Destruction of Persephone

I have created instruments of murder and devastation for my entire adult life, and even I must ask our gathering this: what manner of monster brought this wicked thing into being?

-Amanda Elkland, Director of Staedt-Gregorivich Weapons Manufacturing, at the Sol Accords

The Conflict

Prelude

Alpha Centauri-aligned forces were facing a severe setback in the core front as the war neared its end. The economically-advantaged Sol forces were able to produce large starships quickly and cheaply thanks to Staedt-Gregorivich, already a megacorporation at the time, siding with Sol. Desperate to turn the tide in their favor, Alpha Centauri decided to use their new and devastating weapon—a singularity device—on a system with only a handful of civilians, but with substantial economic impact to S-G and Sol. It was hoped that the device would also serve as a deterrent for further hostilities, as the nuclear bomb did in the 20th century.

The Engagement

Alpha Centauri hauled their device into the system using an unmanned tugboat. Although the tugboat was immediately fired upon and destroyed by the S-G point-defense grid, the singularity device activated as intended. The entire system, including the life-rich Persephone II, was destroyed.

Outcome

Hostilities were immediately ceased between Sol and Alpha Centauri. The many other factions engaged in smaller-scale wars ceased their own hostilities as well over the coming two months.

Aftermath

Ultimately, the Destruction of Persephone led to the signing of the Sol Accords, and the end of the Great War. Although the Republic of Alpha Centauri emerged from the War with a looming victory, pressure from their closest allies (the Iehuca) convinced the Republic to sign an unconditional peace treaty.

Historical Significance

Legacy

The Destruction of Persephone is commemorated in the Great War Memorial, which serves to remind the entire galaxy of the horrors of the Great War.

Technological Advancement

Disarmament of all Parties to the Sol Accords of singularity devices is demanded by the Sol Accords themselves. By design, the Republic of Alpha Centauri did not reveal the names of people and organizations that assisted in the development of the weapon. The fates of these parties are unknown, and no singularity device has even been rumored in the subsequent centuries.

Included under Conflict

Great War

Conflict Type

Battle

Battlefield Type

Space

Start Date

September 19th, 2846

Ending Date

September 19th, 2846

Conflict Result

Destruction of the entire Persephone System

Location

Persephone

Belligerents

Staedt-Gregorivich Weapons Manufacturing, Persephone

• Staedt-Gregorivich

Republic of Alpha Centauri, 6th Fleet

Strength

227 particle lance-mounted, unmanned point-defense turrets
33 starship construction bays
13 asteroid mining/processing units

1 heavily-modified Morehead-class tugboat, unmanned

Casualties

Complete (1219 souls)

Tugboat destroyed

Objectives

To produce capital starships, mostly of battlecruiser and dreadnought classes, for Sol-allied factions.

To destroy the production facilities, which were well behind enemy lines, before enemy reinforcements could arrive.