NationStates Jolt Archive

International Communiqué
Directly sent to all Haven nations and Haven-interest nations
“In the interest of protecting the common welfare and maritime shipping of all of Haven, the Scarlet Empire has taken it upon itself to occupy the Haven Strait Island Chain, which is currently unclaimed after the break-up of the United Alliance of Progressive States. Some recent intelligence reports have suggested that illegal smugglers and pirates have been using the island chain as a base of operations. Currently the islands are uninhabited and desolate, as their primary use over the last few decades has been as weapons testing and battleground simulation zones for UnAPS nations. We regret any inconvenience that this may cause our neighbors, but we expect to be able to secure the entire chain within the next few days.”
Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs

---

“Securing it from pirates? Is that the best we could do?” Grand Admiral Arthur von Grëst looked skeptically at his aide.
“Apparently sir. It’s really more of a matter of keeping unfriendly nations from taking them. They aren’t of any value other than a strategic one, but sooner or later, someone is going to use them. It would better be us.”
“Agreed, Captain von Lëren,” the admiral replied, “but it’s going to be quite obvious why we’re here.”
“Yes sir.”

---

The two men, along with a host of sailors and marines, had been discussing the matter in the command room of the hulking Tetelburg, one of the Scarlet Empire’s five Doujin-E flagships. The dreadnaught, along with the Gërburg and a host of other smaller vessels, were some kilometers north of Aqua Island, one of the Northern-most islands in the chain. Attack and missile submarines kept a silent perimeter along the edges, watching for any sign of hostile ships. The Scarlet Empire wasn’t at war, but there would be one or two nations in the vicinity that wouldn’t be happy with the seizure.

As planes took off and landed on the two Doujin-Es and the four aircraft carriers assigned to the battle group, large bulk transports were busy preparing to disgorge their cargo into Aqua Island. Some eight hundred marines were to land there, along with another two thousand engineers. The majority of the transports, however, would continue on to the other islands in the chain. All together, the operation was deploying over one hundred and fifty thousand Edolian personnel and costing the Scarlet Empire a hefty bill of some four hundred billion dollars.

“It’s worth it,” Grand Admiral von Grëst remarked to his aide, “if it keeps Haven secure.”

Tag

OOC:
Links?
Earth?

OOC: Have you secured every island in the area?

"The Scarlets are up to something, look at this! They just took over some neutral island chain. Yeah, I know. Will do. Bye." He hung up the phone. It was Omar Simpson, Director of Imperial Intelligence, and he'd just gotten off the phone with Emperor Victor Ramius. The young Emperor wanted an explanation for the odd move, and wanted a report delivered to him by 1800 hours. It was four in the afternoon.

The old Director sensed the urgency in the Emperor's words. He, too, felt something omnious was comming on. He rubbed his bald head, and took a sip off coffee from a mug on his desk. Time to get to work, he thought. He read the intelligence report on his desk. There has to be a relation with this and that Edolian military construction announcement.

He called for John Devon, an analyst who worked under him. He used him to provide a second opinion. He strolled into the DII office, having been there often.

"Hello John, have you been briefed on the Edolian situation?"

John sat down in a chair in front of the DII's desk. "Yes sir, it was on an Edolian announcement to annex a strategically important island chain. Not really signifiant, I think." John was usually bright, but he had been deprived of sleep over a few other cases.
"Good. I think this has something to do with the Edolians rearming themselves. Quite obvious, isn't it? They may be wanting to reopen hostilities with us. Rearm, secure a few strategic islands, and then sneak up and hit us or Allanea from behind. Or maybe they expect us to attack, and are preparing. What do you think, John?"
"Maybe, sir, they are completely unrelated events. Combating piracy is a legit cause, and maybe they just want to ease up foriegn deployments in their nation. We certainly would hate having foreign troops on our soil. Why can't they?"
"Not likely. I don't believe in coincidences. This stuff is happening for a reason. Dismissed."

John left, and the DII wrote up his report. It advised the Emperor to be ready for an Edolian attack. Even if it were not to occur, it was better safe than sorry.

OOC: Have you secured every island in the area?

<<OOC: No. Right now it's just as far as you've seen. I'm waiting for others to post before I say that I've secured them. It's not a huge chain, but it's large enough that it would take a few days. However, I obviously have a time advantage over others.

