NationStates Jolt Archive

0900 - 31 January 2007 - Imperial Square, New Zurich, the Imperial Republic of the Appalacians

President-elect Howard Zimmerman stepped up to the podium, shook the hand of Chief Justice Joseph on Stuffenberg, and placed his hand over the Bible. "Please, repeat after me," Justice von Stuffenberg intoned. "I, Howard Heinrich Zimmerman. . . do solemnly swear. . . that I will to the best of my ability. . . preserve, defend and uphold the Constituion of the Imperial Republic of the Appalacians." Now President Zimmerman shook the hand of former President Adolf Dornberger and waver to the crowd.

Meanwhile, a man amongst the multitude clicked the safety off on an H&K MP5K hidden under his coat. He whispered into his lapel, "Fire on my mark." The crowd continued to roar as he screamed, "Mark!" and opened up with his weapon. 9mm shell casings clattered to the pavement as he targeted the ceremonial Imperial Appalaccian Guards. About ten other men did the same with a variety of weapons.

The guards, with their ceremonial Kar98k's began to react as they were trained to. They ripped off their emerald green cloaks to reveal stark black fatigues and began to open up on the terrorists. Meanwhile, more Green Guardsmen jumped on both the President and the former President. As the fierce gun battle began, the crowd became a stampeding tumult of bodies, all rushing out of the square.

The Chief Justice was caught in the crossfire. As a 9mm hollow point hit his chest, it expanded, ripping a huge hole and slashing his heart and one of his lungs nearly in half before it came to rest in his spine. He was dead before he hit the ground.

The deadly accurate fire of the Green Guards was slowly lowering the terrorists numbers. The combat battalion of Green Guards were rolling up in their Mowag Piranha IFV's. As the 20mm autocannons opened up along with their SIG 550 assault rifles, the resistance withered. The last living one of them was hit in the leg. His tibia shattered, spraying fragments throughout his leg. Before he could take his own life, he passed out. He was captured alive.

Pudite Prefecture Six, PC-3345, Nearly One Kilometer Underground
As the Dominion rushed headlong, grinding through war after war, one after another, the goings-on of a little-known nation and their insurgency could hardly matter less to the Emperor. However, the staff members of the Media Interpretation Center, a computer-laced room resting comfortably inside the bowels of PC-3345, a naval compound on the southern edge of the Dominion.

But, however insignificant, things like this were always monitored... The local and international media was intercepted and interpreted. Pudite Frumentarii agents were awakened and at least a half-dozen made their way into the country, via civilian airliners, cruise ships, fence-hopping... whatever worked.

Likely as not, nothing would occur, but their intelligence gathering commenced none the less.

As the great battle fleets of the Imperial Navy were currently otherwise occupied, a simple, sentence-long message was dispatched to the naval barracks a few levels above the MIC, describing a need to ready a small force, barring any immediate troubles. A singe Helina-class battlecruiser served as a flagship for the underpowered troop.

And so it was that roughly two dozen ships and six men were made ready, and the Dominion continued along its great course, unabated by this miniscule distraction. Only time could tell what, if anything, may come of the information gained there today.

2300 - 31 January 2007 - Appalacian News Network

The reporter straightened his papers as he moved to the next story, in his monotone, nonregional dialect he began, "Earlier today, an unknown group of terrorists made an unsuccessful attack on our new President Howard Zimmerman. However, the attack claimed the life of long time Chief Justice Joseph von Stuffenberg. According to sources in the government, one of the assasins was captured alive. We go live now to a press release regarding the incident."

Newly elected President Zimmerman appeared on screen, seemingly halfway through a speech, "Chief Justice von Stuffenberg's long service to the Imperial Republic will not be forgotten. However, I also com to you with information regarding the identities of the terrorists." He pauses dramatically, "We have reason to believe that the assailants were agents of the Yugarian Government. The man we have captured has given us a name, rank, and serial number consistent with that of a serviceman in the Yugarian Armed Forces. We have also found AK-74's registered to the Yugarian military. To the leaders of Yugaria: I demand answers! If a detailed explanation is not given, I will not hesitate to seek retribution. As of now, I have put our Armed Forces on their highest alert level.

