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Incoming Transmission from Atka Research Station, Sigma 17
To: New Tokyo Consular Services, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Priority: Urgent Topic: Intelligence compromise, attempted assassination
Message Contents:
I am writing to provide notification of a serious intelligence breach, and lodge a request for urgent consular assistance. I am a Bretonian citizen, and an armed courier pilot working for Border World Exports - designation Delta 7-2. My credentials can be confirmed with Durham Outpost.
On 19:25 UTC 20/08/830, corporate HQ cleared my assignment slate and set a priority task to attend an emergency commission on Planet Cambridge. My vessel was bonded to carry a VIP passenger from Planet Cambridge to Atka Research Station in Sigma 17.
The identity of the VIP was not revealed to me, and I was to utilise the VIP's personal representative as an intermediary - Dr Kenneth Fredericks. I was instructed that the transit must take place under terms of secrecy, and that the VIP's life depended on the speed of completion.
At 20:00 UTC I had taken custody of the VIP and launched to orbit, where I was met by an Armed Forces security detail that had been assembled from local units. This wing was to meet with elements from the Battleship Arc Royal to provide protection up to the crossing into Kusari core space.
It is my understanding that actionable intelligence about the VIP, their status, and the planned route were disclosed to hostile parties at some point prior to departure, with the intent of facilitating the VIP's assassination. I also have reason to believe that this information was available to Kusari intelligence services, at least to some extent.
In Leeds, a strike wing of GRN Royalists were pre-positioned to blockade the jump gate. Additionally, a large Corsair raiding party launched an intrusion into the system while we were transiting, and attempted to intercept. After the Armed Forces engaged at the Tau 31 jump gate, myself and Bowex wingman Peter Hudson utilised the distraction to slip through. In Tau 31, the Mollys were waiting in ambush, and had specific knowledge of the identity of the passenger.
GRN forces would ultimately pursue us into Tau 31, and seemed also to have the specific objective of capturing my vessel. This resulted in a brawl between the Royalists and Mollys, allowing myself and Mr Hudson to slip away.
I have appended my vessels comms logs to demonstrate:
[20.08.830 20:26:54] RPA|PRS-Barrow: Hello there.
[20.08.830 20:26:55] Peter.Hudson: Oh
[20.08.830 20:26:57] RPA|Cedrik.Cadigan: Bingo!
[20.08.830 20:26:59] Meles.Incognito: Oh bugger
[20.08.830 20:27:01] RPA|Gold-3: Hold it!
[20.08.830 20:27:07] Meles.Incognito: I'd rather not!
[20.08.830 20:27:17] Peter.Hudson: This ain't good at all!
[20.08.830 20:27:18] RPA|Cedrik.Cadigan: Disable that freighter!
[20.08.830 20:27:20] RPA|PRS-Barrow: Oi! Hand over lord Ferret!
[20.08.830 20:27:27] Peter.Hudson: No do not touch it!
[20.08.830 20:27:31] Peter.Hudson: Defending the freighter
[20.08.830 20:27:41] SC-SlaveLabor: Hostiles on scanner
[20.08.830 20:27:46] SC-SlaveLabor: Engaging [20.08.830 20:28:30] Death: Elizabeth.Brown was put out of action by GRN|Charlotte.DeFrance' (Gun). [20.08.830 20:29:48] BAF|HMS-Cornwall: meles
[20.08.830 20:29:51] BAF|HMS-Cornwall: they might be coming after you
[20.08.830 20:30:36] GRN|Charles.Roche: Multiple contacts, princess!
[20.08.830 20:30:40] GRN|Charles.Roche: Mollys, break off. Now.
[20.08.830 20:30:42] GRN|Charles.Roche: The transport is ours.
[20.08.830 20:30:44] GRN|Maurice.Cornett: Pull off, Mollys. You're not invited.
[20.08.830 20:30:57] RPA|Cedrik.Cadigan: Piss off!
[20.08.830 20:30:58] GRN|Charlotte.DeFrance': I don't want that freighter exploding. Protect it at all costs.
[20.08.830 20:31:00] GRN|Jean-Paul,Bourdeau: No.
[20.08.830 20:31:04] GRN|Albert,Charles: Understood.
