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'''Operation Crusade''' was a military operation conducted by the [[Terran Confederation]] in response to the [[Kilrathi]] invasion of [[Firekka]] in [[2655]].
{{infobox military conflict
| conflict    = Operation Crusade
| partof      = [[Terran-Kilrathi War]]
| image      = [[image:tweeting_firekkans.gif|275px]]
| caption    =
| date        = 2655
| place      = [[Firekka System]]
| coordinates =
| map_type    =
| latitude    =
| longitude  =
| map_size    =
| map_caption =
| map_label  =
| territory  =
| result      = Confederation Strategic Victory
| status      =
| combatant1  = [[Terran Confederation]]
| combatant2  = [[Empire of Kilrah]]
| combatant3  =
| commander1  = Vice Admiral [[Geoffrey Tolwyn]]
| commander2  = Crown Prince [[Thrakhath nar Kiranka]]
| commander3  =
| units1      = [[Confederation Diplomatic Corps]]
| units2      = All Available Kilrathi Fleet Units
| units3      =
| strength1  = * ''[[TCS Tiger's Claw]]''<br>* ''[[TCS Austin]]''<br>* ''[[TCS General Powell]]''<br>'''Diplomatic Corps'''<br>* ''[[TCS Perez de Cuellar]]''<br>* ''[[TCS U Thant]]''<br>* ''[[TCS Strygvie]]''<br>* ''[[TCS Trygvie Lie]]''
| strength2  = * Five [[Snakeir-Class Carrier]]s<br>* Five [[Fralthi-Class Cruiser]]s<br>** ''[[KIS Kraj'nishk]]''<br>** ''[[KIS Ras Nik'hra]]''<br>* Two [[Ralari-Class Destroyer]]
| strength3  =
| casualties1 = Heavy Marine Casualties
| casualties2 = * Five [[Snakeir-Class Carrier]]s<br>* Five [[Fralthi-Class Cruiser]]s<br>** ''[[KIS Kraj'nishk]]''<br>** ''[[KIS Ras Nik'hra]]'' (Captured)<br>* Two [[Ralari-Class Destroyer]]<br>* Heavy fighter losses
| casualties3 =
| notes      =
}}


==Prelude==
{{WIP}}
In the year 2653, the Terran Confederation first established contact with the [[Firekkan]]s, 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]], and 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.


==Diplomatic Crisis==
In [[2655]], the Terran Confederation Diplomatic Corps was 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 Major [[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 Confederation intercepted an enemy convoy in what was considered an insignificant area of space. It was later confirmed that some of the Kilrathi pilots in the engagement were members of the ''[[Drakhai]]'', the Imperial Elite Guard. In a later engagement, Major Blair encountered three [[Fralthi-Class Cruiser]]s while tracking Kilrathi movement through the star system, creating cause for concern over Firekka's security.


Despite the unusual nature of these skirmishes, the negotiations on Firekka went on as planned, and the Confederation and Firekkan delegations signed the treaty that ushered in Firekka and its populace as the newest members of the Terran Confederation.  
'''Operation Crusade''' was a Confederation military operation that disrupted the Sivar-Eshard Ceremony in 2655 on Firekka. It resulted in a Kilrathi defeat and withdrawal.  


