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A tense day in Dublin, but the mess could be cleaned up discreetly. No repercussions are expected and no further action need to be taken.
A Bounty Hunter Group Core pilot intercepted an combined IMG and Independent Molly miners (Mafic) in the F3 field. The miners went to the NE field because the D6 field showed heavy signs of overuse and they did not realize that it is not clever to take the Molly miner with them.
Consequently a BHG| caught the mining op and wanted to shoot the Molly. The IMG Defence, Core and Independent, threatened the BHG. It was attempted to bribe the Hunter - so I was told in the reports - but he only took the money and chased the Molly, obviously looking for a reason to collect the bounty even though a deal had been struck. The 3 millions were lost, perhaps a good lesson learnt for the pilot who tried it.
The Hunter attacked the Molly Mafic small miner in the Hood Zone and destroyed it, which is a clear violation of the Dublin NFZ. This is when I was alerted by Hood emergency channels and launched myself.
The situation could be cleared by making BHG| shut up about what they saw and me granting them that they won't be held responsible from their NFZ violation. So the "I can hurt you, but I won't, if you (don't) do this..." game played out well today, except for the Molly miner, whose pod was collected by Hood Search & Rescue after only 2 minutes. He is already at Arranmore again.
Later a Molly fighter attacked the BHG| and an Independent IMG Defence pilot assisted him. The fight was interrupted by me and we managed to solve the rest with words.
I used the talk with BHG to tell them about our definition of "civilians" and to make some statement about the Hood Zone. BHG| promised they will pick their targets more carefully, implying that they would respect our definition of civilians, at least so far as they seemed not to be willing to shoot at us and be shot at for it.
The bounty for a civilian (?) Molly is 2 millions, I was told later, more by chance because the pilot was bragging about his good payment.
[color=#FFFF66][size=medium]Consequence: Please do not take combined Molly-IMG mining Operations out of Arranmore field! You are putting IMG at a really bad risk. Mollys are a shoot on sight for almost all people in Dublin if they are seen in Bretonian space, that's north of Arranmore field. If we assist Mollys there, it will be really easy to state that IMG is assisting terrorists and this is what the vultures are waiting for.
[font=Fixedsys][color=#CCFFFF]*** TRANSMISSION STANDBY FOR ANSWER ***
**** Incoming Transmission ****
From: Johnathan Sanders
To: Guildcomms
In response to T&M G-Man (odd name for a vessel). Mandelorians tend to hound us wherever they legally can, probably on the Outcasts behalf. I'm not sure what you mean by "violation"... but bottom line, don't go into the borderworlds without an escort to cover you. Treat Mandelorian as pirates when encountered outside of house space. They work for those - so treat them as those. Hope that clarifies things. I'm not sure about the Mandelorian standing with the Rheinland government, you could try taking your case to the Rheinland Federal Police, seeing as Rheinland claims that system as it's own.
The Unioner agression... is odd. I guess the balance between jobless shipwright and blackguard is tipping towards the nether end a bit in their ranks. Given they've stated their intent, treat them as they would treat us. Whenever possible, try to avoid passing through the Frankfurt system alltogether - most seasoned transport vessels will know of a little shortcut to bypass that system completely.
As for our policies in regards to the Mollies...
I've made it clear to both the Armed Forces (including IAB) and Mollies that we quite simply can't guarantee the safety of their fighters and bombers around Hood. I'm not sure what the defense araments on that Mafic were, but if it was packing a supernova cannon or nova torpedo array, then it isn't exactly a fullblood mining vessel anymore. I've requested of the mollies to, for their own safety, keep the visits of fighters, bombers, gunboats and assault transports to a minimum.
Hegemons and trains are welcome and I encourage IMG defense units to defend them if they come under attack inside the Hood perimiter (though if the Armed Forces are involved as agressors, try and use nonlethal methods - force a disengagement and do not pursue). Admiral Ralston has indicated the Armed Forces active patrols will not include the Hood perimiter - but they will pursue and destroy Molly forces when they flee inside it. Something that is perfectly acceptable as far as I'm concerned. The Mollies have chosen to be agressive, they'll need to face up to the consequences of this.
