The Separatist War

by Lancel
November - December 2007

Violence in Urfala
2007-11-06

Violence in Urlafa continues today with bombs going off in the capital city. In recent weeks, the Keldon Separatist Movement have become more bold in their attacks against Empire government and military installations. Fires in the downtown area today have destroyed two city blocks, with violence continuing in the streets after martial law was declared less than 12 hours ago.

The declaration of martial law has started a political backlash, both within and outside the Empire condemning the declaration. The declaration came ill-advised, anticipating that this will only spark more violence and more support for the separatist movement as opposed to restoring order.

Empire officials commented that "the Separatists are almost too well-organized and well-equipped." When inquired if they suspected larger organizations supporting KSM, the Empire declined to comment.

Union To Blame?
2007-11-07

In a public address today by high-ranking Empire officials, the Empire accused the Union of supporting the Keldon Seperatist Movement and of interfering in Empire affairs.

Key among this evidence was the detection of a Cloaked Ship entering the atmosphere over Urfala yesterday. The ship was detected by its entry contrails and shot down by Imperial fighters when it failed to identify itself. At the crash sight, the Empire found evidence linking the Union to the Separatist Movement, salvaging Union ECM Jammers, ECCM Jammers, Interferometers, and even stealth gear among the debris. Some of this equipment was recently found to be in use by the Keldon Separatist Movement.

As the presentation was being given, ambassadors in Union space left a single message with their Union liaisons, handwritten, and without a word spoken before they boarded their ships and left for Empire space. An ultimatum was delivered to the Union ordering them to cease their actions in interfering with internal Empire affairs and to sever all ties with the Keldon Separatist Movement, otherwise diplomatic ties will remain severed.

The Inner Assembly and High Council are attempting to head off this diplomatic incident and resolve the matter peacefully.

Union-Empire Relations Continue Decline
2007-11-09

In a startling change of position, Prince Meanguy of The Imperial Guard made a public address in the High Council chambers urging his fellows to stand against the Union, announcing his intention to support a declaration of hostility against the Union. Part of the reason for this is the hostile stance taken by some of the Union military in destroying Empire ships caught within their borders. Some Union pilots have rebuked this claim, declaring the Empire to be using it as an excuse to warmonger, and that the Union is only standing up for its interests. Only a few of the High Council supported his declaration, with much of the Empire still devoted to peace with the Union, but as tensions between the Union and Empire continue, some analysts predict that paranoia and fear may eventually take over, resulting in skirmishes, and eventually a possible war.

Meanwhile, violence in Urfala has only increased. The Empire has moved in an additional regiment to further security. The Empire has enforced a blockade of Union trade to Urfala, with threats to shoot down any Union ships that approach. The Union declared that any Union ship fired upon will be defend with deadly force, and have begun mobilizing military assets along the Empire border. The Empire immediately responded with the same, completing another escalation toward open hostilities between the two factions.

Already there have been numerous incidents between the two factions, and the fear of war looms ominous.

Declaration of War
2007-11-11

This morning, the Empire officially declared war on the Union.

In their Cassus Belli, the Empire cited a failure on the Union's part to follow the Empire's demands set forth last week with regards to the Keldon Separatist Movement. This comes after an attack on a Empire military base on Urfala last night resulted in thousands of casualties, many believed to be dead, with the Keldon Separatist Movement taking credit for the action. "To remind of the sovereignty that the Empire holds within its respected space, and the influence that the Empire holds in the universe as a whole, the Empire declares a state of hostility with the Union."

The balance of power in alliances is shifting drastically in response to the war, and open conflicts have already begun along the Union and Empire borders.

We wish you a good night and continued good health during this time of war.

Early Warfare
2007-11-12

Small battles continue to result in the destruction of each faction's fleet assets. Ten Bronze Medals of Strength have already been distributed just in the last twenty-four hours. Many pilots fear for their safety no matter where they fly, fearing an ambush by the other side. Union cloaking devices have proved to be a significant boon to their war effort, enabling them to cloak anywhere in space to ambush unwary traders and even fighters moving to the front lines. So far, these ambushes have focused primarily on open-space passes and just outside of wormhole protection zones. The Empire have been adapting to fight this technology, setting less obvious ambushes in anticipation of ambush avoidance tactics being used.

Analysts under the employ of the Galactic Council say that the Empire appears to have a slight advantage in the war so far, attributed largely to the Empire's past experience in war which the Union lacks. The Union will have to learn quickly, but some believe the Union have performed better at the start than expected.

While there are some indications, these analysts add that it is still too early to draw any solid conclusions.

Empire Starbase destroyed in East Pardus Rim!
2007-11-13

The first major casualty of war was struck this morning by the Union military, where squadrons jointly commanded by members of E.R.A. attacked an Empire outpost in Nex 0004. An unknown number of squadrons attacked Starbase Delta Triangle suddenly. The defenses, consisting of 6 Standard Defense Artillery units and 2 Light Defense Artillery units, were disabled or destroyed within minutes. Shortly thereafter, the starbase was destroyed by Lysin.

Delta Triangle was the first Starbase to be destroyed in this war. It is unlikely to be the last.

Jimmeofdoom and Lysin both were awarded the Union Bronze Medal of Power for their offensive.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

Union captures Nari?
2007-11-13

Shortly before war was declared, the starbase Nari War Memorial was transferred from Orsan to another member of Extinction Agenda, known as Bladerunner. Bladerunner has in the past run the starbase. While seemingly innocent, the transfer has severe repercussions for the war if it continues past the Pardus Cluster Territory Meet on Thursday. With Nari War Memorial being the only starbase in Nari, a sector assigned to the Empire for control, the sector will be recognized as a conquest for the Union and a major blow to the Empire.

Nari, a system of great contention between the Federation and the Empire, was captured from the Empire during the Cere War earlier this year. Various conflicts have erupted over the system, but the system currently sits firmly under the control of the Federation's Admiral Orsan of Extinction Agenda, a neutral alliance of individuals. This transfer could represent a move by the Federation against the Empire.

The Empire last had control of Nari in August of this year. Admiral Orsan has frequently stated his firm dislike of the Empire. Negotiations for a return of Nari to Empire control ground to a halt last month when Orsan told the Empire "The only way you will get Nari back is through force."

Neither the Empire nor the Federation has so far not commented on the Nari War Memorial transfer of command. Nari War Memorial is protected by two Military Outpost walls, central among them owned by Orsan, though the external wall is operated by members of Federation-aligned alliances, including Red Cell and The Triad.

More information will be announced as it becomes available.

The Status of Nari War Memorial
2007-11-13

In an interview today, Admiral Orsan helped to clarify the status of Nari War Memorial. He says that the starbase had always belonged to Bladerunner, and that he had only commandeded it for a time with the promise of either giving it back one day or paying 50 million to buy it officially.

However, when diplomatic tensions were up as a result of the Keldon Separatist Movement, Bladerunner asked for the Starbase back in order to secure Nari for the Union in the event of war. When the Federal High Command did not object, the transfer was conducted well before the territory meeting.

