Good evening to you all. This is to report that, after a few long months, I have completed the test flights of the LHX7 Bomber and LHX9 Gunship prototypes. I have also included a short description regarding the ships themselves. I apologise this took so long.
Mission 49: Oversee development of LHX9 gunship - Phase 3
Introduction
Gunboats have traditionally been quick and deadly, often being used for a display of might in diplomatic disputes or supporting units in naval engagements. The interloper however, ignores these traditions, instead focusing on recon and stealth. I am the first to admit, piloting gunships is not my specialty, all the same I believe I can offer some insight into the craft.
Test logs
Day one: Much like the bomber, day 1 was spent getting a feel for the ship. It is oddly light for a gunship, not possessing a great deal of armour. This obviously means that under sustained fire, the hull will eventually give way. Far faster than any normal military grade craft would anyhow. That said, being lighter has its own benefits, it can outmaneuver ships of the same class and avoid fire from hostile vessels at a greater rate than other gunboats. It is also significantly faster, being able to outrun other gunboats should the need arise. It’s improved radar array proves to be essential here, as it will be able to detect hostile ships before it is detected itself. Day one was useful in getting used to the flight controls but little else of note happened.
Day two: Today was reserved for playing around with the flash new radar systems and electronic warfare suit. The lads down in engineering have outdone themselves, I want to make that clear now. As mentioned before, the radar system has been significantly improved, able to detect ships at an increased range from 12 K away to a maximum of 24K. The electronic warfare suite now allows for faster and more efficient hacking times over a greater area. In detail, both the radar and the EWS are interdependent, both tap into the Mactan network database of ships, the radar system will identify a ship while the EWS suite will search the network for any previous records of that ship, if a correlation is found then the EWS will initiate a hack based of the previously recorded information. In the meantime the radar system will feed information back to the EWS. If the ship is identified as unknown then the Radar system will record all information about the targeted ship in the gunship’s blackbox. It should be noted that the updating of the Mactan Network requires the Pilot to manually check and upload all information stored in the black box.
Day three: The final day was spent testing the gunship’s weapon systems. As mentioned, the gunship is built around stealth. It is not a front line combat ship, that does not mean it is incapable of defending itself. The ship is capable of mounting both anti fighter and anti gunboat weapons, the new power core does allow for great duration of fire, but the ship is limited by a lack of in built amour. This does put the ship at a disadvantage when dealing with other Gunboat classes, however in combat, it is ultimately the skill of the captain that decides the fate of battles.
Attachments
LHX9-G8S "Interloper" Lane Hacker Gunship
Much like the other vessels of the LHX series, the "Interloper" was created as an answer to an increased pressure from domestic fleets which made apparent the weaknesses and flaws of the previous design. A new solution was needed to increase the effectiveness of Hacker fleet and to expand its range of operations. The gunship was designed to provide both greater tactical reconnaissance and heavy combat support. The "Interloper" continues the Lane Hacker tradition of incorporating an advanced electronic warfare suite into it’s already powerful arsenal. With a revolutionary sensor array, this gunship has the ability to scan ships and other installations in a far greater detail and at a much greater range. While at cruising speed, the primary sensor array is extended, providing advanced features such as long range communication or improved tactical and threat assessments. Greater range and tracking features makes the ship ideal for "hit and run" style engagements and infiltration maneuvers, being able to bypass most scanners until it is ready to engage..
Mission 65: Locate extortion points of interest Vespucci Silver Mining Zone
Overview
After collapse of all Humboldt's jumpholes silver mining operations have been moved to a more dangerous Vespucci. Currently, the silver ore field there is almost exclusively exploited[guncam] by Deep Space Mining branch of the DSE. They seem to be also running a component base[guncam] near the field by the name Elysium. Recently I have been assigned to disrupt their operations as their increased activity in Vespucci caught an eye of the Professorship. I have conducted several extortion attempts[guncam] and performed preliminary system recon. Using data from our archives dated before the Hellfire Legion's betrayal I have prepared following navigational map of the system.
The entrance to the system from Magellan is guarded by old Hellfire Legion's dreadnought[guncam] of Outcast design. Another entrance leads from Kansas[guncam] and is relatively unguarded. The mining zone, Magellan and Kansas jumpholes form a triangle where majority of interceptable commercial traffic is seen. Other points of interest in the system are the Hellfire Legion controlled planet and exit jumphole to Inverness.
Threat Assessment
While being away from the core worlds of Liberty, it is no wonder that Deep Space Miners utilize heavy armored transports and bomber escorts for their mining operations. However, they are not the biggest threat in the area. According to our archives two Hellfire Legion's facilities are hidden in a close proximity to the commercial triangle. Any operation conducted within Vespucci should be completed as soon as possible and with extreme caution. An increased level of Hellfire Legion's patrols has been observed recently and it is obvious that DSE is working closely with them.
