Because the Open Letter To The UEE is going to be a group effort, and sent with some fanfare, this is the thread for the letter writing campaign to CIG.

The goal here is to RP as humans sending IRL letters to CIG addressed to the UEE. These are personal letters to the UEE that does not have to be described here if you do not want to. But let us know if you've sent one! If you do want to share the contents of your letter before or after sending it, that's ok too.

So I know we said "personal letters" but I came up with something a bit different...

Since I was expecting a lot of letters from relatives asking the UEE to stop the raiding and people complaining they are always in danger and how the Vanduul are so mean and stuff I thought I'd board the Vanduul Threat from another side... Specifically... the way some individuals might be using it for their advantage.

Tell me what you think please...

-------------------------------------------------

*** USER ATTENTION REQUIRED ***

2943-11-21_13:20 SET - Warning and Control Satellite Network Link Malfunction.

<<Call links>>

REPORT: WACSN-L2 unresponsive.

<<Access last log received>>

ERROR 308:  Formatting outside system parameters.

<<Access second to last log received>>

ERROR 308: Formatting outside system parameters.

<<Scan database back-ups for WACSN-L2>>

REPORT:  Found 2102 corrupted logs.

<<Access last functional log>>

ACCESSING...

// 2943-04-03_12:23 SET - ACTIVE SENSORS ONLINE
// SCANNING CONTACTS...
// NO-THREAT

// 2943-04-03_23:15 SET - ACTIVE SENSORS ONLINE
// SCANNING CONTACTS...
// NO-THREAT

// 2943-04-04_05:17 SET - ACTIVE SENSORS ONLINE
// SCANNING CONTACTS...
// ERROR - PILOT INFORMATION UNAVAILABLE.
// SCANNING HULL ID...
// ERROR - CONTACT LOST
// SENDING SHIP-MAKE AND ESTIMATED COURSE TO NEARBY UEEN PATROL...
// PROPAGATING REPORT THROUGH LINK NETWORK...
// DONE

// 2943-04-05_06:01 SET - ACTIVE SENSORS ONLINE
// SCANNING CONTACTS...
// NO-THREAT

// 2943-04-05_06:17 SET - CIVILIAN VESSEL APPROACHING LINK'S NO-FLY ZONE
// ISSUING WARNING...

// 2943-04-05_06:19 SET - CIVILIAN VESSEL INSIDE LINK'S NO-FLY ZONE
// ACTIVATING MANEUVERING THRUSTERS...
// ISSUING WARNING...
// ISSUING WARNING...
// ISSUING WARNING...
// ERROR - LOG FILE TRUNCATED

// 2943-04-05_23:59 SET - WACSN PROTOCOLS ACTIVATED
// UPLOADING LATEST LOG FILES...
// DONE

<< Display Contact Information for 2943-04-05_06:01 SET event >>

CONTACT:   PILOT                              Jonathan Lebrüe (ID-2897/51381219)
                  OCCUPATION                   Mercenary/Garron SDF Militia
                  SHIP                               MISC Freelancer (MY-2927/235975VS02)
                  CARGO                            None detected
                  CRIMINAL RECORD          Transport & Possession of illegal substances
                                                        Transport & Possession of illegal modules
                                                        Disorderly Behavior
                                                        Resisting Arrest
                                                        No active warrants
                  THREAT LEVEL                 No-Threat

<< Cross-referen->>

WARNING: High-Threat contacts reported by WACSN-L3

<< Isseu system wide wraning >>

ERROR: Command not recognized.

<< Issue system wide wraning >>

ERROR: Command not recognized.

<< ISSUE SYSTEM WIDE WARNING >>

REPORT: Propagating through network...

DONE

<< Lists entries for ID-2897/51381219 >>

QUERY: Limit available data to this system's network?

<< Accept >>

2943-04-15_12:18 SET -      WACSN-L2 reports HIGH-THREAT contacts have been destroyed
                                          Bounties Awarded to ID-2897/51381219

2943-04-21_08:32 SET -      WACSN-L2 reports HIGH-THREAT contacts have been destroyed
                                          Bounties Awarded to ID-2897/51381219

2943-05-10_15:21 SET -      WACSN-L2 reports HIGH-THREAT contacts have been destroyed
                                          Bounties Awarded to ID-2897/51381219

2943-05-17_12:18 SET -      WACSN-L2 reports HIGH-THREAT contacts have been destroyed
                                          Bounties Awarded to ID-2897/51381219

2943-05-29_01:52 SET -      WACSN-L2 reports HIGH-THREAT contacts have been destroyed
                                          Bounties Awarded to ID-2897/51381219

2943-06-07_01:52 SET -      WACSN-L2 reports HIGH---

<< Summarize entries >>

QUERY: Parameters?

