Two days ago I've received worrying reports from the leader of our Trade and Supply Division about a base within the Manchester system. Sergent Henri Croix wrote a report to me about a newly constructed modular station going by the name Blackpool Defense Annex, which attacked et successfully incapacitated one of our trade vessels, not any of them, but the CLT Valse d'Amelie, the one currently under the command of himself, et the one I myself used to pilot as well.
He told me that on Mardi... I mean Tuesday, while approaching the New London Jump Gate by lane from Birmingham station, the station suddenly started to shoot at him, et managed to incapacitate the vessel within seconds. Sergent Croix stated that he had no time taking visual evidence et rather spent their few seconds on evacuation. Luckily we were able to reclaim the wreck et repair it afterwards to function again, but due to lack of evidences I had to have a look at it myself. When approaching the base, it behaved neutrally, the guns on the platforms remained silent, thus I was not able to back his claim. I told him to remain cautious et continue trading on his usual way. He later confirmed, the platforms did not fire again.
That was until now. Ten minutes ago I've received another transmission from Sergent Croix, with few words only, et a handful of guncam images he was able to take this time. Oui, the station ripped the same ship the second time this week with the difference that today the vessel arrived from New London, but the Sergent assured me that the crew is safe et sound et provided me coordinates about the location of the wreck. Currently a salvage team et a rescue team are on their way towards them, I expect them to arrive in about an hour.
I also have to make a note of the fact that the CLT Valse d'Amelie is a unique ship of our trade fleet. It has been upgraded over a year ago from a Vache-class transport to a Pachyderme-class advanced train. A bigger vessel means a greater cost of maintenance, et while we can still profit from it et support the flow of goods between Liberty et Bretonia at the same time, the budget of The Council can barely allow the costs of additional repairs such incidents may cause.
Therefor I would like to request the following things:
Dismantlement of the weapon platforms - as far as I know, the station is privately owned, et I don't think it would be the job of anybody else than the authorities itself to maintain the security of a specific spot. Until now their presence was not an issue, but if they continue to exist and exist faulty, they will most probably pose a threat to the flow of trade in et out of Bretonia.
Replacing station ownership with a more responsible one - Sergent Croix reported that both times certain Luke Walker, presumed owner of the base was present when the advanced train was shot down. Seeing as he did not fix the base since the first incident, I don't think he is responsible enough to maintain a base with such defense et offense capabilities at such a crucial point of the system.
Compensation for our losses - this request is not towards the Bretonian Authorities, rather to the base ownership. Seeing how this transmission will go I will address them as well, accordingly.
I will attach few samples of the visual evidence of the incident at the end of the transmission, more can be sent upon request.
Sincerement,
Colonel Pierre LaFlamme Du Conseil
Chef de Groupement tactique Roussillonnaise
First of all, I am glad to hear that your transport's crew were not left with any serious injury from the incident. We know all too well the tragedies that can occur with a damaged transport.
Onto the matter at hand though. The station in question is indeed privately-owned, an offer from what was until recently a trustworthy and un-troubling division of the Bounty Hunters Guild. As you have noticed, this appears to have changed, as have a few operational procedures on the base that should not have been.
If possible, please divert your transports by another route for their own safety. I will do some investigation on the matter and will inform you of any relevant progress made.
The crew has been secured et the CLT Valse d'Amelie is now in our drydocks awaiting repair. Whether it can fly again or not is unsure yet. Je vous remercie for investigating this incident, however finding another route between Liberty et New London without the option to use that jumpgate... well... I have to say that will be indeed a challenge. For now we have no alternative, so as long as we find one, our trade vessels will cease their commerce between the two houses. I hope the issue will be resolved quickly.
Sincerement,
Colonel Pierre LaFlamme Du Conseil
Chef de Groupement tactique Roussillonnaise
It appears the targeting system we had installed was overridden for a day or two. However, further investigation reduced my trust in the base administrators even more, and the base has been safely removed. An unfortunate consequence that I regret, but if we cannot trust the 'protectors' of the route between Liberty and Bretonia then the war will be lost.
I see you had to take a swift and drastic action against the base. I appreciate your help et I will notify Sergent Croix about it so the Trade and Supply Division of The Council can continue it's shipping services between the houses of Liberty et Bretonia.
I assume that with the destruction of one of his bases, Monsieur Walker will not be financially able to pay any compensation for our losses, therefor I consider all of my previous requests void. Again, merci beacoup, Monsieur.
Sincerement,
Colonel Pierre LaFlamme Du Conseil
Chef de Groupement tactique Roussillonnaise