NationStates Jolt Archive

"Do do do do do do do do do do...."

"Stop it."

"Do do do do di di di do do do do..."

"Stop. Now"

"Di di dee dee do doo dooooo..."

*click*

"What in god's name was that for! That was my favorite song!"

"Shut up and pay attention to driving."

"But they're playing Techno! It's all the rage here!"

"Yeah well, it's still a Roman techno. And every second you spend listening to it the Romans make cash. Which is bad."

"Sorry..."

"It's OK. I'm gonna radio in on the other operatives..."

Outside a Curee house in Central Carthage

It was just an ordinary afternoon in Carthage. The sun was high in the clear sky as tourists roamed through the city streets. Street vendors attempted to sell stuff to the tourists, and in most cases did. People from various different cultures were in the trade-capital of the Roman Confederacy, ranging from Egyptian Cloth Merchants to Pakistani Buisinessmen, from German bakers to Russian construction workers, and from Roman bakers to greek fishermen, every nation in the confederacy was represented here. That's why a seemingly innocent "Kashmiri tourist" went by perfectly fine. The tourist sat outside of Ikbars Curee, eating a chapati when his cell-phone rang.

"Hello?" he said as he picked up the phone.
"It's me, Abdul. I was wondering if you had found us a house for our "studio" yet. Our "film" is going to get ruined if we don't find a place soon."
"Ah yes, the "studio". I found a place near the sea. It's so good, that even the Roman Embassy is near there!"
"Excelent. Just send us the coordinates and we'll be on our way."

tag

Rome, 13:00

It was just another sunny day in Rome. The Eternal City was bustling with tourists, all of them checking out the myriad of sites that Rome has to offer. Many of them were going to the Flavian Amphitheatre (OOC: the Colosseum's actual name) to check out the soccer game between rivals AS Roma and Lazio, which, like most games, sold out months in advance. The majestic stadium is any athlete's dream to play in and any fan's dream to sit in.

Except one person.

Valerius Masterium did not venture out today to see Roma and Lazio. He didn't even go to see the Trevi Fountain. Nor did he feel that the Temple of Julius Caesar or any of Rome's other points of interest were worth seeing. Well, all except the Carthaginian Embassy.

Masterium belonged to a fringe group in Rome called the "Advocates for the Roman Imperium" or ARI. The ARI have ravaged Rome for years, and are part of a continual history within Rome of people looking to re-establish the glory of the Old Roman Empire. As the years wore on groups like the ARI lost a bit of their allure but try as the government might, they just wouldn't go away.

As Masterium proceeded to the Embassy, his cell phone started to ring.

"Hello?" he answered.
"Hello." Masterium knew the voice immediately. It was a man the Romans only knew as "Augustus Regenero", or "Augustus Reborn". He has never been located.
"Are you going to the Chicken Factory (OOC: code word for the Carthaginian Embassy)?"
"Yes I am."
"Good. When you get there you know what to do."
"Right."

"Pass that RPG, will ya?"

"Why?"

"Because I need to put it at Mahmouds post."

"Why?"

"Because Abdul told me too."

"Why?"

"... I'll get it myself."

"Okie day."





Inside the "studio"(A.K.A. The house next to the Roman Embassy where the terrorists are hiding.)

It was a beautiful evening on the Carthaginian coast. The seagulls flew in the distance as a big, orange sun began to set in a bright red sky. This surreal peace, however, was disturbed by actions in a house next to the Roman Embassy. Some Thirty-odd men were clamboring about inside, and they were creating quite a racket. When a Roman guard told them to "pipe down", an arrow was quickly launched through the air into the man's heart. The guards were in shock as one of them pulled a letter off of the arrow that said, "Prepare to die, Romans. The Sons of the Blue Crescent are coming to get you." Seconds later, 10 RPG's were fired into the Roman embassy, and 20 men armed with AK-Z's(The Lightning Stars variant of the AK-M) grapled from the building into the Roman Embassy and began to swarm the building.

Tag

Can I join in later?

Tag

Can I join in later?

OOC: Ya.

Tag, this should be interesting.

"Wow... lookit them shooting the Romans!"

"Idiot! Get back to shooting your RPG!"

"Awww, but when I do that I can't enjoy it..."

"...Forget it...."

Inside the Roman Embassy Compound

The attackers had managed to kill 7 of the exterior guards and wound a few more. 3 of them had been killed, but thanks to their heavy body armor most of them were safe from the guards low-calibur pistols. Once they had secured the outer grounds, the RPG carriers blew down the front door and then the terrorists threw some grenades in. There was some screaming at first, but then the grenades went off and there was silence.

OOC: Is it OK if I RP a Cottish journalist who happened to be at the right place at the riight(?) time?

OOC: Is it OK if I RP a Cottish journalist who happened to be at the right place at the riight(?) time?

OOC: Certainly!

Of course, there is also an attack thats going to happen on the Carthaginian Embassy in Rome.

Fade in.
We are in a news studio, a man in his late 50's dressed in a fitting Armani suit imported from Rome sits in the newsanchors position.

Newsanchor John: We appologize to interrupt the scheduled programme to bring you a braking news bulletin. CTV have been informed of an attack on the Roman embassy in Carthage, formerly Tunis, by unknown perpetrators. It is unknown whether anyone has been killed, but... - John press his earpiece - OK, we're getting a live feed from Carthage from our man in the field, Zack Phillips. Zack, you're on.

Switch to Carthagian street. We see a wartorn street, smoke and rubble littering the pavement and road. Several bodies lie in front of the gate of the Roman embassy, that lies approx. 50 meters behind the reporter, a man in his mid-20s standing in front of the scene.

Zack: Well John, I'm standing here in Carthage, formerly Tunis, the Cottish capitol before the transfer to the Islamic Carthagian Empire. A few minutes ago, a whole lot of gunfire and explosions riddled the embassy, and as you can hear, the gunfire still hasn't siezed. The first police officers that arrived here have started to clear the street, but nothing more. There are no reports about anyone dead, but in a hail of fire like that - he points towards the embassy, that is now burning - it's highly unlikely that nobody's dead. I have here with me Abdullah Iziz, a local shopkeeper, and Abdullah, tell the viewers what you saw.

Abdullah: At first, I hear the... the... what's the word... explosions. Then, after sending my children into the backroom where I know they're safe, I very very carefully walk towards the door to have a look. When I come to the door, I see what looked like maybe 15 20 men run in the gate. I see three be shot by guards, then the guards get shot. They have AKs and boy armor. I was in the army, so I know how they look and sound like. All this happen while more and more explosions riddle the building. I think it was RPGs, but I'm not sure. Then, I run and get my two sons, lock the store and get out and away.

Zack: Thank you. That was Abdullah Iziz, an eye witness to the attack on the Roman embassy here in Carthage. This is Zack Phillips, CTV, reporting live from Carthage. Back to studio.

Switch back to Studio

John: Thank you. Zack Phillips in Carthage there ladies and gentlemen. CTV News will be back in the 6 o'clock news, or when we get more information. Thank you.

Fade out...

Of course, there is also an attack thats going to happen on the Carthaginian Embassy in Rome.

OOC: It'll come- I'm just busy at the moment. Hopefully later tonight.

Inside the Roman Embassy

"We've got cops!" shouted one of the sentries stationed on the balcony as he turned to pour AK-Z bullets into the crowd of poorly-armed Carthaginian Policemen. Abdul swore and then turned to his team. "Alright men, heres the deal. We need to clear this place before the Army arrives. I want an RPG to blow holes in those cops and have them stay low."
"Yessir!" said a burly man with an RPG as he ran to the window and fired at the cops.
"Anyhow, our informers said that there are 4 heavily armed Roman soldiers guarding the Ambassador and 4 Carthaginian Regulars guarding the DCM. Assam, I want you to take your 5 men to take the DCM. Muhammad, you take your 6 to take down the Ambassador. Once you men finish, go help the other's if you can. I'll stay here with my 4 to guard against the cops."
"Yessir!" shouted the men in unison as they turned to go to their posistions.
"And remember men, leave no one alive."
As Abdul turned to go take charge of the guards, a shot rang out and Abdul fell to the floor.
"Sniper!" proclaimed one of the men as they returned to their mission. They may have lost their leader, but they had to finish this mission.

At all costs.

Roman Embassy, 2330

Corpses littered the street as 772nd Regiments Uni Company arrived at the Embassy. As soon as the men got out of their transport trucks they came under heavy fire, and one of the 6 ATV's were blown up by RPG fire. A .50 Calibur machine gun was on the balcony and it poured lead into the group of soldiers. From the next building over came RPG fire and some AK-Z fire. U Company was going to need some back-up.

Inside the Roman Embassy

Akbar, the fighter who replaced Abdul, could see that things weren't going according to plan. It wasn't anyones fault, they just didn't know that the police and the army would respond so quickly. Thankfull, the DCM and it's guards had already been killed, and the 4 remaining soldiers from taking down the DCM went to confront the Romans. 2 of them had already been killed, but the remaining two were fighting like madmen. Already they had taken down 4 of the assailants. After he had decided that this was taking too long, he charge full speed into the room with the Romans and, taking them by surpsie, killed them both in 2 seconds. His soldiers, looking at him in amazement, followed him as he knocked open the door with his foot. Inside, to his surpsise, was an angry ambassador armed with a hunting rifle and 7 Diplomats armed with Magnum's. They fired a hail of bullets, taking down two soldiers, but then Akbar threw a grenade into the room and blew them to bits.

"Alright men, lets get outta here."

Rome, 13:15

Masterium made his way rather quickly to the Carthaginian Embassy, with a steely resolve. Except for a little break where he put a folded piece of paper into the Embassy gate, he never stopped his pace once. With his homemade bomb strapped onto him (and covered by his shirt, he quickly walked into the Embassy's main foyer unnoticed, as the workers probably assumed that he was just simply angry.

"Can I help you?" said the secretary.
"Yeah, sure you can," said Masterium. He then pressed a button on his belt, setting off the bomb that tore through the Embassy quickly.

Inside the SBC Headquarters

A stocky, bald, arab man in a grey buisiness suit looked at the television in his office grimly. News of the attacks on both the Roman and Carthaginian Embassies. Pictures of Carthaginian bodies, most of them in pieces, scattered around an area of Rome came on in-between pictures of dead policemen and a decapitated Ambassador hanging over the highest tower of the embassy. He turned the Television off and turned to his aid. The aide said the assailants, his men, had managed to hop on 3 assault helicopters and get out of there in seconds. The bald man turned to the aide and said, "Get me Colonel Zafar."

OOC: Should we mark yesterday as some sort of a special day in Carthaginian and Roman history? We need to establish why two simultaneous attacks occurred. Also, did your Ambassador lose his life?

IC:

"Terrorists strike Carthaginian, Roman Embassies"

The Roman Free Press

ROME- Both the Roman Empire and the Carthaginian Empire lay in shock today after the near simultaneous bombing of their Embassies in their respective nations by terrorist groups. Roman and Carthaginian authorities are both looking into the matter, but so far have no leads.

In Rome, Police Chief Margarita Mendosa says her force says that the timing was "too close to be coincidental", but admits that she does not any evidence to support this. Nevertheless, her force is working extremely hard at trying to find the cause of the blast.

Meanwhile, Roman Emperor Rodin Hartian and the Roman Carthaginian Ambassador Mahmoud al-Shirazi both sent their condolenscences to the Carthaginians for their losses, as well as to the families of the Romans who lost their lives. "Whoever did this was gutless," said al-Shirazi, himself a native Carthaginian. Hartian has said that he is working closely with Carthaginan authorities to resolve the matter quickly.

Dear sirs,
I am appoled by the cowardly terrorist attacks on your embassies, and wish to offer my own and the Cottish peoples condolences to your empires and to the families of those who were killed. Rest assured, Cotland will, as a fellow ally in the Confederacy, support you in any move you make to capture and trial those responsible.

Signed,
Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland

OOC: Should we mark yesterday as some sort of a special day in Carthaginian and Roman history? We need to establish why two simultaneous attacks occurred. Also, did your Ambassador lose his life?

IC:

"Terrorists strike Carthaginian, Roman Embassies"

The Roman Free Press

ROME- Both the Roman Empire and the Carthaginian Empire lay in shock today after the near simultaneous bombing of their Embassies in their respective nations by terrorist groups. Roman and Carthaginian authorities are both looking into the matter, but so far have no leads.

In Rome, Police Chief Margarita Mendosa says her force says that the timing was "too close to be coincidental", but admits that she does not any evidence to support this. Nevertheless, her force is working extremely hard at trying to find the cause of the blast.

Meanwhile, Roman Emperor Rodin Hartian and the Roman Carthaginian Ambassador Mahmoud al-Shirazi both sent their condolenscences to the Carthaginians for their losses, as well as to the families of the Romans who lost their lives. "Whoever did this was gutless," said al-Shirazi, himself a native Carthaginian. Hartian has said that he is working closely with Carthaginan authorities to resolve the matter quickly.

OOC: Actually my attack wasn't a bombing. It was an assault, so that they could be sure everyone was dead.

And my ambassador is alive(although the DCM, the Deputy Chief of Mission, and 97 other people aren't. It was a big embassy)

OOC: May i join in?

OOC: Actually my attack wasn't a bombing. It was an assault, so that they could be sure everyone was dead.

And my ambassador is alive(although the DCM, the Deputy Chief of Mission, and 97 other people aren't. It was a big embassy)

OOC: You did fire a helluva lot of RPGs into the building. As the police set up roadblocks, the journalist may have mistaked the RPG explosions for bombs. It could happen to almost anyone..

BTW, if you need any assistance clearing out the terrorist cells, don't hesitate to let me know ;)

OOC: May i join in?

OOC: I guess.

As long as you're a member of Earth II.

IC:

Inside a secret underwater base 20 miles off of the Island of Sicily, near the modern-day town of Marsala

In a brightly lit massive base underneath the ocean outside of Marsala, 4,000 men in green camoflague and armed with either an AK-Z, and RPG-9, or a mobile .55 Calibur Machinegun stood in order before a podium with the flag of Old Carthage behind it. Behind the podium were about 10 T-90's, 30 Humvees, and 50 ATV's. There were even 10 Comanche Helicopters and 3 Transport Helicopters. The base was far enough away from Sicily and deep enough below the oceans to be out of reach of the Romans, but close enough to be able to launch attacks. The base and army looked as if it would cost billions upon billions of dollars, but all of the very rich buisinessmen in the Empire had come together to fund it. And with their clout over the government they had even been able to buy a few light warships and use them to patrol the area so that the Romans wouldn't go sneaking in the area. At the front of the room, below the flag, a man in a Colonel's Outfit steped up to the Podium.

"Alright men, the time of reckoning is soon to be upon us. With the Romans confused, they will bring most of their army in the area to Rome itself to look out to see if there are more of their own insurgents in their own nation. Our miss-lead government will be trying to look for our fellow fighters in the deserts of Tunis. Prepare yourselves to fight for your Empire and your people, who have for so long suffered at the hands of Rome! Even now, they control our government and are baisically running our nation! Their people even see that we are getting to strong for them to control, and they have begun to strike against our embassies because they think that they can destroy our great culture once and for all. Men, they have tried many times before, and it is only a matter of time before they try to again.

We will be departing in 3 Hours."

OOC: This may seem a little far-fetched, but when you have over 100 Billionaires come together, anything can happen.

Besides, they did it in James Bond!

OOC: You did fire a helluva lot of RPGs into the building. As the police set up roadblocks, the journalist may have mistaked the RPG explosions for bombs. It could happen to almost anyone..

BTW, if you need any assistance clearing out the terrorist cells, don't hesitate to let me know ;)

OOC: Agreed; and remember that the report was coming from Rome. No doubt that the journalist got a garbled account, and besides, "bombed" inspires more of a reaction than an "attack" as it implies that something terrible actually did happen.

Also, regarding what's below, let me know if I have any details wrong and I'll change them. I basically wanted to leave an "eerie message" to the Carthaginian Emperor.

IC:

Inside the Government Palace, Carthage

*Phone rings*

"Hello? This is the Palace of the Carthaginian Emperor. How may I help you?", said the secretary.
"This is Augustus Regenero. Tell the Emperor that his people will die, just like they did at the Embassy. Thank you," said a dark voice. He hung up.

ooc: TLS, are you going to attack Sicily?

OOC: I guess.

As long as you're a member of Earth II.

OOC: Pushka is. He tried setting up the Russian alliance. I also have no objections to his participation.

OOC: Pushka is. He tried setting up the Russian alliance. I also have no objections to his participation.
ooc: Yep. I've RPed a little with him before. We cleaned his country for nazis the Cottish way --> Send in 30 M1A2s and 120 M2A3s along with a squardon of ground attack planes and a battalion of medics and chaplains with bodybags ;)

ooc: TLS, are you going to attack Sicily?

OOC: ;)

OOC: ;)

Fine by me. It's your funeral...

OOC: I guess.

As long as you're a member of Earth II.

IC:

Inside a secret underwater base 20 miles off of the Island of Sicily, near the modern-day town of Marsala

In a brightly lit massive base underneath the ocean outside of Marsala, 4,000 men in green camoflague and armed with either an AK-Z, and RPG-9, or a mobile .55 Calibur Machinegun stood in order before a podium with the flag of Old Carthage behind it. Behind the podium were about 10 T-90's, 30 Humvees, and 50 ATV's. There were even 10 Comanche Helicopters and 3 Transport Helicopters. The base was far enough away from Sicily and deep enough below the oceans to be out of reach of the Romans, but close enough to be able to launch attacks. The base and army looked as if it would cost billions upon billions of dollars, but all of the very rich buisinessmen in the Empire had come together to fund it. And with their clout over the government they had even been able to buy a few light warships and use them to patrol the area so that the Romans wouldn't go sneaking in the area. At the front of the room, below the flag, a man in a Colonel's Outfit steped up to the Podium.

