NationStates Jolt Archive

Recently allegations have surfaced against the government of Liberia-Schilgovia in supporting a past enemy in a war. Upon realizing that many of the allegations made by media organizations across our nation had some weight in fact the Imperial Security Service, ISS, took up an official investigation. The following pictures were uncovered by the ISS in archives obtained from the Northern Albanian Government (Formerly our enemies), they show Liberia-Schilgovian supplies being given to Northern Albanian forces during the war.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004227201313/$file/7TonConvoy040226_low.jpg
Liberia-Schilgovian supply convoy enroute to Northern Albanian forces.

http://www.timesunion.com/news/september11/timeline/graphics/1229weapons.jpg
Northern Albanian soldier inspecting weapons delivered by Liberia-Schilgovians.

http://members.optushome.com.au/glaust/mine-a.jpg
Hastily organized weapons cache for Northern Albanian forces as seen right after a seperate Liberia-Schilgovian delivery.

In response to this, we demand that Liberia-Schilgovia apologize for their actions and chastise those who authorized the supply of weapons to the Northern Albanians. If Liberia-Schilgovia does not respond to this ultimatum and meet it, we may be forced into military action and enact a regime change upon them.

The Northern Albanians when available (OOC: When they get back online) will testify to the fact that the Liberia-Schilgovians supplied weapons when Liberia-Schilgovians were supposedly neutral.

Alexius Julii
Foreign Minister, Imperial Courts of Foreign Affairs

OOC: Interesting rp we have 0_o

IC:

Upon response to F.O.H brash comments, the communist government of Northern Albania hastily responded on the matter.

"We consent that there may have been a small transfer of weapons during the time of war..However seeing as that was the past we ask for a more diplomatic policy."

Jecht Ackbar, Leader of North Albania

Secret memo to Liberia-Schilgovia :

We thank you for your help in times of war and if military action is needed we may assist you if and when the time is fitting....As we can't do it openly due to our pact with F.O.H

The Liberia-Schilgovian government would like to stress that international aid between their country and Northern Albania was limited to a few convoys of munitions. There was no major weapons transferal throughout the war.

--R. Reztky, Foreign affairs minister.

The fact remains that you supplied weapons to any enemy of ours during a period of war when you were supposedly neutral. That violated the condition of neutrality, and brought you into the war. Our demands have been stated, and if not met will be met with military action that will be swift and decisive. We urge you to meet our demands to avoid conflict.

Alexius Julii
Foreign Minister, Imperial Courts of Foreign Affairs

I would like to suggest to Mr. Julii that perhaps his government shouldnt make such rash and aggressive statements. The war is over. Are you so eager to start another? Some would say that's war-mongering.

What is needed here is dialogue, not a battle. I am willing to host talks between the concerned parties, but let it be know that if war breaks out, then perhaps you might incur the wrath of a far greater opponent.

OOC: Please check your telegrams Hrstrovokia. It won't show up on the thread title after I edited it, but this is a invite only. If your a average to small nation and wish to RP in this, just telegram me if I haven't already sent you an invite.

We retract our previous statement. Let the descent into chaos begin!

The creaky IL-76 transport touched down in the gathering gloom and taxied off the runway to where a small party of Imperial officials stood waiting wih a marching band near a red carpet. As the door opened, the broke into a hastily-rehearsed rendition of the Vas Pokhoronim anthem, 'So Those Bastards Got What Was Coming - Now What?' when it became clear that something was wrong.
Instead of the expected, stately exit of military and government officials, a tall elderly man in a black army uniform and steel-rimmed glassed came lurching down the stairway, leaning heavily on a rough-hewn walking stick. Upon touching the earth, he jabbed his stick at the nearest Imperial diplomat.
'What the hell is the meaning of this?' he bellowed. 'Is it true? We come to sign a treaty of military assistance and travel rights, and some clown in your foreign ministry decides to reopen the wounds of the last war? Who is responsible for this decision?'
Behind him, grim-faced, muttering men (and a few women) in military garb began to emerge from the jet, and descended the stairs to support their Supreme Leader in his wrathful expectorations . . .

Premier and Acting Head of State Ptyr Vkhlanskorsky read the news dispatch on his desk unhappily, and observed the massive protests outside his offices with even less enthusiasm.
'We warned President Kznynsky that his policy of engagement with the Imperialists would surely come to no good,' he remarked to the men and woman sitting nearby.
'We passed several Resolutions to that effect, in fact,' answered Shlavka Mnyrvitsa, Deputy Premier and People's Minister of Social Justice. 'Kznynsky is an idealist, he undoubtedly thought he could reason with the Emperor as a man, rather than as an objective class enemy.'
'The ultimate result of the President's policy remain to be seen, Minister,' responded Gzvyad Mstslau, People's Minister of External Affairs. 'I have met this Vibius Augustus, as you have not, and I found him to be humane and decent, if misguided in his prejudices.'
'None of this is important,' interjected a cigar-smoking man in the corner. 'How we came here is irrelevant. The Imperialists have threatened "regime change" in the land of our friends in Liberia-Schilgovia. This cannot stand.'
'No, it cannot,' echoed Mnyrvitsa.
'No, it cannot,' agreed Vkhlanskorsky.
Mstslau sighed. 'No, it cannot.'
Superior Marshal Zradny Ztlovsk, Vice President of the Security Council, puffed on his cigar and rose to his feet. 'Then it is agreed. The Sovereign People's Defence Forces will be placed on full alert, the reserves will be called up, and we will inform the government of Liberia-Schilgovia that they have our full support.'
Mstslau looked up. 'What about the President?'
'Colonel Klznyfsky is with him,' answered Mnyrvitsa. 'They can handle themselves . . .'

An Imperial Official stepped forward and smiled at the group of foreign delegates.

"Good evening Mr. Kznynsky, ladies, and gentlemen. Please allow me to show you your ride."

The group walked over to dozens of black SUVs parked on the airport tarmac. The men all got in the SUVs and began a ride escorted by police. The Imperial Official broke out in conversation with Mr. Kznynsky - not once mentioning the current foreign policy situation.

"I presume your flight was nice Mr. Kznynsky?" Kznynsky was obviously discontented with the current situation and stared blankly. "Ah well, no matter - we're off to see the Emperor."

Soon the motorcade came to a stop, and people could be seen peering at a rather magnificent structure. It was a extravagently decorated palace - alive with classical architecture, lush gardens, and sparkling fountains. The Imperial Official got out, and was followed by Mr. Kznynsky and his posse. The doors to the palace swung open and The Emperor walked out to give a message to Mr. Kznynsky.

The Emperor was rather exasperated, but managed to give a gentle smile.

"Kznynsky, dear friend, I ask that you not involve yourself in the current foreign affairs. It would not be in the best interest of our productive friendship. If you wish to stay, and make a productive alliance - come and shake my hand. If you wish to drift apart, however, that helicopter" the Emperor pointed to his personal Imperial Helicopter " is waiting to take you and your people back to the airport."

He anxiously awaited the response of Mr. Kznynsky.

Within the Pokhoronim delegation, a handsome, middle-aged woman in a colonel's uniform finished speaking on her cell phone and stepped forward to whisper something in the President's ear. Kznynsky's brow furrowed, and then he nodded gravely.
Looking back to the Emperor, he leaned a little more heavily on his walking-stick, and removed his glasses and began shaking them at the monarch in professorial manner.
'That decision may not be up to me, you know. I am a democratically-elected public servant, not some tinhorn dictator. As you know, I have always been an advocate for the good intentions of your government, often in the face of considerable resistance from many of my own people. I understand there have already been mass spontaneous demonstrations in our capital against this latest initiative of yours. Nor is the Chamber of People's Deputies likely to tolerate a threat to the sovereignty of the United Socialist States of Liberia-Schilgovia, who have long been our friends. It would be disgusting and cowardly of us to turn our back on them, in any case. Nor do I understand the logic of this decision--you may recall that we ourselves faced your Legions in that most recent war, yet have now come to you as friends. This projected conquest of yours--you call it "regime change," but that's an ugly, propagandistic monstrosity of a term that fails to obscure the reality--makes me wonder if perhaps I have been the foolish one all along, with regard to your true intentions.'
He replaced his glasses, and stroked his well-trimmed beard for a moment, the palsy in his hand strangely lessened in his wrath.
'Well do I remember the initial pressures you tried to apply upon us to open our markets to being raped by your merchant-princes. Instead, I opened a dialogue with you--a man I thought of as honorable and compassionate, if miseducated on matters of social justice and human rights. I hope that I am truly speaking to that man when I say that I must insist that your government abandon its present course of ham-handed and thinly-veiled expansionism. For you must know we will not abandon our friends and comrades to the depredations of those who would plunder them.'

The Emperor's timid smile fell of his face after hearing Mr. Kznynsky.

"I figured that your response would be much like this, but I hoped it wouldn't be. The future between our nations looked bright, but is rather dim now." Vibius Augustus' face went sulky, and he fiercely ripped the Imperial Insignia off of his robe - putting it in the face of Kznynsky (The symbol worn by government officials, and the military). "Do you see this Mr. Kznynsky? You will see it again! You will, this I promise you!" He nodded at his guards "Now, leave. My guards will escort you to the helicopter." The guards placed their hands on the shoulders of every Vas Pokhoronim official, as to steer them to the helicopter. "Don't mind the navy and army you will see flying out, they won't harm you - they can wait a couple of weeks for that my friend."

The Emperor laughed at the expectedly stunned Kznynsky and then whispered to one of his advisors, giving the deployment orders. Then turned once again to Kznynsky.

"You claim despots, emperors, and monarchs are evil men. Maybe it is time for me to keep that tradition going?"

With that the Emperor patted Kznynsky on the back and awaited his response before Imperial Guards would "escort" them to the helicopter.

Auxiliary Legion I:
-300,000 Men
--80 M102 105mm Lightweight Towed Howitzers
--60 M198 155mm Heavy Towed Howitzers
--400 Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles Launchers
--200 FIM-92A Stinger Launchers
--300 M-220 TOW Missile Launchers
-200 AH-64 Apaches
-300 M1A2 Abrams
-500 M1121 HMMWV
-600 LAV Fighting Vehicles
-300 M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles

Aerial and Naval Legion I:
-160 F-14's
-30 CGN-38 Virginia Class Cruisers
-2 Nimitz Class Carriers
-60 AOE-1 Sacramento Universal Cargo Ships
-5 Cassius Class Trimeran Destroyers

Aerial and Naval Legion II:
-160 F-14's
-30 CGN-38 Virginia Class Cruisers
-2 Nimitz Class Carriers
-60 AOE-1 Sacramento Universal Cargo Ships
-5 Cassius Class Trimeran Destroyers

OOC: Is either of your nations on the border of water? If not, I need to know who your surrounding nations are. Regardless initial airstrikes should start once the fleets arrive (couple of RL hours).

OOC: Lol same...

IC:

Upon the proceeding diplomatic events the Northern Albanian government replies to the F.O.H emperor:

I am saddened and disappointed this has to go to war for your two nations...However seeing as we our now allies we ask you what role shall we play..

OOC: We need like a plot so i end up siding with f.o.h Like i don't know....Discovering treachery by Vas Pokhoronim during the war..E.G "Selling of battle plans"
"

OOC: Ok.sorry

British Ocean States General Council

Somewhere on British Narshe.

"Gentlemen, we are gathered. It looks like our very first mission is on hand. We have received word from our socialist partners over in Vas Pokhoronim that they are in need of our support. Urgently."

"This time however, our forces may directly be involved in the defence of Vas Pokhoronim. We cannot stand down as the Ouerzis did last time."

The Ouerzi representative gave a start.

"Our actions helped stop the conflict!"

The Governor laughed.

"This is necessary. Therefore, each state is to send a small number of units to the combat zone. It is entirely the state's choice what they send. However, the forces will fight under the banner of the British Ocean States."

The Narshe representative said.

"It shall be done."

And it was.

OOC: As all of the British Ocean States are very small islands, numbers will not exceed those listed by Fate and Honour.

An aid to General Decius bolt into the control room, and with an obviously distraught face turned toward him to give him the news.

"Sir... Sir, we just got reports that British Teawa have dispatched forces to the region in aid to Vas Pokhoronim."

Decius ran his hand through his hair, and sighed.

"All the more blood to be spilt in this war." He looked at satellite images and battle strategies. "Alert the fleet there to be on high alert, and to watch for British Teawan vessels. Engange on sight. Also, when the Emperor is back from his 'meeting' with the Vas Pokhoronim envoy notify him of the new situation."

The aid stood straight and saluted.

"Yes sir."

With that the aid darted out of the room, toward the communications room where he would relay that message.

The general council on Narshe was still in session.

Each governor of the 3 island states- Narshe, Teawa and Ouerziland walked up to the podium and issued their votes.

2 out of 3 states were in favour of deployment.

After some grumbling from Ouerziland (who still believed in a peace keeping role), the room went silent. This was the moment where the use of all 3 island's militia would be decided.

"Ouerziland, your Navy is the finest in the region. Therefore, you are asked to keep the HMS Barracuda deployed in the Adriatic ocean and continue all air operations. You are, however, required to deploy the following numbers."

25 Type 45 Destroyers
1 HMS Barracuda Aircraft Carrier class Submarine
1 HMS Scary Mary container ship
650 Ouerziland Marines (armed with MP5Ks, stielhandgranates and body armour)
100 Kerske Grenadiers (armed with M14 rifles)
20 F-133 Valkries
10 Harrier GR.9
5 F-14 Tomcats
2 Victor Gunships

"Narshe, although your army may be small and your airforce...vintaged...we require the following contributions."

X5 TriStar Refuellers
X35 Supermarine Seafire Mk.XI (heavily updated ones!!!)
X1 HMS Invincible Aircraft Carrier
X20 Sea Harrier
1,000 Narshe Conscripts
20 M2A2 "Bradley" APCs

"And finally, Teawa."

30 Warrior APC
10 Challenger MK.2 Tanks
500 Teawa Expeditionary force (armed with AK-47s, bayonets).
X2 Avro Shackleton AEW aircraft
X20 Tornado IDS
X20 Tornado ADV

At a news conference later on

"To all nations involved in the...unfortunate Albanian conflict. This is a message from His Majesty King George the 10th. Please do not be alarmed by our troop movements. We are simply providing support to our allies....no attacks will be made against any parties. Thank you for your co operation."

Kznynsky's academic features broke into a momentary snarl at his rough handling by the Praetorian Guards, but his outrage seemed to pass quickly, being replaced with something more akin to . . . pity.
'So,' he began. 'It is ironic that after all our efforts to secure peace, in the name simply of common humanity, for the benefit of an ally not even worthy of us, this--this is how we are repaid.
'I misread you, Vibius. I had thought I saw compassion in you, and a potential to embrace the principles of justice and equality, but I see now that you are nothing but a spoiled child aping the manners of his moral and intellectual superiors without grasping their philosophies. You are imprisoned by your privilege and your bigotry as much as any slave of yours is imprisoned by his fetters. It is too bad. I had hoped for more of you.'
With that, the President slapped at the Guardsmen's hands on his shoulders and limped off towards the helicopter, followed by his retinue.

OoC: Big military post soon. Will work on map. And Three Cheers for British Teawa! Hip hip, hooray!

Intelligence reports rolled in, and Decius reviewed them.

"Time to buff up our forces, yes?"

His fellow generals around the table nodded in agreement as they decided to increase the naval and aerial forces in the region.

Aerial and Naval Legion I:
-160 F-14's
-30 CGN-38 Virginia Class Cruisers
-2 Nimitz Class Carriers
-60 AOE-1 Sacramento Cargo Ships
-5 Cassius Class Trimeran Destroyers
-5 CG-47 Ticonderoga Class Cruisers
-5 SSN-774 Virginia-class Nuclear Submarines
–-25 FH-1 Ballistic Missiles

Aerial and Naval Legion II:
-160 F-14's
-30 CGN-38 Virginia Class Cruisers
-2 Nimitz Class Carriers
-60 AOE-1 Sacramento Cargo Ships
-5 Cassius Class Trimeran Destroyers
-5 CG-47 Ticonderoga Class Cruisers
-5 SSN-774 Virginia-class Nuclear Submarines
–-25 FH-1 Ballistic Missiles

Aerial and Naval Legion III:
-160 F-14's
-30 CGN-38 Virginia Class Cruisers
-2 Nimitz Class Carriers
-60 AOE-1 Sacramento Cargo Ships
-5 Cassius Class Trimeran Destroyers
-5 CG-47 Ticonderoga Class Cruisers
-5 SSN-774 Virginia-class Nuclear Submarines
–-25 FH-1 Ballistic Missiles

The Emperor laughed maniacally as Kznynsky and is retinue walked off toward the helicopter. The laughter broke and he hollered at Kznynsky, now preparing to board the helicopter.

