NationStates Jolt Archive

[OOC: The events in this RP are going to lead to a RP between me and Sdaeriji. If you want in on this RP, please contact Sdaeriji via TG. Thank you!]

Branwyn's Colonial Assembly President John Janson was getting impatient. In spite of Governor General Calvin Phillips' best efforts to negotiate the expectations of Parliament and President Mike Sarzo of mother country Sarzonia, the Branwynians were beginning to feel restless.

The Daltrey Times, Branwyn's leading newspaper, had complaints from citizens practically every day that the Sarzonian government was "out of touch with Branwyn."

"In the short time that we've been here, our culture has evolved differently from Sarzonia's," former Sarzonian colonel Tim Bishop wrote. "Not having a voice in Parliament and flying the Sarzonian flag is an insult to us."

"Woodstock can't possibly understand the trials and tribulations of living in a colony such as this one," lawyer Kim Poston said. "The situation in Sarzonia is very different from how it is here. We have many more unique things to deal with that Sarzonia does not."

Janson read the letters in the Times and started thinking. The Colonial Assembly was often at odds with Parliament about how to run the colony and Parliament rejected their call to have full representation in Parliament. They were tired of being told what to do by a government that didn't know what their colonists were facing.

Janson called both Bishop and Poston into a secret meeting with the Colonial Assembly.

"I think the time has come to declare independence," Janson said. "Do you think we can unite the colonies behind it?"

"Not a question in my mind," Bishop said.

"Piece of cake," Poston said.

Janson turned to the assembly and asked them to vote. Forty five minutes later, the assembly's vote came in. By a vote of 45-25, the vote came to declare independence. The draft of a declaration of independence would be the task of a committee dedicated to that purpose.

The three men wondered what the look on Sarzo's face would be when he found out the news.

~TAG~

OOC: I'll follow along for now.

News of Branwyn's vote for independence reached Woodstock in a hurry. Parliament was abuzz in a joint session called by Senate President Pro Tempore Karen Beltran and House Speaker Josh Williams. The debate about what to do about Branwyn went in several different directions.

"They want independence? They're going to have to fight for it," Sen. Alex Looney said. "We can't have another situation like Bausch. Then all the states would want to secede."

"This is not a Bausch situation at all," Delegate Myra Bensen countered. "The difference is that Bausch is part of Sarzonia. Branwyn is separate from Sarzonia. There's no correlation."

"I beg to differ miss," Looney said, condescension cutting through the air as he leered at Bensen. "They are our colony, so they are a part of Sarzonia. We let them go, we've got to let anyone else go who wants to."

Beltran and Williams banged their gavels in unison.

"There will be no further insults from you, Mr. Looney," Beltran said.

"Respect the process," Williams said.

Looney looked around the room. Several delegates and senators glared back at him. He realized if he didn't want censure, he'd have to quiet down. He lowered himself deliberately into his chair and folded his hands like a petulant employee who was just admonished for surfing the Internet.

"I think we should allow them to be independent," Sen. Gordon Brosecker said. "They're right, in the short time we've had the colony, they have to deal with hazards and threats and situations that we don't have here in Sarzonia. Wasn't it our plan all along to eventually give Branwyn their independence anyway?"

"It was," Del. Harold Estrada replied. As the chairman of the colonial committee, he had extensive contact with Sarzo about his plans for the colonies. In both cases, the plans were to help the colonists set up a government system and then pass legislation to give them the right to declare their independence peacefully.

"But I don't think they're ready for independence yet," Estrada said. "They still haven't decided how to deal with certain issues and they people over there have very limited training in military operations. We'd need to teach them how to prepare themselves to be a country of their own."

"Wait a minute," Sen. Elizabeth Reddick said. "Having colonies? Are we seriously discussing this? Having even one colony goes against our democratic and anti-imperial ideals. We should give them their independence and let them decide their fate for themselves."

The debate continued for hours until finally Williams closed the debate and proceeded to a vote.

Parliament approved the measure declaring Branwyn independent. The House voted 436-434 and the Senate voted 25-21. The measure would be sent to Sarzo where experts predicted he would sign it. However, Sarzo shook his head and vetoed the measure.

"We have yet to begin the orderly transition process from colonial rule to full independence. As of now, I do not feel that Branwyn is ready to be an independent country.

"We will be glad to work with Branwyn to ensure that they receive their independence in due time."

May I join?

May I join?

[OOC: TG Sdaeriji for an invite. The rebellion is a set up for events between Sdaeriji and Sarzonia.]

[OOC: TG Sdaeriji for an invite. The rebellion is a set up for events between Sdaeriji and Sarzonia.]

Thanks.

Janson heard the news report announcing that Sarzo vetoed the bill that would have given Branwyn full independence and slammed his fist against the plush backing of the chair behind the desk in his office. Parliament voted in an effort to override Sarzo's veto, but it could not muster the 2/3 majority needed in both houses to override, so there would be no independence vote.

"That son of a bitch," Janson said. "We are going to be independent sooner rather than later."

"Getting a military together is not going to be easy. We don't exactly have much in the way of an army or navy, you know," Bishop said.

"I'm sure we could get foreign support," Poston said. "The fact we want independence from a country that frowns on imperialism and we didn't get it shouldn't sit too well with some powers out there."

"Let's be realistic," Janson said. "Sarzonia isn't that influential on the world scene. I doubt some superpower is going to have a whole lot of interest in our troubles."

"We don't need an Automagfreek coming in to get our independence," Poston said. "Just a few countries applying economic pressure and one or two supporting us militarily and I think Sarzo will back down."

"Are you so sure," Janson asked. "The only time he 'backed down' from a fight that I can remember is just after Sevaris declared war on Kahta. And that was more Parliament than him."

"Let's not lose sight of the fact that Sarzo seems willing to listen to independence," Poston said.

"But not yet," Bishop replied. "To that I say if not now, when? 'When we're ready' could be a lifetime from now."

"Sarzo's pretty honorable," Poston said.

"Even so, the people want their independence now. We can't keep it down much longer."

A rumble of activity began outside. The men looked out the window at the street below.

"Looks like a crowd is gathering."

Picketers lined the streets in Daltrey carrying signs that demanded independence. Like a scene ripped out of an old history book, "No Taxation Without Representation" was among the battle cries of the assembled masses.

"Looks like our movement has already started," Janson said. "I'll go address the crowd."

Janson went out onto his balcony with a microphone hooked up to a set of loudspeakers that were erected on the square in the event the colonial governor attempted to make a speech. He wanted to make an effort to keep the crowd orderly, but his speech, in which he called for patience and negotiation, only served to anger the crowd further.

"Uh oh," Janson said as he finished his speech and walked back in. "Looks like we're about to create a monster."

Parliament was in shock. When the messenger came back from the Gray House with word of Sarzo's veto, expressions of disbelief rumbled through the enormous chamber.

"I can't believe it," several legislators said. "This should be the kind of thing Sarzo would lap up in a second." Just then, Sarzo strode into Parliament and walked to the microphone stand to speak.

"I vetoed the legislation for one very particular reason," Sarzo said. "As some of you know, we have been developing a plan whereby Branwyn is granted her full independence from Sarzonia. As an interim measure, we have been planning to allow them full representation in Parliament and will invite the colonial assembly to make most of its own decisions. Major decisions such as wars and alliances and currencies would still fall under your discretion.

"Since it seems that the people in Branwyn want to have their voices heard now, I recommend we increase their ability to be autonomous. That plan is already well-designed and I believe there is no advantage to their not having autonomy."

A few sighs of relief filled the air of the chamber as people on all sides of the political fence expressed relief that Sarzo was not suddenly turning over an imperial leaf.

Parliament briefly discussed the plans, and came upon a solution that gave near full autonomy, except for the ability to wage an offensive war, to coin their own currency, or to form alliances. A home grown force would be trained by the Sarzonian military to defend itself in the event of an attack and upon reaching certain benchmarks that would be negotiated with the colony, Branwyn would gradually be given her independence from Sarzonia. The bill would also treat Branwyn as a state for the purpose of having a voice in Parliament, and thus would be granted two Senators and 18 Delegates.

Parliament easily passed the measure and Sarzo signed it.

When the news hit Daltrey, it did little to assuage the anger the incensed crowd felt about their independence being denied them.

"If not now, when," one sophomore in Daltrey City College yelled at the top of her lungs among the throng. Others quickly followed suit, and soon a massive crowd was beginning to chant "If not now, when" over and over.

Sarzo watched the events unfold on the news and grimaced. He called Police Chief Taylor Dent and asked him to keep the crowd peaceful.

"Sir, it's already not working. We can't handle this!" Sarzo could no longer hear Dent because he dropped the phone amid the confusion.

Sarzo hung up and then called Vice President for Defense Terrence Wilson.

"Terry, how fast can we send a peacekeeping force over there?"

"We can get one out there, but it'll be pretty small. Not very well armed."

"That will be enough, I think," Sarzo said. "You can send a larger force later. But right now, we need to have a presence over there just to maintain some order."

"Got it," Wilson said. Sarzo knew that about his Vice President for Defense. As much as he could be brusque and rub people the wrong way, he was right on top of things when he needed to be. Sarzo long ago decided he could deal with the headaches as long as Wilson was of sound mind.

The days following the initial announcement of the veto were the most tense in the colony's history to that point. An uneasy feeling cut through the air as people tried to go about their business during the day. It didn't take long though before the nightly protest marches and chants took on a more sinister turn.

The first peacekeeping troops arrived wearing riot gear under instructions from VPD Wilson to observe and only get involved if they were pushed to. However, a college junior out on a pub crawl with a Molotov cocktail he concocted in his hand let the alcohol affect his judgment and he flung it toward one of the riot gear-clad peacekeepers.

The man moved aggressively to put him under, and a group of college students milling nearby rushed in throwing anything they could get their hands on. The peacekeepers couldn't do their job of observing and keeping calm, so they ended up trying to put down the fighting the only other way they knew how: Tear gas.

The nightly news flashed images of tear gas and stones flying toward the peacekeeping forces. Both Janson and Sarzo shook their heads with sadness. There was no turning back now.

"I can't believe it," Sarzo said to himself. "So much for a peaceful resolution to this mess."

"I guess we've got no choice now. This is going to be war," Janson said to his wife as he climbed into bed.

"Get some sleep now," she said. "This may be the last night you can."

The news reports flooding the airwaves in Woodstock kept reporting the fact that police and peacekeeping forces were having trouble putting down the rebellion when large crowds began to gather. Sarzo was getting more and more concerned as it was beginning to look like chaos was replacing order in Branwyn. He convened a meeting of the Cabinet and asked Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs Nicole Lewis and Senior Vice President for External Affairs Mark Lorber to tag along.

"Gentlemen, it's beginning to look like a small peacekeeping force is not doing the job," Sarzo began. "We want to be able to get this under control but we don't want to resort to draconian methods to do it. Recommendations?"

"I'm sorry, sir, but it looks like we don't have much choice," Wilson said.
"We've got to put down that rebellion by any means necessary. Once they're under control, we can start working with them on a peaceful trnasition to independence."

"Out of the question," Sarzo said.

"With all due respect," Wilson leered. "If we don't get a larger force over there and actively put down that rebellion, you are going to look weak. Sarzonia is going to look weak. Do you want that on your conscience?"

"Terry, back off," Lewis snapped.

"You don't tell me what to do, missy," Wilson said haughtily.

"Excuse me," Lewis replied.

Sarzo interrupted.

"Terry, shut the hell up," Sarzo snapped. "If you don't want to get yourself fired, you will stop being a condescending little maggot right now." Sarzo fixed a scowl. That scowl. Wilson sat down, fixing another look at Sarzo.

"Besides Mr. Wilson's, any other suggestions?"

"On some level, he's right," Vice President for Science and Technology Tracy Obenga said. "We can still hold out hope that a large enough and well-armed force in itself can be enough to dissuade them from more violence, but we need to be ready in the event that it's not."

"That was my whole point, Mr. President," Wilson said.

Sarzo glared at Wilson again.

"Any other comments from the peanut gallery," Sarzo asked, continuing to fix his gaze directly upon Wilson.

The rest of the cabinet sat in silence. Unlike Wilson, the rest of the group respected Sarzo.

"All right. We'll send a larger force, armed. Hopefully, it will be large enough to prevent more violence," Sarzo said. "Dismissed. Mr. Wilson, I'd like to see you in private."

The rest of the cabinet and the two senior vice presidents left. Sarzo stood up and walked up to Wilson.

"Terry, I am placing you on official administrative warning," Sarzo began. "One more outburst like the one you just had and I will terminate your employment as vice president for defense."

"On what grounds," Wilson said.

"Don't play coy with me, mister," Sarzo said. "I have several documented complaints against you for your heavy-handed approach to employees and co-workers. Not only that, but your treatment of Nicole is inexcusable. Remember, she's your boss."

"No, you are my boss," Wilson said.

"According to the constitution, you may be right," Sarzo said. "However, the President has the flexibility to delegate as much or as little authority to his Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs as he or she sees fit. The way I do things, Nicole has nearly as much authority to make decisions as I do.

Wilson's expression transformed to one of a petulant child. Sarzo knew the constitution as well as anyone. He also knew the extensive leeway he gave Lewis. Finally, he knew his job was on the line. The trail of fired intelligence chiefs was proof of that.

"You are getting what you want," Sarzo said. "More troops. Well-armed. Don't make me pull the rug from under you."

The peacekeeping troops began to arrive from Sarzonia by the hundreds. By the end of the month, a full 30,000 troops had landed on Branwyn's shores under Lt. General Taylor Dent. His mission was to "show" force, but he was also given instructions to encourage a peaceful end to the uprising.

However, Janson knew the Branwynians would hear none of it. People all over Daltrey and neighboring cities that included Townshend began to grab whatever weapons they could to attempt to mobilize for their defense. Guns were banned in Sarzonia, but one concession to the colonists was a limited right to self-defense arms.

Bishop gathered a small collection of troops. He did the best he could to scour the colony for able-bodied men and women, but he could only scrounge up 4,500 to form a hastily-assembled army. He knew he would have to resort to creative means to make a dent in the larger force Dent had. He went to Janson's office.

"Sir, we're going to need to gather international support for our independence," Bishop said. "We just don't have the manpower or the weapons to compete with the Sarzonian army."

"We'll do what we can in that regard," Janson said. "Believe me, I've got the best people working on that right now. Hopefully we can at least get some better arms, if not another whole army."

"What about the navy," Bishop asked. "The Sarzonian navy is a pretty fearsome thing to take on when you don't have much of your own."

"You're right. We're going to do our best to seize those shipyards we have to build some ships."

"Those shipyards are part of the Royal Shipyards of Isselmere-Nieland," Bishop pointed out. That stopped Janson dead in his tracks. He remembered what happened to Bausch when Isselmere-Nieland got involved with the Sarzonian Civil War. Having one large navy to deal with was one thing, but having two massive navies was something entirely different.

"Actually, they don't belong to the RSIN Corp.," an aide who overheard the conversation said. "They're completing an order for that company, but they aren't directly affiliated with them."

What a relief, both men thought. The last thing they needed was Isselmere coming after them. At least this could limit the damage to Sarzonia. They realized that interfering with the order construction would be a hefty gamble they likely couldn't afford. They would have to bide their time until the order was finished and before any more ships were constructed. But they realized they would have to deal with the Sarzonian navy sooner rather than later.

The men agreed to install rail guns to foil an attempt at a naval blockade by Sarzonia. They were hoping that might allow a few blockade runners to get through after disabling the naval vessels in the way.