Proposed tactics
Due to significant resilience of the miners and very high probability of Hellfire Legion reinforcements the only viable tactics for extortion of mining operations within Vespucci is use of cloak-capable heavy bombers for a hit and run scenario. A heavy bomber either uncloaking within the mining field or swiftly cruising from Magellan jumphole should be capable of reaching miners at the site and perform extortion before reinforcements can arrive. The only alternative to high-risk raids within Vespucci are blockades of exit jumpholes in Magellan or Kansas jumphole in Texas. Deep Space Miners are mostly exporting silver ore and importing base supplies.
I'm reporting of a successful run of Slaves from Niverton Base, (Penn System) to Planet Malta (Omicron Alpha)
The selling of the Slaves: Noted here
And proof of Logistics Support: Noted here
I then proceeded to make the purchase of Cardmine for Airdrie's resupply: Noted here
I proceeded back to LH~ Territory and arrived at Airdrie HQ where I resupplied the base with much needed Cardmine Noted Here
Proof of Logistics Support: Noted here
Total Support sent to LH R&D: 7,041,026 SC
Notes/Personal Log:
This trip was a bit of a new one for me as I didn't travel alone, I did in this case travel with our allies in the Liberty Rogues. Where our 'convoy' per se, had a completely uneventful trip. Rather sad we didn't run into any trouble along the way.
Nether the less, bar minimal for myself on this trip as I more than likely should have taken a winged craft in stead of my own. My mentality was to LH in its entirety, which meant my own personal funds went into this trip. Next time: I plan on utilizing a much more heavily sized transport, that personal gain is worth the price of admission that I paid for during this trip.
As I previously mentioned, the fact I acquired a personal "DL" Border Worlds Transport has offered me a chance to get involved in smuggling operations. Therefore, I am informing you of completion of Mission 32: Distribute Counterfeit Software, Phase 3:
My first run was directed to Hessian space, a batch of counterfeit software delivered to Vogtland base. The run went smooth as the Navy was preoccupied with a trouble of unknown origin in Hudson system. I took a load of blood diamonds on my way back, safely delivered to Cold Bay depot. On my way back I ran into two Liberty Police Inc. officers, but due to their enormous stupidity, I managed to hide on Buffalo. My second run was directed to planet Malta and it went smooth as silk. A note; part of my profit has been donated to the fund.
Mission 63: Locate and investigate modular bases within and around Liberty
System: Kansas
Location: Approx 10k From Pennsylvania Jump Hole. (Reference: Approximately in the opposite direction of the Copper Storage Depot located in Kansas)
Blackfriar here.
I am informing you of completion of two active mission assignments. Details are included in the report.
Mission 27: Investigate Wilde activity in Bretonia and Kusari Phase 2: Investigate Aoi Iseijin activity in the Kusari-Liberty corridor.
During my investigation around rising Wilde activity in Liberty and its surroundings, I have came to multiple conclusions. Using the movement vectors obtained from the Spyglass scanner on vessels aligned with Aoi Iseijin and Liberty Police Inc. reports of their sightings in Liberty, I have calculated the approximate location of origin of their attacks. While they converge at a similar location - Kuryo asteroid field in Kepler, it is logical to assume that it must be a location of their forward base used for launching missions deeper into Liberty space.
Even though the size and specifications of this base is unknown, it is highly unlikable that Nomad sympathizers have managed to construct any larger infrastructure in Kepler, as trade lane logs on movements of large transports, information on significant amount of cargo disappearing in the area, or any kind of rumors surrounding it would emerge, raise suspicion and sabotage their efforts. My conclusion on this matter would be that this base must be a smaller, portable and secluded field base - a description that portrays a Liberty "Interdictor"-class Assault Battlecruiser that Wilde acquired from Liberty Security Force during their infiltration in the Liberty government.
I have scouted the perimeter of Cassini jump hole and a large part of asteroid field, but due to fact that Kuryo anomaly prevents any kind of long-range scans and visibility inside the field is extremely low, I did not manage to pinpoint the exact location of this installation. Nevertheless, I believe I have found the approximate location of this base and suggest exhaustive scouting of area detailed below and further investigation into the matter.
Addendum: My recent encounter with an individual who was carrying a Nomad technology and is allegedly connected to the cell of Nomad sympathizers has strengthen my conclusions even further. Sadly, my attempts to extract any valuable information out of this individual have proven fruitless.
Mission 44: Support the Logistics Phase 1: Complete one export and one import delivery.
As of my recent acquirement of Z-8550 "Pitbull" Pirate Train, I have used it to complete several deliveries throughout Sirius mainly due to fact that I will be able to upgrade my personal vessels with advanced equipment.
