NationStates Jolt Archive

Somewhere in Vrak…

Translated from Vrakian.

-Are the fleets ready?
-Yes, High Admiral. Even though we suffered damage from the typhoon and Dozle, our rebuilding efforts are ahead of schedule. Also, the reorganization of our manpower plus outsourcing less critical jobs to the private sector has enabled us to regain our posture.
-Indeed. I will have to contact our procurement division and see if more of those mega-factories could be built. So, the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th projection fleets are ready for trials? Along with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Hunter/Killer fleets?
-Yes sir.
-Excellent. Once they finish those, I have a little job for them to do.

====

Vrak Prime

The vast shipyards were, in a word, bustling. They usually were since the capital was also the number one destination in container traffic from all over the world. The KIST treaty has seen an increase in activity which ultimately translated in more kronors for everyone. And Vrakians were voracious consumers.

The military naval yards were especially happy today. A small ceremony concluded, with some admiral smashing a bottle of vodka (not that wussy champagne) on the hull of the VNF Wendigo. A cheer went up followed by a 21 gun salute.

It should be interesting.

OOC: OOC: Unless you have an involvement with the current Drakonian/FKC cold war, then please stay out. Thank you.

The trials were a success, and a testament to the indomitable will of the Vrakians. Now, their new mission was sent to the lead ship, the VNF Wendigo. The Wendigo was an aircraft carrier and will a fully loaded and stocked crew, began to lead the projection and hunter/killer fleets to their new target. However, only two of each type of fleet were sent along with a full complement of repledishment vessels. No amphibious assault ships could be discerned. This was, of course, not an invasion by any means, but merely an exercise to test the enemy’s resolve and hopefully discover its capabilities. In that regard, two intelligence gathering ships also accompanied the small armada.

The VNF Wendigo plowed through the Dark Sea along with her escort – 28 combat surface ships in all. No telling exactly how may others were tagging along. Still, haste was not needed for this mission so the pace was set at 20 knots to extend the range and save wear and tear. It was always a good idea to build in some cushioning – just in case they had to sprint later.

Flight crews underwent their usual checks but the crews were not overly concerned. Their tension would rise once they left the South Klatchian Ocean and drew closer to their target…

The Drakonian Imperium.

0831 Zulu
Imperial Drakonian Naval Command
Alexandria, Drakonian Imperium
World Oceanic Processing Center

Bank upon bank of computers was layed out before the series of officers and seamen who worked them, watching the waves, as a couple of senior officer stood waiting to be informed of any important international naval movements. Masses of information flooded through this one room on a daily basis, satellite feeds from the Drakonian Intelligence Agency, tracking reports from coastal facilities, and the latest information from vessels at sea of those ships they encountered all arriving being process and dispatch to the necessary areas. It was an impressive and vital operation, if a rather mundane and boring one.

"Sir," one of the officers waved for the attention of one of the stand senior officers. "I've got something you might want to see."

It took a few minutes for one of the two senior officers to work his way to the man. "Yes. What is it?"

"This just came in from Intelligence," the man at the computer informed. "Satellite Tracking is monitor a major naval deployment by Vrak, they crossed into the Atlantic and on their current heading are coming here."

"Here," the senior officer asked.

"For us, Sir," was the clarification. "Toward the Caribbean, toward Drakonia."

"Lovely," the senior officer replied without emotion. "You know where to send it. You have my authorization. The Admiralty will want to know immediately."

"Yes, Sir." And the intelligence was transmitted on up the chain of command.

1300 Zulu
Imperial Drakonian Naval Command
Alexandria, Drakonian Imperium
Assembly of the Admiralty

They met in a large conference room, a massive long oval conference table dominating the room. It was made of ornately carved wood, inlaned with video monitors and along the center a massive video display. Around it were those commanders as could be assembled on such short notice. Many chairs around the table were empty, the chair at the head was not.

In it sat Grand Admiral of the Navy Li Zahn, a elder Asian man of short stature and great presence. He stood as those Commodores and Admirals, who were able to attend the meeting, entered and took their seats around the conference table. There were few than the Grand Admiral would have liked, but the others, who were unable to attend, would have already recieved the information he was now about to give to those assembled before him.

"Earlier today," the Grand Admiral started, speak plainly in his normal manner, not loud and not quiet with an even wisened tone. "Our satellites tracked the movement of several Vrakian Task Forces entering the Atlantic Ocean on a course toward the Caribbean and the Continent." None needed further explanation of where he meant, the ships were headed for the Continent of Nusquam Esse, center for the Imperium and mainland Drakonia. "It is our belief that this is the first act to ending our current Cease Fire with the Federated Klatchian Coast."

There was a hushed silence, all knew what this meant. The long cold war was about to resume. A couple a looks of pleasure, they wanted vengeance for the mass murder Klatch had commited and condoned. Others were grave, they knew the death that would come, they knew the cost.

The Grand Admiral nodded to a low-ranking officer standing back away from the conference table. The man immediately began to pass out the folders he held in his hands. Those folders contained the analysis of the Vrakian Fleets, including numbers, likely tactics, and possible targets for their attacks. "If they intend war, it would seem an amphibious landing of any kind is unlikely for the moment. Analysis of their forces has indicated that there are no amphibious assault vessel included in their numbers. This means that the forces is likely intended to either pave the way for an invasion or just weaken us, and we cannot rule out the possibility of a test of resolve."

The Grand Admiral paused for a moment, giving those assembled time to process the information presented before them. Some were actively listening to him, eyes forward and locked onto him hearing his every word. Others shuffled through the folders, carefully reading or just skimming the information presented inside.

Then the Grand Admiral continued. "Whatever the Vrakians plans. We will be prepared to meet them. You all know our preparation for just such an action. Orders have been issued to the relevant commands and we are currently using our normal naval movements to mask the re-position of our forces. With tension subsiding in the Glorious Humanity, the redeployment of any ships along the island and mainland will appear nothing out of the ordinary.

"For now, we will appear to be unaware and unconcerned, but should they attempt an attack, the Dragon will strike...."

#tagged... Is this open?

Naval Command Center Three,
Torrhall, Isle of Hubris

"So commander what can you tell me about the Vrakians new class?" Mused Assistant Naval Marshall Bith as he sipped his morning coffee.

The commander coughed and said lightly..."Moving South towards the Imperium it appears sir..."

"What!, we just got done having major damage to our ships by that foolish typhoon and those beddy eyed twits from Terantus...Teractus...Oh you know the little Dante horde..."

"Yes sir, I was thinking sir we should go to stand-by and prepare incase the Vrakians decide to break the cease fire...."

"Hmm, I want eyes on the ground seeing what is happening..."

"Yes sir, should I call the Support Squadron and see if they can set a Q-ship into the area?"

"Yes, fairly good idea..."

****
The Darba
The Darba was a mixed freighter registered to one of the many small countries in the world that would register anything as long as the fee was paid. Hell, if one tried to find the real 'ownership' of the vessel it would vanish into a warren of false front companies, leases, and contracts of joint intrest in the end it would come back to United Transports International which seemed to have almost nothing about it in the world other than owning a whole pile of ships.

In reality, the Darba was the A.R.N Wolfhound a Shnauzer class Q-ship. The Alconian Q ship fleet had begun life hunting pirates and had transformed into a deployment/protection arm for Naval Intelligence.

The facts that almost every Q ship had an Intel Officer with the rank of Commander, they were actually built around an armored box, had conceled rapid fire five inch guns, carried four Shipwreck missles, and Marines from the Hull divison made up for their somewhat slow speed (only 21 knots), poor survivablity against air/missle attacks (with only one CWIS RAM launcher and upgraded civilian radar) and easy prey for any aware warship. Her only real line of defense was that she looked like a freighter and acted like a freighter. The ships were massively well camoflaged to both electronic and visual inspection.

The Captian of the Darba was Senior Captain Payne. He had the unfortunate responsiblity of following the newest idea out of Fleet House.

Operation Walrus Hunt
You are to proceede South, South West in conjunction with the submarine Athos until you are approximatly 25 miles off the flank of the Vrakian Task force labeled Gama Gama. You are then to signal that you have had engine problems and send out uncoded radio signals to Navy Intelligence under the guise of 'Stern Brothers Engine Repairs.' You are to discuss the repair of your engines and prices.

You will then begin a course semi-convergent with the Vrakian Taskforce stopping often to simulate engine problems and repairs.

You will remain in contact at specified times and as needed with submarine Athos who will be investigating the operation.

If at anytime you are to be boarded by either Vrakian or Drakonian forces...scuttle your ship.

You shall be under the command of Captain Bilshead of the Athone as acting Commadore for this operation.

Support Fleet Headquarters
<<Destroy This Message Upon recipt>>

OOC: Open? Hmm I'd say yes and no...it's part of the Imperium/Klatchian Cold War...so why would you want to be involved ICly becomes the question.

#tagged... Is this open?

OOC:

Alcona said it best actually. This is part of the Drakonian/FKC cold war. ICly, I don't think you have anything to do with that. I don't want this thread cluttered with people from left field jumping in and saying "Blah blah blah. We condemn your actions. Why don't we all get along". Sorry for not making it clear earlier. I shall edit. Nothing personal against you, 5CN.

OOC: Sorry everyone. There should be 34 visible surface ships, not 28. Anyhow, here's the breakdown:

2 aircraft carriers; 2 battleships; 4 cruisers; 12 destroyers; 12 frigates; and 2 intel ships. Plus there are some accompanying tankers and other support ships - say, at least 8 or so.

At least satellites will be able to discern that much. I doubt they can see what is below the surface.

3000 km off the Drakonian coast

The VNF Wendigo along with the rest of the fleet still drew closer at a steady 20 knots. Although some of the crew were nervous, their professional training smothered any doubt as to who they were and what they were about to do. After all, didn’t some of them serve alongside the famous Admiral Killamo against the Dozle menace? Still, overconfidence could kill just as easily as being gripped with fear and awe of the enemy.

The two aircraft carriers began to launch long range patrols. Sonar bouys were not dropped yet due to distance but sat con updates concerning Drakonian, Tersanctian, and Glorious Humanity fleet movements were fed to the Wendigo as soon as the information became available.

0645 Zulu
Northwest of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
IDS Watchguard

The smaller patrol frigate, IDS Watchguard, cut through the ocean waters with ease as the sun made it's ascent into the sky. The light from the newly risen sun glittered off the wake of the warship that advanced on it's assigned patrol.

On the bridge, everything seemed normal, but the tension was rising as much of the crew realized the threat that moved ever closer to their homeland. Still duty came first and fear last, if ever, and they went about their work as ever. Seaman Stone was just one of those doing his duty, for Country, for People, and for Praetor. He scanned to the latest contacts the ship had encounters, informing his superior of the latest.

"Freighter Chaotic Wealth out of the Islands of Eris Kallisti, Freighters Opal and Topaz out of Netherstates, Freighter Jungle Brush out of El Hefe, and Royal Trinidad Oil Tankers The Black Wealth and Big Hull sailing from Andaman and Nicobar, all check out. Oh, and there was one other sailing from some place I've never heard of..." The Seaman stopped looked down at a computer monitor, then continued. "The Darba, it checks out too. Nothing out of the orbinary today, Sir."

"Sounds good," the Officer replied. "Carry on, Seaman." The man walked off leaving the Seaman to his work.

Having been headed deeper into the cold waters of the Atlantic the ship made a turn south where it's patrol was to continue. None knew what they had missed and it was likely that unless the Darba made a big mistake that none would.

2000 km off the Drakonian coast

Translated from Vrakian. [OOC: when my characters speak Vrakian, the words are preceded by a hyphen]

-Admiral, sat can reports a long-range Drakonian patrol type vessel.
-Very well, they shall be our first contact, assuming that there patrol route will intercept us. Let me know if anything out of the ordinary approaches us within 500 km.
-Admiral, we are passing near some major shipping lanes. Most likely we will encounter ships that are closer than that but would be going about their normal business.
-I’m aware of that. Just keep a look out is all. Once we draw closer does the plan come into effect. As well, begin live fire exercises but take care not to shot anyone. The submarines don’t need to participate though.
-Yes Admiral.

OOC: Been having some forum posting problems…

The Darba seemed to ignore the Vrakian Fleet, as though it were nothing. At it's designated time (actualy 32 miles off the flank of the Vrakian supply ships) she radiod for assistance in repairing a Z-85 Dutch Wellington Diesel Engine. her speed dropped to six knots and she seemed to be keeping an unsteady course.

The repair ship Calgula registered out of Port Olympus, (the Klatch) radioed that they could help. However, they were fairly south in the South Atlantic.

The ships in the open radio communication agreed to attempt to sail towards each other since the Calgula didn't know what problems she'd get going so near 'enemy' territory.

***
Beneith the waves, the A.R.N. Athos began to silently stalk the Vrakians and find if any Imperium subs were in the area.

1023 Zulu
West of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
IDS Julius

There was indeed submarines in the area, granted it was a big area, but they were there. The Beta-Class Attack Submarine, IDS Julius, was but one of them. It was returning from a patrol cruise in the far south Atlantic and Pacific just around the southern tip of South America. Watching for hostilities toward near Lavenrunz during the recent political turmoil there. The sub-surface warship was being replaced by the IDS Hydra, also a Beta-Class Attack Submarine. The two submersibles past each other both heading in opposite direction.

"Conn Sonar, Aye." The bridge was rather active at the moment. They had just recieved orders for their return and a status update on the current situation.

They had now dropped back deep under the waves. "Nothing close, all scopes clear. No advance submersibles."

"Link up with the Deep Sea Network, relay our sweeps of the area," the sub-surface warship's Captain ordered.

The Deep Sea Network was Drakonia's underwater eyes and ears. It served a similar purpose to underwater sonar watch stations employed by the United States and Russia during the Cold War. Ever vigilante it tracked what it could and relayed the information back to homeland. It had only been concept at the time of the Dyelli Beybi Nuclear Attacks, but that action had quickly moved concept to necessity and reality. The network now sat on the ocean floor in a grid, ever watching.

"LASER-Comm, confirmed to station DS-Niner-Niner-Alpha," one of the crewman confirmed the completion of the order. "Relay Active....Recieving Tracking on the Vrakian Fleet....Range: Four-Two-Three Nautical Miles....Unconfirmed Sub-Surface Contacts....Multiple Task Groups."

"Cut link. Proceed at 1/4," the Captain commanded. The orders were quickly carried out and the sub-surface vessel continued on.

1032 Zulu
West of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
Royal Trinidad Oil Tanker Big Hull

In some dark corner of the oil tanker two men met and conversed in low tones.

"Is everything prepared?"

Both remained watchful lest the wrong person hear their conversation.

One who appeared to have an air of authority about him replied. "Yes. We are just waiting for the General to give us a go ahead."

The other who appeared to be a sailor was blunt. "He'd better hurry we're running out of time."

"He will. The last thing he wants is our own people to die." Was the reply. "Just be ready." The conversation was concluded and both men left.

OOC:

Ah, okay. You have a grid laid out, Drak. Fair enough. So you then will be able to possibly spot most, if not all the subs. Mind you , they are not running very silent yet but also they are not actively pinging. That is, the whole fleet is passive scanning at the moment until they draw closer. I don’t think you would be able to tell what type they are though unless you got closer.

Total subs: 20
Breakdown: 2 Typhoon; 2 Oscar II; 8 Sierra class; 8 Shuka-B Akula class II

IC:

1000 km off the Drakonian coast

-1000 km sir.
-Very well. Proceed with Plan1
-Yes sir.

Quickly, the officer typed out the encrypted message that was sent to each ship.

RCFG: HK1 P5 Blue; HK2 P6 Red. Blue: TGT 909 25k PTN Zulu; Red: TGT 900 25kt PTN Golf. AUTH Omega Delta 898. Omega Delta 898.

Within seconds, the reply came.

