We have intercepted a Gallic Naval Intelligence cruiser in Tau-31, whilst it was heading to Tau-23, inbound from the direction of Holman Outpost. No combat was initiated, however the crew was sent to man the batteries in case of a potential ambush by the Gallic vessel. Communication was initiated shortly thereafter, with the officer complying to answer our questions.
I have convinced the command officer of the cruiser, a certain Leon Duval, to divulge parts of the information we are looking to obtain or confirm in relation to the apparition of Nomad vessels and the loss of Issoudun Shipyard with all hands. The received information has indeed confirmed that Gallic vessels have dissappeared, with emphasis put onto the fact that a Valor has thus far been declared as gone rogue with all escorts. Other information about possibly-lost assets has not been communicated, however the BIS, as per the previous submitted information, reports that several dozen ships are missing in action, in addition to their crew; we have not received direct confirmation onto this as of the date of the encounter.
The vessel has been permitted to retreat to the Tau-23 system after this interception. We are to hold position in orbit of Planet Harris for the time being. I am forwarding the logs of the encounter below.
[30.06.2022 12:38:38] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: James: Ship-ho! Veer off, set heading!
[30.06.2022 12:39:16] GNS-Tarasque: Ah. Naval Recon does come with its risks... Gunnery, charge cannons and prepare for contact.
[30.06.2022 12:39:54] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: James: Cap'n, contact is a destroyer. Orders?
[30.06.2022 12:40:03] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: Steady. We'll contact them.
[30.06.2022 12:40:40] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: RO: This is the Mary Rose. We are hailing Tarasque. Please respond.
[30.06.2022 12:41:02] GNS-Tarasque: This is the Tarasque, Gallic Naval Intelligence. Fine day to you Bretonnian.
[30.06.2022 12:42:39] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: This is Horatio Bartholomew speaking, Bretonian Armed Forces. I am the captain of the Mary Rose. Whom am I speaking to?
[30.06.2022 12:43:40] GNS-Tarasque: ... This is Captain Leon Duval. Pleasure to make your aquiantance, Captain Bartholomew.
[30.06.2022 12:45:00] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: A pleasure indeed. I fully assume that you are aware of the dangers of bringing such a warship in this region. So, I shall begin with that. What are your standing orders here?
[30.06.2022 12:46:46] GNS-Tarasque: Naturally. [...]
[30.06.2022 12:47:11] GNS-Tarasque: Extended Reconnaisance of the Tau systems. Focused on Nomad and Outcast operations.
[30.06.2022 12:47:47] GNS-Tarasque: Kusari and Bretonnian naval operations are... not NI's primary concern.
[30.06.2022 12:48:10] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: An anticipated reply, I must say. Nonetheless, I find myself in the position to inquire about the former. Whilst we are well aware of the Outcasts and their thralls operating here, sharing information onto the Nomad threat would be most beneficial. To what extent has their attack affected the capabilities of the Gallic Navy?
[30.06.2022 12:50:27] GNS-Tarasque: The Navy would be loathe to divulge such information. However, for now, effects are... Minimal. However, NI is most interested in the potential threat they pose. Smugglers, Pirates and independents going missing is one matter, but, we know enough of the 'Nomad War'? I believe you call it. To sustain our concerns.
[30.06.2022 12:52:47] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: I understand the concern in sharing information in regards to the combat capability of the Gallic Navy, however as you have well said, the Nomads pose a greater risk. It is indeed true that they are able to devastate entire systems without leaving survivors behind.
[30.06.2022 12:54:17] GNS-Tarasque: We have experienced limited effects to that nature. Hm.
[30.06.2022 12:54:39] GNS-Tarasque: Naval Intelligence has a vested interest in the potential for cooperation in regards to this threat with Bretonnian, Rheinland and Kusari intelligence branch's, outside of the affairs of house politics.
[30.06.2022 12:55:25] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: Interest that has thus far not materialized, if you may so excuse the expression. The Armed Forces would welcome such a change, however not without other security guarantess.
[30.06.2022 12:56:27] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: As for the Nomads, once more... We have significant interest onto possible infiltration within the Gallic Navy.
[30.06.2022 12:56:56] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: Of course, I am merely a Captain of the Royal Navy, however we have confirmed reports of Gallic ships missing. What can you comment on that?
