NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Feel free to post official government responses but nobody is allowed to deploy military forces without sending a TG to myself or New Leota first.

SIC:

150 knots east of New Leota

The S.S. Packard moved rather leisurely through to calm seas. Shortly after midnight a small speed boat pushed off from the side of the lumbering container ship and headed back out to sea to the waiting fishing trawler. The RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) carried the ten man crew that had navigated the Packard this far and now their job was over.

The Packard had started its life in the TME shipyards on Maynard Island nearly forty years ago. The ship was streaked with rust, the engines barely ran, and the crew quarters smelled terrible. However, the Packard had one last job to do before she was retired for good.

75 knots southwest of the Packard

Jake Nagasaki brought his F-22C down to an altitude of 27,500 feet and prepared to deliver his payload. Nagasaki was a former Tolvanic Air Force pilot and he now he flew for the Special Aerial Operations Detachment (Clandestine), the small, but capable air force operated by the Tolvanic National Directorate of Intelligence (NDI). Most of the NDI's aircraft were modified civilian planes designed to get in and out places where they weren't supposed to be doing things they weren't supposed to do, but what most people didn't know was that the NDI operated a few fighters for just such an event, and besides F-sss were pretty common these days.

Nagasaki pressed the button on his control stick and the planes weapon bay doors slid open, releasing the two Harpoon anti-ship missiles out into the night. Once the missiles were away, Nagasaki turned and headed back to the clandestine air strip on some unnamed island to the south. Jake didn't know what his missiles were targeted at and he didn't care. They didn't pay him for that.

S.S Packard

The Harpoons roared towards the nearly motionless freighter at over 600 mph. Even if there had there been anyone alive aboard the ship they would have little warning of what was about to happen anyway.

The missiles stayed less than five meters from the ocean surface until they got within two knots of the ship and then one of them executed a pop up attack. The missiles launched itself skyward in a large arc and slammed into the Packard where her superstructure met the hull. The missile punched deep into the ship sending razor sharp pieces of its airframe and the ship's hull tearing through the bulkheads and staring small fires as it's fuel sprayed outward. When the missile reached the engine room, .073 seconds after impact, the 125 kg warhead detonated blowing a 28 square foot hole in the ship's bottom.

Meanwhile the second missile maintained a straight course, hitting just above the Packard's waterline and detonating with equal force to the first missile. With two holes in her hull it took the Packard just fifteen minutes to sink.

When the inevitable salvage divers reached the ship's crew spaces they'd find sixteen bodies there, of course they'd have no way to know the men had already been dead when they put there, but that was beside the point.

Fishing Trawler Saki Maru

As the Packard sank the man sitting in the trawler's radio room picked up the microphone and sent a message in accented English.

"SOS, SOS. This is the Tolvanic freighter S.S Packard....we have been attacked by unknown aircraft...we are taking water and there are fires....most of the crew is dead...we are listing....my wife I love her."

With that the die was cast, the dead men aboard the Packard would soon have plenty of company, though the journey of their compatriots would be much more unpleasant.

TBC News Special Report

"Good Evening, I'm Thomas Parkes, John Hahn has the week off."

"Our top story this house is the sinking of the Tolvanic freighter S.S. Packard in international waters near the nation of New Leota."

The screen changed to show stock footage of a container ship.

"The Packard was a forty-one year container ship owned and operated by Southern Star Shipping and carried a crew of eighteen men, ten of which were Tolvanic citizens and the other eight of whom were legal residents of the Mauritan Islands. There were no survivors."

"Relations between New Leota and Tolvan have become quite strained in the past month after a bitter dispute between the two nations over the so-called "Furry Question". The dispute culminated in the two sides severing all economic and diplomatic ties and expelling each other's citizens from their soil. This incident is not expected to improve relations between Brayton and Burlington either."

The screen changed once again to display footage of a Tolvanic F-28 launching an anti-ship missile.

