NationStates Jolt Archive

The Island of Madagascar presented the idea locations for a base of operations. While the conquest of the Island would not take as long as the French had back in 1895, the same problems the French would face were to be expected on the Island. However, much had changed since the French Invasion in 1895. Whereas the French couldn't count on Air Support or instant communication, the Royal Forces of the United Netherlands could. These were just some examples that the Royal Forces would enjoy over their predecessors.

Weeks before the Invasion was planed to kick off, a small fleet was relocated from Venezuela to support this invasion. Along with the fleet came the Tovar Marine Battalion. The Fleet was made up of one Cavour Class Aircraft Carrier to provided Air Support with Marine Harriers and Tiger Attack Helicopters, 4 Sachsen Class Frigates, two Rotterdam Class LPD’s and one RFA Fort Victoria Class Fleet Replenishment ship.

With all preparations done, the Invasion was schedule to take place at 8 A.M. in the vicinity of the city of Mahajanga. If ever their was irony it sure knew about the City of Mahajanga as this had been the same spot the French Invasion had kicked off from. However, the invasion of Mahajanga would be just a feint to draw the Madagascan forces away from the real landing spots the cities of Toamasina, Mananjary and Manakara were the real invasion would take place an hour later. Again, a page was taken from the history books. The French Objective would be the same for the Royal Forces, to capture the Capital City of Antananarivo. But, unlike the French- this Objective would be done with quickness and precision that was not known in the 19th century.

A day before the Invasion, the Madagascan Government was given the following choice. Become a Dominion of United Netherlands or be invaded, it didn’t take long for the Madagascan government to decided. The War Was On.

8 A.M.

Just as the clock struck 8, the guns of the Sachsen Class Frigates opened up. Moments later, the first troops of the Tovar Battalion hit the beaches. Resistence was light as was to be expected in such a lightly populated area. Still the main battle was just to come. In just less then an hour the main force would come ashore on the opposite side of the Island. This Force was to be made up of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Marine Battalions with support provided by the 8th Sinha Infantry Battalion. A total of 4,855 personnel plus the 871 personnel on the other side of the Island. Against this force the Army of Madagascar could field some 12,501 men. Though greatly outnumber time was on the side of the Royal Forces. Reinforcements would arrive from Sri Lanka as soon as possible in the form of the 4th Armored Division.

Until then, the Marines would have to hold the line and given their superior training and tactics. They would do their duty no matter the cost and uphold their honor as the finest forces.

SIC.

Alarmed by the invasion of Madagaskar, the Warta Endorean navy sends two of it's new Seawolf SNN's to survey the situation around the Island. They would move at "silent mode" at all times, ready to repel an attack.

ooc. I saw on the world map that Sri lanka is still uncolored, maybe you should tell ALM ;)

SIC.

Alarmed by the invasion of Madagaskar, the Warta Endorean navy sends two of it's new Seawolf SNN's to survey the situation around the Island. They would move at "silent mode" at all times, ready to repel an attack.

ooc. I saw on the world map that Sri lanka is still uncolored, maybe you should tell ALM ;)

OCC: I did. So hopefully the next time hes on, he fix it. Until then everyone should know Sri Lanka is mine. Something really bad must of happen though for me to lose the Island. Maybe everyone died. :(

Also, be forwarned your ships will be entering into a war zone and my Fleet has orders to shoot first and ask questions later at any unidentified targets that appear. So, while its unlikely I detect your two submarines, my Navy is on high alert and deployed out at sea.

While officially the Madagascar nation has no Naval ships, unoffically they more then likely have a few ships.

ooc. Well, I'm just staying well clear of your fleet, don't worry. Just everything in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean is of Warta Endor's interest ;)

BTW, you know Seawolves can track ships up to 5000 km away :eek: I can stay near India if I want to :p

OCC: Find some information on the Madagascar Army- this is what I'm up against. As of 2002, the armed forces of Madagascar were composed of about 13,500 personnel, including an army of 12,500, a navy of 500 (100 marines), and an air force of 500. The army had 12 tanks and the air force 12 combat aircraft. The last French military forces stationed in Madagascar withdrew in 1975. The paramilitary Gendarmerie National, which had a strength of 8,100, is the main force for the maintenance of public order and internal security. Military spending was $48.7 million in 2001 or about1.2% of GDP.