"Have a nice flight. Remember this sign when you see it!" Augustus held up the Imperial Insignia "That won't be too long from now!"

With that he resumed his maniacal laughter, and waved arrogantly at Kznynsky.
He once again stopped, and took out his cellular phone - placing a phone call to General Decius.

"General, begin the attack. I want Kznynsky to have a nice warm fire in his city when he gets home."

He walked back into his palace, saying to himself, "The die is cast."

A naval officer yelled to Admiral Flavius.

"Admiral, we got the order!"

Admiral Flavius responded with aggrieve apparent in his voice.

"Yes, of course. Begin precision strikes against targets designated in Vas Pokhoronim."

Government buildings were to be hit in the first round of strikes. Specifically targeted were buildings in the capital city of Norsk-Norsk where leaders congregated, along with the homes of many prominent government officials. Police stations, power-plants, and bridges were secondary targets.

Cruise missiles streaked from the decks of ships, and toward their intended targets. Lighting up the night sky with their fiery engines, shaking the ground with the roaring moan they let out when they darted across the sky.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/yearinreview2003/gfx/titlephoto03.jpg

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/dailypix/2001/Oct/09/pg/tomahawk_b.jpg

The high command waited anxiously to see the results, while dozens of cruise missiles sped toward their targets.

Superior Marshal Ztlovsk, Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Sovereign People’s Defence Forces, strode smartly into the Situation Room deep beneath the Defence Ministry. Taking his place at the head of the scarred, smoke-stained conference table, he took a moment to regard the other two men and the woman present, who together comprised the sitting National Security Council. The muscles of his jaw tensed, then he spoke.
‘The Premier has agreed to mobilize the Sovereign People’s Defence Forces in preparation for a possible conflict with the Imperialists over the situation with Liberia-Schilgovia.’
‘That’s ridiculous!’ cried Marshal Stpanic of MilitCom. ‘We don’t even have a treaty with Liberia-Schilgovia! What game is this, Ztlovsk?’
The Superior Marshal eyed his sometime rival coolly. ‘It is not my game, Arkny Stpanic. Ask Krz what it is about.’
Marshal Krz of IntelCom cleared his throat, and rumbled out of his great iron beard, ‘It is true. Our sources in both the Empire and in Northern Albania have indicated that the Imperialists are set on invasion. Those treasonous worms in Puke have apparently discovered and taken exception to our backdoor negotiations with the Imperialists and the Ouerzis when we were assisting the Albanians in the Balkans. Even though we were trying to help their cause in the end. Jecht Ackbar is mad dog, who has turned against us now.’
There was an awkward silence. Ztlovsk had been the strongest advocate of pro-Albanian intervention in the recent war, while Stpanic had counseled non-involvement. With one concise statement, Krz had staked out a political position independent of both power-players on the Council.
Ztlovsk filled the gap.
‘Ackbar will turn upon the Imperialists soon enough, then. In the meantime, we must prepare for the worst. What have we got?’
‘Not much, I’m afraid,’ sighed Marshal Ljanka of LoTCom, absently toying with her salt-and-pepper braid. ‘Our modernization efforts are far short of completion. On the bright side, though, the prospect of renewed war against the Crypto-Fascist Monarcho-Capitalists has been highly beneficial to recruitment. We’ve had to start turning away women, and any man who can’t supply his own weapons . . .’
‘Which, because of the Militia and Defence Bill passed a few months ago, mandating universal firearm ownership . . .’ mused Stpanic.
‘Means that we’ve over half a million new recruits in the past few weeks, and more coming in every day. We can’t pay them, of course, at least not for long . . .’
‘But we will organize them into Popular Fronts for national defense should it prove necessary, like we did during the Revolution, and again against the Fascists,’ finished Ztlovsk. ‘Aircraft defenses for the cities? It is my understanding that the Legions are quite dangerous in the skies.’
‘The skies have been safe over the Motherland for over fifty years, and most of what defensive emplacements we still have mostly date from then. Nevertheless, the Air Defense Corps has some 1,500 ZSU-57-2 Self-Propelled Antiaircraft Guns and 750 SA-9 Self-propelled Antiaircraft Missile Launchers, concentrated mostly in the vicinity of the capital and along the Pzdaty River Industrial Corridor. We also have the five squadrons of MiG-29s.’
‘That’s not enough to hold out for long against a determined air force. We shall have to evacuate the major population centers in the event of an invasion,’ observed Stpanic.
Ztlovsk ground his teeth. ‘Indeed. Hopefully it will not come to that. But break out the contingency plans and commence drilling civilians in the cities.’ He turned back to Marshal Ljanka. ‘What have we got available on the ground, other than the Fronts?’
Marshal Ljanka reached into her attache case and withdrew several sheafs of files, which she then distributed to her comrades.
‘This is our Order of Battle. As you can see, we are heavily outmatched by the Fascists in every area except possibly raw manpower.’

SPDF Rapid Deployment Brigade, Airborne Motorized Infantry
-750 IL-76M Military Transport Jets
-1,000 BTR-80 APCs
-7,500 Regular Infantry armed with AK-47s and grenades
-2,000 Heavy Weapons Specialists armed with RPG-7s and a variety of warheads
-500 Combat Engineering and EW Specialists
-1,000 Commandos on Mountain Bikes, armed with 7.62 mm Dragunov Sniper Rifles and satchel charges

SPDF Air Defense Corps
-750 SA-9 Self-propelled Antiaircraft Missile Launchers
-1,500 ZSU-57-2 23mm Self-Propelled Antiaircraft Guns
-500 M1939 37mm Towed Antiaircraft Autocannons (old and poorly-maintained)
-50 MiG-29s

SPDF Regular Infantry
20 Divisions, each consisting of
-90,000 Regular Infantry
-5,000 HW Specialists
-5,000 Combat Engineers

SPDF Airborne Light Infantry Corps
10 Battalions, each consisting of
-15 An-8 Prop-driven Transport Planes
-1,000 Commandos armed with modified and silenced AKSU-74s and various other mission-dependent equipment, including explosives, mountain bikes, hang gliders, etc.

SPDF Armor Corps
-100 T-72 Tanks

SPDF Medical Corps
5 field hospital units with trucks and helicopters

SPDF Popular Fronts
-500,000+ Partisan guerrillas loosely-organized into units of varying sizes, mostly small cells of 5-10 individuals, armed with assault rifles, hunting rifles, shotguns, pistols, and home-made demolitions such as pipe bombs, molotov cocktails, etc.

Ztlovsk read the reports grimly.
‘It is will that wins a war, in any case. Not arms. That’s what we taught the Fascists last time, remember? Besides, if worst comes to worst . . . ’
He was interrupted by the entry of a junior staff officer, who handed him a set of papers. The Superior Marshal read them quickly, then set them down on the table and addressed his colleagues.
‘It seems the President has indeed left Segesta, and the Imperial embassy been has been evacuated from Nrsk-Novsk. British Teawa has offered their support to us, the Chamber of People’s Deputies has declared a State of National Emergency and remanded all power to the Security Council . . .’ He stood.
‘The Tsar is returning. Let us show him a proper welcome.’

OoC: Will post bombing results tomorrow morning, my time.

OOC: Ok, I'll do my second wave of strikes and you can reply to both - kill two birds with one stone. Well done army, by the way.

F-14's on the decks of the various carriers had been fueled up and prepped for their first mission. Satellite images had verified dozens of anti-air emplacements around the city of Nrsk-Norsk, along with points where people were suspecting to be mustering to defend their home. Cruise missiles along with airstrikes would make up this second wave of attacks, meant to put a dent in the air-defense of Vas Pokhoronim - especially their capital. The High Command knew undoubtedly they would lose aircraft assaulting an anti-airsystem, but it was essential to gain air supremacy.

18:52 Hours, Imperial Fleet

"Attention all fighters, you have green for go!"

"Roger that command and control, of to deliver our packages."

Hundreds of F-14's streamed off of the decks of the carriers, circling and getting into formation.

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/aircraft-carrier-15.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~eldenbaker/f14deltaformation.jpg

In addition dozens more cruise missiles were unleashed against the same targets as the F-14's were enroute to - air-defense.

19:04 Hours, Skies near Nrsk-Norsk

F-14's roared in, striking out at identified anti-air emplacement and targets of oppurtunity. The F-14's roared from the sky, sinking bomb after bomb into their targets - pulling up and striking at targets of oppurtunity. Cruise missiles also came slamming into several anti-air emplacements.

http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9604/14/israel.lebanon/pm/airstrike.lg.jpg

http://www.lib.sun.ac.za/military/ColinPics%5Cimpala_airstrike_april89_small.jpg

19:10 Hours, Skies over Nrsk-Norsk

Many F-14's who broke from the strike on targets outside the city, roared in at low altitudes - dropping thousands of pounds of bombs on top muster points and government buildings. They're main target were muster points where ever-increasing numbers of soldiers were gathering for the cause of Vas Pokhoronim. Soon after the F-14's finished their job, cruise missiles came streaking into the skies over the city. Hitting many of the already presumably damaged muster points, defensive positions, and government buildings.

http://www.gerenm.net/archives/baghdad_bombing-thumb.jpg

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39079000/jpg/_39079595_02baghdad_bombing.jpg

http://www.middle-east-online.com/pictures/big/_4891_baghdad-_bombing-27-3-2003.jpg

The High Command hoped that their second strike would be resoundingly effective.

Far above various cities in Vas Pokhoronim Imperial aircraft flew over, jamming radio signals and imputting their own. The message was clear.

"People of Vas Pokhoronim, this is the Benevolent Fate and Honor. We ask you do not resist. Good treatment, and safety will be ensured so long as you do not resist. You are encouraged to stay indoors."

The Representatives on Narshe got word of the invasion.

"Send in the British Expeditioniary Force. Now." the Narshe Representative cried. The other two representatives agreed.

"The British Ocean States announces a deployment of infantry ahead of the main strike team. Therefore, the following extra infantry will be deployed"

X250 British Expeditionary Marines (armed with SA80, grenades, flak jackets)
x20 Recon Bikes

In the Great Hall of the People, the vote to remand power to the Security Council had barely finished when the whine of the air-raid sirens picked up. The Deputies stood in unison and commenced filing downstairs to the bomb shelters, singing the Revolutionary Anthem, ‘Victory and Freedom,’ even as the first missiles began to gouge dreadful holes in the hallowed edifice.

The Republic’s tiny air force was scrambled immediately as the Supreme Revolutionary Command relocated through the subterranean rail system to a safe location at an abandoned farm in the mountains outside the city. The fighters achieved some surprising successes in shooting down a few of the missiles, but only those headed to military targets, and even then the majority got through.

Hearing the sirens, civilians across the city scrambled to take refuge in government bomb-shelters, the subway tunnels, and sewer system. In the homes of many high officials, however, families were caught unprepared, and wives and children, husbands and sons, died at dinner-tables and in their beds as the rockets rained down upon them.

Coal-fired power-plants throughout the city exploded in showers of fire, the ensuing conflagrations raging unabated through their neighborhoods as the merciless bombing prevented any effective emergency response. The NarNovKo Reactor on the edge of the city was saved from a catastrophic meltdown only by the quick-thinking and heroic sacrifice of its engineering crew, but even so its destruction unleashed an ugly cloud of radioactive vapors, fortunately drifting away from the city.

Learning that the missiles were targeting muster-points, the Supreme Revolutionary Command quickly countermanded by courier the standing orders to assemble troops within the city, instead sending two divisions underground, to protect and assist the civilian evacuation, and withdrawing the other eight stationed in the capital to the nearby mountains, where the thick forests and rugged terrain would provide some protection against the missiles and airstrikes, and some concealment from satellites. Even so, both assembled troops and convoys took early losses from the hail of missiles.

First Wave Damage
-All government ministries rendered effectively unusable.
-Blackouts and major fires, destroying warehouses, light industries, and tenements across the city.
-Bridges across the Pzdaty River destroyed. There remain subway tunnels underneath it, however.
-Radioactive gas leak east of the city, moving north.
-5,500 civilian deaths, (out of an urban population of 5,000,000) more than half women and children, from fire, shrapnel, falling debris, direct targeting, and a collapsed tunnel or two.
-The high mobility of the newer antiaircraft guns and missile systems preserved most of them through the first wave; the 500 M1939s were reduced to 16, but the 500 SA-9s and 1,000 ZSU-57-2s stationed in the capital were only reduced to 437 and 705, respectively, by keeping on the move.
-The military barracks outside the city were heavily damaged, most transport planes were destroyed or at least damaged (OoC: You punk, I just bought those . . . with your money, no less), and the airstrip was rendered highly dangerous to use for either taking off or landing.
-6 MiG-29s lost protecting military bases and antiaircraft equipment.

As the cruise missiles began to be replaced by F-14s, the pilots of the MiG-29s emptied what remained of their ammunition into the Imperialist fighters, then those few who survived made the ultimate sacrifice by executing the “turan maneuver,” crashing into the opposing fighters directly and slicing off their wings, sending both attacker and defender plummeting to the unforgiving ground. Still the fighters came, however, flying into a sea of fire from the Republic’s remaining missile launchers and antiaircraft guns, each manned to the very last by men and women defending their homeland. Those Imperialist pilots who unwisely broke off towards the mountains in low-altitude runs quickly found themselves facing a wall of small, heat-seeking rockets, as nearly forty-thousand men launched their shoulder-mounted SAMs at anything approaching within range, and rapidly abandoned their positions before the Navy’s cruise missiles could target them. Even so, the bombs of the Imperialists inflicted casualties upon the defenders, though not so many as they might have hoped . . .

Second Wave Damage
-All remaining MiG-29s
-All remaining SA-9s and ZSU-57-2s stationed in the capital
-Additional 1,500 civilian deaths from fires and explosions
-Military bases in the vicinity of the capital rendered effectively unusable
-The 1st and 3rd Divisions have been sent underground, and have taken only minimal casualties as yet, not worth mentioning. The other eight Divisions have retreated outside the city, and took losses while assembling, retreating, and firing back at fighters as follows (RI = Regular Infantry, HW = Heavy Weapons Specialists)
2nd – 250 RI, 400 HW
4th – 500 RI, 25 HW
5th – 200 RI, 75 HW
12th – 150 RI, 200 HW
14th – 400 RI, 100 HW
15th – 350 RI, 50 HW
16th – 100 RI, 600 HW
19th – 150 RI, 150 HW
20th – 200 RI, 100 HW
Total losses from airstrikes = 2150 RI, 1700 HW (3850 Total)
(OoC: These numbers may seem light for such an overwhelming bombing campaign, but it was never our intention to stand around in the streets or in open fields with explosives falling on our heads . . . My understanding is that even after Shock and Awe and a year of occupation, Iraqi casualties still number only a little over 11,000—so it’s even possible that I’m posting high figures, rather than lowballing. Let me know if it’s unrealistic.)
-The RDB also took casualties while retreating from the city. In addition to losing all their jets, they lost 40 APCs and 200 men. All snipers and other specialists, however, remain in play.
-The Airborne Light Infantry Corps remains entirely intact.
-The Armor Corps, by contrast, was destroyed before it could be activated.
-The ten divisions stationed at locations in Vas Pokhoronim other than Nrsk-Novsk are considered to be evacuating nonessential personnel in major populations centers to hidden refugee camps in the forests and mountains.

High in the mountains above the city, at their hidden redoubt, the sitting Security Council watched the dawn break over their nation’s smoking capital with heavy hearts.
‘Damnable cowards,’ muttered Marshal Stpanic, ‘like children throwing rocks at a chained bear.’
‘The Monarcho-Capitalists have no regard for any life they cannot profit from,’ agreed Marshal Ljanka. ‘Apparently, that included my husband and sons.’
‘There will be time enough for grieving, comrades,’ answered Superior Marshal Ztlovsk, puffing on his cigar. ‘We have all had our losses. The President’s own daughter and grandchildren are missing, presumed dead. We must put aside our sorrows, and hold fast only to our wrath. We will endure this.’
As they gazed upon the ruins, a black-clad soldier on a mountain bike rode up to the farmhouse. Smartly saluting, he addressed Ztlovsk.
‘The President wishes to inform the Security Council that he will not be returning to the capital by plane. Instead, he will land at Zhnadzh [a small airport in the southeast] and make his way overland . . .’ The young man paused, as if momentarily overwhelmed by the import of what he was about to say, then he continued, ‘The President has also declared his intention to resign his posts, effectively immediately upon the communication of this message. In accordance with the Law of the Republic, the Patriot Zradny Ztlovsk has now succeeded to the Presidency and the rank of Overall Marshal. Sir!’
Ztlovsk’s brow furrowed. Then he chuckled ruefully.
‘It is a poison gift you bring me.’

The first B.E.F. Marines arrived in the city. They stood around.

"The place is deserted corporal. Look at what they've done" a private muttered, gesturing at all the damage.

The Marine Corporal sighed.

"Get on to the barracuda. They're not going to be happy about this, but..."

