Return To Planet Sumer: Operation Shoestring

After the discovery of Sumerian slaves on a planet occupied by the Amferians is leaked out, pressure builds to rescue them. But another, even more powerful political group on Earth, called "Defend Earth First," has also been growing in influence. Despite the smashing victory at star system Midway, Admiral Willowdean Halsey is sidelined for "rest." Torn between these two competing pressure groups, it seems nothing will be done about the Sumerians, and Earth will retreat into a defensive posture.
Then the Russian president offers elite troops called Spetsnaz to invade planet Sumer and save the slaves. It is up to the United Space Force to get them there, and protect them afterward. Thus is launched what soon becomes nicknamed Operation Shoestring, because Earth's forces are no where near prepared to invade another planet. Or to maintain a defensive force there.
Meanwhile, the Restans have decided to not be involved in this human operation. But how long with they sit on the sidelines when the opportunity to destroy enemy fleet units presents itself?