NationStates Jolt Archive

IC:
*BREAKING NEWS* *BREAKING NEWS* - MRNBC NEWS - *BREAKING NEWS* *BREAKING NEWS*
PIRACY - MACARONIAN TANKERS SEIZED
*BREAKING NEWS* *BREAKING NEWS* - MRNBC NEWS - *BREAKING NEWS* *BREAKING NEWS*

"News just in. Piracy has returned to the shores of the Empire, having been absent for over a hundred years. Reports are coming in that a number of oil-carrying Supertankers have been seized off the coast of Ralakov. Yet to be confirmed, these reports claim armed bandits approached these vessels as they rounded the Cape of Ral - waters well known be treacherous due to the shallow reefs in the vicinity. These Supertankers have gone out of radio contact, and nothing has been heard of them since. HIM Coastguard is expected to make a statement shortly, which we will bring to you live as soon as it begins..."


HIM Coastguard Headquarters
Monmouth

"Would somebody care to explain how the hell you managed to lose three supertankers in our own waters?" Rear Admiral Thomas demanded, barrelling into the control room.

The room went silent. "Nobody? YOU....Commander Edwards. Explain. Now."

All eyes focused on the Regional Officer-of-the-Watch. It was his job to ensure the smooth flow of traffic around the cape and into the ports of Macaronia and Raviolia.

"Err... we... we don't know yet, Sir"

"These tankers are what...a good 200 metres long, and 300,000 tons, and you manage to just...lose them?"

"Erm...yes."

"Well...you know what, Commander?"

"Sir?"

"YOU HAD BETTER DAMN WELL FIND THEM THEN"

"Aye aye, Sir"

"Now - fill me in. Do you have satellite images of the last time they were seen?"

"Yes, Sir"

"Well...let's see them man, come on!"

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/new-wessex/supertanker.png

"This was prior to the attack..."

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/new-wessex/supertanker2.png

"During it..."

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/new-wessex/supertanker3.png

"And this is the last shot we have of them...before they, err, disappeared"



"Right. So who are these 'pirates'?" Thomas demanded.

"We don't know yet,"

"Then find out - I have a statement to release"


(OOC: Anyone want to respond? If you want to portray the raiders, telegram me!)

The Holy Empire of The Aeson is willing to send the SotG Aegir(OOC: That's Ship of the Gods, about the same as saying USS or HMS) to patrol the coast.

The Empire of Macaronia and Raviolia would like to thank the Holy Empire of The Aeson for their offer of support, and if possible would like them to direct their ships to assist HIM Coastguard vessels searching for the tankers in the waters around the Island of Ralakov.

Secretary of Defense Paul King sat at his desk when the report came in.

"Sir, Macaronia and Raviolia has seen recent 'pirate' activity, or so we think."

"Interesting... I hope those pirates don't reach our shores. Maybe we ough to help them..."

"I think so sir."

Paul rolled a pen in his fingers. "For a price of course."

Secret Message to Macaronia and Raviolia:
From: Geneticon Departments of Defense and State

We have recieved a signal that shows reports that pirates have been seen around your coast. We are happy to report that part of our air force is availible for use. For a small price, say... 100 billion USDs, we could send them to your assistance to find the stolen ships and help destroy the pirates. Please respond.

-End Message-

"Sir, we have orders to assist the HIM ships."

"All right. Take us in." The SotG Aegir was not designed to be a stealthy ship, and it made no attempts to be. A huge ship, it proudly flew The Aesonic Flag. The guns gleamed in the sunlight, the result of thousands of man hours of polishing by those unlucky enough to draw the commander's ire.

That commander broadcast over the radio, "This is the SotG Aegir. We've come to help with the search for the missing tankers, and if it becomes necessary, we are combat ready. So, where do you want us to look?"

He switched off the radio, and while waiting for a reply turned to his Tactical Officer, "Tell me we have sattelite imaging of this area."

"One of our sattelites moved into position as soon as we got the first reports, sir. But we didn't have anything when the tankers disappeared."

"All right, send a request for any sattellite images they have."

"Yes sir."

To: Commander Edwards
From: The SotG Aegir
In order to better facilitate our search, we respectfully request that you
transmit any sattelite images that you have of the tanker's disappearance.