==Invasion==
==Background==
In the weeks following the signing of the Confederation-Firekkan alliance, the situation in the Firekka System began to deteriorate rapidly. All across the front lines, Confederation fleets were reporting the withdrawal of several Kilrathi strike forces from major strategic systems across the galaxy, including [[Vega Prime]] and the [[Deneb Quadrant]]. These retreats came without warning and were occurring simultaneously, much to the confusion of the Confederation High Command. It was soon confirmed that these strike fleets were all converging on Firekka, despite it having no strategic value to the war effort. Alarmed at the situation, High Command ordered all vessels, including the ''Tiger's Claw'' to fall back while it sent reinforcements to defend the system. The Diplomatic Corps were subsequently evacuated from Firekka on the ''[[TCS Trygvie Lie]]'' and the ''[[TCS U Thant]]'', and were safely escorted out of the system by pilots of the ''Tiger's Claw''. The ''Claw'' carried out numerous raids on the incoming Kilrathi convoys as it retreated out of the star system, inflicting substantial damage against the Kilrathi but sustaining the loss of several pilots in the process. As the Kilrathi closed in, the ''Claw'' and all Confederation vessels at Firekka were forced to retreat to the nearby [[Corsair|Corsair System]], where they would carry out their campaign to remove the Kilrathi from the Firekka System. Unfortunately, this also meant that the Firekkans had no real defense against the Kilrathi invasion, paving the way for a Kilrathi occupation of their home world.


The Kilrathi quickly deployed a massive ground force and swiftly occupied Firekka, enslaving most of the population. Despite the overwhelming odds, the Firekkans initiated an underground resistance against the Kilrathi, in spite of their lack of equipment and numbers. Meanwhile, the Confederation fleet initiated its campaign against the Kilrathi invasion, codenamed '''Operation Crusade'''. It would carry out strategic strikes against the fleets occupying Firekka in an effort to cripple the invasion. The Confederation carried out numerous strikes against the Kilrathi, which resulted in encounters with the [[Snakeir-Class Carrier]]s and experimental [[Hhriss|Hhriss Heavy Fighter]]s. The pilots of the ''Tiger's Claw'' destroyed several Kilrathi patrols and convoys in its campaign, but the Kilrathi hold on Firekka remained unshaken.  
The Confederation encountered the sentient avian-like creatures known as the Firekkans in the early 27th century.  


An unexpected development during the campaign culminated when Lord [[Ralgha nar Hhallas]], captain of the ''[[KIS Ras Nik'hra]]'' announced his intent to defect to the Terran Confederation, citing his own disillusionment with the Imperial Kilrathi regime. The ''Tiger's Claw'' was sent to rendezvous with the ''Ras Nik'hra'' and ensure the safe retrieval of the Kilrathi defectors. The rendezvous was threatened when the ''[[KIS Kraj'nishk]]'' and its wing attempted to intercept the ''Ras Nik'hra'', but this attempt was thwarted by Major Blair and [[Ian St. John]], who destroyed the ''Kraj'nishk'' and her wing. Lord Ralgha and his vessel were soon retrieved by the Confederation, and Ralgha voluntarily underwent interrogation on he knew of the Kilrathi's intentions.
===Firekka Joins the Confederation===


[[category:Battles]]
Starting in 2652, the Confederation Diplomatic Corps sought to expand the Confederation through the addition of the Firekkan race. A treaty of military alliance and defense was signed between the two powers on 2655.240. Vice Admiral Tolwyn, temporarily promoted to Vice Admiral for the treaty signing, and ''[[Teehyn Ree]]'' [[Kree'Kai]], Leader of Flock-Leaders, signed the treaty for their respective governments. The treaty was tested several weeks later by a Kilrathi invasion. The Kilrathi had chosen Firekka as the site of their [[Sivar-Eshrad]] ceremony in 2655. Every Kilrathi fleet unit that could be pulled from the front was given orders to Firekka for the ceremony itself.
 
===Confederation Honor Guard===
 
The ''[[TCS Tiger's Claw]]'' had recently completed [[Operation Thor's Hammer]] and the operation to destroy the [[Sivar-Class Dreadnought|Sivar]] shipyards and had been assigned, along with the ''TCS Austin'' as Honor Guard for the Diplomatic Corps during the signing ceremony. The pilots of the [[88th Fighter Wing]] began flying missions in the Firekka system on 2655.238 when they escorted diplomats onboard the ''[[TCS Perez de Cueller]]''. The pilots continue to fly missions in the system for the next month.
 
