NationStates Jolt Archive

Concremo 1st Naval Fleet: Somewhere between Concremo and British Londinium


The night sky was penetrated by a full moon, its silvery glow cast down onto the dark waters, causing the reflection to stare back at itself, stars twinkled in an otherwise cloudless night, the waters were quite calm, gently moving in the sway of its natural currents, following the ebb and flow of the its giant lunar master, while beneath the waves, thousands upon thousands of sea creatures continued their meagre lives as though they knew nothing of what was going on in the world…

Dolphins broke water, resurfacing for air, taking in deep breaths before plunging back into the cold dark waters below, other creatures played in the night seas, while night feeders went about their business, cleaning up carcasses that had died during the day and floated down to the sea bed below, while other creatures sought out partners by giving a dazzling night display of chemically induced colours….

Nature at its best, however all of this playfulness, all of this romantic entanglement between creatures of the waves belied what was going on above, on the surface…

A huge golden eagle carved its way forwards, A Subjugator, one of Kraven’s feared Super Dreadnaughts, its prow mounted a huge golden edifice of an Eagle that stared into the distance, it was a symbol of Kraven arrogance and its power, its ability to do what it wanted to what it wanted, as the great vessel carved its way forwards through the waves, its prow, causing the waters to rise high into the air as its powerful nuclear reactors forged the vessel forwards, each time, its powerful screws and Caterpillar drives pushing through the waters with the greatest of force…

More and more of these vessels and others like it surged forwards, carving up the sea like a butcher would calmly cut meat from a hanging carcass, Annihilators, Gorgoroth Ultra Carriers, Apotheosis Battlecruisers and the famed Mimir Tracking ships, all designed to make the operation run smoothly..

On the deck of the Subjugator stood a lone Capitol Police Sentry, he stood looking out to sea with those cold red glowing eyes, caring not for what was below the waters, caring not for the dolphins that played in the wake caused by the prow of the ship, ironic, that such an innocent and playful creature would choose to ride the wake of one of the worlds most evil and feared Armies…

“TDD 118, Continue patrol, Secure perimeter of Vessel… and Report.”

“By Your Command”

The Trooper calmly spoke, relaying that he had understood the instructions, his voice coming through the vox caster on his armour made him sound more of a machine than a human, his voice was distorted to take away any human elements, any feelings of humanity or compassion in his voice, designed to make people who heard the voice shiver and fear what it could do to them…

People of Kraven cities knew that when you heard that voice, a Capitol Police Trooper was more than likely on the end of it, they learned to both fear and respect the Capitol Police on equal terms…

On the bridge of the Subjugator the Grand Admiral of the fleet, the 1st Concremo Navy, stood looking out, it had been years since he’d been on operation like this and was still a little bit rusty with all of the codes and doctrines he had to follow, he was calmly flicking through a hand book of the Kraven Military Doctrines, refreshing himself… he was pleased however, as the 2nd Battlefleet supporting the war in Yeltsmin was going to be meeting up with him in forty-eight hours… the Admiral of that fleet was his superior and had a lot more tactical knowledge…

“Admiral Koreg…” An officer spoke, his jet black uniform was lined slightly around the lapels with a blue fabric, indicating that he was part of the Kraven Naval Arm, the Admirals uniform was the same, however he bore a golden lanyard on his right shoulder, showing him to be a Grand Admiral…

“Yes, What is it?”

“The 2nd Battlefleet, Admiral Augustus has relayed the co-ordinates to us, XXX-XXX, he says that we are to move to that location and hold until they link up with us….”


“Interesting, Very well… Ensign, Change Course to XXX-XXX and hold position…” The Admiral put down his dossier and strode over to the main window on the Subjugator, his attentions turned once again to the sea…

“Aye Admiral…” The Ensign changed the heading and the co-ordinates and orders were relayed to the rest of the fleet…

In most cases, during times of war there would be a Grand Declaration of war by the government of the nation that was invading, however Kraven operated differently, it answered to no one, it didn’t have to appease the international community, it didn’t need to make its actions justified, it just did what it liked and everybody else was either swept along with it, or got out of the way…

The High Command didn’t feel it needed to justify its actions to anyone, and so no announcement was made it simply deployed its forces and waited for the reports to come rolling in…

The Command Relay, the Key to Kraven forces was brought online for this section of the war, it began relaying orders and transmitting on heavily coded frequencies across the globe to all Capitol Police units designated for this theatre of Combat, it ensured that everyone was linked up and co-ordinations of the war effort could be made quickly and efficiently…

Kraven’s War Machine, having been invigorated by the Assault on Yeltsmin had just stepped it up a gear, and British Londinium was next…


