NationStates Jolt Archive

Crofton's Encyclopedia of Military History, 2nd Edition

Second Civil War, Malkyeri: Latter half of the conflict fought between various factions in the Imperial Commonwealth of Malkyer. Generally, it is treated by historians as an independent war, separate and apart from the Malkyeri Civil War.
At the end of the Civil War, the Loyalist leadership, including the Royal Family and much of the military, was forced to abandon the Viceroyalty of North America to rebel forces, and retreated to Australia. Both the loyalist and rebel armies were broken and exhausted, but the rebels had the advantage of strong allies in other nations, while the allies of the Loyalists had either abandoned them (as was the case with the Khailfah al Musilmeen) or proved insuffciently capable of offsetting the advantages of the enemy powers (see Halberdgardia).
Confident in their victory, the rebels thanked their allies and sent them home with lavish gifts in the form of treaties, economic pacts, and hard currency. However, the rebel leader, the Emperor’s own son Isaac, soon proved himself to be over-confident in the abilities of the rebel soldiers without massive foreign armies at their back.
The Second Civil War began exactly five months after the end of the previous war, roughly two months after the last foreign soldiers left the North American Viceroyalty. The first strikes were very similar to the initial rebel attacks, in that they were a concerted effort by both special forces and information warfare specialists to destroy the rebel’s capability to resist. While the Rebel government staggered and struck blindly, and force of nearly two hundred thousand Loyalists landed in Baja California and Sonora, having come from all four Viceroyalties and covertly building up strength since before the end of the first war. Rebel forces were caught completely off guard, and after only a few weeks, the Loyalist Army had reach the Oregon-California border, executing a classic textbook example of Blitzkrieg.
The onslaught continued with a massive amphibious landing near Vancouver by Loyalist troops. The two-front war, combined with a general uprising among the civilians in favor of the Loyalists, ground down the rebel forces until they were forced to surrender, at the banks of the Columbia, where a year before the two armies had engaged in the bloodiest fighting of the First Civil War.
Several commanders proved instrumental in leading the Loyalists to victory. Among them were General Anders Joura and Field Marshal Bernard Thomas. The Emperor’s eldest son, Alexei, showed himself to be a viable leader as well. Nine soldiers were awarded the Commonwealth Cross, the highest honor bestowed for exceptional valor and courage in the face of the enemy.
However, the victory proved bittersweet for the Loyalists. Emperor Dayan Saarad, also the nominal Supreme Commander of Loyalist Forces, was killed when he and a battalion of elite soldiers recaptured the Imperial Palace and raised the flag of the Commonwealth.
Isaac, leader of the rebellion, was killed in the fighting around the Palace by his brother Alexei, though his body was never recovered. Military and political leaders in Malkyer are now beginning to admit that this may have been a strategic oversight...

Related articles: Malkyer, First Civil War, Malkyeri, Khailfah al Musilmeen...

***

Broken glass crunched under the boots of the marching soldiers. Cleanup crews had made great progress over the past days, but it would be many years before the physical scars of the city were healed, and longer still before the mental scars began to fade. Damnation, I’m too young, Alexei thought as he watched the platoon march down the boulevard from the window in Government House. Only twenty, and he was the head of an empire that spanned continents. Billions followed him, looked to him to solve their problems. He couldn’t even solve his own.

“You shouldn’t brood,” Matthew said. The younger Saarad brother had lost his innocence in the Civil War, but not his common sense. “If the people see you frightened and depressed, they’ll feel it too. You have to at least look like things aren’t as bad as they really are.”

Alexei nodded slowly. “Where is mother?”

“The City of Introspection. Like always.” The City of Introspection was not a city in truth, but rather a massive park/library/mausoleum, built to honor all who had fallen in Malkyer’s wars, and all the ones that would fall in those to come. Their father, Dayan, was entombed there. Tatiana spent most of her time there by his grave, in quiet contemplation. It had been hard on her, the war. She had lost first a son, with Isaac’s betrayal, and then a husband, when Dayan fell taking the Palace from that very son.

Matthew continued. “Several telegrams for you. Bids for reconstruction, things like that.”

Alexei shook his head. “They will wait. I’m going for a walk.”

OOC1: This takes place after Ottoman Khaif’s “Burning Down the House” RP.
OOC2: This is an open political RP. Though if you want to RP having secret agents or something working to weaken Malkyer even further so that you can strike when I’m weak and conquer me and burn my villages and stuff, that’s fine too, as long as you TG me about it first.

OOC: I sent you a TG as the RALM, it has to do with this, though the way it was worded, it doesn't seem that way. See it when you get back.

OOC: I could have the Khailfah al Muslimeen send some aid in the rebuilding of Malkyer in the hopes of rebuilding relations in the post civil war Malkyer, but there is always a twist with my aid...Malkyer knows that OK is insane at the moment..that would make things interesting for the rp.

The weakness of Malkyer proved to be too tempting for the Real ALM to ignore. Ignominy after ignominy, be it PIcarDMPCia or Angola, was piling on, and the men were getting restless for real blood. Indeed, it seemed that with each loss, Kimiko grew even more crazy. She had lost a vital supplier, and friend, so that was just bad.....

..there were those that said they saw her with a kimono on, behaving like a samurai. Some said they saw her pull a Lady Macbeth, trying to wash the hands that weren't dirty of something. Others said she was more touchy now.

But whatever the madness was, she was driven to order a terror campaign against Malkyer, ironically, Malkyer was an old friend. Why? It was weak, she said. Just another nation for the fit to command. Typical madman's talk; but her men obeyed.

Things would begin in a small manner. The Tokko, posing as Tourists, would infiltrate the city of Ensenada, a popular tourist destination, sure to attract a lot of civilians and military personnel. What would happen from there, was, well, gonna be Hell for those on the recieving end.

-----------------------------

Ensenada, Baja California-

The Tokko agents landed in a small dinghy in the harbor in the late afternoon, evading local authorities. The situation here was chaotic, anything here could happen. Emphasis on anything. The area was tense, under heavy military guard. Well that wasn't gonna stop them.

They put on their disguises, and walked out of the boat carrying suitcases. They made sure to look the part, suitcases, packs and all.

They then rented a car, using their fake names to avoid giving away the plan, and drove off in a Ford Contour. They drove back to the docks, loading a cargo of M16's and C4 into its trunk, before driving around. They were stopped once, but good for them the man who was on watch didn't do a full search.

They eventually found a bank. This was their chance. They drove to the back alley, put on balaclavas and gloves, and went to the trunk and pulled out their guns.

They marched in, shouting, "Alright a**holes! Issac's callin', there's revolution up in this bi**h! Hand over the cash, nobody gets hurt!"

The tellers got down, and did as they asked, per bank policy, handing over bags of money. Meanwhile, two others ran to the back, finding the vault. They planted the C4, and ran off before detonating it, blowing the door open and revealing the cash and gold inside. They began stuffing the cash and gold in bags, and then joined their comrades outside, who had done the same.

They left the bank, and then got into their car, driving away fast to avoid the heat, which was sure to involve, say, the whole ofthe Ensenada garrison. They soon drove out of town, ditching the car after getting about 50mi from Ensenada, and stealing another car, a van, and transferring the ill-gotten $20million to there before torching the car and leaving...

"Bloody hell," frowned the police captain. The burnt wreckage of the escape car had been found, though the money and the the criminals were gone. The hot sun beat down on him, and the dry air chapped his lips. "Just what we need. Bloody terrorists."

He turned as he heard an argument behind him. "I'm sorry, sir, but only police beyond this line," one of his officers told a man trying to get near.

"Hang on a minute, Stevens, I know him. Let him pass," ordered the captain. The officer complied, and the man was allowed to cross the investigation line.

"Jeremy Forsythe, you old bastard," smiled the policeman, patting his friend on the back. "What's the RIA got you down here for?"

"Not the RIA, Harry. I've got a new post as Field Commander for the DPS."

Harry whistled. "Division of Public Security? That's the Ministry of Home Affairs bit, isn't it?"

Forsythe nodded. "Officially, it doesn't exist, so I'd appreciate if you didn't spread the word around. Now tell me, what have we got?"

"No problem, buddy. Well, it looks like a standard bank robbery. The perps were prepared, no doubt about it. Normally, we wouldn't be so worried, but as they were robbing the place, they shouted something about Isaac."

Forsythe laughed. "Isaac's dead, you know."

"Look, Jerry, you and I both know they never found a body. Is it really outside the realm of possibility?"

"To be honest, I have no idea. The only one of those ringleaders I'm sure is dead is Saito, and that's only because I watched his head explode from a .50 calliber round. Tell me, did they say anything else?"

"Not a thing, aside from the usual 'give us the money and no one gets hurt' crap," he replied.

"I see...call me if you find anything else. You know the number." The captain nodded, and Forsythe left. Driving away in his car, he pondered the day's events. Something is not right, he thought.

OOC: OK, that'd be great.

The perps drove on Highway 1, away from the scene of their crime. The ringleader in back, an up-and-coming RALMer named Joe Skorzeny, said, "Okay guys. Change into civvies. We don't wanna be spotted. And torch those gloves."

The others nodded, "Yes, sir," and began changing into spare clothes, brought with them in their suitcases. Meanwhile, Joe looked at the driver and said, "How far to Rosarito?"

