NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: An uber-minor nitpick... the Roycelandians were never part of Walmington, instead being the descendents of Roman (and later English)traders blown off course in late antiquity and the middle ages. How they came to speak Modern English-and other startling coincidences between Roycelandia and Britain- is generally hand-waved away as "just the way things turned out", although the Cryptohistory Department at the University of Roycelandia in Havana have spent decades looking into it, and still haven't come up with anything better than "coincidence"... :-P

((I've always supposed that... wait, I was going to say, 'they had a referendum on it and voted to...' but I'll switch that to, 'Emperor Suchandsuch decided to declare English the official language' after he became annoyed at having to learn English, Latin, Spanish, and maybe some native Caribbean language if it hadn't already been wiped-out, just to order his own fleet to annex a small islet rumoured to be populated entirely by hookers.

[Possibly his hand was forced after a bet that saw Roycelandia thrashed at a game of the Walmingtonian monarch's invention, which was so deeply confusing that Roycelandia accidentally declared early on day two, with three wickets in hand, allowing Walmington a two run victory and the invention of cricket ;)]))

[/OOC aside]

((I've always supposed that... wait, I was going to say, 'they had a referendum on it and voted to...' but I'll switch that to, 'Emperor Suchandsuch decided to declare English the official language' after he became annoyed at having to learn English, Latin, Spanish, and maybe some native Caribbean language if it hadn't already been wiped-out, just to order his own fleet to annex a small islet rumoured to be populated entirely by hookers.

[Possibly his hand was forced after a bet that saw Roycelandia thrashed at a game of the Walmingtonian monarch's invention, which was so deeply confusing that Roycelandia accidentally declared early on day two, with three wickets in hand, allowing Walmington a two run victory and the invention of cricket ;)]))

[/OOC aside]

Actually, I rather like that... it would be very much in the nature of Roycelandian Emperors to declare English the official language because he was sick of having to be Quadrilingual just to read the newspaper or talk to the people from the next Island. So, it would seem, English has been the official language since one of Roycelandia's many Emperors (and, like Popes, there have been rather a lot of them) decided it would be- and because most people in Roycelandia spoke English anyway, for reasons that have never entirely been fathomed or satisfactorily explained... :D

Sorry, I'll stop hijacking this now. :D

((Language of commerce, dear boy. Er, back in the day, you wanted wool, and brought back English, too!
Actually, just wanted to warn you of a stupidly long-winded telegram about help, doom, empire, company, elsewhere-defunct-placename, rajah!))

OOC: An uber-minor nitpick... the Roycelandians were never part of Walmington, instead being the descendents of Roman (and later English)traders blown off course in late antiquity and the middle ages. How they came to speak Modern English-and other startling coincidences between Roycelandia and Britain- is generally hand-waved away as "just the way things turned out", although the Cryptohistory Department at the University of Roycelandia in Havana have spent decades looking into it, and still haven't come up with anything better than "coincidence"... :-P

But it wouldn't be unreasonable to say that the Roycelandians place a certain pride/something in their Anglophonia? As in... they feel a kinship with other Anglophone nations?

OOC to Spyr : I had meant to say "Somewhere around the Sakhalins". They will probably head the long way around Japan.

(OOC: I'll assume that Japan has picked something up and steering well clear. However, since the Japanese don't entirely trust China due to their massive build-up, expect some major diplomatic heat for not notifying us first.)

But it wouldn't be unreasonable to say that the Roycelandians place a certain pride/something in their Anglophonia? As in... they feel a kinship with other Anglophone nations?

This is very true... Roycelandia does see a sort of kinship with other Anglophone nations, hence a more favourable view on places that speak English (although Roycelandians themselves are usual fluent in at least two languages, often 3)

OOC: Gonna be dropping off the map for the next few days-- lots of personal/RL crap going on.

Islamic Republic of Indonesia

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/2828/iriflag5ow.jpg

Makassar Strait
The approach of Hindustani naval vessels is quickly spotted as they move through the Java Sea towards the Makassar Strait, though the vessels are left unchallenged by the motor launches and fishing boats that can be seen zipping about near the shore. The occasional muzzle flash is seen as an Indonesian pirate fires his SAR-80 into the air, but no waves of Exocets nor swarms of Gripens leap out at the Hindustanis, and the IRI's own naval vessels remain out of sight. The frigates are left to make their foray and return home uncontested.

Sulawesi
Mohammed Kalla found himself yet again reviewing reports of potentially hostile movements around his holdings. The French, he had been told, were gone... but a Roycelandian Philippines was as unnacceptable as one controlled by the socialists. They were both godless filth, after all, best purged from the sight of his Caliphate. But such thoughts could see little implementation, as there was little he could do with Indonesia's resources. While others played with their toy boats, he had nothing to throw into the tub, and it irked him to no end. Why could there not be more of the Faithful in Manila, to strike proper fear into the hearts of the enemy?

A report of ships pushing up the Makassar had worried him for a time, until it was confirmed that the flotilla consisted of only two vessels. Still, he could not let hostile fleets make forays into his waters without proper response. If they had come, as reported by his agents, from Belitung then Jakarta would be reminded of its place. The armoured division on Aceh would be sent on a few maneuvers near the border, and his major surface combatants would be moved to Makassar from the Molucca Sea. Though not major, such movements would be sufficiently obvious to provide deterrence.

More worrying to Kalla were reports from Mindanao, that Islamic elements there were considering a deal with the New People's Army... in no uncertain terms, they would be informed that such deals were never to be accepted. Aside from the fact that the Maoists of the NPA would never let Mindanao go once they had secured a victory, Islamic rule in Davao would be made easier if the 'Progressive' athiests were forced to start their fight against the 'Imperial' athiests in the north, bloodying themselves to distraction while the Moro took control in the southern islands.

Efforts towards that goal ought be stepped up in the meantime... while Mindanao Muslims were merely a sizeable minority, competing with NPA-leaning Huk descendants and later Filipino colonists, they still constituted a popular majority on the Sulu archipelago. Those islands were already familiar to his pirate bands, and the locals udoubtedly galvanized by French passage through the area; they would be supplied with small arms and lighter artillery pieces in sufficient quantities to secure control from local garrisons.

Palawan was also in his sights... it had been too long silent, since the French Catholics had launched their attempt at a crusade, and now that they fled the scene it was time something of note happened there. The south of the island did, after all, boast a Muslim majority... a prime target to become part of a reborn Sultanate of Sulu. But it was further afield than his small boats could manage comfortably, especially simultaneous to operations in the Sulus and Mindanao.

The solution was Malaysia. That 'state' was laughable, really... already riddled through with Jemmah Islamiah agents and choking to death on debt and the aftermath of regional conflict. If it were not for Brunei and the damnable Sujavans, Indonesia would have swallowed Borneo and sailed on to the mainland without having to fire a shot, riding a wave of Islamic solidarity and cheap oil. Such would have to wait until the next election cycle, of course, but in the meantime it would only help to let them have a taste of the luxurious lifestyle common in his realm.

Sabah (Malaysia)
The penetration of Indonesians across the Sabah-Kalimantan border was not an uncommon occurence... soldiers still waiting for last month's pay were rarely willing to risk their lives in opposition, and many had supplemented their income with payoffs that made them more likely to fire on government inspectors than Kalla's smugglers. Local governments were equally subverted, their electoral victories ensured by filling gaps in the subsidized fuel supply with Indonesian oil. So it was in Sandakan, home to some hundred thousand Moro refugees who had fled conflict in the southern Philippines in the years before Gustav Adolphus staged his coup in Singapore. Freed from internment camps only to be trapped in the chaos of post-Bonstock Malaysia, these people were the source of manpower for Kalla's designs in southern Palawan. Two captured container ships and a handful of pirate pickets had set out along the coast, still flying the pennants they had borne before they were siezed... these arrived to join Indonesian ulama who had been sent to recruit and arm the Moro for a triumphant return home. Not billed entirely as a military operation, whole families were encouraged to pack up their belongings and accompany the expedition, which set out several days later heading to rendezvous with Moro extremists off Rio Tuba.