CFM. AUTH Kilo Kilo 345
CFM. AUTH India Echo 266

Slowly, the fleet divided itself into two group and began to head towards Drakonia, each taking a different path.

0923 Zulu
Veii Naval Base
Veii, Drakonian Imperium
Deep Sea Control Center

"Hey Bob. You got the grid calibrated, yet," the voice called across the computer center that ran the Deep Sea sensor network in the icy waters of the Central Atlantic Ocean and the tropical waters of the Eastern Caribbean Sea.

"Still running," another voice (apparently Bob) replied, from a chair in front of a bank of computers. "It's getting better now. Could be a long time before the things running perfect though. This whole may be bloody advanced, but it's still new and buggy."

The Deep Sea Network was far from perfect, even if it had some of the most sophisticated sensors equipment available. Being relative new it still was having minor problems resolving ships close together in fleets. Individual vessels were easy to read, although harder to specificly identify, except by Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) codes. Thus while the sensors could detect the presence of possibly hostile submarines, if said submersibles were close enought to the individual Vrakian task groups actually idenfication was much more difficult. Which is exactly what Bob was working to correct, it would just take a while as calibrating the different sensors of a large network of individual relay stations is a time consuming process.

"I know," the first voice shot back. "But the boss--" (Implying some Officer in Fleet Command) "--has been riding me to get it done. With the Vrakians out there, she wants the network running perfectly."

"They always ask the impossible." Bob sighed and continued working.

1459 Zulu
McClean Military Base
Drako Throne, Drakonian Imperium
Imperial Drakonian Armed Forces Command

General Martin Lucius was irate as he burst into the Office of commanding General Derek Long, supreme commander of the Imperial Drakonian Armed Forces. "What the hades are we waiting for?!"

General Long let out a sigh, setting down the pen he had been holding on the document he was about to sign. If office was rather large, due to his rank, yet it took General Lucius very little time to make it to General Long's large desk. "Those tusked monstrosities to blow away a few coastal cities?!"

"You know very well what we are waiting for," Derek Long replied forcably evenly. General Lucius' enthusiasm, to blast the Klatchians back to the stone age, was beginning to wear on his nerves.

"This is madness!" The other General continued to rant.

Derek Long forced himself not to add a look who is talking remark. General Lucius had been though a lot. His wife had died horribly from Radiation Poisoning following the Klatchian Nuclear Attacks, it had hurt the man deeply and given him a deep resevoir of hate. Instead, Derek Long replied, "The plan is sound. We may be risking much, but so are they if open war is their intention. In fact, I would dare say they are risking more by attacking us."

"Paying no mind to the possible civilian casualties," General Lucius shot back rather harshly. "Let them murder more innocents just for more justification to bring them to our knees."

General Long did not like where the conversation was going, but the man had a valid point. He hoped his comment would placate General Lucius, but suspected it would not. "I will bring your concerns before the Advisory Council."

The comm officer looked up and said to his immediate supervisor.
-The freighter Darba is broadcasting that they have engine problems.
-Did we not receive this message earlier?
-Yes sir.
-Indeed. And their location?

A nav officer spoke.
-Actually, quit close. About 25 miles off our rear right flank.
-What? And no one said anything about this earlier? Hell.

The XO then stormed off and informed his captain, who, with some embarrassment, informed the Admiral.

-Very well. Have the destroyer Blade along with the attack sub Deep Thunder investigate. I want our flanks secured.
-Yes sir.

750 km off the Drakonian coast

The two distinct fleets now about 100 km apart and spreading began to draw closer to the coast . KA-32 helicopters now began to lift off to drop sonar buoys into the water. After all, despite the official rhetoric, some of the Vrakian military chiefs didn’t think the Drakonians to be stupid at all. And they also figured that Drakonia would send subs to shadow their fleet since, well, it’s what Vrak would do.

The submarines now dove to 400 meters and enforced communications silence, but without knowledge of the local oceanography, it would be anyone’s guess as to who would find who. Still, for now, they stayed close to the surface ships. Meanwhile, the surface ships continued to stay relatively close together. The aircraft carriers increased their activity, with Yak 141s designated the primary interceptor – leaving in pairs or threes. The patrols, however, were taking extreme care not to approach within 500 km from the coast.

Meanwhile, a lone detroyer accompanied by an attack sub began to wheel and bear for the Darba.

The captain of the Darba looked down at the plot screen and up at the intellgence officer.
"Well the Vrakians seemed to have taken an intrest."

The intelligence officer looked down at the small icon indicating the approaching destroyer.
"It's the Blade, I'll pull her up on the computer..."
"No need, I don't want to go dancing with a walrus personally. Sub-Com send an LWSM to the Athos, tell her were on the can for the moment."

He turned and made a few more orders. "Enginering get me back up to nine knots and set a divergent course south...Com, send a signal to our repair ship that we have repaired some of our problems and can make nine knots...."

"Sir, request that we don't do that until the Vrakians have a good look at us...for say half an hour or more." The intelligence officer interupted.

"Why?"

"Well we know the Blade is heading this way because of our radar, that installation isn't exactly koser on a tramp freighter out of Tonga...so I'd say we've got to act as though we didn't expect to see them until about fourty or fifty miles. Then when they hit the horizon ask what they want. By then even a blind merchie would see their on an intercept course."

"And what about diverting away from whatever the Vrakian fleet is up to?"

"Quite simple, we make noises like we may have identified the problem but have a real idiot of an engineer who can't figure out how to fix it. Even the Vrakians will think we're the most idiotic crew to sail the seven seas."

The captain chuckled, "You know, with women like you around, I am glad I'm married."

***
Short Wave Radio
Darba this is calling Calgula, Call Darba calling Calgula...

Darba this is the Calgula what's up...over

Engines seem to stutter like...boy before pretty girl...think we have a thing in line of fuel...overt...

Darba...please repeat did not understand you...over

Think we have a...peice of dirt in line from engine to fuel tank....overt

Darba...are you saying you think you have a clog in one of your fuel lines?...over

Calgula...Yes clog in fuel line...oter (yes they said 'oter')

Darba...Soooo...clean out the fuel line...over

Calgula...where is line of fuel to engine...ober

Darba...you don't know where your fuel lines are?...

Calgula...many pipes to many things...not sure which is which...

The fuel line is the one going into the fuel pump...

Calgula, is fuel pimp thing that go thwa thwa or ump ump?

(We find things to make us go... ;) anyway you can see how mind numbing this conversation is going to quickly get )

***
The LWSM would be detected by most sensors as just a good deal of low frequency noise. However, the Athos was able to descrable the signal.
The Commadore looked at the decoded message, wadded it up, and threw it on the deck. "Well our message boys on the surface seem to have attracted attention. Alright, I'd say we've got Vrakian and Drakonian subs in the water with us. Let's play a little hide and go seek shall we?"

"Helm, put on course to go between the two Vrakian forces and come between them and the opposing shore. Thirty-six knots and I don't care if both sides hear us."

"Aye, Aye captain."

"Engineering, I want the venturi drive up and ready to turn on at notice."

"Aye, aye captain."

(I expect Vrak should know something of Long Wavelength Signal Messages to have sonar wonder where it came from...the venturi drive is an odd form of water jet propulsion system that is much more quiet then similar systems since I'm only pressurizing a small volume of the water using multi-stage compressors and ejecting it into the exit nozzle and the primary steam...an old fashioned steam injector used for propulsion. Max speed 12 knots...)

[Tag]

OOC: Alcona, I haven’t a clue. However, I’m sure that the venturi drive will sound different than what the sonar operators are used to once it’s switched on. Which might make them a bit more nervous. As well, I haven’t yet found out the range of a sonar bouy in regards to them picking up the presence of a submarine. I suppose the range has to do with water temperature and other stuff, so is detection more a matter of sensitibity on the part of the buoy?

As well, the ship sent to investigate the Darba is a Sovremenny class destroyer and the sub is a Sierra class. Basically, and this is for everyone, I use mostly Russian equipment.

Finally, the fleet split into two smaller fleets with Fregat II Udaloy-II class destroyers furthest outside to look for subs and then the larger ships centered around the air craft carrier to provide as much anti-air and anti-sub protection.

IC:

700 km off the Drakonian coast

The Blade along with Deep Thunder neared the Darba. The comm officer picked up the conversation between the Calgula and the Darba shook his head as the transcript was given to the XO.

-By Bok’s maw, they sound like retards.
-Indeed.

The submarine began actively pinging the area. Although this would give away its position, they wanted to know if there were any other subs in the area. [OOC: We’ll see what happens with this move.]

Meanwhile, aboard the Udaloy-II class destroyer named the Sturgeon, a new signal came through…

-I’m picking up a new signal. Bearing south…between our fleets.
-Ambient noise? One of ours?
-No sir. Definitely a sub. Not sure exactly but it’s not one of ours…it’s moving at 36 knots!
-Very well.

A quick turn and the XO promptly relayed the message to his captain. The Sturgeon was not the only destroyer that picked it up nor was it the only ship to go to general quarters. Shells were loaded while torpedoes clattered into place. Even in this day and age, submarines still posed the greatest risk to carrier groups and while the Vrakians were not exactly playing innocent in this game, they were taking no chances

-Ascertain the identity of this sub. We must know who it belongs to.
-Aye, Admiral.

OOC: Well, actually it would 'vanish' or seem like it wasn't there...a really good sonar operator would likely notice it since the background noise would change. It would be entirely diffrent acousticly, the drive falling into the background.

As for the Long Wave messaged, I'd ICly expect Vrak to have heard it before when their subs are making for the Squall Straits.

IC:

The crew of the Darba was now trying to finish the repair. In reality, a couple of marines were sitting at the radio board, the radio room door had to be kept shut. It appears laughter had become contagious on board.

The chatter stopped when the Blade finally peaked over the horizon on an intercept course with the Darba.

The message out in the clear was "This is the Darba out of Tonga, please state your intentions...over"

***
At 36 knots the Athos sounded more like a freight train running across the ocean bottom. The Athos turned towards the smaller fleet for a moment...

"Stop Primary Propulsion"

"Aye, stopping primary propulsion..."

"Hit the Venturi, six knots...ricipricol of course just stated..."

"Aye, Aye..."

"In five klicks bring us to periscope depth..."

"Aye, Aye..."

The sub slowed and turned back towards the larger fleet.

Council Room

The room where the decision makers of Glorious Humanity met was both functional and somewhat grand, though more like a company boardroom than a high office. It was roughly sixty feet by forty feet, big enough to be comfortable but not a gargantuan hall. After all, only seven people met in here. The walls were painted a kind of peachy white, and the flourescent lights in the solid ceiling reflected off them, giving the place a warm, friendly glow. The carpet was blue, like all the carpet in most GH government buildings, and very thick and plush, so one's feet could sink into it. The chairs were comfortable executives in black leather, high back and thickly padded, pulled up to a long teakwood desk, dark stained and polished to a perfect shine. In front of each Council member's place was a gold nameplate. Across the back wall, opposite the door into the room, was an enormous Glorious Humanity flag.

The President's Council filed in one by one, each person going to his or her seat and settling themselves. Next to last in was President Mark Albert himself, fully capable despite his bad arm, the result of a sniper's bullet during the recent revolt. Albert took his chair at the head of the table and closest to the door. Sitting down the table to his right were, in order of seating, Supreme Commander (SC) of the Army Herbert Abelgard, SC of the Air Force Florence Washington, and Director of Military Intelligence Harold Fox. On Albert's left were Minister of International Relations Frank Pierce, SC of the Navy Allean Hanoway, and Minister of Internal Security Paul Brooks. Fox's seat was currently empty, he was the reason this meeting had been called and he was late, likely preparing his briefing. The group sat quietly, waiting for him. There was no idle conversation, no banter or chatting about side issues. None spoke until all were assembled, a gesture of courtesy.

Finally Fox arrived, striding into the room with seven folders under one arm. Harold Fox was a cliched looking spy chief, with a sharp face and a neatly trimmed moustache, slicked back black hair, and piercing brown eyes. His uniform was tan in color, with badges signifying his office and rank on his left and right shoulders, and a tag with his name on it over the breast pocket of his shirt. He walked around the table, handing a folder to each person there and keeping one for himself, then took his seat. At a nod from him everyone opened their folders and looked in them. There were several low whistles.

"Minister Pierce, the television please," Fox said. Pierce reached into a recess under the table and brought out a black remote. This he clicked in the direction of the far wall, the one opposite the President's seat. A section of wall slid up, revealing a large screen used by the Council to review everything from satelliete intelligence to civilian news reports, all to familiarize themselves with current situations.

"May I have that?" Fox asked. "I know what order the slides are in." He stood up and walked to take the remote from Pierce, then returned to his seat, though he remained standing. The lights automatically dimmed as Fox pressed several buttons, telling the computer storage system behind the screen what file he wanted. Presently a large picture showing a wide expanse with a number of oblong shapes in it came up.

"I just got this picture this morning from the Drakonians," Fox began. "It's an image taken from one of their recon sats passing over the Atlantic. What you are seeing here are a large number of Vrakian vessels moving towards the Drakonian coastline. Smaller versions of this picture all in all your folders. They're moving at a good clip, though we don't think they're going as fast as they could."

"You're sure?" Albert asked. The President had seen plenty of sat recon photos and could easily see the proof, but he liked his people to be able to defend their conclusions.

"Quite sure sir," Fox replied. "This sat photo shows infrared, hence the red on the ships from their engines. A engine performing at its top level, no matter what that level may be, puts out a lot of heat. These ships would be fairly glowing on infrared if they were performing at their peak."

"Very good," Albert nodded. "Continue."

"As stated before, these ships are heading for the Vrakian coast," Fox continued. "We know this because successive passes tracked their course, and once we knew about it, I asked for sat photos over that area from our own birds." He pressed a button and the image changed, showing a course from the Federated Klatchian Coast to Nusquam Esse. A line and several dots made up the course. "Here is their estimated course, based on what we know. The starting point is a known Vrakian military base, it may or may not be where they launched from, and at this time that's irrelevant. Each dot represents the location of a confirmed contact by satelliete or patrolling submarine."

"Wait, Albert broke in. "We've encountered them?"

"Not directly, sir," Fox replied. "We have submarines patrolling the Atlantic of course, and two filed long range contact reports whose timing and placement almost certainly mean that what the subs heard was this fleet."

"We didn't know they were there until Drakonia told us?" Albert raised a brow.

"Unfortunately, yes," Fox replied. "We get most of our sea recon from them. Our satellietes are positioned mostly to watch coasts. I've already ordered one to reposition to watch the fleet however, and it got this." He pressed the button again. The new picture was a wider view, and showed two groups now. "Earlier today the Vrakians split their fleet. Why we don't know, though my guess is that they figure two smaller targets are harder to hit than a big bullseye. They're also being very paranoid, taking an interest in every ship near them, going to check out passing civilian traffic and maintaining a wide air patrol screen around their ships."

"How close?" That was Washington asking.

"Seven hundred to seven-fifty kilometers off Drakonia's coast. Within striking distance of Drakonian planes and quite a few of our northern airbases as well. Their air cover is completely understandable."

"What are they doing?" Hanoway wondered. "This can't be the precursor to an invasion, there's no landing ships."

"You are quite correct, and sat recon over Vrak and the rest of the FKC shows no corresponding troop or aircraft movements. I think this is a Vrakian stunt, and furthermore, I think they're doing it on their own," Fox said, clicking to relevant photos to back up his words.

"So another FKC nation is striking out on its own without listening to the whole," Ablegard said drily. "All surprised, raise their hands." Nobody did.

"I wouldn't be too harsh about that," Pierce noted with a grin. "Makes 'em easier to deal with, and that fragmentation is what's making our current negotiations possible." He was referring to the semi-secret negotiations (http://s7.invisionfree.com/KIST/index.php?showtopic=34&st=0) between Glorious Humanity and Alcona in Knootoss. The diplomat involved, Georgia Lancaster, had just returned and was preparing for the formal negotiations with the entire Klatch.

