued progress on Project Hari, the Imperial plan to restore the might of the Imperial Armada and to ultimately end the War. As a part of the plan, Jukaga commissioned the immediate construction of a new line of supercarriers known as the Hakaga-Class Heavy Carriers. These mammoth warships were equipped with the latest weapons and armor of the Kilrathi Empire, and were more than a match for virtually any Terran warship. These ships would be the ones to end the War through one simple task: The destruction of the Terran homeworld, Earth.
Investigation
The Confederation Space Navy was largely inactive as a result of the Armistice, with the majority of its leaders obeying the President. However, a large number of volunteers joined the Special Operations Division in the hopes of uncovering the true nature of this ceasefire.
(To be continued)
