I just undocked from Planet Cambridge, when i recevied a distress call from our Armory. Immediately i rushed to New London, hearing that 3 Supernova Cannons werre stolen by Crosairs. Near Waterloo i encountered 2 Praetorian Bombers and a M26 Corsair Gunboat. I was given the order to hold the Corsairs there, a Battleship was on way to assist. ''If you cant kill them, just slow them down, keep them there!!!'' Under heavy fire of the Gunboats guns i eliminated both bombers, before 2 of our bombers came and we took down the Corsair gunboat. The Supernovas werent recovered though.
Ensign Thomas Andrews, Bretonia Armed Forces
ASF - Destroyer, Alliance Star Fleet high command / Western Alliance
Incoming Transmission---
Sender: Johnathan Matthews, Captain of the Bowex Vessel "Charles.II"
Greetings gents. I have a grave message to relay. Today Bowex convoy Alpha-Zero was attacked by a corsair by the name of Karolis|Rockstar . The Charles.II was severely damaged and had to bail out near Planet Leeds.
Be on the lookout for this criminal.
Johnathan out
--End Transmission
Report to the Admiralty Board,
Admiral Whittlington, New London Planetary Fleet,
onboard HMS Pendragon
----------------------------------------------------------
Gentlemen, I must report that the threat from the Corsairs appears to have grown considerably stronger in recent days. The new danger appears to come not from the recognised corsair bodies such as the Benitez or our old enemies in the Omega Pirates Guild, but from a new and shadowy organisation.
The ships behind a number of recent attacks have been identified as members of a loosely-affiliated group consisting entirely of Corsair Gunboats. They have no immediately discernable comm signature, though all of the affiliated ships appear to use at least the same format of comm signature, of the style "Name|Name"
Those sighted so far include:
VeST|Lithning-17
HP|Hammer
Vilkas|Pasiutlige
M26|DeToXiCaToR
Darius|scorp
Karolis|Watercooled
Karolis|Rockstar who appears to be their leader or at least most commonly sighted vessel.
As they are all in gunboats, any concentration of these ships together is naturally extremely dangerous, made doubly so by their tendency to focus on Bretonian official targets at our weakest points. Today whilst on a routine supply mission to Omega 49, the BPA Prison Liner BPT)Executioner encountered 3 of these vessels occupying the orbit around Gran Canaria, extortioning money from all passing traders. The Executioner attempted to retreat through Poole, where a BAF Fleet moved to protect it, but the corsair gunboats pursued even into this guard system and promptly casued much devastation to Bretonian forces.
Later, this evening, I myself encountered now 5 of them, in New London itself. They were spotted hiding on Trafalgar, but declined to attack whilst a fleet of Rhienland Mercenaries was around. Naturally a fleet of 5 gunboats posed a significant threat, so I depoloyed the Pendragon at Southampton to monitor them. Finally the Rhienlanders lost patience and left, at which point the Corsairs suddenly attacked Southampton with surprising ferocity. The 2 BAF fighters were swept aside, and the Pendragon succumbed to intense fire which utterly disabled her. A Mandalorian and BMM escort bravely offered assistance, but they too were ovverun by sheer firepower, leaving our capital system at their mercy. The Pendragon is currently in Southampton for repairs.
Clearly, gentlemen, these tactics of sudden, concentrated attacks with heavy firepower where our defences are weakest are a new development for the usually bird-brained corsairs, and as such I consider these new enemies to pose a significant threat. My Lords, I suggest an increase in bomber patrols and the re-fitting of some of our capital ships in order to better counter these aggressive barbarians.
Commodore Mark McKenna walked into the Fleet Admiral's Office. The Fleet Admiral was reading something, but put it down, and beckoned him in.
"Come in Mark, and close the door behind you."
Nelles reached for a flask. "Scotch?", he asked, and poured himself one. It was after lunch after all.
The Commodore smiled. "Yes, it is. And bad for your liver, too."
Nelles sat down, wagging his finger. "If I need a lecture on the subject, I'll call my wife."
Nelles took a swig of the fine liquid, then savoured it and swallowed, then got down to business.
"Mark, we need some field promotions, and assignments to the staff roles we had been discussing. I've got the documents here, and I need you to arrange a ceremony on the Pendragon ASAP."