*tag*

Dent sat down with a couple of his division chiefs for a strategy session. A brief lull in activity gave the men a chance to assess the intelligence they had on the rebels and attempt to map out a strategy.

"What do you think, guys? Our orders are not to be overly aggressive unless we're under attack, but how do we do that and put this rebellion down?"

"I say to hell with our orders," Colonel Ross Bartlett said. "They've already fired the first shots. We need to teach 'em a lesson the way we did Bausch."

"He's right," Colonel Lynn Yancey said. "We've tried the diplomatic approach and they've spat on our faces. It's time to put our rifles where our mouths were."

"And then have us all tried for war crimes," Dent asked.

"Are you talking U.N. nonsense again," Bartlett said. "We're not in the U.N., remember? They have no jurisdiction over us. We've got a rebellion and we need to put it down."

"Look," Dent said, putting his hand up insistently. "You've said your peace--"

"Our first job is to make sure we put an end to this mess," Bartlett cut in.

"Your first job is to listen to me when I'm talking Bartlett," Dent intoned. "That's an order! Got that Colonel?" His intonation of the word Colonel punctuated the sentence with high pitched ferocity as Dent's eyes shot a fiery stake into Bartlett's psyche.

"Understood, sir."

"It's my turn to talk now," Dent continued. "What I recommend we do is surround their forces outside of Daltrey. Yancey, I want you to come behind the compound on Elliston Avenue and provide a sneak assault. Bartlett, I want you to engage them head on. I'll have Major Arnsberg hit them from their left and I'll hit them from their right."

"Arnsberg? Since when did he earn a command?"

"He's the best officer I've got for that job," Dent replied. "Bill's job is to hit the weakest side of their forces while you two handle the other areas. I'm giving Yancey most of the heavy artillery."

"Got it," the two colonels replied.

"Yancey, get the message to Arnsberg."

"Yes, sir."

The two colonels left Dent's private compound and Dent was left to tend to his thoughts.

I hope the rebels just give up, he thought. Such a shame to be fighting about something they would eventually be given anyway. He shook his head, puzzled at the great irony this conflict was causing.

Encoded message from the Imperial capital of Sdaeriji


TO: President Mike Sarzo, Sarzonia
FROM: Chairman Ilsuo Santite, Sdaeriji


Greetings from the Imperial Dominion, President Sarzo. I recently acquired information regarding the independence movement in your colony of Branwyn. Let me just personally extend my condolences to you and your people that these unfortunate circumstances have developed. It is never pleasant when countryman is forced to bear arms against countryman. I have followed the situation closely, and allow me to say I find it abhorent that these rebels have begun this conflict despite numerous concessions made by your government. You have the full backing of the Imperial Dominion in all matters pertaining to this insurrection. Any move you wish to take has the complete support of my government, my military, my people. Please, let us know if there is anything we can do to put an end to this horrible business.

Chairman Ilsuo Santite
Imperial Dominion of Sdaeriji

To: Chairman Ilsuo Santite, Sdaeriji
From: President Mike Sarzo, Sarzonia
Subject: Rebellion

We thank you for your offer of help in our rebellion. It is sad when countrymen fight each other for something that could be resolved peacefully. It is even more regrettable because we had a plan in place to give them full independence in 10 years.

We would appreciate whatever help your government could provide us with resolving this crisis and we thank you for your support.

*bump*

Bishop looked around his office at the army compound on Elliston St. He heard rumblings about the Sarzonian Army landing 30,000 troops and he knew when he heard Lt. General Dent was commanding them that they'd try to attack the compound right away to try to get a strangle hold on the rebellion and end it before it began.

He had his officers prepare a location in Entwhistle, a small city that was strategically insignificant. It had an old fort that was built as a replica of forts used in days gone by. It was inconspicuous and it was conveniently located for the colonial army to go off and train and get ready for the attack against the Sarzonian regulars.

"Ninth brigade, come here," Bishop said. The 100 troops in the brigade all walked over to the colonel. Their commanding officer, Captain Trevor Long listened intently.

"I want you to stay behind and engage the army. Divide yourselves in different areas of the compound. Do not attack them head-on. Make it look like we're making a last-ditch stand. They're probably going to surround the compound."

"Got it, sir," Long replied. "Shouldn't we destroy the compound to keep it out of their hands?"

"I've got any sensitive information with me," Bishop said. "If you want to, you can go ahead."

"Aye, sir."

Under the cover of darkness and a brutal thunderstorm, the rebel troops except for the ninth brigade all left to head over to Entwhistle. Bishop knew Dent was waiting the storm out and would probably attack at dawn, when he knew Dent figured everyone would be just beginning to wake up.

Long set his men up with his most accurate shooters serving as snipers. He set up a small bomb in the basement to detonate when he gave a voice command in his walkie talke. He decided to make the command be, "it takes two to tango."

When the storm finally let up and the sky over the horizon slowly started to change colors from the black of night to the dark pink of daylight, Long knew the plans were set in motion and it was only a matter of time before Dent's forces began their attack.

*tag* i'm just going to keep up with this for now.

Long watched as Bishop and the rest of the troops left to go toward the compound in Entwhistle. He took a breath and addressed the small ninth brigade force that remained behind.

"Men, I know some of you are thinking that we're being sent to our deaths," he said. Probably because we are being sent to our deaths," he thought.

However, he wanted to say something inspiring and something on the order of make peace with your maker wouldn't quite pass muster.

"Remember that we are fighting for our freedom and our families. We can not simply lie down for the imperialist bastards in Woodstock. Let us be remembered in history for our courage!"

The soldiers eagerly went to their stations, waiting out the intense rainstorm for the advance of Dent's forces.

For his part, Bartlett hated the rain. He didn't want to take any chances and he figured he could overpower the rebels at the compound, even with an all-out assault. At the very worst, he figured he'd lose a few lives and force the rebels out into Elliston St. where they'd face the rest of the army.

He figured Bishop would give a brief firefight and quickly be surrounded by the army and surrender and the rebellion would be just a brief pause in the Sarzonian plans to turn over the keys to Branwyn ultimately. However, he didn't realize that Long was springing a trap.

Bartlett had the troops march in formation down toward Elliston St. and when Long saw that the first troops were in range, he ordered the limited heavier arms ready to take out whatever artillery the Sarzonian army had.

"This is almost too perfect," Long said, to no one in particular. Several of his snipers had their targets lined up and the heavier hand-held weapons were locked in on their targets. Now was the time for them to find the perfect moment to strike. When he walked around and saw his other men with locks on, he figured now was the time.

"Fire!"

The snipers pulled their triggers and Sarzonian troops began falling in droves. The 10 tanks that Bartlett took with him got pelted by hand-held missile launchers and soon, eight of them were destroyed or completely disabled. Only one was in condition to fire, and it did, causing minor damage to the building.

Grenade launchers and missile launchers also fell, getting damaged by the accurate sniper fire.

"Regroup!" Captain Hayley Connor shouted.

"Belay that order!"

"Sir! It's clear we're going to take too many losses if we launch a full-on attack."

"I know what I'm doing Connor. Let me handle this." Bartlett opened up his walkie talkie and shouted out, "Bishop, you Goddamn son of a bitch, surrender and get your ass out here now!"

Long listened to the shrill arrogance in Bartlett's voice with a subtle grin. He recognized the move by Bartlett to try to force the surrender because he was taking more losses than he expected.

"Fat chance, Bartlett," he said into his own device. "Bring some of your men here into my compound and we'll talk."

Bartlett ordered his men to storm the compound, telling Connor to stay behind.

"Sir, that could be a trap. You're setting us up to take massive losses."

"Nonsense, Connor. You have your orders."

"Yes, sir," she responded with irritation in her voice. If this rebellion ended, she'd make sure Army Chief Hal Luxton heard about it. Bartlett would likely get quite a scolding from Luxton.

The 6,700 troops Bartlett had took their positions around the compound for their assault on it. They charged into the building, and Long made his way into the basement where the explosives were kept. He turned on his communications device to give the voice command to destroy the compound, but he figured he'd wait until Bartlett himself came down.

The ninth brigade fought valiantly, taking out scores of charging Sarzonian army forces before they entered the compound and taking out dozens more in pitched fighting in the compound itself. As luck would have it, Bartlett himself went down to the basement, thinking he'd find Bishop there.

"Long, you son of a bitch," Bartlett said. "Good to see you. Now would you mind surrendering so we can get back to business?" Bartlett figured he'd try a little bit of haughtiness and hope the sheer numbers of Sarzonians would convince this half-wit captain to surrender.

Long had other ideas. He put his device to his mouth and said, "it takes two to tango."

The next sound any of them heard was the explosion going off and the compound was consumed in an intense fireball. The troops who didn't make it into the compound turned out to be the lucky ones.

~BUMP~

Connor watched the fireball ascend into the early morning sky with tears in her eyes. Even though she couldn't stand Bartlett, she knew that any loss of life was not something to rejoice about. Especially when it involved the loss of nearly 7,000 people in the molten hell gaining strength near her feet in spite of the torrential downpour.

She weakly picked up her communications device, too distraught to scramble the channel to prevent enemy detection.

"Captain Connor to General Dent. The rebel compound has been destroyed. Loss of life, at least 7,000 estimated."

Dent felt a shiver down his spine.

Seven thousand? That number was almost too great to be imagined. His hands shaking with grief, he pushed the button to contact Connor.

"Understood, Captain. Get fire control teams on the scene to control damage and see if we can save anyone out of there."

"Already done, sir. I think we've only been able to save three lives out of everyone who was in or near the building."

"Take what's left of your troops and head back to camp. We'll assess the situation there."

"Aye, sir."

Dent didn't need to assess very much. He knew something was going on. But he wasn't sure if it was Bartlett being over-adventurous or the rebels turning terrorist. Either way, he knew Army Chief Hal Luxton woudln't like the sound of it.

Bishop listened to the conversation between Dent and Connor with a slight grimace. His plan worked perfectly. The loss of life was horrible; even though it was a major victory for the rebel cause, seeing 7,000 lives lost in an explosion his officer caused was no cause for celebrating.

"Do we launch a full-scale attack," a corporal asked.

"Are you kidding?" Even though they've just lost 7,000 men, they still have 23,000 left. We have 4,400. We have to wait until we can get reinforcements. In the meantime, get your captain over here so we can plan a guerrilla warfare campaign."

"Aye, sir."

Before Bishop could get too heavily into the plans, an aide walked up with a sheet of paper and a broad grin.

"We've got some more weapons you should know about."

"Oh?"

"Take a look at this." Bishop looked. More shoulder-fired weapons perfect for taking out major artillery and rifles with more advanced targeting systems than the Sarzonian army even considered ordering.

"Splendid. This will teach that damn liberal to forget about the army."

"Sir?"

"Sarzo."

"We're going to have to hurry or he's going to send the navy."

Bishop cringed. He forgot the one branch of the military Sarzo was most familiar with: The navy. He was a lifelong Army brat; the Navy was always someone else's job. If there was any one branch of the Sarzonian military that was worth worrying about, it was the Navy.

"What's our naval status?"

"Dismal. Three ships, none larger than a destroyer."

"No match for the Sarzonian navy. We'd better hope they're not putting up a blockade anytime soon."

A lieutenant chimed in.

"There's no if about a blockade. It's a question of when.

Bishop frowned. He knew that. If there was one tenet of Sarzonian miltiary strategy, strangling a weaker opponent with its navy was one of them. He knew Janson had to figure something out to deal with the Sarzonian navy. But now was not the time for that.

He picked up his communications device, set up the coded transmissions and contacted his major in charge of armed forces training.

"How many recruits do we have?"

"Thirty five hundred," the major replied.

"Still not enough. Do what you can to triple that at least."

"I'll try."

"Try? That's not good enough. You'll do it. Understood?"

"Aye, sir."

Bishop knew that it would probably take at least 10 times that number to challenge even a weakened Sarzonian army. They had experience and friends on their side. Branwyn had neither.

*bump*

~BUMP~Thanks Granzi! :D

*bump*

ooc: Sorry this took so long, but you know what happened.


The steps of the Imperial Palace in Old Sdaeriji



Greetings, fellow loyal subjects of the Imperial Dominion. I come to you bearing sad news. Today, our allies and friends in Sarzonia experienced a tragedy. Terrorists in the Sarzonian colony of Branwyn bombed a barracks containing Sarzonian peacekeeping forces. 7,000 innocent lives were lost in this heinous act of horror.

Together we must stand against these barbaric individuals who call themselves "freedom fighters". They fight for no freedom; they fight to destroy our way of lives. They are cowards who are afraid to meet civilized nations on the battlefield, so they resort to killing defenseless women and children. We, as a nation, must do all we can to oppose these savages!

So, as leader of the Imperial Dominion and the greater Empire of Sdaeriji, I extend the deepest condolences to the family and friends of those lost in the slaughter of Daltrey. Also, any aid that the nation of Sarzonia requests from the Imperial Dominion will be given freely. I urge you, loyal citizens of the Imperial Dominion, to donate privately to numerous Sarzonian charities that will be aiding the friends and families of those who were lost needlessly at the hands of the Branwyn terrorists.

Also, we must remain ever vigilant here within the borders of Sdaeriji. While this nation has never suffered a terrorist action, and it has been centuries since foriegn armies marched on our soil, this does not somehow mean we are impervious to such attacks. Do not fool yourselves, people of Sdaeriji; there are many people in the world who would like nothing better than to see our destruction. There are many organizations whose express purpose is to bring down the Sdaerijian way of life. We must not let these people win! We must continue to live the Sdaerijian way of life! Nothing these barbarians do can change us! We will prevail!!!

[long pause for extended ovation]

That is why I am announcing that Sdaeriji will undergo a revolution in security precautions. Starting today, security procedures related to terrorism and terrorist activites will being unprecedented modernization and tightening. I WILL NOT allow a terrorist action to befall our great nation! As the new safety procedures take effect, you, great and loyal citizens of the Imperial Dominion, will be informed. These new precautions will ensure another 6,000 years of Sdaerijian safety!

For now, however, be strong, people of Sdaeriji, and rest assured that your Imperial Dominion is doing everything within its power to keep your interests safe. Glory to the Dominion!



~Speech given by Chairman Ilsuo Santite in response to attacks in Branwyn

Sarzo listened to the report of the destruction of the compound with a grimace. When he heard it was the work of a rebel commander after the Sarzonian forces stormed the building, he sighed. With exasperation, he called Vice President for Defense Terrence Wilson into his office.

"Terry, what the hell is going on over in Daltrey?"

Wilson assumed a defensive posture with his commander in chief having assumed an aggressive tone.

"Mr. President, the men over there are more than capable of doing their jobs. They don't need suits like you questioning their capabilities."

Sarzo glared at Wilson.

"Listen, I've got news for you Terry. I'm commander in chief of the armed forces, not you. That gives me the right to question them when they're not getting the job done. Clearly, they are not getting the job done."

"If they'd only get the support they need --"

"What support do they need that I haven't given," Sarzo asked, his voice rising in pitch and a vein on his neck beginning to potrude with the anger building in his system. "I've given you an overwhelming force. I've given you artillery that dwarfs anything the colonists have over there. I don't know what else you could possibly need."

"How about the Navy, Mr. President?"

"You have my standing permission to use the Navy. You always had it once this conflict began. Why haven't you used it, Terry?"

Wilson paused for a moment. The relationship between him and Navy Chief John Newman was a tense one, but he knew Newman could put their differences aside for his boss.

"Why don't you impose a naval blockade of Branwyn, Terry?"

"I don't believe a blockade would be necessary. We don't want our own blood on our hands."

"That's not what we're doing," Sarzo said. "Prevent arms from getting to them."

