NationStates Jolt Archive

FORMAL DECLARATION OF WAR
Official Government Document of the People's Republic of Ferrussia
Issued Wednesday, September 23rd, at 8:00 pm Kiev time
Officially ratified by Congress by a vote of 76-4

The People's Repubic of Ferrussia, in response to multiple threats and attacks on our lands, assets, and armed forces, hereby finds itself with no option but to declare war on the following soverign nations:

- The Armed Imperium of Fyreheart
- The Armed Republic of Skibereen
- The Empire of Rukemia
- The Imperial Yayo Dominion of Diminix
- The Dominon of Gothenburg-Franc

This declaration is not an offensive action, but instead in reaction to countless threats of military force and a direct attack on the People's Republic of Ferrussia - supported by the Armed Imperium of Fyreheart, and backed by the nations above.

As such, all military assets belonging to the People's Republic of Ferrussia can and will fire on any asset of the above nations which poses a threat to the safety of the People's Republic of Ferrussia. Civilian targets will be avoided when possible, but any and all threats to our national safety will be neutralized.

We call upon the nations thus far supporting us to follow suit with an official declaration of war on the above nations. In particular, we urge these nations:

- The Free Land of Clan Smoke Jaguar
- The Free Republic of Thirtycaliber
- The Celestial Republic of Celeborne
- The Free Provinces of Copiosa Scotia
- The Corporate Republic of Isla de Penguinata
- The Repubblica of Agrigento

These nations will hereby be allowed to deploy military forces in Ferrussia, its airspace, land, and territorial waters, and be considered in a temporary state of alliance with the People's Republic.

May we find ourselves victorious at the end of this war, for this is a fight to our death - we fight in defense of our nation against the imperialist wills of others. Every soldier lost, every ship sunk, will forever be remembered in the annals of Ferrussian history.

We fight for our land, we fight for each other, and we fight for freedom.


Mikhail Andreyevich Yavlinsky
Elected President of the People's Republic of Ferrussia

Markov Lumchenski
Secretary of Defense

Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

The remaining Cabinet of the President of the People's Republic of Ferrussia

The Elected Congress of the People's Republic of Ferrussia


*****

KIEV, FERRUSSIA (UFP) - Just minutes ago, the People's Republic of Ferrussia officially turned the standoff to war after a Skiberian attack in western Ferrussia. The international community has not had a chance to repsond, but hostilities are expected to commence almost instantaneously.

The declaration of war included Fyreheart, Skibereen, Rukemia, Diminix, and Gothenburg-Franc.

The Ferrussian fleet, assisted by Isla de Penguinata and Agrigento fleets, will soon engage the massive naval buildup in the Sea of Marma. Tactical advantage is rumored to belong to pro-Ferrussian forces, but numbers lie with the attackers.

A ground war in western Ferrussia is already underway, with Skibs pressing one or two miles into Ferrussian territory already. The armed forces have refused, for security reasons, to reveal the extent of deployments in the area, but a counterattack has been promised.

In additon, the reserves are being called up, significantly adding to Ferrussia's defensive capability. Some will actually fight, while others will fill in the desk jobs left by combatants leaving military bases. Federal sources have refused to comment on whether the draft will be instated.

Today truly marks a day in Ferrussian history that will not be forgotten. War is upon us, and it seems to be just the beginning.

http://www.boomspeed.com/ferret_guy/fer1.jpg (http://y2ksean.tripod.com)

(OOC: Important notes - this is a closed RP, limited diplomatic involvement is okay, however.

OOC thread (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=102999)

Original thread (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=102002))

*still waiting for that Summary telegram ;) *

Imperial armed forces have been put on alert, and the slow process of mobilization has begun to defend Fyreheart and Rukemia in case of aggression. Garrisons are being dispatched to major Fyreheartian and Rukemian cities to fortify themselves and coordinate with local officials regarding their defense. The 1st Transport Fleet is being loaded with materials to safeguard Ardan beaches from attack. Gravship fleets 5-9 have been mobilized, and are preparing to depart to their respective areas. The 5th and 7th Fleets will interpose themselves between Arda and Ferrussia, the 6th and 8th will guard Fyreheart and Rukemia, respectively, with the ninth being sent to an undisclosed location near the defensive theater.

If you come, we'll be ready.

Melkor, Lord of Darkness
He who Arises in Might
Emperor Eternal of the Imperial Dominion of Melkor Unchained, Lord and Master of Arda
http://people.vanderbilt.edu/~darion.c.smith/melkor.jpg

The People's Republic of Ferrussia has no intention of making offensive maneuvers, with the possible exception being strikes on strategic missile assets in Fyreheart which could be used in a potentially devastating manner.

We understand the need of Melkor to safeguard their allies and interests, and stress that we are only doing the same. As such, we are not concerned by your actions, as no offensive measures are being taken. Our greatest respect goes to your nation, Lord Melkor, which is obviously an upstanding example of a true ally.

I pray we never meet on the field of battle.


Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

*Aboard the Erin*
"Shit!!"The admiral exclaimed as heard the transmission in forming him of the declaration of war.
"Abort 'Dana', Abort 'Dana'" The Admiral screamed over the ship to ship radio.
"Sir we are not encrypting yet!!"The young ensign at the communications console was quickly hitting switches while trying to silence the Admiral.
"That doesnt matter now!! Full ahead into the straits!!" The Admiral barked the order, even as he did his executive was brandishing his pistol.
"Stand down!! Admiral, Lueitenent do not touch the helm!! Or I will shoot you dead."
"What the hell..."
"Admiral we recieved 'Dana' tranmission under direct presidential command. Under what authority do you change our orders?"

*In New Dublin*
"Sir The Ferrussian have declared war."
President Boru, sat silently.
"Sir, 'Dana' sir, do we continue our current operation?"
"The warheads are armed?"The President spoke.
"Yes sir, they are"
"No word from OConnelly?"
"No Sir."
"Just a little longer captain, just a little longer."
Boru seemed in a daze.
"A peaceful resolution is not coming, it isnt going happen. Operation 'Dana' must be abadoned."
"Sir".

FMS Dauntless Ferret, 3rd Carrier Fleet
2013, Kiev time

Rear Admiral Aleshin looked grimly at the TELEX.

"It's showtime," he said.

Concentrating fire for the time being on the nearby Rukemian Gravship fleet, each of the 6 Carrack Class cruisers launched 32 of their AGM-84F Harpoon missiles - 192 in all. The 4 Sniper Class destroyers followed suit, firing some 128 BGM-109 Tactical Tomahawk missiles, armed with 1,000 lb warheads. The Sparrowhawk DDGs prepared for anti-missile defense and anti-air warfare.

The 48 F/A-18E/Fs of the Fleet took off, loaded with 6 more Harpoons and 2 AMRAAMs each. Closing to a decent standoff range, they fire the Harpoons - another 288 - at the nearest Fyreheartian fleet in the Sea of Marma. 2 EF-18F "Electric Hornets" provided jamming cover for the F/A-18s against any AA capabilities the somewhat-nearby Rukemiean fleet had.

The missile capacity of the fleet had hardly been diminished by the large strike, but with any luck, it would keep the enemy fleets on their toes long enough for the 3rd Carrier Fleet to prepare and for their IdP and Agrigentian freinds to join in.

Fyreheartian missile silos, near Pagania

Upon the news of the Ferrusian declaration, crews in Fyreheart sprung into action. Alert sirens were going off tenfold as Fyreheart's ICBM missile silos came to life for the first time in almost 20 years. Totalling `000, and inter-grouped, the silos were going to be an integral part of the war effort. The machine Amethyst Fyreheart had hoped would never be used.

30 minutes later, the stage was set. Targeting algorythyms were entered, and implemented. The Fyreheartian Commander entered in the final codes.

[code:1:ba030480f3]Alpha-launch. All silos. Condition Red.

Sequence active. Input Syscode.

***-**-***-Alpha Niner

Code accepted. Do you wish to continue? {Y/N?}

Y

Input trajectory (1-499)

B-Strait. Multiple fleet sigs. Geo 4x3x89. Confirm.

Input trajectory (500-1000)

B-Strait. Multiple fleet sigs. Geo 4x3x89-1. Confirm.

Trajectories confrimed. Enter final authorization code.

M-I-N-D-F-U-C-K

Code accepted. Starting countdown to conventional ICBM launch.

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1[/code:1:ba030480f3]

Missiles lit up the night skiy as they screamed out of the silos and towards the Bosporus Strait. (OOC: Am I spelling this right?)

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

The Sea of Marma

The fleets came alive.

Dozens upon dizens of F-101s lifted up of the decks of that carriers with the fleets, and the Red Dragons. Half held back to cover the fleets(the RD planes, as they are several miles behind the 1st and 2nd fleets anyways), and half screamed towards the enemy fleets on the other side. Upon reaching nominal firing range, they commenced firing of their crusie missiles, but only half of what they carried. (16 each/2=8 each, half of the planes would number around 600, 8*600=4800). Immediately after, they began evasive manuevers. (They'll fly out of range, then regroup and come around for a second strike).

Meanwhile, the Fyreheartian fleets moved towards the Bosporus at maximum speed, and prepared to launch their loads of missiles if they were needed.

(1000 ICBMs and 4800 cruise missiles. Ferrussia/IdP/whoever else, have a nice day. :D )

*on board the Erin*
"We are war. Do you forget your rank?"Admiral Murphy spoke without urgency or passion.
"No sir, nor do I forget my orders. Naval Operation Dana, no offensive movement. No first to fire. If we go to those strait we are inviteing combat in direct violation of presidential orders."The pistol was not waveriing.
"The fact that we have had Ferrussia declare war on us mean 'Dana', failed. We cannot lock our selves up. Think man.
"We cant resupply, we have no ports."
"All we can do is strike."
BAM!!
"Sorry, son."The Admiral leaned over the body of the Executive Officer, and closed his eyes.
A marine sgt. stood in the door to the Bridge, with an AK-47 in his hand.
"You have the Bridge Admiral."

"Attention, 1st Skibereen Fleet.
We have been brought to war, Policy is not our business.
On the other side of that straight are forces, though politcaly different then ours, that may be the only thing that save the Skib people we have back home.
We attack the Ferrussians now.
All ships converge on there closest carrier.
Full speed I want torun right down there throats."

Eastern border with Skibereen
2016, Kiev time

The 15th Mechanized Infantry division had a peculiar task - punch a hole in what seemed to be a solid wall of Skibs flooding across the border. Though the enemy's force was indeed large, it was spread out across the entire border - making it much more manageable for their mission.

The mechanized infantry element spearheaded the assault, choosing a relatively flat area that should give the tanks and IFVs an advantage. Backed up by Iron Cheetah Mk 2 tanks, the some 290 Myst Lynx IFV's made an assault on the nearest Skib forces. With any luck, they'd be able to punch through and attack the Skib assault from the rear.

54 Crusader artillery had set up on some nearby hills, and proceeded to bombard the living daylights out of the front Skib line, which was currently advancing without much resistance. The IFVs and their 30mm guns pushed forward into the line, and dropped off their contingent of 7 infantry each. Within a matter of minutes, nearly a full division of infantry had been deployed right in front of the advancing Skibs.

Nearby, the 9th Armored Division was preparing to fall in behind the 15th Mechanized, and the 325th Attack helicopter wing moved in to help the 15th - 72 combat helicopters, raining Hellfire II missiles and machine gun fire on the Skib line.

With any luck, the suprise attack would put the Skibs into disarray enough for the 15th to push through.

We will support Ferrussia and their allies from the sidelines.

50% discount on all items from Raysia Aerospace, Raysia Arms, or Raysia Robotics, for the following nations:

- The Free Land of Clan Smoke Jaguar
- The Free Republic of Thirtycaliber
- The Celestial Republic of Celeborne
- The Free Provinces of Copiosa Scotia
- The Corporate Republic of Isla de Penguinata
- The Repubblica of Agrigento

We will not give any military support, and -may- give political support, if wanted.

http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/nmh.gif
http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/rsig1.jpg (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=78939)
http://www.bateshome.com/jordan/rsig5.jpg (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88120)

Celeborne order of combat :

Carriers launch Sea Sparrow anti-missile missiles (total of 9 launched)
F/A-18E/F Super Hornets are launched ( total in the air most of the time 125)

Missle frigates are ordered to release all of there defensive missles to intercept incomming fire. 8 MRs per ship are launched (total number 72 anti-missile missiles launched).

Guided missile cruisers launch Sea Sparrow (Total 6)

Guided missle destroyers and destroyers launch Sea Sparrows (total 90)

Fast attack submarines are splitting, half moving into defensive and half moving into offensive positions

The Skibs never realized it was reserves they were fighting.
At least until what they originally had expected showed up fashionably late.
It more akin to rag dolls being to tossed lby an angry child.
The Skibs ran, they knew the few Stoats were in the rear, and artillery was not going to save them.
They like gazelles from lions.
And they died, for forty-solid minutes they died.
Then the Ferrusian fire storm recieved a small taste of hell all its own.
Brimestone missiles boomed over the heads of the retreating Skibs.
Fire and forget, as Arty positions fell to the devasting rounds.
The CFF-9G Harriers roared past the Skibs to attack the choppers. Sidewinders downing chopper after chopper.
There was no celebration however, Skibs knew they had no airorce.
Those planes would never come flying back the other way, it was mere a stalwark to get the skibs to more Skibereenian fighting style terrain.
The 10 Harriers harrased the Ferrussians with Brimestones , sidewinders,and 25 mm cannons but in only a short amount of time, they out of amo, or up in flames.
But the men on the ground gained precious minutes.

Message from Admiral Cutter, fleet commander, aboard the Tsunami to allied forces:

We have launched defensive counter messures to answer the incomming missle threat and are preparing an offinsive launch. We will answer this strike upon our ships with extreme force. Good luck to all.

Admiral Cutter

On HMS Hermetic Field Marshall Heinrich Von Carlsburg looked out from the command bridge. He had received reports that skirmishes already had occured and he was still a long way from his Reich Brothers from Diminix. He ordered his escortships to go further on the flanks and increased his speed. Raise our security level, I'm going to push and we need all the defense we can get since speed increases the risk for us. His aides rushed away to fulfill his orders.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY OMZIAN FEDERAL OFFICE

We are disappointed that this standoff quickly degraded into a war. But however, we will always support Ferrussia in its defence against the imperalistic invasion, even though we are unable to send any naval forces currently.

As mentioned earlier, we will completely support Ferrussia diplomatically, and finicially. We are willing to provide any intelligence and protection from Fyrehertian ICBMs.

~50 NM south of the Dardanelles:

From above, one could see a large fleet coming to a halt after its long journey. The Saratoga Carrier Battle Group, along with the Forrester and Shellback amphibious groups, were spread out on the surface at the pre-determined point south of the Dardanelles, which would be one of their major responsibilities. The Sussigkeiten fast attack submarine group continued on to a position closer to the Dardanelles. Hawkeye radar planes kept up 24/7 flights around the group, and F-14D fighters were being fueled to begin CAP flights shortly. F/A-18Es were being fitted with varying strike packages for missions in the near future.

On the TSS Saratoga:

In the Comm room, the previously written note had been encrypted and was being broadcast on a loop in Guard frequency, while Jones attempted to contact Ferrussian authorities on the satphone. Hopefully, he would be able to reach them, as Admiral Stuttgart couldn't well act on his plan if there was a chance his positions would be fired upon by unaware friendly forces, and he certainly couldn't partake in blocking or mining the Dardanelles without approval from those most affected. If the Ferrussians couldn't be reached, hopefully a friendly fleet would intercept and decrypt the message and act as a go-between with them such that the Admiral could receive his responce by proxy.

OOC:

Link to the message: http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2365875&highlight=#2365875

::Tagged::

*Tag*

Transmission from The Ineffable Palace, The Silver Turtle, to The Fyreheartian President
We will assist if necessary. Our fleets are mobilizing. Our conventional forces, mechs and space forces are at your disposal, please respond if you require anything.

His Imperial Majesty, The Great Ineffable Bob.

FPS Abbey Hill
Black Sea
7:23 a.m. local time

"Blast it, how much longer?" Fleet Admiral Aaron Pierce shouted over the din of the busy bridge. "The war could have already started, for all we know."

The Sixth Free Provinces Fleet had been shadowing Skibereen's navy for hours, but the failure of a communications satellite had left the Abbey Hill to contact either Ferrussia or Copiosa Scotia.

"Communications operational in three... two... one... holy shit." The main screen was now filled by an image of Speaker Michael MacFarlane in the press room, the word "LIVE" blinking in the upper left-hand corner. After a second, the sound kicked in.

...and in response to the initiation of hostilities, the Copiosa Scotian Assembly has issued a declaration of war against the Armed Imperium of Fyreheart, the Armed Republic of Skibereen, The Empire of Rukemia, the Imperial Yayo Dominion of Diminix, and the Dominion of Gothenburg-Franc.

That was all Pierce needed to hear. "Combat readiness on all ships, immediately. Order the CAP to hang back, I don't want them too close to those AA ships. Prepare to close with the Skibereen fleet, destroyers and attack subs first, battleships behind the screen, and the rest of us will follow them in. It's time to eliminate this nuisance."

As the one hundred warships of the Sixth Free Provinces Fleet bore down on Skibereen's navy, Pierce broadcast what was to be the first, last, and only warning.

"Ships of the Skibereen navy, you have no chance of succeeding against the odds you face. You are caught between two larger fleets. Surrender now, or find your rest at the bottom of the Black Sea."

...

Rukemian Gravship Fleet

The Admiral once again stood in front of the holographic computer and awaited his orders. He stood at complete attention and he was almost anxious to hear what he would be told to do next. The screen of the computer came on and a holographic image of Ferrussia appeared, just as before it had all the known fleets in the area on the map, allies highlighted in red, enemies in gray.

"As you may already know, the nation of Ferrussia has issued a declaration of war upon the Empire and allies.", The robotic voice paused for a moment to let it sink in.

"These new developments have caused a somewhat ripple in our previous plans, your orders are to fire full force upon the nearest Ferrussian fleet ahead of you in the B-strait...IF...you are attacked first. If this happens you will then order your fleet to retreat, moving behind our conventional fleets, the conventional fleets will move into firing range, and do just as you did, firing full force upon Ferrussian fleets. They will retreat as well and from that point on you'll will wait for further orders. Good Luck, Admiral."

The holograph shut-off, leaving the Admiral to deliver his orders to his sailors. This would be the first combat he had seen in years, but he was far from worried. He walked out of the briefing room and back to the communication panel, but before he even got there alarms began to sound all over the ship. A sailor rushed out of the communication bay and told the Admiral what was happening.

"Sir! We've got several hundred inbounds coming from Ferrussian fleets, your orders?!?"

"Sweet Jesus, son! Do you really need me to tell you! Activate all ship defenses and alert the rest of the fleet to do the same, it looks like we're in for a war!", the Admiral stormed out of the sailor's way and back to his private quarters, it was Rukemian tradition to wear formal military attire when in battle.

Outside the battleship, fletchette cannons on the deck and sides of the ship began to warm up, bright blue orbs began to grow out of the tips of the small cannons, signalling that they were ready for action. The missiles began to close in, rapidly moving faster and faster towards the ships, the gravships remained silent however not releasing a single shot. They waited...until the time was right and the fletchette cannon automatic targeting systems could be exactly on que.

Then without warning the cannons burst to life on every ship in the fleets sides and decks they unleashed their fury. Firing at rates of 200 rounds a minute they took out the missiles from 20 miles out. It only took two shots from a single cannon to make an incoming missile explode, the first would zap the missile systems, the second would heat the insides to extreme tempartures, causing the missile to prematurely explode. But like all targeting systems, this one was not without its imperfections, letting enough missiles get in to destroy 3 Frigates, severly damage 2 Cruiser, and cause technical problems within 1 Battleship, all damages were being tended too and were expected to be dealt with in a short amount of time.

Once the strike was completely over and done with, the Rukemians began one of their own, the metallic decks of the gravship split apart, revealing several missile launchers on either side and to the front. The gravships responded to the Ferrussian strikes by firing in volleys, the first contained 140 kinetic missiles, 200 missile rods and 40 tomahawk cruise missiles, the second contained the same amount, emptying the gravship fleet and forcing them to pull back. The missile rods shot out of their pods and sunk to an almost undetectable level, a little over 10 ft. above the water, once they were close enough to their targets they would sink to 5 ft. and smack into their fronts and sides.

The conventional fleets moved into position and took the spotlight once the grav-fleet had successfully retreated out of firing range. The fleets fired a small portion of their weapons, 100 tomahawk cruise missiles and 40 harpoons. They then slowly retreated just as the gravships had done, prepared to fire again if any resistance remained.

The grav-fleet remained in the background, all the ships were being restocked by a supply ship and they would soon be in the fray once again. The majority of the crew from the to sunken frigates had been saved, but the others were unfortunate and died at sea.

Transmission from The Ineffable Palace, The Silver Turtle, to The Fyreheartian President
We will assist if necessary. Our fleets are mobilizing. Our conventional forces, mechs and space forces are at your disposal, please respond if you require anything.

His Imperial Majesty, The Great Ineffable Bob.
OOC: *Ahem*, note:
OOC: Important notes - this is a closed RP, limited diplomatic involvement is okay, however.
Sorry, but unless you are involved in the first step of the RP, I'm sure Ferrussia and Fyreheart appreciates this to be open only to those who supports them at the start (I believe both diplomatically/economically and possibly militarily)

IC:

---Secured Transmission to Ferrussia---
To: Ferrussian Ministry fo Defence
From: Omzian Homeland Defence Forces
Subject: Our Decision to Help

Although the situation is still tight at far southeast and Port Hagras of Omz222, we at request of the Ferrussian military, would be able to provide intelligence for the countering of various military equipment we see the opposite side use.
Perhaps, upon the agreement of the Parliament, we could also send a few thousand, if not a few hundred, troops along with necessary equipments to join to defend the Ferrussian-Skib border.
We hope the Ferrussian military is satisfied enough by our offer at times of our own war.

---End---

OOC:Copiosa Scotia, sorry I missed how you entered the black sea?
My bad.
Please enlighten me to your local.

The camera focused on the emperor sitting in the office where he did all his work. Even though they were live and broadcasting to hundreds of nations around the world he didn't speak a word. The words "Sir" were mumbled from behind the camera, noting to the emperor that they were on. He shook his head, shuffled a few papers and then looked at the camera.

"Good evening. At 2:50 p.m DT, the alliance of The Free Land of Clan Smoke Jaguar. The Free Republic of Thirtycaliber, The Celestial Republic of Celeborne, The Free Provinces of Copiosa Scotia, The Corporate Republic of Isla de Penguinata and The Repubblica of Agrigento declared war on not only the free peoples of Diminix, but all of our allies in this active conflict against evil. I have handed command of the Yayo Military to the respective leaders. On the homeland, I've initiated full defenses to be at alert."

* * *
EAS Angelbabie

The carrier was the head of the fleet. On the deck of the two carriers in the fleet was a small group of four EA-6B Prowlers, totalling eight from each carrier. After seven minutes all the Prowlers took off the side of the carriers and flew into the sky.

"Eagle one this is Gold 2, we have enemy vessels south of us."
"Gold 2 this is Eagle one. Do we have surface ships?" - Prowler pilot
"Negative. See what you can do"
"Roger." - Prowler Pilot

The Prowlers began flying over the sea of marma trying to target exactly where the enemy submarines where.

"Gold 2, I have a possible enemy fleet about two miles ahead of me." - Prowler
"Eagle one, ignite all counter measures. I repeat, ignite your counter measures"

The Prowler switched on it's main weapon, the electronic warfare computers. Hopefully being able to scramble the enemy fleet and temporarily put them on shutdown.

Operation: Iron Guardian
Mouth of the Black Sea
_____________________________

"Vandali!!! Vandali!!! Vandali", the CIC's voice came through loud over the scattered sounds in the Stanza di Battaglia.

Damn, so soon???, "All hands to battlestations, Code: Rosso, you know the drill. Alert the cruisers and destroyers, and get those damn AAW Frigates to do their jobs", shouted Admiral Giancaldo.

"Aye, Aye sir. We have numerous incoming missiles, weapons free."

On board the «Milizia», a Orizzonte class AAW Frigate
The group anti-air warfare officer ordered the ship's Aegis weapons system into full automatic mode. The ship's powerful radar/computer system immediately identified the incoming missiles as hostile and assigned each a priority of destruction. The computer was completely on its own, free to fire on its electronic will at anything diagnosed a threat. Numbers, symbols, and vectors paraded across the main tactical display and the missile launchers suddenly became active and awaited the orders to fire.

The order came and La «Milizia» launched its first volley of missiles as the targets reached a range of just under 90km's. The Aster30's exploded into the air, leaving a trail of pale gray smoke. Just over 2 minutes later her missile magazines were empty and the Frigate emerged from the base of an enormous gray arch of smoke.

The Asters raced in at their targets with a closing speed of just over Mach 3, directed by their own Active Guidance. At a distance of just under 4 meters their warheads detonated. The system did quite well. Just over 80% of the targets were destroyed. There were now eigthy-two incoming missiles targetd on a total of 8 ships.

On board the «Capo del Mare I»
"Sir, our anti-air systems are doing excellent. This operation is going to be a success."

"Keep your post sailor. If just one gets through we will have failed." Or... I would have failed. Some more letters to home I shall have to write.
___________________________

All the other Missile-equipped ships joined the fray. In several cases two or three missiles were sent for the same target, usually killing it. The number of incoming "Vandoli" dropped to seventy, then sixty, but the number was not dropping quickly enough. The identity of the targets was now known to everyone. Powerful active jamming came on. Ships began a radical series of maneuvers like some stylized dance. Collision at sea was now the least of anyone's worries. When the enemy cruise missiles got within twenty miles, every ship in the formation began to fire of chaff rockets, which filled the air with millions of aluminized Mylar fragments that fluttered on the air, creating dozens of new targets for the missiles to select from. Some of the enemy missiles lost lock with their targets and started chasing Mylar ghosts. Two of them got lost, and selected new targets on the far side of the formation.

On board the «Milizia»
Topside, the final defensive weapons were now tracking the targets. These were the CIWS, 20mm Gatling guns, radar equipped to explode incoming missiles at a range of under two thousand yards. Designed to operate in a fully automatic mode, the two after gun mounts on the Frigate began to track the first pair of incoming missiles.

The leading target exploded eight hundred yards from the ship's port quarter. The thousands of kilograms of high explosives rocked the small ship. One target vanished from the screen. Four left.
____________________________

5 Orizzonte AAW Class Frigates were completely destroyed.
2 were severly damaged (including the «Milizia»)

Several destroyers were sunk as well, and many more damaged. A single Andrea Doria (NUM) class Carrier was sunk, and its aircraft lost.

I will report back with more casaulties in a few minutes.

Goobergunchia declares its neutrality in this conflict.

Lord Goobergunch, Goobergunchian President
Founder of the DU Region
UNAOTO Member

[ooc: This is about as limited as you can get.]

OOC: Diminix, abouts where are your EA-6B's looking for subs? Who's fleet are they trying to electronically scramble?

"INCOMING! I REPEAT, INCOMING!" yelled the intercom in the Control Room aboard the USS Penstadt. Admiral Yota looked up immediately, with an expression of complete shock. "PUT COMBAT READINESS IN PLACE! READY THE PATRIOTS!" As soon as the order was given, the dozens in the control towers of all 4 carriers in the 2 fleets started working frantically to send up as many aircraft as possible. The twenty Ticoderogas spread out immediately set the missiles ready to fire, and all ships were preparing the Patriot Missile batteries aboard the ships. This would be tough....

In two minutes, all ships were ready to defend themselves, and the ones that survived, to launch a massive counterattack. Then the thousands of sailors looked into the sky that was a fiery red from the sun setting, and saw thousands upon thousands of small beams of light flying in their direction, high in the sky.

Immediately, word went over the intercoms to prepare for first barrage. The Patriot Missle Systems were loaded and ready to go..

3...2...1..

With an almighty roar, thousands of Patriot missiles soared into the sky. Smaller ships rocked back and forth from the power of the liftoff, while larger ones rumbled. Two long lines of missiles, soon to impact each other high in the September sky.

Huge fireballs began to erupt in the skies above, turning dusk into noon. Gigantic fireball after another exploded, and hundreds upon hundreds of cruise missiles were being shot down. However, there weren't enough Patriots obviously, as hundreds of cruise missiles kept flying straight at the two fleets. There wasn't enough time for another barrage of Patriots..

The Black Sea near the Bosporus turned into a huge puddle of steel, oil, and fire that night. With almighty booms, cruise missiles and ICBMs slammed into ships and water, causing explosions virtually everywhere. Sailors were blown to bits, and steel bent too easily. For the sailors involved, it was nothing but a drone of boom, boom, boom. Giant fireballs erupted from dozens of ships, thousands fell into the Sea, and hundreds looked upon themselves to see legs and arms torn, faces mangled, and people dead.
-------------

The President came on-screen, 20 minutes after announcing a declaration of war. "My fellow Penguinatans, I speak to you with utter anger and sadness. The imperialist nation of Fyreheart has brutally murdered thousands of our young men and women by assaulting with over 5,000 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles.

"This action will not go unforseen, and a counter-attack is on the way. I must say that this is a sad day for our nation, and that losses are being displayed on your television screen now. May God help us, and may He bless Isla de Penguinata."

Losses:

4,021 sailors dead
5,014 sailors injured

19 Ticonderoga class Missile Cruisers out of 40 all destroyed
13 Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyers out of 30 5 damaged, 8 destroyed
12 Iowa Class Battleships out of 20 all destroyed
25 Oliver Hazard Perry class Frigates out of 40 10 damaged, 15 destroyed

USS Penstadt destroyed, along with 40 F-22s and 10 F/A-18s out of 50 F-22s and 35 F/A-18s.

USS Mayko damaged, along with no planes destroyed.

All surving aircraft from the carriers are now securing a perimeter around the badly damaged fleets. They were completely decimated, and very vulnerable. Only thing needed now was a counter-attack from the subs in the Sea of Marma...

------------------

It was in the Sea of Marma that the subs knew something had gone terribly wrong. The last thing they heard from the USS Penstadt was screams and explosions. Without question, the commander of the 52 submarines ordered a launching of all missile payloads. Diminix was coming, so the launch would have to be fast.

However, suddenly their systems shut down, and radar went unoperational. The subs had just been isolated by prowlers of Diminix, and it would be hours before they could get back online.

Defeat seemed to loom around Isla de Penguinata.
----------------

The C-141s carrying the 1st Mechanized Division had landed in Kirovohrad. They would be sent to Pervomays'k as soon as the landing was finished. Also, the 1st Fighter Division was making haste to the 5th and 6th fleets, only an hour away (RL time).

1st Mechanized Division
10,000 soldiers armed with M4s and M40 frag grenades
300 M1A2 Abrams tanks
300 T-95 tanks
600 M113 APCs
500 IAVs
400 Humvees
300 Paladin Howitzers
100 AH-64 Apaches

1st Fighter Division
100 F/A-22 Raptors
100 F-117 Nighthawks
100 F-15 Eagles

Casualties:

5 Orizzonte AAW Class Frigates were completely destroyed.
2 were severly damaged (including the «Milizia»)

9 Nike class Catamaran Corvettes destroyed/sunk
2 more damaged

2 Animoso class destroyers destroyed/sunk

2 FFG-7 Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates destroyed/sunk.

1 Andrea Doria (NUM) Class Aircraft Carrier

1 Uccellino del Mare class Aircraft Carrier severely damaged


ooc: Sorry, I didn't want this to be on its own post, but I don't want to edit my other one either.

The Prowlers stood hovering a few thousand feet away from the fleets and in the air, making sure they kept jamming the radar of the enemy.

"Eagle 1 . . this is gold 2. Phase one complete"
"Copy . . Eagle 1. Phase two in session"

Back at the heart of the Yayo Fleets seven SH-60 Seahawk choppers lifted off the back of various cruisers and headed for the coordinates that Eagle 1's team sent them. The group of Seahawks were armed with four anti-submarine torpedoes each. But down under the Yayo Fleets, another seven ships were moving. The armored falcon class submarines were moving to the same coordinates.

Minutes later the Seahawks were about a mile infront of the subs when they reported back to the Angelbabie they had their target in site. Responce came from the ship to launch all torpedoes and return to base. And they did so, in a matter of three minutes twenty eight anti submarine torpedoes were launched from the choppers and into the sea where they were heading towards the enemy submarines.

But there was another problem. The submarines had launched a volley of cruise missles at the fleet. Radar had picked this up but only about one hundred Patriot missles could be launched at the Tomahawks, knocking out about 40% of them. Three destroyers were lit up in a blaze while another one shut down completely, sailors jumping out and swimming away. Chain gun missle defense systems caught onto about seventeen of the Tomahawks and shot them down as well.

* * *
Cerebral

The emperor was reading a report of the attacks so far.

"So how many have we lost?" - Emperor
"About three hundred sir. The first strike seemed to be the toughest. We're advancing on their subs while allies advance to the strait. Hopefully they will clear it and we will be able to enter it as soon as possible." - Assistant
"Good." - Emperor

We are suprised by this immediate destruction of so many ships, since it looks like the Isla de Penguinatas took the most missiles. Our condolence to those 4,021 heroes' families, and we hope that the rescue of these sailors can go well.

But certainly, with a total of near 5000 air-launched anti-ship cruise missiles launched at the pro-Ferrussian side, we seriously doubt that the Fyreheartians have another batch of even 500 missiles, since obviously an aircraft carrier can't carry infinite amount of air-launched munitions anyways. At least, there's some assurance.

Foreign Affairs Ministry

OOC: IdP, radar jammers can't jam electronics :P

*Aboard the Erin*
"Sir a transmission from the Copiosa Scotia vessels.
They are demanding our surrender." The comunications officer sat at his com sweat poured down his face, he could be no more then 20.
"Did all our vessels recieve the Transmission?"

"Yes Admiral"

"How many are they?" The Admiral directed his attention to the EW station.

"It appears to be 100 vessels a variety, sir.
More then a match for us."

"I did not ask you to 'size them up'." The Admiral was obviously perturbed.

"Send this messege in response"

Transmitting
"To the Copiosa Scotia forces in the Black Sea. This is First Admiral Michael Murphy of The Skibereen Navy.
I tip my hat to your display of Naval courtesy. However, you know we cannot surrender.
Of course if you wish to stand down, we would certainly grant you safe passage through strait, soon as we clear it."
End Transmission.
Several men on the Bridge of the Erin snickered at the last part of the Admirals transmission.
Transmit this to all our ships.
Transmitting
"Attention, deploy your life boats, put all non-combat essential personel in the water.
Let those men have a chance."
End transmission.
"Weapons officer, who is closer the Copiosa Scotias or the Ferrusisans?"

"Sir the Copiosa Scotia vessels are closer. They are with in missile range."
The Hive carry guided missiles if I am not mistaken, Send the order for the Hives to empty their Launchers at the Copiosa Scotia vessels."

"Aye sir".

With that, the full volley of 600 RBS15M's begin to launch from the HIve decks. The weapons were primitive in comparision to their enemies guided missiles, but with 600, being fired on 100 ships, the odds just got a little more even.

"Sir, Missiles away."

"I want the Destroyers to fire all their tomohawks at the Ferrussian carrier fleet., I want only Carriers Targeted."

"Fire at will".
20 Tomohawk Missiles Left the Destroyer Decks. Most would not hit their mark.
"Move up to the Ferrusians so we can in range for our 320mm's"
The men on the Skib vessels watched as engineers and cooks, and marines were hoisted over the sides in to rafts.
The men in the rafts watched the men they had trained with, prepare to die.

To: General Howell, Commander in Chief, Fyreheart Invasion Army

The Fyreheartian transports have taken us to the front sir with a remarkable speed. We are the first wave of soldiers ever to step on foreign soil from the Dominion. However, we are experiancing massed uncoordination. We know we are near the border of Skibereen and Ferrussia, apparently on the Skibereen side. But, we have no maps, no plan of attack. What do we do sir? Whom do we fight? For now, my Chasseur battalions are out scouting, and my men have formed camp with a heavy gaurd. We need your guidence immediately.

From: Field Marshal Emmanuel Louis Pajol, Compte de Fountainebleau, Commander II Corps, Army de Expedition

Present so far in the conflict for Gothenburg-Franc:

The II Corps
Field Marshal E.L. Pajol (53,234) which contains:

3 Infantry Dvisions under
Maj. Gen. Joseph de Arc (12,537)
Lt. Gen. Adnoche Guizot (15,410)
Maj. Gen Erich-Maria Remarque (11,396)

1 Air Cavlary Division with fighter support under
Maj. Gen. de Aire Isaac le Hoche (13,207)

OOC: The fancier soundign infantry is better armed and more deadly. Chasseur battalions our my shocktroops.

*In Skibereen*
Thomas Callahan was tasked with locateing and directing the foreign 'hoards'. He despised this but but then letting them wander around burning our building and raping our women.
*Encrypted transmission*
"This is Thomas Callhan, I am a Member of 'the Band of Red Hand' we are to advise the friendly forces of Fyre, and Goth-Franc, be-advised, displaying insignias or rank designations will get you shot.
Skibs Shoot at uniforms, our population is armed, and used to war on their soil. Avoid urban areas. We are enroute to your location, if at all possible hold, and we will escort you to the Ferrussian border.
Do not underestimate 72 million Gaelic guerillas.

Capo Del Mare I Command Ship
Holding Position, Mouth of the Black Sea
_______________________________________

http://www.ets-news.com/images/navy_5.jpg

"Sir, it appears the attack has stopped..."

"For now sailor, for now. It is time to take the initiative. ROE: 34, multiple missiles to a target. Let us test just how good these «Fenice» really are."

"Aye, aye Admiral. Transmitting to the fleet. Operation will begin on your command."

"Thank you sailor.", he said, turning to another young officer, "CO Make sure rescue and salvage operations have commenced."

"Aye, aye sir, We have the damaged ships already falling back, but still within range for the offensive, and survivors are being pulled out of the water....Admiral...it doesn't look good."

"War never looks good Stefano, and the sooner you learn that the better you will be.", he saluted the man and turned back to CIC, "Commence offensive operations, immediately".

With that command the CIC officer sent out a transmission to all the ships in the fleet capable of offensive missile launch. A few moments later green lights were recieved and the launch command was given.

2,200 Fenice ALR-ASMs were launched at the rapidly approaching Fyreheart fleets.

Fenice ALR-ASMs are ramjet powered, high impact, supersonic, dual warhead missiles with lethal power and sea-skimming trajectory.

Specifications:
Max Speed: in excess of Mach 3
Navigation: based upon an INS/GPS electronic package and a FMCW radar altimeter, controlled by a high-speed digital computer; navigation through 3D way-points.
Terminal guidance: advanced J-band active seeker with adaptive search patterns, excellent discrimination and resistance to ECM even in complex scenarios; GPS targeting on land targets and ships.
Range: Greater than 60 nautical miles - 150+ miles
Warhead:
- insensitive and protected warhead
- optimised HE blast and pre-fragmented effects
- residual fuel explosion
- impact fuse and proximity function.
- 450 pounds explosive

http://www.mbda.net/site/img_imp/i_meteo1.jpg
Above: Meteor AAM, very similar in design to Fenice ASM

EDIT: because I can't spell well past midnight.

FPS Abbey Hill
Black Sea
7:44 a.m. local time

Aaron Pierce watched as the missile launch reports scrolled in, then turned to his bridge crew. "For those wondering, I wasn't planning to take them up on their offer anyway."

Arrow III ABMs from the Guardian-class cruisers that were now trailing behind the Abbey Hill streaked out to meet the incoming guided missiles. The Guardians alone could handle over a hundred incoming missiles simultaneously, and from time to time one could see cruise missiles exploding for no readily apparent reason, their fuel ignited by the deuterium fluoride lasers of the Defender DEFCLADS cruisers. Still, the leading edge of the fleet suffered as the barrage continued. When all was said and done, five Arleigh Burke destroyers were engulfed in flames, slowly sinking into the sea as life boats hurried away from them, one more destroyer crippled, and the nuclear battleship FPS Steadfast severely damaged, already limping toward the trailing edge. An Interceptor ASW destroyer was also struck, taking serious, but not critical damage.

Mercifully, the barrage ended, and they were upon their enemy. I have no desire to kill men who would fight so bravely against such great odds, Pierce thought. But it is they who have chosen this fate for themselves, not I.

The twenty-eight remaining destroyers at the leading edge of the Sixth Fleet trained their guns first upon the torpedo boats, as the battleships blazed away at the enemy destroyers and anti-air ships. The hulls of Skibereen fleet fared no better below the water's surface, as torpedoes launched by the Scotian attack subs shot toward the Skib destroyers.

And from the bridge of the Abbey Hill, Pierce watched it all. He watched the volley of Tomahawk missiles destined for an encounter with the Ferrussian fleet, watched his ships take blows and give them, watched a Zumwalt stealth destroyer slip below the surface and down to a watery grave. And over and over again, the same words echoed in his mind: It is well that war is so terrible, or else we might grow too fond of it.

Somewhere in Skibereen near the Ferussian border:

The brigade commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Chasseur Regiment, Brig. Gen. Alexandre Barras had just recieved the directive from II Corps command to recall all forward units back to the II Corps camp perimeter. This was because of a recent Skibereen "Red Hand" notification calling for all soldiers to stay put, and not to wander around. The local populace was to be considered armed and dangerous, firing on all troops, friendly or hostile. Company A's commander, Captain Pierre Serreas had just given the order to pull back all forward scouts, and the men had just begun to form up with the purpose of returning to their camps, when two dozen screaming men and women set upon the stunned Chasseurs. Second Lieutenant Charles Lefebre rushed forward, screaming in broken Gaelic, "Do not fire! We are friends! We are here to help you!" He was brutally hacked to death by a woman with an axe. The now leaderless men in that sector began to fire at will, and it spread like thunder down the line. Chasseur and civillian grappled like maddened beasts. Even the wounded fought. It was a hand to hand thing, a few terrifying minutes of ferocity. Gradually the Chasseurs disengaged form the fight and formed into a thick column. Their now bloodstained and unerved Captain Serreas ordered a hasty retreat back to II Corps camp.