Today, I have completed the requirements of Mission 44; as described in Smuggling operations paragraph of the Manual, I completed an export route; slaves from Niverton base, Pennsylvania to Planet Malta, Omicron Alpha and import route; cardamine from Planet Malta, Omicron Alpha to Leiden base, Galileo.
I am writing to notify you of my completion of Mission 44: Support The Logistics, Phase 1: Complete one export and one import delivery.
The mission was completed in joint with Mr.Domingo. I was in command of the Cochrane Repossessor while Mr.Domingo was commanding the Mactan Repossessor. First a combined total of 7988 slaves were acquired from the Rogues at Niverton base in Pennsylvania then ferried to the Hessians aboard Freital base in the Omega-11 system were they were sold off and a substantial haul of Blood Diamonds were bought for the return trip to Niverton. During the return, trip resistance was not encountered. Upon our arrival, back at Niverton, the Blood Diamonds were sold to the Rouges for a handsome profit.
I shall forward the completition of Mission 44: Support the Logistics - Phase 1 as described in the Smuggling Operations paragraph of the Manual.
Earlier today, I launched the Mactan Repossessor and acquired a cargo of slaves from Niverton, which were promptly delivered to our Maltese friends and, in exchange, I've acquired a full cargo of top-quality Cardamine which was promptly delivered to Airdrie.
No noteworthy encounters during the route back and forth.
That would be all for now.
Salutations,
Maximillian Largo
Mission 27: Investigate Wilde activity in Bretonia and Kusari Phase Two: Investigate Aoi Iseijin activity in the Kusari-Liberty corridor.
Your loyal servant Adrian here,
Adrian would like to report a very strange Kempeitai[guncam] playing his game in Liberty. We have met him with an 5th officer[guncam] at the New York gate in Colorado. That Kusarian spook was arguing with the Navy officer over who should be allowed to kill me. Once I killed the 5th I escaped the Kusarian, who said he was on a special mission in Liberty to hunt Liberty Rogues and Lane Hackers. Later on I have sought him out with Mr Domingo Espada to learn more about his unusual appearance. During questioning I have learned enough to suspect he has was doing something like a loyalty test, most likely for a Kusarian cell of Wilde. Adrian's suspicions were confirmed when a new hostile[guncam] uncloaked at the scene. We have fought bravely and killed the presumably infested Kusarian traitor[guncam]. Unfortunately, Adrian made a mistake. He foolishly put faith in Mr Espada's skills and as a result we lost two ships.
P.S. I must say it is quite peculiar how Wilde are seeking out their followers.
Zugaikotsu: Perfect. That is what I need. You know, my boss wants me to hunt these people. So I see this as a perfect opportunity. What do you say, Hacker? Adrian Malprave: Oh my oh my... Zugaikotsu: Correct. The Hacker is mine. Adrian Malprave: Brave... Indeed. Very brave. Zugaikotsu: Naive... Little coward... Just surrender... God... Adrian Malprave: Bye bye. ...escaped out of combat in order to return later for further questioning... Zugaikotsu: Your ass is mine. Adrian Malprave: This is very impolite. Zugaikotsu: Politeness isn't my strong suit. Adrian Malprave: Nor intelligence, this we know already. And what you're really looking here for? Zugaikotsu: I will take it myself or you can hand it to me. Adrian Malprave: The question is: why does Kusari sends their spooks here to hunt criminals. It does not make any sense. Zugaikotsu: It doesn't have to. Adrian Malprave: Are you some kind of disgraced petty officer just looking for a death? Zugaikotsu: I'd be incapable then, I didn't die yet, can't say the same about many others. Adrian Malprave: This is your ego talking. With this attitude it is just a matter of time you meet someone better or too many. Zugaikotsu: Oh that is for sure. You're nothing but a key to me. Adrian Malprave: So it is nothing personal? Zugaikotsu: Nothing personal at all. Adrian Malprave: And I am a key to what? Zugaikotsu: That is none of your business. Adrian Malprave: None of my business? But you're here, in Liberty. This is my business. Zugaikotsu: And shooting you is mine. Adrian Malprave: You're very monotone. Zugaikotsu: Straightforward. Adrian Malprave: But since in your perception I am already dead... Zugaikotsu: Then surrender and I might have some mercy. Adrian Malprave: Maybe before you kill me you can shed some light on why do you need to kill us, Hackers. Zugaikotsu: I'd prefer you to decide whether it is life or death that you choose. Adrian Malprave: It might not be my choice. Zugaikotsu: Correct. Adrian Malprave: You know nobody of us got captured. Zugaikotsu: There is a first time for everything. Adrian Malprave: Even if I wanted... we have those fancy self-destruction mechanisms, Ageira TM. Zugaikotsu: Then why wouldn't I just enjoy popping you like a pimple? Adrian Malprave: Well, then since my fate is