In a spirit of openness and cooperation, I am making public our current fleet activites and knowledge of Exterminator movements in our sector.
At least one, possibly two Exterminators arrived in the Thor system on 3197:313. The Colony was destroyed by extended (several week) orbital bombardment, and all lives are presumed lost (we have a ship picking over the wreckage but we're not hopeful). Delays in assembling an offensive fleet meant that Battle Group Fenris did not arrive at Thor until 3197:358, but detachment Bifrost was able to observe the bombardment from the M25 limit in the meantime, although was not able to conclusively establish number of Exterminators at that distance.
Fenris sighted the Exterminator(s) heading outsystem (departing Thor 3197:363) but was unable to catch it/them. All colonies were placed
on full alert and Fenris was ordered to hold at Thor and wait for a sighting.
Reports of an attack on the Baldar Colony were received at Xynam on 3197:386, dating from around 3197:378.
Battle Group Fenris proceeded from Thor to Baldar immediately on receiving the news, arriving at 3197:390.
On arrival they discovered that two Exterminators were insystem, and had already destroyed Balder Station and were bombarding the colony. Group Fenris' standing orders were that if two Exterminators were encountered, the fleet was to hang back. However, one of the Exterminators appeared to be damaged, and to save the colonists Admiral Kim Stanley-Robinson signalled that she was engaging. This was the last message that Xynam received from the flagship. We salute her bravery. In mythology, Fenris was the wolf that swallowed the moon. Our battle group's appetite was, it seems, similarly ambitious...
The BATTLE OF BALDAR, 3197:398
Forces engaged, Force FENRIS
Battleships: INVINCIBLE, ASTURIAS
Carriers: JUGGERNAUT, FEARLESS, OVERLORD, COMMANDER, CONQUEROR,
MONARCH, MASTERFUL and SUPERIOR, with 9th, 10th & 60th Pacifier Wings.
Heavy Cruiser: TIMOSHENKO
Light Cruisers: EXCELLER, CHAMPION and HERO
ALSI, DD and LSSI were left out of the battle at the M25 limit to report.
Enemy forces: 2 Exterminator Super Battleships.
Based on information received concerning successful Earther tactics at Dyme, a massive, high intensity attack was made, with widespread use of nuclear weapons wherever possible. The firepower from one of the Exterminators was less than expected, although still formidable, and it is suspected that this one may have been damaged in some previous fight, assumed to be the Esteeler Fleet encounter at Asstek. The Admiral ordered a concentration of fire on the damaged Exterminator, and after an extremely costly battle managed to completely destroy it.
The other Exterminator, although damaged, was able to escape the system, and given the losses of the fleet, the Acting Admiral chose to let it go rather than risk further losses in a pursuit. Having bravely led the fleet into action, Fleet Admiral Kim Stanley-Robinson was killed when the INVINCIBLE blew up with all hands in the final stages of the battle. A recommendation has been made for her award of the Starburst for Extreme Heroism.
Losses:
Destroyed: INVINCIBLE, ASTURIAS, JUGGERNAUT, MASTERFUL, MONARCH,
COMMANDER, TIMOSHENKO, EXCELLER, CHAMPION
Badly Damaged: FEARLESS, OVERLORD, SUPERIOR
Battle Group Fenris, with only one remaining operational Carrier, has effectively ceased to exist. Damaged ships are being withdrawn to Xynam. The remainder will remain on-station at Balder to render what assistance may be possible to the colony. Our forces have served the Free Colonies in the best traditions of the Martian Navy. But our losses have been grievous.
Battle group Midgard (made up from Colonial reinforcements) arrived today and is assembling. However, we are very concerned about the Exterminators still operating in our region. One escaped Balder, albeit damaged. Two more are probably at The Joint. This makes a total of 3 Exterminators currently in and around Martian space. In spite of our recent reinforcements, and the valour of the Martian Navy, I must state candidly that I seriously doubt our ability to deal with them.
If any nations are considering sending forces to assist, we urgently request that they be sent towards Martian space. For any unhappy with that suggestion, a suitable neutral rendezvous point might be M'Drid, but do get ships underway as soon as you can. This is a difficult admission for a Martian to make, but we need your help.
Supreme Councillor R. Bradbury.