SECRET INTELLIGENCE SERVICE - KINGDOM OF BRETONIA - SEMPER OCCULTUS
From:Agent Mountbatten, SIS
Location:SIS Building, Vauxhall, New London
To:SIS Defence Intelligence Staff
Subject:Assignment to Tau-44
The yard crew at Scarborough Station informs me that the HMS Menzies will complete its spaceworthiness trials tomorrow. My SIS contact there also informs me that they captured a Gallic agent attempting to install a rather sophisticated listening device. The device has been turned over to the research department for disassembly. The spy has been turned over for the same purpose. As soon as the ship is ready for service, I'll proceed to Tau-44 as ordered.
In Her Majesty's Service,
Lady Sarah Mountbatten, Agent
Her Majesty's Secret Intelligence Service
SECRET INTELLIGENCE SERVICE - KINGDOM OF BRETONIA - SEMPER OCCULTUS
From:Agent Mountbatten, SIS
Location:SIS Liason Office, Canberra Star City
To:SIS Defence Intelligence Staff
Subject:Impact Crayter
I was contacted by an agent of the Octavarium Intelligence Commission. The Octavarium government recently made an offer to the Crayter Republic to purchase the Tau-44 system and all Crayter assets therein. Fleet Admiral Richard seemed to be on the verge of accepting the offer. Shortly after, however, he completely changed his tone and the Crayter Intelligence Service forcibly shut down the channel the following day. Within days of these events, a new Fleet Admiral was appointed in Richard's place and nobody has apparently heard from him since.
This information squares with rumors I've been hearing recently. I recommend that we try to get confirmation and additional information from our assets in the Crayter Republic.
As an aside, Agent Shiranui informed me that Minister Kane would be contacting Her Majesty's Government in the near future concerning licensing for an orbital installation and the aquisition of heavy military hardware. They offered the above information in hopes of expiditing Minister Kane's requests.
SECRET INTELLIGENCE SERVICE - KINGDOM OF BRETONIA - SEMPER OCCULTUS
From:Agent Mountbatten, SIS
Location:SIS Liason Office, Canberra Star City
To:SIS Intelligence Database
Subject:Big Trouble in Little Crayter
Yesterday, while I was out on maneuvers aboard the Menzies, there was an incident at Canberra Star City involving the Crayter Military. As you know, Canberra is a residential facility housing most of Natio Octavarium's civilian population. Last census placed the population around 30,000 people. Natio Octavarium operates the station as neutral port and maintains a no-fire zone around the station to protect the civilian population. The CR Olympia, a Deimos-class Dreadnought, violated that no-fire zone to destroy a civilian freighter in front of two Octavarium ships. The station sustained minor damage due to the Olympia's use of Flak Cannons in close proximity to the station. Fortunately, nobody was injured and the damage has already been repaired.
Needless to say, Minister Kane and the rest of the Octavarium Government is furious. He sent a message to the Crayter Military, BCC'd to me, demanding an explanation and asking the whereabouts of FADM Richard. FADM Xander's response was surprisingly hostile considering he was addressing someone who is supposed to be an ally. One good thing did come from this, though. FADM Xander did confirm that FADM Richard was arrested by the Crayter Intelligence Service on charges of treason.
Any lingering doubts about a coup in the Crayter Republic can safely be put to rest at this point. The new government seems intent on following its own agenda, regardless of any agreements made in the past. The situation is quite disturbing to say the least, and we should keep a closer eye on matters in Crayter space. I don't think this situation is going to calm down any time soon.
[To]: SIS Defence Intelligence Staff
[From]: Jonas Hudson, SIS
[Subject]: Patrol Report
[Encryption]: High
Status update:
The project in Edinburgh has been coming along well. With limited staff, we are maintaining the station there, but have been having more difficulty than we anticipated in getting some more advanced systems online. We still can't service ships other than basic repairs. However, we have established safe and well charted supply routes to the base, which is far from the security of any trade lanes. That is a positive start to keeping our flag in the occupied territories. I have activated and outfitted a number of Freelance/Privateer transports using old used civilian ships to supply the base, and are standing by for increased operations.
Today I met up with Skirka, and after sorting out some paperwork we went on a patrol of some areas that border Bretonia. He helped me chart some areas I had not yet traversed, and we rendezvoused with Agent Statham in the Cortez system. There we encountered a triad of Auxesian ships (two fighters and a gunboat), and asked them about their recent encounters, and in particular about any engagements they've had with Gallic forces. They did describe a recent engagement where they claimed to have destroyed a Gallic capital vessel and gunboat support craft inside New London. They also mentioned that they had become aware that the Core had been making deals and engaging in serious diplomacy with the Kingdom of Gallia. We'll be following up with them for more details if they can provide them.
