Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Ceylon
To: KNF; KNI
From: Office of the Admiralty, BAF
Esteemed allies,
His Excellency, Mr. Sommerville, wishes to discuss several matters of significant importance with the representatives of the Ministry of Defence to the Kusari Naval Forces, respectively the Naval Intelligence branch over a confidential channel.
Please confirm that this message has been received within 24 hours.
We thank you for the cooperation and wish you a pleasant evening. If you are not a representative of the Kusari Naval Forces or the Naval Intelligence, please delete the transmission at earliest.
Transmission received
Code recognised as Ky-FukNSEi-343c-EXT-BrTHfX
Decrypting.... Recipient:Bretonia Armed Forces; 'Office of the Admiralty' Sender:Kusari Naval Intelligence Date:22.11.829 Subject:Desire of contact Priority:High
Bretonians.
You may forward to your superior that we are interested to hear about the matters requiring such urgency. He may establish contact with the node below. Upon verification, he shall receive attention by the responsible personnel.
Imperial Kusari Naval Intelligence.
Kyushu Data Terminal 0340x-5834.
Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Ceylon
To: Kusari Naval Intelligence
From: Fleet Admiral Harold Sommerville, BAF
Your Excellencies,
It is my desire to send this transmission to speak onto the concerning state of affairs that is being brought back upon the Tau region by several personalities that disagree with the present situation that has been decided through diplomatic means by the Crown of Bretonia and the Empire of Kusari.
As I have put my absolute faith into the ability of the Great House of Kusari to remain a firm ally of the Kingdom of Bretonia in the coming years, I ask that my concerns are also understood. In simple words, I am sending this transmission to both warn of possible attempts by the Secret Intelligence Service to enter Kusari once more and, at the same time, of the possibility that the Secret Intelligence Service will attempt to hire regional combatants to operate against the shared interests of the Kingdom of Bretonia and the Empire of Kusari. As this would not be the first such incident, it is my belief that both the Armed Forces and the Naval Forces should renew efforts in the Tau sector in a prompt manner to discourage any would-be endeavors by Director Steiner's agents that could destabilize the current situation.
I have requested a highly confidential meeting to also inform that one of the latest transmission bound for the Armed Forces from the Intelligence Service has mentioned that House Kusari does not represent an ally and instead a poses a challenge for the Service's ability to undertake operations. While I completely understand that the other information present may well be known by other intelligence officers, it also points to the incredible necessity of maintaining beneficial relations between the Kingdom of Bretonia and the Empire of Kusari. The attempts of Mr. Steiner to undermine months and years of work and collaboration are worsening the present divide between the Armed Forces and the Intelligence Service and further detail the point that I have mentioned earlier.
Lastly, I wish to ask about the readiness of the Kusari Naval Forces to assist vessels belonging to the Royal Bretonian Navy should the situation in Leeds, Edinburgh and Manchester, respectively the Independent Worlds, as well as the Omega Border Worlds, be compromised beyond the point where we can guarantee the safety of commercial traffic. For this, many arrangements and talks must be held, however it is important that I am made aware of them at an earlier point to better asses the possible methods and ways the Kingdom of Bretonia could recover in case of a higher-intensity conflict both within and abroad.
Thank you for Your Excellencies' attention. Please do not hesitate to inquire about any of the above points.
Harold Sommerville
Fleet Admiral
Bretonian Armed Forces
Transmission received
Code recognised as Ky-FukNSEi-343c-EXT-BrTHfX-London
Decrypting.... Recipient:Bretonia Armed Forces; 'Office of the Admiralty' Sender:Kusari Naval Intelligence Date:22.11.829 Subject:The Director Priority:High
Fleet Admiral.
First and foremost, it is my desire to express my deepest gratitude for your courage and loyalty to the newly forged bonds between our great nations.
Establishing contact in this transparent nature is indeed of utmost importance, yet holds great risks for you and your position. Some elements could argue such transparency and the deep insight it provides on Bretonia's current state of internal affairs, is equal to high treason even when forwarded to an ally.