The Protectorate of Fordington, being a sea-faring state, empathises with Macaronia and Raviolia's situation. Sadly, Fordington's naval capacity is not yet capable of international support missions, and is directed in home-defence missions at this current stage. Fordington does extend an offer of complete protection for Macaronia and Raviolia's merchant ships while travelling in, or within 300km of Fordington waters, from the intrusion of illegal piracy in your endeavours.

Secret Message to: Geneticon Departments of Defense and State
From: Macaronia and Raviolia

We thank you for your generous offer, but at this time we do not require additional air cover and therefore we shall not be taking you up upon it at this time.

-End Message-



IC:

HIM Coastguard Cutter 'Malor'
Search Area

"Sir, we've recieved a message from the SotG Aegir requesting our satellite images,"

"Send them, and thank them for their assistance," replied Captain Peirce, "Oh, and send them our latest chart of the area as well,"

"Aye, Sir"

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/new-wessex/searcharea.png


TO: The Protectorate of Fordington
FROM: The Empire of Macaronia and Raviolia

We thank you for your support at this time and your assurance of protection. In return, you can expect all your vessels to be protected when within our waters. Our Foreign Ministry has also requsted we ask if you might consider an embassy in Macaronia and Raviolia to continue relations?

(OOC: If you do, there's a link below)

Just wondering if you're looking for someone to play the pirates?

Check your telegrams

"Bring us to the tanker's last known location and begin a spiral pattern search," said the captain to the helmsman. He turned to the TO, "Prepare a boarding party, and ready the grapples. If we find the pirates, I don't want to just blow them out of the water. If we take prisoners they may reveal where the tankers are, and just how they managed this disappearing act."

Although better suited for blue water operations, the Aequatian Navy is willing to provide aid in the search for the lost tanker and for pirate vessels. We can send two Falcon-class guided-missile frigates with their Marine detachments and helicopters.

TO: The Nationalist Social Republic of Aequatio

The Empire of Macaronia and Raviolia would welcome your assistance - these supertankers may well have already departed coastal waters and as such, there is plenty of scope for them to be out on the ocean.



FROM: HIM Coastguard
TO: All Search Vessels

The Empire of Macaronia and Raviolia would like to request that any vessel which discovers the pirates try and keep them alive - we wish to interrogate them. We also have the following information for you:

The ship's are all of the same class - Sophia and are 110,000 dead-weight tonnes. They are named the Woodstock, Purbeck and the Amlwch.

Further specifications will follow.

Colm Winters smiled as the wind whipped through his hair. The AK-47 leant against his thigh as the powerboat sped over the water, the wake winding behind them like a sea serpent of old. Certainly an apt description, as he looked behind at the vast form of the Macaronian supertanker Woodstock, the latest prize from their little raiding schemes.

The Collective had put a lot of money into building the vast sheltered harbour where the huge supertankers were to be stored until they could be sold on the black market, and so far five of the hulking vessels had turned a considerable income over to the Collective's coffers.

Yes, he smiled to himself. The government of Macaronia would certainly not live this down.

Even the sharks had profited from this operation- the crew members who had offered resistance would feed them well.

"You see," said one sailor in the radio room to another after recieving the message, "Our captain's one step ahead of these guys."

"One step ahead of the people who misplaced three 1100 ton supertankers? Really? I never would have guessed."

"Shut up you, and relay the information."

"Aye, sir."

IC:

HIM Coastguard HQ
Monmouth

"Any news from the search teams?" RAdm. Thomas asked, as he stood at the window, watching another helicopter flying across the harbour, out across the bay and out to sea. In the distance he could just about see the Island of Ralakov - somewhere, beyond that, the ships would be found.

"None, Sir" replied the terrified-looking officer manning the COMM desk.

"Does nobody have any theories at all?"

"Not yet, Sir. We're working on it,"

The Admiral gave a grumble of discontent, and turned to face the huge map on the wall that showed the location of the forces searching for the missing tankers. How the devil could somebody hide a fully-laden tanker in the middle of the ocean with all these satellites they had availible?

Colm Winters smiled as the wind whipped through his hair. The AK-47 leant against his thigh as the powerboat sped over the water, the wake winding behind them like a sea serpent of old. Certainly an apt description, as he looked behind at the vast form of the Macaronian supertanker Sophia, the latest prize from their little raiding schemes.

