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TO All Senior Officers
FROM Lt Cdr Akiyoshi
Chief Astronaut ESS Precision Creek
DATE Day 33
1. IMPERIAL FORCES ENGAGED
ESS Precision Creek
1 x Pacifier
2 x Shuttle PAX26
2. ENEMY FORCES ENGAGED
SPOOK SHIP 4 - larger than SPOOK 2 captured Day 9
SPOOK SHIP 5 - heavy cruiser equivalent
3. DEPLOYMENT
SPOOK 5 arrived directly from PLANET X. SPOOK 4 took off from MEGAN'S MOON to RV with SPOOK 5. ESS Precision Creek, with Pacifier and Shuttles attached, moved from lunastationary orbit above A.M.L. to intercept.
4. NARRATIVE
SPOOK 4 and 5 moved towards each other as IMPERIAL Squadron moved to engage. SPOOK 5 fired guided missiles (codename EXOCET) which caused the IMPERIAL Squadron to take evasive action; the Precision Creek and 1 Shuttle were damaged. The Pacifier was launched and rapidly engaged.
Ensign Xara closed to within 1 km of both SPOOKS and obtained 3 HELL hits before her Pacifier was destroyed by PAD fire. Ensign Xara safely ejected but was immediately captured by SPOOK 4. Both SPOOKS then disengaged at approx 1.5 g acceleration; ESS Precision Creek was not able to match this and returned to lunastationary orbit above A.M.L.
5. CASUALTIES & DAMAGE SUSTAINED
* Ensign Xara missing presumed captured.
* 4 crew casualties
* Pacifier = destroyed
* Precision Creek = 2 hull hits
* 1 Shuttle = 2 hull hits
6. ENEMY TYPES ENCOUNTERED
SPOOK 4: HELL armed.
SPOOK 5: PAD and EXOCET armed. Capable of firing 3 EXOCETS per minute. EXOCET endurance 1 minute, range 18 km.
7. CONCLUSIONS
7.1 The SPOOKS disengaged when they had captured Ensign Xara. This may have been the aim of their mission since they had not been seriously damaged and disengaged voluntarily.
7.2 IMPERIAL tactics used were contrary to EN doctrine in that the SPOOKS were allowed to RV before being engaged.
To Prof. Matik
Copy Capt. Phoenix, Lt Colonel Killgore
Day 33 1545hrs
MISSING PERSON
Your materials departmental head has reported that Materials Technician Beatrice Derges did not report for duty. Last seen returning to her habdome berth for the night.
A search ensued, and the entire base has now been searched, with the help of the marines, and she is nowhere to be found. A study of the induction cable logs indicate a lot of activity during the space battle this morning - one alien RAPTOR was shot - it is entirely possible that she has been abducted by aliens.
Since we do not have tracking devices for the civilian space suits the technicians use, we have no way of locating her electronically. Her suit does have a distress beacon which can be activated by the user - but that has not happened to date.
Tracks have been found in the dust, indicating movements to the southwest and north west, but there are too many rocky outcrops to make visual tracking much use.
JIM0000
TO: Prof Matthew Matik TO: Lt Colonel Thomas Killgore
FROM: Captain Phoenix
COPY: Senior officers (Lt Commander or equivalent and above)
1730hrs Day 33 UBT
After the events of the last three weeks, and especially the space battle we've just been through, I have a number of issues I'd like to deal with now.
To date, I have gone along with Colonel Tom's advice and suggestions regarding our situation, on the assumption that this was the best course of action in a difficult situation.
Recent events have shown the need for a little more clarity concerning our objectives.
I have ultimate responsibility, as senior Imperial officer present, for the safety of all present - and with the clear an present risk we face, it is essential we concentrate our effort in the most productive way possible.
I have four main concerns:
1. That our missing pacifier pilot be recovered as quickly as possible. We have no idea what they will do to her - but given their proven psi-ability - I shudder to think of the implications of an opportunity to probe her mind at leisure. In addition there is the security risk of information she will be forced to hand over under mental control. I regard this as a top priority.
