NationStates Jolt Archive

Sallite Image, "Barton Island"
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3091/landcd8.png

A rather large chunk of land lay unclaimed in the middle of the ocean east of Haven. No one was really sure why it hadn't been claimed yet, but.. well it provided some real opportunity for a young nation such as the Blubs.

The land's mountains were rich with coal and minerals, and the waters in the region had oil. Lots of oil. Importantly, it was land. Room to expand.

Blubland Central Command

A large satellite image of the land was pinned up to one wall, while dozens of Blubs in military garb stared at it. Someone had used a sharpie to mark off the Blub territory, and the rest had agreed to that wisdom. Best to start small, and then expand from there. Besides.. it's not like anyone else would want it, right?

The military was confident that if it hadn't been claimed by now, folks just didn't want free land. The Blubs weren't above such things. They like land. It's useful for building sugarcane farms and corn farms to help produce eco-friendly biofuels.

Barton Island Coast

A small naval convoy of ships approached Barton Island from the west. From Blubland, really which lay another thousand miles that way. The convoy wasn't exactly an invasion-level force. Rather, it had a handful of ships given to them by Questers protecting large landing ships and transports.

Ahead of the fleet went a single LST. Big enough to hold twenty tanks and a company of infantry, right now it held a small team of troops. The LST pushed through the shallows, then beached. The ramp came down with a thud into the sand, and the team of Blubs peered at the wooded coastline, contemplating how dark and scary the woods looked.

After a moment, they scurried forward carrying a 10 foot tall flagpole. They stabbed it into the ground.. allowing the ocean wind to unfurl the Blubland flag. The troopers stepped back, formed a neat line and saluted.

http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/6210/blublandflagaa9.png

In the backround, helicopters set down and out jumped members of the 3rd Cavalry to have a look around.

we are sending the 12th occupation force to the island

Czar Ptolemy eyed the report carefully. "All that is unclaimed?" he asked his messenger.

"As far as I can tell, m'lord." the messenger actually knew nothing about it.

"Well, it won't be for long. Mobilize the second Surface Fleet to deploy to the waters off the eastern shore of the island. We'll need a foothold quickly." his eyes darted across the map for a place to land.

"That could take nearly a week!" one of his Generals finally spoke up.

"I know, I know. Mobilize the 32nd paratroopers and some light armor. They need to leave immediately." the Czar did not even glance up from the map.

"Where shall they land? And shouldn't we make a technical claim? Just for political reasons?" a political adviser walked into the room.

"Good idea. We'll make a claim on the northeast island. Then we'll land troops. How long will it take to get paratroopers airborne?" he finally glanced up at the General.

"They're already mobilized due to the dissolution of GASN, so...within the hour for sure."

"Do it. And someone get me a latte." the young Czar stood and headed out of the war room.

OOC: map w/ claim coming up. BTW, how big is it proportionally? Judging by your own claim, it must be very large, so I don't want to claim an unrealistically large portion.
http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n91/toms1266/map.png

Barton Island

A large naval task force, returning from the Hegemony conflict, sailed towards the island, with dozens of fighter jets scouring the island, searching it, photographing it, mapping it.

"Appears to be abandoned, over," signalled one pilot.

"Holy shit. We've got Cazelians, over," signalled another.

The jets made a flyby over the Cazelian forces, then returned to base.

If British Londinium was to ever claim a part of this island as its own, then it would have to lay a claim now.

Whilst Londinian marines marched through the claimed portion of the island, messages were sent back to Kensington informing them of the discovery.

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1118/landcd8jz1.jpg

The General Secretary of the Totalitarian State of Red Tide(or simply, GS-TSRT) stared at the photos...

"Lets take that small peninsular in the Northwest..."

Several days later

Meatpuppets stormed off of landing craft and quickly swarmed ashore, the engineering brigade was brought ashore and mulberry-like harbors were being brought in.

The Red Tidean flag flew over new soil... Totalitarianism was on the march.

OOC: Dont feel like writing a long post right now. Will post map with claim later...

The Jaredcohenian 136st Naval Division sailed into a random island, trailing thousands of Blub-approved peanut butter jars. "This can only mean one thing." Admiral Shirley McNickles stated. "Stranded blubs!"

"Surely you can't be serious!" An ensign shouted.

"I am serious."

What they found was stunning, uncharted land in this age of satellites and various other means of telecommunications!

The land will be called Jewpiter, in honor of the Jews of Jaredcohenia who fight brilliantly for the cause!

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/3530/lollandxt4.png

A fleet of the Free Empire, accompanied by a rag tag corporate fleet, made their way to one of the smaller islands. The fleet arrived, and then dropped off the colonists, who immediantly got to work. The protection force of the fleet then started patrolling the sea lane between New Vantania and the isle.

New Vantanian claim, "NV" (http://img444.imageshack.us/my.php?image=blublandbv5.png)

http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z216/Cazelia/?action=view&current=landcd8jz1.jpg
To-British Londinium
From-Cazelia

steer clear of our territory and we'll stay clear of yours

Czar Ptolemy

OOC: Shooting forward with the RP a bit I see...

Official Announcement

By decree of the Arch Arsonist, Mer des Ennuis hearby declares all land north of the West Corinthian claim restricted, and has designated it the training grounds for the Ennuisian Rangers and the Death's Head forces. Failure to respect this decree will result in termination.

-Adam Wincenty
General of the Home Guard
Arch Arsonist of Mer des Ennuis
"Fear Ensures Loyalty!"
"All Glory to the Hypnotoad!"

The Eastern Candrian Fleet, 1st Flotilla, claims this territory,

This map, with exception to certain claims, is accurate.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/Gizeh/Mapandsuch.png


What we'll do with this land remains to be seen... might grow some... wheat... or something. I don't know yet. Stop bugging me.

OOC: So I don't get left behind in the planning stages.

IC: A large contingent of Corinthian fighters stormed across the otherwise peaceful skies above the northeastern islands. They flew low to survey the land, and determining it to be safe, radioed back to the squadron. Following them, dozens of troop transports began unloading Corinthian paratroopers onto the undeveloped land below.

The land was mostly forest, with mountains in the north and many rivers snaking out of them to the ocean. The 32nd paratroopers descended into an open field, where they organized themselves and set up a command post. Several light vehicles were dropped nearby, but the heavy armor would have to wait for an airfield. Nonetheless, this particular field would suit a fine airfield once the hay was cleared and some boulders dug out.

Settlers were discovered on one of the small islands to the north. This island having been claimed by West Corinthia only recently before, contact would have to be made with them. One of the Corinthian troop transports dropped leaflets over the colonists asking them to contact the West Corinthian government for permission to settle on West Corinthian lands.

OOC: Shooting forward with the RP a bit I see...

OOC: I'm using fluid time. lol.

The Free Empire requests that all other colonists avoid our colony, other then British Londinium who may trade with us. This is your only warning.

ooc: i think someone needs to do some oil prospecting...

Settlers were discovered on one of the small islands to the north. This island having been claimed by West Corinthia only recently before, contact would have to be made with them. One of the Corinthian troop transports dropped leaflets over the colonists asking them to contact the West Corinthian government for permission to settle on West Corinthian lands.

OOC: I'm assuming this is to me, if not, ignore. I think I can safely claim fluid time though.

IC:

The colonists scratched their heads. They had not been informed. A telegram was sent to the West Corinthians, offering fifty billion USDs in return for official control of the isle.

More leaflets dropped on the colonists. They stated very clearly in large lettering: "Make it $100 billion and we shall drop our claim. -West Corinthia"

Since they were likely going to sell one of their claimed islands, the Czar expanded the West Corinthian claim to include the third small island just below the other two.

Pirandello Colony
Barton Island

The sun was warm and welcome, evaporating the dew from the grass. Antelope and various grazing animals chewed plant matter contently, and a few chose to doze in the light. A scene of perfect tranquility - except for the squadrons of fighters circling in the air. They had been sent to patrol the area as the colonists began construction on their first city, but, with the relative calm, had taken up other pursuits.

A Saab Gripen aircraft swerved in the air, firing two anti-tank Brimstone missiles at the countryside. The unfortunate cow who bore the brunt of their payload hardly registered the existence of the missiles before they slammed into her side, utterly killing it and sending the cow's constituent atoms flying into the air.

"Yeehaw!" shouted the pilot.

***

"Immature little douchebag," muttered Dai Maddox, the government-appointed governor of the new colony, as he observed this scene. Already, the colonists were hard at work, clearing the land, and laying the foundations for, what he hoped at least, what would become a grand asphalt jungle.

And a well protected one at that, he noted as he observed two regiments march solemnly on patrol.

'10 minutes to the beach! 10 minutes!' Shouted the Driver of the B838 landing boat to the OPDF marines huddling at the back of the boat. Around 50 klicks back, A cruiser was disgorging Landing boats while its destroyer attendants stood watch. The oily prata Government had discovered this previously unclaimed island to be loaded with valuable metals and minerals, and most of all,oil. soon, the boats bumped nto the sandy shore and began disgorging an expeditionary force of 1000 soliders and a few veichles.

Pirandello Colony
Barton Island

The sun was warm and welcome, evaporating the dew from the grass. Antelope and various grazing animals chewed plant matter contently, and a few chose to doze in the light. A scene of perfect tranquility - except for the squadrons of fighters circling in the air. They had been sent to patrol the area as the colonists began construction on their first city, but, with the relative calm, had taken up other pursuits.

A Saab Gripen aircraft swerved in the air, firing two anti-tank Brimstone missiles at the countryside. The unfortunate cow who bore the brunt of their payload hardly registered the existence of the missiles before they slammed into her side, utterly killing it and sending the cow's corpse flying several dozen feet into the air.

"Yeehaw!" shouted the pilot.

OOC: You think there would be anything left of a cows corpse after its been hit by a ATGM?

