The Tranderson Codes [Archive]

St Fabian

30-01-2008, 02:51

The Tranderson Codes

By order of His Lordship, Stephon Von Tranderson,

From this time one, the following codes shall be the law of the land, and all who disobey them shall be put to the accompanying punishment,

I. Only those in the direct service of His Lordship's military shall be permitted to own a firearm. Anyone who is not, and is found in the possession of a firearm shall be put to public execution.
II. Only those holding a title of Honor, or Nobility shall be permitted to own land, or property.
III. All children must be born in a hospital. Any children found to have not been born in a hospital, shall be put to public execution, as shall they're parents.
IV. All hospitals shall be owned and operated by His Lordship. Any others found operating shall be shutdown, and those operating them shall be put to public execution.
V. All girls born, shall immediately become the property of His Lordship. Any that are found to be hidden for His Lordship, shall be put to public execution, as shall they're parents.
VI. His Lordship shall determine who marries who. Anyone found marring without the permission of His Lordship, shall be put to public execution.
VII. All boy's shall become a man on they're 15th birthday, one which they shall marry they're pre-chosen wife, who shall be three years his senior, and sex with they're new wife. Any boy's found to be 15 or older, and also found to have never married, shall be put to public execution. Any wife found to be a virgin, after they're wedding night shall be put to death, along with her husband.
VIII. Men with a title or honor, or nobility, who have attained the age of 16, and whose wife is pregnant, or has had a child with him, may request another wife from His Lordship. They may request as many wives as they wish, as long as all they're other wives have had at least one child with him. His Lordship shall review all requests, and determine them based on his own standards. Any couples who fail to have at least one child by the age of 20, shall be put to public execution.
IX. All men who have attained the age of 15 have the following rights:
The right to drive a motor vehicle
The right to smoke tobacco, in any form
The right to drink alcohol
The attend royal ceremonies
Woman have no rights, and cannot leave they're homes, unless they're husband is present, or one of they're sons, who is at least 15 years of age. If a woman is found outside of her home without a male to escort her, shall be put to public execution, as shall her husband, and all of his offspring. If a womans husband dies shall be put to public execution.
X. All men with a title of Honor or Nobility have the following rights,
The right to an audience with His Lordship
The right to higher others to work his land, and service his home or business
The right to demand taxes from those who work his land, or service his home or business
The right to a fair trial before a jury of his peers
The right to reprimand those who work his land, or service his home or business in any way he sees fit
The right to request protection for his land from His Lordship's military
The right to leave the nation and return as he likes
The right to pass his assets on to his children, along with a titles of Nobility, as determined by His Lordship
XI. His Lordship reserves the right to add other laws and penalties to this document, as he sees fit. Anyone found defacing this document, or mocking His Lordship, shall be put to public execution.

Blekova

30-01-2008, 12:00

To St Fabian

The Blekovan government has to condemn this code. The leader isnt bound by any laws or constitution he acts as an absolute dictator. do the people approve of this code? we predict a lot of executions in your country. Look at the international standard of human rights
also why with the punishment of executions for everything?
Do they have a trial? a strange code of laws. We would even go so far as to say We would rather live under Pol Pot in Cambodia then in your country.
Other then that we hope your economy prospers and gives everyone a rich live to make up for the lack of human rights

McPsychoville

30-01-2008, 13:56

The McPsychovillian government, on the other hand, commends the creation of this code - a code of laws is a fundamental cornerstone of a working society. Just as it is not our place to say what a nation and it's leader can and cannot impose on its citizens, nor is it that of the international community. I, too, predict many, many public executions and riots to add to that, and look forward to reading about the overthrow and public humiliation, punishment and execution of His Lordship, Stephon Von Tranderson, in my morning copy of the London Sun-Times.

Romandeos

30-01-2008, 15:50

OOC:

Reminds me of the Codex Hammurabi. Everybody dies for everything.

IC:

Imperial Diplomatic Communication:

Her Imperial Majesty's Government can not support this code. For one thing, it contains within it several articles which are, for want of a better term, just ludicrous. Killing all babies not born in a hospital? What of the situations when it is not possible for the parents to reach a hospital in time?

Killing any wife found to be a virgin following her wedding night, or a man who is not married once he turns fifteen regardless of specific circumstances?

Denying women rights is not a way to make many friends.

Now, in the true spirit of protest, I shall break a regulation of this code...

His Lordship is an imbecile.

~ Diplomatic Representative Robin Eames of the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos.

Tanaara

30-01-2008, 16:46

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We hold these truths to be self evident. Men and women are created equal...

And as the elected Monarch of the Domination of Tanaara, I find your Codes simply unsupportable. But as others have mentioned, it's your right to be an insensitive ass to your people, though I am sure they deserve better.

These are just personal opinions...

Killing...NO! MURDERING infants because of where they were not born? When an Infant has no choice about where it is born. Stupidity of the highest order

Killing men because they don't marry at 15? and women who are still virgin after their wedding night ? Worse than simply stupid, going into psychotically ridiculous...or are you simply channeling the Joker?

How much of what mind altering ( though I doubt you had a mind to begin with ) substances have you been taking? And your parents ought to be ashamed for having given birth to you, as you are a disgrace to the human race. Of course you yourself sound like nothing more than a fifteen year old with severe acne and such poor social skills you have to legislate yourself a bedpartner, and to hide your shame are foisting this "Code" upon every one else in your benighted realm.

Clearly Lord ( though you have no nobility inherent in you, that is most disgustingly obvious ) Stephon Von Tranderson you are indeed an idiot, and worthy ONLY of mockery

So come and get me for you specious execution if you dare. I have an entire nation that will back me up and mock you from here to eternity.

HM QUEEN Mercedez Merrideath Hexx

Dostanuot Loj

30-01-2008, 17:21

Romandeos

30-01-2008, 17:24

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Open Declaration of the Dictorial Republic of Sumer

Let it be known that the Dictorial Republic has removed all recognition of soviergnty from the nation of St Fabian. As of this moment St Fabian is no longer recognised as a country, its laws and political structures considered those of a terrorist group, and its leader a terrorist.

Furthermore, the Civil Senate has seen fit to declare amnisty to all St Fabian women and girls, regardless of age and marriage status. The Dictorial Republic will provide, free of charge, transit to women wishing to escape this terrorist group's archaic laws, protection to them, as well as housing and sustinance while under amnesty. These women may seek Sumerian citizenship through a special fast-track office to be set up for them by the Office of Internal Affairs, or will be transited to a nation of their choosing, free of charge to themselves.

Any attempts to harm Sumerian aid workers enforcing this declaration will be considered an act of terrorisim at the hands of the St Fabian terrorists, and an act of war against the Dictorial Republic. Retaliation will be swift and brutal if nessecary.

While we hope to see other nations take up the call of human, and especially women's, rights we are prepared to take thie endeavour on alone if need be.

- Head of State, Dictator of Sumer, Priestess of Inanna,
Ridingir Kisikil Dumumiapuabiak Dumuaninatumak Urukak Leshbarkingdu Kalamak Ninuru

Signed: Kisikil Ninatuma

Imperial Proclamation:

You will not be alone. We will second the offers of amnesty, with like terms in Romandeos, the single difference being that our offer includes those men and boys living in St Fabian as well. All people accepting this offer will be granted immediate amnesty, and a chance to take up residence in the IFSR, or transit in to a country of their choosing that will have them, at no personal cost.

Further, we join the DRS in refusing to recognize St Fabian as anything but a horrible terrorist organization, and its leaders, terrorists of the worst sort.

Romandeos also declares that any attempts to harm, or interfere with, Romandeosian, Sumerian, or Tanaaran aid workers will be considered an act of terrorisim by the Saint Fabian terrorist organization, and an act of war against the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos.

~ Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja Lockeheart I of the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos

Tanara

30-01-2008, 17:58

Thank you High Lady Priestess Ninatuma, of the DRS, and her Imperial Majesty Queen Lockeheart of the IFSR for you most excellent reaction to this barbarity, and The Domination of Tanaara will join you in offering sanctuary and aide to those living under this wretched tyrany and oppression.

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We, the united peoples of the Domination of Tanaara, declines and denies all recognition of Sovereignty of the so called nation of Saint Fabian. As of this signatory Saint Fabian is no longer recognised as governmental polity, a nation or a country, its laws and political structures considered no other than a terrorist organization, and its leader a terrorist. It's leadership the Ci-devant self styled Lord Stephon Von Tranderson Be warned...

All residents of the area previously known as Saint Fabian - no mater their age, marital status, gender, religious belief, or criminality under those abhorrent Codes -will be granted sanctuary, amnesty, aide, shelter and transit to Tanaara or the nation of their choice without personal cost.

Any attempts to harm, or interfere with, Tanaaran aid workers acting under the auspices of this declaration will be considered an act of terrorisim by the Saint Fabian terrorist organization, and an act of war against the Domination of Tanaara.

By this my Hand,
Mercedez Merrideath Hexx, Regina

Wagdog

30-01-2008, 18:06

SIC
Gate 28, Tailville DR International Airport; Tailville DR, Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog
"You've got to be kidding me!" Stewardess Christine Friedrich whispered to herself almost aloud as she checked the relevant State Department email on her PDA. Taking it back to thought as proper, she continued. This 'St. Fabian' hellholle publishes one of the most medieval constitutions I've yet seen, which is saying something considering how fashionable arch-reactionarism seems to be of late, and broadcasts it to the world? Do they actually WANT someone to come after them for their next atrocity once they put this into public practice?

She sighed, comprehending what was at root here, and again lapsing into quietly resigned exterior monologue, "Just another self-appointed monarch with a God Complex running around, that and a serious craving for attention he doesn't deserve." She'd seen the type before, indeed had even helped her husband lead the nation to war against one as part of its' international debut; nothing worth undue stress or ignorance either. Seeing as she didn't want to spoil Animarnian President Rene Shondel's visit with a crisis, Christine decided that merely backing the extant condemnations in spirit would do. Something appropriately ominous and disugsted, but not committing to more than was required; plus perhaps something that could take the Revolutionary Commonwealth's relations with certain key nations to new levels even...

IC
Open Declaration of the Revolutionary Commonwealth
So as not to belabor the point, I stand with all of my friends in power in Sumer, Romandeos, Tanaara, and elsewhere who see fit to condemn St. Fabian's moronic codes as recently enacted. Enaction and glorification of summary and brutal execution as the only form of punishment, frequently collectively so at that, for any of a number of offenses all of which evidence a clear design to render the St. Fabianese people into an absolute and merciless despotism amounting nigh unto de-facto slavery, points to the work of a purported Lord who clearly has no grasp of the finer points of ruling a land. One would hope said Lord at least has grasp of what would happen were he to apply such threats of 'punishment' to the citizens other nations who 'disobey' his 'law', for indeed such would swiftly be the end of him I daresay.

Be grateful that you have kept this foolery to yourself so far, Mister Stephon von Tranderson; your sovereignty (such as it is) indeed allows you this much while denying me the right to come upon you with my hosts and dispensing with you preemptively as I might otherwise prefer. However, as head of a nation with a long record of commitment to human rights of all races, creeds and genders, mind you take heed of this from me all the same even as you rule within your own little Hell. I will look most poorly upon any attempt by your government to expand this ludicrous code of "law" unto any lands not so deluded as to voluntarily request it by some unlikely leap of self-destructive impulse. And I will also look equally poorly upon attempts of yours to interfere with the safe emigration of any from your citizens who might deign to seek shelter in Wagdog or anywhere else freer than St. Fabian they may desire, the degree of my nation's increased displeasure being in direct measure to the degree of your regime's interference.

For now, our policies will closely follow those of the Dictatorial Republic and Imperial Federated States; while closely respecting that of the Domination as well. We offer amnesty and safe conduct to all St. Fabianese who desire it, without hostility to the current regime provided it does not interfere with this process once begun. Said regime, though we will grant that it does exist in the narrow sense, we do not desire any particular relations with outside of this proposed humanitarian effort; and indeed regard as a rogue entity worthy of the greatest suspicion until such time as its' people take heed of their own plight and empower better guardians for their own inalienable rights. Aside from cooperation with our requests on your people's behalf, frankly, we desire only that your so-called "government" keep as far away from our lands and citizens as possible.

Sincerely in Disappointment,
Christine L. Friedrich
Stewardess of the Revolution, Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog
Secretary-President, RCW Supreme Directory

Northern Rangeria

30-01-2008, 18:20

+++++ Official Communique of the Office of the Prince, Principality of Northern Rangeria +++++

To Her Majesty the Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx of the Nation of Tanaara, the DRS Head of State, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja Lockeheart I of the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos, Stewardess Christine L. Friedrich of the Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog & Lord Stephon Von Sanderson of the Nation of St Fabian

While it is the Principality's firm belief that each nation be allowed to handle their domestic issues in a manner they see fit, this transgression of the internationally acknowledged and thus irrefutable rights on the part of St Fabian is unacceptable.

As of this moment, Northern Rangeria will evacuate all Her citizens and their dependants from St Fabian. We also offer our assistance to our Tanaaran brothers and sisters in their process of evacuation. We offer transportation and asylum any Tanaaran-approved citizen of St Fabian to Tanaara or Northern Rangeria from whence they can relocate to a nation of their choosing, as well as a chance to earn the citizenship of Northern Rangeria as colonists in either Uusmaa or Our new colonies of Alania, Eden, Gidsisle or Mikhailsland.

Any and all attempts by St Fabian to interfere in the evacuation process will be considered an act of war against the Principality and Her allies.

We request an immediate answer.

Signed,

Prince Mikhail IV
Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Colonies, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St Gid of the Greens.

Tanaara

30-01-2008, 18:47

Unto: Prince Mikhail IV,
Lord of Northern Rangeria;

From: Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx,
Domination of Tanaara;

Your Highness I wish to thank you for your prompt response. Fortuantely we of the Domination had not established any alliance with, or ambassadorial status with, or fiducary interweavin with with Saint Fabien. These 'Codes' have definitely earned them a place on our 'Do Not Play With' list. So the evacuation of any holding Tanaaran passports, or Citizenship, or Residence should proceed quickly and quitely as they are hopefully small in number.

However please do not think that your offer of aid is unappreciated! I can not tell you how much it lightens my spirit to know that others stand with us against such narrow minded bigotry that effectively enslaves half of the population subjected to it. Your offer of transportation, assylum and eventual citizenship if desired will I am sure be taken up by many

Mercedez Merrideath Hexx
Regina

Etoile Arcture

30-01-2008, 19:44

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Official Diplomatic Communiqué

The Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture condemns in its entirely the full text of the Tranderson Codes and the articles contained therein, finding it repugnant, discriminatory and an affront to basic human rights, personal freedoms, political liberty and the rule of law.

In the opinions of the lawmakers and legal experts of the Technocracy, the declaration of the Tranderson Codes - or, as it is being described in the Etoilian press, the "Travesty Codes" - is little more than a barely disguised attempt by an insane sovereign to justify to the international community the enslavement of his own people. These so-called code of laws are clearly designed to reduce the citizens of St. Fabian to being little more than the vassals and playthings of a capricious monarch who mistakenly believes power and respect flows exclusively from who holds the power of life and death. As such, we refuse to recognise the legitimacy of such a government and place it on the human rights watch list of the Free World Alliance.

The Technocracy additionally joins those nations offering shelter within their borders for those escaping from the repression, persecution and hardship that these Travesty Tranderson Codes will wrought, and will grant refugee status and citizenship upon due consideration to citizens of St. Fabian. We also echo the warnings of the Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog that any attempt by the ruler of St. Fabian to extend its influence beyond its sovereign territorial borders and introduce such backward and barbaric laws elsewhere in the world will be met with the strongest response by the Technocracy.

Dr. Helena Smith, Director General of Diplomatic Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

St Fabian

30-01-2008, 23:10

To All Nations Who Protest the Tranderson Codes,

We would never attempt to forces our ideas on other nations. These are our laws, and most of the practices have been in existence for over a thousand years. In fact, these laws actually grant more freedom. They allow all men to drink alcohol, and smoke tobacco. You object to some of the oldest laws of our land. Also, we will not interfere with you removing your citizens from within our boarders, and will, for this one time only, allow you to take as many will go with you to your nation, but will limit the amount of time we shall allow this, otherwise it could cause a sever strain on our economy. The nobles have come together, and agreed to this, you have one week to take as many citizens as will go with you, you may not force any who do not wish to. We hope that this misunderstanding will not prevent further diplomatic relations between our nation and yours.

Signed,
Count D'Money,
Royal Treasurer,
The Kingdom of St Fabian

Imperial Diplomatic Communication:

Her Imperial Majesty's Government can not support this code. For one thing, it contains within it several articles which are, for want of a better term, just ludicrous. Killing all babies not born in a hospital? What of the situations when it is not possible for the parents to reach a hospital in time?

Killing any wife found to be a virgin following her wedding night, or a man who is not married once he turns fifteen regardless of specific circumstances?

Denying women rights is not a way to make many friends.

Now, in the true spirit of protest, I shall break a regulation of this code...

His Lordship is an imbecile.

~ Diplomatic Representative Robin Eames of the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos.

To Robin Eames,

And you have every right to break the code, as you are not a citizen of our nation. As for your comment on the hospital situation, once they become pregnant, they should be in the care of a doctor, also we have many hospitals across the nation, it is nearly impossible to not be able to reach a hospital in time, and there is some interpretation in this code, we simply meant, that the baby needed to be in a hospital after it is born, to ensure it is okay. I hope you understand.

Signed,
Count D'Money,
Royal Treasurer,
The Kingdom of St Fabian

The McPsychovillian government, on the other hand, commends the creation of this code - a code of laws is a fundamental cornerstone of a working society. Just as it is not our place to say what a nation and it's leader can and cannot impose on its citizens, nor is it that of the international community. I, too, predict many, many public executions and riots to add to that, and look forward to reading about the overthrow and public humiliation, punishment and execution of His Lordship, Stephon Von Tranderson, in my morning copy of the London Sun-Times.

To the McPsychovillian Government,

We thank you for your commendation, and His Lordship wishes to apologize, as he could not write this letter personally, as he is currently overseeing the hangings of a men that were found to be in possession of firearms.

Signed,
Count D'Money,
Royal Treasurer,
The Kingdom of St Fabian

+++++ Official Communique of the Office of the Prince, Principality of Northern Rangeria +++++

To Her Majesty the Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx of the Nation of Tanaara, the DRS Head of State, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja Lockeheart I of the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos, Stewardess Christine L. Friedrich of the Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog & Lord Stephon Von Sanderson of the Nation of St Fabian

While it is the Principality's firm belief that each nation be allowed to handle their domestic issues in a manner they see fit, this transgression of the internationally acknowledged and thus irrefutable rights on the part of St Fabian is unacceptable.

As of this moment, Northern Rangeria will evacuate all Her citizens and their dependants from St Fabian. We also offer our assistance to our Tanaaran brothers and sisters in their process of evacuation. We offer transportation and asylum any Tanaaran-approved citizen of St Fabian to Tanaara or Northern Rangeria from whence they can relocate to a nation of their choosing, as well as a chance to earn the citizenship of Northern Rangeria as colonists in either Uusmaa or Our new colonies of Alania, Eden, Gidsisle or Mikhailsland.

Any and all attempts by St Fabian to interfere in the evacuation process will be considered an act of war against the Principality and Her allies.

We request an immediate answer.

Signed,

Prince Mikhail IV
Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Colonies, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St Gid of the Greens.

To Prince Mikhail IV,

We will not attempt to stop you from evacuating your citizens, though we do not know why, as foreign citizens are not subject to the Tranderson Codes. We also give you the same offer, that we mentioned in our post to the world.

Signed,
Count D'Money,
Royal Treasurer,
The Kingdom of St Fabian

Romandeos

31-01-2008, 02:21

OOC:

Nicely played, St Fabian.

IC:

Imperial Diplomatic Communication:

Mr. Tranderson,

I thank you for agreeing to grant this grace period, for want of a more suited term, in which those citizens of Saint Fabian may leave with us if they should happen to desire this.

For the purpose of evacuating those few Romandeosian Citizens now residing in Saint Fabian, and those indigenous peoples desiring transport elsewhere, it has been decided to deploy the 1st Quick Strike Flotilla, escorting a fleet of a half dozen requisitioned merchantmen to international waters off Saint Fabian immediately. We request permission for civilian airliners to land in Saint Fabian in order to evacuate those persons wishing to leave who cannot reach a port in time to find room aboard the merchant ships. The warships of the QSF shall keep to international waters so long as the six merchantmen are not hazarded.

Having dealt with that, I am instructed by my Empress to remind you, the law may well be old, but it can still be dead wrong. This hospital issue is explaned neatly enough to satisfy us for now, but we urge you to understand that this life is too often hard to predict. Further, such a punishment is far too severe.

Regarding the other, still unjustified laws, it is my nation's opinion that such a law as exists in Saint Fabian, requiring marriages and killing any woman who is not de-flowered on her wedding night, can never be justified. The same holds in our minds for the majority of these codes. I am a woman, sir, and such law is horribly offensive not simply to myself, but to all free peoples.

~ Diplomatic Representative Robin Eames of the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos.

OOC:

I'll post something failry soon showing my operations in St. Fabian.

Northern Rangeria

31-01-2008, 02:39

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
40 Calew Avenue, Halsanki
Principality of Northern Rangeria

To Count D'Money, Royal Treasurer of the Kingdom of St Fabian

We accept these terms, though we must also insist that vessels and planes of Northern Rangeria and other evacuating nations be given priority at harbours and international airports.

As we speak, we have dispatched aeroplanes from KATK Orion, one of our near-space ships to St Fabian airspace to drop leaflets informing St Fabian population of this evacuation process. We have also purchased air-time from radio and television companies to spread this message.

Ships from the Fifth Battle Group of the Royal Navy are escorting ships towards St Fabian waters, and will remain on international waters as long as the evacuation process is not hindered. Northern Rangerian Defence Corps will also immediately dispatch transport planes to major St Fabian airports for evacuation.

On behalf of His Highness Prince Mikhail IV, Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Colonies, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St Gid of the Greens,

Duke Stapani Aalthone
Minister of the Exterior

**********************************************

If anything can be said of the Northern Rangerians, it is that they never wasted time. In a matter of hours after the official communique, leaflets began to fall from the skies in the countryside, and television and radio broadcasting companies began to inform the populace about the offer of evacuation, while also requesting that the evacuees remain calm.

Soon, the grey ships of the Fifth Battle Group appeared on the maritime border, stopping just at the border as a fleet of merchant vessels and transport ships crossed the border, spreading out towards various St Fabian harbors. Over them flew a squadron of heavy transport planes from the Northern Rangerian Defence Corps, as well as any NorRangAir airplane that the national air travel company could have give. Among them flew also private planes quickly marked with the blue cross on white - the colours of the Principality's flag.

Evacuation had begun.

Dostanuot Loj

31-01-2008, 04:49

The Grand World Order

31-01-2008, 05:25

While the Grand World Order is glad that laws have been made, there are a few articles that are of question.

1: Most crimes carry death as a punishment.
2: While the GWO is politically (And somewhat racial, as kitsunes/furries and other creatures made by human-animal intercourse are oppressed) Fascist, and it's citizens are commonly racist, we do not limit women. However, we do not use Affirmative Action, because that is far worse than racism/sexism could ever be.
3: With the said reproduction laws, what happens if the male has an accident and loses his testicles? Or if he is infertile?
4: Also with those reproduction laws, the agricultural demands will climb faster than you will be able to handle, and you'll end up with famines. And, you'll end up having to limit households.

Tanaara

31-01-2008, 07:17

and there is some interpretation in this code, we simply meant, that the baby needed to be in a hospital after it is born, to ensure it is okay. I hope you understand.

"So you are going to murder an infant for what it's parents fail to do. Oh so very sensible of you. Execute a woman because her husband fails to deflower her? Oh so very just. Murder a female infant if her parents fail to turn her over to that pervert!" Mercy snarled, angrier than ever and the so called explainations were, in her view, purest fabrication and utterly without defensible logic. "Any couples who fail to have at least one child by the age of 20, shall be put to public execution....Good Goddess has the man never heard of infertility? His only punishment is kill, and kill and kill again."

"Will not some one rid us of this blight on humanity!" Then she drew a deep breath and prayed for one exuse, one small excuse for war.

The orders went out to aid and abet the activities of Northern Rangeria, Sumer, Romandeos and any others taking those of the pace previously called Saint Fabia away from that hell hole. Three of the great hospital ships were dispatched, along with the naval fleet that usually provided protective escort, as were hypersonic transports and antigrav passenger and cargo shuttles.

Deep in space unsleeping eyes were repossitioned over the area, the weapons platforms and other sections of the military going to full alert.

Unto:
Duke Stapani Aalthone
Minister of the Exterior
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
40 Calew Avenue, Halsanki
Principality of Northern Rangeria

From:
Lord Sinjin Kincannon
Minister of State
Mont Royal
Montgaurd, Tanaara

Please be advised that vessels, aricraft and space craft bearing the flag of the Somination will be arriving ' St. Fabian' asap to assisst with the evacuation. We have been informed that your government has already begun a leaflet drop and has bought air time. We would like to recompense you for your efforts, if you will contact us reguarding total cost we would gladly cover 50%. Also, would it be possible to add in the fact, to your broadcasts, that any ship, airplane or shuttle bearing our insignia is there for any who wish transport?
We have dispatched three of our hospital ships and the protective escort that normally accompanies them. Our hospital ships are ideal for housing families, and the edlerly or infirm. Additionally our national airline has diverted half it's fleet from operations and dedicated them to the evacuation.

Plese feel free to contact me personally if there is anything more we can do.

~Kincannon~

Allanea

31-01-2008, 09:45

Official Announcement of the United States of Allanea

Unlike some people, we have a genuine concern for individual liberty, and as such, we will immediately take action to liberate the people of St. Fabian. Under the St. Fabian Liberation Act, we authorize the following:

1. As his Lordship, Stephon Von Anderson, violates the undeniable and unalienable right of individuals to keep and bear arms, we order the deployment of 5 carrier battle groups (http://z12.invisionfree.com/Allanea/index.php?showtopic=4&view=findpost&p=1931767) and 5 force projection battlegroups (http://z12.invisionfree.com/Allanea/index.php?showtopic=4&view=findpost&p=1852492) to a location 1 mile outside St. Fabianian territorial waters.

2. As his lordship, Stephon Von Anderson, violates the undeniable and unalienable right of individuals to own private property, we order the additional deployment of task force Zealot (http://z12.invisionfree.com/Allanea/index.php?showtopic=4&view=findpost&p=6741006) to that same location.

3. As his lordship, Stephon Von Anderson, violates the undeniable and unalienable right of individuals to live, the First Charlton Heston Air Armada will be en route to St. Fabian.

4. As his lordship, Stephon Von Anderson, violates the undeniable and unalienable right of individuals to own their very own bodies, the United States of Allanea hereby declares a bounty upon his head to the sum of ten billion dollars, to be funded by voluntary donations.

5. As his lordship, Stephon Von Anderson, violates the undeniable and unalienable right of individuals to be equal before the law, and operates chattel slavery of women, we hereby deploy 15 ortillery sattelites in approach of killing orbits of his nation, prepared to strike.

6. As his lordship, Stephon Von Anderson, violates the undeniable and unalienable right of individuals to be free and choose their sex partners, the Marine Corps will be put on standby.

7. As his lordship, Stephon Von Anderson, by his legislative efforts encourage husbands to rape their wives on pain of death, the United States of Allanea shall declare an ultimatum again him. He will repeal these laws within 5 hours, or he will be killed and his government laid low.

8. As his lordship, Stephon Von Anderson, violates the right of individual sapients to choose their sex partners and have children, or not have them, the Congress of Allanea have decided to authorize the Executive Branch to use any other weapons they may see fit to crush, defeat, and destroy the government of St. Fabian, up to and including complete annihilation of all that said Stephon Von Anderson holds dear.

9. For the violation of the rights of women inherent in Paragraph 9 of his edict, should Stephon von Anderson be captured alive by the Allanean Army, he Stephon Von Anderson, shall be flayed alive, his body parts auctioned, and his skull made into a decorative cup.

10. Given the violation of sapient, civil, unalienable, undeniable, and God-Given rights inherent in the original edict, all St. Fabianian men with a title of Honor or Nobility that do not renounce the edict within the next 48 hours shall be executed on sight by the Allanean military.

11. Given the violation of sapient, civil, unalienable, undeniable, and God-Given rights inherent in the original edict and the violations of the unalienable right to free speech inherent in Paragraph 11, we attach hereby video of several of our Congressmen wiping their bottoms with copies of the edict as they mock the leader of St. Fabian and make references to the size of his brain and other key organs.

That is all.

May God bless Allanea.

Catawaba

31-01-2008, 09:58

The People's House
1 Taung Plaza, Graceland
The Armed Republic of Catawaba

It was all Alpha Mirade Errant could do not to spit his morning coffee over the the copy of the Tranderson Codes before him. "You gotta be kidding me," he impored.

Across from the Alpha Miraade, a Taung woman, her dark skin weathered and leathered by age, sat relaxed in a deep cushioned chair. Her sightless eyes stared in the vecinity of her leader. "No, Jedith, some leaders, unlike you, are quite serious in their madness." She spoke warmly to him, grandmotherly, yet her tone was instructing like a teacher with a young pupil.

Errant glanced up at the use of his first name. She was one of the few people who used it. Of course, she didn't think of him as anything special. He was just another miraade, a chieftain. Perhaps he was a chieftain of an entire nation made of Tuang and Catawabans and that made him a miraade amongst miraades, an alpha just like a pack of vornskrari. However, she was an old woman and had, well not seen, but certainly endured many miraades. So one more was not that significant, though she liked this one.

Errant flung the papers away from him. "That is just what this is. Madness!" He shook his head. "I like being male. A lot of good things come with it, no offense, Lolimba." The old blind woman shrugged. "But this...dear God, I wouldn't want to be a man in this."

"You wouldn't be, my boy. You would be dead already. You were not born in a hospital but your mother's hut. Also, you are now twenty-eight and have not yet married." Lolimba smiled. "I could rectify that. My niece is very..."

Errant hissed to cut her off and rolled his eyes. Was his young age and unmarried status always an issue? He shunted those thoughts aside. "This is disgusting, Lol. Just...I don't have words for this. This can't be allowed to..."

Lolimba turned to the side and signaled to her aide. A very big Taung, bearing a near resemblance to Lolimba, a nephew Errant figured, pulled a file from a briefcase and set it on the Alpha Miraade's desk. Errant raised an eyebrow towards the Taung aide, but his face was as impassive as a granite cliff face. Errant opened the file, and his eyes were fit to leap from his skull. Taung woman's smile widened. "From the intake of air, I see you see our estimate of Saint Fabian's defense spending. I have no doubt that a former Marine as yourself can estimate the size and sort of military Saint Fabian could maintain with that."

The Miraade whistled allowed. "With our navy at a grand, spanking total of eight ships that could be considered capital class if you squinted really hard, and an air arm that only flails out as far as we can extend from the Second Salsan Empire?"

Lolimba nodded. "Yes, every encounter is not clearly as black and white as you might think, Jedith. You cannot always ride into the front with your carbine blazing."

"So should we issue a tersely worded letter where we scold them for being naughty?"

The old woman sighed like a teacher whose pupil had missed the grand scope of the lesson. "As I have pushed for diplomatic missions to other countries, a speedy construction on our own diplomatic district here in Graceland, I am attempting to take advantage of opportunities to expand Catawaba's reputation."

Rather accurately for a blind person, she waved to where the scattered papers of the Tranderson Codes had landed. "Perhaps we cannot flex our meager might in the face of a Tranderson juggernaut, but we can earn international respect. We can show that while we are still pulling ourselves up from our Togovian oppression, we care for the plight of those less fortunate and show consideration and ambition on the world stage."

The Miraade blinked. "Everyday I ask why it's not you on the other side of this desk...you're definitely more than a Secretary for Foriegn Affairs."

Lolimba chuckled. "First, I am old and wrinkled. You are pretty enough that people love you. Second, I didn't run around freeing a country. You're a hero, strong. People want a protector. Perhaps in coming years the Alpha Miraade will be an old and wrinkled like me, devious and diplomatic. But now, they want vigor, strength, and idealism. Anyways, I don't want to do all the work to actually form a government"

She got up from her chair and turned to walk out. Her aide, nephew, offered her an arm for support, which she took. Errant leaned back in his gigantic, chair of authority. Lolimba stopped and with out looking back said, "As Secretary for Foriegn Affairs, all I have to do is keep noticing how niave, young, and foolish you and this country really is."

The Alpha Miraade blinked after the old Taung. She was a good woman, a good teacher, and a hell of an opponent. She'd make sure he became the leader Catawaba wanted, that it needed. He looked around his office, wondering how long he'd be in here before that happened...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/jedierrant/Errantemblem.jpg

The Armed Republic of Catawaba
An Official Communication from the Secretary for Foriegn Affairs, Lolimba Bevu

To His Lordship, Stephon Von Tranderson,

I cannot begin to express the shock and dismay with which your proclamation has caused within our small country. Believing in the inalienable rights to life and equality of peoples irregardless of their gender, age, or economic station, the Armed Republic of Catawaba must strongly condemn the spirit behind the Tranderson Codes. The Catawaban government also urges the government of Saint Fabian to reconsider their recent decision in the interest of fundamental human rights and compliance with United Nations resolutions.

We have noted that a potential humanitarian crisis could develop within the borders of the Kingdom of Saint Fabian. We applaud other nations that wish to give humantarian support and provide sanctuary for Fabians who may no longer wish to remain within the Kingdom. As such, the Catawaban government is prepared to send Catawaban naval ships and whatever merchantmen can be spared to evacuate foriegn nationals and offer free passage to any Fabian willing to depart their homeland. We would also like to permitted to send unarmed Catawaban transport aircraft and helicopters to assist in the transport of expatriation of any inland Fabian wanting to leave.

