Turn 3 Report – July 2301

Table of Contents

Introduction	4
Week 1	5
61 Ursae Majoris (Joi)	5
Elysia concludes Defense Treaty with Manchura	5
Beta Canum Venaticorum (BCV-4)	5
Beta Comae Berenices (Nous Voila)	6
DM+36 2393 (Dunkelheim)	6
Initial Report on the loss of the HMS Prince Rupert at DM+36 2393	6
Henry’s Star (Crater)	7
Hochbaden (Hochbaden)	7
Vogelheim (Alderhorst)	8
Xi Ursae Majoris (Kie-Yuma)	9
Sol (Earth)	9
The floor of the Capitol Building, Washington DC, USA, Earth, Sol. July 02, 2301	9
The United Nations Assembly – L-5 Orbital Habitat, Earth, SOL System.	10
Week 2	12
Subject: Threat of attack by Kafer Fleets.	12
61 Ursae Majoris (Joi)	12
Beta Canum Venaticorum (BCV-4)	12
Live Feed from Daily RSN Briefing, New Cornwall	12
Beta Comae Berenices (Nous Voila)	13
Henry’s Star (Crater)	13
Vogelheim (Alderhorst)	13
Week 3	15
61 Ursae Majoris (Joi)	15
DM+18 2776	15
MSIF Aubaine	15
Beta Canum Venaticorum (BCV-4)	16
Beta Comae Berenices (Nous Voila)	16
Admiral's Day Cabin HMS Britannia 19th July 2302	16
Queen Alice’s Star	17
ASF Press Train, Queen Alice's Star	17
Week 4	19
61 Ursae Majoris (Joi)	19
Radio Intercept A34ET7	19
Eta Bootis (Aurore)	19
Hochbaden	20
Aboard HMS Britannia, <CLASSIFIED> system;	20
Aboard HMS Britannia, <CLASSIFIED> system, 1541 UST;	24
Final Fury – Aboard the Cranjome, Cmdr Wacaundi;	24
Dispatches	26
America	26
System Status	28
61 Ursae Majoris (Joi)	29
Ground Troops	29
Colonial Repair Facilities	30
Arcturus	30
Beta Canum Venaticorum (BCV-4)	30
Ground Troops	30
Colonial Repair Facilities	31
Beta Comae Berenices (Nous Voila)	31
Ground Troops	31
Colonial Repair Facilities	31
C1	32
DM+17 2611	32
DM+18 2776	32
DM+34 2342 (Kimanjano)	32
Ground Troops	32
Colonial Repair Facilities	33
DM+35 2436 (Grosshiddenhafen)	33
DM+36 2219 (Sans Souci)	33
Ground Troops	33
Facilities	33
DM+36 2393 (Dunkelheim)	34
Ground Troops	34
Colonial RepairFacilities	34
DM+42 2296	34
DM+45 2014	34
DM+46 1889	35
DM+48 2108 (Freehold)	35
DM+50 1832	35
DM+66 717	35
Eta Bootis (Aurore)	35
Ground Troops	36
Colonial Repair Facilities	36
Henry’s Star (Crater)	36
Ground Troops	37
Colonial Repair Facilities	37
Hochbaden (Hochbaden)	37
Neubayern (Nibelungen)	37
Ground Troops	37
Colonial Repair Facilities	38
Queen Alice’s Star (Beowulf)	38
Ground Troops	38
Colonial Repair Facilities	39
Vogelheim (Alderhorst)	39
Ground Troops	39
Colonial Repair Facilities	40
Xi Ursae Majoris (Kie-Yuma)	40
Ground Troops	40
Colonial Repair Facilities	40
Errata	41

Introduction

The third turn has taken less time to complete than the previous two turns, which I take to be a positive sign. It is still longer than I would like, lasting almost four months. Ideally, the turn process will be further reduced to a total length of three months.

I have updated the rules again, with version 5.3 now released and available. There has been a lot of reformatting to provide logical order that follows game play. The only major revision this time occurred in the Ground Operations section. This was long anticipated as the existing ground rules were rather crude and ill-thought.

Intelligence gathering will continue to have a greater role in the campaign. Though off to a shaky start, the allies have refined their intelligence gathering methods and are starting to gleam meaningful information about their enemy now.

Turn 3 covers the third month of the campaign, July 2301. Already, a pivotal battle has been fought in the DM+36 2393 system. Involving ships from every major nation involved in the war, it was the first battle with truly international cooperation since the Normandy landings in June 1940. Hard fought, the battle was also the first true victory for humanity with a Kafer fleet forced to retreat for the first time with substantial casualties. Buoyed by their success, the military planners have renewed enthusiasm for wiping the French Arm of the Kafer scourge. 

July 2301 saw continued Kafer raiding along the rim-ward areas of the French Arm. Thus far, this remains to be a nuisance, drawing off units to chase down the raiders. Another large, set-piece battle was fought in the Hochbaden system at the end of the month. This battle also ended in a human victory, driving the Kafers back another system and cutting off the supply lines for the raiders.

Three months into the conflict, supply has become a constant concern of all commanders. Maintaining the pace of the campaign will hinge on the ability to move supplies to the front lines in a timely manner; something that not all nations will be capable of achieving.

As the events of July 2301 unfold, many heroic stories are told…

Week 1

The first week of July saw some major shuffling of fleet powers. The DSKM rotated battle fleets back to  Beta Canum Venaticorum for repairs and brought other fleets forward to consolidate their position at DM+36 2393 (Dunkelheim). The French and British navies have shored up the anchor systems of Beta Canum Venaticorum and DM+34 2342 (Kimanjano). Beta Comae Berenices has also seen a build-up in forces as it is only a single week’s travel from Hochbaden. In a surprising development, Vogelheim appeared to be all but abandoned as the multi-national peacekeeping force, dubbed ALIMFOR, pulled out of the system.

61 Ursae Majoris (Joi)

The Elysian military has stood down from high alert following the departure of a French convoy led by the IFN destroyer Cartier. Two weeks ago, the convoy, led by the Cartier made an approach to the world of Joi for emergency medical care due to a powerplant accident aboard one of the convoy merchants. Suspecting that the convoy was actually an invasion force carrying ground troops, the Elysian military scrambled aerospace assets in response. Only timely intervention by Admiral Matsumo Nakajima aboard the Japanese cruiser Agano prevented the situation from escalating.

The 52 Kikaika Futsuuka Daitai has deployed to the Japanese orbital station under the auspices of providing station security. More astute analysts have concluded that the true nature of the deployment is to repel possible boarding by Kafers. Joi is considered to be a prime target for invasion in the next several months.

Elysia concludes Defense Treaty with Manchura

At 0600 hours local planetary time, the Governor of Elysia announced that a strategic protection treaty had been signed with Manchuria.

Under the terms of the treaty, Manchuria may utilize bases and facilities belonging to Elysia. This includes all present and future orbital and ground bases facilities. In return, Manchuria will bolster local defenses and coordinate the protection of the nation from all aggressors, both alien and human.

The governor has granted the Manchuria Theater Commander, Admiral Lian Xi Shilong, the position of Foreign Minister for the duration of the current crisis. As such, all foreign relations policy elements falling under the treaty are to be directed to the Admiral and his command staff.

Reaction from other political figures on Joi has ranged from surprise to shock. The German governor has been the first to recognize the validity of the treaty. The other nations, in particular Japan, are offering no comment at this time. The French ambassador to Tosashimzu has filed an official protest and strong opposition to the treaty from the French ambassador to the UN is expected to be heard in the upcoming weeks.

Beta Canum Venaticorum (BCV-4)

Last week, the colonizing nations of BCV-4 signed the Mutual Orbital Defense Pact (MODEP). Under the terms of the pact, military units from the three signatory nations may be stationed on any orbital facility, regardless of nationality, for the duration of the current crisis. On Tuesday of this week, elite jump troops from the British Task Force Invincible deployed to all three orbital stations. Though they are keeping a low profile, the mere presence of these forces brings home to many the seriousness of the times. On Thursday, the 8 and 90 Jaeger brigades uplifted to Altenhauf Station, further increasing the size of the security force based aboard the orbital station.

Activity at French fleet support facilities was a beehive of activity this week as the two fleets centered on the CV Cherbourg and BB Richelieu made preparations for departure. Forty-eight hours later, both battle fleets had left the system, though several formations of escort vessels remained behind.

Air space over the German Continent has been restricted to specified lanes during the past week as shuttles have been making numerous landings at undisclosed locations on the surface. Officials have billed these as training exercises but an unofficial source within the French military command has leaked that the shuttles are dropping supplies from Altenhauf Station to newly created supply depots located across the German continent. Also recently deployed to the surface is Panzer Brigade 21, a heavy armor unit from the Core.

The arrival of a Manchurian destroyer flotilla today has caused much excitement among the French naval forces present in system. Already tracking a large Manchurian supply fleet, this new arrival has also quickly found itself under watch.

Beta Comae Berenices (Nous Voila)

System control reported the arrival of an Anzanian task force centered on the cruiser Lesotho today. Task Force Lesotho participated in the battle at DM+36 2393 last month and is rumored to have sustained heavy damage. This was followed closely by the arrivals of the British battleships Victory and Britannia and their accompanying battlegroups. Video footage of the two battleships showed extensive damage to both with several escorts also noted to have slight to moderate damage. With only the French docks on the orbital station available for repair, many are speculating that the battlegroups are merely passing through on their way to the main British repair facilities at Beowulf.

DM+36 2393 (Dunkelheim)

The site of a major battle in the Kafer War last month, the system is seeing a lot of arriving traffic as the week draws to an end. With the majority of the ships running DSKM transponder codes, it would appear that Germany is back in force to protect her colony. Of particular interest was the arrival of the battleship Bavaria and her escorts. Showing signs of recent battle, it was noted that the Graf Zeppelin fighter tender was not among the battlegroup and its whereabouts or loss to the enemy was not commented on by the local DSKM commander.

A recent announcement from the Ukrainian High Command has announced that Admiral Yuri Leonov, Theater Commander, has transferred his flag to the cruiser Konstantine. Kontr-Admiral Borodin has reportedly moved his command to frigate squadron #744 as a result. Rampant speculation has resulted with several reliable sources stating that this is a direct result of Borodin’s inability to liberate Novoa Kiyev.

Initial Report on the loss of the HMS Prince Rupert at DM+36 2393
From: Rear Admiral Sir Kevin Connors aboard HMS Victory
To: Admiral Sir Trevor Mountjoy CINC British Forces in the French Arm
Subject: Initial Report on the loss of the HMS Prince Rupert
	1) Interviews with the survivors, and reviews of sensor recordings, are all consistent with her loss being directly due to enemy action. I believe no further inquiry need be made.
	2) Two anomalies did arise when casualty lists were examined. First, no members of the engineering section are among the survivors, nor are any of the bridge crew who served at the engineering stations.  Captain Hodges of the HMS Victory requested permission to investigate this and I asked him to inform me of anything he found.  Interviews with surviving bridge crewmen provide the basis for the following narrative. Copies of the interview tapes will be forwarded under separate cover. Following is his report. 
	Much of the damage to Prince Rupert was in and around the Engineering sections. Immediately after the, ultimately, fatal salvo hit, Captain Lyle Hutchinson requested a damage report from the Engineer. Chief Raeburn responded, reporting the death of Commander Richards, the EO. He also reported the extensive damage and advised the Capt. that he did not believe the ship could be saved. Capt. Hutchinson agreed and ordered "Abandon Ship". 
Minutes later Chief Raeburn called the bridge to inform the Captain that the engines were running out of control. Ordered to evacuate his crew and let them go, he answered that they would blow in only minutes, but he and his crew could "make them behave". POs William Reginald and Sharon Zimm, who were at their stations on the bridge refused to abandon ship also, saying "We're engineers too, and they need us at these controls". Leftenant Jerrods, senior officer to survive, claims that when he left the bridge, the 2 ratings, and the Captain were coordinating with engineering to contain the engines while the remainder of the crew were escaping. He credits the sacrifice of the engineering crew, both on the bridge, and among the engines with allowing anyone to survive. 
	4) It is my belief that Chief Raeburn, Ratings Reginald and Zimm behaved in the highest traditions of the service. I would request that they be recommended for VCs, and that Captain Hutchinson, and his entire engineering crew be "mentioned in dispatches".	Respectfully 
RADM Sir Kevin Connors
Dunkelheim Station
– submitted by John Rebori

Henry’s Star (Crater)

The Admiralty Liason Office acknowledged reports that the local system defense squadron had been called to Beta Canum Venaticorum. Admiralty spokespersons indicated that this was a temporary absence only.

