Wild Blue Yonder
- The Magazine Of The Modern Adventurer
February, 298 After Impact
Due to recent events in the Valhalla, we have decided for this month to move away from our traditional format and
instead concentrate on events in that sector of space. We will start by summarising recent events, and then consider the
impact on recent business opportunities. We will conclude by publishing the latest vacant contracts download from the Merc
Bureau Valhalla branch office.
The Build Up - Last year saw a generally increasing spiral of activity. Operations by Valhalla First activists escalated
from rhetoric to occasional attacks against offworlder owned facilities. As government troops began operations to counter
these attacks, VF responded by also attacking government military and support facilities.
Escalation & Pitched Battles - During the middle part of last year, VF seemed to increase the complexity of their
operations, as well as managing to acquire substantial quantities of modern heavy weapons. This led to VF launching several
major assaults, which included the Ravens Fjord operation, by far the bloodiest battle so far. In all of these however, the
guerrilla experience of the VF failed to translate into the ability to fight pitched battles. Government forces, with the
assistance of several teams of advisors from other governments such as the Star Kingdom of Pegasus and the Eridani
Republic, were able to contain these offensives and deal a severe blow to VF, leading to a period of relative peace.
A Return To Guerrilla Warfare - Learning from their mistakes, surviving VF units reverted to a defensive strategy,
avoiding contact with government forces. There are also indications that VF underwent some kind of internal rift, details
of which are still somewhat sketchy. After several weeks of rebuilding, VF had by early autumn managed to reequip and recruit sufficiently to resume a pattern of hit
and run attacks, timed to coincide with the run up to the 10 yearly elections.
Electioneering - In the face of renewed VF activity, public perception was that the government was unable to contain VF.
As a result, government popularity dipped sharply. In response to this, the government employed a Presidential Decree,
under the emergency powers section of the constitution, to delay the elections. This proved even more unpopular with the
electorate, and the government started to see its popularity plummet even faster. The elections were hurriedly rescheduled
for 23/11/97.
Coup and Invasion - On 20/11/97 the detachment of Royal Pegasan Navy vessels visiting Valhalla hurriedly left the
system, having received a dispatch to investigate reports of a series of pirate raids on the edge of Pegasus space. These
reports subsequently prove to be false. On the 22/11/97, a military coup was launched by officers within the Valhalla
military forces. In the confusion of the first few hours, the following key events occurred:
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The ambassador for the Eridani Republic was ambushed whilst travelling between the Vanden starport and the Republic
embassy. There has been no sign of him since, although the bodies of his protection squad have been located. Also, the
Republic embassy was destroyed by a large explosion, most diplomatic staff were killed.
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Support for the coup, amongst the bulk of the military, was weak. Nevertheless, there was significant disruption of the
chain of command, especially amongst naval units.
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The Centaur Federation issued a statement officially recognising the military junta as a legitimate government, and
pledged 'whatever support is necessary' to restore order.
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At the request of the Military Junta, a large naval force of the Centaur Federation arrived in the system. This force
was ostensibly in the area on routine training manoeuvres, and was deployed as a 'Peace Keeping' detachment. Of the 15
vessels in the Valhallan Navy, 5 supported the coup, 3 were temporarily disabled by sabotage. Of the remaining 7, 2
were patrolling the outer part of the system and were unable to intervene. The remaining 5 begin a spirited but futile
action against the overwhelming strength of the combined Federation/Junta fleet. These ships were either destroyed or
captured, leaving just the 2 ships on patrol as loyal to the civilian government, these are now in hiding in the outer
part of the system.
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The 'Peace Keeping' detachment arrived in orbit and begins unloading a substantial quantity of troops, armour and
support equipment.
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Shortly after the Federation force commenced unloading, a large number of active fire control sensors illuminated the
Federation fleet from it rear flank. Chaos reigns supreme for several minutes as they redeployed to counter this
threat, which turned out to be a strong Eridani Republic battle group, in perfect firing position. Although similar in
numerical strength, the Republic fleet contained a high proportion of dedicated space to space combat vessels, where as
the Federation ships contained a high proportion of assault troop carriers. Combined with the Republics technological
superiority, it seemed likely that they would be able to inflict a crushing defeat upon the Federation. However, the
Republic ships swept towards and then past the Federation ships, no shots were fired. The Federation ships continued
their unloading unmolested, rapidly gaining control of most major military installations as well as the starport.
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Loyalist forces were forced into general retreat, taking to the forests, with what ever supplies and support equipment
they could carry on their persons or vehicles.
Aftermath - In the three months since the invasion, Federation troops have taken control of most major populations
centres, and have achieved near total air superiority. The Eridani Republic fleet has withdrawn, although it is believed to
be nearby, the feeling in the interstellar community is that the Republic lacks the political will to go to war over the
sovereignty of Valhalla. Loyalist units have continued to harass Federation units, but have wisely chosen to avoid direct
conflict where possible. Most of Valhalla First (excepting the most militant) have joined forces with the loyalist troops,
sharing supplies, intelligence, and in some cases forming combined units. Nevertheless, the situation for this combined
force is becoming increasingly desperate as they start to run short of supplies, equipment and funds. The Federation has
tried to limit the extent of mercenary operations on Valhalla, by offering free transport off planet to any unit that
wishes to take it.