We have no desire to end diplomatic ties than have not yet begun, my dear lord. We do not wish to offend or rattle sabers, which have only negative impacts upon the situation. Only through diplomacy, can peace and understanding truly come to the peoples of the world. I hope that our future relations are not marred by this unfortunate situation and can rise above it.

From the heart,

Lolimba Bevu
Catawaban Secretary for Foriegn Affairs

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

The People's House
1 Taung Plaza, Graceland
The Armed Republic of Catawaba

Errant read over the draft of the message to Saint Fabian. He looked up. "You are a great and terrible little woman, darlin'...I think I'm going to be sick."

"Diplomacy as we Taung say is a 'past time for the cold of heart and strong of stomach.' Perhaps someone will do something stupid, and our forces can earn glory by firing off popguns beside goliaths." She shrugged. "That will make you more popular with your people and perhaps wash the stench of politics from your warrior's nose."

Errant glanced down at the letter. It was horrifying polite, inoncuous, while leaving so many political venues open. "I beginning to understand why my mother and other Taung consider you something of witch." He was only half Taung, but Lolimba Bevu scared all of him.

Neo-Mekanta

31-01-2008, 11:07

-Overlord's Palace, Earthfall Island

"Nlya'kya'keh!" ("Idiots!") Lord Kaerek snarled, looking over the responses given to this... SAEENT FAHBEE-AHN. He'd been interested in this nation when this feeble Terran nation's leader displayed an almost Mekantan will to power in his domination of his people.

And now to see one of the few Terrans on this pathetic rock being threatened despite granted these lesser apes a mercy made the perpetually irate Mekantan growl even more than usual. And the suggestion that this was over the rights of female humans, even more pathetic than thier male counterparts in that pathetic race, almost sickened the Overlord.

What did those who wished voluntery extraction think they could accomplish, anyway? Humans were pathetic creatures, but they adapted quickly. It was within two generations after Kaerek took over Earthfall Island that even the rise of the Megacorporations failed to spark any desire for change. Change frightened the apes, especially after a very long time of stability. These Terrans seemed to expect a high evacuation rate from people who had lived under the same system for more than five generations.

But they would be persistant, and the threats of war were troublesome. The outright declarations of war were moreso.

"Johnny." The Overlord snarled, looking to the door to his office as his newest assistant burst in. "Being of informing Executive Council to preparation for war." He stopped, raising a finger. "No- of 'sovereign assistance and police action' being."

"Your grasp of spin is improving sir. I'll inform Io Dynamic first. We'll need the sea power." The young human man bowed, his curly blonde hair falling over his eyes. He saw the secondary meaning in the Overlord's choice of words, smirking a bit.

"To be of goodness having. To get of translator too."

"At once, Overlord."

-Official Announcement from Earthfall Island

We find the aggression displayed toward St. Fabian to be troubling at best, cause for war at worst. Earthfall Island, as of this release, will be dispatching forces to St. Fabian to protect their sovereignty from these self-righteous fools. Any attempt to force this Stephon von Tranderson's hand will be met with fierce and merciless response.

Signed
Supreme Overlord of Earthfall Island
Kaerek math Lyaxeth

Executive Council Members
David Hatcher, CEO, Io Dynamic
Maximus Yew VI, Archduke of Veritas (Heavy Industries)
Kathryn Furthing, Director, ONI
Tasuke Kazahara and Yamato Goto, East Sea Alliance
Director X, Blue Delta

Romandeos

31-01-2008, 15:14

Northern Rangeria

31-01-2008, 15:24

+++++ Official Communique of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Principality of Northern Rangeria +++++

To the United States of Allanea

While the Principality understands the international anger towards Lord Tranderson's codes, we request the United States of Allanea to refrain from military action until we hava safely concluded the evacuation of our citizenry and any willing St Fabian civilian from the area. Should armed forces be deployed now, the result would indeed be a humanitarian disaster.

We urge you to be patient for now, for the sake of civilians and humanitarian workers currently in the area.

On behalf of His Highness Prince Mikhail IV, Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Colonies, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St Gid of the Greens,

Duke Stapani Aalthone
Minister of the Exterior

++++++++++

To Lord Sinjin Kincannon, Minister of State of the Domination of Tanaara

The mention of the Domination of Tanaara and its evacuation efforts has been added to our broadcasts and leaflets currently being dropped in St Fabian. We also urge that the Domination and Her allies hurry in their own efforts, as it seems that the situation is escalating rapidly from a humanitarian effort to war. The Principality wishes not to get entangled in a costly war, but we will continue our evacuation process for the week we have been appointed.

On behalf of His Highness Prince Mikhail IV, Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Colonies, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St Gid of the Greens,

Duke Stapani Aalthone
Minister of the Exterior

++++++++++

Meanwhile the first ships and airplanes of the Northern Rangerian evacuation effort had arrived to the shores and airplanes of St Fabian. Large transport helicopters stood ready under the vigilant eyes of a detachment of Jaegers. The Northern Rangerian soldiers were there to maintain the untouchability of their planes and the civilians currently being loaded into the large cargo planes. Assault rifles were pointed to the ground as they stood around the planes, watching as Northern Rangerian citizens and their dependants boarded the planes.

Every last one of the Jaegers knew how tense the situation was. Most likely among the St Fabianese civilians boarding the planes were eloped couples, young men and women who had ran from home, and others who had broken the strict letter of the Tranderson Codes. Their orders, however, were simple: they were to protect every person willing to leave their country, and to make sure that nothing interfered in the evacuation process.

Similar vigilance was maintained by the Jaegers in the harbour areas, controlling the people who wanted to evacuate so they would not trample others or capsize the boats that ran as a steady stream from the harbour to the ships waiting a hundred yards to the sea.

Etoile Arcture

31-01-2008, 16:06

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/USCMC/nationstates/seal.gif

Official Diplomatic Communiqué

The Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture is alarmed at those nations seeking to escalate this incident to the brink of war. While the nation of St. Fabian has clearly broken every convention of civilized society in the declaration of its Travesty Codes. In respect to international law the Technocracy would not agree to charge blindly into war with another nation purely because it finds its national system of laws repugnant. Such actions would be as reprehensible and unforgivable as those taken by the ruler of St. Fabian, and would be a stain on the reputations of those nations that profess to defend human rights and the rule of law.

The Technocracy announces that it will charter 1,000 flights from the national carrier Arcturia Airways for the duration of the one week window provided by St. Fabian to evacuate its citizens. We will issue emergency entry visas for any Fabian citizen wishing to resettle in Etoile Arcture or to travel to a third country. In addition we will provide social housing and assistance to Fabian refugees arriving in Etoile Arcture, including We ask that those nations that intend to push this incident into full scale conflict to pull back their forces to allow ours and other nations to complete their evacuations peacefully and without incident.

Diplomatic Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

Neo-Mekanta

31-01-2008, 16:51

Imperial Diplomatic Proclamation:
Supreme Overlord Kaerek math Lyaxeth,

Romandeos does not intend to attack St. Fabian unless we see good reason. However, we will continue our evacuation operation, and I am sures countries involved in such operations alongside us will as well. Rattle that sword all you like. It has no effect on us.

Further, while you are indeed a large and no doubt powerful country, a quick look around will show you the nations involved in actively opposing St. Fabian now are collectively even larger. A strike against one would not likely go unanswered by the whole collective.

Respectfully,
Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja Lockeheart I of the IFSR

-Overlord's Palace, Earthfall Island

Kaerek smiled as Johnny read off the message, not bothering to take his eyes off the squirming, naked young woman, easily no more than fifteen, gagged and chained in an infamous room in the kitchen complex where Kaerek's meals were prepared. Johnny was rare among Kaerek's aides in that he didn't seem bothered by the fact that Kaerek, like most Mekantans, ate sentient beings. He was unphased by the fact that here, in Earthfall Island, sentient beings meant other humans. He even aided the alien dictator when he sought to butcher his dinner personally, if he needed it, all without batting an eye.

"To be of telling of Taunja Lockeheart person..." Kaerek ripped the gag out of the meal-to-be's mouth, turning back to Johnny as the girl started shouting at Kaerek. "... To not be wishing of fight if to be of obeying SAHEENT FAHBEE-AHN nation window of one week being."

Johnny nodded. "So as long as they follow the terms St. Fabian dictated, that they would have one week to evacuate people, we have no quarrel with them? I assume this applies to the other forces too?"

"Tza'to." Kaerek nodded. "Thassa'ta nlya'mato'soh. Nae'thassa'ta nlya'mato'gah."

Johnny took a moment, using what he knew of the Overlord's language to try translating. "Thassa... conflict. Nlya... mato... Nlya is thought, mato is taste or food... Nae is all... Hmm..." He snapped his fingers. "Warfare is good, but not all warfare is."

"To being of close relation enough." Kaerek nodded enthusiasticly. "To be increasing knowing of Mekantan language well. To be of being aide of good quality."

"My thanks, Overlord. But what the Empress said is true. Some of the forces present do not seem willing to withdraw after a week, and there is Allanea..."

Kaerek just smiled, took hold of the knife he would use to butcher the girl, turned, and jammed it into her gut. The young woman screamed as the blade punctured her intestines, sustaining the shriek as he twisted the knife. As her voice began to falter, the Overlord turned to his aide. "To have killed with that strike?"

Johnny shook his head. "... But she'll bleed to death, most likely."

Kaerek just nodded, smiling. "To understand. To go write message. To being of signing later."

-Response from Earthfall Island to Romandeos

There is no desire for a quarrel with you, so long as you follow the terms set forth by St. Fabian. One week was thier decision, and thier decisions shall be respected by Neo-Mekanta. Cease activities after one week as they have said, and we shall continue to be at peace. This applies to all involved.

Even if the belligerant nations that insist on violating the sovereignty of St. Fabian insist on starting a war, a blade does not have to kill instantly for its target to bleed to death. There is always more to warfare than soldiers clashing.

-Semi-secret "message" to Allanea

A head was delivered to Allanea, delivered directly after severing and the message being written. The style of writing carved into the former young woman's forehead, the grammar of the message, and markings carved into the girl's temples all were calling cards of a Mekantan.

The message was simple. "There is being of no need of having to shed of blood over St. Fabian."

Dostanuot Loj

31-01-2008, 17:00

Open Declaration of the Dictorial Republic of Sumer

As it appears that some wish to raise the issues which are incurrent in this situation to those of outwardly viloent actions, the Civil Senate has seen fit to redefine, slightly, the Sumerian approach to this issue.

First anf foremost, the 4th Fleet, with an accompanying Naval Infantry Brigade, have been ordered to the coast* of Fabian land to oversee the free evacuation. We see no issue with hostilities, and we believe there should be no reason for viloent confrontation. The fleet and its attached elements are there to supervise the Sumerian evacuation effort, and if need be protect it under the statutes we have previously set forth. Provided all goes well, all will stay well.

Likewise attached to the 4th Fleet are transport elements of the 6th and 8th Naval Infantry Landing Forces, as well as a number of merchant and private transport ships which have taken on the cause. These will be used to remove all Fabians who wish to flee, and will continue to cycle through untill the mission is lifted.

The mission, including the deployment of the 4th Fleet, will remain in Fabian waters evacuating refugees untill such time as the travesty of the Fabian terrorist government has fallen and something appropriate has come to power, or the Civil Senate decides on a more permenant solution. No week long deadline or threats of action will change this, as these people now living, as well as future generations, shall be accorded their birthrights regardless of time.

- Head of State, Dictator of Sumer, Priestess of Inanna,
Ridingir Kisikil Dumumiapuabiak Dumuaninatumak Urukak Leshbarkingdu Kalamak Ninuru

Signed: Kisikil Ninatuma

OOC: I'm assuming you have a coast, if you don't, well, I can change this around. Although a coast makes things easier.

OOC2: Neo-Mekanta, I'm not 100% sure I want to even recognise you in this RP. Nothing personal, I just prefer not to do the whole alien/FT/fantasy crossover stuff. For now, consider any interaction we may heve simply not there while I consider this. If I have any questions regarding your nation as such, may I TG them to you?

Neo-Mekanta

31-01-2008, 17:12

-OOC-

Sure. Also, if instant communication is better, I also have MSNM and AIM.
"machinakyrios@hotmail.com" and "Machina Kyrios" respectively

My sub-nation is human and pure MT, it just has Kaerek in charge to justify the boarderline self-destructive behavior of his regime. (It's just not right to play a nation under the Neo-Mekantan name without the violent sociopathy toward lessers inherent in Mekantan behavior.) The Executive Council and the Megacorporations they represent are the real meat of the nation.

I suppose Tanaara's antigrav stuff is unrecognized as well?

Northern Rangeria

31-01-2008, 17:15

Dostanuot Loj

31-01-2008, 17:17

Romandeos

31-01-2008, 17:26

OOC:

Well, this is certainly getting hot, isn't it? I had a small post to make, but now it looks like I'll have to extend it a bit.

Regarding the hi-tech bit, DL, as long as both sides can be civil about it, I'll normally just let it fly. Especially since I'm planning to go at least PMT soon.

~ Romandeos

Romandeos

31-01-2008, 17:37

HRMS Archer, flagship of 1st QSF
International Waters close to St. Fabian

Rear Admiral Chelsea Fuller, CO 1st Quick Strike Force, sat in her personal quarters with left hand clasped around a mug of hot coffee, and a copy of Hell in a Very Small Space in her right hand. This was the first moment she had been able to sit down and relax since at least three days ago when her ships had arrived and begun working to evacuate all people in Saint Fabian who wished to leave. Even now, the six cargo ships, armed Naval Infantry keeping an eye on things, were ashore, taking on their precious passengers. As well, there had been planes landing since two days ago, guarded by Imperial Army volunteers taking in anybody unable to get to the ships in time who desired to leave. Exactly how many would take the offer, nobody knew, but everybody involved quietly hoped the planes and ships would leave packed.

During all this, Fuller’s small but potent force of 16 warships floated in unclaimed waters in sight of the Saint Fabian coast, an ominous warning to Tranderson's government not to interfere.

******************************

Imperial Diplomatic Communication:

Leaders of Earthfall Island,

Rest assured, we will pull out at week’s end; so long as Mr. Tranderson keeps his terms it is my intention to be honest also.

Rest assured also that we will not be intimidated, by you or by anybody else in this world in the course of this operation. If you desire peace, that is good. If you seek something else...

I will keep my terms so long as my opposites do the same. You have my word.

Respectfully,
Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja Lockeheart I of the IFSR

Wagdog

31-01-2008, 18:16

SIC
Il-87 Maxdome Air National Guard One
Vice-Steward Consort Charles D. Lind sighed as he received the printout of the Neo-Mekantan statement forwarded from the Committee of Public Safety. I know Christine handed this off to me for the sake of enjoying her friends' visit, and I don't mind actually... Charles had done this before numerous times, one of them even during a very major war against New Nicksyllvania some fifteen or sixteen years back; was it really that long? I just mind that it's always then that the crazies come out to play.

Picking up his secure phone, Charles reached his new Secretary of the Air National Guard; recently-promoted Air Marshal Daniel Rendish, hero of the 'Battle of the Ports' air raid that had done so much to keep the Ennuisian War short despite ultimately ending in an arguably-Pyrrhic scenario where Vetaka's White Phoenix tribe rose to power and approached the Ennuisians in a compromise alliance on top of the old Free Dominion's existing ties. Hardly the ideal situation, especially considering just what the Ennuisians had done in retaliation for the raid that made accepting the Tribe's imposed compromise peace necessary unless a truly apocalyptic end was to be pursued; but there were five years past of nothing for it now. "Are our various civil airlines and military transport units working well with the evacuation?"

"Indeed sir." Air Marshal Rendish was pleased that Fleet Admiral Taaren Forthrion, hero of the Strator Campaign sixteen years back that had made for Wagdog's real debut on the world stage, had freed up another fleet for providing security and assistance to the transports; but this was still on its' way and for now the awkward air-refuelling and long-endurance fighter escort runs had to continue. That delay, with the increasing likelihood of conflict, was the cause of his anxieties. So many lost on my missions... easily seven-hundred bomber and escort fighter crews partially or fully gone while I remain; no, never again! "I believe we can maintain security for the free evac with Allanean assistance, but if it turns into a shooting war with the Mekantans and bandwagoners then it's going to get bumpy Mister Vice-Steward." Hopefully that came across as confident but prudent enough, to leave the anxiety within.

So far as Charles was concerned, it had. "See to it that we can buckle up. Lind out, carry on." Hanging up the secure cellular line and sighing as he reclined, the Vice Steward Consort of the Revolution turned to his needful statement. Another balancing act, with me having weights tied to my ankles again. Yippee...

IC
Official Statement of the Revolutionary Commonwealth
With regard to our Allanean allies, our initial restraint was not due to lack of desire to smash down the Travesty Codes and their equally-ridiculous author ourselves; rather simply the desire to be the better party and show respect in hope it would compel respect in return and possibly achieve our aims without need for war. We hope that the peaceful evacuation can proceed without incident, but I have received word Eighth Fleet sails to reinforce our position whether peace or war comes of this.

In the meantime, our commercial air and sea transportation hubs are open and receiving the first of those already arrived from evacuation. We will accept arrivals from any evacuating party, and can accommodate connecting stops although we request that these be made in due haste since priority must go to final-destination arrivals in our country of course. Interference with these processes by St. Fabianese rogue regime, or from any seeking to aid it in such defiance should it choose that path, will be deemed a hostile act and dealt with as we deem appropriate; so we sternly advise against such course of action.

Overall, if we all stay sane here, a people may yet be freed and many good ties forged. But if obligation forces our hand, we will honor it and that shall be that. Let's all work to keep that particular likelihood low, shall we?

Sincerely,
Charles D. Lind
Vice-Steward Consort of the Revolution, Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog
Secretary Without Portfolio, RCW Supreme Directory

Tanaara

31-01-2008, 19:57

Hunter Killer A.I. crewed fast attack submarines prowled ahead of the Convoy of hospital ships and thier surface escorts. There were no need of the bulkier missile subs, they could fire their payloads from inside Fatal Terrain regional waters.

But two Tanaaran carriers centered the taskforce, Admiral Foxbridge holding the flag aboard the TN Hawks Nest (http://www.atddm.com/tanac1.jpg) and Rear Admiral Mondragoon aboard the TN Serpents Reach (http://www.atddm.com/tanac2.jpg). Aircover was provided by several flights of Butterfly fighters (http://www.atddm.com/tanfighter3.jpg) paired with advanced A.I. human interfaced Firedarts (http://www.atddm.com/tanfighter2.jpg)

Admiral Foxbridge had given his communications section to contact the Northern Rangerian evacuation forces and advise them of the arrival of Taskforce Elope, as the group had been temporarily designated. After being informed of a Romandeoan tsk force just within international waters he included them on the contact list

Unto Commander in chage Northern Rangerian evacuation effort; and Commander in charge Romandeoan Fleet...
Be advised that TN Hopsital ships Kindness, Courage and Hope will be entering St. Fabian waters and making for port in assisstance of the sanctuary efforts. They wwill be carrying a small force of marines to see to dockside safety. The majority of the fleet will remain in international waters.

Also perhaps we should coordinate our movements - I'd hate for there to be friendly fire incidents if trouble comes knocking.

Admiral Foxbridge

Tan Air, the Tanaaran national airlines, had bgeen sending in planes ever since the first ones could be routed from Tanaara to St. Fabian, and while their first flights in had been full- Tanaaran Marines to help keep the peace and prevent interference from those who might want to keep those seeking sanctuary from causing disturbances - they came in empty and left fully loaded, working as quickly as possible.

And HM Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx just snorted when she recieved the official announcement
-Official Announcement from Earthfall Island

We find the aggression displayed toward St. Fabian to be troubling at best, cause for war at worst. Earthfall Island, as of this release, will be dispatching forces to St. Fabian to protect their sovereignty from these self-righteous fools. Any attempt to force this Stephon von Tranderson's hand will be met with fierce and merciless response.

Signed
Supreme Overlord of Earthfall Island
Kaerek math Lyaxeth

She'd ordered up a full dossier on him - and the TMI gave it to her in spades.

"He may have no trouble eating sentients, but I have no trouble killing them. If this comes to conflict remind me to send him something personal. I don't think I like him one bit" Mercy gave Sinjin, one of the Four Horsemen -as her inner couniclors were known as- a hard look.

"And no reply, nothing addressed personal to us has come our way so we'll play by the one week time table ...for now"

Catawaba

01-02-2008, 00:34

CNS Intrepid, flagship of Second Fleet
International waters, enoute towards Saint Fabian

Admiral Josiah Starkey drummed his fingers into his thigh as he stood staring off over the bow of the Intrepid. The guided missile cruiser was was one of two in the Catawaban Navy. Starkey turned and paced along the bridge. Facing starboard, he could see the other cruiser, the Independence. The two cruisers formed the flanks of the fleet's front face. Between them were the destroyers Resolute and Redoubt. The destroyers were surging at the tip of the formation.

Starkey reached the starboard end of the bridge and glanced backwards. Behind the front facing were four Catawaban merchantmen that the Miraade had begged and cajoled to get. Behind the fat, slow freighters were the remainder of his capital ships, the destroyers Rampart and Reliance and finally the frigate Indefatigable. They screened the rear of the merchantmen formation. Almost unnoticed beside the bigger ships were two flotillasof patrol craft that acted like sheepdogs on the port and starboard flanks of Starkey's formation.

The Admiral huffed out a breath and brought a hand from behind his back. Crumpled in his fist were several messages that had been forwarded to him. They were from Earth Island. Starkey worried they were getting over their head. He had with him Second Fleet...an decietful misnomer because First Fleet was entirely comprised of the Navy's one other large surface ship the destroyer Renown, which was on detached training manuevers, and the remaining nine patrol craft. This was the Catawaban Navy.

The potential hostiles in Saint Fabian and now this Earth Island made his 'Fleet' laughable...if one was being extremely generous. "Doubts, sir?"

Starkey spun on his heel. Captain Nellie Mountalban stood in a relaxed parade stance, but her stance was the only relaxed about her. The captain was clearly as worried as he was. She was very, very young perhaps her early twenties, but that was the state of Catawaban military as a whole. It had been the young that grabbed hold the ideal of independence and revolted from within the ranks of the Togovian colonial forces. Captain Mountalban had only been a young lieutenant before she went along with then-Captain Starkey's plan eliminate Togovian loyalists from the crew and turn the cruiser over to Catawaban rebels.

They'd been rewarded for it too. In the experience-lacking, officer-lacking Catawaban Navy, any former-Togovian officer that had switched sides was easily due for promotion. However those who brought a ship with them, as was the case for most all the ships currently in the Navy, could name their future posting. Starkey forced smile for Mountalban. "No doubts, Nellie, just worries."

Mountalban nodded in agreement. Starkey turned back towards sea. "The Miraade and the War Office decided to forgo the airlift portion of our effort. With the posturing of Earth Island, they're worried for the safety of our transports and any civilian airliners we might send. The Togovians were not decent enough to leave behind enough air refueling aircraft to be captured. Our fighter pilots would be testing their rafts long before the airlift even approached Fabian airspace."

"All the more reason for the War Office to purchase an aircraft carrier."

Starkey nodded towards Mountalban's reflection. "Yes, yes, we can write that up in the 'lessons learned' report later, captain. Now we're going to have to do this all our own. Best be sure the fleet's SeaWallabies are ready."

"All helicopters report hundred percent readiness, sir" Mountalban glanced over at her executive officer. The man gave a reassuring nod to back up his commander. The SeaWallaby was the naval variant of the Togovia's standard transport helicopter.

"All unarmed...like Bevu asked." Starkey shook his head. The ships steamed on towards Saint Fabian, and the anxiety only grew as each parcel of ocean passed under him. "Please remind the Seawallabies' aircrews that I expect their greatest amount of disgression. As the Miraade likes to say, 'every sailor is a diplomat'. Catawaba's eyes on us. Do not make her whince."

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

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The Armed Republic of Catawaba
An Official Communication from the Office of the Alpha Miraade

To Duke Stapani Aalthone, Minister of the Exterior for the Principality of Northern Rangeria

Sir, I comend the lead Northern Rangeria has taken in coordinating the Fabian relief effort and the attempt to communicate our intentions to the beleagured Fabian people. I could appreciate it if you could add our relief force enroute to Saint Fabian to your informational broadcasts, and if a coalition of military forces is being established, we appreciate a connection to that communications network as well.

Our Second Fleet, with Admiral Starkey commanding, is currently crusing towards Saint Fabian waters. Our fleet intends to halt in international waters within range of our SeaWallaby helicopters to reach Fabian shores and population centers. We have no intention of provoking hostile action or harm to our warhips or freighters by bringing any of our ships into Fabian ports or close to Fabian shores.

From the heart,

Jedith Errant
Alpha Miraade of the Armed Republic of Catawaba

Red Tide2

01-02-2008, 01:23

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM TSRT GOVERNMENT
"Given the inhumane treatment by the St Fabian Government towards its subjects, the Totalitarian State of Red Tide joins Allanea in its ultimatum against the State. Should you not stand down, the State Guard shall come for you."
End Message

As the Foreign Ministry released the statment, a Guard Army of 500,000 Guardsmen was being mobilized. The Red Tideans, of course, had an ulterior motive here, and that ulterior motive was quite simple: Industrial Equipment. The Red Tideans planned to loot as much of the nation of anything that would be useful to the Red Tidean industries as possible.

Raw materials, oil, industrial equipment, automobiles, anything not nailed down(and some things that were nailed down) was planned to be carried away. In addition, a list of any well known Fabian scientists and engineers was requested from the Intelligence Commissarat... just in case the opportunity of what most call 'kidnapping' presented itself.

Etoile Arcture

01-02-2008, 01:33

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Encrypted Communiqué
To: Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog, United States of Allanea, Principality of Northern Rangeria, Armed Republic of Catawaba
From: Defence Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

As the first day of the Fabian Evacuation draws to a close, Etoilian immigration officials at all of the nations international airports have reported being swamped by the number of visa applications to leave the country. It appears that in spite of a radio, TV and press blackout, and intimidation from the security forces, many Fabians are accepting the international community’s offer of evacuation.

It has therefore been decided that in addition to the charter of 140 flights per day from Arcturia Airways, that six Airlift Wings and two Air Refuelling Wings of the Aerospace Forces will be assigned to this operation, boosting our airlift capacity to 400 flights per day carrying approximately 120,000 passengers. In total we expect to transfer over 800,000 Fabians to Etoilian territory before the deadline expires.

The Technocracy desires to coordinate with other nations to ensure the evacuations are as expeditious and efficient as possible. We will be flying two A340M airborne command posts for command and control and a Vector reconnaissance UAV as communications relay. A fighter escort will also hold station outside St. Fabian airspace. A portion of our air refuelling tankers can be made available to other nations if they require them.

Defence Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

Tanaara

01-02-2008, 04:02

Surveillance reported the arrival of the Catawaban navy, and Admiral Foxbridge sent comminucations to them as well...

CNS Intrepid, this is TN Hawks Nest, Admiral Foxbridge commanding. Welcome to the summer vacation cruise. I currrently am awaitng return communication form the HRMS Archer of the Romandeos 1st Quick Strike Force, and the Commander of the Northern Rangerian effort. I believe that we need too coordinate efforts so as not to hamper efforts, or sustain friendly fire incidents should this become an exciting incident.

His destroyers (http://www.atddm.com/tandes1.jpg) were ranged fore and aft and as screens for the two carriers. Mistrals Kiss, Storm Surge, Thunder Snow, Fimbul Winter, Jack Frost, Artic Night. Other elements rode in their assogned positions.

Romandeos

01-02-2008, 05:21

HRMS Archer, flagship of 1st QSF
International Waters close to St. Fabian

Fuller’s lunch was interrupted when her yeoman knocked on the hatch, and told her that a large coalition of foreign ships was accumulating close by. She went to the bridge to keep her eye on things, and it wasn’t long before a message was received from the Tanaarans a little ways away from her force.

"Tanaaran ships, this is Rear Admiral Chelsea Fuller of Her Imperial Majesty's Navy. I have recieved your message. I will also be keeping the majority of my main force in international waters for the time being. I have ordered that any individuals unable to fit aboard my transport ships may be transported to my main combat force if the transports are loaded to capacity, to maximize the amount we can evacuate to Romandeos and safety.

Regarding coordinated action, it is my intention to keep in regularly scheduled radio communication with my various opposite numbers throughout this evacuation."

******************************

Meanwhile, all six transport ships were moving in, taking aboard as many people as wanted to come, much as the planes were doing at the same time. During all this Fuller's warships remained vigilant, a mute but dangerous force that had only to recieve the Empress's command to become a terrifying instrument of death.

~ Romandeos

Alcona and Hubris

01-02-2008, 05:59

KNN WIRE REPORT
Thunderbay-13:00 local

Today during a daily press breifing, the Assista Outer Minister was asked about Alconian and Vaadian diplomatic relationss with St. Faben. The Minister replied The United Duchies maintains diplomatic contact with many nations via regional embassies rather than national embassies. Currently I am unfamiliar with the diplomatic status of St. Faben. Further questions specifically on the Code Crisis developing there was met with the government is currently weighing options and discussing possible courses of action with our partners in the region.

Fleet Manor, Thunderbay

"No...No...No means No. I am not sending a blasted taskforce there. First you don't have the regent's permission so it is unconstituional, second there is enough firepower off the bleeding coast to send that piss ant nation to crestaious period....Yes, that is lower than the stone age....they won't have any people."

Naval Marshall Yosef Phillips put down the phone and massaged his temples. "Alright, do I need to send someone? This sounds like a backwater that makes nothern Gallaga look like a cosmapolitian place."

"Yes, you do need to send somone, we do have citizens there."

"What possible reason could make an Alconian, or even a Cawahabian visit a place like that?"

"Apparently a documentary film crew doing a film on the limited rights of gun owners and the oppression of women."

The Naval Marshal laughed at this. "Of course we would have people with movie cameras there. Doing a documentary on women's rights of all things. Nothing like having your citizens running around with the tallest pole in the lighting storm eh?" He paused and looked at the digital wall map. "Any freinds in all of this?"

" No, none at all sir."

"Alright, what have we got available?"

"The Peligan, Z class Merchant Cruiser on a pirate hunting operation 200 miles to the south, at maximum cruising speed she could be there in three to four days depending on the weather."

"So right now our people are by themselves, could we send a flying boat?"

"Not enough is known about the waters at the moment, our charts are too sketchy. If we had local support..." The junior aide shrugged.

"Well see if we can get any assistance from someone at the party and order the Peligan to St. Faben at maximum speed."

The aides gave a chorus of "Aye, Aye" and matching salutes before vanishing out the door.

Secure Communication,
From: Outer Ministry, United Duchies, FKC
To: Principality of Northern Rangeria, Armed Republic of Catawaba, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
Subject St. Faben Crisis

It has come to our attention that although the number of our citizens within the nation of St. Faben is quite low, some of them are currently a film production crew. As St. Faben seems to not apply the law to foreign nationals we seriously wonder if any lawful protections are offered by the government of St. Faben to foreign nationals. Both from the common criminal as well as offical government action. As such, the Privy Council has declared St. Faben a distruted nation where members of our militia or military forces are not allowed.

Currently we have shipping on route to remove our citizens, forciably if need be. However, we ask in the name of International Cooperation, and Human Rights that if your services find any citizens of the Klatchian Federation in distress to offer all help and assistance you legally can.

Furthermore, I have been informed that if any nation needs assistance in removing their emigre's from St. Faben, the United Duchies Navy can offer assistance. Currently St. Faben is within range of our flying boat squadrons which could offer another method of transportation. However, a sheltered location (1000 meters by 15 meters unobstructed with two fathoms of draft) is needed for the flying boat landing and lift off operations. If you desire to take up this offer of assistance, please contact the Alconian Royal Navy via my Office.

Lord Harnax
Outer Minister
United Duchies of the FKC

Catawaba

01-02-2008, 06:09

(( OOC: Just a thought, y'all, but perhaps we should let Fabain get a word in edgewise. :P Also while I think all us in the humanitarian alliance want to have Fabians to rush into our open arms and cry at our feet like we were saviours...but I figure it's Fabian's part to RP his citizens. If the Fabians want to be sheep and not come with the evacuation forces...that's how it is.))

Admiral Starkey chuckled at Admiral Foxbridge's message. The Catawaban shook his head, smiling. It felt good to have word from someone confidant in this mess. "Get me a line over to the Tarran comedian." He looked to starboard at the destroyer Resolute. He chuckled again. If his 'Second Fleet' wasn't misnomer enough, there were his destroyers and 'cruisers.' They were effectively the same ship. His cruisers only had more modern systems. Now that bit of brilliance was the Togovians' fault. He hoped when Catawaba got to building ships they came up with better class designations.

TN Hawk's Nest, this is the CNS Intrepid, Admiral Starkey commanding. We heard there was a five-star resort this way. I suppose, I'll be having words with our travel agent when we get back.

My government is awaiting communications with North Rangeria as well. We're more than willing to fold in any command structure suggested, and we're definitely going to need one encryption so we don't keep broadcasting in the clear.

My fleet will be within range for our SeaWallaby helicopters (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/jedierrant/Wallaby.jpg) tomorrow. My orders are to keep all of my ships well within international waters and use my sixteen SeaWallabies to airlift refugees to my fleet. I think my capabilities would be best used to evacuate from coastal communities. Maxium passenger capacity is 110 per launch of all my SeaWalls. We are also open to transfer of any refugees to our ships from any other ship.

By the by, were those your fighters we spotted over head? I've got no CAP cover, and sure would like whatever umbrella you have leaned a bit this way.