IC: Part 2: The Beachhead Battles

Just before the landings were to take place, a order from high command came through. The landings were deemed to be to far apart for the Battalions to support each other. As such, the new landing zones were approved were all in the same province. The cities of Mahanoro, Vatomandry and Toamasina which were located all within Toamasina Province were to be the new invasion points.

Overhead, the skies belong to the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Operating Harrier II's from the two Cavour Class Aircraft Carriers sitting just off the Island coast, just hours before these very aircraft had turn what was once the Madagascar Air Force into heaps of rumble.

With the 9 A.M. deadline fast approaching, the troops were loaded into their landing craft and departed for the beaches. Whereas light resistence had been expected and encountered on the feint landing. Heavy resistence was expected for this landing. However, as soon as the soldiers hit the shore, they along with High Command were in for a rude awakening. The landing and subsequent limited advance inland encountered no resistence whatsoever. In fact not a single soul had been seen, that include civilians too.

Where was this Ten Thousand man army, were they laying a trap, had they totally fallen for the feint and were directing all their strength to the other side of the Island or in the worst case were they preparing for a major assault. With little to no intelligence on the enemy, their was one sure fire way to found out what they were up to. Advance and seize their primary objective for Day 1: The Cities of Mahanoro, Vatomandry and Toamasina. Again, like the beachheads the towns were taken without such much as even seeing the enemy. Upon entering the cities, the Marines were just dumbfounded. The cities looked like Ghost towns of the old West, devoid of life.

What the hell was going on! Wherever the enemy was, they were cowards for not showing themselves. Setting up defensive positions on the outskirts of the towns, the advance would resume tomorrow morning. If this was to be the pattern for the entire operation, this invasion would be over sooner then everyone thought. However, as tomorrow was to prove. Old cliches are still good as new ones. The Never Underestimate your enemy, Never look a gift horse in the mouth and finally if it seems to be easy- that’s because it is. All these were going to ring true for the Royal Forces. But, for tonight all was blissful.

It didn't take long for the Indian Shore Patrol to take notice of the actions taking place not far from home.

Fishing trollies, and other commercial vessels had picked up a small number of ships moving from the rather large island of Sri Lanka, off the coast of Native india. They had relayed the information to the Shore patrol, and now a small squadron of three corvettes took parallel courses to the ships heading away from Sri Lanka. They kept their distance, well out of firing range from standard ordinance, but remained close enough to keep radar contact. They didn't exactly like the fact of several reportedly military ships so close to shores, even if it was still in international waters.

The reports of the ships heading away from Sri Lanka were still working they're way through the chain of command, and standard procedures. As of now, the corvettes were on their own, until the upper echelon of the command structure could be made aware.

OOC: This would be my first post in E5. so if I screwed up anything, please let me know, heh. I am still a bit new at MT RP, so some help if I screwed up would be appreciated.

ooc. Well, I'm just staying well clear of your fleet, don't worry. Just everything in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean is of Warta Endor's interest ;)

BTW, you know Seawolves can track ships up to 5000 km away :eek: I can stay near India if I want to :p

Just remember, what happens in the Indian Ocean concerns me too, its my little play area. You might want to check your information concerning the Seawolf on their detection range. 5,000 km is roughly 3,106 miles. I highly doubt it can hear ships all that way out. The ocean is filled with different layers and over distance that sound gets distorted.

This should explain it better- In spite of all the highly-advanced sensor and computerized signal processing equipment that make up a modern sonar system, the performance of that system will vary greatly depending on the conditions. For one thing, sound does not travel in straight lines under water. Much also depends upon transient ocean conditions, such as water temperature and salinity, and confusing echoes can be generated by the sea bed, storm waves, schools of fish or pods of whales. A basic fact of sonar operations is that the lower the sound frequency, the further it will travel. However, there is a trade-off between range and discrimination. Small, high-frequency sonars have limited range, but are useful for providing detailed information in specialist situations, such as mine-hunting or when operating under ice. Lower-frequency sonars have longer range but provide less detailed information about targets.-So their you go.

