A Toast before the Coming Storm

23rd of April, year 229 of the Universal Century calender, Dolz learns about the aftermath of the Triegs Convention. He summoned a war council with his colleges and selected subordinates on the fate of Schiebfonda. Most agreed that the best course of action would be to take it by force. Only a minority were opposed to taking military action. Needless to say, their voiced concerns were overturned. Next, Dolz left the armada for a brief audience with the war ministry, leaving command over to a young rear admiral Chal Hugo.

Dolz’s purpose was straightforward; he urgently consulted with them for the next course of action. They told Dolz that the other forts had been successfully captured without a shed of blood. The only exception thus far was Hatillo and Schiebfonda. When asked if it was possible to take it without a act of aggression, Dolz replied with the following:

“It would not be an act of aggression. It would be in self-defense as this is a illegal armed force in our borders. I believe history will be on our side painting us not as the hostiles, but as a nation exercising self-defense in her best interests.”

Dolz also noted that the fortress refused to stand down, and noted that according to his intelligence reports that it was undermanned and under equipped to face a total assault. He esthetically vowed to take it out ‘before the Federate lapdogs could mobilize in retaliation.’

The war ministry gave him commendation for his war plans. Following the visit, Dolz returned to the fleet by the 26th, relieving Chal of his acting duties, and began preparations for war.

The next few days were the culmination stage of last chance peace. Several delegates both from the Confederate war ministry as well as Dolz’s delegates urged Rubenfield for peace. Rubenfield was starved of external news, and was rather surprised that he and Hatilla were the last strongholds in the Confederate nest. However, his determination continuously turned away the peacekeepers.

Dolz received a gradual supply of reinforcements from the other naval formations that completed their tasks. With greater strength, Dolz was confident that there would be no doubt the fortress will fall in a timely matter. He however did feel pressed to act soon, as his window of opportunity was shrinking by the day because of information reaching Metropolitan Sol about the capture of their fortresses in the Confederacy.

Rubenfield’s situation was notably bitter. It was not a matter of if, but when the fortress fell. There was only a few weeks worth of foodstuff in stock, and the common soldier was becoming increasingly anxious. Rubenfield remained optimistic about a relief to his beleaguered situation. He refused to the very end that the government would simply stand by idly while their assets would be unlawfully taken over. He did, however, speculate that the Federation response was deliberately slow because they did not want to become the bearer of aggressors. A view that was collectively shared by Prime Minister Halil and contemporary historians.

The last round of peace opportunists occured on the 28th of April. Among the diplomats was actually a Federating officer from one of the surrendered fortresses. Dolz hoped that by utilizing this officer he could emotionally appeal to Rubenfield.

Unfortunately for vice admiral Tory Dolz, it had the counter effect. The officer sent encouraged Rubenfield to “give them Hell!” further strengthening their resolve to holdout. When the officer returned, he smugly told Dolz that Schiebfonda had no interest in ever surrendering without a fight. Outraged, Dolz ordered his execution. This rashly decision was rescinded as that could cause a violation of intergalactic law. Angry still, Dolz asked the officer if he would take satisfaction in joining his compatriots in their enormous metallic tomb.

What happened next is a subject of debate, but allegedly the officer spat at Dolz’s feet and reportedly told him “to see him in Hell”. Regardless of the episode, the officer was shipped off to rejoice with the Schiebfonda.

Dolz summoned all his direct subordinates aboard his flagship battleship the CSN Hillard for one last briefing. It was topped off by a toast featuring a two hundred fifty year old wine dating back to an French operated winery in Common Era Australia. Being a brand of Louis-Pontet Margaux it was a personal favorite of Hugo and recommended to his superior who loved it despite it’s Terran origins.

“A toast to the success of the capture of Shiebfonda! May the Confederacy prosper forever more. À votre santé!”

In the Schiebfonda, perhaps as a attempt to raise spirits, Rubenfield gave permission for doubling rations for the troops. Although the Confederate blockage was efficient in “hardware”, when it came to “software” the Federation had a easy advantage in. Federation rations were so sought after that it was no secret that Confederate troops preferred them whenever possible.

“Gentlemen, whatever fate may befell us, I must say it was a honor to lead you all. There is nothing we can do now, except wait. Wait, and brace for the coming storm. History is in the making, and they will make legends out of us for being at the forefight.”

3:00 am in Youdon starzone time. 29th of April in the year 229 of the Universal Calendar. The orders were issued orally by vice admiral Tory Dolz down the chain of command for the bombardment of Schiebfonda. At 3:30, the armada unleashed a kinetic volley of missiles in almost a beautiful synchronized choreography.

The opening shots of the Thirty Years’ War had been fired.