NationStates Jolt Archive

You really are stupid Maxen. How did you let it progress this far?
“I wasn’t my fault dammit!” Just shut your mouth or I will…”
You will what, he taunted, what will you do? Fight me? Kill me? You are a pathetic piece of garbage sitting out in the street, you are a pile that has been thrown away due to incompetence.
“Don’t speak again you, I couldn’t stop it, events went outside my control. They were to far gone once it became clear. I didn’t want to lose everything!”
So what haven’t you lost? You have lost everything, you are nothing. Silly little boy, you ran when you should have been walking, you have walked when you should have been dashing!

“Maxen, your mumbling to yourself again,” the jailor interrupted Maxen’s latest batch of eccentric behavior

“Fuck”, Maxen remarked softly. How did this happen to me? What went wrong… What didn’t?


He didn’t really know when it had started going down hill. Before or after the- no, not the that, maybe the Sudentland speech. No, later. It must have been when it seemed Austria was finally coming together. Mauritius under hegemony, becoming a real nation again. He just never realized that his blind eye to friends would provide such a opportunity. The Reich was just a puny party it seemed, hardly related to anything. Supporting some dreads at the bottom of the barrel, their increasingly hostile role in the darker politics finally warranted their extinguish. Then it seemed to come down on his head. The Reich was just the tip of an iceberg…


1 Month, 17 Days, 2 Minutes ago-

With a clatter the brawn without brains went down, neck cracked and gun falling from a directionless grip. As the Special Directive Unit men spread out a couple pops signaled the end of one or two Reich security personnel. Heading towards the center of the complex, the head of this dismal party was located there, Directive Units eliminated four more brawn over brains soldiers before trouble began. A three man Directive party was killed by a grenade thrown through a gap, another two down by gun fire, and third wounded by being thrown aver a balcony. The brawn for brains were being substituted by a more lethal version.

Regardless those seemed rather un-fortunate incidents, not cataclysmic events and as such the raid progressed. As the last defense seemed the melt away and the path towards the target’s location lay open all of the interior teams were wiped out.

“Mein Gott in Himmel!” As the surveillance SDU team watched the complex exploded into a fiery death trap. As they scrambled around to get out of the now compromised operation several soldiers surrounded the van and filled it with lead. Killing all.


Then, when it was all un-covered the sight was more than he could manage. Accounts lead from accounts to Cayman Island fake banks to witness to witness and back to New Switzerland and then Austria. Corruption in the highest of places. Deception even higher. It seemed the Prussian Political Entity was no more than a ad-hoc alliance of interests, not his ideals.

1 Month 3 Days, 25 Minutes ago-

“What is this? I demand to see a warrant! This is breaking and entering! I will have you shot!”
The indignant banker was having his bank searched , top to bottom. This was the last link. On the border of Switzerland-Austria it had been a long trail. Now, SDU units ripped apart the bank boxes, its files, everything, to be carted off and analyzed.

It would turn out later; the monies traced from the Reich accounts backwards, all the way to the America’s and back again, lead to the same party which Maxen lead. The Reich had been paid to be the thorn in Maxen’s side. Not to eliminate him, but to keep enough of his operations at contest. Mistaken they were that Maxen would keep his public, jovial attitude at night. So when the Reich’s headquarters erupted into destruction that one night, he realized, more must be there than meets the eye.


He tried to straighten it out, eliminating, exposing to the ever eager Independent. Yet the more the corruption was found, the more it spread. As he moved into the higher, “un-corruptible” section which he thought to be impregnable. Sadly, it seemed it went that far. Then, after realizing their game with Maxen was about to come to a deadly end, they captured him, and put him here.


3 Days Ago, 1 Hour, 45 Minutes ago-

With a small grunt, Special Directive Unit #55 died. Shot from behind, he was a loyalist and was not open for bargaining. Half of them were like that, un-flinching loyalty to silly ideals such as nationalism, Maxen, or just plain to good. Money was nothing, nor personal glory. It had not erupted fully yet, several here and there. Most loyalists wouldn’t know till it was to late, so they marched towards Maxen’s chambers and executed his 8 entourage/bodyguards outside and inside his antechamber. As they proceeded in arrow formation, blasting apart the door to Maxen’s room they stopped. For some, fatally so.

Hoping, not vowing, vowing didn’t seem cynical enough, to take some with him. He left a sign saying “Better luck next time”, and hid in the immediate shadows of a far window. Firing several shots he clipped one on the shoulder, shot two in the head, and another through the chest before a little dart appeared on his arm.

“Ah, un-foreseen circumstances have arisen it seems.” He then promptly fell into a drug aided sleep.


Within days after the assassination the Prime Minister, Anthony Drekcsler made a formal speech. It involved sadness for the assassinated chancellor, the recent political tension, the urban wars, and all the petty insecurities of Austria would be vanquished if only they, the people, supported him.

Within several days the currents which Maxen had struggled against toppled the Federacy. In a piece of legislature the Federacy of Austria was “re-organized” into a new Germanic Empire. Formally called the Empire of Austria. The Prussian Political Entity was disbanded and instantly re-organized under the new name of the National Socialist Austrian Party. Jus lacking some key figures, most of whom were Maxen’s close friends and advisors.

A little bit after a riot erupted in Wein, while the cause was never found out Drekcsler used that opportunity to enact more “security reforms” in which mandatory military service was emplaced. The Special Directive Unit was disbanded and most of the Treasury Department was replaced by new National Socialist Austrian Party members.

2 weeks ago back dating stock option scandals emerged. While not completely sure of exactly what that meant the public was fired up as the newspapers called out for blood. Especially the National Socialist Austrian Party’s House Speaker who owned the paper “Forever”. The Independent’s editor and staff was arrested for “high treason” and summarily executed when they voiced suspicion of several government practices and the unfounded belief that this was exceptionally harmful to consumers. The Independent and all of its holdings were nationalized and the institution disbanded. Federacy Index of Austria was closed as government inspectors investigated every nook and cranny. Harsh laws were sent in place and the vocal former Prussian Political Entity House Speaker, CEO of Stille Incorporated was arrested for several classified “white collar” crimes.


A new chancellor had not been found. Expressing his dismay, Drekcsler pleaded to the parliament and people to hurry up and start the elections. Parliament, voted to appoint Drekcsler as Chancellor and to keep his Prime Minister role under the title of High Chancellor. The High Courts, a Maxen creation, struck down the ruling saying the parliament had no ability to do that. Drekcsler accepted the appointment and declared The High Court, a bunch of toothless old men.

Stille Incorporated, after its board was grid locked in finding a new appointment, was not nationalized but was “under government oversight”. Depressingly, its boardroom would find it increasingly hard to appoint a new CEO even if they wished.

Drekcsler had a new round of speeches a week after the assassination, he declared that the former diplomatic plan “Uber Power” was influenced to much by non-European slang to begin with and was toothless. He laid out his new plan which called for propelling countries like Morocco into the feature, by building airports that could fit even the new Airbus, and more military action. Praising the works of Louis for his un-flinching attitude he declared that

“Spain, France, and Russia are the kind of countries which all of Europe should aspire to be”.

Shortly there after engineers enter at the request of the Morocco government to “propel them to the future,” sadly, several engineers and their families are slain inside their new on location houses. After an exhausting man hunt by the Iron Fist (an organization not known of to the public till now) several Mauritanian’s confess to killing. Found on their person is badges and paperwork detailing that they were there on the directions of the Mauritania government.

Enraged over the loss, Drekcsler orders the complete payment of 100.000.000SM, or a approximate sum, to be given to the remaining relatives for their loss and to hand to Austria the families of the murderous soldiers.. “A tit for tat on a human scale” the High Chancellor remarked.

The Mauritanian government was given 5 days to relay their answer. It was a resounding no. 5 hours later in a remarkably fast emergency session Drekcsler proposed war and the immediate invasion of the African republic.

Airbases inside Mauritania were used as points to drop troops and by the end of the week 10.000 Austrian troops were arrayed around 5 key airbases in Mauritania. The still mourning engineers sent to Morocco declare that they are half way done to fully completing the air complex. When once completed will be one of the largest complexes in Africa.

((I am back, and can not resist tagging this! Kudos, Moorington!))

Versailles

After a long period of silence on the diplomatic front, perhaps necessarily due to the massive level of the Emergency African Humanitarian Aid Relief Program, M. le Comte de Vergennes, Minister of State to His Most Christian Majesty Louis-Auguste, hosts a massive press gathering of Holy League news cartels, and the ubiquitous delegates from Reuters, the Associated Press, and even the BBC to make the following statement. Cameras flashed in the still opulent Hall of Mirrors as the powdered and bewigged gentleman clears his throat and speaks with golden voice.

“The recent developments in Austria, namely the reinstitution of a legitimist government, are a source of joy and happiness for the people and Invincible Sovereign of France; moreover they are a light of hope for all of Europe.”

“Chancellor Drekcsler is a man of vision and fortitude, who is capable of alleviating the current situation of the Austrian volk and graduating this great and ancient nation to a place of bliss. May God and all His angels defend Herr Drekcsler’s cause, and unite with them in the spirit of the Holy League, which stands by them with open arms and the spirit of universal Catholicism.”

“I will now be happy to accept questions.”

The room buzzed with hushed whispers and presented a spectacle of raised hands.

Meanwhile, a flight left Paris for Austria with the Select Foreign Assistance Committee of la Marechaussee, His Most Christian Majesty’s Draconian and efficient secret police advisory group, for Vienna. They would assist the Iron Fists of Drekcsler in forming an absolute monarchy’s (and/or absolute regime’s) most invaluable tool: goon squads.

OOC: Thanks, I think that is the first time the first post wasn't a correction to my proceeding post. If anything, I et that out of this RP.

I am going to go conservatively for a bit before Crooked Beak enters as Mauritania.

IC:

Where the first Austrian military was a unfaltering machine of veteran troops, devoted to their king and assured of Habsburg hegemony, the proceeding versions lacked those essential elements. Austria-Hungary's were unsure of even what language their sergeant was speaking, and even less sure of the man in the other foxhole. Under the National Socialist German Workers' Party, the military was always a supplement to the real Wermacht and as such felt the same way as any 2nd stringer does, disappointed. Maxen's military was much more spirited per say, but in the sense no one wanted to die, just have a good time.

This military- this war machine! On the other hand, was the closest to the first Austrian military yet. It was Drekcsler’s dream. Devoted, fanatical, he knew what made people tick, so he inspired. He reshaped the military life from an excursion; before running for a petty political seat, or starting your own business, to a lifestyle. These men where there for the long haul, no faltering is acceptable, no flinching is possible, no fears are allowable. This new machine knew war was hell, that was why they joined.

Mauritania was especially hellish. Scorching temperatures to men who found their summer's high never above 80. The sand, dust, and wind all culminated to devastate the electronics. Stille Incorporated made durable goods for the military, yet no one had imagined just how badly Mauritanian dust storms could get. Slamming into the airports the dust pervaded everything everywhere. Nigers and cell phones, laptops and GPS gear, everything needed to be fortified from dust.

If trying to keep the dust and grit at acceptable levels wasn't enough, bands of Mauritanians had decided their government wasn’t quite on the ball yet, one day delay was to much for them to handle. So now a couple small arm’s rounds zipped through here and there. A couple pistol shots, and then silence as they slipped away.

Catching them was neither hard nor easy, few got away, but the ones that did reemerged a little time later to continue harassing the garrisoned Austrians.. Yet the damage they caused while they were alive was disproportionate. In all several new Eurocopters had to be resent by truck to Morocco along with flying out a few dozen Austrians.


In Austria-

Learning that Louis had sent la Marechaussee to help his Iron Fist gave Drekcsler the opportunity to see how his personal "bouncers", to put it in a very American thus non-European (meaning despicable) slang, stacked against the Invincible Sovereign of France's.

They will probably exchange killing techniques, charming, High Chancellor mused. As he awaited the party inside his summer house (as opposed to his fall, winter, deep winter, spring houses). As the more trivial, bit vital pleasantries were exchanged Drekcsler made sure to open the conversation towards to path of what could Austria do for France, and what can France do for the Austrian Navy. Drekcsler also managed some self-depreciation over his lack of geography and colonial holdings: is New Caledonia under French control?

“What is this? I demand to see a warrant! This is breaking and entering! I will have you shot!”
The indignant banker was having his bank searched , top to bottom. This was the last link. On the border of Switzerland-Austria it had been a long trail. Now, SDU units ripped apart the bank boxes, its files, everything, to be carted off and analyzed.


A bank. A BANK. A DAMNED BANK! MY DAMNED BANK!

You'd better be glad there's a new big cheese, else I will take those little bank records the SDU units- what was the phrase- "riped [them] apart to be carted off and analyzed", light them on fire, and chuck them into the Parilament house.

*deep breath*
[end/rant]

New Switerland supports the appointment of the new leader of Austria, and hoped the continued alliance will still be in effect.

(a tag for now. China's new regime may or may not react favourably to this.)

(a tag for now. China's new regime may or may not react favourably to this.)

It's really not my place to say anything, but

(an illiterate llama on a typewriter could write a better response)

your post was rather short

(slow down, sparky, I don't think I have enough time to read all that)

and lacking some elements seen in other posts.

Austria's apparent slip into something approaching political disorder doesn't do anything to discourage the Indian National Union, a nation already full to the brim with anger, from invading Mauritius. Having long since dismissed Austria's ability to defend even its own sovereign territory, few Unioners see any reason why the Indian Navy couldn't seize those particular islands without much fuss. It isn't as though Austria can reinforce them, after all, and if the Roycelandians make trouble, the INU will take Goa like it was nobody's business.

Four Union corvettes, INS Ignatius Dewanto, Balaghat, Tikamgarh, and Shajapur, plus the newly-commissioned LSL Sabarmati and the large minesweeper Chennai, are ordered to abandon their coastal patrol duties and converge on the port of Jamnagar, in Gujarat. There the force will be met by 400 marines plus (very) light armor, to prepare for action that might very well include the invasion of Mauritius.

Certainly anybody who establishes a colony in the Indian Ocean has to deal with the fact that the navies of at least two of the nations most opposed to imperialism are based in it and patrol its waters. Vienna must have known when it started the enterprise that there was and is a considerable element of risk involved. And with the outcome of the West African campaign very far from certain, any chance to strike at the outposts of the European monarchists will be taken advantage of.

(Abream, shut the hell up.)

Beijing's response to Maxen's imprisonment was slow, but private business with interest in Austria are quick to react, putting several investment projects on ice. Maxen was a friend to them, providing an investment climate that rivalled Hong Kong and Shenzhen in terms on transparency.

When China does come around to a political response, President Hu decides to ask opposition finance minister Peter Lee to head to Wein again to gauge the new political power.

It's really not my place to say anything, but
(an illiterate llama on a typewriter could write a better response)
your post was rather short
(slow down, sparky, I don't think I have enough time to read all that)
and lacking some elements seen in other posts.
Abream; you're New Switzerland, right? Before you go insulting people, please make sure that your posts

A) Make sense, follow some kind of logical chain and otherwise don't disgrace speakers of the English language.

B) Have some respect for the rest of us, who put rather more effort, thought and time into what we do here than you.

As far as I can tell, and going off of your first post in this thread, you have no right to lecture anybody on brevity, intelligence or literacy, since you seem to possess only the first. We do not all have unlimited time; some of us have jobs and some of us go to school. So no, it's not your place to say anything. Ergo, don't.

IC:

Raleigh, Australasia

When news first came of the coup in Austria, Strathairn had been sleeping comfortably in the Lodge. A bit of music was playing, something he hadn't heard before. a glass of Laphroag sat calm and yellow on his bedside table, and the Southern Cross twinkled outside of the window. A much dogeared copy of Mahan's Seapower vied for a place on the nightstand beside Atlas Shrugged, and Christina was curled up warmly next to him. His son had even written him a letter, asking how he was. He'd responded, too. Despite all of the turmoil in the world, his life was looking up.

And then, damn it all, the phone had rung. He lunged for it, snagged the receiver and pressed its cold bulk against his face.

"Strathairn." Someone jabbered on the other hand, something about Austria. There was a nation upon which one could rely... Maxen von Bismarck had only one thing in mind, the accumulation of fantastic wealth for his nation. As long as one kept this in mind, Austria could be a steady and dependable ally.

And then, the words began to seep through the fog of sleep. Coup... National Socialists... anarchy... disappeared. Strathairn groaned. Damn it all. God damn it all. He woke Christina with a shake, and the peaceful night gave way to a day of phone calls, emails and general confusion.

One month later

"... Further, I demand that an investigation, led by third-party law enforcement and intelligence experts be instated for the express purposes of determining the fate of Chancellor Maxen von Bismarck.

"Owing to Austria's increased support of Louis-Auguste's regime, all trade is hereby suspended with the government of Anthony Drecksler. Futhermore, the Free Colony does not recognize the government of Anthony Drecksler as the legitimate government of the Austrian Federacy, and demands that Maxen von Bismarck, or those closest to him, be returned to power.

"The sudden invasion of Mauritania, coupled with the increasingly totalitarian nature of Drecksler's government, brings to mind the worst abuses and excesses of the Nazi Party during the Second World War. I demand that the Drecksler government cease all military operations in Mauritania. That will be all." The newspeople were all on their feet, yelling and beating each other with microphones and cameras. It was like watching sharks vie for a scrap of tuna.

"I will now answer questions. Mr. Davies?" The indicated newsman pushed his way to the fore.

"Mr. Prime Minister, do you intend to authorize military force in response to Austria's actions?" Strathairn nodded grimly.

"We are not taking any options off the table at this point. The First Forward Command of the Air Corps has been put to full alert, but we would hope to see a diplomatic solution reached." He pointed again, this time to a woman of middle years in the rear.

"Mrs. Edgecomb?" She didn't bother fighting her way through the crowd, being a newspaper reporter.

"Why the concern over the fate of Chancellor Bismarck?"

"This government does not recognize the new leadership of the Austrian Federacy, and therefore Chancellor Bismarck is the only legitimate leader of the nation. It is clearly in our interest that the leader of the Austrian Federacy be accounted for, and if he his not then further measures must be taken."

OOC: While my view is tinged to support Abream, my opinion on the matter should not be thrown out when I say that it was funny. Maybe a touch on the over-bearing side, but I must confess that I could not refrain from laughing when I saw Abream's post.

IC:


Maxen looked up at his jail's ceiling. Bored, he did not realize how far from boring he was on those endless airplane flights. That was hardly a dim cousin of the creature he saw today. Animal Farm and Atlas Shrugged lay on the side of his cot; reading about the mistakes of the proletarian and communists was only so entertaining.

Glancing over at the guard Maxen mumbled to himself, "Silly proletarians" and in a louder voice remarked to the guard, "I am devastatingly bored beyond your meager comprehension". The guard, hoping that Maxen did not go into one of his mumbling/rants again shoved a paper into a slot, which popped out the other side, Maxen's side. It was the newspaper "Forever".

Knowing it was a National Socialist rag, he read it anyways. Indian National Union was making noise, Drekcsler spitted back that they could not defeat a real Austrian force, and a general chest-thumping mood had wracked the outside countries. A least, Maxen thought to himself, they are missing my benevolent leadership. Oh well...


----Drekcsler

"We shall not be intimidated! We shall not be swayed! We shall not flinch from the foes of Austria! We shall ride victoriously from this war to a new age of Austrian hegemony on the continent of Afrika! This day I assure the public, the chest thumping of the nations of the world shall be meet with the same disdain as any child will direct to the schoolyard show off. Austria shall not bow like a humble servant, Austria will prevail!"

With a salute of a fist rising from his waist to his chest, he cried out a defiant "Austria PREVAILS!" and walked off the podium to a chorus of "Austria prevails" and general cheering. Following up will be other party officials and government higher ups, even though he made sure the distinction was becoming more and more redundant.

(He, for the most part is ignoring any orders to investigate the late Bismark's death.)

----Austria

The new mandatory military service, which required the pinnacle of Austrian youth to serve 5 years in the military, was met with little protest. Mainly because the Marechaussee had indeed shown the Iron Fist some certain flairs to their mutual art. Still, the speeches Drekcsler made inspired something that had lain dormant for now more than a century, nationalism. For maybe the first time ever, Austria was completely united for one goal, victory.

No more did dissenters get in the way. Where previously the government accepted protests amicably, enough, this government usually denounced them as cowardly, stubborn, and worst of all un-patriotic. Therefore, whatever the Iron Fist did not finish the Austrian populace, seized by Drekcsler's dreams of nationalism and expansion did. By not supporting, but instead boycotting the group, usually political in nature. While some may consider the atmosphere un-productive and villainous it enabled Drekcsler and Austria to be fully dedicated to their task, no more second thoughts, no back tracking, only victory.

Perhaps so, and perhaps I over-reacted. I'm prone to do so when tired, but general disrespect towards others tends to set me off. Anyway, there you go. On a more related note, I assume that Austria's new army isn't particularly skilled, having been raised in a single month. I'm also going to assume-- as seems reasonable, that the military hardware is essentially the same, and that the recruits are mostly half-trained ground troops. But if I'm spectacularly wrong, do tell me.

Um, speaking of which. What is Austria's military hardware/numbers thereof? (Specifically, ground defence and air force, mostly). Also, are you the same as RL Austria in terms of territory? If not, what are you?

IC:

Raleigh

Nobody was much surprised by Drecksler's lack of co-operation, but with a resurgent (and very much alive) Louis-Auguste supplying him, they weren't about to take chances. And so Strathairn met with First Sea Knight Sir Basil Smyth, Air Marshall Terry Blueridge and Field Marshall Xavier Reed in his offices at the Lodge, planning a military response in the event that it was necessary. The four men were joined by Foreign Minister Lloyd once she had managed to tear herself away from various meetings, and Defence Minister Creighton as well. They stood over several large maps that occupied the dining room table, while staffers with red, yellow and blue pencils scribbled force notes.

"The most efficient attack would be one carried out by the First Forward Command, supported by the Mediterranean Fleet." Air Marshall Blueridge held court in one corner, cigar in one thin hand and cane in the other. "Since any military action would be concerned primarily with provoking the collapse of government, we have to attack only military and governmental targets, power stations and suchlike aren't in the cards." He puffed on his cigar.

"If a portion of the fleet-- perhaps the carriers and a group of escort vessels-- were to anchor in the Adriatic Sea, we could launch attacks with impunity. The Austrian air force is green and small in number, between the NAC and the FCAC I'm sure that they could be dealt with easily. Yugoslavia would provide alternative landing strips, especially for the bombers. A short campaign ought to do it, I give this op roughly a month before total governmental collapse." Strathairn nodded, clearly pleased with the idea. Christina, though, looked troubled.

"Supposing they don't break?" she asked. "I mean, we still have to worry about the French, and our fleet couldn't face them without the carriers and a good portion of the escorts."

"If they don't show signs of unrest," the Marshall replied crisply, "then we break off the attack. No boots on the ground, nothing to prevent us from cutting and running if we need to."

Later that day, Raleigh

Anthony Drecksler,
The Free Colony does not recognize the legitimacy of your government, and views it no differently than any other rebellion taking place in an allied state. For this reason, if Maxen von Bismarck or a deputy member of his government is not returned to power within one week, the Free Colony will be forced to take military action to ensure that such an event will come to pass.

Courting Versailles for assistance will not be tolerated. A state of war exists between the Free Colony and the nation of France, and any attempt to receive military aid from said nation will result in the immediate extension of this state of war to the illegitimate regime currently in power in the Austrian Federacy.

The Free Colony does not wish this to come to pass. Austria has been an ally for some time. However, your government does not represent Austria, and the alliance with Austria does not extend to your government.

Because Stille Incorporated does not exist, owing to the fact that it is controlled by an illegitimate armed force currently controlling the Austrian Federacy, all patents, trademarks etc. held by Stille Incorporated and licensed to the Free Colony are hereby held in trust. Ergo, the illegitimate armed force controlling Stille Incorporated is hereby sued for trademark violation, patent violation, unauthorized distribution of trademarked materials, unauthorized use of patented materials and copyright infringement. Papers will be served within the week.
Damien Evilsizor CH,
Ambassador-Austrian Federacy,
Free Colony of Australasia

I couldn't resist.

FCS Quenfis, Cyprus

It wasn't really the enemy that he had expected. Vice Admiral Denning, having steeled himself to face the armoured might of France, now found himself ordered to put to sea and make for the Adriatic with partial forces, and to prepare for possible combat operations in the former Austrian Federacy. Accordingly, he was to draw stores from the British armoury to the order of:

BAe Meteor sufficient for two weeks continuous air combat
ASRAAM, same
ALARM sufficient for one month continuous deployment
MBDA Brimstone, same as above
MBDA Storm Shadow, same as above

He pushed the list to the corner of his desk; a staffer could attend to that. His job was to divide the fleet into equal parts, maintaining strength in Cyprus while protecting the carriers dispatched to the Adriatic. Perhaps if he pulled the AWIAC class frigates, two of the submarines, a pair of Hermiod destroyers, a minehunter, an armoury ship and an oiler... that would have to do. Transfer his flag to the Collingwood, have Admiral Wilberforce command the detachment. Divide the fleet's stores proportionally. Ah, logistics. He produced a calculator and a notepad, and proceeded to scribble out a few salient numbers.

Sorry for the crap post, I'm tired.

[Grumble Grumble, It's a stark reminder of the poor RPing and flaming that takes place outside AMW]

Beijing, mindful of her own history which had been dominated much by a similar nationalist movement firstly in Mao and then through Liu, treads very carefully regarding the new regime. President Hu was well aware of the nationalist's psyche and having witnessed the missile tests over Taiwan bolster the independence movement, was not about to repeat the same mistake by providing an excuse for the Austrian voters to support Drecksler. It would blow out eventually, he hoped.

When Opposition Finance Minister Peter Lee arrives in Wein, he asks for a meeting with Drecksler or a representative from Austria.

[OOC: Not to be a wet blanket, but I'm a bit confused about matters vis-a-vis Mauritania, which is already locked in a struggle for survival, with Spanish paratroopers landed at its major airbases and Moroccan mechanized forces pressing through its northern border after overwhelming defenders in the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic. Saharawi refugees are swarming into the northwest of the country, and one can assume the bulk of the Mauritanian military is scattering into the interior from its northern border posts, as Moroccan forces outnumber them by a significant margin. Spain, as per Holy League declarations on the future of West Africa, has laid claim to governing authority over Mauritania. There is a thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=498114) for this already, if the Austrians are joining the assault, though the status of initial forays by Moroccan-Spanish forces ought be resolved first.

And, didn't Lusakan forces land on Mauritius awhile back?]

((I agree with some of your comments Spyr, as much as I think Moorington is becoming a fine RPer. May we all please contribute to the timeline project, so we can all be on the same page on everything before we move on? And Gurg, Italy is a HL power, I think you’d be in danger if you sailed up the Adriatic. Dependant on the timeline and shared history of course. Now I know I had to go for a bit, but I cant imagine Australasia going much further beyond the Eastern Med than Crete. Like I said, lets gets this TL done guys so we can continue unabashedly correct.))

A Cold Concrete Cell somewhere in the Austrian Alps

“Do not worry, Herr Drekcsler, we have ways of making this one talk.” Agent Jean Noir of la Marechaussee Foreign Advisory Committee said in French tinted German as his swift backhand caught Maxen von Bismarck in the face.

Drekcsler stood by in the small concrete room. A huge lamp hung over the head of the pathetic ex-Chancellor, a stooge for the communists and perverts.

“Hook him up.” Noir barked, and his assistants hooked up the car battery to a part of Maxen that best not be described. The olds man large beard flapped wildly.

“Now, you maggot, tell us why you betrayed your country to the atheistic and demonic Anglo-Marxist conspiracy which sought to turn Austrians into slave laborers!” Noir sat back and lit a cigarette, then lit a cigar for Drekcsler.

“I svear, I svear, I am innozent! I vanted only monee…” his plead was cut off by the loud popping of an electrical charge, and his tongue began to flop about wildly. As it was flopping about, Agent Noir leaned close and whispered into the old mans ear, blowing smoke into his face:

“Are you now or have you ever been a communist?”

“What is your mother’s recipe for streusel?”

“Confession is rewarded, disobedience punished.”

“Why is your daughter such a whore, shall we bring video of her filthy actions in front of you?”

Another backhand, this time with a rubber glove to prevent the electrical current to hit the agent.

“I vas a statzman…” the cigarette was put out on his left leg. Bismarck passed out cold, he was disconnected. A few minutes later ice was thrown on him, he blearily and bleatingly woke up.

In the rear of the room Iron Fist police were taking notes and whispering excitedly to one another. Agent Noir put his arm around Drekcsler’s shoulder, and guided the man out of the room.

“Herr Chancellor, I prophesy that in about four hours Bismarck will sing like a bird and be perfectly ready to endorse your government on Technicolor television. Herr Drekcsler, we will make something marvelous out of your nation. But tell me, why Mauritius, I hear we can get you a piece of West Africa relatively cheap this time of hear…”as their footsteps echoed down the concrete hall followed by laughter, Maxen began to pop and surge again.

The syringes with LSD were prepped.

It turns out that Agent Noir, one of the most efficient agents in la Marechaussee, was wrong. It took only two more hours to utterly break Maxen’s mind and turn him into a tool of the glorious new leader of the Volk, Herr Drekcsler.

Seeing as I have the single largest fleet in the area by a fair margin, and Italy hasn't (IIRC) spent nearly as much on its military as France has, I'm not massively concerned. Your own navy is pinned in place by the damage it received (I assume that the 19" shells mucked up your battleships a fair bit even if they didn't sink any) and the English Fleet's presence, while Mac's navy was by your own theory knocked out of action.

Of course, if my recall (based on some offhand comment Mac made, I think) is faulty, we'll have to see. But I seem to remember that Italy's navy wasn't much different from its RL incarnation. Its Army and Air Force were the things that got hugely expanded. Again, I could be wrong, though.

((Of course...theres always flight over a you-friendly Yugoslavia if it comes to that. At any rate, I think once we get the timeline done, which I will again get on my soap box for and say is absolutley critical, all this will not matter because we shall agree on everything...hopefully. Quite frankly I dont think anyone knows much where or what any fleet is like at this point. Thats why I want to finish the TL. Speaking of the TL again, I will have everything up to the outbreak of WW3 finished today, and again I wish to say how glad I am to see everyone participating. That said, WW3 will be the hard part, picking apart actions and battles and casualties and posistions to get everything set up to resume. That I presume will be the meat of the matter. Sorry Moorington for hijacking your thread with OOC rambleing, but while I am on it feel free to drop a history of your own down on the thread.))

OOC: All good valid points Spyr- the Mauritius were never invaded by Lusakan forces, even though they where threatened several times. It seems though, from an above post, that the matter is moot as Austrian control is definitely being invaded in the coming days.

The thread you referenced is one unknown to me, I must have missed the memo, but regardless it seems to be just about over with Spain pulling out of Mauritania. Just in time for Austrian forces to come on in and cause another war.

Okay, I'll put somethings in the timeline for Austria, and don't sweat it, I always ramble.

Yes, what is Maxen’s favorite streusel recipe? Sorry for the late post but weekday internet time is restricted at best, and I accidentally got wrapped up in reading the other SADR thread.

IC:

“My Gott”, mumbled Maxen. It was over, all of it. The French had broken him, he knew he was broken, and he knew nothing inside him could make him get back his old self. So, looking towards the future he decided to become merely a pawn, “No”, he corrected himself, more like a bishop. Even now, he was writing, he hated the thought of trying anything physically tiring, a statement to be issued through the proper bureaucracy to the leaders of the world. Announcing his new pledge to support the High Chancellor and the National Socialist Austria Party with all of his might. As a small rebellious act, he didn’t once put his will, because, he remarked to himself, “they took it”.

Looking at the former Chancellor, the same guard we know from the first act, shook his head and wondered why me? Maxen’s mumblings were irritating as knowing you were being sent to the purgatory. “They took what”, the guard snapped.

Deadpan, Maxen replied, “My favorite streusel recipe.”




“I say to Austria! We shall not cower in face of backwards Afrikaans, we shall not hide our faces, we shall not continue to hide in the shadows. We shall not back down. We are not spineless country, we are Austria. We shall instill a new wave of hegemony over the southern continent. We shall conquer. We shall have victory. We shall prevail.”

(Crowd) “Austria prevails!”

“Remember this”, Drekcsler continued, “Austria is first and foremost. There is nothing but the state, because we are the state. Nothing shall be outside the state, because our state shall be the world. Yet the unthinking of actions of a few people, so when a protester is in the streets know in your heart he isn’t the state, can jeopardize all that. He is outside the state and thus shall be shot for crimes against the state. Because Austria is first, not peoples or ideals, people don’t prevail-

(Crowd) Austria prevails!




“Austria prevails!” cried the Austrians as they marched from their secluded airbases in Mauritania. After waiting for something to happen Austrian High Command, Southern Continent CiC Trugen decided to do something, take the capital. For he saw it in a a very European fashion, which dictated that your capital was the height of your culture, pride, and architecture. Taking it, he thought, would be a major coup. He, of course, thought wrong. The telltale weapons of this continenet, small arms fire and RPGs almost immediately attacked Austrian forces the second they were on the road. Eurocopters proved to be of small use, if it was not sand, it was the combined weapons effort of every half-baked freedom fighter, but they succeeded in acting somewhat in the parameters of the Austrian military doctrine “Fluid War”.

Fluid War called for independent spear heads, fully enclosing their supply trains, to move straight for major cities and/or the capital. Eurocopters providing small amounts of new ammunition and foodstuffs while mainly scouting and harassing, yet the fundamental flaw is already there. What do you attack when the enemy is everywhere, yet nowhere? A few rounds here, an RPG here, nothing big, attacked the Austrian forces almost incessantly but it was never ending. The mind frame o knowing nothing was accomplished slowly weakened the moral of the Austrians, but they chugged ahead none the less. Because-

(Soldiers) “Austria Prevails!”

OOC-I am sorry that I can’t post anything substantial right now, I am exceptionally busy. I will attempt to get something up next week on many fronts. Just wanted to comment. If you have found favour with France, you will find that borrowing heavily in Tsarist markets will suddenly become very easy. Also, in order to supplement the French specialists in the nation, Tsar Wingert offers the infamous Kargat for your use. Though, what will the Quinntonian reaction be?

Tsar Wingert the Great.

Satellite information assessed in the relavent offices of capable nations revealed changes in the Balkans since the Austrian drama began to unfold. Recent hotspots in Kosovo and surrounding south-westerly regions were dying down as the lately distracting fight between the JNA and the terrorist KLA wound-down with the conclusion of Operation Pebbledash. Now, though a large part of the Militia Troops forces remained in areas of Albanian population, the JNA's mechanised brigades were shifting north in strength, back to border positions last occupied so heavily during Operation Barikada, the conflict with Austria.

Now it seemed in Belgrade as if the message of that enterprise had been lost on Vienna. The vision of an Austria that cries, "We shall conquer!" is not one well received in South Slavic eyes, and thousands of Yugoslavs have taken to the streets to stage anti-Austrian demonstrations, many shouts and slogans making reference to the Second World War or to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Aidarov's ministers currently face public pressure to take a hard line with the Austrians, and speeches have promised as much while trucks and trains roll north with tanks, troops, and guns in great number.

In the Adriatic, Yugoslav naval forces have stepped-up patrols, especially at the Strait of Otranto, where short-range submarines stalk below missile-boats and light frigates ordered to stand ready to challenge Austrian shipping should the order come from Belgrade. The Yugoslavian navy is small, but inclusive of domestically-produced submarines carrying 533mm torpedoes and new Kobra Class missile boats, backed-up by numerous coastal batteries armed with Brom anti-ship cruise missiles that are able to cover the whole of the only way out for Austrian shipping.

Officers and men, in a high condition of alert, wait to hear whether or not there shall be renewed conflict with Austria, which, it seems, Marshal Lav may initiate in response to Austrian imperialism if no measures are taken to placate or discourage the Socialist Federal Republic.

Meanwhile, Yugoslav diplomats, apologising for their government's recent lack of co-operation in the world as necessitated by internal strife ("caused by terrorists and an attempt by Tirana to undermine the Federal Republic for the unrealistic purposes of a Greater-Albanian agenda"), are forced to reassert Yugoslavia's neutrality. Belgrade explains that, while it shares the world's concerns over Austrian instability and the possibility of undesirable elements leading that nation to commit internationally unfriendly acts of policy or militancy, the SFRY is unable to accept in its territory -land, sea, and air- military forces associated with any power perceived to be involved in current and recent world-wide conflict between ideologies.

Raleigh, if it ever broaches the issue with Belgrade, will be told that to position Australasian forces in Yugoslavia, even if for the purpose of curtailing Austrian aggression abroad, would be to create in the SFRY targets for Holy League aggression, creating the possibility of conflict between Yugoslavia and that alliance.

It won't take a genius to spot the disposition of the Yugoslav navy, however, or to realise that it is positioned to blockade Trieste at short notice. Nor, indeed, to observe gun emplacements and the forward deployment of rocket artillery and mortars on the border with the Austrian enclave, and the on-going redeployment of L-20 Putin fighters and Boxkite light transport aircraft (of the JNA's single semi-elite Airborne Brigade) from Bulgarian and Macedonian bases to Slovenia.

OOC-Argg, just when you think its safe to brutalize Central Europe, bloody Aidarov shows up again. ::Busies himself pouring Bleach into a bowl of cereal and borsch and sending it along to Larionko::

More in a bit.

A nondescript Volkswagen bus rattled up to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace. From it stepped the French Minister of State le Comte de Vergennes and behind him, and considerably more imposing, Count Falkenstein, special envoy from the Winter Palace to Versailles. Greeted by Monsieur Jean Noir of la Marechaussee’s Foreign Advisory Committee, Versailles’ man on the ground so to speak. He appraised them as to the current situation in Austria as they proceeded up the grand steps, soon being led to the offices of the High Chancellor Herr Drekcsler.

Over glasses of strong brandy to ward off the cold they discussed these crazy days in large leather chairs, feet resting comfortably on ottomans as cigar smoke filled the room.

Monsieur de Vergennes was addressing the High Chancellor.

“So you see, Herr Drekcsler, His Most Christian Majesty sympathetic, even supportive of your position,” cigar smoke plumed and Vergennes took a hearty draft of the snifter in his hand.

“Most supportive,” put in Jean Noir, warming his hands over the fire.

“At this time, however, France finds herself in a somewhat taxing position, if I may use the term, with a unexpectedly major war in the Africas and a rather vigorous naval escapade perpetrated by this British and their various lackeys.”

“That said, as you can see we are already giving support in respect to police work,” a nod to the Marechaussee man by the fire. “I am afraid, to cut the matter short, that despite His Majesty’s greatest desire to see your cause succeed, the Kingdom of France at this time cannot support your endeavors.”

“There is good news, however, my associate, Count Falkenstein, has it on good authority from St. Petersburg that any regretful shortcomings on the part of the Most Christian King can gladly be atoned for by the generosity of His Imperial Majesty.”

Vergennes smiled warmly, a Falkenstein gave a heavy nod.

“Before I allow the Tsar’s emissary to alleviate your many problems, however, I have a few ideas to offer in the way of helpful advice. According to our Intelligence authorities in Versailles, and I assure you they are the best in the profession, who have studied your position, they offer the follow prescription as your course of action:

Your advised course of action is to slowly prepare for minor incursions into the Czech Republic, who provide you with an ideal target for all your policies. In order to secure a legitimate aggression, we shall have to train your Iron Fist men to conduct a raid into sovereign Austrian territory under the apparent guise of radical Czech bandits and or terrorists, depending on your preference. It would be an added bonus if you could simulate it being Anglo/Marxist terrorism. Simultaneously you must prepare for a defense in depth to the south, unassumedly if at all possible, in case that maniac Aidarov tries to make a move. Yet we find this to be unlikely, as the NATO powers interceded on your behalf earlier because of that brutes insanity.

The ‘Yugoslavian’ factor highlights the need to start slowly in the Czech Republic. Punitive raids over the border to arrest these bandits, perfectly legal, will serve as a litmus test to how far you can push and when you can push it. When you have finally gained hegemony in the Czech Republic, as our projections show you most likely will; you, Herr Drekcsler, Herr Uber Chancellor, can then be crowned something nice, maybe Arch Duke or Prince, King if you like it, and so shall victoriously and gloriously be admitted to the Holy League.

It is also best at this time to concentrate on the European Theatre, as Holy League forces are already running at full capacity in supplying the Franco-Spanish effort alone, and your committing strength there might also undermine the position of Roman Italy. And as we all know, Caesar Maximus could very likely be overthrown if there is a shortage of espresso or if one football team or another looses.

The men shared a hearty laugh, and then Vergennes concluded.

“I nearly forgot!,” he drained the snifter before continuing. “Get that bloody old fool Maxen of TV to collaborate with us, video taped before hand of course. Paper only does so much. And if he, or anyone else for that matter, doesn’t say what we want them to, well that what this good agent is for.”

The Marechaussee agent just grinned.

Um, speaking of which. What is Austria's military hardware/numbers thereof? (Specifically, ground defence and air force, mostly). Also, are you the same as RL Austria in terms of territory? If not, what are you?

The wikipedia pegs the current amount of Czech military at 35,000 troops here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Czech_Republic/Military). While Austria has 35,000 troops and 75,000 reservists (http://www.doppeladler.com/aaf/index.htm). I could not find any information on the number of Czech troops but assume they would be the same. Should we use these numbers?

Well, yeah. But this is AMW, where Australia has seven capital ships, four carriers and like, thirty destroyers. Uh, when I put it that way I sound like a wanker, and I probably am. That's as many carriers as the USA has, I think. Oops. Something'll need to change, namely my fleet numbers. I just... don't know how I'm going to do that yet.

Uh, anyway. Most of us don't play with RL military strength, Quinntonia is the only one who does IIRC, and he usually claims tech that's 2-3 years from widespread distribution (or in one case, a carrier that won't be sailing around for about a decade, knowing America). But yeah, he's an exception to the rule, and that only because the RL USA is, like, the most overwanked nation evar omg. :/

But again, I'm mostly concerned about Austria's force projection capabilities. Aircraft? Navy? Fixed-SAM defences along the coast?

I gotta say, I'm gonna miss Maxen von Bismarck.

Frustrated at the new Austrian regime's apparent refusal to meet with him, a furious Lee drives to parliament where he asks to meet with Dresler himself.

On his mind was the fate of Maxen and Homer, and the disproportional amount of wealth he had personally invested in Austrian banks.

OOC: Sorry for the late reply, every time I come on to post a reply it seems it is already "out of date".

I am going to miss Maxen to, I think I'll get him up on a stage and spout something for the new regime but honestly, it will not be the same as having him as the chancellor who takes a coach flight to Russia, looks on in that meeting, takes a flight to America, and sits in on that meeting all the while Austria is at war and his faithful associates try to track him down.

Good old days-

As about my force projections I am not thinking I have over 130.000 (without including associated home guards and the whatnot) men and my military is still very very small. A good amount of Eurocopters (2.000 or some scary number like that), Dpkz I's (uber light tank, 1400), II's (light tank, 600) and a smidgen of III's (1000; Leopard with some Stille Incorporated electronics). Even though I made the exact parameters a little bit ago for the I and II, around Operation Barakida, I seem to have lost them when I switched my computer to a newer one.

Ulan's are still there, maybe 2500 as a estimate with 500 or so sitting around in old storage facilities collecting dust. 30-40 Eurofighters, and some flak anti air weapons makes up the impenetrable bastion of the Austrian Kingdom, which if you compare to anything but the Czech Republic is some change that doesn't matter one way or the other.

Having all those tanks means that Austrian forces are ultra-heavy and few ground pounders, that is because I imagined Austrian forces to be more of a highly mechanized force than anything, with any anti-vehicle positions taken out with either Eurocopters or a smidgen of infantry not riding/driving something.

Then of course you got to remember 10.000 Austrians and the vast majority of my overstretched airforce is in Mauritania or the Mauritius, they are being pulled out, no use anymore in those particular schemes. One thing was mentioned on the AMW site when I mentioned a brief estimate of Austrian forces was the use of mercenaries by more capitalistic and less: get your hands dirty Austria, I don't know what the full number could be but having 2000 or so Moors hanging around as a special division (or somesuch) would be pretty cool.

I guess more than anything I wanted to run by everyone on if this all seems acceptable. I don't want Austria to be a major power quite yet (but Moorington, its invading another country). I know, but I would hate to have to RP like Nova Gaul and Mac does on a regular basis, I like to be a power in my little pond.

So, that is over 1% of the population, right? Isn't that kind of high for a nation taht until recently was arabid consumerist? But, with being invaded and sorrounded by militant power, it may make sense. What percentage of that is reservists?

WWJD
Amen.

So, that is over 1% of the population, right? Isn't that kind of high for a nation taht until recently was arabid consumerist? But, with being invaded and sorrounded by militant power, it may make sense. What percentage of that is reservists?

WWJD
Amen.

Without doubt, the vast majority, maybe up to 70.000 is in reserve and is only now being pulled into action with their corresponding equipment. Austria may have been capitalistic, but not blind and deaf to think Europe will continue to be such a happy place after the Revival and Yugoslavian invasion. Since really, Austria in RL doesn't have an actual reason to even have its small standing army, but I suspect that if it was thrust into a AMW world it would bolster its numbers to my levels.

IC:

Mauritania forces, after marching around in the dust for a (week?) are called back. Thankfully, instead of resentment, there is rejoicing. The high command does have two thoughts to rub together! With high spirits, everything is pulled back to Austria and while not everything will be fully withdrawn from the dust of Afrika until several weeks later, at least the troops know they will not have to do any dreadful urban fighting or climbing seemingly insurmountable sand dunes several times a hour.

While Drekcsler professes to that the Slavic hordes "unprofessional, filthy, and barbaric" in personal circles he makes sure to keep a good face to the Yugoslavians in public. A smile on his face as he happily orders more fully enforced mandatory conscription and the defense of Austria to the south and north. While he knows a two front war was more than enough to kill Germany last go around, and to a certain extent Japan, he still is eager to press his luck.

Trieste, Austria's only route to the sea is heavily fortified. Austrians in droves leave the city, giving (ironically) the keys of their houses with something along the lines of "The living room has a great line of fire, from what I can tell, onto the below courtyard." Since they know these soldiers are here to dig in. Everyone helps, transportation department workers help dig bunkers, ditches, and a whole manner of fortifications throughout Trieste. Electricians help with spreading electronic hooks ups and outlets throughout every command post. Firemen sign up for the army on the spot and are assigned a special attachment, armed to the teeth with axes, a few guns, and a firetruck. Just with the intention of making the city the most entrenched since Stalingrad. While an exaggeration to a certan extent the workers and soldiers work diligently. Ack-ack guns are brought in along side mobile artillery like the 2000's; who are given exact firing ranges for certain spots for multiple locations, and a Trieste home guard made of a few woman (largely excluded in fighting roles in the army) and any man not yet received the draft notice. As troops rush in, largely un-organized into proper divisions the officer on the ground (Trieste command guy, forgot his name, oops) forms them up. 22nd, 23rd, and 24th Armored, with about 300 I's, 150 II's and 100 III's. 5.000 ground pounders, 250 various Ulans, and the 50 2000’s are made into 5 “attachments” alongside 100 other recoilless artillery.

The removal of so much of Trieste's civilian population causes some wonderment in neighbouring Yugoslavia, and is widely cited as an example of the new authority's dangerously autocratic bent. Minister Vorobei has suggested that the condition of Trieste must be causing some discontent in the Austrian population, a body already strained by war preparations and political instability.

YPA/JNA planners regard the impressive feat favourably, considering that areas of the once-bustling port are now much less politically difficult targets in sheer military terms.

Conflict with Vienna is still not really something that Belgrade wants, considering it bad for local trade routes, but every Austrian war preparation is answered in Yugoslavia. L-18 (Yugoslav designation for the MiG-29) fighters this week are relocating to bases in the south of the country, replaced elsewhere by L-20 Putins, due to fears that Russia's familiarity with the machines -built, after all, in pre-Tsarist Russia- could translate to tactical aid for Austria should the Holy League back the new regime in any conflict with the SFRY.

Lav's ambitious and controversial bunker-building programme has been ordered into a new phase after the initial installation last year of several hundred of the little pillboxes. Stage two entails the emplacement of many thousands of these outposts around the country, mostly near borders and coastal areas (but not exclusively so), to be manned, when required, by Territorial Defence Forces and other second-line personnel.

Newly-penning planning reports indicate that shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles and light anti-tank rockets and guided missiles are the top production priorities in the state-run armaments sector in the next quarter.

For now, the Federal Republic waits, eyes wide and ears pricked.

Austrian diplomats are eager to appear helpful and competent to the Yugoslavian government, since Drekcsler understands that a two front war could prove to be the ton of bricks to break the camel's back, to put a common phrase in new light. He relays to his diplomats that Austria does not see any use in invading Yugoslavia, or meddling in its southern neighbor’s affairs. Basically: what's mine is mine, and what's yours is yours, and northern affairs fall in "mine" (Austrian) affairs and anything south is yours.

Forces in Mauritania continue to pack up and dismantle the several airports that they were flown in from, and redeployed along the southern border. The Czech Republic planning has meet some unfortunate errors, mostly concerning the elimination of certain officers that complained to much, and so the basically cut and dry planning for the defense of Austria gets more troops.

More troops reach southern Austria, and set up more anti-aircraft weaponry and the newly arrived ground to air missile operations are finally getting their last electronic kinks out. A more WWI approach is used where cities such as Trieste, are not in abundance. Deep trenches, wide enough for 3 men to walk abreast, deep enough for most smaller artillery to be in-effective, and extensive barbed wire, mines, an machine guns. Most of which were being flown in from Russia.

OOC: Does the Czech Republic share a border with Yugoslavia? In other words, does AMW Yugoslavia have RL Slovakia? Moorington, did you say that you were starting a national conscription draft, or you were talking about mobilizing your reserves when you said "any man not yet received the draft notice..."

OOC: Does the Czech Republic share a border with Yugoslavia? In other words, does AMW Yugoslavia have RL Slovakia? Moorington, did you say that you were starting a national conscription draft, or you were talking about mobilizing your reserves when you said "any man not yet received the draft notice..."

Nah, Yugoslavia doesn't have a common border, and to my knowledge neither Slovakia or Hungary; the unsightly mass we call Hungary is currently occupying the area dividing Slovakia and former Yugoslavia.

Conscription is what I was referring to, my numbers on my factbook only show prewar career-conscript breakdown though.

OOC: Indeed, Yugoslavia in AMW incorporates Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Serbia -inclusive of Vojvodina, Kosovo, and Montenegro-, and Bulgaria, but not Slovakia or Hungary or such (despite Lav's efforts to convince them to join). Notably, Belgrade would be supportive of a Czechoslovak union, should the issue ever arise, and Marshal Lav hints at this sort of idea on a regular basis while ranting against the threat of the Holy League.
We do border Austria, of course.
I don't know if you've started RPing yet, but when you do, give me a nod so that Yugoslavia can pursue relations.

Gulf of Venice

The AA-36A1 reconnaissance aircraft cast its sensors outward, monitoring all ground and aircraft traffic in and out of Trieste. The civilian evacuation was observed with interest, and the sudden mechanized buildup with deepening concern. Flight Lieutenant Ignacio Cevarra banked the aircraft gently, bringing its nose-mounted Synthetic Aperture Radar in line with the city.

Cevarra's aircraft was low on fuel, having taken a rather circuitous route to its current position in an attempt to avoid Italian aircraft or SAM sites for as long as possible. Now they were running full jamming and countermeasures, spamming radar with confused signals and hoping for the best.

"Technician Andrews," Cevarra said crisply. "Have a digital copy of all images transmitted to Admiral Wilberforce as we take them." The JSTARS operator, a youngish man with sandy hair and a round, honest face, nodded.

"Yes, sir."

FCS Longbow, Ionian Sea

Rear Admiral Wilberforce whistled Waltzing Mathilda jauntily to himself as the bridge of the FCS Longbow pitched slightly in the unusually rough seas. The CAP aircraft were having a somewhat difficult time of it, landing on a deck that was bouncing about rather more than the average runway. Fortunately, the FCNAC was trained to deal with such conditions, and performed well enough.

His force had been rather curtailed as news of a new French buildup reached Admiral Denning, and now included only the Escort Cruiser FCS Billabong, the destroyers Docker River and Gol Gol, two AWIAC class Helicopter Frigates Perth and Arunta and the Guided Missile Frigate Melbourne. Accompanying the group was a minehunter, an arsenal ship and an oiler. Wilberforce would have rather had the extra sixty-odd aircraft off of the Quenfis, but he wasn't about to fuss. Even so, his air group was equal to most of the Federacy's air force, and could make a bit of a mess in Italy if need be.

If the Federacy made any overtly military moves, including the deployment of soldiers to Africa, he was authorized to attack the city of Trieste and prevent all military sea or air travel out of southern Austria. With the current situation in Europe, little could really be done about troop movements to the north. However, what Europe did to itself wasn't really Raleigh's concern, and the admiral's objective was to prevent the Austrians from adding any further forces to the African situation.

Moor; I'm assuming that your forces are going to be pretty poorly trained and equipped if you have so many. No nation your size can afford that much in the way of quality manpower, you know? 'S why my offensive force is roughly 90,000 strong. That, and I want to keep my budget non-insane.

Socialist Republic of Croatia, SFRY

The Australasian aircraft had been watched for some time before serious countermeasures began to confuse intelligence gathering forces equipped with Improved Long Track and P-14 Tall King Upgrade radar. The JNA was pleased, none the less, with how well its enhanced USSR-era systems coped, tracking the target from several hundred kilometres away and dealing as well as could be expected with the various layers of defence and deception.

When the readings became more confusing, close to Slovenian air space, a pair of L-20 Putin lightweight multi-role tactical fighters scrambled from near Ljubljana to patrol the fringes of Yugoslav territory and acquire visual information if it became important to do so.

There was no question of aggressively intercepting what was believed to be an aircraft operating with interests vaguely concurrent with Belgrade's own.

Worryingly, some in the Federal government actively sought to provoke conflict with Austria and the League so as to push an agenda of co-operation with the west, largely for the sake of new technology and wealthy tourists (defence and tourism really do dominate the Yugoslav economy)... while others, affiliated with the officially ignored Black Hand, would have liked to cause an incident over such events as this reconnaissance mission to bring Yugoslavia into conflict with the west and pursue an agenda of Serbo-Russian alliance.

Every word, every action thrown-out in or about the SFRY these days was a potential spanner in the works, or spark in the powder room.

Yugoslavia's vast military forces are based loosely upon real-life standards maintained by the JNA during its healthier days, and incorporating the extra body of Bulgaria. In reality, Yugoslavia was consistently in the top two or so of the world's most militarised states, and still did a fair job of development and maintaining quality of life... until Tito died and some clever people decided to listen to the IMF and WB, which, as yet, has not been an issue for Lav. Nobody's made any great efforts to sabotage our economy, so far!

*182,000 Army personnel including 70,000 volunteers and 112,000 conscripts
*575,000 Trained Reserve Forces
*1,200,000 trained Territorial Defence Forces
*2,000,000 untrained Territorial Defence Forces
*18,000 Militia Troops (heavy security police)
*50,000 Federal Militia (police)
*42,000 Air Force personnel including 37,000 volunteers and 5,000 conscripts
*13,000 Naval Forces personnel including 8,000 volunteers and 5,000 conscripts

The TDF are the militias who will only be significant in the event of an invasion, and then only on a local basis (not as an army group made of multiple divisions bearing down on the enemy!). The Army is only half a step behind top western armies, being marginally under mechanised, and the air force is also close but for perhaps just a few less flying-hours per year for its pilots. The navy of course has nothing bigger than half a dozen light frigates and half a dozen patrol submarines. The Reserves are more like your generic... Soviet horde, marching into battle with an AK-clone firing from the hip and dying their way to the objective.

Moor; I'm assuming that your forces are going to be pretty poorly trained and equipped if you have so many. No nation your size can afford that much in the way of quality manpower, you know? 'S why my offensive force is roughly 90,000 strong. That, and I want to keep my budget non-insane.

Well for Drekcsler, defense comes first, social welfare last. Which, incidentally, is vice versa in RL Austria.

Consider that in RL it is indeed vice-versa, yet they manage to field an army around my size. Yes I have 25.000 thousand men more, but honestly Austria, if used its resources in a more militeristic manner, could easily compensate. Especially if you consider that there is around 1,000,000 (990,000) soldiers that while not young, are at least trained to a degree having a civilian life. That could hypothetically be retrained in half the time of real green-green soldiers. Now that is in our social welfare uno, defence last Austria.

So its no real stretch of the imagination to say Austria calls up the 30-40 crowd to fill some of its positions, adding in a longer military time more heavily enforced and I can give the tentitive answer that no, not all my guys are under trained hobos that have some equipment they don't know how to use.

Yes, I understand they may not be a elite force, or at least not all of it, but my economy is being ruined. If anything all the lucrative contracts sould add a nice boost, without as much cause for concern because inflation is strictly regulated by the fact my currency is fixed. (Of course at the expense of not being able to use as much money as the government would like).

(heh, does anyone know where we are on a timeline? And Yugo, I’m dying to know, whats going on In Lavrageria that you have been hinting at. Surely you could drop a few morsels? In regards to raising troops, dont worry Morr. As a fellow enlightened absolute ruler, what do you care about budgets and people, so as long as its enough to stop revolution, roll in bank notes at night, and support dreams of Empire. Let them eat...cabbage! I wouldnt be so much as worried about raising your planned large defensive, for the most part, army. Terror goon squads and patriotic fervor should help, at least for a few months. I worry about making sure they actually have bullets to use.)

Vienna

French intelligence data pointed to the continually worrisome build up of Yugoslavian forces and motivations, compounded by the active Australasian fleet presence in a clearly offensive maneuver. The French envoy, in deep cover to the Drekcsler Government, was of course Monsieur Jean Noir, Marechaussee. It was his job to keep to assist the National Socialists in maintaining power, mainly by arresting and torturing dissidents as had been done for so long in the Holy League states. Austria was in a critical position, and the Most Christian King and Invincible Tsar had discussed many options for the succor of the Germanic nation.

For now, however, all that could be done was helping very behind the scenes, and so that is what was done. With all the glitz and pomp of a monarchist news conference, Maxen von Bismarck, broken in mind and body, was brought before the international media to declare the sanctity of the Drekclser Government and the peacefulness of its intentions. It need not be mentioned that his speech was rather uncomfortably given, with a pistol constantly being poked into his back from behind the curtain. Nevertheless, stuttering was kept to a minimum, and for a man shattered in brain and heart no one could have asked Bismarck to give a better speech…with only a little bit of slurring from the drugs here and there. He was whisked away promptly after the address, with a beaming and dashing Herr Drekclser assuming his place to continue a dialogue of peace and answer the questions from the globe’s disparate news cartels.

As the lights were on and cameras flashed in colorful Vienna, throughout Austria the Marechaussee men, and women, worked hand in glove with Drekcsler’s Iron Fist to round up anyone who could pose as spies for the progressives or sympathizers for the West; and without fanfare gently tucked these suspicious persons comfortably away.

Versailles wasted no time in urging Drekcsler to continue, even expand, a dialogue with the Yugoslavs, particularly Aidarov. It was imperative that Yugoslavia maintain its ‘neutrality’, at least the public sham of ‘neutrality’ that it maintained to the world. Nevertheless, Trieste and Vienna in particular must be fortified very well, with a mind keeping to anti-aircraft operations, Versailles suggested, along with the preparation of Koniggratz to serve as a hub to rebuff a likely Yugoslavian invasion. Simultaneously it was critical that storm troops, so to speak, be prepared for incursion into the Czech Republic. These troops would be launched ostensibly in response to Anglo and/or ‘Progressive’ (take your pick, it was suggested) sponsored ‘raids’ into Austria, which would be conducted by agents of the Austrian Regime---trained by the French and Tsarist secret state police.

Once Vienna had subdued the unruly Czechs, Versailles maintained, Herr Drekclser could be crowned head of a new Austrian Empire and be admitted without further ado into the Holy League. At this time Italy, long a member of the Holy League, would declare war as well, and so divert Aidarov’s attentions and make it, hopefully, impossible to, no matter how much the revolutionary wished so, conduct a two front war with the threat of the Tsarist Russias next door. After all, Herr Drekclser was told, if the Holy League failed he was doomed anyway, with Aidarov delighted to expand his ‘benevolent society’ to incorporate Vienna and its satellites.

Most regrettably, the ministers of the Most Christian King were at a loss to say when direct Holy League assistance would be forthcoming, other than the above guidance. They were hopeful that when the Czech’s had been brought into the fold and Caesar Maximus declared war then Drekcsler would be in fine shape indeed.

Rome

Charles III, King of Sicily, formerly known as le Duc de Normandie, third youngest brother to Louis-Auguste, stood shoulder to shoulder with Caesar Maximus Jacomo Giuseppe del Piedmont as four legions conducted a military parade under the Arch of Constantine to cheering crowds.

At the behest of his French and Spanish brothers, Caesar Maximus had just ordered that the reserves be activated, and that his generals present him with plans for a glorious Roman entrance into the Great War. French and their Sicilian militias were already at full alert, and it was a pleasure for Charles III to work with his new brother-in-law (Maximus had just been married to Mademoiselle Elise-Gabrielle de Bourbon et Parma, Louis-Auguste’s first cousin on the paternal side, at a large ceremony is the Sistine Chapel) in preparing Italy to join the conflict. It must be confessed that Tulgary’s Declaration of War paved the way for Rome, which had held off so long only because Versailles, El Escorial, The Hague, and even the Winter Palace wanted to keep Yugoslavia neutral for as long as possible. Sadly, it looked as though this would no longer be possible due to the actions bubbling out of Belgrade.

Rome would be some time before she could actually enter the war, but when she did, that would give the allies the entire Holy League, save Tsarist Russia (which was on the brink on entering, for she too would fall if her allies lost), to deal with.

Belgrade

Meanwhile, in a move unanticipated by anyone, Versailles sends some diplomatic communications off to Aidarov. They implore Aidarov to maintain his neutrality, hinting that if Belgrade does not become belligerent, then Italy would remain un-involved as well. It states that Austria by all obvious conclusions is neither a Holy League member nor an aggressive power, verifiable by all facts.

It darkly hints that an offensive against the Austrian state by the sadly capable Yugoslavian armies, if successful, will not be acceptable as it will surely put the Caesar, a Holy League stalwart, in a dangerous position, which will see Italy join the war in full force along with its crowned allies.

Aidarov, to be successful in a war ravaging the West, the message states, simply has to sit back and remain neutral. Why, there was not even a reason there could be trade between Aidarov and the Holy League? To sweeten the deal, Versailles even suggest that several thousand ethnic Lavragerians, gainfully employed in France, might even be shipped back as a keep-sake of Belgrade’s neutrality. Yugoslavia would find itself quite unable to conduct business as usual if she too fought in the war.

And whatever Aidarov may dream of, this much is sure: that is Yugoslavia enters the war, it will surely not escape unscathed, to say the least.

Kastus Vorobei may have been quietly urging him to return to Austria and finish the job quickly, but Marshal Lav did not relish the thought of a more serious conflict and, more to the point, didn't want to occupy Austria. He could see no major benefit coming of it, and was sure that a large war and an occupation combined would tip the economy sufficiently far the wrong way to allow in the meddling banks of the world in a most undesirable manner.

Vorobei insisted that the west could be engaged to deal with Austria after the Yugoslav victory, but, for reasons best known to himself, Aidarov still did not appear keen.

Now was not the time to be fighting a war on the Adriatic or giving Russia even a little excuse to do what the Tsar surely wanted in the Black Sea. Yugoslavia's merchantmen could not be cut-off now, or the wonderful plague of the Lavragerian horde would surely be smothered.

Trade with the HL would possibly be allowed in a small ammount. It would be small because most Yugoslav economic activity was in the defence and tourism sectors, and Lav wasn't about to sell rockets to France or invite the Tsar's second cousin for coffee at a Slovenian ski resort. Belgrade suggested an initial trade in clothing and textiles to the value of perhaps a couple of million dollars through the year.

OOC: I'm fiddling with time. At this moment, everyone would know what's happening in Lavrageria, for it starts back around the time of the Atlantic battle, in June, and I assume that we're past that, here?

!Linky! (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=471297)

(damned if I know, your TL sounds fine to me. I did not want to debate so much as ‘mark it down’, so to speak. C’est si bon!)

Versailles was truly stunned…has Aidarov indeed begun to take to some form of fine legitimacy? His Most Christian Majesty Louis-Auguste was roused from a champagne (generously dosed with various ‘calming solutions’) induced stupor and given the news that, yes, the government of Yugoslavia was even willing to begin small trade. This was a watershed, not so much because of the items to be swapped, but because Yugoslavia was even open to the idea of trade.

King Louis-Auguste personally phones Monsieur le Comte de Maurepas, Prime Minister to the Crown, and instructs him in no uncertain terms that everything possible to assume a friendly attitude with Yugoslavia was to be taken at once.

Subsequently M. de Maurepas called the Minister of War, Monsieur le Duc de Broglie, and informs the War Minister to halt all plans for strategic cruise missile strikes against Yugoslavia, and to “halt all and any operations of a military nature, direct or indirect, that could threaten to undermine the currently calming atmosphere in the Balkan region”. Maurepas also phones Minister of State Monsieur le Comte de Vergennes, and the diplomat will have a much harder task.