Orsan also explained that "The federation isn't directly supporting the union and i'm not allowing the Union to retreat to the Nari nook."

In response to this, one Imperial pilot commented that he was not surprised by this move, and said "The Cere War never ended in Nari."

Nari was last in Empire control in July and August of this year, when an Empire force captured Peace Offering and used its influence to retake Nari. The starbase was attacked several times afterward by the Federation until it was finally overwhelmed and destroyed in August of this year. A replacement starbase has never been built by either side, and infrequent ambushes continue on the part of both sides in Pardus Cluster.

Empire and Union forces clash in Nhandu
2007-11-13

Reports of squadron combat in Nhandu have filtered in from various sources involving Union bombers and Empire fighters. There has been no word on numbers or on what exactly is going on, but of what is known is that the Union have hastily constructed a large-scale Military Outpost wall spanning the upper side of Nhandu.

Battle of Nhandu
2007-11-14

Less than an hour ago, Nhandu exploded into battle as the Empire launched a sudden attack on the Military Outpost wall that had just been constructed. Union pilots were quick to respond to the attack, and were seen decloaking and abandoning their positions in Baham as they raced to the scene of the battle. The Military Outpost wall was breached by King Catfish, seconds before he was shot down by Union forces.

Running dogfights then raged across Upper Nhandu and Cebece. While it is not known how many of these ships were involved in the operations, 8 Empire pilots and 12 Union pilots have been shot down in the last hour, according to GNN, many of them high ranking.

It is believed that the Empire launched this attack in order to send in reinforcement squadrons. A new Union Military Outpost was constructed within minutes, but not before further Empire bombers penetrated the defensive line. It has come to our attention that a mass of Empire bombers is now surrounding Candyde, but have yet to attack. Union fighters have been scrambled to combat them, and there have already been several battles as Empire squadrons attempt to break through the Union fighter blockade. Elsewhere, a fleet of Union bombers, believed to be intent on attacking Baham, have been surrounded by Empire Fighter Squadrons in defense of Baham.

Battle of Cebece
2007-11-15

Just after midnight this morning, the fleet of Imperial Squadrons in Nhandu, under the command of the Imperial Sardaukar, destroyed the Starbase Wayland Station in Cebece. Squadron fighting erupted across the path between Starbase Candyde and Wayland Station as Empire bombers managed to break through Union fighter cover and reach Wayland Station. A hectic squadron battle erupted in close quarters to the Starbase, ending when Imperial Fighter Squadrons, under the command of Count Lancel, destroyed Illarian's Fighter Squadrons guarding the Command Center. This cleared the way for Bomber Squadrons under the command of Count Kavalion to bomb the Command Center, resulting in the destruction of Wayland Station.

Evacuations began as soon as the Imperial fleet advanced on the Station. The destruction of Wayland Station marks a severe blow to the Union war effort because of its unique position as the only starbase in the sector. With its destruction plus a territory meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Cebece is expected to be downgraded to neutral status. With Nari expected to be conquered at the same meeting, however, Union daily subsidy is not expected to be affected.

Kavalion was awarded the Empire Bronze Medal of Power for this victory.

After the battle, Illarion, the commander of Wayland Station, saluted the Imperial Sardaukar for "A deftly planned and executed assault." On behalf of the Imperial Sardaukar, Lancel returned the salute, "It was an honour to have fought against you and your fellow defenders." Lancel also thanked Ghorahkhan for his help in advising for the operation, something that caught many on the High Council by surprise.

Engagement Result
	CLOSE STRATEGIC IMPERIAL VICTORY

Battle of Nex-0004
2007-11-15

Early this morning, Union squadrons advanced on the second Empire starbase in Nex-0004, called Delta Depot. After the Union breached the Habitat Ring, the Starbase Commander, Baron Guigui, surrendered to Union forces. To appease the attackers, Guigui resigned from the Empire in order to save the Starbase and the lives of the people on board. The starbase was already in the process of being transferred to a Federation member of the Delta alliance, named Solaris.

Despite Delta's desire to stay neutral in the Union-Empire war, Delta's Empire members have been attacked heavily by Union forces since the start of the war.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

The First Territory Meeting
2007-11-15

With the first territory meet confirms what most had expected. With the Cebece Starbase destroyed, Cebece was neutralized. With Nari War Memorial transferred to Bladerunner, Nari was conquered by the Union, a substantial blow to the Empire that opens a second front and gives the Union a second base of operations from which to attack the Empire.

QUOTE (The Galactic Council)
As of Nov 15, 22:00 GMT, the following territorial changes have taken place in the Pardus Cluster:

Nari
Neutral → The Union

Cebece
The Union → Neutral

Nari was conquered when the only starbase in the sector was turned over to a Union pilot. It was conquered without a single shot being fired. With Nari's conquest by the Union, Nari becomes the first sector in history to have been controlled by all three factions, and the first to be recognized all four possible states as set down by The Galactic Council.

Nari War Memorial remains protected by a coalition of heavily armed Federation Military Outposts. High Command has declared that they are not actively supporting the Union, but have made no comment on the status of the Military Outposts.

Engagement Result
	MAJOR STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

The Battle of Baham
2007-11-16

Union squadrons from Nhandu and Cebece advanced into Baham earlier today, gradually making their way to the Imperial Starbase The Cloak Of Daggers after facing resistance from the remnants of the attack on Cebece. Some Union squadrons were already damaged and had taken losses before reaching their target after days of stalemate with Imperial fighter squadrons, many of which had to be sent to reinforce the assault on Cebece. Union bombers were quick to breach the Cloak of Daggers' Habitat Ring, but Imperial Fighters were just as quick to respond to the assault. Several squadrons were involved in the ensuing fight, but the Empire was able to successfully defend the Starbase's Command Center and establish a blockade on the broken habitat ring.

Faced with no other option due to low supplies and serious damage, the Union bombers shifted their focus to disabling as many defenses on the Starbase as possible. One Light Defense Artillery bank was destroyed in the assault, credited to Endeavourl, but the day belonged to the Empire for their successful defense of Starbase The Cloak of Daggers.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR IMPERIAL VICTORY

Battle of East Pardus Rim
2007-11-17

Chief Lysin of the Union strikes again today at Starbase Paradiso commanded by Guardian Owl in Adara, East Pardus Rim. The Earl discovered the Bombers and was able to launch squadrons to defend his base, preventing the loss of the Starbase, but not before significant damage was done to the Starbase's defenses and warehouses. Guardian Owl reports that Starbase Paradiso is preservered, and that reconstruction efforts are already under way.

Engagement Result
	CLOSE IMPERIAL VICTORY

Bomb explodes on an Imperial Starbase
2007-11-17

A high-yield bomb has detonated on the starbase The Grey Ghost, blowing out a docking bay and damaging a ship there. The bomb detonated as a docking pylon made contact with the vessel as it came in to dock. The ship and docking bay were both heavily damaged, with crews currently sifting through the wreckage in the hope of finding survivors.

