[color=#FF6600]Until further notice, all BAF vessels spotted with in Magellan or deeper within Liberty will be kill on sight. We have given you time and time again to explain your actions against us, rather than the usual weak excuse of "acting in defense of Liberty" when we have no gripes with you. Our battle is with Liberty, not Bretonia. Your blatant assault on Legion assets yesterday was no mere patrol or defensive measure. You have become a threat. Threats deserve greater attention than annoyances.
[color=#FF6600]Failure to explain your actions upon our forces and agree to a cease fire can and will result in an open declaration of war within the next twenty four hours, something we are sure you do not need from a second front. The strain on Bretonia is no secret to the rest of Sirius. Do not bite off more than you can chew. We will be waiting.
**********
**INCOM** ID: Sir Jack Fraser, Duke of Norfolk
HMS-DAGOBAZ
**********
High Commander,
Come again? What happened? I have no reports, zero, none at all, about what occurred yesterday.
If I am to investigate this, I am going to need more information. And I will be questioning my men as well.
I am aware that there was an altercation, the size, scope, and reasons for it are clouded at this time.
It may be that we have a couple of our juniors on both sides who have spun a miscommunication into a shooting match.
We are both reasonable men, you and I. You know how these situations can mushroom. And I urge no hasty action on either of our parts until we both dissect the information at hand.
Cooler tempers serve justice, that is a Hacker axiom, wise words from your forebears.
Her Majesty's Most Diligent Interdiction Wing
Bretonian Armed Forces.
**ENDCOM**
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**INCOM** ID: Sir Jack Fraser, Duke of Norfolk
HMS-DAGOBAZ
**********
High Commander,
I have scattered reports from two officers who joined the battle later in and are unaware of the start. However they confirm that there were Bretonian vessels firing on one of your battleships, that was negotiating a Parley... a time honoured tradition that I myself consider a traditional naval right...
I need to speak to the Officer on duty that night, to learn more. However, I can assure you of an impartial inquest into the matter where you and yours can state their grievances. There will, of course, be the right of defense by our officer. But I assure you that the truth of the matter will be brought forward and addressed fairly.
Fair for both sides in this.
You know me, and you know I will be fair in this matter, I ask you for the time to do this properly.
Her Majesty's Most Diligent Interdiction Wing
Bretonian Armed Forces.
**ENDCOM**
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[font=Fixedsys]This is Grand Admiral Locklear speaking. I'll personally be taking charge of the incident, since you've seen fit to do so yourself.
[color=#FF6600]Considering the sheer amount of manpower that went into the assault, I find it highly unlikely that the BAF Admirality lacks any proof of the engagement, especially when your own warships are involved. I believe the evidence speaks for itself.
As far as recruits go, unless you're putting your ensigns in charge of Dunkirks, namely the HMS Sherwood Forest, I don't think it was a simple rookie mistake from your side, certainly not from ours as the Libertine was under the command of none other than the Lord Commander himself, while I was flying escort in a Sabre.
And as wise an axiom it may be, perhaps your education systems could use some reform as well. The Hackers were no forebearers to the Legion. Just a shoulder to lean on until we could rebuild our fleet and reinforce our numbers.
**** Establishing Communication Network ****
*** Connecting ... ***
** Link engaged **
* incoming Transmission*
Encryption: high
Hail, Ladies and Gentlemen.
At first, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Captain Finlay O'Dukes, I have been entrusted with the investigation in this matter, and will act as the neutral part in this case.
Since all our aim should be, to avoid a war between our armies, the matter needs to be handled with extreme caution. Be assured, that I will try my best to find out what happened, and why the fight begun at all.
All Officers involved in this case will be questioned, not regarding their rank or actual position in this topic. A war needs to be avoided at all costs. So, after having finished the investigation, the Admiralty will get my report. Until then, i would request patience of all sides, for not turning a quiet conflict into an open war.
With best regards,
Captain Finlay O'Dukes
Bretonian Armed Forces
* End of Transmission *
** Disconnecting **
*** Disengaging Comm Link ***
Incoming Transmission
Comm ID: Commodore Dame Evyn Hunter
Origin: HMS Craven's Nest
Recipient: Grand Admiral Locklear
Apologies for the delay Admiral. The Armed Forces convened a court martial to investigate the situation and find who was to blame for the events the unfolded.