"Arms aren't getting to them," Wilson said.

"How can you be sure," Sarzo asked. "Some of the technology the rebels had wasn't anything we've built."

"What do you mean?"

"How did we lose 10 tanks," Sarzo asked. "We don't issue hand-held missile launchers able to destroy tanks, and definitely not to our rebels."

Wilson thought for a moment. Hand held missile launchers capable of that were in the works in the Sarzonian military, but they were barely in the planning stages. Wilson knew the equipment wasn't Sarzonian, but he had to think of all available options. He realized the other nearby colonies wouldn't have the technology, nor did they have the kind of relations that would allow Branwyn to get those arms.

That would start the mystery. Who would have given the rebels those arms?

"I'll send three squadrons over there," Wilson said finally. "We'll get to the bottom of this."

"Good," Sarzo said. As much as he was tempted to try to pry a resignation out of Wilson, he needed Terry right now. Wilson walked off to his office to call Newman and Sarzo stared out the window at the John Paul Stevens building.

Wonder what the Supreme Judicial Court would be doing right now, he thought. He was wondering how the Supreme Judicial Court would think about colonialism when it violated the spirit of the constitution, if not the letter. That thought was cold comfort to Sarzo.

Janson listened to the speech by Santite and chuckled maniacally.

"Terrorists? He dares to call us terrorists," he said boldly. "He dares to insult our honor by calling us that?!

"I'm not even going to glorify that grade school insult with an offical response," Janson said. "You can quote me on that," he added in an aside to the media assembled at his mansion in Daltrey. He stood up officiously and walked out of the press room. He walked down a secret corridor to the situation room in the basement of his mansion.

"What's the status of the arms shipments," Janson asked Bishop.

"The shoulder missile launchers we got were put to great use in the battle on Elliston St.," Bishop said. "More should be on their way shortly."

"Splendid," Janson said.

"I wonder how long it will be before their help is discovered," Bishop said. "And what will happen when they're found out?"

"Hopefully, Sarzo will just let us go then because they can't afford a war against Sdaeriji, can they?"

"Negative," Bishop replied. "They're having enough trouble keeping us down without fighting a war on two fronts. Not only that, but some 'chatter' in Parliament suggests that they're gearing up for another war on a different front. I doubt Sarzo's that crazy."

"I wouldn't underestimate Sarzo," Janson said. "He's very resourceful, and well respected in the international community."

"Still, I don't think they will risk a war with a much more powerful country."

"They've done it before," Janson said. "Remember the war against Holy Panooly?"

Bishop paused. Even though Sarzonia was not prepared for a war against a much larger opponent, they declared war when that country was implementing a policy of ethnic cleansing. It was not the first time Sarzonia declared war against a much larger country. In fact, the wars Sarzonia had declared were mostly against larger countries. It would be just like Sarzo to gear up for a war against Sdaeriji.

"Then again," Bishop pointed out, "don't Sarzonia and Sdaeriji have good relations?"

"For now," Janson said. "But it may not be long before we start saying, 'they did'."

"I don't think Sarzo's foolish enough to risk a war against a large potential ally, but you never know."

That's what makes this so important, Janson thought.

Valletta, Malta 0800

A small fleet left the harbor with the destination of Branwyn. The fleet contained a group of international aid workers ( about 150 doctors, nurses, and medical personnel) and a small group of about 15 lightly armed Knights to act as MP's. At the behest of Sarzonia, they are to set up a refugee camp at some suitable location. They will arrive in about 3 NS days (about 6 hours.)

- Hospitaller Wire Service


OOC: Please give me a location!

[OOC: The best, safest location is called St. Christine's, which is the southernmost town. It is far from the rebel strongholds.]

During a lull in the fighting, Sarzo gathered Vice President for Defense Terrence Wilson and Navy Chief John Newman for a meeting in Sarzo's office in the Gray House.

"Terry, how much can you send over there?"

"We can get two more divisions over there. We'll have to get some air presence over there."

"John, what about you?"

"Three squadrons," Newman said. "We've got potential threats in other parts of the world that need our attention."

"Isn't something that directly affects us a bit more important than some nebulous 'threat'," Wilson asked. He was taking great pains not to sound condescending because he knew Sarzo was losing his patience with him. Besides, Newman knew his job.

"The threats I'm referring to are greater than anything that just affects Sarzonia," Newman said. "Didn't you get the intelligence briefing I sent you?"

"Oh that's right," Wilson said. "I trust your judgment."

Sarzo grimaced. He knew full well the situation Newman was talking about. That was going to require the First and Second Fleets be away from Branwyn. It would be up to the three squadrons.

"Then again, the rebels don't have much of a navy, do they?"

"Not according to our satellite imaging," Wilson said. "Should I announce a blockade?"

"A blockade would be considered an act of war. This is just a minor insurrection. We shouldn't prevent humanitarian aid from getting there, but we should prevent them from getting weapons," Newman suggested.

"Good point," Sarzo said. "The fact they have portable missile launchers that are capable of destroying our tanks with one shot suggests they're getting support from somewhere."

"But who would have such a vested interest in the rebels that they'd risk war?"

The men continued their discussion, ruling out several nations that might have a grudge against Sarzonia.

"I doubt most of those countries would antagonize us with the Victoria Alliance and NATO behind us," Wilson said. "Even so, I'd like to be sure. I'd like to be able to search any ships that come in providing aid to Branwyn."

"Good idea," Newman said.

"Let's do it," Sarzo said.

Sarzo walked to the press room in the Gray House and adjusted the microphone.

"My fellow Sarzonians, I am announcing a new policy with regard to the situation in Branwyn. We are dispatching three naval squadrons led by the aircraft carrier ISS Peligro and the ISS Volunteer. They will search any vessel bound to Branwyn. Non military items such as foodstuffs and medical supplies will be allowed through. Weapons will not."

Sarzo hoped that would buy the army enough time to launch its offensive and end the rebellion before things got too ugly. Even though something was nagging him that it wouldn't.

[OOC: Composition of the three squadrons:

4 Nelson-class light carriers
1 Volunteer-class battleship
2 Truxtun-class battlecruisers
3 Alliance-class supercruisers
5 Randolph-class heavy cruisers
5 Ithaca-class light cruisers
10 Evermore-class destroyers
10 Wixted-class frigates
5 Seminole-class corvettes
Plus assorted support ships (such as tankers, supply ships, etc.)

This is the total composition of the fleet. The Peligro (Nelson-class) is the flagship.]

St. Christine's
Branwyn

After disembarking, the aid workers quickly set up camp, beginning with the neccessary tents and aid stations. Soon, a number of refugees began to enter the site. Construction of more permanent buildings will begin tomorrow.

- Hospitaller Wire Service

*Col. Concannon- President of the Armed Republic of Consivania in a speech to his people*

"My countrymen, as most of you have heard of the recent up-rising in the Sarzonian colony of Branwyn. The Armed Republic of Consivania will be sending 700 men to Branwyn. The 121st Army Field Hospital and the 600 men of the 21st Regiment. The 121st will act as a hospital for civilian casualties and the 21st Regiment will secure important locations and protect them from damage. I ask you for your support and prayers that this conflict will not cause the loss of Consivanian lives."

He did leave out that in reality 1000 Troops will be committed to the conflict. 250 troops trained in guerrilla combat, 25 Special Forces officers to train the rebels in guerrilla combat, and 25 Chemical/biological Weapons specialists. Who will be disguised as civilians and enter the colony unnoticed.

from the Desk of the Grandmaster:

it has been brought to our attention that some nations may be using spies. Any foriegn nationals seeking aid in the guise (spelling?) of a native will be turned over to the respective authority, after recieving care, of course.

It was a quiet morning aboard the ISS Endymion. Captain Travis Moraine was busy commanding the squadron that was essentially blockading Daltrey from his Alliance-class supercruiser that would serve as the force's flagship.

"Any word from the Peligro on any changes in activity?"

"Negative, sir," the lieutenant replied.

Typical, Moraine thought. Since the blockade was imposed, very little activity came about near Daltrey. The preceding weeks have been fairly routine. Moraine was busy trying to come up with ways to keep his men sharp. He was beginning to run out of ideas.

"Captain, I'm reading a merchant vessel that doesn't match designated markings."

Pretty clever, Moraine thought. The lieutenant who came up with this scenario would be rewarded for his ingenuity. Moraine walked over to the lieutenant's station and looked. When he saw the ship's markings, his eyes widened. This wasn't a drill.

"Ms. Lopez, contact that merchant ship. Order them to heave to so we can inspect them."

"Aye, sir." The ensign worked the communications station controls and sent the hails to the vessel.

"No response, sir."

Moraine grimaced. This was definitely not going to be the simple drill he was thinking when he first heard about this ship.

"Open the channel again. Perhaps a more personal message will get the point across."

"Aye, sir. Channel open."

"This is Captain Travis Moraine of the ISS Endymion. Your ship is not authorized to pass through the blockade. You are ordered to stand down and allow your ship to be inspected."

Moraine waited for a minute. The ship showed no signs of slowing down or even acknowledging the message. Moraine drew a heavy sigh. He knew what he was about to do was not going to go down in the history of his favorite command moments.

"Yellow alert," Moraine said. "Arm our weapons systems."

The Endymion crew assumed their stations and the ship began to arm weapons.

"One last time, put me through," Moraine said.

"Aye sir. You're on captain."

You've got one last chance, Moraine said.

"This is Captain Moraine. It seems you weren't listening the last time I contacted you. I'm giving you a warning. Either stand down and prepare to be boarded or we will be compelled to take your ship by force."

The ship continued to steam toward Daltrey, completely ignoring the Endymion.

"Fire a shot across their bow. Maybe that will get the message across."

"Aye, sir."

The Endymion fired a shot from one of its 11 inch guns across the bow of the merchant vessel. The ship still ignored the larger Sarzonian vessel.

"They leave me no choice now," Moraine said, exasperation flooding his voice as his grimace turned to a scowl. "Target their engines and fire."

The Endymion fired again, its lower turret hitting the engines of the merchant vessel three times. The ship suddenly stopped.

"Get a boarding party together," Moraine told his first officer, Commander Katie Patinkin. "I want you to search that ship high and low."

"Aye, sir." "Men, let's move it!" The daughter of the legendary Sarzonian admiral got high marks from the crew of her ship on her own merits for being a tough but fair leader. She was also able to find problems the way a bomb sniffing dog could detect hidden explosives.

After the boarding party had been on the merchant vessel for two hours, Patinkin picked up her communcations device and set it to a coded channel to contact Moraine.

"Patinkin to Endymion."

"Moraine."

"Trav, you're not going to believe what I found."

"What's that Katie?"

"Remember those hand-held missile launchers?"

"Yeah," Moraine said, drawing out the word as his mind started racing. He was aware that the missile launchers capable of taking out a Sarzonian tank were not standard Sarzonian issue. He also was aware that those weren't the type of weapons a small insurgency would have unless it were funded by a foreign government. But the DoD had ruled out a lot of the usual suspects.

"They're aboard this merchant vessel," Patinkin said.

Moraine knew the answer to just who had been supporting the rebel cause was about to come. He also knew it would set the events into a spiral that could get completely out of control.

"Whose vessel is it?"

"It's a Sdaerijian ship, sir."

Moraine felt a chill up his spine. Sdaeriji!

"Aren't we supposed to be on good terms with them," Lopez asked.

"We are," Moraine said. "Though I don't think we will be for long."

The word about the raid of the Sdaerijian merchant ship reached Woodstock before long.

"Those bastards," Vice President for Defense Terrence Wilson bellowed in his office near the Gray House. He stormed into Deputy Vice President for Defense Jeremy Goss's office. He didn't bother to wait for Goss's secretary or pay attention to anyone who might have been in Goss's office.

"Jerm, come see me in my office right away," Wilson snapped. Without waiting for an answer, he whirled around and stalked out and thumped down the hallway to his own office.

Goss rolled his eyes. By now, he was used to his boss's brusque behavior. Everyone under Wilson feared him. Even his immediate bosses, the Senior Vice Presidents, didn't want to cross him on a bad day. The only person who could -- and did -- get in Wilson's grill was Sarzo. When the President got angry enough, no one dared cross him. Not even Wilson.

With a sigh, Goss stood up, excused himself to his guest, and walked deliberately down the hall toward Wilson's office.

When he got to Wilson's office, he was greeted with a gruff, "close the door." Goss did as he was told.

"What the hell was your guy thinking," Wilson snapped as soon as Goss took a seat in front of his boss. "We risk a war against a superpower because your guy can't follow a damn protocol? Answer me or you're fired."

"I can't speak specifically to what he was thinking in that," Goss began. He never finished his sentence.

"You're fired," Wilson bellowed. You have until the end of the day to clean out your office. Now get out."

Goss stood up, looking like he'd just witnessed the death of a loved one, and somberly walked back to his office. His guest saw the look on his face and knew something was wrong.

"What happened?"

"I was fired."

"What!"

"He fired me."

"Want me to talk to my boss?"

"That's not going to change anything."

"I wouldn't be so sure. Hold on. With resignation in his face, Goss decided to make the rounds with his support staff. Meanwhile, his guest picked up her cell phone and direct connected to her boss.

"Sarzo."

"Mike, it's Becky. Terry just fired Jeremy Goss."

"For what?"

"I don't know. Probably the merchant incident near Daltrey."

"I'll be right down."

Within minutes, Sarzo appeared in Goss's office.

"Not so fast, Jer," Sarzo said. "I'm going to talk to Terry."

"Don't bother," Wilson said. He overheard Sarzo's conversation.

"He couldn't answer my question about what his guy was thinking."

"Hold it," Sarzo said. "You know procedures around here Terry. That action has to be approved by Personnel and signed for by me or Nicole. I can tell you right now I wouldn't have signed it."

Wilson glared at Sarzo, and unlike everyone else in the Gray House, Sarzo did not wilt. He fixed his own scowl at Wilson.

"I told you that you were on your last strike," Sarzo said. "You've just struck out. Jeremy isn't the one who's fired. You will be."

Wilson still looked at Sarzo defiantly. "What about your precious procedure?"

"The termination letter is on my desk waiting to be signed as we speak. Once I sign it, Becky will take it to Personnel. You forget that Becky's unioned with Scott. She can get him to do anything she wants. Not only that, but he hates your guts and he's been waiting for the chance to get rid of you."

With that, Sarzo turned around and walked back toward his office. He signed the letter and gave it to Becky, who then walked to Personnel and gave the letter to Personnel Director Scott Davis. He signed his approval and Wilson was out of a job.

"Jere, do you want to take over for Terry?"

"I don't think so, Mr. President. I think I need some time off."

"Understood. Take some time off, but when you come back, don't forget to clear that pile of work off your desk."

Goss smiled slightly, then picked up his briefcase for the ride home.

Sarzo then grabbed his cell phone and called Navy Chief John Newman.

"Hey John, got a minute?"

"Yeah."

"I just fired Terry."

"Oh?"

"He tried to fire Jeremy Goss."

"What?"

"Over the Endymion incident."

"No kidding. So who's going to be VPD? Is it going to be Jere?"

"He doesn't want the job. Do you want it?"

"Uh," Newman thought. He looked at Deputy Navy Chief Kathy Bunhall and remembered his words as he was getting ready to leave for an event that got cancelled. "Yeah, I guess."

"Congratulations Mr. Vice President," Sarzo said. "I'll go to Parliament and ask the House to confirm you as the VPD."

"Thank you, sir."

"But first, I've got more pressing matters to deal with."

Sarzo went to the press office in the Gray House and addressed the assembled reporters.

