NationStates Jolt Archive

--Tengoku City, USSJ--

With CACE military withdrawal from the USSJ, president kami was sure that without international involvement to the rebels were restricted, leaving the USSJ the ability to act freely on reunion. Operation Yosugaki was over, but a new operation was under way. Operation Shikakke. It called for the immedeate ground-air invasion of the rebels through the konodan mt. range. Naval forces were only needed to maintain blockade of rebel controlled waters. The operation went into effect as soon as it was signed.

--The konodan mt. range, USSJ garrison (HQ for operation Shikakke)--

With the order in effect, artillery/airforces began, and then completed the two week bombing campaign in the north with unexpected speed, accuracy, and minimal USSJ losses. Ground forces were just beggining into the konodan mountain range, taking the exact path that the first slaughtered USSJ unit had taken before the rebels cecession. They had met immedeate resistance. They had advanced, but had met resistance equivalent of those desperate to save their homeland... the end of the war was beggining...

BUMP

ooc: holy shit, did the impossible just happen, are nations going to <gasp> stay out of an internal conflict? i can hardly believe my eyes.

ooc: holy shit, did the impossible just happen, are nations going to <gasp> stay out of an internal conflict? i can hardly believe my eyes.

OOC: I'll send my entire navy if you really want me to...

No, actually I won't.

If you are in a position of power then, maybe, negotations could start. You would most likely end up having what you want without the hassle of a guerilla.

JNN


USSJ pushes the rebels out of the Konodan mt.s! Kodachi on full retreat to northern Rokugan!

Earlier today, scout planes reported that Rebel Kodachi military forces were on a full scale retreat from the Konodan mountain range. In about a month, USSJ forces have finally managed to break agressive kodachi defenses, but with dwindling Rebel air defenses and air support, which eventualy wearied out Kodachi. The word of the beggining of the final push of USSJ's 4 divisions of about 450,000 troops has also caused Gen. Tsudao to remass his forces along the edge of northern Rokugan. Agressive defenses there along with the power of the retreating forces have led strategists to believe that it will be atleast another month before Northern Roklugan is captured. This time maybe quickened if Kodachi's air defenses are completely taken out, but that is highly unlikely. More within the hour....

The CoVar Corporation has been hired by an anonymous backer to fly in international aid to the effected areas in Jigoku and the disputed region of New Jigoku. These flights will consist of Food, Water, Blankets, Medical Supplies, Toys, and Other Basic Items for Living. The flights are planned to began as soon they are cleared by the nation currently in control of the air space over Jigoku. We hope these flights will increase the standard of living for those suffering under this current conflict. We await you response.

Premier CEO President John Silver

OOC: Hidden in some flight there will also be weapons for the rebels. As well as the fact that the flights will be used to mask our smuggling operation now supplying the rebel. I assure you are smugglers are the best money can buy.

BUMP!

In the news today, there are unconfirmed reports of a single jet of unknown type bearing the markings of the WWAF flying over the konodan mountain range. President James Douglas was unavailable for comment at this time, but we here at Radio Wizza hope will work to keep you informed of the latest happenings in our fine nation.

In other news, two hundred terrorists are scheduled for execution tomorrow morning, after having been convicted of sabatoging various military equipment during the initial stages of the Jigoku region conflict.


(ooc - Just keeping an eye on things. Aerial survialence is such a good thing)

You' re watching KNN,

KNN Reporters currently undercover in Jigoku are having a hard time tracking the CACE offensive. It is unclear whether the offensive is on the move or nothing is happening, but there are rumours that smugglers are sectretly supplying the rebels. An undercover team got these pictures for you:
*Images of poor quality are shown of Jigokan tank collumns moving along a main road, and of Anierarch forces settling in a provincial capital.

"But now on to other, more exiting news. The new LordSquallFreeFepublic, or LSFR base in Knootoss has been completed. Called "Earth Base One", the partly subterrainean base will host a huge LSFR force which is expected to make its first move on behalf of Rave Shevanto" (The jounalist frowns, clearly struggeling with the pronounciation of that nation)...

You' re watching KNN,

KNN Reporters currently undercover in Jigoku are having a hard time tracking the CACE offensive

What CACE offensive? Unless I've missed it, Jigoku is taking care of this problem now.

OOC: Okay, maybe KNN likes to stir things up a little bit. But I haven't seen Jigoku around here.... so this is a RPing bump, if there is such a thing. But CACE forces are still present in Jigoku, and our journalists just film those...

KNN Reporters currently undercover in Jigoku are having a hard time tracking the CACE offensive.

The subtelty of international politics flies far above the head of private media, or so it seems for the continued incapability of a single privately owned media outlet to get even basic facts correct.

Naturally Celdonia is correct, there is no CACE offensive, and this is now a purely civil war. This would be a good time to point out the differance between the CACE and the WBO/SATO since reply was inappropriate when the accusation was made.

Bisides [sic], CACE has shown that it IS a military organisation and that it does not seperate economic and military interests.

The CACE is distinctly non-military, comprising of only one clause that pledges members to mutual defense in the case of an attack. The CACE does not need to nor has it ever sanctioned a war; the only time a member must seek 'permission' is when taking action against a fellow CACE member. It is impossible for there to be a CACE offensive because there are no CACE forces, no CACE military command, no CACE military inclination at all. Members may work together, as individuals who are allied within the CACE, but this does not involve the CACE.

What the underinformed delegate from Knootos might have been refering to is the fact that capitalism requires force in order to maintain its power relations. Pinkertons to prevent expropriations, withholding food, shelter and medicine unless you have money (which, duh, you must work for), and of course, military action to secure oil and markets for corporations. The CACE understand implicitly expansion of capitalism requires expansion of its military influence as well as the brutal impoverishment of the consumers ne workers newly brought under control. Either way, the CACE is incapable of launching an offensive because, as an organizaiton, it does not have the authority to call on forces. That power remains with individual nations, so that no people will ever be compelled into action they feel immoral, and any action taken by the allies within the CACE remain their actions, not the product of a supranational.

But such subtlety is lost on corporate cue card readers, for whom it is more important to be photogenic than informed.

Nathan Palouse
Minister of Information
SeOCC

The subtelty of international politics flies far above the head of private media, or so it seems for the continued incapability of a single privately owned media outlet to get even basic facts correct.
OOC: Private media, and it is not the only one. And yes, they got it wrong. I freely admit that, but it the fog of war. Reporters (has already been RPd) just see troops from CACE membernations and film it...

If I may summarise the rest of your comment: CACE is completely non-military exept for a mutual defence clause. (!) Capitalism is evil. :lol:

IC: Foreign minister Hans van Mierlo, when aked about this statement by a reporter: "o well this is just an example of the usual propaganda from their information minister. People know that by now. They can see out nation and ask the people. Nobody here feels opressed and if anyone feels like it they have a right to say so. But if you'll excuse me, I have to make a phone call with mrs. van der Laan regarding the Lavenrunzian conference on helping developing economies. " *Minister walks along to his car.* The seocc inflammatory statement does not make the evening news.

EDIT: now back to the war please...

OOC: Just to reassure everyone.. CACE has stepped down, but as many CACE members are also individual allies of the USSJ beyond CACE charter agreements, we have allowed those nations to stay and obvserve. They are in no way aiding to the USSJ-rebel war.

JNN

USSJ Captures Northern Rokugan, Kodachi in full retreat to Adok and Ehime!