[30.06.2022 12:57:05] GNS-Tarasque: Of course. Though we can offer no such guarentees in regards to Gallic politics, nor the Navies actions...
[30.06.2022 12:57:31] GNS-Tarasque: But, in the spirit of... Good faith, given past history, and mutual threat. I shall divulge that... Yes, we have experienced-
[30.06.2022 12:57:48] GNS-Tarasque: Some... Setbacks. At least one Valor-Class.
[30.06.2022 12:58:15] GNS-Tarasque: Nav-Int is looking into other naval assets to confirm the potential spread of infiltration.
[30.06.2022 12:59:53] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: ... a Valor?! Along with all its escorts...?
[30.06.2022 13:00:36] GNS-Tarasque: Fleet unconfirmed. But possibly. I make this... risky admittance with the knowledge that such compromised assets may attempt to re-ignite conflict between Gallia and its neighbours. An affair that would be devastating to all of us.
[30.06.2022 13:01:54] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: It is most concerning, captain. In fact I fail to find any other such example. Any possibly compromised Gallic forces attempting to cause chaos in the region could have severe consequences upon House Gallia itself.
[30.06.2022 13:02:54] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: But I do firmly believe that is a matter to be settled at a later date, even with the dangers it poses. Do you trust that you are capable of initiating this proposed programme to share information? I would be... honored to relay this further.
[30.06.2022 13:04:09] GNS-Tarasque: Naval Intelligence is fully capable of operating seperately enough from Navy and National Intelligence to push cooperative efforts forward. I will admit, finding the difference between a vessel gone rogue to join the Maquis, and a compromised ship is a... difficult, line.
[30.06.2022 13:04:55] GNS-Tarasque: And that is to say nothing of potential infiltration within the Maquis themselves, and their fleet.
[30.06.2022 13:05:12] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: Oh, so it is. But the Maquis are hardly an issue at the current time.
[30.06.2022 13:05:33] GNS-Tarasque: On that we concur. The Maquis are the Navies concern.
[30.06.2022 13:06:32] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: Please, do lead the efforts to coordinate the information proposal. It would be beneficial to all Houses. Although I do have a last question. Can you, as a captain in the Naval Intelligence, confirm the reports that personnel from the lost vessels and Issoudun itself have gone missing? Of course, in addition to the previously-mentioned Valor and her escorts.
[30.06.2022 13:08:26] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: The Nomads are a threat of their own, yet infiltration and rogue personnel are of utmost concern. Do excuse me if I repeat the question, Sir.
[30.06.2022 13:09:01] GNS-Tarasque: [...] Yes.
[30.06.2022 13:09:22] GNS-Tarasque: Those vessels, and the Issodoun, were effectively lost with all hands during nomad attacks.
[30.06.2022 13:09:43] GNS-Tarasque: We can make no confirmation as to the status of the missing.
[30.06.2022 13:11:12] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: Despite prior... conflicts with the Navy you work alongside, it is indeed good to know that there are still people willing to cooperate towards a common goal.
[30.06.2022 13:11:29] OS&C|SI.Enterprises: Cpt.Gordon: Good day Ladies and Gentlemen!
[30.06.2022 13:11:51] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: James: Tally-ho, Sir!
[30.06.2022 13:11:58] GNS-Tarasque: NI finds allies in uncommon places serve well in the safeguarding of the Gallic people.
[30.06.2022 13:12:31] GNS-Tarasque: Do pass on our interest to your superiors, Captain, it would be most helpful. However, for now, in the interest of good faith we will depart, and leave Bretonnian border space.
[30.06.2022 13:12:52] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: Yet now that that has been cleared... your vessel still remains in dangerous territory. Are you certain you are able to hold out here? We could, of course, provide a rare escort mission to ensure you safely reach Orkney.
[30.06.2022 13:13:58] GNS-Tarasque: We will be well, Captain, but your offer is appreciated. It is best we go out seperate ways, for the time being.
[30.06.2022 13:14:16] BAF|HMS-Mary.Rose: Horatio: So it is.
[30.06.2022 13:15:22] GNS-Tarasque: Hopefully we shall meet again under similarly reasonable circumstances.
[30.06.2022 13:15:28] GNS-Tarasque: Safe Patrol to you.