"Today, the ISS Endymion opened fire on a Sdaerijian merchant ship that was carrying arms to the rebels in Branwyn. This is a betrayal of trust on the part of the Imperial Dominion of Sdaeriji. We are hereby banning all shipping from Sdaeriji to the rebels and we order all merchant ships of Sdaeriji's not to enter Branwynian waters.

"Also, I have the duty of informing everyone that I have terminated Vice President for Defense Terrence Wilson for repeated violations of protocol and for other personnel-related matters I am not at liberty to discuss. I have named Navy Chief John Newman acting Vice President for Defense and will ask the House of Delegates to confirm him in that role."

Sarzo turned around without answering questions and walked back to his office. He could use a nap, but knew one wasn't going to be coming anytime soon.

Tag Morathania

“This is bullshit. Bullshit!” Santite pounded his fist on his desk.

“Yes sir, it’s completely unbelievable,” Imperial Defense Chairwoman Sedia Adiesa said nervously. “Inexcusable.”

“Is there any truth to this story?”

“None that I can find, sir,” Trade Chairman Umo Cantil said. “We don’t even have a ship by those specifications in the registry. If it was flying the Imperial flag, it was flying it illegally.”

“Well that’s the first good news I’ve heard all goddamn day.” Santite opened the middle drawer of his desk, pulled out a container of Tums, and popped seven or eight into his mouth.

“What are we going to do now? Do you know how much money this nation does with Branwyn? It’s more than Sarzonia, I’ll tell you that. Kesh Industries will NOT be pleased with this ban on trade.”

“Ah yes, and we can’t be pissing off Kesh Industries, can we?” Santite’s comment dripped with sarcasm. Kesh Industries was the main supplier of industrial equipment to Branwyn, and the biggest competitor to Ariannan Corporation, a company for which Santite served as CEO. As much as Santite would like to see Kesh take a hit like this, he could not ignore the amount of commerce that would be lost by even a temporary ban on trade with Branwyn. Big business effectively ruled Sdaeriji, and his rule would not last long if the corporations became agitated with him. “I suppose we can’t just let this last, can we?”

“No sir. What are we going to do though? If Sarzo wasn’t willing to contact us before initiating this embargo, what makes you think he’ll be willing to listen to our excuses?”

“To hell with him. We’re not going to let him dictate our trade. If he wants to make a big stink about this, we’ll just have to recognize the rebels as the legitimate government of Branwyn. My gut tells me that Sarzo doesn’t want to make an international incident out of this. If we force the issue, he’ll fold.”

“Risky, don’t you think?” asked Adiesa.

“Risky? Sure. But Sarzo is lucky we haven’t declared war on him after this bullshit. They fired on a ship they thought belonged to the Imperial Dominion. Just the thought of that should be enough for us to bring down the hammer on Sarzonia. I’d say that was much riskier than what we’re doing. No, we won’t let Sarzo strong arm our economy just because his intelligence agencies are inept. I’ll make an announcement tomorrow morning.”

On the steps of the Imperial Palace in old Sdaeriji

Loyal citizens of the Imperial Dominion, today I bring you news of a betrayal of the worst kind. One of our closest international friends, Sarzonia, has saw it fit to not only set up Sdaerijian merchants for the supposed smuggling of arms to the Branwyn rebels, but has also banned all Sdaerijian trade to the colony until further notice. This, I say, is unacceptable! We will not submit to such a blatant attempt at heavy handed politics. We will not let Sarzonia strong arm the Imperial Dominion in this fashion.

The fact alone that the Sarzonian navy fired on an Imperial merchant vessel, completely unprovoked, should be reason enough to make the people of Sarzonia feel the wrath of Imperial military might, but I like to think that we, loyal subjects of the Dominion, are above such political maneuvers. Instead, I say to you today that we will not adhere to this ban. Branwynian autonomy allows them to make their own decisions in matters of international commerce, and we will allow THEM to make the decision to ban our trade, not the distant government of Michael Sarzo. I know that the Imperial Dominion has done nothing wrong; that this is just a pathetic attempt by Sarzonia to lay the blame on someone else for their inability to reign in these rebels.

So I promise you, patriots of Sdaeriji, that I will not allow this fiasco to interrupt the livelihood of a single citizen of the glorious Imperial Dominion. Trade WILL continue with the good people of Branwyn, and no nation can prevent this. This, I promise you.

~Speech given by Chairman Ilsuo Santite after the Endymion incident

Sarzo listened to the press conference given by Chairman Santite after the Endymion incident and grimaced. Newly confirmed Vice President for Defense John Newman and Navy Chief Kathy Bunhall looked at their boss for a clue about how to proceed.

"What do you think," Sarzo asked.

"It's clear they're not going to heed the blockade," Newman said.

"It looks like war," Bunhall said. "We can't allow a country -- no matter how big and powerful it is -- to threaten our sovreignty."

"Wait a minute," Newman countered. Unlike Wilson's brusque nature, Newman was more deliberate in the way he approached the people who worked with him. Except for his occasionally overexuberant responses to naval orders, he was well-liked among his peers. "Sdaeriji is one of the largest military powers in the world. A war would be out of the question."

"It looks like they're forcing our hand," Bunhall said. "We can't just meekly submit to someone just because they're bigger than us. We should treat them like the schoolyard bully who's out for Timmy's lunch money."

"And do what," Newman asked. "I remind you that we're not in a position to have a full scale war right now. You know as well as I do the state of the Navy. Our army has had very little battlefield experience, and our Air Force is not the largest in the world by any means. And you want us to risk our sons and daughters against Sdaeriji. We'd need to call all of our friends in on that one."

"John, Kathy," Sarzo said. "It's not an all-or-nothing proposition. We're not going to back down from Sdaeriji by any stretch, but I seriously doubt we're going to have the votes in Parliament for a declaration of war.

"If Sdaeriji sends another merchant ship into Branwyn, we're going to respond the way the Endymion just did. We need to send a message to the world that we're not going to roll over and play dead whenever somebody big and bad comes along."

"Then what do you suggest, Mike," Newman asked.

"Status quo for now," Sarzo said. "But if it comes down to shooting, there will be shooting."

After the meeting adjourned, Sarzo went to the press room and stood in front of the television cameras and microphones and adjusted the one on his podium to his mouth.

"Today, the Imperial Dominion of Sdaeriji has taken steps to threaten the soverignty of the Incorporated States of Sarzonia by attempting to circumvent our naval blockade of Branwyn. They accuse us of betrayal, yet they have covertly sent shipments to our rebel forces while outwardly supporting us in our attempts to end the insurrection by our colonial forces.

"Such actions are unacceptable and we call upon Sdaeriji to respect our ban until they no longer attempt to send weapons to rebel forces.

"Sarzonia will not allow itself to be bullied into submission by larger powers, no matter who that power is."

With that, Sarzo whirled around and stalked away from the podium, the steely determination on his face having morphed into a cold, angry scowl.

Parliamentary Complex

The exchange of statements between Sarzonia and Sdaeriji was listened to with great interest, and recorded for the Daily Ministerial report. After passing rapidly through the Defense Ministry, glanced at by one Carrington West, the folder ended upon the desk of Prime Minister Terri Bolash. Shifting through the piles of documents flooding in from around the world, Terri gave an apologetic look at West before rifling through it's pages.

Terri thumbed through the document, then placed it flat before him. Staring straight at the Defense Minister, he began idly rummaging through the stacks of bulletins. Drawing forth a sheath of files, the Prime Minister selected one and brought it forward. Hefting the substantial girth, he said, We've been monitoring the situation in Branwyn for quite a while, correct?" At Carrington's nod, Terri continued. "Then tell me why this has suddenly escalated to such levels?"

Gesturing at the files, Carrington said, "It seems that Sdaeriji has decided to take matters into their own hands. A merchant ship, apparently registered with that nation, was caught smuggling weapons to the rebels in Branwyn. Of course, the politicks there tried to bluff out of that corner, then turned the tables by accusing Sarzo of restricting free trade. It's basically gone downhill from there."

Bolash sighed before leaning back in his chair. "A load of diplomatic bullsh*t if I ever heard one. He strode to the window and looked down at Granzi City. As if making up his mind, Terri walked quickly to the phone and dialed the frequency for the Bat Phone (?). At the click of the receiver being answered, he began to speak. "Sarzo, it's me, Terri. I heard that you've been having a bit of trouble with your newfound "friends" over in Sdaeriji. You give the word, and we're there to help."

Terri waited for Sarzo's reply.

Thinly disguised BUMP.

Sarzo picked up the Bat Phone, realizing that it was one of his most trusted allies, since only certain countries' leaders had the number.

"Sarzo."

"Sarzo, it's me, Terri. I heard that you've been having a bit of trouble with your newfound 'friends' over in Sdaeriji. You give the word, and we're there to help."

Sarzo sighed just slightly in exasperation over the situation he found Sarzonia embroiled in, then an unexpected calm came over him.

"Thank you Terri," Sarzo began. "If you have any intelligence on the government situation over there, that would be a good idea. I'd like to find out just what is making their government a bunch of double-dealing assholes.

"Besides that, if things get to a point where peace negotiations are possible, I trust you and Nathaniel to be able to broker a good deal for both of us. Though right now doesn't look good for peace, I'm afraid," Sarzo's voice trailed off.

Sarzo waited for Bolash's answer and stared blankly out the window of his office in the Gray House.

Terri sighed. "I can't really help you in that aspect Sarzo. I think that you might know more than we do over here in Granzi." The Prime Minister paused. "What strikes me as odd is why the Sdaerijian are supplying the Branwyn rebels. What do they have to gain? To me, the only profit they could make is economical, but they run the risk of gaining the emnity of Sarzonia and her allies. Namely us."

He thought, Economic... advantages? With a start, Bolash came upon a new train of thought. "What if there is something standing behind the administration? Pressuring them..." Terri trailed off.

On board the cargo ship Laucian, Imperial registry IDMS-542313

“Hey, how’s it going Ersona?”

“Hey Lapro, not bad. You couldn’t sleep either?”

Lapro looked up at the cloudless night. “Nah, my mind’s racing at a mile a minute.” He looked down at the water below. “Uncomfortably calm, these waves.”

“Heh, I was thinking the same thing. I hope this all works out alright.”

“Yeah, me too. I don’t have the stomach for war.” Lapro quickly checked his watch, then looked up at Ersona. “Well, I’ve got to get back to my rounds. Try to get some sleep, huh?”

“I’ll give it a try. Goodnight.”

Ersona gazed back out on the moonlit horizon. Ersona was Commander Ersona Diuna, commander of the Laucian, a cargo ship bringing medical supplies and equipment to the Sarzonian colony of Branwyn. The Laucian had specifically been chosen to try and run the blockade of Sdaerijian ships by Sarzonia because of the potential international outrage were it sunk like Sarzonia had threatened. The unenviable job of being the first to run the blockade had fallen to Diuna. To say he resented the Imperial government’s choice would be an understatement.

Diuna was in the middle of a pleasant daydream about home when an ensign timidly tore him back to reality.

“Sir, I just thought you ought to know that we’ve just crossed into Branwynian waters.”

“Thank you ensign.” Well, that’s it, he thought. There’s no turning back now….

The ISS Townshend, an Ithaca-class light cruiser, knifed slowly through the quiet waters around Branwyn. Except for the Endymion incident, there hasn't been much action on the route for the Townshend. The ship had one minor skirmish with a Branwynian privateer but not much excitement was in the offering for this ship.

"Status report," Captain Alvin Buck asked.

"All systems normal," Lieutenant Karyn Barkley responded. "Wait, I'm picking up a ship headed in our direction."

"Which ship?"

"Checking the ship registeries. It appears to be a Sdaerijian ship."

"Damn it," Buck snapped. "I figured they'd try to send something to break the blockade. Looks like they're lowering the gauntlet now.

"What are your readings on the ship," Buck asked.

"We've been able to confirm the identity of the ship. It is Sdaerijian. It's the Laucian, sir."

"What kind of ship is that?"

"It's a cargo ship. Looks like it's carrying medical supplies and equipment."

"Contact them and order them to retreat," Buck said.

"Trying, sir. They're ignoring our communications."

Damn, Buck thought. "Try to warn them that we'll sink them if they don't stand down."

"They're still ignoring us, sir."

"Then we don't have a choice, do we," Buck said. "Target their engines systems. Let's disable them but don't sink them if we can help it."

"Aye, sir. Target acquired."

Buck took a deep breath. He knew his next word would forever change the course of Sarzonian history and he wasn't sure how it would happen.

"Fire."

The Townshend opened fire with its six inch guns and the ship's guidance systems pinpointed the engines. Unfortunately, one of the guns was slightly off and opened a giant hole in the ship that caused it to sink.

"What the hell happened," Buck yelled. "I didn't want that!"

"Sir, our GPS targeter momentarily fluctuated," Barkley said.

Buck smacked the right side of his head with the palm of his hand. He knew that wouldn't fly with the Navy's top brass in Nicksia. He also knew that the situation would escalate and he would likely see much more of the inside of the John Paul Stevens building in Woodstock than he'd like. He also knew that he'd likely be the cause of an increased naval presence on the part of Sarzonia.

"Get some damage control teams and some rescue personnel out there," Buck said. "Let's see if we can minimize the damage over there."

Fat chance of that Buck thought. He knew that he might be able to salvage the rescue of a few Sdaerijians, but that might still inflame matters with Sdaeriji.

In any event, he'd given his orders and he knew that history would eventually render its verdict of his actions on this day.

Secure Transmission

As the Granzi Navy is preoccupied by matters elsewhere, the Commonwealth still wished to lend aid to our Sarzonian allies. Therefore, we propose a land-based Granzian expedition to Branwyn. Composed of roughly a quarter dozen divisions drawn from our Rapid Reaction Force (48,000 troops with logistics and equipment), and lead by the crack 67th Airborne, they will force a segment of peacekeepers tasked with maintaining order in areas affected by the rebellion or possibly active combat.

With permission, we also ask to deploy a segment of the airforce for a secondary support role. The force will most like be two Multi-Role Fighter Squadrons augmented by several Ground Attack and AWACs squads. Included will also be half a dozen EW aircraft, capable of shutting down select frequencies inside of radius of 30 miles. We hope this will relieve some of the roles previously held by Sarzonian troops.

Awaiting your response,
Carrington West
Defense Minister

Sarzo saw the news reports of the sinking of the Laucian and muttered under his breath.

Oh shit, he thought. That's not going to go over very well.

He turned the television off in disgust and turned back to his desk. Vice President for Defense John Newman walked into his office.

"John, what the hell is going on over there?"

"Sir, the Laucian ignored the blockade. Captain Buck gave several orders to turn around."

"But the ship still sunk, John. That's just it. Why did he sink the ship?"

"We're still going over the logs, but it appears that one of the gun turrets was off target by a fraction of an inch. Unfortunately, that fraction of an inch was the difference between disabling the ship and sinking it."

"Were we able to salvage anything?"

"We saved about 20 crew and salvaged about half the equipment in the Laucian. The only good news is the rebels won't get it."

"How's our ground situation look?"

"Not very good. We're taking some losses against their forces."

"How in the..."

"Not only are they getting equipment from Sdaeriji, but it seems they're also being trained pretty well too."

"By Sdaeriji?"

"That's impossible to determine," Newman said. "Though early evidence is pointing in a different direction."

"Which direction?"

"Another country, sir."

"Do you know which one?"

"No."

"Dammit, John, we need to find out."

"Understood sir. In the meantime, I request your permission to deploy a larger naval force. I have a feeling our 'friends' in Sdaeriji will be ready to throw the kitchen sink at us."

