Anderson hails return of Clone space ship building as two new Sharks join the fleet

Admiral Anderson has said the arrival of two new Shark SKB frigates to the Clone Space Navy means that Clone space ship building has finally been restored after several years of chaos when barely a ship could be completed due to a skills shortage and a supply chain collapse.

Anderson said that more Sharks and also new Cosmos CM cruisers would be joining the fleet later this year and also in subsequent years. New ships are badly needed due to the looming withdrawal of the Kalahati Tuul S fleet and also the retirement of end-of-life Cosmos CA over the next few years.

Anderson also said the fleet would be further strengthened by three more Mekit MK4Y cruisers bought fron the Rectoids. Analysts say this purchase indicates that heavy combatant production may not resume for a while yet.

NS and CDF warships skirmish over data

New Sparta has protested to the Clone Star Empire after one of it's destroyers was attacked by two CDF ships. The Clones claim the NS ship stole data from the Rectoids, who are Clone allies. This is something NS denies.

The unnamed destroyer is thought to have made it's escape after a successful cyber attack left the two CDF ships disabled. This is thought to be the first combat use of offensive cyber weapons by NS. NS report that there were no injuries aboard the destroyer which only received superficial damage.

Rectoids want to buy CSM2

The Rectoids have put in a request to buy the new Clone Space Missile Mark 2. This interstellar missile has a range of up to twenty light years which puts most of the Free Eritran States in range. Naturally the FES have already said that the Clones must not sell CSM2 to the Rectoids.

Molab have said the FES will strike against the Rectoids if they purchase CSM2. The FES has a powerful fleet so would likely be able to strike against the still re-building Rectoids. However, there is the real threat the Clones could be drawn into the fight.

Clones buy 8 more Mekit cruisers

The Clones have placed an order for eight more Mekit MK4Y cruisers from the Rectoids. The Clones already operate sixteen Mekits (eight MK4As and eight upgraded MK4Ys). The Rectoids will also carry up an upgrade of the eight MK4As to bring them up to the MK4Y standard.

It is rumoured the Clones are paying for the ships with interstellar missile technology. Not CSM as such but the means for the Rectoids to develop their own version.

NS and Dinos discuss controls on genetic weapons

A powerful weapon in the NS armoury is the genetic warhead, a warhead which can be re-programmed to attack specific DNA. NS have only used this weapon once during the war with the Rectoids where it was used to destroy agriculture on the Rectoid homeworld helping bringing about a collapse of the state*.

It is known that the Dinos also possess programmable genetic weapons though have not deployed them. It is assumed that other major powers like the Clones and Tarbotians also have the potential to create this technology. NS and the Dinos have begun talks for the control and eventual elimination of this weapon of mass destruction. It is thought that NS (and the Dinos) fear proliferation of the weapon.

* It has been alleged, though strongly denied, that NS tuned the genetic warheads to Rectoid DNA itself causing millions of deaths.

Clones sign huge arms deal with Rectoids for warships, CSM

The Clones have agreed a 14 billion zark arms deal with their allies the Rectoids. The deal, one of the biggest, will be for 12 Molentic Tuul MTMR cruisers and for 45 CSM missiles with mobile launchers.

The Molentic Tuul MTMR will be a localised version of the pending MTM2 new build for the Clone Space Navy. The MTM2 had been subject to delays due to budget pressures and capacity but this order will allow a mothballed line to be reopened and should allow new MTM2s to also be built within the next few years.

The Clone Space Missiles to be bought will be the latest version with cold flame and other stealth features. A NS analyst said that CSM sites on the Rectoid planet of Rowacta could target most planets in the Free Eritran States (though not Molab).

No delivery dates have been announced yet though a Rectoid source said he hoped CSM would be operational within 4-5 years.

Clones order more Rectoid ships

The Clones have ordered 8 more Mekit "Mushroom" ships from the Rectoids. These will be a developed version of the current Mekit MK4A ships of which are in service (with 2 more in testing it is reported).

The second batch of Mekits, to be known of Mekit MK4Y will have enhanced weapon packages (no more details were forthcoming) as well as better integration between Rectoid and Clone sensor and communication technologies. Deliveries will be from next year. It is thought the MK4Ys will be new ships unlike the MK4As which were refurbished ex-Rectoid Fleet ships.