The bulk of Kodachi resistance fled major Towns and cities in the Northern half of Rokugan (the southern part of Rokugan refused to cecede from the USSJ.) After hearing that over 10 Divisions of USSJ troops had passed through Konodan mt. Range (over one million soldiers), General Tsudao ordered his outnumbered defenses to restock defenses in Ehime and Adok. A counter offensive is likely as the tiny remainder of Rebel Airforces has combined with Kodachi's army power. USSJ forces in the Northern Part of Rokugan continue to weed out rebel forces that refuse to surrender arresting rebel soldiers who refuse to surrender. Politicians in heavily populated areas were removed and a temporary state of martial law has been declared.

President Kami is expected to recruit even more divisions into the rebel lands aas USSJ troops continue to secure Rokugan. Civillians are being treated as citizens of the USSJ again and plans to rebuild the devastated province are already being put into effect.

Bump

(OOC: *reminds Jigoku that the rebels are being aided by mercenaries*, otherwise, go on. We are not interfering untill we are contacted by the New Jigokan government...)

(OOC: *reminds Jigoku that the rebels are being aided by mercenaries*, otherwise, go on. We are not interfering untill we are contacted by the New Jigokan government...)


Ryoku Honaku knew that even with mercenary power, New Jigoku could not with stand an attack from over 10 divisions with air support. Losing Rokugan was inevitable. He also figured that USSJ forces will be bogged down for the time being rooting out the major cities and towns of N.Rookugan giving time to heavily reinforce Ehime and Adok while preparing for the counter assault. Meanwhile he had decided to ask once more for aide from New Jigoku's allies in this conflict. He knew that the USSJ had chosen to keep CACE out of this as CACE's direct involvement would immedeatly mean economic disaster. Honaku stood the same risk by calling again for help but he cared not. The survival of New Jigoku was at stake.

--To nations who have sent aide to New Jigoku--

Our enemies feel that they can over power us with a mere show of numbers. They claim that they are using no forces but their own yet other CACE military forces remain in the USSJ and CACE boats still patrol New Jigoku waters. This is intolerable and we ask that anyone help in anyway possible!

President Ryoku Honaku,
New Jigoku

Deep in New Jigoku a small beat-up Toyota pick-up speeds down a lonely road in the back concealed behind bails of hay is crate. The driver coughs again and the truck swerves. Beside him the younger back-up driver looks concerned. They will reach their target, with a prize that should be able to turn the war.

{Meanwhile On Diplomatic Front}

Due to increasing concern over the situation of those civilians caught in this violent war and the rising cost of our pilots sitting and waiting for approval, CoVar plans to immediately begin aid flights to Jigoku and the disputed region that the rebels call New Jigoku.

{Secretly along the Jigoku Border}

A small group of black helicopters flew low to the group in the dead of night. Inside the best Commandos money could buy rested waiting to join up with those their financers had wanted supported. One many groups, secretly moving across the Jigoku border and into the disputed region being farried secretly and avoiding the notice of a watchful military charging onward toward battle, the helicopter would soon arrive to back already beleagured forces that struggled for independance.

OOC: I am a bit insulted my Mercenaries can't save the rebellion, but I like no-win situations so I will try anyway.

OOC: I am a bit insulted my Mercenaries can't save the rebellion, but I like no-win situations so I will try anyway.

OOC: Erm.. sorry if I based my assumption that the mercenaries loyalty was questionable. I figured that they would rather surrender and live than die for a cause they were being paid to fight for. Anyway, expect the bulkhead of mercenary forces to be used in the upcoming counter offensive.

Meanwhile...

--Ryoku Honaku's Presidential Office, New Jigoku--

With the package from Covar Corp confirmed en route to safe point all was fitting in place. Honaku was seriously doubting the use of WMD, but he was prepared to use it if all else failed. The rebels had'nt yet totally cleared Northern Rokugan and were currently bogged down. Kodachi/ Mercenary forces had fully re-established themselves and were on stand by. He had agreed with his generals that a two pronged offensive while the USSJ forces were still fighting for full control of N. Rokugan would be the most effective. Plans were beiong finalized by his commanders.

--New Jigoku War Room--

Gen. Tsudao was reviewing the final battle plan drafts. Kodachi forces numbering 300,000 would drive southwest from Ehime to rouse the USSJ forces clearing out N.Rokugan. When USSJ forces had fully taken up defenses against the assaulting Kodachi force, Kodachi/Mercenary forces of about 800,000 would sweep far south then strike east to cut off and eliminate the 10 USSJ divisions. Timing was the key. If USSJ relief divisions had arrived before the Kodachi forces could encircle the 10 divisions the entire New Jigoku offensive could be thrown back. After Tsudao gave the go ahead, Kodachi Division Commandos recieved orders to prepare their men for the assault.

--Tengoku City, USSJ--

President Kami was deep in thought again. Why hadn't the Rebels made a greater effort to save N. Rokugan? Were they truly preparing for a counter-offensive? And what was this 'package' that intel kept reffering to? WMD? No. The Rebels wouldn't dare take up WMD against their Kin in the south. Not at the cost of victory for their rebellion. Then again, Honaku was very unpredictable. His thoughts returned to the possiblity of a counter offensive. It must be. Kodachi must be planning some snide attack to destroy the 10 Jigoku divisions. The 10 relief divisions were near completion of battle status and would join the main assault force as soon as they were battle-ready. His Air Force was also unseccusful of clearing all Rebel air defenses and Rebel pilots were some of the gutsiest his wing commanders had engaged. But Maintaining Air Supremacy was critical. It meant that USSJ victory was still basically assured.... as long as the USSJ remained on the offensive...

ooc: holy shit, did the impossible just happen, are nations going to <gasp> stay out of an internal conflict? i can hardly believe my eyes.

You post it in the forums, you have to live with the consequences. See RL- example Kosovo.

ooc: holy shit, did the impossible just happen, are nations going to <gasp> stay out of an internal conflict? i can hardly believe my eyes.

You post it in the forums, you have to live with the consequences. See RL- example Kosovo.

Ahem.. SeOCC's styate ment doesn't exactly look totally true. 8)

Bumparoo

:mrgreen:

The small pick-up pulled up to secluded dock somewhere near or in Jigoku/New Jigoku. The driver stepped out as did his passenger. Both made a precursory look at what they had been transporting as the crate was unloaded. The passenger walked up to a man standing on the dock as the crate was loaded into a stealth submarine.

"So why were we recalled," he asked in a raspy voice.

"Corporate said that our employer set some guidelines for our operation," the other man replied. The coughing of the driver in the background can be heard.

"What am I supposed to do with him," the passenger asks gesturing to the driver.

"Does he know anything," was the response.

"No, he's totally oblivious." The passenger watched the last of the loading crew disappear inside the submarine.

"Good, keep it that way. Send pay him and send him home. Then load up, we leave immediately." The man turned and also disappeared in the submarine. In a few minute the stealth submarine disappear below the ocean waves not to be see in that territory for a long time.

{Secretly in "New" Jigoku}

The cameoflaged tent was a buz with activity. In it's center was a table with a map layed out on it, another table held Laptops and other military computer equipment, both were swarming with military types in various mercenary uniforms. Several bore similar badges; the badges of various mercenary groups, a few of a CoVar front mercenary group, and a few well-known mercenary groups. One man, the only one in the tent wearing a CoVar badge, stand tall ordering men around, obviously the commander of the mercenaries.