An Official Military Statement to The "Red Hand":

Your guides have better hurry up and get here before I order my Corps to march forward, and burn everything in its path. Your civillians are responsible for the deaths of 19 young Chasseurs, and a brilliant young officer, who were merley out on patrol! You are lucky our men have restraint and discipline, otherwise your civillians would be feeling their frustrations at this situation. Trust me, I dont like this anymore than you do, but with no communcation from Fyreheart command, we are forced to rely on you.

Field Marshal E.L. Pajol, II Corps

3rd Carrier Fleet
2034

The darkening sky was suddenly alight with the SAM batteries and RIM-242 anti-missile missiles, but like the other fleets, it was too much for defenses to handle. Literally hundreds were swatted from the sky by the first volley of RIM-242s, but for every missile downed, several more continued on. The fleet mustered every avaliable system to stopping the onslaught of missiles, and by the time the missiles could be made out against the red sky, a second RIM-242 volley was fired. Hundreds of the missiles lashed out against the clustered cruise missiles, and while they put quite a dent in the force, still more continued on.

Just as the numbers became countable, the CIWS opened up, and the sailors knew it was too late to stop the onslaught. Many more of the inbounds were felled by the last-ditch systems, but far too many made it through. Within moments, deafening explosions were heard througout the fleet as the graceful ships were wounded by the missiles. Thanks to the efforts of the allied fleets in the area, the Ferrussian fleet had been saved from the brunt of the attack, but massive damage was still sustained.

The Nicholas Kerensky carrier was damaged, but operational. Though listing slightly and missing some of her food stores, the fleet carrier was still potent.

The Dauntless Ferret also took a couple hits, but is showing remarkable resilience - it should, for it's 5 billion dollar price tag.

Remaining fleet casualties:

2 Carrack CGs destroyed, 3 damaged, but somewhat operational
5 Sparrowhawk DDGs destroyed, 3 damaged/operational
1 Sniper DD destroyed, 1 damaged (returning to port), 1 damaged/operational
2 supply ships damaged, one sunk.


Men were constanly being scooped from the water, as nearly half the fleet was sunk or damaged.

The small fleet did their best to put forth a counterattack to the now-bottlenecked Fyreheartian fleet. Little concern was paid to leaving stores for later, as the Rear Admiral had the conciousness of mind to realize they may not be around for another counterattack. Every still-operational VLS cell was utilized in a massive barrage of Harpoon missiles. An estimated 562 were hurled at the Fyreheartian fleet, and running low on munitions, the Rear Admiral contacted the IdP and Agrigentian fleets to request that they fall back - they would remain within striking range of the Bosporus, but out of the range of the current Fyreheartian fleets.

Finally, it was decided that the Dauntless Ferret's 6 "Sucker" missiles were to be launched at the Fyreheartian fleet. More notably, the RedDragons. It was hoped that these massive missiles - the entire missile weighed in at 16,000 lbs - could do the job needed to take out these cruical carriers. With 6 on board, 2 were targeted at each RedDragon, and with incredibly heavy armoring, a Mach 2.5 sea-skimming terminal phase, and a 2,500 lb warhead, they were certainly their best shot at disabling the carriers.

With a massive roar, the Suckers took off from their steam-catapult assisted launch tubes, mounted permanentnly forward and almost 150' long. They were a little behind the Harpoons, which would hopefully keep the enemy missile defenses busy enough to keep them off the Suckers for a while - not that it mattered much, with over half a ton of armoring in addition to the original design specs.

Having sent off this last prayer, the Fleet picked up the 20 inbound Tomahawks. It seemed suprisingly small after the massive incursion they had just faced, but they were low on missiles, and as Tomahawk after Tomahawk exploded it became apparent at least some would get through. The CIWS kicked in again, and it became obvious the Tomahawks were interested only in the Nicholas Kerensky Carrier. Managing to destroy all but one of the inbounds, the crews of the fleet's ships watched in awe as the fleet carrier took the Tomahawk to the crew compartments and the few hundred sailors who had not been able to evacuate the area fell to the sea in a lake of blood.

Desperately, the Rear Admiral pled with the neighboring fleets to pull back.

"COUNTER-ATTACK INCOMING! Sound general quarters!"

The crews rushed to man the defenses.

"Lieutenant! Tell those squadrons of F-101s up there to help cover our asses!"

"Yes sir!"

"HERE THEY COME!"

The defense guns, along with the SAM batteries, lit up the sky, streaking at the 228 incoming Harpoon missiles, and desperately trying to hit the 2200 sea-skimmers. You'd swear it was the afternoon on a bright, sunny summer day instead of a brisk night in September. The FABs and remaining HSVs also joined in with their 320mm guns.

Fireballs ensued around the fleets, as the two missile barrages collided.

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

In the air, the F-101s raced towards the missile barrage.

"All craft, open fire!"

The 2400 F-101 pulse cannons (600 planes, 4 cannons each) engaged and fired at the incoming at maximum speed. Hundreds upon hundreds of missile expoded, making the Bosporus Strait seem like a July 4th celebration.

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

Onboard the SS Phoenix, the sailors were in a panic. The SAM batteries had jammed, and the crew had taken to diving in the ocean. 8 missiles broke the defenses and slammed into the ship, turning into a hunk of sinking metal.
------------------------------
The SS Amethyst

Lieutenant Briggs was wide mouthed as he watched the Phoenix, right next to him, erupt in a ball of flames, throwing the crew into the cold waters below. He was even more wide mouthed when he turned around and saw a missile headed for the bridge. He looked at Goober, his dog.

I'm sorry buddy...
------------------------------

In the air, the F-101s were doing a fine job of stopping the counter-attack, but no group of planes could shoot down 2488 missiles.

LOSSES:
6 Soyuz III Battleship - 4 destroyed, 2 damaged.
6 Ion Destroyers destroyed, 1 damaged.
2 FABs destroyed.
5 DO-36 Frigates destroyed, 1 damaged.

Dead: 1412 and 1 dog
Wounded: 976


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

General Nader scowled. "Damn it, they just put a dent in the fleet. Officer, radio those F-101s we have in the air, tell them I want the remains of the Ferrussian and Isla fleets destroyed, NOW."

"Yes sir!"

"Send out a general message to the HSV's. Tell them to release 30 Tomahawks apiece, and aim at the Agrigento and Corpa fleets. IdP is devastated, and Ferrussia took heavy losses also. The F-101s can finish them off."

"Radio the Skibereens. Tell them we're on our way."

The HSV Tomahawks blasted out of the bays and towards the respective fleets, as the F-101s in the air made a 180 and nose-bombed for the Ferrusian and IdP fleets, letting loose with their pulse cannons.

300 more F-101s lifted off the Red Dragons to replace the fleet cover being sent to attack the enemy.
*************************************************************

ENCRYPTED MESSAGE TO GOTHENBURG-FRANC

Organize yourselves according to your existing ranks, and co-oridinate with the Skibereens in the war effort. Make wise strikes, and don't be afraid to take risks. Above all, enforce discipline. Without it, an army has nothing.

I believe in you and your men. Though new, and inexperienced, you are not weak by any means.

Long live ICON!

END

*Aboard The Erin*
'Well that didnt work out quite as I had hoped, but it did work out exactly as I expected'

"You know what my name means in the tongue of our blood, ensign?"
"Incoming missiles! sir."
"No, no, not even close.
"We with in range of their guns, and they ours."
The Bridge was clearing, as OMurchadha(Admiral Murphy) was one to lead from the front, they were being battered, as OMurchadha ordered the Remaing Destroyers to turn broadside to sheild the torpedoe boats so they might fire their combined 400 missiles Upon the Copiosa Scotia vessels, which at this range would have easily devasted them, leaving the small boats to carry 20 torpedoes a piece to Ferrussian Carriers, the small MTB's were hard targets, and OMuchadha doubted the Copiosa Scotians expected them to be armed with sea wolfs.
"They are aquireing!!"
"It means 'SeaBattler', fitting isnt it?" The Admiral looked at his bridge.
"Run!!!" He screamed.
The ensigns on the com, stood and turned towards doors some stepped a few feet, others didnt budge. The Officers remained at their stations.
The Admiral, saluted his men. The Bridge of the Erin exploded in an eruption of fire and metal.

Transmission
This is Captain Moore, of the BarryMight.
To the remaining Copiosa Scotia vessels, we surrender! please stop firing we surrender.!
End Transmission.

Upon the news of the damage to the fleets, Natahn Hurst has seen fit to dispatch the 3rd fleet to assist at the Bosporus Strait.

It consists of:

1 Nimitz carrier - 85 planes, all F-101s
1 Red Dragon carrier - 400 planes, 300 F-101s, 100 F-62Bs
20 Ion Destroyers
20 HSVs
15 Sovremenny class destroyers
10 Ticonderoga cruisers

Statment of losses:
damaged
1 guided missile frigate
1 hospital ship
2 destroyers
Destroyed
1 support ship
2 landing platforms
2 destroyers

Return fire:
All 125 aircraft in the air turn towards the Fyreheart fleet and unleash thier Harpoon and Maverick missles.
Missle Cruisers and subs fire Tomahawks (30 total) into the Fyreheart fleet
Destroyers and frigates fire Harpoons (168 missiles)

Celeborne ground troops begin landing in Ferrussia.


Message from Celeborne High Command to Ferrussia (encoded)

The reports that we are recieving back from the aquatic theater are not encourageing at this time, so we have decided to send three more carrier groups in to assist with this. Also we are willing to commit air assets if you require them.
Our ground forces have begun landing in your nation and will begin deployment sortly. We hope that this will all be over soon, but if not rest assured that you have our assistance in this to the end.

Transmission from The Ineffable Palace, The Silver Turtle, to The Fyreheartian President
We will assist if necessary. Our fleets are mobilizing. Our conventional forces, mechs and space forces are at your disposal, please respond if you require anything.

His Imperial Majesty, The Great Ineffable Bob.
OOC: *Ahem*, note:
OOC: Important notes - this is a closed RP, limited diplomatic involvement is okay, however.
Sorry, but unless you are involved in the first step of the RP, I'm sure Ferrussia and Fyreheart appreciates this to be open only to those who supports them at the start (I believe both diplomatically/economically and possibly militarily)
OOC: That I understand. However, seeing as Fyreheart is a member of Arda, along with part of my empire (Whang), I feel obligated to offer my assistance, even if there is little to no chance of it being needed or accepted.

Grand Island Military Installation
Operations Staging Area OSA-09
_________________________________

Full mobilization of several Army units has begun and transportation is
being prepared.

Being Deployed to Ferrussia is the following:
XIIth Mechanized Infantry Division
IIth Armored Division
XIVth Mechanized Infantry Division
XVIth Mechanized Infantry Division

(helicopters and support included)

They are being deployed by An-225s and DF-03 Advanced Strategic Mobility Aircraft.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/images/gra-sf_mil_s.jpg
DF-03 ASMA, 4 engine version of the twin engine DF-02 Refueler.

Escorting them is the 32th Fighter Wing, which will remain in Ferrussia for airborne operations.

32th Fighter Wing
8 Squadrons of EF-2000's
5 Squadrons of Drago 3000's
4 Squadrons of Giavellotto 3000's
3 Squadrons of VC-27A Parthian ITRG's
2 Fantasma Special Operations: Foward Aircraft
Several Support Squadrons, a Command Squadron, and 2 Tanker squadrons


Travelling from the Agrigentian Mainland to help out the 1st Fleet is the 4th Pursuit Group

4th Pursuit Group
1 Arsenal Ship
1 AEGIS Fleet Guardian Arsenal Ship
6 Delfino class Catamaran Destroyers
3 Animoso class Destroyers
7 Orizzonte class AAW frigates
14 Nike class Catamaran Corvettes
2 Andrea Doria (NUM) Class Aircraft Carriers

They are not expected to add much to the current battle, due to the time it will take from them to arrive, but they will aid in attacking the enemy fleets if they do decide to retreat, it will also help to stop them from getting replenishment and stem the tide of reinforcements (or die trying).

OOC: That I understand. However, seeing as Fyreheart is a member of Arda, along with part of my empire (Whang), I feel obligated to offer my assistance, even if there is little to no chance of it being needed or accepted.
OOC: Um... If your puppet is in Arda, use your puppet :P However, about the entry, it will be up to Fyreheart and Ferrussia although they already denied a few people.

IC:

---Secured Transmission to Ferrussia---
To: Ministry of Defence
From: OHDF

We still awaits the response to the last offer of limited military support.

---End---

Rukemian Fleet, B-Strait

After recieving no retaliatory strike whatsoever from the Ferrussian fleets, the Rukemians were ordered to continue up the strait behind the Fyrheartians and towards the enemy fleets. After steadily moving a few miles into the strait the Rukemian fleets opened fire once again upon the Ferrussians. This time their strike included, 200 AGM-84F type harpoon missiles as well as 55 standard Harpoons, all were given designated targets, the AGM-84Fs taking on the larger ships, while the standard harppons traveled towards the smaller ones. Shortly after the missile launch, 40 F-18 Superhornets were launched from each Nimitz carrier, each one armed with 3 Maverick missiles under each wing.

Once they were all airborne they got into 8 elements of 5 and flew towards the Ferrussian fleets, once in range (25 miles), they fired their ordinance, totaling 240 missiles aimed and traveling towards Ferrussian fleets. Once their payloads had been completely fired off they split into elements of twenty and looped back around to the carriers, the pilots could only hope they they wouldn't be pursued by any Ferrussian aircraft if they had anytime to launch any.

__________________________

RUKEMIAN MILITARY ANNOUNCEMENT

In light of recent events, the head of our military has seen it fit to send yet another fleet into the area of combat outside of the Bosporous Strait, this fleet will be made up of the same ships as the ones presently in combat and will serve as relief should our forces become overwhelmed. We send prayers to all our sailors out there fighting for a right cause. May God be with them.

Councilman of Foriegn Affairs
Cole Grady

(OOC: Leda colony, participation in defense of Fyreheart - not going to be needed, anyways - would, I suppose, be alright, but no active military help. Sorry.)

*****

ENCRYPTED MESSAGE TO OMZ222

We'd appreciate any help you can give, but would not push the issue. You are in the same boat, so don't be too worried about our skin. Feel free to help, but don't feel obligated by any means.

Good luck in the effort back home.


Markov Lumchenski
Secretary of Defense

*****

Preparations are being made in Kirovohrad for the Agrigentian landings, and the Department of Defense is ecstatic that such large ground-based aid is being sent. Command and Control is swamped with activity in nearly every aspect, but we'll do our best to accomidate your landing.

The anticipated Celebornian landings have commenced nearly flawlessly, although there was a minor hangup when an AFB runway was not clear in time for Celebornian transports.

*****

3rd Carrier Fleet
2253

With the "Sucker" missiles away, the entire fleet - having heard that the IdP fleet was attempting to steam back to Sevastopol - converged with the 2 IdP CBGs. Their mutually hurting air defenses would be able to manage the incoming fighter strike together, covering for each other's weaknesses.

For the time being, the RIM-67 SM-2 MR anti-air missiles, carried on the remaining Sparrowhawk DDGs in some number, were launched - a good 600 of them - and as the enemy fighters neared, volleys of Sea Sparrows were loaded into the VLSs. The Penguinatan fleet was expected to follow suit - though the Ferrussian air defenses were capable, they by no means had the ability to protect all 3 fleets.

Meanwhile, the F/A-18s landed on the miraculously intact runway of the Nicholas Kerensky Aircraft Carrier just long enough to load several AMRAAMs, take off, and fire them at the enemy fighters just over the horizon. The 24 F-14Ds followed suit, making a whole 72 fighters circulating through the deck of the semi-crippled carrier.

Steaming in the general direction of Sevastopol, the three fleets remained within missile range of the Strait. Ferrussian commanders soon recieved word that the 2 CBGs near Ferrussia were headed for the Bosporus at full speed, and expected to arrive in a few hours. With any luck, the Agrigentians and submarines could keep them held up in the Bosporus long enough to allow the CBGs to come within striking range.

Bosphorus Strait
Combat Air Patrol
_____________________

E-2D Super Hawkeye
"Radar Contacts! Designate Sweep-1, bearing three-four-niner, range four-six-zero miles. Numerous contacts, count one-four zero contacts, course one-seven-five, speed six hundred knots."

MM Merciaiolo
The master tactical scope plotted the contactes electronically and a pair of plexiglass plates showed another visual display.

E-2D Super Hawkeye
"Contacts are lost a present. Estimate burn-through in ten minutes. Request weapons free, and release to vector intercepts."

MM Merciaiolo
The captain looked over to his air operations officer, "Lets get things started."

Air/Ops nodded and picked up a microphone. "Hawk-Three, this is Cipper Base. Weapons free. I say again, weapons are free. Release authority is granted. Splash me some birds. Out."

On a single command, the formation made a hundred-eighty-degree left turn.

The 2 Squadrons closest responded immediately and several others followed suit shortly thereafter. They were lucky this time. Most of the fighters were just airborne when the call came in.

Combattente 3000, in hot pursuit
"Radar contact!!"
"Clipper Base, this is Striker Lead. I have visual on my target.", the targe commander spoke, trying to examine the target on his long-range All-light T.V. camera. When he spoke the excitment in his voice was manifest. "Multiple Bandits, weapons free!!"

Soon 3 Squadrons (12 planes each) of Combattente were engaging the enemy fighters. They quickly got radar lock and each fired 2 Meteor AAM missiles at an enemy fighter.


ooc: I already had CAP airborne, and since we are actually in between your fleet and Ferrussia's we saw them on the way back.

EDIT: Jesus, I should've refreshed before I posted this. I didn't see Ferrussia's response.

....

FPS Abbey Hill
Black Sea
8:21 a.m. local time

As Pierce looked out on the battle and watched the explosions of the Fyrehartian missiles meeting more Arrow interceptors, Malinski walked up to stand beside him. "Foolish," he observed, his contempt obvious. "Outgunned as badly as they are, why do they keep on fighting?"

The admiral turned to look at him. "In their position," he said coldly, "I'd devoutly hope that you would do the same thing." The young officer turned away, embarrassed, as the bridge of the Skibereen flagship burst into flames.

A shout rang out from the comm workstation. "Admiral Pierce! We're being hailed by a Skibereen ship calling itself the BarryMight!"

"Put them on, Schroeder," Pierce called back. He listened to Captain Moore's message, and nodded slightly. Not the decision I would have made, but fortunately, I'm dealing with men more reasonable than myself. "Broadcast a cease-and-desist to our ships, but tell them to be ready to start up again

"Captain Moore, I assume you're speaking in some sort of leadership capacity. If that's the case, please order the other ships to stand down, and I'll do what I can to make sure we all get out of here alive."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bulletin to Ferrussian Government

Deployment of ground forces should be authorized shortly, but until then, cargo of inbound flights will consist solely of missiles (various types) for resupply of the Sixth Free Provinces Fleet.

Department of Security, Enforcement, and Defense

OOC: After learning that prowlers are simply radar jammers, the damn things WILL respond to Dim's attack. Dim, you've got hell to pay if you lied to me intentionally. :evil:

IC:

The submarines in the Sea of Marma knew they couldn't see anything on radar, but they still had sonar operational. They could detect other ships and objects in the area, therefore had some retaliatory power.

"INCOMING TORPEDOES. DETECTING 13...NO...16..WAIT! 21! 23! Hold...28! 28 TORPEDOES INCOMING!"

The commander of the submarine screamed "READY ARMS! FIRE IN 30 SECONDS!" The crew frantically readied the already-loaded torpedoes and counter-measures, and launched them at the commander's order.

Several enemy torpedoes collided into the defending ones, causing huge underwater explosions and rocking the submarines. However, 14 torpedoes made it through, and crushed 16 submarines, as several were close together. The remaining 8 then turned off all operational systems to remain undetected, hoping the enemy would not use depth charges or sonar to detect their position.
___________________________________________________________

The fleets in the Black Sea had ordered a full retreat, but were pulling back slowly, with 300 planes providing air cover for an area of 20 sq. miles. Most ships were trying to pull back faster than reasonable, and the commanders of those ships were being scolded. "AN ORDERLY RETREAT, COMMANDER!" is what Admiral Molvati of the 5th Fleet repeated for the third time. Admiral Yota had gone down with the USS Penstadt.

Communications were high with the Ferrussian fleet, making sure that the two were covered by the same air defenses, and then the word came over intercoms that a Fyreheartian group of F-101s were inbound and attacking. A Ticonderoga was reporting heavy fire, and exploded into a fireball. A group of 15 F-22s immediately soared to the position and met the F-101s.

"This is Alpha Mort One. Fyreheartian group spotted. I repeat, Fyreheartian group spotted. Permission to fire?"

"This is CC2, Alpha Mort One, fire when ready. I repeat, affirmative."

"Roger that CC2, over and out."

The group of F-22s then prepared a launch sequence of Sidewinders. However, Fyreheartian fire was heavy, and 3 fighters were downed. The remaining 12 F-22s launched a total of 24 Sidewinders that were headed for the Fyreheartian group of F-101s.

The Prowler and Seahawk pilots watched the explosions of what hopefully was the enemy subs from high above. They checked their radar screens and reported back to command.

"Commander, we have nothing on our radars as of now. Might want to keep a lookout though." - Seahawk Pilot

Some static was heard but the commander came back.

"Copy. Sending in a team of subs to secure the area." - Command

Then six of the twelve armored falcon submarines in the fleet followed by four Ohio class submarines began to go through the sea to the so called "Hot Spot". But the attacks in the black sea had not ended. On the other side of the Yayo Fleets, two Armored Falcon submarines rose to the surface and a large missle silo on the top of the subs slid open.

Then from both sub, two MIRV ICBMS blasted off into the night sky followed by a huge trail of smoke. The ICBMs were headed for the Black Sea, targeting any remaining Penguinatan vessels.

((MIRVS are ICBMs that break apart in ten slightly smaller ICBMS, targeting ten different targets at once. So 2 x 10 = 20 ICBMS the rest of IDP retreating fleets in the Black Sea. Not sure who else is there exactly. If there's any mistakes tell me, I did this kind of quickly))

To the Skibereen "Red Hand":

Having been reinforced by the landings of I, V, and VIII Corps, We feel it is no longer necessary to rely on your guidence to the combat front. Inform your civillian population, that if another inncident should occur like the one last evening, when scouts from the 9th Chasseur Regiment were attacked by your nationals, we will return fire and burn all in our path. You can still reach army headquaters if you hurry. But we cannot wait for you. Your people better stay out of our way, our they will be most unfortunate to suffer the wrath of my soldiers.

Marshal of Gothenburg-Franc, Jean-Luc de St.Jean d'Angely, Field Commander, Army de Expedition

To Fyreheart:

Yor statement brought a tear to our soldiers' eyes. We believe in you as well. We have comenced our offensive into Ferussian soil. Our first objective will be a city near the sea, that our scouts have reported is directly in our path. From there, we hope to find maps and guides that will direct us towards the Ferussian capitol. We think the city is named Odesa. hopefuilly its destruction will benefit our Leaugue. Also, the Skibereens are not cooperating at all. In fact, some of thier civilians have been killing our men. When your main army lands, give us a point to link up in Ferussia. We trust in you.

Long live ICON!

The High Command of Gothenburg-Franc

Two hundred and fifty thousand soldiers of the Gothenburg-Franc Imperial Army marched in tremendous columns twords the border with Ferussia. The VIII Corps was in the lead, followed by the II. Marshal Charles Rene Bourbaki, commander of the VIII, held up his steel binoculars. He could see magnicifent port city rising in the distance, lights twinkling merrily. "Odesa", he whispered gleefully. This was to be his greatest military triumph. Marhsal Bourbaki thought he could end the war right here. Whitout bothering to dispatch scouts, or do an arial reconnisance, Bourbaki ordered the massive VIII Corps, some 60,000 strong, forward unaware of what lay beyond the next ridge. The VIII avanced blissfuly, the men confident that they were about to win a sweeping victory. Every bott hit the ground at the same time, every polished black uniform was pressed to perfection. Artillerey and Maxim barrels gleamed in the darness. Bourbaki ordered his men relentlessly onward, so overconfident......

Meanwhile the following I Corps was having problems of its own. While marching blindly to the front, I Corps had encounterd numerous Skibereen civillian problems. First it had been small unit action, with forward patrols being ambushed and marching columns being briefly fired on. The violence escalated rapidly however, when Gothenburg-Franc soldiers began to approach more developed areas. Currently, Lt.General Francois de Bussy's 1st Division was being held up by a large amount of civillians barricading a wide highway that the I corps had been marching down. Also the brigade of Brig. Gen. Pierre Gauguin from Maj. Gen. Richard Donozellot's 3rd Division had gone missing and was rumored to be pilliging a Skibereen commercial center. I Corps commander, Marshal Nicholaus Etienne Montroux, had an orginaztional nightmare to deal with. He quickly ordered a bayont assault on the Skibereen barricades. Brig. Gen. Adrianne Pamiers brigade was sent forward and managed to take the works after a brutal hand to hand struggle. It was a horrific testimony to courage, that neither side used coordinated firearms. This was almost sheer butcherey, men and women fell together in heaps. The flag of the 2nd Regiment of the Line was even cpatured by Skibereen civilians for a short time. But in the end, the training of the Gothenburg-Franc soliders paid off. I Corps resumed its march, but not before burning a good portion of the surrounding community in rage and frustration.

Operation: Silent Vigil
MM Rovina, a Los Angeles class Sub
__________________________

"Sir, it looks like two of them just surfaced. Fired some missiles too."

Dammit, how did they slip by?, he thought. "Well, since we know where they are, no time like the present. I want a firing solution. Yankee-search the subs", he said, his voice pusling with excitement. The Submarine vibrated with the powerful sonar pulses.
"Bearing one-zero-nine, range thirteen thousand."
"Set!"
"match and shoot!"

Suddenly the sub shook as 2 MK-48 Torpedos sped toward their target.

"Conn, sonar. New bearing zero-zero-three."
There is his friend
"I need information!"
"Very faint but I got a bearing change, just moved to zero-zero-four."
A quartermaster looked up from his calculations. "Range has to be under ten thousand yards, sir!"
"Transients!, transients!" - torpedo in the water bearing zero-five-zero!
"Left full rudder, all ahead flank!"
"Bearing change! Torpedo bearing now zero-zero-eight!"
"Belay that order!" the captian shouted. The new contact was shooting at the Ohio.
"Jesus, what is this thing?" the sonar cheif asked.
The torpedo was closing rapidly.
"It's one of ours. Must be a Seawolf class. I didn't know we had any operating this far south!"
"How fast?" the sonar chief asked.
"Thirty-five knots", replied the captain. If I'm lucky, it will be my next command. "Bring her around north," he ordered the exec. "Go to 18 knots. I want to make sure he knows who we are."


ooc: Sorry, I kinda did a tiny bit of RPing for your subs, hope you don't mind.

"More missiles, inbound!"

The SAMs and defense guns lit up for what seemd like the 500th time. It probably was.

Missile after missile fell from the sky as the Fyreheartian fleets did a beautiful job. Chaff flares were deployed, and dozens lost track of their targets.

Explosions rocked the Bosporus as the battle raged.

"Counter attack! Fire 20 each from the Ions!"

20 Ions released 20 crusie missiles apeice, targeted at various enemy fleets. (400 total)

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

The F-101s saw the enemy incoming and immediately started evasive maneuvers.

"Fyre One, inbound. Dozens. Fire at will, fire at will."

Each F-101 released their two sidewinders and let loose with their pulse cannons. Planes dropped like flies as missiles and assorted weapons filled the horizon. The F-101s fared better however, because of their thick armor.

"Fyre 3, he's on your six, pull up!"

"AAAAAAGHHHHHHHH!"

The F-101 was struck in the tail by a missile and nose dived directly into the crippled Ferrussian carrier below.

"All squadrons, pull off and regroup!"

The F-101s pulled up and flew out of range, turning around for another assault...

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

The fleets saw the missiles launched towards the Red Dragons, and two Ions began firing massive amounts of guns trying to stem them off.

"It's not working!"

"Move the ship! Take the impact!"

The Ion moved infront of the missile and literally exploded at once, in a huge fireball.

The other missiles hit their targets. One Red Dragons exploded in a domino fashion all the way across the ship. The other fared better as one missile had been destroyed, and the one that did make it through only broadsided the ship.

400 F-101s in the air had nowhere to land.

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

The 1st fleet was now 1/2 of the way through the strait.

The 8 Ions in the strait launched yet another offensive, as 10 cruise missiles apiece flew towards the retreating Ferrussian and Isla fleets.

"Crewman, release the signal jammer. Let's see if we can't throwe their radar for a loop."
------------------------

Behind them, about 1/4 of the way through, the second fleet began dropping massive amounts of depth charges, hoping to throw the remaining Isla subs off balance.

Meanwhile, the 3rd fleet is approximately 25 minutes away from the combat zone. All F-101s take off and head directly for Celeborne fleet
*************************************************************

LOSSES:

1 Red Dragon destroyed, 1 damaged but operational
232 F-101s
2 Frigates
1 Soyuz battleship
3 FABs

Aboard the Tsunami :
"Admiral it would appear that our salvo did a bit of damage to the Fryeheart armada, shall we repeat ?" Before the Admiral can answer red lights began flashing and sirens rang.
The AA fire and missile defense did there job well, but a few got through.
Once the Admiral had regained his composure
"Return fire and get all of our aircraft in the air, I wan those Fyreheart ships at the bottom of the ocean. And if they get out of the striaghts I will have somebody's commision."
"Sir, we have good news three additional carrier groups are inbound and should be within combat zone soon."
"Thank the Gods"

Order of combat :
200 aircraft assualt the Fyreheart fleet and unleash thier Harpoon and Maverick missles. Any planes that cannot make it back to thier ship will fly into Fryeheart ships

Missle Cruisers and subs fire Tomahawks (30 total) and MK-48 torpedos(66) into the Fyreheart fleet
Destroyers and frigates fire Harpoons (168 missiles) and Mk-46 torpedos (138).
50 hypersoar aircraft launch 20 AGM-86C CALCM each with high gps anti-jam technology and advanced unitary penitrator warheads ( total of 1000 missiles)

Just a reminder : Fyreheart fleet is my only target

Loses :
50 aircraft
1 carrier damaged'
2 destroyers lost
2 support ships dead in the water

The 2nd fleet was in a panic.

"We've got hundreds incoming!"

"FIRE THOSE GUNS! OUR LIVES DEPEND ON IT!"

Guns, SAMs and chaff flares went off like mad. With an assault like this, involving kamikzis, they may have well have fired blanks.

Missiles and planes slammed into ships. Men screamed. Lives ended.

2ND FLEET LOSSES:

12 Ions
16 Soyuz
2 HSVs
1 Nimitz carrier, no planes

The HSVs, realizing how vulnerable they now were, launched all their remaining Tomahawks misiles at the Celeborne fleet. (16 remaining * 80 apiece = 1280 total)

The F-101s from the third fleet approached, and wasted no time. Half their payload of Harpoons were launched at the Celeborne fleet. (Half is 4, 485 planes. 485 * 4=1940 total) Upon launching them, they pull up immediately.

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

The 168 F-101s that survived the Ferrussian assault launched their remaining sidewinders at the Ferrussian aircraft, then scamper over to the Celeborne fleet. Seeing as how they have nowhere to go, as their Red Dragon was destroyed, every one of them fire their pulse cannons like mad as they nose dive into the ships below.

LOSSES FROM ATTACK:

168 F-101s

*Aboard the BarryMight*
Alarms sounded over every consule. Several ensigns had coms and were issueing orders for the remaining vessels to stand down.
The Destroyer Treskilion was functioning but severly damaged, by taking heavy fire on broadside. the screen the destroyers placed had worked but for a moment, a few of MTB,s had loosed their missiles but most were still headed for the carriers when the ordered was issued to fire, by the time they had come about to aquire targets they were faced with might of capitol vessels.
All in all, remained were two Destroyers, 7 AA frigates, 75 MTB's, devastated they were, completely.
"Transmit this"
Capt, Moore bagan to speak.
"Your quater, is accepted. I see nothing to gain from killing anymore of my men.
We would like permission to begin scooping our boys from the sea.
Actually, I am telling you we are going to begin rescue of our men in the water. We realize you must make repair and regroup.
I also realize we Skibs are infamous for having plans with in plans.
I give my word as an officer that we are no longer in this fight.
I just want my boys out of the water, Organize your selves and go aid your allies. Leave whatever contingent to monitor our actions you deem fitting. We salute you."
End Transmission.

*IN Skibereen*
Transmission Encrypted
"To the Goth-Franco and Fyre forces, We are transmitting coordinates to our slected breakthrough position, we are stillsending a contingent of men to guide what will remain of your forces.
Given that our populace recieves mandotory military enlistment at 16 to 18, and most home host a variety of light arms, and there are several thousand anti tank teams and stinger teams, your journey should be an eventful one.
Our military struture is celled and none conventional, we delibraty use limited communication. we work on a policy of understood ambush.
And you gentlemen are in the vipers den.
Did I mention the 1 million 81 mm incendiary mortar shells that we have unaccounted for.
Enjoy the country side.
*End transmission*
*In the Capitol of New Dublin*
"Do you believe the absolute impunity of these men?"
"No sir" A short barrel chested man stood at almost attention, as the women in fatigues read the transcript of the Goth messege.
"They encounter a few farmers and they think they deal with a march across our country un escorted treated as hostiles?"
"Seems that way mam' ".
"They will be rabble by the time they get to position, if they get there at all."
Most likly mam', umm mam, you realize they will more then likly get drawn into a kill box dont you?"
"Yes, I do, I hope it teaches these Imperials to be careful in other peoples backyards, wait for them to call for help.
From everything I have seen on all sides of this, if we had the fire power of these larger nation we could have taken them all down, they have the tactics of blind rhinos in heat."
"Indeed mam'."

OOC: Quick note. For RP purposes, assume all Melkorian garrissons have arrived in Fyreheart and have been breifed and are ready to fight.

Caroline Osis CVLBG, Mediterranean Sea
There was a chorus of cheers on the deck of the carrier as the first of her sister ship's escorts appeared at the horizon. The effective combat power of the fleet had now been litterally doubled, but it still wasn't enough. With only 2 light carriers, a handful of escorts, and 4 dozen combat aircraft, they would have little hope of surviving the massive fight going on to the north, let alone affecting it. Instead, they waited south of the Aegean Sea, hoping the larger Nicholas Kerensky class Jinei Nobunaga would arrive soon. Then they'd have a force capable of doing something.

The Skys erupted in a rain of deadly metal fire, 4000 missiles and numerous aircraft from the Red Dragon super carriers slammed into the Celeborne fleet. The Celeborne national anthem played as the ships were reduced to twisted metal and the sea churned with the dead.

Message from Celeborne high command:
We are afraid that we must recall our forces from this theater, our losses have reaced an unaceptable level and we cannot be involved further at this time. Please forgive our withdrawl and consider us friends in the future.

Celeborne out.

Posted in wrong thread.

Disregard last attack, I guess my fleet was destroyed. (see OOC thread for reasons)

Above post has been editied.

Dawn in Skibereen. The entire Gothenburg-Franc I Corps was held at a virtual standstill. After clearing the barricades the night before, I Corps had resumed its march down the barren highway. The men were demoralized, they had not come all this way to battle civilians who they were supposedly liberating. Now as they were prepared to cross the border, what should await them other than more barricades. "I don't care what Marahl St.Jean d'Angely's orders are," snapped I Corps commander, Marshal Montroux. "I am ordrering a halt. Perhaps I can speak to the Skibereens." Montorux was one of the few officers who had truly believed in the cause of defending Fyreheartian rights. He ceratinly did not want to fight war for the sake of war, and certainly not against the Skibs. "Also, contact the Red Hand. Ask them to send their guides. Maybe they can get us to Ferrusia whothout being killed by our own allies."

The recently embarked III Corps had not taken so docile an approach. When they commenced their march, trying to follow II and VIII Corps which had crossed the border, they had been ambushed by a mixture of Skibereen civillians and regular army units. Not wihtdrawing, not even asking for reasons why, III Corps had plunged whole-heartedly into the fray. By mid-afternoon, the Skibereens were either all dead or put to flight. However, III Corps had lost two brigade commanders killed, hundreds of young soldiers, a good portion of 10th Artillery brigade, and most of its cohesion. Marshal Josquin DuPrey, III corps commander was forced to halt his advance and spend the rest of the day burying his casualties, evacutaing the wounded, and reorganzing his shattered chain of command. He was very, very, upset.

As the naval units were pulling back, and fighters still covering, they were preparing more defenses as they sailed for Sevastopol. Fighters were flying in out of air force bases across Ferrussia to work 8-hour shifts covering the 5th and 6th Fleets. The waters were dark upon the moonlight, as nighttime had approached. The F-22s were successful in a mission of earlier to turn the F-101s back, and morale was rather high, even though the fleets were decimated.

"INCOMING! TWENTY ICBMS FROM DIMINIX!"

Admiral Molvati rushed to the bridge to look up and see 20 streaks in the starry sky. Their roar could be heard, and he knew that the remaining Patriots were being armed. The cruise missiles were getting closer..closer..then roars emitted from all around. As had before, but on a smaller scale, Patriot missiles launched into the skies as they prepared to meet the enemy cruise missiles..

Bright shimmers erupted as dozens of Patriots collided with their enemy. The brisk air suddenly resounded with ear-shattering booms, and the waters lit up as if the sun had risen halfway into the sky in a matter of seconds. Men were standing ready to fire AA missiles in the event any cruise missile made it through the defensive attack..

One cruise missile made it through, but hit the water as it half-exploded in the air, and collapsed 100 yards away from Admiral Molvati. The water exploded into a giant splash that flew dozens of feet into the sky. Within minutes, and eery silence covered the air, and the waters calmed.

Admiral Molvati turned and looked at the crew. "Send a message to Arundemont. I am tired of this bullshit. It's time we had our payback."
____________________________________________________________

In Arundemont, President McDermont was soon to go to bed, even though it wasn't all too late in the time zone before the Prime Meridian. His aide walked in. "Mr. President?" She was about sexy, and he thought she wanted to get it on. He giggled for a second, and she continued. "Uh..yes. Admiral Molvati sent a message for you.." He blushed and read it. "Thank you Jenna." She replied a "you're welcome", and walked out.
_____________________________________________________________

Within twenty minutes, Admiral Molvati had ordered that all ICBMs remaining be fired, as well as cruise missiles. All ships were preparing launch sequence, and fighters commenced to flying low so as to make sure any collision was avoided.

All ships began preparing the sequence. Within five minutes, the sequence was complete, and roars erupted for miles around as all ships began to launch ICBMs and Tomahawk cruise missiles at Fyreheartian and Diminix fleets. They lifted off into the air swirling, and then straightened as bright paths of smoke followed, and the Black Sea for a mile around was shrouded. They were all headed for targets to the south....

All missiles were soon flying through the starry sky, flying through puffs of clouds, and breaking through the brisk September air. Soon little dots on the sea below became visible as the fleets came into view.

For Hell would come upon thee,
And all would cry
"Glory to the Republic!"
____________________________________________

In the Sea of Marma, the subs had taken more hits. They then lost all contact with the outside world, and were lost, but not forgotten, even years later.

OOC: 2000 missiles in all

((How many of each?))

Eight Armored Falcon subs and two Ohio Class Subs were sent on a patrol mission across the sea of marma in order to make sure that the southern flank of the allied fleets were safe from enemy subs. The Ohio Class were the first to pick up the subs on radar and radioed to the Armored Falcons. They both decided to launch a volley of twelve torpedoes and seven cruise missles at the remaining submarines, whether they be dead or not, just in case.

* *
Back at the Angelbabie, crewmen were warning the commander of the fleets that a huge strike of enemy missles were headed for them. Within minutes, over three hundred and seventy five hundred hundred Patriot missles were sent into the sky to counter the enemy Tomahawks and missles. Chain Gun missle defense sytems were online and waiting for enemy missles to come in range so they would be able to disable or destroy them completely.

But on the deck of the two aircraft carriers beloning to Diminix, enemy missles weren't the case. In a matter of twelve minutes, fourty five F-14's, Eighteen F-16's and ten F-22's were off into the air and heading for the Strait.

*Begin transmission*

Sweat trickled down the face of The President of Klington, he knew his troops couldnt do much but he had to help out. And in a funny way he knew this was only the begining of a long twisting battle of chaos and death, quietly he prayed "God help us"

"I shall send half of my troops to Ferrusisa(sry if spelt wrong).
That is all I can do, I will extend a free trade between our countries and will supply some wepons but I fear it is not enough to end this war soon.
Good luck."

*End Transmission*

Soon after he realized that is country was incrediably vurnable to attack by Fyreheart(sry if spelt wrong), and he silently murmered this is what you pay for democracy.

*Begin transmission*

Sweat trickled down the face of The President of Klington, he knew his troops couldnt do much but he had to help out. And in a funny way he knew this was only the begining of a long twisting battle of chaos and death, quietly he prayed "God help us"

"I shall send half of my troops to Ferrusisa(sry if spelt wrong).
That is all I can do, I will extend a free trade between our countries and will supply some wepons but I fear it is not enough to end this war soon.
Good luck."

