NationStates Jolt Archive

The golden sun began to rise over the emerald hilltops just outside of Astiria, a grand city, Capital of Devara and home of the King and his family, fast asleep in their ivory Palace.

"M'lord...m'lord tis time for your breakfast sire." The young maid said with a slight curtsey waking the bearded old man from his slumber.

"I'll take it on the balcony Sara.." He says ever so quietly as to not wake his sleeping Queen. Stepping from the bed his puts on his soft white robe and grabs the paper. Walking onto the marble balcony, still wet from morning dew, birds can be heard chirping and the scent of fresh baked bread and pastries can be smelled as it drifts by on the cool breeze.

Peace is broken...a single shot rings out from the distance...the King falls from his silvery seat and as he takes his last breaths, soaking in the pool of blood that grows around him, he can hear the screams of his servants and gunfire in the Palace itself...
+---+---+---+

"Gentleman, please be seated.." Darvall was a tall, serious man with reddish brown hair and haunting green eyes. An imposing figure, scarred from many a battle he nevertheless was always true and never complained of anything, infact he didnt say much of anything at all unless something needed to be said. He signals for the guards to close the large wooden doors to the dimly lit room as he adjusts his gray uniform and sits at the long ebon table.

"General, I demand an answer! I was in the middle of a trade meeting in Calumir when suddenly some of your soldiers come and take me, without an explanation, here...why??" Trade Minister Valek asked angrily as he swivel turns his chair the face Darvall.

"Minister Valek...Minister Crade, Minister Burch, and yourself are all that is left of the High Council...not only that but the King himself and the entirety of the royal family have been killed." Darvall waits to continue..pouring himself a glass of ale while the Minister's faces suddenly turn from anger to utter dismay...

"But...how?" Minister Burch says with a trembling voice and a look of shock on his face..

Darvall takes a swig from his mug and looks across the table "General Talos...and the entire Southern Legion have rebelled, hoping to set up a Communist government...they've taken most of the country in a coup and attempted to wipe out the ruling government...you three are all thats left of that government." "Now...I've gathered what remains of the Northern Legion...we've halted the advance for now...and I've even heard rumor of a militia being formed in Bria and fighting back the Communists there." "I leave it to you gentlemen to reorganize our government...we need to let the people know that we still have one." Darvall stands to his feet, finishing his mug of ale... "Though the King is dead our Kingdom is not, and he would want us to keep fighting...I go now to take back our country, good day gentlemen..." Darvall places his gray and black officers cap on his head and leaves the room which is now silent...

+---+---+---+

Baylon, Devara

The camera pans to Talos who is wearing a tan uniform and polished black boots, he stands tall and confident infront of a revolutionary flag "People of Devara, I am General Talos of the Southern Legion, now call the People's Army of Devara. Today I began a grand campaign to throw off the shackles that have been holding the people of Devara prisoner to a corrupt King and a corrupt government. I am proud to say that we have captured most of the country and will soon be incontrol of the rest. But, to do so I will need many volunteers to help put down the tyrants of old, and so Officers are being dispatched to liberated cities to conscript new soldiers to replenish our armies. I am also sending envoys to fellow Communist nations of the world, as I am sure our enemies have sent envoys to other corrupt imperialists. I do this all to end this war quickly and to finally give the country back to the people." The camera pans away as one of Talos' Officers walks up to him and salutes.

"You sent for me, sir?"

"Yes..." Talos lights his cigarette and walks over to the young Officer. "Send squads out to the cities and villages...gather all of the local leadership..Mayors, Counselmen..etc...bring them here."

"Sir, what should I tell them?"

"Tell them they are being sent to the new Capital for Political Re-Education.."

"Yes, sir." The young officer says clicking his heels and giving a salute, he turns and walks away quickly.


+---+---+---+


POLITICAL MAP OF DEVARA: http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s192/protious1/devarapoliticalmap.jpg

GEOLOGICAL MAP OF DEVARA: http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s192/protious1/countrymapGEO.jpg

Major City Status:

Peoples Republic of Devara:
-Baylon (Capital)
-Valas
-Duros
-Don'Kilon
-Don'Verr
-Elisia
-Filan'Mar
-Marta

Kingdom of Devara:
-Astiria (Capital)
-Balanir
-Sevell
-Calumir

Dawnstrider Covenant:
-Bria

Frontline, Heavy Forest South of Calumir, Devara

Nightfall...People's Army forces creep through the dense underbrush of the forest barely being able to see a few feet infront of them..slowly they advance to the sound of crickets chirping in the background...

"Sergeant..." The young Captain looks over to his left...his fingers nervously rubbing over the cold metal and wood of his rifle. "How far til the clearing?..."