"While the exact cause of the sinking is uncertain at this time an anonymous source within the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Packard was hit by two anti-ship missiles fired from an as yet unidentified aircraft."

"While neither the military nor the Government will speculate as to the identity of the attacking aircraft, Internet blogs and message boards, as well the editorial offices of numerous newspapers and television stations, including this one, are being inundated with claims that New Leota is behind the attack."

"In other news the Brayton Broadwords star running back Kyle Shawns broke another record last night as he rushed for over 308 yards and five touchdowns against the Christdown Centurions in a 45-6 Brayton victory."

NDI Headquarters, Brayton, Tolvan

The TV screen went dark with a slight pop.

The man at the desk couldn't help but smile. Not only was the plan, it was his plan after all, working perfectly so far, but he had Shawns on his fantasy football team, and football was the only thing he devoted as much energy to as he did his job.

IC:

Burlington, New Leota - Executive Residence.

“Mr. President, having thoroughly looked in to this occurrence, I can say with confidence it is not possible New Leotan forces made that strike. We do have ships which could have in theory done it, but none were operating in the area. I’ve met with Admiral Harmon and his staff, and have been repeatedly assured about that.”

President of the Republic David Lemke removed his spectacles and stared across the desk in silence at his Secretary of Defense. Benjamin Garza stared back, also silent having said his piece moments before. Garza epitomized the qualities New Leota most looked for in a leadership figure in the modern era. He was a quiet, intelligent person who thought before he spoke but was not afraid to be honest. Many thought he could gain the Presidency if he had the mind to attempt it, which he probably did not have. He cared little for politics, and had come out of retirement to take his current post simply because his president requested his services, and he was always ready to serve his country.

“Benjamin,” the President began. “If nothing we have was in that area, then what the Hell is going on here? What are they trying to pull with this crap?”

“Mr. President,” said Garza, following a moment’s silence. “I think what they want is the kind of incident that would give them an excuse to attack us. I think that damn legislation in Congress got them so pissed they want to make an example of us, show the world what happens when somebody messes around with them.”

“You think they mean to achieve this by invading us?” The President’s voice was nothing less than incredulous at this point.

“Maybe not full invasion, Mr. President,” said Garza. “But in principle, yes, that it what’s happening here. They want to attack us for political purposes. I could be wrong, but that’s how it looks to me and most of those in my Department now.”

“Well, let’s hope you’re wrong.” The President put his glasses back on. “I think we’re not important enough to warrant a general invasion. Just the same, I’ll have Secretary Latham look in to this with them, see what all is happening with those people."

OOC:

My apologies about the lateness and the brevity, Tolvan. Feel free to assume my Secretary of State, Rodney Latham, has contacted you with an inquiry to the tune of "What the Hell is going on here?"

Mauritan Islands, Commonwealth of Tolvan

Due to the vast size of the Commonwealth and the dearth of sparsely inhabited islands it contained the task at hand had not been exceedingly difficult. Thirty-nine amphibous assault ships had assembled in the harbor of the remote Grover Naval Base and had spent the last four days embarking their cargo. Now the ships, joined by forty-two escorts, were en route to staging points closer to New Leotan waters. The ships carried the entire 5th Marine Division in their cavernous interiors.

In addition to the amphibous ships three carrier strike groups, a total of twenty-seven ships, were also en route to their staging points near new Leota. All that the sailors and Marines of Force N knew was they were to take positions near New Leota and in the event that New Leota was linked to the sinking of the Packard be ready to take action.

Heeken Airbase, near Churchton, Tolvanic Home Islands

The pilots and ground crews of the 7th Strategic Bombardment Wing received their alert orders at 0630 and immediately began their preperations. All leave was cancelled, the base was closed to all but select civilian traffic, and the Wing's 72 B-2 bombers were prepared for action. While most of the base personnel were told the alert was part of an exercise, most knew that they were preparing for a possible show down with New Leota. They also knew to keep that observation quiet.

OOC: I didn't see your post until my glorified bump was already up. I'll get an official statement to formally accuse your nation of the attack up sometime tomorrow.