2nd Battlefleet: Yeltsmin Territorial Waters…

The Kraven 2nd Battlefleet began to break away from the territorial waters around Yeltsmin, it pulled away, moving towards supply ships that began to restock each vessels with weapons, ammunition and other supplies while, Transport ships carrying the Soldiers of the 2nd Battlefleet moved into the centre of the protective ring, while Torment class submersibles began to patrol the fleet, looking for submarines that may be lurking around for targets of opportunity…

The Gorgoroth Ultra Carriers began to restock with fresh craft and new weapons, while the Capitol Police flight prepared for the next sorties of this new campaign…

The Admiral of the 2nd Battlefleet, Admiral Augustus had just sent the message to the Concremo 1st Naval fleet indicating the meeting point and giving orders to hold until the 2nd battle fleet arrived…

All in all, Kraven would be committing around 1,800 Naval vessels and up to 2.5 Million Capitol Police soldiers, but only realistically deploying around a quarter of that, using the rest as reserve forces and reinforcements, to be deployed where needed….

A Storm was forming on the Horizon, and The Twin Hammers of Kraven were coming.

OOC: I presume I'm allowed to issue some invites. If so, DC, Vetalia, Lord Sumguy, etc: feel free to post.

LVS Sir Alistair Davidson
Londinian territorial waters

Fleet Admiral Sirius Ahenobarbus stood proudly in the bridge of the People's Sovereign Navy's newest Tempora Heroica carrier, housing one hundred and eighty two state-of-the-art stealth fighter jets and around twenty Harrier II jump jets. And the Sir Alistair Davidson was not the only such craft floating on the warm waters of the Volar. Fifteen other such ships accompanied Ahenobarbus' flagship on their patrol of the coast, along with hundreds of destroyers, frigates, minesweepers, attack submarines, and supply vessels. This particular armada was tasked with patrolling Londinian shores from Cervicatio to New Zurich; several more armadas surrounded the island.

Ahenobarbus looked ruefully at the august Londinian flag fluttering on the forward observation deck. He could no longer count the times he had fought under its auspices, nor how many others had died in service to it. And, as far as he knew, regardless of the outcome of the inevitable naval battle, this would be the last time Sirius Iunctus Ahenobarbus would ever see the red and white stria of the Standard. His ruminations were interrupted, though, by one of his lieutenants approaching him.

"Sir, latest intel from the MoI," said the lieutenant, handing over a small PDA. "Satellite images, expected force projections, it's all on there."

"Very good, Lieutenant," the Fleet Admiral replied. "Very good indeed. Dismissed."

With a crisp, formal salute, the officer retreated back to his console, leaving the Fleet Admiral to prepare for the Kraven onslaught...and make his final peace with the gods.

SIC:
Supreme War Council meeting, Drasgard, Olmedreca

Members of Supreme War Council, which de facto ruled Olmedreca, had gathered in large dark room, on walls were displayed satellite images which showed Kraven naval movements.

Head of Military Intelligence, General Ernst Tormilind started speaking:
“As you all know we have got various information about possible Kraven invasion to British Londinium. I just received final confirmation, large Kraven’s fleet of about 1,500-2,000 vessels has been spotted moving towards Mediterranica.”

First Citizen Vesse Põhjakotkas looked at satellite images:
“As we expected, how are our preparations going?”

General Aleksander Kuldvõti from Army was first to answer:
“We have been mobilizing since then Vontanas and its allies threatened to attack Londinium, as result we already have high readyness. We could deploy half a million men to Londinia very fastly, and adding other half million to them would be also possible, only limitation is navy’s transportation capabilities.”

Admiral Hanno Odavars answered:
“We have mobilized large number of civilian vessels for navy, as result our transportation capabilities have rised considerably, this will not be a problem. Now moving on, our main fleet has completed gathering near Tule islands, they can start moving out immediately then ordered. Although currently it seems to be too early, as we are geographically very close to Londinia mainland linking up with them would take only very little time. We already have several submarine groups in different locations in Mediterranica.”

“That is good”, said First Citizen, “I know we already have airbases in Londinia, how is situation in them?”

General Karl Kuusemets from Airforce said:
“Indeed, we established airbases in British Londinium territory then New Manth planned to invade Gataway, currently those bases are being reinforced in full speed. Also we have deployed notable amount of anti-ship missiles to Londinian territories.”

“I think we should allow Londinian refugees to our territory, to demonstrate our willingness to support our allies. Of course that is only possible if our industry can supply such amount of refugees.” said foreign minister Lembit Tuleplaneet looking towards minister of war.

Minister of War, Johan Raudlinn, was confident:
“Industry is mobilizing even faster then planned, we can easily supply 5 million refugees and at same time supply million our troops on Londinia and still have large reserves.”

Põhjakotkas was satisfied:
“Excellent, now how are things on diplomatic front, has there been any changes from last report?”

Foreign minister answered:
“It is petty much same, no nation has yet shown intention to support Kraven, but that may change of course, from Londinian side Democratic Colonies seems to be also supporting them, although currently its hard to say if their participation will be anything worth noting.”