It didn't take long for the Indian Shore Patrol to take notice of the actions taking place not far from home.

Fishing trolleys, and other commercial vessels had picked up a small number of ships moving from the rather large island of Sri Lanka, off the coast of Native India. They had relayed the information to the Shore patrol, and now a small squadron of three corvettes took parallel courses to the ships heading away from Sri Lanka. They kept their distance, well out of firing range from standard ordinance, but remained close enough to keep radar contact. They didn't exactly like the fact of several reportedly military ships so close to shores, even if it was still in international waters.

The reports of the ships heading away from Sri Lanka were still working they're way through the chain of command, and standard procedures. As of now, the corvettes were on their own, until the upper echelon of the command structure could be made aware.

OOC: This would be my first post in E5. so if I screwed up anything, please let me know, heh. I am still a bit new at MT RP, so some help if I screwed up would be appreciated.

Did good for your first post. BTW, my ships our/were heading south by south-west to get to Madagascar. So, if you want to follow them all the way to their destination you can. Just be advised that any unknown ships will be fired upon, so we if detect you on Radar and send a message and you don’t respond. Well when I few missiles start coming your way- you’ll know that was the wrong move to make.

Again, Our Navy is on an Heighten Alert Status- looking for unknown enemy ships.

OOC: Rightio.

Orders finally came through for the Corvettes. The Southern command of the Ministry of Defense wanted to know what these Sri Lankan military ships were doing, and what they were heading for. It seemed as though something was taking place within the Indian ocean, and command deemed it to be within Indian juristiction to observe, report, and if needed to react accordingly to what ever was going on.

As the corvettes approached the southern tip of India, the orders were recieved. Two corvettes, the Kora and the Kirch were to continue pacing the Sri Lankan military ships, keeping watch and reporting anything and everything. The Third corvette was to return to its usual patrol points to keep watch for anytghing suspicous heading its way from Sri Lanka.

It was estimated that over 200 knautical miles past the most southern point of India, the squadron of three ships would rendezvous with the corvettes, and releve them. The INS Tabar, an advanced missile destroyer, the Betwa and Beas, modified frigates were to make up the relief squadron. From there, they would follow the Sri Lankan ships the rest of the way to their destination. They would be held at elevated combat alert, with orders to fire only if fired upon. However, they could keep their radio channels open in the event they were spotted.

OOC: Rightio.

Orders finally came through for the Corvettes. The Southern command of the Ministry of Defense wanted to know what these Sri Lankan military ships were doing, and what they were heading for. It seemed as though something was taking place within the Indian ocean, and command deemed it to be within Indian juristiction to observe, report, and if needed to react accordingly to what ever was going on.

As the corvettes approached the southern tip of India, the orders were recieved. Two corvettes, the Kora and the Kirch were to continue pacing the Sri Lankan military ships, keeping watch and reporting anything and everything. The Third corvette was to return to its usual patrol points to keep watch for anytghing suspicous heading its way from Sri Lanka.

It was estimated that over 200 knautical miles past the most southern point of India, the squadron of three ships would rendezvous with the corvettes, and releve them. The INS Tabar, an advanced missile destroyer, the Betwa and Beas, modified frigates were to make up the relief squadron. From there, they would follow the Sri Lankan ships the rest of the way to their destination. They would be held at elevated combat alert, with orders to fire only if fired upon. However, they could keep their radio channels open in the event they were spotted.

