NationStates Jolt Archive

WNN World Network News

Breaking News

Victoria, San Marcos - WNN has confirmed reports that a helicopter carrying General Julius Escobar was shot down 75 miles west of Victoria. Anonymous sources within the San Marcos government claim a distress call was received after the helicopter was struck by a shoulder-launched SAM. It is believed none of the helicopters six passengers survived the crash, but no remains have been identified at this time.

General Escobar first took power over twelve years ago during a bloody civil war that engulfed the present nations of San Marcos, Los Verdes, and Quito. The controversial General was best known as a ruthless leader, who constantly defied the international community's demands to hand over control of the nation to a democratically elected government. His presumed death raises a number of questions as to the future of San Marcos. Most analysts believe the Escobar's second in command, General Marco Valdez, will assume control.

San Marcos is the largest of the Bueno Tierra nations, and is considered by many to be a major power in the region. A radical change in that nation could have profound implications for the entire continent.

Stay tuned for more information on this story as it develops.

OOC: More coming soon.

WNN World Network News

Breaking News

Victoria, San Marcos - General Marco Valdez wasted no time asserting his leadership of San Marcos following the death of the nation's former leader, General Escobar. At 11:45 this morning, Valdez issued the following public statement.

"My fellow countrymen, I stand before you today as the unfortunate bearer of bad news. My mentor and your leader, General Escobar, has fallen to a cowardly attack perpetrated by our rivals in Guadalupe.

As our esteemed leader was returning to Victoria from Santos, a missile struck his helicopter causing it to crash. None survived. Take solace in the fact our loved leader died quickly, and did not suffer. His death was a warrior's death, a death he would have been proud of.

Guadalupe's flagrant attack will not go unpunished. As of now, a state of war now exists between our two nations. Rest assured, citizens. Under my leadership, the government has the situation well under control. A swift and decisive victory will be ours."

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Breaking News

Bueno Tierra - As news of General Escobar's passing spread, crowds have gathered in numerous major cities across the continent to celebrate the death of the late General. In the nations of Quito, Los Verdes, Santiago, Guadalupe, Ica, and even the General's own nation of San Marcos; hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets.

The late General's neighbors viewed him as a regional bully, who enjoyed wielding his superior military with impunity. In his own nation, the General's land reform and tax policies were widely unpopular as well.

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Breaking News

Lima - Sensing a change in the regional political climate, Lima has launched a new offensive against Ica. The details are still a bit hazy at this time, but it is believed that Liman forces have broken through Ican lines, and are now advancing on the Ican capital of Montevideo. Unconfirmed reports also claim Ican civilians are being slaughtered by the advancing Liman army.

These two minor nations have been at war with one another for the better part of the last three years. Approximately 1/4th of Ica was conquered during a surprise attack when the war first began. Since then, only minor skirmishes have been fought as the lines stabilized.

Both Lima and Ica receive military funding from San Marcos and Guadalupe respectively. The late General Escobar was a staunch supporter of the Liman government. WNN analysts believe his death might have motivated this new attack as his replacement might not be so generous in financing the Liman army.

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Breaking News

Asuncioun, Guadalupe - WNN has received unconfirmed reports of a battle taking place between the San Marcos and Guadaulpe air forces over the city of Asuncion. No further details are available at this time.

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Breaking News

San Marcos - Citizens are rioting in major cities throughout San Marcos. The riots began when police were dispatched to disperse crowds celebrating the death of General Escobar. Reports are sketchy at this time, but there are persistent rumors that gunfire has been exchanged in multiple cities.

OOC: still more coming

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/The_Times.jpg
From the Kensington Times Online

Britannic Commonwealth Moves to Curtail Riots

President Swanner announced that troops would be deployed to San Marcos to restore law and order.

"This is intolerable that the government has not put an end to these riots. The Britannic Commonwealth intends to deploy ten thousand troops to San Marcos to ensure order prevails in the nation."

The Royal Armed Forces of the Crown are currently en route to the island, with the ten thousand combat soldiers, support personnel, five naval attack groups, and one fighter squadron.

Salvador, San Marcos

William Harcourt, a middle-aged man with sienna-brown hair and matching ever-investigating eyes, had long ago fell into a deep recline on a rattan rocker that lay out on a pristine white wooden deck, overlooking beautiful palm-lined beaches. Harcourt had arrived in the city of Salvador on business, not of a visiting type but rather of a more permanent basis—in fact, his wife and two daughters, Emily and Yvette, would be arriving from their home in the suburbs of Artega in the United Kingdom later in the week.

As it happened, three weeks ago, Oceanian Aerospace, one of the UK’s leading aerospace firms, had bought out Velazquez Avión, the second-largest aircraft manufacturing company in San Marcos—after assurances from Oceanian Aerospace that the large manufacturing facilities in San Marcos would be kept open, thus providing employment to the thousands of native workers. And so, Harcourt and thirty other Oceanians had been dispatched to Salvador, site of the largest plant and the corporate offices, to oversee the transition from Velazquez Avión management to Oceanian Aerospace management. Harcourt was at the top, however, as the transition team’s leader. And so he had the best hotel suite of the group.

But in the blink of an eye the sight had soured. With his eyes lazily tracing the curves of some upper-class, bikini-clad hotel guest, he heard a shout from somewhere behind him, from the direction of the outdoor bar that had so kindly provided the martini that now sat empty next to him. Turning his head, he found a slowly growing crowd opposite the counter, with even the barman looking up at a television—the images on which Harcourt could not see.

Even slower than the crowd, Harcourt drew himself up and wrapped himself in a towel before meandering over to the commotion. He placed his martini glass on the counter and leaned in, peering over the shoulder of another man. At the bottom of the screen words scrolled across in Spanish—but the image of a burning wreck in a forest outside Victoria and then a stock-photo of the man even Harcourt knew ruled San Marcos told the Oceanian manager all he needed to know.

Within hours, Harcourt had watched the situation grow steadily worse with reports coming in ever more rapidly—and so often bringing fouler and grimmer news. His company had invested several billion pounds in the acquisition of the San Marcos firm and with that thought in mind he dug into his pocket—having long since changed into a casual suit—and retrieved his mobile phone. He dialed his superior back home in Artega and was told that he was to stay put. His team was to stay put. So far as anyone was concerned, the fledgling Oceanian business interests in Salvador, San Marcos were to continue on like business as usual.

Twelve years ago, the nation of Santa Miguel was torn asunder in a great civil war. The events leading up to the war were innocent enough... a simple debate over land ownership. Many of Santa Miguel's people made their living off the land. They were farmers, lumberjacks, and even miners. Those who owned land were rich, and those without were exploited and poor.

Hundreds of years ago, the natives of Bueno Tierra were conquered by colonial powers. Only the most remote tribes survived while the largest native cultures were either subjugated or destroyed. These conquerers brought with them their fuedal systems, which they promptly imposed upon their new subjects. Wealthy landowners lived lavished lifestyles while their subjects toiled in the fields.

Over time, the fuedal system faded away, but in name only. Descendents of the original conquerers still owned the best land while sharecroppers worked the fields for subsistence wages. In modern times, there were jobs to be found in the factories or even with the army, but there weren't enough of those jobs to go around.

Inevitably, the sharecroppers rebelled. After a long and bloody civil war; San Marco, Los Verdes, and Quito were formed from the shattered remnants of Santa Miguel. Ironically, the perceived unfairness of the current land distribution was never addressed in any of the three new nations.

Since that war ended twelve years ago, the People's Unification Brigade has been locked in a costant struggle to unify the three nations under a democratic government. Thus far, their efforts had only met with defeat and failure. Today was the day they hoped all their past sacrifices would become worthwhile.

The assassination of General Escobar couldn't have gone better. The General was dead, and the government of San Marcos erroneously laid the blame on Guadalupe.

Of course, General Escobar was but one of three leaders to be attacked that day.

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

Macapa, Los Verdes - Jose and Juan kissed their rosary beads one last time as the truck they were driving turned its last corner. The iron gates blocking access to the capital building lay ahead. On either side, a pair of guards with AK-47's stood at attention.

Jose punched the gas petal, and ducked down in his seat as far as he could while still being able to see over the dash. The old delivery truck responded sluggishly thanks to all the fertilizer it was carrying.

As the truck weaved towards the gate, the guards seemed to realize what was about to happen, and opened fire. As the truck was riddled with bullets, its hood popped open, blocking Jose's view. Undeterred, he stuck his head out the window for a better look.

As the truck burst through the gate, poor Jose took a bullet to the head. Moments later, the truck swerved into a concrete barricade. The broken truck sat motionless for several seconds before being struck by a RPG round. The resulting explosion shook the capital building, and broke every glass window for several blocks.

At the same time, a similar attack was made against the capital building in Rosaria, Quito. Unforunately for General Jose Valentino, leader of Quito, his guards weren't quit as effective as their counterparts in Los Verdes. As Valentino was taking his afternoon tea, a massive explosion rocked the building, killing him instantly.

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

The People's Unification Brigade Public Release

"The PUB claims responsibility for today's attacks against the leaders of San Marcos, Los Verdes, and Quito. For far too long, these usurpers have lorded over us using threats and intimidation to maintain their power.

The time for their tyranny comes to an end. The People's Unification Brigade calls upon the citizens of San Marcos, Los Verdes, Quito, and the world at large to join us as we wage war against those who opress us."

"An additional twenty thousand troops to San Marcos," ordered the President.

"Thirty thousand troops?" asked the Minister for Defence, stunned.

"Did I fucking stutter?"

"No, sir. I'll get on it right away."

***

The troop transports reached the beaches of San Marcos, next to the city of Salvador. They secured the beach-head, regrouped, and marched on Salvador, with fighter jets flying overhead providing cover.

Unfortunately, it would be too time consuming for me to describe in detail everything that is happening. Here is a general idea.

San Marcos - There is widespead chaos in the streets. In some cities rioters and protesters are clashing with police. In a handful of smaller rural cities, citizens are beginning to take up arms against the government.

Quito - The nation isn't quite in chaos yet, but there are signs that two or more factions may begin fighting to fill the void left by their now deceased leader. The People's Unification Brigade and Por Christo seem to be the leading factions.

Los Verdes - There is a strong military presence in the capital. The police are rounding up suspected malcontents throughout the country. It is reasonable to assume alleged malcontents will be interrogated harshly, and be jailed or executed without trial.

Guadalupe - San Marcos bombed Asuncion after erroneously blaming them for assasinating General Escobar. Guadalupe is mobilizing for war.

Santiago - The government is panicked as their nation lies between San Marcos and Guadalupe.

Lima - They are on the offensive against Ica. These two nations really hate each other. All sorts of attrocities are being committed.

Ica - They are doing the best they can to fight off the Limans. Their citizens are in a panic. Many are trying to flee towards Guadalupe.

Cuzco - They are too busy fighting their civil war to care what is going on around them. Their war predates today's events. One faction is their legitimately elected democratic government. The other faction is led by a rebellios general, who seeks power for himself.

Everyone else - The remaining nations are not directly involved yet. Some of the smaller nations are afraid the continental wide chaos might result in their nations being invaded. Some nations are simply observing the situation to see if any oportunities present themselves. Other nations are privately debating the merits of helping either Guadalupe or San Marcos.

A.U.N.V. Crusher, Off Coast of Montevideo

Like a whale surfacing for air, the sleek, phallic metal tube known as the Crusher broke the surface, causing the salty ocean to open and spray as she righted herself on the gently pitching waves. Several moments passed before the hatch of her conning tower opened, revealing the head of a sailor. Soon, he pulled himself onto the railing, and two more gradually emerged from the depths of the submarine. They leaned against the railing, as the eldest one, wearing the markings of a commander, pressed a viewfinder to his eyes, scanning the horizon of the coastline. As the trio of men scanned the horizon for threats, a fourth head poked up above the open hatch.

"Sir, search RADAR detects no inbound contacts, permission to launch sortie?"

The older man, removing the binoculars from his eyes, nodded. "Immediatly, Ensign, we haven't the slightest time to waste." His subordiante saluted with his free hand. "Aye, sir." Moments later, four tubes ripped from the Crusher's vertical launch cells, as bursts of pressurized air forced them upwards, clearing the exposed deck before igniting their rocket motors. Soon, four streaks were high in the air. As these fingers of flame trailed off into the stratosphere, the trio of men dissappeared below decks, and the submarine was soon back into communications depth. Red light flooded the control room as the commander sat in his console. Status symbols displayed the firing arcs of the four 'missiles' as they split apart, revealing folding fin UAVs. The gruff voice of the commander spoke up once more. "Begin datalink to OMI back home, let's get some proof here." Seconds afterwards, the UAVs began to circle over the battlefield, their stealthy frames propelled by solar powered propellers.

Their powerful imaging systems, capable of displaying information in normal, thermal and infared filters, as well as a dedicated intertial and GPS navigation system. Soon, they began to broadcast a realtime feed of the Liman invasion to the Office Of Military Intelligence's underground complex in mainland Velkya, bouncing the signal off orbiting communications satellites, which mingled with the Air Force's own spy birds. The heavily encoded video data flared on the view screens of OMI's Combat Intelligence Command Center (CICC), much to the delight of the generals assembled there. These men were busy preparing a briefing for President Rossland, and if what these videos revealed was true, they didn't have much time before the Limans overran Ica.

OOC: Do you RP the native nations or what? Like, when I attack, do you RP damages or do I?

Along the Coast of Lima - 2:30 AM

The Coalitionist Strike Force had been sent out some weeks ago. Back in Kroando, there was a severe food shortage... what with the massive walls of snow and whatnot. Moscow demanded food, and Bueno Tierra seemed the perfect place to obtain it. A small task force was sent out to take advantage of the collapsing political situation, first however, to eliminate the threat of Lima.

The two Nimitz' deployed seven Halcon Stealth Fighters to eliminate documented coastal patrol craft. Flying overhead they had little fear of being picked up by the primative detection equipment of the enemy, and fired their Air-to-Surface Missiles with impunity as they began hitting the enemy. The four overhauled Montana Class Battleships were to began 'softening up' the city for the landing of the troops... simply blowing away buildings with their large guns. Of course RADAR Jammers and Frequency Disrupters were in full effect, halting any attempt to notify the outside world of the situation... even from notifying the rest of the country... or their own troops.

[Crappy, but im a bit short on time at the moment.]

Salvador, San Marcos

With all their recent success, the People’s Unification Brigade was growing bolder. Thanks to their latest exploits, every news agency in the world was covering their story. For once, the people of the world were showing an interest in them, and they wanted to keep it that. In what could possibly turn out to be a serious error in judgment, the PUB leadership decided a few hostages should be taken. To the PUB, the world at large seemed to care little for the people of Beuno Tierra. If they really wanted attention, they needed to capture some foreigners.

Oceanian Aerospace’s recent investments in San Marcos were no secret. The Oceanians were rich, powerful, and carried a lot of clout in the world community. In short, they would make perfect hostages.

Shortly after 3:00, four men made their way to the Playa Blanca (white beach) Hotel. The men wore police uniforms, and carried with them a forged arrest warrant for William Harcourt and his family. According to their documents, Mr. Harcourt was charged with espionage, a very serious charge.

Intimidating the hotel clerks was easy enough. In short order, they had a key to Harcourt’s room, and were on their way to his suite to detain him.

The Londinian troops entered the city of Salvador, artillery cannons shelling the buildings, whilst Curiatii fighters fired missiles at areas likely to harbour insurgents.

Fifty SLBMs were fired from the Londinian submarines, and sixteen destroyers shelled the ports.

just read BL's last post... need to edit in a different response.

"Mr. President, communiqué from San Marcos."

"Ah, well, what do they want?"

"Er, well, they're saying that they won't stop us, but the people will."

"Ah. Well, launch some missiles at the dictator's residence, and seize government buildings."

***

HMS Victory
SSBN, Offshore San Marcos

"Orders from the MoD. Fire sixteen cruise missiles at the San Marcos capital, special emphasis on the dictatorial residences and government buildings."
"Missiles have fired, sir."

Forty Miles off the North Coast of Cuzco
INS Centurion, SDN
Commanding Officer Fleet Adm. Frederick Hayes

The Centurion gently slid through the waters off the coast of Cuzco, preparing her weapons for the opening salvo of the first stages of Operation Guiding Light. The entire ship was in a flurry of activity, a sign of the times to come.

"Sir, confirmation from CentCom to commence operations. We've been greenlighted."

Admiral Frederick Hayes turned to greet the young ensign with a cold stare, a cigarette drooping in his mouth as he uncrossed his arms and took the dispatch from his subordinate. He quickly skimmed the message, then handed it back to the Ensign who scurried along to relay orders to the control stations on the bridge. Hayes removed the cigarette from his mouth, and tossed it to the steel floor, stamping the embers out with his black shoe. He turned away from the main windows, and faced his bridge crew.

"Lieutenant Gaeta. Set condition one throughout the fleet.", the elder man said gruffly while pointing to the officer.
"Aye, sir.", his communications officer replied, quickly sending the orders to the accompanying task force. He then picked up the internal ship PA microphone.

"All crew, general quarters. All crew, general quarters. This is not a drill, repeat: This is not a drill."

Red light pulsated throughout the corridors of the ship as klaxons blared for a few minutes. Crewmembers made their way to their assigned stations, some still in their underwear from having just awoken.

"Sir."

Hayes turned to see a young woman in uniform standing before him, holding a folder lined with red tape.

"For you, sir.", she said as she handed him the folder of intelligence on the ongoing conflict in Cuzco.
"Thank you.", he replied, taking the folder from his intelligence officer's hands and walking over to the strategic table located on the second tier of the bridge. He began looking through satellite photos of known rebel positions, and handed them off to his staff who then marked these positions on the map. They would be the first to be hit.

"Has Cravna dispatched any official word to the government of Cuzco on our involvement?"
"Not yet, sir, but I'm sure they know of our intentions of assaulting rebel positions."
"Hopefully they do. I don't want to lose any men in a blue on blue in the first minutes of the Op."
"Aye, sir... I've the same opinion."

*************************

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/crave22/Cravan/crestcopysmall.png
Imperial Department of Foreign Affairs
As some may have noted, a large task force has been deployed to the coast of Cuzco. I am here today to declare our support for the democratically elected government of Cuzco, and our intentions of intervening in the conflict to end the bloodshed. Our first military action in the region will be taking place tonight, and we plan to have troops in the nation within a week to act as peacekeepers for the volatile situation. We hope that our friends and allies in Cuzco will accept our assistance in their internal conflict, for the Libertarian Empire does not want to see any more bloodshed.

Signed,

Louis McHenry
Louis McHenry
Director of Foreign Affairs

**********************

The phone next to Admiral Hayes rang, and he gently placed the earpiece to his ear.

"Hayes."

His senior staff waited in silence as Hayes listened carefully to the information relayed to him from Central Command. After a few moments, he set the phone back in its cradle and looked up.

"Let's get this show on the road."

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE ALLIED UNION OF VELKYA

The time for judgement has come. Even now, the embattled nation of Ica fights for its independence against the overwhelming Liman forces, watching its citizenery become helpless victims of the Liman war machine, backed by their masters in San Marcos. We will not stand idly by and watch both the Limans and foreign powers surroundly and destroy Ica and the rest of Bueno Tierra.
Prepare for your reckoning.

Approach to Kroandan Fleet

"This is Martial One, radio silence going into effect, over."

In the night sky, ten black shapes silently sliced through the inky blackness. The ocean pitched below them, whitecaps clashing with the midnight blue of the water around them. Each aircraft, a SB-22 Sariel stealth bomber (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=484971), was locked into their flight paths, guided by interial laser navigation systems and onboard TERRACOM digital maps. Not a single signal escaped these bringers of death, utlizing only passive detection systems and onboard guidance to reach their targets. Inside each of their internal weapons bays lay three Meteor air launched anti-shipping missiles (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7374275&postcount=706), amounting to thirty missiles in all. Each missile was targeted at the capital ships of the fleet, namely the four Iowa class battleships and four carriers of varying class. Without these, the woefully top heavy Kroandan fleet would be completely useless.

The pilot of the lead Sariel, designated Martial One, checked the distance to target.

"Five hundred sixty nine kilometers and closing."

While, technically, they were already in range, the less time the enemy had to react, the better. They would close to less than three hundred kilometers, still outside RADAR range of their targets, as the Kroando fleet was noted to not possess AWACS aircraft by OMI, or even interceptors. Upon reaching five hundred kilometers distance, the subsonic Sariels began to split into differing vectors, approaching from the east in different directions. Behind the formation were two more Sariels, armed with a loadout of beyond-visual range air-to-air missiles. Should the Kroandans launch a fighter sortie to intercept the primary strike team, they would soon get an assfull of air-to-air firepower via the NPI (No Probabilty of Intercept) RADAR system used on all Sariels.

By the next half hour, operational range had been achieved. In perfect unison, the differently vectored bomber force launched their payload, and thirty anti-shipping missiles, flying in from different vectors and flight paths (some were placed on sea-skimming mode, while the ones attacking the Iowas were placed on top-down attack mode) came screaming in, carrying their warheads and the numbers of the Kroandan ships with them. Their work done, the ten Sariels began to retreat at maximum speed, under the watchful eyes of their escort aircraft. As these aircraft streaked back towards friendly airspace, underneath the waves, more havoc was being readied. A ring of ten Stalker class nuclear attack submarines were in place off the coast of San Marcos, forming a perimeter around the Kroandan vessels. Aided by orbital intelligence assets, these silent hunters sat in wait for the results of the airstrike.

The Foreign Office
Imperium, New Britain, United Kingdom

Hannah Cole closed her lips with the exception of a small, tightly formed hole through which she blew out a breath, stirring the rising steam from her cup of tea in a vain attempt to cool it quickly. Finally frustrated when the piping hot liquid burned the tip of her tongue, Cole settled into her swiveling chair with a quiet harrumph and opened up several applications on her desktop computer.

The twenty-something university graduate had only just started her career in the Civil Service, and as such she was primarily responsible for simply collecting and analysing low-level data on states with which the United Kingdom had minimal to absolutely no ties. San Marcos fell into just such a category. Thus, it came as no surprise to Cole that the first word she heard of any unrest in the country came not from official government memos or reports but rather a blurb of text on the KBC website. It was only in that blurb of text that Oceanian business investments were mentioned and it was only that article and Cole’s happenstance perusal through it that would lead to any action by the UK in such a small world so far away.