— — — —

Strainist Congress

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Bengkulu (Sujava)
Efforts begin to arrange for the Hindustani Pathfinders to join the next submarine supply run that passes Mindanao, along with attempts to communicate with the NPA about their arrival, both through the Igovians and the Party’s own contacts (via ex-PKB members) on Luzon. Patrol elements of the fleet are also sent orders to prepare for muster... with shipping contracts now arranged through United Elias, the SRA’s concerns over possible piracy are reduced accordingly as they gird themselves for Plan 22, or whatever other action may be needed.

Belitung (Sujava)
There is some nervousness as SRA officers watch the Lothai and Solapur depart... likely the vessels could repel an attack by limited Indonesian forces, but even Kalla could muster a formidable barrier should he put his mind to it... the thought of Islamists planting car bombs in Bali or Jakarta has little appeal.
Depite the lack of difficulty, the Hindustanis see the Strainists quite flustered after the vessels return from their foray... it is explained that, if at all possible, allied forces stay away from Kalla's republic while conducting their operations.

Portugal
Worried over the future of one of Europe’s less-objectionable governments (one that gave up its colonies, no less), Sithin follows London’s example in seeking closer relations. While geography precludes substantive Strainist aid should the League threaten the state, a new military attache is appointed to ensure a continuing grasp of the situation in Europe.

Luzon (Philippines)
http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/6753/npanews3rb.gif
Tinambangan ng isang iskwad ng Pulang mandirigma ang mga elemento ng 41st IB sa Kinkinta, sa pagitan ng mga Sitio Bazar at Lam-awan, Brgy Bazar, Sallapadan bandang 9:30 ng umaga. Tatlong sundalo ang napatay at isa ang sugatan sa nasabing ambus. Walang napinsala sa mga kasama. Matapos ang pananambang, 3 sibilyan ang sapilitang ginawang giya ng mga sundalo.

— — — —

[OOC: Perhaps a geographic clarification will be useful, given that we may see naval movements by several powers through southeast Asian waters...

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9649/seasnow3xu.jpg

The waters internal to the Indonesian archipelago are considered national waters by agreement between the Sujavans, Indonesians, and Papuans, divided generally by points equidistant to the nations involved where they are shared by multiple powers. This includes the Java Sea, Flores Sea, Molucca Sea, and Banda Sea, as well as the navigation channels of the Makassar Strait, Selat Karimata, Selat Sunda, and Selat Lombok (and other waters, probably obvious). These can be considered closed to foreign military traffic, with foreign civil traffic theoretically subject to national customs services.

The Malacca Strait is jointly administered by Malaya and Sujava... as the Malay have no navy, the Sujavans have taken on most of the associated responsibilities. These are, however, limited: as a consequence of the FRB's defeat (in the Malacca War, no less), while the strait is closed to military traffic, civil traffic may use it as an international channel (and are thus not subject to national customs services while making transit through it).

The Seas of Sulawesi, Sulu, Timor, etc. follow expected RL divisions, falling as they do outside Bonstock's former archipelagic claims... as with the Pacific and South China Seas. In the latter case, however, it must be noted that China is in control of the whole Spratly Island group (having assumed control from Sinoese-FRB forces which occupied various islands). There is substantial oil extraction going on there, likely with military presence as well (as just about everyone else in the region claims the islands for themselves). Singapore's territorial waters are not recognized by Malaysia or Sujava, a consequence of the Malacca War, but the Singapore Strait is an international channel (likely out of spite, if nothing else). The Bedgellens are engaging French targets of opportunity in the SCS using Vietnam-based UAVs (not sure if theyve moved on to include the Roiks as well or if theyve got submarines doing the same along the Pacific routes?). The Vietnamese may be making patrol forays through Cambodian waters (though am checking on OOC forum about Marimaian navy, that could depend on what NeoSuunist collapse left in Khmer hands...) Timor has no navy, and Sujavan ships patrol their waters bearing authorization letters.

Generally, I assume Roycelandian and League shipping no longer attempt to make use of the South China Sea... too many hostiles, and nowhere to go from there. There seem to be two routes likely used by League-Roycelandian shipping, so I thought I'd check with them on the matter while I'm at it in case I missed something... though, as France is withdrawing, their routes-of-supply are no longer very relevant.

In order to reinforce Pacific fleets and armies by sea, with Panama closed to military shipping, both Roycelandia and the French would have to travel from the Carribean/Europe by way of the Drake Passage (or Strait of Magellan, depending on wether Chile could be convinced to permit military traffic through its national waters). From there, they might move northwest to Franco-Roycelandian Polynesia and onward to the naval bases of Vanuatu and New Caledonia, from where they might move northward around the Solomons and New Guinea to reach the Philippines.

OOC: I suppose they could have come through the Banda, Flores and Java seas to reach the Selat Karimata if any other course would have provoked the Strainists, but I had planned to have them go through the Selat Lombok
As you can see, both courses are difficult for military vessels, at least those of powers not seen as dedicated allies by the Sujavans. More likely to reach the northern Philippines you'd have to take a course around the outside of the Solomons and New Guinea, then either head through the Celebes and Sulu seas to reach the SCS and then move upward, or continue north through the Pacific. Its a longer trip, but if you won't be active for the next few days that might not be such a bad thing].

OOC: I don't suppose you could supply a translation for the News Broadcasts, could you, Spyr? Fond as I am of your animation and illustrations, I must admit my Tagalog's a bit rusty. :-P

Also, Roycelandian Naval Vessels heading to the Pacific usually transit through the Panama Canal, as part of a joint defence treaty with Quinntonia. The French don't have that luxury, though.

Roycelandia is rather fond of Air Transport, too- making extensive use of aircraft and airships to transport goods and freight.

There are also rumours of a joint Roycelandian-French project known as Rocketmail being developed as well, although the details are classified...

[OOC: My Tagalog is probably not much better than yours... I'm just borrowing heavily from RL NPA news briefs, at least until I figure out how to say 'Roycelandian', 'Spitfire', and 'Surface-to-Air Missile' ^_^.

More seriously, the above is a report on a small arms firefight outside Kinkinta, where the NPA claims three Philippine regulars killed and one wounded. The earlier animation was meant to underline NPA tactics a bit, as it was a report of a small firefight victory that included a tally of weapons captured, followed by a (likely garbled) piece of fluff on NPA-aligned doctors and their revoultionary work. Intentionally, nothing said in probably-unfamiliar languages is of RP significance, but "Red fighters triumph over state elements in surprise raid, wound one soldier. Two Garand rifles and one hand grenade captured" just looks more weighty when its in another language].

OOC: Fair enough. From what I've seen of RL Filipino News Broadcasts (they screen them on SBS here some mornings), they're an unholy mix of Tagalog and English, with no rhyme or reason to the use of English words.

IC:

Phillippines Television News Report (in English where available)

... but the Minister of Finance refused to comment on the photographs, nor his daughter's role in the matter. In national news, the Armed Forces today captured a number of guerillas- includling at least one "high-placed" guerrilla leader, according to sources from the Army. Brigadier Carlos San Juan-Moro was quoted as saying that the arrests were a step forward for the security of the Phillippines, and that those who had grievances were encouraged to air them in an appropriate manner, which did not involving shooting or injuring people. A number of weapons were seized in the raids

Interestingly, the Roycelandian Minister for International Affairs has suggested that a general, unconditional Amnesty for guerrillas may be on the cards. "It's early days, and we haven't discussed it with Premier Aznar, but personally I feel, and I'm sure other do as well, that there are a number of guerrillas who would like to return to society and carry on with their lives, but fear retaliation against themselves or their loved ones. Rest assured we are not interested in revenge attacks- we want a safe, prosperous Philippines, and it's a bit hard to achieve that when people are hiding in the jungles with Soviet or Progressive supplied assault rifles."

Another high school has been opened on the north side of Palawan, with the abandoned French Base on the island's southern side still remaining off-limits, due to potential health concerns arising from French military activities at the base when it was operational.

Stay tuned for tonight's Late Night Double Feature, the 1943 classic "Fast Talking, High Pants", and the 2002 sequel "Low Pants, Slow Talking"...

