Independent News Network 8th May 2611 -Special News Update- Deep within the Vega sector in the early hours of this morning, Federation forces clashed with a superior number of Coalition vessels in a battle the likes of which hasn't been seen since the formation of the Federation. Victory of the battle is being claimed by both the Coalition and the Federation, with Federal spokesmen saying the battle was the result of a successful rescue operation of a navy patrol. News reports from within the Vega Commonwealth are declaring a combined Vegan and Dayton-Aomori Fleet repelled a major assault by Federation forces on the Vega system. Ships from the 3rd Fleet were patrolling the area when it now appears they stumbled upon the staging area of a huge Coalition battle fleet. Retreating under heavy attack and unwilling to engage their jump drives and leave behind comrades in crippled vessels, the heavily outnumbered force were slowly re-enforced with all the available 3rd Fleet ships in the area. Homeward bound elements of the veteran 6th Fleet were re-directed to the area in an attempt to distract pursuing enemy ships long enough for the now heavily damaged convoy of 3rd Fleet ships to regroup and jump out-system once casualties and crew had transferred from all damaged ships. Exact numbers of casualties or lost vessels have not been revealed but casualties are expected to be in the hundreds with at least 10 frigates, and many more corvettes destroyed. A handful of damaged vessels had to be scuppered due to being unable to engage their jump drive. An emergency meeting of the Federal Assembly is currently underway, and a social and economic shift to a complete war footing is expected to be announced shortly afterwards. All Cadet Corp commanders have already been ordered to report to their regional camps in preparation of the announcement. All shore leave for Fleet personnel has also been cancelled. Jump Traffic Control has warned of an increase in travel times as citizens seek to return to their home worlds. Increased traffic requires wider jump dispersals, so plan for an extra day or two of in system flight. No matter whoever claims victory in this battle, one thing is clear, the rebuilt strength of the old Corporations has been revealed, and it now seems that a return to war on the scale of the dark years is unavoidable. While it is true that the Federation is much stronger now than it has ever been, the Corporations that were spared after the old wars are now united against all that the Federation stands for. .: Credits :. The Expansion Project Team are: Jody Armstrong (Jarm) Frank Berger (Franky) Billy Bowers (billy-home) Stuart Clarkson (laughingnome) Jonathan Hill (Obiwan) Francesco Navarro (Moebius87) Graham Shaw (gps) Works In Progress, and other works can also be found in other team member's galleries. Thanks for viewing.