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Type |
Current numbers | What are they good for? |
|
| Active | Wounded | ||
| Military | lots |
some |
Fighting and basic manpower. |
| Communication Techs | 1 |
1 |
Repair of communication equipment. Operating commincation and detection equipment |
| Systems Audit | 1 |
0 |
Computer hacking and reprogramming |
| Heavy Weapons Tech | 1 |
0 |
Reapir of ship's weapons and turrets |
| Shuttle maint tech | 2 |
0 |
Repair shuttle damage |
| Janitors | 1 |
1 |
Repair basic structure damage. SOme knowledge of LSS. |
| LSS Techs | 0 |
1 |
Repair of life support systems. Repair to airlocks. |
| Power Tech | 1 |
1 |
Repair of power plants. Cabling. Some knowledge of advanced control systems. |
| Material Research Scientists | 2 |
2 |
Designing and supervising the construction of Resonance Field Damper |
| Material Research Technicians | 5 |
1 |
Construction of Resonance Field Dampers |
| Energy Research Scientists | 6 |
3 |
Design and supervising the construction o f the power and energy control interfaces for the Resonance Field Damper |
| Energy Research Technicians | 5 |
2 |
Construction o f the power and energy control interfaces for the Resonance Field Damper |
| Theoreticians | 4 |
1 |
No bloody use at all (except thinking about things). |
|
|
||
Current Date DAY 11
1. Assessment of damage and drawing up repair plan - 1 day. This will tell you exactly how many days and how many RMP (or other key components) are required.
2. Actual work - all times expressed in person-days. Non-specialists with some technical knowledge can be added to the working force, on a 1-to-1 ratio.
Times can be shortened pro-rata, but any job takes no less than HALF the original estimate
To Lt Col Killgore
From L/Major Cornelius
Copy All Officers 130 EMR
Date Universe B - Day 9
I have adopted and added to the codewords suggested by Lt. Holland and have incorporated much of his Squad report into my Group Report as it is highly valid and cogent.
KEY:
RAPTOR = SPOOK [local aliens] fighting species
MENTOR = SPOOK command species
SHELL = SPOOK large guided missile
IMPEL = SPOOK mind control
1. EXTRACT
The SPOOK shuttle and some associated equipment was captured in a rapid attack by Alpha Group and the prisoners from ESS VAN VELZEN [hospital ship] rescued. SPOOKS used two weapons not previously encountered. A large missile 'SHELL' approx. three times the power of an APGW round; and 'IMPEL' - a 'mind control' attack which caused four Marines to kill themselves by opening their suits to vacuum.
2. NARRATIVE see attached sketch map
2.1 I ordered grenades to be made safe as I had heard of the mind control attack during the attack on VAN VELZEN. My orders were to rescue the prisoners and capture live SPOOKS if possible.
2.2 Accurate autocannon fire by Ensign Cahill of shuttle 'Wildebeest' disabled the Spook Shuttle and Alpha 1 (Lt. Holland) went right, encountering approx. 6 raptors; Alpha 2 (Lt. Parrell) went left encountering similar numbers. Lt Mouat went attached to 2 with the Mission of ensuring prisoner recovery and capture of Spooks and Spook technology by supervising. The raptors attacked with biological means (fangs/claws) and were reasonably easy to deal with.
2.3 The IMPEL attacks began soon after and in the next minute four Marines of Alpha 1 died as they apparently were subjected to powerful auto-suggestion or directly controlled to kill themselves. Several other Marines were able to resist the attack; including Cpl. Campbell and Marine Payton of Alpha 2, and Lt. Mouat (supernumerary).
2.4. The SHELL attacks began very soon after the first IMPEL attack. SHELLS seem to be a large radiation-blast warhead carried by an unguided missile [I assume the latter because one struck a Marine on the head and detonated close to Spooks; presumably accidentally?] This weapon has a large damage radius (six units is my estimate) and at present we have no countermeasures. Each SHELL seems to be rather more dangerous than several rad grenades but exact measurements are awaited from analysis by the Armourer. Three SHELL attacks came in, two on the airlock area and one amid Alpha 2 (see map) but the last one may well have been an inadvertent interception. Probably there was one more SHELL detonation (see 2.6)
2.5. Alpha 2 discovered a cache of wounded prisoners and human body parts, and a couple of medical robots. Presumably the Spooks were intending to learn about us from these. Alpha 3 (Lt. Kemp) was sent right to take over in attack from Alpha 1, which by this point was down to two Marines standing. I kept Alpha 0 in reserve at the shuttle doors and sent two combat robots to support Alpha 2. These robots saved Lt. Mouat by grasping his arms when he suffered an IMPEL attack.