"I heard that," Ablegard agreed. Even the SC of the Army, one of the most military-minded men in the government, was tired of this mess.

"So, we know Vrak is pulling a stunt against Drakonia using their fleet," Albert said. "Anything coming our way?"

"No sir, nothing," Fox answered. "At least, nothing yet."

"Recommendations?" the President looked around the table.

"We definitely don't want to start shooting," Pierce noted. "I'll get Lancaster ready and she can go start talking to people. She handled Alcona well, I think she can talk to Drakonia. I'll go to and back her up if she needs it."

"Good," Albert answered. "What about Vrak?"

"I'll send a message asking what they are doing," Pierce said. "I'll bet my base coin that they won't tell me what they're really doing, if they tell me anything at all, but making a formal diplomatic inquiry will set a peaceful tone. I'll drop one to Alcona too, maybe they have an idea and are willing to share."

"Sounds good," Albert nodded. "What else can we do?" He looked at Hanoway as he asked this.

"The Humanity and Sealord are docked right now, getting a shakedown after their run in Fyreheart," Hanoway said. "I'll get them back out to sea with their surface escorts and some subs. We'll stick near our coast for the moment, but the ships will be out at sea. It'll show them we care without being threatening."

"Great," Albert nodded again and looked around. "Make it happen, everybody."

**********************************************************

FROM: Frank Pierce, Minister of International Relations, Glorious Humanity
TO: Vrak Diplomatic Corps
RE: Ship movement

We have noticed your recent deployment to Nusquam Esse, and even though you don't seem to be headed our way we are curious about your intentions. Perhaps you could ease our fears and give us some information about your activities.

**********************************************************

FROM: Frank Pierce, Minister of International Relations, Glorious Humanity
TO: Whom it may concern, the United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris
RE: Vrak deployment

We have noticed your ally's movement, and in light of our apparantly successful diplomacy we're a little nervous that someone may be thinking about picking a fight anyway. As both our nations are interested in peace, mayhap we can build on the Knootoss negotiations by working together to prevent further bloodshed here. Towards that end, if you have any idea what Vrak may be attempting we would most appreciate whatever information you can share.

FROM: Frank Pierce, Minister of International Relations, Glorious Humanity
TO: Outer Ministry, the United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris
RE: Vrak deployment

We have noticed your ally's movement, and in light of our apparantly successful diplomacy we're a little nervous that someone may be thinking about picking a fight anyway. As both our nations are interested in peace, mayhap we can build on the Knootoss negotiations by working together to prevent further bloodshed here. Towards that end, if you have any idea what Vrak may be attempting we would most appreciate whatever information you can share.

(OOC: Corrected for appropriate office)
The Outer Minister sat at his 'desk'. It was large, made of dark Napon Oak. The room was really the 'formal' office. The Outer Minister did most of his work sitting in his private study off of this room to the left. It was equally grand, with the walls panelled in dark wood, heavy brass and crystal lighting figures haning from the twenty foot cealings. The study was a large room, maybe fifteen by fifteen. The Office was actually a confrence room with a long table lit by three, narrow 12 foot windows in the outside wall. At the moment the windows were open to catch the trade winds. Unfortunatly, this part of the Ministry, although regal in dimensions and appointments, lacked air conditioning.

The Outer Minister, the thrid in two years, was Bill Howbring. A young rising star of the Progressive Party he had been tapped by the High Minister to help bolster the position within the Keys The fact that minister before last had reniged on a deal with the Rectors, and the College of Peers, had made life for the following Ministers difficult. The man Howbring had replaced resigned after several startling revelations about certian 'Assistant Ministers' using their postions to run illegal drugs. That hadn't been under his watch but the Outer Ministry had taken quite a good number of lumps in the past few months.

Bill was a placeholder, a fob to maintain the present government so poorly thought of by his Grace that everyone was waiting for it to be dismissed. Why his Grace hadn't dropped the axe yet was puzzling. But the Crawfords were known for their Byzynitine political style. Maybe he waited for some bright new leader to emerge to send the High Minister packing.

The minister's brown eyes looked around the group of Assistant Ministers, Junior Ministers, Keepers and Assistant Keepers now in his office. "Does anyone know anything?" He asked.

Bethune sat quietly in a corner and just stated, "Your going to have to make the call..."

The young face of the Outer Minister turned and looked at the older man. Bethune was one of the professional Keepers running about the place, an actual Advisor to the Klatchian Privy Council. He had also been annoyed with the appointment of the current Minister, since the kid was a political hack with no diplomatic skills. The recent 'planning' of the peace talks had fallen onto Bethune shoulders.

The Outer Minister looked around the room, he realized that it was the only path. Most of the Assistants wanted his position and were going to be no help, and the Keepers really thought very little of him. The Outer Ministry had been on poor relations with the Naval Marshall and the Alconian Privy Council since the Winton buisness that had landed Bill into this postion.

"Fine...I'll call....Jenny see if we can get a video phone call to...."
****
FROM: Outer Ministry, the United Duchies
TO: Frank Pierce, Minister of International Relations, Glorious Humanity
RE: Vrak Naval deployment Gama Gama

After discussing the matter with the Naval Marshall I can assure you that we know nothing more than you do about the Vrakian Naval Deployment into the Atlantic Ocean. It would appear however that there are several ships of a new class in the Vrakian Taskforce you are refering to. We were informed by the Navy that they 'investigating' this deployment. At the current time we wish to ask you to avoid upsetting the Walruses. Also, we feel that your nation is not under any direct or indirect threat.

-William P. Howbring
Outer Minister of the United Duchies
On Behalf of His Grace, Alexander III Grand Duke of Alcona and Hubris.

***
A private email arrives in Landcaster's box.

Miss. Landcaster,
I can tell you that the fact that "we don't know anything" is not exactly true. At the present time there are more than just Klatchian warships from Vrak in the area. I think the Naval Marshall has sent out our subs or something. I don't know what is going on, the Navy is being mum about the whole thing. I'd suggest you caution the Drakonians about renewing hostilities...an incident could interfere with our upcomming elections, putting a pro-war party into power. I'd say that would just about kill the peace process. I am afraid that that may be the mission of this Vrakian Taskforce, to force Drakonia to cause an incident. This will allow the Crawfords to manipulate the election and put a party that is unwilling to negotiate any further. I ask for your help in stopping the Drakonians from making such a mistake. Specifically, please relay this information to whom you feel it could use it best on the part of peace.
-William Bethune

FROM: Frank Pierce, Minister of International Relations, Glorious Humanity
TO: Vrak Diplomatic Corps
RE: Ship movement

We have noticed your recent deployment to Nusquam Esse, and even though you don't seem to be headed our way we are curious about your intentions. Perhaps you could ease our fears and give us some information about your activities.


-They wish to know of our intentions.
-Give them an answer that befits them.
-As you command.

====

To: Frank Pierce, Minister of International Relations, Glorious Humanity
From: Vrak Diplomatic Corps
Subject: Ship movements

We are merely conducting naval exercises.

The crew of the Darba was now trying to finish the repair. In reality, a couple of marines were sitting at the radio board, the radio room door had to be kept shut. It appears laughter had become contagious on board.

The chatter stopped when the Blade finally peaked over the horizon on an intercept course with the Darba.

The message out in the clear was "This is the Darba out of Tonga, please state your intentions...over"

The VNF Blade, within visible distance of the Darba replied,

"Darba frieghter, we are conducting naval exercises. Your vessel is too close to our prescribed exercise area. As well, we understand that you have engine problems. We shall escort your vessel out of the prescribed area. Any resistance will be met accordingly. VNF Blade out."

The message was repeated twice and the comm officer made sure that the Darba received it.

====

Aboard the VNF Sturgeon

-It vanished!
-What?
-It's gone. One moment it was moving at 36 knots and now...

The sonar operator twisted a few knobs. So did his colleague next to him. A hush descended on the room as a hand motion waved for silence. Then....

-Got it! But...very faint. I've never heard this sound before. Bok's flippers...
-Right. Patch this information to the others and see if we can't triangulate this sub.
-Aye aye, sir.

Four Udaloy II class destroyers, two from each fleet along with two attack subs began to converge on the last known position of the mystery sub along with its most likely route.

Meanwhile, the two fleets began to increase speed and widen the gap between themselves. The Admiral aboard the VNF Wendigo dispatched the latest events in an encrypted code to Vrak Military High Command.

The VNF Blade, within visible distance of the Darba replied,

"Darba frieghter, we are conducting naval exercises. Your vessel is too close to our prescribed exercise area. As well, we understand that you have engine problems. We shall escort your vessel out of the prescribed area. Any resistance will be met accordingly. VNF Blade out."

The message was repeated twice and the comm officer made sure that the Darba received it.

The response from the Darba was:

We Acknowledge Banes, we were unaware of any wargames announced by local nations. As such we will move out of the area with the greatest speed possible. Currently we are able to make nine knots once we get the fuel line back in place....Darba Out.

The Darba sat for another thrity minutes before she began to pick up speed and move south east, away from the Vrakian fleet but also somewhat parallel.

***
The Athos had of course gone back on a new course.
"Periscope depth Sir..."
"Thank you Helm....raise periscope"
"Aye....Rasing Periscope"

The sea was rippled slightly as the sub pushed forward and the periscope pushed out from under the sea.

"Sonar, what do the contacts look line..."

"Sir, I'd say we've got a couple of tin cans and some pig boats heading in our direction. I've got perhaps a few other contacts but they appear to be holding course...."

"Anybody out there sound like an Imperium sub..."

"Maybe..."

"Helm, set a course ____ for the space between the main Vrakian fleet and Drakonia. I want to see how they react. Drop us to 100 feet."

"Aye Aye...set course _____, set downbubble three degrees, maintain current speed."

2006 Zulu
Veii Naval Base
Veii, Drakonian Imperium
Deep Sea Control Center

"Can I go now?" Bob complained. Now Bob was not normally a complainer, but being kept working late (which he had been for a while now) was beginning to wear on him. It wasn't that he did not like the overtime pay (that was nice, even for a government job), it was just that this was the fifth night in a row (with all day sunday included). And it all being due to some fine print in his contact ("...when situation is deemed serious, by the ranking naval officer or his superiors....") was just all the more annoying. Oh well, at least the pay is good.

"No," the ranking naval officer replied, prompting Bob to decide that he would have to content himself in the estimation of the increased size of his next paycheck. "Now run this all by me, again. Just so everything is clear."

Bob sighed and repeated himself, again. "We began tracking this sub-surface contact a while ago...I think. Not sure actually when, but anyway. Just before noon it shot up to 36 Knots and then it gone...all silent."

The officer still seemed troubled and Bob wondered if he would have to run him through the whole proceedings again. "You really should have Valan go over this, I'm just the tech., not a trained sonar operator." Bob looked at his watch for the hundredth time. "Is this all real bad or something," he asked.

The officer finally responded. "Bad? Yes, it's bad...very bad. It means the Klatchians have Catapillar drives and it means we're going to have to call back the entire team. I need this place up to full capacity in two hours."

Bob looked too shocked to respond. So much for going home, at all.

"Call them all in," the officer ordered. "And just be glad you don't have to do all the reports and paperwork for this whole operation." The officer stomped out and Bob reluctantly went back to work.

OOC: Can you run some info by me (or a link) on these LWSM. I'm not totally sure I understand what they are/do. This is partly due to my being lazy and on vacation, which also explain my tardiness these last couple of days...and in the next two weeks or so.

2021 Zulu
Imperial Drakonian Naval Command
Alexandria, Drakonian Imperium
5th Floor Main Hallway

"Somewhere, somebody is making a joke about the thin line these Klatchians are walking, Li." Commodore John Hawkins strode forward as he conversed with his friend and superior. He was returning to his flagship and command of the task force (Homeguard) currently deployed to protect Glorious Humanity's coast from rebel sympathizers. "This is too close to open war, already. I don't want it to get worse. I have got enough problems sorting out my own command with all these redeployments."

"It may be inevitable...an end to this cold war," the Grand Admiral replied, keeping step.

"I don't want my favorite country blown away, but I don't want war either." The Commodore's voice was full of passion. "Just keep this from going out of hand. I know there are those out there who want Klatch a smoking crater for what they did, but I am not one of them." They reach the end of the hallway and made there way to one of the elevators.

Li Zahn did not need to stay that he as well was not one of them, as they stepped inside one of the elevators. "I will." And the elevator doors slammed shut.

2229 Zulu
West of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
Royal Trinidad Oil Tanker Big Hull

As the two Oil Tankers continued their trek north for their homeport on the isle of Trinidad, there were dark plans in the works. In the depths of one of the massive ships, the plotters met and were given their orders. They gathered in an old storage room, the wall full of crates and boxes. One of which was open. In it, there were weapons visible. There were seven of them altogether, just enough to accomplish their task.

"We've been ordered to proceed as planned," the leader of the assembled group stated. "You each know your tasks. At exactly noon tomorrow carry them out."

There were nods and the dispersed. By the time they were all gone the opened crate was empty.

OOC: The Long Wavelength Message System is a similar system to The U.S. ELF system http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/c3i/elf.htm.

Except that the system is based as a ship to sub communication system or a sub to ship...As you'll note the antenna needed to produce the ELF signal is quite long. However, the signal it produces also must cross the air-water boundry which usually reduces intensity of signals quite a bit.

LWMS is designed to allow subs to communicate back up to surface ships and then have them relayed back to my headquarters. It is more strongly attenuated in water than an ELF signal, but a nice antenna along the keel of my ships and subs does produce useful signals, and I don't have to worry about the air-water boundry attenuation either.

Someone pointed out that sonar would likely 'hear' this signal based on some interference idea that sounded fesiable but that's not my area

added note: wavelength is inverse of frequency...

Lancaster's Office

Like everything else about the woman, Georgia Lancaster's office was elegantly plain. The walls were wood paneled only because all offices in the Ministry of International Relations had the elegant paneling, and they were rather spartanly decorated, holding only a calendar, wall clock, and two framed photographs. One was of Edward Lancaster, Georgia's father, and was over two decades old, though no one could tell as she had taken exquisite care of it. The picture showed a dignified looking man with brown hair, wearing a blue police uniform and standing proudly at attention on a grassy lawn outside a precinct, probably the one he worked at. The other picture on the wall was a more recent one, taken about a year ago, that showed Georgia and her mother. It was a professional studio shot set against a light green backdrop. The family resemblance between Silvia Lancaster and her daughter was obvious. Both had the same sunny blonde hair, though the elder woman's was starting to gray in the picture, and the same light blue eyes. Silvia had obviously been beautiful when she was younger, and that too seemed to have been passed on to Georgia, though the younger Lancaster preferred not to make a big deal out of her physical attractiveness.

Lancaster was a handsome woman in her mid-thirties. Definitely pretty, with only a little more work on her physical appearance she could easily be considered beautiful, but she didn't bother. She detested scandalous garments, never flaunted her attributes, and never wore anything more than basic makeup. Her hair was kept in a low-maintenance ponytail, or sometimes just allowed to hang loose. Today she was dressed in a light blue short-sleeved dress that reached from her neck to her ankles, with only a small dip in front that revealed nothing, and black heels. All this went with her personality. Georgia Lancaster wanted to be remembered for a sharp mind, not bouncing breasts.

She was currently reading an unusual email sitting in her professional account. It came from Alcona of all places, and contained more information than, she guessed, Glorious Humanity was supposed to know.