Temple Hill, Suburb of Artega
Artega Province, United Kingdom

Steel knives had a propensity for easily slicing through soft vegetables such as tomatoes; and so it was with relative ease that Shannon Harcourt found herself slicing up the juicy red vegetable. Outside her bay window, the sun crept downwards towards the nearby hilly horizon dotted with deciduous trees and sprinkled with single homes, as befit an upper-class neighbourhood outside one of the wealthier cities in the United Kingdom.

Atop her dark, speckled black granite countertop sat a small television, tuned to KBC One, and several salad plates. Also sitting on the countertop was a small mobile phone. And then, quite suddenly and unexpectedly it began to ring. She carefully placed the knife along the edge of the wooden cutting board before drying her hands off with a simple towel, casting a glance over to see that the caller was her husband.

With her hands clean of tomato juice she pressed ‘talk’ and accepted the call. “Hey, hun, how was your day?”

“Please just listen,” replied a frantic voice, “the local police are banging at the door.” As if to punctuate the comment a series of loud bangs could be heard behind her husband’s voice. “They are calling me a spy and saying they have arrest warrants for me and you and the kids.”

“Bill, what is going on? Talk to me, Bi—“

“Hannah, just be quiet and listen and do not come down here or they might arrest you too. They are really quite anxious to get in here and—“ There was a brief pause as a loud, explosion-like sound deafened out William Harcourt’s voice. “They broke it down, I love—“

“Put it down!” a foreign-accented voice barked.

“Bill!”

“I love you and the kids,” William shouted.

“Put it down now,” another shout followed this time by a series of similar shouts from other voices.

And then the line went dead.

Salvador, San Marcos

William Harcourt stood still, motionless except for the pounding of his heart in his chest and the rapid expansion and contraction of his lungs. Then he began to raise his hands above his head, dropping the phone now snapped shut, thus ending the call to his wife. “I swear, sir,” Harcourt said, speaking oddly clearly and coolly. “I have no idea about what any espionage you claim I have committed. I should like to seek counsel now, if you please.”

Foreign Office
Imperium, New Britain, United Kingdom

“Absolutely ridiculous is what this is,” exhaled a slender woman, her brown hair neatly piled up in a bun, held aloft by a single hexagonal pencil. On her desk, an official question from the Conservative MP for Artega and the suburbs including Temple Hill. “They want us, the tee-tottering teetotaler Tories want us to enforce peace in,” the woman paused her brows furrowing tightly.

“San Marcos, ma’am.”

“In San Marcos simply because some wealthy constituents have been apprehended by the local police on the charge of spying?”

“I do believe that is their intention, Madame Foreign Secretary.” Standing across from the Foreign Secretary was a brown, mop-headed fellow named Howard Winchester, the Minister of State for International Relations—effectively the Foreign Secretary’s deputy and protégé.

The two knew that in January their Democratic Socialist Party would be hard-pressed to keep their current majority in the House of Commons and thus they were left with precious few options. Ignoring the call could open the two in particular, if not the whole party, to claims of callousness towards Oceanians abroad while dithering offered the Conservatives ammunition about the decisiveness of His Majesty’s Government.

“I will take it to the Prime Minister this afternoon, Howard,” the Foreign Secretary finally sighed while her right hand, with stamp in hand, fell heavily upon the piece of paper: Actionable Today.

HMNB Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Oceanian Province, United Kingdom

Between two large and beautiful but sterile looking warships, a black-haired man walked with hands thrust deep in his pockets, his flared nostrils taking in large breaths of salt-laced air drifting in off the Pacific. The man was Henry James Addison, a man holding the rank of Commodore in the Royal Navy. He had served as a squadron commander before, taking a small destroyer unit to the Commonwealth of Northford on a friendly power-projection mission. Ne’er before had Addison been ordered into a potential zone of conflict.

To his right, the newly commissioned HMS Arsenal and to his left the older and more antiquated HMS Charleston, cruisers—most appropriately heavy cruisers, but cruisers nonetheless—that would form the backbone of his new taskforce, designated to depart immediately for San Marcos by the Admiralty after receiving those instructions from the Prime Minister and HM Government.

Setting sail from the submarine base in nearby Devonport would be two nuclear attack submarine while the HMS Vigilant would rendezvous en route after receiving an air wing comprising the Royal Navy’s newest multi-role fighter while the HMS Clifton would take an extra day to load a full complement of some 700+ Royal Marines. She would be escorted to the main formation at high-speed by the battlecruiser HMS Retribution.

In truth, the possibility of his force being outgunned and outclassed by powers of similar size to the UK did exist—and was deemed likely by the Office of Royal Navy Intelligence. But, Addison knew not to question his orders but to rather see them carried out to success and to endure any hardships on the way. After all, the United Kingdom was not at war with any party, it was merely seeking to keep Oceanian interests in San Marcos safe and out of the hands of foreign powers, especially state-run powers.

Foreign Office Statement
Addressed to the Government of British Londinium

His Majesty’s Government is acutely aware of ongoing military operations launched by the government of the Britannic Commonwealth of British Londinium especially of those in and around the city of Salvador, San Marcos.

It is the intention of His Majesty’s Government to inform the government of the Britannic Commonwealth that, at this hour, the United Kingdom fully supports the government of San Marcos and that at the current moment those forces ruthlessly bombarding the city of Salvador are doing so in flagrant disrespect for the sovereignty of the San Marcos government, which is the guarantor of security in Salvador until and only until those duties and obligations are relinquished.

Additionally, His Majesty’s Government wishes to inform the government of the Britannic Commonwealth that Salvador is host to several large private investments of Oceanian firms and individuals—as well as potentially several Oceanian hostages. Your current activities in and around Salvador, San Marcos are endangering Oceanian lives and property and your government is hereby officially requested to cease all military operations in and around the city of Salvador, San Marcos within 24 hours.

While having already stressed the importance of the inviolability of San Marcos sovereignty, our request can only be found legitimate in the area of Salvador, San Marcos and as such we can not make similar requests upon the Britannic Commonwealth outside the heretofore established area of concern in Salvador, San Marcos.

His Majesty’s Government thanks the Britannic Commonwealth for their rapid and forthwith response attention to these most serious and grave matters.

Emily Deveraux
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Marquess of Salisbury
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

George Rex

Kroandan Fleet

It did not take long for the IR Systems of the 'Revolution' to pick up the Anti-Shipping Missiles, as no matter how low they flew... or at what angle they came at, missiles had one inherant flaw. They produced heat... and lots of it. Not only from the inferno created by their own fuel, but the simple air friction was enough for the systems of the Coalitionist Capital Class Ship to pick up on. Now in past years, this would only be the first step... as this information would have to be tediously analyzed, categorized, checked and double checked. However times had changed. With the application of the Helicon Battle Control System, the human hand was completely unnecessary in dealing with the threat. The moment the IR Signatures were picked up, LADAR was directed on the area... and by god they confirmed the targets. Using both systems, the computer immidiately targeted and fired upon the Anti-Shipping Missiles, sending over sixty SDCI-3 Interceptor Class Missiles into the air. Now of course there were not fixty SDCI-3's ready for fire on the Montana Class Ship itself... however there were sixty in the entire fleet. (Primarily on the Negotiator Class Cruisers)

The Helicon Battle Control System linked the entire fleet to one computer mainframe... the responses were perfectly coordinated, as the needs of one ship, were the needs of all. The instantaneous relaying of information and split second response filled the air with missiles dead locked onto the threats of Anti-Shipping Missiles. The SDCI-3 itself was designed for nothing but intercepting missile threats, designed to go off when it was within a 'lethal range' of the missile, as direct contact with a supersonic object was damn near immpossible. All of this... took maybe, two seconds. Now of course this has lead to friendly fire in the past, and unessecary wastes of missiles... but it was proving to pay off already.

The missiles collided nervrackingly close to the fleet itself, however the majority of enemy missiles were knocked out. CIWS Guns rattled off long before the projectiles were even in range, aiding in futility the chaff and flares that were still deployed as standard operating procedure. After all was said and done, three missiles had made contact. One with the Revolution itself, and one on each of the two carriers. Repairs began immidiately as the fleet was tossed into a state of complete activity, with small repair craft moving to and from, eagerly spewing sparks into the night sky. The ships would survive... but there were two dozen men that would not. The Tenerife SSH's were deployed on patrols nine miles out. Halcon Stealth Fighters were on constant patrol, ten in the air at all times. There was just one problem... nobody was exactly sure who had just attacked them.

[Im assuming your fleet is a ridiculously long distance away?]

"Kestrel, this is Echo-Juliet-One. We are approaching Cuzcoan airspace. No signs of activity, skies are clear. Over."
"Echo-Juliet-One, this is Kestrel. You have clearance to engage the targets. Shoot straight, boys and girls."
"Copy that, Kestrel. Echo-Juliet-One out."

Lieutenant John "Plunger" Ramirez banked right, his wingmates following closely as he spearheaded the first sortie in Cuzcoan airspace. He carefully raised his altitude above the clouds, and checked his GPS for target data as he neared the first known rebel sites which would be struck.

"Target is forty klicks southeast. ETA 120 seconds."

Ramirez led his group of twelve CF-1 fighters, which were followed closely by a group of six CSuF-8 light bombers. The bombers were armed with JDAM cluster munitions, while their CF-1 escorts had standard MiGCAP loadouts to defend against possible enemy aircraft resistance. The risk was, of course, minimal to none since even the local government lacked an air force. But there was always that chance.

"Thirty seconds."
"Prepare for break in formation and let the bombers form up."
"Copy that, lead."
"On my mark. Three. Two. Mark."

The aircraft deftly glided away from each other, allowing the bombers space as they reached the target zone.

"Dropping munitions."
"Bombs away."

The JDAM munitions began their graceful dive to the jungles below, their targets blissfully unaware of the dangers raining from above. Their only warning was the roar of the jet engines as the fighters made their way inland. And now, their payloads dropped, they began their flight home to the INS Kestrel.

"Message to the local government: First sortie has cleared. More will be inbound later tonight into tomorrow.", Ramirez stated on an open government frequency as he dropped himself to a cruising altitude and reformed into a wedge formation with his wingmates.

*************************

"Sir... You might want to see this."

Hayes looked up from the table, and searched confusedly for a few moments for what he was supposed to see. His attention was turned to a monitor from a live satellite feed, which flashed brightly several times as the scene descended into chaos. A sure sign of battle someplace nearby.

"Where is that?"
"Its the Kroandan fleet, sir. We've been tracking them since their arrival in the area."
"And who's doing the attacking...?"
"We're not completely sure, sir... But we did pick this up earlier in a communique from Cravna."

A folder crashed down on the table before the Admiral, who opened it and read its contents cautiously. It was a copy of the official statement from the Allied Union.

"You think its the Velkyans?"
"Its a high probability, sir."
"Request further orders from Cravna... An allied state operating in this area does change some things."
"Aye, sir, I will do so immediately."

As Hayes continued to watch the display, he noticed out of the corner of his eye a streak through the night sky and a thunderous roar. The first sortie was returning from its mission.

Velkyan Submarine Picket

"All units, prepare to launch, release code Alpha Tango Delta Zero One Five Seven, over. Begin priority one datalink."

The ten attack boats of the 15th Submarine Flotilla cruised below the depth, their reactors working at full capacity, powering the thrust vectoring water jets that allowed these dark shapes glided in erratic directions, while attempting to maintain an overall course towards the coastline.

Then, chaos. Like ranks of archers, hundreds of missiles broke through the surface of the glassy ocean, launched from the subsurface vertical launch cells of the submarines. Two hundred anti shipping missiles in all broke the surface, their casing blowing away to reveal dark arrows of death hurtling into the atmosphere, their rocket motors pouring out exhaust and fire. Armed with standard anti-shipping high explosive warheads, these ballistic hammers would descend on the enemy fleet and annihilate them.

North Atlantic

As the 15th Flotilla launched the second attack on the Kroandan fleet, the mighty warships of the Allied Union Navy pounded through a light gale. This force, codenamed Task Force Blue and led by the 1st Battleship and 8th Carrier Flotillas, had just steamed out of the jointly held Skyian-Velkyan naval base at Rocky Shores Island, headed for the waters off Lima and Ica. Accompanying the twenty four capital ships of the fleet was the 48th Escort Flotilla and 9th Support Flotilla, comprising of over two hundred vessels ranging from heavy cruisers to oilers and hospital ships. Above this behemouth of metal and fury, combat air patrol fighters screamed along their patrol routes, guided by both high altitude RADAR dirigibles and more contemporary AWACS aircraft. The interlinking chain of SONAR posts, RADAR arrays and satellite communication allow the ships to cross the gale unmollested.

Their goal? To occupy the battlespace off the coast of Lima and Ica, in preperation for the eventual Velkyan land assault. Not only would they stop the war, but they would eventually get a big hunk of land in the process.

Alexander Kazansky's office

“Well, SuSE, what are we going to do today?” - the boy-president bounced the small, cuddly-looking
penguin penguin on his knee as he perused the day's news. “Oh, this is great. Some place called Bueno Terra... no, SuSE, give me back the newspaper, I'll read it to you, okay?”

There was a short struggle, and then Kazansky regained control of the newspaper. “The Libertarian Empire of Cravan –“

The penguin squeaked disapprovingly. “No, SuSE, not Kraven, Cravan. That's a different nation. The'yre even our allies. At any rate, they have invaded some people in Bueno Terra... oh here. Cuzko. And Velkya, who are our allies as well.. they're invading Ica and Lima... I don't think Congress will be hard to persuade to, eh, help our allies, will they?”

SuSE squeaked again. “Okay, okay, here's your salmon.”

Some time later

Officials from the Allanean government placed phonecalls with the People Unification Front, the drug cartels, and Por Christo. Sure enough, they didn't haved the phones of the leader – they just called the biggest people they could find and asked the them to relate a message to their bosses - meet with the Allaneans as soon as possible.

In the meanwhile, the news had reached the Allanean newspapers – in a late-night session, Congress declared a war on the dictatorship nation of Belem. The announcement was long-winded and included the words: If Allanea is to retain it's mission of furthering freedom throughout the globe, then Belem must fall. There must be no compromise with their dictatorial leadership. There must be no thought of bending to their government's requests for mercy. There must be no slowdown's in mankind's march towards progress and liberty.

And so, the First Force Projection Fleet was prepared to move towards Belem.

But even before the announcement appeared in the morning paper, twenty 'Lancaster 2' bombers of the Velkyans' manufacture bomb thte capital. For the most part, they drop no bombs, merely leaflets. In the leaflets, the population is informed of just how much richer the average Allanean is, what rights he enjoys, and how much better off they would be if they surrendered to Allanean forces. Only one plane carries bombs – ten one-ton laser-guided munitions, dropped on Caleb Fernandez's residence one after the other.

Twenty more planes circumvent the cities entirely and exclusively target the military bases, strafing soldiers' quarters with massive amounts of napalm and cluster bomb's, and thousands of troops die in a single night.

Ooc: I relied on the fact Belem has no air force here. If they have some powerful AA, of course I will post casualties at request. I also didn't want, despite Dartia's request to the contrary, to state important casualties such as the life or death of Belem's leader.

Londinian High Command

"Mr. President, news from the front."
"Yes?"
"Our troops have seized control of Salvador, have sealed off the city, and are wiping out its inhabitants that are deemed undesirable."
"Excellent."

Velkyan Submarine Picket

"All units, prepare to launch, release code Alpha Tango Delta Zero One Five Seven, over. Begin priority one datalink."

The ten attack boats of the 15th Submarine Flotilla cruised below the depth, their reactors working at full capacity, powering the thrust vectoring water jets that allowed these dark shapes glided in erratic directions, while attempting to maintain an overall course towards the coastline.

Then, chaos. Like ranks of archers, hundreds of missiles broke through the surface of the glassy ocean, launched from the subsurface vertical launch cells of the submarines. Two hundred anti shipping missiles in all broke the surface, their casing blowing away to reveal dark arrows of death hurtling into the atmosphere, their rocket motors pouring out exhaust and fire. Armed with standard anti-shipping high explosive warheads, these ballistic hammers would descend on the enemy fleet and annihilate them.

North Atlantic

As the 15th Flotilla launched the second attack on the Kroandan fleet, the mighty warships of the Allied Union Navy pounded through a light gale. This force, codenamed Task Force Blue and led by the 1st Battleship and 8th Carrier Flotillas, had just steamed out of the jointly held Skyian-Velkyan naval base at Rocky Shores Island, headed for the waters off Lima and Ica. Accompanying the twenty four capital ships of the fleet was the 48th Escort Flotilla and 9th Support Flotilla, comprising of over two hundred vessels ranging from heavy cruisers to oilers and hospital ships. Above this behemouth of metal and fury, combat air patrol fighters screamed along their patrol routes, guided by both high altitude RADAR dirigibles and more contemporary AWACS aircraft. The interlinking chain of SONAR posts, RADAR arrays and satellite communication allow the ships to cross the gale unmollested.

Their goal? To occupy the battlespace off the coast of Lima and Ica, in preperation for the eventual Velkyan land assault. Not only would they stop the war, but they would eventually get a big hunk of land in the process.
[How far away are your subs? In one case, they're pretty damn far away, giving me ample time to shoot the majority of the missiles down. In the second case they're close enough for me to have picked them firing up on SONAR, thus will be firing back.]

Cayenne, Cuzco

The beating of rotors could be heard off in the distance as six MH-20 Shadowcats made their way towards the coast, setting down gently as they reached a wide open field a mere two kilometers from the outskirts of Cayenne.

Stars glistened above as the group of helicopters disrupted the silence and peace of the night, rustling the tall grass of this field in northerneastern Cuzco. Seventy-two Imperial Paratroops disembarked from the aircraft, splitting off into twelve teams of six men each. As the Shadowcats ascended and returned to the naval group, silence once again reigned. The beating of rotors was instead replaced with the gentle breeze and the sound of insects in the night. Moonlight cast shadows on the field, and an eerie aura filled the night.

"Alright, boys and girls. We've got one and a half clicks to cover before we reach our target point which is due west of our current position. Keep low and quiet, and stay in your squads."
"Roge-o, chief."
"I'll take point. Rest of you: Fan out and take up flanking positions. I want every angle covered."

The paratroopers' target was a civilian runway located three kilometers outside Cayenne, where a forward base would be set up for use in the Cravanian campaign against the rebels. While the paratroops were tasked with securing the airfield, the first waves of Imperial Marines were inbound to Cayenne itself via Shadowcat and Chinook. Light hardware was on the way with them to create a forward point while the main armored forces would arrive via sea. Six Imperial Guard teams had also been dispatched to the city as forward recon scouts, to ensure the area was secured by government forces.

The first Marines began their landing, and moved further into the city until they met with a local military force to inform them that assistance was on the way.

************************

"So British Londinium's secured Salvador."
"Yes, sir. They have."

The Emperor rose from his desk, clasping his hands behind his back. He paced the room, looking out at the Imperial City a few times as the sun set, casting shadows on the newfallen snow. Its orange glow encompassed the city, making the tall towers in the far off commercial district appear as dark silhouettes against the sky. The Golden Triangle Trade Center tower, however, shimmered in the light, its glass panels reflecting it and causing its intense aura to make it appear as if it were a sacred object.

"Those people are lunatics. They'll probably have the place set under martial law and be executing people in the streets without justification. And I can't let that stand."
"Well, sir... They are allied to the Kroandans. I'm sure the Kroandans will be looking for their assistance in fighting off the Velkyans."
"See if you can get President Rossland on the line. I believe its about time we put the ISAF treaty to real use."
"Aye, sir. What are your orders pertaining to our forces already in the area?"
"Inform them on the usual encrypted line that reinforcements are on the way in preparation of an action into San Marcos. Do nothing to tip off our intentions, though. I mean nothing."

The Emperor turned away for a moment, staring out into the city again. It was peaceful... Beautiful... And right at this moment there were men and women on that continent to defend this city and this country he set his eyes upon.

"Tell the forces in Cayenne to request set-up of an airbase in the city airport. We'll need it to conduct long range sorties into San Marcos."
"Right away, sir. I'll have a dispatch sent to the fleet immediately."

Belemian capital

Over the capital of Belem, dozens and dozens of heavy transport aircraft flew. As the citizens raised their heads, they saw parachutes open very low – not lower then at 100 meters, as the airborne troops were trained to do. The soldiers guided their parachutes onto the roofs of buildings – just like their comanders told them.

On the roof of the Ministry of Defense, a lone soldier stood guard – the locals had not expected attackers to attack from the roof itself. He gasped in horror as six troops in full body armor landed onto the roof - but he did not have time to exhale – three .308 jacketed hollowpoint rounds entered his chest and tore two-inch-wide exit wounds in his back before he could even move.

The commander of the men examined the results for a second, and then spoke.

“Go, boys! Furry Airborne!”

At different situations, some would have perhaps laughed at the strange name for the unit, but now it as no laughing matter.

“Badger, this is Wolverine, I repeat, Wolverine. I'm set up on roof XF-A, we lost Mikey and Jordey, but we're clear, do you want me to start firing? Over”

“Wolverin, this is Badger, commence firing.”

From a neighboring roof, a heavy machinegun began it's chatter, aiming at the Ministry windows. Rounds blew easily through interior walls, killing clerks behind their desks and officers in their chairs.

The commander laughed – just as a soldier appeared on the roof and emptied a magazine from his rifle into one of the Airborne troops.

“Get down! Get down!”

Even as he flattened himself on the roof, he could see more and more white parachutes open up in the sky.

Below, in the street, two Allaneans ran up to the Ministry, throwing large RGD-33 grenades into it's windows. The building began to catch fire.

Now, the battle began in earnest.

5 hours later

ANN Broadcast

Good day, Allaneans. As our embedded journalists with the Furry Airborne Division and the Aissur Volunteer Airborne Rifles report, the battle for the Belemian capital is essentially over. Our side has lost approximately eight hundred troops dead and two thousand wounded at different severities, while the military casualties of te other side are unknown. It is however known that the dead bodies of Belemian soldiers lie unattended in the streets of the city, and that employees of the dictator's secret police, it's informers, and other collaborants of regime – collected according to the dictatorship's own list of informers – are being executed en masse in the streets, their corpses piled up and burned. The cloud of smoke you can see behind me is the building of the Secret Police burning, it's employees locked inside. Some of them are jumping out of the windows to escape the approaching fire... but to no avail.