The Private grabbed the radio and got chatting with the Barracuda's captain. The Corporal snatched the radio off the Private.

"Captain? This is Corporal Barnes, Expeditionary Force 2nd Battalion. We...need you to get in touch with the Vas Pokhoronim administation....yes. I know what happened. I don't care, in all honesty. You didn't lose anything did you? You've still got that fangled submarine aircraft carrier. Anyway! Get on to it."

Barnes laughed a little, replaced the radio and said "Okay guys. I want camp set up here...."

The Barracuda Captain Sobriety Brent complained "I can't believe we're helping Vas Pokhoronim....after they hijacked our ship!" Brent looked out of the huge window and saw the Marines on the flight deck.
He walked into the comms room. "Get me Vas Pokhoronim."
"Yes sir!" the comms officer saluted and got the frequency for Vas Pokhoronim.
"Vas Pokhoronim, this is Captain Brent from the HMS Barracuda...I believe we've...met...before now. Yeah, well British Marines have touched down in the capital city. They're requesting you make contact with them as they have no idea what they're dealing with. Thank you. Barracuda out."

The 17th Divisional Headquarters, situated in the caves above the picturesque and remote valley of Zhnadzh, had finished setting up its segment of the fiendishly complicated short-range-transmission-and-land-line-based communications network designed to evade any jamming, interception or triangulation from the Imperialist forces when a weak signal from offshore partially penetrated the Monarcho-Capitalist EW.
"Vas Pokh . . . im, this is Captain . . . have touched down in the capital city. They're requesting you . . . as they have no idea what they're dealing with. Thank y . . . out."
First Technician Zljanytsa frowned and fiddled with her signal levels, improving the transmission to:
"Vas . . . Brent from the HMS Barracuda...I believe we've...met...before now. Yeah, well British Marines have touched . . . capital city. They're requesting you make . . . them as they have no idea what they're dealing with. Thank you. Barracuda out."
'General Khlvroshnyk! I have a transmission from the Teawans! They have ground troops in the capital!'
'Akh!' exclaimed the General. 'Tell General Vkjadny of the 1st to make contact with them before they explode or catch fire or something.'
Former President Kznynsky, still present at Division HQ but making preparations for departure, stepped forward.
'And Technician, please give them my personal thanks,' he said, before turning away and muttering, 'and maybe ask them for an air force . . .'

On board the HMS Barracuda, the Captain awaited instructions from home base.

"Confirmed. Go ahead with the air support."

Brent strode down to the hangar.

"Launch alert 5 aircraft."

The experienced aircrew attached ropes to the wings of the 5 Harrier GR.9 aircraft. They dragged them out to the flight deck and took the ropes off. The 5 Pilots ran, climbed up the ladders and jumped in the cockpit.

"This is Gold Flight. Ready for launch. Gold lead, out."
"Roger that Gold Lead. Await clearance...deck is busy."

And so it was. Two Navy Westland Sea Kings were taking off, laden with supplies and litters.

"Gold flight, clear to launch. Make sure those Sea Kings get there safely."
"Roger that tower."
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5b/Royal_Navy_Westland_Sea_King.jpg

The Harriers started their engines- making that distinct whistling noise. They hovered cautiously over the carrier. The fifth pilot, a new trainee from RNAS Yeovilton in England, showboated a little by hovering in front of the tower and "bowing". The Harrier then quickly flew to join formation.

"Submerge!" Brent shouted. The Ski Ramp was folded slowly on top of the flight deck, and the huge gaping mouth that was the hangar door slowly closed. In 40 minutes, the Barracuda was submerged.

OoC: I must go offline for many hours, and will probably not post again until either late tonight or early tomorrow. Leader Kznynsky is headed towards the capital to be with his people (the legislature is likewise remaining in the city), but the Security Council is splitting up with the Supreme Revolutionary Command under Overall Marshal Ztlovsk remaining in the nearby mountains and an Auxiliary Revolutionary Command being set up by (now) Superior Marshal Stpanic at a more remote location.
The 1st and 3rd Divisions will assist the Teawans in evacuating as much of the noncombatant population of Nrsk-Novsk as possible. This will not include the Popular Fronts, of course, which, although they have taken severe casualties as a result of the bombing, will actually see their ranks *increase* by at least 25,000 by the end of the day.
All military forces of the Republic are considered to be in "stealth mode" for the time being, hidden in the deep woods and mountains, with only the 1st and 3rd, and a large number of Popular Front cells, remaining in the capital (as well as other cities, in the case of the latter). Communications are being relayed by bicycle or motorcycle courier, land-lines, scrambled short-range transmissions, and fixed semaphore posts, in order to avoid detection and jamming by Imperial forces.
Victory and Freedom!

OoC: Almost forgot. The SPDF is also setting up decoy camps, defensive positions, and commo networks, to further throw the Imperialists off our scent.
Victory and Freedom.

The Emperor was meeting with his generals at Command and Control. General Decius turned to The Emperor and began to brief him.

"We have a lot of go over here Vibius..." He flipped through some papers
"According to initial reports our first two bombing raids were a sucess, however it was not a success without cost. We lost around eighty F-14s, and atleast another twenty are damaged - requiring repair. So far communications with Vas Pokhoronim officials have failed to confirm whether or not they captured any pilots who ejected - I can only hope that if some were captured, they will be treated as prisoners should be. However, they seem to have a deep hatred toward our people as 'Monarcho-Capitilist' which leads me to believe our captured pilots would be shot on the spot." The Emperor could be seen rubbing his hands together nervously - he did not like to hear about losing his men "Finally, we'll have to end on some bad news sir. British Teawa now has boots on the ground. I reccomend we increase our troop size by dispatching the First Legion to the area."

Emperor Vibius Augustus could be seen shifting thoughts through his mind, before setting his eyes of General Decius once more.

"Alright, I agree - we should dispatch the First Legion as you request." He turned to an aid, ordering him to get the word out - Legion I marches out "I want communications sent to Vas Pokhoronim commanders in the field, make it clear that if they harm any captured pilots that we will NOT take kindly to prisoners of theirs we take in the future."

The focus went back to General Decius as he shuffled through satelite photos, and pointing a few out to The Emperor.

"Sir, in these pictures you see mass evacuations of the populace into heavy forest across the nations. I recommend we immediately begin heavily napalming the forest, including some agent orange 'treatment'."

The Emperor stroked his beard, and replied quickly.

"No, we shall not strike at the evacuees. There is no need to kill the innocent. They are people accustom to modern convieniance, how long do they expect to stay in their? No bother, let the civilians stay out of the way - all the easier to engage the real enemy. Also, I want Mr. Knynsky alive"

Decius laughed and responded.

"Your getting soft-hearted sir, very well. As for Knynsky, we'll try our best."

With that the meeting was over. In response to British Teawa Legion I had been ordered to the region, and is expected to arrive in the next few days (Couple RL hours).

Legion I:
-500,000 Men
-80 M102 105mm Lightweight Towed Howitzer
-40 M198 Towed Howitzer 155MM
-120 M-29 81mm mortar
-200 Javelin Antitank Missile Launchers
-120 FIM-92A Stinger
-200 TOW Missile Launchers
-600 M1A2 Abrams
-1,200 M1121 HMMWV
-1,200 LAV Fighting Vehicles
-600 M2A3 Bradleys
-40 Abul Abbas Cruise Missile Launchers
-60 MLRS
-240 AH-64 Apaches

OOC: I thought the casualties you posted were rather high, not low - so I have no objection to them.

The British Expeditionary Marines, meanwhile, had set up a Landing Zone not too far from the city. The 2 Navy Sea Kings had arrived, and the Harrier GR.9's were providing air cover over the L.Z.

Marines with megaphones ordered the scared civillians towards the Sea King helicopters:

"Move in an orderly line! You are covered. Quickly move to the side door of the helicopters and keep your heads down. You will be removed from this dangerous area at once. Keep moving!"

Meanwhile, Gold 4, a Harrier GR.9 from the Barracuda had picked up contacts. He contacted his Squadron Leader.
"Bandit, Bandit! 11 O'clock high."
"Roger that Gold 4. Opening comms with bandit..
Attention Unidentified aircraft. This is a British controlled zone. Leave immediately, or you will be fired upon."

The 5 Harriers continued circling as the unidentified aircraft came rushing towards them...

Hundreds of thousands of men and machines pounded with full force onto the beach. With oddly, and unexpectedly no resistance. Perhaps it was because Thin Blue Line was not involved in the conflict, and/or Vas Pokhoronim never expected an assault from this way. The goal was to establish a beachhead, a land air-base where heavy bombers could be stationed, and once previous objectives were completed - push into the land-locked Vas Pokhoronim.

At first the men were storming onto the beach from their ships, diving into the grimy sand and preparing for a fire-fight. Nothing ever came, soon men were strolling off of transport ships and thousands of meters inland men casually built defensive positions. They were, however, feverish at constructing places for helicopters and aircraft to land. Also to ensure that anti-air points had been set-up across the established perimeter.

http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/policy/vision/vis99/v99-21b.gif

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/photodb/webphoto/web_020715-N-9909C-001.jpg

http://www.ndu.edu/inss/Strategic%20Assessments/sa97/ch20/pic5.jpg

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1685000/images/_1685488_foxholes300ap.jpg

The construction of the temporary air-strip would take several days, and would hopefully be done by the time the Legion I arrives (Couple RL hours). Contrary to how it appeared, they were well prepared to defend from an attack. Apaches and fighters fueled and prepped to provide air-support against attackers, and defensive positions had been emplaced. It would definately be no pushover to assault.

Meanwhile, carrier fleet in the region:

Reports rushed in that British Teawa were trying to evacuate many people. Immediately dozens of fighters were scrambled to stop the evacuation, desroy enemy harriers, and enemy helicopters - as well as hitting all targets in the open as targets of oppurtunity.

"Go, go, go!"

"Roger that Command!"

F-14's roared off of the decks of the carriers, and streaked toward the targets they were to intercept. Minutes later they reached their targets just as the last of the people got on the helicopters, and began unloading their chain guns upon the transport helicopters. They pulled away after giving their blow to the helicopters, and swarmed the few - outnumbered harriers. Unleashing tracing missiles and barrages of chain gun fire.

"Holy shit! Tomcats! Call the Barracuda!" Gold leader screamed. "Break, Break!"

The Harriers went on the evasive

"Protect the Sea Kings!"

"Engage bandits."

The four Harriers began engaging the Tomcats. With their Aden cannons, and Sidewinder IR missiles, the pilots could only hope. One by one, they began chasing the Tomcats down. As soon as they locked up, the Harriers released their missiles and prayed that they would hit their designated targets. A Harrier was blown out of the sky by a marauding Tomcat.

Down below, people began screaming as a missile smashed into the side of a Sea King, blasting the helicopter into a thousand fragments.
The other Sea King had managed to lift off, and was now heading away from the combat zone...

A flight of 10 F-133 Valkrie fighters were launched to help out the Harriers...

Teawan losses:

X1 Navy Sea King (crew killed)
X1 Harrier GR.9 (pilot killed)
X10 British Expeditionary Marines
X25 Civillians

The F-14 Squadron leader called back to the carrier fleet.

"We've engaged, and shot-down several enemy air-craft. We lost a few boys... returning home."

The F-14's squadron kicked on their after-burners and streaked away from the Harriers to head back to the carrier.

Meanwhile the carrier fleet scrambled fourty-eight F-14's to fly back to the area to engage all enemy fighters.

"Command, this is Foxtrot - fighter squadron is prepared to take-off."

"Roger that Foxtrot, you are cleared to go."

The fourty-eight F-14's cruised off of the carrier deck and into the air, circling a few times and getting into formation. Soon they had formed into a diamond formation, and darted toward the engagement area.

Minutes later they arrived and found more enemy fighters, a dogfight ensued.

"Looks like they sent a few more toys to the fight boys. Rock and roll!"

The F-14's split formation and went after their own targets - often two or more F-14's gangin up on one enemy aircraft, unleashing missile after missile at the enemy air-craft. The pilots unleashed all of air-to-air missiles they had on their wings, and began tearing into the enemy with the chain guns.

"Wooh boys, they give crash and burn a whole new meaning!"

Losses:

2 F-14's
1 F-14 damaged, requiring repairs

The Valkries turned and burned. Outnumbered, they returned to base.

Losses
1 F-133.

"Well boys, that was uneventful. Great shot on that one, whoever got it. Command, we are on our way back to carrier."

"Roger that Foxtrot."

The F-14's returned to the carrier, not laying chase to the fleeing fighters.

(OOC: Who was that unidentified bandit by the way?)

it was you lol.

20:21 Hours, Outskirts of Vas Pokhoronim

The First Legion had arrived earlier in the day, and took a very short breather before making their way across the tiny nation of Thin Blue-Line and into the outskirts of Vas Pokhoronim. Thanks to the First Legion being heavily mechanized they were able to cross into Vas Pokhoronim just as night fell.

Imperial Soldiers were weary of the rough terrain that Vas Pokhoronim inhabited, and many were trecherously nervous. Several reports filtered through of entire squads of soldiers opening fire on wildlife, they were very weary of the terrain indeed. As one soldier put it, "Hell, they could be anywhere my man."

The front of the huge column, the tanks and other mechanized vehicles, came into view a a small sleepy town. They believed that perhaps the town would be a place they could rest for the night, and that the towns people might not resist.

http://img129.exs.cx/img129/4697/town.jpg

The First Legion decided to send a representative into the town and see if they would be welcomed. A few minutes passed and it all went awry as the Humvee he entered the city in, with a white flag - came speeding out with a blood soaked, now red flag, and smashed into a barricade set-up by Imperial Forces.

When the soldiers approached the vehicle they realized the representative had a bullet in his head, and had his foot jammed onto the accelerator. Immediately, the local commander ordered a relentless artillery barrage on the town and the rest of the troops to camp and set-up a defensive perimeter.

Being inside the city must have been chaotic as the artillery opened fire relentlessly upon it.

http://img128.exs.cx/img128/4792/mlrs.jpg

http://img128.exs.cx/img128/2708/artillery.jpg

The effects of the barrage were yet to be seen, as the dark concealed much of the damage to the city. At day it should be obvious, and the Imperial troops should be able to camp in the ruins.

Old dirt road leading to Nrsk-Novsk, Vas Pokhoronim

A regularly unattractive group of cars bumbled down primitive dirt road. Fly-overs by jets and satellites confirmed this as suspicious - especially after intelligence reports that Knzynsky was attempting to sneak in to their besieged capital and since most civilians were evacuated. Since the Emperor ordered the investigation of all suspicious convoys whether it appeared civilian or not. A few miles away a couple helicopters filled with Praetorian Special Operation soldiers, who were on a mission to be dropped into the capital, diverted to meet this convoy. Minutes later the helicopters were on the scene, and the point man put a bullet through the engine block of the first car. The lead car sputtered to a stop along with the rest of the convoys stopping behind it. A few dozen Praetorian Special Forces set down on the ground, and a group of armed men hopped out of the vehicle. Keeping cool the Praetorians began talking with the armed men, and asked them what they were doing. As the conversation went on, one Praetorian officer noticed a lot of action going on in one of the cars toward the middle.

The Praetorian officer preceeded to give his squad members the a nod signal, and they precisely put three bullets center mass in all of the armed men and proceeded to storm the vehicles. Storming the vehicle shooting all armed men, as they were presumed guards for a VIP. When they swung the door of a car in the middle open, an old man with a pistol severely wounded one of the Praetorian Guardsmen before turning the gun on himself. Thankfully the quick thinking of a fellow squad member on the opposite side of the car the old man had his arm shot, and he immediately dropped the gun as the piercing pain of the bullet must have overwhelmed him. They hauled him and the injured Praetorian into the helicopters and flew toward carrier fleet, but was this the infamous Knzynsky they were in search of? It would not be known until the Vas Pokhoronim government confirms his identity.

The question remains, is it Knzynsky?