===Kilrathi Defection===
 
The Kilrathi rebels on [[Ghorah Khar]] had decided at this same moment to send out a message to the Confederation asking for help. They selected ''[[Khantahr]]'' [[Ralgha nar Hhallas]] and his ship, the ''[[KIS Ras Nik'hra]]'', to deliver the message to the Confederation in the Firekka system. His ship arrived in the Firekka system on 2655.271 where he then sent the following message to the ''Tiger's Claw'':
 
<blockquote style="font-style: italic">"To the lord captain of of the ''Tiger's Claw.'' I am Ralgha nar Hhallas, lord of the Kilrathi Empire, and captain of the Fralthi cruiser Ras Nik'hra. In the names of the rebel lords of Ghorah Khar, I bid you welcome in all honor. At their request, I bring you messages suing for alliance with your Confederation against the Imperial Kilrathi, and my own Imperial ship as a gift. The Ras Nik'hra will continue toward the planet Firekka from this jump point, so that you may rendezvous with us at any time."</blockquote>
 
The Confederation sent out fighters to secure the ''Ras Nik'hra''. In the process a Fralthi, the ''[[KIS Kraj'nishk]]'', attempted to stop the defection but was destroyed by Captain [[Ian St. John]]. This act would start a decade long relationship between Captain St. John and [[Kirha hrai Hunter nar Aussie|Kirha nar Hhallas]] when Ralgha had Kirha swear an oath of fealty to the terran pilot.
 
During this time, Majors [[Kien Chen]] and [[Jeanette Deveraux]] were ambushed by pilots of the Kilrathi Imperial Guard. Hopelessly overwhelmed, Chen fought off the attackers and was killed in action, but in the process bought Deveraux the time she needed to escape. She was able to provide the ''Tiger's Claw'' with an advance warning of the Kilrathi fleet's arrival in system.
 
===The Kilrathi Fleet Arrives===
 
Starting on 2655.276, the Kilrathi began an invasion of Firekka. Troopships began landing on the planet while the Firekkans offer resistance using weapons given to them by Confederation forces. The Confederation, despite Firekka being the newest member of the Confederation, does not send any additional forces to defend the system from the Kilrathi onslaught and prepares for withdrawal.
 
Crown Prince Thrakhath transmitted the following message to Confederation forces in Firekka on 2655.278.
 
<blockquote style="font-style: italic">"Warriors of the Human ships, hear me now. You are trespassing on the holy ground of Lord Sivar. If you remain, the Sons of Kilrah will destroy you. We must prepare the Way of Lord Sivar, and no unbelievers may remain here alive. But because you are brave warriors, I shall grant you this: You have one planetary rotation to leave this system. Leave here now, and no harm will come to you until we meet again in honourable combat. Thus speaks Prince Thrakhath, Firstborn of the Firstborn, Heir to Kilrah."</blockquote>
 
Following reception of the message, Confederation forces began withdrawing from the Firekka system. After escorting several evacuating transports, the ''Tiger's Claw'' and ''Austin'' retreat to the nearby [[Corsair System]]. Confederation High Command had authorized the use of [[Dralthi|Dralthis]] for reconnaissance purposes after Captain Ian St. John had used one to save the ''Austin'' from an attack by a wing of [[Hhriss]].
 
The Kilrathi had previously ordered that all available fleet units move to the Firekka system for the Sivar-Eshrad ceremony. By using captured Dralthi, Confederation forces were able to gain some intelligence on Kilrathi deployments. This information would help in the planning of Operation Crusade. Five Kilrathi carriers, three light cruisers, four tankers and at least eight corvettes had jumped into the Firekka System by the time the Confederation withdrawal was complete.
 
[[image:priestess-1.gif|thumb|right|200px]]
==Operation Crusade==
 
===Planning the Raid===
 
During the debriefing of ''Khantahr'' Ralgha nar Hhallas, the Confederation learned of the planned Sivar-Eshrad ceremony and its significance to Kilrathi culture. A plan was devised to disrupt the Kilrathi ceremony. Confederation Marines were to land on Firekka and launch an assault against the Kilrathi war priestesses.
 
