NationStates Jolt Archive

The Barbarian Invasions begin.

OCC:
Chapter One: The Foibles of La Voile
The war began as the always impetuous Alesandro sent his ships toward Luxiom. Why invade Luxiom? Because she was a dirty hippy. Yes, she was a hippy, and a dirty one. Luxiom immediately sent out letters to all nations calling for support. Leumah, being the first to answer, immediately became ground zero of Alesandro’s unpredictable wrath. Alliances drew every nation into all out war. While La Voile, Mazrak and Neodammarung all attempted to take Leumah everyone else retaliated, mostly out of dumfounded shock at their stupidity. Chellis flew over continents to join them, only to have his nukes stolen and disarmed by Neodammarung. After a violent end to the ‘peace’ summit all nations returned home to sulk. The scheming ‘femme block’ used the testosterone of Valenvaryon’s and Neodammarung’s leaders to draw them into Amirosian territory to spring surprise attacks on each other. Once kidnapped the women demanded peace, only to have each leader escape in ways both geeky and implausible. In an secret assassination agents of Izakdiom murdered Sajuk of Leumah. Finally, possibly out of sheer frustration, Luxiom and Aetherios put a naval block around all aggressive sea-borne parties. Unexpectedly a massive tectonic shift caused a major tidal wave, setting La Voile and Leumah further adrift, and doing considerable damage to CoPigs. The nations were rearranged, there were new powers now developing. The stage was set for the next chapter of Noxidom.

Chapter Two: The Barbarian Invasion
Boris of Mazrak had always desired a power play in the region. To show his power, to gain land and most of all to show to all that he could lead a terrifying force. Held entirely at bay in the cold and craggy borders of his country by the greater powers that be he fumed. Shunned he went campaigning, sending his couriers out to foreign nations far abroad. Out of the regions he found two nations: Cult Lepers and Rappel. The leaders, Ron and Lady Marie, agreed to join in alliance with him to be allowed into this region. With Lictenstine and La Voile he had built quite a force behind him. But little did he know Cult Lepers and Rappel would betray him, denying their knowledge of such an agreement. They fled to the protection of the only power that would defend them, the Femme Block. Mazrak’s fury boiled in the freezing rooms of his castle. Nothing would abate him but the blood of Ron, Marie and his much-hated Amiros. Thus the Barbarian Invasion seemed destined to descended upon the momentarily peaceful Noxidom.

Current Members:
Founder: Neodammarung (Navras)
UN representative: Aetherios (First Visionary)

Femme Block:
Luxiom (unknown)
Armana (Amiros)
Enrouler (unknown)
Cult Lepers (Ronald)
Rappel (Marie)

Neutral Nations Alliance:
Aetherios
Luxiom
CoPigs (unknown)

Others:
La Voile (Alesandro)
Mazrak (Boris)
Valenvaryon (Valen)
Izakdiom (Orvas)
Leumah (new leader imminent)
Lictenstine (unknown)
and of course, Tato.

In the dusty light of the Grand Hall a momentous incident was about to take place. Without bloodshed, without planes, without war for there had been too much of that. The Hall stood in the border city of Cult Lepers and Rappel, a small village of Marseilles. There was music from a wheezing organ, flowers littering the ground filling the air with the smell of white orchard and an anticipating crowd made up of the top political figures of five nations.
At the back of the room, dressed in their formal countries’ garments, stood Amiros, Enrouler and Hera of Luxiom. They had their arms crossed, faces blank, trying to comprehend what this would mean.
Lady Marie walked past them, sweeping toward Ron at the altar. Her dress was finest Enroule silk, white trailing for a foot behind. One bride maid from each of their nations walked behind her, in light ivory cloaks. Ron put on his usual smarmy half smile, straightening his jacket. The celebrant was an old man, with long curling hair to his shoulders and eyes darting like dragonflies.

“We are gathered here today to observe the union of Ronald Reagen and Lady Marie Saumon under the eyes......”

The three stood silently at the back. The union of the two countries would change the face of the Femme Block and the region. They would form one nation, nearly as strong as those coming before them. Strong enough to fight their aggressor.
Despite the magnificence of the ceremony, as they exchanged rings and treaties, Hera caught sight of Marie’s turned face. The price of betraying Mazrak had been the loss of her freedom, a union with a nation leader she hardly knew. Yet it was this that could save her country. Though, at this moment, it was no longer her’s alone.
As the party moved off to join the new capital the three remained.

“No matter what we think of this they are under our protection now,” Enrouler said, turning and walking into the sunlight. Amiros shook her head.

“Kiya, let’s go somewhere not so...French.”

“Home mistress?” Kiya stood, light pink dress and a semi-automatic over her shoulder.

“Please.”

