**COMMS DAMAGE DETECTED, UNABLE TO TRANSMIT IMAGE**
► Source:KKS-Kaiser, New Berlin ► Encryption:port RM-MAS-1NTS-TMD-TRM ► Submitter:Leutnant Karl Holzner ► Recipient:Oberkommando der Rheinwehr ► Subject:Reconnaissance Operation
Meine Herren,
As Captain Koller is currently unable to make a report, likely for some time, and the situation requires it, I shall submit one in his stead. Due to the sensitive nature of events, the ship intelligence officer has informed me to redact much of this, and to hand off a more secure version when the Oberkommando can arrange to do so.
The Kaiser was ordered to conduct a pre-mission reconaissance using available equipment. Making a successful transit outside of Rheinland space, it entered the operational area, [REDACTED]. The Captain immediately ordered the crew to set out scanners to survey the area and any points of interest. Numerous false-positives on our scanners forced the Captain to order a ready posture. For three hours we conducted our operation relatively undisturbed and continued to collect reconaissance data.
Interference scrambled our electronics, making us unable to attain a precise time, but at roughly 06:00 we detected what was believed to be a Unioner gunboat. This was followed by the unexpected arrival of a Liberty Dreadnought tagged with a Bundschuch IFF, as well as a Liberty Insurgency battleship with a [WITHDRAWN UNTIL FURTHER REVIEW] IFF. Before the Kapitan was able to ascertain the intent of the oncoming ships, a squadron of unknown warships approached. Two capital ships, and a snubfighter in total were reported by the sensor officer. One Donau class, reported missing-in-action, the [REDACTED], one [REDACTED], and a ship with a [WITHDRAWN UNTIL FURTHER REVIEW] in total. They promptly joined formation with the Unioner vessel.
Following this, we received sporadic communications from them, before they engaged the two battleships. Contact and sighting was lost with the two battleships as the Captain ordered a defensive posture. We were unable to determine their fate. Due to conditions in the system we were unable to launch a fighter screen. The vessels managed to catch up with the Kaiser and we entered a pitched naval battle. While we managed to damage the enemy vessels, the number proved overwhelming without an escort screen. The vessels ceased fire and urged a surrender, which was denied. I observed an oddity, Captain Koller communicating seemingly to nothing. The strain of combat must have taken it's toll as he fell unconscious on the bridge. With the commanding officer incapacitated, and many others injured or unable to reach the bridge, I took command. I promptly ordered our security teams to prepare for a boarding action, and had the ship steered towards the nearest jumphole we surveyed. The enemy attempted to negotiate a surrender once more, but I stalled them at best capability possible.
We were left with one of two decisions, surrender, or attempt to fight our way out. I chose the latter. Outnumbered and heavily damaged, we dumped our excess cargo, diverted all power to shields and engines and I ordered a retreat. Left with our exit blockaded, I made the decision to ram an enemy capital ship. With our mass and velocity the maneuver succeeded, and we managed to exit, ending in the Omega-7 system where we sent out a distress call. We were not pursued, and under escort managed to return under own power to Oder Shipyard through Rheinland space.
In total we sustained moderate casualties, although the inability to launch our fighters ironically spared our squadrons. Notably, our Captain Koller is still hospitalized on the ship infirmary. The damage assessments indicate repairs can be made. I currently have command until he recovers or a replacement is dispatched. We await further orders and at protocol request further debriefing due to the events. I personally recommend this report makes it up the Oberkommando and that I be allowed to give a more free report to the Admiralty in person.
Für den Kaiser! Für das Volk! Für Rheinland!
Hochachtungsvoll,
Karl Holzner
Leutnant der Kaiserlichen Rheinwehr
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