NationStates Jolt Archive

Something was happening in Londim was happening. Something big. The people could feel it as if a cold blanket had wrapped their very souls. Posters had been going up recently promoting the armed forces. Many people had recently joined the army on the promise of a better life and future. There hadn't been a recruitment drive this big since Londim had been attacked. Only one thing was for sure. The Army was mobilising...

Presidents Office

President Roberts was sitting in his chair smiling. This was what he had been waiting for all his life. For too long Londim had been bullied by bigger nations or exploited by numbers of nations. Roberts for one had had enough. He called in Defence Secretary Gredge:

"Gredge, what is the situation?"

"Mr President all forces are mobilised. All defence networks are fully functioning. Our navy fleets are in areas of interest and some wealth. Our Air Force has been upgraded wxtensively since the last budget was announced making them at the most formidable they have ever been and our army is equipped with some of the latest weaponry. Just one question Mr President."

"Yes Gredge. What is it?"

"Why? We are fully mobilised yet we have no enemy. We are fully functioning yet we are not at war. So why all this?"

"I'm glad you asked Gredge. For too long our glorious nation has pandered to the will of others. We stood up for other nations but when we needed thier help where were they? We have given nations our support only for them to betray us! It is time we showed the world what we can really do. We've been to gentle with nations that exploit us. Not anymore. Anymore questions?

"No Sir"

"Good. All we need now is an excuse. Lets have one of our ships 'accidently' stray into another nations territory. We'll see wat happens from there..."

'Yes Mr President."

ooc: don't "stray" into my waters. I'm just in the mood to flatten someone's ass.....

ooc: don't "stray" into my waters. I'm just in the mood to flatten someone's ass.....

OOC: I'll keep that in mind. Don't worry basically my President is going mad and wants the world under his control. This will probably end either too ways.Londim gets a small empire or the President is thrwon out of office if Londim is defeated.

OOC: Im quite close to you. Vetaka is in middle of an international conference so if you really want to cause a massive international situation then feel free.

OOC: Cheers. I'm just basically looking for a war. I don't really care if I win or lose. I just thought my nation needed to become much more internationally involved.

IC:

The LSS Stormfront had received orders from High Command to enter Vetakan territory. Captain Rogers was unsure what was happening but complied with orders.

"Sir? Whats going on?"

Rogers looked towards the young man who seemed to be 18 years old. He could see the slight fear in his eyes. Rogers wasn't sure of what was happening until he saw that look.

"Well young man. It seems we're entering a battle. Our orders are to enter the Vetakan territory and then we'll see what happens from there."

OOC: Ill RP a response later when the Anti-Slavery Summit has gone through abit more. At the moment its just started.

tagged for later post

Diplomatic Communique to Vetatka:

Our long range sensors and satellite imaging show us that a good sized fleet from Londim seems to heading over to your territory. Our Republic still has staff in your nation, as well we feel a certain kinship with your nation as of late. Due to our joint involvement in the ongoing affaird in the Pasamcain region. Should your nation require any aid, we will be there.

bump

OOC: Is this a full scale fleet or a single ship?

OOC:Single ship. It's part of the plan.

OOC: What kind of Ship?

Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre, Theeb, Vetaka:

Daniel Gary Pearce was the President of Vetaka at that moment he was very stressed. Not only was he worrying about a conference he was suppose to be hosting he was now worried about a slightly more urgent matter. A forigen Warship was not steadily approaching Vetakan Waters. Unless it changed its course it would enter within hours. Unless the ship was totally lost this was an act of aggression.

"President Sir. The Ship is of Londim orgin. On her present course and speed she will enter Vetakan Waters within 4 hours. At this time we can see no visiable notice. She has just entered Communication Range?" replied Intel Commander Barrett.

"Mr Barrett send a message to the Vessal alert them of their current speed and heading. Tell them to change course immediatly?. Mr Phillip recall Supreme Operational Commander Stone back from meeting the Princess. Chief Admiral Hornblower mobilize the Second Naval Fleet to deploy to ships course this could be a scout in the worst situation. Chief Air Commander Monty mobilze all fighters and be ready to intercept the ship if nessary. Chief Ground Commander Harling mobilze the First Army and put the second on a 48 Hour Standby? I want at this time an update every hour. Mr Barrett brief the Cabinet and I want Stone back ASAP. Understand?"

"Yes Sir" came a chorus of replies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: Advancing Londim Ship
From: Vetakan High Command

Subject: Attention

ATTENTION ON YOUR PRESENT COURSE AND SPEED STOP YOU WILL PENERTRATE VETEKAN NAVAL WATERS IN 4 HOURS STOP ALTER COURSE AND SPEED ACCORDINGLY SHOULD YOU ENTER VETAKAN WATERS YOU MAY BE FIRED UPON STOP VETAKA IS HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE YOU COULD CUASE A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT STOP DIVERT NOW!!! FULL STOP

Offical Imperial Message to Londim Governmet

The empire currently has a delegate attending the international conference in Vetaka and must demand that should hostilites break out between Londim and Vetaka that you allow our delegate safe passage back to Gataway as our delegate is not a military one and should harm come to any citizen of Gataway while attending the conference in Vetaka the empire will view this as an act of war

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/new-wessex/Banner-Diplomatic-Telegram.png

ENCRYPTED TO: The Democratic Republic of Londim

Intelligence sources have discovered that one of your warships is approaching the waters of Vetaka and will shortly violate their waters. There is currently an international conference ongoing there, the successful outcome of which is highly valued by the Federation. To this end we have dispatched a large high-level delegation. Should this warship become at any time a threat to the conference, or any of its delegates, the Federation of Aunesia will take any and all measures necessary to eliminate this threat.

END MESSAGE

Official Message to Londim
Our government would like to remain uninvolved in this matter. However, we would find it impolite of you at best to violate the sovereignty of our host at a conference to manage the resurgent evil of slavery in this world. A host whom, we remind you if you do not know for some unfortunate reason, was recently preyed upon by a murderous warlord that launched an unprovoked nuclear attack against them. What we would find any precipitous action on you part at worst... is best left to your imagination; but if that fails you, our advice is to ask a certain Almighty Strator. Do refrain from anything irresponsible, please; for all of our sakes.

OOC: What kind of Ship?

Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre, Theeb, Vetaka:

Daniel Gary Pearce was the President of Vetaka at that moment he was very stressed. Not only was he worrying about a conference he was suppose to be hosting he was now worried about a slightly more urgent matter. A forigen Warship was not steadily approaching Vetakan Waters. Unless it changed its course it would enter within hours. Unless the ship was totally lost this was an act of aggression.

"President Sir. The Ship is of Londim orgin. On her present course and speed she will enter Vetakan Waters within 4 hours. At this time we can see no visiable notice. She has just entered Communication Range?" replied Intel Commander Barrett.

"Mr Barrett send a message to the Vessal alert them of their current speed and heading. Tell them to change course immediatly?. Mr Phillip recall Supreme Operational Commander Stone back from meeting the Princess. Chief Admiral Hornblower mobilize the Second Naval Fleet to deploy to ships course this could be a scout in the worst situation. Chief Air Commander Monty mobilze all fighters and be ready to intercept the ship if nessary. Chief Ground Commander Harling mobilze the First Army and put the second on a 48 Hour Standby? I want at this time an update every hour. Mr Barrett brief the Cabinet and I want Stone back ASAP. Understand?"

"Yes Sir" came a chorus of replies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: Advancing Londim Ship
From: Vetakan High Command

Subject: Attention

ATTENTION ON YOUR PRESENT COURSE AND SPEED STOP YOU WILL PENERTRATE VETEKAN NAVAL WATERS IN 4 HOURS STOP ALTER COURSE AND SPEED ACCORDINGLY SHOULD YOU ENTER VETAKAN WATERS YOU MAY BE FIRED UPON STOP VETAKA IS HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE YOU COULD CUASE A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT STOP DIVERT NOW!!! FULL STOP


OOC: Its a Type 42 Destroyer based on the same design as the HMS Manchester.

IC:
President Roberts looked at the response he had received from many nations. His plan was failing into place. The nations were currently aware of the approach but soon they would be more acommodating. He looked towards Gredge:

"Initiate Phase 2."

"Yes Sir."

Gredge picked up the got in contact with the LSS Stormfront..

"Captain you are too initiate phase 2 of the Operation. Approach it with caution. Do not wory should you get into trouble we have other fleets that will come to your aide and have the air force ready should you be attacked."

LSS Stormfront

Rogers hung up the phone and then sent a communication to the VEtakan forces.



To Vetaka,
The LSS Stormfront does not mean any harm. We are having severe technical difficulties and would like to anchor within your waters for safety reasons. We request permission to stop within the waters for our own safety and so a rescue fleet from our nation can take us home. We have no interest in the Conference or anyone who attends. We simply ask to stop in your waters for a short space of time. I repeat we request permission to enter.

Captain Rogers,
LSS Stormfront

Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre, Theeb, Vetaka:

Vetakan Defence Force Supreme Operational Commander Jonathon Stone was now very tired. 13 Hours ago he was in an Imperial Palace in a far away land visiting a possible Princess whom he could marry. However after this situation had begun he had been re-called to Vetaka to maintain an effective Chain of Command. He had recieved a detailed situation briefing while in air flying back to Vetaka. He was now stood in the Operations Room of the VDF Command Centre. Looking at the various screens he began:

"Give me an Update please Mr Barrett"

"Sir, Intelligence suggests and confirms that the ship is an Advancing Type 42Destroyer. According to its Communication it is suffering what it says are technical difficulties it doesnt detail anything tho. It will pentertrate our waters in just over an hour. The 1st Naval Battlefleet will intercept it in 1 hour 30 minutes. And the Battleship Lil Carrot will intercept her within an hour. F-22's are also ready to deploy." replied barrett

"I smell a Rat. This all seems a wee bit to perfect for them to get a ship in our waters. As a result I say we shake things up abit. Continue with full mobilization should it worsen. Tell the fleet to continue you on course to intercept. Send the following communication to the ship" orderd Stone. He cleared his throat and began.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: LSS Stormfront
From: VDF High Command

Before I authorize any forigen warship with technical difficulties to enter Vetakan Waters. I require information on those difficulties and the capabilities of the Warship. Need I remind you Vetaka is hosting an international conference. Yes I accept you have no intentions however im sure you understand my position. At this time your REQUEST is denied. Vetaka is more then willing to aid you however we require the above information. Also we require you allow our ships to meet you and a small team of Engineers to baord your ship to help you. At this time if you cross into Vetakan Waters you could be fired on.

Yours Vetakan Defence Force Supreme Operational Commander Stone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Tell the Battleship Lil Carrot to move to intercept and Fire Warning Shots if they enter Vetakan Waters. Alert the Fleet and tell them to hurry up. Further more have a Squadron of Raptors make a fly over. Lets see how far they are willing to go on this. Raise the Defcon and Security Level to Defcon 2. Ill update the President. Everybody understand?"

"Yes Sir" came a chorus of replies.

The Dominion of Vetaka was in nature a peaceful one its people to where peaceful and placid after the horrors of the Vetakan Civil War. However its Military wasn't stupid. Its Military was newly formed however its Command Staff where every experienced many had fought in the civil war on the front. As a result many of them had excellent instincts in Military Combat. The Vetakan Military was probably smaller than that of Londim however they where high trained, well equiped and had a very high sense of Moral and Commitment to the Dominion after all it had taken a long bloody time to get Vetaka in its present state as a result any threat to that was met with intense hostility.

News had got back to the President of the curent situation:

"What?! Access has been denied. Fine go to planB. Tell the Stormfront to stay in international waters. We'll create a blockade around Vetaka but since we're in International waters they really shouldn't be able to do anything. Also I'll issue a note to all nations with a delegate within Vetaka.

To all foreign parties in Vetaka,

We do not intend to disrupt your conference. Hostilities should not break out between us and Vetaka but if they were to break out then all foreing delgates will be goven free passage out of Vetaka. We mean no harm to anyone.

President Roberts,
Democratic Republic Of Londim.

"That should do it..."

LSS Stormfront

"Sir access denied."

Shit, thought Rogers. Right he had to go to plan B...

"Stop all engines, drop anchor. We'll wait here until the rest of our fleet can make it. I'll send those Vetakans a message."

[quote] To Vetakan Forces<

The Stormbreaker has been having engine trouble as of late and our engineers have been working on the problem. However we have contacted by High Command to drop anchor and await a small rescue fleet from our own nation. We have been told not to enter your waters. This is only a retrieve and rescue mission on our governments part to take us back home. Repeat we will not breach your waters.

Captain Rogers
LSS Stormfront
[quote]

"Hopefully that will keep them at bay."

Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre, Theeb, Vetaka:

Stone was now pacing re-reading the Message he had just received from the Londim Ship. It just didn't make sense at all. Why was Londim doing this? Somthing just didn't seem right. It was a feeling that was not just felt by Stone all of the Military High Command and the President felt the same somthing was very strange. He turned to Commander Barrett:

"Mobilize the Second Battlegroup and Alert the Reserve Thrid Battlegroup to begin preperation. Yes ok it may cost and cause a small panic but id rather do that than be caught of guard especially with the conference. Tell the police to go to High Alert and crack out the Military Grade Stuff." Send this to the Londim Ship:

To: LSS Stormfront
From: VDF High Command

The Dominion is committed to peace. We are more than willing to allow you into Vetakan Waters and even provide assistance but im afraid I could not allow any further ships. Please provide complete capabilities of your Ship and your engine trouble and access will be granted. If you require tug that to can also be arranged.

Yours VDF Supreme Operational Commander Stone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

OOC: The Vetakan Military can become very paranoid as you can see. They have mobilised both of their Full Time Battlegroups and are preparing the 3rd Reserve Fleet. Each Battlegroup consists of a Naval Fleet, Army and full air wing. For Example the 1st Battlegroup:

1st Vetakan Defence Force Battlegroup

- 1st Vetakan Defence Naval Fleet
- 1st Vetakan Defence Army
- 1st Vetakan Defence Air Wing

Ill give you more detailed information if you suddenly begin invading. Judgying by your size you will probably have a bigger army. However the VDF is well armed and well equiped. Also a Vetakans First priority is Loyalty and Honour so expect WWII Japanese Style Resistence. Its up to you how you play it from now on. Altough please no nukes or WMD?

Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre, Theeb, Vetaka:

Stone was now pacing re-reading the Message he had just received from the Londim Ship. It just didn't make sense at all. Why was Londim doing this? Somthing just didn't seem right. It was a feeling that was not just felt by Stone all of the Military High Command and the President felt the same somthing was very strange. He turned to Commander Barrett:

"Mobilize the Second Battlegroup and Alert the Reserve Thrid Battlegroup to begin preperation. Yes ok it may cost and cause a small panic but id rather do that than be caught of guard especially with the conference. Tell the police to go to High Alert and crack out the Military Grade Stuff." Send this to the Londim Ship:

To: LSS Stormfront
From: VDF High Command

The Dominion is committed to peace. We are more than willing to allow you into Vetakan Waters and even provide assistance but im afraid I could not allow any further ships. Please provide complete capabilities of your Ship and your engine trouble and access will be granted. If you require tug that to can also be arranged.

Yours VDF Supreme Operational Commander Stone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

OOC: The Vetakan Military can become very paranoid as you can see. They have mobilised both of their Full Time Battlegroups and are preparing the 3rd Reserve Fleet. Each Battlegroup consists of a Naval Fleet, Army and full air wing. For Example the 1st Battlegroup:

1st Vetakan Defence Force Battlegroup

- 1st Vetakan Defence Naval Fleet
- 1st Vetakan Defence Army
- 1st Vetakan Defence Air Wing

Ill give you more detailed information if you suddenly begin invading. Judgying by your size you will probably have a bigger army. However the VDF is well armed and well equiped. Also a Vetakans First priority is Loyalty and Honour so expect WWII Japanese Style Resistence. Its up to you how you play it from now on. Altough please no nukes or WMD?


OOC: Don't worry I hate it when people start using nukes and WMDs so if war does happen don't expect any of them. The Londinium Armed Forces have traditionally believed in fighting with honour and respect for the enemy. Since the Londim Forces first came about early soldiers believed killing a man in battle sent him to heaven (knda of like Valhalla and Vikings). This continues to this day where they would raher a man die honourably in battle than be killed by a cowardly attack.


IC:

Captain Rogers looked at the response and sent one back quickly:



To Vetakan Forces,

We are attempting to move away from your boundaries by a few miles so we can be picked up easily by our rescue fleet. Our engineers have been temporarily able to get the engine working so we may meet the rescue away from your boundaries. We do not want any hostilities. We must warn however should an unprovoked on us occur then we will respond.

Captain Rogers
LSS Stormfront

"Start up engines! Raise the anchor. I want us to move away until we can be sure we're off their radar. The rest of the fleet will meet us at the rendevouz point."

Their was much activity as the ship started to turn and move away from the Vetakan boundaries.

Secret IC
Presidential Office

Gredge was looking at the reports from the Stormfront. He picked up the phone:

"This is Gredge. Send the 4th Battalion Naval Fleet to rendevouz with the Stormfront.Once Vetaka thinks we're gone, attack. Those are the orders. It is time to begin the campaign."

Mmm Bumpage

Off the coast of Vetaka

A Mafia Amur 1450 class Submarine sailed far behind the Londim ship and near the Vetakan fleet. The crew of 37 stayed far away from its guns and detection units. The submarine is running under Air independent propulsion with electrical engines ensuring nearly complete silence.

The commander stared at the passive SONAR screen watching the massive ship ply the seas. He then ordered a missile be loaded into Tube 3.

The BrahMos supersonic antishipping cruise missile is fitted to a launch capsule to be fired out of the tube, then floats up to the surface, breeching the water, and rocketing at nearly Mach 3 toward the ship.

Why would the Mafia provoke this incident, perhaps mysterious orders from the Corporate Alliance for some yet unknown gain.

It didn't matter, right now all that mattered was that a supersonic antishipping missile was now roaring from near a Vetakan fleet toward a Londim battleship.

OOC: crossposted at request of Londim.

"Sir, missile approaching Starboard side!"

Alarms were ringing as panic gripped the control room. Rogers was in disbelief. They hadn't done anything to allow this to happen. He roared:

"Those bastards! Cowardly attack! Send a..."

At that moment the ship rocked as contact was made. Power went out for a second before the backup generator kicked in.

"Close of the area that has been hit. Get anyone who's int aht area out of there. Close breach doors. I want that water contained! Send communications back to base!"

Presidential Office

"Sir, the Vetakans have attacked the Stormfront> This is an act of war and we need to respond appropriatly. What do we do?" Gredge looked towards the President.

"It looks like we're going to war. We have an excuseand no nation can surely condone the actions of Vetaka."

To Vetaka,
You have fired upon one of our ships which was heading towards one of our rescue fleets away from your waters. Congratulations you've begun a war. Londim will not have any mercy on you.

President Roberts
Democratic Republic Of Londim

"Sir, missile approaching Starboard side!"

Alarms were ringing as panic gripped the control room. Rogers was in disbelief. They hadn't done anything to allow this to happen. He roared:

"Those bastards! Cowardly attack! Send a..."

At that moment the ship rocked as contact was made. Power went out for a second before the backup generator kicked in.

"Close of the area that has been hit. Get anyone who's int aht area out of there. Close breach doors. I want that water contained! Send communications back to base!"

Presidential Office

"Sir, the Vetakans have attacked the Stormfront> This is an act of war and we need to respond appropriatly. What do we do?" Gredge looked towards the President.

"It looks like we're going to war. We have an excuseand no nation can surely condone the actions of Vetaka."

OOC: Should we just have the diplomatic things move here?

Vetakan Conference

Cpt. Victor Sortana noticed the security guards suffling, walkie talkies pulled out, military police increased and cell phones and PDAs were being tapped. He pulled out his cell phone, rubbed the Liberty Networks logo when the device began ringing.

He moved toward a corner and asked,

"What's wrong?"

A man responded, a familiar voice, Mafia, but unplaceable.

"We have reports one of Londim's ships has been hit by a missile or a shell. Looks like a Vetakan Naval Aviator got trigger happy from the trajectory of it. It isn't near a Vetakan ship."

"What do I do? Can I return..."

"You won't be getting stewardess ass this time, the company won't fly out there. You are on your own now, open your diplomatic case and you'll find some equipment."

Cpt. Victor Sortana went to the restroom and unfolded the baby changing table. He placed his suitcase on it, and pushed his fingerprint onto it. The LED screen read out his body temperature and the suitcase clicked open.

He opened the lead-lined case and peered inside. It contained 2 DVDs, a small dossier, and five weapons. Two were made of ceramic and composite parts, ensuring it was nonferrous. Its unusually low density allowed X-rays to pass through or reflected away making X-ray detection difficult. The other 3 guns were I-58 Liberator Single Shot Emergency Pistols. 3 extra rounds inside the handle.

9 Rounds, 3 guns.

One was a Siap-made CT-3 chambered for the .25 ACP and 2 clips of ammo. 16 rounds.

The other was a Leafanistani Special Forces weapon, the MS-58 Special, with its integral silencer, and 5.8mm Subsonic rounds with 3 clips of ammunition. 96 rounds of ammo.

His eyes grew wide as the voice started talking again.

"You know how those things work, things may heat up very soon, I suggest you try to get everyone away from the airport."

"Right"

The other side hung up.

Cpt. Sortana closed his case and started running toward Ms. Jones, he was shouting now: "Ms. Jones! Ms. Jones!"

"Sir, missile approaching Starboard side!"

Alarms were ringing as panic gripped the control room. Rogers was in disbelief. They hadn't done anything to allow this to happen. He roared:

"Those bastards! Cowardly attack! Send a..."

At that moment the ship rocked as contact was made. Power went out for a second before the backup generator kicked in.

"Close of the area that has been hit. Get anyone who's int aht area out of there. Close breach doors. I want that water contained! Send communications back to base!"
*SNIP*
Uralia Tiliel nos Kharlir, Tiliel to everyone else at the office, handed the State Security Agency's intercepted message of the Londim destroyer's fate to General Secretary Carolinus Horridus. "Sir, it has happened as you foresaw."
Not literally of course; his transformation hadn't been that dramatic way back when he'd came back from fully 3 minutes of clinical death, after that Blood and Soil Party Nazist punk nearly offed him decades ago. Simply "foresaw" in the political sense of reading the situation. "Hmm... Not quite so. On the face of it we can't back Vetaka if they're indeed the aggressor here; but I sense something bigger going on. Can't tell what, exactly," He was neither Maiar, sorcerer nor deity. "But I sense it nonetheless. Let's try something more subtle than we did with Strator this time..."

SIC:
TOP SECRET
From: General Secretary Carolinus Horridus
To: President Daniel Pearce, Lord-Governor of Vetaka
Decrypt Message? (y/n?)