He looks around and takes out his map and a lighter...just as he flicks on the lighter the forest ahead lights up with the flicker of muzzle fire...the Sergeant drops to the ground grasping his throat and coughing on blood as his comrades jump to nearby trees and return fire...

"Medic!!" The young Captain runs over to the Sergeant and drags him off behind a large tree and into the brush... "Sakk! Light it up!"

"Yes sir!" Sakk runs from behind a tree, advancing with a few other infantrymen as the blazing glow of fire shoots from his flamethrower setting the forest ablaze...they had no trouble seeing now...

The first shots of the war fired...the the young soldiers of the People's Army it would be a rough push towards Calumir...and for their brothers in the Royal Army a hard fight to survive and hold back the horde...

***Communique to Devara***

The Commonwealth of Tolvan considers communism to be among the greatest affronts to personal liberty in the history of mankind and supports the Royalist government fully in this war. However, our Constitution only allows military intervention in conflicts that threaten our vital national interests and I regretfully inform you that the Tolvanic Senate has voted 83-66 against deploying troops. However, I am well within my authority to supply your nation with material and supplies within reason. What do you require?

Douglas Shaw
First Minister
Commonwealth of Tolvan

The eyes of the world are fickle. No one can choose which lights will illuminate which players on the vast international stage, however, once in awhile, the right one is illuminated at just the right time.

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

General Sveric Iljievo flipped off the television screen, banishing the cold visage and neat uniform of General Talos, the world’s newest would-be revolutionary despot. The supreme Commander of the Imperial Army took a cigarette from a polished silver case and lit it, reclining back in his chair. Gesturing with his free hand, he looked over at a younger officer standing in the doorway.

“You think they’d get tired of this after awhile, wouldn’t you?”

Aside from a crack of a smile, the aid was silent. A wave from the General sent him out into the hall. Iljievo picked up the telephone receiver as the door clicked shut.

“Get me Lord Varus Alexei.”

--

Varus awoke to the sound of the phone ringing in his ear. Turning over, he rubbed his eyes and picked up the phone, sitting up slowly.

“Yes?”

“My Lord, it’s General Iljievo on the line for you.”

“Alright.”

There was a click and the gruff voice of the General came over the speaker.

“Lord Varus, my apologies for waking you.”

“I assume whatever it is can’t wait.”

“I wouldn’t risk it, my lord. Imperial Intelligence just forwarded me a video intercepted by a spy ship about an hour ago. It piqued their interest, and I’ve got to say I can see why.”

“What sort of video.”

“It’s a transmission from a General Talos, my lord. He’s just staged a coup in a small nation, Devara. He’s calling for popular support. Real by the book commie.”

The news was not shocking, but Varus was fully awake now.

“I’m sorry General, but I’m not sure I see the significance. I despise communism as much as the next man, but quite honestly the Empire has other places to focus its attention.”

“I understand that more than anyone, my Lord, but in light of certain recent international events, I would suggest putting a stop to this before it snowballs.”

Varus was silent in thought for a moment.

“I’ll wake the Emperor. Stay awake, General.”

“Of course, my lord.”

Varus put the phone down, and rubbed his eyes.

---

Emperor Kazatmiru I, sovereign lord of the Generic Empire and her Dominions, walked slowly into the large, windowless room. As one, every man seated around the large conference table rose and placed a hand over his breast. The Emperor proceeded towards the head of the table and motioned for them to sit, as he did so himself. It was only a few hours after midnight, but Kazatmiru seemed quite alert, having not previously gone to bed, as he had been concentrating on the current crisis developing in the Alberian region of the northern Empire.

“Gentlemen, I’d like to keep things as brief and straightforward as possible, as there are many issues in the Empire that need attendance before the night is through. As you have all been made aware, Imperial Intelligence intercepted a video transmission to the people of the nation of Devara from a man by the name of General Talos, claiming to be their new leader. It has been discovered that the man was once a high ranking commander in the service of the king of that nation, and commands a sizeable portion of their armed forces.”

The men around the table were silent, listening with rapt attention. Kazatmiru continued

“Although under other circumstances a military coup would not draw the attention of this Empire, nor of her sovereign, the fact that the man in charge subscribes to an especially militant view of communism, an ideology detestable in any form, commands also a presumably efficient armed force, and is avowedly anti-royalist, I, and therefore this Empire, have chosen to view him as a particular threat to the stability of the Empire and her own ideologies.”

Noises of approval greeted this.

“On the suggestion of Lord Varus and General Iljievo, as the situation is yet developing and thus intervention is still the safest course of action to pursue, as well as the most decisive, I have decided to deploy a military task force to the nation. The force will have one primary goal: to remove General Talos from his current position of strength, and to thoroughly destroy the power base of his movement, so as to prevent any future incidents of this nature in Devara. Lord Varus will elaborate on the situation.”