Official response from Undersecretary of Defense Spinner Dunn:

DUn fck wit us.

Official response from Emperor C.C. Petron:

What he said.

More leaflets dropped on the colonists. They stated very clearly in large lettering: "Make it $100 billion and we shall drop our claim. -West Corinthia"

Since they were likely going to sell one of their claimed islands, the Czar expanded the West Corinthian claim to include the third small island just below the other two.

"Deal. Wired. -Free Empire of New Vantania"

Meanwhile, cities basic infrastructures were rapidly being constructed by the colonists, so that there were ports all around the perimeter of the isle. The capital of the colony was Port Landing, where the colonists had arrived. Supplies and men were being constantly pumped in, and the navy now had proper protection of the isle. The colonists now began moving inland, establishing city flags around coal deposits, oil deposits, and along the trade routes.

Official response from Undersecretary of Defense Spinner Dunn:

DUn fck wit us.

Official response from Emperor C.C. Petron:

What he said.

OOC: Who is this to?

The soldiers quickly expanded inland, supported with jeeps and light armor. then, they set up defensive lines on the end of their claim. The cruiser and destroyers moved closre to the island to provide heavy defence
A telegram was then sent to all occupying forces

"We claim this area in peace. Stay clear."
ooc: an edited map with my claim
IMG]http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa29/zekosan/Mapandsuch-2.png[/IMG]

OOC: Need to advance things a little using some fluid time.

The 2nd surface fleet had arrived off the shore of the colony, which was now being called Nova Corinthia. A simple dirt airfield had been finished near the site of the original paradrop, and now soldiers and heavy armor were being brought in by the thousands. A few hundred settlers, mostly engineers or architects with their families, had come to the mainland of the colony.

The first city, in a sense, was under construction at the site of the airfield. More of a military staging area, it was quickly becoming populated with civilians, attracting small businesses. All structures were currently temporary, as more permanent building materials had not yet been shipped in. Military duties took priority.

Some transport ships among the surface fleet headed to the two smaller islands of the Corinthian claim (not the one recently sold to New Vantania). They unloaded small garrisons of soldiers, and engineers to construct military fortifications. They also carried several portable missile platforms, both anti-ship and anti-air.

Meanwhile, the mainland of Nova Corinthia had plans to be completely fortified and developed. Like West Corinthia's other colony in the Makoki Isles, this would become a civilized society equal to mainland West Corinthia itself. However, the Czar hoped this would be a peaceful development, unlike the Makoki Isles, where an avoidable war had led to many deaths.

OOC: Who is this to?


OOC: Nobody in particular.

IC:

Little in the way of infrastructure existed in Bartonian Candiria, as the colony was now known. No air strips, no harbors. H99 helicopters airdropped supplies to the first few handpicked residents; small farmers eager to carve out their own stake of land for food production. Armed guard was already there. Envelia tanks were swarming the landscape; their wide stance improving their overland performance... while keeping them from sinking in the softer earth.

Military helicopters buzzed overhead every few minutes, as construction began on the first BC military and civilian installations - primarily, a harbor and airstrip.

FLUID TIME TIME!

Soon, the claim of oily prata (called Nova Prata) was dotted with low-lying structures, baracks for the colonists and garrison, which now numbered 7000.
And the lone cruiser group was reinforced with another one and two nuclear sumbarines patrolling the water off the claim. Prospection drilling had started and a military/civilian arifeild was constructed. f-16 and domestic o-47 fighters regularly took off in patrols of nova prata. and a Governer had been assigned from the government. The government had decided that now was the time to contact the other claimers, and a message was sent.

The claim of Oily Prata(Nova Prata) would like to initiate diplomatic relations with any of the surrounding territories.

OOC: Just for kicks, good night.

IC:

A team was searching around for coal deposits to planting city flags at, when they saw a man emerge from the mountain. He uttered strange words, some unknown native language, and fired a WWII styled gun, even though it was very foreign. He then returned to the mountain to alert the underground tribe of the presence of the colonists on the isle.

OOC:

There, that should give some peope some fun. :D

OOC: Just for kicks, good night.

IC:

A team was searching around for coal deposits to planting city flags at, when they saw a man emerge from the mountain. He uttered strange words, some unknown native language, and fired a WWII styled gun, even though it was very foreign. He then returned to the mountain to alert the underground tribe of the presence of the colonists on the isle.

OOC:

There, that should give some peope some fun. :D



Wow! A stranded group of WW2 soldiers living so long?! That is fun!

The soldiers quickly expanded inland, supported with jeeps and light armor. then, they set up defensive lines on the end of their claim. The cruiser and destroyers moved closre to the island to provide heavy defence
A telegram was then sent to all occupying forces

"We claim this area in peace. Stay clear."
ooc: an edited map with my claim
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa29/zekosan/Mapandsuch.png

OOC: I claimed that area first. See the third or fourth post.

OOC: I claimed that area first. See the third or fourth post.

My bad. I'll edit my posts. Sorry i took the newest map and it did't have you claim on it. i added it for you

"The island is to be colonised and economised" said Governor Jack Orbald "and i want it done ASAP"

General Mathias; your orders are to advance the borders of Bartonian Candiria inland. Do not incite war with other nationals nor their claims.

Bartonian Candiria was growing - at this point, it had over 10,000 people; as the largest claimed colony, it was already outgrowing itself.

Border claims were soon pushed further inland in an attempt to meet the growing land demands; as much of the land who's use wasn't military in nature was used by large wheat farms.

OOC: Enlarging claims.

The Brass Back In The Mainland Had approved a Push to secure the nearest mountain range, as it had many valuable metals and minerals within. Half-tracks and tanks moved forward to secure the new border,

OOC: extending claim too
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa29/zekosan/Mapandsuch1.png

Colonial Forces, West Barton Island

The landing ships had finished with unloading supplies and returned to the main fleet to be escorted home by a trio of Guardian class frigates. The Blubs had a sizable camp built in the dark, shady area under the forest.

Gathered around a sand table were members of the command staff from each unit deployed. 3rd Cavalry, 2nd Marines, 2nd Dragoons and the shadowy 7th Kommando.

One of them mumbled, "Uhm. I think the other Havenites are going to be a bit annoyed. We discovered this place, we planted our flag.. and overnight it becomes a hive of hodge-podge nations staking claims. If we can't secure at least the western half of the island, it will make us look weak." He squinted down at the sand table, which by now had a half dozen other miniature flags in various spots.

The commander of the 2nd Marines rubbed his 'chin', "We'll secure the beach here and the forest. Can you Dragoons and Cavalry boys hop forward and expand on our claims?"

The others nodded.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/6238/mapandsuch2pz4.png

3rd Cavalry

Helicopters buzzed over the tops of the trees as they sped north-east. Below them, pathfinders in light trucks and hummers lead the way for advancing IFVs, BDVs and tanks. They were pushing the Colonial border further. Laying down transmitters here and there which would inform certain radio channels of the Blubland presence and claim.

In one of the lead Humvees, the Blubs inside would have been tossed around if it weren't for seatbelts as they went over a half-buried log. The big wheels chewed through the rotten wood and over it they went. Private Blurg blinked his eyestalks dizzily, clinging to the 30mm chaingun mounted on the roof. Then.. something seemed to move off to the left. He looked that way as the Humvee continued. Trees moving past, field of vision rocking wildly on the uneven terrain.. he stared, trying hard to see faint man-like shapes moving among the trees at the edge of vision.

Even as he swung the chaingun that way, the Humvee took a turn to avoid a particularly dense clump of ancient trees. "Huh. Must be the motion sickness getting to me."

2nd Dragoons

ATV style motorbikes clawed their way uphill as 21st Recon Platoon continued climbing hills at the base of the mountains to the south of the original Blub landing site.

2nd Dragoons had been ordered to sieze a section of the mountains, and their fast, lightweight vehicles and equipment were perfect for the job. Behind the ATVs came BDVs. Low-slung, wide APCs each carrying a squad of Dragoon Infantry.

They expected to reach the edge of the claim by nightfall and set up a perimeter.

Wow! A stranded group of WW2 soldiers living so long?! That is fun!

OOC: No. They're natives with vaguely WWII era tech. And they live underground. With ways to get to everyones colonies.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/Gizeh/mapandsuch.png

(expanded claims, view of the Airstrip, Harbor, Basecamp 1, Basecamp 2, and road system.)

Gen. Mathias was stopped at the forest - tanks don't like forests too much. Besides... the Blubs were right on the other side, and despite the fact that they aren't bad people, they're just... freaky. He ordered his tanks to halt, and sent infantry out into the forest, with instructions to lay the 'fence' out somwhere within the trees. After a few hours, all were accounted for, and the General led his convoy back; it was to be his last official action as Military Governer before open election took place to select a civilian Governer.

Location: Ostia, West Corinthia

"Expanding land claims?" Czar Ptolemy put down his newspaper and took a sip of his latte.

"Across the board." the Corinthian Field Marshal handed the Czar a map with the updated claims.

"Well, we can't expand North, not with the Ennusians there. We'll have to gain a foothold on the mainland. Just secure some of the beach and see what happens." the Czar downed his drink and returned to the newspaper, which was on the sports section.

Location: Nova Corinthia

Settlements now dotted the Corinthian-held lands. The civilian population now exceeded 7,000, but the military presence was still far greater. Tanks now were put to work clearing trees for new construction. The main city, still unnamed, was receiving its first permanent structures. The airfield was being paved, new lanes being added, and a control tower was being built.

A company of soldiers escorted prospectors into the mountains to search for resources. Suddenly a group of savage-looking men appeared from holes in the ground and began firing wildly with primitive firearms. A Corinthian soldier was hit, but was saved by his dragon skin body armor. The soldiers returned fire, instantly killing almost half of the enemy force. They retreated, but the Corinthians pursued. The retreating savages led the company of soldiers to an entrance at the base of the mountains.