"So we have the enemy here, here, and here." The Commander gestures on the Map and again looks at his clipboard sized PDA. "We are going to hit them here and here." Gestures again. "Besides being a offensive along with the rebels, you." Points to one of the other men. "Are going to lead your commando operatives in the attacks on their supply lines, communication centers, and fuel depots." There is a nod of the man's head.

Interrupting the commander a man runs into the tent. "Sir, Corporate reports increased financial backing for our operations. Sounds like a second nations has started funding," the mercenary interrupts.

"Good," the commander replies. "Have you heard anything about the specialist teams I requested and what is the status of the package."

"The specialists have been allowed by our funders and the package was successfully diverted," the mercenary responds.

"Good." The commander smiles broadly. "Very Good."

OOC: Erm.. sorry if I based my assumption that the mercenaries loyalty was questionable. I figured that they would rather surrender and live than die for a cause they were being paid to fight for. Anyway, expect the bulkhead of mercenary forces to be used in the upcoming counter offensive.

OOC: Your probably right they would rather surrender than die in most cases. Their loyalties as always are firm to me, though, and I more meant that they are highly-skilled. They will not however easily give up their employer, that is if they know their employer. CoVar operates extremely secretively. Anyway, glad to hear they will be used effectively.

BUMP: counteroffensive?

A top medical team is en route to Jigoku aboard a V-44 from the base at Volonia. They will land in the mountains where most of the fighting is going on, it seems, to provide medical aid to the local populace.

"This is Carpetbagger to base, we have crossed the border."

"We copy, Carpetbagger. Remain on this heading and your ETA should be one hour, forty-five minutes."

"Roger, base. We are now descending to low altitude to avoid SAMs."

"I see tracers, sir!"

"I know, I know! Base, we have encountered sporadic gunfire. Small arms, we think."

"We copy, Carpetbagger. You still have the green light."

"Ok base."

"Sir, RWR warning!"

The pilot sees a shoulder-fired SAM come out of the treetops to his left.

"Crap! Jink, SAM!"

The V-44 makes a sharp turn twoard the SAM and at the last moment pulls away and deploys chaff and flares. The SAM flies over the left wing and explodes behind the V-44, sending shrapnel into the carro door.

"That was close. Base, we see the site."

"Thats good to hear, Carpetbagger. You are clear to continue."

President Eric Manoni's Office
Abbott Presidental Palace
Capital City of Abbott

President Eric Manoni was in his office. He was busy with the day to day affairs of the goverment. Suddenly General Bill Spirit, the minister of the Kerlan Armed Forces burst in the room. He was weearing the starnard dress uniform for Kerlan generals. "Eric, we have a problem right now." Manoni turned to him curiously. He wanted to know what was so imporant that Spirit had to burst right into his office. Of course they were good friends but it had to be imporant if he marched right in his office. "What is it Bill" Manoni asked. "You know about the situration in Jigoku right?" Manoni looked at him and said "Of course I know about. The north have broken away and is trying to estabish capitalism the misguided fools." Spirit said "Yeah well the north is having some support from merchanies and they are getting stronger." Manoni turne away for a second. That comment did not make him happy. "How is Jigoku doing fighting them. Spirit commented with "Well they are doing fine. However I don't know if they can hold them off long enough. I personally think that we should give them support." Manoni then said "I disagree with you Bill. I think we should watch. If they need our help they will ask for it. As much as I would love sending our trops there it won't help yet but maybe later. Lets just show the WBO and SATO we are not a warmongering alliance and make them look stupid."

The Blazing Sword Mercenaries would like to state that while they do not think the SAM was their's they have issued a statement that state support of all humanitarian missions launched into Jigoku and that their forces and those mercenary groups that they are commanding will not fire at any humanitarian flights. If the SAM does turn out to be fired from any mercenary group supporting New Jigoku, the Blazing Sword, which is in overall command of all mercenary groups currently supporting New Jigoku, appologizes.

Colonel Jake "Plasma" Sworde, Blazing Sword Mercenary Force (New Jigoku)

{Within Jigoku-Controlled Territory}

The convoy rolled down the old dirt road kicking up a small cloud of dust behind them. Little did they know what waited ahead of them. In the forested area ahead lurked a prepared group of battle-hardened mercenary commandos ready to attack. Around a sharp curve in the road sat a fallen tree, which would be the trigger for the coming attack.

In the brush the mercenary moved far away from the road. One rushed up to their commander. "Sir, everything is ready," he informed him.

"Okay, make sure everyone moves off then. We only move in once they are almost finished moving the tree out of the way," the Commander ordered looking straight into the eyes of younger mercenary. "Only then." He made his order clear.

OOC: Bump, let's get the action going again. Jigoku, I intend to capture the convoy. Just thought I should inform you and get the RPing going so I don't Godmod. Anyway, let get this war going.

OOC: Sorry I was gone for so long :(

IC:

The convoy was relatively unprepared for heavy fighting, or even a small ambush... it had been weeks, and the only action that the USSJ had with the rebels was continuing failed assaults at New Jigoku defensive positions. It was apparent that the Covar mercenaries were not as keen as withdrawing the way they did the first time in Rokugan.

A fallen tree was a head in the distance. The commander, feeling uneasy, deployed five scouts from the company of forty to inspect. About a hundred feet up the five had still noticed nothing. The rest of the envoy began to advance, when a roacket flashed, completely demolishing one of the envoy cars.

The commander was taken aback and yelled,"Cover, Cover ambush."

He immedeately radioed in to envoy HQ. All of the envoy was scattered. It was easy for the Mercenaries to pick of the USSJ troops one by one, it was amazing as to the amount of the Mercenaries increased and increased, it also was strange to note that the Mercenaries advanced from areas that did not look like they were adequetly prepared to defend. Which could only mean that the New Jigoku counteroffensive had been launched. He radioed his suspicion to HQ.

--Tengoku city, USSJ--

The news had spread across the entire USSJ. President Kami was full of frustration. Why had the rebels decided to attack the bulkhead of USSJ forces in the recently USSJ captured northern city of Rokugan? Obviously, the covzar mercenaries made up most of the initial assault. This meant that Honaku could have other possible mercenary links, and that he would truly stop at nothing to defend the rebels territory.

To make matters worse, the relief divisions had only just been organized and deployed. It was as if the rebels had expected a slow transition of divisions as te rebels had been silent for some time. President Kami had ordered all of the USSJ forces in Rokugan to remain alert from a massive counter attack which was considered imminent.

--Somewhere in Northern Rokugan, New Jigoku counter-offensive HQ--

The mercanary/New Jigoku officer command had just deployed the assault force when Kami had put USSJ forces on alert. Field reports indicated that the USSJ had been completely taken by surprise and immedeatly gave ground to the massive numbers of the assault force. Just as the New Jigoku/Mercenary command had been monitoring New Jigoku field status, the secret New Jigoku divisions were on their way to flank the USSJ positions heading south. They would head off the Retreatuing USSJ troops and would serve as a buffer to hold off the Relief division on its way. This meant that all in that division faced almost certain death, but were prepared to preserve New Jigoku, by preventing the relief divisions, and the retreating USSJ divisions to rendezvous.