"And risk escalating into full scale war," Sarzo said out loud. But if I don't, Sarzo thought, I'll look like the biggest blundering fool this side of the organizers of Altamont. We can't let some tin pot dictator push us around.

"Permission granted. We need to strengthen that blockade anyway. Too much is getting through to the rebels as it is."

"Thank you, sir. Oh, and Granzian Defense Minister Carrington West is offering to send troops. And they're asking permission to send their air force to help out."

"We'll need them. Tell him he has permission to send whatever he can. And thank him profusely."

"Got it." Newman backed out through the doorway out of Sarzo's office. Sarzo picked up the phone and called Navy Chief Kathy Bunhall.

"Kath, when this situation in Branwyn dies down, I want you to begin a full scale inquiry into the Townshend incident as well as the Endymion incident."

"Will do, Mr. President."

Sarzo put the phone down and stared blankly at the wall. The portrait of his favorite singer, Stevie Nicks stared intensely at him, seemingly into his soul.

I sure could use the three birds of Rhiannon right about now, he thought.

Santite grumbled as he looked at the report on the destruction of the Laucian. Complete destruction of the ship. Most of the crew dead, the rest captured. Loss of almost all of the equipment. All in all, a very humiliating loss.

“Well, I suppose this proves that Sarzo isn’t fucking around.” Vice Chairman Luongo Inacapo said from across Santite’s desk.

“Really funny. Do you have any other pearls of wisdom you wish to share? Would you like to make light of my deceased grandmother while you’re at it?”

“Sorry, sir,” Inacapo said meekly.

“If you’re done, then maybe we can discuss this. Umo, do you have anything to add?”

“Well,” Trade Chairman Umo Cantil began, “this ship was most definitely one of ours. Not like that phantom vessel with all the arms that they seized. There was no provocation for this attack. The Laucian was carrying medical supplies, for Christ’s sake.”

“Can I recommend sending naval escorts with our merchant convoys traveling near or to Branwyn?” Admiral Aquil D’guerr questioned.

“So we’re still going to trade with Branwyn in spite of this?” Cantil asked.

“Well, we sure as hell can’t back down. This attack was totally uncalled for. The LEAST we can do is continue trading.” D’guerr responded.

“Are you willing to tell trade ship captains to risk their lives for a political maneuver?” Defense Chairwoman Sedia Adiesa slipped in.

“Are you willing to tell the people of the Dominion to roll over to international pressure when we’re obviously in the right?” D’guerr stabbed back.

“Is this really worth risking lives fo….”

”Sedia, Aquil, calm down!” Santite shouted. “We don’t need a fist fight in my office, that’s for sure. Listen, all of you. It’s obvious we can’t just cease trade with Branwyn. We can’t roll over to the Sarzonians, that’s definite. Aquil, what do you recommend for a warship escort for our merchant convoys?”

“I’d say twelve to fifteen destroyers with convoys of about fifty merchant ships. If you want to show some teeth, include a battleship with the destroyers. That should get them pissing their pants.”

“Well said, Aquil.” Adeisa jabbed.

“Sedia! Aquil, do it. Set things up. I want fifteen destroyers and a battleship with groups of fifty merchant ships. Umo, inform all merchant captains of the change. I don’t want a single ship setting sail for Branwyn without an escort. I don’t want to risk any more unnecessary Sdaerijian deaths in this whole fiasco. Hopefully Sarzonia can take a hint and will allow trade to resume peacefully.” Santite leaned back in his chair and stared around at his cavernous office. “But let the captains of the escorts know that force is authorized if need be. If Sarzo tries to start a war, we’ll fight a war.” He leaned back and contemplated those last words. “You are all dismissed.”

OOC: I'm sending a TG to Sdaeriji as per the first post to request permission to join in, If told to butt out I will, however, as an ally of Granzi who has recently exchanged embassies and the pending marriage of King 'Lude to Sarzonia's ambassador to Mauiwowee, I think it makes sense I'd be interested. so;

IC:


Dear President Sarzo & Granzi Defense Miinister West:

We have been extremely pre-occupied with the conflict in Euroslavia and
internal conflict over our proposed marriage to President Sarzo's ambassador
to Mauiwowee, Harriet Levine, and we regret our late offer of aid to our
friends and allies. However, we have 2 carrier fleets, consisting of 2 carriers,
8 battleships, 2 subs, 10 Destroyers and 6 medical ships standing off the
coast of Florida and Communist Louisiana that we are willing to divert to this
conflict on a moment's notice. Please let us know if we can be of aid.

Respectfully,
His Royal Highness,
King 'Lude II
Mauiwowee

OOC: I'm sending a TG to Sdaeriji as per the first post to request permission to join in, If told to butt out I will, however, as an ally of Granzi who has recently exchanged embassies and the pending marriage of King 'Lude to Sarzonia's ambassador to Mauiwowee, I think it makes sense I'd be interested. so;

IC:


Dear President Sarzo & Granzi Defense Miinister West:

We have been extremely pre-occupied with the conflict in Euroslavia and
internal conflict over our proposed marriage to President Sarzo's ambassador
to Mauiwowee, Harriet Levine, and we regret our late offer of aid to our
friends and allies. However, we have 2 carrier fleets, consisting of 2 carriers,
8 battleships, 2 subs, 10 Destroyers and 6 medical ships standing off the
coast of Florida and Communist Louisiana that we are willing to divert to this
conflict on a moment's notice. Please let us know if we can be of aid.

Respectfully,
His Royal Highness,
King 'Lude II
Mauiwowee

OOC: Shit, sorry, somehow I ended up posting this as my goofy puppet, sorry about that. assume Mauiwowee posted this. Damn
<--kicking himself for looking like a n00b

Secure Location

"Excellent. Sarzo himself has given us the go-ahead himself for our forces to move out." Carrington West slid the transmission across the conference table. "The expedition force is ready for deployment Terri, and we have all equipment loaded on transports for the sail to Branwyn, General Demark in command. Here's a complete detail of what we're sending over."

Prime Minister Bolash briefly thumbed through the report. "What's Parliament's view on this?"

Foreign Minister Nathanial Sun spoke up. "We've got that covered already. I've talked to several members of the Foreign Relations Committee. They've assured me, especially Committee Chair Alister, that the general atmosphere is warm to such a proposal. We can put the measure up for discussion, but it's expected to pass easily."

He paused. "And also Mauiwowee's offering some addition support."

"Tell them we'd welcome any assistance they can offer, but leave it to Sarzo to make the final decision." Terri turned to his Defense Minister. "And the navy?"

West shifted in his seat. "The consensus is to keep them out of this conflict. I think Sarzonians would want to handle any naval action, since that's where this mess started. Pride and all that. So the navy will be limited to transport and escort duties only, for forces bond for Branwyn. I think a squadron or two of destroyers or cruisers will be enough."

Bolash nodded. "Good, then that'll be our course of action. I want our forces over by the end of this (NS) month. Meeting adjourned."

Sarzo sat back in his chair. The tension around Woodstock was palpable as the prospect of war with Sdaeriji became more and more likely. The army campaign was not going nearly as well as former Vice President for Defense Wilson hoped when he mapped out a limited army campaign, as the rebels had superior equipment to anything he shipped over to the army. Sarzo hoped the help from Granzi would turn the tide on the ground.

Sdaerijian shipping to Branwyn temporarily stopped, for a reason that Sarzo quickly discovered was the buildup of the destroyer escorts. That would be the army's best chance of scoring a major victory against the rebel forces that could improve the badly declining morale among the regulars.

Newly appointed Navy Chief Kathy Bunhall had just authorized a group of vessels to set sail to reinforce the blockade and to deal with the destroyer escorts sent by Sdaeriji. The Evermore-class destroyers would soon get their chance to prove their worth in battle. Bunhall would see to that.

Still, Sarzo worried if that would be enough.

"We're getting some support in the international community," Newman said. "Still, I'd rather make sure that our army gets a boost of troops and equipment. They have Sdaerijian equipment and we're going to have to counter that with boots on the ground as well as our own equipment."

"Aren't we getting that shipment from Poroscz Corporation soon," Vice President for Budget and Finance Carol Weinberg asked. "It seems to me that even with those launchers, the sheer numbers of tanks and equipment we should conceivably throw at them should turn matters in our favor before long."

"We are," Newman said. "However, we have to make sure we can get the special operations forces on the ground to throw their power lines out of whack and disrupt their supply chain. That's the best chance we have to turn the tide on the ground until we can get the help from the Granzian army."

"We just got a telegram from Mauiwowee. King 'Lude is offering to send his navy to help us with the threat from Sdaeriji," Sarzo said.

"With all due respect to our friends there, I think we can handle it," Newman said. "However, if Kathy thinks we need the help, I don't want to stand in her way."

Bunhall steeled herself and stood up slowly. She looked unsure, but she wanted to project an aura of confidence. She figured Newman would look down on her if she asked for the help from Mauiwowee.

"I believe we can handle it ourselves," Bunhall said slowly and deliberately."

"Still, I don't want to completely ignore their offer of help," Sarzo said.

"Tell you what," Newman suggested. "Why don't you ask them to send their ships to escort the Granzian army to landfall? We'll handle the heavy lifting against the Sdaerijian navy, but they can make sure the Granzian army reaches landfall."

"Good idea," Sarzo said. "Kathy, if you need help, it's not good to be too prideful and not ask for it. If I did that against Cam III, we wouldn't be sitting here today."

Bunhall sighed. She knew Sarzo was right about that point.

"Point taken, sir." She hung her head slightly.

"No need to hang your head," Newman said. He placed his arm around the shoulders of Bunhall in a very un-supervisorly way, but the simple gesture worked wonders on Bunhall's psyche. Sarzo smiled when he saw Newman do that.

Things are already better off for us without Terry, he thought.

After the meeting adjourned, Sarzo went to his computer and typed out the following communciation to King 'Lude:

We thank you for your generous offer of support. We believe the battle over supplying the insurrection should be between us and Sdaeriji. However, I would not stand in your navy's way if you choose to provide an escort and protection for the Granzian army's landfall. I wouldn't want you to risk the lives of your sons and daughters needlessly because we couldn't handle an insurrection in one of our colonies.

Secret Comminque

TO: Nathainal Sun, Foreign Minister, Granzi &
President Mike Sarzo, Sarzonia

Dear Sirs:
Our naval fleet, as previously described, has been diverted and will be availalbe to provide aid and sea cover to ensure a succesful bootfall by Granzian forces. Once the troops have succesfully landed we will escort Granzi's troops ships out of harms way. The commanders of our ships have been instructed that their job is only to ensure the safety of the Granzian landing force and ensure their safe landing. They will fire only if fired upon or if neccessary to prevent an attack upon Granzian forces prior to their landing and establishment of a beach head. Once this is done, they will remain in the area in case further assistance is needed or to assist in any extraction of forces that might be called for.
President Sarzo, we do not consider it an unnecessary risk to our men and women to come to your aid. We feel certain that you will succesfuly put down the rebellion, but as an ally, we want to assure you that our assistance will always be available (besides, what would Harriet say if we didn't offer assistance to you? :) ). :) Minister Sun, please assure your troops that they will have complete air and sea coverage as they enter the area and make landfall.
If we can be of further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our ships will be standing by.
Sincerely,
King 'Lude II
Mauiwowee

Sam-O was sitting in a room with 7 other people discussing the matter of Sarzonia. Sam-O was a little worried for his friend Persident Sarzo. He was sitting waiting for an arguement to end between Mel and Belisarius, the Navy officier.

Mel: We can't get involved with any milatary. We can't send troops.

Belisarius: We can't just sit here and do nothing.

Mel: We need all troops on standby incase Indian Casino Operaters attacks.

Belisarius: We can send Speacial Ops troops. We must help. Sarzo would help if we were in his position.

Sam-O: Thats enough both of you. Mel is right we need troops here. but we can send a few special ops troops.:: Mel and Belisarius were glaring at each other waiting for the other to brake eye contact.::

Frogg: Sam-O would you like me to ready men?

Sam-O: Not yet i will find out if Sarzo will need those men.

Frogg: Alright Sa- WILL YOU TWO KNOCK IT OFF!!.:: Mel and Belisarius started to yell again.::

Mel: Fine!:: And storms out of the room.::

Sam-O: Just what i, need Hell Mel in A Hellish mood. Thank you Gentlemen you may go.:: He waits for everyone to leave than starts to right a telegram.::


Message
To Mike Sarzo President of Sarzonia.
From Sam-O President of Samotopia.

Mike. If you need any help what so ever just ask. I am offering 1,000 special Ops troops to aid you if you'd like them send a message with an answer. We have been friends for awile now and i know if i was in your position you would help me.
Your friend,
Sam-O.

Sarzo received the transmission from President Sam-O and breathed a sigh of relief. Now the ground war looked like it was going to turn in Sarzonia's favor. With three allies firmly committing to putting down the rebellion, he could concentrate on the naval battles that lie ahead.

He picked up the Bat Phone and called Sam-O.

"Hello Sam-O, good to talk to you again. I appreciate your offer and I'll definitely take you up on the special ops troops.

"We are indebted to you and Samotopia for your service to us. We really appreciate it."

Sarzo said that and when the phone hung up, he silently pumped his fist.

Take that Janson you shithead, he thought. Santite, I'm coming after you.

Official Communiqué

Your majesty, we would be indebted to Mauiwowee and her armed forces if naval escorts could be arranged for our transport. The Commonwealth's Navy is currently stretched thin during a period of overhaul, so the services that you have offered would be greatly appreciated. The expedition has already departed for Branwyn, and the convoy may be found at the coordinates attached to this transmission, heading north by northwest at a constant speed of 25 nm per hour. We hope a rendezvous can be made by week's end.

Regards,

Nathanial Sun
Minister of Foreign Affairs

OOC: Sarzonia, do you have a map of Branwyn, or do you want me to make one? TG me the description if you do.

From the Isselmere-Nieland Ministry of Defence

In defence of the territorial integrity of our loyal allies in Sarzonia, we are sending the First Littoral Defence Fleet to Branwyn. This fleet consists of the following vessels:

16 Forthar-class SSN
18 Stortbek 'B'-class SSF
4 Royal Edmund-class CV
5 Rapier-class CVQ
1 Ocean-class BBGN
2 Bastion-class BBGN
2 Charter-class BBGN
13 Duchy-class CAG
9 Province-class CG
21 County-class DDG(AD)
26 City-class DDG(GP)
51 Furtive-class FFH
36 River-class K
12 Crocodile-class LCS
2 Lord-class LHD
2 Ungforth-class LPD
2 Valley-class LSD
3 Lem-class AFS
2 Gabin-class AKR
23 Flansburgh-class AOR
4 General Marsden-class AP
6 Aylesburgh-class AS
4 Lake-class MCDV

We hope this force will provide our Sarzonian allies with the support they will need in the coming weeks to restore order to the troubled colony of Branwyn.

Official Communiqué

Your majesty, we would be indebted to Mauiwowee and her armed forces if naval escorts could be arranged for our transport. The Commonwealth's Navy is currently stretched thin during a period of overhaul, so the services that you have offered would be greatly appreciated. The expedition has already departed for Branwyn, and the convoy may be found at the coordinates attached to this transmission, heading north by northwest at a constant speed of 25 nm per hour. We hope a rendezvous can be made by week's end.