The Emperor gestured to his most trusted Vizier, who rose, and with a nod to his sovereign, began to speak.

“From what has been gathered, it is clear that elements of the former royalist government still exist, in a fragmented form, and are prepared to carry on a struggle against General Talos. The efficiency of these forces is unknown, as is their capacity to achieve decisive victory. Therefore, they will be contacted by the Imperial Government, but will not be relied upon as a necessary element for victory. The Empire’s involvement in this matter is for the security of Generia herself, and therefore our forces will become involved with or without the express approval of the legitimate government. Should it become necessary, a new legitimate government, backed by the Empire, will be established following the conclusion of the campaign.”

Varus sat down. The Emperor rose to his feet.

“General Iljievo, I expect you to present me with a clear direction for the campaign within three hours. You have full authority to call up whichever units you feel you need. I will be placing the military aspect of the operation entirely in your hands, and I expect no less than total achievement of the objectives I as your Emperor have set forth.”

Iljievo rose and saluted the one man who was his official superior.

“Of course, your grace.”

Kazatmiru turned to the others at the table.

“You have all been presented with your specific tasks, on paper. I expect that you will fulfill them to the standards this Empire embodies. Gentlemen, good morning.”

Kazatmiru walked briskly out of the room.

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

Official Imperial Communique:

To His Majesty’s Government of Devara,
From the Generian Imperial Government; His Infinite Majesty Kazatmiru I

The Empire has witnessed the recent coup in your nation, and stands in sympathy with your legitimate royal government. Though we do not know the exact details of the matter, from what we have gathered, we understand that a communist usurper currently has drawn your nation into civil war.

We, the Government and the people of Generia, will not stand idly by and allow such a thing to pass. By justification of the Alexei Doctrine, which compels our great Empire to stand against illegal communist uprisings wherever they may occur, the Empire has made preparations to deploy a military force to Devara to ensure that General Talos and his followers receive the most righteous justice for their crimes against their motherland, and the world at large.

His most holy and infinite grace, Emperor Kazatmiru I, beseeches your blessing on this endeavor, and promises aid to you in battle as well as assistance in reconstruction following the inevitable victory of the forces of legitimacy over those of the usurper. The Empire is your brother for the duration of this crisis, and should you desire specific assistance of any sort, your request will be taken into due consideration.

Your in utmost sincerity,
Lord Varus Tiberius Alexei,
Loyal Servant of His Infinite Majesty, Emperor Kazatmiru I

the Federation of Undbagarten
Minstry of Foreign Affairs

TO: Communist leader of the People's Republic of Devara

The President of Undbagarten sends his best wishes in your struggle against tyranny. But,as a direct result of the regicide of the rightful ruler of Devara, the President and his General Staff have decided that military aide of a rebel faction would be impossibe. As long as the Kingdom of Devara exsists; Unbagarten and the People's Republic of Devara will be in a state of war. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence have concluded that military and financial aide will be given to the Royal Military of the Kingdom of Devara. We are sending 160,000 soldiers of the 67th Division to aide in the Kings struggle to restore order to Devara.

Prime Minister
Elsvik Uhl

the Federation of Undbagarten
Ministry of Defence

His Royal Majesty Kazatmiru I,

In light of the recent events in Devara, the President implores you to accept his asistance in restoring order the nation of Devara. If you dicide to accept our asistance in the matter, Undbagarten is prepared to send 160,000 military personel to aide the Royalist forces. The President does wish it to be known that he would be personally greatful if you would push for a more democratic nation when this dreadful civil war ends. We aide you simply because we do not condone how the Communist forces went about gaining power in Devara. But if you decide to remain a tyranical monarchy after the Civil War is over, the President will have no choice but to take offensive action.
On a lighter note, when the Undbagartian forces arrive, so will our top general, General Sudendorf, he is a vetern of the Unbagartian Civil War several years ago when we threw off the shackels of the imperialist bastards! Our soldiers will arrive by means of C-130 military aircraft. They will land near your capital, after which they will be under you command until the war is over.

Minister of Defence
Rigsfeld Mon'tr

General Iljievo furrowed his brow and rubbed his eyes, drawing them away from the map of the nation of Devara for the first time in hours.

“Captain, tell General Belun to come in.”

In a moment, the door to the brightly lit room opened and a man of medium stature and jet black hair entered. He offered a salute which was returned along with a hard gaze from the commander in chief of the army.

“General Belun, I appreciate your coming on short notice.”

“It wasn’t a problem. I was in Port Belgrade on some personal business as it was.”

“Good. I informed you in my last message that you are to be placed in charge of offensive operations against the Devaran communists.”

“Yes, sir. You did.”

“I would have placed the task on General Nys’ky, but he’s occupied with other matters.”