As of now, isolated fighting still goes on in the outskirts of the city. The dictator, Caleb Fernandez, has not been located yet. In the meanwhile, over five thousand secret police and their informers have been put down with extreme prejudice by our victorious forces, and the banner of the Furry Airborne Infantry Division now flies over the leader's former palace.

Salvador, San Marcos - The attack on Salvador caught the government off guard. When the Brits announced they would be sending forces to end the rioting and restore order, the government of San Marcos naturally assumed the Brits were there to prop up their regime...

As British Londinium artillery shells began to strike the city, their miscalculation quickly became apparent. The streets quickly emptied of protesters and rioters as people began to flee the city in droves while the injured poured into the local hospitals.

Meanwhile, police and soldiers turned their attention towards repelling the British invaders.

Only a single infantry division occupied the city of Salvador. Their original assignment was to an end to the city's riots. Unfortunately, they brought very little in the way of tanks and artillery. They would have to make due with what they had until help could arrive.

As the Brits entered the city, the infantry division broke up into squads, and dispersed. They had no illusions of be able to defeat the British Londinium forces in open battle. The best they could hope for was to conduct a few ambushes, and hope that was enough to slow the Brits down until help could arrive.

OOC: The infantry division has about 12,000 men. A typical soldier is armed with an AK-47 or an RPG-7. They have no armor, but they do have a few dozen 70's era APC's and perhaps 100 trucks.

The fighters circling the sky saw the San Marcosian infantry scattered, and strafed them from the sky, firing missiles at them.

On the ground, the Prætorian Guard started to close off the exits, having just recieved orders to shoot every individual they saw on sight.

***

HMS Devonshire
Offshore San Marcos

All hands, action stations. All hands, action stations, blared the 1MC.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's get this show on the road," ordered the captain. "I understand there's an incoming transmission from the Ministry for Defence."

"Yes, sir," replied the comm officer. "We need to start shelling Salvador, whilst firing cruise missiles at the capital."

"Let's do it, then!" said the captain enthusiastically. He liked shelling things. "Fire cruise missiles one through twenty at their capital, now. Start shelling!"

Along the Coast of Lima - 2:30 AM

The Coalitionist Strike Force had been sent out some weeks ago. Back in Kroando, there was a severe food shortage... what with the massive walls of snow and whatnot. Moscow demanded food, and Bueno Tierra seemed the perfect place to obtain it. A small task force was sent out to take advantage of the collapsing political situation, first however, to eliminate the threat of Lima.

The two Nimitz' deployed seven Halcon Stealth Fighters to eliminate documented coastal patrol craft. Flying overhead they had little fear of being picked up by the primative detection equipment of the enemy, and fired their Air-to-Surface Missiles with impunity as they began hitting the enemy. The four overhauled Montana Class Battleships were to began 'softening up' the city for the landing of the troops... simply blowing away buildings with their large guns. Of course RADAR Jammers and Frequency Disrupters were in full effect, halting any attempt to notify the outside world of the situation... even from notifying the rest of the country... or their own troops.

[Crappy, but im a bit short on time at the moment.]

Porto Alegre, Lima

The Liman Coast Guard had nothing that could match the might of Kroando's naval aviators. After losing half their vessels (six) in the span of a few short minutes, those that remained did their best to flee. A trio of vessels turned north hoping to seek refuge in San Marcos' waters while the rest attempted to return to port.

When the big guns of the Montana battleships began to inflict their damage on Porto Alegre, General Ramirez became despondent. His army was no match for that of Kroando's. If he tried to resist, his men would likely desert.

After considerable debate with his advisers, General Ramirez was just a few minutes from offering his conditional surrender to Kroando when news of Velkya's attacks crossed his desk.

"There may be hope for us yet"

To: Louis McHenry, Cravan Director of Foreign Affairs
From: Ramone Cabello, President of Cusco
Re: Military Assistance

Louis McHenry,

Your government's offer of assistance is most welcome, and could not have come at a better time. Our duly elected democratic government is besieged by greedy elements of our military establishment. It is my greatest wish this conflict be brought to a successful conclusion as quickly as possible. This civil war has gone on far too long. Our government only desire is to put this behind us so we may focus our efforts on providing a better way of life to our people. With your help, I feel our dream may soon come true.

Our capital city of Cayenne has a sizeable international airport and sea port. These facilities will be made available for your military use as quickly as possible.

God bless you and your great nation!

Sincerely,
Ramone Cabello
President of Cuzco

Salvador, San Marcos

The four agents of the People's Unification Brigade were disappointed. William Harcourt was alone. They'd hoped to capture his family as well. Still, one high profile hostage was better than none.

Upon bursting through the door, the four men presented William with their forged documents, hoping he would come along peacefully. When Mr. Harcourt opened his mouth to begin to protest, one of the "police officers" struck him in the gut with the butt of his rifle.

A few minutes later, a bound and gagged William Harcourt was being ushered into a white van with tinted windows. As the van sped off towards the countryside to the north, British Londinium artillery shells began to strike the city from the south.

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

WNN World News Network

Breaking News

Salvaord, San Marcos - Just a few hours ago, WNN received a disturbing video tape from the People's Unification Brigade. These last few days, PUB has received quite a bit of media attention after claiming responsibility for a number of assassinations in Bueono Tierra. If this tape is legitimate, it appears PUB is now in the hostage taking business as well.

*Rolls tape*

*Shows four masked men in what appears to be someone's garage. Kneeling at their feet is a blindfolded William Harcourt*

One of the men speaks English, but with a Spanish accent.

"For far too long, foreign nations have benefited from the resources and labor of the people of Bueno Tierra while ignoring the plight of our people. We are oppressed people, lorded over by leaders not of our choosing. If the international community wants to continue to enjoy the fruits of our labor, we demand intervention on our behalf.

Let is be known that as long as the people of Bueno Tierra are oppressed and unsafe, foreign businessmen will not be safe here either."

The Royal Palace, Creweforth

The table was strewn with maps showing every corner of the vast globe. Even the few that had been thrown to the fire in a fit of rage by the King had not allowed any part of the oak table to see light. The ranking officers of the Kingdom’s military stood with the King at the maps, all looking for some point or plot of land that was as yet unconquered by any major power. It had only been six months since the last annexation of land, the City State of Annulus, but already the King was anxious to gain more for the Kingdom.

King Robert poured over maps as he had done for nearly four hours. Still he could see no new territory that could be incorporated without having to go to war for it. It was that simple though he thought all we must do is find some small useful little place and seize it.

One particular continent had taken his interest when he had been briefed on known resource concentrations by a nameless civil servant earlier in the evening, a time that seemed far since removed. The King moved with speed as he sought the map he desired, pushing away Lord Tedemore who stood next to the pile he thought the map was in.

Two minutes of frantic searching lead him to it, Bueno Tierra the name at the top read. The north was rich in oil and the south in all manner of raw materials found in the ground and grown from it. As if to top it off, regional insecurity and instability was at an all time high, with several other powers scrambling for regional influence or some form of gain. The Kingdom needed both to sustain its rapid growth and the King thought he had found somewhere to provide it.



Two Days Later, Creweforth International Airport

There was no fanfare for this mission, no public goodbye and good luck gesture from the King just an empty private jet, save for his staff and security personnel. Lord Tedemore had been present at the meeting where it had been decided, he had even agreed with it not knowing that he would be the one sent to negotiate what had in effect already been decided.

The flight plan had been filed and showed the true destination of the private aircraft, Huanuco the capital of Mendoza and from there to Puerto Trinidad. He carried a hand written letter from the King for the “ruler” of both states announcing his intentions for them. The letter to the ruler of Mendoza, President for Life Fernando Munoz, was phrased in much the same way as that to Puno and included several incentives to them to not interfere with Kingdom business with Puno and in particular offers of aid for any future wars against Santiago and Los Verdes on the proviso that the Kingdom was left alone with regards its plans for Puno and the rest of the North. Those plans were by no means hostile, the government of Puno seemed likely to be the most stable, and hopefully trustworthy, one in the region.

Two letters were present for the leader of Puno, one President Enrique Angelito The first letter to the ruler of Puno offered that person and the top military and political leaders safe passage to a neutral location of their choice along with $15million USD each if, when called for, they all abandon their country and leave it. This wasn’t the King’s natural stance, but his military leaders had advised him that a divided and uncoordinated military, no matter how small, would be significantly easier to destroy and occupy, especially with the mountainous and rainforest terrain in the East of the small country. That was if the need arose. There were some qualms to the possible destruction of a rarity in the region, a democratic government, but the possible benefits overuled the negative consequences if such a course of action had to come about.

The King’s preferred choice meant he had equipped his delegate with an alternate letter that detailed his willingness to protect the democracy in place in Puno and to use the country as a base from which it could, eventually, wrestle control of Guayaquil and its rich natural reserves. In a meeting shortly before his departure the King had signalled that this was his preferred course of action as it was becoming apparent to the committee that it would be unfeasible to prise Mendoza away from support of Puno.

For now though, he had no need to think of such problems. A simple sentence to his staff ensured he wouldn’t be disrupted until he woke of his own natural will, sleeping on aircraft was a skill he had mastered years ago.



Household Barracks, Creweforth

No matter which of the Kings letters was delivered the need for a military presence in the region would be paramount within a few weeks, a month at the longest. Over the past two days the Generals had discussed force requirements with the King and then their respective staffs and finally a task group had been designated. Under the military command of Major General Sir Thomas Wentworth would be the units of the Kingdom’s III Corps, 2 Infantry and 1 Tank Brigades along with specialist attached brigades for this particular deployment.

It appeared that the immediate defence of Puno against foreign aggressors would be the primary mission of any force deployed and that such a force would then mostly likely be utilised, if not in whole at least in part, in any subsequent offensive actions to gain territory for the Kingdom on the continent or counter any threat to Mendoza, providing that government also “signed up” to the plan.

So the troops here were on the move. Already the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment, who provided troops for pretty much the whole of III Corps, were onboard light transports in Creweforth Harbour and most of the 5th Tank Brigade was moving down there at the moment.

Troops tossed equipment crates into trucks that would themselves be loaded onto ships as the Kingdom military prepared for its single largest overseas deployment, dwarfing the Regimental sized force in place in Khurzav on peacekeeping duties. Simulations said that the logistics elements would be able to keep them supplied, but relying on solely simulations did not please many of the commanders who eyed increasing regional tension with some worry for their commands.


Puerto Trinidad, Capital of Puno

Lord Tedemore’s aircraft had landed a bare hour ago and transport found only half that time previously but he was nonetheless on his way to the central seat of government in Puno to deliver the King’s friendly letter. During the last minutes of the flight the instructions had arrived, via secure encryption, for an alliance to be sought with Puno. The emissary was pleased, his mission was of peace and prosperity rather than war and death, or at least it was for now.

The two taxi’s continued on, the emissary not arriving in quite the complete display of power that befitted his nation. Speed was more important than appearance, especially with the continent falling into disarray around him.

Dawn broke as the first of the Cravanian Marine armored units rolled from the assault ships, coming down into the port facilites which had been graciously provided by the local government. Already they had been given their assignments, and were put to work either guarding key interests around the city or performing forward recon strikes into the countryside. The occasional roar from a jet aircraft performing a combat air patrol over the country was common, as was the sight of Imperial Marines standing on street corners and helping provide security for the locals.

Older, outdated materiel had been brought ashore to equip the Cuzcoan government troops with more advanced weaponry, and the Cravanian government offered an intensive training program to assist in rearming the current government with a force it could be proud of. And a force that could later provide protection without the need of Imperial troops.

As the country was secured gradually that morning, attention was turned further south, as British Londinium began a ruthless campaign in San Marcos against the people of the nation. Cravanian forces were in surplus, with only one division required to hold Cuzco and train the locals in the art of warfare. As a result, airborne troops stationed out of the airport were put on a higher alert status than most other troops in the region. They were to be prepared for the order to jump into San Marcos at any time. And that time may have come sooner than most would have thought.

**********************

Cayenne International Airport
Terminal B; East Wing
33rd Imperial Airborne Division Forward Command Post

Colonel Jim Polskin glanced out the window of this mid-sized office he and his staff were based in, watching as a patrol of two CF-2 Abaddon air-superiority fighters taxied onto the runway. Their afterburners lit up as they launched themselves into the cloudy sky. There were reports of rain today.

"Alright... So what've we got to work with?", he asked, turning towards the officers assembled around the table.
"Codename, Operation Hengest. Time and date, undetermined, expected within next few days. Objective, the stabilization of the San Marcos area and domination of Brittanic forces currently committing atrocities in the area."
"So what does this have to do with us?"
"We're paratroopers (el-oh-el), we're always the first in."
"So no official time frame?"
"A portion of the fleet is moving into position north of San Marcos. I figure we'll be the advance force before the Marines make it to occupied areas. C-130's should be arriving sometime later today, which will give us the range required to hit the target zones."

The officer began pointing to several marked plains in central San Marcos, also noting where landing beaches for the Marines were currently planned for.

"At the moment British Londinium is mostly holed up in Salvador. They're attempting to root out dissidents in the city as well as government forces left over."
"Government forces located outside the city... If there are any, at least, would be a major help to us if we're planning on taking that."
"Well BL isn't going to stay holed up forever. Which is why we have to act fast. FleetComm has stated that we've been given authorization for the op from Cravna. We're just waiting on the necessary materiel and hardware before proceeding. But our troopers should be ready to jump anytime now. Their combat gear should be packed up and ready to go. We could recieve the order any time now, and we should expect it within the next day."
"I'll have them informed of the situation. In the meantime, what of our troopers on patrol outside the city?"
"Well... That's a... Different story."

*********************

Private Alyssa Vercetti clasped her M2 carbine to her chest, crouching down behind a broken piece of an old wall, probably left over from the times when natives roamed these same jungles and forests. She raised her rifle, and looked through her optics at the target zone: a small rebel weapons cache. It was lightly guarded, but filled with plenty of things that went boom.

"Hold fire until my order. Repeat: Hold fire until my order.", came the whispered command into her earphone from her squad leader.
"Ten-four."

Alyssa waited for a few tense moments, placing the crosshairs on several targets before settling on one in particular to send into the next life. She slowly clicked her safety off, and rested her finger on the trigger gently, awaiting her order.

"Alright... We're all in position. On my mark, carry this out as we planned. Three... Two... One... Mark."

As if in unison, a tremendous roar of eight carbines discharging resonated throughout the forest, at least half the guards dropping dead in a shower of gore on the spot. Two paratroopers had set up their MG55A3 squad automatic weapons on bipods, and began to lay supressing fire on the camp from two angles on the ridgeline above. Meanwhile the phwump of underslung grenade launchers could be heard over the cackle of small arms as two thermobaric grenades left their barrels. Within an instant a flash overwhelmed the scene as the two DsHK machine gun nests located at the front of the complex were incinerated, their crews not even having a chance to scream in agony as their bodies were burnt to a crisp by the grenades.

The squad had not even been on the offensive for a minute when the remainder of rebel forces in the complex had thrown down their rifles and placed their hands behind their heads. The paratroops worked quickly to cuff them, dragging them out to the clearing where the evac Shadowcat would meet them. Private Vercettti stood in the clearing watching the men, her rifle held at rest. In all they had taken eight prisoners; more than expected. She noticed one in particular, however, struggling against the trooper pulling him up the hill. He was the last to come, and was putting up one hell of a fight. Before he reached the clearing, the trooper pulling him let go, and let out a shriek.

"HE'S GOT A GRENADE!"

The trooper threw the rebel so that the majority of his body mass would shield his comrades from the shrapnel, and put a bullet in the man's cranium to ensure he wouldn't move. The troopers in the clearing had already made a dive for cover, and soon enough the hand grenade detonated. When the dust settled, two troopers lay injured, shrapnel having done a fair amount of damage to them. One in particular was Private Vercetti's squad leader.

"Fuck! Sarge, you alright?", she shouted over the ringing in her ears, running towards her leader.
"Just call a chopper, fuck damnit! I'm bleeding!"

The squad combat medic had already begun treating the man's wounds. Both men had suffered only minor damage, but still needed evac.

"FCP, this is patrol Charlie-Delta-Two-Five requesting a dustoff ASAP. We have two wounded from shrapnel, minor damage. Do you copy?"
"We copy, Charlie-Delta-Two-Five. We've got you on GPS. Just hang tight, ETA three minutes."

Alyssa looked back at her wounded comrades, then at those captured members of the resistance who sat in the clearing together, their hands bound and eyes fixed on the ground. She turned quickly when she heard beating rotors in the distance. A gentle rain began to fall down upon the troopers in the clearing.

Welcome to tropical hell., she thought to herself as she walked back to the rest of the squad.

Unbearably dark. Harcourt’s world had been reduced to a single visual sensation: an unbearable darkness that enveloped and surrounded him. There was nothing else but the darkness. Except for the sounds, rapidly concluded dialogues in Spanish, with an increasingly familiar San Marcos accent. He caught a verb here and there and then, perhaps, a noun—but nothing concrete, nothing solid. Just hints and allegations. The room was so unbearably dark.

Ministry of Defence
Imperium, New Britain, United Kingdom

“Shelling has resumed, I am afraid. It had been reported by local media broadcasts and confirmed by a few Oceanian civilians who work in the city for OAe.” The Defence Secretary eased back into his chair and tilted his head to let the phone rest upon his shoulder. “Yes, Prime Minister, the situation is deteriorating as it appears our message to their government went unheeded. I concur, your Lordship; there are no other alternatives but to enact Operation Torchlight. If you give the order I can have troops there within, sixteen hours at the most. Very good, Prime Minister, we are go on Torchlight.”

RAF Whiteland

Night had fallen upon the Home Islands, one island at a time, and so the runways and taxiways at RAF Whiteland were now lit up, guiding both in and out the fighter patrols that remained vigilant over the country at all hours of a day. Moving quietly across the tarmacs were two squadrons of Shadow stealth bombers. Their high-subsonic maximum speed earned them the top of the flight list; their escorts would launch last since they could easily catch up to them within Oceanian airspace.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Geoffrey Winters watched the painted black aircraft sweep gracefully up in the sky, one-by-one until 69 Shadow bombers flew aloft decorating the night with their increasingly small pilot lights that would eventually be extinguished at altitude over the Pacific. Behind the bombers were the tankers, an entire squadron full that would also be overtook by escort fighters en route to their holding point off Bueno Tierra. Then, Winters watched the massive Atlas transport aircraft lumber up to their positions on the tarmacs. These would be his unit’s ride.

2nd Battalion, 4th Royal Parachute Regiment slowly filled the holds of the massive beasts who would arrive from the north of San Marcos to skirt the forces of British Londinium who were in the middle of assaulting and securing Salvador—with reports of mass executions prompting his unit’s immediate no-notice deployment. Winters had no doubt it would be a tricky deployment, operating on foreign soil without foreign consent to combat a third party with fourth and fifth and sixth parties engaging in combat all around him and his men. He had no doubt he would lose men and women, but his task was to secure Salvador and save the lives of Oceanian civilians being put in harm’s way by a senseless enemy.

Now it was the parachute regiment’s turn; one-by-one the transport planes took off into the night sky carrying men and ammunition and other basic supplies until the arrival of the Royal Marine group several days from the dark, starless night. Unseen by Winters and the aircrews at RAF Whiteland were the four squadrons of Cyclone air-superiority fighters that would eventually catch up to and then overtake the transports and tankers and bombers.

Either way, the RAF had many hours to go until combat was to be entered.

Philadelphia, Oceania, United Kingdom

From the southern coastline of New Australia, nothing much could be seen except strings of lights moving on a pitch black sea. It was from one of those strings that Commodore Addison watched the magnificently and beautifully lit skyline of the UK’s largest city recede ever so slowly until just peaks remained above the watery horizon. And even those too were quickly gone.

The Admiralty had ordered his force to sea as the government of British Londinium had all-but refused to cease their operations in and around Salvador. What made the news doubly worse was the fact that the government had apparently ordered its forces to commit mass-murder and eliminate the civilian population of the city—a population that included Oceanians. Unfortunately, it would take a few days before his small force could arrive off the coast of San Marcos and by then the whole of Salvador could be laying dead on the streets—Addison hoped otherwise.

Foreign Office Statement
Open Address to Parties Involved in Bueno Tierra

Over the past several hours, the United Kingdom and His Majesty’s Government has observed unsettling developments across the continent in a pan-continental chaos that now directly threatens citizens of the United Kingdom—not so much through the actions of native governments, in this instance San Marcos, or through the inactions of the intervening parties but rather through the willful intention and actions of the Britannic Commonwealth of British Londinium.

Oceanian civilians have, it is true, been taken hostage by elements of the self-styled People’s Unification Brigade. To the Brigade we offer one chance for amnesty: release your foreign hostages. Should you choose to ignore or outright reject this offer, His Majesty’s Government is fully prepared to take appropriate measures to ensure your compliance. And if that fails, to ensure the full and complete retribution of the United Kingdom.

To those parties currently intervening in San Marcos, the United Kingdom is now formally entering the theatre of operations with the intention to secure Salvador from the forces of British Londinium, who have shown absolute recklessness and wanton disregard for the sanctity of human life and dignity in addition to the active attempt to endanger Oceanian lives and property, our former request for a cessation having been ignored. To those parties seeking to operate in or around Salvador, His Majesty’s Government asks you contact the Ministry of Defence and the Admiralty to better coordinate any efforts being undertaken in or around Salvador.

To the Britannic Commonwealth, what was a request is now an ultimatum. Withdraw your forces from Salvador to hand the city over to Oceanian forces or the safety of your personnel and property cannot be guaranteed. You have twelve hours to comply.

It is the hope of His Majesty’s Government that the above concerns can be addressed in a timely and forthwith fashion for the benefit of not just the United Kingdom but powers involved and the native populations who will undoubtedly bear the brunt of whatever course of action we, the interveners, should take.