The State Ministry was to, at once, dispatch under full colors of honor a full embassy to Belgrade. Headed by the affable Monsieur le Comte de Sartines, one of the more dovish figures left at Court, the embassy was tasked with a mission of the greatest importance. On the one hand they were to seek terms with Aidarov for an official Treaty of Neutrality. Which would guarantee for all parties involved, France and by default the Holy League and Yugoslavia and the Baltic states agreements that a state of ‘perpetual peace’ would dominate the Balkans, a state where Aidarov need not fear Holy League attack and where the Holy League powers would not fear a sudden blitz out of Belgrade against Austria, and more importantly, Roman Italy. Again regarding Austria, as the former Chancellor von Bismarck had done, Belgrade would have to acknowledge the legitimacy of the Drekcsler Government. Trade in textiles was affable, and raw materials such as oil, rubber, and whatever else basic and essentials that Belgrade controls would only sweeten the deal.

And while peace hinged on treaty and trade, another key element was that in no way shape or form was Yugoslavia to host any military or quasi-military force from the following states: Great Walmington, the Free Colony of Australasia, Hindustan, Beth Gelert, or any number of African powers currently at war with the French Crown. Trade on any item was still free, but Versailles was keenly worried about Yugoslavia being used as a springboard to attack the Holy League.

El Escorial takes the lead of Versailles, as everyone knew they would. Tulgary really has no capability to deploy to the region, and probably would not even if it could. Charles III went directly to Rome, not for a bellicose military parade, but to inform his cousin Caesar Maximus to halt plans for a general mobilization. Though he was to keep alert, a grueling war with Yugoslavia was no longer anticipated and therefore neither to be instigated nor prepared for.

Hearing news of troubles in the Baltic also caused M. de Maurepas to summon Count Falkenstein, the Tsarist Ambassador. The French Bourbons were eager to tell their blood ally that regardless of circumstances in the north, for the survival of the Holy League, the Crowns must assume a ‘hands-off’ policy for the Balkans, unless of course Marshall Lav starts invaiding and undermining God’s Lieutentants, then it was ‘hands-on’. But King Louis-Auguste truly believed that Aidarov was being honest, and he was known as a courageous warrior to boot (something restored monarchies understood very well), so the Tsar is asked at the highest levels to consider these factors. Ironically, France is almost speaking on behalf of Yugoslavia, but not quite.

All said this marks a fundamental change in the policies of His Most Christian Majesty. The Kingdom of France was, after all, fighting a brutal war in the bush of Africa and slogging through ridiculously expensive naval engagements with the Anglo powers, her Bourbon and Tulgarian allies being wholeheartedly involved in the previous endeavors as well. On account of this, and having dealt with the indefatigable Aidarov before, the course for peace is chosen, and indeed it is a landmark course.

Some say it might be Quinntonian pressure, others a deceit in preparation for a glorious assault. Yet those in the know, those who personally knew Louis-Auguste, would be forced to come to a far different conclusion. The Most Christian King had tried every option to deal with Aidarov, along with his Tsarist father-in-law. They had tried heavy military attacks…this resulted in the now conspicuous quagmire that was Lavrageria and Central Eastern Europe. Leveling a whole nation with artillery and bombs and crack troops had not crushed the Slavic statesman…on the contrary Marshal Lav left unscathed and within a few years had climbed another rung on the ladder of power, controlling tens of millions instead of only a few, and in charge of a huge and relatively modern nation instead of a tribal backwater. Le Duc de Broglie was all for another try, but even he, an eagle among hawks, sullenly was forced to admit that the banners of the fleur-de-lys had quite enough to do in Africa. They had tried to eliminate Aidarov with covert agents. Now, even the most bitter enemies of the French Crown would have to admit that Versailles controlled the premier secret police and covert espionage corps on earth. They had spent millions and risked their finest operators only to stumble on a washed up Prime Minister before being forced to flee Yugoslavia.

So those in the know indeed knew. Louis-Auguste after all had, almost literally, fought in personal combat with Larionko Aidarov. Versailles shrugged, and held up its hands without further reasonable options. Those in the know knew that the Sun King was a cagey politician as well as a divine right monarch, and he knew the adage better than anybody:

If you can’t beat them, well then you might as well be their friends.

And if Versailles and Belgrade could come to some sort of understanding and amity, then peace was one step closer for Europe in deed.

"My patriots! I come here today with news, I wish never happened. Yesterday, September 7, 1941 - a date which will live in our hearts as a day Austria delivers justice to the heretics- the Kingdom of Austria was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the Hungarian army and special forces.

The Kingdom of Austria was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Hungary, was still in diplomatic dialogue with its government and its Premier, looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Balkans.

Indeed, one hour after Austrian lives were shed by the Hungarians, a monthly report had come in, mentioning no hostile acts were in the thoughts of their hearts.

It will be recorded that the meticulous and well prepared way the raid was carried out, makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Hungarians still deceived our devote nation with the ideals of peace and trade.

The attack yesterday on our eastern border, has caused many children to grow up fatherless, and motherless. I regret to tell you that many Austrian souls have been lost. Also, several prominent Austrian business men have been arrested under false terms, and the Hungarian government seems willing to disregard their rights.

Hungary has undertaken a surprise attack, on civilians and businessmen, for the sole purpose of exerting intimidation on its smaller neighbor. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. Austria has already formed its opinions I well understand the implications; the very life and safety of our nation.

As Chancellor, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense, that always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated massacre, Austria's righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I speak for the will of the Reichstag, and of Austria when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. God help our enemies.

I ask that the Reichstag declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Hungary on Monday, August 8, 2006, a state of war has existed between The Devote Kingdom of Austria, and the Hungary."

Raising his fist, he yelled "Austria prevails!".

With thunderous appluase, the crowds, the people watching their television, and the men and women listing on their radios:

"Austria Prevails!"

A thick portfolio is delivered the the Czech Republic's diploma in Wein. In return for helping in the subjugation of Slovakia, Austria would appreciate the exchange of the southern Sudentland.

OOC: I tried to make some references to another speech, on a another important day. I conced that I am blatantly copying it, but that is of course the point of the exercise.

Hungarian Military (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_of_Hungary)

I think this war is over before it begins. Airforce, destroyed within a couple days, if not all on the ground (I'll RP that in a bit) in one fell swoop. Hungary has an active force of almost 30,000 that is really not much against a significantly more modern Austrian army, equipped with advanced IFVs, Leopords, and an elite airforce that small, is not as small as the 12 Saab's they have.

So basically, an invasion of Hungary, and the demands that Hungary turns over Tranyslavannia. Of course I'm going to need to know how to spell my new province!

OCC: Eh, perhaps we should wait just one minute on this here. I was long under the impression that Austrian ambitions were aimed at the Czech Republic, and not Hungary, which has, before now, received next to no OCC or IC mention. I take it that Drecksler's justification of war with Hungary has no basis in fact, since there wasn't anybody to RP Hungary and no consensus on whether Budapest would have wanted to initiate hostilities.

I don't believe that it would be fair to say that the war would last for only a few days. Keep in mind that Hungary's standing armed force, 40,000 strong, is composed solely of volunteers. Austria's army, which has been stated in excess of 130,000 men, if I'm not mistaken, likely does not have an altogether larger voluntary component. So the disparity in numbers cannot be so acute. Hungary in RL has taken steps to reduce the size of its military, but with a hostile and expansionist Austria across the border in AMW, I'm not sure it would be entirely reasonable to keep that reduction the same. The Hungarian air force, while still smaller than Austria's, still has at least 28 4th-generation combat aircraft (14 JAS-39C/Ds, 14 MiG-29s) in active service, plus as many as seven mothballed MiG-29s and combat-capable L-39ZAs. Austrian attack aircraft would have to fly over the greater part of Hungary to reach the main bases at Kecskmet and Szolnok, allowing for plenty of time to scramble combat aircraft to challenge an incoming air raid.

OOC: Eh, I think we should get you in as Hungary! Okay, maybe I did have a slight change of plans, but me and Fleur decided fighting against each other would be jolly good, but more easier process were available; invading Hungary and Slovakia.

Oh well, I tried to see how it would go over, and I maintain my previous statement: Hungary would be hard pressed to do anything, some poor 4th generation aircraft would just be a turkey shoot, especially with the limited hours Hungarians train in their aircraft (no matter how much they think Austria is going to invade them without warning).

Military wise, they have few heavy tanks, and even a somewhat competent army can get past and into Transylvania with a 4-1 difference in heavy vehicles and 3-1 (at the very least) in troops.

Volunteer army are usually more competent than conscript armies (I wish I could point to an actual war) but with an Austrian army having 1 volunteer per 3 soldiers (about), doesn’t mean there isn't something akin to the peasants of Russia.

The economy, for obvious reasons, is having a serious strain, especially when the ammunition is needed to just have some in the guns. Otherwise, I can't say anything is crippling, most machines are already boughten or produced, with a healthy stock mothballed. Guns, clothing, and gear for soldiers is needed, and being supplied, but the Austrian government is willing to buy the less complex items from abroad. Like Russia, China, and Turkey.

OOC: What's poor about Gripens and Fulcrums? What does Austria use? Surely nothing that has a significant lead against Gripen!
I don't think there's any danger at all of Prague being interested in taking Slovakia, is there? Certainly not in exchange for the Sudetenland.
Hm, expansionism in Europe does not seem to be nearly so calculating/likely to work as in Asia!

Austria

Anthony Drecksler,

The Free Colony has been monitoring local events via AWACS and Joint-STARS surveillance aircraft, and has detected no military action on the part of Hungary, nor has combat been observed along the Austria-Hungary border. Given the status of events in the Balkan region, there is little evidence to support the claim that attacks have been made upon the Austrian border, and therefore the government of the Free Colony greets your statements with suspicion.

We demand that non-involved, third-party investigators be permitted to enter Austria and inspect the border region, and further demand that they be permitted to publish their findings before the international community. Such investigators must be independent and non-partisan, and therefore we suggest Quinntonian, Hindustani or Roycelandian officials fill these roles. Discussion is ongoing with the aforementioned governments in accordance with this statement.

We demand that hostile actions against the nation of Hungary not be undertaken in advance of these investigations. If the illegitimate entity controlling the Austrian Federacy does not comply with these demands, the Free Colony will seek to assist the nation of Hungary with the defence of its territory and citizenry.

Attached to this document are the particulars of the civil action targeting the entity controlling Stille, Inc., and a subpoena for certain board members and persons to appear before the Viceroyalty Court in Raleigh, Australasia.
Damien Evilsizor, CH
Ambassador-Austrian Federacy
Free Colony of Australasia

Raleigh

Strathairn's face itched. He was caked in a layer of makeup for the cameras, and was convinced as usual that he looked like a half-made up drag queen. But the video feed said otherwise, and it really wouldn't do to show up with bags under ones' eyes.

One of his aides, a young man with straw hair and pale eyes, directed him onstage. He was struck by the dazzling lights and fought the urge to squint as he strode out to the podium flanked by the flag of Australasia and the Naval Jack. His speech began to scroll up the teleprompter. Strathairn took his place and began to read, careful not to stare into the plate of glass upon which his words had been projected, and careful as well not to read the sarcastic doodles that Christina-- who seemed to enjoy baiting him-- had scrawled in the margins.

"Anthony Drecksler has announced that he intends to lead a war against the nation of Hungary. He has stated that this war is in response to an action that took place yesterday, September the 7th. However, Australasian intelligence and surveillance aircraft have detected no military activity on the Hungarian side of the border concurrent with the scale and time of the attack indicated by Drecksler's speech. Therefore, we have demanded of Drecksler that he allow independent, third-party observers to ascertain the situation before launching an attack that, at the moment, seems to be sudden and premeditated, unjustified and inhuman.

"Due to the emerging situation in the Balkan States, diplomatic relations have been reopened with the Indian National Union. Differences of opinion on the matter of Indonesian independence exist, and will exist for the foreseeable future. However, in times of great crisis we must work together for the greater good. This is one of those times, and the Indian National Union has been, and always shall be, an ally in a time of need.

"The United States of Quinntonia have ever been a friend to the Free Colony. In the spirit of this friendship, a team of diplomats has been dispatched to the United States to discuss possible avenues of action in the near future. Without discussing the situation with Quinntonian leaders in depth, I regret that I cannot say what form this action will take.

"A diplomatic team has been dispatched to the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. My hope, and the hope of this government, is that the SFRY can prove to be a moderating influence on its northern neighbour.

"As of this time, a trade embargo exists with the illegitimate entity controlling the Austrian Federacy. All Austrian governmental vessels are to be made a prize by Free Colonial naval vessels, and all merchant shipping travelling in and out of the Austrian Federacy does so at its own risk. Australasian vessels have established a blockade of the port city of Trieste, and will take steps to control the flow of goods accordingly."

Eastern Mediterranean

With little fanfare, Rear-Admiral Wilberforce's carrier group was designated Task-Force Blue and given the order to blockade the Adriatic Sea to all Holy League and Austrian shipping. It took up station in the eastern part of the Ionian Sea, its range extended by flights of aircraft in dual scout and interdiction roles.

Simultaneously, the rest of the Mediterranean Fleet deployed to positions southeast, forming a cordon between Malta and Tripoli. The Libyan government was contacted by the Admiralty requesting permission to dock warships of battleship size. A similar request was made of the Maltese government by the British Admiralty, recalling a centuries-old tradition. The HMS Courageous, Britain's only large warship in the Mediterranean, joined the three Australasian ships of the line as the core of Task Force Red. They were expected to take up station by the end of the week.

OOC: What's poor about Gripens and Fulcrums? What does Austria use? Surely nothing that has a significant lead against Gripen!
I don't think there's any danger at all of Prague being interested in taking Slovakia, is there? Certainly not in exchange for the Sudetenland.
Hm, expansionism in Europe does not seem to be nearly so calculating/likely to work as in Asia!

OOC: Eurofighters, and having more training and flight time. Adds a significant edge. I wouldn't say we are less calculating when we could be more calculating, just it takes less to invade in Europe because we only have a handful of nations compared to how many are blank.

We really need an OOC thread. But anyway, even if the original phase of the attack is over quickly, you still have a populace to subdue.

Iraq, anyone?

OOC: If it ended up being decided that someone in the HL has a version of Eurofighter, and that Austria acquired it, then they have something marginally superior to Gripen... not something that makes Gripen look, "poor" and something that cost massively more than Gripen, which, along with three-fold higher recruitment and a totally unprecedented level of mechanisation, plus imperialist misadventures, really does mean that Austria is a lot, lot more hard pressed to fund long flight hours than is Hungary, which has none of the above problems.
Either way, Hungary knows that an attack is coming, has air bases far from the border, and generally has the means to ensure that whatever else happens, it won't be in any need to surrender in a hurry unless Austria is immediately backed-up by somebody pretty big. Whether Hungary alone would win a war with Austria is another matter, of course, and not one worth discussing OOC before anything's happened.


Hungary? Ah, Hungary. What does this mean to Marshal Lav? First, it's not the Czechs. It's that non-Slavic wedge driven between the brothers of north and south. Neither enemy nor friend, Lav was not inately moved by the prospect of Budapest in peril as he would have been for Prague (which Yugoslavia would keenly defend against any foe).

But... what if this meant a renewed Austro-Hungarian Empire? Totally unacceptable, a grave security risk to the SFRY!

He could seek to protect the SFRY by treaty, but look what happened to Gibraltar! The League couldn't be trusted when it had an advantage, and Austria-Hungary would give it that over Yugoslavia... and further isolate the Czechs and Slovaks.

Larionko spent a lot of time with his head in his hands. The situation was impossibly difficult. Hungary and Yugoslavia combined could smash Austria, no doubt at all... but even that might lead to a sort of Austria-Hungary... or Hungary-Austria, and who could say that the League wouldn't get involved?

Lav sent Goranov, his new Prime Minister, to meet the French diplomats. Her position would be one hooked on Slavic security. Not only the Yugoslavians but the Czechs and Slovaks -and their trade links with the SFRY- must be safe from future Austrian or League ventures if Yugoslavia were to remain neutral in the Hungarian issue... and her territory remain closed to capitalist and communist forces desperate to launch an invasion of the continent via the Balkan fortress of Yugoslavia.

Goranov would suggest that, in any event, imperialism against these nations would face massive conventional and later partisan resistance in the finest Slavic tradition, and let us not forget the issue of the Glakatahn revolt.

"We want agreements on the future safe and unhindered passage of trade between Slovenia and Bohemia, via Austria or any Hungarian territory that may change hands now or in the future... inclusive of normal military trade required for the security of the involved nations. Or else the JNA shall intercede against Austrian hostility and may bow to calls for a combined bi-partisan communo-capitalist task-force to be accommodated within Yugoslav territory.

"The agreement that would prevent this need not incorporate the passage of active military units (just traded hardware) through Austrian territory, of course, unless for Slavic joint training exercises arranged naturally with prior consultation of Vienna."

Perhaps leaving the Czechs and Slovaks alone and compelling Austria to allow military trade with Yugoslavia to flow through their lands seemed like a big ask... but Belgrade wasn't so much asking as declaring that it will happen or the new Austrian government will be wiped-out and Italy invaded by Australasian, Soviet, who knows maybe INU, US, British, even Chinese and African forces with the full support of several hundred thousand Yugoslavian personnel.

This seemed to mean leaving Austria and Hungary to it, but Marshal Lav and his PM wanted only to make clear that the Czechs and Slovaks were off-limits. At least until one of their governments betrays his support.

The Quinntonian government is deeply concerned about the situation in Austria, and remembering the millions of deaths that occurred the last time National Socialism occurred, ahs decided to condemn their attack upon Hungary as unfounded unless evidence can be gleaned otherwise. Our satellite information does not reveal any hostile act on the part of the Hungarian people, and w hope that Austria will see reason at last.

In addition, the USQ government is applying full economic sanctions until the cessation of hostilities, and we have already seized all Quinntonian held assets of the Austrian illegitimate government.

Prime Minister Vanessa Moerike

We really need an OOC thread. But anyway, even if the original phase of the attack is over quickly, you still have a populace to subdue.

Iraq, anyone?
OOC:

Yeah, those OOC just appear, like rabbits, or locusts (weird analogy, I know).

I wouldn't say as bad as Iraqi, mainly because fundamentally Hungary and Austria (especially the less populated area of Transylvania) aren't as different, and unlike everybody has a AK-47 and likes to use it, Hungarians (like other Europeans) would be slow to start the mass killings and the whatnot.

Regardless, I don’t know how well it has been RPed, and besides, a quantity of the usually "Moorington, you dumbass" (Which means people with common sense, Spyr, LRR, BG, China and the rest) people have not appeared in full numbers.

Nor has Fleur, whose input is also needed. Because mainly I switched my sights to Hungary over a very scant telegram, and some elaborating could be called for to make sure this bid for some territory is actually legitimate.

Snippet

The Austrian government previously enjoyed burning money instead of wood, because of the better. Now, after a still un-profitable Mauritius, a nice romp through Mauritania and Stille Incorporated executives being ordered before the Supreme Court and Austrian accounts being seized is spoiling the usual bosom buddy attitudes of the head corporations.

The trade embargo is not as devastating as it could be, few Austrian devised shipping companies exist and the few start ups are now dead, but bad business ventures die all the time. Austria receives few imports that do not go by rail and road. I think the only thing that is important is the rubber and ethanol imports from Franberry. In addition, he uses his ships to ship to Denmark and Germany (Which has in all likelihood switched to docking in French ports).

I think I have been turning a blind eye towards the current economic situation in Austria but it is a lot less boisterous then it was a month or so ago. Government debt is never a inspiring quality when it comes to market confidence, nor the switch over from a amicable liberal state to a more authoritarian who seem a lot less able to work with the corporations then Maxen.

The day or so closure of FIA and the arrest and execution of top Stille boardmemebers has not helped anyone's stocks at all. The government, in ever-stingier amounts, has is still releasing Silvarian Marks, but inflation is no doubt higher than beforehand. The only remaining option, apparent to many, is for The State Treasury to reduce the actual value, which essentially shoots many money market investors down the toilet.

Regardless, the liberal advances of Maxen has made the Austrian market less susceptible to "fluctuations" and Gizatte employing so many more people to produce the vehicles sure helps, and with the new hiring at ammunition and military hardware oriented concerns. Even though that is far from equalizing, it is a drop to fill back the coffers.

Oh well, thank you for lasting through my ramble.

IC:

The Austrian government still maintains that the Hungarian government special operation teams did attack civilians on Austrian soil. He also points to the preparedness of Hungarian defenses, who if were actually innocent, would scarcely care.

Stille Incorporated send a 456-page report detailing that the acts of Stille Incorporated are perfectly legitimate and that the actual reasons for the summoning are merely political acts to gain more support for whatever party put them in position. They also go on to mention that there are no actual charges, and this whole operation has nothing to do with justice, but rather the irritation of documents and employees.

Austria bemoans that Australasia is once again talking out of both sides of heir collective mouths. To Austria, Australasia is destroying someone they term a "imperialist" but happily coins the term for their adventures. Just because the cards fell and you are temporarily unable to invade another country, does not mean the ideals you cherish aren't visible to honest individuals.

Raleigh, Ministry of Justice

Barrister Robert Towson collapsed into a seat in the Wig and Inkpot, the MoJ's coffee house-cum-pub. It was cheerfully lit and filled with young men and women in smart suits or black robes. They nursed coffees, teas or nibbles. Some chatted amicably and some bent over laptops. One young lady drowned under a mass of books, legal pads and notes in a corner.

Towson himself had been saddled with the lead in the government's case against Anthony Drecksler, et al. He was a barrister of no small renown, his arguments were taught in law schools across the nation. But even he felt an odd disquiet when faced with the task of prosecuting this case-- helped little by the fact that the Viceroyalty Court's jurisdiction probably didn't extend to Austria. Ah, well. He fished a large book and a legal pad from his briefcase, lit his pipe and began to scribble.

A response was put out later that day, listing the charges filed. They were a variety of copyright-related points in relation to sightranging systems and designs for a license-built 120 mm gun, as well as various minutiae related to both products.

Ah, that lawsuit thing was really a joke/something motivated by wine (good wine, at least!) rather than anything intelligent. But we'll see where it goes.

Raleigh

A text response is issued, signed by someone whom the world has never heard of. It read, briefly, that the Free Colony does not take part in Imperialist campaigns of terror, having been subjected to them in the distant past. In actuality, the Free Colony believes in freedom for all people in the world, democratic representation and the rule of law, all of which have been absent from the former Austrian Federacy since Anthony Drecksler took power in an illegal coup d'etat.

Drecksler, it is suggested, should check his facts. The Free Colony has opposed Sithin, Paris and Raipur in their Imperialist advances, and now fights a war that rages across the globe in an attempt to protect freedom from violent oppression at the hands of the Mad King Louis. The Free Colony has never attempted the hostile takeover of any part of the world without provocation, as Drecksler seeks to do.

The Free Colony awaits Drecklser's answer to the proposal that international observers be permitted to view the Austro-Hungarian border, but suspects that the attacks were fabrications. Austria is again directed to cease its military buildup 'with all despatch'.

Stille Incorporated notifies Fokker Aeroplanbau, who Stille considers a close friend, who then notifies its good lawyers (years of battling Airbus and Boeing) to help out Stille. While they are sure the current claims are unfounded, they don't want the Australasian government to get to active and actually do something smart. For instance charge Stille with purposefully raising prices and monopoly tactics like Microsoft's.

First thing they do is send a 127-page memo detailing how Stille and Fokker are presenting a unified front and for Aeroplanbau's sake, the extent in which the parties will take to prove the allegations foundless. Followed then by with a 678-page report on how Stille Incorporated may have used other's ideas, but they did that for the greater good of the consumer. As they presented it, the little companies were just going to hold onto the patent, sell it at a steep price, which would have raised the retail price, which would also take much longer than for Stille to just use and produce.

OOC: Stille is mainly a electronic hardware, software, and power company; so a sight ranger, maybe yes, but honestly I don't imagine Stille producing weapons.

OOC: This factbook was compiled with the help of Quinntopia and under his direction. Thank you Quinntopia! I guess that finally the roleplaying can begin in earnest. Most of the figures listed were multiplied by 2.

Czech Republic

Population-10,235,455
Government-Parliamentary Democracy
Capital-Prague
Presidents Office-Prague Castle

President-Vaclav Klaus
Prime Minister-Mirek Toplanek
Deputy Prime Minister-Petr Necas

Parliament-
Two Houses: Upper House (Senate)-ODS majority seats
Lower House (Chamber of Deputies)-ODS/KSCM Coalition

ODS-Civic Democratic Party
CSSD-Czech Social Democratic Party

Army of the Czech Republic (ACR)
Command Centre-Joint Forces Command

President Klaus is the Commander in Chief
Minister of Defense-Jan Huss
Chief of the General Staff-Anton Dvorach

Czech Air Force-“The air is our sea”
Aero L-59 Super Albatross-150
Saab JAS 39 “Gripen”-60
Mil-Mi-24-Heavy Attack Helicopter-100
Mil-Mi-17-Light Transport Gunship Helicopter-65
MiG-29-150 mothballed
MiG-23-200 mothballed

Czech Army-
MBT=
T-72 M4 CZ-350
T-55-2000 active duty/1000 mothballed

Active Troops-70,000
4 Divisions-17,500 troops each
Each Division contains 588 MBT, 7 FGM-148 Javelins Guided Missiles

1 of the divisions is an elite division, called the Jan Huss Division after the Minister of Defense and organizer of the modernization process. This division gets the best rained troops, the best equipment, and all 350 of the new T-72s are assigned there as well as 20 FGM-148 Javelins.

Reserve Divisions-70,000
4 Divisions-17,500 troops each
Each division is partially mechanized and amour is limited to APCs.

*Based on previous Soviet numbers, there are approx. 100,000 troops that could be called up in times of emergency.

**Currently, all of the aforementioned mothballed equipment and so on is being readied and men are being called up into active service and re-trained quickly.

***The reserves have already been called up and integrated into active service.

The History of the Czech Republic

After the Second World War, Western Europe was liberated by the Soviet Union including what was to become the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic was a stronghold of communist might against the western powers. Czech Republic was armed to the teeth with 200,000 active troops and a large number of amour. This was the situation when Vaclav Klaus entered politics. Within several years communism had been defeated and was vanquished from the area. The Velvet Revolution was a complete success. In a brave move seldom seen in politics, the liberator of the Czech people allowed the nationalistic Slovak people to separate peacefully from Czechoslovakia and the two nations, Czech Republic and Slovakia were created. Not all were happy with this decision, including some hawks in the military.

The next few years were a time of change for the Czech Republic military. Large numbers of active troops were disbanded and re-integrated into Czech society. The well developed state owned Škodovy závody (Skoda Works) and ČKD (Českomoravská Kolben-Daněk), the arms manufacturer and research development firm, respectively, were privatized. The focus for the new Czech military was on modernization and the government embarked on numerous modernization schemes, including the purchase of Gripens and a modernization of 350 of its tanks to the third generation level.

The economy was also in a turbulent state of affairs as the privatization process began under Klaus’s careful hand. His extensive background in economics proved valuable and was a firm foundation for his economic policies. The privatization process was much smoother than one might expect as the Czech economy was increasingly integrated into the German economy. Within a decade the Czech people had a level of modern conveniences only imagined under Soviet rule. In particular the Czech Republic had an extensive telecommunications network allowing them to communicate and exchange ideas halfway around the world with ease. The industrial base that was established prior to world war two was expanded once by Hitler and again by the soviets. The large industrial base was perfectly suited to a 21st century marketplace and adapted in a manufacturing role. The Czech industrial complex, under Klaus’s direction, began selling automobiles, trams, tractors, truck, and a myriad of other goods.

In particular Quinntonia was influential in the Czech economy. After Klaus granted Quinntonia the right to build several universities among major cities, Quinntonia began to help with the modernization of the Czech military, including the impressive fire and forget Javelin anti-tank missile launchers. The relationship between the Czech Republic and the United States of Quinntonia was heralded with great affection by the Czech people who respected the modernized and much more economically powerful nation. The term Quinntopia was used sarcastically by radical communists to insult the deepening relationship between the two powers. Ironically this term caught on among the common people and they began to use it affectionately.

Two Weeks Ago…

The recent overthrow of Austrian Maxxen and one time friend to Klaus startled the entire Czech nation. Popular demonstrations erupted in the streets as the Czech people feared a disruption of the peace and stability they had enjoyed for many years in their nation. News also reached the people that unprecedented numbers of troops were being raised by the new government. To prevent widespread hysteria Klaus made a speech which would be remembered by future generations.

“People of the Czech nation recent events in the Austrian nation have taken us all by surprise. This will not be taken lightly by my government. As Commander in Chief of the armed forces, I will ensure that the aggressive buildup in our Austrian neighbors will be answered here. In response to massing of Austrians on our borders I have just sent out a call for the immediate mobilization of the entire Czech Republic military machine. I ask that anyone with experience under the old Soviet Regime but not currently active in the armed forces, go immediately to the nearest recruitment center. Starting this moment, reservists will begin integrating into the armed forces. I do no expect hostilities at this time but I assure you, my government will be prepared. As part of defensive activities I am ensuring that the border will be fortified and all necessary defensive actions be taken.
The Czech people are a strong people and we will not be easily defeated. Our spirit is strong, our courage is unbreakable, and our will is inextinguishable. I will protect this land, as I have always done, and will fight for the interests of the Czech peoples.”

When Klaus returns to his office, he immediately calls the military chief of staff Dvorach. The Chief of the General Staff informs the president that complete mobilization of the military will take 3 days and the integration of reservists will take another week after that. Bringing into active service half of the mothballed items would take four full weeks or 15% in two weeks.

Some time Later…

The President hangs is seated in his office chair and is trying to decide on a suitable course of action. The fate of his nation is at stake and it is only him between hordes of Austrians pouring into his land. Immediately, an idea dawns on him. The President allows a glimmer of hope to shine through. This could very well prove the salvations of peoples. But will the Czech people accept it? He wonders. He frowns, and then shrugs and displaces his doubts. He picks on the red phone and waits for a reply…

Several Hours Later…
Klaus emerges from his office jubilant. He excitingly proclaims, “I have done it! I have just saved the Czech peoples!” His secretary looks puzzled and it is obvious she has doubts about his sanity. Klaus calms down somewhat and smoothes the wrinkles on his suit. He hands her some papers and tell her to send these immediately to Austria and that the salvation of her people is in those documents. She hesitantly grabs the papers stamped with TOP SECRET, CLASSIFIED; PRESIDENT’S EYES ONLY and quickly leaves the room. Two large armed officers leave with her. An excited and flushed Klaus re-enters his office and sits down on the chair and lets out a deep sigh of relief. However, a core of nervousness continues to gnaw on him and refuses to relinquish its hold on him. He wonders if the Austrians will really move away from the border or if it was only a feint of friendship to throw him off.

Fleur: Wait, what?

As for Stille producing weapons, okay. :\ Uh, lookovertherewhileIpretendtonothavesuedStilleforthat?

OOC-Frick, this Quinntopia thing isn't going to die, is it?

IC-Prime Minister Vanessa Moerike offers her support and gives the order to mobilize the Sixth Fleet in respose to this threat. This fleet was previously sent to support action in Libya, but with the changes in the situation there, Quinntonia has backed down, which is leading many to question whether Vanessa is a statesperson that can fill the shoes of the late Jesse Obed. There are even those in her own party who are beginning to question her leadership with her vacilating foriegn policy, not a good thing with a coalition government.

The Sixth Fleet is going to sail with all due haste up the Adriatic and lay anchor near San Marino. It consists of:
Sixth Fleet: Mediterranean Sea
Assets:
1 Carrier Battle Group, including:
Mark (Based in Geata, Italy- John F. Kennedy and Kitty Hawk)
2 Ticonderoga Class AEGIS Cruisers
2 Arliegh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyers

She also gives the order to put Ramstien in Germany on full alert should this thing turn ugly. Unfortunately, she has placed so many alerts and then recalled them at this piont that few in the Pentagon think she will really intervene in force.

Of course, the Fifth Fleet is left off the coast of Libya in case things should go south there.


WWJD
Amen.

((I really want to respond to this, but haven’t the time right now, I will get something up ASAP. Until then, please just consider that the French diplomats are agreeing to Yugoslavia’s points in preparation for some sort of agreement.))

OOC: Bump. I think I'm going to start building my German factbook soon.

OOC: I am sad to say that I will be unable to make any sort of quality post this weekend, as I have three Bs that I need to study in order to bring them back into line

((I really want to respond to this, but haven’t the time right now, I will get something up ASAP. Until then, please just consider that the French diplomats are agreeing to Yugoslavia’s points in preparation for some sort of agreement.))

OOC: Bump. I think I'm going to start building my German factbook soon.

OOC: I am sad to say that I will be unable to make any sort of quality post this weekend, as I have three Bs that I need to study in order to bring them back into line

If any of you could post, it would be just plain uber!

Klaus is interrupted from a period of thoughtful contemplation over the fate of his nation by a knock on the door.

“Sir. The Austrians have sent over something for you”, his secretary opens the door and places the folder on his desk. Klaus wonders what those damn Austrians want now. It has been two weeks and still the Austrian troops sit at his doorstep. He is beginning to come to the conclusion that they do not trust him and the declaration of war on Hungary was nothing more than a diversion. It has been over two weeks since Klaus first opened negotiations with Austria and a state of virtual cold war has existed on the Czech-Austrian border since that time. What are their objectives? Klaus wonders. And why do they just sit there? Klaus do not want to demobilize even though the costs are mounting because that would show weakness. Instead he maintains the troops on alert and orders them to continue to entrench the border. And so on the Czech side of the border fortifications are built, troops practice daily exercises, air forces patrol, and more and more mothballed items are brought into service every day.

"Yes sir, I will... Godspeed to you to..." and with a hearty "Austria prevails" the sergeant slammed down the telephone. He turned to his men and announced, with gusto, "Guys, may God be with you, Operation Iron Hand commences."

With a cheer, the men manned their Pwkz 2000's and watched as the automated machine slammed in a shell, and the fire control officer fired the big red button. With a thunderous crash, and a enjoyable sight of fire and power, that Pwkz and its brothers fired on predetermined Hungarian border targets.

As the rain of hell descended on the poor souls on the other side of the border, Dpkz II's pushed on through to attack the Hungarian positions, using Ulan's and infantry support for hard shells they quickly overwhelmed the initial lines of Hungarians.

"Fire!" As the shell streaked towards the Hungarian bunker, Ludwig prayed that it would hit, not because the bunker posed a real harm to him, but just that he knew at base camp under paid technicians would be going over his performance. He had not missed yet, and there was bonus pay for men who did not waste their munitions.

With a dull thud he felt in his gut, and a relatively under-performing explosion, he knew meant a solid penetration the bunker he marked off on his inter-tank command screen. "Austria prevails, get used to it," Ludwig muttered towards life in general as much as towards the Hungarians.

He had, and continued to have a good time romping through the border positions. Sporadic defense was the name of the game for the Hungarians; severe lack of artillery support, timid to kill their own troops or some such he thought, and not enough tanks to counter the mechanized Austrian columns were the main perpetrators of Austrian victory he guessed. Or, more likely, it was because God was with him and Austria that day, to destroy the whining heathen-Hungarians.

Eurofighters helped keep a lid on concentrations of Hungarians; they, along side their valiant Eurocopter brethren forced apart any major concentrations of armor and steel. Using the skills of to many flight-training hours, the Austrian pilots were capable of outperforming most expectations and Hungarian pilots.

Their prowess let the golden time, the one right after the initial movements and the battles mainly sank to battalion and smaller fighting, to about 2 days. The Eurocopters, transports and ground attack, were free to move about and keep the idea of fluid lines going. Packing troops in, and letting them out and to then fight alongside, the commanders were more able to keep the divisions untangled and the Hungarians off balance as they tried to deal with the fluid and rapid movements of brigades.


Drekcsler also made a speech detailing the war effort in general and the need of unity, the highlight of the speech could be this-

"We are ready for the world! We are ready for our enemies, and we are ready for our allies! We do not fear the unknown, we do not fear the known! We are the invincible, the proud, and the God blessed, we are Austria my people. We do not bow down easily, we do not give up without a fight. We do not lose, we ride victorious; Austria prevails!"

The crowd, attentive and listening instead of the presumed loud and couth, cheered out "Austria prevails!"

OOC: I wan't your guys' opinion, I was feeling like I needed to write some more on the Austrian people's outlook and Austria's economy, but I thought that it was way to off topic. Would you guys care if I had put something, or do you agree with my assumption that it would make my post to much of a dull spoon, or do you just not care either way?

A problem arises in Belgrade. The capitalists are softening their line with the Holy League. If the danger of invasion of the continent via the Balkans fades for the League, Yugoslavia stands to lose some bargaining power, a great worry as Lav's government tries to secure certain assurances and rights in respect of the future of his nation and the Czechs and Slovaks.

The temptation to step-up anti-League propaganda and even foster conflict with the organisation is very real, but extremely risky and quite contrary to alternate attempts to improve Yugoslavia's relationship with France and its allies.

An alternative approach would be interventionalist. Forgo diplomacy and directly secure our borders and our links with the Czechs and Slovaks by military action against Austria. It seems drastic.

Lav has much to consider, and hopes that the French and Austrians come through and agree to Belgrade's prior demands anyway.

The passing of each day makes the issue more pressing, less favourable. The JNA continues advance stages of mobilisation.

The Quinntonian ambassador would be quick to piont out that aid and trade agreements flow freely between the Czech Republic and the Quinntonian government. The Czechs had agreed to allow the Quinntonians to build Christian schools and seminaries, as well as Christian hospitals and orphanages and other social structures while opening up their nation to trade with major Quinntonian input into how their economy would be organised and moved towards privatisation with Quinntonian help.

He would not say that Quinntonia would support the Czechs in any conflict, but only that after Lav "creatively invested" the Quinntonian billions of aid money, the Quinntonian government already regarded this government with suspicion and was quick to jump to solutions of the military nature when Lav was involved. They would piont to the Quinntonian support of Austria after they renouced their HL membership against Lav as evidence. As for Austria and Slovakia, the Quinntonian ambassador would be silent.

WWJD
Amen.

Monsieur le Comte de Sartines smiled warmly as he sipped a hot cup of tea at the State Ministry in Belgrade. He wore only a light layer of power on his face, his wig immaculate. Setting down the tea he placed his hands on folded legs, regarding the Yugoslavian Prime Minister.

“Madame Minister, I hate the term ‘demands for peace’, why do we not say rather mutually amicable solutions for a harmonious co-existence?” concluding he leaned forward.

“Madame Goranov, the Czech Republic and Slovak nations are in high favor with my liege. After all, does not the Czech Republic have a contract with my own, in providing mercenary forces? And are not the Slovaks squarely in your influence?”

His voice now began to take on a sly tone, he looked at his finger nails to avoid gazing directly into Goranov’s eyes.

“As I said earlier, it is entirely to Yugoslavia’s benefit to conclude a full treaty of amity with the Kingdom’s of France and Spain. Once signed, we will be a position to diplomatically shelter you from any Holy League business. We need not ally, but there is no reason no to trade valuable resources. Who knows, in time, we may become friends.”

“Yet you may think still ‘What if they loose?’” he face went very serious. “I tell you that if you think to take advantage of current conflicts to invade any Holy League states, or exploit any advantages over us, be quite aware that before the Progressives or their lackeys see any victory you and your government shall be quite dead. Of course, Austria is not a Holy League state, and I can hardly speak for them.”

“So then let us forever abandon clamor and conflict between our great lands, and instead pursue a policy that shall leave all healthy and content.”

“What shall be the terms? Madame, I present to you a petition for peace and concord between the Holy League powers and the Republic of Yugoslavia on behalf of His Most Christian Majesty Louis-Auguste.”

Treaty Itinerary

1.Yugoslavia shall have unhindered transport and commerce with the nations of Slavia and Bohemia.
2.Austria shall regard Yugoslavia as a neutral power; remission of this by Austria will result in it's breaking of relations with the French Crown.
3.Yugoslavia will recognize the legitimacy of the Drekclser Government, and forswear any activity open or covert against it.
4.Yugoslavia will halt and decease all military trade in any form with every African power, among them Libya and ECOWAS states.
5.Yugoslavia will not host or support any foreign national force or detachment within its borders or areas of control.
6.Yugoslavia shall have right of trade with the Kingdoms of France, Spain, and Italy and Archduchy of Tulgary.
7.Yugoslavia shall have right of trade and alliance with any nations or states it sees fit, excluding: Beth Gellert, Hindustan, Libya, and the various ECOWAS states.

“Those, Madame Prime Minister, are the seven points that shall usher in a new age of peace and prosperity in Europe.”

OOC: I'll post soon. Probably after Hungary posts and when I have more time.

OOC-Hey, I just wanted to drop this in as an official offer, I woudl be willing to RP HUngary. I have already been doing some cursery research into a quick factbook, and though I think they have a snowballs chance against Austria, it might be fun to play to get me out of teh Wingertonia thing for awhile.

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: I am not sure how much of a chance a snowball intrinsically possesses but I think that the new guy did have dibs on it. We should probably wait a few days before taking things from new people. If he is still really committed and has not disappeared then perhaps you could take Sloavakia.

OOC: I am not sure how much of a chance a snowball intrinsically possesses but I think that the new guy did have dibs on it. We should probably wait a few days before taking things from new people. If he is still really committed and has not disappeared then perhaps you could take Sloavakia.

Yeah, sure enough, I am just offering because we haven't heard from him at all, and there hasnt even been a factbok up. I am only offering if no one else wants it.

WWJD
Amen.

The following have been prepared to defend Hungary against any sort of immenient Austrian air threat.

14 JAS 39 Gripen Jet Fighters

If Miroslava were inwardly happy with the first few points as M.le Comte de Sartines spoke them, the stern Bosnian-Serb Prime Minister showed nothing of it outwardly.

"Of course" she began, following on from the Frenchman, "the first point is absolutely required by the Socialist Federal Republic, and its omission would certainly have lead to war... and so we are quite happy with its forward appearance in your mutually amicable solution.

"Further, the government of Yugoslavia is most satisfied with your government's clarification of its position on our stated neutrality and, taking that second point into account, is confident in recognising the Drekclser goverment pending conclusion of this pursuit of harmonious co-existence.

"Jumping ahead, that neutrality, so long as it is protected by understandings such as these, shall ever prevent the use of Yugoslav territory by the forces of a foreign power involved in the stand-off between left, right, and further right.

"The fourth point may be rather too much for the Yugoslav government to bear, as trade with the Congolese, Libyans, United Republics, and South Africans has been most profitable for Belgrade, and, at this time -bringing in the seventh point- a number of Yugoslav People's Army personnel are on exchange with the Libyan defence forces, and two officers were recently forced to scramble the fighter squadrons under their training command in defence of the Libyan capital."

Quite an admission, there.

"This exchange is significant for the crude oil it furnishes upon the Yugoslav state. Without this, and in light of the instability of the Middle East and West Africa, we may be obliged to compete with your war-hungry economy -and now the massive Chinese dragon- for Russian capacity, driving up prices, or to look on Latin America and seek negotiation with Soviet and Anarchist authorities.

"You see, it is not a simple thing to close a door and keep it shut when its handle is strung to another, opposite door, presently closed.

"Belgrade may agree to halt nuclear, biological, and chemical weaponisation programmes in which information is shared with Tripoli, but halting all trade with this economically important partner is another matter."

The whistle and whine of turbojets swept over the room, muffled by its depth within the ministry, just reminding the occupants of the Yugoslav Air Force as a pair of Super Orao attackers flew by.

"Our alliances are our own, of course. We may wish to pursue them locally, regionally, but global military strategy is not of great interest to the SFRY, and to ally with aligned powers such as the Soviets would necessarily compromise our neutrality. Trade, however, happens, and should continue to happen. Indian tourists visit Yugoslavia, all be it in fairly small numbers, and small quantities of produce move between India and the Socialist Federal Republic.

"We shall be happy, however, to see Tulgarians, French, Spaniards, and Italians coming back to the beaches of Croatia and the slopes of Slovenia. It would be difficult to accept Russian visitors while so much of Eastern Europe remains under occupation, and changes in this position must take more time.

"The weight of our trade with India is barely significant, certainly to the Soviets -perhaps margianlly more so to the Union, it is hard to say off-hand-, and since the war in West Africa it is clear that trade with Yugoslavia has become virtually impossible for ECOWAS, and so I must confess that I see little worth in officially halting these relations while opening similar links with the Holy League.

"It would seem to be a black mark on our neutral stance, and we must fear Soviet-bloc hostility as a result. If the Soviets force the canal, Yugoslavia would have made itself a target. Non-alignment is meant to prevent this, and we are not keen to sacrifice it."

The following have been prepared to defend Hungary against any sort of immenient Austrian air threat.

14 JAS 39 Gripen Jet Fighters

I have put together a factbook for you to use.
If you don't want to play this nation, I will.

Hungarian People’s Republic


Population-9,981,334
Government-Parliamentary Democracy
Capital-Budapest
Offices of Government-Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungarian_Parliament_Building
Offices of the President- (Presidential Residence)-The Sandor Palace
http://www.keh.hu/keh_en/virtualtour.html

President- Laszlo Solyom
Prime Minister- Ferenc Gyurcsany

Parliament-National Assembly
Unicarmel-386 seats: Hungarian Socialist Party (MSzP) 191 seats, Hungarian Civil Alliance (Fidesz) 141 seats, Christian Democratic Peoples Party (KDNP) 23 seats, Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) 11 seats, 1 independent

National Assembly-MSzP/KDNP Coalition

Military of Hungarian People’s Republic

Notes: Constitutionally, the draft was abolished in 2004 following the collapse of the Warsaw Pact and Hungary’s tradition of having a horribly inefficient and inept Military Force for the duration of the Cold War. The current government has been in the process of downsizing their military to levels that are realistic for their economy. In RL they had a military exceeding 130,000 with Soviet support and were the garrison HQ for the Soviet “Red Army Group South” a 200,000 man affair. They are currently, in RL, downsizing with a goal of 40,000 and are at about 45,000. With the threat of the HL, it is reasonable to assume that though they would have still abolished the draft as it seemed to be a rather hot-button political issue, they would have made military spending a higher priority. Of course, in AMW, they do not have the benefit of NATO funding to replace old Soviet funding, so their equipment would have perhaps been slightly less modern than some of their larger neighbors.


Hungarian Ground Forces
Notes: This body is based upon the old Soviet system to a great degree, and retains Soviet designs. They have purposefully mothballed a large portion of the expensive heavy equipment that they currently own, and much of what is left is deployed in defensive positions to the Ukrainian border for fear of HL attack, with more and more deployment happening after the Yugo Slavia/Austrian conflict that occurred this year. They were specialized to a certain degree during the Cold War as Artillery and support units, and have retained some of this, but these units are expensive to operate, and when mothballed, fall into disrepair due to “deferred maintenance” issues. Also, a greater emphasis in their armored Corps was on APCs and troop transport to support their logistical focus than on MBTs.

MBT=
T-72 M4 CZ-138 (98 deployed to Ukrainian front)
T-55-250 active duty/850 mothballed (150 deployed to Ukrainian front)

APC=
MT-LB (Amphibious-11 passengers)-65 (Kept in Budapest, important given the Danube)
BTR-(7 passengers)-80 (20 deployed to Ukrainian front, rest to border patrols, etc.)

Artillery=(mostly deployed to Ukrainian front)
9K37 Buk “Gadfly”-20 active duty/45 mothballed
9K38 Buk-M1-2 “Grizzly”-20 active duty/40 mothballed
9K330 Tor “Gauntlet”-20 active duty/45 mothballed
SA-6 “Gainful”-45 active duty/80 mothballed
S-125 “Goa”-100 active/125 mothballed
ZU-23-2-300 active/550 mothballed

Hungarian Air Force
There are three main Air Force Bases, the third is both a training and reserve centre:
Kecskemét Air Force Base-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kecskem%C3%A9t
Szolnok Air Force Base-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Szolnok
Papa Reserve Forces Base-(always active)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A1pa

There are three further Reserve Bases, for the most part they have a skeleton crew, but they may be activated in times of emergency:

• Taszár AFB
• Tököl AFB
• Szentkirályszabadja AFB


The Air Force is organized around 4 Squadrons and 1 Helicopter Regiment:

Kecskemét Air Force Base-

Fighter Squadron “Puma”
6 Saab JAS “Gripen”
15 MiG-29B
11 MiG-29UB
5 Aero L-39 Albatross

Transport Squadron “Air Trucks”
20 An-26



Szolnok Air Force Base-

Fighter Squadron “Dongo”
6 Saab JAS “Gripen”
15 MiG-29B
11 MiG-29UB
5 Aero L-39 Albatross



Papa Reserve Forces Base-

Trainer Squadron “Fighting Newbies”
2 Saab JAS “Gripen” (2 seater variants)
3 MiG-29UB
29 Aero L-39 Albatross
45 Yak-52M

Helicopter Regiment-(based in main Army HQ outside Budapest)

Transport Battalion “Pride of St. Stephen”
40 Mi-8T/P/PS
40 Mi-17

Attack Battalion “Screaming Magyars”
50 Mi-24D/V/P Hind


And here are some common surnames for you to use in RP.

1. Nagy (239310; big, cf. Gross, Legrand)
2. Kovács (221687; smith, cf. Schmidt)
3. Tóth (216758; Slovak/Slav)
4. Szabó (212586; tailor, cf. Schneider, Couturier)
5. Horváth (Horvát) (201059; Croatian)
6. Varga (139764; shoemaker, cf. Schumacher, person working with leather)
7. Kiss (Kis) (134305; small, cf. Klein, Lepetit)
8. Molnár (109178; miller, cf. Müller)
9. Németh (Német) (93990; German, cf. Deutsch, Lallemand)
10. Farkas (83346; <given name, meaning "wolf">, cf. Wolf)
11. Balogh (80113; left-handed, unskillful)
12. Papp (53847; priest)
13. Takács (53402; weaver, cloth-maker, cf. Weber)
14. Juhász (52495; shepherd, cf. Schäfer)
15. Lakatos (45051; locksmith)
16. Mészáros (41061; butcher, cf. Fleischer, Boucher)
17. Simon (38481; <given name>)
18. Oláh (38311; Vlach, Romanian)
19. Fekete (35179; black, cf. Schwarz, Lenoir)
20. Rácz (35109; Serbian)
21. Szilágyi (31986; from Szilágy county)
22. Török (27206; Turkish)
23. Fehér (26804; white, cf. Weiss, Leblanc)
24. Gál (Gaál) (25924; <given name>)
25. Balázs (25804; <given name>)
26. Ballá (25804; <given name>)
27. Kis (24613; see Kiss)
28. Szűcs (24416)
29. Pintér (23951)
30. Kocsis (23911)
31. Fodor (23371)

http://z9.invisionfree.com/NS_Modern_World/index.php?showtopic=306

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: Nice Fact book. At least we can get one war off the ground before Christmas. But we still need someone for Slovakia.

IC:

The Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) has recently learned about a pending treaty between France and Yugoslavia. It is obvious that the two nations are meeting together and some leaks have led to the acquisition of some of the information that was being debated on in the treaty talks. It immediately passed on the information to President Václav Klaus who immediately issued an official statement which reads,

The decision of French and Yugoslavia to adopt a non-interventionist policy in Central European affairs is a prudent policy and one which could be followed by other larger superpowers. The concerns of central Europe are specific to this region and the people of this region appreciate the non-interference of other nations. However, the people of Central Europe, including the Czech people are hospitable and welcome relations with all people.

Belgrade, Yugoslavia

Speaking following a conference with Madame Miroslava Monsieur le Comte de Sartines briefed the media. It would greatly please the Most Christian King, and greatly enhance the Crown’s image, for France to again be the arbiter of European peace as well as the dread judge of evil. Having first consulted Versailles and received the State Ministry’s approval, he proudly declared at the podium:

“After a fine debate, the Kingdom of France has accepted a Yugoslavian Plan for a neutral and peaceful Balkans, which is to center around the recognized neutrality of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. With their having recognized the excellent ruler of Austria, the brave and noble Herr Drekcsler, and foreswearing to uphold their countries neutrality even in the face of Soviet desires to base troops there, and subversive agents, the SFRY and the Kingdom of France embark upon a true, European, tranquility.”

A sip of water cooled the throat as hot bulbs flashed throughout the podium in the Slavic Palace’s garden.

“Yugoslavia’s relationship with Slavia and the Czech Republic must be, and is, formally acknowledged and accepted. The SFRY’s right to trade with these powers must not be abridged, nor diplomatic relations betwixt said powers molested. In a word, the Kingdom of France embraces the Republic of Yugoslavia, and in this embrace may we all agree that although we have different political beliefs, we are all Christians. We are all Europeans.”

“At a time when the Communists seek to destroy Africa forever, when the glorious Kingdoms of France and Spain, the magnificent Archduchy of Tulgary, the righteous Empire of Rome struggle to restore right to our proper domains, this consensus of peace and yes, even trade, with our Yugoslavian cousins is gladdening. And let it be a new age, where High Chancellor Drekcsler may engage in his foreign policy alongside Yugoslavia; and though each power will no doubt pursue different aims, let them all renown to the glory of Christendom. Today sees the west find mutual amicability, an amicability that shall take all of us in a few weeks hence in London to even more perfect concord, and today marks the day when the Progressives are denied any hold in Europe, and begins the epoch where: Africa is free and established once again, Europe is once again a rich panoply united under the banner of Christendom (Even in the SFRY marches outside its shadow), and a bright new age sounds. Thank you. I shall now take questions.”

Deep in the lavish Presidential Palace, the Prime Minister of Hungary and leader of the Hungarian Socialist Party Ferenc Gyurcsany sat drinking vodka with the Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom. They had just received the news of the attack on their border areas by the Austrian Military and were now scrambling to find something to do to defend themselves. They had devoted years of military planning and thinking to defending the Eastern frontier, the exact opposite of the one that was currently being violated, as they had believed that the Ukrainians were their biggest threat.

Luckily, they had placed the border units especially and their entire military on high alert when Austria had started making their ridiculous claims. That meant that the Asutrians were running into a Hungarian military force that was ready to fight, but how much of a fight could they be expected to give?

The generals and civilian military specialists in the rooms were fiercely arguing with each other as the Prime Minister slumped into his chair looking and feeling much older than he was.

The President got a phone call, and left the room for a moment, when he returned, the Commander of the Army, Gen. Birot Farkas and the commander of the Air Force, Commandant Tikar Varga, had broken into a fist fight. “THAT IS ENOUGH!” screamed the President, which silenced the room utterly. I want to hear what we can do to help the soldiers that are already dying on this front, not what we could have, should have or cannot do! If you can’t control yourselves, I will have you relieved of command and find someone who can! Do you understand me?”

“Yes Mr. President.” Came the shamed reply, they were acting like children, they were scared, and worried that someone may blame them for this lack of preparedness.

Gen. Birot Farkas spoke first, “Mr. President, the military reforms that your government has spearheaded has effectively neutered our abilities in this matter. We simply are not prepared for an assault of this size, and especially not on this border. Already our forces are reeling back, and they have had absolutely no challenge to their air superiority as of yet.” The last he said with a sneer.

“Why not?” inquired the embattled President.

Commandant Tikar Varga looked up from where he was nursing a quickly swelling eye and said, “I have to take orders from the General here, ever since the reforms, in order to streamline the officer corps. down to a “manageable level” I think you called it. He has not agreed with my plans, and is afraid that if I commit heavily, we may lose any fighters that we may have. Of course, I have refused to order my planes to the air to patrol the frontier just to have them shot down one at a time as he wishes, so they sit and wait.”

“Do you mean to tell me that we have not launched a single fighter yet?”

“No, Mr. President. Perhaps if I could tell you my plan?”

President Solyom sighed and said, “At least someone has a plan, go ahead.”





ON THE FRONT-3 HOURS INTO AUSTRIAN OFFENSIVE

For the most part, the Hungarian Military machine had buckled in the provinces that were being attacked. The command structure had fallen apart, and they were falling back at a rapid clip. They were fighting as best they could, but the barely 5,000 troops that had been digging in on that front could not face the might of the Austrian military. The Austrians were making some silly mistakes, leaving supply lines unprotected and advancing without fore support, that sort of thing, but that was par for the course for a conscript army that had just been raised, most of these guys had barely been trained. The troops were all falling back, but with a fighting withdrawal.

The breakup of the Hungarian Infantry Deployments was:
Main Army HQ outside Budapest-10,000 troops
Ukrainian Front-20,000 troops
Placed throughout the nation, mostly on Yugo Slavian border patrol-10,000
Western/Austrian Front-5,000 troops


The Western Forces were currently trying to fall back towards Papa, the main Air Forces Reserve Base/Training Center, and whoever could still radio was screaming for some air support as they were being razed again and again by the Austrian helicopters and planes.
The helicopters were less trouble, as RPGs and other hand-held rockets were being used fairly effectively against them, but organized resistance to the Austrians was becoming sparse.

The T-72s were still being held back in Budapest, and that base was placed on high alert, and preparing for a counter-attack, but the defenders on the border had at their disposal some 100 T-55s that were attempting to support their infantry positions, but were basically just becoming useful for drawing massive fire from the air and covering a broken retreat.

It is sometime during this all that orders finally started to come down from the Presidential Palace. The Papa Reserves Base is to be the fall-back point for all Western defenders, it is considered unlikely that the Austrians will want to advance that far into the country that fast, so all defenders were to cut and run immediately. This did not account, however, for the almost 500 defenders that were trapped in the border city of Sopron, where the fighting was becoming the fiercest.

They wouldn’t have abandoned that city anyways. Austrians had already laid siege to the town, and it had resorted to street fighting, as any Hungarian that owned a gun, which was not that many, perhaps a few thousand, tried to fight the invaders. Refugees were trying to flee the city in droves, but many were caught in firefights, and civilian casualties began to mount. The commander of the cities garrison was basically just trying to fight off the Austrians long enough to save the lives of as many civilians as he could.

Basically all of the tanks that he had had at his disposal had long been destroyed and he was begging for air support as the artillery and bombs continued to rain down on the city.

Other orders were for all of the troops posted “at large” throughout the nation, some 10,000. They were to deploy to the Papa Reserve Base on the double and report to the base commander for use in a counter-attack. They were to use any means deemed necessary to get there, and all over the country troops started commandeering civilian transports and started to filter in on bed tucks, buses, cars and motorcycles.

The troops on the Ukraine border were to keep monitoring the front and to begin to make closer patrols to the border, a show of supposed strength should the Tsarists get any bright ideas about capitalizing on this situation, especially given the relationship with the current Austrian regime and the Holy League.

At Main Army HQ outside of Budapest, the troops were preparing for combat with the best of what was left of the Hungarian heavy military equipment. They were also busy pulling everything that they could out of mothballing and cursing the government reforms when they saw the condition of disrepair of the equipment that they had to try and restore.

In Budapest, the police and military were conscripting people in the streets, and starting to dig in and build fortifications along the Danube, which included attempting to move Hungarian refugees East across the great river.

In fact, all over Hungary, the police were trying to mobilize the communities to their own defense. Anyone who had even an old hunting rifle was conscripted into the militias and the cities started to dig in to attempt to stall the Austrians.

The Air Force was where the quickest activity was happening, recognizing that the retreat would be disastrous if they could not support their troops from the air, after arming their reservists and trainers, they launched every plan that they had in a mass attack on Sopron. The invaders would soon find themselves facing a force of low flying slow attackers that were attempting to duck radar on the way in. All 79 planes at their disposal were flying in, manned by pilots in training, flight instructors and reservists that happened to be near the base.

That is right, all of them.
All 45 Yak-52Ms were flying hard at their maximum speed, 272 km/ph each carrying only one pilot and two sets of cluster bombs that were to be dropped on the first Austrian troops concentrations or ground movements that they spotted. The were flying in one big group, to compensate for the fact that the absolute greenest pilots were in these planes, and a few of the instructors were placed in with them to help them via radio. They were flying in first, and as soon as they saw enemy aircraft incoming, they were to radio back for back up and climb as a group to 4,000 ft. It is there that they would take evasive action while the Austrian pilots came in on them, and it is there that the 29 Aero L-39 Albatross’s would come slamming into the enemy at speeds approaching 800 km/ph. These were nominally trainers, and unarmed, but they had all been armed in the last few hours with 4 K-13 AAMs to go along with their standard twin 23 mm cannons and the dual free-fall cluster bombs that they were to use. These trainers had teeth, and though the pilots in them were green, they knew their planes well, and were eager to become national heroes. Of course, even with all of this bluff and bluster, it was clear that the modern “Gripens” being employed by the Austrians would eat them for breakfast, but nerves were cooled with the escort of 2 Saab JAS “Gripen” (2 seater variants) and the 3 MiG-29UB (two seaters) that were being flown by the most trained pilots they had, the head flight instructors. It was hoped that with all of the confusion of that many planes coming hard on their position, the Austrians would second guess their intelligence and commit heavily to this fight. Between the Yaks taking fire to save the Albatrosses and the Albatrosses having some unexpected teeth, the MiGs and “Gripens” should be able to score come significant hits. This was definitely a desperation play.

Of course, should the Austrians let them through to Sopron, the Austrian invaders would face a heavy Arial bombardment that they would be completely unprepared for, and the defenders would get their second wind.




OOC-Here it goes.

WWJD
Amen.

-Snippet-

When news of the successful attack, at least so far, reached Drekcsler he laughed and replied, "So it has begun has it? I expect God will give us no less than eastern Hungary, God is with us from now till eternity, and the world is our playing field."

With nods from his 'yes only' cabinet members, he smiled bitterly. "I expected no less, from you." He got on the horn, telephone, with his commander in the field, a very 'no' man. He was none other than the highly respected General Trugen. The man had, over the course of Drekcsler’s regime taken a increasingly pessimistic and bitter outlook on life. For this special occasion though, the General actually sounded like the world was not going to end tomorrow.

"General, my cabinet, as you expect, wouldn't tell me if Yugoslavian's were really pounding on my door for my execution. While if I call you, you would say it is only a matter of when, not how. That same outlook I need now, how is our forces doing in Hungary?"

Clearing his throat, General of the newly initiated, if not newly planned, Eastern Front Trugen began his summary. "Our fighters are mainly concerned with running out of ammunition, as are all of men. We’re held up around the city Sopron, a sizable one that has for now kept some of our troops busy with. Other than that, no actual negative things have happened, and even Sopron is now being navigated around."

Lazily, Drekcsler replied, "Well, offer them safe passage or some such, mention the civilians dying because of their useless defense, and something about the children. Maybe even get some blood on your uniform and mention that it was from a child, shot by a rash Hungarian peasant trying to eliminate you."

"Well sir," Trugen replied, "that does sound amusing to a certain degree I must mention some interesting reports, and other side notes so that you may be well educated, must impress the ladies, yes?"

"Pretend I am laughing," Drekcsler almost smiled, "then imagine me hitting on a someone that is half my age."

"Charming picture you paint, beautiful literary devices such as imagery are at your command." General Trugen continued, "On the border between Hungary we have the whole of the 6th division falling out. A newly formed division out of Vienna, almost to the man, this division has ceased to receive orders from High Command."

"And why is that? That, if my memory serves me correctly, is one of our 'support divisions' of lower troops but still at 5,000 men!" Drekcsler, now more animated, questioned.

"Sir, well, it seems they feel no longer bound to the oath that no Holy League troops may be on Austrian soil. They say that now past the Austrian border, there is little of any reason for them to be regular Austrians and not be Estenland troopers. They say only your commands may direct them, and a bottle of champagne is always waiting in their camp for you. Exact words or something along those lines."

"Ah, yes, I remember now. Thank you, I confess to momentarily losing recollection of my conversation with Tsar Wingert."


From 4-6 hours into the invasion.

Trugen himself, blood spatter and all, arranged an initial ceasefire, and then went on to the Command HQ, motley and ragged as it was, of Sopron. His terms were elemental, and simple. The utter abdication of Hungarian forces from the city, in return to safe passage to Hungarian lands. While taking their light arms would do little to deplete the stocks of Hungarian moth balled equipment, Trugen cannot let anything heavier than what can be carried by a man leave. Meaning the few T-55's, like something along the lines of all 4, and both artillery pieces would have to be left.

Elsewhere, the Estenland division, under Trugen advised movements but under the technical command of Drekcsler, received the main center position, and given its choice of shells, ammunition, and rations. While instead of inspiring animosity between the less off Austrians, their fighting spirit was of such intense God given brilliance.

It was the same as if Kobe Bryant beat some kids who played basketball in their driveway. Sometimes, it was to obvious who was better to be get mad.

The Leopard 2A4's continued their spearhead movements Kapuvar, and with additional infantry, inside their faithful Ulans. These forces made progress, pausing every time a T-55 poked its head out, and even though the new and better-armed 2A6 could undoubtedly defeat the Old Russian model. There was no reason to run and risk your life if just to save a minute or so.

Speaking of Eurocopters, those machines had the time of their life. They went from there to there, destroying and rampaging, even though there was the disappointing loses, which had usually meant the pilots were dead, that only accented the luxury for the current scenario. One that had Eurocopters plowing through infantry columns like a burning knife through butter, rampaging up and down across roads like demons. Whenever a local got a little bit to stiff in resistance, say 2 Eurocopters were destroyed, a whole host of response followed. Some prototype, reconnaissance artillery units, a Eurofighter team and even more Eurocopters descended, laying waste to any remotely military or economic facility.