forfeit, why won't you just tell me why you're after us. Zugaikotsu: Business. Zugaikotsu: You can tell your Rogue friends I need two more of them to die. Adrian Malprave: So you have to... prove yourself? Zugaikotsu: Correct. Adrian Malprave: You said trophies. You want to join a secret circle of the Kempeitai and this is your initiation... Zugaikotsu: No. But maybe it is. Adrian Malprave: So you do not even know... Zugaikotsu: Who said I'd tell you the truth? Adrian Malprave: I wonder if the inner circle of the Kempeitai you want to prove yourself before likes to visit deep Omicrons. Zugaikotsu: You're asking many questions, Adrian. Adrian Malprave: Indeed. Indeed. And I would kindly like to ask you to respond to this question. Zugaikotsu: I don't owe you a response. Adrian Malprave: Of course you do not. Nonetheless, you decided to attack me when I was vulnerable with intention to claim a trophy. We are no friends of Kempeitai. Zugaikotsu: Correct. And I am no friend of you. Adrian Malprave: But as far as I know it we barely had any clashes in recent years with Kusari forces. Zugaikotsu: Sad for them. Adrian Malprave: This suggest you're not on an official business here. Domingo Espada: There's a cloaked ship nearby. Watch out Adrian. Zugaikotsu: Easy to spot. Adrian Malprave: Which brings us to a conclusion... Suiryuudan: Is there, really? Adrian Malprave: That there is... Something more to it. Domingo Espada: I think this Kusarian lead us into a trap. Adrian Malprave: And like I presumed this Kusarian is trying to join these... I always amaze myself with my intuition... Suiryuudan: It seems we meet again [color=Aquamarine]Zugaikotsu. Need a hand another time? Zugaikotsu: You're following me everywhere. Suiryuudan: What's up with those? Zugaikotsu: The Hacker called for some help. Knowing he'd suffer. Suiryuudan: Do you wish to start off then? Zugaikotsu: He's been making interesting suggestions. Suiryuudan: Really? What's so interesting? Zugaikotsu: He asked if there was an inner circle within the Kempeitai I'd join and proceeded to wonder about the circle operating in the Omicrons. He suggests that I am initiating for a Nomad trial. Suiryuudan: Why does a Lane Hacker like to know such? Zugaikotsu: Any child could tell. ...combat commences...
If you recall, there was a tournament hosted by the Kijima Clan for celebrating the new Blood Dragon Shogun roughly a fortnight ago. Mr. Malprave and I flew to Nagano to join and had our matches against Crayterians and Blood Dragons. While I was rising up the ladders, Mr. Malprave, unfortunately, lost in the quarter-finals. Although I dutifully avenged his loss by beating the new appointed Shogun in the finale thus winning the hundred-and-fifty-million credits prize. Nevertheless - the real reason we came to the tournament was to discuss some dealings with the Blood Dragons which Mr. Malprave has chewed over with them, but I was clueless because I left shortly after the tournament.
A week subsequent the tournament, a certain spokesperson of the Watanabe Clan contacted the Lane Hackers, specifically for Adrian Malprave. However, he was busy with other affairs and since I was the accompanying wingman of Adrian to the tournament I decided to take his matters into my own hands. I responded to the transmission and found out they need help to restore the Yamato - their flagship, and arranged a meeting with the emissary a week later.
The Professorship has granted me authorization to captain the Equivocator - our diplomatic Liner. I've met with the emissary outside of Freeport 10 and mingled a bit when another Blood Dragon arrived and warned us about a Naval Forces patrol ongoing. I thought there was rat among us considering the sudden coincidence that the Naval Forces would conduct a patrol parallel to our meeting, but momentarily after the patrol just went by and we proceeded swiftly to Mito Shipyards - a secret installation that is the source of all Blood Dragon warships. There we discussed about the Yamato and its issues and came to a conclusion.
The power systems need a comprehensive architectural overhaul to properly launch the ship into space without any hazardous dangers risking human life onboard. Sounds simple enough, but as I said the Yamato needs a thorough reconstruction of its power systems, meaning to build it entirely from scratch. Now I'm no expert scientist but I can assume it will take tens of thousands of Nanocapacitors and Nanotubes to build the hundreds-of-meters-long system. How and where we're going to get that amount of resources I don't know, but I have a hunch that we won't be able to purchase them ourselves - we'll need to contract some employees. Although that is not the only problem, we also need the blueprints of a Tokugawa-class Kusari Battleship to accurately plan and build the power systems.
There's a long road of work ahead, and it won't be easy. I just hope I don't get into unnecessary troubles in the process.
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