Rectoid ship enters DDS space

A Rectoid ship has violated DDS territory by entering UNP space near Barnard's Star and approaching the communications relay station near the star. Barnard's Star Relay is a key node in the DDS communications network for traffic between DDS Centre and DDS South.

The Rectoid ship was chased away by a DDS patrol. The DDS later protested to the Rectoids at their embassy on Cloneworld. The Rectoids said it was merely a navigational error.

Clones receive Mekit MK4A cruisers

The Clones have received the first batch of Mekit MK4A "Mushroom" cruisers from the Rectoids. The ships were built in the 2090s so are not cutting edge though they have been fully refurbished, updated to latest Rectoid standards and localised by a combined Rectoid/Clone team.

Four have been delivered and the final 4 on order will follow later in the year. The Clones say they will be used for long range patrol and scouting.

The Clones have also accepted into service the first 2 of the latest batch of Kelsan KS bombers.

Mekit a taste of things to come says Sleeze

Deputy Emperor Sleeze has hailed the forthcoming arrival of 8 Mekit MK4A cruisers from the Rectoids as merely a taste of things to come and how the Rectoid alliance with greatly strengthen the Clone Defence Forces.

Published performance statistics for the Mekits give a speed range of 710 to 740c. At the top end these ships will be the fastest ships in the Clone fleet beating the 730c the last few Soulaki SLBKs can reach (though rebuilt older Soulakis will be able to match this). Sleeze said that more modern Mekits may follow later on, its thought the latest Mekit 5s in Rectoid service can reach well over 800c.

Clones buy Rectoid warships

The Clones have bought 8 Rectoid Mekit 4 "mushroom" ships from the Rectoids. The ships are already in service with the Rectoids and will be transferred over the next few months following localisation and updating. They will be known as the Mekit MK 4A in Clone service.

The ships will be part of the Front-Line Fleet and classed as cruisers, they are similar in size to the Molentic Tuuls. Quite what role the ships will have in Clone service is unknown though they are fairly powerful warships though the previous model to what the Rectoids are currently building. One source says they could fill the long-range scout role as the ships are designed for long patrols and independent operation away from friendly ports.

Clones get their hands on Rectoid technology

Late last year the Clones and Rectoids signed a mutual defence pact, the Rectoids bought a huge amount of Clone military hardware including Kelsan bombers and CSM, and the Clones were to receive Rectoid technology. The latter is now arriving with Rectoid facilitators working with Clone scientists and engineers at a number of sights to integrate Clone and Rectoid technology (which will also help with the exports).

The Clones and Rectoids have agreed a common middleware software layer to allow their respective military data protocols to interact. Similar layers are also being developed for the physical hardware, for example Rectoid weapons require different voltages and plasma frequencies than Clone equipment so if the Clones fit the weapons to their ships then they need a middleware layer too.

A Clone source says it is unlikely Rectoid technology will be integrated into service ships before 2115 at the earliest. In the longer term a new generation of co-developed weapons and technologies will be at the heart of both sides military.

Oojok denounces "war monger DDS"

Emperor Oojok of the Clone Star Empire has denounced the DDS as a "past-it bunch of war mongers" in the light of news the DDS are to boost the size of their fleet. Oojok said the DDS were "the past" and were trying to cling onto their past glories by spending greater sums on their fleet and trying to intimidate the Clones who he claimed were peace loving and democratic.

"It is a sign of a decaying regime that increased military spending is used as a sticking plaster over a crumbling edifice." Oojok sneered. "The DDS is dying, they are fading into irrelevance. The future belongs to freedom loving peoples like the Clones and Rectoids!"

Rectoids return home... but will be back

The Rectoid squadron visiting the Clones, which caused tension between the Clones and DDS, has finally set off for home. However the Rectoid commander Artem 413 told Clone TV that the Rectoids would be back!

"The Rectoids will soon send a permanent force to stay in Clone space. The ships, small in number i think, will help the Rectoids train with their new Clone allies and help lay the groundwork for the integration of technologies between our two nations."

Paragon has been spoken about as a possible site for a Rectoid orbital post.

Rectoids to share technology with Clones

The Rectoids and Clones have announced a joint technology institute to be located on Cloneworld. The institute will be for technology sharing between the two powers and working to integrate shared technology into each other's systems. Analysts think much of the advanced technology sharing will be one way, Rectoid to Clones though the Rectoids are keen for much Clone technology such as aerial and land weaponry too where the Clones are undisputed leaders.