After Consul Chivo failed to get anywhere with Port Royal, and events took a turn for the worse in Europe, the Soviet Commune elected Adiatorix to present an ultimatum to the Roycelandian Empire.

With Militia Auxiliary masses chomping at the bit around Goa, their already quarter-million numbers reinforced since the invasion of Portugal and slaughter of Gibraltar, Adiatorix delivered an address relatively light on political slogans.

In it he said that, "...it is therefore the decision of the Soviet Commune that raising of a flag of surrender over Goa and forwarding to this authority of an official notice of intention to unconditional withdrawal from the Philippines must both be carried out by this hour -twelve noon- tomorrow. Failure on the part of Roycelandia to make such conditions fulfilled will lead to the democratic military authority of the Indian Soviet Commune making official allowance of the forceful annexation of Goa and de-colonisation of the Philippines, followed by whatever further steps are then deemed necessary to make the world safe.

"In essence, the Roycelandian Emperor has twenty-four hours to decide whether his reign is the last in his Empire's history."

OOC: Sorry, I must have missed something- AFAIK, there's been an Angry Mob outside Goa for years now, but I don't recall any attempt at communication with Port Royal by Portmerion.

Secondly, an attack on Goa is going to be messy, and thirdly, Royce I is trying to forestall a major war in the Mediterranean- attacking Goa and the Philippines is simply going to make him throw his lot in with the HL anyway, creating a bloodbath of epic proportions as the missiles fly and the shooting starts. Just saying...

OOC: I seem to be back earlier than expected. Yay. I'll edit my above post to reflect the status of the aforementioned seas fairly soon.

IC:

Raleigh, Australasia

Prime Minister Strathairn found himself making yet another speech, this time in response to the statements made by Adiatorix. He was getting tired of speeches, and didn't really expect that his words would change the views of the Soviet Commune. But then, he had to try.

On this note, he found himself standing behind the Ironwood Podium in Parliament Hall, addressing both his government and the nations of the world. He talked a bit about the necessity of peace, the new budget and the deployment of the fleet. Parliament's anger about the last seemed assuaged, so Strathairn moved on quickly. No need to linger.

" ... Lastly, although the statements made by Adiatorix were directed at Port Royal rather than Raleigh, I feel the need to respond.

"Adiatorix stated that the use of military action against Roycelandian forces and officials in both the Goa and the Philippines would be utilized in an attempt to 'make the world safe'. He delivered with this statement the ultimatum that unless the Roycelandian government makes an unconditional withdrawl from the Asia and Oceania, the Indian Soviet Commune will declare war upon it.

"The Indian Soviet Commune has no authority over the Philippines. The end result of such a war would no doubt involve the removal of both the Roycelandian forces and the pro-Roycelandian government of the Philippines. It would leave the Philippines without a standing government. It will, of course, be necessary to replace the government. It would be in the interests of the Soviets to install a government that favours them, or is Communist itself.

"Military action by the Soviets would be tatamount to invasion. It would be the forcible removal of the Filipino government, with the likely instatement of a pro-Soviet regime. In what way, then, the proposed Soviet invasion is no different than the Roycelandian one. Worse, in fact, since the elected government will be replaced, rather than simply incorporated into the Roycelandian structure.

"The Indian Soviet Commune's actions would likely spark a global war. On one side will fall the Soviets and their allies, on the other will be Roycelandia. But Roycelandia will not stand alone; Royce I would seek help from his friend and ally Louis-Auguste. And Louis-Auguste would bring the Holy League, about which I have said much.

"The Indian Soviet Commune has made no substantive attempt to negotiate with Port Royal. It has simply vomited ultimatums, threatened borders and let its militia run wild on the basis of a popular vote. I should suggest that the Indian Soviet Commune excercise control over itself in this time of great peril for the world.

"The only possible outcome of a Soviet invasion of the Philippines would be world war. The Soviets may be willing to consign the entire world to armageddon, I am not. I demand that Adiatorix of the Indian Soviet Commune withdraw his ultimatum, in the interests of the free people of the world. If it finds itself unable to do so, then it condemns us all to the Third World War."

OOC: I seem to be back earlier than expected. Yay. I'll edit my above post to reflect the status of the aforementioned seas fairly soon.

IC:

Raleigh, Australasia

Prime Minister Strathairn found himself making yet another speech, this time in response to the statements made by Adiatorix. He was getting tired of speeches, and didn't really expect that his words would change the views of the Soviet Commune. But then, he had to try.

On this note, he found himself standing behind the Ironwood Podium in Parliament Hall, addressing both his government and the nations of the world. He talked a bit about the necessity of peace, the new budget and the deployment of the fleet. Parliament's anger about the last seemed assuaged, so Strathairn moved on quickly. No need to linger.

" ... Lastly, although the statements made by Adiatorix were directed at Port Royal rather than Raleigh, I feel the need to respond.

"Adiatorix stated that the use of military action against Roycelandian forces and officials in both the Goa and the Philippines would be utilized in an attempt to 'make the world safe'. He delivered with this statement the ultimatum that unless the Roycelandian government makes an unconditional withdrawl from the Asia and Oceania, the Indian Soviet Commune will declare war upon it.

"The Indian Soviet Commune has no authority over the Philippines. The end result of such a war would no doubt involve the removal of both the Roycelandian forces and the pro-Roycelandian government of the Philippines. It would leave the Philippines without a standing government. It will, of course, be necessary to replace the government. It would be in the interests of the Soviets to install a government that favours them, or is Communist itself.

"Military action by the Soviets would be tatamount to invasion. It would be the forcible removal of the Filipino government, with the likely instatement of a pro-Soviet regime. In what way, then, the proposed Soviet invasion is no different than the Roycelandian one. Worse, in fact, since the elected government will be replaced, rather than simply incorporated into the Roycelandian structure.

"The Indian Soviet Commune's actions would likely spark a global war. On one side will fall the Soviets and their allies, on the other will be Roycelandia. But Roycelandia will not stand alone; Royce I would seek help from his friend and ally Louis-Auguste. And Louis-Auguste would bring the Holy League, about which I have said much.

"The Indian Soviet Commune has made no substantive attempt to negotiate with Port Royal. It has simply vomited ultimatums, threatened borders and let its militia run wild on the basis of a popular vote. I should suggest that the Indian Soviet Commune excercise control over itself in this time of great peril for the world.

"The only possible outcome of a Soviet invasion of the Philippines would be world war. The Soviets may be willing to consign the entire world to armageddon, I am not. I demand that Adiatorix of the Indian Soviet Commune withdraw his ultimatum, in the interests of the free people of the world. If it finds itself unable to do so, then it condemns us all to the Third World War."

Belitung

The Lothai and Solapur are indeed luck to still be afloat, after trying to test the viability of the Makassar Strait as a route to the Philippines. They had failed in their objective, to test the IRI's reaction to such an incursion, and in the end accomplished little besides wasting fuel. It doesn't take much to convince the IN commanders on the island not to attempt such a risky move again. Preparations for Plan 22 continue, which seems very likely to happen even in light of the Franco-Spanish conquest of Gibraltar and Mumbai's declaration of war. Looking to distance himself from the operation, Captain Samara explains, with a shrug, "It wasn't my idea" to admiral Wahidin.

For better or worse, his time as commander will not last much longer, as the MoD is about to fly Tariq Singh, an altogether more experienced Union admiral, to take charge of the IN's squadron.

The naval force still has to be shifted to Tanimbar, though, in order to avoid passing through the unfriendly Moluccas, and the arrangements concerning the Sujavan-Unioner amphibious group still largely have to be worked out, but besides that, Plan 22 seems more or less ready to go. Singh's first duty, upon arrival in Sujava, will be to confirm Strainist readiness to go through with the operation.

Bengkulu

The marine pathfinders, 34 troops in all, are eager to get going, and spend the time leading up to their embarkation checking and rechecking their radio gear. Unioners, largely without telephone services, are generally good with radios, and the Pathfinders are more than capable of solving problems once on Mindanao, but it never hurts to be safe about it. Brigadier Sheldon is less than excited about his new assignment, but he isn't about to complain to Wickramsinghe, hardly a man to keep himself shielded from battle.