Miss Lancaster,
I can tell you that the fact that "we don't know anything" is not exactly true. At the present time there are more than just Klatchian warships from Vrak in the area. I think the Naval Marshall has sent out our subs or something. I don't know what is going on, the Navy is being mum about the whole thing. I'd suggest you caution the Drakonians about renewing hostilities...an incident could interfere with our upcomming elections, putting a pro-war party into power. I'd say that would just about kill the peace process. I am afraid that that may be the mission of this Vrakian Taskforce, to force Drakonia to cause an incident. This will allow the Crawfords to manipulate the election and put a party that is unwilling to negotiate any further. I ask for your help in stopping the Drakonians from making such a mistake. Specifically, please relay this information to whom you feel it could use it best on the part of peace.
-William Bethune

Bless his heart, she thought. Someone else does still want to go the distance for peace. She carefully considered her reply, then sent it, phrasing it to sound like a response to a friendly letter, just in case someone besides Bethune could check his email.

Dear Mr. Bethune,

I have received your message, and I too hope dearly that this does not become a war after we have already done so much. Rest assured, I have been assigned to the Drakonian delegation, and I will be as persuasive as I can to convince them not to start shooting. You should likely do the same with your own people. I regret that until I speak to the Drakonians I cannot say what else may be happening here. I hope we have the chance to speak more soon, my friend.

Sincerely,
Georgia Lancaster

VNF Blade

-They are moving away but still running a parallel course. That is, along the general path of our fleets.
-Odd behaviour for a ship with engine problems wouldn’t you say? The shipping lanes are behind them, which would be the most logical place to go for help.
-Yes, Captain.
-Increase speed to 25 knots. Order the Darba to heave to. We shall have to investigate this ship. Inform Deep Thunder and tell them to keep a lookout.

The comm officer quickly relayed this message:

VNF Blade to Darba. VNF Blade to Darba. Heave to and prepare to be boarded. Repeat: heave to and prepare to be boarded.

Meanwhile, the attack sub Deep Thunder received a message on the VLF bands from the Blade. The sub, however, keep going at a leisurely 20 knots.

VNF Sturgeon

The sonar operators, in conjunction with the other 3 destroyers and attack subs, began to narrow their search. As well, a broadcast was sent on VLF and ELF bands:

Unidentified submarine. This is the VNF Sturgeon. We are conducting naval exercises in this prescribed exercise area. Surface your vessel and we will escort you out of the prescribed area. Repeat: Unidentified submarine. This is the VNF Sturgeon. We are conducting naval exercises in this prescribed exercise area. Surface your vessel and we will escort you out of the prescribed area.

”Red” Fleet and “Blue” Fleet; 600 km from the Drakonian coast

By now, the two fleets have widened the distance between them. Some of the sailors remarked about how much cleaner the ocean seemed here compared to the North Sea where Vrak usually conducted its naval exercises. Still, final preparations were made to begin the naval exercises. In fact, everyone was preparing for two eventualities; the upcoming exercises and, more probable, the course of action needed to deal with any overt actions from Drakonia and her allies. Hence, some real bombs, missiles, and shells were being loaded.

The fact that a significant amount of Vrakian ships were, for all purposes, within range of Drakonian bomber and fighter craft was not lost on the commanding Admiral. The air screen was rigorously enforced and AA operators were wary. The two intelligence ships now began to make concerted efforts to monitor communication traffic from the Drakonian mainland (OOC: but them fancy lasers we can’t pick up).


OOC: Silly me. I can’t find any information yet if a Russian aircraft carrier can launch AWAC style planes (I’m pretty sure that US carriers can).

0337 Zulu
Northwest of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
Task Group Predator

The four Alpha-Class Fast Attack Submarine slowed as they slid silently beneath the waves. They carefully stayed in formation, using their LASER communication systems to remain in contact and formation with each other. The ships had silently crept from their base in the Grenadines along the Lesser Antilles and into the Atlantic a distance north from the Vrakian fleet. All while remaining close to the surface of the water, which left them terribly vulnerable to detection. On the bridge of the lead sub-surface ship, the IDS Flashfire, the crew were active slowing the vessel to a stop.

The Captain moved over to the communications station, where he stood over the shoulder of the officer manning that station. "Tell the others we're reporting in then break the LASER comm." The submarines had been careful to remain in almost perfect formation as they were using direct-LASER communication systems which required a usually stationary target to link into, in this case keep perfect formation had been able to increase communication between the ships, but now the Captain needed his LASER communications systems for another purpose. "Then link into Deep Sea and inform Fleet Command that we're in position."

The officer confirmed with a "Yes, Sir," and carried out his task.

Elsewhere there was a slight change that would be only noticable to the paranoid observer, some things more obvious, others that would take much meticulous work and an all-encompassing watchful eye few had available.

In the Pacific Ocean, three Drakonian warships turned toward the Panama Canal. In the north Altantic, another two ocean-patrol warships turned south, heading home and straight for the four Fast Attack Submarines of Task Group Predator. In the south Atlantic, a final warship shifted it's course north also returning home to the Drakonian mainland. Submarine movements were much more difficult to establish, but of the several submarines deployed into foreign waters many submerged at sea or after leaving port.

As well along the outer Antilles islands and the eastern coast of Nusquam Esse, it was slowly becoming apparent that the redeployments of the fleet were not so much just standard as the preparation of a welcoming committee for the twin elements of the Vrakian Fleet. Ships that should be heading toward the northern coastline of the continent were not and in fact more ships from there were moving east. The coastal defense fleet, which had deployed off the eastern coast of Glorious Humanity, to prevent support to the rebels, was now becoming quite thin.

A marginal change in activity at the military bases was also happening. The normal routine flights at air bases were ever so slightly increased, more frequent and with more aircraft. Other mainstream and common training exercises involving the army were more frequently including more Auxiliaries on an increased basis. Ground activity of the army was more noticable on the islands. However, it was hard to notice any difference in Naval Stations as the activity was usually higher than other military bases and with the current conditions it had remained much higher than was normal.

In all, there was increased activity yet not at a War Level, it remained generally low. The increase was noticeable, but not in excess. Orders had been given to commanders to be prepared to be able to pull their bases into a war-standing at any moment. And those orders were being carried out. To the Klatchians a veiled message was being finally being very subtly sent: "Come to make war and we are ready."

The Dyellians, despite their feigned ignorance of the situation had been watching the Vrakians from their satelites, and it had led to interesting discussions around the Dinner Tables of the Senior D.B.P.A. Commanders. It was something of an 'open secret' that they knew what was going on.

Several High Ranking Officers of the 17th Armoured Division were gathered in the plush sitting Room of the officers mess, sipping brandy. As was the rule at the Officer's mess, men were expected to wear dress uniform, which in the Dyelli Beybian case, consisted of a long scarlet coat with white webbing, blue trousers and black caps with a silver band (these were on the hat stand in the hall).

"So what do you think will be happening with the Vrakians?" one asked, broaching the subject on everyone's mind.

Another shrugged, "I don't care. But I hope we'll have an opportunity to give Johny Drakonian a damn good Dyelli Beybian thrashing, six of the best, trousers down."

He mimed out doing exactly that, and was greeting by gales of drunken laughter from his colleagues.

The Dyellians had felt shamed by Nekoa Bay, but now the military effectively ran the country after a very successful election campaign... and they were itching for a fight.

(OOC: Er, I'm not sure I'd be doing what your doing with russian carriers...they were bult for a completely diffrent naval theory in mind.)

IC: The Darba didn't seem to change much after the demand to heave to. It kept on going. The short wave radio response followed a long stream of demand to know why they were being borded.
This is the Darba, Blade you have no authority to board us in these waters, we demand an explination of why you are attempting to commit acts of piracy in international waters? We demand that you explain your actions immediatly...

However, a small powerful red light began to flash on the bridge of the Darba. It didn't make any sense unless you switched to the base four (versus base three of morse) code once developed by the JDF for naval exercies, then it read:

VNF Blade...this is...ARN...Wolfhound...Class...Auxillery Cruiser...please confirm recognition...by light signal....(repeats)

The intelligence officer looked over towards the Vrakian ship and wondered if they would actually pay attention as she coded out the message.

***
The Athos apparently vanished to sonar, in reality she dropped to less than 4 knots speed, turned sixty degrees back south. Before anyone could find the sound again, she stopped all engines and began to drift at 600 feet. She was a whole in the water letting her slightly negitive boyancy drop her slowly down towards the bottom.

OOC2: ELF must be ground based...antenta needs to be several miles long...

The two Vrakian fleets, while concentrating on steaming towards the Drakonian coast, did keep a wary eye out. That is, the four submarines that broached the surface were detected by Vrakian satellites and the information was promptly relayed to the two task forces. The other Drakonian fleet movements remained hidden for now. Of course, once they drew closer the story would change.

-Four submarines broached the surface north of our position.
-Drakonian? How far our?
-Most likely, although we can’t confirm for sure. They are about 400 nautical miles out. [OOC: Up to you here, Drak. I can edit]
-Well, they won’t be the first ones I’m sure.
-How’s that Admiral?
-Think for a moment. A fleet of warships draws near to your coast. What would you do?
-Well, I would pull most every available ship I’ve got to see what’s going on. Especially if the enemy didn’t communicate to us what they are up to.
-But, you see. We are communicating to Drakonia.

The Admiral pointed to the visible battleship Teeth of Reckoning. With a sweep of his hands, he gestured to the entire armada.

-This is the language that the blokk pakrahs understand. As well, consider this my good Captain. Pulling ships from all over does tend to create it’s own problems.
-Right, I follow you.


VNF Blade

The comm officer merely repeated the earlier message. No reason was given.


VNF Blade to Darba. VNF Blade to Darba. Heave to and prepare to be boarded. Repeat: heave to and prepare to be boarded.


A sharp eyed sailor on the bow did see the flashing red lights. He picked up his binoculars to be sure. By the Great Clam… He hurried to his officer who then scooped up the sailor’s binoculars. Soon, the Captain was fretting but ordered a prompt reply.

Understood. Let us know if you see any Drakonians. Use JDF protocol Alpha Golf

Slowly, the Blade and Deep Thunder began to turn away. The comm officer stopped sending the message.


VNF Sturgeon
-It’s gone.
-What do you mean?
-For all I know, it could be sitting on the ocean floor. It would be very difficult for us to pick it up now.

Still, the four surface ships and two attack subs continued to search, but lessened their speed to 15 knots. It was hoped that if this mystery sub moved, that it would be detected.


Somewhere in Vrak…

Translated from Vrakian.

-The Drakonians are getting ansy.
-Obviously.
-Right. Increase our border security levels by one. Inform the Guardian fleets to be extra vigilant. They now have the authority to board any suspicious freighter or whatever else they see. Ready the 7th projection fleet. What is the status of the 1st?
-Still on Order wargames.
-Well, keep them there for now. Be ready to recall them though.
-As you command.

Vrak Prime naval yards

If one were paying attention, one might see yet another fleet similar in configuration and design being loaded.

Slowly, the Blade and Deep Thunder began to turn away. The comm officer stopped sending the message.

over the radio came the message, "Please don't fire...we will comply..."

A new signal was sent by flashing light...Advise, any transmissions made using JDF Code will comprimise mission...advise you send over boarding party please...

VNF Blade

By this time, the captain of the Blade was watching the flashing red light from the Darba. A boarding party? This should be illuminating.

The Blade, readjusted its course and slowed down to 10 knots. The bow 130mm twin barrels swiveled so as to train on the middle of the Darba. After all, it was a little unexpected that any FKC ship would be shadowing the Vrakian fleet. Drakonians were expected. So were warships from Tersanctus and Glorious Humanity. But Alconian? And are they really Alconians or would this be some kind of pakrah trick?

Meanwhile, the attack sub strained to listen for any unusual noises – such as perhaps another sub.

Overnight Dyelli Beybi had reacted to the escalating situation, three Battlecruisers and a Carrier, escorted by six armoured cruisers and with as many tankers had set sail towards major International shipping lanes near Drakonian territory.

It seemed the Dyellians were sending a message as well, it read that if there was going to be a war, they probably weren't going to be heavily involved in frontline fighting, but they'd do their best to help cut trade routes. Exactly the kind of role the Dyellian Navy was designed for.

(OOC: Dyelli Beybi's ships are mostly huge oil guzzling monstrosities with an over the top number of engines, and hence top speed. There are not, however, enough of them to really prove a threat to most Nations.

Sattelite reports on this lot would indicate they are very smokey and definantely oil-powered. The Battlecruisers are fairly heavy and seem primarily armed with anti-shipping missiles, they have a small number of large guns. The 'Armoured Cruisers' are in reality destroyer sized vessels carrying an array of ASW weapons and each have a single small turret. The Carrier is relatively small.)

OOC: Been having some posting problems, so I apologize for this post's shortness.

IC:

On the far side of the world, at least from the view point of the Vrakians, the 1st Projection fleet was recalled. The CSF wargames were effectively put on hold and so after resupply and the exchange of gifts between Tappee and Vrakian personnel, the fleet began its long journey home.

0647 Zulu
Northwest of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
IDS Watchguard

"VNF Blade to Darba. VNF Blade to Darba. Heave to and prepare to be boarded. Repeat: heave to and prepare to be boarded." The orders played across the bridges loudspeakers as Captain Lucas Aetius listened.

The crew was silent as he pondered his orders. Standard Deep Sea Patrol Protocols was to prevent all acts of piracy, robbery, and violence (excluding wartime contacts), while offering any and all assistance to those in need. The Watchguard had been sent out under those orders, and others (mainly to keep an eye on the Vrakian Fleet).

The actions of the Vrakian vessel Blade were far too suspiciously close to piracy. Fleet Command had suspected that the Klatchians might try something similar and Captain Aetius had been prepared. He gave his orders one last moment of thought, then acted. "Advise Fleet Command of the situation," he commanded. "Inform them, we are going to attempt to prevent the unauthorized boarding of the Tongan Freighter."

"Aye, Sir," the Captain's First Officer acknowledged.

"Communications, send to VNF Blade: You are attempting to board an independent vessel unauthorized in International Waters. If you proceed, we will view this as an act of piracy. The Imperium does not view such acts kindly and respond accordingly. Advise, you allow the Darba to continue on her way unimpeded." The Captain made the message clear. The Imperium was not going to let such crimes slide, especially if they were committed by a Klatchian.

The VNF Blade received the transmission from the Drakonians and the reply sent was simple and to the point.

“Try and stop us. Any attack upon any Vrakian vessel by any Drakonian vessel or other asset or by any Drakonian ally will be viewed as an Act of War upon the Kingdom of Vrak. Rest assured, the response will be severe.”

The rest of the fleet was informed of the situation. The fleet that the Blade broke away from slowly began to pinwheel back to the last position of the destroyer while the other fleet, headed by the VNF Wendigo suddenly increased their speed to 25 knots.

Anti submarine patrols, mostly helicopter, were stepped up and more sonar buoys were dropped. Meanwhile, below the surface, the hunter/killer fleets tasked with its surface counterpart kept pace – passively looking for anything suspicious.

The Darba
By now there was a good deal of swearing on the bridge.
"Alright let's see if we can pull ourselves out of this mess..."

The light flashed again.
Blade, send a Zodiac with an officer and some marines to check our 'papers' we have information to transmit to your fleet.

"Alright people I don't want this situation to get out of hand..." Get whoever they send over to the CAC quick."

"Aye, Aye..."

0701 Zulu
Northwest of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
IDS Watchguard

"Try and stop us. Any attack upon any Vrakian vessel by any Drakonian vessel or other asset or by any Drakonian ally will be viewed as an Act of War upon the Kingdom of Vrak. Rest assured, the response will be severe." Captain Aetius again listened to the Vrakian reply over the bridges loudspeakers. His crew was mostly silent, although there was some muffled cursing.

"They admit it, then," the First Officer commented.

"They do," Aetius replied. "And they are daring us to try something. It makes it clear what the Vrakians came out here for. Inform Fleet Command, and set course for the Darba." He turned away toward the Communication's Station. "Give them another warning."