The Collective had put a lot of money into building the vast sheltered harbour where the huge supertankers were to be stored until they could be sold on the black market, and so far five of the hulking vessels had turned a considerable income over to the Collective's coffers.

Yes, he smiled to himself. The government of Macaronia would certainly not live this down.

Even the sharks had profited from this operation- the crew members who had offered resistance would feed them well.

OOC: Just so I'm clear, you're RPing as the raiders, but Karullia doesn't actually have any connection to the raiders, right?

Nikki Ramirez pulled herself out from under the control console and smiled broadly "That's the last of it, skipper. Now the boat is totally manual, all radar and guidance systems completely disabled." The 23-year-old electronics whiz smiled to Ivan Ruzkin, the tall Russian who had taken command of the vessel. He nodded, looking over his shoulder to where Carlton Michaels, the Macaronian, was bent over the sea charts. The ship was being navigated completely manually, under radio silence, so it was more than useful to have him aboard. Michaels would be invaluable over the next three days as they sailed back toward Cortega island, where the vessel's precious oil cargo would be pumped back to the Collective, allowing it to be sold.

Then came the part Ruzkin liked the most....the scuttling.

He smiled as he held the Woodstock on it's course.

Nah, Karullia's nothing to do with this. The pirates are part of an anti-capitalist organisation, and are generally being terroristy types who want to steal all of Macaronia's oil.

OOC: Just making sure. Would it at this point be permissible to pick up the Woodstock on sattelite and start heading that way?

[OOC: Perhaps you saw a flicker on your screens...]

Don't see why not. May finish this a lot earlier than expected though- check with Macaronia, as it's his RP.

OOC: Right. Just a flicker, so I'm headed in your general direction. I'll leave you to decide if we actually find you.

IC: "Sir, satellite imaging may have picked something up. Some ways north of our current location, but we didn't manage a presice location."

"Turn us north then, I want full sweeps, radar, sonar, everything, and send up an observation balloon as well. Maybe we'll spook them into giving something away."

A small hot air balloon was filled, and a man with extensive observational equipment climbed into the basket. The balloon was tethered to the deck and began climbing into the air.

IC:

HIM Coastguard HQ
Monmouth

"Sir, we have a theory. Well...its more of an idea, really."

"Yes?"

"Well - we believe the motivation may have been to steal the oil,"

"I wondered why we paid you all," the Admiral replied sarcastically.

"Erm, yeah. But obviously they can't do this out in the open - they'd need some sort of base."

The Admiral gave him 'the look', "Is this going anywhere, Commander?"

"Sort of...we want permission to expand the search area by another 100km,"

"Granted...is that IT?"

"For now"

OOC: Bump. IC post coming as soon as Karullia responds.

SIC:

Pastan Intelligence Agency HQ
Somewhere in the Raviol Mountains

William Edwards, head of the Agency placed his thumb up against the small sensor panel next to the door and waited. Seconds later, having checked both his fingerprint and his DNA, as well as picking up the small chip implanted in just under his nail, the solid blast-proof door began to rotate open. It was a vast block of some alloy or other that could withstand...well, he couldn't remember the exact figure, but the room inside was one of the safest places to be in the Empire anyway.

Hidden away below the Raviol Mountain range, the PIA was the agency responsible for not only keeping tabs on each and every person within the empire - a job shared by the Bureau of Employment - but keeping track of all threats to the Empire, either external or internal. Its mandate was wide-ranging.

William stepped into the room, the door closed with a slam behind him. Inside, it was a veritable cavern. On the wall facing him was a gigantic screen, that covered the entire wall. Currently it showed the default graphic - a map of the world, with Macaronia and Raviolia neatly centred. The huge display was designed to show key information at-a-glance to the hundred or so people that worked in this room.

In the centre of the room was a large circular desk, with a large leather chair - his. From here, he could oversee the work of all those at the banks of computers arrayed around in groups on the floor of the room - here were the operators keeping track of agents and supervising. The 'real' work, the analysis took place in the levels below.

Seating himself, William logged himself in to the System.

"Right. Update me," he said aloud to nobody in particular.

"We're still trying to establish who these pirates are working for," replied LtCdr Eriksonn - an experienced officer on 'loan' from the Imperial Pastan Navy, and who was SitCom for this operation.

"Any leads so far?"