Timage of the Union claims credit for planting the explosive, done during the chaos of a Union assault upon a Federal Military Outpost that kept the Starbase secure from the outside universe. The Union affirmed his claim by awarding him the Union Patriot Medal of War and the Union Bronze Medal of Courage.

At least one hundred dock workers are still unaccounted for.

Engagement Result
	UNION VICTORY

The Battle of Nari
2007-11-17

The Battle of Nari in some ways continued today when a massive Imperial fleet suddenly attacked the Federation Military Outposts guarding the Nari War Memorial nook. The assault destroyed one Military Outpost operated by The Triad consisting of the traditional 13 Avenger-class armaments, as well as the choke point's Military Outpost operated by Admiral Orsan. Imperial war reports are indicating that the latter Outpost was a new "Super-Max" Military Outpost, armed with 13 Thor-class Fortifications. Four Empire pilots were shot down just on the assault on Orsan's base, including two Mooncrushers. The Empire reportedly used several King-class missiles to destroy it, and several Mooncrushers were involved in the attack.

Blade Star, a former Federal Admiral, was quick to respond to the scene. Faced with an overwhelming fleet of Empire craft, he lost his ship once in an attempt to defend the Military Outpost. Quickly finding a replacement, he raced back to the nook and launched a full phalanx of Nari War Memorial's squadrons and deployed them to blockade the choke point before the Empire could destroy Orsan's Military Outpost.

Following the destruction of the Military Outpost, Blade Star's ship was quickly pursued and destroyed again by Imperial forces, followed by Prince Kevorkian constructing a new Military Outpost to secure the nook. Nari War Memorial, however, remains safe for now, as Empire and Union squadrons face a stand-off across Kevorkian's Military Outpost. Already some casualties have mounted, but 5 Union fighter squadrons still remain between the Empire and Nari War Memorial. With the nook currently secured, however, Nari War Memorial remains significantly under threat.

The Empire has declared Martial Law in Nari, with ground troops already landing on both planets in Nari, and have threatened to destroy any non-Empire ship in Nari on sight (with the exclusion of the Enif-Aya pass). The repurcussions of this move have not yet been seen, but the Empire did reveal that several Federal pilots responded to their attacks, including Admiral Shwabrer, the infamous war hero of the Federation-Empire war. Many of these pilots were attacked and defeated by Empire pilots. The Federation has yet to make an official statement on how they will treat this incident.

This battle marks the first time that a 13-Thor Military Outpost has been seen in battle, and the first time a 13-Thor Military Outpost has been destroyed.

The Battle of Nari - Final Report
2007-11-17

Yesterday, skirmishes reigned between bombers and fighters as Blade Star tried to defend Nari War Memorial from the Imperial Sardaukar bombers . This morning, 900 reinforcement fighters arrived at the chokepoint to Nari War Memorial, and engaged and destroyed the remaining fighters, given the bombers clearance to Nari War Memorial. Damages made for a slow advance, though it was clear the Imperial Sardaukar were going for a capture, targetting each Defense Artillery piece directly.

Kavalion destroyed 9 out of the 11 Heavy Defense Artilleries before most of his squadrons were forced into retreat. Others were reinforced with more supplies, and soon after, Lancel's fighter squadrons were able to join in the battle. Bladerunner resigned from the Union for reasons unknown during the pause, withdrawing Union support from Nari, and preventing any further claims of the base being involved in the war.

This afternoon, the attack resumed, with the Empire's squadrons destroying the remaining defense artilleries. Ships and squadrons alike then destroyed the habitat rings, and the Empire made the capture of Nari War Memorial after troops boarded the Command Center. Union troops that had been stationed on the base prior to Bladerunner's resignation surrendered without a fight. The Empire revealed that they believed Nari War Memorial was being transferred to Xump of Extinction Agenda in order to dissuade further attacks against it, but announced success in capturing the base before this could happen.

Now under the command of Lancel, Nari is expected to once again return to Imperial control in December for the first time since August. This event marks the first time that the Nari nook has been under complete Imperial control since the start of the second Usube war in February.

Count Kavalion was awarded the Empire Silver Medal of Power during the campaign, the first such medal ever to be awarded in the Empire.

Engagement Result
	MAJOR IMPERIAL VICTORY

The East Pardus Rim
2007-11-18

The Union's offensive campaign in East Pardus Rim continued today when a Union fleet destroyed two heavily defended Empire Military Outposts belonging to Smoke and Mirrors CMC, enabling them to invade and capture the Imperial nook in Diphda. Reports indicate that several Union Military Outposts have been in place of the ones destroyed.

The nook contained several illegal buildings.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR UNION VICTORY

Imperial Reinforcements in East Pardus Rim
2007-11-19

In response to the major Union activity in East Pardus Rim, the Empire appears to have moved in military reinforcements to engage Union ships. Already there have been several ambushes conducted throughout the East Pardus Rim. A stand off has formed between the sectors of Diphda, owned by the Union, and Thabit, of the Empire. Several skirmishes have already occured between these two sectors, and high levels of military activity currently exist on both sides in the area.

Union Breaches and Bombs EKC
2007-11-19

After detecting a weakness in the Empire's Pass EMP-06 defense, the Union launched an attack upon one of the Empire's Military Outposts, destroying it easily and placing one of their own in its place. With passaged secured into the Empire Keldon Core, the Union launched a large strike team into the home cluster consisting of three transports laden with military-grade explosives. Their target was the starbase Cysorski Fyrtel in Keldon sector.

The bombs were dropped onto the habitat rings and docking bays, with casualties in the thousands. Two ships were destroyed, one civilian, and one Imperial Troop Transport carrying 600 relief troops bound for Urlafa, killing all aboard. This represents a major blow to the Empire's effort to maintain security on the turmoiled planet. Some Union pilots claim that this was done specifically to further the cause of the Keldon Separatist Movement, with hopes to push the Empire out of the EKC entirely.

The breach in Keldon Cluster's defenses remains with the threat of possibly more bombings in the cluster.

There are also rumors of sightings of Union ships elsewhere in the EKC, some believed to have been sighted on entry into Empire planetary atmospheres for unknown reasons.

Engagement Result
	MAJOR UNION VICTORY

The Pride of Keldon has been damaged, but not irrevocably
2007-11-19

Further reports are coming in now concerning the level of damage done to the starbase Cysorski Fyrtel, including coverage from the site. The recent Union bombing of the starbase Cysorski Fyrtel was severe, and resulted in heavy damage to several of the starbase's facilities, along with the deaths of the workers that manned them. The bombings left hull breaches in the habitat rings across the Starbase, venting an estimated 70% of the atmosphere into space. It has also come to light that two additional Troop Transports were destroyed, with Imperial troop casualties now up to 3000.

Starbase commander Marquis Felkron issued a brief statement on the bombings, where he announced with great sadness the final starbase worker death toll.

86,793. Almost two-thirds of the Starbase's original population.

"The pride of Keldon has been damaged but not irrevocably. We'll rebuild it bigger and better" were Felkron's final words on the subject.

