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A fallen empire ! No, I'm not scared !
Let's hope we can beat them, but I'm not really confident right now.
 
They are apparently really powerful city states...but we're the premier galactic power. So long as we aren't one shotted ship by ship, we should win. However, we may lose a lot of money and men in the process. Hipefully the tech we get at the end makes it worthwhile.
 
So, humans expanded across the galaxy, became the dominent empire, then went "hey, maybe we should do something with Mars"
To be fair, there wasn't a whole lot they could do with the tech they had at the very beginning. Though I question why there weren't any settlements to begin with. I assume there were some Antarctica-style research facilities, not huge cities.
 
To be fair, there wasn't a whole lot they could do with the tech they had at the very beginning. Though I question why there weren't any settlements to begin with. I assume there were some Antarctica-style research facilities, not huge cities.

I know, game play reasons, Earth and Mars are different planet types, allowing Earth early terraforming tech just because of Mars is OP.

It is just strange considering how getting established on Mars is the current théorie du jour in terms of the next step
 
I know, game play reasons, Earth and Mars are different planet types, allowing Earth early terraforming tech just because of Mars is OP.

It is just strange considering how getting established on Mars is the current théorie du jour in terms of the next step
Sure, getting on Mars is our next step. That just means establishing airtight settlements on the surface and underground in the current environment, like in The Expanse, which we can theoretically do in the next few decades. Such settlements probably already exist. I seem to recall him mentioning some political and military characters coming from Mars. Actual terraforming, early tech or not, to turn Mars into Earth 2.0 is still centuries off. I assume when he said "colonization" of Mars would begin he meant large-scale colonization like with Alpha Centauri and other Earth-like planets.
 
I just wanted to mention that this is a fantastic AAR. I've been looking into Stellaris for some time, and you've definitely captured something great here. I was curious if I might be able to get my name on your list? I'd love to be involved in such an evolving story.
 
I don't think they will have too much of a problem in the war unless the fallen empire has many more ships. I hope the Federation finally takes some systems from this war. Is the Federation receiving any tribute from the conquered empires?
 
I don't think they will have too much of a problem in the war unless the fallen empire has many more ships. I hope the Federation finally takes some systems from this war. Is the Federation receiving any tribute from the conquered empires?

I did find it odd that although the Federation was starting to take on a more Imperialistic slant, that they never demanded territory after the last war.
 
Well,let's hope we can take on a Fallen Empire.

Also,I'll post a backstory sometime next week.

Also,the raiders had it coming...their way of life does not justify such actions!

Also,you never actually put my name on the Namelist on the first post...

Named added! The raiders were a bit annoying, but the worst part was having a hostile enemy right on my border. The red system names just pissed me off.

The Federation having an alien ruler... I feel like its an inevitability, and one that would show we're true to our morals.

As for the Thimoid Watchers, I think we can win this! We will not be forced to abandon our AI brethren!

I'm very sure it will happen pretty soon. Whether it is a Baanthurian, a Screk, a Yssravannar, or whatever, I have no idea.

I have a bad feeling about this...

Hello there...

KEL: I don't understand. They're terrified of AI because of our superior nature, so declare war on a race with a vast AI led military and government advisory board already? These guys are idiots.

...

KEL: Also apparently humans are also idiots and haven't learnt anything about putting all of their resources in one AIs hands and just letting them do whatever with it. Still, at least this way we can remote access several federation armies whenever we want.

Oh god, this won't be good.

A fallen empire ! No, I'm not scared !
Let's hope we can beat them, but I'm not really confident right now.

I'm not going into it with much confidence either. They have three fleets of nearly 90K power each, I think. Our four fleets together might equal 100K? Unsure.

They are apparently really powerful city states...but we're the premier galactic power. So long as we aren't one shotted ship by ship, we should win. However, we may lose a lot of money and men in the process. Hipefully the tech we get at the end makes it worthwhile.

That's my plan currently. Mass up all the fleets and try and take on their fleets one at a time. The AI is usually pretty dumb, so it should not be hard to lure them into a trap.

So, humans expanded across the galaxy, became the dominent empire, then went "hey, maybe we should do something with Mars"

Well, it seemed a bit silly to me too, but I unlocked the tech and went "why not?" This is my first time getting this far into a Stellaris run, so I'm just sort of winging a lot of it!

I just wanted to mention that this is a fantastic AAR. I've been looking into Stellaris for some time, and you've definitely captured something great here. I was curious if I might be able to get my name on your list? I'd love to be involved in such an evolving story.

Added! Thank you! Glad you're enjoying it, I have no idea what I'm doing in this game!

I don't think they will have too much of a problem in the war unless the fallen empire has many more ships. I hope the Federation finally takes some systems from this war. Is the Federation receiving any tribute from the conquered empires?

