NationStates Jolt Archive

Buckingham Palace, Warminster

The magnificent neo-classical built by King Williams ancestors three hundred years ago was illuminated by the powerful floodlights which gave the façade of the capital at night. The busy twenty four seven traffic of Warminster flowing past St. Ives Drive which led from the Mall to Kensington Street from Whitehall and Westminster. The Kings Flag was flying at full mast indicating that His Majesty was in residence, the government Range Rovers that had streamed in two hours before, the Prime Minister flown in via helicopter from the VIP strip at RAF Warminster City. The various government, Treasury and Admiralty figures that had assembled at the Palace. In the distance the super dreadnought HMS Nelson loomed over her adoptive city. A significant proportion of the Clandonian Royal Fleet was in harbour over the weekend from exercises in the Southern Sea on the way back to the home port Portsmouth. A meeting had been called to discuss the latest developments, only a select few in the ruling classes and upper echelons of the Crown Government. The latest situation had been reported in by Room 40 of the Admiralty’s special intelligence section and MI6, as feared the Soviets had supported left wing and communist forces in Zhyolatska in what were meant to be free weapons. The Clandonians had kept a close eye on the Soviets and their actions around the world.

In the Georgian Hall the assembled senior members of the Kings Council were seated along the long antique table, the room in darkness with a fire and projector providing little light. Smoke from cigars and cigarillos hung in the air as the speaker of the current time, a man from Special Branch was showing the latest intelligence that had been gathered by on the ground operatives and leaked information.

“As you can see there is no direct involvement by the Soviets but cross matching these shipping records do indicate significant arms shipments from The World Soviet Party to unknown aliases in Zhyolatska. It is my recommendation along with my colleagues from the Admiralty and Royal Air Force than we initiate our previous planned operations.”

A moustached army officer piped up. “With that?”

“On the order of the Crown we can authorise under the 1785 Royal Privateer Act to attack and seize vessels belonging to Soviets and take them as property to the Crown with a percentage going to the private company that captured or destroyed the vessel. A letter of Marque and Reprisal must be made by His Majesty the King to declare that their ships are open game for anyone who wishes to earn a slice of the cash or assets that would be available.”

The King who was head of the table looked at the slideshow that was on auto, going from the next page to the other. The information was there, the Soviets were guilty of another horrendous crime and were still up to their old tricks of supporting brutal communist regimes. He looked up to his advisor's and appointed representatives in the various departments of the state.

“And what if they do not take so kindly to this state endorsed piracy?” Asked the King in his questioning but firm accent.

“Your Majesty, the Royal Navy is ready for a task like this with our battlefleets we could bring a blockade on Soviets in under two weeks, this will decimate their economic and political power. It will force them to reconsider their support of socialist enemies in what are meant to be free and democratic elections.”

“Lord Admiral Sir Henry, you have permission to issue the Letter of Marque and Reprisal.” Replied Prime Minister Sir Sistilin handing over the confirmation of His Majesty’s Government with the signatures and seals of HMG, The Crown, High Privy Council and the Royal Law Lords.

“It shall be done Prime Minister, I will send these orders to the East India Company, it has been arranged that they will be conducting the contracting work.”

It was now two thirty in the morning as the discussion was adjourned, the government and official motorcades departed through the still busy city, now it was Saturday morning and the clubs and bars were kicking out the residents of Warminster and the several hundred thousand sailors that had descended on the city after a week of naval exercises. Soon to set sail perhaps once again to support the Grand Expeditionary Fleet or to begin operations as part of the Marque against all Soviet shipping. The issue of the mandate to attack any ship that flew the Soviet flag was a major decision taken by the Crown, the newspapers of Saturday morning were scrapped as the media outlets received copies that had been sent to the privateers and private security agencies all around Haven and the wider world.

As morning broke over Warminster the bundles of paper were flung onto the pavement by delivery vans for the newsagents and news-stand across the capital and Home Counties. The warships of the fleet harboured in Warminster a sign of things to come as sailors and civilians woke to the news of the Marque being declared. The countdown to war had begun as the battleships begun their morning boiler checks billowing huge clouds of smoke into the cold autumnal air.

---

Official Clandonian Response
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Letter of Marque and Reprisal

His Majesty’s Government and by Royal Appointment of His Majesty King William VII declare upon this day that under the 1785 Imperial Privateer Act that all vessels registered to ports within The Socialist States of The World Soviet Party or flying the Soviet flag are to be destroyed or captured with a forty percent figure paid to the given party by the Crown Government along with the appropriately agreed fee set out in the State Act. Full compensation or reimbursement will be paid for by His Majesty’s Treasury to those companies, organisations or private entities that are damaged either by hostile damage by Soviet forces or that of a foreign power. The Soviets are vile people, they fight for Bolshevism, tyranny and oppression of liberty. Support the Crown, fight for King and Country and the preservation of democracy and laissez faire.


God save the King

Signed

His Majesty King William VII
Prime Minister Sir David Sistilin


---

Fleet mobilised as Royal Letter of Marque orders destruction of all Soviet vessels

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Clandonian Royal Navy warships, on operations earlier this week in the Southern Sea

Newsflash the Warminster City Times
Front Page

His Majesty King William VII along with several other leading government officials last night issued a Royal Letter of Marque and Reprisal on all vessels of Soviet origin over what the Times has learnt due to the continued funding of communist and terrorist activity throughout the world. The order comes after years of warmongering by the Soviets with the threatening of sovereign Clandonian territory, economic interests and hostile intervention in areas where the Crown operates. The Foreign Office is expected to make a statement later in the day along with the Ministry of Defence and the Admiralty on the latest situation.

It is unknown if the Royal Navy will be called into initiate attacks upon Soviet shipping or force a blockade upon the Soviet homeland. Several hundred ships are in the capital after a week of training exercises with the two new Nelson Class Super Dreadnoughts.

The Times will bring you the latest in the developments as we get them.

OOC: Okay, this is getting old.

I'll have you know that I've been supplying the Zhyotlatskan rebels exclusively by air, as they do not control any ports as of the moments.

Adding to that, I have not supplied the communists, but the socialists, which have in turn, signed an agreement with the capitalist faction to establish a democracy when the war finishes.

And even if I did, I'd use foreign ships, or at least have my own transports fly foreign flags.

Furthermore, sea shipping is not a very important part of the Soviet economy, which focuses more on land (to Nova Europan allies) and air trading.

But well, I'll play along, IC post coming soon.

Official Diplomatic Communique

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From: President Alejandro Aszenmil

The Socialist States of The World Soviet Party condemns this act of state-endorsed terrorism, comparable only to those of tin-pot dictatorships and mad-men.

TWSP has commited no acts of war nor threatened the sovereign nation of Clandonia Prime in any way, thus, this declaration of piracy will be seen by all as nothing more than Clandonian "education" (if it can be called so) and idiotic nationalism.

As of today, all ships flying the Soviet colours will be given proper escort, if the state is unable to provide one, then a national or foreign contractor shall be payed to carry out this task.

Furthermore, any Clandonian shipping entering the Nova Europa region shall be seized by the World Soviet Party's navy, or if unable to capture said vessels, sunk (after evacuating the crew, of course).

We can only hope the Clandonian people see the dishonesty and stupidity of their leaders and rise against it for once and for all. Because, seriously, their goverment will pay full reparations to any pirate that get it's ship destroyed? That's but a waste of the tax-payer's money, not to to mention that it's clearly against the recent Clandonian-endorsed campaign against piracy in Haven.

Signed,
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Alejandro Aszenmil, President of The World Soviet Party.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM TSRT GOVERNMENT
"The Totalitarian State will not tolerate any attempt to seize Soviet trade vessels within our national waters. We actually do not tolerate any foreign warships attempting to do anything in our waters. If any Clandonian warship attempts to seize a Soviet vessel in our territorial waters, that vessel will be sunk without warning."
End Statement

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PRESS RELEASE

The Free Land of Dartia wishes to advise the world at large of a series of training exercises our military will be conducting. These "war games" will last two months, and will be confined to the North Atlantic, North Sea, and Straight of Gibraltar regions of Nova Europa. Our ships will be firing live ammunition at times, so vessels are encouraged to make their presence known when entering those waters in order to prevent unwanted mishaps.

Engaged in these exercises will be the following:

8 x Carrier Strike Groups
2 x Carrier Groups
2 x Light Carrier Groups
6 x Submarine Squadrons
8 x Patrol Squadrons
4 x Maritime Patrol Wings
6 x Refueling Wings
3 x Reconnaissance Wings
12 x Fighter Wings
12 x Attack Wings

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause, and assure the nations of the world every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of bystanders.

Official Response

The Democratic State of Naasha condemns this action by the Clandonian government and will fully support our allies in the World Soviet Party by seizing any vessel under Clandonian colours, protection or ownership that enters Nova Europan waters or operates within 40km of any Naashan naval vessel.

Furthermore, we warn Clandonia Prime that any aggression against the Nova Europa region will end in the same way it always has done, failure.

Darren Renner,
Prime Minister.

Official Prestonian Statement

This strikes the Prestonian Republic as extremely hypocritical. His Majesty's Government not one year ago made piracy a capital offense, and is now endorsing it against The World Soviet Party. While we harbor no ill will towards either faction, we must respectfully condemn the actions of His Majesty's Government. Piracy, be it state sponsored or otherwise, has no place in the modern world. Any Clandonian and Soviet vessels encountering each other in Prestonian waters are to act in a civil manner towards each other under penalty of fine or impound. If you insist on fighting, do it outside our waters.

God Save the King,
Justin M. Gannon
President, Republic of Prestonia
Vice-Chairman, Prestonian Democratic Party
Order of the Republic, First Class

OOC: Jumping on the band wagon and taking the side of my neighbor in NE.

Official Diplomatic Communique
The Kingdom of SaintB officially extends an offer to protect and escort all soverign TSWP ships that enter the eastern Mediteranian, Suez Canal, and Black Sea shipping lanes. Any attempt by armed ships flying the flag of Clandonia Prime to attack Soviet Party ships will be treated as an act of war and delt with accordingly.

Official Clandonian Response
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Open Declaration:

His Majesty's Government and the Royal Crown finds the actions of Nova Europe a disgrace and quite frankly insulting for the few democracies that inhabit the region such as our Sovereign League allies Dartia. You harbour murderous fascists from the Corporate Alliance and Bolshevik scum like the Soviets. The Soviets have killed hundreds of Clandonians both directly and indirectly, brave sailors and innocent civilians have been caught up in their actions around the world through warfare and the spread of collectivist ideas.

The nations of Nova Europe has nothing to fear, the Imperial Crown Kingdom is a civilised nation unlike the communist tyrannies. If you wish to challenge the numerical supremacy of the Royal Navy wherever it maybe in the world then go ahead, I can assure you that your own small and insignificant navies will not last long. The statement of Marque and Reprisal only declares that Soviet flagged ships are open to attack by private security groups for an offer of bounty, for many years Soviet vessels have continually harassed Clandonian merchant shipping. The Crown denies that this is state endorsed piracy, Clandonia takes no exception to piracy either home or abroad even against our enemies.


God save the King


Prime Minister Sir David Sistilin

Official Clandonian Response
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Open Declaration:

His Majesty's Government and the Royal Crown finds the actions of Nova Europe a disgrace and quite frankly insulting for the few democracies that inhabit the region such as our Sovereign League allies Dartia. You harbour murderous fascists from the Corporate Alliance and Bolshevik scum like the Soviets. The Soviets have killed hundreds of Clandonians both directly and indirectly, brave sailors and innocent civilians have been caught up in their actions around the world through warfare and the spread of collectivist ideas.