The Commander gestured to look at the gigantic screen. As he did so, he saw the map focus in on the area where the latest supertanker was seized come in to focus, as the map gradually zoomed in, in stages.

"This is a satellite image of the pirate vessel, timestamp 0935 Hours"

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/new-wessex/piratevessel.png

"Any luck tracing the vessel?"

"We're working on it. There are no obvious symbols or recognisable words...but we'll find out,"

"Any working theories?"

"We've eliminated the theory these people are working on there own. Far too unlikely, as they've managed to make these vessels 'disappear'. Instead, we hypothesize they're part of some sort of much larger organisation,"

"Any of the usual suspects?"

"We're fairly certain it's not the Army of Democrats this time. Our agents have infiltrated that organisation and haven't heard anything like this. No...we think it's likely to be a new group - anti-capitalist. Hitting us where it hurts hardest,"

"I concur. Tell me if you learn anything new."

"Aye, Sir,"

"If we find them," said the captain, "I want every advantage. The Supertankers aren't supposed to have any weaponry, but it's a pretty good bet the pirates are going to be shooting at us. I want you to prepare the tear gas launcher (OOC: Basically it's just a small weapon that launches canisters of tear gas) and the harpoon grapples (OOC: Just what they sound like. They're designed to hold a small ship in place. Wouldn't work against a supertanker, but if the pirates launch a boat to escape...). Put the Imperial Marines on red alert."

Apologies, folks. Was on the train home from work.

The Woodstock carried along it's merry way under it's own power, the remaining crew safely ensconced in a gargo segment. Cortega island should appear on the horizon shortly, and Ruzkin grinned broadly as he stood on the bridge. The ten men he had with him were more than sufficient to guide the tanker, and he had no doubts as to their cometence.

After all, The Collective had picked them by hand for this task, and all were motivated by the considerable rewards set aside for them at the end of this job.

[OOC info]

The Woodstock is currently nearly a day and a half out of Macaronia, so may JUST be visible from the observation balloon IF they have very good visual equipment, the right lighting and a healthy dose of very good weather and calm seas.

Apologies, folks. Was on the train home from work.

The Woodstock carried along it's merry way under it's own power, the remaining crew safely ensconced in a gargo segment. Cortega island should appear on the horizon shortly, and Ruzkin grinned broadly as he stood on the bridge. The ten men he had with him were more than sufficient to guide the tanker, and he had no doubts as to their cometence.

After all, The Collective had picked them by hand for this task, and all were motivated by the considerable rewards set aside for them at the end of this job.

[OOC info]

The Woodstock is currently nearly a day and a half out of Macaronia, so may JUST be visible from the observation balloon IF they have very good visual equipment, the right lighting and a healthy dose of very good weather and calm seas.

OOC: I'll have them spot a shape on the horizon. You've also got to figure that my naval ship will probably move at least a little faster than the supertanker.

IC: "Sir! The observer just radioded down! He's spotted something on the horizon!"

"Do we have a course setting?"

"Yes sir," the man listed a set of numbers.

"Helmsman! Set a course! Full power. All hands stand ready! Let's show them what we think of pirates!"

There was a massive cheer.

IC:

HIM Coastguard HQ
Monmouth

"Sir, the SotG Aegir has changed course and increased speed,"

"Who?"

"The Aeson Ship, sir"

"Have they spotted something?"

"Unknown, Sir. They've not contacted us"

"Hail them,"

~ "HIM Coastguard HQ to the SotG Aegir - we've detected that you've left the search pattern? Have you spotted something? Please respond, over." ~

"Send in one of the helicopters, go see what they've found"

The raiders made direct headway, unaware that behind them the Aesonian warship had a fix on their position.

The Collective's men had no idea that they had been spotted, and continued on in blissful ignorance.

We are willing to send any military of ours that is either not preparing for the hurricane or fighting in Chitzeland.:)

IC:

HIM Coastguard HQ
Monmouth

"Sir, the SotG Aegir has changed course and increased speed,"

"Who?"

"The Aeson Ship, sir"

"Have they spotted something?"

"Unknown, Sir. They've not contacted us"

"Hail them,"

~ "HIM Coastguard HQ to the SotG Aegir - we've detected that you've left the search pattern? Have you spotted something? Please respond, over." ~

"Send in one of the helicopters, go see what they've found"

The captain let out an annoyed sigh at the interruption, but flipped on a radio and annouced, "We have spotted a ship. We aren't aware of whether or not it is one of the supertankers. We are currently moving to intercept it. They have not changed course, so it is possible that they are not aware that we have found them."

