The ship approached the jump-gate to New York, quietly gliding through space. Its timing was perfect. It was late night in Alaska and only the night-shift was on duty at Juneau Shipyards; no one would notice the large ships passing.
Overriding the gates controls, it managed to enter the New York system unseen. Once on the other side, the ship made quickly for the local jump-hole...
Nearing the jump, a Navy patrol suddenly entered into scanning range. But all they got was a badly distorted image some object extending out from jump-hole they figured it was simply a local flare-up and finished their patrol.
Free, the ship avoided contact with any other vessels and made for the badlands; the perfect place of refuge for those not wishing to be found.
Utilizing an abandoned jump-gate, the ship made its way into the Magellan system. Launching a captured CSV, members of the ships crew left for Freeport 4. They moved about the base gathering resources and equipment that would be required for a long haul.
Only one person in the group talked and negotitated with the dealers, the rest simply gathered the equipment without saying a word. The merchants noted them as "moving about the station as though they were in some type of trance."
The cargo master, having asked the group what they needed all the stuff for, later describes the incident to a friend, "...it wasnt the way they looked at me, it was how they all looked up at the same freaking time after I asked the question that gave me the creeps"
The CSV left the station without further incident.
Aside: the jump-gate still doesnt work, this is only for the story
GNN: Bretonian Destroyers lost in the Manchester System
Recently, several Bretonian Destroyer patrols have suddenly lost contact and were later found destroyed in the vicinity of the Planet Wright in the Manchester System. The identity of the attacking ship or ships is currently unknown; however, the weapons fire is consistent with Liberty Battleship Missiles. A representative for the Bretonian Government had this to say at a press conference on New London:
Patrols around the planet typically encounter the occasional Molly ship but weve never had so many losses in such a short time frame. The attacks are almost militaristic in nature, very precise and quick. At this time, we are doubtful the Mollys are responsible. To help identify this currently unknown attacker, Bretonia will be increasing its border patrols in the Manchester System.
The Liberty Government condones the attacks against the Bretonian patrols and offers its deepest sympathy for the lives lost. The Liberty Government also provided Bretonia with information on the location of Liberty Battleships during the time of the attacks and had this to say at a press conference on Manhatten:
We have no intel on what forces may have attacked the patrols but we will provide Bretonia with any information that will help identify those responsible. In view of these new attacks, and the recent assaults on New London and Manhatten, we have increased our warship production to provide additional ships in order to better defend the citizens of Liberty. The number of border patrols will also be increased in the California System to prevent this unknown attacker from entering Liberty space.
Reports state there were no witnesses or survivors of the attacks and that the black boxes for the destroyed ships could not be located within any of the wreckage.
GNN: HMCS-Magnificent called to Rheinland to investigate sightings of a Nomad Battleship
Sightings of a Nomad Battleship within the vicinity of the Honshu jump-hole in Sigma-13 have been reported. In response to these sightings, the HMCS-Magnificent has been sent to New Berlin to help advise the Rheinland Military and assist in tracking down the Nomad ship. After arriving, the Captain of the Magnificent had this to say before a press conference on New Berlin:
Utilizing the advanced sensors on the Magnificent, were hoping to be able to track down the Nomad vessel. However, given the presence of explosive gas pockets in the area, our task is a difficult one. Any ship sighting the Nomad ship is suggested to take evasive action and report the encounter immediately to local authorities. The Magnificent will remain in Rheinland space until further information on the Nomads location is obtained.
Following the press conference, the Magnificent immediately left orbit for the Sigma-13 jump-hole under the escort of a Rheinland warship.
Hamburg System: Rheinland Patrol waiting near the Hudson jump-gate
Patrol 2: Man, this patrol sucks guarding convoys between the jump-gate and Westfallen this is for rookies... I want some real action.
Patrol 3: Your telling me.
Patrol 1: Cut the chatter you two. We got a job to do, lets just get it done. Last convoy is due in about 15 minutes, stay alert and watch your scanners.
The jump-gate begins to open.
Patrol 1: Thats odd theyre early. Guess these Republicans are in a real hurry... what the <missile alarm sounds> OH SH*T, TAKE EVAS
The large ship came through the gate and immediately destroyed the three-fighter patrol with a single volley of missiles. No survivors and no witnesses. The Republican convoy also never reached its destination.