Hochbaden (Hochbaden)

Task Force Bavaria entered the system covertly in early July. Initial sensor sweeps detected a single Kafer task force, plus a smaller task force emitting a French transponder signal. Hopes of continuing on mission and avoiding the enemy was dashed when the detected Kafer task force moved towards the German fleet in battle formation. Unable to retreat until stutterwarp discharge was complete, the Bavaria and her escorts prepared to face off against a similarly sized Kafer Force.

As the two sides maneuvered for position, missile barrages were fired on all sides, inflicting minimal damage in the opening round. A lone Kafer transport stayed too long at the battle scene and was soon engaged by a wing of Gustav fighters launched from Bavaria. The Anzania fighter tender, Ribaka, launched both of the Wespe fighter wings that she was carrying.

Both sides continued to close on each other with the Kafers taking tactical advantage, as they became more and more aroused. The Bavaria found himself facing off against an Improved Alpha battleship at short range and received a heavy barrage of missiles and beam weapons. Responding in turn, he gave the Kafer battleship an equal pasting. Facing a Kafer battlecruiser, the frigate Hanau & Thurigen, managed to maintain sufficient distance and faced only a weak missile barrage while scoring a couple of hits in return. The fighter tender Graf Zeppelin found itself unable to flee and took light damage in the fray. Similarly, the Ribaka was forced to fight and took moderate damage while performing evasive maneuvers. The three German fighter wings each sought out separate targets, with 101 Wing tangling with an Epsilon cruiser at distance. 102 Wing found itself dog fighting with a Kafer fighter wing. 53 Wing, comprised of Gustav fighters, closed on the lone Kafer merchant and inflicted noticeable damage.

As the battle continued, inflicted damage began to take its toll on both sides. With apparent sensor damage affecting the Kafer battleship, the Bavaria pulled back to long range and bombarded the enemy ship with missile salvoes, The frigate Hanau & Thurigen continued to trade salvoes with its foe, though neither side seemed able to penetrate point defenses. With empty submunition dispensers and no where to run, the fighter tender Graf Zeppelin met its match and was destroyed with all hands lost. The Ribaka continued with her successful evasive maneuvers. The 101 Wing continued to be held at bay by missile barrages launched from the lone cruiser, while the 53 Wing closed with its merchant target and delivered a killing blow. Dogfighting continued between the 102 Wing and its adversary, with neither side able to inflict crippling damage. With the enemy pressing on, Task Force Bavaria found itself unable to disengage and was forced to fight on.

Still at long range, the Bavaria and the Kafer battleship continued to trade missile salvoes, with neither side able to breach point defenses.  Forced to short range by its opponent, the frigate Hanau & Thurigen unleashed a devastating broadside that destroyed the screen generator and several turrets. A well placed missile barrage to the aft end resulted in the battlecruiser dropping to ‘all stop’ for several minutes during the fray; though it moved away on its own power, speed was greatly observed to be greatly reduced. Dancing around its aggressor, the Ribaka continued to avoid most attacks, but a chance hit to the drives has reduced the speed of the fighter tender substantially. The 102 Wing and its foe both drew blood as the two groups continued dogfighting at the extremely close ranges that only such craft can manage. The 101 Wing continued to be peppered by long range missile barrages from the cruiser that it was stalking.

As Task Force Bavaria prepared to fight its way out in a general retreat, the Kafer force likewise seemed to edge away from the Germans. With both sides battered, it seemed that even the Kafer commander did not want to risk further damage to his warships. Moving away at best possible speed for the task force, Kommodore Roehler took stock of the damage situation; the Bavaria had been heavily damaged and would require several weeks at the repair dock; the Graf Zeppelin had been lost; the other ships had all sustained light to moderate damage. Intelligence analysis indicated that the Kafers had lost one merchant, and over a dozen more had escaped at the onset of the battle. Three battlecruisers and one battleship had suffered moderate to heavy damage. 

Vogelheim (Alderhorst)

Tuesday, a large Kafer force was detected by ALIMFOR as it entered the Vogelheim system. Numbering a dozen warships with as many non-combatants, the enemy fleet greatly outnumbered the multi-national defense force led by the American cruiser Reagan. ALIMFOR continued to maintain a close eye on the enemy force as it adopted discharge positions in the outer system.

Only a day after the arrival of a Kafer armada into the system, the Australian destroyer Brisbane, nominally a member of ALIMFOR, has departed the system. Accompanied by the frigate Koala, the Brisbane is escorting several merchants out of the invasion path. With the departure of this force, it is expected that the remaining ships of ALIMFOR will also be departing. Both the French and German colonial governors have filed letters of protest with their respective governments over these impending actions. With invasion imminent, both colonies have mobilized their forces and have raised several militia units as a last line of defense.

The British peacekeeping force in Saint-Benoit, The Queen's Own (Seaforth) Highlanders (QO HLDRS), has embarked on a merchant assigned to ALIMFOR. This leaves only the Canadian contingent, the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR), remaining in the colony. Led by the ASF cruiser Reagan, ALIMFOR left the system shortly after uplifting the 3-505th Infantry Bn (Airborne) from its duty station in Newmark.

The DSKM patrol group, centered on the frigates Molders & Rommel and supported by the auxiliary Roon has elected to remain in the system and not depart with ALIMFOR. Though a small force, the commander of the squadron, Kaptaine Hoesler, was quoted “I am responsible for the defense of the colony of Newmark and this system until relieved. I cannot abandon my responsibility to the German people.” With the presence of a Kafer war fleet in the system confirmed, military analysts are questioning the prudence of Hoesler’s decision.

Two days after the departure of ALIMFOR, the DSKM patrol group was destroyed in a brief engagement against a vastly superior Kafer fleet. No survivors have been reported and invasion appears imminent. 

Xi Ursae Majoris (Kie-Yuma)

Trilon Industries launched an official protest today with the State Department over the continuing situation at Xi Ursae Majoris. Two months ago, several Trilon Industries cargo ships were activated under the provision of the ARM (ASF Reserve Merchant) program. According to Trilon spokesperson, this has caused significant loss of revenue, as products from the Kie-Yuma facilities cannot be transported to markets. This week, the ASF shut down their regional repair base, packing it aboard one of several ARM ships that had been holding in the Xi Ursae Majoris system. Coupled with the uplift of the American Army 2nd Armored Brigade and a sizeable amount of stockpiled supplies from the surface, it appears that the American military is in full retreat from the system. 

Patrick Hu, senior facilities defense manager for Trilon Industries’ Kie-Yuma operations was quoted in a recent press release, “We are extremely concerned with the wholesale abandonment of American territory by the military. Their recent actions show very clearly that the protection and defense of Kie-Yuma is not a priority.” Despite the statements of Trilon Industries, pundits have rebutted that the ASF has recently moved a system defense boat squadron into Xi Ursae Majoris to beef up system security. Anonymous sources within Trilon have indicated that Trilon is in discussions with several third-tier star powers concerning contracted defense of assets in the Xi Ursae Majoris.

Sol (Earth)

The floor of the Capitol Building, Washington DC, USA, Earth, Sol. July 02, 2301

The Sergeant of Arms strolls through the double doors and announces in a strident voice, as has been procedure for the last 525 years of the republic, the same, strident, resounding cry.

"Mr. Speaker, I give you, The President of the United States."

The chamber erupts into a resounding applause and accolation for President Orsaluk as he is flanked by both his secret service detail, the Sergeant-At-Arms and the Capitol Police. But even they can't get the President down to the Speaker's podium in less than 10 minutes, as well-wishers and Congressional allies pump the president's hand or give him a back slap. But somehow, the President makes his way to the podium, the well wishes throughout the chamber are deafening. The various press agencies have not seen anything like this State of The Union in recent memory. But, they all forgot something; and President Orsaluk is here to remind them.

 After another 20 minutes of ovations and heartfelt cheers from both sides of the isle, the president is able to begin.

"Mister Speaker, Members of the House and Senate, Assembled Justices of the Supreme Court, Ladies and Gentlemen. Tonight; I think this one statement says all we need to say about the state of our union."

"Dunkelheim is free."

The chamber goes wild. Everybody races to get to their feet first to applaud the chief executive, what, with midterm elections in a years time, nobody wants to be on the wrong side of a popular wartime president.

Orsaluk lets the applause continue for another twenty minutes.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like us all to give a special recognition tonight to some of the heroes of Third Dunkelheim, such as Gunner's Mate Chris Hardenbaugh, of the USS Truman. When his ship was hit, and his mount opened to space. Chris and another spacer, Petty Officer 3rd Class Sally Harrington, worked with holed spacesuits and near hypoxia to restore atmosphere to their damaged sections and then, refused medical attention for themselves until their more badly wounded mates were treated. Sadly, Petty Officer Harrington could not be with us tonight, as the damage to her lungs was far more severe. But, we have her in our prayers. Chris, however, is with us, sitting right next to my wife, Sarah. Let us show our appreciation and thanks for what they have thus far accomplished."

 A sheepish red-headed man rises, his ASF greys are impossibly new and he has oxygen tubes running from his nose to a plastic oxygen tank. A medical attendant, also in ASF grey is standing behind him. The red-head blushes, with the attention paid to him....

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are at war. There is no avoiding it. The Kafers may be attacking the French Arm. But, they mean to kill us all. We remember as a nation how to deal with perfidious murderers, whether they are aliens or not. And, I swear before this body and God tonight. We will not stop; we will not rest until we have seen through this war to final, complete, and absolute victory!"

The chamber erupts into more applause, again, both sides of the aisle are applauding on their feet and the mood here is clearly for war.

"I think we can say this to the Kafers tonight; we are coming. We will come, and we will darken the skies with our ships and exact a terrible retribution for all that you have wrought. We do this not in the name of America, or France, but in the name of all Humanity who must now wake up and realize that the Kafers see us all as one thing: an enemy to be killed without mercy. Well, we didn't start this war, and by god, we didn't want it. But, we will finish it."

More applause rocks the chamber, there is shouting now of "Bomb the Bugs"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with a heavy heart, that I must ask something that has not been asked of a US Congress in over 400 years. I ask that a declaration of War be voted upon and on my desk within the next 30 days for my signature...."

-- submitted by Jason Weiser

The United Nations Assembly – L-5 Orbital Habitat, Earth, SOL System. 