Sheldon mentions the idea of bringing a few crates of Stens for NPA guerillas, but isn't sure what their armament situation is. If they aren't needed, and that is probably quite likely, he'd rather not take them.

INS Karaikai and INS Bandavgarh, along with their small escort, make preparations to leave Bengkulu with 800 embarked marines and their equipment.

Mumbai

Parliament, full of righteous indignation after making the declarations of war against France and Spain, is also angry and slightly embarrassed about being fooled by the League. It is now clear to most that Palawan and the French presence in the Philippines became a decoy soon after Plan 22 was drawn-up, keeping Progressive Asia's militaries, limited in force projection capability to begin with, concentrated far away from the League's real objectives. But the Leaguers aren't about to get off, far from it in fact. As far as Mumbai is concerned, the League started this mess, and it is going to pay for it. Unioners, for the first time ever, raise no serious objections to Bedgellen designs aimed at relieving Roycelandia of a major portion of her Empire; after all, threatening Royce might just bait the French fleet and give the numerically superior Progressive navies the chance to decisively defeat Versailles at sea. French Guyana also begins to strike the Union as a particularly vulnerable piece of land, conveniently close to friendly and angry Neo-Anarchos.

Strathairn's newest speech, not surprisingly, is dismissed as irrelevant in light of the events that took place in Gibraltar and Portugal. "Hasn't Strathairn noticed? We've already got a third world war, and it was the French who did it!" says one Gujarati to a news camera, referring to the Holy League's seizure of Gibraltar and impending victory in Portugal. His description of the present Filippino government as "elected" is also laughed down, Presidente Aznar's status as a puppet of Port Royal and his "perverse satire" of an anti-corruption campaign emphasized fully. Roycelandia might not be in the Holy League, strictly speaking, but nobody can pretend that Roycelandia and France have a cold relationship, with Roycelandian oil and raw materials fueling Holy League warships, bombers, and armories. As far as most Unioners are concerned, Roycelandia is now fair game.

Focus of Chinese attention has now turned further north, to Europe and Russia where major military movements have taken place since the invasion of Portugal. Admittedly to the Chinese government, countering the Roycelandians in the Phillipines now seems less of a priority than before, with action against Russia now toping the list in order to deny the Holy League their oil sources. Still, not much can be done in Europe - Chinese ships would find it difficult passing through the Suez and the straits of Gibraltar, and logistically it would be impossible maintaining a fleet on the other side of the world.

Strathairn's statement is countered by a press release by Zhang, who has called his views naive and appeasement.

"Military action against Holy League and Roycelandian colonies in Asia will cut off the lifeline of resources to the League and end war in Europe quickly and decisively. Even now Strathairn still believes peace is possible as Roycelandian vessels escort Holy League vessels to Gibraltar."

"Post Roycelandia phillipines will not be administered by a Soviet administration. It will be run by an international effort spearheaded by China and the Progressives, of which Australia will be more than welcome to help out in."

(OOC: What's public opinion like in Australasia concering the war? Any chance Strathairn could go down in the next election?)

Sithin, PRS

A retort to Strathairn's comments also issues from the halls and offices of the Strainist Party.

"When Roycelandian bombers flown by French pilots rained armageddon down upon the civil populace of Gibraltar, in support of Spanish invasion, the true nature of the worldwide imperial clique was revealed... all claims of humanitarian interest and peaceful intent emanating from colonialist thrones have been swept aside by the same chemical fire that has taken the lives of the innocent, and their true nature now lies plain for all to see. Denials may be issued, but the truth remains that without Roycelandian military equipment, France would not have been able to execute its act of wanton genocide... Royce I is as responsible for Gibraltar as Sopworth Igo would be if a mushroom cloud bloomed over Pusan.

That Roycelandia and its puppet Aznar could demand NATO protection of their illegitimate government, while Royce's hunting partner from Versailles plots war on a standing NATO member, stands as proof that a hag-in-false-skins wears the crown in Port Royal, a creature whose very breath drips with lies. Only condemnation of the Holy League and withdrawal from illegitimate colonies can hope to redeem this monstrous figure in the eyes of the world.

No government in the Philippines can lay claim to legitimacy while this decietful shadow lies over it, no matter how many sham elections are held or opposition figures are put to death for 'corruption' or 'lost to instability'. That Royce, who vetoes acts of his elected legislature when it suits his fancy, is considered a more legitimate guardian of democracy by Raleigh than the vibrant parliaments of China and Hindustan, or the People's committees of Beth Gellert and the Strainist Party, speaks to the ignorance which can be the only explanation for Australasia's course of appeasement. Freed from imperial shackles, the will of a people guides their future course: should the Filipino people see their proper course with Roycelandia, this would be respected as much by Mumbai and Beijing as if they chose independance, or union with Indonesia. Ours is not the place to impose, our struggle is one to oust an imposition and see true democratic freedom take its course.

Not many years ago, there were likely no two realms more opposed than the Middle Kingdom and the Subcontinent. Even today, few things join them in common. A puppet Igovian Philippines would be as unnacceptable as a Roycelandian one to China, and Manila on Chinese strings would be fought against by Beth Gellert as hard as they now fight against the imperialists. But at this moment they stand united, and beside them stands all of Asia, against a universal wrong and for a universal right.

Once before did Asia become as one against evil, and then they vanquished an empire whose might equalled that of Quinntonia, who threatened atomic fire and promised genocide to all who defied it. Together our resolve is absolute, and it is resisted at the peril of those who dare do wrong beneath our gaze."

Belitung

Transfer of Plan 22-related operations to Tanimbar brings a report that the SRA is indeed ready to move ahead with the proposed action... the base has already accumulated stockpiles of war materiel in preparation for 'patrol and regional policing', and so a shift in direction does not come with a need to shift significant supplies.

Two of the SRA's new merchant carrier converts are ordered to assemble at Tanimbar as well, their shared helicopter squadron thought to be of potential use within the protective screen of more dedicated warships.

Bengkulu

The Hindustanis take an unusual route to reach their conveyance, travelling first by air, and then in several waves on the back of a rusty flatbed, before arriving at one of Sujava's submarine pens.

The artificial cave of steel and concrete, billed as 'Daisunan' by its SRA caretakers, is home to the SRA's Shoho class submarine I-411. With wide grins, its Lyongean crew looks forward to the day it might carry SRA amphibious tanks for launch towards Luzon... its current status as an underwater cargo ship is seen as somewhat less glamourous.

Some of the boat's senior officers are a bit more nervous... Strainism and Maoism might both be called 'communist', but they are hardly compatible ideologies, and up until now the Party had kept its supply of the NPA 'deniable'. Several dozen Hindustani witnesses might make matters uncomfortable should the CPP hardliners keep the movement orthodox following an NPA victory. Still, given their purpose here, its always good to have someone to share the blame.

In addition to the Hindustanis, the submarine is loaded with what the Strainists call 'comradeship-solidarity ordnance'... essentially, PR equipment.
Broadcasting equipment is accompanied by pre-recorded radio and television programming, an attempt to automate a process whose manual execution has proven difficult in areas under heavy Aznar-Roik patrol. The Strainists are particularly pleased with 'Malit Pula GO!', a children's cartoon six months in the making and delayed by editing requirements following French withdrawal from Palawan. More traditional pamphlets and glossy copies of Ang Bayan are also included, most of the former already loaded into artillery shells for use in the knee mortars and light tubes left with the NPA on earlier runs.

Filling out the cargo are helmets and candy bars, whose labels identify them as manufactured by a chocolateers collective in the 'People's Democratic Republic of the Philippines'... while open claims of widespread political victory might be vulnerable to state denouncement, such action against indirect suggestion would only strengthen belief in the popular consciousness.

Sten gun delivery is deemed unneccessary... after months of SRA aid from ex-FRB stockpiles, the NPA can finally boast a gun for every recruit and armament of village auxilliaries as well.

Perhaps amusing to the new observers, the airtight cargo tubes in which everything is stored are lovingly painted with the Indonesian crescent and star.

