NationStates Jolt Archive

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((Sounds interesting, but a tad risky...I mean, outright burning the Consitution, flatly declaring democracy a lie, and declaring yourself a Christian king in a Muslim land isn't going to be popular...Maybe use some faith based arguments against democracy? Just don't mention Jesus, and the Muslim population may go along...))

((Its simply the re-colonizaion of Algeria, using the ascension of Louis I as its monarch. As to Catholicism, only the tiniest fraction of the population, the aristocracy and military command, would convert. 99.9% of the population will remain Muslim, and I will leave them be entirely, e.g. no attempts at missionary work. This is simply the re-colonization of Algeria by France for the purposes of commercial exploitation and international prestige. Algeria was once a French colony, it is going to be again. Of course I expect some resistance, but by and large I think it was an effective coup. Once the French Expeditionary force is in place, the Algerian regulars will have more determination, and Louis I will be able to assert his control over the entire land, not just the far urbanized North. Once that happens French settlers move in, and we make as much cash out of Algeria as possible. Should be fun))

((I agree it's effective. But Louis/Ahmed's tactics are likely to enrage the populace. I mean, with a Catholic king (in a fiercely Muslim land) who simply sets the constitution on fire with little reasoning...It'd be better if he focused merely on "God" and actually gave some justification for the total abolishment of democracy. Not to criticize, of course. With Russia invading Kazakhstan, France colonosing Algeria, the Mafia staging a coup in Nigeria, Chiisu taking over Peru and Japan, and the Estenlands gaining control of slices of Lavrageria and Russia, it seems imperialism is back in action. Ha, looks like the only expression I can use to summarize this is..."Yee-Haw!"))

Port Royal, Roycelandia

His Majesty put down that morning's copy of the Port Royal Times and shook his head.

"What the hell is he doing?" he asked aloud to no-one in particular. "Calling Democracy a lie? Setting up a Monarchy in Algeria?"

He had an idea.

"Wiggles, could you duck down to the kitchen and see if they've got any croissants? There's a good chap."

As soon as Wiggles left, His Majesty picked up the phone on his desk and dialled a number.

"Hello, William Hill? It's me. Yes, I'm very well, thank you. Listen, have you seen this morning's paper? You have? Excellent. What odds are you offering? Really? OK, I'd like to put $10,000 Imperial Wibbles on King Louis I being dead by the end of the month. Not at all- I'll have someone settle the account by the 2nd of next month. Bye!"

With that, His Majesty rang off, and then decided he'd better get his Advisors together. This was going to be an all-day job.


OOC: Beleive it or not, Roycelandia is actually a democratic country. Elections are held every 3 years for MPs in the Imperial Parliament, much the same as the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and so on.

However, Roycelandia doesn't have an "Upper House" (it was abolished in 1919), so it has a Unicameral Legislature.

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I retains all the powers of an Emperor, including the ability to make laws by decree, to actually sit as the Supreme Justice of the Privy Council of Roycelandia, and do all the other things that an Emperor should actually be doing.

To cut a very long story short, the situation in Algeria is highly unlikely to get much support from His Majesty...

(Mostly a tag for now. I will be back to play my part as agreed. Like I said, I had ideas about who to turn to in, "either case" and have done that. Once I sort out a few details about who is who, I'll come back :) I'm afraid that long-winded Islamic names on top of false identities and children bearing the false names handed down from their double agent father has seriously hurt my head! If, while I'm causing trouble, someone who knows better spots me doing something distinctly un-Algerian or un-Islamic, you know, do tell, but be nice, I came here to play nomadic atheist Belarusians!)

(Oh, and I meant to say, good post, Elkazor. Right, I think I've got everybody in the right place, now. I have permission to hijack a character or two in the beginning, not sure if I'll continue alone or whatever else, but time will tell.
Just so that everyone knows, this really has nothing to do with Lavrageria, and we're not sneaking out of one war zone just to get into another :) )

Southern Algeria

A somber greeting had been afforded Abdul-Malik bin-Abdul-Haqq al-Haddam on his arrival in the south, though it barely contained a simmering dish of promising sort. It was, apparently, past time that the hard working son of an Al Khali oil baron should leave Roycelandian East Africa after making so few business deals as he had in his months there. Moving on to United Elias and then across Libya, he seemed to stamp his white-faced and green texted Al Khali passport with oil rather than ink.

As in REA, al-Haddam spent little time in the urban sprawl, this time the Algerian north, complaining about his beard and trying not to get it soaked in booze or burned by ash before cleaning himself up, abandoning his expensive suit, and vanishing from the city. Off making deals and chasing up contacts or contracts, no doubt.

Ah, yes, his boss was coming along, soon. "The president's secretary will be with you in no time" he said over the phone, having just turned off the CD player in his rented car in time to cut the cheesy power ballad before instinctively answering the call from soon to be resistance big-shots formerly of the defunct Islamic Salvation Army.

Sure enough, a small, creaking aircraft of Cold War era Russian origin and once painted in the colours of the Al Khali air force would soon be hopping over the southern border at low altitude before coming to rest on a little-used stretch of road and evacuating Bilal bin Amr al-Khal along with a number of his crate-laden business associates.

Before long, agitation was on the increase as these men met with ex-rebel fights and the few militias still active against the Algerian army as they had been for years. God's Spear in Algeria would go part way to re-invoking the extreme ideology that lead to so many deaths in the past without, it was hoped -by al-Khal and the natives at least- crossing the line that would lose for them civilian support as was happening back in Al Khals. God's Spear in Al Khals had taken to killing civilians deemed to have abandoned the true faith and had in doing so effectivelly ruined the Islamic Progress Party's election hopes, and the secular President had done suspiciously well out of the whole extreme Islamist movement there. Now, al-Haddam's oil money had put al-Khal's best men on a plane formerly belonged to the Al Khali state, and filled their arms with rockets and guns to share with their Algerian comrades.

Tagging OOC: So France, which is allied (and depedant on for oil?) to the Muslim regime of General Massad, is taking over a Muslim country and putting in place a regime under a Catholic king.

So what are those odds Royce?

Now if any remaining Islamic insurgents would be kind enough to steal one of Algeria's super hinds they would be well compensated by Strathdonian Authorities, total discression would of course be expected and provided.

Nicely timed for the return of African Commonwealth.

(It's T(r)AGic, really, the timing couldn't be worse! Poor France! [rubs hands] :) )

((OOC: Ah, would Lavrageria's insurgents mind cooperating with the A Team? I've been itching to foil monarchist plots for a while...))

EDIT: By Lavrageria's insurgents, I'm referring to the Islamists he's RPing here...

World-famous Roycelandian Bookmakers William Hill (like their English counterparts, they'll take bets on anything) are currently offering odds of
3:2 that Louis I is dead inside a month, 5:4 that the Assassin is never caught, and 2:1 that Roycelandia is involved somehow. :D

A figure cloaked entirely in a black trenchcoat and wearing a black hat enters a smoky Roycelandian book keeper's office.

"I'll bet ten million USD that Louis I will stay alive throughout the month. This will show you that I am indeed quite capable of paying..."

The figure pulled out a red card, which indicated a vast number of bulging Swiss bank accounts.

"Da, I think this will be very lucrative..."

Immediately, Russian Mafia operatives are dispatched en masse to Algeria...

OOC: It's worth bearing in mind that gambling in all forms is not only legal, it's socially encouraged in Roycelandia. No need to be secret about it...

Anyway, your bet has been accepted at longshot odds of 15:1, so it'll be interesting to see how things in Algeria play out...

tag...

The Ottomans might want to get involved somehow, since they too are a Muslim regimn, and Are proabably feeling Greatly angry about this.

((OOC: Ah, would Lavrageria's insurgents mind cooperating with the A Team? I've been itching to foil monarchist plots for a while...))

EDIT: By Lavrageria's insurgents, I'm referring to the Islamists he's RPing here...


Well, erm, I don't know whether the Algerians involved thus far would be interested in foreign mercenary types, since these people are the hardcore remains of a movement that became so obsessed with its cause that it was prepared to kill everyone outside its ranks for failing to see their truth. The outsiders are from a similar group abroad who've been trying to do the same in Al Khals, but have failed like their Algerian comrades did, and now see a chance for a fresh try in Algeria as they hope that people will be polarised by the Catholic invasion. I'm trying, but I don't know that I can think of a way for these people to incorporate the A-Team into their struggle. However, they do intend to cause a lot of commotion, so it may still be possible to get in and do a lot of independent anti-imperial damage as a result.

OOC: Never mind then. Seems like these guys are Al-Quaeda types, so I wouldn't to work with 'em anyway.

Governmental Palace, Kinshasa, the African Commonwealth

"They did WHAT!?!?!?" the President-General Mshone Ndelebe roared, slamming his newspaper down with an anticlimactic splat not quite matching the unbridled fierceness of his voice and posture. His aides repeated the situation, replete with troop numbers and political changes. Ndelebe calmed down a little as the men set the table for him, his eyes and mouth squeezing into trench-deep lines as he considered what had happened. Then he spoke, slowly and almost as if he was trying to talk around a mouthful of cheeseburger(he often spoke like that when angered, although few would confirm that for you):

"By my oath, that fraudulent arab and his snail-devouring monarch backers will rue the day they tried to bring back the dark ages. I would not have my own democratic processes mocked by a tinpot Hussein with pretensions to empire! Get me Colonel Tomé of the Black Hand in here, and notify the Foreign Office and ANN that I shall make a televised speech on the matter shortly!".

African News Network and any channel willing to broadcast AC state news

Once the blitzes and frenzied pleas and questions had died down by dint of two imposing Manus Nigra bodyguards flanking the president, he looked at the camera, and spoke clearly.

"It is clear that not all nations have remembered the age of empires, where the bloody-handed exploitation of indigenous peoples was exercised carelessly and without thought for the times to come. I speak not only to the nations of my dear Africa but to the nations of the world, when I sharply condemn the inauguration of Omar Abdullah, and his traitorous neglect against the sovereignty of Algeria. I call upon every democratic nation in the world to employ every conceivable mean of pressure against King Louis XX of France and his lapdog Omar Abdullah, to remove all French troops from African soil, and if possible to restore the democratic constitution of Algeria! Thank you, and may reason and justice prevail."

With that, the presidence refused to answer any questions, quickly letting himself be ushered into his personal jet.

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((More details to come presently, as in the weekend. Been out a bit lately, but you all know the RL deal. Ciao...))

OCC: Mind if I get involved? I would imagine that Hindustan was an ally of the previous administration and funded it heavily.

IC: Within hours of Omar Abdullah's rise to power, the popular congress moves to freeze all Algerian aid, and urgent messages are sent to the embassy staff in Mumbai and Hyderabad, as well as Algiers, warning Hindustanis to either lay low or get out of the country fast.

A great many advisors working in the desert areas vanish, either hiding or nabbed by French special ops troops, although the government assumes the former. Some of these would likely become influential in certain movements...

Meanwhile, the Popular Congress states its displeasure with the ascendancy of Omar Abdullah and calls for an immediate election, monitored by international observers, and the withdrawl of Foreign heavy forces.

"We disapprove of Omar Abdullah's soveriegnty in the strongest terms, and call on France to remove its heavy combat forces from Algeria. We also strongly advocate immediate elections to determine a legitimate Algerian head of state. As a nation that was at the mercy of colonial powers for nearly a century, we condemn Louis XX's thinly veiled attempt at restoring the French empire. Unless French efforts include the installation of modern infrastructure and improve the standard of living for all Algerians, we are freezing all Algerian aid funds until further notice. The Hindustani government stands with The African Commonwealth in condemnation of French imperialism."

((LOL Hindustan, dont waste too much breath. Ill tell yah what though, if I find anyone LRRs in Algeria, Ill give em back in shape. After all, I thought our two powers kinda got along. More to come soon...))

((LOL Hindustan, dont waste too much breath. Ill tell yah what though, if I find anyone LRRs in Algeria, Ill give em back in shape. After all, I thought our two powers kinda got along. More to come soon...))

OCC: Well, when its a choice between opposing the imperialization of a country (and we all know how that's worked out in North Africa) and letting Louis XX go about rebuilding the French empire so it can just fall and cause a bazillion problems down the road, I'd choose the former.

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Sattelite DataBurst to French Command in Algeria
We offer you our support through the air. It would be no suprise if we found Algerians and Moroccons fighting together against both the forces of Spain and France. Consequently, we would both feel the advantages of a united aerial front, where we would both bomb targets inside Algeria and Morocco if either of us needed the aerial aid.

We await your response.

[Now to become less lazy and actually respond in my thread.]

The Roycelandians, meanwhile, have told the French that at least having a pretend democratic government in Algeria would go a long way to calming the situation internationally...

((hah, Royce, internation situation. Might I suggest taking a gander at the Pacific?))

You just watch your back, Elkazor...or I'll shame BG into attacking Algeria! Well, probably not...I must admit that I am disappointed. He goes for New Caledonia and leaves me, Hindustan, an agriculture-based economy with relatively minor industrial capacity, to defend Burma and dislodge you from Algeria at the same time! If only I had BG's resources...

*Imagines French battleships capsized off of Algiers*

OOC: Hey, we've been thinking about attacking France since they invaded Lavrageria, and planning the Pacific operation since the French started meddling in Lyong, and more importantly the fleet had left before Sino dared to raise its head above the parapets. Who believes that's a coincidence?

OOC:

Anyone remember Maximilian Hapsburg? The Austrian prince, briefly Emperor of Mexico, put in place by lets see...the French, Napoleon III actually. He lasted almost three years before they killed him....Of course this has absolutely no relation to this thread, but just a nice historical anecdote.

Whilst many people, and the press in United Elias were quite simply outraged by what was seen as attempt to introduce feudalism and Christianity to Algeria, the government itself made no public comment on the matter. The President could not trust the French yet, despite their recent moves towards amicability, but a French controlled Algeria would potentially be much more predictable than an Islamist one. The President himself not being Muslim, was always in many eyes seen as the only potential weakness of the regime, although over a century of secularism, and a resurgence of the fairly liberal Mu'tazilism as one of the principal schools of Islam within UE had ensured that religous radicalism never became widespread. The defeat of the bastions of Wahhabism during the Unification War (1886-9) had also meant that so called Islamofacism movement had broadly been nipped in the bud at an early stage. Nevertheless, all the intelligence and security departments made targeting any Islamic fundamentalism a priority, and therefore was keen to alert Louis I of Algeria to any particular individuals that were known to be a threat.

The man in a trenchcoat walked back into the Roycelandian gambling den, smiling. He laughed, and strode right in front of the book keeper.

"It's been a month..."

In the weeks after the French takeover of Algeria, a strange ship begins to haunt the Mediterranean. Skulking around off Libya, the old HNS Blake is part of the Popular Congress' Plan to 'put its foot down' about Algeria. The old cruiser grumpily steams around, trying to look menacing to both the Libyans and the French. In a sense it is still menacing, bristling with anti-ship missiles and a fair number of ASW rockets, and with a sizable aft helipad and hanger carrying two Sea Kings. With two 40mm CIWS guns and thoroughly modern radar, sonar, and countermeasures systems, it is capable of defending itself, despite the fact that steam turbines still provide propulsion and the hull has been largely rebuilt twice. The foreward 6-inch turret can still give a good account of itself.

While not quite a match for a French battleship, the Blake is a presence none the less, and is quite an intimidating prospect for frigates and even destroyers to face down. And although it does not necessarily intend to do battle with the French, the Blake is supposed to show that Louis's adventures in Algeria are being watched.

Despite the fact that newly elected Conservative Prime Minister Chaffin was very much in favour of reconciliation with the French, he, and more importantly his Defence and Foreign Secretaries had barely managed to get their feet under the desks as yet. Therefore all directives of the Bull government were still in place, meaning that a Royal Navy flotilla was on hand to monitor French activities. The small task group's flagship, the Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring and it escorts, the frigates Lancasterand Sutherland, would stay well off the African coast, but nontheless keep watch on all naval traffic, of all nationalities.

Louis I just dismissed his morning cabinet meeting, and walked Algeirs Palace shaded grounds with his wife, Queen Yolande, they were going to have a early lunch.

The Kingdom of Algeria had attained some sense of normalcy, following weeks of limited turmoil. Any conceptions that people had of a 'evangelical' regime were sorely mistaken. Only the highest crust of Algerian Society would even be offered the choice to convert, as a means of gaining entrance in Louis I's circle. For the great mass, their Islam would not be touched or inhibited in any way or form.

And so things were settling down, at least, north of Ft. St. Jean in Laghouat, the vast south was still under minimal control. But north, in the Kingdom of Algeria: trains ran on time and there was food in the markets. For all intents and pruposes, this was a mild Colonial Administration (however, that could have very well been because the French were attaining mass profit at no cost, no doubt insurgency or fanaticism would entail clamp downs that Louis I de Bourbon was willing to hand down). In the happy mean time though, little had changed in the metropolis of Algiers, save for the dominant shape of Algiers Palace in the towns center and expanded traffic in its airports. French financiers were given control of Algeria Banking and Economic trusts, and began investments in Petrolium and Natural Gas firms, as well as labor intensive agriculture.

So Louis I and Queen Yolande (niece to HMCM Louis XX) sat down for a delightful lunch of pheasant in cream sauce. Before eating, Louis signed several diplomatic announcements:

1- British Forces were welcome to refuel and find shelter in Algerian ports, including soldiers granted shore leave.

2- United Elias, and those carrying her passports, were welcome to travel and do business in the Kingdom of Algeria. There were hopes of pipline projects.

3- As well, all Holy Leauge subjects, Roycelandians and Ahzadis had full rgihts to tour and reside in Scenic Algeria.

4- But, any Hindustani or Begdellen Agents (including their puppets in the Lyong) who were found in the Kingdom would be arrested and swing within the hour.

As well, the Royal Ministry of War in Versailles itself has taken notice of the Hindustanis rather open attempts of intimidation. In light of the Caledonia crisis, this would not fly. The Hindustanis are told subetly, between the lines, that if that Cruiser sailed west of Sicily they will be within inches of starting a war, and subject to His Majesties swift justice.

Russia secretly request airbases in southern Algeria...Also, questions are asked to the French on the status of Algeria, mainly...

1. Have they instituted Roycelandian proposals?
2. Are they improving the standard of life in Algeria?

With the Blake refueling in Tunis, the French declaration looks either frighteningly provocative or outdated. Furthermore, France is reminded that Hindustan can do whatever it wants with its naval vessels in international waters, and the idea that the 50's era Blake can be intimidating to the French battleships could hint to serious weaknesses in their design.

Meanwhile, in Algeria itself, Hindustani liasons and advisors hide in the desert areas or leave the country. For the time being, they don't need to do anything.

OCC: Hey Elkazor, if you want to use the Blake to engineer some kind of incident or something...excuse for wrecking the Hindustani navy and loping a few of your cruise missiles into Hindustani shipyards (and having a good chance of seriously damaging the nation's most important industry), be my guest. Heck, you could even make a landing if you wanted to, and probably take Mumbai if you really tried...

William Hill gladly pay the Trenchcoated man. After all, that's Bookmaking. You win some, you lose some.

A concerted campaign is being run in Roycelandian East Africa encouraging people to visit French Algeria for a holiday, and His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I has proposed a Franco-Roycelandian Free Trade and Movement Treaty, which would allow citizens of France to live in Roycelandia, work, receive Social Security benefits, and be eligible for Roycelandian Citizenship if they remain in the country for 2 years, and vice versa for Roycelandians in France...

In consideration of the need for the Kingdom of France to continually improve His Majesties economy, and the excellent caliber of ally the Roycelandians have provided, HMCM Louis XX gives His assent for the Visa/Commercial Treaty, in what shall come to be known as the "Algiers Accords."

Of course, on the French side, the government would tacitly monitor those who applied for Visas and such, making sure they were subjects in good standing (ergo, rich aristocrats and such that wouldnt really want to apply, but some workers thrown into the mix for fairness sake. At any rate, since the Restoration and banning of contraceptives, the population in France is skyrocketing.). The only stipulation is that for French subjects, they will have to wait five years and take their plea to the Parlement du Roi to achieve it...still, its a clear sign of the close relations between Roycelandia and France.

Meanwhile, Versailles eagerly awaits the offer it made to Roycelandia and Al-Ahzad to divide vast South Algeria amongst them, each to hold a one hundred year mandate over the region.

((LRR, I just might, but at this current time I just dont think it would behove me to do something illegal like that, as Im trying to mobilize a front against the commies. However, im sure youll step in to prop BG up sooner or later, fear not! And then, well, the HDF can see what its made of.))

In consideration of the need for the Kingdom of France to continually improve His Majesties economy, and the excellent caliber of ally the Roycelandians have provided, HMCM Louis XX gives His assent for the Visa/Commercial Treaty, in what shall come to be known as the "Algiers Accords."

Of course, on the French side, the government would tacitly monitor those who applied for Visas and such, making sure they were subjects in good standing (ergo, rich aristocrats and such that wouldnt really want to apply, but some workers thrown into the mix for fairness sake. At any rate, since the Restoration and banning of contraceptives, the population in France is skyrocketing.). The only stipulation is that for French subjects, they will have to wait five years and take their plea to the Parlement du Roi to achieve it...still, its a clear sign of the close relations between Roycelandia and France.

Meanwhile, Versailles eagerly awaits the offer it made to Roycelandia and Al-Ahzad to divide vast South Algeria amongst them, each to hold a one hundred year mandate over the region.

((LRR, I just might, but at this current time I just dont think it would behove me to do something illegal like that, as Im trying to mobilize a front against the commies. However, im sure youll step in to prop BG up sooner or later, fear not! And then, well, the HDF can see what its made of.))

HIndustanis wince at the news of Algeria's division, like cuts of steak being distributed amongst diners at a feast. However, current Hindustani policy is centered on propping up existing states so someday they can influence the independence of those which are colonized. Deciding to help a budding movement for peace, independence, and democratic reform used to be a no-brainer, with ships full of aid running off on some humanitarian adventure and checks arriving daily in the mail, but with the current situation the government has to pick and choose. Supporting a revolution somewhere could be condemning it.

That is why the government has decided to recall HNS Blake to Gwadar. Well, actually, that and the old cruiser is due to be scrapped. It has come to the point where its only a matter of time before the old ships still operated by the HN sink on their own accord.

OCC: If push comes to shove, Elkazor...well...the HDF is made up of a great number of highly sensible individuals, who will be slapping field dressing on French soldiers after they shoot them. They might even look through their gunsights and missile guidance systems at the Frenchmen, look at their comrades, and decide that the imperialists don't deserve to die. The officer corps is disgustingly self-sacrificing, with a long history of performing brave and often fatal deeds. Hindustani honor is probably a great deal different from French honor, and any conflict between our two nations will likely reflect this.

OOC:Ironically, I have relatives that were French colonists in Algeria (eventhough they were Italian born).

The Roycelandian Government has gratefully accepted France's offer foir a 100 year Mandate on Southern Algeria.

Roycelandia allows French Citizens to move to/visit Roycelandia without Visas... simply show up and move in/holiday, provided they have no prior criminal convictions.

Indeed, Roycelandia considers itself extremely close to France, something which probably hasn't endeared it to places like Lusaka...

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Governor-General Jim Lister arrived at Algiers Avionporte Internationale on an Imperial Airways DC-3, still not entirely sure what his job would actually entail. Three days ago, he was working in a Video Library, and now he was Governor-General of a Roycelandian Colony and a Baron, to boot...

The Baron was greeted with by the Shirpa Corps, top notch crack troops of the Royal Army serving in Algeria as Louis I's personal bodyguard corps, who gave him a full salute.

The came His Majesty King in Algeria Louis I and his wife Queen Yolande, he dressed in a field marshalls uniform and she in a court dress of France. After shaking hands and such, the party adjourned to Algiers Palace, where cool drinks were had by all.

After the drinks, Louis turned to Baron Luster, and oddly enough spoke in a French accented voice:

"Welcome to my country, monsieur (obviously a Francophile). It is excellent to finally meet this brave hero of the Pacific. Now, I would be happy to escort you to Ft. St. Joan, where my Kingdom ends. After that, South Algeria is yours. Tell me, it is a wild and I must say lawless land, how do you intend to organize it?"

Algiers

"Well, the first thing I plan to do is get some accurate charts of the area, work out what resources there are, and find out if anyone actually lives in there area. Beyond that, well... I'm sure I'll work something out..."

Baron Greenbaque ("Please, Call me Jim") was most grateful for the drinks, trying to adjust as he was to his new role.

OOC: F.O. Evans is the pilot/hero of The Pacific... he's now Governor General of Franco-Roycelandian Polynesia, and is by all accounts sitting on a beach in Tahiti drinking a cocktail out of a coconut with lots of fruity things in top of it (and it a little umbrella!) whilst being, ah, "tended to" by a bevy of large-chested Island Beauties....

"Jim" was presented with maps and layouts of Southern Algeria, which was everything south of Laghouat and Ft. St.Joan.

A vast land, it did indeed contain several cities: Adrar, Bechar, Ouargia, and Tamanrasset. However, thoe cities and smaller villages were seperated by vast and unhospitable stretches of desert.

Louis I suggests to Jim that a large railway line ought to be built to run directly between Algiers and the Roycelandian capital of choice, whatever that turned out to be, as Roycelandian South Africa itself does not have any outlets to the sea. However, did the Roycelandians have any other colonies abutting South Algeria that might be used for supply or transit purposes?

The Roycelandian Capital will be established at Shadewater (RL Tanezrouft).

Imperial Railways are already surveying the route from Algiers to Shadewater. The nearest Roycelandian Colony is Roycelandian East Africa, which includes the Sudan. At this stage, most supplies will be airfreighted in.

Parliament has become very quiet when it comes to France in recent days. The Blake has even left the Mediterranean sea, headed off of Western Sahara.

Apparently, it has been decided that further opposition to French colonial interests, in Algeria at least, would be futile. But if Versailles decides to expand into other nations it would not sit well with Parliament...or the Igovian People's Senate for that matter.

Under orders from Louis I, two full brigades of the Algerian Army regulars were sent over the border into South Algeria, dispatched from under-construction Ft. St. Joan.

Their task was to provide security for the Roycelandian Imperial Railways crew, as His Majesty Louis I was quite unsure about what elements operated below the Cordon Saniterre and Ft. St. Joan. The troops did not interfere with the Roiks business at all, trying their best to simply scout the route and stay out of the way.

French aircraft, elements of the "Bronze Spur" ODSE Wing in Algiers, flew recon over the areas, low and loud to scare off wandering natives.

[OOC: Spyr here, just trying to de-muddle my brain about which country I'm posting for through use of seperate accounts... as Elkazor has already been subject to my Polisario-in-Algeria ramblings, this is to primarily outline the situation for Royce, or Ahzad, or whomever ends up controlling and/or meddling in the southwestern desert].

Rabouni, 30km from Tindouf, Southwestern Algeria

The city was not abnormal to the eye... paved roads, electric lights, a modern hospital complex and several large government buildings. A forty-hectare public garden, with strolling paths and irrigated vegetable gardens, provided a splash of greenery amidst the desert sands. It was basic, to be sure, but was one unaware of its history, one would be unlikely to give it its proper title: that of a refugee camp.

Rabouni, and the stretch of territory which surrounded it, was located within Algeria, but seperate from it: ceded to the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, the lands had been for the past two decades the seat of government for a republic whose own lands lay under Moroccan occupation. Now, that occupation had been ended, and the government had returned home from exile hoping for a brighter future.

Still, Rabouni was far from empty. Upwards of 150,000 refugees could not move home overnight, nor could the tons of supplies, equipment, and other essentials needed to support them while they rejoined their homeland. A steady stream of vehicles and camels, laden with passengers and supplies, could be seen heading westward, through Tindouf and Algeria proper, before crossing into Western Sahara, while the SADR government attempted to arrange heavier transports to carry larger pieces of infrastructure, an those too young, old or ill to make the rough trip.

Even as this ocured, threats loomed in Algeria itself. The government which had supported them and ceded them this land had been replaced by a French-backed monarchy, which had promptly granted vast mandates to its allies. In this environment, the continued security of the Polisario territory was in doubt. As such, Polisario military units manned the borders, and rode camels to escort refugee caravans on their journeys. The future was unpredictable: man officers were veterans of French Mirage strafing and bombing attacks, and were well aware of France backing of the Moroccan monarchy and the Mauritanian dictatorship against Polisario. Yet, as France gained a King, it threw its Moroccan monarch to the Spanish wolves, who had agreed to accept Saharawi independance... perhaps the crown would refrain from attack where the republic would have leapt into the fray. Still, they had reason to act: as the Algerian republic had been a loyal comrade to SADR, many in Polisario felt obliged to return the contribution and assist in Algerian liberation... in the early days of the monarchist coup, Polisario members in Algeria had been amongst the most vocal and active opposition, their own struggle having steeled them for the risks such a position entailed. That opposition had almost vanished now, as Polisario's victory at home gave them something to return to and lessened their taste for martyrdom. Rather, they had fallen back to Rabouni, or across the borders and west to the liberated SADR, sometimes taking with them those few Algerians whose zeal for independance would lead to their dissapearance under Louis I.

A further complication in the whole affair was the involvement of forces from Al Ahzad... where the French had supported the ovethrow of another royal opressor in favour of a nationalist democracy. There had been strings, to be sure, but it added to the unpredictable future course of Versailles.
The presence of Roycelandians was perhaps the simpler complication... solidarity existed between Polisario and other African independance and anti-colonial groups, and the SADR had not been on the side of the Empire when the Roiks came to blows with Lusaka, or sought to expand their holdings. Still, they were not without rationality: a worst-case scenario might yet be avoided.