Greetings Rt. Hon. Lord-Governor,
Although officially we must protest this apparent aggression on your part; do not think for a second we actually believe that is what has happened. We sense another Strator raising their head; and worse, a more powerful one than the world needs by far.
Ideally I can keep from war myself for the moment, though I will aid you if it comes to that. Should you wish it, we can first donate 10% of our annual defense budget (some $210,848,000,000 USD when converted from our currency) to your war effort if you wish; covertly, by accounts traceable only with the utmost effort and resources. We know this aid will more than double your defense budget should you accept; quite enough to give Londim a nasty surprise, no?
Our Best Regards, in hopes for the Dominion of Vetaka's Victory against this provocateur; and whoever else is trying to discredit it as well.

The 1st Carrier Battle Group sat idly, moored off of international waters. They had been tracking the aged destroyer since it appeared to even threaten the safety of Adam Wincenty. From the command deck of the DDNH-1 Mer des Ennuis, a massive Hood-class Super Dreadnaught, Admiral of the Navies Ivan Andrei was having a bit of a crisis. A destroyer apparently was attempting to force its way into the country, and the 1st Battle Group, 79 ships strong, would happily send the ship to Davy Jones's locker, but that wasn't going to happen. A number of Alpha-class attack submarines had been shadowing it from below the thermo cline, when they detected what sounded distinctly like a submarine launching a torpedo, and quickly relayed the information back to him. Adm. Andrei quickly drated a quick message to the captain of the destroyer and to Gen. Wincenty. A VLF broadcast was made to the unknown sub, which would probably be picked up shortly by the active pinging of the Alpha-classes, if not from the multiple DDGN-Stingray class submarines, stealthy giants that acted as the center of the SSN fleets.

To: General Adam Wincenty
From: Admiral Ivan Andrei
Subject: Naval Incursion

We have been tracking the type 42 from just beyond the horizon, and have been shadowing it with extensive sub coverage. Sonar data gives us reason to believe that this was an attack from a submarine rather than an aircraft. We are going to attempt to raise this submarine, and we will dispatch ASW aircraft to supplement a search for the sub. At this time, we do not know the national origin of the submarine, though we doubt that it is Vetakan in origin. Sonobuoy line has not been compromised.

-Ivan Andrei

To: Captain of LSS Stormfront
From: Admiral of the Navies Ivan Andrei, Mer des Ennuis; Commander 1st Carrier Battle Group

We have detected that you have been hit. You are currently under the area of influence for our battle group. Should you require it, we can evacuate your sailors as "guests" and return it to your government. We will also happily dispatch a ship to tow you outside of our area of influence if necessary. You are dead in the water, and I highly suggest you accept either of these offers. Failure to do so could be construed as an act of war.

-Ivan Andrei
Admiral of the Navies of Mer des Ennuis

To: Unknown Submarine
From: Mer des Ennuis 1st Carrier Battle Group

You are hereby ordered to identify yourself, surface, and surrender. Failure to do so will result in destruction with extreme prejudice. You have 5 minutes.

Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre Vetaka:

What happened next was totally unexpected without warning a Sonar Operator shouted over the usual hum of the Operations Room:

"Shit.... Shit Red Alert. Missile approaching the Londim Ship from the direction of our fleet."

"What Replied Stone? One of ours?" replied Stone.

"Checking now Sir" replied Barrett

This took only a few minutes to do and Barrett soon replied:

"No Sir all Subs have not fired. However strange signals have been detected which suggests foul play. Either way Sir we are in deep Shit?" replied Barrett.

Stone felt so alive yet at the same time so very nervous his instincts had proved right however Vetaka now still looked like an aggressor. As a result he cleared his throat and begin:

"Ok Listern up Ladies and Gentleman this is now a very real and dangerous situation. Possibly the most dangerours situation we have ever faced as a nation. I will be honest with you now this is going to be one shit of a day. Ok Orders: Launch Contingent Delta and begin total Evacuation of all Forigen Delegates from the Conference. Update the President. Mobilization of all of the Defence Forces including the Reserves and Police Force. Begin fortifying all beacheads. Bring online the Emergancy Broadcast system and call an immediate Press Conference. Operation Vetakan Defence is now offically launched? You all know what is expected. Move Out."

"Yes Sir" was the unanimous reply.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Theeb, Presidential Palace, Vetaka:

The President was sipping a water when he was alerted of the news. Vetakan Forigen Affairs Officals where now breaking the news to all relvant diplomats and the Presidential Palace lawn had been turned into a make shift Helipad to transport the Delegates back to Theeb International where all flights had been grounded to allow the rapid evac of all Delegates. Vetakan Troops where now everywhere. Tanks and APCs where moving into position. The Presidential Press Room was now full of diplomats. The Vetakan President was about to go live in many nations including that of Londim to do what he could to calm the now tense Stand off. He burst through the doors and took his place behind the podium and began:

"Good Morning Ladies and Gentleman"

"Im sure by now you are all aware of the current situation that we now find ourselves within. I will be honest with you all. I am scared however I stand before you to tell you that the attack upon the Londim Ship LSS Stormfront was not carried out by the Vetakan Defence Force. That attack was Cowardly and I would never of authorized it. I am aware that all of the facts point to Vetaka. However bottom line is we did not do this. I believe sinister forces are at work here. Sinister Forces that intend to create a situation where by hidden agendas can be carried out. We would like to inform the International Community that Vetaka did not carry this attack out. We condem this attack and we offer any aid we can to Londim and will offer our full co-operation in any investigation that Londim intends to carry out. Vetaka has already begun a full scale investigation. We offer our full and unconditional apologise to Londim for this situation. I personally belive that this attack was carried out by an as yet Sinister Thrid Party whom have a hidden agenda I call those Sinister Forces out. Those Cowardly Sinister Force for that matter. You are nothing. If you have to cause havoc to a peaceful nation hosting a peaceful conference on a subject as a Slaves Rights."

Thank You with that the President left the room and eventually the palace boarded an Armoured Personnel Carrier which whisked him away to the Vetakan Defence Force High Command Centre to direct the Vetakan Response to the situation himself.

Uralia Tiliel nos Kharlir, Tiliel to everyone else at the office, handed the State Security Agency's intercepted message of the Londim destroyer's fate to General Secretary Carolinus Horridus. "Sir, it has happened as you foresaw."
Not literally of course; his transformation hadn't been that dramatic way back when he'd came back from fully 3 minutes of clinical death, after that Blood and Soil Party Nazist punk nearly offed him decades ago. Simply "foresaw" in the political sense of reading the situation. "Hmm... Not quite so. On the face of it we can't back Vetaka if they're indeed the aggressor here; but I sense something bigger going on. Can't tell what, exactly," He was neither Maiar, sorcerer nor deity. "But I sense it nonetheless. Let's try something more subtle than we did with Strator this time..."

SIC:
TOP SECRET
From: General Secretary Carolinus Horridus
To: President Daniel Pearce, Lord-Governor of Vetaka
Decrypt Message? (y/n?)

Greetings Rt. Hon. Lord-Governor,
Although officially we must protest this apparent aggression on your part; do not think for a second we actually believe that is what has happened. We sense another Strator raising their head; and worse, a more powerful one than the world needs by far.
Ideally I can keep from war myself for the moment, though I will aid you if it comes to that. Should you wish it, we can first donate 10% of our annual defense budget (some $210,848,000,000 USD when converted from our currency) to your war effort if you wish; covertly, by accounts traceable only with the utmost effort and resources. We know this aid will more than double your defense budget should you accept; quite enough to give Londim a nasty surprise, no?
Our Best Regards, in hopes for the Dominion of Vetaka's Victory against this provocateur; and whoever else is trying to discredit it as well.

Level 1 Secure Encryption/ Four Eyes Only/ Top Secret:

To: General Secretary Carolinus Horridus
From: President Daniel Pearce

I Thank you for your offer of aid in this time of need. However Vetaka is innocent and we intend to prove this. Should conflict break out Vetaka will stand but we will do all we can to avoid that and discover the real perpetrators of the situation. I hope we can speak again in person.

Thank You

Yours President Daniel Pearce

Vetakan Defence Force Naval Battlegroup:

Chief Admiral Charles Hornblower was the Highest Ranking Naval Officer within Vetaka. He was a man of great honour and was disgusted by the "supposed Vetakan attack" as a result he disobyed orders to hold position, he intended to clear Vetaka's name and began barking orders:

"XO the fleet is to withdraw to 10 Miles immediatly rear to our current position. Transfer Command to Deputy Admiral Catona. The following ships are to remian. The Flagship, 4 Type 23 Anti-Submarine Frigates, 4 Seawolf Submarines, 2 Type 45 Air Defense Destroyers and 2 Chieftern Pocket Battleships we are going Sub-Hunting?"

"Comms tell all ships to remain within Vetakan Waters and to hunt for any unkowen Submarine be careful of any forigen subs in the area. Also I need an Anti-Sub Plane in the air and on station now. Also send this out on all Frequencies including to Command:"

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

To: All Ships in the area
From: Vetakan Anti-Sub Force

This Admiral Charles Hornblower of the newly created Anti-Submarine Force. We have detected and unkowen Sub within our waters we are certain this sub carried out the Londim Attack as a result and with intention to clear Vetaka's name. The main Vetakan Battlefleet is withdrawing and we intend to raise this sub so that we may prove to the world that Vetaka is innocent of this cowardly attack.

UNIDENTIFIED SUB YOU HAVE 5 MINUTES TO RAISE AND SURRENDER I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL I HAVE FOUND YOU.

We request a Joint Anti Sub Hunt of all Forces within the Area. LSS Stormfront we offer our full co-operation.

Yours Admiral Charles Hornblower.

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

The Admiral now turned to the Sonar Screen and began barking orders. The Hunt was on and Hornblower wasn't going to give up easily.

To: Unknown Submarine
From: Mer des Ennuis 1st Carrier Battle Group

You are hereby ordered to identify yourself, surface, and surrender. Failure to do so will result in destruction with extreme prejudice. You have 5 minutes.

OOC: I RPed my sub keeping away from any fleets therefore its detection by Mer des Ennuis of a extremely quiet sub is hard to believe. A launch capsule at that depth would move forward quickly and breech the surface and launch.

The idea was that by the time it surfaced, it would have crossed the boundary into Vetakan waters and be close enough to Vetakan forces to look like on of theirs. I'll RP my sub fleeing the normal way.

IC:

International Waters

The VLF signal came in, pointless, none of the men dare challenge their orders, especially the suicidal captain and his two Capitol Police bodyguards. The sub stayed in silent running off their hydrogen fuel cells. Specially designed propellers ensured it made no bubbles and it stayed quiet.

The captain put a small LED counter on the command area, it started counting down from 5 minutes.

The sub silently descended toward the ocean floor, the hull nearing collapse, the captain was pushing the limit of its design. He would rely on the active pings from the enemy fleet to tell him what was in front of him as he moved between the rocks.

This strategy was extremely risky as sonar gets confused easily by all the rocks lining the ocean floor, so the captain could easily run aground. However, because sonar can't differentiate rocks this close together of this size, it made the submarine disappear into the background noise.

He looked at his watch and drew lines on his map. His calculations meant that he would have 10 minutes to get to the cargo ship before it left, and it would take around 7 to get there and another minute to rapidly surface and dock inside its hull.

He decided to take a roundabout route relying on an ancient rock map obtained from a geological survey done long ago, and some slightly more recent satellite maps. He drew a series of curved lines in major valleys, all the detail his maps had, and watched as the SONAR operator drew what his detection units saw in front of him.

He then drew out the active sonar pings showing where the enemy fleets were and how they were coming. He knew the farther out he got, it became exponentially harder for them to search the sea floor for he could have gotten anywhere in that time including gone backwards to confuse them.

4 minutes left, 7 minutes until rendezvous with a cargo ship painted in Leafanistani colors, 7 minutes to freedom.

The President of Hamilay sat inside the Mi-26 Halo angrily bashing at the keys of a communications terminal.
"Come in, damn you! Why the hell can't we get a signal?"
There was a crackle of static.
"Naval High Command, High Admiral McIver speaking. Mr President?"
"Ah, never mind, Colonel. About bloody time, McIver. I assume you've heard about the recent incident here? Well, the conference has been cancelled and now the Londimians and the Vetakans are shooting at each other. How many battle groups do you have on standby?"
"Adjudicator and her 1st Fleet Battle Group are off in international waters shadowing you, as you know. 3rd Fleet Battle Group is in port here, one Retribution-class dreadnought, Defiant and escort ships"
"That will have to do. Send them all."
"All of them, sir? Two dreadnoughts?"
"Yes, all of them. Mer des Ennuis has a bloody Hood here, and we have no idea what's going on. I want us to be able to match anything that can get thrown at us, in case things get unpleasant. Bring the Adjudicator in and have her at full combat alert. I suspect someone is trying to start a war here, whether the Vetakans or others. If they're not trying to, then they're extremely unlucky. Oh yes, and get one of the carriers to send some planes over to cover our departure, I don't feel too comfortable flying over god knows how many nervous anti-aircraft crews. Got all that? I'll inform the Vetakans an escort is coming."
"Affirmative, sir. Adjudicator should be on station in around an hour."
"Good job, Admiral. Out."

Communique to the Vetakan Government
Be advised, as per your recommendations and our analysis, the President of Hamilay is leaving Vetaka. We wish to inform you that one squadron of twelve Su-47s will be arriving to provide an escort for the departing President and his entourage. Also be advised the RSS Adjudicator and the First Fleet Battle Group are arriving at the scene to act as observers and work towards preventing open conflict.

OOC: You're welcome to stray near me.

IC:

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/evilitaliandude/Italy20detail20of20seal.jpg


TO: Londim
FROM: Roma Foreign Ministry

This violation of Vetaka shall not be taken lightly. Further exploitation shall be met with military force.

Good Day,
Signed,
Antonio Gordivici
Antonio Gordivici
Minister of Foreign Affairs

OOC: Yea, the sub may be silent, but the torp sure as shit ain't, and there are ways around that. And you'll have to rise above the rocks at some point.

Admiral Ivan Andrei was on the command deck of the MDE Mer des Ennuis Hood-Class Super Dreadnaught, shouting orders at who ever happened to be near by.

"How many marines do we have available for deployment?"

"Around 700 ready for immediate deployment." called an officer.

"Is it in their authority to search vessels believed to harbor a threat?" There was no response. "Never mind, we can deal with the fallout later. I want helos in the air in 5 minutes, and I want them to target every ship larger than a fucking dinghy contacted, boarded, and searched. Do we know how big the torp launcher was?"

"No sir, could be a midget, could be a SSDN."

"I want this thing done with. Now. Even if he's using a "silent sub" I'm willing to bet that passive sonar will pick up some form of oscillating sound. Kill all active sonar, leave the sonobouy line for now, if only to keep enemy ships out. For now, I want depth charges deployed. Now."

A minute later, dozens of helicopters took off, and started to annihilate an ever increasing area with mortar-like depth charges that went off on contact. The sonarmen of the pursuing submarines strained to hear the slightest indication of a submarine: a mechanically oscillating noise, the sound of a hull creaking from overpressure, a slightly different acoustic reading from a depth charge, what ever.

Meanwhile, some of the ships' GF-02 Blizzards scrambled to deploy sonobouys in a giant circle of approximately 100 nautical miles from where the torpedo that hit the Londim ship was first detected. It was guestimated that if the sub were to sprint at 32 knots, they'd have three hours. In all likelihood, they had considerably more time than that. The remaining fighter/bombers picked ships bigger than trawlers within 50 nautical miles of "sea zero" to circle over. Marines would soon request permission to search the ship in question. Failure to allow a search conducted by a party of 50 marines would merit immediate ghosting by air and sea, with a forced entry if necessary.


---------
To: Chief Admiral Charles Hornblower
From: Admiral Ivan Andrei
Re: Sub

We have been unable to find the submarine in question, and believe it may be a midget sub, due to the inability of active and passive sonar to find it as of yet. The submarine itself may have sunk to near-crush depth, or, if it found a shallow enough area, might be resting near the bottom hindering efforts. If it is a midget sub, and due to the fact we have a naval exclusion zone in effect at the moment, we want to board and search all large ships in the area for possible enemy combatants. Although we have the ability, we want your permission to do so. Fast action might be necessary, as once a small sub such as that (which cannot travel far on its own) docks, the surface ship in question can merely steam off, submarine intact. Legally, I need your permission to actually search these extra-national ships, since the incident occured in your waters.

-Admiral Ivan Andrei

The submarine dives deeper, deeper, deeper. The hull has now begun making noises to the men. Not the groan-pop familiar to those in steel hulled submarines but the pop-pop-pop of brittle titanium. The crew is losing their nerve, sweat begins to fill the foreheads of the men aboard the IMS Silent Ballet.

The SONAR operator watches the screen when suddenly the enemy fleet's active SONAR goes dead. Suddenly the submarine is blind, no way to tell if they are going in the right direction. He screams, the sound causes the men who are used to complete silence to cover their ears. A Kraven Capitol Policeman turns his silenced Corporate Carbine toward the man and fires a solitary round that turns his brains into jelly.

The men are quiet again and the captain returns to his charts. He taps the shoulder of the steering man to tell him where to turn. The first mortar shots were coming in and causing the SONAR to flash slightly.

The captain taps the man's shoulder to the right and then to the left. The crew are silent again as the low frequency thuds of mortars and depth charges go off. The captain looks at the timer, its lights flashing 0:00. 3 more minutes to the cargo ship.

Meanwhile in the engine room a rock deftly penetrates the hull pouring water into the engine room, and the engineers rush toward the doors. One nearly makes it out when the door crushes him, shattering his body and trapping the remaining 7 in the now rapidly filling engine room.

The lights all went red, the submarine jerked backwards and primary electrical power failed.

The submarine was sinking, fast, and the captain immediately emptied the ballast. There was just one chance for empathy if they can make it to the surface, pretend to be Vetakan. Their generic uniforms and the complete lack of designations on any of the equipment were standard Independent Mafia Ship procedures.

He shoved his code books into a waterlock sending their contents into the crushing ocean, compressing the phone book sized logs into a ball the size of a baby's fist. His turned to the Kraven Capitol Police, the only flaw in his plan. He tells them to get 'more codebooks' from the front section.

As they wander to the front he seals them off and floods the torpedo room. The sub still sinking stabilizes. He gets on the radio and makes a transmission.

"This is the", he pushes the off button to simulate static, "Vetakan, no registration, complete black", he does it again, "caught", he pushes it again, "requesting asylum from..."

He never finishes his message, the crew fails to seal the patches and blow the ballast in time. The pressure has caused hairline fractures in the titanium hull to finally burst. The unflooded compartments are crushed first, causing an explosive blast shattering the flooded compartments.

The ocean is satisfied, pressure is equalized, and now the submarine joins the rocks it so desperately wanted to emulate as one of them.

OOC: I alluded to this in my post on the IC thread on the conference

IC: The press room in the Houses of Parliament were rapidly filling; all the various television channels and radio stations had been contacted and they were filling up this room - the news about the Leader of the Opposition had been very concerning.

Indeed, the entire nation was on edge; the Ptolemais Times had for the first time in a decade printed a 5am edition. This was pretty much the only news that people had been getting, aboard the crowded Trams of the capital.

In the Central Train Station, public address annoucements were mixed with the news broadcasts of Radio Ptolemais; there was still no news from His Majesty, and neither was there news from Vetaka, was Theeb still a safe place to be.

The Duchess of Buller, Yvonne Gorman, was nervous, the clock was ticking down toward 8:30, the members of the party leadership were gradually stepping up onto the stage.

Then came the moment - the moment where everyone on trams, on buses, on trains, at work, at play, even at school would stop and listen to whatever they had

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the press and the people of the Empire. As you are aware, I received a call this morning that the Vetakan Anti-Slavery Conference had been cancelled due to a state of war between Vetaka and Londim. I also heard that all commercial flights had been cancelled, leaving our leader, the Right Honourable Oliver Peterson, trapped within Theeb indefinitely.

People of the Empire, I have since that call spoken to our leader and although he is safe, he is a little dazed." As Gorman spoke those words, the room broke out in applause

"I am glad to hear that you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of our leader, even if you do not care about the health and wellbeing of the Labour Party. Anyway, I have just contacted His Majesty, and he and the members of government that were attending the Masquerade in New Katagan will be returning home immediately.

His Majesty has also advanced the opening of Parliament, which was due to happen on the 12th to this Monday. We have requested, and been granted, that in lieu of the standard no-confidence vote, a vote demanding that a state of war exist between the Empire and Londim be placed on the order sheet." The room broke out into further applause.

"People of the Empire, this will not only be a war for our leader, not only be a war for Vetaka, but it will also be a conflict for the people that have no voice, the people that are being enslaved in our world and indeed under our noses in this Empire. Therefore, we have also further requested, and have been granted, that a bill demanding the immediate arrest and trial of members of the nobility that participate in slavery be placed on the order sheet.

To conclude, we must pray as a nation that our leader returns to us safely. We must also pray for the troops of the Empire, as they prepare for what will be an inevitable conflict between the Empire and Londim. My final words are for Londim - the Empire will be victorious."

The room broke out into massive applause as Gorman finished her speech. For the first time in fifteen years, the people of the Empire had actually been behind the Labour Party; maybe Labour was about to return to office.
------------------------------------------------------------
URGENT MESSAGE TO ALL IMPERIAL TROOPS

All leave is cancelled effective 6am Ptolemais Standard Time on Sunday the Twenty-Fifth of February in the Year of Our Lord Two-Thousand and Seven.

Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre, Theeb, Vetaka:

"What the hell is Hornblower doing? He is violating orders?" barrett screamed.

"He is doing whats right." replied the President

"But?" started Barrett.

"But Nothing. It might be just whats needed to defuse this situation. Confirm Hornblowers message and get as many Pegasus Bombers (OOC: Anti-Submarine High Altittude Bomber ask for details) in the air".....

Suddenly a Communication Officer interupts the President somthing very brave and shouts sir you should hear this:

"This is the"........"Vetakan, no registration, complete black"...... "caught",..... "requesting asylum from..."

"What the Fuck? Who the?" said the President Confused he turns to Intelligence Commander Barrett.

"Barrett. Answer honestly now or I swear to god ill Kill you now. Do you have anything? Any Black Operation that you have neglected to tell me?"

Commander Barrett straightend up, walked to the President and looked him right in the eye.

"No Sir, No Black Operations Sir" "Ok Barrett" Replied the President.

"Continue to hunt for this Submarine it could or it could not be in Vetakan Designations. Have the main Battlefleet hold its current position. Continue to Fortify the Nation. Im going to go and speak to the Press." ordered the President walking from the Command Room to the Press Room.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre, Press Room, Theeb Vetaka:

As word that the Vetakan President was about to make a live Statement from the Command Centre. The Vetakan Podium was now broadcast live across the nation and across the world. As much of the Globe was now watching the Vetakan-Londim Incident with interest. As the Guarded double doors opened the President Entered saluting to the Guards he took his position behind the Podium. The President was now dressed not in his usual sharp Armani Suit but in black urban combat fatigues. He waited for the Press people to Calm and began:

"Ladies and Gentleman"

"The situation is getting ever more grave for both Vetaka, Londim and the International Community. Again I would like to tell you today. That the Vetakan Military or any element within it carried out this attack. Besides the Vetakan Military saw the attack as pure cowardice and if we wanted to of attacked. We would of done the honourable thing and made the attack a Balanced one and attacked fairly.