Hoping not to arouse any suspicion ourselves from the Auxesians, we departed Cortez and made a long run around via some back routes to the Newcastle system. Unfortunately, we were attacked by surprise by some criminal bounty hunters, and forced to evade them by escaping to Scarborough Station. A report (LINK) was sent to the BPA and BAF CC'd to SIS regarding the engagement. They were Freelancers sporting the tag [tCS], I have no more information on their group identity. This lead me to the conclusion that we should soon draw up a bounty list ourselves for our agents and assets to use. Aside from obvious organizations we are at war with, there are individuals and now even an organization of mercenaries that have proven they are dangerous to the agency and should be designated for termination.
The only other issue to raise is that we should move to acquire some Mk 1 Cloaking Devices to provide to agents for patrol craft that still don't have access to the technology. When on patrol there are sensitive areas that we can't afford to be detected or compromised in, and making sure all of our ships are equipped for stealth will greatly decrease our odds of detection. I move that we create a fund asap to cover their provisioning.
[12.09.2018 17:53:51] [SIS]-Operative: ?: So, anyone seen any Gallic activity out here lately?
[12.09.2018 17:53:55] A/)-Purple: You suppose, or you know?
[12.09.2018 17:53:58] [SIS]-Operative: ?: Anything out of the ordinary?
[12.09.2018 17:54:10] A/)-Purple: Activity, not too much. Raiders raiding California.
[12.09.2018 17:55:21] [SIS]-Operative: ?: Has your organization engaged any Gallic tagets lately?
[12.09.2018 17:55:30] A/)-Purple: I believe the last time I personally saw a Gallic was a Battlecruiser in New London, blocking a gate.
[12.09.2018 17:55:34] A/)-Purple: And a Gunboat.
[12.09.2018 17:55:36] A/)-Purple: What - why?
[12.09.2018 17:56:46] [SIS]-Operative: ?: Lovely, incursions into New London seem to get more brazen
[12.09.2018 17:57:27] [SIS]-James.Skirka: Hardly surprising, all things considered. What are you Auxesians up too today anyhow?
[12.09.2018 17:57:32] [SIS]-Operative: ?: But really, we're just hoping to catch as many as we can, even just data on local ship movements always helps
[12.09.2018 17:57:48] A/)-Purple: i'm curious as to why you're asking if we've engaged it or not.
[12.09.2018 17:57:50] A/)-Purple: Ah, I see.
[12.09.2018 17:58:38] [SIS]-Operative: ?: Well, your ships frequent the areas now heavily effected by the Gallic presence
[12.09.2018 17:58:43] A/)-Yersenia.Pestis: Do we?
[12.09.2018 17:58:48] A/)-Purple: Cortez?
[12.09.2018 17:58:56] A/)-Purple: Funny that, we haven't really seen Gallics.
[12.09.2018 17:59:03] A/)-Purple: Not within the past three weeks.
[12.09.2018 17:59:24] [SIS]-Operative: ?: So we're hoping any local flyers might see anything out of the ordinary first
[12.09.2018 17:59:31] Sankyuu: They are probably sitting at that their hilarious shipyard in Edinburgh.
[12.09.2018 17:59:31] [SIS]-James.Skirka: Good to see our allies are watching our backs..
[12.09.2018 17:59:43] A/)-Purple: We did shoot that Battlecruiser and Gunboat in New London, you know.
[12.09.2018 17:59:50] A/)-Yersenia.Pestis: Perhaps they're preparing another siege which is inevitably going to fail due to their lack of competence
[12.09.2018 17:59:59] [SIS]-Operative: ?: Cortez, Magellan, California...more dangerous now than ever before unfortunately
[12.09.2018 18:00:13] A/)-Purple: If we see them, we'll shoot them - if we don't - we can't.
[12.09.2018 18:00:41] [SIS]-James.Skirka: We're not saying to venture into the Gallic heartlands.
[12.09.2018 18:00:57] Sankyuu: Look, another one of these.
[12.09.2018 18:01:06] [SIS]-James.Skirka: But the taus....I mean..you must have been up there once or twice.
[12.09.2018 18:01:10] A/)-Purple: Not really.
[12.09.2018 18:01:16] A/)-Purple: No reason to go up there.
[12.09.2018 18:01:20] [SIS]-Operative: ?: Excellent to hear. Sometimes we're not sure if they Gaul are being taken out, or if they are getting past our scouts
[12.09.2018 18:01:48] [SIS]Zackery:Statham: odd, I recall seeing you lot in Tau-44 just a few weeks back.