So, nervously clutching worn assault rifles, the soldiers of Polisario sat in their desert watchposts and on camelback, waiting to see what would come next.

[OOC: A final note. The Saharawi arent hiding nor hidden... the ceded territory would be clearly demarcated on local Algerian maps, and refugee columns arent hard to spot, so they could be pretty much avoided by anyone heading south, and are out-of-the-way for those heading into the southernmost regions.]

Algiers

"In the name of the King, open your door!" screamed the ODSL Agent before nodding to two bulky Algerian Army regulars, each carrying sledge hammers.

It was about 2:45 a.m. in Algiers, and under special orders from His Majesty King in Algeria Louis I the Algerian Secret Police ("Kings Men"), led by their French counterparts in the Ordu du Saint Louis, were conducting sweeps to catch suspected revolutionaries and POLISARO members from Algiers to Laghouat.

The purges came as His Majesty Louis I recieved calls from His Most Christian King in Versailles, chiding him for not crushing all suspect elements within his jurisdiction.

"Just what are you trying to pull, Louis? A dance with a bunch of bedamned reds round the may pole?" His Most Christian King had stated.

"My dear boy, round them up, all of them, and send them off to Devils Island. We have need of hard labor there....now, give Yolande kisses from me, Marie-Therese and I will swing by for tea before too long, I promise." And the phone went click.

What alarmed Versailles was massive movements of unabashed revolutionaires in South Algeria, coupled with the fact that several families in the Kingdom of Algeria itself were known to have POLISARO connections.

This was the remedy.

With great force, the regulars smashed the warehouse door again and again with the sledgehammers. To no avail, it seemed, the bastard reds had been warned, and the door must have been concreted to prevent the authorites from gaining entry. The ODSL Agent turned to and aide.

"Burn them out!" he snarled, to the sounds of marching feet as reinforcements marched in at a quick step.

Presently several fire bombs were chucked though the warehouses windows, the bright lights inside telling the police that their goal had been attained. Screams followed, then lo and behold, the door broke from the inside and a mob of about four score people spilled out into the street, coughing and smoking.

The secret police shackled and hooded the motley lot, before herding them into large trucks that would take them to the harbor so that the rebels may take a trip to Devils Island.

Scenes like this were repeated all over the Kingdom of Algeria that night, a total of some 2,351 persons being arrested and scheduled for deportation to Devils Island. In Algiers Palace, King Louis slept quietly, secure in the knowledge that His Kingdom would soon be safe and secure in its Fuedal ideology.

The first ship left at dawn, filled with men, women, and children who had been apprehended in the raids.

Ft. St. Joan---Laghouat

Alarms broke the night time silence as the Fort called its men to attention. The fierce trumpetry of revelry saw sleepy soldiers run from their barracks, to assemble.

On the bases airfield, a full squadren of French Air Cavalry was warming up, rotors turning slowly as the engines began to hum. Ten gunships were being armed and loaded, and seven transports were lowering their ramps as the attendants got things in order.

In a hanger, French pilots and Ahzadi Special forces listened to le Merechal de Gras du Mont describe the situation.

"Gentlemen, we have just learned that several massive columns of revolutionaries and their allies have become active in the south. Intelligence places them as either SADR or bandits, indeed perhaps POLISARO. This is unacceptable. When he came to power, His Majesty King in Algeria Louis I and even His Most Christian King Louis XX himself declared that all rebels, revolutionaries and traitors shall be apprehended. That is what we shall now do. If we dont act, the whole south will be a veritable communist and seditious haven before our allies the Roycelandians can even set up shop. You will surround the column, arrest its members, throw them in chains and march them of to eventual debarcation to Devils Island. Use deadly force if nessicary, above all do not let them escape. Move!"

Bells began to ring as the men flew to their posts, running in columns out to the tarmack. Already, a flight of 15 Mirage-2000's took off the runway, their mission to provide close air support to the AirCav and the Ahzadi troopers.

The Mirages would do a close fly over, and if they drew fire would pound the column with napalm to facilitate the capture so desired. The particular column in question was apparently trying to flee into the interior of South Algeria, and looked to be in the tens of thousands.

While this was occuring, Versailles placed many calls to Madrid. Versailles, in light of the ever increasingly closeness between the French and Spanish monarchy, suggested that His Imperial Highness Juan I's lieutenants were welcome in the Kingdom of Algeria, and would be allowed to sort through the prisoners to find suspects before the whole lot was sent off the hard labor in tropical hell.

Work was already on a new North African rail system, which would link Algiers, Rabat, and Shadewater.

tag...probably will get involved tommorow at some point

[OOC: Sorry, I saw the midnight showing of Return of the Sith and I only slept for two hours after that (4 to 6 AM), but I don't really understand what's happening. So, are some of the Polisario just agitating the French in Algeria? Either way, I'll get a response to this soon enough.]

((Yah, I think so. I simply cannot let those lefties run amuck in South Algeria, though, the monarchy is still to unstable to be content and blissful, this will add to its endurability. Hey, Mac, sure thing. Oh, DG, did you take Sicily yet? If not, please feel free to begin. You know, Tunisia is still open, and it looks like a fine site for an Italian colony.))

OOC:I was thinking the same thing for Tunisia, and even got a title for the thread thought up, "The Fourth Punic War" :)

As for Sicily, I'll go do that tommorow.

Hindustani SIGINT assets, while by no means very good, are nonetheless able to detect significant French movements near the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. There is even a slight feeling of betrayl. Louis hasn't paid any attention to Hindustani support of Al-Ahzad (in massive quantities, mind, and without obligation), or efforts to moderate Bedgellen anti-imperialistic sentiment over New Caledonia.

As soon as the news reaches Mumabi, Versailles is urged to at least inform the Polisarios that the land ceded to them had changed hands, and give them a chance to pull out before illegally and quite provocatively rounding them up and shipping them away to a life of hard labor.

And furthermore, Louis is informed that, should the French military violate the SADR's soveriegn territory (barring its Algerian grants), Hindustan would have no choice but to take serious and immediate action.

However, it is probably quite clear to the French that for Hindustan to undertake operations against an incursion into the SADR would mean crashing equally vital peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in Ethiopia and Eritrea, where Ahzadi cooperation is vital. And while Mumbai still kicks itself for allowing Massad to drift under the French umbrella, relations are still considered very good and the Ahzadi military continues to operate a large amount of Hindustan-built equipment. Also, any competent analyst could probably tell that the HDF is ill-equipped to sustain a defense against a full-out French attack, possibly with Roycelandian and Spanish help, so close from home ports. If Igovian help can be had, it is another matter entirely, but that would mean reducing the SADR to the level of percieved Igovian puppet state in the international community and dooming efforts for English and Quinntonian support of the new state.

In short, Mumbai doesn't quite know what to do. But in order to make the SADR at least a little bit more defensible, Parliament offers to up its naval commitment and deploy several squadrons of fighter and attack aircraft...perhaps even send a battalion or two of marines. There is also word of transferring a fairly large number of SAf. 21Mk. 2s, Hindustan's heavily upgraded rebuild of the MiG-21, to Western Sahara. While by no means the most modern aircraft, they can, in the hands of a skilled pilot, hold their own against the likes of the Mirage-2000.

Algiers Palace

In view of Hindustans pleas for mercy on behalf of the immenently doomed POLISARO tribes and SADR bandits currently scurrying like so many cockroaches about the deserts of Southern Algeria, His Majesty King in Algeria Louis Iproclaimed that only those SADR and POLISARO traitors found in the Kingdom of Algeria itself would be shipped off the Devils Island.

Louis had gained permission for this gesture from Versailles first, of course, His Most Christian King seeing it as 'the polite thing to do'.

Nevertheless, the Mirages would do a fly over the aforesaid column of 'refugees' to see what they're about, and if they drew fire heavy reprisals would follow. Additionally, the Ahzadi commandos were launched in the French AirCav group, although their mission was now to disarm the refugees and send them on their way to the Western Sahara. As well, the Algerian Army dispatched a full two divisions of foot, supported by a Battalion of the Order of the Golden Fleece (French Mechanized Armor and Infantry), in addition to the two Brigades already on scene.

Roycelandian officials of course had free reign to move as they will, along with Roycelandian troops, its just Louis I wanted to clear out these undesireables entirely and explain to the SADR that their pocket of Algeria was not theirs anymore. They had best pick up and move.

The refugee columns continued to move, rows containing tens of thousands of women and children. Even an initial overflight would notice the highly organized nature of the columns, whose constituents were born out of the efficiency of the Saharawi refugee camps. The columns moved primarily at night, stopping for their longest in the middle of the day to erect shelters for shade. Most of the packages and cargoes being hauled along by camel bear large Red Crescent or Red Cross labels, as well as some for GAiN and World Aid. One old flatbed shows the faded red star of the USSR. Added to this are hundreds of SADR flags, or at least attempted representations on blankets and tent fabrics.

The columns are spaced out between each other by about 24 hours, the length of time needed for groups of vehicles to return to join up with a newly departing column. They follow the existing Algerian road systems directly westward, on a couse which carries them through the town of Tindouf and several other communities... the simple fact is that the columns lack sufficient water trucks for the whole journey, and so require regular stops at local wells every day or so. Over the years of SADR presence in Algeria, friendships had been built with the local civil and military populace throughout the area, and it was from these people that other needed assistance was asked. With each column, a 'squad' of camel rifles kept pace, but as Polisario military manpower was concentrated in the liberated territories this added up to less than one soldier to each hundred refugees.

The columns have been moving pretty much nonstop since the Saharawi-Spanish agreement, but the early days had been less concentrated on moving civilian elements. After the Polisario military equipment had been moved, and the men had gone to assist in fighting and dismantling the Berm, the more laborious exodus had begun. Still, over 150,000 refugees do not move themselves overnight: quickest projections by the international aid workers escorting the columns put the minimum time given current resources at about five months. SADR had requested assistance from the aid organisations which had kept the camps fed for the past two decades, but any aid would take time to arrive, and time was something they did not feel they had in abundance.

In Rabouni, the remaining refugees and supplies had been moved in from the surrounding area... the other camps had been stripped bare and marked as indefensible, leaving Rabouni's static buildings to house the remaining thousands and a rough infantry brigade. The hospital still remained in operation, its heavy equipment marked for departure along with the last convoy of the sick and elderly. The soldiers were stationed at rocky 'hardpoints' around the city, with orders to hold off any advance on the city until evacuation was complete... as symbolic as the territory might be, holding it against superior hostile forces was recognized as wasteful when so much at home remained to be done.

The Imperial Roycelandian Government is not bothered by all the Refugees in Southern Algeria, provided they don't engage in any Anti-Imperialistic activities.

In fact, the Roycelandian Red Cross, the Colonial Guard, the Arab Guard, and the Imperial Air Force are helping the refugees wherever possible, supplying water, medicines, and other humanitarian supplies to the Refugees, although the Imperial Government is still entirely unsure why they'd want to leave Southern Algeria anyway...

Imperial Senate, Rome

"And that is why, noble senators, we must act now to contain this threat. If we are to expand the Empire, we must be sure the regions we intend to expand in are clean of such vile leftist influences. God wills it!" said Caesar Maximus I, finishing his hour long speech to the senate.

Of course, it was all niceties. The senate held very little power in Rome, and he could easily have them declared heretics and killed should they refuse. Of course, that was never nessessary. The senate responded with thunderous applause, and voted unanimously to intervene in Algeria.

Next order of buisiness was to assign a legion or two to take part in the cleansing of the rebelious areas of Algeria.

This duty was assigned to Legions IX and XII, making for a total of 11,000 Imperial Legionaries to be mounted up for the trip across the Mediterrainian.

Word was sent ahead to the French that help was on the way.

The commander of the Algeria task force was a seasoned general by the name of Marcus Spurius. He had lead men into combat on the Italian peninsula itself, crushing a minor rebellion against the Emperor in a most brutal fashion, butchering the men, enslaving the women and children. He wasn't bothered by that at all, of course.

[OOC: Apologies if my posts have come off as a bit unclear... most of the background has been posted in the thread relating to Spain's invasion of Morocco. The refugees in question are not Algerians, but Saharawi: inhabitants of Western Sahara. In RL, 150,000 Saharawi refugees, mostly women and children, live in a series of camps in the barren desert of Southwest Algeria, near the town of Tindouf. They do so because their homeland has been under occupation by Morocco for the past several decades, barring their return. Algeria backed the Polisario Front, the Saharawi organisation which fights politically and militarily for W.Saharan independance, and ceded to them the territory of the refugee camps... connections between Algeria and the Saharawi are very close, going so far as a number of Saharawi children and military offensives bearing the names of past Algerian leaders. In recent years, Algeria has ceased to grant military support (as it has sought to diffuse tensions with Morocco), but it continues political support and aid assistance.

The territory in question is a flat and barren sector of desert, with few water sources and where efforts at cultivation have proven failures despite years of effort. As such, the 150,000 Saharawi remain dependant on food aid for survival.

In an AMW context, the situation has been pretty much mixed up like a goldfish in a blender. The ascension of Louis I to the Algerian throne, and granting of a 100-year mandate over the south to Roycelandia, fills the area with a new authority that certainly has no love for anti-imperial independance movements, and which might not stand by the republican Algerian ceding of the camp territory to the Saharawi. On the other hand, Morocco has been soundly defeated by Spain, and Polisario has liberated its homeland at last: the dream of return held by the refugees has become a possibility.

Which brings up the current problems: Moving 150,000 women and children, as well as the infrastructure and resources built up over 30 years of exile, from the camp territory to Western Sahara proper, through intervening territory that is undisputably Algerian. Especially when lacking heavy transport vehicles, it is a long and difficult logistical undertaking.

Added to this is the ideological consideration: the state that protected and aided the Saharawi's struggle for independance has itself fallen to a monarchial empire. While certainly the new Western Saharan state is in no position to act against imperial presence in Algeria, it is almost a certainty that republican Algerians, especially those in the Tindouf area who have built personal friendships with the Saharawi and share the anti-monarchial/imperial sentiments resulting from years of interaction with the hostile Moroccan kingdom, would be invited to escape inevitable crackdown under Louis I and join the refugee columns in evacuating west. These, however, would be a relatively small number... circumstances amongst the general Algerian populace, monarchists or no, are nowhere near bad enough to trigger the emergence of a mass exodus of Algerians. Nor does the close connection between republican Algeria and Polisario constitute an official SADR policy towards the Algerian monarcist state. At the present moment, it is simply a matter of refugees moving from territory ceded to them in Algeria's republican past, back into their own country, as quickly as possible].

The Imperial Roycelandian Government has sent a very clear message to Rome:

Stay out of Southern Algeria.

Southern Algeria is under Roycelandian Control, and whilst Roycelandia is allied with France and should be on reasonably good terms with the Holy League, we don't particularly want Roman Troops (or any other Holy League troops) marching around what is effectively our territory- no offence or anything, but we're trying to get the infrastructure set up and build some trust with the Natives, and having the Holy League marching around really isn't the way to do it.

Of Course, the French are more than welcome to assist in Southern Algeria, although there are persistant rumours that Roycelandia would be interested in establishing a Protectorate in Western Sahara.

Meanwhile, the Government has contacted POLISARIO, telling them they will help evacuate the refugees in exchange for an end to anti-Imperialist guerrilla activity and so on...

Algiers Palace

Seeing that the Roycelandians had the situation in Southern Algeria well in hand (after all, Louis I offered the region up for a reason), His Majesty called back the Algerian Infantry and French Armor back to Ft. St. Joan, effectively and completely ending any French or Royal Algerian presence in Southern Algeria (by the way, Royce, please feel free to come up with a better name).

And so, the Roycelandian Mandate began, as the intrepid safari hat wearing 'tamers of the desert' began their watch.

As the South began anew, the Kingdom of Algeria was finally secure. Her borders were tight, her armies loyal (not to mention good doses of unwavering French support, however ;) ), her people happy and busy, even prosperous, and most importantly Louis I sat securely on his throne.

The Roman troops, however, were invited to come anyway. His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX well knew the desires of his purple robed ally. Sattelite photos would show that the forces which had been mobilized for activity in Southern Algeria were indeed being sent to Laghouat and Ft. St. Joan...to re-supply. They were then deployed by train to camps quite near the Tunisian border, where Marcus Spurius would march his legions.

It was time Rome had a bit of the colonial game as well, and the French would truly enjoy helping the Romans (and themselves) to Tunisia.

Of course, this is all hush hush right now. A build up is underway, slow but definite. The Holy Leauge perhaps was about to take another bite.

Finally, the Legions arrived at their various destinations. The transports began to unload troops and supplies in three seperate ports, showing off to the world for the first time the new Roman Army:

The first Legionaries marching off the transport were clad in digital pattern desert fatigues with level IV kevlar vests and balistic helmets. The men were armed mostly with brand new, modern-looking Berretta AR-98 bullpup rifles, constructed of lightweight, high-strength polymers, sporting red dot scopes. These were chambered for a new round the Romans hoped to standardize throughout the Holy League, the 6.45x47mm round, which boasted superior accuracy and knock-down power when compared to the 5.56x45mm, yet still have very little recoil (not quite as low as the 5.56mm, but low enough).

Of course, the infantrymen were strikingly different from the others, as they had tiny LCD screens attached to their helmets that could be flipped down over one of their eyes, and a gun-camera system. These men were outfitted with the St. Michael Infantry System (SMIS), the Roman-equivelent of Land Warrior.

As the infantry headed down the embarkation ramp, armored vehicles drove down the loading ramps of the transports. The IFVs and AFVs were normal, Italian produced vehicles, such as the Dardo Hitfist IFV, or the Puma wheeled AFV. The MBT that rolled down appeared quite modern. This was the Gladius Main Battle Tank, the Roman answer to the Abrams and comparable tanks. Sporting a 120mm smoothbore gun, advanced electronics, and an armor composite that was equal to (or possibly better) than the latest Chobham, these tanks were quite formidble and survivable.

The skies were filled with air traffic, consisting of A129 Mangusa attack helicopters and Merlins, nothing particularly special, although the Mangusas were relatively modern.

Finally, the units began to assemble in the docks in traditional Roman form, the Centurions inspecting their units, the standard bearers (who carried standards that were practically exactly like those carried by their ancient predessessors, and even had the bearskin hoods) and others standing like statues. They'd put on quite a nice show for the locals.

Meanwhile, Marcus Spurius had been commanded by the Emperor to proceed to the palace at Algiers to meet with the Royal leadership. A message had already been forwarded to the Roycelandians, assuring that no Roman soldier would step foot in Southern Algeria.

OOC:More detailed specs for equipment available on request.

Parliament praises Roycelandian sensibility concerning the fate of Saharawi refugees and is quite happy that the French aren't bombing the place to smitherines, as was expected. It is hoped that some kind of relationship can be established with Roycelandia where an invasion of the SADR on the part of the Holy League is discouraged.

Roman Government officials are more than welcome to enter Southern Algeria and visit, but at this stage the Roman Legionnaries presence was not required.

Construction on the Algiers-Shadewater railway line was coming along well, and it was hoped that the Grand Unveiling in a year or two would be a suitably impressive spectacle.

In even more surprising news, His Majesty has ordered the formation of the Imperial Camel Corps- Colonial and Arab Guardsmen on Camels!

Algiers Palace

"Louis, mon cher, the plane is waiting. We dont want to make Papa Roi wait!" Queen Yolande nodded to the Lady's Maid, who just finished powdering her face. She then rose, and was draped in the first layers of a sumptous garmet...they were on their way to the Grand Fete at Versailles.

They, for Louis I, King In Algeria, was just having a splendid wig placed on his head, as one of several butlers helped him into a dashing uniform. Two pages helped place sashes and medals upon the King.

But, just as the King and Queen of Algeria were preparing to be conducted to the Airport, le Merechal de Gras du Mont (Marshal of the French Army in Algeria) followed by High Generals Lords Yasif, Otaqeh, and Kishattik, thus forming the Algerian Supreme Command.

De Gras du Mont, in his magnificent uniform, sword, and wig bowed first. The others followed.

"Your Majesty" du Mont said "Before you take you leave to Versailles, Sire, there is the matter of the Tunisian situation."

Louis nodded with recognition as liberal amounts of powder and rouge were applied to his face "Indeed, have the Kings Men (Algerian Secret Police) and ODSL (French Secret Service) reported their posistion yet?" A cape decorated with fleur-de-lys was placed on his shoulders.

High General Yasif nodded "Yes, Sire. Tunisia, once a provence of your ancestors, is now properly prepared for its own reclamation. We just recieved final approval from His Most Christian Majesty himself, through M. de Saint-Germain."

Louis grinned, and placed his elaboratley plumed tricorner on his own head, taking Yolandes hand in his "We must proceed very slowly in this, we will use the two month time frame. We will take our mine, gentlemen, and when the time is right it shall fall into our hands like a plum. At any rate, gentlemen, adieu!" And their Highnesses proceeded to the motorcade.

And so the Supreme Command was dismissed, but not before they wired the message to Tunis "Go."

Additionally, the Roman Legions of Caesar Maximus were put on notice. At Ft. St. Joan the Romans, one of four Gardes Francais Divisions, one battalion of the Order of the Golden Fleece, and three divisions of the Algerian Royal Army. There, they conducted training exercises. Near the Tunisian border, French and Algeria engineers erected the foundations of what would later become offensive military camps. Indeed, the train lines between the sites and Ft. St. Joan already existed.

Tunis

A variety of ODSL operatives and Kings Men agents sat at a long oak table in the Grand Sultana Hotel, Tunis. They watched a large television screen, which displayed the President's Palace. All the men wore black hoods, so that no one of them could betray the identity of the other. They only knew each other by call names, their individual operations were dictated to each directly by Versailles.

Emerging from the Palace gates was several limousines, which contained some of the members of the ruling Islamisist Arena Party, the Prime Minister and several key Imams to be precise. President Jaffar held together a shaky coalition of centrists and the mild left. His government, always overshadowed by larger neighbors, only became weaker after the overthrow of Republic in Algeria and instatement of the Bourbon Monarchy there. Neither friendly with United Elias, nor Libya, nor anybody else really in the Mediterranian, Tunisia had been the subject of a very slow but deliberate isolating campaign by the French and their Algerian vassals.

Now, with Algeria in the firm grip of His Majesty Louis I, and with Holy Leauge allies present in Algeria, it was time to stop isolating rich and tiny Tunisia and bring her into the Holy Leauge. The three limos, surrounded by motorcycle police, began the drive to Chamber of Deputies. There, ODSL and Kings Men intelligence, good intelligence, believed that President Jaffar would suspend his shaky government, and invite the Progressive Bloc itself (neither TBF, Roycelandia, nor Quinntonnia were to have been approached by the Tunisians; intel believed, correctly, they would recieve more aid of grater types from such as Hindustan and Beth Gellert) to bolster his shaky regime.

President Jaffar would not get the chance.

As the limos turned onto the boulevard a single black, unmarked, helicopter came racing in low over Tunis. The investigation noticed later that Air Command did not ever bother, or couldnt, report it. Zooming into view over the motorcade, the helicopter let loose a spray of missles into the desired targets.

Downtown Tunis exploded. The missles, obviously high caliber military grade, sent dust and debris flying all over the Palace Plaza.

As the last missles were still exloding, the black helicopter zoomed out to sea. Search teams later found the wreckage, but no bodies on board. It crash landed off the northern coast of the country.

When the smoke cleared, only one of the limos had survived. It was not Jaffars. Shops along the street were gone, as was most of the police escort. Within minutes the howl of ambulence sirens began, but it was too late to do any good, save for some civilian onlookers. The only survivor was Imam Basam, he was currently recovering (unconscious) at Red Crescent Hospital.
He better hope he had no French nurses...

Meanwhile, only a few hours after the successful assasination, crowds began to form in front of the Chamber of Deputies. They had suprisingly well made placards denoucing the government (close inspection would notice they were also well clothed and had money, with a large number of Algerians), and...

They demanded that Tunisia, for its own well being, be incorporated into the Kingdom of Algeria, and become a vassal of the Holy Leauge. By nightfall about thirty thousand had gathered, and with candles they chanted for Louis I and XX.

In the Grand Sultana, a satisfied conspiracy rose from the table, and took turns departing from seperate doors. They would meet again when they were called.

OOC: Elkazor, I don't mean to cause trouble, but effectively making up the status of an NPC nation is somewhat unethical, especially when you say that the Tunisian government is not really freindly towards anyone, thus suiting your own interests. It really isn't for you to presume whether other nations are friendly towards an NPC or not quite frankly, and generally it is convention that if a nation is an NPC, its government is broadly similar to the RL one.

OOC- Point taken, UE. Which is why I have started this so slow, in order to let everything pan out over a bit of time. Tunisia, as far as I know, has never even been mentioned in AMW RP, not one. Thus I set the stage for a government similar to that overthrown in Algeria, which would only make sense. I think there is a problem with moding, but I dont think that PC's making moves into a NPC zone is condusive to that problem per se, especially NPC's zone of negligible size. Moreover, it is impossible to RP without bringing in NPC nations at some point, especially in a colonial perspective, if realism is the true goal of AMW.

That said, especially for you UE since you occupy such a close posistion, I encourage you to get involved too. Why not make incursions into Libya? It is indeed possible to make incursions without controlling the government in question. I mean, Tunisia was a French colony. Am I, or rather Louis, who is embarked on a re-colonization policy, forced to turn to such lands as, I dont know, East Islandia or the remnants of Marimaia to engage in colonialism by virtue of them having PC players? It makes no rational sense, when the close prior colonies are both relativley low population and definitley near by.

Again I point to my slow course of action in this post. There is plenty of time for someone to either 1) RP some sort of Tunisian group or army 2) Foreign powers to attempt to get involved 3) Or, worst case in my opinion, begin a long and drawn out OOC debate about the nature of NPC nations in AMW being sacrosanct...when we all know fine well we are good RPers, and capable of not acting like Risk players, and taking a little initiative is a fary cry from god-moding. Why, look at Beth Gellert moving into Begal or Jharkand or whatever. That seemed to work fairly well.

OOC: Elkazor, I have often thought about expanding into Libya, but for the fact that I know BG is a supporter of the junta there, and that could drag us into a conflict, besides the fact that shockingly enough UE is not so openly expansionist. I actually have no problem with interacting with NPC nations, but I just wanted to keep in check your willingess to RP on behalf of an NPC, mainly the presumptious comments you had about Tunisia having no allies. Also the way you 'encourage' me 'to get involved', implies that you are picking on NPC powers as an easy way to land grab. Whilst I think this is not what you intend, I would rather you had indicated your intention to move into Tunisia before actually doing so to give others a chance to respond.

What if I decided that UE had been a long time supporter of the Tunisian regime as it was a counterbalance to progressive Libya? This would make things rather awkward now as you could be facing a major feud with UE, that had you known before that we were allied to that nation, you may not have launched this action in the first place...

OOC: I'm dashing out for something to eat just now, so I won't get into the debate fully, but I'd just like to say that Libya is no longer heavily backed by the Commonwealth, which had a policy change following the Neo-Anarchos revolutions. We're now free to be a bit more picky about our favourites and expect more from them in terms of liberty and democracy. That said, Libya does have the benefits of twenty years heavy backing, and is probably armed to the teeth right now. Two decades from now its equipment might be falling apart again, but for now they're back to where they sat when their fighters still worked and they had modern-ish tanks.
(Also, we took those two Indian states because Hindustan switched his claim around and suggested we move our border up, I just can't say no to a hippie ;) )

OOC- Then, UE, it was your responsibility to mention you had ties with them. As I said, no one, no one, has ever said mum about Tunisia, thats it. And its no attempt at a land grab, FYI, if I wanted to do that id invade Scandanavia. What is going on his is a clear attempt at re-colonization. And I think this RP in Tunis could hardly have been stopped at an earlier point for more imput.

Ive metioned my NPC ties to Switzerland for mercenaries and Germany in buying material, and have never heard, I say again, mum said about Tunisia:except that twas agreed it, like Algeria, was a former French colony. I maintain, vehemently so, that this is an infantile period of the Tunisia RP. Likewise, and vehemently so, I maintain that this is still early enough by far for anybody who wants to chime in to do so.

OOC: Ok, well I'll jump in now then...

OOC- Of course, please do. The one thing I simply cant stand is accusations of moding, and apologize at every point before that image hopefully can be percieved. I dont mean to be rude, I just mean to say that Im not doing things and leaps in bounds...and surely it has to be fair to do even NPC things with the tiniest baby steps? At any rate, no offence, please.

OOC: Ok...though in future, out of courtesy if nothing else, could you please inform me that you are planning to RP a takeover in what is practically a NPC nighbouring state?

IC:

Tunis

Ismail Zenaidi, the leader of the fledgling Patriotic Unity Party, had been having a quiet lunch with his family when he was interupted by some most distressing news, the nation's President and several of the Islamic leaders had been killed in a mysterious aerial attack. Ismail was certainly suprised, but his distress on the phone was acted, he was jubilant.

At the last election, the PUP had won the second highest number of seats in the Majlis al-Nuwaab to the, and with the government's coalition seemingly thrown into disarray, he was the natural choice to be the Presidential successor, especially given the widespread reports of anti-government protests. Furthermore, the PUP's support at the grass roots level was in fact much higher than official polls suggested oweing to government coercion and contempt for true democracy.

