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Incoming Transmission
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Encryption: High
Source: LNS Oakland, Texas System
Sirs,
In response to the recent attacks on Sector 21 and New York by both the forces of the Order and the alien Nomads, I am hereby requesting to deploy a scouting force to the Omicron systems to ascertain the nature of the buildup of both sides, and their increased hostility. I believe by sending in a small force, we can engage in scouting missions and contact neutral and friendly parties in the systems without drawing hostile forces into direct confrontation. A proposed Operation Order is attached for your review. I look forward to receiving your reply.
Opening Attachment...
Decrypting....
Operation Order, Codename: "Minor Threat"
Organization: The forces deployed on this mission will be the Carrier LNS Bastion, along with approximately one half of her standard fighter complement, one Repair Ship, and up to two Gunboats. This will allow for maximum scouting efficiency and minimize possible losses, as well as allowing most of the Task Force's resources to remain on the Rheinland front.
I. Situation
A. Enemy Forces
Not much data exists on the Omicron worlds, we will proceed with caution and a heavy fighter screen. Enemy forces will consist of ships up to and including capital ships. Warships will be avoided at all costs. The Order is concentrated in Omicron Minor, little data exists regarding Nomad deployments. We can expect both Nomad and Order patrols in the Omicron systems, most will consist of no more then a few fighters. If alerted, they will be able to respond with Capital Ships in under thirty minutes.
B. Friendly Forces
The LNS Bastion, LNS Achelous, and assigned gunboat escorts will be tasked with scouting the Omicron systems to determine strength, capability, and intent of Order and Nomad forces. Units will be operating from the LNS Bastion at a designated RV point. No reinforcements will be available
C. Attachments/Detachments
Attachments: Any supervisory forces assigned by command
Detachments: One Half of the Bastion's CAG, which will remain based on the LNS Oakland and LNS Las Vegas to provide combat support on the Rheinland front.
II. Mission
The Bastion and her fighters will attempt to scout the Omicron worlds to determine strength and intent of both Nomad and Order forces. This will be accomplished over three days by the fighters based on the Bastion. Deployed groups will consist of elements of the 242nd Suicide Kings and 64th Raptors.
III. Execution
A. Concept
The LNS Bastion will proceed through Zone 21 with her fighter and bomber complement to Omicron Minor, where all efforts will be made to avoid Order detection while the Bastion is escorted deeper into the Omicron systems, where a base of operations will be established. Patrols will then be sent out to recon the immediate area. On the second day, focus will be shifted to scouting missions in Order territory, to gauge their strength and combat effectiveness. We will also attempt to make contact with local Zoners and Bounty Hunters in an effort to collect information. On the third day, we will send forces to scout Nomad territories and attempt to gauge whether or not they may be gearing up for another invasion. At the close of the third day the Bastion will be escorted back through Zone 21 to Norfolk shipyards where she will undergo repairs as necessary and offload crews for debreifing.
B. Tasks to Maneuver Units
LtCmdr A. Cordova will be in charge of the Bastion's CAG and plan scouting missions as ordered. His detailed mission proposals will be made available on request.
C. Tasks to Combat Support Units
The LNS Achelous will provide a supply of repair materials and will remain with the LNS Bastion at all times.
D. Coordinating Instructions
The 242nd Suicide Kings will scout the advance ahead of the LNS Bastion and her company. The 64th Raptors will provide support as necessary. The Fleet will deploy from Norfolk Shipyards into Zone 21 and through to Omicron Minor. Rally point will be established past Omicron Minor as determined by scouts, if passage through Omicron Minor is impossible due to Order forces, the fleet will return to Zone 21. Through the operation, contact with enemy patrols will be avoided if possible. If encountered, Bombers will be prioritized to protect the Bastion. Capital ships will only be engaged if absolutely necessary by the 64th Raptors. Patrols will be required to check in with CAG every ten minutes. Nomad elements may be fired upon at will, Order forces should only be engaged if fired upon, or if they are transmitting the location of the Bastion.