Also, Fluffy, note that I didn't necessarily say that we are annexing the islands.>>

Joint Command Centre, Puerto Valadola, Midland Territory, Haven

“The situation is unacceptable,” moaned General Bywater, his hands clenched into fists as he walked around the holographic display set on the table. The hologram showed the island chain along with the surrounding sea in the middle of the Haven Straits, little icons denoting the various Edolian units spread out across the blue surface of the display. Bywater circled, pacing, his brow furrowed, his aides silent in the peripheral of the room. “What’s been the official word?” He turned to peer at the highest-ranking officer in the group that was observing him, a Captain Farnsworth. The junior officer’s clipped tone soon responded in the air.

“Sir, they are stating this as a security action, to combat pirates in the area.”

“And in reality?” The General averted his gaze back to the display, which flickered every ten seconds or so from the updates received from the satellite feeds. The Edolian ships and planes moved barely millimetres, although this represented a considerably greater distance out in the real world.

“Intel states there has been no major increase in pirate activity to account for the threat the Edolians are stating as the main provocation, which means they are likely to be doing this for other intentions, most likely, in Intel’s opinion, as a strategic move to secure the Straits for their own purposes. Operations have been underway for a considerable amount of time. We now only have a few hours to react before all islands fall under Edolian control.”

The General gave a kind of forced nod, as though he understood the information but did not wish to really hear it. His hand went to his chin, stroking the day old stubble as his mind raced over various possibilities. He spoke again, softer but just as forceful.

“Full control of the central islands in Edolian and USR hands in unacceptable given the possible consequences. Whereas I do not believe their actions are meant to be malicious at this point, I do feel as if not acting will leave us at a distinct disadvantage in the probable future scenarios for this region. Neither our allies or ourselves will accept total communist control of the central portion of the Straits but we are the closest members to the site of trouble, meaning the burden of immediate reaction is down to us.” He paused, then on the display bought up a list of assets in the area and available to him here. He spoke again, this time directing his instructions to the men around him.

“The fast response team needs to be ready to leave within the hour. They will fly immediately to the southernmost isle and set up base camp there. If our aircraft are interdicted we are to assure them that the aircraft are on standard maritime patrols, and if they question the landing inform them that we are in the process of hunting down a specific pirate threat. That should keep them busy, for the moment, they are after all unlikely to open fire on an ‘allied’ aircraft in the middle of one of the busiest seaways in the world.” He paused for breathe, then continued.

“You will make an official statement stating that we are providing aerial and naval support for the Edolian movements and fully support their efforts to stamp out piracy. I want to put them into the public position of not being able to refuse our landing. I need this ready to go out as soon as possible.” He stopped again, and this time turned to face everyone, his back to the display.

“Finally, just be ready, in case, well, things don’t go according to plan, alright?” Everyone nodded, and quickly the room emptied as the various officers’ left to complete their assignments. Bywater simply turned around again and stared once more at the snaking trail of icons.

OOC: I’m basically going to claim one island at the southern end of the chain. I doubt if your using a full maritime force that you will be able to secure all islands with a full-scale operation within the time it takes for me to get a Hercules with a hundred paratroops onto the island in question.

I don’t intend for this to be a tense operation, and if your troops landed they would probably be welcomed for a cup of tea and biscuits, but the Freethinker Government would react like this, and indeed, keep troops in small numbers on standby just in case (although the force in question was meant to take the islands BEFORE Allaneans arrived there, funny how things work out).