[[image:priestess-2.gif|thumb|right|200px]]
===The Assault===
 
On 2655.293, two battalions of Confederation Marines landed on Firekka in four assault shuttles. They submerge the shuttles to conceal them from the Kilrathi and with the aid of the Firekkan leaders plan the assaults on the priestesses conducting the Sivar-Eshrad ceremony. The Marines and Firekkans launch successful assaults on the ceremonies, however the marines suffer heavy casualties in the process. Four transports are later shot down by the Kilrathi trying to flee the planet, stranding some marines on the surface.
 
Crown Prince Thrakhath took this moment to address Confederation forces a second time.
[[image:priestess-3.gif|thumb|right|200px]]
 
<blockquote style="font-style: italic">"Human warriors, hear me now. You have proven that you are brave, astonishingly brave, for mere apes. Because of this bravery, I shall grant you one quarter of a planetary rotation to leave this sector. But your land soldiers are ours. We shall run them to ground like the apes that they are. Thus speaks Prince Thrakhath, Firstborn of the Firstborn, Heir to Kilrah.”</blockquote>
 
By interrupting the ceremony, the Confederation put the Kilrathi fleet on edge. It was a major blow to their morale and the Kilrathi were afraid to fight and die with the ceremony interrupted. As Kirha and Ralgha explained upon learning of the disruption of the ceremony to their Confederation captors:
 
<blockquote style="font-style: italic">'''Kirha''': "If the ceremony is corrupted, it is because Sivar is displeased and has rejected the ceremony and those who sponsored the ceremony. The warriors that perished in the battle to take Firekka are no longer Sivar's favored servants; they are simply his fighters, standing between the Light of Sivar and the Great Dark which ever threatens the Light and seeks to devour souls. Because the ceremony was corrupted, those that survived cannot dedicate themselves to Sivar for the coming year, and they fear their souls will be lost in the Great Dark if they perish in combat."</blockquote>
 
<blockquote style="font-style: italic">'''Ralgha''': "So, fearing that their souls will be lost, there is no inducement Thrakhath can offer to make them fight. If he attempts to force them, they will revolt. They are now as fearful as cublings in the moon-dark, and every ill that befalls them will be attributed to the loss of Sivar's favor. They are as eager now to escape with a whole skin as they once were to die."</blockquote>
 
On 2655.315, Kilrathi forces leave the surface of Firekka. In the process of evacuating their forces, the Kilrathi take the Firekkan [[Flock Leader|flock leaders]] hostage. [[James Taggart]], [[Ian St. John]] and several others would later lead a [[Freedom Flight|rescue mission]] to retrieve the Firekkan hostages.
 
The Kilrathi evacuation of the system signaled the end of Operation Crusade.
 
{{#set:source=[[The Secret Missions 2: Crusade]]}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander: Freedom Flight]]}}
[[Category:Battles of the Terran-Kilrathi War]]

Latest revision as of 23:29, 16 July 2011

Operation Crusade
Part of Terran-Kilrathi War
Tweeting firekkans.gif
Date 2655
Location Firekka System
Result Confederation Strategic Victory
Belligerents
Terran Confederation Empire of Kilrah
Commanders and leaders
Vice Admiral Geoffrey Tolwyn Crown Prince Thrakhath nar Kiranka
Units involved
Confederation Diplomatic Corps All Available Kilrathi Fleet Units
Strength
* TCS Tiger's Claw
* TCS Austin
* TCS General Powell
Diplomatic Corps
* TCS Perez de Cuellar
* TCS U Thant
* TCS Strygvie
* TCS Trygvie Lie 		* Five Snakeir-Class Carriers
* Five Fralthi-Class Cruisers
** KIS Kraj'nishk
** KIS Ras Nik'hra
* Two Ralari-Class Destroyer
Casualties and losses
Heavy Marine Casualties * Five Snakeir-Class Carriers
* Five Fralthi-Class Cruisers
** KIS Kraj'nishk
** KIS Ras Nik'hra (Captured)
* Two Ralari-Class Destroyer
* Heavy fighter losses



Work-in-progress, expect frequent changes. Help and feedback is welcome. See discussion page.