The driver, Nobuko, was not happy to be distracted, even for a second. She said tersely, "About half an hour."

Joe kept looking out the windshield. He was greeted with, "And no, they don't have any banks there. Besides, we need a place to stash the cash. Twenty million American is really easy to spot."

Joe said, "Look, I'll make some phone calls, alright?"

He pulled out a sattelite phone, and dialed a number. He said, "Yeah...hello. I need a place to store some goods. No, I need to get this cash into a safe place. Look, don't be gay, okay? I just braved a few thou soldiers, to get a big payload. Don't do this to me."

Joe's mood brightened, when he said, "Really? You'll do it? Thanks! Bye....I love you too. Yeah, you're kinda creepin'. Bye."

He then said, "Okay guys, listen up. We've just been recommended to a guy in Tijuana. Name's Thunder, he's one of ours, he'll be flying in in a couple'a hours. He'll store the cash, give us some stuff. Now, just shut up, and don't do nothin', okay?"

The rest said, "Okay."

They drove on in silence....

Meanwhile, in Tijuana Airport-

The large Chinese man walked in out of the plane and into the gate. He was Chiu Lui, the man called "Thunder" by the RALM. He had nothing on himself per se, no guns, no explosives. The only thing dangerous about him was his brain. He knew all the right people, all the right ways to get guns and ammo.

He proceeded to baggage, hoping to pick up his things......

While Chiu Lui was waiting for his baggage, two men in suits entered the Baggage Claim area.

"Excuse us, but we're going to have to close down the airport temporarily. It seems that there has been an incident in Ensenada. Possibly involving elements of the rebellion." A hushed silence fell on the room, and several people looked around as if expecting to see rebel soldiers burst out from behind vending machines and plants.

Outside, they could see armed guards barring the exits. The man in the suit spoke again. "If you'd all be so kind as to come with us, I'm sure we'll have everything cleared up in no time." His smile was charming and polite, but cold in a way which suggested that anyone who did not do as they were asked would be exposed to some unpleasant consequences.

***

The 95th Armored Division, based in San Diego, had moved to secure the land borders of Baja, along California and Sonora. RAF and Marine air patrols criss-crossed the water between Baja and Sonora, and squadrons of fighters were ordered to scramble and be ready to intercept anything that was not supposed to be in the air.

Jeremy Forsythe grinned. Those bank robbers had no idea what they'd done when they'd mentioned Isaac's name.

With new of Malkyer loyalist winning their civil war…there were many in the Khailfah al Muslimeen, who were guilty bond to help their good friends to rebuild themselves to the power they were once know as. They felt guilty for leaving Malkyer in her time of need…do to problems at home. Yet the problem with trying to help Malkyer…was that the Khailfah itself was getting ready for a massive Jihad in three months time. Do this upcoming Jihad, most of the focus of the empire was not to helping Malkyer, and it was to gearing up for the coming Jihad. Yet there still a numbers of people in the upper levels of government that wanted to help their friends in their time of needed.

At the Sultan Palace, Istanbul
Sultan Suleiman Al Bashir II ( http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/73.jpg ) was looking outside of Palace Study room, he watch the lines of cadets marching just outside of the Palace gates..these were the men who were going to fight for the Khailfah in the Jihad…such a sad thing to watch…He knew at least eight out of ten were never seen home and for the two that make it back from the Jihad stuff a cruelly faith then those who died. They were allow to live and watch their comrades that know for such a long time, died in front of them. Those scars would never heal for them…as veterans..they were highly repected..But for most of these veterans…they either go insane or sign up for another war to died, so that they could end their stuffing by dieing on the frontline. Must of these Veterans who want to live a normal, but are shell-shocked..for those veterans they lock away those painful days of their lives. To only repeated in their dreams, to wake up every night in cold sweats.. just damning themselves in endless cycles of pain. The Sultan was one of these veterans. He fought in many Jihads during the reign of Sultan Musafa Bin Asad, (the Sultan who ruled the empire before Suleiman). Suleiman lost so many friends to the Jihads that he fought in the name of Khailfah. He lost so many friends to these Jihad and saw so many things….he was in state of shell-shocked..but he was like other veterans…who block it out and live thought their past in their dreams..it was like something was not allowing to forget..Most of the Veterans that the Sultan knew and fought side by side with and made it thought the past Jihads. Most of them have were now lock away in Nut houses or now high ranking Generals, who were slowly becoming mentally unstable as time pasted. Sultan was like them…he was at the point of pure insanlly….yet he was old holding back…he was trying to stay sane for the stake of his family. Yet that dark part of mind was crying out aloud, that part of his mind that couldn’t forget the horrers of war that he has seem…was slowly eatting away at his stanly..one day he’ll lose it. He was in very deep state of thought, when one of his wives enter his study. It was Dune Empress of the Imperium Sophia al Fuad bin Bashir (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/Ottoman01/sandra_bullock.jpg) , she wanted to talk to the Sultan about Malkyer

“Suleiman, are we going to help our friends of Malkyer?” She asked him

“Yes, we are …we are going to send aid to them, such as 800 billion gold grants to help them rebuild their wartorn nation. As grift and wantever they need…we will give them or try the best we could..” He reply

“ That’s good to hear.” She reply

“ Since I am too busy with this upcoming Jihad…I am appointing as the head of this mission to help rebuild Malkyer.” Reply the Sultan distantly

“That’s good.” She reply somewhat honor

Then he hand her a letter that was about to send out to the Malkyer Government, and ask her to sign it and then they send the letter to the Malkyer Government

It stated the following

To: Malkyer Government
From: Khailfah al Muslimeen Government.
Topic:Aid

We are the people of the Khailfah, feel a duty to help our friends of Malkyer in their rebuilding of their nation. We here by give your nation a gift of 800 billion gold grants( which convent to dollars is one trillion) to aid your efforts of rebuilding your nation. Please tell us if you need anything…we’ll try our best to help in anything to restore your nation to its post civil war state.

Sign
Sultan Suleiman Al Bashir II
head of state

Sign
Dune Empress of the Imperium Sophia al Fuad bin Bashir
Head of the KLM Malkyer Aid operation

Two-Crossing-Rivers, Mahria

"My friends, we may have an interesting prospect." Tsal Yin, Chairman of Mahrian Intell, spoke to the the nation's cabinet. He pulled up a map of the Malkyeri empire.

"The current Loyalist government is headed by the princes Alexei and Matthew." His face stayed impassive, but others grimaced. "Royalist" to a Mahrian is like "Crusader" to a Muslim.

"Recently, a bank was robbed by a highly professional team. Got away cleanly, well armed, a nice job. Ordinarily, criminal activity doesn't interest us. However... these gentlemen mentioned Isaac." As other's faces looked blank, he clarified,"Isaac was the leader of a resistance group, a rival heir to the throne. He is... missing. Presumed dead, but no body recovered. Even without him, the resistance appears to be returning to activity. I realize he is royal, and little better than the others, but if a demon's lovechild must be in charge, shouldn't it be on our side?" Tsal Yin wheedled.

He was less of a dedicated hater of royalty: he just hated inconvenient royals. (Others called it selling out, but then again those others weren't chairman of Intelligence.)

Fia Hin, minister of foreign affairs, added her own presentation, as did Met Ku, minister of defence. After two days debate behind closed doors, it was approved. Mahrian intelligence would go out after a representative of the resistance.

-----
Ensenada, Baja California

A slight woman wearing a bandana wandered idly close to the police tape around the bank. She had a light brown skin and set of features unfamiliar to the area. Grim looking men in uniform prowled the edges and glared at her. She smiled sweetly, and wandered away.

Those close by could have sworn they heard muffled clicking, and almost thought they saw glass glint in her purse... but surely it was nothing.

The photos she'd taken showed up within a few hours on the desktop of a pale youth in Tsal Yin's office, hunched over a computer. It had taken him hours, but he'd hacked into Ensenada's police records.

OOC: a case of mistaken identity is what's going on here. My guys are trying to find the "resistance" by tracking the bank robbery. With the permission of the Real ALM, I'll eventually catch up to your guys and there will be much confusion. Sound ok?

To: Sultan Suleiman Al Bashir
From: Emperor Alexei Saarad
Topic: RE: Aid

The civil war was a strain on the relations between our nations, but I hope that with our two nations may return the friendly state that existed prior to the conflict. I know that my father considered you a close friend, and to honor his memory I am willing to look past the events which so strained the friendship between our great countries.

Your gift is accepted in the spirit with which it was given.

[signed]Alexei Saarad
Head of State

OOC: I'll have a longer post once the RALM replies. And Mahria, I'm not sure if you realize this, but Isaac was a prince as well. The rebellion was a war to put him on the throne. I don't know if that would affect your IC motives or not, but I just wanted to be clear that both sides of the civil war were, in a sense, royalists.