"All Vetakans are primarily ruled by 3 points those being Loyalty, Honour and truth. The attack violated all those points and in kind was not committed by Vetaka. Our intelligence and the current situation out to see suggests a Submarine of Forigen Orign committed the attack. As a result I have authorized the Vetakan Battlefleet to hunt for this Submarine to raise it and prove to the World that Vetaka did not carry out this attack. I still believe the attack was carried out by an External Power whom wish to discredit Vetaka in order to fulfil a secret, hidden and destructive Agenda. I offer the Vetakan Hand to the Londim and the International Community so that we may work together to defuse this very dangerous situation"

"Do we have any questions?"

To: Captain of LSS Stormfront
From: Admiral of the Navies Ivan Andrei, Mer des Ennuis; Commander 1st Carrier Battle Group

We have detected that you have been hit. You are currently under the area of influence for our battle group. Should you require it, we can evacuate your sailors as "guests" and return it to your government. We will also happily dispatch a ship to tow you outside of our area of influence if necessary. You are dead in the water, and I highly suggest you accept either of these offers. Failure to do so could be construed as an act of war.

-Ivan Andrei
Admiral of the Navies of Mer des Ennuis

.

To Admiral Andrei,

Our ship has taken a large amount of damage. The hull has been breached. I answer you with this, Get my people off this ship. That is my number one priority. Whatever happens thereafter be in the knowledge Mer De Ennuis will have Londims eternal gratitude and respect.

Captain Rogers,
Democratic Republic Of Londim

Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre Vetaka:

What happened next was totally unexpected without warning a Sonar Operator shouted over the usual hum of the Operations Room:

"Shit.... Shit Red Alert. Missile approaching the Londim Ship from the direction of our fleet."

"What Replied Stone? One of ours?" replied Stone.

"Checking now Sir" replied Barrett

This took only a few minutes to do and Barrett soon replied:

"No Sir all Subs have not fired. However strange signals have been detected which suggests foul play. Either way Sir we are in deep Shit?" replied Barrett.

Stone felt so alive yet at the same time so very nervous his instincts had proved right however Vetaka now still looked like an aggressor. As a result he cleared his throat and begin:

"Ok Listern up Ladies and Gentleman this is now a very real and dangerous situation. Possibly the most dangerours situation we have ever faced as a nation. I will be honest with you now this is going to be one shit of a day. Ok Orders: Launch Contingent Delta and begin total Evacuation of all Forigen Delegates from the Conference. Update the President. Mobilization of all of the Defence Forces including the Reserves and Police Force. Begin fortifying all beacheads. Bring online the Emergancy Broadcast system and call an immediate Press Conference. Operation Vetakan Defence is now offically launched? You all know what is expected. Move Out."

"Yes Sir" was the unanimous reply.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Theeb, Presidential Palace, Vetaka:

The President was sipping a water when he was alerted of the news. Vetakan Forigen Affairs Officals where now breaking the news to all relvant diplomats and the Presidential Palace lawn had been turned into a make shift Helipad to transport the Delegates back to Theeb International where all flights had been grounded to allow the rapid evac of all Delegates. Vetakan Troops where now everywhere. Tanks and APCs where moving into position. The Presidential Press Room was now full of diplomats. The Vetakan President was about to go live in many nations including that of Londim to do what he could to calm the now tense Stand off. He burst through the doors and took his place behind the podium and began:

"Good Morning Ladies and Gentleman"

"Im sure by now you are all aware of the current situation that we now find ourselves within. I will be honest with you all. I am scared however I stand before you to tell you that the attack upon the Londim Ship LSS Stormfront was not carried out by the Vetakan Defence Force. That attack was Cowardly and I would never of authorized it. I am aware that all of the facts point to Vetaka. However bottom line is we did not do this. I believe sinister forces are at work here. Sinister Forces that intend to create a situation where by hidden agendas can be carried out. We would like to inform the International Community that Vetaka did not carry this attack out. We condem this attack and we offer any aid we can to Londim and will offer our full co-operation in any investigation that Londim intends to carry out. Vetaka has already begun a full scale investigation. We offer our full and unconditional apologise to Londim for this situation. I personally belive that this attack was carried out by an as yet Sinister Thrid Party whom have a hidden agenda I call those Sinister Forces out. Those Cowardly Sinister Force for that matter. You are nothing. If you have to cause havoc to a peaceful nation hosting a peaceful conference on a subject as a Slaves Rights."

Thank You with that the President left the room and eventually the palace boarded an Armoured Personnel Carrier which whisked him away to the Vetakan Defence Force High Command Centre to direct the Vetakan Response to the situation himself.

Presidential Office

Roberts watched the speech on the screen in the office. It seemed many nations had called foul play on a 3rd party. If this was the case then...:

To all nations involved in the incident,

I, and my government, believe that Vetaka did not attack the Stormfront. However we will hunt down who did attack us and we will show no mercy. Cowards have no honour and without this honour they lose our respect.

President Roberts,
Democratic Republic Of Londim


OOC: You're welcome to stray near me.

IC:

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u12/evilitaliandude/Italy20detail20of20seal.jpg


TO: Londim
FROM: Roma Foreign Ministry

This violation of Vetaka shall not be taken lightly. Further exploitation shall be met with military force.

Good Day,
Signed,
Antonio Gordivici
Antonio Gordivici
Minister of Foreign Affairs

To Antonio Gordivici,

Londim did not breach Vetakan territory. We were in International waters at the time first correspondence between Londim and Vetaka took place. We will not attack Vetakaas evidence shows they did not attack us. We insist you retract your threat of war.

President Roberts,
Demcratic Republic Of Londim

OOC: I alluded to this in my post on the IC thread on the conference

IC: The press room in the Houses of Parliament were rapidly filling; all the various television channels and radio stations had been contacted and they were filling up this room - the news about the Leader of the Opposition had been very concerning.

Indeed, the entire nation was on edge; the Ptolemais Times had for the first time in a decade printed a 5am edition. This was pretty much the only news that people had been getting, aboard the crowded Trams of the capital.

In the Central Train Station, public address annoucements were mixed with the news broadcasts of Radio Ptolemais; there was still no news from His Majesty, and neither was there news from Vetaka, was Theeb still a safe place to be.

The Duchess of Buller, Yvonne Gorman, was nervous, the clock was ticking down toward 8:30, the members of the party leadership were gradually stepping up onto the stage.

Then came the moment - the moment where everyone on trams, on buses, on trains, at work, at play, even at school would stop and listen to whatever they had

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the press and the people of the Empire. As you are aware, I received a call this morning that the Vetakan Anti-Slavery Conference had been cancelled due to a state of war between Vetaka and Londim. I also heard that all commercial flights had been cancelled, leaving our leader, the Right Honourable Oliver Peterson, trapped within Theeb indefinitely.

People of the Empire, I have since that call spoken to our leader and although he is safe, he is a little dazed." As Gorman spoke those words, the room broke out in applause

"I am glad to hear that you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of our leader, even if you do not care about the health and wellbeing of the Labour Party. Anyway, I have just contacted His Majesty, and he and the members of government that were attending the Masquerade in New Katagan will be returning home immediately.

His Majesty has also advanced the opening of Parliament, which was due to happen on the 12th to this Monday. We have requested, and been granted, that in lieu of the standard no-confidence vote, a vote demanding that a state of war exist between the Empire and Londim be placed on the order sheet." The room broke out into further applause.

"People of the Empire, this will not only be a war for our leader, not only be a war for Vetaka, but it will also be a conflict for the people that have no voice, the people that are being enslaved in our world and indeed under our noses in this Empire. Therefore, we have also further requested, and have been granted, that a bill demanding the immediate arrest and trial of members of the nobility that participate in slavery be placed on the order sheet.

To conclude, we must pray as a nation that our leader returns to us safely. We must also pray for the troops of the Empire, as they prepare for what will be an inevitable conflict between the Empire and Londim. My final words are for Londim - the Empire will be victorious."

The room broke out into massive applause as Gorman finished her speech. For the first time in fifteen years, the people of the Empire had actually been behind the Labour Party; maybe Labour was about to return to office.
------------------------------------------------------------
URGENT MESSAGE TO ALL IMPERIAL TROOPS

All leave is cancelled effective 6am Ptolemais Standard Time on Sunday the Twenty-Fifth of February in the Year of Our Lord Two-Thousand and Seven.

"Mr President! We're at war!" Gredge broke the silence as he ran into the Presidential Office. The President stared at Gredge.

"Who and why?". The President uttered these 3 simple words quietly still staring at Gredge.

"The Empire of Alexandrian Ptolemais. The reason, I am infering, is that one of their citizens was in Vetaka at the time we were near the area. They saw it as a threat and now declare war on us."

'Very well. I will send them a message. Mean while make sure all armed forces are on high alert. Blood may soon be shed.


To The Empire of Alexandrian Ptolemais,
Your decleration of war is unjust. We have not done anything to provoke this decleration. We demand that you revoke this decision. If not then your empire shall experience the greatest and most dangerous war it has even been in.

Presidnet Roberts,
Democratic Republic Of Londim

:: Secret Service C&C Centre ::
:: AAF-001; Oro Unu ::
"SIR!" shouted one of the communication officers monitoring radio chatter in the local area, "The Londim warship has been hit by a missile"

"Inform all units. Immediate evacuation."

"Aye, Sir"

:: Presidential Palace; Theeb ::
"In this room is an example of pre-18th century ..." began the tour guide, leading President Elizabeth Rolands into yet another of the many state rooms of the Vetakan Presidential Palace. Antique art was one of the President's interests, and she was finding this tour fascinating. A good way to relax before getting down to the hard work of the conference.

Being given a one-to-one tour of the peaceful state rooms was also a refreshing change. Save for the Security Service agents tailing her at a discreet distance, it was just her and the guide. Glancing back towards the fascinating gilded clock in front of her, she noticed one of them reach for their earpiece.

This is ORO ONE to all units. Immediate Evacuation. Repeat. Immediate evacuation

Elizabeth was suddenly surrounded by men in black suits, pistols drawn. "Excuse me, ma'am. Come with us. We have a code black."

Before even having a chance to respond, the President was frog-marched out of the room, the five personal protection agents allowed into the building surrounding her, making a clear path through, safety catches on their pistols off.

:: Outside; two minutes later ::
The armoured Bentley Continental screeched to a halt outside the main exit, as Elizabeth found herself bungled into the back, her Personal Protection Officer leaping in beside her. The door barely had time to slam shut behind her before the car began to accelerate away, black SS vehicles closing up alongside, in front and behind, sirens blaring. Breaching a number of local traffic laws, the motorcade rushed towards the airport.

:: Airport Apron ::
The motorcade screeched to a halt outside the plane, already pushed back and ready to taxi away; its occupants jumped out and made their way up the singe set of steps still in place, into the plane; and relative safety from assassins at least - having no choice but to assume there could be. The engines could already be heard powering up, as the pilots prepared to make their way towards the runway.

The steps were pulled away, and the plane began to taxi towards the runway. President Rolands was hurried along into her cabin, where she was told to sit down and strap in, with the warning, "It may be bumpy, ma'am"

:: Cockpit ::
"Rhino Tower this is Aunesian Air Force One demanding immediate departure clearance. Repeat, immediate departure clearance"

"Aunesian Air Force One you are cleared for departure, runway 124"

"Acknowledge, runway 124," replied the Captain, as the Senior First Officer taxied the plane out. He pressed the intercom button, "This is the cockpit. The seatbelt signs have now been switched on; please take the nearest available seat and secure yourselves now, seats facing forwards, armrests down. Crew, seats for departure,"

Reaching the end of the runway, the plane turned to face up the long, empty strip of tarmac. "Rhino Tower, this is Aunesian Air Force One departing, over," Nodding to the SFO, the two men pushed forwards on the throttle handles, letting the eight engines power the plane forward, pushing air under the wings ever faster, raising it off the ground...

:: Later; 50,000 feet above international waters ::
:: Travelling at Mach 0.95 ::
"Would somebody now care to tell me what the hell is going on?" demanded President Rolands, now adjusted to the shock of being dragged out of the peaceful state rooms and onto her jet, speeding its way back towards the Federation, having washed her face, and feeling rather less green than during the rapid climb of the plane.

"Somebody fired a missile at the Londim warship, which had anchored well inside international waters. Fleets of various nations are now approaching the area, and the entire situation is unpredictable. We initiated code black," replied the head of the Security Service detachment, entering the room.

"Yes. I'd noticed. Have you informed the embassy staff? Have them begin to draw up lists of all Aunesian citizens within the Dominion, set up a recorded information line...etc. I want a situation report now, and set up a video conference with..." the Foreign Secretary entered the room.

"So we didn't forget him. I want the head of Unified Intelligence Command on the phone in twenty minutes,"

"Yes, ma'am" replied her Chief of Staff, who'd somehow slipped in unnoticed.

Elizabeth looked round at the sound of his voice, then to the head of the SS. "Well...I see we didn't forget anyone after all"

"No ma'am," he replied, coming as close to a smile as he ever did.

:: Presidential Palace ::
Alison Campbell looked around the building; which now seemed to be...rather emptier than it had been, prior to her trip to the bathroom. A number of delegates remained, but suddenly the entire situation seemed much more grim. She approached the nearest Vetakan conference adviser..."Did I miss something?"

:: Secret Service C&C Centre ::
:: AAF-001; Oro Unu ::
"SIR!" shouted one of the communication officers monitoring radio chatter in the local area, "The Londim warship has been hit by a missile"

"Inform all units. Immediate evacuation."

"Aye, Sir"

:: Presidential Palace; Theeb ::
"In this room is an example of pre-18th century ..." began the tour guide, leading President Elizabeth Rolands into yet another of the many state rooms of the Vetakan Presidential Palace. Antique art was one of the President's interests, and she was finding this tour fascinating. A good way to relax before getting down to the hard work of the conference.

Being given a one-to-one tour of the peaceful state rooms was also a refreshing change. Save for the Security Service agents tailing her at a discreet distance, it was just her and the guide. Glancing back towards the fascinating gilded clock in front of her, she noticed one of them reach for their earpiece.

This is ORO ONE to all units. Immediate Evacuation. Repeat. Immediate evacuation

Elizabeth was suddenly surrounded by men in black suits, pistols drawn. "Excuse me, ma'am. Come with us. We have a code black."

Before even having a chance to respond, the President was frog-marched out of the room, the five personal protection agents allowed into the building surrounding her, making a clear path through, safety catches on their pistols off.

:: Outside; two minutes later ::
The armoured Bentley Continental screeched to a halt outside the main exit, as Elizabeth found herself bungled into the back, her Personal Protection Officer leaping in beside her. The door barely had time to slam shut behind her before the car began to accelerate away, black SS vehicles closing up alongside, in front and behind, sirens blaring. Breaching a number of local traffic laws, the motorcade rushed towards the airport.

:: Airport Apron ::
The motorcade screeched to a halt outside the plane, already pushed back and ready to taxi away; its occupants jumped out and made their way up the singe set of steps still in place, into the plane; and relative safety from assassins at least - having no choice but to assume there could be. The engines could already be heard powering up, as the pilots prepared to make their way towards the runway.

The steps were pulled away, and the plane began to taxi towards the runway. President Rolands was hurried along into her cabin, where she was told to sit down and strap in, with the warning, "It may be bumpy, ma'am"

:: Cockpit ::
"Rhino Tower this is Aunesian Air Force One demanding immediate departure clearance. Repeat, immediate departure clearance"

"Aunesian Air Force One you are cleared for departure, runway 124"

"Acknowledge, runway 124," replied the Captain, as the Senior First Officer taxied the plane out. He pressed the intercom button, "This is the cockpit. The seatbelt signs have now been switched on; please take the nearest available seat and secure yourselves now, seats facing forwards, armrests down. Crew, seats for departure,"

Reaching the end of the runway, the plane turned to face up the long, empty strip of tarmac. "Rhino Tower, this is Aunesian Air Force One departing, over," Nodding to the SFO, the two men pushed forwards on the throttle handles, letting the eight engines power the plane forward, pushing air under the wings ever faster, raising it off the ground...

:: Later; 50,000 feet above international waters ::
:: Travelling at Mach 0.95 ::
"Would somebody now care to tell me what the hell is going on?" demanded President Rolands, now adjusted to the shock of being dragged out of the peaceful state rooms and onto her jet, speeding its way back towards the Federation, having washed her face, and feeling rather less green than during the rapid climb of the plane.

"Somebody fired a missile at the Londim warship, which had anchored well inside international waters. Fleets of various nations are now approaching the area, and the entire situation is unpredictable. We initiated code black," replied the head of the Security Service detachment, entering the room.

"Yes. I'd noticed. Have you informed the embassy staff? Have them begin to draw up lists of all Aunesian citizens within the Dominion, set up a recorded information line...etc. I want a situation report now, and set up a video conference with..." the Foreign Secretary entered the room.

"So we didn't forget him. I want the head of Unified Intelligence Command on the phone in twenty minutes,"

"Yes, ma'am" replied her Chief of Staff, who'd somehow slipped in unnoticed.

Elizabeth looked round at the sound of his voice, then to the head of the SS. "Well...I see we didn't forget anyone after all"

"No ma'am," he replied, coming as close to a smile as he ever did.

:: Presidential Palace ::
Alison Campbell looked around the building; which now seemed to be...rather emptier than it had been, prior to her trip to the bathroom. A number of delegates remained, but suddenly the entire situation seemed much more grim. She approached the nearest Vetakan conference adviser..."Did I miss something?"

The Presidential Palace was what many people would call Organized Chaos. Vetakan Security Forces where everywhere the Conference Staff were all now tending to duties. John Heart was doing just this when a women asked:

"Did I miss something?"

"Their has been a Major Security Alert Ma'am following an Incident out to sea as a result the Conference has been cancelled and all Delegates are now being evacuated via Theeb International Airport. Which Delegtion are you with and can I see your Identifcation please?" replied John

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

"The Aunesian delegation...but I'm an accredited member of the diplomatic corps, and will be returning to the Aunesian embassy with the Ambassador," she replied, handing the man her conference ID badge, and diplomatic passport. "Do you happen to know where he is?"

OOC: Aunesia if I may....

IC:

"I see. The Aunesian Ambassador was been taken back to the Embassy via Chopper. I think he would of left by now. I will arange for you to be taken back to the Embassy. At this time we are not Evacuating the Embassy Complex however we have increased Security and fortified and Charterd a number of Evacuation Jets." replied John handing the Identification. John spoke into a mic located on his suit and then listerend to a reply in his earpeice. He nodded and smiled.

"A Helicopter is inbound now to take you to the Embassy Sector Miss Campbell. Its ETA is less than 45 Seconds. If you will follow me ill escort you to the Helipad." John beckoned to two waiting VDF Diplomatic Guards to follow them to the Helipad. Then the four of them walked towards the Helipad the two guards flanking them.

Vetaka, Newman Island, Theeb:

Vetaka was now on its highest state of Alert. The enitre Vetakan Defence Force as well as many reserves that could be summoned where now mobilized. All of this had come from a Missile Attack out to sea on a Londim Warship. The VDF command centre was by now a Hub of activity as the Vetakan Command Staff watched on as an International Incident was beginning to devlop on the Vetakan doorstop. Fleets from various nations where now on a tense face off and it was only a matter of time before sombody got stupid and decided to press the big red button on a nuclear missile and everything would change. Stone decided to try and calm the situation and sent an Emergancy Communication to the Londim President:

To: President of Londim
From: President of Vetaka

As your Ship is probably reporting the situation is hotting up. We have no fight with your people. As a result I propose a Truce and we work together to aid your ship with your permission Vetaka will evacuate the crew of the LSS Stormfront via Helicopter to a nearby Hospital Ship to treat them. We will also deploy a Safeguard Class Rescue & Salvage Ship and Ocean Class tug and remove the LSS Stormfront to safer waters. From their your fleet can remove the LSS Stormfront to Londim. We hope you will allow us to do this for you.

Yours Dominion of Vetaka President Daniel Gary Pearce

Vetaka, Newman Island, Theeb:

Vetaka was now on its highest state of Alert. The enitre Vetakan Defence Force as well as many reserves that could be summoned where now mobilized. All of this had come from a Missile Attack out to sea on a Londim Warship. The VDF command centre was by now a Hub of activity as the Vetakan Command Staff watched on as an International Incident was beginning to devlop on the Vetakan doorstop. Fleets from various nations where now on a tense face off and it was only a matter of time before sombody got stupid and decided to press the big red button on a nuclear missile and everything would change. Stone decided to try and calm the situation and sent an Emergancy Communication to the Londim President:

To: President of Londim
From: President of Vetaka

As your Ship is probably reporting the situation is hotting up. We have no fight with your people. As a result I propose a Truce and we work together to aid your ship with your permission Vetaka will evacuate the crew of the LSS Stormfront via Helicopter to a nearby Hospital Ship to treat them. We will also deploy a Safeguard Class Rescue & Salvage Ship and Ocean Class tug and remove the LSS Stormfront to safer waters. From their your fleet can remove the LSS Stormfront to Londim. We hope you will allow us to do this for you.

Yours Dominion of Vetaka President Daniel Gary Pearce

To Vetaka,

Access granted. Get my soldiers out of there. Be aware a full battalion is close by. This battalion was already on track to help the Stormfront as it turned from your shores. They will wait outside your boundary and stop any violent actions towards other fleets. War is, in my opnion. imminent. As you may know The Empire of Alexandrian Ptolemais has declared war on us. If they have a fleet there you will see us deal with them accordingly.

President Roberts,
Demcoratic Republic Of Londim

Dear President Roberts,

The Empire is not yet at war with your nation, all that speech was was typical Labour Party rantings. The Empire cannot even consider declaring war until tommorrow when Parliament opens, and I assure you that I will be doing my very best to stop war from breaking out between our two nations, the Nationalist/Conservative Alliance government will be having an urgent caucus meeting pushing for peace once the government gets back from New Katagan.

Signed,
Rt. Hon. Michael Nelson
Attorney-General
Acting Prime Minister

Bynzekistan... wtf are you doing? You DO NOT role play another nations characters without express permission! What the hell battle were you talking about in the first place?!?
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

OOC: Shame that the captain died... sounds like a badass. That aside, think the CP armor would be trapped in the hull when the salvage effort starts? I also think that, given the fact this takes place over about, what, 20 minutes, that my fleet and possibly Vetaka's fleet are the only ones on site. Who else is here?

Like all sonarmen in the area, the chief sonar officer of the SSN-1 Cutlass was intently watching the waterfall display; an archaic system some of the older crew members still perferred to use, thanks to the sudden lack of passive sonar. He waved over the captain.

"Sir, I think i'm picking up something?"

"What?" the captain inquired.

"I can't figure out where its coming from, but i'm hearing some pops... they stopped."

