Despite the entrenched Corsairs’ preparations, the Outcasts and enraged Zoner militants fell upon Freeport 9’s defensive fleet like a hammerblow. Intense fighting raged continuously for three days, marking the bloodiest and deadliest confrontation in Theta for decades. Both the Corsairs and Outcasts have inflicted grievous losses upon one another, with the cumulative death toll reaching the thousands. While Corsair casualties are undoubtedly heavier, the Outcasts feel each individual loss keenly and lastingly.

As the missile smoke clears, both forces take stock of the devastation. The picket led by the Battlecruiser Kelafonia had been entirely annihilated. Of even greater concern, intense close-in fighting around the Freeport has resulted in the destruction of two of the precious biodomes. The neural net is aflame with accusations ranging from prematurely detonated scuttling charges, to intentional Outcast obliteration. Vengeful Corsair enforcers have already vowed retribution on the Zoner hostages held aboard, blaming Zoner militants for the impending bloodshed.

Battered and bloodied, both the Outcasts and Corsairs have paused to reconstitute their fleets, treat wounded and tow damaged vessels back to their respective home systems. Despite this, skirmishing continues and the Battleship Delos’ General has signaled to Crete that its position is becoming increasingly untenable: they will not be able to withstand another major offensive without immediate reinforcement. Corsair control over the Freeport hangs by a thread.

The Council of Elders have convened an urgent strategy summit on Crete. They have summoned senior Corsair commanders to answer for the devastating defeat, and provide recommendations for the next stage of the war. It has become abundantly clear that uncomfortable decisions will need to be made. Large scale offensives in Dublin and Dresden continue to occupy significant portions of the Corsairs’ resources: freeing reinforcements for Theta - should that be the recommendation - would mean making significant concessions elsewhere.

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Phase 2 of 'A Delicate Balance' has concluded in an Outcast victory. The Corsair defences have been shattered and are barely holding.

A thread will be created in the comm section shortly to provide official Corsair factions the opportunity to counsel the Elders on their strategy. We will be announcing the Phase 3 event shortly.

The Freeport 9 plot arc will be progressed through a micropatch containing system changes and in-game news articles. Scores for Part 1 and 2 of the event will be posted tomorrow.