☆ From: Director Adam C. Maxwell, Liberty Security Force
☆ To: Liberty Forces High Command
☆ Subject: ONTARIO Classified Briefing
Ladies and gentlemen
For those not acquainted with my record, I am Director Adam C. Maxwell, overseeing the deployment of the battlecruiser Lehigh and its accompanying task force. It has come to our attention that our prior operation to secure the highly valuable propulsion prototype -- originally part of the IKN Niyodo -- ended unfavorably. This technology is now believed to be in the hands of extremist criminal factions in the Ontario system, and our intelligence indicates we are still triangulating its precise location.
This development complicates the ongoing directive to secure Planet Sudbury, where our field units are tasked with establishing a foothold for both research and security operations. Meanwhile, our expeditionary force in the Inverness system continues to face staunch resistance from local terrorist groups determined to delay our advance at any cost.
Owing to the lack of decisive progress at the strategic level, we are considering merging these two separate military operations into a single coordinated campaign. A tactical withdrawal from Inverness -- at least temporarily -- would allow us to concentrate additional firepower in Ontario, potentially yielding a critical edge. However, our window of strategic surprise is narrow, and we must decide which objective takes priority:
Option A: Recover or Neutralize the Niyodo Propulsion Fragment
Locate and seize the prototype drive unit from the Lane Hackers. If retrieval proves impossible, destruction remains an acceptable contingency to prevent its further exploitation.
Option B: Eliminate Resistance and Secure Planet Sudbury
Overcome hostile forces entrenched around Sudbury and establish a reliable logistical corridor between the jump gate and the planet, ensuring safe transport of personnel and materiel.
Both courses of action are of paramount importance. Planet Sudbury, if left unchecked, could become a long-term liability for the Liberty Republic. Meanwhile, the advanced jump drive technology -- in the hands of the Lane Hackers or, potentially, the Outcasts -- is an intolerable threat to our national security.
Ladies and gentlemen, in your professional assessment, which of these threats poses the most immediate danger to the Republic of Liberty?
Liberty Navy 46th Fleet Security Clearance: < Granted >
Sender ID: Fleet Admiral Martin Kemp-Smith
Recipient ID: Director Adam C. Maxwell, LSF; CC: Liberty Force High Command
Subject: RE: ONTARIO Classified Briefing
Director Maxwell,
I've no doubt that you've full access to my file, so I'll spare you of an introduction.
With recent events and loss of the propulsion prototype from the IKN Niyodo, this must be dealt with as a matter of highest priority. Should it fall in to undesirable hands, this would open Liberty up to even higher levels of threat, which would pose an unacceptable risk. We should regroup, and refocus our efforts and strike while we've the chance. It's unlikely that Ontario would expect a count-attack so soon after such an offensive action.
Option A is the only reasonable choice to secure, or destroy the propulsion prototype, as required and can be assessed in the field. Followed immediately by redeployment to secure Sudbury and a logistical channel through Ontario for our men and women on the ground.
I've instructed the rest of the Forty-sixth Admiralty to openly share their assessments on this matter, so standby for further input, Director.
In service to the Republic.
-
Martin Kemp-Smith
Fleet Admiral Liberty Navy 46th Fleet
Incoming Transmission Liberty Security Force
External Threat Division
Agent Excelsus
Director Maxwell:
The listed information significantly downplays the threat of Planet Sudbury's anomaly, and mildly overplays the threat of the Lane Hackers. Comparing our actionable evidences for large-scale Lane Hacker operations, those being the breaching of the Universal Ship Identification system and the loss of the Spyglass, the projected outcome for the Niyodo's technology, whatever of it is even recoverable after our efforts to scuttle it in Ontario, is simply an increase in targeted piracy. The Lane Hackers have never posed a credible threat beyond piracy, and have never been part of a serious border breach in any case. The absolute closest they've come is the Hellfire Legion, which was presumably propped up by outside forces, and still was eventually forced to merge with the rogue Battlegroup Harmony. We highly recommend setting Corporate Convoys on high alert, but that is the extent of it.
Conversely, the Sudbury anomaly and its increasingly problematic neighbors cannot be overstated. For this, I have three major points:
Firstly, Nomad activity around Sudbury is heavily expected, and Nomad activity in Inverness is confirmed. Whatever threat the Lane Hackers present pales in comparison to the active and hostile aliens. Additionally, these ambushes from the Nomads utilized jump-drive technology, which means all targets are under threat at all times. Securing Sudbury is paramount. Even if initial suspicious are correct, and the Niyodo is fitted with jump-drive technology, the Lane Hackers are not magical. They cannot recreate that technology instantly, whereas the Nomads already posses this tech, and are an immediate and urgent threat.
Secondly, the Technocracy has taken in Hellfire Legion remnants. Hellfire Legion came into extensive friendly contact with the rogue Battlegroup Harmony during their time as the Insurgency, and is suspected to possess, at the very least, tangential Liberty Forces combat training. While the training may be dated, a threat of any kind is multiplied exponentially by knowing us and our methods. Militants based out of the Freeport in Inverness also target Liberty Forces, as well as known large-scale Xenos operations in Ontario. We expect to fight Nomads, Xenos, Auxesia, and Zoner Militants at the very least to have a shot at control of Sudbury. Chasing down Hackers, no matter how annoying they are, can and most likely will cost us control of Sudbury's orbit, and that is wholly unallowable.