Regards,

Nathanial Sun
Minister of Foreign Affairs

OOC: Sarzonia, do you have a map of Branwyn, or do you want me to make one? TG me the description if you do.

encrypted intership communications

TO: Captain of Granzian fleet
FROM: Captian Den Tyne, Mauiwowee Carrier Shroom

Dear Sir:
Our observation aircraft have located your convoy and we are in position to make visual contact within the next few hours. Consider yourself covered with a full naval escort to your landings and troop deployments. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. Note, if your sensors pick up more than 2 subs, there is someone else in the area and we should be notified as we only have 2 in the area.

Respectfully,
Capt. Tyne.

OOC: Sarzonia, do you have a map of Branwyn, or do you want me to make one? TG me the description if you do.

OOC: At least give me a description so I know where to land. :)

Secure Transmission

To: Captain Tyne, of the Shroom
From: Commodore Charles Pele

I have currently made my headquarters aboard the Carthage Class AD Cruiser, GN Majestic. The task force currently under my command includes a pair of Glacier Class Carriers, however, their purpose is only to carry a portion of the airforce destined for combat duty in Branwyn. The majority of equipment and aerial assets are currently stored aboard several large-volume transports. Both carriers will depart for Granzi once a landing is made.

I appreciate your offer of assistance, and welcome an escort to Branwyn, in the name of security.

Regards,

Charles Pele
Granzian Navy

[OOC: Sorry I haven't responded earlier. The map of Manium (http://www.geocities.com/theranter2001/Manium.html). Branwyn is clearly marked.

I'd recommend landing at St. Christines, which is a port city to the south, approximately 3 miles north of Sanctumer.

Daltrey (the capital) is a port city right smack in the middle of the colony. Entwhistle (another rebel stronghold) is about 40 miles inland and slightly to the north of Daltrey.]

Map of Branwyn:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Granzi/19faea08.gif

[OOC: Great job, as usual, but Sanctumer is actually a separate colony. The city where you put Sanctumer is actually where I was picturing St. Christine's.

But again, you do a great job with maps! :)]

OOC: Ah.. I'll fix that.

Edit: New map of Branwyn:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Granzi/3a534c3e.gif

In response to growing hostilities, the Knights wish to send over 100 more medical personnel. (Oooh, that is where we are.)

In response to growing hostilities, the Knights wish to send over 100 more medical personnel. (Oooh, that is where we are.)

[OOC: Don't worry... there's very little to no rebel presence there. This will probably be the big miscalculation they make, thinking that they won't get attacked from there.

Glad to see you're still around. :)]

We would be pleased to receive your additional medical personnel and we appreciate the help you're providing us.

-- Mark Lorber
Senior Vice President for External Affairs

OOC: Ah.. I'll fix that.

Edit: New map of Branwyn:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Granzi/3a534c3e.gif

[OOC: Fantastic! :D]

Bishop sneered when he listened to the intelligence reports. Alliance forces would land at the small city of St. Christine's where he hadn't kept much of a presence so they could base their attack from there.

"So those fools think they'll just be able to land and waltz right up through Daltrey," he said with an arrogant smirk. "We'll show them who's boss."

"Sir, the Granzian army and naval forces from at least two other countries are going to be there," Major Pete Jacobs, Bishop's top aide and often his voice of reason, said. "You're not suggesting we can knock out three navies are you?" Bishop's tone took on a more deliberate tone, though confidence still seeped through his tone of voice.

"What I'm saying is, they know that we don't have a large presence over at St. Christine's. They're most likely going to expect minimal resistance to a landing of troops, so what I'm going to do is attack them while they're still trying to get their bearings. If I can prevent them from organizing their forces, we won't need to meet a large army on the battlefield.

"If my plan works, we'll crush Sarzonia's resolve and they'll be forced to sue for peace."

"I don't know, sir," Jacobs said. "Sarzo's not that weak."

"Are you so sure," Bishop asked. "I don't think he has it in him to fight a war on two or three fronts."

"Never underestimate the power of an angry Sarzo," Jacobs said.

That made Bishop pause. Sarzo's temper was legendary. He was also known for being incredibly stubborn.

"Still, I think our best chance to win this is to take out the approaching armies. If we can do that, Dent's going to have to beat me on his own and I don't think he can do it."

----

Meanwhile, Dent also received the report of the impending landing. He sat and thought for a minute. He'd been getting beaten in skirmishes and real battles, and he tried to figure out Bishop's next move.

"If I know Tim, he's likely going to try to attack the landing party," Yancey said.

"How do you know Colonel Bishop?"

"He was one of my first teachers in the army academy," Yancey said. "He also officiated my promotion ceremony when I became a full colonel. He spent a lot of time talking about army tactics. If there's one advantage we're going to have to press, it's doing to have to be an insight into his mind."

"What do you recommend, Lynn?"

"I recommend we send a small force to Brigadoon since it's not strategically important and it's close to St. Christine's. If our scouting convoys pick up their army on an attack course, we can sneak up to them and attack."

"We can't sneak up very well with artillery, can we?"

"Negative. We were able to capture a few of those hand-held missile launchers from the Laucian when it sank. They'll probably be shocked when they see one of them being used against them."

"Good idea, Lynn. Do you want to lead it?"

"Will do."

----

"Major Jacobs, you lead the third and fourth divisions to the attack coordinates," Bishop said.

"If this doesn't work, sir," Jacobs said.

"It's going to work," Bishop said. "I'm aware of the consequences if it doesn't, but I know it's going to work. Now get to it."

Jacobs shook his head and mumbled an "aye sir." He had his doubts that taking a full half of the Branwynian army on this mission would result in the kind of victory Bishop was hoping for. Everything had to work just right or the rebel movement would be in big trouble, and he knew it.

Captain Tyne turned to his First Officer, "Pinball" Whizhards: "Tommy, what have you got?"

"Captain, General Ripper has reported our newest carrier, the Red Queen and her entire convoy has diverted from her sea trials to join us. She'll be here in about 36 hours. Apparently if there is a possibility of battle, he wants to ensure we're ready and that the carrier gets a "real" sea trial. He's afraid this guy Bishop leading the insurrection is unstable and may launch a suicide attack at the Granzian forces when they try to land. I have to say I join in this concern."

"Good, what will that give us in terms of additional ships besides the carrier itself?"

"8 Heavy Battleships, 10 Heavy Destroyers, 14 Medium Destoyers, 8 Medical Ships, 6 Sub-Hunters, and, get this, the Red Queen has a full complement of 60 F-23A stealth fighters."

"Hot Damn!" exclaimed the Captain. "How many choppers they got?"

"Only 8, but between us and the carrier Alice We'll have a total of 68 to cover the landing. Plus the Battleships have one or two each as well."

"OK, excellent, here's the plan. As Granzian forces go in, I want all the Stealth fighters in the air ready to blitzkrieg any of Bishop's forces that may try to attack on the ground. If need be, I want a ring of Napalm fire around the beach that Bishop's troops have to go through, or better yet, get caught in, if they want to attack the Granzian troops as they land. I want our choppers going in with the Granzian troops at sea level to provide direct cover to them as they land. I want the rest of the Hornets in the air to cover the stealth fighters and the choppers from any naval attack Bishop may try to launch or to take out any air cover or attacks he may have waiting. Got it?"

"yes sir, should I inform the Granzian commander of our strategy"

"By all means Tommy, ask for their input and if they need any special set up to effect their landings that might affect this strategy. Let president Sarzo know as well. I want to make sure they land safely with a minimum of casualties while ensuring any attack Bishop might launch to stop the landing is decimated along with his men. The job of the Granzian forces will be easier if we've ensured enemy forces in the area are tied up as Granzi lands."

"Yes sir"

"Thanks Tommy, one last thing, remember, we DO NOT fire on anyone unless they fire on us or Granzi first, understood? If they fire on Sarzonia's ships, Sarzonia will defend itself. Our job is to protect Granzi; Sarzonia has a hell of a navy as it is, they don't need us and we don't want to stretch ourselves too thin trying to protect Granzi and trying to fight off an attack on Sarzonian naval forces at the same time."

"yes sir"

"Good man, you're dismissed" With that Captain Tyne turned back to his coffee. "This could be interesting," he thought, "or it could be one of the easiest assignments they'd ever been on, only time would tell, better safe than sorry though."

bump

Jacobs began the final stages of preparations for the attack on the landing at St. Christine's by walking to his captains, exorting them to fight for their lives and their freedom.

"We can do this, men! For our freedom," he shouted.

"For our freedom," came the chant from the men who were itching for a fight. Jacobs and the men left under the cover of darkness slowly made their advance. They hoped to arrive before the landing party could land, so he ordered the troops to set up some anti-ship missiles they had gotten from one of the Sdaerijian shipments. They were determined they weren't going to let Granzian forces land without a fight.

"Let me know we have them in range," Jacobs asked Lt. Carter Rhinehold, who was the resident expert on the missile and artillery they were able to get from Sdaeriji.

"Will do, sir,"

Approximately 20 kilometers away, Yancey received the scouting report that Jacobs had begun his march. She had only 9,000 troops, whereas Jacobs had 20,000. She knew she had to surprise the rebel troops if their plan had any chance of working. She knew that Dent's 14,000 troops weren't going to be able to challenge Bishop's forces unless they were able to cause major damage at St. Christine's.

"Let's move men," she bellowed. The men and women of the Sarzonian army began their advance toward the rebel's position, hoping and praying that she could at least slow the attack down and give the Granzian army a chance to land and turn the troop advantage toward the allies.

As they closed in on Jacobs with an angled march, she noticed that they would be at the position she was able to determine within two hours. She would have to hurry and set up the hand-held missile launchers in a sniper's position. She was going to have to beat the rebels the way they were beating Dent.

"We're in position," a lieutenant typed in an encrypted communications device."

"Good. Now we wait."

"Get them in point-blank range and fire," she ordered. When they reached the specified range, the Sarzonians opened fire.

The move worked to perfection as several of the artillery and tanks of the Branwynian army started to take damage and some of the soldiers in the army were felled. Eventually, Yancey waited until she figured she could surprise Jacobs with a frontal assault and attacked. That worked for nearly two hours, but eventually, Jacobs was able to overpower Yancey and she was forced to retreat.

After the Sarzonian army returned to Brigadoon, they assessed their casualties and found they lost 127 soldiers and had 423 wounded. Meanwhile, Jacobs learned that the surprise attack did extensive damage, killing 534 and wounding 869. Twelve of the 26 tanks and eight of the 12 anti-ship missiles were damaged beyond use. Eight tanks needed to be repaired, along with three of the four anti-ship missiles.

Jacobs realized he would have to take 36 hours to repair the damage or the assault wouldn't work. Little did he know, that would set the plan up for failure.

"Captain Tyne" said the XO. "Granzi is about ready to go in, but we've picked up a serious fire fight between Bishop's men and the loyal Sarzonian forces. Apparently, as expected, Bishop wants to make it hard for Granzi to get in and Sarzonian loyalists are outnumbered."

"Commander, we have detailed orders: 'protect Granzian troops as they land' that's it. I understand the gravity of the situation though and I'll study with an extremely open mind any charges brought against a pilot that 'accidently' fired on Bishop's men as they fight the Sarzoian loyalists. Understand? Good! Dismissed."

on board the F-23A stealth fighter Alcia

"Men, they're trying to pull out and Bishop's men are pounding them. We gotta make sure Granzi can land safely, this is a part of that. Make sure the loyalists can get out safely. Stop Bishop's army, or at least hold them back." With that, the Colonel and squad leader pealed of, followed by the planes in his squad, and swooped low between the loyalists and the rebels. Napalm set off a wall of fire and a few well placed strafing runs and the odd missile or two ensured the loyalists would escape with no further casualities. Despite using several hundred thousand, if not a million or more, dollars worth of munitions, the Colonel was able to safely report that not a single person was killed in the attack. The mission was a complete success and only served to slow Bishop's forces and enable the loyalists to withdraw to safety.

(Question: Was St. Christine's shelled or not?)

(Question: Was St. Christine's shelled or not?)

[OOC: Not yet. I'm planning for the rebel positions to be shelled but St. Christine's should get little to no damage.

You can get your hospital facilities out of the way. You have time.]

bumpity-bump-bump-bump

After recaiving word that hostilities have grown in the area surrounding St. Christine's, The Knights have quickly and quietly moved their facilities about ten miles to the east, to a position being called Camp Kerak.

-Hospitaller Wire Service

"Commodore, urgent reports coming in from the front."

Commodore Charles Pele looked up from the bridge chair aboard the GN Majesty to see a young ensign approach. Waving a batch of papers in his left hand, the sailor saluted before handing them over.

"Sir, as you know, we sighted land around three hours ago, approximately 20 miles due east of St. Christine’s. At around 1000 local time, recon flights have shown a main battle underway. At around 1100, Mauiwowee forces began bombing runs. It appears a large enemy force had attempted to place an ambush on our landing party. Our current location is a stationary four nm from shore."

The Commodore stroked his chin, where the stubble of a beard had begin to grow. "Thank you. Alert the Major General immediately and prepare landing equipment for deployment according to preset orders, Set number Alpha-Omega. I want a double thrust. Make sure the first party of six thousand make it ashore, followed by another wave of heavier support troops."

Pele looked out the glass. "Meanwhile, a second force of five thousand will be dispatched ten miles to the north. With any luck, we'll have the rebels encircled between two pincers, and crushed." He clenched both fists.

On the carrier Shroom

"Captain Tyne" said XO Tommy "Pinball" Whizards, "Granzian troops are going in. Our attack on Bishop's forces was successful. We didn't lose a single plane and, it appears that while Bishop didn't lose any ground forces, we covered the Sarzonian loyalist's retreat succesfully. Better yet, Granzian troops from their ship, Majesty, will make a beachead with a minimal amount of resistance. The chopppers have them covered as they go in and of the 6 - 8,000 we anticipate going in, our analysts expect a less than 0.05% casualty rate based on our bombing runs and disruption of Bishop's forces in the area. The loss to our guys should be even less."

"Tommy," said Capt. Tyne "without a doubt that is the best news I've heard in days, if not weeks. Let the men know how proud I am of their performance and also, send an encrypted telegram to Gen. Ripper letting him know how well they performed. Let a copy of the message "leak" to the men as well so they know how much their commander appreciates their actions and that his commendation is not just a pile crap."

"Will do Captain." said XO Whizards. "However, you need to know that the Carrier Alice has arrived in the area as well. I hope you don't mind, but I directed them to cover a 2nd Granzian force of about 5,000 that is landing about 10 miles north of St. Christine's."

"Tommy," said Capt. Tyne, "I wish you'd consulted me before you directed the Alice north, but at the same time, your instincts are right on the money. Don't do it again though, got it!?"

"I understand Captain, I just felt it was important."

"I understand commander, I just want to make sure that you understand we do, in fact, have a chain of command here, OK?"

"Understood sir."

"Good! Now, make sure the choppers have the main force we're watching covered and the beachhead is secure. Tell the Alice to send it's planes in to cover the forces landing north. Talk about a pincer, If Sarzonia can take out the oppostition's navy (which shouldn't be a big problem for them) Granzi's forces, with our air cover, will wipe out the opposition. Bishop bit off more than he can chew, typical madman if you ask me."

Jacobs underestimated the repair time it would take to get the tanks and anti-ship missiles repaired. As repairs began, he realized that the repair corps was down to just above minimum for a unit the size of his forces.

"Focus on the anti-ship batteries," Jacobs said. "The tanks aren't going to do much good against their landings."

As the witching hour approached, he pulled out a set of binoculars. The Granzian and Mauiwoweean ships sat there as if to mock his unit's lack of firepower, which came courtesy of Yancey's daring attack and the Mauiwowee aerial bombardment.

"Damn sons of bitches," one corporal said out loud.