IV. Service Support
A. General
All units will be advised to conserve ammunition and repair elements to allow operations to be sustained for three days. The LNS Achelous will provide an extra supply of repair materials and ammunition to allow the Bastion and her group to operate without resupply for three days. Any damaged ships will return to the LNS Bastion for repairs as necessary. The Bastion will carry an extra supply of medical equipment to allow for treatment of injured pilots.
B. Material and Services
The LNS Bastion carries 1,600 nanobot units and shield batteries to resupply fighters, the LNS Achelous carries an additional 4,000 units of each to be used as needed.
C. Medical Evacuation:
The LNS Bastion will use hangar space cleared by detached fighters to carry two Mammoth transports, which can be used to evacuate severely injured pilots as necessary.
D. Personnel:
EPWs will not be taken during this operation.
V. Command & Signal
A. Command
Cdre. Heather Cain will command the operation from the LNS Bastion, if she is incapacitated command will be transfered to Capt. Allison Cain, or Cmdr. Maximilian Reynolds. The Bastion will be stationed at a RV point in the Omicron systems and moved as needed. During this time contact with High Command may not be possible except by messenger.
B. Signal
Units will follow SOP as directed by their unit commanders.
Let me start by saying that your proposed operation is a very detailed piece of work and well constructed. That being said, plan 'A' never works and then plan 'B' falls through, shortly followed by plan 'C' going to hell. What I'm trying to say is that the Omicrons aren't like Liberty - There wont be any backup around the corner and you have to think on your feet. I know you, Commodore, already know this - I'm worried that your subordinates don't.
I guarantee you there'll be times out there where your officers will have to react on instinct and I'm not entirely sure their "gut feeling" is good enough. Until all your officers prove they can handle themselves within Liberty, I wont be giving this operation a green light.
This operation will be reviewed in two weeks from today - In that time, I'd like to have Captain Cain and Commander Reynolds report to my office, to get a grasp on how well they could lead such an expedition in your incapacitation, Commodore. I'd also like for you to come and brief me fully on the status of Task Force Seven, as well as future plans.
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Incoming Transmission
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Encryption: High
Source: LNS Oakland, Hudson System
Admiral,
Thank you for your response, I look forward to speaking with you in person on this matter, and once you have had a chance to meet my subordinated, I believe you will find them to be exemplary naval officers. I specifically crafted this plan to be as fluid as possible, to allow for whatever we may encounter in these hellish systems. I would like to inform you though that this will not be our first trip into the Omicrons, or our first encounter with either the Order or the Nomads. Most recently, we accompanied the primary fleet into Omicron Minor to destroy the Order warships responsible for knocking out of commission the Primary Fleet Flagship, LNS Anchorage. In a previous encounter in Omicron Minor we were chasing an Osiris-class vessel out of Zone 21 and after its destruction, were accosted by four of its sister ships. My subordinates acted calmly and orderly, and the actions of one Commander Armand Grimston, our Gunboat Leader and captain of the LNS Razor, who selflessly lured the four battleships away from the Alaska Jump Hole, allowing the rest of the fleet to escape, before getting his own crew to safety.
Task Force Seven is used to accomplishing missions on it own, and at a distance. We regularly operate out of the Bering and Hudson systems for extended periods, so my men know how to make supplies last, and keep warships hidden. At present, Task Force Seven has approximately twenty five capital warships under its command including five battleship-class vessels. Deploying only the LNS Bastion on this operation ensures the vast majority of our force remains focused on the Rheinland front, while the 242nd Suicide Kings Guardian Squadron, and 64th Raptors Upholder Squadron will be able to provide more then enough manpower and firepower to ensure the mission ends in success.
I have informed my subordinates to make appointments with you, and will make one myself where I can brief you in detail on our current and planned operations.
Your levelheadedness and patience in this matter are greatly appreciated. I'm sure your officers will prove me completely wrong over the next couple of weeks.