SCRA Communications Centre

[cmfalconer]

CommID: Acting-Admiral Alexi Karchov - Gold Lead, Fighter Corps CO
Message Subject: Operation RAMPART
Message Source: Medical Bay - Mykolaiv Research Station:Omega 52
Message Target: SCRA High Command - Zvezdny Gorodok:Omega 52
Message CC: SCRA Fighter Corps. SCRA Fleet Command

Comrades, I bring news both glorious and disheartening. I will run through the days events in order.

First, the Saratov met up with Lt. Cmdr. Stenka Razin and the Social Credit for a sweep of the upper Omegas as part of Operation RAMPART. We made our way through the Corsair-infested Omega 5 system, and proceeded to Omega 3 on intel from Cmdr. Katz and the Social Credit about a known Corsair pirate in the system.

We discovered the target inside the NFZ of Freeport 1. Inspection showed it to be a Corsair Imperator. First on the scene, I contacted the pilot, informing him that the Omegas were pirate-free zones under Coalition protection. The gunboat sidled up to my Storm and resumed communications, telling me he would leave the system. However, while still inside the NFZ, the Imperator opened fire on the Saratov. Luckily, my crew and I anticipated this maneuver and moved to engage as Katz and Razin entered scanning range. After trading body blows with the Imperator, my fire-support came in and, giving the Corsair a steady diet of cruise disruptors and battle-razors, it finally succombed.

We moved to continue our patrol, passing through Omega 7. Long Range scanners showed numerous anomalous readings in Omega 5, so I ordered the flightgroup to head there. Joined by the Typhoon Savaloski under the command of Commodore Gellantra, we spotted the HAF Praefect Tiger's Claw and engaged. The Storms and Razin's Revolution stayed out of the fight as Gellantra and his crew showed remarkable gallantry and skill, and made short work of the cruiser.

The Tiger's Claw must have gotten a distress call off, because as the fleet took inventory of damage and resources, a Corsair armada descended upon the small flotilla of Coalition craft. The flotilla put up a valiant fight, but the odds were against us. First to go was the Saratov to the combine fire of three Praetorians. Next to succumb was the Social Credit. Commodore Gellantra came in the Borodino, but it was too late. Gathering up the escape pods and fighting a running battle back to Omega 52, scans of the Corsair armada show that the odds were stacked against us in what can only be a Corsair trap.

There were no less than twelve (12) ships of various classes arrayed against our group. Two Osiris class Battleships were part of the flotilla, at least three Praetorians, several Titans, and other various craft possibly including numerous Imperator gunboats. This against three gunboats and a Revolution bomber, late joined by Lt. Gonzalez. Sensor records indicate this flotilla was made up of numerous HAF members, members of the Sails, D.Brothers, and various independent members of the Corsair nation.

Although all pilots are alive, the ships are not. The Saratov and the Social Credit were salvaged and are currently being overhauled. The Corsair menace must be taken care of.

Acting-Admiral Alexi Karchov
CO Fighter Corps
CPW Saratov

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CommID: Acting-Admiral Alexi Karchov - Gold Lead, Fighter Corps CO
Message Subject: Quartermaster change and Training Regiment
Message Target: All SCRA Forces

The following changes to standard protocol are effective immediately. Any failure to adhere to these statutes directly will result in punishments.

FIRST: Due to the new duties of Captain Norman Bethune, all requests for new ships and ID papers will go through Commissar-Commander Alvin Katz. If you do NOT go through Katz for your papers, visas, or new equipment requests, you will NOT receive your new equipment.

SECOND: It has come to both my attention, and to that of Fighter Corps XO and Training Officer Commodore Luis Gellantra's attention that there is a severe lack of proficiency in the Fighter Corps when it comes to direct combat engagements. This will change immediately.

All pilots will be expected to spend much of their free time improving their combat effectiveness in all ships that they currently are vetted to fly. Please see Commodore Gellantra or any pilot in Red Squadron for training protocols and make all available efforts to schedule training times.

The Fighter Corps were once feared when seen flying into battle. Let it be that way again. When the SCRA come in their snubfighters, let the rest of Sirius tremble.

FOR THE RED DAWN
Acting-Admiral Alexi Karchov
Fighter Corps CO
CPW Saratov

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