Obviously, given the nature of the conflict, there is ample work available for units on planet. The problem is that
there are only a limited number of contracts which have a good ratio of pay to risk. The bulk of available contracts are
with either the loyalist forces or the Federation backed military junta. A small number of contracts are available from
third parties.
Units thinking of taking on a contract for the loyalist forces should consider the following:
- Fund raising is difficult for the ousted civilian government
- Those surviving officials are in hiding and unable to access the normal bureaucracy.
- Loyalist forces are poorly supplied. Med and Evac support facilities are stretched thinly.
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Federation forces have good air mobility and the ability to react quickly with strength to counter any incursion. As
such, risk levels are generally high.
Units thinking of taking on a contract for the Federation should consider the following:
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Although the Federation do recognise the validity of mercenary operations, they much prefer to use their own troops for
all important missions (for those of us in the mercenary business, 'important' equates to 'well paid').
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As such, they are continuing to ship in ever increasing numbers of 'Peace Keeping' troops, and the opportunities for
long term employment may be poor.
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Because the loyalist forces are stretched so thinly, and bearing in mind the other points mentioned above, the
probability of being on the receiving end of a loyalist offensive is low, as such risk levels are low.
Units thinking of taking on work for a third party should bear in mind that competition for such contracts is fierce,
and that such employers generally prefer to take on units which they have had prior dealing with.
In summary, the contracts situation on Valhalla has polarised. Until recently it offered a range of opportunities, and
units could choose something suitable for their size and experience, however that is not the case any longer. Whilst it was
a place ideal for a fledgling unit to gain some experience, Valhalla is now an environment into which only well trained,
equipped and experienced units should venture.
And finally, we urge our readers to consider the longer term plans of the superpowers. There remains the possibility of
a show down between them over the future of Valhalla. If that should happen, remember that a mercenaries prospects are most
lucrative in a 'low intensity' war situation, where skill can achieve the objective cheaply in terms of casualties. In
contrast, getting caught in the middle of a 'Clash of the Titans' is bad business.
Vacant Contracts Download
The following adverts relate to Merc Bureau arbitrated contracts.
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Merc Bureau - Our clients are a major interstellar government. They require
the services of a specialist Search And Recovery / Medical unit, on an open ended contract. The ideal unit should
possess its own aerospace assets for optimum mobility. Risk Assessment: Medium. Pay: Negotiable basic + negotiable
performance bonus.
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Merc Bureau - Our clients are an important corporation. They require the
services of a security detachment to protect their planetary facilities. Full support, insurance and bond provided free
of charge, including the latest medical facilities. Risk Assessment: Slight. Pay per person: *50 per day + *1000 per
incident hazard pay in the unlikely event that hostilities occur.
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Merc Bureau - The legitimate civil government has the need for a number of
units to take part in general combat duties. Duties will include: Escort, Patrolling and Guarding. Risk Assessment:
High. Pay: Negotiable
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Merc Bureau - The legitimate civil government has the need for a number of
units to take part in general combat duties. Duties will include: Escort, Patrolling and Raiding. Risk Assessment: Very
High. Pay: Negotiable (but highly competitive)
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Merc Bureau - The Centaur Federation Peace Keeping detachment has the need
of a number of light units to assist with guard duties. Full support, accommodation, meals, insurance, bond and
entertainment provided. Risk Assessment: Slight. Pay: *30 per person per day, and guaranteed preferential treatment.
The following additional adverts / announcements have been received. Please note that although WBY makes every effort
to validate such material, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of their contents.
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Government Announcement. With effect from 01/03/98,
Mercenary Units may not operate in the Valhalla system unless they are specifically authorised to do so. Note that the
government recognises the needs of reputable units to meet their existing contractual obligations, hence the reason why
this ban comes into effect at the beginning of next month rather than immediately. Units wishing to acquire authorised
status should contact the nearest military base with full details of their unit and the contract for which approval is
required. Unit commanders are advised to apply as soon as possible, to ensure that authorisation is available in good
time for the cut off date. Unit commanders are advised that from the 01/03/98, unauthorised mercenary activity will
become illegal. After that date, the government will prosecute all individuals on the basis of common criminals, rather
than as members of a legitimate armed force. Unit commanders who feel they are unable to meet these requirements are
strongly advised to take advantage of the Centaur Federations generous offer of free transport off world.
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The Centaur Federation Peace Keeping Detachment offers free
passage to any mercenary unit wishing to be shipped off world. You will be delivered to the world of your choice within
a distance of 20 LY. During your passage, you will receive free board and a relaxing schedule of shipboard activities.
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The Eridani Republic offers a *100,000 reward for information
leading to the recovery of Admiral Paul Hood, Ambassador to Valhalla, last known whereabouts - Vanden Training Range
21/11/07. Interested parties should contact the Republic Embassy as soon as possible.
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We need a special unit for a special job. Flexible attitude and total
discretion required. Apply in confidence
414#wby.valhalla.starcom.
More news from Wild Blue Yonder: Jan 297
Ads from Wild Blue Ads: 11 Feb 297 - 11 Mar 298