Belun was not quite sure how to take this. He was not used to speaking directly with his commander in chief. One of the younger generals, he considered himself and was by others considered a career soldier, and a competent one, an abundant though by no means less valuable trait. Though he was a veteran of the Yaforite War, this assignment would be his first command of an offensive operation on this scale.

“Of course, sir.”

General Iljievo beckoned Belun to join him beside the projection of the map of Devara.

“As you can see, we’re not entirely sure of the extent of communist held ground, but from what we can estimate, loyalist continue to hold about a third of the nation’s territory, which amounts to roughly half of this northern island. Your first goal should be securing that island completely, making contact with loyalist forces before an assault on the south. Manpower won’t be an issue. You’ll have millions at your immediate disposal, and more just a phone call away, so don’t shy away from casualties if it means avoiding victory.”

“Sir, what units will I be commanding?”

“The 12th, 15th, and 21st infantry will be your go-to soldiers at the start of this. They’re all experienced, capable men. Most are veterans of the Yafor war, and a sizeable portion saw action in the Haven conflicts under Nys’ky. They know how to follow orders and kill for their country.”

Belun nodded. This was good news.

“Sir, when will we be shipping out?”

“Most of the men were already mobilized in light of the Alberian situation. You can expect deployment as early as a week from today.”

“Who’s our naval support, sir?”

“Admiral Leszekov and the 3rd Imperial Assault Fleet will have your back.”

“Alright, sir.”

“Get yourself prepared, General. I doubt this will be an easy fight, but the Emperor expects nothing less than total victory. Don’t disappoint him.”

Belun saluted.

“Yes, sir.”

the Federation of Undbagarten
Ministry of Defence

His Royal Majesty Kazatmiru I,

In light of the recent events in Devara, the President implores you to accept his asistance in restoring order the nation of Devara. If you dicide to accept our asistance in the matter, Undbagarten is prepared to send 160,000 military personel to aide the Royalist forces. The President does wish it to be known that he would be personally greatful if you would push for a more democratic nation when this dreadful civil war ends. We aide you simply because we do not condone how the Communist forces went about gaining power in Devara. But if you decide to remain a tyranical monarchy after the Civil War is over, the President will have no choice but to take offensive action.
On a lighter note, when the Undbagartian forces arrive, so will our top general, General Sudendorf, he is a vetern of the Unbagartian Civil War several years ago when we threw off the shackels of the imperialist bastards! Our soldiers will arrive by means of C-130 military aircraft. They will land near your capital, after which they will be under you command until the war is over.

Minister of Defence
Rigsfeld Mon'tr

Official Imperial Communique:

Your Excellency Rigsfeld Mon'tr,

His Inifinite Majesty, Emperor Kazatmiru I, has decided in his wisdom to accept your nation's proffered assistance in the campaign against the communist forces of Devara. Furthermore, he is open to considering a push for a democratic regime following the end of the conflict, however he hopes that you understand the necessity of first ensuring stable government in the nation.

Should this be acceptable and you continue to offer your assistance to the Empire and the legitimate government of Devara in this war, we will greet General Sudendorf and his command with open arms, and ensure you that they will see combat side by side with the soldiers of Generia.

In Friendship,
Lord Varus Tiberius Alexei

Presidential Address to the Congress of Undbagarten

*Camera flashes continue for several minutes while the president prepares his notes, President Nikinor was preparing to announce his nations involvement in the Devaran Civil War to the Public*

"Good evening... over the course of the past several days I have spoken with the King of Devara, he informed me of the current situation in Devara. Communist forces have control of much of the nation and I and my General Staff have decided that it is in the best interest of this nation, and the state of international affairs that Undbagarten offer it's assistance. 160,000 of our young men are enroute to the nation of Devara where they will meet with Generian forces and wage relentless warfare on the communist rebels that have wrecked the once beautiful nation. I know that we and the Devaran people have had our fair share of conflicts in the past; but I will not stand by and watch a revolution unfold and brutal civil war ensue; I do not condone the regicide of a monarch. The communist forces commited an illegal act of aggression and will pay dearly for it. I sincerly hope that the people of Undbagarten will see the justice in our war against the communist forces. The legitimate government in Devara must be restored and I will not remove our forces from that nation until the rightful rule again sits on the throne, thank you."

*thunderous applause followed the speech, the men and women in that building did not anticipate the brutal war they were so casually walking into behind their President, they did not anticipate the tremendous loss of life; or the war that would ravage their own homeland very soon.*

bump

++Royal Communique To The Government of Tolvan++

"Greetings to our brothers in Tolvan. We are pleased to hear your kind words and your offer of material assistance, it indeed does give us hope that the world has not turned blind to the suffering of a nation, regardless of how small that nation might be. While we do not wish to put a burden on other nations in what is a Devaran conflict, we are, unfortunately in need of one thing. While our military equiptment is comparable to that of Communist forces, they have secured most of our Food Distribution Depots that were mainly located in the lower half of the northern island. And, while Northern Farmers have tried their best to aid us, it still isnt enough. So, any food rations you can spare until we can get the situation under control here would be very helpful. Again, many thanks for you assistance, and for your concern."