After hanging up with the government spokesman he made several calls to his own supporters and within a half hour several sedans appeared outside the gates of his well kept house, in a prosperous suburb of the capital.

Soon after, under the careful protection of his personal bodygaurds, Zenaidi had mounted the steps of the Chamber of Deputies himself, intending to speak from a hastily arranged podium. In the course of his journey, the square had filled with hurredly organised PUP activisists, such a number that they outnumbered the monarchists. Meanwhile joruanlists and cameramen were rushed to the scene to make sure that this moment was beamed to every part of Tunisia and beyond.

Wearing a western style business suit, and speaking in modern standard Arabic rather than dialect or French he gave his vision of a new Tunisia,
"Citizens of Tunisia, an event has befallen a nation today, a terrible event, a wicked action of murderers. However, the blame can not be placed upon the perpertrators alone, but on the victims of this violence, President Jaffar and his advisers. To be absolutely frank with you, I believe that they have led our great Arab nation along a misguided road, a road destined to end in our demise, and I can see that many of you agree, most of you want change, and all of you want a brighter future for Tunisia.

"Therefore it is my duty as a citizen of this Republic and a representative of its people to intercede and restore order to this country, and restore values to our government. I took this decision after long thought, knowing that it constitutes a great risk, but Allah has made it my fate to assume responsibility on behalf of the Tunisian people, to share in the responsibility of this Arab nation, the main duty of which, dictated by responsibility, is to exploit all and every means in a bid to save my Tunisian Arab people.

"In these decisive days in the history of our land, these days in which truth struggles to have itself recognized in international chaos where powers of evil domination and imperialism have prevailed, Tunisia stands firmly to preserve her sovereignty. Our country will stand solidly and staunchly to preserve her dignity against imperialistic schemes of those who have uncovered their desires for domination and supremacy. It is no co-incidence that here infront of me, in the wake of a military attack on our nation, are supposed supporters of a return to French colonialism. The Tunisian masses have been exposed to and asked to fall for this psychological warfare in which the enemy has used clever methods, great intelligence and much duplicity. But the Arab masses must not succumb and yield to this psychological offensive, because there is no true Tunisian who would stand infront of this symbol of independence and sincerely advocate its demise.

"I come to you today on this solid ground to shape a new national life and to establish peace and to reaffirm our sacred independence. We all love this land, the land of God, we all, Muslims, Christians and Jews, all worship God and we must all pray today that our destiny of liberty is fulfilled."

As the majority of the crowd exploded in supportive cheers they begin to round on the Francophile activists, but the mob is quickly divided as people move aside to allow Tunisian Army armoured vehicles and trucks full of soldiers to approach the parliament. For a second Ismail feared that they were coming for him, before he realised that they were in support, and national guard conscripts were also heading to the Palace to complete the work of removing the previous administration forceably. Perhaps for ideological reasons, or perhaps because they felt they would be better poised for personal gain with new leadership, the tipping point had been achieved and the enforcers of state control had deserted their old masters, or more accurately the remnants of the Islamist Arena Party's coalition, mostly incompetent cronies of the dead President.

As Ismail Zenaidi waved to the crowd and proceeded down the steps, walking towards the palace himself, he realised that his coup d'etat could only be the begining of a long struggle.

OOC- I can do that, and certainly apologize for not doing so earlier. And I shant do this again, at any rate I had had a few drinks when that post went up. I appreciate you cordiality, however, and thank you for it. Perhaps we can salvage the mood by making this a fun RP? Again, Im sorry. Ill have some response, or at least some additions, up by tommorrow. Thanks again, Ciao.
Hey, BTW, DAMN GOOD post. Ill need to cogitate a bit now!

As soon as news of any trouble in Tunisia reaches Mumbai, the Blake, ever-present in the Mediterranean, makes for Tunis.

If the French are about to swallow up another nation, they will have to get through Hindustan first, or so Parliament figures.

The Blake, while not the newest ship, could do a number on most surface vessels. While only equipped with four 6in rifles on the main guns front, the ship boasts an impressive array of ASMs. And even if they don't do a thing, any pursuing battlegroup will have upwards of 150 kilometers to close with the old cruiser, not exactly the slowest ship around...

Well, if the Tunisians don't want the cruiser in their harbor, they need only let Parliament know and another entry can be added to the register of Hindustani diplomatic slip-ups.

Tunis

Only hours after being sworn in as the President of the Tunisian Arab Republic, Ismail Zenaidi passed several decrees, firstly proclaiming a day of national mourning for those killed in the terrorist attack, and secondly to declare a national emergency.

As flag draped coffins were paraded through the streets chaotically, including that of the former President, the Tunisian nation was being prepared to take on the forces of French Imperialsim through every means possible. The military, numbering some 35,000, 70% of which were conscripts was being deployed to the streets of major cities, whilst at the same time readying for impending combat. The military had suffered in the last decade since the Islamist Arena Party had been in power, prior to which United Elias had given significant assistance to a small nation stuck between two potential aggressors. With Jaffar's move away from secularism, this foreign support had dwindled, and with the peaceful Prime Minister Abdul Omar in Algeria, the armed forces had been downsized. However, it still remained well equipped, and quite well trained, and with much surplus equipment kept in storage, enlarging it would be relatively simple. Orders were sent out to all former conscripts who had completed their national servicemen in the last few years, obliging them to report for duty once more under the pain of inprisonment.

On another front, President Zenaidi met with all members of the Chamber of Deputies, and despite the fact that the constitution made the legislature weak and the executive strong, he called for a consensus so that the political system would also stand united against this threat. Zenaidi would also have to make use of the few foreign connections he had, and although it was minimal, the Patriotic Unity Party had for the last four years recieved financial assistance from the Elias Foreign Ministry due to its agenda. A new Tunsian Ambassador to Baghdad was hurredly named, Mohamed Nouri, a long time friend of Zenaidi would be trusted to secure UE's support once again.

Furthermore Zenaidi quickly got in contact with local offices of foreign media pledging to do interviews and give statements so that Tunisia's message would resonate around the world. In response to the Blake's deployment, a message is quickly sent to the Hindustani parliament thanking them, but asking that the vessel remain in international waters. This is partly because although generally Tunisians were religously tolerant the prospect of being propped up by Hindu military forces may make the government seem weak, not to mention the fact that it would be seen as Tunisia allying with the progressive bloc, which was not the case.

OCC: Well, to be totally technical, while Hindustan is named what it is, most people of religious persuasion are muslims. So being bailed out by a Hindu nation shouldn't really be a problem.

IC:

Mumbai quickly apologizes for its overentheusiasm and the Blake is ordered to turn around. It does this quite obligingly, crew and captain in no mood to face one part of the French navy with the other part blocking the way to home port.

For good measure, the old Tiger class cruiser fires off a few rounds from its two dual 6in mounts, displaying the guns' quite high rate of fire before being forced to change a barrel.

But before too long, the ship heads for the Suez canal and home port.

Tunis

The demonstraters supporting Tunisian monarchy did not go away and indeed they grew to around 40,000 strong by the second day of the crisis: for they had found something to support, a French secret weapon if you will.

Arriving by mean of French ODSL operatives from her plush Corsican Palace came Princess Anastasia, last descendant of the Princely House of Tunis. Her family had fled the country after the end of the colonial period, finding refuge with their millions on delightful Corsica. She was not pretty, rather short and squat, but pragmatic, earning comparisons of her to battle tanks. During the Restoration, she had been recruited by Louis XX for such a task as this. She would be granted the crown of Tunisia, in returning becoming a vassel to both the French and Algerian Bourbons.

She immediatley bought the Grand Sultana Hotel as her base of operations (Supported by the infrastructure of ODSL and King's Men already there) and set up a counter-movement to the PUP Party: The White Front. Taking on conotations from monarchist movements past, she used white as her standard. Her countenence has been compared to that of Madame Chiang Kai-shek, and Anastasia possessed iron resolve.

Within hours of moving into the Grand Sultana, a 100' x 100' banner of her profile was thrown over the side, her coat of arms the white dolphins of Tunis under the golden fleur-de-lys, with the caption "Mother of Tunisia." She organized the demonstraters, and set them to chanting even harder, registering all of them in TWF (The White Front). So began a registration drive for membership in TWF. Cash bonuses were given upon signing, and before long groups of both the very poor and very rich (they had their own motivations no doubt) were recieved at the Grand Sultna Hotel, and left with little white cockades on their robes.

By Day 3 of the crisis, the demonstraters outside the Chamber of Deputies had turned into roving columns of protestors, who roved the streets and condemned the 'illegal' government of Ismail Zenaidai. The White Front had made good its claim as a political coalition, headed by Princess Anastastia (and of course her secret ODSL and King's Men advisors), and demanded that Anastasia claim her rightful post as Princess of Tunisia.

Finally, as TWF geared up for further protests and destabilizing activities, Princess Anastasia was given ligetimacy first by King Louis I in Algeria, and then by His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX's government in Versailles. Both bodies delcared her person and movement sacrosanct, and threatened reprisals for any harm laid against them. Motivation was building now for Anastasia to march on the Chamber and demand recognition.

OOC:Elzakor, wanna start planning the invasion via TG?

Tunis

The new President was largely unphased by any efforts to convert the population at large to the so called White Front. After all, they would be struggling to recieve the support of every Christian in Tunisia (as most are not Roman Catholic), and even assuming they could convert them all, that would amount to just under 2%, hardly the basis of a popular revolt.

However, this did not mean that Princess Anastasia the Pretender should be left to cause trouble, and realising that simply to shoot all of her supporters outside the Majlis al-Nuwaab would be rather provocative, Zenaidi conconected a somewhat more subtle plan, after all being a politican in Tunisia for as long as he had, meant he had friends in low places.

Outside the Chamber of Deputies, where both PUP and TWF supporters protested mostly peacefully, within a perimiter enforced by soldiers, truck loads of extremist leftists suddenly appeared. The Tunisian Communist Party, not particulaly popular in its own right was widely regarded as a revolutionary movement, and in effect, it was. Carrying enourmous red banners and singing a hastily written Tunisian Arabic version of the Internationale, they attempted to tackle head on the TWF cronies. After slipping in through some gaps that had mysteriously materialised in the police road blocks, the communists burnt effigies of Princess Anastasia and Christian crucifixes as well as provocatively insulting the Royalists. Within minutes a peaceful demonstration had turned quite violent, as TWF members and Marxists fought. Petrol bombs were the next step, and the well armed reds inflicted injuries on the whites, as the PUP supporters simply tried not to get involved.
After quite some time, the authorities reacted, and riot police, backed up by assault rifle equipped national guardsmen started to break up the crowd, dragging various members of both factions out in handcuffs.

On the evening news, the newly appointed Interior Minister gave a statement, backed up by television footage, saying that 'as a result of violence between extremist groups, the peaceful right to protest would have to be temporarily suspended and that it was a time for the nation to unify behind its President.' This message of unity was furthered by members of the Chambers of Deputies (of practically all parties), repeating almost parrot style messages of praise for Ismail Zenaidi.

The same evening some government officials, dressed in suits, and quite clearly civil servants, not policemen, arrived outside the Grand Sultana with a signed warrant for the closure of the premises on the ground that it did not comply with new legislation reviewing health and safety standards in the public building code.

Marginalising, the already narrow support base of the TWF was only a part of a multi-pronged effort to ensure that the French colonialist agenda could not be made pallatable by even a minority of the population. At the same time as the events in Tunis, the President had made sure that Imam Basam, notional head of the Islamic faith in Tunisia had been afforded decent healthcare, and upon hearing of that his condition was stable, visited him at his hospital bed, and convinced him, in the face of Christian invasion to issue a Fatwa calling all Muslims in Tunisia to pray for the new President, and show solidarity of purpose. This combined with another letter sent by the Imam to all Islamic clerics in the country would result in increased Mosque attendances, already excellent in a highly observant country, and sermons that would encourage all to resist the forces of Imperialism and support the government of the Tunisian Arab Republic. Whilst not put too strongly, the underlying message was also fundamentally anti-Chrisitian, almost implying that the French were trying to convert all of North Africa to catholicism.

And then the news of what happened in France reached North Africa...

((A good days RP I think...oh, and FYI UE, TWF is not a Catholic organization, and draws on muslims equally...inspired move with the Reds though, very much so. This is what we joined AMW for, more tommorrow!))

OOC:

Whilst TWF may try to draw on Muslim support, you do realise it won't be very succesful at all for several reasons. First of all the leader is a Catholic in a highly religous nation where politics and faith are intertwined, and where some significant animosity exists between the Roman Catholic church and Islam for historial reasons, not to mention the laws and principles which still drive the way Islamic countries are governed are fundamentally different from Christian values. Secondly Princess Anastasia is a colonialist and a reminder of the days of French oppression, and she is also a woman, in a society where women and politics and considered to be totally incompatible, and I can't think of a single Middle Eastern/North African woman ruler since Cleopatra who died in 30BC, a long time before Islam was even invented.

((There are a few, Zenobia comes to mind as one, and Sheeba too, but your right. I just wanted to make the point that, although TWF may be majority Catholic by default, it is not a evangelical organization, actively espousing bigotry or inquisition. It has political goals, and though that means uses a variety of mechanisms and peoples. Anywho, well done, I shall respond when I get abit, this shall have to be properly done, so if you could give me perhaps a day or so before major developments id be much obliged, end of term yah know? Ciao!))

As tensions increased in Tunisia, the Roman Legions stationed in neigboring Algeria began to move further south, staying along the border. The made sure to stay out of Southern Algeria, however. That wasn't their destination. They were poised to thrust into Southern Tunisia...

The Prime Minister Chaffin sat in a leather armchair in his private study at Number 10, watching a BBC World replay of President Zenaidi's rousing speech to the masses outside the Chamber of Deputies. There was a knock on the door and an attractive young secretary led Lord Bambury, the Foreign Secretary into the room. Chaffin looked up at his old friend, who today seemed to look old indeed, walking with the aid of a cane, but still mentally as sharp as ever.

"Come in Hugh, sit down, brandy?"

"Oh..err...I don't think so Prime Minister, my doctor has warned me not to be too bibulous, not before lunch anyway."

"Very good, now what do you make of this business in North Africa?"

"Well...this Zendi, or Zenaidi or whatever, seems rather earnest, all this tosh about being victims of 'psychological warfare' and 'imperialistic schemes', a bit fiery if you ask me..."

"Yes, well my dear Hugh, I fear he is probably right, the Bourbon court most certainly harbours open desire for expansion, an I am inclined towards opposing it at this juncture. I have tried to extend a hand of friendship across the channel, but there is a limit to magnanimity and I think it is time to establish boundaries, so to speak."

"Tom, are you suggesting we send troops to Tunsia?"

The Prime Minister tilted his head slightly, "No, no, I would hope it would not be necessary. Lets start off my sending a nice telegram from me to His Excellency the President of the Tunisian Republic. How about, 'congratulations on your...'"

"Illegal Coup D'etat?"

"Ah, no that doesn't quite work does it...how about, 'our government wishes you and your state every success in the future...opportunity to establish better relations...blah blah blah', all very neutral stuff, see how he responds. I think you should also telephone our Ambassador in Versailles and have him communicate our potential displeasure over any further contempt for the concept of national soverignty."

"Yes, fine idea, Prime Minister."

((My deepest apologies folks, Im called to Rheims for a week or so. I will be back early next week for sure, no doubts about it. Im so sorry to start all this exciting RP and have to step out, especially with everybody active as im busy!, but duty calls. Take care, all of you, see you on Tuesday or so. Bon chase!))

bump

Tunis

Princess Anastasia, along with the organizers of TWF (The White Front), fled the Grand Sultana Hotel by helicopter and in several hours were in Algiers.

The move would no doubt come as a surprise to the red mobs and fanatics milling about the streets of Tunis. They would no doubt view it as a victory on their part. After all, the French King had been recently assasinated, and his son the Dauphin only recently arrived on the Lily Throne.

Theyd soon get a lesson in Bourbon resolve.

As Princess Anastasia sat down with King in Algeria Louis I, they were joined by the Algeria General Staff as well as le Merechal de Gras du Mont, Marshal of the French Army in Algeria.

They awaited, no doubt as did President Zenaidi, a much heralded conference to be hosted by His Most Christian Majesty Louis-Auguste, King of France and Navarre, Defender of the Faith and Lieutenant of God. His first conference since taking the throne for not yet a week.

The King spoke today from the Lily Throne itself, draped by pruple canopies and golden cloth curtains, emblazoned with countless jewel crafted fleur-de-lys. The news crews from RNN and around the world would focus in on the new King, young and dashingly handsome, flanked by strong faced Queen Jillesopone:

"God defend the right! In the wake of my august fathers death, now known to be perpretared by Igovian Agents, Tunisia prepares for red revolution and fanatical recourses. Tunisia's rightful suzerain, the Princess Anastasia, has been cruelly forced from her home by mobs and militias, leaving the country ripe for mischief. As the Invincible Protector of Christendom and the Holy Leauge, I will not allow this to happen."

He took a moment, resolve written upon his symmetrical and appealing face. "My father was assasinated most foul ere he could bring law and light to the troubled desert land. I shall continue where His Majesty louis XX left off. The illegal government of Tunisia has twenty-four hours to vacate the capital, and dissapear. After that, I shall root out all dissadents and revolutionaries, from Tunis to Gabes, and see them strung up to a body! My cousin and vassel, Louis I King in Algeria, has gained my assent, if this deadline passes, to occupy Tunisia until such time as seems good to us, with my own support in profusion. Those who think to cause plots and assasinate Kings shall now learn the full extent of their folly. May God continue to defend the crown and church."

Only moments afters, Louis I ordered two divisons of the Algerian Army to the northern border with Tunisia, bolstered by the 14th Division Garde Francais. They were reinforced with the 3rd Battalion of the Order of the Golden Fleece, crack French mechanized cavalry. This force occupied Camp Reclamation, built months ago for such a purpose, only twenty miles from Tabarqa in Tunisia. In the south, the Roman Legions under the aegis of Caesar Maximus took their post at Camp Vigilance, only thirty some miles from El Borma.

To show, however, that negotiation with the illegal government occupying Tunis was over King Louis-Auguste authorized Task Force B, crusing at fifteen knots 200 miles north of the Tunisian coastline and consisting of the Cherbourg Mk. I Battlesip Roi de Soleil, a Marseilles Class Light Cruiser, and three Brest Class Frigates to commence a light bombardment on the capital.

So it was that, two hours after the announcement and about eight after Anastasia fled to Algiers Palace, the French fleet launched a total of twenty- two Fury V Cruise ICBM's on Tunis, packed solid with HE payloads. A full ten targetted the cities power installations, while five zoomed towards Tunis' communication hubs. Five were directed against radar stations, and the remaining two were indiscriminatley lobbed at downtown Tunis.

From the C&C of the Roi de Soleil (which had prior practive bombarding cities vis-a-vis Ulanger) laser targetted buildings conflagrated as the oblong Fury V's crashed into them, French tactical satellites orienting themselves to purge the former French colony. At Ft. St. Joan, the major French military installation in Algeria, a full wing of Mirage-2000's were loaded up with bombs and missles, pilots were put on ten minute notice. Royalist forces prepared to wipe the scourge of revolution clean from Tunisia.

OOC: You do realise the government in Tunis isn't in any way communist?

Tunisia

President Zenaidi, had indeed complied with one of the French demands, he had fled the capital. Just under a hundred miles south near the small town of Kalaa Kebira, the war cabinet met in an underground facility, that had recently been refurbished as a military command center. It did not look hi-tech, and the location relied on secrecy rather than fortification for its security, but it was the safest place in the country at that moment. In the last days the Popular Unity Party and the government's organisation had by default amalgamated, forming a new hierarchy that ensured control could be maintained over the country. In Tunis itself, the National Guard had quickly managed to evacuate government buildings, and tried to ensure order after the missile strikes. Civilian casualties were widespread and power was out, but the citizenry, perhaps more than ever was defiant in the face of destruction.

The military had their instructions, and despite disruptions in communications, they knew what they had to do. Rather than deploy to the western border, the main formations dispersed in the interior, getting ready to spring traps on the advancing French. Across the country, from urban citizens to rural peasants, men reported to local militia stations. In a hurriedly developed system, the frontline units would be used to stall the enemy advance while irregulars probed behind enemy lines to harass supply lines. The fixed wing aircraft of the Air Force quickly became airborne and fled West, across the Gulf of Sidra, to land safely in Egypt. Naval surface combatants set sail, moving into position to fire their cruise missiles at the French fleet in one massive salvo, knowing that at least several would get through and inflict damage.

Despite the fact that television stations were out, nearly every Tunisian had a battery operate radio, and it was this form of media, the President would use to address the nation. Sending a taped message to another location to be broadcasted so that his position would not be given away, he would reassure his people that they would indeed be able to overcome this.

“The free peoples of the world and the sons of our glorious Arab nation can rest assured that proud, glorious and defiant Tunisia will remain secure. We shall not be shaken by the winds of evil; nor will we be frightened, God willing, by the hiss of vipers.

“One of the lessons of recent and distant history is that all empires and bearers of the coffin of evil, whenever they mobilized their malevolence against the Arab nation, or against other just peoples, were themselves buried in their own coffin, with their sick dreams and their arrogance and greed, under Arab soil; or they returned to die on the land from which they had proceeded to perpetrate aggression. This has been the case with all empires preceeding our present time. If this is what history tells us about its judgment on all times and eras of the past without exception, can we then describe those who are trying to ignore history now except in the words which no wise or prudent person would wish to be described with?

“On the basis of this experience and the preparedness that rests on a solid and unshakable base of faith and conviction, it is the enemy that will be confused, and it is the enemy that should seek a way out of what will be a chaos in which the enemy has thrown itself. The enemy ought to remember the terrible end of all empires that committed aggression against the desert lands in the past.

“When you, the valiant people of Tunisia, today renew your pledge to Allah, to yourselves, to the nation and to humanity at large, that you will continue the march of liberty and progress, you do not only strengthen your adherence to your belief and your sacrifices for the Faith, but you ensure final and everlasting victory over your enemies.

“This is the inevitable outcome awaiting all those who try to suppress the ideals of our state. If anyone wants to learn from history, anyone with greed and arrogance combined in himself, like that pretender who sits upon the treacherous throne of Algiers, ought to remember this fact and think again. Otherwise, he will end up on the ash heap of history, along with every tyrant and despot of this world.

“We never face any aggression relying singularly on our force of arms, but rather on the strength of our faith, in the belief that Allah always helps the faithful and their just cause to prevail over injustice and intolerance. On this basis, the stand of loyalty taken by the faithful shall remain firm and healthy. Darkness shall be defeated, and every cloud that carries no useful rain shall be dispersed, giving way to the sun to usher in endless spring, blessed by Allah, shining with pride on people who themselves bring disgrace to the conduct of the aggressors. The forces of evil will carry their coffins on their backs, to die in shameful failure, taking their schemes back with them, or left to dig their own graves, after they bring death to themselves and are dealt swift vengeance by the people against which they perpetrate aggression.

“We say this to refute those bragging their power, governed by the devil, those who wade in the rivers of innocent blood, believing that the people of the world should become slaves to their tyranny and worship them as false idols. If they wanted peace and security for themselves and their people, then this is not the course to take. The right course is of respect to the security and rights of others, through dealing with others in peace and establishing the obligations required by way of equitable dialogue and on the basis of international law and international covenants.

“I assure our citizens that the light of truth belongs to us, while our enemy has the darkness of the present and the darkness of distant horizons. We are fully prepared for everything and for any eventuality. Our success is in the hands of our brave warriors and our magnificent allies, and God shall repel the schemes of the aggressors, who in the fallacy of their superiority make clear their ignorance and their ineptitude.

“In the name of God, the most gracious, the Most Merciful; oh, great people; oh, honorable members of our armed forces; oh, sons of our glorious Arab nation, I ask of thee, calm, I demand of thee, courage and I pray thee victorious.”

OOC: Well, you can see I like to write speeches, its nice to be a bit more fiery for a change, compared with moderate UE.

Let me just post some stats, I know they're boring, but I spent some time working out the Tunisian military, so here it is:

Tunis Military District
1 National Guard Brigade: 4092

Military District North:
2 Armoured Brigades: 4892
2 Infantry Brigades: 8,184
1 Artillery Regiment: 1176
2 Air Defence Battalions: 946
1 Engineer Battalion: 541
1 Anti-Tank Battalion: 505
1 Medical Battalion: 222
1 Materiel Support Battalion: 397
1 Signal Battalion: 169
1 Maintenance Battalion: 234
___17,266

Military District South:
2 Armoured Brigades: 4892
2 Infantry Brigades: 8,184
1 Artillery Regiment: 1176
1 Air Defence Battalion: 473
1 Engineer Battalion: 541
1 Anti-Tank Battalion: 505
1 Medical Battalion: 222
1 Materiel Support Battalion: 397
1 Signal Battalion: 169
1 Maintenance Battalion: 234
___16,793

Equipment Totals
96 M48A5 Main Battle Tanks
288 T-72 Main Battle Tanks
544 BMP-1 APCs
144 M109A2 155mm SP Howitzers
96 2S1 122mm SP Howitzers
96 M102 Howitzers
36 125mm Anti-tank guns
18 SA-2 SAM Launchers

Tunisian Air Force
26 Mig-21s
13 F-5Es
7 Mig-17s
4 C-130s
11 HH-3Es
13 Mi-24Vs
9 Mi-8s

Tunisian Navy
2 Nanchuka class Corvettes
3 Combattante III class PCFGs

Baghdad

Emergency meetings were held in Baghdad right after the ultimatum had been issued by the new King. The President, in consensus with the cabinet decided that enough was quite simply enough. There was a point at which the French, in their nauseating self-glorifiying arrogance could be accomodated, and this had been reached and surpassed. With all haste, a message was crafted, signed personally by the President and transmitted to Versailles by Elias diplomats, who immediately afterwards would depart France. The message could not be clearer, and in effect was a conditional declaration of war. If France did not cease all hostilties with Tunisia within twelve hours, United Elias would have no choice but to intervene on Tunisia's behalf, and would defend that nation's soverign territory.

In Egypt, cruisers, frigates, destroyers and submarines scrambled, leaving harbour and forming into small surface action groups that would converge on the Tunisian coast if the French continued their aggression. More ships, including an aircraft carrier, and amphibious assault vessels were also being prepared for an immediate deployment as soon as possible. Whilst reserves would not yet be called up, the frontline element of the 3rd Army comprising some 220,000 troops, was placed on high alert. Hundreds of aircraft, including fighters, bombers and support planes would also be ready to, at a moments notice, unleash a wave of destruction over French Algeria. Whatever France could muster, United Elias would be able to defeat it without the need for extraordiniary exertion. This would hopefully be unnecessary however, as this show of force alone would, if the French monarch was rational, deter his conquest of Tunisia.

In London, Port Imperial, Damascus, Washington and even some of the progressive states, diplomatic efforts were underway to secure allies for the Tunisian cause, and attempts were made to persuade other nations that this was the perfect opportunity to contain French expansion and maintain the balance of power.

OOC- Yes, I do. Thanks for the patience, by the way, good man. So, the communism is just blanket propiganda, basically. Dont pay any creed to it, its just war talk and such. I will get a response, along with the Algerian Military and French forces in Algeria and that stuff up tonight. Its good to be back, thanks again for waiting. Also, it might behoove you to check out Progressive Restoration.

If the Baghdad government is looking for a nation sympathetic to the Tunisian cause, it doesn't need to look any further than Hindustan. If the Baghdad government is looking for a nation able to do something about it, they should probably keep searching. But nonetheless, Elian diplomats are notified that a significant (by Hindustani standards) force of HDF warships is at Tunisia's disposal once they are refueled mid-ocean, and that several regiments of light infantry can be embarked relatively quickly.

However, as HDF commanders begin to look at French and Tunisian military strength estimates, they start to worry. It is therefore decided that Mumbai should immediately contact the Igovians about the possibility of 'serious action,' and if they don't do anything, Mumbai will likely try its own hand.

OOC:Well, Jolt just ate my three page-long post that I've been typing up for the past hour or so. Not sure if I have the energy to do anything else for awhile...

(I almost posted it in this thread, but decided it was just too much of a tangent, still, I think that it might be worth paying attention to this post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9213278&postcount=40) as an aside to the North African conflict. Depending on the outcome, it may signal an extra layer to anti-Holy-League resistance.)

((OOC: Doomingsland, Elkazor, some troops in the Baltics would come in handy, eh?))

Russian diplomats move furiously to convince their French allies to back down. A war against United Elias would be disastrous, and it would drag the entire Holy League into a conflict they cannot afford at the time, what with the Baltics burning in the flames of war. Russia cannot afford to lose French naval assets in the Baltic and Estenlandian troops, so Moscow makes all effort to prevent an escalation of tensions.

United Elias diplomats are also contacted, and urged to compromise with the French, in order to avoid war.

The French are also told that if they wish to avoid a loss of face, they could simply chalk up the retreat as a "redeployment to areas of more pressing concern." (In other words, the Baltics.)

OOC:OK, I'm gonna try this again...

IC:

Algerian-Tunisian Border

Staring across the vast open plain stretched before him through a pair of binoculars, General Marcus Spurius let out a sigh. The leading elemets of his legions would be crossing the border momentarily. Putting down the binoculars and looking at his watch, he realised he'd better get moving.

"Quintus!" he shouted to his aid, a short, burly man of 32 years.

"Yes, my general?" replied the man in a harsh voice, evidence of his many years of service.

"Order the batteries to commence bombardment." commanded the general in a solemn tone. Quintus nodded his head and promptly scurried off towards the command vehicle.