A moment later the Frigate dispatch another message to the Vrakians. "VNF Blade, this is IDS Watchguard. Your are ordered to cease your acts of piracy and leave the Tongan Freighter alone."

Drako Throne

9:00 AM

The diplomatic jet's wheels squeaked as they made contact with the airport's runway. The jet taxied to a designated place on the tarmac, and airport attendants jogged out to place a set of stairs in front of the opening door. As soon as the door was fully open, the Glorious Human special delegation stepped out and descended the stairs.

The delegation actually consisted of six people. Minister Pierce himself came out first, dressed in a black silk business suit and polished black shoes. Behind him came Lancaster, who was dressed for the more formal event in a green satin dress, conservatively cut of course, and matching high heels. She had diamond studs in her ears and a light makeup job, which for her was putting substantial effort into her appearance. She was aware that a little more opulence than her usual was needed in this situation, and had dressed accordingly. Her hair was worn loose. The whole look was feminine without being overtly or aggressively sexual, exactly the way she wanted.

Behind Lancaster were two people in simple business suits, two lower ranking diplomats who were serving as assistants to the primaries. Lastly were two formal guards were the blue uniforms of Internal Security men. The delegation assembled in order of importance, with Pierce and Lancaster side by side in front, the assistants behind them, and the guards on either side of the main group. They had been told to expect a formal welcome, so they waited to be greeted.

0900 Zulu
Drako International Airport
Drako Throne, Drakonian Imperium
Diplomatic Section

There waiting for the Glorious Humans were several important persons in Drakonia. First was Nathan Lamb, Cheif Advisor to the Praetorship and currenlty "the man in charge" of Drakonian while the Praetor and Queen were off healing at an undisclosed location. He was tall and thin with an angular and bony face, his dark eyes shone of a clever and powerful intellect. He was of pale tanned skin tone and wore an expensive black business suit.

Next, was Diana Minerva, Director of the Drakonian Diplomatic Corps. and the nation's head diplomat. She was of a middle age, yet she was still consider attractive. Blonde hair and a pale skin, were accented by her freindly face and blue eyes. She wore a conservative women's business suit with a white blouse and black skirt and jacket.

Further assembled was the new Senate Speaker Valentinian Flavius and Grand Admiral Li Zahn. The Senate Speaker was tall with dark-brown skin and had a friendly charisma about his person. He also wore an expensive black business suit. In comparison, the Grand Admiral was short quiet and stood out in his white uniform trimmed with gold. He had black hair and had an amber asian skin tone.

The security was obvious. Praetorian Guards stood around the group of Drakonians in their dress uniforms, black trimmed with gold and purple. They were quite a visible presence at the airport and it was not hard to see other Praetorian Guardsmen elsewhere around the massive airport.

Diana smiled politely as the Glorious Humans descended the stairs. "Welcome to the Imperium and our capital of Drako Throne," she greeted. "I only wish your visit was not under such tense circumstances." She offered her hand in the international greeting known to all, a handshake.

"As do I," the Cheif Advisor added, stepping forward he dropped his head slightly in the classic Drakonian show of respect.

"It is our hope to ease some of these tense circumstances," Pierce replied, kissing Minerva's hand. Lancaster just nodded agreement and shook the Director's hand.

"We're hoping that this can be resolved without further bloodshed," Pierce continued. "We also believe that there are Klatchians who would like to see a peaceful resolution as well. I don't believe that anyone really wants this to become a shooting war, and Glorious Humanity at least has certainly had enough of killing."

Lancaster let Pierce do the talking for now. Tucked in a pocket of her dress was a printout of Bethune's email. She wondered if she would be able to use it, and if so how. Gauging the caliber of the people in the welcoming party, she began forming her opening arguments.

A moment later the Frigate dispatch another message to the Vrakians. "VNF Blade, this is IDS Watchguard. Your are ordered to cease your acts of piracy and leave the Tongan Freighter alone."

VNF Blade

The reply was brief, and full of venom:

You stupid blokk pakrahs. The Darba said they are having engine troubles and so we are rendering assistance. Is it a crime nowadays to help in international waters you miserable dogs? Stand aside you dumb pakrahs. Any attack on any Vrakian assets by any Drakonian or allied assets will be considered an Act of War you stupid blokk pakrahs.

====

Meanwhile, a zodiac launch with a fully armed complement sped out to the Darba. Haste was required here.

Diana smiled a bit more at the gentlemanly gesture from Pierce, if she had not made a career of diplomacy she might have blushed. But there was no blush just a more friendly smile an slight bow of the head as she moved to greet Lancaster. She continued greet each member of diplomatic party as Minister Pierce spoke, shaking their hands and bowing her head slightly in respect.

"I think we are all hoping the same," Nathan Lamb replied to Pierce.

"Yet, the wounds in Drakonia run deep," the Senate Speaker cut in. "There are many who actually want bloodshed. I am sure you know this, but it's important to make that clear. Public opinion is wavering around half for, half against the continuation of aggression. But fortunately, public opinion does not run most nations directly. We do." He nodded at the Glorious Humans and Drakonians. "The elected officials."

"Shall we proceed," Diana said. Changing the subject, she gestured to a pair of limosines behind the Drakonians. Praetorian Guard escort vehicles were in front of and behind the limosines. Two in front that looked like police cars, complete with siren and lights and another three similarly equipped in back of the limosines, the lead a police SUV followed by two other police cars. All the Praetorian Guard vehicles were painted black and trimmed with gold and purple. The limosines were standard diplomatic limosines, black with the flags of Drakonian and Glorious Humanity flying together on them.

Diana Minerva made a step toward the limosines leading the group to their transportation. "I do not know if you have had breakfast, but I've taken the liberty of having one prepared, in case you have not or are still hungry," she informed. "It will be served at our destination, but refreshments are also available in the limosines, if you wish."

0905 Zulu
Northwest of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
IDS Watchguard

The Frigate, IDS Watchguard, continued on its course for the Tongan Freighter and Vrakian Warship. It was a ways away to the north and it would take a while to cover the distance, but they already steamed ahead and would not change their course. The situation on the ship's bridge had grown tenser.

"They expect us to be stupid enough to believe that," the First Officer complained. "They stated that they were 'conducting excercises and would escort the ship out of that area,' not board it."

"Your answer is obvious if you listen to the message," the Commication's Officer shot it. "You stupid blokk pakrahs," he quoted. There was a snicker across the bridge.

The Captain stood straight and silent staring ahead, consider his options. Finally after a moment he spoke. "Reply to the Blade," he ordered. "Your earlier communications state otherwise. We are now moving to ensure and oversee that there are no crimes committed. Be advised, any acts of agression from any Klatchian Vessels will be viewed as a violation of the current Cease Fire and treated accordingly."

He nodded to the Communication's Officer, who replied with an "Aye, Sir."

"And advise Fleet Command," he commanded his First Officer. The other man nodded and carried out the order.

"I believe I could eat a little more," Pierce replied, smiling. Lancaster smiled as well as they climbed into the limosines, settling themselves and looking over the refreshments. Pierce selected a mango, while Lancaster took one of the samosas, a west indian snack food.

"Well, first I want to ask how the Praetor and his wife are doing," Pierce began. "Glorious Humanity is truly sorry that some of our people fell to such cowardly violence and terrorism, and we hope that your leaders recover swiftly. If there is anything the country can do to help, please tell us."

The Captain stood straight and silent staring ahead, consider his options. Finally after a moment he spoke. "Reply to the Blade," he ordered. "Your earlier communications state otherwise. We are now moving to ensure and oversee that there are no crimes committed. Be advised, any acts of agression from any Klatchian Vessels will be viewed as a violation of the current Cease Fire and treated accordingly."

VNF Blade


You stupid pakrahs. Check the earlier communication that the Darba transmitted. They were having engine trouble. We are rendering assistance. Only a nation full of thick-headed chickaroaches like yourselves would believe we are committing piracy. For the last time, you stupid blokk pakrahs, any attack upon any Vrakian asset by either you - you dull witted morons - or by any of your pakrah allies will be considered an Act of War. Now, stand aside you foolish, concrete-headed Drakonians. We shall render assistance to the Darba. Blade out."


The entire bridge of the Blade, however, were not exactly laughing. They knew that their captain had a foul temper but they also knew that the situation was becoming increasingly dangerous for all concerned.

The VNF Mammoth, the lead ship in this fleet group heading for the Blade now launched 3 Su-33s for the Watchguard at a medium altitude. That is, high enough to intercept any aircraft and to drop any free fall bombs.

Now, the hunter/killer fleet broke off and charted a course for the last known position of the four unidentified submarines that were to the north of the fleet.

OOC: From what I understand, the Su-33s is the carrier version of the Su-27. It seems that they carry FAB-100s, but I don’t know exactly how many. The payload is 6000 kg though, but we can assume it’s a bit less than that since the Vrakians are in a bit of a hurry here.

With the entourage all loaded inside. The limousines and their escorts drove off, quickly exiting the airport and moving eastward on the Imperial Highway into the Westside Suburb of Drako Throne. As they spoke they could see the upscale buildings that made up the clean outer business sector of the city.

"The physical wounds are slowly healing," Diana informed them. "But the psychological trauma of the attack may take longer. They are currently recovering in an undisclosed nation." Diana brought out a bottle of Imperial Drako Vineyard's wine, of the year 1733 A.D., and poured a very conservative amount into a crystal goblet.

It was the Senate Speaker that answered the offer. "You have already been most helpful and your continued friendship is more than enough." It was spoken like a true friend and made clear how he had ascended to his position.

As the vehicles rose onto Grand Union Bridge, the great Sapphire River became visible from the windows. It glowed a great blue as the sunlight reflected off it. In its long history, the bridge had been rebuilt many times. The passenger’s first impression of the bridge was the amazing red brickwork, which dated from centuries back, then there was the old, yet more modern steelwork, which shown like obsidian. As you moved on there were highlights of sparkling silver built into the massive bridge.

It was spectacular and Diana Minerva always enjoyed moving across it, a great achievement of centuries of society and one of the prides of a nation. The mighty bridge easily accommodated four full lanes of traffic and on either side pedestrian walkways. It spanned the river, leaving plenty room for rather large ships to slide effortlessly beneath.

Many of the passengers were caught looking at the bridge and then their eyes fell upon the rest of the city before them. Old City was the name that the inner city of Drako Throne had acquired over the ages. It was laid out in a circular pattern, a ring of old ornate stone red walls encircling widely the oldest parts of the city. Inside the old stone and brickworked walls, was a mix of modern and ancient buildings melded with greenery.

Old City was divided into four equal sections by two highways that cut through her on perpendicular courses. The Glorious Human and Drakonian officials were now on one of those highway, the Imperial Highway. The other was called the Royal Highway and intersected the Imperial Highway in the center of the inner city.

As the limousines and their escorts continued past the get tall pylons that supported the bridge with suspension cables and their own bulk, the first two of the inner districts were visible to the passengers on either side of the highway. Diana explained what they were seeing. “On your right is the Senatorial Sector of our capital. It is devoted to the government which runs the Imperium. From here you can see the dome of the Grand Capitol Building, which houses our legislative branches of government, the Imperial Senate and Grand Parliament. It also houses the highest court in the Imperium, the Supreme Court.”

And there it was. As they looked they could see the large whitewashed dome that topped the central part of the large building, built centuries ago of white marble that stood clear and reflected brightly the sun above. Much of the rest of the building disappeared in the trees and other buildings of the Sector.

“On your left,” Diana continued her grand tour of the capital city. “Is the Commerce Sector. As you can see--” She gestured off to the wall which ran along the river on their left. “--this is where Pendragon Military Base and the antiquity Fort McClean are located.” And sure enough there they were along the line of wall were larger fortifications including towers and a harbor opening. Much of the larger fortifications look rather old with older cannons visible defending the waters. “Most of the antique cannons of the Fort are originals from 1800s and are kept fully maintained and operation by the Praetorian Guard, which is charged with the defense of this city. However, ancient cannons are not there only weapons.”

Visible behind the walls were the modern military and naval port facilities of the Imperial Drakonian Military and the Praetorian Guard. Among the obviously military buildings was one that looked almost like a missile silo connected to a research facility. For those who knew about the Imperium’s latest military developments, would recognize this as the Orbital-Firing LASER Cannon ( http://invisionfree.com/forums/United_Emirates/index.php?showtopic=25) meant to protect the Drakonian capital from orbital threats.

“Also in that Sector are the major commerce centers of the Imperium, including the center of the Greater Drakonian Economy and its various currency, stock, and bond exchanges.” The area of the Sector she was pointing out was full of large skyscrapers. Some with the obvious names of various international corporations visible (Info-Tec, Royal Trinidad Oil, and the Imperial Engineering Corporation), and a couple with the name of the multinational effort to united the Imperium’s and it’s closest allies economies into one entity, the Greater Drakonian Economy.

As the limousine descended eastward into Old City and off of Grand Union Bridge, the last view of the far Sectors of the city slowly disappeared from sight. The tour was continued. “On the farther side of Old City are the two other major Sectors, you will see them as we travel that way. On your left will be the Praetorian Sector, where the residence of the Praetor and Queen is located, the Grand Praetorian Palace. As well as the larger embassies of Drakonia’s closest allies, your nation, Tersanctus, Lavenrunz, and Menelmacar to name but a few.

“On the right will be the Diplomatic Sector, where the International Relations Complex is located. You will be able to see the hotel Unity, which is part of the mall Complex, which includes meeting areas, information centers, a museum, and many small national embassies. The Sector also includes several embassies independent of the Complex and boasts a large population of international citizens.” Finished with her grand tour of the city, Diana took a sip of her wine to wet her dry throat and watched the others reaction to the city they were now entering.


For another moment before the convoy plunged into Old City the last flours of the Unity hotel were visible. Then they were gone and convoy of vehicles passed under the arch that served as a gateway to Old City. Now that they entered the inner city they could see it close up.

It seemed a true paradise of the modern world, elements of the great cities of eras past, the quiet peaceful towns of Europe, the modern cities of the Americas, and the futuristic sprawls of Asia all seemed at home together in the capital of Drakonia. Trees adorned the sides and center of the streets and building were crafted in amazing mixes Caribbean, ancient, modern, and Anglo-Romanic architecture. Colors were all around them, the greens of plants, grasses, shrubbery, and trees, the purples, reds, and of the Imperial Drakonian Theme, the slate grays of the modern cityscapes of the world, and the many other colors of life and creation. All mixed in a strange beauty of the past, present, and future.

OOC: The above is the most thorough and complete written explanation of the Drakonian Imperium's capital city and it's highlights, I've ever written and hopefully (considering the hours and hours and hours and hours it took me) will. So enjoy it! And that is an order. No complaints whatsoever about it will be tolerated. So enjoy it, cause I say you will.

The passengers’ reveries enjoying the views of the city were rudely interrupted by the ring of a cellular phone. It was the Grand Admiral’s and he quickly answered it, albeit a bit subtly trying to cover the embarrassment of the disruption. “Zahn.” There was a moment of silence as he listened. “Understood.” He hung up.

The others looked curiously on and he was forced to give an explanation. “There has been an escalation of the situation. Elements of the Vrakian Fleet have moved in what could quickly become a hostile action.”

He pressed the Driver Call Button. “Speed it up,” he ordered. A moment later, the sirens on the Praetorian Guard escort vehicles blared loudly and the convoy increased its speed, moving quickly deeper into the inner city toward their destination.

"What exactly are they doing?" Pierce asked, but Lancaster spoke before the Drakonians could answer.

"It doesn't matter," she said. "Call your people back immediately." She saw the stunned expressions on all their faces and continued speaking. "You're being manipulated. I know this." She decided to use what she'd been told. "I have a friend in the Alconian government. Before I came here he sent me a message." She withdrew the folded printout from her pocket and handed it to the Drakonians. The name of her friend had been removed, but otherwise it was the text of the email Bethune had sent.

