Finally having read the 'Official' FT history (and being mildly shocked at the
2183 condition of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv) my interests lie (as might be
expected) with New Israel, which I see little info about (other
than its enmity with the Islamics and occasional merc involvement -
which, by the way, I don't think would be in national character) after the
development of the TK drive and establishment of the colony. I've begun
thinking about developing the history of NI more, but don't want to retread
anything that's already been done (officially or otherwise). Following is a
series of somewhat scattered thoughts about NI.
Two things I'm sure about -
1) After surviving two attempts at total annihilations in a single century,
you know the national mantra of NI is "Never Again," And the technology and
methods of the NI fleets will be geared that way. 2) Some of the most radical
fringe is going to expend resources (and
lives) on living in the heart of the Israeli nuclear wasteland - to keep
the homeland occupied until the inevitable return from the "Second Exodus".
My initial thoughts about NI world(s)
- Politics: Friendly with NAC, source of significant monetary
donations and trade resources from remnant communities. Neutral towards NSL,
OU, and FSE and most minor powers Cool with ESU and IC due to continuing
alliance with Japanese Cool or Warm to PAU depending on its relationship with
IF Hostile to IF
- Policies: Aggression by NI is only justified if it feels its
safety threatened (though definitions of 'threat' and 'safety' vary within the
NI government). NI reacts swiftly, viciously, and finally in defense or
retaliation. It will not attack civilian population, but it will excise any
active military threat it can find, no matter where it
hides. It sometimes acts pre-emptively, but only after long and careful
internal deliberation and assessment of the cost in lives and resources, and
the ripples it will cause in its foreign relations (usually not
visible to the outside). _Something_ will have been learned from the
political history of Old Israel on Terra.
- Planets/bases are heavily (to the point of paranoia) defended.
New Israel itself (defended by bases and the bulk of the NI fleet at most
times) would require a substantial part of a major power's fleet to take out.
It is theorized that the entire IF fleet en mass could do it, but at a steep
price.
- Ships stress long range weapons (Class 3 beams) and close-in
protection (armor or hull strength and class 1 beams/submunitions).
Most heavy NI ships are purchased decommissioned NAC and NSL hulls, massively
refitted. Most of these ships have had FTL removed and guard the home planet
and colonies. These comprise about 33% of the NI fleet Lighter ships (Escort
cruisers and below) are native design. Many utilize homegrown tech (see
below). About 33% the fleet are fast raider types, another 25% are slower and
heavier designed to secure and hold areas of space for the short to medium
term. The rest of the
fleet are a scattering of light fast scouts/couriers, spyships, and
patrol ships of various public and private designs. Rumors occasionally
surface regarding a supership under construction in a secret location. Its
purpose is unknown, though
sometimes it is associated with the name "Retribution." Sources differ -
some deny its existence, some swear they have seen the construction facility,
others believe it is a false lead away from other secret projects, and still
others believe it is a disinformation campaign designed by enemies of the
state to stir up distrust of NI.
I also dreamt up a new ship tech specifically for NI that I really want
to playtest - Stealth Tech.
This is actually an offshoot of my stab at Minbari Stealth tech from the
B5 universe work in FT - so it could be applied there too. I see it as
this:
PSB: Stealth hulls and systems prevent lock-on by targeting systems,
though blind firing is always possible. The effect is to reduce effective
firing range of enemy weapons.
Stealth Hull - comes in 2 levels and makes a ship harder to hit. Mass
same as partial and full streamlining. Cost is double. Stealth level 1
reduces enemy range bands by 1/4. Stealth level 2 reduces range bands
by 1/3. Same vs. Fighters (i.e. fighters need to be within 4" to attack
a stealth 2 ship). Enhanced sensors tied with Firecon reduce stealth level by
1 for weapons guided by that firecon, Superior sensors by 2. Stealth also
effects detection. Stealth hulls are passive and the effect can't be lost by
threshold checks. SSD symbol: Black Hexagon next to Damage track.
Stealth System - Mass as screen of same level, cost 2x screen.
Threshold checks as any other system. Otherwise same as Stealth Hull. SSD
symbol: Unfilled hexagon represents each stealth system (1
system/level) Extra systems beyond 2 serve only as backup.
Note: If current balance holds, Stealth hulls are more economical for ships of
Mass 42 and below, and equal or less mass for ships of Mass 32 or below.
Stealth systems are cheaper for ships 48 mass and above and equal or less mass
for ships of Mass 33 or above (though they still have the threshold
vulnerability).
Stealth Fighter - Stealth fighters are +12pts/group and are the same as
Heavy fighters except for PSB. Super-Stealth (Stealth level 2) fighters
cost +24pts/group and act as having Screen 2 vs. PDS/ADFC/other
fighters.
Play effect: NI will choose more Class 3 beam weapons and try to keep
encounters long distance, where they can fire and the enemy can't. This forces
the opponent to stay far away or come in close quickly.