Overall Marshal Ztlovsk pored over the incoming reports and issued quiet orders to his skulking aides by candlelight in the shuttered farmhouse that had been designated as the Supreme Revolutionary Command. Events were less than encouraging.
Already the Teawans were growing uneasy, according to his communications and liaison officers. But Ztlovsk could scarcely blame them. They had, after all, been dropped into the midst of vastly superior air and naval forces with little preparation, their noble efforts at a humanitarian evacuation murderously suppressed in a blaze of fire--Ztlovsk's teeth gritted at the remembrance--and now this report in his hand, of the Imperialists' artillery taking positions outside the capital itself. He grunted. 'Nor have we been the most communicative allies, either,' he thought to himself. 'Akh, if only they could do something about that damn fleet.' His eye traveled down the page, as he read the account of the short skirmish at sleepy little Hznan. 'Damn over-enthusiastic amateurs,' he mused, though he could not entirely repress a grin. 'But I hope the other cells are better trained.'
His thoughts were interrupted by a nearby aide.
'Sir, we've just received word from General Vkjadny that Ktryna Kznynska and her daughters survived the attack on the Presidential Residence. They are being brought to the mountains for safety.'
'Eh? That's good to hear, the President will be pleased . . .'
The aide's face turned a little green.
'Er, you mean the Former President, Patriot Marshal?'
Yes. Yes, of course.' Ztlovsk realized that he was tired--too tired. But work remained to be done. 'Spread the news, and get me some coffee, would you?'
He turned to another aide.
'Inform the Ouerzis--I mean, Teawans--that there are spots on the Thin Blue Line shores about 200 kilometers to the west of the Imperialist fleet where the broken coastlines and innumerable small islands and inlets should provide their forces with some protection and concealment while they disembark. I am afraid most of their forces will be best held in reserve for the moment, but from that spot they can follow up the border well away from the Imperialists Legions, and circle around back behind Nrsk-Novsk to approach from the northeast. They should encounter no opposition. The route may not be as direct, but they can arrive within a day or two if they move quickly. By then we will have securely established our hidden airstrips and firebases in the eastern mountains. Also, it is clear that the Imperialists have no regard for the laws of warfare. As much as it grieves me to say, there will be no airlifting of civilians offshore while the Fascists still control the skies.' He paused, 'Set up the hospital regiments back east of the front, and make sure they are concealed. That way, at least we can transport the wounded and sick somewh--'
He was interrupted as another officer, badly wounded, was assisted into the room.
'Overall Marshal,' the young man croaked, tears streaming down his face, 'they've taken the Leader!'
Ztlovsk received the news blankly. He sipped his coffee.
'What madness of the Imperialists is this?'

-The town of Hznan was obliterated, along with a surprisingly small number of Partisans, inasmuch as the village was already deserted by noncombatants.
-Kznynsky really was captured, although wounded, but his daughter and grandchildren (and the family cat) have turned up alive.
-The international news networks endlessly replay the footage of the air force of the 'Honorable Empire' shooting down a helicopter full of wounded civilians; so far it is the image that defines the war.
-FOH advances over the next few days will run into a seemingly schizophrenic set of responses on part of local civilians; many locals open fire, or snipe on officers, or throw pipe bombs or molotovs, or seem to have laid mines in the roads, all much as expected; many others, however, greet the Legions as liberators, offering them directions, help with fixing and building things, baked goods, and physical companionship--it seems the government might not be as universally popular as it claimed, and as intelligence predicted.
Even so, graffiti appears on walls everywhere, slogans like:
-You Bastards Will Get What Is Coming
-Live the Republic!
-Death to the Crypto-Fascist Monarcho-Capitalist Warmongers!
-As You Sow, So Shall You Reap
-We Know How to Welcome a Tsar
-Kznynsky Lives!
And, of course,

The first Ouerzi brigade- with Kerskian grenadiers, inevitably, touched down on a small island that seemed to be abandoned.

"We claim this island in the name of socialism!" the standard bearer yelled and slammed two standards into the earth; one being a hammer and sickle, the other the flag of the British Ocean States.

Lieutenant Berabus left the ceremony quickly. He looked at the various equipment strewn across the landing site, and went into the comms tent.

"Get me the Barracuda" he muttered.
"HMS Barracuda here."
"This is the Ouerzi battle group. We've landed around 100 miles off the mainland. Co-ordinates to follow."
"Copy. We have received your co ordinates... reinforcements en route. Barracuda out."

Berabus walked out of the tent. The first M2 Bradleys were being unloaded. Two heavily worn Supermarine Seafires flew overhead and circled. They landed in a clear spot and the two pilots swung their doors open and ran over to the Lieutenant.

"We're your air support. Can we be doing anything?"
"Yes...get airborne ASAP and do a recon of this island. We don't know much about it. Go ask the Comms Officer over there the frequencies you can communicate on."
"Yes sir!"

Within 5 minutes, the Seafires were airborne once more.

Back in the states, Robert Page MP was sat in front of a news desk.

"This message from the British Ocean States to the rest of the world."

"It brings me sad news, as governor of all 3 islands, to report the loss of 3 aircraft and their crew today. The first casualty was a Royal Ouerzi Navy Sea King, based on the great submarine, Barracuda. The enemies of socialism attacked innocent civillians being evacuated to the states for their own safety. Also, we would like to lament upon the loss of Flight Corporal Markus Derius, a brave Harrier pilot with 15 confirmed air kills, and Flight Lieutenant Edgar Tomwin, a hero amongst his fellow Valkrie pilots, and the Ouerzi people.
However, all is not lost. One Navy Sea King has returned home and the Vas Pokhoronimians on board are currently recuperating in hospital. Approximately 90% of those people would like to join the Auxillary force, and support their allies, and countrymen in the war zone. We must ask our good allies, and friends, the Vas Pokhoronimians, if they would allow such an endeavour. If not, the Vas Pokhoronimians in the country will be granted temporary British citizenship. That is all."

6:22 Hours, Rubble of Hznan

Imperial soldiers, tanks, and vehicles rolled into what remained of the town. Destroyed masonry filled the streets, and the skeleton of many buildings could be seen remaining. Soldiers preceeded through the streets kicking arms, torsos, legs, and various body parts out of their way - the artillery barrage was indeed brutal.

A small group of uniformed men staggered out of a partially destroyed house, with a white flag raised high. They limped toward some of the lead soldiers, begging for their life in a foreign language.

"Hey, Jack... What the hell are they saying?"

"Ah, let me listen - I can interpret it a bit."

"I... I think they are saying 'Please, do not hurt us. We no longer wish to fight.'"

"Alright, lets shoot them. Orders from above, take no prisoners."

"Yes sir."

The squad preceeded to cut down the small group of surrendering Vas Pokhoronimiam soldiers. The rounds cut through them, they fell to the ground, and blood pooled around them. One still alive, grunting and grabbing at the ground recieved another bullet in his back.

Just as the squad walked over the bodies of executed soldiers, partisans leered out from the rubble spraying. Several Imperial soldiers fell dead, and more were wounded. The partisans, overwhelmed by firepower, began to flee after losing some of their men. Instinctively Imperial soldiers pursued, but soon they were stepping on land minds being blown into the sky. After losing those men, they squad leaders ordered a halt to the pursuit.

The Legion halted their advance and began to make temporary battlements from the destroyed masonry of the town. Vehicles went ahead clearing mines, and soldiers got some well deserved rest. However, there were always some awake, including helicopters flying an orbit around the perimeter, keeping a vigilent eye out for the motivated resistance.

32 Imperial Soldiers killed
49 Imperial Soldiers wounded

A small detachment of Airborne Light Infantry has been dispatched to the Teawan positions in stealth mode, at night, on mountain bikes, hang gliders, and driftwood rafts, to integrate the Teawan HQ into the SpRevKom communications network.

We are outraged to learn of the recent actions committed by the military forces of Fate and Honor against Vas Pokhoronim's troops, who we believe were surrendering at the time.

The Soviet State of Hrstrovokia will not stand idly by while Fate and Honor slaughters life and land so mercilessly. The HAF is assembling a task force comprised of naval and air elements, which will soon deploy to the coast of Vas Pokhoronim.

On behalf of the Sovereign People of the Democratic Republic of Vas Pokhoronim, we welcome the assistance of our comrades in Hrstrovokia in the name of common humanity. We welcome them with gratitude.
--Ptyr Vkhlanskorsky, Premier of the Chamber of People's Deputies

You have to click the link to view it.

Teawa welcomes the Hrstrovokian people.

OoC: Thanks. It just wasn't showing up in the preview, I guess.
I'm going offline for a while. I know there's some confusion going on out there, but I trust it will sort itself out.
-The hospital regiments of the SPDF will be set up, camouflaged, in the mountains and forests between Nzhnyr and the city of Pzdaty (or 'Rps-Pzdaty', as it is commonly called), both of which are also being prepped for rapid evacuation.
-This is where DvRevKom, the Auxiliary Revolutionary Command under Superior Marshal Stpanic, has been set up.
-All remaining Anti-aircraft guns in the nation, along with five divisions, will be put in place, also concealed, to protect this area.
-Numerous small airstrips and firebases are being constructed in every area where troops are concentrated; all are constructed so as to be as hidden and camouflaged from satellites and overhead flights as possible, many are decoys, and many are not decoys but are not manned, either. Where possible, airfields are constructed so that the landing area is at some distance from the hangars, which is additionally at some distance from the take-off area.
Any Teawan forces en route along the border will be welcomed at either the Supreme or the Auxiliary Command Post--they may decide for themselves where they would best be placed. The Airborne Light Infantry stationed at the Teawan HQ will also integrate the Hrstrovokian forces into their communications network, if and when the latter arrive.
I believe that the Imperial Forces on the ground are properly informed of what to expect--fewer if any more surrenders, though a surprisingly large number of offers of collaboration from non-Partisans, and a lot of pipe bombs and bullets, though I doubt their casualty rates will remain quite as high as they were at Hznan, where they were caught unprepared.
There will be no negotiations for Kznynsky. He can take care of himself.

16:25 Hours, Imperial Fleet
Operation Phalanx

Upon hearing word of intervention by Hrstrovokia against our nation, the Imperial Fleet halted all offensive airstrikes and turned that responsibility over to the auxiliary air-base in Thin Blue-Line - known as Airbase Alpha.

The Imperial Fleets turned itheir full and undivided attention to the threat of a Hrstrovokian fleet encroaching upon them. All fighters were fueled and armed - ready to go. Crew and pilots were on standby, to scramble at any second of the day or night. The Nimitz carriers manned and activated their defense systems - cruisers and destroyers doing the same.

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16:36 Hours, Airbase Alpha
Operation Death-Blow

The fleet had turned all offensive air-operations over the the Auxiliary air command, stationed at Airbase Alpha. Commanders peered over recent satellite photos and pictures from aircraft fly-over, pinpointing what appeared to be a large camp inside a less-dense, but still profusely wooded forest. Several guerilla camps, along with supply stockpiles were also spotted. In addition, anything going in or out of the forest would be prompty struck by the now regular fly-overs by patrolling fighter aircraft. The decision was handed from above, the time for timidity was over and the decision to strike the enemy wherever possible was made.

Over one-hundred fighters tore into the sky - screeching toward their targets. Land-based tomahawk cruise missile launchers also unleashed their say in the strike, and lit the sky up with the flames from their rockets.

The distance from Thin Blue-Line and the target was minimal, minutes later the fighters and cruise missiles arrived on scene. The scene in the supply depos, and camps must have went from relative calm to absolute chaos as the roar of engines grew louder. Napalm rained down fire upon the wooded forest, followed by bomb after bomb. Supply depos must have shattered under intensive bombing, and guerilla camps must have also been torn apart. Such and intensive bombing could not possibly allow much of its' target to escape destruction.

http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/publications/images/photos/precision_bombing.jpg

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1515000/images/_1517768_ap300flying.jpg

http://www.pml.tno.nl/en/em/images/explosion.jpg

http://www.undp.org.vn/dmu/events/Events-2002/020625-c/(04-12)%20Explosion%20in%20Quang%20Tri.jpg

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Outskirts of Vas Pokhornim
Operation Side-Swipe

The Benevolent Great Komboto granted permission for the ground forces of The First Auxiliary Legion to move through the territory. Thus allowing for a double attack into Vas Pokhoronim. The First Auxiliary Legion have set up outside of Zhanadzh and are preparing an assault against it. As for now, however, they have dug in and set up artillery positions.

After obliterating and capturing Hznan The First Legion was marched to Vshnksk and prepared an all-out armored and air assault against the city. The assaults would begin in several hours. As of now the Imperial High Command has released the following map of the war-zone.

http://img120.exs.cx/img120/9582/map.png

Large Red Circle: First Imperial Legion
Large Blue Circle: First Auxiliary Legion
Large Red Squares: Imperial Fleets
Area Shaded Gray: Occupied by Imperial Troops
Straight Lines: Paths followed by Legions

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Video images were fed into the region by Imperial Broadcasters, showing to all who had TV's a new little predicament.

That video was, in fact, live video of Knzynsky being interogated and questioned. He was wounded in the arm, in a military uniform that appeared much like a rag, and in general - appeared far less imposing than ever before; more like a sick old grandfather.

He stared blankly into the camera, answering questions relunctantly. At one point after being shown photos of his war torn country, becoming emotional. However, he remained solid - not revealing any information.

At the end of the broadcast, Imperial Forces left a message to all those wishes to assist in deposing the current Vas Pokhoromian regime. It went as follows:

"We know out there, that there are oppressed minds wishing to be freed. Freed into a free market - a freer life, and to throw off the chains of socialism. Bring new life to your country, join with the Imperial Forces. You will recieve food, quartering, and safety until the war is over. Those wishing to do this must approach Imperial Soldiers slowly, and with a white flag as a symbol of surrender. Join us, be in peace."

To the people of Hrstrovokia,

Tonight, our nation prepares for conflict. And this wont be for the first time, and unfortunately it be the last time. Tonight our forces mobilize against the Empire of Fate and Honor, and it's aggression against Liberia-Schilgovia and Vas Pokhoronim.

The Empire of Fate and Honor wishes to restart an old conflict, no...it does more than merely wish. Fate and Honor has restarted an old conflict. Throwing aside the chance to solve whatever problem they have, they have opted for war. They have cast aside the path of peace.

Look back through history, and you shall find that in these instances, the agressor, has not stopped with one ill-gotten victory. No, they continued, because the rest of the world let them. War, death, destruction were too high a price to pay, so they did nothing. And so Hitler's armies over-ran Europe. And so millions perished. And so death and destruction reigned in a time of choas and madness, of unspeakable acts, which we said we would never let happen again.

To stand by, while freedom and peace are butchered, is the greater crime, one which history and our children shall not forgive us for. We act now to halt the Empire of Fate and Honor's militarism, to show them, to show the world ..

Freedom and peace shall not go quietly into the night!

Tonight we go to war. And I know that you the people of this great nation are behind this government decision. Tonight, I know that you are behind the people of Liberia-Schilgovia, you are behind the people Vas Pokhoronim, the people of British Teawa. Tonight we strike out in unision, as humanity, against inhumanity.

Task Force Horizon has begun deployment to the Adriatic Sea. With it sails -

x 2 Aircraft Carriers (Nimitz and Invincible)
x 4 Destroyers (Spruance)
x 6 Cruisers (Ticonderoga)
x 6 Frigates (Oliver Hazard Perry)

Aboard the Nimitz Aircraft Carrier: 20 F-14, 36 F/A-18, 8 S-3A/B Vikings, 4 E-2C Hawkeyes, and 4 EA-6B Prowlers; and the following helicopters: 4 SH-60F and 2 HH-60H Seahawks.

Aboard the Invincible Aircraft Carrier: 9 AV-8B and 9 SH-60s.

The decision has been taken not to deploy a Marine Battalion, or any land forces for that matter.

It is the aim of the Naval Operations Command to defeat the forces of Fate and Honor at sea, and once that is accomplished, prevent another fleet entering the area. Liason's from NOC, which will direct the forces, are to soon link up with the allied forces as soon as possible, so we can co-ordinate our efforts against the enemy.

I hope that our victory will be swift, and that are son's and daughter's will be home soon, and be safe. It is still possible that the Empire of Fate and Honor will realize that this is going to be a war to the end, and perhaps that nations leaders shall rescue themselves from a surely inevitable defeat.

President of the State - Sean Matthews.

6:11 Hours, Imperial Fleet
Operation Phalanx Continued

Operation Phalanx continued onboard the Imperial Fleets. Although the crew and pilots got unexpected rest as the Hrstrovokian fleet had not launched any attacks. However, the high level of vigilance would not be called down until the threat of the Hrstrovokian fleet was gone.

6:14 Hours, Airbase Alpha
Operation Death-Blow

Sorties were being flown throughout the night. Bombing, burning, and strafing of the 10th, 13th, 17th, and 18th Vas Pokhoronimian divisions were almost ceaseless. Just as ferociously as it had started, it stayed throughout the night. The High Command even joked about it hurting on own troops because they couldn't catch a little sleep with constanting pounding sound of bombs and deafening roar of low-flying fighter jets.

Bombs continued to rain down on Vas Pokhoronim positions outside Vshknsk and Zhnadzh:

http://img114.exs.cx/img114/144/boom.jpg

http://img114.exs.cx/img114/8090/boom2.jpg

In addition to the bombing runs, many MRLS were set-up - beggining their barrage against both the city and the divisions.

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/self_propelled_artillery/mlrs/mlrs_3.jpg

http://img114.exs.cx/img114/2885/wwosh.jpg

Admiral Richard Starr viewed the intelligence report of the enemy fleet with grim satisfaction. It was alot larger than anything he or the Naval Operations Command had estimated. "This isnt going to be easy" he said to himself. "We are going to need more hardware..."