The Imperial Naval Intelligence, in full alignment to the Emperor's chosen course, stands firmly behind the decision to revitalize the Tau sector in joint and friendly cooperative manners with the Kingdom of Bretonia. Working against any usurpers and other rogue elements aiming to undermine such efforts is a natural given. The Imperial Naval Intelligence will advice the Admiralty to bolster the Akatsuki's mobile wings and increase presence in the Tau Sector. The Imperial Navy Intelligence will join them to undergo preparations to counteract any direct or indirect disturbances caused by Director Steiner. In the light of the mistrust you raise about his persona, a prior decree permitting Naval Forces pilots to shoot down SIS vessels on sight within our sovereign territory shall see its duration extended.
On the other hand, the KNI fully understands the challenges posed towards the SIS by the latest shifts in diplomacy. To reduce their wariness, the KNI will contact them in the nearby future and propose a certain degree of cooperation over common interests in the Tau sector. Though, the esteemed Großherzog received intelligence about Gallic activity and our first findings surrounding the Orkney havoc shortly after their first series of intrusions into our space already. He did not appear all to keen to cooperate - in fact he did not bother to react at all - this likely will not change. We will set the symbol regardless.
Regarding your last point. I assume you are well aware of the implications the presence of Naval Forces vessels beyond Leeds would have. Even if it was to become inevitable, it would be a sign of strong weakness. This bears far reaching political consequences.
In general spoken however, it is possible - in theory.
It all depends on the number of forces required, the locations compromised and whether the destabilization comes from external/internal criminal threat(s) or internal political rebellion.
To keep it brief for now, operations by the Naval Forces with up to one battlecruiser led special expeditionary force for the systems of Leeds, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Manchester are rather easily realized. If we consider that only a small detachment to bolster local forces is required, main intelligence units of the Office of Intelligence or the KNI would suffice fully.
Addressing a potential destabilization of Bretonia's Omega assets or Cambridge would only be met with a token force to assist.
Overall, it is my honest opinion that Naval Forces operations past the Leeds system should only occur if the Kingdom faces an existential threat and is at the risk of losing hold over populated Planets. In the light of primarily securing commercial traffic, the KNI could orchestrate the appearance of Hogosha vessels into Bretonia to safeguard civil trade and crash down on any wannabe usurpers you cannot reach. This would require an at least partial rehabilitation of the Hogosha movement within the Kingdom though.
On a last note: We have long verified that one of potentially many reasons Director Steiner intruded our space, was to gather data about the Auxesia movement. Former "Keeper" Revenant was involved and I also had the pleasure to meet her. Seeing as his report highlights that Auxesia is still an issue pursued by the Kingdom - with the SIS going as far as to contact one of the Kingdom's greatest enemies about them - I wonder if there is anything I can do personally to assist you, Fleet Admiral.
Imperial Kusari Naval Intelligence.
Deputy Director "Goryō"
Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Ceylon
To: Kusari Naval Intelligence
From: Fleet Admiral Harold Sommerville, BAF
Your Excellency,
I will not dwelve any further with my concerns, as they have already been presented. Instead I wish to thank you for the rapid action taken in light of my information. It only additionally proves that the Kingdom of Bretonia can rely upon the Empire of Kusari for a long partnership.
But that is where I am afraid that the good words end. While I appreciate the willingness to support the Realm with a force in Leeds, it may prove important to also send patrols into the nearby regions, as the Armed Forces are facing a severe shortage of both manpower and vessels, thus putting the security of all traffic within Bretonia at risk of ambush by such forces as the Mollys and Gaians. For the present, if there is interest on the part of the Naval Forces to negotiate an agreement that would allow entry into Leeds under permission of the Admiralty Board, I am open to such talks at any moment. But, we also understand the risen concern about the possibility that assistance provided by the Empire of Kusari may look more like an impromptu occupation than a helping hand. For such, I wish to offer my position as Fleet Admiral to represent the Kusari Naval Forces' interests in Bretonia, as only a Bretonian citizen will ever be able to completely present the worries and desires of a foreign ally.
To reiterate, while we will remain open to negotiations for entry into Leeds, it may be more prudent to sign a different agreement that would allow the Empire of Kusari to concretize assistance for the Kingdom of Bretonia in both the near and the distant future.
As a last note, concerning the Technocracy matter, I inform Your Excellency that at present, I have no aspirations to meddle into the Empire's diplomacy with the prior-mentioned organization. While the Kingdom of Bretonia will treat them as enemies for various established motives, we will respect Kusari's wish for neutrality in such matters should it prove to not be a topic worth bringing up in future talks.
