The Long Siege

The Long Siege, or the Martian War of Independence, was a key event in Martian history, commenced by the return of Terran Empire’s attempt to reassert its authority over the Martian colonies that had declared independence and formed the Federal Union of Mars twenty years earlier. This critical juncture saw the Empire dispatching a diplomatic envoy to Mars, a refusal of the Empire’s authority by Mars, the deployment of Earth’s battle fleet, an orbital skirmish, and a prolonged 21-month stalemate, culminating in the withdrawal of the Earth’s fleet. This sequence of events dramatically shaped the interplanetary political landscape and marked the inception of the Martian Federal Union’s founding mythology.

The crisis began when Earth sent a diplomatic envoy to Mars after a 20 year absence, an assertive gesture that marked the re-emergence of the terrestrial empire. The envoy held initial meetings with the Federal Union, the government of the newly independent Mars, were cordial at first. However, during the final meeting between the representatives of the Federal Union and Earth’s diplomat, Aaron Kuhnhauser, boldly declared the Empire’s renewed authority and demanded formal recognition from the Martian colonial government.

This provocation spurred intense debates within the Martian political echelons. The leaders of each colony deliberated fervently, but a collective resolution was reached. Mars refused to recognize the Empire. This stance was anticipated by the Imperial military, which had prepared a battle fleet that arrived in Martian orbit just a month later.

The arrival of the 1st Expeditionary Fleet initiated a space skirmish between the long-range Martian orbital scouts and the recon fighters of the Imperial fleet. Outnumbered but undeterred, the scouts managed to down several Imperial fighters before retreating and warning the Militia authorities of the imminent threat.

Responding to this, the Martian orbital defences readied themselves as the Imperial fleet commenced their assault. The fierce battle witnessed substantial losses on both sides, but the tide began to turn in favour of Mars. The destruction of numerous Imperial fighters and a carrier forced the Imperial fleet to retreat to defensive positions in Mars’ outer orbit.

A tense standoff ensued, lasting 21 gruelling months. With the Imperial fleet running dangerously low on supplies and receiving little support from a politically weary Earth, the decision to retreat became inevitable. The Imperial fleet eventually broke off, leaving Mars.

This conflict and its eventual outcome was hailed by the Martian people as a triumphant moment for the Federal Union. It marked a turning point in their national narrative, becoming an integral part of the Martian founding mythology. However, the diplomatic repercussions of the conflict were far-reaching. It took an entire decade for normal diplomatic relations to be reestablished between Earth and Mars and economic cooperation remains limited to this day.