[12.09.2018 18:01:54] A/)-Purple: *I* was not present.
[12.09.2018 18:02:14] [SIS]-James.Skirka: When we refer to 'you', we mean as a collective.
[12.09.2018 18:02:20] [SIS]-James.Skirka: Auxesia..in general.
[12.09.2018 18:02:24] [SIS]-James.Skirka: Not you personally.
[12.09.2018 18:02:27] A/)-Purple: Well, I didn't hear about it.
(They then described some skirmishes with Gaian forces recently as well. Apparently the Gaians have attacked them recently over the Auxesian's role assisting against one of their bases in a siege recently. When discussing the Gaians and Gallia, the Auxesians mentioned the Core has started dealing with Gallia)
[12.09.2018 18:18:16] A/)-Purple: The Core has been trading and exchanging with Gallia too, you know.
[12.09.2018 18:18:50] [SIS]-James.Skirka: No, no I was not aware.
[12.09.2018 18:19:13] [SIS]-Operative: ?: *sighs* we'd sure take evidence of that as well. That would be worth a little reward I'm sure
[12.09.2018 18:19:36] [SIS]-Operative: ?: Cuz that isn't what we like to hear
[12.09.2018 18:19:46] 2018-09-12 21:19:47 SMT
[12.09.2018 18:19:46] A/)-Purple: I'm sure you can pester our command about it.
[12.09.2018 18:20:13] [SIS]-Operative: ?: if they send us actual good proof the core is cutting deals like that i'd pay a little bit for a tidbit
[12.09.2018 18:20:13] [SIS]-James.Skirka: We'll be sure to do more than just that.
[12.09.2018 18:21:05] [SIS]-Operative: ?: But its gotta be pretty solid intel of course
[12.09.2018 18:21:10] A/)-Purple: If you're really interested in it, go inquire.
[12.09.2018 18:21:23] [SIS]-James.Skirka: We will. Don't worry about that
[12.09.2018 18:21:49] [SIS]-Operative: ?: Indeed, that sounds good to me
[12.09.2018 18:22:23] A/)-Purple: Whatever floats your boat.
[12.09.2018 18:22:27] [SIS]-James.Skirka: I'd also like to know why Auxesia didn't tell about it sooner.
[12.09.2018 18:22:41] A/)-Purple: I wouldn't know.
[12.09.2018 18:24:01] [SIS]-James.Skirka: Well, we best be getting on.
[12.09.2018 18:24:04] [SIS]-Operative: ?: Paperwork sucks, we know all too well in the service
[12.09.2018 18:24:06] A/)-Yersenia.Pestis: I suppose so.
Standing by,
Agent Hudson Her Majesty's Secret Intelligence Service, Bretonia
[To]: SIS Defence Intelligence Staff
[From]: Jonas Hudson, SIS
[Subject]: Intel Report
[Encryption]: High
Professor Alfred Steiner of Cambridge alerted the agency about a pressing issue a few weeks ago, and I was directed to make contact over long range. He was vague but I decided to travel to his location in my AT, and tried to meet up with him at Freeport 11. I was intercepted by Nomads that seemed to be blockading the station as I approached and was forced to go to ground. Eventually I was able to follow up with the Professor and he provided me some rather interesting data regarding some interactions with vessels that frequent Bretonia. They were mainly regarding Battlegroup Auxesia vessels, appearing to demonstrate 'pro Nomad' sentiment. Logs and scans were uploaded by the Professor, who managed to witness some in space communication of that nature. I have linked the source.
I'm unaware of the Professor's security clearance, do you want me to get him to help us analyze this data?
Location: Planet Cambridge
Sender: Agent J. Skirka To: SIS Control
In the interests of further exploring diplomatic options with individuals and groups scattered around sirius, I have ventured from Omega-49 to the far reaches of Omicron Delta. During this time, I encountered two particularly interesting conversations.
The first one being with the Coalition science division (or at least that is what I am lead to believe). Their conversation yielded very little by way of intelligence, but they have expressed a keen interest to the outcome of the current diplomatic discussions going on in Omega-49. They have also expressed a willingness to interact with the University of Cambridge in future. We ought to keep an eye on these developments.
The second encounter was with an individual known as 'Nyctophilia'. She is a strange case that we should most certainly keep a close eye on. She expressed a willingness to be employed by us as an asset, although I am unsure if it will lead anywhere in particular. The Logs and Images can be provided upon request.