Emily Deveraux
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Marquess of Salisbury
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

George Rex

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/crave22/Cravan/cravanflagnew.png
Confidential Dispatch to the Azazian Ministry of Defense
From the Imperial Department of Defense

The Libertarian Empire has had an assault on the city of Salvador to drive out the Brittanic forces in the works for a few days now, and we are planning the final stages of the Operation at the moment. Currently our paratrooper forces are prepared to carry out the first wave of the assault, however we will hold our forces back until we recieve confirmation from your government so we may better coordinate our assault.

In addition, a small portion of the assault ships from Task Force Sevile have broken off with escort to prepare for a landing on the northern shore of San Marcos. Currently the 13th Imperial Marine Division is on standby for the landing. We can have them ashore within the hour if needed.

Also note that we are willing to deploy an Imperial Guard team to work with Azazian special forces in rooting out the terrorist cell which appears to be holding Mr. Harcourt. Hopefully we will not be too late in that regard, and Mr. Harcourt can be reunited with his family soon enough.

The Libertarian Empire does also allow the use of Cayenne International Airport, located in southeastern Cuzco, as a staging point for Azazian aircraft. We are currently in the process of bringing munitions over for use in the air assault on Britannic positions around Salvador, which should be arriving sometime midday today.

I look forward to your response, and hope that together we may be able to secure Salvador sooner than we ever could do so seperately.

Signed,

John Klatch
John Klatch
Director of Defense

*********************

Twenty Miles off the Coast of Cuzco
INS Centurion, SDN

"Group two's status?"
"Holding position off the coast of northern San Marcos. Troop transports are ready to execute landing. We've attempted to make contact with local forces, but so far nothing."
"Well try harder. We can't afford to have this turn into a three-way."
"Aye, sir."

Hayes removed his cap, stroking his gray head of hair as he watched the displays hung along the wall, each of them displaying a scene currently being recorded from a satellite high above. They were concentrated on different strategic points around the theatre, most of them focused on the forces of Kroando and British Londinium.

It's only a matter of time, now., Hayes thought to himself.

Allanea is thirsting for Victory,
Our bayonets crave Communist blood,
Freemen, answer the call of the Motherland,
Raise your banners for Freedom and God!

The song rang above the rows of infantrymen as their Fighting Vehicles rolled down out of the aircraft, landing in flat fields around the Belemian capital, immense bayonets attached to their rifles, prepared already to fight. The IFV's blocked off several roads into the city, and the troops took to work, preparing sandbag emplacements and machinegun nests to protect from a counterattack from the dictator's army.

Inside the city, troops were deployed to give out humanitarian aid to the families – as well as strange things not previously known here, such as homeschooling curricula. Officially, it was done so that the parents could keep up with their school program as the Allanean government shut down several schools for the duration of conflict, and used them as places for it's soldiers to sleep, or to mount the Corbulo cannon or the Panzerwerfer MRLS launchers. Unofficially, they had a plan.

To battle, to war, Miss Liberty calls!
We'll rise once again -
And go off tho fight the fiends!

Two more divisions were detached to help the Furry Airborne in their conquest of Belem, but so far, no conquering was being done. Instead, they rolled into the capital and began helping fortify it – all the while rooting out more and more former agents of the dictator. The employment rolls from the era of the old government were used, and more and more informants and secret police were rounded up and executed en masse.

The Allanean government was so far reluctant to push on into Belem – this would be done only when the Navy's Force Projection fleet would arrive.

Cabinet Meetings

“Woah. Now that's quite the appointment, Alex.”

“Yes, I know. Congress approved her today.”

Colonel Thomas Morrison smiled besides himself. “This is certainly a great addition. When will she be here, anyway?”

“In five minutes, Thom. She's doing her address first.”

“Cool... oh wow.”

And this was how Sandra Menelson entered the cabinet – dressed in skimpy clothing and and anticommunist shirt.

She perched on Kazansky's lap, smiled, and asked: “Didn't you guys forget to write a letter to the Cravanians?”

Official Message from the Allanean Government to the Government of Cravan

We are ready to aid you in your military effort. Please specify the kinds of help you may need.

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Secure Communiqué to the United Kingdom

The Britannic Commonwealth will not yield to your threats, though we do understand your concern for the well being of Oceanian citizens. To date, no Oceanians have been killed at the hands of Londinian soldiers. We will cease and desist military operations for the next week so that you may evacuate all Oceanians, but Salvador will be ours.

***

Communiqué to the Ministry for Defence
From Joint Forces Commander Sinatra
Encryption: High

Enemy troops have surrounded Salvador, and we fear attack soon. We have emplaced machine gun nests and anti-air defences throughout the city. In effect, we have hastily modelled the Londinian Wall in Salvador. If they take this city, it will be hard. In the meantime, we are stopping the genocidal actions due to scorn from the international community, and complying with your directives to pull out.

Confidential Dispatch to the Imperial Department of Defence

Director Klatch,

Currently, the United Kingdom plans a two-pronged assault upon Britannic forces in Salvador with elements of the 4th Royal Parachute Regiment landing outside the city while elements of a Royal Marine Rapid Deployment Brigade are en route, embarked upon an assault ship. Our operations conclude with UK forces securing the city of Salvador and holding it until the situation in San Marcos stablises to a sufficient degree wherein Oceanian citizens and property are no longer endangered.

At the moment, the Royal Air Force is undertaking a strike operation to be directed against Britannic naval forces off the coast of Salvador. This is in lieu of a major naval operation, which must be delayed until the arrival of the assault group in a few days’ time. Attached are files relating to the flight plans of the RAF strike group, which will generally taken them over northern San Marcos and so using the ineffectiveness of the native air defence network as a shield against Britannic air defences. Correspondingly, we are attaching transponder codes for this strike operation to mitigate the chances of Cravan fighter aircraft firing upon RAF bombers and fighters. If, however, circumstances require premature landing before returning to secure airfields in the United Kingdom, His Majesty’s Government would be most appreciate of limited use of the airfield at Cayenne.

Regarding a coordinated assault upon Salvador, unfortunately time is a constraint, the strike group will commence their attack—assuming the Britannic forces have not withdrawn, and all indications point to just such a situation—in ten hours, a half-hour after the attack has begun, elements of the 4th Royal Parachutes will begin landing at Oceanian Aerospace facility outside the town to the north and west while other elements will land on the opposite side of Salvador to deny Britannic forces use of the bay.

With regards to special forces, His Majesty’s Government is reviewing all possible options for the immediate deployment of a unit of the OSAS to conduct an extraction of Mr. Harcourt. Any help from the Imperial Guard would be most welcome, and landing the OSAS team at Cayenne may be more suitable for logistical purposes than landing them in the midst of the San Marcos jungle.

I hope my answers have been as full and complete as I intended and you wished. Should they not be, then I will clarify whichever issues need clarification with all due haste.

Godspeed to the forces of the United Kingdom and the Libertarian Empire.

Sean O’Donnell
Secretary of State for Defence

OOC: They withdrew, temporarily. Please read my last post for details.

Highly Encrypted Reply to the Allaneans

At the moment, we would like to inquire if you would be able to deploy airborne forces to our airbase in Cayenne with air transport. We are currently preparing for an assault into San Marcos, and would appreciate your assistance.

************************

Head Director Gallens crumpled up the dispatch from British Londinium, and cursed them under his breath.

"Salvador is not going to be their's.", he said, almost shouting. "Not while I'm in office."

He plopped into his office chair, and spun around to view the city of Cravna through his window. It was bulletproof, and had an armored sheath capable of dropping over it if the Director was in danger. Something which, so far, had not been used. Cravan was relatively good when it came to political dissidents, whereas they instead displayed their disgust with words over action.

He watched as the skyline of the city was lit up by night, cars still bustling as this city never did sleep. With upwards of forty-million citizens, it was hard to believe it ever could. Lights twinkled beautifully on the not-so distant towers of the Commercial District, while cars passed by the nearby Imperial Plaza, which workers were hard at work clearing the newfallen snow from the benches and walkways.

"Get Admiral Hayes. You know what? Better yet, just tell him to get his ass in San Marcos ASAP."
"Yes, sir.", his aide replied while walking briskly from the office.

SIC:

Salvador, 1042 hrs

"So, have the charges been planted?" asked the Joint Forces Commander (JFC).

"Yes, sir," replied a Royal Engineer. "We've managed to hide five kilograms of C4 explosive in each city block within the sewer systems and building infrastructure."

"Excellent. The entire city will go down," laughed the JFC.

[How far away are your subs? In one case, they're pretty damn far away, giving me ample time to shoot the majority of the missiles down. In the second case they're close enough for me to have picked them firing up on SONAR, thus will be firing back.]

(OOC: The SSNs are firing ballistic anti shipping missiles for a range of about six hundred kilometers, very well outside the effective range of any modern SONAR system. The fact that they're using ballistic weapons and not a fully atmospheric missile compounds the fact that they're nigh impossible to shoot down without a purpose built supersonic missile. These are the design stats for the Archer-B SRBM. Note that this is a shortened version designed for use on subsurface vessels, so the range is slightly reduced from the stock model.

RF-12A Archer-B Next Generation SRBM
Length: 9.3m
Diameter: 1.1m
Weight: 6700kg
Guidance: INS with GPS backup, active/passive radar or EO backup at terminal
Range: 700km
Warhead: 1200kg (HE, FAE, 42x MIFAV)
Propellant: Solid (High Energy)
CEP: ~12m
Launch Platform: Longworm-SD TEL (2 rounds per vehicle)
Cost: $4 million (allies only)
Deployment: Corps level; Army Border Defence Command

The RF-12A Archer-B is a new replacement for the Long Archer, and is intended as the mainstay of the Omzian Army's long range tactical rocket artillery forces, with a size similar to those of the ever-famous Scud. It is built upon the original Long Archer, but has an improved and more efficient rocket motor to provide a longer range. The warhead, which is maneuverable, has a guidance system similar to those of the MaRVs of the RF-7C/8A, but are programmed and geared more for the role of tactical attack against both enemy ground forces and fixed military assets. The countermeasures systems stay much the same, and are designed to reduce the effectiveness of existing tactical ballistic missile defence systems.

Ballistic weapons are only truly vunerable in the boost stage, where a weapon such as an airborne laser or orbital KEW/DEW system can effectively destroy them. Once they leave the atmosphere, the body of the missile detaches and the casing containing the warhead and countermeasures unit plumets towards the target.)

The marine troop carrier was carefully disguised as a rusty old freighter. This disguise was all but impenetrable. It had been achieved very carefully, by taking a rusty old freighter, and refitting the inside of it into a less rusty area of troop bunks. The troops were, to say the least, rather cramped.

The captain was a civilian captain, having retired several years from the Kologkian Navy. He had been happy to come back for one last mission. The crew operating the ship were all in similar straits. The only military on the ship were the two hundred marines in the cargo holds.

The ship was broadcasting a distress signal, and asking to be allowed to dock for repairs in Santiago. The marines were preparing their weaponry, and those with strong enough stomachs were eating one last meal before the plan went into effect.

Dispatch to the Britannic Commonwealth Government

His Majesty’s Government is pleased to see the Britannic Commonwealth is capable of reason, albeit a reason tempered by wanton bloodlust satiated only through genocide. Nevertheless, His Majesty’s Government is most pleased to see the compromise offered by the Britannic Commonwealth.

In accordance to the offer by your government, the United Kingdom shall allow the Britannic Commonwealth 48 hours to withdraw its troops from the city of Salvador. After those 48 hours, elements of the 4th Royal Parachute Regiment will enter the city and begin to marshal Oceanian citizens and employees of Oceanic firms to staging points at the airfield and the port.

The HMS Clifton will arrive within 72 hours to begin extracting UK persons and property from the port while Oceanian Airways will begin chartered flights starting in 48 hours, after the last Britannic soldier has left the city, to begin evacuating any critically wounded or injured Oceanians from the city.

It is the estimation of the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign Office, and the Home Office that the complete evacuation of Oceanian persons and properties will be completed within one week’s time after which Oceanian forces will pull out of the city to return it to Britannic Commonwealth control.

Emily Deveraux
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Reply to the United Kingdom

Your offer is more than reasonable. At this very moment, our troops are withdrawing from Salvador into nearby regions, where they will until you signal us again to note that all UK property and Oceanian citizens have been evacuated.

Signed,
James Swanner
James Swanner
President of the Britannic Commonwealth

In Cayenne, aircraft began to land, one after the other. They were immense Archimedes' Lever troop carriers, deploying several mechanized infantry divisions to aid Cravan with whatever it was they were planning. The divisions that would be granted the honor to roll over British Londinium's troops and defense were the Emo Volunteer Infantry, the Takilan Voluneer Rifles, and the Linus Torvalds Assault Infantry Division. It was believed that 30,000 troops would be more then enough to cover the advance against the Londinium forces, but the precise details would be seen later.

In the meanwhile, the fleet began to approach Belemian shores...

Western Cuzco -

Armed with a list of rebel targets, the Cravan fighters and bombers did their damage with great effect.

Large bomb blasts could be seen for miles as rebel ammunition depots went up in flames. Elsewhere, precious convoys of trucks and jeeps suffered similar misfortune.

The rebel army was not accustomed to facing enemy aircraft. After all, the government they were fighting had no air force. Thus, the Cravan bombers met little resistance in the form of anti-aircraft fire. Altogether, the rebels managed to launch a whopping two aging Stinger missiles, one of which malfunctioned.

Their inability to match the Cravan air assets had a demoralizing effect on the rebel army. Already, their least disciplined troops were deserting in small numbers (those caught were shot of course). For the most part, the rebel forces dug in as best they could, afraid to move about for fear of being targeted while out in the open.

Meanwhile, government forces were regrouping, and making preparations to advance.

Salvador, San Marcos - Between the artillery shelling, strafing runs, and cruise missile attacks; the city and the forces within were taking a serious beating.

Many of the government's vehicles were now smoking piles of twisted metal. Numerous uncontrolled fires burned throughout the city with nobody bothering to try to put them out. Except for the sounds of sporadic gunfire, the city was a ghost town.

Between casualties and desertions, the conscript infantry division defending the city was now at 3/5 strength. Those that remained were being prodded by their commanders to act more agressively in their ambush attempts on British forces. Their tactic of choice was to try to predict the path of the oncoming enemies, and have a squad conduct a hit and run ambush. Unforunately, the poorly trained conscripts were generally poor marksmen.

-----------

Victoria, San Marcos - Many British cruise missiles have struck the capital city leaving many government buildings in ruins including the Ministry of Defense.

Firefighters and rescue workers are working around the clock to put out the fires and pull victims from the ruins. In the northern quarter of the city, efforts are being hindered due to a large power outage.

Like Salavador, citizens are beginning to flee the city inland towards Uberlandia.

This is too good to be true! Frank thought as he bolted through the front doors and was abruptly stopped by a burly man in a trenchcoat. "What`s the rush?" he asked smiling. "I haven`t got time, Mac. I need to see the Don right away." and with that ran past him.

Bursting into the Don`s study Frank slowed down and walked up to the desk. "Ahhh! Frank! Whats the word on the street?" Don Kris Campbell asks as he looks up from the paper work he was doing.

"It`s about Bueno Tierra. One of the dictators was killed there yesterday, and now the entire place is in an uproar! Remember how we were looking at invading Puno for the resources and land? Now it and it`s ally are both looking out at the others fighting not out to sea where we still have our boys waiting for the green light!" Frank managed to get out in one breath.

Leaning back in his chair Kris thought carefully for a few moments. " The have a small navy, yes? He waited as Frank nodded. " Destroy the navy and drop the 130th airborne on them. Then send in the rest of the men."

Frank smiled and nodded, as he turned to leave Kris said "Oh, Frank before you leave. Get Bob to cancel my appointments for the rest of the week and organize the underboss` ok? We have an invasion to look after."

To: Government of Allanea
From: People's Unification Brigade
Re: Meeting

The People's Unification Brigade is willing to meet with representatives from your government.

Have your diplomatic envoys meet us in the lobby of the Mariott Rio Branco at 4:00pm two days from now. Their safe passage is guaranteed.

-----------

To: Allanean Government
From: Juan Romaro Legal Services Ltd.
Re: Meeting

On behalf of my clients, I must deny any wrongoing on the part my clients, who you have refered to as the "Cali Drug Cartel". My clients are legitimate businessmen, who have had their good names tarnished by the slander of their less successful competitors.

However, if such an organization as the Cali Drug Cartel did hypothetically exist, I am curious to know what you would want to discuss with them?

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

To: Allanean Government
From: Reverend Miguel Gorriz
Re: Meeting

On behalf of Por Christo, I am authorized to meet with representatives from your government. If you promise safe passage, I will attempt to meet you at the time and place of your choosing.

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

WNN New Network

Breaking News

Caracas, Belem - A number of government and military facilities in the nation of Belem have been destroyed in what appears to be an effort by the government of Allanea to impose a regime change in that small nation.

Details are sketchy at this point, but it is believed Oceanian bombers have leveled a number of Belem military bases as well as Caleb Fernandez's presidential palace. It is unknown at this time whether Caleb Fernandez, the nation's dictator, survived the attack. Several sources claim Fernandez was admitted to Santa Maria hospital shortly after the attack in critical condition. Meanwhile, government officials and the state run media claim the leader is both alive and well, and that he is organizing the nation's defenses at an undisclosed location.

However, we are certain the Belem military seems to be mobilizing for war.

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

WNN Exclusive Report

Forte Mara, Belem - Recently bombed Forte Mara appears to have descended into chaos. According the reliable sources in the area, soldiers stationed at the base are fighting one another. It is unclear at this time why they are fighting or who is winning.

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Statement of the Government of the Britannic Commonwealth

All armed forces under the control of the Britannic Commonwealth are being recalled to British Londinium forthwith.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Urgent!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective immediatly all soldiers and machinery that composes the Puno Invasion force are to be mobalized. Ships are to lauch immediatly if not sooner! Invasion to take place at 1130 hours tommorrow. Battle plans are as follows:
- At 1115 hours the 102nd Fighter Wing will hit all military installations with in the city and bombers will destroy the hangers at the airport
- 1130 hours Transports containing elements of the 1st mechanized infantry will storm the beaches of Peurta Blanka undercover of coastal artillery fire.
- Simutaniously air transports will begin dropping the 130th Airborne on the city square and they will secure all major goverment buildings and the second wave will set up perimeter and await the 1st Mech. veichles.
- At 1145 an element of the 130th will para-drop into the remainder of the airport and secure it.
- Members of Joint Task Force Six (JTF 6) will deploy out side the city to the south and watch for reinforcments coming from the city of Puno, whose locations will be radioed to the 102nd Fighter Wing and destroyed.

By 1300 hours we expect that all major objectives chiefly the port, the town square, all major goverment facilities and the main road heading south will be held by our forces. These are your orders General, We expect them to be carried out.

Good Luck,
Consilgiere Campbell

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With a look of amazment he scanned the sheet again. "My god their actually going through with it..." General Whitehead mumbled to himself.

"Sir? What are the orders?" His chief of staff asked.

Handing the sheet to him the General straightened and picked up the microphone in front of him. "All troops! Effective Immediatly we are at War with the country of Puno! Everyone return to your quarters immediatly and await further orders!" Putting down the mic the General turned to his staff and said "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have an offensive to prepare."

(OOC: The SSNs are firing ballistic anti shipping missiles for a range of about six hundred kilometers, very well outside the effective range of any modern SONAR system. The fact that they're using ballistic weapons and not a fully atmospheric missile compounds the fact that they're nigh impossible to shoot down without a purpose built supersonic missile. These are the design stats for the Archer-B SRBM. Note that this is a shortened version designed for use on subsurface vessels, so the range is slightly reduced from the stock model.

RF-12A Archer-B Next Generation SRBM
Length: 9.3m
Diameter: 1.1m
Weight: 6700kg
Guidance: INS with GPS backup, active/passive radar or EO backup at terminal
Range: 700km
Warhead: 1200kg (HE, FAE, 42x MIFAV)
Propellant: Solid (High Energy)
CEP: ~12m
Launch Platform: Longworm-SD TEL (2 rounds per vehicle)
Cost: $4 million (allies only)
Deployment: Corps level; Army Border Defence Command

The RF-12A Archer-B is a new replacement for the Long Archer, and is intended as the mainstay of the Omzian Army's long range tactical rocket artillery forces, with a size similar to those of the ever-famous Scud. It is built upon the original Long Archer, but has an improved and more efficient rocket motor to provide a longer range. The warhead, which is maneuverable, has a guidance system similar to those of the MaRVs of the RF-7C/8A, but are programmed and geared more for the role of tactical attack against both enemy ground forces and fixed military assets. The countermeasures systems stay much the same, and are designed to reduce the effectiveness of existing tactical ballistic missile defence systems.

Ballistic weapons are only truly vunerable in the boost stage, where a weapon such as an airborne laser or orbital KEW/DEW system can effectively destroy them. Once they leave the atmosphere, the body of the missile detaches and the casing containing the warhead and countermeasures unit plumets towards the target.)
[I want to discuss this with you before I post a response. Ive been damn busy over the last day, so ill try and send ya a TG as soon as I get five minutes. From what I know of Ballistic Missiles, they are considerably vulnerable as they peak, especially to satellite based missiles. Anyways, ill TG you.]

To: King Robert of The House of James
From: President Enrique Angelito of Puno
Re: Your Proposal

Given the instability in our region as of late, the Democratic Republic of Puno finds your proposal intriguing.

On behalf of my government ,our national assembly has empowered me to negotiate a basing agreement with your nation. At this time, we wish to propose the following terms:

- The nation of Puno will lease to The House of James 1,000 acres of land 5 miles north of Puerto Blanca for use as a naval and air force base. The duration of the lease will be 25 years.
- The House of James will pay the nation of Puno a $500 million deposit up front towards environmental cleanup of the base site once the lease is over.
- The House of James will pay an annual lease fee of $150 million due on the first day of every year.
- Should the House of James' base ever come under attack, both Puno and The House of James shall defend it.
- Should the nation of Puno ever come under attack, both Puno and any forces stationed at The House of James' base shall defend it.
- For the duration of the lease, The House of James agrees to a non-agression treaty with both Puno and Mendoza.

We hope you will find our proposal mutually beneficial. The foothold you gain in our nation will greatly enhance your ability to influence the region, and the economic and security benefits of your base would do our nation a great deal of good.