--bump--

OOC: I really like that this is moving on but unfortunately I really have little to add, given my limited involvement. :roll:

KNN:
"... Bolkestein is expected to recover soon however. It it not yet clear when a memorial service in honour of state-secretary Arcamenel will be held, but they are expected to be soon. It is rumoured that the prime minister will suspend the elections and declare a state of emergency after this attack on democracy...

Foreign relations have also been strained by the incident, as many nation leaders condemned the attack. Demissionary Foreign minister Hans van Mierlo is still attempting to preserve relations but with the governments resignation he has little authority left.

You may believe it or not, but there also was other news abroad. We will round the issues up for you now. the New Jigoku offensive appears to be on the move as New Jigokan forces gain the upper hand, at least that is what we hear from Erwin Kroll, Erwin?"

"Yes indeed, I am standing here in a small village in the contested zone between the USSJ and New Jigoku. The villagers here are uncertain of what the future may bring them. The present gives reason to worry, as USSJ troops have actually left the village yesterday in order to be stationed elsewhere. New Jigokan forces are expected to arive at any time now to take control, and noone is looking forward to yet another transition of power in this volatile region.

This is Erwin Kroll reporting for KNN"

In about an hour after the Knootoss reporter made his prediction, over a hundred Covar/New Jigoku armored cars and tanks arrived at the small village. They had immedeatly set up HQ and were given updates from ongoing field reports of the USSJ retreating divisions...

--Waits for Covar Corp---

bump

BUMP for CoVar

:mrgreen:!!

{With Jigoku-Controlled Territory}

With all in the Convoy dead. The Commander walk up to the soldier holding the Rocket Launcher. "You Idoit," he roared. "Didn't I say clean kills! No Heavy Weapons!" He turn away and then turned back to the soldier. Fired two rounds in the soldier's chest with his hand gun and then went to check with his communication man.

Everything, but the firing of the rocket had gone as planned. The convoys radio transmission had been intercepted and they have talked with what they had thought was the nearest Jigoku base. Instead, they had chatted with a CoVar Mercenary hidden a few hundred yards away. A careful radio jamming had stopped the transmission there.

Meanwhile, the Mercenaries were taking over the convoy. A quick change of cargo and a change of uniforms and they were ready. So far only, they were on schedule. The convoy would arrive at it's destination and promptly blow everything away, when it detonated. Everyone knew this was a suicide mission, but the destruction of the nearest military base was worth it. After all won't that be where the USSJ forces would want to stage out of.

The Convoy moved out.

{Somewhere near Jigoku/New Jigoku Unofficial Border}

"The Command Post is set up, Sir," the young officer informed the CoVar commander.

"Good," the Commander replied as one of the CoVar Front Corporation Mercenaries walked up to him. The Mercenary was wearing the uniform of the Blazing Sword Mercenaries. "Launch the fake offensive. We will counterattack in the other direction when the Operation Convoy is complete.

"Yes, Sir," the Mercenary replied and left to carry out his order.

If was a good tactical maneuver. Fake to left and then attack to the right, but first he would soften them up a little.

--Somewhere near Jigoku/New Jigoku Unofficial Border--

The New Jigoku Infantry had heard the call for the false assault initiation and was prepared to advance... Into the night, 300,000 Covar/New Jigoku troops and over 5,000 tanks sped off to meet there retreating enemy....

--Retreating USSJ forces on the move--

The dwindiling USSJ forces had not anticipated such a hasty counter attack. about 400,000 troops were on the retreat to the edge of the northern Rokugan mountains to set up defensive perimeter... they were unaware of the forces on their way to head them off... the division commanders had decided to march all 400,000 divisions together, so they wouldn't be picked off one by one....

{With Jigoku-Controlled Territory}

The convoy pulled up to the guardhouse outside the Jigoku military base. A show of IDs and the unsuspecting soldiers let them enter.

The officer in charge marked their arrival, but something seem amiss to him. It almost looked like there was recent battle damage on a couple of the trucks, but they were old trucks. Still when he counted them there was one missing. He approached the lead truck to inquired.

"Where is the last truck," he demanded.

"There is more than a truck missing," was all the response he got before one of the soldiers that had started to unload the convoy yelled, "Bomb." And with that the convoy and much of the base was no more as the entire convoy detonated.

{Somewhere near Jigoku/New Jigoku Unofficial Border}

"They're on the run," an officer reported to the CoVar Commander.

The young officer ran up to him and gasping said, "Operation Convoy completed, repeat, Operation Convoy is a success."

The Commander smiled and then frowned. The Blazing Sword Mercenary Commander caught it. "What is wrong? Everything is going to plan," he asked.

"No, it's going better that planned," the Commander replied annoyed. He let his word hang in the air as he thought. Finally, he spoke, "Press your advance. You've got the Jigoku forces on the run. Keep them that way, and nibble at their heels, weaken them."

The Blazing Sword Commander acknowledged, but lingered to see what his commander was up to.

The CoVar Commander turned to the young officer. "Bring up the reserves and proceed with our plan to strike toward the damaged Jigoku base. We'll see how far we can press them."

OOC: Hope you don't mind me RP the attack on the base, Jigoku.

ooc: suicide mercenaries, that's gotta be a first.

ooc: he was blaying for the rebs as well...
But come on, conitinue... *wants to see how this ends*

ooc: suicide mercenaries, that's gotta be a first.

OOC: Families compensated handsomely, that is if they have families. Most recruited from local population. I pride myself in the quality of the service I provide.

OOC: Sorry for the delayed response again! And hey, Covar, It wouldn't be war if you DIDNT attack bases ;)

IC:

The USSJ Base was completely unprepared for such a well planned attack and they had, at the very least not anticipated mercenary suicide tactics (Really, i think that is a new dimension in combet :)) The Remnants were retreating as quickly as possible in constant pursuit by the advancing Mercenaries/Rebels...

Though the base was of a smaller size, it housed about 5,000 troops and over 2,000 were killed or deeply injured in the initial assault, while the survivors had hastily prepared to leave only for another thousand to be picked off by expert mercenary marksmanship while leaving the base. While the dwindling USSJ forces scrambling, the Commander of the base had radioed in for air support from the nearby USSJ airbase...

"Come in HQ, Come in HQ, there are Johnny (Enemy code name) every where... the blew the hell out of this stronghold and our squads are being shot to shit!"....

"Understood, commander your position is verified.... proceed to immedeate evac, the air strike is now a go.... HQ out."

The commander proceeded to leave the small compound amidst thousands of dead USSJ troops littering the perimeter... A Covar and rebel sniper in two different locations had their scopes set on the retreating commander and fired...the two hits had completely severed the commander's head as his body feel right at the exit of the base... this was going to be more than just a show of brute force as the USSJ had learned quickly...

--Air space over the destroyed base--

At over 80,000 feet in the air reconniasance planes had reported HUGE Covar/Rebel movements in pursuit of the retreating USSJ forces from the mountains of Northern Rokugan... the coordinates were in place and the Bombers dropped their payloads of bombs on the advancing rebels and mercenaries in hopes of buying some time...

bump

OOC: :shock: ARGH! :x It ate my entire post. This is depressing. Anyway, I'll try again, tomorrow. Going to sleep the anger off. Goodnight, all. :( :cry: :tantrum:

bl0rkken

{Somewhere Near the Jigoku/New Jigoku Unofficial Border}

The camouflaged command tent was again rampant with activity. Soldiers dashed back and forth carryout orders, as officer organized and issued those orders. Standing over a table with a map of Jigoku layed out on it, the overall CoVar Commander directed the fighting that was at that very moment taking place. A laptop was open set to a corner of the map to stop the wind from blowing it away. A couple of PDA were strewn around in places where the Commander had set them down and left them laying on the map.

