Senate Conflict Scale (Second Age)

Extraplanetary Conflict Scale

Level 1(s) Unsupported Space conflict.
This level is used to designate a system which has noticeable elements of space borne civil unrest or crime. This includes piracy and other illegal activity up to and including civil uprising involving space craft.

Level 2 (s) Space-fighter raids.
Combat between space-fighter class vessels only is permitted at this level. No weapons may be directed at civilian spacecraft, at planetary surfaces, at orbital installations or at neutral/uninvolved warships. Combat may take place only outside the immediate gravity well of planets, moons and asteroids in the system. Non-conventional weapons may not be used, even against other warships. Ships heavier than twin-seat star-fighter class may not participate in a conflict at this level (this includes All true ships.) No jump-capable vessels are permitted, and no ships may use their jump systems to enter or leave the system, as the conflict is strictly limited to that system. Breach of any these conditions may be deemed to be enactment of a standard Level 3, 4, 5 or 6 act of War, and counts as unauthorised escalation of conflict, and as such is subject to Senate sanction.

Level 3(s) Space Patrol/Counter-incursion:
Combat between micro-light patrol vessels only is permitted at this level. No weapons may be directed at civilian spacecraft, at planetary surfaces, at orbital installations or at neutral/uninvolved warships. Combat may take place only outside the immediate gravity well of planets, moons and asteroids in the system. Non-conventional weapons may not be used, even against other warships. Ships heavier than "Coast-Guard" Cutter class may not participate in a conflict at this level (this includes All true warships.) System Patrol Boats of this type are required to demand a surrender before engaging their target, and have the authority to board and search vessels, and detain hostile forces or those performing illegal operations. No jump-capable vessels are permitted, and no ships may use their jump systems to enter or leave the system, as the conflict is strictly limited to that system. Breach of any these conditions may be deemed to be enactment of a standard Level 4, 5 or 6 act of War, and counts as unauthorised escalation of conflict, and as such is subject to Senate sanction.

Level 4(s) Restricted Space Combat:
Combat between light warships only is permitted at this level. No weapons may be directed at civilian spacecraft, at planetary surfaces, at orbital installations or at neutral/uninvolved warships. Combat may take place only outside the immediate gravity well of planets, moons and asteroids in the system. Non-conventional weapons may not be used, even against other warships. Ships heavier than light cruiser class may not participate in a conflict at this level (this includes Super-carriers, Battleships and Heavy cruisers.) For this reason Escort carriers and similar light cruiser-weight vessels are in existence despite their inefficiencies. The lightest jump-capable vessels are permitted, and may use their jump systems to enter or leave the system, but the conflict is strictly limited to that system. Breach of any these conditions may be deemed to be enactment of a standard Level 5 or 6 act of War, and counts as unauthorised escalation of conflict, subject to Senate sanction.

Level 5(s) Limited Space Combat
At this level, all warships may engage and be engaged, excepting those belonging to neutral powers. No weapons may be directed at civilian spacecraft, at planetary surfaces, at orbital installations or at neutral/uninvolved warships. Combat may take place only outside the immediate gravity well of planets, moons and asteroids in the system. Non-conventional weapons may not be used, even against other warships. The jump-capable vessels are permitted, and may use their jump systems to enter or leave the system, but the conflict is strictly limited to that system. Breach of these conditions may be deemed to be enactment of a standard Level 6 act of War, and counts as unauthorised escalation of conflict, subject to Senate sanction.

Level 6(s) Open Space Conflict: Requires Senate Approval
At this level, all warships may engage and be engaged, except those belonging to neutral powers, although such warships can legitimately be requested to stand down or leave the system immediately. No weapons may be directed at planetary surfaces. Civilian spacecraft, temporary orbital installations and neutral/uninvolved warships may be targeted, but must be given a chance to stand down and surrender or if possible leave the system. Combat may take place within the immediate gravity well of planets, moons and asteroids in the system, but fire arcs must be curtailed to avoid damage to such planetary bodies. Non-conventional weapons may be not used, even against other warships. The jump-capable vessels are permitted, and may use their jump systems to enter or leave the system, but the conflict is strictly limited to that system and its immediate environs. Conflict may not spread to another system without a separate, approved licence of conflict. Breach of these conditions may be deemed to be enactment of a standard Level 7 act of War, and counts as unauthorised escalation of conflict, subject to Senate sanction.

Level 7 (s) Unlimited Space Combat: Requires Senate Approval
At this level, all warships may engage and be engaged, even those belonging to neutral powers, although this forcibly brings such parties into the conflict. No weapons may be directed at planetary surfaces. Civilian spacecraft, orbital installations and neutral/uninvolved warships may be targeted, but must be given a chance to stand down and surrender. Combat may take place within the immediate gravity well of planets, moons and asteroids in the system, but fire arcs must be curtailed to avoid damage to such planetary bodies. Non-conventional weapons may be used, but only against other warships. The jump-capable vessels are permitted, and may use their jump systems to enter or leave the system freely. Since Senate Authorisation has already been given, conflict may spread to neighbouring systems of the involved powers. Breach of these conditions may be deemed to be enactment of a standard Level 8 act of War, and counts as unauthorised escalation of conflict, subject to Senate sanction.

Level 8 (s) Total Warfare: Requires Senate Approval
At this level, there are no targeting restrictions, no restrictions on the use of vessels, and any weapons, including weapons of mass destruction may be used. Combat may take place at any location under the control of the houses. This level of conflict has never yet occurred in Senate-Controlled Space.

As with all conflict situations, these are subject to Senate veto, and may be canceled at any time by order of the Senate. All facets of the Scale of Conflict are enforced by Decree of the Senate and the Navy of the Senators. Any breaches are subject to strict reprisals.