Meanwhile, it's engines at full power, the Aegir was closing the gap.

OOC: Just to make clear, the Aegir is capable of carrying up to two hundred marines, but at the moment is only carrying fifty.

*Macaronian National TV Headquarters*

At approximately 3:30PM, an unmarked package lands in the mail of all the main Macaronian TV Network's and newspaper's headquarters buildings. Inside is a CD with a single media file.

When played, the 7-minute clip shows a darkened room, lit by candles, in which four men and two women sit, wearing ski masks. Their voices are muffled and disguised, and they speak in a stern manner. One man, who identifies himself only as "Gray", speaks.

"Citizens of Macaronia.

Your government has systematically lied to you, taken from you that which is rightfully yours. While the rich sit in their villas and mock your suffering, we, the people, are forced to eke out an existence on the thinnest of incomes.

Many people accept this, believe it is as things should be. We of the Collective have realised the truth, and have decreed that the wealth of this country MUST be returnd to those who have earned it. Emperor James and his cronies have existed for far too long by reaping the rewards of our efforts- now is the time to strike.

We can, and shall, take back what is ours. The international community, when they see the results of our struggle and the tyranny under which we exist, can not fail to come to our aid. Already the Collective has made headway in approaching several nations who agree with our philosophy.

To prove what can be achieved, the Collective has already snatched millions of dollars of crude oil from under the noses of our oppressors, and shall be releasing the money from this back into the economy as soon as the Emperor and his cronies are taught that a people such as ourselves cannot, and will not be oppressed!

Join us now. Join the collective, for the good of Macaronia!"

"Damn," said the captain matter of factly, watching the broadcast. "We need to capture that Supertanker more than ever. If the people see that this collective isn't just going to get away with this, we might be able to shut down an uprising before it happens. How long?"

"Not long now, Captain, we're closing on them."

IC:

Pastan Intelligence Agency HQ
Somewhere in the Raviol Mountains

We have spotted a ship. We aren't aware of whether or not it is one of the supertankers. We are currently moving to intercept it. They have not changed course, so it is possible that they are not aware that we have found them.

"Sir, we've intercepted a radio message from the Aesonian warship. They've found something. They don't know what."

"Do you have their position? On screen now," he ordered.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/new-wessex/thechase.png

Is that the tanker?

"We're working on identifying that....on screen now.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/new-wessex/found.png

"Sir! It's them!"

"Inform the Coastguard, now!"

TO: REAR ADMIRAL THOMAS
FROM: PIA HQ

The Aesonian's have found them. Intercept.

-END MESSAGE-



HIM Coastguard HQ
Monmouth

"Hail them! Inform them they have the right target! All units close in, Now!"

"Sir, the Aesonian vessel has responded - they're moving to intercept,"

"Excellent"



Pastan Intelligence Agency HQ
Somewhere in the Raviol Mountains

"Join us now. Join the collective, for the good of Macaronia!"

The video stopped rolling. The room had gone silent.

"Well. We know who it is. Get moving people - I want to know everything about this Group. Who are they? Where are they? What can they do? Get me the Chief of the Defense Staff. MOVE"

"IVAN! You'd better look at this!"

Colm bundled into the bridge, and dragged the captain out onto the bridge wings. Thrusting a pair of binoculars into the bewildered Russian's hands, he pointed into the distance.

"Can't tell what it is, but it's heading our way fast!"

Ruzkin nodded, smiling.

"Very well....load both the motor boats with explosives and oil drums. Should they come alongside, we'll give them a surprise. Break out the RPG's as well....any boardinglaunches they send out will meet with the full fury of the collective. WARNER!"

Ralph Warner, the slightly-built demolitions expert, ran out from behind a bulkhead "Captain?"

Ruzkin smiled evilly.

"Stay in the hold. If these bastards want the oil so badly, they will get it. Should any boarding action be taken, blow the ship up. Give them a considerable environmental disaster to deal with...."

"We're within weapons range now, captain, but only the main guns."