“Good job gentlemen, Supreme War Council will gather again then situation has developed a bit, currently Kraven is still far away. But of course we will immediately offer Londinia possibility of housing their refugees and transporting parts of our army to their mainland. Everyone keep up good work.” said First Citizen as meeting ended.

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

To: People's Sovereign Republic of British Londinium
From: Satanistic State of Olmedreca

You have our full support in struggle against Kraven. We are ready to deploy about 500,000 troops to Londinia currently, also we can house several millions of Londinian refugees if you wish. Our navy is also fully prepared for war.

Foreign Ministry of Olmedreca

[ooc: May do some minor edits like spelling correction in this post]

Admiral White stared off at the approaching foe, mixed feelings of patriotism and homesickness filling him. His hand lay gently on the sword at his side, a replica of Red Lightning. An eagle's body made the handle, it's wings outstretched to make the crosshilt while it's talons grasped a polished green stone, and then the beak, opened wide, the blade itself coming out of it, ending in a sharp point. His polished black Hammelhorn leather glistened, just like all the others, the armor nearly as strong as kelvar and definitly lighter. A pipe dipped lazily from his mouth, filled not with tobacco but something lighter, more relaxing.

Around him on the flagship HMS Redmark, the men waited uneasily, some polishing their weapons and uniforms, others chatting nervously. Long since had all real duties been done, every weapon loaded, the munitions nearby for quick reloading. Lazy patriotic music played, giving them a will to fight, yet also making them homesick. The planes on the carrier waited, ready to take off at a moments notice. They had reconciled the fact that they might not make it out of this alive, and stood determined to fight hard against the foe. Every Kravenian ship lost here was one less city that was burned to the ground.

Meanwhile, below the good admiral a variety of submarines waited, likewise in a similar void, nothing more to prepare. They stared at the screens, waiting, for glorious victory or terrifying defeat. Their thoughts were filled with brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. Filled with girlfriends, boyfriends, wives, and husbands. Filled with people they might never see again. How they might never see them again, and this filled them with a determination not to make this nightmare happen.

Above the admiral, the sun was slowly being blotted out as dark storm clouds gathered. The air was heavy with humidty, yet no one was complaining. Airships started bobbing up from their carriers, the crews hanging about just like the naval ships. A wind pushed about, the flag of New Vantania blowing towards the foe, just as the arm of New Vantania was now. For better or for worse, the New Vantanians were there, and they were going to fight.

OOC: Continues on from this. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12976098&postcount=69)

IC:

General Telán hurried towards the awaiting medium sized twin-engine cargo plane that sat idling on the asphalt of runway three at the military airport in Arrandin. The ground crew and their fuel tanker, the saluting soldiers or the very airport itself may as well not have been there for the amount of attention she paid to them. They were nothing more than a blur as she past them singularly focused on getting into the air as quickly as possible.

Heading up the rear ramp into the aircraft’s interior revealed that everything appeared to be in order. The stern section of the fuselage held dozens of secure creates, strapped down and lock tightly into place. Nereïs made a passing mental check to ensure that nothing had been forgotten. Behind the cargo, two squads of Imperial Shocktroopers were belting themselves into their seats. While not the inhumane contraptions that were the Capitol Police they were the Empires elite and could likely hold their own against one of the Corporations servants. Among the fully armoured warriors of the Imperial Army were a half a dozen intelligence operatives, clad in black and wearing armour only on their torso’s. The agents were not only exceptional skilled and astute but were also very proficient at combat and it would be their task to instruct the Londinian’s on how best to combat the darkness that was approaching.

Beyond the passenger area was the cockpit and Nereïs burst through the door demanding a status report.

‘Pre-flight checks are complete and the rear doors have been secured. Were just waiting for tanker to clear the area,’ the pilot informed her. But even as he spoke the signaller on the side of the runway gave the ok for their departure. ‘That’s it,' he said again, turning away from the General and taking his seat, ‘if you take your seat we can leave immediately.’

‘Excellent,’ she answered, exiting the cabin as briskly as she had entered. A few moments later and the low buzzing and humming of the engines screamed into action, kicking the craft into movement even as she belted up. The Londinian’s have no idea what they are about to face, she though anxiously as the plane built up speed, and if we don’t fix that quickly they will all die.

Eamon Collins, Minister of Intellegence and Espionage, calls the meeting to order. " Gentlemen, as you are all aware British Londinium has been given an ultimatum by the Kraven Corperation. We know this is not an idle threat. Satellite images show a large fleet nearing British Londinium, one of our sub`s in the area puts the number at 1500-2000 ships. There has been a large increase in the volume of traffic on Kravenite radio frequencies and our Embassy staff reports Kensington is at the highest level of alert. What does our military think it can do ?"