If you find our terms agreeable, the nation of Puno will welcome you with open arms.

Sincerely,
Enrique Angelito
President of Puno

PS. While your ambassador is visiting our nation, we would be offended if he did not enjoy the hospitality of our presidential manor.

Cuzco - Since the arrival of the Cravan military, rebel forces were quickly losing ground. In a few short days, they'd lost more land than they had acquired in the last year and a half of fighting. While morale was suffering, desertions were being kept in check by zelous officers, who were more than willing to shoot anyone caught attempting to sneak off in the night. Instead, many rebel soldiers looked for opportunities to surrender to the first government or Cravan soldier they found.

By now, it was clear to the rebel leaders that a change in strategy was needed. Every day enemy forces were growing stronger while their own were growing weaker. The rebels needed a decisive battle to be fought, and it was now or never.

With the new year approaching, the rebel leaders hoped they could take advantage of the holiday to launch an attack modeled after the Tet Offensive. Their best remaining units were ordered to shed their military uniforms in favor of civilian clothing. As best as they could, they would attempt to sneak behind enemy lines in small groups. On New Year's Eve, they would rendevzous for an all out assault on the capital.

To: The Government of Oceania
From: The People's Unification Brigade
Re: Hostage Crisis

The People's Unification Brigade wishes to express our profound regret over the kidnapping of your citizen by members of our organization. The capture of your Mr. Harcourt was not authorized by our leadership.

Unlike the citizens of Oceania, we are not a free people. Our only goals are to reunify our shattered nation, and provide our friends and family with a government that will allow them to pursue better lives for themselves. For this, we have been branded outlaws and criminals by our own governments. The PUB leadership realizes that alienating potential allies such as yourself is counterproductive to our cause. We need friends not more enemies.

Due to the nature of our organization, our leadership cast excercises little in the way of control over our members. In fact, many PUB cells have been formed without our knowledge, and perform operations on their own without ever consulting us. We cannot stress enough that PUB leadership did not order Mr. Harcourt to be taken captive, and that we are extremely disappointed this unfortunate event ever took place.

At this time, we can only offer you our assurances that we are doing our best to locate Mr. Harcourt, and will return him to you as quickly as possible should he be located. Towards this end, a number of our most reliable agents have been dispatched to Salvador in an effort to find him.

A thousand apologies to you.

Caracas, Belem - The truth of the matter was that Caleb Fernandez, former dictator of Belem, never made it to Santa Maria Hospital. When the Allanean bombers struck his residence, the hapless leader was killed instantly when the building collapsed. The unforunate man being treated at the hospital was merely a guest, who'd been rendered unrecognizable by third degree burns.

With the Belem military command structure is shambles, nobody was directing the military. Like deer caught in headlights, they seemed stuck. Few soldiers wanted to face the Allanean military, and even fewer wanted to do so without express orders from someone in charge. Many of them suspected whatever the Allanean government had planned for Belem would be an improvement over what they had endured under their former dictator, and simply adopted a "wait and see" approach.

Of course, there were always a few exceptions. More than a few Belem citizens lost friends or family members during the initial Allanean attack. Many cried. Others comforted themselves with thoughts of their departed loved ones going to a better place. Some were madder than hell, and were more than happy to take up arms against the invading foreigners.

Winters let out a lengthy exhale, standing atop a stone structure that had once been a fortress to fend off less-seriously armed opponents—i.e. those without strike aircraft. The Royal Navy had yet to arrive, but already the masts and stacks of the Britannic Commonwealth fleet could be seen sailing over the horizon, and with them the serious likelihood of fighting urban combat. And so in many ways, Winters was quite glad to see that the threat of engaging in serious combat removed from the equation—although the local residents would undoubtedly soon tire of the UK presence despite the appearance that the UK had driven the marauders and reckless ravagers from the city and at that time he would begin to fight low-intensity combat.

At the airport outside Salvador, Winters’ men were busy attempting to repair the facilities damaged by Britannic shelling, especially those involved with detection and navigation—namely the radome that had taken a direct hit from a single naval artillery round. Yet, as the men toiled underneath the merciless sun, large turbofan driven transport aircraft landed on the larger runways, quickly disinterring the soldiers and the supplies held within their massive grey bellies before refueling and returning aloft for the long return flight back to the United Kingdom.

At sea, the HMS Clifton and the escorting vessels of Addison’s fleet detected the evacuation of the Britannic forces through the long-range UAV patrols. As Addison sat alone in his cabin, mulling over maps and statistics he found the choice of attacking the fleeing Britannic forces extraordinarily tempting—but simultaneously undesirable. Despite surprise on his side, he would have likely been outnumbered and taken serious casualties that he could not afford. And so his ships sailed on, just two days out of Salvador.

In Puno

Lord Tedemore had sent the reply via the encrypted radio in his aircraft along with a personal message attached on it to the King detailing his impressions and suggestions, all of which were favourable.

It was no surprise therefore that the reply came through for the emissary to accept the terms and await further instructions before flying to Mendoza to ensure that they also agreed. The King expected no problems and had authorized the immediate deployment of the 1st Parachute Brigade to secure the area along with the transfer of funds to the countries accounts that had been detailed in the message.

Tedemore adjusted his tie and checked his suit whilst an attendant printed up the response onto some good quality paper and folded it into an exquisite envelope that had been pre printed with the President’s name. The Royal Seal was applied once the letter was sealed and the emissary tucked it into his inner jacket pocket, making careful not to crease it as he did so.

Outside the plane some airport security men had been posted and a more formal car was awaiting him as he descended the short flight of stairs from the Kingdom manufactured Boeing.

The message read;

My dearest President Angelito it is my honour and privilege to accept the terms that you outlined in you latest communication. The funds necessary have been transferred to you and confirmation of such a fact will no doubt be given to you very soon. I have instructed my 1st Parachute Brigade to begin an immediate deployment to Puno along with some fighter escorts I hope that these aircraft will be allowed to land in your country. My military commanders tell me that there job will be to secure the vicinity of the future base and to facilitate other troops arriving in the country for defensive purposes.

Elements of the Kings Navy will also be sent to the waters bordering your country to further security for all concerned. We realize that this is a large deployment and wish to reassure you that your trust in us is not misplaced.

I hope that this is the start of a long and prosperous relationship for both our countries and I wish you all the best and extend an open invitation to you and your family to visit the Royal Residence at Creweforth at any time of your pleasing.

Sincerely

King Robert

Herald of the Kingdom
Commander of the Kingdoms Forces
Viceroy of Dommuninuis
Prince Regent of Annulus


Household Barracks, Creweforth

The 1st Parachute Brigade was a new formation in the Kingdom forces, it had been in existence for barely two years as a dedicated formation whereas its subunits had been around in one form or another for a lot longer. Unfortunately this meant that the HQ facilities at Brigade level were still not up to scratch compared to the well refined Regimental system that had been practised over the past five centuries.

For five days they had been on alert for an emergency deployment to Puno to become the first Kingdom units there and ensure security until the heavier ground forces arrived via ship, ships that had set sail three days previously with a reasonable naval escort.

Current strengths were for the most part up to authorised standards apart from the 5th (Airbourne) Estenian Rifles who were actually 300men over strength. Equipment was also in plentiful supply, G3A5 and A9 rifles were the mainstay weapon with MG3 and M249’s providing heavier firepower at the squad level, these last two being particularly abundant in the three Airbourne Regiments that constituted the brigade. The Regimental Machine Gun Companies had even heavier weapons, .50calibre machine guns and even some new 12.8mm versions that were being produced slowly but surely. Unfortunately the differing calibres complicated an already delicate supply situation, logisticians calculating that it would take at least twelve C-130H flights per day to keep the Airbourne supplied in even light combat.

However the main worry in the Brigade Headquarters was actually getting the full brigade into where ever they were told to go. Half of the transport assets usually assigned to them had been reassigned to supporting the operations in general, meaning that only one and a half Regiments could be delivered in one drop or two Regiments by an actual landing with parachutes packed into storage containers.

C Company, 1st Reconnaissance Regiment, was in much the same situation except as it was the Brigades Pathfinder force there would be no shortage of transport for them. Its commander, Captain Howard Rogers was an unassuming man, strange for a Captain of Paratroopers most of whoom swaggered around as if they owned the world and everyone in it. Even fighter pilots didn’t appear to have the swagger that the paratroops did on the rare occasion that they actually saw a fighter pilot. Most of the former kept themselves in the area around their bases and as no Army and AirForce base were particularly close the only time the two incredibly confident groups met was when the transport aircraft had to launch from a forward fighter base, a rare occurance indeed as they didn’t like having their runways fouled up with “rubbish haulers” as the big transports were affectionately known in the fighter community.

The teleprinter linked to the military command bunker underneath the Royal Palace in the Headquarters building began chattering, spitting out a piece of paper at near lightning rate.

To Commander 1st Parachute Bgde. Initiate Deployment Option Bravo at quickest possible speed. Repeat Quickest Possible Speed. Report transport takeoff to military command at once.

Luckily Brigadier Roy Jones was present in the HQ building and snatched his message off the printer without even a junior officer having to notice it had come through. He took two strides once he had read it and found himself at the base address system, he placed the microphone to his mouth and flicked the switch. In all of the rooms in the base as well as across the small airstrip that currently held twenty eight C-130H aircraft his deep welsh voice could be heard.

“Stand to. All troops report to designated aircraft at once, Commanders report to the Headquarters building immediately. Air crews to your aircraft. This is not a drill, repeat not a drill.”


Within an hour the first three C-130’s holding C Company, 1st Reconnaissance Regiment, were airbourne and turned for their designated landing strips in Puno, a nine hour flight away. As was standard, each aircraft had the Royal Cross painted on its tail to denote them as Kingdom aircraft to any casual observer be that person military or civilian. The troops inside the aircraft settled down to a nap as Kingdom fighters took up escort duties around them for the first part of their trip.

Standing in the control center of the Eradicator General Whitehead motioned to his comms officer. "Lets get this going." There was something bothering him, but he wasn`t sure what it was. Something Punoian informants had said about ongoing negotiations between Puno and some other larger nation. "I hope the Don thought this through ..."

The Puno Invasion fleet wasn`t composed of IslandMafia`s entire navy, but it did hold a good amount of it. In the center were The intrepid class aircraft carriers and the landing craft surronded by all the other boats, with the sea wolves patroling on the far outskirts of the convoy making sure nobody got any rash ideas about attacking. It was hoped that they would have signifigant shock effect, what with the shelling and air strikes that the citys defenders would be unable to radio in sufficent reinforcesments before it was to late.

"Umm, Sir?! We just got the photos of the docks and well... You`d better take a look at this." the General walked over and his eyes widened as he realized that the "small coast guard" he had been told to destroy had suddenly grown much larger.

Far from Bueno Tierra, Iain Bashir drummed his fingers quickly and in rapid succession upon his wooden desk. As Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs, he now had the affairs of Salvador placed squarely in his lap, although in truth they lay in a manila folder upon his desk. With the sudden and unexpected withdrawal of Britannic forces from the city, although not much of one was left after days of aimless shelling, the United Kingdom was keen to take control and establish its own presence in the nation of San Marcos, to carve out a colony that would be far more democratic and prosperous than the rule of law in Victoria demanded.

He sat quietly at his desk, the sole noise the thumping of fingertips upon polished and waxed wood. He needed a new government, though the city was in such shambles that it could not likely sustain a native government. And therein lay the problem, to create a democratic colonial government without the infrastructure necessary for democratic processes to take place. Of course, the ideal situation would be to simply replace the government in San Marcos but with elections drawing near in the UK that would require political capital that could nigh afford to be spent. He would have to work small, perhaps carve out a coastal colony and through its eventual long-term influence pressure San Marcos into adopting a liberal democratic government and then, if he was lucky, free-market economic policies.

RAF Whiteland

Always an important base for the RAF’s strategic airlift fleet, Whiteland had in but days grown into an international airport of sorts, substituting Airbus and Boeing passenger jets for far more massive military transports, transports that could carry twice or three times the number of passengers. Plus cargo. What, was, however, in short supply in Salvador was aviation fuel and so also being used extensively was the tanker fleet that established pit-stops along the UK-Salvador Corridor. Also in the air, airborne early warning and control aircraft as well as fighters and loitering strike aircraft should the San Marcos government attempt to retake Salvador or should the Britannic Commonwealth return without warning.

It would be at least a week, however, before the necessary fuel supplies could begin arriving in Salvador for the refueling of RAF aircraft on the ground. Limited stores would be transferred from the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, who was carrying fuel and stores with the small naval squadron due to arrive in Salvador—but everyone at Whiteland knew the naval aviators would cling to every last drop so as not to rely on RAF tankers.

As one Atlas transport lumbered up the taxiway, third in line for departure, a small black limousine raced up alongside. From behind the cockpit windows, the pilot and co-pilot looked in disdain until the tower ordered them to lower the ramp and take on one more passenger, a VIP from the Colonial Office. Ethan Fairchild, his blonde hair neatly combed and his blue eyes confident but inquiring from behind silver-rimmed glasses, walked slowly up the ramp, eyeing the combat-ready soldiers with disquiet and clutching his briefcase and messenger bag a little more tightly. Behind him, attendants from his limousine carried duffel bags and suitcases that were slowly brought up to the upper flight deck, where a captain voluntarily vacated his seat at the stern glance of his CO and Fairchild found a seat on what he knew to be a long, long flight.

Camp O’Toole, Salvador, San Marcos

When the Oceanian Airways aircraft had begun to arrive in a deserted Salvador, Private Campbell Dawson, a rifleman in the Bedric Fusiliers, had been among the first to get off and take a deep breath of warm, humid Salvador air, tinged with the remnant of debris and battle. And while he had arrived to word that the enemy had withdrawn from the city, he had learned mere hours later that he could very well be on the move later in the week.

For now, Dawson stood as sentry, his rifle ready to fire at any San Marcos native that dared to cross the United Kingdom. It was a well-founded fear, however, as several buildings had mysteriously been detonated across the city—and with many denizens of Salvador taking refuge in the high structures there had been numerous casualties. Dawson and the rest of the Oceanian forces knew who was the culprit—several buildings had been cleared of C4 explosives bearing the marks of the Britannic forces. And while liaison officers were hard at work in the community attempting to prove this to the locals, Dawson knew that not everybody would be convinced. And so on the cool night, lit only by stars—the local power station having been destroyed by Britannic forces—Dawson gripped his rifle a bit tighter.

Deep within the fortress that had become Camp O’Toole, Winters stood shoulder to shoulder with Lieutenant-Colonel Gerald King, commander of the 2nd Btn Bedric Fusiliers, commander of the bulk of the fusiliers who had arrived thus far—other battalions were not scheduled to arrive for a few days. Winters pointed at a map rolled flat atop a hastily made table. “This is where they want us by the end of the week, Flora. Now, we are fortunate in that the Britannic forces left without firing a shot—my battalion is at full strength and the Royal Marines due shortly are as well as are your forces, Colonel. Unfortunately, they left the bulk of the San Marcos navy and air force intact. For the time being, they have left our operations here in San Marcos unmolested, but when we begin to move north I would expect aerial harassment and potential naval interdiction, landing forces behind us and interfering with our supply lines.”

King nodded solemnly, contemplatively. “Very well, Colonel. My fusiliers will be largely ready for action by tomorrow night—we are awaiting the arrival of our Jaguar IFVs and sufficient supplies of ammunition for sustained combat operations. While I would prefer not to be traveling by highway north, given the possibility for an ambush, I see no alternatives if you are to cut off the San Marcos escape route from Flora north toe Recife.”

“I must admit, I do agree. Or at the very least some armour support would be useful.”

“Indeed. However, if the RAF does its job I suspect we shall have little to worry about in terms of aerial harassment.”

As if listening in, at that moment the two heard a roar above them, though they looked up and saw stonework centuries old. Above the camp, a single delta-winged aircraft flew low and fast, its roar disturbing the relative calm of Salvador—yet, to those Oceanians on the ground, it was a comfortable disturbance, for it meant fighter operations had commenced from Salvador airport, temporarily christened as RAF Salvador.

At RAF Salvador, yet another Atlas transport descended from the night sky, this one different only in that onboard a gaggle of men walked off wearing linens and shorts and other clothes of the local population. Unlike the locals, however, L75 rifles hung over their shoulders and expensive titanium sunglasses hung around their necks—their hands full with each carrying a massive duffel bag. They were the ones who would bring home Harcourt or would exact a most painful revenge on those who did him harm.

Confidential Dispatch to the Cravan Department of State

His Majesty’s Government thanks the Libertarian Empire for their pledged assistance in bringing peace and stability to Salvador; it is, however, most fortunate that events outside the continent led the Britannic Commonwealth to withdraw their forces before combat was entered thereby saving the lives of our nations’ men and women.

At this hour, flights that had been en route to Cayenne are being diverted to RAF Salvador as the security situation will allow the United Kingdom to operate directly from the airport at Salvador without fear of attack by Britannic forces. In the spirit of reciprocity, His Majesty’s Government is prepared to offer the Libertarian Empire use of RAF Salvador as a limited support facility. It should be emphasised the limited descriptor is applicable only because of the poorly developed nature of the facility, damage sustained from Britannic bombardment, and the high usage of the facility by the Royal Air Force. Any emergency flights or necessary repairs or medevacs will be granted priority.

Currently, the United Kingdom aims to move its forces north to secure and stabilise the city of Flora and subsequently the city of Recife. Reports of increasing riots threaten the carefully woven fabric of stability that had already begun to fray at the various edges of the continent. His Majesty’s Government intends to create local democratic governments in the areas it secures once the necessary political and transport infrastructures are in place—these qualifiers most applicable in Salvador, which has sustained catastrophic levels of damage from Britannic bombardment.

Should the Libertarian Empire require assistance in subduing rebels in Cuzco, the United Kingdom will offer what support it can in return for the support offered by the Cravanite government. It is our sincere hope that the contacts that have been established in Bueno Tierra can extend into a greater bond between our two peoples that appear to share a great deal in common.

Emily Deveraux
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Open Address to the People’s Unification Brigade

His Majesty’s Government sympathises with aspects of the political platform espoused by your organisation, namely the restoration of democracy in Los Verdes and San Marcos. However, the allegedly rogue actions by elements of your organisation must be brought under control if the United Kingdom is to take seriously any offers or deals between the United Kingdom and the People’s Unification Brigade.

Make no mistake, at this hour the Royal Armed Services are dedicated to finding Mr. Harcourt; should he be found in the custody of the People’s Unification Brigade, all the powers of the United Kingdom will be brought to bear upon your organisation regardless of how rogue the kidnappers may be.

We should hope, for your sake, that your organisation finds and releases Mr. Harcourt safe before we find him.

Emily Deveraux
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Televised Press Statement
Media Centre, Ministry of Defence

A tall man, with an angular face whose grey hair was slowly falling out, stood behind a podium, his epaulets and medals and honours upon his chest indicating him as a senior officer in the Royal Air Force.

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman, I am here to refute claims by the WNN news organisation that aircraft belonging to the United Kingdom have been conducting air raids upon military bases with Belem. This is categorically false.

“Thus far, the United Kingdom has restrained its operations to a theatre comprising the area around the city of Salvador in San Marcos, where there are large numbers of Oceanian citizens and Oceanian assets that had been under threat by the armed forces of British Londinium.

“In the past several hours, however, it has been confirmed that the forces of British Londinium have evacuated the city of Salvador, a city all but leveled by a continuous barrage or naval gunfire that did not discriminate between civilian and military targets. Yet, in all the operations undertaken to secure Salvador, no RAF bombers have strayed into the sovereign airspace of Belem let alone conducted bombing operations.

17th Kroandan Fleet

After the first attack, the fleet was immidiately on full alert, all resources available being deployed in order to ward off future attack. More importantly, the land based assault was rushed... as the entire land force was deployed to the city... or the crumbling remanents of it. The carriers were being unloaded as quickly as possible, incase the naval defences were not so lucky next time. As landing craft settled into the water, sure enough another attack was launched. However this time, the Coalitionist Fleet was ready. Every satellite on this side of the planet at their disposal was now locked right onto the fleet and it's surrounding area. (Several thousand miles) So it was no grand suprise when one of the various detection satellites using it's IR screen, picked up the massive armada of ballistic missiles screaming into the air. Locking in, the system, which guided the satellites, immidiately relayed the information to the fleet... however they needed not act. One of the various defense satellites sitting in space, using the IR Heat Signatures relayed by the other satellite, took up the defence. As it did not have a missile for every one fired at it, it released a single EMP warheaded missile. The electro magnetic device was not massive, just large enough to shut down electronic devices within a few thousand yards. As the missiles neared their peak, the EMP reached it's target, detonating and sending a pulse powerful enough to knock any electronic device in the area to shit. The vast majority of the missiles were disabled there... however a few made it through. Four missiles dove down, and though the fleet did it's damndest to shoot them down with CIWS Guns and SDCI-3's, 3/4 of the last four missiles hit a super carrier, inflicting some serious damage upon it. The vessel would float long enough to empty the rest of it's cargo, mabey a day or two at most... but there was no chance of it leaving alive.

However now the issue was serious. Whoever it was obviously intended to continue until the Kroandanite fleet was irradicated... and that simply could not stand. The satellite that picked up the heat signatures of the missiles had made a mark of the location from which they were fired, and after the enemy missiles had been nuetralized, the satellite rexaimined the situation. Using special Blue-Green Light Lazers, designed to locate stealth subs, the satellite began scanning the area for submarines, as there were no surface vessels to be seen by RADAR. And low and behold, what did they find... ten submarines. Locational targets were made with this LADAR-Esque technology, and immidiately the coordinates were relayed to the fleet. The fleet cared not of whom the enemy was... only that there was an enemy... and that enemy was attacking. There were dozens dead, and one ship would not make it home. Revenge was to be bitter sweet.

Though they may have been out of range of standard torpedo's, they were well within the range of the ASROC-Esque system employed by the Negotiator Class Cruisers. The ASROC fired a missile in effect carrying a Mark 46 Torpedo to it's destination, dropping it off within range of the enemy submarine. Between the five cruisers and the flagship, some 50 Anti-Submarine Guided Missiles were fired... as they came within a kilometer or so of the sub's, they dropped off their payloads. 50 Mark 46 Torpedo's, guided by state of the art lazer targeting systems, dove into the water, five Torpedo's moving at each submarine. The satellites watching the area continued to scan... if the enemy subs were not destroyed, another spam of ASROC's was only a click away...

