On 1/18/06, Ian Downing <iandowning112@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
It must depend on whether FT models Age of Sail naval warfare or WW1 or 2. In
the Age of Sail it was difficult to destroy warships so often they
surrendered. However there are very few instances of warships in WW2
surrendering in combat. Even the German destroyers at Narvik, out of
all ammunition, and virtually out of fuel scuttled themselves rather
than surrender. If I recall correctly in WW2 only 3 or 4 submarines
surrendered, often when they thought the boat was sinking. So I don't
favour the surrendering of warships if FT models "modern" naval
warfare, however merchant ships and scuttling are another matter.
Why can't FT be its 'own' Age? Space ain't like the ocean, and
scuttling a spaceship is tantamount to suicide if done right (ie, total
destruction of said ship, making it completely useless for the other
side to salvage or gain valuable intel - or even use the ship against
its owners - and any escaping crew would likely be unable to avoid the
blast of the self-destructing ship). If an FT ship surrenders in
battle, it's likely to save the crew. At least in WW2, scuttling
a ship meant it was near impossible for the enemy to retrieve it for
any purpose, and the crew would likely be rescued by the attacking
enemy ship(s). Or at least had a fighting chance for survival.
Mk