Minister Valek,
Ivory Palace, Astiria, Devara

+---+---+---+

++Royal Communique to the Imperial Government of Generia++

"Dear friends of the Government of Generia..our nation has been split and even now brother fights brother in the forests and in the streets of our towns and villages. While we welcome assistance in all forms, especially militarily because the unfortunate truth is the People's Army outnumbers our Northern Legion three to one, and we've heard rumors that they are conscripting soldiers on a grand scale in their controlled territories..so, I wish to warn you. I would warn you that this will be no easy task to accomplish, understand that your people will suffer alongside ours and that General Talos has always been noted in past to do anything to achieve victory, no matter how brutal or ruthless. The Council has read your offer of assistance and we accept it with open arms. Your government should understand that while the High Council remains, our King and the entirety of the Royal Family are dead...the Palace was overrun with suicide squads in the outbreak of the conflict. Rest assured we are, however, developing proposals for government. In the words of our fine General Darvall, the King is dead, this Kingdom is not. Our Ports and Bases are yours to use, you are welcome to begin transport to Devara when you see fit. The High Council and the people of the Kingdom thank you for your assistance, and we thank your soldiers for the sacrifices they are about to make. May the Gods bless us in our cause."

Minister Burch,
Ivory Palace, Astiria, Devara

+---+---+---+

~~People's Republic Communique to Undbagarten~~

"To the Government of Undbagarten...You would support imperialists; tyrants who at all times oppose the will of the people, the will of the workers? Understand this, I will no longer watch my people be slaves to a corrupt government. And, whoever supports this corrupt government will be seen as corrupt themselves and their soldiers will be given no quarter. You have made your decision, I pray you will reverse it and support the true government of this nation, the People's Government! You have been warned."

General Talos,
Baylon, The People's Republic of Devara

Early morning and the seagulls can be heard screeching off the rocky green northern coast which is still lightly covered by the early morning fog.

"This is pointless..." The young soldier says as he looks down the trenchline at the rabble of other soldiers that had been hastily gathered and sent down the shoreline just after the war had begun. He sighs as he polishes the dark metallic barrel of his machine-gun placement. "We should be on the front...they are pushing by land, besides, whose gonna try and assault the beach with that out there?" He points out beyond the rolling tide to a silvery Frigate that is gliding slowly through the blue-green waters.

Suddenly a flash, the Frigate explodes in a fireball of flying metal and debris and as the ship begins to sink into the deep dark depths of the ocean whistles can be heard in the distance and suddenly a fleet of landing craft begin to appear out of the fog...

The trenchline lights up with muzzle flash and the thunderous sound of assault rifles and machine-gun placements laying into the enemy craft as they hit the beach and begin unloading streams and streams of Communist Soldiers..

"Out of the boats! Out of the b.." The middle aged Commissar is silenced by a bullet to the head...the spray of blood reminds the young soldiers on the landing craft that this was all too real... A young Captain rips the whistle from the Commisar's neck and waves his soldiers forward as he blows the whistle to charge...

Dodging around barbed wire obstacles and over the bodies of their dead comrades the young People's Army soldiers advance onto the trenches where deadly hand to hand combat ensues...Devaran soldiers in the trenches begin unsheathing their silver swords and charging against one another as more soldiers ran up to the trenches they caught sight of the butchery that was taking place...Body parts and screaming soldiers lined the bottom of the trench floor which, like the beach, was now stained in blood.... The fight for the beach drew to a close and as ordered the People's Army pushed forward..toward Astiria..


+---+---+---+

Astiria, Devara

"We heard the radio transmission just ten minutes ago m'lord...they are moving to the Capital.." The female aide handed General Darvall a brief report..her hands trembling..obviously she had heard the transmission..

The General glances over the report, his face unchanging...He pours himself another glass of Ale and as he takes a swig he sits down in his old creeking wooden chair.

"Inform Captain Renn to assemble the Royal Guard to welcome our visitors..."

"Yes m'lord, it will be done." The aide curtseys and quickly leaves the room...

Official Imperial Communique:

To His Excellency Minister Burch
From Lord Varus Tiberius Alexei

The Empire does not fear the methods of any man, however desperate or ruthless he may be. Our cause is just, and in light of this, General Talos and his movement will inevitably crumble. The armies of Generia at this moment draw near to your divided nation, and with their arrival will come the end of the war. It is the promise of this government not to leave your shores until our common foe is vanquished and the legitimate government reinstated.