	Gentleman and Ladies of the United Nations Off-planet security council This organization faces the greatest crisis since the Twilight war, and this time we must rise to meet the challenge. Only once before has this great organization committed itself completely to a war… back in the dim and distant days of the 1940's when this organization was created to back the war against fascism. 
	Today Humanity faces it's greatest foe the Kafers already they have invaded our colonies and bombed the cities of Hochbaden an atrocity unequalled since the Twilight war. In the face of this threat many of our nations have banded together and we must maintain this unity, I therefore call upon this organization to declare that a state of war exists between all Members of the UN and the Kafer nations. 	Further, we should call upon all nations of Earth to contribute to this life and death struggle , for if the Kafer fleets reach Earth, their bombardments will not stop at national boundaries. We must ask the nations of Earth to put aside their national rivalries as have France, Germany and Manchuria who despite their recent history have united to fight the Common enemy, let us be clear all space faring powers should commit their forces to this war and should those nations not represented in space wish to commit ground troops to the cause I am sure that their contributions will be welcomed.

-- submitted by Andrew Moreton

	The Manchurian delegate Mr. Wong seated at his nation's seat in the UN Council Chambers on board L-5 nods his head and says "The Manchurian People 'Seconds' the motion for the Declaration of 'A State of War' existing between the good people of Earth and the Kafer Menace. All Nations - all Humanity must band to defeat this great evil that has demonstrated a Genocidal dedication to the destruction of Mankind."  I request an immediate vote on this motion.

-- submitted by Chris Johnston

	The American Delegate, Charlene Harris rose with a deliberate comport. Her face was a picture of serenity. She had accepted the sad duty which had befallen her. Her ebon features were reflected in the house and klieg lights of the press covering this, of all sessions.
 	"Mr Chairman, the United States, second among human nations to declare war on these space-going abominations, does hereby throw it's entire wholehearted support behind an immediate declaration of war against the Kafers and whatever allies they may possess on behalf of ALL signatories of this body. 	I furthermore carry an instruction from President Orsaluk that we add a rider to the declaration that since the Kafers have made it their avowed goal to wipe out the human race, and all of our works, that we make it our war aim to destroy this foul race of bugs-" she spat "wherever we find them, and make the galaxy safe for the peaceful races! I echo my president's words. "We didn't start this war, and by God, we didn't want it...But, we will finish it!"
	The chamber erupts into a cavalcade of applause.

-- submitted by Jason Weiser

Week 2

This week opened with devastation as the Kafers bombarded Alderhorst. The combined allied fleets continued to be mired in organizational changes and shuffling of units between the key colony systems of Kimanjano, BCV-4, and Nous Voila. Adopting a strategy that has apparently abandoned all colonies Arm-ward of Beta Comae Berenices, many colonists across the Arm are wondering if national allegiance would be better replaced with independence and ownership of their own destiny, in particular defense. 

Subject: Threat of attack by Kafer Fleets.
	In light of the recent tendency for Kafer fleets to attack civilian targets with weapons of mass destruction I feel it is my duty to advise planetary governors to prepare evacuation plans for major urban areas. This should include pre-positioning Caches of Food and medicine as well as preparing plans to move citizens to dispersed areas should the Kafer threat to a system be confirmed. While The RSN and allied forces will do their best to prevent a Kafer fleet achieving orbital superiority, it is possible that a Kafer fleet will be able to do so; therefore in the event of a Major Kafer force entering a system, the RSN advises evacuation of those citizens not involved in vital industries before the Kafer fleet has engaged system defenses; this will give maximum time for dispersal of the colony and help to prevent another Vogelheim disaster.
Admiral Sir Kevin Mountjoy KCB / CinC French Arm Fleet
-- submitted by Andrew Moreton.

61 Ursae Majoris (Joi)

An Australian task force centered on the cruiser Victoria arrived in system this week. This was followed shortly by two additional squadrons, including the Australian contingent of ALIMFOR. Admiral Nakajima, flag commander of the Japanese fleet based in the system has publicly welcomed the arrivals, stating that the present of the Australian fleet will do much to bolster the defenses of the system.

Beta Canum Venaticorum (BCV-4)

French personnel on the orbital station in the Beta Canum Venaticorum system have noticed the continuing military drills staged by the British jump troops recently brought aboard. Of particular alarm is the frequency in which commando teams attempt to infiltrate the highly restricted power generation areas. One group from 2/The Parachute Regiment was recently arrested by French security aboard Station Premiere after they were caught in the process of affixing a package to a control panel of the nuclear reactor that supplies primary power to the station. The commander of the Paras has downplayed the incident as a training exercise but the head of station security was extremely skeptical. Colonel LaSorde was quoted, "What kind of training involves planting a bomb on our reactor? I think that it would be more appropriate training to stop such attacks than to carry them out." The British commander has stated emphatically that the package was a dud, and could not damage the reactor in any manner.

Live Feed from Daily RSN Briefing, New Cornwall 
“This briefing is meant to clear up some of the rampant speculation going on among the press in this system. As, I assume, all know elements of the 2/Paras were detained during a training exercise yesterday aboard Station Première. I would like to point out the words 'training exercise'. The point of this exercise was to determine the readiness of the French security contingent aboard the station, and while it appear that the 2/Paras was planting explosives to a reactor core, there was no high explosives used in the exercise and the core was never in any danger. The statement made by Colonel LaSorde was made before he was informed of the parameters of the training exercise, sadly I must say before any French personnel on the station was informed. Due to a clerical error the training exercises parameter were not sent to the commander of Station Première before the 2/Paras initiated the exercise. Furthermore the fact that the 2/Paras was able to gain entrance to the reactor area and place a dummy explosive to a core vividly demonstrates that the security need to be tightened. The 2/Paras will aid and assist in that task with the knowledge they have gained.”
Major Martin Knowles, RSN information Services.
– submitted by Andrew Moreton

Beta Comae Berenices (Nous Voila)

The arrival of the American troop ship Puget Sound in the system this week has fueled speculation that the colonies of Eta Bootis may soon be liberated. The Puget Sound is carrying the 1st Marine Interface Brigade, a combined arms unit trained in orbital assault operations.

In a continuation of the MODEP treaty between Britain, France, and Germany, jump troops from Task Force Britannia had deployed to Station Nous Voilà.

Task Force Napoleon deployed two battalions of elite jump troops to the colony of Nous Voila today. These units join existing ground troops and will do much to stiffen the colony’s defenses.

Two large fleets, centered on the DSKM warships Bavaria and Bismarck entered the system from DM+36 2393 (Dunkelheim). This brings the total of major fleets now in system to over six. With such a build up, military analysts are predicting that Nous Voila will be the site of the next major engagement of the continuing war.

Henry’s Star (Crater)

The colony of Rimview was stunned today when several Kafer warships approached Crater. Fearing orbital bombardment and possible troop landings, the governor general ordered the capital evacuated. As colonists moved into the uplands and underground mine workings, the Crater Defense Regiment and planetary defense sites prepared to repel invaders. The Kafers further shocked the colonists by not conducting orbital bombardment, but instead attacked Spence Station. The last report from the orbital facility indicated that Kafers had landed small detachments of troops and were forcing the small security detachment back towards the reactor core. No further contact has been made.

Vogelheim (Alderhorst)
The worst fears of the colonists were realized today as numerous Kafer warships entered orbital space today. Provisions of the peacekeeping treaty had kept the military strength in the Newmark and Saint-Benoit colonies to a low level and planetary defense forces were much under strength as a result. Despite the assistance of missile batteries on both orbital stations, planetary defense measures were unable to drive off the Kafers. Securing orbital space within a matter of hours, the Kafers proceeded to launch a devastating orbital bombardment of both colonies. 

At 1749 local time, Alderhorst station reported that the last of the Kafer armada had left orbital space. In what could only be described as apocalyptic, the Kafers bombarded the colonies for well over 11 hours with both conventional deadfall ordnance and thermonuclear devices. Reports from the Civil Defense and Disaster Department of Newmark are estimating a loss of over 40% of the colony population. Reports from Saint-Benoit are unavailable at this time due to temporary loss of communication. The governor has declared a state of emergency in the wake of the attack.

This just in… With no communications from Saint-Benoit for over 8 hours, The 2 Jaeger dispatched reconnaissance units to the French colony. Post bombardment radiation levels are extremely high and the colony has been razed. The French I/10e Division d’ Infanterie (1/10DI) has declared martial law and the commander of 1/10DI has reported that over 95% of the colony population have perished. 

The German Governor has contacted the acting French Governor and has pledged the full support of Newmark to the survivors. An evacuation of the remaining colonists to Newmark has already begun.

Week 3

Leaving token defensive forces at Beta Comae Berenices, the first multi-national operation involving the French, Operation Defiant Victory, commenced. Beta Canum Venaticorum and Kimanjano continued to see strong blocking forces deployed by the British, French, and German. Joi continued to be a smoldering political fire, with the increasing level of Manchurian involvment likely to be the catalyst that explodes the coals into a bonfire. 

61 Ursae Majoris (Joi)

Two Manchurian freighters entered the system today, bound for Joi. Upon reaching the g-gradient, the merchants were escorted by a flight of Elysian fighters to the Elysian orbital station, Station Joi. Patrol elements from the Imperial Japanese Navy were observed shadowing from a distance.

DM+18 2776

MSIF Aubaine
The second week of reconnaissance had barely begun for Aubaine and already problems had begun to surface. The enhanced sensor suite had been acting up yet again, requiring many hours of breakdown maintenance to be performed by the electronics officer. Through it all though, the crew remained in top spirits. They knew that they were among the elite of the MSIF; likening themselves to the submariners of centuries past. Capitaine DuMaurier smiled at that thought as she continued her watch along with the other members pulling bridge duty.
	“Capitaine…” spoke the sensor officer watching the live data feeds from the sensor suite.
	“Oui…” replied the Capitaine.
	“I am detecting multiple fast moving objects inbound on our position.”
	Straightening here posture, DuMaurier rapidly entered keystrokes on her left-hand data pad, creating the link for a secondary feed from the sensor workstation. Studying the screen for less than a minute, she knew they had been detected.
	Slamming a button on the right side with her first, the Capitaine activated the call to General Quarters. Throughout the small ship, officers and enlisted alike scrambled to their battle stations and damage control stations.
	“Weapons!” barked DuMaurier. “Prepare missiles and defensive measures!”
	A deck below, the men and women of the small tactical action center climbed into their seats and strapped themselves in, joining the on-duty crewmember who was already completing the ‘weapons hot’ pre-checks. The last person to secure themselves was Ensign Robes; as TAC Commander, it was his job to ensure that all of his crew were in place and ready before assuming his own station.
	“Capitaine, TAC ready.” Called the Ensign into the direct channel to the bridge. Similar acknowledgements were already coming in from Engineering, Medical, and the main damage control parties.
	As the crew of the Aubaine prepared themselves for battle, the fast moving craft continued to close. Communications between the bogeys remained quiet. As they closed the range, passive sensors began to provide data streams to both sides. Aubaine fired first, releasing its single brace of missiles against the closer cluster. Despite jinxing by the fast moving targets, the missiles detonated and destroyed the first cluster. 
	While the crew cheered at drawing first blood, the second enemy split four ways, revealing itself to be a patrol of fighters. Knowing that she could not neutralize all of the fighters, the Aubaine fired up it’s power plant and began a running evasive course. Dogged for several hours, the Aubaine finally reached the g-gradient and warped out of system.
	Captaine DuMaurier smiled to herself again. Her crew had passed their first combat test and come out unscathed.

Beta Canum Venaticorum (BCV-4)

The military build-up at BCV-4 continues this week with the landing of two brigades from Wellon. The 2 / The Wellon Armoured Regiment (2 WAR) and 1/The Royal Wellon Regiment (1/RWR) had grounded on the British continent at New Middlesex. The 2 WAR has immediately deployed to the plains region, where it will be conducting climatisation exercises. 