Luxiom stood in the empty hall with its bay windows watching vacantly. The celebrant walked toward her, shuffling on the stone.

“I remember you, Hera,” his smile was soft, his gaze was not, “You and I have met in very different times. I presided over something that was, or could have been.”

“Still talking in riddles, Korun?”

“Do you think this will save them from the madman in the hills?”

“It may be the only thing.”

“I thought you would, as you always do, ride in for that final win. As you were so eager to do last time.”

“You’ve been following my exploits then. I know what it is like to be the object of an aggressor.”

“Not one drop of Luxiite blood was spilt that time. I doubt you’ll be so lucky again.”

He walked past her out of the doorway, pausing for a moment.

“You always have been the rescuer, haven’t you? Is it because you wished someone had done the same for you all those years ago? Or am I talking in those riddles again?”

The Hera of Luxiom returned home in silence, the carriage crunching on the cobbled stone.

---- Marseille, border of Cult Lepers and Rappel ----
Lady Marie sat with her champagne in her hand. She had just become the wife to Ronald, President of Cult Lepers. At least it will somewhat protect our nations... she thought, remembering the ceremony. All national leaders in the Femme Block had attended, a show of support to the new alliance that had formed.

Standing, she called for Leah. "We must get back to Maisoncanif tonight. Go and tell Ronald that I will see him later, and that he must also go back to the capital of Lepers. We are married, but I doubt I will ever live in Lepers."

"Right away, ma'am. You look really nice, by the way." Leah turned, efficient as ever, and looked for Marie's huband.

---- Back in Maisoncanif ----
"Plume, we have to protect our borders. It is imperative we walk away from this mess relatively unscathed."

"I understand, ma'am, we will all do our best. Mazrak has not attacked yet, there is still time to deter him from attacking." General Plume sighed.

"Negotiating will not work with Commander Boris. You will commit troops to protect our borders, and send some to Lepers- their army is smaller than ours."

Marie sat looking over her favourite city. Plume deployed the army to protect the land borders of Rappel, and Cult Lepers, and the airforce has been given the orders to shoot down any foreign planes. Hopefully, this interim protection will keep Boris at bay....

Message from CoPigs to Leumah Governing Council:

In light of recent events, the United States of CoPigs would like to extend an offer of trade to the Nomadic Peoples of Leumah. We are interested in rebuilding the tunnel that once ran between CoPigs and La Voile, and make this offer. If Leumah allows us to use her mining ships to commence immediate repairs or replacement efforts on the tunnel, CoPigs will supply Leumah with foodstuffs and a safe haven in the Bay of Pigs. We await your reply.

The message caused quite a stir in the LGC, which had taken over the broader running of the Flotilla of ships that was Leumah. They were all surprised by the offer, but could see the reasoning behind it. Theirs was the only nation with a sizeable oceanic mining ability, as far as they knew no other nation had any deep-sea miners like the ones that would be required.

They imediately voted in the aye (yes) and composed a reply. Well, one member drafted it and the others edited.

To the United Socialist States of CoPigs:

The LGC gladly accepts your offer of trade, namely the use of our mining ships in return for food and safe haven. We will immediately dispatch a squadron of deep sea mining and salvage vessels to the last known location of the tunnel in the Bay of Pigs. The ships' captains, all of our experienced miners, will then determine the best way of re establishing the tunnel, be it repairs or reconstruction. All that we ask in the short term is that CoPigs provide supplies for the ships, spare parts and such, until the rest of Leumah arrives on location, and that CoPigs take responsibility for the protection of our ships until we arrive. The ships have ample construction supplies on board, and are capable of mining the surrounding area for anything that they lack.
The LGC

******

Deep Sea Mining (DSM) Units one through ten received their orders within ten minutes of the meeting's outcome, and were on their way shortly thereafter. They had to stop and reprovision, but with their quick loading design everything was transferred and the ships were underway within two hours, for the ten hour journey to the Bay of Pigs. They were loaded to the gunwales with equipment that would be required for this new, peaceful activity. One sailor stood on the deck of his ship, feeling the breeze in his face from the ship's passage, and the deep thrummm of the ship's four huge screws, turned by Uranium fission reactors. The ships moved fast for something so big, and could outrun a Nimitz class carrier.
They were unarmed, relying on speed to get them close to the CoPigs coast, where hopefully protection waited.

Alesandro read the reports on CoPigs' mining initative. He paused and reached for a phone.
He was connected immediatley to the Leuhman flotilla:
He spoke calmly despite his urgency.
Do not mine, I beseech you. You are being tricked. You will be mining through volcanoes, this means very hot lava, and I know that a tunnel will never be able to be built through the new chain of volcanic islands. Please have pause. I will discuss this issue with the President of CoPigs as well. Please heed my warning."