The nations of Nova Europe has nothing to fear, the Imperial Crown Kingdom is a civilised nation unlike the communist tyrannies. If you wish to challenge the numerical supremacy of the Royal Navy wherever it maybe in the world then go ahead, I can assure you that your own small and insignificant navies will not last long. The statement of Marque and Reprisal only declares that Soviet flagged ships are open to attack by private security groups for an offer of bounty, for many years Soviet vessels have continually harassed Clandonian merchant shipping. The Crown denies that this is state endorsed piracy, Clandonia takes no exception to piracy either home or abroad even against our enemies.


God save the King


Prime Minister Sir David Sistilin


Official Communique

Regarding some of the points mentioned in your letter:

"The Soviets have killed hundreds of Clandonians both directly and indirectly"

We'd like you to cite an specific example.

You harbour murderous fascists from the Corporate Alliance

As far as we know, the Dartians have never supported or helped the Corporate Alliance.

for many years Soviet vessels have continually harassed Clandonian merchant shipping

Again, you provide no specific examples.

So yeah, you have just proved two things here, first, you are a liar and second, you are a moron.

Official Clandonian Response
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Open Declaration:

His Majesty's Government would like to remind you of the attempted coup in the Crown colony of the Virgin Islands in the East Haven and also the attempt to eavesdrop, support piracy and attack Royal Navy vessels in Clandonian territorial waters. Next time you wish to enter Haven then your forces may not be so lucky, the Royal Navy will ensure that Soviet vessels will never take the lives of innocent Clandonians again.

Be warned Mr Aszenmil that your diplomatic language is of the most disgusting and vulgar attire exposing the full reality of the Soviets in their brutal tin pot regime. You misunderstood our message, hardly surprising for a state educated individual when comparing Dartia, a free and capitalist nation to yourself many would never suspect you were regional neighbours. Your time is short Mr Aszenmil, if you wish to face the guns of the Royal Navy then you shall.


God save the King


Prime Minister David Sistilin



OOC: Sorry for the short reply, I've been working for over two months now in a full time six day a week job and its getting to me. I go away to university on Saturday and I do not know when I will be posting a reply so don't you think that I've forgotten this.

OOC: Sorry for the short reply, I've been working for over two months now in a full time six day a week job and its getting to me. I go away to university on Saturday and I do not know when I will be posting a reply so don't you think that I've forgotten this.

OOC: No problem, though I retconned the Virgin Islands incident.

And if my memory serves me well, the waters I entered were not yours, you claimed them as so AFTER my frigate suffered "mechanical issues" =P

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PUBLIC STATEMENT
Prepared by the Dartian State Department

In regard to our neighbors, our nation’s position is the following:

Our people are generally fond of our neighbors. The nations of Nova Europa (particularly the NEA) represent some of our most reliable trading partners and staunchest allies. Thanks in part to them, we have enjoyed generations of peace and prosperity.

Of our neighbors, The World Soviet Party is held in particularly high regard. Their decision to embrace communism is unimportant to us. What is important is the fact they have treated us fairly for the many years we’ve known them. They are a valued trading partner, and we consider the oil pipeline connecting our two nations to be a major economic and strategic asset. Most importantly, our people feel like they can count on the Soviets in a pinch, and that is invaluable.

However, we are not oblivious to the fact a small number of newcomers to our region have reputations as troublemakers. Our region seems to have adopted a “wait and see” approach towards these nations, and our government supports that stance. If these newcomers can go about their business without rocking the boat in our region, then we expect our nation will be able to get along with them. In time, we might even become allies. On the other hand, if they are disruptive in the region, there will be a limit to what we will tolerate.

In regards to this crisis, our nation’s position is the following:

We do not want pirates operating in our regional waters. The number of nations we do business with is staggering. Foreign trade and to a lesser extent tourism are vital sources of income for our people. In circumstances such as ours, it does not pay to have pirates preying on friendly vessels in the area.

Even if that were not the case, our nation is bound to defend The World Soviet Party within Nova Europa. Of all our treaties, alliances, and obligations; we consider our regional commitments to be the most important. After all, even a dog knows not to shit where it sleeps.

However, our government has no position regarding the complaints made by Clandonia Prime and The World Soviet Party relating to previous encounters of theirs. We are not particularly knowledgeable about those events, and our nation doesn’t want to be involved in them. We encourage all parties to merely think of Nova Europa as a bar. Our military exercise is the barkeeper encouraging everyone to take the fight outside.

The Kommissariat for Foreign Affairs was a large organisation within the Cynapsian Government, second only to the Kommissariat for the State Economy in terms of manpower, office space and equipment. A six-floor building in the middle of New London, less than five minutes walk from the Congress of Deputies and less than ten minutes walk from the Revolutionary Palace, it mostly comprised of various analysts and researchers working in front of computer desks, watching the international message bulletins to examine what was going on in the world. Those messages that were deemed important according to Cynapsian doctrine were pushed upstairs until they reached an official deemed superior enough to respond to such a message, which was then noted and reported by the National Security Advisor at his dailiy briefing with the President-Kommissariat. Often, that was the end of it.

The most important messages included those that mostly dealt with threats to either Cynapsia itself or USSC allies. These went straight upstairs to the highest levels, to a small group of Foreign Office operatives who worked in a small room next to the National Security Advisor's Office. These messages would become the immediate talking points of any briefing, and often held important significance to political, economic or military decisions by the United Socialist States.

This message was one of them. As the National Security Advisor, Greg Victorstan, began his morning briefing with President-Kommissariat Coltrane, it was number one on the Agenda. "Sir, there appears to have been military and political declarations against The World Soviet Party that compell us to act," Haynes said in a matter-of-fact voice.

Max Coltrane studied his own copies of the documents. "Clandonians, eh?" he mused. "I've heard the name." He looked up at Greg. "What do we know of them?"

Victorstan glanced at his notes, rustling between sheafs of paper. "Staunch Anti-Communist, has been a thorn in the side of the Nova Europa region for a while. Unfortunately, they have the military strength to back it all up." Greg turned another page. "One of the largest forces in the world, battle-hardened from several conflicts, and a nuclear deterrence capacity that makes my eyes bleed." He looked up at Coltrane.

Max considered his options. In the room were several advisors, including Chairman of the Cynapsian High Command General-Marshall Frederick Blisswill and Kommissariat for Defence Brian Callahan. "Well?"

Blisswill spoke first. "Sir, there is no way we could engage the Clandonians in an open conflict and win," he said, with Callahan and several others nodding. "They'd simply wipe their boots on us."

Coltrane smiled thinly. "Thankyou, General-Marshall," he said tersely. "What can we actually do?"

Callahan cleared his throat. "Well sir," he said, looking at his notes again. "There has been a lot of letters of Marque flying around out there." He looked up. "We could issue the same to our Submarine fleet "

Coltrane sat back, considering. The Cynapsian submarine fleet comprised of older-model Romeo Class vessels, somewhat out-gunned by the Clandonian forces. However, if a limited announcement was made, say to ten vessels... "Okay," he said, nodding. "Issue letters of Marque to ten submarines of the Naval Force, and have them put to sea immediately."

---

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Flash Traffic - Top Secret

To:Submarines C-1 to C-10.
From: Cynapsian Red Army High Command
Authenticity Code: Alpha-Charlie-Zulu-Nine-Nine-Nine

Letters of Marque granted for attacking Clandonian merchant forces. Orders are to put to sea immediately for this case. Full details on tonnage and destruction to be recorded and passed on to High Command.

Official Announcement of the United States of Allanea

At first, let us express our opposition to the policies of The World Soviet Party. The United States of Allanea is firmly opposed to all forms of communism and socialism, and is dedicated to their eradication from the land. We further hold Letters of Marque to be an established, civilized form of state action. They were repeatedly used by the United States of America, the land of the ancestors of Allaneans, and discussed in that country’s Congress as late as 2007 as a measure of combating terrorism. We reserve the sovereign privilege of the United States of Allanea to use Letters of Marque, the military, or, in fact, weapons of mass destruction on any communist vermin Congress so chooses to annihilate.

However, we will not as of now declare war on the Soviets, as we are too busy, say, bringing the Trojan Empire to justice. We will not – at the present time – crush the Soviets, drive their army before us, kill their leaders and convert their people to Christianity. However, we assure you – our moral support is with Clandonia.

As such, we will begin a new program under Congress’ Freedom of Information Update Act of 2007. The bill authorizes the Department of Defense to release, via the Internet, high-resolution satteltie imagery which will depict the location of Londinian and Soviet shipping down to the distance of 1.5 meters. The information shall be provided under the open domain, together with a copy of the open-source FireTux target designation and tactical computer software.

Furthermore, the President of Allanea, Friedrich Goldwasser, has requested permission from the Clandonians to allow Allanea to deploy 10 Sheffield class cruisers outside Clandonia’s coastal waters, 50 miles away off-shore, for Search and Rescue training.

We have our best hopes for the Soviet people. We hope they see the dishonesty and stupidity of their leaders and rise against it for once and for all. However, given they are the victims of compulsory education, that is unlikely to happen at all.

Sincerely yours,
the Allaneans

OOC: Any reason for Londinian shipping, considering my letters of marque were SIC?

OOC: I don't ICly like you. Your statements annoyed me. Also, LoM's cannot really be secret IC, you need to issue them to your privateers.

800 km’s from Nova Europe

A small detachment from one of the Clandonian East India Companies private fleets had changed course on the orders of the government to secretly begin commerce raiding tactics on Soviet vessels. The first attack run was planned on an oil tanker, four Minister Class frigates built by Company owned yards under Royal License had broken away from escort duties of Clandonian tankers after Royal Navy fast battleship squadrons arrived to ferry them home to Clandonia or to the refineries and terminals of Doomingsland. Under the command of former Royal Navy captains and crews along with the private marines they were a force to be reckoned with. The attack that was about to unfold was more of a provocation, using the vessels Spearfish MK2 torpedoes they would launch a wave at the slow moving convoys as they entered shallower waters before the frigates sped in using their fast firing 6” inchers and chainguns. On the bridge of one of the Company ships a retired Royal Navy captain of thirty four years ordered his subordinates to head towards they, a suspected Soviet navy logistics convoy, civilian or military it did not matter while they flew the red flag of Bolshevism.

“Fire at will, general crew to battle stations.” Came the orders on the outside speakers as the torpedo crew let the first Spearfish away, their active pinging systems activated once they were far from their launch ships.


Port Royal, Clandonian Virgin Islands, Eastern Haven

The tropical home of the East Haven Fleet and its various squadrons, a good bulk of the Clandonian submarine force was in harbour preparing for their final departures, sailors spending their last hours in the warm sunshine before several months of remaining underwater and stealth for the next part of Operation Sea Harvest. Twenty submarine squadrons had been arriving and slipping out under the cover of darkness and the dark coral atolls at night to try and evade spy satellites and oceanographic reconnaissance methods. Some five hundred submarines varying from the large Danskeran SSBN’s to the smaller Lupus Class SSKN’s mixed with the powerful and silent Vanguard SSN’s. The submarine force had been loaded for battle and long storage provisions, the entire island’s stock of Standard 635 mm Torpedoes and 1000 mm Keelbreakers had been taken for the force, destined for the waters of Nova Europe to begin the military part of the operation.