Beta Comae Berenices (Nous Voila)

The ASF ship Puget Sound joined the battlegroup centered on the Pennsylvania on Monday. The following day, the American fleet warped out of system for an unknown destination. The presence of the troop ship suggests that the liberation of Eta Bootis is about to begin.

The prevailing thought that Aurore was soon to be liberated was further reinforced Wednesday when a French mega-fleet led by the battleships Tallyrand and Napoleon, and supported by the carrier Cherbourg left for the frontier. Representing the largest single grouping of the MSIF ever, it has been boasted that any Kafer fleet encountered will be swept aside with ease.

Shortly after the departure of the French mega-fleet, both the Bavaria and Guderian left the system on departure vectors for DM+36 2393.

Admiral's Day Cabin HMS Britannia 19th July 2302
	The end of a Staff meeting, Present Admiral Sir Kevin Mountjoy, Captain Mara Stewart Group Chief of Staff, Commander David Kelly Group Operations officer, Commander Gail Smith Group Intelligence officer, Commander Noela Almeida Group Liaison and personnel officer.
	Sir Kevin Mountjoy  " So I think that's everything settled can we finish off with a summary of the situation for your departments"  
Cpt. Mara Stewart, “The Battlegroup is Good to Go, Britannia is up to 95% combat efficiency, HMS Invincible and her Escorts have joined up, we have downloaded the new battle sims to them with the latest combat updates. The two French destroyers are integrating well remarkably their captains are being co-operative, none of them have claimed their right to command the battlegroup yet , and as usual the Ukrainian captain has been a model of co-operation"
( Brief laughter around the group)
Cmdr. David Kelly  "The operational plan has been finalized at last, we have agreed on a coordinated arrival time and stutterwarp frequencies for the operation, I think the French understand the group co-operation policy but we can't be certain until the actually engage. We're hoping no one manages navigational improvements and throws the arrival schedule off. Once we enter the system and engage the enemy I still have some concern's."
	Sir Kevin, raises his hand, "Dave I know you still have concerns about inter battlegroup coordination but it's a political issue there was no way we could get the French to agree to a formal joint operations agreement unless they were in charge and as we know that's not practical."
	Cmdr Kelly " Ok Sir, I'll leave that aside, I am still worried that Battlegroup Britannia, and Battlegroup Pennsylvania are a little under provided for, our Nelson’s can't engage Kafer ships one on one and the Americans only have 2 Kennedy's to support Pennsylvania. We are counting on the Germans and Manchurians winning fast, Again I understand it was necessary to accept the reorganization of forces suggested but.. , I still am not certain I like it.  Apart from those quibbles the Co-operating allied Battlegroups are ready for operations. I think"
	Cmdr Gail Smith, "Intelligence reports are out of date; however our early reports placed around 24 Kafer Capital ships in 3 TF's at Hochbaden: the damaged ships of TF X-Ray we think have retreated for repairs, TF Zulu with half their remaining ships we think is expect to be involved in offensive operations around BCV, and TF Whiskey we think is still garrisoning Hochbaden. Estimates put it at 10 Capital ships probably 2 Delta's, 4 Alpha types, 4 Beta's and a similar number of cruisers. I have had no luck in confirming the Hypothesis that Kafer forces are split into national groups like ours, so I cannot predict how many of the Improved Alpha's and Improved Epsilons we will face"
	Cmdr Noel Almeida, "Within the Battlegroup there remain no outstanding problems, co-operation with the previously allied forces remains good, although several nations have committed forces to Joi , this poses no real problem. Relations with the French remain patchy; when we can stick to purely military matters there are no problems; it's when their eyes glaze over and they start on about the Glory and Pride of France, and he natural role as the leader of the world community we have problems, however I think things will hold together once we see action unless of course the French are needed to rescue the Germans and Manchurians or Vice-Versa then all bets are off, they can easily write things off to command confusion or comms difficulties while letting the Kafers get in some good hits for them. I recommend that we try and keep an eye on it"
	Sir Kevin, “So in Summary we are ready for Operation Defiant Victory, and our only outstanding concerns are the divided command issue. Well you all know my opinion that no military operation under divided command has ever succeeded, and coordinating ships over this scale is difficult enough without debate, but we have to live with it and I hope we can set a new precedent for the effectiveness of a divided command. Anyway when we warp out of here, that ends the political fighting, we will do our best and hope and pray that it is enough, I am sure that all our allies including the French will do their best, and at least we will be fighting the real enemy when we reach Hochbaden. All we need now is a willing foe and room to fight.”
 	“You are dismissed, call me to the Bridge when the fleets start to break orbit”
-- submitted by Andrew Moreton

The two British battlegroups, centered on the battleship Britannia and the battlecruiser Invincible broke orbit today, following the departure of the ASF Pennsylvania by only a few hours. Another operation is in the works.

Queen Alice’s Star

ASF Press Train, Queen Alice's Star
Commander Alice Jarewlaski pulled herself upright to her full 145cm of height as if to stare down the intense glare of the Klieg lights filling the room. The mood of the press, which had been buoyant for the last few days, was glum with the loss of Vogelheim and the recent ASF casualties. One wondered how nasty the press was prepared to be.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a prepared statement from Vice Admiral Weiss, Naval Commander of American Expeditionary Forces, French Arm. I would like to read it to you, then I can answer a few questions."
	Jarewlaski cleared her throat. She was fighting back tears, her younger brother had been a rating with Patrol Squadron 60, and she knew Tom Mix from their days at Colorado Springs.
	"Ladies and Gentlemen, Americans, and other citizens of Earth, and her colonies. Recently, we have suffered some costly setbacks in our war effort. I would like to assure you, that this has been Mr. Kafer's best shot to date. It will be, the only shot he gets. I assure you of this, I can't tell you how our counter attack will occur. But, it will, you can bet on it."
	"As for the debacle at Vogelheim, Rear Admiral Gsell withdrew on my orders, and for that, I am sorry to the citizens of Vogelheim. But, I would make such a decision again if faced with similar circumstances. We are faced with an unknown enemy, of unknown strength, and we need every military asset we can lay our hands on, and we must use them at times and places of our choosing, not throw them away in battles we surely cannot win. Vogelheim, sadly, was a battle whose outcome was already decided. I applaud the bravery of the German frigates who died for their colony, and had we had more assets available, we would have stayed and defended the colony. As it was, they were not."
	"As for the tragic loss of Patrol Squadron 60, the squadron was in the Sans Souci system on a classified mission of no small importance to the war effort. In war, tragedy strikes, and we must see the deaths aboard the ships of Squadron 60 as a part of that tragedy. Make no mistake, the Kafers will remember them, because my command, as well as other Human commands, will make them remember them, and the citizens of Vogelheim, the hard way."
	"That concludes the statement from Admiral Weiss, I can now take your questions,” Jarewlaski stated, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
-- submitted by Jason Weiser

Week 4

The activities of the fourth week centered on a massive battle fought in the Hochbaden system by a multi-national human force coordinated by the senior British Admiral. Though victorious against the Kafer enemy, the amount of damage taken by the allied fleet will tax the existing repair facilities for many months.

61 Ursae Majoris (Joi)

Having arrived late last week, ALIMFOR made for the colony world of Joi. Arriving mid-week, Rear Admiral Gsell, captain of the ASF Reagan, and defacto leader of ALIMFOR, pledged two brigades of troops to the defense of Elysia in the event of invasion… and was refused. Elysian officials stated that the independent nation of Elysia had already agreed to Manchurian protection. Somewhat taken aback at the snubbing of such a gesture of cooperation, Gsell repeated the offer to Tosashimizu, and was refused again; and again by Habinsel. In both the latter cases, the colonial governors stated the inability to support additional military units. 
Rear Admiral Gsell was quoted shortly after the last communication saying “What the hell is wrong with these people?!? There’s an imminent threat of invasion… I have two crack line units willing to contribute to the overall defense… and nobody wants them?!? God dang, they’re gunna have to go somewhere!”
Shortly after, the American 3-505th Infantry Bn (Airborne) and the British The Queen's Own (Seaforth) Highlanders (QO HLDRS), landed in the British colony of New Cornwall, where they were well received by the colonial governor and his staff.

Station Joi was a hive of activity this week as numerous shuttles transported supplies and equipment from the recently arrived Manchurian freighters to the colony. Prevailing rumors are that the supplies are not for Elysian military units, but are intended to support arriving Manchurian Army forces. 

Radio Intercept A34ET7
Broadcast from the MSN Jian to ADM Nakajima of TF Agano and JOI System Control. “This is Captain Lee of the MSN destroyer Jian, leading the destroyer Xichang. We enter the system of JOI in peace and to join in the gallant defense of humanity.  Under the orders of the Elysian/Manchurian Governor Admiral Lian Xi Shilong, I report to the Commander of the JOI defense forces to offer my full cooperation and dedication to the defense of this system.  Awaiting Reply - End of Message.”

Eta Bootis (Aurore)

Ground fighting continued during the month in the French colony of Aurore. Kafer attacks against the north-south defensive line east of the colony were particularly intense with 1e Régiment de Ligne d' Aurore (1e RLA) shattered and 10e Régiment d' Infanterie Coloniale (10e RIC) forced to disperse. Several flanking units took light to moderate damage, but were able to repulse the attacks.
Fighting continued in the Ukrainian colony of Novoa Kiyev between guerilla elements and the occupiers.

Hochbaden

Aboard HMS Britannia, <CLASSIFIED> system; 
One by one, Britannia and her escorts emerged from warp, hitting the g-gradient of the Hochbaden system. All around, ships from the other battlegroups similarly appeared. There were no national task forces to organize once in system this time; no Dunkelheim to repeat. 
	On the Flag Bridge, Admiral Sir Trevor Mountjoy sat patiently as his flag staff worked quietly at their workstations, analyzing data, and correlating results. After a few minutes had gone by, he spoke a single word. 
	"Status."
	“All battlegroups present and accounted for. The French were the last to align themselves,” replied Commander David Kelly, Group Operations officer, sitting at a workstation. Attached above his primary monitor was a very old fashioned placard marked with a grease pencil that read ‘Battlegroup Coordinator’. Arranged in a cluster around the captain was his communications staff, each of whom had a similar placard, labeled for the battlegroup to which they were responsible.
	“Very well. Long range scans?”
	Commander Gail Smith, Group Intelligence officer, on the far side of the Flag Bridge spoke up quickly. “We have been spotted, sir. Preliminary data suggests the presence of two distinct Kafer fleets, both in proximity to the colony world. Both have begun to move on our positions.”
	“Time to engagement?”
	“Seven hours, sir.”
	“Very well,” replied Admiral Mountjoy. Turning to Captain Mara Stewart, Group Chief of Staff, he spoke quietly to her. Looking over at his Group Liaison and personnel officer, Commander Noela Almeida, he issued his next command. “Commander, have the mess issue an early dinner for the crew, by section. Oh… and a spot of tea up here for us, as well, please.”
	Nodding acknowledgement, Commander Almeida spoke quickly into her comm-link. Harkening back to the days of World War 2, it had been tradition for flyers of all types to have a good meal before battle, and today would be no exception.
	Looking over her console, Captain Stewart cued her comm-link to the Combat Control Centre. “Commander Willsmith, please.”
	“Here, Captain,” came a rapid response.
	“Prepare to launch fighters in five hours.”
	“Acknowledged, Captain.”
	“Also, prep the shuttles for the Paras and SAS.”
	Sitting back, Captain Stewart turned and looked at Admiral Mountjoy. He had a calm, but determined look on his face as he watched the events unfold on the large display at the front of the bridge.