Empire Retakes the Pass
2007-11-19

The Imperial alliance Phoenix launched a full-scale assault on the Union's position in Pass EMP-06. The assault scattered the Union ambushers, who were quickly pursued and hunted down by Empire forces, resulting in severe Union casualties. The Military Outpost was then destroyed and secured again by the Empire. At least 9 Union pilots were shot down in the course of the operation, including two Scorpions, while the Empire suffered a single known casualty.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR IMPERIAL VICTORY

Running War
2007-11-21

Silence has descended over the East Pardus Rim in the day following the arrival of Imperial reinforcements. With this silence comes the uncertainty of what each side must be planning. The fog of war lies thick in the East Pardus Rim now, but as that fog rolls in, we find reports of new fighting in Nhandu where some pilots on both sides have relocated following the onset of silence in East Pardus Rim. First of Unioners, then Imperials hot on their heels.

The fighting has so far favored the Empire, with Earl Warbird already being awarded the first Empire Bronze Medal of War for his continued successful efforts, but as with all things in war, there is the uncertainty as to if circumstances will change.

In other news regarding the Empire, yesterday an unexpected siege of an Empire starbase in Menkar occurred where the starbase commander was feared to be missing in action. Fearing the loss of the starbase due to lack of administration, Ruby Legion resolved to capture the base and use bombers to disable automated defenses. To their surprise, they arrived to find the squadrons of the Federation pilot Crux Mason already attacking the starbase. The battle raged for a time until at last Crux Mason's squadrons were defeated and the starbase command codes transferred to Gugu.

No one yet knows where Crux Mason found these squadrons, but the Empire assures the public that an investigation will get to the bottom of this. Rumors of treason have already begun to spread, with some suspicions that the Soul Reapers did it to get revenge for the temporary capture of one of their bases also in Menkar. Crux Mason insists he flew them all the way from his base elsewhere in the universe.

In the Union, the cultural exchange spawned by the announcement of a Union military official being key to a Federation religious sect's foretelling of the end of the world has healed some of the diplomatic rifts formed from the unknown Hercules incident last week. Already very friendly with one another, Union and Federation relations are expected to improve more, though this does nothing to assuage the accusations of some Imperial pilots that the Federation is secretly supporting the Union in the war.

Empire retaliates in EPR
2007-11-23

This afternoon, Kavalion launched yet another Starbase assault, this time on the Union starbase La Souer du Dan Ham located in sector HW 3-863, East Pardus Rim. 1000 Bombers and 200 Fighters were involved in the attack, as well as a significant fleet of other Imperial ships. The battle opened with a series of Military Outposts being constructed around the starbase to seclude it, followedby the deployment of the Imperial squadrons. Kavalion's squadrons destroyed the Heavy Defense Artillery, while the Imperial fleet mostly destroyed the starbase's four standard artillery, then the habitat rings, and finally troops boarded for the capture.

Lintspeed now commands La Souer du Dan Ham. Count Kavalion was awarded the Empire Bronze Medal of War and Marquis Tsunami was awarded the Bronze Medal of Power for the attack.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC IMPERIAL VICTORY

Elsewhere, Skirmish Movements
2007-11-23

Union activity has notably increased in the South Pardus Rim. The Union have been suffering heavily in military combat with heavy ship losses taxing the Union insurance agencies. Attempting to inflict similar Empire losses, the Union have turned to setting several ambushes around Planet Rigel hoping to catch Empire pilots that have recently been shot down and had their ships replaced. Insurance offices have been forced at times to replace two ships for the same pilot in a single day, in one case the ship being a Mooncrusher. Overall, however, the Empire still dominates in ship-to-ship combat, and despite success in bombings and the conquest of Nari, the Union has still not been able to make up their losses in resource attrition.

Diphda Nook Invaded
2007-11-25

In a bold Imperial move, the Empire destroyed two key Union nooks in the sector of Diphda in the East Pardus Rim, destroying five Military Outposts in the process, at least two of which were well-armed. The northwest nook had been captured by the Union only weeks before earlier in the war. Both nooks were heavily used by Union pilots seeking a safe retreat point for their ambushes in Diphda. After the nooks were breached, the Empire proceeded to purposefully trip the ambushes, then destroy Union ships as their auto-pilots warped them into the insecure nooks. At least eight Union ships were destroyed this way, in addition to the numerous military losses as a result of building and Military Outpost defenses being destroyed. Defenses consisted largely of a mixture of Avengers, Advanced Defense Droids, and Seekers, though some were reported to be unsupplied or unmanned. The Empire suffered no casualties in the assaults, and has now lain a claim to the entire sector.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR IMPERIAL VICTORY

Empire removed from much-desired Solaqu Nook
2007-11-27

Empire assets were today removed from the Solaqu nook in Lane Cluster by a coalition of Union and even Federation forces. Several major alliances were involved, including the Federal Guard, Brotherhood of Steel, Union Ronin, Phantasmagoria, Extinction Agenda, and The Triad.

The Solaqu nook is more than what it at first appears. The Solaqu nook is a self-contained world secured by a half-dozen Military Outposts, nooking off entire sectors and planets in the northeast portion of Lane Cluster. Rumor has it that the Exotic Matter source and Class D are fully utilized for illegal drug production, and that the Z-series craft are even shepherded for live fire training exercises for new recruits. Formerly utilized by several alliances, including The Imperial Guard, this latets attack eliminates the Empire Military Outposts that had formerly granted access to select members of the Empire.

New Military Outposts have been constructed by the Federation and the Union, securing the region of space for what appears to be a joint Union-Federation operation. The attack happened very recently and so far no official statement has been given. The defenses of the two Imperial Guard military outposts is said to have consisted of 10 Avengers and 3 Redeemers each. It is believed that there were no Empire pilots present at the time, with most of the Empire called to East Pardus Rim and Pardus Cluster for the war.

Federal involvement has caused murmurings throughout the universe, with various theories being put forward as to what this could mean for the war at large. Federation and Empire relations have been strained for some time, at times approaching the breaking point. The destruction of a Federal base in Pardus Federation Core at imperial hands has further strained tensions, potentially provoking the Federation involvement. This attack may further strain Federation-Empire relations.

The official statement of the Federation Council, given by Admiral Orsan, is that this attack was "act of Retaliation by The Federation Council in response for the Attack on the Nari Nook and for the failure in negotiations marked by the destruction of Admiral Shwabrer's base." Admiral Orsan went on to say that "The Federation Council is not to be trifled with, and we've showed that today. We're giving one last chance for the empire to negotiate some sort of 'peace'." The Imperial Guard scoffed at the attack, insisting that they were not even supposed go into Solaqu anyway. The Federation stuck by their statement.