With no hesitation, the soldiers donned gas masks and hurled tear gas grenades into the entrance. They then stormed inside. The soldiers were astounded by what they saw. A primitive civilization that lived underground in the mountains! Women, children, and the men who had earlier been defeated now lay on the ground choking on tear gas. The soldiers handcuffed the population of the entire primitive town and led them out of the mountains in chains. They then called an airstrike on the mountain to collapse the cave where they had built their city.

A concentration camp was quickly built in the woods near the main city of Nova Corinthia to receive the prisoners. A message was sent back to the Czar inquiring what to do with them.

Meanwhile, troop-carrying hovercraft hit the beaches south of the main island of Nova Corinthia. Covered by fighters overhead and destroyers at sea, they established a beachhead that went for miles up and down the coast of the main island.

OOC: To reflect this new action: http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n91/toms1266/map-1.png

New resources are always in need to fuel the Manthian economy, and on word of the discovery of a new resource-rich island a survey expedition is quickly organized.

By the time the Manthians arrived, much territory had already been claimed, but the surveyors lay out territorial markers on the southern coast, marking the borders inland with GPS markers and an old-fashioned chain-link fence.

Every kilometer along the fence they put up a large sign, warning "Keep Out - Sovereign Manthian Territory."

OOC: claim: http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Coriat/untitled.jpg Sorry for short post, in a hurry.

"Mr. President." the aid dropped a packet of papers and photographs on the President's desk. Inside were details on the recent land grab going up.

A cabinet meeting was called.

"This is great. We always wanted to expand our influence in Haven and this is just another step in that direction. I say we do it." spoke one cabinet official.

"I say nay!" shot back the naval Chief Admiral, "Our navy is stretched enough as it is with the war in the east. Even with new production we're currently sending everything we have to the east."

"This is an opportunity of a life time!" responded another man, "This is just what we need."

"We could use a minimal naval detatchment or a group of mercenary captains.."

The room fell silent. "Did you just say... mercenaries?"

"I don't think that's such a bad idea.." said the President trailing off. "We need to act quickly. We can send in airborne soldiers and engineers and use the natives for labor. Nothing as involved as Yeltsmin, just a mining colony. In time we give political power to the natives and keep them as a protectorate."

There were nods of approval across the room. "So it is agreed then?" A chorus of 'ayes' went around the conference table.

----------------------
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8827/hetislandpa9.png

A battalion of Marines para dropped on the land to clear the way for the others. Native contact was almost immediate. The natives were in touch in some way or another with the natives of other parts of the island group. They were scared for their continued survival by being swallowed up by a world power that would only exploit them. Only a few among them could speak English, on of those being their chief. After some negotiation the marine commander was able to convince the tribal chief that his tribal kingdom had nothing to fear from the Groznians. When he was told that he would be given full control over his own kingdom once infrastructure was laid down and certain agreements reached he was greatly relieved. This was helped by the cigarettes the soldiers generously gave to the chief and some natives.

Making up borders was easy. The tribal Sok'het Kingdom had its own borders which were laid out by a long series of pikes, some with heads mounted atop. These now were the borders of the mining and plantation colony the king of Sok'het would be.


ooc: assume I made a formal declaration. Yes this is fluid time assuming I have already rebuilt my fleet.

"Interesting. Everyone is expanding rapidly. I think we should focus on the infrastructure and the natives." the colonial general spoke.

"Yes, I agree. Those savages are everywhere, popping up like gophers. You have permission to kill ant that resist and send the rest to the deprocessing camps, or interrogate them. We need to know what we're facing." The colonial governor said, doodling randomly.

***

Everywhere the natives had been spotted, the military had set up outposts to kill them. A few of them had been captured, and the following observations had been made.

The cave people themselves were pale, extremly pale. It was obvious that they had only just recently begun to surface, because their skin was slightly transclucent, with a network of blue veins across their bodies.

Also, they had been spotted riding lizards, grown to the size of a small pony in their subterreanean lair. The lizards had thick skin, and were declawed and defanged to prevent injury. Apparently the lizards skin made excellent armour, for all of the native warriors wore it.

Lastly, their weaponry was primitive. Similar to the AK-47, but so foreign. There were minour improvments, many of which were shown in latter AK models, while there were also flaws that not even the AK-47. It was definitly not weather-proof, as their was not weather in whatever caverns these things lived in.

A convoy of jeeps Bumped And Clattered along a rough dirt path. Drivers sewrving to avoid the strange Racoon-Like animals That seemed to be everywhere on the island. Soon, They stopped where a Giant Tree had fallen, Blocking the road. " All right, men," The Sargent Spoke "Brass wants us to remove this log. It's impeding the progress of the colonist halftracks and we need to exploit this area soon." "Jeeze, Sarge! Just Look at the size of-" The speaker dropped dead, blood streaming from a bullet through the eye.
" Ambush!" The Sarge Yelled! " Into The Forest Now! We Need to take them out!" The Surviving soliiers, 24 in all. Ran into the forest, guns ready.
Even Through the attackers were well hidden, the thermal scanners in the Marine's scanners were able to pick them up. The marines chared on the attacker's position, Their assault rifles Barking as they sent another ambusher to their afterlife. The attackers then started firing what looked like extremely battered thompson SMGS at the maries, But their AMS armor deflected the small calibre bullets with ease. Soon, The attackers flad toward the mountains, the Marines in hot pursuit. The attackers then entered a cave complex." Flashbangs. In the caves." the sarge ordered. After a twin explosion of light and sound, The Marines stormed the cave, only to find a handful of men and dozens of women and children." Ah, Hell."Said the sarge.

My Marines Wear a variant of the HALO 1 armor with that green eyepiece on ther helmets.

OOC: No. They're natives with vaguely WWII era tech. And they live underground. With ways to get to everyones colonies.

OOC: do they have WW2 air and Naval tech?( stupid question, really.)

OOC: do they have WW2 air and Naval tech?( stupid question, really.)

OOC: No. They have rivercraft naval technology for the caves, and no air tech, as it can't do much in caves.

The caverns are illuminated with green glowing fungii on the cave roof, and the underground is well connected and large. Beyond the mountain colonies there's a huge cavern underneath most of the isle, connected by winding, maze-like tunnels. From this cavern is a downward flowing corkscrew that leads to the center of civilization, and it's a natural chokepoint.

Feel free to invade, genocide, enslave, and use it as a hub to expand faster. I'm not going to control what they do, just what there basics like tech and culture.

Fluid time yay! Yay fluids!

The natives were quick to embrace the Groznian newcomers. They had little choice. Under this rule they were safe from the spheres of influence of other foreigners and the comparative generosity of the Groznians was received with copious amounts of gratitude. In a short amount of time the primitive native port was converted into a modern one and the nearby village flourished under the wonders of modern technology and medical advances. For the first time in history the natives had running water and some had electricity. The electricity was powered by coal from the territory's coal mine.

The largest operations on the territory were plantations and coal. All sorts of products, sugar cane, tobacco, coffee, tea, etc were harvested by the natives and sent to the port where they would be shipped to the mainland to be processed. Plans had already been laid down to build a sugar processing plant and others. The village around the port had grown; being the technological hub of trade and education for the natives, many had moved from their old villages here. The population now was 34,312 and rising. The port was continuously being upgraded to accommodate larger and larger ships and the willing among the natives were given a free education in harbor management and other professions. The port of Sok'het had already set up a direct link with Port Resilience thousands of miles west in western Haven and the plan was to make the native population self sufficient and loyal to the Groznian cause. After all it was Groznyj that gave them this new found prosperity. Before disease and tribal warfare had plagued the people but now they were safe as long as Groznian guns stuck around. The border was now under going an upgrade. Concrete was being poured and the land behind and infront paved. The old trail was widened into a dirt road which connected the inter island trail system with the port.

Resistance had been scattered and futile in this social and economic endeavor. Those that rebelled were quickly dealt with by patrolling Marines. Those captured were jailed and taught by their fellow tribesmen to trust the Groznians. Those that were too stubborn to lay down their arms were riddled with holes and buried.

On the whole the Sok'het Kingdom territory was proving to be very mutually beneficial. Money was being generated between its port and Port Resilience and the natives, content in their lot in life and promising future prospects, were extremely productive with Sok'hetian coffees, sugars, seafood, and teas penetrating markets at home and abroad.

The peace and prosperity would last. So long as no greedy power laid its eyes on the Kingdom of Sok'het.

Through various reasons that don't matter much to Jaredcohenian expansion, here's a new map!

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4323/dontfuckwithsodapopex8.png

OBVIOUSLY, The Jaredcohenians found the Muslim map maker and threatened him with an old, crusty banana. This made the Muslims change their map to make the Jews happy!

ooc: LOL. You know this means a jew-war.

OOC: Hey! all that happened while Sarge was saying"Aw, Hell!"
FLUID TIME TIME AGAIN!
IC:
REPORT ON MOUNTAIN DEFENSES

The Mountain Cavrens that we have secured have been emptied of the strange people( name:Lizardmen). These Lizardmen have been shipped to Cole island. As Guests of the federation, they will spend the rest of their lives in Bora-Bora conditions.The Marine core have set up Ther Head Base In the depest point of the cavrens, which have been completely reinforced with plastisteel and concreta to the point of being able to withstand anything up to a nuclear explosion. M808C Scorpion tanks patrol regularly and moe have had tmemselves buried up to their turrets as gun positions alongside the artillery. Work is proceeding on a Dedicated Military airfield and Barracks and hangers have already been built.

