RECIPIENT: Hawkins/S-8 LOCATION: [N/A] PRIORITY: High SUBJECT: VINCENT ABRAMS/RIDGE FREQUENCY: Encrypted External
Senor,
I am Captain Marquez, and I've been doing my own investigation into Ridge's activities since I first met him in our very well-known uncharted system. In the logs of your discussion with him, I am the agent he referred to that nearly died during a trip to the alien shrine in the aforementioned system. Based on the evidence you have provided, and our own interactions with this individual - I can also articulate that he is paranoid.
What he is paranoid of, however, is interesting. He doesn't want the dark matter storm of Kepler to spread to its neighboring systems. However, in withholding information from us and refusing to act on our own methods - he is no closer to solving this mystery than we are.
He's afraid that if he leaves, or if he is killed - the problem will spread beyond Kepler. In other words, the alien elements that he believes are the cause of all of this will release their wrath upon whatever or whoever they want to blame. The nomads are extremely dangerous, but there is another way to go about this that may force others in the region to take a more aggressive approach as well.
I have seen these "sentinels" as well and was nearly killed by them nearby the shrine when they were summoned by a much more dangerous form that you know already as Entity. Take a look at the scans if you wish: I'm lucky to be alive.
Abrams methods in stopping whatever he is now at the center of are ultimately ruled out by the forces at work here, he believes he can stop something he ultimately has no power over.
For this reason, I am recommending we work together to bring Abrams back to Akabat - by force if necessary. The overwatch will take over from there, and keep you informed of our decision.
If the situation in Kepler begins to expand to the surrounding systems, the houses of Liberty and Kusari will ultimately focus on the situation, which will take us to the second phase of this plan.
Sender ID:Hawkins Receiver ID:Overwatch High Command Encryption:Citadel
"Re: Kepler, Ridge"
Captain Marquez,
I cannot vehemently enough advise against a removal of Abrams from Kepler. While I have to admit that Section 8 was at first doubtful of his claims that the Sentinels were at all times observing him, ready to pounce should he reveal information they seem to safeguard, we can now confirm that this is true. Bringing him to Akabat and pressing him for information will most likely result in an aggressive alien response of perhaps catastrophic proportions. Abrams must not be detained.
Section 8 has distanced itself from Abrams, not just because we believe to no longer be reliant on his cooperation, but because of the very danger this reliance poses.
For now, Section 8 advises as follows: Overwatch should continue to combat Nomad and Sentinel incursions where and as they occur and have quick-response forces on standby should the situation in Kepler escalate and Section 8 require assistance. We have strong reason to believe that increased activity - Order or otherwise - in Kepler proper will have adverse effects on operations. As for Libertonian involvement in the situation, Section 8 has open lines of communication to certain elements within the Libertonian armed forces, through which we hope to deter unwanted activity or coordinate joint actions should the need arise. Should it be deemed necessary, we will seek out similar avenues in regards to Kusari.
I ask that you trust in Section 8 to handle the situation in Kepler. Overwatch command will be kept informed of further developments.
RECIPIENT: Hawkins/S-8 LOCATION: [N/A] PRIORITY: High SUBJECT: VINCENT ABRAMS/RIDGE FREQUENCY: Encrypted External
Senor,
My plan... could've been worded better. Let's take a look at the details and allow me to show you why I believe removing him maybe our best option.
First off, I trust in your ability to handle the situation, senor. Heat between operatives is not my goal here, I believe in handling this at the lowest level with the least amount of attention and the most amount of discretion possible. If I were to insist on this operation, it would be your asset on scene and myself alone. I do not believe committing an overzealous amount of resources to Kepler will bring about anything other than potential casualties for us.
That being said, whatever plans the aliens have in Kepler - he is ultimately connected in some form. The fact that sentinels attacked you when they felt threatened by him demonstrates he is important. They need to keep him where they have him. The longer we wait, the longer this "ultimate plan" has to unfold. If the nomads wanted to unleash a catastrophic event, they'd have been wiser to do so while we weren't taking notice. Now we know something is going to happen, and I believe waiting for this to unfold and trusting in one man is infinitely more dangerous to humanity than flushing out and confronting the threat on our home turf.