Jacobs shook his head. Those "sons of bitches," along with Yancey turned the tide of the war. He knew it in his heart that the rebel forces were set back in a way that he couldn't recover from.

He had a plan that he hoped would buy a little more time for Bishop. He sent an encrypted transmission to Bishop.

"Prepare for a last-ditch attack on St. Christine's. Once they start landing their forces, attack 'em with what amounts to a second wave. Perhaps we can force them to delay their full deployment until that shipment from Sdaeriji comes in."

"With what," Bishop said. He also knew the situation was bleak. Janson and the rest of the legislative body in Branwyn was also beginning to realize that one battle against Yancey was the turning point in the war.

"Remember, we don't have an air force to speak of. Our army is in tatters and our navy is just a couple of privateers and merchant ships that have been given some anti-surface missiles. The best chance we have is for us to remain here in Entwhistle while you engage the enemy."

"But sir, there's not a snowball's chance in Nicksia of this working!"

"Your mission essentially the same as Yancey's mission was against you. Slow them down and give us a chance to regroup. Capisce?"

"Aye, sir," Jacobs said. There goes that chance, he thought. The blockade was strangling Branwyn of the military supplies it needed most. Minor skirmishes that saw the Sarzonian army lose time and time again were now being won by the Sarzonian regulars. Dent was gaining the upper hand slowly, but surely.

"Let's get into position and make this a battle for the history books," Jacobs said. The men got their anti-ship batteries into position and saw the first of the Granzian and Mauiwowean vessels begin to approach.

"Targets acquired, sir."

"Fire!"

Three anti-ship batteries had been made operational by this time, and 10 of the 20 tanks were in service by now. The tanks were moved to positions behind civilian garages and near shopping malls to give them a slight chance of a surprise attack. The ten out of service tanks were prominently positioned to give an easy target to the enemy forces that were preparing their landing.

Meanwhile, Yancey had regrouped and planned for a second sneak assault on Jacobs. She got her men into position with weapons fire, and decided to wait until she saw the allied forces open fire.

"Maybe we can distract them a bit from their main targets. Hopefully, that will keep them from preventing the landing," she said.

"Aye, sir."

While Jacobs launched his desparation assault on the landing forces, Yancey was going to play the waiting game.

Jacobs underestimated the repair time it would take to get the tanks and anti-ship missiles repaired. As repairs began, he realized that the repair corps was down to just above minimum for a unit the size of his forces.

"Focus on the anti-ship batteries," Jacobs said. "The tanks aren't going to do much good against their landings."

As the witching hour approached, he pulled out a set of binoculars. The Granzian and Mauiwoweean ships sat there as if to mock his unit's lack of firepower, which came courtesy of Yancey's daring attack and the Mauiwowee aerial bombardment.

"Damn sons of bitches," one corporal said out loud.

Jacobs shook his head. Those "sons of bitches," along with Yancey turned the tide of the war. He knew it in his heart that the rebel forces were set back in a way that he couldn't recover from.

He had a plan that he hoped would buy a little more time for Bishop. He sent an encrypted transmission to Bishop.

"Prepare for a last-ditch attack on St. Christine's. Once they start landing their forces, attack 'em with what amounts to a second wave. Perhaps we can force them to delay their full deployment until that shipment from Sdaeriji comes in."

"With what," Bishop said. He also knew the situation was bleak. Janson and the rest of the legislative body in Branwyn was also beginning to realize that one battle against Yancey was the turning point in the war.

"Remember, we don't have an air force to speak of. Our army is in tatters and our navy is just a couple of privateers and merchant ships that have been given some anti-surface missiles. The best chance we have is for us to remain here in Entwhistle while you engage the enemy."

"But sir, there's not a snowball's chance in Nicksia of this working!"

"Your mission essentially the same as Yancey's mission was against you. Slow them down and give us a chance to regroup. Capisce?"

"Aye, sir," Jacobs said. There goes that chance, he thought. The blockade was strangling Branwyn of the military supplies it needed most. Minor skirmishes that saw the Sarzonian army lose time and time again were now being won by the Sarzonian regulars. Dent was gaining the upper hand slowly, but surely.

"Let's get into position and make this a battle for the history books," Jacobs said. The men got their anti-ship batteries into position and saw the first of the Granzian and Mauiwowean vessels begin to approach.

"Targets acquired, sir."

"Fire!"

Three anti-ship batteries had been made operational by this time, and 10 of the 20 tanks were in service by now. The tanks were moved to positions behind civilian garages and near shopping malls to give them a slight chance of a surprise attack. The ten out of service tanks were prominently positioned to give an easy target to the enemy forces that were preparing their landing.

Meanwhile, Yancey had regrouped and planned for a second sneak assault on Jacobs. She got her men into position with weapons fire, and decided to wait until she saw the allied forces open fire.

"Maybe we can distract them a bit from their main targets. Hopefully, that will keep them from preventing the landing," she said.

"Aye, sir."

While Jacobs launched his desparation assault on the landing forces, Yancey was going to play the waiting game.

On the Carrier Shroom

"Incoming!!" yelled the deck OD (Officer of the Day) within seconds of his announcement, Jacob's anti-ship missiles began falling all around the Shroom and her escort ships. The EMP's were doing their job and disruppting the electronic guidance systems. However, as miniscule as the 3 batteries were and as effective as the Mauiwowee navy's EMP's and other defenses were, the missiles were not without effect. One missile hit the Shroom's conning tower and 17 men, including the best midshipman Captain Tyne had ever seen, died. One of the Shroom's escorts, the Destoyer Guinness was hit by no less than 4 missiles in the bow, directly in front of her foremost gun turrent. Apparently all the missiles had honed in on the heat produced by her rapid firing of her big guns. After all was over, she was scuttled due to her damage. Several other ships were hit as well. When all the data was collected several months later, General Ripper reported to king 'Lude that a destroyer was sunk, a battleship was fit for nothing more than naval live fire exercises and the carrier Shroom would need a major overhaul before she was fit for full combat useage again. 300+ Mauiwowee seamen died that day.

On the other hand, as the Granzian forces made for the beach, the onslaught of Mauiowee's choppers covering their landing was something Jacobs wasn't completely ready for. Again, as in the war in Euroslavia, the sea level attacks by the "blue thunder" class Appache style choppers was amazingly coordinated and planned and their manuverability kept them out of danger whille making sure they did their job in covering Granzian troops as they landed. It was then that the 20 F23/A Raptors from the Mauiwowee carrier Alice came into view by Jacob's gun batteries and other forces.

The sheer number of troops at Normandy was larger than this invasion. However, the co-ordination of troops and attacks by both sides in this invasion was at a level of sophistication that Normandy couldn't conceive of. It was the opening and definitive battle of the 21st century's "rapid attack tech force combat" series of conflicts, or "RAT F C's" battles as they were popularly known.

Valletta

"This doesn't look good." Said Duke Roland Hubert, Special Advisor to Grandmaster Franz von Luftsgerden. "Where is the 25th MEU?" asked the GM. "Approximately three days away," replied Hubert. "Move them towards Branwyn with all available speed. We'll begin to make the diplomatic overtures right away." "What will their mission be?" the Duke questioned. "They will protect and reinforce Camp Kerak. For now."


From Hospitaller Wire Service-
THe Grandmaster asks Sarzonia if the 25th MEU may reinforce Camp Kerak in the disputed colony of Branwyn. He said today, "THe 25th will be in Branwyn to ensure the refugee camp's safety, which has now swelled to more than 1,500 refugees. Their mission will be one of peace and stability, not of war." The 25th has 19,750 men, including logistics and will be reinforced with 500 medical personnel."

on board the Carrier Alice's F-23A stealth fighter, Vette

"Goddamnit, they hit the Shroom's con!" blared Colonel Id to the planes in his squad. "Men, take out those anti-ship missile batteries and do it now!" he continued.

The planes swooped in low, guns blazing as they came to cover the 80 missiles launched (4 per plane) at the 3 anti-ship missile batteries.

"That'll teach those bastards." Said Col. Id. "now, lets go lay some cover fire on the tanks and Jacobs forces and back up the choppers. The Shroom's F-18's got our back."

"Men! Get the Yellow Jackets up," Jacobs shouted. They scrambled to grab three of the Yellow Jacket CIWS batteries that they managed to capture from Yancey's troops. The men scrambled to arrange the weapons platforms and fired.

The weapons fired on the incoming missiles and the men fired their guns at the missiles. In a rare stroke of luck for this operation, they managed to shoot down all but three missiles, which slammed into the unusable anti-ship battery and caused moderate damage to the other.

"Report!"

"We've got two anti-ship weapons batteries that can still fire."

"Fire!"

The two serviceable batteries opened fire on the ships in the harbor, while the tanks started to roll into position to try to take out Granzian army troops as they tried to land. But just as Jacobs was about to give the command to attack the first troops, he heard an explosion behind him.

"Yancey," he yelled. Target the flanking attack and return fire!"

The Granzian and Mauiwowean forces fired on the hopelessly surrounded Branwynian troops while Yancey's forces also joined in the assault. Before Jacobs could order a retreat and regroup, a Granzian sharpshooter hit him squarely in the back. As life slowly slipped away from him, he croaked his last command to Captain Neil Rogers, the highest ranking survivor of the attack.

"Don't give up the fight," he said as his eyes closed for the last time.

Rogers heard his boss but he realized his chances were bleak. Facing a well-trained Sarzonian army along with the best Granzi and Mauiwowee had to offer was too much for his ragtag bunch. He had to hope the missiles would damage the enemy fleet long enough for him to get his troops back to Entwhistle.

However, the next round of missiles from Mauiwowee planes were more accurate. The other two anti-ship platforms were destroyed, and the damaged one was hit beyond repair.

There goes that strategy, he thought.

The tanks opened fire on landing Granzian troops but Yancey's forces started picking off the tanks one by one. Pretty soon, Rogers realized that his forces had no major weapons and were getting picked apart like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Don't give up the fight, Jacobs' words rung in his head. He looked around.

There isn't a fight to give up, he thought. With resignation slowing his movements, he deliberately picked up his communications device and signalled to Yancey.

"This is Captain Neil Rogers, the commanding officer of the Branwynian army divisions you are fighting. We surrender. Repeat, we surrender."

open channel communique'

TO: President Mike Sarzo, Commodore Charles Pele and Commander Yancey
FROM: Captain Tyne, Mauiwowee Carrier Shroom

President Sarzo:

The Branwynian forces opposing the landing of Granzi's men have surrendered. We took some damage and so did Granzi, but all-in-all the landing was a total victory for us, Granzi and your loyalist forces led by commander Yancey. The area is completely secure and Granzian troops are offloading as we speak. They should be able to land their entire force within the next 24 hours at most. We will remain in the area to provide air cover from our carriers to Granzi's forces as they advance (Commodore Pele' and commander Yancey, please inform your forces we are available for air strikes at a moments notice, just give us the coordinates and the situation and napalm, missiles or strafing runs will be made available to cover your troops). We will also maintain our medical ships in the area with our choppers for airlifts and evac. situations. In short, all is well. Granzi has boots on the ground and has hooked up with commander Yancey and we have their back in the air.

Respectfully,
Captain Den Tyne
Mauiwowee Carrier, H.M.S. Shroom

From the Hospitaller Wire Service -
The HOspitaller fleet is within 200 miles of Branwyn now. Tensions are high as the soldiers prepare to land. Combat air patrols are beginning to be run by F-35 (Marine).
**********************CORRECTION **********************
The previous article stated that the 25th MEU contained about 20,00 men. That was the figures for the 1 Marine DIVISION, of which the 25th is a brigade. It contains about 3,500 fighting soldiers and 2, 250 logistical support. They are in a task force of about 25 ships, designated Task Force LEPANTO, including two Valletta - class LHA's, similar to the American Tarawa - class. There are also a number of fuel, ammunition, and escort ships, accompanied by the Hospitaller, a hospital ship similar to the USN's T-AH class.

"So they have finally arrived?" said the Grandmaster. "Sir, they can deploy in about a day. They need to be briefed and equiped. Has Sarzonia said anything?" Duke Hubert asked. "Not yet. I will have the ambassodor speak with him, if possible. Oh, and make sure the frigates and cruisers are ready for trouble." "White tips?" "White tips."

OOC: Sorry! I just reread the whole thing. I realized that our allied forces are doing fine w/out my help. The troops are still there, but rereading, I figured out that they probably are useless. The 25th is Special Operations Capable (SOC) though, so they are at your disposal. (I was confused b/c Sarzonia wrote everything for Sarzonia and the rebels) :rolleyes:

[OOC: They can always be used to help secure St. Christine's.]

Bishop listened to the reports coming in from the disasterous battle at St. Christine's. They were able to cause some damage to the Mauiwowee fleet but they still lost nearly half the army.

Now Dent's going to find out and he's going to have the upper hand, Bishop thought. I'd better hit him before he can plan something.

Dent listened to the reports coming from Major Yancey of the surrender by Jacobs's forces. He expected Bishop to try to attack while he was licking his wounds. Reports were coming in that the citizens of Branwyn were losing their faith in the colonial government's chances of winning the war. Independence seemed to be a pipe dream.

He called Yancey on the secure channel.

"Yancey."

"Major, it's Dent. We're going to have to prepare for Bishop to attack at any moment."

"Understood."

"I want you to march to Entwhistle. I'll march over there and see if I can get him to attack us first. If not, we can launch the attack."

"Sir, Captain Tyne of the Mauiwoweean carrier Shroom is offering air cover."

"Good. Have him see if he can launch a few sorties in Entwhistle. Maybe that will open the hornet's nest for us."

"Roger that."

Yancey contacted Captain Tyne and told him of Dent's plans. She then talked to the commanding officer of the Granzian army forces. She knew that she had to try to surround Entwhistle to prevent Bishop from getting away and possibly starting a guerilla warfare campaign.

She made her decision to march her forces to a position less obviously behind the city of Entwhistle while the Granzian forces would try to hem in the rebels. She knew the possibility existed that it could amount to a modern day siege, but she realized that starving the rebel army of food and medical supplies might be their best option to force Bishop to attack or surrender.

Captain Tyne took in the report from Commanders Yancey and Dent, communicating with Granzi's forces he confirmed the small force they put on shore just north of St. Christine under cover from the carrier Alice was hooking up with the other Granzian forces in St. Christine to march on Entwhistle. After consulting some hastily dispatched satellite photos and speaking with intelligence officers on the Shroom and the Alice the plans were in place and the attacks launced. At 4:00 am, Entwhistle time, barely 36 hours after Bishops men had suffered their crushing defeat at St. Christine, 60 tomahawk cruise missiles from the Shroom and the Alice and their battleship and destroyer escorts headed into the heart of Entwhistle targeting the most likely spots for Bishop and his men to be hiding their equipment. Directly on their heels were 75 planes from the carriers - 40 F-23A stealth fighters and 35 F-18 Tomcats, in squads of 5, they were to spread out and follow up the missiles attacks and also target any hostile forces they directly located. A small enclave of APC's and a few tanks were spotted just east of Entwhistle and formed the first target of the planes as the sidewinder II missiles launched from the Tomcats.

"Watch for Anti-Aircraft fire men!" barked Col. Aerogate into his face mask. "They had anti-ship batteries in St. Christine and we can't assume Bishop is completely unarmed here either. Now, let's take 'em out"

On board the Shroom Capt. Tyne let the Sarzonian and Granzian forces know, the sorties were under way. Commander Yancey didn't need to be told though, she saw the cruise missiles going over her forces heads as they advanced on the city.

