The Japanese have moved down the Solomon Islands, and with their new airfield on Guadancanal are threatening communicaitons between America and Australia.   Surprised by the range of Japanese aircraft, an Allied force is put together to attack Japanese forces in the Solomons, neutralizing and capturing the airfield. This is a direct parallel with the historical battle for Guadalcanal, although the forces and resources available to both sides are somewhat different. While the overall progress of the campaign is discussed in the canonical narrative, a series of separate reports is being produced which describe the fighting on and around the islands in detail.

3 April to 4 August 1942	From British to Japanese hands.  As Japanese forces move across the Pacific, British and Australian forces withdraw from the Solomon Islands or be wiped out by overwhelming forces.  A few Coastwatchers are left behind.  The Japanese take over the airfield at Tenaru on Guadalcanal, and use it for their very long ranged  bombers to disrupt Allied shipping, and to strike at the major cities of Australia.  The Allies must respond before the Japanese can consolidate their position.
5 August to 6 August 1942	The Allies move forward.  Allied convoys are sighted moving north toward Guadalcanal and Tulagi (location of the seaplane base and a small harbour).  Recognizing an imminent attack in great force, the Japanese plan to inflict as much damage as they can before withdrawing their aircraft.  Those Japanese forces left behind dig to hold out as long as they can until help comes.
7 August to 9 August 1942	U.S. Marines and Australians come ashore.  Japanese resistance is fierce in many places, but only on Guadalcanal are they numerous and well equipped enough to force the Marines to makes changes in their plans to come ashore in force, with plenty of supplies and equipment. The Japanese are well entrenched in several locations, and this will clearly be a tough campaign. Australian forces with a few tanks are able to clear other nearby islands after some hard fighting.
8 August to 10 August 1942	The Battle of Savo Island.  The Japanese Navy responds immediately, and attacks with all available forces.  A night attack achieves surprise, and the battle goes almost according to the Japanese plan, while the USN and RAN pay a heavy price.  The aftermath will affect the campaign for weeks.
11 August to 15 August 1942	The Battle of the Eastern Solomons.  Even as the Battle of Savo Island goes on, the Japanese Navy comes in force to clear the way for reinforcements, wipe out USN forces, and neutralize Allied air and logistics centres in the New Hebrides and New Caledonia. The USN is ready to meet this thrust and the battle is fierce, with the USN supported by Allied land based aircraft. USN forces are able to blunt the blow, at a heavy cost, although Japanese reinforcements do reach Guadancanal.