"All right. Hail them. Offer them a surrender. We'll take five of them into custody, including whoever's in charge, and give the other five a motorboat with enough supplies to make it back to land. If they refuse or don't respond, fire a warning shot across their bow. By that point we should be close enough to launch the tear gas."

"Aye, sir."

Being forced to spend some time with the family, so I'll not be posting for a few hours. Sorry to run just as the action starts

The East Wing
The Summer Palace

"Sir, we have William Edwards on the direct line,"

"Patch him through" replied General Alexander McArthur, the seniormost military individual in the entire Empire. He was responsible for brieifing the Emperor on all military matters and was responsible for all branches of the Imperial Armed Forces.

"General?"

"Hey Bill. Is this about what I think it's about?"

"Yes, Sir. The Collective"

"Do we know who they are?"

"No, Sir. This is what worries me. They could be anywhere. We'd not heard of them at all before today," the head of the PIA replied, disgusted by that fact. Even with its multi-billion pound budget, the PIA had failed to spot this group.

"I'm due to brief the Emperor in ten minutes. Talk to me."

The Head of the PIA filled him in with as much as he knew - it was not enough. This group evidently had contacts in high places - what would be there next target? He was going to reccommend an instant raise of the DEFense CONdition level to at least level 2.

Hanging up the phone, he glanced at his watch. Time to brief the Emperor.


The Blue Drawing Room
The Summer Palace

"Your Imperial Majesty," McArthur said, bowing his head as he was shown in to the room.

"General McArthur. You'll forgive me if we disregard the niceties today. What the devil is going on?"

"Of course, your majesty..." McArthur filled in HIM Emperor James XXIII with as much as he knew himself. The Emperor was a very intelligent man, who he never had to patronise with his language. When he'd finished, the Emperor sat for a little while, pensive.

"Your reccomendations, General?"

"That we raise the DEFCON level immiediately,"

"Agreed. Go to DEFCON One,"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"That is all - keep me informed,"

Bowing, General McArthur left the room. Walking through the Royal Apartments, he left the old part of the Summer Palace and began heading for the underground military command centre. From there, he would order the DEFCON level raised at all facilities and with all units. Everywhere within 20km of the Summer Palace would be locked down. Imperial City would also experience something similar.

Military Central Command resembled the PIA HQ...it was a cavernous blast-proof bunker, deep underground. Walking straight up to the command console, he typed in his command codes. Taking the key from around his neck, he stuck it in the hole in the desk. He twisted it, unlocking the cover to the panel of five buttons, of five different colours, that allowed him to change the system.

He pressed the Red button.

There was a pause, followed by a deep metallic click. Then the klaxons began, as he knew they would be doing all over the Imperial Pastan Lands. Lock down had begun...

Do not respond, Ivan ordered, sneering at the pathetic nature of their pursuers. Capitalists. Always so predictable. He turned to his companion, "Have you readied the boats?"

"We packed in as much C4 as we could. We've prepared the scuttling charges as well."

"Good," Ruzkin replied, "Your move," he said, turning to look at their pursuer through his binoculars.

Do not respond, Ivan ordered, sneering at the pathetic nature of their pursuers. Capitalists. Always so predictable. He turned to his companion, "Have you readied the boats?"

"We packed in as much C4 as we could. We've prepared the scuttling charges as well."

"Good," Ruzkin replied, "Your move," he said, turning to look at their pursuer through his binoculars.

OOC: I take you'll be RPing the Collective until Karullia returns then?

IC: "No response, sir."

"Fire the warning shot." A shell boomed out, flying in front of the ship, the message being clear, 'Stop moving or we'll blow you out of the water.'

Two landing boats full of marines had been lowered and were currently being towed behind the Aegir, out of sight of the supertanker. Tear gas cannisters were loaded into the launchers.

"Let's see how they want to play this."

OOC: I know where he's going with this, so whilst he's not around, sure.

IC:

"Lower the launches," Ruzkin ordered, "Make sure they don't see you"

"Yes, Captain," replied the man he'd addressed.

Ivan had no intention of rotting away in some Macaronian Cell until the end of time. They'd go out fighting, if they had to. That was why they'd been chosen. Because they would fight until the end, give their lives if they had to, to bring down the Emperor.

Looking to the side of the ship, he could see the launches being towed alongside. When the moment came, they'd be released, and the suicide crew aboard them would direct them to crash into the hull of the enemy vessel.