*End Transmission*

Soon after he realized that is country was incrediably vurnable to attack by Fyreheart(sry if spelt wrong), and he silently murmered this is what you pay for democracy.

OFFICIAL FERRUSSIAN REPLY

While we are indeed grateful for your offerance of help, I am afraid we must turn down the offer of military aid. Quite simply put, we do not feel that we could accept the aid while knowing that you yourself were put at such great risk. Our greatest thanks for you trade, and I hope that both our nations can benefit from it.

Again, thank you for your brave offering, but we are certain that said forces are needed more at home than we have need here.


Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

FPS Abbey Hill
South-eastern Black Sea
8:40 local time

"I understand completely," Fleet Admiral Pierce replied to the Skibereen captain. "Do what you must. We'll leave with a small escort to ensure your ships make it to Yalta."

As he spoke, six destroyers, four frigates, and the damaged battleship Steadfast broke off from the rest of the fleet. The admiral signalled to Schroeder to change outgoing channels, and addressed the distant Ferrussian and Penguinatan fleets.

"Allied vessels, this is Fleet Admiral Aaron Pierce of the carrier Abbey Hill. You seem to be in a bit of a bind. Please advise us as to what you need and the opposition you're facing, and we'll be more than happy to assist." Pierce paused. He hadn't actually asked permission from the Ferrussian authorities to bring the surrendering vessels into port. It just seemed like the right thing to do. "Ah, additionally, I just directed what's left of the Skib fleet to Yalta, if that's alright."

He fell silent, awaiting the reply.

Secure Transmission To:

FPS Abbey Hill

Any assistance would be appreciated, as the enemy navies are sure to be entering the Black Sea soon due to our retreat back to the Crimean Peninsula. The situation is grave, and we need whatever help we can get.

We thank Copiosa Scotia for its request to help in this great time of need.

Transmission Closed

*Skibereen*
"They what!!"
A large man sitting at a table in an under shirt and BDU trousers(no relation) .
"Women and children, sir, well the boys were armed, most of the women were wielding gardening tools or old bolt action rifles sir.
They were cross Mcferans land, I mean what di they think would happen?
You dont just march a bunch of soldiers on to someones land and expect them to rollover."
A young women stood before the man, she clutched an AK-47, and wore a potch around her neck which oddly resembled.
"Emily, what is that around your neck?"
The girl blushed.
"May the archangel strike you down girl! how dare you wear that in this house. You Ghurks are an odd lot."
"I am sorry Daniel, it is our way, I will take ears while I am with you if it makes you feel better."
"It does not!"
"You dont cut off a mans balls girl, not for being a soldier."

"Daniel, your lessons in good manners can come later. The town of GlenUlster came to aid the McFerans, and were slaughtered.
2000, Daniel 2000 thousand of them.
Those bastards have a column that goes on for miles, I say we "
The man stood up and put his fist down hard on the table.
"You say what?"
"I say we kill them, as many as we can."
The man looked around the room. He paced and rubbed his hands hard across his face.
"I have a better idea girl, a much better idea."

He went to his closet and retrieved a set of 'pipes'.
He blew he bellows full of air.
Stepped outside and began to play, a simple tune.
After a while, what seemd less then an hour, more could be heard in distance.
He began again.
The stopped and listened.
"Dont you worry girl, by tommorrow those heathens will think Michael himself has set upon them"

"Thank you Father Daniel"
And he began to play again.

*III Corps line of march, Skibereen*

"I had no idea that we killed so many of these dammned innsurectionists yesterday. You did sterling work gentlemen." III Corps commander Marshal Josquin DuPrey remarked gleefully to his gathered subordinates. "Look at them, close to two thousand of these peasents. I do say, why are so many women in the ranks? It doesn't matter, what are the reports?"

"The Directorate orders that we cooperate with the Skibs sir! Their order of the day is to....get this....remove your uniforms, stop marching in tight packed columns! This must be someone's idea of a joke, sir."

"I fear it is not, Colonel. But to those orders I say, we are Imperial soldiers! Imperial soldiers of Gothenburg-Franc. We will not bow down before this unorganized, insignificant rabble. They tried to stand in our way yesterday, and look what happened! Two thousand of them dead!"

"But Marshal, along with four hundred men of the 11th Chasseurs, and Brig. General Rigoult. We were disorganized for hours sir. Our columns became jammed."

"Colonel, if you need to learn one lesson its this, Order alwyas triumphs over choas. And what do these innseurectionists use....chaos. They view themselves as superior no doubt and why? Because they can hide in bushes and shoot two of our soldiers from a tree. But battles are not fought in bushes or trees. They are fought in the open plain or along the line of march. Sure the innseurectionist manged to ambush the 11th Chasseurs, our vangaurd when they were in the front of the advance. But you saw what happened when that other bunch tried to save the ones to our front, didn't you Colonel?"

"We caught them while they were moving."

"We caught them while they were..advancing in open order, without support. And you saw the devestation wrought by our discipline. Look at the ground there. Two thousand innseurectionists. I assume that in thier last moments, when they saw fifteen thousand advancing at them in perfect unison, oh like a rolling black wave, I imagine when our flamethrowers began to spurt, that they were overcome by such a feeling of awe that they lost all will to fight. You see Colonel, this is the way we are going to stop this meaning less rebellion."

"Its just that, sir, I feel this is such a waste. We should be fighting Ferussians. I don't think that we have a right being here like this. These people do not want us. And sir, did we really have to kill the wounded?"

DuPrey's eyes hardened. "When Gen. Rigoult surrendered all that was left of the 11th, what happened to him? Look Colonel, I feel this way, While we are supposed to be fighting Ferussians, we are doing this world a favor by ridding it of this rabble." When the steel faded from his eyes, Du Prey began. "Send out my orders of the day, we resume the lines of march following II and VIII into enemy territory. We are slightly to the north of their position, but this can be corrected. Oh, and when we march, Make sure that the flags are flying, and help me into my dress overcoat, will you? We are going to attempt to reandevous with Marshal Gabrielle and the V near this, I am guesing its a town, McNally? And Colonel, remember this....discipline is the key."

FPS Abbey Hill
South-eastern Black Sea
8:46 local time

"Sailors of the Sixth Fleet, your orders. The combined fleets of our allies have been driven back from the Bosphorus, and to us is left the task of defending it for as long as we can. We will sail to within missile range of the strait's mouth, and hit each ship with Pike anti-ship missiles just as it nears the Black Sea. With enough sunken hulls at the bottom of the Bosphorus, it will become almost unnavigable, perhaps buying some time to organize and improve the defenses of Ferrussia. Should this plan fail, we shall send down to the depths as many Fyreheartian ships as we are able, and pray that we are reinforced. We go now once more into the fray. Let us show these imperialist swine the mettle of the Copiosa Scotian Navy!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Red Group, deployed in the Sea of Marmara prior to the conflict, was one of the last submarine groups to be discovered. As soon as word of the Diminx sweep reached them, the eight Seawolf attack subs moved to screen the lone Locke-class SSGN, which surfaced to launch its Pike missiles at the nearest Red Dragon carrier. The guided missile submarine carried 140 missiles, but with the Diminx subs closing in, it was likely that destruction would come before the missiles ran out.

(OOC: We'll call it 90 missiles in the air from the guided missile sub. Forces lost: All nine submarines from Red Group.)

In Clan Smoke Jaguar, things have started to speed up, as a nationwide recuitment drive to provide troops to assist in her allies has gotten underway. It is expected that, including militia formations, some 70 additional divisions and as many independant brigades are to be formed, thus freeing up additional forces to reinforce Ferrussia and Omz222. In the Air Force, 200 additional air wings are being formed. The naval expansion is equally impressive, with over two dozen light and medium carriers in varying states of completion, along with hundreds of other vessels. Clan Smoke Jaguar's awesome wartime production capacity would soon be making itself felt. However, things would still take time, and with most of CSJ's naval assets tied up elsewhere, they would have to wait over two months for the ships under construction to be completed before they could send any ground troops. But when that happened, some four million military personnel (yes, this includes everyone, so only a fraction of those are combat troops) would be ready to reinforce Ferrussia.

Until then, a huge armada of transport, combat, and refueling aircraft headed on its way to Ferrussia, bringing two divisions and a horde of supplies with them.


-----Secure Transmission-----
To: Ferrussia, Isla de Penguinata, Copiosa Scotia, Celeborne, Thirtycaliber
From: CSJ Combined Arms Command

We are now prepared to provide significant materiel and manpower support to the defense of Ferrussia, but due to our location and other commitments, we will not be able to provide significant support for some time. We would thus request the use of any available allied transport and escort assets to transport our personnel, equipment, and supplies.

Until such time as we are able to authorize deployment of our ground forces, our fleet of C-130 transports is offered to aid Clan Smoke Jaguar in transporting their troops.

6th Marine Division Provisional Command
Odessa, Ferrussia
9:01 a.m. local time

In the tent that served as his command center, Major General Trent Russell scanned his Odessa city map, thinking hard. If I position Brigade B here, and... screw it. He looked up at his aide in frustration. "If the Skibs or the Fyreheartians - or heaven knows who else - decide to invade here, I can't hold this city with seventeen thousand men. Have the Ferrussians answered our reinforcement request yet?"

"No, sir," the aide responded. "Silence. Nothing but silence. It doesn't look promising."

"Any chance of getting a battleship from the fleet to put up some cover fire for us?"

"No, sir, I tried that. One's damaged, the rest are tied up at the Bosphorus. The best they can give us is an Interceptor with its four Ospreys. Should I accept?"

Russell sighed. "No, Clint. It's no use. If the Ferrussians show up, they'll be unnecessary, and if they don't, it's probably a lost cause anyway. When the attack comes, it'll likely be with hundreds of thousands of men. I'll not ask anyone else to die here."

*Start Transmission*

I have recently begun to produce space weponry, if I can help in any way with these wepons they I shall offer them to you use, I have fighters and a Gun Enplacement, (sorry cant figure out how to place pictures in at this time) I will offer them for your use, and it will cause no security promblems for me. Even If I am attacked my allies of TITO, will come to my aid.

*End Transmission*

*Start Transmission*

I have recently begun to produce space weponry, if I can help in any way with these wepons they I shall offer them to you use, I have fighters and a Gun Enplacement, (sorry cant figure out how to place pictures in at this time) I will offer them for your use, and it will cause no security promblems for me. Even If I am attacked my allies of TITO, will come to my aid.

*End Transmission*

*Start Transmission*

I have recently begun to produce space weponry, if I can help in any way with these wepons they I shall offer them to you use, I have fighters and a Gun Enplacement, (sorry cant figure out how to place pictures in at this time) I will offer them for your use, and it will cause no security promblems for me. Even If I am attacked my allies of TITO, will come to my aid.

*End Transmission*

(Sorry I hit the post button too many times)

The EAS Jessica was at the tip of the Sub Fleet heading for the IDPian subs when it detected an incoming force of another eight submarines.

"Alpha one, this is the Jessica. Come in. We have a small enemy sub fleet on our screens to the north. Do you copy?"

They replied.

"Roger, Jessica. Request permission to engage"

"Affirmative."

* *
And so they did. Six of the eight Armored Falcons released over fifty five Torpedoes and twelve Cruise Missles towards the incoming submarine fleet at 10:18 p.m.

It was different now. The German(2nd) and Japanese(6th)Armies were being mobilizsed. They weren't waiting to go in bunches, but rather the army and air force were shippin them out by their brigade. Whoever got ready first got shipped, and so it was. The Italian(1st) Army was being lifted with the C-141's to Skiberien to meet with the Fyreheartian soldiers. Over a thousand a half C-141's were scattered throughout one hundred airfields in Diminix preparing to lift over three hundred thousand soldiers to the battlefield in the fastest mobilization process Diminix has witnessed since the Crimsville war. In other parts of the country, the eight hundred M1A2's were being prepared to be lifted off along with four hundred Self propelled Crusader artillery pieces. The soldiers knew it was going to be brutal. Behind every C-141 was a squad of F-16s and F-22's, escorting them to the field.

Near Odesa, Ferrussia

Two naval bombardment squadrons of the Ferrussian Navy made final preparations to provide cover for the city, and at a nearby AFB, an attack helicopter wing was sationed in addition to the base's customary Strike and Air Superiority wings. Inside the partially evacuated city, air defenses and ground emplacements were being prepared, although it was hoped that they would not even have to be used.

This hope stemmed from the recent movement of the 6th Mechanized Infantry into the area north of the city, where defenses were being placed at some distance from the city. Already, artillery and GLCM groups were assembling to cover this position, and it was conlcuded that any Fyreheartian-related attacks would essentially have to come through this area to reach Odesa. As per the Skibs' advice, however, no forward deployments were made. All moves along the southern front were defensive, and save for some concentrations in Izmayil and surrounding areas, little was being done for the southern line.

Fighting along the west front had all but stopped, as Skibs seemed to be receding from the area. Ferrussian forces had come upon 6 of the 10 truck positions mentioned by the Skib Marshal (which have been disarmed manually in case they are still active or capable of detonation), and forces were nearing the former Ferrussia-Skibereen border. Once here, they would await further orders, as they had learned from the 15th Mechanized Infantry's experience that internal Skibereen was not a place to dilly around in - the division had lost 12 tanks, 32 IFVs, 5 helicopters, and many men before they had been able to pull out.

Things were becoming very complex, and various aspects of the cloudy situation were not fully understood by anyone at the moment. It appeared that this was a war in limbo.

Fyreheartian High Command
Somewhere near Pagania
-----------------------------------

Hurst walked in the room and sat down at the breifing table with his new cabinet.

"Apologies for my lateness people, I had official business. Now let's get started. Mr. Glonski, an update on the F-101 productions if you please?"

General Glonski looked up from his paperwork. "Sir, we are operating well ahead of schedule, and we should exceed our earlier estimate of 2000 craft by the end of the week. Our 4 billion dollar grant has propelled us to a number somewhere around 3500."

Hurt smiled. "Excellent. Now how are our naval forces coming? I know you said there would be some problems with meeting the schedule Mr. Zion?"

The head of Naval Forces sighed. "Yes Prime Minister. The Ferrussian war has significantly hit our naval forces. The 2nd fleet is a total loss. We're currently operating at only 66% of efficiency. We have estimates of maybe 900 operable ships by the two week mark. The majority of those will be Ion Class Destroyers and HSVs. Carriers are expected to be on target. We are also eliminating the Soyuz III from active duty."

Hurst was happy. "Good. I'm going to assign more men to your divisions. It won't make us meet the numbers, but we will get damn close. You guys have done an incredible job under very bad circumstances."

"Yes Sir. Thank you Sir."

"Also note I want the newly made 4th and 5th fleets deployed to the Bosporus ASAP."

Hurst shifted in his chair to get more comfortable. "Now then, gentlemen. The draft has been reinstated, and we are now at approximately 57 million troops. That's about 5% of the total population of Fyreheart. I've been in constant communication with all of our allies through all of this, and it appears to be working. This build up will be successful, and no one in their right minds will get in our way. The air forces next prioriity is the Gravship project. I want daily progress reports, and a timeline on my desk by 0800 Monday morning."

Everyone nodded.

"Dismissed."

The military depeartment heads left the room, and left Hurst alone. He got up, and walked over to the huge window overlooking the Fyreheartian coastline. It was a beautiful day. One thought dominated his mind.

Release the dogs of war

..::Encrypted Message(4096Kb)::..
From: Scandavian Imperial Government
To: Ferrusia
Subject: Entering the War

We would like permission to enter the war on your side. Although no ground forces can be committed, we have a substantial Air Force that could gain air superiority (if you don't have it) or bomb the hell out of any enemy ground forces. Furthermore, because all of our combat aircraft are stealth, we are fairly confident that we can make deep strikes into Skiberien to handicap the enemy. We have some other resources, but they are incomplete and we feel it is better to wait for them to be fully assembled before they are committed to any war.

..::Encrypted Message(4096Kb)::..
From: Scandavian Imperial Government
To: Ferrusia
Subject: Sending A Fleet

In our first message we didn't offer the services of our navy because we were under the impression that you hade won the battle. However, we have just recieved reports that that is not so and that you are in desperate need of aid. We can send a fleet of 230 ships, or five battlegroups of 46. If it pleases you, our ships can meet up with the allied fleet and we could coordinate an air and sea attack against the enemy imperial fleets.

I KIILED 10 BILLION OF UR TROOPERZ HAHA

Someone really ought to put a Closed sign on this RP.

This is getting really annoying.

OOC: Ignore Greater Fyrlocust, I'm not even sure who he was talking to. As for myself, I believe I have a right to be here, I have an ally on the Ferrussian side (IdP), and a former ally and old enemy (Fyreheart and Rukemia respectively) on the ICON side. Plus, it's not like I'm a bad RPer, I'm sure there are people on both sides who will vouch for me.

OOC: Ignore Greater Fyrlocust, I'm not even sure who he was talking to. As for myself, I believe I have a right to be here, I have an ally on the Ferrussian side (IdP), and a former ally and old enemy (Fyreheart and Rukemia respectively) on the ICON side. Plus, it's not like I'm a bad RPer, I'm sure there are people on both sides who will vouch for me.

Hey man. Long time no see.

I don't know if I can let you in or not, as Ferrussia needs to be consulted to, and he's out of town for the next week. He's not sure if he can post or not, and if he can't I'm officcially pausing the roleplay per his request. Either way I can ask him, you may just end up waiting untill he gets back though.

Goth, I can't close the RP. Only Ferrussia can, as he made the first post. I'll talk to a mod and see if they can edit it anyways.

OOC: Ignore Greater Fyrlocust, I'm not even sure who he was talking to. As for myself, I believe I have a right to be here, I have an ally on the Ferrussian side (IdP), and a former ally and old enemy (Fyreheart and Rukemia respectively) on the ICON side. Plus, it's not like I'm a bad RPer, I'm sure there are people on both sides who will vouch for me.

Hey man. Long time no see.

I don't know if I can let you in or not, as Ferrussia needs to be consulted to, and he's out of town for the next week. He's not sure if he can post or not, and if he can't I'm officcially pausing the roleplay per his request. Either way I can ask him, you may just end up waiting untill he gets back though.

OOC: Somehow, I don't think he'd mind the assist too much, but whatever you have to do.

Hey, you remember that pounding my B-1Bs gave Valonia? That's what I've got cooked up with a side of big naval guns and a can of Whoop-Ass to make it all go down. :wink:

...

OOC:

*FORWARD TAG!*

The Grand Dominion of Drakonian Imperium, having a vested interest in this conflict and having participated in the event that led up to this conflict, is now making itself fully known to both parties, as well as it's intentions.

The Imperium is here to end this war once and for all. It will only accept the immediate ceasation of hostilities, between the two warring parties. Drakonia offers to host negotiations (having gained copious of diplomatic experience after the disasterous, but none-the-less nearly successful Nekoa Bay Negotiations (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=94668)), without delay.

The nation of Fyreheart should now that it's status in the United Emirates may hinge on it's actions to Drakonia's demands as the Imperium exerts influence over the other members of the Leadership Council and Senate. The current "Review" of Fyreheart's alliance status is still under investigation by the Leadership Council and no total verdict has been reach, so Fyreheart is encouraged to act accordly to it's best interests.

To further make Drakonia's demands clear, we order an immediate cease fire, until the end of said negotiations. We will except nothing else.

Drakonian Diplomatic Corps.
located in Drako Throne,
capital of the Grand Dominion of Drakonian Imperium

IC:

TO: Draconian Imperium
FROM: Thirtycaliber
ENCRYPTION: None

-- MESSAGE BEGIN --





While your desire to see an end to this conflict is admirable, I rather doubt that your presence will be of any consequence to the full prosecution of the war by both sides, given the number of forces involved, the many nations involved, and the state of affairs inside the area of operations at the present time. You may, however, benefit in future crises by taking a more concillatory tone with nations not apt to give in to the demands of foreign powers.


--------------------------------------

John C.G. Schnee
Secretary of State
The Free Republic of Thirtycaliber




-- MESSAGE END --

From: Aaron Pierce, Sixth Free Provinces Fleet
To: Draconian Diplomatic Corps
Subject: Ceasefire

While an end to the war would certainly be desirable, a ceasefire at this point would only allow invading naval forces an opportunity to enter the Black Sea unopposed, and let the enemy ground forces consolidate the gains they've already made in Ferrussia. Accepting your request now would be at best foolhardy and, in my position, probably suicidal. Thus, we must regretfully decline.

Aaron Pierce
Sixth Free Provinces Fleet

--EDIT: Double Post--

IC:

The Dardanelles:

From above, a delightful scene of green, blue, and white swirls could be seen through the twilight air.

The naval forces of Thirtycaliber which had been at rest just south of the Dardanelles were now on the move toward the straits, as a plan long in the making was finally put into effect.



Several hours earlier, on the bridge of the Saratoga:

Admiral Stuttgart paced back and forth, awaiting the arrival of Jones, who was to brief him on the radio traffic study which had been underway for over a week. He absentmindedly scratched the back of his head, in a rare show of nervous impatience for the usually serious and nonchalant officer. He turned and grinned as he heard the sound of footsteps approaching the bridge. His briefing had just arrived.

"Sir! I've got the full report here with me, and I've been able to draw some conclusions from what I've read."

"So, Jones, what don't I know?"

"Several of the fleets present have sustained fairly heavy losses, sir. From the traffic we've been able to intercept and decode, none of the task forces seem to have any plans for a full withdrawal, even those hit hardest. Furthermore, some may be preparing for further strikes."

"Jones, you and I both know those aren't the actions of defeated navies. Somebody's bringing in some help. Looks like we'll be playing just the role we thought we would."

"Sir... should I put the plan for OpSit3 into effect?"

"Do we have intel on the sigs to look for?"

"Yessir. Pre-war intel on fleet makeups and info from allies has given us a rather clear picture of what we'll be facing. Besides, all we really need to know is what not to look for, and that we have precisely."

Admiral Stuttgart allowed his lips to contort just slightly - not a grin, not quite even a smirk, but enough for those who had served with him previously to know he was in a state of peace and exileration similar to that of a hunter preparing his treestand.

"Jones, go down to Comm and prepare the fleet to put the plan for OpSit3 into effect."

Jones grinned and saluted.

"Sir, yes sir!"



Operational Situation 3:
---------------------------

SITUATION:

- Enemy to bring in reinforcements through Dardanelles.
- Friendly reinforcements to arrive through same.

ACTIONS:

- Subs Mine Dard. w/ Acoustic ---> Mk. 60, Mk. 67
- Move CVBG through Dard. to approx. 20 NM beyond straits
- Move AAG through Dard.
- Beach LCAC, AAV
- AAG rejoin w/ CVBG





OOC:

Will post stats on the minefield in the OOC thread and link to it here.

..::Encrypted Message(4096Kb)::..
From: Scandavian Imperial Government
To: Drakonian Imperium
Subject: Ceasefire

While we have respect for your nation, we are disinclined to acquiesence to your request. You do not hold a senior position in any of the Scandavian Imperium's alliances and your message was rather rude.

..::End Message::..

..::Encrypted Message(4096Kb)::..
From: Scandavian Imperial Government
To: Ferrussia
Subject: Reinforcements

We can immediately send an Imperial Defense Fleet or any number of its battlegroups, and/or we can begin deep strikes into enemy territory or against enemy fleets. The call is yours, simply give us the word.

..::End Message::..

OOC: Where is Ferrussia is relation to the Nordic area?

BEGIN ENCRYPTED MESSAGE
TO: Drakonia
CC: All nations involved in the Fyreheart/Ferrussian Conflict
FROM: Fyreheartian Homeland Affairs
RE: Proposed Cease-fire

While these so called "peaceful" nations have rejected your offers of negotiations, Fyreheart is curious as to what you have to say. Therefore, if the opposing forces cease hostilities, we will follow suit.

END MESSAGE

Open Ocean, Northeast of Port Racice
Eight large tankers plowed ponderously by the waves. Having left the safety of Port Racice, they were escorted by over three dozen surface ships. They were soon greeted by a dozen Algol class cargo ships out of Port Arthur, along with their own escorts. There would be more joining up soon. In all, 168 transport vessels would be taking the men and equipment for the entire 6th Army (300,000 men), along with the supplies to last them for 4 months. In addition, there would be personnel, supplies, and equipment for operating numerous air wings that were now on their way. The escort for this huge sealift was equally massive, and everything that could be put to sea was involved. In all, 140 surface ships, along with 48 submarines, would be traveling with them. There were, however, no carriers as of yet, but the convoy would have them once it linked up with the ships already in the Mediterranean.

The Assembly
Daiel, Copiosa Scotia
5:44 p.m. local time

Word of Drakonia's offer and Admiral Pierce's rejection of the offer had not yet reached the halls of the Assembly that evening as Speaker Michael MacFarlane fifteen Representatives met to debate the question of sending more ground forces to Ferussia. To be certain, Representative Kayla McAllister knew nothing of the exchange.

McAllister stood at her place as she made one final statement before the vote. The notion of committing additional forces had met with some opposition from the other parties, particularly Reform and Corporate, but she knew there were enough votes for to override those against. Still, multipartisan approval would look a lot better. She cleared her throat.

"We are committed now. We've been committed since we declared war, a declaration that I might add was carried unanimously, and we've put off this decision again and again. Now the delay is over, now the fillibusters end, and now we see how many have the courage to follow through on a course of action we all chose. Now, we vote."

McAllister resumed her seat. The vote came through quickly, a more than adequate thirteen for, two against.

The 1st and 2nd Army Corps were going to Ferrussia.

6th Marine Division Provisional Command
Odessa, Ferrussia
9:18 p.m. local time

Major General Trent Russell's aide burst into the tent, his face glowing with excitement. "Sir!" he exclaimed. "The Ferrussians have arrived! Their 6th Mechanized Infantry has taken position north of the city, and defensive emplacements are being prepared."

Russell looked up, looking a little worn, but still smiling at the news. "That's excellent, Clint. Just in time, too. As reports have it, there's a large body of Gothenberg-Franc troops moving toward Odessa at this very moment."

"Murdering and pillaging as they go," Clint added wryly.

"If the reports are true, yes," Russell said. "But until they're confirmed, I prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't very much like to get the troops all stirred up over it, only to find out that the Goth-Francs are just ordinary soldiers, like us." Unexpectedly, he yawned. He scribbled symbols briefly onto a map, and handed it to the aide.

"See to it that the men are repositioned according to this map. We'll win this fight yet."

Z0357Z30DEC
FR: COMDEFFLT
TO: 1DEFFLT
CODE-WORD: TSUNAMI
1. WARPLAN DELTA TAC 6
2. RENDEZVOUS WITH FERRUSSIAN ALLIED FLTS
3. IRON HEARTS AND CALM SEAS. COMDEFFLT SENDS.

Admiral Jorgenssen couldn't help but shake his head, an entire Imperial Defense Fleet is going to be sent against some fools who've already been shot up. It was overkill he knew, but overkill just made sure that there wouldn't be anything left to salvage. He turned to the Captain of the HIMS Luna, "Captain Li, please tell the fleet to be prepared to get underway. It is 1230 now, I want to be underway at 0030."

BEGIN ENCRYPTED MESSAGE
TO: Drakonia
CC: All nations involved in the Fyreheart/Ferrussian Conflict
FROM: Fyreheartian Homeland Affairs
RE: Proposed Cease-fire

While these so called "peaceful" nations have rejected your offers of negotiations, Fyreheart is curious as to what you have to say. Therefore, if the opposing forces cease hostilities, we will follow suit.

END MESSAGE

*Ferussia*
Outskirts of Odesa
Gothenburg-Franc Encampment
Parade Ground

The massive transport helicopter bearing the starr and crescent of Gothenburg-Franc gracefully hovered a few meters in the air before gently landing in the center of the enormous parade ground. Over 300,000 Imperial soldiers stood at perfect attention facing the helicopter. Uniforms were brushed, boots were polished, and rifles gleamed in the morning sunlight. Flags representing the II, VI, and VIII Corps waved in the gentle breeze drifting in from the sea. Marshal Charles Rene Bourbaki, tall and handsome, stood produly at the head of a long line of Gothenburg-Franc officers. Slowly the bay of the helicopter opened. A single figure appeared in the portal. Marshal of Gothenburg-Franc, Commander of the Imperial Army de Expedition, Jean-Luc Regenault de St.Jean d'Angely, the most famous soldier in the history of Gothenburg-Franc, stepped into the sun his arm raised in the Gothenburg-Franc salute. The sound of 300,000 voices cheering their leader was amazing to behold. The sound literally swelled like a wave and rushed down into Odessa itself. Artillery fired fireworks and brass bands blared the Gothenburg-Franc national anthem, La Glorie de Industrie. Marshal Bourbaki rasied the steel megaphone to his lips. "Soldiers, triumph awaits you! Tommorow, we will sweep forward, the relentless wave that we are! Odesa will feel our wrath! Behold Marshal St. Jean d'Angely, he is here to lead us into victory. We can not and will not fail in our mission! Long live Fyreheart, Long live ICON! All for the Dominion of Gothenburg-Franc!

At this statement, the men burst forth into another round of cheering. Brass bands played a new tune, recently become popular in Gothenurg-Franc as its citizens heard what the propoganda ministry told them of the war's progress. They played Le Gallant Bourbaki, commemorating his rapid advance out of war-torn Skibereen. The tune doubtlessly did not mention the slaughter of civillians or the burning of towns.

Marshal St.Jean d'Angely ascended the stairs to the officers patform. The cheering gradually fell hush as he walked over to the podium draped in the flag of Gothenburg-Franc. "I know, my most loyal comerades, that you have been straining at the leash to tear into our enemies, the enemies of the common good! But you will have to suffer no longer! Tommorow, I will personally lead you into Odesa! You have overcome hardships for me, for your country. You have suffered the neglect of our allies, the bullets of our enemies. Tommorow, I want you to release your emotions. Use them for your country. And if you should have the honor to be wounded in combat, keep adavancing until you die! Will you die for Gothenburg-Franc?"

The answer of "YES!" almost made the previous cheering seem insignificant.

"I love you men! Your country loves you! And it brings you a gift!" Suddenly helicopters began landing all over the field. Pouring from them to form up into perfect battlion squares was none other than the most resplendant and feared figjhters in the Army of Gothenburg-Franc. The Imperial Gaurd. Some 50,000 stong, the Imperial Gaurd was the essance of the Gothenburg-Franc Army, containing the best and the brightest of its soldiers. The regulars went wild. Over them Marhal d'Angely screamed "Tommorow, our nation will be one step closer to victory! With the Imperial Gaurd, who can stop us!"

*Later*
Only one man did not share the confidence of his fellow officers. Part of this fightened him immensley. "Why am I diffent?" he wondered. Marshal Pajol of the II Corps sat down on his bunk and fingered his revolver. He had a good reputation in the Army, his Corps was one of the best drilled and most disciplined. But Pajol lacked all of Boubaki's arrgoance and glory lust. In fact Pajol was downright scared of the brutality he knew would come tommorow. Would this make him a bad commander? Would he fail to do his duty? Only time would tell. The difference between Bourbaki and Pajol was that Pajol inspected his men that evening, reviwed his plans again, and consitently drilled counter measures into his subordinates. Bourbaki was seen entering the viviandieres' tent late in the evning, after the officers ball.

OFFICIAL FERRUSSIAN TRANSMISSION

It is at this time that we would like to express our hope as a nation for an end to this war which ravages our boundaries. However, the cloud of deceit surrounding Fyreheart and supporting countries makes us quite wary to stand aside and allow what could easily be - or become - a ruse.

Should all opposing nations agree to the ceasefire, we will announce an official time for the end of hostilities, and all Ferrussian assets will cease fire at this time. Should any - any - hostilities be incited by Fyreheart or allied forces after this time, the ceasefire will be called off nationwide and full engagement will commence. Nothing less is acceptable, as the safety of our citizens is of utmost importance against these imperialists.

In case it is not clear, negotations would be considered, but a ceasefire at this time is not possible. If, as I mentioned, all opposing nations agree to it, then we will consider, but not a moment sooner.

We all appreciate the efforts of the Drakonian Imperium, but the intentions of the assaulting nations are too clouded to allow the arrangements you request to become a reality at this time. My prayers go out to everyone involved in this conflict, particularly the soldiers and servicemen far and wide who are fighting for our freedom and rights. These ranks will shortly be increased, as the entire national reserve has been called up. The draft will commence soon, but the extent of such procedures will not be revealed at this time.

May Fyreheart and her associates in this deed someday be forgiven by men greater than I, for her betrayal is too black a mar for myself to overlook.


Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

*****

Odesa, Ferrussia
0134 hrs, local

Roused from their cots in the heavy darkness, the more than 300 men were now groggily preparing the Kodachi ground attack missiles in the biting cold of the fall night. Hot chocolate was passed out to all of the men of the 1st GLCM Batallion, a final reminder of the comforts of home which they would soon be fighting to protect.

Technical teams worked on trajectory and coordianate plans, aiming to cause the most damage possible on the G-F encampment. It was decided to fire 18 of the conventional Kodachi missiles in such a pattern as to hit most of the main areas of men and hopefully wipe out the command structure. Sattelite imagery, freshly arrived from Omz-Ferrussian military/intel liasons, aided greatly in the identification of primary targets, although it was generally decided that a significant portion of the assaulting force would be eliminated by the barrage of missiles.

At $3.5 million a pop, the conventional Kodachi missiles were not to be taken lightly, and it was only the concentrated encampment of G-F men that had caused command to approve their use in such great number. The 2,000 kg warhead would certainly wreak havoc on the formation, and it was hoped that this strike would decapitate the three corps.

And so it was that the roar of 18 Kodachi missiles filled the plains and forests, their rockets illuminating the ground for a full minute as they streaked off to meet the enemy with a single objective in mind: to destroy. Life, metal, anything that got in their way - it was all the same to the 2,000 kg warheads. A bit of overkill had been used on the suspected command areas and officer tents, but for the most part an even distribution of casualties was expected. Anything concentrated enough to maximize destruction had been targeted.

*****

A few miles away, the 6th Mechanized Division was fumbling through the darkness to prepare - elements of the division were to make a strike as soon as the missiles impacted. Upwards of 12,000 men were loading into their CSJ-aquired equiptment. The 6th - along with most of the Mechanized Divisions in the active Ferrussian army - was equipped with the most top-of-the line armaments avaliable; though this was done at a steep price, it was thought to be worth it by the Army.

Quickly being prepared were the primary elements of the strike, amongst which was a full wing (72) of AH-1Z UltraCobra attack helicopters, procured from Western Asia and armed with their Hellfire II missiles. Also to be included was a massive artillery barrage, provided by the 54 Crusaders, 18 MLRSs, and 60 M121 Self-Propelled Mortars of the 6th Mechanized Infantry.

The Armored element of the 6th was also to be included in full - the 259 Iron Cheetah Mk 2 MBTs were spearheading the attack, backed by the Myst Lynx IFVs and their infantry loadout, and finally the air defense and support elements of the division. Combat engineers were quickly setting to work to establish the defenses that the division would fall back on if need be.

By the time the missiles were launched, 0135, the division was effectively ready and in position to strike the base at the drop of a hat. All the men could do was wait in cold silence for the word to come.

At 0142, a confirmation of the Kodachis' detonation came over the radios, and the artillery element opened fire on the remaining enemy camp. The first shells would land mere seconds after the rocking explosion of a combined 36,000 kilograms of warheads, and with any luck add to the mass confusion and disarray the initial attack was to have.

With this word, nearly the entire 6th Mechanized Infantry Division set out at full speed for the encampment. They knew more or less what to expect, but it was yet to be seen how devastated the three corps of the Gothenburg-Franc army were. The eagerness to enter combat was spread wide across the faces of young men who had only dreamt of the glories of combat. They would soon find out that with those glories came tragedies, and that not all amongst them were invincible - nor would all make it back to Odesa.

Odessa, Ferrussia
1:46 a.m. local time

As the flashes of Ferrussian artillery lit up the distant horizon, the Copiosa Scotian Marines took their final positions in downtown Odessa. To look at the map on which Trent Russell had drawn the defensive positions, one would have imagined that the defenders already believed they were defeated. The squads, each responsible for barricading a single evacuated building, appeared to have been placed at random. The vehicles that made up the mechanized portion of the division were parked to the north, seemingly poised for a retreat by any surviving squads.

Russell himself knew better. The positions had in fact been carefully chosen to lead the Gothenberg-Franc south, into an area bounded on one side by a small inlet and on the other by the Black Sea. Offshore, the stealth destroyer Pathfinder awaited their arrival. "Shame it's not a battleship," Russell had said. "But then, beggars can't be choosers."

Across Odessa, radios crackled to life with the sound of Russell's voice. "Countrymen," he began. "The battle for Odessa, it seems, is already beginning, and barring some sort of miracle, it will soon be upon us. Snipers, shoot for the officers. Aim for non-vital areas, so they'll scream as they go down. Soldiers, hold your barricades by any means necessary, but if you cannot, defend them to the last man, the last bullet, and break your bayonets off in the chests of the enemy soldiers. Remember, you are the Marines of the Sixth Free Provinces Fleet. We will not surrender, and we will not fail!"

The radio cut out, and a tense silence seemed to settle over the whole of downtown Odessa. Now it was only a matter of time.

ooc: Once again, I am sorry I am so busy lately. Can't RP this properly. My apologies.

200 Miles South of Odessa, Black Sea
0155 Local

"Admiral Jorgenssen," Captain Li reported, "we're about two hundred miles from Odessa and are slowing to 25 knots as you requested. Do you have any more orders?"

The Fleet Admiral nodded, "Yes Captain, I need a tranmission sent to any allies in Odessa. It should go, 'Attention Allied forces, this is His Imperial Majesty's First Defense Fleet, is any assistance required?' Send that through every channel and keep cycling until you get a response. Also, get a message to the other carriers in the fleet that I need an Air Superiority squadron and a Light Attack squadron ready to go at all times."

"Yes, sir. Both will be done immediately," the Captain went to relay the orders to the appropriate people.

OOC: I'm posting this under the assumption that since there are Allied ships near Odessa that the Black Sea is relatively clear. If that is not so, then please let me know and I shall edit my post in order to fight through any opposition.

OOC: Apologies for my absence lately. My girl is in from New York for the holidays. I'll try to post something soon.

SS, I don't remember this damned geography for the life of me, but my ships are either in the Sea of Marma or the Black Sea. Either way, they are currently laying low, responding to Drakonias request for a cease fire, and seeing if other parties will do the same. They won't fire unless you do.

IC:

The plot thickens... (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109656)

*Outskirts of Odessa*
*Panicked Gothenburg-Franc Camp*
*Primary Signal Station*

To Admiral Joregenson, First Defense Fleet, Scandanavian States:

For the love of God help us, we are caught in a trap! Ferussians are attacking us by surprise, and they have just launched ballistics towards our camps! Any assistance is needed....urgently!

-First Lt. Francois DeRio, Primary Signal Station of Gothenburg-Franc Army de Expedition


To Scandanavian States, First Defense Fleet:

Please forgive the panicked transmissions, but my men desperatley need your assistance. Apparently our assault on Odesa to commence today at dawn, was pre-empted by the Ferussians. They have launched 15-20 highly explosive ballistic missles at our encampment. How dishonorable. Fyreheart anti missle batteries are responding, but your help in taking them down would be most greatly appreciated. Also, we have word that the Ferussians are heading our way, to mop up what is supposed to be left of us. Our army lacks greatly in air support, also if you choose to land troops, that would be extradrodinarily helpful. My suggestions are, first please help us destroy these missles before they basically vaporize us. Then send a reinforcement division and as much aircraft as you can spare to support us north and west of the city. We will send you maps. Then, destroy any enemy vessels in the harbours. Finally launch your own attacks on the Southern end of the city. Level it if you have too. Our troops were black uniforms and carry the Gothenburg-Franc Red Flag. We look forward to aunion of our glorious armies. Just identify yourselves as the Imperial Army, and we will fight by your side. Do not fear or despise my men, they have gained here a reputation for butcherey. But we would never launch ballistic missles at an encampment before the battle. That is cowardly. We need your assistance. We would be glad to have it. Long live ICON!

From: Marshal St.Jean d'Angely, Commander Army de Expedition, Gothenburg-Franc

*Outskirts of Odessa*
*Gothenburg-Franc Communications Bunker*

He would have missed it, if his best firend Second Lt. Jacque Pelissier had not come to play their evenings game of Skat. "Wake up Adriane! Must you always be such a disgrace. And to think, the evening before a battle!" Jacque scolded him mercilessly. "I am so sorry, Jaque," answered Second Lt. Adriane Beumont, Chief Radar Operator. "I am so worn out from all of the cermony, the glory of it all."

"Say what are those things," Jacque asked?

"God, those are missles! At least 20 of them! They are headed for us," screamed Adriane.

Adriane slammed his fist through the glass box on the wall and slapped the red button labled Panic.Alarms blared through the Gothenburg-Franc camp. Men quickly formed up and marched away from the massive encmpment. Within minutes messages began being transmitted throughout the camp, "Leave immediatley. Do not grab anything except for your weapons! Save all artillry pieces that can be saved! Leave the others. Evacuate!" The entire camp was thrown into confusion and chaos.

The only salvation lay in the fact that Fyrheart, knowing thie adversary, had sent along with the Corps of Gothenburg-Franc, anti-missle batteries. Manning them were Fyreheartian crews. The Gothenburg soldiers were not sure how they were supposed to work., or even f they were going to be saved, but the Fyreheartians knew their buisness. Gothenburg-Franc kamikazie fighters took to the skies, hoping to intercept the missles.