I think so? Not sure how peace deals work. I had the choice of a white peace, where some new empire would be created, and a victory, where the enemy's government would be reformed. As I've done for most of this AAR, I'm not really into world conquests or huge empires. I prefer height over width (if they're the correct terms).

I did find it odd that although the Federation was starting to take on a more Imperialistic slant, that they never demanded territory after the last war.

I'll be slowly getting more imperialistic. I promise.
 
Chapter 12: In Defense of AI
Chapter 12 - 2374 to 2386: In Defense of AI

"Misther Presiden', wha' exackly is the poin' of resisthance? Why defend the AI?" the Baanthurian asked.

"You suggest bowing down before these fanatics?" the President replied.

"I do no' like i'anymore than you, sir, bu' when you thake intho consideration wha' is a'risk---"

"What is at risk is our freedom, not just the AI. What does it say about the principles of the Federation if we allow a fanatical alien civilization to command us from afar?" The President stood up from behind his desk, staring the Baanthurian down. "It is the very thing we stand against."

"Mudarok, he's right, you know," interjected Felhaust, the Defense Secretary. "We have granted the Awakened and all sentient AI basic rights in just the last decade. We cannot turn around and reverse that at the first sign of alien discomfort."

Mudarok did not look satisfied, but he bowed slightly and shuffled out of the office.

"He does have a point," sighed Felhaust. "This will not be an easy war, and all for the right to give our own AI rights. Ridiculous."

"And the public will not be happy about this war," added the Speaker of the Federation, Doctor Canton. "Polls had AI support at only 35% in 2370. Not much can have changed since then."

"We will have to change their minds."

The Awakened now have three planets of their own: New Irass, Irass IV, and Irassia. Along with this, millions of sentient androids live throughout the federation, on nearly every planet. This granting of rights to AI was a surprising move by the late President Nikolaevich, and many were initially against it. While the advancement of AI began under late President Kimberly Zen with the creation of Division TT-01, it was really kicked into motion under Nikolaevich, and she gave it all sorts of independence that it did not previously enjoy.

In this war, it is not just the Federation that stands against the Thimoid Watchers; the Jibru, the Cartel, and the Mandasuran Tribes come to Earth's defense. In the past few decades, the Jibru Cooperative has expanded immensely. The Uri Accord, once so threatened by the Vissari, joined the Jibru about 20 years previously, as did the Klaggian Star Dynasty some years later. Now, the Jibru Cooperative is one of the most expansive empires in the galaxy.

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The first strike by the Thimoid Watchers happens in the former Uri system of Zaffa. Eight battle cruisers and two escorts enter the system and obliterate the station within days. They are the most powerful ships ever encountered.

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They enter Polaris next and overwhelm the Jibru fleet stationed there. The war is not going well so far, and censorship begins in the Federation to block much of the news trying to report on the early defeats.

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In 2375, all four main fleets jump into Vissari territory, ready to take on the first Thimoid armada. It will be an extremely tough fight, with Federation firepower barely equal to the few massive battle cruisers in the enemy fleet.

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1st and 2nd Fleets arrive in Polaris nearly a year later, but no enemy fleets are seen except two large transports. These are destroyed and the base is cleared of occupying enemies.

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The first Thimoid system of Gol is entered some months later. This is defended with an extremely powerful station, equipped with missiles, lasers, and strike crafts. The planet Gol I is inhabited by billions of Thimoids.

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About ten Federation ships are lost in the process of taking over the station. Still, it proves that the enemy is not invincible. All that remains for the system is the invasion of Gol I.

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Right behind the fleets are thousands of transports, ready to land millions of troops. These troops are comprised of humans, Screk, robots, and Mandasuran soldiers. In early 2377, they land on Gol I. The invasion will take 6 months and millions of lives before the Federation is victorious.

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At the same time, the fight to retake Polaris begins. The Thimoid have left close to no occupying forces, so it is an easy battle. The victorious armies capture the small enemy force and declare it a great victory for the Jibru and the Federation. This battle, as small as it was, is not censored from the Federation media.

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In mid 2377, the Kalaxenon Ancients begin to look towards rebuilding their once grand empire. Their survey and science ships have been spotted in all corners of the galaxy, for previously unknown reasons. Now, it is discovered their purpose was to gain information useful for their eventual return to power. They are rebuilding and retrofitting old, worn out stations and ships, preparing for something that will return them to glory.

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Saqqis system is the next to fall to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fleets. Then, word arrives that an enemy fleet is inbound. It is weak in terms of the overall fleet of the Thimoid Watchers, but it still vastly overpowers any single Federation fleet. It is made up of 32 escorts, and they are on the way to liberate Saqqis.