"Alright men, the time of reckoning is soon to be upon us. With the Romans confused, they will bring most of their army in the area to Rome itself to look out to see if there are more of their own insurgents in their own nation. Our miss-lead government will be trying to look for our fellow fighters in the deserts of Tunis. Prepare yourselves to fight for your Empire and your people, who have for so long suffered at the hands of Rome! Even now, they control our government and are baisically running our nation! Their people even see that we are getting to strong for them to control, and they have begun to strike against our embassies because they think that they can destroy our great culture once and for all. Men, they have tried many times before, and it is only a matter of time before they try to again.

We will be departing in 3 Hours."

OOC: This may seem a little far-fetched, but when you have over 100 Billionaires come together, anything can happen.

Besides, they did it in James Bond!

OOC: Well, James Bond isn't exactly a paragon of reality, but I'll let it go in the name of fun :) .

Can I ask OOCly what is going on? (You can TG me if you want)

OOC: Well, James Bond isn't exactly a paragon of reality, but I'll let it go in the name of fun :) .

Can I ask OOCly what is going on? (You can TG me if you want)

OOC I DID TG you!

OOC: Well, James Bond isn't exactly a paragon of reality, but I'll let it go in the name of fun :) .

Can I ask OOCly what is going on?

OOC: I think his terrorists are planning to attack/invade Sicily.

OOC I DID TG you!

OOC: Okay, okay. My bad.

Exactly where is the Carthaginian embassy? I gotta know, because in light of this I'll most likely post more guards in Vatican and quarantine it for a while, just until things die down. I mean, it is probably within a kilometer of a bombing...

OOC: I imagine it in downtown Rome, though, yes, it'd be near the Vatican.

OOC: I imagine it in downtown Rome, though, yes, it'd be near the Vatican.

check ur TG's

Off the coast of Marsala

The moon was covered by dark clouds as a swarm of small boats, small warships, and helicopters wen't full speed towards the coastal city of Marsala. The lights off the city loomed in the distance as the men came ever closer. As they approached the shore they came upon a Roman Coastguard boat, but that was taken care of before it could send out a signal. About 5 miles off shore the 3 Warships turned and began to fire on the city. In 3 minutes the small ships and helicopters had already reached the shore and were storming the city. The city police weren't able to realise what was happening until the attackers had reached the city center, where the police-station was located. About 60 policemen hid behind a barrac and attempted to hold off the attackers but they crumbled in 10 minutes. Within half an hour, the city was firmly under SBC control.

Offical Statement by the SBC

We, the Sons of the Blue Crescent, the only TRUE Carthaginians left in the world, have taken over the Roman city of Marsala. Due to the fact that when the Romans invaded our land they renamed our cities, we are switching the name back to Lilybaeum, it's rightful name. We here-by declare Lilybaeum and all the land within 30 miles of it to be independent of Both Rome, the Cottish Imperialists who enslaved our great Empire with the assistance of the Romans, AND this puppet "Carthage", and name our country The Carthaginian State of Lilybaeum. We call on all of the faithful Carthaginians, as well as men from South-east Asia who believe in the empire, as well as all of our muslim brothers to gather here so that we can fight against the scourge that is Rome and the Vatican.

(Secret IC)

The Roman Emperor, Rodin Hartian, sat perplexed. He had the message by the Blue Crescent played before him at Camp Imperator, his military planning compound in Civitavecchia. "Marsala is a Cottish city...why would he say that he's taking it from Rome?

"Still, this is not right. Get me Thomas Rothsky and the Carthaginian Emperor (OOC: not sure of his name)- immediately."

(Secret IC)

The Roman Emperor, Rodin Hartian, sat perplexed. He had the message by the Blue Crescent played before him at Camp Imperator, his military planning compound in Civitavecchia. "Marsala is a Cottish city...why would he say that he's taking it from Rome?

"Still, this is not right. Get me Thomas Rothsky and the Carthaginian Emperor- immediately."

OOC: 'tis Cottist? I didn't know that...

But anyhoo, it's been Roman for a while. So there :P

OOC: Marsala is on Sicily, which is Cottish. Still, this works- it'll allow us to make the matter a Confederacy-wide issue, rather than just one between the two of us.

OOC: Marsala is on Sicily, which is Cottish. Still, this works- it'll allow us to make the matter a Confederacy-wide issue, rather than just one between the two of us.

OOC: OOOOH!

I didn't see that on the Earth II Map.

I thought you had ALL of Italy(which includes Sicily).

But I guess I was wrong.

Heh heh...

whoops...

Looks like i'll still have to invade Sardinia or Something..

Looks like i'll still have to invade Sardinia or Something..

OOC: Sardinia is controlled by The Island Of Rose. I just own the Peninsula.

Cotland High Command

"Sir! Unknown forces have attacked Sicily!"

The young junior officer came running into the Commanding General's office.

"What? Place all forces on highest alert! Order the units in Sicily to fight them back to the sea! No-one is to be spared! And get us assistance from the Confederacy!"

Syracuse Garrison
The garrison in Syracuse were in combat gear, XM-8s locked and loaded, everyone were ready to move out, ready to fight back anyone who were stupid enough to attack Sicily. The troops of the 2nd Infantry Brigade mounted their respective vehicles (HMMWVs, M-113s, M-2A3s) and moved out. Overhead them, the Comanches and Apaches were already airborne, moving to Marsala, where the local police force were pinned down. Coming in from Palermo were a company from the 15th Armoured Brigade. The 14 M1A2 Abrams, 34 M2A3 Bradleys and 6 AVENGERs would make a fine addition to the firepower being thrown into the fight at Marsala. An additional Infantry Brigade, the 61th, were being ordered over from the west coast to assist. A total of more then 11 000 highly trained Cottish regular troops were being sent to the small town of Marsala, not to mention the 120 000 reservists that were being recalled to active duty all around Sicily.

Firefox AFB
The 48 F-16D Falcons belonging to the 451th and 422nd Tactical Fighter Squadrons were all lifting off, ready to provide air support to the troops being sent to Marsala. They were all armed with 2 Sidewinders, 2 AMRAAMs, 2 300 gallon external fueltanks and 4 MK-82 bombs each. No-one would be allowed to escape the fury of the Cots!

CCS Rave
The crew of the destroyer Rave were pissed off. Someone had the balls to attack Sicily right before their eyes. Well, they were going to pay for it! The captain of the Rave ordered her sent as far in as possible. When she got there, she started to open up against the beaches and the outskirts of the city with her 3" gun. She also prepared 'Lance' missiles to be fired at any target that presented itself.

*** FLASH - FLASH - FLASH ***

The Commonwealth of Cotland is under attack. With backing in the constitution of the Roman Confederacy, Cotland hereby invokes Article 7 of the treaty.

ARTICLE 7:

a] The alliance will hereby declare that an attack on any nation inside the Confederation will be taken as an attack on all nations.
b] Each nation must provide military aid of some kind to the nation being attack, but this contribution will be based on what the nation will be able to contribute

We request that any military aid be sent to Sicily, which is currently under attack from unknown hostile forces.

Cotland High Command

"Sir! Unknown forces have attacked Sicily!"

The young junior officer came running into the Commanding General's office.

"What? Place all forces on highest alert! Order the units in Sicily to fight them back to the sea! No-one is to be spared! And get us assistance from the Confederacy!"

Syracuse Garrison
The garrison in Syracuse were in combat gear, XM-8s locked and loaded, everyone were ready to move out, ready to fight back anyone who were stupid enough to attack Sicily. The troops of the 2nd Infantry Brigade mounted their respective vehicles (HMMWVs, M-113s, M-2A3s) and moved out. Overhead them, the Comanches and Apaches were already airborne, moving to Marsala, where the local police force were pinned down. Coming in from Palermo were a company from the 15th Armoured Brigade. The 14 M1A2 Abrams, 34 M2A3 Bradleys and 6 AVENGERs would make a fine addition to the firepower being thrown into the fight at Marsala. An additional Infantry Brigade, the 61th, were being ordered over from the west coast to assist. A total of more then 11 000 highly trained Cottish regular troops were being sent to the small town of Marsala, not to mention the 120 000 reservists that were being recalled to active duty all around Sicily.

Firefox AFB
The 48 F-16D Falcons belonging to the 451th and 422nd Tactical Fighter Squadrons were all lifting off, ready to provide air support to the troops being sent to Marsala. They were all armed with 2 Sidewinders, 2 AMRAAMs, 2 300 gallon external fueltanks and 4 MK-82 bombs each. No-one would be allowed to escape the fury of the Cots!

CCS Rave
The crew of the destroyer Rave were pissed off. Someone had the balls to attack Sicily right before their eyes. Well, they were going to pay for it! The captain of the Rave ordered her sent as far in as possible. When she got there, she started to open up against the beaches and the outskirts of the city with her 3" gun. She also prepared 'Lance' missiles to be fired at any target that presented itself.


OOC: Um, the attackers overwhelmed Sicily in less than an hour. By the time your men will have heard of the attack it would have been done and the men would be fortifying the city. Also, re-inforcments have begun(however slowly) to arrive, and there are Helicopters, tanks, Humvees, SAMs, and ships guarding the city. And these aren't weak dudes. These are trained men.

Of course, your 130,000 men could take the city. But Marsala has a greater meaning to the Carthaginians than to the Cot's.

Oh, and don't forget the terrorists attacks that will come against your country..

"After hearing about the news, President Ivan V. Mishin calls Thomas Rothsky, the leader of Cotland."

Ivan: I hear you run into some trouble my old friend. Pushkan armed forces has spent time in barracks long enough, i say we help you, for the old times sake. Just let me know all the details and i'll send some paratrooper units. What do you say?

OOC: Um, the attackers overwhelmed Sicily in less than an hour. By the time your men will have heard of the attack it would have been done and the men would be fortifying the city. Also, re-inforcments have begun(however slowly) to arrive, and there are Helicopters, tanks, Humvees, SAMs, and ships guarding the city. And these aren't weak dudes. These are trained men.

Of course, your 130,000 men could take the city. But Marsala has a greater meaning to the Carthaginians than to the Cot's.

Oh, and don't forget the terrorists attacks that will come against your country..

ooc: Yep. But by now, I've called in the Confederacy. Besides, I never said that I entered the city. Currently, they are laying siege to the city. More and more troops will arrive. Your terrorists have attacked a Cottish city. It wouldn't look good if (example) Canada invaded Detroit and Bush did nothing. It's the same thing here.

I think this will be a very good RP..

In the streets of Carthage

Armed crowds had begun to riot in the streets. All over the city, armed clashes between Imperial Forces and angry citizens were commonplace as battle raged in the outer city. The inner city had become an armed fortress to defend the emperor. In quite a few places Imperial soldiers were joining the rioters and began to attack their own comrades. They were angry because fellow Carthaginians were dying, and the government wasn't doing a thing to help them. Already, various groups of Imperial Marines had defected and began to steer their ships towards the city of Marsala. Already, a few hundred marines had come to assist the SBC. Even a Carrier had defected and Lightning Starian Jets, which belonged to arguably the best Airforce in the world, were patroling the skies of Lilybaeum(formerly Marsala).

Offical Statement by the Emperor

The Islamic Carthaginian Empire of The Lightning Star is offically in a state of Emergency. A sizeable portion of the country has rebeled to help the terrorists which assaulted the Roman Embassy and attacked Cotland, and now they are trying to overthrow the rightful government. If we do not get this under-control, then the rebels could come into contact with our sizeable nuclear arsenal. And that would be bad.

"After hearing about the news, President Ivan V. Mishin calls Thomas Rothsky, the leader of Cotland."

Ivan: I hear you run into some trouble my old friend. Pushkan armed forces has spent time in barracks long enough, i say we help you, for the old times sake. Just let me know all the details and i'll send some paratrooper units. What do you say?

Thank you, my good friend. Send them to Sicily.

ooc: Yep. But by now, I've called in the Confederacy. Besides, I never said that I entered the city. Currently, they are laying siege to the city. More and more troops will arrive. Your terrorists have attacked a Cottish city. It wouldn't look good if (example) Canada invaded Detroit and Bush did nothing. It's the same thing here.

I think this will be a very good RP..

OOC: Wowsa! Your army can lay seige FAST!

OOC: Wowsa! Your army can lay seige FAST!

OOC: Well, starting, that is. They've surrounded the city, and will start pounding the city once the arty is in place. Hell, maybe I'll order in a flight of Spirits (see link in my signature) to pound a little... :D

---A military aerodrom somewhere deep within Pushkan mainland----

"A general in a russian military winter coat was standing on a landing platform. He had a thick mustage, the rest of his face he was covering up to keep the snow from getting into his coat. Another man came up to him, wearing similar clothing but with less stars on the shoulders. He came to a halt 3 steps from the general and yelled, trying to talk over the sound of the blizzard."

Man: Comrade General, we are ready, my men are fully prepared. BMD-3RM4 Airborne Combat Vehicles are loaded, men are preparing to board the aircrafts, we are only waiting for your signal!

General Makarov (also yelling over the sound of the snow storm): How many men are we sending?!

Man: 5th and 6th paratrooper divisions of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Pushkan armies, total of 32600 men!

General Makarov: Alright! Tell the men that they can board! They have my permission!

Man: Yes, comrade General!

"The man walked away. Ten minutes later, thousands of men started to board hundreds of IL-76 planes. Finally the planes took of. Only the sound of the engines was heard over the blazing storm. General Makarov, commander of 1st Pushkan army, looked at the planes taking off and went back into the flight control center to warm up."

100,000 Roman troops, stationed in Consentia, have been mobilized to assist the Cots in their crisis in Sicily. Some 5,000 M1 Abrams MBTs will also be sent, and the Roman Imperial Force (OOC: the Roman Air Force) will be on alert. We ask for permission to enter Sicily.

OOC: I've made a post on the forums and in the Confederacy thread to alert the alliance to the matter.

OOC: Well, starting, that is. They've surrounded the city, and will start pounding the city once the arty is in place. Hell, maybe I'll order in a flight of Spirits (see link in my signature) to pound a little... :D

OOC: Hmmm...

But can your planes, etc take out these? (http://www.skyline-apa.com.au/images/PAF-a4.jpg)

Or these? (http://www.skyline-apa.com.au/images/PAF-a1.jpg)

And this too? (http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Jaguar/Jaguar3_small.jpg)

I think you think this will be an easy battle.

That is where you are mistaken :D

OOC: I am feeling uninvolved, maybe i should send more troops? Would that be needed? Also can i use my ICBMs and cruise missiles packed with C4 in this RP?

Lilybaeum, the Carthaginian State of Lilybaeum, Sicily

Tanks and soldiers moved quickly through the city as incoming Cottish shells blew up buildings left and right. SBC Artillery fired right back at them from the main square as planes fought fierce battles over the city. Planes went down left and right as RPG's were fired at the attacking infantry. In the dangerous zones SBC soldiers ran about laying mines, putting up sandbags, and putting up barbed wire. Volunteers from the local population, which were quite a few due to heavy Carthaginian Influence in the city, defended less vital places as SBC forces were sent to the edges of the city. Off the coast SBC vessels fought against Cottish vessels as helicopters from both navies blasted at each other. Every ten minutes or so a new group of a hundred or so turncoats from the Carthaginian Army arrived until now, 3 hours into the battle, an extra 1,300 soldiers, 7 tanks, 4 SAMs, and 12 ATV has arrived to help.

OOC: I am feeling uninvolved, maybe i should send more troops? Would that be needed? Also can i use my ICBMs and cruise missiles packed with C4 in this RP?

OOC: I dun think ICBM"s will be needed...

OOC: I should state that I strongly prefer not to have WMD's here. I'd like to have the land still useable.

The soldiers were pissed off. Some terrorists had decided that Cottish territory were Roman and invaded. Fortunately, they would be recieving assistance. Word was, Pushkan paratroopers and 100 000 Roman soldiers were en route. but right now, the men could do nothing but fortify the lines 26 km from Marsala. The invaders tried to advance, but were met with fierce 5.56mm rounds from the Cottish soldiers XM-8A1 rifles and XM-8A3 S.A.W.s, 12.7mm rounds from the M2HB heavy machine guns on the APCs and 60mm mortar rounds. In addition, Cottish snipers with M82A1s took up position and picked off targets of opportunity.

Suddendly, there were a constant roll of thunder from behind the Cottish lines.

Sergeant: Yes! Arty's are here!

The men started to cheer. But before long, their cheers were deafend by the boulders of the artillery.

The Crusader howitzers fired constantly. Ammo were being transported in from the armor depot in Syracuse, which had plenty. Among the infantrymen, 5.56 ammo were being handed out, along with other ammo, MREs and bottles of water, generously donated by the local Quick-E-Mart chains. The siege had just begun.

ooc: 100,000 Roman troops, stationed in Consentia, have been mobilized to assist the Cots in their crisis in Sicily. Some 5,000 M1 Abrams MBTs will also be sent, and the Roman Imperial Force (OOC: the Roman Air Force) will be on alert. We ask for permission to enter Sicily.
Welcome. Make yourselves at home.

On board the C.I.S. Megathron

Admiral Hanno looked at the Artillery being launched at the Carthaginians in the city. As much as he loved the Empire, it had betrayed it's people by supporting the enemies of their people. The Megathron and it's battlegroup, all of which had joined the SBC, carried 70 planes, 20 tanks, 15 mobile SAMs, 40 ATV's, and 23,000 Former Imperial Shock Troopers. He ordered his men to depart to re-inforce the city. He then ordered the other 12 ships in the battlegroup to engage the Cottish ships while he ordered the Megathron, with other 20 16 inch cannons, 3 22 inch cannons, and 4 cruise missile launchers to fire on the artillery that was firing on the city.

OOC: I can always send more troops if needed.

