Konnichiwa, esteemed officers. This is Tanigaki of the Defense Ministry.
A situation is developing in the neighboring regions of the Sigmas. While piracy and tensions are the norm there, this time there are some points that can endanger our long term interests in the region.
Diplomats are trying their way of doing things, but I have persuaded the Prime Minister to not let our military options idle. The damage that reportedly afflicted Fulda may come from a device or organization that could be willing to hit our own Akita Border station. The Ministry is requesting the KNF to prepare a taskforce to investigate the situation in the Sigma-13 corridor. Notwithstanding your current duties and pressing matters, you should have enough adaptability to muster the needed units.
The goals should be simple: do not interfere with Rheinland security and recovery efforts, investigate the potential culprits of the incident, and assess the threat level to Kusari derived from the current situation.
And I don't want you to be picking flowers and polishing guns while waiting for something to drop on your lap. The Cabinet is expecting a report within the next seven days so we can measure our options. It would be beneficial for the KNF to show some results from time to time. I hear that the budget approval for the requested "expanded" first series of Wyvern combat fighters just needs a bit of a push.
Let me know that you have received this orders as soon as you can,
Kobayashi Tanigaki, Ministry of Defense
P.S. There have been some rumors on the diplomatic grapevine that Rheinland is using this incident to deploy more forces into the Sigmas. Let me know if you find anything pertaining to this.
The Admirals circle is following with interest the events occurring in Sigmas systems and the consensus within the Admiralty is indeed more data must be gathered before any course of action would be considered.
Consequently, measures have already been taken to gather a small expeditionary battle-group, whose purpose will be to investigate thoroughly the situation in the Sigmas. Hopefully, Gas Miner Guild won't be displeased by this initiative, especially after the statement made by that organization recently.
Naturally, you will be informed of our findings without delays.
As requested, I'm getting back to you with a preliminary report regarding the troubles occurring in Frankfurt system, House Rheinland.
First of all, Fulda border station, Frankfurt system, has been the target of a terrorist attack which significantly damaged the station as well as Sigma 13 jump-gate, essentially disrupting traffic between Sigmas systems and House Rheinland. A part of the traffic seems to be redirected to jump-hole connections between Sigma 13 system and Frankfurt system; rather risky jumps, used by criminal organizations and the like. Another reported route from House Kusari appears to be organized using Sigma 21 and Sigma 15 systems.
Footage of the debris field surrounding Fulda border station
The area around Fulda border station is full of debris, a navigational hazard already being handled by Ageira Technologies, officially. Several junkers have been spotted in the area scrapping debris as well, leading to tensions, Ageira Technologies considering any salvaging operation will lead to industrial espionage regarding their proprietary designs.
Hostile ships have been repeatedly encountered around the debris field. The hostiles attack any party found around the site on sight. As you can see in this battle footage recording, the vessels are reminiscent of Gas Miner Guild design. The ships' profile has been positively identified using our Intelligence databases.
They do match the profile of the recently designed 'Benzaiten' Gas Miner Guild Very Heavy Fighter (see scanning performed during combat bellow). Every hostile encountered was also equipped with Gas Miner Guild proprietary technology.
Several pilots of those hostile vessels have been captured. Their transfer to Honshu system is scheduled for the next hours. Kusari Naval Intelligence and 66th personnel already took the liberty to begin interrogating prisoners.
Shirayuki Battle-group will remain in Frankfurt system for the time being to assist Rheinland Military and Rheinland Federal Police, as well as maintaining our presence to observe how the situation unfolds and what House Rheinland reaction will be regarding this attack of its sovereign space.
As for what we can conclude of these events :
As you certainly know, an anonymous message was sent claiming responsibility for the attack. Its content hinted heavily on Gas Miner Guild. GMG strike wings were seen as well near Fulda Border Station. All the evidences collected incriminate Gas Miner Guild as of now.
However, this whole affair is quite peculiar. What would GMG have to gain by openly attacking a great House, thus risking public opinion to shift against it? It is true tensions erupted between Rheinland Military and Gas Miner Guild lately, but nothing warranted such a reactionary move.
If GMG wanted to punish House Rheinland - which would not be in their greater interest no matter - they could have simply raised H-Fuel prices in the region.