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

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The Armed Republic of Catawaba
An Official Communication from the Office of the Alpha Miraade

Lord Harnax,

By tomorrow, our ships will be within range of Saint Fabian to launch helicopters. If you would wish, we can divert SeaWallabies to extract your film crew. Please contact us if we can be of assitance.

From the heart,

Jedith Errant
Alpha Miraade

Alcona and Hubris

01-02-2008, 06:14

KNN WIRE REPORT
Thunderbay-13:00 local

Today during a daily press breifing, the Assista Outer Minister was asked about Alconian and Vaadian diplomatic relationss with St. Faben. The Minister replied The United Duchies maintains diplomatic contact with many nations via regional embassies rather than national embassies. Currently I am unfamiliar with the diplomatic status of St. Faben. Further questions specifically on the Code Crisis developing there was met with the government is currently weighing options and discussing possible courses of action with our partners in the region.

Fleet Manor, Thunderbay

"No...No...No means No. I am not sending a blasted taskforce there. First you don't have the regent's permission so it is unconstituional, second there is enough firepower off the bleeding coast to send that piss ant nation to crestaious period....Yes, that is lower than the stone age....they won't have any people."

Naval Marshall Yosef Phillips put down the phone and massaged his temples. "Alright, do I need to send someone? This sounds like a backwater that makes nothern Gallaga look like a cosmapolitian place."

"Yes, you do need to send somone, we do have citizens there."

"What possible reason could make an Alconian, or even a Cawahabian to a place like that?"

"Apparently a documentary film crew doing a film on the limited rights of gun owners and the oppression of women."

The Naval Marshal laughed at this. "Of course we would have people with movie cameras there. Nothing like having your citizens as the lighting rod for this all...." He paused and looked at the digital wall map.

"Any freinds in all of this?"

" No, none at all sir."

"Alright, what have we got available?"

"The Peligan, Z class Merchant Cruiser on a pirate hunting operation 200 miles to the south, at maximum cruising speed she could be there in three to four days depending on the weather."

"So right now our people are by themselves, could we send a flying boat?"

"Not enough is known about the waters at the moment are charts are too dicy."

"Well see if we can get any assistance from someone at the party and order the Peligan to St. Faben at maximum speed."

Secure Communication,
From: Outer Ministry, United Duchies, FKC
To: Principality of Northern Rangeria, Armed Republic of Catawaba, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
Subject St. Faben Crisis

It has come to our attention that although the number of our citizens within the nation of St. Faben is quite low, some of them are currently producing an unflattering movie of St. Faben. As St. Faben seems to not apply the law to foreign nationals we seriously wonder if any protections are offered by the government. Both from the common criminal as well as government officals.
Currently we have shipping on route to remove our citizens, forciably if need be. However, we ask in the name of International Cooperation, and Human Rights that if your services find them in distress to offer all help and assistance you legally can.

Furthermore I have been informed that if any nation needs assistance in removing their emigres from St. Faben, the United Duchies Navy can offer assistance. Currently St. Faben is within range of our flying boat squadrons which could offer another method of transportation. However a sheltered location, 1000 meters by 15 meters of unobstructed water with two fathoms of draft is needed for the flying boat landing and take-off operations. If you desire to take up this offer of assistance, please contact the Alconian Royal Navy via my Office.

Lord Harnax
Outer Minister
United Duchies of the FKC

Romandeos

01-02-2008, 06:17

(( OOC: Just a thought, y'all, but perhaps we should let Fabain get a word in edgewise. :P Also while I think all us in the humanitarian alliance want to Fabian to rush into our open arms and cry at our feet like we were saviours...but I figure it's Fabian's part to RP his citizens. If the Fabians want to be sheep and not come with the evacuation forces...that's how it is.))

OOC:

Right you are. My bad. I'm just having trouble figuring out exactly how to RP things here. I'll make a few edits now to make sure it's as much in his hands as possible.

~ Romandeos

Alcona and Hubris

01-02-2008, 06:27

OOC:

Right you are. My bad. I'm just having trouble figuring out exactly how to RP things here. I'll make a few edits now to make sure it's as much in his hands as possible.

~ Romandeos

OOC: Actually you didn't seem to step over the line as much as some people.

Catawaba

01-02-2008, 06:33

(( OOC: I ain't callin' names here. Just makin' suggestions for the fun and benefit of us all. I'd much rather RP the frustration in the Catawaba aircrews at the sheepish nature of Fabians done well by their PC than get off with a million of NPCs throwing themselves at me.))

Romandeos

01-02-2008, 06:44

OOC:

A&H: Well, that's as may be, but I'd still like to not be crossing it at all.

Catawaba: I know you're not directing anything at me specifically, though in all honesty you raise a good point. Even so, you managed to draw my attention to a mistake I was making which had potential to ruin the whole RP. Kudos for managing it in such a civil fashion as well.

Now, I'm going to suggest we all slow down and let St. Fabian get in some good RPing.

~ Romandeos

Tanaara

01-02-2008, 08:17

OOC: Might I suggest those involved in the amnesty/ asylum/ evacuation effort make a post like this so ST Fabian has a better idea of how to respond...

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

Tan Air's initial flight in were a trio of 747's

Two of which were configured as cargo variants - they held portable stairs, an military Field Air Control system ( a portable Tower with all the necessary ground and air radar with 24 man crew, there would be four on round the clock and more at peak times) - the Tanaarans did not want to depend on St Fabian's unknown quality of air controll - and with so many nations participating, no one wanted collisions - on the ground much less in midair.

Several EZ -UP domes were erected quickly to act as reception centers. The shelters/ offices were manned by Tanaaran volunteers, mostly young people doing their Federal Service for Citizenship - and the well mannered, and well educated young folk were ready to take names, answer questions and in general assist those wishing to leave.

One had been set aside as a medical center, as it was unknown what the physical state of those choosing to leave would be, and it was better to be prepared. Another provided sleeping quarters for the Tanaaran personnel.

With in the domes, waiting areas held comfortable chairs, and buffet style serving stations for those arriving hungry. There were books, magazines, and even folding beds for the weary. An area had been set a side for children with toys and accredited childcare attendants ready to ease the fears of the children and the strain on the parents. Music and the tantalizing smell of the fresh food that stocked the buffets wafted though the air.

Evacuees would be allowed sizeable luggage allowances, and there were even accommodations for pets.

The third 747 held Tanaaran Marines and their load out. They would be discretely present, hard-bodied men and women, armed to the teeth - including teddy bears for frightened children. They were there to end anything that started.

At the main port of the nation of St Fabian the three massive hospital ships did not dock, the harbor area was already crowded, so they dropped anchor and prepared to unship their flotilla of launches, they'd shuttle those wishing to leave out to them. They too had discrete compliments of marines.

Etoile Arcture

01-02-2008, 14:42

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Encrypted Communiqué
To: Outer Ministries, United Duchies, FCK
From: Defence Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
Subject: Re: St. Fabian Evacuation Operations

Regarding your citizens in St. Fabian, our immigration officials have been instructed to accept all foreign passport owners for priority evacuation by our civilian or military transports.

The Technocracy will also provide emergency evacuation for foreign nationals on the last day of air operations. A flight of quad tiltrotor aircraft will be assigned for vertical extraction from any suitable landing zone, such as a stadium or football field.

Defence Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

Wagdog

01-02-2008, 16:28

OOC: Agreed Tanaara; this should serve well until St. Fabian gets more in.

IC
Il-86 Camber WDN70905, Wagging Skies Airlines; International Airspace Approaching St. Fabian
I just hope those Cardinal boys are OK... Captain Donald Orotha, Flight Officer of this veteran aircraft for some sixteen years now, remarked to the large two-seat Candrian-designed fighters providing escort to the latest run of civilian airliners evacuating refugees from St. Fabian. Only six missiles, four BVR and two WVR, to make room for all those honking fuel tanks; they sure have guts taking long-range refuelled flights like this. If things got hostile with local air defenses, those tanks would need ditching fast to regain maneuverability; and that would leave return range an ugly problem indeed afterward. Orotha finished his silent remarks with, Let's hope the deterrence holds.

Turning back to his flight duties, Orotha decided to cut his frumpy (but still comely as well in her own way) First Officer a break as he raised local air traffic control itself. "Fabian Air Control and Defenses, plus all Allied evacuation control relevant; this is India-Lima Eight-Six Whiskey-Delta-November-Seven-Oh-Niner-Oh-Five approaching territorial airspace under military air escort. Requesting repeat vectors to land for further evacuation in relief of prior flights now outbound, over?" With the Eighth Fleet and its' ten-odd carriers plus hospital and cargo ships approaching for the required port duty in the evacuations, Orotha's job was perhaps to become easier; but until then he still had to gear up for accommodating hundreds of scared foreigners with no more of their earthly goods than what they could carry and 'Lord' Von Tranderson hadn't denied them already.

As such, now was no time to be slacking off; civilian or no. All involved had their duties to perform, and would give their best professional effort at it as was only proper...

Air National Guard GHQ, Tailville DR, Wagdog
General Aaron Ellington, formerly commander of I Fighter Wing of the old Red Army Air Force and one of a substantial minority of the old officers left due to his loyalty to the Lind-Friedrich administration during the Second Revolution's turmoil, regarded the situation with some mixed relief as he reported to Air Marshal Rendish on the progress. "So far, no hostilities, and the evacuation proceeds apace; naval units under Eighth Fleet joining in now to increase our per-sortie evac rate. If anything sir, I'm more worried about possible blue-on-blue problems than any St. Fabianese uppityness." Those were once my Cardinals out there, and some of those flying them were my wingmates; what's Downdridge doing anyway? He thought absently of his former comrades-in-arms from I Wing; knowing yes that Downdridge now commanded the same FA-15D Cardinal that she'd once been Ellington's WSO backseater on, but not knowing that she was in fact now the head pilot of it while escorting WDN70905 itself inbound to St. Fabian. Such were the workings of Fate over the years, it seemed; all the more inscrutable for the limits of human knowledge of their full scope.

"Excellent General, you're a credit to First Air Force; but then again in the landslide of promotions to raise the best of the officers from the War..." Referring to the brief Ennuisian War that had changed so much about Wagdog, "and clear out the hardliners who felt like a little mutiny back then, I figured that'd be the case picking you." Shuffling some papers with the new reports from St. Fabian on, Rendish figured, Now if the Squids can maybe add some oomph to our speed, this can get done before things get heavy and we have to charge in alongside the Allaneans. I'll do it... The Confederate obligation here was clear, and besides far easier than in other situations developing, but anyone thinking I'm eager for a fight here is a damned fool, and moreso for thinking I won't tell them so to their faces if they imply I am eager somehow.

Turning up to the waiting General Ellington, Air Marshal Rendish remarked to the roguish subordinate, "Dismissed 'Aragorn'." Rendish chuckled internally as Ellington bristled at his old tactical callsign, like so many bestowed without his consent by wingmates exploiting something about him they found funny; in his case a purported resemblance to the old king of legend as usually depicted nowadays. "I know you've got a major HQ to run, so I won't hold you from it."

"Sir." General Ellington saluted, and then casually marched out upon Rendish's acknowledgement. He'd resigned himself years ago to the notion that he'd never really lose that handle Dandridge had given him back when he was still a young buck of a Captain and she his green 2LT of a WSO fresh from the Academy. At least now I'm hopefully living up to it somewhat in this op. Hopefully...

St Fabian

01-02-2008, 22:57

The Gorgon Herald

Coup Kills King, Nobles, and Knights:

Crowds are celebrating in Gorgon, over the execution of the ruling class. A coup, carried out by the Society of the Mind, made up of the best and brightest of Fabainian scientists. After a press conference by one of the member, it is apparent that they saw the King leading the nation into inhalation, and the decision to take action was made. They made a grand plan, knowing that the best food would only go to the ruling class, then put poison in it. They knew that the nobles greed would ensure they were the only ones to eat it. They also made another announcement, that made the crowd cheer, they say that they will take care of the government, until the time when a formal one can be set up. They clearly have the peoples best interests in mind, and they people seem to be grateful that they are taking all the hard work onto themselves. We will see how this turn in events will affect the nation in the long run, as the short term effects are already being seen.

Etoile Arcture

02-02-2008, 02:07

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Official Diplomatic Communiqué

The Technocracy welcomes the latest developments occuring in St. Fabian, and while not entirely approving of the tactics used, signals its intention to work with the interim government to resolve the current crisis.

As such, the Technocracy will restore its normal immigration restrictions and will stop automatically issueing visas to Fabian citizens. The current airlift operation will also be frozen for the time being. We will not at this time begin repatriation of Fabians or will force any to leave Etoile Arcture. Our surviellance and tactical fighter presence outside St. Fabian airspace will be maintained to monitor the situation.

We would urgently seek to send a delegation to meet with the interim government to discuss a range of issues, including what aid and assistance the Technocracy may be able to offer the interim government.

Diplomatic Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

St Fabian

02-02-2008, 02:13

Catawaba

02-02-2008, 10:01

CNS Intrepid, the flagship of Second Fleet
Near Saint Fabian Territorial Waters

A knock on outside his quarters awoke Josiah Starkey with a start. He rolled over and flailed in the darkness until he final got a light on. He sat up in bed and glanced over at his clock. It was late at night. He'd gone to bed early because he wanted to be fresh and alert when they began launching SeaWalls into Saint Fabian. He frowned at the clock. Something was wrong. "Enter," he shouted at the closed hatch.

The Marine outside opened the hatch to his quarters and stepped aside. The short, stocky figure of Captain Mountalban stopped just inside the hatch. Her eyes were held firmly on the wall. He wasn't sure if that was respect for his lack of uniform or nerves showing as she stood at attention. "Sorry to wake you, sir. I figure you'd want to see this."

She held out a fleet message. He leaned foward and took the message with one hand on his sheet to ensure no embarrassment would occur. He liked Nellie too much to embarrass her. He glanced down at the message and skimmed it.

His face paled, and he read it again more carefully. "Mother of God...they just traded one emotion-less ruling class for another."

Mountalban scowled. "I don't understand, sir. The Trandies," She stopped, caught herself using the enlisted's term for the Fabian Government. "The Tranderson government is gone. The people overthrew..."

Starky shook his head. "But they didn't, Nell. This..." He glanced down at the message for the name. "Society of the Mind overthrew the Tranderson regime and took power for themselves. And in a particularly nasty way, mind you. Poison's a cold calculated way to kill someone, dispassionate...and maybe even a sadistic gleam to know that your victim died writhing."

Nellie shuddered at the thought. Starkey was staring off into the bulkhead, thinking. He glanced down at the message. "Poisoned luxury food stocks...sonova...They killed the families too. Anyone eating with them. Nobles don't eat alone."

He looked up at Nellie. "Being the best and brightest isn't always the best to govern. They've taken Plato's Republic to an extreme...personally, I'd much rather have a mad man. They're perdictable in their mania...a scientist can use any method that can be backed up by the most technical of logical arguements in the name of efficiency." He lowered his head for a moment. "Has Earth Island answered yet?"

Mountalban shook her head. Starkey crumpled the message in his hand. "Captain, please set a course for the Tanarran fleet. Have our capital ships array themselves between the merchantmen and the Fabian coast and the most likely approach the Earth Islanders might take. I'll be on the bridge as soon as I can send messages to the coalition force and to the Miraade."

The captain made a quick salute and turned on her heel. As she bent over to pass through the hatch, Starkey called after her. "Captain, tell the aircrews to have our SeaWallabies rearmed."

"Yes, sir!" She shouted over her shoulder and picked up the pace down the corridor.

Starkey levered himself out of bed. His Marine guard was closing the hatch. "Corporal, could you please pass a message to Major Delaeni? Tell her that the Marines should prepare for full combat load."

"Yes sir, Admiral." The Marine was about shut the door when he stopped and opened it a crack. "I'm sure the support gunners will be happy to get their SSWs back and I know the heavy weaps crews will be down right giddly, sir." The hatch closed, and Starkey laughed. He maybe be Navy, but he liked Marines.

He got up from his bed, and his smile stayed with him as he began drafting messages. His first messages were to the Miraade and the War Office to inform them of the situation. The last was to the coalition of ships outside Fabian waters.

Secure Communications from CNS Intrepid

I fear, though the disasterous Tranderson regime has toppled, that this region is becoming more unstable. There is no telling if the Society of the Mind has full control over the Fabian military, what the Society of the Mind's true intentions are, or what the Earth Islander reaction will be. As such, my ships will not be launching helicopters for a relief effort.

I have ordered my ships to set course for the Tanarran fleet which is closest to our position in an attempt to overlap our defenses. Hopefully, I am over-reacting, but I cannot afford to take chances with my people. I am increasing the readiness and alert status of my fleet.

From the heart,

Admiral Josiah Starkey
CNS Second Fleet, commanding

Neo-Mekanta

02-02-2008, 14:49

-Overlord's Palace, Earthfall Island

Johnny knew to hide when the news came. Kaerek never reacted well to bad news as evidenced by the gruesome deaths he had witnessed courtesy of the Mekantan warlord's psychokinetic abilities. Given that he was usually called upon to clean up the results of those outbursts, he was quite familiar with how Kaerek treated the messangers.

He was shocked, however, when the messanger he sent into Kaerek's office came out unscathed. Cautiously, he poked his head into the room, seeing Kaerek standing at the window overlooking the capital city. He knew Kaerek could sense his presence, but the Overlord didn't initially react. He stood there for a good five minutes before turning to his aide and nodding.

"To being of recalling all ships." Kaerek said, sighing. "To be sending of message, to state of SAEENT FAHBEE-AHN leadership to have been weaker than expected. To being of withdrawing of all aid."

"... Yes sir."

-Message from Earthfall Island

All support has been withdrawn from the nation of St. Fabian. This revealation of weakness among the former Tranderson regime has removed all desire for association with these insects.

Signed,
Overlord of Earthfall Island
Kaerek math Lyaxeth

Tanaara

02-02-2008, 16:12

OOC: My apologies to Catawaba - I completely missed your post about air cover
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Admiral FOxbridge had no concerns about extending his air cover over Admiral Starkey's small fleet. It was a courtesy tht would be extended to any who asked. And he liked the mans ability to joke back.

How ever when news reached Tanaara about the coup de'tat the reaction was mixed. Glad that the acient regim had been supplanted was mixed with many grave doubts about the new one. Poison wasn't kosher, and spoke badly for the new government, in Tanaaran eyes.

And when the Catawaban Second Fleet comminucated the desire to interleave themselves with the task force that too was granted

[quote]To Admiral Starkey,

This reminds me too much of French history and I am dubious on my own, as is Mount Royal. I have recieved encrypted orders to stay on site until we are certain there is not going to be worse befalling the people of Saint Fabiens. The new government has made no attempt to contact Tanaara in any official or unofficial manner. At this time we are still evacuating any who wish to leave, but our security forces had upped their state of readiness. Additionally we have intercepted communications from Earhfall Island to Saint Fabiens, ending all aid to Saint Fabiens and intellengence has confirmed that their ships are returning to port.

Foxbridge

P.S. we need to have dinner when this is all over.

Catawaba

02-02-2008, 18:04

Secure Communication from CNS Intrepid
To: Admiral Foxbridge
TNS Hawk's Nest

My government has given me the same orders in effect. We're to stay on station, and render assistance if necessary. My superiors seconded my orders not to launch our helicopters until aid is requested or it becomes absolutely necessary that we intervene.

Wish we could do more, but we can not risk taking casualties or losing assets needlessly. Our country is too young, and we cannot replace losses as easily as some.

From the heart,

Starkey

PS. Would be a pleasure to dine with you when this all over, Admiral.

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

Romandeos

02-02-2008, 18:27

Encrypted Communication from HRMS Archer:

Admirals Starkey and Foxbridge,

I have recieved orders from my superiors to remain wary about the situation here, and to remain on site until further notice, and to monitor this regime to make sure it is not as bad, or worse, than Tranderson. Have you been given like orders, and if so, do you desire to work in concert?

Respectfully,
RADM Chelsea Fuller, QSF 1.

Imperial Diplomatic Communication:

Mr. Stillmann,

It pleases us to learn that Mr. Tranderson is no more. However, we are wary now due to the nature in which you have achieved your position, fully aware how many revolutionary regimes have turned out worse than the government replaced by them. We have instructed Admiral Fuller's forces to remain where it is until future notice. Fuller's ships will remain in international waters, where it will be imposible for her to impede your nation's reconstruction efforts.

Further, we will be allowing any refugees who now wish to remain in St. Fabian immediate return, though any who still wish to go to Romandeos shall be allowed to do so also.

Regards,
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jamie Bladen of the IFSR

Alcona and Hubris

02-02-2008, 18:50

St Fabian

Lord Mayview stopped the car as it came to the end of the rutted tail. Any father and he would be in the sea. He paused and looked back amongst those in the car with him.

"Damn it Bill, we should have stayed..." That was Ken Olson, the director for this documentary. The look of confusion and fustration was evident.

Mayview shook his head, "Listen you hired me to be ameniable to those troglodites back there. A visiting nobleman and his servants making a nice little traveloge. Now we've got a damn revolution. One that has those very troglodites posioning food like crazy. I mean if we hadn't been eating out last night we would be dead."

"Yes...and we got some great images, the bodies of the dead being hauled out. Some mangled by people who were nothing more than slaves. This was great stuff... were talking about the birth of a new regieme right here and now..." Eric Mcqueen the camera man was all about the images.

"Listen, most of you don't remember the Hubarian revolution do you?"

"What, their killing their nobles not some Adel twit from lower outer nowhere" That was Alex chiming in. She had been playing Mayview's concubine for the last month and had developed a bad taste in her mouth.

"Thank You for the information, but as I have a noble neck, they might just decide to string it up in good revolutionary fashion. After all if we had accepted that dinner invitation we'd likely be dead. My Great Grandfather wasn't Hubarian noblity either, but the socialists strung him up for good measure." Mayview was obviously not convinced about the purity of the locals.

Ken held up his hands, "I hate live work really, alright both of you calm down. Somehow I doubt that this new 'order' is going to be all that happy. After all they did it more in self-defense of their image rather than any desire to change the system."

"I don't quite get you..." Eric was a bit dense when it came to politics.

"They committed mass murder to remake their image. Having the world see what they did to 'change' their nation isn't going to ender them to anyone but some over-zelous feminists." Ken began to explain.

Eric looked confused, so Mayview said with ice in his voice. "Damn it man, they might just decide to remove us, and our film, from the face of the earth like they did the noblity."

"So we may be in danger..."

"More than likely...which is why I alocated this vehicle."

"You mean stole."

"The owner and his family are dead. I am sure that their property will be alocated by the new cabal but they can't ask the former owners if they loaned it to us or not. They were a little speedy in their trials to deal with small things like who a car got loaned to."

Ken held up his hand, "Enough, lets see if we can get out of this crazy place before anyone finds us to ask us any questions. Agreed?"

Everyone nodded.

"Alright, now then how do we get out of here from here?" This question was towards Mayview, since he had driven to the coast rather than the airport.

Mayview pointed out to sea. "There is a large number of ships out there from nations who were not to happy about the new laws. I am hoping one of them monitors short-wave ranges."

"Huh? that's what you bought at the store? A short-wave radio?" Alex asked. "Do you know how to use it?"

"Yes I do actually"

There was a new signal within the malestrom shortly, it sounded like a continous static burst over the short wave bands

Short Short Short Long Long Long Short Short Short then a burst of voice saying 113 Hz. The cycle continued to repeat.

(OOC: cookie to who figures it out ;))

Wagdog

02-02-2008, 19:14

Tri Svyatitelya-class Supercarrier WRS Georgiy Apollonovich Gapon, WRN Eighth Fleet Flagship; International Waters off St. Fabian
Admiral Josephine Feschina paced throughout the CIC, watching the routine patrols of FA-15E Cardinal heavy and FA-16B light naval fighters being tracked on the plotting screens as they maintained the support patterns for the evacuation ops. It was then that her comms officer came up, and she gained a thoughtful smile which exposed one of her vampire fangs devilishly. This could get interesting... she thought, knowing instantly what that Morse Code being broadcast at 113Hz meant.

"Get a flight each of Cardinals and Priests ready, plus some Ki-1MAs with Marines aboard." Her imperious demeanor fit her amply feminine and tall frame, that of a woman who though one of the relatively few Communists still in high command positions after the Second Revolution nonetheless carried herself like nobility. "We apparently have someone needing a rescue, so might as well get our boys out for a spin to break all these escort doldrums." The past few days had been positively bipolar, shifting from the manic rush to get on station before the week deadline had ended or else Allanea had led matters to a war in which Wagdog would've been obliged to assist into a depressive routine of having to monitor the latest major humanitarian action undertaken by the notably interventionist Wagdian nation. The recent Society of the Mind revolution in St. Fabian, though naturally welcome as far as Admiral Feschina was personally concerned, hardly made the situation any more stable.

Her orders processed, the relevant aircraft began to take off and make their way towards holding patterns in international airspace on a bearing towards the source of the signal. The following was then broadcast from the WRS Gapon to the radio, on the appropriate frequency; interception wasn't generally a concern because of the firepower that could be brought to bear upon those who might interfere with any rescue.

FROM: WRN 8THFLEETCOM, WRS GEORGIY A. GAPON
TO: SOURCE OF SOS BROADCAST, 113 HZ FREQUENCY

MESSAGE BEGINS. DISTRESS CALL RECEIVED. STOP. ARE OFFSHORE WITH AIRCRAFT ALOFT ON YOUR BEARING. STOP. STATE SITUATION AND WHAT ASSISTANCE REQUIRED IF ANY. STOP. FULL SAR CAPABILITIES AND AIR SUPPORT ARE ON STANDBY. FULL STOP. MESSAGE ENDS.

St Fabian

02-02-2008, 21:41

Encrypted Communication from HRMS Archer:

Imperial Diplomatic Communication:

Mr. Stillmann,

It pleases us to learn that Mr. Tranderson is no more. However, we are wary now due to the nature in which you have achieved your position, fully aware how many revolutionary regimes have turned out worse than the government replaced by them. We have instructed Admiral Fuller's forces to remain where it is until future notice. Fuller's ships will remain in international waters, where it will be imposible for her to impede your nation's reconstruction efforts.

Further, we will be allowing any refugees who now wish to remain in St. Fabian immediate return, though any who still wish to go to Romandeos shall be allowed to do so also.

Regards,
Minister of Foreign Affairs Jamie Bladen of the IFSR

To Jamie Bladen,

There is now need to worry, we already have a new set of laws going into place, there is a copy attached. Hopefully these shall put your mind at rest, and show that we are not some crazy cult who wishes to enslave our people. Our goal is simply to put our people first. We hope you understand. We have also noticed your fleets along with those of other nations off our coasts, we wish to thank you for keeping them there to deter others from attempting to invade our nation that is so defenseless at this time, as we have no real navy or air force at this time, the previous regime didn't believe in boats, and never really saw how useful aircraft could be in combat. We barely have an army even. So thank the others out there for us too.

Julio Stillmann

(Attachment: Here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13416425#post13416425))

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

Attention Nations of the World,

Here are the new laws of the Commonwealth of St. Fabian:

(OOC: SEE Thread HERE (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13416425#post13416425))

Julio Stillmann

Catawaba

02-02-2008, 21:44

Aboard the CNS Intrepid
In International Waters

The Catawabans had also picked out the shortwave SOS signal and the Wagdogian response on their radar. Captain Mountalban ordered Intrepid's two SeaWalls to be readied for launch and loaded with Major Delaeni's Marines in case of any more distress calls.

Starkey glanced over at his communications tech. "Do we have the where with all to set up some kind of communications network with the others, PO?"

The Petty Officer thought for a moment. "Ought to be possible, sir. When Togovians ripped off the Ticonderoga-class design, they did beef up its comm capabilities so they could use them task force flagships. I'll get right on it."

Starkey nodded. "Thank you very much. I'm getting tired of having to write to 'Admiral so-and-so on the ship so-and-so, from Admiral Me, commanding'."

Secure Communications from CNS Intrepid
To: Admirals Fuller, Foxbridge, and Feschina
commanding respective fleets from Romandoes, Tanarra, and Wagdog
From: Admiral Starkey
Second Fleet, commanding

We are currently attempting to establish a communications net with those fleets currently standing off the Fabian coast. My orders match yours in spirit, if not letter. I am not only open and welcome to a coalition of willing powers, but my superiors are encouraging it, spirit of international relations and all that.

The situation in Saint Fabian has not changed in regards to the Catawaban government. My government has suspended relief operations for the moment, but is still suspicious and counter to the Fabian regime. We are adopting a 'wait and see' approach.

If it meets with your approval, please assist my communications techinicans when they contact your ship. I'd much rather hear your voices than see your type fonts or keep typing the formal addresses.

From the heart,

Admiral Me,
commanding

Starkey smiled at his closer. He was a ship's captain. If he hadn't been there to see his Admiral's rank pinned on his collar, he'd never believe someone would have the sheer insanity to do it.

Romandeos

02-02-2008, 22:20

HRMS Archer, off the St. Fabian Coast:

Fuller stood in silence on the bridge as SZ-2 Albatross aerial superiority fighters rocketed in to the sky from the deck, two of them, going up to replace two which had been flying a long, lonely patrol for the past two hours. Nothing much was happening and Fuller hoped it stayed that way, at least while she and her ships were about. Her gray eyes shifted from her flight deck to port, looking at the Agrippa-class heavy cruiser HRMS Maxwell, whose heavy armaments provided QSF 1 with a potent surface engagement force. That was what helped when you really wanted to make one Hell of a loud statement. Two 305mm turrets looked idle but deadly as they sat ready on the deck, as did everything else about what the Imperial Navy sailors she commanded liked to call Big Max.

“Admiral Fuller? We have the communications established, as ordered.” The midshipman held out a wireless headset to his CO. Fuller took it and slipped it on.

“Inform the foreign fleets we are prepared to receive radio communication,” she directed.

“Aye, aye, sir,” said the midshipman, and set about his task.

~ Romandeos

Alcona and Hubris

02-02-2008, 23:27

FROM: WRN 8THFLEETCOM, WRS GEORGIY A. GAPON
TO: SOURCE OF SOS BROADCAST, 113 HZ FREQUENCY

MESSAGE BEGINS. DISTRESS CALL RECEIVED. STOP.
ARE OFFSHORE WITH AIRCRAFT ALOFT ON YOUR BEARING. STOP.
STATE SITUATION AND WHAT ASSISTANCE REQUIRED IF ANY. STOP.
FULL SAR CAPABILITIES AND AIR SUPPORT ARE ON STANDBY. FULL STOP.
MESSAGE ENDS.

The group pondered the measage for a moment.
"Alright, what do we know about the WRN?" Mayview asked.
Ken shook his head, "Nothing, but I think we should respond with a little more offical vibe then being a bunch of refugee's."

Mayview shrugged, "I'm only a corporal in the milita"
"Tech Sargent...video obviously"
"I emigrated so...nope."

Alex said nothing but looked around at everyone. "So I'm the only officer here?" Everyone nodded at her, "Damn it."
Alex was wearing, well very little under the long coat she was wearing. A very small bikini, she had been out at the pool when Mayview had appeared screaming about mass murder. She had thrown a gown over that, but the mess at the electronic shop had broken the strap.

"Alright, what I wouldn't give for a good sat-link right now"

GABON THIS IS SOURCE, REPEAT THIS IS SOURCE.
COPY TRANS IN CLEAR AND FULL
ID UD MAR CAP ALEX MONTGOMERY
WE ARE NON-COM OBSERVERS BUT TDY HAS BECOME HOT
ATTEMPTING EMERG EVAC OF 4 PLUS 210 CRIT EQUIP
STATUS CLEAR, ZERO BOGIES, ZERO LC, ZERO ANB, LIMITED INTEL
REC HOLD EVAC TIL DARK
DO YOU COPY?

Alex wondered if it was kosher to use her reserve I.D. for this little mess, but she was always a beleiver in asking for forgiveness rather than permission.

Etoile Arcture

02-02-2008, 23:41

The reaction in many capitols to the sudden and brutal decapitation of the Tranderson regime couldn't have been far off the feeling of revulsion mixed with guilty relief being felt by those at the General Secretariat and the Diplomatic Directorate. Etoile Arcture had not made the kind of commitment in people and material other nations had, being content to evacuate by air, but the end of the stand-off with Tranderson left a substantial foreign naval presence off the coast. And yet even this would not be the issue that most concerned the Technocrat officials in Concordia.

Rather than solving the issue, the emergency of the Society of the Mind now raised the spectre of more problems than it might solve. How secure was the Society's grip over a military that had sworn allegiance to the royal family they had, without mincing words, murdered. What risk factor remained of a counter-revolution, organised by the disgruntled military, or worse, by any survivors who may have escaped the poisoning. How the power vacuum left by the sudden removal of the ruling class, an entire strata of Fabian society, have on the nation. Would it leave to enslaved and now free to turn to new overlords, or to disintegrated into recriminations, civil strife and even civil war.

These questions weighed heaviest at all on Dr. Alexander Suleman, appointed only a few hours ago as Etoile Arcture's envoy to St. Fabian. Alexander's life had to date not been that of the clichéd image of a sedentary diplomat, being used to calls at all times of day or night to fly out at a moment's notice to resolve an emerging crisis, but St. Fabian represented one of his greatest challenges. To ensure the stability of a sovereign state threatened by enemies both within and without from simply imploding in itself.

St. Fabian

Suleman and his team from the Diplomatic Directorate had flown direct from New Corinth International Airport by VIP transport, a Airbus A319CJ the captain had informed the thirty passengers over the PA system over ocean and over the gathering fleets to land in St. Fabian only six hours later. He had seen the shocking pictures of Fabians desperate to leave, held back by their own security services at the Arcturia Airways gates. Flying to Vizion, Vetalia and even Doominsgland before onwards to Etoile Arcture. Over 160,000 souls now resided on Etoilian soil, many relieved, others shocked, unsure whether they would ever return - or whether it would be ever safe to.

