To: All Unit Commanders Talis Home Defence
Cc Crimson Enterprises
From : Talis Government Command HQ
INTREP
Several days ago a container was rescued for enemy territory. This had been dropped at considerable risk to themselves by one of the system Corvette crews. The container held several message crystals, these have been decrypted. It also contained a Blarad prisoner in stasis.
It appears that at the same time that outbreak started the bases on the moons and outer planets also came under attack. Many Talis owned bases seem to have fallen with the first assault and have not been heard from since.
The main system naval base was a little luckier than most and managed a couple of broadcasts before they were overrun. These reached two of the corvettes out on patrol. Due to the overwhelming size of the enemy force the corvettes were ordered not to support the main naval base but to go into silent mode and monitor what occurred.
They been monitoring system shipping and report that all of the escaping merchantmen have been run down and captured by the invaders who appear to have around a dozen or more cruiser sized warships covering the jump points. Six larger ships have also been seen. These are in distant orbit between Talis and the next planet out. They are being used as bases for the invaders’ large shuttles and cruisers. Shuttles are moving backwards and forwards from the planet to these `Mother’ ships. It is estimated that at least six Orion shuttles are operating out of each mother ship.
A week ago one of the corvettes managed to disable an Orion shuttle travelling out to the mother ships. Before the enemy were able to react the crew stormed it. On board they found;
· A crew of four `bear’ troopers.
· Around 200 inert `Z’s
· Seating for around 40 troopers of roughly human size and equipment. The shuttles are also quite clearly capable of carrying heavier equipment.
Three of the enemy were killed in the boarding action. The fourth was captured alive and restrained (despite being badly injured). The ship’s doctor carried out various tests on his reluctant patient. However, he noted that despite being unable to treat the patients wounds he recovered very quickly. The following information has become apparent from the tests and interviews with the prisoner.
Nanites.
Examination of the nanites gained from the Blarad trooper shows that they are as previously mentioned semi-organic. They appear to communicate across a broad and constantly shifting radio spectrum both within the body of an individual, and between individuals. The result is (in the Blarad) is a kind of hive consciousness though individuals appear to maintain a high degree of autonomy.
The nanite infection seems to be able to work on many races, though its effect upon Humans is extreme, causing the rage or zombie effect. However, humans do get over this effect over time and as this occurs gradually join the Blarad hive mind. This effect seems to take upwards of 4 weeks but can vary considerably from individual to individual. It is believed that the small numbers of armed `Z’ humans that are beginning to be seen are those that have come through the rage / zombie stage.
The nanites also have one other effect. In many instances unless there is significant brain damage (or a body is literally torn apart) nanites can often repair tissue damage that would otherwise cause death. (Zombies have been noted getting up and wandering off the battlefield after what would otherwise be fatal hits).
Cure Gas effect.
The cure gas seems to isolate the individual from the group, which allows individuals to access their own memories. Unfortunately in 2/3rds of cases it kills rather than cures. The prisoner has revealed that a nanite cure has not been encountered in any of their previous invasions.
You have noted that cured `Z’ infantry seem to have a very high recovery rate from their wounds and you suspect that the nanite matrix in their system influences this significantly.
Alien vehicle technology.
Although the vehicles have strong resemblances in many respects to Human Tech, they differ because of the presence of the Nanites. Three vehicle types, and three walker types have been noted so far. The Blarad is a bit vague on the role of the vehicles as he is primarily a spacer.
Drones; One of these has been captured intact by Crimson Enterprises. After some negotiation you have full access to all data has been given by Crimson Ents to all data on the vehicle. As previously noted the crew is human, (though it would be big enough to take a Blarad). The Human is linked to the machine including a feeding matrix which is delivered intravenously. A gas hit seems to have had a similar effect to that on humans, though it is noted that sanity may be an issue if the drone is `cured’
Tanks and landers. Very similar to human designs though so far you have been unable to get one started despite that fact that they seem to be largely repairing themselves!!! (nanites again).
Walkers. These are in effect like very heavy infantry suits. (8 armour front & sides round 7 from the top & rear). There are essentially 2 types – a `combat walker’ which has a combination of tribarrel type weapons, and a support walker, essentially a mid point between a mortar and artillery you estimate two shots at 3/3. The support walker seems to be more lightly armoured – possibly 7 all round. None have been captured in any state to estimate more.
In total you have captured 1 tank (estimated armour 12/9/8), Weapon (7/2) and a tribarrel DP 3/3/. The shuttle you estimate to be a 8/8/7 armour, with a forward arc tribarrel. All vehicles and combat walkers have reactive armour to counter buzzbomb type weapons.
Planetary Situation
Fighting is occurring at all of the major continental capitals, including Truro, Cardiff , Bodmin and Brixham. Human resistance at Brixham has totally collapsed. Truro on the other hand is almost entirely in Human hands. The pattern throughout was the same. An outbreak rampaging through the city, with Army and Police reacting with varying degrees of success.
Your prisoner states that he has been delivering equipment. He estimates several thousand Blarad troopers could be on the surface by now with significant amounts of equipment. You have no way of telling whether his estimate is accurate or not. He however, thinks you are doomed and is confident of rescue.
INTREP ENDS.