Dust began to be kicked up about him, and the growling of a helicopter's engine became apparent as a pair of A-129 attack helicopters swooped over the heads of the command staff, streaking across the landscape towards the border which lie only miles away.

A distant thunder could be heard coming from behind the Roman lines, evidence of the army's 150 Caesar 155mm howitzers sounding off the begining of Operation: Carthago. These batteries, attached to the legions' artillery centuries, would destroy any static defenses and supply bases within their range (they'd been positioned five miles from the border, and so, with rocket assisted ammunition, could hit nearly twenty-five miles inside enemy territory.)

As he peered into the distance, he could see the dust kicked up behind his tanks as they rolled off to war.

Within a few minutes, the recon elemets of Legio's V and XII had crossed the border, followed closely by the armored cohorts, the attack helicopters probing ahead, seeking to pick off the enemy's already small armored fist.

High above the legions of Rome were their guardian angels: a squadron of EF-2000 Typhoon multi-role fighters. It had been decided to spare any more aircraft would have been a waste of resources in confronting the seemingly pathetic Tunisian airforce. The rest of Rome's air power in the region would act as a wild card should the UE decide to intervene.

Meanwhile, Legio II, an infantry legion, would be kept in reserve; a hammer to Spurius' anvil.

In the mean time, the 3rd and 4th armies had been ordered to Tunisia in expectation of the UE's involvement. Rome wouldn't be backing down...

_________________________________________________________________

3rd Armored Century, 1st Cohort, Legio XII 'Bruttivm'

Centurion Gaius Decimus Lepidus sat in the commander position of his Ariete II main battle tank, enjoying the scenery around him as the tank rolled across the desert towards the border. He had, under his command, a remarkable amount of resources directly at his command when compared to that of men of similar rank in a foreign army. He had both tanks, mechanized infantry, anti-aircraft units, and even his own howitzer at his command, roughly 100 men. At least he didn't have to worry about logistics...

Looking down at his GPS viewer, he realised he was going to cross the border in under a minute. Sliding down into the turret and pulling the hatch shut over him, he called to his loader,

"Kaeso! Load HEAT!" came his gruff voice, partialy muffled by the sound of the engine.

His loader promtly obeyed, slamming in a fresh round in under five seconds. Looking again at his vast array of LCD screens, he found the positions of his men. His five MBTs (including his) were spear heading his century's thrust, while his five Dardo Hitfist IFVs had been placed behind and along the flanks, his AA track sitting comfortably behind the unit. They'd be making contact soon, and he sure as hell hoped the new armor composite on his tank worked as advertised.

Russian diplomats are furious at the Romans, but are helpless to do anything but protest and request that this is not turned into a full Holy League affair. (Mainy, no diversion of Estenlandian resources)

Russian diplomats are furious at the Romans, but are helpless to do anything but protest and request that this is not turned into a full Holy League affair. (Mainy, no diversion of Estenlandian resources)
Upon seeing the disappointment of their allies, the Roman government has promised to dispatch at least one legion to the Baltic theatre to bolster allied efforts there.

OOC: Ah! Thanks very much! It's in 'The Final Battle' thread.

London
House of Commons

Prime Minister Chaffin, in a navy blue three piece suit, sat behind the dispatch box, waiting for the speaker to call on him, in advance of Prime Minister's questions, though unsually he would first say a few words to the House.

The speaker's voice bellowed over the chamber, "Statement from the Prime Minister".

"Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, as many of you are no doubt aware, French forces are as we speak, violating the soverignty of the Tunisian Republic, representing an illegal act of war that deserves nothing but condemnation from the civilised world. This government has endeavoured in the short time we have been in office, to engage in cordial relations with France, in the spirit of once again achieving close co-operation between the nations of Europe. This action shows however, that France seems ready to snub our diplomatic efforts, and to pursue its own objectives unilaterally.

"I have spoken at length with my cabinet colleagues, the privy council, and indeed the leader of the opposition, and it seems that we have no choice but to demand that France ceases its conquest of Tunisia. Until this is done, there can be no possibility of friendship between our two nations as trust and understanding must be reciprocated. It would be hypocritical for me to hold France to a a different standard as the progressive nations, it would be impossible for me to not condemn France when I so publicly condemned the Igovian aggression in Polynesia. Both are wanton acts of barbarism intent on enlarging national hegemony, and I speak on behalf of the United Kingdom when I say that neither is considered acceptable. On this side of the channel we are intent on making the world more peaceful, more free and more civilised, whilst on the other they seek only the greater glory of France, often at the expense of its subjects. It will not stand."

Sithin, PRS
Predictably, Spyran diplomats come out with statements condemning Holy League agression and declaring support for the people of Tunisia. Efforts are made to meet with counterparts across the world, in the hope that something can be done on a larger scale.

"Russia and the Estenlands now invade the nations of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Moldova... France and Italy send troops across the desert from the nations of Morocco and Algeria, which they have so recently siezed and occupied, to extend their tyranny into Tunisia... Spain recovers from its own recent African invasions by massing troops to threaten its neighbours of Portugal and the SADR. The history of the Holy League has been one of constant agression, and as attested by recent events in France itself, constant brutality. All nations of the world, all peoples within them, are unified across the lines of state or ideology by the knowledge that this cannot be allowed to continue. We must unite, and through our unity we shall end the uninterrupted torrent of feudalist barbarism that erupts from the Holy League. They must know that they can go no further!"

Versailles

His Most Christian Majesty's Council Chamber was a massive marble lined hall, nick named the 'Bulls eye' because of its ornate crystal widow upon the ceiling. In it now sat the Lords of France, lined up at a gargantuan veneered oaken table. Huge computerized reliefs of the Mediterranean Basin lined the walls, updated with military forces and their movements. At the tables head sat King Louis-Auguste, by him was his radiant Queen Jillesepone. The Kings brother, le Comte d'Artois now spoke, leaning eagerly upon the table.

"Sire, now is the time." Spoke the excited Royal, gesturing to the maps. "Your father-in-law the Tsar makes war in the East with Putin, together they seek to unite Eastern Europe. Let us make a great move in the South, Your Majesty! Sweep the Elians across the Mediterranean, and secure your eternal power!"

The King nodded, but his eyes scanned the table. They came to rest on his other brother, the Comte d'Provence. The Royal and First Lord of the Admiralty was a very fat man, obese even in his young age but nevertheless splendid in his nautical uniform.

"Sire, Your Navy stands ready. In concert with the Romans, it is my belief that we can force the Elian Navy to a standstill, and then roll them into oblivion. In but a few weeks, the first of the Cherbourg Mk. III's shall be completed, and we shall have an unquestionable advantage. We need not fear the Straights of Gibraltar, either. If the Western democracies threaten us, Juan Catalan with seize the Rock, and doubtless secure our flank. Once we have dispatched the Navy of United Elias, Your Majesty shall have free reign in the Mediterranean, and the Balkans will certainly fall to the Tsar." Provence concluded, lighting a cigarette as he finished.

The Minister of War, M. de Saint-Germain, spoke next.

"Sire, it is true. We must move now. We shall launch a massive land offensive in Tunisia, in concert with the Roman. Co-ordinate this with a Naval combined offensive and we shall drive East to the Suez itself. And let Your Majesty not forget, Al-Ahzad stand ready to sting the Southern flank of United Elias. If we can accomplish this, Your Majesty, you shall have been the greatest Louis since the Sainted Ninth, who also crusaded in Africa."

The Queen made her voice known. "Strike fast and hard, my liege, and the Holy League shall have mastered the continent itself!"

His Most Christian Majesty nodded affirmations, and then made his voice known.

"All you say is true, and we must act. If, By the grace of God, we best United Elias, we can starve and damage the Progressive Bloc and the meddling Western Democracies far more than through direct military action: without their oil, they are powerless! If need be we can destroy the Suez, and seal the entire ocean off! Like the eagle then let us move! Send the Royal Dauphin Corps to North Africa, send a mighty army. Let my brother Provence muster a great fleet of war, to smash the Elian garbage scows into spars. The Holy League shall act in one great concert, one great push. Rome and France shall rule the South, the Tsar and His allies shall secure the North. Gentlemen." The King then stood, followed by the gathered assembly.

"Take Tunisia, and drive East. Let this new Crusade begin!"

Marseilles

His Highness le Comte d'Provence went at once following the meeting in Versailles to Cherbourg. There, he would personally oversee a crash program to finish the Cherbourg Super-Battleship Mk. III Titan and lead it into the Mediterranean war. With over one hundred thousand workers slaving to complete the floating citadel, and the nuclear reactor having just been installed, ETA for the Super-Battleship was about two weeks now. Her sister ship, the Sol Invictus, would be some months later.

The Cherbourg Mk. II Battleship Louis-Auguste set sail from the French port of Marseilles, along with a full fleet of war. Six Marseilles Class Light Cruisers, the Ignatius, Charles X, Talon, Lion, Champion, and Fury steamed out dwarfed by the massive Battleship, but each packing six 10" guns nonetheless. A full ten Brest Class Frigates the Unshakeable, Resilient, Viper, Prowler, Falcon, Loire, Seine, Aurora, Hunter, and Cougar. Under Third Lord of the Admiralty le Duc de Berry this fleet would sail South, and link up with Battle group B currently cruising North of Tunisia. Once the link up occurred Battle group B's Cherbourg Mk.I Battleship Roi de Soleil, Marseilles Class Cruiser Repulse, and Brest Class Frigates Darter and Dace The French Royal Navy will have summoned a massive fleet indeed: two battleships, seven Light Cruisers, and twelve Frigates.

In the silent lead were four Nantes Class Attack subs the RN-1, RN-32, RN-90, and RN-44. This awesome force would rendezvous in the Straights between Tunisia and Sicily, and then begin the drive against the Elian Navy.

Algiers

Massive transports of French material and supplies began to arrive, preceding an awesome gathering of French arms.

The Royal Dauphin Corps, followed by another six Garde Francais Divisions, would hammer East in concert with the Algerian Army and Roman Legions. The full French force would take two weeks to transport and assemble, the idea was the forces currently invading would have secure zones for further offensives by then.

Algiers began air raid drills, and sandbags went up in the streets.

Already, two Wings of ODSE Mirage-2000's (the 8th and the 11th) had arrived at the Aerodrome to bolter the Algerian Air Force. The elite 1st Wing of the ODSE, made exclusively of Dassault Rafales, was assigned the task of providing fighter cover against Elian planes over Algeria itself. The other wings would soon begin raids over the border. Indeed, the air battles would soon begin.

Battle group B, off the Coast of Tunisia

The fleets CIWIS systems dispatched all but one of the Tunisian navy’s missiles. The first test against the Cherbourg’s awesome anti-aircraft and anti-missile capabilities. Waves of lead flew up from the massive battleship, sheltering it effectively from missiles and aircraft. The missile hit the rear deck of the Repulse. Damage was minor, and soon welding crews went to work on the damage. Two French sailors were killed in the attack.

Following that the fleet launched a dozen Triton ASM's towards the Tunisian corvettes, guided by satellite targeting. The fleet went no further east, however, waiting to link up with the main French Naval group. They remained at General Quarters, however, standing by with full read-outs of the situation.

Tabarqa, Tunisia

The ground as a full three divisions of Algerian Army Regulars, one Division of Garde Francais, and one Battalion of the Order of the Golden Fleece swept over the border. They were in battle formation, and moved easily over the flat countryside.

Their attack was co-coordinated with the Roman Offensive to the South. As the force swept over the border, the 1st Wing of the Algerian Royal Airforce (72 Mirage-2000's) and the 11th Wing of the ODSE (72 Mirage-2000's) flew heavy cover over the advances, coming in for bomb runs and missile strike as needed while other groups watched for enemy fighters.

Standing by at Camp Restoration over the border was the next wave of the offensive, two divisions of the Algerian Army, supported by a motorized battalion. Several hours after the main force drove towards Tabarqa, led by the French General le Merechal de Gras du Mont, the second group led by Algerian General Lord Fayid would slowly move south, to prevent any surprise from Le Kef and to secure an advancing front.

They advanced to Tabarqa cautiously, and by the afternoon had established artillery positions several miles from the city.

And that was the beginning of the war.

OOC- Okay, heres a big ass list. It was a pain, and its big, my apologies. Sorry about the lack of a detailed war post, no rush though, that list exhausted me.

House of Bourbon

King of France: His Most Christian Majesty Louis-Auguste Charles Xavier de Bourbon et Parma du Capet. 27 years old.
Queen of France: Her Serene Highness Queen Jillesepone de Bourbon et Wingert. 26 years old.
Queen Mother: Her Highness Marie-Therese Augusta Charlotte
48 years old.

Princes of the Blood (brothers of the King):
Monseigneur le Comte d’Artois. 25 years old.
Monseigneur le Comte d’Provence. 23 years old.
Monseigneur le Duc de Normandie. 20 years old.
Monseigneur le Duc de Aquitane. 19 years old.

Princesses of the Blood (sisters to the King):
Madame le Reine de Espana Marie-Antoinette, wife of His Imperial Excellency Emperor Juan Catalan. 22 years old.

Madame le Reine de Algeria Yolande de Polignac et Bourbon. Niece to His Majesty Louis XX and wife of Louis I, King in Algeria. 26 years old.

His Most Christian Majesty’s Council d’Etat.

*n.b.- there is no Prime Minister in the Kingdom of France. Although a great many people process decisions, only the King has the authority to sign anything.

Superior Offices: Those offices which have access to the King’s sacred person at all times.

Minister of the Kings Household: Monsieur le Prince de Poix Philippe Louis Marc Antoine
First Gentlemen of the King’s Bedchamber: Monsieur le Comte de Lambesc Jean Charpentier
Grand Almoner of France: Cardinal Prince Louis de Rohan
Captain of the Bodyguard: le Baron de Besenval
First Lord of the Marshalry: Monseigneur le Comte d’Artois
First Lord of the Admiralty: Monseigneur le Comte d’Provence
Valet to His Majesty- Antoine Lebel de Mont

Ordinary Offices: Bureaucrats charged with the Ministries running the day to day affairs of the Kingdom of France. Usually have set times when they are interviewed by His Majesty.

Minister of State- le Comte de Vergennes Charles Gravier
Minister of War- le Duc de Saint-Germain Maurice Saxe
Minister of the Interior- le Comte de Valeroy Perceval Francois
Minister of Trade- Hugh Enot (the only Protestant non-noble member of the Royal Court)
Minister of Education- Abbe Jules de Fronsac
Minister of the Great Pleasures- le Baron de Sans-Trois Augustine Clareaux
Minister of the Lesser Pleasures- Chevalier Francois Regnier de Jarjayes
Superintendent of the Police- Colonel Martin de Chauvernay
Representative of the First Estate- Arch-Bishop of Paris Charles Emmanuel
Representative of the Second Estate- le Duc de Barras Claude de Guemenee
Representative of the Third Estate- Goodman Renard Kossantier

Military of the Kingdom of France

French Royal Army

These troops are the heart of the French military. Made exclusively of crack mercenary forces from around they globe who have signed life contracts in service of the House of Bourbon, and its reigning monarch. Uniforms provided to these troops are exquisite, designed to give public view of their elite qualities. Color combinations change depending on the troops, but all wear kevlar plated steel tri-corner hats. Standard issue weaponry for these troops is the M-14, but variations are common place and varied.

Garde Suisse
-900 soldiers
The finest soldiery of Switzerland, these peerless troops serve as the Kings private bodyguards.
Uniforms: Gold, Blue, and Red.
Swiss Regiments (5 Regiments)
-1200 soldiers per Regiment
The finest caliber of heavy infantry, these hardy troops are the heart and soul of the Royal Army.
Uniforms: Blue, Silver, and Red.
Korean Divisions (5 Divisions)
-13,500 soldiers per Division
Crack heavy infantry, tough and seasoned. If the Swiss Regiments are the heart and soul of the Royal Army, the Korean Divisions are the spine.
Uniforms: Black and Yellow.
Turkish Divisions (2 Divisions)
-14,000 soldiers per Division
Made up of mercenary Turks, these troops are near heavy infantry but with enough mobility to be called medium infantry.
Uniforms: Red and Green.
Sikhs Corps (3 Corps)
-800 soldiers per Corps
Crack heavy infantry constituted by those of Sikh ancestry, specializing in mountainous warfare and tactics.
Uniforms: Black and Blue.
Sherpa Corps (3 Corps)
-1200 soldiers per Corps
Brutal shock troops, who beside being expert marksmen are trained in the use of their deadly Sherpa knife.
Uniforms: Yellow and Blue.
Czech Brigades (2)
-1500 soldiers per Brigade
The Czech Brigades are experts in urban warfare and demolitions.
Uniforms: Gray and White.
Flanders Regiment
-4000 soldiers
These troops serve as a motorized police force for Northern France. They are called in whenever the local municipal forces prove insufficient for the task
Uniforms: Red and Blue.
Burgundy Regiment
-4000 soldiers
These troops serve as a motorized police force for Southern France. They are called in whenever the local municipal forces prove insufficient for the task.
Uniforms: Pastel Blue.
Orleans Division
-10,000 soldiers
These troops serve as a motorized police force for Central France. They are called in whenever the local municipal forces prove insufficient for the task.
Uniforms: Red and Yellow.

Current troops on assignments:

2nd Sherpa Corps is serving in Algiers Palace as Bodyguard’s to Louis I.

Garde Francais

These forces form the bulk of the French military. Made of Frenchman exclusively, these troops are the workhorse of the French ground forces: solid and dependable infantry. Although their helmets are the steel tri-corner as well, their uniforms are to a man white and blue. The standard armament is the M-16, but variations are commonplace and varied. Notice the demarcation of the Royal Dauphin Corps, constituted by: the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 9th, and 18th Divisions. The Royal Dauphin Corps is the sledgehammer of the Gardes Francais. Equipped with no less than 800 M-1 Abrams battle tanks for armored support, they are the fastest moving and most heavily armed element of the Gardes Francais. They have seen a lot of action, and are the first response force, generally, of the Kingdom of France.
This force proves handy in a number of respects, especially as it can be expanded at a moments notice via conscription.

1st Division
-12,800
Heavy Infantry
{Royal Dauphin Corps}
2nd Division
-12,800
Heavy Infantry
{Royal Dauphin Corps}
3rd Division
-12,800
Heavy Infantry
4th Division
-12,800
Heavy Infantry
{Royal Dauphin Corps}
5th Division
-12,800
Heavy Infantry
6th Division
-12,800
Heavy Infantry
7th Division
-12,800
Medium Infantry
{Royal Dauphin Corps}
8th Division
-12,800
Medium Infantry
9th Division
-12,800
Medium infantry
{Royal Dauphin Corps}
10th Division
-12,800
Medium Infantry
11th Division
-12,800
Medium Infantry
12th Division
-12,800
Medium Infantry
14th Division
-12,800
Medium Infantry
15th Division
-12,800
Medium Infantry
16th Division
-12,800
Medium Infantry
17th Division
-12,800
Medium Infantry
18th Division
-12,800
Light Infantry
{Royal Dauphin Corps}
19th Division
-12,800
Light Infantry
20th Division
-12,800
Light Infantry
21st Division
-12,800
Light Infantry
22nd Division
-12,800
Light Infantry
23rd Division
-12,800
Light Infantry
24th Division
-12,800
Light Infantry
25th Division
-10,000
Artillery
26th Division
-10,000
Artillery
27th Division
-10,000
Artillery
28th Division
-10,000.
Artillery
29th Division
-10,000.
Support and Medical
-10,000
30th Division
-10,000
Support and Medical

30th Division through 40th Division
-100,000
Reserves on stand by, can be brought up to add to previously listed divisions in a matter of weeks. Already passed basic training.

Current troops on assignments:

3rd, 12th, 14th, and 27th in Algeria: Ft. St. Joan

17th and 19th in New Caledonia: Ft. St. Martin

-5th in Al-Ahzad: Ft. St. Louis

22nd in New Provence (French Guiana)

Royal Auxiliary

These troops, or rather civilian contractors, provide the great majority of support (medical, supply, and engineering) to the Garde Francais. There numbers fluctuate depending on the number and condition of military theatres. Currently they stand at:

80,000 Auxiliaries in service.

Order of the Golden Fleece
(French Mechanized Cavalry)

These forces are the main French mechanized forces. They are, however, distinct from the Royal Dauphin Corp’s armored branch. One must have a title to petition for membership, as this is a real Knighthood. That said, they are far less stringent about accepting those of dubious parentage, as opposed to the far more elite Ordu du Saint-Espirit. As a result, seen as somewhat second tier nobles.

Total of Twelve Battalions=

Each Battalion contains:

70 Leclerc Battle-tanks
62 Armored Personnel Carried
40 Support Vehicles

Ordu du Saint-Espirit
(French Royal Air Force)

The RAF, or ODSE properly, accepts sons of only the most noble families in France. TO be a Knight of the ODSE, for it is in truth a Knighthood, is a matter of the utmost pride and prestige. They are the flower of the French youthful nobility.

1st Wing “Fleur-de-lys”
72 Dassault Rafale’s
2nd Wing “Golden Spurs”
72 Dassault Rafale’s
3rd Wing “Moonlighters”
72 Dassault Rafales’s
4th Wing “Silver Spurs”
72 Dassault Rafale’s
5th Wing “La Reine”
72 Dassault Rafale’s
6th Wing “Bronze Spurs”
72 Mirage-2000’s
7th Wing “Knights Errant”
72 Mirage-2000’s
8th Wing “King’s Men”
72 Mirage-2000’s
9th Wing “Hawks”
72 Mirage-2000’s
10th Wing “Vengeful Angels”
72 Mirage-2000’s
11th Wing “Razors”
72 Mirage 2000’s
12th to 15th Wing(s)
479 Various support craft, from cargo and transport planes to radar birds.

Current ODSE groups on assignments:

1st and 6th Wings in Algeria

10th Wing in New Caledonia

Royal Navy

Without the most funded and fastest growing arm of the French military, the Restoration Government is eager to build an impressive navy to maintain the dreams of empire. Built around the deadly and increasingly lethal Cherbourg Class Battleships, the French Royal Navy has reached a level of power not seen since the Ancien Regime. The completion of the simply awesome Cherbourg Mk. IIIs will see the construction of the largest and most powerful Battleships ever built, by astronomical margins.

3 Cherbourg Mk. I Battleships
Roi de Soleil
Strasbourg
Louis XIV

2 Cherbourg Mk. II Battleships
Louis-Auguste
La Reine

2 Cherbourg Mk. III Super-Battleships
Titan(78% completed)
Sol Invictus(43% completed)


Indomitable(formerly the Charles de Gaulle)
Recommissioned and improved Royal Navy Aircraft Carrier

16 Marseilles Class Light Cruisers

Relentless, Repulse, Ignatius , Bonaventure, Charles X, Francis I , Cutter, Urban II, Nike, Fury, Lion, Blade, Talon, Champion, Insurmountable, Victory.

31 Brest Class Frigates

Cougar, Leopard , Panther, Hawk, Nemesis, Shark, Raptor, Jaguar, Darter, Dace, Phoenix, Cobra, Charger, Resilient, Hunter, Prowler, Aurora, Falcon, Loire, Seine, Rhone,Lightning, Thunder, Blaster, Agate, Unshakeable, Cunctator, Viper, Claw, Indefatigable, Courageous.


9 Nantes Class Attack Subs
(French copy of the Los Angeles Class)

RN-14, RN-32, RN-8, RN-19, RN-44, RN-52, RN-1, RN-90, RN-67


Current Royal Navy vessels on Assignments:

Strasbourg, Urban II, Viper, Agate and RN- 52 stationed in New Caledonia

Insurmountable, Blaster, Cunctator and RN-8 stationed at Ft. St. Louis

Claw stationed in Charlesbourg, New Provence





Military of the Kingdom of Algeria (a Vassal of the Kingdom of France)

Algerian Army

20 Divisions of Infantry
10, 000 soldiers per Division

4 Motorized Battalions, modeled on French Order of the Golden Fleece Standars
50 Leclerc Battle-tanks per Battalion
30 Armored Personnel Carrier
20 Support Vehicles

Royal Algerian Air Force

3 Wings Mirage-2000’s (French Surplus)
-72 aircraft per Wing.

*Cites the fact that both Hindustan and Beth Gellert have oil as a natural resource, and that oil has always been scarce and conservation measures perhaps the most refined globally*

**Citation recognized. Also please be aware conversations in Versailles are given only for OOC benefit, and are not known on an IC basis.

Port Royal, Roycelandia

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I unleashed a stream of unrepeatable invective upon hearing the news that France and Rome had invaded Tunisia.

This couldn't have placed His Majesty in a more awkward position if it had been planned- two of his closest allies were about to go to War with each other, and no matter which side Roycelandia chose, it was still bad news.

Roycelandia has almost no Mediterranean fleet- a few ships based in Marseilles, and a few aircraft operating from Southern Algeria are about it.

Still, the best His Majesty could do was ask for clarification from Versailles, and try and keep a low profile for the time being...

As tensions with France grow and grow, the fact that the HDF can launch anti-ship missiles against Ft. St. Louis from within its own SAM and fighter umbrella is not lost on HDF commanders. Bengal class low-observable corvettes, Baluchistan-II ACC missile boats, Rajasthan and Type 12M frigates patrol constantly, always on the alert for potentially hostile submarines, aircraft, and surface vessels. Bihar AIP boats also prowl around underwater, employing their excellently quiet hulls and equally stealthy propulsion system to full effect while looking for Louis's attack subs.

The Diu and Goa are present, providing even more comprehensive SAM coverage and an ability to observe flights within Al-Ahzad, as are three of the newest Type 22 frigates, Lothai, Dwarka, and Khandwa. ]

PAf. 8 and PAf. 4 squadrons maintain CAP, supported by Andovers pressed into the role of AEW aircraft, and Jaguars are armed up with AS. 117 missiles. All in all, there are some 60 large surface warfare vessels, 10 missile boats, 12 minesweepers, and 15 submarines belonging to the HDF in the Arabian Sea, with a number of others not at all far away in the Red Sea, and the Timor headed for station off Daman as fast as its heavily armored, squat shape will let it. Added to this are 28 Patrol/ASW planes, 100 ASW/AsSW helicopters, 450 first-line multirole fighters (predominantly PAf. 8), 200 Jaguar attack planes, 50 NT6(E)s, and 30 Harrier FRS. 1s in position to threaten Ft. St. Louis, as well as land-based ASMs and cruise missiles. The bulk of the HDF's ground forces strength is based along the Arabian Sea Coast as well, making for a formidable challenge to any Reactionary aims on the Arabian Peninsula, the Horn of Africa, or the Indian Subcontinent. And that's not counting the Igovians.

However, it remains to be seen as to if the French will actually attempt to leave Fort St. Louis. The HDF, endowed with an oft-crippling sense of values, is not keen on launching attacks against Ahzadi soil, and it is not likely that any serious actions against the French garrison would be taken unless they provide seaborne targets.

OOC: Yikes! With Eastern Europe and this...we have a world war on our hands, don't we? Funny, I always thought Sino would be the one to kick one off...

Ft. St. Martin, a smaller version of Ft. St. Louis, held off a massive Begdellen bombardemnt for weeks. If the Hindustanis whish to attack the impregnible rock, then French anti-aircraft and anti-missile control will be hapy to see their craft and munitions fall from the sky like so many dead insects.

Royce is given full explanations by Versailles. There simply was no alternative, there cannot be two superpowers vieing for hegemony for the Medditeranean indefinitley. Royce is assured this is hardly a total war, rather simply a pushing back of the Elian government to His Majesty's satisfaction.

OOC: Don't mean to be annoying, but can you guys hold off important posts until I have a chance to give respond in detail. Should be done tonight, but I need some time to work on it...thanks.

OOC- Of course, I just wanted to get that list and such out there, what a pain that was. I think thats the hardest part of AMW, the list making. Youre quite right, lets take this slow and do it properly. I mean, the war is for our enjoyment no? Lets milk it for all the fun we can.

Ciao

(OOC: As per UE's request, I have stepped in to RP Libya for the immediate future, largely owing to BG's two decades of heavy involvement in the nation, which until very recently was one of two primary foreign sources of the Commonwealth's oil (the other being pre-revolutionary Venezuela). I'm not actually going to do much with this first post, being as I'm waiting really for UE's post, but I feel it proper to establish some context before just leaping into action.)

The Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya was never likely to stay quiet throughout the new Crusades taking place in North Africa. Colonel Muammar al-Qadhafi had devoted no small part of his personal attention and of his nation's resources to the cause of Pan-Arabism and to promoting Holy War. This was partly why the Igovians had been so relieved by the South American revolution and the opening-up of new Indian oil fields such as allowed the Commonwealth to begin stepping-down direct relations with Tripoli starting just last year.

Since the May Revolution of 1982, like the USSR until its decline, the Commonwealth had exported tens of billions of dollars worth of military hardware to Libya... largely to protect against potential aggression from Baghdad! The Libyans had taken it with a view to some day contributing to Holy War against Israel, a state with which United Elias was not exactly on bad terms.

But the repeated failure of Qadhafi's ambitions and countless rejections by his neighbours, along with a generation of heavy investment, education, and propaganda from India had served to modify Libya's position. While the Commonwealth morally opposed the Islamic agenda, it recognised -for most of its time dealing with Libya- that there was no point fighting it, and its agents had instead expended considerable effort in promoting the Colonel's own political work, the Green Book, and to earnestly trying to encorage Qadahafi to practice as he preached... though there was still doubt about how much influence the syndicates and unions had through their popular congresses and the people's committees even after these efforts.