Istanbul, Sultan Palace, Sultan Study room

Sultan Suleiman Al Bashir II was in his study room, reviewing the latest reports from the arm forces . When his wife Sophia enter the study

“ Suleiman, our friends of Malkyer have thanks us for our gift of money to them.” Reported Sophia

“Oh good, of course they would agree such a massive gift of money…now its time to send more money but in the terms of loads. I have order the state banking companies to give them a loan of 500 billion dollars, interest free of course.” Reply Sultan

“Well someone is not so happy about his allies rebuilding themselves.” Stated Sophia

“I am happy that the loyalist have won, yet I am not so trustful of their new ruler..its going to take me time to get use to a young man ruling a empire…” reply the Sultan

“You were only about 26 when you became the Sultan…” said Sophia

“True, well get another letter type up and send it them. Make it tells them about the loan.” Reply the Sultan..

“Alright.” She reply and went to work to get another letter ready

To: Emperor Alexei Saarad
From: Dune Empress of the Imperium Sophia al Fuad bin Bashir
Topic Loans

To our dearest friends
The Khaiflah al Muslimeen Government is willing to give your nation a interest free loan of 500 billion dollar to further help your nation in its efforts of rebuilding. Also a few of our navy arms companies are willing to build a number of warships for your nation navy. In the hopes of getting your fleet back up to its pre civil war levels. Please tell us if you need anymore.

Signed

Dune Empress of the Imperium Sophia al Fuad bin Bashir

OOC: Fine by me, Mahria. What sort of confusion, though?

IC:

Lui did what the men told him to do. He was smart, he had nothing incriminating on him, and he had a reliable cover story. So, he decided to follow them, readying himself for the inevitable battery of searches and questions....

-------

Nobuko looked up.

"F**k. They've got helos."

Joe said, "So....they know we're here. They must have the whole of Baja locked down. This means Thunder's gonna be late."

One of the other men said, "No s**t sherlock. What the hell are we gonna do? We've got a truck fulla stolen cash and guns. There's gonna be a s**tload of cops."

Joe said, "We'll run for the hills, maybe take some hostages. Hide somewhere until the heat dies down. I'll call HQ."

He picked up another man's sattelite phone, and dialed out to another number. He began talking, "Hello? Yes.....good.....you guys mind helping a brother out, I've got some issues, Thunder may be late......you'll do it? But how?"

He paused, and then said, "Well, how's sending Aunt Andretta to Coronado gonna help? Oh. Okay, thanks. Bye."

Joe said, "Okay. The HQ is gonna send a friend to try to see if Thunder needs help. If he does, she'll try to do anything possible to spring him out. We need Thunder if this op is going to go well...."

OOC:The Real ALM-Get on MSN, I have a idea for the rp!

To: Dune Empress of the Imperium Sophia al Fuad bin Bashir
From: Emperor Alexei Saarad
Topic: RE: Loans

Dune Empress,

You again have my thanks, and the thanks of Malkyer for your generous gift to help the reconstruction process. However, please do not burden yourself by sending us ships; the repair of the ones damaged in the civil war was a simple matter. They were only damaged enough to keep them out of commission during the war, as I suppose the rebels realized that they would need them later.

[signed]Alexei Saarad

***

The two agents in the airport were conducting interviews in an office at the airport. There were several armed guards milling around in the gate area where the passengers were being kept. The detained travelers were all treated politely, but it was clear that they would not be able to leave.

The younger of the two agents, a man named Johnson, stepped out of the office. He looked at a flight manifest for a moment, and then spoke. "Mr. Chiu Lui? Please come up, sir." Lui had been singled out, but rather his name was next on the alphabetical list.

Lui did as he was told, and the agent held the door open for him, and closed it when he entered. Lui sat in the chair indicated, facing the desk where the older agent, Svoray, sat looking at a laptop computer. "Ah, there you are sir. I'm sorry to have to inconvience you like this, but I'm sure you understand." He entered a few keystrokes, and then looked at Lui, very intensely.

"For the record, sir, can you tell me your name? Ah. Thank you. Did you have any involvment in the civil war? Of course not. What about the recent bank robbery in Ensenada? Do you have anything to do with that?"

The two agents in the airport were conducting interviews in an office at the airport. There were several armed guards milling around in the gate area where the passengers were being kept. The detained travelers were all treated politely, but it was clear that they would not be able to leave.

The younger of the two agents, a man named Johnson, stepped out of the office. He looked at a flight manifest for a moment, and then spoke. "Mr. Chiu Lui? Please come up, sir." Lui had been singled out, but rather his name was next on the alphabetical list.

Lui did as he was told, and the agent held the door open for him, and closed it when he entered. Lui sat in the chair indicated, facing the desk where the older agent, Svoray, sat looking at a laptop computer. "Ah, there you are sir. I'm sorry to have to inconvience you like this, but I'm sure you understand." He entered a few keystrokes, and then looked at Lui, very intensely.

"For the record, sir, can you tell me your name? Ah. Thank you. Did you have any involvment in the civil war? Of course not. What about the recent bank robbery in Ensenada? Do you have anything to do with that?"

Thunder had to act fast, the slightest misstep would sink the whole plan.

He remained calm and cheerful, saying, smiling, "Well, sir, I did not have any involvement in the civil war. And, quite frankly, I have heard of it yes, but I have had no involvement in the recent Ensenada robbery."

Svoray nodded slowly as he looked at the laptop. Johnson remained impassive by the door, inwardly smiling because of the voice-stress analysis equipment they had...

The older agent continued. "I see. You weren't involved. However, would you happen to know what organization or group perpetrated the robbery?"

***

The crane groaned under the weight of the crates as it loaded them onto the loading platform from the large cargo vessel. The first installment of the reconstruction money from the Khailfah al Musilmeen. A very small beginning to erasing what many Malkyeri viewed as outright treachery.

Two hours later, the armored trucks rolled out in two convoys, one headed north to the Imperial Treasury, the other headed south, to temporarily replace the money stolen from Ensenada.

Both trucks had armed escorts, in the form of military AFVs and LAVs, as well as helicopters flying overhead, Black Hawk troop carriers. All in all, the southern convoy had the rough equivalent of a light mechanized infantry company to guard it. The northern convoy had less, but it had the advantage of four MBTs loaded onto flatbed trucks, and would be travelling along a rail line, where as chance would have it, an infantry regiment was being moved north as well. Attacking the southern convoy would be difficult, but attacking the northern one would be about the same as going ahead and sticking the gun in your own mouth.

At the Baja California border, the convoy passed the 95th Armored without incident. After the choppers and vehicles had refueled, the convoy began to move again...

Svoray nodded slowly as he looked at the laptop. Johnson remained impassive by the door, inwardly smiling because of the voice-stress analysis equipment they had...

The older agent continued. "I see. You weren't involved. However, would you happen to know what organization or group perpetrated the robbery?"

***

The crane groaned under the weight of the crates as it loaded them onto the loading platform from the large cargo vessel. The first installment of the reconstruction money from the Khailfah al Musilmeen. A very small beginning to erasing what many Malkyeri viewed as outright treachery.

Two hours later, the armored trucks rolled out in two convoys, one headed north to the Imperial Treasury, the other headed south, to temporarily replace the money stolen from Ensenada.

Both trucks had armed escorts, in the form of military AFVs and LAVs, as well as helicopters flying overhead, Black Hawk troop carriers. All in all, the southern convoy had the rough equivalent of a light mechanized infantry company to guard it. The northern convoy had less, but it had the advantage of four MBTs loaded onto flatbed trucks, and would be travelling along a rail line, where as chance would have it, an infantry regiment was being moved north as well. Attacking the southern convoy would be difficult, but attacking the northern one would be about the same as going ahead and sticking the gun in your own mouth.

At the Baja California border, the convoy passed the 95th Armored without incident. After the choppers and vehicles had refueled, the convoy began to move again...

OOC: Yeah, having issues, still RALM.

IC:

An RALM man saw the shipment being unloaded from the docks. Spying from afar as to avoid detection, he noted the large military presences escorting the shipments, one of which seemed to being going on the road heading north, the other, south.

He called his superiors on his sattelite phone, and said, "We've got company....."

------------

A call went to Joe and friends as they were traveling on Highway one. It went, "There's two convoys guys. One of our spies spooted them coming out, its gold from the KLM. Aid to help put this s**thole back together. You have two options, go north and face a s**tload of tanks, or go south and face helos."

Joe said, "We'll go south. Let's be reasonable."

The caller hung up. Nobuko was told to drive to the road where the convoy was expected. The men were ordered to get out, and begin planting C4 in concealed places along the roads, under rocks and other spots in the road. They put the C4 in bags filled with metal shards and rocks, the debris would do a lot of hurt. The rest was kept to the side as rudimentary satchel charges. A trigger was rigged to a detonator in the van, concealed from sight....

Meanwhile, the men reloaded their guns with fresh clips, and waited for the signal. SA-7's were brought out, and assembled. There were five, they would have to count.

The convoy drove by, displaying AFV's and LAV's, and Blackhawks. They waited, until they drove into the thick of the traps......

.....where the C4 was detonated, sending the shards and explosions everywhere, damaging the vehicles and destroying one outright. The SA-7s targeted the helos and fired, locking on and taking out their targets. Chaos reigned and the men poured out of their machines, searching for the enemy below.