Admiral William Long, Head of the Admiralty, speaks " Currently we have 6 carrier strike groups and 10 Amphibious Assault groups near the Gataway/Zambistan border. These units are rotating duties there in support of the cease-fire between those nations. We could redeploy these assets to a position north of the Grecalo Islands. This would place our units within 1000 miles of Londinian territory. From this postion we are well suited to evacuate our Embassy staff and accept Londinian refugees."

Field Marshal James Aschenhyrst De Aschenhyrst, Supreme Commander of Aschenhyrst Royal Armed Forces, addresses the meeting " We are going to need more than 450 warships and 375,000 troops who should be on their way home to stop any threat from Kraven. Admiral Long, deploy 5 Mercy class hospital ships to this position off Grecalo and send an additional 10 Amphibious Assault ships to take on refugees. We need to accept the fact that by taking in londinian refugees that we may become targeted. The Kravenites are notorious for hunting down entire nationalities. I order the immediate mining of the Hibernian Sea, from the Ogemexetralian border to Ulster Point. I want an increased naval presence in the Barotian Sea from Barotia to Lindesfarne to the Homeland. Sky Marshal DeCamp, begin 24 hour air patrols over the Homeland and all colonies. We will begin mobilizing all active and reserve divisions. Call up the Home Guards for duty. Beginning immediately , I want 24 hour surveliance over the Londinian sector, by sattelite, air recon, sea recon and put a small team of Special Boat Squadron members on the ground to provide real-time intel. Montior communications from our neighboring states to see what actions they may be taking. Be prepared to offer aid to any Mediterranican state that requests it. Do not provoke the Kravenites but respond to any threat accordingly."

John Luttrell , Minister of Defense, closes the meeting "Gentlemen, our nation and Mediterranica as a whole face the greatest threat to our way of life. The Kravenites will stop at nothing to destroy Londinia and i`m convinced that they won`t stop there. In their quest for domination, they will try to assimilate all that stand in their way. Go forth and do your duties. For king and country. Deo Vindice. Dismissed."

The Capitol Spire (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/JC_Denton/NationStates/Cities/d347b739.jpg), Viconia City
Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

As soon as the General entered the conference chamber, it was clear to him that no expense had been spared for it. It was beautifully furnished and located on the 55th floor of the Capitol Spire; high on the massive tower that housed heart of the federal government. Massive windows afforded it a breathtaking view of the city and its bay, and illuminated the room with natural, albeit pollution weakened, sunlight. Although the room was a large one, a massive oval table dominated its length. A pair of armed guards closed the doors behind the General as the men and women already seated at the table turned to examine their new arrival.

"General Soeteman," greeted Sir Neil Jaeger, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. "Take a seat."

"I apologize for my late arrival, sir," said Soeteman. "My motorcade was delayed by the protesters outside the Spire. Some of the anti-war protectors and the feminist pro-war groups seem to have overstepped the bounds of Union Square."

"Don't worry about it," came a reassuring voice from another man in military uniform. "Riot police will take care of it if they must. Our business here today is much different entirely. Please, General Soeteman, take a seat."

As Soeteman graciously took his place at the table, the windows of the room tinted and massive flatscreen displays lowered into position from their hidden ceiling alcoves.

"As those unruly ladies and gentlemen outside so kindly reminded you, General, the Democratic Colonies is currently engaged in a large scale military operation," said Sir Davison, the Secretary of Defense. "To be honest with you, things are progressing at a far faster pace than we were initially prepared for."

A world map with fleet positions appeared on one of the massive flatscreens as Davison tapped at a keyboard in front of him.

"As you can see, six of our Naval Action Groups (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Democratic_Colonies_Military#Democratic_Colonies_Navy) are currently in position at Rally Point Alpha, which is some distance away from British Londinium, as we do not to become engaged with Kraven enemy forces until all of our ships are in place," said Davison. He continued to speak as another flatscreen came to life, displaying a chart of naval units and their expected time of arrival at the ocean staging area.

"Four more Naval Action Groups are being assembled with 200 Kidd Class Destroyers and 50 Sea Wolf Class Submarines, closer to our own territory. Once their assembly is complete, they will then proceed to Rally Point Alpha, and will combine with the forces already at the rally point to form Strategic Group Thoroughbred, which will then collectively move into the combat operations zone around British Londinium," continued Davison.

"Really, we would rather take the time to assemble a larger force, but as I said earlier, things are moving quickly and we are running slightly behind. In any case though, we should shortly have ten Naval Action Groups reinforced with additional destroyers and attack submarines ready at Rally Point Alpha; within easy traveling distance to British Londinium. Projections are still spotty at this time, but since the Kraven invasion fleet has been slowed by the attack from Allanea, we believe that Strategic Group Thoroughbred has a good shot at successfully reaching British Londinium before the Kraven fleet does."

The flatscreens dimmed to darkness and retreated into the ceiling once more as the windows lost their tint and sunlight washed into the room again.