Third, the anomaly is already active. Delaying the approach of our forces could have been acceptable earlier, when the anomaly was simply an alien shield on a portion of the planet. Attached is both the report of Advocate Team's initial scout, and the transfer of the Upheaval to Wavewalker Team. Simply put, the situation has changed. The anomaly is now a gargantuan beam visible from anywhere in the system. The sooner we take control of the planet, the better. Decisive action is required here, as there is no longer time to delay.
As much pity as I have for wounded pride, the Lane Hackers have constantly been a non-issue, even with large scale tech in their hands. Option B is the only reasonable option, as the number and severity of threats is far above what Lane Hackers could accomplish, even if they magically put together the entire Niyodo after the number our boys did on it.
This concludes the report. With Liberty and Justice for all,
Excelsus,
Agent,
External Threat Division
Important: This communication remains the property of the Libertonian Armed Forces and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Neural Net Communications Act 807 A.S, Section 30. If you have received this message in error, you are requested to contact the sender and delete the communication.
I'll do something about my superiority complex when I cease to be superior.
"Whatever happened to catchin' a good old-fashioned passionate ass-whoopin and gettin' your shoes, coat, and your hat tooken?"
Denial of the Niyodo to Kusari is sufficient for now.
Our analysts have determined the Lane Hackers will attempt to reverse-engineer and subsequently graft the components onto Priority One Target: DESTROYER INSIDIOUS from within their hideout within Ontario. The wake of such a vessel is wide indeed; by securing Sudbury first, we will be in position to monitor for it, and when the Lane Hackers try to bring it in, we'll be ready. They're wealthy tech freaks, they can't help themselves. Their tech enthusiasm will be their undoing.
It is very unlikely they will even attempt sale of purloined cargo to interested parties (e.g. Technocracy) until they fully understand what it is they have, unless they've finally gone insane. At this point, clamping down upon Sudbury is mandatory, or else the whole system is liable to become a pernicious thorn in both our North and West, a situation that would be frankly unacceptable for Liberty's long-term security.
Commissioner Edward Trask
Liberty Security Force (Dept. of War Operations Planning)
Liberty Navy 46th Fleet Security Clearance: < RESTRICTED: RECIPIENT(S) ONLY>
Sender ID: RADM Jeffrey Asterius
Recipient ID: Director Adam C. Maxwell, LSF; CC: Liberty Forces High Command
Subject: RE: ONTARIO Classified Briefing
Director,
While it is a shame that we lost our opportunity to have a gander at Kusari's recent ventures into hyperspace travel technology, I am more than certain it's not something our dear colleagues at Ageira won't overcome. However, we need to look at the immediate here and now and face the obvious: Sudbury Anomaly is a critical concern, not only for sake of our own safety, but that of the entire Sirius sector. When Sudbury eventually turns into god-knows-what - and I say "when", not "if" - we must be prepared.
As such, it's mandatory that we rally our forces, suppress the local opposition and secure Sudbury.
Incoming Transmission Liberty Navy, First Fleet
First Fleet Admiralty
Admiral Jack Boehm
Director Maxwell:
Director,
After careful consideration, the First Fleet has come to the conclusion that operations should commence to secure or destroy the Niyodo fragment. While the situation at Sudbury is obviously of serious concern, we do not know the time frame that would be required to seize the immediate area around the planet, or how long it would take to establish the proposed logistical corridor. Operations against the Lane Hackers to determine the fate of the Niyodo fragment in contrast can proceed on short notice, and the intelligence gathered may quickly prove to be out of date if we do not attempt an immediate intervention.
We have also considered the proposal to redeploy the Tuscaloosa from Inverness, and are of the opinion that operations there seem to be at a standstill, with no new intelligence having been gathered in the months since deployment of her battlegroup. Withdrawal of the entire battlegroup is recommended, with the Tallapoosa better serving as an escort to Ontario than in being left behind to continue the Inverness operations. This move should be started immediately, as our local intelligence in Ontario is not reliable and should be acted on with no delay.
Jack Boehm
ADM, 1FLT
Liberty Navy
Important: This communication remains the property of the Libertonian Armed Forces and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Neural Net Communications Act 807 A.S, Section 30. If you have received this message in error, you are requested to contact the sender and delete the communication.
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Communication channel opened... Encryption:Unbreakable Origin:Battleship Wisconsin ID:Admiral Miles Prower Subject:Ontario Operations
Director Maxwell,
It is the opinion of the 5th Fleet High Command that the retrieval or destruction of the Niyodo drive is priority as it presents a direct threat in the hands of the Hackers. Immediately following this objective, our assets would be deployed to secure a support corridor for the removal of unwanted elements around Sudbury. Such an operation would require concentrated, and more importantly, a lengthy amount of time, to complete. During the necessary time to prepare security forces and logistics to support, a tactical strike to neutralize the threat of the Lane Hackers learning about the Niyodo drive is paramount.