At the conclusion of Orsan's statement, he told the universe that "Let it be known it was the second time we were backstabbed." He concluded with a statement to Ye Olde Candy Lords, the alliance principally in charge of the Solaqu territories, acknowledging that this attack may have compromised their territories somewhat, and motioning them to Snake for discussion on the issues concerning Solaqu security.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

Starbase La Souer du Dan Ham destroyed
2007-11-29

A Union counter attack in East Pardus Rim has left Starbase La Souer du Dun Ham in ruins. The starbase had been captured by the Empire only last week, marking the beginning of major Empire operations in the East Pardus Rim. Briefly under Empire care following the capture, defenses were said to be light to moderate in strength.

Kingpin Malic led the squadrons in the attack. Malic was awarded the Union Patriot Medal and the Bronze Medal of Power for the operation.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

Empire Breaches and Bombs URC
2007-11-29

Last night, the Empire struck back at Pass Uni-03, 9 days after the Union launched their potent attack on EKC that resulted in the deaths of 86,793 workers on the Empire starbase Cysorski Fyrtel. A large-scale Empire assault was launched to breach Union space, with reports indicating as many as seven Union ships lying in ambush on the target Union Military Outpost. After a fierce battle, the Empire destroyed the Military Outpost and secured the breach. Duke Evilpenguin soon after detonated bombs on Beta Hydri Station, with worker casualties already into the fifth digit. A second bomb detonated this morning just after midnight on Gretiay Station, set by Earl Umballer.

Umballer was awarded the Empire Patriot Medal and both he and Evilpenguin were awarded the Bronze Medals of Courage.

Engagement Result
	MAJOR IMPERIAL VICTORY

The Battle of West PEC
2007-12-01

Just after midnight, the Union launched the largest offensive in history with bomber counts believed to exceed 5000 craft with 1000 fighter escort in an unexpected part of the Pardus Empire Contingent, that of Heze and Procyon. The battle began in Heze, where the Empire were expecting the hit to take place in Nari against the newly capture nook. There was no surprise when Federation craft filled their scanners and new Federal Military Outposts were constructed outside.

Shortly thereafter, Blade Star's squadrons attacked Lucidi Training Station in Lower Heze, capturing it easily. Another battle waged at the Lower Heze nook, which was quickly overwhelmed. Blade Star's squadrons then attacked Salusa Secundus, and captured that base as well. The ongoing success of Blade Star's operation has already brought him major praise from the entire Union, heralding him as a great war hero, and engraing his name in the Union history books. For leading the squadrons to these victories, the Union have seen fit to award Blade Star the Bronze and Silver Medals of Power, the latter of which represents the first such medal to be awarded by the faction.

The Empire attempted a counter-attack, but were thwarted by a combined, allied fleet of Federation and Union pilots, representing several alliances. Earl Myrrh was awarded the Bronze Medal of Strength for making a kill in the process.

Another prong of the attack then hit the Fort YTWO nook in Upper Heze, which was similarly overwhelmed, despite efforts by war hero Kavalion to defend the starbase. Fort YTWO was also captured. Count Kavalion was awarded the Bronze Medal of Strength for targets of opportunity destroyed while moving to defend the Upper Heze starbases.

Within the span of three hours, three Empire starbases in PEC were captured, and just when things could not look more grim for the Empire, or more hopeful for the Union, a third attack force appeared in Procyon by unknown means led by other pilots, quickly capturing two more starbases in Procyon, that of Morannon and Halls of Amenti. Chief Klaus Trophobie was awarded the Bronze Medal of Power and the second Silver Medal of Power for leading the third attack wave in Procyon.

In the wake of the battle, Morannon was renamed to... Pony. A total of five Empire starbases were captured in the PEC in a matter of hours, and now two of the Empire's sectors stand under threat of conquest.

Engagement Result
	EPIC DECISIVE UNION VICTORY

The Battle of West PEC - Second Report
2007-12-01

The Empire is scrambling to defend Procyon now as well as Heze. While Union and allied forces were invading Procyon, a small task force of Empire pilots infiltrated Lucidi Training Station and attacked the station in Ship-to-Starbase combat. After a long fight, the defenses were finally destroyed by Prince Arthurv. The Imperial fleet, highly fatigued and damaged, was then confronted by Blade Star himself. A long, drawn out fight ensued, reminiscient of guerilla warfare while the Empire picked at the hardened Starbase Core until they finally breached it. Count Lancel then detonated a nuclear device inside the core, vaporizing the entire starbase. Count Lancel and Prince Arthurv were both awarded the Bronze Medal of Power for leading the attack that destroyed Lucidi Training Station, while Blade Star was awarded the Bronze Medal of Strength and the Bronze Medal of War when Blade Star managed to destroy two of the Imperial task force, including a Behemoth loaded with supplies.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC IMPERIAL VICTORY

The Battle of West PEC - Third Report and Summary of Status
2007-12-01

Multiple squadrons still remain in Lower Heze, with Blade Star now turning his sights on Eagle's Nest, the last Empire starbase in Lower Heze. The amount of damage done to the Pardus Empire Contingent is already massive, with 5 of the 22 Imperial starbases destroyed or captured, and more possible. This gives renewed hope to the Union war effort with a chance to turn the war around with potential conquests of both Procyon and Heze due to the proximity of the Pardus Cluster Territory Meet, scheduled for 2200 tonight, only 11 hours from the time of this report.

The Battle of Cebece II
2007-11-30

A mass of Imperial bombers launched a successful capture of Illarion's Wayland Resurgence, the new starbase of Cebece. Despite a large force guarding the base, the Imperial attackers overwhelmed the starbase defenses and successfully capture the base. Meanwhile, a second attack destroy another Trading Outpost nearby, which was believed to be ready to upgrade into another Starbase should Wayland Resurgence be destroyed. Count Kavalion, as before, led the charge.

Currently there is some confusion about the starbase's owner. Shortly after the capture was made, another capture of the base was made by an Imperial pilot who then transferred it to a Union pilot. We await word on this mysterious event, as do the combined Imperial and Union bomber squdrons still at the starbase.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC IMPERIAL VICTORY

The Battle of Cebece II
2007-12-01

Starbase Wayland Resurgence was destroyed in an attack fully endorsed by the Union Inner Assembly. The official declaration cites that the starbase owner's friend list included the Empire, and foes list included the Union. The dishonesty was to serve in preventing the starbase's destruction so that a conquest could be achieved when the Union owner, Lackland, would resign from the Union and join the Empire just before the territory meet. Union squadrons destroyed the defenses and crushed the Starbase Core, leaving it wide open. A Federation pilot then moved in and deliver a nuclear weapon into the center of the base, annihilating it in its entirety after evacuations were complete.

The destruction of the base comes four hours before the territory, preventing a conquest of Cebece, but again the sector will be left neutral, due to a lack of any starbase in the sector.

The Battle of West PEC - Fourth Report
2007-12-01

Only hours before the territory meet, the Empire launched another strike against one of their former Starbases. Using a significant number of pilots, the Starbase PONY. was attacked. As soon as their attack began, however, the Empire were attacked by a mass of Union pilots. A fierce dogfight erupted only meters away from the hull of the Starbase, ending with severe Union casualties and only a few Empire casualties. After a prolonged battle with the Starbase defenses, the Empire managed to destroy them, breach the hardened Starbase Core, and destroy the base with a nuclear device planted by Count Kythras.