Marshal St.Jean d'Angely looked at the sky from the outskirts of the Gothenburg-Franc camp, where the men were rallying. "I never thought our enemy would be so dishonorable, that they would not meet us on the field of battle. I will never understand push button combat. It lacks the beauty, the glory of it all, the pagentry. After these missles detonate, or are knocked from the sky, our enemy will expect us to be confused, we are. They will also expect us to be unprepared, we are not! As soon as the Corps rally, total all surviors. We will intercept the Ferussian interception! As soon as possible lets move forward! And please, lts try and save as much as we can. I am already sending messages to our government for resupply, and to possible allies out to sea. You gentleman have your orders. VIII Corps will hit the northern end of the city, followed by the Imperial Gaurd. From the west, I want VI and II to sweep forward together. Keep in contact, if anmy columns should encounter the Ferussian advance, let us know."

OOC: Not being familiar with modern anti missle weapons and the like, can someone assess for me how many of the 18 missles fired would hit, how many would be shot or kamikazied down, and how much time would my soldiers have to evacuate? I am very unskilled at judging this and dont want to be unfair and say I shot down all the missles or any of that. Thank you!

OOC:I wasnt clear on distance, but given the map. I would say if you managed to detect from launch you got about 10 min. max.
As far as intercepts, depends on the how good the interceptors are versus how well any anti avoidance systems work on the missiles.

..::Encrypted Message (256Kb)
To: Primary Signal Station, Gothenburg-Franc Camp
CC: Marshal St.Jean d'Angely, Commander Army de Expedition, Gothenburg-Franc
From: 1DEFFLT
Subject: Surrender

I think that perhaps you are confused as to whose side we are taking, because we are fighting the aggression of your allies. We will immediately communicate to our Ferrussian allies your previous messages and advise them to ask for your surrender and we advise you to accept it. If you refuse I'm afraid that we'll have no option but to fire upon your forces.
..::End Message::..


..::Encrypted Message (4096Kb)::..
To: Ferrussian Command
From: 1DEFFLT
ATT: GF Encampment Message, Marshal St.Jean d'Angely
Subject: A Report

It seems that when we put out an open channel call to let our mutual allies know of our presence and readiness to go to battle that Gothenburg-Franc returned our message under the mistaken impression that they were our allies and not our enemies. Inclosed are the two messages we recieved from them, this should provide you with some valuable intel into their state of mind. We suggest that you ask for their surrender to avoid further bloodshed for both your troops and Gothenburd-Franc's.
..::End Message::..

Admiral Jorgenssen was quite pleased with Luna's radio techs, "So we know where they are?"

The tech nodded, "We know exactly where there camp is, sir, although they'll probably scatter because of the incoming ballistic missiles."

The Admiral didn't say anything, even though the tech was only half right. Intel said that they were extremely honor-bound and their tactics reflected it, they still fought rank-and-file.

"Captain Li, I want Luna and Titan to launch a wing of 59s each, they're to bomb the hell out of the enemy formations. From all accounts they only heavy equipment they use is artillery, so make sure attention is paid to that," Jorgenssen ordered.

"Yes, sir."

Twenty four Su-59Ks catapulted off the the decks of two carriers and went to full burners. Going at their full speed, they quickly arrived at their objective and spotted the troops in formation below, as well as the artillery pieces. The bombers swung around and at a lower speed and higher altitude released 240,000 pounds worth of cluster bombs on the formations below. The flight leader couldn't help but voice his pleasure, "That should teach them not to line up like a bunch of bowling pins."

Aboard the Luna, Captain Li recieved the news of the sucessful mission, "Sir, the mission was sucessful, we can only wait and see if their Marshal is dead."

OOC: I thought that you had said to Fyreheart that you were allied to it? And thats why I thought you were coming to aid us against the opposing force already attacking us? Isn't that why Fyreheart yet you into this?

I was under the misstaken belief that you were our allies. You identified yourself as an Imperialist government! If I knew the other way around, If I knew the straight story, I would have never included you in my posts. I ask that we all disregard my post concerning messages to you because of nobody knowing who you are or where you came from until know? I am sorry if this interferes with some players design, but I think the circumstances involve disregarding that serries of posts.

Also Scandanavian States, if we are forced to continue this thread......I am not sure how your air attack could have been a success? My troops are currently hiding in the woods, awaiting the missles to strike their camp. I doubt they would line up for you and ask them to bomb them.

Ferussia, and Coposia, we have been warring this very well so far. I tried to include a newcomer to this RP, because to due to their previous posts in our other thread, I thought they were ICON allies, and thought to give them a chance to engage in this battle too. I have no problem including them now learning that they are your allies, but I wish to disregard all comments I made to them. See, they have already taken this message and turned it into a tool for bombing my already beleagured camps. So I think we can include the Scandanavians, but they will have to go through your people. I motion to disregard all post made by me to them and vice versa. I need you backing.

OOC:While we are pointing things out, though I already did this once.
ANY aircraft nearing Odessa should be doing so from the sea, or passing over Ferrussian Airspace, or maintaining an altitude sufficient for SAM evasion. There are no holes in my air defense, and since Skibereens airforce was eliminated almost immediately by Ferrussia(other then my Crookfur rotodyne transports-anybody flying those? didnt think so)
No aircraft would be even thought twice about before being fired on.
An aircraft in Skibereen airspace is always in range of at least two fixxed SAM positions, and the number of man portables is equal to that of fixxed(1000 respectively, over 33371km patch of grass) so at any given point any aircraft are aquirable by no less then 4 AAGM since Skibereen is north and west of Odessa, I presume, you are factoring in the NO FLY ZONE. As Fyreheart alliance members all recieved transmissions that no aircraft would be permitted in Skib airspace, I know they are.
Sorry but I made up for low tech, with decent quanity. Worked for Hanoi.
Low flying aircraft near borders is of course subject to small arms fire, I am posting this again because where I am headed with my RP makes EVERYONE a target.

OOC: I would like to address your concerns, if you please.
GF
1. We are indeed an imperialist government, but we don't like it when nations declare war with the goal of putting someone under their thumb.
2. As for people knowing me, both Fyreheart and Rukemia know me on your side (I was once Fyreheart's close ally and have always been Rukemia's enemy) and I know Copiosa and IdP on my side. All of them can attest to the quality of my RP.
3. Your radio transmission was what is called a tactical error, otherwise known as royally fucking up, I would have been stupid to not take advantage of it.
4. On my bombing run, I didn't mean literally lining up, but you were staying still and my bombers did make a pass before beginning their run, so it is logical to assume that a few of them bombed the woods for good measure since you imply that all of your troops were in the forest. Also note that cluster bombs have an annoying habit of making tree branches into shrapnel.

Skib
1. You do realize that since you are to the NW of Ferrussia your SAMs are probably out of range of Odessa, since it's a Southern port and all. Even if your SAMs did have the detection and firing range to hit any targets over Odessa, I find it hard to believe they could see something flying at Mach 3 twenty feet over the tree tops that has the RCS of a large Seagull, especially since you previously stated that your SAMs are rather low-tech.
2. You're of course welcome to have your troops fire at me if you have any in the Odessa area, but please take into consideration what kind of reaction time a normal person would have when a jet flew that fast over their heads.

Look guys, I really don't want to get into a pissing contest over different kinds of tech, so if you have any questions or doubts about what I field then please ask.

(OOC: We should probably take this to the OOC thread (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=102999&highlight=).)

Read

*Near Odessa*
* Gothenburg-Fanc temporary mobile HQ*

A Radio transmission to all nations

We the Army of Gothenburg-Franc inform you, that the ICON Alliance is officially disbanded. Do not engage Gothenburg-Franc troops. We have surrendered to Coposia and Ferussia.

The megssage continued to repeat over all radio frequencies.

*Gothenburg-Franc rallying point, VIII Corps*

Well, it looks like everyone is preasent and accounted for, " said an annoyed Marshal Bourbaki. "To think they would have the nerve to attak our camp with missles!"

"VIII Corps is at full streangth sir, the evacuation went flawlessly. The only thing lost sir, was the siege supplies." The Colonel of Logistics was quite please with himself.

"I'd hate to pay for those," laughed Bourbaki without humor. "We are going to continue our drive on Odessa without delay, now."

"I wouldn't count on moving yet, Charles."

"Marshal St.Jean d'Angely!" exclaimed Bourbaki. "An honour to have you here, sir!"

"I am afraid I dont bring good news. This entire operation, no this entire war was apparently for nothing at all."

"I don't understand, sir."

"You will. I will broadcast the message from home over all surviving loudspeakers. Apparently, Fyreheart is in a state of confusion. Diminix and Rukmenia refuse to send reinforcements. ICON is over."

"What will become of us."

"I hope the Ferussians are a forgiving people."

Odessa, Ferrussia
2:08 a.m. local time

"They want to do what?" Russell was incredulous. "That strike from the Ferrussians must've hit them pretty blasted hard."

"It's not that, sir," the aide replied. "We've just had word from the homeland. Fyreheart's embroiled in civil war, their ships were wiped out by the Sixth, Diminix and Rukemia have withdrawn, and ICON's dissolved."

"Holy ----. Incredible." The major general thought for a moment. "Get our mechanized units together, and I'll go out there to meet with them and discuss their terms of surrender."

"Sir... you don't suspect any kind of ploy here?"

Russell shook his head. "You've seen the way they fight. It's not their style to pull something like that. Too dishonorable."

"And slaughtering civilians isn't." The aide shrugged helplessly. "What a world."

OOC: SS I never said over odessa, I said approaching odessa, also a fixxed SAM battery has 50km range. Not in range of odessa, but your aircraft dont magically appear there, they have to have a flight path.
Second, since we are being technical,
SAM10 Falconer medium range SAM system
Guidance: Radar directed semi-active homing
Missile length: 4.5m
Motor: solid fuelled rocket
Warhead: HE (directional blast)
Launch weight: 605kg
Speed: mach 3+
Ceiling: 10000m
Max range: 50km
The SAM10 Falconer is a theatre level medium range surface to air missile system capable of highly successfully intercepting fast moving, rapidly appearing aircraft and missiles including cruise missiles.
Just because I play a low tech country, doesnt mean I am uneducated on the subject.
Lastly, I wasnt not addressing just you, I was addressing the people who have been in this RP for weeks, and have managed to do a clear and fine job. It was courtesy to the reality of the RP, sorry I forget some people dont think it is a Good RP when they are expected to count their own potential losses.

OOC: Strike that I just checked the CIA world fact book, Odessa is well with in 50km of my border. SO yeah, I will assume Ferrussian intel to at some point note the Skibs aligning their AA Batteries to the south.
And to further that information to their Allies.

OOC: Thanks for backing us up Skib, you've done a hell of a job. As you have read, I have surrendered my southern front. These circumstances are going to affect our actions in your country, but I would be honored to continue the posts with you. The 1st Column will surrender to your Skibs. The 2nd can engage the Order, and thn retreat to your protection. I'll try and get that together soon.

*Near Odesa*
*Gothenburg-Franc "New" Camp*

Imperial Gaurdsmen stood at attention, their uniforms substantially dirtier than at their grand review three days before. The feeling in the Gothenburg-Franc camp was a mixture of dissapointment, frustration, and despair. Soldiers could not believe what their officers had told them. The alliance in which they had so believed had collapsed at the moment it seemed, of Gothenburg-Franc's "triumphant" advance into Odesa. Why was it all in vain? Grown men cried at the bitter hoplessness of it all. Because of the missles that had leveled their camp, everyone was on quarter-rations. No onw wa sure how they would ever get home, Fyreheart ws apparently in no position to send the supplies and transports that the soldiers of Gothenburg-Franc so needed. And then their was the fact that they might spend years in prisoner of war camps, just because of the fact that ICON, on which they had so relied, fell apart by the sheer apathy of its members. The 300,000 man Army of Diminix never materialized. The Rukmenian invasion fleet had gone MIA. And precious Fyreheart was not returning anything.

Marhsal Pajol of the II Corps could not help feeling relieved. He was the only one of the officers corps. What lightened Pajol's heart was the fact that only 5 soldiers were killed by the tremendous blast that had rocked the Gothenburg-Franc encampments. The evacuation had worked, and the anti-missle batteries had done their jobs, but most of their supplies were gone.

Marhal St.Jean d'Angely looked his Corps Commanders in the eyes. "They never even gave us a chance to prove ourselves to the world. Not even one battle. All we did was arrive, fight civillians, burn towns, and then have our equipment blown to pieces. And now we look like butchers, for no purpose." He placed a telegram on a surviving wooden table. "Look here men, the Copiosians have offeredd to negotiate with us. I say we generously accept their terms."

"Why dont we still fight?," asked Marshal d'Hillieres of he VI Corps. "We can fight to regain our lost honour, to prove an example to the world."

"We can fight for glory!," choroused Marshal Bourbaki.

"You fools," bitterly expressed Marshal Pajol. "Bourbaki, is it worth getting you men bombed and missled into oblivion, simply to fuel your own ambition? Why sacrafice innocent lives? To kill the enemy? Gentlemen, we have no enemy. We never did."

*Near Odessa*
*The Review Platform*

"Major General Russell of Copiosa Scotia, we are honoured for you to join us. Let us express our grattitude and our pleasure that you did not fire missles at our encampment, that you did not come during the night, that you do not meet us now in a hail of gunfire. Your nation's conduct is one of the few pleasentries in this war. You expected to fight us on the ground, we deeply respect that. You must tell me, one soldier to another, what was yor plan, if you would have seen us pouring into Odesa? You must also forgive us for not providing refreshemnts, not a proper cermony. But as you can see we are much lacking in even the basic necessities." Marhal St.Jean d'Angely was always a diplomat at heart, gifted for flowery speech, But he truly ment what he said to the Copiosian officer.

The reviewing field was packed with Gothenburg-Franc soldiers, row upon row of them, fixed bayonets in perfect uniformed ranks. Simply, quietyly awaiting the word to surrender. Their officers were in frot of them, wearing their best surviving clothing. A hodgepodg brass band even played, not a patiotic war hymn, but the softer, mournful tune Patant la pour la Syrie. Many men even admired the Coiosian armour, escorting their General.

"Major General, I do not want to argue the politics of the war. All I want to say to you, is that my men feel most betrayed sir. We feel betrayed by our own allies. They simply lef the combat zone sir. What were we to do. My men just want to go homw now sir. My request for the surrender terms are as follows.

A. The soldiers and officers of Gothenburg-Franc will be allowed to keep their weapons and equipment

B. The solider ans officers of Gothenburg-Franc agree to a head count by Copiosian troops.

C. Copiosian's may chose to stay with us a pre-caution. We have no objection.

D. All soldiers and officers of Gothenburg-Franc will leave the war zone as soon as possible.


These terms are reasonable sir. We promise no agressive action. I know that you might doubt us. Gothenburg-Franc soldiers do not have a good reputation or so we gather. I just want to inform you, that my men were attacked first. Civillians fought us every step of the way. Our men had to retaliate. We did as we must. Please let me know what you think of the terms." The Marshal spoke very ernestly to the Copiosian officer. His face grew uncomfortable, almost ashamed. "To be honest with you, we have wounded men sir. Most of our medical equipment was destroyed in the attack on our camp. They will die without assistance. Also, in two days, my men will run out food. And finally, we do not know how we are going to return home. Fyreheart transported us all here, and now has left us."

The Marshal laughed. "Everyone here is so cynical. We traveled for thousands of miles to fight Ferussians. Not one of us saw a single one. We only saw their missles. We have not even heard from them of our request to surrender. We all think it is best that you are handling this matter. Ha, we came to fight Ferussians for Fyreheart, and in the end both ignored us."

Admiral Moore, commanding the 4th fleet, looked out the window of the bridge. He then looked at his communications officer.

"How long ago was this transmission, Carter?"

"Under 16 hours sir. I've checked with intel, and it's legit. The Goth troops have indeed surrendered."

Moore looked relieved. "Good. Maybe they finally realized that Hurst is a bumbling moron who sent them here to die. What remains of the pro-Hurst forces?"

"Not much sir. The 1st fleet is completely gone, the second didn't fare much better. A Red Dragon is up in flames, and I've had reports of F-101 pilots shooting at each other for landing space."

"Ha! Shows how disciplined Hursts army is eh? Very well. We outnumber the Hurst forces 3 to 1. How long until we enter firing range?"

"We should be in range in the next hour Admiral."

"Excellent. Sound general quarters, and get my F-101s in the air. One way or another, this unjust war is going to end - today."

OOC: SS I never said over odessa, I said approaching odessa, also a fixxed SAM battery has 50km range. Not in range of odessa, but your aircraft dont magically appear there, they have to have a flight path.
Second, since we are being technical,
SAM10 Falconer medium range SAM system
Guidance: Radar directed semi-active homing
Missile length: 4.5m
Motor: solid fuelled rocket
Warhead: HE (directional blast)
Launch weight: 605kg
Speed: mach 3+
Ceiling: 10000m
Max range: 50km
The SAM10 Falconer is a theatre level medium range surface to air missile system capable of highly successfully intercepting fast moving, rapidly appearing aircraft and missiles including cruise missiles.
Just because I play a low tech country, doesnt mean I am uneducated on the subject.
Lastly, I wasnt not addressing just you, I was addressing the people who have been in this RP for weeks, and have managed to do a clear and fine job. It was courtesy to the reality of the RP, sorry I forget some people dont think it is a Good RP when they are expected to count their own potential losses.

OOC: I wasn't belittleling your tech, I was just saying that short of some seriously high-end equipment on your SAMs that they probably wouldn't be able to detect and attack a stealth target. And no, I'm not saying my aircraft are invisible and invincible, it's just that even the best SAMs out there would be put to the test against a target moving that fast, that low, and that hard to see on RADAR under the best of conditions.

This is all a moot point anyway, becase I'm done here.

Admiral Jackson, commander of the Rukemian grav-fleets in action, had just recieved word of the Gothenburg troop surrender to Ferrussia and Copiosa Scotia. The news had little to no effect on him, at this point, this new information was neither a positive or negative adjustment. But still, the Admiral felt it neccasary to send some sort of message to the defeated troops, commenting on their "bravery", a little something to make them feel better. He ordered for a telegram to be drawn up and sent to the Gothenburg troops, explaining to them why Rukemia could not do as it promised and that while the war raged on, Gothenburg troops fought valiantly and with honor on the battlefield. Within 10 minutes it was completed and sent to Gothenburg troops.

TO: Gothenburg Encampment
FROM: Admiral Jackson, Commander of The Mercia
SUBJECT:...

Let me be the first to say, that you have neither been betrayed or abandoned by the forces of Rukemia. Things are stirring up in our homeland, and a new government and leader will be emplaced soon. With this new government would come radical changes in the former policies of Rukemia. I, Admiral Jackson, as well as my men, and over 85% of Rukemia's military have agreed to fight for these changes, you must understand, that under this new government, this war that you and I fought was not only wrong, but completely uneccassary. We would like to think, that you and your nation, can soon after realise that this war was unjust and that the lives that were lost fighting it were lost in vain.

It has been proven, that even if we had been successful in our efforts to defeat Ferrussia, that we ourselves would've been eventually defeated by a much greater outside force. With this in mind, we commemorate your troops, and we admire your performance on the battlefield, even with overwhelming odds against you, you proved to be a force to be reckoned with. May this conflict not bitter relationships between our two nations, in any other situation, Rukemia would've been there for you 'till the end, but as I said before, things are stirring in our homeland and a cause is there that we must defend.

Finally, I wish your men good luck in their journey home, as we are sure that whichever nation you have surrendered to will most likely provide you with a way home.

Sincerely, Admiral Jackson.

Major General Russell of Copiosa Scotia, we are honoured for you to join us. Let us express our grattitude and our pleasure that you did not fire missles at our encampment, that you did not come during the night, that you do not meet us now in a hail of gunfire. Your nation's conduct is one of the few pleasentries in this war. You expected to fight us on the ground, we deeply respect that. You must tell me, one soldier to another, what was yor plan, if you would have seen us pouring into Odesa?"

"Nothing, I suspect, that would have stopped you." Russell took out his map of Odessa. "My division was divided up into individual squads, each responsible for a single building. Together, the barricades formed a funnel of sorts, intended to direct you toward the peninsula here, bringing you within range of the destroyer Pathfinder's guns. The mechanized squads would quickly have swept around to the other side and blown up the bridges across the inlet, leaving you essentially stranded. However, having seen your numbers here, I imagine that you would have fought your way out of the trap."

"Major General, I do not want to argue the politics of the war. All I want to say to you, is that my men feel most betrayed sir. We feel betrayed by our own allies. They simply lef the combat zone sir. What were we to do. My men just want to go homw now sir. My request for the surrender terms are as follows.

A. The soldiers and officers of Gothenburg-Franc will be allowed to keep their weapons and equipment

B. The solider ans officers of Gothenburg-Franc agree to a head count by Copiosian troops.

C. Copiosian's may chose to stay with us a pre-caution. We have no objection.

D. All soldiers and officers of Gothenburg-Franc will leave the war zone as soon as possible.

These terms are reasonable sir. We promise no agressive action. I know that you might doubt us. Gothenburg-Franc soldiers do not have a good reputation or so we gather. I just want to inform you, that my men were attacked first. Civillians fought us every step of the way. Our men had to retaliate. We did as we must. Please let me know what you think of the terms." The Marshal spoke very ernestly to the Copiosian officer. His face grew uncomfortable, almost ashamed. "To be honest with you, we have wounded men sir. Most of our medical equipment was destroyed in the attack on our camp. They will die without assistance. Also, in two days, my men will run out food. And finally, we do not know how we are going to return home. Fyreheart transported us all here, and now has left us."

The Marshal laughed. "Everyone here is so cynical. We traveled for thousands of miles to fight Ferussians. Not one of us saw a single one. We only saw their missles. We have not even heard from them of our request to surrender. We all think it is best that you are handling this matter. Ha, we came to fight Ferussians for Fyreheart, and in the end both ignored us."

At the end of the Marshal's speech, Russell paused as if to consider, but he had already made up his mind. "Marshal D'Angely, I accept your terms. Also, I offer you what food and medical supplies we can share, and treatment for your troops at our field hospital. It wasn't set up for a force of your size, but it's all we have. I'll put in a request with the Ferrussians for more assistance."

*Gothenburg-Franc Encampment*

"Major General Russell, thank you for accepting our terms. I must say that many of our enlisted men thought we would be held as prisoners of war, in some brutal camp. This merley proves that we can patch matters up as quickly as possible."

"I also thank you for taking in our wounded., and for sharing your supplies. You have proved most generous in vicotry. Hopefully the Ferussians will follow suit"

Marahl St.Jean d'Angely rose up from the oak table and walked over tothe podium. All eyes rested upon him. The Marshal found himself strugling for words. "We the Army of Gothenburg-Franc, have endured much hardship. But our suffering ends today. The Copiosians have agreed to the terms we requested. We will be going home as soon as possible. They are also generously sharing their supplies, and treating our wounded. We will survive as a fighting force, but the fighting ends today. Let us not think of our honour as being lost. Let us show the world a new kind of honour. Gentlemen, discard your ICON pins. Rip the ICON patches from your sleeves. Burn the ICON standards. Let us welcome the Copiosians as our newfound allies! For maybe we can all be so lucky as to live in a world in wich we are all united under the common banner of decencey and friendship."

The massed ranks let out a tremendous cheer. Brass pins rained to the ground.

Marashal d'Angely turned towards Major General Russell. "Would you care to address our troops sir? It is a Gothenburg-Franc tradition.

(OOC: As a note, I'd estimate that the 6th's advance towards your encampment would have arrived less than 20 minutes after the missiles hit (I posted in the missile post that the division was striking), however, since your announced intention of surrender was before that, the division would have taken position just outside your new camp and waited either for the diplomatic corps to work something out or for you to attack. Sorry I wasn't here to RP that, and I'll try to work around the fact that you kind of ignored my presence...)

IC:

6th Mechanized Infantry Division - Forward Lines
3 minutes after the G-F surrender message

As the tanks and IFVs of the assault came to a sudden halt, the command structure struggled to figure out what had just happened. Men waited in nervous suspense as they awaited word on what was going to happen to their assault and what the Gothenburg-Francs were going to do. Half of them stood in paranoid fear as they suspected an ambush, just waiting for the Francs to come bursting out of the woods around them, as the other half simply waited idly in silent confusion.

It finally trickled down that the Gothenburg-Francs were surrendering. Reports were coming in from Kiev that ICON was falling apart, as was the driving force behind the now petty invasion. The 6th Mechanized Infantry suddenly found itself in an awkward position - poised to strike what was now a neutral (or assumed neutral) threat.

Finally, it was decided to pull back to the defenses being prepared by the Combat Engineers. From there, they'd still be moderately close to the Gothenburg-Franc position and thus able to intervene if needed, but still in an easily defensible position should it be a ruse.

Within an hour or so, it had been firmly established that the Gothenburg-Francs were indeed surrendering, and Kiev began efforts to accept their surrender. The Gothenburg-Francs were hailed over an open radio frequency to set up a time and place for a negotiation of surrender, and the 6th stood by to provide escort and messenger duties.

It was certainly an odd situation, but the strongly diplomatic Ferrussian government was up for the challenge. After hailing the Francs, the following message was sent:

It has come to our attention that your deployed forces in Ferrussia intend to surrender. We are greatly appreciative of your wise decision, and though you do in fact prove yourselves a formidable force, it is good that we have been able to prevent the incredible loss of life that could and would have been involved in such a conflict.

We should like to negotiate the terms of the surrender of the three corps in Ferrussia, as well as the terms of the disengagement of your nation as a whole. If possible, we would like to discuss the latter with the entire invading alliance, particularly Fyreheart, but given that you were the only nation besides Skibereen to deploy troops directly into Ferrussia, reparations and the like have a high chance of falling upon your nation. Given your relatively small size, we will be lenient in our evaluation and negotiation in this matter, but the toll in Ferrussian civilian lives and property will not be easily forgiven.

For the time being, however, your forces are of utmost concern. We would be happy to negotiate the terms of your surrender - since it is our land, we are the only state capable of facilitating your presence - although it should be noted that this will be seperate from your recent surrender to Copia Scotian forces in the area. While we respect their ability to accept your surrender on a purely non-engagement basis, they do not have the authority to accept the surrender of your forces as per your presence on Ferrussian soil.

If you have no objections, facilities are being prepared in Odesa under Ferrussian control. We will allow a delegation of properly ranking officials and up to 50 guards of assorted types into the city for the purpose of attending these negotiations. They will be held exactly 6 hours from the moment you recieve this message, and it is of utmost concern that you be present for these proceedings. As soon as you approach the city, your delegation will be led to the site. Bring with you anything you like in preparation - you may bring your own terms, if you like, but they will be subject to negotiation.

As base demands, we must insist that the final surrender includes a complete withdrawl of Gothenburg-Franc troops in Ferrussia within one week, although we will be happy to provide the capability for such withdrawl ourselves. It is also imperative that the terms include the temporary confinement of the commanding officers of all three Gothenburg-Franc corps for possible war trials. Division commanders will also be required to stay in Ferrussia for a short time as the government decides whether to put these men on trial.

Other terms will need to be negotiated with your country as a whole. We suggest you request of your government a diplomatic envoy to Ferrussia. If you do not have the communications networks avaliable to do so, we can provide them. We wish to begin negotiations with your nation as a whole within a week.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, and we all respect you for making the decision to stand down. The lives you have spared are invaluable, and we will do our best to forgive your initial misgivings.


Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Approved by

Mikhail Andreyevich Yavlinsky
President of the People's Republic of Ferrussia
Commander in Chief of Ferrussian Military forces

Markov Lumchensky
Secretary of Defense

Admiral Moore sat at the radio, trying to figure out just how in the hell to explain the situation.

He finally decided to send an open encryption message on an obsolete RGGA frequency. Knowing that Ferrussia was allies with ex-RGGA nations, he hoped that they may be able to pick up the frequency and hear the message.

To all involved nations:

By now, you are detecting the arrival of the Fyreheartian 4th fleet, entering weapons range of the Bosporus Strait. We come in peace to all anti-ICON nations. I identify myself as Admiral Thomas Moore, of the Fyreheartian Defense Forces. You must know the situation at hand. I am pleading with you, do not fire on this fleet. We come in peace.

Gothenberg-Franc: Your surrender is wise and smiled upon. Please give Ferrussia your full cooperation.

Fyreheartian ICON forces: I am giving you a direct order to stand down at once. Your actions here are unjustified and uncalled for. Hurst has lied to, and manipulated you from the very beginning. If you cease all actions nowe, we may have leniency on you. I repeat, you are hereby ordered to surrender at once.

Moore cut transmission. Leaving the channel open, he waited hopefully for a reply. Any reply...

Major General Trent Russell smiled. "It would be my honor, Marshal d'Angely." He stepped up to the podium, and turned to the assembled Gothenberg-Franc soldiers. He hadn't the slightest idea what he was going to say, but that had never been a problem for him when addressing his own men.

"Gentlemen," he began, "war is never a pleasant thing. We can dress it up with all the pomp and pageantry we can muster, but in the end, there is only death, grief, and desolation. We have been sent out here to die for our countries, some of us in a blaze of glory, but most of us in anonymity, never to be more than a serial number and a bodybag to those who sent us. And today is a day for celebration, because today, every person standing here has been spared that fate, and every family represented here has been spared the grief of losing a father, brother, husband, or son.

"I know not what our allies the Ferrussians will ask of you, soldiers of Gothenberg-Franc, or of your country in repayment for the damage done to the Ferrussian homeland. Nevertheless, I know that they will be just. It is my most devout hope that you will soon find yourselves safely back home with those who daily await your return. Today, let us celebrate peace!"

FPS Abbey Hill
Southwest Black Sea
3:39 a.m. local time

"Sir!" Malinski called to Fleet Admiral Aaron Pierce. "Another Fyreheartian fleet approaching the Bosphorus!" He flipped the big screen on, and sure enough, numerous red blips were moving toward the straight.

Pierce frowned. "Good night. They can't be about to try again." He looked at the screen again. "This is going to get expensive if it keeps up, but we don't really have a better option. Alert the fleet. Have them start volleying missiles as soon as they get to the end of the strait, same drill as before."

Fleet Admiral Aaron Pierce returned to the bridge window. Something was terribly wrong, he was sure of it. But what?

"Admiral, the Corpiosa Scotia fleets are going weapons hot!"

Admiral Moore shot out of his chair and to the transmitter. "Dammit! Hail them! Now!"

He didn't have a choice anymore. He opened a channel to the CS fleets.

Corpiosa Scotia forces: Do not fire! I repeat: Do not fire! The ships you are targeting are anti-Hurst forces! We are here to help! DO NOT FIRE!

Moore set the transmission on repeat and looked at his bridge. Thing were about to go horribly wrong. "Go weapons hot, and radio the F-101s in the air to engage the ICON forces ahead. Dammit, why can't a rebellion be easy for once!?"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The F-101s of the anti-Hurst forces began lifting off the decks of the Fyreheartian ships. HSVs and and Ions began laying in targeting sequences for the Imperialist fleets ahead, hoping CS would pick up the signals. Moore picked up the mic and sent one last message.

Fyreheartian ICON forces: This is your last chance to surrender. We have no wish to destroy our brothers, but we will do so if you do not stand down.

Moore looked grimly at the Bosporus. We may end up killing...just as those bastards ahead of us did...

OOC: Meant no disrespect Ferussia, you just were not here, and I had to surrender before Scandanavia nuked all of my men, ha ha.

*Gothenburg-Franc Camp*

When the Copiosian General fiished speaking, the soldiers of Gothenburg-Franc gave him a hearty cheer. They truly respected his ideas, and many amoung them would reflect deeply upon the General's words. Major General Russell was then presented with an elaborate Gothenburg-Franc ceremonial sword. "We hope this day filled so much with despair, has resulted in our obtaining of a new ally and a new fiendship,"said Marshal St.Jean d'Angely.

A small cermony follwed in which various officers spoke their remarks. Marshal Pajol tried to inspire his men by presenting the facts that they did not have to kill or be killed., that innocent lives were saved, and that the men would see a brighter tommorow. Marshal Bourbaki lamented the lost chance of glory. Following this Marsahl d'Angely read the terms of surrender and dismissed the men. Bands played, and the camp took on a festive air. "Major General Russell, thank you again for accepting our terms of surrender. Will your division be staying with us here? Also, The other Gothenburg-Franc columns still in Skibereen have been ordered to concentrate here. Do not worry, they will bring their own supplies and will not engage in hostilities. But the numbers should probably total around 1 million men, that would be everyone we sent over here. I think we can maintain order though, until someone gets us out of this country. Would you care to join the senior officers and I for a spot of bourbon? It's banned in Gothenburg-Franc, but we are not there now. I've already contacted the homeland and done all the political garbage. Some ministers actually had the nerve to ask us to figh to the end, Ha! Just to make a grand story to put in the papers. Our people will probably be told we won the war by ourselves."

A young aide rushed up to Marshal d'Angely bearing a single document. The Marshal took the paper, his eyes widening with horror as he read it. To Major General Russell he said, "It is the Ferussians. They want us to surrender to them. But they won't accept the terms we have made. They want to detain us. They will try us for war crimes. They will demand repriations! They demanded the enlisted go home in a week! How,when we need to collect all of our men? Major General, you can not let them do this. We implore you, excersise the rights we surrendered to you. Tell the Ferussians that we are your prisoners and that you are seeing to our evacuation. You must! It is the only way to avoid further unnecssary bloodshed. What more can these Ferussians want?"

Marshal d'Angely and his senior officers tried to best draft a reply that would not anger, but placate the Ferussians.

A telegram To the Ferussian Government.

We apologize for our offensive actions in this war. We know this was a truly grim struggle and must affect you and your people greatly, day after day. But we can not possibly fulfill your expectations demanded of us. We are now Prisoners of Copiosa Scotia. We suggest you discuss our terms of surrnder with them. All reperations can be taken up with the nation of Fyreheart. The interim govenment, is symphatetic to our plight, and has offered to cover these. Fyreheart sent us here, and we were used as a tool of ICON.

We also believe the war-crimes detentions to be unfounded. Gothenburg-Franc soliders did not confront a single Ferussian soldier. Acutally, we spent most of our stay here running from your missles.

We mean no disrespect. We can send a representative to the meetings held in Odesa. But the officers cannnot attend. We are needed here to help the Copiosian's oversee our evacuation and keep order.

You will have to conatact the Diplomatic Corps of Gothenburg-Franc for any further details.

Honorably yours,
The Commanders of the Gothenburg-Franc Army de Expedition

End

Marsahl Valliant, the Army de Expedition's Chief of Staff warned the gathered officers. "If anything starts to go wrong, remember to contact the Copiosians. They our now the only nation we can lean upon. Hopefully, the Ferussians will understand and let us quietly leave. I for one will never come back."

*Ferrussia*
Field Marshal O'Donnelly-"Surrender...Ok. Where does that leave me?"
He looked around the room. Things had happened so quickly the Ferrussians never had time to 'pick up' Boru. O'Donnelly wondered what had so drastically changed that people were surrendering.
The Ferrussian soldiers had also been curteous enough to allow him accesss to a radio to monitor channels used by military factions in Skibereen. While news of the End of the WAR was good, what O'Donnelly continued to hear in Skibereen was bad, total chaos, and while he was allowed to listen, the Ferrussians simply could not allow him to transmit, especially orders.


*Skibereen*
News of a total surrender spread from Goth radio operators to Skibs fairly quickly.
Though in earnest it seemed hardly about to change any of the current situation.
Many of the 'Black Eyes' were even disappointed, because they knew these men had little morale left.
There was of course still the matter of an unknow number of men looking to settle a score with the Goths.
A missing President, missing Officers was the phrase of the day.
So while many were glad no more Imperial troops would be coming, it hardly changed the bleekness of the day.

FPS Abbey Hill
Southwest Black Sea
3:55 a.m. local time

"Enemy ships in range in ten seconds... seven..."

As Admiral Pierce listened apprehensively to the radar operator's countdown, it was suddenly drowned out by a different, louder voice. After a second, he realized it was the radio, still connected to the bridge speakers, blaring a message from the Fyreheartian ships

"...repeat: Do not fire! The ships you are targeting are anti-Hurst forces! We are here to help! DO NOT FIRE!"

"...four...three..." the radar officer's count continued.

Blast, Pierce thought. He took the communications station and broadcast a message to the rest of the fleet. "Message to all ships. Hold fire, repeat, hold fire!"

He finished his message, and as the bridge went silent, he heard in the distance the sound of missiles launching.

"How many in the air?" he demanded of the radar operator.

"Four, sir," came the reply.

"Can we shoot them down?"

"No, sir," the radar operator answered. "All our air defense ships are still on the trailing edge of the formation."

"Well, then let's hope they can," said Pierce, as he turned away in frustration.

(OOC Note: It's Copiosa Scotia, and the short adjective is Scotian.)

*Skibereen*
*Right Grand Division*

Marshal Montroux was just going over with the Skibereen officer known as "Sean", the final plans for the assault likely to fall both Gothenburg-Franc columns. "Thank you for explaining ttheir tactics. I have issued orders for all Corps to begin an immediate advance in to Ferussia with your guides. The only ones staying with you are 20,000 of our finest roops. You asked for actual snipers, they have not been flown in yet from Gothenburg-Franc. But, our sharpshooter battalions, the Tirailleurs, will provide excellent serivce, hopefully. Also staying are the Corp's collected Chasseur regiments. The Chasseurs are our shock-troops. If any of our men can handle this combat, it's them. I will also be staying to command these men in person. I've isued orders to collect them. have your men make them ready."
As the Corps of Gothenburg-Franc marched away from their campsite rapidly, 20,000 Chasseurs and Tirailleurs began to tear the epulattes from their uniforms. White braid and trim littered the gound as did medals and brass Corps badges. Baggage and packs were discarded. The men were organized into three brigades, each consiting of three Chasseur regiments and one of Tirailleurs. Brig Gen. Remy St.Laurent, a short man who grew up knowing life in the industrial slums of Bercy, was picked to command one of these brigades. He emered from his tent wearing the simple uniform of an ordely, minus all of the trim. He turned towards the ever-watchful Skibereens. "Well boys, I think I have the right idea. Lead us to the fray, maybe we can save a few men on both our sides. Oh, and you will have to tell General Barras down there that wearing his gold medals for bravery is going to get him a bullet in the guts. I think hed rather be marching away than staying here, but he is a damn good Chasseur tactician."
Marsahl Mountroux had also donned a simple black overcoat with no finery. He and "Sean" were inspecting the troops when all of a sudden a radio trasmission from the only operator left in camp shocked the men. "To our fellow Corps commanders, we have just surrendered the Southern Front to Copiosa. ICON is over. Our allies are not entering the war. Get the hell out of Skibereen and march yourselves down to Odesa. We are concentrating there. Do not engage in hostilities."
Marshal Montroux looked grim. "I knew it. I knew we couldn't count on them. And look now, what has happened to your country. I am guessing that the Order will not accept the fact that we surrendered. We were both played for fools." In a bid to give his men the support they so desperatley needed Montroux began to address them. "Soldiers, we are all ashamed, I know to have participated in so grand a folly. But there is nothing shameful about saving your brother soldiers from certain death, saving your allies from dying at our expense. It is true the ICON war is over. But when we came here we began a another type of war. A fight to the death. And know, we are no longer fighting for honor or glory. We are fighting to survive! And we will survive! Because we are Gothenburg-Franc, and we all want to see our wies and children again."
To "Sean" Montroux simply said. "We will still fight with you. Show us how to save the most amount of men from DuPrey's column. Its time for action."

Ferrussian Military Bunker
Somewhere near the western Skibereen-Ferrussian border

The Lt. General in charge of Field Marshall O'Connely replied in a rather roundabout way.

"I don't believe I ever introduced myself. I'm Lt. General Ivan Petrov." With that, the aging man offered a handshake to the Skib.

"At any rate, Ferrussia is still interested in restoring some semblance of peace in Skibereen, despite the fact that the war is over - the standdown will be anything but easy, and you know as well as I that it doesn't take much for things to get ugly at a time like this."

General Petrov tossed O'Connely a small booklet with "TOP SECRET" imposingly stamped on the top.

"Operation: Starlight," said the general, "is the codename for the blackop we're running tonight. It's an in-and-out thing, but we're doing both: taking you to the capital and picking up Boru. They'll be run seperately but simultaneously, and we'll be running under cover of darkness to try to avoid taking fire from Skibs on the ground. Your insertion will take with three EA-28G Special Forces helicopters with sound dampening, stealth properties, the works. We'd like your advice on formation and which helicopter to put you in, in case we should come under fire, but with any luck we'll be undetected.

"The second group is picking up Boru," he continued. "That leg will be run with four of the same helicopters. The extra helicopter is a detection risk, but we feel it's worth it, since we feel we have a high chance of needing some extra firepower with that one. Again, any advice would be helpful.

"We take off than an hour, since we've only got a good 3 hours of darkness left. I'll get your flight suit after you give me any suggestions you've got."

*****

Transmission to the Gothenburg-Franc encampment

We understand your position, but you must trust us. The Scotians do not have the authority to allow a massive army to park on Ferrussian soil, and there are details that must be worked out. We will contact the Scotians, but I must ask you to cooperate with our request for a meeting.

It is not as bad as it may seem. We can make allowances, and we will do our best to facilitate your presence. The Scotians themselves will likely be gone soon, and it simply makes no sense to attempt to hitch a free ride out of the country. We will cooperate with you, and we will do our best to meet your needs, but we must at least be able to negotiate.