"Firstly, Young Blake Owen is to be promoted to Lieutenant Commander, and he is to be our wing training co-ordinator."
"Secondly, George Harrington is to be promoted to Commander, and he will assist me with pilot and staff records and evaluations for promotions."
"Next, Aubrey is to be promoted to Commodore, and he will handle recruitment and wing assignments."
Nelles paused to finish his scotch.
"I had intended to promote Stanley to Commodore as well, but he went and got himself captured. We need to get him out of there. I'm attending a MI6 Briefing on the subject shortly. It won't be easy. After we got Sir Roger out, the Kusari have tightened things immensely. Still, we have assets.."
Both men looked sombre. Nelles cleared his throat and continued.
"I have another rather unorthodox idea. I am going to use a Privateer as the Discipline Officer. Specifically, Sir Reginald.." His voice trailed off, and he looked at McKenna expectantly.
McKenna deadpanned. Then spoke.
"I am going to take that Scotch now." He received one from Nelles, then slugged it back. Then spoke again.
"Use a Privateer to keep our boys in line, eh? You do think outside the box, sometimes, Percy." He continued.
"He does have a peerage. And the Privateers generally put the fear of God into the rank and file. There is a certain perverse logic to it, so I guess I understand.."
Percy stood, and so did McKenna. The Fleet Admiral smiled, and said, "There is one other thing. Not a big deal really." He reached for another dossier, and handed it to McKenna.
"You'll find your new rank insignia and general orders in there, Admiral McKenna."
The new Admiral smirked, stood back, and saluted. Nelles returned the salute sharply.
"Thank you sir, but I was just getting used to Commodore. I liked the ring of it, really."
Percy sat back down, and responded. "Maybe so, but you've earned this one. And if you don't mind my saying so, now you are obviously too important to die in battle, so be more careful, hmm?"
"Now, go get some help from staff to plan the promotions ceremony. You of all people I can trust to keep it elaborate but tasteful. Flypasts, maybe? Forward cannon salute from the Pendragon, maybe?"
McKenna saluted again, then let himself out, to find staff to handle the ceremony. Personally, he felt flypasts and cannon salutes were a waste of fuel and ammo, but the old man did like ceremony. Now to find a staff officer who shared those sympathies..
--Incomming Field Report--
To: Defence Intelligence Staff
Source: HMS Steadfast
*distant voices* is this transmitting? ah, good. Right. *cough*
Commander Graham Harper here, HMS Steadfast. I wish to report a great and glorious victory over the assembled Corsair Fleets in Omega 3. Seeing the assembling of the Corsair Gunboat Fleet in Omega 3 that has been threatening Bretonia for over a week now, I gathered what forces I could in Cambridge ready to face them. 2 corsair scout parties engaged us in Cambridge and all 4 ships were destroyed, with light losses on our side. By now the corsairs in Omega 3 had 5 gunboats and numerous fighters and bombers, with a pair of bounty hunters trapped in the no-fire zone round Freeport 1. Recognising the threat we faced, I reqeusted support from Rheinland, who dispateched a RM strike team to support us. Meanwhile we had been greatly reinforced with the arrival of 2 more destroyers and the HMS-Rodney, so I ordered our sizeable fleet to move into Omega 3 to await the Rhienlanders.
Unfortunately, the Corsairs had learned of our plans somehow and laid an ambush on the other side of Jump Gate into which our fleet flew headfirst. Rallying ourselves magnificently, we quickly gained the upper hand, with the HMS-Rodney and our bomber wing blasting away the Corsair Gunboats one by one. Finally the Rhienlanders arrived just as the last corsair fighters were shot down, leaving us in full control of the systems. We maintained a defensive presence in Omega 3, defeating several other corsair counterattacks, and making our victory complete.
In total more than a dozen corsair ships were destroyed, with over half of them being gunbats. Where these corsair gunboats keep coming from I do not know, but our victory today shows that we are well equipt to defeat them all. Jolly good show and all that,
Harper out.
--End Transmission--
Ens. John Cooper here.
