Report
Transaction Summary:
* Contact: Jaxx (Previously Reliable, Designation: 'Trader-7 Alpha').
* Cargo: 150 Standard Units Unprocessed Cryo-Crystals. Market value at designated drop off: 2,200 credits/unit.
* Agreed Price: 1,800 credits/unit, 270,000 total expected value.
* Delivery Point: Sector Gamma-Nine, coordinates classified.
* Status: Suspect Fraud/Ambush. Jaxx's designated comms channel unresponsive. Delivery point was not as stated.
Operational Report:
The delivery to Jaxx was meant to be straightforward. The agreed upon route was lightly patrolled, and in my experience, Trader-7 Alpha had always provided reliable intel. On this occasion he has proven to be a liar. Upon entering sector Gamma-Nine, the Phoenix was ambushed by an unknown pirate band operating at least 7 frigates, I have identified these as heavily modified Raven class. The suddenness of the attack suggests that Jaxx provided the location and possibly even our ship’s operational data.
My fleet was prepared, though we were expecting a routine delivery, and not a fight. Our five frigates, Claw, Tear, Bite, and Rip, led by Captains Kai, Viper, Jax, and Rhys, respectively, along with the Phoenix, moved to defensive positions.
Battle Log:
* The enemy engaged with a mix of laser cannons and missile fire. Their initial assault was aimed at disabling our engines and limiting our manuverability.
* Our frigates immediately adopted asteroid field tactics, using cover and exploiting the smaller vessels turn radius to a large degree. The pilots, Kai, Viper, Jax, and Rhys, proved once again why they are the best in the sector. The enemy targeted them. But these frigates are no easy targets. Every trick in the book, they put to practice. The dance of their frigates was beautiful to watch from my captain's seat.
* Claw and Tear, lead by Kai and Viper, focused their light machine guns fire and swarmer missiles on the enemy frigate’s exposed engine blocks, while simultaneously keeping clear from incoming laser fire.
* Bite and Rip, piloted by Jax and Rhys, kept close to our position, providing covering fire with their swarmer missiles. As the enemy attempted to close in, they would unleash volleys of their salamander engine fire from the sides of their frigates to disorientate and keep the enemy frigates at a distance. They also used this to their advantage with the many rocks as cover.
* Phoenix held position at the center of our flotilla, a careful strategy that kept the enemy from focusing all their weaponry on us. My fangs and harpoon missiles inflicted heavy damage on the enemy frigates. I used the sabots to focus on disabling their heavy weaponry. I kept my modified shields off line until needed.
* The pirates quickly adjusted, attempting to pin down our frigates with several ships, while focusing their heaviest weapons on Phoenix. Their tactics were standard and their capabilities were consistent with mid-tier pirate groups. The surprise came from their advanced weaponry. It seemed Jaxx had given them more than location data.
* The pirates, it became clear, had not accounted for two things: the superior field tactics of our frigates and the shielded capabilities of my Phoenix. With the enemy focused on the light frigates, I engaged my scavenged shield generator. And gave the pirates a rather unexpected surprise.
* With the enemy concentrated on destroying my shields, my fang cannons inflicted heavy damage to the exposed areas of their ships. I launched mining drones as diversions, and to destroy their incoming missiles.
* The battle raged for approximately 30 minutes, ending with the destruction of 3 enemy frigates. The remaining four damaged and disoriented, decided to abandon the battle.
* Our losses: One frigate Bite sustained damage, but was battle worthy. Claw sustained light damage. Otherwise there was no loss of life or significant material.
* We salvaged usable parts from destroyed ships, but the primary goal was to assess and escape. We have begun heading to our new designated safe coordinates.
Conclusion:
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Today’s operation was a near catastrophe due to the betrayal of Trader-7 Alpha. The ambush suggests a level of planning and intel that goes beyond standard pirate activity. The fact our capabilities were so clearly targeted, speaks volumes as to the source of that intel. I might have to get my revenge on Jaxx.
Rylan Voss. Phoenix