On Land

Coalitionist Forces began to land in the city, taking all precautions necessary. The shelling continued as tanks rolled ashore. The boots of infantry toar through the sand as rockets and missiles flared overhead. The night sky was illuminated with a fascinating array of colors and flashes... however it was probably though of quite differently from the other end. Kraken's blasted buildings suspected of housing insurgents with their massive 140mm guns... but it was the ID-57's that caused the real fear... the painful ringing of the twin 30mm Gatling Guns that toar through flesh and steel alike. In the sectors that were secured, the surviving population and the was systematically placed in temporary internment camps untill the area was secured. Within hours, the entire task force was delpoyed... with instructions to 'await a significantly stronger reingorcement force'

The marine troop carrier was carefully disguised as a rusty old freighter. This disguise was all but impenetrable. It had been achieved very carefully, by taking a rusty old freighter, and refitting the inside of it into a less rusty area of troop bunks. The troops were, to say the least, rather cramped.

The captain was a civilian captain, having retired several years from the Kologkian Navy. He had been happy to come back for one last mission. The crew operating the ship were all in similar straits. The only military on the ship were the two hundred marines in the cargo holds.

The ship was broadcasting a distress signal, and asking to be allowed to dock for repairs in Santiago. The marines were preparing their weaponry, and those with strong enough stomachs were eating one last meal before the plan went into effect.

Iquique, Santiago -

"Kologkian vessel, we hear you. If your ship is still able to move, change your course and heading by 3 degrees south. We are dispatching a coast guard vessel to guide you in. If your ship is dead in the water, please advise so we may dispatch a tug as well" - Iquiqui Port Authority

OOC: This is the type of boat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Boat_90) they are sending to meet you. Unless you do something suspicious (like openly display guns), they will merely ask you to follow them towards a dock.

In Cayenne, aircraft began to land, one after the other. They were immense Archimedes' Lever troop carriers, deploying several mechanized infantry divisions to aid Cravan with whatever it was they were planning. The divisions that would be granted the honor to roll over British Londinium's troops and defense were the Emo Volunteer Infantry, the Takilan Voluneer Rifles, and the Linus Torvalds Assault Infantry Division. It was believed that 30,000 troops would be more then enough to cover the advance against the Londinium forces, but the precise details would be seen later.

In the meanwhile, the fleet began to approach Belemian shores...

To: Allanean Government
From: J. Santana, Mayor of Caracas
Re: City Business

On behalf of the people of Caracas, I wish to know what your plans are for our city now that you have established forces here.

Furthermore, I wish to discuss with you the matter of capital security. Since your arrival, our local police forces have done little in the way of patrolling our streets. While law and order may be the norm in areas where your troops are stationed, looting and other crimes have increased greatly in other parts of town. With your permission, I wish to order our police force to resume their duties.

J. Santana
Mayor of Caracas

To: House of James
From: Fernando Munoz, President of Mendoza
Re: Puno

As spokesperson for the nation of Mendoza, I wish to advise you of the terms of our alliance with Puno. We are bound to come to their aid in the event their nation comes under attack, and they are bound to do the some for us. However, we do not meddle in each other's internal affairs. If Puno welcomes you, we will not object.

Regarding your proposals, we find them acceptable. As long as Mendoza, Puno, and The House of James remain on good terms, we pledge not to interfere with any of your plans for other nations in the region. In exchange, we expect you to render assistance should we come under attack as you offered.

Sincerely,
Fernando Munoz
President

This is too good to be true! Frank thought as he bolted through the front doors and was abruptly stopped by a burly man in a trenchcoat. "What`s the rush?" he asked smiling. "I haven`t got time, Mac. I need to see the Don right away." and with that ran past him.

Bursting into the Don`s study Frank slowed down and walked up to the desk. "Ahhh! Frank! Whats the word on the street?" Don Kris Campbell asks as he looks up from the paper work he was doing.

"It`s about Bueno Tierra. One of the dictators was killed there yesterday, and now the entire place is in an uproar! Remember how we were looking at invading Puno for the resources and land? Now it and it`s ally are both looking out at the others fighting not out to sea where we still have our boys waiting for the green light!" Frank managed to get out in one breath.

Leaning back in his chair Kris thought carefully for a few moments. " The have a small navy, yes? He waited as Frank nodded. " Destroy the navy and drop the 130th airborne on them. Then send in the rest of the men."

Frank smiled and nodded, as he turned to leave Kris said "Oh, Frank before you leave. Get Bob to cancel my appointments for the rest of the week and organize the underboss` ok? We have an invasion to look after."

Puno - The small Puno coast guard made no effort to resist the oncoming navy. Instead, they steamed south towards Mendozan as quickly as possible, hoping to seek refuge in their ally's waters. Along the way, nearly half their numbers were sunk or abandoned by hostile fire.

While this latest develop was alarming by anyone's standards, the Puno government remained calmed. A ragtag mix of soldiers, police, and armed civilians assembled on the beaches near Puerto Trinidad and Peurto Blanca; and began to make ready their defenses. While they lacked any sort of armor or artillery, they were more than willing to put up a fight.

Unlike most nations in Bueno Tierra, the Puno government enjoyed the support of its people. There would be no riots, anti-government protests, or turncoats. The tiny nation of Puno would remain unified in the face of this new enemy.

After being moved to a secure location, President Enrique Angelito did what he could to rally the support of Mendoza and the House of James.


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To: House of James, Mendoza
From: Enrique Angelito, President of Puno

Greetings friends,

Through no fault of our own, Puno is under attack! We will do all that is within our power to resist our invaders, but your assistance is desperately needed.

Any forces and material you are able to spare towards our cause would be greatly appreciated. Time is of the essence of course. The enemy's fleet is already in our waters engaging our coast guard. It is only a matter of time before they attempt a landing.

Please hurry.

Sincerely,
Enrique Angelito
President Enrique Angelito

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/crave22/Cravan/crestcopysmall.png
Imperial Department of Foreign Affairs
We thank the Azazian government for its hospitality, and too hopes that nothing but positive relations can blossom in the future between our nations. We will leave Cayenne International open for any Azazian aircraft requiring to land.

We appreciate any assistance the Azazian government would be willing to give our forces here in Cuzco. At the moment, there is no need. Also know that we will be more than willing to deploy forces to assist the United Kingdom if there is ever the need for such assistance.

Thank you, friends. And do not hesitate to ask if you need assistance.

Signed,

Louis McHenry
Louis McHenry
Director of Foreign Affairs

*****************

((I'll make a more indepth post about training gov troops and such later.))

The Kologkian ship radioed back, "Acknowleged. We maintain some manuvering capacity, but are taking on water. We should be able to make it to shore, and we thank you for your assistance. We are now manuevering as suggested. Over"

The captain sat back, took his thumb off of the transmit button, and turned to the marine liasion on the bridge. "So far, so god. They appear to have accepted the cover story."

The marine liasion nodded. "You've been a great help to your country, Captain Parker."

"Thank you, sir." Replied Parker, and came to a full military salute. The marine returned it, and then turned on his heel and marched to inform the men about the latest turn of events.

"All right, you apes!" He shouted. "We're being escorted in by a coast guard vessel. Needless to say, it could outrun and outgun this rust bucket, so we won't be engaging it. Once it brings us to the docks, you're to wait for the order, and then secure the docks, and the surrounding area of the city. Do not fire unless fired upon. I cannot stress this enough. We're here as a liberating force, not as invaders or occupiers. Make it clear that we're only here to remove the current goverment, and set up a fair government in it's place."

"Yes, sir." Chorused the marines.

"Your primary targets are on this map," he continued, pointing to a projection on the whitewashed wall. "Teams A and B will secure the docks. Team C will secure the major govermental buildings. Team D will remain at the docks as a reaction force to any unexpected developments. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" Chorused the marines again.

"Landing craft away!" the comms officer called. In the distance were the landing craft of different types picking up speed and beelining for the port.

"HAHAHA! Look at them try to run!" the General laughed. "I suppose it was a bit much to get worried about, a few dozen assorted ships. Not even a decent sized capital ship!" His last words were drown out under the crushing sound of a F-22 Raptor taking off.

On shore sporadic small arms fire tinged off the hulls of the first wave landing craft as they hit the beach and several platoons of infantry charged screaming and firing on to the beach and up the dock, as the An-90 Transport planes and their fighter escorts flew overhead and the sky opened up with streaks as the first volley of missles were launched.

Official Response to the Mayor of Caracas

We would be glad if your police were to resume their duties, however we do request that they act in accordance with certain standards – for example, avoid beating suspects to extract confessions, or other such things. We will also deploy Allanean military police to carry out assistance with your capital police duties.

However, we would like you to help us as well. Please provide us with documentation on the amount of public (or otherwise not privately owned) land in the areas already controlled by Allanean forces. This is necessary due to the type of reforms we are going to soon carry out. If possible, we would also like the assistance of local clerks to aid us with sorting out government documents.

We specifically would like to know whether the oil industry, the electricity industry, and the mining industry in Caracas are state-owned, and if not, who owns them.

* * *

The Allanean Air Force resumed it's duties, patrolling the skies over Belem. Military formations that were spotted were bombed immediately, a hail of 500-kilogram laser-guided munitions intercepting any attempts to assault the Allanean forces.

The Allanean Navy's force projection fleet – four hundred ships of various types – arrived within a 100-kilometer distance from the city of Ciudad Guayana. From that distance, a hail of high-accuracy, long-range missiles hit military targets around the city.

Finally, the assault began. It was nothing subtle. Simply, dozens of light landing craft and cargo ships approached the shore. From them, hundreds of Nakil 1A2 tanks, the Ayn Rand armored divison, rushed through the city, tearing opposition apart, while attack helicopters taking off carrier decks tore anybody firing from the roofs apart.

Only after four hours of combat did Marines begin to land. By that time, fifteen and three helicopters had been lost, and the fate of the unknown.

Six hours after the beginning of the fighting, the losses have doubled, but the city was taken.

Dead bodies lay everywhere.

Now, the same process as in the capital took place – those who had served in the secret police were shot immediately, or hanged, if they had not fled the capital already.

The city was fortified, and divisions began to be flown in.

The Citadel
Imperium, New Britain, United Kingdom

A distinct advantage of the United Kingdom over the nations of Bueno Tierra was its sheer economic power, much of that power vested not in the government but rather private corporations. Nonetheless, Lord Salisbury was a man keen to follow the capital markets in the United Kingdom and on this day the continental exchange for Bueno Tierra as well.

Flickering on the flat panel screen on his bedroom wall were ticker symbols; but the eyes of the Prime Minister were instead resting upon the closed captioning. By the end of the business day, four major oil companies on the continent of Bueno Tierra had been absorbed by their far larger Oceanian competitors. Despite the major movement, the total cost of the deal—as far estimated by the pundits and analysts—was near $230 billion. A not-so-tiny sum, but one that would have enormous implications for the oil output of the continent, as much of it would now shift to a company held privately by a UK-based company, Royal Petroleum.

On another island, semi-distant from the capital Imperium, Charles Kent smiled as he poured a bottle of champagne into several glasses for each member of the board of Royal Petroleum. The company was the largest in the United Kingdom, and now one of—if not the—largest in Bueno Tierra. As the world consumed ever more petroleum it was critical that the company he ran have access to the black gold; and the deals in Bueno Tierra gave Royal Petroleum access to light and medium crude at a bargain.

The purchases had indeed focused on four companies based in two countries, generally regarded as the most stable and therefore most likely to see a profitable return in the coming years: Puno and Guayaquil. Both enjoyed relative peace and both had the largest current exports of oil despite highly underdeveloped economies. In Puno, Royal Petroleum now owned a controlling interest in P&N Oil and Puno Petroleum while Guayaquil’s leading GQ Petroleum and National Petrol had also seen control shift to the UK. All but National Petrol having been bought on the continental exchange, National Petrol requiring action on the London Stock Exchange.

Already, plans had begun to be created regarding the possibility of consolidating the holdings of the four different companies to maximise production and profit, in effect to better utilise the scale of Royal Petroleum’s resources as a world leader in oil production. As far as Kent was concerned, much of that effort would be focused on either Cali in Guayaquil or Puerto Blanca in Puno. At the moment, given the presence of a stabilisation force in Puno Kent was more inclined to invest most heavily in Puno, but in the coming months that could—and likely would—easily change.

Cordoba, Guadelupe

Marian Holiday smiled beneath the large brim of her cap, her brown eyes squinting behind the large, dark sunglasses obscuring much of her finely defined face. Amidst a crowd of persons on the busy streets of the central Guadelupean city, Holiday walked next to an older man also wearing a large brim hat to keep out the relentless sun. The man, however, walked with a cane and spoke in Spanish, a language that Holiday spoke fluently—hence her non-coincidental appearance on the streets of Cordoba.

Holiday represented AKR, a large mining corporation in the United Kingdom. While government forces worked and toiled to build a democratic coastline in San Marcos, she was working to mine Guadelupean mountains for money—without the pain of politics, or at least she hoped a great deal of politics. Unlike firms in the manufacturing industries that had begun to buy up local firms, AKR sought to develop its own untapped resources. Admittedly, doing that would cost some capital—although capital for the UK company was not in short supply. What Holiday was in Cordoba for, however, was to make contacts with local experts who she could sign to work for AKR to help the mining company locate potentially profitable lodes of various ores.

Far to the south-southwest of Holiday in Cordoba, Edward Billings, another Oceanian, whipped his wrist in near circular motions as he signed a document in the attendance of the city mayor and several other local dignitaries. Unlike Holiday, Billings worked for an electronics firm specialising in microchips and semi-conductors as well as sensors and other electronic gadgetry. Advanced Defence Instruments, ADI, built much of the electronic systems used by the UK armed services, but with limitations on the export of defence technology through DERA, ADI had begun to seek expansion into the civilian market. Scaled-down versions of its advanced military technologies would likely appeal to purchasers in automobile, aerospace, and maritime construction as well as consumer goods.

And that was exactly what had brought ADI to Vaides, Guadelupe. It was to become the site of a large manufacturing centre, employing several thousand locals as well as bringing several billion pounds into the community in the coming years. Vaides, and the nation of Guadelupe in general, offered much to ADI and the Oceanian manufacturing companies moving into Guadelupe. First amongst the reasons was the workforce, Guadelupe enjoyed the highest GDP per capita on the continent and some of the highest levels of education and literacy. To Oceanian firms, this translated into a workforce that could be easily trained to operate semi-sophisticated machinery and the cost of training the natives of Guadelupe would be far cheaper than that of the more unskilled labour force of other Bueno Tierra nations.

Secondly, the large urban concentration along the eastern coast of Guadelupe meant a large labour force, the large supply would depreciate the wage market and make it still cheaper to operate in the country. Similarly, costs of operation would be reduced by the simple fact that, unlike much of the continent, Guadelupe was a relatively stable state. While the government in Buenos Aires frequently marched to war against San Marcos, Guadelupe remained one of the most prosperous states as much of the fighting was limited to the north near Asuncion or proxy states such as Ica and Lima. Guadelupe offered smaller risks than the remainder of the continent.

Lastly, the city of Vaides was in the midst of a larger urban megalopolis of sorts, at least so far as the scale of the continent’s population was concerned. The urban concentration meant a developed infrastructure which meant lower transport costs to ship the manufactured goods out of Vaides and out to foreign clients or even clients located within the continent. In short, Vaides and the cities around it from Comodoro Rivadavia to the capital were witnessing the influx of hundreds of millions of pounds worth of Oceanian investment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Urgent!
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Effective immediatly all soldiers and machinery that composes the Puno Invasion force are to be mobalized. Ships are to lauch immediatly if not sooner! Invasion to take place at 1130 hours tommorrow. Battle plans are as follows:
- At 1115 hours the 102nd Fighter Wing will hit all military installations with in the city and bombers will destroy the hangers at the airport
- 1130 hours Transports containing elements of the 1st mechanized infantry will storm the beaches of Peurta Blanka undercover of coastal artillery fire.
- Simutaniously air transports will begin dropping the 130th Airborne on the city square and they will secure all major goverment buildings and the second wave will set up perimeter and await the 1st Mech. veichles.
- At 1145 an element of the 130th will para-drop into the remainder of the airport and secure it.
- Members of Joint Task Force Six (JTF 6) will deploy out side the city to the south and watch for reinforcments coming from the city of Puno, whose locations will be radioed to the 102nd Fighter Wing and destroyed.

By 1300 hours we expect that all major objectives chiefly the port, the town square, all major goverment facilities and the main road heading south will be held by our forces. These are your orders General, We expect them to be carried out.

Good Luck,
Consilgiere Campbell

Puno, 11:15 hours - The 102nd Fighter Wing met little resistance as their precision weapons laid waste to hangars at the tiny Puerto Trinidad International Airport. The private jets and commercial airliners housed there were hardly protected at all, and made excellent explosions to the delight of the attacking pilots overhead.

Puno's two military bases faired little better. Among other things; their radar stations, barracks, ammunition depots, and supply stores were targeted and destroyed. Little of value remained. However, the bases did enjoy some degree of anti-aircraft defenses in the form of shoulder launched Stinger missiles. Any low flying aircraft would be targeted by 2-3 Stingers until the base's supply was exhausted (2-3 dozen missiles total).

---------

Puerto Blanca, 11:30 hours - Mafia forces attempting claim a beachhead near Puerto Blanca meet heavy resistance. A mixed force of 30,000 soldiers, police, and armed civilians lined the beach in hastily dug trenches and foxholes with a light mine field lying in front of them. Beyond the beach, snipers and machine guns were positioned in buildings waiting for targets to present themselves.

Anti-tank weapons were scarce among the resistance. Combined, they possessed perhaps 200 RPG-7's, but quite a few of their heavier machine guns were capable of penetrating lighly armored vehicles.

Of course, they had nothing to counter the naval bombardment they were being subjected to. The best they could do was take cover until enemy forces hit the beach. Unforunately, that wasn't good enough for many of them. By the time the Mafia's forces hit the beach, nearly 1/4 of the defender's were either dead or disabled.

---------

Puerto Trinidad International Airport, 11:45 hours - Paratroopers attempting to sieze the nation's largest airport encounter only light resistance. Like any international airport, police and security guards were stationed their to keep the piece. Altogether, they represented around 70 men. Armed with pistols and shotguns only, they only offered token resistance before surrendering or fleeing.

The message read;

My dearest President Angelito it is my honour and privilege to accept the terms that you outlined in you latest communication. The funds necessary have been transferred to you and confirmation of such a fact will no doubt be given to you very soon. I have instructed my 1st Parachute Brigade to begin an immediate deployment to Puno along with some fighter escorts I hope that these aircraft will be allowed to land in your country. My military commanders tell me that there job will be to secure the vicinity of the future base and to facilitate other troops arriving in the country for defensive purposes.

Elements of the Kings Navy will also be sent to the waters bordering your country to further security for all concerned. We realize that this is a large deployment and wish to reassure you that your trust in us is not misplaced.

I hope that this is the start of a long and prosperous relationship for both our countries and I wish you all the best and extend an open invitation to you and your family to visit the Royal Residence at Creweforth at any time of your pleasing.

Sincerely

King Robert

Herald of the Kingdom
Commander of the Kingdoms Forces
Viceroy of Dommuninuis
Prince Regent of Annulus

To: King Robert
From: Enrique Angelito
Re: Troop Deployment

King Robert,

As much as we wish we could accomodate your request, we are unable to receive your aircraft at this time. Without provocation, our nation has come under attack from IslandMafia forces. Our lone international airport was among their first targets. Our hangars were bombed destroying a great number of our civilian aircraft. Even worse, enemy paratroopers have taken control of the airport itself.

All that we can offer your air force right now is two very small regional airports built for private aircraft. Their runways are small, but if you feel they could be useful, you are welcome to land your planes there.

Any help you could offer in the forms of troops, ships, or any other assets would be most welcome. I only ask you keep us informed of any plans you make so we may avoid friendly fire incidents.

Sincerely,
Enrique Angelito
President

Open Address to the People’s Unification Brigade

His Majesty’s Government sympathises with aspects of the political platform espoused by your organisation, namely the restoration of democracy in Los Verdes and San Marcos. However, the allegedly rogue actions by elements of your organisation must be brought under control if the United Kingdom is to take seriously any offers or deals between the United Kingdom and the People’s Unification Brigade.

Make no mistake, at this hour the Royal Armed Services are dedicated to finding Mr. Harcourt; should he be found in the custody of the People’s Unification Brigade, all the powers of the United Kingdom will be brought to bear upon your organisation regardless of how rogue the kidnappers may be.

We should hope, for your sake, that your organisation finds and releases Mr. Harcourt safe before we find him.

Emily Deveraux
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

PUB PUBLIC STATEMENT

The People's Unification Brigade wishes to express to the world that we as an organization cherish freedom and democracy.

It has come to our attention that certain members of our organization have perpetrated a greivous crime against a foreign national, one Mr. Harcourt of Oceanian Aerospace.

PUB leadership requests the party responsible for taking a Mr. Harcourt hostage release him immediately. Neither he nor his nation have done us harm. While we respect your boldness and commitment to our cause, angering foreign powers by kidnapping their citizens is counterproductive and wrong. When we ultimately achieve victory over our oppressors, we do not want our victory and new nation to be tainted by such acts.

The Kologkian ship radioed back, "Acknowleged. We maintain some manuvering capacity, but are taking on water. We should be able to make it to shore, and we thank you for your assistance. We are now manuevering as suggested. Over"

The captain sat back, took his thumb off of the transmit button, and turned to the marine liasion on the bridge. "So far, so god. They appear to have accepted the cover story."

The marine liasion nodded. "You've been a great help to your country, Captain Parker."

"Thank you, sir." Replied Parker, and came to a full military salute. The marine returned it, and then turned on his heel and marched to inform the men about the latest turn of events.