Forces:
13th artillery divisionX 7000 artillery pieces and men
47th Armored Division X 5000 jaguar and M808C Scorpion tanks and supporting infantry
2nd Infantry DivisionX 25000 Infantry and machanized infantry
3rd Air Wind detatchment A X 20 F-16, 50 O-47
2X Kishrov class cruiser
4X High Gold class Destroyer
1X Virginia class nuclear submarine

ooc:Jaredcohenia, use photobucket. i can't see the map.

"Why the hell didn't you notice this island before!?"

"I don't know, I think I had my thumb over that part of the map everytime I looked at it..."

"50 lashes for your incompetence, take him away!" a couple guardsmen in navyblue dragged the poor bureaucrat out of the room, as the Chancellor turned to his associates
"Now Gentlemen, this recently discovered island has recieved significant international attention recently, with several nations jumping and claiming territories for whatever reason. Which is precisely why we must enter and secure whatever that everyone is going after on the island"

"Shouldn't why investigate what is of value on the island before we go off spending money on such a venture?"

"Well then the island would be all claimed by then, besides, whats the point of tax money if you don't use it for purposes of national prestige? Any other remarks? Good, now who wants to lead operation?"

A flurry of hands shot up, as several Generals at the meeting hoped to gain a promotion through a successful operation.

"I say we allow Stinckkloss to do it" voiced the Chancellor, disregarding the eager Generals pleas "Since he is new around here. The rest of you already enjoyed annexing small islands in the middle of nowhere at least once. Now, our plan is to make landing here and to claim the territory outlined on this map we recently aquired through our satelites"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/physcoredferret/HaMap.jpg
"We will secure a fair beachhead and allow us an avenue to go to the center without intruding upon the other powers"

"Excuse me, Chancellor, but I like Morimoto's idea better" replied a Lietenant colonel, with several others nodding in agreement"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/physcoredferret/HaMap2.jpg
"We land in the place you designated, and procede to shoot anything living that isn't Nicksyllvanian"

"Interesting, however we do not yet know the military capabilities of the others as of yet, we don't even know if the island is of any real value, but I will keep the idea in mind once our initial plans turn out to be a rousing success. Gentlemen, you are dismissed, Stinckloss, prepare the 143rd Corps for immediate departure."

2nd Marine Division Basecamp Alpha

While the more mobile units had expanded northeast and southeast, the Second Marine Division's integrated engineering company had been busy prepping the beach. Six landing zones were designated by six colored flags on the beach, and bulldozers had cleared rough roads up to the large clearing in the woods serving as the rear base of operations.

More ships were out there now, offloading amphibious assault ships and landing craft, as well as economicly refueling some of the cargo ships already present and transferring troops and equipment over to them for shuttle back to the landing zone.

Either way, the beach-bound ships were soon filing in orderly lanes up to their colored landing zones, each one seven hundred and fifty meters wide, to offload.

With this wave came some of the heavier equipment. The rest of 2nd Marine, 3rd Cavalry and 2nd Dragoons equipment as well as a little bit of the more specialized gear of 7th Kommando. Dismbarking now were the forward elements of 20th and 21st Infantry Divisions, which would be in charge of helping to secure the Blubland claims. There were far too many factions present on the island now to make Colonial Command happy.

The operation's units had officially been designated as 7th Army, since typically a Blubland Colonial Corp consisted of four divisions and there were now more than five involved. In command was Field Marshal Airborg.

A series of trailers had been parked together, specialized doors opened and linked to form a connected set of five large, long rooms filled with communications gear, maps and other necessities. The initial command site. Within stood Field Marshal Airborg, who peered at maps laid out on a table.

"They're blocking us in on both sides. Some of them are trying to play leapfrog and hem in the competition. Well, it's time to sieze our opportunity. This is our claim and I won't have complete strangers dicking us over. Tell 3rd Cav and 2nd Dragoons to advance. Second Dragoons will swing south and link up with Jaredcohenia's border. It'll be good to see a friend on this strange island. Third Cav will move east and north to within five kilometers of Candiria's claim. If these .. people to our north, New Nicksyllvania want to advance they'll have to do it down a five klick corridor between us and Candiria. That's provided Candiria doesn't push forward and close the corridor, and meet up with our border.

"I want a strong front formed along the edge of the forest with a slight arc to it, giving our position a strong field of fire out over the plains. Extend the battle line south to Jaredchoenia's position. Secure and anchor there. I want Twenty First Infantry on that front line supported by a brigade of the Dragoons. The rest of the Dragoons can stay in the mountains to hold our southern flank. Twentieth Infantry and Third Cav along the north border. Second Marines and Seventh Kommando in reserve. Got it? Good."

http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/8941/claimupdateel7.jpg

OOC: wow, blub. You just bottled up NN!
IC:" Sir!" An intelligence officer burst into Major Sleeper's office. " We got word that blubland is moving inland, bottling up New Nics-nik-Whatever it's called and blocking new candria!"" Very Well. Push inland. I want a safe buffer between the border and those mountains!"
Immediately the 47th Armored moved more inland, Digging in and readying emplacements

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa29/zekosan/claimupdateel8.png

ooc: why are you guys saving as jpgs?

ooc: Well, I started with PNG to keep it clean. But someone screwed it up along the way. I'd rather not manually make all the changes to keep PNG because SOMEONE doesn't know how to save as that file. >.>

"Those things creep me out soooo much."

Pfc. Wen was sitting in the drivers seat of his M1C5 Envelia tank, in the forward crew cabin. His eyes were glancing over EDS optical TV rangefinder, as he was tracking Blubian movements. The wide tank was sitting a klick away from the Candrian border; sitting in a stop on it's patrol.

The tank commander's intercom burst alive; entirely unnecessarily, considering he wasn't even 2 feet away.

"COM says they heard the Blubs were moving to within 5 klicks of our southwestern border."

"Yo, that is definatly NOT 5 klicks. They're like 1 and a half away right now."

"Are they laying out fencing?"

"Can't tell... No, no they're not"

"It's probably a patrol. They must've got the same intel we did on Nicksyllvania. Must be setting up a chokepoint?"

"I guess so. God, they're so... gooey..."

"Remember what they did to Hataria. They'll fight beyond their numbers."

"Guess so. They just give me wicked nightmares, though. Like remember when we were near that Goblin country? And they tried to make nukes with hammers & stuff? THEY were creepy buggers."

"Showing your age, Wen. How long ago was that? Was Spanish still the official language?"

"Whatever...


"I think we should go talk to them. Establish some friendly relations, ya know?"

"COM wants Governer Sykel to do that first. Some protocol bullshit."

"I bet we can get the Boots to talk to them."

"Think we can?"

"Dude, get off your intercom, you're right next to me. It's annoying."

<click>

"Fine, fine."

"Alright... You're tank commander, Davis. Call up one of the boots."

"It's your idea, man."

A moment of thought passed between the two, before it hit them - the gunner. In unison, they said it - "We should get Lonny to do it."

Lonny, of course, was sound asleep. Controlling the turret when you're not moving and not threatening anyone is a very, very boring job; and so Pfc. Lonnellai found himself slinking down in the gunner's chair, nodding off. Cpl. Davis crawled in the little space between the chair and the wall of the crew cabin; coming up behind Lonny. He poked Lonny on the visor of his helmet.

"Lonny... Lonny, wake up."

"uughhh... what?"

Wen stuck his head in the little gap between the LCD screen and the top of the chair. "Call up one of the Boots; we want 'em to talk to the Blubs."

"whaa... why?"

"Because... they'll do it."

"They definatly will."

"...fine, sure. Davy, get outta the way."

As Cpl. Davis moved, Lonny pulled the seat lock, sliding his seat back under the split hatch. He unlocked the split hatch and started pulling himself out, scanning around, looking for a passing Infantryman. It wasn't long before he spotted one. "Hey, man, come over here for a second."

The soldier was notably confused.
"Why?"

"We got a dare for ya."

"What's in it for me?"

Lonny turned around, looking back into the tank. After a few seconds of debating, he addressed the soldier again. "A coupla' chocolate bars, a beer once we're off duty; maybe a Hotgear shirt."

The soldier began approaching the tank. Whatever it was, the Tank crew was offering a lot - Hotgear (basically Underarmor) was valuable in the service around here, and there's never quite enough chocolate rations to go around.
About a meter away from the tank, the soldier stopped. "What do you guys want me to do?"

"We dare ya to go up to the Blubs. Start talking & stuff."

"Those guys? They're... creepy, in a carnival monster sorta way."

"Think, man... Hotgear, chocolate, beer..."

The soldier stood there for a few seconds, thinking in silence.
"... Fine. I ain't doin this alone, tho."

"Bring the other guys in your firing team; we'll hook all y'all up when we get off patrol."

"'Kay."

The soldier grabbed his radio from his belt; pressing a side button, he made a call to his team - the other 4 guys still walking around.
"Hey guys, a tank crew's tryin' to get us to talk to the Blubs."

<click>"... what do we get outta it?"<click>

"Hotgear, chocolate, beer. They'll give when we get off patrol."

<click>"...I'm down."<click>
<click>"Same."<click>
<click>"deal."<click>
<click>"sure."<click>

"Meet up at Post 323 near the forest."

...

The five infantry began the 1 1/2 kilometer walk to the Blub patrol; Pfc. Lou Winter, Pfc. Sam Grange, Spc. Nelson Pythro, Spc. Oscar Maranquez, and Cpl. Oswald Parther. Each soldier had a tan from the long patrols; less evident, of course, on the naturally dark Spc. Maranquez, considering he was pure Latino, and on Pfc. Grange, since we was already black anyway. Winter, being the shortest (thus having the lowest profile) as well as the best shot in the team was leading; after all, he was the guy the bet was made with.

Their guns were down, however. This was supposed to be friendly.

ooc: Jared.. I was kind of serious when I was talking about the map change. If you want the land rp it don't just change the map. If your allowed to do it that way then I might as well take the NW peninsula, the NE peninsula, and parts of WCs land as all were places I wanted but other people took already. It just destroys the entire rp.

