Gallic Royal Navy Transmission Center (iRP) (FO)

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ID: Margrave Blaise Mersenne, Colonel d'Armee Navalle
ENREGISTREMENT: GRN-3305-81-C
ORIGINE: Gap Station
DESTINATION: Sieges Sociaux
CHIFFRAGE: Securite-B

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This is Margrave Blaise Mersenne, submitting an action report for the 4th of Mai, 734 A.G.S.


Much time has passed since my last sortie, approximately two months if I recall. My duties in Dauphine have kept me away from the controls of my Serval for too long; today I finally took flight again.

Embarking from Gap Station, I transited to Burgundy to behold His Majesty's Fleet; the Chant du Cygne and an new battleship, the Renaissance, were holding in high orbit above Planet Orville. A small detachment of fighter escorts were also present, with one particular pilot that ma Grand Marshall had transferred to my wing; madamoiselle Laurel Lavelle had submitted her request to join His Majesty's Royal Navy. That she was granted a heavy fighter shows indication of promise and skill, and I gladly accepted her transfer to my wing. His Majesty's Territory seemed secure for the time being, so we were relegated to undertaking patrol missions dispatched from D'Intelligence Navalle. Perhaps Fate willed that my first sortie be a simple one, though she also saw fit to tempt the Council.

A Council battlegroup consisting of a Redemption and Obstinate wished to challenge His Majesty's Royal Navy in our very own system, and such an affront could not be left alone. The Chant du Cygne and Renaissance accepted the Council's challenge, and met them on the field of battle; the heavy battery fire flew thick and heavy and, though the Renaissance sustained critical damage, the Grand Marshall managed to rout the Council's assault. This battle was opportune, as Lavelle could witness the withering firepower of His Majesty's Fleet.

D'Intelligence Navalle would soon inform us of an anomalous sensor reading from Lorraine and, by the Grand Marshall's leave, we departed to investigate. Early reports indicated that the contact had attempted bribery of our Knights, a heinous crime and of the utmost insult to Royal Decree. Our search did not last long, as an unidentified vessel soon approached to sensor range; heuristics identified a Union Corse IFF and vessel registration, giving us further corroboration as to the bribery attempt. The pilot of the vessel Psyche, an Asco-class gunboat, transferred a sum of credits to my vessel; these funds will be deposited into His Majesty's war coffers. Though we had played along, justice was to be served. I informed the pilot of his transgressions against His Majesty's Royal Navy and Domain, the punishment of which was no less than death. The pilot claimed he had to pursue such a course for the safety of his family and child; these are things he should have thought of before being employed in such a vile trade. With the Grand Marshall present, we immediately meted out justice.

The Asco was well-equipped for a fighter interception role, and the pilot (claiming to be a mere 'scout') seemed quite adept. Lavalle had performed admirably, yet the sheer firepower of the gunboat would eventually force her to eject. I will admit full responsibility for the loss of a Serval, as I should have shown better judgment than to bring a new pilot into such a battle. Soon, though, the Frayant Battlegroup arrived; the Corse pilot had offered to surrender, but his deeds did nothing to grant him penance. The Grand Marshall spoke, and justice was to be dispensed. Within the span of five seconds, the gunboat was dismantled by the combined firepower of the Battlegroup. Having settled this issue, the fleet returned to Burgundy. I docked at Dijon Station shortly thereafter to prepare this report.


Analysis: There is no new tactical data concerning the Council fleet that attacked, save for what has been mentioned in previous reports. I will use this space to discuss, instead, the performance of Laurel Lavalle.

The pilot possesses a fervor that is rarely seen in His Majesty's subjects, a fiery rage against the Sirian vermin who have wronged us centuries ago in Sol. I will admit that it is refreshing, and reaffirms the goals of His Majesty. She also displays a strong desire for worth, claiming her origins to be that of a farmer's child. I will trust in the decisions of His Majesty's Royal Navy, for it sees potential in this recruit to achieve great things. Her valor in combat is not to be questioned as well: despite an overwhelming disadvantage in combat against a gunboat, she never faltered and kept her trigger held. With the education and instruction of His Majesty's Royal Navy, I can confidently say that Laurel Levalle will make a fine addition.


Conclusion: Despite my absence, I see that there is still much for us to do. I look forward to flying again, for His Majesty and for Gallia.


To the best of my abilities, I claim the contents to be truthful and accurate.


By my hand and eye,


Margrave Blaise Mersenne



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Maybe some day, they'll see a hero is just a man who knows he's free.