Alesandro listened to the voice on the other end and then he hung up.
---------------------
Papillon stepped Voilean military passenger plane. She walked on to the warm tarmac of Amiros' main airport. She looked at her watch and as a car came to coll,lect her to take her to the imperial palace. Alesandro had decided at the very last minute that she should go instead of General Ilvé, he had told her not to inform the Empire of the change.
She looked at her driver and the liason officer. She smiled, now she realised the reason behind the switch. Both the women in the car looked quite confused.
She decided to help them along. "I am Ilvé repleacement, I am Lieutenant General Papillon. Take me to the palace... please."
"Yes... uh mistress"
"I prefer General, Ma'am or Dame." Papillon was secretly pleased at her knighthood or in this case damehood.

The car arrived at the gates of the Palace. Papillon was led into the main audience chamber.

An announcement to all leaders:

As you are all aware, the nations of Rappel and Cult Lepers do not exist as separate entities. Now, the Genoux-Kink Nation has two states- Rappel and Cult Lepers.

Currently, due to the volatile nature of the Region, Rappel has introduced a no-fly zone. Cult Lepers will be implementing similar action shortly.

As a warning to all national leaders, if foreign planes are noticed flying over the skies of Rappel, they will be shot down. I urge you to make arrangements with the government before sending planes over Rappellian skies, but, to prevent any casualites, do not fly over Rappel unless it is absolutely imperative to do so.

Yours in Political Relations,
Lady Marie, President of Rappel and Co-President of Genoux-Kink.

The First Visionary sat down at his office desk and look in interest at the report he had just recieved. As the content of the pages was of a lighter nature than usual, he susprised himself by manging a smile.

Earlier he had recieved a formal invitation to the wedding of Ronald and Lady Marie. Unfortunately he had been unable to attend due to matters of state, but the representative he had sent in his place had sent back a thorough report, sans photgraphs.

They resricted media access, including photographic equipment I had brought with me. They issued a press release, video film and stills allowed to be taken by their own people only. I'm sure that the NRBC Television will be replaying that little footage for the next few days. I do not believe this will prevent me from making an effective recount. The ceremony was exquisite..."

The account went on to describe the decor, the couple, the dress, the attendants, and what he found the most interesting, the visiting dignitaries. He was pleased to note they were receptive to his gift.

In addition to Miran, his representative at the wedding, he had sent a wedding gift for the bride and groom. A finely woven basket filled with glazed white plums. The fine Aetherian white plums were in season, and upon hearing that the Leader of Cult Lepers had a particular fondness for glazed fruits, he comissioned the pickings to accompany the usual formal written well wishes.

A knock interupted his reading of Miran's report, followed by an assistant carrying an armload of reports with difficulty. Eyes scanning the other reports he noted their darker nature, the rebuilding of Leumah, the aftershocks, the mobilisation of forces in the North...

He put aside Miran's report to look at later at his leisure, with the more pressing issues taking up the space on his desk. He took one last glance at a press release photo of the Ronald and Marie.

"A happy couple..." he mused. "I hope they stay that way."

He believed they were going to need it.

Location: The site where Leumah sank

General Maddison, Commander in Chief Mining Operations, looked down at the plans set on his desk. He had secretly comissioned a think-tank to come up with several different plans for a more permanent mining base, since Leumah's Departure. He was surprised at the quality of the initial plans, and thought that a couple of them had real promise. There were two that he liked, one a huge, utilitarian monstrosity of a barge which floated on the water's surface; and the other a permanently located or at best semi mobile processing factory which stood above the water's surface when deployed and could float on calm seas like a ship. He discarded the other plans and ordered the think tank to enlarge itself, and come up with workable construction plans for both concepts. He also ordered the group to be enlarged, so that it could perform its tasks more efficiently.

******
The Leuman Mining Fleet Task Force 12
(the ones that went to CoPigs)

DSM Unit 1 was the first to see the spectacle. After a call from La Voile, the ships had slowed to speeds where their sonars worked, and had been pinging the water ahead to determine what had occurred when (Valenvaryon's) OMEs had detonated. They saw a huge, black patch of unknown composition on the water's surface, ad their sensitive mining sonars could detect a difference in the water's density.
Oil.
Unit One slowed and stopped well clear of the oil slick. It was obviously some oil which had leaked from a reserve punctured by the OMEs. The ship turned its sonar downwards and began a scan of the seabed, scanning everything within about ten kilometers.
At five kilometers ahead, the scan showed a rupture in the sea floor, from which a less dense substance was leaking. It was the source of the oil.
The reformed convoy of mining ships restarted their props and began the final journey to the CoPigs north coast. From there they would approach the Strait of Pigs and examine the seabed carefully, watching for anything out of the ordinary. If they reached the old tunnel site they would then continue with the mission, if there was any doubt about safety they would pause and request instructions.

