5 December 2923

To: Comm Node 8235 - Protocol "April"
CC: Box 42352 - Office of the Advocacy: Nul Section, Box 30362 - Office of Naval Intelligence: Vanduul Division, Box 13252 Imperial Intelligence: Western Division.
From: Field Analyst "Lukewarm"

Senior Analyst "Cobbler," and Vanduul Specialists:

I am sending you this communique regarding a particular movement that was been growing of late. Yet it does not seem to be a political movement, but an informal collection of civilian pilots and spacers. They come from all manner of backgrounds, professions and views of the UEE. We are seeing a lot of comm chatter indicating that unusual contacts are being made between former military, Bounty Hunters, Merchantmen, Separatists, Smugglers and even out right Pirates.

Intelligence assets have confirmed that this is not a minor criminal conspiracy as was previously thought. In fact most are ordinary and law abiding Citizens. Yet we are seeing Merchantmen and Pirate groups communicating with each other. Comm taps revealed that these are not bribes, blackmail, nor smuggling. Rather they are pledges of humanitarian aid and support toward each other at a future date. Members of other factions normally and violently opposed toward each other are also mingling in unusual ways.

The data forwarded to myself and has been included in the enclosed attachments show that these elements are actively planning a joint paramilitary strike against the Vanduul centered around the abandoned colony of Orion. They are angered by the perception that the UEE in general have not taken a strong enough stance against this enemy and are merely watching as they gather on the other side of the border. The agendas are varied as would be expected among such diverse and normally opposed elements. But many are coming together, united long enough in order to attempt an attack and secure the Orion system.

So far we have only uncovered a stockpiling of legally obtained vessels committed to this "Operation Pitchfork." My contacts within the Advocacy have reported that as of yet there are no upsurges of illegal weapons being smuggled. However, it has been not been made secret that they now boast over 5,000 ships with which to engage the Horde. I do not believe that the military has used so many ships against a foe in a single campaign before. Their odds however are the purview of the Navy, which I am also forwarding.

This could be alarming if not for the fact that there is a call for a PR campaign asking for support from the intelligence and military arms of the UEE as well as that of the Senate. It is true that there are those with criminal or separatist agendas should Orion be taken. But it is unlikely that there would be any fruition of anything serious due to the fragmented nature of this movement. They are united against a single enemy, but not in their personal agendas. They will no doubt maintain contacts, but the movement will lose cohesion in anything other than their shared opposition of the Vanduul.

To be pragmatic, it might be cost effective to allow this for the time being. Subsidizing docking fees, insurance, and civilian ordinance supply temporarily would be much less expensive than replacing military ships and equipment, not to mention trained personnel lost in a similar endevour. And there is evidence of increased Vanduul activity along the border. Bounties are being collected at an increased rate, but this does not indicate that pilots are keeping the border secure. Being a predatory species, it would seem more likely that one or two Hordes are probing for weaknesses to exploit. It is my belief that this, along with the long history involving Vanduul raiding, that is fueling these "Forkers."

I will continue to analyze the data as it comes in, and await further instructions regarding "Operation Pitchfork."

Field Analyst "Lukewarm"

[Data files attached]