Operation Crusade was a Confederation military operation that disrupted the Sivar-Eshard Ceremony in 2655 on Firekka. It resulted in a Kilrathi defeat and withdrawal.

Background

The Confederation encountered the sentient avian-like creatures known as the Firekkans in the early 27th century.

Firekka Joins the Confederation

Starting in 2652, the Confederation Diplomatic Corps sought to expand the Confederation through the addition of the Firekkan race. A treaty of military alliance and defense was signed between the two powers on 2655.240. Vice Admiral Tolwyn, temporarily promoted to Vice Admiral for the treaty signing, and Teehyn Ree Kree'Kai, Leader of Flock-Leaders, signed the treaty for their respective governments. The treaty was tested several weeks later by a Kilrathi invasion. The Kilrathi had chosen Firekka as the site of their Sivar-Eshrad ceremony in 2655. Every Kilrathi fleet unit that could be pulled from the front was given orders to Firekka for the ceremony itself.

Confederation Honor Guard

The TCS Tiger's Claw had recently completed Operation Thor's Hammer and the operation to destroy the Sivar shipyards and had been assigned, along with the TCS Austin as Honor Guard for the Diplomatic Corps during the signing ceremony. The pilots of the 88th Fighter Wing began flying missions in the Firekka system on 2655.238 when they escorted diplomats onboard the TCS Perez de Cueller. The pilots continue to fly missions in the system for the next month.

Kilrathi Defection

The Kilrathi rebels on Ghorah Khar had decided at this same moment to send out a message to the Confederation asking for help. They selected Khantahr Ralgha nar Hhallas and his ship, the KIS Ras Nik'hra, to deliver the message to the Confederation in the Firekka system. His ship arrived in the Firekka system on 2655.271 where he then sent the following message to the Tiger's Claw:

"To the lord captain of of the Tiger's Claw. I am Ralgha nar Hhallas, lord of the Kilrathi Empire, and captain of the Fralthi cruiser Ras Nik'hra. In the names of the rebel lords of Ghorah Khar, I bid you welcome in all honor. At their request, I bring you messages suing for alliance with your Confederation against the Imperial Kilrathi, and my own Imperial ship as a gift. The Ras Nik'hra will continue toward the planet Firekka from this jump point, so that you may rendezvous with us at any time."

The Confederation sent out fighters to secure the Ras Nik'hra. In the process a Fralthi, the KIS Kraj'nishk, attempted to stop the defection but was destroyed by Captain Ian St. John. This act would start a decade long relationship between Captain St. John and Kirha nar Hhallas when Ralgha had Kirha swear an oath of fealty to the terran pilot.

During this time, Majors Kien Chen and Jeanette Deveraux were ambushed by pilots of the Kilrathi Imperial Guard. Hopelessly overwhelmed, Chen fought off the attackers and was killed in action, but in the process bought Deveraux the time she needed to escape. She was able to provide the Tiger's Claw with an advance warning of the Kilrathi fleet's arrival in system.

The Kilrathi Fleet Arrives

Starting on 2655.276, the Kilrathi began an invasion of Firekka. Troopships began landing on the planet while the Firekkans offer resistance using weapons given to them by Confederation forces. The Confederation, despite Firekka being the newest member of the Confederation, does not send any additional forces to defend the system from the Kilrathi onslaught and prepares for withdrawal.

Crown Prince Thrakhath transmitted the following message to Confederation forces in Firekka on 2655.278.