Large transporters from the airport runways where military cargo Sabres and King Sarius Space Planes had been bringing in the thousands of Lance and Hawk missiles for storage while the bulk of the main taskforce from the Grand Expeditionary Fleet sailed East to stock up on munitions, provisions, repairs and pick up the Fleet Air Arm Squadrons that were being transported by reserve forces to save the pilots ready for the gruelling campaign that would swing into place. Already HMS Darlingston, a Nelson Class Super Dreadnought was within two days sailing and preparations for her arrival were being conducted by two battleship squadrons, logistical forces stockpiling the many thousands of missiles and rounds needed just for the one ship. At the Royal Navy base and naval air station of Brize operations staff were being briefed on the latest events, naval intelligence from both Room 40, MI6 and the Coast Guard section of the ISF had been alerted of several snippets of intelligence indicating that Clandonian merchant shipping was under threat. In the air conditioned and NBC secured bunker near Southampton Town, the main islands capital built into the solid granite rock operations staff listend to radio traffic and used the bases powerful satellite interception array to try and intercept communications by various military forces, both friend and foe. While the officers paced, in white navy shorts and shirts with the gold braid the regulars in blue slacks with large headsets monitored and typed intercepted tranmisions while the bases powerful supercomputers decrypted even the most secured communications twenty four hours a day.

“Various interesting things today sir, lots of Soviet chatter which is to be expected but interesting developments in British Londinium or around those parts.”

“Could be Freekish forces? They occupy a lot of ground there and are building up the defences and bringing in the bombs.”

“I doubt it Henry, the Freeks may be stupid brutes but they no when not to try and bring another Questerian ally into the war, I doubt its them.”

“The Londiniums?”

“Quite possibly so, but then again they have a sovereign but are left leaning themselves. They are no threat, that Mr Dreadfire would put an end to their little game if they started attracting the attention of the outside world and Sovereign League again.”

The officer took the print out and put it on the clipboard before heading up topside for a cigar and some opium from the Officers Mess. The sun bright as usual in this far out colony as the naval officer watched the warships of the East Haven Fleet stationed in Southampton Town Harbour, the powerful guns of the cruisers and dreadnoughts awash with white clothed sailors cleaning the turrets and decks for morning inspection. This fleet would be soon off itself to support Clandonian merchant shipping, in particular the tanker routes and cruise ships that made it this way into and out of the Haven region.


Houses of Parliament, Warminster, Clandonia

“Mr Speaker I would like to deliver the following statement on the behalf of the Clandonian East India Company.”

The MP in question was a certain Sir Henry Willington, son of Company Director for Shipping Lord Willington who had special interests by blood in the Company and therefore was on the books of the Company and declared by the Crown Books of Private Interests. Standing as a lone back bencher on the Tory benchers, second row from the back. As the speaker appealed for order as MP’s took their seats for the all important vote, to extend Crown Protection to all private merchant shipping companies and to grant the sale of several Duke Class warships from surplus to the East India Company.

“Mr Speaker, I appeal to the House today to authorise the sale of the surplus Duke Class Battleships to the Clandonian East India Company for the sake of both private and protection of the Imperial Crowns assets. With these ships the Company fleet will be able to fight alongside the Royal Navy against the Soviet enemy!”

Cheers from the house on the Tory and nationalist side were quietened by the calls to order from the Speaker. A Labour MP shouted out spurred on by his socialist comrades.

“We aren’t even at war yet, see this is just the bloody company trying to increase its fleet size by buying a load of cheap warships at a fraction of the cost to the taxpayer!”

“Nonsense, nothing but socialist clap trap!” Came the reply from another unknown Tory backbencher.

“Order, order! The ayes have it, the Duke Class Sale is authorised to the East India Company, unlock!”

The chamber emptied as MP’s and journalists departed for the bars and company paid luncheons at the Garrick round the corner. As the fleet prepared to sail from Warminster Harbour, the views of the ships just visible from outside Parliament on the terrace bar. The drums of war beat a faster rhythm today with the sale of the sixteen Duke Class battleships, adding to the Companies already large private navy.

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TO: <Open Transmission>
FROM: The Neo-Prussian Parliamentary Dicatorship of Kampfers

At this time, we will not side with anyone on this issue. We have severe problems with the nations that The World Soviet Party has harboured from due aggression, and feel that such harbouring may cause ill will from more than just Kampfers in the future. However, we do not see this as a cause to disrupt shipments going into and coming out of Nova Europa at this time. Many nations that Kampfers holds in high regard dwell there, most notably those of Dartia and The Peoples Freedom, and we have had good relations with other nations in the past. However, the harbouring of international criminals such as the Maldorians can not and will not be overlooked, and until then, we will not offer our support to Nova Europa. As the hounorable nation of Dartia spoke, we too can not comment on the past affairs of Clandonia and The World Soviet Party, and as such, will remain neutral throught this ordeal. We urge both parties to seek a more diplomatic solution, but if none is found, remind both governments of the following: If a single Kampferian ship is sunk by either government, Kampfers will view it as none other than an act of war unless reperations specified by the Kampferian government are paid to the families of the dead merchants and the value of the ship and its cargo are paid back to the Kampferian government.

Sincerely,
Fuhrer Richtoff

[FONT="Times New Roman"] 800 km’s from Nova Europe

A small detachment from one of the Clandonian East India Companies private fleets had changed course on the orders of the government to secretly begin commerce raiding tactics on Soviet vessels. The first attack run was planned on an oil tanker, four Minister Class frigates built by Company owned yards under Royal License had broken away from escort duties of Clandonian tankers after Royal Navy fast battleship squadrons arrived to ferry them home to Clandonia or to the refineries and terminals of Doomingsland. Under the command of former Royal Navy captains and crews along with the private marines they were a force to be reckoned with. The attack that was about to unfold was more of a provocation, using the vessels Spearfish MK2 torpedoes they would launch a wave at the slow moving convoys as they entered shallower waters before the frigates sped in using their fast firing 6” inchers and chainguns. On the bridge of one of the Company ships a retired Royal Navy captain of thirty four years ordered his subordinates to head towards they, a suspected Soviet navy logistics convoy, civilian or military it did not matter while they flew the red flag of Bolshevism.

“Fire at will, general crew to battle stations.” Came the orders on the outside speakers as the torpedo crew let the first Spearfish away, their active pinging systems activated once they were far from their launch ships.


Soviet satellites had been following the Clandonian pack since it entered Nova Europan waters, it was odd for ANY Clandonian ship to enter hostile territory. However, the Soviets were not pirates, and the tankers belonged to a private entity, which the Soviet goverment had no quarrel with, thus, the order was given to monitor them without directly interfering.

Now, when the frigates broke from the convoy and headed for the T.P.S. "Lucy", an oil tanker recently commisioned by a private-ran corporation based in The World Soviet Party, this turned into a whole different issue. The convoy was safe for now, as they were being escorted by four (4) Bergstein Class Light Frigates, it was thought their missiles would be enough to discourage any attacks.

The first torpedo was quickly detected, a warning had been issue against "Clandonian pirates", and the escorts were under orders to fire first and ask question later.

The first two frigates opened fire on the Minister-Class with four (4) AMI MIM-120K "Starbucks" (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12435345&postcount=849) each.

SIC
Wagdian Embassy, 7 Soviet Park; Red City, Socialist States of The World Soviet Party
Ambassador Felix Deralter, a man now quite feeling the sixty-four years of his life, sat in his office typing out possibly the most important diplomatic communique in his career. His two children, twenty-five year-old Douglas and twenty-three year-old Tanya, were both out partying in the notorious nightlife that pulsed through Red City. He didn't much like the fact that both of them had taken to the local pornography and related industries as willing consumers, but then again they were both adults now so what was there to do?

Either way, he continued typing out the message required. His thoughts were a mask of determination, even as those of his wife waiting outside the office in the drawing room were obviously ones of extreme apprehension. Both knew the potential consequences for if this exchange instructed by their government were found out by Clandonian agents; but then again, what with Mer des Ennuis threatening Vetaka, they could hardly get much worse anyway. A man's got to do something that he knows they might attack him for someday, eh? Hence, the offer being made, in this communique sent by sealed diplomatic pouch in the hands of a picked courier directly to President Alejandro Aszenmil's office.

Dear President Aszenmil,

I've been instructed by my government to invite you to our embassy tomorrow, for consultations and discussion on the Clandonian crisis of a most sensitive nature. What is discussed at this meeting must remain of the utmost confidentiality, and hence we advise that you personally attend; or else send no more than your most absolutely trusted aides if unable to do so.

Due to pressing military circumstances involving the Trojan Empire, the Vetakan-Ennuisian Crisis, and numerous others we cannot intervene militarily against Clandonian forces. Hence, we must coordinate with your government to determine what help we can offer you within the context of our public neutrality. The statement announcing our stance, ostensibly mirroring the Prestonians', will be made after the meeting; so we may best cover our mutual tracks in this affair by appearing to have discussed it instead of anything more sensitive.

The courier dispatched, a Mr. Harold Downings, was picked by myself from my own staff for this; and instructed to take a route to your capital offices that entirely skirted the streets of the Clandonian, Questarian, or any other embassy allied to Clandonia Prime. Hence, security precautions taken were as high as humanly possible. As to what we can do, well, that is best discussed when we meet.

In Solidarity,
Felix Deralter
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from The United Socialist States of Wagdog to The Socialist States of The World Soviet Party

Dear President Aszenmil,

I've been instructed by my government to invite you to our embassy tomorrow, for consultations and discussion on the Clandonian crisis of a most sensitive nature. What is discussed at this meeting must remain of the utmost confidentiality, and hence we advise that you personally attend; or else send no more than your most absolutely trusted aides if unable to do so.

Due to pressing military circumstances involving the Trojan Empire, the Vetakan-Ennuisian Crisis, and numerous others we cannot intervene militarily against Clandonian forces. Hence, we must coordinate with your government to determine what help we can offer you within the context of our public neutrality. The statement announcing our stance, ostensibly mirroring the Prestonians', will be made after the meeting; so we may best cover our mutual tracks in this affair by appearing to have discussed it instead of anything more sensitive.

The courier dispatched, a Mr. Harold Downings, was picked by myself from my own staff for this; and instructed to take a route to your capital offices that entirely skirted the streets of the Clandonian, Questarian, or any other embassy allied to Clandonia Prime. Hence, security precautions taken were as high as humanly possible. As to what we can do, well, that is best discussed when we meet.

In Solidarity,
Felix Deralter
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from The United Socialist States of Wagdog to The Socialist States of The World Soviet Party

The President finished reading the letter, then cracked his nuckles and wrote a response.

Dear Ambassador Deralter,

Of course, I am honoured to accept your invitation, and will attend personally. I agree with you in that the meeting must take place in the utmost secret.

I also understand your goverment's reasons for not getting involved as of the moment, I will let you know that I respect the Wagdogians greatly, you and your people have to be trusty allies and good friend, I would never dare think that they are cowards, rest assured that there's no ill-feeling from me or any other Soviet.

Sincerely,
Alejandro Aszenmil
President of The World Soviet Party

H. R. 3216

To authorize the President to issue letters of marque and reprisal with respect to the World Soviet Party and its allies.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 19, 2007

Mr. NORTON introduced the following bill; which was passed by Congress and the Senate and Signed by President Goldwasser.

A BILL

To authorize the President to issue letters of marque and reprisal with respect to the World Soviet Party and its allies.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of Allanea in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Marque and Reprisal Act of 2007'.

SEC. 2. ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF MARQUE AND REPRISAL .