The massive detail of trainer aircraft did not go unnoticed. Anti-air weaponry took its toll, while not significant, mainly due that Austria had expected Hungary to do everything except that, meaning most anti-aircraft units while trained, were not all at that one focal point.

The initial reports first signaled that a large wave of trainer aircraft for whatever reason, were approaching Austrian lines. First thought to be some kind of weird stunt or suicidal charge it was given no credence. What really changed was when 2 pairs of Northrop F-5E tiger's were blasted out of the air. They had live video feed in the command bunker on the Austrian-Hungarian border and from what they could see, 2 Saab JAS “Gripen's" had, if not easily, gunned down the Tiger's. Who had managed to dent the trainers and take down a few Aero's with their compliments of 2 Sidewinders each and cannons.

The good news hardly out weighed the bad. All available Eurofighters, something along the lines of 36, were sent to intercept and destroy. Accompanying them would be four more Tiger's, and eight Saab J-35 Draken's to try and even the odds a little bit more. These forces would destroy the modern aircraft of Hungary, and if they had eliminated the more modern models, then the trainers would be easy prey.

OOC-I just thought that I would make a couple of comments, I need some questions answered before I can continue. Your factbook on invision is totally out of date, and the numbers that you have posted here are vague at best. I know that no matter what I am horribly outnumbered and that you have better stuff, but I would like to have some kind of an idea as to what I am up against. So, if you oculd put up a post detailing what is part of the Eastern Front to you, invading force to me, I would appreciate it.

In the meantime, you have got to admit, having the Yaks, single propellor training planes rush into combat was a pretty good move, and arming the Albatross Fighter/Jet Trainers was awesome! And the visual of having all of those reservists and rookies fly into battle with only their instructors to guide them, that was just fun!

I am really planning on making something of a fight of this, seeing as how it would take a bloddy miracle to win. But, I am so used to playing a super-power, it is kind of exciting to be playing the underdog for once. And pulling suicidal deperation moves, oh, I am so happy.

Basically, I am assuming that Sopron is goving you something of a stiff resistance, but only because the peole there haven't left the city long enough to see what they are up against.

Everywhere else, I am falling back, as you are able to strike with near total impunity from the air, well, up until now. I am taking major casualties, and you may have taken some, but are rolling over me with sheer force.

As far as the air combat is going, it will most likely decide the fate of air superiority for the war. I mean, they may not be the best planes, but I am throwing everything but the kitchen sink at you, and you have committed something like 50-55 planes to the combat already. Probably only 5-10 until you realised that they were actually fighting back, and then the rest were ordered in. I have 89 aircraft committed, and though over half of them would be more at home in WW2, this technically qualifies as one of the largest air-to-air combats that Central Eastern Europe has seen in decades, doesn't it?

WWJD
Amen.

**OOC** In decades? Without doubt it is the largest air engagement in Central Europe ever. -Waves an Austrian flag-

Snippet

It's just great to have this air battle, I can just imagine having the trainer's flying low, and having those Tiger's get jumped by the Gripen's.

I'll get my fact book up to date, I have been trying to get it going on all cylinders, but I got myself somewhat sidetracked every time I made any sort of progress.

The offer for surrender is still valid, and it is a serious bid, I won't turn around and gun all the Hungarians down. I guess by now, the Austrians are just skirting around the city, with most of the troops already ahead in their massive groups of tanks and men.

I agree that the Austrians have so far receive less casualties by a margin of 1-2, while it could be better, it is no doubt because the Hungarians are retreating just a tad to fast for the full might of Austrian power (the spearheads) to descend on them.

This is most likely one of the biggest air battles since the Battle of Britain, and one of the bigger air caimpaigns, rivaling even that of the breakup of Yugoslavia and the NATO mission there. See even NG is getting into the spirit. I also agree, let us stop pretending that this isn't going to be the coolest air war, brought to you by Austrian military might and Hungarian suicidal bravery.

General forces of Eastern Command, under the direct and single authority of General Trugen.

75000 troops, assorted gear. Divisions restructured under Drekcsler, to better incorporate the sudden boost in numbers, and to make the elimination of certain officers go more easily. As stated before hand, 5000 troops of the invasion have ceased to be in technical command of Austrian High Command.

1st Division- 150 Dpkz I's, 150 Dpkz II's, 49 M-109A5Ö's, 75 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 20 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005

2nd Division- 100 Dpkz III's, 50 Dpkz II's 50 M-109A5Ö's, 100 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 20 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005's,

3rd Division- 50 Dpkz I's, 100 Ulan's, 50 M-109A5Ö's, 50 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 20 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005's, 100 Ulan's,

4th Division- 20 Jaguar 1, 50 M-109A5Ö's, 50 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 50 Dpkz III's

5th Division- 20 Jaguar 1, 100 Ulan's, 20 105 mm M-1, Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's,

6th Division- 20 Jaguar 1, 75 Ulan's, 50 Dpkz I's, 25 Dpzk II's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's

1st Support- 20 Jaguar 1, 50 Ulan's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's

2nd Support- 25 Dpkz I's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Dpkz II's, 25 Dpkz III's, 25 Ulan's,

3rd Support- Ulan's, 25 Dpkz I's, 10 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005's, 25 Dpkz III's


Something along those lines, I would say 70000 Austrian troops, 20000 with proper training, and 10000 saw the elephant in the last war, meaning a touch over half is green. I am only half sure how much men are needed for each vehicle, so whatever division needs more troops, they are assigned more.

Support divisions are there when divisions are to much of an overkill, or at least that is what I intend for them to do. A little to basic, yes, but hopefully it should give a better idea of the ground war, as for the air, everything is based mainly out of an airport facility along the border, I'll find some silly town on Google Earth so it can be more exact.

OOC-OK, I’ll post something up right now, but might not be able to post until Friday.

IC-Cadet Kocsis was sweating more than he thought possible as he flew at low speed, having taken off in his newly armed Albatross trainer a fair bit after the poor, damned Yaks. He still couldn’t believe the officer-instructor when they described the plan to him, and some of the younger ones just started crying. But, just like they were told, the heroes of Hungary, at least that was what the instructors were calling them, saw the incoming fighters and started climbing as fast as they could until they reached 4,000 feet and began to take evasive action. Just as the invading fighters started to rip into the nearly defenceless Yaks, his entire force was ordered to move to top speed, and go weapons free. Before they even got there, two of the planes collided with eachother, one pilot ejecting and the other…who knows. Another banked sharply and turned back, refusing to answer radio calls. But the instructors just kept up constant radio orders and advice, correcting problems that hey saw and explaining what they were to do. 90% of them had never even started the combat training, but they had gotten a crash course, pardon the pun. And for a second, they looked impressive, they came in at high speed and opened fire on the attacking fighters, some even figured out how to do missile lock, and the rest opened up with their twin 23 mm cannons. For a second…then everything went to hell. His wingman accidentally shot down a Yak, and then in his shock stalled, he was currently plummeting towards the earth. Now the Yaks, he had to give it to them, they were doing their job, he saw again and again, the opposing fighters get a lock on an Albatross or one of the “Gripens” or MiGs and suddenly their missile impacted a Yak. They were heroes. And he even hit one of the Tigers, though it shrugged it off and attacked again. But it looked like with this much support; the instructors in the modern planes were doing well. They started to make some ground on their foes and get some confirmed kills.

Then of course, the radars lit up with the reinforcements that were on their way. So many, and all of them fully modern, two of the Albartross’s turned and ran immediately, and one of the Yak’s ran into an Albatross when it tried to run.

The invaders tore into them like wolves into sheep. It was horrible, they were everywhere and they moved so fast, he couldn’t keep up, he started to climb, banked right and let a missile go at one of the “Gripen” fighters, it looked like a hit when he was hit with gunfire from behind and started to drop trailing heavy smoke before hitting the eject button.

What he saw when he looked to his south astounded him and caused him so much joy that he started crying and praying, and he hadn’t prayed since first Communion. The Fighter Squadron “Dongo” was cuddenly climbing from where they had been advancing on this position from under the radar field. They were engaging the surprised invaders who were already tired from combat and had burned precious ammo and fule. The invaders were by no means defnseless, but now highly skilled professional pilots, not by ill-equipped children, would represent the Hungarian Air Force.

Fighter Squadron “Dongo”
6 Saab JAS “Gripen”
15 MiG-29B
11 MiG-29UB
5 Aero L-39 Albatross

The new defenders met the invading fighters with everything they had, and fought like men possessed, they were defending their homes, their country and everything that they had trained for. And just when the battle lines were evening out, and the invaders were fully committed to combat with the many defenders of varying qualities, the entirety of the second and most elite Fighter Squadron appeared on everyone’s radar coming in at top speed, the “Puma.”

Fighter Squadron “Puma”
6 Saab JAS “Gripen”
15 MiG-29B
11 MiG-29UB
5 Aero L-39 Albatross

This suddenly added 64 defending fighters of modern types with well trained and experienced pilots to the conflict, with an additional 10 armed Albatross trainers that came just in time to see the last of the Yaks flee or sink to the ground in flames. The Albatross pilots that had engaged at first had mostly used all of their ammo and missiles, and were now doing the job of the Yaks, they were so inspired, every time an Austrian pilot tried to shoot down a Hungarian plane, an Albatross jumped in the way to sacrifice himself for them. For them, it was slaughter, but the huge air force battle for air supremacy over Hungary had turned decisively in the favour of the home team.


Coming in hard from Budapest, using the cover from aircraft that was being afforded by the massive air combat that was raging in the skies to their south, cam the entire Helicopter Regiment. They were not moving to reinforce their brethren in the dogfight but rather were using this opportunity to fly under the radar en masse and reinforce Sopron. It had been decided that Sopron would not be allowed to fall. The commander of the defenders had been ordered to defend the city to the last man, and to order the civilians not to leave, under penalty of death. This would be our Stalingrad. The Attack Battalion, known as the “Screaming Magyars,” was the first to appear over the city, flying in hot at top speed, firing the rockets that they carried at the troop concentrations and especially at the heavy armour that they were designed to seek out and destroy. Their rapid firing big guns ripped through the shocked Austrian lines, especially those that were just passing the city, and they sent the shocked invaders scurrying for cover with their fury and daring.

Attack Battalion “Screaming Magyars”
50 Mi-24D/V/P Hind

Of course, like most of the desperation plans that marked the early defence of the Hungarian nation, this too was a diversion, with the Transport Battalion, “The Pride of St. Stephen,” rushing into the city main loaded down with 26 troops a piece and providing covering fire from their own considerable weaponry. The new commander that had flown in promised the embattled defenders that more help was on the way, and as the Austrians recovered and started to down the Attack helicopters in distressing numbers, they beat a hast retreat, if only to refuel and go out to face the Eurocopters that were ripping their retreat to pieces.

Transport Battalion “Pride of St. Stephen”
40 Mi-8T/P/PS
40 Mi-17
(each can carry 26 fully armed passengers)
That means that they airdropped a total of about 2,000 more fresh and heavily armed and prepared troops in the city, and in the case of the advancing Austrians of the region, that was behind enemy lines.


WWJD
Amen.

The Eurofighters, the Tigers, and the Drakans were initially confused by this sudden change of events. The 2 Tigers were quickly eliminated, as were 6 of the Drakan's, an other 1 and 1 were destroyed in the initial encounter. The remaining Eurofighters, now reduced to 30 quickly decided that this game, while fun, needed to be stopped 5 minutes ago. While they called for more help, anything that could fly is needed, they quickly tried to do what the Eurofighter does best. Fighter destruction.

The calls of help, and video feeds of destroyed Tigers and Drakan's did not go unnoticed, as the first few minutes saw the complete tide change, the men at Trugen's HQ sent out the orders to get some more fighters in the air. While those orders initially made no difference, the remaining Eurofighters (6) were stationed in Innsbruck, and most of the other aircraft coming back or refueling, it did get some wheels rolling. So within just a few more minutes, a contingent of 5 Drakans would be lifting off an added bit of help.

The Eurofighters quickly, and professionaly, got down to buisness. Their first targets were the the Gripens, and while it seemed the fight was now officially over, the suprise element gone, the Austrian forces couldn't get a good shot in. Either one of the trainers, there were still a few alive, or a Aero got in the way of a mortal blow. There was a decent kill or two, but generally the Eurofighters were getting extremely annoyed at these trainers, because even though they were now sustaining no losses, their fuel and ammunition didn't need to be expended like this on measly trainers that could be eliminated by ground defenses.

So, the Eurofighters used their streamlines pilot interface that made the pilot have an easier time of finding and destroying, one of the best changes the Eurofighter had over second generation, and even other fist generation planes. The Austrians had training, but while only 18 of them were veterans, the combination of technological superiority would make sure that when it got down to the nitty gritty the planes would arise victorious.

The spearheads, which first halted for fear of being cut off, were quickly dissuaded of that idea when reports came that even though it sounded bad, only 2200 troops were behind them. That the city was already under siege and Austrian forces were heavily entrenched around and in some parts of the city. Assured also that a generally infantry only group would have problems cutting off the forces, or really doing anything in the age of 60 kilometers an hour armies. They continued onto Groy, and were still having a relatively fun time, as Hungarian resistance had not firmed much in the last two hours.

Eurocopter trains that replenished the wings operating in Hungary were running at peak efficiency. Which combined with the excellent system of rescue was made itself a potent support branch, in which many documentaries and hack n' slash movies would be made out of. It was so proficient, that if you manage to be shot down in a Eurocopter, and not be captured in the initial landing, you were home free. Within 2 minutes Eurocopters swarmed th area with Iron Fist troops riding shotgun, they would secure the area, extract the pilot(s) and before the hour was up replacement pilots, in conjunction with the rescued ones, would be out again in a Eurocopter making sure the Hungarian retreat had little breathing room.

OOC-Just FYI, what would be making it difficult would not be just the Yaks, the Aeros are also trainers and are doing the same thing, but they are fast and maneuverable enough to get in the way of even the Eurofighters, in the short term.

I think that I will just post losses, and if you could detail your losses, we can move onto the next series of posts. If that is OK?

Trainer Squadron “Fighting Newbies”
2 Saab JAS “Gripen” (2 seater variants)-1 lost
3 MiG-29UB-1 lost
29 Aero L-39 Albatross-18 lost, 5 retreated
45 Yak-52M-38 lost, 5 retreated

Fighter Squadron “Dongo”
6 Saab JAS “Gripen”
15 MiG-29B-3 lost
11 MiG-29UB-1 retreated (due to mechanical failure)
5 Aero L-39 Albatross-3 lost

Fighter Squadron “Puma”
6 Saab JAS “Gripen”
15 MiG-29B
11 MiG-29UB
5 Aero L-39 Albatross-1 lost

Totals=
Lost-65
1 Saab AS “Gripen” (2 Seater variant)
1 MiG-29UB
3 MiG-29B
38 Yak-52M
22 Aero L-39 Albatross

Reatreated-11
5 Aero L-39 Albatross
5 Yak-52M
1 MiG-29UB

In Combat-65
1 Saab JAS (2 seater variant)
27 MiG-29B
23 MiG-29UB
12 Aero L-39 Albatross
2 Yak-52M


I just wanted to be absolutely clear so that I am not trying to search through script posts to figure out numbers, if you could do something similar, that would be good. Hmm, I didn't notice before that I had lost exactly as many planes as I still had committed. Well, there goes the air force for the next decade.

Oh, BTW, I was thinking that I might do up a post detailing the ground forces and what is going on in that front, but that will obviously take a lot longer than the entire air combat in RL time. How do you want to handle that? We could just Rp the air combat until its conclusion and then move on to the ground combat, but that might mean holding up the ground forces post-wise for awhile. Or, we could just assume a couple of things about the ground battles. For instance, in teh first 24 hours of combat, I am basically going to have to write off Gyor Moson Sopron, Vas, and Zala. Those are the provinces that are bordering Austria and currently being invaded. The retreating troops have been told to retreat as quickly as possible until they hit the borders. Then, they are to turn, and theoretically with new support begin defending their new positions from there. Actually, since the Austrians had started to go to war footing, some defenses had already been constructed hastily along these lines, and in about 24 hours, I think I can get there, but you will be close on my heels. But about that time, your spearheads will be outstripping their supply lines, and need to resupply with fule and ammunition, not to mention rest the troops and feed them a little. This is alos taking into consideration that we have unleashed our Helicopter Regiment on you, and so though you are still clearly holding air superiority, it may be more slow going. And, you will need to do a second concetrated air and artillery capmpaign (maybe 4 hours) to break the new defences. So, that will be the rough starting place for the next series of ground posts that occur. That would mean that we will be able to finish the air battle while knowing what is happening on the ground at our liesure, and when that is done, we can recommence from our new starting pionts, how does that sound?


WWJD
Amen.

A few days ago..

A telephone rings. Vaclav Klaus picks up the telephones and listens to the general’s report regarding the removal of Austrian troops to the border. Satellite digital imaging revealed that the Austrian-Czech front was being dismantled and many troop transports and tanks were moving back into the heartland of Austria. The General asks if he should begin the preparations. Klaus gives him the affirmative but tells him to be careful because the Austrians may be still engaging in subterfuge. So the Czech army sits at the border while massive military preparations continue within the Czech nation because "you never know with those wily Austrians". After his conversation with the general, Klaus allows some satisfaction to creep into his heart as he begins to believe that the dark fate looming over his nation may be averted.

Later…

A few days later, Klaus has another conversation with his general, his right hand man, and longtime friend, Anton Dvorach. He reported that the Austrians had invaded Hungary as planned and were right now in the middle of the largest air campaign since the Battle of Britain. The Hungarian Austrian front had virtually collapsed despite brave efforts by the Hungarians, and that it was only a matter of time before Sopron fell along with the entire western half of Hungary. They would be lucky if they could hold the front to Papa.

Klaus grabs the Austrian documents sent from Drekcsler's Austrian government and glances through them. They all complained about Czech slowness in disengaging from the Austrian Czech border and wanted to know about a timetable for a Czech invasion of Slovakia. He takes the documents and drops them to the side of his desk. He lights a match and tosses it into the garbage can along with the other garbage. As the papers begin to catch fire, a smile begins to form on Klaus' face and he remembers why he went into politics. Are the Austrians ready for their allies? I doubt it. Klaus whispers into the phone.

Anton's face lights up and his normally attractive face becomes a totally different sight. The veins on his face triple in size and pulse with the rapid beat of his heart. His mouth is twisted and contorted into a monstrous expression of his beastly desires. His eye begins twitching erratically and his hand is twisted into a fist. BAM! Suddenly his hand slams down onto the desk and he shouts out an order to his men.

"THOSE AUSTRIANS WILL RUE THE DAY THEY DENIED ME ENTRANCE TO THE CLOWN ACADEMY OF VIENNA!!! BEGIN OPERATION BODNUTI DE ZADA!"

His men leap to attention and carry out his orders. Within seconds the entire Czech military machine is catapulted into action. The normally quiet barracks erupt into a frantic state of activity, the ever vigilant Air Force has its patrols swelled with numbers as every plane is sent into the air, the ground forces stop practicing their drills and grab their weapons.

The Fight Begins

The Aero L-59 Super Albatross-150 and Saab JAS 39 “Gripen”-60 fighters were outfitted with Bombkapsel 90 cluster bombs and AGM-65 Maverick laser guided bombs. With rehearsed precision, they swept down onto lightly guarded Austrian positions, dropped their bombs, and erupted back into the safety of the sky with the cluster bomb formation. They radioed the ground, and went back to the base to get reloaded and readapted to fight the eventual Austrian counterattack. The remaining 20 Gripens and 50 Albatross' remained vigilant in the skies (CAP) for any Austrian counterattacks.

As the ground received the radio calls, they leap into action and the Jan Huss Division, containing the most elite and best trained troops along with all (350) the modernized T-72 tanks bursts from the hastily built fortifications around the Austrian town of Gmund. There is no better sight than the gleam of freshly shined Samopal vzor 58s held by Czechs in the defense of their country. The Jan Huss are the best that Czech Republic has to offer and they take every opportunity to make sure that no one forgets that, least of all the enemy. They also carry 20 FGM-148 Javelin in the odd chance that they come across any Austrian tanks that are not deep within Hungary. They are well trained in their use and not afraid to use them. Behind the Jan Huss Division are 2 reserve divisions, which will clean up anything that remains behind the formidable vanguard.

Aside from the three divisions assaulting Gmud, 1 division will assault Freistadt to Linz, and another will assault Poydorf and push as far ahead to Vienna as possible before being reinforced by the Jan Huss division as part of the Operation Bodnutí de Záda, or Stabbing of the Back Operation.

Klaus' Speech to the Nation

Within seconds after the attack Klaus appears on national television.

"My people we are embarking on a bold new plan for the future. The government of Maxen has been thrown into considerable disarray by actions of Drekcsler, a known enemy of the Czech state. This criminal was once wanted by Czech Republic for money laundering." Klaus holds up official documents and continues.
"He has now attempted to gain control of the Austrian government and is attempting to destroy the peace and tranquility that Europe has so recently established. The Czech Republic, as long as I have anything to do about it, will stand up for a peaceful Europe and is now officially declaring war on Austria in response to their unwarranted actions against Hungary. We will fight and shed as much Czech blood for our Hungarian brothers and hope that our peoples will become much closer in the future.

I also reach out the Austrian people, strong and free peoples. I am ashamed that we did not help you in an earlier time and we will not stand idle any longer. We will restore freedom to the Austrian people and will restore your legitimate government. I call all free Austrians North of the Danube to rise up against your oppressors for your northern brothers will no longer be quiet."

Klaus holds up the peace treaty that Yugoslavia and France signed.

"This recent peace agreement between two enemies is a very sound diplomatic move. The Czech nation promotes this agreement, which establishes the neutrality of Central Europe. The Czech Republic does not seek support from close Slavic brothers because it is believed that it would cause them conflict with others. We do not want a divided Europe and demand that all parties stay out of this conflict.

On a personal note, Maxen, if you can hear this, I wish you the best and would like to let you know that your old friend is coming to get you.” As Klaus was finishing that last sentence a warm smile came to his face and his eyes twinkled.

The screen fades and goes black.

After the press asks him the pre-rehearsed questions, Klaus walks back to his office. He hands a message to his secretary to send to the Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom.

OOC: And BOOM! There goes the crazy bomb

Snippet
I am having the feeling that the winner of this air battle will not have enough planes to continue even a measly air-ground campaign. I think I could have got a little carried away with losses inside my posts, but here is a more realistic breakdown.

Defensive Wing:
36 Eurofighters -5
4 Tiger's -3
8 Draken's -5

Meaning a loss of 13, which I feel is fairly reasonable, since the trainers count as nothing but something to get in the way, and you have lost something close to 5 of your closest to modern fighters. As for the way which we will portray the war, I think we should just continue it now as two separate times. A slowed down air battle, and a more speed up ground.

Mainly, I feel that rest is not needed yet, maybe on the second day a real reast period will be assigned, but at the moment you could logically conclude that the Austrians are sleeping as they go. Hungarian defense, near zero as they race to the ad hoc defenses.

As for the defense in general, it will be mighty something if a force that has been running under constant air and ground fire, not used to being so devastatingly destroyed, to suddenly turn around with a smile on their face and a strong heart, to suddenly stand up to the 'unstoppable' 2A6's and Jaguar's.

Which also reminds me, how much of their hardware is left? Running, I wonder how much of their artillery is still left in their hands, and also any of their heavy tanks. Because if anything attracts a helicopter gunship whose primary mission is to destroy ground targets, a column of T-55's is pretty high on the list if you think about it.

I think, if Hungary is willing to let those territories go, Austria is pretty much done. You win the air battle, another Federal Republic is formed out of Groz, Transylvania was all I wanted, Hungary leaves with almost 2/3rds of her lands in her possession. Pretty good, because it is only a matter of time before Estenlands decides to run through Romania and get to embattled Hungary. Literally throw one army, kill two Balkan states.


OOC: And BOOM! There goes the crazy bomb
Well that sure puts a crimp is my affairs. I have maybe 10-15k up there, in very hardened positions, been getting those guys ready since Maxen von Bismarck days but 15k is hardly enough. Especially if most, if not all the armor is elsewhere in Hungary and there is only 6 or so Eurofighters out of Innsbruck.

Not a pretty sight, I'll wait until you post, I do have a little inspiration for Maxen still, and good move all around. Applause and the whole bit, I think if you kept up your current standard, Germany will be calling your number. I would have enjoyed a special op mission to get Maxen out of jail better, but an invasion works!

Maybe an invasion, to grab Drekcsler's full attention, then something like a special operation thrown when it becomes clear Drekcsler wants Maxen to never tell his tale.

((Just a quick note, Lav actually has not signed the peace yet, that was just France accepting the terms he laid out.))

Versailles

Speaking from the Hall of Mirrors where a press conference was held Monsieur le Comte de Maurepas, Prime Minister to the Most Christian King, addressed the international media. The subject, of course, was the recent invasion of Austria by the Czech Republic.

“Today, the Czech Republic has illegally invaded the nation of Austria. In one move the Czech Republic has sought to undo the hard work of peace, the conditions of said peace being dependant on both Slavic and Czech neutrality in respect to Central Europe.”

“Austria is engaged in a repelling effort against Hungarian terrorism, and to the worlds knowledge Hungary has no treaty or alliance with the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The Czech Republic’s invasion constitutes a gross violation of international law, and threatens to unleash pure havoc.”

He raised a sheaf of papers.

“In my hand I hold personally the preliminary agreement, agreeing to a preliminary recognition of the validity, moreover legitimacy, of the Honorable Herr Drekclser’s Government by the fine and lawful government of the SFRY. This preliminary hope was thoroughly dashed by the vicious and illegal moves to the Czech Regime.”

“The world is perched upon the edge of a knife. Attempts to launch the largest humanitarian aid program in history, in Africa, by our Most Christian King Louis-Auguste have met with subversive communist insurgencies. Roycelandian attempts to bring order and prosperity to the Suez Canal now face a similar, and no less vicious, Soviet insurgency. Nuclear weapons have been launched by the nightmarishly communist Libyans, and Hungarian terrorism threatens to destabilize Central Europe. The Kingdom of France can not, and will not, accept the illegal action of the Czech Republic.”

“Therefore, the Czech Republic has twenty-four hours to immediately cease its invasion and withdraw all troops and forces from the sovereign state of Austria. Failure to meet this deadline will not only result in the curtailing of a promising peace. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a declaration of war upon the Czech Republic by the Kingdom of France, and following this declaration of war the Kingdom of France has every intention to mobilize its valiant allies in the Holy League to follow suit.”

“I speak this evening directly to Vaclav Klaus: abandon your foolhardy and dangerous illegalities this instant! Do you think that the awesome might of God’s Lieutenants can be gainsaid? Do not abandon reason, take heart in what little you have left! I promise you that if you violate this peace any longer, not only your regime will pay. The Czech Republic shall be torn asunder, like a fatted calf it shall be thrown to the lions. I promise you, invested with the might of His Invincible Majesty King Louis-Auguste, if the Czech Republic does not back down, in toto, within twenty four hours, there shall no longer be a Czech Republic.”

“May Almighty God continue to defend the right. Vive le Roi!”

Notre Dame de France Aerodrome, Grenoble

The Cherubim Wing of the Ordu du Saint-Esprit, seventy-two Lancaster II heavy strategic bombers, is recalled from the African campaign and fitted out at ODSE high command in Grenoble. They are, after a full servicing following their return, put on a ten minute notice for action. Alongside the bombers, who have proven their worth over Accra, and would be happy to prove their worth again over Prague, France’s single elite stealth bomber the Martel is likewise fitted out, slated to take flight for a undisclosed mission over Czech airspace in twenty-three hours.

Marseilles

The last three divisions of IV Corps, Gardes Francaises, scheduled to be deployed to Algeria and the West African Theatre, are ordered to halt. Totaling some 40,000 soldiers, both light and heavy infantry, they instead redeploy to Nice, where they are awaited by a Brigade of the Order of the Golden Fleece, some fifty Leclerc battle-tanks with about thirty AMX-30’s and armored troop transports. The War Ministry organized trains to deploy them through Rome to Austria, should the Czech’s not back down.

Their absence in Africa could cause the campaign to crush ECOWAS to last a few more hours, days, maybe even weeks. However, the Kingdom of France was now at a full capacity war time economy, and le Duc de Broglie, Minister of War to the Most Christian King, intended to crush all of Christendom’s enemies (relatively speaking) in one fell swoop. It would not do to have reconstituted God, peace, and prosperity in Africa, squelching the nascent socialism therein, only to deal with bandits in Central Europe while a comprehensive peace was being debated in London by the Western Powers and Republic of China! No, Versailles wanted a bountiful peace after this war of Restoration, which shall have completed the glorious Restoration, and harmony restored to the West.

God help the Czech Republic and Vaclav Klaus if they stood in the way.

Belgrade

Monsieur le Comte de Sartines, special envoy to the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, seeks an emergency audience with Premier Larionko Aidarov. He would implore the Yugoslavian statesman to call the Czech Republic off, everyone knew that the Czech’s danced to Slavic fiddles. Versailles and King Louis-Auguste truly wanted a lasting peace with the SFRY, truly and indeed desperately, but they could not abide such a dangerous situation. If Austria fell to Czech bandits, Holy League security would be compromised, and that could not be allowed. It is also hinted that if Larionko does not call the Czech’s off, it would take little urging for HMCM Louis-Auguste to pick up a phone, and call Papa Wingert.

OOC: A more detailed picture of the Austrian picture up north, and maybe some background RPing. Mainly though, I just wanted to put:

Yay! I knew Nova Gaul wouldn't let one of his devoted bishop states down, now I can almost pull this off!

*Laughs and Claps*

Thanks NG for pulling me out of this unfortunate pothole. In addition, do any of you guys remeber my claim for 100 of those PzH 2000's?

IC:

The Austrians up north were nicely sandbagged and dug in. They were all technically trained, but for the most part, they relied on the sense that they couldn't retreat, and that Austria always prevails. A potent fighting force, the officers were mainly all Maxen appointed, meaning the brave were few but all of them were administrative genuses and brilliant at tactics. The PzH 2000's, mainly missing from Hungary, were soon known of as predetermined targets within the border of the Czech Republic were targeted and fired upon.

The first targets were the scouted targets of likely Czech attack pathways. These were completely destroyed and mulched before bombardment relented. So that it would be harder for Czech troops to cross into Austria. Some unique tactics, held in reserve until now, were to send the PzH 2000's out in front of Austrian lines and firing a couple quick shots, then hurrying back to Austrian lines. They usually reached Austrian lines about the same time the shells reached the Czech positions.

Except for exciting, if not effective raids like that, the Austrians waited for the Czechs to do something.

Map of Hungary-
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/hungary.jpg

Budapest-

The Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany had disappeared sometime during the night. He was drinking heavily and slumped in his big, high backed chair in the War Room at the Presidential residence, and before long he had taken to muttering to himself as casualty report came in and the General Staff just kept working and working hour after hour trying to construct some kind of defence in all of this chaos. And one time they looked up and he was gone. No one remembered him leaving; they were too busy and had been working around him for too long to remember. The reeling defenders had finally reached their defences, but everything depended upon the Austrians stopping for rest and refuel. But they didn’t. They just kept right on attacking, some of the defenders had gotten to the fortifications before the Austrians and turned to fight the, reinforced by troops and townspeople that had gathered to fight, but many more just crumbled when they tried to do that. So many dead, so many running terrified from their burning homes in face of the Austrian juggernaught.

President Solyom just shrugged his shoulders when he heard, and said, “He wasn’t helping much anyways.” He had at one time or another fired and re-hired every man in the room, and he was starting to look worse for wear, but refused to go and get some rest. It felt like he was abandoning his post, and he wouldn’t let his people down if he could help it. When it became clear that the Austrians were not going to stop at the provincial borders, though they had been slowed considerably for a few hours, he ordered the counter-attack at Papa to be launched. Its main objective was to attack and regain the province of Gyor Moson Sopron, and relieve the embattled defenders of Sopron. They had gathered some civilians and police that had personal weapons, and had broken out the dusty armoury for those that didn’t, but had a will to fight. They were ordered en masse to attack the incoming Austrian spearhead, as the defenders of Sopron were ordered to intensify their resistance. Everything that had been mustered at Papa rushed forth, fresh troops, and fully armed, at the very least, and attacked the main thrust of the Austrian spearhead. (Which, if broken evenly among the three provinces, is something like 23 and half thousand troops. I am still hopelessly outnumbered. Including Sopron, I have about 14 and half thousand defenders committed there But if I can stall the advance for a while along the defence somewhere along the line, I will.) For the counter-attack, the Helicopter Regiment would be assigned primarily to them, and support would be given to them alone. He knew that meant that he would be leaving the rest of his troops high and dry, but he needed to prioritise. He also ordered the Papa Reserve Base be completely abandoned, and burnt to the ground, leaving nothing of strategic value behind.

In Budapest, the civilian population was being moved as quickly as they could across the Danube, and all across the great river that cut the nation in half, massive amounts of refugees were streaming across the many bridges that were strung across the river. Of course, now the army was wiring all of those bridges to blow, should the Austrians make it this far, but the hundreds of millions of dollars worth of infrastructure would be sorely lost of they had to go. But it is telling that the main defence points that are being constructed at this line are all on the East side of the Danube, not the West. The Danube, the lifeblood of the Hungarian people for thousands of years, would be used as the last line of defence.

On the Eastern Hungarian/Ukrainian front, troops were requisitioning every mode of mechanised transport that they could lay their hands on, and were all ready to either fight with everything they had a Ukrainian invasion, or move everything for a last-ditch defence of Budapest and the Danube. They just hoped that it didn’t have to be both. The Ukrainian side of the border was quiet, and even in the Ukrainian border cities of Beregovo or Chop there was no unusual activity. But the Ukrainians were a brutal people, and they knew that they would just as soon slaughter all of their own people in their own cities in order to gain the element of surprise as move them away to where they would be safe. And so they watched.

Then President Solyom got the call from President Klaus, "You what?! You did! God Bless you! No, I am an aetheist actually. The frogs said that? What about the Australains and the British? Didn't they say...Oh, I guess you're right, thank you, I will try and keep fighting." Now that was exciting news.

The break-up of the Hungarian Infantry Deployments is:
Main Army HQ outside Budapest-8, 000 troops, 5,000 civilian militia and police
Ukrainian Front-20, 000 troops
Placed throughout the nation, mostly on Yugo Slavian border patrol-3, 000 troops
Western/Austrian Front-5,000 troops 3,000 civilian militia and police(1,000 in losses)
Sopron-2,600 troops, 3,000 civilian militia and police
Papa Reserve Base-7, 000 troops, 2,000 civilian militia and police
All Over-about 3,000 civilian militias that have begun to fight, mostly behind what would be your lines, as they are basically just picking up guns and defending their homes, ambushing convoys, shooting officers from cover, that sort of thing.


WWJD
Amen.

Map of Hungary-
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/hungary.jpg

The Austrian divisions, exhausted after marching and fighting after so long, we dismayed at the prospect of forcing the Hungarians from their provincial fortifications. Yet, contrary to theory, the Hungarians were easily smashed through and the Austrian was able to capture the whole of the fortifications, with only moderate damage. These Austrian now would call upon their inner might, one founded on the principles of that the Austrian state needed its rightful place in the world. Losing now, would only ensure another 100 years of domination by outside forces.

As the hum of 2A6’s grew louder and dimmer, louder and dimmer, louder, dimmer, the Austrian tank commander, Ludwig von Mises, was currently repairing his allotted bunking quarters of the Hungarian defenses. The supplies at his disposal were a shovel and a pick for each of his subordinates and wheelbarrow to share amongst themselves. Currently his gunner and driver were fixing and expanding a firing position dug for one of the T-55s. While they had not been given orders detailing their stop here, at the fortifications, most of the rank and file had decided the decision was a matter of when; not if.

Grunting every time he lifted some of the dirt out of the entrance, he once again took a glimpse at his new bedroom. The room had Soviet inspired architecture, meaning concrete, low, rudimentary bunks and one solitary light in the center of the room. While not a 5-Star hotel, it was certainly a break from sleeping catnaps while they advanced through Hungarian territory. The initial attack had seen some artillery support and due to Murphy’s Law, his new bunker had been one of the few to see a hit. The hit, from a 155mm, had collapsed the entranceway and blocked it off for the mot part.

Now, just about done, he was already thinking about crashing. As he deemd the entrance suitable to walk through, he threw the shovel down over near his beloved 2A6. Stifing a yawn, he closed the door behind him and sank into one of the beds. While uncomfortable to most standards, it felt like heaven to him. As he was just drifting off, a hard knock hit the door. Growling, Ludwig stood up. Marching over to the door, he yanked it open. Siting there was a immaculately dressed officer, his gunner and driver. A small ball of dread slowly formed in his stomach, “Yes?” He asked.

“As by orders from Trugen, you are to be transferred from the 2nd Division, and placed in the 1st Division; your new orders are to be the invasion of Vas with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Support.

Groaning, Ludwig replied, “How much time do we get?” He thought he knew the answer, but was disappointed anyhow when the courier replied, “Immidiately.”


The 1st Division, along with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Support engage in a wide loop aiming for Szombathely. These divisions are exhausted but the 1st Division is still the most potent force on the battle field. The other divisions are now happily entrenched within the now evacuated Hungarian works. They are ready for the imminent, if not already in progress Hungarian counterattack.

The Eurofighters, and the few other assorted craft, deciding the time was ripe to leave this excursion. Started directing themselves towards home base, knowing some dramatic race against the other aircraft for home would only leave more of the air force depleted, they opted to directing the battle towards the direction. Because once close to Austrian ground forces, the Austrian air defenses would slowly start to take their own toll on the opponent forces. Besides, the objective, for a large part, was successful. An open corridor towards Sopron exists no more. Its defense is of Austrian ground-air defenses on high alert, and ready for the fighters.

This was a sharp contrast to before, where the air defenses, fearing a massive attack of the numerically bigger Hungarian air force in an attempt to spread the Eurofighters out to thin. This one big thrust had momentarily confused the operators but even as the two Tigers had exploded into fire balls, the defenses were pulling up their roots and heading straight for Sopron.

That’s not to say there wasn’t any air defenses for the spearheads, they still had their but the areas surrounding the incursion point had directed for their defenses to help the embattled few attached to Sopron’s siege.

In Sopron itself, the Austrian forces had largely ceased real offensive movements into the city. For the city was putting up a stout defense, that was assuredly doomed but no less brave. In the first moments, when the Austrian were still sure they could take the city. Hungarians had willingly given up their lives to take another block, for another house, for another room. The Hungarians also quickly devised intricate means to even the odds. From putting grenades in jars on the door handles, to showing white flags before opening up on the Austrians. Their minds knew no end to bravery nd guile.

So, the Austrians contented themselves with minor, massive attacks. That was assured to gain some land. Yet even these experienced problems. The Hungarians by now were devise in how they used their precious artillery, and so every time an attack would gain something. A brief, but heavy, barrage of shells would pummel the advance until it even slowed down half way to its objectives. This urban fighting was not what Drekcsler or Trugen envisioned. Yet the city was needed, it was way too far behind the lines, and it was bearing way to many similarities with Stalingrad for the commanders on the front.

OOC-I just have a couple of questions prior to responding.

Did you post saying that you were invading Vas? You already control Vas. The front line of your advance is well within the nation, you control three provinces, Vas, Gyor Moson Sopron and Zala. Currently, my counterattack is pushing, with armour and air support, into Gyor Moson Sopron ona desperate bid to tie up the advance and buy time for Sopron. We also want liberate the city of Gyor in that province and create for you another situation like that in Sopron. But you already control Vas. If you are at the lines that I had pulled back to, you would control those three provinces and be bordering Komerom EsZtergom, Veszprem, and Somogy. If it is the middle of these provinces that you are intending to invade, it would be Veszprem, which you would be invading FROM Vas.

And secondly, did you say that your fighters are pulling away from combat? Or are you speaking to something else? If you are pulling away, the Hungarian forces will follow while firing for as long as they can just to get a couple more kills.

WWJD
Amen.

FRICK!!! I just posted this huge long thread. I will post it again later. Stay tuned.

OOC-I just have a couple of questions prior to responding.

Did you post saying that you were invading Vas? You already control Vas. The front line of your advance is well within the nation, you control three provinces, Vas, Gyor Moson Sopron and Zala. Currently, my counterattack is pushing, with armour and air support, into Gyor Moson Sopron ona desperate bid to tie up the advance and buy time for Sopron. We also want liberate the city of Gyor in that province and create for you another situation like that in Sopron. But you already control Vas. If you are at the lines that I had pulled back to, you would control those three provinces and be bordering Komerom EsZtergom, Veszprem, and Somogy. If it is the middle of these provinces that you are intending to invade, it would be Veszprem, which you would be invading FROM Vas.

And secondly, did you say that your fighters are pulling away from combat? Or are you speaking to something else? If you are pulling away, the Hungarian forces will follow while firing for as long as they can just to get a couple more kills.

WWJD
Amen.

With air support?

Well I severly under-estimated my advance, I was under the impression that you had made your fortifications at the provincial borders, and so I stopped, rested, and am preparing for your attack. I will quickly edit it so it is Veszprem the attack is aiming for.

As for the air battle, I am just deciding I have been pummled enough for now, and could more likely destroy the Hungarian force piecemeal, not in his big mob.

OOC-Mainly the air support that I am talking about is the choppers. But, Ok, if you are going to cut and run, I will RP that.
Yeah, we did put the fortifications at the provincial borders, you reached them. Those are the provinces that border Austria. Well, Zala isn't, but I guessed that you would be thrwoing hard into that area as you would are out to conquer and pacify Hungary, not just attack it. I will try and get something up later.

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: What’s that sound? Okay what I said before was that I had sent in 5 divisions into your country, 87500 troops. More than all your troops currently in Austria, including the large concentration of troops you would need on your border with Yugoslavia. So even if you had 10k they would be surprised and that sound I hear earlier was the sound of your front collapsing by the combining weight of almost a hundred thousand men. You are in no position to counterattack at this time. I am also going to be making a claim to Maxen’s former men so perhaps some of those men could come over to my side.

I have 3 divisions thrusting through Gmund and 1 division hitting Hollbrunn. Another will be crashing forward to Linz. I think that Hollbrunn and Gmund would fall very quickly although you might be able to form a defense in Linz, although you might want to form up a defense at your capital instead. I am sending 70,000 troops there. It is going to be one MASSIVE battle. (ps. Read my post on the AMW forum, we should be able to work something out)

France: This war is going on in the midst of your conflict with Royce, Quinntopia, and ECOWAS thing, are you sure you want to be sending troops over to Austria. I am a little bit fuzzy on the African war so you may need to correct me if I am wrong. I am trying to follow it somewhat though.

IC:
Will Klaus bow before the French Ultimatum?

Vaclav Klaus holds up details on the French ultimatum that was presented to him 2 hours ago. The camera zooms in. Klaus begins speaking and the camera zooms out.

"The French King Loius-Auguste has just presented me with an ultimatum to leave Austria immediately. This ultimatum is in violation of his promise to have a neutral Central Europe. Louis-Auguste honors his word when it suits him but discards it whenever it is inconvenient. This administration did not cave before the communists and we have no intention of ever catering to the whims of a foreign power. We will fight them and we will win.

France wants a divided and constantly warring Central Europe. He wishes to have a lackey in every state. This practice will not continue any longer. He does not come to us as equals but as a master to his slaves. When he wishes to approach us as equals then we will receive him. Until that point, the Czech Republic breaks all diplomatic ties with France and orders our loaned troops back to our homeland. Refusal will be considered a treasonous act.

Austrians, I speak to you now not as a conqueror but as a friend. I want the same thing that you want for yourselves. Freedom. Freedom from tyranny and freedom from oppression. I will bring you that freedom although it will cost many Czech lives. Drekcsler's government is illegitimate and was not elected by the Austrian people. Maxen government, although not perfect, is the government of the Austrian people. Every free Austrian belongs to that government. I ask every Austrian to show their loyalty to Maxen this day. Do not fight in the army that supports injustice. Do not go to work tomorrow but instead show Maxen that he still has your support. We must break Drekcsler’s government and I cannot do it without your support. Every Czech military officer you help supports freedom and is a blow against tyranny. I am restoring the Austrian military composed of men loyal to Maxen. If you are loyal, leave the army and sign up, be you in Hungary or 2 miles away. All land seized by the Czech military is now free Austrian land and soon we will be restoring your government.

I urge you. Stand up for freedom. Stand up for liberty. Stand with us and we will be undefeatable."

The screen dims and goes black.

Immediately after the press conference, Klaus reiterates his policy on dealing with Austrians to his troops.

ATTN SOLDIERS: The Official Czech Republic Policy on dealing with Austrians
If you see an Austrian:
i) smile and wave;
ii) civilian pinned down by fire stop firing until the civilians are safe;
iii) wounded stop and help them;
iv) without a coat give them yours.
v) hand them a pamphlet

Remember, we are on their land so be respectful at all times.

During Klaus’s address the air force begins dropping pamphlets over nearby Austrian towns and even venturing as far as Vienna. The pamphlets contain a copy of Klaus’s speech and information on how to resist Drekcslers government including setting up cells, armed revolt, and how to contact the nearest Czech military station.

OOC: I liked your rescue attempt idea and will begin writing something up. Where is he staying right now? I could say that a guard secretly loyal to him begins feeding us information. I will think about ideas on how to conduct a hidden strike on Klaus’s prison. Probably done by the elite of elite Jan Huss division.

**OOC**

France: This war is going on in the midst of your conflict with Royce, Quinntopia, and ECOWAS thing, are you sure you want to be sending troops over to Austria. I am a little bit fuzzy on the African war so you may need to correct me if I am wrong. I am trying to follow it somewhat though.

Heya. I know you are very new to AMW, so lets go over some background.

Item 1- Take a breath mon cher.

France is niether at war with Roycelandia nor Quinntonia. What on earth gave you such a strange idea? Royce is one of France's closest allies, Quinntonia and France have a long and friendly relationship, and will hopefully soon be allies. Royce in fact supplies France with most of its cool weapons. Please, read threads before jumping to conclusions. I am only at war with ECOWAS and its allies, and among it's allies it counts no western powers.

Item 2- If you read my last post in toto, you would see that I am comfortable and able, moreso due to my schedule in regards to hopeful accords in London soon, to send troops to Austria. I am not going to fight a war in Africa only to let one of my dearest allies be overrun and have to deal with that afterwards. Better to get everything done at once while the economy is at wartime capacity.

Not to go over IC material, I will post that on the morrow; but in fact it was you who violated the peace, matter of factly. If thats propiganda, I hear that 100%! I just wanted to get records straight. I hope that clears it up! Bon soir!

Oh, and fine work so far Fleur, you sliding right in! Kudos! Oh, and before I forget, all mercenaries who sign onto the Royal Army in France sign lifetime contracts, renouncing their home citizenship, ergo, if you wish to look at it diplomatically, they are emigres who are now subjects of the French crown.

Moorington, I should like a TG from you ere the morrow, if I may, saying what Drekcsler wants from his comrades, so I know what I am posting about totally and such. If you want to go it alone, that is well and good, I dont want to barge into this RP. It was my impression, however, that, well, you wouldnt want Louis-Auguste to hang you out to dry.

Belgrade, SFRY

Marshal Lav is a busy man. The Yugoslav commander-in-chief has ordered the mobilisation of his people's armed forces and the activation of the Army Trained Reserve for the umpteenth time in his life presidency. If the Czechs were at war, the south Slavs must at least stand ready, and over eight-hundred thousand service men and women -well over 2% of the populace- had to prepare for the possibility of third-party involvement or the slim prospect that the Austrians may defeat both the Hungarians and the Czechs.

Lav openly supports his Czech opposite in his suggestion of non-involvement by other powers, and pledges to keep the JNA ready but uninvolved for the moment, so long as the Czech Republic is not attacked by another power.

Of course, unofficially, Belgrade is already resolved to attack Austria if it looks as if the Czechs will lose, and even if they win it is likely that the Yugoslav People's Army will enter Trieste to avert an Italian take-over of the Austrian enclave.

Covertly, Sova-15 has begun to deliver to the Czech embassy in Serbia intelligence gathered in recent years and during the border conflict with Austria, from the tactics of Austrian Generals to the performance of Austrian vehicles in general and against specific weaponry and conditions. Yugoslavia's ambassador in Prague makes it known privately that Belgrade's moral support at least is with the Republic.

Novi Sad

Aidarov, having retired to his baroque retreat in -ironically- the Austro-Hungarian fortress of Petrovaradin, built against the threat of the Ottoman Turk, sighs with fatigue before composing himself and ordering Monsieur le Comte de Sartines to be flown in from the capital. The consul gets a short ride in a Hindustani-designed Yugoslav-built Boxkite configured for diplomatic transport before a five minute drive in a less well appointed Yugo, prompting guards outside the fortress to joke that the car had new shock absorbers installed, imported all the way from France.

Aidarov tells the Frenchman that he intends to contact Prague shortly. To talk directly with Vaclav, he says.

Lav is worried by the French ultimatum. He would like to keep Yugoslavia out of the conflict for the sake of its neutrality, and certainly does not wish to fight the Holy League, but can not allow the ruin of the Czech nation. Yugoslavia will attempt to find a resolution with the Czechs, but Belgrade will order the arming of the Territorial Defence Force and the forward deployment of the Army Trained Reserve in keeping with the timing of Versailles' ultimatum and in readiness for direct intervention by a people's army with no other significant commitments to distract it.

"I understand that your government will not want to sit by while the Czechs pick the pockets of your little brother just because their big brother is lurking near by, and I wish to find a way to settle this complicated matter, but it is of grave importance that you make it known and understood that Yugoslavia will be no more able to stand back if Prague is threatened.

"Perhaps we should attempt -as a back-up plan only- to agree on some terms of battle should we be unhappily forced to draw our swords. Austria and Hungary are already warzones... I would hate to see Yugoslavia, the Czech Republic, Italy, or other lands also stage battles.

"We none of us can benefit from total war on the European continent, we all know how destructive that can be, and you do not want more Quinntonian loans to be required to rebuild for a second time in sixty years. Perhaps we can at least agree to settle any war by battle in the field in Austria and Hungary?

"If this proves totally impossible, I can understand that League forces may attempt to strike the Czech homeland. If this happens of course Yugoslavia will fight it, but I hope that we can at the very least agree to leave Yugoslavia and Italy et cetera outside the warzone? You could attempt to bomb the SFRY, but we could attempt to invade Italy, or launch rockets at its east coast. If we all understand that this tit for tat destruction is the result of going too far, perhaps it can be averted.

"Still, I hope to avert any such fighting, of course."

And Lav contacted Prague immediately after the meeting, Aidarov sharing with Klaus the details of the exchange and the difficulty of the situation. Yugoslavia will enter the war on your side if Holy League forces enter on Austria's, but this is still incredibly far from desirable, and Belgrade would rather back some alternative resolution.

Socialist Republic of Slovenia

The JNA began to gather materials for sale or gift to the Czech military in the event of Yugoslav entry into the war as forces rolled north. L-20 Putin fighters hung overhead with Super Orao and Super Galeb attack jets, and Boxkite transports and Partizan, Dhruv, and ADV helicopters came with men, material, and missiles.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/Chivtv/NS1/bov3-2.jpg

The little navy was out in the Adriatic and the Black Sea, across the land TDF militias organised their platoons and companies, broke-out their old AK-alike M70 rifles, and manned the thousands of pillboxes that Lav had begun to install. Multiple brigades moved up to the borders with Trieste, Austria, and Hungary.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/Chivtv/NS1/kotor3.jpg

And the troops sang for watching cameras, appealing for Czech mercenaries with France to strike against the ultimatum.

Hey, Slavs,
The spirit of our grandfathers is still alive,
As long as the hearts of their sons
Beat for the people.

Lives, lives the Slavic spirit,
It will live for ages!
The Hell's abyss threatens in vain,
The fire of thunder is in vain.

Let all above us now
be shattered by a storm.
Cliffs crack, oaks break,
Let the earth quake.

We're standing firmly like mountains,
Damned be the traitor of his homeland

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/Chivtv/NS1/victory4ud.jpg

***OOC***
Perhaps I went a little heavy on the propagandizing. But from my perspective, propagandizing does not seem unfamiliar to AMW. I never mentioned war with NATO but I did remember something from Quinntopia about HL trying to bar him access to Mediterrean or someother minor conflict like that. But its my mistake and I appreciate your insight. I'll do somemore reading but it is a bit much to expect a new player to know everything about AMW. But whatever the case the fault is mostly mine.

I appreciate your involvement in this RP because it is fun to get people involved, especially experienced players, but I will IC propagandize against it as much as possible. And I also resolve to be more subtle with my OOC propagandizing in the future.

I will also write something up tommorrow in response to Yugoslavia's friendly offers.

OOC-I can’t remember, Yugo, and don’t have time to look it up, is Romania part of your claim, seeing as they aren’t Slavs? I seem to remember them not being, but I also seem to remember some border stuff along the Ukrainian border, well, no worries, just correct me if I do something wrong.

http://z9.invisionfree.com/NS_Modern_World/index.php?showtopic=271&st=0


IC-All along the borders of the European Tsarist states, the military mobilises in full force, troops had been shuffled in expectation of the Lavragerian problem, but now it was Empire, wide, with Russian troops pouring into Ukraine and Tsarist Lavrageria in response to the Yugoslavian announcements. The Ukrainian Navy had been mobilised to protect the Black Sea as the Black Sea Fleet of the Divine Russian Navy had moved into the Mediterranean to harass the Soviets and reinforce the Roman and French position. But that Navy was formidable, and began to closely mirror the movements of the Yugoslavian ships, as they usually did, but now with their fingers on the triggers. Of course, that also included this time, multiple fly-overs by sea of the Tsarist Air Forces of Russia and Ukraine, in case things should get serious.

Ukrainian Navy:
8 Kashin Class Destroyers
1 Kara Guided Missile Destroyer
5 Udaloy I Class Destroyers
10 Tarantul Class Corvettes

Of course, should things turn badly for the Ukrainians, their Russian allies were not far behind:
The Black Sea Fleet-
1 Kiev Class Heavy Aircraft Carrying Cruiser (Aircraft Carrier)
1 Kirov Class Missile Battecruiser
1 Slava Class Cruiser
5 Kashin Class Destroyers
4 Sovremenny Class Destroyers
3 Udaloy I Class Destroyers
10 Krivak Class Frigates
5 Grisha III Class Corvettes

Even the Moldavians were mobilised, with visions of proving themselves worthy of the notice of a Tsar.

It is then that First Minister Armand of Russia sent a communiqué to all of the involved nations.

“It has come to the attention of the sturdy Tsarist peasantry and their benevolent Tsar that the criminal and terrorist state Yugoslavia has threatened our close friend and ally, Austria should the Czech Republic begin to fall. I think that we can all agree that this is a matter involving Slavs and should remain a Slavic matter. The Tsar implores his Holy League allies, in their Royal beneficence, to show Christian mercy in this matter and grant the Czechs a reprieve this day. The Tsar wishes for non-interference in this truly Eastern matter. Nevertheless, the Tsar also wishes that Yugoslavia is made aware that their non-interference is paramount in this matter. If Yugoslavia should interfere in any way with the Austrian/Czech conflict, we shall also be forced to…intervene. If that terrible act of terrorism occur, a state of war will exist between the Tsarist states and Yugoslavia until such time that the arch-heretic and terrorist Lav’s regime be toppled. Upon the receipt of this missive, be aware that every Tsarist nation save Russia is going to war footing, and Russia’s vast strength will be mobilised to the completion of this task concurrently. In short, our non-interference can be bought with yours. That is all. Dearest, Armand.”


Tsar Wingert the Great.

Since Belgrade considers Wingert a murderer and a terrorist but not a statesman of any official standing and recognises not the Tsarist Empire or the Tsar's puppet Armand, little official consideration is given by Yugoslavia to the big oaf's ravings.

Kastus Vorobei does speak openly about the absurdity of the Tsar sending his forces to fight the Czechs and Yugoslavs, saying that most of them would cross the lines and turn around to shoot back at their officers with the republicans. Since most Moldovans, Lithuanians, Latvians, Estonians, Lavragerians, and a good number of Kazakhs don't want to be under Russian rule, and since a lot of Russians remember the prosperity, fleeting peace, and anti-criminalist days of Putin's democratic rule, the Yugoslav Defence Minister is of the opinion that the Tsar wouldn't dare force his people to choose... nor would he be even remotely wise to arm a great many of them!

The Yugoslav navy, though, does notably withdraw, sticking to the coast within range of short-range fighters and mobile anti-ship missile batteries. The little Black Sea Fleet can't hope to confront the Tsarists on equal terms more than a few kilometres from the shores of Bulgaria, as it has usually just two old frigates, a small flotilla of missile craft, two submarines (plus mini subs), and some mine wafare vessels.

(OOC: Nope, I don't claim Romania, though Belgrade has pursued positive relations with Bucharest since Lav's arrival. I don't want to go too far talking about the actions and policies of NPC nations, but have assumed that certain military projects like the Orao jet were conducted between independent Bosnia, Serbia, and Romania before Yugoslavia arose and Romania's communist party fell (IRL it was between Yugoslavia and Romania, and both nations built and flew these machines), and would like to suppose that similar projects have been agreed between Romania and Yugoslavia, especially since the Tsarist invasion of Moldova.

Yugoslavia covers Serbia (including Vojvodina, Kosovo, and Montenegro), Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Slovenia, and Bulgaria, having a litle over thirty-million citizens. Lav tried to convince Albania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, and even Poland to join him in a great union, but the non-Slavs dismissed the idea out of hand, Poland had too many political figures in the lap of the Russians, and the Czechs and Slovaks were too newly split from each other to go in for a new union. We may still try to get Albania, but it depends what develops with the KLA et cetera.

Oh, and I was thinking, since it became such a messy issue and so many other things are going on (until these new players I was just bored, sorry!), shall we pass over the Lavragerian thing? Perhaps we can assume that there was a revolt, and it received some Yugoslav aid, but the Czech conflict has caused Belgrade to reconsider and the revolt will just die out or something.

Is everyone else seeing my supposedly small text in giant size, or is it just this crappy computer?

OOC: Wow. The Tsar is going to stay out of this conflict? Surprised me. Although it does provide me with an opportunity to have another propagandizing speech from Klaus.

IC:

Vaclav Klaus was on the telephone with Marshall Lav, who indicated his support for the Czech Republic but also his desire to find an “alternative resolution” to his conflict. Klaus inquires about what he means and tells Lav about the political situation in his country. If he was to suddenly back down after his hard stance his people would lose confidence in him and his coalition government would tear apart. The parliament had been very supportive of him because they feared Drekcsler and if they relented now it would only provide an opportunity for an embittered Drekcsler to attack later. It was his government’s position that the only resolution to this conflict was regime change within Austria. But Klaus also made doubly sure that Lav realized his appreciation for Yugoslavia and Lav’s hard-line stance against the Holy League.

Klaus was also on the telephone all day attempting to reach his Quinntopian allies who had remained silent during this conflict. He was determined to find out how they reacted to his situation and strove to maintain their support. He also mentioned that the 5 year program on Quinntopian universities and missionary activities within the Czech Republic was set to expire next month and he was anxious to continue the program.

News regarding recent Russia activities reached the President’s Office. This provided him with another opportunity to store up support for the war within his own country.

Klaus on First Minister Armand

“People of Central Europe, we have just received news from our Slavic brother.”

He holds up notes on the First Minister Armand of Russia’s speech. The camera zooms in and out when Klaus begins speaking again.

“Armand has expressed support for our cause and seems to share a similar vision for a neutral, peaceful and free Central Europe. He is also making a rare stand for Slavic solidarity by opposing the unjust and vacillating French stance in this matter. He still pays lip service to Holy League allegiances but he is and always will remain a Slav. The fight continues, Central Europeans, and it is only a matter of time before the government of Maxen is restored. There is no force on earth which will stop the relentless thirst for freedom in Central Europe. We shall, be free. ”

The screen dims and goes black.

After Klaus finishes his speech he attempts to reach First Minister Armand and indicates his desire to establish more favorable relations. He also voices his concern that Austria was referred to an ally.

EDIT: OOC, I guess what I was referring to earlier was Frances conflict with Great Britain and Australasia

Novi Sad

Le Comte de Sartines, after a rough but invigorating drive through the Yugoslav’s countryside, is sitting opposite one of the most resilient figures the Restored French Monarchy has ever run across. They drank hot tea, oh the Slavs liked their hot tea (why not coffee, who knows?). No one complained when M. de Sartines, due no doubt to such stress currently exhibited, poured equally fine Slavic vodka into the hot tea. He took a thick cigarette from Aidarov, and lit it. After several copious drags, listening to the Premier speak in his quietly steel voice, he responded. Birds chirped in the gardens of the baroque palace, which Sartines prefaced his response with by saying it was ‘very pretty.’

“Your statesmanship is not in any question, Premier Aidarov. His Most Christian Majesty too wants peace in this region. I have just spoken to the King’s brother Monsieur (the title by which le Comte d’Artois was simply known as) and he, having gained our King’s assent, has agreed to extend the ultimatum indefinitely while your excellent Republic maintains its equally excellent diplomacies. You may communicate as much to Prague if you wish.” More thick, thick, puffs. A slug of fortified tea, a subdued cough, and he continues.

“I fear for your solution to a ‘agreed upon battlefield’, as we all know wars have a way of spreading, like enflamed oil slicks. Good Premier, if Czech ‘advisors’ operate in Hungary, that is one thing. But no good at all can come of this invasion, no good at all, that must be fully understood. Understood by Prague, moreover. How can we say you have recognized the Drekcsler Government if you tacitly encourage the Czechs to invade Austria itself? I must say that the Czech Republic must cease its invasion of Austria, if it does not, there is little I can say to my masters, as all peace talks heretofore will be conspicuously a sham.”

“Even now the Tsar moves to crush dissent to your very north, that must be a troubling fact no doubt. The war, thus enflamed, may easily spread to everywhere. Therefore the best solution, for all, is to negotiate an end to this war. Only you, Premier, are in a situation to do this. The first step is to call the Czechs off, this is imperative. If they continue to progress into Austria, the Kingdom of France will indeed deploy forces to Vienna’s domains, and subsequently by default enter this war with unforeseen results. The Czech Republic will likewise itself become a casualty of this growing insanity. However, if you can call the Czechs off, or at least maneuver them into Hungary, then we shall have all the elements we need to secure this peace. Also, you must silence Klaus, his rhetoric is disturbing and inflammatory, only suitable for a total war we all eagerly wish to avoid.”

“We are desperate not to enter the war on Austria’s side, just as you are desperate not to enter the war on the Czech Republic’s side. Keep it to Hungary, good Premier, and we can solve our quandaries on the desk instead of the Champ de Mars. If we can achieve this, it will not be long before all of us may be contented with amicable accords.”

Mountains outside of Vienna

The Marechaussee team stood alongside their Austrian counterparts of the Drekcsler Regime in a dank dungeon cave in the Alps, staring at the form of a broken Maxen von Bismarck as he sat in a rugged chair. Monsieur le Noir, the head of the team, walked without ceremony next to Bismarck’s chair and drew a firearm from his coat and placed the pistol to Maxen’s head. He pulled back the hammer.

“It is too dangerous to keep this man alive any longer, or failing that keep him in Austria,” the French Secret State Police agents would say to Drekclser’s emissary. “Send him to the Bastille, we can keep him well there, or let us finish this dangerous old fool off now.”

Versailles would not hang the brave Drekcsler out the dry, and was fully intent on continuing their support of Vienna. But the situation was growing very dangerous. The Kingdom of France was doing everything in its power to help Austria keep its gains in Hungary and fend off the Slavs, but this was impossible while some thought the real Austrian leader was still around.

The French emissaries to their valiant ally suggested a full push into Hungary, to take as much land as possible, before peace came down. But Vienna was again told not to worry, it the Czechs maintained their invasion of Austria, then French troops and aircraft prepared in Louis-Auguste’s realm would soon come along to bolster the High Chancellors stance.

OOC: Just some minor stuff, Quinntonia and me got our differences aside, and so now I am waiting for him to post something. I got to post more on the other stuff acting around Austria; well, looking at the clock, maybe tomorrow. Just a placeholder I guess.

Do you know were the thread to the peace conferance is? I could've swore I posted there, but now I can't find it in my subscriptions.

OOC-I just want to give everyone a little lesson in Tsarist politics. First, Ukrainian troops will be very loyal. They are considered by the Tsarists to be the backbone of the entire Tsarist program. There, Wingert is a folk hero and has almost rock-star like status on top of his almost fanatical popularity.

The Moldavians were annexed, not conquered. Totally peacefully and without firing a shot. They were the poorest nation in Europe in RL, the only former Soviet nation to re-elect a Communist government. They have in RL a major movement among the people to request consolidation with Ukraine. These were people desperate for anyone who could to help them, and they are no more or less free now under Tsarist rule than they were under their corrupt Communist rule. But now, all social programs are working, corruption is unheard of, and they are part of the great Tsarist Empire. Definitely not a group that I am worried about.