"As for the citizens of this great nation: We have suffered a great tragedy. I ask you to stand strong. In this dark time, we must prepare for whatever happens. Never, ever give up."

0600 - 1 February 2007 - Official Yugarian Government Communique

I am truly sorry about your current situation, I knew Chief Justice von Stuffenberg well. But we of the Yugarian government firmly deny any involvement in this.

Sincerely,

Iosef Marovich
Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yugaria

0620 - 1 February 2007 - Official Imperial Republic of the Appalacians Communique

If more information regarding this tragedy cannot be provided, the Imperial Republic of the Appalacians will be forced to act.

Respectfully,
Howard Zimmerman
President of the Imperial Republic of the Appalacians

0635 - 1 February 2007 - Official Yugarian Government Communique

I'm afraid we cannot provide more information because we have none. I know nothing of this attack on your life. Please, the peace loving people of Yugaria would never try to harm you or hinder your government.

Sincerely,
Iosef Marovich
Premier of the Socialist Republic of Yugaria

0640 - 1 February 2007 - Official Imperial Republic of the Appalacians Communique

Then I and the people of the Appalacians must seek retribution.

Respectfully,
Howard Zimmerman
President of the Imperial Republic of the Appalacians

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/5392/caelapescommuniquery0.jpg

Official Communiqué - Federation of Caelapes Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: President Zimmerman, Imperial Republic of the Appalacians
From: Minister Alan Meehan, Caelapene Government
Subject: Terrorist attack

Our nation's hearts are extended to you in this dark hour. Terrorism, no matter who it strikes, no matter where it strikes, and no matter when it strikes, is a scourge which must be wiped from our Earth if we are to truly consider ourselves a civilized people. To that end, I have been authorized by Prime Minister Michael Finch and Minister John Blake of the Ministry of Defense to extend to you an offer. Five Caelapene airships with 150 Caelapene troops are all the forces we are currently able to pull away from national defense, but we believe that any soldiers we are able to send in the name of justice and retribution are worthwhile. These troops will provide their own food, water, ammunition, armor, and weaponry. All they would need from your people is shelter and fuel.

We look forward to your response, and we pray for your country's loss.

Alan Meehan

International Waters, Roughly Eighty Kilometers off shore of the Appalachian Republic, Praetorian Battle Group Zero-One
Admiral Romasko Sukhorad was one of the highest ranking naval officers in the whole of the Praetorian naval structure. It sounded impressive, but it meant very little. The Praetorians were an elite sub-army of the Dominion of Emperor Pudu XLII, they were the terrifying warrior-fanatics of the Emperor, and worked only his will. Although they did maintain armies, navies, and air forces, none could match the numbers of the Imperial Army, Navy, or Air Force proper.

And so it was that one of the highest-ranking Admirals in the whole fleet commanded roughly twenty ships... A few thousand men were held in his holds and a few dozen aircraft answered his call above, but other than that, he was alone out here.

Usually, when a Pudite of any design leaves their home shores, he does so in the company of thousands of ships, hundreds of thousands of aircraft, and millions of his countrymen. However, with two separate wars going on now, both sapping major resources of the Dominion, that was a luxury that simply could not be afforded.

However, the benefit of intervening here was also something that could not be overlooked. Such things happened only rarely anymore, the Admiral, as well as his Emperor, remembered. And so, a few thousand of the best trained, best equipped, and most feared troops of the Dominion sat here, waiting.

Overhead, the low hum of the black-sided Praetorian naval helicopters rose and fell as the hunters silently stalked whatever prey may make itself known. Further overhead, although they could not be heard, the jets of the force too patrolled. Below them, the ships were still, but above, nothing ceased.

