Hells Bells

Space Guerilla War

Originally Written in 2023.

April 12th, 2026. Celtic Empire, Celtic Home world Umaril. Imperial Capital Sector.

The planet the Celtic Empire began its civilization is a vibrant flush powerhouse in its solar system and surrounding galaxies. Though it is no longer the capital of the vast Celtic state, as 120 years before the Celtics broke free from their home solar system. A thermonuclear war ravaged the planet leaving it a wasteland and forcing the survivors to occupy the barren landscape of the 4th planet in the system. The only facilities that dotted the surface were mining stations and small crew barracks. The planet didn't even have a proper spaceport to accommodate the massive refuge fleet. After 50 years of struggling to survive an Omar fleet appeared to make its first contact with another population, only to find the Celtics near extinction. Omar, seeing a potential ally and puppet, offered aid and help to the hapless population. Thus began an era of growth and advancement, revitalizing the nuclear wasteland of their home world and turning the 4th planet into a Frankenstein of lush beautiful oceans, forests, and the red deserts once covering the entire planet. They were one of the first members of the new Galactic Alliance and expanded their territory to the steps of the Terrance Empire, but that's when the cracks began to show as the Celtics and Omar came into contact with the Human Federation that had begun to explore outside their solar system. The first conflict broke out shortly after with the Celtics being cast aside by Omar when the Human Fleets swept them out of a contested system. After Omar destroyed the expedition force, the Human Federation sued for peace and during the peace talks, Celtic was left out from any spoils gained from it. The humans then made contact with the empire and they hashed out a deal, which led to the 2nd Omar war in 2219. After all this the Celtics have grown far beyond their original prospects. Fat on their profits from Omar's collapse and boasting the third largest fleet among the major powers, life couldn't be better. 

A large warship lays motionless out of the planet's orbit, the aging dreadnought Imalicas awaits another boring sun cycle of gate guard. From a time when large capital warships were the only way to bear more powerful weaponry, with small accompanying ships to screen for fighters, the Imalicas was top of the line. Until first contact with the Human Federation showed that smaller, more numerous warships can easily overwhelm the capital ships. Permanently sidelining these massive ships for use as orbital defense platforms, trainers, and blockade enforcers. Celtic had 4 in total while Omar had 200 before contact with the Human Federation, after the collapse of the Imperium and Republic, Omar was reformed into the Omar council to help bring some stability to the remaining territory of Omar. This council reported that 20 capital dreadnoughts were unaccounted for, leaving the coalition on high alert to prevent these ships being used as privateers by pirates or die hard followers of Omar. Celtic Naval Command has lowered security around the capital and home world to help search for these rogue elements. 

No one was too concerned about this as the Imperial Capital Sector had the best defenses in the galaxy. That was the thought at least, as the dreadnought picked up a mine detonation in the next sector. Then nothing as their sensors stop functioning. A large vessel jumps in completely throwing the crew into chaos. A hail of naval gunfire tears through the dreadnought's shields and immolates it when its ammo stowage is struck. An Omar Capital Dreadnought has braved the Celtics defense and has won. The ship's main gun located on the underside, moves into position aiming down at Umaril. Two missiles slam into the ship's hull and a further ten are intercepted. The ship's shielding goes down to 40%. A radar scan shows a defense platform 10 miles away out of visual range. The Omerian vessel can't do anything to it as the ships guns are meant for broadside engagements and the laser weaponry can't penetrate the platforms shields. The captain decides to continue with the orbital bombardment in quick haste to avoid getting caught by responding fleets. Another hail of missiles swarm on all sides of the ship as more platforms begin their attacks. Most are countered besides one which brings the shields to 13% and messes up the Omerian's detection sensors. The main gun locks on its target and begins shelling the planet's surface. 6 shots hit the planet's surface perforating a portion of a super city. The dreadnought wheels in the gun and jumps away from the sector. 

It was a humiliating disaster for the Celtic Empire. Showing the universe that its defense system was useless in preventing even a single outdated ship from attacking its home world, let alone destroying a part of said system. In the coming days the Omerian dreadnought would be found crashed on a mining world near the Celtic, Terrance border. Investigations showed it was downed by a shot that pierced the front and blasted through the reactor. Leading many to believe a US fleet training nearby might've taken it down as a planet destroyer was among the US fleet, and the damage filled the quota of the damage seen before on another Omar Dreadnought.

Inquiries are sent to the US embassy on Earth, but no response is given. Unnerving most in the galactic community as US fleet elements grow to alarming numbers, in their zone of operations and the remnants of their occupied world. Though these movements look to be training expeditions, after a Terrance vessel got to close and was warned by a US border force about the ongoing war games. Upon the recommendation of the Terrance Republic, the Coalition in charge of the Human Federation. Sent in a stealth probe to analyze these supposed war games. The information they gather was troubling to say the least, as the war game showed a guerilla war using space capable craft. The opposing force conducting jump strikes and disappearing when opposition becomes too great. US forces counter these tactics with surprising quickness and force. Alluding to earlier experiences, in their previous conflicts. Human Federation and other members of the galactic community take notes on the games and look to see if the rogue Omar elements have the capabilities to initiate such tactics. The raid over Umaril showed they are, and it's only a matter of time until they begin to utilize these tactics throughout their entire fleet. As the countries and powers of the dimension begin to draw up counters to this potential. The stealth probe is atomized by a US cruiser. The Coalition of the Human Federation shrugs it off and notes it down as a mechanical related loss, moving on to other issues.

( Space-going warships in the HF dimension are around the size of a Tirpitz class battleship, with the biggest being as big as a Gerald R Ford class carrier. A Capital Class Dreadnought is 100 times the size of current space going craft.)