The Lavragerians in Tsarist Lavrageria have mixed feelings, the concept of the Duma has given them a voice in their own governance, and many local heroes, like Kiba Morgan, have proclaimed their loyalty to Wingert. They are a people who are quite happy now to have medicine, food, luxuries, veterinarians, and have a future for their children that is something better. Not my most loyal, the memory of their conquest still stings, but if given the choice, they would be more likely to complain in the tavern or around the fire than pick up a weapons, and their number would never be deployed out of Tsarist controlled lands. Also, tens of thousands of them have been shipped to Nigeria to fight for the Tsar there. Most everyone with a will to fight is gone.

The Baltics are my least loyal subjects. The Russian ethnic groups there (about 30% of the population) are very loyal, but the rest are problematic. They are some problems with terror activities, and anti-government violence. Security there is paranoid and tight. During this conflict, they were shuffled off to Kazakhstan, where they could help secure that land against Depkazi terrorists.

Now, as for the Kazaks, The Divine Russian Empire under Putin conquered them. Putin, with his huge heart, then put everything he had into turning the economy of that nation around, trying to do the miracle that he did for Russia. But they were just lethargic. Once the initial conquering, they just settled into Russian rule, as they had for centuries, and kept trucking along. When Wingert took over the control of the Russian military after Putin disappeared, he held a referendum, and the Kazak people came out in droves to vote for the Tsarist Party, and to ask them to stay on, against the advice of his court he allowed that election to be free and open, and they could just as easily vote the Tsarist Party out of office next election, though support is still quite high (72%).

Russia had much the same thing happen; they had a first world economy built for them under Putin, he them used that as a basis for his rebuilding of the military. When Wingert took over, he allowed the same referendum and elections to occur, and the Tsarist Party, led by First Minister Armand, won in a landslide. The Russian people are proud that they are a world power again, and they are very supportive of Armand and his Tsarist Party.

In Nigeria, they sought us out and asked to come on board. We didn’t ask them, and they have proven to be loyal because they are loyal out of choice.

In each of these nations, barring the Baltics who have not achieved this yet, they have open and free elections in which they can elect people who govern their local affairs and raise taxes, and so on. The Duma (Russian parliament) is their voice, and Wingert listens. He doesn’t have to, and his word is law, but he is a prudent leader. All foreign affairs and warfare go through him and are not even allowed to be discussed in the Duma, except with express permission of the national head, but people do not really care that much.

That is the most disturbing thing about the Tsarists, for the most part they were brought to power in the most wickedly democratic means, and the people love them, just like the Nazis and the Communists.

And, I posted yesterday and about a week ago about the Lavrageria thing.


IC-Some people close to Klaus pointed to the fact that Wingert would stay out of this based upon Yugoslavia’s staying out, Yugoslavia said that should you start to lose, he would enter, which will force the Tsarists to enter. And a careful read will reveal that he spoke only of the Austria Czech conflict, Wingert does not consider the Hungarian matter to be involved.

And, I posted yesterday and about a week ago about the Lavrageria thing.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

In another call to Prague -when the line wasn't busy with Washington- Marshal Lav suggests that the Czechs agree to halt and/or withdraw from Austria if the
Austrians halt and/or withdraw from Hungary, and that a small buffer be established against militarisation of the border areas between the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary, perhaps policed by multi-national troops, a small theoretical force to which Yugoslavia is willing to make a contribution.

A treaty must be sought which would allow Klaus to show his people something solid by way of assurance against Austria. A retreat from Hungary by the Austrians could be claimed as a Czech moral victory.

Prime Minister Miroslava Goranov, meanwhile, makes similar approaches to Vienna, suggesting that a retreat from Hungary could be justified if it caused a Czech retreat from Austria, and averted Yugoslavian invasion.

A treaty securing the peace between the involved nations should be prepared and could perhaps be signed on neutral ground -Lav suggests Bratislava- and Vorobei has more time to speak on Yugoslav military confidence.

He suggests that the treaty is in the League's best interests, for Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Yugoslavia combined would defeat Austria totally long before significant Franco-Russian forces could be placed in theatre, knocking Austria out of the war and forcing the League to invade either passing through neutral countries by force to get to the Czechs or Austrians, fighting through the entire length of Hungary before even reaching the major Slavic combattants, or attempting an invasion of Yugoslavia either by air and sea -incredibly unlikely to result in anything but a massacre- or through Italy and the alpine environment of Slovenia, where the defenders again would have a natural advantage.

Marshal Lav openly offers the Czechs and Hungarians a treaty of mutual defence to be concluded after the signing of a proposed peace treaty, assuring these nations -the Czechs in particular- that the Yugoslav People's Army will act against future Austrian aggression.

In The North:
Austria reeled from the attack from the Czechs. After a small, preemptive attack along from the Austrian lines, the full might of the Czech military came crashing down; the Czech infantry hordes routing the few Austrian forces on Czech soil. The Austrian soldiers fortifications, dug along the national borders, offered fierce but ultimately useless defense. As the hordes poured through the gaps in the lines, the commanders on the field ordered the complete withdrawal of the troops from the fortifications to the more defensible Danube, where the bridges were to a large degree destroyed.

With cries of ‘Austria prevails!’ and other ideologue mantras, the Austrian troops fought to the last everywhere. Trying to stem this newfound threat, this was proving to be difficult to halt. With segments cut off from retreat, Trugen ordered that they dig in, and fight to the last. Consequently, some key forts along the line were still in the bitter Austrian’s hands, they had heard about Sopron, they had read bout Stalingrad, and they believed they would prove to be the next of that lineage.

God bless them, the Austrians fought with a newfound spirit, a newfound love, and a newfound desire. The propaganda Drekcsler had been spouting of about had taken root in these young men’s heart and souls. No more were these underpaid civil servants, no more was the ideal that Austria could exist alongside the greater nations, because now Austria was a power. Nothing the Czech Republic, Hungary, or even Yugoslavia could change the fact that these men believed in their cause. Divine, in the eyes of God.

As the Czechs beat down another ad hoc counterattack, they marveled at how the Austrians fought to the last. How they fought with means most would consider barbaric, stories had reached these garrisons of the fighting in Sopron, and what the Hungarians did to even the odds. The Austrians were fast learners. No more would a Czech look at a door handle the same. They would be thinking about grenade primed to fall into their face, if it hid a single determined Austrian with a will, if there was more than one determined Austrian. If the ground underneath the entrance way was purposefully weakened for a well-placed spike to puncture a foot or leg, if a mine was waiting, ready to go off when the door touched it on the other side.

As the Czech finally got through one inconsequential house, in an inconsequential village, for an inconsequential strike to help outflank a beleaguered Austrian force, his first look was of another house, generic, innocent, and unmolested. In a minute from now, that house would be the exact opposite. It would be holding several Czech lives and a fanatical Austrian. With that mindset firmly in place or the Czechs, Trugen could rest easily. If this did not deter the Czechs, or keep them up at night, then he was retiring.

The civilian Austrians were expecting some mindless horde to attack, loot and rape the countryside but were dutifully surprised at the Czechs attitude. Therefore, with a shrug, they went about their lives, waving to the Czechs, accepting their silly pamphlets with its share of spelling errors and gave in return some home cooked goods. A very cheery, happy populace greeted the Czechs at every corner.

Sadly, if anyone cared to notice the details, would find a very belligerent, intelligent, and altogether hateful populace ready to kill some Czech invaders. The home cooked meals had some mercury from the thermometer in it, the few Czechs who went to enjoy their stay at attractive young ladies’ house never returned and certain. Some hard as iron looking men pervaded the streets handing out little packages in wax paper and string. All it said, if anyone read it, was ‘From: Yours Truly’. As the hours went past, it seemed so did the actions increase. Within the first 6 hours, telephone wires were cut, helpful Austrians seemed to cause more harm then help and a considerable influx of patients reported to the infirmary, complaining of stomach flu.

In The East:
In the east, the attack still waited for the Hungarians to attack. The 1st Division, 1st Support, 2nd Support ad 3rd Support had all started off for their target and were making decent headway. Their only decent headway wasn’t because of real Hungarian resistance, it was more due to their sleeping, cutting their days short to 6 hours which was ignored by Trugen. Who had more things to worry about then an army progressing at a average rate to a vital target in eastern Hungary.

((Air fight will hopefully be wrapped up when Quintonnia replies.))

At Home:
“My people, today, with forethought and malice, the decadent Czech Republic has declared war on our venerable state! Why? His reasons are ones only available to those who have lost the light of logic and sanity, all I can grasp is that he feels Maxen is the rightful ruler of Austria. I say to him, your imperialistic dreams of a puppet government will not be realized. Your transparent ploys are laid before God and they are found wanting. We do not bow down to a tin-pot state such as yours, we do not bow down before threats, and we do not bow down before your accusations.”

The crowds, enthusiastic “Austria prevails!” force Drekcsler to pause.

“We are the light to the Balkans, and we are victorious! Our state is immovable in its belief in me, in our military, in our way of life, and in God. Your heretical thoughts betray you for who you really are. A heretic who shall be banished from the sight of life, God, and happiness. You better run my enemy, because I fear you may experience a victorious Austria, a victorious cause to rival your decadence, because we are the victorious opposition!

We will win, we will dominate, we will become a new stronger state in these times of trials. Because Austria prevails!”

Applause, thunderous, rivaling that of thunder, fills Vienna. This is punctuated by chants of “Austria prevails”, and “God’s blessed.”



Maxen:
With the cheers echoing from the radio near hi bed stand, Maxen slept fitfully. His not so Christian Majesty’s goons had made sure to rough him up once more before sending him to whatever God forsaken place in France. It seemed he was not lucky enough to stay in this comfortable, concrete and all, abode. As he gazed up to the ceiling, he heard a distinct thrupping sound. Curious, but all together sure of what it was, he continued to gaze at the ceiling. Likely his last time, he thought to himself.

As he twirled some of his bedding, he hard the distinct sounds of champagne corks popping. Mentally shrugging, he guessed his movement to Paris could be a cause for celebration. The evil and greedy Maxen, finally moved out of the reach of those heretics, was a stepping-stone for when His only kind of Christian Majesty could dispose of him neatly. How ironic to think, Drekcsler is calling people heretics. Well, I guess he just forgot to read most of Ecclesiastes, Exodus, Proverbs and most likely anything that didn’t fit his world.

“At least he isn’t ordering book burnings yet.” Maxen muttered.

As footsteps rang out in front of his cell, Maxen guessed this would be his last chance. So, in a act of belligerence that Maxen didn’t like to associate himself with, he picked up a metal chair he had laboriously plied away from the nails that had held it firm. As the door’s rusty hinges groaned as it was unlocked and opened, Maxen swung the chair. It hit a dark clothed man at the knees. Groaning, he fell down. As Maxen prepared another of his projectiles, a mirror, a voice cried out from the hallway.

“Chancellor, we are here to rescue you, but if you would prefer us not to, I would understand.”

Surprised, Chancellor Maxen, and overwhelmed by the implications of that sentence sat down on his bed. Calmly, he replied “Really?”

As the troops filed in, Maxen immediately saw the emblazoned scale tipping to the right, the symbol of the Special Directive Unit. Amazed, Maxen fell back on his bed. “Thank God, I need to get out of here, just with a few priceless mementos.”

Grabbing Animal Farm, Atlas Shrugged, and a generic book on coin currencies Maxen was escorted through the labyrinth of the dungeon. The troops escorted him to the Eurocopter group. As he walked through the myriad of corridors and rooms he spotted scenes of quet, but violent warfare. Champagne, it seemed, was not the order of the night. The place were His not Christian Majesty goons fell were undoubtedly the areas with more violence. As Maxen averted his eyes to a particularly gruesome scene of a Frenchman strangling a SDU, suspended in rigor mortis, the only thing was, the French man was missing most of his head and all of his brains.

Shivering, Maxen was hustled onboard a awaiting Eurocopter. As he looked around, he saw a familiar, if not widely known face. Karl Bolkow von Alfred-Schmidt, the SDU’s head of counter intelligence. A man, somewhat nerdy looking, but nonetheless humorless and cunning.

“Hopefully picking me up from my party has cramped your plans at all?” Maxen quipped.

Karl, looked at Maxen once, replied “No” and turned away. Before he could though, Maxen thought he saw the most faintest traces of a smile. As Karl looked towards the pilot, he said, “Mauritius via route 67.

Diplomacy:
Austria, emboldened by that Tsar's claim to enter if Yugoslavia enters, and France's entrance, rejects all calls of exiting Hungary. These diplomatic talks would have received more credence if Austrian soil were not under the boot of occupation forces. Now that it is, it just seems Yugoslavia wanted to see Austria smarted.

If diplomatic talks were commenced before Austria was invaded, it would give the talks more of a official air, than a 'told you so' aurora.

OOC: Okay you beat me to the punch with the rescuing thing. But it might be better this way because Maxen is your character and ultimately whatever happens to him is your decision. What do you want to do with him now? I can post something that I have gotten in touch with your Karl Bolkow von Alfred-Schmidt and offering to set up an interim government in Gmund. But if you want to keep him in hiding for a while that is fine as well.

I am also expecting a post from Quinntopia and hopefully he posts soon.

I'll post tommorrow. I will read through your posts with Quinntopia and some other war threads and try to get a better idea of how to conduct this war. You are right about keeping some key forts along the border because my emphasis is on pushing hard and fast all the way to Vienna rather than slowly moving and consolidating. I think that Gmund would be put under Czech control pretty quickly because I do have 3 entire divisions going through there initially. I think I am going to post saying that I am going to make that my Austrian headquarters so I'll probably bring a couple divisions from Czech Republic while my 3 divisions go forward to Vienna as quickly as possible.

I can see Hollbrunn becoming something like another Stalingrad, although much less, because my one division will be going through there pretty quickly and will probably be deceived by those damn pleasant Austrians.

Zanzibar

In light of Austria's invasion of Hungary, the Indian National Union has the pretext that it needs to launch its own invasion of Austrian-occupied Mauritius. The force of three corvettes and the troopship Sabarmati, now reinforced by the survey vesse Paradip and the Bodkin-class frigate Vajra, arrives at the Soviet naval base on Zanzibar, making good time from Jamnagar in Gujarat. Embarked are some 700 marines, and before performing the operation the IN plans to add another 800 personnel from the Gelatian Volunteer Commandos, bringing the strength of the invasion force up to a level closer to that of the defenders. Austria being as it is quite distant from Mauritius, few in Mumbai expect the seizure of the island to be a terribly difficult task, although at the same time nobody is keen to suffer an embarrassment at the hands of the Austrians, especially not in what is practically home waters for the Indian navies.

Certainly the continued colonial occupation of Mauritius is something that cannot be permitted, especially in light of Vienna's very close relationship with France. If Roycelandia or some other power raises any objections, Mumbai needs only to point at Hungary. Austria remains unopposed by any major western power save for Australasia, and even then Raleigh has yet to take concrete action. This new age of imperialism, even more arbitrary than the last one, has many in India worried and the chance to relieve a European imperialist of a colony is not one that Parliament is about to pass-up.

Snippet, OOC

You can get intouch with Maxen via the closest Mauritius embassy.

Never the mind, I lied. Maxen will be not the new President of a ultra-capitalist, African friendly and locally made government. Which was my first vision, but instead he'll be content on one of those little islands, buying up the vast amount of infrastructure with his Swiss Bank accounts.

Of course, we the coup almost underway, the Indian National Union may yet reconsider if Maxen follows a more coexisting, and less belligerant pose.

Of course, Drekcsler could get some PR capital by saying even the Indian National Union hates him, but oh well.

Let none that lives forget: Austria started this war.

Not once, when invading Hungary, but twice when rejecting Lav's proposal for peace.

The rebuff was taken as a matter-of-fact declaration of war, since that was what would have to follow when France's deadline passed.

Yugoslavia has invaded Austria.

Trieste has been attacked by four FROG-7B rockets with cluster-bomb warheads and bombed by 36 Super Orao attack jets armed with anti-radiation missiles and TV/laser-guided bombs. FROG-7B rockets have been aimed at Graz, Klagenfurt, and Wolfsburg, and airborne forces are moving against Villace, where air defences are under heavy artillery and rocketry bombardment.

More than 120,000 JNA infantry, mechanised infantry, self-propelled artillery, and armoured troops are pushing into Austria east of the Mur, while hundreds of thousand of personnel remain in reserve in Slovenia and Croatia.

Austria will fall within hours, and Holy League intervention will be too late.

Defence Minister Kastust Vorobei has already declared Austria under Yugoslav-Czech-Hungarian co-operative management, and promised to destroy any forces that attempt to intervene.

Vienna is ordered to surrender immediately.

Let none that lives forget: Austria started this war.

Not once, when invading Hungary, but twice when rejecting Lav's proposal for peace.

The rebuff was taken as a matter-of-fact declaration of war, since that was what would have to follow when France's deadline passed.

Yugoslavia has invaded Austria.

Trieste has been attacked by four FROG-7B rockets with cluster-bomb warheads and bombed by 36 Super Orao attack jets armed with anti-radiation missiles and TV/laser-guided bombs. FROG-7B rockets have been aimed at Graz, Klagenfurt, and Wolfsburg, and airborne forces are moving against Villace, where air defences are under heavy artillery and rocketry bombardment.

More than 120,000 JNA infantry, mechanised infantry, self-propelled artillery, and armoured troops are pushing into Austria east of the Mur, while hundreds of thousand of personnel remain in reserve in Slovenia and Croatia.

Austria will fall within hours, and Holy League intervention will be too late.

Defence Minister Kastust Vorobei has already declared Austria under Yugoslav-Czech-Hungarian co-operative management, and promised to destroy any forces that attempt to intervene.

Vienna is ordered to surrender immediately.

OOC: There is little forces left in the south, maybe something like 10000, with only a minority of mechanized vehicles.

This could be declared a reason of war for Italy; to believe no Italians were killed in the city or in the countryside by a misplaced bomb is, questionable.

I am still waiting for everyone but you to post, mainly Estenlands, Quinntonnia and Nova Gaul.

OOC: I am pasting my army for reference.

Czech Air Force-“The air is our sea”
Aero L-59 Super Albatross-150
Saab JAS 39 “Gripen”-60
Mil-Mi-24-Heavy Attack Helicopter-100
Mil-Mi-17-Light Transport Gunship Helicopter-65
MiG-29-150 mothballed
MiG-23-200 mothballed

Czech Army-
MBT=
T-72 M4 CZ-350
T-55-2000 active duty/1000 mothballed

Active Troops-70,000
4 Divisions-17,500 troops each
Each Division contains 588 MBT, 7 FGM-148 Javelins Guided Missiles

1 of the divisions is an elite division, called the Jan Huss Division after the Minister of Defense and organizer of the modernization process. This division gets the best rained troops, the best equipment, and all 350 of the new T-72s are assigned there as well as 20 FGM-148 Javelins.

Reserve Divisions-70,000
4 Divisions-17,500 troops each
Each division is partially mechanized and amour is limited to APCs.

*Based on previous Soviet numbers, there are approx. 100,000 troops that could be called up in times of emergency.

**Currently, all of the aforementioned mothballed equipment and so on is being readied and men are being called up into active service and re-trained quickly.

***The reserves have already been called up and integrated into active service.

Summary:
Active Troops-70,000
Reserve troops-70,000
1 division=17,500 troops

In addition, as previously indicated I have called all men with military service in the former Soviet Union to recruitment stations.

These men number about 140,000, about 70,000 of whom will enlist. From the beginning of the conflict these men were given refresher courses. They will be given their own divisions with several active service men mixed in. They will operate similar to the reserve divisions, having no tanks with armor limited to armored personnel carriers.


My current Army allocation:
Germany border-1k
Poland border-1k
Slovakia border-1k
Austria border- 20k (permanently stationed for the duration of the conflict, does not count large number of troops crossing into Austria)
Stationed in and around Freistadt- 1k (V)
To Linz (from Freistadt)-14.5k (V)
Stationed in and around Gmund, also responsible for Zwetti and Horn-35k(R)
Stationed in and around Hollabrunn, also responsible for Poysdorf- 1k (V)
To Vienna (from Hollabrunn)-14.5k (V)
To Vienna (from Linz)- 35k(R) and 17.5k(E)

Note: V,R,E indicates veteran, reserve, and elite troops, respectively.

If these numbers confuse you, basically I have 1 division striking for Linz, and 4 heading for Vienna. They would leave several thousand troops behind them to guard their supply lines. I also moved 2 reserve divisions to the Gmund area. I also have 1 division from the old soviet days guarding the Austrian Czech border.

In addition, starting from the Yugoslavian invasion I will be readying 70,000 young men aged 18-30. This will take 3 days. Upon conscription, the conscripts will immediately be given a 1 day firearms course and also a 1 day course on how to deal with civilians given by local riot police and military used to peacekeeping(for some AMW equivalent). Any remaining APCs will be driven by veteran troops. 1 veteran division will be dismantled, and troops integrated into conscript divisions to provide advice and give the green troops heroes to emulate. They will be trained in the Czech Republic and upon completion of the training these 87500 troops will move into Austria. This large scale mobilization and training will take 6 days in total. Hopefully Austria will still be around by the time that they are mobilized and trained.

Can I please get an update from Moorington on the troop levels and general locations in Austria. Are the Hungarian divisions still attacking or did they retreat when they learned that they were under attack not by one foreign power but by two?



Czech Battle Plans
((OOC: Drekscler has been in power for less than a month. From my perspective, he was much more interested in expanding Austria than consolidating his support among his people. It does not sound like one of his main priorities so it sounds to reason that majority of people would be ambivalent to the Czechs. I am going to assume, based on your posts, that there is a minority that is extremely anti-Czech and willing to fight them at all costs. But I am hoping that at least half of the die hard nationalists are loyal to Maxen considering that Maxen was in power for much longer than Drekscler. I think that you will agree that the following analysis of the situation is generous given that my troops have been taking largely rural areas, are acting courteously, and buying their grain, etc as needed. I cannot see the small farming towns of the Austrian north providing much resistence to Czech troops.))

The Czech advance continued to advance and overcome sporadic resistance on the part of Austrians on the march to Linz and Vienna. All Mil-Mi-24 (Heavy Attack Helicopter) and Mil-Mi-17 (Light Transport Gunship Helicopter) helicopters were used ahead of the main advance to plant troops at key bridge sites. The helicopters were flown under large air patrols of Gripens and Albatross’. They would engage anything that attempted to block them. The Czechs were too slow to capture all the bridges it wanted but were successful in planting a few thousand troops at critical locations where they would have to hold out until the main advance arrived. Austrians troops had blown up most of the bridges, which was unfortunate, but it was not a total loss and although they succeeded in delaying the Czech advance it had not stopped it completely.

The Austrians were in full blown retreat and it was hoped that the Czechs could take Vienna and Linz before the Austrians had a chance to regroup. The Czech’s battle plan was to take Vienna and Linz and then rest and entrench their positions. This was all that was considered possible without widespread Austrian military support for a new Czech supported Austrian government. It was hoped that most of the military was loyal to Maxen given the short time of Drekscler’s reign. But so far the Austrian military appeared to continue to be loyal to Drekscler and no widespread defections were reported.

Resistance to Czech Occupation

The overall Czech strategy towards the Austrians was mixed. On one hand, the Austrians were not in open revolt against Czechs but the Czechs were also not successful in gaining much Austrian support. While not overly convinced by the usurper Drekscler, they were still understandably skeptical of Czech claims of establishing a free Austrian government. Die hard Austrian nationalists were successful on numerous occasions in using innovative weapons, including farming implements against the foreign occupiers but fortunately lacked heavy weaponry and military support. The mostly passive resistance that had characterized the Austrian response to the Czech invasion had so far been ineffectual in slowing the Czech advance, especially since the troops outnumbered the populace. However, widespread sporadic attacks on the Czech military were troublesome and indicated that occupation would be costly. It became increasingly clear to the Czech military command of the importance of acquiring the loyalty of the Austrian people. The future of a free and peaceful Central Europe hinged upon the loyalty of the Austrian people.

In attempting to deal with the resistance problems, Czech military officers politely asked in Gmund, Poysdorf, Hollabrunn, Horn, and Zwetti for all politicians to come forward and establish an interim government in Gmund. The officers did not use force to bring anyone in and suggested that it would be better for the Austrian citizens to have some some representation to the Czech military. It is believed that although many Austrians may disagree with the Czech invasion, there would be politicians ready to come forward to form the interim government at Gmund.

Klaus and the Yugoslavian Invasion

“They did what?!?!” Vaclav Klaus yells into the phone at a military aide. He had just heard about the Yugoslavian invasion and was not particularly happy about that decision. His vision of an independent neutral confederacy of smaller powers was continually being threatened at every turn. Yugoslavia had become an important ally against the French but he believed his Quinntopian aides when they said that Marshall Lav was less than trustworthy. Due to Yugoslavia’s past history with Austria it was doubtful that any land occupied would be given back to an Austrian government. Klaus did not relish the thought of turning from the fight against French foreign control to Yugoslavian control. The Czech Republic needed Yugoslavia against France but ties with Yugoslavia would also significantly damage any trust that the Austrians had for them. Klaus had found himself in a particularly difficult place.

Klaus and Quinntopian aide regarding the definition of a just war

Klaus continued to attempt to reach the Quinntopian government who had been quiet for the entirety of this conflict. He finally reached someone in the government who promised that the Czech Republic would continue to receive Quinntopian support including a large war bond, and military supplies. Klaus indicated that this would be very helpful, particularly the supply of FGM-148 Javelins. However, the Quinntopian aide also indicated that the Czech Republic emphasis on total warfare was against Luther’s concept of a just war. Klaus retorted that he was unfamiliar with Luther’s definition of a just war but it was likely based on Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologica . Klaus argued that his war was based on just principles (Jus ad Bellum) and was being conducted in a just fashion (Jus in Bello).

His war was based on just principles because the war was initiated in self defense against an aggressive Austria which attacked an ally. He asserted the inherent justice in defending an ally which was being attacked. Quinntopia did right, he argued, in defending Quinntopian Dra-pol against aggression. Likewise, the Czech Republic was justified in defending its allies from attack. The Czech attack was neither pre-emptive nor unjust as it defended the weak.

The second principle of a just war that the act of war must be declared by a proper authority is obviously meet by my nation, Klaus declares. And he moves on to the next point, the intention of waging war. Our intention of waging war against Austria is not to enlarge the Czech state but to return peace and freedom to the Austrian citizens. Klaus urges the aide to not to buy into the rhetoric of a mad, power crazy dictator, but to trust friends of over 15 years.

The fourth point regards the probability of success. Klaus asserts that this is not a contentious issue given recent Czech successes in north Austria.

The fifth principle of a just war concerns Jus in Bello (justice in war), or the proportionally of the conflict. Klaus asks Quinntopia to consider the conduct of his troops in Austria. They have been courteous and polite to the Austrians and destruction of Austrian property habe been minimized as much as possible. If Quinntopia has any concerns about the proportionality of the war then perhaps Quinntopia would like to send some observers. They will find our conduct impeccable, Klaus asserts.

Klaus felt he had sufficiently demonstrated the justice of his war and then went on to talk about the Yugoslavian entry into the conflict. Their entry into the war made it even more important for Quinntopia to intervene before all of Central Europe becomes a battleground between the Holy League and Lav’s forces. After a two hour conversation Klaus hung up, more than a little irritated that his Quinntopian allies were so lethargic and apparently uncaring in this matter. But he hoped that his message had gotten to the bureaucracy and that it would circulate upwards to centers of power in Washington.

Vaclav Klaus and Marshall Lav

After his long conversation with a Quinntopian aide, Vaclav Klaus phones Marshall Lav, who has been so much easier to reach than his Quinntopia counterpart. He expresses gratitude for Yugoslavian support and suggests that Yugoslavian forces remain in south and west of the Mur Rivers so that they may be vigilant against potential Italian reprisals. He also expresses support for Lav’s idea of a multinational force which may be used to support a new Austrian government so that no one can criticize the Czechs for creating a puppet regime.

Klaus Pleads for Maxen to come to meet with him

A TV camera lights flick red and the image of Vaclav Klaus is transmitted to every Czech home and around the entire world on satellite TV. Austrians can listen to it via satellite TV or on radio via the new mobile AM/FM radio station which broadcasts in the small town of Gmund (pop= 5938, military population= 35k).

“I have just heard reports from some of my agents within the Austrian government that Maxen von Bismarck is free. Maxen, my old friend, I know that we have had our difficulties in the past but I ask you to forgive me now. I propose that we meet in the Quinntopian military base in Germany, a neutral location for both parties. Drekscler has suggested that I intend to create a puppet state in Austria. This is untrue. Please meet me in Germany and I will prove my good faith. All members of the current interim Austrian government are invited.”

The camera fades and the screen goes black.

OOC: Sorry for the long post but there is lots that I had to address. Moorington if you could post on your current military position just before the invasion of Yugoslavia, particulary at Linz and Vienna, it would be helpful.

Belgrade's eventual statement to the world reveals the discontent with which Marshal Lav ordered a second invasion of Austria, and the hope that a multi-national plan can be constructed to ensure the long-term stability of this troublesome region.

The Socialist Federal Republic cites as reasons for the JNA's intervention:

-the controversial change of government in Austria

-the Austrian invasion of Hungary under pretext no more solid than Hitler's claim to have been attacked by Poland

-nationalist threats to minorities, including Slavs, under the new Austrian leadership

-the unfortunate rejection by Vienna of a peace-plan put forward by Belgrade in the hours before the French deadline against Czech resistance to the record of Austrian militant hostility against its neighbours

Belgrade reminds the world that the last Austro-Yugoslav war saw Slavic forces withdraw from Austrian soil as soon as an agreement was reached, leaving no occupation forces and leaving an independent government intact. There should be no cause for supposing that the JNA will stay this time if it is given any way out.

The government appeals to the United States and NATO to carefully consider the European situation and help rather than oppose Marshal Lav in ending Austrian aggression and establishing a stable environment in which a healthy government may be allowed to rise. Especially the governments of the world should consider that France was poised to attack the Czech Republic for essentially launching a pre-emptive defensive operation against imperialist Austria, and Belgrade asks for Budapest's voice to be added to its own in these regards.

To the Holy League Belgrade also appeals for reasonable assessment of the situation. Austria is the only target, and only because of its own aggression and the uncompromising attitude of its rogue government. Aidarov has even suggested that Portuguese peacekeepers be part of any post-war security set-up alongside Yugoslav, Czech, perhaps Hungarian, and possibly British forces in de-arming Austria and estabilishing secure borders.

Austria's position is hopeless and relatively unimportant, claims Lav, and all that we wish to gain from the conflict is peace of mind and safety for the volatile region.

Austrian forces in the south, hopelessly outnumbered by forces with probably almost a military vehicle to every Austrian troop and backed-up by several squadrons of modern jet fighters, are given half a chance to surrender quickly rather than being crushed almost as quickly as mechanised brigades push to flank the small forces to be found there.

The Czechs, meanwhile, are urged to reconsider sending brand-new recruits straight into action, Belgrade suggesting that holding trainees in reserve would be wisest... two days of training will make an entire infantry section equivalent hardly to a single professional soldier or a mere handfull of regular conscripts.

Yugoslav military data may be found at this link (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10237118&postcount=5).

OOC: Sorry for the long post but there is lots that I had to address. Moorington if you could post on your current military position just before the invasion of Yugoslavia, particulary at Linz and Vienna, it would be helpful.

55000 troops in total, devoted to the cause of a resurgent Austria if not Drekcsler himself. 1000 assorted Iron Fist men dispersed around most important cities.

20000 down south being totally outdone by Yugoslavia; trying not to get overrun before reaching important cities like Klagenfurt.

23000 defending against you. Currently they are all screaming down to the Danube, where a vast amount of bridges are already knocked out.

-10000 North of the Danube, assorted, shifting positions retreating towards the Danube.
-8000 dug in at Linz already.
-5000 dug in at Vienna already.

The vast majority of all the good equipment is already in Hungary, there is still something like 100 Ulans for both fronts, 25 Dpkz I's and II's for each front, 5 Eurofighters and 2 Drakan's for each front. Most of the beautiful Dpzk III (Leopard 2A6) speaheads that could pop the mostly infantry bulges out of the Czech Republic are some ways away.

I guess my troops are still just fighting, advancing through Hungary, and waiting for HL support.

Maxen:
As the Eurocopter finally set down for the last time, its blades whirring to a stop, Maxen sighed a breath of relief. His chapped lips cried in anguish every time he just thought about them, his eyes were nuggets of pain every time he closed his eyes and he was really tied of flying. Regardless, he had to inspire his benefactors in some way. So with a jump, he landed on the cobblestone landing area.

As he looked around, he saw the brand new buildings most likely built by Austrian contractors, and the more precarious locally contracted and built buildings. Listing for 'champagne' being uncorked, he paused. As the tell-tale sounds of silencers failed to be known to him, he shrugged, and hoped not to many of the men here were killed.

Walking, in his purposeful stride as he liked to call it, towards the Austrian provincial capital, he saw little remains of fighting. It seemed the Mauritius had experienced its own Velvet Revolution. "Capitalism has a knack for those." Maxen remarked, he considered himself the embodiment of capitalism, he also realized the slight irony the viewpoint offered. "The Czechs are giving Austria its own revolution, not to much of a Velvet one though."

As the provincial palace, one that housed some 200 people and allowed some 500 assorted bureaucrats to work sprang into view. The escorting soldiers hardly paused. As he neared, another group of SDU units appeared out of the darkness from the left. Advancing into the building, Maxen lost sight of them, but his ears didn't. Gunshots, and champagne corks could be heard from the building. Tracking the quick company of men towards the top level, then they paused briefly. As Maxen wondered what happened to them, a bang, and another, and another wafted from the top floor. They were banging the door down.

This time the gunshot was of a lesser caliber, compared to when the previous military hardware echoed out to the promenade. The door bashing team quickly lost all urgency, and his escort started up their advance again. This time, they used the elevators. As Maxen listened to the morbidly cheerful elevator music, glanced at his reflection in the copper paneling, and waited for the 4th floor to open. He got a call from a cell phone, he didn't know he possessed, opening it he answered, 'Guten tag."

Karl Bolkow von Alfred-Schmidt replied, "See if it worked."

As Yugoslavia began to cross the Austrian Yugoslavian border, Czech troops began crossing the Danube at key critical locations around Linz, Krems, and Klosterneuburg, relieving the helicopter squadrons that were landed there. The troops started to surround Linz, Vienna, and Sankt Polten while maintaining heavy concentrations of troops at the bridge locations. The large number of tanks proved useful in maintaining pressure on the Austrian lines and was crucial in breaking apart concentrated resistance, particularly close to Linz and Vienna, where Austrian defenses began to attempt to solidify.

The bridges will be closed to all civilian traffic and troop outposts will be located for several miles in each direction of the bridges. The outposts will be looking for all underwater activity approaching the bridges. In addition, barbed wires will be rolled down into the water at specific intervals as another defense mechanism. Bridges held by Czechs will not be easily lost or destroyed. As Czechs begin to consolidate key bridge locations and more and more Austrian held bridges are blown up, the danger of Austrian platoons or even whole battalions or brigades being isolated increases. If Austrians continue to blow up bridges it is possible that 10,000 Austrian troops north of the Danube may be cut off entirely from their supply lines.

Klaus declares on national television that all Austrian troops north of the Danube who surrender, will receive fair and equitable treatment at the hands of their Czech brothers and will be relocated to farms within the Czech Republic. He also invites members of the interim Austrian government to supervise the surrender and reallocation of said Austrian troops. In particular one local leader, Sr. Werner Himmer former mayor of Weitra (Gmund political district) came forward to protest about a particular incident. Czech troops had alleged dragged surrendering Austrian troops, who had put up a fierce resistance, to the local town square and hung them. Vaclav Klaus listened to the complaints and ordered a joint commission including Quinntopians, members of the interim Austrian government, and Czechs, to investigate the “Horn matter”.

OOC: My divisions are not fully infantry squads and have 588 T-55 tanks with each veteran active service division. This number does not include APCs. I expect that they would be able to flack Austrian troops as effectively as Yugoslavia. But yeah I think that I am going to wait for more HL and Quinntopian input before posting anymore on this matter.

Southern Austria

Grom missiles falling to earth across Southern Austria, knocking out air-defence radars, tempted the stretched Austrian air force to intercept Yugoslavia's J-23 Super Orao attack jets, defended directly by just short-range Soviet-vintage missiles and decent low-level sprint speeds... and indirectly by several squadrons of L-20 Putin fighters on CAP out of Ljubljana.

The People's Army found the going easier than last time with just a fraction of Austria's strength directed against it and new M-2001 battle tanks committed to action. The front-line fighting machines wear ERA on top of frontal composites, and Shotra-derived countermeasure suites developed from the technology aboard Aidarov's custom-made T-80s acquired for Lavrageria from Putin's Russia. Slovenian image-intensification equipment, some of the best on earth, co-operates with reasonably modern ballistic computers and laser range-finding and target-designating equipment to guide not only HEAT-MP shells but gun-launched anti-tank missiles to their targets... and depleted-uranium penetrators are used against Austrian armour, fueling speculation about Belgrade's nuclear capacities and its links with Samarkand.

Army-General Stojakovic, with some hundred thousand personnel, is tasked with assaulting and holding-down or over-running Austrian defenders along the last war's axis of advance, at Villach, Klagenfurt, and Deutschlandsberg, deputising Colonels at each centre of opposition. It is apparent that the Austrians are indeed taken with the idea of defending Klagenfurt, threatened in the last conflict, and now pressed by multiple infantry brigades with integral artillery, anti-tank, and anti-aircraft batteries.

Using 12.7mm Black Arrow sniper rifles, 82mm infantry mortars, and 30mm fully-automatic grenade-launchers amongst other weapons Stojakovic's men smash into any defensive positions to be found, using M-80 combat vehicles, M-60 APCs, BOV 4x4 APCs, and various trucks to keep pace with attempts to reposition or withdraw.

BOV-3 vehicles turn their three 20mm anti-aircraft cannons against defensive positions, and Czechoslovakian-built Praha AA trucks do the same with their twin 30mm weapons, shredding resistance with relentless cannonades.

Still, for now, with Yugoslav casualties low, any prisoners can expect relatively decent treatment from the JNA.

The Southeast

Driving north for Graz, Army-General Milan Pupin leads more than four assorted brigades with some 20,000 personnel at a relentless pace. Only a few dozen kilometres from the border, Graz is within hardly a couple of hours' reach of Pupin's starting point and exposed with badly outnumbered Austrian forces defending the last war's more southerly targets.

Pupin's vanguard -including self-propelled 122mm artillery and 128 and 214mm rocketry- unleashes the first volleys in the siege of Graz, Orkan rockets ripping forth from JNA positions on the border while the other machines move closer. Milan is probably the worst Yugoslav commander by whom one can be lain under siege, and warheads smash into the city's outskirts with the intermediate accuracy of early Yugoslav technology.

Pupin is fully mechanised with trucks, APCs, ICVs, and tanks, and disinterested in stopping to take prisoners- Austrian troops encountered en route are showered with heavy gunfire, disarmed if surrendering, and told to walk south towards the Slovenian lines with their hands high.

Bridges across the Mur -on Pupin's left flank- are actually targetted by Yugoslavian aircraft, G4M Super Galeb jets dropping dumb and laser-guided bombs against them and rocketing any forces attempting to cross. Belgrade feels that it has the capacity to beat-down every Austrian position, every force concentration, and does not want them running around causing trouble or escaping, even if it means that Pupin and Stojakovic are not well linked inside Austria. The Galebs patrol against engineering bridging attempts.

Pupin will take Graz and cut the southerly highway into Hungary, severing supply lines, where after he will smash into the rearguard of forces assaulting that nation. Budapest is informed of Yugoslav intentions and urged to prepare for an Austrian collapse on their soil before two days are out.

Rome
Palace of the Holy Citadel
Newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Septimus Cornellius rushed into the private offices of Romulus I, though this was a breach of etiquette, the news Septimus carried with him was too valuable for him to wait. After knocking, he opened the door without waiting for a reply, Romulus sat behind a lavishly carved mahogany desk with a splay of papers lying in front of him and a Cardinal in a silk red robe standing behind him. Romulus’ attention immediately turned to the man who had suddenly intruded on his business, he obviously wasn’t happy, “I asked not be interrupted, explain yourself for this shameful intrusion before I kick out!”
Septimus bowed as the door shut behind him, then answered, “Caesar, the Yugoslavians have attacked Trieste.”
Romulus immediately stood, his face began to turn red, “When?”
“A few days ago—“
“A few days,” Romulus shouted, “You bring shame to yourself Septimus!! If you can not handle the pressures of your job I will find someone who can!”
“Forgive me Caesar,” Septimus begged, “but it occurred during the transition from Maximus’ government, may he rest in peace, and yours, such things can make the transfer of such information difficult.”
“Don’t bother me with your excuses Septimus! Either shape up your department or step down. Do not let this happen again, or I will force you to step down!”
“Yes, Caesar.”
“Now, I want you to deliver a message to those in Austria: Any person of Italian heritage, as well as their families, may return to the Empire, where they will be kept safe and ensured care until the crisis in Austria is over for any of those who wish to return. If any government currently active in Austria hinders any of these people within her borders they will face the wrath of the Roman Empire. Then go to General Kaeso Marcellus and have him post two infantry legions along the border, then have him work with the Chief of the Air Force to make a plan to help in the defense of Austria.”

OOC-I am going to post here as Hungary first and then as Quinntonia, just so everyone is clear.

<QUOTE>
Totals=
Lost-65
1 Saab JAS “Gripen” (2 Seater variant)
1 MiG-29UB
3 MiG-29B
38 Yak-52M
22 Aero L-39 Albatross

Reatreated-11
5 Aero L-39 Albatross
5 Yak-52M
1 MiG-29UB

In Combat-65
1 Saab JAS “Gripen” (2 seater variant)
12 Saab JAS “Gripens”
27 MiG-29B
23 MiG-29UB
12 Aero L-39 Albatross
2 Yak-52M
<QUOTE>

Hungary-
The massive dogfight that was going on over the Western portion of Hungary was epic to behold. With almost 150 aircraft committed in total, the dogfight took on the look of science fiction with the cannons and missiles flying in every direction. Of course, with time dragging on, and the Austrians so determined to their cause, the losses had taken the flower of the Air Forces’ junior members, and most of their instructors, it was a desperation maneuver anyways.

However, after taking another loss in the way of a “Gripen”, and with the 2 Yak-52Ms bugging out finally along with about half of the Aero Albatross’, the Austrians, after taking a couple more losses due to the heroics of the Hungarians; bugged out en masse. They ran as quick and hard as they could, with their Air Command realizing at some point that they were about to lose the only major air battle that mattered, and ordered a general retreat. Of course, the Hungarians, who had gambled everything on this bold maneuver, shot off in hot pursuit, firing as opportunity presented itself, and another couple of losses for the enemy before AA fire forced a Hungarian retreat.

Those planes, with the totals that are following, were then put to good use doing a ridiculous amount of ground strikes and engaging Austrian targets as needed. They especially hunted down the Eurocopters, with orders to engage them as primary targets. They were pulled back to the Easternmost air base, where the pilots were give a debriefing while their planes were refueled and reloaded, during which they were given stimulants and sent out again. They had no one to relieve them, and they could be expected to stay in the air for days if necessary.

Lost-66
1 Saab JAS “Gripen” (2 Seater variant)
1 Saab JAS “Gripen”
1 MiG-29UB
3 MiG-29B
38 Yak-52M
22 Aero L-39 Albatross

Reatreated-19
11 Aero L-39 Albatross
7 Yak-52M
1 MiG-29UB

End of Combat-68
1 Saab JAS “Gripen” (2 seater variant)
11 Saab JAS “Gripens”
27 MiG-29B
23 MiG-29UB
6 Aero L-39 Albatross

The counterattack to support Sopron was going as well as could be expected, with the Austrian advance coming to a complete standstill as Hungarians fought heroically to stave off invasion, but they knew that the Hungarian defense was crumbling at every other point.

Sopron was doing well, being a total pain in the ass for the Austrians, and radio broadcasts talking about the major offensive to reach them were coming in constantly, though the broadcasts made it sound as though the Austrians were in full retreat, and their collapse on that front was immanent, which was far from the truth.


The news of the Czech invasion had buoyed up the Hungarians, and morals on every front soared as they pulled back to the Danube, they now believed that they had only to hold off the Austrians, tying down as many troops as they could until they were pulled back to defend the Austrian nation.

Of course, the Transport Squadron “Air Trucks” with their 20 An-26 Transport planes began to remove heavy equipment from the Ukrainian front to bring them to the Danube while doing supply drops to Sopron and bringing troops forward to the defensive line. Unfortunately, 2 of the An-26s were shot down by Austrian AA fore, with one more downs by an Austrian fighter before the Hungarians could scramble a more effective response; the fighter pilots’ reaction time was down.

But, with all of this equipment, and men, and morale, the defense of the Danube was going to be epic, with the Hungarians believing for a second that they could maybe pull this one out of the fire.

Transport Squadron “Air Trucks”
20 An-26-3 lost


Budapest-
Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany had been found, and promptly arrested attempting to sneak across the border into Slovakia. He was brought back to Budapest, where he was detained in the Presidential Residence, a fitting punishment for someone so keen to get away from here.

President Laszlo Solyom was on the phone with President Klaus of the Czech Republic, professing his undying allegiance to the Czech people and their brilliant statesman of a President. He hadn’t slept in about 50 hours and was starting to sound pretty funny to people who had. Of course, his Generals had been awake for just as long, and though the Air Marshal’s plan had worked wondrously, even he admitted that it was only a stop-gap measure, and that the real test would be at the Danube.



Quinntonian Response-
Rammstien Air Force Base in Germany had been incredibly busy for a day or two, whatever President Klaus had said had really worked, and limited air strikes of Austrian targets in Hungarian territory was authorized. But the word limited is widely interpreted. The force that snuck into Hungarian air space and began to lay down a series of blistering air strikes on the Austrians all across their lines consisted of:
F-117A Nighthawk-10
B-2 Spirit Bombers-10
B-1B Lancers, 25
Escort-
100 F-15E Strike Eagles
A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog”-100

The bombers were able to use smart bombs, bunker busters and every other little toy in the arsenal to lay down such a ferocious and blistering attack that Austrians would no doubt wonder of Hell had opened up and swallowed them. The “escorts” were all designed as ground strikers and were capable of destroying AA and SAM targets with surgical precision as well as swarm to defend the bombers, should the stealthy craft even be detected prior to dropping their payload. The Warthogs were assigned to destroying as many tanks as they could while the USAF maintained air superiority, with a major deference for Sopron and area. During this time, a mission containing:
V-22 Osprey’s landed in Budapest with support from 10 more F-15E Strike Eagles and extracted the embassy staff and their families with the help of the Marines.

This would be a major blow to the Austrian advance, but this major incursion and destruction of everything that they could get their missiles on was a one time deal. They were not coming back, this was it.

And then, the Yugoslavians entered the war.


WWJD
Amen.

OOC: I'll get a post up one of these days, but I am currently to ddicted to Medival II: Total War, to do much of anything else.

Honestly, I fear the entrance of Quinntonia into the fray, a reluctant looking Italy, and a simply overbearing Yugoslavia will make the repulsion of the Czech Republic and the invasion of Hungary, both easily attainable targets, unbearably hard.

Rome

The Yugoslavian embassy in the eternal city responds to the government's late realisation of the Triest situation by affirming that the JNA's intention in Triest is quite tactical and military, and not intended as a move against the Italian state or race but against the current Austrian government's militarist policies. Yugoslavia does not wish war with Italy, but warns -lest Versailles bully the new Italian leadership into unwise action- that Belgrade is confident of its ability to prosecute a successful campaign if forced into it, especially now that the United States is helping to conclude hostilities with Austria all the more quickly.

Marshal Lav even hopes to negotiate new trade links with Italy via Slovenia's vital mountain-crossing highways, and hopes that this rather than war can be the future.

The conflict

Yugoslavia was still trying not to call this a war, hoping that it would be over before there was time for such official declarations. The JNA was shocked almost as much as the Austrians would be by the scale of the Quinntonian reaction, which seemed to represent something roughly equivalent to the combined military strength of half of Europe, the incredible bomber force of ten B2s -that alone was hard to imagine as based on European soil, and if it had deployed from the US and then into action on a day's notice or so that was equally frightening-, ten F-117s, and more than two-dozen B1Bs was enough to absolutely assure Austrian defeat even if nobody else joined in.

100 A-10 tankbusters were no less stunning as a single deployment, and many Yugoslavians grumbled that they could have elevated their entire population into a new tax bracket with the expense of the single US sortie.

Still, the JNA takes advantage of the situation to test its radar and passive detection and tracking systems against Quinntonian aircraft... and finds at least some success against every sort, though confirmation of B-2 acquisition is disputed at the highest level. On the one hand Belgrade convinces itself that it could shoot down most types of Quinntonian aircraft, including some stealthy models, while on the other the scale of the US strike on Austrian forces leaves grave doubts as to whether forces in the field, cities, and key installations could actually repulse a determined attack by the United States, and whether some key assets would even be able to mount a defence within the Quinntonian military's response time.

Vorobei is of the confident side, Lav more worried and already reconsidering his proposed raid on economically-harmful US ships in Suez.

With the Yugoslavian entry into the conflict, Princess Adrienna was ordered to fulfill Prime Minister Armand’s boasts. She already had every Tsarist nation aside from Russia on total war footing, and with Operation: Last Horde in full effect, she had the entirety of the military of the Ukraine at her disposal. It wa sture, in this conflict Ukraine would bear the majority of the load, but the most brutal, loyal and even fanatical of Tsar Wingert’s followers had never failed before now, and this would be no exception. The plan was complex, but the Ukrainian military was among the most experienced in the world.

First, the entire strategic bomber force of the Ukrainian Air Force would be launched at the Hungarian Eastern front, designed to utterly incapacitate the defensive fortifications and equipment the embattled nation had built for years along that frontier. That was no problem, as the aging bombers were ready and waiting for such an eventuality anyways, since the beginning of hostilities in Hungary. The trick came with their escort. Operation: Last Horde had just commenced and included a almost half of the Ukrainian Air Force in support of the most massive bombing comparing that the world had ever seen. The bombers themselves were escorted by almost 2/3 of the Russian Air Force’s fighters, but ground strike duty fell upon the expendable Ukrainians. So, when the Ukrainians returned after the first wave of attacks, their losses would be replaced and they would immediately do the same thing, escorting the Ukrainian bomber campaign on the Hungarian lines. They would engage in air strikes, and swarm any fighters that were scrambled to deal with them.

The entire force would consist of:
Strategic Bombers-
100 Tu-95/142 Bears
Escort-
200 Sukhio Su-24s
65 Su-25 Frogfoots (especially for anti-tank operations)
65 Sukhio Su-27s
150 MiG-23s
225 MiG-29s
Total-705 combat aircraft

This awesome force was designed to swarm in and completely overwhelm any resistance that was offered, by ground or by air.

This was the first phase of Operation: Austrian Shield, and would commence immediately, without any warning, and during the attack, when the Hungarian line was crumbling, a full Elite Paratrooper attack was to occur, and would begin with airdrops along the southernmost areas of the Danube, away from Budapest. It would start with a drop of 6,000 veterans of the Lavragerian conflict, and they would immediately secure the bridge crossings along the Danube so that Tsarist troops could roll across them with impunity.

After that, the drops would continue, but be much further inside Hungary, with air support, and eventually the entirety of the Elite Airborne Divisions assigned to this attack would be landing, at a rate of 6,000 troops/8hours after the initial attack.

As soon as the ordinance was flying from the sky, and the bombers signaled that they were nearing the end of the Hungarian lines, the land invasion of Hungary would commence. This would include:

Operation: Austrian Shield
Totals-240,000 troops, 4,400 to 6,800 pieces of armour
11 Divisions Heavy Mechanised-110,000 troops, 3,300 to 4,400 pieces of armour
4 Divisions Light Mechanized- 40,000 troops, 800 to 1,200 pieces of armour
3 Divisions Heavy Infantry-30,000 troops, 300 to 600 pieces of armour
6 Divisions Elite Paratroopers-60,000 troops, 0-600 pieces of armour

It is at this time that the Hungarian government would be notified that they were not under Tsarist administration until the secession of hostilities. At that time, they would be able to make a case to the Tsarist court and their conduct will be taken into account, at that point, the decision regarding the nation’s future will be made based upon that information. And among the troops, many of whom had lost friends and family in the Lavragerian conflict, they were baying for Yugoslavian blood. Nothing would stand in their way.


Operation: Yugoslavian Spear

Commencing immediately at that time would be a full attack on the Yugoslavian Navy by the entire force that was arrayed against them. Undoubtedly, the Divine Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet and the Ukrainian Navy were more than enough to handle the tiny force huddling the coast, but in case there were problems from Yugoslavian aircraft, a Ukrainian force would participate in the attack, and would make ground strikes along the Black Sea Coast.

<QUOTE>
Ukrainian Navy:
8 Kashin Class Destroyers
1 Kara Guided Missile Destroyer
5 Udaloy I Class Destroyers
10 Tarantul Class Corvettes

Of course, should things turn badly for the Ukrainians, their Russian allies were not far behind:
The Black Sea Fleet-
1 Kiev Class Heavy Aircraft Carrying Cruiser (Aircraft Carrier)
1 Kirov Class Missile Battecruiser
1 Slava Class Cruiser
5 Kashin Class Destroyers
4 Sovremenny Class Destroyers
3 Udaloy I Class Destroyers
10 Krivak Class Frigates
5 Grisha III Class Corvettes
<QUOTE>


Admiral of the Imperial Navy Lord Nietchev Daskievsky II received the radio reply from Vice-Admiral Lord Evgeni Malkin, commander of the Divine Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet. The coordinated attack was a go. With the mass Ukrainian Air attack roaring out from the Tsarist nation, making satellite imagery all over the world go into overload at the hornet’s nest that Ukraine and Russia had become, the combined Tsarist Fleets sprang into action themselves. They formed into two distinct groups, with the Ukrainian Imperial Navy spreading themselves to the north of the combat zone and the Black Sea Fleet ranking around the South. Over 700 aircraft were screaming across the Black Sea as they spoke, and they sprang into action as well.

The Kiev Class Heavy Aircraft Carrying Cruiser released its load of 30 MiG-29s, along with all of the combat helicopters and other aircraft that would engage in anti-submarine warfare and maintain a powerful CAP over the fleets.

The fleets started to move into combat position against the Yugoslavians who were by this time no doubt questioning their decision to go into the Navy, and the fleets opened up their considerable firepower against them.

The Kiev Class was designed to make up for in firepower what it lacked in aircraft capacity, and it let loose with torpedoes and cruise missiles, though retaining its anti-aircraft SAMs in reserve.

The Kirov Class Battlecruiser was the largest warship in the world aside from battleships and aircraft carriers, and its mighty armaments came in the form of over 100 cruise missiles that were assigned to various naval targets.

Then the Slava Class, then the Kashin, then the...well, you get the idea. The entire Yugoslavian Navy was bombarded with hundreds of cruise missiles and guided torpedoes all at once, along with the hundreds of missiles that descended on them from the sky with aircraft zooming down to finish off anything that was left. AA capabilities were tested along the coast, and were bombarded themselves. Billions of USD was expended on this single attack, and it was one of the most devastating Operations in military history to be directed at such a small group.

Of course, this was not intended to be a sustained attack, it would last only as long as there were Yugoslavian ships in the Black Sea, and then a strategic retreat would be ordered, pulling back towards Sevastopol, where they would be re-supplied. And it was at Sevastopol that the rest of Operation: Yugoslavian Spear was contained. It was a massive amphibious operation that was being prepared. Ships of all kinds were being moved and sequestered from the Merchant Marine. It was to be awesome should it become necessary.
Gathering there was:
Operation: Yugoslavian Spear
Totals-180,000 troops, 800 to 2,600 pieces of armour
6 Divisions Elite Commando- 60,000 troops, 600 to 1,200 pieces of armour
2 Divisions Elite Paratroopers- 20,000 troops, 0-200 pieces of armour
8 Divisions of Light Infantry-80,000 troops, 0-800 pieces of armour
2 Divisions of Heavy Infantry- 20,000 troops, 200 to 400 pieces of armour

The aircraft in the supporting role was:
200 Sukhio Su-24s
65 Su-25 Frogfoots (especially for anti-tank operations)
65 Sukhio Su-27s
150 MiG-23s
225 MiG-29s
Total-705 combat aircraft

Yugoslavia had decided that it would play the part of the super-power, now it was going to be shown what that word meant.

Wingert did communicate that they were only responding to Lav’s attack, and should they withdraw completely, so would the Tsarists, they would withdraw from the Austrian/Czech conflict. Again, they did not consider Hungary to be a art of that conflict.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

Jeeze, guys. I'm definitely staying out of this one, no real desire to get in the way of either side. I'm rather amused by the Quinntonian/Tsarist intervention, will Wingertonia end up fighting itself?

Quickly, the Australasians cite 'emerging Suez Canal situation' as the reason for their lack of activity. Really, they're just too busy staring at the Quinntonian fireworks to do much else.

Rome
Palace of the Holy Citadel
Caesar Romulus I received the Yugoslavian embassy’s message with misgivings and suspicion. “A tactical and militaristic strike? I hardly believe that! Last time I checked, Trieste was in Roman territory! ((OOC: Unless, Austria has expanded her borders to differ from the map I’m looking at.)) The honor of the Roman people must be defended!” :upyours: Romulus orders another four legions to be put on the Slovenian border and sends a message to Lav, demanding an immediate and complete cessation of all hostilities toward Austria and all HL members and to return any land taken by the Yugoslavians to the Austrian government. Only then could a peaceful and lucrative trade link through Slovenia be possible. Romulus did make it clear that his primary concern was Austria and that action would be taken to prevent the further Yugoslavian advance. However due to the attack of the Russians and the Tsarist kingdoms, Romulus doubted Lav wanted to fight a war on two fronts. Romulus gave him twenty-four hours to answer or that would be the exact outcome.

In the skies
In preparation for the first phase of Operation: Hammerstrike all of the Regia Aeronautica’s RQ-1A surveillance planes, with the assistance from the Regia Marina flew high above Austria and Slovenia, identifying key Yugoslavian military targets.

Led by this information, the Regia Aeronautica began to carry out the first phase of Hammerstrike, a series of air strikes against military positions to support Austria in the southern part of Austria, using the Tornado ECRs to suppress AA radars. The escort for the bombers would also fly air strikes against tanks and SAMs. Flying into Austria are:
Bombers:
25 International AMX
20 Tornado IDS
5 Tornado IT-ECR
Escorts:
12 F-16
20 EF Typhoon F2
Total: 82 Aircraft
Fighters and bombers sit waiting on the tarmac, waiting for the go-ahead to strike in Slovenia.

The second phase of Hammerstrike, an insertion of ground and armored troops into Austria, once again waits for the go-ahead from Roman commanders.

OOC: Aaaannnnd Austria has just started World War...What, IV is it? It depends on if the Suez blows up, then we'll have IV and V...

Anyhow, a few key issues.

1. Rome, Trieste is an Austrian posession within Italy. If I'm correct, it borders Yugoslavia, so no Yugo violation of Italian airspace had to occur for an assault to happen.

2. Quinntonia...you're not kidding about "limited" being stretched. You've used more ordinance on Austria in a few hours than was deployed by the US military in the entire First Gulf War. Although your strikes are targetted, the sheer amound of ordinance would cause a bloodbath and cripple Austria's economy for years. Lavrageria was hit by more ordinance, but Lavrager never had much infrastructure to begin with, while Austria's a first world nation.

3. Wingert, honestly, I don't think it's too unrealistic to assume that Romania would simply allow you to stage attacks into Yugoslavia. We've already been over this before, and a Romania terrified of the massive Tsarist machine would very likely bend over backwards to let you move through them, especially since A) you could offer territorial and economic incentives and B) they've already done so before in RL history.

Hungary:

The rested and refitted Austrians let the Hungarians, filled with the willpower to get them back across the provincial borders, push them across the centerlines, and a mile or two towards Vienna. Not many Austrians were killed, nothing more than a few broken down Dpzk I's were destroyed, and to top it off, a few burnt wrecks of Dpzk III's were hauled to the front, and were packed with explosives. These detonated when Hungarians climbed on top of them and started pulling out the ever-handy Hungarian flag for some rich man's camcorder.

Laughing, the Austrians let the Hungarians push the center of the line, and then propelled from the sides towards the rear of the attackers line. With the might of the Estenlands support in the northern pincer, who were now fresh from just a day and night of deep sleep, acting as the spearhead alongside III's, they got behind the Hungarian's position and dashed for the supply lines.

Even as the Hungarians were cheering and waving their arms around, their rear was being compromised, the 1st Division, with the highest veteran-green ratio with almost 2-1, had chosen to make a night move and thus at dawn made an attack against the bulge of Hungarians into Austrian controlled Hungary from the south. Using their speed and firepower, the infantry and largely absent tanks were outgunned and out maneuvered for the first initial encounter. As the hours went on, resistance amped up considerably, but for the most part the 1st Division saw the comings of another victory.

As the Support Divisions continued towards their original target, Hungarian resistance was squashed. The meager defenses, mostly concentrated on this front in the provincial city, were even absent. The most they had to contend with were disgruntled civilians, a couple companies who still were befuddled as to where their division was, and a couple of rogue soldiers who had decided the time were ripe for plundering.

Air:

Charles Turner, a second-generation immigrant, watched as a Eurofighter went down in a ball of flame. Sighing, he wished he could turn around and offer what he really thought of them. Those tricky buggers had almost killed him, luckily, after this; he could paint two more kills on his side. No pilot was going to count the fanatical trainers, which had got in their way. Those he had killed a field of, almost 12 by his count.

Regardless, as they approached Sopron, his radar registered a Hungarian signature fade away. Smiling slightly he watched as one more faded way before the Hungarians turned away. Knowing that a re-chase would hardly help the cause he streaked in towards Sopron to unload one more missile. Firing it off towards the nearest Hungarian flagged building he pulled up and was away.

Grinning, he remembered his sister's words of anything that you do; you need to leave with a happy note. If that was not a happy note, he did not know what was. Especially when he circled back and saw the sizable 3-story structure had caved in entirely, and there, lying perfectly spread out was the Hungarians flag, with a good hole right through the center.

As the day after, and the day after that, he was forced to constantly repel Hungarian forces and helicopter brigades as they tried to destroy and help enemy forces. Yet while exhausting, it was exactly what Austrian High Command wished. The Eurofighter, even at the worst of times, was better plane for plane anything the Hungarians could send up. It only became contested if the Hungarians launched an all out assault, where their numerically superior air force would overwhelm the Austrians.

This was better, another Eurofighter was lost, mechanical failure as it approached the runway and was in the shop for at least two more weeks. Other than that, Charles Turner had a great time destroying pairs or two pairs of Hungarians as they tried to attack Austrian ground defenses. Even though he managed to only rake in one more confirmed kill, not one Austrian position was widely compromised because of air attacks.

36 Eurofighters
8 Drakans
10 Tigers

31 Eurofighers (-5)
3 Drakan (-5)
4 Tigers (-6)

((5 modern fighters in exchange for 16 is pretty solid deal.))

North:

((Veteran and Elite troops in a country that has not had a war since 1940? I will take those indications as if compared to green Czech troops, troops that have not seen the elephant yet.))

As the last Austrians had crossed the Danube, Trugen, Far East in Hungary ordered the destruction of any bridges left standing and in Austrian control. Which was to say a fair amount, but the still standing bridges were in short supply. While the Czechs had secured bridges close to Linz, and a key one a little west of Vienna, the vast majority had already been destroyed by demolition crews, air strikes for smaller ones, or had been bombarded into submission by PzH's.

Around Linz, the Austrians rapidly changed the urban jungle into a bastion of resistance. Making it a deathtrap for mechanized tanks and vehicles, the Czechs were reduced to capturing the city kitchen-by-kitchen, bedroom by bedroom. The Austrians, devoted to the idea of Drekcsler and Maxen's belief that Austria would be strong, and was strong, hated the Czechs for invading.

The Drekcsler supporters, maybe 1 third, were always fanatical to a startling degree. They were the ones sent to some spider hole, where they would wait for some Czech troops to enter. Then, depending on the situation, would rise and start throwing grenades, lead or missiles. For a new type of equipment had arrived in the last delivery. The Panzerfaust adapted and fitted for the 21st century. They would die with the word God on their lips, and Czech blood at their feet. Usually right before more Czechs stormed in and filled the fanatic with their own lead.

Maxen supporters, right at one third, were the people who used their natural smarts and cunning to make life hell for the Czechs. Happily, their gentleman style contrasted with what their usual tactics were. Usually asking to cease hostilities at 6 o’clock, they would care for the wounded, no matter what they believed or supported. They would resume hostilities at 7 o'clock sharp, and may the few Hungarians, whether through ignorance or otherwise, have a quick death if they breached any of these 'rules'.

The slightly above one-third was made of people who believed in Austria, not people. They were the most devote and the most brave. They would sacrifice their lives if it was warranted, and could make the best and cunning plans. These were the normal fence sitters only assured of one thing, Austria would not bow down to Czech intervention.

These factions were united in their desire to stop the Czech’s; any reason to stop was dim if you considered an untold century of living unequally once again.