Deep in the bowels of this ships, the deep, matte black ships (in stark contrast to the pure while favored by the Imperial Navy), they were watching. Radio and satellite transmissions were being intercepted, or at least some were, and the intelligence centers of a half-dozen ships buzzed as they decoded and translated the foreign tongue.

The Frumentarii inside the country, six in all, had gathered a significant database in the last few days on their language and geography, and this was being fed now into the supercomputers. The entire nation, based on intelligence gathered on the ground and images from the sky, was now mapped out in monochromatic, three-dimensional glory above the sleek surface of the rather expensive table designed to project it.

Little shapes moved around out at sea; the Pudite fleet, and on the shoreline, the part that was enlarged, other little shapes moved around. It all looked very complex, and as of right now, none of it mattered. They may be able to do this without firing a shot...

Admiral Sukhorad dispatched a simple message, addressed to the command structure of whatever government or military institution on land managed to receive it. Broadcast in a halting version of the native language here, it was sent on all channels;

To: Government of the Appalachian Imperial Republic
From: Admiral Romasko Sukhorad, Dominion

Recently your nation has come under attack from the inside. Riots and threats are obvious. Civil turmoil threatens to boil over and become an international matter.

That situation may attract undue attention, and the reprisals may be harsh. As you begin your war, keep in mind the community you may offend.

Alternatively, we can help you. Our forces, at least to a limited extent, are already present near your nation. If we can be allowed to land, we can end this war for you quickly and efficiently, and force off any unfortunate attention.

It is certain that your government has been insulted, and that cannot go without punishment. If we are allowed to aid you in the endeavor, all we ask is a portion of the defeated foe's former territory. As he collapses, we can stabilize the region, at no cost to yourself.

Our soldiers are unparalleled in this respect, and you shall find yourself avenged and safe. Do not look away from us now; we may soon be your savior.

Good day,
Admiral Romasko Sukhorad

0730 - 1 February 2007 - Official Communique - Imperial Republic of the Appalacians

To: Minister Alan Meehan, Caelapene Government

It is a pleasure to hear from you and we welcome your help openly. Feel free to land you troops near the Headquarters of Seventh Army near the Ugarian Border. Your fuel and shelter will Gladly be provided.

The President has also instructed me to invite you to the capitol to discuss these matters further.

Respectfully,
Heinrich Jager
Foreign Minister of the Imperial Republic of the Appalacians

0740 - 1 February 2007 - Official Communique - Imperial Republic of the Appalacians

To: Admiral Romasko Sukhorad, Dominion

Your concern is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to land in the port of New Berlin at your leisure. Your forces can join Seventh army along with our friends in the Caelapene Armed Forces. The support of a great nation such as the Pudite Empire is an honor and a priveledge.

The President has authorized me to invite you to the capitol to discuss your land claims.

Respectfully,
Heinrich Jager
Foreign Minister of the Imperial Republic of the Appalacians

Imperial Republic of the Appalachians City of New Berlin, Task Force Zero-Eight Landing
The eight great black shapes of the Pudite Executor-class logistics ships made their way slowly through the calm waters of the foreign harbor in New Berlin. Inside the hulls of these massive ships were contained roughly seven-thousand soldiers. Seven-thousand of the best soldiers these foreigners had ever seen...

Running alongside the massive ships were a number of smaller landing boats, as the eight ships themselves could only bring in six-thousand four-hundred of the soldiers. These were launched from the remainder of the fleet, bobbing at the entrance to the harbor, and they would be the first to land.

The few hundred soldiers landed on the long piers of the commercial waterfront, and proceeded to clear away whatever it may be that was interrupting their progress.

Soon after, the ships themselves made landing. Ramps were lowered from the holds, and thousands of men and hundreds of vehicles simply paraded off the craft, and within hours, the whole of the seven battalions was formed up along the waterfront. Standing at their head was the commander of the tiny expeditionary force, Brigadier General Stepan Chaplia. He was a towering man of over eight feet, who, despite his height, was the perfect norm among his formation.