Amiros returned from the wedding tired. The seriousness of the situation had exhausted her. She entered the lower level and was met by her usual band of women, plus a new face. Papillon introduced herself.

“Your Highness. I have travelled from La Voile to seek an audience with you. My ruler, Alessandro, wishes to negotiate trade and peace.”

Amiros did not have the effort to process such a sentence. She had spent the last twenty four hours in a French simulated nation, the last thing she felt like doing was conversing with yet another French.

Amiros turned to Tiy, head of house-keeping. “Set Papillon up with a comfortable room. Tomorrow I shall talk with her. Now I need to rest.”

With that Amiros turned and headed up one of the many flights of stairs and into her main chambers.

Tiy lead Papillon upstairs into a marvellous stay room. As she was leaving, Zanthia rushed up to Tiy.

“Tiy, this is Meritaten. She is my best, shall we say, watch dog. Amiros requested a guard be stationed outside Papillon’s door. What with the…building…going on in the palace.”

Tiy was sceptical, but agreed.

* * * * *

Amiros was in her chambers pacing. She was not tired. Nor was she incapable of processing French sentences. She was, however, tired of the French. This new agreement with Alessandro needed to be carefully drawn out. Why had he not come to see her himself? This agreement could not be reached through middle men/women or messengers. She wanted to meet the Great Leader face-to-face. She had only seen him once and that was at the Regional Summit.

A new nation, Ereshiy. Did this mean a new ally? Or a new threat?

Hopefully she will join Femme Bloc. Geez. I have had enough of that name. We need something cool...like...United Female Alliance. Oh I like that. Yes, I shall telegram all current 'Femme Bloc' members + Ereshiy. Goodo.

Tired of that train of thought, Amiros caught a glimpse of the newly erected wall. The Barbarian Invasions had not yet begun. This was, in itself, more worrying. Something was stirring. No one had yet responded to her plea for aid and assistance.

Trouble was brewing in paradise.

Lady Marie read the telegram. Shiny Cow was in Noxidom, and had asked for an alliance. She must talk it over with Ronald first, as they were a united country.

"Ron, what do you think? An alliance with Shiny Cow?" Marie held the phone with her shoulder, signing documents all the while.

"That is an excellent idea. An extra nation in the Femme Bloc" Ron breathed into the phone.

"Ah, that's another thing. Amiros has proposed a new name. An evolution as the Femme Bloc is evolving- United Female Alliance. I quite like it."

"Well. Then the Confederated States of Genoux-Kink will be allies in the United Female Alliance."

Lady Marie hung up the phone, pleased with herself. Slowly, but surely, the "United Female Alliance" were building a strong force against Mazrak.

How long will it be before the Barbarian Invasions begin? It is only a matter of time... Lady Marie thought. Her mind flickered from the new alliances and the ones already broken. Noxidom will not remain static for long...

*The High Priestess stands on the platform of the Temple of Shiny Cow, smiling to herself with pride, the beautiful, lush, landscape of her blossoming nation. In the still silence of the crisp dawn air around her, she easily picks out the faint running footstep, getting gradually closer.
The footsteps of her attendant Lady Lucia...*

"Priestess!" she huffed, through pants (from her long run), and did a little curtsy in front of the priestess

"Yes Lucia?" the priestess turned around slowly, regretfully tearing her eyes away from the luscious landscape and looking upon her attendant

"Priestess, the messenger is here with the treaty from the Femme Bloc alliance...for you to sign"

"Oh Lucia," said the Priestess, looking rather annoyed, "cant it wait?"

"No, no, I'm sorry my highness, but it really cannot wait. With the current state of the region, he says it is very important that the alliance gain your support as soon as possible!"

"Well I suppose I must then, right now, as it seems..." and with that the Priestess turned on her heel and strode along the promenade and into the Temple. "This treaty, boy, bring it to me" she demanded
The messenger boy scurried over, head down, and handed up the treaty.
"Boy, look at me"
he glanced up, into the priestess's beautiful pink eyes
"What do you think, of this Femme Bloc alliance?" the priestess demanded

"Well, highness- ah...well the nations are very powerful...I would advise you to sign the treaty...if you want to, that is" he concluded very hurriedly, looking at the ground again.

"I suppose I must then...in this time of unrest, it should be best for the safety of my nation to be allied with such, ah, Powerful nations."
And with that the priestess took out her pink fountain pen and signed the treaty in her large, ornate script. She then turned away and strode out of the room.

"Lucia dear, feed the young boy, then send him on his way," the priestess added, as an afterthought, over her shoulder.