<< Bounties claimed and credits earned over time >>

REPORT: ID-2897/51381219 has claimed 53 bounties on HIGH-THREAT targets and earned UEEC 1.525.500 in the last six months.

<< Send Report to WACSN Central >>

Heh, that's pretty funny.

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]

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]

Awesome work. That was a great read.

I don't know if you've sent it or not, but would you want some data files from other people to attach to it looking like they're reports sent to you? Might make it a bit of a project though. Let me know if you're open to that idea.

No, Benji I have not sent it. Figured I'd post it here as for when they are ready to send as a collection, and for others to reference to see what has already done, and for constructive criticism. Just wanted to add something different than many letters all from families crying out for Vanduul blood.

If someone wishes to add to this (like I already used the first one from the Satellite Network as a reference) they are free to do so, but we also need letters from husbands, wives, children, military officers, law enforcement, freighter captains, and perhaps even those on the other side of the law.

The more letters people write with their differing styles and themes, the greater impact it can have.

Ok. I was thinking more like official reports from insiders being attached documents to yours, since you have the [Data files attached] at the end. I'll think up some things to write, when I've got time. I still need to finish the shirts, and check on the coins, and organize a data packet for the different organizations that are interested in joining.

I've got a letter worked, will throw it up soon but just wanted to clarify how we were sending these to CIG and if it is done in a batch when we would be looking to do so?

They should be physical letters sent to one of their offices, role-played as a Citizen of the UEE. We can send these letters in pell-mell until we send the united OPPF letter in January. Emails are acceptable as well, though.

Running with the concept of looking to do something different combined with the Pacific being between myself and the LA offices of CIG I actually made a short vid for my letter. It's role played as a journalist looking to cover the operation.

I'm actually keen to try and report the operation as it unfolds in a series as detailed in the vid, they'd be great propaganda pieces and records.

Let me know if it's not holding to the idea of the letters and I'll get something else done for this to add in.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-FEctJX7_I[/youtube]

My laptop can't handle Youtube very well anymore, but I'll give this a watch when I get home tonight. I'll let you know after I see it. But that's an interesting idea, being a journalist. We definitely need some on the inside of OPPF reporting to the rest of the Citizens.

Yea I think it really does lend itself to some great concepts, interviews with some of the heavies from the operation, battle footage, docos on supply lines, updates on things such as the scouting missions to name a few options.

If we look at how media are used in today's conflicts it can generate a huge amount of sway in opinion.

I like the idea. You could probably try and sound a tad more 'positive' though, you sounded a tad bored in that vid. The content was pretty good though.

I agree, and liked the video and concept. I might suggest increasing the volume a bit and speaking a tad slower. But I can struggle with auditory processing at times, so maybe that's just me.

Like what Ratu was saying; perhaps add a "neutral professionalism while covering an exciting story" vibe to it. Of course American News media is mostly sensationalism when reporting. I'm sure other countries are more grounded

I really liked it. Great work. I didn't have any trouble with the speed of what you were talking, but I've been told I talk relatively fast myself. I don't think you had any problems with the inflection, I myself didn't really get a "bored" vibe at all.

We've got a channel on Youtube that someone started, so that may be a good base of operation for us to host your videos there, if you want to plan on making more. This could turn into its own spinoff, if you're up for it.

Cheers guys, thanks for the feedback.

Yea I've seen some news reports from the US and they are more animated than here in Oz, so there is likely to be cultural differences, probably can't avoid that. Having said that from a Role Play perspective you're likely to see differences in style from different systems as well. I do appreciate the comments and will take it on board.

My intention was to make a bunch of them and I'd be very happy to throw them up on the Pitchfork channel. As time goes on I'll just need to hit up some other ppl for interviews etc, and grab some footage from the alpha/beta test.

The last thing would be sending it to CIG on same date as the rest of the mail gets there. I can either send a physical copy, just need to know the right address, or I can send an email, again just need to know which person we're addressing this all to. Plenty of time though between now and Jan.

Personally, I think the American model to approaching news does not lend itself any sense of professionalism, so that's not really any sort of style I'd want to pursue. I've started a thread in the Art and Media Board for the Youtube channel, if you want to take a look at it, and make suggestions. We're going to start planning there for the channel.

I had a thought.  What if that letter is sent explaining our goal and requesting temporary pardons for the lawless elements in our group, and the imperator responds by telling us it wouldn't be in the UEE's best interest to allow us to attack the Vanduul.  What if we are told by attacking the Vanduul our survivors would be declared "enemies of the state"?

Not that it would stop me, I was just wondering.

Then we just keep pushing and then find a couple of star systems to call our home.

Like Orion. 

We had it in the works to ask for pardons. You may be interested in this thread here, if you haven't already seen it.

Open OPPF Letter to the UEE: http://operationpitchfork.com/forums/index.php?topic=481.0

Cool thanks for the info.

No problem, glad I could help.