View source for Comm-Link:Empire Report - Victory on the Vanduul Front

'''[[Beck Russum]]''': Good evening, I’m [[Beck Russum]], here with [[Alan Nuevo]]. We begin today’s [[Empire Report]] with breaking news out of the [[Oberon system|Oberon System]] where [[Ernst Bishop|Admiral Bishop]]’s campaign against the [[Vanduul]] has scored its first major victory.

'''Alan Nuevo''': That’s right, Beck. The battle in the Oberon System involved the [[65th Battle Group]], and was led by [[Ernst Bishop|Admiral Bishop]] aboard a new flagship, the recently commissioned [[Retribution|UEES Retribution]]. While there is currently scant public information about the ship, rumors about its existence have been around for months.

UEES Retribution’s first action comes in the wake of recent, devastating Vanduul attacks on [[Uriel]], which left thousands dead or missing. Earlier today, [[Admiral]] [[Cedric Cochran]] held a press conference in [[Kilian system|Kilian]] describing a decisive victory against the [[Vanduul]] and confirming Retribution’s role in the battle.

''[ Admiral Cochran stands before a podium during the press conference. ]''

'''Admiral Cedric Cochran''': [[Operation Mandrake]] began roughly two days ago, when we received credible intelligence that a [[Vanduul]] clan was in the process of mounting a second attack on the [[Oberon system|Oberon System]]. Concerned about such a possibility, [[Ernst Bishop|Admiral Bishop]] had detached a small strike team to sweep the system. When the Vanduul appeared, these forces were able to intercept and engage the clan before it could attack another Human settlement. While the advanced forces occupied the aggressors, Admiral Bishop ordered [[Retribution]] into the system and cut off any escape back to Vanduul space. Once Retribution was in place, the [[Vanduul]] … well, they found themselves between a rock and a hard place, as I like to say.

'''Reporter #1''': What else can you tell us about [[Retribution]]? There are reports it’s the largest [[Capital ships|capital ship]] ever built by the [[UEE]].

'''Admiral Cedric Cochran''': Details on [[Retribution]] are classified. Right now, all I’m authorized to say is that personnel aboard the ship were very pleased with its performance during the battle.

'''Reporter #2''': Can you describe the extent of the Vanduul forces?

'''Admiral Cedric Cochran''': The exact specifics are currently being analyzed, but from the reports I’ve seen, it’s probably best to describe them as a medium sized clan.

'''Reporter #2''': Does that mean a [[Kingship]] was present?

'''Admiral Cedric Cochran''': No, though there were multiple capital ships reportedly destroyed.

'''Reporter #3''': What was the extent of [[UEE]] casualties during the battle?

'''Admiral Cedric Cochran''': Look, one life lost is too many in my book, but safety and security doesn’t come without sacrifice. It’s a simple reality that every member of the [[UEE]] armed forces understands, so yes, there were reported casualties. I will refrain from getting too specific until family is notified.

That said, I couldn’t be prouder of how the men and women of the [[UEE Navy|Navy]] performed. This victory was only possible thanks to a team effort that includes everyone from the Starmen aboard [[Retribution]], the rest of the 65th, and all the way up to us here at [[UEE High Command|High Command]]. The people of the [[UEE]] should be proud of what their [[UEE Navy|Navy]] accomplished today.

''[ Back to Alan and Beck ]''

'''Beck Russum''': Joining us now in the studio is military expert [[Jack Hayden]]. He’s a consultant at the [[Center for Universal Security]] and author of [[Clan Brutality]], which examines what little we know about the [[Vanduul]] clans that we find ourselves fighting.

Based on what you’ve heard from your sources, what else can you tell us about [[Ernst Bishop|Admiral Bishop]]’s victory in [[Oberon system|Oberon]]?

'''Jack Hayden''': This was a successful operation in many regards. Essentially [[Ernst Bishop|Admiral Bishop]] got [[Retribution]] in theater and gave it a test lap against overmatched opponents. I would expect the victory built confidence among his crew and gave them a chance to work out any kinks on the new ship before engaging a truly dangerous enemy.