---

The Hindustanis are put through a crash course of sorts, taken out to sea with subsurface floaters and breathing apparatus to ensure that they are psychologically ready to wait quietly under the Pacific for NPA fishing boats to retrieve them. The Strainists approach this and the rest of the operation with meticulous attention to detail... they have no intention of repeating the botched Cold War attempts by the PRC to accomplish a similar mission. Any heavier equipment the pathfinders posess is sealed in seperate containers, and their firearms are wrapped in plastic to preserve them while leaving them at hand in case something goes wrong.

As an ominous parting gesture, the pathfinders are gifted with waterproofed copies of a little red-covered book, "Selected Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong", and told if their hosts become difficult they should be ready to justify their actions 'by the book'.

---

The journey to the drop site is a long one, almost three days due to the need for stealth before the pathfinders are told to suit up and set afloat beneath a string of fishing buoys, under the orange glow of a setting sun. Behind them, as the submarine continues on, more 'fishing nets' appear, these marking out hidden cargo cylinders. Three waiting boats quickly haul up this illicit cargo, stowing it below before heading in to join the last of their more legitimate colleagues tying up at the village docks.

OOC: The focus of my military has shifted to the Atlantic; I have no desire to fight two wars at once. Strathairn's polls took a dive after he ordered the South Asian fleets to prevent a blockade of the Philippines, since the people of Australasia on the whole found France a much larger threat than a progressive hegemony. With the declaration of war upon France and Spain (see Iron West thread), his numbers rose to nearly pre-Philippines levels. More ICly.

IC:
Raleigh, Australasia

Christina Lloyd stood on the front steps of Sharrington House, the offices of the executive branch of government. It was named after the first Prime Minister of Australasia, who had run the government from across the street in an old meeting hall. Christina was dressed sombrely, her pink hair was tied back for minimum affect. There were several television cameras, and a throng of photographers.

"The Spyrians and Chinese seem unwavering in their goals to lay siege to the Philippines. They seem determined to put the great weight of their military forces behind an assault upon this island chain, while on the far side of the world Spain's tanks thunder on to Lisbon, and France's bombers drop white phosphorus derivatives on Great Walmingonian-held harbours. I commend the Chinese on the fact that they have seen the new threat, and are moving to defend against it. I wish that the Spyrians were not so caught up in jingoistic fervor to do the same.

"Roycelandia is not so close an ally with the French as the propaganda masters of Spyr might have us believe. A Roycelandian Dreadnaught, one of the largest battleships in the world, was today seen in Gibraltar Harbour offering to evacuate any Walmingtonians who wished her aid. She did so in combat conditions, while the Rock was under fire from two artillery batteries simultaneously. If giving aid and succor to the enemy is how Roycelandia honours a close alliance, I would hate to be at war with them.

"I feel the need to remind the world that the Progressive Bloc is made up of socialist and communist countries, some in which religion is violently suppressed as the 'opiate of the masses'. While the Progressive Bloc is far better than the Holy League, any joint governance programme would no doubt still push an agenda of Marxist thought.

"And when the people of the Philippines are ready for self-rule? What then? Will the Progressive Junta give up its power willingly, at no gain to themselves? It must be remembered always that no matter how good the intentions of any one government be, said government is made up of people who are subject to the same flaws as us all.

"In the face of this blind nationalism, Emperor Royce I may be well advised to withdraw from the Philippines. No matter how much the Filipino people may support their government, the Progressive Bloc seems determined to make its point.

"The world is already at war in Europe, one which will likely set back the Holy League for years. The stupendous amount of money, manpower and material that Great Walmington and Australasia hope to make them expend will hopefully cripple them. There is no need to do the same to Asia.

"To further the war effort against France and Spain, major naval activity will be suspended in the China Sea and the Sulu Sea. Nothing now stands in the way of a concerted assault on the Philippines except for the honour of Spyr and China. The eyes of the world are upon Sithin and Beijing."

Battlecruiser Collingwood, South Pacific
Rear-Admiral Wilberforce was tired. His Temporary Squadron One had sailed up and down the Sulu Sea, flying aircraft cover and generally making a show of force before being recalled and broken up. The ships would return to their normal designations as parts of Alert Squadrons, the Home Fleet or the Island Fleet. And from there, the Island Fleet would sail for the Suez Canal to request passage. It would form the anvil for the Black Fleet's hammer.

For that to happen, though, they needed to be granted entrance. Here's hoping that the governing authorities there would agree.

OOC2: Who owns the Suez?

((United Elias, a secular dictatorship that covers most of the Middle East and Egypt. It has many ties to Walmington, as we have shared sovereignty over bases such as Diego Garcia, but it also has co-operated militarily with Roycelandia, such as in the invasion of the Republic of Gabon, which was bombed into submission and split between Roycelandia and a remaining fragment of the original Republic supported by the African National Pact. Walmington is sailing a battleship towads the Suez, but has yet to receive confirmation on whether she'll be allowed to pass to the Med. The hope is that Baghdad won't actually want to deny the ship access while Gibraltar's on fire, and that allowing it through will anger the Holy League and make it more likely that Elias will come down on Walmington's side. They also control Brunei.))

The British embassy in Australasia is making efforts to convey London's opinion that the Philippine situation is well in hand with the Chinese, who most certainly are not communists, and who have demonstrated support for Walmington while also being the power best placed to knock Russia out of the coming war, or prevent its ever joining.

The ambassador does his best to give assurances that Chinese involvement will prevent a dangerous turn in the Philippines, which as they stand are only a source of conflict and a platform for French piracy, keeping militarised a region that it is in Australia's best interests to see peaceful and with open sealanes. Talk of a communist take-over is dismissed as propaganda designed to divert Australasian resources away from Europe.

Belitung

Admiral Tariq Singh arrives in Tangjungpandan aboard one of the IAF's well-traveled Tu-154s, sharing the aircraft with a shipment of medecines bound for Timor and Papua as is usually the case. He carries with him the most detailed plans for the naval aspect of Plan 22, most importantly outlining the course to Mindanao and the landing beaches, as well as recommendations from the MoD to begin the shift to Tanimbar by day's end. While the distance from Tanimbar to Davao is greater than the distance from Belitung in absolute terms, with the Makassar Strait and Molucca Sea closed to more or less all non-IRI shipping Tanimbar is the closest viable base of operations.

Union sailors are called back aboard their ships as Admiral Singh takes command of the Blake, and the squadron prepares to leave Tangjungpandan.

Davao Gulf

For the Marine Pathfinders, unfamiliar with submarine operations and terribly inexperienced when it comes to the more covert side of things, it is a miracle that nothing went wrong in their insertion, although none of them take much time to reflect on this as they change out of their wetsuits in the hold of a Filippino trawler. Armed with Sterlings and grenades, and burdened with no small amount of heavy gear, Sheldon and the other Pathfinders can only hope that they will find favor with their future hosts since they can't hope to do much otherwise.

Several Pathfinders continue to finger through the Little Red Book, eager to arm themselves with Maoist thought should they be called upon to present ideological credentials. But most of them check equipment for water damage, and as quietly as possible does not mean quietly in the absolute sense.

(Here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11048960&postcount=240) Chivo went to Port Royal in an attempt to get it through to the empire that it was about to get itself into a spot of bother. It wasn't terribly diplomatic in that there's no major concessions on offer, but nobody was convinced that Roycelandia understands how utterly ridiculous is its situation in the Philippines and in Goa, so Chivo thought maybe a graph and a pie chart might help.

Planned IC post delayed due to crippling tiredness. Yay.)

I'm amazed I missed that post! That's what happens when you work nightshift, I guess.

All these demands to "leave" the Philippines are a bit complicated, IMO- it's not like the country is under direct Roycelandian military occupation or anything. It'd be a bit like demanding RL Britain "leave" RL Australia, simply because they share the same head of state.

Anyway, in the interests of not sparking a Nuclear War, we're prepared to withdraw the specificly Roycelandian military troops from the Philippines.

However, we expect the Portmerion backed rebels to lay down their arms as well, and I must stress that the Filipino Government, RPd by AC, is a separate entity and free to carry on however they wish.

Roycelandians in a non-military capacity will be staying in the Philippines though, to oversee the health, education, and infrastructure of the country.