The formations were each of exactly one-thousand men, one-hundred of the heavy, tracked SIV-25 armored personnel carriers, as well as forty of the ubiquitous LV-08 light infantry vehicles and thirty other assorted artillery pieces and anti-aircraft guns. In all, it was a small but diverse formation, and one that would hopefully play an important role in the coming days...

As the infantry columns mounted up, piling into the large SIVs, Brig. General Chaplia mounted up in his command unit's own LV-08. Wheels crunching into motion over the loose stones and assorted garbage of the pier, he roared along beside his men...

In perhaps two days, maybe less, depending on the condition of the roads and bridges, he would arrive with the formation he had been assigned to, as it were. Chaplia was in a good mood...

1000 - 2 February 2007 - New Berlin, The Imperial Republic of the Appalacians

Brigadier General Maxim White watched silently as the Pudite Task force landed in New Berlin. He scowled as the proceeded to clear awaay crates in the dockyards. At least they didn't land at the Naval Base to the North of the city. White was a short man in his early fifties, with gray hair and a short, well-kept beard. He hadn't realized the sheer size of the men that would be fighting alongside his. White himself was a mere 5' 10", and none of his men even came close to the size of the Pudites. Nevertheless, he walked forward to greet the Imperial Republic's new allies.

Naturally, behind him was a brigade of the finest soldiers the Appalacians had to offer. Six battalions of the Imperial Appalacians Green Guards who were garrisoned in the city stood in blocks behind him, with their vehicles to the rear. The Green Guards were officially considered a Mechanized Infantry unit and employed the use of MOWAG Piranha APC's as well as a number of CV-90 IFV's and a few MOWAG Eagle command/recon vehicles.

He saw the formations begin to move in the valley and ordered radio contact be made so that he could greet the new arrivals and offer help if needed. He had orders from New Zurich to escort the Pudite Unit to the front.

Task Force Zero-Eight Landing, Imperial Republic of the Appalachians, New Berlin
Brigadier General Stepan Chaplia and his column had not moved very far, when again they came to a halt. As one the more than seven-hundred vehicles and hundreds of dismounted infantry all stopped, without a noise of command, in their place. Running alongside the army the Brigadier General did not stop, rather, he and his vehicle moved to the front to greet their hosts.

The foreign infantry had cordoned off the roads ahead, and so the LV-08 stopped, and Brig. Gen. Stepan hopped to the ground, his two and a half meter frame landing without a sound. As he strode forward to speak with the Appalachian commander, his 2iC remained behind, standing at ease beside the light truck.

He drew himself up before the tiny officer, and spoke. His voice was an even, monotonous sort of drone, with no emotion one way or the other making itself evident. He probably seemed like a horrible person to spend an extended period talking too… “Sir, I assume you,” he said, addressing the Brigadier General, “Are the commanding officer of this Seventh Army;” as he said this, he raised his arm and gestured to the infantry lined up in the blocks behind him.

“I am Brigadier General Stepen Chaplia, commanding officer of the ground operations of this Task Force Zero-Eight,” He moved his arm to gesture behind him, “My naval counterpart is aboard his command ship, and can be in contact should you require it. He will also coordinate our air operations, as we have only the aircraft of his ships.”

He, at finishing, replaced his hands behind his back and patiently awaited a response. Not one soldier moved so much as to shift their weight.

Skies near Ugarian Border - 7:50 AM

Five blue-white mottled airships hovered in the air over Appalacian territory as radio operators communicated with ground control at the Seventh Army Headquarters.

"Appalacian Control, this is Aeromarine Caelapes Rigid Ship Charlie Four Four Three Delta Foxtrot, requesting landing clearance for five Caelapene ships at your airship ports, over."