Progress in Vespucci has thus far had mixed results. While we have had good success in establishing ourselves with local populations as a neutral, lawful authority, I feel the need to preface the following with this report.
The transport vessel Eryri arrived 23.11.834 and immediately set to burial operations in support of ongoing Vespucci efforts. On 24.11.834, time 1426ST, while performing EVA operations in the vicinity of Hellfire Legion gunship Burnside Eryri crew triggered a partial power surge while attempting to access engineering station 2. This partial power surge engaged two light missiles, which failed to launch. At time 1427ST Eryri ordered immediate withdrawal of all EVA personnel, remaining on station at 200m to retrieve crews. Detonation of missile warheads occurred 1429ST, potentially due to self-destruct mechanisms or launch failure. I regret to report two personnel, Dann McCarr of Dublin and Sara Blythe of Leeds, killed by resulting debris. Neither have next-of-kin on record. The Eryri herself received no damage. An investigation is currently underway to determine any potential ways this tragedy could have been avoided. Despite this, CPT Stuart reports that his vessel will continue performing burial duties in the Veracruz Graveyard.
I'm ready to report that good relations have been established with the Zoner population of the station. The majority seem happy with our presence on the station, especially as we've removed much of the imminent threat to their lives. Zoner Militant presence in the system is relegated to a portion of the population aboard Veracruz Munitions with no practicable patrols, and even these have been neutral with our activities. In an effort to solidify our standing on Veracruz Munitions station and clarify our position, communication has begun with Zoners leadership in control of the station.
Repairs to the station itself have continued on with good progress. The following changes since the 15.05.834 Vespucci Survey are as follows:
Restoration of Bay 1 to full capacity
Partial restoration of Hull Section 2
IFF for the station is still inoperable, and will likely require technicians from Cleveland to sort out. I can report that Veracruz Munitions is now self-sufficient as far as foodstuffs are concerned, with the hydroponics plant in full operation and local water supplies being sufficient for the current crew population of 850. Regular ice mining will be conducted at distance to the Veracruz Graveyards in order to limit disturbances in those areas.
Gaian encounters have been limited to sightings of smaller patrols throughout the Tijuana and Sonora Ice Fields. As these are smaller fighters clearly on patrol paths, I would judge that they have a base close by to monitor Vespucci events. Whether this is in the Sonora or close on the other side of the jump holes in Magellan or Kansas, I'm unsure, but I would generally hold that the Gaians have somewhere close to restock their craft. These patrols appear to pose a minor risk to Vespucci operations, though I'm less certain what surprises a nearby Gaian base could release. Due to their continued operations despite the prior presence of Liberty Navy capital ships, I judge that they have a bomber capacity, a very well hidden base, or likely both. Diplomatic resolution I consider not currently an option due to the total Gaian stance. Removing their presence to ensure uninterrupted Vespucci operations will likely be difficult and require major investment, as well as likely the utilization of a third party force.
Technocracy vessel encounters have largely been limited to sightings in the Tijuana Ice Field in vicinity of the Magellan jump hole, with both avoiding Bristol vessels. These appear to be small traders with light patrols, and overall I do not consider their presence to be a major threat. What is concerning is that Technocracy convoys are moving up from the western portion of the Guerrero Asteroid Field, the opposite end from the Omega-55 jump hole. I would dispatch a vessel to investigate this, whether it is an unknown jump hole or the convoys are taking a long route through the asteroid field to avoid detection, but I lack the ships needed for such. I somehow doubt the latter as the convoys speed through the Tijuana field with exceptional disregard; Why sneak about the Guerrero and speed through the Tijuana? I consider the possibility of a yet unknown entry to Vespucci to be a moderate threat to Bristol operations in system, especially if the potential is there for other entities to enter the system aside from the Technocracy. While I don't trust them at all, there have been more rabid enemies before.
Luxury Liner Barbados also presents a significant threat, though this is only due to its effect as effectively a Freeport in the area. System traffic is significantly higher than otherwise expected which likewise will likely create an increase in piracy should the liner continue operating in Vespucci.
The system itself presents several key difficulties when combined with the currently limited resources available. These are:
Veracruz Graveyard. This systemwide fact is both a navigational hazard and, as recently noted, a prime location for unexploded ordnance as well as reactor leaks and other detriments. Salvaging the whole of it in a brute force manner is not feasible, both on moral as well as practical grounds, as it would anger not only local pirate groups but the Liberty government as well.
Tijuana Minefield. Set up and abandoned, the minefield presents a strong hazard as some are known to drift off further into the Tijuana. They would present an opportunity if it wasn’t for the fact that they are heavily neglected and, legally speaking, we would be in violation of several treaties were we to actually employ them. Movement, replanting them in some better location, is therefore not feasible. Destruction is likewise not feasible at this time due to limited resources and the scale of the minefield. As such, we can only tolerate its presence and keep watch for its stragglers at this time.
Guerrero and Sonora. Both of these fields are expansive and play host to groups which otherwise would prefer our presence be elsewhere from Vespucci. To ensure security within them, at the level of detecting enemy footholds and stations, would require constant, large-scale patrol efforts which are beyond our current capabilities. As such, we cannot reasonably be sure about other organizations and their in system resources at this time. The best available measure is to emphasize station and convoy defenses.
These system difficulties could theoretically be overcome would we develop a new source of manpower locally as well as bring Veracruz Munitions into a state wherein it can begin accommodating more personnel and, thus, support a greater Bristol presence in the system. I can really only think of the Freeport 1 Zoners as well as Bethlehem Station but I think neither will be particularly inclined to resettle again after the Erie disaster, not to mention the overall history of the system. I would suggest contact with the Unioneers, but I feel as though both they and the Rheinland government would be unwilling to let their conflict finally lay to rest and such an action would likely bring Bristol into clear conflict with other Omega Systems groups, not to mention importing Rheinland criminals seems a bad idea in general.
This all said, a greater source of manpower will most certainly be necessary for full involvement by Bristol with salvation efforts in Vespucci. That I feel I cannot stress enough. I have good confidence in this effort, and in continued efforts in Vespucci once the clearing of the Veracruz Graveyard.
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