**** Transmission closed ****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
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SCRA Encounters in Dublin:
1. Mining Operation Downs SCRA Fighter
An IMG Mining Operation (2 IMG miners [Mafic, Hegemon], 1 Molly Miner [Spatial]) were attacked by a Volkhan Very Heavy Fighter craft. The Hegemon retreated with the ore while the small miners were engaged and fought back. With the help of an IMG Core Defence Eagle and great bravery of the miners, the SCRA was destroyed in the mining field.
2. SCRA Counter-Attack against Hood
About 30 minutes after the first incident, the expected retaliatory strike took place. It did not meet any of our mining operations in the fields because it was predictible.
Three SCRA vessels, one of them a Hessian Odin, entered the Hood perimeter where I confronted them. The odds were not in my favour but I stayed out there to gather information because I realized that Hood guns were not set to fire, as I had expected.
I am not happy about the Odin class ship being used against us, since we have good or at least never hostile relations with the Red Hessians and so this comes as a unpleasant surprise, personally. Perhaps the Hessians should be informed about the use of their equipment. I have all the material that is needed for such a move.
The encounter was rather short, I intended to emergency-dock but had already pushed my luck too far. The ship tumbled into the dock and will be down for some hours for urgent repairs. The miners remained unhurt and docked during the short fighting.
Evidence Files:
File #1 : Me, asking whether they are loyal to Volkhan or Katz, thus taking unnecessary risks.
File #2 : The attack is staged 450 meters from Hood
Let's make sure Hood shoots at all of these bastards. Katzians, Volkhanists... I don't care any more. If they can't keep their house clean, we should not pay the price for their shortcomings in all diplomatic areas. I am sick and tired of asking SCRA pilots first who they are loyal to and thus take risks for Hood Defence Personel mainly, because they need to find out whether we deal with hostiles or neutrals.
I'd advise the IMG Directors to make a swift and brave move to mark them as enemies and thus put pressure on the Katz followers to clean up. I'd advise to set them all to hostile at least as long as we cannot be sure that the ships we encounter are really not hostile. It should be their job to tell us, not ours to risk our lives in finding out.
Jack Henderson, Dublin Hood, out.
[font=Fixedsys][color=#CCFFFF]*** TRANSMISSION STANDBY FOR ANSWER ***
TO: Mining Division, cc Defense Division
FROM: Alex Vale
RE: BMM encounter in T23 middle mining field/B2/
I acquired a new Hegemon class vessel presently and took it for a test run in the T23 northern field/system coords C2/. The ship has work to be done on - especially the scaninig and communication systems* - but nothing capital.
I managed to get a full hold of niobium ore - with plenty of raw materials of low quality present in the field
Imagine my suprise, when at the end of my run I observed a hostile IFF on my scanner. While scrabbling for safety, I tried to run a recognition program on the ship. It worked, showing to my suprise another hegemon vessel. Vastly relieved, I tried to close with said vessel and do some additional scaning. Most of the images did not come out right, but the three best I attach to this report:
Some of the imaging that did not survive clearly showed a BMM mining vessel performing a mining operation in the T23 small middle field /system coords B2/ with niobium ore in the hold. I had an understanding that IMG held the exclusive rights to these fields - am I wrong?
Due to my comm problems, i did not attempt to contact the BMM vessel, heading home instead.
Did I act correctly in this situation? How should I have treated the BMM vessel? As a new addition to the IMG organisation I am still in the mist about some of the implemented policies.
*****GuildComm Deactivated*****
//edit - the 'com problem' was my spoty connection. That and the fact I had no idea how to treat the 'invader' is the reason I did not initiate contact
and spellcheck is done
"Come on, people. We have a job to do, so let's be about it" - Lady Dame Steadholder Admiral Honor Alexander-Harrington, RMN A weapon is a device for making your enemy change his mind. The mind is the only battlefield that matters. Everything else is just ... fuss.
Lieutenant Lord Miles Naismith Vorkosigan / Admiral Miles Naismith/ "Always aim for the stars, boy. Even if you miss, you'll at least not end up shooting your leg"
Ascribed to General Count Piotr Pier Vorkosigan
<span style="color:#FFFF33">"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."</span>
Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear.