[20.08.830 20:31:04] GRN|Charlotte.DeFrance': I want it intact, you hear me?
[20.08.830 20:31:07] GRN|Charles.Roche: Understood.
[20.08.830 20:31:10] GRN|Jean-Paul,Bourdeau: Intact.
[20.08.830 20:31:11] GRN|Horst,Holst: Understood, Prinzessin. Capitane Holst, moving to engage sie Mollys.
[20.08.830 20:31:12] GRN|Charles.Roche: They are not stopping to shoot it.
[20.08.830 20:31:14] GRN|Maurice.Cornett: You were warned.
[20.08.830 20:31:15] GRN|Charlotte.DeFrance': Those Cretan rats are only seconds behind us.
[20.08.830 20:31:16] GRN|Albert,Charles: Plotting intercept course.
[20.08.830 20:31:29] GRN|Charles.Roche: Moving in to assist. [20.08.830 20:32:01] Death: RPA|Cedrik.Cadigan was put out of action by GRN|Horst,Holst (Gun).
Upon escaping to Tau 29, a wing of Golden Chrysanthemums were positioned near the jump gate. It's currently unclear whether they also had access to intelligence regarding the VIP, or whether this was coincidental. In any event, they allowed us to pass and then intercepted pursuing Gallic forces, probably ensuring our survival. Upon reaching Kyushu, we hailed the naval vessel Higanbana for assistance. I have attached relevant comm logs below - they specifically stated they were sent by 'Goryo', but this name or organisation doesn't mean anything to me.
[20.08.830 20:37:20] [KNF]Higanbana|KNI: Ah. The vessel we were tipped off about.
[20.08.830 20:37:23] Meles.Incognito: Sir, this is Bowex courier Delta 7-2. requesting assistance!
[20.08.830 20:37:31] Meles.Incognito: I have been having a very bad day.
[20.08.830 20:37:36] [KNF]Higanbana|KNI: That's why we're here.
[20.08.830 20:37:43] Meles.Incognito: GRN in the Taus trying to stage an execution.
[20.08.830 20:37:59] GC-Raiden: It's good thing we slowed their asses down, though.
[20.08.830 20:38:04] GC-Raiden: Thank me later, yeah?
[20.08.830 20:38:08] Peter.Hudson: Yes, thank you for that!
[20.08.830 20:38:16] Meles.Incognito: Anything that slows down the GRN is welcome in my books.
[20.08.830 20:38:25] GRN|Albert,Charles: Were it so easy.
[20.08.830 20:38:25] [KNF]Higanbana|KNI: And everyone who does oppose them.
[20.08.830 20:39:09] [KNF]Higanbana|KNI: Good sir, Captain. Slow it a moment.
[20.08.830 20:39:17] [KNF]Higanbana|KNI: We're tasked to oversee your well-being afterall.
[20.08.830 20:39:28] GRN|Charles.Roche: Keep the pursuit.
[20.08.830 20:39:30] Meles.Incognito: Right you are sir, but we do have a bunch of ne'er-do-wells on our tail
[20.08.830 20:39:32] Peter.Hudson: We don't exactly have time to stop!
[20.08.830 20:39:34] GRN|Albert,Charles: They're mining the lanes.
[20.08.830 20:39:37] GRN|Charles.Roche: They aren't getting away from Leeds all the way into Kusari.
[20.08.830 20:39:38] GRN|Albert,Charles: Them and the Zoner.
[20.08.830 20:40:09] [KNF]Higanbana|KNI: Well aware. That's why you're to proceed at once. They'll be slowed down significantly from Kyushu onwards.
[20.08.830 20:40:45] Meles.Incognito: Well, I do feel a little safer now.
[20.08.830 20:40:59] Meles.Incognito: We're bound for Sigma 19, if you could lead the way please, sir. [20.08.830 20:43:27] [KNF]Higanbana|KNI: Do not slow down until you've reached Honshu orbit. I repeat. No slowing down.
[20.08.830 20:43:28] GRN|Charlotte.DeFrance': Make it fast, Royal Navy. We're overreaching.
[20.08.830 20:43:37] GRN|Jean-Paul,Bourdeau: At once, your grace.