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It does not go well in the beginning. The enemy escorts are very difficult to destroy, and the swarm missiles they fire are deadly. As ship after ship of the Federation is destroyed, it looks like the battle could turn sour. Then, 4th Fleet arrives to help, and they tip the balance. Only three escorts are destroyed, but over a dozen are badly damaged, and they flee.

Then, word comes that their most powerful fleet is pulling back from their raids in the Jibru territories. The fleets retreat back into Gol and prepare for the defense. Before the powerful fleet arrives, the defeated, yet still powerful, escort fleet turns up once again.

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Two escorts are destroyed before the enemies withdraw, but just as they do, the powerful fleet arrives. Eight super powerful battle cruisers, equipped with arc emitters, a technology not yet discovered for the Federation.

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It is a devastating battle, and over a dozen Federation ships are lost in the confusing, blinding display. Worst of all, two of the three Federation titans were destroyed. It is not known how many enemy ships are destroyed, but at least one is left floating in the graveyard of the battle. The rest have seemingly retreated. The Thimoid appear not to want to risk their ships too much, preferring to hit the Federation hard then fleeing before their own ships take too much damage.

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The fleets are reorganized into two, the 1st very powerful titan-led Fleet, and 2nd less powerful support Fleet. They are sent back into Saqqis to retake the system. After that station is occupied, the Wodriax system is next. This one is guarded by an immense station.

Just as the station is occupied, the enemy fleet returns, battered but still strong. 1st Fleet retreats immediately, having sustained moderate damage from the station. However, 2nd Fleet's battleship's jump drive fails, and retreat is not possible for over a week. By the time they can retreat, they are reduced to dust. Immediately, dozens of new ships are put into production to replace the lost ships. It will be a long time before new battleships or titans are finished. Once again, the media is quiet about the defeat.

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2nd Fleet retreats back to the Federation for repairs and upgrades. In other news, a new federation has been created between the Jonus Star Mandate and the Hlilje Industrial, called the Star Entente. Also given association status are the Cartel and the Greater Lozavata Khanate, one of the remnant states of the Horde.

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Nothing changes in the war, as the next election begins. Luckily, the two replacement titans are completed, and the decimated 2nd Fleet is reinforced. As the campaigns begin, President HistoryDude starts a grand propaganda campaign, showcasing the new titans and the upgraded fleets. He also reveals plans he and his administration have been working on for years, even before the start of the war: a megastructural "Ringworld" around Earth. At the moment, Earth is getting very overpopulated, and new living space is very lacking. This new structure will provide much needed space. Along with this, propaganda against the other candidates is everywhere, and it appears that the media is completely on the current President's beck and call. The campaign works, and HistoryDude wins reelection.

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Soon after, the fleets are sent back to Thimoid territory. It will take another few months before they arrive. The first stage of the Ringworld is also completed around Earth. It will only take about two years for the rest to be built.

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2nd Fleet arrives back in Gol in 2385, engaging the station. 1st Fleet arrives shortly after, and the station is quickly occupied.

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Next up is retaking the Saqqis system. There are little to no defenses, so it is a very quick and easy victory. Next up is Wodriax. It offers more resistance, destroying five Federation ships, but it too falls. The invasion of Wodriax II starts shortly after. It takes just a month before the defenders surrender.

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Finally, the Thimoid Watchers realize that total victory over Earth and the Jibru is not possible, and they agree to a meeting between the Federation's top admiral Mirox and the Thimoid admiral Obr-Ligt. It takes place in the neutral Steel Bank system of Hanneri, with both sides' fleets standing down. They agree to a peace with no goals or claims. And both sides depart in worse relations than before.

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Despite the victory, the Federation has changed in the twelve years of war. War with a more powerful empire proved to the ruling administration exactly how costly interstellar conflict can be, but censorship of the press is now the norm under President HistoryDude, and the politics are slowly turning into a one-party system. There is no telling how this will affect the future of the Federation.
 
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Now, the Jibru Cooperative is one of the most expansive empires in the galaxy.

zCUBZOo.jpg
Honestly, I was expecting them to be a little...bigger. But they still pack a big punch.