"The Vrakians are trying to provoke you," she said. "I don't know if my friend hit the right reason, but for whatever reason they are trying to get you to fire the first shot. They want you to start the war, so that they may finish it while playing international victims. If your ships react to whatever stunt they're pulling right now, you will be playing right into their hands. Sit and watch, try to talk them, but whatever you do don't get into a fight. You'll be doing exactly what they want you to do."

"I'm sure the first thing you're thinking is what if this is misinformation. Ask yourselves if it really matters. Even if my friend is intentionally lying, you can see that he is trying to keep the peace the same as we are. There are people on the other side who want peace just as much as we do. Don't let the Vrakians ruin this chance. Don't let them manipulate you and play you for fools. Don't shoot." Then she sat back again, watching the Drakonians for their reactions.

Piece was a good enough diplomat to keep his face calm, but his fingers were moving rapidly in the Glorious Humans' secret language. When did you learn this?

I got the email just before we left, her fingers answered. I am sorry for not telling you, but this needed to be timed right.

Nevermind, we'll talk about it later, Piece said, then ended the side conversation.

"We assumed as much," the Grand Admiral replied, his voice was low but audible and somehow still managed to command attention. The short reply was all he need to convey the information necessary. "But there have been other complications."

The Glorious Human's obviously did not know what these complications were so it was left for someone to explain. Something they did seem to need as their fingers seemed were moving quite nervously. Nathan Danielson was the first to respond. "We have been operating under the assumption that the Vrakians are stretching their muscles and trying to get a negative response from us. In other words, we have been playing dumb. Acting like it is business as usual."

Nathan Danielson explained about the most recent events. "Until one of Vrakian ships attempted the boarding of a Tongan Freighter at gunpoint. Such can be construed as an act of piracy. Our navy has long been charged with stopping piracy in the open ocean." What he did not say, was what made the action all the more insult. It was so close to home, it seemed a slap in the face and a challenge, which inadvertantly it was. "Believe me we are doing everything we can to ensure that this does not escalate further."

Emirate News Network

ENN Logo flashes while a Loud Booming Voice says, "Reporting live is Brian Logan in the Drakonian port city of Alexandria, on the of the New Dragon-Class Super Carrier."

A reporter appeared dressed in khaki cargo pants and a light blue field shirt. The young light brown haired reporter stands at the head of a large harbor and port. Behind him a coastal patrol cutter sails out of the port as a large cargo freighter sails into the harbor. The cutter is dwarfed by the massively huge freighter, which takes some time to sail into Alexandria. "At 8:30 AM today, the newly completed super carrier, IDS Thunderbird, set sail on it's maiden voyage to conduct a shakedown cruise in the Caribbean Sea.

"The new carrier follows the same model as previous carriers of the Dragon-Class. Complete with a full hundred aircraft Air Wing and a full crew compliment of over five thousand persons.

http://67.18.37.14/118/74/upload/p786740.jpg

"In port to accompany the super carrier on its shakedown cruise was the battleship, IDS Preeminence, which set sail earlier today with the Thunderbird. Also sailing with the carrier is the newly built Heavy Cruiser Velite and two of the new Hornet-Class Fast Attack Frigates, which will also be conducting their shakedown exercises.

"The Velite is one of the newer Centurion-Class Heavy Cruisers designed specifically to function as Arsenal Ship, a naval term referring to vessel armed with an excessive amount of missiles. The Centurions primary naval wartime role is in an anti-carrier role, neutralizing the effectiveness and operational capabilities of enemy carriers.

"Also with the carrier battle group, the two Hornet-Class Fast Attack Frigates, the new toys of the Imperial Drakonian Navy. Designed to operate in a new role as a war fleet’s ‘fast-in, fast-out’ ships, the Hornets were created to be able to attack a target hard and fall back before the target had even realized they were in the area. This makes them heavily-armed fast attack boats.

"The carrier Thunderbird has had an interesting construction history. Her keel was laid just a month after the Nuclear Attacks carried out by several Klatchian nations, and her construction was likely ordered as part of the military build up to go to war with those responsible for the atrocity. It is therefore ironic now, that as a Klatchian fleet conducts exercises in the Atlantic near the Caribbean that this ship now sets sail to conduct its own shakedown cruise.

Her commander had no doubt that the new carrier is far above and beyond current worldwide standards saying, 'She's a great ship, with a great crew. There is little that can stand against her.' With that we wish the Thunderbird a long and uneventful career in the service of her nation, her people, and her Praetor." By the time the reporter is finished the huge container ships had finally finished moving into harbor behind him, again making the city, harbor, and port of Alexandria visible to those watching.

"This is Brian Logan, reporting live from Alexandria."

The screen again changes to the ENN Logo and the Loud Booming Voice is heard again saying, "This has been an ENN Special News Bulletin."

OOC: This thread made a good excuse for me to detail in post all the recent fleet improvements I have been working out and modify. For more information on the Drakonian fleet, see here (http://invisionfree.com/forums/United_Emirates/index.php?showtopic=20). Please, note there are slight inconsistancy that I have noticed and not fixed, yet.

"They are challenging you," Lancaster replied. "Daring you to do something."

"Look at it this way," Pierce rejoined the verbal conversation. "If you don't react, if you back off, it will take them by surprise. It is a move they won't expect, and thus they will be thrown off. They'll have to reconsider their tactics, because I'm sure they don't want to look like international pirates, that's counterproductive to their goal of making you the bad guys. Their confusion will give you some time to get into better positions, and us some time to try to talk this down before it explodes."

**********************************************************

Dulles, Glorious Humanity

While the diplomats talked peace, back in Glorious Humanity the country quietly prepared to defend itself. No land invasion was expected, though both coasts were having troops redeployed to them anyway just in case. The Navy and Coast Guard were also on alert, and ships were running off both coasts. The combined Humanity-Sealord taskforce was sitting off the east coast, considered to be the greater danger, while the Chandler, another supercarrier with an escort fleet of ten destroyers and fifteen submarines, was sitting off the west coast. Within another day, both naval fleets would be reinforced with coast guard gunships, and also have round-the-clock air support, as land based aircraft flying out of coastal bases reinforced the carrier planes to maintain constant air superiority.

But all this preparation to repel raiding and a possible land invasion was considered a secondary priority. The more likely threat was from Klatchian missiles. Against this Glorious Humanity's elite El Dorado ICBM hunting force was being brought up. Fresh pilots were being brought up to replace the ones killed during the Psi Revolt, and the specialized air wing was ready to once again take to the skies and deny missiles their targets. Also, though Glorious Humanity did not possess as many missile defense batteries as other, more militaristic nations, what defenses of that nature that they did possess were also being put on alert.

Lastly, and probably very surprisingly, the Glorious Humans were calling up the Psi Corp again. Only this time, the Corp was answering.

**********************************************************

Office of the Psi Corp, Dulles

Lt. Colonel Lawrence Soros received the message directly from his superior, who received it from the President himself. The Corp was going back into action. Immediately Larry began giving appropriate orders.

Many foreigners might be surprised to discover that Glorious Humanity's psychic defenders were still active, but that was the nature of the country. Though Raphael Sader's revolt had shaken a lot of faith and left a lot of people with grudges, the discovery that the bulk of the psychics who had followed him had been dupes softened public opinion somewhat. Furthermore, the government recognized that it still needed the services of these people, thus virtually all of the rank and file psychics ended up pardoned for their participation. Also, with the Corp's mistreatment now public knowledge, the government bowed to pressure to make some changes.

Among the changes were the conversion of the Corp from a conscript to a volunteer force, a move that had cost them a few hundred psychics that had left as soon as they were allowed to, though everyone agreed this was for the better. Also, a civilian branch of the Corp had been formed, for psychics to devote their skills to more peaceful pursuits. Ironically, many of the psychics who left the military Corp reentered government service in the civilian one. Lastly, the military Corp had been made it's own department, seperate from the Army now, and a psychic officer corp had been created. Hence Larry's new rank.

Though Larry was young, his leadership abilities, loyalty to the government during the revolt, and participation in the fighting had led to a surprisingly high rank already. His gray Psi Corp uniform now had his badges of rank on it as well as his designation as a telekinetic. The former was a blue bar with a silver star set on it, placed above the latter, which was a gold figure with arms outstretched. Both sat just above the cloth nametag stitched onto the right breast of his uniform.

His rank came with its own office, and that was where he was right now, typing up directives and redeploy orders. The Corp was setting up so that there were psychics all over the country, able to grab missiles and guide them away from targets in Glorious Humanity and also the Drakonian Imperium. It was estimated that when current redeployments were completed, 100% of Glorious Humanity and 74% of the Drakonian Imperium would be covered by telekinetics. Only the northern part of Drakonia would not be reachable by their minds.

As he typed, he glanced at the framed photograph on the edge of his desk of a beautiful young woman. Isolda Hilmar. His girlfriend, soon he hoped to be more than that. Isolda was a telepath, and ironically the reason Larry had joined the Corp in the first place. Before, they'd been bound by the rules of the Corp, unable to live like they wanted to. Now, with the marriage restrictions removed, they had a chance to finally have a life together. That all by itself was enough to make Larry happy. Isolda was no longer in the military Corp, she had chosen to transfer to the civilian branch. Now she helped send communications for the Ministry of International Relations, a peaceable pursuit much more suited to her personality.

Larry realized he was staring at the picture again. He shook his head and got back to work getting the directives ready.

The limousines and their escorts sped on, bypassing much of the normal traffic as they rushed ahead. The building they passed on either side of the city's central highway looked much older now. Many were red brick and all were well-kept with a clear older style to them. But they were left in the back as the superbly kept strips of lawn and trees lined the highways and streets of the city. One could only wonder at just how much it cost the country as all looked like they received the personal attention of a gardener. One of the buildings they passed even looked like the modern version of an ancient hanging garden. The city all had a strange natural feel to it.

"We know they are," the Grand Admiral replied simply and tersely.

The Senate Speaker finished the thought. "And there are a lot of Drakonians who would like nothing more than to accept the challenge. The old guard in particular want this, a fair and gentlemanly fight all motives and hatreds aside." He paused for a moment, a keen orator he knew just when to stop for the greatest effect. Then he resumed. "But that is impossible. We live in a world where civility dictates that there be better and more proper motivation for our actions if we are to keep our integrity and reputation from being tarnished or soiled."

"Unfortunately," Nathan Danielson responded to Minister Pierce's comments. "We are obligated by our code of honor to react when a crime is committed. And it seems one might have been."

The Grand Admiral, Li Zahn was next to shed light on the situation. "I know the man in command of the ship investigating the situation. Captain Lucas Aetius is not likely to take rash action. Whatever he does, it will be well thought out and carried out. I trust his restraint in matter of such intangible stability."

0922 Zulu
Northwest of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
IDS Watchguard

The lone Drakonian frigate had continued its course toward the freighter and Vrakian ships that had caused such an uproar. It moved with the surprising speed that Drakonian warships were capable of toward a almost certain doom. But nevertheless the danger, the ship continued stalwartly on with pause.

"Well that is a bit of an overreaction," the First Officer commented on the Vrakian Task Force repositioning.

"You should be proud," was Captain Aetius mysterious reply. It did not remain so mysterious for long. "Proud that we, alone, rate as such a potent threat." He stared out to the sea in front of them.

A large cloud bank stood alone in the direction they head. Tall among it was a mighty thunderhead, tower as the storm front’s pinnacle and head. The frigate was heading straight for it. As the Aetius watched, the first strip of lightning danced along the dark grey clouds.

"Perhaps, we should clarify our intentions and diffuse a little of this their tension." Captain Aetius turn, one of his hands that had been clasp behind his back, shot out as he gestured to the Communication's Officer. "Make clear that we merely heading moving in to ensure that no civilians are being manhandled. We are moving to ensure their rights, not make war. Also, inform the commander of the Blade that he said he was going to 'escort' the Tongan vessel out of their 'prescribed exercise area' and that no mention was made of boarding the ship. And again inform them of the consequences of acts of aggression by any Klatchian ship against a seafaring vessel of the Imperium."

"Aye, Sir." The order was again and as always immediately carried out.

By now the convoy of vehicles, ferry the Glorious Human and Drakonian officials, had reached the very core of the capital city where the two main highways met. Great park wide gardens made up the area immediately surrounding the intersections of the highways and it seemed almost like the caravan had reached the eye of the storm, with the might thunderheads of buildings being all around them.

The intersections itself was rather interestingly carried out. To facility the flow of traffic as the two highways met, the central intersection was encircled by a great wide roundabout intersection. It was here where the great military parades and civilian carnivals met on their journeys throughout the city. It was here were all four sectors of the city were visible, the northwestern Commerce, the southwestern Senatorial, the southeastern Diplomatic, and the northeastern Praetorian. And it was here that the vehicles turned northeasterly on the long roundabout.

After crossing the Royal Highway, they followed the roundabout into the Praetorian Sector of the city and at the roundabout's middle point turn off into a more forest and protected area of the city, the Palace Grounds of the Grand Praetorian Palace. Their outer border was lightly forested and protected by a great tall stone fence, topped with jet black iron bars.

Here, there was the both open and hidden presence and ever watchful eye of security. At the gate, each vehicle was individually stopped and cleared by the Praetorian Guard. And once they moved onward to the large Palace, a distance inward, the presence was only partially veiled. Much of the security was hidden, to give the Palace Ground a feel of their old serenity and safety, but much was not and Praetorian Guardsmen were visible and visibly armed. It highlighted the tense situation, even if it was not entirely cause by the current situation.

The grounds themselves shared the agricultural beauty of the city. Gardens and flowerbeds were visible on the lawns and all seem subtly melded together. Grass, flower, and tree all flowed together naturally as one combine organism and were incorporated together with planned tracks of water, ponds. Two such ponds lined the wide driveway the vehicles now moved upon. The grounds were clearly as well-kept, closely cared for, and attended too, if not better (considering such being possible), than the rest of the city.

And there ahead of them, as the vehicles sped on, was the Grand Praetorian Palace itself. It was a large building, smaller than the great Grand Capitol Building, but more personal and definitely more elegant. The building was a classical example of imperialism. Its main mass soared three stories in the air, with gallery after gallery of great tall windows, and with a thinner fourth story tucked back into the central design of the grand palace. Her every feature was intricately carved with great detail and even greater care. Every element of the place sang of the age where monarchies ruled and where great golden European palaces were built as monuments to society and culture. This was such a place, no a testament to the society and the culture, but most of all to the people that endure the Drakonian Union through the many ages of time. It represented the Drakonian people and their leaders the Praetors and Queens that had rule and exist through centuries, and it was magnificent.

The predominant color was gold, and one could guess correctly that much of the building was sheathed in leaves of gold. Trimmed with purple, a royal purple, violet, an obsidian black, on the ground floor and along the ground a scarlet red, it was an amazing colorful contrast to the surround greenery. Yet, somehow it seemed to fit into this place, as if it had made for it, which it had.

There were two visible wings on either side each connected to the main front of the building by a short thin annex. At each of the far outer corners of these wings there was minaret, of sorts; a tower-like structure build into the two upper levels, just above the ground floor. And all orderly along the floors of this massive, ornate, and breathtaking building were great tall windows, which stood easily higher then a man and had amazing had carved frames.

And there they turned and drove into a wide circular drive, which surrounded a smaller garden, with a great sparkling fountain as its centerpiece. They were at the entrance. It was, like all things Drakonian, an impressive fair and designed to be so. As the tower building stood around you, you came to this great entrance portico, with tall tower columned pillars holding up its ornate arched canopy. And it all stood in front of two tall great door opening into the Palace itself. There were as well on either sides of this entryway, two short sets of stairs that slipped down to below ground-level flours. Praetorian Guards were scattered about in an orderly fashion, all in full-dress ceremonial uniforms and all fully armed with the classic short swords and bayoneted rifles.