Harold Sommerville
Fleet Admiral
Bretonian Armed Forces
Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Ceylon
To: Kusari Naval Intelligence
From: Fleet Admiral Harold Sommerville, BAF
Your Excellency,
I trust that the recent events in Cortez have been well understood by the Empire of Kusari. Thus, I want to submit a request for urgent talks about the previously-discussed cooperation. Whilst the Secret Intelligence Service has continued operations away from Kusari space, another agency similar in nature has chosen such a path against us, this time. Concrete steps must be therefore taken to ensure that the standing agreements between Bretonia and Kusari are in no way threatened by other meddling powers. I also want to make it clear that this is not a diplomatic attempt at introducing defensive pacts, but only a request for information exchanges between the Kingdom of Bretonia and the Empire of Kusari, respectively their main representatives.
I hope to hear back at earliest, Director.
Harold Sommerville
Fleet Admiral
Bretonian Armed Forces
Transmission received
Code recognised as NT-NOH-DirectLExt-SomV(Bret)
Decrypting.... Recipient:Fleet Admiral Harold Sommerville Sender:Kusari Naval Intelligence Date:27.02.830 Subject:Situational awareness Priority:High
Asset Goryō. Your Secret Intelligence Service and me had the pleasure before.
I assume the nature of your message is tied to the rather sudden step of the house Liberty to abandon the Treaty of Curacao. Your tone is worrisome, the Liberty Security Force does not meddle into everyone's affairs without being convinced that this is urgently necessary.
We thank you for raising our awareness in regards to potential spikes in their operations and stand open to exchange information on any sightings and otherwise action undertaken by the Liberty Security Force within the Tau corridor, including Leeds. The free flow of trade remains an utmost priority and any attempts to sabotage our economic ties will be retaliated with appropriate measures.
Anything further will require you to elaborate to us the exact reasons as to why the house of Bretonia drew the attention of the Liberty Security Force. What exactly triggered the revoking of the treaty? Enlighten me, Admiral.
In service of the Imperial Kusari Naval Intelligence, G.
Message Class: Textual
Encryption: Ceylon
To: Kusari Naval Intelligence
From: Fleet Admiral Harold Sommerville, BAF
Your Excellency,
The reasoning behind the shift in diplomacy bewilders us as much as it confuses the Foreign Office officials on New London. Firstly, to address the change in relations, the Republic of Liberty has made a public announcement (LINK) in light of the changes done to the Charter of Interstellar Law (LINK) that have adjusted the list of Allied Entities so that foreign militaries no longer are mentioned on it. The Kingdom of Bretonia continues cooperation with all military, intelligence and police agencies in Sirius belonging to the Great Houses, with the exception of House Gallia, and we believe that it is not necessary to list all partners on the list with the exception of corporate entities and/or nation-states such as the Crayter Republic which are closely allied with the Kingdom of Bretonia.
Further, House Liberty has stated in the same document put forth to us that an apparent message was transmitted from the Admiralty Board to the Xeno movement, which we do not possess any evidence of. Such communications are not done without approval from the Fleet Admiral and Ministry of Defence, and they are never directed at entities that have not supported the Kingdom of Bretonia in times past. The Republic of Liberty has utilized a Xeno movement propaganda outlet to justify the change (LINK), which we again reiterate was done without any consultation from our end or consideration for our statements that followed (LINK).
As of the present time, negotiations still remain highly sought after, but they remain beyond the Armed Forces' framework. We will continue to aid ships belonging to all lawful authorities of House Liberty so long as they do not break past agreements and respect our territorial sovereignty.
Further, another point of contention was the surrender of an Insurgency battleship to the Armed Forces' in November of 829 (COPY), which was promptly brought under control and positioned within the Manchester system. We have expressed our utmost interest to return the vessel to the Republic of Liberty once the situation within the Vespucci system stabilizes, however attempts to communicate our interest have been met with threats of breaching the territorial sovereignty of the Kingdom of Bretonia and even direct armed conflict (LINK). The rebel pilots that surrendered were placed under arrest aboard the same vessel, however the Armed Forces lost control of the ship when an attempt was made to relocate it to the Cortez system. It presented a very regrettable turn of events, however since then action has been taken to solidify the presence of relevant personnel aboard ships of Her Majesty's forces. (LINK) We have also been informed in the previous day that the Insurgency battleship that mutinied was located in a wrecked state in the distant Omicron region. (LINK)
Whilst we will leave observations to be done by the KNI at their own leisure, I must stress the importance of sharing any further evidence related to the activities of the Republic of Liberty against foreign elements due to the present danger of escalating the situation beyond a point where negotiations become less relevant and no longer a tenable solution.