We can combat a catastrophic threat back home where we have all our weapons, fleets, and personnel ready to do so. We cannot confront this threat so far from home with little to no resources. You've seen the facts, the forces at work here are far more dangerous than in the past. I hope you will reconsider my approach.
Sender ID:Hawkins Receiver ID:Overwatch High Command Encryption:Citadel
"Re: Kepler, Ridge"
Captain Marquez,
Very well, Section 8 concurs with your plan of action.
However, Abrams' removal must be conducted with utmost care. Should alien forces become aware of the operation, they may retaliate at any point during the return trip to Akabat - potentially in house space. Abrams is also frequently surrounded by a posse of disreputable associates, including pirates, freelancers, Xenos, and even Auxesia's Revenant themself, who will likely attempt to obstruct your operatives. Especially Revenant appears to have a keen interest in Abrams. Section 8 is already working towards their removal.
I request that Section 8 remains appraised of the operation and resulting intelligence every step of the way. We will provide assistance if required.
⧫ Cruiser Mafdet
⧫ Coronado
⧫ From: Order Overwatch HC, Commodore William Storgen
⧫ To: Section 8, Hawkins
Kepler situation
My apologies for delay, but I have waited for broadcast before I can reply and now news should be spreaden between Order installations, assets and Freeports, including Ames Research Station. I will send you a record if you somehow missed the broadcast.
Hawkins, first of all, you misunderstood and paraphrased (or it was your scout) my words. Yes, Overwatch now is in high-alert statement and we have solid reasons to make this decision. Yes, we are ready to deploy assets anywhere within Sirius in dire need, but I can't remember I mentioned specifically Kepler, so don't worry, you will not see them there unless our 'new little friends' show up in large scale. I have a better idea. You said you have an opened channel with some Liberty forces? So we do, and we can ask them to blockade Kepler. Meanwhile, I will try to contact Kusari Naval Forces to enforce a blockade from their side that means both House fleets might be ready for extreme events while Overwatch can focus on Omicrons and periphery.
Besides, your scout should have tell you orders - inform Overwatch about every single, even least, unusual event from the Kepler. Disturb us, spam Central Communication channels, but inform. We can't miss anything which can cost lives.
Vincent Abrams had been already invited to Damascus Research Station where he could continue his research and give us a chance to prepare for potential incursion, but refused several times. Keep in mind, he also cooperated with Bounty Hunter and opened fire at our agent and I will not be surprised if superiors will want him beheaded.
With regards,
Commodore William Storgen
Task Force "Black Arrow", 2nd Battlegroup, 09:10, 23.11.828
Sender ID:Hawkins Receiver ID:Overwatch High Command Encryption:Citadel
"Re: Kepler, Ridge; CV-Montu, The.Dagon"
Commodore Storgen,
I apologize for misinterpreting what my operative relayed to me. His report may have been phrased somewhat liberally.
Section 8 is well aware of Abrams disinclination towards voluntary cooperation with the Order, which is why we agree with Captain Marquez' plan to - if need be - forcefully apprehend him. I advise this operation to be executed as soon as possible - operatives currently attached to Section 8 have successfully performed a surgical strike against Auxesia's Revenant last night, hopefully removing their influence over Abrams for a brief time and enabling Overwatch agents to get to Abrams with little opposition.
We agree with your suggestion to have the houses blockade the Kepler system on the Colorado and Shikoku sides of the jump gates. Our liaison in the Liberty Navy 5th Fleet is partially aware of the ongoing situation in Kepler. I will inform and coordinate with them myself and leave the Kusarian side of the matter to you.
Furthermore, the Unto Nightfall encountered an Order battlecruiser, the CV Montu, yesterday in the Kepler system. The information I was provided by the ship's AI over secure channels has raised Section 8's curiosity; however, we were unable to find any useful information about the ship or her commanding officer, Vex Upsilon, in the Order's databases. We also came across a freelance researcher, Victor Matthews, aboard the Bustard-class carrier The Dagon. He was knowledgeable about the Sentinels and anomalies and implied to have previously been with the Order. I would like to request any information you have on the Montu and her CO as well as on Victor Matthews to be forwarded to me.