The RALMers soon fired away, their M16s blazing away at the enemy. They began firing away at the enemy, sniping at them and running around like mad, confusing them and picking them off as they tried to strike back. The enemy was dogged, there was more of them. They put the charges to use, throwing them into clusters of enemy and blowing them up, doing damage and scattering bits of them to the far winds, and this helped things, though there were a few problems, two of the team died from their own bombs. The charges were also used against the enemy AFVs, which proved troublesome as their turrets and onboard guns still functioned; they worked with varying success there. Still, enough were knocked out, and enough enemies were killed that they had the chance to get the gold.

"Hurry!" cried Joe. The team ran to a van carrying the gold, cracking its lock open. They soon emptied out what they could (some USD$50,000,000), and began stealing guns and ammo from the dead Malkyerites-they needed some new guns, the M16s were running low on ammo. They then piled what armaments they could onto the van, and tried to drive off. Discovering the gold was heavy, the van moving slowly, they drove the belabored van until they found a truck carrying lettuce. They stopped the truck, stole it, and piled the cash in the back, mixing it with the lettuce. Then, the two vehicles moved off, hoping to find the nearest town.....

-----------

Thunder said, "I had heard it was the rebellion; that was what the men outside said. Besides this, I do not know."

To: Sultan Suleiman Al Bashir
And Mahria, I'm not sure if you realize this, but Isaac was a prince as well. The rebellion was a war to put him on the throne. I don't know if that would affect your IC motives or not, but I just wanted to be clear that both sides of the civil war were, in a sense, royalists.

Aha... the enlightenment dawns upon me. I should sleep more when I read things. I appreciate your patience in this, and I'll go back and modify things accordingly.

The convoy was caught off guard, the choppers were the first the go. One infantry squad made it off theirs, but the other team was killed when their bird crashed.

"Shit shit shit," yelled Staff Sergeant Mike Guiterrez. He dropped down inside his LAV, and closed the hatch. "Gunny, let 'em have it!"

The twenty millimeter cannon on top of the vehicle began popping off shots at the enemy, while the coaxial .50 calliber poured a stream of lead onto the attackers. From another IFV, the troopers were broadcasting a distress beacon. Many miles away, helicopters and planes scrambled, and elite soldiers readied to go into battle.

Outside, Lance Corporal Charlie Dupont screamed in rage at the attackers trying to crack the lock on the van. He emptied the clip of his rifle, and threw the weapon down, not taking the time to affix the bayonet. He leapt toward the enemy and grabbed one, stabbing multiple times with his combat knife before finally blacking out from the numerous gunshot wounds.

Satchel charges destroyed two more of the LAVs before the attackers finally broke off and retreated. As they drove away, the commanding officer, which turned out to be Sergeant Guiterrez, assessed the damage. "Shit," he muttered again.

The radio beeped. "Sergeant Guiterrez, this is Captain Waters at Division CP. We contacted the Emperor as soon as we got your beacon; he's declared martial law in the province of Baja and has authroized two more divisions of infantry to pacify the province. Hold your current position, help is on the way." Guiterrez sighed. Why couldn't they send some tanks south, too?

Across the province, police gathered in riot gear, or were effectively replaced by military personnel. Towns were cordoned off one by one as martial law went into effect. Rapid-Deployment Teams of SAS moved to the more remote towns were conventional troops could not reach quickly. By the next day, no one would be able to enter or leave a town without the Royal Army knowing who they were and what they were carrying.

Luckily for the RALMers, they got to a town fairly soon...

ahem...bump.

OOC: This may not resemble the exact post, but the original was lost.....

IC:

The team, having driven away, began seeing evidence of the new state of martial law everywhere. More helicopters, more men, everywhere.

Joe and the team began getting nervous. One of hte men said, "Game over man! There's all this s**t around us! We ain't gonna-"

Joe said, "Shut up! I've a plan."

Nobuko, the driver, then said, "Well, we need to stash this cash somewhere, it's getting to be an awful liability."

Joe then said, "Find an old house, a farm, something."

She then said, "You crazy?"

Joe said, "Crazy enough to know we need a way out."

They drove until they found an old house, outside of Rosarito. There, they found it had been abandoned, and it was seemingly forgotten by the world. Inside, they found a basement, and a few old strongboxes. They stashed the gold in the strongboxes, and left two men with explosives and guns, and a spare phone, before driving off.

Lieutenant General Stephen Harding was going over a large map in the 2nd Division Headquarters at San Felipe when an orderly brought in a message from Major Hartzinger.

"The Major reports that Rosarito is under control, and no one is entering or leaving the city without permission."

General Harding nodded. "Good. Inform Major Hartzinger that he has permission to shoot to kill anyone who breaks curfew or refuses to cooperate with the military authority." The orderly nodded and left. Such practices were of course part of martial law, but Harding figured that it never hurt to emphasize it.

Captain Rottermill, the Division Intelligence Officer, laid several satellite photos of the province on the table. "Here are the pics you wanted, sir. All the isolated settlements and farming communities we could find."

"Thanks, David. I want Aviation Battalion from the Twelfth Regiment to move down the peninsula in a line, checking these out. It doesn't look like anyone's used most of them in quite a while, but it never hurts to check. Recon-in-force, with the Scouts. I want them heavy enough to take on anything they meet, but mobile enough to move quickly if they have to." His adjutant, Captain Maes, nodded and left the room for the Communications Center.

***

At the Tijuana airport, the RIA officers continued their questioning of Chiu Lui.

Svoray remained impassive on the surface, but inside he wore a wry grin. Not much of a lead, certainly, but there had been a definite spike when he'd asked about the bank robbery. Now he justed needed to figure out the right questions to ask.

"Mr. Lui, you say that the robbery was perpetrated by the rebellion, however, the rebellion has been crushed and both their conventional and partisan forces have surrendered to the Crown. The act couldn't have been perpetrated by anything other than a well-organized group from overseas. From Asia, perhaps?"

Lieutenant General Stephen Harding was going over a large map in the 2nd Division Headquarters at San Felipe when an orderly brought in a message from Major Hartzinger.

"The Major reports that Rosarito is under control, and no one is entering or leaving the city without permission."

General Harding nodded. "Good. Inform Major Hartzinger that he has permission to shoot to kill anyone who breaks curfew or refuses to cooperate with the military authority." The orderly nodded and left. Such practices were of course part of martial law, but Harding figured that it never hurt to emphasize it.

Captain Rottermill, the Division Intelligence Officer, laid several satellite photos of the province on the table. "Here are the pics you wanted, sir. All the isolated settlements and farming communities we could find."

"Thanks, David. I want Aviation Battalion from the Twelfth Regiment to move down the peninsula in a line, checking these out. It doesn't look like anyone's used most of them in quite a while, but it never hurts to check. Recon-in-force, with the Scouts. I want them heavy enough to take on anything they meet, but mobile enough to move quickly if they have to." His adjutant, Captain Maes, nodded and left the room for the Communications Center.

***

At the Tijuana airport, the RIA officers continued their questioning of Chiu Lui.

Svoray remained impassive on the surface, but inside he wore a wry grin. Not much of a lead, certainly, but there had been a definite spike when he'd asked about the bank robbery. Now he justed needed to figure out the right questions to ask.

"Mr. Lui, you say that the robbery was perpetrated by the rebellion, however, the rebellion has been crushed and both their conventional and partisan forces have surrendered to the Crown. The act couldn't have been perpetrated by anything other than a well-organized group from overseas. From Asia, perhaps?"

Thunder kept as calm as possible, still, that machine of their's was giving him an awful run for his money. He'd need his best acting job, he tried to stay as casual as possible, but with that thing.....oy.

He simply said, his voice showing a casual interest, "Whatever do you mean?"

----------------

Meanwhile, the "Aunt" mentioned in Joe's talks had arrived. Flying in on a stolen Xenizen National Airways diplomatic plane, she sauntered out in a diplomatic yet attractive manner. When questioned, she gave her name as Kylie Hsu, Special Diplomat from the Xenizen State Department; she even showed papers that on the surface, checked out. Anyway, a computer check would reveal things backing it up, the RALMs hacker team would ensure that all the needed fake data was sneaked into the government mainframes in Hong Kong. She was led inside the airport with police escorts, and walked to the room where Thunder was being held. She knocked on the door.....

------------------

The RALMers, meanwhile, drove until they found a rest stop on the side of the road, about a few hundred yards away. They drove up to it, and got out, using the self-service pumps and paying for their gas inside. They bought the leaded stuff, and the diesel; the leaded would gunk up the engine but give good performance should the heat give chase. They saw the force of riot police near the rest stop, evidence of the effects of their avarice. They took care not to do anything suspicious as they filled up......

As the RALMers were gassing up their van, the nearby police began unloading equipment from the van. This road was the only stretch of highway for quite a while east or west, so naturally it had been ordered blocked by the Governor.

The police, heavily armed in riot gear, stood guard as others set up a barricade and a small awning where the officers on duty could escape the worst of the heat. Behind and in front of that, strips of remote-activated spikes were laid down to shred the tires of any vehicle the police didn't want passing. Finally, a .50 calliber M2 was set up to the right of the road block. Once everything was done, the police began directing the sparse traffic, waving cars through after they'd been searched and the drivers and passengers ID'd.

When the RALMers reached the checkpoint, they too were approached by a police officer, who was very polite, but was flanked by two stone-faced troopers carrying very functional assault rifles.