As she exited the room, the priestess slowed her stride as she thought hmm, this alliance, Femme Bloc, will be a new era for Shiny Cow. I'm not sure what I have gotten us into, but it will surely be very different to our humble and quiet existence in the large region of Australia...I expect all eyes will be on us for the next few weeks...we will be tried and tested...hopefully we shall succeed, but, such a peaceful nation as ours...I don't know how we will fare in a region such as this, whose nations seem to declare war so spontaneously... and the priestess resumed her regular hasty stride and bustled into her dawn sermon...

Arhen was an ever-present fog, and he asphyxiated every edge of the mammoth complex the Hera of Luxiom was inspecting. He observed her from a distance talking to her military advisor, Ryunuku. He revered the little woman’s talent and cursed her pugnacious tenacity. But, in this instant, he ignored her. The Hera was listening attentively, fingers playing in the warm creases of her cloak. There was something changed in her, he hazarded, some kind of hardening from when he had spoken to her last. As much as he honoured his Lady he saw some of her self-righteousness slip away into cynical reality. Or perhaps it was an illusion of the cold, white light here. He slipped like a slight breeze to overhear them on the platform.

“It had seemed you’d forgotten us, Lady,” Ryunuku smiled, nose crinkling.

“I am ready to prepare for anything,” The Hera looked up, “And pray to Asherah that none of it will be necessary.”

Ryunuku motioned out over the great space where workers seemed to be tuning fine parts, with weapons and strange copper creatures took shape like hellish visions in the heat of a bad night, “All revolutionary, the mech units are prepared and all our foot soldiers will be heavily armed.”

“And the defensive units?”

“There are missile launchers in secret bases around the nation. We can hit anything over our borders.”

“I’ll issue a statement tonight-any unidentified aircraft without permission will be shot down,” Her words lacked a conviction, “And our armies?”

“Still training in the mountains, Lady. Don’t fear for them, we have more launchers on the borders for approaching troops.”

“I hate to keep them from their families. We have to be prepared. The Northern Mountains are silent, no word brings Boris’s threats closer. There is a wall of ice it seems.”

“You shouldn’t be so worried! The UFA is stronger than ever before with the addition of Lady Marie and Ron, The High Priestess and Erishey! Not to mention our own forces.”

Ryunuku was not used to this empty stillness in the Hera, it was like looking into dark water and finding no reflection, “Uh.....come on now.”

Arhen swept beneath the metal pathway high above the ground, belting up the stairs and stretching against the glass wall of the Biodome. The door was closed, he cursed his own lack of premonition. He watched their lips silently.
If he could’ve he would have heard the following. Outside the trees were wet from cold morning rain and shook angry fingers at the sky. Steam rose from the dome, which was an Eden of tropical flora. The Hera stood by the tiny, white stars of orchids clinging to a tree. Ryunuku handed her a vile.

“Drink that,” Ryunuku downed some. The Hera didn’t hestitate. The room filled with a red gas, “Mortiflora.”

The Hera stood silently. She knew the explanation would come.

“Our troops can move through this after the anti-toxin is working through the blood. Troops without it, however, will become completely paralysed but not lethally. There are no permanent effects and,” she plucked a brilliant Bird of Paradise and handed it to the Hera, “has no negative effect on the environment.”

“Have a secret shipment tonight to all of my allies.”

“Not so fast, Lady, it can be made only with three plants growing only in this nation. Give me a week.”

The red haze dissipated and Arhen could again see them speaking. So maybe war was imminent. But then, his sources kept telling him, there might be enough bureaucratic red tape to tie up the Barbarians for the rest of time.

The illustrious Protector of Ereshiy, Helena, smiled as she view the telegram that had been placed into her hands by her efficient hand maiden Greta. She siad 'we are tired of war, the civil war that had wracked our counry is enough, this new alliance should bring hope to us'. Her lips moved as she ponderedthe possibilities 'the United Female Alliance, yes I rather like the idea of that, the future should hold more hope than the past to us' The past was a painful issue to her. Ereshiy was formerly a corruplt democracy, until the student uprisings gained enough force top detroy the government. Helena was put in place by the leaders of the student body, but the bloodshed of the countrie past democray was too much for her. She turned to her hand maiden and said 'Greta, please send a messenger to Luxiom, I want to inform the alliance that we will be joining them, this should be the beggining of a new hope for us all'...