Regardless of whomever weilded power today, it was clear to see that the new Crusades had long since replaced a relatively remote and uninfluential Israel (OOC: an aside; is Israel even a significant power in AMW? I don't know if it gets substantial aid from the USQ, after all. It might just be a dump that nobody ever felt threatened by or envious of anyway) in the Libyan military agenda.

For years it seemed that the Colonel's massive stockpiling of arms made little sense except perhaps as a bargain basement of equipment to be dispensed to favourable rebels and states as Tripoli saw fit. Certainly the massive People's Militia was exceptionally well armed, comparing quite well with the Soviets' own Commonwealth Guard back in India, and the Commonwealth's involvement in Libyan life had been characteristically focussed significantly on basic and skilled education, which as a spin-off meant that many Libyans were better equipped personally to absorb the basic regular military training required of them all. The Militia even had its own uniforms and mechanisation, and had demonstrated paratroop actions amongst other things. Now, though, the stockpiling -which was beyond the levels required of the forty-odd thousand strong army and of the other branches- made some sense as Militia and Revolutionary Guard units became more active.
Until the Restoration, Libya had more tanks than did France, and a similar number of combat aircraft, but had always depended to a degree on Commonwealth and initial Russian advisors and experts to help keep this equipment in good order and to assist in training. Chad demonstrated some ability to sustain fairly long-range deploments, at least, even if they didn't always go according to plan, and it was only really a matter of months since full Commonwealth aid had been denied the military, which as a result had not time enough to degrade significantly.

Tripoli was now extremely vocal about the Pan-Arab and Islamic cause, and was making little attempt to hide its acceptance and arming of resistance fighters, rebels, and even new organisations calling themselves part of God's Spear, with the branch God's Spear in Libya having been established. Qadhafi had even called attention to the calls for Holy War against the Crusaders, as made by Al Khali terrorist/spiritual leader Dhul Fiqar bin-Omar al-Gharndi. For the first time in who-knew-how-long, diplomats representing Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishtirakiyah al Uzma found themselves dispatched to the big neighbour in the east, directed to call for unity and swift action against the mutual enemies of the Arabic/Islamic world.

Much of the Libyan inventory may have been partly intended for stockpiling and distribution to favourable elements elsewhere, and the military was actually designed in no small part for defence against possible imperialism from United Elias, theoretically meeting an advance with great force and flexibility and leap-frogging it with landing craft to take prisoners enough that negotiation might save the much smaller nation. POWs were to have been handled by theoretically neutral Commonwealth personnel so as not to encumber the outnumbered Libyans.

But now, Tripoli was, "prepared to allow" -which meant that it was keenly requesting- the presence of Elias military assets, specifically being eagre to see AEW aircraft flying over its airspace to warn against first strikes that might dent its otherwise potentially decisive airforce.

Libyan P-35M Barlock-B search and acquisition radar associated with S-200 sites around Tripoli and the Gulf of Sirte were by now taking part in stand-offish observation of European military air traffic in the Mediterranean and Tunisia and Algeria.

((Well well well, the woodwork is in hight gear today isnt it? Spewing forth all sorts of material. Good into, BG. As per UE's request, however, I cannot respond at this time. It should be interesting then, looks like a drive to the Holy Land! Oh, and thanks for properly interpreting ambitions to destroy the Suez and regal and overblown, how is a monarchy, after all, supposed to act? Of course there are always nukes...j/k. Just some IC standings while we wait for the massive Arab counter-offensive:

1) French and Algerian forces (3 Algerian Divisions, 1 Garde Francais Division, 1 Battalion French OGF cavalry) have crossed the border into North Tunisia, and are preparing to take the border city, and strategic hub, of Tabarqa. They are supported by two wings of Mirage-2000's alternatively providing ground support or standing by for enemies hostiles.

2) A second all Algerian army (2 Algerian Divisions, 1 Battalion Cavalry) has crossed the border, moving south to secure the advance of the Tabarqa invasion toward Le Kef. The goal will be after taking both zones to have created a solid front.

3) A Roman Legion meanwhile, working in tandem with their French Holy leauge allies, launched an invasion of Tunisia even further to the South, driving towards Nefta.

4) Massive reinforcements (The Royal Dauphin Corps, 4 Garde Francais Divisions, and multiple Roman Legions) are preparing to flood into Algeria, and bolster the Crusade.

5) A huge French fleet of war is set to link up in the Western Med, proceeding to join with the Roman Navy to drive the Elian's from the waves.

While at first panicked by the prospect of a massive Euro-Aran war blowing up in their face, Russian diplomats soon recovered from their shock and dismay. The United Elians were nothing if not Machiavellian, and the French, while a tad daft at times, weren't foolish enough to risk a full scale war. No, this looked to be a throwback to the days of the Cold War and Korea, with Tunisia serving as Korea, and the French and Elians as the Americans and Soviets. A proxy war, at most.

After the panic subsided, something even more soothing flowed into their minds. If the daring scheme succeeded, at the very least UE oil prices would skyrocket, thus enriching the embargoed Russian economy, and at most place both Russian and Middle Eastern oil in friendly hands, thus establishing an oil hegemony previously unseen in the history of earth.

Discreetly, twenty Mig-35s from the elite "Cossack" fighter wing, as well as five thousand Russian paratroopers, and five thousand Tsarist Russian soldiers (with blessings sent by Igorij Romanov) would be slowly deployed to Algeria, in order to "defend the oil investments of major Russian corporations."

The President’s study, a vast and opulent room overlooking the Tigris was surprisingly still. Under a century old guilt ceiling that the President had always thought slightly ostentatious, the Head of State sat behind his grandiose mahogany desk. The stub of a Roycelandian cigar sat, embers burning, in a Baccarat crystal ash tray. The President only smoked when he was under stress or enduring pensive thought or, as in this case, both. Dressed in a black suit, with a starched white shirt, but no tie, he sat back and surveyed his blotter. No papers were on it, for right know there was nothing he needed to know that he wasn’t already familiar with. His face looked somewhat fatigued, and distinctly middle-aged in contrast to the clean-cut youthful appearance he had held when he succeeded his father, not so many years ago. Large double doors swung open without advance warning as two soldiers in dress uniform in the corridor let in one of the President’s senior aides. Before saying anything, he approached the President, standing just a few feet from the desk before opening a briefcase and presenting official documents in a manila file. “Sir, the War Powers Act, as you requested.”

The President took the file, opened it, hastily reviewed the contents before turning to the last bound sheet. Taking a gold pen, dipping its nib in black ink, he then affixed his signature. After signing, he closed the file again and handed it back to the aide. “Take it straight to the Majis Ash Shura.” The War Powers Act was the legislation needed for the armed forces to call up reservists on an extra-ordinary basis and not since the Gabon conflict had it been used.

“Yes sir, of course. The Security Executive Committee is ready for you; those who aren’t here are on secure video conference.”

The President nodded, before getting up from the desk and following his aide out of the room. Immediately, a quartet of FSB security agents and several other aides appeared from a space adjacent to the elegant hallway and escorted their master down a grand staircase furnished with crystal balustrades and lavishly carved wood. Now on the ground floor, the President turned left, away from the Grand Entrance Hall, through another set of double doors into yet another nineteenth century styled state room, the foyer of the Presidential Secretariat offices. Administrative staff, mainly civilian, with some military, stood upright as the President entered. Unusually, he did not stop for pleasantries with subordinates but carried on through a wide, but contemporary decorated corridor, past offices to another door, not a heavy wooden one, but of steel, like that of a vault, guarded by a pair of Army troops, each in ceremonial dress but nevertheless clutching loaded rifles. They swung their weapons to the ‘present arms’ position as the President and his entourage approached. The President himself then pressed his palm against a scanner and entered a combination on a keypad, before the door swung open hydraulically.

The group then passed through into another outer office, where other security agents would normally conduct security searches, but since it was the President, they simply stood at attention. At the other end of this outer lobby, there were a set of concrete and metal stairs that the President briskly descended. At the base, in the first basement level of the Presidential Mansion, there was another lobby area. A set of glass elevator doors stood at the end wall, before which a huge UE flag dangled from the ceiling, swaying every so slightly in the breeze of the air-conditioning. This room was modern and the white marble floor gave the sense of it being almost clinically clean. On the walls and ceiling, a special material designed to prevent the emission of electronic signals. In front of the elevators, another pair of security officials sat in a cubicle enclosed by a bullet-proof glass screen. Behind their desks, a stash of small arms as well as gas masks and emergency medical kits. The President’s entourage then proceeded into one of the elevators, before descending down into the labyrinth of Baghdad’s system of underground bunkers.

Once in the subterranean complex, which sprawled beneath the streets of Baghdad, linking most of the important ministries, the President would head for the Security Executive Committee’s crisis room. There, he would be presented with the war plan, and authorization could then be given for Operation ‘Cry Havoc.’

***

In the past few hours, all branches of the Elias military had seen their readiness conditions upgraded. Whilst Navy ships from Port Said, Alexandria, Suez, and ports on the Red Sea left port and gathered in the Eastern Mediterranean, units from the 2nd Army were conducting final preparations for deployment. Ground based air defenses are placed on highest possible alert nationwide. Not only in Egypt but across the country, thousands of telegrams are sent out, ordering reservists to duty. Simultaneously, forces of the Redif and Internal Security Force bolster security on borders, around official buildings and infrastructure.

However, it was the Air Force that would claim the first blood of this conflict, in a massive first wave that would hit the enemy hard and with surprise. The NEXUS system of over-the-horizon, airborne and spaced based radars could easily track the movements of the French fleets and airpower over Algeria and this had prompted a redeployment of several hundred combat aircraft from Arabia to bases further West. News reports indicate that Foreign Minister Zaki Mohammed would soon be attempting to negotiate some sort of agreement with the French, but this is simply an attempt to get the French to let their guard down, even slightly.

Meanwhile, combat jets are loaded with missiles, and flight plans are prepared. Even before major operations commence, early warning and electronic warfare aircraft are already airborne, patrolling western Egypt and now, after permission was given, venturing over eastern Libya as well. As dusk approaches, the first strike aircraft are airborne, heading westwards, some over the sea, others over the Libyan plains, all flying nap of the earth to avoid detection by French radars.

The Northern Attack group sweep low over the calm waters of the Mediterranean, a total of 12 Tu-160M and 36 Tu-22M3-UE1 Strategic Bombers in addition to 96 EA-160 multirole fighters. By cruising at high subsonic speeds and flying at low-level combined with RAM coatings, their radar signatures would probably be low enough to avoid detection. With no communications and radars not illuminated, their electronic emissions profile was almost non-existent further increasing their stealthiness but meaning they would be unable to run a proper identification on their targets. This however would be largely unnecessary as the position of the French ships had been confirmed before takeoff. In any case, data from AEW planes and the NEXUS system was streamed to the planes’ battle management computers.


The Southern Attack Group was numerically more modest, with 42 EA-220 Joint Tactical Bombers. However, they represented the technological zenith of the Elias Air Force. The perfectly triangular, low-observables medium bomber known to its crews as the ‘Ghost’ had been the most expensive and complex aircraft ever to be designed and built in the Middle East, and during the Gabon war its design had been proven. Flying at slower subsonic speeds than the heavy bombers and fighter aircraft, they made their way gracefully over the Libyan Desert, impervious to radar detection at all but the closest ranges.

Diplomatic efforts continued around the world with some success, to unite some unlikely allies in defence of Tunisia and against the Holy League. In Tripoli, for the first time in some years, the Elias Embassy was alive with activity. Additional staff complimented the handful that typically were assigned there, including a number of military attachés. Efforts were underway to get the Libyan air defence system linked, temporarily at least, linked into NEXUS so that threats could be responded to more quickly. Officials also promised that fighter aircraft would be on call to support Libya's if they were needed to repel French attack planes. With regards to ground defences, permission was being sought for large numbers of Elias Army troops to cross into Libya for the purposes of defending Tunisia and Libya from attack.


(OOC: I’ve made reference to quite a few types of ordinance and information on all of these can be found here if anyone’s interested, http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=318951.)

(Posting as Libya... I should do this in green or something, and BG in red :) )

Hardly had Elias aircraft passed into Libyan airspace when Tripoli re-activated its long-standing but recently uncontested claim to more than 32,000sq.km of territory currently counted part of south-eastern Algeria. In this new contentious spirit, the Libyans soon agreed to host Elias troops on their soil, having facilities shaped to handle large native forces and potential Soviet deployments.

Many assets were under-going redeployment, including the shifting of Mirage jets from Gamal Abdul Nasser Air Base to bases further west, confidence increased by the presence of Elias radar coverage that -hopefully- would provide sufficient forewarning of enemy action.

(And now for another one of those lists!)

People's Guard/Army
(W/People's Militia Reserve)
45,000 personnel (25,000+ conscript)
(40,000+)

Tanks

160x T-72 (USSR)
240x MT-1 (ISCBG)
80x MT-2 (ISCBG)
800x T-56(L) (UARL)
1,200x T-55 (USSR)

Armoured Vehicles

250x BRDM-2 amphibious scout car (USSR)
800x CICV-1 infantry combat vehicle (ISCBG)
700x BTR-50/60 tracked armoured personnel carrier (USSR)
400x OT-62B tracked armoured personnel carrier (ČSSR/UARL)

Artillery

120x TG-5 100mm Field/Anti-Tank Gun (ISCBG)
60x TG-6 105mm Field/Anti-Tank Gun (ISCBG)
360x M46 130mm Field Gun (USSR)
200x TG-4 152mm Howitzer (ISCBG)
200x Palmaria 155mm Self-Propelled Gun (Italy)
450x 84mm, 120mm, 240mm Mortar (ISCBG/USSR)
600x M-51 130mm MLRS (USSR)

Surface-to-Surface Missiles

48x FROG-7 (USSR)
70x Scud-B (USSR)

Anti-Tank Guided Missiles

1,000x AT-3 (USSR)
400x Milan (France)
550x Totem-1 (ISCBG)

Air Defence

450x Igla/SA-16 MANPADS (ISCBG/USSR)
144x Strela-1/SA-9 Gaskin Self-Propelled Low-Altitude SAM (USSR)
60x Strela-10/SA-13 Gopher Self-Propelled Low-Altitude SAM (USSR)
27x Crotale Self-Propelled Low-Altitude SAM (France)
24x LS-8 AFRISAM Medium-Range SAM (4 batteries) (UARL)
750x ZPU-2 14.5mm AAA (USSR)
400x ZPU-4 14.5mm AAA (USSR)
250x ZSU-23-4 SPAAG (USSR)

Air Force
22,000 personnel (15,000 conscript)
Primary installation at Uqba ben Nafi Air Base near Tripoli
Also Gamal Abdul Nasser Air Base
Another large Air Base near Benghazi
Army base at Al Jufrah near Hun has large airstrip

COIN/Light Attack

24x J1 Jastreb (SFRY)

Fighter/Attack

120x MiG-23 Flogger (USSR)
30x Mirage F1 (France)
40x Mirage 5 (France)
160x NT6(E) "Miggen" (ISCBG)

Strike

24x NT1B Springer (ISCBG)

Helicopters

10x SA-316B Aloutette III (France)
12x Mi-8 Hip (USSR)
12x Mi-35 Hind (USSR)
35x Mi-24 Hind (USSR)

Reconnaissance

10x Mirage 5DR (USSR)
7x MiG-25-R Foxbat (USSR)

Transport

1x Boeing 707-320 (USQ)
12x Marathon (ISCBG)
24x IL-76 (USSR)
28x Preston (ISCBG)

Tankers

2x Marathon (ISCBG)

Trainer

15x Mirage 5DD (France)
7x MiG-25UB (USSR)
15x MiG-23UB (USSR)
120x Galeb (SFRY)
150x L-39ZO Albatross (ČSSR)
250x SF-260WL Marchetti (Italy)

Air Defence

140x ZU-23 23mm AAA (USSR)
108x V-75/SA-2 Guideline Medium-Range High-Altitude SAM (18 batteries) (USSR)
36x S-200/SA-5 Gammon Long-Range SAM (6 batteries installed at Tripoli, Benghazi and Sirte) (USSR)
96x LS-8 AFRISAM Medium-Range SAM (24 batteries protecting SA-2/SA-5) (UARL/ISCBG)

Navy
Headquarters at Tripoli
Further bases at Benghazi, Darnah, Tobruk, and Marsa al Burayqah.
Submarine base at Ras al Hilal

Surface Combatants

2x Delfin/Koni Class Frigate (with SS-N-2C missiles) (USSR)
2x Nanuchka Class Missile Corvettes (with SS-N-2C missiles) (USSR)
8x La Combattante II Fast Attack Missile Craft (with Otomat missiles) (France)
12x Osa II Fast Attack Missile Craft (with SS-N-2C missiles) (USSR)

Submarines

6x Hound Class (ISCBG)

Landing Craft

3x Polnochy Class LST (Poland)
2x Hungnam Class LST (CPRD)
1x Inch'on Class LST (CPRD)

Others

8x Natya Class Minesweepers (USSR)
Various light patrol craft
Various training craft
Various other support craft

Helicopters

14x Mi-14 Haze (USSR)
5x SA-316B Aloutette III (France)

Note: In some cases, more than half of an item's listed strength is accounted for by in-storage examples, and there are not always sufficient fully-trained crewmen and support staff to operate complete strengths in a cohesive manner.

If French troops at Fort St. Louis expect to even see a Hindustani aircraft, they are likely quite badly mistaken. While the Igovians might like to fight in close quarters, the HDF, lacking in numbers and heavy armor, prefers to press its stand-off advantage as far as possible.

Therefore, as Elian planes launch their first raids against Algeria, HDF commanders and staff finalize their own procedures. Parliament finishes up before the nightly closing with an address;

"My fellow Parliamentarians, the time has now come for Hindustan, the Progressive Bloc, and indeed the whole democratic world, to draw the line. All our country has ever wanted is to be allowed to exist and prosper on its own, but never has that been allowed. We fought the fascist Japanese, we fought the imperialist Llewellyn, and the bolshevist USSR, conflicts which the members of this parliament are all too familiar with. Hindustan is now obliged to enter a new war, against the despots and tyrants of the Holy League. The very existence of Indian democracy is at stake, and it is up to us, and this country, to make sure that the torch of tolerance, liberty, and equality is not extinguished!

"Citizens of Hindustan, war has never shown us anything besides the agony of loss and the evil side of humanity. Most members of Parliament, including myself, have served in the HDF, and are never happy to send your sons, daughters, husbands, and wives off to die. It is our most sincere hope that this potentially catastrophic war will conclude quickly, as a peaceful solution appears to be completely unacceptable to the holy league's leaders. Neither I nor any member of this Parliament will attempt to numb your active and talented minds or taint your conscience with propaganda. But remember this; if the Holy League comes out on top of this situation, the world at large is in for a future of oppression and disenfranchisement. Arbitrary governance, arrogant absolutists making the people live according to the fancy of one man. I for one am unwilling to live under such a system, having fought against it for far too many years!

"Families of the men and women in the HDF, our most sincere apologies go out to you for putting you in a position where one of your loved ones could be killed. This Parliament will be there for you, and is at your service. Do not be afraid to dissent, and if Hindustanis do not want this war, it is perfectly within your rights to refuse it. To conclude, this Parliament, and myself especially, can only ask for the forgiveness of you, the citizenry, and hope for an outcome least costly to all sides."
-Chief Minister of Parliament Stanley Plum

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

At airstrips along the Hindustani coastline, pilots of approximately 200 of the HDF's Jaguar attack jets run to man their aircraft. Ground crews perform final preflight checks and start up their planes' twin turbofans, working on, for the most part, packet dirt and metal-plated surfaces. Canopies close on some of Hindustan's most capable and dedicated pilots, many of whom are no doubt destined not to return, with plyons stocked with anti-radar and anti-ship missiles, themselves destined to take the lives of many others.

Jaguars roar into the late evening sky off their strips, which rarely accomodate more than two squadrons, and head out over the sea. Overhead, PAf. 8 and PAf. 4 fighters fly air cover missions, their powerful radars able to detect anything coming out of the target area soon after it leaves its own runway, likely slated as target for a cruise missile. Their well-trained pilots have, many of them, already fought in battle and have experienced the frenzy of air-to-air combat in MiG-21s and PAf. 4s against numerically and technologically superior opponents. Their current threat seems relatively paltry by comparison.

The attack force spreads out, squadrons moving in to release their cruise/anti-ship missiles from different directions. Below them, warships also move towards their designated launch points, and powerful search radars keep a constant watch over the entire eastern two-thirds of Al-Ahzad.

`1

(Ok, Elkazor, I agree, I've edited the post. Apologies... its amazing what the early hours of the morning will make you do. In any case just to clarify, the only fleet that will be targeted at the moment is the more modest one near Tunisia. BTW I am assuming they off the north coast rather than the east?)

Posting as Tunisia now:

Tabarqa

As enemy forces approached the coastal city of Tarbaqa, they would find themselves relatively unopposed. In the last hours, Engineer Companies from Military District North had been working their way quickly eastwards along the coast road, planting anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. Even the hastily trained militia forces were able, with some degree of competence to lay simple landmines that would complicate France’s advance and hopefully buy some time for the rest of the country. At the same time the paramilitaries of the Popular Unity Party had also been pressed into action, and were also clearing out of the major towns. However, they would not retreat but form into small pockets before fading into the desert. Then, either on foot or using light vehicles they would use RPGs and other small arms to harass French supply lines once the main combat units had passed them. A problem that the French would have to deal with was the huge streams of refugees that were trying to escape towards Tunis or the Libyan border, and that would be clogging up roads. This was despite government messages urging them to remain, and that civilians should co-operate if their area was occupied by the enemy.

Another threat to the invaders would be the loosely grouped Mujahidin factions. Islamist insurgents, whilst not aligning themselves with Zenaidi’s secularist agenda, had realised that the whatever the faults of the Tunisian government, it was a far better prospect than Catholic domination. These fighters, however, would not be part of Tunisia’s national defence strategy but would operate independently. The numbers of guerillas ready for martyrdom would increase quickly following an influx of radicals from Libya, where they had been trained and funded by the regime. Having no fear of sacrificing their own lives made them a dangerous adversary, but at the same time foolish, and their actions would be totally unpredictable.

Elsewhere, the Tunisian Navy had effectively been vanquished after their attempt to repel the French warships. Faced with destruction in port or at sea, commanders did not regret their choice. Many crews had simply abandoned ship as soon as they had launched their missiles, knowing that the counterattack would be devastating.

OOC: BG, are you aware that South-Eastern Algeria is Roycelandian? If so, then Libya just declared War on Roycelandia, which means the shooting is about to start....

IC: Colonial Aircraft Factory, Nairobi, Kenya

The giant assembly lines were totally silent, parts and partially completed aircraft abandoned in mid-production, it seemed.

Outside, a Picket Line had formed- CAF workers demanding an 8% payrise, free TVs at every workstation, and 8 weeks paid annual leave. It couldn't have come at a worse time, as it meant that the Lancaster II production was halted until the situation could be sorted out- which could be months, knowing Roycelandian Unions and Labour Laws...

Along the Borders of Southern Algeria

The Roycelandian Customs & Immigration Service first suspected something might be wrong when they were issued Thompson SMGs, Suomi SMGs, and SMLE Mk III rifles in addition to their standard-issue Webley Mk VI sidearms.

Several of the new AG-1 "Wasp" Autogyros were also deployed in key areas, and the Colonial Guard presence near the borders was boosted- with several Border Crossings getting a Tank or two as well as the myriad Landrovers with Vickers MGs on the back that were a staple of Roycelandian Desert Operations.

Deepwater Harbour, Socotra

The Roycelandian Arabian Fleet received their orders in the early hours of the morning- the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea were to be blockaded to all except the Roycelandians and United Elians.

The Maritime Air Service despatched Sunderlands to the Meditterranean to monitor the situation, and Roycelandian Squadrons in Southern Algeria and Roycelandian East Africa were boosted by the arrival of several squadrons of Jetfires and Harrier Jump Jets.

Roycelandia was taking this VERY seriously indeed...

OOC:Um, UE, can I get a response to my area of the invasion (to the south of the French)?

OOC: Royce, I don't see how that's a declaration of war. Libya has a long-standing claim to much of SE Algeria (and to part of Niger, too, for what that matters), but hasn't officially contested it in recent years. The government -seeing the possibility of favourable UE involvement- is now reminding everyone of the claim, and feels that it is only strengthened by the fall of the arguably legit. government next door. As Tripoli sees it, Libya is the only surviving authority with a claim to 32k.sq.km. of Algeria save for the military strength of Roycelandia and the HL. The Libyans haven't actually done anything yet, but then they've never recognised Roycelandian authority over Algerian territory, and they're not exactly alone in that. If the war drives the French out and the Roiks choose to withdraw rather than join a losing battle, Libya's just going to roll in. There's no suggestion as yet that Tripoli's actually launching military operations against Roycelandia.

1

OOC: Sorry, I misread the post as the Libyans sending troops rolling across the border. Of course, we're still not impressed and dispute the Libyan Claim to the area, pointing out the time to lodge an objection was several NS years ago when Roycelandia took over that part of Algeria... ;)

IC: Spitfires from the Colonial Guard squadrons were airborne over Southern Algeria, working along with RADAR and AA units on the ground.

Roycelandia had no intention of allowing Southern Algeria to be used as a "Back Door" to attack France, and His Majesty had ordered that he be kept fully appraised of the situation should anyting happen...

(OOC: Maybe it doesn't matter, but I don't think that was years ago. Weeks, maybe... possibly a couple of months, but nobody else has moved really more than days or even hours in most regards! And the Libyan claim is long standing and of course probably about as legit as Hitler's claims that the Poles started it, but never mind that ;) )

OOC: I was under the impression that at least 1 NS year had passed since Roycelandia acquired Southern Algeria, but as you say, it's not really important... ;)

OCC: Elkazor, well, you have to remember that most of the HDF is based, and has been based since the mid 1990s, along the coast of the Arabian Sea, within easy striking distance of Fort St. Louis. The navy really only has ports on that sea, and I would not imagine it terribly difficult for HDF ships, already on high readiness due to both the invasion of Algeria and the Russian attacks in the Baltic countries, to only move out of their home ports and into an area that they spend most of their operational lives patrolling. I mean, honestly. The whole sum of HDF ships probably doesn't weigh as much as your Titan, and that's after spending the better part of 40 years fighting against Llewellyn's principality. And taking decades to build and acquire it all, and with what is possibly the world's premier shipbuilding infrastructure in place.

And as for aircraft, again, pretty much the same thing. Units that were already in position are simply performing a mission that they had trained to do, in one form or another, for years on end (ever since the fall of the Principality), but with live weapons. And while Fort St. Louis might have the best AAA and SAM defenses in the world, it really doesn't even appear that HDF planes will even have to risk them in order to deliver a rather large amount of ordnance.

If the issue of training comes up, well, you also have to remember that many HDF pilots fought in Afghanistan and Nepal, in MiG-21s and earlier-variant PAf. 4s. And this is in addition to what is considered a very good pilot training program. It would not be inaccurate to say that many, if not most, of the HDF's pilots have seen some form of military action, and a good deal have actually flown air-to-air and strike missions in anger.

So while ODSE pilots might have flown in Algeria, Lavrageria, and now Tunisia, they have never had to face superior enemy aircraft, or large numbers of enemy aircraft at all, while HDF pilots flew against Xiannese J-10s and J-11s in MiG-21s. And in lesser numbers. And not two years previous.

But there was really no buildup necessary. The HDF is essentially operating in its own theatre, a region that it has had years of experience in and has trained constantly for operating in. I mean, its not as though the HDF has to force-project at all. Its operating its aircraft and ships well within their unrefuelled operational radii, and under the cover of a rather comprehensive air defense network extended by Type 42 destroyers and Type 22 frigates.

HDF Factbook (http://s9.invisionfree.com/NS_Modern_World/index.php?showtopic=28)

Medditeranian Sea

The Roman 3rd Fleet, Rome's flottila in the Tunisia-Algerian conflict, was slowly making its way towards the French armada. The two forces would be linking up and proceed to engage the UE fleet. At the head of this fleet was Grand Admiral Cornelius Decius Meridius, half-brother to the Caesar. He was a seasoned sailor, having been in the navy most of his life, back when Rome had been Italy. The Roman Navy consisted mostly of cruisers, destroyers, frigates, and other lighter ships, with a few aircraft carriers in the mix. However, there was some rumor that the High Command may collaberate with the French in the procurement of a super battleship...

Algiers

The 3rd Army had finally arrived, and began the slow, arduous process of disembarking four full legions and getting them to the Tunisian front. This force would be Rome's main body when the Elians showed up, Spurius' current force acting in a screening role. The coming battle was sure to be a bloody one...

OOC- LLR, of course, all youve said is correct. I never meant to slight you. I was just wondering if your last post was an indication of some push of Ft. St. Louis, which would probably make HMCM loose his lunch with all thats on his mind.

Algiers

Roman troops are welcomed by King Louis I, Suzerain of Algeria, himself. They are soon helped towards their deployment, they would follow like a mighty wave behind General Spurius.

Secretly the Duc de Aquitane, Prince of the Blood and Brother to the King of France, arrived in Rome. He was sent as a envoy of Versailles, to plan the Southern War with Caesar Maximus, Imperator Romanorum.