"As I noted though, there is a chance that the Kraven invasion forces will reach British Londinium before Strategic Group Thoroughbred," said Davison, turning to face General Soeteman. "That's where you come in."

"We have pledged our support for British Londinium, yet thus far, we have nothing in theater," explained Jaeger. "It is of significant importance that our forces actually arrive in British Londinium as soon as possible in order to prove our resolve in an effort to get Kraven to abandon their aggressive ambitions against it, if that is at all possible."

Another Army officer like Soeteman himself, a women with Armoured Corps collar insignia on her uniform, slid Soeteman a folder full of neatly typed papers.

"Fifty of the seventy-five divisions of the DC Army (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Democratic_Colonies_Military#Democratic_Colonies_Army) Airborne Corps are being placed under your command and deployed to British Londinium immediately," explained the woman. "The first transports will be departing in six hours."

"We apologize for the short notice," said Davison, "but we only recently decided on this course of action. We have only limited aerial refueling assets to get flying forces to British Londinium - there were other options on the table, but ultimately, we settled on this as our opening deployment."

"Ofcourse, sir, I understand," replied Soeteman respectfully. "I am sure that no one in the entirety of the DC Military would be surprised by any deployment, considering the current mobilization of the entirety of our forces, least of all the Army Airborne. I will command this deployment of 1,000,000 with the best of my abilities and will strive to bring victory to our cause."

"I'm sure you will," said Davison confidently. "I'm sure you will."

"Foreign Affairs is in touch with the government of British Londinium," said Jaeger. "They understand that as rapid response Airborne troops, you are essentially acting as light infantry once on the ground, and they should be informing us of where in the country your command of one million airborne troops would best be positioned. That information will be passed along to you as soon as we receive it."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/JC_Denton/NationStates/wallpaper.jpg
Official Diplomatic Communique
From the Office of Foreign Secretary Sir Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies
To the High Command, the Supreme Overlord State of The Kraven Corporation

The Democratic Colonies, continuing to note the aggressive military deployment of Kraven Corporation forces, strongly reiterates its call for the Kraven Corporation to abandon any imperialist ambitions it has regarding British Londinium. The Democratic Colonies is fully committed to the defense of the People's Sovereign Republic of British Londinium, and will not stand for any further aggressive maneuvering.

All military vessels, aircraft, agents, and operational devices serving the Kraven Corporation are directed to remain a minimum of 5,000 kilometres outside of British Londinium territorial limits. This directive must be carefully considered and steadfastly obeyed, for any failure to comply will be met with the most serious of actions.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/JC_Denton/NationStates/95f1e64c.jpg



DCNS Abnegation of Polydeuces (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=473299)
Command Vessel, Strategic Group Thoroughbred

The DC Navy was a proud force, but one that was suffering from a deep and painful wound. It was not shells or guided missiles that had dealt the DC Navy this most serious injury, it was not an enemy fleet that had broken hundreds of ships into a million scattered parts, but simple economics. The Navy had not been defeated on the high seas but on the pages of the national budget. The first blow had come half over half a decade ago, and as the years went on the wound grew and multiplied, all while the Navy could do nothing but carry on and endure.

After the collapse of the Mississippian Federation, the racist super-state that had threatened invasion of the Democratic Colonies, budget cut after budget began to take aim at the Department of Defense. De facto victory in this cold war had been achieved, so military research and development ground to a crawl and citizen-soldiers were told they were soldiers no more as the idea of a peace dividend took hold. With victory declared the taxpayers were tired of guns and wanted butter, and so all of the services had suffered as funding fell.

It's a shame, Admiral Ellsworth thought to himself as he examined the fleet before him. It was a mighty force, this ten Naval Action Groups (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Democratic_Colonies_Military#Democratic_Colonies_Navy) with additional reinforcements: the combat ships and submarines numbered 910, and once the numerous support vessels were taken into account, the number was even greater. It was a mighty force, but still, thought Ellsworth couldn't help but think of its shortcomings. The 500 Kidd Class Destroyers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidd_class_destroyer) under his command, while expertly upgraded and maintained, were old vessels, delicate and underpowered and weak compared to foreign destroyers of more contemporary make.

How well will those Kidd class ships stand up to a modern anti-ship missile? Ellsworth asked himself. How well will one of those Kidds stand up to a superdreadnought shell?

Admiral Ellsworth shook his head, his heart heavy as his mind knew the answer. The Kidd Class Destroyers were fitted with 25mm CIWS and RAM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIM-116_Rolling_Airframe_Missile) launchers in an effort to protect them from missiles, and had been fitted with RBU (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RBU-6000) systems in an effort to defeat torpedoes, but the fact remained that the armour on even these upgraded Kidd Class Destroyers simply would not stand up to much of a beating. Even a single high grade torpedo or anti-ship missile could bring disastrous results.