Alesandro ended his conversation with Navras. He was worried. The Neodammerung was strong, but other nations were vulnerable, the UFA was a danger, especially with the amount of nations that were contained within it.
That was why Papillon was with the Empress. The UFA spoke of peace but they only wanted control. Navras was confident of the "big 3" supporting each other. Alesandro hoped that his new link with Amiros would avert war.
Alesandro sighed and sat at his desk. He prepared a message to the government of New South Mars.
The Serene Isle of La Voile welcomes all new nations to the region of Noxidom. The Serene Isle wishes for peace and security in the region and any act of war will be... put down by the forces of La Voile. We hope that your fine nation can bring much to the region...
He left it incomplete, he would come back to it.
-----------------------
Papillon stood before Amiros.
"Empress you must realise that this agreement is not just for the gain of our nations, but the whole region. I was stationed in Mazrak, I do not know why you create so much ire, but President Amore would prefer it if you..." she paused searching for the right word, she decided to be blunt, "you cease your warmongering"
Amiros raised her eyebrows, behind Papillon Zanthia tensed.
"My nation does nothing of the sort... General. I see no reason to bend to Alesandro's orders."
"I meant know offence Empress, but the President wishes for peace, and he will not stop until these hostilities end."
"Are you threatening us General?" Amiros asked, Zanthia reached for her semi-automatic.
"Not at all. This agreement is meant to save and protect nations, not to destroy or conquer them."
Amiros suppressed a laugh. "A General comes on behalf of a nation which has invaded others to talk peace, how ironic."
"We hold no hostilities to Leumah. We are a peaceful nation now."
"A peaceful nation with such a large army." Amiros countered.
"Some other nations do not believe in peace as much as La Voile does Mi'lady." Both women smiled. For now security and safety was assured, at least on Amiros' behalf.

Over the remains of Leumah, the Leuman miners were starting to wind up. They had taken every useful resource from the surface of their old country, and were ready to move on. They transmitted this to FleetComm, and received their marching orders.

Within twenty minutes, the high speed mining ships had departed the Grave and rejoined the fleet, their storage holds nearly full. As the ships drew near, they noted several changes to their nation's fleet. Nearly all of the huge former container ships now sported LM-3 launchers (think US Navy SM-2s - Long range, radar guided, deadly), designator radars for the above, and massiave, multi-megawatt billboard radars. The smaller ships were starting to pack antimissile Gatling guns, LM-1s (short range missiles, IR or radar). The mining ships would be next, gaining an escort built from the raw materials that they had harvested.

Aboard the LCS (Leumah Command Ship), a small converted liner buried within the formations of other ships, the LGC were debating the country's next move. They needed fuel to move their fleet, and although they had full tanks, they would only last for so long before a refill would be needed. A supply of fuel would be needed within the next six months (RW time), depending on the level of movement.

******
Gen. Maddison's ship, the Collector

General Maddison surveyed the results of his pet project. The think tank had produced a wonderful result, and he had two excellent plans to show his superiors. One was a behemothal mining barge, the size of a medium city and mobile, which could lower mining equipment to the seabed and function like a giant mining ship, although it would be more suited to mining oil than minerals due to its lower mobility. When stationary, it would anchor itself by sending down eight mining subs which would drill in huge anchor shafts, each capable of holding the barge against a five knot curent. If a catastrophic explosion or attack occurred, the whole structure could split apart into smaller units, breaking up under controlled circumstances and sealing its buoyancy chambers against the water. A smaller platform, if not damaged in some other way, could still mine independantly, but it would require assistance from numerous salvage- and tug-boats to reassemble. Interesting.
The other plan was an even larger mobile city, constructed from light, strong alloys and divided into innumerable buoyancy chambers. This would be an industrial and residential hub, where a large percentage of the country's population could live, and where mined or traded resources could be converted to consumer products. Basically, it would be like a land city on water, built on a huge submerged buoyancy tank linked to the city by innumerable support struts. That way the city could float above the waves, and the buoyancy would sit below, controlled by a complex system of trim tanks which would keep the place stable. Think like an H on its side, where the two || bits are the buoyancy tank and the above water city. To move, the buoyancy tank lowers the city into the water (it has a smooth underside) and is moved behind the city and floats to the surface. The whole lot is then towed by a super class ship (Aircraft carrier or supertanker).

The general looked over the plans for several hours, before making a decision. He ordered the think tank to create construction plans for both ideas. Now, to get the Council to agree...

******
The Leuman Flotilla:

The entirety of the Leuman Flotilla began to fire up their engines in a process that would take several hours. Anchors were hauled, support lines were thrown off and fender poles were drawn in. Then, like a huge highway traffic jam, the flotilla began to move off. From the time that the first ship moved, it took a whole hour until the group were in motion. Destination: the Bay of Pigs, going around La Voilean waters, and passing the CoPigs North Coast. The LGC sent a message to Stelin, informing him that they were on the way to the Bay, as Stelin had offered. Besides, now there were more mining vessels too.

Summary:

Leumah finishes strip mining the lod Leuman Isles, the whole fleet begins to move to the Bay of Pigs area. Thanks to Stelin for offer of safe haven.