The President of the United States is authorized and requested to commission, under officially issued letters of marque and reprisal , so many of privately armed and equipped persons and entities as, in his judgment, the service may require, with suitable instructions to the leaders thereof, to employ all means reasonably necessary to seize outside the geographic boundaries of the United States and its territories the person and property of President Alejandro Aszenmil, of any TWSP government employee, and of any conspirator with President Alejandro Aszenmil and TWSP who are responsible for the piratical aggressions and depredations perpetrated upon the United States of Allanea and Her Allies,, and for any acts of war upon the United States of Allanea and her people.

SEC. 3. SECURITY BOND REQUIRED.

No letter of marque and reprisal shall be issued by the President under this Act without requiring the posting of a security bond in such amount as the President shall determine is sufficient to ensure that the letter be executed according to the terms and conditions thereof.

OFFICIAL MESSAGE FROM THE ARMED REPUBLIC OF TOORI




_________________________________________________________________


Though in fact piracy is still a common high sea agenda in the present day, the fact of this situation is simple, whether in this perticular note, or in any other instance: that piracy being conducted by a national government upon vessels of another government is in fact an act of war, and no leniency should be taken from its true and factual meaning. AN ACT OF WAR. If the Clandonian government does not see the implications of this act, then it is strongly advised by both the Consulate of the Toori, and common logic, that you withdraw all actions of piracy immediately. If the Clandonians are aware of their deeds, then this should be a warning to the government of the World Soviet Party, and the Consulate suggests immediate millitary action be taken to quell this incident. However, if our observations are mistaken, and TWSP has exacted similar opperations against the Clandonians in the past, then your actions would be understandable. We do not believe in declerations of war, for it deprives the element of supprise from the situation.



Truthfully,



-Consulate of The Armed Republic of Toori-

SIC

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/Dartia/logo1.jpg
ENCRYPTED COMMUNIQUE

To: Allanean Government
From: Office of Dartian President Allesandro Valerio
Re: Soviet & Clandonian Conflict

While our two nations have enjoyed good relations in the past, it would seem we now find ourselves supporting opposite sides of TWSP and Clandonia Prime’s dispute.

I regret that our nation cannot abandon its current position, and remain compelled to assist TWSP should they come under attack in Nova Europa. As you no doubt have regional allies of your own, I expect you understand our obligation even if you do not approve of it.

As our people would ordinarily consider your nation to be a friend of sorts, I believe we are in the perfect position to derail this conflict should we agree to do so. The consensus in our government is that it would be a shame to strain our relationship over acts of piracy, and hope you feel the same. However, we cannot set a precedent of allowing pirates to run amok near our waters, and are determined to prevent that.

The irony of the situation is this: if Clandonia Prime had not created the need for us to maintain a large naval presence in our region, we would be fighting along side you right now against the Trojan Empire. We would still like to do that, and present you with an opportunity to cement your friendship with our nation instead of sacrificing it. We encourage you to use your influence to direct Clandonia Prime’s attention elsewhere (the Trojan Empire for instance), and retract your letters of marque and reprisal against TWSP. With that dispute settled, our nation could join you in war without reservations. Everyone would benefit.

We await your response.

Sincerely,
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/Dartia/signature.jpg
President

OOC: Clandonia Prime, could you please post an ORBAT of anything you have operating within 2,500 km of Nova Europa before this gets too far? Thanks in advance.

OOC: Dartia, please contact me through an instant messenger program or via IRC.

Democratic Republic of Trialvia
Official Statement from the Foreign Minister

With regards to the growing crisis between the governments of Clandonia Prime and The World Soviet Party:

The Trivalvian government believes that the actions of the Clandonian government are both unnecessary and provocative. We can only guess at the true reasons behind the Clandonian decision to attack Soviet vessels, and we deplore Allenea's hostility towards a nation we have found to be fair and honourable.

It is the belief that the declared attacks by Clandonia Prime, and the decision for Allenea to issue letters of marquee represent a threat to the continent and to the safety and well-being of all who live here. As such, the Trivalvian government and military will take all necessary steps to preserve human lives and the security of this continent.

In the interests of preserving the peace, therefore, the Trivalvian government is willing to host negotiations between the affected nations either in the city of Vale, on the Quadrivalve Archipelago, or onboard one of our ships. We are also dispatching the TNS Resolute along with escorts to serve as an observer force and a naval peacekeeping force if required.

--------

TNS Phalanx,
On shakedown cruise in the Trivalvian Sea

Captain Rossum read the orders he had just recieved from the Admiralty.

EAM
Encryption Key: 45TQ2Q1P-0

TNS Phalanx to cease shakedown operations and rendevous with TNS Resolute at waypoint Sigma-Delta [coordinates]. Further orders will be issued upon arrival at said waypoint.

Admiral Everett

"Well," Rossum said, showing the message to his Exec. "So much for a quiet cruise."

"He can't be expecting military action," the exec replied. "Who would we be fighting?"

"We'll find out soon enough," Rossum said. He turned to the bridge crew, "I'm afraid that any further problems in this ship's systems will have to be solved en-route. I trust each and every one of you to perform your best. End of speech."

"Oh gad, not the 'Captain Kirk' routine again," the Exec muttered.

Rossum grinned, then turned to the helm. "Navigation, set a course for waypoint Sigma-Delta. Best possible speed."

Official Olmedrecan Statement:

The World Soviet Party actions all around world have caused only problems. This has also affected Mediterranica region where Soviets supported Zambistani communists during Gataway-Zambistan war. Therefore Olmedreca declares full embargo on states of The World Soviet Party and Cynapsia.
Also it should be noted that Olmedreca does not tolerate any piracy near its waters.

Olmedrecan Foreign Ministry


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


Drasgard Times

Olmedreca declares embargo on TWSP, but main message aimed to Londinia
Article by: Juha Poro

Yesterday Olmedreca declared full embargo on communist hellholes of The World Soviet Party and Cynapsia. There is nothing suprizing in it, Olmedreca is member of both ACTO and ACA and has clearly taken anti-communist position. But signal what embargo is meant to send is actualy directed to another state, inside Mediterranica Union.

Several anonymous experts from Foreign Ministry have informed me, that Olmedrecan trade with TWSP and Cynapsia is considered to be extremely low, so both sides will be affected minimally. Significance of Olmedrecan embargo lies elsewhere. British Londinium is well known for being left leaning state which has also been member of GUSN. There have been several rumors that BL has issued letter of marque and reprisal against Clandonian shipping, meaning that Londinian socialistic government, which generally tends to get themselves into some kind of shit from time to time, has sided with communistic scum. Even worse, Londinians support piracy in Mediterranica which also will definitely affect Olmedrecan trade. Olmedrecan official statement included sentence about not tolerating any piracy near its waters. That seems to be direct message for any Londinian pirates to keep distance and avoid damaging Olmedrecan trade interests.

We can only hope that Londinians will realize their mistake and withdraw their marque. Or atleast hope that their pirates are smart enough to keep distance from Olmedrecan waters. Because if they should not, then I fully support Navy in sending them to bottom of sea without warning.

Juha Poro is not employee of Olmedrecan state, and this article represents only his personal views.

To: HRH King William VII, King of Clandonia
President Alejandro Aszenmil, The World Soviet Party
From: Steven M. Preston, Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Averting Conflict

Gentlemen, we in the Prestonian Republic have followed this situation with keen interest. We currently trade with both of your nations, and hold both in high regard. It is truly a shame that two such well-respected nations as The World Soviet Party and Clandonia see fit to wage war on one another. We, as peace-loving people, wish to avoid such a situation. You are invited to the Prestonian capital of Hudson, to negotiate a settlement. We hope that you will take this offer, and that a lasting peace between your nations will be formed. We believe that your differences in idealogy can be overcome, and look forward to seeing this happen. Please, consider this offer.

Official Statement

I would like to condemn the nations of Allanea and Olmedreca, both of whom seem to be basing their actions upon the fact that the World Soviet Party has a socialist government. Surely this is not adequate reason to begin sinking innocent merchantmen?

The Democratic State of Naasha will stand by our allies in TWSP, any hostile actions commited against them, or any suspiciously armed shipping entering Nova Europa will lead to appropriate responses being taken. For now, I am placing a retaliatory embargo upon Olmedreca and ordering a review of possible economic sanctions to take against Allanea, up to and including the seizing of any Allanean Arms subsidiaries* operating in Naasha and Surdun.

We pray strongly for a peaceful end to this conflict, but until that time, we will prepare to defend our waters and allies.

Signed,
Darren Renner,
Prime Minister of the Democratic State of Naasha.

[OOC:*As mentioned in the relevant thread, Allanean arms SUV's have been exported in significant numbers to Naasha and Surdun. I am assuming there are at least dealerships to be revoked, if not whole distribution facilities to seize.]

His Majesty's Foreign and Commonwealth Office

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v387/Praetonia/PraeflagIII.jpg

His Majesty recognises the right of the Clandonian government, as a lawful state, to issue Letters of Marque and Reprisal as a retaliatory act less than a full declaration of war. While His Majesty has no care for communists or collectivists of any kind, peaceful relations and a declaration of free trade exist between His Majesty and the Soviet State. As such, His Majesty's Government will neither issue letters of Marque against Soviet shipping, nor place any impediments on trade between the two countries whatever.

Further to the specific circumstances, His Majesty wishes to remind the world that Clandonia remains a memberstate of the Royal Georgian League and hence under His Majesty's protection, and so escalation of any conflict with Clandonia currently conducted only on the level of the issue and counter-issue of Letters of Marque and Reprisal shall be considered an act of war against His Majesty also, and will provoke a most robust response from the Crown Commonwealth.

His Majesty has further advised those ships crewed by His Subjects to adorn themselves with highly visibly indentifying markers when travelling near the Soviet state so as to eliminate the possibility of confusion on the part of prospective privateers.

God Save the King.

Official Response of the Allanean Governmetn to the government of Naasha

Dear Sir!

Should you review the text of the Marque and Reprisal Act 2007, as passed by Congress and signed by the President of the United States, Friedrich Ashton Goldwasser, you will notice that no authorization has been given to attach innocent merchantmen or in fact anybody except officials from the Soviet Government. As usual, those who act outside the rules set forth by the Congress, will be prosecuted with the full extent of
Allanean law.

Speech by President Friedrich Goldwasser in front of the Allanean Anti-Communist Association

My friends!

I am thankful to the Allanean Anti-Communist Association for its support in the last election. Without your grassroots support and campaign donations I would never have won. The A+ rating from the Association helped too.

[laughter in the audience]

Now let me quote to you a message from the government of a tiny nation called Trivalvia. Their comments are as follows: “It is the belief that the declared attacks by Clandonia Prime, and the decision for Allanea to issue letters of marque represent a threat to the continent and to the safety and well-being of all who live here.”

Here’s the interesting bit – to my knowledge not a single Allanean privateer has yet attacked even a single Soviet vessel! The ships of our major privateering contractors are still in harbor! And yet, the Trivalvians already feel the entire Nova Europan continent is at risk – and Allanea has only just looked at them wrong!

[laughter]

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Anti-Communist Association, it’s you who they fear. They are already afraid – and not a single shot has been fired! Our bombers are not yet in their skies, our ships are still in harbor, our satellites still in peaceful orbits, and yet the Nova Europeans already tremble before us! Imagine now what happened if we actually did something!

[chuckling in the audience]

Now let me tell you this. They fear us now. But I promise you – if re-elected to another term, I will make Allanea even more fearsome. I will complete the Ten-Thousand-Ship Navy Agenda. I will rebuild our stockpile of Khan missiles. I will create a better, stronger Air Force.

I promise you – the fear that communists and their friends feel now is nothing compared to what we will infuse them with if I am re-elected.

That is all.

May God Bless Allanea.