The populace also added their own form of hell for the Czechs, as the Iron Fist continued to add munitions and supplies to any and every group promising divine destruction on the heretics called Czechs, another group: Death's Arm started up. They helped in small armed actions against the Czech troops, and even though casualties did happen, and Czechs did escape. The resistance against the invaders was increasing daily.

South:

Brave was the name of this war. If it was the brave and stalwart Austrian's who stemmed the tide of Yugoslavian metal and men. It was of brave last stands at every street corner, it was a war of knights. Knights that fought with lead and steel, and it was deadly.

The Yugoslavians had a fun time, once again Austrian territory was degraded, but this time. The Austrian National Bank, had been forewarned from the government of hostilities. So by the time Yugoslavians expected invasion took place, Silvarian Marks were already driving away.

The Iron Fist also took some deathly funny irony to the Yugoslavians. The banks, monstrosities of marble, granite, steel, and glass. Were not easy to exploded. Yet with enough, anything can be cajoled into injuring the Slavic horde. So, with much waste in the sense the bang wasn't really worth the buck, these banks exploded when a trip wire was tripped by exalting Slavs. That would be their last emotion as the C4 and fertilizer made the granite and marble into deadly projectiles and the glass into bullets.

Austria:

The air attacks were unrivaled since well, ever, the Eurofighters were thankfully unscathed, but for the most part vital parts of the Austrian economy were destroyed. The untold destruction on military and economic targets was unrivaled since WWII. Innocent civilians died in the fiery ruins of the establishments of Stille Incorporated, Gizatte, and even Mom an Dad operations. These were only more mourned then when the elite Quintonnian military missed, one of their renowned bunker buster bombs accidentally tore into a 6 story apartment in the dead of night. Leaving 100 dead, and countless injured.

This, of course, was filmed by TV Operators, Iron Fist agents, and the camcorders of grief stricken dads. The destruction had claimed more than its fair share of civilians, and Austria demanded that the air attacks be stopped. Because that kind of destruction was unacceptable, the degrading attacks on the lives of human beings had not been seen since WWII.

Then again, mused a statement from Drekcsler, we have seen this before, usually though, it was the National Socialists doing this kind of destruction.

OOC-I don't really have time to repsond, just wanted to comment on the last post by Mor. The Quinntonian air strikes were all directed to Austrian military targets IN HUNGARY. If there were civilians killed, they would be Hungarian. Also, due to the attacks, I am assuming that your invasion at the time of the Tsarist invasion would not have quite made it to the Danube, and you will notice that if they did make it to the Danube, they would find something like 6,000 Tsarist troops there.

And yes, Quinntonia and the Tsarist could end up fighting here. I only wanted Wingert to be a European Dra-pol, with a psycho Ukraine, but now he is a major player. And Quinntonia and Wingert have very different agendas.

And Fluer, stop trying to get your theology from Wikipedia.

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: Well, you've just levelled the country you wanted to save. Military targets or no, the sheer ordinance amounts will have devastated Hungary.

OOC: Though you must admit, that is a very American reaction, bomb their enemies to the dust without considering the effect it might have on your allies.

OOC: Though you must admit, that is a very American reaction, bomb their enemies to the dust without considering the effect it might have on your allies.

OOC: ....can the Anti-American generalizations, Vecron. They're not productive.

OOC: Not inaccurate, though.

Anyway, yes, Triest is Austrian in AMW, the base of their maritime operations, and Yugoslavia has not attacked Italy. The assurances are just to the effect that we do not intend to kill ethnic Italian citizens in the Austrian enclave or anything like that, and it's just an unfortunate tactical necessity that the place be addressed militarily.

I'm not having Romania just allow the Tsarists through, Armand, that's daft. They're not in any sort of treaty arrangement with the Tsarists, and for all they know they'll just be annexed if they allow that, where as Romania with Yugoslav (and other) backing actually has a chance of resisting invasion and occupation given the militarised state of Yugoslavia, the years they've had to prepare, and the difficulties and threats already faced by the Tsarist Empire.

Still, you're right about Hungary being battered in the US strikes. It'll cost them dearly to repair damage caused by actions of that scale.

OOC: I'm sorry for anti-American comment, it was more of a dig against Quinntonia.

As for Trieste, even though it belongs to Austria in AMW, its location and the fact that many Italians would still live there would stilll make the Roman Caesar rather distraught. That and an attack there could endanger the lives of Italians, so in order to gain honor amongst his people, Romulus feels he must defend them.

snippet

And Fluer, stop trying to get your theology from Wikipedia.

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: I think your referring to my argument on just war. I learned a bit about it in a political Science class although I have far from a thorough understanding of the concept and the development throughout the middle ages. Feel free to critique any of my posts with knowledge to which I may be unfamiliar. However there is always a danger of losing sight of the basics because of certain intricacies concerning the topic at hand. I do not feel that my research on the justice war was particularly faulty although you may know something I don't.

You mentioned you were going to post more from Quinntopia? I will wait for you to post so that the Czech Republic can know where Quinntopia stands. It would also be nice have Quinntopia give some instructions to their ally. I was going to spout off against the evil Tsar Wingert but I frankly have no idea what Quinntopia wants to achieve in the region and do not want the Czech Republic to act against that strategy due to ignorance. I assume there would be some semblance of a grand strategy in the area because of the extent of damages taken by Hungary. I take it Quinntopia will not object to the Czechs invading major Austrian cities? I did not say that my troops were moving into the major cities on the south of the Danube just that they were circling them. I wanted to wait for some Quinntopian advice before proceeding to lay waste to the partially entrenched cities. It would not be an easy fight because city fighting neutralizes the significant mechanized Czech advantage. Although, this might be a different situation with Vienna.

OOC: I'm sorry for anti-American comment, it was more of a dig against Quinntonia.

As for Trieste, even though it belongs to Austria in AMW, its location and the fact that many Italians would still live there would stilll make the Roman Caesar rather distraught. That and an attack there could endanger the lives of Italians, so in order to gain honor amongst his people, Romulus feels he must defend them.

OOC: If you wanted to adopt a neutral stance to the war you could declare Trieste an Italian possession and threathen Yugoslavia with war if he does not give control of it to you. I think he would be accomodating to your demands and would give Italy back control in return for staying out of the war.

-

Austria

Yugoslav casualties were still relatively light given the distance covered, but accidents -including the first crash involving a Zastava helicopter, the Yugoslav Dhruv-copy, in which a small number of elite airborne troops are rumoured to have perished-, isolated resistance, and the 'suicide-buildings' had caused deaths and a number of serious injuries.

General-Armije Milan Pupin was by now shelling the defenders at Graz with his 100, 122, and 152mm towed guns as well as 122mm self-propelled guns, 122mm and 214mm MLRS, and 82mm and 120mm towed and self-propelled mortars. The intensity was significant and the city urged to surrender before worse became necessary.

Pupin now made air defence a priority, hearing fearful reports of both US and Tsarist aircraft mustering -taking a long time about it, given the ridiculous size of their air wings- and making strikes across the region. LS-8 AFRISAM batteries were his best, of course, escorted by BOV-3 and BOV-30 self-propped AAA, and Super-Sava low-level missiles.

Trieste

JNA forces under General-Armije Mihajilo Draganic attempt to enter the enclave from the southeast, infantry and light armour moving slowly after an order to cease fire. Bombardment of obvious defences had halted and the Yugoslavians hoped that defenders might give-up, knowing that Yugoslavia had withdrawn after the last war and hearing of the US strikes against their comrades in Hungary.

If not, there'd have to be a nasty street fight, and a lot of 30mm automatic grenade-launchers were being brought up.

Socialist Republic of Bulgaria

"Ništa nas ne može iznenaditi!"

Maršal Jugoslavije Larionko Aidarov Lav, in full dress uniform with his big hat and numerous medals, bellowed at spectators and (not live) television cameras. Nothing can surprise us, he said again, repeating the motto of the Jugoslovenska Narodna Armija as Tsarist forces bore-down on the Bulgarian coast.

The largely Bulgarian-staffed Eastern Fleet didn't really merit the title fleet, being as its largest constituents were two Kotor Class light patrol frigates, backed up by four old Rade Koncar Class missile craft, six new Kobra Class missile craft, a Sava Class and a Heroj Class light patrol submarine, a Kit/Lubin Class logistical support vessel, and about a dozen Coastal Artillery Batteries, some of which consisted of dug-in WWII-vintage 88mm FLAK cannons while the best of them had mobile BROM anti-ship cruise-missile launchers.

Potentially the biggest problem facing Russo-Ukrainian forces will be finding targets. There aren't many of them, and what does exist tends to be small and mobile. The little Yugoslav ships, hugging the busy coastline leading up to the Bosphorus, don't stand-out particularly clearly as the aggressor force approaches from a distance. Many locks are lost, some struggle with clutter from commercial shipping, countermeasures, and the looming Bulgarian coastline that backs the defenders.

Missile craft especially duck and weave as weapons come inbound, and the tiny Yugoslav fleet takes a lot of killing for a seagoing force put-out by an organisation of less than three thousand men and women. And it fights back like only a little dog can when confronted by a veritable wolf of an opponent, almost two dozen BROM missiles lurching from sea and shore against the much bigger enemy target. The Russian Slava Class ship is targetted several times when identified by ship or shore radar, probably because of its reputation for poor damage control and the likelihood of one or few hits from the big 454kg warheads crippling or destroying it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/Chivtv/NS1/yugobrom.jpg
A Brom system prepares to launch

But it is of course a losing battle for the Yugoslavian forces, and when missiles begin to knock-out static gun positions -promptly abandoned by their crews when they realise that sandbags and a few bits of concrete here and there don't effectively keep-out cruise missiles- the truck-mounted BROM batteries are withdrawn in a hurry in order to save them from the same fate.

The Kotor Class frigate Sofia, having launched three of her four Brom towards the enemy and evaded one missile with countermeasures and fortune and shot-down only a single incoming threat with its limited SAM defences, received a critical hit quite some minutes into the fight and began listing to port, her superstructure burning badly.

Her sister, Shipka, took down a missile with her Ak-230 guns and had a crack at an aircraft with her SA-N-4, but in truth the range was probably too much for it. Expending all of her four ready Brom, Shipka attempted to break for the Bosphorus, but at 27 knots there was no certainty of her escape.

One of two submarines had already made for the Ottoman waterway, the other hung dead in the water, silent, on the approaches to a potentially significant landing site on the Bulgarian coast.

Rade Koncar and Kobra Class missile craft were not finding it terribly difficult to evade big cruise missiles -though the fleet's support vessel and several commercial ships were hit and destroyed- and the navy put-out several Zastava helicopters acting as missile decoys to further confuse the situation as the little boats struggled with their limited radar sets to acquire targets while also staying out of trouble. One was destroyed outright when finally hit, another took damage and casualties in a near-miss that almost capsized the Ante Banina. Others loosed their missiles and ran for shore or the strait, and three boats remained, hoping to do damage close-in as the enemy approached... where the Yugoslavs themselves would also be vulnerable to smaller, more agile missiles and to guns.

Ashore, an LS-8 AFRISAM battery gave Russo-Ukrainian aircraft something to worry about, downing a missile or two, and any planes that got within twenty-odd kilometres of the coast, and frustrating attempts to destroy it time and again as the Major commanding local defences insisted upon shutting-down the system every time it was acquired by enemy targetting systems, watching missiles crash harmlessly into the earth before turning back on for just a moment to gather information.

Unfortunately, after some time of this, he became unable to actually guide missiles against the enemy due to the number of attackers meaning that he couldn't leave the system on for long enough before someone locked on to him. Oh, what he wouldn't give for active-radar guided missiles!

The JNA began to mobilise forces in Bulgaria as the old pre-Yugoslav air force put-up what it could from aged stocks of aircraft. 36 MiG-21 managed to get into the air, others in a hopelessly poor state of repair and nobody quite desperate enough as yet to risk flying them. All they did was to engage cruise missiles bound for coastal facilities, though they would of course challenge aircraft that came over the coast as well. There was no thought of going out to attack the fleet right now. A few old Soviet-era SAM systems also engaged, several being knocked-out while a minority survived thanks to their wiley commanders, but made little further impact and may as well have been KO'd anyway.

Belgrade

The SFRY emplores the United States and other noble countries of earth -not that we're ready to drop thought of legal proceedings just yet!- to confront the Tsarist menace which has struck Hungary and Yugoslavia in brutal fashion for merely resisting unprovoked Austrian aggression. Yugoslavia is even prepared to consider hosting international forces on its soil in response to this assault, and urges Versailles and Rome to think quickly and cleverly about the implication of Yugoslav neutrality being destroyed by the Tsar and about what will happen if they join the conflict and Yugoslavia allows -for example- Soviet forces to come to Europe from Libya.

Kastus Vorobei, ever defiant, says that his country's concern is not for defeat but for the damage that will be done to it in the process of ripping-out the Tsar's treacherous heart.

OOC: If you wanted to adopt a neutral stance to the war you could declare Trieste an Italian possession and threathen Yugoslavia with war if he does not give control of it to you. I think he would be accomodating to your demands and would give Italy back control in return for staying out of the war.

OOC: Hey, I think that this guy is well on his way to becoming a useful player, because that, to me, makes a lot more sense than a thought like well, I've more people than him so I'll just smash...

OOC: Hey, I think that this guy is well on his way to becoming a useful player, because that, to me, makes a lot more sense than a thought like well, I've more people than him so I'll just smash...

OOC: Well, yes, but he has to take into account treaty obligations. He is a League member, after all, and staying out now will make it less likely that the Tsar will support him later.

Romania would be flattened in any Tsarist invasion; sure, the Yugos might work with them to repel the Tsarists in the long run, but in the immediate situation the economy, the infrastructure, and basically anything except for the kitchen sink would be utterly destroyed. They also have an extreme historical precedent for it; Romania and Yugoslavia had a tense relationship in the Cold War, and the Romanians have bent over backwards for several previous invading armies.

I have no real interest here, just throwing in my two cents (or 2.66 eurocents).

And honestly, I would go back and revise the Hungary thing---no sane US commander would send that many munitions onto an ally. You'd set the country back years, if not decades.

Vecron, don't worry about the Anti-American crack; I just get a little tense sometimes because I'm sick of Americans having a reputation for being trigger happy when in fact we devote more effort on precision weaponry than any other nation on earth.

OOC: Well, yes, but he has to take into account treaty obligations. He is a League member, after all, and staying out now will make it less likely that the Tsar will support him later.


OOC: What treaty obligations? Link please. Although I am not even sure the Tsar would appreciate Italian intervention in this matter. I had thought the Tsar claimed most of Eastern Europe.

OOC: First of all, I'm nowhere near Yugoslavia for military! No, I just don't want to share my entire border with Yugoslavia, or one of her allies! And whether you like it or not, Fleur de Liles, I am a League member, so when Estenlands came to me for help in supporting Austria I agreed! And just so we're all clear, I was going to defend Austria whether he came to me or not! I would really like it if you kept your nose out of my affairs, or at least TG me, please don't question the way I run my country in public. Thank you. Plus, Italy needs the Tsars, and France, she's like the Canada of the Holy League, not very strong, but she'll help wherever she can!

IC: Caesar Romulus I sends a reply to Yugoslavia saying that if she is serious about holding this conference, she and her allies sign a cease-fire with Austria and the HL as a sign of good faith. Romulus also recommends that the conference should be held in a neutral site, where all involved can be assured of a safe conduct.

OOC: What treaty obligations? Link please. Although I am not even sure the Tsar would appreciate Italian intervention in this matter. I had thought the Tsar claimed most of Eastern Europe.

The Tsar's in the Holy League, as is Italy. Hence, they're contractually bound to defend each other, although I guess the rules might be looser here because Lav didn't attack Russia.

Well AC pretty much took the words and argument right from my keyboard, I just thought Quinn was sending them to Austria because, like AC said, that much would pummel civilians but instead of Austrians dying, it would be lesser amounts of Hungarians. Not to mention the infrastructure of Hungary.

I won't ramble on much on that, its already been covered.

As for giving Italy Trieste to stay out of the war, I think you got yourself confused. I am in control of Trieste and it would be doubly bad to seize your allies regions in exchange for not helping them. Maybe someone pointed it out, but really, that is hardly negotionable.

As for Italy helping, I would not see a reason for her not to. A monarch, no matter how loved, would hate to see and hear a country that professed the qualities of the people on the lowest rung. In addition to AC’s points, Italy is part of the HL alliance and has been for some time in one form or another, happily assisting France and there is even less reason to quit now while she can help herself the most.

OOC: You're confused, Moorington. What Fleur said made perfect sense. It has nothing to do with Austria, because nobody cares about Austria, no offence, as it is far below the US, Italy, Russia, and Yugoslavia in terms of power, and is quite likely to be screwed-over in any deal.

Triest is clearly going to fall to Yugoslavia if the HL doesn't step-in directly, right? You can't hope to fend-off the Yugoslavians there. But if Italy comes to your aid, it has to fight Yugoslavia, which will be incredibly tough and there's no assurance that they'd even win. Given that Yugoslavia is only attacking Triest because it is Austrian, declaring it Italian instead may be enough to stop the Yugoslav assault, and Triest would at least remain Italian, because it can't remain Austrian. That way, Italy and Yugoslavia don't have to fight.

It was just a suggestion being made... Austria may feel like it was being screwed, but you're going to lose Triest anyway, so it is in Italy's interests to see it happen without further conflict and to end up Italian instead of Yugoslav.

Depkazia... couldn't care less.

Registan, Samarkand, the Depkazi Caliphate

Khalīfah Chingiz Khagan Depkazi, Amir al-Muminin, Malik ul-Mugāhidīn, looked over the mountain of reports from Afghanistan, Balochistan, Kashmir, the Khanates, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Crimea, the Combine, India...

Radu Khan was doing well in eastern Afghanistan, but the going was not easy and the Combine was grumbling. Things were going nicely in Mumbai, defences on the mountainous Chinese and Armandian borders were increasingly capable, and a large part of the bloated military remained at ease.

"This build-up in the Crimea is most, most interesting. The Russians will fight the Yugoslavs, they may even come into conflict with the United States. I am tired of fighting in Afghanistan only for the viral Combiners to muster-up a collective objection and require diplomacy instead.

"No more troops for Dostum. No new deployments yet, Vizier, but send word to the Khanates... mobilise the reserve. The Blue, Green, Red, White, and Yellow Khanates, Bactria, Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, I want a million men ready, my brothers, and tell the Chechens, the Kazakhs, every one of our fellows in the infidel grip of the Tsar to prepare. Make ready my trains, my planes, my trucks and my helicopters.

"Make no moves, north or south, without the order of your Caliph, but grip your rifles when you hear that Russia has invaded Yugoslavia, brothers, for the time will be near for Holy war on those vast and indefensible frontiers."

Chingiz next appeared in public to talk-up the Khanate of Pakhtunkhwa as a Pashtun home within the Caliphate and promise the final defeat of subversives in far eastern Afghanistan. He also issued a new threat to the Maharaja of Kashmir, telling him to quickly cede the Muslim lands in his west to the Caliphate.

But Samarkand's blessed legions were not readying for mountain warfare, and Dostum was hearing nothing of reinforcements for his Afghani campaign.

Snippet

Ah, I had a slight stupid moment on the aspect of Trieste; I looked at the CIA World Factbook and thought the dot representing Venice was Trieste.

So, sorry about that Fleur, blond moment and whatnot.

Regardless, that would only work if Italy didn't really feel obliged to either HL, France or Russia; since they do feel some kinship through the HL Alliance there is little reason not to jump on the help ally bandwagon.

I like the imagination, but in the sense, it disregards all previous diplomacy and ideals of Italy. Don't give me all that talk about Depkaziah doesn't care followed by a preperation for an invasion of Tsar Wingert, since it makes your opinion look biased.

OOC: No worries. It is probably more realistic for Italy for join in and help HL allies. I probably should not have mentioned the possibilty considering the understanding that Vecron was going to follow current Italian policies, including supporting the HL. But I am not that familiar with AMW Italian history and thought there might be a little bit of leeway for Vecron to make independent decisions. But we should probably stop the discussion and I am surprised Quinntopia/Eastenlands didn't stifle the discussion. Italy has invaded Austria and I guess we are going to see some heavy fighting in Austria in the near future. (Someone could maybe help Vecron because his invading post was pretty spotty and short, although I am far from expert and will likely need help in the future.)

Also, Moorington. I think we can agree that the Czechs grabbed at least a few bridges but most of the bridges were blown and delayed them enough that the Austrians were able to start entrenching in the cities. Is that a good enough compromise? I am also going to wait for Quinntopia's post before deciding whether to or not to come into the entrenched cities, destroying much infastructure and probably many civilian lives. So we are just going to have to wait for Quinntopia.

Also, Moorington. I think we can agree that the Czechs grabbed at least a few bridges but most of the bridges were blown and delayed them enough that the Austrians were able to start entrenching in the cities. Is that a good enough compromise? I am also going to wait for Quinntopia's post before deciding whether to or not to come into the entrenched cities, destroying much infastructure and probably many civilian lives. So we are just going to have to wait for Quinntopia.

Sounds great, and yeah Quinntopia should be posting sometime next year I think.

No worries. It is probably more realistic for Italy for join in and help HL allies. I probably should not have mentioned the possibilty considering the understanding that Vecron was going to follow current Italian policies, including supporting the HL. But I am not that familiar with AMW Italian history and thought there might be a little bit of leeway for Vecron to make independent decisions. But we should probably stop the discussion and I am surprised Quinntopia/Eastenlands didn't stifle the discussion. Italy has invaded Austria and I guess we are going to see some heavy fighting in Austria in the near future. (Someone could maybe help Vecron because his invading post was pretty spotty and short, although I am far from expert and will likely need help in the future.)

Actually, it was an independent decision, I think I had said that already, but the post might have been lost (or missed) because it was the last post on the page and I think Moorington put another post up a few seconds later. And in fact, I would actually like some help with how to make a post about fighting a war, I tried to model it after Estenlands post, but it obviously didn't go as well I thought.

Plus, I just wanted to mention what was in that post that was missed, basically I said that if Yugoslavia is serious about that conference, he and all her allies should sign a cease-fire with Austria and the HL.

For me I usually start it off with a person. It can be in any theater of war, but usually I make my people post in onethat requires a little more attention, or could need some more weight.

Then a good second-person post is needed for your military junk. Like these forces move there and encounter this much of resistance, are this well feed, are feeling like this ect ect...

Then you usually shift your attention to a general panarama of your nation. How it is doing, how it feels and all that.

Usually I like making monster posts, that could scare even the most faint hearted. It could always be better to reply to each post as it appears, but I prefer my 'in one go' style because if I want a underlying theme, I don't forget it.

OOC-Don’t worry Fleur; I just think if you look up the concept on Wiki, you will find that your platform is regurgitated almost perfectly. That doesn’t make it wrong, but just war is highly contentious. I was referring to a particular interpretation of Just War from Luther’s Works that is all. He, in the most basic way, said that the only way to truly know that you are involved in a just war was to be the defender always. Basically, he taught that you were never to be the aggressor, but if you were attacked, you were to go for the throat. No big deal. I appreciated you arguments, they led to the air strikes.

Speaking about the air strikes, they in no way approached what was levelled at Iraq in either Gulf War. And they didn’t even come close to Vietnam, especially during the Christmas campaign. I just didn’t want to say so until I had checked my facts, but yeah, that was a pretty lopsided example. But it was an awesome amount of ordinance. I can say that it was all precisions, and the entirety was based upon massive satellite information and the most advanced bombing technology in the world, but in the end, civilians would have probably dies. We wouldn’t have attacked Austrian forces near major population centers, but a village or two may have gotten levelled if the Austrians within exhibited a major threat. I hit the Austrians hard, but I didn’t bomb the country into the Stone Age. Though, Hungarian civilian resentment against Quinntonians against this action could be huge. I will admit that. That is because even if 95% of the entire ordinance fell upon military targets, then that still means a lot of power dropping from the sky onto civilian heads.


IC-The Quinntonian embassy in the Czech Republic was abuzz with activity following the Yugoslavian entry into the war, the Quinntonian air strikes, and finally the Tsarists entry into the war, with Rome not far behind, so it seems. Things were crazy, and it seemed as though Eastern Europe was plunging into war and chaos on all sides. Now, with the latest round of pronouncements on all sides, the Quinntonians were faced with a major decision. The Minister of Foreign Affairs for Quinntonia, one Rev. Timothy Schneider, was sent to speak with Klaus. She landed in Prague under heavy fighter escort (20 F-16s) after flying non-stop to Rammstien. He was immediately escorted to the waiting bulletproof limo as her Secret Service bodyguard and Marine detachment swarmed around him, this was a war zone after all. The limo, with all of his staffers and security in convoy undoubtedly under heavy protection from local Czech military and police personal, zoomed through the already cleared streets to bring Mr. Schneider to the Presidential Palace. It is there, as he was unceremoniously ushered into an audience with the cocky Czech head of state, that he outlines the Quinntonian position. He greeted the Czech President as graciously as possible given the circumstances and the fact that jet fighters taking off could be heard from the study in which they sat.

As soon as the pleasantries were over, and all of the staffers except the most trusted interpreter that Pastor Schneider had were dismissed, he began, “The Quinntonian government fully supports our allies, and would like to continue to do so with you. That being said, you have placed the government in a difficult position in that you have launched a pre-emptive strike against Austria, which complicates matters for our legislators back home, and the Council Of Bishops has made some noise that they are not supportive of Quinntonian involvement in this situation due to the aforementioned complications. Nevertheless, PM Moerike has chosen to authorise the one-time, limited air strike in support of the attacks. We were hoping that this would give pause to the Austrians and force them back to the negotiating table. And Quinntonia is still ready and willing to supply you with any and all weapons, arms and wartime supplies of any nature that you should need in your struggle. As well, we are willing to supply a 12 billion USD war-bond to your government, with a payment of 1.5 billion USD transferable immediately to your treasury. The Pentagon has been authorised to study the situation, and perhaps another air strike of some kind would be authorised, but that is by no means certain.”

The smallish man with the straight black hair and pale complexion leaned back and paused as if uncomfortable with the next point, “However, as much as we are committed to supporting you with all of these initiatives, you must be understanding. Yugoslavia’s entry into the conflict has changed everything. As you know, after the Lavragerian/Tsarist conflict, Quinntonia authorised payments of over ten billion USD in aid to Lav as well as stationing peacekeepers in Putin’s Russia to protect the fledgling nation from Tsarist incursion. That, as well as equal amounts from Hindustan and the UK were transferred to Lav as the head of state of Republican Lavrageria and he then made off with the majority of those funds when he left that country to fend for itself. He stole all of that aid money from his people, and used it to build his new military and unite his Yugoslavian creation. This enraged the Quinntonian people, who felt used and betrayed, which was especially hard on them in light of the Dra-poel affair. Many people protested in the streets, and it was only the late great Prime Minister Jesse Obed who convinced the people not to go to war with Lav. Thos feelings have not gone away. When Yugoslavia entered the war, every single opposition party in the Parliament stood up during Question Period and demanded that our minority government withdraw completely from any conflict wherein Quinntonian resources could be seen to be helping Yugoslavian aims. PM Moerike’s government is on the brink of failure already, and with all of the tension that is going on regarding the Suez misadventures, it is hard for us to get involved in anything that does not directly hold our government together. So now, we have a minority government that is opposed in this conflict for theological reasons by most of the Council Of Bishops, and with Yugoslavia’s entry, the majority of the MPs, in both houses.”

“That brings us to the entry of the Tsarists. Quinntonia simply cannot afford to fight the HL and the Soviets. And if this government has to prioritise, it will fight the Soviets, who seem to be bent on baiting us into a conflict.”

“Now that you have our official position, let me tell you on a personal level, that with Yugoslavia’s entry, we are also facing our own MPs who want a vote of conscience on this issue. And they would see us cut off everything to you, as they are beginning to see this pre-emptive strike as part of a Yugoslavian invasion plan. And that is not good. The Prime Minister would like to tell you that she is prepared to sign an Executive Order, ordering “massive and sustained” air strikes in support of your nation if your territory becomes violated by Austrian, Yugoslavian, or even Tsarist troops. But I can tell you between us that the Order would only be signed if she felt that it would be the only option to keep your government from falling. I know I am not the bringer of good news, but with the package and assurances that I bring, I hope that it is not exactly bad news either. What do you think?”

Of course, the embassy soon contacts the High Command of the Czech military and informs them that the Pentagon has no official position on how they run the war, and that they should operate in a manner consistent with their own good sense and military doctrine. This includes all decisions regarding cities and their sieges thereof.



Hungary-
The Eastern front was crumbling under the massive onslaught that was occurring with the Ukrainian Tsarist forces that were being thrown at them. Nothing that the small nation could have ever done would have prepared them for what was being thrust at them on this day. It is at this time that all troops were ordered to fall back to Budapest for a final defence of the capitol, with the exception of the counter-attack to support Sopron, now seen as the only legitimate ground that was being gained against the invading Austrians. The Quinntonian air strikes were met with elation by the General Staff, though the President screamed to get the Quinntonian embassy on the phone to answer for the civilian casualties. Unfortunately, the embassy was being cleared at that moment, and apologies were offered in a telegram sent via courier. It looked like the two-fronted attack by the Czechs and the Yugoslavs, along with the stiff resistance around Sopron and the Hungarian counter-attack did little to soften Austrian resolve, as strangely as that was perceived, but the Austrian advance was stalled anyways with the Quinntonian strikes, and most likely the lack of supplies now being either diverted to Austrian defence or captured by the invading forces. It was the Tsarists that were the big problem, with a force being arrayed at the Hungarians that as over twice the size of the Yugoslavian one. There were constant reports of large groups of Hungarians surrendering and the normally resilient President did not know what to do.

Finally, he ordered the destruction of all of the bridges along the Danube; only to find out that Tsarist paratroopers had captured most of the southern ones. All of the ones that could were destroyed, and a good amount of southern crossings were blown up due to the heroics of some Hungarian resisters. He stared at the units splayed all about the giant backlit map on the table, as troops continued to fall back on every front, and finally ordered three things:
1. A Full Retreat, not just a fall back, for the defence of Budapest;
2. That the entirety of what was left of the air force should immediately defect en masse, with full compliments of fuel and armaments to the Czech Republic to be placed at their command. Then, both airbases were to be scuttled completely using high explosives.
3. To get Moscow on the phone and ask for terms.


As he was doing this, his diplomatic corps was egging Czech, German and Quinntonian help in any way that they could as the Tsarists tightened their grip with less and less resistance on the poor Hungarian state.


WWJD
Amen.

[tag] To get involved soon...

OOC-I would say that we both stay out of Romania in this case, and treat them as what they are, a former Soviet backed nation that because of their particular ethnicity would have no love lost for the Yugoslavians as well as feel extremely threatened by the Tsarists. They would not, if they could help it, allow anyone to use them as a launch pad for invasions and so on, and would perhaps be pushed into the opposing camp by the first group to violate their sovereignty. That being said; military resistance would no doubt result from either party attacking them, but I could only really see major civilian uprising occur if the Yugoslavs invaded them due to the nasty, nasty history that the groups involved have had in the Balkans.

IC-Operations: Austrian Shield was going extremely well, with the Hungarians completely on the run and Tsarist troops pouring into the nation. With the thousands of planes and tanks that were being thrown at the Hungarians it was not a matter of if the Hungarians would capitulate, just when.

The Quinntonian attacks in the West of the nation did give the commanders at Tsarist High Command pause, as they considered whether the Quinntonians would become involved, even in just the air war. Just to be on the cautious side, the strategic bomber force was ordered to concentrate on the military targets in the Eastern half of the nation up to the Danube, and after the initial massive bombing campaign that included the air strike capable fighter aircraft only 40 of the massive Tu-95/142 Bear’s were assigned to this operation, and would continue their near-constant bombing raids against the Hungarian military forces, while Princess Adrienna contacted the President of Hungary and explained that Budapest itself would come under bombing attacks if the Hungarian government did not surrender unconditionally within 24 hours.

The massive mechanised forces were rolling across the nation on well-built infrastructure as quickly as they could and were laying down constant bombardment onto the Hungarian resisters and retreating military forces foolish enough to continue the fight. The retreating aircraft were allowed to go, as it was believed that this would constitute a show of good faith on behalf of the Tsarists.

No pocket of resistance was allowed to linger for long, as Sopron and the tenacity shown by the defenders there was reason enough to never let things get too that stage. Any resistance was shot, and groups of resistors were crushed, if they surrendered and laid down their arms, they were taken by transport to waiting Ukrainian trains who would then escort them away from the front, to a Gulag somewhere, but with the knowledge that the Lavragerian POWs had been released fairly soon after the conflict and treated well, if they cooperated. If they did not cooperate, well, retribution would be harsh, to them, their friends, and their family. These were not Bible packing Quinntonian sheep that they were dealing with here; these were the most loyal, experienced and even fanatical Tsarist troops in the Empire. And they were hard, this was no French lace, this was Tsarist steel. And considering that they represented something like 2.4% of the total population of the nation, they were numerous enough to suffocate any resistance before it ever got ground, especially supported by heavy equipment, tens of thousands of tanks and a massive strategic bombing campaign that while it would never outright target civilians, except in case of Budapest, certainly had no qualms about blowing up ten civilians to kill one resister, either.

Tsar Wingert sent a missive to Lav saying that should the Yugoslavs return to their borders, the Tsarist forces would not enter Austria at all. But should they continue to attack the free and sovereign nation of Austria, they could soon be faced with the prospect of total war with the entire Tsarist Empire, not just this one small cog in the Empire.

First Minister Armand of course, was more congenial when he contacted President Klaus and explained that the Tsarists were simply responding to Yugoslav intervention and though they felt that the Czech/Austrian conflict could be handled without intervention by the larger regional powers, they were forced to do something in light of the unbalanced attacks that were being levelled at Austria, who were only engaged in activity designed to suppress the villainous terrorism that was being perpetrated by the dangerous Hungarian government.

Princess Adrienna, the commander of this operation just contacted the Hungarian President directly explaining the Tsarist position:

1. Hungary will surrender within 24 hours or Budapest will face bombing.
2. The President, Parliament and the General Staff must sign the surrender.
3. The Tsarist High Command will administer Hungary until such time as the hostilities are concluded. In that time, a Duma will be set up and regional government will remain in the hands of the Hungarian people.
4. Any resistance will be met with deadly force up to and including summary execution of suspected collaborators.
5. The Executive Staff of the government and the General Staff of the military will be placed under arrest and kept in the Presidential residence under guard, with no outside contact allowed for the duration of the hostilities.
6. POWs will be treated well, and all who surrender will b fed, given clothing and shelter and medical attention for the duration of hostilities.

Princess Adrienna also contacted the commander of the Austrian invasion force in Hungary and asked that they see reason and immediately return to their home borders where they can see that “Austria Prevails!” against the massive invading horde that was arrayed against them.

The paratroopers were able to land 6,000 troops every eight hours, and after landing the first section along the Danube, was quickly landing them close to the Austrian/Hungarian border , landing another 6,000 along that expanse. The next 6,000 would be landing around Sopron to take the place of the Austrians who would no doubt be wary of giving up their hard-fought positions, and it was recommended that maybe there, the Austrians would be allowed to stay for awhile for an easier transition. That would take no more than 24 hours from the beginning of the main attack on, and suddenly, far behind Hungarian lines there would be 18,000 Tsarist crack troops, some of the most experienced and capable in the Empire that would be engaging in large scale guerrilla combat and population pacification, much like they had done in Lavrageria a few years before.


Operation: Yugoslavian Spear
This part of Adrienna’s plan was not without difficulty as the tiny Bulgarian Fleet proved a desperate, if not very potent fighter. The massive amount of force that was raging was a lot more accurate and effective then the Bulgarian reports led people to believe, with large amounts of satellite imaging coming into play and allowing for precision strikes to occur. The ships heading for the Bosporus were chased the entire way by air assets that used their long-range guided anti-shipping missiles to sink a couple, as they were easier to find with their predictable route and destination. Of course, the accuracy that the fleet was being pinpointed was inadvertently compromised to an extent when the strike campaign against the coastal targets began to occur. The massive plumes of smoke and fire that were being sent up started to drift and allow for some cover for the ships; nevertheless the targeting done by instrument was still quite effective against the seaborne units.

The Slava Class Cruiser that was suddenly being engaged by a large amount of the enemy fire, the Moskva, was fairly surprised, but its six 30mm AK-630 guns roared to life as the missiles came in and those were only taking care of what got through the eight SA-N Grumble SAMs that acted as kind of a Patriot equivalent. But that was not all, the Fleet CAP also actively engaged the incoming ordinance as per their duties, and were very successful at it, this meant that the only direct hits to occur upon the combined Tsarist Fleet during the main engagement was against the Moskva, and of that only three made it through the screen, and one exploded upon impacting with the waterline about 35m from the Moskva, with the other two impacting, one just above the waterline armour, and the other against the fore section of the craft. Damage control teams were scrambled as the fires were dealt with and fought. Over 40 of the 500-man compliment were killed outright on the impact on the deck, which incidentally also took out its cruise missile launching capacity. Luckily, those missiles had already been fired at hundreds of kilos distant targets on the coastline. The ship began listing badly to the port side and as it took on water, much of its crew was evacuated into other waiting ships and while the hole was patched, the ship was clamped onto and began to be towed back to port for repair. It would not sink today, but the repairs would take weeks especially on the cruise missile systems.

The Tsarists were dogged in their determination to hunt down every last target, and again, the understanding of distance to a Russian Slav and a European Slav was highlighted, as the few hundred kms that the Bulgarians called their coastline was seen as huge to them, was seen as inconsequential to the Russians who had spent the Cold War learning how to defend the largest coastline in the world. One by one the Bulgarians were found, targeted, and destroyed under blistering air and seaborne cruise missile attack. Often with the missiles being fired from so far away that they never had a chance to see their attackers. Those that cut and run were chased for the entire length of their retreat, under heavy air attack, but if they should happen to make it to the Bosporus, they were let go, with a nod to the Ottomans.

Even the most wily of the coastal defenders would find that their tricks would only work on those attacks coming from aircraft on runs through the interior of the coast, with all of the initial attacks being directed via satellite, they required no signature to lock on to. However, after the initial bombardment took place, the tactics were indeed effective, at least until the sky was turning so black from attackers and incoming cruise missiles, that as the Yugoslavs had commented, “someone had to find them.”

All in all, the Russians were surprised at the tenacity of the Yugoslavs, and thought that they showed great spirit, with some more spiritual sorts even throwing painted eggs into the water as a token for their respect. The Ukrainians did not have the same respect for their opponents, as many of them had lost comrades in the Lavragerian conflict and their hearts burnt for revenge against the treacherous Lav.

The amphibious attack was continually being prepared and ships of every type were being brought together for the attempt, should it become necessary. Of course, landing ships were quickly being constructed in the Crimea as Ukraine had gone to total war footing and all of its industry was being pushed towards this moment.

Of course, there was a call for conscription as the reserves in Ukraine were being activated for this Operation, and though the call and mobilisation was still in its infant stages, perhaps another million troops COULD be added this ay. Of course, the most massive activation of reserves that the Tsarists had done was in the Lavragerian conflict, and that had been about 400,000 troops, or another 40 Divisions of Light Infantry. At this stage, they were hoping to have about 250,000 troops activated by the end of the month. But activation would be going much quicker exponentially after that, with the High Command projecting that they could mobilise and arm more than 1,000,000 troops in three months in addition to the professional army.

With 40 of the Tu-95/142 Bears assigned to Operation: Austrian Shield, and a total of 6 either destroyed or in need of repair after the initial campaign, the remaining 54 of the heavy bombers that were the stuff of nightmares for the Cold War were assigned to coastal bombardment of Bulgaria. They were given strike orders of primarily military targets. But if military targets were to use civilians as shields, they would find the pilots unflinching in their duty, and this fact was communicated to Lav’s government. They would be heavily escorted and the Ukrainian air force that had been assigned to this operation from the beginning would henceforth be single-minded in bombarding the coast’s military capabilities for the duration of hostilities. The escorts would often fly sorties over the beaches to achieve pinpoint attacks on fortifications and missile silos, but the Tu-95/142 Bears could stay 200 kms off the coastline and still strike with their huge payload of cruise missiles. It saddened the pilots to be firing at their Orthodox brothers, but religion sometimes had to be put aside in times of war. The amount of ordinance that was to be fired in a sustained fashion at that coastline was in a word awesome.



Kazakhstan-
Premier Borat Sagdeyiv expressed his concern over the Caliphates new claims, and though his economy was already on wartime footing due to the orders of the Tsarist High Command, he ordered his troops to an even more active patrol of the borders with their neighbours. He again and again implored for peace and explained that he did not want to fight his Central Asian friends, and would instead like to engage in trade. He did, however, begin to call up the reserves as he requested Russian aid in the defence of his large nation.

He explained that he would never begin the attack against the Depkazis and will pray to Allah that the great Caliphate would see the mercy of the People of the Book. He was quoted as saying, “Why would the people of the Prophet fight one another in this day and age? We should be helping each other.” On more unofficial terms he offered to both encourage China to return their oil prospects to Depkazia, publicly proclaim that Chingiz wads the only true Caliph, and even help militarily with his border problems in Afghanistan.

The people preaching against Orthodoxy would find a receptive audience, right up until they started to talk of insurrection, where they would say, “Revolution against whom? Our Premier Borat is Islam; almost 2/3 members of the Duma is Islam. Orthodoxy and Islam have lived side by side here for 800 years. What is problem?” To the almost 30% Russian minority, they would just be quietly reported, for the Kargat and the KGB to arrest.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

Belgrade

Pheidippedes turboprops hum an historic harmony over the Socialist Federal Republic as Marathon transport aircraft arrive on long legs from Libya.

Crate after crate is spat upon the tarmac in recognition of an uneasy and politically difficult alliance of convenience between Belgrade and Raipur, one that fears the other's influence and one that thinks the other primitive.

"These are for Bulgaria, I think." Says one Celtic woman to a Slav. L'Angelot Maudit the crate reads. Accursed Cherubs with an eye for Russian targets. The Soviets supply Yugoslavia with beyond-visual-range air-to-air weaponry for their fighters only because they believe that it will hurt the Holy League... especially since these Soviet weapons are in advance of anything that continental Europe can offer in reply.

And then a bigger surprise for anyone peering in, Indo-Geletian soldiery on what was declared neutral soil. Come from Libya, the first battalion does not wait long in Serbia before making for Bulgaria. "Oh, by my various gods, let the Ruskie come!" cries one young man, lifting up his INSAS rifle.

Oh, and here come the Hobgoblins!

OOC-Just to through this out there, wasn't there a couple of posts regarding Tsarist monitering of Soviet air and shipping on the Roman pond? I think that a flight into Belgrade would need to be RPed at some piont prior to the landing to give everyone a chance to repsond. That, and I don't recall Lav saying that he was accepting foriegn troops, only that it was a possbility, correct me if I'm wrong.

WWJD
Amen.

(OOC: Evidently Lav has been forced to change policy since the Russian aggression! As I think LRR just predicted in another thread, creepily enough. The Adriatic a Roman lake? They should consult the JNA about that one, considering that Yugoslavia has the means to wipe-out the Italian fleet! If anyone's intercepting air traffic coming to and from Yugoslavia I should like to hear about that in advance, please!
Hope you guys can wait for an IC post tomorrow, I've got to meet someone, now.)

OOC: Quinntopia did you have to mention Germany? I don’t want Germany to become involved or even talked about in this campaign. I can make something up about why they didn’t get involved later.

Vaclav Klaus and Quinntopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Schneider

Vaclav Klaus nods his head in response to Timothy Schneider’s offer of Quinntopia aid and murmurs his appreciation with the Quinntopian promise to protect his government. When Schneider finishes speaking Klaus begins.
“Quinntopia and the Czech Republic have been strong friends for many years. This relationship has weathered many storms and will survive many more in future. My people and I, are committed to this friendship and no Soviet will come between this special relationship. My people owe much to yours. Under the tutelage of the United States of Quinntonia our economy has modernized and been integrated into the powerful western economy. This effect has not only been limited to the economy and our military has been significantly improved and aided by Quinntopia. Without Quinntopia the Czech people would still been in bondage under the oppressive reign of the Soviets with no possibility of escape.”

Klaus pauses for effect and continues. “Because of Quinntopia the Czech people experienced freedom, and they relish that freedom every day and every moment. We need your help more than we have ever needed you. I will explain. I have just received reports from the Hungarian Eastern front. These pictures show the brutality of Tsarist forces.”

Klaus passes a portfolio containing pictures to Schneider. They all contain scenes of the violence against Hungarian civilians, including resisters against the Tsar.

“When my forces invaded Austria they were mostly courteous and showed respect for all Austrians. These barbarian dogs are not so civilized. This one” Klaus points at a picture Schneider was examining, “shows a mother, son, and grandfather shot and tossed out in the streets like trash, because they were related to a Hungarian resistor. The Czech people experienced much hardship under Soviet rule but that experience will pale compared to life under the Tsars.”

Klaus indignant shakes his head and slams his hand on the desk. “I cannot, will not, stand by while my brothers in Hungary are subjected to this inhumane treatment. As long as Tsarist troops remain on Hungarian soil my soldiers will remain in Austria.”

“It is the Austrian government bent on expansion which caused this mess. Austria refused talks of peace and Drekscler seems to be determined to plunge Eastern Central Europe into war. Peace is impossible so long as his government is in control. Maxen is the key to this mess if only he knew it. I have entreated him to meet with us in Rammstien but to no avail. I ask you now to help millions of people and let Maxen know of my sincerity to meet with him in a free and sincere manner. Without Maxen, the freedom that Quinntopia brought to the Czech Republic will be threatened.”

If we can get Maxen to come to Rammstein and agree to take over the Austrian government then my troops will leave Austria, beginning the defusal of this situation.”

The Quinntopian Campaign

The Czech government has recently been criticized for wasting millions of dollars in an aid campaign in the United States of Quinntonia instead of spending the money on the war effort. The ads were composed of a photo of Czech President Vaclav Klaus and Hungarian President Laszlo Solyom shaking hands (taken at a recent but prewar diplomatic visit) overlaid over a background including the American bald eagle. Underneath read, “The eagle is screaming, will you join our fight for freedom?” This ad campaign was currently running all over the United States and the Czech government was believed to be increasing the funding allocated to the project.

Condemnation of 'continued Tsarist agression against the neutral powers of eastern Europe' echoes quickly out of Sithin, proof of the Strainists frequent accusations that the Holy League is insatiable in its lust to conquer and destroy the peoples of the world. Yugoslavia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic recieve words of encouragement from the Lyongese and their comrades in Jakarta, though in keeping with an unfortunate Strainist tradition these fall short of promising actual assistance, the great distance between East Asia and eastern Europe providing an easily defensible excuse.

Of course, the Tsar ought not have expected to move such significant forces to Europe without repercussions, if only because Lyongese pride may be hurt by feeling that they themselves are not taken seriously. Perhaps to rectify this, perhaps in support of the nations engaged in League agression, two additional armoured divisions are returned to Meyon province, on the Russo-Spyran border, while Party youth and student organizations are issued with live ammunition. Strainist satellites continue their work of eyeing emplacements across the border, in search of both potential agression and targets for artillery strikes should the need arise.

Raleigh, Australasia

"Good evening ladies, gentlemen." Sir Andrew Strathairn tapped his pipe against a convenient ash tray and leaned back in his wicker chair. He was sitting on the balcony of the Lodge in Raleigh, attired in dress pants, carpet slippers and a smoking jacket. The evening sun cast a honey-coloured glow over the scene appropriate to a late summer evening. His image was being broadcast on every major news network in the nation, a sort of fireside chat in the tradition of Franklin Roosevelt.

"As you are by now aware, the Austrian situation has grown far beyond a regional conflict. Eastern Europe threatens to become a warzone. My government greets this news with considerable regret. My staff and I had hoped for a peaceful solution to this issue, and had wished to see a return to legitimate government in the Austrian Federacy. Unfortunately, this has not come to pass. Moreso, Hungary is now subject to a massive Tsarist invasion, and the government in Budapest has requested terms. Nobody can fault the Hungarian nation or people, they did what they could. The Tsarist invasion was massive and co-ordinated, and any nation on earth would have been hard-pressed to resist it. My heart goes out the Hungarian people this night.

"Austria has also been invaded, this time by the Czech Republic and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. While I feel for the Austrian patriots, I cannot say that I do not support this measure. Austria deserves its real leader, Maxen von Bismarck. Austria deserves economic stability and peace in our time. It does not deserve Drecksler's demagoguery and it does not deserve invasion. However, invasion to protect Hungary and its other neighbours from aggression is warranted, and supported by my government. Happily, Maxen von Bismarck has been found alive, and is in Mauritania forming a government-in-exile. We extend the privileges of state to this government, and will negotiate with the Federacy through him. All negotiations with Drecksler's regime will be just that.

"The Holy League is once again the perpetrator of an illegal invasion of a sovereign state. Princess Adrienna has made a naked grab for territory in her invasion of Hungary, as evidenced by her desire to annex it and form a ceremonial Duma. The Tsarist state has confirmed itself as a force of evil on this Earth, and is guilty of the mass-manipulation of a noble religion for its sinister purposes. The civilized world has moved beyond religious crusades and brainwashing of the civilian population, the Holy League has not. I call upon the leaders of the League to reverse their counterproductive cycle, but I fear that this call will go unheeded.

"Negotiations with the Kingdom of France are ongoing, but I feel justified in saying that France's tacit endorsement of naked Tsarist aggression is not appreciated. French brutality toward prisoners of war is well documented, not least by such news sources as the BBC or the New York Times. However, the recent lobotomy performed upon a Bedgellan prisoner of war is inhuman and depraved. I call upon the French government to stand for the Christian and moral ideals that it espouses, and cease the torture of its prisoners.

"I realize that many Australasians are concerned that we will be drawn into several wars at once only weeks after declaring peace with France. However, I want you and your families to know that I am doing everything in my power to avert crises around the world. The British have thoughtfully donated their battleship for use as a meeting place at the upcoming Suez summit..."

The Hellenic Republic formally repremands Austria for their injust invasion of Hungary. The invasion brings nothing but war and instablity to Eastern Europe, instablity that could end the recent tranquilty brought about by the current state of affairs in Yugoslavia and Greece. The Republic understands that the situation of Austrian affairs was dire and the government needed to make a change or risk a outright revolution on their hands. Therefore, the Hellenic Republic suspends all trade with Austria, and will soon be ordering all diplomats back from Vienna. The Hellenic Republic also requests that Austria remove all of their diplomats from Athens. We thank you for your cooperation.

SIC: Air Force personal have been ordered to report to bases in preparation for military exercises.

Padua, Italy
Tenente Colenello Decius Minatia of the 1st Air Brigade watched another two-flight element of Eurofighters launch from the tarmac and join another two-flight element of Tornadoes en route to Austria. Planes had been flying on and off the tarmac at an amazing pace, Minatia had never seen this base so busy during his tenure. He felt a sense of awe that every single pilot left with an eye for some piece of Yugoslavian military equipment that been used to invade Rome’s northern neighbor. Though most pilots boasted about hits and kills, no official word came in, and everyone in Regia Aeronautica knew about the pilot’s aversion to exaggeration. Minatia could hardly imagine what it feel like as a member of the Russian Air Force, to see seven hundred planes, not just 82, fly off against the Hungarian or Yugoslavs. And now, word had reached his ear that Caesar Romulus I was going to order more air strikes against Slovenia. Lav’s time had run out, and Romulus was tired of being ignored, it was time for Rome to take a more active role in the crisis.

At the Austrian border, the second phase of Operation: Hammerstrike begins as 14 infantry legions, with two air defense cohorts, one engineering cohort and one logistics, and 4 armoured legions with the same mixed cohorts rolled into Austria. Because of the immense size of the Yugoslavian army in Austria, Roman generals have decided to use hit-and-fade tactics on Yugoslavian supply lines, outposts, AA emplacements. The Legions would hit them wherever the Yugoslavs were the most vulnerable in an attempt to make them stretch themselves thin in an attempt to defend every position at once. The legions marched across the border in full armor to let the Yugoslavs know they were coming, their formations were perfect as the well-disciplined soldiers marched in perfect time. The armor of the legionnaires glinted in the sun, the red crests made the large marching of troops appear to be a sea of red. In front of them rolled the Ariete battle tanks. In all their totals were:

Infantry Legions:
77000 men
3500 Dardo Hitfist IFV
700 Ariete II MBT
700 Caesar 155mm SPA
490 Dardo AA vehicles
70 MEADS extended range air defense system
140 Spada 2000 Air Defense System

Armored Legions:
11000 men
500 Ariete II MBT
500 Dardo Hitfist IFV
100 Dardo AA vehicles
40 Spada 2000 Air Defense System

Heading the other way, toward Yugoslavia, Minatia was in charge of prepping the fighters and bombers that would launch air strikes on Slovenia and in Triest. They would target bases, supply lines, naval ports and AA weaponry. The fighters would launch in a matter of hours, using information gained from the RQ-1A surveillance planes and satellite photos. No ground troops have been ordered to be prepared as what Caesar Romulus decides to be a sign of good faith in hopes that a cease-fire can be reached. Caesar Romulus also makes clear that Rome’s main interest is Austria and her sovereignty, not who rules it. The fighters that will be launching are:

Bombers:
30 AMX
40 Tornado IDS
7 Tornado IT-ECR

Escorts:
12 F-16
50 Eurofighter F2
50 F-104 Starfighter

The people of Rome are of mixed feelings about their country’s involvement, many are happy that they have an independent Caesar, one who is not dependent on France to make his decisions for him. Yet even among those there are some people who feel that he should have launched an all out invasion of Yugoslavia. Others aren’t sure what to think, they just received a new Caesar and a short while later they were in a heated conflict with the rest of Eastern Europe. It is a commonly held opinion that Romulus’ popularity in the Empire will hinge on how he fares in this conflict.

Adulterous blood baked in the Depkazi sun upon hallowed Registan, far from the skirmishes of Europe. "Wash that! Don't I require it done immediately after the day's events? Wash that! It is starting to draw the flies!"

The Caliph returned through a vast Islamic archway, irked by the leavings of an execution.

"Vizier!" He called. "Ah, news... from Kazakhstan?" He raised an eyebrow.

Chingiz considered the information carefully.

"I think that we could win, and I think that we could have the support of millions if we did things right. It would be especially good if the Russians fight the Soviets in Yugoslavia. Good for our relations with India. My little Gulsana's job would be that much easier.

"But, this crawling Borat, does he offer enough to make me reconsider? Can we use him? It would be best to advance without war, after all.

"We'll talk to this puppet in Kazakhstan, but I must say that he prospect of a military victory against the Russian Empire is most tempting, none the less.

"Once again I feel excited, Vizier! Shall I fight the Russians with Indian weapons, or the Armandians with Russian weapons? What is a greater affront to Allah, Orthodoxy or Communism?

"Ah, it is not so simple..."

Premier Sagdeyiv would probably be happy. Samarkand was pleased by his indication that he may openly and officially recognise the Depkazi Caliph as right leader of the Ummah. That'll show those dusty Osmanlis and the socialists in the east.

The Caliphate's strategy is rumbling off on a new course through the deserts and mountains. Kazakhstan was going to be treated gradually more and more like an independent state. One of the consulates there would take on the de facto role of embassy to the Holy League. Sagdeyiv would find himself invited to visit holy sites in the Caliphate, and joking called Kazakh Khan by the Caliph if they ever meet. Trade could begin... Samarkand would be willing to pipe natural gas through Kazakhstan to Europe, and would like to step-up use of the Manych Canal from the Caspian and the Volga-Don route to the open ocean, marginally reducing the importance of Balochistan and perhaps spurring pro-accession factions there to act more quickly.

Chingiz even hoped to begin military co-operation with Kazakhstan in maintaining and upgrading his USSR-era weaponry (most of which is still good enough for his needs, just a little worn-out), and placing Kazakh personnel in Afghanistan to counter the threat of the communist Democratic Republic there.

Over time, though, Caliphal agents and clerics will continue to work for Kazakh nationalism and Islamic observance, some 'rogue' elements even promoting attempts to 'out-breed' the Russians.

The Khaganate's trade with Yugoslavia, virtually halted since the Suez was shut-down, now looks threatened in the long-term.

The recent move by Australasia concerning Maxem's government was greeted with much enthusaism by the Czech government. Vaclav Klaus issued a statement praising the Australasian government and indicated his desire for all governments, be they capitalistic, feudalistic, or communistic to adopt that stance. He declared freedom was irresistable and that every government that legitimized Maxen was promoting freedom.

OOC-Holy mackerel! Rome don’t screw around! Well, Austria is starting to look like they could make a fight out of this, though I am unsure what will be left of their nation when all is said and done. So, we have something like 100,000 Austrian troops and civilians defending their nation on two fronts. Like 85,000 Czechs attacking from the North, and 120,000 Yugoslavs attacking from the south, with 240,000 Tsarist troops coming to their assistance from the East and like 150,000 Romans coming from the West.

What is that? Something like almost 700,000 troops fighting in an area slightly smaller than Maine.” Granted the Tsarist haven’t actually gotten there yet, but it is getting crowded, if this keeps up, there could end up being one soldier for every 11-12 people in the nation. Yikes!

IC-
The Pentagon used the pictures of the brutality of the Tsarists and the rather poorly done publicity campaign of the Czechs as one more excuse to make another air strike. Knowing that the people would revolt if they felt that Quinntonian forces were in any way helping the Yugoslavians, especially now with reports of Soviet intervention, they knew that they may have only one chance. The ordered the same size air strike that they had ordered against the invaders in Hungary, against Trieste, but this one would fly from their own Italian base in Geata, Italy. This flight plan was registered with the Roman government, but not until the cruise missiles and smart bombs were already flying. The primary targets for the strike was the port and harbour facility, and any Austrian ship that was docked there would be fired upon, civilian or not. The choice to fire upon civilian ships was hard, but not unlike the British sinking of the French Fleet in WW2, it had to be done. This was a war zone, so, any civilian ship that stayed in harbour had to be considered hostile. Austria was to be denied its link to the sea. It’s fledgling Navy would be taken from it. And if circumstances permitted, more airstrikes against Austrian shipping in general and the Navy in particular would be carried out, though it was doubtful that Quinntonia could take part in more strikes as long as Soviets were on Yugoslav soil. The force arrayed against Trieste was:
F-117A Nighthawk-10
B-2 Spirit Bombers-10
B-1B Lancers, 25
Escort-
100 F-15E Strike Eagles
A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog”-100

It was hoped that such an overwhelming force arrayed that smashed into the Austrians over long lines in Hungary would have a major psychological impact as it crushed all resistance in that smaller area. This was especially given the fact that the Yugoslavs had done some air strikes there as well and so the AA and SAM capabilities were relatively well known. Civilian casualties would be high, but thank goodness that prior to any of this starting, Austria had been so painstaking in removing most of the civilians from this city to protect them. That was seen as a very class act, unlike most of what Austria had done.

The Quinntonian ambassador to Rome, Bishop Phillip Esposito, made contact with the government and requested that Rome take Trieste from the Austrians for the duration of this conflict, and order their military and naval units away from the city. If that was not done, he could not speak for the safety of the people there.

Of course, the Minister for Foreign Affairs that had just finished speaking to President Klaus, and he left, but not before he made a speech condemning the Austrian regime, imploring Yugoslavia to not involve the Soviets, and offering formal recognition to the Austrian government-in-exile. This would, of course, include some financial support.


Hungary-
All the way into Sopron, the fighting was fierce, but the Hungarian resistors were hearing the reports coming out that the Tsarists had entered the war with what some reports claimed was ten times the army as the Hungarians had. The defenders at Sopron, momentarily relieved when the Quinntonian air strikes fell, now had new and fresh troops reinforcing their attackers’ position in the form of 6,000 Tsarist paratroopers. The counter-attack was starting to falter, due to lack of air support and basics starting to run dry as Budapest stopped sending forward ammunition, food, fuel, and medical supplies. The field commanders scrounged whatever they could, and they fought heroically, but the Austrians were just better prepared for their fight than they were. People talked about falling back, and there started to be mass surrenders and desertions along the line, but those who stayed to fight, fought like mad-dog killers. They were going to kill every invader, be they Tsarist or Austrian that they could and when their ammo ran out, they would fix bayonets. Of course, no matter how bravely or fiercely they fought, they just kept losing more and more ground, even in Sopron, though it looked as though Sopron itself could hold out for quite awhile longer.

Budapest-President Laszlo Solyom had gathered to himself at Budapest a motley group of defenders that included military, police, cadet corps, and civilians. His commanders had reported that they commanded something like 55,000 troops in and around the capitol, and that they were prepared to make fight for it, should that be their orders. The main thing that everyone was worried about, was the bombing, the Tsarists had been known to bomb civilian targets when they had to, but so far they had tried not to. But with the capitol, they had already stated that they would bomb the city into dust. The President and the General Staff had already moved the war room into the bunkers below the Presidential Palace, and was currently taking a hot shower after allowing himself a few hours of rest. He needed a clear head when he made this decision. Would he surrender? Would he allow Hungary to be on the losing side of an invasion for the third time in a hundred years?

He slowly looked up at himself in the fogged up mirror, and then shaved. He dressed himself in his finest suit, with all of his ribbons of office on and exited for the walk to the war-room. The General Staff were waiting for him, they had been arguing, but when he walked in, they stopped and stared.

He said, “I order you as your Commander in Chief and the head of state to order your troops to lay down arms and I will make a radio address to that effect. However, we will not surrender our government to the Tsarists, but rather to the Austrians, though we recognise that the Tsarist will administrate the affairs here until such time as that can be handled. These are your orders.”

He then went on to make his radio address, speaking eloquently to the Hungarian people about their rich history and past, thanking them for their heroism in defending their mother country, and offering his sincerest apologies for failing them.

After that was done, and the nation began to mourn even as Tsarist tanks and troops poured over the Danube and surrounded Budapest, he walked quietly to his office, sat at his desk, pulled out his revolver, and put it in his mouth.

His orderly would find him after the shot rang out, and they would then find the Prime Minister and inform him that he was now the President, and needed to make the arrangements for the surrender.

WWJD
Amen.

(OOC: I wanted to post this over 48 hours ago, I think it was, before the Quinntonian post, but the forums haven't let me in until now, and I'm at a friends and can't sit around editing the post just now, so on we go.)

Socialist Republic of Bulgaria

So the Black Sea fleet collapsed, taking something from having shed Tsarist blood, at least. The only escapee through the Ottoman's waters a lone submarine that surfaced mid-way through the passage. A second remained at sea, its captain unsure of whether it would be proper to risk his crew by making an attack on the Tsarists, or better to wait for an opportunity to flee.

The missile craft had mostly been destroyed or had expended their Brom missiles and attempted to close for short-range combat, hoping to cause damage and casualties. This hadn't worked terribly well given the presence of Tsarist air power, though a few surface-to-air missiles were let fly before the end.

Some boats had chosen against such reckless attacks and attempted to flee -without success- or to hide. One crew slipped their boat in to anchor on a remote part of the coast and managed to hide it for many hours before an air strike caused its demise, by which time all hands had escaped ashore with the exception of the captain, who gave futile fire with the craft's 30mm cannon while sat atop a last-resort demolitions charge.

Ashore, airstrikes -though formidable- were still having less impact than the Tsar may have believed, but people were dying and assets were being lost.

Satellites fed the enemy much misinformation, and an awful lot of missiles were completely wasted, and searching for non-static defences proved a difficult task for the Russian satellites and their operators. Belgrade is several hours in even asking its new temporary ally to disable the satellites in question.

Aged MiGs continue to be used only in limited anti-missile defences, while L-20s fly even more defensive sorties over their own airbases. Lav has been waiting for the Soviets to arrive with true interceptors before taking on any bomber forces.

It is fair to say that marine defences are virtually gone, with Brom launchers hidden away and hardened gun emplacements destroyed. The beaches and approaches however remain mined in places, and spotted with scores of bunkers and pillboxes, including tiny one-man positions recently installed on the orders of Marshal Lav.

In Bulgaria, the opšte-narodna odbrana edicts have been activated, beginning the slow mobilisation of the Territorial Defence Forces across the Republic for deep defence in the event of a Tsarist landing success.

Trieste

General-Armije Mihajilo Draganic had entered the city amidst assurances from Belgrade that it intends to occupy naval facilities while leaving the administration of the town untouched. Military forces are to surrender or be destroyed, but the police force would be free to maintain order so long as it did not aggress against the JNA.

Austria

Milan Pupin's artillery shifted its barrage after a couple of hours to allow the approach of infantry now pressing into the southern suburbs of Graz. His 20,000 men intend to take the city, and have already shut-down the highway leading across the Raab and then up to Vienna and the Hungarian front.

To the southwest, Army-General Bojan Javoric receives command of a new force partly broken-off from Stojakovic's main army group, now being reinforced from Slovenia.

The JNA is not far enough into Austria on this front for the Italians to have much access to their rear or flanks, and Javoric drives an Armoured Brigade -150 tanks plus integral artillery, anti-tank, and anti-air regiments- from near Villach straight down the highway towards the Italian city of Tarvisio, heavily outnumbered by the Italian forces mobilized but hoping to concentrate his force against part of their big showy line and punch a hole.

Stojakovic presses up the highway towards Wolfsburg, expecting to arrive momentarily with a Mechanised Brigade and attached regimental units, leaving most of his force to Javoric, who will muster them behind his armoured punch at the Italians.

