Greetings citizens of the Union and beings from beyond! Welcome to Union News Central, I'm your host Bluglakkag Flublabbak with the War Report.
Starting off with everyone's largest concerns, the fate of the refugees and the citizens in Khanate occupied territories. In times of war, there are few things that lift the spirits, but the efforts of our PEACE comrades and friends in the Galactic Community, the lives of hundreds of thousands of refugees are now at least a little bit safer. Escorted out of the conflict zones, and bound to new worlds with homes and welcoming communities awaiting them. Though nothing can give back what was taken, the Union is dedicated to righting these wrongs.
However, we have received a disturbing report that the occupied territories are required to pay the Khans a "tithe of levies", meaning that everyday civilians are being conscripted into service aboard Khanate vessels. It effectively means our people are being held hostage aboard Khanate ships and forced to fight against us. As you can imagine, dear friends... this is an ethical problem in more ways than one.
We go now to ex-MP Martial Sher An-Zecetesh, who is willing to speak to to UNC about the recent battles going on across Union Space. Martial Sher?
"Greetings, comrade Bluglakkag. Unfortunately the state of the war is not what we'd like to see, the contemptable Khans have all but taken the Northern Quadrant, as well as portions of the Western Quadrant. The most recent battles, The Battle of the Aidon System and the Battle of the Sheng System both ended in a Union defeat. But the worst of these was in Aidon."
What exactly happened there, Martial Sher?
"You'll understand I can't share the specifics of the weapons or tactics used or the finer details for the sake of the IUCCM and our allies. But I will share what I can. The battle started off with three Interstellar Guard fleets and the local star base under assault by two Twin Star Sects - Sects is what the Khans call their fleets - and four Black Banner Sects. Our allies in PEACE, the @vegvasignal, the @elepharchy, and the Bzadi arrived in the system to assist and rescue our diligent fleets. Most of the Sects ignored our allies, initially, choosing instead to continue engaging our fleets. One Sect, however, split to engage SMOOCH, though they would eventually find themselves in an Elepharchic trap from which they could not escape. Meanwhile, our Vegvian allies used their unique talents to impede the Sects and strengthen their allies made efficient use of their artillery to bombard the foes from a distance. Then of course, our Bzadi allies, who were undetected by the Sects and moved into a strategic position to surprise the enemy with a full weapon assault."
It sounds like it started well, sir.
"Indeed, and it continued to go well as the battle continued, piece by piece our fleets and those of our allies were able to whittle down the shields of multiple Khanate Sects, until the point where one fled combat and another initiated a self-destructive ramming action against a fleet of ours. There were survivors of that reckless and frankly insane action, but enough fell that the fleet in question had no choice but to retreat. At this point, the Sects had all received some damage, ranging from severe to minor, whilst our allies had taken little from their assaults. I can confidently say that if the battle had continued like this, it would have been a PEACE victory."
What changed, Martial Sher, sir?
Martial Sher An-Zecetesh turned to the camera and flicked her fins.
"The Pact. I can confirm that three fleets of Argent Pact design appeared in the system and immediately engaged the remaining Union fleets and one of our Vegvian allies at their flanks. One of our fleets was destroyed in this surprise attack, and the other was forced into stealth. The balance of power drastically shifted and a full retreat was in order."
Oh my! What has the Galactic Community said about this, sir?
"The report just came in moments ago. Parliament's been informed and likely considering what instructions to give to our representative of the GUN before informing them, as it seems that the Pact has declared war on us."
Then... are you currently violating protocol?
"Yes, I am. And I don't care. The people should know the facts. Know that the Parliament has been holding the military back! We could be fighting harder! But instead our best assets ar-"
The broadcast cuts with static...