The Technocrat was barely aware as their aircraft approached St. Fabian airspace, and the two F-26 Tempest fighter escorts peeled away to rendezvous with a refuelling tanker flying racetrack patterns across the sky. The A319 had glided in for a smooth landing and Suleman and his team were rushed through immigration control and into the custody of the Etoile Arcture Defence Forces.

"Major Jonas Cartwright," he had been greeted by a man in the green beret and khaki uniform of a Defence Forces special forces officer, the cable of a radio earpiece coiling behind his left ear and into the depths of his collar. "This way, Doctor Suleman, we have a armoured limousine waiting," he explained, as dozens of Etoilian special forces operators in full battle gear flanked them in the departure lounge.

"What's the current situation, Major?" Alexander asked as they walked through the airport concourse, that still remained in some chaos from the throngs of Fabians, leaving, returning or simply not knowing what to do. Suleman becoming thankfully for the black-garbed soldiers that pushed their way through the crowds.

"Intel remains patchy sir. We haven't seen a reaction from the St. Fabian military as yet. A second Vector drone went on station an hour before you arrived, sir. It will give us a better picture of what's going on on the ground."

Alexander could have hoped that would be the worst of it, but the officer had one last surprise left. "To complicate matters," he explained impassively. "A distress signal, old fashioned Morse Code SOS, was detected broadcasting inland. The Wagdogian and Catawaban navies are both launching rescue teams."

"Do we have anything in the area, Major?"

"No, sir," the major replied flatly as they reached the end of the concourse.

"What kind of resources do we have on the ground right now?" Alexander asked almost as a second thought, as a soldier opened a door on the waiting black limousine. No doubt flown in by the Etoile Arcture Aerospace Force, that made up just one of a dozen vehicles including sedans and SUVs that would be the diplomatic convoy.

"As of now, this is the full Etoilian military presence in St. Fabian," the major explained glibly before Alexander slid on to a rear seat of the limo and the door was slammed behind him.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/USCMC/nationstates/seal.gif

Official Diplomatic Communiqué
To: Julio Stillmann, the Society of the Mind
From: Dr. Alexander Suleman, Envoy to St. Fabian
Subject: Meeting

I thank the Society of the Mind for agreeing to meet our delegation at such short notice, and look forward to our discussions.

Dr. Alexander Suleman, Envoy to St. Fabian

Wagdog

03-02-2008, 00:38

WRS G.A. Gapon CIC
Admiral Josephine Feschina smiled in demonic satisfaction. The message had gone through, and finally the various fleets were getting in touch. "Comms, get me on actual with these people now!" There was no time to waste.

As soon as the main comms officer vacated his station for the CO, Feschina picked up the handset and issued her voice reply to the Catawaban and Romandean requests. The Alconans would get their reply too, though that would take a few minutes.

"Catawaban, Romandean, Tanaaran and all other fleets off St. Fabian, this is Admiral Josephine Feschina speaking on actual; repeat, Feschina actual. We've received your various requests, and agree to remain and coordinate to stabilize the situation in St. Fabian.

I've received no instructions from the Commonwealth government yet on how to proceed regarding the Society's laws, but I agree that the format seems purely reactionary to the old regime's and may not prove any more stable or viable as a government. We're ready to act as required, so let's get moving.

Be advised, we've received word from Alconans in St. Fabian that they fear for their safety, so we'd request advice on how to proceed. We'll wait until dark to make the extraction, preferably with Society permission though we'll only ask this once you confer with us whether the Society is trustworthy or not. Good luck, and my best to you all. Feschina out."

Now for the Alconans, which was even easier...
TO: CPN MONTGOMERY
FROM: WRS GAPON

COPY ALL. STOP EVAC WILL WAIT UNTIL DARK LOCAL TIME; COORDINATED WITH CATAWABAN FORCES ALSO. STOP HOLD POSITION UNTIL THEN. FULL STOP

Northern Rangeria

03-02-2008, 00:51

The sudden change of regime had not gone unnoticed in Northern Rangeria, either. While the Principality silently recognized that the change had eliminated a possible dictatorship from rising, even the most logical of university scientists had to agree that a government of scientists could easily become as dictatorial as any ranting madman.

As such, the evacuation process still continued, allowing any willing St Fabian citizen to leave the country if they so pleased. Naturally the tide of refugees had lessened, but some still wanted to leave, in fear of what would come to the state in the future. Nonetheless, the Northern Rangerians would be there until the week was out...

St Fabian

03-02-2008, 05:42

To all nations with forces near St. Fabian,

We thank you for keeping your fleets around or nation, we can clearly see your intention is to protect our small, and currently defenseless nation. We find this noble action reassuring, and hope that you will keep them there until we are properly able to defend ourselves. We have finished the basic laws of our new government, and feel that they shall ensure for the safety and prosperity for all. There is a copy of them attached below. We wish to throw open the lines of diplomatic communications, and wish we could meet all of you who have your fleets out there protecting our poor defenseless people, and show you just how much we appreciate it. Again thank you, we shall forever be in your debt for defending us when we had no way to do it our selves.

Julio Stillmann

(Attachment: Here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13416425#post13416425))

Axis Nova

03-02-2008, 06:25

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c140/berrik/ANLogoLarge.jpg

Press Release, Axis Nova Office of Foreign Affairs

Once again, we see the hypocrisy of many older nations in their dealings with younger ones. "Freedom to live as one will!", they proclaim, yet at the drop of the hat, they are all too quick to infringe upon the rights of soveriegn nations simply because the practices of the residents do not fit into their own narrow worldview.

Whenever small, fledgling nations make themselves known to the world, the larger and more powerful are ever quick to leap upon them with some slight pretext provided they do not roll over as a dog would for it's master. We in Axis Nova decry this latest blatant display of aggression and imperialism on the part of the nations oppressing St Fabian, and extend a hand in greetings to this new arrival on the international scene, that we might establish foreign diplomatic relations.

Sanctuary in Axis Nova is offered to any surviving members of the St Fabian ruling class who wish to accept it. Our ways are not your own, but you will be allowed to practice your ways amongst yourselves without the interference of noisome busybodies who wrongly think themselves a benefit to the world.

Bretton

03-02-2008, 07:16

Alcona and Hubris

03-02-2008, 07:33

C&OPY GOVLAN

Short and to the point. Alconians were not known for chit chat.

Port Olympus, Capital of the FKC (Not in A&H)

John Tingle was on the evening International news desk at KCN when he saw the report roll in. A bunch of Alco's had gotten themselves stuck in some distant land that had just undergone a regime change, or that was what his betters on the day shift had decided to call it. John was of the opinion it was just one group of elites killing another group of elites himself. The newest update was that the nation had declared love for all of the fleets standing off the coast of St. Fabin. As though they were there protecting it from some hostile invaders.

Actually, he wasn't sure if this cabal had the wits and balls to make that barefaced lie. Or they actually beleived what they had just said. He picked up a phone and called one of the egg heads in the financial department. "Hey Pom, you read the newest report in from St. Fabian. Yeah, free food, free health care, complete retirement benifits and all on a mere one tenth of one percent of income. Oh, and no one there has over a 12th grade education and their ruling class is completely decided by a standardized test, written by people who only have a 12th grade education. Oh yeah and the dumb ones only get a 4th grade eduation and have to enter the work force at age 10. Oh that is good.

A report appeared on KCN.com a few hours later:
St Fabian, Paradise or Purgatory, a KCN Report
The nation of St Fabian today released a comprehensive set of economic laws to govern itself and its future prosperity. Key to this new set of laws are guarantee's to food, healthcare, senior citizen care, and a flat tax below 1% of individuals income. Futhermore the government has stipulated that its vocational workforce will have only three years of formal education and two years of vocational training. While the nation's elites have a maximum of a twelth grade education.
KCN along with analysts at Geld magazine have done some rough economic projections for the new state of St. Fabian. First, based on the approximate population and their ecconomic productivity, the average Fabian will have only 1,000 to 1,500 calorie diet primarily of a staple crop such as white rice. Second, on Healthcare even looks more dire. Currently most recognized medical doctors have 20 to 28 years of formal education. Of course this education can be provided within the 12 years specified by St. Fabian, but only if students attend school for 12 hours each day rather than six.
But the most disturbing facet of the St. Fabian ecconomic plan is that poor students will only have four years of formal education and begin work at age 10. This obviously violates UN resolutions on child labor laws, and may be the single issue that once again pushes nations to the brink of declaring St. Fabian a rouge state.
In addtion, the low rate of taxation and the obvious drain due to free food to the population on the nation's coffers offers little hope that basic services such as clean water, good roads, and efficent mass transit are available. Although mass transit is an entitlement under the new laws, it may be nothing more than a horse drawn wagon running down some wooden rails.
Also some political analysts have decided to call the current government a olarchy pretending to be a meritocracy. The right to rule is decided by a 'standardized exam'. There is no mention of what subjects are included on said exam. All that matters is that it is 'standardized' which means that all students get the same test. This could easily be manipulated by the 10 to guarantee their offspring follow them to being within said 10. There is no guarantee that there would be any questions at all. The test could simply be a blank scantron handed to students one day and informed they are being tested, only those who know the answers would have any hope of scoring high on such an exam, especially if one used negitive scoring for wrong answers.
St. Fabian appears to have gone from a feudal nation to one ruled by a cabal of so called scientists who seem to be placing themselves firmly in the place of the nobles they replaced.
The rights of women have greatly improved, as perhaps the lives of the people. But the concept that St. Fabian's government has been replaced by a benevolent group of intellecutuals appears to be false.

Alcona and Hubris

03-02-2008, 08:09

Press Release, Axis Nova Office of Foreign Affairs

Once again, we see the hypocrisy of many older nations in their dealings with younger ones. "Freedom to live as one will!", they proclaim, yet at the drop of the hat, they are all too quick to infringe upon the rights of soveriegn nations simply because the practices of the residents do not fit into their own narrow worldview.

Whenever small, fledgling nations make themselves known to the world, the larger and more powerful are ever quick to leap upon them with some slight pretext provided they do not roll over as a dog would for it's master. We in Axis Nova decry this latest blatant display of aggression and imperialism on the part of the nations oppressing St Fabian, and extend a hand in greetings to this new arrival on the international scene, that we might establish foreign diplomatic relations.

Sanctuary in Axis Nova is offered to any surviving members of the St Fabian ruling class who wish to accept it. Our ways are not your own, but you will be allowed to practice your ways amongst yourselves without the interference of noisome busybodies who wrongly think themselves a benefit to the world.

Offical Statement, The Government of the United Duchies, Member State of the Federated Klatchian Coast

As one of the largest, and oldest nations within the current international actions surounding St. Fabian, the United Duchies takes dim view of acusations leveled against it by the Axis Nova Office of Foreign Affairs and Bretton.
First, we are accused of infringement upon the rights of St. Fabian due to our distaste for their fudalistic cultural and legal government. The United Duchies primary concern was the welfare of its citizens who might be present within the Commonwelth of St. Fabian, especially female citizens who might be seen as property by the local populace.

Second, the world does have the right to hold certin activies against the pale of civilized society. Most obvious of these activies is Genocide and Slavery. The rulers of St. Fabian owned women, and doled them out like cars. This can only be defined as slavery. No population in the world can rightfully state that slavery should be allowed.

Both Bretton and Axis Nova have put forward a concept where slavery and genocide should occur without repercusions. That any nation which engages in these activites must be meet with the open arms of international brotherhood. Only a government who have convinced themselves that peace means no war would ignore the horrors that one group may wage upon another where armies do not march, and they are all one nation.

Bretton and Axis Nova are correct that we do not have the right to mearly invade a nation because we dislike their internal policies. However, we can and should condem nations that treat their citizens, or even one half of their citizens, as property and spoils of the monarch.

As a monarchy we further find such concepts distasteful and find it seriously detremental to the status of the world wide monarchial system.

Yet, in this instance no invasion has occured. St. Fabian's monarchy agreed to the evacuation of foreign citizens and mass evacuation of those who prefered to live abroad. St. Fabian's legal, feudal government only placed time constraints upon the evacuation. Any infringement which the United Duchies may have done in the course of our evacuations has occurred as part of this agreement. Therefore the protests of Axis Nova and Bretton are baseless. As they so claim, it is the right of St. Fabian to regulate its offshore territory and air space. If it agrees to allow foreign nations to operate in that space for a period of time, then neither Bretton nor Axis Nova have any standing in declaring such activities as unjust or coersive.

Finally, the United Duchies strongly condems the Governments of Axis Nova and Bretton for acusing the United Duchies of involvement in the coup and mass murder which occured in St. Fabian. The United Duchies has not directed, supported, advised or been in contact with those who committed the coup, or those who supported it.

Therefore, finding no grounds for the accuations leveled against the United Duchies, its armed forces, and its citizens, the Government of the United Duchies herby demands a formal apology from both the nations of Bretton and Axis Nova for their slanderous acusations. Futhermore, the United Duchies Grand Chamber shall formally take up the matter of declaring the nations of Bretton and Axis Nova as hostile states and place the same resolution before the Klatchian Parliament.

This document is hearby released by the Outer Ministry on behalf of the Government and People of the United Duchies

-Government Seal of the United Duchies
Sir Atwater, Outer Minister of the United Duchies, the Protectorates of China Wrighty and Calarca, and the Marches of Logoth

Bretton

03-02-2008, 09:59

Brettonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Response to Declaration by the United Duchies

Thank you for your prompt response, as per our official announcement regarding the ongoing St. Fabian Crisis.

Based on our interpretation of your response, we have determined your position and intent as a hostile belligerent with regards to the St. Fabian Crisis, and a state of hostility now exists between our states. Nevertheless, we are firm believers in the virtue and value of peace - to wit, we shall not engage in unnecessary violence and bloodshed against your nation or the aggressor forces stationed around the area of St. Fabian unless otherwise provoked.

We trust that you will abide by the same conditions - if this judgment is in error, please rectify with all due haste.

Catawaba

03-02-2008, 10:02

Patriots' Memorial Stadium, currently the temporary site of the Catawaban Legislature.
Graceland, Catawaba

Miraade Errant leaned back against the speaking stage in the center of the playing field. He looked back at the statements that were boiling over from Saint Fabian. These were becoming annoying. Errant idly wondered if he could throw the trappings of his office at the nearest janitor and run back to the Marine barracks where he would only be Sargeant Errant. He glanced back up at his Secretary for Foriegn Affair, the devious Lolimba Bevu. "And these aren't jokes either?"

"Yes, quite serious." The blind woman wasn't even facing him. She was facing the wide open field and the far end zone's uprights.

Errant shuffled release from Axis Nova to the top of his stack and read it aloud in a pompous tone. "This one...'the hypocrisy of many older nations in their dealings with younger ones'...'Whenever small, fledgling nations make themselves known to the world, the larger and more powerful are ever quick to leap upon them with some slight pretext'."

He looked up at Lolimba. "Did Catawabans start reproducing like rabbits while I slept? Hell, we're a damn, fledgling country. We tried to stand up what was right...'narrow worldview.' Killed for not surrenduring their baby girls to the government? To become 'prize brides' to who ever the Lord wishes?"

"Bastard probably practiced jus primae noctis." Errant turned around with a questioning look to the third member in their impromptu national security meeting. The third member was a rail, thin man a bit taller than Errant's average height. He was pale white, which spoke of pure Togovian blood. However, the commander of the Catawaban Air Force, General Tom Waverly was an ardent Catawaban, and the first Togovian officer to turn against that failed regime. He'd saved Errant's life and the entire Catawaban Revolution by turning his strike planes on the attacking Togovian Army.

Waverly smirked confidently. Errant sighed and narrowed his eyes. "Yes, Tom, your superior Togovian education has taught you something that my poor, dysfunctional Catawaban education didn't learn me good none at all."

Tom silently inclined his head to accept his commander in chief's intellectual surrender. "Jus primae noctis means 'right of the first night.' Allegedly nearly a thousand years ago, feudal lords would claim the right to deflower the virgins within his lands on their wedding night."

Errant's highly advanced Marine training in inneundo filled in the blanks of Waverly's suggestion. He whinced and gritted his teeth. "There's no proof of that. Hell one of their laws did speak about failing to deflower a wife...but I wouldn't put it past'em. Anyways, that's besides the point."

He shuffled the Brettonian statement to the top. "This one's even better. The Brettonians are accusing us of oppressing the Fabians so much that we pretty forced the aristocrats to be poisoned."

"I'm pretty sure they also accuse you of stomping on puppies, sir." Waverly deadpanned.

Errant cast a glare his way. Bevu cleared her throat. "They are not completely wrong. The presence of the coalition forces may have very well influenced the Society of the Mind that they had support waiting to hurrah them into power."

Errant rolled his eyes and shuffled the Society of the Mind's mesage to the top. "Let's see...We the Society of the Mind. Having whacked all those who opposed our rule, do hereby grant the people of Saint Fabian a government of unicorns, frozen dinners that look as good as the depictions, Catawaban aircraft carriers, pure imagination, and other things just as real. Oh yes, and subsidize our defense because we don't want to. Hugs and kisses, the Society of the Mind." He gave Bevu a tired stare, which did nothing because she was blind.

He sighed, which she did notice. "Please, Lolimba write something polite in return. At the moment, the best I can manage is 'To all those who disagree with me, stuff it. From the heart, Me.'" Bevu nodded. Errant turned to Waverly, who was representing the War Office. "If it meets with Starkey's assessment of the situation, have him send back the merchantmen with an escort and the patrol craft. Wouldn't want anyone thinking I was trying create little Errantland in Saint Fabian." The real reason being he wanted more of his navy actually around his country and those merchantmen out of harm's way.

Errant growled to himself as he heard footsteps on the faux-grass. A stadium official stopped before the triumvirate until the Miraade waved him forward. Nervously, probably from speaking to three of the most powerful Catawabans, the man reported that the 'Titantron' was ready for his speech. Errant thanked the man with a forced smile, and waited for the man to walk away before letting loose another sigh. His foriegn detractors were so right. Errant, the evil imperialistic dictator, was about to address Catawaba's naitonal assembly's first meeting over a 'Titantron.' Beware, Miraade. Thou art mortal Errant mused to himself.

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

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The Armed Republic of Catawaba
An Official Communication from the Secretary for Foriegn Affairs, Lolimba Bevu
An Open Diplomatic Letter Regarding the Fabian Crisis

It has come to the notice of the Catawaban government that certain parties misunderstand our presence in International Waters off the coast of Saint Fabian. We are a recently freed colony of the now defunct nation of Togovia. We in no way have any ambitions to become a colonial power and are deeply offended at the suggestion that we harbor such horrific avarice for land and domination of another people.

Miraade Errant ordered our Second Fleet off of Saint Fabian to respond to a humanitarian crisis. Some wish to deny that the Tranderson Codes constitute anything but a patriarchial dictatorship to which women are chattel and any dissent of man or woman was met with death. Sadism of that magnitude and the free world's correct and righteous response are not one of differing opinions where compromises can be made. Despotism of that magnitude can not be written off as 'cultural differences,' to do so would have the blood of innocents on our hands as well.

The Catawaban government condemns the methods used in the recent coup in Saint Fabian. The indiscriminate use of poisons in luxury food stocks is abhorrant. We are also unsettled by the Society of the Mind's current governmental agenda. As Utopian as it seems, we worry for the long term welfare of the Fabian people, if this should fail. We urge the Society of the Mind to hold free elections so Fabian people might choose their own able rulers.

Lastly, the Catawaban Navy will not submit to Brettonian authority. They are not 'aggressors' or forces acting in the oppression of Saint Fabian's seas. Our forces will remain until this situation is settled to a degree acceptable to the Catawaban government and not before. The barely veiled threats of punitive action on the part of the Brettonian government are not appreciated.

I do hope that this situation can be resolved peaceably, but rest assured we will act in accordence with our convictions, not our fears.

From the heart,

Lolimba Bevu
Secretary for Foriegn Affairs

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Abroad the CNS Intrepid
International waters off Saint Fabian

Starkey cursed under his breath as he read the fleet messages down from the War Office. He handed them to Captain Mountalban. He heard her curse quietly as well. "Things are only getting better, Captain. Are we sure Colonel Quigley isn't on board?"

Mountalban smirked. Colonel Matthew Quigley from the Catawaban Air Force had a reputation for attracting and getting himself in the worst kinds of trouble but always getting himself back out. "Certain, Admiral, but I can have the Marines scour the fleet, sir."

Starkey shook his head. "No need, Captain. I just hope the Colonel's better half of his infamous fortunes rub off on us. The War Office has suggested we send the merchantmen and patrol craft back with escort." He stopped for moment looking out over the sea, imagining sea monsters lurking below.

He turned his towards his communications tech. "Petty Officer, send a message to Independence. Tell Captain Pequod I'm ordering him to take Indefatiguable and the patrol craft and escort the merchantmen home. I suggest he set course for the Salsan coast at best possible speed. The Holy Salsan Empire has granted the Air Force access to some of their coastal runaways so our fighter's can cover us when we get in range of them."

"Aye, sir." The petty officer sat down and went to work. Starkey turned to the sea again. They would leave him with the Intrepid and his five destroyers. So in effect, he'd have six destroyers, one with more bells and whistles than the other. Oh no, what was to prevent him from setting himself up as the new High Warlord of Saint Fabian...no, Saint Josiah?

Captain Mountalban cleared her throat. "Admiral, what about the Brettonians?"

Starkey shrugged. "That's up to them. The Miraade told them off as nicely as Bevu would allow him. I'm certainly not going to talk to them. I am the commander of my nation's fleet. I do not have the power to act as its diplomatic representative. This is a dominance game as clear as a pack of vornskrari back home. I contact the Brettonians, try to explain my position. I've already rolled with my belly up."

Starkey snorted. "Let the diplomats do that. The sneaky omegas that wait, sidle up close and slash open the belly. We're the snarling beta vornskrari, and the Catawaban Navy doesn't roll over."

The bridge crew grinned and glanced at their executive officer. With a nod from the XO, they laid their heads back and howled bad impersonations of a vornskrari's hunting howl. Some militaries had various grunts and hurrahs. Catawaba had the vornskrari hunting howl.

Starkey grinned. He walked over to the comm station and held his hand out for headset to the battle net he'd set up with the other fleets. "Coalition fleets, coalition fleets, this is Admiral Starkey. I am sending half my fleet home with my freighters, but the rest of us are staying for the duration. Starkey, out."

Tanaara

03-02-2008, 10:17

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Unto Mr. Julio Stillmann,

Dear Sir,

I have order the evacuation teams currently within the nation titling it'sef Saint Fabien, to remain on duty, accepting any who still wish to leave. We were granted a week and we shall remain a week.

Sir, I am going to speak bluntly.

While your new legislation seems to have a good heart, I am Highly Dubious of some portions of it. I agree that not every child is mentally able to handle a higher education, but honestly, sending ten year olds into the work force? That is child labor, which is not only dangerous for the children but for society as a whole! And to limit all childrens education to that of at best a high school senior? Again you can't run a country, a society, or a technology on that you just can't. And you can't feed your populace for free - it's a wonderful thought but simply not economically feasible. And to appoint an eighteen year old to office just because he or she does well on an exam? I love the children of my nation and we have an excellent educational system, but an eighteen year old is just not ready for that sort orf responsibility And unfair to the young adult to be shouldered with such responsibility!

I understand your desire to have your people fed, healthy, and happy, but you must balance all of that with the other things your people need. A properly trained and equipped police force, a properly trained and equipped military, a educational system that can turn out those minds that advance technology, and are not just mindless drones useing it. A national infrastructure to bring about that life you wish for your people.

And to say that any one over fifty is a senior citizen? Oh I know so many who would be insulted at that. Here in Tanaara, lifespans are well over a hundred as an average, and to suggest that so many up and stop doing what they enjoy? We value our older Citizens experience and we count ourselves fortunate that they continue to pass it along to the younger generations.

Might I suggest your Society of the Mind bring in some outside experts in national government, economics and such and listen to their suggestions. You all are intellegent, and should see the benefits of consulting with such experts. For while it looks easy to govern, it is not. I was elected to my post and I put in eighteen hour days - and my pay is one auric a day. I count myself lucky to have excellent advisors and Ministers.

Sincerely,
HM Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx,
Tanaara

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Official Statement unto Axis Nova and Bretton.

Simply and firmly put, as I don't have the time to be more expressive - What the United Duchies said.

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Catawaban, Romandean, & Wagdian, Northern Rangeria Fleets

Admiral Starkey, Admiral Fuller, Admiral Feschina, Commander Fifth Battle Group...
Ladies, Gentlemen I'm just a blunt old salt, but I have to say that this Society of the Mind fills me with no more confidence than it does Mount Royal. I have been ordered to stay on site incase things go south.

Admiral Feschina I think your plan to wait until nightfall to proceed with the extraction of the civilians is sound. I'd only suggest changes should they report dangerous changes in their situation. Can you give me rough coordinates? I can put a Dragonfly UAV up to keep a visual on them if you'd like. Also if you would like extended air cover for your SAR efforts I will gladly put up an extended air cap.

We have between the lot of us more than enough firepower to handle anything that might come up. My intellegence reports agree with the comments from Mr. Stillman. They don't even have a coastguard, and nothing resembling an airforce. Satellite imagery, which I will make available to all of you, shows the few aircraft in the nation to be purely civilian.

Might I suggest that Admiral Fuller, and Admiral Feschina take the coast line closest to the distress call and jointly partol, and Admiral Starkey and I will partol the other half, and both groups be ready to answer any call from the Northern Rangerian battle group who can hold the center point."

He thought it would be excellent strategy, like running a giant joint exercise, promote a feeling of goodwill unity between the fleets and cover the whole of the coastline. He'd gladly pass along every bit of intell that had been collected. As far as he was concerned - and Mount Royal was too - the more information people had the better decissions they could make. And Tanaara had never held military intelligence as secret, or at least not at times like this. And if generosity made friends and allies so much the better.

Bretton

03-02-2008, 10:40

Brettonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Response to Declaration by the Armed Republic of Catawaba

Thank you for your prompt response, as per our official announcement regarding the ongoing St. Fabian Crisis.

Allow us to express our gratitude for maintaining a cool and level-headed posture with regards to this ongoing calamity. Rest assured, we will respond in kind. While we believe that the naval assets deployed within St. Fabian's locale are acting as a destabilizing force, and have helped provide an impetus for a slide from order (if oppressive) to chaos within St. Fabian, we shall show no hostile intentions to these assets unless otherwise provoked.

We hold the cause of peace far too dearly to unnecessarily engage in violence and bloodshed when it can otherwise be avoided - we trust you will agree it is the best policy with regards to international relations.

Bretton

03-02-2008, 10:47

Official Statement unto Axis Nova and Bretton.

Simply and firmly put, as I don't have the time to be more expressive - What the United Duchies said.

Brettonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Response to Declaration by the Dominion of Tanaara

Thank you for your prompt response, as per our official announcement regarding the ongoing St. Fabian Crisis.

If it is the position of your government is of solidarity with the United Duchies, then we shall respond in kind, as consistency and egalitarianism are virtues in the political arena. Therefore, a state of hostility now exists between our states, per the terms described in our previous response to the United Duchies. We suggest you review it in full so as to prevent the possibility of a misunderstanding.

Etoile Arcture

03-02-2008, 14:44

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Official Diplomatic Communiqué
From: Diplomatic Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: all foreign nations

Following the recent diplomatic traffic concerning the evolving situation in St. Fabian, the Technocracy urges all parties to work together towards a common goal of a stable and self-reliant St. Fabian. It is clear from recent statements from the interim government, the Society of the Mind, that the international presence outside St. Fabian territorial waters is fully welcomed and appreciated. We ask all nations as part of the international coalition to continue to respect the territorial integrity of St. Fabian by ensuring their forces remain outside her sovereign air space and territorial waters, and for other nations opposed to these goals to contain their criticisms for the time-being to avoid a dangerous escalation of the current crisis.

In light of the latest statements made bt the Society of the Mind, including the publishing of the Sceptrum of Vita, the Technocracy urgently seeks discussions with the interim government and already has a delegation on the ground scheduled to meet with senior officials of the Society of the Mind. We fully intend to discuss a wide range of issues, including the Sceptrum of Vita, and will offer a substantial foreign aid package and propose measures to stimulate economic development and growth to ensure all St. Fabians have equal access to education and opportunity.

In regards to the ongoing humanitarian mission to St. Fabian, the Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture announces that Task Force Aurore, with the supercarrier EAS Harmony as lead element, was issued orders two days ago to sail from her home port in Googlewoop to assume position in international waters off the coast of St. Fabian. Task Force Aurore is scheduled to arrive tomorrow and is now within communications range of the international fleet. The Etoile Arcture Maritime Forces will replace the Aerospace Forces as the lead agency responsible for aid operation to St. Fabian, and will stand ready to render humanitarian assistance and expeditious evacuations from St. Fabian if so requested.

Diplomatic Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

Alcona and Hubris

03-02-2008, 15:21

Fleet Manor

Based on our interpretation of your response, we have determined your position and intent as a hostile belligerent with regards to the St. Fabian Crisis, and a state of hostility now exists between our states. Nevertheless, we are firm believers in the virtue and value of peace - to wit, we shall not engage in unnecessary violence and bloodshed against your nation or the aggressor forces stationed around the area of St. Fabian unless otherwise provoked.

The Naval Mashall looked down at the reply from Bretton and then at the rest of the Privy Council. "Gentlemen, what I do not like the tail of this message."
He pushed himself foward on the giant oak table highlighting the last phrase.
to wit, we shall not engage in unnecessary violence and bloodshed against your nation or the aggressor forces stationed around the area of St. Fabian unless otherwise provoked.

"That has enough wiggle room for them to decide to begin a clandestine war against us."

The group nodded around the table. "I think we need to demand a clarification of Bretton's policy." There were a few clearing throats around the table, it seemed that Atwater's Outer Ministry had been outclassed by a former colony. It was one thing for him to be outdone by Mackistian who had demonstrated a thousand year committment to breeding their Foreign Office staff, but a young upstart nation being far more elouquent that the United Duchies, one of the last surviving members of the World Court, UOP, KIST, and a major player in ending the Knotoss occupation of Tanah Burung. Now they were sounding like fifteen year old togs compared to Catawaba's eloquence.

"I think we should take a more forward posture in all of this." The Naval Marshall began.

"That might actually provoke Bretton."

"I doubt it if these peicenicks would actually do anything unless we bombed them, but they also might be planning on moving against us immediatly."

"I think if we are going to respond then it should be with words..."

Countess Winton slapped her hand down on the table. Technically she was under the Naval Marshall, but since she reported directly to the Regent she had far more leeway in disagreeing with him.

"I say that we should prepare for Bretton aggression against our shipping and naval vessels. Futhermore we should raise our alert status to Alpha across the board." She could see a protest welling up in the Outer Minister. "Atwater will make an offical statement...no a press breifing...demanding clarification."

The Naval Marshall sat back, "And what are you going to be doing?"
"I am not worried about us as much as I am about this rather young nation, Catawaba. This might just be a prelude to attacking them. If understand things they really don't have much of a naval force. So maybe we should demonstrate our distrust of Betton by demonstrating our support of Catawaba.

Wagdog

03-02-2008, 18:06

<begin communication>
Brettonian Official Statement
For prompt release!
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Propaganda music! (http://malikcarr.googlepages.com/prop.mp3)

A calamity in St. Fabian! Though Brettonia does not fully recognize hereditary aristocracy as a legitimate form of government, that does not excuse the actions taken by foreign aggressors, Socialist agitators and Fabian nationalist conspirators.

Therefore, the following is resolved:

We join Axis Nova in denouncing the oppression of St. Fabian's naval and airspace claims by foreign forces.
We do not acknowledge the provisional government established by the "Society of the Mind" as a functional governing body.

As a result, in accordance with Brettonian Foreign Policy Directive sec.C, St. Fabian is now considered a state of anarchy and chaos. This is unacceptable in a world where peace is our prime concern, and steps are being taken to rectify the situation. To wit, aerospace and air-mobile assets are currently being mobilized to combat the dual threats of chaos and mayhem, socialism and collectivist mentality. We hope for a peaceful and orderly resolution to this impending governmental catastrophe.

The following parties are encouraged to contact our Ministry of Foreign Affairs at once:

Upper-echelon leadership of all St. Fabian military assets.
Surviving members of St. Fabian noble class.
Bureaucratic and state servants of Federal-level government bodies.
Commanding officers of all foreign aggressor forces operating in the St. Fabian theater.

Failure to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with all due haste to establish intent and bearing may result in unfortunate misunderstandings - do not delay! The life you save may be your own.

<end communication>
SIC
Il-87 Maxdome Air National Guard One, Skies Over Wagdog
Reviewing the Brettonian dispatch, Stewardess Christine Friedrich scowled in consternation. Never fails, she thought. Just when you've achieved a good goal without firing a shot, someone has to come in bleating about the more absolutist definitions of sovereignty and threatening to throw their larger weight around. In her own way, she did get what the Brettonians were saying; but she also saw a potential avenue of argument that she felt might be wise to try. I'm just glad State got done with that analysis of the Sceptrum of Vita recently; that may be a good place to search for some common ground here.

Taking fingers to keyboard, her laptop having secure SATCOM connection to the State Department and so on as was de rigeur for any remotely modern nation nowadays, Christine began. Clearly this was going to require some dexterity...