"I don't care, press the attack," an officer ordered those under his command over a cell phone.

Approaching, the Commander was another of the mercenary army. On his shoulder he wore the badge of the Blazing Sword Mercenaries, but he was no ordinary mercenary. "Colonel Sworde," the CoVar Commander greated him.

"General," the Blazing Sword Commander replied. "I need air support, we're getting hammered by the Jigoku forces out there. Their slowing us."

The CoVar Commander frowned and look back at the map. "The Heat-Seekers not enough, then," he asked referring to the Heat-Seeking Surface-to-Air Missiles, CoVar mercenaries armed with Rocket Launchers had been supplied.

"No. They work, but we need something more," Colonel Sworde responded to the query. "I already lost almost a thousand men fighting the Jigoku troops and their air attacks. Rebels and my own Mercenaries. What I need is something to make them use their jets less."

The CoVar Commander thought for a minute. "I'll activate our Attack Helicopters and send them in to help. I've already, asked Corporate for our own aircraft and they've agread. We should have them soon."

And then he smiled. "Let the Jigoku forces retreat a little further away, I've already prepared for that. We are not in trouble, yet." His smiled broadened.

{Somewhere in Jigoku-Controlled Territory}

The armor column advanced down the road, moving toward the front a ways away. It would be a while before that got there, and with what lay ahead on the road they might never reach it. Unknown, to the Tanks rolling constantly forward they were now rolling over buried explosives.

That was not all, a day or so before a small team of CoVar operatives had slipped in and buried a long set of explosives all timed to go off when the convoy reached the edge of the mine field they had set.

They were acting on advance intelligence that told them the convoy would be coming. That was not the only reason though the hidden mine field ahead of the buried and disguised explosives, had been placed to deny the Jigoku army a route to the front. Spread along the road ahead a for a ways on either side of the road, were a vast smattering of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.

Worse for the Jigoku force, this was not the only minefeild that had been setup quickly by a small team of CoVar agents. Several other minefeild had been set in USSJ territory. And worse still, a couple of those mine feilds lay in the path of the retreating unsuspecting Jigoku troops.

OOC: I hate RP the same thing twice, never comes out the same. I like this better the first time.

ooc: how the hell are you getting all this equipment into Jigoku?

ooc: how the hell are you getting all this equipment into Jigoku?

:mrgreen:

ooc: how the hell are you getting all this equipment into Jigoku?

OOC: One of our prime businesses smuggling. Lot's and lot's of smuggling. Hiring third parties to transport and the like. We do a lot of smuggling here at CoVar, happens when your in the narcotics business. Anyway, each mine field isn't that big. Say a couple of hundred mines each.

--The fields of Northern Rokugan--

The Retreating USSJ troops were taterred and wearied... of the 1,000,000 originally there, the sudden rush of rebel and mercenary soldiers had caused panic and taken out 250,000 of the retreating force... while the aircampaign was becoming ever more succesful, the advancing Jigoku relief diisions were still a ways away...

Indeed this was the worst that the war had seen so far for Jigoku, and out of their loyalty to their Cace comrades and their unwillingness to give the WBO an excuse to openly support the rebels, they were in this on their own...how the rebels were getting money to pay for all the mercenary assistance, the president did not know, but indeed they were helping the rebels win...

The advance gaurd of ten thousand men marched on..then a blast erupted sending dozens flying about... minefeilds?...but that would be impossible..the mecenaries couldn't have gotten that far ahead of them? Amidst the confusion, the tanks opend fire on the mine feild in an attempt to clear it of all mines..this would most certainly bog the USSJ forces down... meanwhile scouts surveyed the area for mineless locations to cross.

The Celdonian Defence Minister left the special meeting and headed immediately for his office. His assistant arrived before he had time to park himself at his desk.

"You called for me Minister?"

"Yes, I want you to send a message to Jigoku." He paused to think for a moment before continuing. "Ask them again if they want us to intervene directly and publicly, this has gone on long enough. If they don't want us to intervene publicly tell them we'd like uniforms..thousands of them. And I want planes repainted."

The civil servant merely nods and takes down the details.

"Ok, you know what to tell them. Get it sent over and then I'll speak to someone about the details. Ok, go, go", he waves the official away.

With the sanction of the Jigoku government the MFA will begin border flights immediately. Green Knights, taking off from fields inside Jigoku, will patrol the airspace around North Jigoku and will aid the enforcement of the no-fly zone by intercepting aircraft before they enter. Aircraft found in violation of the no-fly zone will be shot down immediately with only one radio warning.

We have dispatched four Tincture class ships to aid in the patrol of Jigoku's border.

MFA Frontdesk

ooc: GK's have a sensor range of 200km+, Tinctures are slightly smaller than frigates and have ranges of 750km. if you are flying we will see you, so all you flying supplies into Jigoku please RP it with me.

With the sanction of the Jigoku government the MFA will begin border flights immediately. Green Knights, taking off from fields inside Jigoku, will patrol the airspace around North Jigoku and will aid the enforcement of the no-fly zone by intercepting aircraft before they enter. Aircraft found in violation of the no-fly zone will be shot down immediately with only one radio warning.

We have dispatched four Tincture class ships to aid in the patrol of Jigoku's border.

MFA Frontdesk

ooc: GK's have a sensor range of 200km+, Tinctures are slightly smaller than frigates and have ranges of 750km. if you are flying we will see you, so all you flying supplies into Jigoku please RP it with me.

You're flying next-gen fighters in a civil war? Have you thought about this at all?

Ok, you're talking supplies by the shedload, trained engineers to get shot, runways and parked aircraft that make tempting targets for rebels, supply lines ditto...You'll be pulling so many troops off the frontline to guard your bases you'll lose the war by default.

FYI, this is what ground troops with helicopter support are for.

You're flying next-gen fighters in a civil war? Have you thought about this at all?

Ok, you're talking supplies by the shedload, trained engineers to get shot, runways and parked aircraft that make tempting targets for rebels, supply lines ditto...You'll be pulling so many troops off the frontline to guard your bases you'll lose the war by default.

FYI, this is what ground troops with helicopter support are for.

ooc: what? i'm totally confused? those GK's are mine, they've been sitting there since this mess start, which is when i moved all my personell and equipment over there. and the airbases are in Jigoku, as in the USSJ, as in many miles away from the front lines. to clarify: i am not flying in support of ground troops, i'm just flying border patrols to prevent things from entering the nation. i don't know where you got all that from.

You're flying next-gen fighters in a civil war? Have you thought about this at all?

Ok, you're talking supplies by the shedload, trained engineers to get shot, runways and parked aircraft that make tempting targets for rebels, supply lines ditto...You'll be pulling so many troops off the frontline to guard your bases you'll lose the war by default.

FYI, this is what ground troops with helicopter support are for.

ooc: what? i'm totally confused? those GK's are mine, they've been sitting there since this mess start, which is when i moved all my personell and equipment over there. and the airbases are in Jigoku, as in the USSJ, as in many miles away from the front lines. to clarify: i am not flying in support of ground troops, i'm just flying border patrols to prevent things from entering the nation. i don't know where you got all that from.

