OPERATION BLACKBERRY

Page 7

The Battles of Wood's Asteroid

3198.212 Contact report from Tuskan Station of incoming deceleration burns from the M25, estimated 4 or 5 class 500 merchant or military vessels of destroyer size.

3198.212 Major Sainsbury requests support from Tuskan Star Guard. Entire Star Guard of four ships despatched under Admiral Mainwaring. TSG Incisor, TSG Canine (Flag), TSG Molar, TSG Premolar.

Admiral Mainwaring showing his crew how he used to operate the comms console on the old ESS Monrovia
The Starguard arrive 3198.219. Hostiles arrive 3198.220 and engage immediately. It transpires that the enemy consist of four armed merchants or equivalent class to the Tuskan Star Guard ships, and suspected of being the Venerian Colony Rok's Star Guard. A fifth ship was located, but then lost temporarily during th confusion of battle.
After a short, violent engagement, TSG Molar was destroyed, TSG Premolar and TSG Incisor severly damaged and broke off, TSG Canine was damaged and broke off, out of control. The enemy had two ships badly damaged, and broke off (heading for the M25). Of the remaining two enemy fighting ships, one went in pursuit of SS Bravo-18 and SS Bravo-19, who made a break for it. One enemy ship (thought to the the RSG Exterminate) remained near Wood's Asteroid.

It was at this point, that it became clear that there was another, fifth, ship that visited one end of the asteroid, then burnt for the M25.

130th Marine patrols conducting Operation Treetop reported a large number of marines occupying the far end of the asteroid, in Crater Group M19. Initial estimates indicate a full regiment of marines, and all the indications are that it is a regiment of Venerian Regulars. There is also evidence of a supply dump and other equipment indicating that they may be able to sustain operations for several days.

To: All Personnel at Wood's Asteroid

From: Major Peter "Deja Vu" Howland, Garrison Commander Wood's Asteroid

Date: 3198.220

1. For the duration of the current emergency, until further notice,MARTIAL LAW is hereby imposed on Wood's Asteroid, and in its vicinity. All personnel including the crews of the SS Sutton Hoo and SS Bravo 20, without exception, are required to comply with all lawful orders issued to them by the Detachment from the ESS Agamemnon.

2. If there is any doubt as to the correct meaning of an order it may be referred to the Officer of The Watch.

3. Anyone failing to comply with a lawful order may be subject to Court Martial or Summary Military Justice, under Earther Marine Corps Regulations and Earther Naval Regulations.

4. The imposition of Martial Law is regrettable, but I am sure all at Wood's Asteroid will acknowledge the necessity in the face of the current threat.

LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR

To: All Officers, Captain Trimble, Professor Peabody, Shimai Hideyoshi, Captain of SS Bravo 20

Copy: 1AF, ESS Jaguar, EN CO Tuskan Station

From: Major Peter "Rat Catcher" Howland, TUSK FORCE Commander

Date: 3198.220

OPERATION BLACKBERRY

WARNING ORDER

INTRODUCTORY COMMENT

The aim of Op Blackberry is now to defeat the attack on Wood's Asteroid. This document is a general outline of the tactics I will adopt. Orders will issued for specific mission's as required.

GLOSSARY OF NICKNAMES:-

WACS = Wood's Asteroid (Major) Crevice Site
ROME = Archeologist's camp
CARTHAGE = Marine camp
PEACEFUL BASE = Alien Complex, of 17 ZONES
SYRACUSE = Surface entrance to PEACEFUL BASE cable duct
RATS = Enemy Marines
RATS NEST = Enemy base camp on Wood's Asteroid
SCUMBAG = Enemy starship at Wood's Asteroid
SCUM = Crew of enemy starship
TUSK FORCE = The Earther personnel and ships at Wood's Asteroid (i.e. Friendly Forces and Attachments listed below).

AREA OF OPERATIONS: Wood's Asteroid and near space.

SITUATION: RATS have established a RATS NEST on Wood's Asteroid. They are supported by a SCUMBAG.

Enemy Forces: 1 Marine Regiment. 1 armed merchant starship.
Friendly Forces: Detachment from ESS Agamemnon
Attachments: Professor Peabody's archeological team SS Sutton Hoo, SS Bravo 20.