Socialist Republic of Slovenia

Italian attacks were not what Lav wanted, and not what he believed would really come. Italy has declared war on Yugoslavia? This is too much!

The L-20s on CAP over Slovenia and Southern Austria suddenly have their work cut-out for them. Starfighters, AMX, even F-16 and Tornado are vastly inferior rivals for the Yugoslavian Putins, enjoying fire-and-forget advantage over the Tornados, not to mention stealth and agility, and Starfighters are picked up and shot at before they probably catch on to the fact that a battle's starting, but Eurofighters...

The first combat kills for the L-20 in major warfare come not far ahead of the first combat losses as the balance begins to slide back to the enemy in Putin/Eurofighter duals, even if not by so very much. Soviet aid is desperately required if the few dozen L-20 are to survive the bouts they now fight over Slovenia, but at least they're doing a fair job of protecting ground assets, forcing Eurofighters to really work on their missions and making everyone else wish that the Eurofighters had shot-down the L-20s before launching air strikes into territory full of fighters, mountains, and SAMs.

No doubt the Italians will lose a lot in the air and do little damage on the ground, but the mounting total of L-20s shot-down by Eurofighters (and one or two by other aircraft) leaves Yugoslavia with dangerously little in reserve and now seriously fearful for long-term air superiority at home. Losing so many valuable fighters in such infuriating action by the Holy League, old enemy of the President, is terrible for the Italian border towns of Gorizia and Monfalcone... Yugoslavian infantry are pouring directly into them from border posts, howitzers and mortars stiking their defences along with hundreds of 122mm rockets carrying cluster-munitions in hit-and-run Plamen-S raids.

The forces reacting appear to be recently raised Army Trained Reserve under the command of a Colonel, owing to the recent deployment of so many top generals to Austria and Trieste!

Versailles

It does not take very much time for His Most Christian Majesty’s Government to recall Monsieur le Comte de Sartines and the entire French diplomatic mission from Yugoslavia, which had not been forthcoming with any real diplomatic progress anyway. They left just before the bombs began to fall.

The Prime Minister Monsieur le Comte de Maurepas addressed the situation:

“The cause of all this chaos is, quite simply, a massive communist plot to overthrow the legitimate governments of Europe.”

“First, the secret agent of the communist conspiracy, Marshall Lav, is working in sync with a communist horde this very minute seeking to break through the Suez Canal! Thank the Lord Our Almighty God! that we have a Holy League which was able to stop this demonic plot. For I tell you this in all truth, if the mighty Lieutenants of God had not been in a position to stop this chaos, London and Washington D.C. would at this minute be facing nothing less than a ‘Red Europe’.

“In the beginning the creature formerly known as Lav sends Hungarian terrorists to do his work, when that fails he incited the Czech Republic, which has long danced to his fiddle, to do this evil mans bidding. When that was not enough, he himself, in flagrant violation of his ‘peaceful’ intentions, entered the war without so much as a by-your-leave. Only Tsar Wingert, and Caesar Romulus Magnus, by the power invested in them by the force of God and all His Angels, have been able to enter the situation and secure the lawfully elected government of Austria headed by Herr Drekcsler.”

“Therefore blame against any Holy League nation in this matter is entirely unplaced. Keen eyes poking out from the White Hall and White House cannot fail to see the writing on the wall. The Communist Bloc, seeing France engaged in a large humanitarian aid mission in Africa, and the Tsar dealing with cannibalistic rebels who feed on Mother Moscow’s children, thought they could take the Suez and all of Central Europe in one fell swoop. They were sorely mistaken. Now Rome, Moscow, and Paris shall rise as one to slay the beast, though France is also engaged elsewhere. The simply matter is that without the Holy League, NATO itself would be forced to do what God Lieutenants do now: stop the Red Wave from covering the earth, both in Europe, Africa, and the world.”

“Taking all these factors into account France joins her Holy League allies by issuing a full condemnation against Marshall Lav and his illegal actions. Furthermore, His Most Christian Majesty’s Royal Navy shall impound all Yugoslavian shipping and arrest all Yugoslavian sailors as war criminals for this moment hence.”

He let that hang in the air a second, the French Third Fleet was stationed right off Sicily, and would soon be able to carry out Versailles wish. Libya wouldn’t be getting anymore flight instructors from Belgrade any time soon, that was for damn sure.

“If this is not incentive enough, being mindful that both the actions of Marshall Lav and the Communist Suez crisis are a hand-in-glove conspiracy, the Kingdom of France shall be forced within twelve hours to issue a Declaration of War against Yugoslavia, and deploy to the Austrian Theatre the forces Our Invincible King has been marshalling for that purpose.”

“NATO and the Holy League must work together, move forward together, in the face of total darkness, though we disagree on small matters. Let us join to usher in a grand new age for all of the West, together.”

Padua, Italy
Tenente Colenello Decius Minatia felt rather indignant at the sight of damaged bombers and Starfighters limping home, but even more so at those that did not even return. Did he expect that the strikes on Slovenia were going to be easy? No, they were going after the heart of the beast, the staging point for the Yugoslavian invasion of Austria, someone would have to royally screw up for it to be easy. The local bishop, Marcus Quinntus told them all that God was testing their mettle and told them to continue praying for his guidance and protection in the skies. Pilots began to take up small pieces of paper that they held inside their pockets, on these pieces of paper were the pilot’s favourite Bible verse. Among them all, Roman 8:31 seemed to be the favourite: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Suddenly, the sight of the pilots receiving the Last Rites held more weight for Minatia. Among them, Eurofighter pilots have suddenly become the heroes, the match for the L-20. Yes, some Eurofighters had been lost too, but more had returned, even if barely, than destroyed. The saddest part of Minatia’s day, was putting up the casualty list:

Destroyed
Bombers:
AMX- 8
TND IDS- 12
TND ECR- 2
Fighters:
F-16- 4
Eurofighter- 8
Starfighter- 15

Generale di Squadra Gaius Nemetorius added another 10 Eurofighters and pulled 5 from the Austria attacks to replace those that had been lost. The Eurofighters were now launched for the primary purpose of taking out these L-20s and were equipped with air-to-air AMRAAM medium range missiles. If any ground strike was to be effective, air superiority in the region had to be attained, bombing runs targeting the howitzers and mortars currently striking Gorizia and Monfalcone. Tornado ECRs would be used to suppress the enemy’s air defenses. The bombers themselves were to be escorted by two-flight elements of F-16s and four-flight elements of Starfighters. Eurofighters, flying in 5-flight elements are flying into Slovenia to confront the L-20s above her.

Austria
General Severus Octavius moved his troops to intercept this army moving toward Tarvisio, but first he ordered his troops to ditch to highly visible armor and don the standard army cammo. If the Yugoslavs wanted a hole, he’d give ‘em one, and then catch them by surprise and in the crossfire. He had his troops split up to attack this army from both sides, his tanks would move in first, attacking the anti-tank regiment and AA regiments while ordering in air-strikes on the tanks and infantry. After that, rolling in behind the Ariete MBT, the Dardo Hitfists would roll in with the infantry to attack the Yugoslav tanks, infantry and any remaining anti-tank and anti-air regiments.

Rome
Caesar Romulus Magnus ordered that all the armies of the Empire begin to mobilize in wake of this crisis and that another 5 infantry legions and 2 armored legions be placed along the Slovenian border. Artillery would begin to strike the Slovenian city of Nova Gorica in response to the assaults on Italian cities. The Regia Marina is also put into action, and has been ordered to halt any and all Soviet shipping—whether civilian or military—to Yugoslavia through the Adriatic, they have been cleared to sink any ships that resist.

In the Senate debate rages about the prospect of total war so early in this young reign of the new Caesar, the Optimates are willing, if it means that they can defeat the Yugoslavs. The Populares are willing, but only if this could turn into a long-term conflict, the Republicans and the Democrats both refuse, seeing that the proclamation could only increase the power of the Caesar and put an unjust burden on the people.

Caesar Romulus then makes a public statement to Austria, that for the safety of all the souls in Trieste, the city be handed over to Imperial control and that all military and naval units leave the city at once, before Quinntonia does something rash. Romulus makes it clear that he does not wish to see what happened in Hungary with the Quinntonian air strikes to happen to Trieste, so close to Italian soil. Romulus then sends a message to Philip Esposito saying that it was better late than never, but next time he would like to be told of military flight plans through his airspace before a single plane even left the ground.

The heavy casualties taken by the Regia Aeronautica made the populace worried about their chance of victory. To combat this, the media emphasized the success of the Eurofighters against the Yugoslav dogs. This met with some success, calming the fears of a slim majority of the people. So early in his young reign, the prosperity of Romulus’ government already hung in the balance.

London

Despite Maurepas' speech, London viewed Herr Drecksler as neither lawfully appointed nor particularly sane, and indicated such in a press release. All dealings with the Austrian government were made with the government-in-exile, and the entire situation was seen as absurd, overblown and tragically violent. Calls for peace were of course going to be ignored, but Whitehall made them anyway, suggesting that a return to prewar borders for all involved, as well as restitution paid by Quinntonia to Austria would be seen as fitting.

Military or financial aid of any kind to the Holy League or its allies was flatly refused.

Zanzibar

Certainly the INU's contribution to the war against Austria pales in comparison to that of the principal combatants, Mumbai's forces numbering less than two thousand fighting men, a handful of warships, and not a single fixed-wing combat aircraft. Then again the contest for Mauritius might very well be the first that the League and its allies could be expected to lose. The island's distance from Austria and that nation's limited military capacity in the first place should, it seems, tip the scales in India's favor.

With the arrival of the 6th Commando Regiment, a unit composed of Igovian volunteers, the Union force is ready to leave its base at Zanzibar and conduct the long-delayed invasion of Austria's colony. By now it includes some eight vessels; a frigate, three corvettes, Sabarmati, the survey ship Paradip, and two small freighters commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS(A) Cochin and INS(A) Konkan. INS Vajra, "Hawk" in English, leads the makeshift fleet, and by itself can probably take care of anything that Mauritius' Austrian occupiers might throw at it. The relatively new Bodkin-class Frigate also has a useful land attack capability in the form of Mangonel cruise missiles, and these will be employed against whatever enemy gun emplacements or barracks are identified by satellite reconnaissance. As the Indian warships round Ras Kizimkazi, the southern tip of Zanzibar Island, Vajra broadcasts a radio message, addressed to the Austrian occupational authority on Mauritius. It calls for the island's peaceful surrender, promising, in return, to allow Austrians to abandon Mauritius, albeit without their weaponry or equipment. It is not expected that the island's defenders, by last estimate superior in terms of numbers to the invaders, will take up the offer of clemency, but that is not a great hinderance. The number of potential landing sites is, after all, enough to force the Austrians to spread themselves rather thinly.

While the forces from Zanzibar concentrate on taking Mauritius itself, INS Vishakhapatnam, the navy's icebreaker and antarctic survey ship, heads north to take Rodrigues with its squadron of marines. Although by no means a great warship, Vishakhapatnam has to its credit some of the only territory gained from France so far in the war, in the form of the Kerguelen Islands, taken without a fight.

Yugoslavia

Few Soviet troops were on the ground -apparently Marshal Lav did not want them influencing the TDF and worker self-management organisations against his autocratic rule- and split between eastern Bulgarian and western Slovenia, but in the sky matters were different.

French movements towards this end of the sea invite the launch from Libya of navalised Springer carrying anti-ship missiles, and any attempt to intercept Soviet flights into Yugoslavia will end in the sinking of involved French vessels of course.

Over Slovenia, the downing of several L-20 fighters presents cause for concern and the deployment of NT4C Hobgoblin air superiority fighters from northern Serbia, if only 14 of them, to take-on the Eurofighters. Hobgoblin boats comparable agility, superior signature-reduction (and associated equal or superior detection range), superior-range missiles, and at least equivalent pilot training and superior experience (witness the Nepali conflict against China & the Coral Sea Incident) against Italy's Eurofighter, and expects to tip the balance when backed by sufficient numbers of L-20s. It is almost certain to be a painful encounter that sees the last of more than one Soviet pilot, however, even as Apti L'Angelot Maudit missiles are loosed against enemy targets still outside of AMRAAM range.

This, the only Soviet contribution against Rome for now, is answered in Bulgaria by the launch of a single NT-7 Kan-gel interceptor with four long-range AAELRS missiles and another machine full of confusing electronic countermeasures. The first Kan-gel -named for the vast Geletian hound, said in folklaw to be the result of a union between wolf and bear- is to attack Russian bombers from well beyond 100km, at which reach its missiles can easily out-do a lumbering attacker of that sort without posing a sure threat to fighters. The fighter has no intention of taking-on escorts and will most assuredly turn back as soon as its self-guided payload is released. Even taking down a couple of Tsarist bombers would be significant on some level.

Below, Yugoslavian fighters are finally outfitted for L'Angelot Maudit active-radar-guided missiles and receive healthy quantities of same.

Marshal Lav, most upset by Italy's decision to attack Yugoslavia and furious about Russian bombing of his coast -more treachery against fellow Slavs from the rogue Ukrainian-Russian peoples- is equally unhappy about the collapse of talks with France.

Belgrade absolutely did not want to invade Austria, but viewed Vienna's rejection of Lav's diplomatic approach and Versailles' deadline against the Czechs as a de facto declaration of intent against Prague and the SFRY acted in the belief that France would declare war the next day. Yugoslavia is desperately keen for the world -especially the likes of Washington- to understand its reasons for entering the war, and to appreciate that the intervention was made only in defence of the Czech Republic, which the United States seems almost equally keen to protect.

Over Slovenia and northeastern Italy the air battle has cost Yugoslavia sixteen L-20 fighters from a nationwide force of only two-hundred, and has caused already over a hundred million dollars worth of damage to infrastructure and military equipment in the SR Slovenia, quite significant in an economy the size of Yugoslavia's.

MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters from the south of the country have begun to redeploy west and north to boost defences against the Italians, but their numbers are few -just one squadron of Flankers and three of Fulcrum have been deployed- and nobody is keen to pit them directly against Eurofighter, which has achieved a marginally superior kills-to-losses ratio against L-20 in head-on confrontation, with Belgrade hoping to see the Soviet Hobgoblins take the sting out of the Italian attack.

Yugoslavia's L-20s and MiG-29s -in Slovenia there are to be just 14 MiGs- are given the task of hunting feared Tornados which are now beginning to cause problems for AAA, Super-Sava, and AFRISAM defences, largely ignoring Eurofighter's mission against them. Belgrade observes that Soviet NT4s are after the Eurofighters, and is hopefully that they will be killed at a high rate while trying to chase Yugoslav aircraft... which themselves expect further losses. F-16s and Starfighters aren't highly respected in the doctrine, with 14 Su-27 directed against these escorts with beyond-visual-range Indian Soviet missiles.

Bari and Ancona, Italy

Making a dangerous voyage across the unresolved Adriatic, four Mala Class swimmer delivery vehicles deliver marine commandos armed with demolitions charges and orders to pick something big and floating, and stop it floating. While the men approaching Bari look for merchants and military ships, as does one at Ancona, a second man there finds his eye drawn to the white bulk of a cruise liner at anchor and under Italian colours, and resolves to sink her if he can make it into the port undetected, hoping primarily to cause great obstruction in the harbour.

If the Yugoslavs succeed they will have placed timed charges and given themselves two hours to get away in their minisubs, with detonations at approximately quarter past midnight provided that no major delays hinder the operations.

Back home, Yugoslav ports, coincidentally, are beginning a new round of security measures, imposing extra searches, patrols, and stringing out often restrictive anti-submarine and diver nets and mines, grudgingly accepting that war isn't always good for commerce.

Southwestern Austrian theatre

Army-General Javoric is not fooled by the Italian split. The two opposing forces started out hardly twenty kilometres apart with the Italians in ceremonial formation, with insufficient time and space to conduct significant large-scale moves and deceptions before being engaged by Javoric's artillery. 122mm self-propelled howitzers and Plamen-S MLRS lay fire from still twelve kilometres distant while the tanks and other vehicles forge ahead taking short-range SAMs and leaving an AFRISAM battalion back with the artillery, still with range enough to cover forces engaging the enemy head-on.

Never the less, Javoric is horribly outnumbered at this juncture, and still left with a decision to make in reference to the splitting Italian force. The Brigade halts short of the Italians and Javoric reqests additional air cover, which is delayed somewhat by fighting over Slovenia, leaving the General to hope that his organic air defences are up to the task.

Yugoslav UAVs fly reconnaissance missions and Javoric dispatches several BOV 4x4 armoured vehicles to do the same from the ground, half wondering if the Italian forces will close in on his scouts.

The Army-General begins to pull-down his rearguard and the bulk of his army, taken-over from Plamen Stojakovic -who has advanced north with less than two brigades-, to fall in behind his armoured brigade. This is the larger part of 100,000 men and represents half the standing Yugoslav People's Army, having some twenty complete Tank, Mechanised, and Mountain-Infantry Brigades with integral Anti-Tank, Anti-Air, and Artillery Regiments.

Stojakovic persists in his attempt to take Wolfsburg while Pupin continues pushing into Graz, both still awaiting the bulk of Austrian resistance.

The Army Trained Reserve, a massive society-shaping, resource-gobbling force of more than half a million men and women, continues its mobilisation along with the Slovenian and Bulgarian branches of the Territorial Defence Force, and this looks increasingly like the biggest conflict in Europe since 1945, potentially putting the Lavragerian War in the shade of several hundred combat aircraft and seven-figures of manpower.

In Vojvodina, Marshal Lav personally hosts top Greek diplomats for the first time, and calls upon the Ottoman Empire to send representation.

Libya

The IAF's small Libyan deployment takes to the air with Soviet Springers to attack French warships off Sicily. Loaded with two BrahMos anti-ship missiles each, the Tornado GR.1 crews that make up No.1 Squadron look forward to their first combat mission in the aircraft, and hope to repeat the squadron's successes against Bonstockian warships in the Malacca War. And although their aircraft are as of yet untested in combat, the pilots and weapons officers are, like most of the IAF's combat airmen, superbly experienced and trained, having flown the venerable Blackburn Buccaneer in several major wars. With an aircraft superior in terms of performance and payload, it is hoped that the squadron's score will only improve. Providing escort are some 16 F(J).4FGA.4s from another experienced and historic unit, No.15 Squadron. These are armed with a combination L'Angelot Maudit BVR missiles and DRAB ASRAAMs, plus twin 27mm cannon below the cockpit, making them ready to meet any Holy League attacker on relatively equal terms, including the advanced Rafale and Eurofighter. That is not to say the pilots are cocky; indeed, far from it. Decades of fighting their enemies in less-capable models such as the EE Lightning and Hawker Hunter have, if anything, taught Indian Air Force fliers the folly of over-confidence. These experienced pilots are determined not to lose any of their number from carelessness. Hopefully, between the Igovian attack and operations elsewhere, the French, Spanish, and Italian air forces will not be able to mount an interception before the IAF fighters turn for home.

It will not be the BrahMos' first combat deployment, the missile having seen action in the land attack role over Nepal and against Bonstockian shipping in the latter stages of the Malacca War. BrahMos, or PJ-10, is a missile entirely different from what the Leaguers have faced up until now. Like the Igovian Charioteer or the Spyrian Mosquito, or the Russian Yakhont, from which the Union weapon is loosely derived, BrahMos is a very heavy missile, at least three times heavier than the Exocet or Harpoon. It is a great deal faster too, traveling at close to three times the speed of sound in its attack stage, and at supersonic speeds throughout its flight envelope. It is stealthy, too, and sea-skimming, making it more difficult for ship-borne radars to detect, although the French will in all probability pick up the Tornado launch platforms themselves. When it comes to attacking enemy battleships or armored vessels, there are few better weapons. Most CIWS systems will take much longer to bring one down if indeed they are capable of effectively tracking the BrahMos, and the effect of a BrahMos hit has been likened to the impact of a 16" shell.

As the attack formation sorties out from Tripoli, No.5 Squadron, composed of modified Jaguar battlefield interdiction aircraft, leaves Benghazi for Yugoslavia. Twin Adours and auxiliary fuel tanks will serve to carry the well-used fighters across the Mediterranean at a respectable clip, ahead of the French fleet meant to block the route no doubt.

Additional Paras are flown into Libya via the route over the Central African Republic and Chad, although these come in battalion rather than regimental strength. The IAF is, after all, stretching its strategic airlift capacity very nearly to the limit. When old Belfasts or new-built Marathons do arrive, they are more often loaded with artillery, light tanks, or SAMs, items that the infantrymen already in place very much require.

And Indian Union forces will no doubt be welcomed even more keenly by the administration than were the Soviets -though the general public tends not to have a strong opinion about which manner of Indian is the most or least favourable-, while J-23 Super Orao crews take an interest in the Jaguar, wondering whether or not their new machines can shake-off the fairly derisive Yugojaguar tag attached to the more primative J-22 from which the new kites are derived.

India, Yugoslavia, the Czech Republic, Hungary -sort of-, and almost the United States. The Russian Empire, Italy, Austria, and almost France. This doesn't look like a war that anyone will win in a hurry, and the Balkans groan with the discomforting feeling that the very thing they have tried to avoid is perhaps about to come true. They are a stage for the world's powers slugfest.

Austria is going to pay.

Austria is going to pay.

Austria's mood was broud, valiant, and ready to not pay any of the whining and weak Balkan country's demands. Drekcsler went on the radio, fearing a air raid he now did few live presentations, and discussed with all the occupied peoples of Austria to never surrender and to never give up.

“For even though God has made these potholes to victory, he has equipped us with the means to go over it.”

Most importantly, Austria prevails, nothing anyone could do about that could change it. It was their destiny to become great, so now, it is a matter of time, not a matter of it happening or not.

In Hungary, the resistance expected for the massive pincer was nowhere to be found. Instead, it seemed the Hungarians were hoping to dig their hole deeper by pushing towards Sopron. Shrugging, and glad that the Hungarians were now all but finished, the official linkup was hardly a scene of joy and celebration. Mainly because everyone knew that the fight had really just begun.

Scrapping the bottom of the barrel for trained manpower, a special Irn Fist support division was assembled out of bits and pieces in Graz, mainly from Iron Fist men and newly trained conscripts. In Graz itself, the bits left over from the retreat following the Yugoslavian horde's attack also meld themselves to at least look like they were capable of holding their own. They were issued some more ammunition and weapons, and thankfully some 25 Dpkz II's were shipped straight from their manufactering center inside the city, to the outskirts where the Austrians were forming.

The Austrian government was screaming for some more Eurofighters, were before they were concerned about air strikes against Austria, they didn’t' think Yugoslavian air power would do that much. With the entrance of Quintonnia and Indian forces, the need for anykind of plane reached new heights. Fokker Aeroplanbau drummed up a design for a domestic fighter, yet it was still on the drawing board. So Eurofighter GmbH was asked for 20 more Eurofighters, produced as fast as possible.

In Wolfsburg, luck would have it, one of the few mostly career oriented brigades was defending. They were worth their weight in gold, even thought the restructuring of the army had left many proud divisions in limbo, they had escaped notice for the most part. Veterans of the last Yugoslavian excursion to the north, they eagerly killed the Slavs were dared to insult Austria, not once, but twice. They were not unusual in their devotion to defending to the last, and making sure that Austria prevails. They lost most of their equipment as they were overwhelmed at the border, and so most of their artillery was of the lower caliber, and only a few valiant Ulans had made it with a Dpkz II here and there. Reinforcements were hardly racing to reinforce Wolfsburg; instead, the defending forces were begged to give Austria more time to prepare, and to destroy as many divisions as they could.

The Czechs Austrian government went off to a rough start, even from the first there were few politicians who felt victory was that foregone, and that Drekcsler would just give them a slap on the wrist for going against him. Yet some politicians did join up, and so they elected the former-former mayor of Vienna as Chancellor and the runner up in the former board of education election as Prime Minister. This did little to validate the government, and eggshells and yokes covered their ad hoc meeting hall, but it was technically a government.

Austria
General Severus Octavius released a string of curses in Italian and several other languages at being surprised by the Yugoslavs, but the Roman army was renowned for its discipline. Not even the younger, greener soldiers panicked, immediately finding cover and opening fire on the enemy infantry. Ariete tanks unleashed all their power on enemy tanks heading toward them. Octavius ordered air strikes from the five already incoming Tornado ECRs on the tanks, anti-tanks divisions and artillery, while the Caesar 155mm artillery unleashed on the AA guns and enemy artillery, being well within their range, firing 4-6 rounds per minute. In these few seconds when they were caught by surprise, the Roman Legions took heavy casualties, but their disciplined minds worked to quickly cut down the rate of casualties and were able make up for it with Yugoslav kills. Several tanks exploded in the artillery barrage, shrouding the area with dark black smoke. Octavius ran and found cover with one of the Legates and a few of his men, he ordered them to spread the word and have his infantry to encircle the enemy, they had the greater numbers and they could flank these Yugoslav pigs. The men left him, as the Legate looked him in the eye and departed, saying, “Strength and honor.”
Octavius repeated the salutation, this was definitely a time when strength would be needed and honor would be gained

Padua, Italy
The ineffectiveness of the Starfighter against Yugoslav interceptors was beginning to be a nuisance, therefore Generale di Squadra Gaius Nemetorius decided to have them armed with air-to-ground missiles and perform strikes on naval ports in Slovenia, never venturing far into enemy airspace. However this would put a greater strain on the Eurofighter and F-16s to escort the bombers so Nemetorius also pulled another 6 F-16 from Austria, half of what was currently devoted to the conflict within her borders, to make it 14 flying into Slovenia. Nemetorius was confident that the veteran pilots in the F-16s could handle the Su-27s, and told the Eurofighter pilots to be cautious about the Soviet NT-4. Now that Roman bombing runs were being more effective, the L-20s might choose to ignore the Eurofighters and go straight for the bombers, Nemetorius told them to stay close to their bombers and be on the lookout for these NT-4s. He had the utmost confidence in his hotshot Eurofighter pilots, even if they were up against the venerable Su-37. The pilots once again received their Last Rites and walked to their planes, undaunted and fearless, God was on their side. They began a heavy bombardment of airbases and airstrips in Slovenia.

Bari and Ancona, Italy
Both strikes on the harbors would have worked if it weren’t for a random police patrol spotting the one man breaking into the white cruiser. The two cops on the patrol stopped the man, chased him down and arrested him. But upon discovering that the man was Yugoslavian and that he was carrying a bomb, the entire port went on high alert and was immediately flooded with police and MPs scouring the entire harbor. All but one of the bombs were located, destroying a small merchant vessel, the Millennium Falcon, the would-be saboteur’s accomplice was also discovered but was able to beat off his assailants and escape. However, in Bari, they had no such warning, however, with most of the Regia Marina out at sea stopping all Soviet shipping in the Adriatic, only one military target was damaged, a Maestrale class destroyer received heavy damage to her bow. However, merchant shipping received the heaviest blow, with two ships damaged and four others destroyed.
With this catastrophe, all ports on the Adriatic coastline were to be patrolled around the clock by MPs with semi-automatics. Half the corvette fleet was set to patrol an area 100-km away from the Italian coastline.

Rome
The Palace of the Holy Citadel
It was quickly becoming evident that Rome could not keep up this fight in the long term, it had already cost her millions of dollars. The Regia Aeronautica immediately put in an order for 10 Eurofighters to be made immediately. It was quite evident that Rome could not handle a long-term conflict in the present conditions. The Senate still had to come to a decision on the declaration of total war, debate was heated and sometimes reverted to a yelling match. Caesar Romulus Magnus, not wanting this to become a long-term conflict either made a public address from the palace:

“Citizens of the Roman Empire, members of the Holy League, honorable Prime Minister of Quinntonia, mighty warriors of the Czech Republic and Yugoslavia, hear my words! We have come to a pivotal crossroads in the history of Europe and the world. Across Europe armies mass to wage war on one another, in Egypt the Suez Canal is the source of a great international crisis, and in Africa an ugly war has spread across that great continent. It is at this time that I do not come to you as the Roman Caesar, chosen by God, no I come to you as a member of our international community to ask you what kind of world do we want our children to live in. Already Hungary is in shambles, her economy ruined indefinitely, how long before we allow all of Europe, nay the world, to sink into the same situation? I do not condemn the Quinntonian air strikes, neither do I condone the cruelty of the Tsarist invasion force toward the citizens of Hungary, but if anything, these are a sign that we have gone too far! It is time to put an end to the madness, never has such devastation visited Europe since the last World War, I think I speak for all of us when I say that this has to stop!

Let it be know, that I support a sovereign Austria, whether it be led by Maxen or Drecksler! I ask all of you, let us join in peace talks, in a neutral country where all may be ensured of a safe conduct. This I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Graz

Army-General Milan Pupin is not the man to face when understrength. One would do well to face him strong or not oppose at all, for he and Javoric are known domestically as the hardest men in the rough and ready JNA. Pupin appears almost offended by the Austrian attempt to resist him with piecemeal forces, and he is put in mind of his old Albanian enemy, the KLA, with whom he and Javoric have delt most harshly in southwestern Yugoslavia.

20,000 JNA regulars continue their attempts to fight into the city while the four-brigade force repositions its artillery, mortars, and rocketry to pound the city's industrial district with abandon. J-23 Orao attack jets armed with anti-radiation missiles have continued their SEAD operations since the outset of the conflict, and now twelve aircraft maintain near constant strike missions against Graz, taking 250kg laser-guided bombs, 2.75" rockets, 23mm cannon, free-fall and retarded bombs, cluster bombs, TV-guided Grom missiles, and, if troop concentrations are spotted in the open, napalm tanks.

In the outskirts, 3x20mm and 2x30mm AAA vehicles continue to direct their automatic cannons against defensive positions, and snipers armed with 12.7x107mm heavy Black Arrow sniper rifles are used aggressively, often attempting to slip into gaps in the bombarded defensive lines to set up sniper posts within the besieged city.

Roads and bridges leading out of Graz to the north are so far left alone by the Yugoslavs, who wouldn't mind seeing the defenders retreat. Attempts to reinforce the city, however, will lead to air strikes against these routes and probably to an encirclement of Graz.

Wolfsburg

So close to the Yugoslav border the position of this town is even worse, improved only by the fact that Pupin and Javoric are busy elsewhere and Stojakovic is not such a brutal leader of campaigns.

It is unfortunate for the JNA that such a hard brigade is defending this place, for one of its two more ruthless generals would have perhaps been more use in reducing the Austrians. Still, Plamen Stojakovic and his reinforced Brigade are no slouches, and will fight face to face if need be. At least from here the Yugoslavs can receive helicopter resupply and evacuation, and are well within the range of G4M Super-Galeb lightweight attack jets, which begin to appear in large numbers with similar weapons to the Oraos, if less of them under each plane. Laser guided bombs begin to fall against any fortified position opposing Stojakovic's advance, and the General's men on the ground make their fifty-calibre machineguns and 30mm automatic grenade launchers primary weapons, ruining defended buildings and shattering concentrations, while every squad has at least somebody with a man-portable anti-tank rocket good for lightweight tanks and vehicles if not exactly a reliable Leopord-II killer.

Stojakovic warns that this may take time if the Austrians do not surrender in Wolfsburg due to circumstances elsewhere, but there are no serious fears for eventual Yugoslav success.

The Adriatic

Italian warships a few kilometes off the Yugoslav coast -100km from the Italian coast puts them far closer to Yugoslav waters than their own!- illicit an immediate response from the stronger Western Fleet. The Black Sea was always considered too Russian to defend, and so the fleet there was a token gesture of defiance. In the Adriatic the JNA feels that the situation is far from hopeless, though the Italians may have the stronger surface fleet.

Most notably, the Yugoslav west coast is lined with eighteen strong Coastal Artillery Batteries staffed by almost two thousand personnel, and Italian warships come under immediate and heavy fire from Brom truck-mounted anti-ship missiles, of which some thirty-six are launch-ready.

In some places, 152mm Nora-C artillery guns -equivalent to 6" naval guns, in essence- have the range of Italian ships where the coast reaches far enough into their patrol zone, and these too open-up with practiced skill from within hardened positions.

No less than four Heroj and Sava Class submarines are deployed to attack Italian warships at the same time as the missile barrage is distracting their crews, and their armoury of full-sized 533mm torpedoes may lead one to forget the slightness of these boats.

Two old Rade Koncar and twelve new Kobra Class fast missile craft make the number of ready missiles a formidable fifty, and the distances involved give the Italians little time to react as the trans-sonic missiles approach from north, south, and east from shore and fast little boats against the clutter of the coastline, many ducking behind islets and into inlets as soon as their missiles are away.

But there is more to the Yugoslavian effort. The waters this close to the SFRY are heavily mined, and four Kotor Class light patrol frigates have between them sixteen more Brom missiles to offer, along with SAMs, dual 76mm cannon, and anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets, searching for Italian incursion below the waves.

The entire Yugoslav Western Fleet is out, and a squadron of L-20 Putin fighters sorties in its defence as the relative under-dog attempts to bite a fatal chunk out of the enemy in round one.

The commandos sent to Italy are hailed as heroes, and PM Goranov promises to secure the return of captured men in exchange perhaps for Austrian POWs.

Southwestern Austria

Well, the Italians had apparently decided that they would be the ones to close the gap, since Javoric had halted. When they came on, the Italian tanks and ICVs faced the low-profile Soviet-style of Yugoslav tanks that may surprise the richer enemy by their ability to fire accurately on the move. More significant, perhaps, the fact that their 125mm guns are able to launch guided missiles from several kilometres away, leading the Yugoslavs to score the first kills of the tank battle.

Once closer in, depleted uranium penetrators are similarly effective, but by this time the M-84, M-95 Degman, and M-2001 battletanks are starting to receive fire themselves, and are no more able to stand up to the 120mm gun's sabots. Losses begin to mount on both sides.

An artillery duel developing between the Italians and Yugoslavs is no more pleasant as 152mm Nora-C guns wish for more mobility, and 122mm SPGs wish for more range, being forced to press forward to return fire. Javoric's forces at least have artillery-locating radar mounted aboard several of their AVs, and any howitzer sitting still for long enough to cap-off half a dozen rounds comes under concentrated counter-battery fire from whole Regiments of artillery.

The numbers don't appear to favour the JNA, however, and the AFRISAM battalion is forced to pull-back beyond artillery range due to the sheer weight of Italian fire.

Javoric calls in Orkan batteries. These MLRS have the range to strike Italian artillery without counter-fire from their guns, and shortly begin to do so, moving up with the bulk of his strong force.

The Tornado have a fair chance while the heavy SAMs are displacing to cause damage against the JNA's tanks here, but five of them are too few to turn a battle, though they claim kills. Low-level SAMs spit up after them from highly mobile BOV 4x4 and tracked Sava vehicles, making low-level precision anti-armour attacking runs extremely dangerous none the less.

Javoric even allows the Italian infantry to begin moving around his armoured spearhead, knowing full well that most of his strength is moving down after being relinquished by Stojakovic. Let the infantry leave the armour and the bulk of the JNA's mechanised and armoured strength will fall in from behind the artillery.

Slovenia

The continued Italian attempts to attack Slovenian infrastructure face on-going opposition now that the Yugoslavs have Soviet backing to face Eurofighter, and the L-20s, Su-27s, and MiG-29s continue to avoid Eurofighter wherever possible, always trying to let the Soviet NT4s face them.

That the Eurofighters stick with bombing aircraft is interesting, tying them to low-level, presumably, since that is the environment of the Tornado and AMX when attacking specific targets. Here Yugoslav light air defences, horribly difficult to destroy due to their high mobility and habit of turning-off active detection methods for long periods and relying upon second-hand intelligence to activate it at the last possible moment and strike unexpectedly from this hillside or that in rugged Slovenia.

The conflict continues to cost everyone dear as an SU-27 goes down along with another Putin and an air defence battery.

Belgrade

Marshal Lav does not entirely disagree with Caesar and expresses an equal desire to resolve the conflict, but can not stand for the continuation of the current aggressor government in Austria, nor for the Russian annexation of Hungary. These two points must be resolved before Yugoslav forces can back-down.

To his troops, fighting tooth and nail in the area of Trieste, southwestern Austria, and western Slovenia, Lav sends good news of strikes on Italian territory, swears to deliver a staggering blow to the navy, assures against the chance of a successful Tsarist marine assault, and declares that the Hellenic Air Force will soon be behind the JNA and the two Indian powers. Aidarov hails a new ear in Balkan co-operation and supremacy, shaking off centuries of subjugation and obscurity, with what he calls the impending fall of Vienna's power standing as symbolic of an old era's passing into history once and for all.

Brotherhood and Unity!

Snippet!

Vienna:
Worried that Hungary may yet be lost and even Austria, to the Tsar no less, with a repeat of WWII and the subsequent Russian occupation. Trugen orders that the Austrian forces all just stop after the successful encirclement of the Hungarian's last, bitter fight towards Sopron and to fortify. Not only, or even mainly, because of Tsarist expansion ideals but because the nightly air attacks by Yugoslavian planes is reminding Drekcsler that his ideas and ideals may be rendered useless if he dies, and there is increasingly few troops between him and fanatics in the north and south.

South
Therefore Operation Autobahn commences, and subsequently most of the 2nd and 3rd division are moved by railroad towards Bruck, where preparations are made for a thrust down the Autobahn connecting to Graz and thus into the Yugoslavian hordes. It will include some serious artillery support, good anti-aircraft defense, new recruits to fill back the ranks, and even 20 Dpkz III's and 25 Dpkz II's, straight from Madrid and Vienna respectivly.

The artillery will be in the form of a new domestic field artillery, the 155mm Skoda field gun. Even though the reliable GC-45 was thought of, Drekcsler himself made it clear that the Skoda would be the gun to make. The Skoda excels at combining a selection of qualities, including a relatively new system from Stille Incorporated that can automatically adjust the angle of firing thus ensuring the bombardment is abrubt and devestating. Usually seen in rocket barrages, the massive payement of the munitions gives the men on the round less time to scurry into holes. It will be able to lob 8 rounds a minute, higher or lower depending on crew experience and other factors. The Skoda also has a interesting burst mode reminiscent of the Panzerhaubitze 2000, which can fire 3 shots off in 9 seconds. 100 Skodas will be sent, with devoted towing trucks for towing, munition carrying, and troop carrying.

Few, if any, supplies reach Wolfsburg but several shipments of food and medicine are sent at night in Eurocopters. Who have usually stayed away from the Yugoslavian front, and contented themselves more with harassing the Czechs and destroying the Hungarians. In the process of re-supplying, several Eurocopters are gunned down, and when the night clears itself 6 wreckage piles present themselves as early morning forms of modern art.

Alongside the food and medical supplies, Panzerfaust 3’s are nestled in, still gleaming with their 'Made in Austria' stickers on the handle. These they use with great abandon, as they quickly prove their use in destroying the Russian styled armor columns, being as which they were designed to do. Yugoslavian tanks are not the only ones to see the dreaded shroud of an Austrian with a Panzerfaust. They are easily appropriated for cleaning out Slavs from their spider holes, destroying low flying helicopters or jets, or really anything the platoon commanders can get their minds around.

"You want to help out the Slavs?" Solterris inquired to his Minister of Defense, Vasilis Ergoris, who stood with his feet, shoulder width apart, and one hadbehind his back. Ergoris had joined the then Peoples' Navy at eightteen, and slowly moved up the ranks, until, at twenty eight, when he became a vocal critic of Premier Gregorios Andreas, and his repressive regime, after which time he was arrested under false pretenses of insubordination, and the control of the then Captian's torpedo boat was taken from him, and he was remanded to a desk job as a pencil pusher. When Andreas died in 1986, he was once again allowed onto the seas, and quickly rose to control a small fleet of ships, which in 1996, when a group of Communist policitiancs and military officers attempted to establish a small People's Republic on the island of Crete, he quickly destroyed their impromptu navy, and then sent his men onshore in a daring raid on a military base that the Communist rebels had occupied. He was elevated afterward to Grand Admiral of the Navy, during which tenure he devoted himself to curtailing the traffic of human slaves and narcotics through the Aegean, a crusade that awarded him much valor, until, with the rise of Solterris Presidency, he asended to the post of Minister of Defense, a post that no one expected him to gain, when just a lowly mid-shipman in the Peoples' Navy.

"The Italians have made it clear that when they are done with the reds, they will aim there guns to the south, and I believe that though our Navy and Air Force are strong, our Army would be flattened by the Legions of Italy, as they are battle-hardened, while ourselves are green. Though I myself would love to see those commies crushed, it is our only option."

"Yes, but this goes totally against all party precedent, I would alienate the Administration in doing so, and quite possibly chip away at the Progressive power in the Assembly, almost handing it to the HCP. I am sorry, I cannot do that."

"We both know that the deteriorating situation in our region is going to be the prime issue in this election, already, the HCP advertises diatrabes on our lack of activity in this conflict, if we do this, we could shut them up, with a minimal lose of life as compared to an outright deployment of infantry. This is win-win."

"I will think about it, now good day to you Vasilis."

Several Hours Later...

Solterris paced his den, back and forth, back and forth, wearing a track of tread marks into the carpet. This would define his Administration, how he would act, if he deploys the forces, and it is a fiasco, he would be know as the most ineffectient men to hold his post.

But, if he deployed and it was sucsessful...

Solterris quickly ran to his office, and typed up a hasty note.


Marshal Lav,

In our times, our nations have become as polarized as they can become, your Federal Socialist Republic stands at odds with my Hellenic Republic and my party's traditional oppisition to communism where ever it grows. Desperate times however, call for desparate measures, and this is one such time. I ask you how my Naval and Air forces may be of your assistance, in your struggle against the imperialists that threaten to take away your realm. I am ready and willing to devote the lives of young Greeks to the service of the Greater Balkan Peninsula, as in this global age, we cannot allow our lands to be taken under vassalage.

He finished the letter, and clicked send, in doing so, opening a can of worms, a can that would forever change the makeup of the Balkans.

Yugoslavia

No.5 Squadron's pilots are ready to fly their first sorties at the soonest possible opportunity, and eagerly await orders from JNA commanders. Though they did not fly in loaded with ordnance, besides of course ADEN cannon ammunition and a pair of over-wing DRAB ASRAAMs, it is widely believed that Yugoslav bombs will fit onto IAF Jaguars' modified, fairly universal hardpoints, designed to accommodate both Walmington-derived and Soviet-derived weaponry. And if not, their twin ADENs can still pose a threat to light vehicles.

Union fliers don't show much disrespect towards the Orao, useful as it is and combat-proven. And where the Jaguar is a Walmingtonian design, the Orao is a product of Yugoslav designers and engineers. HAL cannot, after all, claim to have ever designed a better attack aircraft. That said, the supersonic Jaguar, with its 4,500kg payload capacity, does possess certain advantages over the more basic Orao, advantages that the Austrians and their Italian allies will hopefully soon come to respect.

Mumbai promises Adirov more aid, but the Union's commitment to the defense of the Balkans will be limited, at least until the state of affairs in West Africa is sorted out. The Lav, doubtless, can take care of himself, and Parliamentarians are not so much concerned about the enemy's armies making too much headway in the region.

Greece

Parliament, aware of Greece's key position in the Balkans and that nation's potential to even-out the balance of forces, wastes no time in sending a diplomatic mission to meet with what could very well become a friendly government. An archaic-looking Boxkite transport, a design almost directly copied from the highly successful DC-3, arrives in Athens with the Union mission aboard, sharing space with a shipment of radio equipment bound for Yugoslavia.

The diplomats hope to secure Greek support for anti-League forces in the greater war, and are ready to promise Athens both financial and technological assistance towards these ends. As the only potentially friendly naval power on the Mediterranean, Greece is terribly important to both the war in the Balkans and conflict in North Africa.

(OOC: I'll try to keep this short, as the opposing parties already have enough to catch up on!)

Hellenic forces are swiftly granted access to JNA airbases near Ljubljana, Slovenia, and in Istria, northwestern Croatia. Ljubljana, the Greeks are told, is extremely close to the scene of major air battles, and positions just west of the city have been struck in Italian air raids, making it both the most important and the most dangerous of the two locations offered.

Indian forces are given similar information, and ordnance is quickly broken-out to help equip them. The Soviets have brought much in the way of bombs and missiles, and the Yugoslavs themselves tend to design payloads to be accepted on mounts of various origin, due the nation's recently violated neutrality. LBV-250 laser-guided bombs, 2.75" rocket pods, L'Angelot Maudit BVRAAMs, Komarac ASRAAM, napalm tanks, cluster bombs, and Grom TV and anti-radiation missiles are all still available in significant quantity, though Belgrade fears that its own production facilities will fall behind demand if the war drags on for perhaps three to six months, depending on its intensity.

Hopes that Indo-Greek contributions will cause Rome and perhaps Moscow to back down realising that quick victory is impossible for now sustains Yugoslavian warriors, who are beginning to suffer significant losses against Russian and Italian attacks. It is being enthusiastically covered-up by state media, but in truth Belgrade is unsure how it will even afford to replace lost L-20 fighters and the Black Sea Fleet's warships.

Negotiations to open a new level of trade with Greece are sought both to help a post-war economic recovery and to calm Greek fears of communist influence in Yugoslavia and the Balkans at large.

Austria

In Austria, the JNA increasingly believes -given the difficulty of fighting Italy to a standstill or even repulsing their forces- that the enemy's forces can best be vanquished by destroying their industrial capacity and other facilities, and the help of allies is requested in crippling Austria in this manner... too few forces can be spared from the Italian front for an overwhelming victory to be pressed in the field.

...and then Larionko Aidarov laughs a slightly frightening laugh not heard since he was a young tribal leader rampaging through merchantile convoys in Eastern Europe. The Army Trained Reserve, mobilised at last, begins to push two hundred thousand men into southern Austria, making clear that the Marshal is now openly mocking his Austrian adversary and revelling in the prospect of revenge for Lavrageria, the Black Sea, and the loss of his nation's treasured neutrality.

Much less well mechanised than forces facing Italy and sieging Wolfsburg and Graz, the reserve is at least better trained than the Czechs' emergency draft of a few days previous!

Out of necessity the ATR operates independently of the main YPA, its troops armed primarily with such weapons as the 7.62x39mm M70 assault rifle rather than the 5.56x45mm M80 and M21S of the regular and eilite Brigades.

Still, forty Brigades, even if most are infantry backed-up with Cold War and even WWII era artillery, US halftracks, and T-72/T-55 tanks, are no laughing matter for Austrian defenders already stretched to the limit.

Belgrade once more urges an Austrian surrender and promises to involve multi-national bodies in the post-war reconstruction of a defeated Vienna.

Reserve Brigades move up the highways to Graz, Wolfsburg, and Spittal an der Drau, Indian air power being asked to provide as much cover and support as possible to these massive but unproven forces.

(OOC: Well, that didn't really work! I hope this doesn't multi-post. Cursed forums!)

OOC: I am going to watch some Red vs Blue episodes, do some other stuff and then will try to post today. If not, then tommorrow at the very latest. Moorington thanks for posting on the interim government in Austria. Its cool seeing Buristan involved. I am also going to be finishing my German factbook today and will post a link as soon as I am finished.

Condemnation of 'continued Tsarist agression against the neutral powers of eastern Europe' echoes quickly out of Sithin, proof of the Strainists frequent accusations that the Holy League is insatiable in its lust to conquer and destroy the peoples of the world. Yugoslavia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic recieve words of encouragement from the Lyongese and their comrades in Jakarta, though in keeping with an unfortunate Strainist tradition these fall short of promising actual assistance, the great distance between East Asia and eastern Europe providing an easily defensible excuse.

Of course, the Tsar ought not have expected to move such significant forces to Europe without repercussions, if only because Lyongese pride may be hurt by feeling that they themselves are not taken seriously. Perhaps to rectify this, perhaps in support of the nations engaged in League agression, two additional armoured divisions are returned to Meyon province, on the Russo-Spyran border, while Party youth and student organizations are issued with live ammunition. Strainist satellites continue their work of eyeing emplacements across the border, in search of both potential agression and targets for artillery strikes should the need arise.


The Tsarist commanders of the Far East District would be rather surprised to
learn that Spyr thought that they had softened their position and started to
ignore them. Of course, for Operation” Last Horde, the first phase involved
moving a large amount of the air power from all over the nation to Republican
Lavrageria, but it was only for the first thrust, and was soon replaced, for
the most part. There had not been a single soldier removed from that front, or
transferred away from the Far East District. IN fact, the fortifications and
defences that were being dug in along the borders continued along the Spyran
border, as the ones that had already been constructed at strategic locations
along the Chinese one were deemed to be good enough and just made more
permanent.

It was pointed out to the world observers that except for some air power, the
conflict involved total Ukrainian units, not Russian ones, like the ones in the
Far East.

However, Sithin was contacted, informing them that First Minister Armand was
willing to stop in Sithin and hear their objections once he was done in
Beijing.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

Operation: Yugoslavian Spear was beginning to move up in intensity. The Air Forces that were assigned to it began to push further inland and with the beginning of the third day of fighting, would launch its massive air power far deeper into Bulgaria. Princess Adrianna proclaimed that no Yugoslav air units would go unmolested in Bulgaria, and ordered that the ground strikes would encompass targets as far as 250 kms. inland.

The 56 Tu-95/142 Bears that were assigned could comfortably and safely do two major sorties with full loads every day, one day and one night mission, and were used in the most effective way possible. They didn’t come within more than 200 kms. of the shoreline, but the range of the 33,000 lbs. of Raduga KH-22 cruise missiles being 440kms, it didn’t effect their efficiency. The venerable Bears could have easily done six missions a day, as this was quite close, and they could easily do all six with minimal refueling and their was plans in the works for the ferocity of the attacks to be stepped up if Yugoslavia didn’t back down, but for now they would just pack the punch that no smaller plane could when places of resistance or concentrations of firepower were detected by the sorties flown by the rest of the Operation. Of course, should it become necessary, the Bears could be armed with Kh-55s, with their 2,500 km range but these types were more plentiful and much cheaper. The standard warheads were used, of course.

The rest of the air wing of Operation: Yugoslavian Spear was in full effect, and each unit was responsible for at least 4 combat and ground strike sorties a day. This included the two escort operations for the Bears, both engaging as a full force any air power that comes out to meet them, and on the other two strikes per day, engaging smaller and confined targets as well as seeking out combat with the Yugoslavian air force which has yet to make an appearance on this front. That means that there is a full 112 strategic bombing missions every 24 hours on the Bulgarian coastal defenses, as well as 1,410 ground strike sorties every day. This is coupled with 1,410 combined combat sorties every day as well. This amount of crushing air power is awesome.

200 Sukhio Su-24s
65 Su-25 Frogfoots (especially for anti-tank operations)
65 Sukhio Su-27s
150 MiG-23s
225 MiG-29s
Total-705
(I haven’t included losses yet, but I will be doing so soon)

As part of Operation: Yugoslavian Spear, the Ukrainian Imperial Tsarist Navy reloads and moves in with its now uncontested ownership of the Black Sea to within 150 km of the Bulgarian coastline. From there they are constantly re-supplied from Sevastopol as they throw everything they have at the coastal defenses both providing massive covering fire for their air force, and also peppering defenses with ordinance to rival that which is being thrown by the Bears.

8 Kashin Class Destroyers
1 Kara Guided Missile Destroyer
5 Udaloy I Class Destroyers
10 Tarantul Class Corvettes

What might be a relief for some is that the Divine Russian Navy then orders its Black Sea Fleet to move in strength out of the Black Sea through the Bosporus and follow the ancient trade route out through the Aegean Sea, pass Crete, north through the Ionian Sea and into the Adriatic. All, except for the damaged Slava Class Cruiser, which would remain anchored at Sevastopol. They would be ordered to provide support for the Romans in any way they could while stopping all shipping of Soviet or INU types, or even planes to cross into Yugoslavia. The concentrated firepower and CAP support should prove more than capable of standing up to Yugoslavian air strikes.

The Black Sea Fleet-
1 Kiev Class Heavy Aircraft Carrying Cruiser (Aircraft Carrier)
1 Kirov Class Missile Battecruiser
5 Kashin Class Destroyers
4 Sovremenny Class Destroyers
3 Udaloy I Class Destroyers
10 Krivak Class Frigates
5 Grisha III Class Corvettes

Some major movement was also happening in Sevastopol in preparation for the amphibious landings. As the Crimea was becoming more and more crowded with troops and boats of every seafaring type, trains began to move in with large groups of Russian soldiers now. But these were not regular Russians, these were the Spetznatz, the Russian equivalent to the SAS or Delta Force. But these troop were already being deployed secretly, as they wer flown close to the Bulgarian and even Romanian coasts, they were dropped off at sea by helicopter, where they would take their equipment and start to silently slip ashore in small groups, mainly to scout out targets and troop concentrations to fore upon, allowing the planes and ships an easier time of the targeting that was becoming increasingly frustrating. They could walk up and “paint” the objects, using their equipment to give the planes a lock, and then after the air strike came in, they would simply slip into the night. They also took some sabotage opportunities as they presented themselves. In all, some 20,000 Spetznatz troops were already in the Crimea. (Obviously they have not all been deployed, just a small amount, but with more and more coming. The Yugoslavs will most likely start to notice a slight upsurge in the accuracy of the Tsarist air strikes, and wonder why they keep getting better and better at hitting more and more hidden targets, then some detonations that start to target military and industrial capacity will begin to occur, with assassinations of officers and prominent public officials starting as well. The Spetznatz were some of the best in the world at their jobs, and they would be a major headache to the Bulgarians in particular.



Operation: Austrian Shield
Totals-240,000 troops, 4,400 to 6,800 pieces of armour
11 Divisions Heavy Mechanised-110,000 troops, 3,300 to 4,400 pieces of armour
4 Divisions Light Mechanized- 40,000 troops, 800 to 1,200 pieces of armour
3 Divisions Heavy Infantry-30,000 troops, 300 to 600 pieces of armour
6 Divisions Elite Paratroopers-60,000 troops, 0-600 pieces of armour

In Hungary, Princess Adrianna accepted the surrender of the Hungarians and then Operation: Austrian Shield just continued to roll on. The Elite Paratroopers had been successfully deployed along the Austrian/Hungarian border, and were making the lives of the Hungarians at Sopron hell while the Austrians returned to their own nation to defend it from the hundreds of thousands of invaders. The invasion force was set on pacifying any resistance that they could come across, but soon things quieted down as the Hungarians realized they were beaten, except, apparently in Sopron. The invaders soon met up in the Western portion of the nation and quickly formed into an invading force that was going to drive into Austria. The Austrians were contacted and asked which enemy they should engage, the Yugoslavians, or the Czechs.

Behind them, a Ukrainian occupation force began moving into Hungary, consisting of:

4 Heavy Mechanized Divisions-40,000 troops, 1200-1600 pieces of armour
2 Light Mechanized Divisions-20,000 troops, 400-600 pieces of armour.
Total Occupation Force-60,000 troops, 1600-2200 pieces of armour

The air war did not slow down at all, however, with the 40 Bears and a force equaling that of Operation: Yugoslavian Spear now just moving onto targets in Austria, focusing on Yugoslavian targets for the bombers, but generally attacking everyone they could in air superiority missions all over the little nation, especially in support of Roman missions.

Again, as the Russian Military started to mobilize, First Minister Armand asked Yugoslavia to back down, and promised that if he return to his pre-conflict borders, both he and the Caesar of Rome would stay out of what they felt was a Czech/Austrian conflict.




Tsar Wingert the Great.

Adriatic
Turns out that the order for the corvettes to patrol 100 km away from the Italian coast should have actually read something more like 15-20. Talk about your multi-million dollar, “Oopsie!!” In all, only five ships, less than half of what went out, returned without any damage, three ships were sunk while the rest were able to limp home with moderate to heavy damage. Those ships that remained healthy were given the order to patrol no more than 20 km off the Italian coast. In response to the enemy strike, 2 De la Penne guided missile destroyers and 3 Maestrale class frigates pummel the Yugoslav coastal defences with Otomat mk 2 SSMs from 120-140 km away from the Yugoslav coast. Aspide SAMs aboard the task force continually scan the skies for retaliatory enemy air strikes along with ten Eurofighters on the mainland are prepared to launch in order to defend them whether by air or by sea. The flagship of Regia Marina, the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi is held closer to the Italian coast, but close enough to defend the assaulting task force from submarine warfare with its load of 16 AV-8B Harrier IIs. Also helping defending the task force are a U212, a Sauro IV, and a Sauro III submarine to help defend against submarine attacks. Meanwhile the rest of the fleet, soon to be reinforced by the Russian fleet, continues its embargo on Yugoslavian shipping as well as using their Apside SAMs to stop all military planes from entering Yugoslavia.

Austria
General Octavius watches as the scutum armour on the Ariete tanks takes the first missile hit thrown against them, nevertheless, the tanks still receive heavy damage and a few who take a second hit before returning fire are engulfed in flames. But the attention of the Yugoslav tanks are quickly divided as the Dardo Hitfists, who had moved around the enemy with the infantry assault the tanks with TOW guided anti-tank missiles. The enemy may have registered the first tank kills, but the Romans now cut down the enemy tanks with alarming speed, firing at them from all sides.
The artillery crews quickly catch on that they can’t stay in one place very long after four or five artillery banks are hit. The disciplined crews quickly release their four shots then move in an erratic, yet consistently forward path, following the enemies withdraw.
The Tornado ECRs suffered no casualties in their strike, a testament to their electronic defences, but their not alone. Just under a minute of them flying by, 15 Eurofighters zoom in launching their payload of anti-radiation missiles on the AA divisions. 15 Tornado IDS, eight of them targeting primarily the anti-tank and infantry and seven targeting the artillery, follow the Eurofighters. After them, come four more F-16s, these were devoted totally to the tanks attacking the Arietes.

Padua, Italy
Not every Eurofighter has been tied to the bombers, at least once a day a five-flight element of fighters are flown into the air to take on L-20s, NT-4s and Su-27s. Those remaining fly in two-flight elements to escort the bombers. The Tornado IDS and ECR are equipped with Storm Shadow cruise missiles, capable of launching at a target from a range of 250 km away, keeping the Italian bombers from flying too far in to Slovenian airspace. Though these missiles would not be able to target small moving objects, the Romans maintain their assault on Slovenian infrastructure, targeting large immovable objects. Air bases, airfields and military naval ports are selected as targets for these missiles that can evade enemy radar and defences.

Rome, Italy
The Palace of the Holy Citadel
Caesar Romulus Magnus stares at Capo di Stato Maggiore della Marina Marcellus Statius at the news that the orders for Roman corvettes to patrol 100 km away from the coast was nothing more than a typo. At first he can’t believe what he just heard, then he can’t believe how inept, stupid and incompetent his predecessor’s government actually was. Statius began to fidget under the gaze of the Caesar, and for good reason, his face had become a bright shade of red. At last he waved his head and said, “You’re fired!” He turned to military advisor and ordered that he find another Chief of the Navy. He then turns back to Statius and states, “Am I to tell thousands of wives, mothers and fathers that their husbands and sons are dead because you made the wrong keystroke? You don’t only shame yourself you shame all of Rome! You shame me! You will be tried, and undoubtedly found guilty for your negligence, at which point I will make sure that you never serve in the Navy, or even in the merchant marine, for the rest of your life! You no longer belong among my class, go be among the street rats where you belong!” Romulus was beginning to wonder if he would ever get to give honour to someone in his government, though the Chief of the Air Force was making a good go of it.

Caesar Romulus Magnus then turns to affairs outside his borders and endorses the Russian communiqué sent to Marshall Lav. He also adds that Lav is having a hard enough time defending Slovenia from Roman air strikes, how much more difficult will it be with the much more powerful Russian air strikes? Plus, once the Tsarist invasion force is done in Hungary, it is inevitably coming south, straight for him. Does he really want to deal with that many troops marching into his land as well as face the possibility of more coming from Rome? Romulus seriously doubts that.

Romulus then sends a missive to Greece, it states:
“To the wise and just Greek government from the Caesar Romulus Magnus I: Greetings! It seems apparent that you have misinterpreted my intentions toward your country, my wish is to bring our two nations under the same banner, and that can be done in many other ways than by Roman invasion. To be honest, invasion of Greece is something that I shudder to think about, why should we both put waste what will surely be billions of dollars and millions of lives when we can be united in a much more peaceful way? I propose an alliance, separate we are both very powerful, but together our power can be unimaginable. I recommend a defensive alliance that can grow as our countries grow closer together. I look forward to hearing your response. Know that I do not harbour you any ill will. All the Senators greet you. All the Chiefs of the Roman military greet you. May the Lord continue to bless Greece. Amen.”

OOC: This post contains propaganda but I am not attempting to god mode or ignore reality. And yes I realize the irony of certain statements that I make in this post. Quinntopia, can you give me a list of all the Hungarian planes which landed in the Czech Republic?

My reserve divisions are generally paired with a veteran division so they may not be as incompetent as suggested.

Klaus and Hungarian Allies

Vaclav Klaus adjusts his tie while the makeup artists put the finishing touches on his makeup. The men behind him talk quietly amongst themselves. The makeup artists finish and the clock ticks down to one and we’re on.

“Citizens of the Czech Republic and Austria, the fight against tyranny continues and the days of Drekscler are numbered. Beyond his rhetoric he has nothing but hope and rationale people need not heed his ramblings. Save the territory in the north, the Austrian state is no more. The rest of the country is plagued by chaos and only territory saved by Czechs is immune.

I am come before you today to officially welcome the Hungarian pilots into the Czech air-force. To all those in Hungary, we appreciate your sacrifices and you will not be forgotten. We welcome the Hungarian pilots and praise them for their bravery in resisting unlawful occupation by a foreign power. The Czech Republic appreciates your continued service to the cause of liberty and together we are strong.”

As Klaus finishes the camera zooms out to include the Hungarian pilots. Their faces are somber and appear to have weathered much misfortune in a short time. The arrival of the Hungarian pilots was such a good press opportunity that Klaus could not avoid holding a press conference. They stand behind Klaus and begin clapping at Klaus’s last point. The noise of a crowd cheering can be heard in the background. It takes a moment for order to be restored in the room. Klaus raises his hand, gesturing for people to become silent. Then he continues,

“The Tsarist government in Russia has grown more arrogant with every passing day and wishes to meddle in the affairs of Central Europe. The principle of Central European neutrality as promoted by France is again being violated by another two tongued monarch of the Holy League. The Tsar of Russia has forgotten what honor means and perhaps it is time for him to remember.

You have ignored my pleas to remove yourself from this conflict and continue to promote the irrational idea of an Austrian Hungarian conflict separate from larger conflict in Central Europe. The Czech Republic entered this war to fight for Hungary and will continue to fight so long as tyranny, be it Russian or Austrian, remains in Hungary.”

The camera pans to the side and rows of Hungarian pilots nodding their heads can be seen.

“Russia was once a Slav and loyal to Slavic peoples. Russia has betrayed their Slavic brothers with the occupation of Hungary and has made a mockery of Russian claims of moving towards Slavic unity. Your intervention in this matter is not wanted and I ask you to discontinue your attempts to bring all of Central Europe under Tsarist control. I tire of your underhanded diplomatic methods. To my face your ministers flatter me and behind my back prepare for war. Russian attempts to annex all of Central Europe will not go un-noticed. The Czech Republic remembers well the days of Soviet rule and will not willingly go back to Russian tyranny. We may not be powerful but we have grown accustomed to our freedom and will fight to preserve it. Rethink your views on Hungary, Russia, it continues this war, which none of us want.

But this is not a moment for diplomacy, let us welcome the brave Hungarians and show them the hospitality of the Czech Republic.”

Klaus claps his hands together and the crowd cheers and begins clapping as well. The screen dims and fades.

Klaus sends the Hungarian pilots into Prague for some much needed fun. He ignored their complaints and urged them to have some fun, for it will be some time before they will be able to enjoy themselves again.

Outside the Czechs Wait

The Czech military continued to wait outside the major centers south of the Danube and lay siege to them. They fortified their positions and several conscripted divisions, under the stern guidance of veteran troops, were helpful in preparing defensive fortifications. The siege walls constructed by medieval troops to defend attacking armies were emulated by the Czechs, though in a modern fashion. Trenches were dug and vast areas around the populated centers were cleared of trees and mined extensively. All traffic into the cities was completely cut off because they continued to harbor the Austrian military. The pamphlets dropped by Czech planes clearly indicated that complete Austrian military surrender in the cities would lift the Czech siege, and trucks brimming with foodstuffs would then enter.

Austrian military personnel coming out of the cities to attack the Czech attackers were immediately attacked by large numbers of tanks. The Austrian military was lucky to be able to get into the cities before the advancing Czech military and it is was believed that the amount of anti-tank weaponry would be limited in those areas.

All radio broadcasting centers within the Czech control were strictly controlled and monitored by the Czech military. All radio towers outside Czech control were targeted by modified Czech Gripens who launched AGM-65 Maverick laser guided bombs at them. So far the Czech air force was superior in the sky but resistance to this new initiative was expected.

Regarding Drekscler and Czech undercover operators

Chief of the General Staff Anton Dvorach, longtime friend to Vaclav Klaus, was meeting with several of his military aides. They were discussing Drekscler’s recent radio broadcast. Dvorach was surprised that a radio broadcast had been made, considering that it would reveal the Austrian leader and that using Quinntopian GPS systems and their computer skills, they were able to pinpoint his exact location. The aides replied that the message was likely taped and that Drekscler could be miles away from the original location. However they said that they had examined the data given to them by close Quinntopian allies and had tracked the original location of the message as it traveled through the various radio sub terminals to a place just inside Vienna. Dvorach ushered them out of the room and began to plan.

