Bonjour,

I've no time for a video transmission today so I'm dictating this to my aide. Try to pay attention.

As you know, the enemy has inflicted us a bitter defeat in Magellan a few weeks ago. While I've not yet entirely stopped being UTTERLY FURIOUS at these developments, I've reasoned that a more cautious approach would be in our best interests. While it is too early to make it public, know that our services have been reaching out to several important players in the service of a great operation to come. You will be notified in due time.

In the meantime, I must admit I was pleased by your level of commitment over the past month. Our presence was felt deeply and decisively, but that is no reason to rest on your laurels. Our orders to move out and advance could, at this point, come at any time. I want complete readiness, practice and constant pressure to continue for the foreseeable future. Let our enemies remember us every time they wake up, every time they stop for lunch, every time they go to sleep. Let them go mad with anxiety, obsessed with the thought of their impending doom. Let us be their WARWOLF OF DAMOCLES.

The Opération Baliste that I've been teasing you with sadly had to be postponed in the aftermath of the Council's treacherous attack on the battleship Montmorency. The strike was unexpected and could have gone far worse than it did. It has underlined crucial weaknesses in our defensive practices and too much focus on the faraway frontlines, as well as a renewed vigour on the Council's part. None of this bodes well, and we've limited the damage thanks to your prompt response and enduring efforts in protecting the repair crews from our brave corporations. It's a good thing to know that, even caught unprepared, the Marine is still capable to react quickly anywhere.

Still, L'Herminier insists that I remind you of the creation, this month, of the Gendarmerie Nationale, precisely because of the lesson taught by the Montmorency incident. It still needs volunteers willing to work within our borders. It's a less risky, lower-intensity prospect than the frontlines, but it's still an important task. And from what I've heard in the Centre de planification, we may soon face increased terrorist activity within Gallia. The more Gendarmes we have by then, the more ready we'll be to crush them in one swift stroke. Additionally, the Gallant Gallic Gunboat Gobbler Group... Is also still looking for fresh meat, willing to take ridiculous risks in the hopes of securing Bretonian booty and other daring-do nonsense. Get in that if you want, I don't care, I'm not your motheur.

Finally, before I get to the part you're all fretting about, I need to address Thouars... That is, contre-amiral Pierre Vincent Dupetit-Thouars, vicomte du Plateau des Coucous' report. I want you all to draw inspiration on what transpired that day, and how it was handled by our forces. If you see something in space that you don't understand, remind it through whatever means that you are superior to it and that it WILL behave. If that works, enlist it to serve the Roi's cause, as we can never have too many allies on our far-reaching quest. If it doesn't work, shoot it. If it doesn't behave, shoot it. If, after being shot, it pleads for your mercy, grant it in exchange for service to the Roi. If it doesn't understand you, it's probably a libertonian peasant militia, in which case you should already have shot it.
Our enemies come in many shapes and forms. The Alliance traitors are the obvious target, but we understand that true evil lurks in one swampy and presumably uncivilised corner of space. We do not understand it completely but we figured out easily enough that they disagree with Gallia's plans for the Sirius sector. As such, they will not be entertained. Should you encounter more of those during your patrols and assignments, proceed as Thouars and Noëlle Merveilles have. When in doubt, act superior and proceed from there.
Both or them have demonstrated good military qualities and have illustrated themselves in their courageous display of core gallic values in the face of an unknown and potentially deadly threat. They deserve to be cited as examples.

Now, for the long awaited rank shakedown... Well, just read on. It's all below.

The following men and women of the Marine Royale Gauloise have demonstrated exemplary conduct, tireless commitment and skill in the art of war. They are to be commended and honoured.

- Capitaine de frégate Alaric Jean-Paul Favager d'Astier has been elevated to the rank of capitaine de vaisseau, finally moving past his initial rank. There is hardly a soul in the Marine who hasn't crossed paths with the commandant Favager running off to somewhere in a hurry, shouldering imposing burdens all by himself, diligently with never a complaint. He has come a long way through sheer strength of character and willpower and has set an example to follow for future generations of cadets from less than wealthy environments. Keep up your efforts and the stars await you, commandant.

- Aspirant Eloi Leclerc has been elevated to the rank of Lieutenant de vaisseau. This is irregular, but so have been your first steps with us. You've given much to the Marine straight from your arrival. You've not been thrifty in terms of extra hours, have shown remarkable dedication and have proven yourself to be a valued and appreciated wingman to our pilots. As such, it was decided that you deserved to become a Capitaine a little earlier than procedure advocates. Congratulations : you've set high standards for yourself and this makes you an example to follow.

- Aspirants Julien Coeurnoir and Jesse d'Arc have both been elevated to the rank of Enseigne de vaisseau. Your services have been noted and deemed satisfactory, enough to welcome you among the Enseignes. Keep at it !


- Maître principal Luc Lemarsh has been elevated to the rank of Enseigne de vaisseau. You have proven yourself to be constant and reliable, in addition to being an intimidating presence on the battlefield. We have decided that your time among the Officiers mariniers was at an end and that you were ready for the Officiers. Given your long-standing services, it seemed obvious that you would skip the cadet rank of Aspirant and go straight to the fully-fledged Enseigne. Félicitations, lieutenant.

- Maître Polo Bett has not wavered in his good services for the marine and has illustrated himself on several occasions, at great risk to himself. His courage and professionalism have earned him the rank of Maître principal, which should prepare him for an officer position in the near future. Your actions as part of the 5G unit have been of particular note.

The Etat-major also wishes a warm welcome to those who joined us rcently, namely MT Aimée Barreau, MP Jean Soult, EV Guy Josselyn, EV Charlyn Joseelyn, ASP Sabine de Bordeleaux and QM Broussard. We hope to see much from you.

As a last note, the Etat-major reminds all personnel that several offices and functions are still vacant. Do not hesitate to apply if you feel you would be a good fit. The Marine needs you.