MISSION: To defend WACS and Earther forces from attacks by RATS and SCUMBAG.

EXECUTION: General Outline:

Op TREETOP (see Major Sainsbury's Orders 3198.192) will continue. Op CITADEL is the defence of PEACEFUL BASE.

Op LONG SHOT is a possible, pre-emptive strike at the Enemy.

ADMINISTRATION: tba

COMMAND:

OC TUSK FORCE = Major Peter "More Sodding Orders to Write" Howland

2ic TUSK FORCE = Major Tim Sainsbury ic Ships = Lt Cdr Wilma Ecchs

To: Lt Cdr Ecchs, All Officers 130 EMR, Professor Peabody, Shimai Hideyoshi

From: Major Peter "Who Dares Wins" Howland, TUSK FORCE Commander

Date: 3198.220

JOLLY SECRET

OP LONG SHOT

FREETEXT TRANSMISSION - MOST URGENT

The Enemy have the advantage of space superiority in that they have the SCUMBAG. I wish to reverse this situation by capturing the SCUMBAG. If that were to occur, then TUSK FORCE would have space superiority, and the RATS would be placed in a seriously disadvantaged position, at best forcing them to surrender.

I envisage ordering Group Alpha to undertake OP LONG SHOT. They would be transported to the SCUMBAG by the 2 cargo shuttles, with a prize crew to operate the ship.

I now require your comments and suggestions on how we are to achieve the capture of the SCUMBAG. In particular, how are we to entice the SCUMBAG within range of the shuttles, while ensuring that the Marine Detachment is not fully engaged with the RATS?

Three possible ruses have occurred to me:

(a) The SS Bravo 20 or the SS Sutton Hoo move to orbit Wood's Asteroid and attract the SCUMBAG to attempt their capture. Group Alpha in the shuttles would then launch OP LONG SHOT from our ship. The danger is that the SCUMBAG will just fire on our ship, or place a detachment of the RATS on board as their own boarding party.

(b) The shuttles are apparently sent in pursuit of the deserters from SS Bravo 20. They demonstrate in sight of the SCUMBAG such that it moves to fire on them, where upon the shuttles close to board. I understand from Lt Holland that the deserters left the SS Bravo 20 some 30 minutes ago. It will take them at least 69 minutes to cover the 10 km distance to the RATSNEST moving non-tactically in armour with a mobility pack.

(c) The shuttles remain in wait for the SCUMBAG at WACS, in the expectation that it will place itself in range before the RATS fully engage TUSK FORCE on the surface.

My preferred solution is option (b) as it appears most likely to achieve the aim. In which case OP LONG SHOT must commence NOW.

WARNING ORDER:

Group Alpha is to muster at the shuttles, with supercharges and any other stores required, NOW.

Lt Cdr Ecchs is to muster as prize crew from the SS Sutton Hoo and SS Bravo 20 suitable to operate the SCUMBAG at the shuttles, NOW.

Message Ends.

CLEARANCE: JOLLY SECRET

FORMAT: EMC CODED & ENCRYPTED

DATE: 3198.220

SUBJECT: AFTER ACTION REPORT: OPERATION LONG SHOT

TO: Major Howland, CO Task Force BLACKBERRY

CC: Captain J Rackham, ESS Agamemnon

FROM: Acting Major T. Sainsbury, OC Operation LONG SHOT, aboard Shuttle, Elektra, approaching Wood's Asteroid Crevice Site.

Reference: OPORDER 130/5/3198: OPERATION LONG SHOT

CONTENTS:
EXTRACT
NARRATIVE
CASUALTIES
ROBOTS DISABLED
AMMUNITION STATE
130MR TACTICS USED
ENEMY TACTICS USED
ENEMY TYPES ENCOUNTERED
CONCLUSIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS

1. EXTRACT

In the Name of the Emperor!

I have the honour to report that my command has captured Venerian Star Ship 'EXTERMINATE' (codename SCUMBAG) and captured or killed all her crew.

