Mission Brief

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Imperial Interstellar Scout Service
Intelligence Branch

cc External Mapping Branch, Regina

Warning this brief contains information on sources and methods and is not authorized for release to individuals with clearances below compartmented level 8.

HUMIT (Human Intelligent) sources have reported a high level of Zhodani activity in the coreward regions of the Consulate. This activity has been verified by Longbow II sources. INI analysis discounts the level of coreward penetration. The Iridium Throne disagrees.
The IISS has been directed to send several expeditions through Consulate or Expanse space to discover the extent of Zhodani Consulate Exploration. This expedition, codename Pathways, will utilize the IGS Nicolas de Nicolay (CNS-2005), a Leviathan-class Merchant Cruiser.
The Nicolas de Nicolay (NdN) was constructed at the Blistein Yards at Glisten (Glisten). The vessel was laid down in 1092 and completed its commissioning flight in 1096. It was initially assigned to the Special Phenomena Investigation Branch of the Imperial Grand Survey. In 1116 it completed a 2 year overhaul at the Magash Shipbuilding and Spacedock facility at Magash (Sabine).  As part of its overhaul the NdN was extensively refit for duty with the External Mapping Branch. Upgrades include modernization of many of its systems to (G)TL-12. It has been provided with a larger (G)TL-12 jump drive and main engines, larger fuel tanks to allow extended range while carrying two new Kiigemda-class Multi Mission Scouts. (In its original configuration the de Nicolay carried two Sulieman Scouts which reduced its jump radius due to the extra 200 dton load.) The pinnaces and one of the 10-dton launches previously carried have been replaced by a Sirigerkhe-class Stealth Cutter. Including the cutter modules carried by the two scouts and cutter the vessel can embark 6 stealth variant modules.
A refurbished Zhodani 20-ton ship's boat will replace the NdN's remaining second lifeboat. The ship's boat has been refurbished to provide a craft more capable of being able to covertly approach Consulate worlds. Details on the Nicolas de Nicolay will follow in subsequent briefings.

Expedition Outline
The purpose of the expedition is to gather intelligence, map coreward systems, including Consulate expedition waystations, and attempt to determine the scope of Zhodani influence without becoming entangled with the Consulate government or intelligence services. The ship should avoid interaction with Consulate forces. Once in system every effort should be made to map the system without contact with any Zhodani forces present. Refueling should be done at a remote Gas Giant (GG) or in one of the belts (from ice asteroids.) If necessary, and if contact with Zhodani is deemed low risk, planetary ocean refueling may be conducted.
Contact with resident species and governments is permitted, provided that a certain amount of discretion is utilized (hence the Zhodani ship's boat.)