"Excuse me, sir, but would you mind pulling over and letting us inspect the vehicle? And I'll need you all to present some kind of valid I.D., if you don't mind." His words were friendly enough, but his tone brokered no argument.

***

Svoray nearly swore when he heard the knock on the door. He closed the laptop, and stood. He waved for Johnson to answer.

The younger agent turned and opened the door and was surprised by the diplomat with the police escort. "Ma'am, can I help you?"

OOC: If the RALMers have something incriminating, let me know and I'll rewrite the post. I want to catch them, but not just yet...

As the RALMers were gassing up their van, the nearby police began unloading equipment from the van. This road was the only stretch of highway for quite a while east or west, so naturally it had been ordered blocked by the Governor.

The police, heavily armed in riot gear, stood guard as others set up a barricade and a small awning where the officers on duty could escape the worst of the heat. Behind and in front of that, strips of remote-activated spikes were laid down to shred the tires of any vehicle the police didn't want passing. Finally, a .50 calliber M2 was set up to the right of the road block. Once everything was done, the police began directing the sparse traffic, waving cars through after they'd been searched and the drivers and passengers ID'd.

When the RALMers reached the checkpoint, they too were approached by a police officer, who was very polite, but was flanked by two stone-faced troopers carrying very functional assault rifles.

"Excuse me, sir, but would you mind pulling over and letting us inspect the vehicle? And I'll need you all to present some kind of valid I.D., if you don't mind." His words were friendly enough, but his tone brokered no argument.

***

Svoray nearly swore when he heard the knock on the door. He closed the laptop, and stood. He waved for Johnson to answer.

The younger agent turned and opened the door and was surprised by the diplomat with the police escort. "Ma'am, can I help you?"

OOC: If the RALMers have something incriminating, let me know and I'll rewrite the post. I want to catch them, but not just yet...

Nobuko said, "Here's our ID's, sir."

She went into the back and canvassed the members, eventually producing fake ID papers. They were forged Malkyeri ID papers, driver's licenses, everything. She handed them to the police in a friendly, calm manner.

Joe and the others saw the police barricades from outside; this was bad.....but they kept their mouths shut, their guns at the ready.

-----------------------

"Aunty" Kylie walked up to Johnson, and said in a polite but firm tone, flashing her badge:

"You can help me. I am Kylie Hsu, Special Diplomat from the Xenizen State Department. I want to know- why you have detained one of our citizens?"

The officer looked over the various I.D.'s, and finding nothing suspicious, handed them back. "Thank you, ma'am. You've got no cargo in there aside from the passengers, correct?" The officer was bored, it was unlikely they'd catch anyone on this stretch of backcountry road.

At the main barricade, one of the riot troopers was testing a remote sight for his rifle that fixed onto his helmet, making it so he could see around corners. He pointed the rifle various places, checking to make sure everything was callibrated. It was unlikely the occupants of the stopped truck noticed the rifle register on the driver's face momentarily, but even if they did, there was no way they could have none that once they were gone the image would be run through a computer database.

***

Johnson looked back at Svoray. The senior agent stood.

"Miss Hsu, I apologize if what we've done seems a bit extreme, but you must understand the situation. The civil war here may not have affected nations such as Upper Xen, but you'll understand if we're a tad concerned when anyone mentions Isaac or other leaders of the rebellion. I assure that everything involving Mr. Lui here has been done according to various international customs and treaties. He has been treated no differently than anyone else who has been questioned today."

The officer looked over the various I.D.'s, and finding nothing suspicious, handed them back. "Thank you, ma'am. You've got no cargo in there aside from the passengers, correct?" The officer was bored, it was unlikely they'd catch anyone on this stretch of backcountry road.

At the main barricade, one of the riot troopers was testing a remote sight for his rifle that fixed onto his helmet, making it so he could see around corners. He pointed the rifle various places, checking to make sure everything was callibrated. It was unlikely the occupants of the stopped truck noticed the rifle register on the driver's face momentarily, but even if they did, there was no way they could have none that once they were gone the image would be run through a computer database.

***

Johnson looked back at Svoray. The senior agent stood.

"Miss Hsu, I apologize if what we've done seems a bit extreme, but you must understand the situation. The civil war here may not have affected nations such as Upper Xen, but you'll understand if we're a tad concerned when anyone mentions Isaac or other leaders of the rebellion. I assure that everything involving Mr. Lui here has been done according to various international customs and treaties. He has been treated no differently than anyone else who has been questioned today."

"Auntie" Kylie said anyway, "Well, I have been asked by my government regardless, to see his release through. I am sure that he has committed no crime against the state of Malkyer, and he has not mentioned the name of the now-deceased leaders of the rebellion, therefore, he has given you no reason for alarm.

OOC:Might get involved; just a [tag] now, bt I am interested in helping to rebuild an old ally (what's it been? 7 months? 8?).

Svoray shrugged. "Alright then. My apologies for the mistake." As the police escorted the Xenzien diplomat and Mr. Lui from the airport, Svoray frowned. "That was too convenient. If we had the full Xenzien diplomatic corp in our database, I could do a search for her, but as it is...Oh well. He probably wasn't worth anything. Call the next guy."

Johnson nodded and went outside. "Andrew Masterson? Sir, please come with us..."

***

At the barricade, a technician downloaded the image of the driver from the remote sight, and entered it into the database.

SCANNING...
SCANNING...

MATCH FOUND:

Alias: Nobuko
True name unknown. Suspected affiliate of the Real Anime Liberation Front. Known or alleged operations in...


The technician's eyes widened as he read. He frowned, and quickly typed a short dispatch explaining the situation, and sent the message along the file to the Military HQ in Mexicali. Following that, he quickly waved over a police sergeant.

"Sergeant, go tell the officer by that truck that we've got suspected terrorists in there. Hurry, damn it!"

The policeman nodded, and trotted quickly to the truck. "Sir, a word?" The bored officer nodded, and moved several meters away, out of earshot of the truck.

"Tech says the truck's got hostiles in it. At least the driver." The lieutentant swore, and turned back to the truck, resting a hand on his pistol. He waved a hand, and the two riot troopers raised their guns to the truck.

"Miss," began the lieutenant, "If you wouldn't mind getting out? And telling your friends to do the same, nice and slow?"

The squad of heavily armed police, SWAT types, by the barricade readied their weapons, and moved to positions to cover the lieutenant and other three men by the truck...

OOC: At least...

Svoray shrugged. "Alright then. My apologies for the mistake." As the police escorted the Xenzien diplomat and Mr. Lui from the airport, Svoray frowned. "That was too convenient. If we had the full Xenzien diplomatic corp in our database, I could do a search for her, but as it is...Oh well. He probably wasn't worth anything. Call the next guy."

Johnson nodded and went outside. "Andrew Masterson? Sir, please come with us..."

***

At the barricade, a technician downloaded the image of the driver from the remote sight, and entered it into the database.

SCANNING...
SCANNING...

MATCH FOUND:

Alias: Nobuko
True name unknown. Suspected affiliate of the Real Anime Liberation Front. Known or alleged operations in...


The technician's eyes widened as he read. He frowned, and quickly typed a short dispatch explaining the situation, and sent the message along the file to the Military HQ in Mexicali. Following that, he quickly waved over a police sergeant.

"Sergeant, go tell the officer by that truck that we've got suspected terrorists in there. Hurry, damn it!"

The policeman nodded, and trotted quickly to the truck. "Sir, a word?" The bored officer nodded, and moved several meters away, out of earshot of the truck.

"Tech says the truck's got hostiles in it. At least the driver." The lieutentant swore, and turned back to the truck, resting a hand on his pistol. He waved a hand, and the two riot troopers raised their guns to the truck.

"Miss," began the lieutenant, "If you wouldn't mind getting out? And telling your friends to do the same, nice and slow?"

The squad of heavily armed police, SWAT types, by the barricade readied their weapons, and moved to positions to cover the lieutenant and other three men by the truck...

OOC: At least...

Nobuko said, "Yes....but what is the trouble?"

She then said, "The police want you to get out....."

Joe and the others went, "Shit."

Joe then said, "If you insist."

But Joe and the others had a plan. They got their guns, they had expected this. The Soldiers' Code, which was drilled into every RALM member along with the Art of War and other works, embraced total devotion and loyalty to the cause of Anime, and a few other things. One of these things was the requirement of silence; nobody was allowed to betray the secrets of the RALM, under pain of death. Indeed, Joe and the others knew this all too well; the RALM would eventually figure out that they snitched if they surrendered, and they would have to atone-with their lives. Even if this was not the case, they would still have to live with the shame of breaking the code.

This they decided not to take. They loaded their guns. They decided to take the route of many before them, in Springville, in other places. The Banzai Charge.

They found one last satchel charge, rigging it to explode, they then all ran out, firing blindly at the enemy and the gas station's pumps. All long the way, Joe detonated the charge, in an attempt to destroy any remaining evidence......

------------

When "Aunty" and Thunder were out, they parted ways. Kylie was too dangerous an asset to stay around, and she was needed elsewhere. Thunder hired a cab and went to a hotel in Tijuana, where he shacked up.

He sat about, watching the History Channel in Spanish. He thought: "Where are those guys!?"