They should have been replaced, they were scheduled to be retired and replaced, Ellsworth thought silently. Kidd class vessels now made up over half of his combat ships and submarines, but Admiral Ellsworth knew that by battle's end, they would be far less numerous. The replacement for the Kidd class was canceled so that we might enjoy the "peace dividend". The replacement was canceled so that we might pay lower taxes. The replacement was canceled, so now instead of paying in DCreds, we shall pay in blood.

*****

While Admiral Ellsworth thought and pondered in his ready room, Strategic Group Throughbred continued on its course. With the arrival of Admiral Ellsworth, his flagship the Abnegation of Polydeuces, and the reinforcements that accompanied them, the strategic group was complete and declared ready for combat. They would arrive ready for battle in the seas of British Londinium well before the Kraven forces arrived.

While ships of Strategic Group Throughbred sailed, elsewhere other preparations where also taking place. The one million DC Army paratroopers of General Soeteman's command prepared for the defense of Kensington, the capitol of British Londinium, while back in the Democratic Colonies themselves, over a thousand strategic bombers supported by aerial refueling tankers had departed. Their target was not any Kraven territory or formation, but the waters of British Londinium, for their bomb bays had been loaded to the brim with sea mines of various types, from explosive mines designed to create keelbreaking air pockets, to encapsulated torpedoes that would seek out and intercept enemy vessels. This mining force was protected with fighters, but they would probably make no difference to the affair - the bombers and the surrounding seas and skies were being carefully monitored from the high ground of space, and at the first sign of Kraven interception or tracking, at the first appearance of even a single Kraven aircraft of any type within any possible interception distance, the entire force would turn back, their efforts frustrated and the time of the aerial refueling tankers, which could have been accompanying more paratroop transports into British Londinium had they not been attempting this, wasted. It might have seemed to some a foolish directive, to cancel the entire operation based on nothing more then the appearance of a single fighter, but the DC Air Force was an organization hurt perhaps even more then the DC Navy by the budget cuts in recent years, and so held its strategic bombers close as each and every member of the slimmed and cut down bomber force could be an important asset in the conflict to come.

OOC: Sorry for the OOC, but remember I have a base in BL and I plan to use it.

Praetorial Palace, Vetalia City

The Praetor stared out a window of the central audience chamber, waiting for his staff to enter and begin the meeting. The gray skies cast a gloomy pall on the Italianate stylings of the chamber, even dulling the rich red granite that comprised the arching columns of the room. Rain poured down in torrents, drenching everything in the city with an endless torrent of water that turned streets in to canals and parkland in to swamps. The monsoons had come again.

He scanned the city, seeing the forests of tower cranes on the outskirts that were busy erecting new apartments and condominiums for the influx of refugees from British Londinium and other places in the path of the Kraven menace. The government would do what it could to save as many people from the suffering that was to come, no matter who was victorious in the end.

A knock at the door. A guard opened it and in walked three men, two dressed in business suits and the third in a formal military uniform that marked him as the Marshall of the Armed Forces of Vetalia, the top military rank in the country. The other two were his Minister of State and Minister of Information, representing the two main organs for international intelligence and planning in the country. The Praetor motioned for them to take a seat around the heavy mahogany table, and a pair of waiters came in bearing glasses and pitchers of various beverages. Setting them down, they walked out silently and the two guards at the end of the room walked out, closing the door behind them.

The Praetor pressed a button before walking up to the table. The center of the table opened, revealing a glass screen that assumed the map of Mediterranica. Pausing to drink water, he spoke.

"Welcome to all of you. I'm glad all of you were able to come back to Vetalia City, even during the monsoon season. I would have held this meeting at our monsoon capitol, but the situation is too critical for that. As you all know, the Kraven have begun their move towards British Londinium..." He switched suddenly to a question. "Proconsul Kalinin, what has the Ministry discovered about the Kraven forces?"

"Praetor, our agents have estimated at least 2.5 million Capitol Police and 2,000 ships are tasked for the attack on British Londinium."

The Marshal added, "And, as you know, we generally estimate a single Capitol Police trooper is as effective as anywhere from 2 to 4 regular soldiers, depending on the situation and capacity in question. That would mean anywhere from 5 to 10 million soldiers to completely equal the Kraven in deployment."

"Which estimate do you feel is better, Marshal?"
"Well, Praetor, that depends. If the Kraven hold most of their forces in reserve, and the Londinians remain on the defensive, they probably won't need more than a million troops at any given time to hold their own. If the Kraven send more, we may need millions."

"That number will increase disproportionately as the Kraven increase their numbers on the field. I know that any soldier would be scared to death if they saw a million Capitol Police bearing down on their position...hell, I'd be nervous just knowing they're off our shores." Proconsul Kosyachenko studied the Kraven as a personal interest, giving him a crucial role as adviser to the military and the Praetor.

The Praetor replied nervously "Well, we are safe, aren't we?"

