Operation Crusade - 2655

Operation Crusade - 2655 was a military operation conducted by the Terran Confederation in response to the Kilrathi invasion of Firekka in 2655.

Prelude

In the year 2653, the Terran Confederation first established contact with the Firekkans, a bird-like race native to the frontier system of Firekka in the Epsilon Sector. In the years following their first contact, the Confederation and the Firekkans established cordial relations in which the Terrans began open participation in space-based operations on the frontier, allowing the Firekkans to travel off-world for the first time in their history. As the Terran-Kilrathi War raged on, the Confederation developed a desperate need for allies with whom to combat the brutal Kilrathi, the Terrans sought to establish a military alliance with the Firekkans, agreeing to protect them from the Kilrathi invaders in the process. After extensive negotiations, an agreement was reached and the Firekkans sought to become a full-fledged member of the Terran Confederation.

Invasion

In 2655, the Terran Diplomatic Corps were sent to Firekka to finalize a formal treaty of alliance with the Firekkans, granting the Firekkan population full participation in Confederation affairs. To ensure the success of the treaty, the Confederation deployed its forces to guard the planet during the ceremony, led by the famed TCS Tiger's Claw. The Diplomatic Corps arrived at Firekka on the TCS Perez de Cuellar, but it came under threat from nearby Kilrathi patrols. The Tiger's Claw deployed its pilots to escort the ship to Firekka safely, led by Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Blair. The mission was a success and the Diplomatic Corps arrived safely, enabling the delegation to finalize the alliance with the Firekkans. During the mission however, the Terrans intercepted an enemy convoy in what was previously Terran-controlled space. In the days that followed, numerous Kilrathi strike fleets were reportedly retreating all across the front lines, abandoning their posts and relocating to Firekka.