Rebel Squadrons Rising
Anshife System blitzed by RS strike tactics

The Anshife System is firmly in the hands of the New Republic as its frontline force sweeps through the Cadrel Cluster.

Imperial POWs seemed dazed and fatigued as they were led into transports headed for secure Republic Detention Centres this week.

And with good reason. Some of them barely fired a shot in this latest chapter of the Cadrel Conflict, having fallen prey to the fresh and aggressive 'lightning war' tactics implemented by RS High Command.

Following the troublesome and slow overtaking of Elenian, RS commanders agreed that a swift advance on the remainder of the systems in the Cadrel Cluster was the key to an equally swift victory.

With the arrival of fresh ordnance and supplies from the Tarsonis and Blerthmore systems, the Fleet was quickly brought back to full operational status. Firepower and moral also jumped with the return of the Rebel Spirit and her captain, RS Fleet Commander Trebonious-Astoris, having repaired the extensive damage done at the Battle of Elakia.

The fleet departed orbit of Excelsior fully ready for battle, weapons hot and all starfighter crews on standby. RSCD troops were already aboard the drop ships and ready for rapid deployment to planetary surfaces.

RS drones and scout ships were launched into the Anshife System in order to make sure that the fleet was not walking into a trap. As soon as the scans were

returned, Fleet Commander Astoris authorised all ships to enter hyperspace.

Following a strict battleplan, RS ships hypered into strategic positions throughout the Anshife System. Frigates and cruisers quickly formed a blockade around the system's planets, while A-wing fighters escorted the RSCD assault shuttles to the surface. Several Imperial vessels were caught in the blockades and were quickly incapacitated. Only one strike cruiser was captured; the rest were damaged beyond repair or burnt up in the planetary atmosphere.

RSCD commandos and troops were dropped in numerous locations on each world, and quickly located and destroyed the drop-points and field bases of any opposing forces. Combat was

short and violent.

In space, RS fighter wings obliterated Imperial scouts and TIE squadrons, while systematically searching out and destroying any constructs in orbit or on the surface. Anshife belonged to the New Republic in under a day.

Emperor's Hammer and other splinter groups attempted a counter-attack, but it was easily repelled. RS tacticians have now begun to locate enemy supply routes in the region and assign them as targets for the fighters of the Intrepid Battle Group.

The Rebel Squadrons have begun to pick up momentum in their bid for the worlds and peoples of Cadrel; High Command shows no intention of slowing down.

- Major Taosko Silev

Greasing the Servos

POW Dies aboard RSCD Cruiser

 

An inquiry into the death of an Imperial POW in the care of RSCD security officers is underway after claims of suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

A member of the Star Viper splinter group has died onboard the Malice, a cruiser in the RSCD's Order of Battle, a full week after the victory at Elenian where he was captured.

The officer in charge of the Malice's detention centre, who shall remain nameless for security concerns, claims that the prisoner committed suicide by ingesting a tablet hidden somewhere on his person.

No explanation has been offered for the sudden lapse in the Malice's excellent track record for removal of such materials from captured soldiers. There are rumours that the Star Viper may have possessed top secret data concerning the whereabouts of SV strongholds and supply routes near Cadrel.

RSCD spokesmen vigorously deny claims that the POW died during interrogation, dismissing such claims as 'inhuman' and 'preposterous'. NRI agents continue to look into the matter, while the public follow the case with a critical eye, hardened by past years of Imperial occupation and phony justice.

For soldiers, war is business. For citizens, war can be hell. For smugglers, war is profit.

Damning reports show that smuggler activity in and around the Cadrel Cluster has doubled since the first week of war. With all funds and resources being allocated to the war effort, local militias and peacekeeping forces on allied worlds are ill-equipped to deal with the sudden jump in illegal shipping.

"The few ships we have are stretched to their breaking point," one militia leader stated. "With the withdrawal of Republic patrol ships and boarding craft, we have only outdated starfighter and shuttle models with which to hunt down and capture these criminals."

Representatives from RS Fleet Command admitted they recognised the problem, but stated that the ships and fighters were needed to restore order in the border colonies of the Cadrel Cluster, where pirate and mercenary activity is equally rife.

Prices for weapons, food and medicines have risen steeply, both on the Commercial and Black Markets. A small number of former intelligence officers and volunteers have formed a data gathering ring in the hopes of bringing these brigands to justice. "They cannot be allowed to take advantage of the suffering the Cadrel Conflict has caused," stressed G'than Cid, a retired NRI agent. "This selling of medicine and food at such inflated prices is barbaric!"