My command was the following elements of 130th Marine Regiment: Able Group (Lance-Mjr Cornelius; Lt Holland A1, Lt Parrell A2, Lt Kemp A3); Squad Bravo 5; (Lt Nelson) and an ad hoc Naval party led by Lt-Cdr Ecchs. Vessels of Imperial Flotilla: SS Bravo-20; SS Sutton Hoo; Shuttles Elektra (multicannon) and Foxtrot. During combat SCUMBAG's Control Room was destroyed. Neither SCUMBAG nor Bravo-20 is now operational nor has any functional heavy weaponry. Six marines and one Naval Officer were killed.

Command of the disabled SCUMBAG and Bravo-20 has been passsed to Captain Chan of Bravo-20. I am returning to WACS forthwith to receive further orders. Lt Parrell and A2 has been tasked with guarding of 27 prisoners during our return. Lance-Major Cornelius is tasked with ensuring the wounded receive appropriate treatment, and preparing APGW for further combat.

2. NARRATIVE

2.1 Earlier today (3198.220) I was ordered to implement Operation LONG SHOT, the objective of which was to capture the enemy vessel in orbit around Wood's Asteroid. The vessel was identified as an armed Class 5000 Merchantman. It was given codename SCUMBAG.

2.2 Having equipped the Imperial Cargo Vessel ' SS Bravo-20' with HELL turrets, Lt-Cdr Ecchs led our flotilla towards the enemy at high speed. SS Sutton Hoo (science vessel) stood off while combat took place. Bravo-20 was able to knock out SCUMBAG's weaponry and completed the combat with a high-energy non-standard docking manoeuvre. The boarding party on two pax-40 shuttles was then able to close.

2.3 The boarding party, made up of Able Group and a prize crew of Navy personnel, were able to gain access via the Main Airlock. The vessel was without gravity and in vacuum. The attack was intended to be by SPEARHEAD methods, and squads A1 and A3 were rapidly engaged in heavy combat at the vessel's Vertical Companionways. Squad A3 and part of HQ (A0) joined this battle within the first minute. It was during this fierce combat that most casualties were sustained, including all the dead marines, mostly by effective grenade use by defending combat crew, who had a well-organised firetrap in place.

2.4 Meanwhile, the SS Bravo-20 had come under attack from enemy marines, who used charges to destroy her HELL turrets. Lt-Cdr Ecchs led a sortie of Squad B5 against the half-squad of enemy marines, who were knocked out. Lt-Cdr Ecchs was killed during this combat.

2.5 Imperial Marines reached the Control Room, but it proved impossible to force an enemy surrender without destroying the enemy forces inside the Control Room using grenades, and hence disabling SCUMBAG. This became urgent when a second half-squad of enemy marines were on the point of attacking the Prize Crew, mustered near Main Air Lock. SCUMBAG then surrendered.

2.6 I have ordered an immediate evacuation of all personnel, wounded and prisoners, of SCUMBAG and Bravo-20 by shuttle craft, and a return to WACS (Main Base on Woods Asteroid) in the expectation of an attack by remaining enemy elements.

2.7 This After Action Report should be read in conjunction with A.A.R.s by junior officers present, and other relevant orders, bulletins and intelligence reports (list available under OPERATION BLACKBERRY).

3. CASUALTIES AND PRISONERS

3.1 The Marine dead were: A1: Sgt Davies, Cpl Trinder, Marine Zou. A2: Sgt With Fish. A3: Cpl Cushey, Marine Fraser.

3.2. Navy dead: Lt-Cdr Ecchs.

3.3 Other Marine casualties:

A1: Marine Askey, JAS (just a scratch) + 2 suitkills, no injury.
A2: Marine Ostendorf: Medium Severity Wound.
A3: Lt Kemp: JAS, Marine Menzies, Medium Severity Wound. +1 suitkill, no injury.

3.4 . The enemy forces were as follows: Marine squad (1 killed, 8 prisoners inc. Lt.) Combat Crew (3 killed, 9 prisoners) and Control Crew (7 killed, 10 prisoners). Therefore I am returning to WACS with 27 enemy prisoners; I do not at this stage have to hand their medical status but I am told they are all likely to survive.