Gas Miner Guild must certainly know as well House Kusari's relations with House Rheinland are excellent and attacking either of the great Houses could cause both Houses to turn against them. This scenario would not allow an outcome similar to the one of eighty years war, Gas Miner Guild constantly using House Kusari as a safe retreat area, Rheinland Navy being unable to chase them in its sovereign territory, thus guaranteeing the success of the guerilla strategy chosen by the guild.
Therefore, the preliminary conclusions of our Intelligence experts of the Sigmas region are Gas Miner Guild as a whole probably have little to do with this hostile act against House Rheinland.
Hypotheses range from a marginal radical group among Gas Miner Guild ranks to a manipulation orchestrated by Alien infected organizations.
No matter, Gas Miner Guild will have to answer of this usage of their proprietary technology. If Gas Miner Guild paramilitary's efficiency has been dwindling recently, both Great Houses will be forced to take measures to guarantee Sigmas systems stability and civilians safety in the aforementioned area.
I offer you my belated thanks for the efforts the Naval Forces have shown in the investigations. Unfortunately, the rapidly changing political situation in Rheinland has rendered most of our efforts in preventing the escalation moot.
On the bright side, your deeds and the worsening situation in the sigmas have tilted our budget proposal in your favor, and has received a strong approval for implementation.
Consequently, there is a new plan from our authorities regarding the Sigma crisis. In addition to the bolstering of our patrols in the Honshu system, the KNF is to be tasked to occupy and secure a corridor through the Sigma-21 system, and ensure a stable passage to the House of Rheinland. We would like the Naval Forces to assemble data to form a concise map for Kusari operations in this system.
Main points to consider in the elaboration of the plan are:
-Securing the passage within the Honshu system, and the immediate area surrounding the anomaly in the Sigma-21 system .
- Securing a corridor from the Honshu passage to the Rheinland controlled installations in the neighbouring Sigma-15 system. Evaluate optimal division of efforts between the two military forces for further proposal to Rheinland.
- Evaluate the necessary conditions to secure and dominate the orbital space near Planet Saigon, and facilitate future civilian development in the region. The Government sees with great interest a future presence of Kusari in the sigmas without GMG intermediation.
- Additionally, evaluate the feasibility of securing and establishing military operations in the Planet Hanoi/ Satellite Hai Phong area in benefit of Kusari interest in the region.
This report and proposal is to be submitted as soon as possible.
The current stance of the Republic of Kusari will be of neutrality towards the disputes between the Guild and Rheinland Government. However, the Naval Forces are authorized to enforce the safety of legal civilian assets within our jurisdiction, as well as to protect the neutrality of our territory towards any foreign military operations. Consider contacting the Rheinland Military about the established cooperation protocols, so as to prevent military and diplomatic incidents within our borders.
Let me know that you have received this orders as soon as you can,
Kobayashi Tanigaki, Ministry of Defense
As you certainly know, Kusari Naval Forces have been surveying Sigma 21 regularly since a few years. The recent dotation granted to 66th allowed this division specialized in exploration and foreign threats better projection in others areas than Omicron systems.
Consequently, our knowledge of Sigma 21 system is deemed as acceptable for extended operations in the area, save for Mekong cloud, whose density has made it impervious to our scouts' scanning efforts so far.
It is to note a singularity linking to Sigma 17 system has been found in Sigma 21. Such a shortcut represents a significant strategic value for our forces, especially now an open conflict erupted between Gas Miner Guild and Samura Keiretsu over the control of planet Kurile.
On that subject, the "Dark Sakura" Chimaeras squadron assigned to planet Kurile by Emperor Kogen Jien, decades ago, has been reporting increasing difficulties to operate in the system because of the aforementioned conflict.
Our capabilities in Sigma 17 are far too limited to allow us to control this on going conflict sadly, and the squadron could only watch both sides struggling against each other. I encourage you, Tanigaki-dono, to raise this delicate subject so that proper action can be taken to protect House Kusari's assets in Sigma 17 system.
That being said, we have identified the ideal location in Sigma 21 system for the alternate trade corridor between House Kusari and House Rheinland; its path is marked on this map with white stripes. As you can see, the route is quite straight forward between Honshu jump-hole and Sigma 15 jump-hole.