Atleast however, the Empire of Fate and Honor would provide a decent challenge. Sea power wasnt Hrstrovokia's forte, and it would be in the Adriatic that the Navy would prove itself and define a role for itself in the future of all military operations, or fail miserably and be destined to nothing more than a mere coast guard. Admiral Richard Starr knew this all too well..

Task Force Horizon will now be joined by -

x1 Vanguard-class Trimaran HSGN
x3 Nimitz Aircraft Carriers (1 replacing the Invincible Aircraft Carrier)
x80 Ticonderoga Cruisers
x20 Spruance Destroyers
x10 Oliver Hazard Perry Frigates
x4 Los Angelos Submarines (These are HK Subs arent they?)
x375 Aircraft (F-14s, F-15s, F-16s, F/A-18s, S-3Bs, E-2Cs, EA-6Bs and SH-60s)

That brings the total number to...

x1 Vanguard Trimaran HSGN
x4 Nimitz Aircraft Carriers
x86 Ticonderoga Cruisers
x24 Spruance Destroyers
x16 Oliver Hazard Perry Frigates
x500 Aircraft
x4 Los Angelos Submarines

The Task Force will set sail today, and arrive in the Adriatic in 1 week (2 days RL?) This is the final arrangement.

The HAF Material Command has sought to provide Vas Pokhoronim with the weapons and equipment it needs to continue the battle. Perhaps a secure airbase could be opened up to our cargo planes?

We have T-55s, Leopard 2s, Merkava Mk IVs, M113s, M118s, ADATs and Zsu 23-4s. Obviously getting in the heavier stuff, like the MBTs, would be slow, but we could provide you with SAMs, such as Hawks, Nike Hercules, Bloodhound Mk IIs and Stingers/Grails? Also dont forget ammunition, food and clothing.

Think about it...

We thank you from the depths of our hearts, Comrades, for your courageous stand in the cause of justice and humanity. And we certainly do hope you can do something about the Imperialist Fleet currently laying waste to our country and slaughtering our people.
Supplies and materiel would also be well-received. We have a hundred tank crews at SpRevKom trained on the T-72, but their vehicles were rendered inoperable during the initial bombing of our capital. SAMs of any kind would also be much appreciated, as we are using up what we've got rapidly against their aircraft and armor. And anything you have that can take out cruise missiles would make a great difference in the combat theater--it's been raining very hard this season.
Ammunition and humanitarian supplies are also needed. We have been relocating our civilians as far from the combat areas as possible, and while they are more used to hardship than the Imperialists seem to think, it is no happy camping trip for them, and many are wounded and sick.
We have relatively secure but small airstrips at SpRevKom here near Nrsk-Novsk. The hard rain has let up a little here, but it will probably not last. So far, however, our bases and medical facilities at DvRevKom, in the high valleys north of Nzhnyr, have remained unmolested. Since the refugee population of that zone is still increasing, better air defenses there would be a very good idea.
There is also, I believe, a secure airfield at Island 122, west of the Imperialist Fleet, where the Teawan forces are currently concentrated.
Again, we owe a great debt of gratitude to your brave people and their leaders. This shall never be forgotten.
Live the Alliance! Death to the Crypto-Fascist Monarcho-Capitalist Warmongers!
--Overall Marshal Zradny Ztlovsk, President of the National Security Council

As the head of Operation Hope-filled H-Bomb, Admiral Richard Starr assessed the facts. The Empire of Fate and Honor's fleet was anchored off the coast of Vas Pokhoronim, laying a modern day siege.

"The key to success here, is to starve the Empire into a fight." Starr thought. Blocking off the Adriatic would be the first step. The next would be targeting the Empire's supply ships.

But Starr knew that this tactic would not result in a quick and decisive finish. Ultimately, he would have to make the first move, he would have to strike first, take the battle to the enemy, take their focus away from the war in Vas Pokhoronim and give his allies some much needed respite.

He left his Office. An aide quickly approached. "To the Port sir?"

"Immediatley."

On Island 122, or Yosan as the Teawans called it, a flight of brand new Tornado GR.10N's from the Barracuda had just landed.
5 of which, were in Vas Pokhoronim Air Force colours. The rest were in the dark sea blue of the Ouerziland Navy.

4 of the Ouerzi aircraft were loading up with Sea Eagle anti-shipping missiles. Their target: one of the Fate and Honour aircraft carriers.

One by one, the 10 Ouerzi Tornados lit their afterburners and cruised to the target.

"Gold 16 this is Gold 17. IP."
"Roger 17. Prepare to engage that carrier. Escort fighters, be on your look out. We need to get home!"

The remaining six Tornadoes armed with AMRAAMs and ASRAAMs all replied "roger that." They did not break formation, instead keeping a deuce tight one.

The 4 Tornados launched their sea eagles at the carrier, and quickly banked, heading back to island 122.

<The scene is a church or town hall somewhere in Vas Pokhoronim, filled with a murmuring crowd--some ordinary civilians, some in the black uniforms of military personnel, some in the gray uniforms of civil officials. A tall, attractive blonde in a black officer's uniform steps up to the podium, and a hush washes over the assembled spectators.>
'Ladies and gentlemen. Comrades. I am Captain Luka Nrvyanska of the Sovereign People's Defence Forces, and I am pleased to be introducing the newest recruit to our noble and patriotic cause. Due to the unusual circumstances of his enlistment, he has requested this opportunity to come forth and express, publicly and in his own words, his newfound pride in service to the cause of justice and liberty. Comrades, I give you former Flight-Major of the First Aerial and Naval Legion, Caius Cassius Aemilianus!'
<Captain Nrvyanska steps aside, and the audience applauds enthusiastically and stands up, stamping their feet, as a tall, black haired, blue eyed, and extremely photogenic young man walks onstage towards the podium. He smiles, shakes Captain Nrvyanska's hand, and waits for the applause to simmer down, while Nrvyanska steps back behind him, brushing her hand on his shoulder . . .>
'Comrades, please . . . Comrades. There’s—there’s a lot I have to say.'
<The audience gradually subsides.>
'Comrades, thank you. Thank you.’ <He pauses, apparently a little choked up.> 'I—I came to your people as an enemy, in the service of a regime that would destroy your way of life and enslave you. I was proud to serve my country, and my Emperor, and I thought that I was also serving my God, by bringing the hammer of His wrath upon the heads of the unbelievers. When one of your pilots sacrificed himself by ramming into my plane in the skies over Nursk-Novisk [sic], I was confused. I thought, even as I bailed out, about what might drive a man with no hope of paradise to give up his own life so—unhesitantly. So . . . heroically.
'When I touched down afterwards, I expected the worst. I thought I would be executed, or tortured—that’s what my commanders told us the Communists would do. But instead--' <Again a pause, as his voice cracks, and a tear rolls down his cheek.> 'Instead I was taken in, fed and clothed, my wounds tended . . . For me, who had brought fiery death to women and children—and I realized, from talking with my hosts—I will not say captors—that God is merciful, not furious with wrath. I know that many of you are atheists, though not all—and I accept that. I know now that God sees the virtues of a person’s soul, and does not care so much about this or that particular creed. It is men who use faith to divide us from one another, to inflame our prejudices, to subdue our natural compassion for one another, and to turn us against our brothers and sisters in order to make us weak and easily exploited . . .
'All this has become clear to me, now. And I know now that we are meant to share with one another, not concentrate all wealth and power into the hands of the already-privileged, I know that the many should not labor to satisfy the greed of the few, that the only just society is one in which the prosperity comes from each according to his abilities, and to each according to his needs!'
<The crowd stands and cheers. Cassius shouts over the applause, banging the podium with his open hand.>
'Comrades! I want you to know! I hereby formally and of my own free will renounce all allegiance to the unlawful Crypto-Fascist Monarcho-Imperialist regime of Segesta! All power to the Sovereign People, of Vas Pokhoronim—and of the Empire!! Morte Imperator!! Morte Caesar!!! Vivat Populus!!! Vivat Res Publica!!!'
<Video ends with the assembly clapping and chanting the name of Cassius.>

C-130s transports accompanied by a fighter escort of F-16s is due to shortly depart Airbase Retko in Hrstrovokia, destined for Nrsk-Novsk, Vas Pokhoronim.

Aboard the transports are stocks of SAMs, mainly Hawks and Nike Hercules, along with Patriots. Also aboard are man-portable SAMs, such as Stingers. it is believed that Vas Pokhoronim needs Air Defense more than anything at this moment, and Hrstrovokia will do it's upmost to meet those needs.

The giant An-22 lumbered forward from it's hanger at Airbase Retko. It's mission was to carry as much food and clothes for civilian relief as possible. Medical personnel, volunteering from hospitals and universities across Hrstrovokia, were due to board a C-130 also.

While Material Command did not have any T-72 series MBTs in it's inventory, it did have T-64s and T-55s, and those were better than nothing. They would be passed over to the control of Air, Land and Sea Traffic Command, which would oversee the Airlift operation to Vas Pokhoronim.

Admiral Richard Starr had set sail aboard the flagship Carotoka, a Vanguard-class Trimaran HSGN (Wow, what a mouth full!) with the Task Force Horizon. Massive crowds had turned out to see the departure, including President Matthews.

It was televised across Hrstrovokia, broadcast over the radio, uploaded on the net. Hrstrovokia's first military operation in over a year was the biggest news yet, hopefully it wouldnt all end in disaster.

Vshknsk
OoC: Man, that's a lot of tanks, and cruise missiles. Always with the cruise missiles.
The Imperialists have taken the field.
The ten thousand men armed with the RPG-7s were placed in highly concealable and relatively secure ambush-spots, and ordered to concentrate their fire upon low-flying aircraft and tanks. In even the most successful cases, however, they generally only got their one shot apiece before their positions were compromised. When all is said and done, a thousand or so still survive with hidden Partisan units.
The ten thousand combat engineers began retreating early, after taking only minor losses, in order to mine the roads and forests, demolish bridges, and establish secret weapons-caches for Partisans.
The comparatively exposed terrain of Vshknsk--a broad, forested mountain pass--meant very heavy losses for the infantry from the beginning. Whenever RPGs opened up gaps in the Legion's armor, the infantry would counterattack, however, with surprising swiftness and determination [OoC: I certainly don't expect miracles here, but I'd like to see some damage to Imperial soldiers and vehicles from SPDF guns and grenades].
An alarmingly large (50,000!) Partisan force somehow materialized behind the Imperial lines to make a suicide run at the Legion's artillery emplacements [OoC: Again, I don't expect miracles--the kill-loss ratio of guerrilla forces is amazingly bad, but I'd like to knock out at least a cruise missile launcher or two, and maybe some Javelins].

OoC: My own estimate is that it will at least two days for the First Legion to wear down the 10th and 13th Divisions to about 50,000 men (from 200,000, so no-one has to go back to check). It may actually take longer, though I expect to take heavy casualties from counter-attacks, and with the extremely high losses among the heavy-weapons specialists, this sounds about right to me. As long as it's understood that the Legion will pay for its victory, and that the road to Nrsk-Novsk may be open, but not safe.
Partisan units operating behind the advancing First Legion will henceforth begin calling themselves the 13th Patriotic Division, under the command of 'General' (formerly Lieutenant) Zrstvo, a colorful, brutal, and extremely radical officer.

Zhnadzh
The results here are less conclusive. The terrain is considerably more mountainous, and riddled with caves, thus offering a good deal more protection to the defending 17th and 18th Divisions. Moreover, the moutainous terrain means that aircraft must fly at even lower altitudes relative to the ground, and that tanks are a little more vulnerable, and that fleet-footed heavy-weapons specialists are more likely to escape retaliation by dodging into nearby caves and crevices. Finally, the numbers are a little more evenly matched between the two Divisions and the one Auxiliary Legion.
Nevertheless, the aerial and artillery superiority of the Auxiliary Legion means that the position of the Divisions here cannot be maintained indefinitely.
After taking losses evacuating the few remaining civilians in Zhnadzh and the surrounding communities, the Divisions will strike back hard against aircraft and armor, while losing only a quarter of its heavy weapons specialists in the process because of the advantages of terrain.
Nevertheless, in contrast to the situation at Vshknsk, the unified field command under (now) Marshal Khlvroshnyk will begin to withdraw towards the SpRevKom Command Theater, mining the roads and destroying the bridges as they retreat--through similarly advantageous terrain--towards Nrsk-Novsk. Additionally, their ammunition, some manpower, and most importantly their heavy weapons (thanks to Hrstrovokians) will be replenished as they fall back, and General Trsk will be dispatched from SpRevKom with the 19th Division to reinforce them. They will make their next stand at the Passes of Vznaly, about halfway and directly between Zhnadzh and Nrsk-Novsk. After two days of hard fighting, but with fresh recruits from Partisans and reinforcements, consider the three Divisions to be down about ten percent (280,000), but newly-equipped with the SAMs and other artillery being provided by Hrstrovokia (the tanks will remain at SpRevKom, as will all incoming shipments of airpower--at least for the moment).

OoC: As my losses at Vshknsk might be heavy, so here at Zhnadzh they might be light. Nevertheless I consider the described scenario to be plausible under the circumstances of terrain and with guerrilla activity and fresh supplies. I am open to any reasonable criticisms regarding either or both theaters, however.

(OOC: Not trying to be the jerk here, but how are you getting those supplies through airspace that is always under the vigilant eye of the Imperial Aiforce? Also, I agree on the two days for the legions to wear down your forces. Sunday morning perhaps would be a sufficient time for you? While I don't think I ever said I ordered the assaults on the cities to begin, and you described them as advancing and being attacked - never-the-less I will agree to take casualties. One more thing, a Javelin can be carried by a shoulder - so why assault them with the artillery when they are carried as a heavy weapon? Finally, British Teawa - let me get this straight. You attacked Nimitz carrier, with a compliment of 80 fighters and tons of defense systems with four airplanes? That isn't even to mention the fact that they would have been detected for before they got in range to fire their missiles.)

IC:

15:10 Hours, Airbase Alpha
Operation Death-Blow

After many tiring hours of constant air-barrage, the operation was called off as pilots began to report an ever-increasing amount of anti-air fire. Pilots got some much needed rest, but remained vigilant incase they were needed to support the Imperial Fleets in a collosal battle against the Hrstrovokian fleet.

The roar of engines, and thumping of bombs finally went quiet in the areas surrounding the two embattled cities.

Losses to aircraft from anti-air:

x21 F-16
x19 F-14

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First Legion, Several Miles outside Vshknsk

(OOC: This is your attacks on my forces and their losses.)

As the Legions leading elements began rolling out of camp, everything seemed eerily quiet. Soldiers and vehicles inched forward, examing the destruction wrought by the merciless air attacks of the previous day and night.

The lead tank rolled forward slowly carefully. Without notice an explosion shook the earth and the lead tank was in flames, soldiers twenty feet back were blown off of their feet. The mine that is hit was massive indeed. The convoy screeched to a halt, and another surprise roared from the hidden world of enemy combatants.

"RPG's! Holy shit!" A soldier screamed as he dived for cover.

RPG's began slamming into the M1A2 Abrams from all direction. Some bouncing off, some blowing holes in the side of the tanks and setting the entire tank ablaze. Soldiers and vehicles desperately tried to return fire, but they couldn't get ahead. The only time they could kill the enemy was when the enemy gave away their position by firing - after they fired the damage was done. An organized retreat was sounded, the vehicles out first and then the soldiers following. Soldiers gave cover too vehicle who rolled out as quickly as possible, but suffering heavy casualties from the seemingly unstopping fire that the enemy gave from concealed positions.

The retreating vehicles and soldiers were almost in view of the camp before they heard frantic calls over the radio as a huge guerilla force had snuck behind the lines to strike the artillery positions. Crewman of the artillery tried desperately to hold back the guerillas, firing off their assault weapons than even resorting to side-arms. Fortunetly, just as positions were being overwhelmed the divisions Apaches arrived on scene - pipping into the guerillas with their FFAR missiles and 30MM machine guns. Many guerillas empassioned turned the artillery guns into ground and firing them, killing themselves but destroying the gun. Many jumped onto MLRS and Abbul Abbas Cruise Missile launchers setting off satchel charges to destroy the vehicles, but at the cost of their own lives. Soon, however, they found themselves between a rock and a hard place. Apaches ripping through them on one side, and retreating troops who arrived back to camp counter-attacking them. Their damage was done, however, and it was quite extensive.

After all was done, the First Legion dug themselves in and tallied the casualties. They would definately not being leaving the camp again without more careful consideration.

Losses to First Legion...

x2,311 Imperial Soldiers Dead
x376 Imperial Soldiers Wounded
x17 M102 105mm Lightweight Towed Howitzer Destroyed
x9 M198 Towed Howitzer 155MM Destroyed
x63 M1A2 Abrams Destroyed
x21 M1121 HMMWV Destroyed
x43 LAV Fighting Vehicles Destroyed
x33 M2A3 Bradleys Destroyed
x27 Abul Abbas Cruise Missile Launchers Destroyed
x26 MLRS Destroyed

(Ouch! Damnit!)

