In what must be seen as a classic diversion the HCS have begun an invasion of Unatel Gamma 540 and Kontai, two Eritran planets but crucially neither is part of the Eritran defence pact (though Unatel has observer status). The DDS and Eritrans had expected an attack on Molab and the other pact planets and positioned some ships ready to intercept what was thought to be the invasion force.
However this force turned out to be a small group of warships with strategic leaking cloaks and sensor spoofing to make it look like the main force. While the DDS found themselves confronted by a group of transports the main invasion force of around 30 ships entered the Unatel Gamma 502 system. Cosmos cruisers attacked the planet's orbital defences, destroying them in seconds, before bombarding key military installations on the planet.
Unatel Gamma's defences were minimal, they had 2 Extender-Es on order for 2113 and were planning a space force (though with their minute resources it would have taken a long time). Around 27 sub-light orbital fighters formed their only space-based defence and these were wiped out in minutes by the HCS.
The cruisers moved onto Kontai, around 9 hours away, but faced even less opposition there. Kontai surrendered immediately though Unatel have vowed to fight to the last (maybe hoping the Eritrans and DDS save them). The HCS have landed 6 brigades on the planet and a second wave of troops is on the way augmented by troops from Triple Megan. The Meganite ships were detected a few days ago and it was assumed they were going to assist their ethnic Eritran cousins, however Triple Megan (who are a Clone military customer) have announced they are allies of the Clone Star Empire. Their transports rendezvoused with 2 HCS cruisers and are now heading to Unatel Gamma, though may divert to Kontai to occupy the planet.
The Eritran Free States have been thrown into confusion, it is thought that Molab were keen to help Unatel and Kontai but Sear N7 and the other members of the pact did not. The DDS are also unsure what to do, Deputy Commander Shiner has said the 2 Panthers will remain at the Molab border but no other decisions have been made. There are rumours that DDS Commander AP has been taken ill but these have been denied by the DDS.