2.6. The 'grey' aliens were wearing space suits and armed with an energy pistol. They were easy targets and did not pose a major threat. When the Spook 'Control Room' was on the point of being captured, a detonation took place which was probably a 'suicide' SHELL fired at close range. A live human prisoner was rescued here; seemingly being interrogated.
2.7. The confusion and quantity of biological material from SPOOKS and humans was considerable but see below for intact enemy dead and equipment:
The spook shuttle is not operational and its systems appear to be damaged, though I have no idea what they looked like when intact. Check with rescued prisoner? Mixed in to a large amount of wreckage, 9 MENTOR and 8 RAPTOR corpses.
In the wreckage are some intact alien weapons, though how they areoperated, and their exact construction are unknown.
2 small personal weapons, similar to SCA
4 bigger personal weapons, similar to SCA.
1 large container-like weapon with two slightly damaged missile-like ammunition items; I believe this to be the SHELL weapon.
3. CASUALTIES
ALPHA ONE -4 Marines were IMPELLED to open their armour and died: Cpl Mass, L/Cpl Fletcher, Marines Ray and Stoddard. 1 Marine was knocked out by a SHELL: Lt Holland. 1 Marine was knocked out by a RAPTOR: Marine Smith.
ALPHA TWO -Lt Parrell got a scratch. Sergeant Yepez received a minor wound.
ALPHA THREE - Marine Govokhova was hit and was scratched.
4. ROBOTS DISABLED
All eight Group Combat Robots were knocked out by RAPTORS or in SHELL explosions and were recovered for repair.
5. AMMUNITION STATE
3 DEMO CHARGES expended by Alpha 1. A few were also expended by Alpha 2: Lt Parrell in First Aid, he will report on his return.
0 GRENADES expended. 16 APGW rounds expended.
6. 130 EMR TACTICS USED
L/Major Cornelius changed the Weapon State to GRENCARRY TRAVEL SECURE upon receipt of the A.A.R. from ESS Van Velzen. A Group attacked rapidly to overwhelm the SPOOKS and minimise the effects of the IMPEL attack.
7. ENEMY TACTICS USED
The SPOOKS used the RAPTORS in a CRUSTAL defence. SHELLS were fired at FRIENDLY concentrations, regardless of whether SPOOKS were also within the blast zone. MENTORS engaged with SCA1 equivalents and are presumed to be the source of the IMPEL attacks.
8. ENEMY TYPES ENCOUNTERED
RAPTORS: Large creatures able to resist vacuum for extended periods. Fast moving. Fight with teeth and claw, no ranged weapon.
MENTOR: Small humanoids, in space suits, armed with SCA1 equivalent. Presumed to be the source of the IMPEL attacks.
I must make the observation that the RAPTORS and MENTORS look identical to previously described alien species and in particular MENTORS look identical to archaeological reconstructions of the ForeRunner aliens.
9. CONCLUSIONS
The SPOOKS were quickly disabled when brought under fire. The IMPEL attack is highly dangerous and requires immediate countermeasures. The SHELL is effective and is best countered by dispersion, use of terrain or by some method of interception. The RAPTOR is effective in close combat and is best countered by concentration.
10. RECOMMENDATIONS
10.1 A counter to the IMPEL attacks should be researched urgently. Lt Mouat to advise how he managed to resist the IMPEL attack. Possible lines of enquiry are: Drug enhanced mental resistance; Physical shielding with material that blocks the mental attack; Pressure Safety Lock that prevents Marine Armour or space suits being opened in vacuum; 2 key access to Marine Armour, each Marine Armour Suit to have a unique key, the Suit only to be opened by the key attached to the Suit AND 1 other.
10.2 Investigate the SPOOK oxygen, water, rations and other biological material and fuel to see if the Flotilla may use them.
10.3 Investigate the SPOOK bodies, technology and weaponry to determine their capabilities and weaknesses.
10.4 All Marines performed well. Lt Holland and his Squad behaved at all times with determination and unity of purpose in the highest traditions of the service while taking heavy casualties by a novel method; and I recommend all members of the Squad Alpha 1 be considered for Regimental and Imperial Decoration, in four cases posthumous.
(signed)
Acting Major Cornelius
NOTE: I record here the strongly held views of Alpha Group as to the nature of the IMPEL mind control attack which caused four deaths. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we consider this method of attack cowardly, repugnant and contrary to the usages of civilised warfare. The beings who use such methods are, in our opinion, not entitled to any reciprocal civilised treatment whatsoever. SC.