The Marshal responded quickly, "Yes. We've got our Naval Commands on alert and another 3,500 ships stationed at home along with the millions of troops in the reserves. If the Kraven moved against us, they'd be caught in a bloodbath."
"Good, that's good to hear. However, what are we going to do if the Londinians are likely to lose? We can't move forces worth a damn during the monsoon season...it would take them until the end of the season just to get there."
"We have a number of units stationed outside the country. Remember, there are still the 500,000 Occupation Army troops that are being withdrawn from North Calaveras, and we could probably afford to remove 250,000 Occupation Army personnel from Cazelia without any real risk. We have about 5,000 ships as stationed abroad, and we could maybe bring 1,500 to 2,000 of them to Londinium in a few weeks if needed. However..."
"...however what, Marshal?"

"Most of these units need to recover and repair their equipment before reassignment. We'll need at least a couple months for all of them to be ready, maybe more. Right now, we can spare no more than maybe 700 ships and 100,000 troops without damaging those units beyond repair."

"That's a start. However, I think the Londinians will be able to hold out long enough for us to send significant forces, and if they don't...we'll need to risk it. I'm going to contact the Londinian government and detail the situation... this meeting is adjourned for now. I want all of you here tomorrow for a follow-up meeting and initial strategic planning."

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

Office of the Praetor of Vetalia

Consul Azzopardi:

As previously mentioned in communiques between our governments, we are closely monitoring the situation and are concerned about the safety of your country in the face of the Kraven threat. However, due to inclement weather and the wear and tear on our armed forces from their actions around the world, we are initially unable to send military aid without severely damaging our armed forces and crippling their ability to keep fighting. We will be able to begin sending troops in a few months once our units are repaired and rested, and when the monsoons end we can start sending significant forces and equipment from Vetalia.

If you are absolutely certain that your forces cannot hold out for that period of time, we can transfer roughly 100,000 troops and 700 ships immediately. However, these units will have no reinforcements and will likely not be able to perform as well as troops that are fully restored to combat readiness. Nonetheless, the troops have affirmed their willingness for this duty and are available for duty in a crisis. However, I stress that you only call on them if absolutely necessary.

We will work with all due haste to prepare our forces to aid you against the Kraven menace. May God grant you and the other defenders the strength necessary to hold out against this evil menace until help can arrive.

Best wishes,
Praetor Ivan Melnikov

OOC: Would everyone be all right with me making one big reponse to everybody once Kraven posts?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Coat_of_arms_of_East_Germany.svg/200px-Coat_of_arms_of_East_Germany.svg.png

***OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION OF THE WANDERJARIAN GOVERNMENT***


Let it be known that should any Corporatist forces harm any soldier or civillian contractor working or based at the World Soviet Party Garrison Force within British Londinium, that this will be met with a response by the Wanderjarian Government. A pre-warning to the Kravenites before attempting to engage WSP personnel.

~Führer Christoph Baker of the First Wanderjarian Reich

OOC: This post takes place some time ago in my nation's timeline, since if I put it in the present day it wouldn't be any good. I hope nobody minds if I make a little comment and a subtle ad for the war against SEA...

IC:

"You've got to be fucking kidding me."

The tone was acidic, announcing to any listeners (though of course there were none) that something, likely in the newspaper that High Lord Ishamael was reading, was the last straw. Ishamael tossed the paper away, the headline burned into his brain:

KRAVEN WITHDRAWS FROM YELTSMIN, THREATENS BRITISH LONDINIUM

"You've got to be fucking kidding me."

Unacceptable. Totally so. The Imperial Second War Fleet had been sitting here for too long already, floating around in the Indian Ocean, waiting for Corporatist forces to smash Yeltsmin so that Southeast Asia, the Imperium's objective, would be laid open. There was very little to do out here other than watch movies and spend uneventful hours at the firing range aboard the Betrayer of Hope. The men were going to lose their edge if this kept up. And still Yeltsmin stood, clinging by a thread...and now Kraven had apparently decided there was better prey elsewhere.

It was intolerable. The Imperium had one objective in this war: to see Southeast Asia, pillar of democracy and reasonable statesmanship, utterly destroyed. They were joining forces with the uber-capitalists of the world merely to see that happen, and the fact that Kraven had apparently taken its mind off the job at hand and invested a sizable force in bringing British Londinium to its knees was infuriating; one does not begin a new war before one ends the old. Besides which, Kraven was surely acting as part of their damned 'Campaign of Absolute Unification'

So Kraven was gone. The Yeltsmin offensive would slow correspondingly, and even assuming the Corporation succeeded in destroying British Londinium, the invasion of Southeast Asia would take place that much later. Ishamael hoped that perhaps Darian Aurelius, the arrogant but cunning Minister of Foreign Affairs, could talk some sense into the Corporation...doubtful, but there was always a chance. And any chance to get out of this prison of boredom any sooner was something that had to be taken.