"Warriors of the Human ships, hear me now. You are trespassing on the holy ground of Lord Sivar. If you remain, the Sons of Kilrah will destroy you. We must prepare the Way of Lord Sivar, and no unbelievers may remain here alive. But because you are brave warriors, I shall grant you this: You have one planetary rotation to leave this system. Leave here now, and no harm will come to you until we meet again in honourable combat. Thus speaks Prince Thrakhath, Firstborn of the Firstborn, Heir to Kilrah."

Following reception of the message, Confederation forces began withdrawing from the Firekka system. After escorting several evacuating transports, the Tiger's Claw and Austin retreat to the nearby Corsair System. Confederation High Command had authorized the use of Dralthis for reconnaissance purposes after Captain Ian St. John had used one to save the Austin from an attack by a wing of Hhriss.

The Kilrathi had previously ordered that all available fleet units move to the Firekka system for the Sivar-Eshrad ceremony. By using captured Dralthi, Confederation forces were able to gain some intelligence on Kilrathi deployments. This information would help in the planning of Operation Crusade. Five Kilrathi carriers, three light cruisers, four tankers and at least eight corvettes had jumped into the Firekka System by the time the Confederation withdrawal was complete.

Priestess-1.gif

Operation Crusade

Planning the Raid

During the debriefing of Khantahr Ralgha nar Hhallas, the Confederation learned of the planned Sivar-Eshrad ceremony and its significance to Kilrathi culture. A plan was devised to disrupt the Kilrathi ceremony. Confederation Marines were to land on Firekka and launch an assault against the Kilrathi war priestesses.

Priestess-2.gif

The Assault

On 2655.293, two battalions of Confederation Marines landed on Firekka in four assault shuttles. They submerge the shuttles to conceal them from the Kilrathi and with the aid of the Firekkan leaders plan the assaults on the priestesses conducting the Sivar-Eshrad ceremony. The Marines and Firekkans launch successful assaults on the ceremonies, however the marines suffer heavy casualties in the process. Four transports are later shot down by the Kilrathi trying to flee the planet, stranding some marines on the surface.

Crown Prince Thrakhath took this moment to address Confederation forces a second time.

Priestess-3.gif

"Human warriors, hear me now. You have proven that you are brave, astonishingly brave, for mere apes. Because of this bravery, I shall grant you one quarter of a planetary rotation to leave this sector. But your land soldiers are ours. We shall run them to ground like the apes that they are. Thus speaks Prince Thrakhath, Firstborn of the Firstborn, Heir to Kilrah.”

By interrupting the ceremony, the Confederation put the Kilrathi fleet on edge. It was a major blow to their morale and the Kilrathi were afraid to fight and die with the ceremony interrupted. As Kirha and Ralgha explained upon learning of the disruption of the ceremony to their Confederation captors:

Kirha: "If the ceremony is corrupted, it is because Sivar is displeased and has rejected the ceremony and those who sponsored the ceremony. The warriors that perished in the battle to take Firekka are no longer Sivar's favored servants; they are simply his fighters, standing between the Light of Sivar and the Great Dark which ever threatens the Light and seeks to devour souls. Because the ceremony was corrupted, those that survived cannot dedicate themselves to Sivar for the coming year, and they fear their souls will be lost in the Great Dark if they perish in combat."

Ralgha: "So, fearing that their souls will be lost, there is no inducement Thrakhath can offer to make them fight. If he attempts to force them, they will revolt. They are now as fearful as cublings in the moon-dark, and every ill that befalls them will be attributed to the loss of Sivar's favor. They are as eager now to escape with a whole skin as they once were to die."

On 2655.315, Kilrathi forces leave the surface of Firekka. In the process of evacuating their forces, the Kilrathi take the Firekkan flock leaders hostage. James Taggart, Ian St. John and several others would later lead a rescue mission to retrieve the Firekkan hostages.

The Kilrathi evacuation of the system signaled the end of Operation Crusade.

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