"What do you make of it?"

"I think the sub might have hit crush depth... I'm only picking up some low freqs from the depth charges. It will be a shot in the dark if we actually hit it."

"Yea, but he's too low for us to detect him, if he's still there... Sir, sounds like metal ripping, and i'm getting alot of noise... he's releasing ballast... there!" the sonar officer practically shouted, until he heard the loud boom. "Uh sir, she just suffered explosive compression."

"Do we have a percise location?"

"Yes sir."

"Send it to the Mer des Ennuis."

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

"This is the :static: Vetakan, no registration, complete black :static: caught :static:requesting asylum from..."

Admiral Ivan Andrei sat stupifyed.

"No fuckin' way that is a Vetakan... Quarantine the area, we'll move near its position. I want a goddamned salavage ship here, we'll recover her like the Kursk. Someone contact Global Tehetrahedron for me and get me one soon!!"

"Aye sir!" came a voice from across the bridge.

"Was that damned sub heading anywhere?"

"Yes sir, it was near linear to a cargo ship from sea zero to where she was sunk."

"Then scan that one. Board it, tell them they are violating a naval exclusion zone and will be fired upon if they do not consent to a search. Halt all depth charging for now, restart active sweeps."

"Aye aye!" yelled another officer, who began relaying commands to other ships and the submarines.

"Dispatch 20 Goshawks to the Stormfront and send one Lem-class to pick them up. Have some of the marines send a recovery team onboard. We'll guide her to Vetakan waters once she's secure."

"Aye sir!"

Admiral Andrei sent a message to the Vetakan government.

From: Ivan Andrei
To: Vetaka
Re: We have confirmed the destruction of the submarine believed to have attacked the Londim ship Stormfront. Using my powers as Admiral of the Navies of Mer des Ennuis, I am hearby ordering a quarantine of the area believed to be holding the submarine in international waters, and am declaring a naval exclusion zone over it, pending orders to the contrary from Adam Wincenty. We will raise the wreck ourselves and conduct a most thorough investigation. Our findings will be made public once all information is gleaned from the ship. Currently, marines are investigating a suspicious cargoship believed to be acting as a submarine tender. Furthermore, we will be comandeering the Stormfront, we will drag her to the nearest Vetakan port and rescue her crew, who will be given ample shelter on our ships until they may be repatriated. At this time, we believe Vetaka to be safe.

-Ivan Andrei
Admiral of the Navies of Mer des Ennuis
"Fear Ensures Loyalty!"

OOC: Well I'm not looking at a Kursk-type thing. Since we are out in international waters, we aren't going to be near the coastline and he headed too deep.

There is also the issue of the fact that when the sub collapsed, she had two flooded sections, one in the front and one in the rear that didn't crush as well and were shot off when the middle exploded.

They then were crushed as they sank deeper, and created a massive debris field. You'd probably find some Iridian Ore, if you could even get down to that depth and recover debris from that sub, and not random rocks.

The Kursk sank in about 100 meters or so, and that was rather close to shore. He went down to where the mesopelagic zone becomes the bathypelagic zone when he crushed. That is about 700 meters or so and now his sub is most likely descending in a variety of chunks down to the 1km-6km depth. Recovery at this depth is nearly impossible beyond the rear engineering section chunks that stayed on the oceanic shelf.

IC:

Xilanhot Mountain

"Sir, the Silent Ballet completed its mission, but it sank trying to evade enemy capture."

"Confirmed by the Sea Queen R-17?"

"Yes, the recovery cargo ship reported that."

He got quiet, and then spoke again in an almost imperceptible tone.

"At least we won't have to pay them."

"What, Sir?"

"Nothing, ensure no one know about this, inform the Corporate Alliance that Londim is interfering with our operations."

"Yes, Sir."

OOC: Good point; it might be too costly to do a titanic-esq recovery of it. Anything worth mentioning onboard the cargoship i'm going to board?

Bynzekistan... wtf are you doing? You DO NOT role play another nations characters without express permission! What the hell battle were you talking about in the first place?!?

OOC: Mer des Ennuis - my sincerest apologies: I wasn't aware of that, and I thought it wouldn't much affect the continuity of the RP, but I still apologise. With respect to you and those already involved in this RP, I've deleted the post and am bowing out. Cheers - have fun =P

OOC: Bynzekistan, just considered common courteousy, and I expected someone with over 100 posts to be aware of that. That and the only naval battle was my fleet attacking a sub. No need to bow out, so to speak, just try to be a little more aware of some of the stickies.

OOC: Bynzekistan, just considered common courteousy, and I expected someone with over 100 posts to be aware of that. That and the only naval battle was my fleet attacking a sub. No need to bow out, so to speak, just try to be a little more aware of some of the stickies.

OOC: Will do... sorry again. And if I have time I'll adjust my post and try again...

Official News Release from the United Socialist States of Wagdog, courtesy of Wagdoggie Internationalist Broadcasting Corporation
Good Evening Comrades, Citizens, and Friends the World over. I'm Poliana Barique, and this is WIBC News Channel 1. Thank you for tuning in this evening.
Just moments ago, in a short speech delivered to the National People's Congress today regarding continued funding of operations pertaining to Strator, General Secretary Carolinus Horridus announced the authorization of Sixth Fleet to deploy to the seaspace between Vetaka and Londim, to act as a stabilizing force in defense of international commerce and to prevent the outbreak of war from any further accidents. Let's go to the footage...

Palace of the Revolution, Tailville DR, Tailville Island, Wagdog
Carolinus Horridus spoke to an anxious crowd of Congressmen today. Finishing off Strator without their consultation had been bad enough, and now the Londim situation was leading to grumblings even within the higher Revolutionary Command Council. Tough crowd, he thought before winging it. "We are pleased to hear of Londim backing away from the precipice of war and catastrophe; agreed? Although we reserve judgment until the matter is resolved, the situation is still unstable enough for reactionary provocateurs to plunge us all into War's desolation; and we cannot be too cautious my Comrades."
The Congressmen nodded lazily in assent, even if some clearly wore skeptical faces. Yep. VERY tough crowd tonight. Time for some mojo towards the actual commies here... "To serve said caution, I've ordered Sixth Fleet deployed to the International Waters between Londim and Vetaka; there to patrol the sea lanes for all and allow both sides to disengage safely. We mean no threat to any by this measure; unless they should prove to deserve it by sowing the wind against us, or the innocents we shield first. Rather, we bring Peace to two proud nations who even now struggle for it, and Justice to all! Please, comrades; support our brave fighters for Peace in this uncertain hour! Forward the Red Banner; for ever and ever, my Comrades! Always unto Victory!" He lifted his head towards the streaming sunset beams of the Palace's skylit ceiling. Just enough to get their blood pumping, but still appear moderate.
One by one, the Noble Revolutionary and People's Revolutionary Congressmen rose to applause, being more militant than even Horridus' own ruling Revolutionary Party was; followed by certain individuals in the Social Democrats and the more nationalist sections of the Greenwood Coalition, but hardly a majority by any measure. Very well. That is their right not to applaud, unlike in Kravania or some other fundamentalist-socialist regimes; as is mine not to like it all the same.
That thought remained hidden as he said "I thank you, good Comrades. With luck, we shall guard Peace strongly, now and always. Always unto Victory; so say we all?" The ritual departing question of the council; again voluntary, apart from the usual social censure that could punish abstentions if those were deemed impolitic.
"So say we all." The Congress spoke with a low yet firm voice. Fair. You can't get everything all the time, now can you? With that, Horridus stepped down from the podium to fair applause, even if some tension still remained in the air.

WIBC Newsroom
Although our Leader couldn't be reached for comment, no word of changed readiness other than some limited reserve callups in the Navy and associated services has reached us at this time. I'm Poliana Barique, and this is WIBC News.

By the time of this report, the following forces were effectively on station in International Waters. Their mission: screen neutral and friendly commerce against any of multiple threats by air, surface or subsurface means; and conduct presence operations to show support for peaceful resolution of the Londim/Vetaka crisis.
Wagdoggie Sixth Fleet
Ships
2 x Kiev/Gorshkov CVS; UWS Leon Trotsky and Karl Liebknecht
2 x Ivan Rogov LPD; UWS Red Front and Red Dawn
4 x Berezina AOE
12 x Neustrashimy FFG
20 x Improved Kilo SSK
Aircraft
20 Yak-41M, 10 Yak-41U Freestyle multirole STOVL fighters and trainers.
8 Ka-27 Helix-A ASW, 8 Ka-29 Helix-B transport, and 4 Ka-31 Helix-E AEW on the carriers.
8 Ka-29 Helix-B on the assault ships.
8 Ka-29 Helix-B on the replenishment ships.
12 Ka-27 Helix-A on the frigates.
Marines
1200 Marines; one Commando of 600 per assault ship, each including 520 line and 80 force-recon personnel.
20 Model 89 122mm Self-propelled Guns; 10 per assault ship.
20 TABC-79A PCOMA Fire Direction Vehicles; 10 per assault ship.
104 TAB-80 Armored Personnel Carriers; 52 per assault ship.
8 Lebed class LCACs, 4 per assault ship.
Plus detachments from 16-64 in strength on each vessel as security.

Sunday began as an unusually busy day, with the Labour Party offices in Parliament getting a surprise call from Oliver Peterson.

"Morning everybody, it seems that I have been given a flight out of Vetaka; I'll be back home in time for the opening of Parliament tommorrow. I cannot speak for much longer, I have been given an hour to get out of this place. See you tommorrow."

Before long, Peterson was in the air again, homeward bound.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, the government jet was landing in Ptolemais International Airport, and His Majesty and the various members of government were taking a train trip back into the city; for the Prime Minister, it was going to be a very busy day - lobbying to avoid what was a mere diplomatic crisis from breaking out into war; already Londim thought that those "Labour Party rants" were an official declaration of war.

Prime Minister Ward knew his weapon was in caucus discipline and the Green Party. Like all other Green Parties throughout the world, the Green Party of Alexandrian Ptolemais were generally pacifists; and even more, they held 93 seats in the Lower House and 78 in the Executive Council; enough to stop war from taking place. He knew he could also count on the pro-slavery vote in the Executive Council, they viewed Londim as a potential ally in their pro-slavery goal.

The Neo-Gothic Parliamentary building was a hive of activity by 9 that morning, the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs was busy with the same message being given to the various nations of the world

"Are you in favour of war with Londim? They have infiltrated the waters of a sovereign nation and have interrupted an international conference"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rapidly, the hive of activity disappeared as virtually all the members of Parliament boarded trams heading toward Ptolemais Cathedral.

Most people within Parliament, and indeed in the Empire, were Christian - even in the old days, Communist Party members had been seen attending church on Sunday. Today was going to be especially poignant, prayers were going to be said about the situation and of course for the safe flight of Oliver Peterson.

"Let us pray"

"Almighty God, we beseech thee for the safe passage of our Leader of the Opposition, Oliver Peterson, on his way home from Vetaka. We pray that his journey be smooth, that he encounter no turbulence and that he arrive safely back in his homeland. We also beseech thee to aid our politicans; we pray that when they walk into that chamber tommorrow that they make decisions that are according to thy will and that are for the good of our Empire."

Ward was not only thinking about divine intervention, but what chaos there would be in the Empire. Sundays were unusual in the Empire, in that all shops were only allowed to open from 1pm to 5pm; Sunday was viewed as a day of rest, and anyway, people could shop on a Saturday.

"Rumours of war are set to spark panic buying; the supermarkets are going to be hell holes this afternoon, and of course, everyone is going to be trying to withdraw cash - shit, tommorrow the banks will be in chaos," Ward thought to himself.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
EMPIRE CHANNEL ONE NEWS AT 6

"Good evening and welcome to the News. This evening, there has been panic buying in supermarkets throughout the country today as rumours of war have circulated, we are joined with correspondent Sarah Innes."

"So just tell us how bad it was?"

"The supermarkets are still, in some cases, processing orders from two hours ago. Also, much of New Ulster was paralysed when the EFTPOS system crashed at about 2:30pm, APT and T staff put that down to an overload on the system, and the supermarkets in the cities are only expecting to be able to close at around 7:30 this evening."

"In further news, tommorrow, there will be limitations on how much cash will be withdrawn. This report by Anthony Grant."

"The big seven banks were in emergency talks this afternoon as the crisis situation became acute. They have decided that for this week, there will be a restriction on withdrawals of gold coin and notes from tellers. The Bank of Alexandrian Ptolemais has been the most generous, permitting withdrawals of Fifty Gold Denarii in gold coin, and up to One Thousand Gold Denarii in notes, while the New Molesworth Bank is only permitting withdrawals of notes, with a limit of Two Hundred Gold Denarii."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ward was watching the television and sighed, the day had been very busy. Much lobbying had occurred and he stared at the numbers that he had.

Nationalist Lower House, 130 definitely opposed; 30 would vote depending on international talks; 34 definitely in favour
Nationalist Executive Council, 254 definitely opposed; 102 would vote depending on international talks; 32 definitely in favour

Labour Lower House, 119 definitely in favour
Labour Executive Council, 426 definitely in favour

Conservative Alliance Lower House, 65 definitely opposed; 24 would vote depending on international talks; 21 definitely in favour
Conservative Alliance Executive Council, 211 definitely opposed; 8 would vote depending on international talks

Green Lower House, 47 definitely opposed; 40 would vote depending on international talks; 6 definitely in favour
Green Executive Council, 32 definitely opposed; 40 would vote depending on international talks, 6 definitely in favour

AP Coalition Lower House, 13 would vote depending on international talks; 1 definitely in favour
AP Coalition Executive Council, 12 definitely opposed; 33 would vote depending on international talks; 2 definitely in favour

United Lower House, 9 would vote depending on international talks; 1 definitely in favour
United Executive Council, 12 would vote depending on international talks; 4 definitely in favour

"Hmmm, that gives me 242 opposed to war, 183 in favour and 115 hinging on international discussion; and that is the Lower House. The Executive Council gives me 509 opposed to war, 470 in favour and 179 hinging on international discussion. I just blimmin hope that the overseas community says no to war. If they say yes, I just hope His Majesty gets some sense.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9:36, Labour Party office

The phone rang at the end of a busy day and the Duchess of Buller picked up the line

"Good evening, you're speaking with Yvonne Gorman"

"Good evening Ms. Gorman, I have some bad news. The jet that Peterson was on, disappeared at five this evening; we have no news yet, we fear that whoever has caused this crisis may be trying to drag the Empire into it"

Gorman's blue eyes filled with tears as those words were said; was the Labour Party's hope dead? Shot down perhaps? Maybe it was a radar misfunction, you never knew with these foreign jets. Indeed, only four years earlier, the Minister of Finance had disappeared for two days until it was discovered he had made an unscheduled stop.

All forces were on full alert. Command centres were relaying orders to every avaliable section. Though Londim had agreed to not go to war with Vetaka the new situation with this Empire had to be taken seriously. There had been no official response from the Empire and the Presidentwas still waiting. He had called a press conference and was about to give his view to the whole world.

"Mr President we'll be live in 5...4...3...2...1.."

" Good evening Londim. In the last few days you are all very aware in the situation we find ourselves in. The shadow of war looms in front of us. Too say this is a new experience would be a lie. We have been in wars before which have ravaged our country but we have been in more wars where we have beaten the enemy. I will give a brief update on the situation:

Our warship the LSS Stormfront was struggling outside Vetakan territory. We asked permission to enter which was denied. I do not blame the Vetakans for this as a very important conference was taking place. That has been cancelled. We respected those wishes and the Stormfront turned away. However as it was turning we were attacked. At first Vetaka was blamed but it was not them. We still have no answers but when we find who did it, they will fall. Though investigations are going on we have more pressing matters. The Empire Of Alexandrian Ptolemais is on the edge of declaring war against us. I have a message for them. Don't even think about it. If you dare fight us we will crush you. Do not make any rash decisions. Either back away or face the consequences. Good night Londim."

The President rose as he was met with applause. The ball was in the other court now.

OOC: Good point; it might be too costly to do a titanic-esq recovery of it. Anything worth mentioning onboard the cargoship i'm going to board?

OOC: The cargoship is in international waters and is of Leafanistani Registry. Leafanistan allows Merchant Marine to carry weapons and actually defines that every crew member must be armed with at least one weapon. It will be an oil tanker. Under Leafanistani Law they don't acknowledge foreign warrants without a response from the Leafanistan Embassy and approval from the Ministry of the Interior.

LRS Morrison's Oil Can

It wasn't properly the 'Morrison's Oil Can' but in reality the LRS General Oil T-22, a rather large supertanker which the crew was hired out to do a special mission.

A mysterious man from upper management had requested that at a certain time, they open the 3rd tank door and prepare to flood it at a certain time. The time had long passed and they simply assumed it was some sort of loyalty exercise, possibly with a planted crew member placed to watch them. Then suddenly, they saw a massive commotion, helicopters and ships, hundreds of them, swarming like an angry hive of bees. The captain, Captain Morrison, the ship's namesake, was shocked.

He served in the Naval Auxiliary and only seen flotillas of hydrofoils they used to do rapid interdiction and this type of fleet he only heard in whispers and propaganda films. He was suspicious, he knew that the government of Leafanistan had made some rather disparaging comments about the Mer des Ennuis government, and he knew how in this crazed world the simplest of insults, could blow into a huge war.

He pushed a button and the klaxons started. He turned to his speaker, and talked into his microphone, "All hands, alert stations, man the guns, package the letters to your families, this might get hot."

He then picked up his rifle, a gift from his friend in the Naval Reserve, a KF11 Higgs Carbine, he hug it around himself, and walked down to the deck. And he watched as the helicopters and ships got closer, he imagined his wife and kids, he knew they were dead already, but he thought about them. Projected in front of himself them smiling, before the accident. He leaned against the railing, thinking, on the verge of tears when a deckhand walked up to him, and tapped him on his shoulder.

He turned to the young boy, saw the youth in his eyes, saw how his hands trembled around his Leafanistani Surplus MP5-K. He resolved to protect his new kids, he put his shoulder on the boy's arm and that was enough.

OOC: Right-O, same generally applies to my ships. Sounds like your cargo ship is totally ignorant on the matter. I didn't send out any ships on this matter, just naval fighters and helicopters.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The helicopters broke formation to form-up alongside the massive oiltanker while fighters began to circle overhead.

"Sir, there appear to be armed men on deck." called the lead helicopter's pilot back to the assault team's leader.

"Rodger, we can't exactly expect them to go quietly if it comes to blows. Radio the message to them."

"Rodger, radioing message."

The pilot hit a few communcations buttons, broadcasting the pre-recorded message to a frequency the ship was most definatly receiving.


Your ship has been linked to a recent attack on the Londim ship "Stormfront." We believe that your ship may have been acting as a submarine tender, and has been ordered to be searched. If you immediatly comply with Ennusian forces, this will be a quick, peaceful affair and no harm will come to your men. If you do not, your ship will be searched by force. You have 1 minute to respond on this frequency.


In the mean time, soldiers checked ammunition and picked out targets along the ship for rapid termination and insertion.

The situation was hotting up. Mer des Ennuis held Leafanistan as a suspect to the attack on the LSS Stormfront and ordered a search on a Leafanistan vessel. President Roberts was very keen on the outcome. He sent a note to Mer des Ennuis:


TO Mer des Ennuis,
If Leafanistan is found guilty of attacking our ship then I want you to do the same to them. We have a fleet currently en route to the situation zone who will bring down anyone who is found to have attacked us. If this erupts into war I want you to know us Londimiums have your back and hope you have ours.

President Roberts
Democratic Republic Of Londim

Your ship has been linked to a recent attack on the Londim ship "Stormfront." We believe that your ship may have been acting as a submarine tender, and has been ordered to be searched. If you immediatly comply with Ennusian forces, this will be a quick, peaceful affair and no harm will come to your men. If you do not, your ship will be searched by force. You have 1 minute to respond on this frequency.

The Captain got on the horn.

"This the LRS General Oil T-22, a supertanker registered to the General Resources, General Oil Corporation in Saharistan. We are on a military resupply mission to a Leafanistani Naval Yard. We are asking if this is an order. Under Leafanistani Law unless you have a warrant from the Ministry of the Interior we cannot comply unless this is a direct order."

"Excuse our armed appearance, we feared this was some sort of attack."

He waved a semaphore flag to stand down, and the men lowered their weapons.

The ship started to slow down, the 1200 meter long ship would take a full 20 minutes to stop. The Captain walked to the helipad where a few of his men had gathered, rapidly donning their Merchant Marine uniforms. They waited.

OOC: The Mafia calls itself the Republic of the Red Islands while the actual Leafanistan calls itself the Glorious Republic. They paid an official to help them trick the crew into hiding the submarine without them knowing. You'll find an angry captain who will be late to his mission and a terribly mad foreign office. Besides an oil tanker plowing international waters is just there by probably coincidence.

The first Goshawk landed, deploying a team of 20 marines. The head of the first deployment team, a Major, hailed the captain of the ship. More marines rope deployed along the ship to go below decks to the various holds and tanks. By the looks of the crew, this wasn't a militarized

"Keep the ship moving, full steam ahead, there's no reason for you to stop. My men will be in and out as soon as possible. While they check the holds, I have orders to question you. We have tracked a submarine responsible for an attack on a warship to be heading for your ship, and I have been ordered to check your manifest. The only questions I have for you at this time are if this ship has ever acted as a submarine tender, and if you had received any orders differing from your SOP. Your honesty in this matter is appreciated."

He said above the din. A marine behind him produed two briefcases, one locked. He opened the first one, revealing an impressive amount of Denari.

....bump......

The first Goshawk landed, deploying a team of 20 marines. The head of the first deployment team, a Major, hailed the captain of the ship. More marines rope deployed along the ship to go below decks to the various holds and tanks. By the looks of the crew, this wasn't a militarized

"Keep the ship moving, full steam ahead, there's no reason for you to stop. My men will be in and out as soon as possible. While they check the holds, I have orders to question you. We have tracked a submarine responsible for an attack on a warship to be heading for your ship, and I have been ordered to check your manifest. The only questions I have for you at this time are if this ship has ever acted as a submarine tender, and if you had received any orders differing from your SOP. Your honesty in this matter is appreciated."

He said above the din. A marine behind him produed two briefcases, one locked. He opened the first one, revealing an impressive amount of Denari.

The Captain stared in awe at the money, a crewman reached his arm out and the captain slapped it. This was impressive alright, it was half a year's salary for a Captain, and split among the crew it was the a month's salary for them.

The Captain picked up his jaw and started speaking while turning away from the cash.

"Sorry sir, SOP, we can't move during a search, too much of a chance of an accident. We'd appreciate it if you do not smoke, or do anything too flammable."

The Captain registered the question and his mind drifted to what the GO Inc man said.

"As for unusual activity, the only thing remotely unusual is that we have been told to vent the number 3 tank due to 'toxic buildup' or something. Kind of thing is common with Saharistani Oil, radiation can make it dangerous so we let seawater in to help dilute it. Environmentalists hate us, but the radiation released is small relative to how much seawater there is. As for a submarine tender, I'm sure one of these tanks could easily hold a Typhoon but I doubt they could use it as a hiding place. Oil is corrosive, would have dissolved their hulls."