Ah...The implication here is that you've just suddenly started this; perhaps it's just the wording. Still, it's a bad idea to use high grade stealth fighters, since they have even higher maintainance schedules (B-2s even need their own specifc paint stripper if you don't want to dissolve the stupid things), and don't forget you're in a civil war, not a nice 'those-guys-are-the-enemy' setup. Your airfields are big, vulnerable targets for any suicide bomber / mortar squad that might care to sneak up on them.

This is because I assume your military will have already warned you of this, even if you don't know it OOC.

Still, it's a bad idea to use high grade stealth fighters, since they have even higher maintainance schedules (B-2s even need their own specifc paint stripper if you don't want to dissolve the stupid things),

GK's are not 'stealth' craft, god knows i coudln't afford to have so many of the (30 + the ones Heliotis is still building beacuse their economy sucks). i think you'll agree that aircraft radar is way easier to jam than a ships...

and don't forget you're in a civil war, not a nice 'those-guys-are-the-enemy' setup. Your airfields are big, vulnerable targets for any suicide bomber / mortar squad that might care to sneak up on them.

my understanding of the field was that those threats were confined to the north, which declared itself independant. either way, if someone can RP their way into the USSJ, into the airfield, past my security, and then blow something up, good for them. i just want to see the RP.

(OOC: CoVar, I think you just found yourself a nice challenge. Now get your lazy ass over here. :P )

OOC: Sorry, all for the delay; College. I will try to keep up on my RPing. Expect a reply shortly.

{Airspace near Jigoku}

A series of submarines surfaces quickly. Their a small hangers opened, where normally missiles tubes would be, and helicopters raised into place. Within seconds, several were in the air speeding toward Jigoku and the mercenary armies of CoVar.

The submarines once again disappeared beneath the waves and headed back for their home ports as the group of helicopters sped away, nearly silent, their propellors causing ripples along the dark waters. Then the night was once again silent.

{Somewhere along the North Jigoku Border}

A convoy of trucks sped along a lonely dirt road moving swiftly toward the nearest rebel encampment. Jeeps armed with machine guns, an armored vehicle or two and one truck full or mercenaries were ready to defend the group. Meanwhile several big trucks full of supplies, weapons, and replacement parts for armored vehicles sped forward toward safety.

{Somewhere Near the Jigoku/New Jigoku Unofficial Border}

The camouflaged command tent was again rampant with activity. Soldiers dashed back and forth carryout orders, as officer organized and issued those orders. Standing over a table with a map of Jigoku layed out on it, the overall CoVar Commander directed the fighting that was at that very moment taking place. A laptop was open set to a corner of the map to stop the wind from blowing it away. A couple of PDA were strewn around in places where the Commander had set them down and left them laying on the map.

A young Mercenary Officer ran up to the CoVar Commander. "Sir, we have confirmation," the young Mercenary Officer informed. "Blockade and No-Fly Zones are being heavily enforced by the USSJ and their allies."

The Commander frowned and let out a sign. "Our people know what they are doing and for now our supplies should last. Are the 'Specialists' continuing their ramages," he asked.

"All team are continuing as per orders," the Officer said promptly.

"Good," the Commander stated and then swifted his weight looking over the map, again. "Move Engineering Teams into place. Major." A nearby Mercenary Major turned to the CoVar Commander. "Have all forward units keep the heat on the enemy, while the Engineers work."

{Somewhere in Jigoku-Controlled Territory}

On a ridge overlooking a large civilian and military airfield, several groups of men moved into place. Someone glanced over at the active airfield. A order was given and the men went to work. Within seconds a trio of mortars were visible. After some quick calculations and set-up they were ready.

Below the USSJ and allied forces continue to work as though they were safe and the rebellion was in some other country. None suspected an attack this deep in their territory. So far from the front, were most of the bulk of the fighting was taking place. Even, the civilian area of the airport was operating as though there was peace throughout the land.

Another order was given on the ridge and there was the sound of three thuds. Before the mortar even hit the airfield, their was another three thuds.

Below the first of the three mortars hit down onto the airfeild. Three explosions went off. One ripped into a military hanger, the other two landing on the currently empty runways. As the second barriage landed on the more runways, this time damaging some of the civilian runways, another round of mortars went flying into the air and down onto the airport.

With the third round away, the small group of men again melded into the forest rapidly retreating and disappearing. They were gone in seconds, their equipment having also vanished with them.

The strike was surgical. No civilian buildings or aircraft had been hit. In fact, while mortars rounds had rained down on the military part of the airport and civilian runways had been hit, no civilians would have been injured or killed. The Military personnel were another matter entirely, military aircraft and buildings had been targets as well the military runways. Although, there really had only been three volleys of three mortar rounds had been launched, but the damage had been done and the message sent. Nowhere was the Armies and Allies of the USSJ, safe. Nowhere.

Your airfields are big, vulnerable targets for any suicide bomber / mortar squad that might care to sneak up on them.

OOC: Thanks for the Idea, GMC. Sorry, everyone couldn't resist. Anyway, hope that not too much of Godmod.

--Moments after the attack on the Airfield--

(I'll let Seocc and Celdonia handle their respective casualties if any.) The report was relayed to Air Command in Tengoku, USSJ's capital city and it was relayed to President Kami who was able to signal the Jigoku represenatives in CACe headquarters...

--Cace HQ--

The Jigoku Represenative Tommy Tanaka approached the Seocc Represenative {insert name}. The hour was late, but the news was critical...

Tanaka began. "Mr. {Insert Name}, not long ago a Seocc airfield was attacked as I'm sure you might be aware by noiw, and we suspect the attackers to be the Mercenary aides to the rebels... This was an unprovoked attack on USSJ sovereign soil which is clearly controlled by USSJ forces... I'm sorry that USSJ troops were unable to prevent the attack from happening, and a strike against the attackers is underway..."

He waited for a response from. {Insert Name}

The Speaker's Tower, Anhierarch.

The Council of Amendment holds session. Around a circular, varnished wood table, the 23 Councillors sit, muted conversation filling the air.

Speaker Myrios clears his throat - slowly, the murmuring dies down.

"Well. It would seem that the situation in the USSJ remains tenuous. You know this and We know this - the reports have been around for weeks.", he says, waving vaguely at a slim folder in front of him."So it's time to do something."

The Council nods their assent as Ejai Telenu, Coordinator of Defense, begins to speak.

"Councillors, friends. As you know we cannot offer open military aid to incursions within North Jigoku - it'd lead to an escalation of conflict, one we'd very much prefer to avoid. You've all read the dossier, I assume, so Councillor Ereki's suggestion will not surprise you."

Ereki, also the head of the Scythians, offers his words to the others.

"Comrades, Jigoku is facing a well-funded, well trained mercenary force in addition to the rebel forces. This, obviously, ups the ante - it's a grim reality that with its economy in such a state, the USSJ is not as potent a military power as it could be. This is where we come in. I propose that we deploy a small detachment of the Scythians to Jigoku in secret."

A murmur - Councillor Inviolus speaks.

"I understand that the Scythians are spread somewhat thin, Ereki. Several thousand are already deployed to another front."

Ereki nods grimly.

"Yes, I know. But we have more than twice the number at home than those deployed - it can be done."

Inviolus nods, satisfied.

"Now, before we come to a decision, I'd just like to run through the tactical realities of the conflict......"

Some time later, a consensus is reached - and an encrypted transmission reaches Jigoku.