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First Auxiliary Legion, Several Miles outside Zhnadzh

Hearing reports of the serious damaged dealt to The First legion, commanders of the First Auxiliary Legion decided to emcamp indefinately. The fortified their positions, setting up a massive 360 degree perimeter patrolled by helicopters and vehicles. Their were several concentric circles of defense. This division would not move forward into the city yet.

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Airbase Beta, Great Komboto

The goodness of Great Komboto knows no bounds. Many a moons we will thank them for the use of one of their military airbases. Thanks to them our air-power is even further bolstered. In addition to hundreds more fighters, B-52's will be stationed their for high-altiude carpet bombing missions.

We thank Great Komboto greatly!

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Command and Control, Segesta

Command and Control commented on video made of a captured Imperial Pilot, it was short by conclusive.

"It is easy to make a man say what he doesn't want to say, human will in bendable. With savages such as them, I could not imagine what they put him through in forcing him to do that video. Savages!"

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Imperial Palace, Segesta

Knzynsky now rested and rejuvinated was brought before the Emperor in his palace. Knzynsky had been dragged from his convoy, flown to the carrier fleet, and flown to Segesta - now once again before the man who he saw at the outbreak of the war.

The Emperor smiled at Knzynsky, walking over to him slowly. He ordered his guards away, and patted Knzynsky on the shoulder.

"We meet again Knzynsky, as I promised. I understand that you attempted to end your life when being captured, and that is why you have that nasty little wound on your arm - yes? No matter, how are you my old friend?"

(OOC: Your comment of female soldiers commiting suicide rather than being captured is entertaining. Your right about my troops having quite a voracious "appetite", but no reason to think they can't be controled - We are civilized. By the way, this could be the conversation between the Emperor and Knzynsky that we talked about if you'd like to make it that way.)

OoC: It was my impression that the northern sections of the country remain relatively free of Imperial air power--especially as so many planes have been being used in the campaigns at Vshknsk and Zhnadzh. With regard to the Javelins--my bad, I'm not familiar with a lot of these designations or weapons.
And you're right, you hadn't mentioned the advance--I overstepped myself a bit. Figured it was ongoing.
And Hail to the Heroes of the 10th and 13th! They knew how to die. Though . . . it's my turn to say, "Not trying to be a jerk," but my RPGs don't seem to be getting any aircraft. RPG-7s can be used with antiaircraft heatseekers as well as antitank rockets--that's why I armed my men with them. Hate to bring it up.

Loose Thread

From Post #42
FOH advances over the next few days will run into a seemingly schizophrenic set of responses on part of local civilians; many locals open fire, [etc.], all much as expected; many others, however, greet the Legions as liberators, offering them directions, help with fixing and building things, baked goods, and physical companionship--it seems the government might not be as universally popular as it claimed, and as intelligence predicted.

Now that it's been mentioned, many of the 'happily liberated' civilians will now come forward under the white flag over the next days. Fairly quickly, it becomes apparent that most--if not all--of these collaborators are actually Partisan infiltrators--the directions they offer lead to dead-ends, booby traps, or ambushes; the repairs and construction they help with turn out to be sabotaged; the baked goods are filled with laxatives or rat poison; and the physical companionship invariably comes with knives.
Casualties from this activity, if any, are negligible--we botched our command and co-ordination on this policy. Nevertheless, it will open an unbreachable rift between the invaders and the locals, as Legionaries learn quickly not to trust any offers of assistance or kindness, while the inevitable reprisals will quickly teach the 'Veeps' and the 'Pokies' (as the Legionaries are beginning to call them--in all fairness, more politically correct terms are exceedingly difficult to pronounce) the dangerousness of approaching the enemy soldiers even under a white flag.
I'll be slipping into the character of the Former President a little later this evening. Nice total dismissal of my new Flight Leader, by the way. Totally in character.

Kznynsky squinted at the Emperor in disbelief.
'How am I? Is that what you ask me? How do you think I am, Vibius? Or can you even imagine yourself in my place? What would you say to the man who murdered your only surviving child, [if Kznynsky has been told that his daughter is still alive, the information will come from the Empire's men--a source he will not trust] who has commanded the destruction of your country, and declared himself an unflinching enemy of all that you hold sacred, and committed himself, and the power of his entire civilization, to undoing all that you had dedicated your life to building?
'Really, Vibius, I am surprised at you . . . A foolish question, indeed--unless you mock me with it, in which case it is simply petty.'
Kznynsky turned away and ran his good hand across his close-cropped scalp, above the bandage wrapped around his head from where his last bullet had lightly grazed it. He took a few steps away, then turned back.
'Why have you brought me here, Vibius? Really? Had you wanted me a prisoner, you need never have let me leave in the first place. I suspect you of muddled thinking, "Augustus,"' the sarcasm was undeniable, though he seemed to be trying to blunt it--there was with Kznynsky always a curious kind of gentleness even in his outrage. He continued, a little vaguely, 'It is the weakness of authoritarian regimes, that they are vulnerable to the weaknesses of the individual despots who rule them. A functional democracy, with its diversity of opinion, is more self-correcting . . .'
Kznynsky paused, realizing he had distracted himself. His eyes dropped to the mosaic on the floor, then turned up sharply as he directed a startlingly piercing gaze at the Emperor.
'I am not sure you have the right man, Vibius. So tell me, what do you expect here?'

Vibius Augustus gave his traditional arrogant smile and nod of his head, 'Admiring my mosaics Kznynsky? Beautiful, aren't they - absolutely stunning?' He walked right up to his rival, Kznynsky. 'Oh, by the way - your child is alive and well. We've intercepted communications by your so called comrades, which confirm this. I promise you that I speak the truth, and I do not break promises - I'll give you a few moments to think about that.' The Emperor walked out to his window and looked at his people, then turned back to Kznynsky. 'I am a ruler, I am not omnipotent. Sometimes, like last night, I wonder to myself if I had made wrong decisions. I feel, to you Kznynsky, that my image is the essence of evil - are my feelings right? Am I to go down in records as Vibius The Wrathful? It shames me, but for once I... I - just don't know.'

Kznynsky's brow raised in a quirk, and a light came into his eye as if an unexpected truth had revealed itself to him. He chuckled ruefully.
'Some promises should not be kept, Vibius.'
The old man began to pace slowly, the rhythm of his footsteps made asymmetrical by his limp.
'As for Ktryna, even if that is true--and I no longer trust you--it changes nothing. If not me, then some other sad old man is grieving for his daughter, some thousand other sad old men, as a result of choices that you have made . . . It is a terrible thing you have done, Vibius--that is simply objective fact.'
Kznynsky sighed and rubbed his eyes beneath his spectacles, then turned his relentless stare once more upon the Emperor.
'I do not believe in evil. Not as you do. Once, to my shame, I and many of my Comrades gave vent to our anger, and to our fear, and caused much suffering to those we meant to govern. But we did so for the noblest of purposes, you understand. The vast panorama of human misdeed, of bloodshed and rapine throughout the ages, has been committed by men and women who imagined themselves to be serving the cause of righteousness. Was it simple perversity that caused our ancestors to burn witches and heretics alive? Of course not. Such cruelty can only arise when the perpetrator imagines himself to be doing what is right and what needs to be done. It takes enormous efforts to convince ourselves that it is alright to commit atrocities--it would be much easier, indeed unnecessary, if evil came naturally to us.'
Kznynsky turned away and meandered to the nearest chair, into which he stiffly lowered himself.
'I said it before, and I will say it again now. What I think is that you are a prisoner, Vibius.
'And I think that you have brought me here to be your judge.'

Emperor Vibius Augustus sat down on some steps, appearing humbled, he stared blankly at the wall. 'How many men, women, and children have died for my ambitions? I dare not think about it. When the order to start bombing your nation was given on the opening night, an order I gave personally, I was convinced it was the befitting thing to do. But....' The Emperors stare turned to Kznynsky, who was sitting on a chair across the room. 'But, as I watched bombs raining down on Nrsk-Novsk and people running for their lives into your forest - I was no longer sure it was the right thing to do. However, I still managed to convince myself that it was a necessary war. So, still the war raged on. Then reports came in of such great sacrifices from your people, and I wondered if I were truly the tyrant since they waged war so ardently against us. I am beginning to think this war was not the righr course.'

Kznynsky hung his head.
'If your ambitions had not brought you to this,' he rumbled, 'then it would have been the ambitions of some other Augustus.' The old man paused to wipe something from his eye, and then looked back up. 'That is why I called you a prisoner--your very position, as dictator, in a system with neather checks nor balances, must force you to behave as a tyrant--or else be ejected from the throne by another man who will.'
He paused again, to deftly withdraw a cigarette from his pocket and light with his one good hand, before continuing.
'I think the destruction in my country is your own inner conflict writ large, Vibius. I was wrong about you again, last night. You are chained by your priviliege, and by your upbringing, yes. But there is, somewhere in there, a trace of that compassionate man I first saw at the Nrsk-Novsk Summit those many months ago. And it is killing you.' He barked a bitter laugh. 'And my countrymen.'
Kznynsky took a long drag off his cigarette, coughed a little, and dripped some ash carelessly on the tiled floor.
'It is . . . it is I think worse for me to imagine that so many have fought and died for a mistake. I would almost rather that you were the implacable monster you seem to suspect yourself of being. But I am a scholar, and my first allegiance is to truth, not to any comfortable delusion.
'Akh. You are in trouble. How can you rule your land as Emperor when you have such self-doubt? How long do you think you will last, before some leaner, harder general decides you are getting soft?
'What will you do, Vibius? I know what I would do--what I did, actually, those many years ago when I was in something like your position. But I cannot answer for you, though I might wish it. I can open the doors of your cage, but you must have the eyes to see your freedom, and the will to step outside.
'So again I ask, what will you do?'

Retko Airbase, Hrstrovokia

Retko is a scene of intense activity as military transports, tankers and their fighter escorts continue to depart, return and go again as the airlift gains momentum. The combined sorties already amount to over 100 flights.

Stockpiles of SAMs wait about the base, guarded by MPs and static SAM defenses of Hawks. The missiles are top priority, and must get through, no matter what it takes.

Earlier today, 4 C-130 transports and 5 F-15 fighters were lost over Vas Pokhoronim in an engagement with enemy fighters. Some were lost to enemy SAM and AAA fire.

The 26 men are the first Hrstrovokian casualties of the conflict. President Sean Matthews announced in a statement later, that, "their sacrifice shall not be forgotten.

But this is only the beginning, and I fear we shall lose many more sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends, husbands and wives before the enemy is vanquished. We shall not relent until the sovreignty and peace of Vas Pokhoronim has been restored."

Aboard the transports were vital SAMs, MBTs and food and medical supplies.

Adriatic Sea - Coast off Albania

Task Force Horizon sailed close to the island of Corfu. All day, the crews aboard the ships had been awaiting contact with the enemy. Spirits were high, vigilance even more so.

Aboard the Aircraft Carrier Gretchen pilots had been ready to embark on a mission at a moments notice. At the top speed of 30 knots, it wouldnt be long before the ship entered combat radius, and the fighters could make the first strikes against the enemy.

The first strike would be the deadliest. All 80 aircraft of the Gretchen would be launched, 4 a minute. Half would conduct air superiority missions over Vas Pokhoronim and strike enemy targets in the field, while the rest would make a daring, almost suicidal attack on the supply and cargo ships of the fleet.

The remaining fighters aboard the 3 other Aircraft Carriers would provide defense for the Task Force. Admiral Richard Starr remained in constant contact with President Sean Matthews and actions back home. He was aware that the enemy had taken first blood, as was all too keen to score an impressive victory of his own.

As he stood aboard the Carotoka in the operations room, he was fully conscious that within an hour, the fighters would be launched. The squadrons of F-14s, F-15s, F-16s and F/A-18s would dart down the deck, soar into the air, and when the time was right, with a mighty shriek and deafening blast, launch their missiles and let rip with their cannons.

It was only a matter of time.

Imperial Fleets, Coast of Thin Blue-Line

Scattered reports of the Hrstrovokian fleets approaching filtered in to the control room. An officer onboard the ship rushed to the admiral, 'Admiral Flavius, the Hrstrovokian fleets are approaching!' The control room went quiet as the officer read confirmation reports, 'Sir, multiple reports from civilian ships have confirmed this - they are coming.' Admiral Flavius literally jumped from his chair, 'Why the hell wasn't I aware of this earlier? Quickly, get me the damn phone!'

Admiral Flavius picked up the phone, alerting the other Imperial Fleets of the situation. Confering with the other lower admirals they decided that they would indefinately fly rotating squads of sixty fighters around the carriers - ten fighters from each carrier. When the enemy did arrive all fighters on the decks of the carriers that could be scrambled would be, while the initial sixty did their best to stall the enemy.

After confering with the other admirals he quickly places a phone call to both Airbase Alpha in Thin Blue-Line and Airbase Beta in Great Komboto. Both airbases were put on high alert, and any information on aircraft picked up by the fleet heading toward Vas Pokhoronim would be relayed to them. Great Komboto has also pledged to alert Airbase Beta to any Hrstrovokian aircraft it picks up on radar, and if the Hrstrovokians violate airspace - it will not be taken lightly.

Imperial Palace, Segesta

The Emperor stared, obviously stunned at what Knzysnky had just said. 'In those many quizzical words, I may be wrong - your words are indeed quizzical - but you ask me whether I should become tyrannical or that I should cede my power to a weak democratic government? The Government of Fate and Honor has always rested upon the shoulders of our Emperors, always! Our nation is one of the few where people truly love, rather than fear, their totalitarian leader. It insults me for you to suggest that I be more of a tyrant to my people, or cede our long lasting Imperial Government to a weak Republic! It insults me!' The Emperor for a second vibrantly furious, shrunk back to his sobering mood. 'You ask me what I should do?' Vibius walked over to his table and cracked open his briefcase, removing hundreds of images and handing them to Knzysnky. 'That is your nation, look at the destruction that has been wrought. Your people dead, my soldiers dying. I am weary of it, I ask you - are you weary of this too?'

While The Emperor waited on Knzysnky's reponse he went to his telephone and placed a phone call to his commanders, the nature of his call is yet unknown.

On Yosan Air Force Base, formerly known as Island 112, the place began bustling with activity.

The submerged HMS Barracuda had detected the Fate and Honour ships and had reported it to the AFB.

A flight of 30 aircraft- 15 Tornado GR.10N's and 15 OF-17 Long range fighters began taxiing. 5 of the Tornados had ALARM anti-SAM missiles slung under the wings, the rest had Sea Eagle anti shipping missiles.
The OF-17s were armed with AMRAAMs, ASRAAMs and S-225 LRAAM's. The pilots all hoped they would be able to get out of it alive.
One by one, the aircraft launched into the dusk sky. They banked for the adriatic sea and headed for the Imperial Fleet....

Meanwhile, a lone C-130 loaded with Kerskian Grenadiers took off- it's destination- the hills of Hznan...

OoC: I'm very busy today, and will probably not be posting anything more. My apologies. The Kerskian Grenadiers are linking up with local Partisans, and the handful of aircraft that the SPDF has on Yosan will join the Teawan attacks (I may suggest we concentrate our efforts on easy or isolated targets, since we seem to be massively outnumbered--I can't abandon an ally, though.)
Kznynsky will continue his conservation with Augustus, but I can't post it at the moment, owing to a lack of time.
Hopefully, though, things may be proceeding towards peace soon . . .

Teawan Strategic Air Command, Yosan Air Force Base.

"Vas Pokhoronim suggests change of tactics. Withdraw Air Strike ASAP. Order RTB to all strike aircraft."
"Roger that."

The Lead Tornado got the message and ordered an immediate retreat.
All of the Tornado aircraft went first, closely followed by the Lynx fighters.
They had landed within the hour.

In the hills of Vas Pokhoronim, the Hercules dropped the Kerskian Grenadiers off. They ran to the encampment nearby- the standard bearer showing the Kerskian cross. The partisans cheered. Here were some real fighting men. They marvelled at the sharp bayonets attached to the white M-14 rifles they carried.

"Gentlemen, set up camp here." The field sergeant Kouriscant said. "We must prepare ourselves for an attack."

And so they waited.

The Imperial Fleet in the region sent transmissions out on all frequencies, and on all communication formats used in the region.

Radios crackled, and loud-clear voice came through.

"As per the request of the Emperor of Fate and Honor, we propose a cease-fire, which shall endure the time of one-week, between all forces involved in the current conflict. All offensive operations will be halted by parties agreeing to the cease-fire, and will halt immediately upon agreement. We shall open all of our communication systems indefinately, so that parties wishing to agree will be able to communicate that wish to us. In a show of good will, Imperial forces will halt all offensive operations voluntarily while the the cease-fire is being offered."