OCC: Just to clear up a few time tables things. These ships observing my fleet are they observing the ships that departed for the initial invasion or the ones that arrived back to pick up reinforcements for shipment to the Island. The second leaving of ships from Sri Lanka will be a smaller fleet then the first one and will be happing on the third day, which I'm not at yet. I'm only at the 2nd day. Because, the first fleet that left was pretty large, it was made up of 1 Aircraft Carrier, 4 Karel Doorman Frigates, all the Duke Class Frigates, the 3 LPDs and finally the Fleet Replenishment ship. Also departed was the rest of the Type 214 subs, normally only 3 are on patrol. Add to that which arrived from Venezuela, but first had to dock in port in Sri Lanka to refuel and give the sailors and soldiers time to rest. As I said, a large fleet. Then again you could also RP you spotted just a small segment of it.

and now for Part 3 The Battle for Toamasina Province

Part 3: The Battle for Toamasina Province

During the night and into the early morning hours, the Tovar Battalion was withdraw from the front lines after only making a feint attack of only a few hundred meters. They were to be loaded onto the LPDs and sent to support the real invasion area in Toamasina Province. Then after 3-4 hour trip of sailing around the Island and then another 3-4 hours to unload the Battalion. Once all that was completed the two LPDs would depart along with the other three LPDs from the Island and head back to Sri Lanka to pick up the Fourth Armored Division.

At or around 6 A.M., the Tovar Marine Battalion had been fully offloaded and after a few hours rest would move up to the front line. This movement was to take place at high noon, but as in all good things this one was also not to be.

The Battle Begins

With the deadline fast approaching for the kickoff of the renewed offensive, the troops were up and about getting ready. While this made the troops easier to assemble it also made them an easy target as was to prove later.

Just moments before 10 A.M. and the schedule time for the continued advance, something happen that even till this day dumbfounds all who were there. Why, reconnaissance squads had been sent out to scop out the area, they had reported in of no enemy activity. So image the surprise on everyone faces that just moments before the glories armies of the Republic march onward towards victory that massive Artillery fire would be landing on their positions all along the line. Also, unknown to the Marines was that the Artillery was just a diversion and a good one at that.

Why the Artillery was a loud and terrifying experience, the superior training of the Royal Marines again proved its worth. Running through the hail of shells, Lieutenant Colonel Simon was a man possessed, a man whose one go was to keep his men in order and contact High Command and get some Dam support for his troops for christs sake. In that he succeeded but, at the lost of his life.

Finding the Battalion Radio operator, Simon grab him and before a blink of an eye had grabed the radio and was screaming into it to be overheard over the massive shelling. With no time for pleasantries and call signs, Simon message couldn't had been more true. This was the message the Fleet commander received as recorded by the ships computer. "Were getting our asses shelled, where the hell is my Air Supp...... just then the line went dead and only static could be heard. Unbeknownst to the Fleet Commander, a shell had landed right on top of Simon and his radio operator killing both instantly. They were to be just some of the losses resulting from the Battle of Toamasina Province.

Just as suddenly as the shelling had begun it had stopped. The suddenness at which the shelling stopped could only mean two things, either the enemy had run out of ammo or worse they were about to attack. Their worst fears were confirmed when a private of C company, 3rd Battalion spotted a silhouette in the distance, however on closer inspection their wasn't just one or a few or even an hundred but thousands could be seen and they were heading right towards the men and women of the 3rd Marine Battalion, with the loss of their commanding officer the enemy couldn't have picked a better target to direct their pent up rage at.

Men and women raced to their make shift defensive positions, ready their own Artillery (while a mortar wasn't the must powerful its all they had) but thankful their was some good news- the Air Support was on its way and would be here in 5-10 minutes. The 3rd Marine Battalion wasn't the only one to see the enemy, reports started streaming in of enemy sighting all along the front, but it seem as if the hammer blow would be directed at the 3rd. The Royal Forces could not afford to lose their foothold that the 3rd Battalion had secured, it was vital for future operations and to make sure this area was held- the Tovar Marine Battalion and 8th Sinha Infantry Battalion were order to move to the area near 3rd Battalion and provide support. Before, they moved out their final order was to hold the area no matter the cost.

With the orders issued on both sides, it was now the Courage and Determination of the individual soldiers on each side that would determine the outcome of this battle and the war.

OOC Just to avoid confusion, we could RP I spotted the third day group, and follow them to Madagascar.

OOC Just to avoid confusion, we could RP I spotted the third day group, and follow them to Madagascar.

OCC: Ok, I will be at the third day soon. Either the 2nd or 3rd post from the next one. My next post is going to be a very long one. Its going to be all about the battle, which I just added getting started.

