[To]: LRF Databank
[From]: Jonas Hudson
[Subject]: Status Update/NEMP Targeting Update
[Encryption]: High
Operations Update:
We've been laying low the last little while. In that time I worked on getting another docking module installed on the Maidstone, and have made a few refugee runs to Manhattan, bringing back Marines to New London. They have only been sporatic shipments though.
We moved everything we brought in over the last few months into a mine shaft not far from the main BAF field HQ. Its been reactivated and refurbished for habitation, but remains a crude over head protection. I've been planning to start bringing in mining machinery to expand and reinforce, but it may have to stay on hold fo now, and we'll make do with what we have. Its still been enough to house and begin inserting our Envoys into the civilian sectors to distribute propaganda and form underground networks. The presense of the Battleship Guillestre in the East Smog cloud might hinder that plan for now.
I also upgraded the Stratocaster, and added some CODENAME weapons, and a cloak. I'll probably ditch the cloak on base during cargo ops, but until needed I plan to fly the colonies a bit and pass out some propaganda, and plan out our next moves.
Today I took the freighter up as far as Freeport 6 in the Tau-29 system. While there I ran into a weary BAF pilot from a unit he claimed was operating from a reactivated BAF battleship that had been lost in Tau-31 years ago, which was part of the old MacDuff battlegroup. Some kind I'm not familiar with. Says they were trapped in stasis for years, and he seemed rather out of the loop. He seemed like a good chap though. Must be quite an experience to get back to civilization only to find out how bad the war is going. But he seemed optimistic they'd get up and running and try to remain in the Taus for the forseeable future, and so we should offer our assistance to them if we come across them. -->GUNCAM
NEMP Target Acquired:
Later after returning to Leeds, I decided to 're-aquire' a fresh targeting of a strategic enemy position in Leeds, and switched from the Mooring Fixture to the Battleship Guillestre, adjacent to Planet Leeds, tucked into the East Leeds Smog Coud. The ship has now become the biggest threat in the system.
I performed an open flyby of the ship and its flanking cruisers, and successfully locked on at short range. I believe I can deploy the bomber at short notice as always, and fly in fast under stealth to deliver the payload for certain. My last trick will be getting back out in one piece. I'll wait to see if there's any shifts in enemy/allied fleet movements, but will likely launch a real attack soon if nothing changes.
[To]: LRF Databank
[From]: Jonas Hudson
[Subject]: Status Update
[Encryption]: High
Operations Update:
I stayed out of the action for a few weeks. I kept everything mostly uncrewed and powered down. Finally a break came and the opportunity for an NEMP bombing run came up. The strike hit the Mooring Fixture controlled by Gallia, and in the week after, ships ran repair materials to Stokes mining Station. We had the Repulse out once to interdict cargo, and I flew the freighter or bomber at other times. All during that time, the trade lanes from New London up through Tau-31 were active with BAF, and Cratyertians. The Crayter Republic launched a successful offensive there, called Ice Lance, and captured the former New Tours Watch Stationf for themselves, securing the trade lanes in the southern part of the system. Both moves seem to have made a dent in Gallic traffic, and Tau-31 leaves Gallia unexpectedly isolated in Bretonia. It seems there may be major battle brewing.
Since then I decided to reactivate everything and actively patrol Leeds again. I ran few shipments of small arms to the BAF base and our mine stockpile, just to make something off the run in. In return we brought out 6000 units of refugees in the last few days, which we shipped via the liner LRF|Maidstone down to New Sydney, formerly referred to as Gran Canaria. I hate to say it but Bretonia is lucky to have the extra space to share the load now.
I've enlisted the help of a new Freelancer Mercenary faction called The Sirius Syndicate. They are friendly to the allies and bring good quality fighters to the area, also looking to cash in on the turmoil. Fair enough for me. I've got them spotting targets, and hunting Gallic vessels behind the lines for me. With the action heating up since what happened in '31, I'm hoping they'll help augment the allied stance throughout what may finally be the final stand off in New London. I've given them safe harbor and any freighter captain who wishes to enlist them can get reimbursed for escort payments by claiming the expense here.
Even recently, they were ambushed by Royal Navy gunboats and some GRI as I arrived from base to deliver some medical supplies. I made a quick dump on the surface and tried to help them, but they got overwhelmed quickly. I grabbed their pods and just barely made it back to the dark side of Leeds and into the atmosphere intact, with a gaggle of angry Gauls tailing behind me, blasting for all it was worth.