⧫ Cruiser Mafdet
⧫ Coronado
⧫ From: Order Overwatch HC, Commodore William Storgen
⧫ To: Section 8, Hawkins
Kepler situation, CV Montu and Dagon
I thought you were well aware of Vex Upsilon and what he had done before. CV Montu is no longer the Order asset while Vex Upsilon is alive and well. I said "well", right? No, he's not well - he had shot down his officer and stolen Montu away. Unstable and lacking psychic health, Upsilon is a fugitive sentenced to execution. He signed his own death warrant after numerous attempts to help. Unfortunately, Overwatch doesn't want him alive anymore. We leave Montu at your discretion, but expect him attacking Unto Nightfall in any moment. Be careful with them, but if you have a feeling and right chance to destroy Montu - do it without hesitation.
About The Dagon and Victor Matthews. I don't have information in regards to him and personally cannot talk to him at this moment - Mafdet and me myself are investigating Newcastle. Charlie unit reported about large Nomad lifeform at planet's Carlisle orbit. We'll try to find a trace of them.
At last, I want to remind staying openly within populated area like Ames might end not well for Section 8. I strongly recommend to charge Surveillance modules or continue observation away from Ames and tradelanes scanner arrays.
With regards,
Commodore William Storgen
Task Force "Black Arrow", 2nd Battlegroup, 11:45, 23.11.828
⧫ Cruiser Mafdet
⧫ Honshu
⧫ From: Order Overwatch HC, Commodore William Storgen
⧫ To: Section 8, Hawkins
A risky plan
Hawkins,
What chances aliens will follow Abrams if we successfully take him away from Hudson and Kepler? We might use an opportunity to drag them from Kepler and central Sirius, and, in this case, Houses will not heavily suffer from their attacks and lots of lives will be in safety.
However, we take a serious risk, and Overwatch, secondary fleet, Section 8, our allies should prepare for invasion. My plan is simple - Overwatch is going to organize a strong defense grid with the strongest units with immense firepower and ambush any kind of threat, so we 'kill two rabbits with a single bullet' - Vincent Abrams is with us, and Nomads or Sentinels population is greatly decreased. It's an insane plan but will work with the right moment of surprise.
With regards,
Commodore William Storgen
Task Force "Black Arrow", 2nd Battlegroup, 8:45, 26.11.828
Sender ID:Hawkins Receiver ID:Overwatch High Command Encryption:Citadel
"Re: A risky plan"
Commodore Storgen,
I concur, the plan is insane. We have essentially no information on how numerous the Sentinels are, what warforms they possess, or how they will react to Abrams' abduction. We know frighteningly little about their capabilities, but you surely know what happened at Port Said. The station was nearly destroyed and its garrison effectively wiped out - by a single battleship-analogue warform.
I advise to leave the extraction of Abrams to Captain Marquez. This is a job best done quietly. With any luck, it can be executed without alerting the Sentinels to his disappearance at all. The larger a scale this operation takes, the more likely it is to attract the Sentinels' attention. Prepare for Abrams' arrival, but do so quietly.
On an unrelated note: Does Overwatch possess any information about a Nomad or infectee collective known as the Grey? If so, I would request that any data on this subject be forwarded to Section 8.
⧫ Cruiser Mafdet
⧫ Honshu
⧫ From: Order Overwatch HC, Commodore William Storgen
⧫ To: Section 8, Hawkins
Re: A risky plan
Hawkins,
I would like to trust extracting operation to Marquez's hands, but there is one "but" - Captain Marquez doesn't respond, Abrams informed me yesterday Marquez was attacked and his ship was destroyed. I will immediately inform the rest of the Overwatch to begin preparations within Order controlled space. This is the plan to create a diversion and focus all 'sentinels' attention on us instead of civic space.
Speaking of the Grey, we haven't met them before, unfortunately.
With regards,
Commodore William Storgen
Task Force "Black Arrow", 2nd Battlegroup, 9:22, 26.11.828