3.5. The Venerian Ship's Captain is among the dead. The prisoners include several ship's officers , and a Lieutenant of Marines.

4. ROBOTS DISABLED

A1: both robots destroyed.
A2: one robot destroyed.
A3: one robot destroyed, one robot immobilised.

5. AMMUNITION STATE

5.1 Initial Ammunition Stock Grenades - 1 pallet (24 rounds) Demo Charges - 1 pallet (12 rounds) APGW - 2 pallets (20 rounds) Supercharges - 4

5.2 Ammunition Used in Combat, Grenades - 27, Demo Charges - 15, APGW - 29

5.3 Remaining Ammunition Stock

Grenades - minus 3 (i.e. three fewer than full issue of four per marine), Demo Charges - minus 3, APGW - minus 9 (i.e. 31 missiles in four launchers), Supercharges - 4

6. 130MR TACTICS USED

6.1 Initial Deployment and Intention

Speed was of the essence and the fastest possible method was chosen; SPEARHEAD tactics direct to the known location of the Control Room via open doors and companionways. The Standard Operating Procedure for dealing with firetraps and ambushes is to follow the MUGME acronym (Muster, Grenade, Move, Engage) ensuring squads deploy full firepower to smash through firetraps and clear a way for follow-up squads.

6.2 Actual Tactics Used

Losses in the C-way fights were worse than ideally so because squads were part-deployed, at least at first, (half-squads at a time) and this did not bring their full firepower to bear. Also, as both c-ways were utilised, the enemy firetrap was fully engaged, raising our casualties. There were further problems caused when marines moved on towards the Control Room, leaving firetraps uncleared which then caused more incoming to be received by follow-up squads. The appearance of an enemy half-squad of marines on the outside hull, with the expectation that this would entail a second enemy half-squad in all probability, increased the urgency of the fight and led to the regrettable necessity of grenading the Control Room, despite the Mission Order NOGREN (Control Rooms).

7. ENEMY TACTICS USED

The Venerians fought with great skill and tenacity, and made few errors. They anticipated our attack plan very well, and the firetraps of combat crew on Control Deck caused us severe problems. Their use of a Marine Squad as a mobile reserve was well executed, leading to the destruction of our HELL batteries. There could also have been heavy casualties and destruction in our 'rear area' if the ship's surviving officers had not surrendered, on realising the Control Room crew were hit, at the exact moment that the Venerian marines were about to attack.

8. ENEMY TYPES ENCOUNTERED

The ship's complement appeared to be a standard mix of crew and combat crew, with a few combat robots and stiffened by a squad of regular Starship Marines. The numbers were not unusually high, but handled well presented a demanding fight for the boarding party.

9. CONCLUSIONS

9.1 This mission was only partially successful, given the relatively high casualties and the failure to capture the Control Room intact. Much excellent conduct was observed, and in essence, the outcome is acceptable.

9.2 It is extremely important that boarding parties using SPEARHEAD tactics concentrate forces and move as squads, following up along cleared routes.

9.3 The disruptive effects of enemy counter-attacks, especially by marines, can be very high. At least one marine squad should, ideally, be kept in reserve to guard the rear.

10. RECOMMENDATIONS

10.1 Recommended Decorations for Superlative Conduct

10.1.1 Marine D. Gordon. Marine A. Wallman. (Squad A3). Having lost contact with their Lieutenant, and rapidly afterwards with their Sergeant, both Marines displayed a phlegmatic level-headedness under fire which brings them great credit. Their determination to succeed was undiminished by the damage to their Squad's Chain of Command and the regrettably heavy casualties in A3.

10.1.2 Marine Penelope Zou (Squad A1). (POSTHUMOUS)

A recent joiner on her first op with the 130th, Marine Zou nevertheless behaved with great coolness and valour. Her squad was at the base of a vertical companionway and received grenade fire from at least three directions. Marine Zou placed herself so as to receive the full force of at least two grenades, thereby providing some shelter for her comrades. This act of heroic self-sacrifice resulted in her death.