The BMM and it's affiliate companies right to mine in the Tau systems is governed by the Tau Pact:
Tau Pact Wrote:Clause 4: The Crown of Bretonia cedes full ownership rights to the IMG of all presently undiscovered resources in Tau and Orkney (excluding additional resources discovered in existing fields currently mined by BMM), providing that BMM is granted permission to mine such IMG resources in exhange for a monthly fee to the IMG, not exceeding 10 million credits per month. In addition, there shall be full official recognition of IMG claims of ownership over all resources in fields currently mined by the IMG. No Agents of the Bretonian Crown shall in any way impede access to IMG resources by members of the IMG, and shall act to defend IMG access to their resources from those who would impede said access.
In short, if a BMM or affiliate company wishes to mine in the Tau systems (with the exception of their pre-established operation near the Tau 23 gate site, which focuses on Beryllium), they will have to pay a fee for the privilege. However, given our own stance towards them, and the presence of Kusari and Outcasts, there have not been many of them Tauside.
To my knowledge however, this BMM affiliate company has not procured mining rights, and therefor should not be mining Niobium. Your choice not to engage with your own mining vessel makes sense - but if these guys are seen again, let either the IMG defense or Colonial Republic forces know, and we'll handle it. Preferably without shots fired.
**** Transmission Closed ****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
**** SENDER: [color=#FFCC99]Samuel Degenhardt, IMG| Director of Trade ****
**** TO: [color=#FFCC99]IMG ****
**** ENCRYPTION: HIGH *****
**** VOICE ENABLED ****
**** VIDEO UPLINK ENABLED ****
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For your information:
1. IDF-IMG Contract
IMG has made a successful contract with Il de France shipping, a Gallic trade organisation. They buy ore from the IMG and we offer at fixed prices. We also try to provide security along the way, especially Orkney is a dangerous territory.
Ore pricing:
Niobium (if sold in T23): 3300 Credits per ton
Beryllium (if sold in T23): 4000 Credits per ton
Gold (if sold in Dublin): 4500 Credits per ton
2. Confidentiality and IDF Contract
As we all know, Gallian companies are not really warmly welcomed in Sirius. Especially the Tau-side IMG holdings know that if the invasion rumors spread by the Council are true, we need to make sure that Gallia does not wipe us out. Cooperating with them can only improve our situation in case an invasion takes place. It is as simple as that: you do not destroy a useful tool. I'd rather be the useful tool than the broken and discarded one.
Now, many others will not like us dealing with Gallia in a friendly way.
Consequence: Keep the involvement with the IDF confidential. This is extremely important in our holdings outside of the Taus. The less people know about our connections, the less problems we will have.
3. Hightened security in Orkney necessary
IMG wants to protect civilian transports, especially if they transport the ore we sold them. Orkney is a hot spot for Brigand piracy. According to our sources, they fly Gunboats often, but also field small craft.
I request the placement of Defensive Forces at Dounby. Bombers with some Fighters may be the best choice, perhaps assisted by a Capital vessel that can take down gunboats.
Until now we do not engage the Brigands that show on our screens as +LE+ but when there is IDF traffic, it's our task to defend them. Our deal can only come true if we overcome obstacles. Brigands are such an obstacle.
IDF will do their part to improve security. Work with their pilots to ensure the safety of these shipments.
4. Warning to our newer members: Mandalorian Mercs are hostile
The Board of Directors received news of an attack by Mandalorian Mercs against IMG miners in Omega 7.
Mandalorians hunt IMG vessels. You are worth 2 million credits to them. Sometimes they take 2,5 or 3 million and walk away. Consider that your best option to save your cargo, ship and health or even life.
They do not attack normally in Bretonian house space.
I wonder whether we can do something about that. Brets would not be happy to employ people who kill us everywhere except in Bretonia, while they have to do police work in Bretonia... hmmm... but that's another topic. If anybody feels like giving it a shot, contact me.
That's all the Trade Department has to say at the moment.
If you see some opportunities, call my office.
This is Samuel Degenhardt, out.
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Encryption:High
Voice uplink established
Vidio uplink established
This is Mathew Haywood, Pilot of the Nyx fighter "Freedom" I have a strange event as to which to report. I was contacted by an "Unofficial" member who reported that Red Hessians were in possesion of Zephyr class vessels in the Omega-7 system. Before I arived, Reinland navy enetered the system and a battle was fought. I entered the system and I brought a diplomatic resolve to the battle.
These are the casualties on which I heard of:
1 IMG pilot, who was recovered and is recieving medical treatment at Aland shipyard.
The captain and crew of Zephyr class vessels, I suspect these were the stolen vessels that were reported earlier.