IC
Official Statement to the Brettonian Foreign Affairs Ministry, From the Desk of the Stewardess of the Revolutionary Commonwealth
First of all, allow me to begin with our differences in this matter since those are the salient point. If I may direct your Government's attention to my original statement (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13410702&postcount=9) regarding this crisis, you will see that in fact we allowed the Fabianese government room to take our condemnation under advisement and then ignore it; at which point the Revolutionary Commonwealth's role in this would've most likely been at an end unless the Confederacy of Sovereign States headed by Allanea had perhaps taken action requiring our assitance. Since that was thankfully not the case, and the Fabianese government consented (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13411533&postcount=13) to our role in the evacuation operation soon after world opinion of the Tranderson Codes became clear, we deployed what forces we did strictly for the purposes of maintaining security for the evacuation effort. The threatened intrusions of Earthfall Island against the effort made the level of security dispatched imperative, and upon their withdrawal the value of the force backing our mercy can be seen.

The very fact that the Von Tranderson principality published these codes openly to the world, when they could very well have enacted them in private and not bothered with foreign approval or otherwise, implies that they submitted this regime to the evaluation of the opinions of mankind seeking to act in decent respect thereof; and received swift and consistently-negative reply in return. Since acting accordingly in decent respect of said opnions of mankind, allowing those individuals within his lands that did not wish to live under his laws to leave as much as was economically viable, the late Lord Von Tranderson acted as well as could be expected and in fact deserves some small measure of redeeming credit in spite of our continuing condemnation of what he enacted in the first place. What happened afterward was the St. Fabianese people's business and in general we have maintained a cautious distance from the new regime; preferring to focus on the narrowly-humanitarian and territorial security aspects of the situation, while they are left room to sort out their internal matters properly.

Our continuing presence is only due to the fact that, like yourselves, we are most concerned about the viability of the Society of the Mind's interim regime; harboring grave doubts regarding the Sceptrum of Vita (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13416425#post13416425) proclamation which seems to have replaced the archaic Tranderson Codes with one of the most-dogmatic attempts at Rationalism-in-practice that I have ever seen. Although like the Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture we do not believe fully undermining the Society is beneficial at this point, lest St. Fabian degenerate further into true anarchy and the privations which usually accompany the same, I do believe that a Brettonian role in any joint negotiations over the Fabianese future is appropriate and we would be flexible regarding Brettonian preferences as is only proper. So long as what we can all settle upon as a legitimate and representative state for St. Fabian emerges, as would be naturally evidenced by the prosperity and happiness of their people thereunder, the Revolutionary Commonwealth officially has no ideological preference for or affiliation with any St. Fabianese faction provided that the Tranderson Codes in their bloodthirsty medievalism are not restored.

In summation, the Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog holds no hostility towards the Armed Fortress State of Bretton that is not first expressed or acted unto ourselves; nor do we wish to hold same. Our forces remain in international airspace and waters, making only what entry to Fabianese territory is done per the requirements of ongoing humanitarian relief operations by the consent of local authorities; both recognized by yourself (to wit, the late Von Tranderson regime) and otherwise (to wit, the Society of the Mind). Together, I believe we all can in fact achieve what could become a model for assisting new nations into productive roles in world civilization should they befall calamity so young; something to the credit of us all for the ages.

Sincerely in Respect,
Christine L. Friedrich
Stewardess of the Revolution, Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog
Secretary-President, RCW Supreme Directory

Wagdog

03-02-2008, 18:49

http://www.atddm.com/bar3.gif

Catawaban, Romandean, & Wagdian, Northern Rangeria Fleets

Admiral Starkey, Admiral Fuller, Admiral Feschina, Commander Fifth Battle Group...
Ladies, Gentlemen I'm just a blunt old salt, but I have to say that this Society of the Mind fills me with no more confidence than it does Mount Royal. I have been ordered to stay on site incase things go south.

Admiral Feschina I think your plan to wait until nightfall to proceed with the extraction of the civilians is sound. I'd only suggest changes should they report dangerous changes in their situation. Can you give me rough coordinates? I can put a Dragonfly UAV up to keep a visual on them if you'd like. Also if you would like extended air cover for your SAR efforts I will gladly put up an extended air cap.

We have between the lot of us more than enough firepower to handle anything that might come up. My intellegence reports agree with the comments from Mr. Stillman. They don't even have a coastguard, and nothing resembling an airforce. Satellite imagery, which I will make available to all of you, shows the few aircraft in the nation to be purely civilian.

Might I suggest that Admiral Fuller, and Admiral Feschina take the coast line closest to the distress call and jointly partol, and Admiral Starkey and I will partol the other half, and both groups be ready to answer any call from the Northern Rangerian battle group who can hold the center point."

He thought it would be excellent strategy, like running a giant joint exercise, promote a feeling of goodwill unity between the fleets and cover the whole of the coastline. He'd gladly pass along every bit of intell that had been collected. As far as he was concerned - and Mount Royal was too - the more information people had the better decissions they could make. And Tanaara had never held military intelligence as secret, or at least not at times like this. And if generosity made friends and allies so much the better.

SIC
Stalking throughout the Gapon's CIC, Admiral Feschina puzzled over this. If we get in too close to the coastline, we risk provoking the Brettonians; for once ONI has been on time in warning me about someone possibly jumping in. She was confident that the alliances invoked by any precipitious outside action could serve as deterrents, but nonetheless care was due in return. Hence, Feschina agreed even as she ordered her Eighth Fleet to proceed on the suggested bearings pending word on whether or not to close; about which she asked over the inter-fleet voice comms again...

"Do please put up the UAVs. We have periodic OBSAT satellite coverage overhead as well, but the real-time capabilities the Dragonfly would offer are all the better as well. As for now, we believe normal Combat Air Patrol readiness is sufficient to cover our pending rescue attempt, which we will ask the Fabianese about one more time before proceeding by initiative. Moving on proper bearings as suggested is already underway, though we counsel that all fleets involved remain in international waters/airspace until such time as the Brettonian position is resolved; we don't need another scare like the Earthfallers gave us now. Feschina out."

Regarding the Fabianese government, no time was due to waste. This message was sent out encoded, on such a level as the locals could decrypt well.
FLASH MESSAGE
RCW 8THFLTCOM TO ST. FABIAN GOV'T

MESSAGE BEGINS. PERMISSION REQUESTED TO INSERT FORCES ON A SEARCH-AND-RESCUE OPERATION FOR UNITED DUCHIES OF ALCONA AND HUBRIS CIVILIANS. STOP. ORBAT TWO FA-15E CARDINAL & TWO FA-16B PRIEST FIGHTERS, ONE KI-1MA HELICOPTER WITH MARINE PERSONNEL ABOARD. STOP. WILL REMAIN IN INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE PENDING PERMISSION TO PROCEED, OVER. FULL STOP.

Alcona and Hubris

03-02-2008, 19:15

Press Room, Outer Ministry of the United Duchies

Atwater strode into the room with the sound of video cameras cooling their digital heads and flashes of photographers trying to all capture some shot or another. The Outer Minister, there more for his political ablity rather than his diplomacy smiled polietly as he stood at the podium and began to speak.

"Good Morning, as it has been reported in the morning press, the United Duchies has been accused of violating the soverign territorial rights of St. Fabian and by a coersive show of force, overthrowing the Von Tranderson regime." He paused.

"The United Duchies last night released a statement both finding faults in the statements made against the government, as well as the international community involved in the St. Fabian crisis. Unfortunatly, it appears that some nations that disapprove of the actions taken by the international community have begun to declare us an agressive belligeriant foreign power."

Atwater took on a deep look of concern, he was a decent actor when he wanted to be.

"The United Duchies wishes to make clear to the world that: One, we have not violated the soverign territorial rights of St. Fabian. Two, we have not used any means, including a coearsive show of force, to overthrow the Von Tranderson regime for the Society of the Mind. Three, that any formal hostility by the United Duchies towards Betton and Axis Nova is due to their libel of the actions and intentions of the United Duchies, and our Regent Lord Vaad."

He turned slightly to a screen mounted behind him. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the United Duchies has dispached this vessel from ARN's Fifth Fleet to remove citizens of the United Duchies, and of the entire Federation, from the feudal government, and chattel laws that marked the Von Tranderson regime."
The screen turned on and presented the vessel.
http://www.merchantnavyofficers.com/BlueFunnel/prometheus67.jpg
"Currently this vessel is 180 miles from St. Fabian territory on route. If the United Duchies has not violated any recognized national waters with this vessel. Futhermore, this vessel does not appear to me to be able to coerse any nation."

He turned again to the screen. "The United Duchies again states that the accusations leveled against it in relation to the coup and mass murder within St. Fabian are libel. The Government of the United Duchies again demands an appology for statements indicating that we did have a hand in such activities from the nations of Betton and Axis Nova."

He gave a dramatic pause, "If a withdrawl of these charges and a full appology are not given to the people of the United Duchies. We will be forced to interpet this as some basis for future military action against the United Duchies and the Federation. The United Duchies shall act in what manner it sees fit to defend itself against the cloaked ambitions of these two nations." He paused again, "Any questions...."

*****
"So they sent a Q ship?" One of the men in the booth asked outloud.
"Of course they sent a Q ship, what the hell is a fleet supply ship doing out there unless it was hunting pirates."
"And we say nothing in the press because?"
"We don't know if it is...we only suspect it is...that and everyone who knows the ARN knows the Fifth Fleet has more Q ships than most of the rest of the world's navies combined. Hell, Fifth Fleet has more Marines assigned to its duty staff than any other fleet. Oh, and did you notice that was a Hull Battallion Penant on the foremast? Yeah, odds are she is a Q ship in all royal glory. Atwater is just pissed that Betton didn't back down when he called them on all of this the first time."

Northern Rangeria

03-02-2008, 19:18

To the commanders of the coalition fleet

The Northern Rangerian taskforce has completed its evacuation process in St Fabian. As requested by the Society of Mind and the diplomatic envoys of the coalition, the Fifth Battle Group shall remain outside St Fabianese territorial waters for the time being.

We are happy to conclude that the evacuation process progressed smoothly and efficiently, and the return of those evacuees now willing to return to St Fabian has been organized and will begin within the next week. However, the Principality wants to make clear that extradition requests towards military and nobility who sought refuge in Northern Rangeria will not be complied with, as the current St Fabianese political climate seems to favour removal of dissidents.

Commodore Juhann Tilhi,
5th Battle Group of the Royal Navy

St Fabian

03-02-2008, 21:46

To all nations showing interest in the current situation in St. Fabian,

We wish to assure you all that our government shall be able to function quite well, with no budget issues, it has already been worked out. Also, some of you say that our educational system is doomed to fail, as our brightest only get 12 years of education, but you see, by removing those not able to keep up, we are able to have the curriculum move at a much faster pace. Also, as for your worries about the children, they are not truly working when the enter the work force, it is more of an apprenticeship program where they learn from a master the work they will be undertaking in the future. We also are working hard to build up our infrastructure, and as our mass transit system may not exist now, it will soon, and then it shall be free. We are open to any other questions you may have about our government, and also open to opening diplomatic relations with you all.

Julio Stillmann

St Fabian

03-02-2008, 21:52

Romandeos

03-02-2008, 23:24

Bretton

04-02-2008, 05:24

Brettonian Field Report
For prompt release!
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a229/MalikCarr/54ce7979.png
Propaganda music! (http://malikcarr.googlepages.com/prop.mp3)

Great success! In spite of some unfriendly rumblings, it would appear that only a slim minority of the foreign aggressors bear a hostile intent towards the cause of peace and freedom from collectivism and despair. This bodes well not only for ourselves, but first and foremost the people of St. Fabian suffering under a crushing mass of chaos and disorder.

As we speak, a rapid reaction force organized by the Brettonian Humanitarian League and the Brettonian Anti-Bolshevik Front is en route to the crisis area at St. Fabian. No naval assets will be deployed, and despite our reservations against the foreign flotillas currently operating in the St. Fabian area, we bear no hostile intention unless otherwise provoked, and hope that the foreign agitators in the theater will respond in kind. The safety of all parties involved in this crisis depends upon it!

Red Tide2

04-02-2008, 06:03

IC: The Totalitarian State of Red Tide had remained silent on the whole thing ever since the Fabians assassinated the majority of their leadership. Without support from any allies, the Totalitarian State was unwilling to undertake it's invasion...

... the Brettonian decleration had pretty much solved that problem. And the Red Tideans had a conveniant excuse.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM TSRT GOVERNMENT!
"The Totalitarian State finds that the current government of St Fabian is no better then the last government. Therefore, we will be going forward with our own plans to restore order inside St Fabian, along with the nation of Bretton. The State Guard is coming."
End Message

As the message was sent, a Guards Field Army had been waiting onboard transport ships at various naval bases across Red Tide. Now orders were issued for a Dreadnough Battlegroup to escort the transport convoy to St Fabian.

OOC: Forces deploying:

State Guard(IE: the Army):
x1 Guard Field Army(500,000 men)

State Navy:
x1 Dreadnought Battlegroup consisting of:
1 Raven Class SuperDreadnought
1 Tsunamis Class Supercarrier
2 Bluebird Guided Missile Cruisers
5 G(un)-Battleships
5 M(issile)-Battleships
12 Tidal Wave Class Guided Missile Destroyers
24 Mockingbird Class Frigates
12 TC-2C Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopters
70 H/K-2 Carrier-Based Interceptors
40 H/K-1 VTOL Surface-Attack Aircraft
Assorted Supply Ships

x1 Transport Convoy consisting of:
10 Tidal Wave-Class DDGs
20 Mockingbird-Class Frigates
10 TC-2C ASW Helicopters
10 TC-2A Heavy Rocket Helicopters
6 TC-2B Transport Helicopters
6 Khan-Class Amphibious Assualt Ships
Assorted other transports

Catawaba

04-02-2008, 07:40

Vipe Air Force Base
Neshoba, Catawaba

There are many great benefits to being a new country. Chief among them is the lack of many established traditions. Miraade Errant appreciated the chance to make them up as he went. Case in point was the farewell ceremony for the Catawaban fighter pilots deploying to the coastal airfields in the Holy Salsan Empire to support the returning navy ships. There were no long speechs from him down to the local dog catcher. No, Errant took advantage of a resource present in the Catawaban Air Force for a unique send off.

On a stage on the runway, which Errant was grateful not to have to stand on, six musicians in the green flightsuits, backed by an array of Catawaban F-17 interceptors, were rocking out a fast mix of celtic and punk. They were all playing an odd assortment of instruments. There were the usual mix of guitars, a set of drums, but then there were the fiddle, banjo, and bagpipe. The lead singer was belting his lyrics as his fingers flew along the strings of his acoustic guitar.

"Where the smokin' gun's a familiar
song let loose
With the bombed out cars
Come the falling stars
From a heaven we'll never know
And the nameless names
On the misspelled graves grow tall
We're still screamin' at the Wailing Wall!"

The Miraade was enjoying himself. Hey, he was getting the government to subsidize the kind of music he liked. How could he not like it? However, some people have no appreciation for music.

"Miraade! Miraade Errant! A word?!" Errant almost didn't hear the woman yelling behind him, but he did hear when she yelled out in surprise. He turned around to a female reporter and her camera man pushing through the crowd. How did they find him? So what if his face was on most newspapers and news networks?

Perhaps, Errant realized, it was cordon of humorless men wearing guns around him. One of them was about to grind the reporter into the tarmac, when Errant put a hand on the guard's arm. "Braler! Braler! It's okay! PRESS PASS!"

The dark-skinned Taung stopped for a moment, looking between his Miraade and the reporter before helping the reporter back up. The woman took a moment to compose herself and ensure her camera man was taping. "Miraade Errant, have you..." She was cut off as the band on stage caused a chorus of hunting howls in the crowd.

Errant flashed a glance towards the stage and then back to the reporter. He waved her in a direction away from the stage. She followed, and the Miraade's Guard cleared a path away through the crowd of military personnel and their guests. Far enough away that they could hear themselves think, the reporter began again. "Miraade Errant, have you heard the latest report from the Brettonian governmetn?"

Errant smiled. "Ma'am, I haven't heard anything but BIF for a while." He waved towards the stage.

The reporter smiled, Errant suspected it had a predatory undertone. "Sir, the Brettonians are claiming victory over agressor forces outside Saint Fabian which is where our fleet...."

This time she was cut off as Errant raised a hand. "I've already heard it, Miss...?"

"Angela Clapsidel from CFN." She said with a bright smile. It was definitely predatory. Errant recognized the CFN. The Catawaban Fairness Network had been dogging him since he took office. Errant thanked the heavens the reporters were as new at their jobs as he was. Togovia hadn't cared much for free press.

"Miss Clapsidel, the Brettonian have quickly decided that a few diplomatic messages constitute some great victory. You'd think that the Catawaban Navy was yelping its way home with its tail between its legs. However, Admiral Starkey and our brave men and women are still there showing the flag."

Clapsidel nodded gravely along with Errant's words and went on to her next question. "The Brettonians have said they are moblizing a quick reaction force to address this crisis and counter act the 'agitating flotillas'..."

"I personally love that letter you, know?" Miss Clapsidel looked a bit flustered as Errant rode over her question again. Of course, she could look angry and flustered. The camera wasn't pointed at her. Lolimba was probably going to have something to say about this later, but Errant went on. "Have you really read the letter? I suppose not, you're just skimming and pulling quotes." That really got blood up into the reporter's make-uped cheeks.

"Let's start with 'flotillas.' That's subtle jab at the fleets off of the Fabian coast. You see 'flotillas' are groups of smaller ships that could not be called a fleet. Now, I'll grant that the Catawaban 'fleet' might very well qualify as a flotilla, but our allies in the region? Please, Miss Clapsidel, the Brettonians are resorting to name calling...a tactic that crops up in all of their messages."

"Also again, the Brettonians enclose a parting jab about how our safety or our very lives lay in dancing to a Brettonian fiddle. Secretary Bevu stated in her open letter that we do not appreciate barely veiled threats of punitive action. We still do not appreciate Brettonian threats, and they are beginning to wear thin."

"But, sir, they..."

"Not finished, ma'am. Lastly, the Brettonians seem to be constructing their own bizzare mirror reality. In this mirror reality, the coalition Admirals wake every morning and contemplate how they might crush freedom beneath the prows of their ships and oppress Fabian orphans to the best effect. Also, the coalition fleets are 'aggressors' in spite the fact we have taken no action beyond humanitarian relief. And I know for a fact that no slim minority 'bears a hostile intent towards the cause of peace and freedom.' The entire impetus for our actions has been the cause the Brettonians accuse of tearing down."

He rolled his eyes. "As for the earlier accusation that we caused the death of the Tranderson regime, Miss Clapsidel, as you know I lead the Catawaban Rebels for the final years of the conflict. I do know a few things about plotting the overthrow of a government. One thing I do know is that anything as complicated as plot carried out by the Society of the Mind cannot be formulated and executed with the limited amount of time that passed between the arrival of the coalition fleets and the actual coup. We may have affected the timing, but the plot was already in the works."

Miss Clapsidel pursed her lips. This was not going how she'd envisioned it. "What about the entry of the forces of Red Tide into the crisis? The combined forces from Brettonia and Red Tide easily outnumber our meager military. Have we gotten in over our heads? Doesn't this make Catawaba more vulnerable than it already is?"

Errant's eyes narrowed. If this was the reaction she wanted, she got it. Errant glared at for a moment, before a better idea came to mind. He looked towards the stage for a moment to compose himself. The band was winding down, thanking the audience for coming. Errant raised his voice and interjected a tone of command into it. "Colonel Quigley! 'Minstrel Boy,' and sing for effect!"

The lead singer could been Errant's brother except for his darker blue eyes and rakish scar across his face. The colonel insignia on his collar flashed in the sunlight as he came to attention. "Yes, sir! 'Minstrel Boy,' sir!" Colonel Matthew Quigley relaxed from attention and leaned towards the microphone. "Well, folks, it seems the Miraade would like to make a request, and all the faithful pilots that make up BIF would love to do 'the Minstrel Boy' for, y'all"

He looked behind him and nodded his bandmates and squadron mates. They readied themselves. The drummer abandoned his drum set with its big base drum emblazoned with the BIF name and a picture of one plane dropping a bomb right into the cockpit of another heading the opposite direction. The drummer picked up a Celtic bodran drum laying beside him and nodded to Quigley. The Colonel took a deep a breath and launched into the slow, old celtic ballad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdA4NlJiikM&feature=related). Quigley's voice powerful reached out to the crowd.

"The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;"
Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
They shall never sound in slavery!"

The Minstrel Boy will return we pray
When we hear the news we all will cheer it,
The minstrel boy will return one day,
Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.
Then may he play on his harp in peace,
In a world such as Heaven intended,
For all the bitterness of man must cease,
And ev'ry battle must be ended."

The crowd launched into Vornksrari hunting howls to applaud the song. Errant waited for a few moment before turning back to the reporter. "Get what the song's about? That's what we're doing. We're that small boy, definitely out of our weight class, but we know we are doing right and that's enough to risk death and imprisonment. We have gone to Saint Fabian to protect innocent human life and assure the freedom for those who have not tasted it. Why? Because those are the principles we fought for against the Togovians, that we founded this nation on. If we do not act to secure those rights that we believe inalienable, we sully them and cast aside the sacrifices given by those to gain us our freedom."

Errant glanced back at the stage. BIF was bowing before the applause and readying to leave the stage. "If you'll excuse me, I have to thank our musical pilots and wish them luck as they go to safeguard fellow soldiers returning home." Errant spun on his heel, and his Guard closed around him squeezing out the reporter and her cameraman with deeply hidden glee. Errant never thought he'd be running towards stage instead of away from it, but there were first times for everything.

Tanaara

04-02-2008, 08:25

OOC: Bretton: If you aren't deploying them via ship, are you going to try and fly them in?
OOC2: Wagdog - TG cvomming your way
OOC3: Since it looks like some one likes to play the numbers game I'll list up third fleet later...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.atddm.com/tanflag2.jpg
http://www.atddm.com/commo1.gif

Attention Bretton & Totalitarian State Red Tide:

If your rapid deployment force attempts to land via aircraft you will find the skies over Saint Fabian very unfriendly. If you attempt to land via ship you will first have to convince me to not have my task force interdict you.

Just becaue I have extreme reservations about their new government does not mean I will allow you to invade them willynilly.

Mont Royal Tanaara
HR Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx
Defcon 1

The orders went out and more orbital assets came on line. Anything leaving Bretton or RED Tide via land, air or sea would be tracked and intelled comepletely. Orbital missile platforms and other military ordinance assets also recieved updated targeting assessments.

International waters just off the Saint Fabian coast...

The Dragon fly UAV had been launched the moment the request came back from Admiral Feschina, and a direct down load was made available to the Wagdian admiral as well. The trio of hospital ships were directed to be ready to leave port on an hours notice. The marines already incountry were advised as was the air traffic controllers

and when the later events and intell on Bretton and Red Tide came in - plus the information that Third fleet was under way to assist and reinforce the now renamed Mercy OP Force and that in orbit the Marine Rapid Deployment Force - Drop Troopers - was being tasked for a one hour readiness for drop capsule insertion in to Saint Fabians...

The Admiral quietly set about informing the various Admirals of his new orders...

Admiral Starkey, Admiral Fuller, Admiral Feschina, Commodore Juhann Tilhi

Sorry to bother you all so late at night, my fellow vaqcationers, but it looks like we may have unwelcome house guests coming to pay a call. Bretton who has been accusing various of our governments has decided they do not like the new government and are sending a rapid reaction force organized by the Brettonian Humanitarian League and the Brettonian Anti-Bolshevik Front - though they clain no naval assest are being deployed. So I don't know if they are coming on non military vessels or via air deployment. Red Tide is also sending a decidedly naval force.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been tasked by Mont Royal to not let these invaders into Saint Fabian waters or airspace. UNLESS I have direct permission from the new Saint Fabian Government, or recieved word from Mont Royale that they have recieved such.

I have been informed that Third Fleet has sailed, and that our orbital assests have gone weapons free and our own Marine Rapid Deployment Force are on a one hour clock.

But Ladies and Gentlemen, Tanaara has never been too proud to accept help and I know that Mont Royal is contacting your respective governments - and I will say that I'll gladly accept any help your governments decide to offer. If not maybe we can hold some join exercises later in more pleasant circumstances. Foxbridge out

http://www.atddm.com/tanflag2.jpg
http://www.atddm.com/commo1.gif

Dictorial Republic of Sumer, Imperial Federated States of Romandeos, Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog, Principality of Northern Rangeria,
The Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture, United States of Allanea, The Armed Republic of Catawaba, United Duchies of the FKC

My fellow leaders, I am informing all of you that I shall not allow the invasions of Saint Fabian by Bretton & Totalitarian State Red Tide to occur. We all of us have stayed in international waters save for the relief forces ALOWED in by first the ancient regime and now the new governments. We have not aggressed, we have not invaded, we have not sought, caused or sparked the regime change. And for these two nations to so baselessly accuse us and then to stage their own invasion under the most spurious of pretenses, is simply unacceptable. I will accept any assistance with the utmost gratitude, and spirit of cooperation, but if Tanaara ends up going it alone so be it.

Mont Royale, Tanaara;

HM Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx

Halfway down the trail to Hell,
In a shady meadow green,
Are the souls of all dead troopers camped
Near a good, old-time canteen,
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddler's Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell,
The Infantry are seen,
Accompanied by the Engineers, Artillery and
Marines,
For none but the shades of Cavalrymen
Dismount at Fiddler's Green.
Though some go curving down the trail
To seek a warmer scene,
No trooper ever gets to Hell
Ere he empties his canteen,
And so rides back to drink again
With Friends at Fiddler's Green.
And so when man and horse go down
Beneath a saber keen,
Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee
You stop a bullet clean,
And the hostiles come to take your scalp,
Just empty your canteen,
And put your pistol to your head
And go to Fiddler's Green.

Etoile Arcture

04-02-2008, 12:49

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/USCMC/nationstates/seal.gif

Official Diplomatic Communiqué
From: Diplomatic Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: All nations

The Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture strongly condemns the needless confrontation that is being provoked by Totalitarian State of Red Tide. To date we have chosen to ignore the provocative statements coming from the Red Tide regime on the basis that they have been made with an incomplete understanding of the current situation as it stands in St. Fabian. The Technocracy was content to allow the statements of other nations to fully explain the role being played by multinational forces and the history of the crisis in St. Fabian. The latest statements of Red Tide government officials demonstrate clearly a wilful ignorance of these facts, or a deliberate policy of confrontation and escalation when dealing with members of the international community.

We would therefore draw to the attention of the Red Tide government the following facts regarding the situation in St. Fabian: The historic agreement of the Tranderson regime with the international community to grant permission to evacuate those citizens who did not wish to submit themselves to the repressive Tranderson Codes. The Technocracy would add that at great expense, both monetary and in material, an international coalition of the willing responded magnificently to this plea, and have provided shelter for hundreds of thousands of Fabian countrymen, women and children within their countries, an act of both international solidarity and selfless charity, an act I fear the Red Tide government neither understands or comprehends.

The current agreement of the interim government of St. Fabian to allow international relief operations to that nation to continue following the collapse of the Tranderson regime, and the additional agreement that multinational forces should provide security and protection to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of St. Fabian. We refer the government of Red Tide to the following statement issued by the interim government on 3 Feb 2008:

”We thank you for keeping your fleets around or nation, we can clearly see your intention is to protect our small, and currently defenceless nation. We find this noble action reassuring, and hope that you will keep them there until we are properly able to defend ourselves.”

The stationing of multinational forces outside the borders of St. Fabian has been done in full accordance with international law, and that no nation has wilfully violated the territorial waters and air space of St. Fabian. All movements into and out of her territory have been conducted in accordance with proper permissions and clearances agreed by the previous Tranderson regime and the current interim government.

The interim government, as was the prior Tranderson regime, is fully recognised under international law as being the due representatives of the St. Fabian people and as such her legitimate government. The government of Red Tide is fully within its rights to decide to refuse to recognise the interim government or any other government, and may refuse to have any contacts with that nation on the diplomatic level. The Red Tide government is also fully within its rights not to send ambassadors, envoys or other representatives of her government, is fully entitled to ban travel, trade and communications between her nation and St. Fabian, and is fully within her rights to issue statements expressing her opposition to any regime in power in St. Fabian. The government of Red Tide is not entitled to despatch military forces to change a regime she does not agree with, or to ignore the will of the international community. We point out that to do so is clearly a violation of St. Fabian sovereignty, the very charge being levelled at the international community by the Red Tide government!

Lastly, we submit that the government of Red Tide have to date provided no proof to substantiate any of its accusations against members of the international community and specifically the multinational force assembled outside St. Fabian. It has provided no evidence of the international community intervening in the internal affairs of St. Fabian, and has provided no evidence of sponsorship, direct support or collusion between the Society of the Mind or any other group or faction within St. Fabian, and any of the member states that are part of the multinational force outside St. Fabian borders.
We submit therefore that all charges made by the Totalitarian State of Red Tide accusing member nations of the multinational coalition of various misdeeds in regards to their relations with St. Fabian are entirely groundless and unfounded.

In the interests of internal peace and security we now call upon the Red Tide government reconsider its actions and statements and to stand down her forces and allow the international community to continue and complete its work. The Unitary Technocracy is as eager as any other nation to see a stable, self-sufficient, self-governed St. Fabian emerge from this crisis. We invite the Red Tide government to join the international community to help achieve this noble goal.

Diplomatic Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

Bretton

04-02-2008, 13:03

Brettonian Field Report
For prompt release!
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a229/MalikCarr/54ce7979.png
Propaganda music! (http://malikcarr.googlepages.com/prop.mp3)

In a most unfortunate turn of events, the aggressor forces of the United Duchies have issued an ultimatum effecting a statement of hostility and a firm commitment to the destruction of peace. This is a most lamentable and tragic course of action, but it is resolved that Brettonia shall soldier on for the cause of peace and freedom!

To this effect, it is placed under presumption of the Brettonian Humanitarian League that the belligerent forces of the United Duchies pose an immediate hostile threat to our peacekeeping organization. Once again, we do not wish to cause any unnecessary violence and bloodshed, but the cause of peace is too great and too important to risk about the jaws of combative agitators.

We once again respectfully request that the forces of the United Duchies exercise restraint and a coolheaded attitude before "going to guns", but under the current conditions we are forced to presume that these overtures will fall on deaf ears and shall defend ourselves accordingly. It is not too late to preserve peace - the onus rests on your shoulders!

That said, our Foreign Ministry still awaits responses or affirmations from a number of foreign powers with deployed assets in the region, as well as the former governmental organs of the St. Fabian proper, its military and other appointed officials. Will you offer a blank check of solidarity to violence and bloodshed with the United Duchies, or will you allow peace to blossom? We eagerly await your responses.

---

International waters, +/- 2400km from St. Fabian

A squadron of a one and a half dozen Ouroboros large-scale transport aircraft (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=481690) hung in the early night sky like swollen, bloated fish barely held aloft by their colossal wingspans. In lieu of the most recent threats by the forces of the United Duchies, a combat air patrol of several fighter aircraft maintained a healthy perimeter, utilizing the Ouroboros' potent HEADGEAR equipment to act as a forward air control and early warning capacity. On the off chance that the relief units were to be directly threatened by a larger force, a wing of Arbiter II (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=452252) bombers had been dispatched from bases in occupied Numonica to rendezvous with the transports, and were currently flying out of sight far above, near the roof of their operational ceiling.

General Yuri Hassler, a veteran of liberation campaigns in Perganum, Kahanistan, Taralensia and other conflicts, was situated in the center transport in a command faculty.

"Has there been any signs of redeployment from the offshore naval assets?" Hassler inquired, poking an eye over the tip of his coat's tall collar.

"Partially, sir," a logistics officer reported, looking over from his duty station in the cavernous bridge/cockpit/flight deck of the behemoth lifter. "Some ships are withdrawing from the less belligerent nations. Regarding the United Duchies they appear to be preparing for a fight, though that could just be a reshuffling of fleet assets..."

"Wonderful," Hassler gruffed. "Well, we have a mission parameter to uphold - they might yet show some rationality and not put up their war flags over an utterly pointless matter such as this one. Nevertheless, I want those vessels under constant supervision. These monsters should be showing up on their over-the-horizon radar before too long, assuming they have any. If they start moving to intercept us, we'll have to assume they mean business."

"I've relayed that to the bomber flight commander, General; they're remaining in formation as instructed and awaiting further progression of the situation," the communications chief reported from the other side of the chamber.

"Right. Have we established a line of communication with the Fabian military command infrastructure yet?" Hassler posited.

"No sir," the chief replied. "They're still dead silent. For that matter, we haven't received word from the revolutionary government as to their intentions either."

"That's awfully foolish of them," Hassler frowned. "Maybe our signals aren't getting to them; it's possible some of their communications systems have been damaged in the takeover, or were knocked out by the aggressor forces. That said, if we can't get them to provide us with a landing clearance or at least some kind of response to that effect, we'll have to prepare to air drop the relief effort as a whole - send that to the loadmaster."

"Roger."

If their diplomatic envoys are to be believed, they suspect us of foul play in this matter, Hassler mused. Yet why is it that they're committing such a show of force to try and scare us off? That seems a lot more suspicious to me... their commander must either be a very crafty and conniving sort, or a total prat fresh out of OTS. Interesting either way...

Etoile Arcture

04-02-2008, 14:22

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/USCMC/nationstates/seal.gif

Encrypted Communiqué
From: Defence Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: Defence ministries of Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog, United States of Allanea, Dictatorial Republic of Sumer, Domination of Tanaara, Imperial Federated States of Romandeos, Principality of Northern Rangeria, Armed Republic of Catawaba, United Duchies of the FKC,
Security: Eyes only
Subject: Response to possible intervention by Red Tide and Bretton forces

It is the sincere hope of the Unitary Technocracy that diplomacy shall prevail and that a peaceful resolution be found to the current crisis involving the governments of Red Tide and Bretton.