All seemed on schedule. The French Mediterranean Fleet was en route to Sardinia. There, the Cherbourg Mark. II Battleship Louis-Auguste, six Marseilles Class Light Cruisers, and ten Brest Class Frigates would stand by. They would be joined by the a significant Roman Fleet, as well as the behemoth HMCMS Titan (and several Royal navy warships fresh from the Ship Yards), recently named the Flagship of the Royal Navy. The gathering point in the far western Mediterranean, yet in a strategic posistion to boot, would allow the Holy Lauge Armada to gather themselves and search out the Arab Navy. After formulating a plan they could launch a massive attack against the Elian Navy without worry of being bushwacked.

The land attack proceeded well, the morning would yield more results. One overwhleming fact was sure though: when the Roman Legions were in place in the South, and the Royal Dauphin Corps was ready in the North, the screening offensives would be over.

The battle for Tunisia would begin.

Marseilles Class Light Cruiser (http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/images/colbert2.jpg)

Rome

The Duc de Aquitane was greeted by an entourage of Praetorians, and quickly and discreetly escorted to the Imperial Palace. There he would be met by several top commanders, who would then lead him to Almighty Caesar. Then the planning would begin...

Caesar was dressed in fine ceremonial armor with dark purple robes beneath that and a crested Gallic Helm. A golden gladius sat on his lap; he couldn't wear a blade and sit at the same time, it just wasn't comfortable. He sat upon a great guilded throne, fanned by servants of his court. On the floor in front of him was a scale replica of southern Tunisia, made with painstaking attention to detail, with horse mounted Legionaires representing the armored legions, and foot Legionaires representing the infantry units. As Duc de Aquitane arrived, a Praetorian heaved another figure represting a Legion into place at the border. More would soon follow. Caesar was using Tunisia as his chess board, just as Napolean had done 200 years earlier, and Gaius Julius Caesar, his namesake, had done over 2,000 years earlier.

This was great fun for the old general.

(OOC: Don't have much time now so I'll reply as Tunisia later...)


Mediterranean

The aircraft sent to intercept the Elias Air Force aircraft that by now may have been detected, would be countered by 96 EA-160 multrole fighters, which would be a match for the Rafale and be superior to the Mirage-2000s. However, the fighters did not seek any engagement, and still hundreds of miles away from Algeria, they simply served as escorts.

As the wave of bombers crossed a certain waypoint over a stretch of featureless sea just north of Tripoli, the weapons launch computers took control, altering the heading marginally and quickly climbing a thousand feet or so. Then, simultaneously across the loose formation of 48 behemoths, bomb day doors swung open, and sets of rotary launchers on each aircraft unloaded Yakhont-M anti-ship ski-skimming missiles. Fired at over three hundred nautical miles away, the missiles attack profile of low-high-low would be more vulnerable, but the greater range meant that at all times the bombers would be outside the French naval SAM envelope. Unleashing a total of 432 supersonic missiles, more than half of them aimed at the Roi de Soleil and the rest at its battlegroup, they would try and overwhelm the French defences. As soon as the missiles were away, the bombers, swung around westwards to make a supersonic dash for their bases.

Meanwhile, the fighters turned slightly South over Libya, attempting to lure he French fighters over that country and its air defence network. Then they would proceed slightly westward towards the Tunisian border and if necessary engage any aircraft sent to engage the Southern Attack Group.

Southern Libya

The 48 stealth strike aircraft continued over the desert, heading towards Algeria. Flying well away from the coast, their chances of detection would be significantly lower. In any case, even if French fighters were dispatched to the area, the aircraft's low signatures would make it practically impossible to engage beyond visual range, and the 'Ghosts' were not exactly easy to spot in the night sky anyway. However, they would take no chances and they were armed with air to air missiles for self defence, and theoretically could fire on the enemy before the enemy could fire at them. Of course, they could also always break radio silence and call in the support of the fighters to the north, or even contact the Libyans for assistance.

The current Anti-Imperialism feelings in the Chinese people had easily moved the government. The Chancellor has called in a special meeting with General Liu Tong Zhong, Minister of War and Defense, General of all Armies.


Although China will not likely be in any major war, China bitterly hates the Holy League. A League of aggresor nations, hiding behind the curtains of Christianity, will turn Europe into a giant playing field. They cannot drive it down to Africa.


"Caesar is nothing but a pig hiding behind the Christian walls. Tyrants will fall. History repats itself sometimes. In the ancient empire of Rome, Caesar became a tyrant, a capable ruler, but faced death, the consequences." said Foreign Affairs Minister, Li Li Shan.


;) I think the world is repeating itself. Everone's a monarch now. I wonder if the Chinese Bei Yang Armada can reach Africa.

TAG

OOC: Alright! What the f*ck's goin' on?!

As the force of Jaguars assembles, it is joined by several jamming-configured Canberras and PAf. 8s. While it is not expected that the strike force will even get in range of French (or Ahzadi, for all it matters) SAMs, and it is not believed that there are any ODSE units in Fort St. Louis (OCC: Correct me if I'm wrong), it has always been best to prepare for the worst, and the HDF is certainly ready for whatever the French have for them.

After all, the PAf. 8 is considered easily a match for the Rafale and superior to the Mirage-2000 in a number of areas, and in addition to an excellent radar is a low-observable design. HDF pilots are some of the most experienced in the world when it comes to all aspects of military flying, and most of that was done in inferior MiG-21s and early-variant PAf. 4s. If the ODSE thinks that its noble blood is about to save it from the HDF, it might very well be in for a rude shock.

Once they are formed up, the Jaguars and their escorts make for the target, traveling on different courses. Below them, HDF warships prepare their own strike package of BrahMos/AS. 120 and AS. 117 missiles. The HDF had trained for such a massive combined-arms attack for many years, and now that training will be put to the test.

As the formation nears its target, passing the vangaurd of the HDF battlegroup, RWRs buzz incessantly, designating both Hindustani and French/Ahzadi air search radars tracking the formation. At that moment, the jamming begins in earnest. The ten or so ECM-configured Canberras, studded with antennae, engage their electronic warfare systems as the more modest ECMs on the Jaguars and escorting fighters do their own part. The strike group does not split into parts, as would have been more or less expected given the nature of Hindustani tactics, but remains together, the idea being to punch through one area of the fort's air defenses and try not to give weapons systems not in the immediate area a chance to engage.

The strike group barrels closer and closer to its launch point, their missiles configured with radar-homing seeker heads to facilitate the destruction of the fort's air defense network. At the same time, the naval contingent launches its own missiles.

AS. 120s, some of the most modern anti-shipping missiles around, are launched from the Type 42 destroyers, Type 22 frigates, the Cadiz, and Type 12M frigates. Leaping out of their box launchers and heading towards their ultimate destruction either at the hands of a French gun or missile, or through explosive impact with the target, they are joined by the slightly slower, lighter, and cheaper, but still extremely capable and effective, AS. 117s fired from the Rajasthan-class frigates, the Ashanti, and the Bengal-class corvettes.

With luck, at least some of these missiles will break through the extremely well-defended French bastion and inflict damage considerable enough to seriously disrupt France's ability to wage war in the Indian Ocean.

(OCC: Each Jaguar carries one AS. 117 plus auxilliary tanks and self-defense missiles, making for a total of 200 of those, homing in on SAM radars on a high-low-low flight profile, although they haven't been launched quite yet, the Jaguars being slightly ahead of the ships. The ships have launched about 188 BrahMos and 232 AS. 117 anti-ship missiles, all targeted for Fort St. Louis's port facilities. If you think this is too quick and I should wait another post or two before actually loosing missiles, just tell me and I'll give you more time to RP the strike force's detection. Keep in mind that the closest any element of it is going to come to the fort is over 200 kilometers distance, and the ships are closer to 300km. Of course, if things work as hoped, and a significant chunk of air defenses are knocked out, subsequent strikes will probably see aircraft armed with more than one of shorter-ranged missiles or even bombs.)

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OOC:LOL, no hard feelings, just wanted to make you guys nervous. Carry on.

The Empire of China Military urges the public to maintain the usual Chinese neutral stance towards foreign conflicts. Few quarrels so far away from home should be worth the attention of China.

AS the pictures filtered into the Qunntonian media, people took to the streets throughout the nation demonstrating for and against the Holy League. Some felt that Quinntonia should support the Holy League no matter what the war was about. Many more, the government included, felt that the action should be condemned, but were loath to got to war with perhaps the only major powers that haven't threatened Quinntonia with armed conflict lately. But this kind of imperialism would not be stood for, and the Quinntonian people knew that they would do the right thing, no matter what their personal feelings were.

PM Jesse Obed adressed the nation from the Oval Office, "My fellow Quinntonians, you have all seen the pictures that are coming in from the massive airiel conflict that is taking place over the Medeterranian right now. The great nation of United Elias is bravely taking a stand against the agressor nations of the Holy League. The Holy League has become embrioled in various illegal wars throughout the Baltics and Africa, and the policy of appeasement has not been successful. At this piont, I have instructed the Council of Bishops to discuss the matter, and I am asking the nation to spend a day in prayer and meditation in support for our nations most repsected Church elders. The decision in regards to what our nation is going to do is going to be left in their capable hands. However, I am here to make this statement to Ceaser of Rome and Louis-Augustus of France, "United Elias is considered a great ally of myself and to some extent, NATO. I will take it as a personal affront if even one bomb or foriegn soldier lands on United Elias soil. In order to make my intentions should that happen perfectly clear, I am putting the Quinntonian militray on full-alert, as well as calling into active service the first two tiers of reservist units. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father deal with you, be it ever so severely, should you not heed these words. May God help us all."

The Quinntonian ambassador tells UE that all trade will remain open and war supplies will be sold to UE at a reduced price, with no tarrifs. He does explian however, that Quinntonia is still keeping open trade with the Holy League members until the Council comes back with their decision.

In the meantime, the North Atlantic Fleet begins to make its way towards a static patrol along the international waters mirroring French patrols, though keeping friendly communiques open to the opposiong Fleet commanders.

The South Atlantic Fleet is forming up outside Roycelandian waters, with an eye on moving to support Gibralter if they are needed.

The Quinntonina ambassador to France requests an audience with His Majesty, expressing that PM Obed wants to plead with this great defender of the Faith to come to talks with Quinntonia. He pionts out that the international community os growing in ooposition against this war, and that it looks as though Quinntonia is the only nation willing to send in diplomats before young men to get killed.



OOC-France, though I am a HUGE fan of your RPs, come on, no damage to the Cherbourg and only one ship lost. Things can be more dramatic than that. Anyways, I am sure the UE response will be quite a bit more pliable with reality.


WWJD
Amen.

(As Libya)

The Libyan Air Force hadn't joined the Elias assault directly, but was much enjoying the increasing level of co-operation that so boosted its intelligence, especially in near real time as limited data on the massive action found its way to Uqba ben Nafi Air Base near Tripoli. It was from there that one of three combat wings soon lifted off, having missed out on early fighting during which Holy League interceptors loosed so much of their payload and burned fuel. The Libyan jets were to take advantage of their specific design advantages to spring forth and pursue the Crusaders as they began to break-off from the Elias engagement with no choice but to return to base for refueling and rearming. Igovian NT-6(E) fighters designed originally for the Choson People's Republic boasted specialisation in areas that well suited this situation, lifting off and climbing in a few tens of seconds from both major air bases and short rough-field strips, dashing at up to Mach 2.25 and appearing with little warning from their dormant dispersion to chase the Crusaders as they turned about.

Mulazim Awwal Catigern Rameswaram-Medoc Vaughn-Prabhakaran -unmistakable by name as one of the Beddgelens who chose to stay after being assigned to the Libyan Air Force during friendlier times, something that happened when Igovians met lovers who did not wish to leave their families or when religious sentiment simply got the better of them- was leading a flight of four of the little, "Miggens" as their T6E afterburning turbojets pushed with thrust several hundred kilos greater than their laden aircraft's total weight. Being as the whole Libyan operation was to last hardly a few minutes, and given that the Holy League forces had to launch straight into action, it was no surprise that the Mulazim Awwal's quartet of fighters would be a good distance from its nearest partner, nor that it should run into back of just a few enemy Mirage. With allied intelligence including AEW platforms flying over Libya, and the interception delayed until the enemy were to head home, it was reasonably hoped that the targets would know rather less about the situation than did the Libyans, even as Vaugh-Prabhakaran -like flight leaders elsewhere in the sky- ordered the loosing of Loviataar and DRAB missiles set to lock-on after launch, meaning that they ought to be just a couple of seconds shy of impact before the outward-bound Crusaders knew a thing of it.

It was well that the low-signature MiG-35 were off chasing bombers, or the fragmentary approach of the Libyan interceptors may well have seen Catigern et al running blindly into them... something that was not so much a problem with the Mirage and Rafales they pounced upon. Even so, as his flight engaged the handful of Mirage just beyond visual range ahead of them, they gave little consideration to the idea that the French might be flying in arguably decades-since obsolete odd-numbered strength, and the Indian Lieutenant was soon assaulted by the frantic Arabic shouts of his wingman as Mirage number seven showed up within gun-range as it tried to re-join and form-up with its fellows. The shouts were soon extinguished as twin 30mm cannon shook apart the tiny airframe of the flight's number-2, and -being as the NT6 could only outrun Mirage 2000 in short engine-grinding sprints- Vaughn-Prabhakaran's remaining comrades -missiles away against the other Mirages- slowed to easily out-turn their comrade's killed and to jab away until it succumbed like a buffalo dragged down by cats.

Elsewhere, the sixty-odd Miggens launched were falling upon the enemy with similar haste, some meeting the same bumps in the road while others apparently had a better clarity of vision.

Over Sabhah and Ghat a number of the recently re-deployed Mirage 5 and F1 and several MiG-23 were put to the wing south of the main chase to patrol against possible Roycelandian intervention. Libyan Hound Class subs were putting to sea as well, with just two remaining as crews struggled to make the under-used boats ready for action.

-Hudecia-

Francophone leaders in Quebec roundly denounce the ongoing conflict in the Mediteranean as an 'imperialistic attempt to subjugate others'. Prime Minister Bouchard even said that "at least the Quinntonians try to hide their imperialism, these monarchs are making no such attempts!"

Quebecers are united in their urging for France to withdraw from the conflict and from their attempts to 'colonize' Africa. Although francophones were less likely to view war under any circumstances as justified, in this situation they were becoming more and more aggravated by the so called 'Holy' League.

-St. Pierre and Michelon-

Hudecian spies on these small two islands in the middle off the Hudecian east coast had belonged to France ever since the Plains of Abraham. There had been some concern that these two islands would be used as an intelligence base for the French so Hudecian spies had been inserted onto the island many years ago.

Now these spies were concerned about affairs of a different sort. In addition to the normal anti-espionage practices they were scouting out possible landing sites and checking to see if there were any French defences at all on this island. If there were any, it would be a very big surprise.

1

Ambassador Father Micheal Flesaker, a staunch Catholic, sits and listens intently to the king. He is most happy to hear that France wished no invasion or protracted war, but did say that the Council of Bishops in Quinntonia had been assembled, and would be making a decision as to what the country would do. He reminds His Majesty that the Prime Minister wants no part in a war in Europe or Afirca and has no interest in making an enemy of the Christian nation of France. Ideally, he wishes that all Christian nations stand united. However, he is vexed by the actions in Africa, and must piont out, with no offense intended to your glorious majesty, that at this piont, there is no way that we can no for sure where your majesty will stop. With that said, it would be difficult to rouse the Quintnonina people to defend a Communist dictatrship, and the Council will take that into consideration, but if the Council comes with a decision for war, this is the nation that was willing to sacrifice over 1 million of its native sons for the defense of less than 6 million Koreans. And if the great industrial power of Quinntonia is centered at the Holy League, you will not be able to stand. I pray that you will not allow this situation to escelate any further. In the end, there is no justification, and Jesse Obed and the Quinntonian government see this as blatant imperialism. I beg your leave, and mean no offense, I just wanted to be able to update you and keep you in the loop.
I beg your leave, as always your faithful servant.


WWJD
Amen.

Versailles

His Majesty informs the honroable Ambassidor Flesaker that after the Holy Leauge has stabilized the Baltic States and North Africa, it will have accomplished it goals to bring peace and security to Europe.

There will no longer be a need for war, once the rogue movements threating Christendom had been elimated. Indeed, His Majesty points out, once these rouge lands are secure there will be a greater potential for trade than ever has yet existed in the West. Terrorism will have been cut off at its source, and the Holy Leauge will work with Quinntonnia in the WEC as partners to uplift the Third World, and share in the benefits of market exchange.

His Majesty gives his word on that following these 'last offenives in the long struggle to restore Europe', the conflicts bracing the West will fall silent.

His Majesty also asks the knowedgeable ambassidor to reflect on what the Holy Leauge and France have accomplished. The awful tide of secularism that threatened to destroy the light of Christ in Europe has been eridacted to the point of oblivion, Europe vis a vis the Holy Leauge has again stepped forward as a proper partner of the 'Western nations', and most of all: even though the citizens of France are now subjects instead of citizens and are ruled by the Ancien Regime and its regimens, France is the fastest growing Christian nation in the world, in terms of birthrate and family bliss.

In order to set an example of neutrality, the Chinese military is unwilling to proliferate arms to either party in this conflict.

OCC: In response to your earlier message, its Mumbai/Bombay, Elkazor, and you should be able to find it fairly easily on a map of India, being the largest city on the Indian west coast. And although I gather that you're going for Parliament (a rather pointless endeavour; most Parliamentarians would be out of office in a few months anyhow), Daman and Diu are the HDF-N's main facilities, although most of its usual residents are out to sea and support ships are based in Mumbai, Gwadar, and Dwarka.

Might I remind you that just about the entirety of the HDF-N is in the Arabian Sea, along with ASW helicopters and patrol planes. And again it is worth it to stess the fact that, while the ODSE might have been off merrily playing about in their Mirage-2000s and Rafales, HDF pilots were fighting and dying in actual combat situations against the best aircraft the world has to offer. And despite the Xiannese technology advantage, HDF pilots acquitted themselves very well considering their situation. You put a pilot who has spent his military flying career in a MiG-21, fighting MiG-29s, Su-30s, and J-10s, and put him in control of an aircraft that is equal to or better than the Rafale any day, anywhere, and you best watch out.

Not to mention, if you try to sneak a few submarines out of Fort St. Louis, they'd have to get past some of the world's best trained and most experienced warship crews as well as a very large number of patrol planes and helicopters, and then you'd have to launch your missiles, giving away your position, and then they'd have to breech the air defense network. And the HDF does not look kindly upon those who deliberately target noncombatants...

IC:

It is worth noting that Al-Ahzad is given absolutely no advanced notice of Hindustani operations, an indication that Parliament is more or less finished with accomodating a French presence so close to Hindustan proper. And while the French might swat down Elian missiles with ease that only Drapoel-esque military expenditure can afford, HDF commanders figure that, if the French ships prove too heavily armored, they'll just blow up their radars with the proper AS. 117 and BrahMos variants and bomb or torpedo the remains. Sinking a battleship, they surmise, is as hard as one lets it be. And if all else fails, the HDF's ships can just wait it out in port until their mountainous operating costs bankrupt the government.

In fact, HDF frigate and corvette crews have even trained to use their 533mm homing torpedos in the anti-surface role. One of the HDF's biggest, perhaps the biggest advantage that it possesses in any potential battle against French forces off the Indian coast, is the HDF's capability to attack from mobile land-based ASM launchers.

The Chinese military will no longer supply spare parts, whole units or production licences to the HDF for any J-10 related articles. It is a deep shame that the former North China dares to sell important technologies to a state who's world views are offensive to the Chinese race. The embargo of military produce to LRR, Dra-pol and BG remains firmly in place.

In a gesture of defiance, the monitoring of weapons production and sales shall directly report to the military, rather than the National Congress.

The Sinoese are to be quietly reminded that no Indian air forces fly J-10s or other Chinese aircraft, being quite capable of making their own. The two major Indian air forces did however shoot-down a number of them during the failed Chinese invasion of Nepal.

Unlike the reverse condition of embargo, the Indias actually have realistic cause to deny sale of superior military equipment to the aggressive China.

OOC- Kudos, LLR. Okay, so looks like everything is set now for Al-Ahzad to move in, looks like were just waiting on him.

Now, there are only three ships at Ft. St. Louis, two Brest Frigates and one Marseilles class cruiser. I could care less about the Arabian Sea, as Royce already stated only Elian and Roik ships would be allowed past their blockade. And France is not going anywhere near bankrupt, LLR, she hasn’t been as wealthy in hundreds of years.

Might I point out that Holy League economies practically dominate all of Europe now. You’d best imagine the Renault is a top seller in Estenlands, Spain and Rome buy alot of finished goods as well. Vice versa in all respects too: Estelandian vodka is a favorite of the factory peasants of France. Not to even mention absolute French control of the Algerian and soon Tunisian economies vis-à-vis Louis I King in Algeria. Her wars thus far have been negligible: small land deployments in Lavrageria, a fleet deployment to the Pacific, and a very nice coup in Algeria that was nearly free. This 'Crusade' is the first real war undertaken by the Kingdom of France.

And might I point out that while a Super-battleship, such as the Cherbourg Mk. III, costs more to build than an aircraft carrier, it is 3/4 cheaper to keep running. I’m going to do a post about this later on Progressive Restoration, but I believe the French Royal Navy is leading the next evolution of naval warfare. I think that the Elian attack proved these new super-battleships will soon become pre-eminent over the aircraft carrier, just as the aircraft carriers replaced earlier, less perfect battleships.
True, France is re-militarizing to a strong degree, but that is basically the only thing Louis-Auguste has to pay for: police, municipal servants, the Court, military upkeep, and R&D. Social services do not exist anymore, but have been turned over to the Catholic Church which makes profits from its own land and businesses. As well, all educational and medical faculties in France are also now under the control and jurisdiction of the Holy Catholic Church. While I’m on these topics, I'd like to make clear that nobility in France is not a static institution. Families and ennobled every year, especially since the Monarchy relies on the aristocracy to provide its military and civilian leadership. Nobility can be gained by military distinction, civic prowess, or most commonly purchase. So, here is a breakdown of society in France, just so I can get it out for people to see:

10% of France belongs to the nobility. Of this 10%, the breakdown goes 1% Noblesse de l'épée (Nobles of the Sword), 2% Noblesse de le robe (Nobles of the Robe), 2% Noblesse de la plume (Nobles of the Pen), and 5% Noblesse de la cloche (Nobles of the Bell-tower). The Nobles of the Sword are the highest and most ancient families in France. They are the governors, military commanders, and courtiers of Versailles. The Nobles of the Robe are the second tier of the aristocracy, and service the Kingdom as Intendents of the bureaucracy and state owned Industrial monopolies. The Nobles of the Pen serve as the Kingdom’s judges and lawyers. The Nobles of the Bell-tower, the fastest growing tier of the aristocracy, are the most visible and plentiful nobles in France. They are the local land-lords and masters of factories, towns, and villages across the realm. Their sons form the bulk of the officer corps, indeed one has to have noble blood to apply for a commission.

28% of France belongs to the Bourgeoisie. These are the bankers, financiers, small business owners, and in general the backbone of the French economy.

30% of France belongs to the ‘Free-peasant’ class. These folks are not tied to any job in particular, but are free to seek a living in whatever field and town as they please.

30% of France belongs to the Serf class. These folks are tied to both land and employment.

I’d like to point out that among all the classes there are commonalities. First of all, children regardless of status must continue in their parent’s occupation. The children of nobles are nobles, the children of bankers are bankers, the children of steel mill workers are steel mill workers, the children of wheat farmers in the village of St. Dominique are in turn wheat farmers themselves and so on. Sumptuary Laws are also enforced, which means dress by station. Nobles wear both a sword and tricorner hat (the opulence’s thereof distinguish the prominence of the given aristocrat) and it is forbidden for any others outside that group to do so. A banker wears a white shirt with yellow borders with the stamp of the bank, just as a flax farmer wear a wide brimmed straw hat and such. Also, anyone of any sex from any class may at any time disavow their birth station to either join the Catholic Church or the Kingdom’s military---these are the safety valves for those who wish a different life.

And just so y’all know, I think this is a fitting place to put it, France now has the highest birthrate in Europe and is in the top ten world wide, as well as having the highest marriage rates and virtually no divorce to speak of.

The Chinese National Assembly in response to the military demands will pass a bill limiting the military from dealing with foreign affairs.

Sales of military technology has always been a privledge of the military. There has been no sales of Chinese technology to foreign countries, not even allies.

Although the Chinese military can excercise their might at the Congress, the Congress can use several strokes of a pen, which can change the lives of 1.3 billion Chinese. All rights must be exercised in all good manner. Having a Liberal Government, and a Conservative Millitary is harsh for China. ::sigh::

"Accusations, Accusations!" cried a Assembly woman during an emergency meeting on the recent military accusations of the National Assembly in selling technology and military equiptment to foreign countries without the consent of the military.

The Liberal dominated Assembly was quick in attacking the military in their accusations with Conservatives leaning toward the edge of the desks. The National Assembly was not pleased with military's decision to take power away from. The Chancellor will be asked to pass a bill which may limit military spending and also will put a ban on the military from conducting diplomatic work with foreign governments.





*I never knew I allowed the sales of military components and parts to Dra-Pol, LLR, or BG...

(That's funny, we have virtually no marriage to speak of and one of the lowest STD rates in the world :)
My worries about the French economy are that the miltiary spending is massive for a relatively small nation. BG having destroyed what would in another time represent five or ten percent of the French airforce in one engagement made basically no impression. A 147,000t. battleship alone is equivalent to something like all the UK's battle tanks five times over, I think, and bear in mind that the UK already spends several whole percent of GDP looking after it's military (I'm using it as a reference since I know more than of France's). It would have to increase that several fold to do what France is doing, and surely this will eat into the investment needed to even take advantage of any new-found resources and markets (though I don't know about this control of Europe thing to begin with or about the growth potential anyway. Germany, Scandinavia, and the Low Countries might contend that idea)?
This isn't really coming to a point, no. I do wonder about the poverty of the HL masses and all the taxes slapped on them, and just how much buying power they have to begin with.
I dunno, might have to speed-up the modernising of our hundred and nine million enthused new comrades and exploitation of Jharkhand's vast mineral wealth, instead of continuing to treat the new states as a burdon as yet.)


(Considering these issues, and HL economy and empire-building) ...Comrade Sopworth Igo, architect of Llewllyn's fall (where after the French, he says, took his scraps), has begun pushing an arguably more traditional line in the Commonwealth. Much to the chagrin of his father and of many involved in recent left-socialist and anarchist revolutionary drives in Beth Gellert (from the democratisation of the military to the more significant reassessment of international ties to authoritarian states), Sopworth's increasingly popular platform is that of more direct confrontation through competition with the reactionaries.

Manpower, says Sopworth, is more useful to a socialist economy, anyway, and can be harnessed by more vigarous exporting of revolutionary ideas (something that is almost uniformly popular through the Commonwealth). It already places the Indian Progressives and their allies in a comfortable position next to the European regressives. But the younger Igo feels that to confront the reactionary threat to the revolution and to liberate the people of earth, other resources must also be siezed upon.

It is Sopworth's view, shared by a slowly growing minority in Beth Gellert, that the Holy League should be actively squeezed out of existance by a direct and costly contest that will assert the permanence of the world revolution, which has greater manpower and greater natural resources than is true for most of the HL, though Russia of course holds potential. Some radical splinter groups born of Sopworth's oratory are advocating the Indian invasion of a weakened United Elias after the HL has damaged it, but it should be noted that this is not openly part of the former Premier's agenda. He speaks instead of a return to Libya for Soviet forces, and a generally increased Progressive interest in Africa, partly through the UARL. The associated group has gone so far as to theorise on the Indian invasion of the corrupt Central Asian states, liberation of Kazakhstan, and joint Indian-Lyongian invasion of Russia.

In the short term, the Young Igovians (a term denoting support of Sopworth, the son of Graeme, not the age of the loose-association's members) are at least behind pressure to militarise and step-up Igovian economic activity, which generally is a relaxed affair below the Commonwealth's capacities. At the moment, the Commonwealth's four hundred and nine million comrades support just a two-thirds of a million soldiers and less than three quarters of a million sailors and aircrew. Perhaps the message will be lost on the Holy League, or perhaps that the Commonwealth alone outnumbers them by millions and is teetering on the brink of serious war preparation will make its leaders reconsider their ambition.

OOC- As I made clear in the post, BG, a feudalistic states only government priority is the military. And although you did a good job in the South Pacific, it was at best a small limited engagement, not Guadalcanal. England also is bogged down in a plethora of social programs. Look at it like this: the only concern of the Royal Government is the court, the military and the administration...in that order. In a feudal economy, everything else is handled by local lords and the Catholic Church. Im well aware its a confused political system, but what variety isnt? The buying power of a peasant is nil: they eat, work, pray, get married, have a few rolls in the hay, and move on to heaven. All without questioning the order which commands them. But then they recognize their place in the Ancien Regime, which succinctly defined is: God commands, the King rules, the nobles fight, the Church prays, and the peasants work.

Like I said, this is the first major war Restoration France has engaged in, with all other previous conflicts simply training for this. With only really Germany and Britain excluded, every major nation in Europe is now a member of the Holy League, and therefore trade is lucrative and rampant between the powers. There has never been a closer alliance in Europe, ever.

I believe the problem is you are thinking of economics in terms of the capitalistic/communist model, Adam Smith and Karl Marx and so on. In the Holy League nations, there is no buying power except for about 20% of the population.