Stalen was pleased with the news of the movement of Leumah. He order his Navy commander to dispatch Task Fleet Fredrick (TFF) and Task Fleet Stalin (TFS) to accompany the five large super tankers to the Leumah fleet; the oil was unrefined, due to the destruction of his refineries along the coast in the great flood, but it would have to do for now. The Task forces resembled that of his most disposed America, 2 nuclear Carriers supported by 5 Battleships and 5 nuclear submarines. This TFS however did not resemble it usual air supremacy, bombardment mission standards, it had been prepared for a land assault, Its Carrier carried the new Commanch Helicopters as well as Troop and tank armored hovercrafts, it had been equiped for entire regiment of his ellite tactical units known appropriatly as Spiders (think navy Seals) . TFS was preparing for INVASION. Stalen wondered how this obvious act of aggression from such a peaceful nation would be taken. The region had become an aggressive place, he had been left behind, the new UFA frighten him, although the old ties of the NNA still ran strong the his veins and this in theory protected him from there combined rathe, he remained worried. This move was to restore the balance.

"This is Task Force Stalin to Leumah Traffic Control, we are approaching your fleet with cargo. Also accompanied by Task Force Fredrick. Over."

"Task Force Stalin, this is Leumah Traffic Control. We show you as two carrier groups escorted by numerous 'cruisers. We also read five large cargo ships. You are cleared to within fifty nautical miles of our formation until further notice. When you reach fifty miles, call again. Over."

"Acknowledged. Over and Out."

"Out."
Aboard the TFS flagship, the TF Commander wondered at this. But, after all, Leumah was probably a bit paranoid. This was their first friendly contact with a regional maritime force. He sat in his chair, continued to watch the radar out of interest, and waited until the fifty mile barrier.

******
TFS

TFS approached the Leuman "territory" at flank speed, calling on the radio before they reached the invisible fifty mile mark. The traffic controller sounded much more relaxed this time, having been told what was going on. They were cleared to approach the flotilla from behind, but warned not to go too close in front, as the ships were moving under computer control, and really hustlin'.
The group took a circle around the Leuman ships and approached behind, halting ten miles from the trailing destroyers. Under the command of the everpresent Leumah Traffic Control, the five tankers were brought forward and took station one mile behind the last Leuman ship. The formation opened like a flower, disgorging five monster oil processing ships, which dwarfed both the supertankers and the CoPigs carriers. These went one to each tanker, took station just ahead of the tanker and transferred hawsers (huge-ass ropes) to the tankers. Monster extraction hoses were sent down the ropes, pulled back to the tankers by an ingenious sea-anchor like device. On the CoPigs tankers, the hoses were attached to valves usually used to offload oil at a dock, but here used in a far more mobile location.
The Oil Processors started pumps, which firstly drew out the air from the extractors and then began greedily drinking in the huge quantities of oil. It went to the ships' storage bunkers, and from there to the onboard refineries. Each ship could process over half a million barrels per day, and could drain a supertanker's tanks in just under a day, into its own bunkers.

While this was going on, the Leuman fleet continued towards the Bay of Pigs, a hoped for place of refuge in a region of turmoil.

*a telegram was sent to all nations in the region. It read:*

"The High Prestess wishes to inform all of the great nations of Noxidom that our peaceful nations will be withdrawing from ALL alliances made, either unofficially or in any other way, APART from the UNITED FEMALE ALLIANCE.
This was the only alliance which this nation antered into an official agreement with, therefore the only one which stands.
This letter is to quash any rumours that have reportedly arisen referring to Shiny Cow's betrayal of the UFA. Quite the opposite is the reality, as the UFA is the only alliance which Shiny Cow wishes to be associated with, and which it supports in whole.

The High Priestess thanks all nation leaders for their time in reading this

SHINY COW"

Papillon turned to leave. Amiros signalled Zanthia. Papillon was stopped.

"Now hear this," Amiros began, "I need to inform your ruler that my allegiances lie first to the UFA, then to you. If you partake in aggressive actions towards any member, our non-aggression pact is thereby void."

Zanthia then began her own rant. “We know your final goal is Luxiom. You love her really.”

Papillon looked somewhat taken back. "I will inform him."

Amiros smiled and escorted Papillon out. Kiya and Zanthia arrived at her side.

“You trust him?”

“For now.”

“What of his application to join the UFA?”

Now this issue did worry Amiros. If Alesandro wanted membership and protection of the UFA he would need to first cancel any prior alliance with an aggressive nation, that is Mazrak.

A male member present in the UFA? The idea was unheard of, yet possible. She would think on it more. Her thoughts were temporarily interrupted by the dramatic arrival of Enrique.

“Don’t…” Amiros began. Too late. Enrique collapsed onto the floor.

“Highness…New South Mars…have received the votes…joining Noxidom.”

