The Telosian Massacre
Terra (New Republic Media)
December 30, 2785
War is hardly a civilized affair and in every conflict there are invariably some atrocities that occur. Some of these horrific events are entirely overblown by propaganda and the ill-will that exists between the combatants at that time. On occasion there are those incidents that go far beyond the scope of simple war crimes and continue to live on in the infamy of history. Without hyperbole we can now say what happened on Telos IV in late September 2785 will no doubt go down as one of the darkest events in all human experience. Even the Tintavel Massacre which occurred during the Age of War and inspired the ineffective Ares Conventions pales in comparison. It is because of the great extent and severity of damage perpetrated by Draconis troops months ago is only now coming to light.
The assault on Telos IV began just like the other nine planetary invasions undertaken by the Draconis Combine on September 6th. The main difference between this battle and the others fought at the same time would be the absolute fanaticism of its defenders. The natives of Telos once lived under the grip of the Dragon and had no desire to go back those bleak times. While most of the inhabitants planned a non-violent resistance others driven by recent memories of Amaris rule pledged to make House Kurita pay for any aggression. Lead by their uncompromising Duchess, Martha Kressler, and the tenacious Brigadier William Russell the defenders would stop at nothing to repulse the invaders.
Ronin attackers were hit by innumerable unconventional defenses that were highlighted by the use the planet’s orbital Storm Inhibitors to fry grounded dropships like ants under a giant magnifying glass. These hidden attacks devastated the supporting personnel of the Draconis assault force killing hundreds. These “cowardly” actions by the military defenders of Telos infuriated the Ronin who expected their opponents to fight a rather set pace battle. Following the occupation of the planetary capital, Triumph, Draconis frontline assets began to search for and destroy any remaining elements of the TRAS on planet. Conventional occupation forces who moved into garrison the capital city were prepared for the expected Telosian non-violent resistance but had no idea what was already happening.
Violent Telosian freedom fighters began to fight back on the night of September 15th poisoning the Draconis water supply and setting off a number of improvised explosive devices. This was the final straw for many Kuritan soldiers who began to brutalize civilians in hopes of establishing order. This spurred the Telosian Resistance on to greater acts of terrorism the following day when a suicide bomber destroyed the Government House. The seat of planetary government was being used by the Dragon to quickly assimilate Telos back into the Combine. Killed in this attack were many suspected collaborators as well as numerous Draconis soldiers. Hearing of the bombing and calls for assistance from commanders on the ground Commodore Joran Lars acted. On September 16th 2785 Draconis warships under his command annihilated the city of Triumph from space.
This single act would have been enough to call what happened here an atrocity but what followed subsequently is beyond any inhuman act perpetrated before. News of the destruction of Triumph only seemed to inflame matters as Terran defenders fought even more desperately. Terran troops resorted to tactical nuclear attacks to hit advancing Ronin forces. This bought down further reprisals in the form of orbital bombardment and multiple nuclear strikes. In the end the main continent of Dulles was left a radioactive wasteland that is today rendered completely uninhabitable. Also devastated by fallout from these strikes and subsequent conventional battles the southern continent of Fellin was rendered uninhabitable as well. Thankfully the equatorial continent of Rustov and the southern continent of Haranshire which saw heavy fighting remain habitable for survivors.
Anywhere from 60 to 80 million people were killed in this bloodbath that consumed much of Telos IV. That number could very well rise as Kurita authorities have offered no assistance of any kind to the remaining populace. They appear concerned only with military assets left on planet and have focused all of their clean up efforts there. It is estimated that 700 million people remain homeless as most survivors are still moving from Dulles and Fellin to Rustov and Haranshire without the help of the Dragon. The only solace that can be had is that over 25,000 Draconians were killed and an entire invasion force was effectively crippled by their efforts. While no organized military defense remains on planet a large resistance movement centered on Rustov carries on the fight.
Of course, everyone recalls Regent Amanda Cameron address in October that pledged not to forget about Telos IV. The Republic has vowed to liberate this world and all others occupied by House Kurita as soon as possible. The other House Lords promptly condemned the Draconis Combine for the Telosian Massacre although many feel these actions are motivated by political self interest rather than any true expressions of remorse. Terrifyingly enough some experts predict this carnage could be a glimpse of things to come. Indeed Captain-General Kenyon Marik was quick to point out Lyran aggression that lead to similar destruction on Bolan in May. Apparently House Kurita isn’t happy with Commodore Joran Lars as he was recalled by the Draconis Combine Admiralty (DCA) to face disciplinary actions. Their dissatisfaction seems to stem from the fact that the Commodore killed Draconis soldiers not Terran civilians. So far they have refused requests to punish others involved in the incident as they call it. No matter their stance on the Telosian Massacre the Combine will have to live with its consequences for ages to come.