But then again thats all a Feudal society needs. Remember, when France was a monarchical power, for our purposes circa 1600-1789, she boasted both the strongest land army and blue navy in the world. The French are a bellicose, romantic, ideological and zealous people, its just in our RL secular era that is not apparent.

And that would be a sneaky move to invade UE after a prolonged struggle with the HL, I doubt Quintonnia will allow you to, though. Indeed, if the Progressive Bloc made moves, you can bet NATO would swing in to stop you, and then wed really have a World War.

Roycelandian Goa, India

The crew of the IMS (Imperial Merchant Ship) Sea Chariot had spent a very busy and productive morning unloading their cargo for sale to the Bedgellens and Hindustanis across the border in India.

Off in the distance, the rumble of Jet Engines could be heard. Still, the Air Raid Sirens hadn't sounded and the Colonial Guard on the dock weren't re-acting, so the Sea Chariot's crew continued unloading.

Their labour soon stopped, however, when they saw what the Jet Engines were attached to... four CAF Lancaster II Heavy Bombers.

The Prop-Driven Lancasters were a familiar sight above Goa, and there was one of the experimental Jet-powered Lancaster IIs at the base- but FOUR of them? It was not only impressive, it was scary- and it meant that something, somewhere, was getting funky.

French Algeria

The outbreak of hostilities between UE and France was awkward to say the least, and His Majesty was trying to be involved without actually being involved- he didn't want to lose any friends over this!

Despite the blockade of the Arabian Sea, the Roycelandian Government had made a most generous offer to France: Approximately a quarter of the Roycelandian Pacific Fleet would be stationed off the coast of Vanuatu and French Polynesia to allow France to concentrate her energies elsewhere.

Most interestingly, whilst the borders remained open, a caravan of Libyans on Camelback were nearly blown apart by an Emperor Heavy Tank when they crossed away from the Border Checkpoint. In other words, the Roycelandians are getting jumpy, and the skies above the Mediterranean are full of Sunderlands, Spitfires, Airships, and Autogyros ;), whilst the IRNS Kananga has also been seen near Gibraltar...

The Qunntonians would definately have to react if our firend and ally, UE were put in danger by the Commies. We would also step in on an invasion of Russia or Kazahkstan, but more to limit the power of BG than anything.

WWJD
Amen.

(OOC: Well, the government's only concern may be the military, but I don't really see what that changes. It doesn't really make the economy any bigger now, does it? Surely it just means that either the government budget it smaller, or more of society is geared towards military production than to anything that'll actually give a return. Oh well, if it comes to it, we can mobilise public works with the best of them :) )

Back in India, as the Young Igovians continue to bay for reactionary blood, more respectable elements are speaking openly with Hindustani and Roycelandian officials about the need to address the station of Goa in the event of prolonged or worsened hostilities in the current vein.

The unannounced arrival of strategic bombers caused the scrambling of NT7 Kan-gel interceptors that cruised two hundred kilometres out from the approaching Lancaster IIs with more than the necessary number of radar locks apparent, and saw militia units around Goa choosing to open their weapons lockers.

Obviously, most Igovians say, it is in nobody's best interests to see tensions rise around the colonial outpost during a climate of open war in the world, and some talk of possible limiting treaties on Goa's militarisation.

The Roycelandian Government has apologised for the unnecessary alarm caused by the relocation of the Bombers, but has hinted that they're safer "Out of the way" in Goa than in an Airfield in Algeria or Roycelandian East Africa where someone might try and sabotage or steal them.

Of course the Roycelandian Government has no wish to spread unnecessary panic or alarm, and is more than happy to enter into discussions on the state of military readiness in the Colony, pointing out that a long term conflict benefits no-one and Roycelandia would like to see a resolution as well.

OOC: I'm envisioning Goa as being kind of like the AMW equivalent of Hong Kong- an East Meets West kinda place, with a Free Port (ie, no taxes!), nice beaches, and a large Air Base and Harbour, as opposed to a the entire Colony simply being a Military Base the size of US State.

It also stands to reason that a lot of fairly dodgy or questionable cargo comes through the port, and by extension, finds its way into the Marketplace... ;)

(Of course, it goes without saying that the Colonial Guard, Imperial Air Force, and Imperial Navy all need to be based there in some sort of capacity!)

-Hudecia-

With both the legislative and executive branches leaning towards the BG side of things in this turkey shoot, the news of Quinntonian emissary meeting the French king sent left-wing conspiracy theorists crazy.

Internet bloggers speculated that the Quinntonians and the Holy League were forming an informal alliance and that the recent Council of Bishops would not intervene itself into the situation.

Hudecia's President and Prime Minister both had ulterior motives for involving itself into the situation. PM Bouchard wanted to distance himself and the francophone separatist movement from the idea of France and its monarchy. President Lau was interested in solidifying ties with BG and Hindustan. But more than that, she was worried what would occur if BG actually defeated the HL.

As a former French colony there was great anxiety in Hudecia about whether or not France would ultimately look to annex them as well. After all, they were willing to invade Algeria.. why would they not seek to recolonize other places?

OOC- a bonny day to you all! Hudecia, please, I mean, Africa is one thing, the New World is quite another. Your gonna buy those fishing islands though or not? Methinks UE is gone on a five day vacation or some such now. So naturally well have to slow down a bit while he's away. Hmm, le me take a look at that BG power thread now...

OOC:GOA sounds like Guam.

China, after the unification has began seeking ties with the Indian nations. Invasion of Northern Africa struck the two houses of government like thunder. Although China had already officially 'scolded' at the Holy League, China will try to stay out of it. It is always amusing to see the Europeans pick fights with regions having much smaller populations, or is not as developed as they are.

China had already decided through a set of votes to scrap the Mutual Defense Aggreement with Russia. Because An agreement was reached with France seperately, the Chinese-French Mutual Defense Aggreements were not harmed. Because the French were the invaders, China once again will have nothing of it.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=431065
The Asia-Pacific Rim Alliance

All nations are allowed to join. The Organization was started by the Chinese Government in an effort to establish strong relations within the Asia-Pacific Rim region. The organization, as seen as others may appear to be a counter-balancing alliance directed at keeping the Holy League and NATO at the edge of the table.

The India's are asked to step up and were sent an invitation to attend a preliminary conference to discuss changes and issues before establishing the union. Although Hudecia and Quintonnia are not pleased with having a foreign governing body in holding power on their respective governments, changes are welcomed and the conference in Beijing are waiting for more representitives from other countries.Another issue to be discussed is a defense network, and an approved budget.


Some special organizations included in the (APRA):

The Asia-Pacific Rim Economic Union
The Asia-Pacific Rim General Assembly
The Asia-Pacific Rim Security Council
The Asia-Pacific Rim Humanitarian Aid Distribution Council

Current Members:
General Assembly:
[Bolivia] Ghosts of the Incans - Representitive Mr. Ronald Dash

Security Council Members:
[China] Xiaguo, Sino, Taiwan - Representitive Mrs. Xu Chu Yun
[Spyr] - To Be Named
[Japan] Dai Nippon Goku - Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr.Shimizu Yuki

Nations who have sent representatives to Beijing:
[The United States] Quintonnia
[Canada] Hudecia
[Roycelandia]

OOC: Well, Hudecians don't consider it that far fetched that a monarchist nation seeking to recolonize some of its former territories would look to subvert/control Hudecia as well. Although the political/military leaders see the possibility as remote that France would outright attack Hudecia, they feel that France would try a more... discreet method.

After all, there was the issue of Russian (member of the Holy League) agents influencing Hudecian internal politics and fomenting pro-indepence sentiment in francophone regions...... (aka Mr. T)

IC:

-Ottawa-

Parliament debated the issue for several hours concerning the price that they would attach to the two islands in the middle of the Grand Banks. Finally, after much dissent Parliament gave grudging support to an initiative to offer to buy the islands for the sum of $250 million.

The majority of the dissent centered about whether or not Hudecia should pay the French at all for the islands. Not many of the members of parliament desired to support the French at this time of war or even appear to be in the position of supporting them.

Still, it was decided that removing the last vestiges of French colonialism near Hudecia would be worthwhile.

-Grand Banks-

The Hudecian navy has given orders that no vessels may enter the Hudecian Exclusive Economic Zone as set forth by the Hudecian Parliament unless they belong to Hudecian or Quintonnian citizens.

Vessels that breach this zone will be searched and seized. Vessels of Hudecian or Quintonnian ownership if found to be carrying nets of an illegal nature will also be seized and their crew arrested.

The formal excuse for these actions was to prevent overfishing in the Grand Banks.

The Chinese military will no longer supply spare parts, whole units or production licences to the HDF for any J-10 related articles. It is a deep shame that the former North China dares to sell important technologies to a state who's world views are offensive to the Chinese race. The embargo of military produce to LRR, Dra-pol and BG remains firmly in place.

In a gesture of defiance, the monitoring of weapons production and sales shall directly report to the military, rather than the National Congress.

OCC: I must say, Sino, you have a reak knack for misreading things. Hindustan does not use and hever has used the J-10 or any Chinese-built military equipment, for fairly obvious reasons. "We'll nuke you into dust if you comment on our internal affairs...oh, and have some front-line combat aircraft."

IC:

As HDF forces prepare to launch heavy attacks on Fort St. Louis, the presence of more jet Lancasters in Goa doesn't really attract much attention from the military. While fighter units could reach the scene of any hostile incursion from the Goa area in a timely manner, and the Hindustani air defense network covers the airspace around the small Roycelandian colony, there are virtually no border defenses (barring the occasional traffic stop reinforced with a Ferret), and provided you aren't wanted, one can get into Hindustan through Goa fairly easily.

And although HDF light planes and Alouette II helicopters continually sweep the border with Goa for smugglers and criminals, the only thing sent up to watch the Lancasters are two PAf. 4 FA.2s, which approach from the sea at a leisurely pace.

But although Hindustan would love to see its relationship with Goa take a more codified form, it will undoubtedly have to wait until the conflict with France abates.

When it comes to Sopworth, most Hindustanis couldn't care much less about him. In fact, it was the fear of new tensions with the authoritarian Sopworth regime that led to the continued modernization of the HDF. Therefore, his suggestions are unsurprisingly dismissed. There are, of course, dissenters, as there are in any healthy democracy, who advocate the Young Igovians' program. But in debates, the fact that Hindustan has spent almost the entirety of its existence as a nation fighting reactionism, and, in the words of a fair few, "could use a break," is often brought up by the anti-Sopworth side. Sopworth's mannifesto is generally regarded as too extreme, and it is the belief of Parliament that what matters now is opposition to France. As long as the Elians or British, or Quinntonians for that matter, aren't out doing something completely unacceptable, Hindustan doesn't have any quarrel with them that Parliament is about to settle with military conflict.

What has caused Hindustan to go to war is, besides France's simple beligerance, the French desire to destroy the Suez canal.

OOC: Guys I am currently out of the country and therefore this may be my last post for a week or so, though I may be able to check TGs etc every now and again. Rather like when Elkazor left, I hope you will be courteous enough to put this RP on pause until I return.

Thanks

(Ah, nuts! I wish that I had checked the forum then sent telegrams, rather than the other way around! [throws a Von Greenback-voiced damnation after the French making another lucky escape])

OOC: There's basically no border controls on the Roycelandian side of the Goa/Hindustan border, either.

Oddly, the controls on the Goa/BG border crossing aren't much stricter, and a lot of the Border Surveillance work is done with AG-1 "Wasps" now.

To most Roycelandians, "Sopworth" sounds like a now-defunct British Aircraft Manufacturer from World War I, and as such, they find it almost impossible to take his followers too seriously beyond regarding them as being a bit of a nuisance...

(That may be true, but just because his parents are away with the fairies doesn't mean that he isn't guilty of warcrimes and responsible for Dra-pol getting the bomb and Roycelandian soldiers getting poisoned in Madagascar ;) )

(That may be true, but just because his parents are away with the fairies doesn't mean that he isn't guilty of warcrimes and responsible for Dra-pol getting the bomb and Roycelandian soldiers getting poisoned in Madagascar ;) )

OCC: Is he, now?

Would Hindustan know that? If so, I'd imagine that there would be some fairly loud calls for his imprisonment.

But this is actually fine. No problem, UE.

OCC: I must say, Sino, you have a reak knack for misreading things. Hindustan does not use and hever has used the J-10 or any Chinese-built military equipment, for fairly obvious reasons. "We'll nuke you into dust if you comment on our internal affairs...oh, and have some front-line combat aircraft."

OOC: I must be losing my skill in skim reading...

OOC- Well, I have just recieved a complaint from Quint about God-modding in the case of the battle-ship. Id like to say im thoroughly dissapointed such complaints were not sent to me drectly, instead of being turned over to a random third party. I think it says alot about those who did complain. Nevertheless the post will be amended to accomidate the complaints, and a thorough level of damage will be inflicted. However, I llikewise throughly reserve the right to build such battleships. May I please remind everbody that unlike almost every other 'great' power, France has not aircraft carriers, save for the antiquated by moderatley renoveated CDG.

(OOC: Sorry for the tangent, I hope it doesn't matter too much given that we're presumably winding down for a bit until UE is available again, but in response to LRR's inquiry about Sopworth: maybe, sort of, some of it, heh.

There's some... vagueness about BG's history in AMW. It is supposed to have come to pass that after taking the mainland, Sopworth's forces tried to attack the government that had evacuated to Victoria and Salvador (Sri Lanka), but was stopped by the intervention of an archaic capitalist fleet including battleships and the like (Iansisle played that part, but since he's not part of AMW, I wonder if it might have been the Roycelandians?), which took an absolute hammering and delt hardly any damage to the Soviets, but did discourage them from attempting an amphibious assault. Following that Battle of Salvador, foreign POWs were initially reported as having been captured, but then later reports mysteriously make no mention of them... Hindustanis can draw their own conclusions. Likewise, supporters of Llewellyn captured on the mainland were detained in re-education camps, but more inconsistencies in records of their identities, numbers, and their fate no doubt raised questions about the nature of those camps. After Sopworth stepped down in '89 and peaceful reunification happened, some POWs and political prisoners were found still in camps seven years after the revolution, but they were relatively few in number, and the camps were so remote and neglected that it was hard to prove who knew what, and more than that, the POWs generally appeared to be convinced revolutionaries happy to rejoin the Commonwealth (a serious investigation following them up now would find a high suicide rate and long list of mental problems and social disorders).

I think probably it's only lucky conspiracy nuts and a handful of GSIC and Banat agents that have any clear idea about Sopworth's role in selling nuclear secrets to the CPRD, but it is true that the post-Sopworth GSIC conducted several raids on disused mines in traditional Royalist strongholds and that nuclear hazard teams were mobilised to those events in the '90s.

Finally, Roycelandia's abortive invasion of Madagascar drew open Commonwealth intervention in the post-Sopworth era, while he himself was in one of his mysterious absences from public life, which happened often when people started talking about his past and shady dealings. There has always been talk of genetic weapons research starting as soon as Sopworth came to power, but it has always been denied or dismissed out of hand. During the stand-off in Madagascar, almost all of Roycelandia's white personnel on the island complained of symptoms akin to chronic fatigue, while African recruits and most natives by and large presented no symptoms. This was post-Sopworth, but the truth is that a string of events starting with the rather unusual event of private aircraft flying from BG to the Andamans, then the unsolved murder of some businessmen and suspected criminal overlords in ISAN, some minor border tensions on the UARL/REA frontier, and the later arrival of a stolen boat from the mainland on the shores of Madagascar immediately preceded the strange outbreak of complaints amongst the Roycelandian troops, though they all survived (I think).

Again, sorry for the tangent, Elkazor! That's the story of the man who felled Llewellyn's empire and influenced the Prince's son to assassination of Louis.)

OOC:Liu is losing his skimming skills? More work on me.

OOC: So where is Sopworth, anyway? BTW, it's a fairly safe bet the Roycelandian Imperial Intelligence Service knows most of the dodgy goings-on in India (Nuclear Arms Dealing and all!)

OOC: Sopworth is in the Commonwealth, leading the main hardline right-faction in Igovian politics. I say leading though there are no official leadership positions in the Commonwealth, but there are bound to be individuals seen as particularly visionary, and on the right of Igovian politics there is... more unofficial hierarchy than on the left.
It is highly unlikely that the Roycelandians know much of Sopworth's dealings beyond perhaps suspicion. They may know that the 90s saw possible security breaches around nuclear material, but what happened to what material is known most likely only to a handful of what was called the Old Guard, a tiny gang of ex Communist Party leaders.
But yeah, Sopworth is still going strong in BG.

-Paris-

The Divine Empire of Russia has asked that its involvement in the UE-France war be undisclosed, and that all Russian units in the area be classified as soldiers of the Estenlandian vassal state of Tsarist Russia.

-Tunisia, Algeria-

The Cossack units have taken no casualties so far, as the French have deployed them largely against bombers, not fighters. Russian land units place themselves under the command of French generals, and two thousand are dispatched to reinforce the Roycelandians.

-Kazakhstan-

When Igovian talk of "liberating" Kazakhstan is heard, the largely peaceful province now begins to polarize itself once again. With a large Russian population (bolstered by a flood of immigration once things settled down), heavy propaganda, economic prosperity, and gratitude for the deposing of the former Kazakhstani dictator, Kazakhstan has largely become assimilated into the Russian national realm. However, a significant hard core faction of Muslim fundamentalists exists as well, which normally would cause much unease amongst Russian officials, especially in regards to Igovian talk of "liberation." However, the fact remains that...the Igovians are atheist. Militantly so. This has actually benefited the Russians, as the remaining fundamentalist Muslims have begun to quarrel amongst themselves. Roughly half of them are vehemently opposed to "debauched Igovian hedonistic atheistic infidels" whilst others hope to pit both sides against each other.

However, the majority of Kazakhstanis are simply worried. Just when their lives had begun to improve, a vast, shapeless threat splotched with the color of red threatens the fragile stability of their lives...

OOC- Information laden tangents never require apologies, BG. Boy, what a lofe those Begdellen Princes led, eh? Fittingly ended to be sure. And is Al-Ahzad left AMW or what? Anybody seen hide or hair of him lately? This whole campaign, at least from the Holy League point of view, depends heavily upon that intrepid Massad. And LLR, for the last time, neither France nor the Holy League has any plans to do anything at all to the Suez Canal. HMCM is friends with Quinntonnia and Roycelandia, and that wouldnt last very long if about 10 nuclear laden ICBM's hit the lifeline. This is a war to destroy Communism in Europe, vis a vis its stronghold in Libya. Once Libya and first Tunisia have been occupied to the satisfaction of the Tetrarchy, the war will be over. UE is simply using the oppurtunity to expand her own hegemony: because if the Holy League takes Tunisia and Libya UE will be forced to come to terms. The tricky part is that Libya and Tunisia cannot be taken without control of the Eastern Mediterranean, which brings us to the splendid Naval War about to commence.

Versailles

The Divine Russian Empire need not worry, its role in the North African conflict would be kept quiet.

Meanwhile, a Squadren of three Brest Class Frigates HMCMS's Lightning, Azure, and Cobra led by the Marseilles Class Cruiser Mk. II St. Bonaventure (capable of launching both Trident ASM's and Fury IV cruise missiles) and shadowed by the freshly completed Nantes Class Attack Submarine RN-12 departed the French Port of Brest. As the hit the North Sea, they made a sharp right ergo proceeding to the Baltic.

Their mission, long overdue due to the Mediterranean Theatre's priority by the Admiralty, will be to support the Russian/Estenlandian push into the Baltic's by securing ocean support in the form of missile raids and intradiciton missions. Air cover would of course be provided by President Putin and Tsar Wingert. The French High Command's view of the situation is that as soon as the Baltic Theatre is secured, the sooner the Holy League could shift the bulk of its efforts to the North African Front.

Meanwhile, the Cherbourg Mk. III Titan was nearly finished in Cherbourg Harbor. His Royal Highness le Comte d'Provence, First Lord of the Admiralty and brother to Louis-Auguste, was currently performing the last inspections before His Most Christian Majesty arrived to inagurate the ships completion with a speech and religious ceremonies. She would sail to Sardinia to meet up with the French Mediterranean Fleet, along with two more Brest Class Frigates likewise just completed: HMCMS's Darter and Dace.

The Chinese government requests a Russian backed withdrawal of Chinese troops from Kazakhstan. The Agreement with Russia was scrapped, and will withdraw its several hundred troops out in a few weeks.

http://www.wellesley.edu/Russian/Baikal/Gallery/maps/Asian_expansion_map.jpg
China is seeking plans to allow Chinese troops to stay in Vladivostok for defensive purposes.

China ended all trade embargos on Russia, but has replaced them with a tariff 20% of all other foreign imports. Tariffs were also placed on goods coming from Holy League members.

China's traditional trading partners, Japan, Canada, and the United States may have a lot to gain from the trade tariffs.

Through the back-channels (namely sleezy Goa bars), Hindustani diplomats try to make contact with their Roycelandian counterparts.

It is no secret that Parliament is not terribly in opposition to Roycelandia's particular brand of imperialism. Therefore, it is proposed that, should France take Tunisia and get ready to take Libya, Roycelandian forces from southern Algeria establish a protectorate over as big a fraction as possible of Libya. It is hoped that, if imperialism can't be avoided, at least its not about to install a government of what can only be described, in Parliament's words, complete and unrestrained maniacs.

OOC- I am stunned. Hindustan is, although for poltically expedient reasons, promoting Imperialism. For shame!

OCC: Well things can't get much worse...

Its better than having young men shot to death by the Libyan government or pulled into pieces by a French occupation force. Really win-win, see. If Libya doesn't get invaded, all the more time for reform. If things are down the tubes, if Roycelandia proves to be cooperative a rather agreeable regime will be in control of the country.

China is flatly told that as the mutual defense agreement has been first ignored and then scrapped, the Chinese will not receive the benefits guaranteed to them by the treaty. In other words, all Chinese troops are ordered to withdraw from all Russian Imperial Territories. The trade embargo had slapped the Russian economy in the face, and the horrendous 20% tariff is a direct violation of the free trade agreement signed long ago. Thousands of Russians have lost their jobs in response to the Chinese economic attacks, and the economy has only survived due to increased Eastern European and Quinntonian consumption of oil. Chinese troops will be allowed to remain if the tariff is removed or significantly lowered, however. It would also be beneficial for the Chinese, as African, South American, and Middle Eastern oil prices are probably sky rocketing due to the instability there, while the large reserves built up during the embargo will guarantee the cheapness of Russian oil.

The Chinese will withdraw from Vladivostok. A Civil is taking place in Korea. China only wishes to help defend the border. The border nears Russia and the Lyong nations.


China responds with the statements. If Africa becomes so unstable to a point where China needs to seek more oil providers, China will need to step into to control this instability.

It appears placing a trade embargo has no affect on Russia in their war against the free peoples of the Baltics. Perhaps placing a ban on trade with Russia, and freezing Russian assets may be a stronger voice Russia cannot ignore.

The economic war with Russia has allowed Hudecia, Japan, and the Lyong nations in a healthy and strong boost in trade. China has recently just placed stronger trade restrictions on Holy League Nations which allowed the Indian nations to conduct healthy and flourishing trade with China.

China's oil supplies can be seeked from the Middle East, as well as Hudecia, Africa, and China itself, including the many off shore oil rigs.





China has made a clear statement to the African nations to secure their government and borders. The Middle East and Africa are very important regions which CHina was only beginning to build closer relations with. The war can bring some trouble in trade and oil sales with Africa. Especially when China is an advocate of the Anti-Imperialist movements.







Meanwhile...
The Asia-Pacific Rim Alliance Preliminary Conference has just started in Beijing. China is expected to propose a multi-national army to send to Africa as part of a peace-keeping mission.

United Elias (The Middle East) and Africa are the battlegrounds for a gigantic war. This will cause a massive increase in oil prices from those sources. Nigeria, United Elias, Libya, all major oil suppliers, are caught in the vicious throes of war, and Hudecia has only enough oil to fully supply the Americans. No oil supplying nation could possibly fully fuel China and America.

The embargo has had an effect, by harming the economy, but the Baltic War is effectively over. Coalition forces have gained control of all Lithuanian, Latvian, and Estonian land masses.

A seizure of Russian assets will result in a reciprocal action, and since the Chinese have invested heavily in Russia, while Russians have invested far less in China, you'd only end up hurting yourself.

China is given a final choice: lower or remove the tariffs, or all Chinese troops will be ordered to leave Russian territories.

The Roycelandian Government has indicated, on the QT, that they are most amenable to the Hindustani plan, agreeing that it is indeed Win-Win.

Of course, implementing it is another matter entirely.. ;)

(Well, I don't think that UE itself can be called a warzone, they haven't even bothered to mobilise their full potential strength as yet, and are frankly unlikely to need it in order to repulse the HL, unless Russia joins in, which will leave their oil production as much a target as UE's. Of course one supposes that native demand for oil will go up as the price for beating down the HL, but these things happen to oil prices, eh?)

Any outside powers stepping into the Mediterranean Conflict (China, Beth Gellert, and Hindustan) will be subject to the full arsenal of Holy League Nuclear weaponry. It's pointed out that between France, Russia, Estenlands, Spain, and Rome the Holy League can wipe out the life on earth several times over. Barbarian easterners would not be allowed to touch the soil of the sacred west for one second...the world would end before that, God willing.

His Most Christian Majesty issued a statement condemning the strange and oblique Chinese Government which is nothing but a collection of "war-time cowards and peace time bellidgerants." It is already clear how France views the 'Progressive Bloc'; as the very pit of hell upon earth. Yet it would not surprise Versailles if Beth Gellert and China eventually united. In the words of The Most Christian King 'It is what barbarians are wont to do.'

Coversely Quinntonnia, Roycelandia, and Britain are given the hot line to Versailles. As HMCM Louis-Auguste made clear, this is a war to remove communism from Libya and restore order to Tunisia. Yet if the Western powers intervene in force, Versailles would have no choice but to end the conflict, as the Holy League will not destroy its burgeoning relationship with the WEC and NATO.

Meanwhile, all this talk of eastern pretentions begins to alarm Versailles: what good is it to take North Africa by force, only to weaken United Elias enough for a back door invasion into Europe by the un-washed hordes of hell? In that spirit, quiet and almost invisible feelers are sent out to Baghdad. Is hegemony in North Africa worth the spawn of hell on the Mediterranean shores? Versailles increasingly says no. Therefore, His Most Christian Majesty suggests a cease fire, before the mighty Holy League fleet arrives and the war becomes unstoppable.

OOC- This would happen as the air battle is just prepping up, after the attack on the Roi de Soleil.

Unsurprised to be dismissing French bluster about nuclear war as the desperate posing of a cowardly misleadership inclined to panic at the first sign of resistance to their imperialism beyond that which can be presented by tiny under-developed nations thus far assaulted, Igovians scoff at the very idea of the people of Europe following their overlords into the premature end of their ancient states. The likes of France, apart from anything else, clearly lack the deployment capabilities to seriously confront real powers in a nuclear exchange, and while the monarchy may rather see France extinguished than forging ahead without them in control, one rather doubts that the infamously proud nationalist masses feel the same way about the idea of ending France forever.

The proper intelligence services would note that the presence in Soviet facilities of just three Liopleurodon ferox Class SSBNs means that the Commonwealth has a bare minimum of 216 and quite possibly more than twice that number of nuclear warheads presently at sea and -for all anybody knows- armed and trained on the capitals of reactionary Europe.

Meanwhile, as France continues to do all she can to confuse and alienate nations almost at random, the Commonwealth persists in its disinclination to move an inch closer to a China part run by the Liunatic, and gives a nationwide shrug to European fears.

The Young Igovians continue to rattle their own sabres, but the Commonwealth as a whole musters little more than a grudging rumble of encouragement to Baghdad as a trickle of volunteers continues to make for Tripoli in anticipation of further action.

On a side-note, a low-key investigation has been commissioned by the Alaric-Galle 1st University into whether/when the Spanish and Italians acquired nuclear weaponry...

OCC: You guys, aren't we waiting for UE? Hmm? I'd be perfectly happy to gawk at France's threat of nuclear first-strike, but United Elias is sort of very important to this thread so I advocate that we continue with just the bare minimum of IC and OCC posting until he returns, so he doesn't have so much to catch up to.

On a side note, Elkazor, I don't think you'd exactly get away with launching a nuclear attack against Hindustan, with absolutely no retaliatory capability. I mean, WTF? "Hey French, stay in your own country." "How dare you pit of hell we will destroy you all!" It is really quite annoying.

Furthermore, yeah, since when do Italy and Spain suddenly have gigantic nuclear arsenals? For crying out loud how does France have a freaking huge nuclear arsenal?

Chancellor Yeh, despite strong opposition by Liu Tong Zhong sent a personal invitation to the Indian nations to attend the weeklong Asia-Pacific Rim Alliance conferences. Yeh also spoke of long term economic agreements, and also of a military alliance.

"As stated in the book of revelations. The Red army of the East will come in hordes wiping everything off the face of the Earth. That Red army is us, the Chinese. If we are forced to, we will wipe all the barbaric governments of the West. Our fleets will consume the the Western begger boats. Our armies will fight for the Emperor, and defend the Republic. Our Airforce will engage as hawks, shredding our enemies." said an angy yeh, as he headed for the APRA Conference.


Before the unification of China. The nations Sino, Taiwan, and Xiaguo all had seperate governments, and each had a different system. Sino's military and technological capabilities, Taiwan's economic perfection, and Xiaguo's abundant resources and manpower. The unified China has remained relatively quiet and neutral so far in terms of military. Never before has the world witness the willingness of China to become the strongest and most powerful nation on Earth.