It reads:

Comrades, We have followed the unfolding of events in North Jigoku with some concern. As ever we are ready to aid you, but now it must be done in secret. We are prepared to deploy a battalion of special forces at moment's notice, should you assent. They should arrive via civilian cargo flights.

In addition, it would be useful if they could be distributed a supply of USSJ military insignia.

Ever your allies,
~The Council of Amendment, Dominion of Anhierarch

{Somewhere in Jigoku-Controlled Territory}

The lone man stepped into the Motel Room. A quick scan of the room revealed nothing unusual, except that there was no smoke detector. He dropped the suitcase onto the bed and opened it, removing two objects inside and then connected them he lifted the RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade) Launcher to his shoulder.

He checked his watch and then looked out the window. It was almost time. A file folder dropped into the motel room's waste basket as the man lit a cigarrette. Without a care the man dropped the still burning match into the waste basket. If the motel burned down or not, it mattered not to him.

He stepped outside, and watched as the none descript silver car belonging to the local Military Base Commander, on time, speed down the road that passed the motel. The RPG launcher moved into place, the crosshairs on their target, and then the RPG fired.

Not waiting to know if he had hit his target the man, dove into his car and left.

{Some City in Jigoku-Controlled Territory}

The window cleaning team exited onto the top of the tall building overlooking a USSJ Military Base. One man set down a large bucket and then opened it, revealing three small one-time use RPG launchers. The other members of the team were already putting on the harnesses and anchoring their ropes on the opposite side of the tall building, where their van awaited below.

With everything ready, three of them grapped the RPG Launchers and headed to the edge of the building, while the last member of the "window washing" crew rappled down the opposite side of the building. Three RPGs rained down on the Jigoku base, while the remaining members of the team rushed to rapple down the building.

Unfortunately, something had gone wrong. A Police Officer had noticed the first man rappel down the building and was moving into investigate when the three explosions went off. His gun was in his hand and the word, "Freeze," out of his mouth before anyone else has reacted.

Already, three more ropes appeared and three more people were rappeling down the building. The first man, turned reaching into his jacket for a gun. Again, the cop yelled, "Freeze!" And again it was ignored.

Two bullet were fired. Both men fell and all hell broke lose on the streets. The door on the back of the white van flew open as two more Police Officers rushed onto the scene. A machine gun toking, man dove out of the van firing at the cops as the three other men grabbed their dead comrad and threw him into the van.

Two of them were hit by the bullets from the cops. One in the leg and the other in the spine.

The machine gunman threw the final dead body into the van and dove in after it. The van speeding away leaving only bloody pavement.

{Undisclosed Location in the Corporate Islands}

The Director of Mercenary Operations of the CoVar Corporation look down on the small man that stood before him. "Status," he ordered the little man.

The small man cringed a little before replying. "The Jigoku Operation proceed, but we or rather our mercenaries and the rebels are recieving a lot of international flak. All 'Specialist' Teams are wreaking havoc. We have reports from Assassin and Terrorist Teams that the Jigoku population is tiring, but the government has not caved and for now we don't expect it too.

"Our Commander is doing a good job. His last report stated he was preparing defenses while pressing the offensive. He expects long drug out fight with neither side gaining much ground around the non-official border, and if he gets dug in, in time, that is what will happen."

The Director's face remained emotionless. "It still too close to call, but everything seem satifactory for now. And our other operations?"

The small man continued, "Well, in..."

{Airspace over North Jigoku}

The group of helicopters slowly crest the hill hovering just feet above the highest branchs of the forest around them. Night was waining as they pulled over the clearing, the morning twilight advancing itself on the horizon. They circles once, before finally pulling in for a landing. Already, Rebel and Mercenary soldiers had appeared from the nearby forest and well-camouflaged tents. The helicopters settled among them, disorging fresh mercenaries, supplies, and much needed fuel. They had slipped past the ever vigilante no-fly zone patrols and, "Run the Gauntlet."

{Somewhere inside the North Jigoku Border}

The convoy of trucks and their escort halled down the dirt road rolling into the village. The village, by now used to this kind of activity took little notice as the Mercenaries and Rebels directed the convoy down to the nearby rebel encampment. The addition of the supplies would aid the cause greatly.

OOC: I am assuming now that my convoys got through safely, because they weren't challenged in the last couple of days. I will continue to RP my supplies entering Jigoku and expect them to be intercepted.

{Somewhere Near the Jigoku/New Jigoku Unofficial Border}

The camouflaged command tent's activity had died down, now only a few officers and soldiers move around in it. Outside, Mercenaries were rushing around finishing work as some terrible-looking massive dark thunderhead closed in on the front.

Inside, the CoVar Commander was watching "The Weather Channel" on a small portable TV. He smiled as the weather reporter talked about the large storm front that was now advancing on the northern part of Jigoku where the heaviest fighting was occuring.

The Commander turned to a nearby Mercenary Colonel. "Thing are looking up. I dare the USSJ allied forces to keep up their airstrikes in this weather." He gestured outside to where the dark clouds had settle over the camouflaged camp.

"Last report, from the fronts is that no one is getting anywhere," the Colonel reported. "The USSJ forces are bogged down with our mine fields, which they are now moving through, and we are being slowed by those damn airstrikes. Their hurting us with those cursed aircraft."

The smile on the CoVar Commander's face broadened. "They'll be hard pressed to keep those up in this weather. Hit them," he ordered. "Hit them hard."

An officer walked up to the Commander as the Colonel turned. "Sir." The officer caught the Commander's attention. "The Engineers will have trouble working in this weather," he informed his superior.

The Commander smile left his face. "Very well," he state. "Have them wait till the storms passed. With any luck we will be safe until then."

Outside the first wave of hard rain hit the ground around the tents. Rebels and Mercenary rushed to get out the path of the now heavy rain and off the ground that was rapidly turning to muck.

ooc: Covar, how are you communicating and relaying information between mercs as well as merc-homebase?

{Frontlines of the Jigoku Conflict}

Sergeant Butch Ritter, slugged forward through the muck as the rain beat down on him. In the distance the sound of a tank firing was heard. There was a massive explosion off in the distance and several flashes along the horizon. He passed a row of shattered trees looking down at the body of a fallen soldier.

Visibility was low with the dark clouds rolling over the soldiers as day progressed toward night. Rain came pouring down in sheets and was everywhere. Lightning flashed, sometime ripping through a nearby tree. The ground, waterlogged from all the pouring rain had become a slushy mess. Sometimes, soldiers would sink up to their knees in the mud.

The Mercenary/Rebel army pressed forward engaging the retreating Jigoku forces wherever they could, but they were slowed as were, no doubt, the Jigoku forces in the horrendous downpour.

Machine gun fired erupted from ahead of him and he was forced to dive face first into the mud. There was a scream from someone behind him and then there was silence.

The Black Talon Mercenary waited a couple of seconds before crawling forward. He reached the edge of what had been a road, but what now were merely a row of craters and the shells of tanks, jeeps, and other vehicles. Rain poured down on him and he saw a line of figures retreating back into the muddy forest. He fired his automatic rifle and they hastened their retreat.

Covered in mud and drenched from the pouring rain, Sergeant Ritter stood. This is one hell of a war, he thought.

{Jigoku-Controlled City near the Frontlines}

The rain poured down on the empty city streets. Only a few people still resided in the City with the front moving ever closer it was ever likely the city would be the sight of a major battle. Still there were a small group that held out defiantly in their homes.