[B]OOC: I didn't see your post until my glorified bump was already up. I'll get an official statement to formally accuse your nation of the attack up sometime tomorrow.

OOC:

Fine by me. I'm working on a post as well, but I'll wait until that statement is made, and modify my own work to include a reply to the aforementioned statement.

25 Dowley Street, Brayton, Tolvan

The communique from New Leota arrived on the desk of Prime Minister Tyler Hutchins less than a hour after first reaching the Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Donovan sat anxiously in one of the overstuffed leather chairs the Prime Minister was so fond of as Hutchins read from the sheet of paper.

"Robert, what is your take on this?"

Donovan considered his words carefully. "It's interesting Ty," Donovan had known Hutchins since their days at Pollack College and was one of the few people who could call the PM by his nickname and then only when they were alone. "The document is worded rather bluntly for an official comminque, and that's either a sign of a lack of professionalism or that they are truly upset over this incident."

"Upset? Moore assures me that the New Leotans sank the Packard to prove some kind of point. It seems to me we're ones who should be upset."

Donovan nodded his agreement.
"I have the final draft of the statement ready."

"Good, send it to the New Leotan government first and then release it to the press shortly afterwards. I have a feeling this mess is going to get a lot worse before it gets any better."

Donovan left without a word.

Hutchins waited untill his Foreign Minister had left the room before picking up the phone.
"Admiral Chang, I'd like a full briefing on the current planning for Operation Hammerblow after lunch if possible."

**Official Communique**

TO: President David Lemke
FROM: Robert Donovan, Foreign Minister, Commonwealth of Tolvan

RE: Sinking of the S.S. Packard

Recent evidence has come to light implicating your nation in the cowardly attack on an unarmed freighter bearing the Tolvanic flag. The Commonwealth has long been a seafaring nation and we consider every Tolvanic ship to be sovereign Tolvanic soil and do not suffer attacks upon them lightly.

Examination of the wreckage of the Packard has revealed that the ship was sunk by two Harpoon anti-ship missiles, missiles known to be the inventory of your nation. In addition a Tolvanic surveillance flight detected an unidentified aircraft moving away from the most probable location of the missile launch on a course towards New Leotan airspace. Finally, we have intercepted radio communications between what appears to be New Leotan pilots and their ground control discussing a "succesful strike on the target".

The Commonwealth will of course give your nation time to respond to these allegations. However, if it is found that elements of your nation's political and military leadership were involved we demand that they be turned over to Tolvanic custody to stand trial on charges of murder, terrorism, and piracy. If you refuse the Commonwealth will consider all its options to bring your nation and/or any involved citizens to account, this includes military force.

Consider your response carefully, for you have much to lose if you do not.


OOC: Of course the evidence is either forged and carefully manipulated to make your nation look responsible, but for RP purposes let's try to avoid you offering irrefutable evidence that you weren't involved, at least not yet.

OOC:

Finally managed to post. Tolvan, expect a telegram from me very soon.

IC:

Burlington, New Leota – NLDC HQ Maritime Annex.

“Is this intelligence confirmed?”

Looking at the printed report in his hands, and then at the ensign, Admiral Ernest Harmon looked skeptical to say the least.

“Commander Hewitt says it’s the best he can get without eyes in the area, Sir,” the young man responded.

“I see,” replied Harmon. As the Chief of Maritime Operations, or CMO, he commanded a large and important part of the New Leota Defense Corps, and every little sub-department it brought with it, such as the Maritime Intelligence Command, the force responsible for a large piece of the Republic’s espionage within foreign nations. The MIC was commanded in the present by Commander James R. Hewitt. Hewitt’s latest report to Harmon was very highly disconcerting. It contained evidence that Commonwealth military forces were now in the process of gathering for potential operations. Given the current state of affairs, such information could only bode ill for all the Republic.

“Is it the Commander’s opinion we should have eyes in the area?” he asked.