"All right, you apes!" He shouted. "We're being escorted in by a coast guard vessel. Needless to say, it could outrun and outgun this rust bucket, so we won't be engaging it. Once it brings us to the docks, you're to wait for the order, and then secure the docks, and the surrounding area of the city. Do not fire unless fired upon. I cannot stress this enough. We're here as a liberating force, not as invaders or occupiers. Make it clear that we're only here to remove the current goverment, and set up a fair government in it's place."

"Yes, sir." Chorused the marines.

"Your primary targets are on this map," he continued, pointing to a projection on the whitewashed wall. "Teams A and B will secure the docks. Team C will secure the major govermental buildings. Team D will remain at the docks as a reaction force to any unexpected developments. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" Chorused the marines again.
Now Pedro Gonzales wasn't a man of quick thinking. He wasn't someone who thought up things, he didn't think really at all for that matter. He took his weekly paycheck home, bought some beers along the way, and usually thought about how his life could have been. That is, when he was not lost in his comatose state of nothing.

Yet, when he heard on the radio in the taxi as he went to work, for another day of monotony and directing mainly incompetent trawlers, he felt something spark in him. At first glance you would say it was intelligence, second glance would say awareness, third glance made you utterly confused. Pedro Gonzales was a man latched onto one concept: his life was changing.

The dull days, the dull nights, the dull everything had become a safety blanket for Pedro. If something happened out of the ordinary, like being almost run over on the crowded streets, then he could easily forget about everything the next day while commanding ship traffic. Yet the change the radio foretold was one that could shape his life completely and fully. Forcing change onto every aspect, if for better or worse, Pedro Gonzales was obsessed with the foreign powers promising a multitude of things, all different from what he wanted.

So he started to see the most darkest plots his mind could imagine, from innocent discussions between people, to why the power went out, and to why the stop lights ceased to work. He even got something of a reputation in the days before. Mainly because his attitude of seeing treason where only play was harbored contrasted so steeply with his previous self, anyone who knew him and didn’t see that must’ve been blind. His colleagues were a little 'weirded out' but mainly thought it was a good thing that something, anything, was clanking away in his brain.

So when Pedro Gonzales started, if not yelling then appealing in a loud voice to turn the ship around and call in the army, most of his friends disregarded his advice as part of this stage of seeing ghosts were only reality walked. Yet, these men and women were all bored, and since being like any human, decided some practical jokes were in order for this rusty old freighter. It was good as done anyhow.

"Ship, belay that last order, we are having difficulties here, so just wait. If you feel like you need your last rites, please call back, we'll get a father in here."

They were laughing so hard they cried, it wasn't really funny, but everyone was somewhat tired, bored, and hyped up on the bad coffee. So they laughed, slapped each other on the back, and said what fun it was to have a little change.

Sadly, that one word, change, made Pedro instantly suspicious. Anyone who wanted change must be bad he reasoned. He didn't like how his colleagues were acting towards him, making him a hero of some sort for inspiring the idea. This was not what he wanted, no-no-no, he wanted no change. He wanted monotony. As he became increasingly frustrated, he picked up a mug and just threw it. Bouncing off a wall, hitting the fan, and streaking towards the communication panel.

With a crunch and a shatter the mug broke, and was the proverbial feather for the camel. Wear and poor maintenance had pushed this old system beyond the edge and with this last affront, the machine in an act of self-pity, died. The ability to communicate with a selection of harbor personnel died alongside that panel also. That array had made communication with the tugboats, security stations, and other ships possible.

Were the underpaid employees mad? Hell no, they laughed and tried to fix it, but were unable to do so because of several missing components whose replacements were nowhere to be found. Shrugging, they just decided to get some poker and chess games going, and have a nice day off with pay included. One person did manage to remember that there was a sinking freighter out there, and with her walkie-talkie, directed the proper chain of command to get those poor men out of there. It would be very bad to have them die, especially with foreign powers looking for any opportunity to invade.

The brass wanted those men to be saved pronto, as in 10 minutes ago pronto, so they directed for several ships stuck at the dock to be borrowed, and used as a ferry for the stranded sailors. Who knew what could happen? They didn’t want to have a Indonesian sized ferry catastrophe, so some 25 police were and some helpful off time soldiers with their selected weapons.

Of course with their weapons, they had a retinue of mothers and fathers watching saying to anyone who would listen, “Our son is going to save someone!” Thus in seconds picture cameras and camcorders were flashing away at the snappy uniforms and the flashy weapons of this ad hoc group. Therefore, shame on the person who goes back for his rifle, who is riled by his military and civilian peers for forgetting it.

"Landing craft away!" the comms officer called. In the distance were the landing craft of different types picking up speed and beelining for the port.

"HAHAHA! Look at them try to run!" the General laughed. "I suppose it was a bit much to get worried about, a few dozen assorted ships. Not even a decent sized capital ship!" His last words were drown out under the crushing sound of a F-22 Raptor taking off.

On shore sporadic small arms fire tinged off the hulls of the first wave landing craft as they hit the beach and several platoons of infantry charged screaming and firing on to the beach and up the dock, as the An-90 Transport planes and their fighter escorts flew overhead and the sky opened up with streaks as the first volley of missles were launched.

((If going under the fact that Dartia layed out the groundwork, and the rest is open to some in depth RPing, then I steam ahead! I may want to alter the force projections, I could be wrong though. I was envisioning a populous, democratic, and comparably advanced and economically powerful compared to her neighbors Puno. Yet with 30000 people, even more in the supply department, I hardly think a democratic state can field that many without some serious rioting.

Instead, how about we tone it down to 15000, well trained even if compared to Mafia's forces, and armed with some good sturdy heavy equipment. Maybe even a artillery piece or two? I trust my latest bit of RPing will convince you.))

As the Mafiaic forces approached the outside ranges for some of the recoilless 155mm cannons the native forces were praying to everything and everybody. No one was praying the hardest then Ferdinand Augustus, a man who could trace his heritage to the first colonizers. Yet he did not feel like them now. Stuck with his AK-47, a grenade, some poor cotton uniform, and the person in the next shell hole, he was facing death and not liking its acquaintance at all. Shells continued raining down upon some of the beach defenses, but for the most part, they had moved their destruction towards the inner defenses.

He looked at his surroundings once again, a shell hole, hastily dug deeper with his shovel, no doubt donated by a farmer he thought bitterly. Expanding his view, he looked to the copies spread erratically along the beach. From what he could tell, good amounts of them were doing their best to get on good relations with the Almighty. It would not be enough for a lot of them he knew, not because he was some grizzled war veteran, it was because he was a man who didn't quibble on reality. Some of his friends called him fatalistic.

As the 105's came into action, pounding the little armada of Landers, the 155's decided to join the party. Smiling, more like a show of teeth, at his army's incompetence he was ready to kill himself right there and end it. Until one thought popped into his head, pretty hard to tell a 105 in jungle undergrowth and a 155 in jungle undergrowth from those satellites, eh?

Deciding that stray thought was a gift from his conscious directed towards his ego, or whatever Freud hypothesized about, he scanned the beaches again.

The landing craft had gotten closer; the artillery directed fire onto the invaders sparingly, but had induced a reasonable amount of casualties. Yet Ferdinand feared, correctly so, that the artillry would spend most of its time avoiding the Mafiaic air force as much as helping fellow groundpounders.

Deciding not to fire first, or he may be targeted specifically, or last, lest he be accused of being cowardly, he fired his weapon a second or two after the first man did. Surprising, to anyone but him, the shells barely managed to penetrate. As he hypothesized on this problem, some heavy machine guns opened up. A few seconds later several men Ferdinand new had seen the elephant accompanied for a stunning duet.

Shrugging his shoulders, he fired to. Making sure that at least a good amount of his ammo went to harming the enemy, and he made sure to only fire on clear, ripe targets. None of that yelling and firing blindly, and also none of that shooting from your foxhole; both of which got nothing done except attract lead of the harmful sort.

The embattled forces made a good brave stand against the dubbed 'Mafiaic' forces. Managing casualties and a good retreat after a defensible beachhead was formed. They displayed more battle skills and effort than most of the other Tierra forces, and did manage to save some of their artillery pieces.

With popular opinion for the grass-roots government, recruitment efforts easily out did the weapon and ammunitions at hand. One problem that became obvious was that the sudden influx expected payment, even if the money would go to naught, plundered by enemies in his first fight. The government therefore suspended payment of all new volunteers until they emerged from one battle. Thus, a incentive for anyone to go wage war.

Even if that detracted from the overall number, the government hardly had enough uniforms, AK-47s, or ammunition for all of them. So, the elected government reasoned, anyone who does not join is helping more than one who does.

A friendly reminder of your Kurdish possessions... They now require your attention...

1st Parachute Brigade Headquarters, Puerto Blanca

Brigadier Roy Jones’ Brigade had only been in country for two days, his men still acclimatising themselves and numerous small issues still being ironed out. News of a large fleet had been given to the Brigadier a day previously from Satellite feeds and a UAV had been put up by advanced elements of his reconnaissance troops.

The response to that had been hasty orders sent out to all of his groups telling them to link up with nearby Puno military units. The Brigade artillery batteries of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Light Royal Artillery Regiment had all been heavily camouflaged utilising both conventional netting along with IR tricks and other measures designed to defeat the most sophisticated scanners and detection devices. They were in battery formations to the East of the city preparing to support Kingdom forces. Kingdom UAV’s had also been put into the air and the terminal that was getting data feed’s from all of them was in the corner of the room that Jones and his command staff occupied at the moment.

Information was still flowing in as to exactly who was attacking them and whether they knew that Kingdom forces were in place in the region. Hasty diplomatic efforts were underway to find out and placate whoever was involved, but for now Jones and his brigade had to fight them until the fleet arrived. Landings had been reported as starting by his UAV’s and my friendly Puno units who were busy fighting them off. Jones’ 5th Estenian Rifle Regiment was moving to the coast to aid them covered by their own SAM umbrella. They were aided in this by two recon satellites that were coming into range one after the other, both of whom were equipped with real time video camera’s as well as normal digital cameras to help them identify what they were up against.

The 5th Estenian was moving in a collection of its own light vehicles and some school buses that had been leant to it by the Puno government for transportation. The motely convoy, in Battalion sized groups, was nearing the probability of detection and so split into several assembly areas and began organising itself. The regimental artillery was quickly set up and the 12 155mm howitzers of it’s A battery began firing at co-ordinates given to them via UAV downlinks. After they had each fired 5 rounds, in just under a minute and a half, they raced away to change position lest they be caught by counter battery fire. The shrapnel rounds fired by the 155’s would cut the assaulting infantry down on the beaches and the pinpoint accuracy of the UAV would mean that many would die.

Meanwhile B Battery was setting up its 12 155’s in a small clearing about fifteen miles from the coast to the West of Puerto Blanca and heavily camoflaguing them. The air portable 155’s being reasonably compact this was not hard, the quad 20mm mobile Anti-Aircraft guns proving harder to conceal and still maintain a good field of fire.

All the time that this was happening the soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Estenian (2nd/5thE) were digging in along a small ridge about two mile’s from the coast in a position covering the main road to central Puerto Blanca. 3rd/5th were busy setting an anti-tank mine screen on the actual road and setting up their positions in depth behind said screen in accordance with a Puno Battalion sized task force that was hastily digging in beside them. 1st/5th was being kept slightly further back with the Regimental Command Post (RCP) covering the exposed 2nd battalion’s right flank. Hyn Anti-tank missile emplacements were quickly constructed, really no more than a camouflaged hole with space for the two man team and the weapon, and these were added to by the placement of the regimental machine gun company with the 2nd Battalion.

Brigadier Jones was holding his only real counter attack force, the 28 light tanks of 2nd Squadron, Kings Light Lancers, in reserve in Puerto Blanca but prepared to move towards the beaches if needed. His 3rd Parachute Regiment was not in country, diverted to anywhere that could take it whilst The Parachute Regiment (5th Aarchan Rifles) had detached its 2nd Battalion to support the 5th Estenian, whilst keeping its 1st and 3rd Battalions to cover actual city with another Puno Battalion sized unit.

Looking at the map it was unlikely that the Puno coastal troops could hold on for very long, they lacked the heavy weapons to hold the invaders at the beaches and it would be up to his main resistance line to hold them. Communication reports had told him that he could expect elements of the 3rd Parachute and 3rd Infantry Brigade to be flown in to him tomorrow, but they would be without the IFV’s that would be needed for a successful counter attack to push the enemy back into the sea. For now his artillery were the heaviest weapons he possessed.

It was C Battery/5thE that was about to deliver another blow. It was setting up behind the main line of Kingdom troops to provide support for them and the Puno Battalion, which was having artillery spotters assigned to it. The 24 towed 105mm howitzers would make mincemeat of attacking infantry but do precious little damage to any armour that may be used in conjunction with them. However it was likely that the enemy would advance quickly and confidently once pushing over the Puno troops on the beaches and then run into a concerted defence by the well trained and seasoned troops of the 1st Parachute Brigade in front of Puerto Blanca.


Task Force Barrington, Two Days sailing from missile strike range to the invasion Fleet (about 1000km away)

As the primary striking arm of the King’s Navy, as well as being the lead unit assigned for the show of support to the Punian government the vessels of Task Force Barrington were quite important to the Kingdom. Not only did the flagship bear the Kings name but several of the others bore the names of royalty and important figures in the history of the Kingdom.

Unsurprisingly their commander, Admiral Lord Fletcher Barrington, was rather unwilling to do anything that might get his warships damaged or even worse sunk. The man was a military appointee rather than a friend of the Kings, as many high ranking military leaders had been in years gone by, with a record that spoke for itself. However like most of the Kingdom’s sailors he had never seen real combat, the closest he had come was the monthly war games and more frequent simulations.

He usually did well in those games, but the stakes were significantly higher as his satellite photo’s were detailing. He had to get into range and hit hard before the enemy could get land based fighters and bombers established in Puno, the KAF was going to help by attempting to semi-permanently “close” the main airstrip by finishing the job that the Mafians had begun using Durandell hard penetrators to crater and smash the runway. The attempt would go ahead that night after the failure of Punian forces to hold control of the airfield had been confirmed by satellite and UAV sweeps.

For now fleet defence was a priority. F-22S Sea Raptors, bought cheaply from an IH Navy that was re-equipping, provided fighter cover whilst F/A-18D’s and E’s sat waiting on the carriers for a call to action. The Task Force’s own radars were off and relying on the feeds from the two E-2C Hawkeye’s operating above it for raid warning.

D Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Estenian Rifles Regiment

Corporal Mike Dawson had finished his two man missile crew hole a few minutes before and now settled into it with the other operator of the Hyn Anti-Tank missile system, a newly inducted private.

Both men checked their personal weapons, in this case G36C Carbines and backup pistols, before proceeding to the missile system. The front end poked slightly out of the dug up area around their hole and the rear missile exhaust vent had been placed into a quickly dug channel that funnelled the blowback out of the hole without injuring either of the men but allowed them to replace the missile relatively easily and without exposing themselves too much.

Their personal radio checks completed they sat back to wait, the Private scanning the reasonably open country in front of him with a pair of binoculars whilst the Corporal used the missile systems optic sight to scan the road running from top right to bottom left in front of him. The company commander checked in with them and then the other nine missile crews that supported the company before individual platoon leaders signalled their readiness for the upcoming onslaught. In their watch positions the paratroopers sweated in the heat and arranged ammunition and grenades for easy reach, their G3A5 and A9 rifles locked and loaded. Machine gunners with .50calibre and 7.62mm weapons also scanned the approaches from their similarly concealed positions looking down the ridge.

At the Company CP some 100yards behind them at the foot of the small ridge the 5 81mm mortars were set up in some light brush whilst status reports on the oppositions advance were received from the controllers of the UAV’s above them. Troops armed with shoulder mounted SAM’s were also furiously digging in whilst half their number kept nervous watch over the company they were detailed to defend from low level air attack.

With no need for forward outposts thanks to the UAV’s the Company commander had all three platoons in a line covering the ridge linking up with the other two companies on either side of him. The heavy firepower he had was nothing compared to what the Kingdom armoured forces possessed but it was good defensive firepower and should be able to do the job. He was worried about the Punian troops over on the 3rd Battalions flank, they had been given all the spare weapons that there were as well as ammunition and some artillery spotters but there training, whilst good, was not quite up to the paratroopers standard.

As supply troops ran past in the light brush carrying all manner of supplies the Company Commander returned to his maps and began planning fall back positions as well as counter attack’s depending upon how it turned out. As he did so the last of the mine laying troops reported back, their job was done for now. When the enemy approached they would be met with a hail of fire.


With the Punian President

Lord Tedemore had been at the President’s side when the reports of his aircraft being destroyed had come through from one of his staff at the airport. Without hesitation he asked to be taken with the President and immediately telephoned the Kingdom to inform them of his position. D Squadron of the 9th Special Forces Regiment was put on standby for an extraction he was told and the only thing he could do for now would be to stay with the President and hope for the best.

Meanwhile with confirmation of the Mafia’s identity a message was quickly sent on open channels to them.


To: The Leaders of the IslandMafia forces currently attacking Puno
From: The Kingdoms emissary to Puno

We ask that you cease your attacks against Puno immediately and withdraw your forces. The Kingdom has recently signed an alliance agreement with Puno and we do not wish for you to be the first people that we defend against with them. If you continue this attack we will have no choice but to consider ourselves in a state of war with your nation and proceed forthwith to uphold our treaty commitments to Puno.

If your forces have inadvertently landed in Puno, perhaps mistaking it for territory belonging to Guayaquil perhaps, then you should remove yourselves at once and compensate for all damages done.

Our forces have been put on high alert and we ask you to leave peacefully.

Sincerely

Lord Tedemore
Kingdom Emissary to Puno.


Some time later
KAF Bomber Base, The Dukedom of Priskay Province.

The Durandell Hard Target Penetration bombs were being loaded onto the aircraft that would carry out tonight’s strike. The aircraft was a B-2 Spirit bomber, one of nearly sixty operated by the Kingdom Air Force from bases in Priskia, Risikia and Aarchan Provinces. The two man crew were undergoing the usual pre mission briefings in the base commanders office whilst several other support tanker crews also got theirs. For the mission two tankers would be used, one refuelling the aircraft on its flight out and one on the return leg of the journey. It would be a complex operation, nothing that wasn’t trained for, but a complex operation nonetheless.

As darkness fell, the hangar doors were opened and the aircraft took off into the black sky.

On Land

Coalitionist Forces began to land in the city, taking all precautions necessary. The shelling continued as tanks rolled ashore. The boots of infantry toar through the sand as rockets and missiles flared overhead. The night sky was illuminated with a fascinating array of colors and flashes... however it was probably though of quite differently from the other end. Kraken's blasted buildings suspected of housing insurgents with their massive 140mm guns... but it was the ID-57's that caused the real fear... the painful ringing of the twin 30mm Gatling Guns that toar through flesh and steel alike. In the sectors that were secured, the surviving population and the was systematically placed in temporary internment camps untill the area was secured. Within hours, the entire task force was delpoyed... with instructions to 'await a significantly stronger reingorcement force'

Many of the city's natives had fled the city in advance of the attack. Those that remained behind huddled in their homes hoping it would provide shelter from the inevitable attack. As the city lay close to the coast, they were too close to sea level to seak refuge in basements. Instead, they hid under tables and doorways.

The braver souls among them made a token effort to fight their newfound enemies. Armed with hunting rifles and an occasional assault rifle, a few hundred resistance fighters in the city would take pop shots at the Kroandan infantry should the opportunity present itself. Unforunately for them, doing so usually resulted in the quick destruction of whatever building they were occupying at the time at the hands of the Kroandan artillery.

With all the fighting in the region, the military felt like it was being pulled in every direction. The military establishment determined the best course of action at this time was to focus on their other engagements, and hope Kroando's other enemies would do their dirty work.

The Kologkian ship radioed back, "Acknowleged. We maintain some manuvering capacity, but are taking on water. We should be able to make it to shore, and we thank you for your assistance. We are now manuevering as suggested. Over"

The captain sat back, took his thumb off of the transmit button, and turned to the marine liasion on the bridge. "So far, so god. They appear to have accepted the cover story."

The marine liasion nodded. "You've been a great help to your country, Captain Parker."

"Thank you, sir." Replied Parker, and came to a full military salute. The marine returned it, and then turned on his heel and marched to inform the men about the latest turn of events.

"All right, you apes!" He shouted. "We're being escorted in by a coast guard vessel. Needless to say, it could outrun and outgun this rust bucket, so we won't be engaging it. Once it brings us to the docks, you're to wait for the order, and then secure the docks, and the surrounding area of the city. Do not fire unless fired upon. I cannot stress this enough. We're here as a liberating force, not as invaders or occupiers. Make it clear that we're only here to remove the current goverment, and set up a fair government in it's place."

"Yes, sir." Chorused the marines.

"Your primary targets are on this map," he continued, pointing to a projection on the whitewashed wall. "Teams A and B will secure the docks. Team C will secure the major govermental buildings. Team D will remain at the docks as a reaction force to any unexpected developments. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" Chorused the marines again.

The coast guard ship slowed its pace to allow the supposed troubled Kologk merchant ship to keep pace. In time, both ships arrived at an old dock, large enough to accomodate the ole rust bucket. A few locals stood around near the pier waiting to help tie down the vessel and register its arrival.

To the coast guard vessel, everything appeared normal. They hung out for a minute or two, and made their way back out to sea (where they would eventually end up being destroyed in a different post of mine).

As soon as the soldiers started pouring out from the bowels of the ship, the unarmed dockworkers threw up their hands to surrender in disbelief. As the marines began to make their way towards their objectives, they could hear the sound of numerous police sirens coming their way.

In Belem, the Allaneans were now ready for the final assault. The Mechanized Infantry Divisions split up, each one striking a city – Barquisimento, Valencia, Mara were now hit by the Linus Torvalds Assault Infantry, the Takilan Volunteer Rifles, and the Emo Volunteer Infantry. Above the forces, helicopters flying from Caracas guarded from insurgent attacks – a combat helicopter is capable of striking an insurgent soldier from beyond an infantryman's line-of-sight, like an invisible, and yet horrifying angel of death.

The Allanean forces distributed leaftlets that were simple in their message – any Belemian soldier that would surrender, would be granted freedom and a veteran's pay, similar to the pensions of Allanean veterans – or service in the Allanean Army, if he chose that. A sixty-day grace period was given for the soldiers to cease fighting.

