Natio Octavarium Internal Affairs

[Capt. Henry Morgan]

Incoming Transmission from Roppongi Station
New Tokyo, Kusari Empire
02. October 825 A.S.

To: NO Internal Affairs
Priority: Normal
Topic: New Ship

Message Contents:

A while back, I reported striking a deal with Renzu for one of their rather palatial Shukensha-class Luxury Liners. Unfortunately, that deal has since fallen through. When I placed the order, they were very interested in my title and bank balance, but didn't look too much deeper than that. Recently, however, they decided to do a deeper background check. After the results came back and they saw my fugitive status in Bretonia, they returned my deposit and cancelled my order. It seems they're concerned about the damage to their company's reputation due to selling one of their finest, and rarest, ships to a wanted criminal.

With the Invictus cancelled, I decided to check in on other ships. I was considering placing an order with OSC for an Enterprise-class Luxury Liner when I saw a suitable ship on auction by the LPI. It's an Oasis-class Passenger Liner that a Navy patrol found adrift in Cortez. The ship has received a lot of aftermarket modification, and the interior appointments are nearly as good as those aboard an Enterprise-class liner.

The only thing that briefly gave me pause was the identity of the ship. The Leviathan. Anyone following the Bretonian news about nine or ten years ago will recall that it was the flagship of the briefly resurgent Bretonian Buccaneers under the command of the notorious Henry Morgan. For as much trouble as this ship and its fellows gave us back in my Bowex days, I was sorely tempted to let the deal pass. On the other hand, I thought that, wherever he is today, it would burn "Captain" Morgan's arse to know that his pride and joy, this former den of iniquity, had been turned to honest purposes. It's for that reason that I purchased the ship and kept the name intact.

The ship is spaceworthy and definitely luxurious, but it's a bit rough around the edges. After being operated by pirates, then abandoned to drift in space for nearly a decade, it needs some work. Not as much as you might think, though. The last crew locked everything down for long-term storage before abandoning it, and my Chief Engineer tells me that the Buccaneers took surprisingly good care of it. My crews have been working around the clock to bring this ship up to acceptable standards of operation. Once it's ready, and it shouldn't take long, I'm willing to offer the ship for government use as needed, for state visits and the like.

Captain John Riley, NO-Leviathan
Guildmaster, Octavarium Mercantile Guild

Transmission End

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Natio Octavarium
Faction Information and Status • Recruitment
Faction Feedback • Internal Affairs

[Thexare]

[ Incoming Transmission ]

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Identification: Commander Kelly Combs
Affiliation: Fourth Octavarium Fleet, Natio Octavarium

To: Natio Octavarium Internal Affairs

Subject: OXS Be Still
Encryption: Sufficient.
Location: Melbourne Station, Tau-44

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We transferred Lovelace Unit 1 from her previous Corvo test shell to a new Condor-class gunship that the Commission... sourced for us.

Ada, diagnostic report.

[ Lovelace Unit 1, designation "Ada" reporting.

Maneuvering thrusters operating at 90% efficiency. Further tuning necessary to compensate for local particulate matter and stellar cloud formations.

Missile guidance systems are performing adequately according to simulated testing. Field test results pending.

Cannon battery dispersal within standard allowances. Further calibrations possible, but would require dedicated facilities.

Navigation systems compensated for extreme density of gravimetric signatures in Tau-23 and dense clouds in Tau-53. Preliminary testing indicates likely success in all Natio Octavarium operational theatres.

Shields capable of compensating for asteroid impact. Captain needs to remember that the Condor is a larger vessel than the Cormorant. ]

That's sufficient, Ada, thank you.


Commander Kelly Combs
Fourth Octavarium Fleet

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[ Transmission Ended ]

[Kazinsal]

[ Incoming Transmission ]

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Identification: Taskmaster Harold Kane
Affiliation: Natio Octavarium, Fourth Fleet

To: Fourth Octavarium Fleet; Octavarium Intelligence Commission

Subject: OCS Black Cloud II
Encryption: High
Location: Canberra Star City, Tau-44

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All,

I am pleased to announce that the final touches have finally been put on the first capital-class warship of the Fourth Octavarium Fleet, the Huginn-class operations cruiser OCS Black Cloud II. While she is officially a vessel under the purview of the Octavarium Intelligence Commission, she is "on loan" to the Fleet as a defensive implement pending the construction of additional, future warships. And in the meantime, I am pleased to name Commander Daniel Keighley as the CO of the Black Cloud II for the duration of its stay with the Fleet. Commander Keighley has been with us for six years, and previously held the position of chief tactical officer aboard the Metropolis between 820 and 822 A.S.

A shakedown cruise is commencing immediately, and fitment of a Lovelace-derived artificial intelligence as the ship's executive is being planned as I make this statement. If you look out the window of your quarters and see a heavy destroyer designed by some of the best shipwrights Rheinland's underworld has to offer unto the sector, don't be alarmed. Be relieved, as it is a sign that the Fleet is finally coming back together.