As for Goa, I'd really prefer to avoid a shooting confrontation with the Angry Mob if possible- even they must realise how many people are going to get killed fighting for Goa, and ultimately Igovian troops could probably be put to better use elsewhere, especially with Russia and China shooting at each other (something Roycelandia has no part in)...

The Australasian Government, internally acknowledging defeat on the Philippines issue, makes noises of official commendation to the Roycelandian withdrawl. The words 'common sense', 'international goodwill' and 'proof of a modern, reasonable government' feature prominently in said noises.

The Island Fleet commanded by Admiral Denning was en route to the Suez Canal. The fleet is composed of the carrier Quenfis, the battlecruiser Collingwood, the battleship Nelson and assorted cruisers, destroyers and support vessels. Four attack submarines and three ballistic missile subs rounded out the force. The fleet, which had not stopped back in port but had been refuelled en route, was just passing 90 degrees east and crossing the equator. Parts of the Indonesian island chain were visible off to starboard.

Sailing with them were the troop transports of the First and Third expeditionary forces. Each expeditionary force was akin to a small army, composed of armoured regiments, infantry battalions and even artillery forces. There were the elite Guard units, and the irregular Light units. The Colonial Marines were trained in bitter street fighting, and the Hussar Armoured Regiment drove lightly armoured, fast and powerful tanks. The soldiers, best of Australasia's armies, were crammed in pot-bellied transports, vomiting in the scuppers and cursing their generals. The generals vomited in their staterooms and cursed Lord Creighton. Creighton cursed nobody, smoked a cigar and drank his fourth or fifth glass of rum in his office.

The latest announcement by Roycelandia is met with political silence from China, because behind closed doors, the administration is split on what to do next into a classic "doves and hawks" scenario.

On one side, Minister of Defence General Chang argued that standing down now would equate to a Roycelandian victory through the installation of a puppet regime and they would get away with it.

On the other side, Zhang believed that containment of Roycelandian ambitions through the imposing of a treaty to prevent militarisation and financial exploitation of the Phillipines would be more effective and go some way towards regaining the goodwill of non-Progressive nations in the region. The NPA was unlikely to disarm given that previous attempts to be politically recognised resulted in the deaths of the politician involved.

While Beijing decided her course of action, the carrier fleets around the Phillipines are ordered to pull back.

Sithin, PRS

After extensive deliberations, the Knowledge Committee of the Strainist Party has released a draft proposal for resolution of matters in the Philippines, in the hopes of forming an international consensus to further diffuse regional tensions and ensure continuing stability. That the Knowledge Committee has issued the release, rather than the Central or Diplomacy committees as would normally be expected, likely speaks to the ongoing debate within the Party over the proper response to world events.

------

Point 1: On Regional Security within the Asia-Pacific

Concerns and disagreements have arisen within the Asia-Pacific sphere, regarding the actions of the Roycelandian and French empires vis-a-vis the republic of the Philippines. These concerns issued both on the matter of regional security, and on the matter of Filipino rights to self-determination, both of which seemed threatened by Franco-Roycelandian actions.
The departure of France has done much to alleviate the security issue: Versailles had siezed territory directly from the Philippine state, fortified it to a considerable degree, and used it to house amphibious landing vessels as well as military forces whose makeup revealed an intention for further expansion into the sovereign states of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia (so-called 'Indochine', French Indochina). France also used its Pacific naval presence to engage in acts of piracy against civil shipping, following a pattern of behaviour first revealed with the siezure of Tordian vessels following a political shift in that country.
Their departure, and Roycelandian willingness to restrict its military presence in the Philippines, are signs of progress on the security front. Given the current state of affairs internationally, however, this committee proposes that additional steps be taken in order to ensure continued peace and stability in the region.

First and foremost, it is neccessary given the close relationship between Port Royal and Versailles that Roycelandia make clear to the regional powers wether she intends to open her ports to French shipping operating with hostile intent in the Asia Pacific region. Secondly, given the volume of naval movements operating in the Pacific and associated seas, it is reccomended that all powers adopt a policy of respectful warning towards nearby powers when making military movements, so that no power mistakes a justifiable movement for war preparations.

Point 2: On Democracy and Development within the Philippines

Concern continues over events in the Philippines, despite improvements in the regional security situation. Perhaps most important, numerous factors call into question the legitimacy of the current government and its status as representative for the Filipino right to self-determination.
While conflict between political groups has existed in the Philippines for some time, recent events have seen the government make momentous political changes, such as widespread execution of officials convicted of corruption and the transition from a Republic to a Commonwealth with Emperor Royce of Roycelandia as head of state. Such changes can only be considered 'imposed' under the current system, having been instituted first in the absence of a number of elected parliamentarians (whose exact whereabouts are still unknown) and later by a new parliament selected in an electoral process which was conducted without warning, and allowed no participation by opposition parties.

In order to re-establish the legitimacy of the Filipino government, it is vital that a new electoral process occur, under international supervision to ensure its accuracy. This election ought encompass both parliamentary and presidential seats and allow participation of all political movements.

In addition, an internationally-operated electoral process in the Philippines has a unique opportunity to redress longstanding grievances and pass judgement on changes to the national structure. As such, taking a lesson from the highly successful electoral process that took place under international supervision in the states of the former Bonstock (and saw the confirmation of the current states of Sujava, Indonesia, and Timor), this election ballot ought include a referendum on the status of the Philippines as an independent republic or a commonwealth under the Roycelandian monarch. This referendum ought also include provisions for voting on continued membership in the Phillipine state, giving voice to popular elements in such regions as Mindanao, Sulu, and the Cordilleras which have long argued that they are included in the Philippine state due to Spanish (and later Quinntonian) colonial impositions rather than popular will.

Such an electoral process will require a degree of stability and a level of infrastructure that are not currently found in all areas of the Philippines. As such, it ought be preceded by a peroid of no less than one year, under which development aid, electoral preparations, and peacekeeping efforts will be overseen by an International Electoral Commission that will consist of regional powers ( such as China and Japan), and interested parties (such as Roycelandia, Quinntonia, and Hindustan). Exact membership ought be established through negotiation between powers presently involved. Philippine membership ought be established at the same time, though participation by the Philippine government ought require an invitation to prominent opposition forces such as the Communist Party of the Philippines: Maoist, due to questions of legitimacy.

In order to ensure that no corporate, political, or national elements attempt to buy voters through use of development aid, all such programs and resources ought be administered through the IEC, absent of any symbols, logos, or statements which identify its source. In addition, care must be taken to provide aid alongside, rather than through, organizations such as churches, mosques, or the New People's Army, whose current status as purveyors of aid and social programs ought be respected but whose politics might come into play (intentionally or no) when remembered at the ballot box.

Until such time as a legitimate government can be elected in the Philippines, legislative and budgetary action should be confined to those begun under the previous legitimate government.

Point 3: On Disarmament and Ceasefire Talks within the Philippines

In order for regional security to be preserved, and the possibility of a legitimate election opened, it is vital that ongoing violence in the Philippines be reduced or restrained as much as possible. To this end, it is suggested that bilateral negotiations be held between the Philippine government and prominent opposition groups such as the Communist Party of the Philippines: Maoist, with the aim of establishing a cease-fire agreement lasting at least until after the results of the IEC-monitored electoral process. Disarmament ought be arranged within these negotiations, and ought be a bilateral process so as to preserve good faith at the bargaining table. Particularly significant measures agreed to in these negotiations ought be added to the referendum which will be held by the IEC.

While the IEC ought establish peacekeeping forces to assist in the distribution of aid programs and ensure that all citizens in the Philippines may live without fear of death or bodily harm, these forces ought not be used in campaigns to support or eliminate any movemernt internal to the Philippines.

Raleigh, Australasia
The Raleigh Tribune, Events Page

DPM Jangala stated in a message to the Spyrian government that an Australasian observer team would be made available for such an effort. He further praised Spyrian, Chinese and Roycelandian officials for coming to a 'peaceful settlement in these troubled times'.