From the beginning of the invasion several hundred Czech military personnel donned Austrian civilian clothes and incorporated themselves into groups of Austrians fleeing from the site of conflict to larger urban centers. There they began making friends with Austrian dissenters and joining resistance cells. They funneled information to Dvorach and were a large help in keeping dissenters from killing many Czech troops. While it did nothing against widespread anti-Czech acts of hostility, it did significantly reduce the amount of Czech casualties.

An equal number of operatives had been sent into large urban centers like Vienna and Linz in Austrian controlled territory. It was hoped that they would be able to infiltrate the Austrian military as the Austrian were likely looking for anyone available to throw into uniforms and ultimately find information about Drekscler whereabouts.

The Austrian Czech Government

The high numbers of troops centered in the small town Gmund was considered both a boon and a problem to the local villages. On the one hand they bought large numbers of crops from the surrounding community and boosted the local economy but they also hated the Czechs and resented them being in the town. Although the town hall was secure from Austrians, being guarded by large numbers of Czechs day and night, the houses of the newly elected Austrian government were constantly being plastered with eggs. The cars tires were often sliced, and generally the Austrians made it difficult for those they considered collaborating with the enemy. When the nanny to the Austrian President was killed and hung outside the window of the oldest son it was decided that it was time to do something. The perpetrators were given a fair trial by the newly elected Austrian government and hung. After that incident all member of the interim Austrian government were to be constantly guarded by Czech troops day and night, diminishing the resources that could be used elsewhere.

The Plan and Assault
Anton Dvorach stood at the center of the briefing room waiting with impatience as Czech military personnel quickly hurried into the room to find their spots. When the last person found their seat Dvorach began speaking,

“Approximately three hours ago Drekscler made a public broadcast. Our intel in consultation with the Quinntopians indicates that this emanated inside Vienna. Our operatives within Vienna agree. The address is clearly marked on map in the handout before you. Our goal is to get into Vienna and provide a distraction for the special ops mission. Make this look believable people for the fate of Austria hangs in the balance, but remember, get in and get out.”

Dvorach finishes his speech and at three hundred hours 20,000 Czech troops, broken into five separate groups, converge into the city from all directions. They include some of the Jan Huss division, and 100 T-72 M4 CZ tanks with reactive armor plating.

Nearby a team of Czech operatives, all clothed in black leap off the helicopter and enter the building.

OOC: Hey Moorington, can you TG your thoughts on the assassination attempt of Drekscler? I would like this to be cool, for both of us, and would like your input. We could have this whole adventure based on faulty intel or have them almost kill him but lose in a heroic fight or whatever we decide. I don’t want this degenerating into blahety blah blah computer talk over the radio. Anyways please TG me. Thanks.

The idea that a force of tens of thousands of special-ops personnel can be in any way compared to the SAS would have all Yugoslavia in hysterics if only it was known that the Tsar held such comical beliefs, but the Tsarist troops deployed to the SR Bulgaria probably weren't going to stay in laughing mood for long, finding that the Yugoslav People's Army is sticking to its nothing can surprise us motto. The activation of TDF forces in Bulgaria means that populated and otherwise useful areas are crawling with men at arms, even if those arms do range from (superior) AKM-alike M70 assault rifles to improved SKS-alike M66A1 battle rifles used by the Lusakans and even the odd ex-Nazi Mauser rifle.

Bunkers are the most notable thing that the special forces tend to find. There are almost more bunkers than people in some areas. Targetting these for destruction quickly proves futile, as even a direct hit and total destruction of one of the outposts rarely results in anyone actually being killed, and the pillboxes invariably cost less than the strike against them.

Bulgarian TDF Spatial Elements of Company size tasked with defence of key locations and protection of civilians frustrate special operations at almost every turn, giving resistance to every mission of any significance what so ever, alerting regular forces, and overseeing emergency evacuations and then rescue and reconstruction efforts. This is not to say that the spetsnaz have no success, where they stand to fight the defenders they more often than not kill and injure a good number of the far less well trained Bulgarian irregulars, but to stay and give such an account of themselves means encirclement by Manouverable Elements of Battalion size, often equipped with artillery, air defences, and Cold War era armour.

Yugoslavia continues to be wounded by Tsarist operations, but is certainly sufficiently well prepared to weather special ops attacks on this scale, however much it hurts to do so.

Meanwhile the threat of Su-25 Frogfoot attackers is dismissed out of hand due to the distances involved and the combat radius of these so far impotent aircraft flying out of Ukraine or wherever else, and little regular-forces armour is out to be found in any event.

Su-24s escorted by Su-27s are an undeniable pain in the backside, but the Fencers are no match for L-20 and Soviet interceptors or for the low-level air defences that so far are still mostly operational, and even the Flankers are at a distinct disadvantage in aerial combat.

It is only the numbers that are beginning to seriously worry Belgrade, which now must petition Greece and India for more interceptors, fearing quite seriously that attrition will be the death of the Yugoslav air campaign. We can match their losses on the ground says Vorobei, and live with the loss of the seas, as we have always expected, but the sky is something we can neither afford to lose nor to defend for long.

The massive air assault on eastern Bulgaria and now starting against JNA forces in Austria is impressive on television and on paper, and intimidating in the field, but it is not terribly effective militarily. The obsolete missiles launched against the Yugoslavs continue to miss their targets, to hit the wrong ones, to hit -or more often miss- decoys, to be intercepted in cases where defenders cope well enough with their great size to off-set their considerable velocity..;. more often it is the lumbering bombers that receive a barrage of AAELRS long-range air-to-air missiles deployed from afar, and Yugoslav propaganda is already reporting crashes, explosions, poisonings, misfirings, and other accidents in Ukraine due to the use of such old and tempremental weaponry at such a high turnover rate, though there is no proof in Yugoslav posession that any such things have happened.

Belgrade forewarns the Hellenic Republic immediately on discovering a Tsarist naval force approaching Greek waters, and promises to do anything possible to lend support should the Greeks resist its passage, asking the Indians also to back Athens defences in any way they can.

As fighting rages on and the Balkans suffer more with each passing hour, Marshal Lav restates that he desires peace, but that his people must not stop fighting until assured that not only Yugoslavia but the Czech Republic and Hungary should retain their free and democratic governments, and that the current Austrian authority must be replaced with one that does not so destabilise all of Europe. Lav struggles to think of reasonable concessions that can be made to the League aggressors in this conflict, and so is forced to press on with his military campaign.

(OOC: Sorry, I wrote this the other day but my computer crashed and I couldn't post. I haven't time to update it, so this includes nothing in response to Italy's last post. I'll try to get back in touch tomorrow, when I'll also probably talk more about exactly what Yugoslavia has lost so far, and the fact that we'd really, really like the USAF to help repulse air strikes and maybe the USN to restore its presence in the Adriatic. Hopefully Indian planes will continue to fly in over Greece, for now.)

OOC-My bad on the Frogfoots, I was looking at their ferry range. But as for the Su-27’s come on! They have been compared in dog fighting and manoeuvrability as second only to the F-22. And all this talk of old and antiquated equipment, give me a break. The reason the Bears are still around is the same reason that B-52s are still around, they still do their job exceptionally. Just maybe not stealthily, being the noisiest aircraft in the world. LOL!

But yeah, the equipment that is being used may be designs that are pretty old, but they are in great condition, are the Soviet models with full avionics, not the export models that saw action in Libya or Iraq, and the pilots that are using them are some of the best in the world with them. I am quite willing to give props where props are due, but these aircraft are still among the most advanced and capable in the world in RL, perhaps minus the Bears. But even the Bears are using ultra modern missiles and guidance techniques.

And the Spetznatz is highly trained Special Forces of all branches and types, units within them may be a match for the Delta Force, SAS, or whatever, and others would be more the equivalent to the SEALS or Rangers. But they are all highly trained and very capable.

The main focus of their mission would be to spot the targets and gather information for targets for the incoming air strikes. And we would be more than happy to drop major ordinance and bunker-busters down on the bunkers, if it is protecting any AA capabilities. But we would make sure first.

Of course, if the small groups are starting to meet resistance in their sabotaging attempts, they are likely to just stop altogether and direct air strikes exclusively, though the assassination would continue, as it was quite easy to pick off a single target from almost a mile away with high powered and high calibre weapons and well-trained snipers, as they are.

But yeah, consider the Frogfoots as transferred to the Austrian front.
I feel like I should quote something.

IC-
The Russian Western District Commander was quite pleased to hear that he was moving in to help the Ukrainians in their noble cause. Already, the entirety of the Divine Russian Military had been mobilised, and the trains that would carry his men and equipment were waiting on the track as the orders came in.

Like a well-oiled machine the whole district leapt to action, as almost half of his forces began the short jaunt into Ukraine and then into Hungary to join Operation: Austrian Shield. Polls showed that the public was in full support of this move, perhaps a testament to how favoured the Russians were under Tsarist domination. They were the only nation not yet on total war footing, but a conflict of any length would change that, though it would be put off as long as possible.
The Forces assigned to Operation: Austrian Shield were:
12 Divisions Heavy Mechanised- 120,000 troops, 3600 to 4800 pieces of armour
There was also a reassignment of some troops to participate in Operation: Yugoslavian Spear, and shipped to the Crimea. These were:
3 Divisions Elite Commando- 30,000 troops
4 Divisions Elite Paratroopers- 40,000 troops

This is mostly in reaction to the unbelievably fast mobilisation of the Yugoslavian militia and the pressing of some 200,000 more troops into the theatre. Though the Tsarists were not responding with as many troops, they would still retain numerical supremacy while undoubtedly being far more competent as a professional fighting force and possessing major advantages in the sheer number of thousands of modern Russian tanks that were soon to be descending on that theatre.

Of course, Princess Adrianna was still collecting herself in Hungary, while organising the occupation of the nation, and was digging in on the borders of the nation facing Yugoslavia. While she had no interest in invading the Yugoslavs, she was seeing them more and more as being the major problem, and few of her advisors doubted that the current Austrian regime would want the Tsarists to face the Yugoslavs, which would free them up to fight the Czechs over what now must be a bomb-riddled ruin of a country. Of course, there was talk that the Russians that would soon be streaming into the nation might just take part of a massive armoured thrust into the Yugoslavian nation proper. But the Tsar had made it clear that he did not desire total war with Yugoslavia.

Of course, the baying of the ass, or was it gnat, Klaus was not so politely ignored, as Princess Adrianna was heard to remark, “If we thought their opinion on the war was important, we would talk to them. But instead, any serious negotiations would go to the slave-nations master, now who was that again? Lav, or PM Moerike? I mean seriously, if we wanted to talk to the real power in the Czech Republic, we would call Belgrade or Washington.”

It was pointed out that the sudden shift in priorities from Czech sovereignty to a sudden love for the Hungarians that not even the Hungarians could believe was more evidence of Lav as a warmonger. Sir Reginald, Regent of Tsarist Lavrageria even added, “It was well known that Lav abandoned his people in Republican Lavrageria as soon as was convenient, after sitting out the war itself in a comfortable mansion while his people were bleeding and dieing. The Tsar led his troops on the front; he sustained injuries for his men. Lav was snivelling in his own self-loathing and cowardice in hiding while real men did his fighting for him. The Lavragerian people deserved better, and that is what they got. Now they are led by warriors, not cowardly bureaucrats.”

The amended list for the air component for Operation: Yugoslavian Spear was as follows:
200 Sukhio Su-24s
65 Sukhio Su-27s
150 MiG-23s
225 MiG-29s
Total-705
(I haven’t included losses yet, but I will be doing so soon)

With the air component for Operation Austrian Shield amended as well:
200 Sukhio Su-24s
130 Su-25 Frogfoots (especially for anti-tank operations)
65 Sukhio Su-27s
150 MiG-23s
225 MiG-29s
Total-705
(I haven’t included losses yet, but I will be doing so soon)

As for the Black Sea Fleet that was quickly steaming towards their Holy League allies’ position, their commander is told to stay out of Greek waters, and while staying in international waters, to keep up both their anti-submarine measures and their CAP. Princess Adrianna also was sure to contact the Hellenic Navy and the government of Greece and explain that the Fleet moving through the Ionian Sea bore their Orthodox brothers in Greece no ill will, and proclaimed their intention of just passing through to the Adriatic. They would not fire unless fired upon. Except, of course against the Soviets who were considered targets of opportunity.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

This is mostly in reaction to the unbelievably fast mobilisation of the Yugoslavian militia and the pressing of some 200,000 more troops into the theatre. Though the Tsarists were not responding with as many troops, they would still retain numerical supremacy while undoubtedly being far more competent as a professional fighting force and possessing major advantages in the sheer number of thousands of modern Russian tanks that were soon to be descending on that theatre.

Can we stop talking shit now that we have thoroughly insulted one another's military? I don't want this thread going emotional and personal like other threads. Wingertopia's complaint about Beth Gellert basically hinged around the use of adjectives like "superior" constantly being used. I think the following words should be barred when talking about your own military: superior, awesome, far, major, very, etc. This goes double for you Wingertopia. Yugoslavia should be able to feel good about his military too. Some of your military is old. Deal with it. You stubborn mules should start compromising.

OOC: I think you're over reacting, Fluer, I saw nothing wrong with his post, if only by the fact that a person could go back and count what Wingert had sent in. My problem is those who boast about military pieces that a person could not find info on. Plus, banning words like "better" on a board, feels like a four-year olds way to solving the problem, especially if you're just trying to state a fact!

And as long as we're on the subject of words, how about you get people's name right! At first I gave you the benefit of the doubt, thinking that it was a joke, but now it's just damn annoying! The man's name is Wingert, not Wingertopia! Quinntonia, not Quinntopia! If you want to talk about banning words, first, get people's name right! If it were me, I'd find it very insulting!

Solterris could not sleep, he thought to himself constantly about the amount of Greek lives that would be lost in this war for the Slavs.

Was it worth it?

Undoubtably, the war would cause numerous Greeks to lose their lives for what, an ally that may very well stab them in the back on a later date, as they had done to countless allies before them. Not only that, but he was aligning himself with the very vermin that he despiesed: twin-faced Communists who worship you one minute, and plot against you in the next. Was it not the Lav who had pumped money into the Hellenic Communists in the elections, and had supported Aleka Karamanlis in Solterris' reelection campaign?

No, the Greek lives simply were not worth it.

Solterris leaped from his bed and sprinted downwards to his office, sliding into his computer chair. He began to write.

To Commanders of the Hellenic Air Force, Army and Navy:

I, Stavros Panagiotis Solterris, commander in chief of the Hellenic militaries, hereby cancel my order to mobilize Greek forces in preparation for a defense of our neighbor Yugoslavia. All units are ordered to report to bases and await further orders. Units are not to leave their bases, as we are unsure of what sort of reaction we can expect from the Slavs. Continue combat exercises, and stay on a level of wartime readiness.

Solterris sent the message, a message that would soon be read by every commander, NCO, and grunt of the great militaries of the Hellenic Republic.

OOC: Relax, kiddos.

(OOC: Quinntopia and Wingertonia and Wingertopia are all legitimate nicknames (though Q may be sick of them, heh!), Vercon, due to your newness in the group you may not have realised this.)

SR Bulgaria

Archaic Kh22s, if they have not exploded or poisoned their crews or anything, continue to rain down, and Yugoslavs continue to grin and bear the unsettling inconvenience. When Tsarist aircraft move-in to launch precision strikes they face determined resistance from modern and mobile SAMs, self-propelled AAA, and L-20 and Soviet interceptors, with Yugoslavian squadrons now following a more intense rate of sorties as the situation becomes more serious.

With their own inter-linked radars, ground-based systems with enhanced sensitivity and anti-anti-radiation systems, and Soviet UAV and Marathon-borne control radars, the little Putins by and large detect Russo-Ukrainian formations before they themselves are detected and typically have time to choose, co-ordinate, and conduct the best attacking run available, giving themselves the best possible chance of escape.

The Tsar may be talked down or may lose his resolve after seeing the stiffness of resistance and the inordinate expense of his operation, he may run-out of ready weaponry, he may lose too many machines to think it worthwhile. Otherwise Yugoslavia was going to have to start worrying about its own reserves and the rate at which hardware is being deployed and lost, and the pressure against intelligence assets and static facilities.

TDF forces in Bulgaria don't take much activating. Missiles start falling, radio, poster, and television appeals go out, men put on their best shoes and coats, their tin helmets, and pick up their rifles and report to the local rallying point where an ex-officer appears to brief them based upon a phonecall he just received from Sofia. About half to two thirds of the men have received military training, the rest stand around looking pale or bounce about with the excessive enthusiasm of the naive lad with the automatic weapon.

They form their platoons and hop on a truck, a tractor, pile in the back of a Yugo, jump on a cart, a bus, or walk to the local power station, SAM post, political office, military barracks, fuel depot, or whatever else may be subject to attack, and spend the night digging ditches, taking watch in one-man pillboxes, and organising patrols and shifts. When Russians turn up, the Territorials open fire and send radio and telephone calls to their comrades.

Others, having apropriate experience, take more time forming battalions in more heavily populated areas and their officers unlock storage facilities containing dated heavy equipment, which is hurridly dusted off -having hopefully been maintained by said officers during peace time- and rolls out into the streets and fields, waiting for calls from the spatial units requesting help, where upon they converge on trouble spots and spetsnaz find themselves suddenly chased across the countryside by a couple of hundred Bulgarians, irritated at best by the loss of their nation's navy and the hail of missiles.

Assassinations continue to be a problem, but these too draw in territorial units from every direction, and the mysterious Sova-15 unit quickly takes-over the administration of counter intelligence operations and manhunts.

Northwest theatre

Belgrade is delighted with its maritime successes against the Italians, but resigned to the idea that there may not be much more of the same. The Adriatic Fleet hurridly assumes a defensive posture and increases minelaying operations, especially in the Strait of Otranto, with friendly forces updated on the state of the minefields and offered pilot ships when approaching.

On the Austro-Italian border significant losses have been inflicted by the Italian air force on Pupin's forward Brigade, but as the fighting units close and tank takes on tank as infantryman takes on infantryman the general calls on his rearguard, the bulk of his force, to fall upon the engaged Italians, and the better part of sixteen armoured and mechanised brigades wade in from the north.

In a large part it is hoped that the proximity of forces will reduce the threat of cruise missile and high-level bombing attack, but low-flying Tornado remain every bit as great a threat to the JNA as the JNA's air defences do to the Tornados. The greatest hope is that, frankly, we've got more targets to lose than they have Tornados to lose, and as time goes on the effectiveness of their strikes will be depleted.

Still, with Pupin and Octavius locked together amongst the bulk of, what, two hundred thousand men, the battle here does not seem likely to end quickly or with an entirely positive result for either side.

SR Slovenia

Indian defences are needed more than ever as modern cruise missiles fall with much more effect than those showering the east coast and the forces of Stojakovic and the reserves in Austria.

Slovenia's mountains naturally make life harder for the attackers, at least. Low flying can be difficult where the land scape is not conducive, SAM and AAA can be hidden on the rear faces of slopes, as can other potential targets, and many facilities are dug partially into the rugged landscape in lessons learned by association with the CPRD's forces in the Lavragerian War.

While the devestation has been greatly limited by these factors and the continued resistance of Yugoslavian and Indian fighter aircraft, there is no denying that Slovenia's aviation facilities and high/mid-level air defences are in imminent danger of collapse if the Italians keep up their pressure for a few more days and nothing is done.

Yugoslavia's reserves have done well in getting their vanguard across the Austrian border, but in the same time the Italians have deployed an army group, most of their fleet, and a large part of their airforce, the Czechs have sent in everything they have, the Ukrainians have mustered a huge aerial operation with means to keep rolling constantly for days, Hungary has essentially been conquered, and Belgrade doesn't feel especially like it is ahead of the game in getting some reserves from high alert to a couple of miles that way.

Does anybody have a brillian plan for peace? Wonders PM Goranov. Because this war is going to hurt.

OOC-Calm down, as annoying as the Quinntopia thing is, I can deal. And the Wingertonia things has been going on for a long time, it’s all good.

As for my comparison with the competency of my troops, please read that in context, I was only comparing my professional army to his militia, man for man; our armies are a match for each other. And when my reservist force is brought to bear, it will be much of the same story, with his professional army having the benefit of training, experience and maybe even equipment that my reservists will not have. That is the nature of these kinds of troops. I was not commenting on Yugo’s military in general, I think we are both pretty much agreed as how the battle is going thus far.

Correct me if I’m wrong but:
In Bulgaria, the air battle is going fairly well for the Tsarists, but that is more having to do with the vast numbers that are being applied than anything. I would argue that any air battle will not be completely one-sided, but I will give the advantage to the defender with the massive AA capabilities. Though, it is probably that those SAMs and AA nests are probably the same era or older than the Tsarist fighters, for Yugo to be able to afford them. Now, these L-20s? If I could get a modern day equivalent to them, it would be really helpful, as I do have difficulty assessing the strengths and weaknesses of mythical equipment. Are they MiG-29? Better, MiG-31? Or something like F-16E Strike Eagles or even F/A-18 SuperHornets? If I get that, and get an idea as to what kind of airpower my fighters are facing, when you post your losses, I will be able to respond with mine. For now, I have kind of been seeing them as something of an F-16E Strike Eagle, way better dog fighter and more maneuverable that the F/A-18, but perhaps with less ground strike capability electronic countermeasures. That would mean that perhaps the only thing that could match it in the air that I have would be the MiG-31, which isn’t a part of the Ukrainian Air Force at all, or the Su-27, but it would have to get close enough to actually dog fight first. And that is not likely to happen because of the L-20s superior avionics and targeting. So, the only way to down the L-20s would be to hit them with cruise missiles after they have already engaged another target, but even if you got it, they probably would have still destroyed the other target. Does that sound fair? That would mean that the only way to really get you is to either draw you in somehow to a dogfight with my Su-27s, or hit you with lots of numbers before you can scramble home.

As for the Spetznatz, they are not being unsuccessful, and you are noticing that air strikes against hidden ground targets are becoming more and more accurate, and the assassinations are becoming quite a morale killer, but they are being challenged more and more by stiffer and stiffer resistance, and soon your Special Forces are going to be assigned almost exclusively to counteracting mine, which makes sense. So, probably as far as the air strikes go, it will be a major advantage, what with them being able to “paint” targets for strike from a mile or two away by pointing a small camera that looks like a telescope at it, but they are being spotted much more and engaged by large numbers as they sneak around and flee from big fights. When the counter-operation begins, the advantage on almost every level will start to erode, but the air strikes would probably continue to be fairly effective when they are directing them from the ground, as it is pretty hard to defend against a camera. I assume though, that as time goes on, that advantage too, will lessen, hopefully not before I do major damage to the Bulgarian coastal and air defenses.

As for in Austria nothing but the air war has really started on my part, so I can’t comment. But could you mention kind of what Yugoslavia is committing to either front in terms of airpower? From Slovenia to Austria to Bulgaria? I am just wondering what the numbers are.

So, just waiting for losses. Fluer, calm down. We are all friend here.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

OOC: Yes we are. I may have made my case too strongly but I think my point was heard and am glad I said it. This thread had been pretty good so far. Lets keep it that way.

Vecron is right about mythical equipment and we should probably make a thread listing the equivalent planes to fictitious ones. That way we don't have to argue about it anymore. Overstatement and egotism irritates me to no end and though it would be impossible to eliminate it, it should be reduced significantly. In certain instances, I will not shirk from offending or hurting someone’s feelings. But enough of this, we have some role-playing to do.

IC:

Klaus responds to recent Events

Vaclav Klaus stands at the front of the Chamber of Deputies behind a large ornate mahogany dais. A few cameras are stationed in the corners of the room and recording everything. The members of parliament stop talking when Klaus begins speaking.

“Today is a day for unity and a day for strength. Russia has indicated contempt for the smaller states of Central Europe. A vision of strong independent states is venom to Tsarist imperial ambitions. We call on all our allies to help us in our hour of greatest need. Should the Tsar succeed in capturing but one small territory we are all finished. Just as Hitler demanded one more territory in return for peace, proclaiming it was the last, the Tsars will plead and promise until the entire global is engulfed by the Russian menace.

I ask that our Greek allies continue their support in this dire hour. If your allies fall fighting the Tsar then you will have no one to defend you when the Tsar pleads for Greek territory. Will a puppet government in Austria or the Italian Holy League help you fight the Tsar? Nay they will join in! The ambition of the Holy League is endless and nothing will satisfy their relentless thirst for more territory. We must make a stand now before it is too late.

We also call upon our British and Australasian allies to assist this fight for they have long been a friend of freedom and an enemy of tyranny.

Together we are strong but divided we are weak. Only by standing together against a common threat will we be victorious. It is too late for peace and war is the only thing that will prevent us all from being overrun. You wait at your own peril.”

OOC: First, let me apologize for the nickname thing, my mistake.

IC: Caesar Romulus Magnus responds to Vaclav Klaus

Shortly after Klaus' public address, Caesar Romulus sits in his throne with a plethora of cameras in front of him. Romulus wears the ceremonial, long, purple robe of his position in the government with the golden laurels sitting atop his head.

“Vaclav Klaus, you are quite right when you say that this is a day for unity and strength, however you will not find that unity or strength that you so desperately seek by spouting propaganda and alienating most of Europe! Your ability for overstatement is extraordinary. I have met the Tsar and I can tell you that though intimidating, he is no Hitler! And you, sir, are beginning to have the words of a warmonger! You claim that it is too late for peace, yet if you actually made a public effort to negotiate for peace with the Tsar you might find him willing for peace! I have shown on numerous that I myself strive for peace in these unstable and uncertain times. I have no quarrel with the Czechs and wish it to remain so, however, I can not abide anyone smearing the name of my honorable counterpart and ally in the East.

To the noble Greeks, I applaud your decision to halt your support to Yugoslavia, and if it be your will, let us enter a non-aggression pact between our two great peoples. Where we go from there, I leave to you, though I hope that we might open trade and grow the relationship between our two great nations. Do not be fooled by the words of Vaclav Klaus, the Tsar and I hold nothing but good-will toward you and your people and have no desire to violate your borders.”

Yugoslavia

Fully ready for combat, No.15 Squadron's Jaguars begin flying sorties over Austria and Italy, at the behest of the Yugoslav theater commanders. Using their specialist training in low-level flying to full effect, the Union pilots will attempt to interdict enemy supplies moving towards the front. Doubtless the overstretched Italians and Austrians will be hard-pressed to counter such attacks, although their very nature makes No.15 Squadron's job extremely dangerous. Attrition in the Unification War claimed 15 of 30 IAF Jaguars deployed to the Korean peninsula in a matter of weeks, after all.

Hopefully, successful Jaguar sorties will sufficiently disrupt enemy movement to the front, thus taking pressure off the hard-fighting Yugoslav regular troops. Most Union commanders do not feel that the squadron is entirely capable of attacking industrial targets, but, should Belgrade request it, the Unioners would gladly oblige.

OOC: Relax, kiddos.
Good work in expressing my belated post on my feel for Quinntonnia's nicknames, Wingertonia is my favorite...

Leave for one week and what happens? A load of text and story, at least its not to much, but for obvious reasons I'm not going to post until a little later while I read and whatnot...

Austria
General Octavius is certain that the disciplined Roman army has the advantage over the Yugoslav forces, but the introduction of the rear guard gives him pause. He calls on his artillery, with a max range of 40 km to begin hammering the rear guard before they can enter the conflict. Air strikes continue, both through the day and night, in the same cycle as they started, 5 Tornado ECR to pound the AA divisions to punch a hole for the fighters behind them. Then Eurofighters attacking the AA divisions and the rear guard, followed by Tornado IDS to attack artillery and the rear guard and F-16s devoted to unleash their bombs solely on the rear guard.

Italian Air Force
Generale di Squadra Nemetorius knew that Slovenia was beginning to feel the pinch and ordered that they kept up the pressure. The crew at the Padua base was pushed to their limit, working round the clock as the number of air strikes into Slovenia increased. Moving the AA guns into the mountains would be a challenge though, but through the use of the Predator recon plane and numerous satellite photos, many of the AA emplacements and hidden facilities could be found. The hidden facilities in the mountains would be the primary targets, along with the air bases and airfields. Eurofighters continue to fly in alone at times to engage the L-20 and Indian fighters.

Meanwhile, a squadron of Eurofighters, Tornado ADV and two squadrons of Starfighters were scrambled to repel Indian attacks. The Eurofighters, equipped with AMRAAM missiles, concern themselves immediately with bomber escorts, leaving the bombers themselves to the Starfighters with Aspide Selenia medium range missiles, and Tornadoes, also using AMRAAM missiles.

The Adriatic
Six minesweeper vessels begin removing the mines placed in the Strait of Otranto under the protection of the Regia Marina while they enforce an embargo on all shipping, military or civilian to Yugoslavia. The minesweepers work to open a corridor through the strait through which Italian shipping can pass through.

Rome
The debate for total war rages as the conflict with Yugoslavia continues, losses begin to mount and chances of a peaceful end seems unlikely. The longer the conflict rages the more likely that it will happen. The Caesar’s numerous attempts at calling for a peaceful resolution seems to put less blame on him among the people and increases their hatred for Yugoslavia and their stubbornness to keep fighting. The publicly controlled media continues to put the best light on every situation, though every broadcast contains a some truth to it.

Hail Caesar!

Marshal Lav had just received word of Greece's cave-in when his secretary returned, Aidarov mid expletive, to inform him that Syria had offered F/A-18s to the fight. Needless to say, the offer was accepted.

In the Adriatic Yugoslav anti-shipping missiles make life hard for Italian forces attempting to clear minefields, which do not of course fully block the passage despite the JNA's best efforts. The Italian coastline is just too dangerous to spend much time hanging around laying mines.

The fighting rages on, Yugoslavia's allies are thanked almost hourly, and the SFRY's death-toll passes into four figures when a Bulgarian farmhouse is hit by a cruise missile at the exact moment upon which a Super Galeb attack jet is shot-down by an Italian Eurofighter while trying to deploy LVB-250 laser-guided bombs against forces near the Slovenian border.

Lav, unable to contain himself after the Greek climb-down and some bad news from the Italian front where his forces, pushing against the border from Austria, are losing momentum against Octavius in spite of intense effort, launches into a public condemnation of the United States for its persistant hostility to the Socialist Federal Republic. He is given to fear that Washington may use its influence to convince the Al Khalis to withdraw their aircraft or even to sour is good relations with the Ottoman Empire, whom he would actually like to see enter the war for another crack at Ivan. He accuses the united states of persecuting the Yugoslav people for their government's secularism, and wishing to destroy socialism for the benefit of their monsterous corporations.

Worried by intelligence reports suggesting the possibility of the Depkazis -for now Belgrade and Yugoslavia's Muslim community still recognise the Ottoman Caliphate- becoming involved on the League's side, the increasing decline of relations with the United States, the continued reluctance of NATO to resist League imperialism, and the probability that Indian support will be minimised by their resistance in Africa, Marshal Lav is forced to continue searching for some way to make peace.

Belgrade now says that either the Austrian government should be replaced in new elections or at least Vienna must be obliged to sign-up for significant demilitarisation and treaties binding it to good behaviour.

Yugoslavia still insists that Hungary must be vacated by Austrian and Tsarist forces and that its elected government must prevail.

Miroslava Goranov has suggested that an international body be established to look into Austrian accusations of Hungarian terrorism.

Lav has dropped any requirement for reparations from the Austrians and the Holy League.

On the L-20 Putin

It has no close RL equivalent, but has been called a mini-Rafale and might be comparable to Saab Gripen in some respects.

It is small and has a canard arrangement, making it extremely nimble.

Its small size and the use of composites in the airframe give it a small radar cross section, though the foreplanes don't really help in this respect. Typically it will be detected later and closer than, say, an Su-27 would be by any given radar set, but is by no means a stealthy fighter in the class of Hobgoblin and Raptor (Rector? Is that name used by the US or just as a nickname abroad?).

Its own radar is of Israeli origin and can detect aerial targets out to a maximum 150km. It can track multiple targets and engage more than one at a time. It has effective look-down shoot-down characteristics.

Its maximum speed is in excess of Mach 1.85 thanks to its Hindustani powerplant, and it has a good thrust to weight ratio.

L-20 has all mod-cons, including a digital flight control system, Head Up Display and Hands On Throttle And Stick operation, and uses helmet-mounted sights, rumoured to be of South African and/or Israeli origin, which may direct its Komarac short-range missiles. These missiles are probably the best of their class in the world, and the one item by which the JNA can claim to be a world leader. They're extremely fast, have gas-dynamic control, and have long range for such small missiles, and lock-on-after-launch ability to take full advantage of that.

To sum-up, L-20 is formidable at long range because it is likely to detect Russian/Estenlandic fighters before they detect it, and is... at least competative in this regard with the Italians' aircraft. It can deploy multiple L'Angelot Maudit AMRAAM from beyond the range of most weapons being used by the Tsarist and Italian forces. But it can not out-reach the enemy by such a margine as the British can with their Meteors, so it is still possible for the League's forces to get close enough to shoot back, and so it is fair to say that the L-20s have an advantage in that they can get the enemy deep into the no-escape zone and launch while still having some chance of escape themselves.

Close in it can out-turn most of its rivals, but Eurofighter and Flanker can probably match it in spite of their larger size due to their thrust-vectoring controls. It again has an advantage due to its cutting-edge short-range missiles and its helmet-mounted sights, but this just makes it dangerous rather than invulnerable!

Shortfalls include its limited range and loiter time and its typically small payload, meaning that often only two MRAAMs and two SRAAMs are carried.

Pilot training, for those flying L-20, is fairly good and flying hours healthy, and one would suppose that Yugoslavian pilots are probably just a little better than Ukrainian rivals, but maybe a touch behind Italians, and possibly Russians, nowadays.

In truth, the main failing is that there are only 200 dedicated fighters, boosted to 300 if reconnaissance planes and two-seat trainers are outfitted for combat... which Kastus Vorobei has just ordered.

Around 120 were deployed or are deploying to eastern Bulgaria to fight the Tsarists and 120 to Slovenia and Croatia to fight the Italians plus 60 to fight the Austrians and any Italian/Tsarist forces over JNA forces fighting to take Graz and Wolfsburg et cetera. 104 remain facing the Italians after heavy losses so far, and 118 facing the Russians.

Losses to Yugoslavia's smaller forces of Flankers and Fulcrums mean that the types will probably be withdrawn after the war as economically and logistically unviable. Fishbeds -a few dozen of them- are being flown in Bulgaria to back-up the Putins, and these machines are on their last legs.

The Czech Republic supports Yugoslavia's search for peace and promotes their own 4 point plan for peace.

i) The legitimate Austrian government must be decided in elections overseen by international observers.
ii) The newly elected Austrian government must sign an international agreement
confining its territorial objectives to outside Europe.
iii) Hungary must be vacated by Austrian and Tsarist forces.
iv) The Hungarian government must be reinstated.

When these conditions are meet the Czech Republic will leave Austria

Nothing was mentioned regarding pretexts for the invasion of Hungary.

Drekcsler and his diplomats in Prague, Washington, Moscow, and Yugoslavia all hustle around with the new accords published by the two powers. Yes they maintain that no proper decision can be formulated as to agree with Yugoslavia would snub the Czechs, especially on the matter of a new government and its parameters, and vice versa if the Czechs ultimatum is accepted. Therefore, they are keeping the door open but not going anywhere near it.

((I'll just pretend you didn't magically transport 20000 troops and a comparable amount of tanks to my capital, lets make it 2000 and a dozen tanks, my defenses do have holes, but not enough to 'lose' a division or two in!))

The clatter of the shells and the reports of the automatic fire clashed with the deep rumble of artillery and tank shots. The sounds flew around the capital with disregard for sensibilities, class, or race. It did not matter if you were a manager, a CEO, or a janitor. Nor for that matter, did the shells that escorted the sounds. The fact was made the most evident by the chunk missing from Stille Incorporated’s headquarters. Its glass and steel sky rise was missing at least half of its 35th and 36th stories, and damage on the 34th and 37th. Only because of its well-constructed frame was it not teetering like a drunk.

Iron Fist men moved about the streets, buying time for Drekcsler who was even now prepping to leave via- a fleet of heavily armed Eurocopters. Armed with a selection of advanced equipment the men made sure to keep a tally of how many they killed on the plastic stocks of their weapons, each ingrained tally meant that much more money to the widow and orphans of their families.

The Independent, still remarkably robust and anti-Drekcsler for having lost its editor-in-chief and a press 'advisor' looking over their shoulders all the time was running a story on the fighting even as shells ripped through a window and destroyed several computers and the coffee pot.

OOC: I don't know if you read my posts or not but you certainly did not respond to them. I assumed my troops had continued their encirclement around the major Austrian cities and I even made a whole post on them entrenching around the cities and laying mines, etc. I have no idea how Austria is doing in the war and I even assumed there was a major breakdown in the chain of command. But perhaps we need to slow down a bit. You never posted a resistance to my army so I assumed they continued unresisted and encircled around the major cities (just south of the Danube) where they sat and entreched for probably a week.

My military allocations as of a month ago.

My current Army allocation:
Germany border-1k
Poland border-1k
Slovakia border-1k
Austria border- 20k (permanently stationed for the duration of the conflict, does not count large number of troops crossing into Austria)
Stationed in and around Freistadt- 1k (V)
To Linz (from Freistadt)-14.5k (V)
Stationed in and around Gmund, also responsible for Zwetti and Horn-35k(R)
Stationed in and around Hollabrunn, also responsible for Poysdorf- 1k (V)
To Vienna (from Hollabrunn)-14.5k (V)
To Vienna (from Linz)- 35k(R) and 17.5k(E)

Note: V,R,E indicates veteran, reserve, and elite troops, respectively.

If these numbers confuse you, basically I have 1 division striking for Linz, and 4 heading for Vienna. They would leave several thousand troops behind them to guard their supply lines. I also moved 2 reserve divisions to the Gmund area. I also have 1 division from the old soviet days guarding the Austrian Czech border.

In addition, starting from the Yugoslavian invasion I will be readying 70,000 young men aged 18-30. This will take 3 days. Upon conscription, the conscripts will immediately be given a 1 day firearms course and also a 1 day course on how to deal with civilians given by local riot police and military used to peacekeeping(for some AMW equivalent). Any remaining APCs will be driven by veteran troops. 1 veteran division will be dismantled, and troops integrated into conscript divisions to provide advice and give the green troops heroes to emulate. They will be trained in the Czech Republic and upon completion of the training these 87500 troops will move into Austria. This large scale mobilization and training will take 6 days in total. Hopefully Austria will still be around by the time that they are mobilized and trained.

This is basically the same as it is now. I also have some other notes:

Quinntopia criticized my for calling some of my troops veterans. But I assumed that they would be similar to RL and peacekeep around the world or maybe work with Quinntopian operations on occasion. So I do consider them veteran troops not just well paid people sitting around all day.

I also see my troops north of the Danube entrenching positions incase the Czechs get pushed back.

I have around 150,000 troops south of the Danube. My nation is on total war footing and all avialable men are in the military facing the greatest threat to their way of life. (Quinntopian military bonds help finance this war). The Czechs do not want to return to Russian rule and will fight as hard as possible to keep it that way.

Snippet.

OOC: Well, I didn't quite get what you were saying, so I made a stab at it. Basically, the Iron Fist is defending Vienna, or somesuch, from 2000 men and a dozen tanks with an slightly lesser amount of troops and armor. The Danube, if I remember correctly, is not something you jump over, and getting 20000 guys over in a few days in some achievement, even under the best conditions (which you aren't in).

So, yeah, I responded, but to a highly contended post that we should of hammered out before you posted it. Oh well-

IC:
Austria:
Austrian infrastructure was feeling the pressure, especially with Chinese and Confederacy imports not coming in via the cheaper sea route but through France-Germany, France-Switzerland and Russia. The constant air raids, while not devastating in actual ordnance, the nightly runs to the shelters and gaps in delivery sleep and delivery time hindered most manufacturing.

The Eurofighters had now been wholly shifted back to Austria, while numbering around 30, the losses from Hungary needed to be fully talleyed, it did added a disproportionate amount of protection and security. The more robust air attacks by Yugoslavian and Afrikan forces would have to be put on hold to deal with the well trained Austrian air force.

The first crew to arrive in Vienna, under almost constant strikes that accomplished not much real damage, but still managed to fray nerves and tempers was part of the competent 2nd Division, or self-dubbed the Center. Which has a fun back-story, but would require to much time to tell with any real detail.

Iron Fist:
Within a few hours, actual 1 hour and a minute, after Czech infiltrators were sent out they were sent back. Usually with something broken, like their spinal cords, or otherwise handicapped from living, to put it nicely. From then on it became a irritant to the Czechs, each hour and minute from then on another inflitrator was sent back. A few occasions it was an Austrian deserter or even a innocent civilian, but any inquires would incover they also had been cajoled into working against the proper government.

The Iron Fist is exceedingly good at what it does, namely making sure that state stays secure, so the rather amature attempts to do much of anything was easily rebuffed. What spurd them on was the few Quinntonnian agents who visited Austria with the outbreak of the hostilities and were much more harder to spot. That needled the Iron Fist, so, they made it up by making sure the people who they could find, were found.

Sadly, or luckily depending on your situation, the government officials who had made the government out of Gmund were well protected and ever since the civilian killed the nanny. Infiltrating or assassinating those officials increased tenfold. Yet to make up for it, the anti-Czech feelings around the town were higher than anywhere else. Mainly fueled by a already Drekcsler loving county and a quantity of Iron Fist specialists.

OOC: Where are you putting the troops you had in Hungary?

OOC: Where are you putting the troops you had in Hungary?

1st Division- 75000 troops, 150 Dpkz I's, 150 Dpkz II's, 49 M-109A5Ö's, 75 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 20 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005
-2000
-23 Dpkz I's
-13 Dpkz II's
-5 M-109
- 2 Contraves

2nd Division- 75000, 100 Dpkz III's, 50 Dpkz II's 50 M-109A5Ö's, 100 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 20 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005's,
-4000
-15 Dpkz III's
-10 Dpkz II's
-5 M-109's

3rd Division- 75000, 50 Dpkz I's, 100 Ulan's, 50 M-109A5Ö's, 50 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 20 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005's, 100 Ulan's,
-2000
-18 Dpkz I's
-4 M-109's
-25 Ulan's

4th Division- 75000, 20 Jaguar 1, 50 M-109A5Ö's, 50 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 50 Dpkz III's
-3000
-6 Jaguar I's
-13 Contraves
-7 Dpkz III's

5th Division- 75000, 20 Jaguar 1, 100 Ulan's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's,
-1000
-2 Jaguar I's

6th Division- 75000, 20 Jaguar 1, 75 Ulan's, 50 Dpkz I's, 25 Dpzk II's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's
-2000
-15 Ulan's
-10 Dpkz I's

1st Support- 70000, 20 Jaguar 1, 50 Ulan's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's
-3000
-2 Jaguar I's
-10 Ulan's

2nd Support- 70000, 25 Dpkz I's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Dpkz II's, 25 Dpkz III's, 25 Ulan's,
-2000
-5 Dpkz I's
-5 Dpkz II's
-6 Ulan's

3rd Support- 70000, Ulan's, 25 Dpkz I's, 10 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005's, 25 Dpkz III's
-Unused

31 Eurofighers
3 Drakan
4 Tigers
All based out of Vienna, Drekcsler thinks it would not be a fitting end to die from a easily defendable approach.

OOC: K I'll wait for you to get fully caught up before I even think about making any more posts. As you said we should get a good background before proceeding.

OOC: You already have, like, nine or ten percent of your population in the regular military? Just from the numbers of soldiers in the field, whatever may be sitting behind desks, and the presence of air and naval forces et cetera, plus the internal security forces, and the war only a few days old. It seems that the whole world would have seen this war coming, and that the Austrian economy would be far from robust at this juncture!

I think that by the time you mobilize 700,000 troops and get your troops all the way from Hungary I would be able to cross the Danube and encircle the cities. It seems reasonable that I could have launched an small invasion into Vienna attempting to assassinate Drekscler during the huge mobilization process that is occuring in Austria. We could RP the assissination attempt and then the repulsion of Czech troops afterwards.

OCC: By the time Austria mobilizes 700,000 troops the Guineans will have fought their way through Algeria, built themselves a navy, and levelled Marseilles! Maybe everybody who can stand up is being given a gun, that is somewhat more plausible although a surefire way to crash the national economy, but nearly a million organized and, by the looks of it, well-supported troops? I don't think so. AMW is a militarized place but it is not that militarized.

<QUOTE> As about my force projections I am not thinking I have over 130.000 (without including associated home guards and the whatnot) men and my military is still very very small. A good amount of Eurocopters (2.000 or some scary number like that), Dpkz I's (uber light tank, 1400), II's (light tank, 600) and a smidgen of III's (1000; Leopard with some Stille Incorporated electronics). Even though I made the exact parameters a little bit ago for the I and II, around Operation Barakida, I seem to have lost them when I switched my computer to a newer one.<QUOTE>

<QUOTE> Without doubt, the vast majority, maybe up to 70.000 is in reserve and is only now being pulled into action with their corresponding equipment. Austria may have been capitalistic, but not blind and deaf to think Europe will continue to be such a happy place after the Revival and Yugoslavian invasion.<QUOTE>

I just thought that I would post some quotes from Moor speaking about the size of his army. It is well documented that it is somewhere around 130,000 in total and thrown together with some quickness and major conscription. That is beyond the point. Depending on how much time has elapsed since the invasion of Hungary, I think perhaps 2 or maybe even 3 weeks, I see no problem with having that size increased by some percentage, of the rank and file, “I have some military training from years ago, give me a gun and let me fight for the Fatherland! Austria prevails!” But I fail to see how, in a few weeks time, that it could amount to anything more than another maybe 50,000 poorly organised and badly equipped rabble fighting in a protracted and scattered way across the nation. But let’s give the benefit of the doubt, and say that every troop under Austrian command that hasn’t been:
a. Captured.
b. Killed.
c. Injured.
d. Deserted.

Is now surrounding the capitol, and completely giving up on the rest of the nation; it would still be somewhere under the 700,000 quoted. I think that 150-160,000 would be very, very generous. Also, you have something like 700,000 foreign troops that are invading or defending your nation from all points, there is not much left of the nation from say, the Danube south. There is simply no trade coming into your nation, and I would think that most of the factories that haven’t been captured, abandoned or destroyed (mostly this option) would be hard pressed to supply you with anything approaching what your army needs for a lengthy defence.

At least half of Austria is in foreign hands, with the Yugoslavs and their initial 120,000-man invasion force and the subsequent 200,000-man militia attacking hard from the south. This, and everything north of the Danube is in Czech hands, with almost 100,000 Czechs surrounding cities and crossing the Danube at any crossing they can find. This is coupled by the massive pounding you took at Quinntonian hands both in Hungary and Trieste.

However, all is not lost. The Romans have poured massive amounts of fighters and troops, and have made quite tactically brilliant use of their light and heavy armour to keep the Yugoslavs quite busy in the south, with the coming in of the Tsarists, you have had the opportunity to pull out of Hungary and get to the business of defending the Fatherland. The Tsarists have thrown massive resources by air and sea into Bulgaria, meaning that air superiority in Austria probably very much lies with the Austrians/Tsarists while the Czechs and Yugoslavs are vastly outgunned, over Austria at least. The Tsarists have also taken and occupied Hungary for you, and have 240,000 troops right on the Hungarian border waiting for orders from you as to whether they should go north and fight the Czechs or south and fight the Yugoslavs. Along with that is coming something like another 150,000 troops and several thousand pieces of armour to reinforce that position, also waiting for you to tell them what to do.

Also, Greece has declared its neutrality and USQ has pulled out due to Soviet involvement. You can still very much win this, but you will rule over a hellish and barren landscape if you do, with almost third world conditions and no industry to speak of. It will take years to recover.

I just figured that I would sum up the tactical situation, realistically. I am going to propose that we all just back off for a couple of days and let Moor go back and really read this wealth of awesome RP that has happened due to what he has started. You reaped the shitstorm, friend. Now, you have to deal with it. I think you started an awesome RP, and I am excited to see how it turns out, but you need to deal with the reality of the situation.

WWJD
Amen.

Any chance of Austrian victory -in the sense that victory means defeating the enemy rather than simply surviving- is far, far beyond consideration by any Sovietist given the ruinous state of the Austrian defences, which in the south are outnumbered by some proportion almost impossible to figure without a calculator.

Soviet advisors observe a fairly even scrap between Octavius and Pupin leaving a few thousand over-stretched, tired, under-supported, and bombarded Austrians fighting the better part of a quarter million Yugoslavs with scores of modern fighters over their heads, in spite of what the Russians may hope for air superiority.

Why Austria's government holds out rather than taking flight is something of a mystery given that they shall surely be captured if they remain more than a few further days, by which time the Czechs and Yugoslavs are sure to have been further angered and frightened by Russo-Italian aggression on behalf of the reviled Austrian government.

In the skies Soviet fighters continue to back-up the Yugoslavs and provide cover for Union strike aircraft, machines of which the Soviets have brought none. Raipur is here to defend the least-disagreeable European government and economy, not to attack, and is evidently alone amongst combattants in being non-aggressive.

In contrast, at the Final Soviet, delegates whisper words from Libya to Springer to People's-Army to Suez and to Rammstein, and Guard mobilisations continue as funding is put aside for dramatic military aid to Belgrade.

OOC-I may be wrong, but I think that Yugoslavia has something like 60 planes involved in Austria, and the Czechs have something like 50, with the Austrians and Tsarists pressing something like 700+. I am not sure where the "scores of fighters" are coming from. Though, it may be true of Bulgaria and Slovenia.

The last post was not propogandized, I was only trying to portray an fairly accurate sense of the events.

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: No one has RP'ed against my airforce so it will remain the same as before. Aero L-59 Super Albatross-150 (Classified as a light advanced fighter, doubling as a trainer)
Saab JAS 39 “Gripen”-60
Plus the Hungarian planes that managed to reach the Czech.

They would have air superiority over Austria alone who did suffer from Hungarian defense who also lacks a domestic arms and aviation building industry, to my knowledge. The Czech airforce currently has airsuperiority although with Russian involvement that will change. Quinntopia on the whole gave a non biased reasonable propaganda free assesment of the situation.

Thanks! I do appreciate that.

I'm sorry about under-estimating your forces, I was in a rush and didn't bother to look that up. Ukrainian forces are doing strikes and sorties by air into Austria already, but it may have only just begun.

WWJD
Amen.

OOC: Soviet squadrons are backing up the Yugoslavs in increasing numbers every day, on every front. The Russians attacking into Austria have a long way to go, don't they?

OOC-The Ukrainians, you mean? No, they don't have far to go at all. Already some units will be moved into forward position in Hungary in order to provide scrambled air cover, but the rest can comfortably fly from Ukraine for their near constant sorties. With the almost 800 aircraft flying into Africa, it would provide pretty effective air cover in the nation. I mean, it is slightly smaller than Maine. If Russians become involved in this operation by air, it will most likely be from Ukrainian air bases anyways, though the logistics of that is kind of hard to imagine. But definitely doable.

BTW, BG, how many planes have you diverted from Libya at this stage?

Tsar Wingert the Great.

I'm sure that you mean Austria, not Africa, otherwise you have seriously underestimated the size of an entire continent! The more I read this, the more I keep thinking that Austria is totally screwed in terms of economy! Her land has been beaten to hell and back, and her skies are dominated by over a thousand war planes! Will Austria even be habitable after this war is over?

Hail Caesar!

I think he means Africa. I remember reading somewhere about him supporting France's colonial adventures. Maybe HL money can help rebuild Austria because I doubt Quinntopia will rebuild Austria considering Quinntopian involvement in the war against Austria.

OOC: You already have, like, nine or ten percent of your population in the regular military? Just from the numbers of soldiers in the field, whatever may be sitting behind desks, and the presence of air and naval forces et cetera, plus the internal security forces, and the war only a few days old. It seems that the whole world would have seen this war coming, and that the Austrian economy would be far from robust at this juncture!

OCC: By the time Austria mobilizes 700,000 troops the Guineans will have fought their way through Algeria, built themselves a navy, and levelled Marseilles! Maybe everybody who can stand up is being given a gun, that is somewhat more plausible although a surefire way to crash the national economy, but nearly a million organized and, by the looks of it, well-supported troops? I don't think so. AMW is a militarized place but it is not that militarized.

Well, I added a zero to everything where it was not needed, which was why my casualties were so out of proportion to my actual divisional size. I must have checked it many times for errors, but totally spaced out on how many zeros I had. All I checked was to make sure they had the same amount.

So that makes sense, I remember thinking to myself that I sent in a few thousand over half of my forces, 66000, with 19000 killed. Something like 64000 troops are somewhere in Austria. I would say about 20000 are dead, wounded, or otherwise unable to be coordinated with other army groups. Like some outposts still left north of the Danube, or in the Alps, fighting Yugoslavians air raids and whatnot as they run like hell towards Vienna.

30000 are in the north against the Czechs, and 14000 are in the south southeastern portion of Austria against the Slavs. This is in part because the Austrian leadership expects the Yugoslavians to be more, for lack of a better word, merciful and so spends more resources against the Czechs.

The Austrian economy is broken like some expensive China thrown at the tile floor. If not physically, then at least mentally, which matters a whole lot more anyhow. The centralized business centers in Vienna and other major cities are destroyed or damaged which prevents all the CEO’s and bureaucrats from orchestrating Austrian commerce. Since without those constructs of steel and metal Stille Incorporated, Gizatte, Rearden Materials, AMW, Fokker Aeroplanbau, and The Independent cannot function at even half of their capabilities. It is like having the World Trade Centers being destroyed, but just repeatedly.

Exports are nada, imports slightly more but only include things like food and medicine. Investors are fleeing for the time being, few people believe that the Austrian government has enough silver to back up the amount of SM in circulation (then again, the whole idea of a fixed currency is irrational, but might as well keep some concept of reason). African silver imports impeded by the resistance against France's humanitarian expedition and the Suez so the price of the silver has skyrocketed, if it is available at all. With Silver Marks only backed by a lesser amount of silver, people usually undervalue it. This means inflation like its going out of style. Even worse, I hardly think the National Bank of Austria, or whoever controls interest rates, still has all of their board alive, much less functioning, so they can’t adjust the Mark price to a more believable level.

The bright side is that contrary to the worst doom and gloom preachers, the massive amount of men and troops directed at the Austrians were so numerically superior that even fighting to the last man repeatedly, the actual damage occurred wasn’t as bad as it could get. There was not enough people to actually fight against, meaning no reason to really go around destroying.

Most of the damage has come from the surgical strikes of Quintonnia and the lesser, more blunter Yugoslavian attacks. Quintonnia attacks were devastating but were specifically aimed at destabilizing the economy, not turning Austria into the moon. As for Yugoslavian airplanes, usually a lot less precise, I doubt their final goal is to see Austrian become Earth's new moon training ground, but their bomb capacity isn't as all mighty as the force projection capabilities of Quinntonnia's.

Of course it doesn't change most of the country is unable to work for the independent third, but if Austria does manage to pull itself out, it won't be with a lunar surface. It also assumes that Yugoslavia is just doing he necessary, is not specifically going out of its way to screw Austria for all time, but that may be just a biased opinion. Czech Republic has a decent air force, but its would be more concerned with giving its rank and file troops some cover, and really wouldn't have the same capacity to do damage anyhow.

I posted on my fact book career soldiers to non-carrier, meaning trained to not so trained. Off the top of my head, I think something like 30000 Austrian troops are in for the long haul, and as such are generally more competent, happy, and a better soldier. Another 40000 are not, but are more in for the short term, meaning significantly less devoted, trained, and hardened then their career soldier counterparts but better than the other men. The other 60000 are mainly like Quintonnia said, God Bless Drekcsler, Austria prevails, ect ect... Courage, but not much training.

All the troops from Hungary are setting up in Vienna for the most part, and elsewhere the situation has deteriorated rapidly. The Austrian forces are still mostly bewildered as to why the Czechs aren't retreating yet and the lashing they received. Same in the south, but the units there still have integrity since a fighting retreat was the name of the game from the get go, so less of a shock value at losing.

Drekcsler is screaming for some good Christian folks to help him out, so if the Tsar wants to send some troops in, Drekcsler's slightly incoherent and mystifying fears of Tsarist expansionism are long gone from preventing him to do so.

The Iron Fist is doing its thing, without any oversight of any kind and a big, fat target untrained in its type of warfare wallowing about in the Fatherland its full viciousness is all out now. All kinds of weird, barbaric things are being carried out against Czechs, and to a lesser degree the Slavs. Being supplied by a only partially planned supply route it has managed to be a comparably damaging organization to its size.

As for any ragtag militias like Yugo Slavia’s, I will say for the most part, nein. Drekcsler doesn't want to send all men and boys to the front just to have them die, he wants them to build him the country he envisions. So except for some irregular, unsanctioned patriots acting as the Austrian military, there are now half baked troops working for the State.

One interesting idea is that a 6000 (or such) division of African mercenaries recruited from some of the murky, Bismarck-African adventures. LRR brought it up, and I thought of it as a good RP idea. Any further comments?

The air force is limited to small operations and is more concerned with living, and expects to get Tsar Support in the coming days. I would venture to say, that the more outlandish attacks in Austria would be contested, but since of the numeric superiority, the Austrians aren't really expecting to stop a sortie, just make it more deadly.

Does anyone have an idea when, or if, EADS (or whoever) would supply more Eurofighters?

Damn, I feel special! Regardless, I hope I can get back on top of this, or die trying.

OOC: Yeah you can be sure that the Czech will be keeping good care of Austrian prisoners and Austrian prisoners maybe 20k or so will be relocated into farms within the Czech Republic.

You are correct about my airforce's primary objective being providing cover for my troops. Although they may occasionally launch strikes into Austrian territory as against the radio towers.

As for the Czech taking a beating. They haven't. My lightening raid has carried the Czechs to the major cities and they have encircled it. They have started to plant mines, lay wire, etc around the cities while the Austrians have probably just regrouped and almost ready to attack by the sounds of things.

EDIT: I am going to have to talk to Italy some about the Eurofighters because I am uncomfortable with Italy having production rights. The Eurofigher in AMW probably would have been created between Great Britain and Germany. I think Gurg said that Great Britain would never have cooperated with a HL Italy. When did Italy become a HL nation anyway?

Why isn't Maxen responding to calls for a meeting with the Czechs?

Why isn't Maxen responding to calls for a meeting with the Czechs?
Pray, and thou shalt recieve, I suppose.

Flying around in the befuddling institution of African airlines is never a sure thing. Mechanical failure, hostilities between countries, and hostilities between ethnic groups all try their best to make an air flight from Mauritius to Europe interesting. Regardless, Premier Bismarck, the newly elected leader of the small African country off the coast of Madagascar manages to touch down in Prague with little trouble apart from the bad food.

As in his usual fashion, he alerted few of his own cabinet to his departure and only now was a memo reaching the desk of the Secretary of State. So only a belated message is sent to Prague saying the Premier would be visiting in the coming hours. Curious as to why the message said hours and not days, foreign dignitaries always expected parties and parties could not be thrown together in a few hours, the Czechs were no doubt surprised when the Mauritius embassy in Prague announces the arrival of Maxen von Bismarck.



OOC: Yeah you can be sure that the Czech will be keeping good care of Austrian prisoners and Austrian prisoners maybe 20k or so will be relocated into farms within the Czech Republic.

You are correct about my airforce's primary objective being providing cover for my troops. Although they may occasionally launch strikes into Austrian territory as against the radio towers.

As for the Czech taking a beating. They haven't. My lightening raid has carried the Czechs to the major cities and they have encircled it. They have started to plant mines, lay wire, etc around the cities while the Austrians have probably just regrouped and almost ready to attack by the sounds of things.

EDIT: I am going to have to talk to Italy some about the Eurofighters because I am uncomfortable with Italy having production rights. The Eurofigher in AMW probably would have been created between Great Britain and Germany. I think Gurg said that Great Britain would never have cooperated with a HL Italy. When did Italy become a HL nation anyway?

Lets say you have only 6 thousand of my troops in captivity, with another 3 thousand dead, and 5 thousand with debilitating wounds. I would find it hard to believe that 2/3rd of my forces are already gone and captured, not including casualties and dead.

Okay, it sounds good, but if radio towers are your top priority, why did you find Drekcsler by tracing his radio signals? A few days of destroying radio towers in Austria would leave it pretty radio less; I can't imagine more than 50 towers floating about a country the size of Maine.

Sounds fair enough.

As for Italy, Britain may have not known how crazy the Holy League was at the time. Suddenly jettisoning a project that had been in the works for several years because the Continent had a new fad for monarchs hardly sounds like reason. If some analysts did know the serious of the new monarchs, Britain may have been looking to keep Italy on her side, by acting friendly and letting them in on the Eurofighter project. The third reason always could've been that Britain didn't want another war, so just decided to wait it out, and pretend nothing was happening.

...Regardless, Premier Bismarck, the newly elected leader of the small African country off the coast of Madagascar manages to touch down in Prague with little trouble apart from the bad food....

Lets say you have only 6 thousand of my troops in captivity, with another 3 thousand dead, and 5 thousand with debilitating wounds. I would find it hard to believe that 2/3rd of my forces are already gone and captured, not including casualties and dead.

Okay, it sounds good, but if radio towers are your top priority, why did you find Drekcsler by tracing his radio signals? A few days of destroying radio towers in Austria would leave it pretty radio less; I can't imagine more than 50 towers floating about a country the size of Maine...

OOC: YES!!!! I will post within the next few days about Maxen Bismark and Czech plans. This is most beneficial news.

K I will bring all wounded 5k Austrians soldiers into the Czech Republic and treat them in hospitals using the best that money can buy. The dead will be allowed to be buried by local Austrians. When they recover, if the war is not over then, they will either be sent to form up under Maxen or be placed on Czech farms. I might send captured Austrians to work under Maxen.

I don't want to get into a technical discussion on tracing technology because I know next to nothing about it. But I assume that my computer techies might have tapped into the radio signals or used CIA tech to locate the location of where Drekscler may be. Then I will destroy as many radio towers as I can before Ukrainian planes arrive and get virtual air superiority, to limit any more propaganda from Drekscler.

There are AM 2, FM 65 radio stations and 10 TV stations.

Yeah we might as well give Italy producing rights to Eurofighters. Its just easier that way. You can get your Eurofighters from Italy.

Is it okay if I start posting? Are you sufficently caught up yet? I suppose we still have to work on the foundation for the huge assault into Vienna. Do you have any more reservations Moorington before we start moving on?

OOC: Meh, my Britain is looking at adopting the AS-12, developed by Australasia with some assistance from Lockheed Martin and Boeing (as well as the USAF) as their main Air Dominance fighter. It's like a cheaper F-22, so slightly more visible on radar and perhaps not as snazzy technologically, but a bit more nimble. Anyway, you can have you Eurofighters. Bwahaha.

Is it okay if I start posting? Are you sufficently caught up yet? I suppose we still have to work on the foundation for the huge assault into Vienna. Do you have any more reservations Moorington before we start moving on?

Post away, I'm caught up.

Iron Fist men moved about the streets, buying time for Drekcsler who was even now prepping to leave via- a fleet of heavily armed Eurocopters.

OOC: Oh you want Drekscler to actually be in Vienna? Okay I must have missed that before.

Czech and Austrian Rebels

High numbers of Czech operatives failed to report within the first 48 hours of being sent out and many that attempted to infilitrate failed to do so because of the suspicous nature of Austrian rural villagers. They were close knit communities and passed on information from their villages to other villages looking for potential spies. The military was fearful about their agents being turned so gave their spies little or no information about their plans. It was estimated that half of the spies sent into Vienna would be decovered by the elite Austrian Iron Fist but the neccessity of finding the location of Drekscler prompted the Czechs to ignore the risks.

Vienna

"We have detected Eurocopters converging in several locations in the cities, sir". The operator tells Anton Dvorach, Czech Chief of the General Staff. They are hunched over a computer screens and waiting the deployment of Czech troops. "Do they think they can get out, those miserable Austrian dogs? We are encircling the city with 30 Gripens and 100 Aero L-59 Super Albatrosses. In addition we have the best money can buy of anti helicopter and antiaircraft mobile guns around the city.

2K12 M2 KUB
NATO code: SA-6 GAINFUL (http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=6318)
-Quantity=2

9K33M (OSA-AKM)
NATO code: SA-8 GECKO (http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=6322)
-Quantity=1

OOC: Lets pretend I didn't land the guys on the building before. I'll give you a chance to knock a couple of them down first.

"Get the Členství a Volnost squads inside Drekscler's building now." The 5 Mi-24V (NATO code HIND-E) helicopters sail through the midnight air at the breathtaking speed of 250km/hr. They are escorting 3 Mi-17 (NATO code: HIP-H). From Czech lines to Dreksclers building will take 1.5 minutes of anxious waiting from those within the helicopters. They travel at 2000ft and will descend to the building when within a few hundred ft. The helicopters are guided by GPS.

Klaus and Maxen

Vaclav Klaus reaches for Maxen's hand and gives him a handshake. "We have much to discuss old friend. Come, lets go to my study and we can talk in detail". Klaus releases Maxens hand and begins to walk in the direction of his study.