Battleship Daishouri, a salvaged Rheinland Military heavy unit operated by Gas Miner Guild
It is to note Gas Miner Guild has already moved assets to Sigma 21 system. A Rheinland battleship operated by the Guild is hidden within Tonkin cloud, not far from Sigma 59 jump-hole. The Guild has been claiming in the past all the systems designed as Sigmas belonged to its sovereign space. To my knowledge, House Kusari does not recognize this claim, GMG sovereign space being explicitly stated in Aomori treaty.
Sadly, our relations with Gas Miner Guild have often been difficult, their paramilitary being generally keen to put a spoke in the wheel and to refuse any compromise or cooperation with Kusari Naval Forces. The Admirals circle would rather let the government handle negotiations with Gas Miner Guild at this point, given this unfortunate history.
Kusari Naval Forces will begin surveys on planet Saigon for habitability and assess environmental risks. Such a move might however trigger Gas Miner Guild into taking actions to hinder our work. Hai Phong moon does not seem to be a viable candidate for the implantation of a base of operation for security and cost reasons.
Meanwhile, I have to inform you that, as ordered, the Admirals circle took dispositions to guarantee traffic safety on the designed trade corridor towards House Rheinland. Kusari Naval Forces began the construction of a small outpost with the assistance of Kishiro Keiretsu, from where our patrols will be operating for constant coverage of the area.
Lastly, regarding Rheinland Military, I intend to contact Admiral Sterr Driedrik to find how we can cooperate with Rheinland Military to guarantee civilians safety during that crisis.
Battleship Bayern by planet Juist gravity well, Sigma 15 system
Regarding the alternate corridor, we already do know Rheinland Military has a strong presence in Sigma 15 system, to protect Rheinland's attempt to colonize planet Hammersee.
We should thus be able to split the trade route defense responsibility by system : Sigma 15 being the responsibility of Rheinland Military while Sigma 21 would be ours.
I will let you know at the earliest convenience the outcome of those talks with Rheinland Military High command.
As a side note, I would like to humbly remind you Admirals' circle request for extra funding to be injected to the extension of Experimental Module Yokosuka. I do not need to remind you this facility is responsible for the production of strategically critical recent devices such as equipment related with cloaking technology. The facility has also been instrumental for the design of the now consolidated prototype know as the Wyvern. Improving production lines and increasing its capability are vital to guarantee Kusari's independence for defense.
Ongoing talks with the Rheinland Cabinet indicate that the presence of KNF in the Sigma-21 and the opening of the corridor was well received. Some inquiries by them show concern that we may take a favorable position towards one side or the other should they butt heads in our area of operations.
To you I say the same I said to them: all civilian convoys with or without guard will be protected by the KNF against piracy and hostile aggression. Military patrols that seek to harass or scout third party movements are not to be allowed a prolonged stay.
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The GMG deployment is doubly concerning, as they might drag the silly conflict into our area of operations, or additionally interfere directly on our affairs. Maintain strict vigilance of this Tonkin cloud and record GMG paramilitary activity. They are most likely guarding the passages to other sigma systems and Guild territories. As long as it is within the Tokin cloud, do not intervene against the Guild.
In tandem with this instruction, attempt to scout Sigma-15 and feel what are the Rheinland Military and BDM intentions of deploying further north and closer to our home. Sigma-13 is still hard to access for them with no gate and environmental hazards making mobile jumping an issue for large fleet deployment.
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As for budget, other than the one we previously discussed, I'm not sure there will be any improvements before the year end session is through. The Prime Minister has concerns about the impending midterm elections, so his focus will be on political maneuvering and diplomatic efforts to stall others, before he's able to pull open the purse strings again. Remember, your spending is the MoD spending, and that means my budget.
Let me know that you have received this orders as soon as you can,
Kobayashi Tanigaki, Ministry of Defense
Your directives have been received and will be followed to the letter. I will get back to you as soon as enough relevant data will be collected regarding Rheinland Military deployments.
Meanwhile, I took the liberty to divert a part of the forces stationed in Honshu system to protect the area around Aomori station for the duration of the summit between our Republic's delegation and Gas Miner Guild representatives.
I do hope those negotiations will be constructive and lead to the formation of a new treaty with the Guild. Please let me know if the delegation requires further information during the summit that would allow them to reach better settlement.
The situation in Sigma 17 system is certainly interesting; a reminiscence of Kurile crisis.
I would also like to humbly request the authorization to send a representative of the Admiralty to the summit, not to directly participate to the talks, but to serve as a liaison between the Admiralty and the delegation.
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