South Africa congratulates the United Netherlands on seizing the Island of Madagascar from the Inneffectual Kreynorian government. We hope the Transition of power will be a Effective and Prosperous one.

South Africa congratulates the United Netherlands on seizing the Island of Madagascar from the Inneffectual Kreynorian government. We hope the Transition of power will be a Effective and Prosperous one.

Our government thanks the South African government for their support. Our goal is in bringing freedom and democracy to this African nation. Our nation is willing and ready to help the residents of Madagascar to achieve their full potential.

Part 4: The Battle of Toamasina Province

As the Madagascan Infantry advanced on 3rd Battalion positions it was to no ones surprise in the Battalion when twelve tanks appeared right behind the Infantry. Waiting until the enemy was in effective range, Caption Waldenburg, who had assumed command of 3rd Battalion after Simon's death, gave the order to fire. Almost all at once over one hundred 81mm mortars opened up. While not as effective as a 105mm or 155mm Howitzer, the confusion it caused among the advancing enemy troops was. Still, this only slowed the enemy down. They still continued to advance towards them, with some taking shelter behind or near the tanks. After what seemed like an eternally but, had in fact been only ten to twenty seconds. The entire line opened fire with their assorted small arms. FN FNC 5.56mm assault rifles, FN Minimi 5.56mm machine-guns, FN MAG 7.62mm machine-guns and AN M2HB-QCB 12.7mm machine-guns. All were now firing at the advancing troops, if the mortars had proved ineffective in stopping the enemy, the small arms sure did with the first wave being completely wiped out. Still, the second-third-fourth-fifth waves continued to advance.

Not taking kindly to having their friends or buddies or superiors mowed down the advancing solider began to open fire with their own small arms. Supporting them was their Tank support and now they put it to good use.

All around him his buddies were dying, some being shot or others being blown to bits by tank rounds. Still he fought on and continued to man and fire his MAG machine gun, his buddy and friend Private Gilmore was their providing support in reloading the gun and in general handling the ammunition.

While death was happening all around him, Paul never thought it would ever happen to him or be staring in him in the face. That is until his friend Gilmore was struck right in the head by a bullet killing him on the spot. Realizing his friend had been hit had for a second scared him to death, but then his fear turned to rage. Having run out of ammo, Paul quickly grab a ammo belt, strung it through the weapon, and cocked the gun. Within seconds he was mowing down large swaths of advancing enemy. Whereas before he had been firing in short bursts to maintain accuracy and to keep the barrel from overheating. Now, he just let the weapon rip open. Thousands of rounds shot out in seconds and while only some found their targets, the fear it drove into the enemy at seeing thousands of rounds coming at them and their wasn't a dam thing they could do.

However, while the infantry couldn't do anything to stop the machine gun fire, the tanks could and did. Targeting their positions one, then two, then three machine guns were knocked out, suddenly having armor support made a lot of sense. Still without infantry support, something the machine guns had done their job well at had left the tanks very open and the anti tank unit of the 3rd Battalion was more then ready to exploit this weakness.

Targeting the two closest tanks, the Heavy Weapons company of 3rd Battalion let loose with two Milan anti-tank missiles. Within seconds of reaching their assigned target, the two tanks blew up into a huge fireball. But, unfortunately this victory was short lived. Seeing their fellow tankers killed the remaining tanks opened fire on where the missiles had come from. Again within seconds, almost the entire Anti-tank squad was killed.

Still even with the loss of hundred of soldiers and two tanks, the enemy continued to advance and were closing. They had started out at 5,000 meters then they were 4,000 meters and still they closed 3,000; 2,000; 1,000 meters. When the tanks had opened up they were less then 500 meters from the front lines and they were still closing. What was needed was a miracle and sooner then you can say Air Support their prayers were answered.