Periodically, I transfer over to the Bullmastiff, and take my bridge crew with Bulldog, Cyclone, Jumpstart, Boltcutter, and Butterfly. Today we had it up into Tau-31 and came across a Daumann vessel bringing Molybendum Ore across the embargo zone towards Leeds. The captain claimed he was heading to Omega-3, and we couldn't escort them to make sure. So I damanded 3 million for a small pennance, since it was worth quite a bit to haul across Leeds, and that's if he wasn't headed to Leeds.
For now we're holding out on word about the battle ongoing in New London. We'll be watching the supply routes quite closly over the next few weeks to try and keep the enemy off balance as much as we can while the BAF and Libertonians duke it out in the open. With the quick route from Gallia cut in '31, there's sure to be a forced hand here somewhere very soon, and someone's lines are going break!
[To]: LRF Databank
[From]: Jonas Hudson
[Subject]: Status Update
[Encryption]: High
Status Report:
The Gallic Royal Navy has advanced on Allied positions in New London. Word is its getting pretty explosive over the planet now. Looks like the 'do or die' offensive that's been expected. Not only that, but they have moved up the Monmorency to Leeds orbit, which is now supported by a flotilla of Gallic Destroyers surrounding the planet. Nothing a few NEMP's can't handle, good thing I have some stockpiled still, so I'll keep the bomber on standby for a target run if they linger.
As such, I've pulled all my ships back to the smog outposts. Freighter runs and refugee evacuations can take a back seat until this offensive is over. I've radio'd orders to our people planetside to sit tight and stay underground. Seems to be all we can do lately. Trade through the system has dwindled over the increased military activity, so I plan to be on the move.
I stored the freighter for the time being, yanked my minified spyglass scanner off my scout fighter, and installed it on an old spatial I picked up earlier this year. I figure it will make a good temporary recon ship. I've barely flown it except for the odd courier run for propaganda. So, I transferred the gang over, rigged it up to broadcast a Freelancer IFF, and am taking the Starhawk over to New London to quietly observe and keep tabs on the battle happening there. I'll report back within a few days.
[To]: LRF Databank
[From]: Jonas Hudson
[Subject]: Status Update
[Encryption]: High
SUPPLEMENTAL: Just a few minutes after my last update I picked up an emergency broadcast [LINK] from the Admiralty regarding Leeds. Turns out intel points at the liklihood that Leeds is surrounded in preparation for a massive orbital bombardment! Civilian areas are in severe danger if so. In lieu of this, I'll keep the recon ship on standby, and move back to the Stratocaster until I hear word on if we'll have any transport ships to make last minute civilian evacuations to. Looks like I'll be busy here after all. And if the Gauls do bombard Leeds, I know our hide-out in the mine will likely hang tight, but the devastation to urban areas would be unprecedented. I always knew that Gallic King was mad! Either way, whatever happens, and whatever's left, we'll do what we can to carry on.
In the event the devastation is a total loss, all ships should take shelter at the smog outposts. If that happens, and our lines in New London falter, LRF vessels are ordered to go into hiding and preparations for final evacuation from the system will begin. For now, we must do what we can to help the civilians!
[To]: LRF Databank
[From]: Jonas Hudson
[Subject]: Status Update
[Encryption]: High
Just logging the evacuation of 1877 units of refugees yesterday. Captain Newport commanded his Bretonian Liner, and I gave escort in the Bactrian. This time we took them to Sprague. They can stay or find their own way from there. With the uncertainty in Leeds, people will take passage in any way, to almost anywhere at this point.
Things are indeed getting crazy now. I'll be sticking to the freighter doing runs when its safe. I've also brought out a few thousand units of refugees to the bases, we'll ship them out or get a 3rd party to swing by and pick them up. For the moment, they're happier crammed on the stations than on the ground. Its all we can do at this point. The fight is up to the BAF now, and they're are up to their eyeballs. The population on Leeds is rattled big time now, and things must be getting pretty tense on New London. We'll hold it together as long as we can. Newport if you're reading this, I'd say its best avoid staying on the surface for the time being mate!