Unconfirmed reports state that the DDS spy ship, a Panther 35A, skirmished with a Rectoid Mekit 5 "mushroom" ship before it could get back over the border. The DDS ship had a lot of problems with the Rectoid offensive and defensive technologies. If the Clones can get these as an upgrade it could be very serious indeed for the DDS.

• The DDS have reduced their alert status to GREEN (though this was announced before the Rectoid-Clone one, maybe the DDS would have kept the status higher if they had known?)

Clones protest DDS incursion

The Clones are protesting the incursion of a DDS warship (a Panther 35A) into the heart of Clone space. The ship decloaked in orbit around Cloneworld and was chased off by orbital defences and Clone ships in orbit. The Clones say the DDS ship was snooping on the Rectoid ships in orbit and called the incursion "reckless and provocative".

The DDS meanwhile replied the ship had "navigational issues" and was in Clone space by mistake. The spokesman even managed to keep a straight face as he said it too!

Clones denounce DDS intimidation

The Clones have denounced the DDS' aggressive response to the visit by the Rectoids as "toothless intimidation" and says it will not change any of the itinerary of the Rectoid visit. The Clones also said that maybe the DDS shouldn't be continuing to buy Clone built warships and aircraft if they are so against the Clones.

That point has also been picked up on by some UNP commentators though the truth is the DDS have already paid the bulk of their contracts with the Clones for landing ships and aircraft and stopping deliveries would just be a waste of money.

DDS ramp up the rhetoric

DDS Commander Firefly has threatened "serious consequences" if the Rectoids remain in Clone space. A squadron of Rectoid ships is visiting the Clone homeland and is expected to stay until the new year. However the DDS say this is unacceptable. "We still regard the Rectoids as a hostile state, having their ships within 10 light years of Proxima Centauri is against our security policies."

Firefly has ordered more ships bought to readiness, including a squadron of Quasar 15A strike bombers.

• Firefly has ordered the DDS alert status raised again, it now stands at AMBER.
• The Clone Navy say they will begin carrier operations with the K45K fighter next year (i.e. next month). The first squadron has gone operational with 8 of the planes (about half full strength) and 6 successful carrier take-offs and landings have now taken place with a full programme of tests continuing until the end of the year. CNSS Cloneworld will begin a cruise in late January with 4 of the planes embarked along with 8 K85NTKs.

DDS call on Rectoids to return to their own space

DDS Commander Firefly has ordered the DDS alert status to be increased one level to GREEN and has called upon the Rectoid squadron visiting Cloneworld to return to Rectoid space. Two Indy 35B warships have been diverted from the Rim Worlds sector to the DDS-Clone Star Empire border.

A Rectoid spokesrectoid on Cloneworld has said the presence of the Rectoid is "none of the DDS business" and that they would continue their mission as agreed with the Clones. Though later the Rectoids and Clones later made a joint announcement that the visit would be extended until the new year.

• The first of 4 intelligence gathering ships for the Clone Navy has entered service a few months early. The ship is one of a group of medium sized cargo vessels purchased by the CN earlier in the year. The ships (all of the same type, they were purchased cheaply from a bankrupt transport company) are 9,500 ton freighters which have been fitted out with intelligence gathering equipment, analysis rooms, a mainframe computer and a comprehensive communications suite. The ships have been fitted with a SA-N-6A battery and 2 20mm guns for self-defence. They have also been fitted with a helipad though have no hangar facilities and will not normally carry their own helicopter. The ships are to be known as the Albatross class. Much of the Albatross class is remaining classified, including their appearance, which is said to have not changed greatly from their commercial role - much of the new equipment and weapons being hidden by panels. 

Rectoid squadron visits Cloneworld

A squadron of Rectoid "mushroom" warships has visited Cloneworld as part of the growing ties between the Rectoids and the Clone Star Empire. The 5 ships will take part in exercises with Clone Space Navy warships and also there will be a chance for CSN officers to have tours of the Rectoid ships.

Interestingly the name of these iconic warships which caused the DDS so much trouble in the mid-2100s has been revealed finally by a Clone Defence Forces magazine. They were referred to as Mekit 5Bs.