2175 C.E.

XXIV: The Battle of Nova

For there are even greater bonds that unite our peoples; not simply common goals or culture, but a destiny, a shared fate that shall bring our cultures to unprecedented prosperity and unity, as the Terran Hegemony unites the stars themselves under a common sign, and we shall bring peace to the galaxy, together, as one empire, over the Grushan and over the Novan traitors to the Hegemony! Remember this day, Terrans. It is the foundation of the future!

08/06/2175 1014 NST: Transmission Sent TSS Graf Spee BBM 0201: O Nova: 08/06/2175 1114 EST: Transmission Received Terran Interstellar Authority

Begin Transmission

Additional Grushan fleet power has entered Proxima system. Sensors are tracking one hundred fifty hostile warships inbound. The fleet's begun emergency maneuvers. We're withdrawing to Nova's magnetic poles to disrupt enemy targeting. Request immediate support.

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Doctor's Note: Dr. Thando Babatunde: 08/06/2175: Translated by Ibrahim Kayode

Patient William Aucaman

Patient regained consciousness at 7:15 AM today. Patient is highly agitated, but responding well to treatment. The odd neurological activity I noted earlier is reduced. We measured a slight fever of 37.3 degrees, but it seems to be going down. Patient describes chills and high sensory overload, and exhibits symptoms of exhaustion. I've prescribed sleeping medications to combat exhaustion, but patient is reluctant to comply. He complains of nightmares and visions. I will continue to monitor his condition.

News Article: The Hanson Harbor Inquirer: 08/06/2175

By Samantha Rodriguez

Since the arrival of a second Grushan fleet near Titan's Belt at 10:14 AM, the Terran fleet has withdrawn to the Novan North pole. According to analysts, they seem to be hoping to disrupt Grushan targeting sensors and guidance systems; they are hoping that the magnetic field will scramble electronics in Grushan missiles.

As of right now, at 11:00 AM, it appears that the Grushan fleet is starting to have the upper hand in the battle. The first Grushan battle group has been exchanging missile fire with the Terrans for the past four hours, mostly at long missile range. Grushan fighters have inflicted major damage on five Terran missile cruisers and destroyers, which have pulled back to the relative safety of orbit. The Terran missiles have done significant damage to Grushan warships, however, and at least one carrier, two missile cruisers, and one light cruiser seem to have taken heavy damage.

However, with the arrival of Grushan reinforcements, the numeric advantage that the Terrans had early on seems to have dissipated. The original Grushan fleet still engaged near the planet Anaheim consisted of forty-five ships, including three carriers, twenty destroyers, eight missile cruisers, six light cruisers and eight battle cruisers. The invading Terran fleet consisted of sixty-four ships, including four carriers, two battleships, twenty battle cruisers, fifteen light cruisers, ten missile cruisers and thirteen destroyers. The second wave of Grushan ships consists of an additional fifty ships, including one carrier, three battleships, twelve missile cruisers, ten battle cruisers, ten light cruisers, and fourteen destroyers.

The Terran fleet has thus far responded well to the pressure placed on it by the volume of Grushan missile fire with countermeasures and point defense weaponry. Grushan fighters have inflicted large amounts of damage. It is uncertain how much ordinance the Terrans have available, however, and as the battle wears on, the Terran fleet may begin to encounter supply issues.