The vessel was close now...it wasn't Pastan. Who were these people?

"All right, if that's the way they want to play it," said the captain, "Bring us into range to launch the tear gas,"

The Aegir came closer still to the ship, as all hands prepared for combat.

OOC: This would probably be a good time to launch the explosive boats.

"Right...they're in range...let go the boats!" Ruzkin ordered.

The launches were cast off, they began to drift back, as the supertanker and its pursuer continued at the tankers maximum speed. They cleared the tanker; the suicide crews turned on their engines and they sped directly at the hull of the Aesonian Warship, locking the steering in place.

The Aegir fired the first rounds of teargas at the supertanker, before the seamen on watch spotted the oncoming suicide launches.

"Right...they're in range...let go the boats!" Ruzkin ordered.

The launches were cast off, they began to drift back, as the supertanker and its pursuer continued at the tankers maximum speed. They cleared the tanker; the suicide crews turned on their engines and they sped directly at the hull of the Aesonian Warship, locking the steering in place.

The Aegir fired the first rounds of teargas at the supertanker, before the seamen on watch spotted the oncoming suicide launches.

OOC: All right, I'm going to destroy one of them, but the other one will hit me, OK?

"What the, sir! There's something coming towards us, fast."

"Blow it out of the water."

Shells fired from small guns on the ship, splashing about the boats.

Suddenly one hit its target, the launch exploded into a ball of flame. Shrapnel flew everywhere. The other launch went on, shells splashing all round. It was heading to hit the warship still, despite the Aegir doing its best to turn away and outmanouever the smaller craft.

Ruzkin had fled the bridge, they'd locked the steering in place and blown up the controls. The Teargas was stinging his eyes, but he was now hid at the front of the ship, watching through his binoculars in glee as he saw the second launch approach the warship.

The boat hit the side of the Aegir, exploding. Between the initial explosion and the shrapnel, there was a flood of casualties. As those that could walk got those that couldn't out, watertight doors slid shut, even as water started pouring in.

"Bastards," said the captain, admiringly. "How hard did they hit us?"

"We contained the damage," said his TO, "But we're listing to port, and we lost a good deal of our guns on that side of the ship. Should we launch the boarding party now?"

"No," said the captain. "There's no telling what else they've got up their sleeves. Turn us to bring our starboard guns to bear on them, and then we wait. How much do you know about medieval warfare?"

"Not much, sir, why?"

"When an attacking army was not strong enough to take a castle in an outright battle, they would encircle it, and lay siege. Eventually, the defenders would have to surrender, or starve. Radio command, start a supply chain."

"What if they run?"

"Even damaged as we are, we can still keep up. And I doubt they'll be stupid enough to lead us back to their harbor. Bring the marines back aboard, and radio the pirates to let them know our initial offer still stands."

OOC: I'm laying siege to a supertanker. So meh!

We are willing to send any military of ours that is either not preparing for the hurricane or fighting in Chitzeland.:)

The Empire of Macaronia and Raviolia thanks you for your offer of assistance, but we now have the issue under control. Thank you for your support.

- Crown Prince Edward

There was something deeply satisfying about the explosion that ripped through the hull of the Aegir. Something primal. They'd drop back now, surely...they had a gaping hole in their hull.

"Aha!" Ivan shouted, as he saw the Aegir begin to change course. They were breaking off the attack! Wait...they'd stopped moving...

"Captain!"

"What?"

"They've radioed us again...'their original offer still stands'!"

Ivan looked up at the ship again. All it had done was train its starboard guns on the tanker. They had barely slowed! There was nothing for it; they would go out in a blaze of glory!

He ran along the deck, jumping the pipes that lay across the deck, as though they were hurdles. Reaching the hatchway down below he shouted for Warner.

"BLOW IT! BLOW THE SHIP!"

"Aye. Aye. Sir,"

Below decks, Ralph Warner regarded the switch in his hand.

"For the revolution!" he said, slamming down on the button.

Back now, fellahs! Good job... that was EXACTLY what I had planned ^^!

*****Somewhere in Macaronia*****

Gray smiled. His work had begun. Ruzkin would arrive with the next tanker shortly, and all would be well.

The knock on the door came as a surprise- it was not often he was disturbed in his private meditation chamber. "Enter."