Balance: If too weak, change level 1range band reduction to 1/3, level 2
to 1/2 or reduce cost
If too strong, Increase cost and/or mass of stealth system
and/or hull
NI does not have a significant sponsored merc force. It does hire/loan
out some of its resources at times - primarily in the intelligence
gathering arm. Mossad spyships are quite popular (e.g the Ayin or "Eye"
Series). Ayin: Mass 37, Weak hull, Stealth 2 Hull, Superior Sensors, Thrust 6,
FTL, class 2 beam, 1 FC, 1PDS, 2 Armor, Cost 156) Ayin Katan ("Little Eye"):
Mass 21, Fragile hull, Stealth 2 Hull, Superior Sensors, Thrust 8, FTL, class
1 beam, 1 FC, 1PDS, Cost 101) Eynaim G'dolim ("Big Eyes"): Mass 60, Weak hull,
Stealth 2 System, 2xSuperior Sensors, Thrust 4, FTL, class 1 beam 2xclass 3
beam, 2 FC, 5PDS, ADFC, 6 armor, Cost 226)
These are first thoughts, in any case. I'd love to refine the ideas (and
playtest the tech).
Izenberg, spake thusly upon matters weighty:
> Finally having read the 'Official' FT history (and being mildly
Survival is a long-time Jewish characteristic. The Need for Strength
is also an oft relearned lesson.
after
> the development of the TK drive and establishment of the colony. I've
And so would the land forces.
> 2) Some of the most radical fringe is going to expend resources (and
With a heavily armed gaurd to protect them in the brutal conditions, and with
a lot of quiet sponsorship from other world governments who
may feel some sort of guilt or debt is owed - nothing big, just a
quiet effort to help out. Maybe some money, maybe some arms, maybe some
biotech to help rehabilitate the ruins, and maybe just some quiet words to the
IF about what a bad idea it would be to harrass these remaining Israelis.
> - Policies: Aggression by NI is only justified if it feels its
That is to say, if the NI does consider a group a threat, it will by
definition not be civilians, despite the fact it may appear as such to the
rest of the world.
It sometimes acts pre-emptively, but only after long and careful
> internal deliberation and assessment of the cost in lives and
Although often internal pressures and politics may force it to act and live
with the external consequences.
_Something_ will have been learned from the
> political history of Old Israel on Terra.
Yes. Don't ever allow yourself to be vulnerable. Don't ever forgive an enemy.
Any don't ever trust an Arab (may not be true, but it sure seems that would be
the lesson that many bitter survivors may come away with).
> - Planets/bases are heavily (to the point of paranoia) defended.
And I'll bet New Israel maintains a fleet of orbital bombardment ships out in
deep space as a threat much like the modern sub threat. Mess with New Israel,
and you may beat us, but while you are beating us we'll be taking out your
world, your lands.
> Lighter ships (Escort cruisers and below) are native
Plus they'd have some assault transports for moving troops in at least
Batallion scale.
> NI does not have a significant sponsored merc force. It does hire/loan
I can see good reasons for a *mercenary* force. Ever read Not For Glory by
Joel Rosenberg? This has a lot to say about a similar situation. There, the
planet is not rich and manpower is the only resource. Hence mercenaries are a
source of revenue that helps keep the planet alive. As I assume it is
lucrative, this may also apply to a New Israel trying to rebuild Old Israel.
Also, loaning of platoons, companies, whatever around does the following
things, which would be within NI interests: 1) Gets people (other nations) to
owe you 2) Keeps your eyes and ears all over 3) Gives you combat experienced
veteran troops rather than untrained, unblooded troops 4) Warns enemies not to
f&*k with you because they get a first hand look at the carnage you can wreak.
Just another thought on why they may provide mercs. I'd bet NI Mossad (or New
Mossad whatever that would be in Yiddish) would be involved in the contracting
process and vette every contract with the question
"What does this do for the Jews/Israelis?" before okaying deployment
of troops.
[Much Snippage]
> NI does not have a significant sponsored merc force. It does
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! "Not For Glory", "Emile and the Dutchman", and
"Hero" are all concerned with the (forgive me for mangling the name, it's been
a while...) Metzadan mercenary force, and make damned good reading. I
recommend them all highly, although they are not easy to find these days.
> Two things I'm sure about -
I thought their mantra NOW was "Never Again"...isn't that what is at Masada?
> My initial thoughts about NI world(s)
Indonesia is Muslim, does this have an effect?
(snip stealth suggestions, which sound interesting)
I'd think that there would be one way to do it--either as screens or
streamlining--not both.
I'd pick streamlining.
(snip New Israel fleet design philosophy) Sounds about like the Alarishi
defense philosophy, except that we like high speed and long range, instead of
long range and lots of armor. On the other hand, we live on lots of
planetoids, so travel time is greatly increased simply because there are a lot
more orbits to go to. We'll get more designs up on the ol' website soon. Also,
the Alarishi Empire sponsors the Templar order, which opposes the IF (although
mainly focused against the Kra'Vak). Is anyone on the list enamored of the IF
or Khalifate? If not, I can generate IF designs as well as Alarishi and
Templar.
