Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Darjeeling
To: Admiralty
From: Captain Elizabeth Hall, BAF
Gentlemen,
You may already be aware of the events that have transpired, but it is my duty to notify you nonetheless. The Coalition premier, Mehmed Selim, has been deposed. He is currently hiding aboard Freeport One. Foreign Secretary Frederic Stewart has authorized the use of any means necessary to bring Selim to Planet New London. I am taking the Fascinating with a marine detachment, two Clydesdales for troop landing purposes and an escort wing to Freeport One. I had rather not use force, but I suspect that Coalition assassins are already lurking aboard the Freeport. The premier will have to be brought aboard the Fascinating surrounded by armed marines, but due to the Zoner policy on weapons aboard the station, we might have to force our way through. Speaking with the Zoners about this first would most certainly imperil the premier, so I expect we will have to do a lot of apologizing later. I am going to tell the premier to barricade himself in his room until we arrive as soon as he responds to my call. Should you have any objections, please state them now, because the task force has already departed and the matter is urgent.
Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Darjeeling
To: Admiralty
From: Captain Elizabeth Hall, BAF
Bloodless success. The premier happened to have his ship aboard the Freeport, and he simply launched and docked with the Fascinating. He is now in our headquarters on New London, awaiting my audience. He has brought a certain Michel de Grasse with him, who called himself "former Director Chief of the Coalition's Directorate of the Externality" -- one of the last loyal servants, I suppose. Other personnel involved in this operation were Captain Pria Yberg, Commander Rick Holden, and the HMS Westminster which happened to be guarding the Cambridge Jumpgate in New London. There were no incidents and prying passerby eyes and ears were avoided. That is all.
Message Class: Audio-Visual
Encryption: Vodka Martini
From: Admiral John Redmond
Captain Hall,
Your swift action is to be commended. Fortunately there was no incident with the Zoners at Freeport 1, though rest assured if there had been, you have the full backing of the Admiralty for your actions. Our relations with the Zoners were secondary to securing the VIP from their installation.
We are in the middle of a sea change with our relations with the communists. Hall, I trust you know what must be done in Omega 49, initiate the necessary protocols. Search for the operation file `Red Winter` and there is a operational procedure to follow for this exact scenario.
Also, as our relations are going south, you are free to court the Core for their assistance in Omega 49, a measure thus-far avoided to decrease tensions. If you can think of any other body that can assist then you are free to pursue any avenue you deem appropriate. I will do what I can from Dublin and New London.
Regards,
Admiral John Redmond
Dreadnought Venerable, Essex Battlegroup
Bretonian Armed Forces
Encryption: Darjeeling
To: Admiral John Redmond, BAF
From: Captain Elizabeth Hall, BAF
Why, thank you, admiral! But Sir, in case the worst happens, don't you think the Ark Royal should have already arrived? We have nearly two million soldiers on the ground, but the Stirling is falling apart on her own, and in space we are weak. If she fails, I fear we might come under orbital bombardment. Do I await the Ark Royal, or dig bunkers? I'd really hate storing my dresses in damp underground bunkers, and leaving them above ground would expose them to enemy fire... not to mention all the lives that would be at risk.
Message Class: Audio-Visual
Encryption: Vodka Martini
From: Admiral John Redmond
Captain Hall,
As inconceivable as it may sound, I cannot predict when the Ark Royal will arrive.
Regardless of the state of the Stirling, and a state it is in, even should the rust bucket fall to pieces, the Ark Royal will surely arrive before any heavy assets of the opposing forces can bombard the surface. While it is dangerous to underestimate our foes, we are not dealing with the Gallic Royal Navy here, planetary bombardment on such a scale against resistance is not likely something that anyone south of Dublin can pull off.
When the Ark Royal arrives, any hostile forces will realize the true power of a house fleet, and will flee or be crushed under her power.
Regards,
Admiral John Redmond
Dreadnought Venerable, Essex Battlegroup
Bretonian Armed Forces
Encryption: Darjeeling
To: Admiral John Redmond, BAF
From: Captain Elizabeth Hall, BAF
Not good, Sir, not good. I've heard the government has sent an ultimatum to them. I'd wager there will be war, but the Ark Royal should have used the jump hole instead. I can't defend both Sydney-I mean, Exeter, why do they have to keep renaming planets all the time-I can't defend both Exeter and the construction site. I'd risk the fleet being defeated in detail. Not that it's terribly overpowering even when assembled... I can send the fleet to block the 52 jumphole, yes, that would surely give us an advantage, but it would also leave Exeter vulnerable to the Athos. I implore you, Sir, urge the DSE to finish the construction faster, or this may very well become an embarrassing debacle. Or, well, send the Ark Royal to the jumphole. I know I'm being demanding, Sir, but it's not your wardrobe that's about to be bombarded from space.