When it seemed as though all had been lost, the Air Support had finally showed up. Targeting the tanks- the Harriers fire their Maverick Missiles and in instant the tide had been turned. Seven more tanks were now a smoking ruin, still even with most of their tank support gone the enemy continued to advance. He was now less then 200 meters from the lines and closing. Heavy small arms fire could be heard for miles being exchanged between the two forces, so image the surprise the enemy soldiers had when return fire spotted. The Royal Forces had run out of ammo and what a time to run out. Realizing their enemy had run out of ammunition, the Madagascan Soldiers went into over time and within an heartbeat where insides the lines of the Royal Forces. With no ammo for their weapons, the Royal Forces resorted to hand-to-hand combat. Overhead, the air support could only sit by and watch as the enemy overran the 3rd Battalion.

While, all this time the 3rd Battalion was being overrun and fighting for its life. The enemy had attacked the 2nd and 4th Marine Battalion. But, the enemy for some reason had not attacked in strength against them and the raid was easily repulsed with heavy losses to the attackers.

If help didn't come soon, the only thing left of the 3rd Battalion would be its name. While the soldiers of the 3rd could handle the Infantry, those tanks were another thing. A major pain in the ass they were. Something had to be done to take them out. As if by magic, the remaining three tanks erupted into a giant fireball. The Tovar Battalion had arrived. Rushing to the aid of their comrades, within minutes the enemy advance had been stopped cold and it wouldn't be long before they were pushed all the way back. Overhead, the Harriers lay down murderous fire on the retreating enemy. Using their Boxer and Fenneks Armored Fighting Vehicles, elements of the Tovar Battalion raced around the flanks and cut off the enemy retreat. Realizing they were surrounded the enemy began to surrender in mass, why those they could get away ran for their life into the hills and woods.

The Battle was over and the Royal Forces had emerged victorious but at what cost. Much, would be learned from this battle and applied to the training of the troops. But, for right now the reestablishing of lines of defense, rounding up the dead and counting them and dealing with the Prisoners of War was their priority.

Part 5: The Pursuit

While the Tovar Marine Battalion and what was left of the 3rd Marine Battalion, counted up the dead and rounded up the enemy Prisoners. The 8th Sinha Infantry Battalion, 1st Marine Battalion, 2nd Marine Battalion and the 4th Marine Battalion pursed the retreating enemy. The Royal Forces had them on the run and them running was where the Royal Forces wanted them. By the end of the second day almost the entire Toamasina Province had been secured. Skirmishes had been fought on the outskirts of the major landing areas and in the small towns of the Province but, for the most part the major battle had been won. In all this blood shedding their was also kindness and hope for the future. Soldiers handed out food and water to the civilians they encountered and medical aid was rendered to those in need. While resistance would continue long after official operations were deemed over, the groundwork for bringing to civilian population over to the cause of the Royal forces had been laid.

With the sun starting to set, the full results of the battle were starting to come in- Those KIA among the royal forces was 436 marines, while those wounded was half that at 218 soldiers. Almost all those killed had been in 3rd Battalion. The enemy on the other hand, had been made to suffer for his attack. Enemy dead were recorded at being anywhere from 6,250 personnel to 9,375 personnel. Those captured who were both unharmed and wounded amounted to 1,562 personnel.

The Madagascan Army had for all practical purposes ceased to be a effective fighting force. While, those of the Royal Forces had suffered great loss the majority of the formations were still combat ready. Furthermore, word had been received that the 4th Armored Division was being loaded at this very moment and would arrive by the end of tomorrow. With the 4th Armed at their disposal the Royal Forces would assault the capital of Madagascar; the City of Antananarivo. (occ: 3rd day the 4th should arrive, the battle took place early on the 2nd day.)

Part 6: The Pursuit-Part Two

As the Royal Forces pursed their defeated foe further inland, terrain once deemed to be of great advantage for the 4th Armored Division's Armor would now be its handicap. Due to these circumstance, the role the 4th Armored Division would have played was now to be replaced by the 4th Infantry Division. Though reinforcements would be delayed because of this change, the Royal Forces were confident they could handle the job given to them with the resources at their disposal.