No known Reinland casualties
I have no clue as to whether the hessians have permission to acces our technology, in particular our flagship. So I decided to make this report and file it.
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Hm, this is a bit of a touchy subject that seems to have resurfaced now in the Omega 7 crisis.
This is off the record, but it's necessary that our men and women understand it:
A subfaction of IMG operating in the Omegas was not content with the overall course that the IMG| had chosen, which was too much focussed on avoiding confrontation. They started corporate conflict with Rheinland corporations, fighting a violent struggle in the mining fields.
IMG| tried to act against them, diplomatically, then militarily, but these efforts were not really a great success due to a combination of special reasons. The captains of the ships decided to take their IMG ships (the capital vessels included) and joined the Hessian cause, which was much closer to their violent means than the IMG's strategy. The IMG| issued orders to get these ships back, but they were never executed with great vigour since it's no use searching these ships in the nebulae of the Omegas where Hessians have the best knowledge. There was also no necessity to risk the diplomatic relations with the Hessians, who share some roots with IMG.
Having these IMG ships in the hand of Hessian marauders (their point of view) around Rheinland has been used by Rheinland as a casus belli against IMG, I was told. That might well be so.
I also know that inside the IMG there is a group that more or less secretly sympathises with the actions of the Red Hessians and thus has no big problem with their actions against Rheinland corporations and their fleet.
Perhaps the recent developments in Omega 7, the bombardement of Freistadt by Daumann and the whole move of Rheinland might make that sympathy for the Red Hessian cause even larger. There is news that Freistadt evacuees joined the Hessian agenda in significant numbers.
What we do: Try not to cooperate openly with Hessians. We are law-abiding miners, at least as long as the Rheinland law's eyes are looking at us directly. Accept their aid, but keep a healthy distance that allows us to deny any direct involvement with them.
Jack Henderson, Dublin Hood, out.
[font=Fixedsys][color=#CCFFFF]*** TRANSMISSION STANDBY FOR ANSWER ***
**** SENDER: [color=#FFCC99]Samuel Degenhardt, IMG| Director of Trade ****
**** TO: [color=#FFCC99]ALL IMG and Allies ****
**** ENCRYPTION: HIGH *****
**** VOICE ENABLED ****
**** VIDEO UPLINK ENABLED ****
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[font=Fixedsys]
Greetings, Ladies and Gentlemen.
The Omega 7 crisis is heading into a dangerous direction at the moment.
We did not expect Daumann bombard Freistadt in a real effort to erase IMG presence from Omega 7. While the destruction of the base would have been clearly impossible by the forces they brought in, the assessment of the strike showed that they aimed at making the base uninhabitable and thus force us to evacuate or surrender it.
When the secondary support life systems failed a few minutes ago, the situation became critical. Freistadt has no means to repair it and the strategic suplies of oxygen mainly are being drained fast by the high number of soldiers stationed there.
We need to act. As a Guild. With all our resolution and resources.
Situation: The Rheinland Marine will try to take advantage of the Daumann action and keep up the blockade of Omega 7. They will hope to force us to evacuate, then likely claim Freistadt and take it, or force us to surrender it when our forces are neutralised by lack of oxygen.
[size=medium]Missions for Trading ships:
Primary objective: Resupply Freistadt with Oxygen. We need as much as we possibly can get. Water and Food Rations are not yet critical but might become so, soon.
Secondary Objective: Resupply Freistadt with all the other supplies that their report requests.
[color=#FF9900]Missions for Fighting ships:
Primary Objective: Keep the traders safe, IMG ships as well as Independent ships. I am not a military analyst, but our best bet will likely be to go offensive while we resupply and thus force them to distribute their efforts from the blockade and thus get them away from our soft targets.
Please be a part of the effort. We cannot risk losing Freistadt.
I will be out myself in the Emerald.
Samuel Degenhardt
IMG Director of Trade
[font=Fixedsys][color=#CCFFFF]*** TRANSMISSION STANDBY FOR ANSWER ***
//It would be cool if IMG appeared in great numbers.
//We need transports, freighters to make it look like a real effort to keep Freistadt and thus convince Rheinland that the conflict will never be short. By prooving that, a peaceful diplomatic resolution becomes possible again because neither party is interested in a long and expensive conflict.
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