Sixth Interstellar War

The Sixth Interstellar War (2221AD to 2231AD)

The 6th War opened with a Vilani attempt to outflank the Terrans. Their initial offensive was launched from the Vega Subsector using a deep space refueling depot to extend the range of their fleet. This enabled them to attack Lagash directly from Shulgiasu. The strategy did catch the Terrans off guard, who had expected any attack to fall in the Dingir Subsector and Lagash fell in late 2221 AD. However the Vilani strategy proved to be deeply flawed. As the Vilani attempted to push on toward Ishimshulgi and Nusku, they found that with their supply lines totally dependent on the deep space depot, they could not gather sufficient forces to reduce Ishimshulgi. By 2223 AD the Terrans had halted their offensive and forced them back to Lagash. Lagash was to prove to be a weeping sore in the Vilani war effort during the 6th War. The Terrans never made a concerted effort to retake the world, but were well contented to just bleed off Vilani strength as they tried to hold the world. Eventually the Vilani recognized the futility of this front and in 2228 AD they abandoned Lagash.

In the meantime, events had not remained static on other fronts. In 2224 AD the Terrans launched an offensive into the Dingir subsector. This offensive was aimed directly at the important high population world of Gashidda. Shuruppak and Enki Kalamma both fell in 2224 AD and the Terrans gathered their strength for an assault on Gashidda itself. The Siege of Gashidda lasted for most of 2225 AD and into 2226 AD. Eventually the world finally fell to the Terrans, but not before the Terrans had suffered significant losses. With Gashidda secured, the Terrans drove deeper into Vilani territory. Shilgiili and Kinunir fell in 2227 AD, and Shulgi and Meshan in 2228 AD. However by this stage the Terrans losses were mounting alarmingly and with the Vilani withdrawal from Lagash in 2228 AD they were able to significantly reinforce the Dingir front. The weakened and overstretched Terrans were unable to hold their gains and by 2230 AD the Vilani had retaken Shilgiili, Kinunir and Shulgi. By this stage the war had taken a heavy toll on both sides and the more moderate elements in both camps were calling for a peace treaty. A treaty was negotiated in 2231 AD with the Terrans retaining Enki Kalamma, Shuruppak, and Meshan; and the Vilani regaining Gashidda.

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• GURPS Traveller: Interstellar Wars

See: First Interstellar War – Second Interstellar War - Third Interstellar War - Fourth Interstellar War - Fifth Interstellar War – Sixth Interstellar War - Seventh Interstellar War – Eighth Interstellar War – Ninth Interstellar War - Nth Interstellar War