To Lt Col Killgore, L/Major Cornelius
Copy All Officers 130 EMR
From Lt M Parrell A2
Date Day 9
KEY:
ZONKED = a mind controllled marine
RAPTOR = an entity akin to a Class 9 Genotype Horror
MENTOR = Something that looks a lot like a Forerunner, Alternatively called a sectoid, the command species
SHELL = A huge effective guided blast bomb, does not need painting, does have a "6 inch" blast radius. Blows apart all closed doors in the vicinity
IMPEL = mind control
The SPOOK shuttle was captured in a rapid attack by A Group. SPOOKS used weapons not previously encountered. The Mind Control attack was very damaging. We rescued Ensign Suhkoi Torets, Chief Maintence officer, recovered 2 dead crew of the Van Velzen and 2 med trucs which had been in captured in the Aliens smash and grab raid on the Van Velzen 10 minutes earlier.
After been giving a task of go left.Squad A2 Followed A1. After been giving a task of go left. demo'ed the SPOOK airlock doors and gained access. The Squad dealt with counterattacking RAPTORS in the 2nd room with with SCA and APGW fire. THe sqiuads advanced as quick aas it could at tactical pace. It used apgw fire to open doors if possible. It went through open doors that had not been previously demo charged. The enemy did not close these doors behind the squad to cause grave tactical problems to the sqaud.
On entering the final control rooms they encountered the sectoids. On entry to the final control room the enemy elected to blow itself up and me rather than be captured. Numbers encountered, maybe about 20 to 30 Genotype 9s about 10+ sectoid mentor types
Squad A2 took 7 hits. All madea recovery of sorts under Doc Khans care. Exactly who copped it check with Major Cornelius. No casulties fell to the raptor types. Casulties were about 50/50 between the blast bombs and direct sca1 type fire. Squad A2 felt a greatr deal more than damn lucky not to subjected to mind control attacks. A2 has every sympathy for fate that befell A1 squad.
2 Combat Robots were knocked out by blast bombs
1 DEMO CHARGES expended. 0 GRENADES expended.
a few apgw called in. Apgw were very useful without them definitely more casulties would have been taken. Squad a2 is very grateful to the skillful deployment of APGW by group HQ.
L/Major Cornelius changed the Weapon State to GRENCARRY TRAVEL SECURE upon receipt of the A.A.R. from ESS Van Velzen. A Group attacked very rapidly to minimise the effects of the mind control and blast bombs. A2 felt that the longer it took to excute the mission the more casulties it would sustain. A2 was extremely happy to have two veteran marines in its ranks, these veterans made a definite difference to the outcome. THe |Aliens as far as one could tell were very disconcerted by their effectiveness.
The enemy used intelligent tactics. They were adaptable and learn fast. Raptors were used as first line defence, they hid in corners and the counterattacked in waves. Blast bombs were used wether enemy friendlies were present or not, in an extremely ruthless manner.
MENTORS engaged with SCA1 equivalents, they are presumed to be the source of the IMPEL attacks. The impel attck did not rely on line of sight. I kinda of felt tthe Eggheads put a lot of faith in their mental attacks. Alien ship layouts are designed with defence in mind.
All are organics
RAPTORS: Large creatures able to resist vacuum for extended periods with very though armoured hides.
Fast moving. Fight with teeth and claw, no ranged weapon.
MENTOR: Small 4 foot humanoids, in fragile space suits, armed with SCA1 equivalent. Presumed to be the source of the IMPEL attacks.
The SPOOKS were quickly disabled when brought under fire. THey Fall when hit. The IMPEL attack is mega dangerous and requires immediate countermeasures.
10.1 A counter to the IMPEL attacks should be researched and implented immediately. To repeat this so far is the most dangerous attack encountered.
Possible lines of enquiry are:
Make it physically slower to open marine armour, this need omnly by a few seconds to make it very useful.
WE could then Place command detonated demo charges on each marine power pack. If a marine becomes ZONKED an officer remote from the comabt area detonates the demo and this with making the marine armour marginally slower to open would be at least prevents the immediate certain death of a marine.
Make sure that all casulties are bio-checked to make no ALien things are growing inside them. Make sure the Van Velzen is visually checked for any alien eggs or small baby aliens that have been left behind.
The aliens managed to get a short burst of communication of in a certain direction. JIm000 will clarify hopefully.
Without the help of the Van Velzen in treating our casulties we would suffered more terminals.
The Wildebeest was able to take the wrecked shuttle in tow, and bring it back to base.
Its control systems seem to be badly damaged in the fighting - though since we have no idea what they were like when intact, this is just surmise.
There is quite a lot of alien wreckage, and 9 MENTOR and 8 RAPTOR corpses.
In the wreckage are some intact alien weapons, though how they are operated, and their exact construction are unknown.
2 small personal weapons
4 bigger personal weapons.
Based on the marines' observations, these would seem to be plasma weapons like the SCA.
1 large container-like weapon (a bit like a rocket launcher) with two slightly damaged missile-like ammunition items.