We are also of the opinion that, with current developments, retreating the Tuscaloosa from Inverness to support operations in Ontario is the best course of action. With it's aid we can secure a logistical corridor and/or bolster the strike against the Lane Hackers and ensure the completion of Objective A.
Communication channel opened... Encryption:Tenn-772.51/2
Origin:Naval Command Station Peregrine, Planet Los Angeles, California system ID:Adm. Mark Ferguson Subject:RE: ONTARIO Classified Briefing
Director,
Seeing as how my compatriots have more than sufficiently outlined many of the same reasonings we have, I will simply note that the Third Fleet Admiralty has largely come to the same conclusion as that of the leadership from the First and Fifth Fleets regarding the security of the Niyodo Drive. We see this as the most critical threat to Liberty at this time, and all efforts should be made to ensure it will not be a threat to the Republic or our operations within Ontario.
I do, however, believe that our forces within Ontario are sufficient to carry out this operation as well as the security of the Sudbury perimeter. Battlegroup Tuscaloosa, despite her sub-optimal performance so far, is in a critical position within Inverness. To relinquish such would relieve pressure on Technocrat forces, and likely inspire reprisals against Crayterian forces in Coronado, or the backline in Ontario. I would suggest the utilization of support from Battlegroup Yellowstone in California before suggestion of redeployment of the Tuscaloosa is considered.
Incoming Transmission Liberty Security Force
Tactical Operations
Department Chief 'Siren'
Director Maxwell;
It is of my belief and from the analysis of brighter minds than mine that the Lane Hackers possession of the drive is problematic, but not disastrous. If nothing else, they will need time to examine, reverse engineer, and even attempt running a test of the device. A device I feel they will not be so easily able to hand off to their allies with zero evidence of its functionality or its usefulness.
Let them believe they have slipped through our fingers for good while we cast the net in Ontario, and bolster its defenses. Liberty has only just stepped foot inside Inverness, and its a move that would be easy to make once again. The loss of Sudbury would be catastrophic to furthering the interests of Liberty, all because we wasted our efforts chasing the Lane Hackers in the dark, in their own territory. Sudbury very well may contain the next great leap in Liberty's technological dominance we have sought for decades. The loss of the drive would be inconsequential compared to the loss of Sudbury. If the readings and analysis since the Blackout have any sort of accuracy, the loss of the drive would be of zero concern, once we uncover the secrets of this planet.
There is no other option than Option B. Sudbury must be held at all costs.
In service to the Republic.
'Siren'
Department Chief
TacOps
Important:
This communication remains the property of the Libertonian Armed Forces and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Neural Net Communications Act 807 A.S, Section 30. If you have received this message in error, you are requested to contact the sender and delete the communication.
☆ From: Director Adam C. Maxwell, Liberty Security Force
☆ To: Liberty Forces High Command
☆ Subject: ONTARIO Classified Briefing
Ladies and gentlemen
Your insights have sparked considerable debate among our department, especially now that we have received the latest data and projections, which refine our strategic estimates. We must reach a consensus on which operation to prioritize by a substantial margin, lest we divide our forces and opinions to disastrous effect.
Withdrawing the battlecruiser Yellowstone from the California system remains unfeasible. California is a vital region for both the Liberty Rogues and the Outcasts, and any noticeable reduction in our military presence would likely be seen as an open invitation for attacks against civilian shipping. In addition, the Yellowstone is not part of the expeditionary force, and thus her presence in Ontario would not be significant without major reorganization.
Meanwhile, the mission of the battlecruiser Tuscaloosa can be deemed partially successful. Inverness has been confirmed, beyond any doubt, to harbor Nomad activity. A significant number of alien bioforms were neutralized, weakening their local presence. The Technocrats, who opposed our efforts because of their purported territorial claims, sustained losses of their own, forced to rely on pilots who were neither well-trained nor well-equipped. We also took enough prisoners to conduct thorough interrogations in Alaska. Consequently, all residents of the system are assessed as at high risk of potential compromise by Nomad activity. Active measures must be taken to contain the area and isolate these individuals until sufficient force can be assembled to eradicate the Nomad presence at a later date.
As for the Lane Hackers, although their jump drive technology remains a threat, our intelligence suggests their propulsion core was severely damaged during transit, limiting its effectiveness. In spite of appearances, any operation directed at them is likely to be complicated by their evasive tactics, as well as their reliance on Liberty Rogues or their adversaries, Xenos, to hinder our pilots. With all our combined forces, this operation is going to be successful, but it will take time before we cut off all of their escape routes and contingencies.
The real unknown in this scenario, however, is Planet Sudbury. We have identified a colossal energy beam emanating from the planet, with an output that surpasses any source currently available to Liberty by several orders of magnitude. Should someone succeed in redirecting it toward a populated world, the resulting devastation would be nothing short of apocalyptic.
In the interest of resource management and operational success, we must now decide which threat requires our immediate and unified response. Please provide your final recommendations at once, so that Command can coordinate a single, resolute plan of action.
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