Nonetheless, in the event that diplomacy should fail to find a common understanding, the Technocracy proposes to the member nations of all coalition forces stationed outside St. Fabian borders that an air, sea and land exclusion zone should immediately be declared around St. Fabian. This exclusion zone should be enforced by the multinational coalition with the aim of preventing violation of the sovereign territory of St. Fabian by any nation not issued permission by the interim government to enter or leave St. Fabian territory.

The Defence Directorate has been authorised by our government to make available to the multinational coalition the full command and control, surveillance and military assets of the Technocracy and to provide full assistance to all partners in this endeavour. Effective as of now, all national forces may access the jam-resistant UHF data links and real-time feeds from our uninhabited reconnaissance aerial vehicles flying over the area of operations, and take full advantage of our command and control networks for coordination of friendly operations.

Defence Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

Northern Rangeria

04-02-2008, 14:31

+++++ Encrypted Message from The Office of the Prince, Principality of Northern Rangeria +++++

To Her Majesty Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx of the Domination of Tanaara, the Defence Directorate of the Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture and the Defence Ministries of Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog, United States of Allanea, Dictatorial Republic of Sumer, Imperial Federated States of Romandeos, Armed Republic of Catawaba, United Duchies of the FKC

It is with a heavy heart that we must admit the very real fact that the end of the humanitarian crisis in St Fabian has been the birth of a conflict due to the hostility of Bretton and Red Tide. But as the age-old saying of war goes: "Never be the one to start a fight, but always be the one who finishes it". It would be cowardly of the Principality to now pull out of the situation, leading the frail interim government of St Fabian at the mercy of foreign aggressors.

Therefore We support the Technocracy's suggestion of an exclusion zone on the provision that the St Fabianese government requests help from the Principality or any of the humanitarian coalition. Until then, Northern Rangerian ships outside St Fabian will stay on alert.

Signed,

Prince Mikhail IV
Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Colonies, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St Gid of the Greens

Alcona and Hubris

04-02-2008, 16:53

---

International waters, +/- 2400km from St. Fabian

A squadron of a one and a half dozen Ouroboros large-scale transport aircraft (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=481690) hung in the early night sky like swollen, bloated fish barely held aloft by their colossal wingspans. In lieu of the most recent threats by the forces of the United Duchies, a combat air patrol of several fighter aircraft maintained a healthy perimeter, utilizing the Ouroboros' potent HEADGEAR equipment to act as a forward air control and early warning capacity. On the off chance that the relief units were to be directly threatened by a larger force, a wing of Arbiter II (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=452252) bombers had been dispatched from bases in occupied Numonica to rendezvous with the transports, and were currently flying out of sight far above, near the roof of their operational ceiling.

General Yuri Hassler, a veteran of liberation campaigns in Perganum, Kahanistan, Taralensia and other conflicts, was situated in the center transport in a command faculty.

"Has there been any signs of redeployment from the offshore naval assets?" Hassler inquired, poking an eye over the tip of his coat's tall collar.

"Partially, sir," a logistics officer reported, looking over from his duty station in the cavernous bridge/cockpit/flight deck of the behemoth lifter. "Some ships are withdrawing from the less belligerent nations. Regarding the United Duchies they appear to be preparing for a fight, though that could just be a reshuffling of fleet assets..."

"Wonderful," Hassler gruffed. "Well, we have a mission parameter to uphold - they might yet show some rationality and not put up their war flags over an utterly pointless matter such as this one. Nevertheless, I want those vessels under constant supervision. These monsters should be showing up on their over-the-horizon radar before too long, assuming they have any. If they start moving to intercept us, we'll have to assume they mean business."

OOC: Betton you have just godmodded as far as I am concerned. My current fleet assets deployed in St. Fabien amount to one Q ship which should appear as an unarmed merchantmen. In addition it is stil in route so there are not any Alconian Forces to intercept you. Saying I am an agressor icly is one thing. Rping me having a taskforce in the area makes me think you don't actually 'read' other people's posts at all and futhermore breaks the tenant of saying what other people assets are going to do.

Dostanuot Loj

04-02-2008, 16:53

OOC:

I'm having trouble keeping up here. I hope I can get everything straight.

OOC: I stop reading this thread to deal with school stuff, and it all got away on me.

Romandeos

04-02-2008, 16:56

OOC:

I'm having trouble keeping up here. I hope I can get everything straight.

IC:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/USCMC/nationstates/seal.gif

Encrypted Communiqué
From: Defence Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: Defence ministries of Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog, United States of Allanea, Dictatorial Republic of Sumer, Domination of Tanaara, Imperial Federated States of Romandeos, Principality of Northern Rangeria, Armed Republic of Catawaba, United Duchies of the FKC,
Security: Eyes only
Subject: Response to possible intervention by Red Tide and Bretton forces

It is the sincere hope of the Unitary Technocracy that diplomacy shall prevail and that a peaceful resolution be found to the current crisis involving the governments of Red Tide and Bretton.

Nonetheless, in the event that diplomacy should fail to find a common understanding, the Technocracy proposes to the member nations of all coalition forces stationed outside St. Fabian borders that an air, sea and land exclusion zone should immediately be declared around St. Fabian. This exclusion zone should be enforced by the multinational coalition with the aim of preventing violation of the sovereign territory of St. Fabian by any nation not issued permission by the interim government to enter or leave St. Fabian territory.

The Defence Directorate has been authorised by our government to make available to the multinational coalition the full command and control, surveillance and military assets of the Technocracy and to provide full assistance to all partners in this endeavour. Effective as of now, all national forces may access the jam-resistant UHF data links and real-time feeds from our uninhabited reconnaissance aerial vehicles flying over the area of operations, and take full advantage of our command and control networks for coordination of friendly operations.

Defence Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

***ENCRYPTED***

For: Defence ministries of Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog, United States of Allanea, Dictatorial Republic of Sumer, Principality of Northern Rangeria, Armed Republic of Catawaba, United Duchies of the FKC, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
From: Her Imperial Majesty's Government
Security: Most Secret
RE: Multinational Coalition

Concerned Parties,

Romandeos will support this coalition if you will. It is the opinion of this nation in the present time that the nations of Red Tide and Bretton seek opportunity in Saint Fabian's trouble to enhance themselves.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Free World must not permit this. The Imperial Federated States will not permit this. We will be contacing the new government in St. Fabian to explain the situation to them and ask if they desire assistance from us. If they do, then Admiral Fuller's ships shall be reinforced, and land forces mobilized against possible extended conflict.

For the time being, Admiral Fuller's QSF has been ordered to act with discretion in accordance to the circumstances.

Respectfully,
Her Imperial Majesty Taunja Lockeheart I of the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos

For: Mr. Julian Stillmann of St. Fabian
From: Her Imperial Majesty's Government
Security: Most Secret
RE: Grave Risk

Mr. Stillmann,

No doubt you are presently aware of the actions being taken this day by the nations of Bretton and Red Tide. Both seek to land troops upon your soil with intent to forcibly restructure your nation in accordance with their own desire, little caring what you and yours intend now. Bretton does so whilst claiming a large scale aid effort, and in a way, they are not lying. They come only to aid Bretton, however, not you.

We ask you, in the event that Bretton and Red Tide can not be disuaded and invasion becomes unavoidable, please accept help from us, and other nations now in position to assist you.

In addition, we request clearance to direct Admiral Fuller's ships to search for civilians from the United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris who are believed to be missing somewhere on St. Fabian's coastline. Until we recieve said clearance, our search must be regulated to aircraft and satelites.

Respectfully,
Her Imperial Majesty Taunja Lockeheart I of the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos

Romandeos

04-02-2008, 17:12

OOC: I stop reading this thread to deal with school stuff, and it all got away on me.

OOC:

I know, right?

OOC2:

Everybody, maybe the IFSR response to the situation is a bit extreme, but hey, that's how my nation frequently operates. If nothing happens...well, at least we played it safe.

~ Romandeos

Etoile Arcture

04-02-2008, 18:21

OOC: Whoa, forum time warp alert Sumer and Romandeos!I also agree sudden attacks without having forces prepositioned or deploying into the area of operations is godmodding. It's taken my naval forces three days to reach St. Fabian waters, and I only managed one full day of air evacuations before the regime collapsed.

Offices of the Interim Government, St. Fabian

Sometimes the wheels of diplomacy ground slowly, if at all. A truism Dr. Alexander Suleman was reminded of as he waited to speak with the Society of the Mind with that eternal patience and optimism that all diplomats, at least the good ones, seemed to possess. Alexander had been snubbed, ignored and otherwise abused by foreign leaders and their leadership cliques before, but the constant stream of updates received by his Blackberry and the increasingly rigid expressions of Major Cartwright told him that there was more to Julio Stillmann's non-appearance than childish power playing.

++FLASH. BRETTON AIRCRAFT DETECTED INBOUND. RED TIDE NAVAL FORCES MOVING TOWARDS ST. FABIAN WATERS. STOP++

Alexander looked up from the Blackberry to the pacing Major Cartridge, whose earpiece was almost certainly whispering to him the seductive language of military terminology these and other facts. The diplomat had a theory, from being in more than one 'hairy' situation before with a military attache, that the more frozen their face became, the more high stakes the situation, and Cartright's was at this moment a granite visage.

"It may become prudent to evacuate, Dr. Suleman," the major told him suddenly.

"I won't agree to that," Alexander replied, fixing the man with his own cold expression. "Firstly, I assume to evacuate now would mean bringing in an Etoilian aircraft, which would violate the soveriegnty we have worked so hard to protect. Secondly, contrary to current appearances, I am certain I can be of far greater help to my country and to the St. Fabians by remaining here, than cooling my heels on one of those metal boxes you call a warship."

"I might start thinking you had something against the military, sir," the major uncharacteristically grinned back.

"A healthy respect," Alexander told him with a smile on his lips, when his Blackbery beaped for his attention again.

++FLASH. TASK FORCE AURORE NOW ON STATION. AWAITING AUTHORIZATION TO ENFORCE EXCLUSION ZONE. STOP++

Romandeos

04-02-2008, 18:47

OOC: Whoa, forum time warp alert Sumer and Romandeos!

OOC:

I beg pardon, sir, but I'm not quite sure what you mean by that.

~ Romandeos

Etoile Arcture

04-02-2008, 18:56

OOC: Somtimes on jolt there's a time warp where replies to a post appear before the original post. Such as Sumer (Dostanuot Loj) reply to your OOC which now precedes the post it is replying to.

Romandeos

04-02-2008, 18:59

OOC: Somtimes on jolt there's a time warp where replies to a post appear before the original post. Such as Sumer (Dostanuot Loj) reply to your OOC which now precedes the post it replies to..

OOC:

Oh, yeah, I know about that sort of time warp. S'happened to me before. I'd just thought maybe you were talking about something else. Wasn't sure what, but wanted to be sure. And yeah, I agree that instant deployment into a location without preparations is godmodding.

~ Romandeos

Bretton

04-02-2008, 21:21

Catawaba

04-02-2008, 21:28

(( OOC: I have already sent a Bretton an email, questioning the design capabilities of his transport aircraft, and I'm adding a question about his BA-104 Arbiter Dueces. If I'm correctm he's fielding a stealth bomber, bigger than an American football field. Allegedly the B-2A Spirit has the rader cross-section of a small bird. An Arbiter Duece has on the order of three times greater magnitude in all dimensions compared to the B-2A. So an Arbiter should have have the radar cross-section of a large gull maybe even a condor.

Since the orientation of the aircraft's geometry also has a lot to do with the radar cross-section, I would love to see what a radar-absorbent, not radar-defeating, football field would be like from either a deflection shot on the belly of that beast or whenever the Arbiter dips a wing to manuever. In addition, the underslung drones carried by an Arbiter would defeat the cleverly designed, radar-defeating hull of the aircraft by adding all kinds of knobs and projections for radar to reflect off of. ))

The cockpit of CAF F-17, call sign "Vornskrari 1-1"
Off the Salsan Coast

Colonel Quigley dipped his right wing and took a look below him before rolling to the left to do the same off that side of his F-17. Rolling wings level, he swivled his head back up and scanned the skies. It was a bright day off of sunny Salsa. The Holy Salsan Empire had been nice enough to provide them with bases for this deployment, and at least some Salsan youths were enjoying BIF's nightly shows. Who knows? Might make celtic punk fans out of the Salsans yet.

"Vornskrari One dash One, this is Two dash One. I have visual contact with our ships. Heading is two one niner at ten mike." Quigley heard the report of the leader of the other flight of F-17s keeping an eye out for the returning merchantmen and their escorts.

"Roger, Two dash One. Vornskrari One is turning to intercept. Trade places with us, Vornskrari Two and cover our patrol." The second Vornskrari flight confirmed and turned to take over the patrol route Quigley's flight had been cruising about on.

Quigley passed on the orders to the other three pilots with him and banked towards the naval flotilla. The F-17 smoothly made the turn, and Quigley smiled. Like most Togovian military equipment, it was stolen from somebody. The Type-I cruisers and Type-R destroyers in the Catawaban Navy were copied Ticonderoga and Burke classes respectively. The Catawaban F-17 Viper, seized during the Revolution from the Togovians, was a copy of the Lockheed F-16 Falcon. Personally, Quigley loved this aircraft and was minorly sad that the Catawaban government was going to purchace something that wasn't Togovian made and blatantly violating Lockheed production liscenses.

"CNS Independence, this Vornskrari One dash One. I'd like to welcome you to sunny Salsa, where the seas are aquamarine and not everything wants to make artificial reefs out of you."

"Vornskrari One dash One, you don't know how good it is to have some Skulls on Hearts overhead." Quigley grinned as Independence refered to the fossilized mythosaur skull over the breaking Catawaban heart.

"We do aim to please, Independence. We've got you covered all the way back into Graceland."

"Not so, Vornskrari One dash One, orders already cut. Merchantmen and the PCs are heading back in. We're to rendezous with our prodigal destroyer Renown and get back. Things are definitely heating up." With confirmation of the Air Force's protection for the less capable parts of the flotilla, the cruiser Independence and frigate Indefatigueable began tight turns to reverse course. They picked up speed as they didn't have to keep pace with the slower freighters.

"Good luck, sailor. Vornskrari One dash One out." Quigley turned sharply, orbiting in a tight circle over the merchantmen for a moment before leveling out on a leg out to sea. The pilot grit his teeth. He wished he could do something, get in mix, but Catawaba needed him and his people in region.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aboard CNS Intrepid
Off the Fabian coast

Admiral Josiah Starkey read with relief the War Office's notice that the rest of his capital ships would be joining him. Although that would bring his 'fleet' up to a full eight ships, it would be better than nothing. He settled into chair on the bridge.

His ships continued their remora-like attachement to the Tanaaran fleet. He had considerable missile capability to support the other coalition ships, but he felt distinctly like a younger brother tagging along after his brother and his gang of friends. He rested his elbows on the arm rests and peaked his fingers in front of him. This was just a waiting game now. One side or the other would do something stupid and then it'd be missile contrails every where.

He looked up from his peaked fingers and over to Captain Mountalban. She was glanced over her radar tech's shoulder, whistling as the massive Brettonian airwing appeared on radar. All Catawaban Type-I and Type-R ships are equipped with a Over The Horizon radar system copied along with the Lockheed Martine Aegis combat system. Suffice to say that along with the Togovian F-17 Penguin, Lockheed Martin has a bone or five to pick with the remenants of the Togovian government.

"Captain, I recommend that we move to an alert status one step down from open hostilities." Starkey said over his peaked fingers.

Nellie Mountalban straightened up from the radar tech's shoulder. She wasn't unattractive, Starkey's male hormones mused. She would never win an inter-service beauty pageant, but she was smart, ruggedly built, more than a match for any man alive. The government-ordered murder of his wife played heavily on him. Lonely as he was, his subordinates were starting to look good. He pushed those thoughts aside. Again, he liked Nellie to much to embarrass or compromise her.

"We best arm the SeaWalls as well. As lopsided as things are beginning to come, I'd like to show our allies we can hold our end up...and the danger of a carnivorous Wallaby. Half anti-ship, half anti-sumbarine ought to be advisable."

Nellie smiled, which Josiah figured did make her more attractive even if the smile was predatory. "Yes, sir. I'm sure any black hat will rue the day a man-eating Wallaby gets in his scivvies."

Starkey shook his head with a slight grin and reached for his chair's phone handset that connected into the secure coalition battlenet. "To all coalition fleet commanders, the Catawaban fleet's orders are unchanged. We will protect the people of Saint Fabian. The only change is that the potential threat no longer seems internal but now external. The Catawaban Second Fleet will remain in position attached to the Tanarran Task Group to support coalition forces and protect the Saint Fabian people.

Seems a monsoon has come in and wrecked our little holiday. The Catawaban Office for Economic Development has encouraged me to suggest the beautiful and sparkling waters of the Catawaban coast for your next vacation. Pristine beaches, majestic mountains, awe-inspiring vistas over our prairies, and rainforest largely undisturbed by man. The OED would also like to inform potential visitors that we can guarantee no armed conflicts during your stay.

From the heart, Starkey out."

Starkey replaced his handset on its reciever. He looked over at the bridge crew who were staring at him and his tourism advertisement. "I won't lie to y'all. I was asked to do what I could by OED to promote tourism amongst our new allies. Secretary Rampersad can be very, very persistent."

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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/jedierrant/Errantemblem.jpg

The Armed Republic of Catawaba
An Official Communication from the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Lolimba Bevu
An Open Diplomatic Letter Concerning the Escalation of Tensions over the Fabian Situation

The Catawaban government wishes to restate its position in the Fabian Situation. The Armed Republic of Catawaba remains in support of the people of Saint Fabian. The current Fabian government under the auspices of the Society of the Mind remains under the suspicon of the Catawaban government but is recognized as the current and legal government of Saint Fabian. The Office of Foreign Affairs urges the diplomatic representatives of the Society of the Mind to release a statement on Saint Fabian's position in this developing crisis.

The Armed Republic of Catawaba questions the Brettonian government's action in deploying aerial assests including large transport aircraft without clearly stating the intentions of elements from the Brettonian Humanitarian League and the questionably-named Brettonian Anti-Bolshevik Front. While we applaud any efforts by the Brettonian Humanitarian League in what we assume is their named role, we are confused as to the Anti-Bolshevik Front's involvement owing to our failure to recognize any Bolshevik involvement in the current situation. We are sure that the Brettonian Humanitarian League can combat any social or economic factors that might give a Bolshevik movment extra influence in setting up some sort of communist revolution. The Catawaban government does not understand what else the Anti-Bolshevik Front might bring to the table other than a significant armed presence inside Fabian territory.

We request urgent clarificiation of intentions as to Saint Fabian from the Brettonian government and the quite-silent government of Red Tide. We would like to remind the the Brettonians that we as I am sure they still do "bear no hostile intention unless otherwise provoked, and hope that the foreign agitators in the theater will respond in kind. The safety of all parties involved in this crisis depends upon it!"

From the heat,
Lolimba Bevu
Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Bretton

04-02-2008, 22:13

OOC: Catawaba - I've RPed the Arbiter and Ouroboros since 2005, I assure you the designs are quite feasible, though not very cost-efficient... diminishing returns on progressively larger hardware and what have you. Then again, administering a country of ten billion people itself defies the concept of efficiency (or logic, for that matter - NS is fun like that) as a whole, so make of that what you will.

A bunch of gearheads in Haven maintain a forum (http://z13.invisionfree.com/The_NS_Draftroom/index.php?act=idx) wherein we discuss NS designs and what not, you should stop by - it's a pretty chill place.

---

Office of Military Intelligence
Encrypted Communication
Attn: Catawaba Republican Foreign Secretariat

Since your people seem to be of a fairly rational motivation towards St. Fabian's ongoing situation, we feel no advantage will be lost on our part for a full disclosure of current progress and goals. We hope that, following this informative brief, your nation will become more amicable to our position - or, at the very least, cease saber-rattling with intent to provoke an armed conflict.

Brettonia does not recognize the legitimacy of the government established by the Society of the Mind, due to the violent nature of the takeover and the questionable occurrence simultaneously to a multinational task force deployed offshore. To wit, St. Fabian is considered to be in a state of chaos and disorder.
We find this condition to be unacceptable. We take exception with both a government formed of traitors and murderers, and the impetus provided by foreign aggressors in positioning large naval assets offshore. Therefore, we seek to restore order via reuniting former legitimate government bodies, the Fabian armed forces, and other responsible bodies within that country.
With chaos and anarchy comes the ever-present threat of a Socialist takeover in times of crisis, which we wholly reject. The Brettonian Anti-Bolshevik Front exists as an arm of the national government to prevent leftist takeovers of otherwise stable and functional countries. Therefore, an armed relief effort has been dispatched to ensure that Marxist criminals and agitators do not infiltrate the area and further destabilize the situation. This organization is a subsidiary of the Brettonian Humanitarian League, which has dispatched a large contingent of relief supplies and workers to help provide a hedge against starvation, famine, disease, and other neediness during this transitional period, as well as firmly establish a popular opinion that is positive towards market economics and freedom, and less susceptible to the serpent of Socialism.
Allow me to reiterate once more: we do not wish to engage in any unnecessary conflict. Ideally our relief effort will be able to land in St. Fabian and carry out life-saving efforts to protect freedom and dignity free of foreign offenses and hindrance. However, threats have been made by more than one foreign armed force operating in the area, and we fear a conflict may be inevitable giving the current atmosphere of mutual distrust.

Therefore, we submit the following. As a party involved in the ongoing crisis, your nation has three possible courses of action.

Throw your support behind the United Duchies and other aggressive forces. Engage in open conflict for no foreseeable gain over St. Fabian's current situation.
Remain neutral and allow our relief effort to proceed unfettered. We shall show no hostility to you, and you will do the same to us. This is the most conservative option, as no bloodshed is involved.
Support the Humanitarian League in bringing about a real, functional government that can restore order and freedom in St. Fabian while preventing further loss of life and happiness. We would love to have your support in this fashion.

The choice is yours - all I can do is hope that you'll make a reasonable and rational decision regarding this boondoggle. Will you have everything to gain and nothing to lose or vice versa? It's your decision. Contact us at any time.

Colonel E.F. Roedenkarov
Office of Military Intelligence

Tanaara

04-02-2008, 22:14

OOC: Looks at the specs on the Bretton flying monster- sheesh what sort of runway does that need for landing/takeoff and two- that thing can actually get aloft? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Over the horizon radar was all well and good if one were earth bound, but the Tanaaran's weren't and while radar cross sections the size of a humming bird were nice they still could be seen by good old Mark 1 Mod 1 eyeballs looking down from over head.

So from the minute they left Bretton airspace they were tracked, and thier signatures laid in just incase they need to be made into non flying objects. Their flight coordinates were made free to all the other fleets out along the Saint Fabian interantional waters mark. Additional flights of Butterdflies, and their wingmen were put aloft, as well as more UAV's. The Tanaaran fleet had the Bretton arrival zone dialed in. No less so does the Tanaaran orbital weapondry.

http://www.atddm.com/tanflag2.jpg
http://www.atddm.com/commo1.gif

Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture, Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog, United States of Allanea, Dictatorial Republic of Sumer, Domination of Tanaara, Imperial Federated States of Romandeos, Principality of Northern Rangeria, Armed Republic of Catawaba, United Duchies of the FKC

The Domination of Tanaara will whole heartedly support the Exclusionary Zone proposed. Admiral Foxbridge has full authorization to handle the situation as he deems necessary.

Mont Royal, Tanaara;
HM Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx

And that was where Tanaara was unusual. Once it was given, the commander of the scene had as much authority as the Queen did. Everything the Domination commanded was now his to play with...

To all coalition fleet commanders, the Catawaban fleet's orders are unchanged. We will protect the people of Saint Fabian. The only change is that the potential threat no longer seems internal but now external. The Catawaban Second Fleet will remain in position attached to the Tanarran Task Group to support coalition forces and protect the Saint Fabian people.

Seems a monsoon has come in and wrecked our little holiday. The Catawaban Office for Economic Development has encouraged me to suggest the beautiful and sparkling waters of the Catawaban coast for your next vacation. Pristine beaches, majestic mountains, awe-inspiring vistas over our prairies, and rainforest largely undisturbed by man. The OED would also like to inform potential visitors that we can guarantee no armed conflicts during your stay.

From the heart, Starkey out."

"Good to have you and your people with us Admiral. I'll be sure and recommend Catawaba for our next fleet shore leave. We have a kick as beach volley ball team. They play topless.

Foxbridge... oh and by the way, any of your fighter or rotor heads need to land suddenly they are always free to rack, stack and land on us. I won't see a pilot go into the drink when there's perfectly good runway about."

Foxbridge ..out"

And the taskforce went to battle stations as did all the silent, unseen forces over head. Third fleet pulled out all stops to join their cohorts out in the international waters off Saint Fabian.

Tanaara

04-02-2008, 22:24

Might I suggest a hold on posting so as to allow St Fabian to respond to the several posts aimed specifically at him.

Otherwise we are kind of overwheming /dog piling him. not in a bad way but with so much information etc :)

Bretton

04-02-2008, 22:26

OOC: Looks at the specs on the Bretton flying monster- sheesh what sort of runway does that need for landing/takeoff and two- that thing can actually get aloft?

OOC: It's a flying boat. Most places haven't got runways capable of receiving or launching them, so you just find a big body of water nearby and put down there. Read the whole writeup! It's good stuff.

Red Tide2

04-02-2008, 22:51

OOC: If it isnt too much trouble, can I get info on what everybody has deployed to the area?

IC: The Superdreadnought H-54, 22 hours out from Saint Fabian

The in-charge communications officer walked up to Admiral Volkov and snapped into a precise military salute, which Volkov returned.

"Latest intelligence report, Comrade Admiral." The Officer said.

'Comrade' was a left over term from the days of Communism. Despite Red Tide having become rather anti-communist, old habits die hard and people had grown up with parents referring too each other by that name ever since. It had come to mean 'Fellow Countryman' rather then 'Fellow Worker' or whatever it had meant in the USSR. Foreigners, of course, were referred to with a different name.

The Admiral scanned the report, and frowned, it wasnt really what he was looking for. It just detailed the political situation, which was kind-of obvious by this point. The report DID mention that the Brettonians were closer then he was, which meant his fleet would be a few hours late on the action, but not sufficiently to upset the landing. His Government had not issued any further statements and had remained silent, seemingly preferring to let its actions do the talking.

Well, their actions would do quite some talking, alright.

"Request information on the number of enemy surface ships, the type of enemy surface ships, and any information we have on those type of enemy surface ships." The Admiral said, "Also request the availability of land-based naval interdiction aircraft."

The message was beamed up to the nearest Red Tidean coms sattelite via laserlink, then beamed through the communication network all the way back to Red Tide via the same method.

Quickly, a RADAR Oceanic Reconniassance Sattelite(with additional photographic capabilities) was tasked to recon the Coalition Fleet. It would pass-by four hours after the reply from Admiral Volkov was sent.

OOC2: Sorry for taking forever, my school blocks this website.

Bretton

04-02-2008, 23:46

OOC: I've already described the assets I've deployed; see above.

Encrypted Communication
Office of Military Intelligence
Attn: Red Tide State Guard, Headquarters

It is our understanding that a naval force has been deployed by your country with an intended destination and goal of arriving within the ongoing St. Fabian crisis. This presents alters the current projections of ours with regards to the restoration of peace and freedom within that country. We wish a clarification of your current plan of action.

If you are sailing to participate in the restoration of order and freedom from the clutches of anarchy and Bolshevism, we welcome your efforts and look forward to an atmosphere of mutual cooperation and camaraderie among concerned parties. However, if you are joining the foreign agitators that may have indirectly caused the violent overthrow of the previous regime and establishing a private "exclusion zone" around the country, then our conditions mentioned previously apply to your state as well.

We certainly hope that your objectives and goals lie with the former condition, as opposed to the latter, but we await specific clarification before taking any action on the matter. Do not delay!

Colonel E.F. Roedenkarov
Office of Military Intelligence

Wagdog

04-02-2008, 23:49

OOC: Well, ICly my policy now depends on me hearing from an ally so I can't really do much IC until I hear back and/or St. Fabian responds to the multiple requests for permission to rescue the Klatchian/Alcona & Hubris civvies. Hence, what I have roughly here is about all I can post now...

RCW Eighth Fleet Group
8th Fleet
5 Tri Svyatitelya Heavy Carriers
5 Peter the Great Heavy Battleships
5 Ul'yanovsk Fleet Carriers
5 Noviy Sot'sializm Battleships
25 Yekaterina Large Cruisers
25 Kirov Missile Cruisers
100 Danechka-II Destroyers
10 Bear Assault Carriers
25 The People's Class Supply Ships
25 The People's Class AU1 Landing Ships
25 Vol'nitsa Hospital Ships
25 Interceptor Minesweepers
20 Akula-II Submarines
8th Marine Expeditionary Division
~40,000 Personnel plus equipment to be announced if landed in St. Fabian for any reason, currently only assisting in humanitarian options with ten regiments of airmobile Marine Scouts aboard the assault carriers and suchlike light presence at local behest.
8th Marine Air Wing
5 Heavy Air Groups on the heavy carriers; 100 each FA-15E Cardinal and FA-16B Priest fighters, 50 each Ki-1MA ASW and Ka-29MRLD AEW helos per group.
5 Composite Air Groups on the fleet carriers; 50 FA-16B Priest, 10 each Ki-1MA ASW and Ka-29MRLD AEW helos per group.

These are leftovers from the pre-Second Revolution socialist state, since ICly I haven't had time to upgrade my fleet yet and all under the new welfare-capitalist/liberal-revolutionary regime. Data can be best found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=517844) for the ships, and here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=536777&highlight=havenic+trading+company) for the aircraft not covered on TWSP's place. Note that if you want details, checking the whole thread for the item is best since my examples are all at least somewhat modified from baseline specs; usually either with probe-drogue refuelling added per aircraft or else upgraded on order with compatible weapons systems superior to the default customer options.

Axis Nova

05-02-2008, 00:07

Official Announcement, Axis Nova Office of Foreign Affairs

Given the hostile declarations towards our ally, we must presume that the intentions of those in the area are likely to be less than honorable and forthright. As such, let it be known that Bretton shall have our full support if matters proceed in such a way.

We implore those powers acting hastily against a percieved threat to stand down; if there is violence, many in the younger generation will be forced to experience sadness, and no one wants that.

Secret IC:

On board the lead Ouroboros, a screen snaps on, showing a young man with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing an ANSF uniform and wearing a headset. "General Hassler? This is Peacekeeper Heaven. We have four divisions in position and ready to drop if it comes to trouble, and as we speak, the datalink to our satellite network is being established. Let us know if things go pear shaped, and we'll come running. Anti-ship assets will be in position in fifteen minutes; we apologize for the delay, but traffic is a bit heavy today. We've got a bit of a suprise in store for these hicks-- I'm sending the specifications to you now."

---

In the orbital plane above the region, many dark, hammerhead-like shapes begin to congregate, as do numerous pods. Tankers move to and fro, topping off any vessel that needs more fuel, and onboard the many drop ships (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13124126&postcount=55), the various passengers joke with one another, talk quietly, sleep, play cards or dice, or any number of ways soldiers like to occupy themselves while waiting. Whether they will deploy remains to be seen, but it appears Axis Nova Command is taking no chances-- something that's reinforced as Hraesvelgrs (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12624946&postcount=52) begin to deploy to various locations in orbit, prepared for an attack upon enemy satellite assets if neccesary.

St Fabian

05-02-2008, 00:08

Imperial Diplomatic Communication:

Mr. Stillmann,

Romandeos is presently satisfied with the apparent direction the government in St. Fabian is taking. However, we still hold reservations. We would request more direct diplomatic contact, and ask to establish an embassy. Hopefully it may soon be possible to direct Admiral Fuller's ships to sail home.

We look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
Robin Eames, Diplomatic Representative of the IFSR

To Robin Eames,

We hope you reconsider sending the ships home, as we are currently defenseless, and your ships would be appreciated as a deterrent for other nations who might decide to invade. We would welcome more direct diplomatic contact, and hope soon to have an area set aside for embassies, but do not at this time. You will be the first to know when we begin accepting embassies.

Julio Stillmann

For: Mr. Julian Stillmann of St. Fabian
From: Her Imperial Majesty's Government
Security: Most Secret
RE: Grave Risk

Mr. Stillmann,

No doubt you are presently aware of the actions being taken this day by the nations of Bretton and Red Tide. Both seek to land troops upon your soil with intent to forcibly restructure your nation in accordance with their own desire, little caring what you and yours intend now. Bretton does so whilst claiming a large scale aid effort, and in a way, they are not lying. They come only to aid Bretton, however, not you.

We ask you, in the event that Bretton and Red Tide can not be disuaded and invasion becomes unavoidable, please accept help from us, and other nations now in position to assist you.

In addition, we request clearance to direct Admiral Fuller's ships to search for civilians from the United Duchies of Alcona and Hubris who are believed to be missing somewhere on St. Fabian's coastline. Until we recieve said clearance, our search must be regulated to aircraft and satelites.

Respectfully,
Her Imperial Majesty Taunja Lockeheart I of the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos

To Her Imperial Majesty Taunja Lockeheart I,

We welcome your forces to assist in the defense of our nation from the other aggressors. Also we had no knowledge of these civilians, and welcome search and rescue parties to search for them, we hope you are able to find them alive and well, we currently cannot spare anyone to assist in the search, as we are attempting to raise forces to defend our humble nation from attack. Currently we are producing 150 CK07 Laser Sharpened Combat Knives a day, under license from Yanitarian Arms at a factory near Sapelsa. We hope your forces are able to hold back these hostile foes, as we fear that they shall only enslave us, and use us for they're own perverted goals.