OOC: hope you don't mind a little RP of your guys. Feel free to shoot back. Just let me do some damage. :)

OOC: Sorry! I just reread the whole thing. I realized that our allied forces are doing fine w/out my help. The troops are still there, but rereading, I figured out that they probably are useless. The 25th is Special Operations Capable (SOC) though, so they are at your disposal. (I was confused b/c Sarzonia wrote everything for Sarzonia and the rebels) :rolleyes:[OOC: Sorry about that. I had been RPing the rebels with Antonos but I figured logging out of Sarzonia and back in with Antonos and back again was going to be too time consuming.]

Secure communication to our allies:

Following the advice of our allies, the decision has been made to land our Marines at St. Christine's. Two battalions of the 25th will land there, while the third Battlion of the 25th will land at Camp Kerak. If all goes well, they should hit land in two hours. they will have air cover provided by our Harriers and AH-1W Cobras. One squadron of 20 Abrams, 124 Bradley's, and 80 Amphibs will accompany them, along with a number of Anti-Air and Artillery units. 18 Stryker IFV's will be sent to Camp Kerak. The 500 medical Personnel will also be sent to Camp Kerak.

bump?

Bishop shook his head. The missile defense network was blaring the Mauiwoweean missile launch at the compound in Entwhistle. He realized he had to get the anti-missile defense systems in high gear or the resistance movement would end conclusively.

"Target the incoming missiles and fire," he bellowed. "Get the decoys up too, I want to shoot down as much as we can. I want our aircraft in the air on the double."

The missile defense weapons, decoys, and CIWS systems all worked fairly well, as they were able to deflect the attacks aimed toward their key weapons supply areas and their food supplies. However, one missile found a set of barracks that served as an overflow hospital and soon engulfed the building in flames. Twenty soldiers being treated for catastrophic injuries were killed in the explosion, while two others received third degree burns on top of their battlefield wounds.

Another missile hit the mess hall as the staff was getting ready to leave for the day, causing slight damage as the internal sprinkler system and quick reactions by the Entwhistle Fire Department prevented a major disaster. An empty building that was going to serve as an emergency command center suffered serious damage, including the loss of auxiliary LADAR equipment.

Bishop realized he could only muster 15 aging F-14 Tomcats to fight a much larger Mauiwowee squadron, but the pilots, buttressed by anti-aircraft batteries that started firing at the Mauiwoweean squadrons took off, even though none of them expected to survive. They flew in three formations of five jets each, with one flotilla flying toward the center of the Mauiwoweean lines, one trying to flank them on the right and the third trying to come up from behind.

The surviving Branwynian planes screamed off in their desperate attempt to at least delay the inevitable, because Bishop knew there wasn't much hope. The pilots decided to make this their last, great stand. They pushed their buttons to fire their air-to-air missiles and their elderly jets' machine guns.

The First Isselmere-Nieland Littoral Defence Fleet finally arrives 400km off the coast of Branwyn. The 8 of the SSNs move 200 km closer while the carriers begin launching aircraft in support of allied forces. The SSFs and LCSs move silently towards the shoreline (ca. 5-8 kts.) while the Ocean-class BBGN begins targetting enemy shore batteries with its "Hurricane" missiles.

16 Forthar-class SSN, 18 Stortbek 'B'-class SSF
4 Royal Edmund-class CV, 5 Rapier-class CVQ
1 Ocean-class BBGN, 2 Bastion-class BBGN, 2 Charter-class BBGN
13 Duchy-class CAG, 9 Province-class CG, 21 County-class DDG(AD), 26 City-class DDG(GP), 51 Furtive-class FFH, 36 River-class K
12 Crocodile-class LCS, 2 Lord-class LHD, 2 Ungforth-class LPD, 2 Valley-class LSD
3 Lem-class AFS, 2 Gabin-class AKR, 23 Flansburgh-class AOR, 4 General Marsden-class AP, 6 Aylesburgh-class AS, 4 Lake-class MCDV

[OOC: I apologise for taking so long to get involved here... Work.]

Bishop shook his head. The missile defense network was blaring the Mauiwoweean missile launch at the compound in Entwhistle. He realized he had to get the anti-missile defense systems in high gear or the resistance movement would end conclusively.

"Target the incoming missiles and fire," he bellowed. "Get the decoys up too, I want to shoot down as much as we can. I want our aircraft in the air on the double."

The missile defense weapons, decoys, and CIWS systems all worked fairly well, as they were able to deflect the attacks aimed toward their key weapons supply areas and their food supplies. However, one missile found a set of barracks that served as an overflow hospital and soon engulfed the building in flames. Twenty soldiers being treated for catastrophic injuries were killed in the explosion, while two others received third degree burns on top of their battlefield wounds.

Another missile hit the mess hall as the staff was getting ready to leave for the day, causing slight damage as the internal sprinkler system and quick reactions by the Entwhistle Fire Department prevented a major disaster. An empty building that was going to serve as an emergency command center suffered serious damage, including the loss of auxiliary LADAR equipment.

Bishop realized he could only muster 15 aging F-14 Tomcats to fight a much larger Mauiwowee squadron, but the pilots, buttressed by anti-aircraft batteries that started firing at the Mauiwoweean squadrons took off, even though none of them expected to survive. They flew in three formations of five jets each, with one flotilla flying toward the center of the Mauiwoweean lines, one trying to flank them on the right and the third trying to come up from behind.

The surviving Branwynian planes screamed off in their desperate attempt to at least delay the inevitable, because Bishop knew there wasn't much hope. The pilots decided to make this their last, great stand. They pushed their buttons to fire their air-to-air missiles and their elderly jets' machine guns.

"Captain Tyne, we're picking up the chatter"

"Put it on speaker sailor, I want our men to hear this!"

With that, the chatter of the Mauiwowee fighters came in, interspersed with static, for the entire crew of both carriers to hear.

"Bogies, straight up noon, 5 of 'em"

"Flak, damn it, I thought we took out the batteries"

"Allright!!! barracks destroyed, direct Cruise hit"

"They're trying to flank us, Alice Squad 3, take 'em!"

"missiles away"

"Fuck, my gun jammed, Shroom 3, look out"

"They're on my tail, need some assista . . . "

"What the hell? Where did he come from?"

"Another one bites the dust!!"

"Look out Shroom 4, you got 2 low, I'm coming in, 7 high"

"I'm bailing, get lock."

Interspaced with the chatter were the sounds of gunfire and explosions, some screams and some shouts of "Hot Damn, got him!!" When it was all over, of the 40 Stealth fighters from the Shroom and the 35 Tomcats from the Alice, 6 Stealth fighters were lost and 8 Tomcats went down. However, from all appearances, every single plane launched against them was shot down as well. Officical confirmation of that was still lacking at the time Captain Tyne wired president Sarzo and Granzi to send in the ground troops though. Bishops days were numbered and he was a fool if he didn't realize it.

"Captain Tyne" said Major Lian Liasom, Shroom Squad 1 Flight Commander.

"Yes Major" said the Captain

"Sir, Our defeat of Bishop's men was decisive, but I want it noted officially, for the record, that I have seen few pilots as skilled and dedicated to their task as those of Branwynian. They flew a hopeless mission in the face of overwhelming odds and my men and I noticed it."

"I've already noted that Major, but thank you for your input."

Commodore Charles Nelson was sitting on the bridge of the Randolph-class ISS Westwood and grimaced. The standoff between Sarzonia and Sdaeriji showed no signs of slowing down. The two countries had been on the brink of war for weeks now, although the only shots being exchanged were in an extensive war of words.

Nelson was determined to change all that. He assembled a squadron of six destroyers, the frigate Merrill, and the Westwood and decided he wanted to take the next action to Sdaeriji.

“All clear, Commodore,” came the signal from Lieutenant Carson Charles, who was manning the radar station.

“Understood, carry on lieutenant,” Nelson replied. There hasn’t been anything for a while, Nelson thought. My men could get stale before long.

Just then, a beep came up on the radar screen.

“Commodore, I’m spotting a squadron bearing 49 degrees starboard heading straight for us.”

“General quarters,” Nelson called out. He stood up and walked over to the radar station.

“Do we have satellite imaging on the squadron?”

“Pulling it up now sir. They’ve got eight destroyers and it looks like, oh shit!”

“What is it Charles?”

“They’ve got an Alliance-class supercruiser. Sir, markings are confirming it’s a Sdaerijian squadron.”

“Figures,” Nelson said. When Charles looked at him like he just arrived from Jupiter, Nelson quickly explained.

“They’ve been one of the biggest customers at the Portland Iron Works of anyone,” he said. “If anyone is likely going to have an Alliance-class ship it’s going to be them. Are those destroyers Evermores?”

“Confirmed, sir.”

“Get the anti-ship missile batteries ready and target the three destroyers leading their pack with our nine inchers,” Nelson ordered.

“Aye, sir. Targets acquired.”

Here goes everything, Nelson thought. “Fire.”

Admiral Zamcheck of the 25th's naval group requests order from our allies on where to be positioned during this naval engagement.

(Our troops have landed and are in place for offensive/peacekeeping ops.)

Admiral Zamcheck of the 25th's naval group requests order from our allies on where to be positioned during this naval engagement.

(Our troops have landed and are in place for offensive/peacekeeping ops.)[OOC: Somewhere you don't get hit... just grab some popcorn and enjoy the fight.]

The fleet has moved about 75 miles away from both fleets, and is running constant Combat Air Patrols. They are ready to aid our allies in the crushing defeat of the Sdaeriji fleet.
Our Marines would like to commence offensive action against the rebels in hiding, including both patrols around cities and bases and Special Operation raids. (OOC: TG me on this possibility, plz.)

Janson was sitting in his bunker in Daltrey. He knew that Bishop didn't have a snowball's chance of surviving a full on attack. He knew that the Sdaerijian navy was going to have its hands full with Sarzonia's naval forces. He also knew that the fight for independence was nearing its end and Branwynians would have to settle for the Sarzonian timetable for independence whether they wanted to or not.

Still, he decided he would try one last gasp effort to get a force together to delay what he realized was only inevitable. He was going to try to prolong the fight just a bit longer and hope that Sarzonia would tire of the conflict and simply sue for peace.

He did the best he could, but could only assemble a small force of 4,500 troops. They were going to try a diversionary attack to allow Bishop to buy some time to get away from Entwhistle. Janson knew it would be a longshot but he decided he'd at least try.

"We're ready," Lieutenant Georgette Channing said. "We've been training for six weeks and we're eager to get going."

"Okay, get it started," Janson said. While he gave the order and the remnants of Branwynian resistance started off for another last stand. In spite of the instructions, Janson convened the legislature to debate the dire state of their resistance. More than one legislator was going to ask about surrender and Janson knew it. He decided to admit that if Bishop or Channing couldn't hold off the oncharging enemy forces, he would direct the legislator to surrender.

"Captain Tyne"

"Yes sailor, what is it?"

"Sir, survellailance flight 3 has reported what appears to be a troop movement by Bishop's men."

"Ok, send a communication to the Sarzonian forces and commander Yancey. give them the coordinates and ask if they need assistance from us in any way. We're good to go with another bombing and/or strafing run if need be."

"Yes sir, right away sir."



OOC: glad to see you picked it up, I was afraid this thread had died its own natural death.

[OOC: I'm going to try to get this back up and running so that Sdaeriji and I can finish our quasi war. He's been *very* busy the past few weeks.]

Encoded message to our Sarzonian and Mauiwoweean Allies:

Our intelligence (and surely your own) indicates large troop movements of rebel forces. We would like to ask for permission to engage and destroy these rebels.

- Brigidier General Sir Johannes Metz, 25th of the 1st Marine

[OOC: I was intending it to be a surprise to Dent, thinking that he had the last of Bishop's army cornered in Entwhistle and then get surprised by this group and have the surprise be just enough of a distraction to allow Bishop to escape to a small northern hamlet.

But anyway, have at it. Just let them cause enough trouble to force the allied armies to slow their approach to Entwhistle and give the other rebel army an escape route. Thanks.]

[OOC: I was intending it to be a surprise to Dent, thinking that he had the last of Bishop's army cornered in Entwhistle and then get surprised by this group and have the surprise be just enough of a distraction to allow Bishop to escape to a small northern hamlet.

But anyway, have at it. Just let them cause enough trouble to force the allied armies to slow their approach to Entwhistle and give the other rebel army an escape route. Thanks.]

OOC: just a suggestion if this is what you want. I have no troops on the ground, just carrier based aircraft for bombing, strafing, etc. Cmdr. Yancey is your person with troops in the area and we notified her of the movement of this group and asked for instructions as did St. John. How about if she communicates to us both to use bombing runs and St. John's forces to "herd" these guys in a certain direction towards her forces and you can RP the final battle that let's whoever you want to escape get out to where ever you want them to go? Just an idea before I do something other than this.

IC:

Captain Tyne, we're receiving a message from Sarzonian and St. John Forces, they are giving us co-ordinates they wish us to bomb. Just a minute and I'll have them.

OK sailor, Wing Commander Roberts, looks like ya'll are going to get another crack at something. Round up the fly boys and get them to the briefing room, I'll be down in 30 minutes with the plan. Get the flight crews to work loading the planes.

The boys of the 25th MEU were pumped. after weeks of sitting on ships the were finally going to meet the enemy in battle. The offensive began with Company "Charlie", their tank support, leading the advance. Following the tanks were one battlion of Marines saddled up in IFV's and HMMWV's. The 25th was out to kick @$$.

To Allied Commanders - encoded
Today, the 25th hit the front line of the enemy advance. Reports indicate heavy casualties on both sides. Rebel forces were hit on their flank, but quickly were able to reorganize a counter attack.

- General Metz

From the Journal of Sergeant James Derogier, Marine Infantry

Today we hit the enemy and we hit 'em hard. We all took many casualties, but I think the Rebs are hurtin' more. I lost a man in my squad. He was our support gunner, and was covering us when he was hit by a sniper. These rebels are fine light infantry, but their armor is uncoordinated. When we could get IFV's to bear on them, it quickly became a rout in that sector. (OOC: If this is wrong tell me. I am modeling them somewaht on the NVA, but you may model them different

"God damn it!"

Channing's plan was a failure. The St. John Hospitaller armed forces dealt them a harsh blow in their attempt to force Dent to divert his attention from the siege on Entwhistle and allow Bishop enough time to get his troops out of the way.

"We're going to have to regroup," Channing said in her tent after the force retreated. "Here's what we're going to have to do. "Collins, Sanders, I want the two of you to march to the West Quadrant of Entwhistle. You should be able to engage Yancey's forces and give them a slight opening. The rest of the force will be with me. We're going to try to launch an attack on Dent's position."

"But sir," what if the SJH forces attack again? We've got to deal with them this time," Sargeant Major Ed Sanders argued.

"All right, fine." Channing beckoned to Sargeant Major Janet Beckett.

"Beckett, I want you to remain behind with your forces. If those SJH forces decide to attack again, you need to hold them off at all costs. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"All right. Men and women, our last stand begins anew tonight."

Official Report of Hostilities - From General Metz

Our Offensive has slowed after striking what appears to be the insurgents main line of resistance. Rebel forces are holding heavily fortified positions. Offensive operations have been temporarialy halted to allow preparations for an assault. Artillery and aerial bombardment will begin immediately.

From the Journal of Sgt. Derogier, 1/25th

HQ has had us stop after we hit the enemy lines. They had a complex system of machinegun nests and foxholes. We have been ordered to fall back and let the airmen and artillery blow the heck outta 'em before we give it another go tomorrow.

OOC: Is this over or are we waiting for something?

[OOC: I'm going to give this one more try to resume after the R-B war is over. I'd at least like to finish the storyline since it had great promise.]