By the third day of the invasion, the Royal Forces had forced the enemy back and was now nearing his Capital. Using Helicopters to air lift personnel to where the soldiers couldn't get to on foot and using the Air Support provided by the Harriers as flying artillery to reduce strong points. Before, long the enemies capital of Antananarivo had been surrounded on three sides. The Infantry secured the center, while the Marines were given the task of securing the sectors north and south of Antananarivo. While, all this was going on- the 4th Infantry Division was being loaded aboard Assault ships and was set to depart Sri Lanka for Madagascar at 6 P.M.

With night descending, the Royal Forces had come to within eye sight of Antananarivo and it was only a matter of time before it was in their hands. The massive three-pronged assault was to take place at first light the next day. By, then reinforcements would have arrived should they be needed. However, even with the major assault planned tomorrow, the Royal Forces were not letting their guard down as they had before. Patrols were sent out and limited Air Support missions were conducted. It was a good thing too, as sporadic fighting broke out all along the line as small units no more then on average bigger then a Platoon tried to either get into the capital for whatever reasons or to dislodge the Royal Forces from their high ground overlooking the city. Whatever their reasons, the men and women of the Royal Forces had a busy night. Thankfully, due to their caution of being prepared this time they were not surprised when they encountered the enemy.

It would soon be daylight and as the troops assembled for the attack, a man holding a white flag appeared in the distance. As the man neared the Royal Forces, an Intelligence officer attached to the 8th Sinha Infantry Battalion recognize the man almost instantly, it was the President of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana. Before the war had begun, many key officials had been given dossiers on the leaders of the Republic of Madagascar. That decision proved to be a smart move.

Escorting the President to the commander of the 8th Sinha Battalion, the two men eyeballed each other as they waited for an interpreter to arrive. As, soon as the interpreter arrived the President, angered over his countries unprovoked invasion began to speak in a harsh tone to the commander. As, Lieutenant Colonel Kobbekaduwa listened carefully he waited for the President to stop speaking and then for the translation. What he heard was no shock to him, but he had a job to do and that didn't included listening to the Head's of State complain.

Part 7: The Capture of Antananarivo

As President Ravalomanana and Lieutenant Colonel Kobbekaduwa hotly debated the invasion, the Royal Forces of the Netherlands were preparing for the final assault that would end this bloodily war once and for all and bring Peace, Democracy and Stability to this troubled nation. Two battles were to be fought today, the battle of words and the battle of actions. The next few hours would determine which one would be the winner in this war.

"Mr. President, the invasion has happened and its not going away. You have a choice to make, you can help your people by agreeing to our terms for ending this war or you can prolong it and continue to cause the needless suffering of thousands", replied Kobbekaduwa in a common and collective manner.

The commonness and easiness which the Colonel spoke only enraged Ravalomanana more. It was after all his country that had been invaded and not the other way around. If this was his country's only chance to redeem its self, his was darn well going to take full advantage of it. In a raised and angry voice, President Ravalomanana belittled the Colonel has his nations invasion of his country. "Colonel Kobbekaduwa, your country had no right to invaded our sovereign nation and your country will pay with its soul for this unprovoked attack!" Upon hearing the translation of what the President had said, Colonel Kobbekaduwa's voice changed from his calm demeanor to one of seriousness.

"Mr. President, our country had every right and don't you forget that. For too long our government has sat by and watched one by one as almost ever nation on our planet has turned away from democracy to whatever form of Dictatorship they can think of! So, don't lecture me on my nation's policies when your own country's are no better!" After, venting his rage for being belittled, Colonel Kobbekaduwa returned to his calm demeanor. "Furthermore, in time you'll and your people will see the benefits of democracy."

Continuing where he left off before the President had so rudely interrupted his train of thought. "Mr.President, I understand this is a difficult time for you and your people. But, if you agree to our terms we can end this war and return to your people the Stability they so long for. What is you answer?"

Giving it some thought, Ravalomanana knew in his heart that while the invasion was a evil thing, some good would surely come of it and his invaders did seem interested in his country well being. They had after all limited their attacks to military targets and when civilians had been injured they were given medical aid and food and water all been passed out to those in need. If, his foe was indeed here just for conquest, they wouldn't have done all those things to help.

