Swift Dispatch

Stories & eyewitness accounts about the most notorious mercenary group

[swiftdispatch]

Back In Town

After a considerable time out of the spotlight, it looks like Swift Dispatch are back to their usual form: fighting against Federation aligned factions in Eravate.

Eravate was originally under the jurisdiction of the Federation, but civil war broke out when independent factions decided they'd rather not be slaves to corporate greed and corruption. The subsequent conflict zones were dominated by Swift Dispatch forces, lead by the infamous CMDR Oz. His powerful Imperial Clipper craft made light work of even the most heavily armored battle ships; earning a fortune in combat bonds and boosting his reputation with the locals.

In other news, we're flooded with reports that CMDR Glyndwr has been seen collecting on bounties in the numerous resource extraction sites of Mandigo. The system has an Imperial presence, but it has high value as a major metal ore exporter and pilots enjoy a great many freedoms. Could it be that the mercenary group are looking to settle and attempt to administer their own star system?

28-04-3301 -- Potriti Post

[swiftdispatch]

The Calm Before the Storm

There have been no confirmed sightings of the Swift Dispatch crew for quite a while; until we received trustworthy intelligence reports a few hours ago. Apparently Swift Dispatch's two top dogs, CMDR Glyndwr and CMDR Oz, have been promoted several ranks in the Imperial military. We assume their work has been covert or in remote locations.

More interestingly a leak at the heart of the Empire has revealed that they might be involved in a potential assassination mission in the Lave system, most probably Riedquat. According to our source this will take place today and so we're putting substantial effort in to confirming the details of the target and location.

If the target turns out to be politically sensitive and evidence can be produced that Swift Dispatch is responsible then we may finally start seeing action taken against them by a major faction. For too long they have evaded justice.

07-01-3301 — The Editor

[swiftdispatch]

Faction Flip Flop

Another glut of sighting came in over night which seem to conflict with our previous news announcement.

Swift Dispatch veterans CMDR Oz and CMDR Glyndwr we're seen around Maher (I Bootis), taking part in skirmishes between I Bootis and Eranin factions. However, it seems that this time they were on the side of the defenders.

Both were flying simple Sidewinder ships and used only pulse lasers to take down Dangerous and Expert rated pilots in Cobras and Vipers.

On the subject of contradiction; knowing Swift Dispatch's only allegiance is to cold hard credits, it's no surprise they could swap sides so quickly. We were actually surprised they weren't fighting for the Federation from the start, given the large amounts of currency they have to throw at disgusting mercenary scum like this.

In other news, CMDR Blackout was seen flying wing with a certain CMDR Sprye. We've never heard of Sprye before but we bet he'll soon be involved deeply with Swift Dispatch's operations. More information as we get it.

03-10-3300 -- The Editor

[swiftdispatch]

>> MOST WANTED WARNING <<

Name: CMDR Hobbes

Last location: Chango / Low intensity warzone

Ship: Anaconda

Description: An Elite Federation of Pilots member who has sided with the Federation in many of the hot spots around Chango in the I Bootis system. This mercenary fires on Eranin and neutral ships without warning. His weapons are able to engage from long distance and is most effective against small fighters.

Recommendation: Kill on sight. Suggest multiple fighters engage simultaneously; don't provide him with a single target.

[swiftdispatch]

Eranin Support

Not a single sighting or report on Swift Dispatch for over a month and then we get inundated with nearly a hundred of them!

It looks like they've been hired by Eranin forces to keep the Federation busy in i Bootis. Both CMDR Glyndwr and CMDR Oz have been seen skipping between two conflict zones around Chango; moving to wherever it looked like the Federation may be getting the upper-hand.

It seems that their combat skills were the deciding factor in several skirmishes last night, leading to the retreat of the Federal flotilla.

Interestingly, it looks like the notorious CMDR ZaphodBeeble has been flying in formation with Swift Dispatch. ZaphodBeeble was one of the masterminds behind the Freeport blockade and is regarded as one of the biggest crimelords in the sector.

An anonymous report put CMDR Blackout at Chango dock, daring to take on the station's security forces in order to fulfil a kill contract.

29-09-3300 -- The Editor

[swiftdispatch]

All Quiet

Not much news about Swift Dispatch this week. The members of thie mercenary group seem to have kept their noses clean. Either that or we just haven't uncovered their crimes.

CMDR Glyndwr had not been seen for a few weeks until she showed up a couple of days ago, flying a Lakon Type 6 on a popular trade route between Dahan, i Bootis and LP 98-132.