Julio Stillmann

Offices of the Interim Government, St. Fabian

Sometimes the wheels of diplomacy ground slowly, if at all. A truism Dr. Alexander Suleman was reminded of as he waited to speak with the Society of the Mind with that eternal patience and optimism that all diplomats, at least the good ones, seemed to possess. Alexander had been snubbed, ignored and otherwise abused by foreign leaders and their leadership cliques before, but the constant stream of updates received by his Blackberry and the increasingly rigid expressions of Major Cartwright told him that there was more to Julio Stillmann's non-appearance than childish power playing.

++FLASH. BRETTON AIRCRAFT DETECTED INBOUND. RED TIDE NAVAL FORCES MOVING TOWARDS ST. FABIAN WATERS. STOP++

Alexander looked up from the Blackberry to the pacing Major Cartridge, whose earpiece was almost certainly whispering to him the seductive language of military terminology these and other facts. The diplomat had a theory, from being in more than one 'hairy' situation before with a military attache, that the more frozen their face became, the more high stakes the situation, and Cartright's was at this moment a granite visage.

"It may become prudent to evacuate, Dr. Suleman," the major told him suddenly.

"I won't agree to that," Alexander replied, fixing the man with his own cold expression. "Firstly, I assume to evacuate now would mean bringing in an Etoilian aircraft, which would violate the soveriegnty we have worked so hard to protect. Secondly, contrary to current appearances, I am certain I can be of far greater help to my country and to the St. Fabians by remaining here, than cooling my heels on one of those metal boxes you call a warship."

"I might start thinking you had something against the military, sir," the major uncharacteristically grinned back.

"A healthy respect," Alexander told him with a smile on his lips, when his Blackbery beaped for his attention again.

++FLASH. TASK FORCE AURORE NOW ON STATION. AWAITING AUTHORIZATION TO ENFORCE EXCLUSION ZONE. STOP++

Offices of the Interim Government, St. Fabian

Joel Stevens entered the room and greeted the waiting foreign dignitaries. "Sorry to have kept you waiting, but the situation with the international community is ever worsening," he said. "I apologize for this inconvenience. Also, due to the situation, it has been decided that it would be better if we conducted this meeting downstairs, where we feel you would be safer."

To the International Community

Again we wish to thank those of you with fleets defending the Commonwealth, and are willing to allow you to send forces into Commonwealth territory to defend our nation from the agressive nations intent on destroying all we have worked hard to provide for our people. We wish to request assistance from the rest of the international community to come to the defense of this small nation from these larger aggressors.

Julio Stillmann

Red Tide2

05-02-2008, 00:28

TOP SECRET REPLY FROM TSRT GOVERNMENT
To Brettonian Government
"As had already been previously mentioned, we find the current government in Saint Fabian to be as reprehensible as the one it deposed. As such, yes, we are supporting you in your noble endeavor."
End Message

Northern Rangeria

05-02-2008, 00:36

A lone spaceship was floating above St Fabian as well... The KATK Orion, a carrier-vessel of Kostemetsian stock, now part of the Northern Rangerian National Centre of Space Research and Exploration. The vessel had served as a launching point for airplanes distributing the news leaflets of Northern Rangerian evacuation process (over not more than a day ago) when it had descended into the atmosphere. After that, Orion had been ordered to maintain geosynchronous orbit above St Fabian, monitoring the situation from near-space.

Thus far, the situation had been quite peaceful from this perspective, until the passive radars registered multiple contacts. The ensign on watch gasped, seeing the number of vessels gathering and approaching the area, and soon general alarm ran through the ship.

Orion was a carrier vessel, built to carry atmospheric pods and smaller near-space or atmospheric planes, but it still sported an array of weaponry in case self-defence was necessary.

Soon, the bridge doors opened and captain Markus Junila walked in, straight to the ensign.

"What have you got, son?" the captain asked gruffly, zipping up his uniform.

"Multiple contacts on passive radar, sir, many of them cruiser size. The computers have yet to verify origin."

Junila frowned. "Armaments?"

"Cannot say, sir... They are at the edge of our passives", the ensign said, looking up at his commanding officer. Junila cursed under his breath and took his seat, strapping himself in.

"Red alert. Arm weapons and send information of this to HQ and to the Maiden", Junila continued.

"Sir, the Ilmatar is not in the system", noted one of the officers. "Neither is the Sixth"

"Just when you need 'em...", Junila muttered. "Helm. Take us closer. Continue passive scanning."

The engines of the Orion were quick to react to the commands, and soon a nudge from the thrusters was pushing the one-hundred-metre-long ship towards the contacts. Passive sensors kept trying to calculate the numbers of the ships.

"Open hailing frequencies", Junila said, looking at the screen before him. "Calling unidentified ships. This KATK Orion of the Northern Rangerian Defence Corps. You are flying over the St Fabianese exclusion zone. What is your designation and nationality?"

OOC: Heh heh... A bit Trek-y, but had to do it. Gotta put 'em vessels to good use.

Red Tide2

05-02-2008, 00:42

Catawaba

05-02-2008, 00:45

Northern Rangeria

05-02-2008, 00:47

OOC: WOAH! The exclusion zone extends to space? If that's true, then you have created one hell of a diplomatic headache(not to mention being impractical to enforce)! EVERY sattelite from EVERY nation is going to have to pass over every OTHER nation in the world at some point or another. In other words, if you want to forcean exclusion zone in space, your going to have to shoot down neutral sattelites as well.

Which does not bode well for relations with the neutral nations.

OOC: -.- Read a little bit more carefully, Red.

"Open hailing frequencies", Junila said, looking at the screen before him. "Calling unidentified ships. This KATK Orion of the Northern Rangerian Defence Corps. You are flying over the St Fabianese exclusion zone. What is your designation and nationality?"

The exclusion zone does NOT extend to space. But you know, when you see somebody bringing a lot of iron to the border, you tend to get a tad worried, yes?

The devil's in the details...

Bretton

05-02-2008, 00:48

OOC: Yeah, I thought we were keeping things to MT/PMT...

Northern Rangeria

05-02-2008, 00:50

(( A glance at the current fleets...and I feel sheepish with my flotilla. But that's how I'm going to play it. Catawabans are that kind of people, draw fire from a gang with assualt rifles to save a little old lady. I just pray I'm not classified as anyone's loveable and stalwart inspirational mascot flotilla, thus making me the Scrappy-Doo of the conflict.

Anyways, y'all, I thought we decided to keep this MT or at the very most PMT when Neo-Mekanta and North Rangeria kept their Future Tech out of this. I swear this is no way influence by my total reliance on MT...yeah...I"m sure that it isn't... ))

OOC: Trust me, this won't become The Last Starfighter ;) The Orion, however, was mentioned earlier in this thread without anyone getting worried. Trust me, I won't bring in anymore FT than that. I only thought I'd bring the Orion in one last time, since there's now somebody lurking in space.

Axis Nova

05-02-2008, 00:56

OOC: I take exception at being designated as FT; I'm firmly within the PMT tech bracket.

The Rangerian vessel is immediately picked up by the probing radars and passive infrared sensors of the large conglomeration of Axis Novan vessels, and to say the least, the presence of a spaceborne capital class combatant is cause for considerable alarm. Nothing like that had been expected to be in the area.

As such, the transmission from the Orion immediately provokes a response as several dozen of the many Hraesvelgrs running shotgun on the dropships kick up their thrusters, moving to block the Orion from proceeding closer to them.

*crackle* "This is Axis Nova Space Force vessel Pequod. Leave the area immediately and cease your approach to our fleet. Your authority to enforce the Red Tide exclusion zone in orbit is not recognized and if you continue your approach, we will be forced to designate you as hostile. Repeat, leave the area immediately..."

Punctuating this, the linear catapults on the Hraesvelgrs activate as their bay doors open, and Minuteman Space Types (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10655957&postcount=33) begin to launch outwards, spreading out from their home vessels. The suits of power armor are diminutive compared to the other vessels in the area, but the large, space-use backpacks they have equipped seem to be providing them with an excellent thrust to weight ratio, at least if radar signals are any indication.

--Peacekeeper Heaven---

"Sir, we have a situation. A small space vessel is approaching our assembled force over St Fabian, and it has been identified as an armed vessel. The commander of the escort squadrons there wants to know what the ROE are."

"Tell him not to attack unless the vessel approaches within 100 kilometers of the dropship force or fires first, or ignores three warnings to leave the area."

Red Tide2

05-02-2008, 01:15

*crackle* "This is Axis Nova Space Force vessel Pequod. Leave the area immediately and cease your approach to our fleet. Your authority to enforce the Red Tide exclusion zone in orbit is not recognized and if you continue your approach, we will be forced to designate you as hostile. Repeat, leave the area immediately..."

OOC: Not to be a bother, but are you sure the boled area shouldnt be replaced with Saint Fabian?

Northern Rangeria

05-02-2008, 01:18

Captain Junila frowned at the order coming through the comm system. He nodded to the ensign by the radar table. A single radar pulse floated through the emptiness of space, still giving much more detailed information about the numbers of the ships than the passive sensors.

"Full stop", he then commanded, and the Orion came to a slow halt. Her missile bays were open, but the carrier-vessel did not seek an active lock. Not yet... They'd be damned if they fired the first shots.

"Orion to Pequod. You are not in the exclusion zone, and we are not here to enforce it. This is international airspace", he then answered to the comm. His next words were spoken to his comm officer. "Send word to HQ: We have contact with Axis Nova. Send also the data you got from the active scan."

Junila frowned at the situation. "Close missile bay doors", he then commanded.

"Sir?" His second-in-command looked at him with wondering eyes, only to be greeted by an angry glare.

"Did I stutter, Lieutenant? Close the missile bay doors."

The younger lieutenant swallowed and nodded before he turned to his consol. The missile bays of the Orion closed, the ship remaining still, maintaining its position in geosynchronous orbit.

"Lieutenant... Maintain this position. No active radar, cool down weapons."

Bretton

05-02-2008, 01:44

Brettonian Official Statement
For prompt release!
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a229/MalikCarr/52ec1d54.png
Propaganda music! (http://malikcarr.googlepages.com/prop.mp3)

Ruinous decisions! In a most unfortunate turn of events, the most belligerent of the foreign agitators surrounding St. Fabian have chosen escalation over negotiation, and stand poised to go into open conflict to protect their hegemony over the people of that unfortunate country, crying out for a better way of life.

A statement issued by the illegitimate government of the Society of the Mind now reveals that which we have suspected all along: they are backed by the foreign agitators that resulted in the bloody revolution against the oppressive Tranderson oligarchy. The classification of the Brettonian Humanitarian League as a "hostile invader" simply reaffirms their puppet status to the most belligerent of the fleets maintaining St. Fabian in an iron grip.

Brettonia shall not stand for this indignity on the good name of sovereignty, freedom, self-determination and liberty from the rasping clutches of Bolshevism. Oppressed Fabians, cast from one fire into another, have but a little more patience: our relief force is close at hand, bearing necessities of life to save your society, quality wares to help shed your shackles of backwards monarchism and disastrous Marxist ideology, and weapons and armaments to protect yourselves from future nemeses that oppose your freedom.

To the foreign powers who have not taken an openly militant stance against us and the suffering citizenry of St. Fabian, where will you stand? Will you support the imperialism of some of those in your ranks? Will you return to your homes and families and be none the wiser for it? Will you stand by and watch as a new wave of prosperity and liberty washes over this country? Or will you be a part of the liberation of the unfortunate masses crushed underfoot by one elite after another?

The situation is escalating and becoming more serious by the hour. Now is the time to make a stand, join a side - or not! Caution is a virtue in these dangerous times. If you reach a decision on this matter, do not hesitate to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - nothing is worse than unnecessary and unexpected violence and bloodshed.

---

Brettonian Relief Force

"General, we've established a line of communication with the naval force of the Red Tides State Guard, as well as a dedicated channel to Axis Nova's armed forces command," the communications chief reported.

"Oh, well that's an unexpectedly positive development," General Hassler furrowed his brow. "At least someone there understands that we're not the villains in this equation. What about the broadcast?"

"The transmitters are all warmed up and ready to blast on maximum power," the electronic warfare officer nodded, indicating to a graphical display.

"Good. Put up that message to the Fabian civilians, with some nice parade music, and start flooding their civil frequencies with it. The last thing we want is for them to believe those backstabbing hacks in the Society of the Mind that we're coming to invade them or some such nonsense," Hassler adjusted his coat cuffs. "Anyway, make sure we have an open channel for the foreign fleets to contact us if there's any new developments. If things get ugly I don't want us to be shooting at people that aren't hostile."

"We've got a double redundant frequency set up for just that sort of thing. If they want to jam it they'll have to bring out some monumentally big aerials," the chief nodded.

"Very well then. Okay, since we're getting closer to land, I want the CAP stepped up. All CIWS are to be deployed and ready to engage. Tell the bomber wing that they're to engage at the first sign of hostilities, but don't jump the gun! Things might calm down yet," Hassler ordered. "Also, tell the Red Tide State Guard we're pleased to have them aboard, and begin sharing electronic warfare information and reports with them accordingly. The more they know the better."

"Yes sir, I'll get on that immediately," the chief acknowledged.

"Additionally, have the Axis Nova forces in orbit cross-reference with Aerospace Defense Command, just in case they need help with the AOGs. Hopefully not, but you never know."

"Understood, General."

Tanaara

05-02-2008, 02:27

Quitely, through the secure channels of the Regional Defense Net, so that the messages could not be intercepted by any nation outside the Fatal Terrain region. Mercedez apprised her region mates of the occurances in and about the tiny nation of St Fabian. She was brutually honest about her reservations with the new government, but she also made it clear that they had asled for help from the international community.

Two nations in partiuclar were given the complete readout and their assistance was requested. It waswn't their fight and she wasn't sure they'd assist, but it never hurt to ask. And besides, the Imitoran's hadn't had a chance to practise their particular brand of warfare in some time.

And quietly some of the MAC canon's targeting was changed, to certain non St. Fabian targets. But this might only be noticed by some one else in orbit, and even this it would be pure speculation.

St Fabian

05-02-2008, 03:43

The Gorgon Herald

Panic Strikes as Citizens Prepare for Invasion:

Three dozen were trampled to death today as panic stricken citizens stormed a store selling firearms after the news was released of an impending invasion by foreign nationals. The store was giving away free firearms to all citizens to aide in the defense of the nation. The same story is being heard around the nation, as international tensions continue to worsen. The people are stocking up on food, weapons, and bottled water. The celebrations that were just yesterday have now given way to panic as the people of this nation prepare to fight off hostile invaders who threaten they're new government. Most citizens refuse to leave, as one citizen said, "My family has lived on this land for over a thousand years, we put up with the King and his henchmen, hoping for a better life someday, and when it comes some big nations try to come in and ruin it, well I've got news for them. If they want me to bow to them, they'll have to kill me first." That is the same general feeling that we heard from many other citizens. They have freedom now, and they're not going to part with it easily, and many of them won't part with it without a fight.

Catawaba

05-02-2008, 04:22

(( I'll take a Gunstar any time someone would like to make one availible, a package deal with Gung-ho iguanas would be preferable. ))

The People's House
One Catawaba Plaza
Graceland, Catawaba

Miraade Errant stared out the tall window looking down on Graceland Habor. He leaned his head against the glass pane and closed his eyes. Behind him, he heard the door open. Soft yet purposeful footsteps followed by the hulking pounding of boots, Lolimba and her nephew/aide no doubt. "Jedith, we need to answer the Brettonians." Yep, Lolimba.

Errant didn't lift his head from the glass. "I know. I don't know what to say..." His voice was strained as the crisis was bearing down on him.

Lolimba was silent for a moment, listening to his words and things behind him. "No, boy, you do know what you need to do...you are hiding from it."

Errant pushed himself up off the glass. "We can't leave and I can't in good conscience just sit there hiding under the Tanarran's wing."

"You could very well do any of those, Jedith. You can do anything within the limits of your power." She cautioned carefully.

"I know. That scares me, darlin'." He stopped for a moment when stretched on as he tried to find some easier way. Something that would put his forces right in the middle of two closing jaws. He couldn't let this progress like this. In terms he understood as a soldier, he was letting the enemy dictate tactics. He had change the parameters of the engagement, shaking things so they were responding to him.

A member of his staff ran in holding a news print out. She ran straight by Lolimba and her very conspicious aide and handed it to Errant. He thanked her with a grave nod and began to read. It was from the Fabian newspaper, the Gorgon Herald. He read it once, twice, three times. He stopped and crumpled the print out in his fist. This certainly shook things up.

He looked up at Lolimba. "I'll be writing this one. I'm tired of dancing around to someone else's fiddle because I'm in over my head. If I'm going to be over my head, I'll choose the depth, thankyouverymuch."

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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/jedierrant/Errantemblem.jpg

The Armed Republic of Catawaba
An Open Communication from the Alpha Miraade, Jedith Errant
A Message Intended Chielf for Colonel E.F. Roedenkarov,
Brettonian Office of Military Intelligence
Copied to all Nations

Colonel,

You will have to forgive me for the breaking of the confidence you have shown me in responding candidly to me in secret, but I think that is one of the chief esclating factors between all of us: secrets.

Let me be the first to assure you that Catawaba holds not fondness for Bolsheviks or their more politely-named brethern, communists. However until you can offer specific evidence of an existing Bolshevik movement inside Saint Fabian and the eminent threat of an uprising, the government of Catawaba, and by extension the men and women of the Second Catawaban Fleet, cannot allow the spectre of communism be used as a reason for anyone to occupy another nation. I do not imply that you wish to act for any reason other than those you have stated. However, I cannot allow that kind of precedent to be established.

Catawaba was born of a rebellion in which assasination was used against Togovian military and political figures. A bulk of our forces were and still are made up of Togovian soldiers who defected to the Catawaban cause. I, Colonel, am a traitor to the Togovian regime as I acted against my oaths as a Togovian Marine Sargeant to fight for Catawaban independence. However, we never prepetrated an evil as great as the Society of the Mind which I have condemned strongly. Under my command, Catawaba rebels did all possible to avoid collateral damage from our actions. As we formalize our government, we follow the principles of Liberalism as set out by such philosophers as John Locke. Socialism is an outgrowth of Liberalism, and many times the dividing line between the two can be hazy.

As I hope you can see, Colonel, many of your precepts to intervention in Saint Fabian could be taken out of context and used to justify very much the same course of action in Catawaba. Furthermore, Colonel, in light of recent communications, it seems that the Saint Fabian government does not wish your assistance, so we must urge you to take no action.

Catawaba wishes to avoid an armed exchange with all the heart of our people, but we will not allow the penetration of Fabian territory without expression permission from the representative of the Fabian people. As of the present all operations within Fabian territory have been conducted with the blessing of the Fabian regime in power at that moment.

If Saint Fabian were to devolve into a chaotic rogue state which threatened the stability of wider world, I would whole-heartedly order Catawaban Marines to take part in actions to ensure the safety of the Fabian people and the security of the region. However, that seems not to be the case at the moment.

Please, do not mistake that the Catawaban government harbors no aggression towards any party so involved in the Fabian Situation and has no plans for territorial expansion. While we disagree with socialism in all its policies, we do not believe that anyone has the power to prevent the formation of a socialist government if that be the true will of its people. A disagreement of political philosophy is no justification for war.

I have heard both sides of this situation and given them equal consideration. We all, I believe, have the same intentions in mind except for how best to execute those plans. My major disagreement with your methodology is that you smack of hypocrisy in calling those in the waters outside Saint Fabian aggressors and agitators, when you are fixed to take action far beyond any so far prosecuted by the coalition forces you have so maligned. Also you wish to draw to together the remaining political, military, and social authorities that remain of the Tranderson regime and name them a 'responsible bodies' for the government of Saint Fabian.

Sir, the Tranderson regime and their sadistic and draconian laws were the entire impetus for dispatching our fleet. Those remenants of that the hated regime are tainted by it as well as they made no attempt to stop the murder of innocent Fabians. While the Society of the Mind is not pure as the driven snow, the Catawaban government considers them a step in the right direction. We are of the opinion that the Fabian people will in time choose a sane and stable government. They may only do that without the pressures of intervening powers.

You have asked me to make a choice of three you presented me. That is the worst kind of logical fallacy, sir. There are always more choices. As the Catawaban government is still considered a neutral power, we will exercise that status. We are recalling our UN Delegate, Hayden Seigfried, and our ambassador to the neutral power of Cookesland, Rea Vipe. They will be travelling by unarmed Catawaban transports with a minimum of security personnel to acertain what they can of the Fabian people's will and the stability of the Fabian government.

Also, I am ordering our ships to detach themselves from the coalition of fleets currently off the Fabian coast. They will be cruising to a position between the Coalitions Fleets and the forces of Brettonia and Red Tide along the boundries of Fabian territorial waters. Until the will of Fabian people, not the present regime, has been acertained, my orders to Admiral Starkey are to fire on anyone violating Fabian territory with out the permission of the Fabian government. Until it is understood that they do not speak by mandate of the people, Catawaba will consider the Society of the Mind as the representative government for Saint Fabian. Do not doubt that what little power the meager forces of Catawaba can project will be dealt out with extreme prejudice.

If any of you truly hold at heart the self-governance and liberty of the 'small nations' of the world, then this small nation stands up in defense of the self governance of another small nation I hope as reasoned, rational, and experienced elder nations you will all respond with the dignity and respect that should be present with your age.

From the heart,
Jedith Errant
Alpha Miraade

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

CNS Intrepid
Off the Fabian Coast

Starkey read his orders, asked for confirmation, and got that and an explanation straight from the Miraade himself all in a matter of minutes. He felt older like the whole weight of the past days were finally falling down the mountain side right on top of him. He looked over at Captain Mountalban. "Captain, new orders. Set a new course please. Bear us away from the Tanarrans along a course of zero one fife and keep us within international waters."

Mountalban raised an eyebrow as she saw her longtime commander age ten years in the space of five minutes. "Admiral?"

Starkey reached down for his handset. "Things are coming to a head, and the Miraade wants us to go right in the middle and take all comers if need be." He held the handset to his ear, waiting for it to connect to the Coalition commnet. "We're going it alone, Nell."

The handset connected to the network. "Coalition fleets, Coalition fleets, this is Admiral Starkey. We have been ordered by our government to take position between the opposing forces in this theater. This network will stay open, but please do not communicate sensitive material as we will be making it open to the forces belonging to Bretton and Red Tide.

We are declaring ourselves a truly neutral power in support of the Fabian people until what time unbiased representatives of our government can assertain the will and mandate of the Fabian people. My superiors ask that I inform you that we are ordered to fire upon anyone breaching Fabian terrtory without permission of the Fabian people."

Starkey set the handset down on his lap and stared out to sea. The Intrepid and her sisters turned hard away from the Tanarran task force and made best possible speed for their destination between the two forces.
He picked up the handset again and looked to the communications tech. The whole bridge crew was flabbergasted. He commiserated with them. "Petty Officer, extend our communications network to the Brettonians and Red Tide forces. I'll make introductions over an open channel and then confirm with their communications after."

The Petty Officer blinked as if the Admiral had issued orders in authentic frontier gibberish. "Uh...aye...sir, Admiral..."

Starkey turned back to the sea, waiting for the handset to connect. "Commanders of the forces of Red Tide and Bretton, this is Admiral Josiah Starkey, commanding the Catawaban Second Fleet. We are opening our joint communication network with the Coalition of Fleets to you as well. Be advised, we are declaring ourselves to be neutral forces. We will be taking up station between your forces and those of the Coalition. Also be warned, we have been ordered to fire on any forces penetrating Fabian territory without permission of the Fabian people or, until the true will of the Fabian people can be acertained, the current Fabian government under the auspices of the Society of the Mind. Admiral Starkey out." Starkey set the handset back in his lap. Oh God, what were they getting into?

Romandeos

05-02-2008, 04:33

St Fabian

05-02-2008, 04:43

Imperial Diplomatic Communication:

For: Mr. Julian Stillmann
From: Empress Taunja I
RE: Ships and Additional Forces

Mr. Stillmann,

In the current circumstances, that is to say, impending war, I find that there is no way I can in good consience withdraw my warships now. However there is also no way I can leave them as they are. The Gorgon Herald was not very reassuring this morning, at least, not to my eyes.

Having said that, I have ordered Admiral Mario Hoffman to assemble a Combat Fleet to protect St, Fabian's own national sovereignty. As well, I ask permission to send an Imperial Expeditionary Force of land forces.

Eagerly Awaiting a Reply,
Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja Lockeheart I of the IFSR

To Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja Lockeheart I,

We welcome your forces, as they are desperately needed. The people are taking up arms and fortifying they're neighborhoods, as the government has announced that they lack the force necessary to protect them. It was a hard announcement to make, but it had to be done, we just couldn't let them think that they were safe when they weren't. Your forces are welcome into St. Fabian territory, as we believe you can be trusted, and frankly we need all the help we can get against the powerful nations moving against us. Do not worry, the panic is subsiding, and being replaced with a sense of duty and nationalism, that is truly inspiring. We would also like to invite a diplomatic delegation to meet with our government and discuss our relations and our new government, I am sure you have many questions, and it would be more officiant to answer them face to face, with real people.

Julio Stillmann

Imitora

05-02-2008, 04:54

To all concerned with recent military activities in the Conflict Area of St Fabian

It has been recently communicated to myself and my cabinet that the nation of St Fabian has come under scrutiny and threat of violence regarding the rights and privileges offered to her citizens. While this may be of no concern to the High Republic of Imitora, it has made itself a concern with her ally, The Domination of Tanaara. The Domination has been always a close ally of the High Republic, and for this case, such an alliance has brought our attention to this pending conflict.

The Domination has allied herself with the nation of St Fabian. Seeing this, I can reasonably trust the judgement that the nation of St Fabian has done little wrong or violated few rights of her peoples in the forming of her own laws. Further, I would consider my own fine nation allied with the nation of St Fabian through proxy. An ally of Tanaara can, rightfully, be said to be an ally of Imitora.

It is with this mindset that I posit any attack on St Fabian will here by be considered an attack on Tanaara, and any attack on Tanaara can also rightfully be considered an attack on Imitora. Therefore, I request that any and all hostilities cease at once. There is no question that I will order our forces into battle, and battle they shall. We will stop at nothing to crush anyone who threatens or brings arms against an ally. All will be considered combatants, and all will be targeted.

Respectfully

Cara Rydell
First Speaker of the High Republic of Imitora
Commander of Her Armies
Protector of Her Peoples

We Come Not to Bow, We Come to Conquer.

Wagdog

05-02-2008, 04:58

SIC
Il-87 Maxdome Air National Guard One, Skies over Wagdog...
Stewardess of the Revolution Christine Friedrich was having an epically bad day as it turned out. No sooner was she prepared for one development in the St. Fabian fracas when another sent it still further spiralling into utter bedlam. "Nothing to do but a last gasp at sanity; damn you Kazansky, show yourself here!" Her frustration at the lack of Allanean response to the communiques from the Free World Alliance and its' temporary associates in this matter was clear in that thought slipping aloud, as clear as her position in this matter was apparently forced by the need for her to make a decision and hope the Confederacy of Sovereign States would back it along with everyone else. Setting fingers to keyboard again, she thought, Time to roll the dice...

Urgent Statement of the Revolutionary Commonwealth
From: Stewardess of the Revolution Christine Friedrich, Wagdog
To: Chancellor Donner, Armed Fortress State of Bretton
CC: President Alexander Kirillovich Kazansky, Allanea; HM Queen Mercedes Merrideath Hexx, Tanaara; Her Imperial Majesty Taunja Lockheart I, Romandeos; High Speaker Cara Rydell, Imitora; Foreign Secretary Lolimba Bevu, Catawaba; all other concerned heads of state.
Encryption: Eyes-Only

In the time I have been patiently waiting for word from my allies of how best to proceed in this matter, and in the same time that my commanders on the scene have been awaiting word from the Fabianese that they can proceed with rescue of non-hostile United Duchies civil personnel, the situation has degenerated into something that we all agree is absolutely intolerable. And yet what are we doing to resolve this? Declaring 'exclusion zones' and making preparations for war? Inexcusable!

My force on scene, namely the Eighth Fleet Group of the Commonwealth's Revolutionary Navy, came to St. Fabian for one purpose. That being, to secure and supplement the civilian evacuation effort and, following the coup by the Society of the Mind, care for the Fabianese people's basic needs while they sorted out their own political situation. I didn't come here to wage a war with anyone, except the late Lord Von Tranderson if he had perhaps forced one upon me through foolish acts of spite; and I am resolved that I shall not waver from that purpose.

To all of you, I must express both my disappointment in how things have gone and my hope that they are yet salvageable. It is becoming increasingly clear, at least to me, that the Society of the Mind is relying upon us to fight for them a battle that I don't feel is in our interests. We all have our reservations about the hyper-rationalist character of the Sceptrum of Vita laws, and how they may lead to a destructive dictatorship of equal even if different character to that of the Von Tranderson principality. Hence, since I am convinced now that the Fabianese regime is not acting in good faith, shouldn't we all take care of our own first and perhaps work together with the Brettonian-led coalition to ensure that free and fair governance comes to this land? Together we could restore the situation and force the Society to step down for a proper political process to begin under our joint tutelage.

So I am not misunderstood, let me state some 'interests' of my own. I don't care for the Society of the Mind or their codes, but I will not be part of a purge; and although I could countenance and even participate in their removal from power I believe it would be only fair that the more-reasonable among their ranks be allowed to participate in future elections, to be held once a joint authority composed representatives from us all deems the security and economic situation in St. Fabian stable enough to hold viable elections in which all Fabianese eligible could participate. If a slaughter is what ensues then Wagdog shall simply rescue those Klatchian persons, return them to their nation by whatever means necessary, and then promptly sail our fleet away in disgust; but again I am confident that we are all reasonable rulers here and this can be avoided.

Be advised. After consulting with the commander on the scene, I've authorized penetration of Fabianese airspace to conduct said rescue. One Marine Scout Commando and the entirety of one of our carriers' air wings will be flying continuous cover of the operation until it is complete, and we serve notice that this is in no way to be interpreted as siding with the exclusionary forces or as otherwise hostile to Brettonian and associated interests. Once this mission is complete we shall hold position awaiting response from you all regarding our proposals, after which we will act upon said proposals should they be accepted or else depart if they are denied. It is our choice, friends; let us choose wisely.

Sincerely,
Christine Friedrich
Stewardess of the Revolution, Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog
Secretary-President, RCW Supreme Directory

IC
Wagdian Eighth Fleet, International Waters off St. Fabian...
Having been kept rotated by various units as the hours had passed with no word from the local government, word for the rescue triggered a swift and massive response. The area of the southern Fabianese coast that the Tanaaran UAVs had indicated was soon to be blanketed by Marine Scout-laden Ki-1T assault helicopters and their Ki-2A gunship escorts, the rescue to proceed either as swiftly or slowly as turned out necessary. Whole squadrons of FA-15E Cardinals and FA-16B Priests held station aloft, mainly armed for air-defense suppression in the unlikely event the St. Fabianese gratitude didn't extend to acts-of-mercy undertaken by the initiative of a frustrated vampire Admiral; but with some residual air-to-air armament in case the Brettonians somehow took the rescue attempt amiss.

My Marines are getting itchy. In a way, I hope we do get to invade these wackos... Though not to the sterotypical degree for her minority among Wagdog's population, Admiral Feschina was nonetheless more violent than the average (i.e. human) citizen in the service; a consequence of her vampire nature as she'd awoken to the morning after some bizarre metaphysical warp had lurched her nation two decades into the future and across many dimensions of existence before it was done, all in the course of one surreal night that those who'd survived it would as soon forget as remember.

Checking the plotting boards, and satisfied with the progress of the operation so far, she picked up the actual comms and tried to get a voice link to the main combatants. Time to roll the dice again, this way there was no mistake of what was intended...

"Society of the Mind, Brettonian Forces and Allies Thereof, Exclusion Zone forces, be advised; in the absence of clear policy direction from the Confederacy of Sovereign States and the presence of impending hostilities between yourselves and various third parties, I have taken the initiative to have my fleet launch the rescue of the Klatchian civil personnel in St. Fabian with all appropriate protective force.

This is not an attack upon any of you, and is not to be construed as such; refrain from harming or interfering with us and we shall return the same respect in full. I've attached the data feeds from Tanaaran reconnaissance drones to designate the operational area we shall be securing for the duration of this rescue attempt; this is where we believe the evacuees are, and if you are operating here and able to assist then we would be most obliged for any aid you can render us within your various objectives.

Rest assured, Wagdian Eighth Fleet and its' associated forces are neutral at this time and shall not engage in hostilities related to the Exclusion Zone unless first engaged by others. We're too busy saving people to kill more; and on a strictly personal level, I suggest that maybe we should all get so busy instead. Feschina out."

St Fabian

05-02-2008, 05:10

Alcona and Hubris

05-02-2008, 05:19

OOC: United Duchies, forgive me if I've gotten you confused with some of the other people deployed in the area. You mentioned having assets deployed in the area and have been making threats, I presumed they were a fleet like everyone else. If that's not the case, my bad. All the same I've made references to the units I thought you had offshore for several posts now, why didn't you correct me earlier? >_>

Everyone else: If you'll read my first post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13418729&postcount=68) in this thread, my assets were already being mobilized at the time. Aircraft just get places faster last time I checked.

Maybe we're all a bit slow on the uptake, it seems.

OOC: Threats :rolleyes: You accused the United Duchies of complicity in a mass murder. All of the current hostility IC draws from that fact. The United Duchies's government is not about to let that drop. As for referencing a non-existant fleet in your IC communications, isn't that what I did in my news breifing post????