Thanks.

Civilian engineers had been brought in to start making the transition from a paper claim to a living, breathing colony; settlements would be constructed and the beginnings of economic infrastructure, including power plants, roads, and various mining or drilling operations to extract the island's abundant natural resources would soon begin to appear.

Before all that can happen, though, the threat of these primitive natives will have to be dealt with. That's why the 9th Mechanized Infantry and 12th Infantry, a force of some 40,000 soldiers armed with modern weapons and tanks, are en route to the colony.

Incidentally, the soldiers would also push Manthian borders well inland of the initial claim, and investigate reports of certain irregularities along the western border.

OOC: Not on computer with even MS paint... will post map later unless someone wants to add my claim for me (pretty pleeease? :p) It stretches from the corner of OP's claim (where the mountains end) straight east to Jaredcohenia's border, cutting off Cazelia but leaving some room for Jaredcohenia to expand.

Also Jaredcohenia ditto on what Croznyj said. I mentioned that people of mine are at the border setting up posts and fences. If you try and move those, well, they will notice.

Eastern Border, Blubland Claim

The Candrian assumption of a tank had been close. The low-slung vehicle sure looked like a tank from a distance. However, it was actuall a BDV. Blub Deployment Vehicle. The patrol had found a rather nice pond to stop at and get out and stretch a bit. Hours spent bumping around inside an APC wore at even the most patient of Blubs' nerves.

Most of the patrol had wandered off into the woods to either snap pictures of the wildlife or just get into trouble. Left behind were a trio of Blubs. One of them napped, snoring as he leaned his helmeted head against a rock. The other two examined a map with colored lines of advance, borders and other information on it. They squabbled now and then, squeaking over if they were on the right route or not. According to GPS, they were at least three klicks past their own border.. but this pond wasn't on the map. Maybe they should color in a pond on the map?

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/7209/blubpatrolxo4.png

Soon, a couple of the others returned and sat down with their backs to the BDV. Opening up ration kits, they produced small jars of peanut butter and packets of bread. Getting to work, they were soon nibbling sandwiches and sipping water from canteens.

The Candrians were practically ontop of them before any of the Blubs noticed. One looked up from his sandwich, blinked curiously at the approaching soldiers, then nudged his comrade. Soon.. the humans had a 12 Blub patrol staring at them with their eyestalks.

A radio squawked, and a Blub reported the situation. Meanwhile, the Lieutenant in charge of the patrol stepped forward, waving amiably, "Hello there. You look like Candrians. We're Blubs. Thirtieth Patrol Squadron, Third Cavalry."

The building was coming along quite well, Port landing was completly up along with the other port cities, and the coal and oil cities were nearing completion. Basic trading posts had been set up between the oil and coal cities and the ports, which doubled as timber harvesting and agricultural cities. Trade was slow, as the farms were just getting started, and the coal was being mined manually for the time being, so only timber and coal was coming out of the colony for the time being.

Meanwhile, a different kind of construction was going on around the mountains. A large amount of basic military outposts were made, patrolling the mountains. They had pinned down one of the mountain colonies, which was not one of the outposts the raiders lived in. A hidden entrance that was found when one of the caves had been destroyed with an explosion by the military. Secret tunnel that led to the main colony. Hopefully the could destroy it and be done with these cretins.
***

The task group of about one hundred Imperial Elite snuck down the windy tunnel, trying to stay together. Eventually, they saw ahead a relativly large cavern, estimated to be a third of the entire mountain. The group looked around, surprised to see that the place was surprisingly well illuminated, in a sickly green light from the fungii on the cave roof. No doubt scientists in New Vantania would be interested in that. Small cities dotted the landscape here and there, and a subterreanean river divided the colony in half.

However, the task group wasn't interested in science or culture. They descended on the freaks like the Grim Reaper of Souls, killing all who resisted and sending the rest to be interrogated, and hopefully then deprogrammed. What information would these vulnerable citizens bring?

"You... talk?"

"Of course they talk, Winter.

Corporal Parther, Colonial Task Force - 2nd Combined Arms Division, 1st Brigade Heavy Infantry. This is Pfc. Winter." He gestured over to the short, awestruck, vaguely Italian soldier. He proceeded with introductions. "Behind me is Specialist Maranquez, the really tall Polish guy is Specialist Pythro, the black guy is Pfc. Grange, and..." Parther glanced around quickly. "Do... you... have us surrounded?"

Each soldier was staring a Blub in the... eye... stalk... Over a minute of tense silence permeated the air, until, in a rather embarrassing outburst, Winter's radio went off.

<click>"Mess's serving breaded chicken & french fries!"<click>
<click>"Woo-hoo!"<click>

Suddenly, every eye snapped onto Winters; while his own eyes were fixated on his radio. Sensing the pressure, he let off a nervous chuckle.

"hehee.... eh... lucky day eh?"

"Commence Bombardment!"

"Sir, there is nothing on the shore, this part of the island according to intelligence is not yet claimed, there shouldn't be any hostiles on the shore."

"Better to be safe about these matters, who knows what kind of barbaric cannibals and fierce animals could be on the shore to meet our men. Commence Bombardment"

The 4 Battleships of the Expeditionary Naval Fleet fired their 21" cannons on the beaches, 6" cannons from the secondary batteries and nearby cruisers also assisted in the pummeling of the beaches over the hour, before Naval Infantry was dispached to secure a beachhead.

120 Amphibious Assault Vehicles were dispatched to the shore, each carrying 16 men, the 40mm Automatic Grenade launchers spread destruction over the beach, spreading fragments everywhere while the 14mm Machineguns strafed the nearby forest "We'll be hitting the beach in 30 seconds! Fix bayonets and prepare for the assault!" The vehicles soon crawled up the beach and men rushed out of the sides and rear, and proceded forward seeing that no fire was coming in.

"Hey, what the hell are those giant green and brown things?"
"I think that's a tree, it's where, ummm, wood comes from."
"No wonder we don't have any, they're hideous."
"Well, at least we can hide behind them, according to the field guide."

"Pay attention to the mission while on combat duty!" yelled their corporal, "Keep moving up the beachead and secure the trees, move it you lazy sods!" whilst kicking the private closest to him with his steel toed boot.
"Sir, I think I spotted one of them!" A private reported, pointing to a limbless torso in the trees.
Without even a nod of approval the Corporal radioed the Headquarters.
"Attention HQ, we have sighted the enemy, confirmed destroyed by the bombardment, over."

Within the hour the only other sightings of hostiles had been the occasional limb, presumably from the same corpse as the torso. With the beach head secure, heavy equipment and more men were transported onto the beach and spread out along the pre-planned borders.

Aircraft scouted the area, with a few dropping daisycutter bombs to remove some of the unsightly trees and allow the construction of a proper base of operations. Soldiers dispatched along the border immediately set about to digging trenches and dugouts, while others went on foraging duty, 4 men died due to poisoning as they tested berries, and thousands of fish were caught through the use of grenades in ponds.

"It appears that the nation below us is trying to cut us off from further expansion. It appears that we will indeed have go along with Morimoto's plan, at least for this duration. Keep the men notified, but do not conduct and significant offensives until we are ready."

"Ummm, sir we have reports from the southern border that our southern neighbours are filled with... green tentacled things"
"What!?"
"Green tentacled things that look like what you would find in Japanese pornography. We suspect that they are natives of the island, unless they are these Blubians to the south, but it isn't possible for a nonhuman race to be intelligent enough to form a state, much less colonize."
"Whatever they are, order our men to fire upon sight of those, creepy things."
"Affirmative, sir."

"You... talk?"

"Of course they talk, Winter.

Corporal Parther, Colonial Task Force - 2nd Combined Arms Division, 1st Brigade Heavy Infantry. This is Pfc. Winter." He gestured over to the short, awestruck, vaguely Italian soldier. He proceeded with introductions. "Behind me is Specialist Maranquez, the really tall Polish guy is Specialist Pythro, the black guy is Pfc. Grange, and..." Parther glanced around quickly. "Do... you... have us surrounded?"

Each soldier was staring a Blub in the... eye... stalk... Over a minute of tense silence permeated the air, until, in a rather embarrassing outburst, Winter's radio went off.

<click>"Mess's serving breaded chicken & french fries!"<click>
<click>"Woo-hoo!"<click>

Suddenly, every eye snapped onto Winters; while his own eyes were fixated on his radio. Sensing the pressure, he let off a nervous chuckle.

"hehee.... eh... lucky day eh?"

A rustle of bushes nearby, and eyestalks peered out curiously at the humans. The Blubs looked at each other as introductions were made. The squad's sergeant had rolled up a slice of bread covered in peanut butter and was slowly chewing on it while eyeing the humans dubiously.

The Lieutenant squinted thoughtfully. He was rather junior, and this was his first real challenge as commander of 30th Scout. "Did they say chicken? We like chicken. Mind if we come over for mess? We've been living on P-Rations for the last three days."

In the backround the sleeping Blub snorted, swallowed a little drool and looked up, suprised to find .. humans gathered. He wiped his mouth and got up, coming over to join the group.

A collective sigh of relief overcame the humans, lightening them up under their heavy Dragonskin armour. Unfortunately, this presented some... different... problems. Like sending in a foreign life form to a Military installation.

Of course, Winter was still nerved out.
"uhh... corpal?"

Parther thought it over. There was a known history of Blubian-Human interactions; apparently, they even bought fighters from GEM a while back, too - and they're still around. I guess it can't be too bad.

"Can't see why not. Winter, radio HQ. Tell them we'll be having company over; some Blubians."

The corpal paused - "You guys won't get in trouble for this, will you?"