10.1.3 Lieutenant-Commander Ecchs (Logs Group). (POSTHUMOUS).

Having successfully engaged the enemy vessel in a HELL/multicanon duel, during which her own craft Bravo-20 suffered heavy damage, Lt-Cdr Ecchs rammed the enemy so as to ensure its disablement. During the boarding action, Ecchs was told Bravo-20's HELLs had gone off-line. Showing complete disregard for her own safety, Ecchs led a party of Marines (Squad Bravo-5) and a technical officer to investigate on the external surface of Bravo-20.

She was heard to comment 'I won't ask them to do what I won't do myself'.

When the party came under fire, Ecchs personally led the attack against the enemy, alongside the Marine Lieutenant. Caught in the blast of an enemy grenade, she was killed; the only Navy casualty of the entire action. Her actions were in the highest traditions of valour and self-sacrifice, and the Navy has lost an officer of great promise.

10.2 Disciplinary Recommendation

I, Major T. Sainsbury, officer commanding Operation 'Long Shot', vitiated an order by my Commanding Officer : 'To Capture SCUMBAG'. I did this by changing Rules of Engagement and authorising the use of radiation grenades in the Control Room of SCUMBAG. My reason was that I considered excessive casualties would result from not doing so. I recommend that Major Howland consider if any disciplinary action must be taken against me.

10.3 Use of Technology

If SPACEFOAM had been available to this Mission, it would have been very useful. By blocking avenues of fire, or even closing off c-ways completely, it could have allowed ops to proceed with fewer casualties and the Control Room to be captured more quickly, probably intact.

10.4 Tactical Lessons to be promulgated:

10.4.1 SPEARHEAD tactics, if to be used, require all marines to understand the need for speed, concentration of force, and the selection of a single 'best' route to avoid firetraps, as far as possible. Remember MUGME acronym applies to movement between deck as much as turning corners.

10.4.2 Use SPACEFOAM to reduce casualties from firetraps during SPEARHEAD attacks.

Acting Major Tim Sainsbury

Officer Commanding, Operation LONG SHOT

REFERENCE LINK - DETAILED MAP OF WOOD'S ASTEROID

To: 1AF, ESS Agamemnon, ESS Jaguar, EN CO Tuskan Station

From: Major Peter "insufferably smug grin" Howland, TUSKAN FORCE Commander

OPERATION BLACKBERRY -o0o- AFTER ACTION REPORTS

1. EXTRACT

The Marine Detachment from the ESS Agamemnon and attachments, under my command, have engaged the Venerian Task Force in two Combat Operations.

The Earther Detachment has been completely victorious in both Operations LONGSHOT and CITADEL. The Venerian invasion force, of one Starship and a reinforced regiment of Marines, has all been captured. The Force under my command is operational and securely occupies the Wood's Asteroid Crevice Site.

2. NARRATIVE

2.1 The ESS Agamemnon left Wood's Asteroid 3198.185. The garrison consisted of Group A (30 EM), Group B (31 EM), Squad C9 (8 EM) 130 EMR, Logistics Squad (12 EN), NavInt (1 EN), Medic (1 EN); full complement of robots; 2 cargo shuttles, 1 with multi-cannon.

2.2 Following the naval engagement of 3198.220, the Venerians landed at Crater M-19 of Wood's Asteroid. Their force was reported as one Marine Regiment, one cargo shuttle, and the RSG Exterminate in orbit. At that time the SS Sutton Hoo and SS Bravo 20 were in Crater 47. I immediately determined to attempt the capture of the RSG Exterminate. If successful, this would place the enemy, who would then be confined to the surface, in an untenable situation. However the attack was delayed by the discovery that 8 members of the crew of the SS Bravo 20 were AWOL, and the necessary investigation. This elicited that the SS Bravo 20 was armed with two HELL, and that the 8 crew were DSF.

2.3 OPERATION LONGSHOT

Group A (30 EM), Squad B5 (8 EM), Snr Naval Officer (1 EN), Shuttle Pilots (2 EN), Prize Crew (8 from Sutton Hoo) were embarked with the two shuttles on SS Bravo 20 (crew of 4 remaining). Acting Major T Sainsbury EMC commanded OPERATION LONGSHOT and the Marine assault, Lt Cdr W Ecchs EN commanded the vessels.

