Hellenic Colonization Fleet 17
The Hellenic Colonization Fleet 17 ( Greek:Ελληνικός Αποικιακός Στόλος No. 17 ) was the Hellenic Space Colonization Fleet set out to colonize Planet Aeolis in the Elysium System. On the Jump Location, it came under heavy fire by pirates, was damaged and eventually crashed onto the Planet Aeolis. It's survivors eventually formed the Federation of Rethymnon, the Sovereign State on Planet Aeolis.
Before the beginning of the Mission
In 2153 astronomer Alexander Papadopoulos using the Galaxy Space Telescope, a massive scientific station orbiting the Earth managed to locate a lush Earth-Like work in a Solar System located 8 light years away from the Sun. The system was immediately named Elysium System after its star, Elysium. Before long the Hellenic Republic seized colonial rights and immediately started preparing the mission. Ten cargo vessels 4 km long each were filled up with supplies. Six support frigates were also chosen to protect the fleet from any sort of pirates that might attack. Also the city of Rethymnon on the island of Crete was chosen to support the necessary manpower as was the protocol, since the Hellenic Colonization Fleet 16 was supported by Xanthi, thus five million people would leave the city as colonists ( note that by 2170 the four cities of Crete, as well as the town of Ierapetra had united due to growth in one giant metropolis in which Rethymnon was now a central suburb ). Mostly the people that were recruited were original inhabitants of Rethymnon along with a few colonists from the rest of Greece or other countries.
Departure
Finally in the 12th of May 2179 the fleet finally departed from the Earth from the Portal Station. Assigned as Commander and Admiral of the fleet was the Navy Admiral Andronikos Aidonakis. The Fleet immediately set out for Planet Eris where the jump point, where the FTL Drives would be engaged, traveling quickly using STL ( slower than light ) Drives. All went well in the beginning of the trip however when the fleet reached the jump site, the fleet was ambushed by a pirate fleet, which was apparently informed of the mission and seized the opportunity to attack in an attempt to steal the colonial goods. In the attack all of the support frigates were destroyed as well as one cargo ship. HCF17-06 was destroyed in the attack. The rest of the ships managed to jump, however their damaged systems prevented them from returning back to Sol. Alone, the ships one by one crashed on Planet Aeolis intentionally.
Stranded
On May 27th 2179 the ships crashed on Aeolis. However only six managed to survive. Those that did, founded the first cities of Rethymnon. The ships crashed on various parts of the planet, most of them on Lention. Following is a list of the 10 ships of the fleet and their fates.
- HCF17-01
- The Flagship of the fleet, commanded by Andmiral Andronikos Aidonakis, crashed on the Northeastern shores of Lention. He built a settlement which would in time develop into Rethymnon City, capital of Modern day Federation of Rethymnon.
- HCF17-02
- The ship crashed on central Zetron. Crew died of Cold.
- HCF17-03
- The ship crashed close to the shores of the Lake of Lention. The city developed in what is today Faestos.
- HCF17-04
- The ship crashed on Northwestern Lention. Crew died of starvation.
- HCF17-05
- The ship crashed on Eastern Zakronessos. The settlement would develop into modern Zakros.
- HCF17-06
- The ship was destroyed in the pirate ambush, close to Planet Eris.
- HCF17-07
- The ship crashed on the eastern side of the Krateer chasm, within a crater. The settlement would become what is today Ekthelion
- HCF17-08
- The ship cashed a few thousand miles east of the HCF17-01 crash site. The settlement would develop in modern Illion ( city is now destroyed ).
- HCF17-09
- The ship crashed on Northern Erelion. Crew died of Cold.
- HCF17-10
- The ship crashed Northeast of the crash site of HCF17-08. The settlement soon became what is today Isaion
Back in Sol
Back in Sol the investigators, after searching the salvaged equipment of the destroyed colonial ships assumed that the colonists are dead, or kidnapped. Searches for them eventually ceased a few years later and funerals were set for all of them. Their families mourned for the loss of loved ones.
Result
The colonists were isolated in Lention's vast expanse. However, as technology was being rebuilt, they came into contact with each other and eventually united into the Empire of Rethymnon ( now a Federation ) with the people looking for the guidance of the Aidonakis Family which in time became the Aidonakis Dynasty, the first and only imperial family of Rethymnon. This story is told to all young people of Rethymnon so that the origins of Rethymnians is never forgotten.