IC: "The planes dropped of their cargo. Thousands of men jumped off the planes and opened their parashoots, some 16000 BMD-3RM4 Airborne Combat Vehicles were dropped off by shoots as well. Men and equipment landed about 300 meters east of nearest city and were now getting into their BMDs for transportation. Once everyone was packed up BMDs started riding towards nearest city, their turrets ready to shoot the enemy. Paratroopers carried a variety of weapons, some of which were: Val assault rifles, A-9 personal defense/assault rifles, OC-14 "Groza"
assault rifles, Dragunov SVD sniper rifles, Kord 12.7 machine guns, AT-16 Scallion ATGMs, and some others. The BMDs moved quickly, and very soon ended up in the nearest city, where Cotish and RomeW's troops were fighting off the enemy."

The Cottish soldiers were taking a beating. Hopefully, the new anti-artillery radar would find those damned artillery sets and take them out with Tomahawks.
Meanwhile, the Patriot and Javelin SAM sites were firing off missiles faster then a fart in hell could catch light. A flight of EF-2000 Typhoons flew BARCAP over the rear, taking directions from an E-767 AWACS that sircled over Palermo. Another flight of F-14 Tomcats flew CAP right over the friendly lines, firing off chaff and flares.

Opera 3: Contact, enemy Falcons. Bearing 230, speed 500 knots. Fox 2, fox 2 with two AMRAAMs.

Opera 5: Copy, engaging. Fox 2 with two.

Hawk 2 (AWACS): Hawk 2 to Opera flight. Fire at will.

All 12 Tomcats fired two AMRAAMs each on the approaching enemy F-16s. A grand total of 24 AMRAAMs were in flight, with more coming.

The Roman Army made its way quickly through Sicily, stopping just once at Syracuse to refuel. The Roman Republic (OOC: the Italian Peninsula and Libya) was raised to Code Orange, with the rest of the Empire at Code Yellow. The RIF was also conducting patrols in the skies, being on the lookout for any suspicious aircraft.

As soon as they got to Sicily, the Army made a rendevous with the Cots outside of Marsala and joined the front line there. The Roman Commander of the Operation (called Operation Meteor Shower), Tyarensus Fidultus, immediately called the Cottish Commander to alert him of his prescence.

(Encrypted)
"We have arrived. Our air force is currently on patrol making sure no enemy craft makes their way to Sicily. We would like to discuss with you how to handle this threat."

Wolfpack 2 were off the coast, seing the giant battlefleet. The 5 remaining Virginia subs were posted around the fleet, ready to open fire. One had been sunk by a lucky rebel. Almost simultaniously, they all fired 4 Tomahawk cruise missiles, 2 Lance missiles and 4 ADCAP torpedoes at the enemy fleet, hoping to defeat or at least confuse the enemy.

Meanwhile, the James Klarseth battlegroup were preparing for battle. The mighty Razgriz class carrier 'CSS James Klarseth' had aboard 72 F-35s ready to strike. In addition came her battlegroup (3 Abyss class destroyers, 5 Cossack class frigates, 4 Perry class frigates, 3 Seawolf class subs), which had a total of 300 Tomahawks and 400 Lances ready to fire. The planes prepared to take off, while the other ships started to fire off Tomahawks. Some at the enemy battlefleet, the rest at the city.

Lilybaeum

Colonel Zafar looked at the 23,000+ men which had just arrived. "Good good," he said as he pointed them in the direction in which they would go. Overhead it seemed as if the SBC's jets would be defeated when suddenly 70 more planes appeared and began to shoot the Cottish planes. Although they were still greatly outnumbered, at least now the Carthaginians had a fighting chance.

OOC: Heres a map of Sicily: http://www.freewebs.com/thelightningstar/Sicily.PNG.

Just to show everyone where this stuff is happening.

"A Pushkan spy satelite picked up an occumelation of about 23000 enemy soldiers. Pushkan paratroopers were ordered to engage. They reached the target and started exchenging bullets and shells with the enemy"

(Encrypted)
"We have arrived. Our air force is currently on patrol making sure no enemy craft makes their way to Sicily. We would like to discuss with you how to handle this threat."
(equally encrypted)
"Very well. Send your CO to Palermo. We'll be waiting for him."

Top secret. No-one else then the Confederacy members know this
The highly stressed officer who had recieved the call slammed the reciever back on it's hold, getting a micro-seconds rest before another important call came thru.

Lieutenant General Walt Flavius, C-in-C Sicily, had just recieved word that a flight of 30 B-2A Spirits were en route with a full load of 80 1000 lbs bombs each. It was carpet-bombing time!

He had ordered the mobile SAM sites to redeploy to the west, and the 20 of the subs to lay an effective blocade of Carthage, thus preventing any more naval units from leaving their ports. He had also demanded reinforcements from mainland Cotland. A full division was en route, as well as 4 light Ynoga class aircraft carriers and their respective task forces and 4 wings of strike aircraft. The full force of the attack were still not in effect, but already more then 100 Tomahawks had been fired at Marsala. When the division arrived, he would begin the great push into Marsala, throwing the invaders onto the sea and start rounding up the traitors, who would be fairly trialed.

Carthage

"They're battering down the gates!" cried one Imperial soldier as he fired into the mass of SBC supporters which had stormed the city. The rebels, numbering 1,200,000 strong, had seized the outercity. Of that number, 400,000 were Carthaginian Soldiers, 100,000 SBC Militants, and the rest just angry citizens. The 70,000 civilians loyal to the Emperor had fled to the inner city, where there were 40,000 Imperial Shock Troopers(some of the best soldiers in the world were. They armed the men and boys 13 and older(thats about 30,000) with rifles and tried to defend the Emperor as best they could. At 1500 the rebels broke through the gates to the inner city and ran full speed into 3,000 Machine gunners. Tens of thousands of rebels were dead, but the machine guns were taken out by rebel jets(for all of the Airforce, all of the Regular Army, 85% of the navy, and 40% of the Shock Corps. had joined the SBC). By 1600, only 3,000 defenders remained, and they were all in the great fortress that was the Emperors Palace. It was a massive concrete structure convered in barbed wire, surrounded by mines, with Artilery pieces on every ledge, SAM sites on top, and machine gun posts everywhere.

Offical Statement by the Holy Carthaginian Emperor Mago

This may be the last time I speak to the Outside world. The region of Greater Carthage has fully rebelled, and all hope of our survival has been lost. Thankfully, our South Asia territories are firmly under out control, so I here by name my son, Hannibal, to be the new Emperor. All of our supporters here, including the navy and most of the Imperial Shock Corps. has turned on us. It is left to the people of the New Carthage area to save the Empire now. I only plea--

*transmission lost*

OOC: Just to let you guys know, All of Greater Carthage(Tunis) and Lilybaeum are NOT the Carthaginian Empire(which is a member of the Confederacy). This new Carthage is the Carthaginian State of Lilybaeum. India, Pakistan, Bengal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka are all fully under Confederacy Control and are preparing to send forces to quell the rebellion.

Off the coast of Lilybaeum(Marsala)

Admiral Hanno wasn't very happy. His ship has sustained heavy damage and all seemed lost. However, when he turned to see the sea around him, he saw a seemingly endless line of ships. At first he thought that the Romans had finally sent their navy, but then he noticed they were flying the flag of the Carthaginian State of Lilybaeum(which is also the SBC's flag). All of a sudden, a great roar errupted when hundreds of hundreds of Tomahawk missiles went screaming into the Cottish ships and artillery posistions. Also, hundreds of planes soared overhead to confront the Roman and Cottish Airforce. At the same time, thousands of boats were going full speed to re-enforce Lilybaeum. Transport helicopters, escorted by assault helicopters, carried tanks across as well.

Things were gonna get dirty.

"Sir, they got Emperor Mago. He declared his son Hannibal, who is in India, the next emperor. The loyal forces are promising to quell the rebellion."

Elected Leader Thomas Rothsky, leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland, commander in chief of the Cottish Armed Forces, fell back in his chair. Emperor Mago. His good friend, was likely dead. Tunis, formerly Cottish territory, fallen. At least the invaders in Sicily were contained. Rothsky had ordered the city carpet-bombed. They would level it with the ground and take out all the invaders. At least Cotland had the Confederacy with her. Without, it would be much harder. His military advisor had even suggested the use of a single B-61 thermonuclear bomb on the city. Rothsky had dismissed the issue completely. The nukes would only be used if there were no other way. Supply ships filled with fuel and ammo was being sent to Sicily from Lakshadweep, Egypt and Cotland. It was needed.

"Sir. The first lists are in."

An aide placed a piece of paper on Rothskys desk.

1021 soldiers dead
1716 soldiers wounded
53 airplanes destroyed
1 submarine sunk
164 SAM sites destroyed
32 artillery destroyed

OOC: Should we do a modern-day re-enactment of the Third Punic War?

IC: The Roman Imperial Force, upon hearing Pushkan intelligence stating the arrival of military aircraft, officially deployed some 150 B-52 Class bombers and some 100 F-22 Raptors from the RIF base in Lausanne to Marsala. They were to be fueled and launched within half an hour.

Meanwhile, Fidultus met with Walt Flavius in Palermo. "We need to work out a plan, and work one out quick. Any ideas?"

OOC: Here are some pictures of my soldiers, so you have an Idea what your enemies look like:

Shock Troopers (http://www.cdmag.com/articles/023/189/shot3big.jpg)

SBC Forces (http://agsma.acparadise.com/FC2K/laguna-4.jpg)

Regular Lilybaeum Soldier (http://www.ffcompendium.com/~Skylark/ff7/Marine.jpg)

SBC Unit Commander (http://jove.prohosting.com/~ff8rpg/rpg/images/EstharSoldier.jpg)

"Mahmoud" and his Generals (http://www.katpages.sphosting.com/ff7/pics/turks.jpg)

Colonel Zafar (http://jove.prohosting.com/~ff8rpg/screenshots/seifer.jpg)

As the secure phone rang in Mr. Wales office he expected it to be a Cotland Representative.

"No I understand, I thought Cotland would be calling but I thank you for the update, send word to our Cottish Friends help is on the way. No thank you Mr. Ambassador."

As Prime Minister Wales hung up the phone Defense Minister Jefferson Davis walked into the cabinet room.

The PM addressed his cabinet, "Gentlemen we have a situation in Sicily. We are bound by the Confederacy Agreement to assist an Ally in case of invasion. Details are sketchy, but it looks as if a rogue band of troops has invaded Sicily. They appear to be of Lightning Star orgin. This is particularily troublesome for us because of the recent construction of a naval base in LS. We have a duty to defend our Ally. I suggest we send a telegram to LS stating this and formally engage in this conflict. Mr. Davis do you have a SITREP?"

Jefferson Davis rose to speak, "Prime Minister we have detected a large naval presence not of Cottish orgin off the coast of Sicily. It appears an Invasion Fleet has assembled in the area. We have scrambled the Stealth Fighter Squadrons in Alpha Sector for possible engagement of the bogies. Two Marine Expeditionary Forces can be dispatched to aide in Sicily. We have two Battle Fleets in the area and we could release them to engage the surface fleet." Mr. Davis sat down with a knod from PM Wales.

PM Wales cleared his throat and said, "I officially authorize use of force against these combatants. Mr. Davis you are authorized to engage. Send two Wings of Stealth Attack Squadrons to engage the Surface fleet, dispatch the Battle Strike Groups Fletcher and Nina to engage also. I wonder if they have ever seen a Toryo Battleship and what 16" guns can do? We will also release the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force with Invasion Strike Group Concorde. Put these plans in action. I want the Stealth Attack to happen ASAP Mr. Davis. Put the naval units to sea when they are ready within 48 hours would be my estimate. I envy you Mr. Davis, you sit in the very seat I occupied for many years and unfortunately I never was asked to do what you will begin in a few moments. God be with you sir."

PM Wales sat behind his desk in a long silent pause, looked at his personal secretary and said, "Draft an official letter to Lightning Star saying we are sorry to have to engage your forces, but we must support our Allies in this endeavor. Do not engage our Swordfish Naval Base, we are not using troops from this location to aide our allies so they are considered neutral. This is a formal declaration of combat."

He paused, "Send this communique immediately Madame Secretary, and send it via open cable wire. We want our allies to be aware of our impending involvement."

OOC: Only the Shock Troopers and the Regular Lilybaeum Soldier work.

Offical Statement by the Carthaginian State of Lilybaeum

Emperor Mago is dead. Now that we are in control, we will stop at nothing to regain our former Empire. We shall make a deal with you:
You give up the western half of Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, and Libya Major(Coastal Libya) and we will let you be. If you do not give us these lands, then we shall not refrain from summoning the full might of the Carthaginian Army(500,000 infantry, 7,000 T-90's, 2,000 Jets, 200 cruisers, 400 frigates, 50 battleships, 20 Aircraft Carriers, 700 Assault Helicopters, 400 Transport Helicopters, 10,000 support vehicles, and, if needed, 200 Nuclear ICBMs, 300 Chemical ICBM's, and 50 Biological ICBM"s.)

You have 24 hours to respond.

Until then, we shall re-inforce our 70,000 soldiers, 400 tanks, 300 SAM sites, 2,000 assorted vehicles, 400 planes, 200 assault helicopters, 50 cruisers, 100 frigates, 20 battleships, and 5 aircraft carriers

OOC: TLS, you gonna respond to my attack? I sort of constantly firing at you from 16000 BMDs, and my soldiers sort of opened heavy bullet fire from machine guns and assault rifles on the city, getting in and fighting on the streets, they also have things like AT-16 ATGM, thats about 32600 soldiers attacking you on foot and 16000 inside BMDs

Secret ic to allies: I'm about to launch a full-scale attack over the entire front. The B-2s have dropped some 2400 1000" bombs, and the men are moving in after those have been dropped. Any help will be appreciated.

OOC: Only the Shock Troopers and the Regular Lilybaeum Soldier work.

OOC: I can see them all.

What browser, and what connection are you using?

OOC: Hello. Anybody here? TLS? My attack? Remember?

OOC: You don't get me, my troops didn't land in the city, they landed far away enough from the city and traveled where by BMDs and foot as i stated previously.

Encrypted Message to Cotland, RomeW, and Pushka

We are about to engage in this fight. We have dispatched two Stealth Attack Wings to engage the enemy surface fleet. We aim to sink the flagship first. We are sending two battle strike groups to attack the surface fleet and the 1st marine expeditionary force with invasion group concorde to make a beach-head. Please advise on a site suitable for the MEF to make landfall.

Prime Minister Josey Wales
Holy Republic of Hawdawg

Encrypted Message to Cotland, RomeW, and Pushka

We are about to engage in this fight. We have dispatched two Stealth Attack Wings to engage the enemy surface fleet. We aim to sink the flagship first. We are sending two battle strike groups to attack the surface fleet and the 1st marine expeditionary force with invasion group concorde to make a beach-head. Please advise on a site suitable for the MEF to make landfall.

Prime Minister Josey Wales
Holy Republic of Hawdawg

You can land at Syracuse, and use the highway from there. Don't worry. MPs got it closed down for military vehicles only. It go straight to the warzone.

Offical Statement by the Carthaginian State of Lilybaeum

Emperor Mago is dead. Now that we are in control, we will stop at nothing to regain our former Empire. We shall make a deal with you:
You give up the western half of Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, and Libya Major(Coastal Libya) and we will let you be. If you do not give us these lands, then we shall not refrain from summoning the full might of the Carthaginian Army(500,000 infantry, 7,000 T-90's, 2,000 Jets, 200 cruisers, 400 frigates, 50 battleships, 20 Aircraft Carriers, 700 Assault Helicopters, 400 Transport Helicopters, 10,000 support vehicles, and, if needed, 200 Nuclear ICBMs, 300 Chemical ICBM's, and 50 Biological ICBM"s.)

You have 24 hours to respond.

Until then, we shall re-inforce our 70,000 soldiers, 400 tanks, 300 SAM sites, 2,000 assorted vehicles, 400 planes, 200 assault helicopters, 50 cruisers, 100 frigates, 20 battleships, and 5 aircraft carriers

Elected Leader Thomas Rothsky adressing the Cottish Parliament

Mr. Speaker, honored leaders of the parties, ladies and gentlemen.
As you are aware of, the island of Sicily was attacked a day ago.

The Cottish forces have been called in to do what they have been training for all their military careers, and have managed, with good help from our allies in the Roman Confederacy, to contain the enemy inside the city of Marsala.

I wish for the Parliament to declare a state of marshall law in the region of Sicily. Further, I intend to send a total of 26 brigades to Sicily, and to prepare for a possible attack on Carthage.

Finally, I request that Parliament declare a state of war between the Carthaginian State of Lilybaeum and the Commonwealth of Cotland.

Let this be a clear message to the inhabitants of Marsala. Withdraw from Cottish territory within 24 hours, surrender all traitors to us and pay us war compensation for the damages you've caused, or feel the full wrath of Cotland.

Secret IC: We intend to start a fullscale attack soon. A total of 8000 soldiers supported by MBTs, ACPs and IFVs and helos will attack. this will be my last post, due to the fact that I've got to get up at 0630 AM tomorrow, and it's 0316 AM now... Have a good one. :)

OOC: You don't get me, my troops didn't land in the city, they landed far away enough from the city and traveled where by BMDs and foot as i stated previously.

OOC: But how?

They would have to cross a field of landmines, barbed wire, not to mention thousands of men at the edge of the city pouring bullets into anything that moved.

Elected Leader Thomas Rothsky adressing the Cottish Parliament

Mr. Speaker, honored leaders of the parties, ladies and gentlemen.
As you are aware of, the island of Sicily was attacked a day ago.

The Cottish forces have been called in to do what they have been training for all their military careers, and have managed, with good help from our allies in the Roman Confederacy, to contain the enemy inside the city of Marsala.

I wish for the Parliament to declare a state of marshall law in the region of Sicily. Further, I intend to send a total of 26 brigades to Sicily, and to prepare for a possible attack on Carthage.

