To: Rheinland Military High Command

Source - Undisclosed
Encryption - Unknown
Transmission Received...
Transmission Decrypted...
Opening Message...

Identification: Director Claus Amsel
Receiver: MND command
Subject: Operations in the far east

Herr Admiral,

I understand you were not informed of our operations in the omicrons. While I understand our branches do not usually communicate and coordinate our operations, this particular one, involving military reserve courses, should have reached your desk. I personally take responsibility for the failure of this action. I should have been more complete in preparations.

To the matter at hand, the support of the Military for Operation Ereignishorizont is critical. Allow me to offer you full transparency about our operation in the Omicrons.

I am sure you have heard of the recent events between the [RM-MND] and Order forces. The operation in the omicrons was launched to investigate the matters transpiring between MND agents and Order forces, to protect the neutrality of Rheinland in such a hostile region. This is at least what the order thinks. If there is one thing I have to thank the rouge agents for, it is their perfect timing. Operation Ereignishorizont is the second phase in a plan set to cement Rheinland's rightful ownership of the Omicrons, and capture living specemens of nomad origin. The cornerstone of this operation is to reclaim the planet where the civilian Rheinland expedition awoke the nomads. We are to regain this planet, and exploit it properly this time, for the greater good of Rheinland.

This is where the Military's cooperation is paramount. It would be imposable to maintain operations in the Omicrons with the resources at the BDM's disposal. Our largest failing is the lack of long range ships. Our second largest problem is the inability of our forces to hold ground. Our men are trained as agents, able to slip in and out of sight. Hit and run, cloak and dagger, but when it comes to holding a planet, next to useless. Getting to the omicrons is another problem entirely. The wraith heavy fighter carries only enough fuel to make it to the outskirts of civilized space. We have detected 5 star systems between Omicron Delta and Munich. The heavy fighter's range barely covers half of this, and this is without consideration of using fuel to come back home. With everything taken into account, the wraiths' maximum operational range is limited to the system of Sigma 17, unable to cross the vast distances without help.

We have long range capabilities built into the craft you know as U boats. These ships were specially modified gunboats, fitted with extra oxygen tanks, improved food storage, and incredibly large fuel bunkers. Make no mistake, life inside a U boat is nothing but a cramped, uncomfortable existence, hampered by huge stocks of supplies stuffed anywhere they will fit. The range of a U boat wing is sufficient to reach the deep omicrons, but once on station, said fuel is highly limited before a return to Rheinland is needed. Again, the issue of holding ground here shows itself. A half dozen U boats each supporting a fighter with fuel is unable to repel any serious assault. Match that to the fact that pilots will be confined to their cockpits for more then a day at a time, and you have disastrous consequences. The exhaustion, dehydration, and sanitary concerns have presented themselves as huge challenges.

Due to these facts, it was my prerogative to contact the reserve command about some some sort of support craft. At first, liners and transports were considered, but the battle results of several simulations were dismal. copied with reports from scout wings about corsair infested space deep in the omicrons, this improbability turned into an impossibility. If we were to reclaim Rheinland's rightful jewel, we needed to use the correct tools to do so. It was then an aid of mine proposed the solution of using a Military capital ship. We at first focused on the use of a cruiser, but its inability to take on many fighters, and its relative vulnerability to the corsair battle-fleets was immediately apparent. We concluded that the Bismark class battleship was the perfect vessel for the job. As you can see from the stationary Bismarks around Rhienland and in Omega 15, the survivability of these vessels was self evident. Add 2 hangers for launching fighter craft, mooring stations for gunboats, and the ability to enter stable, close planetary orbit, and the picture seemed complete. The ability of a Bismark to impress neutral forces to keep their distance, fortify the moral of friendly elements, and raze the hackles of hostile forces gives it an important physiological element to hold ground and keep it. Finally, the Bismark class is a perfect platform for planetary orbit and command, allowing exploration shuttles to be launched from the armored hulk orbiting above.

The profile of the Bismark is perfect for our operation in the omicrons. The level of support it can provide as a mobile base is priceless. Extended range, a central command point, planetary control. The philological impact on a corsair cruiser crew seeing a Bismark slipping out of the nebula, like a powerful god of old, is enough to route the hardest of captains.

We requested it of the Rheinland Military Reserve fleet to detach the Wallenhorst from normal patrol duties for this reason. As I stated in the opening of this transmission, this was my error, I should have contact you directly Admiral. You have my reasoning, you can now see how such a craft is vital to all operations in the omicrons. Your support in the matter is critical, and we will be happy to offer whatever assistance we have available for front line duty to replace the loss of force removing the Wallenhorst has caused.

At this juncture, I would like to officially request the Rheinland Military's cooperation and inclusion in Operation Ereignishorizont.

Signed,

Claus Amsel

Buro Der MarineIntelligenz