Amiros knew it was important to establish a strong relationship with such a powerful nation if the UFA was to succeed in its goal for peace and freedom.

The pointy bit of land above the Bay of Pigs:

The Leuman Flotilla had moved throughout the day and night, aiming to reach the Bay of Pigs before the dawn, however this was unrealistic. They arrived off the Bay at ten in the morning and had anchors dropped and ships stabilised by midday. It was a sight to behold for the local sailors and anyone who lived near the coast. Ships of every type filed most of the Bay, dispersed as they were. The five Refinery ships were slowly converting their newly obtained Crude Oil into usable product, with no visible emissions, which surprised the more knowledgable of the locals. They used nuclear power to heat the reaction, and kept every scrap of hydrocarbon for later use or transfer to more specialised factory ships (to make plastics, synthetic medicines, etc.)

In the centre of the Flotila, the largest ship of all was preparing to enter operation. She had not been fully complete when the War started, and the fitout of an oceangoing construction/repair ship had slipped the notice of the Leuman officials who were called away to fight the war. So her first order of business was to complete the aforesaid fitout, converting a large ship hull into a truly gigantic floating ship factory and dry-dock, capable of constructing, in pieces, a massiave Refinery Ship, and then assembling the whole lot into a functional ship, while simultaneously servicing smaller ships on two external dock-like structures. It would take five RW days of stationary layover to complete the fitout, and then the ship could begin acting as the mobile dockyard that she was meant to be.

******
The Leuman Mining Contingent:

With the arrival of the rest of the Leuman Miners, the whole fleet had formed up off the CoPigs Coastline. They were starting to explore where the CoPigs oil platforms had been, scanning with high frequency sonars to detect the remains of the oil well heads. Several were found immediately, and MinSubs were deployed into the water to examine them closely in preparation for the Leumans' own welldiggers.
One ship, DSM 3, drove over several potential sites, however she was not looking for resources just yet. She drove as close to the site of the former CoPigs-La Voile tunnel and deployed two MinSubs to scan for the path of the tunnel. They found it immediately, using small mining charges which sent waves bouncing through the rock. The waves did not pass through an open space, and the tunnel had not collapsed at this point. So the ship followed it towards the new islands that divided the strait...

In Summary:

Leumah Main Body arrives in Bay of Pigs

Mention of superlarge vessel capable of building in modular form a Refinery Ship (which dwarfs a Nimitz Carrier) so con. ship is slightly bigger again.

Oil mining commenced-ships searching for damaged but usable CoPigs wells. Also one ship surveying CoPigs-La Voile Tunnel.

Alessandro walked in the gardens of The Presidents Hall. The building was more than just a hall. It contained all the offices of the Executive branch of the Voilean government. The gardens were exquisite. Native blue swans swam in the waters while the Chiaaaaaar of peacocks drifted through the air. In an enclosed area a herd of neon zebras grazed quietly. The hall's grounds were surrounded on three sides by the Botanic Gardens. There were wrought iron fences surrounding the grounds but they were for show, the real defences were unseen, allowing a peaceful look but still providing defence.

Alessandro looked at the document in his hand. It was the constitution which he had agreed to upon entering into the new alliance. It was hard convincing the Legislative Assembly of its benefits as it was deeply biased in favour of the original members. Alessandro hoped that the alliance would stop all chance of war occurring in Noxidom but it seemed to have inflamed the situation with Lord Boris of Mazrak baying for Voilean blood. The Serene Isle would come under attack first as he was the closest to Mazrak and was not bordered by any nations in the alliance.
He looked up to see a figure dressed in white walking towards him. It was the Lady Isabelle, Daughter of the Northern Duke. The state paid their living expenses and they in turn knighted various people and handed out awards.
At the moment Isabelle was staying at New Hall, a stately home located on the grounds.
"Alessandro what a pleasant surprise."
"Milady." He replied curtly.
"A lovely day..."
The small talk continued as they strode around the gardens. Stopping to feed the neon zebras a carrot or two.
"War is coming" He told Isabelle on an impulse.
"I know, I am sure we will be safe."
"I'm not to sure about that." Alessandro replied.
"We will protect each other." She stared intensely at Alessandro until he turned away and blushed.

--------------------------------------------
Papillon was far from blushing. She had been told numerous times that the Lady of Luxiom was busy so she had arrived at the Palace unannounced and was very close to throttling a clerk who kept repeating that it was "most irregular"
"I want to see the Lady now, please."
"I am sure you do." Hera said, "now what do you want to see me about, has Alessandro finally worked out that he will have to speak to me if anything is to come of his joining the alliance, what does he want," she paused, "except power, men they are so predictable." With the last sentence she shook her head sadly.
"Madam, the President wants peace, but I am here to see what you want of the Serene Isle."

And with that Hera of Luxiom replied.