CMDR Oz had previously been accused of intimidating smugglers and traders in anarchy systems as they tried to deliver their cargo. However, most recently he was seen at the navigation beacons in Dahan and Morgor, collecting the bounties of some of the more dangerous pirates.

We'll keep you up to date.

27-08-3300 -- The Editor

[swiftdispatch]

A Slap on the Wrists

It looks like CMDR Glyndwr is now free and clear to resume his diabolical career with Swift Dispatch.

The troublemaker was able to pay the paltry 400cr fine and was released immediately, without even incurring a criminal status. A seniour Justice Officer said that CMDR Glyndwr was only being charged with a weapons infraction.

If Swift Dispatch are now at full strength then it can only be bad news for the surrounding systems which have just reached a far-reaching trade agreement that will see a significant increase in the number of ships in that part of the galaxy.

Whilst piracy is not a crime associated with the mercenary group, the increased system traffic will offer them more opportunities in the way of contracts and their deeds may be harder to attribute.

29-07-3300 -- Timothy Jacobs, Aulin Times

[swiftdispatch]

Clean Streets!

It looks like CMDR Glyndwr of Swift Dispatch has been detained under what could possibly be the most embarrassing circumstances possible!

While trying to claim a bounty on a rogue Federal ship, CMDR Glyndwr opened fire on his target inside the no fire zone around Aulin Enterprise. Not only did she instantly get the attention of local security forces, but the meager bounty she attracted was enough to invite the wrath of a fully armed Anaconda, piloted by CMDR Frontierdev Dav.

In no time at all, CMDR Glyndwr found himself in an escape pod and then in the care of the authorities.

29-07-3300 -- Timothy Jacobs, Aulin Times

More news as we get it.

[swiftdispatch]

Revolutionary Beginnings

A source close to senior figures in the Alliance has leaked classfied documents which seem to suggest a backlash will be instigated against some of its most hated enemies.

A substantial contract has been put out for the mass extermination of pilots and groups who are known to be in powerful positions due to unethical practices, especially if they have abused those positions of power and committed the crimes of murder and piracy.

It is rumoured that Swift Dispatch came out top in the tendering process and will be spearheading the operation against the Alliance's list of undesirables. Those targeted will either be destroyed or driven away from Alliance interests.

These developments mark a pivotal moment for the Alliance, where their ideology will now move from strong words to bold action.

[swiftdispatch]

Dahan Delinquents

The Dahan resource extraction site was under siege for 90 minutes last night. Two Eagles, piloted by CMDR Glyndwr and CMDR Oz, and a Cobra Mk III (pilot unidentified) flew in formation, attacking the area's occupants indiscriminately.

One Anaconda and Eagles, Cobras and Sidewinders numbering almost one hundred were destroyed by the three antagonists. The each accrued thousands of credits in bounties before hyper-spacing out of the system.

Local mineral extractors have been reluctant to return, citing poor local security as the reason for the massacre. Trade prices in raw minerals at Dahan Gateway are still affected.

[swiftdispatch]

Update 23/07/3300

There has been no information in the usual publications and news feeds in the last 18 hours. However, the Galactic Feed revealed the following about some of the Commanders associated with Swift Dispatch:

CMDR Blackout broadcast his presence in a High Intensity conflict zone in Eranin

CMDR Glyndwr was reported by many traders to have scanned them as the entered or left Freeport in LP 98-132. Three missiles were fired inside the no fire zone, but who the aggressor or intended target were is unknown

CMDR Oz was seen briefly, departing Aulin Enterprise and going to supercruise. Best guess destination was Styx

CMDR Fallow broadcast some trading requests, but his location was not revealed

23/07/3300 -- The Editor

[swiftdispatch]

Mainstream Media Speculation

It looks like the Swift Dispatch feed has been picked up by the mainstream media, in the form of an article in the Centauran Herald.

Whilst their depiction of Swift Dispatch is accurate, their speculation over the motives of this feed may give some people the wrong impression. A message from our (anonymous) editor:

While this feed is dedicated to news surrounding the dangerous and enigmatic group known as Swift Dispatch, we in no way wish to endorse them, condone their behaviour or glorify their actions. The last thing we want to do is aggrandize them. We exist only to collate information on the group and to report our findings in as factual way as possible. Any opinions expressed in articles are those of the respective writers.