The exchange of Hell fire between SS Bravo 20 and RSG Exterminate was inconclusive, and was terminated when the two ships collided and became entangled. A rapid, uncompromising Marine assault ensued, resulting in the capture of the RSG Exterminate and its crew, but leaving both ships non operational. The Marines returned to WACS with the prisoners when they had been secured. 38 Enemy were engaged (9 Marines, 12 Combat Crew, 17 Crew), all were killed or captured.

2.4 D.S.F. RAID

Just before OPERATION LONGSHOT commenced I received a report of many explosions in Crater M-19, where the Venerian camp was. After OP LONGSHOT I received an apparently garbled and incomplete report, viz:- "Enemy marine regiment is without supporting weapons, i.e. grenades, supercharges and supplies. Nuke has been secured. We try to establish enemy approach route. You are free to relate these facts to marine forces. In the interest of Op ATLANTIS under no circumstances give our position or strength. Don not reply. We will contact ASAP. Cheers GHOST force"

2.5 OPERATION CITADEL

Reports from SS Bravo 20 indicated that the Enemy Marines were moving directly towards WACS. I determined to allow the Enemy to enter PEACEFUL BASE, to draw them into a well prepared fire trap and destroy their ability to attack. The Enemy were confined to a single entry to the fire trap in Zone 2, where 1 Marine Group and 2 Squads were eliminated before I chose to block the entry and reorganize. The Enemy then broke through a blocked passage leading to Zone 4, where the Marine Detachment brought them to bay. The Enemy had in addition taken considerable losses to Supercharges used as mines, and Hit and Run attacks on the surface by the DSF and Marine Squad A1. They had been reduced to a strength of less than 2 Groups, and surrendered when convinced that the ESS Jaguar had entered the Tuskan M25.

3. CASUALTIES

CLASSIFIED

4. 130 EMR TACTICS USED

4.1 OPERATION LONGSHOT

Group A used the LockHead Tactic: The Main Airlock was captured, and then two Squads made parallel thrusts via the deck access shafts towards the Main Control Room.

4.2 OPERATION CITADEL

A Crustal Defence was adopted, with 7 Marine Squads and the 2 Group HQs concentrated in the Fire Trap. The Enemy were allowed entry to the Fire Trap in Zone 2 via Zone 12. The tunnel from Zone 12 to Zone 4 was blocked with Space Foam. The tunnel from Zone 12 to the Fire Trap in Zone 2 was fitted with a charge to block it on command. Supercharges were used as command detonated mines: 6 were placed in debris in Zone 7, 2 clusters of 4 each were placed in Zones 2 and 12 covering the tunnel to the Fire Trap, and a 3rd cluster of 4 was placed in Zone 4 after the foam barrier. A further 2 Supercharges were positioned to open the 2 blind tunnels leading to ROME, but these were not used. Wire Pods were used in the Fire Trap and as a final barrier behind the foam and mines in Zone 4. In addition 1 Marine Squad was located on the surface, in WACS, to report the deployment of the Enemy, to fire Supercharges as mines, and to harass the Enemy rear. The weakest Squad guarded the SYRACUSE entrance.

5. ENEMY TACTICS USED

5.1 OPERATION LONGSHOT

The Enemy adopted a Last Ditch Defence, with fire traps on the Control Room deck. They sent a half Squad of Marines to disable the Hells on SS Bravo 20.

5.2 OPERATION CITADEL

The Enemy launched an all out, frontal attack on the Fire Trap. They subsequently bypassed this by breaking through the foam blockage in the tunnel leading to Zone 4.

6. CONCLUSIONS

6.1 The Venerians made a hasty and improvised, yet determined, assault on Wood's Asteroid, with the resources available at Rok. Their Task Force consisted of 4 armed merchant starships, the Rok Star Guard, a merchant starship as troop transport, the Lohengrin Marine Regiment of 4 Groups, 1 Group of Rok Colonial Militia.

6.2 The capture of the RSG Exterminate combined with the loss of much of their supplies, forced the Venerians into mounting a hasty attack on PEACEFUL BASE. Their aim was to capture our supplies to replace their losses.