"Wait...how many men?"
"The estimates show a little under 3 million, Mapmaker." The Mapmaker, Head of State of South Thasland, sat down, sighing. He was talking to his close friend, Woppet, who was leaning against the mantle of the fireplance in the Mapmaker's study.
"The Londinians are screwed," Woppet spoke again. "On the bright side, it's the Londinians, not us."
"Why would they target us?"
"I don't know. We should just be glad that two powers of the world have decided to duke it out."
"We can't let that happen, Woppet."
"Can't we? I can."
"I can't. The Kraven Corperation will gain another slave state. And that endangers the world."
"No. I know what you're thinking, and we can't..."
"Yes. We can. We can aid them. If the Londinians are in need of help, we can give it to them. I, unlike you, don't have an irrational hate of larger nations."
"Look what they did to Lord Sumguy! Anyway, we physically can't. The military has no leadership, we just got a military for heaven's sake. We have under a million men in our army, we're no match for the Kraven. We have no way of getting there. We don't ever have a suitable leader for the whole operation!"
"We have the military academy. We can draw our brightest students and give them command. They're the best for the job, even if they are young. And I will send half a million men. We would still have enough men here to protect South Thasland, but 500,000 men is still a sizable figure. We can send these men in phases. A force of five or ten thousand under the command of the commanding general using some of those new navy boats, with more to come on any commercial flights, if they're still going."
"This is all iffy at best. And there's no one to lead, still."
"You."
"Me? NO! Nononono, Mapmaker, I can't!"
"We fought together in the Thas War. I trust you to do a good job. I also expect you to be on the docks tomarrow, with the entire Veeii defense force, ready to sail at a moment's notice."

Offical Statement of the South Thas Goverment

It has been decided that South Thas forces will fight alongside British Londinium against the Kraven forces. A emergency force, the Veeii defense force, who normally are stationed in the capital, has been given orders to depart to British Londinium. This force numbers seven thousand, and will be backed up by a planned 500,000 troops. This force will be personally commanded by the Mapmaker's right-hand man, Woppet, hero of the Thas War. he has graciously accepted his command and will arriving with the Veeii defense force.

"This is a beautiful city, a pity it will be a warzone soon." Cptn. Wall said as the Royal Guard moved through Kensington. He approached a nearby Londinian soldier. "Could you please direct me to whoever is planning the defense of this city?"

OOC: sorry 'bout the short post, I have to go visit with my relatives.

A shudder ran though the plane. Damn turbulence. General Telán checked her belt was secure quickly before the next wave of vibrations hit. She wasn’t concerned about the skill of the pilots, they were after all Imperial soldiers and expert at there work, it was the plane that gave cause for apprehension. It wasn’t Yallakian, but an old cargo plane from the Empires occupation of Torontia a couple of years earlier. They hadn’t even repainted it so it could be used for missions just like this when hiding your involvement was necessary. It shook again. Nereïs looked to the window but there were only clouds, though they were growing sparser.

It took a few more minutes before the plane finally dropped out of the clouds and she could get a decent view of the surrounding. It wasn’t a spectacular one however, merely water, water in every direction. The only land in sight was a cluster of islands far behind and to starboard. This meager scene however did mean that they were now very close to British Londinium’s mainland. She waited a few more minutes but once it became apparent that the turbulence had subsided with the drop in altitude, Nereïs unbuckled herself and headed into the cabin.

The pilot looked around at the sound of the cabin door opening, saw who it was and then turned back to his instruments. ‘That’s it there, General,’ he proclaimed, pointing to another landmass just on the horizon ahead. ‘Were about forty five minutes out now.’

The General thanked the man and then removed her personal communicator from its place on her belt and began transmitting on a secure frequency she knew had been designated for use by the members of the Mediterranican Union.

‘Attention, Attention, This is transport craft ‘Tanakis’ Voyage’ requesting permission to land. We need to make an urgent landing to repair an engine malfunction. We are currently leaking fuel and don’t have much time left to stay in the air.’

Hopefully they would work out that it was important because of the frequency of the transmission but if not, then there was still the high possibility they would let the ‘crippled’ plane land for repairs. Either way was good, just so long as she didn’t have to broadcast her identity over the air.

The small Thas floatilla stopped outside Londinian waters. Woppet, below in the flagship attempting to recoup from a bout of seasickness, woke up to sailors clamoring outside his room, going to the next watch. Capt. Hasi, good friend and captain of the flagship, poked his head in and nocked on the door.

"Hey, Woppet! We've stopped."

"Mwumf?"

"Still sleeping? Arn't you over the seasickness yet?"

"Almost."

"Got some medication in my cabin..."

"No, no. I'm fine." Woppet sat up. "Have you sent out the message?"

"Just did."

To the Londinian Government

Our leading forces are stationed outside your borders. We require only your word to enter. Do you have any specific orders?

OOC: Due to the lack of involvement on Kraven's behalf, this thread is semi-sort of dead. Sorry.