Maybe it's just me, but as you said, having survived to extermination attempts
in one century, I'd invest some research into "planet cracking" technology and
set about eradicating every last IF planet in existance, and then sit back and
stare down any other f*cker that looked at me the wrong way. just a
thought....
> Thomas Barclay wrote:
> _Something_ will have been learned from the
I doubt the Israelis would ever be so sloppy with definitions. Druze are
active and patriotic citizens of today's Israel, and as such are not exactally
on good terms with their orthodox Muslim relatives (who consider them heretics
in the first place). This is the only Arab group which DEMANDED that they be
conscripted like Jews are. The Israelis also get along with certain Bedouin
groups, employing them as trackers in their border units, and also with some
Christian Arabs (damned Monopysites!:)
> Laserlight wrote:
> more designs up on the ol' website soon. Also, the Alarishi Empire
Ewwwww... How does it have a Tsar, AND Latin bastards? *shudder* Remember
1204!
> Is anyone on the list enamored of the IF or Khalifate? If not, I
I'm interested in them as an OPFOR--I've got a tenative ground TO
together, but havn't got the designs done yet. I'm more than happy to leave
the ships to you.
> Los wrote:
Fission-Fusion-Fission planetcrackers, anyone? The old Traveller
universe had Imperial planetcrackers which came in 10 sizes. This was
planetary size code of planet you wanted to reduce to rubble (Earth is Size 8
in Traveller terms). It was delivered by a scout ship which was gutted, with
everything replaced by bay this was stored in. Ship automated, and course set.
..
The advantages of Digest - I can reply to a whole conversation:
> From: Laserlight <laserlight@cwix.com>
Sure. It is. But it doesn't permeate the fiber of everyone's being
today. (Which I view as a god thing - remembering and keeping the past
from repeating is one thing, paranoia is another) NI of the future is obsessed
with security in a way Israel can't afford to be today.
> > Hostile to IF
It depends on the history with Indonesia. Did it harbor terrorists? condone or
condemn the nuking?
> -----------------
Revenge is not NI's philosphy or politics. Survival is (not that survival
conflicts can't result in a little revenge along the way). Another thing you
can be sure of about NI is that genocide of any kind is anathema. But then
there is that Retribution rumor. And clearly there are fringe groups (as on
any world) that believe death is too good for any and every member of the IF.
> ----------------
John M. Atkinson:
> I doubt the Israelis would ever be so sloppy with definitions. Druze
True to a point. I've read about some internal policies that alienated the
Druze in recent years, though how damaging they were I do not know. I think
Thomas' point would generally be true about NI, modulated by by what you said,
John
> Thomas Barclay wrote:
Also, even if the resource/revenue situation isn't as bad as in NOT FOR
GLORY, maintaining a top-of-the-line standing military force is very
expensive, especially if there is no clearly-defined present threat.
Research (a must if you want to be truly independent) is especially expensive.
Revenues from selling mercenaries would help off-set some of those
costs. Regularly fielding mercenary forces would also guarantee a large
reserve of veterans and provide opportunities to field test new tactics and
equipment.
> I can see good reasons for a *mercenary* force. Ever read Not For
And as you researched military technology and developed your experience base,
you would inevitably create advanced systems that could be sold for
revenue. Maybe like the US does today - where it has advanced systems
that it sells to valued allies and the *really* advanced systems which it
mostly keeps to itself. Besides mercenaries, you could create a significant
arms export industry based on home grown technology and upgrades to others'
tech
- somewhat like present day Israel (and the Dirigent Mercenary Corps if
you read those books...)
John spake thusly upon matters weighty:
> [Much Snippage]
> >a New Israel trying to rebuild Old Israel.
> make damned good reading. I recommend them all highly, although they
Emile and the Dutchman? I have the other two. Can you get me an ISBN number?
Mail me off list if you have it. And one for NFG too... as some one of my
scurilous friends has acquired it from me....
> John Crimmins
/************************************************
> At 11:38 AM 12/9/98 -0500, you wrote:
> >a New Israel trying to rebuild Old Israel.
> are not easy to find these days.
E&tD is kind of tangential to the Metzadans, actually, but it is relevant.
Both Emile and the Dutchman (Major Alonzo Norfeldt) are members of the
Thousand World Contact Service--the people who go out and
explore/evaluate
new worlds. Emile is an FNG, the Dutchman is an utter bastard, and their
weapons officer (for at least part of the book) is a Metzadan named Akiva
Bar-El. I cannot remember whether he is related to NFG's Shimon Bar-El,
but it is not unlikely. Damned good book, but then I've never met a Rosenberg
book that I did not like. He is the only writer that I can think of who could
turn the old "Players Become their D&D Characters" plot into something new.
The introduction of Gunpowder into a fantasy world really changes the dynamics
of things.... Anyway, the ISBN of E&tD is
0-451-45124-4. For Not For Glory, the ISBN is 0-451-15845-8 There is
another book, apparently set in the same universe, called "Ties of Blood and
Silver", but this has nothing to do with the Metzadans.