Soldiers flowed freely through the city, some moving through it one way (away from the front) and others the other way (toward the conflict). In the street below the room of the two story building a small group of jeeps rolled along the street toward the front. Inside their soldiers huddled, barely safe from the river that flowed down on them from the clouds above.

Off in the distance several lightning bolts stuck down in succession, the roaring thunder masking the blast of the three RPG that launched from the second-story rooftops on either side of the street, that were empty as fast as they had been occupied.

ooc: Covar, how are you communicating and relaying information between mercs as well as merc-homebase?

OOC: The CoVar Corporation uses multiple measures to communicate. Scrambled Cell Phones, Scrambled CB Radios, Tight-Beam Lasers, Satellite Phones, Scrambled UHF and VHF Transmissions, Carrier Pigeons, Smoke Signals, Lights and Mirrors, as well as the old fashion Courier, etc. Pretty much whatever I can get my evil hands on.

Not much true communication though, my "Specialists" our operating entirely independant and all the mercenaries in Jigoku, have little contact with my corporate headquarters in the Corporate Islands region.

Why, debating communications jamming? Anyway, no doubt my communications will be pretty scrambled by the storm.

{Port City near North Jigoku}

The group of light small fast attack submarines burst forth from the stormy sea. Their noses in the air for what seem like forever before they fell back to the waves. Small missiles flashed away from the submarines, as they again dropped beneath the surface of the raging stormy sea.

The missiles streamed away, some heading for the USSJ navy and allied ships anchored in port and others for the USSJ military base at the edge of the city.

{Frontlines of the Jigoku Conflict}

The tanks rolled forward out of the forest, another wave of shells flashed from their barrels. Rain rolled off them in torrents with the dark night sky obscured by the mass of thunderhead that raged above. A flash of lightning revealed the lines of the USSJ troops moving back into the forest and toward the not far off city.

Somewhere off in the distance there was the roar of an artillery piece firing, and then the whistle of a shell fly overhead. An explosion in the city revealed the target, a line of military armor rolling through the streets. Then again the darkness of night and the pouring rain obscured the few lights of the city.

Mercenary and Rebels burst from the line of trees following the tanks as they moved toward the next chunk of forest.

Still, something seemed wrong. Then it was obvious, the right flank was lagging and just now exiting the first line of trees. The left flank, on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen. It had entirely fallen off, getting slowed and falling behind in the much and forest.

OOC: *Waits, impatiently, for Jigoku to return to continue the fighting*

The peoples paper, an article on Page 5

van Mierlo pulls the plug on New Jigoku gov’t
New government unilaterally withdraws recognition of New Jigoku state

KNOOTCAP – foreign affairs minister Hans van Mierlo (SLP) today announced the new governments decision to no longer recognise the New Jigoku state. The withdrawal would be a unilateral move on the part of the Republic. At a press conference, the minister said that “The new Jigoku government has not proven itself in the time we allowed it, and has been unable to realise peace or negotiate an appropriate settlement with old Jigoku. We also condemn the actions of the New Jigoku government by bringing in outside mercenary forces that will only escalate the problem. Attacking a CACE base outside Jigoku itself really proved that the New Jigoku government is nothing more then a terrorist organisation.”

Sources in government itself say that this decision has not been taken unanimously within the temporary broad coalition. Especially the Knootian Elvish Party fiercely supported the hard line, and spokesman Mablung Sîrfalas told The Peoples Paper that the broad coalition was becoming increasingly tedious “as Greens and Liberals seem to misuse it to completely dictate policy. Also with that new anthem for example. That was just ridiculous.”

The move inspired fierce criticism, as opponents pointed out that both Hans van Mierlo and Lousewies van der Laan (then still minister of development affairs in charge of the aid flights) were responsible for the original Jigoku policy. “Turning around now means admitting you made a huge error of judgement back then, yet the minister does not want to take responsibility at all.” Van Mierlo defended himself from the criticism stating that “it is always easy being right in retrospective.”

The unilateral decision may also bring the government in conflict with other SATO nations who still recognise the New Jigoku state and strive for it’s independence. Especially hard-line elements within the Angstian government are expected to condemn the move. However van Mierlo said that he was “sure that our allies will see the reasonability of the move” and also said he thought others might follow. He declined to give any names however.
Further analysis on page 10: is the new government repositioning itself internationally?

http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/econ/group8/summit97/mierlo.jpg
Minister van Mierlo, archive

Secure transmission to the CoVar corporation
Confirmation code: de Kaste 382AF
Subject: Jigoku job.

The new Knootian government hereby immediatly terminates the running contract in Jigoku and you are ordered to abort the operation. You will no longer receive payments, and objective bonuses have also been suspended. It is no longer opportune for us to continue this operation, and the Corporation’s Dominion membership further complicates matter.

Yours on behalf of the new government,

General de Kaste

Celdonia commends the Knootian government for their wisdom and their commitment to peace.

We too commend and applaud this step towards achieving a lasting peace in the USSJ. Peace, however, is a path to walk, a path of many steps. We hope to see this path completed in our time.

~The Council of Amendment

Dominion of Anhierarch

The world waits for the response of the Mercenary/Rebel force battling in Jigoku. No one knows how they will respond.

OOC: Ha, ha! Now I have you all confused. Well, anyway, I will responded later today, got a couple of test I need to study for. While I am gone, Jigoku, please respond to my attacks so far. This is feeling a bit one sided lately. Thanks.

The world waits for the response of the Mercenary/Rebel force battling in Jigoku. No one knows how they will respond.

OOC: Ha, ha! Now I have you all confused. Well, anyway, I will responded later today, got a couple of test I need to study for. While I am gone, Jigoku, please respond to my attacks so far. This is feeling a bit one sided lately. Thanks.

OOC: Jigoku hasn't been on much in the last week or so. In fact our paths only briefly crossed, for the forst time in a while, in the CACE forum a few days ago, and even then he had to run off to do something. So I guess he's busy at the moment. It's mainly why I haven't been responding to things.

{Encrypted Transmission from the Corporate Islands}

[Channel: Open - Transmitting]
[Encryption: Active - Polymorphic]

TO: General de Kaste; Knootoss
FROM: CoVar Corporate Board of Directors; Corporate Islands
SUBJECT: New Jigoku Operation

The CoVar Corporation recognized Knootoss reasons for the termination of funding of the Jigoku Operation. However, with the current status of CoVar Mercenary groups in the country, it would be highly detrimental to our forces to pull them out. The Board is currently reviewing the situation to decide whether to continue operations in Jigoku. As such we have deemed it necessary to inform you that we will now be operating, entirely independant of our former contract. You will be in no way help responsible legally and not legally bound to the contract anymore.

On the further note, we would like to inform you that our Dominion membership, should no longer be a problem for future business between us. We look forward to future relations between us.

[Encryption: Deactivated]
[Channel: Closed]

OOC: That's it for now. I am going to give Jigoku a chance to respond, until then I will only give this the periodic bunk.

*Taps foot*

OOC: Jigoku hasn't logged in for 25 days now, so I donlt really see this going anywhere. Sooo....

IC:

The Celdonian givernment today announced the withdrawal of all forces in and around Jigoku. Celdonia currently has no forces in the disputed territories itself, but has been involved in the blockade of N. Jigoku, and has a number of personnel stationed in Jigoku itself. No one was available from the MoD to comment further.