Once the wreckage is back in orbit around the Moon (do you have a name for it, by the way), Dr Matik can allocate which scientists will be
looking it over.
Shortly after the capture of the SPOOK shuttle, a burn was observed from the direction of an asteroid cluster that the shuttle was heading towards.
This burn ceased shortly afterwards, and there has been no further observed activity.
Hmm,
Evidently we need to form a Xenotechnology Committee (Objects and Materials). How many scientists do we actually need working on Resonance Field Dampers at the moment (considering our shortage of parts?). In fact - since our shortage of parts means that we can't build what we need anyway and are going to have to rely on alien technolgoy at some point, we may as well put all of the scientists and technicians in XCOM and have them looking at the weapons for the time being. We'll start with the personal weapons. Are they energy weapons? Do the small and large ones seem to share a common operational principle? We'll dismantle one of the smaller ones first and see if we can figure out what makes it tick.
By the by, it might be an idea if any of the med-techs free (yes, I know
there are a lot of casualties, but presumably after initial treatment most
will require nursing care only and some of the doctors
might be available) could do autopsies on the alien corpses.
Re our shortage of food. Can we manufacture the stuff ourselves, given the right materials? Even if it were just single celled proteins (we can manufacture those today - although they're only used in animal feed) or maybe some kind of hydroponics set-up? Presumably we can find an ice asteroid to use as a source of water and oxygen, and we can provide the carbon dioxide for the plants ourselves by breathing...
JIM9000 - Can I have a breakdown in person-days how long putting our Resonance Field Dampers together might actually take?
The theoreticians, with their knowledge of extradimensional realities, might like to have a think about how a mind control attack might be transmitted, and therefore how it might be evaded.
What happened to the Van Velzen? I seem to have missed that bit.
Matik
Footnote: Pity that Professor Peabody isn't here, really - she's the Empire's expert on Forerunners.
AUTHORITY
Under the authority of Earth Marine Discipline Act, in exceptional operation circumstances the Commanding Officer may convene a Field General Court Martial at any time he feels the situation warrants it, in order to preserve discipline and maintain unit effectiveness.
FIELD GENERAL COURT MARTIAL - 130A002 Captain Simon Cornelius, 130th EMR
Captain Cornelius is charged in that he failed to obey orders contrary to Section 34 of the Earth Marine Discipline Act, in that he, while on deployed Operations, failed to maintain embarked on the ESS VAN VELZEN "at least one Squad" as he was required to do by ESM 130th Regiment Operation Order Number 130/5/01, thereby endangering the safety of that vessel.
OFFICERS OF THE COURT
The Court will consist of:
ADDUCED DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE:
| ESM 130th Regiment Operation Order Number 130/5/01
(Authenticated extract):
CONFIDENTIAL OPORDER 130/5/01 OPERATION JOKERS WILD Tasks: Group Alpha: You are my reserve. You are to select a suitable location over the radar horizon from the Mesa Moon facilities and ground the hospital ship and the shuttle. You are to embark a maximum of 2 Squads on the shuttle and hold yourselves in immediate readiness as my reserve. You are to protect the Hospital ship with a minimum of 1 Squad. Authorised: Comd Authenticated: 2IC Copy to: Capt CONFIDENTIAL |
Master Ship's Communications Log, ESS PRECISION CREEK.
REQUIRED WITNESSES:
Captain A Walker, Commanding, ESS VAN VELZEN.
Ensign Tosca, Comms Officer, ESS PRECISION CREEK.
130A003 Sergeant Canvas Burke, Group Alpha, 130th EMR
And further Witnesses and Documentary Evidence as required by the Officers of the Court.
TIMINGS
The Court is required to convene at 1200hrs local in 2 days time in order to make an assessment of the case. If in the opinion of the President, insufficient time was available for the Defence to make its case, he may make an adjournment for such time as he decides is reasonable under the current operational circumstances.
STATUS OF CAPTAIN CORNELIUS
Due to the operational circumstances Captain Cornelius is to maintain his current appointment and duties until the Court Convenes, at which time his status will be determined by the President.
T A Killgore
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding The 130th Regiment
The court Martial Convened at 2115 hours on Day 11 UBT, Captain Phoenix ESN presiding.
On reviewing the charges and the evidence, and taking into account his record in combat, it is the verdict of this Field General Court Martial that Simon Cornelius of the 130th ESM shall revert to the rank of Lieutenant, and that he shall be issued with a severe reprimand for failing to follow orders. It is the opinion of the court that while there was no question as to his capabilities in combat, his promotion and responsibilities were clearly beyond his current capacity for command.
Notification is to be made on his permanent service record on return to Universe A. The verdict is subject to confirmation.
Record of Court Martial ends.
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