In the meanwhile, in the areas already conquered, public land would be transferred to start-up farmers and immigrants coming from Allanea itself and to poor Belemians. The idea was both to improve the condition of the local poor, and to import Allanean settlers so that their culture would mingle with that of the Belemians.

This was only the beginning.

* * * *
In the meanwhile, near the Mariott Rio Branco, Allaneans waited for meeting with the PUB representatives.

* * *

To: Juan Romaro Legal Services Ltd.

We do not understand your reluctance. As you know, drugs of all kinds are legal – and thus very cheap in Allanea. Surely, an organization such as the Cali Drug Cartel – had it existed – would like to contact some of our… bigger and more reliable suppliers through us.

To: Por Christo

Perhaps some of your representatives would like to arrive to Allanea?

Night had finally descended upon the recovering city of Salvador, where large swaths remained without electricity—not that within the large swaths there were many intact buildings to be lit. There were, of course, small centres of civilisation: fortified military posts, the port, the airfields, and the few large tent cities established by the UK in the city’s few parks and open spaces. In the Bahía de Todos los Santos several sets of clustered lights edged ever closer to the waiting wharves and piers behind the breakwaters, largely repaired. From atop an intact high-rise, Lieutenant-Colonel Winters brought a pair of night vision binoculars to his eyes, and the little specks became the ships of Commodore Addison’s invasion force—an invasion over long before tonight.

Much of the force remained off the coast, enforcing a zone of control to keep out any ships flying the ensign of San Marcos. Above the ships, the fighters from the carrier Vigilant flew a tight air patrol, using a helicopter as their airborne early warning system—the RAF’s AWACS had also just arrived, but were refueling on the ground given the lack of Salvador-based tankers. The only forces not providing a screen for Salvador were two flights of Nimbostratus fighters, nine multirole fighters that, while not designed for stealth, nonetheless offered a relatively small RCS to San Marcos ground-based radar stations.

Winters had watched, from the same tower/observation post as the flight roared into the night, their engines glowing orange and red in the lenses of his binoculars as they raced up into the night sky. The fighters were far superior to anything that the San Marcos air force fielded, a fact well-known to the RAF. Also well-known, however, was an embarrassing incident when similarly low-technology insurgents shot down a flight of Nimbies—as the aircraft were more popularly called—with hand-held surface-to-air missiles. Thus, one flight flew as the strike package while the other provided support against any ground-based or aerial defences: one section flew with almost a full load out of electronic jamming equipment, the second with anti-radiation missiles and the third with a full load of air-to-air missiles.

Much of the flight was made in absolute silence, navigation provided by semi-detailed satellite maps and semi-accurate geographic coordination systems, all the best available by the RAF given the small lead time. Nonetheless, the pilots, well-trained in simple ground-strike operations from experiences in the UK’s overseas colonies, flew in tight formation at speeds at transonic speeds—to better reduce their IR signature to any persons attempting to sight them with IR seekers.

The fighters raced towards the northeast, flying just above the treetops and hopefully below any San Marcos air defence radar systems. It was not until the fighter escorts began to approach Flora that the passive radar system detected the first real significant emissions of an aerial radar system—the first indications that San Marcos was flying its aircraft. That was, of course, expected by the RAF and the MoD as in large part San Marcos had been rather fortuitous in avoiding any serious combat against the continent’s newcomers.

Thus, the first air-to-air combat, on the part of the RAF at least, was entered into in the skies outside Flora. Against two aircraft, presumably flying a combat air patrol over Flora, two medium-range missiles rocketed towards their targets utilising inertial navigation until at the last stage of flight their active seekers were turned on to illuminate the targets. Despite some valiant attempts to dodge the missiles and fake them with chaff and flares the two aircraft ended their lives as burning hulks of expensive scrap metal on some fields outside the city.

And so, in a matter of moments the complete surprise of the strike evaporated. The Nimbies quickly detected several sets of ground-based radar stations switching on and sweeping the skies above Flora for the forces that had mysteriously taken out the city’s combat air patrol. The jamming aircraft returned with noise of their own, deafening the San Marcos air defence and then blinding them as anti-radiation missiles rained down upon radar sets throughout the greater Flora area. At long last, the strike package arrived and in a matter of moments bunker-busting bombs tore apart fortified command posts and communication hubs while others targeted ammunition depots and fuel depots for the armoured vehicles based in the city.

Near the city’s airfield, the RAF escorts eliminated any enemy fighters with relative ease until the strike package arrived and blew apart the control tower and disabled the runways. Flak guns fired into the air, striving in vain to hit something from what the local air force commander assumed to be a massive aerial assault—although as to who launched it he would have not a clue. Indeed, it was all but over before it began. The airfield left inoperable and the army units left largely unable to move their heavier vehicles. Flora was also cut off from the rest of San Marcos with telephone lines down and radio transmitters—especially those of the military—all but obliterated. Some, of course, survived and were quickly commandeered by the native forces but the best and the largest were gone.

In Salvador, Winters watched as the IFVs of the fusiliers began to move down the highway, headed north towards Flora and then Recife. Behind them two other light infantry regiments flown into Salvador in the past few days. Over the coming hours, Nimbostratus fighters would continue their strikes against targets in and around Flora while the IFVs moved northwards, flanked by reconnaissance UAVs and attack helicopters landed by the HMS Clifton that had also begun to unload her load of Royal Marines into Salvador.

At the airfield, Ethan Fairchild adjusted his glasses and stepped out of the air-conditioned cabin and into the humid tropical air of Salvador that had swamped the interior of the Atlas cargo aircraft. Fairchild then found himself swearing quietly at having to remove his glasses to safely make his way out onto terra firma. His aides and assistants quickly offered their hands to help guide the bureaucrat out onto the tarmac, where underneath bright lights he patiently waited until his glasses were once more functional. He looked out towards the city and saw a thick velvety blackness pierced only by small pockets of light, the perimeter lights for the fortified camps and the tent cities. He shook his head and sighed.

Cayenne, Cuzco - In a last ditch effort to salvage the rebellion, 22,000 rebel insurgents attempted to storm the capital city on New Year's Eve. Originally, 60,000 fighting men had been sent in small groups, but the vast majority of rebels took the opportunity to desert. They hoped the New Year's celebration would provide sufficient distraction for their forces to succeed against their enemy's superior forces.

The rebel forces concentrated their attacks on the capital building, international airport, and sea port. Due to overwhelming enemy artillery and air support, easily identified military uniforms, tanks, and APC's were left behind. These rebels brought with them only what they could carry. In most cases, that was a little more than a RPG-7 or an AK-47.

When the appointed time came shortly before midnight, the rebels made their move. Scattered, their first order of business was for their men to meet a at eight different rally points near their targets. Once assembled, they would attack their targets in force. Men driving civilian vehicles would attempt to drive through any obstacles like chain link fences to clear a path for the men on foot.

Whether they would succeed or not remained to be seen, but it would be a New Year's Eve to remember...

"Landing craft away!" the comms officer called. In the distance were the landing craft of different types picking up speed and beelining for the port.

"HAHAHA! Look at them try to run!" the General laughed. "I suppose it was a bit much to get worried about, a few dozen assorted ships. Not even a decent sized capital ship!" His last words were drown out under the crushing sound of a F-22 Raptor taking off.

On shore sporadic small arms fire tinged off the hulls of the first wave landing craft as they hit the beach and several platoons of infantry charged screaming and firing on to the beach and up the dock, as the An-90 Transport planes and their fighter escorts flew overhead and the sky opened up with streaks as the first volley of missles were launched.

In addition to the actual damage, the enemy's air strikes and naval bombardment had a demoralizing effect on the beach's defenders. Buildings housing snipers crumbled as they were struck time and time again by artillery shells, and the beach itself was starting to resemble the cratered surface of the moon.

Still, the fear of what would become of their friends and family should they fail gave them strength to fight on. Even while their numbers dwindled in horrific fashion, they continued to fight. For a brief moment, the defenders even cheered when a few light mortars positioned behind their line began to provide them artillery support for the first time. Unfortunately, the mortars were quickly silenced by enemy close air support, which only added to the sense of hopelessness among the defender's ranks.

OOC: half the defenders are dead or incapacitated at this point.

To: The Kingdoms emissary and the Punoian Goverment
From: Islandmafia, Defense Department

I assure you Puno was in fact the country meant to be invaded. We aren`t that backwards recon wise. At the risk of sounding cliche, the Don is going to give you an offer you can`t refuse. Cease military action against IslandMafian forces in Puno and pull back out of Puerto Blanca and we will stop all hostilities or else we start playing a little dirtier, Capiche?

This is to the Kingdom only, I can only offer our sorrow at what seems to be the beginning of open war, but we weren`t aware of any alliance. If you don`t break relations with Puno then we`ll see your men on the battlefield.

Sincerely

Frank Campbell,
Defense Minister

C Company, 1st Mechanized Armour Division
"Call the boats! We need more fire landing on those damned guns!" Shouted Sergent Ben Harris to his radioman. Lifting his C-7 he opened fire on one of the ragtag enemy infantry that was running back to his foxhole. This whole operation had gone to shit, with man of the men in the boats being blown apart before ever getting to the beach. The navy wasn`t as prepared as he`d been told during the briefing. Regardless he had to get his men farther into the city, as military failure wasn`t looked well upon back in the capital.

"Pop Smoke then charge!" Looking behind him the sergent let out a whoop as the first of many M1A2 Abram tanks emerged from the bowels of a lander. With those behind them they`d be un stopable. The sounds of hissing smoke gernades brought the sergents thoughts back and he stood brought his rifle up adn charged towards the enemy.

2nd squadron, 102nd Airwing
Flying over head of the city, the 15 F-22 Raptors of 2nd squad were following orders being relayed to them by special forces on the ground. Right now they were moving to target a stream of vehicles moving into the city. They were unaware of the slaughter befalling their men on the beaches as they hadn`t met any real resistance in the air. Roaring over the city, A shocking new set of orders came to them. "2nd squadron, new orders from command. Forget the convoys,our now ordered to fly over the city and destroy any large gatherings of people or vehicles. The postions will be sent to you via recon satilites in the vicinity."

Commander Jacobs replied "What about the convoys Sir? Those need to be stopped?"

"The 4th Helos will take care of those. Now proceed, first set of orders should be coming up now."

Within moments the satmap showed a crowded square with people moving around in large numbers, along with trucks and men passing things out. "Too bad they didn`t bring one of the good satilites over ,eh sir? We might be able to make out more detail." Bird 2 said. "Aye to that." Jacobs replied. With that they streaked off towards the square and opened fire as soon as they were within range.

The Eradicator
General Whitehead was practically foaming at the mouth. " You Radio back that we are doing everything we can to apply proper cover!" Turning to his
1st Mate/Officer he said "Send a message to Frank. We need anything they can spare and soon. Oh and order the destroyers to give that city hell." Staring out to wards the land he could barely make out the explosions as high explosive and artillery rounds pounded the beach and city.

4th squad, JTF 6
"There is way to much activity on that ridge. We gotta get the B-2`s in here or something and fast." Sergent York said to his men. They were the elite infantry forces of IslandMafia and here they were in some godforsaken miserable country hiding in the jungle alongside the main road in to Puerto Blanca, watching enemy troops movements. Him and his 10 man squad were dug in and had the area around them mined just incase the goverment troops decided it was too risky to use open roads. They were armed better than any soldier in IslandMafian history with this squad alone having 2 snipers armed with the south africian NTW-20 anti-material rifle, 2 two man crews using the Objective Crew Served Weapon, and 4 soldiers with XM8 Assualt rifles and the gernade launcher attachments. "Radio the coordinates, private." He said, itwas going to be a hell of a night, he thought as the sun started to go down.

To: Allanean Government
From: Mayor's Office, Caracas

With your permission, police patrols will resume. We thank you for allowing us the dignity of policing ourselves. We feel this will go a long way towards restoring order to the city. Per your request, a memo is being circulated among our police forces detailing the policy changes your government desires.

Clerks will be assigned to collecting the data you requested detailing the city's land assets. This will take some time as our public records office was burned down, and many city employees have not yet returned to work. Backups of the documents you want do exist. Please be patient while they are retreived.

Utility companies such as power, electric, gas, and telephone are all state owned.

A number of mining companies operate in our nation. Six companies operate the bulk of our existing gold, bauxite, and iron ore mines. Four of them are publicly owned while the other two are privately owned. Only one such company is locally owned. The rest were financed by foreign investors. The nation's existing diamond mines are exclusively operated by Zales Jewelers.

Our oil and gas industries are run by two companies. Belem Oil & Gas is responsible for 55% of our production. It is a public company, but controlling interest is locally owned. United Petrol Inc. handles 40% of our production. They are a foreign publicly owned company. The remaining 5% of our oil production comes from a half dozen or so private companies.

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

OOC: You now effectively control Ciudad Guayana. Belem's military is pretty much done. They are basically hiding whatever is left of the larger pieces of equipment, and going home. A tiny portion of the population is resisting, but most everyone else is waiting to see what your plans are before deciding if they like you there or not.

Prime Minister John Blake looked at the intelligence reports had just recently got about Bueno Tierra. It seemed like a land grab was happening. Looking at the report that dealt with Los Verdes he saw that General Fernando Chavez ruled with an iron fist and oppressed his people. This would be the perfect chance. He knew that Canadstein, a long time neutral country, needed to get rid of this dicator and get involved in Bueno Tierra. General John Colborne entered the Prime Minister's office.

"So what are we going to do sir?"

"Ready the troops we are having a peacekeeping mission."

"Yes sir."

General Colborne left office and entered his personal vehicle. He made the call to mobilize a force that he had picked. Within two days the force was ready. He boarded a Iowa class battleship and the Canadstein peacekeeping force left the docks and steamed toward Bueno Tierra.

5th Estenian Rifles Regimental Command Post (RCP)

Colonel Jonathon Chandler examined the feed from the UAV’s after being called into the tent by his operations officer. The operator, a Captain from the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment who were operating the drones, described what he had been called in to view.

“Two things Sir. Firstly number four is showing us tanks rolling off landing ships” two clicks of the mouse brought the picture up of an M1 rolling down the ramp followed by another. It was all the Colonel needed to see, he lifted a nearby radiophone and got it connected to his artillery commander.

“Jack I need you to start hitting those landing craft that are disgorging tanks before they can get too many of them off. The Major here is relaying the co-ordinates and I want them hit now.”

“Roger that Sir. Over and Out.”

“Ok Major, what’s the other thing.”

“Well Sir, with night approaching we flicked on the IR cameras in most of our birds to check they are working and we’ve got ten or eleven signatures here. They’ve been hanging around for quite a while, probably not natives. Do we have any advanced parties out?”

“No. All our men are on the MLR. Who are they closest too?”

“2nd Battalion’s positions are about nine hundred yards in front of them. They are the other side of the road into Puerto Blanca. 3rd Battalion is over here on their flank, about a thousand yards away, give or take.”

“Right. I’ll get my communications officer to tell them to say hello to these people.”


2nd Battalion CP/Company Mortar Platoon Positions

“Fire mission. Target 1200, fire pattern delta Charlie four.”

Barely five seconds after the shout the cough of the 81mm mortars could be heard in the battalions positions. The wonderful UAV’s were again highlighting the presence of intruders and the information was passed to company level comms officers and from there to the mortars.

In total 20 mortars were firing at the suspected infiltrators, five quick rounds from each meant that nearly one hundred rounds would be falling around those people in less than a minute, half of which were high explosive and the other half shrapnel. An introduction to the Kingdom way of warfare: high explosives.

A further introduction was being undergone by those Mafia troops on the beaches and the area around them, Kingdom 105mm and 155mm high explosive and shrapnel shells hitting with frightening accuracy and frequency. The 155mm HE rounds were all aimed at the big tank landing ships that were trying to unload their cargos at the small port, whilst the 105’s were coming in all over the Mafian troops landing zones hitting any concentrations of troops that they detected.

Mafian warships counter battery fire was beginning to take its effect, a salvo from one of the warships detonating a Kingdom 105 as its crew struggled to move the gun. The resulting fire caused several other crews to pause in their firing cycles to seek shelter from secondary explosions.

Finally troops from the EMWF (Electronic Warfare) Group got their equipment set up and began jamming the counter battery radars that the Mafians had to be using. As there was no Kingdom radar operating they just jammed every frequency possible, hopefully cutting back on counter battery fire once the guns were moved again.


Puerto Blanca

As the main radar array that the Kingdom troops had brought with them had not been fully set up and calibrated yet it came as a small surprise when aircraft began appearing in the sky above the city.

The short range radar on the mobile SAM trucks got locks and missiles were dispensed into the sky in reasonably large quantities. Low flying planes were targeted by automated cannon on board Kingdom AAV-9 platforms (OOC:info on them going on OOC thread pretty soon!). They were essentially 40mm versions of CIWS guns used on ships but there were three of them on a platform towed by a truck. These and the 20mm versions as well as quad and twin linked light AA began firing at aircraft with a seemingly limitless supply of ammunition.

The fear upon deployment had meant that the planes had been quite literally loaded full of ammunition on their flights in, and two days of flights meant that there were large amounts of ammunition lying around for Kingdom forces to use.


A Return Communiqué to the Mafian Government

We are an honourable nation and we will NOT abandon an ally, no matter how new, to an occupation by an imperialist power. If you choose to engage our troops you will be destroyed, of that we are certain.

The Kingdom does not respond well to threats, but when we do respond it is with the full force and conviction of our military. We set a deadline of 2400hrs this evening for your withdrawal, your troops poor territorial gains should show you that you are not in a position to win this war. If we do not see any such withdrawal by the stated time you may consider yourself at war with the Kingdom of the House of James. God help you, for nobody else will.

--End--

The Allanean Military Governor of the Belem Territory was not, in matter of fact, a military man. He was an economics professor from Concord University. It was determined by the Allanean government that this man would be best fit for the job. And so he responded to the Mayor:

“Dear Sir!

There are certain things that have to be done to restore proper rule to Belem. At first, we must establish a local democratic rule – similar to that in Allanean States. We will create a local government with it’s own separate judiciary, bicameral legislature, and elected Governor. This government will be able to handle everything except issues of citizenship, foreign policy, military funding and tariffs.

We will create a five-year transitional period during which time preparations will take place for establishing this government, and after that time another one – after which Belem will become a full-fledged member of the United States of Allanea, with representatives in Congress (our Online Direct Democracy will have to be explained and infrastructure created) and the Senate (appointed by your state legislature).

As for the companies, we would like to privatize the telecommunications market in Belem completely – but we feel it would be unjust to do so by merely selling off the companies, as this would be likely involved with immense corruption and create a new, private monpoly. As such, I suggest we instead allow multiple Allanean companies to compete in the telecommunications market, while slowly scaling down the state-owned companies so that the employees can easily shift to a free market system.

Further, we would like to sell off one hundred post offices, to create an employee-owned Belem Postal Company – on the best principles of both agorist socialism and libertarian capitalism.

As for Belem Oil and Gas, would it be possible for it to be sold to an Allanean or Belemian corporation? Note that it does not interest us to earn money by selling state assets, but merely to ensure the assets are moved into private hands. For example, we could simply sell the company to the Allanean Oil Worker’s Union.

Additionally, would it be possible to examine the education laws of your country?

Sincerely yours,
Military Governor Ernest Newman.”

For Rodrigo Martín, the moment the sun rose over the calm and placid sea the ground shook and rumbled. He looked towards the sky and for a second he saw a glint in the sky and between deafening concussions he could swear a fly was buzzing somewhere near his ears. Instead, he was forced to duck for cover as explosions ripped apart each pile of rubble and debris down the road. Seeing a glimpse of his future, Martín picked up his Kalashnikov with his gloved hand and darted across the street into a vacated breakfast shop. The next second his former pile of rubble erupted in a sheet of flame.

What had been his pile of rubble, now re-arranged into another pile of rubble, had been the position of a recoilless rifle. He doubted any of the men of his small squad were still alive as in looking out the window he came to find a body-less head upon the sidewalk. For hours, the army of San Marcos had been watching its heavier units from tanks down now to stationary guns be obliterated by weapons Martín could neither hear nor see.

On the outskirts of Flora, the UK’s reconnaissance forces had taken to the tasking of spotting any and all visible defences for the RAF and whatever few fighters or cruise missiles the Royal Navy could spare. While supply convoys were now setting sail at regular intervals from the United Kingdom, it still meant that the supply line for UK troops, aircraft, and ships was long. Every effort was being made to maximise the damage inflicted upon the San Marcos units in Flora, and even further north in Recife in the hope that they would be forfeited by the San Marcos government.

Ocean 1:43 AM

The Canadstein task force was only 25 miles away from the coast of Los Verdes. Aboard the ships men were getting for the assault. Men were praying hoping that they would make it home alive. General Colborne watched from a Iowa Class Battleship. Watching from the Bridge of the ship he saw each one of the twenty Il-76 airlifters take off from the aircraft carriers. Along with the airlifters there was 5 AC-130 gunships. He watched them disappear into the black sky.


Air Above Teresina, Los Verdes 2:30 AM

The convoy of aircraft flew over the Teresina. Aboard the Il-76s was the 103rd Airborne Division. The men waited to get the sign to jump out of the aircraft. The AC-130 gunships started to shell the Teresina. The city was pummeled into the ground. The Paratroopers started to jump out of the planes. The Division was cut into two part. One part was going to capture the airfield. The second part was going capture the government buildings.

Shore off of Cuiaba 2:47 AM

4 Wasp class amphibious assault ships were near the city of Cuiaba. The Marines aboard could see the city. They load the LCACs with Humvees and boarded them. 12 LCACs moved from the Wasps and toward the city. They saw 10 Tu-22M Backfires fly over there heads. They fly over the Cuiaba and started to drop their bombs. The LCACs landed on the beach and the Humvees drove off. They headed to the very center of the town. As this was happening the the LCACs moved back to the Wasps to pick up more men and to land them on the beach

Shore off of Macapa 2:47 AM

At the same exact time the same thing was happening in Macapa. The marines started to flan out to capture the city. Along with the Marine Division was 24th Armored Cavalry Division. The T-95s moved on the beach to create a firm beach head.