[swiftdispatch]

The "Stench" of the Federation

The exiled Federal whistle-blower, Edgar Snowman, has released several documents relating to the Federation's financial arrangements with external contractors. From his new home at Azeban City, Edgar made the following statement:

Once again I have proof that [the Federation] are complicit in the murder and torture of thousands of people, carried out by so-called subcontractors. As always, if you follow the money you find the stench of the Federation.

Particularly interesting are a large number of transactions made directly to accounts which are linked to Swift Dispatch. These aren't regular combat bonds either; the lack of supporting documentation leads to the conclusion that they have been hired for many covert operations far outside of Federation space. Some of these payments coincide with the following events:

The assassination of Dr Helen Carter in the Assellus Primus system

Several instances of mass murder of Commanders and crew at various resource extraction sites in the Eranin system

The abduction of several prostitues from the entertainment district on Aulin Enterprise

We will continue to analyse the released data and provide regular updates.

22/07/3300 -- Galactic News Agency

[swiftdispatch]

LP 98-132 Clean-up

The LP 98-132 system saw some harsh justice last night at 2200hrs. Freeport, a well known thieves' den, was the honey pot used by Swift Dispatch to collect on some bounties (no Commander names reported).

Sitting outside of the range of the station's defences, several ships stood in wait for arriving ships, performing various scans as soon as they exited supercruise. Any vessel identified with an existing bounty or containing stolen cargo was destroyed without warning.

Some local traders speculated that the mercenaries were being paid to effectively police the only starport in the system. However, going by past experience of the group, it's more likely they were simply opportunistically collecting cash while they awaited the arrival of fellow members, before heading out on their real mission.

In total, 11 ships were destroyed: 1 Eagle, 3 Sidewinders, 5 Cobras and 2 Haulers.

22/07/3300 -- [Source Redacted], based on Freeport Security reports

[swiftdispatch]

Swift Dispatch Rebut Recruitment Claims

In a rare (but unconfirmed) communication, Swift Dispatch released a statement about reports of an underground recruitment drive.

We are not actively seeking new contacts. We are not a formal group with rules and members. We only work with the very best combat pilots; if we encounter talented individuals we may contract them. If anybody sends a formal request to "join" us then we will treat that as an act of aggression and they will suffer the consequences.

When asked about the state of affairs in several systems, after their direct involvement, they replied:

We do not comment on operations or clients.

21/07/3300 -- Galactic News Agency

[swiftdispatch]

Mercenary Group Expands

There are worrying reports that Swift Dispatch's recent successes have made it an attractive proposition for veteran mercenaries, looking to join a group with a reputation.

Sources, who wish to remain anonymous, have revealed that there is to be a secret group meeting, in a week's time, to discuss and vote on the admission of new members.

The writer can only speculate about the problems this will cause for smaller systems with light-security arrangements, unless they're willing to out-bid aggressors for Swift Dispatch's protection. Potentially, Swift Dispatch has the potential to become the largest and most dangerous private army for hire.

21/07/3300 -- Bryan O'Keefe [Achernar Herald]

[swiftdispatch]

Mercenaries Spearhead Incursion

Proving they care little except about who pays the most credits, Swift Dispatch answered a Federal Combat Bond in the Eranin system. The local security forces, comprised of mostly Sidewinders, were quickly nullified once they arrived.

The Federal Dreadnought ship had taken heavy damage, thanks to under-armoured F63 Condors piloted by unexperienced recruits. Most people would have predicted a Federal retreat…

CMDR Glyndwr’s Anaconda exited supercruise, shortly before CMDR Oz in his trademark Eagle. They quickly got to work, taking up a defensive position near the Dreadnought. CMDR Glyndwr had chosen more powerful gimballed beams over turreted weapons. With CMDR Oz working to disrupt any concerted counter-attack on the Anaconda, CMDR Glyndwr was free to focus fire on individual Eranin-aligned fighters. They were unable to repel his sustained, high-powered attacks and soon the tables were turned.

A small number of ships entered the battlezone, trying to bolster the Eranin forces. However, they immeidately drew CMDR Glyndwr’s attention and all tried to flee the scene. A few managed to supercruise away, but most were tracked and destroyed by CMDR Oz’s lightning fast Eagle.

The outcome of this battle has lead to senior officers claiming that the Federation’s policy of mainaining a substantial mercenary budget is validated. However, less-sycophantic commentators have been critical of the Federation’s eagerness to align themselves with unsavoury and criminal individuals and groups; wondering what the people would think of their democratic masters if they weren’t kept in a state of ignorance and knew the reality of their policy.

20/07/3300 — Sandy Humphries, writer and journalist [Eranin Times]