As for the war crimes, the officers will be detained for possible war crimes. This does not mean they will necessarily be charged at all. If there are charges made, it will be not for open engagement with Ferrussian forces, but possible acts commited on your way to Odesa - it would seem a large number of civilians have gone missing.

I understand that this is a difficult time for you. Please help us to manage the situation by agreeing to meet with us. The meeting is in 5 hours. Be there.


Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

*****

Message to Copiosa Scotian forces in Odesa

It has come to our attention that the Gothenburg-Francs are claiming to be under your jurisdiction. With all due respect, we must request that they be turned over to us so that proper Ferrussian procedures may be carried out.

If you require any assistance in the withdrawl from Odesa, let us know. You may experience an influx of civilians wishing to return to their homes (although we have advised them against it for the time being), and it would be prudent for your forces to withdrawl as quickly as possible.

Thank you for understanding.


Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

*****

Message to the 4th Fyreheartian Fleet, near the Bosporus Strait

Welcome to the Black Sea, Admiral Thomas Moore. We have no naval assets in your area, although some allied forces in the area may be confused as to your identity. We suggest you contact them immediately and arrange specifics to avoid conflict.

You are skating on thin ice, however. We are rather optimistic about this rebellion, and it has been decided to trust your current declaration of allegiance, but that could easily shatter. I must express how deeply important it is that you not fire on ANY allied ships in the Black Sea or Bosporus Strait.

It has been supposed that a change of government is not the ideal time to work out reparations and post-war agreements. Please contact us when it will be possible to negotiate with the rightful government of Fyreheart, as there is much to be discussed.


Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

From: Major General Trent Russell, 6th Marine Division
To: Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

I understand your position, and will attempt to make it clear to the leadership of the Gothenberg-Franc forces. I apologize for any inconvenience my actions may have caused your government in this situation.

As for our own withdrawal, it will shortly follow that of the Gothenberg-Francs. I have given my word that I will help their wounded, and I will stay as long as they have need of me, but no longer. Once this task is completed, our withdrawal will be swift. We can easily leave on the ships we came in on; all we require is a clear path through the straits.

It has been an honor to assist you in this time of need, and it is my hope that ties between Copiosa Scotia and Ferrussia will be strengthened by the bond of our soldiers' blood.

Russell finished typing the message, and looked up at the Gothenberg-Franc officers. "I'm afraid that I must step aside and allow the Ferrussians to carry out justice as they see fit. I have no authority here other than the authority to accept a cessation of hostilities, and that I have done. Don't be afraid of the war crimes investigations. The Ferrussians are just, and if you are innocent, you will have nothing to fear. Should it come to a trial for any one of you, please, don't hesitate to call on me as a character witness."

*Near Odesa*
*Gothenburg-Franc Encampment*

"We understand your situation Major General Russell. Thank you onnce again for all of your cooperation and support in this matter. We have arranged transportation for our wounded to your field hospitals. We do hope the Ferussians are as just as you say. Thank you for coming, and we may have to take you up on your offer after all." Marshal d'Angely showed the General to the transports. "Your nation should be proud of you."

*Later in Marshal d'Angley's HQ*

"We can't give in to their demands. It is a matter of priciple!" hissed Marshal Bourbaki "They will kill us all if they found out what we did here.
"They cannot possibly know the full extent of it." answered Marshal Valliant, Chief of Staff.
"Oh really? The entire area surrounding Odesa has been depoulated, and you think that the Ferussians are not going to notice it?" Marshal d'Angely roared.
"But we were under Fyreheartian orders to destroy everything of value. And its not our fault the civillians resisted, ambushed our columns. From Skibereen to here, its been a constant slaughterhouse of civillians attacking our men!" Marahl d'Hilliers replied.
"But remember that one settlement. What were our orders? To not allow them to find our positions. So we burned it. The whole village, and its people." Marhal Pajol was almost in a state of depressive hysteria.
"Calm down,," answered Marshal d'Angely. "We are not going to go yet. We have to clear things up first. Remember, it wasn't our orders, it was ICON's. I wan't another reply to be drafted to the Ferussins. Marshal Valliant, as Chief of Staff for our army, you will go before this assembly. Take Major General Beruit, the Chief Quartermaster, and the Intelligence Chief, Major General Faure, with you. Use company A, 1st Chasseurs de Imperial Gaurd for your escort. Attend this meeing. See if we can avoid all of this nonsense."
"Great. I am the sacraficial lamb," Marhal Valliant uttered as he lef the Headquarters.
Marshal Delort, Imperial Gaurd Commander, finally sopke up. "As you all know, the Imperial Gaurd was not here for these arly stages. But we do know of what might just happen to you all. As your Gaurdsmen, we cannot let this happen. We should probably try to speed up the gathering together of the rest of the Army.
1 million despairing troops would give us a good bargaining tool."

*Later a letter is drafted*

To the Ferussian Government:

We regret to inform you that due to confused circumstances, we cannot fully comply to your demands as of the preseant. We suggest you check the terms of surrender with your Copiosian Allies. We are however, sending our Chief of Staff, Marshal Valliant, to attend the negotiation meetings. We also suggest that you stop refering this matter to the military representatives here. The Diplomatic corps of Gothenburg-Franc should be contacted.immediatley.

Honorably yours,
The Commanders of the Gothenburg-Franc Army de Expedition.

Marshal Valliant rode in a sleek black jeep at the head of a column of Imperial Gaurd Chasseurs. Odesa loomed up before him. "I am going to be so sick," the heavyset man thought. "I just hope they don't know all that went on here."

Admiral Moore was stunned. "Get those defense guns on! Fire chaffs!"

"Sir, this must be whacked! I'm only reading four missiles inbound!"

"I don't care! Shoot them down!"

The guns and flares went off, as all four misiles were blasted out of the air.

The gunner, Lt. Briggs, turned to face Moore. "Sir, this demands a counter-attack. They fired on identified friendly forces."

Moore looked stunned. "And continue this war? No thank you Lieutenant."

"Sir, we have been fired on! That is an act of war! I demand that you - "

You demand what, Lieutenant!?! I am the ranking officer, and this is MY ship! There will be no counter attack on the Scotian forces! Is that - " He was interrupted by the crew.

"INCOMING from the pro-Hurst fleet sir!"

Admiral Moore turned around. "Get my F-101s on them! Deploy flares and activate defense guns and SAMs! Tell our HSVs to return fire immediately!!"

The bridge shook at the impact of launching missiles, and enemy missiles being shot out of the sky both happened at once. Explosions lit up the dusk sky as dozens of missile exploded all around the battling Fyreheartian fleets.

Admiral Moore got on the radio and issued a distress call.

This is Admiral Moore of the Fyreheartian 4th fleet. We are under attack! I repeat we are under attack by the pro-Hurst forces at the Bosporus! Requesting emergency assistance...

OOC: My next bit of RP is going to have to have me 'being Romania' now I know I am not Romania but for the sake of arguement remember that anything Skib gets passes either through Romania or Ferrussia as we are not a coastal state. So I trust there be no objections to a neutral brief use of a third part nation, a 'bot' if you will?
IC:
Romanian Government Transmission to Ferrussia Encrypted.
"We Neutral Power of Romania, have had in retention certain military assets of the Skibereenian armed forces. During the confrontation we saw fit to 'isolate' the machines and men of the Skibereenian military so we would not be seen as aiding in the war on your nation.
However given the cease fire, and current unrest in Skibereen. We feel obligated to allow this force to return to Skibereen to qwell the anarchy before our neighbors are thrown to full on civil war.
We are issuing this transmission not for permission but to merely inform you of our stance, and logic for now allowing Skibereenian troop movement through our nation unhindered.
With reguards.
Romania.
End transmission.

Even as the Romanians were transmitting their message, the special units President Boru had secretly activated under his own Operation 'GoalTender' near the begining of this conflict, were on the move.

*Skibereen Capitol-New Dublin*
"Mrs. Aileen, SACAC has reported radar contacts in Romania headed this way. They are slow movers mam' but what in the hell would Romania want with us?"

"Rhuarc, it is not the Romanians.
I should have realized sooner that this was too easy. It is Boru, or Boru's men. They have been unnerveingly vacant since I assumed control. This has to be why. How many?"

"Well we cant tell mam, most of our arrays are damaged. We are using currently a dated weather platform for any distance. Some vehicles have targeting radars but the contacts appear to be out of range of those as of yet."

"Rhuarc, get the men ready for a fight."

"Of course mam. Mam you are aware that since 'The Order' has fielded troops several other groups have reimmerged. Catching power seems to have been easy, holding may prove far more a trial." With that the squat stone of a man left the room.

*Rural Skibereen*
The Skibs began to fan out, they showed the Goths how to make masks out of whatever fabric was available-This being what would keep them from shooting each other as the masks are trademark BlackEyes, no member of the Order would attempt to duplicate it for fear of being shot by their own men-
They thined out, until small pockets of five or less men were together, and just within sight of another pocket in any direction. The web spread for miles because of the size of the force. They would skirmish when contact was made. The Skibs helped Goths organize their men in an arragement near the center of the 'WEB' so they could quickly bring together around five thousand of the Goths, the Skibs did not bother with partaking this particular tactic because it was not where their strength lay.
This however could change their tactics from baiting one small ambush after another into baiting men into a large firefight(which the Order would not expect from the Eyes- and which would be a more familiar style of combat for the Goths) This would allow the Skibs and Goths to lead pockets of the order into a Goth 'Bullring'.
The Skibereenian out look on fighting di little to help the moral of the Goths, Skibs saw little glory in combat, to them it was a chore, and bit of filth that must be preformed on occassion. Their jokes, and light manner were not taken as insult by the Goth men who recieved them, but the cultural barrier did not lessen the sting of what to the Goths amounted to senselessness, and to Skibs amounted to 'A bad fecking week.'

*Ferrussia Military camp near Skib Border*
Field Marshal O'Connelly-
"Well, pleased to meet you. Answers that question. No need for the any but one chopper to get Boru he has made the arrangements, more then one would draw attention, and word of mouth can sometimes be faster then air travel. Same thing with me, one chopper, low, it will take small arms fire, but the chances of someone aquiring and cutting the angle with a stinger are less if you are low. And with only one chopper they might not believe it important enough to even shoot at, but a group, well that is asking to be shot at.
If I may ask, what happened? Why did ICON surrender?
And since they did, begging your pardons, but could our President, my friend, recieve a little leniency.
Ahh well time for begging later, lets get going.

*Rural Skibereen*
*Goth-Skib WEB*

Marshal Montroux stood in the epicenter of the giant defensive web that his Chasseurs and Tirailleurs had woven with the Skibereens. The plan as it appeared, was that the Skibereens and Tirailleurs would draw the uniis of the Order into the denfensive web's interior. There they would be in effect, surrounded. Montroux's soldiers would then concentrate their superior firepower against the smaller untis of the Order. As more units arrived on scene, the Gothenburg-Franc men would begin to bring their concentrations out into the line, pushing Order units from the Web.It was a solid plan, and the men of Gothenburg-Franc had much confidence in their newfound allies. Marshal Montroux himself waited at the center with 8,000 Chasseurs behind defensive positions. Brig. General Alexandre Barras was there too, along with Skibereen liasons. Out at the very tip of the defensive web, was Brig. General Remy St.Laurent with the Skibereen commander, "Sean". All waited in nervous silence, expecting grim combat. Some Gothenburg-Franc soldiers smiled at a few Skibereen jokes. Others prayed. Barras turned towards Montroux. "It's been a pleasure serving with you, sir."

*A Skibereen Forest Clearing*
*Center Grand Division*

Marshal DuPrey was in a very bad situation. His men were growing sick of executing random Skibereen civillians, and the Skibs it appeared were not growing sick of killing his men. III Corps in the lead had reported that forward patrols were ominously missing. Strange music echoed all around the nervous men. And every few minutes shots would ring out in the darkness from the trees. At a large forest clearing, DuPrey ordered a halt. His men quickly set up camp, defensive arcs were drawn out on either accessible side of the encampment. Gaurds were strung out on either inacessible side as a precaution. The men were tight packed into successive lines of trenches. Artillery studded the key points. DuPrey was at the center of the field with his Marshals planning what to do. It was obvious that they were going to b attacked immediatley. DuPrey was extremley confident. "They are nothing but savages. We killed them before. We will do it again. They think they can beat Imperial soldiers. Its a joke." But none of them were laughing a few minutes later when two key transmissions came. The first was from Gothenburg-Franc Headquartes near Odesa, and stated the surrender of the Army and the collapse of ICON. "This is good," said Marshal Gabrielle, V Corps commander. "Now we can parlay with the Skibereens." "These people are bests, Marshal Gabrielle. They would butcher us if we tried to surrender. They have no concept of honour. My orders are, we will not tell the men anything until this mess is over. We will march promptly into Ferussia, and then down to Odesa. There we will surrender. Saying this now, will only demoralize the men." Marshal DuPrey was arrogant, and contemptous, but a poor soldier he was not. The Second transmission came from Marshal Montroux, a scant 7 miles away. Montroux implored the men of the Center to march as quickly as possible to his position where they would be allowed to either join the defenses or march quickly into Ferussia. Montroux assured the officers of the Center that they would face a certain death unless they complied. He also explained the situation. DuPrey had always held the non-aristocrat Montroux in contempt, now was no different. "The man is fighting with the Skibereens for God's sake. He has no concept of tactics. Web indeed. Spread out? That man will be dead by morning. He is a fool and an idiot fo trusting the Skibereens . they are all the same, dogs." But Marahal d'Erlon, IX Corps commander, was not convinced. For 30 minutes he argued and pleaded with Marshal DuPrey to adance to Montroux. d'Erlon had studied contempory tactics abroad. He felt that Monbtroux had the right idea. d'Erlon knew that the Order would wipe out DuPrey's close knit lines under the cover of darkness. He also knew that his IX could reach Montroux before darkness fell. DuPrey, digusted with d'Erlon finally told him to take two of his divisions and go "save Montroux." d'Erlon before he departed, told all of his men, that if the Skibs were overuning the camp to fall back to Montroux, spread out and without dragging behind cumbersome supplies. DuPrey scoffed at him. "We don;t need you anywey. The old III could kill a million Skibs." The men of the III chuckled at that. DuPrey took the podium and whipped his men into a frenzy. His words were similar to Montroux's but they were so much more sinister in meaning They were not fighting for honor or glory here he told them. They were fighting to survive. "Men, your adversaries would gladly kill you for the crime of supporting their nation in a time of need. Let us repay the deaths of our comrades in blood! Show no mercy, and remember it is impossible for us to be defeated by rabble!"His men let out an evil cheer and screams of rage. The bloodlust was high. As the men dug in and awaited the Order.

*Skib-Goth Web*

Marshal Montroux recieved DuPrey's reply. "Well Barras, they are not joining us. DuPrey with most of three Corps is digging himslef trenches in an open field. They are too closely packed together. God damn him. If we survive this, we are going to have to go down there and try and bail his sorry aristocratic my-ass poor excuse for a soldier out of the hell he is going to create for himself.!" Montroux angrily turned towards the horizon, silently pleading that DuPrey would marech towards their position.

*At the Ferussian Border*

Marshal de Thiers, IV Corps commander and temporary leader of the Right Grand Division, paused. He ordered a the Grand Division to halt its progress. He was already locked in a mental battle as to whether he should go back and try and help Montroux, or continue with orders planned, and make his way to Odesa. Now, in the distance, he could see troops rushing to the border. Let's see what this is.

*Rural Skibereen*
The 75,000 men of The Order formed lines and began to traverse towards the last position of the Skib defended Goths.
"Father, according to what we could gather from the folks who live around here a lrge group of the Goths, has...well....vanished."
"What do you mean vanished? I doubt these G-dless philistines were raptured so they must be here."

"It appears a large group marched toward the general direction of the other group of Goths, a smaller contingent- but not really small according to the folk around here- stayed and then just wandered off into the woods."

The old priest laughed "They are waiting for us, those theiving BlackEyes and the heathens think to take us by surprise."

"Well Father, it seems they may, even if we are expecting it."

"It is almost sun down, gather the men together, and I will show you the power of Faith."

In a short time, the men were gathered around a Stoat rocket truck that had been captured by the Order.
The dear father stood atop the truck and began a sermon...of peace and forgiveness....
Of duty and righteousness...
Of the meek...
"Lower your heads, and give thanks aloud."
The sun was setting.
"Blessed be the Lord my G_d"
And came the report- like thunder the voices of seventy thousand men rummbled through the air.
And as they spoke they themselves felt the power of their combined strengths.
So their voices raised as the sentence drew to its end.
"For he teacheth my hands to ward..."
And now their voices were loud and deep with strength, courage.
Their report came as the trembling of a mountain.
"And my fingers to fight."
It was a military cadence call from them now, the voices combined seemed to create its own wind.
"For surely If G-D stands with us"
The chorus was roar from each man as if he believed he could drown out all the others.
"No one can stand against us!!" came everyman's reply.

*Skib-Goth ambush*

"That was really not cool..." 'Seans second looked at him as the rumbling of voices in the distance came to them, no words could be understood, but the number of men to make such a sound was discouraging(which as most everyone figured was the whole point of it).
"I tend to agree, not cool at all. Dont let it bother you though."

"OH, OK, now that you said that everything is fine."
The two men laughed, and even for a moment there seemed to be a smile on the faces of some of the Goth officers, for a moment.

The sun dipped below the horizon.

The III Corps of the Goth troops were waiting almost exactly as the priests had said they would be.

A small number of them had been killed because their patrols had wandered far enough out to be taken with nominal effort.
But as the sky finally blackened completely the men of the Order executed their assignment.
A hundred mortars began blasting away at the camp, light fre to the north, light to the south and a 'steel rain' torrent in the midsection.
their orders had been to shell for 5 min, this turned out to be impossible, they didnt have enough shells, but for 2 solid minutes they rained fire down on the Goth each mortar firing 33 shells a minute. In a blink over 6000 incediary shells had rained down all over the Goth encampment.
Then nothing...
The pause was always the sweetest part, to leave a reeling opponent waiting th eblow that doesnt come.
Except, the Goths didnt do precisely what the priest had expected.
These were drilled, and trained. Hard.
They had not been expecting this type of attack.
Many officers were killed, but unit officers and lowr ranked leaders still remained and rallied the men of the Goth III well. At least by all appearances they did anyway.
Some men had fled the flames, had fled the brutal and decisive strike.
But most rallied, disperesed then snapped back. Fire was loosed by the heavier guns the Goths had brought, random arty into the woods.
Not aimed or even in the right general direction nescesarily. But they were ready to fight.

The rumbling thunder of the mortar fire was heard by the Skib-Goth units.
The flashes from the blasts were clear in the night sky, as for a minute or two someone had turned on a small light in the corner.

About ten minutes later gun fire began to break out on the perimeter of the 'web' they set up.

Then it rippedthrough the night a mile long it seemed to be, rockets, machine guns, 'Sean' would occansionally direct one of the Light tanks the BE had with them to fire at range into the distance, not at anything specific, just because.
In turn the Orders favorite tactic of of their men calling down barrages on their own position to make killing enemies more advantageous was in full swing.
"It sounds like they are being over run?!?!"
A young Goth sodier said, not so much in fear but more in the 'matter of fact' sense.
'Thomas' a skib officer looked to the young man and said "You think so? I have good news for then, this is just a probe."
The combination of the Goths and the Skibs seemed to be complimenting all the right assets of both groups. The Black Eyes were making excellent 'point men for the Goth troops, while in face to face engagement the Goths held extremely well, far superior to the Black Eyes abilities in head on combat.
It seemed that the Goths and Skibs were working out far better then expected, the Black Eyes would lead in Goths, penatrate a force of Order soldiers and then the Goths would strike at superior numbers head on, the Order were not mental prepared for this, and the very well drilled Goths had found a way to fight on thier terms (if not en masse).
As the Goths would press the Order troopers , the BlackEyes would continue straight through or fall out back picking at an Order member who seemed to be assembling himself to the Goth tactics.
Of course this was just a probe.

*The Skibereen Forest Clearing*
*Marshal DuPrey's Center Grand Division Trenches*

The III Corps was Marshal DuPrey's own, ans as a result, occupied the West end trenches of the massive encampment that DuPrey had sprung so rapidly. General Francois de Bussy commanded them now. Manning the Southern side trenches was Marsahl Gabrielle and his V Corps. Two remaining IX Corps Divisions remained as a reserve.

The men had been at arms in the trenches for an hour, and when the sun went down they began to relax. Of course they new Marsahl DuPrey was right. Their enemy was nothing more than barbarians who had to be killed to preserve peace. They could even here those primatives chanting. The men of then III were just preparing to send out more patrols when all of a sudden it hit them.

A barrage with the intensity they had never before felt slammed into their trenches. The entire West end trench was ablaze. The men holding the northern and southern ends of the West end trench were relativley unscathed, but in the center, Major General Cecil Giamione's Division virtually diseapeard in a curtain of explosives. Men were, incenerated. Others burned terribly. For two minutes, Gothenburg-Francs hugged the ground. and wished they could burry into the earth. It was unlike anything they had ever ewxperianced. And then it stopped. Miraculously it stopped. And Gothenburg-Franc officers were not pleased. In his bombproof-shelter, in the center of the entire encampment, DuPrey shrieked into the III Corps radios, "Counter fire! Wherever you think possible! Brace for the assault. It wil come. V Corps, be ready to assist. I also want a Division of the IX to enter the III Corps trenches. Replace the dead! We will make them pay dearly for this." General Victor Haussmen moved his IX corps Division into the breech that resulted from the virtual destruction of Giamione. Giamione's surviving men had fled the inferno, screaming for their lives. A few ran helter skelter into the woods, a few ran towards the center of the camp. But most of the division lay either wounded or dead on the field. Medical staffers were evacuating all the wounded possible, which meant mostly the officers. Giamione was found clutching the III corps flag, riddled with shrapnel. The surrounding III corps Divisions also suffered. Another comander was down, wounded. Several brigadiers and regimental officers had be killed and wounded. But order was still intact. With the IX corps units bracing their lines, the men of the III flet ready to fight. Artillery thundered from behind them. Heavy caliber guns fired sweeping barrages into the forest at regular intervals. Several times they lifted their fire, only to redirect it. Samller caliber guns were drug up into the forward trenches. Moratrs lobbed shells. A fighter squadron took to the skies and strafed the forest, lookind for the enbemy artillery. The entire military machinery was working. Even though close to 20,000 of their comrades lay either dead, wounded, or too dazed to fight.

*Rural Skibereen*
*Goth-Skib WEB*

When General Remy St.Laurent had heard the eerie muffled sounds of those thousands of voices he was quite taken aback at first. Then he heard his own Skibereen allies. Joking about what was to come. He could not supress his smile. Nor could other officers and men gathered around. Perhaps we might make a good team after all.

When the sun fell, Montroux also flet his heart sinking in his chest. None of DuPrey's men had reached him. And then all of a sudden, the sky lit up. Concussions were heard. And they could se the blaze. "Oh those poor boys, oh those poor boys," General Barras kept muttering. Montroux spoke. "Let God be with Marshal DuPrey's men tonight. And let Marshal DuPrey be damned. That butcher is repsonisble for this. Hopefully his men will not have to suffer long." Montroux then stopped worrying, because the Order was making contact with the Web, and gunfire was all around him.

At points all over the Web, Skibs and Goth-Francs were adapting to each others tactics with an amazing fluidity. The Skibereens would bait large units of the Order and lead them into positions from where Gothenburg-Franc Chasseurs would spring up from concealed positions (prepared by Skibereens and Goth-Franc engineers) to confront the Order untis face tro face. Usually the Order untis would retreat under heavy fire, they would retreat right back into the waiting arms of the Black-Eyed Skibereens. Sometimes, if Order units were being particulary tenacious, the Skibereens would start to creep in behind them, slitting throats and picking off officers. If the Skibs were having a hard time baiting units, the Goth-Francs would expose themselves in tight packed unit illusion, when the Order would try and destroy these seemingly vulnerable columns, Skibereen Black Eyes would attack them from either side. Still, it wa a hard fight, even thought they were told it was a probe. There was alo much worrying about DuPrey's position. But the men of the Goth-Skib alliance were working surprsingly well. There were definate cases of bonding as well. A young Gothenburg Franc soldier lay abandoned, wounded with Order members closing in on him. Two members of the Black Eyes fought off the attackers and rescued the poor boy. Grateful Gothenburg-Franc officers let their men cheer, sounds which rose into the crisp night air, rising above the gunfire.

*Skibereen, A field*
*General d'Erlon's "Lost Divisions"*

When gunfire broke out, General d'Erlon and his two divisions were still not close enough to join Montroux's Web. He could also here agonizing sounds coming from DuPrey's position. d'Erlon weighed his options and began to backtrack. He must have taken a wrong turn, because when his men crept throught the darkness they stumbeled on a smaller clearing. Sometimes even the slightest mistake can change the course of the battle d'Erlon thought. For there before him was a multitude of mortars, still hot from the firing. "On my order, capture those guns." d'Erlon whispered to the men surrounding him.. They were going to try and stop the further inceneration of Gothenburg-Franc soldies.

Just outside of Odesa, Ferrussia

Lt. Colonel Vasiliy waited patiently for the line of Gothenburg-Franc jeeps to stop. Approaching the first jeep, he noticed with annoyance that the officer's car was in front. Have they no sense of tactics? he thought.

"I am Lt. Colonel Vasiliy Greyuchev. Welcome to Odesa," he said. He sounded sincere, but underneath he was doing all he could to keep from pulling his sidearm on the man before him. Reluctantly, he saluted instead. "I assume you are Marshal Valliant?"

After a brief exchange, Greyuchev returned to his own jeep and signaled for the group to move forward. The line of jeeps was now startlingly long - the Ferrussians in front, with the Francs close behind. The convoy continued through the city, and Greyuchev noted with silent anger the .50 cals and other defenses being taken down from the city. They came, they murdered our families, raped those they did not kill, and for what? They did not even give us the chance to avenge ourselves. Honor bound, indeed.

Greyuchev had not yet heard from his wife - their home lay a bit to the north of the direct route from Skibereen to Odesa. He had always considered it a blessing that the 6th Mechanized was stationed far from his home; he did not have to see what happened to his own area. Or so he had thought. He silently cursed whoever had made the decision to deploy the 6th here. Of all the divisions, of all the options, he thought. Why me?

Finally, they arrived at the city hall. It was by no means a glamorous building, but it had been chosen because it was the only building in the area of much importance aside from their combat HQ, and they certainly wouldn't welcome the Francs there.

As the remaining jeeps filled into the parking lot, Greyuchev got out and escorted Marshal Valliant into the building. Major General Yevalin was waiting, a broad - although Greyuchev guessed to be fake - smile across his face.

"Welcome, Marshal Valliant. I am Major General Dmitriy Grigoryavich Yevalin. I trust you had a safe ride?"

With that, Yevalin led Marshal Valliant into a sideroom, where it had been decided to hold the negotiations. After they were seated and comfortable, Yavalin decided to get started right off.

"Marshal, if you don't mind, I should like to begin immediately and dispense, as they say, with the pleasentries. What terms are you thinking of for the surrender?"

*****


Ferrussian Military Bunker

Lt. General Petrov nodded at the question. "Quite honestly, we are still trying to figure that out ourselves, but we have reason to believe that ICON as a whole has collapsed, and the member parties therein thusly lost interest in pursuing the war. We have sources, and I cannot risk tell you more than that, who believe that something of great significance will be happening sometime soon in Fyreheart, but even if I knew the hows, whats, and whys, I could not tell you.

"As for your advice, it is certainly not what I expected, but if you feel strongly about it, I do not suppose it to be wise to argue with you. I have very little knowledge of the inside workings of Skibereen," he lied, "but I would assume you would know what works best. We will do our best to treat Boru with respect while giving the impression that he is being held in hostility, I give you my word on that.

"As you are, I assume, to become someone of great influence in the Skibereen government, if not its leader, I suppose we have a favor to ask as well. If possible, it may be greatly beneficial for us to grow closer as nations. Perhaps we could assist in providing stability or assistance, perhaps not. But let us know."

Petrov nodded to O'Connely. "Well then, I'll get a flight suit ready for you and make the necessary adjustments to the plan. We should take of in just a bit."

And he walked out of the room.

*****


Near the Ferrussian border

An EC-130E of the Reserves, escorted by a squadron of AH-1Z Attack Helicopters from the 323rd Strike wing (they were more worried about ground-based fire than air superiority), flew in front of the IV corps and blasted a message to them over the radio:

IV Corps of the Gothenburg-Franc Army, you are to turn around and leave the border immediately. Repeat, leave the border immediately. You do NOT have permission to set foot on Ferrussian soil. You will be fired upon. Please find a way to leave the area through Skibereen, you are NOT to enter Ferrussia under any circumstances. Turn back now!

Several EA-24C Military Utility helicopters, fitted with loudspeakers, reapeated the same message aloud while flying parallel to the Skibereen border. Not too far away, helicopters were bringing in a small force from the 5th Airmobile. They could only wait for the Francs to make a first move.

*****


FMS Dauntless Ferret, 3rd Carrier Fleet
75 miles from Sevastopol

As the 3rd Carrier Fleet - or what was left of it - limped towards Sevastopol, a message crackled over their radios, just barely decipherable.

...miral Moo... yreheartian 4th fl ... nder attac ... peat we are un ... e pro-Hurst forces a ... e Bosporus! Requesti.. emergency assis....

Rear Admiral Aleshin knew enough about what was going on to figure out who the message was from, but the message itself was puzzling. He decided to respond to the message, though he was sure the 2 CBGs headed for the Bosporus would send their own messages.

Admiral Moore of the Fyreheartian 4th fleet, we have recieved your message. We cannot help with your situation, but must inquire as to why you are fighting Fyreheartian naval forces. What is going on out there?

He also sent messages to the 2 Ferrussian CBGs en route to the Bosporus, who confirmed having recieved the message and were just as confused. Could the rumors that a revolution was occuring in Fyreheart be true? Could the revolutionaries really have siezed an entire fleet?

The CBGs decided to approach with caution and try to learn more about what was going on before doing anything drastic. The 3rd Carrier fleet, however, could only limp into Sevastopol. Aleshin had a lot of dead sailors to mourn.

Moore was knocked off his feet by a missile being shot down 30 feet away from the ship, and he flew backwards into the wall. He slowly got back up, and walked towards his chair with his head dripping with blood, unknowingly leaving the transmitter on.

"Gunner, use everything we have! Down those missiles!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Get my Ions to return fire ASAP! Hit them with everything we've got!"

The dusk sky got much brighter as missiles flared away from the 4th fleet.

The scene was literally a brutal war zone. Ships on both sides being hit, F-101s battling each other in the air. Men screaming, calling for their families and loved ones as death overcame them. Torn metal falling into the water that would become it's grave, and the grave of the men who fell with it.

Onboard the Defiant, Moores ship, the bridge was paniced, yet remained somewhat calm.

"They have us locked!" | "INCOMING!" | "5oclock!" | F-101s down!" | Admiral, are you okay Sir!?"|

Moore cursed. "General, where the hell is the 5th fleet!?!"

General Giden was partially drowned out by an explosion. "They're at least an hour behind us sir! We're on our own!"

Moore gritted his teeth at the pain of his head, but did not falter. "Hold course! That is an order! Continue forward, and throw everything we've got left at them! HOLD THIS LINE!"

Moore cursed again. Where the hell are the Ferrussians!?...

FMS Indomitable Ferret, co-flagship of the 1st and 2nd Carrier Groups
On course for the Bosporus Strait

Admiral Pavel Sergenov listened to the insuing chaos on the bridge of the Defiant coming over the radio. Several times he winced as men cried out in pain. It was one thing to be strong for your own men on your own ship - it was quite another to listen as everything fell apart and not be able to do a thing about it.

"Well, either that's one heck of a bluff, or our new friend Admiral Moore is not joking," he said. "Patch that through to FDI, I'm sure they'll have something or another they want to do with it. In the meantime, I suppose it's best to trust Mr. Moore for the time being - as long as he's firing on Fyreheartian fleets, I don't have a problem with it. While you're patching that through to FDI, ask Kiev for permission to fire on Fyreheartian ships. At any rate, see if we can get within striking range of that fleet. What's our range to the original Fyreheartian fleet?"

"72 nautical miles, sir," replied the navigator. "We'll be in weapons range in literally minutes, and the planes can take of now, if you wish."

"Very well. Radio the carriers, get sorties up with Harpoons. I want to be able to hit them with all we've got - hopefully, it'll overwhelm their missile defenses. I need those planes up five minutes ago!"

"Aye, sir," answered the radio operator, who was now busy doing three things at once.

Pasha looked out across the murky dark towards the horizon. He knew the enemy was well over the horizon, but he could have sworn he saw a faint glow...

The 4th fleet was inching its way towards the Bosporus, taking heavy fire. SAMs, chaffs, flares, and defense guns blazing all the way, they had taken surprisingly little damage. Only 1 Soyuz Battleships and 1 Ion Destroyer had been lost so far.

"Admiral, we need to disable those HSVs! They're freaking loaded with Tomahawaks!"

Moore was growing desperate. All his F-101s were in the air, his Ions were leading the way, and they just weren't causing enough damage. He looked gravely at General Diden, who just nodded.

Hurst took up the intra-fleet mic, and sounded extremely grave.

"Fyre Squadrons. We came today here to stop the unjust killing of innocent people at the hands of a ruthless and brutal dictator. The only way we have of doing that at this point is to destroy the HSVs ahead of us that are filled with Tomahawk cruise missiles. The 4th fleet is low on ammunition, the 5th is not yet able to assist, and the Ferrussians may not be receiving our signals.

It is the calling of officers in the Fyreheartian military to make the ultimate sacrifice at time when the situation may call for such means. One of those times is now. I can not, and will not order you to fly your planes into those ships. All I can say, is that if you do, you ensure our victory here, and ensure that the brave men and women who fought these people before us did not die in vain. The choice is yours, and yours alone. May the gods bless us all, and smile upon us here today. Moore out."

A few tense seconds filled the air.

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

"All right Fyre Squadrons. You heard the man. It's time to show just what Fyreheart is truly made of."

No one replied. Everyone knew what had to be done.

The F-101s flew out and regrouped. Upon turning around, 3 squadrons released their load of Harpoons on their way down towards certain death, and the HSVs below.

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

Moore saw it, and half of him still couldn't believe it. His eyes filled with tears.

Thank you...to you all..

5th Fleet
PSS Mayko Nimitz class carrier: 50 F/A-22 Raptors and 35 F/A-18 Hornets
21 Ticonderoga Class Cruisers
17 Arleigh Burke Destroyers
15 Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates
8 Iowa Class Battleships

The sun was just beginning to rise over the dark waters of the Black Sea. The 5th Fleet, which is what the remaining ships decided to become, was out sailing around, patrolling the waters. The sailors aboard all ships were wide awake, and doing their morning chores.

On the deck was Admiral Johnson, a new man appointed by Princess Arvanel I. The government was new, but the war was old. After discovering that over 80% of Penguinatans had Elven blood in them, former Queen Kei Cho assumed full control of power with Jake McDermont, now Prince Thaseldan. A baby was on the way...

However, that was irrelevant. Johnson was overlooking the dark seas early in the morning, drinking his coffee in the brisk September morning. He then walked back inside the Control Tower and went to the top. "Good morning all," he said to those sitting at their computers. He walked around the room, inspecting temperatures and position. He then heard a transmission over the radio. He was immediately stunned. He knew that Fyreheart was in civil war, but he had not expected the rebels to come here. He then listened, and heard the panic in the Admiral's voice. He turned to a control officer. "How far are we from the Fyreheartian fleet?" The control officer looked at his monitor, and replied. "Sir, we're about 52 nautical miles away." Admiral Johnson was pleased. "Thank you officer. This ship is headed South." He took a sip of his coffee again, and smiled proudly. Finally, something to do...

He then walked downstairs, and spoke over the intercom. "Attention to all passengers. We are now sailing to help a Fyreheartian fleet that is being attacked by pro-Hurst forces. Distribute this message throughout the fleet."

He then went back upstairs, and spoke into the transmitter. "Attention to Admiral Moore of the Fyreheartian 4th Fleet. Help is on the way from the Penguinatan 5th Fleet."

------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Mechanized Division
20,000 soldiers armed with M4s and M40 frag grenades.
300 M1A2 Abrams
300 T-95 tanks
600 M113 APCs
500 IAVs
400 Humvees
300 Paladin Howitzers

The 1st Mech. Division was positioned inside Pervomays'k, with trenches surrounding the city. They had landed earlier on in the week, and soldiers were just beginning to wake. While they knew that GF forces had surrendered, they were still on high alert, prepared for any attack that may occur. General Nimaulen Tillathel was prepared, making sure that the Paladins were strategically positioned around the city. He had also ensured that a large airstrip was nearby to allow the 1st Air Division to land (see below). Nimaulen was anticipating word from Arundemont soon regarding whether they should return home. It was doubtful, and he wanted to stay.

He looked over the horizon, and hoped that peace could be achieved soon. But with pro-Hurst forces running amuck in the Black Sea, that wasn't a very likely prospect. Hope has filled many a man before, and maybe it would this time.


1st Fighter Division
100 F/A-22 Raptors
100 F-117 Nighthawks
100 F-15 Eagles

*At the Ferussian border*

Marshal de Thiers and his men simply stared blankly at the Ferussian helicopters flying around them. The entire column halted in confusion. de Thiers' aid handed him a silver megaphone. "This is Marshal de Thiers, temporary Commander of the Right Grand Division. I normally command the IV Corps of Gothenburg-Franc. Why is the IV Corps, not allowed to enter Ferussia with the I and VII Corps, who are also in the Right Grand Division? We have 300,000 soldiers here. We mean no hostile intent. We plan to march to Odesa and join the surrender." de Thiers thought of Montroux being cut up by the Skibereens. He really didn't have time to be nice.

*City Hall, Odesa*

From the moment he made contact with Ferussian officers, Marshal Valliant could detect the pained cordiality, the tensions between his men and the Ferussians. So he simply smiled back politley as well, and followed along with their procedings.

Valliant couldn't help feeling silightly betrayed by High Command and Marsahl d'Angely. Combat officers always looked out for themselves he thought. In fact as Chief-of-Staff, Valliant knew more about the invasion of Ferussia as a whole than did any of the Corps commanders. He could expose them all. But Valliant was respected, the best staff officer in the history of Gothenburg-Franc. He was handsome, despite his weight, and had a reputation as a diplomat. Valliant was far different than staffers of other Armies. He was known to go out into the combat zone to rally troops. These traits of bravery, diplomacy, and charm would be relied upon in him to end this matter quickly.

"You say to dispense with the pleasentries General. Very well. I would like to have preseant here, representatives from both Diplomatic Corps of your country and mine. Also I believe the Copiosians should have a represeantative here as well. It is they who have negotiated our terms of surrender. As you have asked what terms we are looking for, read this copy of our surrender to Copiosa Scotia. Under International Law, we are already their prisoners. It is doubtful that we can surrender to you now. We are already prisoners. The best solution for this, (pause) unpleasentness, is to allow us to return to Gothenburg-Franc with the Copiosians."

"I am going to speak frankly. In that scenario, you win. We have lost the war. We mobilize quickly at Odesa where we embark, and go home. You will have no more enemy soliders at all around you. This dosent include the Skibereens, but at least all Gothenburg-Franc forces will be gone. You will have no more problems. No more military problems, no more financial problems, and no more diplomatic ones. If you want reperations, you can discuss those with Fyreheart. As the ones who sent us into combat, they hold the ultimate responsibility in this situation. Now, I am required to say no more, until the diplomatic representatives of both our nations arrive along with the Copiosians."

*New Dublin*
SAdC-
"SAM's have gone active!! I repeat SAMs have gone active near the Ferrussian border. The information from the SAM's control system is tracking multiple targets....Second SAM site is hot, We have aircraft with in our borders."

Rhuarc "You Mrs. Aileen, I told leaving the SAM's automated was the best course of action, only Foreigners or Boru will have aircraft aloft. and not for very long."

"You are the only man I can trust Rhuarc. Truly."

*Rural Skibereen-Goth-Skib controled Area*
Given the succes of the Goth troops more and more the BlackEyes were attempting to 'corral' Order forces into situation that called for conventional tactics. This being the point where The fighting was far from even.
About two hours had past, for a solid hour of those two, had been all fire fight.
Small skirmishes still broke out, but for the most part men were re-grouping. This is where the BlackEyes true talent lay.
They as individual organized the Goths on the 'fly'.
They did not search for allies positions-they already knew they existed and that was enough, they knew any others would be doing exactly as they were.
They pushed, exhuasted themselves they pushed against the retreating Order troops, the harrassed, and haggered, and hindered them whereever they were encounterd. The Goths were given the oppuotunity to see what the B.E. called the "Understood Ambush".
Order troops began over running their own men in the attempt to fend off the 'hornets' that had sprung from this conflicts.

The backlash however, was was still a surprise even though it was expected.
Suddenly it seemed everywhere there had been one member of the Order there were now ten, were there had been ten a hundred and so forth and so on.
There was no mortar fire, but RPG's and machine guns ripped through the forrest.
The Goth-Skibs units had reached the Order lines, it remained to be seen whether or not that was a good thing.
The 'crusaders' of the Order opened up on the tree line, with an apocalyptic volume of fire.
Skibs and Goths abandoned any tactical ideas other then 'survive', and survive amounted to running, no shooting, just good old fashioned running.
Though the concern of the Skibs earlier as to whether or not these 'tin soldiers' would know enough to retreat, was quickly alleviated.
They did not have to told 'dont stand there and die'.
Many Skibs bore smiles on their faces as they fled from a the fireing line.
The smiles young boys where when have slapped a vicious dog and were now making their escape unscathed.

