Porozlo, Battle of (980)

The Zhodani thrust (in the Third Frontier War) through Vilis and Lanth subsectors toward Rhylanor (2716 Spinward Marches) met a not unexpected problem - Rhylanor has no gas giant, although it does have a strong naval base to defend it.  Neighboring Porozlo (2715 Spinward Marches; A867A74-B) not only had a gas giant for quick refueling, but also possessed a naval base of potentially great use to invading naval forces.

The battle began with the appearance of a single large Zhodani task force off Porozlo's primary; it proceded directly to the larger of two gas giants in the system.  The local naval base reacted immediately, even admirably, considering that there was no warning of Zhodani approaches this far from the front lines.  However, as the first Zhodani task force refuelled, portions of it engaged the local defenses, preoccupying them as a second task force appeared and drove straight for Porozlo.  The threat of action against the planetary defenses and facilities prompted the world organization to declare Porozlo an open world.  Naval forces either surrendered or jumped to safety at Rhylanor.

The fall of Porozlo provided the Zhodani with a supporting base for their seige of Rhylanor.  Ships could easily refuel at the gas giant, jump-1 to Rhylanor for raids, attacks, or blockade patrols, and still have enough fuel for jump-1 back to Porozlo, where a class A starport and the captured naval base stood ready to repair any damage immediately.

The naval defenses of Porozlo have been increased considerably since 986.

-TP ld