We've got work to do. And by "we", I of course mean "you". So focus, this might the occasion to prove that there's a reason we're paying you these outrageous salaries !
Right, here's what's happening : our analysts in traffic control have come up with clear signals of a redundant trend in Bretonian traffic. Ah, it appears we've already lost Moreau ? No ? Good. Being the gentle, understanding soul that I am, I have prepared a visual aide that should help those among you suffering from low attention spans. If I could direct your attention to the board for one moment...
He motions to the board behind him, which comes to life with a low hum as the lights dim.
This is a map displaying the latest traffic obtained through simple signals intelligence work. It has a particularity : what you see here is limited to civilian craft of a sizeable tonnage - think heavy transports. Their signatures are telltale, especially when compared to military platforms or single-seat chassis. As you can see on the evidently colour-coded traffic lines, there is outstanding activity on the way between Dublin and Cambridge. From what we can gather, it's not one-way : someone is making trips between those systems. A lot of trips - according to our analysts, this has been going for at least a week and is showing no sign of slowing down. Interestingly, it started not long after our offer of armistice was put forth - and turned down.
He turns back to the briefing room as the board switches off and the lights revert to normal.
This has us concerned, pilots. The Bretonian nest has been kicked, and hornets are flying everywhere, more angrily than ever before. Something is happening, and that something can't be a mere upturn in commercial traffic. This dramatic increase in traffic is most certainly tied to strategic interests relevant to the Bretonians - and as such, relevant to us. Whatever it is, I want you and your squadrons to find it out, and if it is a threat to us, put an abrupt and decisive stop to it. It could merely be civilian evacuation, the relocation of the Cambridge population to the more remote Dublin system... But that theory is not widely shared among Fleet Intelligence. That's where you come in.
Here are your mission objectives.
1°) Track down and identify any Bretonian heavy transport at any point on the route from Dublin to Cambridge.
2°) Apprehend the transport. Verify the contents of its hold. Civilians and casualties are to be left alone. Anything else will be confiscated or destroyed, as the situation dictates.
3°) Interrogate the crew. The line of questioning is thus : What were your orders ? Under whose authority did you undertake this mission ? Where were you delivering your cargo ? What is the endgame of Bretonia in this operation ? You are authorised to improvise with your questioning, the key is to secure every possible piece of this puzzle.
4°) Once your patrol is over, report your findings. Top priorities are : the nature of the cargo, and the existence (or not) of a concerted logistical effort on the Bretonians' part.
Mission parameters are as follows.
- Should the crew be cooperative, release them. Extortion is permitted.
- In case of failure to cooperate, make an example. The Bretonians must know they are not home anymore, anywhere. Their logistical operations cannot be allowed to continue with such impunity.
- Should you spot enemy responders on their way, make an example of the transport and clear out, ONLY if you can safely retreat in time, or you feel you can handle the situation by yourself. This is not a combat patrol : you will be operating deep behind enemy lines, with the need to surprise your targets. This will call for discretion.
- Once your objective is complete, Gallic taunting is, as always, recommended.
Now, for the part you're all waiting for : we know it's Noël soon. We've obtained extra budget to help motivate your pilots : every report submitted that will shed some light on this trend will be rewarded with a bonus of ten million gallic francs, with an extra five millions if the cargo was seized, destroyed or if the transport was put out of commission. Be advised that shooting down a transport full of civilians will, however, only earn you time in the brig.
If you have questions, now is the time. If not, let's get to work.
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