In other news (http://s9.invisionfree.com/NS_Modern_World/index.php?showtopic=263) Prime Minister Andrew Strathairn's job approval ratings hit their lowest point in his term in light of new allegations of marital infidelity, coupled with his support of war in Europe. The Prime Minister is unavailable for comment.

Mumbai

Parliament, growing increasingly usure of its position with regards to the Philippines, doesn't take much time before endorsing the current Spyrian proposal. Mumbai's understanding, though, is that Plan 22 will happen after all, although with a much reduced combat aspect, as a way of ensuring compliance on the part of the Aznar regime. Unioners look to Sithin for guidance, though, since Parliament doesn't have such a good grasp on the islands' internal situation. And whatever the Strainists say, the Unioners will likely follow.

There is some doubt as to whether President Aznar will accept Sithin's settlement when it will almost certainly force him out of office, and when it is being imposed by powers so recently ready to depose him by force. But with Roycelandia gone, Aznar might very well see cooperation as the only to retain any public office in his country after the rest of Asia is through.

Goa Karnataka border

The deadline granted for Goa's showing of surrender's flag was long passed. Soviet warships were strung-out in an arch on the fringe of the enclave's territorial waters, corvettes in the main, with AIP submarines below. Hobgoblin, Puffin, and Springer fighter aircraft were on patrol over land and sea, along with Marathon AEW aircraft and surveillance drones. Anti-radiation missiles were armed, the location of Roycelandian radar sites programmed into their digital memory.

On the ground, quarter of a million Commonwealth Militia Auxiliary forces were restrained -or backed-up- by several Expert Corps divisions pushing the force total closer to a third of a million.

It wasn't far past midday, the sun was certainly not helping the mood of the Auxiliaries. Royce and Adiatorix were away in Wellington, and no encouraging news had come back. Crowds started to move forward at several points on the border. Some on roads, others on the beaches to the south, more in the jungle and other terrain between more usual crossing points.

Several thousand citizens, dressed in their day-to-day fabrics, some with AKMs slung over their shoulders, walked up to the border almost as they would have in less tense times if hoping to visit friends or relatives in Goa. They didn't charge, just walked towards the guards, or where there weren't any, straight up to the invisible line.

And the troops- at least 100,000 of them plus easily another 300,000 armed civillians, watched back and did nothing. Their rifles were loaded- with 180gr Soft Point or Dum-Dum bullets, since they were facing the Igovians after all- and the bayonets were fixed

They had their orders in the event of an invasion. They weren't pleasant, but they were prepared to carry them out to the letter.

"Ah, this is good!" Said a yet unnamed Auxiliary. "You are many, yes? If you fight, you will deal your empire's military strength a massive blow by your defeat!"

A hundred thousand soldiers on the Indian sub-continent, surrounded by the peoples of a warrior culture several hundred percent larger than their own, attempts had been made to make the Roycelandians appreciate the reality of their situation, but their epic war movies seemed to have fogged the minds of soldiers, civilians, and politicians alike.

The most vocal Auxiliary tried again at the border point he'd reached. "Do your officers want to make this a Stalingrad? Do you appreciate the suffering that you will endure if that is so? Look! If you fight the defeat in Lusaka will be nothing, the loss of your battleship in the Coral Sea will be not 1% of the horror to be experienced here. We're talking to you now, face to face, though we have a million faces to each of yours and we look down on your small frames as you look up, and you must appreciate that your enemy is at home.

"When you were young boys do you not remember your parents telling you of the last Emperor who lost half of Africa and was defeated in South East Asia? Realise, now, that Royce I is making a tradition of disaster! More than ever, more than the humiliating days of almost thirty years ago, you need a new Emperor, this one has walked Roycelandia into the grinder! Here you see your soldiers outnumbered by just a few men to one... but what happens once we shoot at each other?

"I shall tell you! Hundreds of Sovietists to each one person in this city shall descend with gun and blade to take the heads of you and all that stand behind you! You do not even have enough bullets to stop us if you all survive our fire and score a kill with each round of yours, which we know very well that you shall not!

"Even if you make this Stalingrad, remember that Stalingrad was but one battle in a war that Germany lost. To us, on our continent, it is the only battle! You won't face a part of the red army, you will face all of the Soviets! And I probably won't even see you fall. I'll be back there" He said, pointing his sword back into Karnataka, "While your comrades fall under bombardment from land, sea, and air. We will bring a million reinforcements, two million, ten million. You will not get a single one!" he gestured towards the ocean, on which, just over the horizon, dozens of Soviet ships prevented reinforcement.

"Between us, here, we can agree to allow your evacuation. Your hundred thousand soldiers can protect your home islands. If you do not take this chance, the Soviet Commune will press us to crush you before you can escape to fight another day. Do you want the Empire's defeats to start now? Can you imagine what the loss of one hundred thousand men will do to your nation's strength?

"At Dunkirk the allies had three or four times your strength, and the Germans many times less than ours. If you think that somehow your soldiers are worth a thousand Britons then stand. If you doubt that in any measure, withdraw!" [/i]

At guarded border points the Auxiliaries began to withdraw. In the hills and forests they remained on the border itself. Countless guns, rockets, ships, and aircraft made ready, and next time the infantry returned they would be coming to stay.

(OOC: Sorry, I'll stop all the rambling and start the fighting next post, if the Roycelandians decline the last slim chance to get out. The arrogance of course is in character. I hope that everyone remembers who we are- we're the people of whom Caesar said they fear nothing but that the sky may fall on their heads or of whom Strabo said, high-spirited and quick to battle... and on whatever pretext you stir them up, you will have them ready to face danger, even if they have nothing on their side but their own strength and courage and Diodorus Siculus ...they cut off the heads of enemies slain in battle and attach them to the necks of their horses. The blood-stained spoils they hand over to their attendants and carry off as booty. And we've not had much cause to change any of that.
We'll see, next post either the Roycelandian garrison will take a last ditch opportunity to withdraw, or it'll be slaughtered and WWIII will be inarguably under way! Erm, hurrah?)

While agreeing with Spyr in almost all counts, Beijing could not see Aznar remaining in power and being rewarded for his part in the murder of opposition parties in the Phillipines. Justice needed to be served, and Aznar needed to be judged and sentenced.

Wing Lee arrives back in the Phillipines after dramatically altering his appearance. His proposals that the Chinese actively funded the NPA was now irrelevant, but his superiors had generally agreed that Aznar was a problem, and that free elections who have been difficult with him around.

The Commander of the Garrison took his chance to address the Igovians.

"Look, Goa is part of Roycelandia, as per the Treaty of Goa signed in 1542. You've had 464 years to lodge any objections, and there's no point making a fuss about it now."

OOC: Didn't we agree that if Roycelandia left the Philippines, you'd leave Goa alone?

Goa-Maharashtra Border

On the other end of Goa's border with India proper, Colonel Rajpuna's regiment starts taking-down border fences with cutters and circular saws. Mumbai fully expects the Roycelandians to pick-up and leave Goa to the Bedgellens, and the quickest way to evacuate the Roycelandians who want to leave is to move them into Maharashtra. Miles of chain-link fence are hardly likely to help evacuation efforts, after all, and what the Maharashtra Border Council absolutely does not want is a refugee pile-up with three hundred thousand armed Bedgellens close behind.

A flight of armed Gazelles helps to watch the border in support of Rajpuna's regiment, since many suspect that Roycelandia's Goa garrison will mount a fighting retreat into the Union. With tension increasing worldwide, especially with Port Royal, the Border Council wouldn't put it past Roycelandia to take advantage of the INA's small presence along the frontier with Goa. 400,000 men, even when that number is primarily composed of conscripts, could do a lot of damage in almost undefended southern Maharashtra. Six Gazelles probably won't help very much if this does happen, but it is better than nothing.

A few Chhatisgarh Class patrol vessels turn up off Goa as well, and IN Lynxes can be seen landing and taking-off from their small helipads, presumably looking for Roycelandian or French subs that some suspect are lurking offshore, waiting to deliver a cruise missile strike once the Bedgellens lose patience. Small Rajasthan Class missile boats also make an appearance, similarly on the lookout for threats. They also serve to escort Australasian evacuation ships in and out of the area as they come in an effort to prevent their accidental engagement by Soviet naval forces.