[applause, chanting of ‘Six more years! Six more years!’]

[OOC: Just to clarify, Allanea - was that speech secret IC or was it open - say, televised?]

Atlantic Ocean, Nova European Waters

The leading Commander of the East India Company frigate force was puzzled, the Soviets had fired anti-air missiles at the ships. Two had struck the ships, bouncing off the armour. A sudden crash came as a missile hit the bridge housing smashing the glass, sailors rushing to defuse the motor with a fire extinguisher. As the crews went to battle alert the 6" IS-ETC naval canon auto loaded a round and fired it as the computer targeting systems came online.

“Enemy Soviet ships, we have several vessels breaking away, small and quick must be some corvette or frigate!”

“Ready missiles and get the anti-air defences online!”

“Aye captain!”

Eight missiles from each ship were primed for launch, Lance ASM’s to target the convoy composition. On the deck a CNN camera crew that was filming a documentary called ‘Life at Sea’ broke away from their standard tasks and captured the battle unfolding, missiles streaking from the Ballista VLS pads as the auto-loaders on the six inchers fired, empty brass shell cases clattering onto the deck as the ejected. The next second a missile hit the funnel of a frigate piercing the metal armour, shards of metal clattered down as the oily black smoke appeared. The ship was unharmed as its cannon continued firing, sailors on deck readied small arms and the 7.7mm chainguns for close range defence against the Soviet vessels. A little over a thousand kilometres away two Clandonian Royal Navy Fast Battleship squadrons and four submarine squadrons received their orders from the Admiralty to head towards the area in support of the privateer force.


War Office, Whitehall, Warminister

Lord Admiral Sir Henry Winters had arrived at the War Office, a short drive on the main city A12 expressway in the government Land Rover. Meeting with his tri-armed colleagues to work together on the plan of action, overhead Clandonian Fleet Air Arm fighters on patrol from the naval air station on the other side of the river. Saluting the guards, he put his hat under his arm as he marched in over the spotless Praetonian marble floor. It was going dark outside, a sign of the autumn days beginning, soon the city would be miserably cold.

“Ah good evening Henry.” Spoke the Sir Anthony Hogwearth, a RAF General in charge of bomber command, his classic air force moustache visible as he sipped a glass of port. Other officers and generals were smoking cigars and taking opium in the wood panelled conference room. A scale model of HMS Nelson in the middle of the table, pictures of aircraft both past and present, a prop driven Lancaster Bomber to a futuristic nuclear powered Sabre and Type 1000 bomber hung on the wall.

“Evening Anthony, latest reports are rather dire.” Picking up a glass of port that the bar keeper had been pouring onto the silver plated tray.

“Indeed, I take it your lot will be on their way by the end of the weekend?” Replied the RAF general, sipping more of the port from the glass before lighting up a Virgin Islands cigar. Suddenly on the television above the bar a newsflash banner appeared.

“Excuse me, can you turn that up please.” Asked a officer standing to the right of the two men.

”This is the Clandonian World Service at eight o’clock. Good evening, CNN has just learned that Soviet warships have just attacked four Clandonian East India Company frigates in the Atlantic Ocean which will no doubt increase the tensions between the Imperial Crown Kingdom and the Soviet government. We bring you this latest footage from one of the Minister Class frigates that had been conducting privateer operations when Soviet forces counter attacked.”

The pictures that had been recorded less than twenty minutes ago were played in loop as the news channel switched back to the studio in Warminister.

“We go live to Downing Street where Foreign Secretary Sir Anthony Philips is delivering a statement on the latest crisis.”

“I am here to make a statement on the latest events that have occurred this evening, Clandonian Eastern Time in the Atlantic Ocean, off Nova Europe. Four Clandonian East India Company frigates of the Minister Class variant were attacked with anti-air weaponry by Soviet terrorists. His Majesty condemns the arrogance of the nations of Nova Europe in their refusal to accept that the Soviet government is committing acts of terrorism and damaging the regions reputation with the funding of Bolshevik terrorist organisations that undermine democratic and sovereign elections. His Majesty the King will address the nation on Friday evening, we will make no further statements until after this speech. God save the King.”

The image cut back to file film of the Grand Expeditionary Fleet, all two thousand vessels and the four Nelson Class Super Dreadnoughts on exercises the previous week in the Omz Straits, a magnificent sight from the air and on the sea from observing vessels. The jingoism for war was being built up, motivating the Clandonian people to hate the Soviets even more with passion and pave the way for the one of the largest fleet deployments since the Westwood Alliance war with Jarridia, a battle that the Royal Navy won before even arriving in the area. Out in the Eastern waters of Haven beyond the last Clandonian controlled realm of the Virgin Islands the submarine attack force was continuing its moving out under the cover of night, as the five hundred and sixty submarines departed setting their sights for Nova Europe aiming to sink the entire Soviet navy.

[OOC: Just to clarify, Allanea - was that speech secret IC or was it open - say, televised?]

Broadcast TV isn't popular in Allanea due to the prevalence of broadband internet. Most of our TV stations are IPTV. So yeah, it's out on the NS equivalents of Youtube.

[OOC: Thanks!]

Secret IC:

President William MacKenzie grimaced as he watched the speech given by the Allanean president. "If he considers a country of 1.5 billion people to be 'little', I hate to think what he considers to be 'big'." He gave a sidelong glance towards his foreign minister. "And, incidentally, Robert, I thought we were going tone down the rhetoric? I was hoping for a serious offer for negotiations."

Robert Norris, Trivalvia's foreign minister, said nothing.

"In any event," MacKenzie continued, "Allanea considers us a laughingstock and Central Prestonia has upstaged us on the offer of negotiations. So, unless Clandonia Prime launches a full-scale invasion we're out of the picture."

This time, Norris did speak, "Sir, I don't think we can really sit by and do nothing - especially with this President Goldwasser promising more ships, planes and missiles. He's clearly an aggressor."

"As is Clandonia," MacKenzie replied. "Clandonia's been chomping at the bit to invade, and it looks like they'll get their causus bellum this time." He sighed, "Between this and the squabbling surrounding the Maldorians, it appears I will have my work cut out for me at the Conference."

MacKenzie stood and turned to leave - he had to address the delegates soon. "For now, no further comments or statements, but I expect full reports on any new developments to reach me. Have our task force observe, but they are not to fire on any ship beyond self defense.

"Try not to start a war in my absence, Robert, okay?"

Trivalvian Observer Task Force

TNS Resolute - Longsword Class Battleship
TNS Phalanx - Phalanx Class Air Area Defense Destroyer
7 Guardian Class Guided Missile Cruisers
4 Asher Class Frigates

Official Response of the Allanean Governmetn to the government of Naasha

Dear Sir!

Should you review the text of the Marque and Reprisal Act 2007, as passed by Congress and signed by the President of the United States, Friedrich Ashton Goldwasser, you will notice that no authorization has been given to attach innocent merchantmen or in fact anybody except officials from the Soviet Government. As usual, those who act outside the rules set forth by the Congress, will be prosecuted with the full extent of
Allanean law.

Official Response

Dear Sir,

We don't doubt that any Soviet shipping Allanean vessels do decide to attack will be in some way 'conspiring with the government of the World Soviet Party.' As it is, we consider said government to be an allied state and as such, we will not retract our original statement.

OOC: Didn't mean to upstage you there Trivalvia, just thought I might have some success as I have decent relations with TWSP through my ally Wagdog, and I'm looking to expand relations with Clandonia via the Royal Georgian League.

Snip

OOC: Anti-Air missiles? Damned be me, I confused the names.

Well, that was a bad mistake to commit right now, but well, shit happens =P

Anyways, IC post later.

Snip

Official Communique

I will attend if the Clandonians do.

Signed,
Alexander Nevskij, Minister for Foreign Affairs, The World Soviet Party.

OOC: Prestonia - no worries; if you can get them talking more power to you :)

MacKenzie's comment was meant to have more of a "oh well, can't be helped now" tone than "curses! Foiled again!".

[FONT="Times New Roman"] Atlantic Ocean, Nova European Waters

The leading Commander of the East India Company frigate force was puzzled, the Soviets had fired anti-air missiles at the ships. Two had struck the ships, bouncing off the armour. A sudden crash came as a missile hit the bridge housing smashing the glass, sailors rushing to defuse the motor with a fire extinguisher. As the crews went to battle alert the 6" IS-ETC naval canon auto loaded a round and fired it as the computer targeting systems came online.

“Enemy Soviet ships, we have several vessels breaking away, small and quick must be some corvette or frigate!”

“Ready missiles and get the anti-air defences online!”

“Aye captain!”

Eight missiles from each ship were primed for launch, Lance ASM’s to target the convoy composition. On the deck a CNN camera crew that was filming a documentary called ‘Life at Sea’ broke away from their standard tasks and captured the battle unfolding, missiles streaking from the Ballista VLS pads as the auto-loaders on the six inchers fired, empty brass shell cases clattering onto the deck as the ejected. The next second a missile hit the funnel of a frigate piercing the metal armour, shards of metal clattered down as the oily black smoke appeared. The ship was unharmed as its cannon continued firing, sailors on deck readied small arms and the 7.7mm chainguns for close range defence against the Soviet vessels. A little over a thousand kilometres away two Clandonian Royal Navy Fast Battleship squadrons and four submarine squadrons received their orders from the Admiralty to head towards the area in support of the privateer force.


The convoy had already begun escaping the area, leaving the frigates behind to protect them.

Meanwhile, in the lead ship, the captain cursed, he had made an stupid mistake and fired the anti-air missiles instead of the anti-shipping ones, and now, the Clandonians had opened fire on them, already explosions were rocking the small detachment and creating geisers of water.

"Answer with the 100mm Auto-Cannons, and fire some "Typhoons" (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11128548&postcount=458) while you are at it, not the SAMs for god's sake!"

The Lances were approaching the group and the CIWS went on-line opening with a barrage of bullets on the incoming ASMs, managing to shoot down eight while the RIMs took down a further ten, however, the other fourteen made their way into the group, one going cleanly through one of the frigates and exploding outside while other three hit the bridge of another vessel.

The Bergsteins started their own retreat, going after their convoy but firing six "Typhoons" to keep the Clandonians busy.

[OOC: As the person who designed all the naval tech Clan is using, I feel I should interject to give a bit of technical background.

The Minister-class frigate is not designed to withstand 1 tonne explosive warheads, so a hit from one of these Typhoon missiles is likely to cause a kill in fairly short order. Similarly, Lance is a medium-heavy anti-ship missile with a sizeable explosive and tungsten cap. It is designed to cause appreciable damage to battleships. A single successful hit against a frigate will leave it destroyed. Im not really sure, then, why it is assumed Clan would fire three at a single frigate, but I may have missed something as I found TWSP's last post a bit confusing generally (Clan fired 8 missiles for each of his four ships, making a total of 32, yet only 6 missiles seem to have been considered in calculating damage).

Overall this is going to be a short battle. Both sides are using missiles designed for the line of battle against thin-skinned escorts - first hit will equal first kill, in most cases.]

but I may have missed something as I found TWSP's last post a bit confusing generally (Clan fired 8 missiles for each of his four ships, making a total of 32, yet only 6 missiles seem to have been considered in calculating damage


Oh, I might have misread Clan's post, I will re-read it and edit mine accordingly.

Allanean Texas, Area 567, 43 meters underground

The room was absolutely, mindblowingly huge.One of the walls was taken over entirely by two giant screens. Officers watched intently as a similar scene unfolded on both of these screens.