Finally, I request that Parliament declare a state of war between the Carthaginian State of Lilybaeum and the Commonwealth of Cotland.

Let this be a clear message to the inhabitants of Marsala. Withdraw from Cottish territory within 24 hours, surrender all traitors to us and pay us war compensation for the damages you've caused, or feel the full wrath of Cotland.

Secret IC: We intend to start a fullscale attack soon. A total of 8000 soldiers supported by MBTs, ACPs and IFVs and helos will attack. this will be my last post, due to the fact that I've got to get up at 0630 AM tomorrow, and it's 0316 AM now... Have a good one. :)


OOC: I hope you'v realized that your army alone couldn't defeat mine. Its a size thing. My nation is roughly twice as large as yours. My military is roughly as twice as yours. Without re-inforcement from Rome or something, you are screwed.

Anyhoo, see yas tommorrow.

"In Voronej Pushkan Military council discusses future plans"

General Platinov (Supreme commander of Pushkan army): We must commit more forces, i say we commit 3 armies, plus naval, aviation and heavy mobile artillery units, i think this is the only way. Does anyone disagree.

"No objections followed"

General Platinov: Good, well we'll send all of the troops from 6th through 8th armies, thats 187500 men, paratroopers, infantry and special ops. All of those men will be sent in and backed up with BMPs and BMDs. Also i want all the 1000 bomber/fighters of first Pushkan wing to go as back up, also get 4000 tanks, 4 tank battalions in where, and ofcourse mobile artillery I want to see atleast 2000 artillery pieces in where. You have your orders comrades, go do your duty.

"everyone left the room, Pushkan president sent a message to Cotland."

We are commiting a large amount of troops we need a save city to base all of our logistics and troops in and establish a ground from the attacks, can you please tell us the location of such a city in the area?

OOC: But how?

They would have to cross a field of landmines, barbed wire, not to mention thousands of men at the edge of the city pouring bullets into anything that moved.

I assumed that 16000 turrets took care of the machine gun nests and the enemy in the suburbs of the city. Also you never said anything about landmines and barbed wire. I can RP all of this further and get into my favorite squad RPing if you want.

OOC: I hope you'v realized that your army alone couldn't defeat mine. Its a size thing. My nation is roughly twice as large as yours. My military is roughly as twice as yours. Without re-inforcement from Rome or something, you are screwed.

Anyhoo, see yas tommorrow.

ooc: final post. you do realize that I have more troops back 'home' in Russia, right?

http://s4.invisionfree.com/Empire_of_Layarteb/index.php?showtopic=67

My military capability...

Pushka: Land in Messina.

OOC: I can see them all.

What browser, and what connection are you using?

OOC: Broadband connection, Internet Explorer. However, what's happening is that you're linking to pictures to Web Sites you've logged into (at least I suppose) which is why I can't see them.

Secret IC: General Udius Emitrius ordered a naval blockade off the northern and eastern Sicilan coast. Some 5,000 Roman ships were deployed to the battlefields, 1,000 of which were top-of-the-line battleships (OOC: Not sure if those are realistic...I don't know much about the military), with some of them going to Libya to patrol the coast. Rome was going to strike, and strike hard.

ooc: final post. you do realize that I have more troops back 'home' in Russia, right?

http://s4.invisionfree.com/Empire_of_Layarteb/index.php?showtopic=67

My military capability...

Pushka: Land in Messina.

OOC: Yes. But my population is larger than yours. Alot larger.

Pushka:Read this post (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7937718&postcount=55)

I has to log for the night(well, i think I might be on later but no promises).

See yas.

OOC: Yes. But my population is larger than yours. Alot larger.

Pushka:Read this post (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7937718&postcount=55)

OOC: KK, lets just say that my troops have surrounded the city and are camping out, shooting with shells from the BMDs waiting for reinforcements, which will be where tomorrow, big reinforcements.

I has to log for the night(well, i think I might be on later but no promises).

See yas.

OOC: *waves* I'll probably be gone for the night soon myself. This has been riveting.

Over the Ocean off Sicily 11:23pm Local Time

Alpha Squadron Leader: Alright listen up two GBU-27's per ship got it boys? 1st and 2nd Squadron focus on the auxillary ships 3rd and 4th Squadrons focus on the Flagship CIS Megathron. Roger, base Pickles are hot. Engaging. Gentlemen call out your targets you and your wingman put four bombs on target. The main objective here is to sink the flagship. I want at least 8 GBU-27's in the deck of that ship guys, got it. A uniform "Hoo-yah" was heard on the mic. ETA 5 minutes to target.

Omega Squadron Leader: Roger Alpha we have an ETA 10 minutes to target. We will play clean up hitter tonight. Just light the fire we will bring the marshmellows. Out.


The brisk sea spray covered the decks of the unsuspecting ships below. As the dark night loomed the silence was deafening. The Stealth Fighters opened bombay doors and released there ordinance onto the targets below. As the first explosions erupted from the support ships, a wall of AA fire erupted from the flagship, spraying steel in all directions.

"There she is men, lets do this." said Alpha Squadron Leader. With that the Squadron set the angle of attack and made there run on the flagship. Bombs let fly and as the Squadron banked hard right and climbed 3 Nighthawks were hit with AA fire. Slasher's plane was completely cut in half and the other two birds hadn't faired too much better. They were crippled but still flying.

In the distance Omega Squadron could see the fires on the ocean's surface and vectored toward the target. "ETA 3 minutes, make your pickles hot. Pick your targets, release and climb." This transmission was the last heard from Omega leader as his plane was also struck by AA fire. Many bombs had found there marks and at least 8 GBU-27 had struck the MegaThron.

Attacking units:

Stealth Strike Wings (2)

Each Stealth Strike Wing consists of the following planes:

(96) F-117A Nighthawk

Losses:

(2) F-117A destroyed
(3) heavy damage, flyable
(2) medium damage, flyable
(4) light damage flyable

The following forces have been deployed to appropriate locations:

4th Heavy Battlefleet
57110 Men
1 12 Tribes Class Supercarrier
3 Nimitz Class Carriers
1 Guillen Class Dreadnought
2 Arizona Class Battleship
2 Payton Class Battlecruisers
10 Ticonderoga II CG
20 Arleigh Burke DDG
20 Oliver Hazard Perry Class ASW Frigate FFG
5 Galaxy Class Nuclear Submarines
5 Seawolf Class SSN
5 Ohio Class SSGN
5 Ohio Class SSBN


7th Light Battlefleet
19820 Men
2 Nimitz Class Carriers
2 Ticonderoga II CG
8 Arleigh Burke DDG
16 Oliver Hazard Perry Class ASW Frigate FFG



Charlie Custom Assault Fleet
2x Improved Nimitz Class Carriers
3x Ticonderoga Class Cruisers
6x AEGIS Flight IIA Class Destroyers
2x Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates
2x Twin Towers Flight IA Class Frigates
2x Bismarck II Class Battleships
4x Seawolf Class Submarines
2x Liberty II Class Supply Ships
2x Supply Class Supply Ships
8x C-2A Greyhound COD
8x E-2C Hawkeye AWACS
8x EA-6B Prowler
8x EA-18A Growler
24x EF-2000 Typhoon
24x F-14D Tomcat
32x F/A-18C Hornet
32x F/A-18E Super Hornet
4x HH-60H Sea Hawk
16x S-3B Viking
8x SH-60F Sea Hawk


4th Infantry Division- Fiendish End
5th Infantry Division- Mississippian Doom
7th Infantry Division- Tennessean Liberation


(I'll finish tomorrow.)

OOC:Here are the *updated* pictures of the Lilybaeum Forces with other stuff.

Shock Troopers (http://www.cdmag.com/articles/023/189/shot3big.jpg)

SBC Forces (http://www.freewebs.com/thelightningstar/SBC%20soldier.PNG)

Regular Lilybaeum Soldier (http://www.galbadiax.com/ff8/galbadiaclimb.jpg)

SBC Unit Commander (http://www.freewebs.com/thelightningstar/Commander.PNG)

"Mahmoud" and his Generals (http://www.freewebs.com/thelightningstar/Mahmoud.png)

Colonel Zafar (http://www.freewebs.com/thelightningstar/Zafar.PNG)

Carthage Defence Tower (http://www.galbadiax.com/ff8/dollettower.jpg)

SBC plans(NOTE: Do not look at if you want to be surprised. ALSO, this is OOC, so that means IC you don't know didly squat about this plan)It's a bit confusing but:
Dark Blue is SBC Territory
Blue are SBC troop movements. The Thicker the line, the more men.
Purple is the Naval Blockade
Green lines seperate the Zones that the SBC high command has divided Sicily into.
Green names are the zone names.
A Black dot is a city.
A grey line is a defensive wall(it includes Barbed Wire, Mines, machine-gun posts, trenches, SAM sites, artillery, and concrete/sandbags(Sandbags come before the concrete.) (http://www.freewebs.com/thelightningstar/Sicily2.PNG)

Also, I want the Lightning Starian forces to Take Carthage(Theres 700,000 of them and they will arrive there tommorrow IC). It would be best because if Carthage was destroyed by Romans/Cot's, it would make searing hatred forever. If it's CAPTURED(not destroyed) by fellow Carthaginians, then it's ok.

Also, I want the Lightning Starian forces to Take Carthage(Theres 700,000 of them and they will arrive there tommorrow IC). It would be best because if Carthage was destroyed by Romans/Cot's, it would make searing hatred forever. If it's CAPTURED(not destroyed) by fellow Carthaginians, then it's ok.

OOC: Okay, I'll change what I said. Would it be all right if I bombed a "significant base" of the SBC along the coast of Libya? I want to launch a surprise attack against the SBC somewhere but not ruin anything that you want to do.

The situation in Sicily was intolerable. The latest tolls showed that more then 3000 Cottish soldiers had been KIA/MIA, and another 4200 were WIA. Currently, there were only some 7000 Cottish regulars and 100 000 reservists ready to fight in Sicily, but morale was still high. The view of the 100 000 Roman soldiers and tens of thousands of Pushkan paratroopers fighting and bleeding next to them made them endure. Their honor demanded it. Meanwhile, 12 B-1Bs were flying in, firing their 20 BGM-109 Tomahawks on the enemy fleet and the city, returning to base, refueling and rearming, then returning and firing, etc.

In the airspace over Rome, a armada of planes were inbound. The entire Cottish air mobile reserve, some 2500 transports and passenger planes (737s, 747s, C-5s, C-130s, C-141s, An-124s) carrying the first 16 Brigades (80 000+ soldiers) and their logistics train (200 000+) that were going to reinforce the soldiers in Sicily. They would soon be followed by another 16 Brigades, then even more. They were being escorted by 500 F-16s, 150 F-14s and 300 EF-2000s and 150 KC-10 tankers and 50 KC-135 tankers. The latest refueling had been from Cottish KC-135 tankers from San Marino and Roman tankers from the various airbases in Rome. (ooc: I hope that's ok Rome...)

Also inbound were fleet tankers, ammo ships and heavy transport ships carrying the heavy equipment. M1A2 MBTs, M2A3s, M-113s, AH-64s and all the other heavy equipment needed for the Armoured Brigades to operate. The vessels were followed by two Ynoga battlegroups, two Insidious class Electronic Warfare Destroyers and four wolfpacks of submarines (24 subs) that sailed in front of and around the convoy, protecting it from enemy ships and subs.

The 30 subs in position around Tunisia (the old name was used by the navy) had finished mining the entrances of the ports around the harbor cities and naval bases. The Mk 60 Captor mines were activated on both contact and magnetic interference. No-one would come in or out without detonating the mines. The subs remained on post, ensuring that no-one would escape. Whatever remained of the rebel navy and their supply ships wouldn't get out.

Furter back, ten AA frigates fresh in from Egypt patroled the waters, making sure that no plane would get in or out. The LR Javelin AA missile would be very effective with its long range, max speed of Mach 4.4 and 128kg HE warhead, ensuring a kill within 100 meters. Further, should any ships arrive, the 428kg warhead of the Lance missile and high speed of Mach 3.7 (making it harder for CIWS to hit) would make them bite the dust.

The new tactic of Cotland was to starve out the enemy, cutting off its supply route. Before long, they would have to surrender, or starve to death.


ooc: OOC: Should we do a modern-day re-enactment of the Third Punic War? Memory serve, the third Punic War was the total destruction of Carthage.. I'm in, as long as we do it on Marsala instead. BTW, I'm placing a blockade on Tunisia/Carthage. Wanna participate?

Secret meeting in Palermo

Meanwhile, Fidultus met with Walt Flavius in Palermo. "We need to work out a plan, and work one out quick. Any ideas?"

General Flavius looked over at Fidultus, who had been placed in a chair and given a glas of Iced tea.
"We need to contain them somehow. I've ordered 30 subs to mine the entrance to every port in Tunisia large enough to support naval units. Further more, I've got 10 AA frigates between Tunisia and Sicily in order to stop any aircraft from resupplying the invaders. My plan is to starve them out, while attacking constantly." The general paused.
"We also need to determine who has the overall command, so we can coordinate our actions."

As dawn broke the Invasion Strike Group began the massive movement of troops and material into the Port city of Syracuse. The entire fleet was on edge. This disembarkment would take some time. Heavy armor was dispatched first to setup a perimeter. Men and material followed in what looked like an endless stream of ants from all the ships present. The Yabari Class and Oyoda Class BattleCuisers took up defensive positions on the flanks of the group to ward off any sea-going threat. The WASP Assault Ships flourished with activity.

OOC:

Invasion Fleet Deployed:

(1) Illenas Vassili-Class Carrier- equipped with 100 FA-18 Hornets and 14 F-14 Tomcat's
(4) Yabari Class Battle Cruisers
(2) Oyoda Class Battle Cruisers
(2) Ticonderoga Class Cruisers
(3) Spruance Class Destroyers
(2) Oliver Hazard Perry Destroyer/Frigates
(25) LHD WASP Class Amphibious Assault Ships
(10) Tarawa Class Assault Ships
(10) LSD-49 Harper’s Ferry Class Amphibious Assault Ships
(45) LCAC
(30) AAVP7A1 Assault Amphibian Vehicles for Personnel
(10) AEO-6 Fast Combat Support Ship
(10) T-AE 26 Kilauea Class Ammunition Ship
(10) T-AO 187 Kaiser Class Oiler Ship

Marine Expeditionary Force deployed:

Soldiers: 33,750 Combat Soldiers - 67,500 Logistics Support
192 M1A2
1,116 M2A3 Bradley IFV
750 AAVP7A1
324 M777 Towed
135 M247 Sergeant York
54 M163 Vulcan
162 M1128 Stryker CV
54 PAC-3 Missile Systems
81 MIM-23 HawkB SAM
165 AH-64 Apache
138 AH-1W Cobra
216 CH-47 Chinooks
138 UH-60 Blackhawk’s
27 AVLB (M60 Chassis)
81 Combat Engineer Tractors
M728 Combat Engineer Tank
6,000 HMMWV (1,200 equipped with M2 .50 MG, 600 Avenger, and 750 TOW II equip.)
3,600 Various Trucks

1st Marine Expeditionary Force (33,750 Combat Soldiers – 67,500 Logistics Support)

Estimated time to have MEF combat ready is three NS days. We will then move up to the battle front from Syracuse.


Airforce Units that attacked last night:

Stealth Strike Wings (2)

Each Stealth Strike Wing consists of the following units:
Operations Group
Support Group
Logistics Group
Medical Group
(4) Stealth Attack Squadrons

Each Stealth Strike Wing consists of the following planes:

(96) F-117A Nighthawk




Two of the following Battle Strike Groups are making 25 knots towards the naval blockade on the East Coast of Sicily. ETA 1 NS day. SOP subs will contact first, air cover will engage, then Battleships and BattleCruisers will pound remaining fleet.

Battle Strike Groups:

(2) Illeana Vassili-Class Carrier- equipped with 100 FA-18 Hornet’s or F-35 JSF fighters and 14 F-14D Tomcat's
(2) Toryo Class Battleships
(4) Yabari Class Battle Cruisers
(2) Oyoda Class Battle Cruisers
(4) SSN-688 Los Angeles Class Submarines
(6) Seawolf Class Submarines
(10) Ticonderoga Class Cruisers
(8) Oliver Hazard Perry Destroyer/Frigates
(6) Arleigh Burke AEIGS Destroyer’s
(8) AEO-6 Fast Combat Support Ship
(8) T-AE 26 Kilauea Class Ammunition Ship
(5) T-AO 187 Kaiser Class Oiler Ship

The Imperial Principality of Gintonpar is distressed at this disastrous turn of events. It immediately pledges naval support consisting of our Meditterenean Fleet under Rear Admiral the Viscount Cambley:

1 Illeana Vassili Class Carrier fully loaded with F/A-18s
2 Kusnetsov Class Carriers each loaded with 16 Yak-141 "Freestyle", 12 K Model Su-27 "Flanker", 18 Ka-27 Helix A ASW and 18 KA-27 Helix C Utility/SAR
4 Ynoga Class Aircraft Carriers, each loaded with 8 F-35 JSF fighters, 2 loaded with 6 AH-1W Super Cobras and the other 2 loaded with 6 Sea Hawk helicopters
10 Dolphin Class Submarines
6 Seawolf Submarines
4 SSN-688 Los Angeles Submarines
2 Coronado Class Command Ships
14 Ticonderoga Class Cruisers
10 Wyth-R class Monohull Missile Cruisers
18 Arleigh Burke DDG Destroyers
14 Oliver Hazard Perry Destroyer/Frigates
10 Eilat Class Sa'ar 5 Multi Mission Corvettes
10 Visby Class Corvettes
15 Ra class Monohull SC Patrol Boats
5 Osprey Class Coastal Mine Hunters

Also under the command of the Mediterrenean fleet are:

4 Trojan II Class Airships- Aircraft (each):
(20) K Model MiG-35 MultiroleFront-Line Fighters

200 AAD-1 Airborne Air Defense Platforms. Each contain:

M-56 Airborne Radar Arrays 120 RR-129A/AL Chaff Countermeasures
40 JU-51/B Advanced Infrared Flares
1 AN/ALQ-178 ECM pod

We are not commiting a ground force as Sicily seems congested enough with ground troops as it is. The fleet will move into the action area as soon as it has been brought together. An approximation is 2 weeks until total readiness is achieved.