<<OOC: Note that I got permission from Freethinkers for this post.>>

The blip on the radar screen continued to get closer. “Damnit.” Ensign Rorï von Deren picked up the telephone and dialed up to the control room. “We’ve got a large, unidentified military aircraft heading for island number…” he checked the map again, “two seventy two. We need a clearer picture.” Two minutes later, the report of a Freethinkers military transport plane approaching Island 272 had reached Grand Admiral von Gërst.
“We never expected to take the entirety of the chain without a hitch,” remarked the Admiral to Captain von Lëren. “But it’s not much of an issue. They’ll take an island, but we already have large portions of the chain under our control and logistically speaking, it shouldn’t be difficult to get the rest as well.”
“Well sir…” started the aide, “we may not have to give up anything.”
“What’s that, Captain?”
“They’re supposedly going after pirates, aren’t they? Obviously, they don’t really have the means to secure much more than a perimeter of their island.”
“Go on…” The Admiral was intrigued.
“We also have plenty of submarines in the area, some of them armed with surface to air missiles. If one happened to shoot down the Freethinker jet after it disgorged its troops, we could just blame it on the pirates they were hunting. They can’t deny that the pirates exist, obviously and they can’t prove that we had a sub in the area. We’ll issue a warning to all Freethinkers transports in the area, and secure the area. Furthermore, their troops really wouldn’t stop our engineers from building bases on the island. They couldn’t, and it would provoke a war.”
“Very well, Captain. Execute the plan and prepare a message for the Freethinkers. We’ll need to secure the area, to make sure that these dastardly pirates don’t shoot down any more planes.” The Admiral smiled, grimly. It would be interesting.

---

The Freethinkers Hercules transport had just disgorged its cargo when the two missiles shot out of the water. Moving quickly towards the plane, their trajectory was such that it would be almost impossible to say exactly where they had come from. Although the evasion systems in the transport plane were enough to stop the first missile, the second struck the plane just under the left wing, tearing it off. The plane dropped, striking the water and tearing much of the body apart. The wreck sank beneath the waves.

---

Immediately, a message was broadcast on all frequencies in the area, warning planes to steer clear of the area… apparently pirates with surface to air missile batteries were operating in the region.

High up in cislunar space, maurader gunships began to launch from the N.H.S.V. "New Haven", the first Island-class Mothership to enter the service of the New Haven Socialist Fleet. Loaded with two squads of troops each, the gunships began to rapidly descend through the atmosphere, firing radio beacons onto the islands below:

"Attention all nearby vessels and aircraft, you have entered the jurisdiction of the New Haven Socialist Republic. These islands are being occupied for use in anti-piracy activities being undertaken by the United Socialist Republic." The gunships hovered closely to the ground below, knocking over old buildings that used to be used for target practice.

"Commander, sensors just detected two missiles and a large explosion near Island 272 during our drop," Ensign Winters noted to the pilot of his Maurader.

"Attention Freethinkers troops, this is New Haven Socialist Fleet Gunship "Intrepid", we detected a large explosion as we were coming down. Are you in need of assistance?"

International Communiqué
From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“In the interest of bringing peace and security to the region of Haven, the Socialist Empire of Edölia is hereby declaring all islands currently occupied by the Scarlet Forces, territory of the Scarlet Empire and by extension, the Union of Socialist Republics/United Socialist Republic. Although permanent plans have not been drawn up for the future of the island chain, officials from Edölia are in the process of meeting with our friends in the New Haven Socialist Republic to discuss their future.”

On New Haven (State-Owned) Viewscreen News (NWVN):

"Today, the New Haven Socialist Republic announces its first expansion in Haven since our acquirement of continental territory some many years ago," President James Newman addressed a crowd wearing his freshly-pressed military uniform. "We will be establishing new defensive platforms on these islands as soon as possible, allowing us to contain the pirate threat."

The Free Republic condemns this imperialist act by the Scarlet Empire. The Free Republic does not recognize the right of Edolia to seize or conduct unilateral operations on any non-territorial islands in the Haven Straits. Appropriate action will be taken.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

*****

Coventry , Ilek-Vaad

Supreme Naval Commander Itxaad sat as orders came in and popped up on the computer screen.

He hmmmmed and pressed his com unit.



"This is Itxaad, activate Tactical Groups Emperor Ehecatl, Namroth Vedic , Lhasa Vaad and Tomislav Vaad. We are heading to the Haven Straits to head off an Edolian land grab. Filthy imperialists! If it's not the Imperium or Menelmacar it's the damn Edolian Comunists."

He clicked off his com at the Tactical Groups got underway.


OOC: doing things like this, without at least letting the Republican Council know is the surest way to war.

OOC: doing things like this, without at least letting the Republican Council know is the surest way to war.

<<OOC: I did tell you about it. I sent a telegram to you on the topic telling you not to worry about it and to send us any concerns you had.>>

OOC: never saw that TG? still the Free Republic will not support it and will attack. All of this Haven landgrabing bullshit stops now, I'm sendind forces to blockade Menelmacar's territory tomorrow.