His eyes returned to the cash.

"Whats the cash for mate?"

The crew stared hungrily at the money. While the salaries were good, they all wanted something extra, especially in this new capitalist paradise that was Leafanistan.

The major smirked a bit.

"The case is, uh, how is it best put... 'Exercise reparations.' When a tank on maneuvers rolls across a wheat field, that crop is no longer harvestable, and the farmer is out of some of his livelihood. We find that over compensation for damages is often the best way to end complaints before they happen. This case is for you and your crew for the inconvenience."

He leaned in closer, whispering into the Captain's ear.

"We monitored a submarine that broke apart near the sea floor heading this way. It made a brittle breakup sound, more like titanium or aluminum than steel or iron, and its funny that you mention the Typhoon class, a large, quiet, titanium submarine, which coincidentally is rather corrosion resistant. Now, normally this would merit seizing the ship, but we have no reason to believe that you are actively involved in it, so we’ll get off your ship. However, if you get any information on why or who may have wanted your ship to carry a submarine, you contact the nearest Ennusian embassy you can find. We pay quite well for valid information.”

He stepped back.

“There are over $1,000,000 in this case, probably closer to $1,200,000.” He announced to the crew. “This is for your crew. In this other case is about the same for both your employer and Leafanistan. We apologize for the inconvenience, but thank you for your cooperation.”

The helicopters, hearing the recorded conversation, descended on nearly every flat area of the ship, lifting off the marines. The ship would not be bothered further; but it would spend the rest of its route under constant satellite surveillance. The findings, though unofficial and carrying only a token amount of weight, would be disseminated to applicable international agencies within a week.

The major smirked a bit.

"The case is, uh, how is it best put... 'Exercise reparations.' When a tank on maneuvers rolls across a wheat field, that crop is no longer harvestable, and the farmer is out of some of his livelihood. We find that over compensation for damages is often the best way to end complaints before they happen. This case is for you and your crew for the inconvenience."

He leaned in closer, whispering into the Captain's ear.

"We monitored a submarine that broke apart near the sea floor heading this way. It made a brittle breakup sound, more like titanium or aluminum than steel or iron, and its funny that you mention the Typhoon class, a large, quiet, titanium submarine, which coincidentally is rather corrosion resistant. Now, normally this would merit seizing the ship, but we have no reason to believe that you are actively involved in it, so we’ll get off your ship. However, if you get any information on why or who may have wanted your ship to carry a submarine, you contact the nearest Ennusian embassy you can find. We pay quite well for valid information.”

He stepped back.

“There are over $1,000,000 in this case, probably closer to $1,200,000.” He announced to the crew. “This is for your crew. In this other case is about the same for both your employer and Leafanistan. We apologize for the inconvenience, but thank you for your cooperation.”

The helicopters, hearing the recorded conversation, descended on nearly every flat area of the ship, lifting off the marines. The ship would not be bothered further; but it would spend the rest of its route under constant satellite surveillance. The findings, though unofficial and carrying only a token amount of weight, would be disseminated to applicable international agencies within a week.

The captain couldn't believe his eyes, the cash, cold hard cash, enough to buy a new compact car for every single member of his crew.

"So long lads! Good sailing to ya!"

The captain took the case to the mess hall, where he took out the sodas as alcoholic beverages weren't permitted to reduce chances of accidents. He raised the case and the crew cheered.

He began to divide it evenly among his crew. It wouldn't be taxed as it was a gift from a foreign nation, a loophole in the law, and he was happy. He could afford now to buy a car and pay off his mortgage. His wife and children would be so happy. The supertanker started up again, though it would arrive 4 hours late but the directors don't mind. It is a normal refuel mission, nothing urgent.

When they arrived at port they all ran to the bank to make their deposit and gleefully held up their receipts. They all went out for a party, no drinks as they still had one journey before they were allowed a week off with their families and the start of their next shift.

That night he returned to his home in Saharistan by being an onboard baggage handler on a Tu-154 Cargo Flight. It was his job to ensure the glass vases being transported survived the journey safely. He closed his eyes to sleep and thanked Father that Mer des Ennuis was full of civilized people.

Some 100nm SW of the Leafanistani tanker...
Although a general grasp of the situation could be maintained by the two-man crew of the Ka-31 Helix-E AEW chopper, keeping tabs on Ennuisian air and Lefanistani surface movements even if deaf to any signals traffic, nonetheless vigilance was required until things actually did blow over as was assumed they would thanks to Ennuisian actions as the news in their carrier's recreation rooms had indicated. "Well Muphy," this being Red Banner Marine Corps Air Division 1st Lieutenant Siddharta Turaieseka's assessment in usually jovial fashion. "Looks like this should be the first successful Neutrality Patrol in history, indeed?"
"Meh." His immediate junior in rank yet senior in age, Chief Petty Officer Murphy Rodriguez, remained pessimistic. "I'd rather not go jinxing things now, Sir. Whoever's behind this may have just wanted to sabotage the conference. Or they might just have a war in mind; can't say yet, and we probably shouldn't even try." Rodriguez's job was two-fold, help fly the chopper and monitor tracking for the E-801 Oko (eye) retractable radar under the fuselage. They stayed at the edge of radar range so as (hopefully) not to arouse Ennuisian suspicions (too much).
"Indeed not, Chief." 1LT Turaieseka returned to his piloting as commonplace radio contact was made with the two Yak-41M Freestyles flying Barrier Combat Air Patrol (BARCAP) in a racetrack pattern some 25nm out; each armed with two R-74EM Archer-E IR homing and two R-27EM Alamo-C semiactive radar homing air-to-air missiles. Although not as capable as the active-homing R-27AE Alamo-E versions also operated by Wagdog's forces, the SARH missiles at least allowed lock to be easily broken if a targeted bogey turned out to be non-hostile somehow; a known problem with active-homing missiles that behaved essentially like 'air torpedoes.' "Seahawk Flight, we read you five-by. Request status, over?"
"Roger that Sea Eye One. Seahawk lead here, no bandits or bogies detected; are at bingo fuel and proceeding to RTB. Over?" These fighters had done their job, and now it was the task of incoming Seagull Flight to maintain the UWS Leon Trotsky's Freestyle squadron's continuous BARCAP.
"Roger that, Seahawk lead. Over and out." Now the waiting began as the two Freestyles passed just within visual range heading back to the carrier, and Turaieseka waited for the incoming two to do the same while taking station. Those were the longest minutes of each period on station, of course. Simply too much could conceivably go wrong in that time...

Parliament was very busy, as it always was the day that Parliament opened for the year. The clocks throughout the centuries old building slowly inched their way forward, and then it hit 8:25; the moment that all the bells would start screaming, signaling to the members of both the houses to proceed to their respective chambers in preparation for the ceremony that accompanied the opening of Parliament.

The first, and what most people deemed the most important ceremony was the searching of Parliament. Usually at a very early hour, the Imperial Guards would march in and search every nook and cranny within the building for explosives, and then at the same time take a member of the government hostage. This year, the Minister of Trade and Customs was taken to the Imperial Palace where she would be fed with tea and biscuits while Parliament opened.

After the hostage was taken, the Imperial Crown and the Emperor himself was taken to Parliament. Following tradition, the Crown would be shipped discretely, and the Emperor would use one of the official trams to make his way to the ceremony. The Emperor, accompanied by the Empress and a pair of guards, made his way up the steps of Parliament and entered a small chamber to the right of the central rotunda, where he and the Empress would robe and place their crowns on.

The Emperor and Empress proceeded to the Executive Council chamber and invited the members of the Lower House to the chamber. The Black Rod made his way to the Lower House, and after having the doors of the chamber slammed in his face and knocking the door thrice, communicated the Emperor's invitation.

The members proceeded to the Executive Council chamber, and far from being jolly, as they normally would be, the members mostly walked with long faces - the Nationalists were nervous about the prospect of war, and Labour was in mourning, with all their members wearing black armbands.

They proceeded to sit in front of the Emperor, and the Emperor spoke the speech that officially opened Parliament. Soon enough, the prospect of war came up

"My government has communicated to me their desire to avoid war with the Democratic Republic of Londim, in spite of what my opposition desires. We can only warn the members of both chambers that war is a dangerous business; it can have far reaching effects."

To which loud boos and noes came from the Opposition. Soon enough, Parliament was open for 2007, and the members of both chambers proceeded to their own chambers.

The first sitting opened with the prayer and was followed by a minute's silence. Then tradition was broken. For the first time in Parliament's 303 year history, the chamber proceeded into extreme urgency and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition proceeded to table the declaration of war

"My fellow members, the Democratic Republic of Londim has not only attacked a conference in which the activity of slavery was to be heavily condemned, but it can be safe to say that the seat is next to me due to their influence - the late Leader of the Opposition has disappeared in the last twenty-four hours. I hope that my fellow members remember the value of justice and the value of freedom - the Democratic Republic is no more than an ally of the slave merchants," to which the opposition benches broke out in applause.

"I also say to the cowards that sit in the Treasury benches, if this action is not agreed to, then I can guarantee that your government will be one thing - dead."

Now it was the Prime Minister's turn to speak, and Ward was not in the mood to be compromising

"Fellow members, the party opposite has turned into a bunch of warmongers because of their desire to shoot themselves up in the polls. We all know that is a desperate party, willing to work with even the devil it seems so that they retain their position as the chief opposition party. Fellow members, we also know that since the Second World War, the Empire has not been to war, in spite of the variety of police actions that we have been involved in; why is that my fellow members? Because war is not good for our nation; all the resources of the people must be sacrificed. People's lifes have to be sacrificed. I say vote no to war."

The Lower House debated for 43 hours before a vote was called.

"I move that the question now be put. All those in favour please say aye."

The room erupted with ayes

"All those opposed say nay"

The room erupted with nays

"The nays have it"

The room screamed and one brave voice called for a division. The bells started ringing and members, some of whom were by this stage asleep, made their way through the doors to the lobbies. Twenty minutes later, the Speaker proceeded to the chair and with a stern voice announced the vote

"The ayes are 274, the noes are 264; the motion has been agreed to and will proceed to the Executive Council"

The room erupted with noise. From the treasury benches came boos, while the opposition benches applauded. In a further break from tradition, the Executive Council had already been debating the bill and by the time the vote from the Lower House had come through were ready to vote.

"I move that the question now be put. All those in favour please say content."

The room erupted with contents

"All those opposed say not-content"

The room erupted with not-contents

"The not-contents have it"

The room broke out in noise, just like it had been in the Lower House Chamber, and the Lord Chancellor screamed

"Clear the bar"

The bells proceeded to ring yet again, and the Lords, already warned by the bells from the Lower House, made their way to the chamber and proceeded to vote. Half an hour later, the Lord Chancellor proceeded to annouce the vote

"The contents are 584, the not-contents are 590; the motion has not been agreed to"

By the narrowest of margins, war had been avoided and the Prime Minister proceeded to write to President Roberts

Dear President Roberts,

I am pleased to announce that the Empire and the Democratic Republic will be able to maintain peaceful relations. The vote for war failed by six in the Executive Council. I also wish to obtain your co-operation in the search for the private jet that was chartered for the Rt. Hon. Oliver Peterson which disappeared on Sunday. I sincerely believe that it was done by a third party hoping to create emnity between the Empire and the Democratic Republic.

Yours Sincerely

Rt. Hon. James Ward
Prime Minister
Nationalist MP for Northern Isles

Roberts looked at the letter he had received from the Empire. Though they had not declared war the Empire had escaped it by the smallest of margins.

To The Rt. Hon. James Ward,

This news pleases the Republic. As for your missing plane we have no involvement in its disappearance of the Opposition Leader and if we had you would have known. We offer condolences to this loss. I may also tell you there have been rumours the Republic became involved in this incident to disrupt the conference. We strongly disagree with slavery which was abolished in Londim 500 years ago. We will find the nation responsible for attacking us who are mere cowards who will not stand up to take their punishment. Again we ofer our condolences and we are glad war has been averted.

President Roberts,
The Democratic Republic Of Londim.

"Well Sir", said Gredge, it seems we have averted war. What do we do?"

"We keep forces on full alert. As I said before war will breakout. We just need the right situation to rise. This nation attacking us gives us the excuse. All we need now is an identity. No one will stop us should we attack them...no one.

OOC: Sorry I haven't replied in a while ive been swamped

IC:

Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre, Theeb:

"Sir, The Empire Chartered Jet carrying their delegate has disappered" shouted a Radar Operator over the busy room.

"What? How? Where was it last?" replied Commander Stone

"Theeb International Rhino Control have also confirmed its disappearence. Their is nothing to suggest she has crashed or been attacked." replied the Radar Operator.

"From the last known location of the plane and her set course triangulate a possible crash/attack location. Have an AWAC or a Nimrod deploy and assist If its possible deploy F-22 Raptors and perhaps a ship to try and find the plane" ordered Stone

"Yes Sir" was the reply.

Commander Stone walked to the Communication Station and switiched a button to long range open Communications Link:

"This is Commander Stone of Vetakan High Command. Empire Jet Alpha 1 do you read?................... Empire Jet Alpha 1 do you receive?" these words where met with static and silence.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vetakan Naval Battlegroup, Vetakan Waters, Flagship White-Phoenix:

"Evac on the Londim Warship LSS Stormfront is complete Sir her crew are resting and are being treated on the Hospital Ship Mercy 1. The Stormfront itself is being secured and made safe and then we will begin moving her out of the Danger Zone and into Safer Waters" replied the Operations Officer.

"Ok Excellent. I inform the Londim Fleet now." replied Admiral Hornblower

"Aye Sir" replied the Officer

To: Londim Naval Fleet
From: Vetakan Naval Battlegroup

The Crew of the LSS Stormfront have been successfully evacuated to the Vetakan Hospital Ship Mercy 1. The Stormfront itself is been secured and made safe and once this is complete tugging her to safer waters will begin. Please reply for more details

Admiral Hornblower

"Sir the Stormfront is secure. The Vetakans have it and say they'll transport her to safer waters. The crew are also safe."

"Inform them of a location where we can pick up the Stormfront safely."

"Yes Sir."



To:Vetakan Naval Battlegroup,

We thank you for your help. Our 2nd Naval Control Fleet is located 5 miles outside of Vetakan boundaries. The Stormfront can be trasnported to us where will take over and take her and the crew home.

John Gredge
Defence Secretary
Democratic Republic Of Londim

The Prime Minister was sitting in his office, with the Deputy Prime Minister, sipping on a little sherry. He then proceeded to breathe a sigh of relief

"At least we got the letter through, you know how nervous I was when I heard those bells scream"

"I know, I know"

At that minute, one of the Parliamentary messengers brought through the letter from Londim

To The Rt. Hon. James Ward,

This news pleases the Republic. As for your missing plane we have no involvement in its disappearance of the Opposition Leader and if we had you would have known. We offer condolences to this loss. I may also tell you there have been rumours the Republic became involved in this incident to disrupt the conference. We strongly disagree with slavery which was abolished in Londim 500 years ago. We will find the nation responsible for attacking us who are mere cowards who will not stand up to take their punishment. Again we ofer our condolences and we are glad war has been averted.

President Roberts,
The Democratic Republic Of Londim.

"Well, it is good that our relations are still alright; you know how much the Labour Party has damaged our international relations - make us look like bloody warmongers."

"Jimbo, have you seen this mornings Times?"

"Nope"

"Look at the latest poll results;

The government is clearly viewed as old and tired. For the first time in sixteen years, the Labour Party has polled above the Nationalists in this Times Poll. If an election were held tommorrow, Labour would gain 33%, up from 18% in the last poll, and up from 20% in the election of 2004. This would give them 178 seats. The Nationalists would gain 28%, while the Conservative Alliance would gain 22%, down from 41% and 26% in the last poll, and down from 36% and up from 20% respectively. The government would likely scrape enough seats for a one vote majority, however, either the Alexandrian Ptolemais Coalition, or the United Party would need to prop up the government - making for the first three party coalition since the 1980s"

"Well, at least we can expose the Opposition's 'Londim supports slavery' line as a lie, and of course it is still a year and a half to the next election."

Walking outside Parliament, the flags of the various provinces and the Empire itself was flapping at half-mast - the Emperor had decided that it was safe to assume that Peterson was dead. Plans were already being made for a leadership vote within the Labour Party, a by-election in Alexandria Central, and a state funeral when his body was finally recovered by the Vetakans.

To: Londim 2rd Naval Control Fleet
From: Vetakan Naval Battlegroup

The LSS Stormfront is inbound on the 2rd Naval Battlegroup she is been tugged via an Ocean Class Tug. We will tug her to your fleet and from their you can secure her yourself. Do you have a Carrier that we can transport the Crew via Helicopter to?

Admiral Hornblower
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre, Theeb:

"Sir, Andrews Airbase on Lugar Island close to Helectica have detected a distress signal and a signal like that of a Blackbox. They have launched their SAR Choppers and 2 F-22 Raptors to locate the origin of the signals. We have triangulated the Down Planes Course and last known location and im afraid to say the Andrews Signal is off course but it is possible for the plane to have reached Andrews" replied the Rooms Comm Officer.

"When will Andrews Airbase know if this signal is the Jet?" orderd Supreme Operational Commander Stone

"Its Unpredictable Sir it could be a few Hours or it could be a few days" replied a Naval Officer.

"Hmmm Ok ill update the Republic of the current situation" replied Stone
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Rt. Hon. James Ward
From: Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre

I am pleased to say that the VDF have detected a Distress Signal and a Blackbox Signal of which we belive is Mr Petersons plane. The Signal has been detected close to an uninhabited Island off Lugar Island which is within an Archpelago that is primarily under the rule of Helectica. Which lays 125-150 Km south of Vetaka under an agreement Vetaka maintains an Airbase on Lugar. Lugar is part of the Vetakan Air Defence Network however we also carry out Search and Rescue Operations as a result we have begun a SAR mission for Petersons Plane. We must tell you that these Signals are off the set course for the plane which could mean its not the plane or the plane was forced off course.

Yours VDF Supreme Operational Commander Stone

OOC: Do you want him to be found dead or alive?

To: Londim 2rd Naval Control Fleet
From: Vetakan Naval Battlegroup

The LSS Stormfront is inbound on the 2rd Naval Battlegroup she is been tugged via an Ocean Class Tug. We will tug her to your fleet and from their you can secure her yourself. Do you have a Carrier that we can transport the Crew via Helicopter to?

Admiral Hornblower

To Admiral Hornblower,

The crew can be transported to the Carrier LSS Mercy. Here the crew of the Stormfront will be de briefed and sent home for the time to recover.

John Gredge
Defence Secretary
Democratci Republic Of Londim

OOC: Vetaka, I'll let you decide; it makes it more interesting

IC:

Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre

To Supreme Operational Commander Stone

The government of the Empire is pleased to know this news. It will grant the members of the Labour Party some closure to know that their leader, whether he is dead or alive, has been found.

We also need to know whether you wish to conduct investigations on your own, or if you wish to have Imperial Investigators aid. The Empire will be needing evidence for a full inquest (as a high ranking individual, Mr. Peterson gets a full inquest).

Signed,

Rt. Hon. James Ward
Prime Minister
Nationalist MP for Northern Isles

To: Londim 2rd Naval Control Fleet.
From: Vetakan Naval Battle Fleet

The LSS Stormfront has been successfully transfered to your control. The Crew have been also successfully transfered to the LSS Carrier Mercy.

Yours Chief Admiral Hornblower
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andrews Airbase, Lugar Island, Rescue Flight:

The Crew of Andrews SAR 1 and Andrews SAR 2 new that this was not a simple Search and Rescue Operation. Firstly they where flying with 2 Apache Gunships, 2 F-22 Raptors where providing support and the SAR Chinnoks where carrying a force of Full Battle Troops. Somthing wasn't right. Furthermore the Supreme Commander of the VDF had carried out the briefing himself. As they neared the Uninhabited Small Island just of Lugar the radio crackled into life:

"Theeb Command to Lugar SAR Flight. Our Intelligence suggests the Signal is on a beach to the north of the Island. Search the Island and locate its origin. Be Careful."

"Lugar SAR Flight to Theeb Command Roger that" replied Flight Captain Evans.

It took the Search and Rescue Flight 45 minutes to locate the Aircraft it had come down on the beach but the sheer force of impact meant that it had come down to rest inland within the tree line. The Islands Mountains where also scrambling the Signal. The Raptors Circled overhead the Apaches patrolled at low level covering the Chinnoks. They hovered themselves in the tropical sunshine over the beach and deployed Ropes. Full Battle Troops shot down them and ran to secure the beach. Then two medics and a stretcher winched down on to the beach. From their the Chinnoks withdrew to a save distance.

The Troops moved in formation to the crash side which was a few 100
meters within the trees. They secured the wreck and the surrounding area. The troops then conducted a detailed search of the area and of the plane. It was soon confirmed that this was the missing Delegates plane. The Pilot and Co-Pilot where dead within the Cockpit but Peterson and a Stewardess where missing. The troop leader spoke into the radio:

"All Units this is Troop Sargeant Matthews. Down Plane located it is Petersons Plane. I repeated this is Petersons Plane. The Pilot Team are dead but Peterson and the Stewardness are missing. I repeat missing and no bodies."

He looked and the plane and examined it more closely. It was now that he realised the tail of the plane and the left wing had holes. Which suggested Machine Gun fire which in turn suggested the plane was forced down. The Troop Sargeant ordered his troops to fan out secure and search the area. He also ordered that the plane be searched for missing items.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Official Dominion of Vetaka Diplomatic Message:

To: Prime Minister Rt. Hon. James Ward
From: VDF High Command

I am pleased to inform you that the VDF at Andrews Airbase have located the missing plane. The siganl we where getting from the Uninhabited Island off Lugar Island was Petersons Bombardier Challenger Plane. Closer Investigations have found the Pilot team to be dead. However Peterson and his Stewardess are missing from the crash site. We have also been unable to locate any bodies. Inspection of the plane has found holes which look like Bullet holes from a Machine Gun or AA System. The VDF ill continue to search and carry out investigations. Vetaka would be honoured to allow a Joint-Investigation. We are also willing to accept your Forces on the ground if you wish to carry out a joint Operation.

We hope to hear from you Soon.

Yours, Supreme Operational Commander Stone

Parliament Buildings, Ptolemais

"Good morning Prime Minister, there is an urgent communication from Vetaka regarding the Leader of the Opposition"

"Thank you"

To: Prime Minister Rt. Hon. James Ward
From: VDF High Command

I am pleased to inform you that the VDF at Andrews Airbase have located the missing plane. The siganl we where getting from the Uninhabited Island off Lugar Island was Petersons Bombardier Challenger Plane. Closer Investigations have found the Pilot team to be dead. However Peterson and his Stewardess are missing from the crash site. We have also been unable to locate any bodies. Inspection of the plane has found holes which look like Bullet holes from a Machine Gun or AA System. The VDF ill continue to search and carry out investigations. Vetaka would be honoured to allow a Joint-Investigation. We are also willing to accept your Forces on the ground if you wish to carry out a joint Operation.