Kane

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[ Transmission Ended ]

[Capt. Henry Morgan]

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Sender: Bdr. Kevin Riley, 4OF

Ship: Spatial-class Patrol Ship "Carina Imperiatrix"

Location: Melbourne Station, Tau-44

Recipient: NO Internal Affairs

Subject: Shopping Expedition

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Bombardier Riley here,

Since nobody's been answering my calls about cockpit avionics for the White Knight, I decided to do something stupid. The Carina Imperatrix is uniquely suited to scouting expeditions behind enemy lines, so I filed a flight plan with the deck officer and flew down to Tau-31 to do a little shopping. Ever since the early days of the Tau War, Tau-31 has been absolutely littered with the remains of both Bretonian and Kusari fighters, many of them the earlier generation fighters. I managed to locate three reasonably intact Crusader wrecks, and pulled a number of parts off of each of them.

I was hoping to salvage a few more ships, but my time at the third wreck was cut short when I was spotted by an enemy gunboat. I managed to get the parts I was looking for, but I barely got out with my arse in one piece. Along the way, I captured 13 enemy pilots, 12 of them military. I also rescued one Maltese pilot who was shot down by enemy forces.

Aside from the odds and ends I was looking for, I also pulled the following parts. The guns have been turned over to Aquila for research purposes, and the Wasps and Swatter have been handed over to the deck officer.

6 x 4-9 "Splitter" Bretonia Tachyon Cannon
3 x CD88a "Wasp" Cruise Disruptor Missile Launchers
1 x M479 "Swatter" Mine Dropper

If you need me for anything, I'll be downstairs sifting through this junk to see what still works.

ATTACHMENTS
4OF/CI.GUNCAM/8251015-T31.E6
4OF/CI.GUNCAM/8251015-T31.D7
4OF/CI.GUNCAM/8251015-T31.B6

This report is certified accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Bombardier Kevin Riley
Fourth Octavarium Fleet

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Natio Octavarium
Faction Information and Status • Recruitment
Faction Feedback • Internal Affairs

[Capt. Henry Morgan]

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From: Specialist Kim Ye-jin

Location: Eureka Station

Encryption: Normal

To: NO Internal Affairs

Subject: Reporting for duty

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I want to start by thanking you for taking me in. I heard that Natio Octavarium was a home for wayward souls, and I have not been disappointed. Not everyone would take in someone with my history and problems, but I can't fault your people for the welcome I've received. As per my orders from the Fleet, I have requisitioned a Rook-class Heavy Bomber and taken up my post as Security Chief at Eureka Station. I will defend the station and the people on it to the best of my ability.

Specialist Kim Ye-jin
Специалист Ким Е Чжин
스페셜리스트 김예진

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Natio Octavarium
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Faction Feedback • Internal Affairs

[Kazinsal]

[ Incoming Transmission ]

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Identification: Lieutenant Commander Florence Clemens
Affiliation: Natio Octavarium, Fourth Fleet

To: All Natio Octavarium Assets

Subject: Communications Relay Software Upgrades
Encryption: It's there for show
Location: Canberra Star City, Tau-44

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All,

We have upgraded the software on our internal and external communications relays. Please reach out through external secure protocols if your communications IDs are throwing an "outdated verification certificate" error and the Ministry of Services will update your communications ID accordingly.

Thanks,
Lieutenant Commander Florence Clemens
Fourth Octavarium Fleet / Octavarium Research and Development

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[ Transmission Ended ]

[Kazinsal]

[ Incoming Transmission ]

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Identification: Taskmaster Harold Kane
Affiliation: Natio Octavarium, Fourth Fleet

To: Fourth Octavarium Fleet
CC: Natio Octavarium Internal Affairs


Subject: Wardec
Encryption: High
Location: Canberra Star City, Tau-44

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Fleet,

This message is to inform you that as of 22:22 SMT on October 26, 825 A.S., Natio Octavarium has declared hostilities against the Hellfire Legion as part of an agreement restoring the alliance between the former Vagrant Raiders, now represented by the Natio, and the Lane Hackers. The Fleet will be splitting its forces into two portions: the Home Division, meant to defend interests in and around Natio space, and the Away Division, conducting operations in the southern Taus and western Independent Worlds. I will be leading the Home Division, with my counterpart in the Away Division being Taskmaster Rodney Miller, a longtime member of our officer corps and a brilliant strategist.

We are about to enter a new chapter in the history of the Natio, one that will entrench our positions and strengthen our ability to defend them. Use this opportunity to the best of your abilities, and go show Sirius what Natio Octavarium stands for.

