=Begin Secure UESC Communications Transcript=

FRONT LINE STATUS REPORT : CLASSIFIED
Send_To: Tactical Analysis, UESC Command
Timestamp: 0502 HRS

Gentlemen, this war is at a crossroads. Our successes against the entrenched Pfhor forces have been nearly nonexistent, resulting in a situation similar to the immobile orbital front in the Third Martian War. Unfortunately for us, there is no way to negotiate a treaty with the Pfhor - they are destroyers and slavers, and any diplomatic arrangement we attempt to secure will be taken as a sign of weakness.

The previous attempts to break the front line were met with uniform and solid resistance, and my advising staff has indicated that these repeated failures have had a significantly negative impact on the morale of the soldiers. They need real victories and steady advances to remain in good spirits, a quality that, to their credit, the honor bound Pfhor legions lack. This puts future operations at a distinct disadvantage, and it is my recommendation that I lead the Primary Guard in the attack outlined in Risk Assessment I442 B. I understand the peril that this puts our best forces in, but we simply cannot afford to keep fighting a war of attrition. If the Pfhor are able to hold us here for the next few standard weeks, our war is as good as lost.

I hope the resources expended on the Chimera project will provide the edge your specialists claim it will. Forgive my lack of faith, but the concept of a flagship with the... abilities... mentioned in the report is beyond my experience as a tactical theorist, and beyond the outer threshold of my imagination as a military commander. I hope to be pleasantly surprised by your efforts when I board the ship tomorrow for the proposed offensive measures.

Respectfully,
Admiral Carroway

OFFICIAL COMMAND DOCUMENT : CLASSIFIED
Send_To: Admiral Carroway, UESC Command
Timestamp: 0509 HRS

Admiral - UESC Command has approved your operation outlined in Risk Assessment I442 B. UESC Command understands the perilous nature of the proposed strategic assault, but sees no viable alternative.

Godspeed.


=End Secure UESC Communications Transcript=