	As the hours ticked away, the allied battlegroups readied themselves. The Allies were arranged into four elements, centered on the battleships Britannia, Bavaria, Pennsylvania, and Napoleon and named as such. Each battlegroup numbered a dozen warships with supporting fighter screens. Behind each element were the non-combatants, themselves screened by frigates and destroyers. Arrayed against the four human battlegroups were two Kafer fleets that had broken up into four elements, with one element on approach to each battlegroup. Though humanity had numerical superiority, the Kafers were a rough match in armament. All in all, it would be a stand-up fight; a slugfest.

	The first element to engage was BG Britannia at 1145 UST. The Britannia, escorted by Fearless and Indefatigable moved to engage the enemy squadron flagship, an Improved Alpha battleship. With strong point defense measures led by 1st Britannia fighter wing, the Britannia took no damage in the opening round. The return missile volleys by the squadron achieved numerous hits against their target, with several gun turrets targeted and destroyed.
	Invincible, escorted by Courageous and Illustrious, was engaged by another Kafer battleship. Despite strong missile barrages by both sides, neither was able to score appreciable damage.
	A trio of cruisers, led by Drake engaged a Kafer battlecruiser. Target acquisition by the cruisers was poor with the fire control sensor suites acting up as usual. Strong point defense by Drake and the lone escort, Honourable, ensued no return damage.
	The cruisers Rodney and Orion engaged the last remaining Kafer warship, identified as an Epsilon cruiser. The well trained crews landed several hits from both salvoes, causing moderate damage to the cruiser. Return fire from the Epsilon was strong, with Rodney sustaining 30% damage and reporting major hull breaches on numerous decks, including engineering. Minor damage to the powerplant has reduced output power and slowed movement. Captain McCleod has communicated with battlegroup command that he will attempt to break off.

	Battlegroup Bavaria launched its first missile salvoes at 1153 UST. The Beijing, supported by the cruisers Bremen and Bonn and escorted by Tunghu, Augsburg and a fighter wing launched off of the battleship squared off with the squadron flagship, a Delta-class battleship. Neither side was able to penetrate point defense measures.
	The Bavaria squadron sought out an enemy battlecruiser. Escorted by the Ukrania and the Bad Rappenau with the 53 Wing, the squadron was unable to land any missile hits due to a combination of poor target acquisition and evasive maneuvers by the battlecruiser. The returning barrage was easily stopped by the Gustavs of 53 Wing.
	The second enemy battlecruiser was targeted by a squadron centered on Bismarck. Supported by the cruisers Aachen and Bonn with escorts Helgoland and 153 Wing the Bismarck was unable to inflict appreciable damage.
	Numerous fighter wings were launched off of the three fighter tenders attached to the battlegroup. Unable to inflict damage at the opening range, they closed with the Kafer fighter squadron.

	At 1202 UST, Pennsylvania came under missile fire from a third Kafer squadron led by an Alpha. Supported by the escorts Potomac, Mississippi, and New York, the allied squadron was able to score only a single hit though it sustained no damage in return.
	The cruisers Odessa and Mandela, supported by Hudson and Snake River engaged an enemy battlecruiser. Evenly matched, neither side inflicted appreciable damage in the opening round.
	Facing two Epsilon cruisers, the Kennedy-class cruisers split up to engage. Jefferson, escorted by Cairns and two fighter wings, including the VSF-101 “Keystoners” attacked the first cruiser. Overloading the enemy point defenses, numerous hits were scored. Return fire was strong, but stopped by the escorts.
	The Roosevelt attacked the second Epsilon, scoring several damaging strikes. The enemy salvo nearly overloaded the point defense provided by the Blackfoot and two German fighter wings launched off of the Fokin.

	The last battlegroup to engage, the Napoleon launched its first salvoes at 1203 UST. Supported by the Konstantine and the escort Latouche-Tréville, the Napoleon quickly overloaded the targeted Alpha’s point defenses, scoring numerous hits. Even with the other ships of the squadron also landing full salvoes, the enemy battleship seemed to shrug off the exchange. This changed immediately as the 17e Flottille Aerospatiale, launched from the battleship and flying Ritage-2 equipped Bufers fired a devastating salvo that saw the Alpha lose power and come to an all-stop condition. Numerous internal explosions were also detected.
	The carrier Cherbourg squared off against a second battleship, support by Dupliex and a pair of escorts, Maréchal Soult and Amiral Poliquin, as well as the veteran 33e Flottille Spatiale, a wing of Martel fighters. Superior point defenses stopped all enemy salvoes while the squadron landed several hits to critical areas on the enemy Alpha. 
	The cruisers Kleber and Montcalm, supported by Amiral Charner and 34e Flottille Spatiale moved to single out an enemy battlecruiser. The Kafer salvo was easily neutralized while poor targeting resulted in no return hits.
	The last ship of the Kafer squadron, an Epsilon cruiser, was engaged by the cruisers Georges Leygues and Jean Bart and the escort Amiral Duperre. Close support was provided by the fighters of 42e Flottille Aerospatiale. Several hits were scored by the French squadron during the opening salvoes.

	As the Kafers continued to press Britannia, her squadron began to fall back slightly to maintain the distance. Easily defeating the incoming missile salvoes, the squadron was likewise thwarted in return fire. Only the destroyer Indefatigable was able to land any hits, but the hits proved very fortuitous, as they were centered on the drive section and reduced movement of the battleship to ‘all stop’.
	The second Kafer battleship rapidly closed the distance with the Invincible, who found herself without sufficient maneuvering room due to the still close proximity of the retreating non-combatants. Forced to close range, the squadron was subjected to the massed firepower of the enemy, with the Invincible taking the lion’s share of the attack. The battle cruiser suffered several hits, including two critical hits to the engineering section, resulting in a serious loss of stutterwarp efficiency. Well-placed return fire by the squadron inflicted heavy damage to the Kafer vessel, neutralizing all of the gun emplacements.
	The trio of cruisers, led by Drake found themselves with a similar lack of space in which to fight an action based on maneuverability. Finding themselves in close range with a battlecruiser, they re-dressed their line and engaged. Though the Drake and the destroyer Honourable score several hits, the other two cruisers continued to be plagued by problems with the fire control sensor suites and were unable to acquire lock-on. The Kafer warship focussed its fury on the Drake, subjecting it to a serious pasting that left the cruiser with no offensive or defensive capabilities. Captain Edward Smythe signaled the Britannia that he was moving off of the battle line.
	The cruiser Rodney broke off contact, falling back due to damage sustained in the opening round. That left the Orion is a continuing long range duel with a Kafer cruiser. With similar problems as the Jarvis and Parker, the British cruiser was unable to complete target acquisition. The Kafer cruiser suffered no such difficulties and was able to land a devastating salvo on its lone opponent. 

	The Beijing squadron found itself up against a faster enemy and ended up at short range. The Kafer battleship proved itself very capable in battle, taking both the Beijing and a German cruiser, the Bremen under fire. The battleship sustained light damage, but the cruiser took a fatal broadside and at 1256 UST, the Captain ordered all hands to abandon ship. The cruiser was racked by explosions soon after and only a few lifeboats could be launched. In retaliation, the Beijing landed several salvoes and beam hits to the Delta, inflicting moderate damage.
	The Bavaria also found itself at close quarters and subjected to both missile salvoes and beam weaponry. Accurate fire by the Kafer battleship destroyed the stutterwarp plant of the Bavaria, forcing it to an ‘all stop’ condition. Subsequent fire destroyed point defense ability, leaving the battleship dead in space with no defenses except for the Gustav fighters of 53 Wing, which circled their charge, firing on incoming missiles with increasing tenacity. The 11 Fallschirm, a Jump Battalion on board the battleship has assumed position to repel boarders while the damage control crews work to repair the drive and restore maneuverability. With the battle continuing at short range, the in-fighting ability of the Ukrainia showed magnificently and the cruiser landed a series of broadsides that destroyed the enemy battlecruiser. At 1305 UST, the Ukrainia became the first allied ship of Operation Defiant Victory to defeat an opponent. Kontr-Admiral Olena Honcharenko’s report to Fleet Command aboard RSN Britannia read simply “Target destroyed. Moving to protect Bavaria.”
	The Bismarck found itself forced to short range due to general congestion as the two sides fought. The battlecruiser took light damage, but increasing attacks to the drive section further reduced speed. Return fire was particularly poor, with no damage noticed.
	As the fighters of both sides moved to close, wings began to break off into individual dogfights. The three fighter tenders began to move back, staying at long range with 101 Wing, which lacked offensive ability due to damaged beam weaponry.

	Vice Admiral Sam Weiss aboard the Pennsylvania met the incoming Kafer battleship at flank speed, leading the squadron in a wedge formation. Moving to close range, the American battleship single handedly destroyed the Alpha with a combination of SIM-14 “Ship Killers” and accurate beam fire. Personnel aboard the Flag Bridge of the Pennsylvania reported that Admiral Weiss broadcast what was later described as a “rebel yell” on all frequencies followed by “Get the hell outta the way, big dog comin’ through!” Though the Admiral’s statements have yet to be confirmed by Operations Control aboard the Britannia, such comments are not unknown for the Admiral, and typify the maverick attitude of the ASF.
	The second squadron led, by the Ukrainian cruiser Odessa, closed with an opposing battlecruiser due to the speed disadvantage, rather than the brashness of Pennsylvania. Well suited to close quarters fighting, the cruiser soaked up the damage inflicted by the Beta while responding in kind. Both escorts landed blows while the Mandela, a Nelson-class cruiser purchased from the British, showed the typical problems of its target acquisition sensor suite, refusing to lock-on to the evasive battlecruiser.
	The Jefferson continued its missile duel with a Kafer cruiser. Despite strong barrages by the Epsilon, point defense measures proved adequate and no missile hits were incurred. Wounded by a barrage loosed by the Jefferson, the cruiser began to vent atmosphere. The Australian cruiser Cairns fired off a killing salvo, claiming the Epsilon at 1341 UST, a scant eight minutes after Admiral Weiss rode over the Alpha that had been opposing the Pennsylvania.
	In a surprise move, the other Kafer cruiser targeted the escort Blackfoot, inflicting moderate damage. Return fire from the cruiser Roosevelt soon silenced the cruiser, claiming it at 1342 UST.
	As the hour closed, Battlegroup Pennsylvania had destroyed three of her four opponents and heavily damaged the fourth. The hard-hitting tactical doctrine of the ASF seemed to be proving out in aces.

	Facing a badly damaged Alpha, the squadron centered on Napoleon moved to close range with the intent of neutralizing enemy point defense measures and 1/Régiment Para-Commando (1RPC) to initiate a boarding action. Over-zealous gunnery by the Napoleon permanently neutralized the enemy battlecruiser when a broadside of beam weaponry caused massive hull failure, destroying the Kafer vessel in a matter of minutes. At 1332 UST, the squadron turned at flank speed to engage their next target.
	The slow escorts assigned to the Cherbourg forced the carrier to reduce speed in order to maintain formation. This allowed the Kafer battleship to close and engage with beam weaponry. The carrier was subjected to light damage while landing several salvoes and knocking the power plant off-line. Seizing the moment, the escort Maréchal Soult pulled ahead of the Cherbourg to fire a point-blank volley into the bow of the Alpha. At 1335 UST, the second Kafer warship facing Battlegroup Napoleon winked off of the primary combat display aboard the Flag Bridge of Britannia.
	The cruisers Kleber and Montcalm continued their long range duel with the Kafer Beta. The battlecruiser landed several hits on the destroyer Amiral Charner, causing minor damage. The evasive Beta suffered light damage in return. 
	Heavily damaged in the second round, the other battlecruiser managed to break off from the cruisers Georges Leygues and Jean Bart.