2. Getting home. So far, we have been in Universe B for a month and we are no nearer getting home than when we arrived. Our one chance to date of getting hyperlynium was vetoed by Col Tom on operational grounds - we must get hyperlynium and anomalous materials, and get the photon out of here. I regard this as a top priority. As senior civilian, with responsibility for the base, I would be very grateful for Prof. Matt's views on progress to date.
3. We are seriously outgunned. As you will have seen from my navigator's AAR, we were exceptionally lucky in this morning's battle. We lack the raw ship to ship firepower to hold off the enemy if they come on full bore. The most powerful weapon we have at our disposal is the 130th regiment - and we have to find a way of bringing that weapon to bear for the maximum effect. I would be grateful if Col Tom and his staff could re-examine their approach and suggest ways in which they can make the maximum impact on the enemy - as a matter of urgency.
4. The enemy worry me. We have made attempts at communication, but so far we have been under considerable hostile fire and have been forced to defend ourselves. Humans have been killed by the natives. I do not feel we will get what we want by peaceful means. However, I would be very grateful for the views of all addressees about whether there is any mileage in further attempts to make peace. Whatever we decide will have to be quick, because the longer they hold Ensign Xara, the worse our chances of survival if peace fails. Urgent response please.
There is so much we don't know here, but I am increasingly worried that time is not on our side - I fear that we cannot afford another month of inactivity.
Capt. Phoenix IEN
Precision Creek
DAY 12
Cpl Vogel B6 was captured and released. Major Howland's simple search failed to find JOKER 3 or anything else.
DAY 13
A SPOOK hologram player (1 metre tall artefact) was found near the maintenance stores. When approached within 4 metres it played a recording of a MENTOR gesturing. The artefact was removed to a safe distance and eventually dismantled by GEEKS.
There was a discussion as to the message: some thought it had an understandable and "peaceful" meaning; some thought it not worth consideration (casting it in the red fish category). JIM 0000 helpfully pointed out that the recording showed the position of the Uni-B star system in 20 days time (i.e. Day 33) and indicated an adjacent asteroid codename RUDDY KIPPER. This was interpreted to mean an appointed rendezvous ON RUDDY KIPPER for the MENTORS and humans; or an order for us to relocate from MEGANS MOON to RUDDY KIPPER by Day 33; or ...
DAY 14
ESS Precision Creek conducted a systematic search for JOKER 3, covering the area of MEGANS MOON within the endurance range of RAPTORS from A.M.L. (maximum 120 km). A likely location was identified. There was some discussion of the action to be taken: Major Howland (and Major Patel and others?) recommended an immediate assault by 2 Marine Groups.
RAPTOR observed between DREADNOUGHT (Habdomes) and GLORY (Main Access Tunnel). Two actions were taken: (1) Agent Orange and GSM Artery established a hide on top of CHAMPION (Surface Resonance Chamber). Agent Orange has a state of the art GF sniper gun and has since culled several RAPTORS (no more than 1 per day?). (2) The CO ordered the construction of an inductive loop sensor around the base some 3 km in circumference, codename TRIP WIRE. (A continuous loop of wire; a body crossing the wire is detected, and the location and direction of travel indicated.). The TRIP WIRE system was extended to divide the base into 4 quadrants and to place separate loops around ARROGANT (HQ block) and DREADNOUGHT (habdomes). TRIP WIRE has indicated daily incursions by individual JOKERS.
DAY 15
The CO ordered an audio / visual player to be prepared with a message and delivered to JOKER 3 (surprisingly the combat robot concerned returned). JOKER 3's response was to take off and fly back to their (presumed) asteroid base - codenamed BRIGHTON ROCK.
DAY 20
A squad from A Group was sent by shuttle to recce RUDDY KIPPER; nothing found. A combat robot was left to observe; nothing reported so far.
DAY 25
A few days (?) after JOKER 3 departed, JOKER 4 burned from BRIGHTON ROCK (on a similar trajectory to JOKER 3) and was presumed to land on MEGANS MOON. ESS Precision Creek conducted another search and found another likely location for JOKER 4 on Day 25.