The Order forces who had surronded the 'Unprotected' Goths.
Were surprised, to see how quickly the Goths reassembled.
The first line of Order scouts were ripped to pieces by the 'fear fire' caused by the mortar attack.

The Priest in charge of this group of Order troops was abashed, but quickly smiled as he saw planes leave the ground.

"Give them their wings boys"
The aircraft raked the woods with fire, any in their path were 'martyrs' now.
But almost as quickly from the just outside the combat area, the whoosh of stingers taking flight, like a fire works show, then to the surprise of the Order. Missiles rushed across the sky. The Skibereenian air defense grid still operated.

"They have grossly under estimated our abilities."
The old priest looked down at his bible, and smiled at the plumes of smoke rising from downed aircrafts.

FMS Indomitable Ferret, co-flagship of the 1st and 2nd Carrier Groups (now the 4th Carrier Fleet)
66 nm out from the pro-Hurst fleet

Admiral Sergenov took the news that they were in Harpoon range in stride.

"Tell the fighters to launch their payloads, and fire off half of our ships' Harpoons. Take out the HSVs and anything with decent missile defense first," he said. "Show the b******* who we really are."

"Aye, sir," came the almost eager reply.

"Sir, I think you should hear this," said the radio operator in charge of the transmission from Moore's bridge. Sergenov came over and listened to the drama unfolding on the Fyreheartian flagship. He could scarcely believe what he heard.

"Holy... he's telling them to frikkin' kamikazi! DANG it, belay that order! Retarget primary strike vessels, NOT, repeat NOT the HSVs! Gol, he's frikkin' insane! Get us to that fleet NOW! I want all ships topping out on their engines. Push the engines to 105% if you have to, and if a ship can't keep up, they'll catch up soon enough."

Sergenov swore under his breath. Frikkin' insane, I say, frikkin' insane...

*****


Skibereen-Ferrussian border

The suprised helicopter pilots stopped the transmission of the message in an attempt to hear the odd man who was yelling at them with some shiny object.

"WHAT'S HE SAYING?" asked the pilot, yelling over the noise of the engines.

"I CAN'T HEAR HIM!" replied one of the sound system operators. Simply put, helicopters were not the best places to try to hear someone.

"DANG IT! SEE IF ANYONE ON THE GROUND CAN HEAR 'IM!" said the copilot.

*****

On the ground, they could indeed hear, albeit barely, the words of Marshal de Thiers. After relaying his message to the EC-130E and helicopters, they waited silently to see what would happen.

*****

Once again, the loudspeakers of the helicopters blared once more. At least we got them to stop, thought the pilot, noticing that the whole column had stopped upon hearing their message.

"It is the very fact that you have 300,000 soldiers that we cannot allow you onto Ferrussian territory. Evacuate the border immediately, and cease any march towards it. You have no need to surrender, as you have not entered Ferrussia. Please, turn back NOW."

One of the loudspeaker men turned to the copilot. "WHY DON'T YOU RADIO HQ AND GET PERMISSION TO ACCEPT THEIR SURRENDER RIGHT HERE? JUST IN CASE, YOU KNOW?"

"GOOD IDEA," replied the copilot, and he began to send a radio message to their headquarters. It would take a long time to get that sort of approval, he knew, so they had better not do anything stupid...

*****


City Hall, Odesa

"Marshal Valliant, I understand your requests and... insistences," said Yevalin, trying to sound as polite as possible, "and we have already requested for our own purposes that a senior aide to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs be sent on Secretary Kasyanov's behalf. He's on his way. But I have no way of getting a member of your Diplomatic Corps here in any respectable amount of time - perhaps you have a political officer in your ranks who could fill this role? Otherwise it will take some time for your nation to get anyone here, let alone a diplomat.

"As for your affiliation with the Scotians, they have not informed us of taking you their prisoners, only in assisting with medical and supply care. I am not allowed to accept your 'win-win' proposal, Marshal, but I am sure that Secretary Kasyanov's aide will be able to make such an assesment.

"We have one base requirement, however, that could greatly allieve the situation. We require that you surrender your weapons to us, to ensure that no conflict accidentally breaks out in this sensitive process. If you can give us authorization to do so, it would greatly increase our diplomatic options with you, perhaps," he looked Marshal Valliant in the eye, "to the extent of being able to accept your proposal.

"What do you say, Marshal?"

The Fleet had gotten close enough to the Fyreheartian fleet that it started to prepare for aerial attacks. Admiral Johnson walked the deck, yelling orders and demanding they speed it up. The PSS Mayko was fully ready, and then F-22s started taking off. A total of 20 went into the air, and flew off to cover for Fyreheart.

The Ticonderogas then prepared a launch sequence of cruise missiles. An aide ran up to Admiral Johnson, and gave a salute. "Sir, we're ready." Johnson looked directly at him and said defiantly, "Let 'em go." The aide ran off to the control tower, and gave the order. The Ticonderogas launched three missiles each, and a total of 63 cruise missiles flew off into the air. The ships shook and rattled, and then the missiles were watched until they were tiny beads in the clear sky. The Patriot missle batteries were then being prepared, and all flights on the PSS Mayko were ready to take off at a moment's notice.

OOC: Attack directed at pro-Hurst forces.

Fyreheartian 4th Fleet
Just outside the Bosporus Strait

"Admiral, the Hurst forces are attempting to lure us into the strait! We won't be able to maneuver in there sir. Reccomend we come to a full stop and engage."

"Agreed. Lt. Briggs, tell the fleet to cease forward motion."

"Aye sir."

"Someone give me the staus of the Hurst fleet."

Briggs punched some buttons and then spoke. "They've taken heavy damage from our missiles Admiral. Their defense nets must have been damaged from the assault of Ferrussia and her allies. Our pilots knocked out a good portion of the HSVs, but 67% of the HSVs are still operable.

Moore cursed. "What's our status?"

"Three Ions and 2 Soyuz's destroyed sir. The Long Island is damaged but operational, and we are running on auxilliary power."

Moore looked sick. "Briggs, scan the area for any sign of -"

Moore was cut off by General Diden. "Admiral, we have more missiles inbound! Source is Isla and Ferrussian fleets!"

"What's their target!?"

"Not us sir. They're firing on Imperial ships!"

Moore looked like a 500 ton weight had just been lifted off him. "Well, then let's frigging help them! How many missiles do we have left?"

"We're at 31% of capacity sir."

Moore nodded. "Target the remaining HSVs, Fire when ready!"

Moore looked all around him. Thank gods...we just might have a chance here...

*Ferussian Border*

Marsahl de Thiers was utterly confused. To his fellow commanders he turned. "They say we have not surrendered. But they also say that if we cross the border they will fire on us." He considered arguing with the Ferussians, but he realized that it would be pointless. "Men, you know that Marshal Montroux is back in that hell-hole fighting for his life. I say we take a vote. We can etiherdo Option A, leave a delegation here with the Ferussians and go back and try and save Montroux and his boys from a grusome death, Option B, all wait here until these crazies make up their minds, or Option C, turn back and march towards towards Odesa from the Skib inteior where we will likely be met by more angry Skibs." After a brief vote, Option A ruled the majority. "I knew I could count on your gentlemen," de Thiers said. "It is better to try and save our comrades and die, than to face this diplomatic morass." The entire re deployment took only minutes as each man knew the importance of his task. The entire column melted back into Skibereen teritory and was gone. The Right Grand Division began to head back towards the area last ocupied by teh Skib-Goths. Left at the border with a radio transmitter were three young staff officers and a silver megaphone. "Uh, Ferussian pilots........we don't want to be killed by civillians, sirs. Could you pick us up?" The young man's voice cracked nervously. "My name is Etienne Murat, I represent the .....Right Grand Divsion.......I guess."

*Over Skibereen*
The 'GoalTenders' that Boru had sent to pick up the remaining military hardware at the begining of this conflict were coming home.
Not to fight Imperial Invaders, or Ferrussian Neighbors, but to reclaim their country from what only a few men knew to be a very quite coup.
Their allied factions had been scattered. Their enemies were gainng strength, decisions had to be made 'on the fly'.
"Ensign, get on the radio and see if you can contact....well anyone who would be happy to see us."
A tall redheaded man in all fatigues neatly pressed issued the order.
To silver pins on his collar were the only thing visible to laymen to denote rank. Ona was a Harp, the Other was a Winged Sword.
All the men in the Control room of the Man O' War. were in neat 'snappy' black, they well groomed and clean.
One would not put this men to Skibereenian soldiers, not even if his life depended on it.

*Rural Skibereen*
The Koshi light tanks at the Disposal of the BlackEyes were more then a match for the trucks that the Order fielded, aside from the fact that there were just not enough tanks.
'Sean' had pill boxed two atthe main position.
Men were coming more quickly now, closer to the big gun support.
Sean thought, damn we are being routed.
The fighting was reaching a stand still, the Goths were again suited to this type of fight. Massive movements were what they had the most training in.
After another hour or so it seemed that they would be able to hold the night at least.
Then during a lull in combat...it came, low at first almost unnoticable.
However very qickly it became unmistakable.
In the distance came the sound of pipes, from several directions.
The Order was being reenforced.
No one mentioned it aloud, but therealization was evident on every mans face Goth and Skib alike. They would not last the night, not if the Order troops coming had any numbers to them at all.
Throughout the forrest shooting stopped and cheers could be heard.
Then the pipes of the Order already upon them came in answer.
Skibs laid down there guns momentarily and produced rosarys, or clutched Saint medals.
Many were heard praying to Mary, or to Saint Michael.
Most of the men uttered short words then wrapped their charms around gun barrels, or lifted sweat soaked maskd and clenched medals in thier teeth.
Magazines were being laid out on the ground in front of men.
Those who were still far out moved in closer, those very close spread out.
The humor seemed to have left them all.

The men of the III corps hear the sound in the distance as well, and then heard the cheers, though distant, no one needed to have it explained to them.
And though amny of the men had calculated that a very small force could easily have done what was done to them, the sound of the cheers in the forrest alliviated any doubts about if there was a sizable force or not, and now they new it was being re-enforced.

The Goth-Skibs hunkered down and waited, waited for seemed like an eternity.
The new morale of their enemy had fevered them, the Order Troops attack with a new zeal, for they knew they had help coming.

"Commader, commader, we have a radio transmission."
'Sean' looked over towards the man who was poking his head out of the Koshi.
"From who?"
"He says...well sir...he says he is Skibereenian airguard Commander."
The tanker shrugged his shoulders.
"Airguard? we dont have an airforce?"
"Sir he also said he will be the goaltender for tonights game? I dont know he is on be that is what he said."

"Goaltender, I heard the name , but was never breifed.
Tell him our situation, our opposition, and our fecking location."

"Yes sir."
The man's head poped down back inside the tank.
Amoment later it poped back up.
"20 min sir, he said just hold on for 20 min."
"Tell I siad you bet, tell him to go ahead and take his fecking time."
'Nutbag'.

Skibereen-Ferrussian border

The circling helicopters recieved the transmission as the JSTARS and other planes monitored the Gothenburg-Franc withdrawl into the Skibereen interior.

"Roger, Mr. Murat. We've got plenty of questions for you, but they can wait until we get a bearing on the situation. We'll come down and pick you up."

"Killed by civvies?" asked a perplexed crewmember.

The copilot shrugged, and the pilot turned around and rotated his finger around his ear - a slang signal for "psycho".

The crewmember laughed. "I wonder what they've been smokin' down there. Maybe those Skibs have some secret drug trade going." The joke drew an amused smile from most of the crew.

*****

Within a few minutes, the choppers had landed to pick the bewildered G-F men up. No sooner had they loaded (it was obvious to the crew that they were entirely unaccustomed to riding in a helicopter), they took off again, and several of the young men were caught off guard, halfway through fastening their seatbelts. A few of the crewmembers got a laugh when several of the young officers turned a pale greenish color.

*****

Less than half an hour later, they were at the 5th Airborne's impromptu camp. The officers were led to the commander's tent, where Major General Pasha Romanov greeted them.

"So," he began. "What brings you here?"

The General put his boots up on the fold-up table, and men scurried back and forth outside the tent. Romanov could hardly help but be amused at the slightly nauseous, scared stiff young men before him.

*****

City Hall, Odesa, Ferrussia

After a few minutes of rather uneasy "small talk", Yevalin excused himself and left Greyuchev with the rather unpleasant task of leading Marshal Valliant to his quarters. It was actually an executive office (for obvious reasons, there was no need for bedrooms in the City Hall) with a fold-out bed, but it was certainly the best room in the building for sleeping. Greyuchev tried to block out the image of the tent-covered cot he would be sleeping in tonight, and instead gave a grimmacing smile to Marshal Valliant as he opened the door for him.

"These will be your quarters for the night," he said. "We expect the representative from Kiev to be here in a matter of hours, but given the hour of night, I'm sure you'd like to get some sleep before we have to proceed with the negotiations."

He then gave a reluctant salute to Valliant, said "I'll be here to awake you when we're ready to start," and ducked out of the room.

I swear, if this goes on for more than a day or two, I'll lose my mind.

*****

Formal Request to the Dominion of Gothenburg-Franc

It has been the request of one Marshal Valliant, Chief of Staff of the Gothenburg-Franc Army de Expedition in Ferrussia, and currently the head of the negotiations of surrender between our two forces, that a member of your diplomatic corps be present at the negotiations. It is therefore my most humble request that you appoint a member of your diplomatic corps to come to Ferrussia in order to be present for the proceedings of the negotations and any other issues concerning the war which is now in limbo.

We will attempt to be as straightforward and fair about these negotiations as possible, and anticipate the arrival of your diplomatic officer. Thank you.

Major General Dimitry Grigoryavich Yevalin
Commanding Officer of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Division of the Army of the People's Republic of Ferrussia


As an addendum to Major General Yevalin's request, I would like to offer the services of one of our Gulfstream V diplomatic service jets with fighter squadron escort to the task of transporting said diplomatic official to Ferrussia in the most expedient and efficient way possible. Please accept this service for free, as a gift from Ferrussia to your great government. It is our hope that peaceful times may come of this, and that the relations binding our nations may become more positive than they have thus far.

Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

OOC: Sorry guys for posting this here, but I am back at school. The damn internet is down all around campus, and I am also busy in trying to change my major from history/communications to art education/history.
I'll try and keep up with the story line. Jut give me time. Thanks a bunch.

Second Lt. Etienne Murat, secondary staff officer to Marsahl de Thiers, IV Corps Army de Expedtion, was feeling quite ill. Helicopters were definatley more suited to the air cavalry than to him. Murat was not very happy, nor were his two companions, also secondary staff oficers. This had not been a very glorious invasion for him. Having suffered a grueling night march, and being shot at by Skibereen civillians, he wasn't glad that Marshal de Thiers had left him behind to act as a liason to the Ferussians. Murat couldn't help feeling diaapointed that he wouldn't have the chance to prove himself in combat, with with either Skibereens or Ferussians. He was filled with worry and confusion. What was going to happen to de Thiers and his column. What about Marshal's Montroux, DuPrey, and the men down in Odesa? At least the Ferussian commander facing him was looking at him with an expression of amusement. That probably meant that he wouldn't kill him or his companions. Although who was to know? Why wouldn' the Ferussians march them down to Odesa to surrender?

"Good morning sir, I am Second Lt. Etienne Murat. I am the ranking officer here, representing the Right Grand Division, Army de Expedition." Murat swept his long black hair nervously out of his eyes. "These are my comerades, Second Lts. Addie Fiout and Ricard de Auten. We are here to negotiate........" Murat's voice trailed off as he tried to desperatley remember the Gothenburg-Fran Staff Officers Guide Manual. "Uh sir, forgive me for being fank. We were left here by our commander Marshal de Thiers. He was very confused as to why you would not let us march to Odesa, where we are now surrendering to Copiosa Scotia. The Marshal is now instead marching to assist units of ours who are still in combat with Skibereen civillians. We are here to act as a liason between his command and you. (pause) In all honesty, he couldn't leave anyone of value behind. He had no idea what you would do. We are token pieces if you will. We will try and do our best to act as a liason between you and our troops still left in Skibereen until we are replaced, hopefully by a Brig. General at least." "Our maybe a Marshal," cut in one of the other staffers. Murat gave him a silencing look with a flash of his green eyes. He turned towards the Ferussian officer. "So, we are pleased to make your accquaintence. What will you do....with us?"

The Ferussian notice was recieved by the Gothenburg-Franc Directory for International Affairs and was then transfered to at least 25 other Directories before it wound up on the Premier's desk. The Premier Marshal himself had to then personally carry the letter through the choking morass of the Directorate offices, to hand it directly to the Director of International Affairs whos desk it sat in the first place.

"Please take care of this matter, " said the Premier Marshal

"We cannot expect the men to fall on their swords or die in some suicidal charge. Now a days the people won't have that. We had suggested that, but the polls indicated a disfavorable report. It is so sad when glory wanes. Also Marshal d'Angely says that it is hopless." The International Affairs Director said matter of factly.

"Well, at least the Ferussians are respectful. Can we spare anyone to go. This whole situation would be so much easier if Marsahl d'Angely had just surrendered to the Ferussians in the first place. He became out of my control. d'Angely wanted this Premier's position. He hoped that Hurst would have given it to him. d'Angely put ICON over us."

"Our whole nation did sir. And most of us still do."

"I know. ICON offered us so much out of this war. But back to the presant. I fear the Ferussians will try and extract some revenge from our poor men over there. It's frustrating. We can't even supply them properly. We need someone over there. Even if we do lose face."

"Most of us here at International Affairs and the Diplomatic Corps are still dealing with ICON member and what is left of their governments. A good solution will be to send an itelligent, yet junior member to advise Marsahal Valliant. He is just as good a diplomat as we. And he will have a better Army aspect to the whole scenario. We will send a team of 4 advisors to assess the situation and to aid Marshal Valliant. Also they can give us feedback through the proper channels."

"Then it is agreed. Tell the Ferussians they can pepare to send their planes."

To The Ferussian Government:

Your offer is most generous and we do accept. You have permission to land at Le'Elyesse Military Airport. We will transmit the proper flight codes and sequences. Prepare to recieve a team of four with their equipment. Inform Marshal Valliant that he is now promoted to Chief Negotiator for the Armed Forces of Gothenburg-Franc.

Sincerely,

The Directorate of Gothenburg-Franc

Uzyn Air Force Base, Kiev

The reply had taken a stunningly long time to make its way through the Gothenburg-Franc beauracracy, but the planes were ready just the same. They had been prepared just minutes after the message had been sent, so now - almost three hours later - they were quite ready to finally be off the ground.

A total of 8 planes took off from the AFB: the Gulfstream V, a half-squadron (6) fighter escort, and a KC-10A Extender refuelling plane. They were given some last-minute location and procedure data about the Gothenburg-Franc landing they would make in a matter of hours, and finally the VIP Squadron was heading off to Gothenburg-Franc.

*****

Le'Elyesse Military Airport, Gothenburg-Franc
5 hours later

The Gulfstream V landed with graceful ease after recieving approval from the control tower. It pulled over across the tarmac and waited for the diplomatic team to board.

A man stepped out as soon as the stairs were put up to the plane, and stood at the base of the steps, awaiting his task to greet and orient the team in English (English, though not the primary language of Ferrussia, is second nature to 83% of the populace). Meanwhile, the pilot and copilot chatted in Russian while waiting. They would be back in Ferrussia in just 5 more hours, although their instructions were to drop the team off in Odesa first - something they certainly weren't looking forward to doing. The pilot summed up the point to his copilot: A war zone was still a war zone as long as it had enemy troops in it - even if they were in the process of surrendering.

Ferrussian Military Bunker
8 hours earlier

The two special operations helicopters flew in through the dark with near perfect silence - certainly mistakable for wind in the trees to the casual listener. They landed for no more than about 15 minutes, during which mechanics quickly went over the helicopters, mission data was exchanged, and Lt. General Petrov and Field Marshal O'Connely boarded the first helicopter.

"The stars are bright tonight," came the transmission over the radio, and the pilots immediately took off into the pitch black of night. Operation: Starlight was a go, and with any luck, they would be back at this very base in a few hours.

The helicopters sent out a single message as they crossed the Skibereen border: "The stars are brilliant tonight."

From here on out, they were dependent on the sound suppression systems of the helicopter, the lack of light, and a bit of sheer dumb luck.

Commander's Tent, Camp of the 5th Airmobile Division

Maj. General Romanov looked rather blankly at the Second Lieutenants standing before him.

"You're telling me that you're essentially here because your commander wants to make an effort to contact us, but doens't want to risk anyone of... higher importance?" He did his best to put it lightly, and was hastily trying to figure out how to put it without calling them 'expendable'.

"At any rate, you will address me as 'sir.' We'll set up a tent and get you supplies, but things may be a bit slow in coming - we were deployed here rather quickly, you see. If you have any information pertaining to what has happened to your force, and why you keep insisting on saying you're attacked by civilians, I'd be glad to hear it. Otherwise, you're of little use to us, as the situation has been alleviated by the withdrawl of your friends in the... Right Division, did you call it? Speak up now, please - I'd like to know what's going on."

*Above Skibereen*
A silent black giant, moved across the night sky.
"SIr we are entering the air defense grid."

The tall red headed man turned to the ensign and said
"Transmit the shut down code."

Silently with out any fuss, a thousand SAM batteries went inactive.

In another part of the sky two small helos were never aware of how fortunate they were.

"Get the ground columns on the line for me."
"Aye Sir"
"The is Colonel Moore, what can I do for you Capt.?"
I am transmitting the coordinates of the BlackEye forces.
They are being aided by the Goth-Francs.
Apperantly The Order, has reformed and are pressing their position.
We will need their help in New Dublin, so bypass the capital, and get them first then we will double back, and take care of Aileen and her forces."

"Undestood, Goaltender II out."

*In a tent in the Skibereen Country side near the Ferrussian border.*
President Boru sat, waiting for the Ferrussians, he wasnt sure what the point was of turning himself over as sacrificial lamb was now, but he gave his word, he would be damned if this bit of B*llSh*t was going to make him break his word, TWICE!

The dozen guards around the tent, waited aswell, they were some of only a handful of men who knew what was going on.
These men were RedHand members, not just guerillas but professional soldiers.
They were the most formidable of the most formidable that the Skibereenians could produce.
They wore all black, save for the Red Hand patch on the sleeve and breast of their uniforms, Just like Boru, except Boru's uniform also bore the Skib Flag with a sword flanking it on either side.

Quietly the choppers appeared just where (if not when) they planned to.
Boru, placed his side arm in its holster, sheathed his freshly sharpened knife, finished lacing the polished boots.
He walked towards the Chopper, his men flanked him, in more of an honor guard role then in any real defensive posture.

*Rural Skibereen*
The The lines of the Goth-Skib units had fallen back to the "center of the web".
"Sir we are flanked all around, the noose is tightening."
A young man spoke to Sean as he grabbed a back pack full of magazines run back out.
Along the perimeter Goth soldiers watched with horror as Skibs who ran out of ammunition drew knives and ran out to try and confront Order troops hand to hand, they did not waiver or hesistate in this.
some of them even succeeded in killing one or two of the ORder before they were cut down. the Goths noted how ill equiped the Skibs were for the first time, they bore a painfully low amout supplies in return for their mobility, now that their mobility was gone, the Skibs in the BlackEyes had taken more to fighting like cornered animals. It was unfortunate that Goth Ammo was not useable in almost all of the Skib weapons.

I was at this most desparate time when the order for a complete retreat to armour had been ordered immediately, Skibs and Goths reluctantly tightened themselves even tighter together, like fish in a barrel.

"Why are you ordering us to die like this!!"An older man shouted as reached the camp at a full run, blood trickled from his graying scalp.
"We will be ripped to pieces in moments if we dont find a way to move..."
Sean put his finger to the mans lips
"Watch" was all he said.
A few seconds passed, gun fire droned away from the camp at a herculean pace.
Then what seemed like everywhere shell casings began to rain down.
The men stopped firing to look upon this most bizarre precipetation.
Then as they did they saw the tree line itself disappearing.
And heard the whurr of large calibre gatlin guns.
They looked up, but all they saw was a low cloud, on an otherwise clear night, some how a cloud hung just over their position. From it you could follow tracer fire that came so fast it appeared to be a solid beam.
Both sides stopped to watch, as if the heavens themselves had opened up to defend them.
A roar began to be heard and the Goths were the first to recognized it.
Jet engines.
And suddenly from this huge low lying thunder head came fighter planes bursting forth.
One after another, strafing the forrest.
Dozens came.
A voice over loud speakers bellowed out of the Cloud.
"Cease fireing, now!!"
"Fall back and you will not be fired upon."
"Dispurse, go home, or we will cut you down"
"This is Captain Dunlevy of the SAS Man OWar."
The message repeated.
Then again, then it was added "This is your final warning."
And with that from the west came Attack helos, four units of four, wave after wave.
Strafing the forest right behind the Harriers that had appeared from the depths of that cloud.
Rotodynes and troops transports began dropping men from lines all around the perimeter of the Skib goth encampment.
The Attack Choppers laid volumes of suppression fire against the Order troops.
Many of the Goth Skib troops just sat down, and took a deep breath of relief.

OOC:Nice edit Ferrussia. :wink:

*Rural Skibereen*
*Skib-Goth Web*

For hours it had gone on, the brutal game of chasing each other aroud and around. The Black Eyes performed heroically, luring the Order units into Goth-Franc positions time and time again. Then, a change was in the air. Goth-Francs and Skibereens both felt the electric current of excitement. Goth-Franc soldiers quickly formed into haphazard waves and intermixed with Skibereens, bayonets leveled, they pressed the attack home into the massed and confused Order troops. They were carried away by the sheer ecstasy of it all, they were winning after all the dissent, after all the disagreement, together they slammed all the way into the Order lines. After the stunning impact, the wave broke and faced with superior Order numbers, both Skibs and Goth-Francs all broke and ran. It wasn't standard Gothenburg-Franc tactics, but it beat dying. All of the men there changed a little that evening. Somehow amidst all of the chaos and carnage, the Gothenburg-Franc soldiers felt more at peace than ever before with their newfound allies.

After their desperate charge, the situation rapidly escalated into a full fleged disaster. The men could hear the Order being reinforced in the distance. The sounds were ominous indeed. The Order troops then came barrleing down just as the Goth-Skibs were reforming. They formed a noose, tightening around the Web on all sides. Young Goth-Francs panicked, and were gunned down as they tried to escape the noose. Men stared in horror as the Skibs, who had unfortunatley run out of ammo desperatley charged Order ranks. The soldiers of Gothenburg-Franc praised the valor the Skibs. As the Web began to collapse into the center, Goth soldiers unleased devastating volleys of enormous firepower, but the Order was not stopping. It looked like Marshal Montroux was going to lead his last stand.

All of sudden, rain. A rain of steel. And those sounds. Goth-Franc soldiers stared in amazement. They sank to their knees, embracing their Skibereen allies.

*Skibereen Forest*
*Center Grand Division Trenches*

The men of the III Corps and their IX Corps reserves cheered as they smothered with fire the first wave of Order troops to storm their entrenchments. Their panicked artillery opened up a vicious barrage down upon the Order troops. III Corps fighter support planes took to the sky and unleashed curtains of lead. And then all was silence. Until a ferocious barrage of Stingers and Skibereen air defense missiles demolished the lead fighters. “Scatter!” came the call from over 150 panicked Gothenburg-Franc pilots. The planes that could land did, but 50 crashed into the earth, setting the forest ablaze. And then the dreaded bagpipes struck up a dread chorus. The Order was being reinforced. West End Gothenburg-Franc men dug into the cold ground, surviving officers prowled the lines. A few miles up the road, they could hear other sounds of combat. And then, a literal wall of men swept into the glade. They rushed all around, to the left and to the right. The South End trenches of the V Corps suddenly sprang to life with a chattering fire. All hell was apparently about to break loose in Marshal DuPrey’s position.


*Halfway between Right and Center Grand Divisions*

From his cover in the trees, Marshal d’Erlon saw the mortars begin to fire again. He quickly ordered an assault by the 34th Regiment of the Line. The 1,500 men of the Regiment swept down into the swale. And then it was hand to hand with the mortar crews.

*Ferussia*
*General Romanov’s tent*

“Ok sir, see we were calling you sir, sir,” came the petulant reply from Second Lt. Murat. “Anyway, we are also not insisting we were attacked by civilians, sir we are still being attacked by them. As we speak. Well the Right Grand Division is.”

“You’re not making any sense,” Second Lt. Ricard de Auten cut in. “To simplify it; there are three Grand Divisions of Gothenburg-Franc soldiers engaged in combat here. The Right, Center, and Left they are designated. The Right Grand Division is the one we belong too. It contains the I, IV, and VII Corps. We tried to surrender here, but were turned back into Skibereen.”

Second Lt. Addie Fiout cut in. “The Center Grand Division is somewhere near our former position in Skibereen. They are probably being cut to pieces right now, by Skibereen civilians! Yes Skibereen civilians!”

“I RANK HERE!” screamed Murat. The other Second Lts. Seem cowed. “General Romanov sir, forgive us. They are correct though. It all started after we landed. We had no Fyreheartian plans other than to march to the front. So we split our Corps into three sections. The Left was the biggest. They were also dropped the closest to Ferussia. The Right and Center were dropped farther back. Some of us like the Right waited for Skib escort to the border. The Center did not. Apparently they wandered into the wrong place. The Skibs killed 400 of them. So our boys in the Center responded by killing over two thousand of them. It started a blood feud. No one is safe. Everywhere they wait to kill us. Now, our original commander Marshal Montroux is back in Skib with some units of the Skib army and all our Shock troops. They are trying to save the Center. I am guessing that now that you turned the Right Grand division back, they are going to backtrack and try and assist Montroux. It’s so terrible there. So brutal. But now we are here. And let me tell you, it was all quite a shock when we learned the Left Grand Division surrendered to the Copiosians. And with ICON collapsing and all. So now what, sir?”

*Odesa*
*City Hall*

After back and forth bickering all day, Marshal Valliant had grown weary of the debate over gun retention. He could tell the Ferussians were growing restless too. Finally, with relief the Ferussians decided to postpone the conference while diplomats were brought in. Valliant was escorted to a rather spacious office complete with bunk. He adjusted his formal dress kepi and glanced at the officer dejectedly showing him his quarters. The man looked somehow familiar. Valliant thought to himself, “Did I see this man in a photograph somewhere.” It didn’t matter to him. Nothing did anymore. Only protecting the truth of what really happened. That was the key importance. And insisting on Gothenburg-Franc rights. They would take no more disrespect from anyone in this war. Marshal Valliant had been a strong believer in ICON and Imperialism. Now he had to handle this unpleasant task.

*Rural Skibereen*
A large man in all black strode across the main SKib-Goth camp.
He reached Sean and the Ranking Goths.
"Gentlemen" He nodded.
This was more then likly the closest thing to a salute most of Goths have seen from a Skib soldier.
He also appeared more like an actual soldier, he wore a uniform(of sorts any way) he clean shaven, face and head.
Even after a short melee he did not appear disheveled.
He was very tall compared to many of the Skibs in this area.
"I am glad to not find you all scattered and broken."
"However your rest will be short, we have ground forces moving this to break up this skirmish, then escort the rest of you to our capitol."
He turned to face the Goth-Franc officers.
"A rival faction has assumed control of the Skibereenian capitol. You and your men are going to help us retake the city."
There did seem to be much 'request' in what he was sayying.

Sean looked to the man.
"I appreciate the help-" Help hardly seemed strong enough a word, rescue seemed more appropriate.
"However, this operation still falls under my command. If you think that just because you pull my ass from the fire that somehow superceeds my orders then you are..."
Sean like all of the blackEyes were adept at hand to hand combat, as their primary function is covert penetration.
However with ease the man spun sean, disarmed him and removed sean's own knife bring the blade to rest upon his throat as sean regained his own balance.
"I will make this clear, I am of the SAS airguard, formerly of the RedHand.
There are two types of people in Skibereen right now and only two, those who are pro-Boru, and those who are anti-Boru. I and my men will execute any anti-Boru forces.
I say execute because no one will beable to mount a defense against us.
My orders come from the presidents mouth directly to my ears, those orders are to maintain security, we are the Goaltenders tonight.
You can die, right here, right now, or serve your country and do what I say, I could order you as I rank you. However, I ..."
The man lost his grip as sean disarmed him, they scuffled.
Blows were exchanged, a Skib BlackEye restrained the Goth officers with a wave of his hand and a quiet "Establishing who has command".
The large got to his feet faster then the exhuasted BE, he buried a boot in his lower back collapsing sean to ground.
"To the capitol it is..."
"I thought you would see it my way."

Pipes began to play a melody, and order soldiers broke away from their individual melees, regrouped and began to surrender.

The radio on the tall Skibs hip blurb out "Sir we have captured the Priests, and the pipemen. Our men are also moving on the the other Order units harrassing the other Goth-Franc columns.

The man looked to Sean,
"The Order forces who remain will be enlisted to our aid."
"We have fresh water, and stocked supplies, by morning your men should be ready to move. I expect to have the other Goth units safe and re organized with in the next two hours..." he turned to the Goth who had been with Sean "I will be expecting them to be under your command, I dont care about rank. You have demonstrated a superior sense of battlefield adaptability, and a desire not to just run amuc' in our land.
You sir, and your men have our respect, and trust. So explain to anyone who thinks they will get of this country alive, that they will only do so following you."

*Rural Skibereen*
*Skib-Goth Web*

Marshal Montroux watched in amazement as Order troops broke under the weight of fire these new Skibereens were dishing out. He assembled his three Brigadiers about him and was just conferencing with the Black-Eye officers when a tall, militaristic looking man approached the group. The Gothenburg-Franc officers looked on in amazement as the Black-Eye’s commander, Sean, engaged the new solider in a round of fisticuffs. Brig. General Saint Laurent moved in the help Sean, but was waved off by the Skibs.

When Sean finally conceded, the officer explained the situation. Montroux was perplexed. “We thank you for the confidence in us, I thank you for the confidence in me personally. Also you saved us from certain destruction. I can help in organizing the rescue of the other columns. But after this is done, I have many questions for you. First, who are you? And why must we help you take the capitol. The government there has cooperated with my government. It has sent these warriors (a wave to the Black Eyes) to assist us in our advance into Ferussia, which by now you know is stalled. I am not refusing your offer though. I know that in Ferussia we will be forced to surrender unconditionally. I just require some explanations as to what is going on. If we take the capitol back for you, perhaps your government can assist us in liberating the prisoners at Odesa and then our evacuation homeward?”

Montroux continued, “Right now only 7 miles from here, Marshal DuPrey with three Corps is fighting for his life. He is a hard-line officer. I believe his over confidence and disrespect for your culture is leading him to disaster. It is an utmost priority that we save his men. They are dug into trenches on the outskirts of a forest. Secondly, I sent a massive column to try and enter Ferussia, but we have received transmissions that they were turned back. They will need to be escorted back here. I have men here to attend to also. I have about 15,000 surviving here, with about 5,000 casualties. From my estimates, the Black Eyes have around 11,000 men left. I don’t know about their losses. I also have no idea how many men DuPrey has left. But the men I sent out earlier will give us around 270,000 men to rely on.”


*In the Skibereen Forest*

The III Corps prayed for a miracle just as hard as the Order troops prayed for victory. From their fixed positions, the men of the III devastated all to their front. But from their flanks, fire was being poured in taking down men and officers. At the V Corps position in the South End trenches, a large section of Order troops poured into a gap resulting from a mortar hit. To the horror of Gothenburg-Franc soldiers, most of the combatants were female. As the 11th Chasseur regiment counterattacked, the fighting became hand-to-hand and vicious. A Goth-Franc officer slashed a woman’s face as the soldier next to him was stabbed in the stomach with a knife. Two Skibereen males tackled a large Goth-Franc soldier and began to smash at his face while he bit their arms. They were like wild beasts, even the wounded fought until the last gasp. A young slender Chasseur his red kepi sliding off his long black hair looked about wildly in the frenzy of combat as time slowed down. Standing before him, holding a bloody knife was a young, beautiful girl his own age. She was covered in the dust of combat and flushed with the heat of battle, but never had he seen a girl like her. So graceful. Her blue eyes met his green ones. Reluctantly he brought up his bayonet. But as he looked her in the eyes, he just couldn’t do it. He just couldn’t kill her. As she advanced towards him, his mouth whispered, “I can’t.”

Somewhere in Skibereen, near the Ferrussian border

As the second helicopter landed to pick up President Boru, the first circled overhead to make sure nothing went wrong. The whole process - landing, picking up Boru and his guards, making sure they knew how to ride a military helicopter, and taking off again - only took a few minutes, but for the crews of both helicopters, it was a nervous and tense time.

Finally, the second helicopter took off and turned back towards the Ferrussian border. From now on, they'd be operating seperately. Both helicopters were flying only just above the trees, and as the helicopter with Boru headed back towards Ferrussia, they issued the call: "The North Star is moving east."

Silently, the first helicopter, along with Lt. General Petrov and Field Marshal O'Connely, glided over the black sillouhette of the terrain below.

*****

Commander's Tent, Camp of the 5th Airmobile Division

Major General Romanov took in the scattered bits of information slowly, and with searching eyes looked at 2nd Lt. Murat.

"It looks like your friends in the Center have kicked a beehive, and we've known for some time that Skibereen is a time bomb. Look, son, my orders are to protect Ferrussia from any further conflict, and you must realize that the presence of your armies in Ferrussia does little to accomplish that goal. Not only is there the threat of your men turning on us - if the Center Grand Division is half as cocky as you make them seem, I'm sure they wouldn't hesitate to fire on us the second we allowed them to cross the border - but you must realize, the factions in Skibereen are relentless. We could have Skibs crossing the border to follow you guys, and that is not a scenario we'd like to explore. There's little we can do about your situation, as we're trying to stay out of Skibereen politics - it's so rapidly changing that we'd make enemies with the wrong people at some point. Any Ferrussian venture into Skibereen would have similar results to yours, now that they're going. There's quite simply little we can do about the situation. I'll make sure that you get home, but as for your friends in Skibereen, well, its out of my hands."

Satisfied, he stood and sipped at some coffee. "I'll have some privates pitch you guys a tent, and we'll have you some breakfast ASAP. Unless you have anything further, you're dismissed."

*****

City Hall, Odesa

As the early morning sun rose higher above the horizon, Kasyanov's aide pulled up to the City hall in a jeep he was borrowing from the 6th. He walked up to the building in a suit and tie, carrying a small briefcase - he looked rather like one of the legislators who would normally be present here. Meanwhile, Yavlinsky and Greyuchev were waiting at the door and had been up for a few hours as per their military training, and Kasyanov's aide introduced himself (in Russian) as Ruslan Yamir.

"The Gothenburg-Franc team will be here in a few minutes, but you can expect them to be rather jet-lagged. I reccommend we start in an hour or so," he said. "Transportation has already been sent to the airfield to pick them up. So where's Mr. Valliant?"

"You should address him as Marshal Valliant," said Yevalin, "but he's in an executive office on the second story. Vasya, could you go get him? I'd like to get started as soon as the G-F team arrives."

Mr. Yamir gave Yevalin a narrow glance, but Yevalin stood his ground. "Let the Francs worry about sleep on their own time - I have negotiations to run."

Greyuchev grudgingly went up to Marshal Valliant's room, and knocked on the door.

"Marshal, the negotiations will begin soon," he called through the door, "and the Gothenburg-Franc team will be here in a few minutes. Breakfast will be served during the negotiations. Do you need a bathroom kit?"

What IS it about this guy? he thought as he awaited a response.

*Rural Skibereen*
"To your questions, sir. The BlackEyes did not recieve their orders from the current body in New Dublin. The BlackEyes themselves function as a vanguard for the RedHand in previous internal conflicts.
They were orginally a large group of bandits, and thieves that Brian Boru, at that mparticular time the leader of RedHand, saw great potential in their very mobile, effective yet highly unpredictable style of engagement.
So he bargained with them and they joined our ranks. After we(The Band of the RedHand) siezed power, and installed order to the country the B.E. became our counter insurgency rapid response unit. Think of them as the Skibereen version of American Marine Force Recon."
"At the begining of this when Boru first recieved word that Gothenberg would be sending troops he knew you would need an escort, so the order to them was a standing order to assist our allies in crossing our interior.
Our orders were to go to Romania and await the final arival of our arms from a third party manufacturer(Crookfur).
The Romanian government not wanting to get dragged into this conflict felt that allowing us to leave their borders while we were at 'war' with Ferrussia could constitute an act of aiding us in any fight we might take to Ferrusia, so they refused to allow us to move until now.
Boru, is missing. The Capitol has been taken, quietly, but taken none the less.
We will maintain the Ideals of bettering Skibereen for its citizens as Boru wanted, until we can at least find what has happened to him.
Maintaining order involves holding the capitol.
Since you are here, and need us to help you get out, you can help us restore order.
You must be operating under the assumption that only you are under 'fire'.
This however is not the case. The entire country is on the brink of total colapse. We are going to prop it back up."

Sean, looked to the Goth officers.
"Truthfully we have not been able to contact anyone in NewDublin since the onset of this conflict. What he saying makes perfect sense.
And Montroux, if you can trust anyone in this country, it is the RedHand.
They are the Presidents will incarnate."

The large Skib in black seemed to puffup at the last statement.

Sean continued "I must ask however. What the hell is over our heads?"

The Officer smiled. "The Man O War class airship is the new flagship of our air defense program. By combineing the airship technology of Tokarev with a classified technology being worked on by some of our allies in the global market we have created an airbased carrier, capable of defeating just about every standard targeting system, including line of sight fire."
"So what your telling me is a 'blimp' isin that cloud?"
"Well, for all intents and purposes...yes."