6.3 The defensive tactic of arranging the strongest possible Fire Trap, with Wire Pods and Supercharges as command detonated mines, was capable of achieving a Hit Ratio of 3 or 4 to 1 over the attacker. Wire Pods and defensive mines were proved to be highly effective.

6.4 The two axis LockHead assault on the RSG Exterminate provided a quick victory, but took more losses than were necessary. The failure to prevent the Enemy disabling the Hells on SS Bravo 20, and then mortally wounding Lt Cdr Ecchs were unfortunate errors.

6.5 The failure of the DSF to advise the Marine Detachment of their presence, and then to provide timely and accurate intelligence of the Enemy, was most unfortunate.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 When attacking, multiple axes of advance force the defender to split their force. But the attacker should probe all axes and exploit the line of least resistance.

7.2 When defending, a single axis of advance leading to the strongest possible Fire Trap is most effective. Wire Pods, defensive mines and Space Foam should be issued to defending units.

7.3 That DSF units should make their presence known to Friendly Forces to prevent them making unnecessary, and wasted activities as occurred before OP LONGSHOT. The DSF should provide intelligence to Imperial Marine forces so as to enable them to mount operations in the most effective way possible.

8. PERSONNEL COMMENDATION

The following named personnel are commended for their actions in the defence of Wood's Asteroid:-

Corporal H Cushey EMC For leadership and drive, OP LONGSHOT, after C/Sgt Gunn was disabled.

Lt Cdr W Ecchs EN For enthusiastic dedication to duty, without regard for her own safety.

C/Sergeant B Gunn EMC For leadership and drive, OP LONGSHOT, after Lt Kemp was disabled.

Lt A Holland EMC For aggression tempered by discretion while <self serving? moi?> detached on OP CITADEL.

Lt J Kemp EMC For leadership and drive, OP LONGSHOT, and for the rapid, ruthless interrogation of prisoners on the same operation after suffering a suit kill.

9. PERSONNEL CENSURE

Lt Cdr S Mackenzie EN This officer of Imperial Intelligence, has not provided timely and valuable information. Without exception her briefings have been vague and trivial, and lack any conviction. In consequence this officer is not suitable for duty on combat operations.

Major Howland

JOLLY SECRET

OPORDER 130/5/220; OPERATION LONG SHOT

Bulletin to all Officers; full After Action Report to follow.

1. SCUMBAG (Venerian Ship 'Exterminate') CAPTURED.

2. In a fierce HELL/multicannon duel, Lt-Cdr Ecchs disabled the SCUMBAG and facilitated our boarding. Bravo-20 was severely damaged during the fight and by subsequent enemy action. Neither vessel is operational nor has any functional heavy weaponry. Capt. Trimble of SS Sutton Hoo has deserted with her vessel.

3. During a hard-fought and destructive boarding action, Able Group sustained six Marines killed in action and two badly wounded. The Marine dead were: A1: Sgt Davies, Cpl Trinder, Marine Zou. A2: Sgt With Fish. A3: Cpl Cushey, Marine Fraser.

4. While leading a counter-attack on the hull of the enemy vessel, Lt-Cdr Ecchs was killed.

5. The enemy forces were as follows: Marine squad (1 killed, 8 prisoners) Combat Crew (3 killed, 9 prisoners) and Control Crew (7 killed, 10 prisoners)

6. The Venerian Captain is among the dead and our prisoners profess surprise at being in combat with Imperial Forces, claiming to be on 'anti-pirate' duties.

7. I will act in accordance with pre-arranged plan. More to follow.

Acting Major Sainsbury

To: Detachment 130 EMR

From: Major Peter "really very big grin" Howland, OC

OP BLACKBERRY

Marines!

Well Done!

In the highest traditions of the Earther Marine Corps we have today completed the Total Defeat of the Venerian attack on Wood's Asteroid. It is a Victory that only Battle Hardened Marines such as the 130th Earther Marine Regiment could have achieved, and you gave me every confidence that We Would Win.

In OP LONGSHOT you captured the RSG Exterminate and killed or captured its crew of 38, including a Squad from the Lohengrin Marine Regiment.

In OP CITADEL you defeated an all out attack by 3 Groups of the Lohengrin Regiment and a Group of Rok Colonial Militia, killing or capturing 138 Marines.