	The third hour of battle opened with Britannia facing a badly damaged battleship dead in space. Seeing a potential intelligence coup, Admiral Mountjoy ordered the assault shuttles carrying the jump troops to launch. Though vulnerable while launching, the fighters of 1st Britannia maintained a close vigil, destroying all incoming missiles as they protected their charge. The assault was conducted by troops of P Sqdn, 24 SAS and 7/The Parachute Regiment (7/PARA). Despite facing strong opposition from Kafer troops and crew, the battleship was secured at 1432 UST. Tens of prisoners were captured, requiring both battalions to remain onboard providing security. Casualties among the assault troops were reported to be moderate. 
	With the Invincible velocity reduced sharply due to battle damage, she moved to break-off from the engagement. Covered by the escorts Illustrious and Courageous, the battlecruiser began to pull away, breaking all contact at 1413 UST. 
	Unable to pull back, the trio of cruisers led by the Drake continued to battle at close quarters with a Kafer Beta. With the escort Honourable running shielding Drake, the enemy battlecruiser targeted the Jarvis, inflicting moderate damage. Forced to perform a full system reset, the cruisers Jarvis and Parker managed to get their temperamental fire control sensor suites back on-line. Both cruisers landed numerous hits, with the Parker firing the final salvo at the Kafer battleship, causing it to break up at 1435 UST.
	With the Rodney gone, the Orion continued its long range match against the enemy cruiser. Though it scored several hits, the Epsilon’s return salvo overwhelmed point defenses causing catastrophic damage. At 1422 UST, the Orion imploded, with all hands lost.

	Reduced to a crawl Admiral Lian Xi Shilong ordered the squadron centered on Beijing to fall back. Though pursued by the Kafer battleship, the squadron succeeded in increasing the distance. Both sides traded missile barrages, though strong point defenses prevented hits on either side.
	With the Bavaria continuing emergency repairs and facing no enemies in the immediate area, Kommodore Lutke dispatched the cruiser Ukrainia to reinforce the Beijing.
	The lone battlecruiser facing Bismarck pressed in on the squadron, maintaining the close range. The cruiser Aachen was singled out and sustained moderate damage from a combined missile and beam attack. Return fire was strong from the squadron and the enemy battlecruiser was destroyed by missile fire from the Aachen at 1434 UST.
	The fighter squadrons from both sides continued to dogfight. The lone squadron of Wespe fighters broke off due to damaged armament and was replaced by a flight of Manchurian Punyuangs. Fighting showed the difficulty of targeting the small, agile crafts as the fighters fought in close quarters, yet hits were few. The only casualty thus far in the fight came at 1451 UST, when the wing of Ukranian Riche fighters were destroyed.

	Having dispatched his opponent by steamrollering over the enemy warship last turn, Admiral Weiss turned the Pennsylvania on its heals and headed towards the stricken Beijing.
	 The lone remaining Kafer opponent facing Battlegroup Pennsylvania pulled away from its opponents, the cruisers Odessa and Mandela, who fired numerous missile barrages at the withdrawing battlecruiser. It was, however, the American escort Hudson, which dispatched the Beta will its last missile salvo. At 1436 UST, Vice Admiral Weiss was able to report to Admiral Mountjoy aboard the Britannia that all opponents of BG Pennsylvania had been neutralized.
	Breaking from their squadrons on orders from the Operations Command Center, the cruisers Jefferson and Roosevelt moved off in pursuit of the damaged Alpha that had faced Invincible. The remaining escorts moved to support the Pennsylvania.

	At 1423 UST, the cruiser Montcalm reported that the battlecruiser they had been harrying broke contact and jumped out of system. The other squadrons of BG Napoleon continued to dog the Beta to the g-gradient. By 1456 UST, all remaining Kafer vessels had been forced to withdraw. Operation Defiant Victory was over.

Aboard HMS Britannia, <CLASSIFIED> system, 1541 UST;
	Admiral Mountjoy studied the display in front of him. Operation Defiant Victory had ended with a victory for humanity and the Allies were in control the Hochbaden system again. The Kafers had suffered severe losses with a preliminary tally of three battleships, four battlecruisers, and two cruisers destroyed. All of the warships that had retreated were heavily damaged. Reports from Battlegroup Bavaria indicated that the thrashing that the Beijing received was from the flagship of the enemy armada, a powerful new battleship classed as a Delta.
	Against these Kafer loses, the Allies had lost the British cruiser Orion, the German cruiser Bremen and a flight of Ukranian Riche fighters. Every squadron had taken damage with the Bavaria looking to need months in dry dock.
	Despite these loses of ships and lives, the Allies had secured the system and established a strong blocking position to protect the Core-ward portion of the Arm. As an added boon, a Kafer Alpha-class battleship had been captured partial intact. Already intelligence specialists were pouring over the ship, studying the alien vessel and its crew.

Final Fury – Aboard the Cranjome, Cmdr Wacaundi; 
"Commander! I am picking up multiple inbound bogeys!" 
"It should be the Mandela and her squadron, nothing to worry about." 
"Commander... these bogeys have just entered from the g-gradient; they are not approaching from the inner system!" 
"What?!? Main display... now!"
Commander Wacaundi sat in awe as he watched at the scene unfolding before his eyes. The battle squadrons had been chasing the Kafer merchants towards the g-gradient since the battle had ended over an hour ago. Operations Command saw the non-combatants as an easy target and one that could cripple the Kafer resupply lines. The Kafer merchants had been evading their pursuers as they made their way in groups towards the safety of the gradient. At the same time, the Allied non-combatants were being shepherded towards the inner system by their escorts. As he watched, every Kafer group spun onto a new vector bringing it straight through one of the Allied convoys. At the same time, damaged Kafer warships dropped back into the system, apparently to protect their merchants. The convoys now found themselves having to pass through the Kafers, one way or the other.
“Helm! Lay in new course for that Beta; flank speed” barked Wacaundi. “Signal the other escorts to form up on us.”
The Aconit-Z began to pull ahead of the convoy, increasing its speed steadily. On the display, the other frigates followed suit, moving to place themselves between the enemy ships and their charges. Behind, the merchants began to scatter, each making its way towards the safety of the inner system.
“Comms! Get Ops Command on the channel and appraise them of the situation.”
Minutes passed as the communications officer relayed information to both the battlegroup command center and the Flag Bridge aboard the Britannia.
“Sir, the Roosevelt and Jefferson are en route.”
“But will they get here in time?” thought the commander as he prepared to face the damaged but still dangerous battlecruiser.

Forced to short range as the escorts moved to place themselves between the Kafer ships and their own merchants, the frigate Achilles found itself engaged by a Kafer Alpha battleship. With the merchants behind him, Commander Whiteson was forced to take the missile barrage square on and the Achilles was ripped open by a detonation missile amidships. The Ulysses faired better, knocking an incoming fighter out before it could get to range. Perseus engaged a second fighter and destroyed it while taking minor damage to the sensor suite. As the escorts battled the enemy warships, the merchants did their best to evade the scene. Two fast merchants found themselves passing through armed non-combatants and were summarily dispatched. The Ajax and Agamenmon also discovered that the Kafer transports were armed when they attempt to stop two of the stragglers. The Agamenmon took a beam hit to the crew deck and is venting atmosphere. Casualties are reported to be light with off-duty crew already at duty stations. 
	The frigate Hanau & Thurigen found itself against a battlecruiser. The veteran crew moved aggressively to engage the Beta and easily absorbed the attack. Well placed missile and beam hits of the return fire severely damaged the battlecruiser as the frigate circled the now stricken warship. The other German frigate, Saschen & Gottingen, moved to engage the lone Kafer cruiser. Heavily armored and possessing a greater in-fighting ability, the frigate should have easily defeated the Epsilon at close quarters. As it was, both warships perished under concentrated missile fire at 1606 UST. The frigate Miyun tangled with a Golf fighter and received minor damage while failing to land any hits on the nimble adversary. The escort Pinglu engaged a lone Kafer merchant at 1616 UST only to find the unarmed merchant armed and landing hits against the frigate. Bringing its superior missile targeting system into play, the Pinglu fired off a full salvo of Glowworm missiles destroying the merchant. Frigate #217 also found itself taking fire from a Kafer merchant. The other Ukranian escort, #316 traded shots with a merchant, forcing it to ‘All Stop’. The Shevchenko ran into problems of its own when a Kafer raked its engines, dropping its speed by over half.
	The lead Anzanian escort, Cranjome, took the brunt of a savage attack from the Kafer battlecruiser. Within minutes, the frigate was dead in space with no fire control or point defense and only one missile launcher functioning. Commander Wacaundi reported to Operations Command that casualties were light and emergency repairs were underway. Sime tangled with a wing of fighters that promptly knocked out both missile batteries. Kalakonje engaged a merchant and succeeded in neutralizing its armament and engines. Frigate #651 forced another merchant to stop while #744 came under concentrated fire and was forced to circle around again. The troop transport Puget Sound found itself being stalked by a Kafer merchant and took a critical hit to the power plant, forcing the ship to reduce speed by half. Dropping submunitions as fast as the dispensers could be reloaded, the Puget Sound ditched its opponent when she ran through the submunition field and had her engines destroyed.
	The lead French escort, Maréchal Cartier found itself up against the enemy flagship and received a savage beating that she could not withstand. Despite the best efforts of her crew, the destroyer had to be abandoned at 1635 UST. Capitaine Da Costa could take some comfort in knowing that the escort had landed some hits against its mammoth opponent. Maréchal Bouvier engaged the long Kafer fighter squadron which targeted the destroyers engines, leaving it dead in space as the Golfs raced after the scattering merchants. In seeming retaliations, Maréchal Marsin and La Fayette both stopped Kafer merchants with hits to the aft engine compartments. Bateau de Ravitaillement 68 was destroyed by a Kafer ship at 1636 UST; all crew managed to escape into lifeboats. The survey ship Homard was destroyed at 1701 UST as it moved to protect an escaping merchant.

	The lone battleship facing the Achilles continued to move past the frigate, firing a depleted salvo at the escort. Recognizing that the Alpha was not staying to continue the fight, Commander Whiteson, ordered a final salvo before moving to pick up survivors from the merchants that had been destroyed. Having dispatched the fighters, the Ulysses tore off in pursuit of a straggling Kafer merchant. Both ships traded shots but were unable to cause appreciable damage. Similar scenes played out for the Perseus and Ajax. Agamenmon faired slightly better, landing a missile salvo before the last of the Kafers slipped away and headed out of the system.
	The frigate Hanau & Thurigen continued to pursue the Kafer battlecruiser as it pushed through the thin line of escorts. Losing ground to its faster opponent, the frigate managed to score several critical hits that caused the Beta to break up at 1733 UST. Miyun chased down a group of fighters, destroying them with missile salvoes by 1735 UST. Following her sister ship, Pinglu launched her final salvo at a retreating merchant, causing minimal damage. Both Ukranian escorts successfully chased away enemy ships from the allied merchants. The escorts were pleasantly surprised when two wings of German Wespe fighters came streaking in at maximum speed. The veteran 53 Wing quickly dispatched an enemy merchant at 1772 UST, while the 153 Wing severely damaged another. Hounded by the fighters, the Kafers continued moving away for the safety of the g-gradient.
	Dead in space, the crew of the Cranjome cheered as they watched the American cruiser Jefferson race past in hot pursuit of the battlecruiser that had crippled them. Several well placed salvoes added to the damage already sustained by the Beta as it moved away from the Cranjome at high speed. Sime dueled with a squadron of fighters that raked the escort before following the battlecruiser out of system. The last shot of the engagement came from the frigate #744 as it fired upon a straggling merchant. As the stellar dust settled, the remaining escorts moved in to watch over three captured merchants as the Pennsylvania and Mandela homed in to launch jump troops and board the vessels.
	The other Kennedy-class cruiser, Roosevelt skirted around the hulk of the Maréchal Cartier, maintaining a standoff position against the enemy Delta. Both sides traded missile barrages and though the cruiser failed to penetrate the point defenses, the battleship did not and the American warship lost velocity as the power plant surged and then quit. Seizing the moment, the Delta limped away and was out of range by the time that the Roosevelt restarted her stutterwarp drive. Forced to ‘All Stop’ due to damage to the powerplant, Maréchal Bouvier fended off a last attack by a squadron of fighters as they passed by on their way out of system. Maréchal Marsin fired on a merchant that passed too close, causing moderate damage.