Yours in sincerity and friendship,
Lord Varus Tiberius Alexei,
Loyal Servant to His Majesty, Emperor Kazatmiru I

------

“General Talos has launched a major amphibious assault on the northern coast,” said the young military intelligence officer grimly. “His men even now are drawing near to the capital.”

The floor rolled beneath them, deep in the belly of the Imperial flagship, the assault carrier Aleksander. General Belun stroked his beard thoughtfully, studying the recent satellite images from the region.

“If the capital falls, we run the risk of having the remainder of the government annihilated by the communists, and thus losing a major chunk of the popular support.”

Across the table, Admiral Grigori Ioannivic lit a cigarette and leaned back in his chair.

“Then we will disrupt the invasion. Without their support lines to the sea, the troops on the ground will be stranded. Easy prey.”

Belun nodded.

“While the Imperial navy engages the communist vessels, I’ll detach a unit of Imperial Praetorians to fly to the capital and secure it, assisting the royalist defenders against any assault. At the same time, we’ll land the bulk of our first wave forces on the eastern coast, near the city of Calumir, close to the communist lines. With their assault on the capital disrupted, we can begin a counterattack and drive southward, pushing them into the sea.”

“Where my ships of war will prevent any retreat or evacuation.”

“Exactly, Admiral.”

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

The sun was just beginning its long plunge into the western sea when the first Imperial warships drew in sight of the Devara coast. On the decks of the Aleksander, as on the decks of six other large Imperial carriers, the scream of jet engines disrupted what would have been on any other day a peaceful evening.

Lieutenant Andrei Levekov climbed into the cockpit of his waiting GIB-2 naval bomber. Across the flight deck, scores of other men were climbing into the cockpits of their own GIF-1 interceptors, GIF-2 air superiority fighters, and GIFA-1 attack aircraft. He checked his instruments, and gave the signal that everything was in order.

With an unbelievable force, he was catapulted into the darkening sky as the last fingers of the sun stretched out, as if to catch him. Gaining altitude, he regrouped with the rest of his flight, and made way for the coast north of the city of Astiria, and the communist invasion fleet.

Other flights turned off and made their way towards various coastal and inland points, where they would attempt to gain regional air superiority before the foot of a single soldier touched Devaran soil.

Meanwhile, however, in the troop compartment of the Aleksander, Captain Kolya Lenov was gearing up for a long night.

The Imperial Praetorian Guardsman was far from a stranger to combat, and had on many occasions heard the grim statistics of a low survival rate. Tonight, he would board a VTOL transport aircraft to be flown into the heart of the royalist capital along with his command, 2,000 battle hardened and blood stained Imperial Praetorians, the elite of the Empire’s shock and special operations troops. Side by side with the faceless forces of a new royalist ally whose name he had never heard of, he would battle the enemies of his Emperor without question or thought of failure.

He strapped on his body armor and checked his ammunition for the last time before slinging his GIR-47 assault rifle over his shoulder. Grabbing his helmet and razor sharp saber, he made his way towards the elevator to the rear of the flight deck, where a number of his men were already waiting.

The black painted vertical takeoff and landing transport aircraft idled, engines roaring. Saluting his men, he stepped into the belly of the bird, and sat down as they followed suit. Removing a cigar from a pocket, he struck a match against the armor on his chest and touched it to the tip, drawing deeply and closing his eyes as he awaited takeoff and the long flight towards battle.

Town of Bri'Lar, North of Astiria

Four thousand eager and anxious People's Army Soldiers march into the small town, a place still untouched by the ravages of war and its beautiful stone and marble architecture, something Devara was known for, was proof of that.

"People of Bri'Lar, do not be alarmed, we of the People's Army are here to liberate you from the clutches of the corrupt Imperialist government!" The Commissar shouts through the hand-mic which echoes his voice through Bri'Lar as his soldiers march street by street, their bloodstained tan uniforms being offset by the beauty of the town...

"Sir..." The young Captain looks around nervously glancing from window to window...

"What is it Captain?.."

"The people, sir...where are all the people?"

The eerie silence was broken by rocket fire frim the windows of buildings around the town...the Royal Army had beat them to Bri'Lar...

"Spread out! Clear it! Building to building!" The Commissar yells out backing himself against a wall as he looks around at the chaos that is begining to ensue...

A young soldier tries to open one of the building doors, which explodes as soon as he tries to open it... Another soldier explodes into a cloud of red mist as he steps onto a mine...

"Traps...everywhere...out of the city!!" The Commissar yells excitedly as the men clear out of Bri'Lar all the while being cut down as they run...3,462 make it out of the town..dragging behind their wounded...the Commissar grabs the cold metal radio and takes a moment to calm his nerves...