Today, there was a large Corsair fleet in O-3, and we were trying to retaliate. We recruited a RHA and a RM strike force. The RHA dident make it, And the RM dident make it to the battle in time. We went through because a lot more BAF came, so we had around 3 dessies and the Rodney, with a lot of bombers. We went to meet up with the RM, but the Corsairs were waiting right outside the O-3 JG. we rallied our forces and took them down, suffering minor losses. there were about 5 or 6 gunboats, and other fighters or bombers, i dont know how many, if there were. I took one down in the battle, in which we destroyed all the Corsairs.
[attachmentid=5477]
As we came back, we spread out to look for more Corsairs that were left. In the group i was in, we encountered 2 Corsair GB's, which were also taken care of quickly. I got another in this battle.
[attachmentid=5476]
I think there was 1 other skirmish, but i was not the one in it.
Cooper out.
OOC: uploading problem, here is the other pic.
[attachmentid=5478]
...Incoming Transmission
Comm ID: James Hobart
To: The Bretonia Armed Force
Subject: Weekly reporting
The whole day was blurry, bloody week and numerous kills behind me. My headaches are occurring more oftenly, I fear it is psychological reaction to all those destruction that is around me. But I will not let myself to end up like those poor lunatics in "nut house", raving about foolish things, because I have a purpose; my family. But lets continue with my report. It all started in Dublin. HMS - Sovereign was in charge of Dublin patrol when he encountered "Nest" of wasps (Mollys). Distress call was sent immediately and our reinforcements were deployed. Three ships came to aid the captain; 2 Templar class and one Challenger. We had a slight advantage, for the opposite side had 2 gunboats, one Greyhound and 1 Barghaster. Sovereign fought bravely and long but soon he succumbed to the fire of gunboats and a bomber, but before his gateway he inflicted heavy damage to one of the gunboats eventually in the end destroying it. His help was precious, but the fight was far from over, we still had to destroy impressive Molly fighter wing. Ens. Pierce Quinn and I directed our attention towards the enemy gunboat, while Ens. Carter was trying to dodge "enemy bullets". But it was useless, Carter had to eject and prevent his death, for we need our pilots alive. Materialistic property is not important as long as there is will; ships will be build and resources will be found. The bomber which destroyed Carters ship was next on my list and soon he was annihilated but unfortunately his pod was tractor by his fellow "drunkard". There was only one target left on the field, if we managed to capture him we would have two molly aces in our hold, but he was a sneaky one. While distracting us with "muttering" about surrender he managed to use our moment of carelessness and escape. It would be a magnificent achievement if we succeeded but we lost track of him near one of Dublins asteroid belts. We cannot call this victory for we have lost in some way but with satisfied expressions on our faces, Ens. Pierce Quinn and I decided to reward ourselves with Tea onboard Essex. Our tea brake lasted only half an hour. Essex was reporting of unknown fighting force attacking Bretonia ships. We undocked worn and tired from the Essex to intercept and prevent further destruction. Sight was horrifying, we encountered a group called Phantoms and a mighty group it was (2 VHF class ships, destroyer and a bomber). I myself didnt know who were they nor did Bretonia data base but one thing was sure they were not there to invite us to the tea party. Their guns didnt spare any energy and we were engaged as soon as we entered their aim range. Thanks to gods our savior HMS - Rodney came to our aid destroying the destroyer - "how ironical" with no problem letting us to take care of the rest. Luck was on our side this time, but we cant say that for our ships, for they are under repairs. With hope that tomorrow will be a calm day I returned to my family once more alive and healthy.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1581jtk&s=5
This is the second week of increased Corsairs activity, and I am bringing the news that Armed forces are doing what they can about it. I will take liberty and start with the Corsairs gunboat, which was encountered near New London. As always I consider those "cannibalists" humans, and as always I give them opportunity to repent for their sins, but as always they do not know what the word PEACE means. He was a silent one though, and from the development of situation it seemed like he is going away but his actions proved differently. He flew into system full of Bretonian Pilots; Salisbury, and with that action he signed his death wish. He is now nothing more then dust in vacuum.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2h4ytg0&s=5
But as everyone knows Corsairs are like rats, you kill one 10 more appears, and that theory proved right. Hours later while doing my Cambridge patrol I was ambushed by 2 Corsair pilots to be more exact 2 Titan class ships. They obviously heard about their friends death and decided to take revenge. I thought this was end of James Hobart but gods have sent me an "Angel". Rodney Trotter came to my aid and after long and exhausting fight; lets just say both of them are sharing the same fate of their dead friend.