[20.08.830 20:43:39] GRN|Charles.Roche: Roger. We're in pursuit. [20.08.830 20:43:45] Meles.Incognito: Copy that. Courier Delta 7-2 has no brakes.
[20.08.830 20:43:47] GRN|Horst,Holst: By your command, Prinzessin. [20.08.830 20:46:54] [KNF]Higanbana|KNI: They're persistent. This Lord must be worth more than I can imagine to them. Remember us. We shall block their pursuit with our life. For Kusari!
[20.08.830 20:47:36] Meles.Incognito: I... Didn't mention the identify of my passenger. But thank you for your courage. This will be remembered.
[20.08.830 20:53:55] Meles.Incognito: Docking confirmed. Your intervention allowed us to reach our destination unharmed.
[20.08.830 20:54:14] [KNF]Higanbana|KNI: I am stuck facing five Gallic Royalists here. Farewell and remember who sent me; Goryo.
It is also notable that we encountered a mercenary flying Zoner papers in Planet Leeds orbit, who warned us of an impending ambush ahead. Based on their comments, they appear to have been of Kusari origin. They did provide material aid in defending us against both the Mollys and GRN, although I am unsure of their ultimate fate, or motives.
[20.08.830 20:09:00] SC-SlaveLabor: There is an ambush up ahead.
[20.08.830 20:09:04] SC-SlaveLabor: I'd suggest you change course.
[20.08.830 20:09:10] Elizabeth.Brown: Well then.
[20.08.830 20:09:15] Meles.Incognito: Thanks for the heads up.
[20.08.830 20:09:42] BAF|Ens.Edwin.Johnson: This convoy's path has already been charted, we can't change course on some random Zoner's whim.
[20.08.830 20:09:43] Elizabeth.Brown: I'll go check ahead.
[20.08.830 20:09:46] BAF|Ens.Edwin.Johnson: Commander, orders?
[20.08.830 20:09:58] SC-SlaveLabor: Together, we will be able to push them back. I'll help you.
[20.08.830 20:10:51] Elizabeth.Brown: Mollys incoming!
[20.08.830 20:11:27] SC-SlaveLabor: While we are waiting, more of them coming.
[20.08.830 20:11:53] BAF|Ens.Edwin.Johnson: Is this some elaborate plan of yours that you aren't telling us, sir?
[20.08.830 20:12:01] Meles.Incognito: We need to move ASAP, the VIP can't wait for us.
[20.08.830 20:12:03] SC-SlaveLabor: By the way, I'm not a "random Zoner", I am a member of the Shimamori Clan of Honshu. You can trust my word.
[20.08.830 20:12:28] SC-SlaveLabor: The ship is Zoner's indeed.
[20.08.830 20:12:33] SC-SlaveLabor: Long story. After jumping to Tau 31, the mercenary came to our defence against the Mollys]
[20.08.830 20:27:41] SC-SlaveLabor: Hostiles on scanner
[20.08.830 20:27:46] SC-SlaveLabor: Engaging
I can only come to the inevitable conclusion that there was a severe intelligence leak regarding this operation that was disseminated to a number of hostile groups in order to prompt the assassination of the VIP. I am currently berthed on Atka Research Station under retainer by Dr Fredericks, however I remain concerned of the possibility of further assassination attempts. I am requesting urgent advice and assistance from the consular service and instruction on next steps.
//Border World Exports CommVault encryption is routine civilian-grade security for audio and visual messages. It is sufficient to keep most prying eyes away from the contents, but there are several obscure zero-day exploits that would enable view-only access to sufficiently motivated House intelligence agencies or Lane Hackers.
Kingdom of Bretonia
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Captain Setter,
With utmost urgency, as you kindly requested, your message has been classed, conveyed to certain offices, examined, conveyed to proper offices, reexamined, conveyed back to the previous offices, reclassed, and it has urgently found its way to my desk. I am proud that I am already able to respond to you in only four days.
Most importantly, I must emphasise that it is imperative that the VIP arrives back to Planet Cambridge safely. How are they at the moment, do you have any information? My office has made several measures and recommendations for you to help you with your mission:
We have dispatched two more "Clydesdale" freighters your way, identical to the "Meles Incognito". You will accommodate the VIP in either one of them, or in your own, to confuse likely assailants. We are not aware if your contract strictly requires you to use the "Meles Incognito" for this purpose, but if it does, such clauses could be subject to emergency edits under the sanction of the Supreme Court, and you need not worry about your payment.