The lieutenant reached for his pistol as the back of the truck opened and men dived out, firing their weapons. He was too late, cut down before his gun left the holster, along with the two troopers.

The sergeant was a little faster, and brought his SMG up, spraying bullets at the terrorists. Several fell, but then the truck exploded, killing the sergeant instantly when the driver's side door hit him at an angle, shattering his skull.

The other SWAT troopers, far enough away so as not to be harmed by the immediate blast, had already opened up, cutting down the rest of the RALMers. Several of the terrorist had managed to get off shots at the gas pumps, but they were either too far away or too hurried in their shooting, as none were hit.

After everything was over, just a few seconds later, the remaining police called for backup, and one of them muttered, "Fuck..."

The lieutenant reached for his pistol as the back of the truck opened and men dived out, firing their weapons. He was too late, cut down before his gun left the holster, along with the two troopers.

The sergeant was a little faster, and brought his SMG up, spraying bullets at the terrorists. Several fell, but then the truck exploded, killing the sergeant instantly when the driver's side door hit him at an angle, shattering his skull.

The other SWAT troopers, far enough away so as not to be harmed by the immediate blast, had already opened up, cutting down the rest of the RALMers. Several of the terrorist had managed to get off shots at the gas pumps, but they were either too far away or too hurried in their shooting, as none were hit.

After everything was over, just a few seconds later, the remaining police called for backup, and one of them muttered, "Fuck..."

OOC: If this doesn't work, I can fix it.

IC:

The team was wiped out; most of its members lay dead or dying, and one, Joe, pulled out a knife, stabbing himself in the heart with it to finish himself off.

Of course, there was the matter of the others left in that old house. They had money left, and guns and explosives still. They heard the blasts in the distance, there was trouble. One man was sent out, walking; he had USD$5,000-10,000 on him. He was to find a car-any car, and bribe the owner of said car to try and find a way out.

Walking around in the hot Mexican sun, he found a peasant with an old Chevy Blazer after about an hour, selling knicknacks. Thrusting the money into his hands, he gestured to the man's car and asked to borrow it. The peasant looked around and initially said no. He thrust the remaining USD$5,000 into his hand. The peasant looked around, and said yes.

Before long, the man drove back to the old house after several hours, and soon, they stashed as much money as feasibly possible, say USD$50,000,000, mostly cash, and USD$500,000,000 of gold, all in the recesses of the car and in strongboxes in the back. They were careful; if something bad happened to the team, carrying the money may only bring the trouble to them.

They had their fake ID's, they had a pistol or two. They moved out into the country. They soon began digging a series of deep holes, and threw most of the money in there, covering it up with brush and concealing their digging as best as possible.

Getting into the car, they left only USD$500,000 worth, in cash and gold. They moved out north, to head to Tijuana ASAP.

OOC:Must be. Just to spice things up, I think I'll RP as some Yaforite aid workers in Tijuana...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tijuana
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"And just why are we here?" The man, whose wiry face had been tanned after only ten days in the sun, gestured around. People were everywhere, sad faces spreading through makeshift dwelling places. There were over 1,000 Imperial Yaforite Aid Foundation (IYAF) workers here in Malkyer. Over 200 of them were in the ruined city of Tijuana. More would come. But still, the country was broken and would stay that way.

Women and children huddled together, observing the strange brown-skinned Yaforites appling bandages to wounded Malkyerians. Their shifting eyes were wary, not ready to believe that war was finially over, as the IYAF workers assured them. Tents and rough wood shelters had been erected in the ground where broken apartments lay. It was a scene of total devestantion, only read about, in magazines like National Geographic. Every one of the workers wished he was somewhere else.

"I don't know." The other man bent over, tying another bandage. "We got to get some army personnel, eh? Build houses and whatnot." A Yaforite SRACH (secret service) agent stood overlooking them, his submachinegun clenched in his grasp.

The other man nodded. "More o' us coming, mate. Well, we just gotta wait and help. We just gotta wait and help.."

Meanwhile, in the Pacific Northwest.....

The RALM had not heard from the Team in a while. Things were sure to be down the tubes, not going well. Thunder had been sprung out, but that was the only good news.

So, the HQ decided to get creative. They had a fleet of fishing boats, headed by the Miura Maru, sent out by KSC Corporation to begin plying the North Pacific waters, obstensibly for fish. But really, they sought a two-fold plan.

One part was the beginning of piracy operations against the Malkyeri Merchant Marine. The other was the infiltration into the Pacific Northwest, preferably onto someplace like Whidbey Island, a wooded spot favored by all kinds of militia kooks as a hideaway, and favored for its berries.

To accomplish this, the ships had both pirate teams on them, hired from Xenizen Fujianese Creoles and Malays, famed for this kind of work, and scouting helicopters, Sea Kings obstensibly for finding fish, but really to find a safe spot to land.

The fleet began to enter about 250km off of Malkyeri waters in the North Pacific, dispersed, and cast nets. While the rest kept at their stations fishing, one ship, as ordered, began to move closer to a busy merchant lane, and began sending out a fake distress signal, sabotaging their engine to make it look like an accident had happened.

The signal read, "Mayday, mayday, this is the Bakeretsu Maru. We have an engine failure, repeat engine failure. Request assistance, over."

Captain Roy Donnely was busy giving orders on the bridge of the Santa Anna when a young sailor interrupted him.

"Helm, bring us thirty degrees, sixteen minutes north, and--"

"Cap'n Donnely, urgent radio message! Fishing trawler Bakeretsu Maru is havin' engine trouble."

"Bakeretsu Maru? What country are they from?"

"Not sure, sir."

Donnely frowned. "Ah, hell. Contact 'em, let them know help's coming. And let Major Richards know."

***

"Uh-huh. Thanks." Major Jack Richards thanked the sailor, and watched as he ran off to complete his other duties. Richards was actually a captain in the Royal Marines, but in the Malkyeri Merchant Marine, as in the Navy, there was only one Captain aboard the ship, and that was the skipper. Marine and Army captains got a temporary and utterly meaningless promotion to major.

Richards closed the door of the large cafeteria, where his men were gathered. Two squads of Marines, assigned to this ship to act as protection from pirates. The Royal Navy would normally handle all distress calls concerning foreign ships of unknown origin, but no RN ships were near enough, and wouldn't for some time, until the North American branch of the Navy finished repairing their ships that had been sabotaged during the war. As a temporary solution, squads of Marines had been sent to all the ships at sea, to offer protection. Malkyer may have been weakened by the war, but they were far from defenseless.

As the Santa Maria neared the Bakeretsu Maru, Richards quickly organized his men. "First maniple, I want you along the side when we come up on them. You're dressed as sailors, you'll blend in fine. Stow your weapons where you can get to them, but out of sight. Second and Third maniples will stay out of sight, with the heavier stuff. We'll holler if there's a problem. Fourth maniple and I will be on the bridge, in uniform, so they think that's our full security. Go to, Marines! Ooh-rah!"

"Ooh-rah!"

***

"Attention vessel Bakeretsu Maru, this is Merchant Marine SS Santa Maria. We're responding to your call. ETA is approximately twenty minutes. Can you stay afloat that long?"

Captain Roy Donnely was busy giving orders on the bridge of the Santa Anna when a young sailor interrupted him.

"Helm, bring us thirty degrees, sixteen minutes north, and--"

"Cap'n Donnely, urgent radio message! Fishing trawler Bakeretsu Maru is havin' engine trouble."

"Bakeretsu Maru? What country are they from?"

"Not sure, sir."

Donnely frowned. "Ah, hell. Contact 'em, let them know help's coming. And let Major Richards know."

***

"Uh-huh. Thanks." Major Jack Richards thanked the sailor, and watched as he ran off to complete his other duties. Richards was actually a captain in the Royal Marines, but in the Malkyeri Merchant Marine, as in the Navy, there was only one Captain aboard the ship, and that was the skipper. Marine and Army captains got a temporary and utterly meaningless promotion to major.

Richards closed the door of the large cafeteria, where his men were gathered. Two squads of Marines, assigned to this ship to act as protection from pirates. The Royal Navy would normally handle all distress calls concerning foreign ships of unknown origin, but no RN ships were near enough, and wouldn't for some time, until the North American branch of the Navy finished repairing their ships that had been sabotaged during the war. As a temporary solution, squads of Marines had been sent to all the ships at sea, to offer protection. Malkyer may have been weakened by the war, but they were far from defenseless.

As the Santa Maria neared the Bakeretsu Maru, Richards quickly organized his men. "First maniple, I want you along the side when we come up on them. You're dressed as sailors, you'll blend in fine. Stow your weapons where you can get to them, but out of sight. Second and Third maniples will stay out of sight, with the heavier stuff. We'll holler if there's a problem. Fourth maniple and I will be on the bridge, in uniform, so they think that's our full security. Go to, Marines! Ooh-rah!"

"Ooh-rah!"

***

"Attention vessel Bakeretsu Maru, this is Merchant Marine SS Santa Maria. We're responding to your call. ETA is approximately twenty minutes. Can you stay afloat that long?"

The Bakeretsu Maru responded, "This is Bakeretsu Maru. We can live that long. Just an engine failure, no hull damage. We can hack it, over."