Dispatches

America
TO:	NMCC, FT RICHIE, MD
CC: NATIONAL COMMAND AUTHORITY
RE: AFTER ACTION REPORT, HOCHBADEN
(PRELIMINARY)

I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THE ALLIES HAVE RETAKEN HOCHBADEN. OUR FORCES
DID WELL AND WE WERE PROMINANT IN THE ACTION. BRITISH HAVE CAPTURED AN ALPHA
IN A BOARDING ACTION. CAN YOU MAKE SURE ANY AND ALL INTELL IS SHARED WITH
US? CASUALTIES LIGHT FOR OUR FORCES, BUT OTHER SQUADRONS NOT SO LUCKY. MUCH
INTREST IN OUR KENNEDYS. NOW WE WILL SEE WHAT MR KAFER WILL DO.

WEISS ENDIT
-- submitted by Jason Weiser

TO: NMCC, FT RITICHE, MD
CC: NATIONAL COMMAND AUTHORITY
RE: AAR DEFIANT VICTORY

AT 1445 UST, WE, ALONG WITH BRITISH, MANCHU, ANZANIAN, GERMAN, UKRANIAN AND FRENCH FORCES, WON A MAJOR VICTORY FOR HUMANITY AGANST THE KAFER MENACE. OUR LOSSES WERE LIGHT, BUT AT LEAST ONE BRITISH CG WAS LOST WITH ALL HANDS. ALSO, THE GERMAN BB BAVARIA AND MANCHU BB BEIJING WERE BADLY HURT, AND ANOTHER BRITISH CG WAS FORCED TO WITHDRAW. WE ALSO KNOW OF THE LOSS OF A SQUADRON OF UKRANIAN FIGHTERS.
	OUR TACTICAL DOCTRINES PROVED TO BE SOUND, AND WITH OUR AUSTRLIAN, ANZANIAN AND UKRANIAN, AS WELL AS GERMAN ALLIES PROVIDING CLOSE SUPPORT, WE MANAGED TO SMASH THE KAFER BG FACING US. NOT ONE KAFER ESCAPED OUR GUNS.
	I WOULD LIKE TO SINGLE OUT AT THIS TIME, FOR SPECIAL MENTION, THE CREWS OF THE AUSTRALIAN DESTROYER CAIRNS, WHO TIME AND AGAIN, DID NOT HESITATE TO CLOSE ON HEAVIER KAFER COMBATANTS AND TAKE THEM UNDER FIRE. HER WILLINGNESS TO DO SO, AND HER SUPERB POINT DEFENSE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN OUR VICTORY HERE. I THEREBY ASK PERMISSON TO CONFER THE GOLD E ON HER SHIP AND CREW.
	ALSO, THE DESTROYER HUDSON, SHE RAN DOWN A KAFER BETA CLASS BATTLECRUISER AND FINISHED HER OFF. HER CREW THROUGHOUT THE ACTION WERE A STANDARD THE ASF CAN BE PROUD OF AND I RECCOMEND THE GOLD E FOR HER CREW AND THE PROMOTION OF HER SKIPPER, TERRI BOGART, TO CAPTAIN.
	FURTHERMORE, I WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT ON THE FINE EXAMPLE OF THE PENNSLYVANIA AND HER CREW, AS LED BY CAPT JIM FOLKES, AND HER FINE WORK HERE. I WOULD DIRECT THAT HE BE NOMINATED FOR THE FOR THE NAVY CROSS FOR THE WAY HE HANDLED OUR LITTLE CHARGE OF THE ENEMY ALPHA CLASS BB WHICH PROVED DECISIVE. ALSO, I RECCOMEND GOLD E AWARDS FOR BOTH HUDSON AND PENNSLYVANIA.

WEISS, ENDIT
-- submitted by Jason Weiser

System Status

This is an alphabetical listing of all systems in the campaign. There is a lot of information presented in this section, so let’s look at it step by step.

The system is identified by its common name with the colony world or major installation noted in brackets after it. The communications status is listed next. This indicates whether or not the system can trace a line of communications back to Queen Alice’s Star (and ultimately, the Core). As this is military communications, it may go through uninhabited systems. If there is a link, it is listed as being clear, otherwise it is blocked. Following this is the distance to the nearest enemy held system. This includes systems that are held or suspected of being held. This is a modifier to the paranoia level of any colonies present. It also gives a general distance for logistics.

Colony data is presented next in a table with each column explained below. 
•	Nation – the nationality of the colony
•	Colony – the name of the colony
•	Paranoia Level – a measure of the extent of paranoia felt by the colony based on the character of the colony and its government; it is used to determine requests for colony protection.
•	Population Factors – a measure of the number of colonists remaining; it also determines the amount of damage a colony can sustain before it is considered destroyed.
•	STR Supported – this represents the total strength of military units that a colony can support without additional supply points. 
•	Generated this turn – the quantity of supply points that the colony generated for the upcoming turn.
•	Used by Colony – the quantity of supply points that the colony withholds for its own defense initiatives.
•	Available for Building – the quantity of supply points available for at the colony for construction in the upcoming turn. Any supply points not consumed for construction will be available for resupply.
•	Last Turn Stockpile – the quantity of supply points that remain from the previous turn. These supply points can be used only for re-supply, not for construction.
Any relevant notes to the table follow it. After the colony data is a section of text relating to the system and its colonies.

The section on ground troops lists any ground units and planetary defense installations present. 

Any colonial repair facilities present in the system are listed by owning nation.

61 Ursae Majoris (Joi)

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 1; DM+36 2219 (Sans Souci), Henry’s Star (Crater)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 2
Human minefield size: 98
Kafer minefield size: none detected
					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
Anzania	Lubumbashi	moderate	1	1	1	0	1	1	
Britain	New Cornwall	low	1	1	1 + 1	0	2	0	
Elysia	Elysia	high	4	8	6	0	6	104	
Germany	Habinsel	moderate	3	6	6	3	3	100	
Japan	Tosashimizu	moderate	3	6	4 + 1	0	5	190	
Habinsel spends 3 SP on 15-point minefield 

Ground Troops
Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
Anzania	Zero	1	None	
Britain	2	1	1	
Elysia	11	8	3	
Germany	15	6	9	
Japan	15	6	9	

America
ALIMFOR
Bde(L)	3-505th Infantry Bn (Airborne) – based in New Cornwall and supplied by colony

Britain
ALIMFOR
Bde(L)	The Queen's Own (Seaforth) Highlanders (QO HLDRS)

Elysia
Elysian Defense Force
	Bde(L)	Régiment 'Internationale'
	Bde(L)	Régiment 'Peuple Souvraine'
	Bde(M)	Légion Verte
	Planetary Defense	7 sites

Germany
XXIII Corps
	Bde(L)	11 Jager
	Bde(L)	12 Jager
	Bde(L)	13 Jager
	Bde(M)	10 PzG
	Bde(H)	16 Panzer
	Jump Bn	21 Fallschirm
	Planetary Defense	Luftkissenpanzerflugabwehr Abteilung Joi (air def)	6 sites

Japan
Tosashimizu Corps
	Bde(L)	1 Yobitai Futsuuka Ryodan Tosashimizu (1st Reserve Inf Rgt Tosashimizu)
	Bde(L)	2 Yobitai Futsuuka Ryodan Tosashimizu (1st Reserve Inf Rgt Tosashimizu)
	Bde(M)	51 Kikaika Futsuuka Daitai
	Bde(H)	50 Kikou Daitai
	Jump Bn	5 Imperial Marine Detachment
	Planetary Defense	1 Boukuu Daitai Tosashimizu (air def)	7 sites

Colonial Repair Facilities
Habinsel Station	Germany
Lotus Station		Japan
Station Joi		Manchuria (Elysia)

Arcturus

Communications Status: Blocked and unknown.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: next; Eta Bootis (Aurore)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 4
Human minefield size: 0
Kafer minefield size: none detected

No colonies present.

Beta Canum Venaticorum (BCV-4)

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 1; DM+36 2219 (Sans Souci), Henry’s Star (Crater)
Distance to QS for logistics: 2
Human minefield size: 313
Kafer minefield size: none detected

					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
Britain	New Africa	moderate	11	21	15	0	15	188	
France		moderate	19	38	50	0	50	247	
Germany		high	17	33	14	3	11	731	
Germany colony spends 3 SP on 15-point minefield.

Ground Troops
Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
Britain	14	21	None	
France	11	38	None	
Germany	12	33	None	

Britain
New Africa Defense Force
Bde(L)	Royal Volunteer Rifle Corps of New Africa (RVRC)
Bde(L)	New Africa Regiment (1/NAR)
Planetary Defense	5 sites
British Army
Bde(H)	79 Armoured Brigade
British (Wellon) Army
Bde(M)	2 / The Wellon Armoured Regiment (2 WAR)
Bde(M)	1/The Royal Wellon Regiment (1/RWR)

France
9e Corps
	Bde(L)	I/100e Division Légère Blindée (I/100DLB)
	Bde(L)	I/102e Division Légère Blindée (I/102DLB)
	Bde(L)	II/103e Division Légère Blindée (II/103DLB)
	Bde(M)	III/21e Division de la Marche (III/21DM)
	Planetary Defense	11e Groupe de Défense de Planète (I/11GDP)	6 sites

Germany
BCV Defense Force
	Bde(M)	12 PzG
	Bde(M)	13 PzG
	Bde(M)	1 PzG "Gross Deutchland"
	Planetary Defense	Luftkissenpanzerflugabwehr Abteilung  BC (air def)	6 sites

Colonial Repair Facilities
Bristol Station		Britain
Station Premiere	France
Altenhauf Station	Germany

Beta Comae Berenices (Nous Voila)

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 1; Hochbaden (Hochbaden)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 2
Human minefield size: 158
Kafer minefield size: none detected

					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
France	Nous Voila	high	12	24	8	1	7	21	
Colony spends 1 SP on minefield.

Ground Troops
Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
France	12	24	none	

France
12e Corps
	Bde(L)	1e Régiment de Tirailleurs de Nous Voilà (1e RTNV)
	Bde(L)	2e Régiment de Tirailleurs de Nous Voilà (2e RTNV)
	Jump Bn	I/8e Régiment d’ Infanterie Coloniale (I/8RIC)
	Jump Bn	I/1e Régiment Parachutiste d' Infanterie de Marine  (I/1RPIM)
	Jump Bn	I/3e Régiment Parachutiste d' Infanterie de Marine (I/3RPIM)
	Planetary Defense	13e Groupe de Défense de Planète (13gdp)	7 sites

Colonial Repair Facilities
Station Nous Voilà	France

C1

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 2; DM+36 2219 (Sans Souci)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 3
Human minefield size: 0
Kafer minefield size: none detected

No colonies present.

DM+17 2611

Communications Status: Blocked and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 2; Eta Bootis (Aurore), Hochbaden (Hochbaden)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 5
Human minefield size: 9
Kafer minefield size: none detected

No colonies present.