[To]: SIS Defence Intelligence Staff CC: BAF DIS
[From]: Jonas Hudson, SIS
[Subject]: Intel Report
[Encryption]: High
As per request, at the behest of James Skirka I made contact with an operative by the name or callsign of 'Nyctophilia'. I successfully recruited them as an intel asset. However in all further communication regarding this asset they prefer to be referred to by the callsign 'Nathalie Crouse'. I have attached a copy of our correspondence and they relayed to me, after a slight delay, records of some Auxesian interatctions showing they are in some cases trying to maintain neutrality with Nomads. This intel was ordered weeks ago and I believe we should 'shelf' it pending more urgent needs in New London. We may need to enlist as much of Battlegroup Auxesia now more than ever. I will continue to make observations.
In regards to the advances into New London, I have begun to prepare all of the assets under my responsibility to contribute to BAF defenses. At this time I must reiterate a report I made several months ago regarding emergency measures to augment the New London defense. I again recommend we try to implement these measures ASAP to counter any imminent offensive.
1. NEMP dispersal: All agency NEMP's should be equipped on appropriate craft, and made ready to deploy on short notice. These craft should then be dispersed to critical points along the defensive line, so the weapons will be distributed along the front, and increase our ability to get one to a critical battle zone ASAP.
2. Special Strike Teams: Assemble and deploy a small special operations force to specialize in increased attacks on enemy supply lines. Agents, mercenaries and privateers would qualify to be used for this. This force may be able to be used to attack enemy infrastructure behind the lines, perhaps via NEMP attack. In conjunction with this, we should now focus more attacks on (now fixed) Gallic controlled trade lanes in the Leeds system.
3. Defensive Bases: Deployment of 1 or multiple single core modular base installations along the front, within the contested zone. With the proper use and placement of single core modular bases, we can reinforce now weakened zones in New London, Manchester, Dublin, and even Leeds. These bases could be deployed to hidden locations, and equipped with shields, and multiple weapons platforms. Rather than attempt to establish long term, permanent bases, we should consider the option to deploy several smaller scale facilities, that require less time and resources. This plan would require the cooperation of the BAF and the Merchant Navy, but if we were to lay the ground work and perform the administration and intel gathering, a coordinated effort could allow for the deployment of 2-3 bases per month. These bases could then not only extend the range of our capital vessels once more, but provide a focal point for the Royal Navy on our terms. Assuming they would be secret as long as possible, if discovered, a chance to defend such a base is a chance to inflict damage on the enemy. Additionally, in the event of a catastrophic loss of leadership, government collapse or an attempt at surrender, secret facilities should be established as fallback positions for long term resistance.
4. Intelligence Operated Cruiser Force: In conjunction with options 2 and 3, the launching of several of our own SIS operated (classified) Crecy Class battlecruisers should be considered. Such vessels operating strictly under SIS authority could serve as excellent long range command ships for strike teams, and provide a 'secret' defense force to augment New London's defense, and to be deployed to defend potential 'secret' bases, until the BAF could take over. Having our own vessels will also establish a force less likely to be compromised by espionage.
5. Superweapons: We should continue to stockpile NEMP's as much as possible. These weapons are critical for defense from large scale fleet attacks. Pilots should be assigned as NEMP bombers, and trained to specialize in weapon deployment. Development of larger scale conventional weapons should also be elevated in priority. Also, development of any other large scale weapons of mass destruction (WMD's) now ought to be considered as a primary deterrent from any further Gallic advances or plans for long term occupation.
************
*TOP SECRET*
************
In the short term, I believe we can achieve the distribution of our NEMP's among our agents, the commissioning of several Crecy class Destroyers commanded by any agents capable, and the assembly of a bomber strike force, in particular to deliver NEMP's to defend New London (NEMP Bomber force). With the director's permission, I am prepared to get to work on this right away.
Standing by,
Agent Hudson Her Majesty's Secret Intelligence Service, Bretonia
Location: Planet Cambridge
Sender: Agent J. Skirka To: SIS Control
A patrol was conducted yesterday in order to explore the situation regarding Newcastle, Myself, Agent Statham, Junior Agent Clyde and secondary fleet officer Remes made off to explore the known routes into the Newcastle system to check to see if they were still open.
Junior Agent Cyde and myself took the Dublin-Edinburgh-Tau 31 route to Newcastle and concluded that all Jump Hole connections were working correctly and have not moved.
Officer Remes and Agent Statham followed the Dublin-Leeds route and concluded the same.