It was an impressive view and display, the almost Europian Classical Imperialist Architecture, built in the Ango-Romanic form of the Drakonians. All mixed with vivid color and intricate detail, upon a backdrop of a lovingly kept green garden. It all made one wonder: people actually live here? This was the central seat of governance in the Drakonian Imperium, this was the symbol of the nation, and this was one of the reasons the Glorious Humans had been brought here to discus and monitor the important events transpiring.

OOC: I can only hope that I've painted a vivid picture of the city and palace. To me these places are as real as any in our world and I hope you can imagine them as such and as I do. This time I hope you enjoy (as it did not take me all day...just all night...well okay not really, maybe a hour or so at most in writing, but much longer in development...much much longer). Anyway, again I hope you enjoy.

The Darba
The crew of the Zodiac had been dropped a ladder and welcomed onboard. Of course no one on deck had any weapons but when the officer and his protective detail walked through one of the deckhouse doors they saw men standing around with the pup style automatic weapons used by the Alconian military.

The Vrakians were escorted below deck and into a long dark room with a lighted central table and various computer screens and equipment around the outer wall.

The captain quickly made introductions and then began. "In twenty minutes I'm going to have you report that you did indeed find the problem with our engines, also tag on that you owe the engineer a beer because he was right. As far as we want the oppostion to know, your here checking our engines to see if you can fix them and our paperwork."

He threw a small flash drive across the table. "This is an emergency intel report but I can outline what has been bothering us. The lack of any real surface fleet. Besies some apparent subs and that frigate I haven't seen many surface ships moving out. That may mean they don't want to do much of anything...or they could be planning something." He shook his head.

"As you know the Imperium has declared itself nuclear free. And the world has accepted this without outside confirmation. It may be that they are looking to cause a nuclear incident and drop the blame on Vrak. A torpedo with a neutron warhead would likely cause them to demand your navy is unsafe and should be banned from international waters."

He paused again and then continued, "A more detailed anaylsis is given in that flash card, but do you have any questions. We need to keep moving to stay ahead of that pissy little frigate. Although if they start anything, I dare say a few 5 inch rounds into them from my guns will likely put an end to them..."

-We can still straighten out Commodore. After all, the Blade is a fair distance behind us and, well, that situation shouldn’t call for the whole fleet to investigate.

The Commodore, second in command from the Admiral of this particular armada and given overall command of “Blue” fleet bowed his head. He screwed up by letting paranoia getting to him. Wearily, he rose to his feet and exclaimed,

-Very well, Captain. You see things clearer than me today. Order the cruiser Wicked Ways to provide support for the Blade. The rest of our task force will proceed to the target area.
-Aye aye, sir.

Soon, the Kirov cruiser broke free from the task force and began to furiously steam towards the Blade. The rest of the fleet readjusted course and began once again to head towards the Drakonian islands. Of course, this stupid move cost the fleet time, and could, quite possibly jeopardize the timing of certain events with “Red” fleet.

The three Su-33s drew closer to the Watchguard, not taking care to hide, but rather letting themselves be seen. A low flyby was planned. As well, the Blade disregarded the last transmission from the Drakonians since they felt that their position had already been explained.

Meanwhile, “Red” fleet, headed by the Wendigo continued unabated. Aboard the flight deck, two UAVs were being prepped.

[OOC: Drak, I’ll have to catch up to you and look at a map with the islands on it. Then we can work out some final details. My email is: xpviking@yahoo.com]

Darba

The officer leading the Vrakian contingent nodded, then motioned to one of the crewmembers.

“Here is one of our engineers, since we have a feeling that those pakrahs will not be satisfied unless they board your vessel – if they can. We can pick him up later once your ship checks in at the nearest friendly port. But I do have one question, how do we continue to communicate with eachother? After all, it would be a bit suspicious if you were still near our fleet, engine troubles or not. And lights are limited by the horizon and line of sight.”

A pause.

“Well, I’m not surprised that the pakrahs would try some kind of stunt like that. You haven’t an idea where they might strike, eh? You think they would use our fleets here as an excuse and blow up a bomb on their own lands?”

"I would hope so," Lancaster said. "There is no need for any further bloodshed." She fixed her gaze on the Drakonians again. "While some of your people may wish a grand duel, a test of strength, that is not how war works." The corner of her mouth quirked. "As the saying goes, war is not about who is right. It is about who is left. We have already seen the Klatchians' determination to be the ones left, and the lengths to which they might go." The half smile vanished, and she looked directly at Diana as she said this. Lancaster had read up on the Drakonian officials she was likely to meet, she knew about the Director's personal loss.

"With this situation and the people, a renewel of hostilities could spiral out of control very quickly. It would only take a small match to start the fire. You must think about how this could affect your neighbors as well as your own country. My nation has much rebuilding to do, both of our land and of our lives. We are not in any position to get into another fight right now. And we won't." Her tone implied a certain finality.

She let her words hang in the air, then smiled again, turning her gaze out the window, openly admiring the palace. "But really, we are friends here, and all this war talk is gloomy. Let us find a new subject to take our minds off the trouble, at least for a while." She tilted her head back, taking in all the details. "This is a magnificent building. How long has it stood here?"

Diana shot a glance at Pierce, and smiled with a raise eyebrow. The debate seemed particularly intense between the younger Senate Speaker Valentinian Flavius and the diplomat negotiator, Georgia Lancaster. Diana was glad further debate was postponed by their arrival and Lancaster’s carefully maneuvering.

The men politely allowed the women to exit first and as Diana did this, she answered Lancaster's question. "Many centuries, close to a millennia now. The Palace was built in 1172 A.D. during the Pax Drakana period of our history, a time of long peace and the golden age of the Imperium." The mention of peace seemed almost ironic at least to Diana. Nonetheless, she continued her history lesson as the men depart the limousine. "The Queen Lyanda Sutherland had it constructed, following her father, Praetor Veranus' plans. It was his wish that there be a much more modern Palace in the capital city than the smaller ancient Dragon Palace, which has since become a historical museum, dedicated to the first two dynasties."

The tall doors (some 15 feet in height) were opened as the group made their way into the Palace itself. The interior proved to be just as spectacular and impressive as the exterior. If possible it had an even greater feel of regal age, with everything inside looking expensive and ornate.

"There has since been some minor remodeling and changes, made by each new Praetor or Queen," she continued. "Most recently, the last Praetor, father of Augustus, added a bunker shortly before the Tersanctus War, which brought about the recreation of that nation and the birth of the United Emirates. There has also been much work to incorporate modern technology as unobtrusively into the building, keep the feel of the old Palace while making it an entirely new building. You will see examples of that shortly."

They entered into a large antechamber with floor of white marble. Straight back and on either side of the antechamber there were great hallways that led deeper into the Palace. Twin staircases curved and rose back to the second floor above and overlook the room.

OOC: Thanks, to this nifty “undo” feature I discovered while right click the message window. I was able to recover this post I was trying to spell-check and back-up when I somehow lost it. Wonderful function. In other news, I edit a picture into the earlier ENN Bulletin (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6748766&postcount=59) as well as a link to my information on my navy, because it seemed appropriate.

"If that Drakonian Frigate attempts to board us, well...there will be one less frigate we will have to sink later. After all we are a cruiser and not exactly lightly armed." The captain had a wolfish grin. "Mr. Blake, show the Vrakian Engineer to the ward room. He can have a short vacation while we head for Knootos that seems to be the nearest freindly port. We will likely put in before then for 'repairs.' but I won't leave your man in some distant, and possibly hostile port."

He pointed to the fleets on the chart. "Perhaps if the Prator is that wicked and a b*** of the elven queen. No, I think they want to cause major damage to your taskforce without appearing to attack us. Or perhaps they will attempt a nuclear strike on their own soil from a sub near your fleets. Renewing the war and strengthing the resolve of not just Drakonia but also G.H. I've heard rumors were putting a wedge between the two of them. With the Dante boy hating the guts of the Emirates as us now...I'd say that the Emirates has a bit less bite than it did. He's going to want to generate sympathy for a collition against us."

He looked up at the clock. "Really, we need to get moving. As for communications...well anyone got a nice sat phone over on your ship? With the Draks running about I don't want to use any of my non-civilian communication gear."

0949 Zulu
Northwest of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
IDS Watchguard

The frigate was rapidly moving closer as the Vrakian aircraft approached it. The aircraft had not scared off the Captain and his crew who were well aware of the danger they faced, but danger was nothing new to this crew. It was their job and they were excellent at it. They knew their duty and they would carry it out, to the death.

"Aircraft approaching, Sir." The Sensor Officer lifted his head and turned it to face the Captain. "It's the three Vrakians we detected earlier."

"Stay at full alert. Activate anti-air defenses, but do not fire." The Captain stood staring straight ahead. "Let them damn themselves, I'll not do it."

"Aye, Sir." The ships Anti-Aircraft defenses came to full alert status, Gatling Turrets swivelling to track targets as sensors actively swept the air acquiring their targets. For a moment everything was tense as the situation could erupt into conflict if anyone got to anxious. But that moment passed. No missiles launched. No guns fired. There was a silence that no doubt the Vrakians noticed.

"Contact the Vrakians and Tongans," the Captain ordered, deliberately diffusing any tension. "Inform them that we are arriving to ensure that all civilians rights are protected."

Darba

The Vrakian officer smiled at the Alconian captain, then briefly looked at the lines of the ship.

“Sink that frigate but quick, eh? Anyhow…yes we have a sat phone. Er, here is the number for the Admiral on the Wendigo. I’ll communcate your thoughts to our admiral nut you can also talk to him as well, sir. Well, we best be going…”

A salute then a bark in Vrakian and then the sailors formed up and descended the ladder and sped away in their Zodiac back to the waiting Blade

====

Fighter jets

-Tusk 1. Tusk 1. I have a lock.
-Tusk 2, do not engage. Repeat; do not engage.
-Roger Tusk 1.

The three Vrakian fighter jets swooped in low towards the Drakonian frigate, then banked to the left, forming a large arc.

====

VNF Blade

The Blade comm officer again received the latest transmission from the Watchguard. By this time though, the captain had run out of invectives and decided to remain quiet. As well, the cruiser Wicked Ways could be seen far off in the distant horizon, heading for the Blade’s postion at maximum (OOC: 32 knots) speed.

"Impressive," Lancaster murmured at Diana's description and history. Pierce just returned the Director's smile, and shrugged. He was the backup here, Lancaster was being allowed to handle this her way. So far, he was very impressed.

"I'm afraid we have nothing that old in our land," Lancaster continued speaking. "At least, nothing built by us. There are some native structures that date back that far and are still in use. They've been somewhat modernized, electricity installed, things like that, but most are fairly close to the way they originally were. Some are tourist spots, others have been converted to new functions, a handful are still being used the same way they were originally. Very fascinating places to visit, even the ones being used for mundane purposes. A glimpse into another culture and another way of life."

The Glorious Humans paused to admire the interior of the palace when they entered. Lancaster could see the work that had gone into making this place impressive.

The Dyellian ships were on the move again, moving closer to the Drakonian coastline, although still many miles off, and well, well away from the Vrakians. The whole fleet was cruising at 20 knotts and leaving a huge cloud of dense smoke in it's wake. The Dyellians didn't believe in nuclear power while they still had oil to burn.

Diana smiled, noticing that the Glorious Human were admiring the old building. "Our nation has a long, ancient, and proud history, dating back over two millenia. One of the oldest buildings in the city, the Dragon Palace dates back to nearly the creation of the Imperium. The Dragon Palace was finished in 251 B.C. In fact, anthropolists believe that the precursors to Drakonian civilization, may have thrived as early as 10,000 B.C. As I am sure you know, the Imperium was founded much later in 229 B.C. It all very interesting to read about and if you wish the Imperial Library or the Library right here in this Palace both have a wealth of information about that very period and all the way to present. I would be more than glad to take you there, if you have the time."

With Diana's history lesson finish for the moment, a Praetorian Guard officer stepped forward to greet them. The only noticeable difference between himself and the other Guardsmen being his rank pins and the longsword he wore at his waste (the other Guardsmen around them were wearing short swords). "Ladies, Gentlemen, if you will follow me, please." He let them up the right stairs and along the back of the room and to the right, a short distance down a hall, and into a large room.

Along their way they passed many furnishing and painting dating back centuries, relics from forgotten ages. There was a great variety to these objects, some paintings from the impressionist era, a old jewelled vas dating far back to the founding of the Imperium, and a portrait of an intriguing ebony skinned lady in medieval armor.

The room they enter is rather large and in the same style as the entire Palace, mostly, a feel of a unique Anglo-Romanic culture that blended with bright color feel of strong Caribbean culture.

The room is partially crowded with military officers and government officials. Along the wall were various ornate and amazingly crafted chairs, as well as more spectacular and old works of art. There were several entrances in the great room, and were in use at the moment, one set of double doors indicating the major entrance (where the group had just entered), with a pair of doors on opposite ends of the room. Directly across from the double doors was large window, so big, it included a long wide window seat. It ran almost all the way to the ceiling, which was a quite a distance. The ceiling itself was amazing as well, mostly it was plain, but in the center running the length of the room was a mural of a great black-purple Dragon.

The major feature which dominated the room, and where most of the shattered crowd was gathered, was around a long ornately-carved wooden conference table that ran much of the length of the room and had a series of velvet padded wooden chairs set around its perimeter. The table is remarkably detailed, incorporating into its ornate and crafted design inlays of Dragons, Great Cats, Wolves, Deer, Birds of Prey, and other amazing creatures of the wild and myth. Directly in its center and along the entire length of the table was long flat display monitor that had been carefully set into a prepared central channel. It seemed a natural natural amalgamation of the old architecture-style and modern technology. What was displayed on the monitor was hard to tell due to the mob moving about the room.

"This is the Palace's War Room," Diana informs the group, having to raise her voice to be heard over the din of conversation in the room.

Nathan Danielson steps forward to the head of the conference table taking lead of the group. "Ladies, Gentlemen," he calls out so everyone in the room can hear him. "Shall we get started?" He stood over the seat, which the Praetor would normally take, but it seemed appropriate that in this situation he should take it.

The atmosphere in the room immediately changed as the conversations ended and the crowd in the room moved to take their positions. The Praetorian Guard officer showed the Glorious Humans to the first two seats to the Cheif Advisor's left. Diana took the first seat on the Cheif Advisor's right, and the Senate Speaker started to take the next seat but there was a slight ring from inside his suit jacket.

"Excuse me, Senate business," he appologized to the annoyed looks directed at him. "High taxes," was his only other explanation as he left the room and answered his cell phone.

The Grand Admiral took the seat that the Senate Speaker had attempted to take. Next to him the larger wider figure of General Derek Long slipped into a chair. The Grand Admiral and General's differences in build aside, their most contrasting feature was the color of their uniforms. Li Zahn wore the full dress white naval commander's uniform trimmed with gold, while the Derek Long wore a medium dress tan uniform of ground forces commanders.

Various other officials and officers took other seats around the long conference table. The naval officers in full dress whites and the military officer in medium dress tans. There were also a couple of other civilian officers, including a representative of the Drakonian Intelligence Agency. There were also a small cadre of lower-ranking officers and officials, which were spread around the room, some sitting in chairs, others standing against the walls.

The two seat next to the Glorious Human were left empty, a standing at the end of the table was a naval officer in a Commodore's uniform. She looked around the room, seeing that everyone was settled before she introduced herself. "For those of you who don't know, I am Commodore Alexis Stone."

Few, possibly even the Glorious Humans, did not know her. She was know for her outspoken and blunt manner as much as for her unorthodox naval tactics and skill. Possessing a fiery spirit had served her well, quickly earning her the rank of Commodore. Although, her rapid rise to fame was as rapid in its collapse. An unfortunate naval incident, where she had carried out orders by a corrupt Admiral had left her with a dead-end posting for several years. Yet, even there she had served as always as she gave her all for country, people, and Praetor.