GNN: Liberty and Bretonia requesting extradition of 5 Phantom Prisoners from Rheinland.
With the attacks on both New London and Manhatten involving Phantom Terrorists, Liberty and Bretonia are urging Rheinland to hand over the prisoners for Crimes against Humanity, the penalty for which would be execution. Lead by the Liberty Government, the two governments have requested the trial and execution take place on Cambridge.
Outside the newly constructed Liberty Government offices on Manhatten, protesters chanted for the execution of the Phantom Prisoners. With continued protests on Manhatten and New London pressuring the two houses, a refusal by Rheinland to hand over the prisoners would work to hurt the current relationship it shares with the other two houses.
Sidenote: Cambridge was the best I could come up with for the sight of a Crimes against Humanity type trial and that's some distance from Rheinland. And I apologize to Angel for trying to change the location but this fits so well into the story I had to use it.
In surprisingly blatant attack the Nomad Battleship originally sighted in Sigma-13 has attacked and destroyed the RNC Mur and its escorting cruisers and gunboats near Mainz Storage Facility in Frankfurt. Luckily for Mainz, the RNC Mur managed to send off a distress call before it was destroyed. Several local ships as well as the HMCS-Magnificent have quickly moved into Frankfurt but with the Nomad's last course taking it into the Westerwald Nebula, further pursuit or tracking is unlikely.
<End of GNN>
Phantom broadcast:
This is what happens to those that interfere with our affairs. If any of the Phantom prisoners are put to death, the retribution will be a million fold. Rheinland until you release your prisoners, the Devastator will remain in Rheinland space and will continue to destroy any ship it encounters. This is your last warning.
Kyushu System: Kusari Patrol in the Ohka Dust Field
Gold 2: D*mn this is boring! What are we doing out here anyway?
Gold 3: Somebody has us on their black-list, that's what Nothing happens in this field! Ever!
Gold 1: Cut the chatter you two! We pulled this run, and we're going to do it right. Now, stick to your zones!
Gold 2: Yes sir.
Gold 3: I've got something... <missile warning> Missile lock! I've got a missile up A**!
Gold 1: What!?
Gold 3: Deploying counter measures... failed... Evasive maneuvers! My God, these are Bret... *static*
Gold 2: <missile warning> I've got one on my six!
Gold 1: <missile warning> GOD DAMNIT! Where are these coming from!?
Gold 2: Oh SH*T! Four more just got launched! They're Bretonian!
Gold 1: WHAT!?
Gold 2: Can't shake it! Aaaaaaa... *static*
Gold 1: Battleship Nagumo, we are under attack by... NOOO! *static*
Battleship Nagumo: Patrol Gold 1, come in Patrol Gold 1, respond Alpha and Beta wing, scramble now! Patrol Gold 1 is down, repeat, down! Proceed to the Ohka Dust Field.
Alpha and Beta Wings immediately launch from the Kusari Battleship adjusting course for the dust field. Couple of minutes later, the two wings report in.
Alpha 1: Nagumo, this is Alpha leader... we've arrived at the spot. Nothing but dust.
Nagumo: Damn.
Beta 1: Nagumo, this is Beta leader. Weve got some debris and a missile, looks dead.
Nagumo: Tractor in the debris for analysis.
Beta 1: The missiles drive looks like it blew out. My god... Sir, its a Bretonian missile!
GNN: Kusari Patrol Destroyed by Bretonian Missiles in Kyushu
At a press conference on New Tokyo evidence was presented today suggesting that a Nagumo patrol lost in the Ohka Dust Field was destroyed by Bretonian Missiles. With tensions between Kusari and Bretonia running extremely high, Kusari was quick to point the finger at Bretonia stating that the attack is the prelude to invasion. The Bretonia Government completely denies the allegations and states that the Kusari Government should not jump to conclusions. Both houses have their forces at full readiness, but appear to be taking no aggressive actions at this time.
GNN: Liberty and Bretonia continuing to request extradition of 5 Phantom Prisoners from Rheinland.
With continued pressure from its citizens, the Liberty and Bretonian governments are continuing to pressure Rheinland to hand over the Phantom Prisoners. With protests appearing to be especially vocal on Cambridge. The Bretonian government has called for the trial and execution to be moved to New London where better security measures could be implemented.
No response as yet from the Chancellery on Rheinland.
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