"This is Commissar Sull, we are encountering heavy resistance in the town of Bri'Lar..request immediate bombardment of said town.."

A minute passes and the Commissar finally recieves his reply... The Communist Force watches as Bri'Lar begins to be ripped apart by incoming fire from the Communist Battleship off the coast. Buildings explode and crumble sending dust and debris flying and setting small parts of the town on fire...

"We have a mission to accomplish...spread out, Vanguard formation..." The Commissar leads his men out as Bri'Lar continues to be turned into ruin..

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Outskirts of Astiria

The ivory city as it is called, Astiria is a large city, jewel of the Kingdom which is filled with fountains and statues of the Kings of old.

The Royal Guard still clad in old style Devaran battle armor are the defenders of the Royal family, highly trained and very loyal they now turn their attention to the defense of the city..though only 1000 strong, their code has always been 'No Surrender, No Defeat'. Captain Renn is an average sized man with short black hair and a scar that runs down the side of his face. He is extremely loyal and as he looks to the dark horizon he grips the silvery gem encrusted hilt of his Devaran Saber...he looks to the sky as his men begin preparing their assault rifles and equiptment... "I will not fail you again, m'lord."

Filan'Mar Airforce Base

Radar towers had picked up on unidentified aircraft coming over Devaran territory sending Communist Forces scrambling. Fighters begin launching from Filan'Mar Air Base, one of the largest Air Bases in Devaran territory. The runways flickered with bright blue lights leading the way for the tan birds of prey that now lifted into the air hoping to teach foreign powers the consequences of getting involved in a Devaran conflict. Some fighters also split off from the main group, flying north of the line towards Astiria. "Four groups...you have your orders men, lets knock em outta the sky!"

135 KM North of Astiria

Major Eric Ryan stared mindlessly out of the cockpit glass of his C-17. His plane, callsign Angel 7, was the lead plane in a convoy of 5 C-17s carrying supplies to the Devaran Royalists. The planes were loaded with packaged grain, freeze dried meats, and 12,500 Field Ration Packs. Ryan had eaten many FRPs during his days as a Foward Air Controller with the Tolvanic Army, though these days he was an air freight pilot and reservist only recent called back to duty to deliver aid to Devara.

Ryan was jerked backed to alertness as his AQL-63 air search radar set began beeping. He glanced at the screen and saw what appeared to be a large group of aircraft heading towards the coast.

Keying his mike he began to speak, "Unidentified aircraft bearing 352, this is Tolvanic Air Force transport Angel 7. I am inbound to Astria with humanitarian supplies and I am unarmed. Please respond."

Admiral Ioannivic took a glance at the tip of the peninsula upon which the city of Sevell rested as it passed far to the port side of the Aleksander. Outside, on the deck below the noise from the aircraft was deafening as the second wave prepared for takeoff. The radio chatter indicated that the first flights were fact approaching their targets. He looked out to the other side of the vessel and saw the wakes of the other Imperial warships trailing for miles out to sea.

As he watched, the decks of dozens of Imperial Sofia class missile cruisers turned white and orange as they launched their first volley of ATL-75 longbow cruise missiles. Everything in the communist held portion of the northern island that even resembled an airbase, a RADAR or SAM installation, or a hardened command bunker on the satellite imagery would be targeted and subject to the missile barrage that would continue up until and past the landing of the first troops. The Admiral had even brought along a pair of arsenal ships, floating missile platforms, but they would come into play later.

For Lieutenant Levekov, along with his flight of 30 naval bombers and their escort, their targets were of the floating variety. As they too rounded the peninsula and began fast approaching the coast north of Astiria at a high altitude, the naval bombers unleashed their first payload: a wave of long range Caesar anti-shipping missiles, 6 from each aircraft. Accelerating to mach 3, the missile would drop into the water as a torpedo within 80 miles of the communist fleet. At eight miles, active sonar and a supercavitating engine would propel the torpedo into the hull of the enemy vessel.

The initial targets were the warships escorting communist transport and supply vessels and those bombarding the coast. Following that, the Imperial fleet and aircraft would begin attacking the transport ships themselves.

After Levekov and the other bomber pilots had launched their first volley, they followed it up with a pair of long range AGM-240 missiles which would accelerate to near mach 7 before descending directly downwards at high speed into the deck of the target vessel.

As the order was given to return for rearmament, however, the radio flared to life.

“Enemy aircraft have been picked up, coming in at high speed from the south.”

The other flights, elsewhere over the embattled country heard similar warnings, as AWACS aircraft picked up the signatures of the aircraft coming off the ground at Filan-Mar airforce base. In a few moments, a few extra cruise missiles would be heading in that direction, but for now, the Imperial fighters and interceptors would have to contend with the bogies themselves.