*The IIIcorps position*
The men of the III corps were not enjoying this fight, they were not enjoying the the knowledge that obviouly more of these 'locals' were coming, what seemed to be a lot more.
They didnt like the distant sounds of choppers and jets, they did not enoy the blairing of artillery in the distance, and the sudden silence where they knew the Skibs were supposed to be aiding their fellow soldiers had fallen.

Then over the tree tops, choppers began to appear, seeming to be firing on these civilians who had began pressing en masse against them.
One of the soldiers on the line lost count at 56, there had been many more since. As the choppers began forming a 'firewall' around their encampment troop transports were seen dropping uniformed men among the civilians who were now at least it seemed more interested in fighting the new comers then the Goths.
The Goths asked if the uniforms were recognizable, if the aircraft were Goth in origin?
Really, it was just a relief to see someone else getting the special attention they had been getting.
Loud speakers began to blare.
Ordering, withdrawl or surrender. The order was issued three times then again from the west came a new wave of choppers.
A transmission was sent addressing the III Corps and V Corps.
"This is Lt. McDougal of the SAS, we are secureing your perimeter.
We are support for the 1st armoured cavalry, they will be here shortly.
Hold your position, do not move to attack, we will engage any hostiles.
My channel is open, please direct our fire from your position so we can accomodate a quick regroup of your forces."

*BAck near the Skib Goth encampment*
Light armoured vehicles began rolling down the road, as the men of the Balck Eyes watched, the column went on for miles, the light armoured wheeled vehicles were occasionally seperated by a handful of light Koshi tanks. Followed up by what one man counted to be over 200 T-7 Gilgamesh MBTs.
"I didnt know you guys had so many toys."

From: Fleet Admiral Aaron Pierce, 6th Free Provinces Fleet
To: Markov Lumchensky, Secretary of Defense

<begin quantum encryption>

Due to mounting external tensions, involving in particular the reorganized GDODAD, I have received orders from Cali Gulf Naval Command to return home to Copiosa Scotia as soon as it is practical to do so. The 6th Marine Division will remain in Ferrussia for the time being, and will return home by transport plane when they are no longer needed. I exaggerate not at all when I say that it has been the greatest honor of my career to fight on your behalf.

Fleet Admiral Aaron Pierce

<end quantum encryption>

Emirate News Network

Story Excerpts

"...After a 16-Hour communications blackout of almost the entire nation of Fyreheart, General Robert Hessinger of the Fyreheartian Military made a plea to the world for support in the defeat of the current dictator of Fyreheart, one Nathan Hurst. This broadcast was rapidly replied to by the Praetor of the Drakonian Imperium and the King of Britmattia, both allies of Fyreheart in the United Emirates alliance.

"...Fyreheart had recently come under review in the Emirates for the actions of the Tyrant Nathan Hurst, who is suspected to have murdered thousands of his own citizens...."

"...Both Drakonia and Britmattia pledged their support to rebels of Fyreheart and called for the international community to join them in their quest for freedom, liberty, and justice against Hurst's corrupt government...."

"...There has been no word, from Melkor Unchained and Arda which maintain several garrisons in Fyreheart. Similarly there has been no response from the government of Ferrussia, which is currently at war with Hurst's government...."

Full Story (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109656) / Latest Developments (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2595146#2595146)

Transmission to the 6th Free Provinces Fleet

Admiral Pierce,

It is a great debt we owe you for your service. Your presence and willingness have easily saved the lives of thousands of cremen in the Ferrussian and other allied navies. It is with humble gratitude that we wish you well on your way, and with a debt unrepayable that we say farewell. Best of luck to you, we cannot express our thanks enough.


Markov Lumchensky
Secretary of Defense

*Odesa City Hall*

Valliant was awaken by the knocks on the door. To the odd Ferussian officer he said, “I shall be ready in 30 minutes. I need to you to send the Gothenburg-Franc diplomats to my quarters before-hand. Thank you. We shall commence the meeting in one hour. Do you have any word from the Copiosian Government and our request for their diplomats?”

The Marshal pulled on his dress shirt and walked to the large window over looking the city. He stared outside and listened to the sound of the falling rain. Dress coat was followed by epaulettes and ceremonial collars. Again knocks on the door pulled him away from his reveries.

“Marshal Valliant, I am Ambassador Francois Delliane, Directory of International Affairs.” The young man spoke very eagerly and with much respect Valliant noted. The Marshal was only a couple of years older than the man who stood before him. “As most of the Directory is busy trying to hold ICON together, and as this is a military matter, the Directory of International Affairs has made you chief negotiator for this matter. We are here as your advisors from the Directory. We also bring you a promotion, Marshal of Gothenburg-Franc.”

“Amazing,” thought Valliant. “They have elevated my rank to the highest it could ever be, but now I will be a sacrificial lamb.”

Too he gathered ambassadors Valliant spoke, “Ah gentlemen thank you. The directory has chosen…wisely. Let me inform you of our situation.”

*Later*

Valliant stood and pounded his fist into the table. He and the Ferussian general had been sparing all morning over whether the Army de Expedition should retain its weapons. Now Marshal of Gothenburg-Franc Julien St. Clair Valliant could take no more. “General! If you want the Army of Gothenburg-Franc to give you their weapons, then march your men over to their camps and shoot them dead! But I guarantee you; you will have men to bury then as well!” To the Ferussian Foreign Minister, who Valliant had been surprisingly receptive to, he said, “Look honored sir, talk sense to your General. I propose this plan. You can send as many soldiers as you want to monitor our encampments. You can arrange patrols, set up guard posts, etcetera. We will cooperate with you in anyway possible. The diplomats have informed me that the Marseilles fleet is ready to embark to Ferussian waters. They can take us home. It will be a mere two weeks that we are here. If you want, you can even assist the Copiosians in supplying us. We are not a threat. I will tell you what a threat is. Taking away our guns and detaining our officers. Right now we have control. Take that away and the consequences will be dire.” Valliant’s gray-blue eyes narrowed into slits.

City Hall, Odesa

Maj. General Yevalin rubbed his temples, trying to alleviate his headache - although he knew the headache was actually sitting in front of him, arguing about weapons.

"Marshal, perhaps we could come to a compromise. I understand your need to keep your men equipped - it provides you with stability, morale, and leverage. But you must understand our point of view. We have 3 full corps sitting on our own soil, who only a few days ago were preparing to attack the very city we sit in today." And were busy killing our citizens, he didn't say.

"I can think of two ways to compromise here, Marshal, and I would like your opinion on either one. First, we could confiscate the automatic weapons and such of your men, but leave them with sidearms and the like. Second, we could take the armament of every other man, or something similar in concept. In either case, you must understand, much further security and oversight precautions would need to be taken."

"Much more," Mr. Yamir - the aid sent from Kiev - cut in. "We would have to bring in at least another division, perhaps one of our homeland defense corps."

Yevalin gave Yamir a bit of a glare, and continued on. "Please, Marshal, I understand your situation, but you must understand mine. Could you agree to either term?"

In the back of his mind, Yevalin cursed the Scotians for accepting a conditional surrender. It would have been so much easier had the Francs been surrendered unconditionally. I would be sitting at home, on temporary leave, instead of sitting here negotiating the right of these potentially hostile forces to carry weapons on our own freakin' soil!

Greyuchev seemed to sense what was going through his commander's mind, and was quite amazed by the fact that his face was not red with anger. Yevalin was doing a fabulous job of keeping his composure, given the circumstnaces. I may not always agree with the man, thought Greyuchev, but he's sure as heck a better commander than I.

(Quick OOC note: Skibereen, would it be possible for you to post some sort of response to my helo post? Even just a description of the area they'll land in, or Boru trying to start a conversation in the other helicopter - something to give me a starting point on a next post. Thanks.)

OOC:Duh, Big red truckDUH sorry man.

IC: President Boru's camp.

The chopper landed and the 'Honor guard took thier positions.
Boru walked across the clearing, that had been hastily made in the dense forest.
It was a crisp night, a good night to be fighting.
Unfortunatley all of Boru's options of fighting were exhuasted, he was at the moment very unclear who his enemies even were, originally giving himself up was a sacrafice, now it seemed like a nice break.
As he walked towards the chopper one of his men broke the silence
"Remember, we can always come and get ya' out.".

He reached the Chopper, and stopped, stood at attention.
"I am president Brian Boru of the Armed Republic of Skibereen."
With that he produced his side arm, out streched but obviouly not in a firing position as his finger was not on the trigger.
He then stood motionless.
Wait seemed like an eternity passed(only a few seconds in reality) when one of the Skib guard yelled "Well fecking capture him!! Disarm the man, you dont expect him to just surrender..."

Khan's Hall, Clan Smoke Jaguar
The General, after being invited, entered the room to speak with Khan Kabrinsky.
"Well."
"Well ma'am, it appears that the situation is almost stabilized in Ferrussia. The outbreak of a civil war among Fyreartian forces, and the surrender fo the Gothenburg Franc troops, have combined to pretty much end the threat of a major war breaking out again."
"And our troops?"
"We have the 20th Mechanized Airborne and the 48th Airmobile Divisions already in country, just forming up, and th 16th Light Infantry Is en-route, and the aircraft will touch down within a few hours. There's also the 6th Army, which is being sealifted in its entirety. That's about halfway there."
"Well General, I think we certainly don't need the whole 6th Army there. Why don't we send them over to Omz222? We can reinforce the divisions we already have in country and keep them in as peacekeeping forces. I'm sure the Ferrussians won't mind a little extra help. We can also station a few carriers in the Black Sea. I don't see any point to having more than that."
"As you wish ma'am."

And with that, the General left the room, ready to send down the orders for deployment.

*Odesa City Hall*

Marshal Valliant arrogantly tossed his head stared at General Yevalin. It simply wasn't worth fighting anymore. The diplomats had briefed him on the situation from the homefront. The Army was possibly sending all remaing Corps to Fyreheart to try and save the ICON government from the revolution. Surely the three trapped here would be needed. "I agree General, that a compromise could be met. You may have possession of all of our artillery and air support to be returned when we leave. You can police our encampment. My men will keep their individual weapons, but we will keep them in the armories under the Imperial Gaurd. Do we have a deal General?" Valliant smiled a chilling half-smile and extended his white gloved hand.

City Hall, Odesa

Yevalin found himself taking a sigh of relief. The term wasn't perfect - G-F guards were still G-F guards, but he'd let it slide for now; it was far more important to reach this first agreement.

"Very well, Marshal," he said. "Understandably, we will require Ferrussian guards in the vicinity of the armories as well, but I think your proposal is sound."

With that, Yevalin opened the subject of supplies to discussion. He was sure Valliant would have a lot to say, so he more or less braced himself.

*****

Somewhere in Skibereen

The men in the helicopter were rather suprised, but at least one caught on quickly enough to point his M16A2 at Boru and shout at him in English.

"Get down, get down!" He quickly snatched the sidearm from him, and as the men around him caught on, they raised their weapons as well. It seemed like a play, almost - a performance for the benefit of tradition and honor.

The first soldier got behind him and pushed the President of Skibereen onto the chopper, and within a few minutes the helicopter was off the ground and headed back for Ferrussia.

*****

Elsewhere in Skibereen

The helicopter carrying the Lt. General and O'Connely came within view of the capital of Skibereen.

"I'm not to sure on what kind of air defense we'll experience, or if they'll fire at us, so would you like us to set you down here, Field Marshal?" the pilot asked O'Connely. They were currently over an empty field in a suburbish area of the capital.

*****

Transmission to the Clan Smoke Jaguar 48th Airmobile Division

We will soon require escort and guard duties to supervise the 3 Gothenburg-Franc Corps near Odesa which recently surrendered, and we would greatly appreciate it if your division would be willing to assist in these duties. Many of our own forces are too busy resecuring the southwestern portion of the country and guarding the borders, so we would appreciate any assistance possible with the situation in Odesa. Please inform us ASAP if this is indeed possible.

Thank you deeply for your assistance to the protection of Ferrussia. Your bravery will not soon be forgotten.


Markov Lumchenski
Secretary of Defense

*Skibereen*
*Center Grand Division position*

Marshal DuPrey emerged from his battlefield command bunker to an eerie silence. His men warily watched the new Skibereens. While they were grateful to them for saving their encampment from being overrun, they were also in a state of extreme xenephobia and combat frenzy. DuPrey's orderly handed him the customary silver megaphone. "I am Marshal of Gothenburg-Franc Josquin DuPrey. I demand to know what is going on." To the officers around him DuPrey then spoke. "Men, hold your fire. But any sign of trickery, then shoot them down. I dont trust these savages." The men of the III Corps began to collect their wounded. A medic from the V Corps, observing the site of the Order breakthrough was horrified to see an unusual couple laying on the ground. A young Chassuer, only 18, lay dead. He was slashed to death by a young girl of the same age who also feel in combat, embracing him. She had the boy's bayonet in her stomach but their eyes were locked in death's stare.

*Rural Skibereen*
The Armoured Cavalry of Skibereen seemed un-needed as The Order forces were already receiving 'instructions' to surrender to the 'Band'.
The Goths of the III Corps watched as the Skibereen troops began to assimilate the men they had just been fighting into what appeared to be marching lines, they (it appeared) were not taking prisoners of these men but rather incorparating them into their ranks.

A single chopper flew over the Goth main camp and hovered there, a transmission was sent:
"This Capt. Ameir of the SAS, we request permission to land that I might address you of the situation as it stands currently."

The chopper held its position.

*Ferussian border*
*General Romanov's HQ*

Second Lt. Murat sipped his coffee and smiled. It wasn't a bad result for his first diplomatic effort. A note in his autobiography after he became Marshal perhaps. He laughed to himself. The other Lts. drank their coffee and socialized with Ferussian staffers. Murat turned to Romanov. He snapped of an ernest salute and with genuine gratitude said, "General Romanov, thank you for your hospitality sir. We appreciate all that you and your men have done. I thank you........Gothenburg-Franc thanks you for the kind treatment of its officers. I wil mention you when we return home sir. After the surrender and all."

*Center Grand Division Camp*

"For God's sake Marshal DuPrey! They are forming up to attack us with that rabble!" Marshal Gabrielle of the V was in a near panic. "Fire on them!"

"Wait! One moment, they want to explain. Let them land!" General Frossard of Center Grand Division Air Command shouted.

"Let them land," consented DuPrey.

The men of the V were quite shocked however when they saw the assimilation of men into the ranks of the new Skibs. "They are going to kill us all!" screamed a young Major. Chasseurs fired into the Skibs, Line troops ran, and all order turned rapidly into chaos. Only III Corps troops dug in were unaffected by the panic. "Stop this madness boys," shouted General Bazaine of the V. "Now they actually might shoot us down."

*Rural Skibereen*
-In The Chopper-
"Predictable, unfortunate, but predictable."
A man dressed in the solid black BDU's of the Red Hand spoke into his com to the pilot.
"I cant say I wouldnt shoot in this instance myself."
Replied the pilot.
The man in the black BDU's smiled, breifly.
"Thats why it is not your job to decide."
"Give me radio communication"
"Aye"
"This is Capt.Ameir, I require the Man O War, for a show of force.

Moments Later-
As fire was intermitantly coming from the stunned Goth troops.
A booming voice over loud speakers blared
"Cease fire! Cease fire! This is the Command vessel of the SAS.
We are here to releave and re-supply the Joint Goth-Skib forces.
Cease fire, now!"
With that, search lights and running lights lite up on the monolith in the sky.
The description used by Sean of a blimp to describe the Man O war was hardly appropriate.
A vessel far larger then a naval destroyer hung in the air.
Black and Green, with the steel of its guns glimmering in the night.
From the sides of the ship,
12 21-pound cannons
12 18-pound cannons
24 12-pound cannons
30 120mm AA cannons
Fired a volley into the empty forest, devastating acres in a flash.
The voice from the loud speakers came back on.
"Cease fire or the next time, you will never here the report of our guns."
It now became evident to on lookers that aircraft were landing on the main deck of the vessel in the air.
The Order troops, did not bother returning fore o nthe Goths, rather they moved more quickly to fall into the lines that the Red Hand advisors were movin them to, some stood staring at this jagged monstousity hanging in the air like a nightmare, faintly sails were visible, it look like a ship.
The running lights and search lights snapped off, as they were a cloud began to form as if by its own volition.

"Thank you, Man O War."
"I hope that helps, we need those guys down there." came the reply.

Transmission to the Clan Smoke Jaguar 48th Airmobile Division

We will soon require escort and guard duties to supervise the 3 Gothenburg-Franc Corps near Odesa which recently surrendered, and we would greatly appreciate it if your division would be willing to assist in these duties. Many of our own forces are too busy resecuring the southwestern portion of the country and guarding the borders, so we would appreciate any assistance possible with the situation in Odesa. Please inform us ASAP if this is indeed possible.

Thank you deeply for your assistance to the protection of Ferrussia. Your bravery will not soon be forgotten.


Markov Lumchenski
Secretary of Defense
Transmission to Ferrussian Defense Secretary
We would indeed be honored to assist you in this endeavor, though we sincerely hope that guarding is all that will have to be done. We can have a full airmobile brigade combat team in place within 6 hours, with the rest of the division deploying within another 8. We hope this will meet with your needs.

Major General Hideyori Nashigata,
Commander, 48th Airmobile Division (The Golden Talons)

*Odessa City Hall*

Marshal Valliant smiled blithley at General Yevalin. "As you know, we were being supplied by the nation of Fyreheart. Now that Fyreheart is no longer functioning as a nation, we are are on our own. We have had to....provide for ourselves.....for the last few days. But now confined to the camps, we are already running out of staples. We also have some wounded soldiers although our army is still intact and in full streangth. The Copiosians are currently treating the wounded. I have no idea what you want to do about our current situation. Although, our men are getting very, very restless. " Marshal Valliant stood. With a grand sweeping gesture he began. "Our government is sending the Toulon Fleet to pick up our men, the will behere in two weeks. I suggest you let us go. The fleet is already steaming to your waters. Contact them. We can do this all very quietly. I think you will all see my point." The Marsahl's eyes became daggers. "There is no need to detain our men further. The war is over. Soon we can all go home."

Odesa, Ferrussia

Mr. Yamir was indignant.

"Your position is understandable," he said, "but for heaven's sake, just stay for the freakin' trials! You just marched through a few hundred miles of Ferrussian countryside, at least give us the chance to examine your actions! It's only the officers, the rest of the men can go home, you know."

Yevalin shot another cold look at Mr. Yamir. For the Secretary of Foreign Affairs' aide, he wasn't being very diplomatic.

"I believe what Mr. Yamir is trying to say," said Yevalin, "is that we would appreciate if you could have some of your officers stay and represent the actions that you took. It should be relatively quick and painless, and you'll be home in a few short weeks. The people of this nation, however, would not stand for letting you leave without a single chance to review your actions. Unless you want us to detain your entire army for the duration of the trials, I would suggest you simply allow us to keep a few of your main commanding officers to get the trials over with. As an officer yourself, I'm sure you take responsiblity for the actions of your men as any other good officer, and it would be far easier if a few others from command positions could stay rather than the entire army.

"But to the original matter, I think we can arrange to supply your men. We'll do our best to meet your needs, so long as you remain tranquil and cooperative."

Maj. General Yevalin quietly awaited a response on the officer issue - it was clear now that this would be another major topic.

*Skibereen*
*Center Grannd Division*

Young men tore past Marshal DuPrey's Headquarters. Screaming. Some turning to reform. Others fired sporadically. Artillery thundered. More guns limbered up and sped away. Cursing, DuPrey stamped about the enlisted men, pulling some into order. Then came the tremendous blast. And the ship, the massive ship, hovering in the sky. An eerie calm befell the men where seconds before there was panic. A hatless,red-faced DuPrey pulled his collar up into some semblance of order. "Well, let us reform gentlemen. Let the ingrates land and explain themselves." The massed ranks slowly pulled themselves into a parade ground formation. An explanation was required. Marshal Gabrielle was unfortunatley one of the last casualties. Medics clustered around him trying to staunch the blood from his chest. He was a strong man would probably pull throught thought DuPrey. But the some 30,000 III, V, and IX Corps casualties wouldn't.

*Odesa City Hall*

"Our men will never stand for abandoning thier own officers to the enemy for subsequent trial and then summary execution. To be frank, what happens in war is war. There are no other paralells. You have no reson to try any of us in high command. The Army of Gothenburg-Franc needs officers. We are practically giving you the easiest option. Let us leave your country and never come back! It cannot get easier for you." Marshal Valliant's voice had a slight edge to it. And he began to grow wary.

*Over Skibereen*
Marshall Odonnelly.
"Yes, sir, I do believe that the best course of action would be for me to make less then a grand entrance. I walked into Ferrussia, a few miles across town, to look around, seems more then appropriate.
Let it be known, to those who matter, that we, the Skib military, and President Boru only took the side of the ICON nation, because the soon to be disbanded senate ordered so. Your care in these matters has been, respectable."

*Over Skibereen*
President Boru
"Nice of you all to finally arrive.......
In matters where men would avoid blame, one must always accept it, or be blind sided by the consequences of his own inaction."

*Over Skibereen*
"Sir, it appears that did the trick...we have permission to land."

The chopper landed.
The Red Hand officer stepped from the chopper, this caused almost as many stares as the Man O War,
He was tall, in black BDUs, his shaven head glistened with sweat, and the matter that gathered so manys attention was the fact that the man was black as night, deep nubian black. He was well muscled, and armed with a holstered side arm, and knife as long as carbine.
He stepped from the chopper and surveyed the Goth camp, with a huaghty nature which could only be fully appreciated by the Goths themselves. He was to the Goth regulars an obvious officer, he moved like one held his head like one, and looked at individual soldiers with that look that was a cross between examining your next meal and deciding what tool you were going to use on your next project.

*Center Grand Division*

Marshal DuPrey observed the haughty officer with all of the arrogance in his aristocratic blood. He was a true battlefield commander, red-faced his greying black hair wildly swept off his face. From his hatchet like nose to his thin upright body, DuPrey let everyone know that he was the master of this circus. And he was not happy at all with the way the new comer stole the spotlight.

Flanked by elite armoured Cuirassiers DuPrey stode towards the man, hands behind his back. "I am Field Marshal Josquin Alain DuPrey, Compte de Reims. I command the Center Grand Division of Gothenburg-Franc. And I require an explanation for all this mess." The massed enlisted ranks watched the entire spectacle with their faces grimly set.

City Hall, Odesa

Yevalin was about to argue, when it clicked. This behaviour wasn't right. Valliant was hiding something. What, he could not tell, but nothing would be accomplished with this on the table.

"Marshal, you have little reason to fear execution, but I believe we should put this issue to rest for now. Let's discuss more productive terms. So, Ferrussia can supp-"

Yevalin was cut off by a serious-looking Greyuchev. "Sir, I think you should see this."

After a quick exchange of looks, Yevalin could see this was important. "If you'll excuse me for just a moment," he said to Valliant.

Yevalin followed Greyuchev into another room, where the young officer had been watching a dedicated news channel. The ticker on the bottom only echoed the dramatic words of the news anchor:

"...confirmed only a few minutes ago. If you're just joining us, we now have confirmed reports of rampant killings in the southwestern area of the nation, as Gothenburg-Francs traveled through the countryside only to surrender outside of Odesa. My... we've just recieved a report... oh my G**, oh my G**... this is..." the female anchor struggled to maintain composure. "There have been 2,300 confirmed civilian casualties. Three towns have been confirmed as completely slaughtered... women, children, my G**, what have they done?"

Yevalin turned from the television, no longer able to watch. He looked to Greyuchev.

"Your wife..."

"I'm sure she's fine," he responded, but Yevalin sensed he was only saying this because he could not bear to think otherwise.

"Write her," said Yevalin. "I don't think they have phone lines back up, but write her."

"I will," said Greyuchev morosely. "I... excuse me, sir."

Yevalin closed his eyes as Greyuchev left the room, and tried to block out the sound of the traumatized anchor who had just informed a nation of their loss, continuing to report the dreadful price of the war that never was.

*****

One week later

The negotiations had continued on as they worked out the specifics and less important attributes of the surrender. Yevalin and Greyuchev did not mention the news reports - it would have ended quite negatively, but Greyuchev looked at Valliant with even more spite and hatred than before. It seemed that finally there was nothing left to discuss but the detention of the officers.

Yevalin brought it up rather awkwardly. The negotiations, though for the most part sucessful, had been like pulling teeth, and there was a strained atmosphere to the whole thing already. Knowing that Valliant had everything to lose with this next issue did not make things any easier.

"Well, it appears that all which remains to be discussed, is, well..."

"The detention of officers, I believe," said Mr. Yamir.

"Thank you, Mr. Yamir," said Yevalin with a touch of sarcasm. "We can pick that up tomorrow morning, so collect your thoughts on the matter and we will work it out after some sleep."

He excused himself from the table and found Greyuchev in his quarters.

"Good ni-" he began, but Greyuchev paid no heed. His eyes were fixed in horror on the tri-folded piece of paper before him.

"What is it?" asked Yevalin. "Is it your wife? Is she okay?"

"Yes," Greyuchev said, looking finally up to Yevalin. "She is okay."

There was a fire in his eyes, a rage that could not be expressed in words. It startled Yevalin, and he nearly jumped with the power of it.

"What's wro-"

"She was raped," he said in a hateful sputter. "By our good friend Marshal Valliant."

The sarcasm dripped from his voice, and his eyes flashed with greater rage than before at the sound of Valliant's name from his lips. He jumped up and charged towards Yevalin.

"I'LL KILL HIM!" he cried. "I'LL KILL THE ARROGANT B****** WITH MY G**D*** BARE HANDS!!!" He struggled against Yevalin, clawing towards the door. "LET ME AT HIM!!!"

His fury turned to tears so quickly that Yevalin didn't know how to react. Greyuchev collapsed in Yevalin's arms.

"She didn't deserve it," he lamented through the tears. "She didn't... she should not have to go through that, and the children..."

"I know," said Yevalin. "I know. None of it's fair. It's never fair. It'll be okay."

Yevalin looked out the window on the cold city. Snow was drifting peacefully down, and the reality of the war, the negotiations, all this futile crap seemed to drift away with it.

"It'll be okay."

Emirate News Network

Story Excerpts

"...As the main Drakonian offensive against the remnants of Hurst Loyalists in Fyreheart, the grisley discovery of several Mass Graves were made. This only strengthened the Drakonian resolve and shortly thereafter the 1st Expeditionary Legion dispatch units to capture a Loyalist Detention Center where the victims of the atrocity were thought to have originated...."

"...Drakonian forces suspect that the facility mainly houses political prisoners arrested during Hurst's tyrany...."

"...Mainline armor elements of the 13th Armored Legion were spotted moving west along the coast, from the main landing area for the Drakonian forces at the mouth of the River of Fyre. Although, no official statement has been made by the commander of either the 13th Armored Legion or the Drakonian forces in Fyreheart, it is likely their target is the coastal city of Fairport Harbor...."

"...Despite tension no neither Ardan or Emirate forces have fired on each other and remain at what some have termed a 'Cease Fire', although Drakonian official still venemetly claim that they are not the enemy of Arda or Melkor and still remain at peace with those powers...."

"...The situation is tense and while at any moment the conflict may erupt into full-scale war, the possibility of a peaceful resolution remains, as both sides wait for the other to make the first shot...."

Full Story (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109656) / Latest Developments (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2652938#2652938)

*Odesa City Hall*

Ever since that day a week ago, Marshal Valliant had detected a slight change in the preseance of the Ferussian officers. They were more reserved, sombre. Yet their eyes would often flash at him with suspiscion and anger. Contact with Army Headquarters revealed why. From obatining Ferussian news papers, Army command knew that the Ferussians had finally found out about the massacreing of their civillian populace. From then on, Valliant knew his cards were played. So therefore, all throughout the negotiations he arrogantly argued every minor point. He became the very epitome of the aristocrat he was. Finally a formal surrender was negotiated, with only the one major point of officer detentions remaining. Valliant knew he was in for a battle. So he deftly bided his time and beligerantly conceded point for point. With a sweep of his long light brown hair and a glance from his hard grey eyes, Valliant acknowleged that he would fight over the remaining point.

But nights were a different story

Valliant closed his eyes and thought about what had occured on that nightmare march. It was so much fun when they were aboard Fyreheartian transports and had been told of an easy victory. And then they landed. The weather was bitterly cold. Then the shooting started. Those crazy Skibereen civillians. It was terrible. The march into Ferussia was a nightmare. Forward patrols were ambushed. Grenades were thrown into the column. Any man who wandered away was butchered. The enlisted men began to retaliate. Skibereen men, women, and even children were slaughtered. But they fought back tooth and nail. The soldiers of Gothenburg-Franc were not used to this. They began to get consumed with rage. Rage at the hopless indiferrence of ICON and rage at the civillians of their Allies for God's sake who were shooting at them! When the men crossed into Ferussia, they had been expecting the same treatment. Valliant himself accompanied Brigadier General Alexis Faure's VIII Corps brigade into the first Ferussian town they came across. By now the ICON supplies had been dwindleing. When the Chassuers and troops of Faure began to seize the town's crops, a man had run out of a farmhous and shot a Major. The men went beserk. Fixing bayonets they broke into houses. The screams were terible. So terrible to hear. The men drug the startled Ferussian out of their houses. And then the bayonetted them. They went crazy. Someone threw a torch into a house. Valliant rode into the slaughter. He remebered the searing heat of the flame. Marshal Valliant still cried at the memories. Indeed he was crying now. In his memory, Valliant continued to go back to that day. Riding through the soldiers he screamed at them to stop. Ordered them. Cursed them. Yet the slaughter continued. The men panicked. Valliant knew they would never kill citizens this way. But they had suffered so much. Valliant dismounted and stood in from of one Ferussian family. A beautiful woman. She had three small children with her. Apparently she had come into town for shopping that day. Valliant protected her. Eventually the soldiers stopped their killing. Faure pulled them into order and they burned eveything to cover up. Valliant turned to the woman. She was so beautiful. He mouthed the words, I'm sorry. He took her by the hand and led her away from the slaughter. Valliant felt so ashamed for what he did then. No one in Army Headquartes asked him were he was when returned three day later. He had not neede to explain his actions to them. But he had slept with this woman whom he saved. Valliant didn;t know if he was a saint or a sinner. The Army continued in its quest for vengance. Depending on the commander or the situation, enitre Ferussian towns had been obliterated. Army Logistics estimated civillian casualties at 10,000. VI Corps Divisional Commander General Eugene Loision was known as the Butcher for his personal acts of atrocity. Quite frankly Valliant was sickened. But he played his part. He knew the game. And he knew that as Chief of Staff, the Army would rely on him to cover up everything possible.

City Hall, Odesa

The next morning, Yevalin awoke according to his routine: 5:15 on the dot. He grimaced as he realized what he would have to do today, and wondered whether Greyuchev would be able to stand the sight of that man.

As he went through his morning routine, he could not get the horrible events off his mind. The confirmed death toll had risen to 7,300 over the past week, and the entire nation was grieving the atrocities that had occurred. Nothing would satisify the people now except war trials, and that was the one thing the Gothenburg-Francs would never agree to.

Yevalin told Greyuchev to stay in another room for the negotiations, which he finally agreed to after being persuaded to withold his desire to crush Vallint's head with any object avaliable. And Yevalin set off to conduct the negotiations.

*****

Greyuchev read a book for a few hours, but he found himself unable to concentrate. His mind kept wandering to that... monster in the other room. Finally, he decided to use a trip to the bathroom as his excuse to himself to walk down the hallway the room negotiations were in opened up to. He only wanted to get a peek of him... the hideous monster who had assaulted his family on a very personal level. With his face fresh in mind, he would be more fully able to imagine the freak's head exploding from a shot with his sidearm, or a baseball bat in his hand.

As he walked by, he found himself able to control his anger. In fact, he almost made it past the door when he heard the Monster - that was his new name, he had decided - utter a single phrase.

"Your nation," he said to Yevalin, his kind and respectful commander, "is apparently full of cowards and whores who think they can order us around."

So close. He had almost made it past the door. But the Monster had to provoke him, didn't he? Well, he had provoked the wrong man. There was heck to pay.

Greyuchev fan into the room at full tilt. Nothing else mattered now. The shocked and knowing face of Yevalin was paid no heed by Greyuchev - only the face of a now very suprised Marshal Valliant occupied his thoughts. That face, and what he would do to it...

Greyuchev hardly even noticed he was screaming. He almost felt he was listening to himself from a distance as he cried, "YOU ARROGANT G**D*** B******!! YOU SHUT THE F*** UP AND DIE, F*****!!"

He threw himself onto Valliant, knocking the chair to pieces and landing atop the stunned Marshal. His fists came down quick and hard, pounding that face with one, two, three blows... more and more. He could not stop himself, even if he wanted to.

It felt like a slow-motion movie. Arms came down and grabbed his while he was readying for another round of blows. His screaming had changed, he found himself bellowing, "WHY!? WHY ME!? WHY MY FAMILY!?" The hands were pulling him off, off of the Monster before him. Not yet, he thought. I'm not done yet. Can't you see?

He found himself standing before Valliant, pulling the men behind him with all his strength to try and land just one more blow, one more bruise on that Monster's hideous face. Why were they holding him back? Didn't they know what the Monster had done?

He could not move his arms, they were held by so many hands, and he pushed his torso at the Monster. Maybe he could bite him.

And then he realized where he was; what he was doing. He still wanted to hurt the Monster so bad. But now he remembered. The others still held him back, but he began to loosen. His arms hurt, everything hurt.

But he had hurt the Monster.

*City Hall Odessa*

All day it had been a constant argument. And Marshal Valliant had just reached his boiling point. The Ferussians kept digging and digging for more information, more excuses to detain the high command. Valliant went on a tirade against the unfairness of the Ferussian Government. When that damned foreign minister opened up his mouth again, Valliant shut him down with a cutting remark.

Through the door burst a blur, that unusual officer. And he was screaming. Valliant realized at the last second that he was screaming at him. And then the man was upon him. A flurry of fists. The man screaming, crying. Valliant fought back the best he could, but the Marshal was fighting a man possessed.

Ferussians pulled Greyuchev off of Valliant and Valliant noticed the Yevalin was one of the ones holding the enraged officer back. In all of the excitement, adrenaline, pain, fury, horror, and depravation Valliant was besiged by emotional as well as physical turmoil. It wasn't his fault was it? As he pushed himself to his feet, the deep cut on his left cheek leaking blood, the Marshal looked the insane man right in the eyes. A memory almost knocked Valliant off his feet a second time. A photograph, on the mantle. In the Ferussian woman's living room. A smiling officer with his family. Greyuchev. Vallaint staggered. His lips swelled and his eyes were turning puce but he couldnt feel them. All he saw was the photograph. "She was your wife, She was your wife............I.......I am so so sorry.............What have I done......she was your wife......." Valliant sunk to his knees. He ran his once white now crimson gloved hand over his face. "It wasnt my fault...........She was your wife." The Marshal became aware of all eyes on him. Slowly the hardness came back to his cold grey eyes, which had unusally grown wide warm and watery. "General Yevalin, I must protest this indignation. I suggest you conclude negotiations now, with favorable result. Or my government will hear of this." Once again, he was forced to play the puppet.

City Hall, Odesa

Yevalin watched in amazement as Marshal Valliant collapsed before Greyuchev. Greyuchev himself nearly exploded again, wrestling against the three guards who now held his arms and shoulders back.

"SORRY!?" he shouted at the near-crying Valliant. "I'LL SHOW YOU SO-"

"ENOUGH!" yelled Yevalin over the pleading Valliant and Greyuchev's rebuke. Valliant regained his composure and muttered something about 'indignation'.

"Marshal Valliant," said Yevalin, "shut up. Lt. Colonel! That was inexcusable. Escort him to his quarters, and I'll be expecting a full report on this tonight. You hear me?"

Greyuchev protested. "But si-"

"DO YOU HEAR ME?"

"Yessir," said Greyuchev, and the guards escorted him out of the room.

"Marshal Valliant, we know all about what you've done, and I'll have no more of your arrogant b***s***. You've got your surrender - you're surrendering to US. Now get the h*** out of my city."

Yevalin walked over to the table and leaned against it, his back to the door as Valliant and his assitants shuffled out.

"That was... interesting," said Mr. Yamir, a slightly bemused expression on his face.

"Go shove it, Mr. Yamir," said Yevalin. "You're dismissed."

Yamir scurried out, leaving Yevalin alone with his thoughts. It had been all he could do to keep from joining Greyuchev...

*Skibereen Goth Camp*
The nubian officer saluted Marshal DuPrey , snapped to attention then came to ease.
"Marshal DuPrey, I apologize for your situation. However the bulk of the Skibereen military has not been in Skibereen up until a few hours ago."
He explained the situation with the Romanian government.

"Our capital has siezed in a quite coup'. We can re-take it with little to know resistance with a display of ovew whelming force, you and your men help create the 'over whelming force'.
Now of course you certainly decline, but a few points of interest before you decide.
It is a crime in this country to be unarmed, we have found this to be a tremdous deterrant to most crime in the conventional sense.

We have no way of guaranteeing the air defense grid will be down, or up when your transports arrive to take you home.

It is likely that foreign aircraft will be automatically fired on by 'civilians', with out proper Skib presence.
These thing are of course only a minor irratation to your forces, and we really have no trouble leaving you and your men to wait for rescue, I mean pick up, here, alone.

With your permission, I will have fresh water and fresh food, not MRE, brought to the camp for your men."

Near the Skibereen Captial

(OOC: New Dublin, right?)

The chopper set down quickly and quietly in the grassy meadow. They were only a few miles out from the city, but the pilot dared not get closer.

The Lt. General tapped O'Connely's shoulder as he prepared to step off the helicopter.

"Good luck," he said. "We're doing everything we can."

*****

The chopper with President Boru was headed back for the border, and would soon be landing in the same military bunker which had just hours before been host to Field Marshal O'Connely. The helicopter glided silently over the black expanse below, and it was hoped that this headache of a war would soon be at an official end. What was to be done with President Boru was yet to be seen.

*Skibereen just outside New Dublin*
Marshal ODonelley
"uh, almost forgot. When I came into Ferrussia I came unarmed, I would prefer to NOT come back to Skibereen the same way, might one of you gentlemen have a pistol, I could pilfer?"

*Over the Ferrusian/Skibereen border*

President Boru considered many things as the chopper slipped through th air.
Hoping that the 'GoalTender' forces would be able to re-take ND from Aileen.
Hoping that war wasnt prevoked betweeen Gothenberg and SKibereen by some un-forseen calamity.
And hoping that no one but ODonnelly and the Few most trusted members of RedHand did know about the 'PrX' program. He and his some of his close compatriots had started it after the purchase of the nukes.
Realizing that another detterant would be needed. Now, hidden away, were weapons that would make most wish the nukes had went off.
God help us if she gets a hold of them.

Near New Dublin

The general took off the small strap holding his sidearm in its holster, and handed it to ODonnely.

"Try not to lose it," he said, grinning. "It's a good pistol."

With that, the helicopter took of quietly and skimmed across the blanket of trees back towards Ferrussia.

*Gothenburg-Franc Headquarters*
*Outside Odessa*

Marshal Valliant iced his battered cheek and thought deeply about the disturbing events of yesterday. Before he had stormed out of the Odessa City Hall, he had screamed to the equally irate Yevalin, "You think my nation will stand for this? You will pay in blood!" He shuddered to think of what those words could mean.

Now at Headquarters, he presented Marahal d'Angely with the surrender terms. d'Angely, Valliant knew actually had little to fear. He wasn't even preseant in Ferussia until the Army de Expedition had reached Odessa. Nor was the Imperial Gaurd commander, Marshal Achille Delort. But both of those gentlemen were most concerned with what was going to happen to the Army. And rightfully so thought Valliant. The Army would be nothing without its officer corps. An entire new generation of officers might have to be raised. Also there was the personal level to think about. No one wanted to see their friends on trial for war crimes.

Valliant nervously licked his lips and read the surrender terms. "But what of us?" asked Marshal Bourbaki impatiently. "You said nothing about what the Ferussians are going to do about our actions!"

"That's because the negotians ended with me like this!" snapped Valliant.

"Well, if you wouldn't have decided to have a nice little rendezvous with that Ferussian whore, than maybe her enraged husband wouldn't have smashed your face in," taunted Bourbaki.

"Gentlemen, enough!" Marshal d'Angely ordered. "We need a plan. The officer corps must be preserved. I know we all have been neglecting the enlisted men to save ourselves. And yes, I am ashamed for it. But the fleet will be coming to retrieve them soon. And from what Marshal Valliant has said, the Ferussians don't care about them anyway. I suggest that tonight we flee. We leave in disguise for the Skibereen border. The Imperial Gaurd will escort us partially. There we seek to join Marshal DuPrey's column."

"This is so dishonorable! It violates all of our tradition," Marshal Pajol was furious.

"Yes, sadly it does. But these extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. We leave tonight!"

The Marshals and senior divisional commanders had all gathered in the command bunker, preparing to leave. Surrounding the bunker was the elite Imperial Gaurd. Hopes were high, the plan was going to work. The "Butcher" Loision was quite happy. He smiled cruelly as he remembered his last "foraging" party. In his mind, these people got what they deserved for opposing the Dominion. The attitude in high command was excited, they prepared to embark. The jeeps were loaded, and then the shooting started.....

*Gothenburg-Franc encampment*

His men had not eaten anything for two weeks. Major Donatien Jesaice knew there was nothing he could do. This war had turned into a nightmare. The men were subjected to a horrific landing in Skibereen, a brutal march through Ferussia. And now they were here. With their beloved Marshals who only looked after themselves.