The following were the findings of Admiral Sir Frasier, Admiral Aleski, myself, and Captain O'Dukes;
Quote:The four accused personnel are guilty of the following charges;
Captain Piett;
Did not attempt to find out what was going on in this situation, as is his responsibility as a Captain.
Did not advise Commander Charles on the diplomatic stance we held towards the Hellfire Legion, nor keep his actions in check in regards to that diplomatic stance.
As ranking officer, Captain Piett is responsible for all violations committed by those under his command, those being Lt. Commander Charles and Commander Evyn.
Commander Evyn and Lieutenant Commander Feya;
Commanding a Dunkirk-class warship that, as a Commander and Lt. Commander, they do not the authority or rank to control.
Taking a Dunkirk-class warship outside of Bretonian sovereignty without approval from the Admiralty Board.
Lieutenant Commander Charles;
Ordering an attack on a foreign entity without checking our diplomatic stance with them (neutral).
Ordering an attack on a foreign and neutral entity who was not making any hostile actions, nor breaking any laws.
Ordering a Dunkirk-class warship outside of Bretonian sovereignty without permission from the admiralty.
All Three;
Failure to report this incident to the Intelligence Staff.
As punishments for the above charges;
Captain Piett;
12 Tazor Flogs
A reduction in your salary for the next four months.
Must organize and lead a minimum of three training sessions for lower ranking officers
Must give an apology to the Hellfire Legion
Commander Evyn and Lieutenant Commander Feya;
12 Tazor Flogs
The Sherwood Forest will be put under the command of a Captain.
Haircut
Lieutenant Commander Charles;
12 Tazor Flogs
Demotion to Lieutenant. You will be considered for promotion back to Lieutenant Commander three weeks from now
An apology to the Hellfire Legion
Memorization of Bretonia's diplomatic stance with all nearby organizations
I hope this satisfies your requests Admiral. Admiral Sir Frasier will handle the rest of the diplomatic talks with you, if more are required.
To the Hellfire Legion High Command, this is Captain Piett.
The battle in Magellan, that happened before some days, was a critical mistake, made by our patrol squadron. That is why, as the highest ranked member presenting in this situation, I am taking full responsibility for all violations committed by those under my command: Lt. Commander Charles, Commander Evyn and myself. Our wish was not to create another unnecessary war or to ruin the good name of our Sovereign, Bretonia, by creating such diplomatic problems.
Because of my mistakes and incapacity to prevent what happened, I hereby give you my apology and assurance, that such a thing, wont happen again, under my command.
I hope you will accept my apology and that our good relations will keep the neutrality we had before that battle.
*salutes* Captain Piett, signing off.
[font=Fixedsys]Locklea[color=#FF9900]r here. While the Legion finds these terms acceptable for now, you must understand that we are little better off with resources for our own war as you are with yours. I've talked with the rest of our High Command and it has been unanimously agreed upon that Bretonia should provide compensation of some kind for our downed warship.
To this end the Legion is requesting one of the following;
4000 tons of ship hull panels, delivered to a Legion transport at Freeport IV.
OR
10,000,000 SC to pay for the damage inflicted on the Libertine.
Additionally to boost morale, we also require at least one photo of Commander Evyn with her hair removed.
We hope these terms will be acceptable, and that relations between the Bretonian Armed Forces and Hellfire Legion will improve in the future.
Greetings to Grand Admiral Locklear and the Hellfire Legion High Command.
I am Wilhelm Deneth Aleski, member of the Armed Forces Admiralty Board, bearing the rank of Admiral. As Sir Frasier is currently tending to business forcing him to be away from his post, I have taken the liberty to respond to your request.
I am satisfied with the terms of compensation you have laid forward. Funds to the order of 10 million (10,000,000) Sirian Credits have been unlocked from Her Majesty's Treasury and is ready to transfer. Give me an account name and consider the deed done.
We will also forward to you a picture of Commander Evyn stripped of fur, if that is really something you desire.
With this unfortunate episode now behind us, it is my sincere hope that both our organizations can carry on their merry ways in mutual civility, respect and non-aggression.
Respectfully, Admiral Wilhelm D. Aleski,
Force Commander, BAF 11th Fleet (Special Research Group), Newcastle space.