We hope to hear from you Soon.

Yours, Supreme Operational Commander Stone

"Get the Duchess of Buller on the line please"

"Yes Prime Minister"

"Morning Duchess, its the Prime Minister on the line"

"Morning Prime Minister, any news about Peterson?"

"Yes, we just got a letter in. The Vetakans have found the plane that he was on, however, Peterson and some stewardess were missing. I don't want to get your hopes up, but that may mean he is still alive...oh, and before I forget, this could have been a military action; there were bullet holes."

"Bloody Londim"

"Ma'am, please, let us not accuse just yet; there have been enough wierd things happening around Vetaka; remember that mysterious missile?"

"Yes"

"Well, anyways Ma'am, we will be contacting the Vetakans and sending an investigation team across; I took your advice and the four on your list will be going along to Vetaka, good day"

To: Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre

Dear Supreme Operational Commander Stone,

The Empire is pleased that the jet has been discovered. We are stunned that it was most likely shot down, however, the investigative team will have to deal with that.

We also thank you for allowing us to investigate in your territory. We will be sending eight people from the Crash Investigation Team; they are all unarmed civilians. A C-130 Hercules is being prepared for them, and will hopefully leave within the next day.

No doubt your nation knows the importance of this investigation; there are still elements within Parliament that demand war, and with the vote failing as narrowly as it did, we cannot afford to speculate.

Signed,

Rt. Hon. James Ward
Prime Minister
Nationalist MP for Northern Isles

Captain Rogers hadn't had time to rest since him and his crew had been transferred to LSS Mercy. He had been tkane to the conference room that the carrier held and now was teleconferencing with the President himself:

"So Captain Rogers, in your own words, I would like to know exactly what happened when the Stormfront was attacked." The President smiled but still held that look of seriousness on his face which Londim had been accustomed to. It was the look of a man who was in control.

"Well Sir we were following orders to gain a safe distance between ourselves and Vetakan waters. As we were turning one of the crewmen shouted that a missile was heading in our direction. The missile was travelling at a high speed and made contact with the Stormfront before we could take action. I immediately sent out the distres signal and had the breached area closed of with the breach doors."

"And do you know who attacked?"

"No Sir. All I know is that the missile came from Vetakan waters. It could've been them but I've heard that a sub of unknown origins was also found in the area. I suspect someone was trying bring conflict between us and Vetaka for their own gain."

"Yes Captain you have heard correctly. Investigations have been going on. Do not worry we will catch who attacked you and they will pay. In the meantime wou and your crew will have a paid break to get over the attack. Goodbye Captain."

Rogers stood up and saluted as the President signed off and the screen went blank. He smiled. It wasn't everyday you got a paid break.

Presidential Office

Gredge. The Stormfront will be brought back to Londim accompanied by the 2nd Naval Battlegroup. However I want Londim to have a presence in the area."

"Not a problem Sir. I'll send the 1st Naval Battlegroup and Stealth Sub Group 1. That should hold enough influence in the area and hold off any attack should it come."

"Good thinking Gredge. Good thinking..."

An investigation of the Mer des Ennuis Naval Survey Group has released its findings on an investigation of an attack on a Londim warship in a Naval Exclusion Zone.

The findings indicate that the submarine in question was most likely a Amur-Class submarine, based on breakup indicators and passive sonar readings. This stealthy titanium submarine is normally hard to detect, and it took days of analysis to even discern the oscillation of the propulsion system amid the noisy ocean.

Immediate findings have led us to believe that the submarine was to dock with the ship LRS General Oil T-22 of the Saharistani General Oil Corporation in enroute to Leafanistan. The ship itself had received orders to open a tank large enough to house such a submarine. The timing of this order, as well as the direction of the submarine have led us to believe that the submarine was to dock with the ship, where it would disembark in Leafanistan.

These findings are not concrete, but we believe that Leafanistan is behind the attack on the Londim warship. We have been unable to discern a motive for the attack, but we believe that further research will indicate that a submarine belonging to Leafanistani forces (be they governmental or NGO) will be missing, and that the Typhoon-class is in use by either class of organization.

Rpberts read the report Mer des Ennuis had compiled about the attack. According to it Leafanistan was the force that had attacked the Stormfront. It seemed war was now inevitable but first he must go through the proper channels.

To Mer des Ennuis,

I have personally read your findings and before we take any action, I would like to know how accurate your findings are. If Leafanistan is behind this then we have no choice but to go to war. Conduct your research swiftly for war is at our doors.

President Roberts
Democratic Republic Of Londim

"Well Gredge...Alert the troops. I want all naval fleets ready for action, same goes for the Air Force and the troops. War is imminent."

VDF Command Centre, Theeb, Vetaka:

The President sat in his personal office of the Command Centre which was adjecent to the Operations Room. The report by Mes Des Ennuis wasn't a very pleasent read as it blamed Leafanistan for the attack. Vetakan Investigations into the attack by the Vetakan Navy had suggested the same as the Mes Report however Vetakan Investigations had not named whom was directly responsible partly because Vetaka didn't want to make an enemy but also because Vetaka had not attained any hard evidence. Yes the tanker was bound for Leafanistan but their was no evidence to suggest it was linked to the attacking sub.

He knew Londim would more than likely use the report as the basis and justification of War against Leafanistan. As result Vetaka wanted to try and calm the situation:

Official Dominion of Vetaka Dilomatic Message:

To: President Roberts Democratic Republic Of Londim
From: President Pearce Dominion of Vetaka

I write to you to call for you to apply restraint in regard to the Mes Des Ennuis report and any possible hostile military acts. Nobody wants conflict, We understand your ship was attacked however you need to be totally sure before any declerations are made. Please I again write to you to initate restraint.

Yours Dominion of Vetaka President Lord Govenor Daniel Pearce
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peterson Crash Site, Close to Lugar Island, Helectica Archpelago:

Detailed Investigtion of the downed Bombardier Challenger Private Jet revealed a number of bullet holes on the wings and tail. The investigation had also uncovered what was belived to be a bullet from the attack source. Detailed Analysis of this bullet at Helgan Naval Base in Vetaka revealed it to be from a 20 mm M61 Vulcan Rotary Cannon. Which suggested it to be from a Fighter-Jet. Due to the condition of the bullet the Investigation was unable to recover any serial numbers which would allow it to be traced.

This now opened another can of worms. The plane was forced down and more importantly she was not fired on by Air to Air missiles which meant it was more than likely this was a kidnapping as opposed to a Murder. Vetakan Search and Rescue out of Andrews Airbase had searched the Uninhabited Island for Peterson but had been unable to locate him. Strangly nothing was found to suggest anybody else had been here. Which meant at this time he had vanished. However Vetaka had a secret weapon. The Vetakan Scouts where a VDF Special Forces Sniper Unit whom had exsisted in different forms for centuries. One of them fields of expertises was tracking as a result a team of two had now arrived at the site to track petersons movements.

Official Dominion of Vetaka Diplomatic Message:

To: Prime Minister Rt. Hon. James Ward
From: VDF High Command

Subject: Peterson Investigation Update

I write to you within an update on the current VDF investigation of the Crash Site. The VDF have uncovered the remains of a bullet lodged within the left wing of the aircraft extensive tests at Helgan Naval/Air Base in Vetaka has revealed the bullet to be from a M61 Vulcan Rotary Cannon which are primarily used on Fighter Aircraft as well as on some Naval Ships for air defence. Due to the condition of the bullet we are unable to locate any serial numbers on the bullet so tracing its origin is impossible. If this was from a fighter it asks the question why was the plane shot down using a machine gun than it could of been destroyed using Air to Air Missiles. A detailed search of the island has now been completed and their is no trace of Peterson. 2 Highly Trained Vetakan Scouts whom are experts in tracking are now en route to aid in the search. These men are experts in tracking and if they are unable to get a trail then Peterson is no longer on the island.

Yours VDF Supreme Operational Commander Stone

Roberts read the letter he got form Vetaka.

President Lord Govenor Daniel Pearce,

We are not going to attack anybody until we ourselves are certain of the perpretrator. Once they are found we will not hold back.

President Roberts
Democratic Republic Of Londim.

OOC: The spreadsheet listing my heads of state and chiefs of staff is missing, so I apologize that this isn't that formal.

To: President Roberts, Republic of Londim
From: Office of the Admiral of the Maritime Guard
Re: Investigation

We have matched the signatures almost exactly to a Amur class. We would attempt to recover the submarine itself, but its extreme depth makes that impossible. Due to the sheer number of circumstances; primarily the order to open a tank at the exact time that the submarine was in the area, we have been forced to conclude that Leafanistan or Leafanistani forces are behind the attack. We have assigned a 97% level of certainty to the submarine being, in fact, a Typhoon, and a 75% level of certainty that the attack was conducted by a Leafanistani force of some form.

- (insert admiral's name here)

Ward had just finished another grueling question time; the opposition was clearly heartened by their stellar climb in the polls and of course the fact that war had been narrowly averted. He now bowed to the speaker and exited the Lower House Chamber and proceeded to walk to his office.

The route to his office was reasonably easy, and it took in the beauty that was the Parliament Building. On the walls were paintings of the Emperors and Kings of the past, as well as the Prime Ministers of the past. Heading into the rotunda, there were twelve paintings, depicting important points in the Empire's history, and then it was a steady walk toward his office on the Fifth Floor of the North Wing of Parliament.

His office was always a busy place, however his desk was always kept clear; except for important things.

"Good afternoon Sir"

"Afternoon David"

"Sir, there are two important items of communication; one seems to be an open communication from Mer des Ennuis, and the other is a communication from Vetaka regarding the Leader of the Opposition."

"Thank you"

An investigation of the Mer des Ennuis Naval Survey Group has released its findings on an investigation of an attack on a Londim warship in a Naval Exclusion Zone.

The findings indicate that the submarine in question was most likely a Typhoon-Class submarine, based on breakup indicators and passive sonar readings. This stealthy titanium submarine is normally hard to detect, and it took days of analysis to even discern the oscillation of the propulsion system amid the noisy ocean.

Immediate findings have led us to believe that the submarine was to dock with the ship LRS General Oil T-22 of the Saharistani General Oil Corporation in enroute to Leafanistan. The ship itself had received orders to open a tank large enough to house such a submarine. The timing of this order, as well as the direction of the submarine have led us to believe that the submarine was to dock with the ship, where it would disembark in Leafanistan.

These findings are not concrete, but we believe that Leafanistan is behind the attack on the Londim warship. We have been unable to discern a motive for the attack, but we believe that further research will indicate that a submarine belonging to Leafanistani forces (be they governmental or NGO) will be missing, and that the Typhoon-class is in use by either class of organization.

"Shit"

"What is it Sir"

"Well, investigations by the Mer des Ennuis Naval Survey Group suggest that the Londim vessel, you remember, the one that started all this chaos, was attacked by a Leafanistani ship. Perhaps it is Leafanistan that is behind all this, and not Londim. Also, you must keep this extremely confidential, we have already been through hell trying to stop war with Londim, now the Opposition will no doubt attempt to start war with Leafanistan."

"Sir, I heard from the Times that they already have a copy of this document."

"Fuck; I need you to ring the Times and do anything possible to stop the release of this document. Also, get me the Speaker"

"Yes, Sir"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Afternoon Pete"

"Afternoon Jimbo"

"I need you to do a favour for us please, we need you to flood the House with our bills; we need to stop the Opposition from demanding war"

"Jimbo, we have already stopped them"

"Well, I am afraid that the Mer des Ennuis Naval Survey Group has thrown a spanner in the works. They are suggesting that Leafanistan caused the problem with the Londimian vessel."

"Yes, so what if they damaged a foreign vessel"

"The Opposition is going to try and put two and two together, blame Leafanistan for the plane crash, and demand war yet again. I also fear that some of our guys in the Council may vote for war this time."

"I see, well, I will put the House in moderate urgency for the next two weeks, you can ram through the government agenda and hopefully stop war."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
In all the chaos, Ward had nearly forgotten the Vetakan communication

To: Prime Minister Rt. Hon. James Ward
From: VDF High Command

Subject: Peterson Investigation Update

I write to you within an update on the current VDF investigation of the Crash Site. The VDF have uncovered the remains of a bullet lodged within the left wing of the aircraft extensive tests at Helgan Naval/Air Base in Vetaka has revealed the bullet to be from a M61 Vulcan Rotary Cannon which are primarily used on Fighter Aircraft as well as on some Naval Ships for air defence. Due to the condition of the bullet we are unable to locate any serial numbers on the bullet so tracing its origin is impossible. If this was from a fighter it asks the question why was the plane shot down using a machine gun than it could of been destroyed using Air to Air Missiles. A detailed search of the island has now been completed and their is no trace of Peterson. 2 Highly Trained Vetakan Scouts whom are experts in tracking are now en route to aid in the search. These men are experts in tracking and if they are unable to get a trail then Peterson is no longer on the island.

Yours VDF Supreme Operational Commander Stone

"Get me the Duchess of Buller on the next line please"

"Yes Sir"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Afternoon Duchess, it is the Prime Minister on the line"

"Afternoon Prime Minister, any more news"

"Yes, and it may or may not be good news depending on your perspective. The Vetakans have discovered that the plane was shot down by machine-gun fire"

"Machine-gun fire?"

"Yes, machine-gun fire. You know as well as I do that machine-gun fire is useless at the destruction of a plane; it can cripple it though"

"So what are you saying?"

"The evidence suggests that it was possibly kidnap; and before you blame Londim, I am doubting that it was Londim; they only had one ship in the area and it was badly crippled"

"Kidnap, if there is any ransom or anything, will you be able to do your best"

"I have already made that decision - in the event that the perpretrators make communication, we will co-operate as best as possible"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To: Vetakan Defence Force Command Centre

Dear Supreme Operational Commander Stone,

Thank you for keeping us up to date with the investigation, it is good that some good news is coming from that area. Our investigators are presently in the air and on their way to the scene. The Labour Party also wishes to express their thanks

Signed,

Rt. Hon. James Ward
Prime Minister
Nationalist MP for Northern Isles

OOC: The spreadsheet listing my heads of state and chiefs of staff is missing, so I apologize that this isn't that formal.

To: President Roberts, Republic of Londim
From: Office of the Admiral of the Maritime Guard
Re: Investigation

We have matched the signatures almost exactly to a typhoon class. We would attempt to recover the submarine itself, but its extreme depth makes that impossible. Due to the sheer number of circumstances; primarily the order to open a tank at the exact time that the submarine was in the area, we have been forced to conclude that Leafanistan or Leafanistani forces are behind the attack. We have assigned a 97% level of certainty to the submarine being, in fact, a Typhoon, and a 75% level of certainty that the attack was conducted by a Leafanistani force of some form.

- (insert admiral's name here)

"75% eh? Gredge I want satelites feeds over Leafanistan. Check for troop movement, war vessels in the area and the such. I also want locks on missile silos. I want every possible military asset located in Leafanistan. If we are to fight them I want to know their strengths and weaknesses."

"Yes Sir."

Gredge left the office. He was tired, this whole situation had got real big, real quick. He got to his own office and phoned High Command.

"This is Gredge. Get me satelite images of all Leafastanian military, bases, missile silos and naval fleets. I want all areas covered and quick. I have a feeling they'll be needed."

The Triumvirate Council of the Revolutionary Government of the Glorious Republic of Leafanistan

We of the Triumvirate Council are deeply disturbed at the actions that have occurred in Vetaka and we have simply assumed there was some sort of hostilities between Vetaka and Londim. However, now we find that accusations have reached us, during our Golden Age, for the first time in a decade, Leafanistan has been at peace and now we find warmongers are blaming us for an incident.

What does the Revolutionary Government gain from attacking a puny destroyer of the Londim Navy? Nothing, there is nothing useful from attacking Londim. We find the Vetakans noble in their efforts, but if we were to defend them, we would not attack the Londim navy like such, but we would bring to bear the full force of the Leafanistani Navy, the 10,000 ships would smash them like a wooden galleon against our razor sharp southern shores.

There has been a major misunderstanding between our nations. The Glorious Republic would never use a Typhoon for military purposes. The first reason is because we use the Cadiz class SSBN, built by the Macabees and before then the Ohio Class Ballistic Missile Submarine. Secondly, the Typhoon class is a Ballistic missile submarine, not an attack submarine, we would use our Cartagena class SSN, or our older Seawolf class SSNs.

We have asked General Resource's Oil Division about their ship and they said they routinely clean their vessels by opening their tanks to let seawater flood in. They have given us manifests that show that nearly a dozen other vessels did the same manuveur and another one was nearby plowing the trade route to our allies.

However, if you wish to continue with your foolish efforts, we shall respond accordingly for our own protection. We have called upon our naval reserve personnel to go to base for refreshers and to put to sea our fleets.

You will also notice that we have switched on GPS transponder jammers on our major military bases, your satellites won't be able to get telemetry data now. Your satellites are now effectively blinded and won't be able to give you recent surveillance data.

We also request the SONAR data from Mer des Ennuis for our analysis.

We have contacted our allies and our allies in Sovereign League for assistance.

[END]

OOC: Leafanistan, Your Part of the Sovereign League fuck I had no idea and that changes things considerably. Im really sorry I had no idea dude.

Official Dominion of Vetaka Diplomatic Message:

To: Londim High Command
From: VDF High Command

As part of Vetaka's International Commitments within the Sovereign League. I must warn you should you go to war against Londim. Vetaka will support its allies. The Vetakan Military will have no choice to deploy against you. Vetaka itself included its facilities will be at the disposal of Leafanistan and of the Sovereign League.

I urge you to withdraw your hostilities and allow the situation to calm. Nobody wants conflict but I fear that may be to late.

Yours Supreme Operational Commander Stone

To: Triumverate Council of Leafanistan
From: Office of the Admiral of the Maritime Guard
Re: Investigation

We have attached all applicable data in raw form. You might want to investigate your "Red Mafia" or any other entities within your nation that would have the capability of deploying an attack sub.

I would like to further clarify that the Armed Republic will not take action against you or any of your nation's assets because of these findings.

- (insert admiral's name here)

To: Triumverate Council of Leafanistan
From: Office of the Admiral of the Maritime Guard
Re: Investigation

We have attached all applicable data in raw form. You might want to investigate your "Red Mafia" or any other entities within your nation that would have the capability of deploying an SSBN. The typhoon class, while not an attack submarine, is stealthy and does employ 6 torpedo tubes, any of which are more than capable of firing a reverse ASROC-type weapon.

I would like to further clarify that the Armed Republic will not take action against you or any of your nation's assets because of these findings.

- (insert admiral's name here)

The Triumvirate Council of the Revolutionary Government of the Glorious Republic of Leafanistan

We have done the relevant analysis and we are frankly shocked at the complete incompetence of your men. Our analysis shows that while a titanium hull did break apart in those waters, its size dimensions are completely incorrect to that of a Typhoon class breaking.

The first inconsistency is that of depth. The Typhoon is rated for the depth that our mystery submarine has been crushed in.

Secondly, the Typhoon is 175 meters long, 23 meters wide, and 12 meters high. The sub that was crushed was far smaller and we have done the SONAR comparison and it is consistent with that of an Amur 1450 class submarine, one that is becoming extremely common on the market as a cheap AIP ship.

The Amur class is a mere 58 meters long, 7.2 meters wide, and 8.2 meters tall. The Amur class is 3 times as small as the Typhoon. The Typhoon class displaces 23 times more water than the Amur class.

Frankly we are shocked no one else has mentioned this startling inconsistency in your SONAR readings.

Moreover, we are disturbed and because of an incident years ago where we insulted your nation, we feel this was not just an accident. We feel this was revenge, years delayed, by your nation.

We are disgusted by this, you were so desperate to accuse us you created such a obviously paper-thin story. Some in our government have begun the process to pass a resolution condemning your nation for your human rights violations and surpression of free thought in your nation on top of this new transgression.

You are no friend of any civilized nation, especially the Glorious Republic and her allies.

Signed,
Fleet Admiral Sandra O'Toole
Triumvirate Council Member

[END]

OOC: You insulted my nation? And I stand corrected, I missed a post 4 pages back saying that it was an Amur class submarine. Since my reading skills are in question rather than the skills of my sonar operator, I'd like to retcon that part of the post to make it more correct.

Some 200nm SW of the Leafanistani Tanker's former position...
Admiral Belisarius Romanesçu didn’t like the orders he was just receiving, but issued them anyway as was his duty. “Captain Eddington, order this vessel to come about; Sixth Fleet is making to rendezvous with Second and Third Fleets for possible action against Zanski. Not too quickly now, though; things might heat up here yet.” He read the papers again...

FROM: CINC, USSW WAR OFFICE
TO: COMSIXTHFLT
THIRDFLT AND SECONDFLT HAVE COMMISSIONED AND SAILED. STOP. RENDEZVOUS ASAP AND PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE ACTION AGAINST ZANSKI AS PART OF GUSN UNITED FLEET. STOP. PREPARE TO MOVE FROM NEUTRALITY PATROL TO WARTIME OPERATIONS AT ANY TIME. STOP. THIS IS NOT A DRILL. FULL STOP.

“So it begins at last…” The vampire admiral remarked of the long-anticipated clash with Leafanistan, assuming his latest feeds from ONI were on the money; and thus the Corporate Alliance no doubt. “A shame. That such a mindless idiot as Zanski's King Kang, occupying a throne he deposed his own democratically-elected father to gain, should provoke so potentially glorious a battle. It seems almost a desecration of sorts…” He let his fangs show daintily during this musing; a mustering of aggression within, for the times likely to come.

Open Communique to President Daniel Pearce, Lord-Governor of Vetaka.

Dear Right Honorable Lord-Governor,
It appears that I might not be able to address you so honorably much longer, given your apparent stance beside Leafanistan in the ongoing crisis involving Londim. I have to ask: Why? Why do you honor a treaty with a power that has almost certainly conspired to incite war between you and Londim to no benefit but their own? I won’t pretend that we are ideological brethren somehow, but that is utterly beside the point. The fact remains, we both stood to participate in a civilized discussion regarding how best to counter the rise of slavery of late; and that conference was so rudely interrupted by what looks to be Leafanistani perfidy of a particularly odious sort against both you and your would-be enemy Londim.
I do not wish to fight you, Lord-Governor Pearce; but if you back Leafanistan and I must join my GUSN allies in defeating the de rigeur "meddling despot" in this case, King Kang Arma of Zanski, then we may be forced to each other’s throats without any say in the matter. Here is what I suggest of both of us, even if history should try to foil our friendship as civilized rulers:
Please try to refrain from combat against Londim or Mer des Ennuis, even if they attack Lefanistan. I shall try to prevent them from such retaliation, with all the persuasion I can muster. If it turns out you must support Leafanistan somehow, I could refrain from fighting you if it were just a matter of monetary donations on your part; for I would certainly have to engage Leafanistani forces in any case. If you could refrain from supporting them aside from out of your coffers, and that aid may of course be as generous as they’d need fighting me and my GUSN friends altogether, I can assure you of my best angling that you’ll be among the mediators for us all once this impending war ends as all eventually must.
I know my proposal asks much of you, Lord-Governor Pearce; but as the man thankful that you saw his wife safely home out of a desperate international incident, in which I feared Corporate Alliance assassins stalked her around every corner, I must ask it of you. Do everything in your constitutional power to leave Lefanistan and Londim as alone as possible; and I shall do my same, to ensure you a place of honor in the peace to come in time if it somehow should fail to abide in the days to come. I speak truly that the day I’d be compelled to raise arms against you, your Lordship, would honestly be the blackest such day I have ever known. Together, we can prevent that day still; please, let us prevent it…
In Sincerest Hopes for Peace and Friendship in Honor,
Carolinus Horridus
General Secretary, United Socialist States of Wagdog.

