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Colonial Governmental HQ
Dolha Station
Dolha III
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Fleet Operations Section						3197.191
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OPERATION CRANBERRY

We have just received a signal from the Colonial Station at 116AL (GR 651116).  On stardate 3197.178 (13 days ago) they detected unidentified ships moving in-system - apparently seeking the HSD transmitter.  It is estimated that their search will take some time, and the fleet would normally be despatched to sort out the problem or drive away the 'bandits'.
The bogies have not approached the inner planets, but have concentrated their activities close to the M25 limit.

116AL Station has also reported that the hostiles are manoevering at levels of up to 7g, and given the recent hostile contact at M'Drid are concerned that this might be the precursor to some sort of attack from these unknown enemies.

A task group (TG-A) is being sent, comprising the starships Agamemnon (Flag), Tiger, Bagdad and Beijing.  
A second task group is being readied, based around the ESS Washington for further operations, should the need arise.
The Captain of the Agamemnon is designated task group commander.

It will take 8 days to reach the Dolha M25 limit, 26 days HS transit, and 10 days normal space transit to 116AL Station.  
ETA in 116AL system 34 days (SD 3197.225)
ETA at 116AL Station 44 days (SD 3197.235)

116AL Station has its own Company Guards, and fixed cannon and missile defences (mainly to discourage pirates).  It also has a few armed shuttles, again for policing duties.  It has no warships  with which to seek out the bogies.

The HS Transmitter station has a few guards and some anti-ship defences, but insufficient to fend off a determined attack.  Since its emissions are few, and it is small, it is very hard to find if you don't know where to look.

Additional Mission Information might become available during the transit.






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Task Group A - OP CRANBERRY 
The Plan
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Fleet to action stations on exit from hyperspace (this is SOP).  
Exit velocity is to be matched to the transmission station, and earliest possible RV with the transmitter.  From there, the task group will seek to draw the bogies into contact, and engage if necessary.
Exception is the ESS Beijing, which is to exit HS at standard velocity and carry on to 116AL Station in the normal way.
Pacifiers to be launched and held near the station, ready for action.

This is a gamble, because by placing the fleet at the M25 limit, it increases transit time to 116AL Station to approx 20 days rather than 10.  If the bogies have gone for 
the Colonial Station instead, then they might give the Beijing a hard time before the group can assist. It is Capt Rackham's view that they are seeking to capture or disable the HS Transmission station, and has taken this as the priority.


Orders to Lt Col Killgore, 130th Marine Regiment
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Secure the Transmission Station against hostile boarding.
Maintain normal security on the Agamemnon

Any questions or suggestions?
A copy of your detailed plan will be appreciated in due course.


						Capt Jack Rackham