DM+18 2776

Communications Status: Blocked and unknown.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 1; Eta Bootis (Aurore), Hochbaden (Hochbaden)

No colonies present.

Human minefield size: 9
Kafer minefield size: none detected

DM+34 2342 (Kimanjano)

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 2; DM+36 2219 (Sans Souci); Hochbaden (Hochbaden)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 1
Human minefield size: 164
Kafer minefield size: none detected
					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
Anzania	Okavango	moderate	1	2	1 + 1	0	2	32	
France	Fromme	moderate	7	13	10	0	10	386	

Ground Troops
Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
Anzania	3	2	1	
France	7	13	none	

Anzania
Colony Defense Force
Bde(L)	Tac Grp 1 (Ad-hoc Militia Bn)	
Bde(L)	3rd Kommando	
Bde(L)	5th Kommando

France
16e Corps
	Bde(L)	Régiment Noire de Tirailleurs de Kimanjano (RNTK)
	Bde(L)	Régiment Grise de Tirailleurs de Kimanjano (RGTK)
	Bde(L)	6e Régiment d' Infanterie Coloniale (6e RIC)
	Planetary Defense	12e Groupe de Défense de Planète (12gdp)	4 sites

Colonial Repair Facilities
Agulhas Station		Anzania
Station Fromme		France

DM+35 2436 (Grosshiddenhafen)

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 1; Hochbaden (Hochbaden)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 3
Human minefield size: 18
Kafer minefield size: none detected

No colonies present.

DM+36 2219 (Sans Souci)

Communications Status: Blocked and unknown.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 0
Distance to QAS for logistics: 3
Human minefield size: 2
Kafer minefield size: none detected

					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
France	Sans Souci	extreme	1	1	0	0	0	0	

Ground Troops

Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
France	0	1	none	

Facilities
None.

DM+36 2393 (Dunkelheim)

Communications Status: Contested and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 1; Hochbaden 
Distance to QS for logistics: 2
Human minefield size: 20
Kafer minefield size: suspected

					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
Germany	Dunkelheim	high	2	3	2	2	0	14	
 Dunkelheim spends 2 SP on a PD site.

Ground Troops
Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
Germany	4	3	1	

Germany
Dunkelheim Defense Force
	Bde(L)	3 Jager
	Planetary Defense	Luftkissenpanzerflugabwehr Abteilung  Dunkelheim (air def)	3 sites

Colonial RepairFacilities
Dunkelheim Station	Germany

DM+42 2296

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 3; Henry’s Star (Crater)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 5
Human minefield size: 0
Kafer minefield size: none detected

No colonies present.

DM+45 2014

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 4; Henry’s Star (Crater)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 6
Human minefield size: 0
Kafer minefield size: none detected

No colonies present.

DM+46 1889

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 2; Hochbaden 
Distance to QAS for logistics: 3
Human minefield size: 3
Kafer minefield size: none detected

No colonies present.

DM+48 2108 (Freehold)

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 2; Hochbaden (Hochbaden)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 2
Human minefield size: 126
Kafer minefield size: none detected

No colonies present.

DM+50 1832

The Anzania Office of Stellar Exploration has recently released survey data on this system that indicates that DM+50 1832-I is a glacier world with high potential for colonization. Several nations have indicated a desire to establish a colony on this world, including Russia, Scandinavian Union, Freihaven, and Bavarians from Heidelsheimat. While the right to colonize any planet is afforded to all by the Melbourne Accords, it is rumored that Anzania is being paid a stipend by those nations interested in the planet.

DM+66 717

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 2; Henry’s Star (Crater)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 4
Human minefield size: 0
Kafer minefield size: none detected

No colonies present.

Eta Bootis (Aurore)

Communications Status: Blocked and unknown.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 0
Distance to QAS for logistics: 4
Human minefield size: 73
Kafer minefield size: unknown

					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
France	Aurore	high	5	9	2	2	0	0	
Independent	Tanstaafl	high	3	5	1	1	0	0	
Ukraine	Novoa Kiyev	high	2	1	0	0	0	0	
Aurore and Tanstaafl deploy a 15-point minefield.

Ground Troops

Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
France	25	9	16	
Tanstaafl	9	5	4	
Ukraine	1	1	none	

France
Corps d' Aurore (14e Corps)
	Bde(L)	1e Régiment de Ligne d' Aurore (1e RLA) 
	Bde(L)	10e Régiment d' Infanterie Coloniale (10e RIC) 
	Bde(M)	5e Régiment Etranger d' Infanterie (5e REI)
	Bde(M)	7e Régiment d' Aero-Cuirassiers (7e RC)
	Bde(H)	Régiment de Cavalerie de la Marche d' Aurore (RCMA)
	Bde(H)	5e Régiment de Chasseurs Blindée (5e RCh)
	Planetary Defense	I/15e Groupe de Défense de Planète (1/15GDP)	13 sites

Tanstaafl
Tanstaafl Militia
	Bde(L)	1st Militia Regt.
	Bde(L)	2nd Militia Regt.
	Bde(M)	3rd Militia Regt.
	Jump Bn	Tanstaafl Free Legion
	Planetary Defense	4 sites

Ukraine
Guerillas
	Bde(L)	Novoa Kiyev Partisans

Kafer
Enemy ground strength estimated as follows: Novoa Kiyev x1, Tanstaafl x0, Aurore x2

Colonial Repair Facilities
Station Aurore		France	CAPTURED
Tanstaafl Highport	Tanstaafl

Henry’s Star (Crater)

Communications Status: Blocked and unknown.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 0
Distance to QAS for logistics: 2
Human minefield size: 10
Kafer minefield size: none detected
					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
Britain	Crater	extreme	2	4	2	2	0	0	
The colony constructs a PD site

Ground Troops
Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
Britain	4	4	none	

Britain
Crater Defense Force
Bde(L)	Crater Defence Regiment (CDR)
	Planetary Defense	3 sites

Colonial Repair Facilities
Starside Station		Britain	CAPTURED

Hochbaden (Hochbaden)

Communications Status: Blocked and unknown.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 0
Distance to QAS for logistics: 3
Human minefield size: 225
Kafer minefield size: suspected

Colony destroyed.

Neubayern (Nibelungen)

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 4; Henry’s Star (Crater)
Distance to Sol for logistics: 3
Human minefield size: none
Kafer minefield size: none detected

					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
Germany	Nibelungen	low	85	170	148	0	148	112	

Neubayern is considered part of the Core, lying beyond Queen Alice’s Star. It is also Germany’s main starship yards.

Ground Troops
Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
Germany	36	170	none	

Germany
XIV Corps
	Bde(L)	1 Jager
	Bde(L)	4 Jager
	Bde(L)	6 Jager
	Bde(L)	7 Jager
	Bde(L)	10 Jager
	Bde(L)	14 Jager
	Bde(M)	11 PzG
	Bde(M)	12 PzG
	Bde(M)	16 PzG
	Bde(H)	7 Panzer "Rommel"
	Jump Bn	22 Fallschirm
	Planetary Defense	Flugabwehr Abteilung Neubayern (air def)	20 sites

Colonial Repair Facilities
Nibelungen Station	Germany

Queen Alice’s Star (Beowulf)

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 2; Henry’s Star (Crater)
Distance to Sol for logistics: 5
Human minefield size: 106
Kafer minefield size: none detected

					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
Britain	Alicia	low	26	52	56	0	56	30	
France	Europe Neuve	moderate	15	30	18	0	18	200	
 Beowulf is the end of the line for merchant convoys originating from the Core. From this point, the various merchants of the war effort distribute supplies down the Arm. Beowulf’s stockpile values listed in the table above do not include Core distributed supply points.

Ground Troops
Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
Britain	36	52	none	
France	32	30	2	

Britain
Alicia Defense Force
Bde(L)	1st Volunteer Field Force
	Bde(L)	2nd Volunteer Field Force
	Bde(L)	3rd Volunteer Field Force
	Bde(L)	4th Volunteer Field Force
	Bde(L)	5th Volunteer Field Force
	Bde(L)	6th Volunteer Field Force
	Bde(L)	7th Volunteer Field Force
	Bde(L)	8th Volunteer Field Force
	Bde(L)	9th Volunteer Field Force
	Bde(L)	The Alician Light Infantry (ALI)
	Bde(M)	The Alician Maritime Regiment (AMR)
	Bde(M)	The Royal Regiment of Alicia (RRA)
	Bde(M)	The New Gloucestershire Regiment (NGR)
	Bde(H)	4th Dragoon Guards (4 DG)
	Jump Bn	75 Commando, 7 Bde, RWM
	Planetary Defense	16 sites

France
18e Corps
	Bde(L)	I/1e Division Légère Aeromobile (I/1DLA)
	Bde(L)	2e Régiment de Cavalerie Coloniale (2RCC)
	Bde(L)	4e Régiment d’ Infanterie Coloniale (4RIC)
	Bde(L)	1e Régiment de Tirailleurs Nouvelle Européen (I/1e RTNE)
	Bde(L)	1e Demi-Brigade d’ Infanterie de Marine (DBIM)
	Bde(M)	2e Groupement Mobile/1e Division Légère Blindée (2GM/1DLB)
	Bde(M)	1e Groupement Mobile/1e Division Légère Blindée (1GM/1DLB)
	Bde(H)	1e Groupement Mobile/9e Division Blindée (1GM/9DB)
	Planetary Defense	10e Groupe de Défense de Planète (10GDP)	20 sites

Colonial Repair Facilities
Queen Alice's Star Station	Britain
Station Nouvelle Europe		France

Vogelheim (Alderhorst)

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 1 DM+36 2219 (Sans Souci)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 3
Human minefield size: 10
Kafer minefield size: none detected

					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Population Factors	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
France	Saint-Benoit	extreme	0	0	0	0	0	2	
Germany	Newmark	extreme	3	6	5	2	3	185	
Newmark spends 2 SP on a PD.
Saint-Benoit was destroyed by orbital bombardment.

Ground Troops
Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
France	11	0	11	
Germany	3	9	none	

Australia
ALIMFOR
Bde(L)	92nd Bn, Regiminto de la Tierra Negra – based in Newmark and supplied by colony

Canada
ALIMFOR
Bde(L)	Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) – based in Saint-Benoit

France
30e Corps
	Bde(L)	I/10e Division d’ Infanterie (1/10DI)
	Planetary Defense	50e Groupe de Défense de Planète (50GDP)	9 sites

Germany
Newmark Militia
	Bde(L)	2 Jager
	Planetary Defense	Luftkissenpanzerflugabwehr Abteilung  Newmark (air def)	1 site

Colonial Repair Facilities
Station Saint Benoit	France
Alderhorst Station	Germany

Xi Ursae Majoris (Kie-Yuma)

Communications Status: Clear and updated.
Distance to nearest enemy held or suspected system: 1; DM+36 2219 (Sans Souci), Henry’s Star (Crater)
Distance to QAS for logistics: 3
Human minefield size: 0
Kafer minefield size: none detected
					Supply Points			
Nation	Colony	Paranoia Level	Population Factors	STR Supported	Generated this turn	Used By Colony	Available for building	Last Turn Stockpile	
America	Trilon	low	3	6	4	0	4	33	
 Not founded by the nation but by industrial megacorporation Trilon Industries, Kie-Yuma is nevertheless an American colony. This is enforced by periodic visits from the ASF.

Ground Troops
Colony	Current Ground Troops STR	STR Supported by Colony	Supply Points Required	
America	3	6	none	

Colonial Repair Facilities
Xi Ursae Station	America

Errata

As the turn reports are reviewed, errors and omissions may be found. All necessary corrections will be listed in this section.