Lilybaeum

Colonel Zafar looked out at the massive SBC warships in the water, blowing everything on land and sea to hell. Over 300,000 men were reaching the shores of the city as tanks began to roll towards the front lines. Helicopters began to stoop low outside the city and strafing Cottish posistions. Artillery from inside the city began to pummel enemy posistions. RPG's flew towards the enemy forces across the minefield. The Pushkans had arrived, but their 16,000 extra men were no match for the might of the Carthaginian Army. While Lilybaeum would recieve no more re-inforcements(150,000 men were defending Carthage and the other 50,000 in an unkwn location), their army was much larger than that of the Cot's and the Romans. At 1100 he gave the order to advance.

He had all his men get behind cover and he blew the mines, and then 280,000 men began to move out over the field in ATV's, tanks, Helicopters, and on foot. Missiles flew over their heads at the enemies posistion. Almost all of these men were trained soldiers from the Carthaginian Imperial Army, so they would fight better than the reservists of the Cot's. Machine gun fire came from both sides as groups of advancing soldiers would be blasted to smithereens by Cottish Artillery and Cottish defenders would be fried by Napalm. During all this, the sky had turned black with smoke. If there ever was a hell on Earth, this was it.

Secret meeting in Palermo



General Flavius looked over at Fidultus, who had been placed in a chair and given a glas of Iced tea.
"We need to contain them somehow. I've ordered 30 subs to mine the entrance to every port in Tunisia large enough to support naval units. Further more, I've got 10 AA frigates between Tunisia and Sicily in order to stop any aircraft from resupplying the invaders. My plan is to starve them out, while attacking constantly." The general paused.
"We also need to determine who has the overall command, so we can coordinate our actions."

OOC: Just so ye know, the ENTRIE Mediterranean fleet is situated between Sicily and Greater Carthage. I dont think a few frigates and subs will stop everything. Sure, it'll stop SOME stuff, but I mean its an ENTIRE fleet.

Carthage

General Bhutal(the middle-left guy in the picture with Mahmoud, the one with the long black hair) looked over the city of Carthage as it prepared for the iminent attack by enemy forces. The proud Carthaginian soldiers marched through the city as other soldiers would be setting up sandbags, blockades, and mines. SAM sites scanned the sky at all times as tanks rolled through the main square. Napalm Cannons sat upon every high tower, waiting for when enemy infantry would try to storm the city. Hundreds of planes flew in the sky as massive warships and silent subs patrolled Carthage Harbor. Just then the general noticed something off-shore. He picked up his radio and said, "Ikbar? Yeah, I think we have problem."

The 5000 soldiers of the newly arrived 48th Infantry Brigade hurried down into their trenches. The heavy machine guns of the Abrams' and APCs spew tons upon tons of metal and explosives towards the enemy. The SAM sites, AVENGERs, new Layartebian-made 88mm flak guns and thousands of mobile FIM-92 Stingers claimed most of the helicopters the enemy threw on them, but the helicopters also got approx. 460 Cots. The Cottish helicopters that remained were airborne, firing on the enemy ground forces and helicopters.

A total of 210 000 fighting Cottish troops were on the front now, most of them fresh of the planes. In addition were almost 100 000 Roman troops, 16000 Pushkan paratroopers, a Hawdawgian Marine Expeditionary unit (33750 men) and three Binthorian divisions. More then 400 000 troops were on the line, well dug in. In addition came almost 1 000 000 Cottish logistics soldiers, trained well, but not to the standard of the regulars.

SAM sites had been relocated, and were along with AAA fire taking down approx. 70% of the enemy planes. The rest of them were up to the joint Air Forces to take. All the light, medium and heavy MGs that could be found were on the line, along with a helluva lot of AT rockets (Milan, M72 L.A.W., SMAW).

Modified Pole-axe Standard Land Attack missiles were replacing the Tomahawks, whose stores had been depleted. The only ones left in Sicily were the 10 that had a W-80 thermonuclear warhead on them. General Flavius had been authorized to use them ONLY if there were no other way out.

The troops that were being thrown at the Allies were experienced troops, but constant bombing and a intentional Cottish clearing of a zone 700 meters deep across the line made sure that no Carthagian would come close to them without being spotted and killed by the snipers and MG nests hidden around the front that the enemy could see.

What they didn't know was that the Cottish and allied engineers had been working like crazy, creating a second, more hidden and better reinforced line of defence in case of a rush. Only a small amount of troops were in the first line, while the bulk were in the second, more reinforced line. At first sign of trouble, the first line were to fall back to the second, blowing up their old positions. Also, the tanks were in the line, preparing to move forward at first sign of retreat in the enemy lines.

The baptist reverends moved around in the trenches, blessing everyone, leading prayers, giving the dead their last rights, and calling the eternal damnation of God Almighty on the misguided invaders. All the men in the rear trenches prepared for the slaughter that was about to happen.

OOC: heh heh heh....

IC: Off of the coast of Agrigento

The shores of Sicily were virtually unguarded due to the giant naval battle off of the coast of Lilybaeum. The Moon, blocked by smoke from the battle in Lilybaeum, shone nearly no light as boats moved ashore. 40,000 Lightning Starian Poeni Infantry (http://www.novinite.com/media/images/2004-02/big_31430.jpg), lead by the 10,000 Sacred Band (http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/350000/images/_353398_pak300.jpg) infantry(the most trained, armed, and fanatical units in the Carthaginian Army) stormed the beaches and quickly moved inland. Due to the cover of darkness and the fact that these men were trained to be quiet, they weren't noticed until the last minute. Even then it was too late, seeing how they had in advance cut the power-cords to the city. They quickly killed all who resisted and those who assisted(fewer than in Lilybaeum, but still around 1,000) were given weapons to guard low-key places. They then set up some artillery, SAM sites, and 30 tanks, 10 helicopters, and 300 other support vehicles came to help re-inforce the city.

OOC: Just outta curiosity, am I the only one here who plays Rome: Total War?

Pushkan ground forces, along with tanks, BMPs, BMDs, Helecopters, Mobile artillery pieces, jet fighters and IL-76 were on the ground in the desert 70 kilometers away from battle. They were setting up a base. The paratrooper divisions that were already sent in were ordered to retreat. Just in few hours almost 120000 Pushkan were ready. Four thousand 2s1 mobile artillery pieces targeted the enemy city and began firing, not forgeting to blow up barbed wire fences. All of the tanks went through the center, with about 60000 troops as support in BMPs and BMDs, also some were traveling by foot. A total of 167800 troops went in from the flanks, evenly devided. Helicopters and fighters went in as air support units. The great battle began. Numerous explosions from Pushkan artillery shells were heard inside the city. Barbed wire fence was eliminated by the blasts in many places, about 700 artillery pieces were firing at the MG nests near the entrance to the city.

Carthage

Screams such as "Ahhhhh! My leg!", "My arm! Where is my arm!?!?!" were commonplace throughout the city as a massive aerial bombardment went on throughout the city. Over 2,300 jets(nearly 90% of the TLS airforce) were bombing the city. Napalm fell freely from the sky as jets fought it out in the wide blue yonder. SAM's flew through the air as well, blowing up planes left and right. Off the coast, the Imperial Fleet(Commanded by Emperor Hannibal himself) blew all of the SBC ships to bits. 700,000 soldiers began to storm the beaches surrounding the city as artillery fell upon them. Planes blew up the mines with their loads and the Imperial Troops began to reach the city. Machine gun fire blazed along the defence-line as the attackers threw grenades into the nests. Once the attackers reached the defence-line fierce hand-to-hand combat ensued.

Pushkan ground forces, along with tanks, BMPs, BMDs, Helecopters, Mobile artillery pieces, jet fighters and IL-76 were on the ground in the desert 70 kilometers away from battle. They were setting up a base. The paratrooper divisions that were already sent in were ordered to retreat. Just in few hours almost 120000 Pushkan were ready. Four thousand 2s1 mobile artillery pieces targeted the enemy city and began firing, not forgeting to blow up barbed wire fences. All of the tanks went through the center, with about 60000 troops as support in BMPs and BMDs, also some were traveling by foot. A total of 167800 troops went in from the flanks, evenly devided. Helicopters and fighters went in as air support units. The great battle began. Numerous explosions from Pushkan artillery shells were heard inside the city. Barbed wire fence was eliminated by the blasts in many places, about 700 artillery pieces were firing at the MG nests near the entrance to the city.

OOC: Sicily is grassland. :/

Besides, I am taking Carthage(which IS surrounded by desert)

OOC: Sicily is grassland. :/

Besides, I am taking Carthage(which IS surrounded by desert)

ooc: just out of curiosity, will your rebels be defeated once Carthage is recaptured? If so, I want any Cottish inhabitant..

As the power to the command center failed, there were approx. 0.7 seconds of darkness before the emergency generators kicked in. Unconfirmed reports were coming in that another enemy force had landed on the unprotected shoreline near Agrigento, which had been guarded, but by tired, exhausted reservists.

General Flavius had to maintain Cottish supremacy untill the next load of regulars came from Russia in three hours. He ordered the 47th and 103rd Infantry Brigades that was resting near Agrigento to start a sweep. Their orders were to shoot to kill. Fortunately, many of the inhabitants had fled towards Messina and some had ever started to flee into Rome, so they didn't have to worry too much about colatteral damage.

Whatever was left of civilians were extremely friendly towards the 10 000 Cottish soldiers, giving them food, warm coffee, some even gave them home-made pies and cakes, while cursing the rebels, wishing they return to the hellhole they came from.

Further more, no less then 6 satellites were busy trying to find the enemy that was operating behind the enemy lines. They couldn't hide forever.

ooc: Memory serve, the third Punic War was the total destruction of Carthage.. I'm in, as long as we do it on Marsala instead. BTW, I'm placing a blockade on Tunisia/Carthage. Wanna participate?

OOC: Sorry I was late with this...

Yeah the Third Punic War was the destruction of Carthage, but what I meant was that we'd just do an invasion of Tunisia and capture Carthage instead of destroy it...but we can do it to Marsala, though I don't want to destroy it yet.

Also, I accept everything you've posted before.

Also, TLS, I have a substantial force of the Roman Navy around Sicily, so we're covered.

IC: "Thanks for the iced tea...haven't had one for a while," said Fidultus.

"Anyway, we have the full force of Rome's Mediterranean fleet coming to Sicily, so we should be able to mount a full blockade (OOC: I'm not sure what the ships are as I don't know much about them, but assume it's a full fleet with top-of-the-line equipment/ships). I'm also thinking about starving Lilybaeum and not ordering a general strike just yet. As for who should have main control, this is your land, so you can do it, though I'd like to keep some control over my forces."

The 2nd Battalion, 3rd Armoured Brigade moved into the village of Bivona, opening up at the small occupation force there. Any Cottish civilians that colloborated were wounded up, dragged into a courtyard and kept under armed guard untill they could be transported to a proper prison.

2nd Battalion, 3rd Armoured Brigade
[78] M1A2 Abrams MBTs
[148] M-2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles
[100] M-113A3 Armored Personnel Carrier
[24] M-48 Chapparral Mobile SAM Launcher
[20] HMMWV Avenger Anti-Aircraft Missile System
[36] RAH-66 Comanche Helicopters

http://www.bestofsicily.com/roadmap.gif

ooc: I've got to have some victories.. :)

"Thanks for the iced tea...haven't had one for a while," said Fidultus.

"Anyway, we have the full force of Rome's Mediterranean fleet coming to Sicily, so we should be able to mount a full blockade (OOC: I'm not sure what the ships are as I don't know much about them, but assume it's a full fleet with top-of-the-line equipment/ships). I'm also thinking about starving Lilybaeum and not ordering a general strike just yet. As for who should have main control, this is your land, so you can do it, though I'd like to keep some control over my forces."

"Naturally you can maintain command of your troops general. However, we have another problem. A force of enemies have moved in behind our lines. Size unknown. I've already got two brigades out searching, but still... Also, I'm told that several hundred thousands of civilians are trying to get over to Rome. Can you accept them to stay for the duration of the war? I've been urged by the political leaders to ask. I've also been told that Carthage has been recaptured by the friendly Lightning Starian troops."

Wow nice map.

Wow nice map.
ooc: thank you.

OOC: Sicily is grassland. :/

Besides, I am taking Carthage(which IS surrounded by desert)

OOC: Okay now i am canfused. Where is everybody? Who is attacking who? What the hell is happening? Anyways, just ignore the desert part, say that i am in Sicily and attacking the city occupied by enemies of Cotland.

OOC: Okay now i am canfused. Where is everybody? Who is attacking who? What the hell is happening? Anyways, just ignore the desert part, say that i am in Sicily and attacking the city occupied by enemies of Cotland.

OK, let me run you thru the way I understood the whole thing.

TLS rebels attacked the Roman embassy in Carthage(Tunis), and then attacked Sicily believing it belonged to Rome when it belong to me. Naturally, I declare war after allowing the rebels some time to get out of my land. They don't, so the war is on. It's me, you, Rome, Binthor, Hawdawg and loyalist TLS against rebel TLS (confusing like hell). Anyway, the fighting is in Sicily. Loyal TLS troops have recaptured Tunisia by now (I think), so it's just the rebels in Sicily left. But now they have launched an attack behind our lines, but my citizens would rather die then help the rebels (You hear TLS?). Now, all we have to do is kill off the rest of the rebels (approx. 300 000 - 500 000, TLS please post rebel losses, and how many remaining).
Confused? I know I am...

OCC: Uhm LS did you forget the air attack on your flagship and the 12 auxillary vessels with it from my stealth fighters? I sent 192 fighters armed with laser guided bombs to attack the blockade in the dead of night, certainly something was sunk?

IC:

As the day grew longer General West grew more and more agitated.

General West: What is taking so long? Why haven't we set out for the front yet?

Aide to the General: Sir we are having trouble moving the MBT's to shore. Our Landing Craft can only handle one at a time. This is causing a log jam in our logistics system.

General West: Get Admiral Gates on the phone and you tell him he had better step on it or I am coming over to his flagship and stomping a mudhole in his behind and walking it back dry? Tell him that word for word, enough of this dilly dally crap, we need to get into the fight.

Aide to the General: Uh, yes sir. I will pass the message on to him. (mumbling this is gonna be interesting)

The crews of the Assault Ships were dragging around on deck. 48 hours without sleep was beginning to take its toll. They still had at least 12 hours of work to get all the MEF on shore.

OOC: So what's the situation as of now?

OOC: So what's the situation as of now?

I'm not entierly sure.. I'll have to wait till TLS posts. Anyway, we need planes and ammo.

Here is the Hawdawg SITREP:

Attacked flagship Meagthron and support vessels (awaiting news of damage)

Launched 2 Battle Fleets to engage TLS rebel fleet off-sicily (will arrive shortly)

Launched Invasion Fleet landed in secure port of Syracuse with 1st MEF currently disembarking MEF and will travel north to the front within 48 hours.

OK, let me run you thru the way I understood the whole thing.

TLS rebels attacked the Roman embassy in Carthage(Tunis), and then attacked Sicily believing it belonged to Rome when it belong to me. Naturally, I declare war after allowing the rebels some time to get out of my land. They don't, so the war is on. It's me, you, Rome, Binthor, Hawdawg and loyalist TLS against rebel TLS (confusing like hell). Anyway, the fighting is in Sicily. Loyal TLS troops have recaptured Tunisia by now (I think), so it's just the rebels in Sicily left. But now they have launched an attack behind our lines, but my citizens would rather die then help the rebels (You hear TLS?). Now, all we have to do is kill off the rest of the rebels (approx. 300 000 - 500 000, TLS please post rebel losses, and how many remaining).
Confused? I know I am...

OOC: Lets just send ballitic and cruise missiles packed with my home made C4 to kill those bastards. What you think?

OOC: Lets just send ballitic and cruise missiles packed with my home made C4 to kill those bastards. What you think?

Cruise missiles, fine.
ICBMs, no way! (I don't want a nuclear war unless it's the very last option)

Besides, imperial TLS have recaptured Carthage. The only ones left are the rebels in Sicily.

Here is the Hawdawg SITREP:

Attacked flagship Meagthron and support vessels (awaiting news of damage)

Launched 2 Battle Fleets to engage TLS rebel fleet off-sicily (will arrive shortly)

Launched Invasion Fleet landed in secure port of Syracuse with 1st MEF currently disembarking MEF and will travel north to the front within 48 hours.

Wonderful! I thank you of all my heart.

***Official Statement***
Due to the current instability in the Middle East many of our troops are tied up, but The Templars will spare everything humanly possible for our Confederacy allies.
Three fighter wings of Templars F-16s and 2 wings of A-10 bombers will be sent to Roman air bases in Southern Italy as an expiditionairy force, in hopes they will be used well.
If a naval or air escort can be arrainged, The Poor Fellow Soldiers of Jesus Christ and The Temple of Solomon open all our warehouses and ammo dumps to Confederacy forces for support in Sicily.
Dei Gratia
***Grand Master Rossal***
Templar Headquarters, Trieste, Italy
"Ridiculous. There's no way that's enough." Godfrey of Rossal started. "We should be tot . . ."
"I know, Grand Master." Commander Varus said. "We're not done."

Cruise missiles, fine.
ICBMs, no way! (I don't want a nuclear war unless it's the very last option)

Besides, imperial TLS have recaptured Carthage. The only ones left are the rebels in Sicily.

ballistic missiles don't have to come with nukes.