30th Scout Squadron, 3rd Cavalry

The Blubs looked at each other. The Sergeant shrugged. "Well, we're supposed to be watching this corridor between our positions to see if those Nicksylvanians come through. But we can take care of it."

He squeaked at one of the privates who opened up a cargo box on the side of the BDV and pulled out a tripod. He stuck this into the ground, then attached a sleek looking camera to it. He fiddled with something, and the protective guards lifted from the lenses. They focused, then began to slowly circle.

"There. They'll be watching that back at battallion HQ."

The Lieutenant spoke up, "By the way, I'm Lieutenant Dalf. This here is Sergeant Frug. C'mon, lets head back to your line." The Blubs shuffled the Candrians into the back of the BDV. They'd have to hunch a bit to get in, but could sit comfortably on benches which lined the sides. In a rifle rack were twelve Doomingsland battle rifles, and near the front were a couple of shoulder-fired ATGMs, and a crate of reloads which fit both the man-portable launchers and the launcher on the roof.

There are five springboard-looking devices in the center of the floor, with hatches corresponding overhead. Lined up against the wall, were ten small, Blub-sized jet thrusters.

The driver and co-driver climbed into the front while the recon squad took seats with the Candarians on the benches. Lieutenant Dalf grinned as the rear doors shut and sealed, "Welcome to the Colonial Mobile Infantry, gentlemen." The BDV's powerful engine roared, and they made a quick turn.. booking it out across the grasslands. Out of the open rifle ports, the Candarians could see the terrain whipping past as they dashed for the Candarian lines.

Once within half a klick however, they'd slow down somewhat to a less-threatening speed and Sergeant Frug poked his eyestalks and head out of the gunner's hatch, waving amiably.

Jaredcohenian map makers were fired in a strange turn of events, how these men moved such fences with their 1337skillz in mspaint is awkward!

However, the 333rd Jaredcohenia Cavalry unit charged towards the Groznyj border.

"Why are we on horseback?" A rider questioned. "Our government has nearly 100,000 tanks..."

"Don't ask questions, rider!" The General, Aunesk Simpson, exclaimed. "Tonight, we ride in hell!" He unsheathed a sword, his horse jumped on its hind legs. "Charge!"

Five humans in a BDV is rather uncomfortable - but it beats walking. Within minutes, they passed the Envelia (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/Gizeh/m1c3--diff-stuff.png) tank that convinced them out there - the 140 mm cannon training closely to the vehicle.

"They're gonna fucking shoot us!"

<click>"1121, hold fire, hold fire. The Blubs are visiting our lines; friendly."<click>

<click>"Roger. We'll spread the word around; ya know, make sure we don't shoot ya."<click>

"Oh, thank god for that."

Winters slumped on the bench, cold sweat beading on his forehead under his helmet.

<click>"1121, remember the deal!"<click>

<click>"Fine, fine... try not to die, kay?"<click>

...

The BDV approached the entrance to the camp. The guards were SPARTA - the secretive spec ops outfit. For the most part, their equipment was similar - just more black accenting, and a gasmask almost permanently affixed to their faces - faces which you could never see. Stereoscopic thermal imaging gear was strapped to their helmets; whether by custom or SOP, nobody really knew.

Two of them walked up to the Blubian vehicle. They peered around, looking for any boobytraps. Nothing.

The presence of Candrian soldiers inside wasn't lost to them. They dialed in their radios.

<click>"Corporal Parther, are you still inside the vehicle?"<click>

Their voices were devoid of human passion - cold, demanding; as though they had but one purpose and all else got in it's way.

<click>"Yes."<click>

<click>"Step outside the vehicle and present your credentials."<click>

Parther followed the demand; and in a few moments, the gates lifted and the BDV went inside the camp, with at least two visible guards flanking. No doubt others were there too.

After a few minutes of driving, the BDV stopped - as the Colonial Governor stepped forward for a formal greeting.

"Hello, Blubians. I am Carlos Guernalle, Lieutenant Governer of Bartonian Candiria. I'm hopeful this meeting will be beneficial?"

Cpl Parther butted in.

"Mr. Guernalle, they're here for food & rest."

30th Recon Squad, 3rd Cav

The security impressed the Blubs. Of course, their security tended to be a bit more relaxed tending to the fact that no other army fielded Blubian soldiers. They could be easily identified as friendly.

Lieutenant Dalf peered up at the commander, then took his helmet off respecfully. "Hello there. I'm Lieutenant Dalf, Third Cavalry, Blubland Colonial Defense Force."

He paused, blinking owlishly. "I was told there's chicken?" Then he remembered, "Oh. Also. We.. well, specificly, I.. was told upon meeting any Candarian command types to tell you: We're friendly. We won't try to block you in or engage your troops. Our latest expansion was to make sure the Nicksylvanians don't try to cut either of us off from expanding inland."

He rubbed the kevlar of his helmet thoughtfully. "My unit is charged with watching the corridor between our holdings, sir. Report on any Nicksylvanian troop movements. They bombed the hell out of the shore where they landed."

The Groznian patrol consisted of 15 men armed with AK-101's. They heard the sound of the bugle and looked at the Jaredcohenian charge.

"What.. the.. ?"

The men were partly taken off guard but raised their rifles at the charging soldiers. Given the extreme awkwardness of the situation they didn't fire. Just then their squad leader must have suffered a bout of insanity because he gave out a battle cry and unsheathed his Qama (http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3474/qamavd5.png). The men charged at their opposite number swords drawn.

"Sir, other nations have begun peacful negotiations with each other!" a random military aide said to the recently elected colonial governor.

"Thank heavens. Let's jump on the bandwagon, shall we?"
***
Official Diplomatic Telegram:
To: (Insert Colonial Government Here)
From: Spire Colony, Free Empire of New Vantania
Greetings from the Free Empire of New Vantania! Due to our not being able to expand inland, we feel that this is a good time to establish diplomatic relations with other colonies and establish trade to unite this land as allies. If we may visit your colony, please reply.

"That's good to hear. The Nicksyllvanian... agression... has been a bit worrisome - it's prompting the Candirian Military Consulate to push and prod some of our maturing projects into service. We felt the shelling from here - it was like an earthquake. It'll be good to have someone to potentially fight alongside with if things get ugly around here."

HOLY SHIT IT'S STARING ME RIGHT IN THE FACE.

Guernalle was a career politician - he's dealed with his fair share of 'ugly fucks,' in as many ways as that could be imagined. But this... Blubs were akin to Sasquatch in Candiria - albet proven to exist and well researched. Even still, they were the subject of B-horror flicks at home, and seeing one in the face... seeing one in the face asking for chicken was enough to freak out anybody.

But Guernalle was a career politician - getting freaked out by an ally isn't a problem if it's an ally.

"Now, for food - come this way, please."

Their movement in the camp was indescribable - and everywhere they went; stares. When they arrived in the giant mess hall, the usual clamor turned to awkward silence. Surely, the Blubs felt uncomfortable.

Just then, however, Guernalle walked on top of one of the benches, and addressed the awestruck military personell.

"Ladies and Gentlemen... I am pleased to announce that the Blubs are here on good terms. They too are gearing up for potential Nicksyllvanian aggression; potentially, if worse comes to worse - we might have an ally."

In a movie or something that might've got a half-hour of cheers and applause. Of course, this wasn't a movie - it got some cheers, yes, but after 10 seconds, everyone was back to eating.

Until the blubs started eating. They sat at the same table as that fireteam they came with. The mess operators served their food. Breaded chicken, french fries, gatorade, and some chocolate snacks. When the Blubs were served, some soldiers began staring. As they ate, the effect dominoed - soon, once again, the whole room was silent. It was like watching an Elephant play grand piano in a trainwreck - it had that strange pull on people. Murmors abounded throughout. Then, as is natural, interest started fading away. Gradually, of course - it's not everyday you see what most people consider a figment of their imagination.

Aunesk Simpson lead the charge, forty-one men on horseback against fifteen other men. General Simpson's horse was obvious, it was a black colored horse in a crowd of brown horses. The General, who had re-sheathed his sword before the charge, again unsheathed it. The other men in the cavalry charge did not have swords to unsheathe, rather DR-87 carbines purchased from Doomingsland.

As soon as the men were in sight, the General fell back while the men opened fire on the infidels. The general was looking for the squad leader, but could not find him.

The Blubs smiled at the people who stared. They didn't seem embarassed in the least, rather naively waving back at the staring faces. All talk of strategy and the Nicksylvanians were forgotten as the twelve little green Blubs tucked into the food. They opened up their backpacks to produce ration kits. Some produced packets of mustard or ketchup for their chicken. Others dipped the chicken and fries into tiny jars of peanut butter.

Chocolate was dutifully sampled, and the Blubs chittered and chattered among themselves happily as they exchanged comments about the food. They were of course unarmed, their rifles still in the BDV parked outside. They weren't even wearing the special body armor developed for them with six arm holes. They were pretty unassuming.

One unfortunate Candarian soldier sitting behind the Blubs and staring found himself in an odd position as one Blub flipped its eyestalks over, peering 'behind' himself.. eyeballs a few inches from the face of the soldier. Blink. Blink. One tentacle extended, offering the boy a chicken tender dipped in peanut butter.

OOC: Any land left? An outpost inside the Havenic Curtain would be very valuable indeed.

Upon seeing an eyestalk turn around and look him in the face!, this unfortunate soldier just about passed out - his eyes rolled back, and he fainted. With a soft groan, he hit the ground.

Generally, though, fainting is a common occurance around Candrian barracks - their's always something out there to shock you.

Witnessing the... tentacle? waving of the Blubs, some Candrian soldiers waved back - slow waves, obviously still reacting to the shock of seeing these... things. At least they weren't... umm... armed...

The kid was dragged back to his bench, where med officers used the typical smelling salt remedy to try to wake him up. After a few minutes, it was business as usual... sorta.

