Captain's log 161803
That was too close for comfort. Two Charlie squadrons at Earth, with the fleet not even in the same system. One false move from either side and it would have been nuclear war on a much greater scale than the cataclysm of 2012. The Charlie's appear to have dropped an espionage team, but why they would be so obvious about it is beyond me. Perhaps they are trying to overawe us with their arrogance? Maybe they consider us so inferior that they don't care? Or perhaps they are trying to provoke us, their hawks seeking a cassus belli to persuade their doves. If only the diplo team could hurry up and find out just what it is Charlie is after.
Still, as tense as the encounter was, it paled in comparison to what happened next. As soon as we passed through the jump gate to Sol, the Charlie squadrons changed course in our direction. We still had no idea of their intentions, and our massed fleet for all its splendor was vulnerable without Earth's defences. The pressure proved too much for our scan officer, and he cracked, painting the Charlie's as hostile and greenlighting missile launch. Of course, the integrated battle network passed that on to the entirity of the fleet. Fortunately the weapons officer did not launch missiles, being at too great a range and not having my orders. A pair of quick thinking scan technicians disregarded rank and restrained the scan officer, and communicated to the bridge what had happened. The officer is currently sedated in the brig, awaiting psychological testing. The technicians hve received a verbal reprimand and an extended shore leave, including an expenses paid holiday at a destination of their choice.
Anyway, the fleet turned off course to give Charlie some space, and Charlie seemed content to let us go. We came through unscathed and apparently still at peace, but I'm deeply concerned about the whole affair. I'm also concerned that that one scan officer can come so close to setting off a galactic war, we need to implement more stringent security protocols for the battle network. I shall make sure to pass this on at the court martial of that officer.
Captain Rackham
ESN Sirius