OOC: Okay now i am canfused. Where is everybody? Who is attacking who? What the hell is happening? Anyways, just ignore the desert part, say that i am in Sicily and attacking the city occupied by enemies of Cotland.

TLS's guide to WTF is happening!

Sicily: The Rebels(The SBC), numbering 280,000(this is before casualties), are trying to break out of the siege of Lilybaeum.
They have also attacked the city of Agrigento(also in Sicily) with 50,000 peoples. Seeing how I havent seen a Cottish Counter-attack, they be ok!
Casualties: 124,239 infantry
4 battleships, 1 carrier, 7 cruisers, 27 frigates
62 Assault Copters
13 transport copters
146 Jet Fighters
27 tanks
63 ATV's.
14 Mobile SAMs
22 Howitzers

Carthage:The Imperial Army has begun to assault Carthage, but they have NOT taken it. They are sending 100 planes, 20 vessels, and 50,000 men to re-claim Agrigento from the SBC.

Yes, I know it is confusing.

But it's more like REal Life that way. When in real life does someone understand EVERYTHING during a battle?

The higher command does, either that or they send soldiers in the field battle, they die, and then all those generals heroically resign from their posts and cry infront of the TV cameras. But anyways, what are the rebel forces? How much of everything they got? Who the hell is giving them the weapons?

OCC: So the fleet off sicily grew from the CIS Megathron and 12 support ships to the list above with the arrival of the SBC naval fleet?

Just trying to get a bearing on what I am up against on the sea here.

P.S. Please post losses on first wave of bombings on fleet. Thank you.

-Hawdawg

The higher command does, either that or they send soldiers in the field battle, they die, and then all those generals heroically resign from their posts and cry infront of the TV cameras. But anyways, what are the rebel forces? How much of everything they got? Who the hell is giving them the weapons?

If you paid attention, the SBC seized control of the Greater Carthage region(the Richest and most powerful of the regions in my nation). They have the support of the 170,000,000 people who live there, and they also got control of the Greater Carthage army(of 500,000 men). They are heavily armed and well trained, although their defence capabilities are bad and the navy focuses more on cannon and airplanes than missiles. The military is oriented towards lighting strikes, so it focus more on Light Tanks, light infantry, attack copters, airplanes, and a few tomahawks.

If you want to know what they look like, go to the picture pages.

OCC: So the fleet off sicily grew from the CIS Megathron and 12 support ships to the list above with the arrival of the SBC naval fleet?

Just trying to get a bearing on what I am up against on the sea here.

P.S. Please post losses on first wave of bombings on fleet. Thank you.

-Hawdawg

OOC: The list was a list of CASUALTIES. All those ships listed are DESTROYED.

LS Stated:
OOC: The list was a list of CASUALTIES. All those ships listed are DESTROYED.

OOC: My bad. The post wasn't clear in that fact. I assumed (wrong) that the casualities only referred to the infantry not the equipment and material below it.

-Hawdawg

LS Stated:


OOC: My bad. The post wasn't clear in that fact. I assumed (wrong) that the casualities only referred to the infantry not the equipment and material below it.

-Hawdawg

OOC: NP.

As the two Battle Strike Groups approached the Sicilian Coast radars AWACS communications were abuzz in the FireControl Room aboard the HMS Bull Mastif, the designated flagship of this Hawdawg Armada.

Fire Control Officer: Sir, direct contact surface ships bearing 0390, speed 18 knots, closing......

Officer of the Bridge: Maintain current heading and speed. Send a coded message to the Submarine Squadrons, have them engage. We are still too far away for our 16" guns to be effective, yet.

Fire Control Officer: Sir, new contact sonar has detected a cavitation. Maybe nothing Sir.

Officer of the Bridge: Add this information to the coded message to the Submarine Squadron. Send that message ASAP!

50 Nautical Miles ahead of the Fleet aboard the Submarine HMS Doberman............

Radio: Conn, Radio.

Conn: Radio, Conn go ahead.

Radio: Coded Message incoming. Surface fleet possible enemy combatants bearing 0390 degrees speed 18 knots. Another contact listed as a cavitation, no bearing or speed sent.

Conn: Very well.

Sonar: Conn, Sonar.

Conn: Sonar, Conn go ahead.

Sonar: Multiple screws detected bearing 0390 NNE speed 18 knots. Master Chief is checking logs, appears to be mix of multiple ships, at least one carrier possible Battleship and BattleCruiser several light vessels. Distance to target 60,000 meters. Cavitation not detected at this time.

Conn: Very well. Chief all ahead full. Plot a course for an angled intercept. Close to 15,000 meters. Take us to a depth of 60 ft. Flood tubes 1 through 4. Plot a trajectory for launch, multiple spread. Go.

Conn: Radio, Conn.

Radio: Conn, Radio go ahead.

Conn: Radio, send coded message to HMS Shepherd, HMS Collie, HMS Blue Tick. Enemy ships bearing 0390 NNE 18 knots. Plot angled intercept course, flood all tubes plot mulitple spread torpedo launch. Out.

Conn: Battlestations. Repeat Battlestations. This is not a drill.

Activity on the Submarines quicken as the Sailors aboard these vessels where about to release multiple barrage of death from below......

OOC: Alright guys, see you during the summer if i can afford another PC by then.

IC: Pushka is pulling all of its troops home.

http://www.bestofsicily.com/roadmap.gif

ooc: I've got to have some victories.. :)

OOC: Not to sound picky, but this is what the map should look like (factoring my Superhighway through Sicily, Roman Highway 42):

http://www.geocities.com/dadothegreat2003/Sicilyroadmap.gif

(Source: http://www.bestofsicily.com/roadmap.gif )

OOC: Alright guys, see you during the summer if i can afford another PC by then.

IC: Pushka is pulling all of its troops home.

OOC: !??!?!?!???!?!?!

IC: YAY!

But now they have launched an attack behind our lines, but my citizens would rather die then help the rebels (You hear TLS?)

OOC: Look at it this way. Lilybaeum(Marsala), and ALL of Sicily for that matter have ALWAYS been heavily influenced by Carthage. It was settled by them, it created some of its culture, and Carthaginians went there on a daily bases. Alot of Carthaginians would have moved to Sicily.

And then there's AFTER the confederacy. Due to the fact that everyone in the confederacy is buddy-buddy, chances are that alot of Carthaginians would move to Sicily. Now, when a group of Carthaginians invades, who do you think they will support: Their people, culture, and civilization, or some foreigners who just happened to live on what used to be Carthaginian land?

OOC: Not to sound picky, but this is what the map should look like (factoring my Superhighway through Sicily, Roman Highway 42):

http://www.geocities.com/dadothegreat2003/Sicilyroadmap.gif

(Source: http://www.bestofsicily.com/roadmap.gif )

OOC: Whacho guys talking about?

OOC: TLS, I have a system of Superhighways that run through Confederacy land. Highway 42 is one of them, and it goes through Sicily. This is the map:

http://www.geocities.com/dadothegreat2003/RomanHighwaysProjected.jpg

"Naturally you can maintain command of your troops general. However, we have another problem. A force of enemies have moved in behind our lines. Size unknown. I've already got two brigades out searching, but still... Also, I'm told that several hundred thousands of civilians are trying to get over to Rome. Can you accept them to stay for the duration of the war? I've been urged by the political leaders to ask. I've also been told that Carthage has been recaptured by the friendly Lightning Starian troops."

"Good. The refugees will be taken to Civitavecchia, which is an hour north of Rome. I also want to ask for permission for an air strike on Agrigento...we have intel reports that tell us 50,000 SBC forces are attacking the city. We have mobilized another army division- another 100,000 soldiers, 1,200 M1 Abrams MBT and 3,000 rocket launchers- to the city, and have alerted the Roman Navy which should provide some relief. However, before the soldiers get there we want a quick strike to surprise enemy troops. Is this acceptable?"

The Imperial Principality of Gintonpar is distressed at this disastrous turn of events. It immediately pledges naval support consisting of our Meditterenean Fleet under Rear Admiral the Viscount Cambley:

1 Illeana Vassili Class Carrier fully loaded with F/A-18s
2 Kusnetsov Class Carriers each loaded with 16 Yak-141 "Freestyle", 12 K Model Su-27 "Flanker", 18 Ka-27 Helix A ASW and 18 KA-27 Helix C Utility/SAR
4 Ynoga Class Aircraft Carriers, each loaded with 8 F-35 JSF fighters, 2 loaded with 6 AH-1W Super Cobras and the other 2 loaded with 6 Sea Hawk helicopters
10 Dolphin Class Submarines
6 Seawolf Submarines
4 SSN-688 Los Angeles Submarines
2 Coronado Class Command Ships
14 Ticonderoga Class Cruisers
10 Wyth-R class Monohull Missile Cruisers
18 Arleigh Burke DDG Destroyers
14 Oliver Hazard Perry Destroyer/Frigates
10 Eilat Class Sa'ar 5 Multi Mission Corvettes
10 Visby Class Corvettes
15 Ra class Monohull SC Patrol Boats
5 Osprey Class Coastal Mine Hunters

Also under the command of the Mediterrenean fleet are:

4 Trojan II Class Airships- Aircraft (each):
(20) K Model MiG-35 MultiroleFront-Line Fighters

200 AAD-1 Airborne Air Defense Platforms. Each contain:

M-56 Airborne Radar Arrays 120 RR-129A/AL Chaff Countermeasures
40 JU-51/B Advanced Infrared Flares
1 AN/ALQ-178 ECM pod

We are not commiting a ground force as Sicily seems congested enough with ground troops as it is. The fleet will move into the action area as soon as it has been brought together. An approximation is 2 weeks until total readiness is achieved.


OOC: You guys have seem to have forgotten that Gintonpar sent its Mediterrenean fleet in to action (a page or two back in the posts). We are launching an attack now.

IC: Viscount Cambley was an aristocrat, arrogant, snobbish, cold, and a brilliant soldier. He knew all about war, he had served in just about every post his navy had to offer and was earmarked for promotion to full Admiral within the year. Now it was his task to lead the Mediterrenean fleet of his country's navy into battle, in Gintonpar the navy was given priority over the other services and was a finely honed machine, sleek, efficient and deadly, and Cambley was its best commander. He knew precisely how to win this victory, off the port of Syracuse the enemy fleet was anchored and he would use his submarines to disrupt the fleet, cause them to change position, then he would send his aeroplanes in to pick off the ships individually, when they would be bereft of fighter cover and susceptible to his MiGs. After that he would send in his destroyers to apply the coup de grace. He had his Air Defence Arrays over his ships, chaff countermeasures and flares ready like a shield above his fleet, the Trojan airships moved high into the Sicilian sky, ready to release 80 or so MiGs to join the veritable cloud of aircraft that would soon be released from the fleets 7 carriers.

Cambley was stationed on the Intrepid Kusnetsov Class Carrier. He had sent his submarine corps to the East of the enemy fleet and they had set up their torpedo arrays with mathematical precision, each torpedo would cause an enemy ship to move to avoid it, the plan being to seperate the fleet in preparation for a flight of fighters to launch their specially designed ship killing missiles. Several B-2 bombers had flown from Gintonpar bases in Spain to launch Exocets at the opposing fleet and already several ships were burning, Cambley could even see one particularly large ship sinking, its bow finally descending into the icy embrace of the sea. Cambley gave the order for the submarines to release their torpedos, almost immediately the torpedos were picked up on the sonar and the enemy fleet began to take evasive action, just as Cambley had planned. "Now!" he cried. The order had been given and the pilots sitting sweating in their cockpits pushed their ignition devices and sent their planes into the clear blue sky.

Engines roared aboard the carriers and aboard the airships, the planes converging on their chosen targets. Suddenly the air was aflame with anti-aircraft missiles streaking towards the planes and Ak-Ak batteries stiching explosions across the sky. Explosions tore down whole squadrons from the sky, mangled remains of the aircraft falling into the sea, but enough remained to converge on the scattered fleet, now the Gintonpar pilots sent anti-ship missiles into the metal skins of the opposing ships. Then, their mission complete, they hoped to get back to the safety of the fleet, or the closer airships. They knew that the enemy fighters would now be on their tail, although they were stunned by the torpedo attack the fleet would now be recovering, although much of the fleet was burning or sinking. The Gintonpar planes limped back to their carriers, now closely pursued by the Carthaginian planes whose carriers had survived the devastating attack. It was a race back to the Meditterenean Fleet and many would not make it. More fighters were lost trying to make it back to the fleet than were lost in the bombing run on the Carthaginian fleet.

Finally, the Carthaginian fighters abandoned their pursuit. They had littered the sea with the wreckage of the Gintonpar aircraft, but their own fleet had been devastated. Almost every ship was damaged, apart from one squadron which had escaped the panic caused by the torpedo attack and so were able to defend eachother from the attacking planes. Cambley's master stroke had wrecked the Carthaginian fleet, but at huge cost. Over three quarters of his pilots did not return, and retaliatory missile strikes from the Carthaginian airforce had sunk one destroyer and damaged three others, as well as hitting a Corvettes ammunition supply. But it was still a victory, and a crushing one, though it was paid for with huge loss of life among the pilots.

A tear ran down Cambleys face, the first since he had left home at 12 years old to go to Naval Academy in Mexico. So much death, on both sides. But his tears only really flowed for his own pilots, many of whom he had known personally, those brave men he had sent to his death. Life must go on. Then he was awoken from his daze by the cries of delight from his officers. The satellites had just confirmed the damage the Gintonpar fleet and airforce had done. They had crippled the Carthaginian naval threat.

Such a waste. Cambley still thought.

OOC: You guys have seem to have forgotten that Gintonpar sent its Mediterrenean fleet in to action (a page or two back in the posts). We are launching an attack now.

IC: Viscount Cambley was an aristocrat, arrogant, snobbish, cold, and a brilliant soldier. He knew all about war, he had served in just about every post his navy had to offer and was earmarked for promotion to full Admiral within the year. Now it was his task to lead the Mediterrenean fleet of his country's navy into battle, in Gintonpar the navy was given priority over the other services and was a finely honed machine, sleek, efficient and deadly, and Cambley was its best commander. He knew precisely how to win this victory, off the port of Syracuse the enemy fleet was anchored and he would use his submarines to disrupt the fleet, cause them to change position, then he would send his aeroplanes in to pick off the ships individually, when they would be bereft of fighter cover and susceptible to his MiGs. After that he would send in his destroyers to apply the coup de grace. He had his Air Defence Arrays over his ships, chaff countermeasures and flares ready like a shield above his fleet, the Trojan airships moved high into the Sicilian sky, ready to release 80 or so MiGs to join the veritable cloud of aircraft that would soon be released from the fleets 7 carriers.

Cambley was stationed on the Intrepid Kusnetsov Class Carrier. He had sent his submarine corps to the East of the enemy fleet and they had set up their torpedo arrays with mathematical precision, each torpedo would cause an enemy ship to move to avoid it, the plan being to seperate the fleet in preparation for a flight of fighters to launch their specially designed ship killing missiles. Several B-2 bombers had flown from Gintonpar bases in Spain to launch Exocets at the opposing fleet and already several ships were burning, Cambley could even see one particularly large ship sinking, its bow finally descending into the icy embrace of the sea. Cambley gave the order for the submarines to release their torpedos, almost immediately the torpedos were picked up on the sonar and the enemy fleet began to take evasive action, just as Cambley had planned. "Now!" he cried. The order had been given and the pilots sitting sweating in their cockpits pushed their ignition devices and sent their planes into the clear blue sky.

Engines roared aboard the carriers and aboard the airships, the planes converging on their chosen targets. Suddenly the air was aflame with anti-aircraft missiles streaking towards the planes and Ak-Ak batteries stiching explosions across the sky. Explosions tore down whole squadrons from the sky, mangled remains of the aircraft falling into the sea, but enough remained to converge on the scattered fleet, now the Gintonpar pilots sent anti-ship missiles into the metal skins of the opposing ships. Then, their mission complete, they hoped to get back to the safety of the fleet, or the closer airships. They knew that the enemy fighters would now be on their tail, although they were stunned by the torpedo attack the fleet would now be recovering, although much of the fleet was burning or sinking. The Gintonpar planes limped back to their carriers, now closely pursued by the Carthaginian planes whose carriers had survived the devastating attack. It was a race back to the Meditterenean Fleet and many would not make it. More fighters were lost trying to make it back to the fleet than were lost in the bombing run on the Carthaginian fleet.

Finally, the Carthaginian fighters abandoned their pursuit. They had littered the sea with the wreckage of the Gintonpar aircraft, but their own fleet had been devastated. Almost every ship was damaged, apart from one squadron which had escaped the panic caused by the torpedo attack and so were able to defend eachother from the attacking planes. Cambley's master stroke had wrecked the Carthaginian fleet, but at huge cost. Over three quarters of his pilots did not return, and retaliatory missile strikes from the Carthaginian airforce had sunk one destroyer and damaged three others, as well as hitting a Corvettes ammunition supply. But it was still a victory, and a crushing one, though it was paid for with huge loss of life among the pilots.

A tear ran down Cambleys face, the first since he had left home at 12 years old to go to Naval Academy in Mexico. So much death, on both sides. But his tears only really flowed for his own pilots, many of whom he had known personally, those brave men he had sent to his death. Life must go on. Then he was awoken from his daze by the cries of delight from his officers. The satellites had just confirmed the damage the Gintonpar fleet and airforce had done. They had crippled the Carthaginian naval threat.

Such a waste. Cambley still thought.


OOC: You kinda aren't supposed to post my losses, but meh. I'll let it slide since this wasnt a "1 $nk ur sihps, f00! u llst 50 bagliln mne"

I will Post later.