Count Kythras was awarded the Bronze Medal of Power for planting the bomb, which secured Procyon from Union conquest and keeping it for the Empire.

Engagement Result
	HEROIC IMPERIAL VICTORY

The Battle of West PEC - Fifth Report and Territory Meet
2007-12-01

Only hours before the territory meeting, the Federation pilot Eternal Light transferred his starbase to Blade Star in Nari. With a Union Starbaes against an Empire starbase, and Nari I and II commanded by the Union, the worker count proved to be sufficient to overcome Nari War Memorial.

Only minutes before the Territory Meet, the Union captured their sixth starbase in the Pardus Empire Contingent, the Starbase Eagle's Nest in Lower Heze. Blade Star's squadrons defeated the Empire's defending squadrons and managed enough damage for Union ships to destroy the remaining defenses, habitat rings, and finally storming the base for a last minute capture. The capture makes three Union starbases against two Empire starbases in Heze.

The territory meet happened only minutes after, where The Galactic Council awarded the conquests of Heze and Nari to the Union as Imperial troops were forced to evacuate all three planets. Union troops will remain in possession of the sector of Nari, captured previously.

QUOTE (The Galactic Council)
As of Dec 01, 22:00 GMT, the following territorial changes have taken place in the Pardus Cluster:

Heze
The Empire → The Union

Only Procyon was successfully defended. Union troops then captured Planet Heze and declared martial law, making it the first Class A planet to be captured in war. Union subsidy was increased to a faction record high of 400,000 credits daily, while Empire subsidy was reduced to a record low 240,000 credits daily. The Union were unable to reclaim Cebece, which was again neutralized with the destruction of Wayland Resurgence.

Each Starbase owner was awarded a Bronze Medal of Conquest for the victory. These included: Nephew Blade Star, the ringleader and owner of Second Peace Offering in Nari; Made Man Proply, who captured IGB001 - Eagle's Nest in the last minutes in Lower Heze; Fokker, the Daughter who now commands Salusa Secundus; and finally Kingpin Chaoslord, who commands the starbase Fort YTWO.

In addition, Proply, Fokker, and Chaoslord were awarded the Union Bronze Medals of War for their contribution of Heze to the Union.

Elsewhere, squadron battles now rage over Lysin's Starbase Gemini Lounge and Luschn's Starbase Ruby Booby.

Engagement Result
	MAJOR DECISIVE UNION VICTORY

The Battle of Cebece II
2007-12-02

Remaining squadrons from the Imperial assault advanced to a secondary target in Gomeisa after the original Cebece operation. Count Kavalion led the assault, destroying all defense artillery just after midnight and seriously damaging the Starbase Core. Lacking for supplies and heavy damage, Kavalion was unable to destroy the base. An Imperial Task Force was quickly assembled and deployed to destroy the starbase, with Earl Umballer planting the finishing blow with a series of explosives planted around the Starbase reactor.

Earl Umballer was awarded the Bronze Medal of Power.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC IMPERIAL VICTORY

Ktithrak Mang
2007-12-02

Remaining squadrons from the previous assault of Fort YTWO were redeployed against Ktithrak Mang, the starbase commanded by Kavalion. Though insufficient in numbers to destroy or capture the base, Blade Star was able to destroy four of its Heavy Defense Artilleries, though at a great cost in squadrons as they ran out of supplies.

Halls of Amenti Retaken
2007-12-02

Squadrons launched by Ghorahkhan attacked the starbase Halls of Amenti and destroyed the still heavily damaged habitat rings, allowing Empire pilots to storm the command center. Two Union Scorpions attempted to prevent the capture, destroying one but taking a loss themselves in the process. The Empire was successful in their capture, and returned the base to Osiris, the original owner of the base. Because of the manner of capture, the Empire was able to take the base without destroying the Standard Defense Artilleries built onto the base, and preventing the Union from launching any further counter attack against the base.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR IMPERIAL VICTORY

The Starbase Spree Continues
2007-12-04

Made Man Amniodarone destroyed the starbase The Rebel Enclave owned by Serf Bill B. The Starbase was located in the South Pardus Rim, and represents the first offensive led by the Union in this region aside from the fight over the Lahola choke point. Elsewhere and a short while after, Count Lancel led squadrons from the South Pardus Rim, Lancel quickly and successfully destroyed the starbase Eagle's Nest in Heze. This success removes a second Union starbase from Heze. Though Heze now turns to the worker rule, it is unclear whether or not the Empire will be able to gain a lead over the Union in this way. As if in response to that, an attack was then launched against the Military Outposts of the Fort YTWO nook, destroying both and clearing the way for Count Kavalion and Ghorahkhan to fly in bombers later that night and assault the Command Center. The battle continues to this moment.

Lancel was awarded the Silver Medal of Power for his efforts.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR IMPERIAL VICTORY

Squadron Combat erupts across the Universe between the Union and Empire
2007-12-05

In this past twenty-four hours, a mass of squadron and starbase activity has occured across the universe, with many landmarks being achieved while others were destroyed. Last night, the battle of Fort YTWO was ended when Kavalion's bombers destroyed the starbase, theoretically putting an end to Union control of the sector. Control of the majority of the starbases is secured, and the destruction of Fort YTWO eliminates a major supply station for Union troops on the ground on Planet Heze. The destruction of Fort YTWO marks a significant landmark in Count Kavalion's career, as with this success, the Empire High Council saw fit to award Count Kavalion the most prestidgeous Gold Medal of Power. Never before awarded, Kavalion becomes the first pilot to ever bear this medal, and the first pilot in the current war to be awarded a Gold Medal.

Engagement Result
	CLOSE STRATEGIC IMPERIAL VICTORY

An attack on Salusa Secundus by the remnants of Lancel's squadrons from IGB001 - Eagles Nest proved fruitless, however. Though the Military Outposts were cleared and an Imperial fleet gathered, the starbase proved more heavily defended than anticipated, with Lancel's squadrons removing only two of the Heavy Defense Artilleries. Operations to capture the starbase with ships were aborted.