This is only the beginning, more of them tried to destroy our way of living, as my patrol slowly came to an end I got a distress call. Corsair scum was attacking an honest Transport captain which is really adaptive I must say. He used all that commotion and escaped while I was dealing with the enemy.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=303l2dc&s=5
There were more attempts off course; one was on my launch brake also. I was attacked by no one else then Corsair(Gunboat), he forced me to spill tea over my control board, after which I was very angry since it was all sticky. He managed to do some damage to my just repaired ship but at the end he was the one who was floating in his pod. You all question yourself for how long can it go like this but I m not quite finished yet.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=vovd75&s=5
Two gunboats entered Leeds, to pillage and plunder, to kill and etc *Frowns* But like before why should they learn now? Ens. Trotter and I dealt with them easily, so easy that it was like -taking a candy from a child.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=141p3xj&s=5
I ask you how should we describe the Corsairs race. Indeed they are humans, but special brand. Resilient and stubborn once more they came but now with the gunboat class ship. Thanks to guns of Norfolk I managed to destroy that metal Monster and once more be victorious.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=4hqtfk&s=5
It seems the more we kill them the more they come. There is only two things more, important to be mentioned, Corsair in Omega 3 and Two Hippies. Including them those are all victims of this so called war. For they are putting it upon us, we are only defending our homes and families, and we will do so until the last spark fades from our eyes. Long live the The Queen. With this I end my week report.
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2ufsg2w&s=5
With regards;
Lt.James Hobart
[Encrypted Transmission Incoming]
Decrypting...Complete
--Opening Frequency--
--Rachel Linda Malrone--
~ Fighter/Bomber setup
Greetings High Command, I hope the cookies I sent were scoffed down with some tea and such.
Just reporting that I've successfully set up my fighter and bomber and am reporting in for duty.
Cheerio High Command,
Ens. Rachel Malrone
[Transmission End]
--Frequency Closed--
Promotion Ceremony Aboard the Pendragon, Primary Drill Hall. In Orbit, New London
Those in attendance were honoured by the presence of the Queen herself. Fleet Admiral Nelles looked a bit nervous in her presence. The Minister of Defense had actually intended to be there instead of the Queen, but instead, unbeknownst to those present, he was busy getting a sunburn on a Gran Canaria beach, in a break from negotiations with the Zoners. Some of the promotions were to high level, so Her Majesty's presence was quite warranted.
Once the Marchpast was complete, and the Pendragon's guns had blasted off a plasma salute out into space, the Wing Warrant Officer called forth the following promotion recipients, who came up and received their ranks from the Fleet Admiral.
Bacon Mackenzie to the rank of Lieutenant (Oddly enough, the Armed Forces had Bacon down as his real name)
John Cooper to the rank of Lieutenant
Amanda Churchill to the rank of Lieutenant
Robert Jones to the rank of Lieutenant
Joseph Conrad to the rank of Lieutenant
Rodney Trotter to the rank of Lieutenant
Simon Aldwyn to the rank of Lieutenant Commander
Aileen Fowl to the rank of Lieutenant Commander
Blake Owen to the rank of Lieutenant Commander
Evyn Hunter to the rank of Lieutenant Commander
James Hobart to the rank of Lieutenant Commander
John Redmond to the rank of Captain
Sir Roger Brinkley to the rank of Captain
George Harrington to the rank of Commander
Aubrey Mainwaring to the rank of Commodore
The Queen herself now took position at the dias, and the last promotion was dispensed by Her Majesty, to the rank of Admiral, Mark McKenna, as was the custom for those entering the ranks of Flag Officer.
Stanley Nelson had been intended to be promoted to the rank of Commodore, and would be listed as such in Bretonian Records regardless, since his promotion was approved prior to his capture by the Kusari. Fleet Admiral Nelles mentioned this fact, in his final speech congratulating the promotion recipients.
A Templar and Challenger flyby, Pendragon's all gun salute, and then a final Marchpast finished the proceedings.
The newly minted Admiral McKenna watched the flyby and cannon salute, and thought, true to his Scottish nature,"What a bloody waste of fuel and ammo."
//Ladies and Gentlemen, please change your names as appropriate to you rank.