An alliance with the Indias is beneficial to China's security. We need not to associate our governing policies with theirs, but India's economic and military might cannot be ignored and refused by China. We need to push forward and land an alliance with the Indias in order to counter balance the growing strength of the Holy Alliance, which also cannot be ignored." wrote Yeh as a memo to Liu.

Chancellor Yeh, despite strong opposition by Liu Tong Zhong sent a personal invitation to the Indian nations to attend the weeklong Asia-Pacific Rim Alliance conferences. Yeh also spoke of long term economic agreements, and also of a military alliance.

"As stated in the book of revelations. The Red army of the East will come in hordes wiping everything off the face of the Earth. That Red army is us, the Chinese. If we are forced to, we will wipe all the barbaric governments of the West. Our fleets will consume the the Western begger boats. Our armies will fight for the Emperor, and defend the Republic. Our Airforce will engage as hawks, shredding our enemies." said an angy yeh, as he headed for the APRA Conference.

Before the unification of China. The nations Sino, Taiwan, and Xiaguo all had seperate governments, and each had a different system. Sino's military and technological capabilities, Taiwan's economic perfection, and Xiaguo's abundant resources and manpower. The unified China has remained relatively quiet and neutral so far in terms of military. Never before has the world witness the willingness of China to become the strongest and most powerful nation on Earth.

An alliance with the Indias is beneficial to China's security. We need not to associate our governing policies with theirs, but India's economic and military might cannot be ignored and refused by China. We need to push forward and land an alliance with the Indias in order to counter balance the growing strength of the Holy Alliance, which also cannot be ignored." wrote Yeh as a memo to Liu.

By calling the UCDF a "Red Army", military units across the country has begun a campaign of protest against Yeh's vile blasphemy. By referring ourselves to a fool's color, the UCDF has suffered an insult by the government.

Several arrests by the military police have been made as disgruntal privates burned images of Yeh. Gen. Liu called for calm amongst the ranks following the over reaction of several individuals. However, Yeh has been asked again to select his words more carefully.


Elgar's Serenade for Strings (http://jnjmuse.cnei.or.kr/musicbox_5/elgar_serenade%20for%20string%20op20%201st.mp3) was playing when a telephone call interrupted Liu's paperwork.

"We need to show yeh what we're made of," another hardline general called in, "let's get the EAA to deliever arms to France!"

"France can sort themselves out. We don't need to be dragged into a European pissing contest! I bid you farewell!" Liu slammed down the phone.

OOC:Lol..China's traditional colors are Yellow and Red, even before Communism. Red and Yellow has been used to represent the Emperor.

<Beijing>

"The Army of China fights under the five stars and red banner of China. I apologize if you have mistakened for Communism. Red represents prosperity, and strength. Yellow represents the land and the people." said Yeh at the APRA conference. Even though there were protests, they were part of the Sinoese Right-Wing groups which had gone far in demoting any form of Socialism.

Although the military has always dissaproved of Yeh, loyal supporters, many who enjoyed the many freedoms under the Socialist based government of Xiaguo had countered with demonstrations in having more government controll over the military.

Many of the men and women in the National Assembly has called for some serious reforms to put more government control on the military. However, Chancellor Yeh has brushed off such moves and instead has provided several initiatives that limited the military's political power and spending.

Although China is unified, politics still can easily pull apart the country. Chancellor Yeh has authorized the forming of the Chinese Republican Guard which will be the main forces in protecting Beijing, Tianjin, and Shenyang.
http://www.didik.com/nycinpictures/taiwan/ChangingGuard/thTW0483.JPG

http://bikmrdc.lm.fju.edu.tw/eee04/images/Hotel%2025.jpg

http://www.venus.dti.ne.jp/~shigerui/taiwan/guard-1.JPG

http://www.specwargear.com/images/collector33-4.jpg

http://www.aronsonsjournal.com/Taiwan2003/Guards2825.jpg

http://www.aronsonsjournal.com/Taiwan2003/Guards2827.jpg



<Tianjin>
Hundreds of Demonstrators surround the Russian and French Embassy holding and passing out pamphlets like these:

http://faculty.kirkwood.edu/ryost/stereographs/Korean%20War/commiewolf.jpg
Are you willing to let the fierce Russian wolf devour China?



OOC: ^ just because I've got nothing better to do.

OOC- Hey Lunatic, as far as I can tell we are still waiting. And yah, France has nukes, so deal with it. And this thread was started by me, Lunatic, and is not exclusive to Elian affairs. If you can see, you will certainly see that all battle movements and troop deployments have come to a halt in breathless anticipation of Elias's immenent return.

I need no lecturing from you on how to RP, so I am sorry you will not recieve my thanks.

France, even before the Restoration, had a nuclear program. You better believe Russia has been sharing her goodies with the HL too.

Rest assured, BG and Lunatic, a massive HL nuclear attack upon you is completely possible. Whether or not it happens is certainly in doubt, but half of Estenlands arsenal alone is sufficient to reduce the sub continent to a smoking crater. And for the record again, HL nuclear missiles are aimed all upon the progressive tumor in force.

OOC: Well, since we're going OOC... most of that French arsenal was sub-based on vessels that I had gathered France did away with, and its land-based missiles were designed to combat the Russians of all people, not really distant threats. Of course AMW is different, but that you chose to go with the recent restoration approach instead of something totally apart from reality as BG...
Developing entirely new nuclear missiles that can even get to India, let alone win a war for you will have cost tens of billions of dollars on top of everything else, and it becomes less and less plausible to believe that the French economy isn't on the brink of utter collapse.
Sharing nuclear technology is a questionable matter, too, since I don't think that the HL -most of which is shiny new- and Russia have been friends for the many many years this would take to have meaningful results.
Some of these things can be picked at, but in the end, France, Spain, and Italy are not exactly in a position to use nuclear war as leverage against anybody better armed than Israel or further away than... Israel, or larger than... Israel. They'd get plastered by BG alone, let alone everybody else that'd get involved. Resources that France has squandered on super battleships, massive conscription, extensive deployments, and possibly ICBMs, the Soviets have -having several times more to begin with- invested elsewhere... Of course Russia would change things by direct involvement, but I'm hardly convinced that the government's up for it, let alone the people who have seen recent nuclear disaster up close... it'd probably be mutiny and revolt for them to try.
I wouldn't bother saying this if it weren't ooc, but there you go.
Uhm, well, I have some major actions to carry-out IC, but they're in the minutes and hours after the air battles start over N Africa, so I shall wait before carrying them out...

OOC: All right, sorry for going off again there... I was fine with going along with the bluster, but getting the impression that the HL players might really fall back on some nuclear holocaust (especially with a somewhat suspect arsenal) hits the wrong buttons with me. AMW's founders had one nuclear war, and that was at the end of the big one, Korea, and the result of an awful misunderstanding, not a catch-all proof against failure or anything that could look like a tantrum. I just don't want to see AMW sink beyond that. Sorry.

OOC: I should mention at this point that Roycelandia also has a Nuclear Programme and a Nuclear Arsenal (it fits in well with Roycelandia's love of things that go "BOOM!" ;) )

Of course we've never actually USED our Nukes, nor do we intend to- they're a last resort defensive weapon only.

Having said that, I personally don't see a problem with a properly RPd Nuclear Exchange, as long as it doesn't turn into "OMG 1 N00K U!!1!1Shift+1!" and the full impacts of such a course are taken into account.

OCC: I didn't mean to offend, Elkazor. I just thought it prudent to curtail OCC bickering until at least all the participants are present. And please excuse that little outburst back there. I wasn't in a proper frame of mind.

IC:

The French threats create quite a stir in Hindustan and in Parliament especially. Hindustanis begin to debate very seriously about the course of action that should be taken.

"We cannot cave in to the whims of despots!"
"What else do we do? We have never faced such a threat! Our responsibility is to the citizens of Hindustan, first and foremost. There is not a thing we can do about it!"
"By showing lack of resolve we open the way for the Holy League to destroy the very ideals of Hindustan!"
"We must not give in!"

In the midst of the sea of animated hand gestures and raised voices that is Parliament, Stanley Plum, Chief Minister of Parliament stands up to speak.

"Fellow Parliamentarians, what are we about to let the Holy League do to us? These despots...these terrorists madmen, is Hindustan about to let them win? I certainly hope not! King Louis can go shove off, for all I care! No nation lasts forever, and perhaps it is Hindustan's fate to exist only for a short, violent 57 years. But we will go out with a bang, not a whimper! If the Holy League really is about to destroy India, it is our duty to give our very best! These men seek to destroy the very fiber of humanity and replace it with their insane and egotistic vision of a new world order, one that consists of slavery, famine, and death!

"I urge you Parliamentarians, and all Hindustanis, to resist! I for one will not let that bastard Louis destroy my nation, for which I fought for years! It is a disgrace to all who gave their lives, both ordinary Hindustanis and members of the HDF, if we allow ourselves to be ordered into submission by terrorists! These men, they care absolutely nothing for human life! They think nothing of killing civilians and noncombatants, branding anyone who is not a high-born Catholic subhuman and unfit to live prosperously!

"Citizens of Hindustan, the final descision is up to you. It will ultimately depend on your feelings whether we continue to fight oppression and despotism or bow down to it, and I urge you to remain resolute. We serve you, first and foremost, and are subordinate to your will. But I for one am not about to abandon the rest of the world to a miserable fate! I can only hope you will feel the same way."

<Tianjin>
Hundreds of Demonstrators surround the Russian and French Embassy holding and passing out pamphlets like these:


OOC: Tianjin isn't the f*ckin' capital! It should be a consulate there, not an embassy. Why do you never think before you speak?

Although China is unified, politics still can easily pull apart the country. Chancellor Yeh has authorized the forming of the Chinese Republican Guard which will be the main forces in protecting Beijing, Tianjin, and Shenyang.


Republican intensions against the Emporer is a crime against the Chinese race and undermining the authority of the military and police is a threat to public security. With the police and military's firm control of armaments, a close eye must be kept on these uniform thugs that have the potential to rival the Nazi SA or the Lenin's Bolshevik gangs.

A memo from the High Command has been asking Yeh to further his understanding of Chinese history and culture. Red was also a national color under the KMT (as revealed in their flag), but they would never refer to their armed forces in this color. Any mention of red in an armed force shall instantly make associations with communism- the enemy of the human race.


Four ZZL-1 heavy assault tanks were driven in from the local garrisson to replace the regular IFVs that guard the National Congress. They were ordered to turn their guns towards the building for a duration of three minutes as a practical joke.

http://www.lyshtw.com/chinaimg/picture/equip/1000/e191-1.jpg

The Republican Guards only number up to about 15,000. And their only purpose is to patrol Beijing, Tianjing, and Shenyang full time. They have adopted the former KMT Seal and was a emulation of the GMD army. Many of the Republican Guards were former Xiannese National Guards, which served its purpose in defending landmarks and acted as riot police. Many were also from the South, who moved back North after the unification.

The Jiang Jie Shi Academy was opened in Beijing today. The Academy will help train officers from the Republican Guard, and also from the UCAF.

Yeh made apologies to the military and had sent memo's out to several top generals of the UCAF. Jokes were made by the common populous on renaming them the Greens.


http://www.armyrecognition.com/News/September_2004/pictures/M60A3_Taiwan_01.jpg
The four ZZL-1 heavy assault tanks were released from their service as guardians of the National Congress, and six of the Xiannese M60A3's were moved in the replace the ZZL-1's. They were delivered from Shenyang earlier this week in an effort to demilitarize the former capital of Xiaguo, allowing the UCAF to take charge.

Several hundred Republican Guards march out near the Presidential Palace and into Tiananmen Square guarding the outer precincts of the Imperial Palace, and the Government buildings in Beijing. In Shenyang, about 1,000 Republican Guards began patrolling Taiping Square. In Tianjing, 4,000 new republican Guards begin patrolling down Embassy Way, where many of the International Embassies and Consulates are located.



OOC:I thought I made it clear in every diplomatic post that all Embassies are located in Tianjin instead of Beijing for security purposes. Examples: Bombings in Shenyang.

OOC: Xiaguo and Sino, I don't think anyone except you two have any idea what is located where in China- there's no need to get so fired up about the location of Foreign Embassies! It's easily fixable...

IC:

Port Royal, Roycelandia

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I turned off the TV with the Hindustani Parliamentary Broadcast on it.

"I'm glad to see the French are making use of the fruits of our Nuclear Programme- but I'd be a lot happier if they weren't threatening to use them on the one nation in India that we actually get on with. Or the United Elians, for that matter."

Meanwhile, a communique is sent to the Roycelandian Embassy in China, asking for someone to please tell His Majesty what the hell is going on there, and could they please have it in coherent English this time?

-Ottawa-

Hudecian politicians continue to look on as nations debate what courses of action should be taken in the wake of the attack on the Soleil Royale. The growing anti-HL movement in Hudecia has paused as a result of the threat of nuclear war but it has not ceased.

Having been sadly involved in the misunderstanding that lead to the first nuclear war in Korea, Hudecia has little intention of involving itself in a second nuclear war in the Mediterranean or the subcontinent.

In the previous incident, a missile attack from one nation was misunderstood to be a nuclear attack by the defenders, who quickly launched a full scale nuclear retaliation on the forces in South Korea. This prompted a real nuclear strike on the north by the international forces in the South.

The Hudecian embargo on France remains in place and Hudecian warships patrol the East Coast. Beyond that, nothing has been done.

OOC:Lol, sorry for hijacking this thread. We're pretty much bored trying to keep China out of wars. So were basically sitting back, relaxing, and waiting for the money to flow in from trade. I'm basically waiting for Sino and _Taiwan to develope new weapons and stuff..lol


Well, the tanks guarding the People's Hall, which houses the National Assembly(Congress) turned around and thought it would funny to point guns at one of the most important buildings in China, with over 2,000 people attending. The tank scare triggered an emergency evacuation of the building. The pranksters were demoted, and the tanks were taken out and replaced sixe older Taiwanese tanks.

Well, the tanks guarding the People's Hall, which houses the National Assembly(Congress) turned around and thought it would funny to point guns at one of the most important buildings in China, with over 2,000 people attending. The tank scare triggered an emergency evacuation of the building. The pranksters were demoted, and the tanks were taken out and replaced sixe older Taiwanese tanks.

Only an official apology was demanded by the military tribunal from the CO responsible for the prank. Regular IFVs will return. Military pranks purely for humor should not result in demotion.

OOC: If we live in an Empire why would there be hints of a republic? Please do not insult the Emporer. _Taiwan has given me permission to RP the emporer until further notice.

OOC: The Emperor is now in slight NPC status, So I suppose Sino could RP him if he wishes. I've also stopped RPing my other characters due to time constraints.

OOC: Why not make the Emperor purely an NPC, who always favours the Status Quo- much like Colonel Culpepper of the RL Confederate Air Force?

OOC: I should mention at this point that Roycelandia also has a Nuclear Programme and a Nuclear Arsenal (it fits in well with Roycelandia's love of things that go "BOOM!" ;) )

Of course we've never actually USED our Nukes, nor do we intend to- they're a last resort defensive weapon only.

Having said that, I personally don't see a problem with a properly RPd Nuclear Exchange, as long as it doesn't turn into "OMG 1 N00K U!!1!1Shift+1!" and the full impacts of such a course are taken into account.

Well Royce, it strikes me that a real nuclear exchange would throw AMW into nuclear winter and rather drastically change the RPing climate. After all, its not anyone who's about to benefit from nuke-flinging. It doesn't take that many (30 hydrogen bombs detonated simultaneously)(?) to end human life on earth, so, I dunno...perhaps we should prohibit ICBMs??? Say you can have them but you can't use them? 'Tis a topic for Invision, methinks.

OOC- No offense taken LRR, sorry I was a bit snappy. I have like 9 billion things to do right now, and I find this thread which I created seems to be spiraling out of control under BG's provocation. To BG, AMW is based on a nations same material with a different setting in regards to a nation. I took the French sub nukes and transferred them to land as part of my administration. FYI, BG, it has been now 15 years since the restoration IC. Pleanty of time to build up a nuke program regardless. Even 20 nukes would be enough to screw things up. OMG, I bring up nukes becuase the chinese are trying to horn in on my SL and I get slathered by you all. Good Lord. And what is even going on with the Chinese? Sino, please do not hijack this post, I ask you as a matter of common courtesy, and despite your angry rhetoric I venture to hope you have a shed of decency in you. Xiagao, same goes for you.

However, AC will back me up on this 100%, he has more than enough nukes to fight for the whole bloody HL, and I know he will use them. SO no matter what the minutiae may be, BG, rest assured if your Igovians try anything AMW will be altered radically...dont try and start a world revolution and not pay the price. And I dont wont to hear any whining about OOC on this thread, I started it and it doesnt bother me at all.

Royce, mon ami, good to see your still around and kicking. Long time no c.

I would be vehemently against the banning of nukes as well, that strikes me either as sheer stupidity or a insidious plot by the progressive bloc in an OOC setting to win what that cant manage IC.

Im sorry to bitch so much lately, but as for most of you all, remember that people in glass houses ought not throw stones. BG, a word please, do not put words in my mouth and imagine what the military of France is. If you wish to accuse me of moding (something increasingly popular these days) do so, but none of these lectures on what France does and doesnt have. And if you wish to accuse people of throwing whiney tantrums, take a gaze in your mirror. DOnt expect to start a world war and have it played by the rules you alone invent.

Now, those items out of the way (apologies if I seem a bit up tight, I am, I have a journal article that needs to be done yesterday and my lovely bride needs attention as well) I would beg you all to stop posting now on this thread at all until UE's return. Silence is golden, as they say. Bon jour, my erstwhile friends et pax vobiscum.

I don't know. China's not suppose to use them, but under Liu, China has enough weapons to wipe out Rome, Moscow, Madrid, and storm Siberia in hordes of men. While the Chinese fleets take down what's left of HL colonies and territories...But, too bad we're not willing to risk it.

We also need to know that some time back, we as AMW members had agreed on banning the use of 'Weapons of Mass Destruction"

Why? China can simply launch every single nuclear weapon, bomb, missiles, rockets at, let's say, France? Japan? India? Hudecia? And they would be devastated. Using nuclear weapons have already foiled the RP process. Smaller nations incapable of developing nuclear weapons, or does not have the manpower or the budget to do so easily fall behind the bigger nations like Russa, Quintonnia, China, and so on.

You must also remember people with bullet-proof glass houses can fire pistols if they wanted to.

And yes, your wife must be a lovely women, so I guess I'll stop posting as well.

OOC: First, it is not my intention to move this thread on at all in RP, and the CPRD is not involved at all (unless Russia becomes heavily involved in war).
If France's SLBMs are now land based, most or all of them can't hit India, that's quite right.
But it's not the point. If Elkazor or any of the other HL players use nukes to wreck AMW in order to save their own countries from losing a conventional war they started, apparently showing a severe short comming in the understanding between IC and OOC actions, one of us, they or I, will be leaving AMW.
On another note, what is an, "SL" and why are the Chinese supposedly trying to hone in on it? It is not my impression that the Chinese are even thinking about acting directly against the HL, but whatever.

OOC:Nah, I'm just using China as an example, but you have some really good points, and I totally agree.

OOC: SLBM = Submarine Launched Ballistic missile

The original purpose of AMW was to encourage realism in populations and logistics, and to enforce a good RP standard. While nuclear weapons and the resulting apocalypse are difficult to RP in both IC and OOC terms, they do exist in RL, and the world has come very close to a nuclear holocaust (Cuba), and I believe that nuclear weapons should be included in AMW for the effect of realism. Heck, I'm all for RPing the full effects of a nuclear exchange.

Xiaguo, Sino, just for some extra fun, I'm going to turn the emperor in an easily manipulated geriatric by giving him alzheimer's or CJD.
*Feeds Zhang to the Xiannese and Sinoese Lions*

Please let this be the last OOC post here. I've created a new topic on the invision forum for this discussion to continue.

An off-thread discussion:

A Modern World and Nuclear War; A Multilateral Player Summit (http://s9.invisionfree.com/NS_Modern_World/index.php?showtopic=117)

SL stands for Salamander Love.

Okay, I think Ive had about enough. I hereby turn France over to Estenlands, or AC, Juan Catalan, or Doomingsland...whoever sticks around longer in the face of a constantly whining and petulant AMW, who want it their own way (I suspect that will not be long). Heaven forefend that they should actually find someone literate enough to RP against them effectively, then they turn to OOC slander and grotesque pontifications, such as those postulated, or should I say pestiferously pondered, by BG and LRR.

Its no criticism of any players in AMW, save BG for refusing to answer statements but impotently muttering still and others TGing like whiney little girls behind my back instead of sending criticisms directly to me, like men do.

Estenlands, you asked me not to leave earlier, but I am afraid this is just no longer fun...and now that my life has taken on multiple and real tasks and challenges in an exponential manner, I simply have neither the time nor the effort to continue thus.

Before I go I want to say a few things, I don’t give a damn if anyone reads it. So there’s the spoiler, bugger off if your not interested. It really doesn’t bother me at all, because following the posting of this message I am deleting my account forthwith, so I don’t have to listen to Quint bitch about the TGs he’s been getting about me behind my back.

United Elias, I am very sorry to have shortchanged you in this manner while your away on holiday. Please do whatever you wish in North Africa, I figure if you’d like you can drive to the Straights of Gibraltar. It was a true pleasure discussing classical intricacies with you, you who have more brains than the sputtering fools who mainly constitute AMW. Syndicalist, that means you.

Royce, its been swell, pax tecum. To the fine members of the Holy League: you are the only people out of AMW I would wish to consider friends in real life, or even run across for that matter. Estenlands, Doomingsland, and Restored Spain have been excellent counter-parts, and I will miss our conversations. AC, you are perhaps my favorite person here in AMW, because you understand RP for RP’s sake and not for some vain attempt to establish power via millions of miniscule rules in fantasy because you lack authority in real life. To BG and LRR, that means you.

Go well, Armand, and I wish you success in you Undergraduate work…success I know you shall attain. One day, perhaps you will have the fortitude to continue on to Graduate work, and truly find satisfaction in the clarity of Academe.

To the Chinas, I find it absolutely pathetic you were allowed into AMW in the first place, and yet I am criticized for moding. QUEL DOMMAGE!

In retrospect, I find myself aghast I wasted so much excellent prose here. It is like reading Shakespeare to senile elders in a defunct third world nursing home. But then, as they say, it was ‘fun’. Taken all in all, it was.

I am also wiping out as many posts as I have time for that were made by Restoration France. Frankly, most of them are too good for the lot of you, and I don’t want them sullied by 30 year old children living at home in the name of their defacatious socialist perversions. Rest assured, they will be published in more complete and whole manner to a larger audience and will be beyond your inane criticisms. These leaves France open to however AC, Estenlands, Rome or Spain wish to play it.

Ciao Bella!

Well screw you, Elkazor. Honestly...nobody asked or forced you to leave. I mean, come on! I just took the HDF and broke its legs, and you leave over not being able to have multiple gigantic battleships and an ICBM arsenal!

I suppose that, in reparation, I'll abandon Hindustan/DMR and go for something very small and defenseless.

I would like to say right now that I regret deeply what has just come to pass. Whilst some among us held disagreements as to the way in which Elkazor RP'd, some of which I believe were legitimate grievances, I do not believe that it warranted anyone leaving our AMW community. Internal bickering such as this must cease or else we face the possibility of this RP project becoming a dismal failure, which in my opinion would be a shame considering all the fun we have been having up until now. Whether Elkazor leaving is a cure or just a symptom of a problem, I do not know, but I must ask that all of us in an OOC capacity display a certain level of civility and graciousness, though in my experience this has been the case.

As for the future, I think it is time that we discuss ways of rectifying the situation with regards to France in terms of who will takeover that nation, and we need to quite quickly determine what will happen in terms of the conflict that has arisen in North Africa. In my opinion, the neatest way of resolving this would be for some sort of internal event, namely a revolution to occur, removing the Restoration Monarchy and allowing another player to RP France as he wishes.

I agree with UE on this. The easiest way to proceed is to arrange an internal revolt to replace the current French monarchy with something else, preferably something similar to the way Elkazor had arranged his nation.

I have free time so I can take part somehow.

Oh. So that comment about secret TGs behind people's backs was directed at me? Well that's a little odd, since I have no memory of engaging in anything in that improper regard. Does this mean that myself, Quninntonia and Elkazor have crossed wires, ass they say, or that one of them is just lying about me? I sincerely hope it is not the latter, because that would be something to be scoffed at in the worst days of highschool bickering, let alone in an entertainment situation, and it has been my impression that Q. at least is well past that.

While Elkazor is obviously offended at me as a result of either slander or misunderstanding and possibly out of a fear that he may be wrong, I can say that I'm honestly a little confused about what LRR did to provoke the same sort of reaction.

I'm sorry that this has happened, but it seems to me that Elkazor may be too much wrapped in his rose-tinted nostalgic vision and too much a powdered and prissy king of France, with skin about so thick as his most delicate silks, since this has basically happened before for relatively little reason.

Ah well, hopefully this will make AMW's remodeling for the better just that much easier.

It feels a little like setting about clawing at the last will before the body's cold, but as to France, I don't think that it ought to be handed-over unless to somebody with a really good idea about what to do with it, rather than simply as a force-multiplier, if that makes sense. Perhaps we need not rush, AMW is changing, and I only hope it is for the better rather than in a death throes that would put us all back out in the cold.

Well I have to say, I feel terrible about this. I think its owed to the Holy League that at least they have France, their founding member, and be able to do what they want with it. I feel like I drove him off the edge...

Well, let's hurry up and clean up the rubbish before he decides to return. oh please, LRR, you have done nothing, he 'whines' more than Bonstock.



Honestly, the other two China's are busy, and I'm not allowed to do anything, so this is getting a bit boring, and sorry if I had made some unecessary posting. I think China needs to ally with Japan and the Lyong nations, then invade Russia or something. I better take advantage of having an Emperor suffering from disease.

OOC: do you guys mind if I RP France for the time being... since I'm neutral in this turkey shoot (Hudecia wouldn't get involved). Then if someone else wants to take over it.. they can RP the revolution and I'll RP the attempt to stem it.

Everyone just hold off on jumping in to RP France, I am going to try and at least have France do a farewell post in RP, that will set up France for being taken over permanently, if he finally refuses, I will do it. Rome and AC and I will take special interest in what France is going to do next, so everyone please just step back for a bit.
Tsar Wingert I.

I agree with Hudecia, that a neutral AMW member should be brought in...the Holy League and the world's socialist powers would definately both be motivated by a weakened France....it would be best to leave it in neutral territory right now.

Whoa... where did THAT come from?

Anyway, I agree France should stay in Neutral Hands (maybe even NPC?) for a bit.

I suspect that Revolution might cause some of France's overseas Colonies to revolt and declare independence, which would make for some interesting RPs in themselves...

Hehe, the words of an opportunist imperialist if ever I've heard them, Royce :)

France should only undergo a revolution if someone else is going to take over RPing for it. My suggestion that a neutral member RP it was only for the duration of this RP, to get us out of this mess.

That way there can be no 'liberation' of overseas French colonies. *glares at Roycelandia and BG* (just teasing)

If France is undergoing some sort of revolution, civil unrest, or w/e, China has the opportunity to seize French colonies in Oceania, which was leased out to China, and we wsih to claim it.

: )

If the opprotunistic comments were directed at me, I cannot understand why.
If you believe that I am going to suddenly assume control of France, that will not be the case. I was asking Elkazor to do a farewell post/RP, instead of just leaving all at once, leaving this power vacuam.
However, it seems as though he will not be willing or able to do so, so I was going to do his farewell RP myself. This will involev me taking over many of the conflicts as France, all the while having a revolution happening at home.
I beleive that no matter what you want to say about France, everyone must admit that he has made AMW a more interesting presense by his larger than life RPs and grandiose plans for France, (whether they were realistic or not).

I will structure a farewell RP, I ask all of you to do this out of repect for France's Rping abilities, as a storyteller.

Tsar Wingert I.

God bless you and him.


OCC: Anyone have a prince, or young Emperor/King?

Princess Aisin Goro Bier, the late princess of Xiaguo is of age to seek her dragon.

Only age 19, she was Xiaguo's only heir to the throne and has given up her title in favor of the unification of China. She has pledged loyalty to Emperor Zhang Fu Guo and has become Princess Mei Hua, Plum Blossom.

Princess Mei Hua is also a full time model in Shanghai and Hong Kong and has been in numerous comercials, and is a member of the China Youth League.

She will be heading to Japan, the Lyong nations, and the United Kingdom for several fashion shows and exhibitions. The Chinese government is also hoping that spreading her name to the world will allow a royal marriage to take place.

http://fun.265.com/fun265/2/ftp/2003_3j_gif/f04060715.jpg
http://image.kpworld.com/a758317fb51f93dd4b6e48ba2db11399.jpg
http://image.kpworld.com//724159ee5c3e412818320dff84ea0643.jpg
http://image.kpworld.com//cecc86414c6d0f032f207af0a58df095.jpg
http://image.kpworld.com//426ae065b97d4ae7a4395365ee2485d9.jpg

OOC: This person is really a princess. She is the great grand daughter of Aisin Goro Puyi. And she really does work as a model in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Wow, I take a leave of absence for a few weeks, France leaves and Al Ahzad gets deleted! How exactly are we going to tackle these problems?

OOC: have a look at the AMW Invision Forums... it's being discussed.