An aide walked through the door, frowning. "For the Collective, Brother."

Gray nodded "For the Collective. You have news?"

"Y...Yes, Brother. Word from the captain of the Prometheus. He says his crew have detected a large explosion near the last known position of the Woodstock. He is turning to flee the area now, lest he be caught.

Gray contemplated this for a moment, then nodded.

"Very well. Then our friends have upped the stakes in the game." He smiled thinly, tapping his fingers together. "Alert the Brethren. We shall show this capitalist junta that the will of the people will not be ignored."

"What do you have in mind, Brother?"

"You shall see. For now, do as I ask."

The aide nodded. "Your will be done, Brother. For the Collective."

"For the Collective."

As the aide scurried away, Gray chuckled softly to himself.

"Yes, your Majesty....the game just got very interesting indeed...."

FROM: His Imperial Majesty Emperor James XXIII
TO: The People of The Holy Empire of The Aeson

On behalf of the people of the Empire of Macaronia and Raviolia I would like to thank you for your assistance on this day. You have managed to stop The Collective from stealing a vast quantity of oil, and for that, we thank you.

Whilst the day's events have ended in a potential environmental disaster, we are aware that you made every effort to prevent this. We would also like to offer the use of our shipyards for the SotG Aegir to conduct preliminary repairs.

J.R.
- HIM James XXIII
- Emperor of Macaronia and Raviolia
- Head of all the Imperial Pastan Lands

[OOC: This is the end of the 'fighting' part. The Collective will play a major role in future events, I'm sure!!

I'm now going to set up a new thread, helping to deal with the environmental impact. Great RP Guys :p ]

"Damn it!" Said the captain, "Sucidal idiots!" He shook his head, "Radio what happened to Macaronia and Raviolia, and tell them we're heading home for repairs."

After the radio message went out, and a similar message went to The Empire, the following message was sent to Macaronia and Ravolia.

Because of the damage sustained by the Aegir, it will be replaced by
the SotG Njord. The Njord should arrive within the next couple of days.

If you need The Collective for anything, just give me a yell. Drop me a TG, and I'll keep an eye on the environmental thread too- maybe even send a Karullian team to help out ;) Great RP, guys!

Office 18
1217 Government Way
Balkan City, 85546
Druid Province, Armed Holy Democratic Empire of Asgarnieu


TO: Empire of Macaronia and Raviolia
FROM: Departments of The Navy, Air Force, and Costal Defense Forces of Asgarnieu
SUBJECT: Piracy


Greetings. We have heard of the pirate attacks on your nations ship(s). We would be much obliged to send some of our military forces to your nation to aid in the search of the vessel(s). We are willing to send the following:

-2 Harod Class Coast Guard Search Vessels (Asgarnian Costal Defense Force)
-2 Sitar Class Coast Guard Destroyers (Asgarnian Costal Defense Force)
-5 Brown Class Navy Search Vessels (Asgarnian Navy)
-2 Mango Class Navy Destroyers (Asgarnian Navy)
-10 F/B-150E Aircraft (Asgarnian Air Force/Navy)
-5 HH-65A Dolphin Search Helicopters (Asgarnian Navy)
-2 CH-60 Sea Hawk Search Helicopters (Asgarnian Costal Defense Force)
-3 MH-53E Sea Dragon Search Helicopters (Asgarnian Navy)
-1 CH-53 Sea Stallion Search Helicopters (Asgarnian Navy)
-2 H-3 Sea King Search Helicopters (Asgarnian Costal Defense Force)
-1 SH-2 Seasprite Search Helicopters (Asgarnian Navy)
-2 C-130H-NP Search Plane (Asgarnian Airforce)
-1 RC-130B Recon Plane (Asgarnian Air Force)


We are willing to send anything in our inventory to aide in this operation. If you wish, we can send forces from more of our branches of the military. We are at your disposal, and anything you or your forces need can be acquired. Thank you.


Respectfully,

General Barry N. Vegas
Asgarnian Costal Defense Force

General Steven R. Bridges
Asgarnian Air Force/Asgarnian Air Defense Force

General Kevin H. Larson
Asgarnian Navy

All right, this thread is dead, there's another thread a couple pages back dealing with the enviromental effects from the freighter exploding.

Agh, sorry. I guess I never take the time to read the threads all the way through. Thanks.