Meanwhile, the Captain of the Maru hung up and ordered the Malays and Chinese, "Okay guys, wake up. We've a ship coming. Get the AKMS's and RPG's out. When they come over, take out any toughs that try to stop us, and take that ship. If necessary, sink the ship, to deny the enemy something. Hopefully, it will not be that way. Now hide, I'll call you out when we need you."

The Malays and Chinese went to the bottom, the Regular crew of the Maru, who was mainly Japanese, went to the surface, and began playing their parts, trying to keep the ship stable and sighting for help. One of the regular crew said, "Sir! Ship sighted! We have help!"

The Captain said, "Okay...we'll wait...."

To: The Office of Emperor Alexei Saraad
From: Kenix Kil, Secretary of State, the Democratic Republic of Halberdgardia
Re: Aid

Upon hearing the news of the Loyalists reclaiming the Viceroyalty of North America in the Second Malkyeri Civil War, we were glad that the true authority and leadership of the Viceroyalty has returned. We were sorrowed to hear the loss of your father, and that it was necessary for you to kill your brother Isaac. Such is the nature of war, unfortunately. As a measure of goodwill, we wish to deploy the recently reinforced HFNEF to the area to engage in peacekeeping and reconstruction activities. The HFNEF will, of course, deploy at your discretion. Again, our sympathies to you for your losses in this horrible conflict, and we hope that we can work together to bring peace and prosperity back to Malkyer.

Respectfully,
Kenix Kil
Secretary of State
The Democratic Republic of Halberdgardia

To: Kenix Kil, Secretary of State, the Democratic Republic of Halberdgardia
From: Matthew Saarad, Interim Speaker of Parliament
Subject: RE:Aid

Mr. Kil,

It is a pleasure to speak with friends after so many trials. My brother and I thank you for you condolences, and your offers of help. The HFNEF is welcome in Malkyer, and I have enclosed several requests from various officers concerning their deployment. The Democratic Republic of Halberdgardia is always welcome to work with the Imperial Commonwealth in any endeavor.

[signed]Matthew Saarad
Interim Speaker of Parliament

***

As the Santa Anna came alongside the Bakeretsu Maru, the crew tossed over thick cables to run the gangplank to the disabled ship. Captain Donnely stood by the gangplank, hoping that the Marines would prove to be an unnecessary precaution. The Santa Anna wasn't carrying anything particularly valuble, mainly textiles from Central America, but one never really knew what others would try to steal.

First Mate Harmon watched from the bridge. Major Richards stood by him. the five uniformed Marines paced lazily along the deck, doing their best to look bored and uninterested. Normally, Harmon never worried about pirates, but normally there weren't Marines on his ship making him paranoid.

As the Santa Anna came alongside the Bakeretsu Maru, the crew tossed over thick cables to run the gangplank to the disabled ship. Captain Donnely stood by the gangplank, hoping that the Marines would prove to be an unnecessary precaution. The Santa Anna wasn't carrying anything particularly valuble, mainly textiles from Central America, but one never really knew what others would try to steal.

First Mate Harmon watched from the bridge. Major Richards stood by him. the five uniformed Marines paced lazily along the deck, doing their best to look bored and uninterested. Normally, Harmon never worried about pirates, but normally there weren't Marines on his ship making him paranoid.

The Captain of the Bakeretsu Maru waited until things were right for him to send the pirate teams out. In the meantime, he would try and befriend the people that would come onboard, and give them the impression this was a regular ship.

The crew of the Maru began moving to set up the gangplank, finally putting the cables on a secure foundation, and telling the Santa Anna's crew to run the gangplank.

All the while, the Captain waited for the signal. Below decks, the Malays and Chinese waited quitely and impaitently, staying out of the engine and fuel and stores areas where the Malkyeris would probably have to go to.

To: Kenix Kil, Secretary of State, the Democratic Republic of Halberdgardia
From: Matthew Saarad, Interim Speaker of Parliament
Subject: RE:Aid

Mr. Kil,

It is a pleasure to speak with friends after so many trials. My brother and I thank you for you condolences, and your offers of help. The HFNEF is welcome in Malkyer, and I have enclosed several requests from various officers concerning their deployment. The Democratic Republic of Halberdgardia is always welcome to work with the Imperial Commonwealth in any endeavor.

[signed]Matthew Saarad
Interim Speaker of Parliament

To: Matthew Saarad, Interim Speaker of Parliament, the Imperial Commonwealth of Malkyer
From: Kenix Kil, Secretary of State, the Democratic Republic of Halberdgardia
Re: HFNEF Deployment

We thank you for allowing our forces to return. Our lacking the numerical advantage in the First Civil War brought to our attention the need for a major overhaul of our navy, and we have supplemented our navy with a considerable number of new vessels since the First Civil War. As such, the HFNEF will be both larger and more capable than its predecessor. The HFNEF will consist of the following:

Naval Assets

One (1) Hammer of Vengeance-class superdreadnaught (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=431078): D.R.H. Hammer of Vengeance
Three (3) Titan-class trimaran fleet carriers: D.R.H. Intrepid, D.R.H. Majestic, D.R.H. Valorous
Five (5) Omega-class heavy battleships: D.R.H. Conqueror, D.R.H. Glory, D.R.H. Invincible, D.R.H. Iron Fist, D.R.H. Relentless
One (1) Mahan-class xebec ("destroyer leader"): D.R.H Vigilant
Ten (10) Praefele-class trimaran destroyers
Fifteen (15) Eagle-class trimaran heavy cruisers
Five (5) Jupiter-class ASW frigates
Five (5) Seawolf-class submarines: D.R.H. Eviscerator, D.R.H. Indomitable, D.R.H. Predator, D.R.H. Reckoning, D.R.H. Redoubtable

Air Assets

Each Titan-class aircraft carrier: 128 planes (36 TSF-616 Eidolon air superiority fighters, 36 F/A-314 Staller air superiority fighters, 36 F-35 JSFs, 18 F/A-22 Raptors, 2 E-2 Hawkeye AWACS); 32 helicopters (12 RAF-66 Comanches, 12 SH-60F Seahawks, 8 UH-60 Blackhawks)
D.R.H. Hammer of Vengeance: 144 planes (36 TSF-616 Eidolon air superiority fighters, 36 F/A-314 Staller air superiority fighters, 36 F-35 JSFs, 36 F/A-22 Raptors); 45 helicopters (18 RAF-66 Comanches, 18 SH-60F Seahawks, 9 UH-60 Blackhawks)
Total Air Assets: HFNEF-Based: 144 TSF-616s, 144 F/A-314s, 144 F-35s, 90 F/A-22s, 6 E-2s, 54 RAF-66s, 54 SH-60Fs, 33 UH-60 Blackhawks; Land-Based (Halberdgardia): 48 B-300 Hurricane HSSBs, 36 B-2 Spirit bombers, up to 144 F-117A Nighthawk fighters, up to 240 additional F/A-22 Raptors, up to 240 additional F-35 JSFs, up to 100 AC-130H/U Spectre/Spooky gunships, 30 EC-130J Compass Call II electronic-warfare aircraft, 16 EC-130J Commando Solo psychological-operations aircraft, up to 24 E-3 Sentry AWACS, up to 100 C-5 Galaxy airlifters, 5 Aurora-class reconnaissance aircraft

The number of troops attached to the HFNEF is approximately 25,000. We understand that you may consider the vessels of the HFNEF overkill for a mere peacekeeping force, but we wish to be prepared in case new conflict breaks out.

Respectfully,
Kenix Kil
Secretary of State
The Democratic Republic of Halberdgardia

Once the gangplank was across and steady, Captain Donnely sent two of his engineers across, along with two other sailors to carry their equipment. He followed, and saw the other captain. Extending his hand, he introduced himself. "Roy Donnely, nice to meet you."

Meanwhile, a crewman took the engineers below decks, and First Mate Harmon and Major Richards continued to watch the situation unfold.

Once the gangplank was across and steady, Captain Donnely sent two of his engineers across, along with two other sailors to carry their equipment. He followed, and saw the other captain. Extending his hand, he introduced himself. "Roy Donnely, nice to meet you."

Meanwhile, a crewman took the engineers below decks, and First Mate Harmon and Major Richards continued to watch the situation unfold.

The Captain said, "Good day, Captain Donnely, I am Captain Keisuke Watsuki. I run this ship."

He smiled, and shook Donnely's hand. He then said, "Sorry to make you do this....anyway, we won't bother you long."

---------------

OOC: Is that crewman yours or mine?

The Captain said, "Good day, Captain Donnely, I am Captain Keisuke Watsuki. I run this ship."

He smiled, and shook Donnely's hand. He then said, "Sorry to make you do this....anyway, we won't bother you long."

---------------

OOC: Is that crewman yours or mine?

OOC: Yours, I guess.

Donnely grinned. "It's no trouble, Captain Watsuki. I'd like someone to do the same for us. Where ya'll from?" Donnely decided to make small talk to pass the time.

OOC: Yours, I guess.

Donnely grinned. "It's no trouble, Captain Watsuki. I'd like someone to do the same for us. Where ya'll from?" Donnely decided to make small talk to pass the time.

Watsuki said, "I'm from Japan. My crew is from all parts of Asia, soem Malays, some Chinese, some Japanese, we're based out of Sendai. Where are you from, if I may ask?"

