Data Burst Recorded 07s Prior to Detonation of Ship-to-Ship Warhead

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Recon Log: 401-070
Location: Star System B552 Planetary Body 4
First contact with alien race has been verified. Encounter with unknown
ship one standard day ago was investigated. It jumped into system
escorted by a number of smaller craft. Communications were received from
the ship shortly after arrival. Translations are underway and some
progress has been made. The ship departed following the transmission and
has not been seen since. From what we have deciphered of the message so
far, they wish to meet here again at this time in order to attempt
further communication. This log will serve as a record of this meeting.
--Unknown ship has jumped back into system at this time. Attempting to
initiate contact with ship. Channel open. Transmitting message. No
confirmation of receipt. No transmission from unknown ship either. Ship
has jumped outsystem without warning. Orders to pursue are not given.
Returning to base to wait.
--Three ships of similar design have jumped into close space. Smaller
escorts are visible and patrolling. We have called warships from the
surface of B552-4 in the event of conflict. Communications established
againreceiving transmission from closest ship. Translation time has
been cut drastically based on study of initial transmission. Will update
when information becomes available.
--Ships appear visibly agitated by the appearance of our military vessels.
They are repositioning in new formationsspreading out. Recent
transmission has now been deciphered. Concluded race has hostile
intentions. They have made demands of our surrender and have told our
forces to stand down or be dealt with. Our reply was cautious and
peaceful. We ask for amity, but will not be bullied. We have sent them
cultural data, hoping to learn of them in return.
--Two new ships have appeared. They bare similar design as the others. All
five seem to be battle-capable. Alert: All vessels accelerating, visible
weapon systems deployed and ready. Contact! Seven more ships have
appeared behind our cluster. Two of seven detaching, heading for B552-4.
Firing!
--Aliens have destroyed shipyards on surface with tactical weapons. Our
limited vessels stood little chance. All four ships in orbit at the time
engaged the vessels. Smaller fighter craft exited the unknown ships and
strafed the grouping. We attempted ship-to-ship fire to no avail. Enemy

contacts had adequate defense systems in place. Of the twelve ships they
had available, only five engaged us. The first two to reach the planet
continued to fire on the surface, eliminating not only tactical, but
clear civilian targets as well. Upon destroying three of our craft the
alien ships ceased fire. This reconnaissance vessel has returned to the
surviving ship.
--This log has been archived. It will be transmitted momentarily. Expected
that this ship will be destroyed after final transmission. This act may
be considered hostile. Their last message to us has been delivered. It
was a short reply to our cultural background. We know their names.
They call themselves Human.