The war is not going well so far, and censorship begins in the Federation to block much of the news trying to report on the early defeats.
Numerous NGOs protest the increased censorship of the media. Many of these organizations are based on New Irass or enjoy large support among the Awakened, who fear a return to extinction by the Thimoid. Some Awakened buy into conspiracy theories that the Thimoid assassinated Kimberly Zen, who has become something of a savior figure for them.
In mid 2377, the Kalaxenon Ancients begin to look towards rebuilding their once grand empire. Their survey and science ships have been spotted in all corners of the galaxy, for previously unknown reasons. Now, it is discovered their purpose was to gain information useful for their eventual return to power. They are rebuilding and retrofitting old, worn out stations and ships, preparing for something that will return them to glory.
TT-01 takes note of the Kalaxenon rearmament and begins drawing up contingency plans.
It is a devastating battle, and over a dozen Federation ships are lost in the confusing, blinding display. Worst of all, two of the three Federation titans were destroyed. It is not known how many enemy ships are destroyed, but at least one is left floating in the graveyard of the battle. The rest have seemingly retreated. The Thimoid appear not to want to risk their ships too much, preferring to hit the Federation hard then fleeing before their own ships take too much damage.
The few TT-01 observers who survived the war return to Earth with reams of information on the strength of Thimoid weapons and the power of their engines. One destroyed Thimoid ship, found remarkably intact in the midst of the destroyed Federation fleet, is towed back to the Zen Engineering Station for reverse engineering.
Just as the station is occupied, the enemy fleet returns, battered but still strong. 1st Fleet retreats immediately, having sustained moderate damage from the station. However, 2nd Fleet's battleship's jump drive fails, and retreat is not possible for over a week. By the time they can retreat, they are reduced to dust. Immediately, dozens of new ships are put into production to replace the lost ships. It will be a long time before new battleships or titans are finished. Once again, the media is quiet about the defeat.
The Awakened's protests ramp up, demanding that the government release the full truth about the war and protect their lives better.

The Zen Engineering Station takes note of the failure of the jump drive on the Second Fleet's battleship, the Indomitable. Against all odds, the jump drive is salvaged intact from the Indomitable and taken back to the solar system for analysis.
In other news, a new federation has been created between the Jonus Star Mandate and the Hlilje Industrial, called the Star Entente. Also given association status are the Cartel and the Greater Lozavata Khanate, one of the remnant states of the Horde.
TT-01 observes the development.
Nothing changes in the war, as the next election begins. Luckily, the two replacement titans are completed, and the decimated 2nd Fleet is reinforced. As the campaigns begin, President HistoryDude starts a grand propaganda campaign, showcasing the new titans and the upgraded fleets. He also reveals plans he and his administration have been working on for years, even before the start of the war: a megastructural "Ringworld" around Earth. At the moment, Earth is getting very overpopulated, and new living space is very lacking. This new structure will provide much needed space. Along with this, propaganda against the other candidates is everywhere, and it appears that the media is completely on the current President's beck and call. The campaign works, and HistoryDude wins reelection.
In response to the government's public relations campaign, Awakened protesters showcase the Indomitable's jump drive and debris from the original Second Fleet, warning that the government has failed to turn the tide of the war and protect all of its citizens equally. They claim the government would rather make itself look good and throw the Awakened under the bus than uphold its values of equality and fairness. Other groups criticize the ringworld project as a waste of money in a time of war.

Despite all this, HistoryDude is reelected.
Finally, the Thimoid Watchers realize that total victory over Earth and the Jibru is not possible, and they agree to a meeting between the Federation's top admiral Mirox and the Thimoid admiral Obr-Ligt. It takes place in the neutral Steel Bank system of Hanneri, with both sides' fleets standing down. They agree to a peace with no goals or claims. And both sides depart in worse relations than before.
Although the war is over, TT-01 and the Zen Engineering Station take note of the losses the Federation sustained. They begin designing newer ship models to correct the fatal flaws in the destroyed ships and with Thimoid technology integrated.
Despite the victory, the Federation has changed in the twelve years of war. War with a more powerful empire proved to the ruling administration exactly how costly interstellar conflict can be, but censorship of the press is now the norm under President HistoryDude, and the politics are slowly turning into a one-party system. There is no telling how this will affect the future of the Federation.
Despite not achieving their goals, the Awakened will not give up. They will continue fighting whether it be to save themselves from the Thimoids or to show the rest of the Federation they too are equal citizens. And every night, each family prays to Kimzen, hoping she will protect them.



Glad you got my reference!
I was going to go for "General Kenobi!" but the other quote fit our situation better.
 
Well...that wasn't good. Is the federation about to become just another multicultural empire?
 
Looks like you need to ramp up your weapons research. Hopefully you obtained some good intel from enemy ships destroyded.
 
Censored media... that's a complicated subject that can help keep the people calm or lead them down a road of less freedom. Still, can't fault the reasoning given how close that war got. The Federation will have to prepare for the future, especially given Kalaxenon Ancients seeming more active.
 
The war is not going well so far, and censorship begins in the Federation to block much of the news trying to report on the early defeats.

The victorious armies capture the small enemy force and declare it a great victory for the Jibru and the Federation. This battle, as small as it was, is not censored from the Federation media.

Once again, the media is quiet about the defeat.

When news of the peace deal is released, the jingoistic populous staged protests around the Federation. Thier ire is directed at President HistoryDude for going easy on the Thimoid Watchers when the Federation is clearly the stronger power.

The turnout for these protests was nowhere near as high as the organisers had predicted, especially in Buenos Aires.
 
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So, democracy is slowly degenerating...