OOC: never saw that TG? still the Free Republic will not support it and will attack. All of this Haven landgrabing bullshit stops now, I'm sendind forces to blockade Menelmacar's territory tomorrow.

<<OOC: Then check your TGs now.>>

OOC: Checked and replied to. Am I the only nation in Haven that isn't grabbing land? Iam not happy, neither is the Republican Council IC.

OOC: Still here. Comp chewed up my earlier post and its too late to make much of a reply. I;m sorta settling in on the island now. I do not intend to see myself having to give it up however, but to be fair I'm going to let you lead on how this proceeds.

From the desk of the President of the New Haven Socialist Republic (New Freeport, New Haven):

"The territorial waters under the control of the New Haven Socialist Republic are now off-limits to all warships not flying USR flags. We must maintain absolute security in order to rid the Haven Strait of this piracy menace once and for all, no matter the costs. The Red, Yellow, and Black flag of New Haven shall fly over the dead corpses of many dead pirates. Non-USR civilian vessels will be allowed through the Strait, but must fill out travel plans with the New Haven Transportation Ministry."

Naval Ships of the Free Republic will never violate the territorial waters of our friends in the Island States. It must be said that we do reserve the right to skirt these territorial water in the case of a national emergency. It would not be fair, or wise for the Island States to deny access to the northern and central Haven Straits to us Southern nations. We request that The Island States recognize that there be times when the Free Republic must act , we will always make every attempt to do so in conjunction with The Island States, but we will not be cut off from the rest of Haven by any nations territorial waters.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

<<OOC: So far, my only arguing with Ilek Vaad on the issue has been in semi-OOC semi-IC telegrams, basically expressing my own opinions as well as those of the Scarlet Empire (which happen to be about the same here). I figure that we should say something public regarding all this.>>

Open Diplomatic Communiqué
From the Imperial Palace of the Socialist Empire of Edölia
“The last few days have seen some rather troubling events. From the controversial entrance of the Noldarin Empire to the events taking place in Central Haven, I understand fully the Vaadian position. However, I am also firmly committed to peace and stability in Haven. There is no greater good than peace, and Edölia, more than, I believe, any other nation in this region, save perhaps Feline, has made peace its business over the last decade [OOC since the end of the Allanea-UnAPS Conflict]. We have especially attempted to make friendships with nations in Haven that are of similar ideals as us. Edolian value freedom, democracy, equality and peace, and we have made our friendships with like-minded nations. It is for that that we count the New Haven Socialist Republic, Feline and, in the past at least, Ilek-Vaad as our closest friends. We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Free Republic on a number of occasions, especially in negotiations on the future of Haven, and in our distrust of Noldarin motives and their newfound interest in Haven. Therefore, we find the current position of Ilek-Vaad to be shocking.

The accusations leveled against us of aggression and imperialism are laughable. We are not the ones who have deployed thousands of warships to the area. We have sent only a sufficient force to make sure that there are no problems with the transition between ungoverned and governed territory and many of our ships have already gone home. We have not made a single move to gain an advantage with these islands, but have been realistic in acknowledging that someone must control them, whether it be a nation, an alliance or a treaty organization. If Ilek-Vaad had attempted to negotiate with the Scarlet Empire, rather than immediately sending their fleet, this situation would never have become a problem and it would have been a minor footnote in the history of the region. As it is, the situation has degenerated past our wildest dreams and has threatened to tear Haven apart.

Therefore, I wish to invite the First Republican to Edölia for talks and I shall devote as much time to their concerns and problems as is necessary to secure peace. Although they have cancelled their previous appointment for bilateral talks, I hope that this new invitation will be accepted, for the sake of peace and that we can come to an amiable decision on the future of the Haven Straits Island Chain that is agreeable to all sides. Edölia has never closed the door on diplomacy and we do not plan to do so now. Hopefully the Vaadians will come to their senses and see that turning their backs on some of their closest and truest allies would be a mistake.

There was some discussion amongst the Republican Council as to who should reply. The refusal of the Island States to allow Vaadian ships through their waters, the seizure of islands in the Haven Strait, had been a terrible blow to the Progressive Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Council decided that the most senoir of their number should respond to the Edolians, the Minister of Defence.

To:Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edolia
From: Atalea Grant, Minister of Defence, Ilek-Vaad

Edolia claims to have been and be a friend of the Free Republic. Edolia is a friend as long as Vaadian sailors are dying to protect Yasmarea, Edolia is a friend as long as our Retaliatory Guardsmen are dying to buy an armistice for Edolia from it's enemies, Edolia is a friend when it is time to discuss how best to thwart Menelmacari incursions- as long as the Vaadians do it.

Thousands of Vaadians have died to safeguard Haven, Haven nations and Edolian interests. The Free Republic has been poorly repaid. The First Republican of Ilek-Vaad is currently heading open session of the Republican Council, and is attending to his first priority, the business of the People.

The business of the People does not include Edolia, Haven or any fair weather friends. I must regretfully inform the Imperator and his lackeys that the Honourable Servant of the People, the First Republican will be unable to meet with the Scarlet Emperor.

All Power Belongs to the People, not in the hands of a single man - The Honoured Statesman, Themirin Ilek-Vaad

When Edolia is ready to repay their vast debt to the People, then, maybe, the Honoured Servant of the People may look kindly upon Edolia.

Atalea Grant, Minister of Defence Ilek-Vaad


The winds of political change now appeared to favour the defeated rightists in the Free Republic.

“I regret deeply that this is the position of the Free Republic. Perhaps you are right. The Scarlet Empire has not been completely fair to your nation. Your forces did indeed protect us from Allanean aggression. However, you should remember that Edölia has always been ready and willing, even after the withdrawal of Ilek-Vaad from the UnAPS, to return the favor if it were ever necessary. Furthermore, although we were against an immediate use of force against Menelmacar (such an action would have been suicide), we were right behind the Free Republic in protesting Menelmacari entrance into Haven and we have diplomatically interfered on behalf of the Free Republic with other nations, most notably the Scandavian States. I ask what the Scarlet Empire can do for you. We shall do it, so long as it is reasonable and not outside the limits of our power.

On a more personal note, I hope and believe that I have done well and fulfilled my position as the Impërator of Edölia well. Edolians now have democracy and my power extends to little more than the military. Few emperors can say that they have willingly given up most of their power. You should take solace in the fact that within a few years, I will no longer be among the living.”
Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt
Lord of the Impërium Socialistum Edoliä

OOC: I think this is the right thread for the “land grabbing”. I can start a new one if you wish.


To: All Haven nations
From: Vrak Diplomatic Corps
Subject: Land purchase

We would like to inquire whether or not it would be possible for the FKC to purchase land within Haven, preferably on the unoccupied island south of Ilek-Vaad, since this seems to be an established precedent re: Menelmacar. We believe it is only diplomatic to consult with all Haven nations since the land in question is, to the best of our knowledge, unoccupied and that we don’t know what authority to approach regarding large real estate transactions.

Among other reasons, we are becoming increasingly worried over our shipping routes to Haven due to recent events and feel we need to establish some kind of presence to safeguard our routes and those of other FKC states that have interests in Haven.

We are, of course, open to any diplomatic negotiations regarding this matter.

<<OOC: Well... numbered territories aren't considered unoccupied IC. OOC, we just don't know who lives there. However, if you want, I'm sure that it can be said that Vrak has a small holding there.>>

“I regret deeply that this is the position of the Free Republic. Perhaps you are right. The Scarlet Empire has not been completely fair to your nation. Your forces did indeed protect us from Allanean aggression. However, you should remember that Edölia has always been ready and willing, even after the withdrawal of Ilek-Vaad from the UnAPS, to return the favor if it were ever necessary. Furthermore, although we were against an immediate use of force against Menelmacar (such an action would have been suicide), we were right behind the Free Republic in protesting Menelmacari entrance into Haven and we have diplomatically interfered on behalf of the Free Republic with other nations, most notably the Scandavian States. I ask what the Scarlet Empire can do for you. We shall do it, so long as it is reasonable and not outside the limits of our power.

On a more personal note, I hope and believe that I have done well and fulfilled my position as the Impërator of Edölia well. Edolians now have democracy and my power extends to little more than the military. Few emperors can say that they have willingly given up most of their power. You should take solace in the fact that within a few years, I will no longer be among the living.”
Impërator Erik von Blätterschplitt
Lord of the Impërium Socialistum Edoliä


Signing pacts to support and gain the support of other, Imperialist nations, is most certainly not a step that inspires confidence, trust or respect for the Scarlet Empire.