“I believe he would mention that in that report, Admiral,” was the reply. Harmon checked it. Sure enough, right there on the very last page…

“This Command strongly recommends that efforts be made to verify this intelligence with immediate development of HUMINT assets in the nation in question.”

“That could be a tad difficult,” he muttered. Indeed, the Republic and the Commonwealth had each expelled the other’s citizenry entirely, allowing nobody to remain behind, with a legal penalty placed on those who would or could not go. Getting somebody inside would likely take much effort, as well as time, and resources.

It would normally be too much to risk, but with things as they were…

“Very well, Ensign.” He set the report on his desk. “Go back to the Commander. Tell him his presence is required in my office, at once.”

Port Gust Naval Base, New Leota – RNS Landon.

Commander Stephen Lanckton lowered his binoculars from his face and reached down to his collar, tightening it against the ocean’s cold breeze. He only wished he could have left in the midday hours, but, orders forbade it. He was to take his Los Angeles-class boat, and leave Port Gust as secretively as he possibly could. The orders even specified submerging immediately upon leaving port, a slightly strange practice among the Maritime Command in peacetime. In addition, no families had been there to see them off, and most of the men in the ship’s company had been called up suddenly, without warning. As if that wasn’t an incredibly disconcerting thing by itself, there was more to it. He did not know the mission he and his men were being sent out to accomplish. All he had was a sealed red packet that he was not to open until the Landon was five hours out to sea.

“Should we prepare to dive, Captain?” The voice jolted him from his thoughts and he was immediately brought back to reality.

Lieutenant Commander Robert E. Mahlum, his executive officer, was looking at him, and it was obvious from his eyes that he was anxious to get underway.

“I suppose we should, Commander,” Lanckton answered. “Prepare the boat to dive.”

“Prepare to dive, aye,” said Mahlum.

During the next few minutes, the RNS Landon sealed and dove. Lanckton waited until he knew five hours were passed before leaving the bridge to read the sealed orders contained in the little red packet.

He was beyond stunned by what he read therein.

Burlington Bay Beaches, New Leota – NLDC Defense Drill.

“Stack those sandbags high and thick, boys!” The sergeant’s voice carried well across the hot sands as his squad, most shirtless by now, rammed shovels in to said hot sand and put it by the shovelful in to the aforementioned sandbags, which were then stacked in to place in the big, ever-growing beachfront redoubt. The rest of the platoon worked alongside his in the work line, but he paid them little mind. He was a squad leader, and would leave the levels of command above that to the appropriate people. Right now, his only concern was making sure his squad got done with today’s work on schedule.

“If you take as much time fighting as you do working, we don’t stand a chance!” he yelled loudly, the squad quickening the work pace some in reply.

His troops, and the battalion they served with, had been selected to conduct defense drills in the wake of accusations from Tolvan as a way to boost the public morale. Several units had been tasked with such jobs, and several thousand NLDC soldiers were laboring while high-ranking politicians bickered back and forth, with no end in sight. Most of these drills involved construction work, digging air-raid shelters, digging lines of trenches, and so on.

He wondered who the politicians thought they were fooling. Real defense drills would’ve involved field maneuvers, that sort of thing. These were active preparations, because they had some cause to believe a real invasion was incoming.

OOC: I had almost given up on this RP.

250 km above Burlington, New Leota

The recon satellite known as Victor Blue cruised at 50,000 kph through the it's orbital path. Of course this was rather plodding, but the satellite wasn't built for speed, it was built to see. The satellite was a top of the line Keyhole-15 and was fitted with nearly a dozen different sensors.

The satellite scanned the area surronding Burlington with an array of cameras, FLIR (Foward Looking Infa-Red) sights, and ground penetrating radars. In addition the satellite had several sensitive receivers designed to detect and radar and radio emisssions.

All this data was being linked back the NDI headquarters outside Brayton, where dozens of analysts would subject it to intense scrutiny to create an accurate picture of the New Leotan defenses.