Godspeed,
Taskmaster Harold Kane
Fourth Octavarium Fleet, Home Division

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[ Transmission Ended ]

[Natio Octavarium]

[ Incoming Transmission ]

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Identification: Taskmaster Rodney Miller
Affiliation: Natio Octavarium, Fourth Fleet

To: Octavarium Research and Development; Aquila Defense Systems
CC: Internal Affairs


Subject: Warship Acquisition
Encryption: Notable
Location: Sabah Shipyard, Coronado

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Recipients:

The Crayterians have kindly provided us with hulls and drives for one (1) first generation Thanatos-class heavy cruiser and two (2) Hydra-class patrol corvettes. These three ships are being towed to high orbit of Pecos and have been made ready for transit to Tau-44 for interior fitting and arming by Aquila Defense Systems.

While the Hydra-class corvettes are in fighting capacity, albeit not at full Crayterian Military spec due to their age, the Thanatos will need more than just replating and rearming. ORAD will need to do a full hull scan of the ship to start in order for development and construction of a new interior to be feasible. The intent for this project is to build a proper warship we can use on the front lines for heavy assault and artillery purposes. I will not be personally overseeing the project, but I look forward to seeing -- and commanding -- the undoubtedly fine specimen of a capital-class vessel that will result from it.

Regards,
Taskmaster Rodney Miller
Fourth Octavarium Fleet, Away Division

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[ Transmission Ended ]

[Capt. Henry Morgan]

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Sender: Cdr. Eva Flores, 4OF

Ship: OCS Victorious March

Location: Sabah Shipyard, Coronado, Crayter Republic

Recipient: NO Internal Affairs

Subject: After-action Report

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Hola,

Today, while on the way to Freeport 6 for a crew transfer, we detected weapons fire south of the jump hole from Baffin. We moved in to investigate and found a Maltese cruiser, the MNS Pala, engaged in battle with the Crayterian Carrier Helios. As per official orders, we did not move to assist either side. Shortly after we arrived the Maltese battleship MNS Moonwalker entered the battle as well.

Since we could not assist the Helios, we notified the Maltese forces of our intentions to remain neutral and tractor in ejected pilots. Both ships agreed. We tractored in about 35 Crayter Military and civilian pilots, the surviving crews of several Crayter transports, as well as two zoners and a bounty hunter that got caught in the crossfire.

We have returned all rescued personnel to Sabah Shipyard. We are in the process of refueling now. Once we're finished here, we'll be returning to our assigned station in Cortez.

Commander Eva Flores
Fourth Octavarium Fleet

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Natio Octavarium
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[Kazinsal]

[ Incoming Transmission ]

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Identification: Agent Mindcrime
Affiliation: Octavarium Intelligence Commission

To: Octavarium Intelligence Commission; The Taskmastership

Subject: Data Dump: Vespucci
Encryption: Incredible
Location: Canberra Star City, Tau-44

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Taskmasters, Agents,

The following data dump has been relayed to me from the agent who collected it in aboard the new Neue Regel. This agent is my eyes, ears, and hands in the field, and I vouch that her findings are accurate.

Attachment found: Image
Approach to the Vespucci jump hole in the Inverness system.

Attachment found: Image
Arrival in Vespucci. The proximity of the Vespucci side of the jump corridor to Atacama Base appears to result in little to no patrols from Legion reserve forces.

Attachment found: Image
The field agent was given a rough flight plan to follow based on historical records of the system layout, compensated for reasonable amounts of stellar and orbital drift. Highlights include the edge of the Leniex cloud, the upper asteroid field, the last known location of the Ravager, Guadalajara, and back to the Inverness jump hole via Atacama.

Attachment found: Image
A communications satellite near a cruise liner, in orbit of an active volcanic world. Satellites like this are set up throughout the system, presumably acting as FTL communications relays. Ownership unknown, but suspected to be Legion.

Attachment found: Image
A wrecked combat service vehicle at the edge of the Leniex cloud. Upon seeing this, the field agent decided that the best course of action was to not go any deeper into the cloud.

Attachment found: Image
Approach to the third checkpoint was cut short when Monterrey Base appeared sooner than expected. I believe this error to be primarily in my own recollection of the maps of the system and the drift data extrapolated from there.

Attachment found: Image
HFB Ravager still lives, hovering over the jump hole to the Magellan system, as our recently-acquired turncoat attested.

Attachment found: Image
A storage depot near Guadalajara, with the planet and its surface-to-orbit fixtures in the background. The station appeared to be mostly automated with minimal to no defenses. The field agent's presence did not elicit any sort of defensive or communicative response from the depot.

Attachment found: Image
The remains of the dramatically-named HFBC Warspite near Atacama. The field agent's notes say that she, quote, "just had to stop to ponder why someone would name a warship that."

Attachment found: Image
Returning to the Inverness system. The field agent is currently aboard her ship in a berth at Invergordon Space Port, awaiting further orders.

Agent Mindcrime
Octavarium Intelligence Commission

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[ Transmission Ended ]