Open Communique to the Government of Londim and Mer Des Ennuis

Honored Leaders,
I speak to you tonight as a man under immense duress by the forces gathering around us. If either or both of you should retaliate against Leafanistan, a nation whom I shall probably be forced to war with soon for their support of the tyrant ruling Zanski, you risk alienating each of us three from our yet-ally Vetaka due to their Sovereign League commitments regarding Leafanistan. I ask you humbly: Is vengeance worth mutual betrayal and war? I confide to you strongly that I would like nothingmore than to stamp out the so-called “Red Mafia” in Leafanistan myself! But I equally-strongly know that losing even one friend among the nations is too high a price for such glory, even if I shall pay said price if forced to by my enemies.
With your help, namely in proving to all the world (regardless of ideology) that Leafanistan’s actions lately are so utterly beyond the pale of civilized conduct that Sovereign Alliance protection may be deemed voided by such perfidy, I may yet keep Vetaka as neutral a broker as we all might get after the war that looks brewing. Our alliances will indeed be strained, perhaps to just near the breaking point. But with open minds and help on your part, I believe we can see Leafanistan justly punished; for their now obvious provocations against us, and their callous rape of an oppressed Zanski’s oil wealth besides. And better still, punished without more or less action than is strictly necessary. Can you so help me, my fellow Leaders?
Sincerely and Hopefully,
Carolinus Horridus
General Secretary, United Socialist States of Wagdog.

Prime Ministers Office, Parliament Buildings, Ptolemais, 8:30am

"Morning Prime Minister, here is today's communication and the Times"

"Shit!"

"What is it sir?"

"The Times have released that survey report, you know how the Labour Party is going to attempt to use that to their advantage."

"Sir, I suppose you do not wish to see the communication"

"Show it to me"

ALEXANDRIAN PTOLEMAIS TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH - DECODING UNIT

Honored Leaders,
I speak to you tonight as a man under immense duress by the forces gathering around us. If either or both of you should retaliate against Leafanistan, a nation whom I shall probably be forced to war with soon for their support of the tyrant ruling Zanski, you risk alienating each of us three from our yet-ally Vetaka due to their Sovereign League commitments regarding Leafanistan. I ask you humbly: Is vengeance worth mutual betrayal and war? I confide to you strongly that I would like nothingmore than to stamp out the so-called “Red Mafia” in Leafanistan myself! But I equally-strongly know that losing even one friend among the nations is too high a price for such glory, even if I shall pay said price if forced to by my enemies.
With your help, namely in proving to all the world (regardless of ideology) that Leafanistan’s actions lately are so utterly beyond the pale of civilized conduct that Sovereign Alliance protection may be deemed voided by such perfidy, I may yet keep Vetaka as neutral a broker as we all might get after the war that looks brewing. Our alliances will indeed be strained, perhaps to just near the breaking point. But with open minds and help on your part, I believe we can see Leafanistan justly punished; for their now obvious provocations against us, and their callous rape of an oppressed Zanski’s oil wealth besides. And better still, punished without more or less action than is strictly necessary. Can you so help me, my fellow Leaders?
Sincerely and Hopefully,
Carolinus Horridus
General Secretary, United Socialist States of Wagdog.

"Fuck, this has thrown a bloody spanner in the fucking works"

"What do you mean"

"Well, we are in favour of Zanski and their anti-Communist policy. Leafanistan is our 'ally' in that regard. However, while we wait for an investigation that could take months, Leafanistan would be viewed as an 'enemy.' When the Labour Party finds this out, the shit will hit the fan. It will likely mean that there will be a wedge between us and Wagdog, and we may end up being allies with our enemies. Not only that, but the Labour Party will definitely turn it into some form of electioneering campaign"

"Yes, but they usually mess up Sir"

"Not when they are hitting forty in the Times Poll; you know the Times, the most Conservative paper in the country. We are sinking toward the low twenties and the Con Alliance are sinking below the teens. The last time we polled this low was in 1983, and you know what happened then (OOC: Labour won 1984 election). The Con Alliance have never been below twelve in the polls."

"Sir, I advise you see how this pans out, you never know, it may be some third party behind this and not Leafanistan"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Open Communication

The Empire is willing to be a neutral broker in this conflict if necessary. We are presently seeing eye to eye with Leafanistan with their situation over Communism in Zanski; however, we also see eye to eye with all the nations demanding war with Leafanistan. We are willing to do what is necessary to avoid the confusing situation where the Empire is at war with everybody.

Signed,

Rt. Hon. James Ward
Prime Minister of the Empire of Alexandrian Ptolemais
Nationalist Party Leader
Nationalist MP for Northern Isles

"So Leafanistan is part of the Sovereign League. They have allies in this account though I do believe some of these nations would condemn Leafanistans actions. This could blow up into a world war....excellent.

"Excellent?Excellent?!", yelled Gredge. " We have several nations saying they'd go to war AGAINST us if need be, How can this be excellent?!"

"Calm down Gredge. This works in our favour. Other nations will see us being attacked through no fault of our own. We did not start anything. Whoever fired upon us did. The international community will see that one of our ships had sent out a distress signal and asked for help from the closest nation at the time, which was Vetaka. They refused so we send our own help. As the sip goes to meet the help we are fired upon. We are merely defending ourselves from the attacker."

The President looked up at Gredge. Though these were his initial thoughts he wasn't so sure anymore. No matter, what would happpen now all depended on the alliances forming.


Open Communique to the Government of Londim and Mer Des Ennuis

Honored Leaders,
I speak to you tonight as a man under immense duress by the forces gathering around us. If either or both of you should retaliate against Leafanistan, a nation whom I shall probably be forced to war with soon for their support of the tyrant ruling Zanski, you risk alienating each of us three from our yet-ally Vetaka due to their Sovereign League commitments regarding Leafanistan. I ask you humbly: Is vengeance worth mutual betrayal and war? I confide to you strongly that I would like nothingmore than to stamp out the so-called “Red Mafia” in Leafanistan myself! But I equally-strongly know that losing even one friend among the nations is too high a price for such glory, even if I shall pay said price if forced to by my enemies.
With your help, namely in proving to all the world (regardless of ideology) that Leafanistan’s actions lately are so utterly beyond the pale of civilized conduct that Sovereign Alliance protection may be deemed voided by such perfidy, I may yet keep Vetaka as neutral a broker as we all might get after the war that looks brewing. Our alliances will indeed be strained, perhaps to just near the breaking point. But with open minds and help on your part, I believe we can see Leafanistan justly punished; for their now obvious provocations against us, and their callous rape of an oppressed Zanski’s oil wealth besides. And better still, punished without more or less action than is strictly necessary. Can you so help me, my fellow Leaders?
Sincerely and Hopefully,
Carolinus Horridus
General Secretary, United Socialist States of Wagdog.

To Carolinus Horridus,
You ask us if war is worth it. On that fateful day not only was our ship attacked but so were our people. Some members of the crew of the Stormfront suffered from heavy shock and a couple even left the naval forces altogether. We as a nation have a duty to protect our people and those who harm us shall be harmed. We would rather go down fighting than be stamped upon by a nation who uses cowardly tactics against us.

President Roberts
Democratic Republic Of Londim

The Great Hall, Presidential Palace, Theeb, Newman Island, Vetaka:

The podium stood alone upon a raised platform. It was flanked on four guards by Elite Presentational Vetakan Guards. The Flag of Vetaka hung from the wall. The waiting crowd in front of the podium were all members of the press. Cameras flashed and the Video Camera beemed the view of the Podium all over the world. It was expected that military leaders and political leaders from numerous nations observing the Londim-Vetakan-Leafanistan situation. Lord-Govenor President Daniel Gary Pearce of The Dominion of Vetaka was about to make a Live International Presidential Address regarding the situation.

As the large oak doors of The Great Hall swung open flanked by a number of Armed VDF Security Guardsman the President entered and he took the steps to the Podium. He straightend up and smiled at the crowd before opting a very serious face:

"Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentleman of Vetaka and People of the world. I speak to you today from the heart of Vetakan Democracy. It was in this hall that the Evil Forces of British Govenor-General James Swan whom massacred Millions surrended to the Forces of Freedom. On that day I swore never to allow Vetaka to again be occupied by people that would want to hurt those Vetakans to this day I have abided by that promise.

We are all aware of the dormant volcano of a situation that currently bubbles close to Vetaka. What was once a small International Affair now has the potential to ignite a World Wide War. The forces of different political ideologies and different nations mobilize their forces and prepare their nations for almost certain Conflict. This is now far more than a simple disagreement and misunderstanding it is now an excuse for Nations and Alliances from far and wide to pursue their various agendas and phlisophys. The Dominion of Vetaka sits at the centre of this situation. The Dominion of Vetaka finds itself mobilizing its own forces to defend its shores and worst still to attack other nations in an offensive somthing that we all do not want to but must for our previous Loyalties.

To the nations and Alliances that draw arms in reponse to the situation I call upon you to halt and engage restraint in this affair. Nobody seeks open Warfare. If all nations considering Conflict where to halt their preperations and apply restraint then together we can avert bloodshed and protect the innocence the world over. The Dominion of Vetaka calls for peace, We will use all of the Influence the world over to avoid conflict, The Dominion of Vetaka will do its upmost and do whatever is necessary to avoid Conflict at all costs. To those that no nothing of The Dominion of Vetaka and its people we are a people of Honour and Loyalty although we will do all we can avoid at war and conflict at all costs...........

The President obviously troubled by what he was about to say he shifted in his stance and took a deep breath. In actual fact the President new the side Vetaka's loyalties lay was probably the darker one however an Oath of Loyatly was an Oath and could only be broken by death. He gazed at the crowd and then carried on kowning millions if not billions where watching him he carried on:

.......... "The Dominion of Vetaka is bound by a Vetakan Oath of Loyalty an Oath of Loyalty that can only be broken by Death itself if we are commanded to arms by those Loyalties then Vetaka has no choice but to fulfil that Oath. I hope that I should not break my promise to you the Vetakan People and that I should not have to authorize Vetakan Military Conflict" .........

Again the President took a deep breath before shouting: "FOR THE VETAKA!!! FOR THE DOMINION!!!!!"

Those Vetakans that where in the crowd including the Vetakan Press along with the Armed Guards replied shouting "For the Vetaka!!! For the Dominion!!!!"

With that the President bowed his head and then left the room flanked by his guard. For those Vetakans watching this was broadcast it was certainly an emotional one. The President hoped that this could trully represent Vetakas feeling on the subject not just to the Leaderships of Nations and Alliances but to those Nations people. Vetaka was not a cruel nation far from it. The Vetakan Press Secretary now took the stand and began to answer those questions.

OOC: This was a live broadcast to all please feel free to RP your leaders watching it live. I didnt have much time to RP numerours replies so I hope this can answer alot of those communications.

General Adam Wincenty watched the President's speech live on his ship, still two day steam from Mer des Ennuis. Apparently the survey group's report had troubled a good deal of people; and war was near imminent. Since the Yacht had a confrence room set up for emergency releases, he made a quick little speech, which would interrupt all news broadcasts in Mer des Ennuis.

"My fellow Ennusians. As you are all undoubtably aware, conflict is brewing in the seas around Vetaka, where it appears that the Leafanistani Red Mafia may have attacked a Londimian ship, an action which seems poised to drag a few nations into war. Had the warship been crewed by Ennusians, it would not have been struck, and if it had, then Leafanistan would have been cleansed by heavenly fire, but this is not the case. This is not a war we will become involved in unless directly provoked. We have no quarrel with Leafanistan or Londim and their Wagdogian allies. Ennuisian blood will not be spilled because of this incident.

I wish you all well.”

OOC: The Republic of the Red Islands, the nation that was created with help from the Corporate Alliance is in support of Zanski.

The Glorious Republic is a capitalistic representative democracy who is a member of the Sovereign League.

I'll have a contest to guess the real reason for the attack.

IC:

The Triumvirate Council of the Revolutionary Government of the Glorious Republic of Leafanistan

What disturbs us the most about this situation, is that in spite of evidence to the contrary, people still believe we are some sort of communist huggy buddies.

We have no standing on this situation, we care not for Londim, or Zanski, or any other nation with the exception on Vetaka. Vetaka is a treaty bound ally and by that we have a positive view of them. Despite accusations, it has become clear they were mislead by evidence distributed by incompetents.

What shocks us the most is that war proceedings continue in many nations, ones completely unrelated to the original incident.

My ministers inform me that my comments against Mer des Ennuis, while I feel that they were justified were not deserving. And we offer an apology to Mer des Ennuis.

Hopefully this situation will diffuse.

[END]

OOC: Leafanistan: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12393933&postcount=86

OOC: I so wish i saw this when it first started

The Great Hall, Presidential Palace, Theeb, Newman Island, Vetaka:

The podium stood alone upon a raised platform. It was flanked on four guards by Elite Presentational Vetakan Guards. The Flag of Vetaka hung from the wall. The waiting crowd in front of the podium were all members of the press. Cameras flashed and the Video Camera beemed the view of the Podium all over the world. It was expected that military leaders and political leaders from numerous nations observing the Londim-Vetakan-Leafanistan situation. Lord-Govenor President Daniel Gary Pearce of The Dominion of Vetaka was about to make a Live International Presidential Address regarding the situation.

As the large oak doors of The Great Hall swung open flanked by a number of Armed VDF Security Guardsman the President entered and he took the steps to the Podium. He straightend up and smiled at the crowd before opting a very serious face:

"Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentleman of Vetaka and People of the world. I speak to you today from the heart of Vetakan Democracy. It was in this hall that the Evil Forces of British Govenor-General James Swan whom massacred Millions surrended to the Forces of Freedom. On that day I swore never to allow Vetaka to again be occupied by people that would want to hurt those Vetakans to this day I have abided by that promise.

We are all aware of the dormant volcano of a situation that currently bubbles close to Vetaka. What was once a small International Affair now has the potential to ignite a World Wide War. The forces of different political ideologies and different nations mobilize their forces and prepare their nations for almost certain Conflict. This is now far more than a simple disagreement and misunderstanding it is now an excuse for Nations and Alliances from far and wide to pursue their various agendas and phlisophys. The Dominion of Vetaka sits at the centre of this situation. The Dominion of Vetaka finds itself mobilizing its own forces to defend its shores and worst still to attack other nations in an offensive somthing that we all do not want to but must for our previous Loyalties.

To the nations and Alliances that draw arms in reponse to the situation I call upon you to halt and engage restraint in this affair. Nobody seeks open Warfare. If all nations considering Conflict where to halt their preperations and apply restraint then together we can avert bloodshed and protect the innocence the world over. The Dominion of Vetaka calls for peace, We will use all of the Influence the world over to avoid conflict, The Dominion of Vetaka will do its upmost and do whatever is necessary to avoid Conflict at all costs. To those that no nothing of The Dominion of Vetaka and its people we are a people of Honour and Loyalty although we will do all we can avoid at war and conflict at all costs...........

The President obviously troubled by what he was about to say he shifted in his stance and took a deep breath. In actual fact the President new the side Vetaka's loyalties lay was probably the darker one however an Oath of Loyatly was an Oath and could only be broken by death. He gazed at the crowd and then carried on kowning millions if not billions where watching him he carried on:

.......... "The Dominion of Vetaka is bound by a Vetakan Oath of Loyalty an Oath of Loyalty that can only be broken by Death itself if we are commanded to arms by those Loyalties then Vetaka has no choice but to fulfil that Oath. I hope that I should not break my promise to you the Vetakan People and that I should not have to authorize Vetakan Military Conflict" .........

Again the President took a deep breath before shouting: "FOR THE VETAKA!!! FOR THE DOMINION!!!!!"

Those Vetakans that where in the crowd including the Vetakan Press along with the Armed Guards replied shouting "For the Vetaka!!! For the Dominion!!!!"

With that the President bowed his head and then left the room flanked by his guard. For those Vetakans watching this was broadcast it was certainly an emotional one. The President hoped that this could trully represent Vetakas feeling on the subject not just to the Leaderships of Nations and Alliances but to those Nations people. Vetaka was not a cruel nation far from it. The Vetakan Press Secretary now took the stand and began to answer those questions.

OOC: This was a live broadcast to all please feel free to RP your leaders watching it live. I didnt have much time to RP numerours replies so I hope this can answer alot of those communications.

OOC: The Republic of the Red Islands, the nation that was created with help from the Corporate Alliance is in support of Zanski.

The Glorious Republic is a capitalistic representative democracy who is a member of the Sovereign League.

I'll have a contest to guess the real reason for the attack.

IC:

The Triumvirate Council of the Revolutionary Government of the Glorious Republic of Leafanistan

What disturbs us the most about this situation, is that in spite of evidence to the contrary, people still believe we are some sort of communist huggy buddies.

We have no standing on this situation, we care not for Londim, or Zanski, or any other nation with the exception on Vetaka. Vetaka is a treaty bound ally and by that we have a positive view of them. Despite accusations, it has become clear they were mislead by evidence distributed by incompetents.

What shocks us the most is that war proceedings continue in many nations, ones completely unrelated to the original incident.

My ministers inform me that my comments against Mer des Ennuis, while I feel that they were justified were not deserving. And we offer an apology to Mer des Ennuis.

Hopefully this situation will diffuse.

[END]
"Honey?" Deputy General Secretary Christine Friedrich called from the bathroom suite in the General Secretariat Residence at the upper floors of the Palace of the Revolution, just under the base of the 100m tall Lenin statue crowning the monument to socialism that had been Wagdog's signature building project. Modern Tailville DR had grown around that site over the years, from a simple island town with a satellite workers' village to accommodate the construction, to a major capital of a rising nation all its own; completely surrounding the original island town now. "Dearest, the water's getting cold and you're still obsessing over President Pearce's speech. Come bathe with me..." Christine called her most alluringly from the room some 5 meters away, a definite pout audible in her voice. Out of sight, but obviously not out of imagination for a man who was many years older than the 29 he looked still.
"Please dear, give me a moment." General Secretary Carolinus Horridus was close to scratching his hair out in frantic thought. Things certainly seem to be exercising their usual propensity to go wrong now. Thanks to Mer des Ennuis, we have enough circumstantial evidence to at least suspect the Red Mafia; if not pin them as the aggressor for sure. But DA** that Lord-Governor Pearce and his sense of honor! I could defeat him if I had to, but that's the absolute last thing I want; with or without Zanski to consider.
Granted, Alexandrian Ptolemais and Mer des Ennuis have guaranteed their neutrality so far. But those were the two I was hoping would stay eager for war so I could keep some PRESSURE on those two-faced Leafanistanis. Enemy of Socialists or no, Aurum Domus is a victim of gross Mafia aggression and the Mafia at least deserves to answer for it. But if I attack them, in Zanksi or anywhere, odds are I'll be at war with first Leafanistan within the hour of it and Vetaka within the day. Oh, and the Corporate Alliance too of course. Meh, might as well put a bullet in my own skull then; and every citizen's under me too.
He wasn't a religious man, having been disillusioned with the nondenominational Christianity of his upbringing long ago when he first embraced Marxism as the guide to his life; but now Carolinus Horridus was stuck in one of those 'existential dilemmas,' that one usually stays stuck in until an external stimulus intervenes. Such as one's combined sexual and political partner in her sheerest bathrobe embracing you from behind and trying her level best to console.
"Nothing is wrong with a pause, love. Nothing." Christine put one finger to his lips to silence Carolinus' reply. Her pudgy yet sleek proportions always made her look so motherly and devious all at once. "Let the situation become clearer before we do what we must. I've learned enough about the Vetakans from my trip to know that they are not going to abandon what they deem a course of honor, however suicidal it may or may not be. If we can clearly show that the Leafanistani Mafia is acting contrary to their own government's interests, then Vetaka wouldn't have need to act against us if we keep our actions properly focused." The Leafanistani government statement was on in the background. "We learned long ago that discretion... is indeed the better part of valor, yes?" She fixed him with those sticky hazel eyes and he was tamed as always.
"Sure." OK, I like assertive women; that's why we've been together and will stay that way. But sometimes I wonder who's the deputy here exactly... "I'll let things work out a bit more. We can issue what Rilir so often calls 'scrollery' a bit more before we roll the bones. Indeed dear?" He clicked off the TV.
"Sure thing, baby." She clapped the lights off immediately; as they remained for some hours yet afterward...

SIC:
Wagdoggie Secret and Priority Military Communique, issued some six hours later...
From: CINC, USSW WAR OFFICE.
To: COMSIXTHFLT
CONTINUE ON COURSE TO ZANSKI BUT REMAIN AT DEFENSIVE READINESS UNTIL FURTHER ORDERS. STOP. REMAIN IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS JUST OUTSIDE OF ZANSKIAN COASTAL DEFENSE RANGES. STOP. SITUATION RE: VETAKA UNCLEAR AND SENSITIVE; REFRAIN FROM ACTION UNLESS ACTED UPON. FULL STOP.

Personal Letter from General Secretary Horridus to Lord Governor Pearce. Written some two hours later and very hurriedly so, in clearly a very personal handwriting style.
Dear Rt. Hon. Lord-Governor,
Although I cannot say I am pleased by the position you have taken, it is yours to take and I commend your sense of principle; even regarding those I must consider thieves and collaborators with the same. Whatever happens, you should know I am moving my forces away from your region; since our Neutrality Patrol has served its purpose, successfully or otherwise, and we must prepare for contingencies elsewhere. This isn't much, even if all I can do; but I felt you should know personally from me, one leader to another, that you need not fear a knife at your throat where there is none.
My allies in the GUSN still haven't mandated action against Zanski as such, and the debate is showing some signs of dissent at least. With luck, things may yet favor either of us. Either way, the best to us both in these bizarre times, eh?
Sincerely,
Carolinus Horridus
General Secretary, United Socialist States of Wagdog

The 2 Vetakan Scouts that had been sent from Vetaka to investigate the Peterson Crash Site and hopefully track Peterson. They found his very cold trail the instantly they arrived whom ever had taken Peterson had transported him via boat and had attempted to cover the trail they had done a good Job but the elite Scouts were Pro's at tracking. It was decided that their was a chance Peterson could be within the local area as a result the Andrews Airbase Native Liason Officer circulated a few posters of Missing Peterson in the hope they might get a tip. They where luckly as soon as they circulated the poster a local man whom was a delivery man appeared at the base claiming to of seen the man. In the garden of a house he had recently delivered food to. The VDF sent one its Humvees to investigate as a result they were not surprised when the Humvee was fired on via a Mortar. So the VDF assaulted the Manor with full force using Tanks, APC's, Apache Gunships and F-22 Raptors. The 2 Vetakan Scouts inflitrated the Mansion immediatly prior to the attack and began searching for Peterson. Killing anything in their path with pinpoint accuracy and destruction. It took the Scouts 10 minutes to find Peterson in a locked room bound at the mouth and hands to a radiator. Once the Scouts hacked him free Peterson was more than happy to seem them recgonising their Vetakan Military Uniforms he was so happy that all he could do was smile and breath rapidly.