DAY 26
A burn was detected from the direction of Planet X (JOKER 5)
DAY 33
No action was taken before JOKER 5 arrived from Planet X on Day 33, whereupon JOKER 4 took off and joined the Space Battle. SPace battle, during which pacifier pilot captured and JOKERS 4 and 5 broke off and returned to BRIGHTON ROCK.
DAY 34
SKYRANGER-1 takes off on a RAPTOR hunt.
TO Lt Col T A Killgore
Captain W Phoenix
COPY All Senior Officers
FROM Major Peter "exterminate all RAPTORS" Howland
DATE Day 33 1550 hrs
1. CURRENT SITUATION
1.1 SPOOK SHIPS 4 and 5 have captured Ensign Xara and departed for BRIGHTON ROCK.
1.2 Beatrice Derges (Materials Research Technician) was captured by RAPTORS this morning.
2. ASSESSMENT
There have been regular incursions of A.M.L. by RAPTORS since Day 12 including two previous attempts to capture Marines from the half Squad patrols. RAPTORS require a pressurised base camp within range (maximum 120 km radius); previously this could have been provided by SPOOK SHIPS 3 and 4. Now that SPOOK SHIP 4 has returned to BRIGHTON ROCK, the SPOOK camp must be either another concealed ship or a concealed prefab-habdome, codename RATS NEST.
There are now two prisoners to be rescued. The preliminary plan to release Ensign Xara from BRIGHTON ROCK envisages using 2 or more Marine Groups, which will leave A.M.L. weakly defended. The RATS NEST must be in communication with BRIGHTON ROCK. It is therefore essential that the RATS NEST be eliminated before the attack on BRIGHTON ROCK, since (a) it will certainly report the departure of ESS Precision Creek and compromise the element of surprise, and (b) RAPTORS might make an overwhelming attack on A.M.L.
3. PROPOSED CAPTURE OF RATS NEST
3.1 SEARCH FOR RATS NEST
RATS NEST must first be located. I propose that: C Group (C0 + Agent Scarlet, & C8, PAX26 shuttle) search in the north-westerly direction; A Group (A0 + Agent Green, & A2, PAX26 shuttle) search in the south-westerly direction. Reserve: RHQ, A3 & C7 in PAX100 shuttle mounted on Precision Creek. ESS Precision Creek to fly high level search. Squad C9 to remain on ESS Precision Creek, Squad A1 on ESS Van Velzen.
3.2 CAPTURE OF RATS NEST
RATS NEST is to be recced by the Group that finds it. Assault to be made as soon as practicable. 2nd Group and Reserve immediately fly to support.
4. PREPARATION FOR ATTACK ON BRIGHTON ROCK
Dr Matik to select a team of scientists and technicians to dismantle captured SPOOK equipment. These to pack all necessary equipment ready to board ESS Precision Creek.
XCOM report, supplemental: Day 33.
Prepared by: Professor Matthew Matik
Distribution: All senior personnel.
Well, that progress report on the Field Cascade Dameprs is now available. I will summarise.
We are attempting to place four dampers in a tetrahedral configuration to provide the required field to achieve our transdimensional excursion. Of these:
Unit 1 is complete - this is the one cannibalised from the remains of the original dampers.
Units 2 and 3 have been linked into the main control centre and 'frameworks' have been set up.
Unit 4 has been linked into the main control centre and a framework device is under construction. Although we are running short of raw materials of various types, we anticipate completion of the frame in another 28 days.
However, until we can get the necessary anomalous materials and hyperlinium, the 'frames' cannot be turned into operational Cascade Dampers. Installing these materials is expected to take about 10 days per Unit, but it is possible we can work on several units simultaneously.
Following that, we will need to integrate the instrumentation, and calibrate and test the dampers. This will take a further 10 days. At that time, I estimate that the chance that the assembly will work correctly is about 98%. Further testing time will improve this probability.
In short, provided that the requisite materials are available by Day 61, we anticipate being able to try out our new set-up by about Day 81+.