Mr. Guernalle sat across from the Blubian lieutenant, Dalf. "So, whenever you guys are ready, we'll give you guys a quick tour; show you around, hand you guys some documents for you commanding officers, and give you guys armed escort home?"

OOC: Any land left? An outpost inside the Havenic Curtain would be very valuable indeed.

OOC: Read again. This is 1,000 miles EAST of Haven.

The Blubs all peered down at the passed out fellow curiously. Maybe he doesn't like chicken? Then they all looked back to the fellow talking. Lieutenant Dalf nodded, "Yes sir. We'd be honored. If you don't mind us finishing of course.." He squeaked at his squad. They scooped up as many chicken tenders as they could carry from their plates in tentacles, then hopped down off the benches.

The Blubs turned to follow the base commander on the tour. "Proceed, sir."

OOC: Oh, nevermind then.

Meh. I was bored and it shows. Anyway I done went a got myself the creamy Oreo center of the island. Woot.

The transports came in high and slow from Havenic airspace through Blub or Jaredcohenian air defense systems (if they had such things). This was done for two reasons:
1)Friendly Havenic nations of course.
2)Nobody fucks with the Izistani. Like ever.

Anyway, they released loads of cargo pallets and men under parachutes, drifting down like dandelion seeds into the central portion of the island. Anyway, within a few days they had set themselves up a dirt airstrip, crude but serviceable facilities and quarters. All that and a nifty localized telecommunications system. One grows to love those wonderful, wonderful, air-droppable bulldozers.

The few natives that tried attacking the installations at first found themselves facing not men, but automated defenses channeling them into a minefield. Squad level hunter-killer teams were busy locking down the Zone of Occupation, with any cave entrances collapsed.

Anyway, nuts to the natives and the non-Havenics. Izistan needed a airbase and a airbase it would have.

Ranger Task Force Lightning Staging Area

Three divisions, the 88th Rangers, the 198th Rangers, and the newest of the army, the 938th Rangers were charge with seizing and protecting Mer des Ennuis’s most recent acquisition: Restricted Territory 1. Their orders were simple: train in assault and defense protocols, set up simple sensors, and train. The 88th had landed in a sea assault the week prior, and started constructing firebases and ammo dumps. The 938th had begun air-assault operations towards the south, and watched the Corinthian border from the shadows, ready to swoop down on any intruders… not that they had much to defend.

The 198th, however, were paradropping as many personnel and equipment as possible, the AI-controlled planes following their orders to the lett… er… 1’s and 0’s. A strong storm, however, blew two platoons off course, across the channel separating them from the main land.

“Aurora base, this is 34th platoon. We’ve linked up with the 17th, do you copy?” Yelled the platoon’s lieutenant.

“Rodger that 34th. You’re coming in 1x1. Secure a position, we’re coming for you.”

“Rodger, starting radio silence” he said as he terminated the line. He looked at the other platoon leader. “Who are you again?”

“Lieutenant Sara Gilbert” she replied. “So Lieutenant Hawkes, what do you recommend?”

“I don’t know. We never really covered this in…”

“ROTC… right, well, you’ll learn fast… or die.” She laughed.

“Sir!” shouted a soldier carrying a custom-made DRS-84 sniper rifle, “We’ve located an outpost of some sort, what are your orders.”

“We’ll watch and observe. Any idea where we are?”

“No ma’am.” He replied.

“Rangers, lets move out. Maintain a clear line of fire. Standard rules of engagement” she commanded over the short-range frequencies. “So Lieutenant, what do you make of this.”

“Well, we’re cut off, probably outnumbered, and we have enough supplies for three days. We might need to take the base for supplies.”

“Good, you’re learning fast.”

Little did they know, they had drifted two-hundred miles into Cadrian territory.

Skyian 10th Naval Fleet

It had been a few days since the Blub's had asked for some help on the island sitting just 1000miles from Havenic Waters, the 10th Fleet was ordered to leave Arcis Insula and dispatch 18,980 troops to the island to aid in the defense of the northern frontier from anyone who decided to get uppity.

However, the Skyians had their own agenda, they wanted a decent airfield on the island to launch strategic bombers at anyone attempting to threaten Haven. The Blub's territory was to hilly for a decent length airfield.

It did however posess the tallest mountain on the island and would be used for a phased array radar station as well as the emitter part of a large multi-static network with smaller hills and high antenna serving as recievers [as well as several radar balloons].

So, half of the the 796 ship fleet, about 398 vessels, was dispatched to the island, carrying an entire corp of troops.

Blub Occupied Territory

Off the shore dozens of landing craft ferried troops to and from the shore. Some of them stayed around a bit, chatting and joking with the Blubs, with whom they shared a strange bond of brotherhood with. However, they had a mission to do. Most of the engineering forces began to their trek up the mountain to begin work on the radar, which should be very fast while the rest of the division, reinforced with engineering troops from the rest of the divisions began to forge ahead into the forest to establish forward bases as well as a short airfield.

As this was going on the drone of helicopters and VTOLs could be heard. A good 80 UH-90 "Rabbit" Medium Utility Helicopters and 80 CH-100 "Sergeant" Large Transport Helicopters, with LV-09 CMPL Light Armored Patrol Trucks slung underneath them. Escorting them were 320 ARV-94 'Black Eagle' Stealth Attack VTOLs. They were headed to the edges of the Skyian claims to let the troops mark the edges of the border with barbed wire and various check points. The helicopters would ferry various defenses in and out from the fleet, including sentry guns, concrete and steel, and tunnel boreing machines.

LZ 001, 1km from the Candrian Border

Lt. Garrison locked through his helmet visor/screen at the vast plains surrounding him and his forces, he could only vaguely see the next team east, about 20km away.

"God damn it, deployed to the middle of fecking no where again," Half sighed the Lt. as his fireteam nodded in agreement while loading into the LV-09, "Ah well, hopefully we won't get attacked with all these people around, but it is for the motherland I suppose." He reasoned as he gave the signal for the driver to proceed down what seemed to be a animal path to the border.

A few minutes later they came to a halt and began to unload the barbed wire. The Lt. looked out from the turret of the LV-09 CMPL towards the Candrians, waving when he saw anyone. "Hopefully they don't want a fight."

Airfield 01, Center of Skyian Zone of Control

Troops that had travled overland or were brought in by paradrop began to construct the base's infrastructure as well as airfield.

Other troops began to fan out as the engineers began to start work on the enterance to a tunnel network that would eventually connect the entirety of the outposts.

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

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/68157Silver/claimupdateel8.png

OOC: okay.... this is getting kinda confusing.... could someone post a map?

IC:"WHAT THE HELL?" Corporal Dithers Screamed as he felt the tremendous siesmic shakes( actually NN's shelling).The Brass had pushed in the 2nd Infantry Division to patrol the area in case of NN agression and also to investigate the strange blub creatures from blubland. No one from Oily Prata had ever seen a blub, and the brass were itching to know what the blub was. Soon, they reached the blub border and waited for a blub patrol to show up.

OOC: Read the post above, you can't advance, me and izistan are in the way.

OOC: okay.... this is getting kinda confusing.... could someone post a map? And Silversky, The troops consist of only 3 apcs and a tank. also, they pushed forward before you landed, slightly before NN shelling.

IC:"WHAT THE HELL?" Corporal Dithers Screamed as he felt the tremendous siesmic shakes( actually NN's shelling).The Brass had pushed in the 2nd Infantry Division to patrol the area in case of NN agression and also send a small number of troops to investigate the strange blub creatures from blubland. No one from Oily Prata had ever seen a blub, and the brass were itching to know what the blub was. Soon, they reached the blub border and waited for a blub patrol to show up

OOC: Mer, where you landed, it'd be crawling with Candrian civvies.

COL/COM: Bartonian Candiria Colonial Command

Combined Services Command

Radar Relay Station, COM/RPOST2 SOUTH

"Colonel! Radar indicates aircraft dropped objects approx - 50 klicks to the east. Unknown origin."

"Was it intentional?"

"I don't know, sir. They seemed to be coming with a convoy of aircraft that flew over Ennui territory, but they broke off. We can't determine."

"Get a Priest flyover there, and mobilize Spartan II Battalion Infantry and III Armoured over there. Get Army IV Battery to provide support, and II Avaition battalion over there. Secure the area. If it's supplies, tell them to recover. If it's not... interrogate or eliminate. We don't wanna start issues, but we can't take chances."

"Sir... don't you think that's a bit... overkill?"

"They landed deep within Candrian territory. It has to be known that we will NOT allow intrusions of this type."

The call went out. Elements of X-II SPARTA soldiers would be mobilised, hundreds of tanks, APCs, aircraft, artillary trained on the 'dropzone.' Within minutes, the aircraft would fly over. Within the hour, the troops would arrive. Orders? Sweep. Keep anyone alive.

The manhunt was on.

...

"Governer Guarnalle, there have been reports of intrusions to the East. 50 kilometers away. We don't know the nature of it yet."

"Umm... hm. Okay, fellas... we're gonna have to cut this a bit short. We have a bit of a situation going on. We're going to my office; I'll hand you the documentation for you CO and we'll send you on your way. Follow me."

The Governer walked towards a large tent structure with an unfinished building next to it; the temporary Governer's office. He stepped inside, and the Blubs followed. After a bit of conversation with his secretary (which also involved smelling salts) he was able to produce some sheets of paper - primarily, contact information, and a short notice.

Attn: Blubian Colonial Leadership

It has come to my attention that the Blubs are, for all your diffrences to humans, worthy of friendship. With this in mind, I'd like to open further diplomatic channels - trade, free right of passage, facility usage, and cross-national contact. Clearly, this would benefit the all of us - as contact never hurts, and having a nation on good terms is the most you could ask of any country. I hope this letter finds you in good spirits; for that is how it came to you. Provided in the other documents are contact information to directly reach me. I am always willing to talk.