Both parties arrived at Scarborough shipyard and proceeded to move towards the Manchester Jump hole to finish our sweep. Upon passing Belfast production facility, we were all very alarmed to discover the Battleship Embrun sitting outside of it, while the station itself was surrounded by the Battleship's respective battle-group with Belfast under Galllic Royal Intelligence control. Given the size of the station is it possible that they are using this base as a type of Headquarters, although this is unconfirmed.
We arrived at the Manchester-Newcastle Jump hole and found that the connection was still stable and un-moved like the others. As such, there are ways in which we can supply Newcastle, although they have a high chance of death to those who use those connections. I recommend contacting independent smugglers and/or the Gaians to explore the possibility of supplying Newcastle.
[To]: SIS Defence Intelligence Staff
[From]: Jonas Hudson, SIS
[Subject]: Broadcasting from New London
[Encryption]: High
Hudson Reporting:
The last week has been extremely active since the beginning of the Gallic offensive. I have been flying mostly in New London near the planet, or up by the wreck of former Southampton Shipyard. Many changes throughout the frontline areas have been observed. I have been present at a number of engagements in New London and Leeds.
Morale seemed low at first, but the fact New London has not instantly folded has given many manning the defenses a strong determination to hold out. I've tried to provide scouting information to the fleet wherever possible.
I also touched base with a foreign operating cell of the Maquis. They have been integral to the defense of New London since they arrived, and we should consider sending them aid and assistance in any way possible. They, among others, have joined up with an impromtu flotilla of Outcast, Crayterian, Council, and Liberty Navy vessels that have come to make war on the Gallic fleet here. Luckily, many have flocked in large numbers to the area to keep the enemy at bay.
On top of the repeated waves of GRN fighters, and Royal Navy capital vessels drawing our forces into battles high above New London, the Gauls launched several counter attacks to a joint BAF/LN operation to reinforce the system with a large group of siege cruisers. I believe the majority of those ships made it to New London intact. For the immediate future it seems all we can do is try to inflict as much damage on the enemy as possible in hopes of breaking their momentum.
SECRET INTELLIGENCE SERVICE - KINGDOM OF BRETONIA - SEMPER OCCULTUS
From:Agent Mountbatten, SIS
Location:SIS Building, Vauxhall, New London
To:SIS Intelligence Database
Subject:Under a Yellow Sun
Today I took the Party Van to the Zurich system to follow up on reports of a direct connection between Gallia and Rheinland. I can now confirm that the information is accurate. Aside from the star itself, the system contains a number of points of interest. The Gauls have built some infrastructure and two space stations in the western half of the system. Gallic Naval patrols are sparse and tend to consist of single fighters. I destroyed two of the more distant patrols and captured their pilots for later questioning. I found no signs of modular stations anywhere in the system.
Natural features Glarus Cloud
The jump hole from the Cologne System deposited me at this location. The cloud appears unremarkable, and is located well away from Gallic infrastructures. I encountered no patrols in this area. I wouldn't count on it, but it's possible that the Gauls haven't discovered the jump hole yet.
Valais Cloud
This large cloud is located in the eastern half of the system. Like the Glarus cloud, it appears unremarkable.
Planet Avers
This ringed gas giant is orbited by two moons, Cresta and Ramsen. There is no Gallic presence here, and the three bodies appear to be of no more than scientific interest.
Bern Field
This is more properly an asteroid belt than a field. It is located in a close orbit around the system's primary.
Vaud Cloud
I was unable to get any readings on the composition of this nebula due to it's unusually high sensor scattering qualities. From within the cloud, I was unable to get any reliable information on anything outside my own hull. If we can ever get a scientific team here, something in this cloud could be exploitable for improving stealth technology.
Manmade Structures Zurich-Picardy Jump Gate
This jump gate appears to be of the standard Gallic design rather than a hypergate. No Ageira-made standard gate has that kind of range, though, so differences in Gallic gate design would appear to be more than cosmetic. Either that, or Ageira is holding back information about the true capabilities of Jump Gate technology.
Oerlikon Stellar Observatory
This appears to be a purely scientific station under EFL administration, employing about 1500 personnel. Located near by was a powerful orbital telescope. The Gauls are likely as interested in this system's unique qualities as we are.
Unknown Station
During my exploration of the Vaud Cloud, I stumbled across a large station complex of some kind. In fact, I nearly crashed into the station before I saw it. Due to the nebula's sensor scattering effect, I was unable to get anything other a visual scan. I wasn't even able to get a name from the station's IFF beacon, nor who controls it. Internal scans likewise came up blank. I know I was spotted by the station's crew, as they opened fire on me. I'm not sure how efficient their sensors are compared to my own. It's possible they learned as little about me as I did about them. I would not assume that to be the case, however.