While they ate good food and slept on comfortable warm beds, Jesaice shared the hardships with his men. Close to 6,000 Gothenburg-Franc enlisted men had died from either exposure or malnutrition. Their supply was cut off, the Marshals refused to do anything other than worry about themselves. Jesaice tried to protest. He tried to allieviate the Army de Expedition's suffering. But at every attempt the Marshal's ignored him and the others who shared his views. Slowly, the men began to rage. They began to form into secret societies and called themselves the Jacquerie. All Jacquerie units began to tie yellow armbands to their uniforms.

This rebellion from the ranks finally flared its ugly head when the Marshal's tried to abandon them to starve. The Jacquerie had hidden weapons, and plans. Now in huge unwieldly columns they advanced menacingly on Army Headquarters, desperate to allieviate their suffering. The Marshal's were not going to leave.

At first it was a standoff. Then the hungry crowd pressed its advance close. The Chasseurs of the Gaurd, fired into the mob. Artillery belched. The Jacquerie returned fire. They proceeded to rush the Imperial Gaurd units. Marshal Delort tried depseratley to keep order. The Imperial Gaurd characteristically stood its ground and proceeded to customarily destroy the rebellious units. All over the Gothenburg-Franc camp it was hell and chaos. The now "General" Jesaice stood at the parade ground screaming socialist propoganda and calling on all loyalist units to cease-fire. The Jaquerie was locked into vicious combat with loyalist units all over camp. Brother fought brother. Buildings went up in flame. ICON was now officially dead.

*Center Grand Division*

"Very well, we will help you to take back back your capitol," sneered DuPrey. "But I expect to be in commad of all surving Gothenburg-Franc forces. And, I want to be given free reign."

"Now either accept my terms or you can leave us. Tell me, has that fool Marshal Montroux survived with his Skibereen escorts?"


*Right Grand Division*

The entire three Corps were united again as Marshal de Thiers finally linked back up with Montroux's men. Both were extremely grateful to see one another. This put Montroux's force at 300,000 effectives. Montroux himself was busy cooperating with the Skibereen officers, seeing to his casualtes and going over plans for the ivasion f the skbereen capitol.

City Hall, Odesa

Yevalin was just packing up his belongings to return to his command tent when he heard the roar of artillery outside. He listened to make sure he wasn't just hearing things - now he heard small arms fire in accompaniment. From the sound of it, it was coming from...

"Oh my gosh..." he said aloud. It was the Gothenburg-Franc encampment.

Immediately fearing the worst, he rushed down the stairs and the front doors of the City Hall. A runner caught him on the way, though.

"Sir! The Gothenburg-Francs..."

"What is it, son?" he asked urgently.

"They're... they're killing themselves!"

Yevalin was part stunned, part confused for a second. Then it hit him.

"The supplies... thank you," he glanced at the soldiers uniform, "private. You have been very helpful."

Yevalin ran out the doors and jumped into his Humvee. Greyuchev ran out, drawn too by the booming artillery and small arms fire echoing in the distance.

"Lt. Colonel, get in!" Yevalin yelled out the passenger window. Greyuchev saw his commander, and hopped in the passenger side of the Humvee.

"Yes, sir," he said with a grin. Then he turned again to the sound of the fire. "What's going on, sir?"

"The Francs are revolting," he said. "My guess is their men are starving, bitter, and," he glanced at the snow on the roads, "cold."

Greyuchev absorbed this with a look of understanding. Meanwhile, Yevalin gassed it over to FLOCOM (Ferrussian LOcal COMmand/COMmunications), slowing only to turn on the slick roads.

The drive took a mere 3 minutes, but Yevalin felt like it was an eternity, and knowing the Gothenburg-Franc methods of warfare, a battle could rack up casualties in no time. A strategy began to form in his mind, and the means to several ends came together.

Perhaps they could use this to their advantage.

Pulling up to the FLOCOM compound, Yevalin ran inside. Greyuchev followed closely after. Radio operators were recieving transmissions from the Ferrussian troops en route to the encampment - they were going to oversee the encampment as per the terms of the surrender. They were nearly there when the whole camp burst into fighting, and they couldn't make heads or tails of it.

Yevalin quickly barked some orders, and got his strategy in motion as he put it together on the fly.

"Tell all the armored brigades to form up and prepare to drive straight into the Gothenburg-Franc encampment," he said. "Pull back the group on its way, and send a few scout teams to check out the area and who's where. Prepare all the air support we can muster by the time we're ready, and call the 6th Airmobile and tell them to get their loudspeaker helis over here ASAP. I need everything ready to go five minutes ago, got it?"

"Yessir," came several replies from around the room. Radio operators got to work, and a few were sent on foot to take some pressure off the operators. Greyuchev dismissed himself to tend to his batallion.

"Brigade commanders are getting ready as we speak, the armored elements should be ready to move out within 20 minutes. The 6th can have their choppers to us in half an hour, and the AFB thinks they can get the whole wing of AH-1Zs up by then.

"Very well," said Yevalin. "Tell the choppers they better get here in 25."

"Yes, sir," came the reply.

In the distance, artillery echoed across the city. "And tell the AFB to get a squadron over to take out that artillery - I don't want any of those shells blowing up my men."

The plan was a hasty one, but if it worked out alright...

Yevalin grinned inwardly. This coud just be a blessing in disguise.

*****

Near the Gothenburg-Franc encampment
23 minutes later

Nearly 300 Iron Cheetah Mk. 2 Main Battle Tanks streamed down the narrow road to the Gothenburg-Franc encampment, 2 tanks across, 145 deep. Intermixed were some Mist Lynx IFVs, and bringing up the rear were the handful of inferior M1A2s of the division - their weaker armor, it was feared, would not withstand HEAT missiles.

It was by no means standard procedure to lump all the armored units together like this, but it was hoped that the imposing column of tanks would be recognized as a force to be dealt with by the Gothenburg-Franc troops, who were used to seeing large columns.

The AH-1Z UltraCobras approached slightly behind the column, ready to swoop forward and make their presence felt - 60 sleek attack helicopters with multiple missiles and chain guns borne on the sides tended to be rather imposing. The other squadron of 12 was on their way back to the AFB after a lighting-fast attack on the artillery batteries.

Finally, the encampment came into view from the lead tank, and what they saw was utterly astounding. Literally thousands of men, gripped in combat, and hardly any distinction between them aside from yellow cloth tied to the arms of some. The tank formation began to widen in the open space the encampment resided in; every other pair of tanks split and accellerated to flank the pair in front of them, thus making the column 4 tanks wide - quite an impressive sight. The tanks continued to stream out of the tree-flanked road, switching to 4 tanks wide as soon as they broke into the meadow.

Overhead, the attack helicopters began to come out across the trees, as well. Flying rather high to avoid small arms fire, they began to strafe along the approximate division of sides - the rebels seemed to have secured most of the eastern side of camp, and the loyalists were being driven into the western side of the camp. The choppers strafed along this line, flying further north into the camp, but oreinted down and on a west-east axis. The maneuver took considerable skill, and the choppers were sure to stay far enough away from each other to avoid hitting tail rotors or slashing the chopper next to them.

Finally, the two loudspeaker helicopters came into view. Flying in the middle of the attack helicopters to avoid being lone targets, they blared a message which was also transmitted across all radio frequencies by a nearby EC-130E Command Solo plane.

All Gothenburg-Franc soldiers, rebel or otherwise, STAND DOWN IMMEDIATELY. Cease fire or we WILL open fire indiscriminantly. We have the area surrounded. Do not attempt retreat. You will be allowed to return home soon, and we have food for you. Repeat, ALL Gothenburg-Franc soldiers, cease fire NOW.

This message repeated over and over as the loudspeakers blared over the din of combat. The impressive tank column had made its way to the approximate boundary between the sides, and fired their main 140mm gun over the heads of particularly restless pockets of fighting, deafening anyone nearby. The men in the tanks did not have to tell men to move - the massive roar of their engines and the telltale sound of treads moving across the open ground spoke volumes. Slowly but surely, the Ferrussians formed a wall between the sides with the tank column as it crept continually north.

Meanwhile, a group of about 15 IFVs ripped out of the forest from the east and double-timed it to the area the scouts had reported as the Marshals' current position. They had not been able to move since the scouts' last report, and the IFVs surrounded the area where the Marshals were, yelling for everyone to get down and occasionally firing the IFV's 30mm Bushmaster over their heads to punctuate the point.

The tank column fully off the road, command Humvees began to filter out into the secured areas, guarded by .50 cal Humvees. One of these carried Maj. General Yevalin, and one of the tank commanders radioed that someone had confirmed Yevalin's suspicions - the rebels had a leader. The man, said the commander over the radio, would like to lead them to that leader.

Yevalin hesitated only a moment, then ordered 3 nearby .50 cal mounted Humvees to lead his Humvee to the area. With any luck, the man wasn't bluffing, and he would be able to talk to the rebel leader.

*Skibereen DuPrey's camp*
The nubian gave a slight smile.
"Then it is settled, we will leave you to your own devices. While Montroux leads his intact forces with ours. It was settled by commanders already that Montroux's superior tactical ability was required to lead you Goths inside our borders as it seems other commaders demonstrated some ineptitude when dealing with the small matter of, uhhum of movement. Enjoy your stay."
With that the nubian officer began striding back to the waiting chopper.

*Skibereen Sean and Montroux*
The arrival of the RedHand had also brought food, and with the Order being forced to fall into rank, it also brought whiskey.
The decision was made to wait to see if DuPrey would re-group with them, or shake the dice out here, so the men were free at least for a few hours. And the BlackEyes made no stalling when it came to eating and drinking, and drinking, and drinking.
Sean "They will be fighting soon, I hope your boys have figured not to take anything too damned personal here Montroux." With that sean laughed and waved his hand in the direction of a group of Skibs attempting to tempt some nearby Goths to partake of a bottle they were passing.

*New Dublin*
ODonnelly observed the check points, the lack of civilian presence on the streets. The tell tale signs were all around him that Aileen had moved on the capitol.
I am going to have to kill her.

*Skibereen, Sean and Montroux*

"No, I don't think they have," laughed Montroux. "Despite the knocking we gave one another." Both men watched in amusement as a young Goth-Franc soldier took a swig from the mystery bottle. He quickly grew red in the face and coughed loudly. The Skibereen's of course laughed mightily. Other Goth-Francs cautiously took smaller samples. They too shared their beverages with the Skibs. The rich red wines of Gothenburg-Franc seemed to have an equally distasteful and humerous effect on the Skibs. As the new dawn rose it was a fine day, more like a picnic. The Right Grand Division was now fully integrated with the Black Eyes, and was quickly becoming friendly with the Red Hand. Even hardened campaigners began to shake the hands of Order troops. All were jovial, all were in cooperation. The promise of home animated the Goth-Franc soldiers. Even the officers left their customary arrogance behind. Most who had been in the fight, had made friends amoung the Black Eyes. Brigadier General Barras himself was trying to teach Skibereen's the Gothenburg-Franc game of football (soccer). Montroux merrily turned to Sean. "I want you to have this. It is the Cross de Gurre, our highest military award for bravery. You have shown that in trusting me, as I hopefuly have earned your trust. We are both reformers you and I. We have shown them all, that men can cross the barrier of culture. I hope that through all this sufferring, with men such as us, that our nations will further coexistice in peace and harmony. Now, I just hope that the fool DuPrey will come to his senses."

*Skibereen-Sean and Montroux* The night went well. Many men that needed rest forsook sleep for the relaxation that comes from acting human for a short time, the rest a mind and spirit need from being a soldier.
The Order's priest took advantage to see if they might find some would-be Catholics among the Goths.
The game of football(though popular in Ireland was not brought to Skibereen) was played.
The Goths meeting the few hundred Nubian soldiers of the RedHand were less then surprised, it was simply another oddity in this tiny nation.
They were more surprised that while the Skibs who came from a football background had little knowledge of the game, the Nubians were adept, and rather pleased to see others who were as well.
Most Goths were sensible enough to shy from the more popular bareknuckle boxing the Skibs enjoyed(this explained the prolific lack of front teeth in many of the older soldiers of skib) though only most, not all of the Goths shyed away.
With morning however approaching however, the officers began to explain the plan.
The Skibs would enter the capitol en masse' and the Goth forces would ring the city, the strength of that ring depended greatly on Duprey.
The RedHand commander made the statement
"Kill anything, I do mean anything that tries to leave the city, if you see a bird flying away shoot it down."
Retreat seemed to be a favorite tactic of the Skib mentality, and it appeared the RedHand wanted that option taken away.
Sean "Well in a few hours you and your men can rest while we make arrangements to send you home. The capitol should not be a problem, I doubt there will even be a fight."
It seemed that the presence of the RedHand had a stilling effect on the Skibs, on all of them.
It gave Montroux something to consider of these men who quite such a group of restless people, it made him wonder just what the RedHand and Boru did to cause men who seemed so ready to fight for the smallest things to duck their heads in compliance. The most brutal of the brutes most likly.

*Gothenburg-Franc HQ*

“Why are our own men attacking us?” Marshal Valliant shouted above the gunfire.

“While you were busy “negotiating,” the men starved!” Marshal Bourbaki retaliated. “I had thought we silenced most of the protesters though. This is a rebellion! Scandalous!”

“Scandalous or not, we have neglected our men. And now they are going to make us pay. We must escape now, or try and fight with all loyalist units. Marshal Delort, can the Guard give us enough time?” Marshal d’Angely was as cool as he ever had been, even under the fire of his own troops.

Marshal Delort seemed stung. “Marshal d’Angely, the Guard is the Guard. We will fight and die without question for you.” Delort saluted and then left the bomb-proof to take direct command of the Imperial Guard and loyalist units.

“Let’s hope he can. Or we may be the only High Command in history to be hung by our own starving troops.”


*Gothenburg-Franc Camp*

The scattered Jacquerie units were being pounded mercilessly by the Imperial Guard brigades outside of the Army Headquarters. But elsewhere, they were making considerable headway against loyalist forces. Defending the Main Artillery Park was a brigade of Imperial Guard Chasseurs and a loyalist brigade of the VIII Corps. There the Jacquerie concentrated a huge amount of troops from all three Corps. Artillery was going to be needed to batter down the Imperial Guard barricades at Headquarters. After three storming attempts, the Jacquerie shoved aside the VIII Corps brigade, gutting prisoners. The Yellow Flag of Revolution was hoisted over the Artillery Park. Finally, a massive bayonet charge overran the Imperial Guard who guarded the Artillery. The Guard refused to surrender, with a particular kind of honor. They were slain to a man. The Jacquerie took the Artillery and drug it into position to fire at Headquarters. Surprisingly Loyalist Artillery had grown silent. The men really didn’t wonder why at all even though the Loyalists had originally been pouring a heavy fire into them.

At the other end of the encampment, Marshal Delort led a charge by the Imperial Guard to recapture the Communications Bunker. Savagely, and with the utmost contempt for those whom they destroyed, the Imperial Guard cut a ruthless path through the Jacquerie. Delort himself entered the fray, with saber swinging. Atop the bunker, Delort viewed a sight which horrified yet elated him. Ferussian tanks, four abreast, literally hundreds of tanks were advancing down into the heart of the camp, roughly dividing it in two. They were either going to kill them all, put a stop to the violence, or get destroyed themselves, thought Delort. Then Delort suddenly realized their plan and his horror left him. They fired, not at the men Delort noticed, but above their heads. Even when a Ferussian tank burst into flames from stray fire, they still did not return fire at the battling Gothenburg-Francs. Helicopters flew overhead and then began to broadcast the message Delort knew they would. The savage fighting began to die down slowly. What a shame thought Delort. This could have all been avoided. All this needless bloodshed. It could have been avoided. Delort’s aid handed him his megaphone. “Soldiers loyal to the High Command, my Imperial Guard, cease fire! Cease fire! Lay down your weapons. The Ferussians are here to deliver us from this madness.”


*Jacquerie HQ*

Jesaice had been directing the fighting from the Parade Ground all morning. When the Ferussians had come storming into the encampment, Jesaice had at first feared what they were going to do, and then realized something brilliant. They were not after his men. They were after the Marshals who were responsible for the nightmare campaign. And he could deliver them. This would mean that his men could go home. But what would they face? The government could possibly execute them for treason. But not with Ferussian backing. It was time to work out a deal with the Ferussians. His informant Rigaund, offered to set up the meeting. Meanwhile, he ordered all Jacquerie units to cease fire. An uneasy silence with heavy tension filled the encampment. As quickly and violently as the slaughter began, it died.


*Later*

When Rigaund brought the Ferussian officers before him, Jesaice was seated on the Grand Review Platform, originally occupied by Marshal d’Angely a few weeks ago when hopes had been so high. Jesaice looked like a demagogue, wearing a yellow cloak. The men clustered around the platform cheering for the Jacquerie and singing revolutionary songs. Bands blared the Marseille. With a wave of his hands the crowd fell silent. He descended the platform and offered his hand to the highest ranked Ferussian General. “I am General Donatien Jesaice, Leader of the People’s Army of Gothenburg-Franc, director of the Jacquerie, formerly, Major Jesaice, Army de Expedition of Gothenburg-Franc. I need you to continue this Glorious Revolution. Or to end it. Without us being executed for treason. But we also need food, and now medicine, medical supplies. I am willing to extend my full cooperation, and I apologize for you having to witness this embarrassment to our nation. We mean Ferussia no harm. I can assure you. We just want to return to our wives, children. And to not die like dogs in the snow. There has been so much blood shed. For nothing. Nothing at all.”

*Center Grand Division*

Marshal Josquin DuPrey stood speechless as the tall Nubian strode away from him. His fists clenched with rage. No one treated him like this.

“Wait!” Air General Rabon startled everyone when he called out to the Skibereen. “At least escort us to Montroux’s position. We can confer with his officers there. We can get our bearings, total our losses, and then make up our minds. This is all I propose.”

DuPrey smiled. This would be perfect. He could order Montroux to stand down. The men could all return to Gothenburg-Franc under his command. DuPrey said nothing and bided his time. Air General Rabon looked hopefully at the Nubian officer.

6th Marine Provisional Command
Odessa, Ferrussia
11:35 p.m. local time

"Sir! There's been an incident."

"An, incident, Joseph?" Major General Trent Russell eyed the aide that had just entered his tent. "What exactly does that mean?"

"There was a revolt in the Gothenberg-Franc encampment. A large number of the regulars against the remainder and the Imperial Guard. The Ferrussian armor have put a stop to it, but it was bloodly while it lasted." He hesitated. "We... haven't received any word from our field hospital in the encampment."

Russell had seen this coming, but he still couldn't hide his reaction. He struck the table angrily with a clenched fist, and turned away, speaking words barely audible to the aide. "This is my fault. I'm no diplomat. I'm a soldier, and I negotiated with them like a soldier. The difference between surrender and cessation of hostilities... that's a distinction a diplomat would have made. Stupid. I should have let the Ferrussians deal with them. All my fault." He raised his voice. "Get an escort ready. I'm going to the field hospital."

"Sir, is that safe? We don't know whether the encampment is fully secured..."

"Safety be damned. We came here to fight a war. Personal safety is not a concern."

*Center Grand Division*
The man's stride stopped abruptly, he turned to Air General Rabon , but far enough to hold Duprey in his vision.
"The men who trying to kill you a half an hour ago...will lead you there.
They know the position, and will follow MY orders implicitly." He returned to his original course and pace.

*Sean and Montroux*
The radio dispatch came in that Duprey and the rest would be rallying with the forces here, to decide their next option, whether that was to help the Skibs remained to be seen.

The SAS commander told Sean not to worry that Ameir had a persuasive arguement.
The fact that Ameir was argueing from a genuine impatients and not a bluff only made it more convincing.
"You see Sean, Montroux, Aileen, has siezed the capitol.
The rush is simple, but unknown to most. In the Capitol are weapons that wold effectivly eliminate everyone out here, Duprey and his men included.
So there help would be nice, but if we arrive AFTER she finds the weapons, all the help in world wouldnt help us."

*Skibereen*

"I see your point," said Montroux to the Red Hand officer. "And I can assure you, my men will fight with you to end this threat. DuPrey, I don't know. He is extremly popular in the III Corps, and with most of his other men. I will probably have to play a little power game with him." Montroux smiled grimly and then pointed at the map. "So it's a march to the city, and then the great ring around it. You said to kill everything. By everything do you mean women, children. By my past experiances here I would assume. But I don't know because this is your capitol." Montroux looked the Red Hand officer right in the eyes. "What if Aileen gets these weapons. What will happen?"

*Later*

The blaring bugles and pounding drums announced the arrival of Marshal DuPrey's 300,000 man Center Grand Division. The Marshal rode at the head of his troops on a horse. In huge columns, they began to spread out, the gaps in the ranks of III Corps were saddening to their brothers in the Right Grand Division. DuPreys men warily clutched their weapons and watched the Skibereens. It was a stark contrast to Montroux's men who calmly stood amound them and lounged on the grass.

DuPrey rode towards the officers meeting and dismounted. "Well, well Marshal Montroux. It's good to see you did not get yourself killed by fighting with these animals."

Montroux walked towards DuPrey. "And you as well DuPrey. It's good these "animals" did not overrun your encampment and kill all of your men. We need you Josquin. No more nonsense aristocrat talk. We need you to help us right what ICON turned wrong. This is a good society. And we need to preserve it from the despots. I learned to trust. So can you. These people our are allies. They are going to take us home when we win their country back."

"Well Nicholaus, I always new you were a great big oaf, concerned about wellfare and social justice. We are not going anywhere. Nor are any of your men. You may if you so chose, but I am marching all our men to Odesa. The Marseilles Fleet will pick us up there. We are out of this war."

"Marshal DuPrey, I cannot consent."

"Then you are relieved of command ex-Marshal Montroux."

"Marshal DuPrey, I refuse. I am taking over command as of now. You may retain and reorganize the III Corps. I am counting on your support."

"Ridiculous!"

"No serious. I am ignoring all rank as of now. The Army will undergo slight reorganziation and will be integrated into Skibereen command. I need you to do what you do best. Get the III into fighting shape."

Duprey drew his sword and pointed it at Montroux's chest. "You insult me Montroux! I will make sure that none of our men are forced into this idiotic plan! You simply are a disgrace."

The men of the III behind DuPrey nervously fingered thier weapons and pointed them at the men of the Gothenburg-Franc I Corps. Both sides were charged with tension. Montroux drew his sword.

"Gothenburg-Franc standoff," said Brig. Gen. St.Laurent to Sean. "We have been doing this since the dawn of time. We saw your officers have a go for power, now you will see ours."

The clang of steel echoed as the men engaged in the areobatics of combat. Men from their respective Corps circled around them, some clashing steel as well. Montroux and DuPrey fought it out with swords for 5 minutes, up and down the grassy hill until DuPrey suddenly let out a gasp. His white dress shirt was soaked with blood from a non-lethal slash wound on his chest. Montroux flipped his sword and offered the handle to DuPrey. "I NEED YOU MARSHAL. The Skibereens are not animals. They are men. And we have entered their realm and screwed things up, so now we are going to help fix it! You are my most valuable officer. You made a valliant stand, now think of the glory you could win by helping us, by overcoming your own personal distrust! Are you with me?"

All of his emotions hit DuPrey at once. The choatic struggle for what was right, personal ambition, valor, chivalry, contempt. DuPrey stood and embaraced Montroux. "I shall lead the III. Now, introduce me to the Skibereen officers. I must get acquainted." DuPrey adjusted his coat.

Montroux said. "I will let them introduce themselves. I also have asked them a few questions regarding our plan......"

...

...

...

...

OOC: GRRRRRRR! Posting makes me angry.....I guess I did make my point. Oh well learn from your mistakes.

OOC:HAHHA I see your point, like five times i see it. stupid server, you know how many times a day I have to go back an delete those freaking extra posts, I wish they would do something about it.
IC:
Sean and the RedHand officer exchanged a slight smile as Montroux lead Duprey to speak of what needed to be done.

"Marshal Duprey" the RedHand officer gave duprey a proper salute.
"I am First Air Commander Thomas Murphy of the Skibereen Air Service. I am the ranking Skibereen official here, I apologize for lateness of our arrival."
"To your question Montroux, yes, kill EVERYTHING, dogs, cats, birds, as if they were threat..." He leaned in so that the Goths Montroux and Duprey would be the only ears to hear him, he slid his hand over the front of his mouth, so his lips could not be read "because they could be a threat."
"The Skibereen military invested in nuclear devices which the Ferrrusians intercepted before they could be detonated, however, those weapons were small and purchased as a deversionary device. Our real invest for large scale attack is in Bio-Chemical warfare. It allowed us to spend a nominal amount of money on vastly lethal and mostly undetecable and unstopple array of weapons. If Aileen gets those weapons she will not balk for one second at using on any perceived threat, my forces are a threat, your forces I promise are a perceived one.
You now understand the reason for the great need to get this done quickly."

OOC: Nice sextuple post, G-F. :wink: Yeah, they really need to get the servers running better. To avoid double/triple/quadruple/etc. posts, only click the "post" button once. If it comes up with "the page cannot be displayed", go back and copy your post and then continually try to load the page you were posting to without posting again. Sometimes it goes through, sometimes it doesn't. And if you keep trying over and over before you know if it posted... well, I think you get the picture.

Anyways, sorry I can't post tonight. I've got to get to bed, but I'll try to get one in tomorrow. Sorry, and great job everyone.

*loves this RP*

(OOC: Really sorry about the delay. Real life has been very hectic lately, and getting sick didn't help.)

Gothenburg Franc Encampment

Yevalin nodded to 'General' Jesaice. "I understand what you did, and there was little else you could have done. But rest assured, you have indeed delivered your men from this hardship. Ferrussian supplies are already en route, and they will be distributed to yourselves and the loyalists. Before you object, you must understand that we are a humane and indiscriminant people, and we cannot allow the unjust execution of thousands of men, foreign soldiers though they may be. I do, however, have a plan. I assure you that your men will be well taken care of, all I ask is that you follow the directions of this man here," he said, pointing to Greyuchev.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a plan to execute," said Yevalin, and one of the broadcast helicopters hovered down to the ground to pick him up.

Greyuchev gave a salute to Jesaice. "Sir, we must wait a few minutes before withdrawing - we have a bluff to pull."

*****

In the air above the Gothenburg-Franc Ecampment

The broadcast helicopter began flying circles around the Marshals' tent, and Yevalin shouted a message to them as the attack helicopters bore down on their position.

Marshalls of the Army de Expedition of Gothenburg-Franc, this is Major General Yevalin of the Ferrussian Army. I require your complete and unconditional surrender. There are 15 IFVs surrounding your position who would be happy to give you a lift back to Odesa, where we can sort this all out. Tell your guards to stand down, hop on board, and we can end this all right now.

A momentary pause, and nothing happened.

Very well, continued Yevalin. Marsall Valliant! Perhaps you would like to explain to your friends the importance of the fact that one Lieutenant Colonel Greyuchev is in command of the column of tanks before you, and is not under any orders which require him to ensure your safe arrival back in Odesa.

Yevalin grinned a bit to himself, and then continued.

I'll give you five minutes to discuss that amongst yourselves, but I recommend that when you come out, you do so with your hands in the air. You can try your luck with a Ferrussian jury, or with the recieving end of 290 Ferrussian tanks, 60 attack helicopters, and a number of 20mm guns - your choice.

With that, the helicopter pulled away from the tent and awaited a response.

BUMP for Gothenburg-Franc! :P

OOC: I hate to do this. However it is exactly as I would have worked it regaurdless.

The SKib-Goths will recieve no resistance taking back New Dublin.
Aileen the Terrorist, and some of her people get away.
ODonnelly assumes the role of President (protempro).

And Goth Franc. Ferrussia, you are now at Diploymatic levels with Skibereen.

Put away the guns bring out the pens.

Sorry Goth, call it a fast forward.
If you object to moving to Diploymatic stages(we already were just with soldiers) let me know and I will delete this and RP, battle field.

OOC: Skib, if you need to do a fast forward I will be ok with it since it is basically you and I doing it. It would have been exciting, but in my current situation, with no computer, it is ok to fast forward. I would just like to add one thing.

Skibereen arranges transport for all Goth-Franc forces returning to the homeland.

Marshal Montroux will stay behind to conduct negotiations between our two nations.

We may have to call in some Skibereens as witnesses on the conduct of war, if Ferussian agents vigorously charge Goth-Franc officers with war crimes.

You have my thanks and admiration, its been a great RP. Ferussia and I are planning a possible war in the future between our nations. If you would like to be involved, drop me a telegram.

*Gothenburg-Franc Encampment*

Jesaice assisted the Ferussian officers in distributing food, medicine, and warm clothing. The men were truly greatful for this assitance. Lives would be saved from the cold that night.

"Colonel Greyuchev, I hear the fleet will arrive in a week. There is a fear of mine. I beleive our government may execute us for treason. All we wanted was food, clothing? We will need your governments protection when the time comes. Perhaps an official statement as to how bad the conditions were here, an international statement perhaps? Also to the neglect of the Marshals. Anyway," Jesaice turned and looked Greyuchev in the eyes. "Thank you. For all your people have suffered. And for all your people have done for us. The men."

*High Seas*

The Marseilles Fleet was steaming full speed towards Odessa. Aboard the "Triumph", Fleet Admiral Gaspard de Coligny stood at the helm. All he knew was that the Army de Expedition was in crisis. It was his duty to save them.

*Marshal's Headquarters*

"Who is Greyuchev, Marshal Valliant?" Marshal d'Angely questioned.

Very quietly came the answer. "The husband of the woman whom I slept with. Second in command of negotiations. The man who did this to my face!" Valliants voice rose and craked with anger.

"Christ, It's time to surrender," Marshal d'Hilliers voted.

"The Gaurd could cut you a way through," replied Delort, "It would be an honor."

"No, there has been enough death already. When we surrender, we must remained more unified than ever before." d'Angely transmitted this message to the Ferussian forces, "Prepare to recieve the unconditional surrender of all Gothenburg-Franc loyalist forces."

The Marshals then all singing patriotic songs, joined in with the Brigadiers, the Corporals, the mechanics, and marched out of the bunker towards destiny.

Surrounding the Marshals' tent

The IFVs, with three soldiers as guards to each, began loading the surrendering marshals into the IFVs. No risks were being taken in their handling, and they would quickly be taken to Odesa.

Yevalin, in the helicopter overhead, was somewhat satisfied with the outcome. He had finally gotten a true surrender - and an unconditional one at that. He had the marshals, and things could now work properly. Still, a price had been payed. Hundreds of Gothenburg-Francs lay dead in the encampment, on Ferrussian soil. One of the M1A2s had been destroyed by an anti-tank missile, and two of its crew were dead.

But there was still work to be done. He ordered the helicopter landed near where Jesaice and Greyuchev stood. Their first batch of supplies - brought with the Humvees - had quickly run out, and far more would be required. The tank column remained for the moment, dividing the surrendered loyalist forces and the Jacquerie. The Jacquerie were being moved to Odesa, where they would be lightly guarded and easily given supplies, while the surrendering forces would be moved to the Ferrussian camp and kept under strict watch. Some supplies were being distributed to the loyalists at the moment as well, and it would only be a few hours before the move started.

OOC: Thanks Goth. I would have liked to run it all out but. I wasnt going to ruin my own country.
And I doubt you were just going to have your troops go ballistic.
IC: The New DUblin assault, was hardly that.
In a few short hours, the city was cleared.
The Goth troops were offered residence in Skib homes, while Skibereen prepared to transport the Soldiers Home.
Acting President ODonnelly was informed that furthering diploymatic ties with Gothenberg would be advisable, at least from the militaries stand point it would be.

"Well I am glad to know you boy had fun playing in the woods. I had to let Boru turn himself over as basically colateral, for our actions."

"Yes sir"

"You understand what that means?"

"Yes sir"

"Really? I dont think you do. I dont think you realize when I announce that President was captured what that is going to do to this country.
I dont think you realize what allowing Boru to accused of war crimes is going to do to this country. I dont think you realize that there will be riots, and war in the streets if this isnt spun like 'straw into gold'!!!"

"Sir, absolutly I do not sir."

"I want men all over, everywhere!! i want more important then guns, eyes and ears EVERYWHERE!!! If someone has a crazy idea in the ladies room at St.Michaels I want to hear about it before they flush, do you understand me?"

"Sir, yes sir."

The RedHand commander was glad that Sean and Goth officer Montroux were not there to witness this, glad none of his subordinates were cleared to here this, glad it wasnt being recorded, and glad it was almost over. Humiliating.

"I want a message dispatched to Ferrussia, not transmitted, dispatched from my hand to the messanger's hand to the Ferrussians hands."

'To the Ferrussian government,
I acting President Odonnelly would like to set up a summit, where the fragile relations we have current can be repaired with all do haste.
I am not a politician so forgive me if I lack the tack. I want to deal for Brian Boru.
Even if he must be tried, or ransomed, or reparations paid.
He is our leader, and his wishes aside, I want to bargain.'

Sincerely
President ODonnelly.

*Former Jacquerie Position*

Jesaice had organized his men in a loose chain of command. Wounded were being bandaged up, taken care of. The dead were being buried. The brutality was finally gone. The men tore down their camp quickly. Everyone wa prepared to move to the city, where it would be warm.

"Colonel Greyuchev, we can move now whenever you want. You have our full cooperation."

*In the Marshal's transport*

Valliant knew what was coming. Trials, trials for all of them. Maybe most of the divisional commanders could get away. Maybe. Probably not though. The Ferussians would have them all in lock down. Everytime Valliant pictured that smug look on Yevalin's face, he though of Greyuchev. Vaslliant sneered. He would pay him back one day. And take his wife as a prize. Now, the trick would be to escape a military tribunal.

*High Seas*

To the Ferussian Government:

This is Fleet Admiral Gaspard de Coligny. I need your cooperation, as I will be arriving whithin the next week to pick up our Army at Odesa. Can you tell us the situation precisley. Sorry for the breifness of this transmission. Will make contact later.

*Loyalist Position*

Imperial Gaurd Divisional commander, Major General Leon de Esperay was put in command of all loyalist forces. The Gaurd simmered, seethed, but cooperated with the Ferussians. de Esperay took a deep breath and introduced himself to the Ferussian officer left at the camp. "My men sir, would be reassured, if you were to move us to heated barracks. It is quite cold, sir."

Transmission to the Directory of Gothenburg-Franc

It would appear there have been many complications on the road to Gothenburg-Franc disengagement from this crisis, and we have come to see it as quite necessary to hold negotiations on various matters concerning Gothenburg-Franc involvement in this matter as well as those troops who remain in Ferrussia.

It is quite expedient for a full withdrawl of Gothenburg-Franc men from Ferrussia to occur as quickly as possible, and we would like to cooperate with those forces whom you have dispatched for their retrieval. In fact, we insist that a full cruiser escort be given the formation, and we would be most honored to see you into port. The cruiser squadron has already been dispatched - please confirm with your transports and their escorts that they will strive to avoid an accidental conflict.

As for the matter of negotiations, we would like to conduct them as soon as possible - the men whom you sent to advise the good Marshal Valliant could be afforded instant communications with your government, should you choose to have them represent your nation in the negotiations. Alternatively, you could choose to send additional diplomats should you find the current adivisors ill-equipped for the task at hand. Please feel free to do whatever you please, and choose your representatives as soon as humanly possible.

It is our great hope that we will together find a quick and mutually beneficial end to this situation. Our best wishes to you and your nation.


Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

*****

Transmission to Acting President ODonnelly of Skibereen

We would be most interested in conducting a summit to reevaluate our positions as nations. It is certainly hoped that we can resume our roles as friendly, trusting neighbors and put the past behind us.

A representative can be sent who would be authorized to deal for certain... assets which we posses at this moment. If you would prefer to hold such a meeting in Ferrussia, such accomidations can be made. Please let us know of your wishes, and we will be most happy to oblige.

However, should the summit be conducted in Skibereen, we regret that we must send a good deal of ground support in turn - the lives of our diplomats are of great importance to us, and we wouldn't like to have any more unforseen bumps in the road.

Thank you for your willingness to mend the mistrust between us.


Aleksey Sergeyevich Kasyanov
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

*****

Transmission to Fleet Admiral de Coligny

Fleet Admiral Gaspard de Goligny,

An escort of 4 cruisers of the Ferrussian Navy has been dispatched to assure that no harm comes to your fleet. Please do not be alarmed - additional escorts may arrive, but these are only precautions.

It is indeed a dire situation in Odesa. A significant portion of your army revolted against the leadership due to a lack of supplies, among other things. Ferrussian forces have broken up the revolt and is keeping both parties seperate while providing for their needs. It may interest you to know that the original chain of command has unconditionally surrendered at this time, and it would be unwise to attempt to force anything at this point in time.

We are afraid that no Gothenburg-Franc forces will be released from Ferrussian custody until negotiations with your government have concluded - if you feel compelled to urge your government towards a quick resolution to these negotiations, please do so. We will happily make accomidations for your fleet in Odesa or Mykolayiv, however, until such time as the soldiers can be released. Please forgive us if these accomidations are of a lower standard than that which you are used to - deployments occuring at this time have port facilities incredibly tied up.

We look forward to your arrival in one week, as do we await your response on this matter. Thank you for contacting us.


Markov Lumchensky
Secretary of Defense

*High Seas*

A Transmission to the Ferussian Government:

Fleet Admiral Gaspard de Coligny, here. I am being ordered by my government to stand down and accept your cruiser escort. We will await your rendezvous and then we would be honored if you would lead us into dock at Odesa. There we will hopefully await an end to negotiations. We are saddened by the state of our armed forces, but we look forward to the ceasing of combat. Have your main cruiser contact our Imperial Battleship G.F. “Triumph” when you are in range. I look forward to walking in the streets of Odesa.

*Tuilieres Palace, Paris, Gothenburg-Franc*

The Directory received the Ferussian proposal in a shocked silence until Director of Industrie Adeline de Wathier started to laugh. The entire Directory, all three-hundred strong joined in the cacophony of sound. “They really think they can dictate policy to us?” “Who do they think they are?” Premier Marshal de la Arms doubled over in laughter. “Slavs…”

Then came the horrific transmission from Major General de Esperay. Revolution, revolt.
7,000 Gothenburg-Franc casualties. The news that every single officer of Marshal status was being locked up by the Ferussians. That they were going to be tried for war-crimes.

To The Ferussian Government:

We have received your transmission and agree that we are going to commence our negotiations with your personally. It is an unfortunate predicament we are all in.
Surely your government would like us to withdraw our troops? Perhaps a deal can be arranged. Our chief diplomat, Ambassador Francois Guizot will be flown into your country immediately. Please provide us with the appropriate landing codes for Odesa. Also, we insist that Marshal Julien Valliant be given a place in the negotiations. As a member of the Marshalate, we insist. When Guizot reaches Odesa, we will give him five hours to discuss the situation with Marshal Valliant. Then we may commence negotiations via video link with our Directory and Marshalate.

The best of luck to your nation, as our army is still present on your soil.

Sincerely,
The Directory and Marshalate of Gothenburg-Franc

Premier Marshal Elijah Stephean Michel de la Arms, Duke of Brittany

700 nm from Odesa - International Waters

The FMS Indomitable Ferret - one of the coveted Ferret-class dreadnoughts - approached the G-F group in formation, slightly ahead of the cruisers.

"We've been asked to assist in your escort to Odesa," said the Captain as he hailed the Gothenburg-Franc fleet. "Hopefully, you won't mind."

*****

Mariinsky Palace, Kiev, Ferrussia

A special room had been cleared out for the negotiations, and President Yavlinsky would be there a few minutes to personally greet the representatives from Gotenburg-Franc and quickly discuss the situation. After that, Secretary Kasyanov would likely take over with the actual bulk of the negotiations. All they awaited now was the arrival of the representatives.

*High Seas*

Fleet Admiral de Coligny looked with dismay at the giant ship approaching his fleet. Into the radio transmitter he acknowledged the massive dreadnaught, “Very well, you may accompany us……”

To the Captain of the “Triumph” he said, “If it even moves the wrong way, pour everything we have into it. I have bad feeling about this.”


*Mariinsky Palace, Kiev, Ferrussia*

Ambassador Francois Guizot accompanied by a haggard looking Marshal Valliant, and the entire Gothenburg-Franc diplomatic staff in Ferrussia, marched out of the military jet and down a massive corridor. Guizot was the Compte de Anjou, and like the aristocrat he was strode into the main conference room like an emperor coming into a conquered country. A brass band assembled especially for this purpose blared the Gothenburg-Franc national anthem. “Ladies and Gentleman of the Ferrussian Government, I am Ambassador Francois Guizot, Director of Negotiations. Shall we commence the formalities? I trust you already know the good Marshal Valliant, Duke of Toulon. You have a number of officers, we need back. Right away.”

*New Dublin*

"Thank God, I might be able to the old bastard back, so he can shoot me for doing it."

"I want the remainder of our Navy, to load up the Goths, and meet these ships that are enroute to Ferrussia. I dont how nice you make hteir stay now, those men want ot go home, and our men at home want htem to leave."

"Get this Montroux in here, and a bottle, and some food, saints preserve me."ODonnelly slouched down in his chair for a moment.

"Oh!!Radio the Ferrussian and the Goth vessels, let them know we are coming and only approach in international water, if they are already in Ferrussian water wait for the Goths to come back through to international waters , DO NOT VIOLATE THERE WATERS. Got me?"
ODonnelly stared at the short man in the suit in front of him, the tiny man never wrote anything down, and never made any mistakes.
"Yes sir, right to it."