OOC: I'll be gone for the weekend, so leave my army alone

"Good. The refugees will be taken to Civitavecchia, which is an hour north of Rome. I also want to ask for permission for an air strike on Agrigento...we have intel reports that tell us 50,000 SBC forces are attacking the city. We have mobilized another army division- another 100,000 soldiers, 1,200 M1 Abrams MBT and 3,000 rocket launchers- to the city, and have alerted the Roman Navy which should provide some relief. However, before the soldiers get there we want a quick strike to surprise enemy troops. Is this acceptable?"

General Flavius were relieved to hear of the Roman reinforcements.
"Yes, please do. The more enemy dead, the better. I also thank you for taking our refugees. Cotland will remember this act of mercy. Also, the superhighway have been closed down, mainly by our GBU-62 bunker-buster bombs, but when this crazyness is over, we'll repair it. I've heard from back home that the recruiting offices are experiencing so many people wanting to join up that they have to work all day and night. True, they won't be available for another 4 months, by which I hope that this war is over, but still. It shows that the people care.By now the Cottish military presence on the island is more then 380 000 soldiers and 1,2 million logistics personell(ooc: trained light infantry)."


Marsala International Airport

The troops of what remained of the 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry finally rested. They and the rest of the 60th, 142nd and 14th Infantry Brigades, 55th Armoured Brigade and 372nd Combat Engineer Battalion had fought for three days over the control of the airport. It was estimated that they had fired off approx. 1.5 billion rounds over those three days.

A total of more then six thousand lives had been lost on Cottish side in order to reclaim the airport. The 3rd Infantry brigade (start of war: 5000 men) had been inihalated trying to relaim the command of the airport. The remaining 411 men in that brigade were spread out across the rest of the brigades. This was only one example of how hard the Cottish soldiers fought, and died.

Finally, they had recaptured what was left of it. A runway full of pot-holes, bombed-out buildings and hangars, and thirtyseven Carthagian POWs, who were brought from the airport to Palermo, where they would be interrogated (sp?) and questioned about everything between heaven and earth.

The engineers placed new SAM and AAA sites (Javelin SAMs, M163s and the new Layarteb 1C 88mm flak guns mainly) and dug out defencive positions for the infantry and tanks, while the infantry and armoured units fired constantly on the enemy. Milan anti tank missiles and M-2HB MGs were placed and fired on the enemy, who were on the defensive, something that weren't their strong side.


Outside Agrigento (after the Roman bombing raid)

The ground were littered with Cottish soldiers, tanks and APCs, supply trucks and HMMWVs. The reinforcements had arrived, and now, 7 Infantry brigades and 3 Armoured brigades, an entire Cottish Corps (division = 5 brigades, corps = 2 divisions), sat and waited for the 600 Cottish cannons and 250 MLRS launchers belonging to the corps to finish their bombardment of Agrigento. They had been pounding the area for three hours, pinpointing targets using satellites and radar-immune Global Hawk UAVs. The fire had been consentrated mainly on ammo dumps, rally points and ships in the dock.

The enemy had to be seriously weakened by now, so Brigadeer Ralmo, who was in command of the units waiting, ordered the troops to start their advance. The artillery wouldn't stop untill the troops were at the city gates, giving the attackers the element of surprise. Meanwhile, the UAVs would provide the attackers with a clear overview, and what remained of the Cottish Air Force, about 280 fighters (EF-2000, F-16C/D) and 120 fighter/bombers (FB-111, F-16CD, A-10), in Sicily would provide air-cover.



ooc: OOC: Look at it this way. Lilybaeum(Marsala), and ALL of Sicily for that matter have ALWAYS been heavily influenced by Carthage. It was settled by them, it created some of its culture, and Carthaginians went there on a daily bases. Alot of Carthaginians would have moved to Sicily.

And then there's AFTER the confederacy. Due to the fact that everyone in the confederacy is buddy-buddy, chances are that alot of Carthaginians would move to Sicily. Now, when a group of Carthaginians invades, who do you think they will support: Their people, culture, and civilization, or some foreigners who just happened to live on what used to be Carthaginian land?

True. But they have also spent the better part of 2000 years of Roman influence (the island belonged to Rome for approx. 1800 years), and more then 100 years of Cottish influence....

Total casualties so far:
74 762 soldiers KIA/MIA
132 711 soldiers WIA
6 baptist reverends KIA (this will piss of my religious population ;) )
327 M1A2
633 M-113
266 M2A3
682 planes

General Flavius were relieved to hear of the Roman reinforcements.
"Yes, please do. The more enemy dead, the better. I also thank you for taking our refugees. Cotland will remember this act of mercy. Also, the superhighway have been closed down, mainly by our GBU-62 bunker-buster bombs, but when this crazyness is over, we'll repair it. I've heard from back home that the recruiting offices are experiencing so many people wanting to join up that they have to work all day and night. True, they won't be available for another 4 months, by which I hope that this war is over, but still. It shows that the people care.By now the Cottish military presence on the island is more then 380 000 soldiers and 1,2 million logistics personell(ooc: trained light infantry)."


Marsala International Airport

The troops of what remained of the 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry finally rested. They and the rest of the 60th, 142nd and 14th Infantry Brigades, 55th Armoured Brigade and 372nd Combat Engineer Battalion had fought for three days over the control of the airport. It was estimated that they had fired off approx. 1.5 billion rounds over those three days.

A total of more then six thousand lives had been lost on Cottish side in order to reclaim the airport. The 3rd Infantry brigade (start of war: 5000 men) had been inihalated trying to relaim the command of the airport. The remaining 411 men in that brigade were spread out across the rest of the brigades. This was only one example of how hard the Cottish soldiers fought, and died.

Finally, they had recaptured what was left of it. A runway full of pot-holes, bombed-out buildings and hangars, and thirtyseven Carthagian POWs, who were brought from the airport to Palermo, where they would be interrogated (sp?) and questioned about everything between heaven and earth.

The engineers placed new SAM and AAA sites (Javelin SAMs, M163s and the new Layarteb 1C 88mm flak guns mainly) and dug out defencive positions for the infantry and tanks, while the infantry and armoured units fired constantly on the enemy. Milan anti tank missiles and M-2HB MGs were placed and fired on the enemy, who were on the defensive, something that weren't their strong side.


Outside Agrigento (after the Roman bombing raid)

The ground were littered with Cottish soldiers, tanks and APCs, supply trucks and HMMWVs. The reinforcements had arrived, and now, 7 Infantry brigades and 3 Armoured brigades, an entire Cottish Corps (division = 5 brigades, corps = 2 divisions), sat and waited for the 600 Cottish cannons and 250 MLRS launchers belonging to the corps to finish their bombardment of Agrigento. They had been pounding the area for three hours, pinpointing targets using satellites and radar-immune Global Hawk UAVs. The fire had been consentrated mainly on ammo dumps, rally points and ships in the dock.

The enemy had to be seriously weakened by now, so Brigadeer Ralmo, who was in command of the units waiting, ordered the troops to start their advance. The artillery wouldn't stop untill the troops were at the city gates, giving the attackers the element of surprise. Meanwhile, the UAVs would provide the attackers with a clear overview, and what remained of the Cottish Air Force, about 280 fighters (EF-2000, F-16C/D) and 120 fighter/bombers (FB-111, F-16CD, A-10), in Sicily would provide air-cover.



ooc:

True. But they have also spent the better part of 2000 years of Roman influence (the island belonged to Rome for approx. 1800 years), and more then 100 years of Cottish influence....

Total casualties so far:
10 762 soldiers KIA/MIA
32 711 soldiers WIA
6 baptist reverends KIA (this will piss of my religious population ;) )
327 M1A2
633 M-113
266 M2A3
682 planes

OOC: How could you only have 10,000 soldiers dead!?!?!? You are going up against a force that is about the same size(logistics don't count. They are only good for defending themselves. Sending them into battle= SUICIDE), in many cases is better trained and armed than you(you said YOURSELF that most of your forces are reservists or poorly trained logistics personnel) , and is fighting for a fanatical cause(Think of em as the Japanese in WWII. They will fight to the death. Out of all 150,000ish remaining people,only about 1,000 will surrender). All your men are fighting for is some far-off colony.

IC:

Lilybaeum

"Give em hell, boys!" shouted a sergeant to his men as they charged from the city. OVer 100,000 men had gone charging, and charging was what they did best. Their navy, unfortunatly, had been mostly destroyed, but now they didn't care. They were no longer fighting for their lives. Nay, those had already been lost. These men were fighting for honor, and glory, something these barbarians would never understand. Thousands of men on both sides fell due to the hail of bullets being fired. Some of the Humvees had been laden with explosives and they ran full speed over minefields, and when one humvee blew a hole in the fields the men and vehicles would go through it. Lightning Starian trucks laden with explosives blew holes in the Cottish defences left and right. The few Lightning Starian jets than remained rammed themselves into the Cottish and Roman soldiers a la kamikazee, and the remaining ships, most notably the Megathron, rammed into their enemies ships. They would go down, but not without taking as many enemies as they could.

Agrigento

The Imperial Fleet apeared off shore of Agrigento and began to pummel it to bits. 50,000 Imperial soldiers ran ashore under heavy fire from the defence guns. On the other side of the city Cottish forces were beggining to try and enter the city. Although they were slowly getting through, the defenders made sure that for every foot lost the Cot's would pay in human lives. Sacred Band soldiers ran suicidly into the Cotish lines, guns blazing. These men had no fear for ther own lives; their sole purpose was to kill the enemies of the State.

After a few hours of fighting the Cots and Imperial forces had forced the rebels into the center. The Cot's and the Imperial forces had lost outrageously large amounts of men. Unfortunatly, when Cottish soldiers first met up with the Imperial forces, in quite a few places the Cot's fired on them in blind rage, due to the fact that they were A. Wearing baisically the same uniform, B., were muslims, and C., spoke the same language(baisically, the Rebels and the Imperial soldiers looked the same). Although these friendly fire incidents only lasted a few minutes at most, they weren't very good for morale.

Finally, the city was captured. The Imperial army lost over 40,000 soldiers, and every single one of the defenders died instead of surrendering. The remaining 10,000 hoped back on their ships and sailed to take Carthage.

OOC: You kinda aren't supposed to post my losses, but meh. I'll let it slide since this wasnt a "1 $nk ur sihps, f00! u llst 50 bagliln mne"

I will Post later.

Wasnt trying to post your losses really, just giving an impression of what the attack was like. Basically it was to balance the fact that although it was a tactical victory it was won with great loss among the pilots, 3/4 being killed or bailed out. Just to show that victory has its price. Wasnt trying to big up my attack or anything lol.

Wasnt trying to post your losses really, just giving an impression of what the attack was like. Basically it was to balance the fact that although it was a tactical victory it was won with great loss among the pilots, 3/4 being killed or bailed out. Just to show that victory has its price. Wasnt trying to big up my attack or anything lol.

OOC: Well, my navy got is revenge :D(see my last post)

Total casualties so far:
74 762 soldiers KIA/MIA
132 711 soldiers WIA
6 baptist reverends KIA (this will piss of my religious population ;) )
327 M1A2
633 M-113
266 M2A3
682 planes

OOC: MUCH better! :D

ooc: Edited my casualties.

ic: The Cottish soldiers had opened fire on friendly troops, and, even though they were only short, it was mainly due to the lack of the nessicary information reaching the lowerranking troops on the scene. Even though morale was lacking due to the friendly fire incidents and the great losses, Agrigento was once again free, and that was a boost to morale.

Even though more then 37 000 Cottish lives had been lost (these are some of the best trained troops in Cotland, thus the relatively low loss of lives), the civilian losses were greater. Much greater. Of the 2,2 million people living in Agrigento, almost 1 million had been killed. That included the civilian traitors (the ones that had gove over to the enemy --> about 400 000) and police forces. The 9th and 66th Infantry Brigades did not exist anymore. Neither did the 12th Amoured Guards Brigade or 5th Armoured Brigade (Guards brigades are the best of the best).


"The Marsala line"

Even though the reservists were starting to "learn the game", losses were staggering. Much of the Cottish regular army had been lost. More then 100 000 men so far, and counting. The reservists from the 76th Palermo Battalion had lost more then 70% of their manpower, but still they kept it going. They knew that if they didn't manage to stop the invaders, their families and homes would be the next under attack. That was the mentality of the home guards in Sicily. Fight or loose your families.

The reservists had the new XM-8A1 infantry rifle that had been distributed to the Cottish armed forces just a few years ago, and it started to make its entry in the home guard. It was a good weapon, better then the old M-4s, and the 5.56mm NATO round were very effective against the hordes of attackers. They lay in piles in front of the trenches, one on top of another. Is was easy to see who shot people and who didn't.

The logistics troops came in every hour with crates of 5.56mm ammunition for the XM-8A1s and the five XM-8A3 light machine guns the unit had left. Those in particular were very effective, with their 20" heavy barrels and 100 round drums they could sustain fire longer then the old M-60A3s that were being phased out from the Home Guards. Then, the men saw another fighter jet crash into the lines, killing more soldiers. Right now, there were a lul in the battle. The men, most of them in their late 30s and early 40s, took the chance to eat a little of their MREs and drink water. Warfare made you thirsty.

5 km behind the "Marsala line"

While the men on the line fought, the soldiers of the 8th Airborne Brigade prepared to enter the fight. This unit was one of few that had actual combat experience, from Pushka in the 8th Airbornes case. There, they had been involved in a similar situation only that it was nazis that were holding positions there, not rebels. With them, they brought 60 CV-9030 IFVs, 20 Carl Gustav 84mm recoil-free cannons, and 200 M1025 Armoured HMMWVs with Mk19 grenade launchers mounted. They were ready to fight.


Specs CV-9030

http://members.surfeu.fi/stefan.allen/pics/9030-9.jpg
CV-9030 in wintertime

http://www.checkpoint-online.ch/CheckPoint/Images/N-CV9030-2.jpg
CV-9030 advancing on the enemy

Height: 2.72 m
Length: 6,55 m
Width: 3,19 m
Crew: 3+8
Weight: 26 000 kgs
Armament: 30mm Bushmaster II, M-240, 2x71mm Lyran Launchers
Speed forward: 70km/h
Speed reverse: 43 km/h
Acceleration 0-30 km/h: 7 sec
Fuel: Diesel
Fuel tank capacity: 840 dm³

Map of Marsala (http://www.antoniogenna.net/marsala/mappa-ing.jpg) 56k warning

So we all know what we are fighting for...

Sicilian coast, off Mersala

The 12 Virginias and 15 Seawolfs fired ADCAPs and Lances on the remaining ships. The newly arrived 15 Ohio SSGNs fired their loads of Tomahawks. A total of 1100 Tomahawks rose to the surface and headed for the city of Mersala.


"Mersala line"

A bagpipe started playing. Everyone, on allied side as well as the rebel side, stopped up and listened. The tune was familiar. From the Cottish side, the rebels could hear singing from the Cots.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound..."

When the bagpipes stopped playing, all hell broke loose. more then 110 000 Cottish soldiers, almost 70 000 of them regulars, stormed forward with fixed bayonets, guns blazing, lead by 800 M1A2 Abrams MBTs, 1600 M2A3 Bradleys and 1700 M-113s and 34 baptist reverends in jeeps, who were trowing the eternal damnation of God over the Carthagians, advancing under the cover of artillery shells from the Crusaders and HE rockets fired from M270 MRLS trailers.

The airborne wing of the armoured brigades (520 Apaches) lead the way, providing air-support, with 470 Cottish F-16s and 200 A-10s in the skies for back-up. 60% of the force in the trenches attacked. They had been supplemented by fresh forces from Cotland.

There would be no mercy in store for the invaders. Not from the Cots, and not from the baptist reverends!

OOC: Just to let ye know, the men had already reached within about 50 feet of the line.

"The Marsala Line"

The Barbarous Cot's had launched a surprise charge, but the Lightning Starians still fought on. Encircled by these wild barbarians from the north, the Lightning Starians pulled out their favorite weapons for close combat, their swords. Against a bayonet, a sword is supreme, so as the Cot's charged with their bayonets flashing, the Carthaginians ran to meet them with cold steel blades. Blood ran freely as though in ancient times.

The Imams called through their great towers in the city to smite the pagans and crush them in the name of Allah and Carthage, even as Cottish missiles would smash into their makeshift minarets. At the front of the fighting was Colonel Zafar, submachinegun blazing. When he ran out of bullets he picked up two SMG's from dead Cot's and began firing with a passion. He threw some grenades into the trenches as the fight raged on. Veterans of this horrific battle would say that it reminded them of the pure carnage that they read of as boys, about Emperor Hannibal III fighting against the hordes of Afghan warriors in the Indus Valley. The flashes of guns reflected off of the slashes of blades. Behind them, the remaining 20,000 men(and 40 Imams) rode on Humvees(which are better than jeeps :D) at full speed. Guns blazing, they entered the fray as Cottish missiles englufed the city in flames. Buidlings crumbled left and right as the fight ensued.

After hours and hours of close combat, the SBC was defeated in battle. 147,483 Carthaginian men lay dead. 127 men had surrendered to the Cottish Forces. No matter the fact that they had died, these men were men of honor. Although in the History books they would be regarded as insane men and traitors, you could always find books about their valor. These men fought not for money, wealth, or women, the fought for honor. They would always(unofficially, of course) be remembered as true Carthaginians. In the way of Hannibal, these men were devoted to their nation to the death. In the slums of Greater Carthage, you can always find, on some wall somewhere, paintings of the valient defence of Lilybaeum. For three days, and against all odds, they fought to regain their Empire. Every young boy was told of stories of the brave sons of Carthage, the only true civilization in the world, had fought against all odds against the Barbarians of the north and, for how ever briefly, had created a state where Carthage was not at the mercy of the treacherous Romans or the Barbarous Cot's, but was a free land, an honorable land, a glorious land.