It was ironicly surprising, but excepting her flame-red hair, her least remember feature was her well-built physique. Still young, attractive, and in shape, she turned heads. Unfortunately, this was usually due more to her outspokenness than her physical features.

"Before you is the latest information up-to-minute on the situation we are facing." She gestured forward to the display inlayed into the table. It was now visible to all sitting at the table and showed a map of Nusquam Esse much of the southeastern Caribbean and a significant portion of the Atlantic Ocean. Oceanic currents were clearly displayed.

Using a laser pointer she indicated two groups of ships (indicated by a hostile yellow) moving toward the Antilles Islands just off the coast of Nusquam Esse. "These are the two elements of the Vrakian Fleet, currently claiming to be conducting exercises." A small area of the map zoomed in displaying a more accurate position of the Klatchian fleet. "The fleet is split into two main groupings, which we believe to be called Red and Blue." Displayed over both elements was were their names, Red and Blue.

"Task Force Red is heading on a diagonal course southwest, straight for Barbados. They are mostly in one group, excepting a small element, which appears to be conducting submarine hunting operation after an unidentified submarine, which we have learned has a Caterpillar or Silent Drive. We like the Vrakians, have not been able to track the submarine since it slowed and engaged its Caterpillar Drive. The main group is approximately 250 Nautical Miles (or 460 Kilometers) from Barbados, and at current speed will reach the edge of the claimed Exclusive Economic Zone in two hours."

The red dot from her laser point shifted to the other Vrakian Fleet Element. "The second group, Blue, has turned slightly from their main heading, slowed, and moved toward a Tongan Freighter apparently having engine trouble. A Vrakian Destroyer and Submarine were dispatch to escort the vessel out of the area. Since, then the destroyer has boarded the Freighter, at gun point, and another larger vessel, the lead ship of element Blue, was dispatch to join the destroyer and submarine. Responding to the action, one of our frigates, the Watchguard, has moved to ensure that there are no infringements on civilian rights. The ship is now 20 nautical miles (37 Kilometers) from the slow moving freighter, which is about 25 nautical miles (46 Kilometers) from the main group of Task Force Blue. Blue is now quickly falling behind Red due to its change in course and speed."

She moved her pointer away from the area and it zoomed back to normal. "Also in the area, now 150 Nautical Miles (278 Kilometers) north of the Vrakian fleet are a group of four of our Alpha-Class Fast Attack Submarines, operating under the Task Group Predator. They are slowly closing with the Vrakian Fleet as they approach our waters. Another 50 Nautical Miles (92 Kilometers) are a Magnificent-Class Cruiser and Rapier-Class Destroyer, which are now moving to join, Predator.

"Much of the rest of our ships in the area are in the process of redeployment to their former northern Homeguard positions. We have been able to use this to mask an increase in naval forces moving throughout the Antilles, but it will soon become obvious as our redeployments end. Fortunately, that will not happen for a couple of days, as there are ships heading for their new and old assignments."

Again her laser pointer shot across the display, this time landing on southern part of the map where it zoomed into another hostile grouping of ships. "A Dyelli Beybi Task Force, small than either of the Vrakian groups, has moved into the major international shipping lanes. They began moving toward the continent following the south Atlantic current. There have been confirmed reports that the Dyelli Beybian Navy is committing acts of piracy, even killing crews and destroying ships, so we are greatly worried for the international shipping along the lane. We estimate that they are within striking distance of at least a dozen Drakonian civilian ships and at least a dozen other countries civilian vessels, including probably Tersanctus and Glorious Humanity, among many others. This lane is commonly used for shipping heading for the Panama Canal and the Pacific, as well as the entire Gulf region and all of the Caribbean."

She stopped, giving everyone a moment to soak up the information as they looked at the map displayed on the monitor before them. "Does anyone have any questions, so far," she prompted, before launching into the next part of her breifing.

OOC: Here, are some links of maps that are helpful when figuring out where everything is.

Nusquam Esse (with Antilles Islands) (http://67.18.37.14/118/74/upload/p793969.jpg) Please note, I did this in a hurry and without my usual map making tools, due to being on vacation. Scale is approximate.

Atlantic and Caribbean Currents (www.njscuba.net/biology/ img/atlantic_currents.jpg) Please note, that major shipping lanes tend to follow oceanic currents.

1013 Zulu
West of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
IDS Julius

South of the Vrakian's lead forces position a hunter lurked. Hiding beneath the waves it was very slowing advancing on their position. The ships active sensors had long ago gone silent and it now was moving deep down near it maximum operating depth.

"Helm, bring us to a stop," the sub-surface ship's Captain ordered. "Link up with Deep Sea, confirm our position and get us an update on the Vrakian Fleet."

"Aye, Sir," the helmsman acknowledged, as the ship slowed to a stop.

Moments later it was another crewmen's turn to respond. "Initiating LASER-Comm. Connection established, transmitting position and recieving tracking data on the Vrakian Task Force. Walruses at a range of Three-Six-Niner Nautical Miles."

"Don't get cute seaman," the Captain reprimanded the crewman's Walrus comment.

"Aye, Sir," came the appology. "Sorry, Sir."

There was a pause and the Captain started to issue his next order, but the crewman interjected again. "Sir, I am recieving information on another Klatchian Task Force in the area. Smaller Dyelli Beybi force moving in behind us and along the South Atlantic Current....Range: Two-Zero-Seven Nautical Miles."

"Any change in our orders," the Captain prompted.

"Recieving none, Sir," the crewman confirmed.

"Then we proceed on current course." The ship's commanding officer did not say his next thoughts. In the eye of the storm. Instead he ordered. "Disengage link and Helm, bring us up to twenty knots."

And the submarine continued on its course in between two hostile fleets.

1027 Zulu
Crown Point Air Force Base
Tobago, Drakonian Imperium
Base Commander's Office

Crown Point was one of the island of Tobago's main connections to the rest of the world and the Imperium. An International Airport it served as the primary means of civilian travel to the island, barely keeping a lead over the frequent stops of cruise ships. It also served host to a Imperial Drakonian Air Force Base, which was a major air defense for the island and surrounding Territorial Waters.

It was for those reasons that when the Lieutenant burst in the Base Commander's officer, and his voice was lost in the drone of jet airline engines, that the Lieutenant was asked to repeat himself. The Commander still did not know why maintenance had not replaced the insulation, he had signed the order a month ago.

"Sir," the Lieutenant repeated louder, as the roar of jet engines increased. "The High-Altitude Wing has been ordered to be ready for strike orders at a moments notice. They are to be loaded with Anti-Ship Armaments." The Lieutenant set a copy of the orders down on the Commander's desk.

This time the Commander could make out most of what the Lieutenant said, and a quick look at the orders cleared up any discrepencies. "Very well," he yelled back. "Get a copy of this to Major Wetworth, and tell him to have his wing ready."

The sound of a jet airliner taking off disrupted the Lieutenant's hearing. "What, Sir?"

"Damn it, I need a new office," the Commander complained to himself, before yelling back. "Tell Major Wetworth!"

This time the Lieutenant heard it. "Yes, Sir!"

It was without any apparent warning that the Dyellians abruptly shifted direction, heading straight back towards Klatch. Apparently something was going on in the Motherland that had the Dyellian Admiralty worried.

"No?" The Commodore looked around, but there were no questions. "Then I shall proceed."

She straightened setting down her laser pointer. "It is our current opinion that the Vrakian Fleet is testing our resolve to war, or to provoke a reaction resulting in war, or both. To that end the Imperium is playing dumb and making a show of no major reaction. An ignore the annoyance and it will go away position.

"We believe this will work, if the Vrakian are not here to start hostilities. But knowing Klatch and their history, it is possible that they wish to do just that make this cold war, hot. If that is their plan than their fleets will be able to easily accomplish it and deal casualties.

"Even though their task forces have no obvious amphibious vessel, an invasion of one of the Antilles would be relatively easy. Many of the northern islands only support small population and even though there they are defended, not enough to repel serious attacker, such as those fleets pose. They are tourist vacation spots and not military strongholds. Still, our forces are in position to deal serious damages to any attackers, so an invasion, however small is highly unlikely.

"Which means, if the Vrakians do intend to strike it would be a quick hit-and-run before we could launch a serious counterattack. Naval forces in the area would be able to hit them back and maybe even run them all the way back to Klatch. But, a major counterattack would mainly be from the air, with our air and missile forces dealing the major casualties to their fleets. Naval forces in the area would be able to raid them with quick hit-and-run strikes, until a major fleet had coalesced from our scattered and redeploying navy." The sarcasm in her voice clearly showed that both actions were more than met the casual eye.

"It is therefore, my opinion, that while we would be able to push the Vrakians back, we would be hurt before they were repelled. So it is all left to their intentions, and just how far the crazed Klatchians are willing to go." She paused watching everyone’s reaction.

"I believe you all know why we are gathered her to ascertain just exactly how we expect the Klatchians to react and to--" Her closing words were cut off as two Lieutenants enter the room. One stopped in the doorway, looking to make an announcement.

She nodded her acknowledgement and acquisition as heads turn his way, and taking his cue he made his announcement. "Ma'am," he started, then noticed all the heads turning his way. "Um." He was not used to an audience. "Ma'ams," he corrected. "Sirs." Formalities over, he proceed and finally made the announcement. "The Dyelli Beybian Raiders have turned back to Klatch and are heading home." The Commodore nodded his dismissal and he quickly exited the room, as a quick slap of his fist to his head, in salute.

Meanwhile the other officer had handed something to the Grand Admiral and disappeared. The Grand Admiral was flipping though what appeared to be a report. He looked up after a moment. "It appears the Dyelli Beybians have attracted yet more unwanted attention back home. The international community is beginning to complain about their pirate actions."

OOC: I'm considering this to be the early stages of Dyelli Beybi Piracy Incident, due to the whole fact were slowly progressing through the same day.

OOC: Just making sure we are kept up to speed with where all our ships are. 2 Udaloys and 1 attack sub from both Red and Blue are looking for the mystery Alconian sub. Three ships: VNF Blade (Sovy destroyer), VNF Wicked Ways (Kirov cruiser) and Deep Thunder (Sierra II attack sub) are with or near the Darba. These ships came from “Blue” fleet. Therefore, “Blue” led by the VNF Mammoth (aircraft carrier) has 1 battleship (soyuz III), 1 cruiser, 2 sovys, 1 Udaloy II, and 6 frigates. These are the surface ships. 2 attack subs are still with blue (2 Akula II) since a projection fleet has 16 visible ships and 4 attack subs.

“Red” led by the VNF Wendigo (the overall lead ship) has the following: 1 battleship, 2 cruisers, 3 sovys, 1 Udaloy II and 3 attack subs (2 Akulas and 1 Sierra).

The 1st hunter/killer group has turned around a whille ago and is looking for the four subs detected earlier. They don’t know yet if they belong to Drakonia. But the typhoon and Oscar II will stay near “Blue”. As well, the 2nd hunter/killer group is close to “Red” but will fan out soon looking for anything in front. They may or may not pick up your one hunter our front, Drak. Most likely not since that sub is very deep and at a stop.

IC:

The Darba

The VNF Blade slowly began to chug away from the Darba. They got what information they needed and soon began to head towards the Watchguard. By now, the Kirov Cruise Wicked Ways was within visible range and lept ahead of the Blade to intercept the Watchguard.

Mystery sub – VNF Sturgeon

The four Udaloy II destroyers along with the two attack subs combed that patch of the ocean for the mysterious submarine. They would have to rejoin the closest fleet soon but were commanded to keep a wary eye out.

1st Hunter/Killer

The four attack subs crept along at 10 knots, only passively monitoring the murky depths. They were running radio silence since the plan called for them to rejoin the task forces at a certain time – whether or not they yeilded fruit. However, the Typhoon and Oscar subs stayed near Blue group.

Blue group – 550 km off Tobago

The fleet, now slightly under strength but still formidable, fell in step with Red group. Their course was now behind Red and starting to run parallel with the shore.

Red group - 450 km off Tobago

Still moving forward, the tension was rising. The airscreen above both fleets were maintained. The surface ships beyond the last known position of the four subs behind Blue was detected but, for now, was merely monitored. The overall mission did not call for the fleet to be broken up chasing down any new threat. The Vrakians were the threat in this case – so let them come closer.

Aboard the Wendigo, the UAVs were now ready to launch. All they needed was range.

2nd Hunter/Killer

Moving ahead of Red group, and going a bit too fast to reliably pick up anything, the four attack subs pressed onwards.

MISN – ABORT. AUTH: HFA – Omega Omega 00381. TGT – FKC – DB.


Slowly, all of the Vrakian ships turned and headed away from the Drakonian coast. The submarine rose – but not far enough to broach the surface. The Blade, Wicked Ways, and Deep Thunder turned away from the IDS Watchguard, yet still monitored its movements. The fighter screen was still maintained though as the fleet picked up the pace to 30 knots, keeping a tight formation.

Still, a message was coded from the VNF Wendigo to the Watchguard.


Next time, pakrahs.


OOC: Sorry Drak, for cutting this a bit short. We’ll have to do this again.

No sooner than had the Grand Admiral announced the Klatchian's international troubles than another officer interrupted the Conference. Noting the eyes on himself, and ignoring them, he approached the Commodore and whispered the latest news to her. She straightened as this officer left the room. "The Vrakian fleet has reportedly disengaged from their course and turned for home," she reported triumphantly. "Apparently, their parting message was along the lines of a villain’s, 'I'll get you next time.'"

A collective sigh seemed to flow through the room. The tension that had permeated the room seemed also to lift. There was a moment where no one spoke. Nathan Danielson was the first to break the silence. "Well, now that the immediate threat seems to have past." He looked straight at the Glorious Humans. "I believe we promised you a light breakfast before the meeting. It would be my pleasure to escort you to the dining hall." He stood, gesturing to the door.

Diana had been staring at Pierce wondering his thoughts on the current development, when General Long stood up. She looked his way as he spoke. "I believe I will join you." She sighed; the General was deliberately the least diplomatic person she knew. He had had a hand in much of the strife that had inflamed the failed negotiations with Klatch, and she could only hope he would not injure relations with Glorious Humanity here.

"I will stay here," the Grand Admiral informed those listening. "I would like to continue to monitor the situation."

"Yes," Commodore Stone added. "There is still the Tongan Freighter out there and the Klatchian Fleets are still in the area."

Diana stood, glancing over to Lancaster as the group prepared to leave. "Perhaps we can continue our history conversation while we wait to see if anything further develops."

OOC: I am just finishing off my end of these events, wrapping up the diplomatic visit from the Glorious Humans.

1036 Zulu
Northwest of Nusquam Esse
International Waters, Central Atlantic Ocean
IDS Watchguard

The tension has slowly begun to drain from the frigate when the Vrakians had sent their message and turned for home. Yet, even now some still remain, for after all they had not traveled far in the last few minutes and the aircraft patrols remained.

"Has Command responded yet," the captain asked impatiently.

"Yes, sir," the communication’s officer responded. "They confirm that all Klatchian task forces are heading for home."

"Good," the captain affirmed. "Then we can stand down a little." He thought for a moment." He thought for a moment, his eyes falling on the distant Tongan vessel and the last spot on the horizon which represented the Vrakian warships. They had gotten close. Too close.

"Signal the Tongan vessel," he ordered finally. "Ask them if they require further assistance or help with their repairs."

There was an "Aye, aye, sir," confirming the command and the message was sent out.

OOC: For those wondering what happened to the Watchguard. Alcona, you need not feel obligated to reply to this. If you don’t I will just assume the "Tongans" said they did not need anymore help.