First Shot at Terran Reach

Encyclopedia

The opening battle of Terran Reach began when the colony’s automated orbital defense network classified a returning unknown formation as a threat and initiated an attack. Human personnel attempted to intervene, but the engagement preceded completion of their hold authorization. The unknown vessels returned fire, severely damaging orbital installations and sending shells, missiles, and drones into the defensive layers protecting the planet.

Terran interceptor pilots fought in orbit while three ground batteries and the shields defended four cities below. The initial assault eventually abated; the damage to orbital infrastructure, civilian districts, and military personnel was severe. Early official broadcasts described the attack as unprovoked, a description at odds with the engagement logs. The Chronicles explore the human cost of that difference without assuming everyone reporting it knew the full sequence.