Should there be any other matter that we may assist with, we will eagerly extend a helping hand. I thank the Empire of Kusari for maintaining neutrality through this crisis.
Harold Sommerville
Fleet Admiral
Bretonian Armed Forces
Transmission received
Code recognised as NT-NOH-DirectLExt-SomV(Bret)
Decrypting.... Recipient:Fleet Admiral Harold Sommerville Sender:Kusari Naval Intelligence Date:28.02.830 Subject:Insightful news Priority:High
Goryō speaking.
Whilst we are grateful that you try to lay out the bigger picture, it was unnecessary to cite publicly available information. It was all too easy to piece together a connection between the dubious Xenos news report and the revoking of the Curacao Treaty. What matters more is what exactly moved the Republic of Liberty to validate such a source in the first place. We will simply live with the assumption that this charade suited their own goals and they merely utilised it, for now. But we will keep in mind possible alternatives and pursue an investigation into this matter, after all perhaps it was orchestrated by Liberty forces to begin with? Perhaps it is authentic and we should be worried? - I do not have to cite the suspicious ignorance shown by our local troublemakers towards Bretonian assets around and briefly after the conflict between our nations over a decade ago.
But we do not expect our friends of Bretonia to be foolish and attempt any such stunts in this time and age. Stability and economic revitalisation represent shared key interests of all great houses right now.
Moving on to the more useful bits of information you willingly share with us, Admiral.
The statement provided as initial reaction to the law codex adjustments and revoking of the treaty by Liberty is a nice read, however it barely contains anything useful. A standard diplomatic reaction to a surprising move by a partner.
The fun begins with the Insurgency warship, Sommerville. It is the vessel in question here, am I correct? Asset Tsubaki was tracked down in Bretonia, transferred to Kusari sovereign space and executed for high treason. He did not see fit to mention his findings to us, inform us about the deal he made with your forces, and then attempted to defect together with as he lated admitted, an Order contact. As you were so very cooperative to share with us, the Liberty Security Forces was informed about the vessels destruction within the Omicrons after it escaped the Armed Forces. Interestingly, "an organization long considered extremely unwelcome in Liberty" fits the Order's description quite perfectly in this context. We are back at the Order here, Sommerville. It started with the Order assisting these Insurgents, it ended up with them seemingly destroying the vessel? Experience tells me that this LSF Operative all too easily gave up on the Enterprise here. They did not deliver you concrete evidence of its destruction at some later or earlier stage, did they? If not, assume the vessel is intact and in service of the Order now as it seems to have been the plan of Captain Thach right from the get go.
Finally, the accusations thrown by the Liberty Security Forces Department of Tactical Operations regarding the 'loss' of the Insurgency warship paired with your own description of the events leaves me with a worrying question. Are the Armed Forces in adequate shape? Please do not take offense in this question, as it is one of honest worry and consideration for Bretonia. Your house suffered immeasurably due to Gallia and our strong partnership exists in the light of mutual reconstruction and opposition to the cruelty Gallia committed. Though losing control of a captured warship within the context delivered by the LSF is something I hope can be described as "one time accident only". I am glad to see that the Armed Forces swiftly reacted to the flaws painted by the Enterprise successfully fleeing - hopefully this includes a proper scolding for whoever had oversight on the Enterprise. I can now understand the angered nature of the Liberty Security Forces. As with most Libertorians, they have a tendency to search for a scapegoat and they found it in whoever managed to lose this warship.
I strongly advice the house of Bretonia to stress the need to solve this diplomatically, however as you are surely aware yourself, means for negotiation are thin at this point. An escalation beyond small-scale intrusions by the LSF must be avoided at all costs.
In regards to ourselves, we do not have concrete evidence on recent large scale operations by the LSF or other Liberty forces within Kusari's sphere of interests. As it stands, all I will do is pass on instructions to the Office of Intelligence. If they see fit, they will send a few investigators into Bretonia and Liberty respectively. The KNI will restrict itself to the priorly mentioned observation duty across the Tau highway.
We should converse privately, Admiral.
In service of the Imperial Kusari Naval Intelligence, G.
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