On one, power-armored troops walked slowly down a 'street' of mock-up building facades made of carboard and slim wood. They held large, bright-blue rifles and machineguns in their hands. Behind them crawled an infantry fighting vehicle.

On the other, the street looked much better. The buildings were replaced by CGI graphics of 'real' buildings, done by what appeared to be a high-level FPS engine. They were reconstructed in great detail. There were clothes hanging off balconies to be dried, men walking the streets – and red flags and Communist propaganda adorning the walls.

A man in a light blue suit, wearing square, thick-rimmed glasses, looked at the screens and smiled. “Very good, very good. So what does this do, Colonel? Just make the buildings look communist?”

“Not really. It feeds the same quality image we are seeing now to the helmets of the soldiers and the combat screens of the Infantry Fighting vehicle. Further, it provides feedback to the artificial muscle packages of the powered armor, to create force feeback and simulate weapons recoil and materials resistance. In essence this is as near a virtual reality suit as we can get. Marshal Techno, this here is the most awesome military training technology since DARPANET.”

“Quite nice.”

“It does well for OPFOR training without the risc of injury. And is also good for psychological training. This sort of thing is the nearest to real combat we can get.”

“Show me how it works. Do you have some combat scenario to show me?”

Allanean Texas, Area 567, on the surface

Senior Marksman Berrik Salamon jerked in suprise as troops in TWSP uniforms began to appear from around corners, rushing his squad buddies by the dozens. He dropped on the ground.

He knew, intellectually, that these were not real, that this was not real combat, that he would not die, that the machinegun in his hands was just a plastic toy – but the roar of gunshots, the swearing of the communist soldiers, the explosions made it sound frighteningly real. He pressed himself closer to the ground and pressed the trigger.

Just a few yards ahead of him several Soviet soldiers fell to the ground, a few dozen hollowpoint .308 bullets soaking their uniforms in more red then any Soviet could have ever dreamed of. Nezt to him, Communist bullets whistled through the air.

Before him, the virtual Soviets were getting slaughtered. Battle rifles, a flamer, even the IFV gattlnig gun merged their shots into a hateful roar that consumed dozens of men...

YOU HAVE BEEN HIT AND KILLED BY AN RPG ROUND. YOU FAIL THIS EXERCISE

“Damnation!” - he saw the virtual figures disappear from sight, and the street resume it's real look.

PLEASE VACATE THE EXERCISE ZONE IMMEDIATELY


Allanean Texas, Area 567, 43 meters underground

“Wow.”- Reijiro Techno blinked in awe as he saw the surving troops – seven on foot and two aboard the IFV – pace forwards through the empty street. In the 'virtual world' it appeared they were walking over dozens of communist dead. The soldiers would even hear that light squelching sound that occurs when an armored soldier steps on a dead man.

“Why is it that realistic?”

“Because one of the main purposes of this training experiment is psychological training.”

“Psychological?”

“Yeah. Check that out.”

The building at the end of the street was done in a lot of detail – even the cardboard no-frills versio in the real world involved a fence, a yard, and a large building with a lot of empty rooms. The men in the armor suits saw in front of them a school yard, with a guard, Soviet children playing soccer, and an elderly Soviet schoolmarm overseeing them.

“Go for operation Delta.” - the officer's voice sounded in the troops' earphones.

Without hesitation, they paced forward, raising their guns. The virtual guard tried to block them – and then fell backwards, peppered by rounds.

The schoolmarm stepped back, looknig positively terrified. The children wept, trying to hide behind the woman. Some of them even scream for mercy.

“Please, please, don't hurt Comrade Simmons! She is a nice lady!”

The soldiers paused. Yes, they knew this was not real, that the figures were just a simulation. And yet there was something in the voices and faces of the Soviet children – computer-generated though they were – that caused these men to pause.

“Remember, men, “ - the voice in the headphones repeated. - “This woman aid s the Soviets in their practice of universal, state-owned, compulsory education. She and the other likes of her are vermin of the first degree. Do unto them as you would do to anybody who would take your child away and force him into a school where he would be taught against your will and out of your power. Do that – to them.”

There was a pause and two men stepped forward, thrusting forward with their rifles. 'Comrade Simmons' fellto the ground, pierced by the Allanean bayonets.

It was as if the very floodgates of violence were open.

The soldiers burst into the school building, knocking down the doors of classroom's, machinegunning teachers and janitors in the halls, bayonetting administrators in their very offices. Some of the teachers were killed in the very classrooms, others in the staff room when the squad flamer poked the muzzle of his weapon into the room and filled the place with roaring sheets of napalm fire. The school librarian was simply bitchslapped to death – power armor can do that to you.

Finally, they stood in front of a door labled COMRADE HEADMASTER KERENZIKOB. They didn't both to open it. There was only the click of weapons bolts slamming forward as seven weapons were ready to fire – and then, the door was torn apart by a rain of gunfire. For a few seconds, the headmaster could be seen, mutilated, half his face torn off by the hollowpoint rounds, staggering to get up – and then falling back as Team Leader aimed his carbine into the man's torso and emptied another magazine.

SIMULATION OVER.
CONGRATULATIONS, TEAM MEMBERS.
YOU HAVE ESTABLISHED 47 ENEMY COMBATANT KILLS.
YOU HAVE ESTABLISHED 68 ENEMY TARGET OFFICIAL KILLS
YOU HAVE ALLOWED 4 CIVILIAN DEATHS.
PLEASE RETURN TO BASE FOR DEBRIEFING

And it was over. The camera feed stopped, and suddelyy the headmaster's body was gone from the screen. Gone were the Communist posters and red flag in his room, gone were the dead bodies of school staff in the halls. The simulation ended, and no false images were transmitted to the helmets anymore.

Allanean Texas, Area 567, 43 meters underground

“Excellent..” - said Techno - “In my next report to the Congressional Committee, I will request for more funding for the program.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“But now... do me a favor and leak the videos of this training to the Internet. I hereby announce its existence declassified. I have that authority.”

“But Marshal... do you want the world to know we are training our troops to exterminate foreign schoolteachers? And the hints towards them being TWSP teachers aren't too subtle, either...”

“Foreign public schoolteachers? Not a single one. Besides, if you want, you can talk to the Field Marshal about this. Or ask the President's Office for confirmation. I've had the idea once I heard of the program – and frankly, that's just the perfect time. Youtube it.”

“Yes, Sir!”

Hours later, the first uploads of the program's gameplay videos appeared online.

The Sussex Conference was almost to begin, SaintB's attentions were being directed to more areas than anyone would like; at least this was the most conveniant problem they had. With Waldenburg battleing with Maldorians right next door to SaintB the majority of the nation's fleet was stationed near to home, protecting the shipping lanes from the southern tip of Naasha to the very northernmost reaches of the black sea. Rumor had it that Tigerlan was also about to dedicate a large amount of ships to keeping the peace. Saint Benard and the heads of the armed forces felt confident that they could respond quickly and substantially to any threats to TWSP, or anyone else's for that matters, shipping and the presence of mostly freindly Naashan craft also in the same waters, with almost the same objectives to a T made them all feel better.

OOC: Most of my countries navy is patrolling around the area mentioned in the post, with 2 Aggemenon Class Battleships and 2 Odesseus Class Carriers guarding either side of the Suez Canal zone against anyone looking for some monkey business that could disrupt my trade (my nation will trade with anyone not embargoed). The forces present represent about 90% of my naval ships altogether; since my coastline is all in the black sea my navy is not my priority.

Fleet in area: 8 Oddesseus Class Super Carriers
4 Aggemenon Class Battleships
100 Patrol Boats from OK-La-Homa
24 cruisers (mixed types)
36 destroyers (mixed types)
12 Seahorse Class Submarines

I have a set rules of engagement, I won't go into detail of it unless I have to though.

Trivalvian Observer Task Force,
Atlantic Ocean, approaching the engagement site between Clandonian EIC and TSWP naval assets.

On the bridge of the Resolute, Commodore Styles watched the radar displays carefully, observing the exchange of missile fire between the two sides.

"Size of forces?" he asked a lieutenant at one of the tracking stations.

"Four Minister class frigates on the Clandonian side. I'm not reading any military idents - probably private forces."

Styles grunted in response. "And the Soviets?"

"Four frigates also."

Styles turned to the main map table, considering his options. "So for once, we're actually the 'big boys' in the area," he mused aloud. "We could send in the Resolute with the Phalanx as sole escort and pacify the lot."

"If you say so, sir," said the lieutenant, taking a second to tug at his collar, as if it had constricted around his throat. "However, our orders are to observe."

"Of course," Styles replied, half-heartedly.

Styles had been a captain aboard one of the cruisers that had survived the Battle of the Trivalvian Sea. As it happened, he had landed on the Nationalist side, not that internal politics mattered much to him. What did matter to him was the sight of the navy he was part of being cut to ribbons before his eyes. His appointment to Commodore had been partly political, partly pragmatic. The political end was due to the need to reintegrate the divided military into a cohesive whole, and Styles was one of the few Nationalist naval officers that was competent enough for a promotion.

The practical end was that Styles saw eye-to-eye with Admiral Everett on the need for the navy to regain its confidence. A successful operation with minimal or no Trivalvian casualties would do the trick. And with the TNS Phalanx in the fleet, there was little chance of a repeat performance of the Battle of the Trivalvian Sea.

However, Styles wasn't entirely oblivious to political fallout. No amount of confidence gained would be worth it if he started a war out here.

Styles turned to the ensign at Signals. "Get me a secure link to HQ. I'd like to speak directly with Admiral Everett and General Wellington." He would outline the situation, and his recommendation for intervention.

Just in case, however, he also issued orders to the fleet to accelerate, and for the forward ships to go to general quarters.

While the Dartian military was aware of the battle in progress, no orders were given to move on the Clandonian frigates. The admiralty believed the Soviet Air Force would destroy the offending frigates at any moment, and turned their attention to more credible threats.

Clandonia's battleship squadrons represented a far greater menace. No doubt they would prove far more resilient than a handful of frigates, and their big guns and guided missiles were too lethal to ignore. However, such ships are hardly discreet, and Dartian hydrophones soon detected the rumblings of the big ships' propulsion systems. In short order, other systems were monitoring and profiling the Clandonian vessels as well.

Of the Dartian fleets operating in the region, the 42nd Carrier Group a.k.a. "Task Force Zulu" was in best position to respond. Nevertheless, the task force was 2,000 km away from the Clandonians. Closing that gap would be necessary to put its air wings within optimal striking range.

Having received his orders, Admiral Risa wasted no time before putting his fleet on an intercept course. Traveling at 25 knots, he hoped to be able to launch fighters later in the day. Of course, that was assuming the Clandonians maintained their present course. In the meantime, the Admiral was curious to learn more about the capabilities of the commerce raiders. With that in mind, he ordered the launch of a cruise missile equipped with an air-deployed sonobuoy to coordinates 100 km ahead of the Clandonian fleet.

42nd Carrier Group
2 x Whirlwind Class Supercarriers
2 x Ajax Class Battleships
4 x Arsenal Class Missile Cruisers
4 x Zumwalt Class Missile Destroyers
4 x Daring Class Air Defense Destroyers
4 x Sachsen Class Air Defense Frigates
4 x Brandenburg Class ASW Frigates
4 x Frazier Class General Purpose Corvettes
4 x Supply Class Fast Combat Support Ships
16 x Allegro Class Attack Submarines
2 x Ohio Class Missile Submarines
Helicopters
- 16 x RQ-8B Fire Scouts
- 16 x NH90
- 12 x CH-46E Sea Knights
- 12 x HM1 Merlins
- 8 x SH-60 Seahawks
- 8 x AH-73 Cherokees
Fixed Wing Aircraft
- 80 x F-40 Birds of Prey
- 64 x F-36 Gladiuses
- 16 x F-35C Lightning II's
- 16 x EA-18G Growlers
- 4 x E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes

The admiralty had other schemes in motion as well. Data collected during Clandonia's past conflicts in the region had been analyzed in depth in an attempt to identify their favorite water routes into Nova Europa's waters. With that information, four submarine squadrons were dispatched to create a series of underwater mines fields. They would use Hammerhead Encapsulated Torpedoes programmed to target submarines and ships of Clandonian design.