Attention Imperialists, this is a message from Yosan airbase- part of the British Auxillary force.

We acknowledge your cease-fire and will comply. However we will not withdraw troops at this stage. Also- air patrols will continue around Yosan... Thank you.

British Commander in Chief.

Imperial Communique
To: British Teawa
From: Empire of Fate and Honor

"We recongize your acceptance of the cease-fire."

END COMMUNIQUE

Ztlovsk received the Imperialists' communique with considerable misgivings. He knew Latin, and did not take kindly to the sentiment expressed in the Admiral's Seal.
'What do you think, Krz?' he asked the Intelligence Minister.
The big man sitting across from him made a growling noise somewhere inside his great beard that indicated he was thinking.
'It could be that the Legions have gotten their noses bloodied and are simply making a ploy for time to regroup, or to drum up more international support for their cause,' he mused. 'After all, intelligence reports initially indicated a possible alliance between the Imperialists and the Albanians which not since materialized.'
'Yes, that is my concern,' the Overall Marshal agreed.
'However I am not at all certain that this is the case. Field reports indicate that their troops are still confident, even if their commanders seem more cautious, and the Albanians seem to be involved in their own difficulties. Komboto has allowed the Legions passage and the use of their airfields, but you and I both know that after our last meeting with the Dictator's forces, the Fascists down there have no taste for returning, even on the Legion's coat-tails.
'No, the communique specifically mentions the Emperor himself intervening in the military operations. We have already seen that he is a volatile and inconsistent man (Mstslau's protestations to the contrary notwithstanding), and that he also seems to have a curious respect for the former President personally. I have been reading the records of their correspondence, and until recently it was surprisingly warm, and very . . . principled. On both sides. Nor has the Augustus tried to make Kznynsky into a bargaining chip.'
Ztlovsk quirked an eyebrow.
'Do you see Kznynsky's hand in this?'
'No,' replied Krz flatly. 'But I think I may see an influence of a kind. That respect I mentioned earlier may be leading the Emperor to hesitate, or even rethink his policies.'
The Overall Marshal leaned back in his wooden chair and stretched. When he had finished, he reached into an over-filled ashtray and plucked out the longest cigar-butt he could find. Lighting it, he set his elbows on the table.
'Akh. I hope you are right, old friend. We are too old for this nonsense. And I shudder to think what the war would look like if policy were to be directed by young hot-heads like Zrstvo. Dispatch a message to the Imperialist Fleet agreeing to their terms.'
'It will be done, Patriot Marshal,' rumbled Krz, as he rose to attend to the matter.
'And anyway, they are not the only to have had their noses bloodied . . .' muttered Ztlovsk after the big man had left.

OoC: My one post today. I'll deal with Kznynsky tomorrow. The commanding officer of the Kerskian Grenadiers will receive a communication from SpRevKom giving him (I assume it's a him) full authority over all Partisan units in the Hznan-Vshknsk Combat Theater, with private instructions to keep a short leash on General Zrstvo of the 13th Patriotic Division--at least for the duration of the ceasefire.

Imperial Communique
To: Vas Pokhoronim
From: Empire of Fate and Honor

"We recongize your acceptance of the cease-fire."

END COMMUNIQUE

(OOC: It wasn't specifically Admiral Flavius' own little "tagline". I had to make up something to counter your "Victory and Freedom" tagline heh.)

ACN 88 Gretchen, Adriatic Sea, 50km off Croatia

The words of Lt. Maj. Noel Clarke

We had all lined up on top deck. Standing there on the freezing tarmac, I felt stupid. Top brass had evidently decided that a final speech of morale boosting proportions was needed. I was pissed because this was drawing out the whole thing, added more dread than putting us at ease and inspiring us.

The deck was awash with crews feverishly attending to our fighters, loading payloads, topping up with fuel and making the final checks. They moved with hurriedly, they seemed anxious.

The Balkans coast was less than 60km away. I begin thinking back to History class, of days when I'd rather be out chasing girls than listening to how Serbian nationalists, among many other factors, had sparked off World War 1. I thought of the bloody history of the Balkans, it's almost permanent state of unrest.

Was my nation about to lend itself to the history books? Were we too to go down in print for the wrong reasons, drawn into another bloody conflict for dominance in the eternal warzone?

The loud speakers buzzed to life. I could barely make out the voice of Admiral Westcroft above the din of activity and howling wind. "Here comes the bullshit" I thought.

"All crews standby and return to quarters. Mission aborted." Word spread like wildfire of the enemies capitulation, the carrier became a den of rumour and speculation. Finally we were informed the truth. A cease-fire. At the last minute, just as we were due to launch our attacks. Think of what might happened had we launched? Where would we be now?

Piotr Godot Army Base, Marinth, Hrstrovokia

President Sean Matthews entered into the silent and tense atmosphere at the Global Operations room of Armed Forces Rapid Reaction Force Command, full of brooding Generals and Government officals. "What's happening out there?" he asked sifting through dossiers on the table with mild interest. A large real-time map of the Balkans appeared on the widescreen.

It showed the percieved positions of all forces in the theatre. It indicated dispositions and strengths of the formations, main battle zones and strategic locations. As he waited for an answer, Matthews noted that there hadnt been any movement since British Teawa's transports had dropped Kerskian Grenadiers to link up with partisians deep in the hills outside Hznan.

"There's a cease-fire. 1 week. All combatants except us have agreed. All of our forces in the theatre are standing down but are prepared to go if need be." reported Communications Commander General Kelly. Matthews appeared to be lost, not at the table but thousands of miles away, a deep pensive look grew across his young face. Matthews was only 32 years old, yet his wisdom was deep.

"Establish immediate contact with Fate and Honour. We are agreeing to the cease-fire. Be ready to execute the combat missions at any time."

If the Empire attempts to regroup or re-supply it's forces in the field, we will interdict and disrupt without hesitation. We cannot allow them this oppurtunity. For our part, tell them we wont move either, and the airlift has beel halted."

----------
/Start.

Hrstrovokian Armed Forces of the Soviet State Communique

To: Empire of Fate and Honor
From: Soviet State of Hrstrovokia
Re: Cease-fire.

We acknowledge Cease-fire. Recommend no movements. Airlift cancelled. Do not break or we will repudiate. Do you accept? Awaiting your response...

General Kelly, Communications Command, Hrstrovokian Armed Forces/end

[OOC; Nobody move or the kid gets it! heh]

Imperial Communique
To: Hrstrovokia
From: Empire of Fate and Honor

"We recongize your acceptance of the cease-fire, and agree to the additional terms you present. However, imperative supply lines to our forces will remain unchanged. You will not use this cease-fire to starve us unrightfully. Any attack on these lines will be seen as an offensive operation, and will void the cease-fire."

END COMMUNIQUE

Border Between Vas Pokhoronim and Great Komboto

One-hundred Praetorian Special Forces, PSF, crept across the border under the cover of darkness. They were all very well prepared for their mission - they knew the language, they knew the custom/culture and despite their innocent appearance were well armed. Dressed as "Pokies" they will have no problem blending in. If the war is to continue, their mission will be essential.

On Yosan, the order for reinforcements had been given. 2 C-130 Hercules aircraft landed on Yosan regularly and more infantry began to live on the base.

Teawan 27th
1,500 regulars (armed with Steyr AUG rifles)

Ouerzi Cavalry Group
500 horses
500 men (armed with custom "lance tip" rifles)

The Scary Mary transporter boat had also dropped off a number of armoured vehicles in the base also. These were all driven into underground concrete bunkers...

150 Challenger Mk.II Battle tanks
50 Marine Fast attack vehicles

Segesta, Imperial Palace
Kznynsky placed his cigarette in his mouth and accepted the proffered photographs, setting them down in his lap without so much as glancing at them. Instead, he leaned back and regarded the Augustus disbelievingly. When the Emperor had finished with his call, the old man spoke.
‘I insult you? I am stunned. This is from a man who, unprovoked by anything more than verbal reminder—however testy—of the indisputable national sovereignty of a nation that is not even our ally, has bombed and invaded my country, murdered my family, shot and kidnapped me personally . . . What the hell kind of a man are you, Vibius, that you can even think such a thought?’
The old man took a final draw from his cigarette, then looked about in vain for an ashtray before crushing the glowing tip with his fingers and replacing the butt neatly in its pack. He absently rubbed his fingertips together for a moment before handing back the sheaf of photos, still without having examined them.
‘I have seen enough of war firsthand to know what it looks like. My military rank is not honorary, you know—I have been a fighting-man for most of my life. There was this one time—most men try to forget, but I’ve always thought that cowardly—but this one time I’d set my gun down to dig a pit for a Partisan weapons-cache, when a young Fascist soldier burst out of the bushes at me. I think he just wanted to take a piss, but he scared the hell out of me, and I stabbed him in guts with my entrenching tool without even thinking about it. It was hard, you know—I had to really work to get the shovel-blade in deep enough to do serious damage. I ended up disembowelling the poor bastard. I’ll never forget the look of surprise on his face, or hearing his sobs as the life faded from his eyes. War is an ugly business—nothing but an honorable name for the mass repetition of constant individual murders.’
The old man rose from his chair. Tall, slim, and straight as a razor he stood, and even with the bandage on his head and his right arm in a sling, even as a prisoner in a foreign land completely within the power of his captor, he somehow projected an undeniable and potent presence of command and dignity.
‘You ask if I am weary of this war. I will repeat to you that we never wanted to begin with, and never asked for it. We don’t even have a formal defense treaty with Liberia-Schilgovia—you may have noticed that they have not assisted us in the slightest. Hell, they gave that bloody ass Jecht Ackbar more help than they’ve given us, and as far as I am aware they haven’t even responded to our requests for aid. If they had we probably would not have needed to bring in allies from further afield.
‘Nevertheless, I do not withdraw my protest. It is not . . . decent, for a great power such as yours to unnecessarily bully an insignificant power such as theirs. You were scarcely provoked—let alone menaced—before threatening a military response. That is simply not right, and I stand by that statement—now and forever.’
Kznynsky sighed and moved off towards the window. His limp undermined his aura of power, but the dignity still clung to him as he scanned the magnificent—and to his eyes, decadent—environs of the Imperial Palace. The people he saw out there, however, did seem at least content with their lot. He seemed lost in reflection for a moment.
‘I want peace for my people more than anything, Vibius. But I cannot allow myself the luxury of hoping that I might be able to influence you. I no longer trust you—I must be frank—and I do not think I could survive a disappointment.’
He turned away and resumed his slow, arrythmic pacing.
‘I remember when we first opened diplomatic relations after the last war, Vibius. You argued vigorously to try to get us to free our markets—do you recall? And I resisted more strongly still, because it is not our way. It is ironic, now, that I am arguing for you to free your political system . . . But whatever. It is more your business than mine. One of the distinguishing features of our variant of Socialism is that we recognize the diversity of the paths of human development. But I would recommend you re-examine those photographs in your folder before dismissing democracy as “weak.” You must know that our people, having once tasted liberty, will never give it up again.’
He stopped his pacing and regarded the Emperor levelly.
‘As I say, I want peace more than anything. And I believe I speak for the present leadership of my country as well when I say that. But it is in your hands now, Vibius. I will not judge you, after all.
‘It is your choice.’

OoC: I hope that no-one will be disappointed if peace actually does result from this exchange (though it’s true, it really is in the hands of the Emperor more than it is mine). For myself, although I’m enjoying this, I wouldn’t mind starting to wrap up the thread—I have to, like, get a job, and find, you know, a new apartment—like, next week. And being invaded is A LOT of work. Khui, yob tvoyu mat’, eto trudno! as we like to say.
By all means, let me know what you guys think. I’m open to suggestions, but I am going to be very busy in the outside world for the indefinite future.

The Military Situation
In any event, during the ceasefire, shipments of both humanitarian supplies and military equipment will continue to enter the country (I just found out that Hrstrovokia and I are practically neighbors, anyway). We regard this as justified because, even if the ceasefire does lead to a lasting peace, we will still need to rebuild our defense forces.
The Imperial supply lines will be monitored secretly by Partisan scouts (sneaky young kids who know the terrain like the backs of their hands) or SPDF Airborne Light Infantry (and both Teawa and the Honorable Empire have cause to recall how formidable these gentlemen are). Shipments will not be interfered with, but if the scouts observe movements of specifically war materiel, such as combat equipment, troops, or ammunition, then President Ztlovsk will formally object on the grounds that such consolidation of the invasion force is in principle a violation of the ceasefire (inasmuch as it is effectively a continuation of the invasion), and issue a warning to that effect.
Hopefully, however, things will begin to settle down. It’s been a joy playing with you all, and I hope to maintain connections regardless.

Emperor Vibius Augustus looked oddly all after Knzynsky smashed the burning cigarette between his fingers, and handed him an ashtray from the conference table when Knzynsky finished speaking. 'Akh, ugh... use this old man - do you enjoy being burned? Atleast you didn't make a mess on my floors again.' The Emperor then chuckled thinking of the fact that Knzynsky did not trust him. 'You...' He chuckled a bit more, and focused back on Knzynsky. 'You don't trust me? I believe I have proven that I am a man of my word. I pledged to fight you, along with Liberia-Schligovia. I pledged you would see this again.' Vibius pointed to banners hanging from the walls with the Imperial Insignia on them. 'All what I promised, has happened. Is that not right Mr. Knzynsky? So how am I not a man of my word?' The Emperor signed from Knzynsky to follow him, and they walked out to the balcony. 'I imagined the fate of Nrsk-Novsk befalling my wonderful city of Segesta.' He peered at Segesta fading in the sunset, leaning over the balcony rails. 'I couldn't imagine it. I couldn't imagine my city in ruins, not far a sick cause. I am a young man, only in the twent-sixth year of my life, and even I knew deep down that this was a war only for expansionism - no glorious cause of avengine the Empire.' The Emperor took his cellular phone out and placed a call to his commanders, Knzysnky could hear his orders to permanently halt offensive operations and prepare for a withdrawal. He closed the phone, and placed the phone in Knzysnky's hand. 'I believe you have a phone call to make also?' He smiled, and turned to once again look over his city - waving at some Imperial citizens walking by on the adjacent street.

The British Ocean States viewpoint:

We are complying with the ceasefire- a full withdrawal of all of troops bar:

The Kerskian Grenadiers in the hills.
Yosan Air Force Base.
HMS Barracuda operating somewhere in the adriatic

Also- 50 challenger Mk.II tanks will remain operational. The rest will be withdrawn.

Yosan AFB is open to trading- it is considered neutral- we simply police it and base our aircraft there.

Communication from the Republic of Independent Macedonia to all parties engaged in this conflict. Kaiser Von Brockdorff III would like to make it understood that though the nation of Independent Macedonia no longer has holding in the Adriatic or Balkans, that it's friendship with Fate and Honor entitles Macedonia to act, should the ceace-fire be broken.
Full military force shall be applied to bring this to an end quickly. Thank you for your time and i hope that such actions will not be needed against former allies.

As a deterrent against other factions possibly becoming involved in this conflict, I am ordering ten divisions under the authority of the Rapid Reaction Force Command to mobilize and prepare for deployment, though I am witholding the final order to go. I am also resuming the airlift. We will continue to monitor enemy movements. I believe now is the time to give peace a chance.

We must clarify that in order to preserve the peace off the coast of Vas Pokhoronim, no armed aircraft other than those belonging to the Royal Air Force are allowed to land on Yosan airbase until the war is over.

This is to protect our own interests, and those of the Vas Pokhoronimian people. It also ensures peace- no arms means no destruction.

We hope those nations involved in the conflict will make good use of our trading base in the area.

The Imperial High Command, due only because of Hrstrovokia's threat to increase troop presence, has decided to put Legion II, III, IV, and V on high-alert. In support of the Legions, Auxiliary Legions II and III are also being called up from off-duty. To support the Imperial Fleets in the region, the Fourth Aerial and Naval Legion has also been put on high-alert. Their deployment, however, can only be ordered by The Emperor - as for now, they are on standby as a contigency.

Also, any aircraft within the area of the Imperial fleets, airbases, and troop positions will be shot down.

All battle-ready formations are standing down. The situation is tense enough. Before the cease-fire ends we should commence negotiations. Or else we should all just prepare for one very brutal conflict...

President / General Secretary Sean Matthews

The Emperor took out his cellular phone and placed a call to his commanders, Knzysnky could hear his orders to permanently halt offensive operations and prepare for a withdrawal.
OOC: If you didn't catch that, I am just pointing it out again.

[OOC: Well, I meant the RRF divisions. I was also hoping to kick-start some talking. Are we going to do it here or in another thread? Anyway, all I wanted to do was create a favourable atmosphere in which dialogue could take place, and take away the spectre of continued fighting.]