Have your ship checked for tracking devices in the meantime until they arrive, to the best of your current means and abilities. Remove or destroy those devices if you find them. If you do not, use one of the freighters we have sent you for the mission, and employ the "Meles Incognito" as a decoy. A BIS expert in cyber-tracking is coming aboard one of the freighters, but do not expect a miracle because we do not know yet what or who you are up against.
If possible, chart a different course for the return trip, either through Liberty, or through Rheinland. You may chart different courses for different freighters, as long as you can supply escorts for all three. The Royal Exchequer will finance any additional expenses.
Finally, I must stress that the Kingdom is truly grateful for your invaluable service and competence. Your potential additional budger is 50,000,000 Sirius Credits, as long as you can provide a valid certificate of expenses. Do you have any questions?
Posts: 6,373
Threads: 334
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Staff roles: Story Dev Economy Dev
Incoming Transmission from Atka Research Station, Sigma 17
To: New Tokyo Consular Services, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Priority: Urgent Topic: RE: RE: Intelligence compromise, attempted assassination
Message Contents:
Dear Mr Swindle
Thank you for your prompt response.
Dr Fredericks has advised that the VIP received a surgical procedure that saved their life. He says that they were initially in a critical condition, which has since stabilized in line with expectations. He does not consider that Atka or Kusari are suitable for long term recuperation, and believes that it will be necessary to extract the VIP as soon as they are stable enough to be transported - which he has in consultation with Cryer's staff, set as Sunday.
Your recommendations are fully understood, and I can confirm that I have made contact with the personnel dispatched to provide assistance. We are currently undertaking the necessary technical review to ensure the integrity of all vessels involved. The easement of particular contractual obligations is also very much appreciated, and this will afford us additional operational flexibility in getting the VIP home.
The release of funds is also very much appreciated. Prior to departure, I will make enquiries as to whether reliable security elements can be obtained. Given the sensitivity of this matter, I think we would rather go it alone if we cannot be entirely assured of a potential escort's loyalties. Given our past experience, an Armed Forces escort through the Taus and onward may also be necessary.
//Border World Exports CommVault encryption is routine civilian-grade security for audio and visual messages. It is sufficient to keep most prying eyes away from the contents, but there are several obscure zero-day exploits that would enable view-only access to sufficiently motivated House intelligence agencies or Lane Hackers.
Kingdom of Bretonia
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Captain Setter,
If I understood correctly, your plan is to go exclusively through the Taus again and not chart a new course for any of the three freighters? I need to be sure about this because the Admiralty requires me to convey this information to them.
Posts: 6,373
Threads: 334
Joined: Aug 2007
Staff roles: Story Dev Economy Dev
Incoming Transmission from Atka Research Station, Sigma 17
To: New Tokyo Consular Services, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Priority: Urgent Topic: RE: RE: Intelligence compromise, attempted assassination
Message Contents:
Dear Mr Swindle
Yes sir, that's the plan. Having conferred with your officers, we believe this is the best option of a bad bunch. Our concern is that splitting the freighters across different regional routes would limit the effectiveness of the decoy effect on a local level.
While extremely dangerous, we also believe that a straight shot across the Taus will limit our overall risk profile by most quickly entering the Bretonian security umbrella.
Unless the original intelligence leak has been eliminated, routing through another House would likely double the opportunities for attack, with an entire leg that Bretonian forces are unable to intervene in.
//Border World Exports CommVault encryption is routine civilian-grade security for audio and visual messages. It is sufficient to keep most prying eyes away from the contents, but there are several obscure zero-day exploits that would enable view-only access to sufficiently motivated House intelligence agencies or Lane Hackers.
Kingdom of Bretonia
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Captain Setter,
I am not questioning your security decisions, merely relaying them. I am a career politician, not a soldier. Personally, it seems truly ingenious to me, resembling the decisions of the Admiralty itself during the war. It appears foolish, so the enemy will not expect such a move, which is why that is exactly why you will do.