Mumbai

In Parliament House, Unioners hope that Port Royal will take the Bedgellen offer and leave Goa, since their position is untenable in the extreme and resistance will only serve to rob Roycelandia of manpower that could probably be put to better use elsewhere. Some Parliamentarians wouldn't mind seeing such a large chunk of the Roycelandian army destroyed, though, and if shooting does start, Goa's garrison shouldn't expect more than the usual measure of sympathy from Mumbai.

Parliament is, of course, counting on NATO being more or less defunct, as a Quinntonian entry on the Roycelandian side stands a good chance of demolishing the fragile and unstable anti-League alliance. The Quinntonians, if they took Goa as an attack on Roycelandia's soveriegn territory, would probably only declare war on the Bedgellens, but Mumbai couldn't very well leave its most important, and in fact quite helpful, neighbors to fend for themselves.

The Philippines are still a major point of concern for Parliament, although that issue temporarily takes a back seat to Goa. Sithin recieves an official communique endorsing the Spyrian plan and listing-off some possible Union delegates to the future electoral commission. It also discusses Plan 22, and asks whether the Spyrians judge it wise to land troops on Mindanao after all. Even with Sheldon's small delegation landed, the Union does not have much of a feel for the social and political situation in the Filippino republic, and doesn't quite know whether it would be worthwhile to mount combat operations now that Aznar as lost his largest supporter and source of military muscle. Mumbai offers-up the two regiments currently deployed to Bengkulu, as well as the 800-strong embarked force of marines, as peacekeepers if they're ever needed, and also talks about sending them to the Lyong Peninsula if the Spyrians have any inclination to attack Russia.

((Can anyone point me to the thread where F. Guiana is getting invaided? Sorry about my absence continually of late to gents, you know how IRL is.))

[OOC: I don't think anyone's actually invading Guiana, yet at least... probably depends on the ebb and flow of global war really. The idea was being bandied about at talks in Wellington, but I suspect that lines of battleships must cross in the Atlantic and islands hopped in the Pacific beforehand]

Jakarta

The Revolutionary Committee of the Strainist Party releases an announcement that, as a sign of good faith and hopes for peace, several Revolutionary Army units currently deployed in Southeast Asia (including at least one armoured division) will be moved out-of-theatre in the near future.

Concerns still exist amongst the SRA that a peaceful solution may not be reached with the Aznar government, with or without Roycelandian support. Thus, Plan 22 remains at the forefront orf future planning: if the diplomatic front falters, the Strainists (and hopefully their Hindustani allies) must be ready to press the issue militarily.

As such, it ought be preceded by a peroid of no less than one year, under which development aid, electoral preparations, and peacekeeping efforts will be overseen by an International Electoral Commission that will consist of regional powers ( such as China and Japan), and interested parties (such as Roycelandia, Quinntonia, and Hindustan). Exact membership ought be established through negotiation between powers presently involved.

Japan expresses its satisfaction with Sithin's proposal, announcing that observers and peacekeeping troops would be made available for the Philippines.

Karnataka-Goa border

The thousands of workers and soldiers close to Goa, as they begin to fall back from the frontier, establish a most unusual display. Bits of fencing, trees and shrubs, windbreaks, forests of canes and sticks, artificial turf containing tall grass, all sorts of soft cover -which wouldn't stop a bullet but would obscure a person from view- begin to appear hundreds of yards deep for miles around the border.

An uneasy peace has descended on the border... the soldiers are still in position with fixed bayonets, but haven't yet relaxed, despite the apparent withdrawl by the Igovians...

Mumbai

Parliament reports to the Sujavans and Spyrians that Mumbai is indeed prepared to persuade Aznar through an invasion if it is necessary, although there is still a strong desire to free-up the INA's relatively few deployable units for operations elsewhere. One of the newly-refurbished Type 42 destroyers, INS Jaisalmer, is also sent out to Tanimbar to reinforce Admiral Singh's squadron, and also to show the Strainists that Mumbai isn't about to drop the Philippines issue as new theaters open-up in Europe, Africa, and South America.

Although probably too late to be of much use, a Foreign Ministry transport group is flown into Bengkulu, equipped with the dependable DC-3. This can, says Mumbai, be used for whatever purpose the Sujavans find, including flights to Mindanao. Of course, the Foreign Ministry pilots would hardly shy-away from flights into the IRI.

(OCC: An excellent article on CIA operations against Sukarno:

http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_175.shtml

Not much AMW relevance but still pretty interesting.)

Deputy Prime Minister Cobar Jangala groaned aloud when he read the latest CIS (Colonial Intelligence Service) reports on the Goa. Soviets, known for their bellicose nature and lack of general reason were fighting Roycelandians, known for being stalwart, supercilious and generally nasty to fight.

Whatever the result, it wouldn't be pretty. Jangala fired off a written statement to the Soviet government that essentially asked them whether or not they could control their own army, and what they thought could be gained from an invasion of a neutral nation. Did they not understand that courting Roycelandia as a possible ally in the war against the Holy League was more important than a show of Soviet pride?

OOC: I understand the roleplay factor and how your people are rather more violent than most, but surely you can chill out a LITTLE, BG?

The Australasian Deputy Prime Minister's communiqué was soon shoved in a Raipur diplomatic library, filed under something boring.

The Commune dispatched some fairly non-specific reply about how the Commonwealth Guard was comprised of people, and that, no, people could not be controlled, would not be controlled, and that was no small part of their purpose in moving against the Roycelandian Empire.

To the east, Soviet liasons continued with the CPP, NDF, and NPA in long-standing efforts to guide the communists away from Mao and towards the Soviets, but COG warships were actually heading back to India.

The reply was short and to the point, at least as far as the Australasian government was concerned.

The world is at a tipping point. The Progressive Bloc, such as it is, is attempting with Australasian and Chinese help to unseat the Holy League in Europe. Central to this effort is Roycelandian noninvolvement or co-operation. The actions of the Soviet militia will not aid in this cause, because it will push Roycelandia to a more pro-Holy League position.

Yes, Roycelandian forces occupy the Goa. This is, perhaps, a bad thing. But it is far more important to keep Roycelandia a neutral power. Your actions cause it to become more and more aligned with the Holy League.

Perhaps the Soviets have no concept of international co-operation. This is their loss. However, the possible gains of annexing the Goa are miniscule. It will cost much in manpower and gain little in territory. It will cause Royce I to align himself with the Holy League against the free world.

In its refusal to listen to reason, the Soviets show that they are no better-- nay, that they are worse than the Roycelandians. When faced with a reasonable opposition in the Philippines, Emperor Royce bowed to the international community and began removing Roycelandian troops and officials from the islands.

If the forces of Australasia were not committed in an attempt to fight the League directly (while Soviet forces are notably absent), they would attempt to defend Roycelandian soldiers and civilians from the Soviet horde. As it stands, we may only condemn the actions of your unruly mobs and appeal to what small reason remains.

International politics are such that we cannot always have what we want. We must sometimes compromise because the result of not doing so is worse than that which we stand to lose by taking the hard line. It is to be hoped that the Soviets are capable of doing so. If not, I fear that your nation may not long survive.

-DPM Rt. Hon. Cobar Jangala

Prime Minister Aznar declares that the Filipino government will adhere to the proposed Spyrian plan, if, and only if, the NPA agrees to a ceasefire treaty.

[OOC: At one point, had a nice post written up about Spyr pushing its plan... renting an office building in Manila, Spyran diplomats trying to convince the CPP to accept a ceasefire while the SRA keeps up arms shipments, and the like. But I can no longer seem to find where I put it, unfortunately. So, just a bump of sorts and a reminder that, whatever's up in the Atlantic, Sithin at least is still keeping pressure on Aznar].

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/6263/skirmishuz2.gif

Hahah! Brilliant :)

[OOC: Hahaha...Spyr, you made my day.]

Spyr, that is without a doubt the funniest thing I have ever seen anywhere on NS!

I'm still laughing hysterically at it as I type this. In fact, I had to clean the coffee off my monitor so I could actually type a reply...

Great stuff! You really should get a web-page and make more of them...