OP BLACKBERRY is a security classified operation, and our victory will not be publicized. But we know, the Marine Corps will know, and the Imperium will know. We can take pride in our victory, but we must always remember our 11 fallen comrades. We can return to the Aggie with the satisfaction that we fulfilled Our Mission.

LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR

To: Logistic Squad ESS Agamemnon, CPO Richardson, Lt Cdr Mackenzie,

Professor Peabody and staff, Shimai Hideyoshi's mining team, SS Bravo 20, SS Sutton Hoo

Copy: Detachment 130 EMR

From: Major Peter "mega grin" Howland, TUSK FORCE Commander

OPERATION BLACKBERRY

Ladies, Gentlemen,

IN THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR.

OPERATIONS LONGSHOT and CITADEL have been completely successful:

Together we have totally eliminated the Venerian threat to the Wood's Asteroid Crevice Site. I wish to express my thanks, and the thanks of the Detachment of the 130th Marine Regiment, for your unstinting support in these operations.

We must all remember the Ultimate Sacrifice made by Lt Cdr Ecchs and the 11 Marines who fell in these two engagements.

The Forces under my command will now Stand Down, but Martial Law will remain in force until further notice.

To: 1AF, ESS Agamemnon, ESS Jaguar, EN CO Tuskan Station,

SS Sutton Hoo, SS Bravo 20

From: Major Peter "big grin" Howland, TUSK FORCE Commander

SITREP

All Enemy forces on Wood's Asteroid have surrendered to the Detachment

of 130 EMR under my command.

There is now no immediate threat to Wood's Asteroid.

Detailed reports to follow.

To: EN CO Tuskan Station

Copy: ESS Jaguar

From: Major Peter "very big grin" Howland, TUSK FORCE Commander

MEDICAL & LIFE SUPPORT SUPPLIES

There are at first count 130 Venerian prisoners in custody on Wood's Asteroid, of which more than 30 are seriously wounded. There are also 9 seriously wounded EMC casualties.

I request the immediate despatch of personnel and supplies to treat the wounded and secure the prisoners.

To: Captain Trimble SS Sutton Hoo

Copy: ESS Jaguar, EN CO Tuskan Station, Captain Chan SS Bravo 20

From: Major Peter "really big grin" Howland

The SS Sutton Hoo is required to return to Wood's Asteroid with all despatch.

Captain Trimble, you will report your position and movements to Captain Rouge of the ESS Jaguar, Tuskan Station, the SS Bravo 20 and myself.

The forces under my command on Wood's Asteroid require your medical and life support assistance.

OPERATION BLACKBERRY IS OFFICIALLY COMPLETE

The Venerian forces have been decisively defeated. Their government has officially denied and distanced themselves from the action in the Tuskan system, describing the venerians involved as "..forces led by criminal renegade officers, acting in a piratical and illegal way...".

The Earth authorities have not acceded to the Venerian request that the prisoners be returned to the Venerian colony Rok for '...trial and the severest punishment..', on the grounds that the crimes were committed in Earth Empire space, and hence would be dealt with under Earther law. Neither side has made any of the details of this incident public in any way.

The prisoners were all shipped off by Naval Intelligence to The Ideal knows where.

A naval intelligence chartered merchant ship visited the other end of the asteroid briefly, and nobody saw what happened. And even if they had seen, they would not have reported that a number of non-existant troops were not extracted from hidden positions near Crater Group M-19.

The Jaguar has arrived, and marines from C Group, 57th EMR, its marine force, have been helping relieve the 130th Marines on guarding duties.

In the weeks that follow, additional merchant ships arrive with extra marines, and equipment to make the site more secure, including fixed weapon pits and hardened shelters etc.

Over the next few months, Woods Asteroid will become one of the most heavily fortified places in human space.

Meanwhile, whatever happened to the ESS Agamemnon.........?

MISSION ENDS StarDate 3198.221

Congratulations from Jim9000 to the excellent role playing and tactical command decisions taken in this epic mission. It could have gone a number (much worse) of ways - but thanks to you, the guys in white hats won decisively. Well done.

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