(by the way, courtesy of Tiberius:
http://www.fadingsun.com/ascendence.htm hopefully there will be some graphics there in time)
The Stigmata Times, 31st December 5015.
News from the front!
The Empire retreated from Criticorum to /censored/ location, leaving the planet, currently owned by Li Halan and still underdeveloped, on the mercy of Republican Combined Fleet.
Commander-in-Chief of Republican military, Maurice Al-Malik decided that:
- Pursuit of Imperial Fleet would provide no benefits.
- Jumping to Kish, Pyre, or Cadavus would leave flank open for Imperial counterattack. Even though attacking Kish would cause huge losses on Imperial industry.
- There are not enough* ground forces available for invasion of Criticorum.
Thus, the decision was made to blockade Criticorum to soften its defenses and prepare for Republican takeover. Heavy Republican warships entered the orbit and started bombardment of agricultural installations on the surface of the planet, while two Battle Tanks divisions (onboard Invasion Landers) made succesful assaults on particularly valuable Imperial Food reserves. It is estimated that Criticorum food production is down to 6, while consumption should be 50 times larger.
Meanwhile, on Aylon, Imperial forces mounted many succesful attacks. In many places, brave Republican partisans, after tough fights were forced to retreat after taking many losses. This was mainly due to serious reinforcements Empire sent to Aylon. Numerous (at least 5?) transport spaceships, and DNA legions from Houses Li Halan and Decados were reported.
In turn, Republic decided its high time to assist valorous partisans of Aylon, who fought against the Imperial onlsaught for such long time. Minor space Task Force consisting was prepared and sent to Aylon. Meanwhile, Republican Stealthships and Torpedo Bombers attacked unescorted Imperial Freighters (with cargo) over Aylon, destroying them.
On the ground, Aylon partisans executed surprise operation, recapturing the capital. The population anxiously awaits reestablishment of civil Republican authority over Aylon.
On other fronts, there were no important events. Another few Imperial cities on Stigmata were captured, only one remains. Also, the Imperial Fort on Istakhr was succesfully assaulted, and Imperial Eye Agency Resident was captured and interrogated, revealing important information. (for example, the presence of another Imperial Spy in countryside, belonging to House Decados).
Also, a small military expedition to Absolution was undertaken. The goal is to gradually clear the islands of Symbiots.
In other news:
There is rising strife among branches of Republican military. According to latest data, this year the Space Fleet consumed roughly 88 percent of Republican industrial output, while the Army and Local Defense Forces used 6 percent each. Discontent is especially high in Air Force establishment, which received no new funds this year.
We remind that Air Force has been the primary arm of Al Malik military, and it sustained especially large losses during the first part of War of Independence. Those losses were never fully replaced, while other branches - even Army - experienced large increase in size.