As the enemy took off and headed to intercept, the Imperial GIF-1s fired off a series of long range AXRAAM air to air missiles, hoping to knock the enemy down before they closed the distance.

Captain Kolya Lenov flicked the smoldering butt of his cigar onto the floor of the transport aircraft and ground it under the heel of his boot.

“We’re coming up on Astiria,” came the voice of the pilot from the cockpit. “I’ll try to put you down in a clearing just outside the city. You can hump it from there to make contact with the garrison.”

“Let’s hope they recognize our colors,” grumbled the Imperial officer as he checked his weapon. He turned to glance out at the window, and could make out dozens of similar aircraft moving swiftly over the treetops, under the radar towards their destination. He turned back and glanced down the fuselage at the rows of grim faces covered in dark camouflage paint.

“We’re coming up on our LZ,” he called back to them. “When we touch down, keep your eyes open and move to your rally points. We don’t know what’s going on down there, or who’s going to be shooting at us.”

The men nodded. The aircraft slowed down considerably as the white towers of the Devaran capital came into view. The side door opened and a Praetorian manned the heavy machine gun, sweeping the ground below for hostiles.

“Wait! Don’t set down here! I want you to take us closer to the center of the city!” called Lenov. The pilot turned the aircraft in that direction, and slowed down as he approached a courtyard. The jolt of the descent shook the Imperial Captain, but he strapped on his helmet and got to his feet as 30 armored Praetorians filed out of the transport, taking up positions in the empty courtyard.

“Where the hell are these guys,” thought Lenov of the royalist forces as his feet touched the cobblestones below.

95 KM North of Astiria

After getting no reply despite repeated broadcasts Ryan ordered the planes to continut on to Astria.

Fifteen minutes later the C-17s were in sight of coastline and Ryan once again keyed his mike. "Astiria Control, this is Tolvanic Air Force transport Angel 7 requesting clearance and landing information. Over."

Official Communique.

Receiving: The Government of Devara.
Sending: The Government of the Commonwealth of Aragolia.
Subject: Civil Unrest.

To Whom it May Concern:

The Government of the Commonwealth of Aragolia has received information pertaining to the civil unrest presently occuring within your nation, the Kingdom of Devara. Due to the nature of the hostilities and the violence occuring within your borders, our Assembly has seen fit to pass a motion of support for your conflict, which has received assent after a similar order-in-council was issued by our Head of State. It has been concluded that the Commonwealth of Aragolia will aide your nation in defeating the hostile forces.

This Government has been in consultations with the Ministry of Defence. It has been estimated that your Kingdom may expect to receive one medical regiment, one engineering company, and five infantry regiments; amounting to a total of two thousand medical professionals and field medics, ten thousand infantry soldiers, and two hundred combat engineers. As well, our Government has decided to order the deployment of two officials to assist your Government in maintaining power and stabiliy.

A list of the deployed units shall be attached.

Sincerely,

The Honorable Sophie Ladeseur.
Minister of National Defence.

& The Honorable Tyler Amey.
Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Attached: Deployed Compliment.

The Commonwealth of Aragolia.
Operations in the Kingdom of Devara.

Headquarters.

Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Armed Forces - General Mark Francis.
Operation Commander - Brigadier-General Daniel De LaPara.
Operation Chief of Staff - Staff Colonel Gerard Kennedy.

First Infantry Regiment.

Commanding Officer - Colonel Lawrence Stevens.
Compliment - 2,000.

Second Infantry Regiment.

Commanding Officer - Colonel Michael McQuary.
Compliment - 2,000.

Third Infantry Regiment.

Commanding Officer - Colonel Charles Traviez.
Compliment - 2,000.

Fourth Infantry Regiment.

Commanding Officer - Colonel Leonard Temouin.
Compliment - 2,000.

Fifth Infantry Regiment.

Commanding Officer - Colonel Harry Winsor.
Compliment - 2,000.

First Medical Regiment.

Commanding Officer - Lieut.-Colonel Fredrick Green.
Compliment - 2,000.

First Engineering Company.

Commanding Officer - Major David Grandeur.
Compliment - 200.

Special Advisors.

Johnathan Hutchinson, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, External Policy Advisor.
The Honorable Joseph McNulty, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence, Security Policy Advisor.
Major Riley Jackson, Aragolian Special Intelligence Division, Intelligence and Military Advisor.

Bump?

I'll make the attempt to bump this one more time.

To: Devara
From: Aurum Domus

Aurum Domus is prepared to send you aid in the form of 1,000 special operations troops specially trained in stealth tactics behidn enemy lines. We will also offer up one supercarrier and several squadrons of Suf Phoenixes. Please accept as soon as possible. only then can we stop the spread of Communism.

Signed,
His Greatness General Samuel Oron, supreme ruler of The Armed Republic of Aurum Domus