Under the cover of darkness and against a calm, moonlit sea, Colonial forces launched a daring naval invasion aimed at Stema’s Landing. The fleet comprised longhooks, gunboats, and barges loaded with infantry and supplies. Initially, the operation unfolded as planned, with the main force evading Warden patrol sweeps. However, a critical misstep occurred when a solitary Colonial sailor, operating a landing APC, began constructing listening kits near the target island. This action allegedly tipped off the Warden navy, alerting them to the presence of an invasion fleet.

The Warden Navy responded swiftly and decisively, deploying a task force that included gunboats, submarines, and even a battleship on high alert. Oblivious to the detection, the Colonial fleet pressed forward, unaware that the element of surprise had been lost.

First Contact

The first engagement occurred just five minutes from the landing site. A Warden gunboat on routine patrol spotted the invasion fleet and immediately opened fire on a longhook at the front of the formation. Employing delaying tactics, the gunboat inflicted casualties—four Colonial sailors were confirmed dead and seven wounded—before vanishing into the darkness. Whether it was sunk or successfully retreated remains unconfirmed.

With stealth no longer an option, the Colonial fleet formed a defensive formation, with destroyers setting up overlapping firing zones to protect the vulnerable troop transports and supply barges. Despite these efforts, the Warden response was already in motion.

Chaos at Sea

As the fleet advanced, it came under heavy artillery fire from 150mm and 120mm pieces stationed on the island. Explosions lit up the night, and shrapnel rained down on the advancing vessels. Survivors described the scene as a “floating hell.”

“It felt like the ocean itself was against us,” recounted a Warden gunboat captain who participated in the battle. “We saw the enemy fleet emerge from the haze, and our orders were clear—stop them at all costs. We coordinated fire with the shore artillery, and every hit counted. Their destroyers fought fiercely, but they were clearly outmatched.”

Landing in Desperation

Against overwhelming odds, part of the Colonial force managed to land at Alchimo Seaport. As infantry and tanks disembarked, a direct hit crippled the long hook, which sank in the shallow waters of the dock. The troops onshore cut off from reinforcements and under relentless fire, fought bravely but were ultimately overwhelmed.

“I saw them coming off the ships,” said a Warden infantryman stationed at Alchimo. “They looked desperate like they knew it was a one-way trip. We didn’t let up—artillery hammered the docks, and when they ran out of ammo, they had nowhere to go. We took prisoners, but not many.”

Colonial forces that landed either surrendered or were eliminated. Their supply lines were in shambles, and communications with the fleet ceased shortly after the landing attempt.

Aftermath and Strategic Implications

The failure at Stema’s Landing underscores the challenges faced by the Colonial navy. With a shrinking fleet and dwindling resources, the Colonials’ ability to project power along the coast is rapidly diminishing. The Warden navy now holds a decisive advantage in the eastern sectors, bolstered by secure supply lines and superior coordination.

The loss of vital materials and manpower has not only weakened the Colonial war effort but has also dealt a severe blow to morale. Desertions among sailors and infantry have reportedly surged, and rumors of mutiny are beginning to circulate. If the Colonials cannot stabilize their naval operations, the balance of power in the region may irrevocably shift in the Wardens’ favor.

Colonial Navy Scores Victory Against Warden Submarine Threat

In a rare stroke of good fortune for the Colonial navy, a submarine strike yesterday thwarted an attempted Warden assault on a freighter crossing contested waters. The engagement showcased the skill and determination of the Colonial forces, demonstrating that even amid setbacks, they remain a formidable opponent.

The action began when a Warden submarine surfaced to engage a lone Colonial freighter, its crew focusing all efforts on sinking the defenseless ship. As the Warden vessel raised above the waterline and opened fire with its forward-facing cannon, the Colonial submarine, lurking undetected, seized the opportunity.

The Encounter

The Warden submarine managed to fire one shell into the freighter before the Colonial submarine launched its counterattack. A 120mm shell struck the Warden vessel amidships, causing devastating damage and throwing its crew into chaos. Frantic shouts rang out as Warden crew members scrambled to ready their vessel for a hasty retreat beneath the waves.

The Colonial submarine’s second salvo struck true, blasting through the hull with surgical precision. Reports suggest the explosion sent at least one crew member flying from the deck, further complicating the Wardens’ desperate attempts to regain control.

"We were just doing our duty," said one Colonial submarine officer. "The captain called for all guns on target, and we gave them hell. It’s one thing to sink a ship—it’s another to stop an enemy dead in its tracks when innocent lives are at stake."

Desperation and Defeat

The Warden submarine’s crew fired back in panic, but their aim was erratic and hurried. Of the shots fired, only one managed to connect with the Colonial submarine, grazing its outer hull and causing negligible damage.

Colonial gunners maintained unrelenting pressure, delivering a total of 14 shells to the Warden submarine before catastrophic damage split the vessel in two. Witnesses aboard the freighter reported seeing the submarine break apart and sink beneath the waves, a plume of smoke and seawater marking its watery grave.

One surviving Warden sailor, rescued by Colonial forces, later recounted the harrowing experience:
“We didn’t see it—how could we? One moment we’re firing, the next… explosions everywhere. The captain yelled to dive, but there was no time. We were sitting ducks, and they knew it.”

Strategic Implications

The destruction of the Warden submarine highlights the Colonials' ability to deliver precision strikes even under immense pressure. However, this victory also underscores the high-stakes environment of naval warfare, where a single mistake can spell disaster.

As the Colonial navy struggles to rebuild its strength, moments like these provide glimmers of hope for a force that has often found itself on the backfoot. Yet, questions remain: How long can the Colonials sustain these victories against a Warden navy that continues to grow in strength and capability?

This engagement is a reminder of the high cost of war at sea and the courage of those who face it head-on.