History 201

The withdrawal of the gateship fleet and Concordat support was the result of a movement that had been building for some time. Despite this, many questioned how serious the movement’s leaders were, and how quickly they would cut off support if they did at all. The answer was unfortunately a quick removal almost immediately after taking political power. The Church attempted diplomacy to maintain contact. After all, New Jerusalem foodstuffs were being consumed on Earth, and the colony desperately needed the trade goods it got from Earth. In many people’s eyes there was no reason to cut off contact. As events moved closer and closer to a full abandonment of the colonies, the Pope personally went to Earth to discuss the situation and plead his case. During the following months, the isolationist policy took effect. The Pope did not return.

This period of conflict was used by the Shepherds as a chance to reorganize and better prepare for further aggression from Earth. Unit organization was changed with a heavier emphasis on sustainment elements. Mobile bases that could be used by company sized units were developed to allow smaller forces more strategic freedom from supply hubs. Airborne and orbital assets were expanded, and new satellites and warships were commissioned to create an early warning system against new threats. Defected 7th fleet personnel were tasked with drafting and quantifying CEF combat doctrine, and Shepherds line units were rotated through rigorous drills and training to learn the ins and outs of this style of warfare. Allied forces underwent similar training to operate alongside the Shepherds’ units as auxiliaries, although this training fell short of integrating the forces involved. New developments, techniques and attempts at coordination were used to combat the CEF forces still on the planet and those allied to them, ensuring that anything adopted was battle tested.