Edolia has been an Inperialist state, is an inperialist state and will be an imperialist state as proven by the current pact with the Imperium. The Free Republic will never again waste time, money and lives to defend Edolia's imperial interests. The Scarlet Empire is entirely unworthy of trust and has no credibilty with the Free Republic.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

"Perhaps if the 'Free Republic' had any sense of what diplomacy is, obviously a word foreign to them, they would understand the workings of Haven. As it is, the only method for dealing with those for whom peace and stability have no meaning is to unleash war upon them. The Scarlet Empire has never desired war, but if necessary, we are willing to lay death and destruction upon the wasted landscape of Ilek-Vaad. Our patience grows thin. Do not test it overly."
Thomas von Leifric
Minister of War[

LNS, Lassic , Ilek-Vaad

Free Republic's Ambassador to Edolia recalled

The Minister of Foreign Affairs with the approval of the Republican Council has ordered Ambassador Vareg Nagy to return to the Free Republic from Edolia. The Minister commented on the decision.

"The open threat by Minister of War Thomas Von Leifric of the Scarlet Empire cannot be ignored. We previously stated that we would not meet with Edolia's Emperor, that we would not support Edolia's Imperial ambition and that we condemn Edolia's backdoor dealings with the Imperium. This was our reaction to Edolia's unsavoury actions, we made no military threat.

I would have expected the Scarlet Empire to reply in kind. They question our diplomacy and then threaten to ' lay death and destruction upon the wasted landscape of Ilek-Vaad.' , not a very diplomatic statement if you ask me. In light of these obvious and very public threats to the People and the Free Republic we are recalling our Ambassador. The Retaliatory Guard have also been warned of the Scarlet Empire's military threats against the Free Republic and I am certain that the Red Jaguar Command will act accordingly."

Edolia has often been a source of consternation to the Republican Council. Unamed sources in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that the Edolian Government had privately assured the Council that Edolia no longer planned imperial expansion and that privately the Edolian Government had called for a USR/Vaadian coalition to oppose the Imperium. When asked about these comments , the Ministers Assistant simply stated "I cannot confirm or deny what your source has revealed, I can only say that public Edolian policy in no way resembles their private assurances and overtures to the Free Republic. I cannot imagine that any Edolian policy maker has any credibility left in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

"Although I am quite saddened by the recent actions of Ilek-Vaad, their withdrawal of diplomatic staff does not surprise us and the Scarlet Empire shall likewise follow suit in recalling the Edolian embassy Lassic. This has been a sad deterioration in relations that had such great potential.

As to the claims that the Scarlet Empire made unwarranted threats, I do not believe that the dispatch of fleets to attack our homeland by the Vaadians could be construed as anything but a threat against us. We merely made it clear that if the 'Free Republic' wished to bring war upon us, Edölia would stand side by side with our allies in crushing the Vaadian military.

I have no comment in regards to claims made by Ilek-Vaad that we made any private promises. There were none to my knowledge. Furthermore, I wish to make it clear that the Scarlet Empire of Edölia and the Imperium of Scandavian States are close friends and allies."
Matthew von Pickett
Minister of Foreign Affairs

No fleets were dispatched to attack any territory of Edolia. Warships were dispatched to the blocaked of Etaros, which never ocurred. Warships of the Free Republic are either on patrol, or at port. We explained this in private to the Edolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No warships have been dispatched to Edolia, no threat has been made to Edolia.

We do condemn Edolia's Imperialistic actions and we do not trust the Scarlet Empire.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

OOC: I did send you a TG stating that forces activated to block Edolia had been diverted to Etaros, none of those ships made it past TIS anyway, and since there was no public declaration of the fleets intent, it could be inferred, but was never public knowledge. Remeber IC it was only stated that 'appropriate action would be taken.' .

<<OOC: I figured as much. However, the seizing of the Scarlet Isles (I assume you've seen the other post) took place before the Menelmacar thing, so we would have known pretty well who those fleets were intended for. The fact that you diverted them because someone did something even worse isn't very comforting to us.>>