I am sure you will join me in congratulating the scientists and technicians, who have worked incredibly hard under very trying circumstances - in terms of shortages of critical parts, leading to some very impressive improvisation, and in terms of living conditions and the constant threat of alien attack - in an effort to get us all home.
Matik.
TO All Senior Officers, Prof. M Matik
FROM Major Peter "AARs from Group officers, please" Howland
DATE Day 34
1. EXTRACT
2 SPOOK vessels, a BLACKBIRD Class and a DODO Class, were captured.
Materials Research Technician Beatrice Derges was recaptured alive. 4 MENTORS were taken prisoner.
2. NARRATIVE
2.1 ADVANCE TO CONTACT
The DODO was detected while decelerating to land. A Group (-A3), C Group, RHQ and Logs Squad were ordered to attack. The WILDEBEAST and 2 AVENGER shuttles engaged with cannon fire to disable the DODO.
2.2 CAPTURE OF DODO
A Group (-A3) and C Group (-C9) assaulted the DODO. They fought through to capture the ship. 33% of the Marines were hit.
2.3 CAPTURE OF BLACKBIRD
A Marine was IMPELLED away from the DODO into a tunnel. The CO led RHQ and C9 in pursuit to find the BLACKBIRD camouflaged under rock. This small ship was rapidly captured. A capsule was discovered which later proved to contain M.R.T. Derges.
3. CASUALTIES
Capture of DODO: 15 Marines of the 45 engaged were hit.
Capture of BLACKBIRD: 1 Marine of 16 engaged was hit.
1 Marine sustained a serious wound and will be invalided out of the Regiment. 4 Marines have minor wounds requiring some days of hospital treatment.
4. ROBOTS DISABLED
8 Combat Robots were damaged.
5. AMMUNITION STATE
| Expended | Stock | |
| Grenades | 0 |
498 |
| Demo charges | 3 |
194 |
| APGW | 34 |
290 |
| SuperCharge | 3 |
4 |
| WirePod | 0 |
24 |
| SpaceFoam | 0 |
33 |
6. 130 EMR TACTICS USED
SPEARHEAD attack was adopted in principle, but effectively became SEARCH AND DESTROY in practise due to the layout of the DODO. A SUPERCHARGE failed to burst through the deckhead at the centre of the DODO.
GRENCARRY TRAVEL SECURE was used to limit the effect of IMPEL attacks.
Doors were destroyed by APGW to reduce delay.
7. ENEMY TACTICS USED
LAST DITCH DEFENCE with all but 1 MENTOR in the Control Room. RAPTORS were used in twos or threes to slow the attack. The most damaging weapon is the SHELL, which caused most casualties. Up to 4 Marines suffered IMPEL attacks at once. The Marine Armour Pressure Safety Lock modification performed to specification and no Marine was able to open their suit under IMPEL attack. Once the MENTORS discovered this they IMPELLED Marines to fire SCAs or Grenades - which was ineffective.
Marines were then IMPELLED to run away from the ship, some carrying Close Support Robots. This was effective in that it weakened our attacks.
8. ENEMY TYPES ENCOUNTERED
MENTORS and RAPTORS as previously. Only a proportion of the MENTORS appear capable of IMPELLING.
9. CONCLUSIONS
9.1 Comparison of the casualties incurred during the capture of the BLACKBIRD (one) and the DODO (sixteen), and the previous capture of the CHICKEN (ten) is instructive. As stated the most effective SPOOK weapon is the SHELL, whilst their IMPEL weakens the Marine attack. Therefore the speed of the Marine advance is absolutely critical to success and to minimising casualties.
9.2 A SUPERCHARGE failed to hole the deck of the DODO. The reason is not yet known; it may be because the deck is too strong, or the point chosen was where equipment was fixed to the deck.
10. RECOMMENDATIONS
10.1 That SPEARHEAD should be used in preference to SEARCH & DESTROY.
10.2 That SUPERCHARGES should be used to shorten the line of advance.
10.3 That a means of breaching SPOOK ship decks be established. The standard SUPERCHARGE may be effective if a suitable site is used, or a larger MEGACHARGE needs development.
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