Austria

The Yugoslav tanks that are at the front of the battle are quickly mowed down by the 1100 Ariete tanks in front of them and the 4000 Dardo Hitfists that circled around them. Enemy tanks are taking fire from all sides. Both the Dardo Hitfists and Arietes are able to pick off their targets with deadly accuracy as both are equipped with laser range finders and thermal imagers. Few, if any tanks are left operable in the wake of the armored assault. Once the enemy tanks are finished with, the Roman armor moves toward the rear guard. The Arietes are deftly accurate, even in motion, as they target AA, artillery and anti-tank divisions as air strikes continue to hound the rear-guard. Roman losses so far:

60 Ariete MBT (60 heavily damaged but operable)
10 Dardo Hitfists
15 Caesar 155 mm SPA
800 men dead, 700 wounded

4 AMX
2 IDS
1 F-16

Slovenia

Tenente Colenello Decius Minatia overlooked the maintenance, fueling, arming and take-off another group of Eurofighters sent to take on any air superiority fighter that would take them on. The Eurofighters are being sent up in increasing frequency to engage L-20s and other air superiority fighters, both day and night to keep the Slovenians on their toes and hope to wear their air defenses. Shortly afterwards, while Slovenian fighters are occupied, Predators—now armed with Hellfire rockets—are sent to scout out the mountains and will destroy any mobile AA they see. Shortly following the Predators come the air-strikes, the Predators then use their laser designators to paint targets hidden in the mountains. Though this may result in the loss of a few of the recon platforms, the accuracy gained in the air strikes is well worth it. Another tally of losses came through:

7 Eurofighters
7 Starfighters
2 F-16
18 AMX
24 IDS

Rome

The former Capo di Stato Maggiore della Marina Marcellus Statius undergoes an immediate court-marshal for his titanic blunder. The trial lasts less than two days and the judge of the court sentences Statius to die by hanging from the neck until dead. Caesar Romulus and most of the public are quite pleased with the result with a fanatical section of the public calls for his head on a spike.

Shortly thereafter, Statius’ successor is named: Contrammiraglio Perla Lombardi, the first woman in the history of Rome to rise in the ranks of the military to become the Chief of the Navy. One look at her shows the public that she did not get to where she is by her looks, her face is not that of a soft and gentle woman, but one of a chiseled warrior with too many close calls a person would like to count. The next day in a grand ceremony, Caesar Romulus proudly pins the rank insignia to her collar and gives her the new Roman name customary for a government position: Julia Helvetius.

After the ceremony, Caesar Romulus sends one last offer for peace to the Yugoslavs: All hostilities toward your nation will cease if you pull out of Austria and allow the Czechs and Austrians to continue their conflict. There would be no more calls for peace coming from Rome and when discussing peace the Yugoslavs can deal with Tsar Wingert. Romulus ends the message with, “The Tsar is not as forgiving as I am.”

Hail Caesar!

Austro-Italian border

Army-General Milan Pupin, up to date thanks to his contacts within the government, had spent much of the evening -when not ducking Italian firepower- in contact with the Marshal himself. Pupin was pleading with Lav to reject -or at least delay acceptance of- the Roman peace offer.

"They do not appear fully appreciative of our strength here! Yes, yes, almost a thousand dead, more than two thousand injured, yes, my vanguard Brigade is effectively out of action, I am withdrawing what tanks I can, but... no... they're coming on to my main force and we are waiting.

"My officers know from which direction their planes are coming and we know exactly where they're going... I've got flak and Super-Savas all along the way, it's like Lavrageria, Marshal! My defences are passive in detecting the enemy, we are only going to keep shooting down more and more unsuspecting Tornado if they keep going to the rear! Our air defences are too quick and too thick for their targetted strikes... so long as the Russians don't send in strategic bombers we will keep shooting them down for so long as you allow me to keep fighting!

"They have twice as many tanks here as the British have in their Empire, but I have half of our armour in my rearguard. Yes, all brought down, four fresh Armour Brigades plus whatever escapes of the first. Maybe seven hundred tanks, and theirs are coming right on to our missiles. Night falls, Marshal, I emplore you to wait for the morning. You know what our night-time fire control is worth! They won't believe it!"

This half of a conversation would be repeated several times during the evening, and if nothing else then Pupin certainly delayed Aidarov in replying to Rome.

Indeed, as night fell and the forward Brigade collapsed, a thousand dead and 2,200 injured of 5,000 men (scores of the wounded unable to escape with the rest and likely to be captured), the JNA put its best to work on the advancing Italians. The low-profiles of Yugoslavia's Russian-style tanks did their best to hide (Pupin's men wished for better hull-down capabilities, but didn't get them) as their Slovenian-made thermal imaging systems picked out the enemy at several kilometres distant and proved themselves amongst the world's finest night-vision sets.

125mm gun-launched missiles began to attack the on-coming enemy quite likely before he had the range of the Yugoslav armour in Pupin's rear guard. And, worse, three batteries of 128mm Plamen-S MLRS had, Octavius would discover, strewn his path with rocket-deployed short-life mines, hundreds of them partially concealed in the falling darkness.

Then the Anti-Tank Regiments opened-up, 100mm Topaz guns tracking quickly on their superior Yugoslav mounts and taking full advantage of thermal imagers, lasers, and depleted-uranium penetrators.

"Don't be conservative with your missiles!" Orders from the General, "We can hurt them NOW, even if we've only shells left tomorrow. There might not be a war, tomorrow, boys!"

And the tankers used-up their small stocks of missiles before moving on to HEAT and APFSDS rounds as the enemy drew near.

Once within 700 meters of the front lines, by which time Yugoslav tanks were rolling out of cover once again and fighting with shells rather than missiles, Bumbar anti-tank missiles came to life, crews well hidden and employing the soft-launch technique to leave almost no signature of their firing to give-away their locations. The super-agile missiles would have no trouble catching even the most nimble enemy.

Less effective the 66mm disposable tube-launched rockets of the infantry, but employed in great numbers none the less.

As Pupin said, attacking jets were generally tracked by optical and infra-red means, giving them little warning before 20mm and 30mm cannons opened-up and Super-Sava MANPADS shot their rockets into the air. Lav had seen Estenlandic air superiority in Lavrageria and sought council from the Drapoel after their costly forray down the west coast of Korea, and his forces were accordingly well supplied with low-level air defences.

Pupin was determined to cause as much damage as possible and make a name for himself. Somebody has to replace Lav eventually, and Milan fancies that he will out-live the President-for-Life.

The next morning, Lav replied to Rome. Very well. A cease-fire provided that Italian forces do not enter the Austrian conflict. For now the JNA continues to fight, but a stand-down will be ordered if the Italian agreement has lasted the night...

OOC: I just noticed this, my losses in Slovenia concerning AMX and IDS are wrong, that's how many planes I have left there. Sorry.

IC: Caesar Romulus Magnus breathes a sigh of relief at receiving the Yugoslavian agreement for a cease-fire. Rome will not become involved in the conflict unless provoked by the Czech Republic. Roman guns will be silent in Austria and in Slovenia. All air strikes will cease in both theaters, once Yugoslav troops have left Austria, as required in the cease-fire, Italian troops will leave as well. Any Yugoslav POWs captured in the conflict will be return home forthwith after receiving the best Roman medical care.

Caesar Romulus then sends a message to the Tsar, asking him to hold his air strikes into Yugoslavia.

Hail Caesar

Daybreak. Sveti Sava, St.Sava's Day. Yugoslav troops hail the ceasefire as something profound and can not help but believe in a victory for the JNA and the dear Marshal: the enemy has blinked first and extended a request for cease-fire and Lav has accepted it on this holy day recalling the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the father of Serbian literature.

1,217 People's Army soldiers are confirmed dead on the Austro-Italian border, most of them from a single Armoured Brigade. 2,501 are counted wounded and 180 missing in action, most presumed captured and due for return, provided that the French and the Russians do not throw any spanners in the peaceworks.

Pupin has lost 78 tanks destroyed and 34 are being towed from the field and counted as mission-kills to be restored later. Financial losses and repairs to equipment -negating the monetary side of manpower losses- in the battle with Octavius approach quarter of a billion US dollars.

But the hard Army-General is confident that his less expensive force has delivered serious damage to the enemy over-night as the Italians came on to a fresh rocket-deployed minefield against night-time gunnery of quality that will have surprised a world inclined to doubt Balkan technology, and Pupin's losses could have been worse had the Yugoslavs not proven so adept at evading, enduring, and countering tank-busting and other air-interdiction missions against their forces.

In Slovenia tens of millions more dollars in damage but the defences far from broken on the ground. Far the worst result is the loss of an Su-27, several MiG-29s, numerous J-23 and G-4M, and eighteen L-20, not to mention any Indian losses. Costing ten, fifteen, even thirty million dollars a piece these aircraft are assets that the Socialist Federal Republic can hardly afford to replace over-night.

In Bulgaria damage is mostly superficial or to low-value assets, many farms, villages, and small businesses having been ruined by archaic Russian missiles that rained for several days straight. Only a handful of L-20 interceptors have been destroyed thus far, but many MiG-21s have proven themselves unsafe and effecitvely inoperable if asked to sortie again. And then there is the near total loss of the Black Sea Fleet and the deaths of several dozen members of the coastal defence forces, not to mention the assassinations of several local officials and JNA officers.

Belgrade feels that it has proven itself essentially capable of confronting Europe's first-tier powers, but Marshal Lav's government has little apetite for the sort of meal that a protracted war with the Holy League would entail. Abassamara is drawing-away further Indian forces, and though the JNA could easily fight on for some time to come, to do so without major foreign backing would be ultimately quite pointless.

Miroslava Goranov lays-out the Yugoslav position.

1) The Army Groups commanded by Generals Pupin of Yugoslavia and Octavius of Italy, being engaged in battle close to the Austro-Italian border, shall cease-fire and withdraw within their respective national borders. Medical outfits and international peace bodies shall over-see the recovery of dead and wounded and the homeward transfer of any and all prisoners of war. Both sides shall be allowed without arms to recover or destroy military equipments left upon the field of battle.

2) The Army Groups commanded by Generals Stojakovic and Javoric of Yugoslavia shall lift their sieges of the Austrian cities of Graz and Wolfsburg and withdraw to Yugoslav soil. Prisoners of war taken between the Austrians and Yugoslavs shall be exchanged in the proper manner.

3) Russian and Estenlandic air forces shall cease their strikes upon Austrian soil.

4) Russian and Estenlandic air forces shall cease their strikes upon Bulgarian soil.

5) Russian and Estenlandic naval forces bound for the Mediterranean shall withdraw to their home waters within the Black Sea.

6) Sea blockades in the Mediterranean and its peripheries shall be lifted, be they enacted by warships of the Holy League or minefields of the Socialist Federal Republic's creation.

7) Yugoslavian forces shall remain within their own borders and act without aggression for a period of five days in which satisfactory progress must be made upon the issues of Hungarian sovereignty, Austrian grievances, and the future administration of Austria. Seeing the passing of these five days without clear sign of intent on the part of occupying forces to withdraw from Hungary, the Jugoslovenska Narodna Armija may consider cease-fire agreements null and void by the deliberate diplomatic inaction of the Holy League and its affiliates, and may renew liberation offensives against the belligerent parties.

Yugoslavian forces may be seen in the initial stages of compliance with their government's requirements, but ATR and some TND forces remain highly active within the SFRY.

OOC: Yeah I knew this was coming sooner rather than later. Quinntopia is gone for awhile to Ottawo so won't be posting for abit. This should give Moorington and myself a chance to catch up.

Snippet
Christendom, or at least the part that matters, is saved! With the brave Romans succeeding in destroying the Yugoslavians, a brigade which quickly turns into a division and then a army with each telling of the story, ultimately destroys their aura of invincibility which had proven all to real for the Austrian Bundsweehr. Wolfsburg and Graz citizens are all to happy to be able and walk about the streets without worrying about a stray round having a none to kind meting with their head or heart.

The story, which quickly expands with each telling, becomes more and more animated with every recounting. It is hailed as a complete victory, never mind most of the Slavic force never entered the fray, over the atheist neighbor tot he south and 'proof' that God was on the side of Austria. Within a night The Independent ran an article on the subject, pictures provided courtesy of the Italian government in Rome.

As for the sieged cities, the Slavs do not depart as easily as the came, but understandably, no man is happy to just 'leave' ground which he had spent time, energy, and friends to advance across. To add salt to the wound, some ironic loving citizens pulled out Yugoslavian flags and 'corrected' themselves by reeling the flag back in and portraying flag portraits of Drekcsler or Austrian flags.



I'll get more tomorrow, just wanted to do the easy stuff to let everyone know I'm back for the weekend.

OOC: Oh you want Drekscler to actually be in Vienna? Okay I must have missed that before.

It would hardly be fun to have him not in Wein would it?


Czech and Austrian Rebels

Now, it was common knowledge to anyone who could rub two thoughts together at one time that asking around for the most wanted man in Europe, at this time at least, was hardly beneficial to your health. So, the name Drekcsler rarely came up in conversation, unless a mother was talking about names for her child.

Think about how weird it would be to have some accented 'native' to come up asking about if anyone heard where the latest rumors pointed. To say "Czech, beat it" would hardly fade into memory before one of those people pulled out a Glock and blew the man away. So while information was being produced, it was coming at a grievous loss.

Take for instance yesterday at the little mom and pop operation downtown. A group of men, trying hard at professing themselves to be 'natives', magically appear at a hardly popular but widely known (if that makes any sense) shop with crisp Silvarian Marks and start gossiping from the start. Now, no one that is anyone starts off gossiping to anyone they meet. You first grab some tea, a little pastry, and then jabber about your job, wife, kids, and especially the failings of the second. Then you get to the more 'political' oriented discussion.

Also, no one caries around crisp Silvarian Marks, the Treasury Department has stopped issuing any new ones. Now, it isn’t widely known to the higher ups, don't want to start a panic that Austria can't reinforce her currency, but to any of us smucks, its common knowledge.

So, it hardly should come as a surprise that they were lead off and shot...



Vienna, Eurocopters

The Eurocopters, thankfully, were not doing a solo mission. For as their propells beated the tune, nothing short of the 2nd Division was advancing towards Vienna. For by now, the full half of the Austria's force, located in Hungary, was coming back to defend the Fatherland from the murderers, rapists, and malcotents attacking God's Hand for Austria, Drekcsler.

For even as the dust began to settle behind the rumbling motors of the 2nd, the 1st and 1st Support were right behind with them the whole armada of tanks, vehicles, troops, and anti-aircraft weapons.

The tactical display was quite nice, something approaching 20 Eurocopters were approaching the city, the major military forces sent to destroy Hungary were now coming back, excluding some MP's and assorted pen pushers, and Iron Fist, determined to keep Drekcsler alive, still had control of the situation.


"Get the Členství a Volnost squads inside Drekscler's building now." The 5 Mi-24V (NATO code HIND-E) helicopters sail through the midnight air at the breathtaking speed of 250km/hr. They are escorting 3 Mi-17 (NATO code: HIP-H). From Czech lines to Dreksclers building will take 1.5 minutes of anxious waiting from those within the helicopters. They travel at 2000ft and will descend to the building when within a few hundred ft. The helicopters are guided by GPS.

As concerned citizens and domestic operatives alike radioed in the helicopter's the Iron Fist, lacking any devoted anti-air weapons, contented themselves with unleashing a storm of Panzerfaust 3 missiles towards the helicopters.

Exhaust trails were briefly illuminated by spotlights as those desperate eyes searched the skies for the hated Czechs. As each helicopter acquired a companion, in the he form of a spotlight, small arms fire and heavier cannon weapons converged on them; unleashing a rain of lead, and darkness, on the anxious assassins.

Klaus and Maxen

As Maxen followed the leader of the Czech state into his spacious study, Maxen made sure to take stock of Klaus' reading material. Not that it mattered as much as it used to, Maxen still considered those were thought Marx was anything but an attention wanter, lacking in real skill, backwards.

"You have no idea," he responded.

In Rome the cease-fire is hailed as a victory. Caesar Romulus Magnus did exactly what he had set out to do, get Yugoslavia out of the war. The people praised the Caesar and firmly cemented his leadership among the people. Romulus responds to the Yugoslavian position with his own:

1. Yugoslavian troops will leave Austria in five days, failure to do so will result in the resuming of all hostilities.

2. Yugoslavia will not interfere any further in the conflict, no matter which government comes to power.

3. Any attack on HL nations, whether in Hungary or Austria will result in the resuming of hostilities against Yugoslavia.

4. All Yugoslavian mines will be removed from the Adriatic under the supervision of the Regia Marina. All Roman embargoes on Yugoslavia in the Adriatic will cease.

On the Adriatic, Roman warships return to their harbors except for two destroyers which will supervise the removing of Yugoslavian mines in the area. The Romans in Austria, while sending the wounded and damaged armor home make preparations to leave, yet keep a watchful eye on the Yugoslavians. The Yugoslavian night raid on the Roman army was not as bad as it could have been, but it was still a large blow:

70 Arietes destroyed, 80 damaged and towed home
45 Dardo Hitfists destroyed, 30 damaged and towed home
300 men dead, 450 wounded, 80 captured

Hail Caesar!

<QUOTE> 1) The Army Groups commanded by Generals Pupin of Yugoslavia and Octavius of Italy, being engaged in battle close to the Austro-Italian border, shall cease-fire and withdraw within their respective national borders. Medical outfits and international peace bodies shall over-see the recovery of dead and wounded and the homeward transfer of any and all prisoners of war. Both sides shall be allowed without arms to recover or destroy military equipments left upon the field of battle.

2) The Army Groups commanded by Generals Stojakovic and Javoric of Yugoslavia shall lift their sieges of the Austrian cities of Graz and Wolfsburg and withdraw to Yugoslav soil. Prisoners of war taken between the Austrians and Yugoslavs shall be exchanged in the proper manner.

3) Russian and Estenlandic air forces shall cease their strikes upon Austrian soil.

4) Russian and Estenlandic air forces shall cease their strikes upon Bulgarian soil.

5) Russian and Estenlandic naval forces bound for the Mediterranean shall withdraw to their home waters within the Black Sea.

6) Sea blockades in the Mediterranean and its peripheries shall be lifted, be they enacted by warships of the Holy League or minefields of the Socialist Federal Republic's creation.

7) Yugoslavian forces shall remain within their own borders and act without aggression for a period of five days in which satisfactory progress must be made upon the issues of Hungarian sovereignty, Austrian grievances, and the future administration of Austria. Seeing the passing of these five days without clear sign of intent on the part of occupying forces to withdraw from Hungary, the Jugoslovenska Narodna Armija may consider cease-fire agreements null and void by the deliberate diplomatic inaction of the Holy League and its affiliates, and may renew liberation offensives against the belligerent parties.<QUOTE>


The reply of Princess Adrianna, who was just now receiving reports from her counterpart to the north, the Regent of Tsarist Lavrageria Sir Reginald of Hillfort, who was wrapping up the last stages of Operation: Last Horde, which would mean that some 200,000 more seasoned Ukrainian troops would have been able to be pressed into service here, along with freeing up the Russian Air Force to get involved, was swift.

Princess Adrianna saw the proposal thusly:

1. Not mine to answer.

2. Not mine to answer.

3. The strikes would cease when Yugoslavian troops had returned to their pre-war borders, as was always the plan.

4. The strikes would cease when Yugoslavian troops had returned to their pre-war borders, as was always the plan.

5. The Divine Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet has always had the authority to move to the Mediterranean and would continue to do so at their leisure. They were ordered to the Adriatic as a defensive measure and would remain there as long as the Tsarist High Command feels it necessary.

6. The blockade was only made necessary by the naked aggression of the cowardly war-criminal Lav, and would cease as soon as Yugoslavia removed themselves, as was the original intention.

7. The Tsarist Empire has no intention of losing the strategic ground that they have made in Hungary, but, as a show of good faith, they will remove any military units in Hungary behind the east of the Danube within a period of 15 days, where they will then prepare for leaving the nation completely at the cessation of all hostilities. During this time, the total disarmament of the Hungarian military and population will take place, as they have made it clear by their aggressive support of terrorist activities within Austria that they cannot be trusted to maintain a military of their own. Of course, fly-overs and some patrolling activity will have to continue over both Austria and Hungary, but no strikes or sorties will be authorised.

These are the conditions for the end of the conflict, but it was made clear that, though the Tsarists did not wish combat, and the very HL itself wished it not to happen, they were very prepared to press the issue, and enact a heavier and heavier blockade as they pounded Yugoslavia and the Czech Republic into the dust with their massive military might. They were prepared to fight a conflict on this scale for a long time, and their supply lines remain wide open on every front, but it was questionable how much the Yugoslavs could hold out under blockade now that no avenues of help were available.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

OOC: I don't know if you read my posts or not but you certainly did not respond to them. I assumed my troops had continued their encirclement around the major Austrian cities and I even made a whole post on them entrenching around the cities and laying mines, etc. I have no idea how Austria is doing in the war and I even assumed there was a major breakdown in the chain of command. But perhaps we need to slow down a bit. You never posted a resistance to my army so I assumed they continued unresisted and encircled around the major cities (just south of the Danube) where they sat and entreched for probably a week.

My military allocations as of a month ago Quote:
My current Army allocation:
Germany border-1k
Poland border-1k
Slovakia border-1k
Austria border- 20k (permanently stationed for the duration of the conflict, does not count large number of troops crossing into Austria)
Stationed in and around Freistadt- 1k (V)
To Linz (from Freistadt)-14.5k (V)
Stationed in and around Gmund, also responsible for Zwetti and Horn-35k(R)
Stationed in and around Hollabrunn, also responsible for Poysdorf- 1k (V)
To Vienna (from Hollabrunn)-14.5k (V)
To Vienna (from Linz)- 35k(R) and 17.5k(E)

Note: V,R,E indicates veteran, reserve, and elite troops, respectively.

If these numbers confuse you, basically I have 1 division striking for Linz, and 4 heading for Vienna. They would leave several thousand troops behind them to guard their supply lines. I also moved 2 reserve divisions to the Gmund area. I also have 1 division from the old soviet days guarding the Austrian Czech border.

In addition, starting from the Yugoslavian invasion I will be readying 70,000 young men aged 18-30. This will take 3 days. Upon conscription, the conscripts will immediately be given a 1 day firearms course and also a 1 day course on how to deal with civilians given by local riot police and military used to peacekeeping(for some AMW equivalent). Any remaining APCs will be driven by veteran troops. 1 veteran division will be dismantled, and troops integrated into conscript divisions to provide advice and give the green troops heroes to emulate. They will be trained in the Czech Republic and upon completion of the training these 87500 troops will move into Austria. This large scale mobilization and training will take 6 days in total. Hopefully Austria will still be around by the time that they are mobilized and trained.




This is basically the same as it is now. I also have some other notes:

Quinntopia criticized my for calling some of my troops veterans. But I assumed that they would be similar to RL and peacekeep around the world or maybe work with Quinntopian operations on occasion. So I do consider them veteran troops not just well paid people sitting around all day.

I also see my troops north of the Danube entrenching positions incase the Czechs get pushed back.

I have around 150,000 troops south of the Danube. My nation is on total war footing and all avialable men are in the military facing the greatest threat to their way of life. (Quinntopian military bonds help finance this war). The Czechs do not want to return to Russian rule and will fight as hard as possible to keep it that way.

30000 are in the north against the Czechs, and 14000 are in the south southeastern portion of Austria against the Slavs. This is in part because the Austrian leadership expects the Yugoslavians to be more, for lack of a better word, merciful and so spends more resources against the Czechs.

OOC: 2nd division? Size? I’m guessing around 20,000 thousand based on your earlier statements. I threw my elite division(17.5k) and 3 other divisions(52.8k) for a total of 70k troops to Vienna right after the war. You did mention that you kept your troops attacking in Hungary as my troops were coming down so by the time you got your troops all the way back from Hungary my troops would be consolidating their position around the major cities. So I probably have upwards of a hundred thousand around Vienna during this attack on Drekscler. But you are welcome to take me on even though you have a fifth of the men and about a third of the air force. Getting Drekscler out might be a bit tricky though.

Czech Secret Secret Operations

The Czech undercover operators had been involved in several Quinntopian operations and many of them were well experienced in addition to their training. They also incorporated several green operators, whose sacrifice would lead them directly to Drekscler and his men. As several green Czech operators were noticed and killed, secret Czech operators tagged and followed them right back to certain locations. Phase two of the plan consists of the Czechs kidnapping and then torturing several Iron Fists for more information. In all the chaos it was expected that they would not be missed. Eventually the Czech operators came on information on Drekscler’s whereabouts and key hiding spots in the city.

Assassination attempt

The five squads (20k), coming in briefly before the 8 helicopters tried to hit and a shoot down any searchlights as the first priority and were generally shooting anything that moved.

The eight helicopters even with the surprise attack, traveling at 250km/hr out fly most search lights and make it difficult for them to stay on to the rapidly moving objects. Most of small arms fire misses although a few lucky shots hit occasionally. They dive from the sky and plummet towards Drekscler’s building and small arms fire becomes more pronounced and more and more shots hit the heavy attack helicopters. The 5 Mi-24s launch 5 S-8 missiles at the top of the building to remove any rooftop guards and fire a couple S-5 missiles with smoke bombs to provide cover for the landing of elite troops. As the Mi-17 begin discharging their 96 troops on the building, a Mi-24s helicopter, hovering in one spot for too long was hit by a Panzerhaust 5 missile on the tail. It lost directional capability and began flying erratically until it crashed into a building, killing all occupants.

Klaus and Maxen

The study was filled with economics books, relics of Vaclav Klaus’s earlier days as a professor at the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. He was definitely not a Marxist by the noticeable lack of such books. Klaus reaches for some rum and asks if Maxen would like some. He then proceeds to ask Maxen about how he escaped and what he thought of the current Austrian situation.

OOC: 2nd division? Size?
1st Division- 75000 troops, 150 Dpkz I's, 150 Dpkz II's, 49 M-109A5Ö's, 75 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 20 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005
-200
-23 Dpkz I's
-13 Dpkz II's
-5 M-109
- 2 Contraves

2nd Division- 7500, 100 Dpkz III's, 50 Dpkz II's 50 M-109A5Ö's, 100 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 20 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005's,
-400
-15 Dpkz III's
-10 Dpkz II's
-5 M-109's

3rd Division- 7500, 50 Dpkz I's, 100 Ulan's, 50 M-109A5Ö's, 50 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 20 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005's, 100 Ulan's,
-200
-18 Dpkz I's
-4 M-109's
-25 Ulan's

4th Division- 7500, 20 Jaguar 1, 50 M-109A5Ö's, 50 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's, 50 Dpkz III's
-300
-6 Jaguar I's
-13 Contraves
-7 Dpkz III's

5th Division- 7500, 20 Jaguar 1, 100 Ulan's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's,
-100
-2 Jaguar I's

6th Division- 7500, 20 Jaguar 1, 75 Ulan's, 50 Dpkz I's, 25 Dpzk II's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's
-200
-15 Ulan's
-10 Dpkz I's

1st Support- 7000, 20 Jaguar 1, 50 Ulan's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Oerlikon Contraves GAI-B01's
-300
-2 Jaguar I's
-10 Ulan's

2nd Support- 7000, 25 Dpkz I's, 20 105 mm M-1, 25 Dpkz II's, 25 Dpkz III's, 25 Ulan's,
-200
-5 Dpkz I's
-5 Dpkz II's
-6 Ulan's

3rd Support- 7000, Ulan's, 25 Dpkz I's, 10 Oerlikon Contraves GDF-005's, 25 Dpkz III's
-Unused





I’m guessing around 20,000 thousand based on your earlier statements. I threw my elite division(17.5k) and 3 other divisions(52.8k) for a total of 70k troops to Vienna right after the war. You did mention that you kept your troops attacking in Hungary as my troops were coming down so by the time you got your troops all the way back from Hungary my troops would be consolidating their position around the major cities. So I probably have upwards of a hundred thousand around Vienna during this attack on Drekscler. But you are welcome to take me on even though you have a fifth of the men and about a third of the air force. Getting Drekscler out might be a bit tricky though.

Sounds fine- I'm laying out all my troops at Vienna, what I'm imagining is a untried and lesser equipped Czech army dueling with the confident, mechanized, but smaller force of Drekcsler's Austria over the city. While that is occuring, your commandos are coming down in and trying to nab Drekcsler before he can get away.


Snippet


Ballhausplatz 2:

While many were sure that God himself protected the, in all but name, Monarch of Austria, he himself was less sure. Even before artillery battled it out in the ruins of Vienna and sonic booms eclipsed all other noises, Drekcsler was preparing for his eventual departure from this escapade. The assassins would find themselves hard pressed; the term die trying would be this days moral, for the Czechs that is.

Lying back in his leather chair, he heard the explosions overhead, the sharp reports of gunfire and the wails of death. Crossing himself, he stood up and calmly walked out into his lobby. There, his most trusted men awaited, ready to escort him to transportation and safety. Smiling, he waited no longer. And as he advanced down the hallways to safety he thought; Christendom had failed, it seemed, no doubt because of his over confidence, who would have guessed these heretics would be bold enough to denounce him? Regardless, the Czechs would have hard fight of it yet, Austria was in Gott's protection, and while his plans were mysterious to him, Herr Drekcsler knew that in the end, Austria would prevail.

Where the chambers of Ballhausplatz were calm, as long as you ignored the sounds of war, the top levels were full chaos. Men were yelling and screaming as they went down, their clips emptying as their dead fingers clasped around the trigger in death. Valiantly, these men of Christ fought till the last. Heretics died each second, cut down in their vulnerable helicopters, who could not help but become the center of attention so to speak. Even as they managed to jump out, the grim truth of death embraced them with open arms. Securing the rooftop they soon came to realize, would be the hard part, for as they had studied the plans of the building, these men had all but lived inside the building for months now. The creaks and groans of this house were second nature to them, they were fighting on the home turf of some of the most ruthless, violent, and deranged secret police this side of the Gestapo.

The Heart of Austria:

The tramp of boots, the whine of vehicles, and a few choice curses greeted Trugen as he stepped off Bundesheer 1, his personal helicopter. He was here to direct the operations of Austria in any manner he deemed fit. He was pretty sure that Drekcsler had gone of the deep end, in a bad sort of way, and for the most part he doubted Austria's Chancellor, Monarch more like it he corrected himself, would live long even if he wasn't gone the way of the asylum. Hoch und Deutschmeister Regiment, one of the proudest and elite regiments in the Bundesheer, saluted sharply as he passed by. Acknowledging the respect with a wave of his hand, he ducked into an old shack obviously on its last legs.

Descriptions in this case, were deceiving. Inside the dark room, computer fans were humming away as they received information from outspread divisions as they wrangled their way into Austria and angled themselves for a clash with the Czechs. Who were even now laying siege to, as he would put it, The Heart of Austria. Vienna. Also in attendance were the officers of several regiments and divisions, who were there merely to offer advice or encouragement. Trugen enjoyed having several brains compete, a monopoly on decision-making inevitably made you worse for wear, as Drekcsler had shown the world almost a month ago today.

Issuing commands came easily, even when he was a young soldier he took command and issued orders like the best of generals. The only difference now was that he was not issued kitchen duty tomorrow for his attitude. Forcing himself not to sink too much into his past memories like an old fogy, he directed the almost all the forces of Austria to clash here: in the ruins of his most beloved city. He would cry he thought, but his anger made him strong, anger at life, Austria, anger at his anger, but most of all, at the Czech hordes.

Knights, 21st Century Style:

The power of the skies was now in the strong hands of the Osterreichische Luftstreitkrafte, with all of the Eurofighters; the epitome of class, design, power, and ability, in the theater, the Czechs would be hard pressed to even try to defend their Fatherland from now on. From where before the full might of Austria's air force was kept in check by the Yugoslavian air force, the tables had turned, to where the Austrians were significantly boosted by the presence of Tsarist airpower which provided a security blanket for instillations, aircraft, and troops. So now not only was the Osterreichische Luftstreitkrafte given an impenetrable defense, but now they needed to merely concern themselves with offense.

Technology Has Uses:

“While you may be under the tyrannical boot of heretics, of unbelievers of the worst kind, and not in the calming embrace of Österreich, I assure you, we shall beat them yet!”

Herr Drekcsler may be under siege, but pre-recorded tapes were not a new invention, and in this case, a great boost to the moral of the people shaken by the Czech’s easy invasion of north Austria. The lag between his speeches, his last and this, was attributed mainly to working out a deal with several different radio companies in Germany, New Switzerland and Russia to use their radio towers.

“They may promise freedom, they may promise everything under the stars, but I assure you, their promises are worthless. More worthless then the feces you can get from your animals in the backyard. Their promises are wasteful, wasteful because the air they need to say it is more than the price of their foul lies.

Ladies, they may tell you that they are not here for excitement of the most sinful kind. Yet out of the other side of their mouths, they say they are better lovers than fighters. You know what? I agree, just ask any of their fowl, any of their dogs, or any of their horses if they are good lovers.

Remember, we are all Gott’s children, and when we die, you must remember. Our sins will be tallied, or mistakes will be recorded, and if you join the Czechs, Father Pascal has assured me, you will be sentenced to decades in the Purgatory. May you pick life over death, men over beasts, and God’s embrace to darkness, and most of all, be assured that Austria will prevail!

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6817/150pxleopard2a5frontzp7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
This picture was captured by Das Unabhängige reporter Steve Mendal-
A Dpkz III advances through the streets of Vienna, on the look out for unbelivers.

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/9387/intro1ub0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Picture released by Bundesheer High Command-
Men deploying from Eurocopters, some of the first on the ground from Hungary.

Capitalism's Champion:

Wandering about the library, Maxen almost declines the offer of rum with a wave of his hand. While Klaus would not know, Maxen disapproves of hindering his mind in anyway, especially now, when he is still teetering on the tight-rope of death and life. Still, that rum looked mighty fine, almost as good as that Roik stuff he had to the Mauritius. Deciding why not, he changes the wave to an acceptance, "Danke," he says as he finally sits down.

Musing over what to say, and what not to, he tells his tale. From Chancellor, to his little knigdom in Africa and to here. He also tells him why he did what he did, Drekcsler, even then, was making it clear what he thought about the Holy League. Maxen supported the ideal but trusted it as much as he could throw His Most Christian Majesty, that is to say, not at all.

Concluding his tale, he looks to Klaus, and wonders if the whispers of him wanting to be a clown when he grew up were true.

Ignoring talk of blockade, Soviet forces in Libya continue to fly supplies into Yugoslavia and to support Hindustani strike-missions against French shipping... and Tsarist shipping will experience the same if it should attempt to enter the Adriatic, where, presumably, it will already be taking a beating from Yugoslavia's much stronger western coastal defences. The Adriatic, after all, is not the Black Sea, and is crawling with anti-League submarines, mines, missile boats, aircraft, and mobile missile batteries.

Raipur indicates that full support of the JNA's activities will continue for so long as Belgrade is pursuing Hungarian liberation and League forces limiting Hungarian sovereignty. Commonwealth Guard observers firmly believe that the League will come a cropper if it ever tries to invade Yugoslavia, and consider that, the little Black Sea Fleet and L-20 Putin losses aside, the SFRY hasn't lost much of its ability to defend itself. CS-400 Red Sky hasn't even launched a single missile against the enemy as yet, and the Commonwealth knows that the system can easily repulse any air strikes that go much beyond Bulgaria.

Generally, though, there isn't much more for the Soviets to do in Europe. The struggling Greek revolution, if such a thing can even be described, has been left to Combine influence, and, though Yugoslavia may be -largely from lack of choice- the most popular European nation with Commonwealth citizens, Raipur really doesn't feel that it has much direct influence over the indefatigable Marshal Lav. Belgrade just gets military support so long as it is annoying the League... and, frankly, Libya's own security is of increasingly higher priority in Soviet planning.

Now that they don't have to worry about Yugoslavia, the Regia Aeronautica moves 30 Eurofighters to the Gioia del Colle air base to intercept all Soviet supplies flying to Yugoslavia. Until Yugoslavia leaves Austria and returns to pre-war borders, Eurofighters will continue to intercept the supplies.

Hail Caesar!

Snippet

Austria finally musters enough courage to denounce to Soviet supplies being used by the Yugoslavians in the last days of the war. While still not sure if actual regulars are camped within the Österreich’s southern neighbor, many politicians and military generals alike are fretting at the possible formation of a true Progressive Block.

Glad that Italy is giving the Soviet suppliers, and all Progressives for tat matter, a run for their money Drekcsler himself writes up a letter to Caesar thanking him for the support in these trying times for Christendom.

The Commonwealth Guard, with, presumably, Union and Yugoslav support, will be more than happy to meet the meagre forces of the so-called Caesar and put an end to their pretentions at power. Flying from Yugoslavia and Libya, Soviet air superiority and intercept fighters along side the JNA's forces are supported by Marathon and UAV AEW and CS-400 Red Sky long-range SAM based in Yugoslavia.

Raipur, considering the conduct of negotiation Yugoslav business, will continue to treat Italian intervention against Yugoslav interests during the course of said negotiation as mere piracy, to be handled with unhesitating deadly force. The People's Cosmonautical Co-operative is set to the task of identifying items of explodable interest throughout Italy, and satellite-guided bombs are prepared in Libya against the possibility of continued League interventionalism.

Rome receives a communique from the Indian consular services suggesting that the Caesar look into the possibility that some of his forces might be, 'endangering Italian security' by acting rashly against Balkan-African-Indian commerce.

Caesar Romulus Magnus reads the communique from the Soviets, crumples it and angrily throws it into the hearth in his private quarters. He was hoping to finally get a good night's sleep, but that obviously was not going to happen. He then tells his secretary, who had come in to hand him this letter, to reply to Yugoslavia, that until Yugoslavia leaves and returns to pre-war borders that the blockade on Soviet shipping will continue. Caesar adds that if Marshall Lav really is committed to these peace talks, Soviet shipping should cease for the duration of negotiations.

Hail Caesar!

Indeed, Soviet assets are not the only ones engaged in the protection of air and sea convoys headed to Yugoslavia. No.15 Squadron's twelve F(J).4FGA4s, based in Tripoli, are loaded up with L'Angelot Maudit and DRAB AAMs, and No.1 Squadron's Tornadoes fitted with a pair of heavy BrahMos missiles each. The Tornadoes will fly out and intercept Italian, or any Holy League, naval assets that attempt to obstruct the shipment of important war materiel from Libya, and the F(J).4s will do the same for any Italian Eurofighters that show up. Though Italy might have aircraft that are newer, the Indian pilots have the benefit of many years' worth of experience and superb training. And the upgraded F(J).4 is easily a match in terms of avionics for the Eurofighter or Rafale, besides possessing a significant edge in terms of maneuverability.

OOC-I am a little sceptical at the speed with which some of these helps arrived. But whatever, I am probably just going to be called down for saying it, and then told that every kind of equipment I have is vastly inferior to anything whoever it is I am fighting has. I’m used to it. LOL!

But seriously, I am getting a little sick at how much my technology and capabilities are being downplayed. I have a first class navy coming in, and the bombardments and air strikes on Bulgaria have all but been ignored. I will admit that my equipment is older than some of those that I am fighting, but not so much as it should make a difference as far as much of the air strikes are concerned. My missiles may even be 100% less accurate than the ones that I am fighting against, but that would mean that my largest and least accurate cruise missiles would be capable of hitting a target within a meter, instead of half a meter. And the ships that I am using, are still in RL considered some of the most dangerous and advanced fighting platforms in the world, some of them a match for anything that the RL US Navy has put out. This has been much downplayed in recent years because the Russian Federation has all but cut funding to the Navy, but the problems experienced were definitely more of a maintenance issue than a technology issue. I am moving a very powerful fleet into waters that are very, very contested, and my SAM and AA capabilities are massive from that fleet. I am not sure what the two Progs are even doing, as we are all trying to fall back to a peace situation, and the very questionable statements about whatever Soviet system is currently capable of taking on a fully frontal assault are probably not helping.

Yugoslavia, I am just going to post this and then wait for your response as to how you want to proceed with the peace process.

IC-The Black Sea Fleet would be already arrived in the are and was currently coordinating with the battered Roman fleet in order to set up the blockade. With the reports of half a million soldiers going to somehow try and cross the Indian Ocean to attack the HL in Africa it was decided that the Progs could not be allowed a presence in Europe, and the blockade would now begin. It would be lifted only when Yugoslavia removed themselves to their pre-war borders, as per their own proposal.

The Black Sea Fleet-
29 Surface Warships
1 Kiev Class Heavy Aircraft Carrying Cruiser (Aircraft Carrier)
1 Kirov Class Missile Battecruiser
5 Kashin Class Destroyers
4 Sovremenny Class Destroyers
3 Udaloy I Class Destroyers
10 Krivak Class Frigates
5 Grisha III Class Corvettes

The MiG-29s with their new Chinese-built aeronautics and updated systems were flying a CAP over the fleet, but it was widely expected that most aircraft had more to fear from the fleet itself, with so many AA designed ships. Any INU or Soviet shipping was stopped and asked to turn back by radio at a distance. If they refuse to answer or refuse to turn back, civilian shipping will be fired upon without mercy. Any military ships or aircraft would just be engaged immediately.

Through all of this, however, the Princess asks for everyone to stop allowing foreign Progressive elements to escalate the conflict and come to the negotiating table.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

((OOC---seriously, Wingert. I normally stay quiet but I am saying things now. I call moding on BG and LRR. Operating solely out of Libya you cannot manage much at all against League shipping. Maybe if the Anglos helped but alas, theyre not, so unless you want to mod some more and say you have a massive fleet in the region, I think you have no choice but to stick your nose someplace else. Sorry, you can effect whatever is realistic, but you cannot: maintain a massive and utterly isolated war fleet on the far side of Africa, ruble about with a larger war fleet about the Suez, then claim you somehow are seriously influencing events in the Eastern Med, all the while [preparing to 'do more'! I have been charged with moding in one theatre, and you have exceeded that several times over. Come on now!))

(OCC: What is the problem here? The IAF has three squadrons operating out of Libya, and the fact that Italy has deployed only 30 of its Eurofighters to oppose a Soviet fighter contingent considerably larger is not my problem. The fact remains that there are tens of thousands of Indian troops deployed in Libya along with associated air support. And nobody's ever mentioned a "massive war fleet." Is it not reasonable for Libya to have a handful of freighters? Most of the supplying is being undertaken by Soviet Marathon transports, by air, and no major force has set foot on Yugoslav territory. As I believe BG pointed out, most of the several thousands of Igovians in Yugoslavia are technical support personnel, doubtless brought over by air, and the movement of five thousand mechanics across the Mediterranean by a modern air force with modern transports is no great feat. And nobody has yet ever RPed actually mounting attacks on the supply lines running to Belgrade.

As for Russian military capabilities, I think it is reasonable to assume that, when Tsar Wingert has what seems to be several percent of his population permanently under arms, the effectiveness of his armed forces should take a hit as a result. It is not unrealistic that Raduga Kh-22s, for instance, the likes of which were being fired from Tu-22M and Tu-142 bombers, are inaccurate and unreliable. They've been proven so in real life, and you've never provided us with any evidence of them being upgraded. Though certain Russian platforms are justly regarded as threatening and capable, you are likewise deploying ships notorious for being poorly built and unreliable, the Slavas and the Kashins being good examples of that. In the 1970s a Russian cruiser, I believe, was sunk because one of its SAMs blew up by accident, and the ship's damage control systems were so poor they couldn't cope with the fire. With Wingert maintaining one of the world's largest land armies and a massive air force, and having never RPed replacing many of the unimpressive Soviet-era surface combatants with upgraded or more effective models, we can't help but take the Tsarist Navy for what it looks like. And that is a force with a few dangerous vessels but mostly reliant on old, outdated ships that can't absorb much damage at all.

Who cares whether Indian attacks from Libya will have any effect on Holy League shipping? Indian forces are launching missiles at French warships and they can either try to shoot them down or sit there and pretend that HL numerical superiority is somehow keeping Springers and Tornadoes cemented to the ground. Did we post your losses for you? Did we insist that our attacks should sink every Holy League warship?

Have you bothered looking at factbook information? I believe you'll find all warships accounted for. We've only ever claimed to have warships and submarines around the mouth of the Suez canal, not that it was some kind of major war fleet. And it isn't as though, you know, there are major Indian bases a few days away.

Keep in mind that the Holy League maintained a massive and utterly isolated war fleet on Palawan for, what, upwards of a year? League divisions reached the Philippines in less time than it took the IN to move a regiment to Mauritius. And that was despite the fact that the League fleet was surrounded on all sides by quantitatively larger navies operating in home waters. Don't accuse us of stretching our capabilities. If anything we have been modest, and have moved exceedingly slowly. If you bother to read the post you'll see that the INA for one has, out of a force of 120,000 men, started to move a single division to Dar es Salaam. It isn't as though 40,000 men with tanks and air support are suddenly landing in Cote D'Ivoire, or that the French army crossed the Volta without so much as bothering to inform who was supposed to be RPing the Ghanaian Army.

BG might have mobilized three million conscripts but this is proportionally less than France has and about level with Russian rates of militarization, at least as far as can be gleaned from factbooks. BG is ready to send 500,000 men to the Horn of Africa, by no means a long trip from India. They haven't even left port, as far as I can tell, and everything else is in the planning stages. It isn't as though millions of men have just appeared in Africa. Indeed, it seems as though, at this stage, Indian ground forces actually in West Africa are pushing brigade strength. In southern Africa mostly technical and support personnel are in place along with perhaps a squadron or two, with one INA division on the way, estimated to make landfall in Tanzania in five or six days. In Eritrea, as I have stated numerous times, there are two INA divisions with a third on the way, plus airborne and commando elements. There is no such thing as a force of 500,000 Indians presently in Africa, or indeed physically headed for Africa. And I might remind you that France took a similarly-sized force from the Philippines to Nigeria in record time.

If I'm incorrect please say so, but this is how the situation looks to me. I am willing to let things remain where they stand, but I don't think the appraisal of Indian military maneuvers is entirely accurate.

(OCC: And here's an opportunity for the Leaguers to actually see what happens when an Indian squadron mounts an attack on their shipping...)

IC:

For the second time No.1 Squadron's Tornadoes and No.15 Squadron's F(J).4s sortie out from Tripoli International Airport, in search of enemy shipping. A strike was flown against French warships about a week earlier, but that mission ended in disappointment when the enemy fleet's supposed position turned out to be wildly incorrect. Lacking the spare fuel to perform a drastic course change the aircraft returned to Libya.

Now, the pilots hope, their target is altogether more real. Each Tornado carries a pair of BrahMos ASMs, in addition to as many DRAB ASRAAMs for self defense and a centerline drop tank. Only through the use of most of Tripoli International's 3,600 meters were No.1 Squadron's heavily-laden aircraft able to get airborne, and few relish the prospect of meeting an enemy fighter force. In the event that enemy aircraft do present themselves No.15 Squadron, much more lightly loaded, is prepared. Each fighter carries Four L'Angelot Maudit BVR missiles and four DRAB ASRAAMs, in addition to a pair of 27mm cannon, copies of the highly successful Mauser BK-27.

After departing the airport, the force swings northwest, towards the tip of Tunisia. French convoys are known to be in the area, and it is reasoned that the French can't guard every last one of them with air defense frigates and Rafale CAPs. Of course, the fact that the French have used mostly Mirage IIIs during their campaign in Africa is worrying. Somewhere out there the enemy's force of advanced combat aircraft is lurking, and No.15 Squadron might very well be the first to find it.

Missile-laden Tornadoes climb below the F(J).4s, which fly above and behind them. Advanced Type 210 Radars, phased array types capable of picking up the Mirage 2000 at perhaps 180 kilometers and the Rafale at 120, are kept switched off, save for that of one aircraft, in order to minimize the force's radio signature. Doubtless when the RWRs start to pick up enemy early warning radars, or RBE2 sets used by the Rafale, there will be no point, but for now there is no need to announce the squadron's position to everybody nearby.

OOC: Yep, of course, TCB's pretty much right. Russian warships in question are nowhere near in the same class as Indian-Soviet, British, even Quinntonian, French, and others. Most of them don't have a significant fraction of the air-defence capability of foreign ships.

The Kashin is fairly fast but has absolutely nothing else going for it, and, yeah, one of them exploded for pretty much no reason, much as the cruise missiles that have been deployed against Bulgaria. They could only hit a barn door in Bulgaria if they were aimed at another country, and then only if they hadn't poisened the ground-crew to death or just failed to launch at all. Ships like the Kashin have archaic dual-mount SAMs and simply can't put enough missiles in the air to repulse a modern barrage, while, for example, the Indian Gauntlet Class and British Daring have large VLS beds and can launch all of their missiles at once if need be. It's a totally different kettle of fish to attack one of their fleets than to attack a Russian one, which really better have a damn good CAP... but unfortunately is stuck with a smaller one!

The Sovremenny is potentially dangerous, and its own defences generally a bit more modern, but it can't contribute much more to fleet defence simply because that's not what it is designed to do.

The Krivak's hardly worth having and the crew may as well just go back to port and get drunk, while the Udaloy has its uses, but they're mostly against submarines, and though it might be able to defend itself against a particular air strike it again isn't much use to the rest of the terribly-exposed fleet.

This isn't to say that nobody's scared of Russia. But mostly, the only people who have to worry are the sort that couldn't defend themselves against Sweden, let alone a big nation. Depkazia has reason to placate the Russians, Romania has its hands full, and nobody's surprised to see Poland staying quiet, but nations far away, large, or advanced can smack Russia down whenever its forces venture far from home, and its strength has always been defence, not attack or intervention. A player can do a lot with Russia, but there's as much that just won't work out well.

As to what India has done, is doing, will do... we've maintained a regular military just under 3 million personnel for some time. It is considered large, but is still significantly under 1% of the populace even totally discounting Bihar (as seems fair at this early stage). No extra call-ups have happened during the war, and there are no conscripts. The Soviets feel that while their military is relatively smaller than that of France, deploying forces of equivalent proportion would be too much even for their great power. We are putting 100,000 'partisans' into West Africa, but their means and support will be limited and they will not be confronting the enemy in pitched battles if they can help it. They will likely be supplied primarily via the AfCom and limited ECOWAS means, but at least they have training and experience. We have 50,000 forces in Libya but the facilities to support them have existed for years and years and they're not going anywhere ('cept some few to Yugoslavia!). We're going to deploy 500,000 to East Africa quite soon, though we've not yet told the world. Mumbai only just found out a few game-hours ago. That'll be our big one, like France's massive deployments to West Africa but less by proportion!

Oh, and the Indian fleet off West Africa is not terribly far from friendly port... just ask Kinshasa.

Well, having seen that cleared up, I've got to get off line before Internetgirl thinks I'm taking advantage of her good will.

OOC: I would have to agree and disagree with BG on several points. For the naval issues, yes, Putin didn't focus much on the navy at all, so it's likely to be fairly outdated. The cruise missile issue however, largely bases itself on the modern day Russian military---which is like basing BG's army on RL India's. I used cruise missiles extensively in the Baltic campaign, and they were a huge focus of both Putin and Tsarist administrations, since they form the core of Russia's basic offensive strategy. They are highly accurate and extremely modern. In addition, Russia has a very advanced air and land capability for force projection---navy wise, not so much, but I do recall pouring billions into ensuring we had top of the line gear for both air and land offenses. (The T-95, I believe, and the MiG-39 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan_Project_1.44> were both implemented)

OOC: Tsar Wingert does have a point though. Old or not, he is in the Adriatic with impressive numbers, and is supported with a modern Roman navy. I don't have time to give you numbers right now, but possibly this evening I can whip something up. In short, the Soviets do have something to fear, and the Russians can be more effective than you give them credit for.

IC: The Regia Aeronautica works quickly to move another 45 Eurofighters to the air base in Malta. With all flying at speeds in excess of Mach 2, the crews in Malta, trained with the same razor sharp discipline of Roman legions, are able to refuel and arm most of the fighters in the same day to launch and support those fighters flying out of Gioia del Colle. Every one of these pilots are the same to see action in either Slovenia or Austria. The discipline among the legions are present among the pilots, the last remaining source of chivalry in the modern era. They are ready to meet whatever the Indian swath throw at them, for God is on their side and they should die here, they do it gladly, knowing that they will be welcomed among the ranks in heaven as martyrs for the faith.

Hail Caesar!

OOC-Now, I personally did not comment on the African conflict, so I will continue in that vein.
1. There was a mention of the massive fleet, quite awhile ago when I stated that the fleet that is detailed above was moving into the Adriatic. Because no one mentioned trying to run the blockade, I just assumed that no one did.
2. Armand is completely right, in that the questions that I placed was not on the ships themselves, at least not in the main, but on the constant downgrading of my missile strikes. I stated that they were coming in, they were called inaccurate. I stated that there were troops on the ground that was personally painting targets for the missiles to hit, and they were called inaccurate.
3. Some of the ships that are in my fleet are pretty outclassed. Some are among the finest warships in the world. The incident that is continually referenced was my case and point, the ship was lost due to poor maintenance, the systems in RL for damage control were planning on being upgraded, and only bankruptcy stopped them. The maintenance issue has not been a problem since Putin took over. Since he didn’t focus on sea power, I kept the existing frames, but assumed that they would have all been refitted and wonderfully maintained. Not upgraded per se, but they would perform how they were supposed to, not how they did under the Soviets or Russian Federation.
4. The missiles are all containing very accurate targeting systems. As much as a match as anything else. I think, based on the massive amounts of reading that I was doing since I took over Russia, that you are still really downplaying their accuracy if I didn’t RP Putin’s changes, because your opinions of them are a whole step behind what the best NATO strategists have of them. Hell, I even contacted people from the military academy for information and they had fairly high opinions as to their effectiveness. But, they were built up during Putin’s era, so they should be treated as at least as accurate as anything say, Quinntonia has.
5. The Tsarist have barely 1% of their population overall under arms. That is clear in my factbook. Right now, every Tsarist nation aside from Russia is on total war footing. And Russia is prepared to go there if necessary. This is an exceptionally high level of militarisation, but not several percent at all. Aside from Nigeria, I have not even posted the mass raising of the reserves in any of these nations. But I have a lot of troops, and a huge population.
6. The troops that I am using are selectively picked for loyalty. For instance, I consider the Ukrainians highly loyal the Tsar. Fanatically so. In Russia, Kazakhstan and Moldova, he is popular, but as long as he doesn’t cause them undue grief. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are divided, most people hate him, and the tsarists, but they are kept under watch by the ethnic Russians who do not hate him. Lavrageria has people of both extremes and they must be watched at all times, but it is getting better. In Nigeria, they fight for Nigeria, not for the Tsar. Only perhaps the higher echelons of power even have a conception of loyalty to the Tsar, but the rest follow Mubarak. But, when Lithuania was being threatened, the first thing that I did was move the Lithuanian troops to Kazakhstan and the Kazak troops to Lithuania to help control the population. I moved massive amounts of Lavragerian warriors to Nigeria to fight other enemies so that they wouldn’t be there for Operation: Last Horde. In every case, I have RPed being very careful about what I do and about my troops. This is even why Russia is not on total war footing, it won’t be popular there. And I am afraid of losing that support. Especially for a far away war. If it was for a defensive one it might be different.
7. As for troop quality, that must be taken situation by situation and nation by nation, because I treat each one of the nations in the Tsarist Empire individually. Moldovan troops may not be as effective as my veteran and fanatic Ukrainians. But the Ukrainian air force is probably not as good as the Russian one, and so on.


I have eaten a lot of criticism for my use of RL equipment and types, and I am tired. I use it because I think it pretty arbitrary just to say things like “My jet can outdo your jet in these ways,” with little justification. I believe that every new technology brought in by any nation should be signed off on by all the people here and have some kind of RL equivalent. If you ask some of the people that I have gotten involved in the last few months, they will tell you, that my bathroom reading is encyclopaedias of warships and I am pouring through tech specs all of the time. I don’t especially enjoy it, as I got into AMW RPing with the understanding that I didn’t need to know much about tech stuff, and for me, this takes away from the enjoyment of the game. For me, for the most part, I just want a cruiser to be a cruiser, and a soldier to be a soldier and a gen 4 aircraft to be a gen 4 aircraft. But, it is because of this stuff that I started studying the issue and more and more I think that Soviet era tech is undervalued for very spurious reasons. Aeronautics have all but come to a standstill in the last two or more decades, and avionics are really where most technology is going. Also, the US design philosophies are much different from the old Soviet ones, where the Americans would build and design completely new aircraft each time they upgraded (for the most part) the philosophy of the Soviets was to design their frames, aircraft and warship, to be massively upgradeable. That means that, say, a MiG-29 produced during the Cold War could still be in service with the Tsarist in 2007 and have been upgraded as improvements have come out, which would be mostly in avionics, and all of that much cheaper than could be done in the West. And this is what has been occurring all through Russian Federation and Soviet military history. Under the Federation is slowed to a crawl, but in AMW we had Putin that revitalised the programs, and Wingert who places a massive priority on the military. But from what I can see, even if the Russian Federation were to engage the USAF or US Navy in total warfare situations, the major deciding factors wouldn’t be technological, but rather flying time and maintenance issues, aside perhaps, from something like the F-22. I have even repeatedly offered situations to placate the critics, like offering air-to-air combat kill ratios to work 2:1 in the enemies favour, and they still don’t seem to care.

I guess I am where Royce is, I am tired of everyone thinking, “…but nations far away, large, or advanced can smack Russia down whenever its forces venture far from home….” This is patently untrue and is the kind of devaluing comment that leads to arguments and bad blood. The idea that Royce can only attack people armed with spears over and against his constant claims that his technology is just as advanced as anyone else’s but just looks old, and that the Tsarists can pretty much only fight Poland or Romania is boring. The Tsarist Empire is a super-power, on par with pretty much anything else on the planet. I am not claiming to be MORE powerful than anyone, I only want to be taken as an equal, not discounted just because my planes have MiG in their title.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

OCC: I don't mean to insult you, Quinn, its just that, from everything I've seen and from what I know about Russian military equipment, there isn't much that leads me to believe that the Tsarist Navy has much of a qualitative advantage. I'm not a professional analyst and have no formal training, so if your experts say that a given system is actually far more capable than I make it out to be then they are right.

I'll be the last one to berate the MiG-29 or Su-27 as under-capable. Indeed, if I were still Russia I would be using massive numbers of both those types. It is at the same time frustrating for a massive air force, operating thousands of combat aircraft, to be claiming the advantage at every turn. While I agree that it is good to use RL equipment it is at the same time unfair to dock nations that in RL don't have defense industries. Take the L-20, for instance. I believe that Yugoslavia has stated more than once its equivalence to the Gripen. We've been over BG's Hobgoblin time after time, and, I think, we have established its slight inferiority to the Quinntonian F-22.

Russian technology is not being cheapened; it is being taken for what has been said about it in RL and in RP, as far as we can tell. At the same time you must understand our angle. Russia might have 220 something million people but BG has 410 or so million and the INU 370 million. India, when united in purpose, can effectively draw on the resources of two nations that by themselves compare favorably with the whole of the Holy League. The IAF, for one, is vastly smaller than the French Air Force, to say nothing of the Russian Air Force, and the CAG not altogether terribly larger, so is it not fair to say that India is capable of turning out superior equipment? Less of it is in service, and proportionally more funding must have been spent on it.

As for cruise missiles, it would be helpful if we were clear on exactly the types being used. Are you talking about the Raduga Kh-22, a weapon that seems to be more dangerous to its own crew than to anybody else, and patently unreliable, or the modern Raduga Kh-55? You, to my knowledge, have only ever mentioned "Russian cruise missiles." I agree that AMW shouldn't become a slave to military hardware as is the case in mainstream NS, but at the same time we've got to acknowledge that the stuff is being developed and perfected by places other than Russia, France, and Quinntonia. Technicalities these may be, but detail has its place in RP.

For what it matters I am not saying that the Indian fleet will win in West Africa. I am saying that it will not be a one-sided massacre, because the Indian warships possess certain explained advantages over the Russian and French warships, themselves not unrealistic because of the far smaller size of the Indian navies and the fact that India as a whole has two battleships (one still being built) to France's eight and Royce's dozens. I expect the Indian fleet to make a good showing, yes, but I don't ask you or NG to take massive losses either.

Now can't we get back to what we were doing?

Actually, Crooked Beat, if you check in this very thread a few pages, Quinn asks Yugoslavia if the L-20 has an RL equivalent and the very first sentence clearly states, that it does not.

Hail Caesar!

Oh by the way, here are the numbers for my fleet on the blockade with Russia:

3 De la Penne Class Guided Missile Destroyers
6 Maestrale Frigates
2 Minerva Class-1st series Corvettes
1 Comandanti class Corvette
1 Cassiopea class Corvette

I don’t know if I want to get into saying which cruise missiles are being used in which situation. Also, I was effectively told that the L-20 has no equivalent, and further that while I was bombarding Bulgaria with 700+ aircraft and the entire Ukrainian Navy along with the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy, he said that he had 120 planes there, and after a week or tow of fighting, explained that he had 118 aircraft left. I am not claiming major technological advantages. At no time have I ever claimed that my equipment was better, only that it was either the equivalent or just less, depending on type. For instance, Nigeria has an air force that is fraught with MiG-21s, they would be slaughtered, but some of the types I have thrown at Bulgaria were far superior to that. And I even offered via TG to take as many as 50 losses in the first couple of weeks based on the difficulties that I was encountering, but recanted after he explained that he was going to take 2. I’ll even say that with AA support and home ground advantage the kill ratio for the first couple of weeks would be 3-4:1. But not 25:1. But that is not why I was saying this, Yugo is, for the most part a great RPer, and though he and I have had disagreements like this in the past, eventually we have come to an understanding. I will point out that I have taken losses to the Black Sea fleet inflicted by Yugo too.

I don’t think I mentioned the Africa sea battle, but rather this theatre alone, I am willing to say that my equipment is a little below what your are, and even RP taking heavier losses than I would have otherwise as a result, but that is really for me to decide unless you start firing hundreds of missiles at a single ship and I ignore them. IN the end, I hope that in my RPs I have shown myself to be more than willing to take losses, in the last major Tsarist conflict, in Lavrageria, I took something like 3 losses for every one Lavragerian loss. That is not the issue, I hope. What is the issue is that when I then return fire, I would expect that I do some damage, not get constant comments about missiles missing, duds, and disparaging comparisons to my equipment that makes it sound like I am using rowboats to attack battleships. I have never said that the African sea battle will be one-sided, and even pointed out advantages that you would have, but I think that we should be very clear about the idea that if I am not to disparage your fleet’s ability to make war, than you shouldn’t disparage mine.

Of course there is the argument that the equipment is better because you produce less of it comparable with your population, which is just logically fallacious. It could be true, but it could just as easily be untrue.

The thing is, I have tried my whole time in AMW to strive for as much realism as I could, and I think it a laudable goal. But it looks as though I am being penalised for it. This leads me to believe that after the Africa Sea Battle, I should start a new building program for my navy that includes vague things like “incorporating the best technology” and “capable of taking on far more enemy fighters than before” and so on. My new “Tsarist Class Missile Cruisers” and “Wingert Class Aircraft Carriers” will be world leaders. Do you see the problem? It takes no effort or pain by a nation to type the words “Black Flag Class.” I, however, in both my nations, have spent countless hours getting to know the merits of one system over another.


And as for my population:
Lavrageria-10,293,011 (July 2006 est.)
Moldava-4,466,706 (July 2006 est.)
Estonia-1,324,333 (July 2006 est.)
Lithuania-3,585,906 (July 2006 est.)
Latvia-2,274,735 (July 2006 est.)
Kazakhstan- 15,233,244 (July 2006 est.)
Russia-142,893,540 (July 2006 est.)
Ukraine-46,710,816 (July 2006 est.)
Eurasia Total-226,782,291

Nigeria-131,859,731
Total-358,642,022

Just so there are no arguments. And again, please remember that each nation is treated separately. You have only seen Ukrainian air force and land forces committed as of yet. The Navy in the Med is Russian, and there are Russian troops preparing to help, but nothing as of yet.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

Actually, Crooked Beat, if you check in this very thread a few pages, Quinn asks Yugoslavia if the L-20 has an RL equivalent and the very first sentence clearly states, that it does not.

Hail Caesar!

OCC: Indeed, once again I am in error.

Maybe it would be a good idea to be more modest in general, to stop letting our propaganda influence what happens in RP, and for us to take things a bit less personally. I will try to do those things.

Eh, I see where you are coming from Quinn, but doubtless Yugoslavia and BG can do a better job of explaining the situation than I can.

IC:

The arrival of more Italian fighters in Malta does not go unnoticed by the IAF and its assets in Libya. Squadrons already in the air have more serious things to worry about, and the enemy planes probably won't be ready to contest their return anyway. But the Italian presence on the rock of Malta promises to be more annoying in the future. Much to its displeasure the IAF component of Libya Force is not able to do much about it, given that its single strike squadron is still in Yugoslavia. Perhaps, with their superior forces, the Soviets will be able to mount a strike on Maltese airbases, or the Libyans, with their excellent Mirage F.1ADs.

In the meantime No.15 Squadron and No.1 Squadron continue in their search for shipping to raid, under orders to turn back in the face of superior forces. Offensive missions might yield good results, but nobody is keen to see the whole group destroyed because it strayed too far into enemy-controlled airspace.