OOC: If you didn't catch that, I am just pointing it out again.
OoC: Ah, yes. Peace in our time. (Sorry, feeling a little cranky today.)
I'll respond shortly. And thank you all.
Hrstrovokia, I should let you know that British Teawa may be announcing a permanent Socialist Alliance Organization soon which is hoped to include all three of us.

(OOC: Well, if by any chance you've been following the Emperor and Knzysnky's discussion it is leading to peace between Vas Pokhoronim and Fate and Honor. After that, however, we will open up peace talks between all of us involved in the confict. Discuss points and requirements of peace, and such.)

[OOC: I was following the conversations between the Emperor and Knzysnky, I was just a little scared that things would stall and we would run out of time. =/]

In light of the peace talks, British Teawa's Liberty Navy would like to invite all nations involved to Yosan, where the conference will begin.

We trust our allies, old and new, will accept our invitation and gracefully attend the talks.
Thanking you in advance,
Robert Page MP, Governor of the British Ocean Authority.

The Emperor will arrive to Yosan Airbase once his personal meeting with Knzysnky is finished. He will, of course, act as the negotiator on behalf of The Empire of Fate and Honor.

Alexius Julii
Foreign Advisor, Imperial Courts of Foreign Affairs

OoC: Yosan is an excellent place to host negotiations. And I will be posting Kznynsky's acceptance of a permanent truce (if all goes well) tomorrow morning, my time (American West Coast, maybe twelve hours from now).
It's been highly engaging conducting this war, and I commend you all--but I am glad that it is now winding down.

Kznynsky regarded the Augustus coolly for a long, long time, before finally shaking his head sadly accepting the offered phone. He punched in a very long code, murmured a few indecipherable Slavic words to whoever it was who answered, and waited for a long time while they responded [Author's Note: This is part of complicated relay-system to protect the integrity of the SPDF communications network]. Eventually the conversation resumed, and Kznynsky could again be heard making terse comments now and then. Finally the call concluded, and Kznynsky turned back to face the Emperor.
'The Security Council agrees to commence the discussion of terms on the Teawan-held Island 122--I guess they call it Yosan, now--off our coast. Your troop movements will be monitored, but will not be interfered with. Even if they seem to be up to something, the Council has pledged to issue a warning and wait for a reply before acting precipitately. In any event, representatives of the Sovereign People are on their way to Yosan even now.'
The old man took a deep breath, then walked in measured steps up very close to the Emperor. He had seemed shrunken before somehow, but as the two men came face to face it became very clear just how tall the former President actually was.
'You understand, Vibius,' the old man smiled, 'that I have resigned all my government posts in both civil and military administrations, and stand before you now simply as a private citizen. Anything that transpires here between us cannot, therefore, represent the official policy or position of the Sovereign People.'
'Of course,' replied the Emperor, also smiling, as his hand already began to move forward to meet the expected shake.
A meaty thud! resounded throughout the chamber as Kznynsky's fist impacted upon the younger man's cheek in a surprisingly powerful left hook. The Emperor staggered back a few feet, but managed to keep his footing, and as the ringing in the monarch's ears lessened he heard the old man shouting:
'--ombing my country and wrecking my house you arrogant, insufferable ass! Bloodthirsty mother--!' He snarled and struck the heel of his boot down hard upon the tiles. 'Just be grateful I'm letting you off easy because you weren't lying about my daughter.' He strode off towards the chamber's doors, shouting, 'Guards! Guards, defend your sovereign! And get me the hell out of here . . .'

OoC: Before anybody goes off placing their military forces on heightened alert, I should reassure you that this scene has been previously agreed-upon by the parties involved (thanks again, FOH, it was very satisfying), and will not actually threaten the peace.
The Sovereign People's delgation to the Peace Conference will be headed jointly by Deputy Premier Shlavka Mnyrvitsa and by the Minister of External Affairs Gzvyad Mstslau. Both are expected to arrive very shortly.
Negotiations will take place within this thread. The maximal positions of the Sovereign People will be communicated this evening, my time (in ten to twelve hours). Hopefully a peace can be hammered out without much difficulty.

OOC: Hee hee hee...

((OOC: All I can say is that was hilarious! I couldn't stop laughing when I read the part about you punching the Emperor. Short post, no need for a long one.))

Praetorian Guardsmen ran to the side of Vibius as he stood there stunned, grasping his cheek. 'What the... what the hell?' Vibius stared at the doors which Knzynsky walked out of, still stunned by what had just happened. 'Did he just crack me in the face?' The Emperor began to breakdown in laughter, then one of the guards spoke, 'Sir, what do you want us to do about him?' Still choked up laughing Vibius managed to respond. 'Nothing, leave him. Besides a man can only be pushed so far, I guess I was an ass on several occasions. Come, escort me to my helicopter.'

With that the Emperor and his guards proceeded to his helicopter ontop the roof of his palace. They would fly to the airport, and then from there to Yosan airbase to take part in negotiations.

((OOC: I won't RP him arriving, so don't look for that. Anyway, I have to say again - the punching of the Emperor was grade A comedy.))

On Yosan, the Liberty Navy were at top level security. Even the Denverziland representatives were there- and that showed how important these talks were to the Ocean Authority.

Nearby, the huge battleship HMS Rio Grande was on station, controlling all in bound flights.

The delegates soon arrived.

[OoC: This is the diplomatic note delivered to all participants in the Peace Conference, outlining the opening positions of the Sovereign People]
- Full and permanent withdrawal of all Imperial military forces from the region, including Great Komboto and the Adriatic
- Renunciation by the Honorable Empire of any and all territorial claims against the peoples of Vas Pokhoronim, Liberia-Schilgovia, or Thin Blue Line
- Renunciation by the Honorable Empire of any and all hostilities against the peoples of Vas Pokhoronim, Liberia-Schilgovia, or Thin Blue Line
- Agreement by the Honorable Empire to sign a minimal Five-Year Non-Aggression Pact with the Democratic Republic of Vas Pokhoronim, and to pursue independently a similar treaty with Liberia-Schilgovia; any permanent treaties transpiring between the Honorable Empire and Great Komboto will be regarded as directed against the Sovereign People, and treated as a resumption of hostilities in principle
- It is highly recommended by the Sovereign People that the Honorable Empire become a signatory of the World Communist and Capitalist Consortium, so that future crises between the powers may be resolved diplomatically under the disinterested arbitration of a third party
- The Sovereign People accept no responsibility for the initiation of this conflict
- The Sovereign People therefore have the right to receive compensation from the Honorable Empire for the damage done by the latter to the cities and infrastructure of Nrsk-Novsk, Hznan, Vshknsk, and Zhnadzh; also for the damage done to the Sovereign People’s Defence Forces; also for the diminution of medical and other humanitarian supplies resultant from caring for both sick and wounded civilians and for legitimate casualties of war; and also punitive damages for the crimes against humanity in murdering noncombatants attempting to flee the war zone; these reparations should not be less than US$100,000,000,000.
- The Free Land of the Thin Blue will concede a small section of its coastline, historically belonging to the Khoromnsk people, to the Democratic Republic of Vas Pokhoronim for improvements and to answer the Sovereign People’s security concerns regarding the previously unprotected and unmonitored shores of that area; this is the business of the states involved alone, and the Sovereign People require only that the Honorable Empire recognize these alterations as legitimate; similarly, the Honorable Empire will recognize the acquisition of Island 122, henceforward referred to as Yosan, by the British Ocean States as legitimate
- Representatives of the Sovereign People will personally deliver these terms to the representatives of the Honorable Empire at the Teawan Airbase on Yosan [tomorrow morning]
[OoC: Confidential to FOH - I'm glad you enjoyed that as much as I did. And I commend you on a respnse both gracious and plausible.]

((OOC: Okay, I assume we're at a conference table now?))

Emperor Augustus, now at Yosan Airbase, peered over the peace terms. 'Absolutely not! Are you making a mockery of me and my nation? We will not accept the war guilt clause, and will not reperations. We will pay none! All other points are agreeable, but I reiterate that we will not agree to pay reperations.' The Emperor passed his hand through his hair, and turned once again to speak. 'I'd like to remind you that we have the troops, aircraft, ships, and supplies to continue persecuting this war - if you'd rather travel down the road of extortion.'

Deputy Premier Mnyrvitsa blinked coldly at the Emperor from behind her glasses.
'Threats will not make this discussion flow any more smoothly. If the Emperor wishes to delude himself and live in some imaginary world where responsibility for the conflict is somehow shared between the powers, then that that is his business. However, those of us who live in reality are answerable to facts, and the facts are quite plain on this matter.
'The Emperor threatened the sovereignty of Liberia-Schilgovia on a trivial matter.
'Our chief of state protested, verbally.
'Rather than discuss the situation, the Emperor dispatched his Legions to our lands and bombed our country.
'How does any of this make for mutual guilt in this conflict?'
Mnyrvitsa rummaged in her briefcase and brought out some files, which were distributed by aides to the assembled delegates.
'Included in these files are estimates of the damage caused needlessly to our country in this war--over US$15 Billion in destroyed air defenses and transports alone, without even mentioning our destroyed power stations, administrative centers, airports, bridges, roads, the costs incurred in relocating civilians away from combat zones--and the punitive damages asked for the Empire's wilful and deliberate murder of those latter are almost laughably light. If the Augustus bothers to read these reports, he will see that the figure of US$100 Billion reflects the lowest estimates of the costs of rebuilding [Author's note: this is arguable, but certainly not outright false].'
Mnyrvitsa placed her hands on the table and pushed back her seat.
'If we do not take a stand on this issue, than the principle will be established that an aggressor state owes nothing to its victims if and when it should voluntarily decide to withdraw its forces. This would mean that any state could go around hurling cruise missiles at its neighbors for as long as it liked, for any reason it liked, and stop whenever it liked--all with no repercussions, and no assumption of responsibility for its actions.
'Such a world would not be safe for any of us to live in.'
The Deputy Premier stood, her hands still on the table. A lock of her dark hair escaped its pins and fell aside her face, exaggerating yet further her appearance as a sort of stylish schoolmarm. Mstslau (who had been strangely silent--as if embarassed--throughout the proceedings) and the rest of the Sovereign People's delegation also stood.
'It is for the sake of innocents everywhere that we insist on these terms here. We will take a short recess while the Imperial delegation consults. If you continue with your obstructionist attitude, however, then we have nothing further to discuss and you can quit wasting our time.'
Mnysrvitsa turned to go, paused, turned back and flicked a photograph across the tabletop with her fingernail. It skittered to a stop in front of the Emperor.
It was a still-shot of an exploding Sea King.
The delegates of Vas Pokhoronim strode out of the room.

Upon recieving the latest news from the Yosan talks, President and General Secretary Sean Matthews greeted the developments with shock and alarm. "I believe that the Empire should accept responsibility for the conflict, for it did indeed concieve it" he said to reporters at a press conference in Warsaw today.

"However, I feel that the subject is quite contentious, a double-edged sword. If the Empire accepts the credit, then it must accept the burden of reparations. It is unlikely to make such an unpopular move domestically, which would undoubtedly cause the Empire to lose face in the international arena, atleast from their own point-of-view."

"Accepting responsibility is possible I believe, but $15 billion is asking too much, when it is really too little. Let us remeber how fledgling democracy in Germany in the post-war years of 1918 struggled to establish itself under the burden of huge reparations and the hated treaty. We do not want to harm democracy....or whatever poses for democracy, in the Empire."

"I believe the solution is evident. Hrstrovokia will assist Vas Pokhoronim in the re-building process. We will send scientists, engineers and workers from the very best fields of knowledge. We will not only restore your infrastructure to it's previous state, but raise it to new levels of glory. 50 billion Gil has been earmarked from the Hrstrovokian budget to begin this process."

"I believe though, that the Empire should atleast provide $10 billion to the re-building process, but that is up to them."

The British Ocean Authority agrees that reparations should be paid after the most illegal invasion of Vas Pokhoronim. However, we would like to remain friends with everyone here- therefore, we would suggest the fee be reduced in exchange for Fate and Honour workers rebuilding the country that they have destroyed...
We believe this would benefit everyone. Fate and Honour- such work would reduce your unemployment rates and boost your economy. Vas Pokhoronim- you don't have to worry about rebuilding.

We await your response confidently

The Emperor briefly looked at the photograph, and then proceeded to flick it off of the table. He muttered to himself. 'This is a war, what did they expect bombs to explode spreading daisies instead of destruction?' Vibius sighed glancing through some papers before dicatating his statement which would be delivered to to the Vas Pokhoronim delegation later. 'We are willing to offer private companies within Fate and Honor contracts to complete work in your country. These contracts can be for repair or contruction of new infastructure, civilian homes, and communications. However, they will not exceed a total of $5,000,000,000.00 USD (Five Billion). We accept responsibility for the war, but will not provide excessive amount in assistance. I feel it is merciful enough to stop the war, and you should be content with that. As said, we will provide those $5,000,000,000.00 in contracts to private Fate and Honor companies to operate in Vas Pokhoronim.' He gave a few papers to his aides, before continuing. 'If any harm befalls our contractors, we will not take it lightly. I am well aware that many of your forces are militia force, and quite possibly extremist militia men - keep them on a leash.'

With that he walked out of the room, and to his temporary quarters at Yosan.

OoC: Backchannel communications are currently taking place between the main delegations, and announcements are expected shortly.

<The scene is a group of journalists assembled in a recently-built hangar that even more recently has been converted into an auditorium. The podium is currently decorated with the red star and deco-style gold sheaves of Vas Pokhoronim. A shapely if severe dark-haired woman wearing high-heeled boots and a gray military tunic and skirt steps confidently up to microphone. Straightening her glasses, she begins to read a prepared speech.>
'Ladies and Gentlemen. Comrades. I am Deputy Premier Shlavka Mnyrvitsa of the Democratic Republic of Vas Pokhoronim. I am announcing today that a settlement has been successfully negotiated between the Sovereign People and the Honorable Empire. The main terms of the agreement are as follows:
'First, the full and permanent withdrawal of all Imperial military forces from the region, including Great Komboto and the Adriatic;
'Second, the renunciation by the Honorable Empire of any and all territorial claims and hostilies against the peoples of Vas Pokhoronim, Liberia-Schilgovia, or Thin Blue Line;
'Third, that the Honorable Empire of Fate and Honor and the Democratic Republic of Vas Pokhoronim agree to sign a minimal Five-Year Non-Aggression Pact;
'Fourth, the Honorable Empire agrees to recognize that it has acted as the aggressor in the late conflict, although the Sovereign People concede that Imperial aggression took place without the specific intention of unlawfully acquiring territorial or any other concessions, and that the Sovereign People themselves chose freely and wilfully to oppose Imperial policies with respect to their relations with Liberia-Schilgovia;
'Fifth, as the aggressor state, the Honorable Empire has graciously agreed to assist the Sovereign People in reconstruction; the aid supplied will be equivalent to fifteen billion dollars, American, and will be distributed by the Imperial government to private contractors operating under joint supervision; the Sovereign People guarantee the security of these contractors.'
<Mnyrvitsa looks up from her script.>
'Imperial representatives are expected to issue their own statements shortly.
'Finally, I would like to express, on behalf of the Sovereign People, our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to our brave and compassionate comrades in the British Ocean States and the Soviet State of Hrstrovokia, without whose assistance our cause would surely have been lost. Your sacrifices and efforts on our behalf will never be forgotten, and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with both nations through the permanent alliance of SociAlCom.'
<She pauses, glances down briefly and gnaws on her lower lip, then looks back up, her face impassive. Unrevealing.>
'As for the Empire, our late enemy in this bitter contest, it is hoped that the wounds of the past will ultimately heal, and that the road to friendship may again be walked by the two powers. Thank you.
'There will be no questions.'
<Mnyrvitsa steps out from behind the podium and strides out of the room with her aides.>

A couple hours after the statement from Vas Pokhoronim, Emperor Vibius Augustus left his quarters and began walking to the hangar where he would give his speech. He braved his way through the reporters, their questions, and their endless flickering cameras - his guards pushing them out of the way. Vibius climbled up to the make-shift stage, and walked toward the podium. He stood up at the podium, and peered at the crowd preparing to give his speech.

"Good evening, this will be a short statement. Most of you know, I am Emperor Vibius Augustus of The Empire of Fate and Honor - I, of course, am representing my nation at this conference. Deputy Premier Shlavka Mnyrvitsa spoke only hours ago, outlining a peace plan for the nations in this conflict. We have agreed to abide by all terms outlined by their plan, and there is now a state of peace existing between our nations. Just as Imperial Legions marched into Vas Pokhoronim on my orders, they are - as we speak - leaving Vas Pokhoronim on my orders. I thank you for your time. I will answer questions."

The Emperor went on for ten minutes answering questions from reporters before he stepped down from the stage. From the stage he proceeded to his helicopter, and was flown to the withdrawing Imperial fleets - from there he will fly back to Fate and Honor.