Engagement Result
	CLOSE STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

Elsewhere, another Imperial attack failed against the Union starbase Fairhaven when Union squadrons were launched to counter the Empire assault. Too short on supplies, the imperial squadrons were forced to abort.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

Having stood for a long time, the starbase The Grey Ghost in Pass EMP-02 was attacked suddenly with squadrons led by Space Cowboy. Thought to be safe behind pass Military Outposts, Space Cowboy passed through SPHERE Military Outposts with squadrons in order to assault The Grey Ghost. Space Cowboy was himself destroyed in the assault, but major damage was done to the starbase, with the battle ending with the retiring of several Empire pilots, including the starbase owner, whose final act was the decommissioning of The Grey Ghost. The Union Inner Assembly awarded Space Cowboy the Bronze Medal of Power for his daring assault.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

Another long standing Imperial starbase was destroyed in the South Pardus Rim. Starbase Chocobo Ridge was forced to be captured by the Empire when the owner disappeared. Without the starbase command codes, the Empire was forced to weigh considerable resources to eliminate the Starbase's automated defenses and attempt reconstruction earlier this week. Chief Garrett Thrane of the Union took advantage of the starbase's weakened state and destroyed it today using squadrons from an unknown source. Garrett Thrane was awarded the Bronze Medal of Power for his well-timed assault.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

Another victory was had in the North Pardus Rim, where Chief Lazyhead destroyed the Imperial Starbase Senatus PopulusQue Remunus in the North Pardus Rim. This was one of the last Imperial bastions in the North Pardus Rim, leaving little Empire influence in the region. Lazyhead was awarded the Bronze Medal of Power and the Bronze Medal of War for the attack.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

The Empire, meanwhile, has ongoing operations in the East Pardus Rim, systematically destroying the remaining Union nooks in the entire cluster, leaving few, if any, Union nooks to speak of.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR STRATEGIC IMPERIAL VICTORY

The Empire and Federation negotiate peace
2007-12-07

Over the past week, a peace treaty was brokered between the Emprie and the Federation concering Federal involvement in the current war. The treaty does nothing to protect most Union assets, but it does deny eitehr faction the use of the other's squadrons against the Union. It furthermore denies the Union the ability to use either faction's squadrons against a faction with whom they are at war with. The treaty also stipulates the non-involvement of MERC and the Imperial Sardaukar in the affairs of the Nari nook, denying access to it except for defensive operations. The leader of the Imperial Sardaukar, who is also the current commander of Nari War Memorial, the starbase within that nook, declined to comment on the treaty, only declaring that the starbase will be transferred to another Empire pilot within a day.

Elsewhere in the war, several skirmishes have broken out in Cebece, Etamin, and Nhandu, with a few small victories. The Empire attempted to build Military Outposts around a starbase in Etamin, cutting it off from its source of food and water. The Union responded, but suffered some losses while attempting to break the wall and build a new Military Outpost.

Engagement Result
	IMPERIAL SKIRMISH VICTORY

Another Landmark Destroyed
2007-12-09

Starbase Legion Enclave was destroyed today by Endeavourl of the Union. This starbase had stood in Ophiuchi, South Pardus Rim since the cluster was reopened over two years ago. The destruction was so thorough that Endeavourl was awarded both the Bronze and Silver Medal of Power for the very successful attack.

Shortly after, the remnants of that attack force proceeded to the starbase Stepping Stone in Nunki, damaging some of the defenses with their remaining supplies.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

One Month
2007-12-11

It has been one month now since the start of the war, and many things have changed forever. The balance of power in the East Pardus Rim has shifted drastically, with the Empire now owning the majority of the nooks. In the North Pardus Rim, any influence the Empire had was finally removed, and in the South Pardus Rim and even Pass EMP-02, major Empire starbases were destroyed. While the Union have fought long and hard for the weak spot in Pardus Union Contingent, Cebece, the Federation showed their willingness to support the Union's cause with providing a massive amount of war goods and squadrons for their use, overwhelming and scarring a vast swath of the Pardus Empire Contingent, leading to multiple conquests that threatened to turn the tide of the war, and Nari still remains in Union hands with Nephew Blade Star's starbase, Second Peace Offering, offsetting the balance of the Imperial starbase Nari War Memorial, with plans for a second line of Defense Artillery planned to go online the next day.

Only today, the Empire continued operations in Cebece, Nhandu, and Etamin, with fighting has become more intense as Union reinforcements arrive. Pilots have been shot down on both sides, but so far the key Union Trading Outpost in Cebece has not been attacked. This Trading Outpost is in the process of being constructed into a new Starbase. If completed before the next territory meeting, the Union will reclaim Cebece as Union territory. Yesterday, Marquis Warbird was awarded the Gold Medal of Strength for his success against the Union fleets. Today, Earl Blackstone and Marquis Ghoul followed in his footsteps with Gold Medals of Strength to each of them, and on the Union's side, Thornal Malat became the first Union bearer of a Gold Medal, earning the Gold Medal of Strength as his alliance continues its stealthed partial blockade of planet Rigel. The blockade has proven to be extremely effective, intercepting and destroying Empire fighters and trade ships alike.

In the wakes of all of these major events, it can be easy to forget how all of this started, from a rebellion on the planet Urlafa of the Keldon Separatist Movement. Here, the rebellion still holds sway, where at the beginning of the month many celebrated the crippling damages dealt to the Pardus Empire Contingent. Despite the crippling damage inflicted to the Pardus Empire Contingent, however, the Union's war effort has still been damaged by attrition. The value of allies and a superior economy has nevertheless been proven.

But despite these victories, the rebel cause is showing signs of dying out. The Imperial fleet has maintained a thorough blockade around the planet, delivering supplies only at their discretion. The Empire has detained several thousand "potential rebels" even now, and has announced that many more "definite" rebels have been imprisoned. Rebel attacks have become less and less common.

Others are starting to have the same feelings across the universe, with both factions quickly becoming disenchanted with war: The Empire due to the devastation of Pardus Empire Contingent, and the Union due to high economic strain and the force of attrition. The unknown threat of energy shockwaves as a result of this new, universal scale event dubbed by many scientists as "The Aperture" has also given both factions cause for alarm, particularly as new creatures are being sighted as a result of the "Hyper-Evolution" phenomenon, a direct cause of this mysterious event of universal importance.

Today, the Empire resumed diplomatic ties with the Union, and ambassadors from both sides have met on an undisclosed neutral location to talk of peace.

Second Peace Offering Destroyed
2007-12-12

Imperial forces led by Count Lancel and Ghorahkhan attacked and destroyed Blade Star's starbase Second Peace Offering in Nari late this evening. Though defended by a total of four of each type of Defense Artillery, a small task force of Empire bombers and fighters destroyed most of Second Peace Offering's defenses, including all four Heavy Defense Artilleries, one Light Defense Artillery, and one Standard Defense Artillery. While Blade Star had many squadrons deployed, an assault by pilots was unexpected. After heavy fighting, the imperial fleet destroyed the remaining defenses and finally the Command Center by heavy shelling, securing Nari back to the Empire with the only remaining starbase in the sector being firmly in Imperial hands.

Count Lancel and Prince Kevorkian, who provided a large amount of the shelling from his Mooncrusher, were awarded the Bronze Medals of War, while Marquis James was awarded the Bronze Medal of Power.

Shortly after this assault, Count Lancel constructed a Military Outpost blockade at the Lower Heze nook, cutting off starbase Salusa Secundus from supply. As the rations run out, the Empire Military Outposts have intercepted civilian transports and interred them into detainment centers until, they claim, the situation is resolved.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR STRATEGIC IMPERIAL VICTORY

Union Launch Assault on Baham
2007-12-13

At least twenty Union Bomber Squadrons were detected in a well-executed attack on the starbase The Cloak Of Daggers. The starbase defenses were quickly overwhelmed, and while the starbase commander, Aceslider, tried to reach the base to launch squadrons, he was prevented by Union ambushes. The starbase was quickly destroyed, marking another Union squadron victory, and earning Kingpin Whooboy the Bronze Medal of Power.