SIC:
Kosh Conference Centre, Sussex

Styles request for intervention had gone up the command chain to Julia LeBlanc, the new Minister of Defense, who along with Foreign Minister Robert Norris, briefed the President via teleconference.

"I'm not sure I like the idea of unilateral action, LeBlanc," MacKenzie said. He was going to have to make this quick - efforts to keep the Sussex conference going were making it harder for him to manage this situation.

"It is a decisive move, sir," Robert Norris said. "The Clandonians are in continental waters, and this will demonstrate our resolve. Besides, if we're rejoining the Alliance, this will also establish our willingness to carry our weight, and we can call on them if there's trouble."

MacKenzie frowned. Norris was proving to be too much of a hawk to his tastes. He turned back to the screen. "What about any other Clandonian ships? Our task force might win easily against four frigates, but if they send a battleship group in..."

"We're still working on tracking their movements. Bear in mind we haven't had much of an eye on Clandonia during the Harrington administration - a lot of our intel is out of date."

"But right now if it came to a showdown between us and Clandonia..."

"We'd probably lose on the naval front."

"Then that makes our decision for us. Tell the task force commander to continue observation. In the meantime, I'm going to see if I can collar the Soviet president and strike up some kind of plan."

IC:

TNS Resolute

"Incoming message from HQ, sir."

Commodore Styles nodded and - once the message had been authenticated - brought the orders up on his minder. His face fell as he read the message:

Request to intervene is DENIED. Approach to 200 kilometers of Clandonian ships and continue to observe. Do NOT fire unless fired upon.

Admiral Everett

Fine. "Continue to approach the Clandonian ships; hold position at 200 kilometers out," he told the helm.

"Aye aye, sir." As the helmsman made a few course adjustments - slowing down; they were almost at 200 kilometers now - similar orders were broadcast to the other ships.

Atlantic Ocean, Nova European Waters

“Incoming hostile inbound, auto defences targeting!”

Shouted the air defence operators, chatter of the panic as the Soviet made missiles impacted, two of the ships lost over half their crew on the first attack as the heavy 50 mm Wellington CIWS systems failed to intercept the Typhoons, as the captain of the last surviving ship ordered his communications officer to dispatch an urgent SOS to both Company House in Warminster and the Royal Navy hoping for emergency relief as he began a retreat hoping that either he would run into the Royal Navy or a long range Royal Air Force maritime patrol aircraft. Observing the naval skirmish was a RAF Oceanic Recon satellite that had just been launched from a Cheshire Class Battleship some eight thousand kilometres away in the East Indies. During the few minutes after the destruction of several million Crowns worth of Company property several luxury vehicles sped off from the Company House in downtown Warminster in the direction of the War Office and the Prime Minister’s residence at Downing Street.

Of the four ships that had been diverted, one limped away damaged with nothing more than a few pieces of flotsam and oil remaining along with the burning dead that had been on deck at the time of the missile impact explosion, a humiliating defeat for one of the larger private navies in the world.


Downing Street, 2 hours later

“Prime Minister I thank you for your cooperation in the affairs of the Company, after the situation in London, Questers I think we can all agree that a world without communism will be a better one both home and abroad.”

“Indeed Lord Roberts.” Replied the Prime Minister sipping his tea from the easy chair by the fireplace.

“The situation will turn most grave for our Soviet enemies and I suspect the Praetonians will change their tune on trade agreement. With the Questerian government in tatters and NATO appearing to accept the offer of a truce I expect world attention to turn away from the war in Haven as we look to find those responsible for the Marxists who influenced the citizens of Questers. You have the Crown and His Majesty’s Governments word that we will not stand idly by as our private protectorates are attacked killing Clandonian citizens and potentially the loss of vital trade.”

“The submarine squadrons have now left the Virgin Islands?”

“Yes Lord Roberts, they left Haven Waters two days ago. I can give you no accurate time, you will have to speak to the Admiralty or someone at the War Office for an accurate picture on their arrival. Also the Allaneans have also offered some support, perhaps they wish themselves to be seen in a better light after the Bombing of London, I don’t know I will speak to Sir Philips about it when he gets back from Newcastleton.”

“Thank you Prime Minister, the Company will repay the government and the Crown in some way once the situation has been controlled.”

And with that Lord Roberts departed back to the Company House to inform the investors that had been summoned for the emergency shareholders meeting that the full power of the Clandonian Royal Navy would be used to destroy every single ship that flew the Soviet flag. With nearly a quarter of the Clandonian Submarine force now on its way to the waters of Nova Europe it would be interesting to see how long before the submarines would be able to plot fire missions on the Soviet navy in its home ports and any other foolish individual national navies that dared to challenge the supremacy of the Royal Navy in its new endeavour in the fight against communism.

---


Official Clandonian Response
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Open Declaration:

His Majesty’s Government has just been informed that prisiely at 13.03 Clandonian Eastern Time that four Minister Class frigates owned by the Clandonian East India Company were attacked with Soviet anti-shipping missiles. In the light of this response and by the orders of His Majesty King William VII, the High Privy Council that the War Office will begin primarilty operations to deploy a signicicant proportion of Royal Navy assets to defend the East India Company as agreed under the 1987 Imperial Shipping Act of which the East India Company is an official Crown-Private partner. We demand that the Soviet government controls their naval forces and overzealous captains. I do not need to remind Mr Alejandro Aszenmil of the consequences should attacks and harassment continue as well as after the situation in London where the true affects of communism were seen with the murder of a significant proportion of the Questerian government and His Majesty’s King William VII’s own blood family. I will and nor will I send any Clandonian official to discuss with murderous tyrants like the communist, the only conference that I would attend is the surrender of The World Soviet Party on a Clandonian battleship surrounded by the burning oily wrecks of the Soviet navy.

God save the King


Prime Minister Sir David Sistilin

"What's the difference between a communist tyrant and a capitalist one? Only the title of the tyrant." - Graffiti found in downtown Trivalviapolis

Trivalvia Military HQ,
GFB Trivalviapolis,
2 hours after the Clandonian Response was broadcast

General Wellington and Admiral Everett sat at a table looking down at the large built-in screen. On the screen was the ocean region where the frigate battle the Resolute had observed took place. Icons representing Clandonian and TWSP ships and missiles moved about the map in a silent dance.

Everett frowned. "Rewind to the battle's beginning please," he told the technician next to him.

They watched the icons repeat their dance in reverse, until the icons vanished from the screen. "And that's it, sir," said the tech. "We don't have any earlier data from the Resolute's logs."

Wellington nodded, noting the time index on the screen. "I think we had a satellite or two in viewing range around that time; can you bring up satellite feeds from... 1610 GMT to one hour earlier? Restrict to this part of the Atlantic."

"Yes sir. This might take a moment..."

"What's on your mind?" Everett asked him.

"History," Wellington said. "Did you study World War II?"

"Some of the naval battles, but what does that have to do with this?"

"Something I remembered about the buildup to that war - well, the events in old Europe, not here. The Germans bordered a nation called Poland, and Hitler wanted an excuse to invade. But, the Polish weren't an obvious threat, nothing to really rally the troops against them.

"So he concocted a plan to make it look like the Poles were planning an invasion. SS troops took prisoners and dressed them in Polish army uniforms, hauled them to the German-Polish border, and gunned them down. Next day, reporters would come to witness the 'latest incident of Polish aggression', and by the end of the week, it would be in papers and newsreels the nation over."

Everett nodded. "I get it. If you're convinced someone is planning to shoot at you, it's a lot easier for you to shoot at them. You think Clandonia's planning something similar?"

"It's a theory," Wellington admitted. "But we need proof."

The tech spoke up. "I've got feed from reconsat 4... it was over that part of the atlantic between 1601 and 1610. Resolution's a little sloppy; 5 meters per pixel."

"Bring it up and loop those ten minutes." The map reappeared, and they watched the footage. "There!" Wellington pointed to the map, as four icons moved into view. "Can you ID those ships?"

"Just a moment..." ID numbers appeared on the screen.

"The same Clandonian frigates... moving into our continental waters," Everett said.

"But no indication on who shot first. So much for a smoking gun," Wellington grumbled. "But at least we know one thing. The Clandonia East India Company was looking for a fight."

Open Declaration

In light of the recent and tragic events in the Nova Atlantic waters, I will be advising Naashan merchant traffic to avoid Clandonian waters, vessels and lands under Clandonian protection, until a full review of the incident has been conducted.

Furthermore, the Naashan 2nd Carrier Group will be deployed to the Nova Atlantic on exercises. Naashan Naval Forces ships and submarines will reserve the right to stop and inspect any vessel owned in Clandonia Prime, and those deemed to be excessively armed are liable to being seized or denied entry to Nova Europan waters.

Signed,
Darren Renner,
Prime Minister.

Atlantic Ocean, Nova European Waters

“Incoming hostile inbound, auto defences targeting!”

Shouted the air defence operators, chatter of the panic as the Soviet made missiles impacted, two of the ships lost over half their crew on the first attack as the heavy 50 mm Wellington CIWS systems failed to intercept the Typhoons, as the captain of the last surviving ship ordered his communications officer to dispatch an urgent SOS to both Company House in Warminster and the Royal Navy hoping for emergency relief as he began a retreat hoping that either he would run into the Royal Navy or a long range Royal Air Force maritime patrol aircraft. Observing the naval skirmish was a RAF Oceanic Recon satellite that had just been launched from a Cheshire Class Battleship some eight thousand kilometres away in the East Indies. During the few minutes after the destruction of several million Crowns worth of Company property several luxury vehicles sped off from the Company House in downtown Warminster in the direction of the War Office and the Prime Minister’s residence at Downing Street.

Of the four ships that had been diverted, one limped away damaged with nothing more than a few pieces of flotsam and oil remaining along with the burning dead that had been on deck at the time of the missile impact explosion, a humiliating defeat for one of the larger private navies in the world.


Downing Street, 2 hours later

“Prime Minister I thank you for your cooperation in the affairs of the Company, after the situation in London, Questers I think we can all agree that a world without communism will be a better one both home and abroad.”

“Indeed Lord Roberts.” Replied the Prime Minister sipping his tea from the easy chair by the fireplace.

“The situation will turn most grave for our Soviet enemies and I suspect the Praetonians will change their tune on trade agreement. With the Questerian government in tatters and NATO appearing to accept the offer of a truce I expect world attention to turn away from the war in Haven as we look to find those responsible for the Marxists who influenced the citizens of Questers. You have the Crown and His Majesty’s Governments word that we will not stand idly by as our private protectorates are attacked killing Clandonian citizens and potentially the loss of vital trade.”

“The submarine squadrons have now left the Virgin Islands?”

“Yes Lord Roberts, they left Haven Waters two days ago. I can give you no accurate time, you will have to speak to the Admiralty or someone at the War Office for an accurate picture on their arrival. Also the Allaneans have also offered some support, perhaps they wish themselves to be seen in a better light after the Bombing of London, I don’t know I will speak to Sir Philips about it when he gets back from Newcastleton.”