Carlos Guarnalle,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v251/Gizeh/SIGCG.png
Lieutenant Governer,
The Candrian Colony of Bartonian Candiria

...

Two FA 16 Priest fighters were scrambled; within minutes, they were flying over the Eastern portion of Basecamp South.

The aircraft scanned the floor for any signs of presence... lingering for the forthcoming massive Candrian manhunt.

In an hour, the area was flooded with infantry, tanks, and armoured fighting vehicles; the infantry; SPARTA; approaching a full-strength battalion. They moved like robots; quick, thorough, unfeeling. Their thermal imaging gear was down; pointing their IAR-19 rifles almost perfectly centered with their eyes.

Darting quickly between the wide tanks, they marched around, looking for any signs of life.

Candrian Basecamp

The Blubs had followed along placidly, still peering about curiously wherever they went. Some of them nibbled on chicken tenders which they'd taken with them from the mess.

The packet of papers was clutched in one tentacle by Lieutenant Dalf, who threw the human a salute. "Thank you for your hospitality. I'll be sure this gets back to our leadership." And with that, they'd shuffle outside to the waiting BDV. More serious now with threats evident on the island, they stopped to strap on their body armor. It looked like typical Dragonhide, but with six armholes.

The infantry scooped up their Doomingsland battle rifles while the drivers climbed into the front. As Sergeant Frug closed the back hatch, he waved at the Candarians. The BDV then made its way out of the camp, and sped across the grasslands to disappear into the forest.

Colonial Command, Barton Island, Rear Firebase

Field Marshal Airborg was busy explaining the disposition of 7th Army to the Skyian commander, blinking seriously at the man. "And your engineers will have the full support of 2nd Dragoons. I've only got two brigades deployed in those mountains. Due to the size of our front, I deployed 2nd Dragoons' armored brigade to the central lines. I've got 21st Infantry with them there, and on the north we have 20th Infantry and 3rd Cav."

He pointed to a packet of papers on the table, "Candria is to the north-east, but they're friendly. Treated one of our patrols to mess and sent a message of peace. So we have no worries there. What concerns me most are the Nicksylvanians. They bombed the daylights out of the beaches and satellites show they're moving this way through the forests. Combined with our lack of real air support, it could pose a problem. However.."

He marked three spots on the map, "Here.. here and here. We've got gunship bases. We're testing out some new tactics here. Since most air support our opponents deploy will probably be shuttled in by aircraft carrier, we expect this to be mostly a ground war." One eyestalk lifted to peer at the human, "Let me tell you. Folks underestimate us because of our size and lack of number. But right now.. I have a hundred and fifty front-line helicopter gunships available."

Field Marshal Airborg leaned back, "Otherwise, we're fairly secure here. We've got friends on most sides. It's odd. We get along with a lot of people for some reason."

Official Diplomatic Telegram:
To: (Insert Colonial Government Here)
From: Spire Colony, Free Empire of New Vantania
Greetings from the Free Empire of New Vantania! Due to our not being able to expand inland, we feel that this is a good time to establish diplomatic relations with other colonies and establish trade to unite this land as allies. If we may visit your colony, please reply.

OOC: Cough cough

Official Diplomatic Telegram:
To: (Insert Colonial Government Here)
From: Spire Colony, Free Empire of New Vantania
Greetings from the Free Empire of New Vantania! Due to our not being able to expand inland, we feel that this is a good time to establish diplomatic relations with other colonies and establish trade to unite this land as allies. If we may visit your colony, please reply.

Nova Corinthian Reply, broadcast openly

Trade with the Free Empire of New Vantania would be most welcome. The West Corinthian colony of Nova Corinthia is interested in opening diplomatic channels with both you and the various other settlers of this new land. We propose that a small area of land somewhere near the center of the main island which has not already been claimed be established as a neutral zone for diplomatic meetings. Those who concur, please reply.

An airship lifted off, occupied with colonial officials and some military protection, traveling to the Nova Corintinthian capital. A message was sent ahead of the airship.

Official Diplomatic Telegram:
To: Colony of Nova Corinthia
From: Imperial Colony of Spire
We will be sending an airship full of colonial delegates to your colonial capital to negotiate trade between our colonies and nations.

Official Nova Corinthian Reply

Your delegates are cleared to enter Corinthian airspace. Currently, our only functional airbase is located just outside the city walls of Ephesus. Transportation will be provided to then bring them to the capitol building within the city. Thank you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, Corinthian fighter patrols had been alerted to escort a foreign airship to Ephesus.

The airship glided gracefully like a swan over water, guided by the fighters around it. Landing in the colonial capitol, the delegation exited, guided by the West Corinthians to the capitol building.

Once there, they greeted the government. Following that, there leader said, "On the subject of trade, New Vantania has a very industrial economy. With Spire Colony, we no longer need mass amounts of oil from anyone but Griffincrest Oil Incorporated. However, you can still export raw resources, metals and the like, to the Free Empire. In return, we will export anything from heavy military gear, to toys, to automobiles., to household appliances. What do you say?"

ooc: Actual map unadultered >.> http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/5726/sokhetislandxq8.png
SAVE IT IN ANYTHING OTHER THAN .PNG AND WE WILL KILL YOU.

The patrol realized the surprise attack was not all armed with swords but with rifles as well. After this several men stopped charging and got into cover and unslung their rifles. A few suicidal morons kept going and were mowed down mercilessly. In the mean time a fire fight ensued and back up was called for.

[too tired to make a good post]

“What the hell is that?” asked John Hawkes.

The facility they had scouted was left standing; neither side made contact. They had moved south some 7 miles, taking the high ground in the last hour.

“I don’t know Lieutenant…” replied Sara Gilbert. Squads of men had been sighted at far distances by the scouts and rear guard. Ennuisian body armor, as heavily insulated as it was, gave off only a faint heat signature.

“Should we treat them as hostiles, ma’am?”

“I don’t know... protocol says to stay hidden if at all possible.”

“Do you think we’ll be rescued?”

“You mean found? Yes… but not for a while. We have no designated rendezvous point, we have to maintain radio silence for any kind of long-range frequency, and we’re in hostile territory. Lieutenant, how would you advise we make contact, if it came to that?”

“Well, I’d isolate one of their men, and surprise him with four or five of ours, find out what he wants, and, if it isn’t friendly, kill him.”

“That sounds like a plan… but they have armor” she said, pointing out a tank a kilometer and a half a way. “We’ve only have HEDPs, four javelins, two star-streaks, and three heavy machine guns. We continue venturing south.”

She hit the short range encrypted channel.

“All teams this is Romeo, continue heading south. Do not make contact, I repeat, do not make contact.”

“This is Sierra 2, we have a lock on that scout plane.”

“Hold fire Sierra 2” commanded Hawkes.

“This is Alpha 3, we have located a patrol of four, and are in position for an ambush. What are your orders?”

“Alpha 3…” Sara paused to think, “Alpha 3, make contact. I repeat, make contact. All units, stand by. Can we get heavy fire on their location?”

“This is Hotel 1, we have a visual.”

“Rodger.”

400 yards from the two lieutenants, a rifleman stood up ahead of a small group of Candrians.

“Hey!” he called, holding his moss-green arms up. “Who are you?” Another 150 yards behind him, a m312 machine gun targeted the lead Cadrian.


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

88th Rangers Task Force Lightning Staging Area: Briefing Room
“Gentlemen, eighty of our brothers and sisters in arms have fallen in what we believe to be Cadrian territory. The area is probably crawling with enemies. You, the men of the 3rd, 7th, and 11th Attack Battalions and the 3rd Lift Battalion will go and rescue them. The 15th Ranger Battalion and twenty engineers will be joining you. You are going to land here” he said, smacking the map right below the yellow line demarcating the apparent claim of the Cadrian Empire. “You will set up a resupply area and commence low-altitude raids to try and find them. Go.”

“Sir yes sir!” shouted the group.

It took half an hour for the 72 SaAH-33A "Svyatogor" attack helicopters and 24 HV4 “Goshawk” transport/assault helicopters to depart the base. They’d land in neutral territory, refuel, and find their missing comrades.

(OOC info - standard Candrian fireteam consists of ~5 people... i believe there's somewhere around 1000 infantry swarming the area, and some 200 tanks. Within the colony, I've stationed two Army Combined Arms divisions and two avaition brigades; a significant commitment, considering a Candrian division tends to be very large.)

The soldier paused - he was spotted, and addressed by... whoever was here.

There was a reason SPARTA soldiers keep a gas mask on at all times - integrated radio. His rifle was down; COM issued specific orders not to shoot unless fired upon. He took his left hand off the handguard of his rifle, reaching down to the squawkbox on his beltloop. He flipped the 'broadcast' tab, and whispered into the mic. <click>"Cpl. Neville... I found them. Check broadcast. Need support."<click>

A few dozen feet away, another team heard the transmission. One had an underbarrel grenadelauncher for his IAR19 rifle; he popped in a smoke grenade, took aim, and waited.

In an instant, they tucked down - with the launched smoke grenade fired and bursting above. In the hustle, one SPARTA soldier dashed up to the standing Ennuian para, got his hips behind him, pushed the shoulders. The extensive martial arts training was paying dividens. Two other soldiers spun around to cover their backs; after a few tense moments of them running, chests down in a sort of dashing crawl, they found cover. The other two soldiers ran out to their flanks to provide any cover fire if necessary, hailing radio backup. Three other fire teams swooped in to sweep the area for any more intruders; the machine gunner, however, remained unnoticed. Candrian guns were all still down; COM issued strict orders - don't shoot the guns.

The soldier's voice, flat and low but somehow clear as a bell, called out to the para.

"Who are you and why are you here?"