Just wanted to note an improvised convoy that I formed in Leeds earlier today. With Karl.Ostermann (a Rheinlander Freelancer) providing puddle-jumping and a BIS operative named Victoria.Price providing overwatch, we managed to get two cargo holds full of refugees safely to Sprague and ensuing med stasis bands back down to the surface. We did run into an IMG vessel named Tidore that gave us some trouble in Dublin. He Karl and I pass with our medical supplies but stopped Price. Price gallantly sent us off to Leeds immediately without a second thought to cover our rear, and she barely limped away from the ensuing fight that did not go in her favor. All in all, a good day for the Resistance. Glad to see the New London situation finally providing some relief on Leeds as the battlelines slowly retreat!
The firing upon the planet has begun. I approached to make a run for refugees, but you could see the weapons fire from those evil beams from quite a ways off. A civilian Rheinlander was broadcasting about emergency evacuations. The MRG were standing by in observation. They seemed willing to restrain themselves for evacuating vessels. It looks like the BAF contingent pulled out, or their HQ has been incapacitated, so anyone can fly in now. But it looks pretty dangerous, and its got to be the most chaotic down there it's been. All those people about to be killed!
I deemed it too dangerous to risk a landing, so we doubled back to base. Newport if you're reading this, do what you want mate. If you want to risk it that's up to you, but who knows when the whole place could wind up scortched, so don't feel bad about hanging back. We've evacuated thousands over the last 5 months. Good job to you sir, the LRF owes you a great debt, and many from Leeds must owe you their lives by now! I haven't heard any news as to what's going on in New London, or done any scouting, but I'll be evacuating ships all day so I'll swing through for a recon soon to take a look at the situation.
Over the last 24 hours I ordered all of my non essential vessels out of the war zone. Everything between here and Edinburgh has been moved to either Los Angelas or Barrier Gate Station to remain stowed for the near future. Only a few pirate transports and freighters remain at the outposts. As of today, I'm halting refugee evacuations from the surface. We can get out the remaining refugees that are still on base, and I'll also begin the prelimininary evacuation of the bases, including their contingents of Marines and GRN/GRP pilot prisoners. I've also ordered the Repulse to move to Edinburgh and remain in hiding there for now. I'll be collecting the last of the valuable cargo from the bases and be preparing to evacuate the last of my ships and belongings for a final evacuation.
Afterwards I'll wait to see how bad the damage is, but likely will evacuate the last crews within days and dismantle the outposts. It's possible the Gauls may sweep the system after they no longer need to defend the planet. It seems unlikely the BAF and/or LN can come to Leeds in significant numbers for a while, even if the Gauls pulled back, so we'd best be gone by then. Newport you might want to evacuate your ships to a safe port after your last refugee runs! I hate to say it, but we may not have much to resist anymore after all this, so just stay afloat until all this passes! I'll worry about my next move after its over. I'll be at the outposts aboard the Stratocaster as long as I can, which will be my last ship out.
[To]: LRF Databank
[From]: Jonas Hudson
[Subject]: Status Update
[Encryption]: High
Evacuation of LRF assets complete/LRF dissolving
Its been a hectic few days. On the day the bombardment started, I lost a liner full of refugees, and recieved an automted signal from Newport indicating he probably didn't make it out of Leeds. With all of this combined I finally ordered the final evacuation of the last of our ships, cargo and personel from the outposts, and dismantled them myself with the crecy.
Destruction continues down on Leeds its seems, and there are some last minute evacuations occuring. Since its just me left I've been on the move, periodically observing in a scout ship. I'll soon be heading back to Barrier Gate to take command of the pirate transport. I've ordered the Repulse to stay hidden at a derelict in a system nearby until I return.
The destruction of Leeds proves we ultimately failed in Leeds, yet I believe we succeeded in achieving most of what we could under the circumstances. We did not win the war but we won some small battles, and I believe we helped deter the enemy greatly during our time of operation.
On that note, this may be one of my final entries. Since there's no one left here, soon to be no one left to evacuate, or supply, the LRF stands dissolved. Not to mention, I haven't been able to make contact with my people on the surface in the mine, so its likely they have been destroyed, or soon will be. Sadly, I have no way to get to them safely anymore, and will have to wait until the siege is over to try and do a flyby for scans, and that's if there's any point to it. With this weapon the Gauls have whipped out, I'm not sure how bad it might be, but after New London, I'm not expecting for there to be much left. I'll be laying low until all this is over. With them and Drake taken out, I'm left with only people to avenge from here on in. I may log the status of Leeds after the danger has lifted.
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