“Thank you Prime Minister, the Company will repay the government and the Crown in some way once the situation has been controlled.”

And with that Lord Roberts departed back to the Company House to inform the investors that had been summoned for the emergency shareholders meeting that the full power of the Clandonian Royal Navy would be used to destroy every single ship that flew the Soviet flag. With nearly a quarter of the Clandonian Submarine force now on its way to the waters of Nova Europe it would be interesting to see how long before the submarines would be able to plot fire missions on the Soviet navy in its home ports and any other foolish individual national navies that dared to challenge the supremacy of the Royal Navy in its new endeavour in the fight against communism.

---


Official Clandonian Response
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/madnukedude/clandoniansmallflag.png
Open Declaration:

His Majesty’s Government has just been informed that prisiely at 13.03 Clandonian Eastern Time that four Minister Class frigates owned by the Clandonian East India Company were attacked with Soviet anti-shipping missiles. In the light of this response and by the orders of His Majesty King William VII, the High Privy Council that the War Office will begin primarilty operations to deploy a signicicant proportion of Royal Navy assets to defend the East India Company as agreed under the 1987 Imperial Shipping Act of which the East India Company is an official Crown-Private partner. We demand that the Soviet government controls their naval forces and overzealous captains. I do not need to remind Mr Alejandro Aszenmil of the consequences should attacks and harassment continue as well as after the situation in London where the true affects of communism were seen with the murder of a significant proportion of the Questerian government and His Majesty’s King William VII’s own blood family. I will and nor will I send any Clandonian official to discuss with murderous tyrants like the communist, the only conference that I would attend is the surrender of The World Soviet Party on a Clandonian battleship surrounded by the burning oily wrecks of the Soviet navy.

God save the King


Prime Minister Sir David Sistilin



The crew of the frigates cheered as they saw the Clandonians go up in flames, they were victorious, at least for the moment they were. Still, two frigates were heavily damage and another one was already sinking, so they would have to pick up survivors and head back to port.

--

Official Diplomatic Communique

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x204/Sgt-Alex/OfficialSealTWSP.gif
To: Prime Minister David Sistilin
Copy to: Anyone interested
From: President Alejandro Aszenmil

I will start my letter by confirming your claims, yes, a group of frigates crewed by members of the People's Navy did attack the Clandonian East India Company's vessels, which were too near the mainland for comfort.

Still, they only opened fire after the Minister-Class frigates showed open and hostile behaviour towards the convoy which the People's Navy was escorting as ordered, and they did so following official orders, as per a resolution recently passed which allows any ship belonging to the People's Navy to open fire if a Clandonian ship gets too close without hailing and/or explaining their actions, as the ones belonging to the CEIC did.

I would like to remind you and your fellow countrymen that it is not us, Soviets, which started the hostilities, but your goverment and King (I wont comment on God, as I dont wish this to turn into a theological debate)by declaring an "open-season" on all assets owned or registered in The World Soviet Party.

Furthermore, I would like to add that, even though they could, the People's Navy has not show aggressive behaviour towards any Clandonian asset, unlike your 'posse" of course.

As for the events in Questaria, while tragic, I do not care much about and I can only express my condolences for those innocent killed in the attacks and while not trying to justify them, I am sure that if there was any legal way for a socialist or communist to obtain power in Questaria, these measures would not be needed.

As a closing comment, I say to the Clandonian citizens, you are being lied to, and if you bothered to protect your own rights, you would be capable of seeing how much you are perjudicated by the people you have elected to govern you.

Signed,
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x204/Sgt-Alex/AszenmilSignature.png
Alejandro Aszenmil, President of The World Soviet Party.

Open Declaration

The OoA Supreme Governing Council has voted, in overwhelming Numbers, to Condemn this severe breach in The World Soviet Party's Free Trade. TWSP has done nothing wrong. Piracy should not be supported in any sense as it destabilizes Free Trade Between nations. This Allowance of Piracy will not be tolerated. If any further aggression is taken by these Clandonian Pirates, they will be declared Enemies of the Empire and will put into Motion a Purge of Piracy on the Part of The OoA.

Sincerely,
Jefferson Davis
Emperor of The OoA
High Chairman of The Supreme Governing Council

Official Clandonian Response
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Open Declaration:

His Majesty's Government strongly warns the Naashan government that any attempts to search or board Clandonian vessels will be me with severe reparations upon Naashan fiscal and political institutions. The might of the full Crown will used to defend state and private assets that are under protection of the Royal Navy.

And finally to the Soviets, the deaths of the Questerian and Praetonian officials will be thoroughly, investigated the words you used will haunt your people with the support of Bolshevik murders, something we will not tolerate when they have damaged our two most dearest allies. These words will be remembered and should we or our allies in the Royal Georgian League and Questrian Commonwealth find that members of the Soviet Commonwealth had involvement then I show you the consequences of the defeat of the NATO navies in Haven or the victorious Questerian infantry on the Northern Allanean front. Clandonian people do not sway to communist lies, they are loyal citizens who believe in King and Country, ready to die in the defence of the Crown and her Protectorates.

And the The Order of America, perhaps your time being threatened as a member of EVIL has worn off, your statist government has no idea on the terms of free trade let alone does it have any right to inform moderate maritime powers that they will be attacked, I will be more than happy to give my Captains and Commodores the authorization orders for the Royal Navy nuclear force.


God save the King


Prime Minister Sir David Sistilin

OOC: CP, could you post the ORBAT for your battleship squadrons, please.

2x Fast Battleship Squadron - 'Merchant Protectors’ and 'Londons Boys'

2x Victorious-class BCN

2x Lion Class Missile Cruiser
Aircraft Compliment: 2x HV4 Goshawk Helicopter

2x Broadsword Class Anti-Air Battlecruiser

4x Praefele Class DDN
Aircraft Compliment: 1x HV4 Goshawk Helicopter

8x Minister Class FFN
Aircraft Compliment: 1x HV4 Goshawk Helicopter


Total Number of Vessels: 14

So this is a basic standard CRN fast battleship squadron, there are two of these in the area which are now going at full pelt to get there as fast as possible.

Kosh Conference Centre, Sussex

With opening statements concluded, and the first round of negotiations over, many of the delegates at the Sussex Conference were unwinding with drinks and h'or dourves. Generals and politicians took the time to talk shop either among themselves or with some of their opposite numbers in the other delegations. It was here that William MacKenzie decided to speak with World Soviet Party President Aszenmil with regards to the Clandonia Prime situation.

His aide, Samantha, arrived with a flash drive. "Our latest report on the Clandonian incident. There's another report, preliminary only, about some of Clandonia's own accusations."

MacKenzie took the drive, and attached it to his minder, browsing over the contents. "Thank you, Samantha. What about our observer force?"

"On their way back to Quadrivalve Island NFB for refuelling. So far, the naval situation is quiet. Admiral Everett is recommending we send the task force out again to patrol our outer territorial waters."

"Show the flag, hm?" MacKenzie nodded. "Okay. Have them keep close to the Ackistani border - if we need to send ships to aid Soviet civilian vessels I want them to be as close as possible."

"Yes sir," Samantha turned and left.

MacKenzie took a moment to skim through the latter report - Clandonia had accused the World Soviet Party of supporting communist revolutionaries in Questeria and Praetonia, it seemed. TSIS had placed several caveats on some of the items mentioned; the Harrington years had deprived the intelligence agency of many of its overseas assets.

Well, perhaps we can get some answers from the man himself. MacKenzie spotted the Soviet President. "Mr. Aszenmil!" he called out, smiling. "If I could have a word with you..."

Well, perhaps we can get some answers from the man himself. MacKenzie spotted the Soviet President. "Mr. Aszenmil!" he called out, smiling. "If I could have a word with you..."

President Aszenmil took some time to realize he was being talked to, as he was busy reading a Cynapsian phamplet, however, he soon raised his head and looked straight at MacKenzie.

"Of course, what can I do for our Trivalvian friends today?"

MacKenzie indicated a table, relatively out of the way, and they sat down. "I am concerned about this situation with Clandonia," he said. "Between the intrusion of those frigates to create an incident between your nation and theirs, and the wording of their declaration, I fear that we're looking at a potential war. If so, this conference may become all the more important, even if," MacKenzie paused, shamefaced, "we got off on the wrong foot.

"However, I would like to know if our concerns match yours; plainly, are we headed for a war, here?"

My nation has never been associated with such an alliance. Whoever informed you of this information was a sadly misinformed individual. We supported those who wished to destroy the alliance and have condemned them repeatedly. Fortunatly that disgusting organization was disbanded. Your claims of our operation of a Command Economy is a lie. Our nation has stated repeatedly that WE ALLOW FREE TRADE. Our nation is an autocracy not a dictatorship. The economy belongs to the People not The government. You threats of warfare against our nation is to say the least laughable. We do not fear you. We are a member of The Soviet Commonwealth and we will fight and push through as we have done on many occasions. Due to your uncharacteristic Aggression towards my nation and other Member of the Soviet Commonwealth we now issue a Warning to all ships sailing under the Flag of Clandonia Prime:

Your Ships are Not Welcome Here.

Any Ship who enters an OoA port under your flag will be seized and Searched.

Official Clandonian Response
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Open Declaration:

His Majesty's Government views the current administration of The Order of America with extreme distrust because of the membership of the Soviet Commonwealth which under its charter controls the signatories economy, this is therefore a centrally planned macroeconomic system on an alliance wide scale. If a Soviet Commonwealth or associated vessel attacks any Clandonian or our great allies of Praetonia and Questers then we will use the full power of the Crown military to eliminate the threat. Much that I doubt any private company that is registered under the Crown trades with communists then should you attack then they will be allowed to respond with whatever force they see fit to unleash.

We await the Soviet communication on their next response, we assume they are still trying to manifest a Bolshevik propaganda filled piece of debacherous slander against the free world.


God save the King


Prime Minister Sir David Sistilin

Snip

"Your call sir, do we answer?"

"Nah, no point, they only get more annoying with each communique"

"Aye sir"

MacKenzie indicated a table, relatively out of the way, and they sat down. "I am concerned about this situation with Clandonia," he said. "Between the intrusion of those frigates to create an incident between your nation and theirs, and the wording of their declaration, I fear that we're looking at a potential war. If so, this conference may become all the more important, even if," MacKenzie paused, shamefaced, "we got off on the wrong foot.

"However, I would like to know if our concerns match yours; plainly, are we headed for a war, here?"

"Well, it takes two nations to stop a war, but only one to start it. And the Clandonians dont look like they want peace.

Yes, I'm against war, I dont want war, but if the Clandonians keep pushing us, then we'll have to start pushing back."

http://www.teachingreligion.com/images/satanism.gif
Official Olmedrecan Statement

Olmedreca finds aggressive rhetorics of The Order of America as completely unneccessary and suggests your irrelevant nation to learn your place. Otherwise you may face direct consequences of your actions.

Olmedrecan Foreign Ministry

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From the Office of the President of the Republic and Lord Chancellor of the Commonwealths


We are surpised by these events by Clandonia against TWSP. We will not condemn or commend the actions but we will issue a closing of our waters to Clandonia and it's pirate thugs. From now on and until we can insure that there is no threat, Under the Federal Coastal Enforcement Act of 1812, all military vessels of Clandonia and it's ruled parties are forbidden into Wolfenhalle waters. Any violations of this act we result in the offending vessels to be seized and the crews tried as pirates.

Signed,
Walter Wolfenhowser
President of the Republic and Lord Chancellor of the Commonwealths