Battle for Baden

A several-hours battle over the ownership of a planet, the Battle for Baden took an unexpected turn when the small Freehold successfully demanded the capitulation and surrender of overwhelming Confederation forces. The victory propelled the confidence of The Freeholds in the face of their warring neighbors, leading directly to both the formation of the Mordena mercenaries and the Freehold Coalition.

The Conflict

Prelude

Surviving as a Freeholds planet on the border of Confederation space far longer than most, Baden earned a reputation as a safe haven for refugees and deserters alike. To those knowledgeable in the strategies and political machinations of the Sparnell Confederation, it was only a matter of time before this came to a sudden and violent end.
It was Admiral Kydell who made the first move, sending his forces to spy upon the planet's defenses and even abduct several members of the Baden Defense Force during their regular patrols in the system. This reconnaissance culminated in a minor attack, quickly joined by the remainder of the fleet when Baden failed to field a sizeable defense.

The Engagement

Baden followed standard protocols upon the arrival of the small Confederation fleet, enacting the planetary Shielding and directing all citizens to the many shelter vaults scattered about the planet. The Baden Defense Force scrambled to field their ships, and at first appeared capable of holding their own.
But the initial attack was merely a feint to gage the strength of Baden's defenses. Satisfied at their odds of success, the remainder of Kydell's combined fleets jumped to the planet, intent on overwhelming the once-independent planet and claiming it for the Confederation.
They would have succeeded, if not for the involvement of several minor staff from the Baden City Academy for Gifted Youth. While the details remain shrouded in rumors and top secret military clearances, the most widely accepted version of events claims an outgoing biology teacher and his sister, a silent and troubled lab assistant, together under the direction of the school janitor and his son, a twelve year old student on academic probation, somehow managed to turn the tide and allow Baden to retain its independence.

Outcome

Baden's successful stand against the Confederation accelerated immigration, drawing in further talent and population from those escaping the violent machinations of the larger Factions. The success also elevated former-janitor Shane Lawrence, now also known as the Bastard of Baden, into a household name and planetary hero.

Aftermath

Admiral Kydell's surviving ships and crews defected to Shane Lawrence. Forever after known as the Turncoat Armada, this fleet formed the basis of the Mordena mercenaries.
Shane Lawrence's status as a citizen and hero allowed him to recruit Baden as a defense client, enlisting the typically-aloof planet as the first member of the fledgling Freehold Coalition. Baden's steadfast support of the mercenaries brought many others to the cause, growing the Coalition and the Mordena into the powerhouse they are today.

Conflict Type

Battle

Battlefield Type

Space

Start Date

2291.08.13 EVT

Conflict Result

Baden retained its independence.
The attacking fleet defected upon the defeat of its Admiral.
Shane Lawrence founded the Mordena mercenaries.

Location

Baden

Belligerents

Sparnell Confederation

• Turncoat Armada

Led by

• Admiral Kydell
• Navarch Javon Arlise

Strength

Two full armadas, the Inevitable Armada and the Subjugation Armada, the full strength of Admiral Kydell's personal fleets.

Casualties

Admiral Kydell and his personal TAG, Fleet Captain Selkirk Larissa, were lost and presumed shattered.

Objectives

Conquer Baden, and bring it under the control of the Sparnell Confederation.

Freehold Planet of Baden

• Baden Defense Force

Led by

Strength

A small defense fleet, complete with a handful of outmatched capital ships and a generous fleet of fighters, complemented by planetary Shielding.

Casualties

Baden suffered heavy losses among the Baden Defense Force and civilians alike, in addition to severe impacts on planetary infrastructure. These losses were lower than anticipated.

Objectives

Baden fought solely in self-defense, to maintain their independence.

Bastard of Baden

• Baden City Academy for Gifted Youth

Led by

• Shane Lawrence

Strength

4

Casualties

None

Objectives

Some say the Bastard of Baden took it upon himself to defend the planet in return for its warm welcome toward war refugees such as himself. Others whisper he only became involved at his son's request.
Few have dared to question his motives directly.

Want to Read More?

Shane Lawrence's rise from humble janitor to the founder of the Mordena mercenaries begins with In Spite of the Inevitable, a 75k word novel exclusive to my Patreon subscribers! (First three chapters are free!)

"Dad! What's wrong?" Jake made his way to his feet, clearly worried.

"We have to go. Now. It was a diversion. SAF lured all Baden's defenses into the open." Shane was pacing, his normally impassive face a conflict of emotions. "There's a whole armada up there now. We don't have much time."

Razick's stomach sank. If the janitor's words were true, Baden had no chance at remaining independent. The shelter vault had its own defenses but these were largely nonviolent measures and eventually they, too, would be breached. If the Confederation didn't starve them out first.

Razick watched as Jake's face hardened. "I don't want to run anymore, Dad. I finally have a chance at something good here. Better classes, actual friends, no more bullies..." His eyes turned pleading. "I know you can fix this. Please don't make me start all over again."

Shane stopped pacing, looking at his son as if seeing him for the first time. "A whole armada, Jake."

"I want to stay."

To Razick's surprise, after studying his son for a moment Shane sank to the floor in thought, still seemingly oblivious to her presence. "Okay."