Realizing it would be better in the long run for his people to stop the fighting, Ravalomanana agreed to the terms set forth by the Government now in charge of his country. He could only hope they would have better luck in bring stability to his battered country then he had.

With the cease fire in effect, the soldiers of the Marine Battalions marched triumphantly into the Capital of Antananarivo and they had done so without bloodshed. Until, a Peace Treaty could be signed both sides were to observe the Cease Fire and the Marines and the expected arrival of the 4th Infantry Division were to enforce the Cease Fire and maintain civil order. The units to remain in the country until a new Madagascar Army and Police Force could be raised were to be the 4th Infantry Division, 8th Sinha Infantry Battalion and 3rd Marine Battalion.

While, it was months away the following were to be the terms of the Peace Treaty.

A. The Island of Madagascar will become a Dominion of the United Netherlands Government. Under Dominion status, the formal nation of Madagascar will continue to control its own local affairs but it's National Defense and Foreign Affairs would be handle by the United Netherlands.
B. New elections are to be held. They are to be free and open. The elections will be for both the President and for Parliament.
C. The United Netherlands Government will set aside a fund of 500 million Euros to improve the Madagascar infrastructure.

Once, the treaty had been enacted. A new nation would be born from the ashes of the old. A nation whose democracy would be revered by those of other Great Powers.

OOC Blah, you move too fast. NEver got a chance to sic my navy on anything.

OOC Blah, you move too fast. NEver got a chance to sic my navy on anything.

LMAO or you move to slow. :D I had a war to fight and win. I couldn't be sitting still waiting for the enemy to attack me or you to look at my pretty navy. Not to worry though, I got one or two more posts more coming and then I should be done.

Part 8: The Islands

With combat operations winding down and the armed forces of the Netherlands on the Island of Madagascar assuming a police role. All that was left for the Royal Forces to do was to load the troops that weren't designated to remain on the Island to maintain order.

With the arrival of part of the 4th Infantry Division aboard the Amphibious Ships, with the rest of the personnel and equipment being transported by the Air Mobile Command stationed in Sri Lanka. The AMC would also fly in replacements for the 3rd Marine Battalion after the terrible losses it had suffered during the conflict.

As the troops of the 1st, 2nd, 4th and Tovar Marine Battalions loaded onto the five Rotterdam Class LPD’s and two Capana class medium landing ships, all aboard were thankful to be heading home to friends and family. The invasion of Madagascar had been a tough assignment but, they had carried it out with the best of their ability and they had succeeded under difficult conditions. Through their sweat and blood, they had proven their worth.

Unbeknownst to them however, High Command had one final operation for them to carry out before heading home. Compared to the operation for Madagascar, this one was to expected to be over in a matter of hours or at the latest a day. During the trip to Madagascar, the fleets had passed some interesting Islands. While, no one had given them any thought at the time. High Command now decided to seize those Islands for their strategic position, having these Islands under their command would give the Royal Forces a variety of benefits. From Early warning of an invasion of Madagascar and other key areas around Madagascar to outposts for measuring the weather. To give the Marines a breather, only hours before the invasion of these Islands were to take place, were the troops given their new orders.

The 1st Marine Battalion would seize the Comoros and Mayotte Islands.

The 2nd Marine Battalion would seize the Island of Mauritius

The 4th Marine Battalion would seize the Island of Reunion

The Tovar Marine Battalion would seize the Seychelles

A single squad detached from the 4th Infantry Division would fly from Madagascar and seize Europa Island
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As High Command expected, the seizer of the Islands was a cake walk compared to the early campaign for Madagascar. While light resistence was encountered on the Island of Reunion and Mauritius due to their size. The other Islands fell without a single loss of life. Europa Island had proved the easiest to seize due to the island being uninhabited.

With the seizer of these key islands, the Royal Forces were stood down from High Alert. The campaign in the South Indian ocean had proved its worth in both men and material with the acquiring of the following territories.

A. The Dominion of Madagascar
B. The Dominion of Comoros
C. The Dominion of Mayotte
D. The Dominion of Reunion
E. The Dominion of Mauritius
F. The Dominion of Seychelles
G. The Outpost of Europa Island