Union squadrons have now advanced on Peregrine Base, and the Military Outposts of ICY Omega have also been breached, leading many in the Empire scrambling to prevent a conquest of Baham.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

The Union Attacks Menkar
2007-12-14

The Union squadrons at Peregrine Base were diverted to Menkar, past Rigel, bypassing the Empire's defense squadrons to hit a much more lightly defended target. Starbase Ruby Schnuby was quickly destroyed by Kingpin Whooboy's squadrons, and while Empire squadrons arrived too late to defend the base, some have engaged the Union squadrons, destroying at least two of them entirely in an effort to prevent further starbase losses. The loss of Ruby Schnuby marks the seventh starbase the Empire has lost in Pardus Empire Contingent, with six now destroyed and one still in Union hands in Lower Heze.

Union spokesmen claim that this was their plan all along, with the approach to Peregrine Base and the attack on the ICY Omega Military Outposts all being a diversion designed to waste what little resources the Empire has left. Rigel had been avoided due to the primary owners being Conglomo, an alliance declared neutral in the conflict. Though the Union have a history of attacking Empire targets regardless of declared neutrality, Kingpin Whooboy chose to respect their declaration, and avoided their starbases. Union officials have also declared the operation a complete success with the destruction of two PEC starbases.

Engagement Result
	STRATEGIC UNION VICTORY

The Final Stroke
2007-12-15

The remnants of Kingpin Whooboy's squadrons attacked a final target in Menkar, starbase Ruby Booby, also of Ruby Legion. Upon breaching the habitat ring, however, the Union squadrons were confronted by defense squadrons launched by Commander Luschn guarding the Command Center. After destroying one of the defending squadrons, the Union aborted the destruction and proceeded to do as much damage as possible, destroying three Heavy Defense Artilleries and one Light Defense Artillery in the process. Union squadrons then disbanded and withdrew from Empire space.

Kingping Whooboy has received high praise from the Union Inner Assembly for his successful campaign and, as a final gesture of respect, awarded him the Silver Medal of Power, one of only four given out by the Union this war, as well as the Union Bronze Medal of War.

Starbase Stepping Stone withstands a second assault
2007-12-15

Blade Star's defense squadrons from the Battle of Second Peace Offering were launched at the last minute to attack Starbase Stepping Stone in Nunki. The starbase was still reeling from a previous assault, where the remnants of Endeavourl's attack on Starbase Legion Enclave moved on to destroy some of the defenses on the base only last week. Blade Star's squadrons successfully removed all remaining external defenses, leaving only the internal Standard Defense Artilleries to contend with.

In an attempt to finish the base off, a Union task force numbering approximately ten pilots attacked the base directly. Three imperial Phantoms responded quickly to the attack and engaged the Union forces in open combat close to the Starbase hull. The Union attackers were finally driven back after suffering four losses and inflicting no casualties upon the Empire defenders.

Two of the Union attackers were destroyed by Stepping Stone's defenses, with Starbase Commander Marquis Icybluenose being awarded the Bronze Medal of Strength for the defense, while Count Kavalion was awarded the Empire Silver Medal of War by the Empire High Council for claiming the other two kills in the battle and for another successful starbase defense. Marquis Icybluenose gave especially high praise to the defenders, and is said to have rewarded them for coming to defend his starbase unbidden.

Engagement Result
	HEROIC IMPERIAL VICTORY

Third Territory Meet of the War
2007-12-15

With the completion of starbase Wayland Resolute in Cebece by Interessent this morning, Cebece was secured by the Union. This time no Imperial bombers were launched into the Pardus Union Contingent, nor were any Union attacks made in Heze or Nari. As a result, each faction retained a secure hold on their own territories, and at 2200 today, Pardus Cluster territories were secured by each of their respective assigned factions for the first time since August.

QUOTE (The Galactic Council)
As of Dec 15, 22:00 GMT, the following territorial changes have taken place in the Pardus Cluster:

Heze
The Union → The Empire

Nari
The Union → The Empire

Cebece
Neutral → The Union

This brings Empire subsidy from an all-time low of 240,000 credits per day to its default 360,000 credits per day, while Union subsidy drops to is default 350,000 credits per day from its previous all-time high of 400,000 credits per day. Much of these subsides are expected to go to war recovery, particularly in the Empire.

Shortly before the territory meet, Union forces withdrew from Nari and Heze, leaving the area clear before protection was lost.

Union Rashkir Core breached
2007-12-16

An Imperial assualt last night broke through the Union Rashkir Core defense line and secured a path for Empire ships to advance to perform several small operations. Several Imperial ships were seen conducting low-altitude orbital passes of key Union planets, and a bomb was detonated on starbase Silver Star HQ with Duke Benghlo being awarded credit and the Bronze Medal of Courage. The pass remains secured by the Empire.

Engagement Result
	CLEAR IMPERIAL VICTORY

Nook Assaults as Peace draws near
2007-12-17

With a peace treaty seeming to be just around the corner, assaults have been launched in the last minutes of the war by eager pilots. A major assault was conducted in Qumia led by the Angels of Liberty, a crusader alliance against slavery, who then stripped the nook in Qumia of illegals and liberated slaves. Though predominantly a raid to free slaves, much of the Empire military participated to assist in destroying the Union Military Outposts. In East Pardus Rim, the Union are struggling to quickly retake lost nooks before war's end. Elsewhere, An attack on starbase Salusa Secundus was brought to bear, though hampered by a lack of pilots due to operations in other regions of space and rushed by the Union selling the base to an Empire pilot not of the original owner. The operation was aborted after two hours of assault when the transfer to Dragonfly was completed. Determined to prevent the Union from getting any money for the base, or to lose it himself, Count Lancel has promised to use his Military Outposts to let the starbase starve out to ensure that nothing is gotten out of it.

Despite the failed assault, Earl Myrrh was awarded the Bronze Medal of Power for successfully completing his part in the assault by guiding the squadrons to destroy the Heavy Defense Artillery.

Pass UNI-03 was also resecured by the Union this morning, with continuing searches for Empire pilots still in the Union home clusters.

Peace Treaty Signed!
2007-12-18

Today, the Empire High Council and the Union Inner Assembly announced that their respective factions have come to a mutual peace agreement, and at 0546 this morning ordered their armies to stand down and cease hostilities against one another. This comes as a great relief to both sides in the war. Celebrations have broken out on the planets and starbases of both factions, even at planet Urlafa, the source of most of the contention during the war. Moved by a united and celebrating Urlafa, the Empire rescinded martial law from Urlafa, leading to still more celebration and finally peace over the planet.

But the end of the war only overshadows a threat that has yet to be fully realized. The energy fluctuations have only continued, with scientists reporting could reach its apex in only a matter of days for the universe-scale event known as The Aperture.

Only time will tell what The Aperture holds for the universe, but for now, however brief it may be, there is peace in our time.