Casualties of the Siege of Lilybaeum: 267,482 infantry KIA
0 WIA
127 Captured
154 ships destroyed
73,382 sailors KIA
0 WIA
0 MIA
0 Captured
97 tanks destroyed
573 planes destroyed
1,493 pilots KIA
0 WIA
0 Captured
0 MIA

OOC: Just to let ye know, the men had already reached within about 50 feet of the line.

"The Marsala Line"

The Barbarous Cot's had launched a surprise charge, but the Lightning Starians still fought on. Encircled by these wild barbarians from the north, the Lightning Starians pulled out their favorite weapons for close combat, their swords. Against a bayonet, a sword is supreme, so as the Cot's charged with their bayonets flashing, the Carthaginians ran to meet them with cold steel blades. Blood ran freely as though in ancient times.

The Imams called through their great towers in the city to smite the pagans and crush them in the name of Allah and Carthage, even as Cottish missiles would smash into their makeshift minarets. At the front of the fighting was Colonel Zafar, submachinegun blazing. When he ran out of bullets he picked up two SMG's from dead Cot's and began firing with a passion. He threw some grenades into the trenches as the fight raged on. Veterans of this horrific battle would say that it reminded them of the pure carnage that they read of as boys, about Emperor Hannibal III fighting against the hordes of Afghan warriors in the Indus Valley. The flashes of guns reflected off of the slashes of blades. Behind them, the remaining 20,000 men(and 40 Imams) rode on Humvees(which are better than jeeps :D) at full speed. Guns blazing, they entered the fray as Cottish missiles englufed the city in flames. Buidlings crumbled left and right as the fight ensued.

After hours and hours of close combat, the SBC was defeated in battle. 147,483 Carthaginian men lay dead. 127 men had surrendered to the Cottish Forces. No matter the fact that they had died, these men were men of honor. Although in the History books they would be regarded as insane men and traitors, you could always find books about their valor. These men fought not for money, wealth, or women, the fought for honor. They would always(unofficially, of course) be remembered as true Carthaginians. In the way of Hannibal, these men were devoted to their nation to the death. In the slums of Greater Carthage, you can always find, on some wall somewhere, paintings of the valient defence of Lilybaeum. For three days, and against all odds, they fought to regain their Empire. Every young boy was told of stories of the brave sons of Carthage, the only true civilization in the world, had fought against all odds against the Barbarians of the north and, for how ever briefly, had created a state where Carthage was not at the mercy of the treacherous Romans or the Barbarous Cot's, but was a free land, an honorable land, a glorious land.

Casualties of the Siege of Lilybaeum: 267,482 infantry KIA
0 WIA
127 Captured
154 ships destroyed
73,382 sailors KIA
0 WIA
0 MIA
0 Captured
97 tanks destroyed
573 planes destroyed
1,493 pilots KIA
0 WIA
0 Captured
0 MIA

ooc: Yup. So, I guess this is the end of the occupation, and victory to Cotland (at least in Sicily).

ooc: Yup. So, I guess this is the end of the occupation, and victory to Cotland (at least in Sicily).

OOC: Yup. Now post ur conclusion-in-sicily thread, post losses, write what ur gonna do with the burnt-out-rubbleheap thats Lilybaeum/Marsala...

OOC: Yup. Now post ur conclusion-in-sicily thread, post losses, write what ur gonna do with the burnt-out-rubbleheap thats Lilybaeum/Marsala...

Yep. Did you see the link to a city map of Marsala?

Yep. Did you see the link to a city map of Marsala?

Yeah. But it's not gonna be of much use now(seeing how the city is just a big pile of rubble next to a nice looking ocean convered in floating bodies and the hulls of destroyed ships off of its coast.) :D

The final shots were fired over the slaughterground that was to be called "the final battle of Marsala" by the historians. The final rebel was shot and stabbed. Now came the aftermath of the most costly war in modern Cotlands history. Almost 70 000 soldiers had been killed in the final battle alone, bringing the final death-count to 210 024 dead, 301 000 wounded. Many of those were reservists, called into the field of battle to defend their families and homes. They fought and died with honor. A total of 7021 Medals of Honor would be awarded to soldiers that fought here, 4117 of them posthumhtly (sp?).

The men of the 58th Armoured Brigade were the first Cottish soldiers to enter the burning heap of rubble that once were Marsala. Surviving civilians hid in their homes, fearing retribution from the Cottish soldiers. They were rounded up by the Cottish soldiers from the various infantry brigades. Many of them would be punished because of their treason.

The mass trials started later that day. Groups of ten were brought before a tribunal, consisting of high-ranking officers and surviving loyal citizens from Marsala, aboard the aircraft carrier 'Bojar', trialed and brought off the carrier to Victory Plaza, where some were hung or shot, depending on the extent of their crimes. Some were aquitted, but most were found guilty.

Reconstruction started immediately. Many of those found guilty were sent to hard labor, clearing the rubble in the streets and carrying bodies to designated areas, where they would be ID'd and placed in storage pending the time when they could be returned to their home country. The dead had been enemies, but they were still humans.

Elected Leader Thomas Rothsky on national TV: My fellow Cots.

Today, the last of the invaders on the island of Sicily were repelled. Marsala is free yet again. This is, however, a bitter-sweet victory. While we killed more then 260 000 Carthagian rebels, more then 210 000 Cottish soldiers from the army, navy, air force and home guards fought like the heroes they were and gave their lives for the independence and freedom of Cotland. Their deaths have not been in vain. Sicily is free.

I ask you to pray tonight for the lives of those lost, for their families, and also for the souls of the enemies we've killed. I also ask that you not think wrong of the Carthagians. These men we killed had twisted ideas, and were not supported by the legal government of Lightning Star. In fact, the loyal forces fought alongside Cottish forces in the recapture of Agrigento. I thank them.

The thoughts and prayers go out to those lost, and mine and Cotlands eternal gratefulness go to our allies; Rome, Gintonpar, Hawdawg, Lightning Star and Pushka. They came when Cotland needed them. That can not be said for the rest of the members of the Roman Confederacy. Thank you to all that helped out, and good night to all of you. May God be with you.

ooc:

Total losses:

Military losses
210 024 soldiers KIA/MIA
310 847 soldiers WIA
41 baptist reverends KIA
527 M1A2
1042 M-113
460 M2A3
5201 various vehicles
731 planes
1 Submarine
5 frigates
1,6 million civilians KIA

Civilian reprecussions
2700 civilians executed for treason
500 000 civilians sentenced to min. 90 years of hard labor

Carthage

The Imperial Forces stormed the outer city, overwhelming all SBC defenders. Bullets whizzed through the air as thousands fell limp and dead. After 14 hours of fighting in the outer city, the 650,000 remaining Imperial Forces charge into the inner city, driving the SBC to the Citadel itself. After 20 hours of fierce fighting there, the Imperial Forces raised the flag of the Empire over the city once again,

OOC: Sorry this post is so bad. I'm tired.

I may fix it later.

Carthage

The Imperial Forces stormed the outer city, overwhelming all SBC defenders. Bullets whizzed through the air as thousands fell limp and dead. After 14 hours of fighting in the outer city, the 650,000 remaining Imperial Forces charge into the inner city, driving the SBC to the Citadel itself. After 20 hours of fierce fighting there, the Imperial Forces raised the flag of the Empire over the city once again,

OOC: Sorry this post is so bad. I'm tired.

I may fix it later.

NP. If you want air support, I can send bombers. See link in my signature for the type I'll send...

NP. If you want air support, I can send bombers. See link in my signature for the type I'll send...

OOC: Just outta curiousity...

Where is RomeW?

OOC: Just outta curiousity...

Where is RomeW?

OOC: I'll be gone for the weekend, so leave my army alone

Dunno... away..

The word came through, Cambley was promoted to full Admiral, and one of the 4 Sea Lords, one having retired to make way for him. He put on his best uniform and cuffed away his last tear before buckling on his sword belt. He took a memorial service which was broadcast to the rest of the fleet as they hauled their dead overboard. The Mediterrenean Fleet was sailing back to Lisbon for repairs and to take on a new consignment of planes and pilots, the worst hit branch of the fleet. This was the climax of Cambley's career, or was it? Maybe there was more to come from this great man.

The word came through, Cambley was promoted to full Admiral, and one of the 4 Sea Lords, one having retired to make way for him. He put on his best uniform and cuffed away his last tear before buckling on his sword belt. He took a memorial service which was broadcast to the rest of the fleet as they hauled their dead overboard. The Mediterrenean Fleet was sailing back to Lisbon for repairs and to take on a new consignment of planes and pilots, the worst hit branch of the fleet. This was the climax of Cambley's career, or was it? Maybe there was more to come from this great man.

OOC: Casualties? (Don't forget the 12 massive warships crashing into your ships after you blew up everything else.)

OCC: Sorry I have been out of town.

The phone in the General's makeshift office rang. As he answered he slammed it down.

Marine General: "Crap, the Cottish have squashed the rebels. We didn't even get off a round."

An Aide to the General walks up and hands him a bulletin.

Marine General: "Just great, word from the dock is we are now completely off-loaded and ready to move inland. What a waste. Well at least the flyboys got some action. Issue this order, all troops stand down. We will have a mandatory 48 hour rest before we reboard our vessels for home."

OCC: Sorry I have been out of town.

The phone in the General's makeshift office rang. As he answered he slammed it down.

Marine General: "Crap, the Cottish have squashed the rebels. We didn't even get off a round."

An Aide to the General walks up and hands him a bulletin.

Marine General: "Just great, word from the dock is we are now completely off-loaded and ready to move inland. What a waste. Well at least the flyboys got some action. Issue this order, all troops stand down. We will have a mandatory 48 hour rest before we reboard our vessels for home."

Official letter of appreciation

To: Hawdawg

Dear sirs,
Even though the Hawdawgian troops never made it to the battlefields, the Commonwealth of Cotland strongly appreciate your efforts, and thank you for your cooperation. Should you ever require assistance or aid, let us know, and we'll be there. Again, thank you.

Signed,
Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland

The word came through, Cambley was promoted to full Admiral, and one of the 4 Sea Lords, one having retired to make way for him. He put on his best uniform and cuffed away his last tear before buckling on his sword belt. He took a memorial service which was broadcast to the rest of the fleet as they hauled their dead overboard. The Mediterrenean Fleet was sailing back to Lisbon for repairs and to take on a new consignment of planes and pilots, the worst hit branch of the fleet. This was the climax of Cambley's career, or was it? Maybe there was more to come from this great man.

Official letter of appreciation

To: Gintonpar

Dear sirs,
Even though the Gintonparian troops took heavy casualties, they prevailed and aided greatly in ensuring the victory. The Commonwealth of Cotland strongly appreciate your efforts, and thank you for your cooperation. Should you ever require assistance or aid, let us know, and we'll be there. Again, thank you.

Signed,
Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland

Official letter of appreciation

To: The Lightning Star

Dear sirs,
The Lightning Starian troops have aided us greatly, and placed Cotland in a deep debt of honor. Your troops took massive casualties, but still prevailed. The Commonwealth of Cotland strongly appreciate your efforts, and thank you for your cooperation. Should you ever require assistance or aid, let us know, and we'll be there. Again, thank you.

Signed,
Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland

Official letter of appreciation

To: Roman Empire (RomeW)

Dear sirs,
The Roman Empire stood by its word and aided us greatly. We would not have managed to contain the rebels without the support of your 200 000 soldiers, your massive navy and plentyful air support. I dare say that the Roman troops were one of the determining factors to the outcome of the war. The Commonwealth of Cotland strongly appreciate your efforts, and thank you for your cooperation. Should you ever require assistance or aid, let us know, and we'll be there. Again, thank you.

Signed,
Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland

Official letter of appreciation

To: Pushka

Dear sirs,
The Pushkan paratroopers that came and aided the Cottish soldiers in their hour of need couldn't have arrived at a better time. Even though they only remained in Sicily for a short period of time, they aided us greatly. The Commonwealth of Cotland strongly appreciate your efforts, and thank you for your cooperation. Should you ever require assistance or aid, let us know, and we'll be there. Again, thank you.

Signed,
Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland

Official letter of appreciation

To: The Lightning Star

Dear sirs,
The Lightning Starian troops have aided us greatly, and placed Cotland in a deep debt of honor. Your troops took massive casualties, but still prevailed. The Commonwealth of Cotland strongly appreciate your efforts, and thank you for your cooperation. Should you ever require assistance or aid, let us know, and we'll be there. Again, thank you.

Signed,
Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland

Offical Letter of apology

To: Thomas Rothsky

Dear Mr. Rothsky,
The Lightning Star asks for forgiveness for the Citizens of Greater Carthage. Our people were mis-lead, and we shall pay any damages that we must. We believe that this incident will strengthen our ties, and lead to a greater alliance. We also request that any captured soldiers be handed over to our forces, for a trial by the Imperial Court. Again, we humbly beg for your forgiveness to our mis-lead people.

Signed,
His Holiness, The Islamic Carthaginian Emperor Hannibal VII

Official letter of appreciation

To: Roman Empire (RomeW)

Dear sirs,
The Roman Empire stood by its word and aided us greatly. We would not have managed to contain the rebels without the support of your 200 000 soldiers, your massive navy and plentyful air support. I dare say that the Roman troops were one of the determining factors to the outcome of the war. The Commonwealth of Cotland strongly appreciate your efforts, and thank you for your cooperation. Should you ever require assistance or aid, let us know, and we'll be there. Again, thank you.

Signed,
Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland

******Official Letter of Acceptance From the Roman Government******

Thank you for your letter, President Rothsky. We were glad to help our loyal ally, and our nation thanks you for sending your appreciation. May this episode only make us stronger.

Signed,
Roman Emperor Rodin Hartian

OOC: EDIT- For those of you who were wondering where I was, I was with my girlfriend for the weekend. Now I'm back.

Offical Letter of apology

To: Thomas Rothsky

Dear Mr. Rothsky,
The Lightning Star asks for forgiveness for the Citizens of Greater Carthage. Our people were mis-lead, and we shall pay any damages that we must. We believe that this incident will strengthen our ties, and lead to a greater alliance. We also request that any captured soldiers be handed over to our forces, for a trial by the Imperial Court. Again, we humbly beg for your forgiveness to our mis-lead people.

Signed,
His Holiness, The Islamic Carthaginian Emperor Hannibal VII

The Cottish Army will deliver back the detainees as soon as our interrigation teams finish with them. We have already gotten it out of them that they were members of a terrorist organization called "the Sons of the Blue Crescent". According to Cottish anti-terrorist law, these men are eligable for the death penalty, but if you promise to punish them according to their crimes, we will hand them over. We shall start to send back the bodies of those killed on Lightning Starian side immediately. They have been treated with respect and in accordance with their religion (which I presume are Islam).

We accept your appology, and hope to lay this incident behind us as soon as possible. We will naturally ask that you help with a small percentage of the total costs of reconstruction. We also ask that a representative of the Lightning Starian government be present at the funeral of a few of the dead soldiers in Cotlandstad next week.

With hopes for a better tomorrow,

Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland


******Official Letter of Acceptance From the Roman Government******

Thank you for your letter, President Rothsky. We were glad to help our loyal ally, and our nation thanks you for sending your appreciation. May this episode only make us stronger.

Signed,
Roman Emperor Rodin Hartian

We again thank for the support, and also hope that the incident have made us stronger, both Cotland as a nation as well as a member of the Alliance.

With hopes for a better tomorrow,

Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland

The Cottish Army will deliver back the detainees as soon as our interrigation teams finish with them. We have already gotten it out of them that they were members of a terrorist organization called "the Sons of the Blue Crescent". According to Cottish anti-terrorist law, these men are eligable for the death penalty, but if you promise to punish them according to their crimes, we will hand them over. We shall start to send back the bodies of those killed on Lightning Starian side immediately. They have been treated with respect and in accordance with their religion (which I presume are Islam).

We accept your appology, and hope to lay this incident behind us as soon as possible. We will naturally ask that you help with a small percentage of the total costs of reconstruction. We also ask that a representative of the Lightning Starian government be present at the funeral of a few of the dead soldiers in Cotlandstad next week.

With hopes for a better tomorrow,

Thomas Rothsky
Elected Leader of the Commonwealth of Cotland


We are greatful for your kindness, and we shall certainly give these men fair, but just, trials under Islamic Law. However, only a few thousand soldiers were actually members of the SBC. Rather, the SBC took over the country.(It's kinda like how even though the Nazi's ran WWII Germany, most soldiers weren't members of the Nazi Party.)

We will be more than willing to pay for all the damage we have caused. We have tens of trillions of dollars, so this shall be no problem for us, and it is the least we can do. I shall be attending the funeral of the Cottish soldiers myself, as to show that even in this times of unrest, our two great Nations and the entire alliance shall be united through thick and thin.

Signed,
The Holy Carthaginian Emperor Hannibal VII of The Lightning Star

We are greatful for your kindness, and we shall certainly give these men fair, but just, trials under Islamic Law. However, only a few thousand soldiers were actually members of the SBC. Rather, the SBC took over the country.(It's kinda like how even though the Nazi's ran WWII Germany, most soldiers weren't members of the Nazi Party.)

We will be more than willing to pay for all the damage we have caused. We have tens of trillions of dollars, so this shall be no problem for us, and it is the least we can do. I shall be attending the funeral of the Cottish soldiers myself, as to show that even in this times of unrest, our two great Nations and the entire alliance shall be united through thick and thin.

Signed,
The Holy Carthaginian Emperor Hannibal VII of The Lightning Star

ooc: ok, but my men are still in rage, so we consider them all terrorists ;)

ic: Dear sir,
You will be welcome to Cotlandstad. The funeral for PFC J.Walker, PFC Andrew Styles, SGT Roger Matthews, CPT Jenny Wilkes and CPL Mitch Myers will take place in Cotlandstad Military Cematry on Tuesday at noon next week with full military honors.

- Thomas Rothsky

+3h c0|\|+1|\||_|4+10|\|! (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8010321#post8010321)


(The continuation)