--------

Meanwhile, belowdecks, the crewman leading them around took them to the engine room. He showed them the wrecked engine, and pointed the damages. Meanwhile, he blinked in Morse to another seaman, on the sly, "Tell our men to get moving, act like swabbies or something."

Sure enough, the crewman ran to get the men out, and the Malays and Chinese went to work, acting like regular seamen....

Donnely thought for a moment. "Well, the crew's from all over the empire, but the ship and I are both from Seattle. Come to think of it, I don't know why they christened her the Santa Anna." He grinned.

In the bowels of the Bakeretsu Maru, the engineers did not notice the Malays and Chinese, and even if they had, they would have looked just like other sailors working on a ship...

Donnely thought for a moment. "Well, the crew's from all over the empire, but the ship and I are both from Seattle. Come to think of it, I don't know why they christened her the Santa Anna." He grinned.

In the bowels of the Bakeretsu Maru, the engineers did not notice the Malays and Chinese, and even if they had, they would have looked just like other sailors working on a ship...

Watsuki said, "Seattle huh? I've relatives there, Nisei. Haven't called them in a bit."

Meanwhile, the crewman who escorted the engineers down to the damaged area went up. He said, "Captain, may I speak to you?"

Watsuki said, "Yes, hold on a moment Captain Donnely."

He walked up to the crewman and began talking with him, mostly about mundane details of how things were going. In the meantime, they exchanged words using morse code-patterned blinking movements, saying:

"Captain, the men are out."

"Good. Have them busy the engineers, and take them hostage. Send two teams up here, armed."

"Got it."

The crewman went below decks and told the head of the Chinese and Malays to begin the operation. A few went and began trying to chat up the engineers, saying, "How's it going?" and others began to watch them intently, while the others slinked away, to get their arms....

"What the hell did you guys do to your engines?" Jimmy Dianno, one of the engineers, grinned to show he was joking. These Chinese guys weren't so bad...

Onboard the Santa Anna, First Mate Harmon was not feeling any less nervous. "Ensign Mowers, have you radioed our coordinates to the Navy?"

The younger sailor rolled his eyes. It was the third time the Mate had asked. "Aye aye, sir. Told them all about the scary foreigners, too."

Harmon was not amused. "Ensign, I will overlook that sarcasm, for now. Do it again and I'll have you keel-hauled." Harmon had been a commander onboard a Royal Navy frigate in his younger years, and still did not approve of the sometimes informal air of the Merchant Marine.

"What the hell did you guys do to your engines?" Jimmy Dianno, one of the engineers, grinned to show he was joking. These Chinese guys weren't so bad...

Onboard the Santa Anna, First Mate Harmon was not feeling any less nervous. "Ensign Mowers, have you radioed our coordinates to the Navy?"

The younger sailor rolled his eyes. It was the third time the Mate had asked. "Aye aye, sir. Told them all about the scary foreigners, too."

Harmon was not amused. "Ensign, I will overlook that sarcasm, for now. Do it again and I'll have you keel-hauled." Harmon had been a commander onboard a Royal Navy frigate in his younger years, and still did not approve of the sometimes informal air of the Merchant Marine.

The fun and games, alas, ended, when a bunch of Malays and other Chinese pirates greeted the engineers armed with AKMS rifles. The head of the team said, "Don't move, don't make a sound, do what we say, unless you don't want to go home."

Two more teams joined them, armed with AKMS rifles as well and RPG-7Vs, and the head of the pirates told the engineers to get ready to head to the surface.

Sam Daniels, the senior of the four men, nodded, and slowly raised his hands. The other three followed his example. "Sure, man, no problem." Pirates, he thought. Just like a fuckin' movie...except I doubt those guns are filled with blanks.

One of the other sailors fervently prayed that they wouldn't make him walk the plank or anything like that. Not that it wouldn't be a unique way to die, but somehow it seemed...unmanly. Of course, with several AKMs pointed at him, the masculinity of his potential death was not really an issue.

Sam Daniels, the senior of the four men, nodded, and slowly raised his hands. The other three followed his example. "Sure, man, no problem." Pirates, he thought. Just like a fuckin' movie...except I doubt those guns are filled with blanks.

One of the other sailors fervently prayed that they wouldn't make him walk the plank or anything like that. Not that it wouldn't be a unique way to die, but somehow it seemed...unmanly. Of course, with several AKMs pointed at him, the masculinity of his potential death was not really an issue.

The pirates led the Malkyeris on deck, where they were told to put their hands on their heads. The two heavily armed teams also followed them and raised their arms.

Captain Watsuki then said, "Ah yes. Alas, the pleasantries must end. Either hand over your cargo, or your men don't go home."

The Southern Cross was a small, independant merchant ship. Mahria's dominant people, the Tlaloc, were culturally very maritime so this was regular. The most common small business was to run a ship with some buddies and your cousin, so this one was nothing notable. It had a small engine, a set of sails to save on fuel, and was about 40 meters of harmless, innocent, vessel.

It had been cruising the Malkyeri coast fishing, as the crew said. Indeed, it contained a decent amount of fish, apparently preserved recently. The expensive, long-range camera on board was for one of the ladies and her habit of amateur photography, the crew said. Indeed, there were pictures of local birds and striking rocks. Malkeryi officials who had searched the boat could find nothing wrong with it.

The crew had breathed a sigh of relief to see them go.

Because the Malkeryis hadn't searched the encrypted files on one young man's laptop. Hidden in files marked "shorebirds" were shots of many things: ports, Malkyeri ships, a radar installation, secluded bits of coast suitable for "private" landfall, and the emplacement of coastal defence guns. The ship was heading back to Mahria, as per schedule. The crew was relieved and happy, sure all had gone according to plan.

By odd coincidence, they passed the Bakeretsu Maru as it was joined to Santa Anna. They'd heard the calls for help with the engine, and had swung by to assist. They'd moved off, seeing help already had come... but were drawn back by the sound on gunfire.

Rhen Yill, the captain, yelled, "Tep! Get up here with the camera!" he gazed, amazed, through his binoculars, at the incredible events unfolding.

(OOC: "incredible events" leaves it open for whatever ends up happening.)

As the set of photos arrived at Mahrian Intelligence, those examining them paid close attention to the last set of photos.

Tsal Yin, the chairman, called in Tep, the young lady with the hobby of photography. She was amazed to meet Tsal, practically a living legend for his exploits as a young man.

"First time here?" he asked kindly at her dropped-jaw look about the impressive building known only as "Central."

"Yessir. It's an incredible place, an incredible honour. Is it true about the time with the-"

"Now, child," the old man waved it away, amused, "You can't go believing all that you hear. Surely you should have learned that by now?" she looked crestfallen, so he smiled to take the sting from the rebuke. "But I didn't call you here to talk about mad rumours of my past: you said the ship attacking the Malkyeris had radioed for assistance?"

"Aye, sir. We think it was ruse, to draw them in." she nodded eagerly.

"I'd considered the possibility myself. What precisely was the name they gave?"

"Bekeratsu Maru," she said promptly. "I thought it would be important, so I wrote it down. Sounded like a lead to find Resistance contacts."

Yin smiled, "They say, 'superior minds think alike,' is it?"

Captain Watsuki then said, "Ah yes. Alas, the pleasantries must end. Either hand over your cargo, or your men don't go home."

Donnely gulped in fear. Poor guy. I hope he doesn't get mad when he finds out I'm just hauling fruit. He shot a quick glance at the bridge, and didn't see Major Richards. Donnely decided that a few tons of Central American fruits didn't equal the lives of his crew. He turned back to Captain Watsuki. "Well. I'm afraid the cargo is held in some rather large crates. You wouldn't happen to have a crane or anything?"

Onboard the Santa Anna, Major Richards stepped back into the control room through a side door, so the pirates wouldn't see him, and nodded to First Mate Harmon. "Ordered my boys to sit tight. We don't know what capabilities those guys have. I called the Navy, they're sending a squadron of fighters to blow these mothers out of the water, and a destroyer is coming to take any survivors off our hands."

Harmon nodded slowly. "I guess until then we just cooperate with the bastards?"

Donnely gulped in fear. Poor guy. I hope he doesn't get mad when he finds out I'm just hauling fruit. He shot a quick glance at the bridge, and didn't see Major Richards. Donnely decided that a few tons of Central American fruits didn't equal the lives of his crew. He turned back to Captain Watsuki. "Well. I'm afraid the cargo is held in some rather large crates. You wouldn't happen to have a crane or anything?"

Onboard the Santa Anna, Major Richards stepped back into the control room through a side door, so the pirates wouldn't see him, and nodded to First Mate Harmon. "Ordered my boys to sit tight. We don't know what capabilities those guys have. I called the Navy, they're sending a squadron of fighters to blow these mothers out of the water, and a destroyer is coming to take any survivors off our hands."

Harmon nodded slowly. "I guess until then we just cooperate with the bastards?"

Watsuki said, "I have a crane, yes. You are lucky in this regard."

He motioned to the deck crew to operate the crane. The crane was for merely lifing huge nets and whatnot, but large crate would definetly be just as heavy. Besides, the crane would do have to do for now....