The Scouts instructed him to get behind a desk while they guarded him untill the Assualt Force could take the building that took just 10 minutes and within 45 minutes Peteson was in Andrews Airbase asleep he had been checked and fed by the Vetakan Medical Staff and was orderd to sleep as he was dangerously tired. Back in VDF Central Command back in Theeb in Vetaka VDF Supreme Operational Commander Stone was overjoyed to have the pleasure of writing to inform his counterparts in the Empire they had found their man. The Prime Minister whom Stone new to be a good man needed some good news and Stone was sure this was going to be like a cold beer on a hot summers day:

Official Dominion of Vetaka Diplomatic Message:

To: Rt. Hon. James Ward Prime Minister of the Empire of Alexandrian Ptolemais
From: VDF Supreme Operational Commander Stone

Subject: Good News we have Found Him

It is my pleasure to tell you to inform you that we have found Mr Peterson alive and is in the guard of Andrews Airbase. He has been checked and fed by VDF Medical Personnel besides being a little bruised he is fine. The doctor did order however that Peterson sleep as a result he is fast like a baby. En route to Andrews Airbase is a VIP Private and 5 F-22 Raptor Fighters this flight will pick Peterson up and transport him to the Empire. As soon as he wakes he will board the flight and he will contact you in flight.

As for how Peterson came into be in captivity of a Local Warlord we are unsure. We do not belive the Warlord shot the plane down as he doesnt have the means. The Plane was heavily off its Pre-Set course it is our guess that the plane was attacked by at this time an unidentified thrid party with the intention of Kidnap. The pilot was able to limb away and loose the attackers as a result of the serious damage sustained the pilot ditiched the plane on the nearest land mass. We then belive the Warlord picked up Peterson thinking him to be a rich buisness man with the intent of ransom. Bottum line is Peterson is obviously a very unluckly man. Thus might I say I wouldn't worry about his election chances.

The Dominion of Vetaka will continue to investigate this crime. In order to return Mr Peterson back home as quick as possible we will not be interviewing him. We request that your investigation team does conduct an interview and we be given a copy. I hope this will be some good news for you Prime Minister.

You can stop smiling now.

Yours VDF Supreme Operational Commander Stone

The Great Hall, Presidential Palace, Theeb, Newman Island, Vetaka:

The podium stood alone upon a raised platform. It was flanked on four guards by Elite Presentational Vetakan Guards. The Flag of Vetaka hung from the wall. The waiting crowd in front of the podium were all members of the press. Cameras flashed and the Video Camera beemed the view of the Podium all over the world. It was expected that military leaders and political leaders from numerous nations observing the Londim-Vetakan-Leafanistan situation. Lord-Govenor President Daniel Gary Pearce of The Dominion of Vetaka was about to make a Live International Presidential Address regarding the situation.

As the large oak doors of The Great Hall swung open flanked by a number of Armed VDF Security Guardsman the President entered and he took the steps to the Podium. He straightend up and smiled at the crowd before opting a very serious face:

"Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentleman of Vetaka and People of the world. I speak to you today from the heart of Vetakan Democracy. It was in this hall that the Evil Forces of British Govenor-General James Swan whom massacred Millions surrended to the Forces of Freedom. On that day I swore never to allow Vetaka to again be occupied by people that would want to hurt those Vetakans to this day I have abided by that promise.

We are all aware of the dormant volcano of a situation that currently bubbles close to Vetaka. What was once a small International Affair now has the potential to ignite a World Wide War. The forces of different political ideologies and different nations mobilize their forces and prepare their nations for almost certain Conflict. This is now far more than a simple disagreement and misunderstanding it is now an excuse for Nations and Alliances from far and wide to pursue their various agendas and phlisophys. The Dominion of Vetaka sits at the centre of this situation. The Dominion of Vetaka finds itself mobilizing its own forces to defend its shores and worst still to attack other nations in an offensive somthing that we all do not want to but must for our previous Loyalties.

To the nations and Alliances that draw arms in reponse to the situation I call upon you to halt and engage restraint in this affair. Nobody seeks open Warfare. If all nations considering Conflict where to halt their preperations and apply restraint then together we can avert bloodshed and protect the innocence the world over. The Dominion of Vetaka calls for peace, We will use all of the Influence the world over to avoid conflict, The Dominion of Vetaka will do its upmost and do whatever is necessary to avoid Conflict at all costs. To those that no nothing of The Dominion of Vetaka and its people we are a people of Honour and Loyalty although we will do all we can avoid at war and conflict at all costs...........

The President obviously troubled by what he was about to say he shifted in his stance and took a deep breath. In actual fact the President new the side Vetaka's loyalties lay was probably the darker one however an Oath of Loyatly was an Oath and could only be broken by death. He gazed at the crowd and then carried on kowning millions if not billions where watching him he carried on:

.......... "The Dominion of Vetaka is bound by a Vetakan Oath of Loyalty an Oath of Loyalty that can only be broken by Death itself if we are commanded to arms by those Loyalties then Vetaka has no choice but to fulfil that Oath. I hope that I should not break my promise to you the Vetakan People and that I should not have to authorize Vetakan Military Conflict" .........

Again the President took a deep breath before shouting: "FOR THE VETAKA!!! FOR THE DOMINION!!!!!"

Those Vetakans that where in the crowd including the Vetakan Press along with the Armed Guards replied shouting "For the Vetaka!!! For the Dominion!!!!"

With that the President bowed his head and then left the room flanked by his guard. For those Vetakans watching this was broadcast it was certainly an emotional one. The President hoped that this could trully represent Vetakas feeling on the subject not just to the Leaderships of Nations and Alliances but to those Nations people. Vetaka was not a cruel nation far from it. The Vetakan Press Secretary now took the stand and began to answer those questions.

OOC: This was a live broadcast to all please feel free to RP your leaders watching it live. I didnt have much time to RP numerours replies so I hope this can answer alot of those communications.

Roberts watched the speech in his office. Obviously he wasn't happy with Vetaka but still respected them.


To President Pearce,

Though I respect you I cannot say I am pleased with what you have said. Surely your nation of all wants to find who would be willing to start war between our two nations. If Leafanistan is the one to be found responsible will you still hold up the alliance? Though I do not wish it we may soon be pitted against each other. Londim has no choice but war. Our ship was attacked, our people were attacked and our sovereignty was attacked. Whoever did it is an enemy of ours and shall be dealt with accordingly. Though war is around the corner I hope it does not mean we go to war with each other.

President Roberts,
Democratic Republic Of Londim

OOC: I so wish i saw this when it first started

OOC: No reason you can't jump in now.

Lower House Chamber, Parliament Buildings, Ptolemais 2:00pm

The bells were ringing very loudly as the chamber prepared for another session of question time. In spite of the House being in moderate urgency, question time would run as usual and the government was facing more pressure by the day.

"MR. SPEAKER"

The MPs all rose as the speaker walked in behind the Sergeant-at-Arms who was carrying the Mace. He placed the Mace on the table in front of the Speaker's Chair and stood in front as the Speaker opened the House for another day

"Almighty God, recognising the need for thy guidance in all matters, and laying aside all personal and private matters, we beseech thee to grant that we may conduct the affairs of this Parliament and of the Empire to the glory of thy holy name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, the honour and service of His Majesty the Emperor and the public welfare, peace, and tranquillity of Alexandrian Ptolemais, through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen."

"Are there any petitions?"

"Are there any papers?"

"We come to Questions for Oral Answer. I call upon the Honourable Member for Bucklands, Francis Fisher"

"Thank you Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Prime Minister and asks: Why has the Government failed in their attempts to find the corpse of the late Leader of the Opposition?"

"Mr. Speaker, unlike the party that is sick of warming the opposition benches, we are striving to actually deal with the situation without dragging the Empire into war, and having a satisfactory result"

"That's because you support madhouse dictatorships"

"ORDER!"

"Supplementary question"

"The Honourable Member for Bucklands, Francis Fisher"

"Is it true that the Government has attempted to hide vital information regarding the investigation of the death of the Leader of the Opposition, and even attempted to get the Times to hide this information," at that, the room broke out in noise

"ORDER!"

Soon enough the gavel was being hit very hard

"Mr. Speaker, this House should, first of all, not believe the mistruths that are being perpetuated by the Opposition. We are not ourselves certain whether or not the Leader of the Opposition is dead; in fact, all the evidence suggests that he is perfectly alive. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, if the Opposition had been in government, we would not only be facing war with a nation that has been shown to be very likely innocent of this matter, but we would also be facing the threat of allying with Communists and other associated misfits of society, and we would face the confusion of being with war with everybody. Mr. Speaker, I would not know what the Opposition calls that, however, the Government calls it stupidity"

The chamber broke out with further noise

"ORDER!"

Question time continued on none the less, and Prime Minister Ward left the chamber when it came to a close at 3:30pm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Courtyard Walkway, Parliament Buildings, Ptolemais 3:31pm

"Prime Minister, Prime Minister, there is an urgent communication for you from Vetaka. It appears to be good news."

"Alright, calm down, I'll be in my office shortly"

To: Rt. Hon. James Ward Prime Minister of the Empire of Alexandrian Ptolemais
From: VDF Supreme Operational Commander Stone

Subject: Good News we have Found Him

It is my pleasure to tell you to inform you that we have found Mr Peterson alive and is in the guard of Andrews Airbase. He has been checked and fed by VDF Medical Personnel besides being a little bruised he is fine. The doctor did order however that Peterson sleep as a result he is fast like a baby. En route to Andrews Airbase is a VIP Private and 5 F-22 Raptor Fighters this flight will pick Peterson up and transport him to the Empire. As soon as he wakes he will board the flight and he will contact you in flight.

As for how Peterson came into be in captivity of a Local Warlord we are unsure. We do not belive the Warlord shot the plane down as he doesnt have the means. The Plane was heavily off its Pre-Set course it is our guess that the plane was attacked by at this time an unidentified thrid party with the intention of Kidnap. The pilot was able to limb away and loose the attackers as a result of the serious damage sustained the pilot ditiched the plane on the nearest land mass. We then belive the Warlord picked up Peterson thinking him to be a rich buisness man with the intent of ransom. Bottum line is Peterson is obviously a very unluckly man. Thus might I say I wouldn't worry about his election chances.

The Dominion of Vetaka will continue to investigate this crime. In order to return Mr Peterson back home as quick as possible we will not be interviewing him. We request that your investigation team does conduct an interview and we be given a copy. I hope this will be some good news for you Prime Minister.

You can stop smiling now.

Yours VDF Supreme Operational Commander Stone

"That is certainly good news, at least the Opposition are going to look like such idiots. This may save us from the threat of war with Leafanistan and get us out of the Gordian Knot. Alright, I need you to set up a press conference; I want this to be headline news at 6 O'Clock, and keep this a secret from the Labour Party; they will find out in a couple of hours anyway"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Channel One, APTV, 6:00pm

"Good evening and welcome to One News at Six. Leading this evening's bulletin is the discovery that the Leader of the Opposition is alive and well. We cross to you to a live press conference from Parliament"

"People of the Empire, as you have just heard on your news bulletins, the Leader of the Opposition has been recovered by the Vetakan authorities safe and well, although a little shaken. The Government, and no doubt the Labour Party, wish to thank the Vetakan Government and their Military for their diligence in looking for Mr. Peterson. I just got off the phone with Mr. Peterson, and all he had to say was that he was glad to be going back home after his ordeal. This will not however stop the investigation in any way; the inquest may have been suspended, however, it is clear there was an attempt to kill the Leader of the Opposition and the group and the nation behind this will be brought to justice. The Government still maintains that war should only be a last resort, however, it is still a tool in our tool box."

"In spite of the Leader of the Opposition being found, the threat of war is still there, a report from Foreign Correspondent Joseph Chamberlain."

"Lord-Govenor President Daniel Gary Pearce was clearly concerned when he made a press statement earlier this morning."

"The Dominion of Vetaka finds itself mobilizing its own forces to defend its shores and worst still to attack other nations in an offensive somthing that we all do not want to but must for our previous Loyalties"

"Ever since the Mer des Ennuis Naval Survey Group released its findings, there have been cries for war from at least five nations. This evening, the world faces the threat of further war, this is Foreign Correspondent Joseph Chamberlain."

Vetakan Capital, Early Morning:

Micheal Shuan Harp was a psychotic Communist extremist whom hated the current Vetakan Politcal Rulership. He had tried many times to form a Rebel Communist Group within Vetaka but it had always failed. He wasn't even Vetakan yet he wanted to go out of his sad mortal exsitence with a bang. Right now he was hiding in a bush just within the Presidents Garden. Every morning Pearce sat on the decking of the Palace and meditated his watch struck 4 and sure enough President Pearce exited the Palace and adopted the lotus position. Harp waited for him to fall into a deep sense of peace and then ran from the bushes screaming aiming his pistol and the peaceful man whom sat opposite him

"For Communism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Pearce's eyes bolted open they narrowed to the Pearce tried to dive out of the way but it was to late. Harp fired 6 bullets at the President 3 of them hit. Harp stopped in his tracks he had done it then however he was gunned down by no less than 3 Vetakan Guards they ran over to him and fired the entire clip of their Machine Guns into the attackers body. The world was about to awake to an International Incident.

Vetakan Capital, Early Morning:

Micheal Shuan Harp was a psychotic Communist extremist whom hated the current Vetakan Politcal Rulership. He had tried many times to form a Rebel Communist Group within Vetaka but it had always failed. He wasn't even Vetakan yet he wanted to go out of his sad mortal exsitence with a bang. Right now he was hiding in a bush just within the Presidents Garden. Every morning Pearce sat on the decking of the Palace and meditated his watch struck 4 and sure enough President Pearce exited the Palace and adopted the lotus position. Harp waited for him to fall into a deep sense of peace and then ran from the bushes screaming aiming his pistol at the peaceful man whom sat opposite him

"For Communism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Pearce's eyes bolted open they narrowed to the Pearce tried to dive out of the way but it was to late. Harp fired 6 bullets at the President 3 of them hit. Harp stopped in his tracks he had done it then however he was gunned down by no less than 3 Vetakan Guards they ran over to him and fired the entire clip of their Machine Guns into the attackers body. The world was about to awake to an International Incident.

Snip

Nevermind, the thread creator accepted your post as valid.

Vetakan Capital, Early Morning:

Micheal Shuan Harp was a psychotic Communist extremist whom hated the current Vetakan Politcal Rulership. He had tried many times to form a Rebel Communist Group within Vetaka but it had always failed. He wasn't even Vetakan yet he wanted to go out of his sad mortal exsitence with a bang. Right now he was hiding in a bush just within the Presidents Garden. Every morning Pearce sat on the decking of the Palace and meditated his watch struck 4 and sure enough President Pearce exited the Palace and adopted the lotus position. Harp waited for him to fall into a deep sense of peace and then ran from the bushes screaming aiming his pistol and the peaceful man whom sat opposite him

"For Communism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Pearce's eyes bolted open they narrowed to the Pearce tried to dive out of the way but it was to late. Harp fired 6 bullets at the President 3 of them hit. Harp stopped in his tracks he had done it then however he was gunned down by no less than 3 Vetakan Guards they ran over to him and fired the entire clip of their Machine Guns into the attackers body. The world was about to awake to an International Incident.

Dude no god modding Ever. I see you are new so let it be a warning. Unless Vetaka gave you permssion to post that it will be ignored.

Where did Vetaka say that was an accecptable action?

I don't think Vetaka did.

OOC: I accepted TFS tg'd me literally a few mins before the post so I decided what the hell might as well. I haven't yet decided whether or not he will die.

OOC: The President has died please see: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=12401411#post12401411

OOC: Okay.

IC:

Roberts was watching the news and was is slight shock. He had received the news of Pearce's assasination and ever since had been organising many things.

Today the President of Vetaka, Danile Pearce was assasinated. The assailant ,whos name has not been released, claimed to be a communist terrorist. President Pearce was shot 3 times and later died in hospital from a heart attack.Vetaka is in mourning. As we all know there have been some hostilities recentlyu between our nation of Londim and Vetaka but President Roberts issued this statement earlier:

The loss of a man is alway saddening, the loss of a great man is depressing. Though Pearce and I did not always see eye to eye I respected him and he was a great leader. I myself will attend his funeral and pay him my last respects.

What does this hold for the future? Who knows? Next on LNN...

Roberts switched the TV off and turned to Gredge.

"Right Gredge. This will affect everything. Whatever happens from now on depends on who replaces Pearce."

The Ptolemais Times Website

War fears increase after President Pearce Assassinated

The possible threat of war engulfing the Empire increased significantly after news came yesterday morning Ptolemais Time that President Daniel Gary Pearce of the Dominion of Vetaka was assassinated. Reports out of Vetaka were limited and all that is known was Pearce was shot by Communist sympathiser Michael Shaun Harp while he was meditating in his garden. Pearce was raced to hospital where he later died after surgery. The Emperor instructed that Alexandrian Ptolemais flags will be lowered to half-mast today and on the day of President Pearce's funeral. All the Prime Minister had to say was

"It is unfortunate that such a good man had to be assassinated while in his prime. We must not let this become an excuse for war though."

Stock Market Crashes on Assassination News

Yesterday morning's news of President Pearce's assassination sent stocks nose-diving on the Ptolemais Exchange as fears of war soared. During the day, the situation got so bad that the chalkies were barely able to keep up with the sell orders and the Ptolemais Telephone Exchange crashed three times, causing further chaos on an EFTPOS system that has already been hammered by panic buying of basic foodstuffs. At the close of trading at 5pm, the PSE-10, which was already down 12 per cent since February 23, closed down 984 points (9.1 per cent) to 9829, the first close below 10,000 for eighteen months, and its heaviest fall since 1997. The heaviest sold were Empire Railways, which closed down 34 per cent to 154 drachma (OOC: 200 drachma = 1 Gold Denarii), and Alexandrian Ptolemais Airways, which closed down 21 per cent to 243 drachma. The more broadly based PSE-50 fell by 1317 points (7.5 per cent) to 17,560.

bump...

Communist Echo Extract:

New Vetakan President Capitalist Pig is actually a Communist whom paid to get Pearce removed from the picture so that she can take the Leadership.

Roberts was thinking, thinking about all that had occured within the last few weeks. He was supposed to get ready for Pearces funerla but he had other matters to deal with:

"So what you're saying is we have no satellite feeds over Leafanistan?"[/i}

"No Sir we don't. The only other way to get information is a spy plane but its dangerous. If it gets taken down then war is definite and Leafanistan is bigger than us. And also there is a chance Vetaka and other nations of the Soveriegn League would jump in. It'd be suicide."

[i]"What about or own defences?"

"We have anti aircraft guns set up around the nation, our own missiles prepped and all soldiers are on duty. Naval fleets are also fully prepped and ready to sail and our aircraft can take on anyone. If its war we're getting then we're more than prepared."

Okay but first we need to appear civil. Let's see if the Leafanistania government will work with us"


To Leafanistan,

As you already know, you are the main suspect in attacking our ship. However after deep talks with ministers here in Londim we have come to the conclusion that maybe this wasn't an attacked co-ordinated by the government but instead a terrorist cell within your nation. If this is the case we want to work with you to stop them and rid the world of these dangerous criminals.

President Roberts,
Democratic Republic Of Londim

Communist Echo Extract:

New Vetakan President Capitalist Pig is actually a Communist whom paid to get Pearce removed from the picture so that she can take the Leadership.


OOC: Erm Nope I dont think so.

Official Dominion of Vetaka Diplomatic Message:
To: President Roberts Democratic Republic of Londim
From: President Roxanne Wright Dominion of Vetaka

As my first order of buisness as the 2rd Vetakan President I call upon the Republic of Londim to cease its hostilities to the nation of Leafanistan. The Dominion of Vetaka will support you in anything that you choose to do should you cease this hostility. On reading my Predessors diary I discovered a passage that you may like to read:

"President Roberts a man of strength, courage and honour. A man whose qualities far surpass that of my own. I fear for the Dominion as the Democratic Republic is a nation whom once in a fight will hardly retreat without a noble cause to do so. As a result I have made it my mission to avoid conflict in this International Incident at all costs. Perhaps if im successful the Dominion and the Republic could become strong friends and allies together we could be unstoppable." - Personal Diary of Daniel Pearce

I hope to meet you in person at his Funeral.

Yours Dominion of Vetaka President Lord-Govenor Roxanne Wright.

OOC: Erm Nope I dont think so.

Official Dominion of Vetaka Diplomatic Message:
To: President Roberts Democratic Republic of Londim
From: President Roxanne Wright Dominion of Vetaka

As my first order of buisness as the 2rd Vetakan President I call upon the Republic of Londim to cease its hostilities to the nation of Leafanistan. The Dominion of Vetaka will support you in anything that you choose to do should you cease this hostility. On reading my Predessors diary I discovered a passage that you may like to read:

"President Roberts a man of strength, courage and honour. A man whose qualities far surpass that of my own. I fear for the Dominion as the Democratic Republic is a nation whom once in a fight will hardly retreat without a noble cause to do so. As a result I have made it my mission to avoid conflict in this International Incident at all costs. Perhaps if im successful the Dominion and the Republic could become strong friends and allies together we could be unstoppable." - Personal Diary of Daniel Pearce

I hope to meet you in person at his Funeral.

Yours Dominion of Vetaka President Lord-Govenor Roxanne Wright.


To President Wright,

I have no qualms with your nation. Pearce was one of the great leaders of the world and I respected him. Londim does not want to fight Vetaka for you have done nothing wrong and also have our respect. What we have asked for Leafanistan is to start their own investigation into the incident as I believe it was a terrorist cell with their nation that attacked us. The ball is now in Leafanistans court and hopefully we can eradicate this threat to the people.

Yours truly,
President Roberts,
Democratic Republic Of Londim.

Missiles had been prepped, planes had been loaded with ammunition, naval fleets had set sail and soldiers were ready for war. This wasn't any ordinary day...

Roberts had deided to show the world Londims military might. If anyone opposed he would fight them. Roberts had sent the message to Gredge while he was attending Pearces funeral, to put into action Operation Empire.