IC: From: The Office of the Chancellor of the United Duchies
To: All Member nations of the self-described 'St. Fabian Coalition': Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog, Dictatorial Republic of Sumer, Domination of Tanaara, Imperial Federated States of Romandeos, Principality of Northern Rangeria, Armed Republic of Catawaba
Encryption: Yes
Security Level: Diplomatic Confidential

My fellow world leaders,

As the crisis within Saint Fabian escalates we have been called upon by the new regime of Saint Fabian to defend it against those who would restore old Von Tranderson Codes. Unfortunatly, as the elected leader of the United Duchies I can not ignore the fact that this so called 'Society of the Mind' has gained power through mass murder. I represent a nation that believes strongly in the rule of law, and I am part of a Federation that strongly stands behind the concept of national soverignty. I must honestly say that I am damned if I do, and damed if I do not.

After long discussion with the Privy Council, and His Grace Lord Vaad Regent of the United Duchies. I must inform you that we shall be neutral in the upcoming conflict. We can support neither the current 'government' who is awash in blood, or the Von Tranderson regime with chattal slavery of a thousand years or more.

But our lack of support does not extend to you, your personel, or your national soverignty. The United Duchies strongly disagree's with the support you are providing the new regime, we understand the situation fully. We will offer the following forms of aid.
1 Within the Saint Fabian area we will be adding vessels to act in SAR programs during and post conflict.
2 The United Duchies will provide naval forces to protect your territory from reprisal by either Red Tide, Axis Nova or Betton (which I shall refer to as the Von Tranderson Alliance)
3 The United Duchies will offer safe haven for any naval or merchant shipping that may become targets of the aformention Von Tranderson alliance
4 If need be the United Duchies will provide food and aid to refugee's of Saint Fabian who are dislocated during the fighting.

I wish you luck in your fight,
Sir Keneth Rightwing,

To: Armed Republic of Catawaba
From: Countess Anne Winton, Royal Consul of the United Duchies and the Court of Apethorpe Palace on behalf of His Grace and The Privy Council.
Subject: Defense of Catawaba in upcoming conflict.
Encryption: High, Level 2
Security: Diplomatic, Military, Secret

It has come to our attention that a good deal of your naval assets are sitting off the coast of Saint Fabian. Although we understand that this was originally a humanitarian mission, it has become something of an impending armed conflict. We do not trust the actions of Red Tide, Betton, or Axis Nova or in their claims for Peace and Self Determination. Considering the history of Red Tide's interference in other nations, we worry about the security of your territory during this conflict.

On behalf of his Grace, we would like to send taskforce 711 of 7th fleet on a international goodwill visit to Catawaba to demonstrate our commitment to Catawabian Independence. As a former colony of Knotoss, we have an affinity for other former colonies.

The events planned would be primarily social. Although discussions about possible naval education programs, future joint naval exersises, Officer exchange programs, and other items to assist you in building a new fleet would be welcome.

Countess Winton, K.O.A.
Royal Consul of the United Duchies, Advisor to the Regent

Offical Diplomatic Response
The United Duchies, having received no reply upon either defending the acusations leveled against it, nor the demanded appology can only infer the following. That as the acusations in regard to Saint Fabian by Axis Nova and Betton have not been defended, they implicitly agree they are false and libel. Second, there refusal to retract and appologize for these statements means that they wish them to be used in the international community. Third, that the only reason for items one and two is for a psudo-legal basis to attack the United Duchies, The Klatchian Federation, and their collective assets.

Therefore by Executive Order, the United Duchies:
Will place all shipping of Betton and Axis Nova on high status for searching cargo.
Will restrict Betton and Axis Nova shipping to class II shipping lanes within Alconian territorial waters.
Will restrict Betton and Axis Nova shipping from Squall Straits, the North Passage.
Will enact exclusion zones for Betton and Axis Nova shipping 60 miles from United Duchies naval forces.
Will enact excluxion zones for Betton and Axis Nova shipping 100 miles from any base of the United Duchies, or any Class I passages and navigation channels.
Failure to comply will result in three warnings, after the third warning the officer in command has the right to seize and search or destroy with prejudice.
United Duchies Airspace is an exlusion zone for commerical and military aircraft registered to Betton and Axis Nova, the United Duchies will request compliance or will down aircraft violating this rule.
The Airspace above, Thunderbay, Herzog Island, Apethorpe Palace, and Hull Island is now a Red Zone for Betton and Axis Nova aircraft. Entering said airspace shall be considered an act of war.

Press Release, Apethorpe Palace
The United Duchies declares itself a neutral in the Saint Fabian crisis between the Von Tranderson regime and the current regime. We can not support a government based upon chattel status of women, nor a government who's hands are soaked in the blood of mass murder.

The United Duchies will hearby maintain a presence near Saint Fabian for SAR and emergency civilian relief operations. Said operations shall be directed by Fifth Fleet. Restrictions placed against the agressor nations of Betton and Axis Nova are lifted within 100 miles of the territorial limit of Saint Fabian The United Duchies will consider any nation that fires upon a neutral naval vessel as an act of war and will respond in kind.

Tanaara

05-02-2008, 05:46

In the time I have been patiently waiting for word from my allies of how best to proceed in this matter, and in the same time that my commanders on the scene have been awaiting word from the Fabianese that they can proceed with rescue of non-hostile United Duchies civil personnel, the situation has degenerated into something that we all agree is absolutely intolerable. And yet what are we doing to resolve this? Declaring 'exclusion zones' and making preparations for war? Inexcusable!

My force on scene, namely the Eighth Fleet Group of the Commonwealth's Revolutionary Navy, came to St. Fabian for one purpose. That being, to secure and supplement the civilian evacuation effort and, following the coup by the Society of the Mind, care for the Fabianese people's basic needs while they sorted out their own political situation. I didn't come here to wage a war with anyone, except the late Lord Von Tranderson if he had perhaps forced one upon me through foolish acts of spite; and I am resolved that I shall not waver from that purpose.

To all of you, I must express both my disappointment in how things have gone and my hope that they are yet salvageable. It is becoming increasingly clear, at least to me, that the Society of the Mind is relying upon us to fight for them a battle that I don't feel is in our interests. We all have our reservations about the hyper-rationalist character of the Sceptrum of Vita laws, and how they may lead to a destructive dictatorship of equal even if different character to that of the Von Tranderson principality. Hence, since I am convinced now that the Fabianese regime is not acting in good faith, shouldn't we all take care of our own first and perhaps work together with the Brettonian-led coalition to ensure that free and fair governance comes to this land? Together we could restore the situation and force the Society to step down for a proper political process to begin under our joint tutelage.

So I am not misunderstood, let me state some 'interests' of my own. I don't care for the Society of the Mind or their codes, but I will not be part of a purge; and although I could countenance and even participate in their removal from power I believe it would be only fair that the more-reasonable among their ranks be allowed to participate in future elections, to be held once a joint authority composed representatives from us all deems the security and economic situation in St. Fabian stable enough to hold viable elections in which all Fabianese eligible could participate. If a slaughter is what ensues then Wagdog shall simply rescue those Klatchian persons, return them to their nation by whatever means necessary, and then promptly sail our fleet away in disgust; but again I am confident that we are all reasonable rulers here and this can be avoided.

Be advised. After consulting with the commander on the scene, I've authorized penetration of Fabianese airspace to conduct said rescue. One Marine Scout Commando and the entirety of one of our carriers' air wings will be flying continuous cover of the operation until it is complete, and we serve notice that this is in no way to be interpreted as siding with the exclusionary forces or as otherwise hostile to Brettonian and associated interests. Once this mission is complete we shall hold position awaiting response from you all regarding our proposals, after which we will act upon said proposals should they be accepted or else depart if they are denied. It is our choice, friends; let us choose wisely.

Sincerely,
Christine Friedrich
Stewardess of the Revolution, Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog
Secretary-President, RCW Supreme Directory

Unto: Secretary President Christine Friedrich, Sir Keneth Rightwing

I said only that I would support an Exclusionary Zone - something that has yet to be agreed upon as to size and location among other minutia needed.... However, with multiple fleets sailing towards Saint Fabien with the designated intent to over throw - in some sort of Communist Witch Hunt - the current government, I will not leave my commander hanging in the wind. I have given Admiral Foxbridge full authority. IF these oncoming fleets insist on passing through intent on reaching Saint Fabiens - who has clearly said they DO NOT want them there... I will defend Saint Fabien - not for the sake of the bloody handed new regime, but for the sake of the people. My task forces arrival off of the Saint Fabien coast was purely for humanitarian purposes, and protecting the people from the interrogators and state police of Brettona and Red Tide is why we, Tanaara, are staying.

We all know well the rapacious nature of Red Tide and the bullying nature of Bretton, and the aggression of Axis Nova. And you are going to let the populace of Saint Fabien be ground under their boot heels?...

The pen was lifted from a clenched hand, and Sinjins voice soothed. "Mercy, stop, you can't publicly call them cowards, even though they are, and are but useing what excuse they can find to back out. It's no skin off their nose if some pipsqueek of a country gets raped."

"Damn it Sin, it's just so wrong. I don't care one whit for this Society of the Mind, but to let the people suffer because of them is just wrong. You know damn well what Bretton will do. Any one who doesn't kowtow to their policy and perversions will be rounded up and dissappeared and claimed to be communist. Red Tide will steal anything not bolted down, and if you give them five minutes that will be gone as well....This just galls me that most of those that came prancing in are now suddenly neutral and will just freaking sit back and watch."

Tarlachia

05-02-2008, 05:47

Lately, the regional political arena of Fatal Terrain had been calm enough, but once again, it was a calm that didn't last. Word had reached the personal attention of the Empress of Tarlachia that the Domination of Tanaara was involved in a situation that had so far rated a moderate concern that the Domination would be forced to enter warfare, despite attempts otherwise. The Empress, Aeris Greenwood-Hexx, had already been in direct communication with Robert Hexx, and she had been convinced enough that it was time to make the voice of Tarlachia known.

Standing fully upright in her office in the capital city of Turath, a window behind her displaying various lovely plants and flowers contrasted against the solemn face she bore for this transmission. Her auburn hair hung straight down her shoulders, with just a hint of her elven race seen with her ears protruding slightly from the hair. Her eyes were emerald green, intelligent, even daring if one cared to look that much into her eyes to see such. When she spoke, her voice was confident and strong. Before her, hovered a blank portal that was used much like a camera and transmit her message.

"My name is Empress Aeris Greenwood-Hexx of Tarlachia. It has come to my attention the situation surrounding the sovereign nation of St. Fabian. While the government of St. Fabian is of no direct concern to the empire of Tarlachia, it has however attracted the attention of one of Tarlachia's closest allies, the Domination of Tanaara. I have reviewed the situation leading up to the current events and have determined it necessary to speak officially."

She paused a moment to allow the viewers to digest this.

"As it stands, I have determined that at this time, there is a considerable enough risk that the Domination of Tanaara will engage in warfare in defense of the sovereign nation of St. Fabian. Should such occur, it is to be made crystal clear that the Empire of Tarlachia will come immediately to the aid of Tanaara, and subsequently the aid of St. Fabian; in an effort to resolve the issue with military might. I have also been made aware of another ally of this empire; the High Republic of Imitora; having stated its support as well. While I personally would prefer to not see this situation disintegrate into war, rest assured that the combined powers of Tanaara, Imitora, and Tarlachia will be more than just a considerably overwhelming show of force. We may not start the conflict, but we will end it. I reiterate once more that unless the Domination of Tanaara enters conflict, the Empire of Tarlachia will remain out of all matters regarding the nation of St. Fabian."

She seemed to glare at the viewers, "Do not make a gamble you cannot afford to pay."

The transmission ended at this, and the empress seated herself at her desk. Shuffling through some papers there, she keyed a button, and seconds later, the hologram of her Chief Admiral of the Naval Forces appeared in minature size upon her desk. "General, your orders are as stands. Send your FIC fleet in support of the Domination's own fleet at these coordinates I'm about to send you. Maintain a state of high readiness, but remain out of proceedings regarding this situation. I want situational reports every hour until the situation is resolved. That is all."

The General saluted, and disappeared from her desk, and Aeris keyed another button. A bookshelf across from her desk split in two, and slide aside to reveal a hidden large space. Positioned between a series of stablizers, a satellite link allowed her to see in real-time, a three dimensional holographic reflection of the entire area surrounding St. Fabian. She could see the Tanaaran fleet stationed in international waters off to one side.

"Update feed." she stated, and the hologram fluttered a few moments before it was finished with the update. She studied it for several moments before returning to some of the paperwork on her desk.

Catawaba

05-02-2008, 05:58

Romandeos

05-02-2008, 05:58

IC: From: The Office of the Chancellor of the United Duchies
To: All Member nations of the self-described 'St. Fabian Coalition': Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog, Dictatorial Republic of Sumer, Domination of Tanaara, Imperial Federated States of Romandeos, Principality of Northern Rangeria, Armed Republic of Catawaba
Encryption: Yes
Security Level: Diplomatic Confidential

My fellow world leaders,

As the crisis within Saint Fabian escalates we have been called upon by the new regime of Saint Fabian to defend it against those who would restore old Von Tranderson Codes. Unfortunatly, as the elected leader of the United Duchies I can not ignore the fact that this so called 'Society of the Mind' has gained power through mass murder. I represent a nation that believes strongly in the rule of law, and I am part of a Federation that strongly stands behind the concept of national soverignty. I must honestly say that I am damned if I do, and damed if I do not.

After long discussion with the Privy Council, and His Grace Lord Vaad Regent of the United Duchies. I must inform you that we shall be neutral in the upcoming conflict. We can support neither the current 'government' who is awash in blood, or the Von Tranderson regime with chattal slavery of a thousand years or more.

But our lack of support does not extend to you, your personel, or your national soverignty. The United Duchies strongly disagree's with the support you are providing the new regime, we understand the situation fully. We will offer the following forms of aid.
1 Within the Saint Fabian area we will be adding vessels to act in SAR programs during and post conflict.
2 The United Duchies will provide naval forces to protect your territory from reprisal by either Red Tide, Axis Nova or Betton (which I shall refer to as the Von Tranderson Alliance)
3 The United Duchies will offer safe haven for any naval or merchant shipping that may become targets of the aformention Von Tranderson alliance
4 If need be the United Duchies will provide food and aid to refugee's of Saint Fabian who are dislocated during the fighting.

I wish you luck in your fight,
Sir Keneth Rightwing

***ENCRYPTED***

For: Sir Keneth Rightwin
From: Empress Taunja I
Security: Secret
RE: Supporting the Society

Sir,

I will agree the Society of the Mind has gained control through mean that are less than civilized, but sometimes, it takes such measures to gain control from a bloodthirsty tyrant.

Having said that, it is not my intention to support Mr. Stillmann unconditionally in this new government. I will be taking measures which could let us keep tabs on him, and remove him if he is as bad as Tranderson was, a truly horrible and admittedly all too real prospect.

Respectfully,
Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja Lockeheart I of the IFSR

Bretton

05-02-2008, 06:22

Brettonian Relief Force

The edges of General Hassler's lips turned down sharply and his face contorted into an unpleasant frown his eyes skimmed over the forwarded reply from the Catawaban diplomat. The statement issued by the United Duchies had already sullied his mood, and this was not helping.

"Damn it..." he tossed the report over his shoulder like a piece of trash; the polymer clipboard clattered to the deck loudly. "They're making themselves as much of a nuisance as possible." Hassler withdrew a metal tube from his coat and produced a cigar, the end of which he clamped between his teeth. He couldn't light it - smoking was prohibited on the flight deck and frowned upon in general - but having it handy filled a little idiosyncrasy of his. After a few moments of contemplation, Hassler sprung to his feet and flung his arm out. "All units, we're issuing a change of course! Increase altitude and shift thirty-two degrees to port. Maintain formation - we are abandoning a direct flyover route, and will circumvent the exclusion zone by a wide area by flying over the continent and approaching from inland!"

"Uh... right away, sir!" the aircraft commander saluted, relaying that order to the pilots. The aircraft began accelerating and banking to the left; its escorts and squadron members following accordingly.

"Inform the bomber wing of our new course of action. Additionally, I want two more flights of bombers rigged in a SEAD configuration and two more for antishipping to fly out from the homeland and approach from the same direction - we'll rendezvous over the continent before heading for the exclusion zone from inland. Make them get their asses over here PDQ, we haven't got a moment to waste!" Hassler continued. "Communications, get me a line to the Red Tide State Guard, now."

"On it, General," the chief nodded, manipulating his duty station. He indicated a thumbs up to the general, who collected a headset/microphone and pressed it to his head.

"Hello, testing, testing... Admiral Volkov, is it? This is General Yuri Hassler of the Brettonian Army, steward of the Humanitarian League and Anti-Bolshevik Front. The foreign agitators are standing fairly resiliently against our efforts to secure order and peace for St. Fabian. Our air group is going to swing around, fly over the continent and approach the country from inland to avoid their fleet. This means your force will effectively be on its own with regard to the foreign navies deployed between us and them. However, unless they plan to allow us to land troops unopposed I imagine their air power will be dispatched to meet us. If our calculations are correct, we ought to be approaching their airspace from inland around the same time as your fleet enters engagement range of theirs, which will neatly deprive them of air support to field against your vessels. Please reply and confirm with all due haste, over."

Tanaara

05-02-2008, 07:06

Task Force Mercy... Escorting the 3 Hospital Ships

2 Drakon Class Super Carriers
8 Weatherall Class Destroyers
16 Astral Class Battle Cruisers
12 Blackwater Class Cruisers
24 Heavy Frigates
24 Light Firgates
24 Corvettes
4 Landing Helicopter Assault craft –45,000 tons
4 Multipurpose Amphibious assault craft –40,000 tones
12 Fast Attack A.I. helmed/ crewed subs.
That is what is on site

(per Red Tides's request for listing of vessels)

Catawaba

05-02-2008, 07:46

(( A minor sidenote nothing major, but the 'Catawaban diplomat' was actually the chief of the Catawaban Executive Branch, the Alpha Miraade Jedith Errant. He is, of course, the chief diplomat in any case like he is the commander in chief. The Miraade is just a bit more important than your average Catawaban diplomat and like to take responsibility for the big,nasty decisions. ))

OOC: Per Red Tide's request for a force list,

The Catawaban Second Fleet
~1 Type-I Guided Missile Cruiser
~4 Type-R Guided Missile Destroyers
~16 UH-49 SeaWallaby Multi-mission helicopters
~5 Squads of Catawaban Marines

Northern Rangeria

05-02-2008, 12:22

Fifth Battlegroup, Royal Navy of Northern Rangeria:
- 5 x fregates
- 1 x battleship
- 2 x missile cruisers
- 2 x guided missile destroyers
- 1 x attack submarine
- 1 x supply vessel

Northern Rangeria

05-02-2008, 12:32

Etoile Arcture

05-02-2008, 15:07

OOC: My personal preference would be for PMT nations to limit themselves to MT technology for the sake of fairness and clarity. Btw, you can't break an exclusion zone simply by approaching by land, the territory is still excluded by air, sea and by land.

Government Bunker, St. Fabian

In the time it had taken Alexander's delegation to be ushered down into the basement levels of the government building by Julio Stillmann - in truth, your typical hardened command and control bunker - his Blackberry had beeped one last ominous message.

++FLASH. URGENT MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM DAMIREN AMBASSADOR TO DIPLOMATIC DIRECTORATE IN CONDORDIA. MESSAGE BEGINS. DO NOT COMMENCE HOSTILITIES AGAINST BRETTON. STOP++

The message was both hopeful and foreboding. On the one hand he hoped the Damirens might be able to exert whatever diplomatic pressure they could to persuade the Brettonians against their chosen course of action. But on the other hand the message betrayed a larger worry that had occurred to him, and must now be worrying his colleagues in Concordia, that a war over a tiny nation called the Kingdom of St. Fabian might flash over into a larger war that might engulf an entire region, or even the whole world.

As their party finally arrived at its destination, Alexander took his seat at a conference table as the Fabians, very civilised and correctly, served tea and biscuits to their guests. After a short period of pleasantries in which each side introduced each other Alexander finally got down to the matter at shand with his opening position.

"To be blunt Mr. Stillman, and assembled members of the Society of the Mind,
many of the nations that have come to your aid harbour grave reservations, the Technocracy included, over the legitimacy, stability and long term viability of your government. For our part, we have concerns and criticisms of many aspects of the Sceptrum of Vita, and we also have our doubts over the speed of transition being proposed by the Society of Mind.

"The ship of state cannot be turned on a dime, and the Society of Mind's social and economic 'revolution' aims to swing the St. Fabian society, culture and economy from the one extreme of totalitarian oppression, to the opposite political spectrum of ultra-rationality. Furthermore, some nations have sought to characterise your new system of government as being socialist or even Bolshevik in nature, and are manufacturing pretences to justify their intervention in your internal affairs.

"The Technocracy can also not ignore the means by which the Society of the Mind came to power. Your methods - the brutal extermination of an entire strata of Fabian society, no matter how horrific and damnable their rule - is repulsive to both the Etoilian people and her government, and to every nation of the world.

"Mr. Stillman - the nascent nation of St. Fabian now stands at a dangerous crossroads in its history which you no doubt recognise and understand. While the Society of the Mind has talked much of rationality, and has asked for and received openly the assistance and protection of the international community, as a rational person you must also recognise that you also have responsibilities and obligations to those whose help and support you have sought out and accepted.

"Many of the nations that have answered your call disagree with your regime. They pledge to defend your nation not out of the desire for glory on the battlefield or to curry favour with you or others - but for the common principle that all nations should be sovereign and all peoples free. It would be very easy for any nation to depose a regime it does not agree with - and some nations clearly prefer to choose the easy option - but it is a far harder task for nations to find a common understanding in order to work together, but one that is infinitely more rewarding.

"The time now comes for St. Fabian to work with the international community and to repay the goodwill it has received by playing its neccessary part in putting an end to this conflict before it even begins. We implored that you do not continue along this path that spells ruin for your people, and the needless loss of lives among the coalition forces that will result if hostilities begin. The Technocracy believes that the time has come for the people of St. Fabian to decide their own fate as a free people. These are our proposals:

"Announce that you will hold free and fair elections, promising to do so within a multi-party pluralist democratic system, and agree to respect whatever decision is made by the people.

"Undertake that if the Society of the Mind wins the elections, it will hold a referendum on incorporating the Sceptrum of Vita into a new constitution, and that whichever party wins the election and writes the new constitution, that that document is equally put to a referendum of the people.

"We await the response of the Society of the Mind."

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/USCMC/nationstates/seal.gif

Official Diplomatic Communiqué
From: Dr. Helena Smith, Director General of the Diplomatic Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: The foreign ministries of Red Tide, Bretton and Axis-Nova
Security: Low
Subject: Negotiations to end St. Fabian crisis

The Technocracy writes to the foreign ministers of your nations to seek an agreement to cease all current military operations against St. Fabian to allow time for the international community to find a negotiated solution to the current crisis. The Technocracy, and many other nations, share their own reservations as regards the Society of the Mind and the means to which they came to power. But a great many other nations also feel honour bound to defend the sovereignty and liberty of the peoples of St. Fabian as a matter of principle. Following the latest proclamation of the interim government to invite foreign military forces to defend her sovereign territory, the Technocracy now believes that any aggressive move by your nations will prove the spark for a larger regional war between your nations and allies and the allies and members of the multinational forces. We do not wish to see conflict, whether large scale or small, erupt in St. Fabian or elsewhere in the world.

Our negotiators are willing and open to work with any nation to find an alternative to war and to address the concerns expressed by your officials to the legitimacy of the interim government in St. Fabian, and the concerns of the wider international community as regards the viability of the St. Fabian state. Our forces will therefore not take part in any hostilities during the period of negotiations, unless coming under direct attack themselves in which case they will exercise the right to self-defence within our rules of enegagement. We focus our energies on persuading the Society of the Mind to schedule and hold free and open elections as a matter of urgency, to allow the people of St. Fabian to decide for themselves what form of government they shall have, and to hold a referendum for a new constitution. We ask that the nations of Red Tide, Bretton and Axis-Nova respect the exclusion zone around St. Fabian on air, sea and land to allow a period of breathing room for our negotiating teams to succeed in their task, and thereby avoid what will prove to ve a costly war, both in treasure and blood, for all parties concerned.

Dr. Helena Smith, Director General, Diplomatic Drectorate of Etoile Arcture

Northern Rangeria

05-02-2008, 15:57

OOC: My personal preference would be for PMT nations to limit themselves to MT technology for the sake of fairness and clarity.

OOC: A fair proposal, yes. Okay... Whatever happens up in space, I'll refrain from any more PMT/FT roleplaying after the Orion/Pequod encounter is done. I didn't intend this to turn into a scene from Deep Space Nine, anyways. Just wanted to make things more interesting for Axis Nova ;)

Romandeos

05-02-2008, 16:35

OOC:

Here's my forces in the area or soon to be deployed.

1st Quick Strike Force – RADM Chelsea Fuller
1 Swiftsure-class light carrier (CVL)
1 Agrippa-class heavy cruiser (CB)
2 Samuel B. Roberts-class AA destroyers (DD)
2 McDonough-class ASW frigates (FF)
3 Hastings-class strike frigates (FFG)
5 Pickering-class corvettes (FL)
2 Navarre-class nuclear powered attack submarines (SSN)

In addition, there is a second naval force en-route. It is actually two sub-units combined.

1st Combat Fleet – Admiral Mario Hoffman

1st Task Force Group – RADM Derrick Youmans
1 Victory-class Trimaran fleet carrier (CVN)
1 Trinity-class nuclear powered battleship (BBGN)
2 Shield Bearer-class light cruisers (CL)
5 Samuel B. Roberts-class AA destroyers (DD)
2 Wixted-class scout frigates (FF)
8 McDonough-class ASW frigates (FF)
4 Navarre-class nuclear powered attack submarines (SSN)

1st Surface Action Group – RADM Naomi Hoskyns
1 Adamant-class heavy battleship (BBGN)
1 Agrippa-class heavy cruiser (CAG)
4 Samuel B. Roberts-class destroyers (DD)
1 Wixted-class frigate (FF)
2 McDonough-class ASW frigates (FF)
2 Hastings-class strike frigates (FFG)
2 Relentless-class cruise missile submarines (SSGN)

Unfortunately, the Imperial Army is large, and amassing a combat force will take some time.

~ Romandeos

Dostanuot Loj

05-02-2008, 16:46

Romandeos

05-02-2008, 16:46

OOC: As this has turned into another dogpile of sorts, and the PMT/FT stuff has gone wild here (Plus I simply don't have the time to catch up), I'm out. As far as I'm concerned my original goal was achieved, enjoy.

OOC:

I don't think it's really a dogpile, but hey, that's a personal opinion. Later, buddy.

~ Romandeos

Wagdog

05-02-2008, 18:48

To Christine Friedrich, Stewardess of the Revolution, Wagdog and to the members of the St Fabian Coalition

We fully understand the Wagdian sentiment on the matter. However, Northern Rangeria's interest in the matter is to protect the people, not the government, of St Fabian. While we have yet to made contact with Axis Nova, Red Tide or Bretton on diplomatic level, their reputation has preceded them. Also, we believe it is our duty to protect St Fabian from foreign aggressors.

Nonetheless, we would request the Wagdian Government to see if a diplomatic solution can be found. None of us wishes for a war. If the Wagdian Government seeks a peaceful solution, the Principality will offer its support and promises to abide the terms agreed.

Signed,

Prince Mikhail IV,
Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Colonies, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St Gid of the Greens
To: Prince Mikhail IV, Dux Maximus, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Colonies, Protector of the Most Sanctified Beard of St. Gid of the Greens...
CC: All St. Fabian Coalition Nations
Encryption: Eyes Only

You have read our minds well, and the offer I made regarding the possible fate of the Society of the Mind was simply a talking point that I threw out so as to give the vultures something to feed upon while we sorted out our policy issues and I heard back from our allies in Allanea and elsewhere. I have, and although they do support the Brettonian position as it turns out nonetheless I do believe it is possible that a compromise may yet emerge.

For starters, open elections fairly contested between the Society and its' competitors in Fabianese culture (whom must surely exist) are essential; without honesty on all parts the present bloody and unstable situation can only worsen. I would say that if such a solution emerges, whether under the provisional authority of a broader-coalition between all of us involved or not, we would most likely be able to calm the main irritating factor propelling this controversy; to wit, the widely-perceived illegitimacy of the current Fabianese government under Mr. Stillman. After which whatever other problems remained could be solved far more easily, since everyone would have a clear local opinion on the matter which our various doctrines regarding sovereignty would strongly argue we at least respect.

I understand your concern for the Fabianese people, and assure yourself that I am no stranger to the vices of the Brettonian coalition or their allies. These nations are frequently best described as haughty in strategy, overbearing in policy, and reckless in action; hardly the optimal partners to be assured with the fate of a nation whose present government they've expressed their mutual contempt for quite openly. However, even the prideful can be brought to reason with sufficient incentive; and although I myself cannot order my forces to uphold the exclusion zone lest it jeopardize our rescue operations, I can say that I will not order us to depart even if we only remain in a humanitarian and observer role without partiality to either side should conflict erupt.

I did not send my servicemen here to abandon these people unless forced to by catastrophic blunders on the part of Bretton or its' allies, and I believe that recent positive glimmers mean we shall not be so driven off in shame yet. Rest assured, I will continue doing what part I can in arranging the peace we need, which shall be full; and my forces shall assist those in need within the limits we are able. Together friends, all of us, in courage we can prevent tragedy and yet achieve what we came here for.

In Hope at This Eleventh Hour,
Christine Friedrich
By the Grace of Progress, Stewardess of The Revolution for the Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog and its' Dominions
Secretary-President, Supreme Directory of the Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog

Nuevo Nihongo

05-02-2008, 18:55

Official Communication to all envolved with the so called St. Fabian affair.

We of Nuevo Nihongo have watched with interest and said little. We find the new government short sighted and their hands awash in the blood of the old guard. Surely not every noble, especially women and children were so evil and debauched as to deserve assassination? We find it impossible to support this so called Society of the Mind. We call for them to step down, to hold within a reasonable period of time free and open elections.

We would offer our forces ato act s police and peacekeepers, enforcing the basic laws of society*. We are a completely uninvolved third party, we have no dog in this fight, and thusly are completely impartial.

We, so as to assague various fears that certain nations are merely looking to conduct a witch hunt, or mass thievery, would also protect the citizens of St. Fabian against that - there would be no inquisition, no disappearances in the middle of the night, and no looting of the nation's goods or resources.

Once the elections are done, and the newly elected government inplace we will rapidly and happily withdraw. We're not big on sticking our noses into others business so you can rest assured we'll get our boots and saddles out of there as quickly as we can..

From the Desk of

Samuel Ravensclaw Houston.

*
Basic tenants such as
No:
Theft
Rape
Child Abuse
Animal Cruelity
Vigilantism
Mass Violence
Genocide

Romandeos

05-02-2008, 19:33

ATTENTION!

Imperial Proclamation:

Her Imperial Majesty calls on all nations now involved in this developing crisis in St. Fabian to pause and consider, truy, why they are here, and what they hope to gain from being here. For ourselves, we hope to avert a conflict and make sure free, open elections take place in St. Fabian, unobstructed by the intimidating presence of 'peacekeepers' who are really no more than thugs to make sure a given party's will is observed.

Having said that, we call on all parties involved to step back and think. Truly, it is sad how the Society gained power, but we have seen no evidence which might support the idea they mean to keep it.

Romandeos asks if Mr. Stillmann would be willing to host a peace conference in his capital city between small delegations from all parties involved including Bretton and Red Tide, to see if there is not still a chance to avert a bloody fight and keep the peace in St. Fabian.

~ Diplomatic Representative Robin Eames of the IFSR

Bretton

05-02-2008, 22:20

OOC: Of course the exclusion zone extends inland, that wasn't even up for debate. What doesn't extend inland is the ocean, and therefore the assembled fleets - rather than trying to break the blockade consisting of openly hostile, secretively hostile, neutral, and friendly ships with a huge chance of emerging into a protracted battle and shooting people who I don't want to shoot, it's better to just go around the impediment. Makes sense, no?

Brettonian Relief Force

Checking his watch, General Hassler grimaced at the thought that his aircraft would be penetrating St. Fabian's airspace about now had they not diverted to avoid the ongoing naval blockade. Instead, they were now about to reach land several hundred kilometers west of their original destination, far outside the exclusion zone declared by the intervening foreign naval groups, and more importantly, far away from said naval groups themselves.

"Bring up that tactical map again," Hassler muttered, resting his cheek on his knuckles. A computer-rendered image of St. Fabian appeared, showing their route overland, crossing the continent, then flipping about to breach the exclusion zone from the exact opposite side of the country with respect to the foreign naval assets. Such a damned roundabout trip... Hassler thought. I wish there was some way to shave off some travel time...

Red Tide2

05-02-2008, 22:46

Superdreadnought H-54, 16 hours out from tFabian

"Damn..." Admiral Volkov said, as he stared at the two message, one filled with good news, the other bad. On one hand, he now knew the exact composition of the enemy surface fleets. Over 150-200 ships, of various types, excluding possible submarines. He COULD batter through that, the CM-4's* his ships carried would make quick work of even the largest fleet if a sufficient number of them were fired, but he might take heavy losses. He also discovered that he had full access to land-based, long range naval aviation assets.

The other message... from the Brettonians was a bit of a dissapointment. They were going OVERLAND! Abandoning his crew to their fate. He looked at the computerised map, and made a decision.

"Order a halt at 500 kilometers from the Saint Fabian coastline." The Admiral, leaning across the ever-updating (and shrinking, as his forces got closer) display board. "We'll let the Brettonians act first-and get shot at first... then we mail the coalition forces a ton of missiles when they are looking the other way."

He looked at his assigned Commissar, a Colonel from the Intelligence Commissarat, who nodded and said, "I approve of this directive."

The orders were passed down.

OOC:*Just because my nation is deadset on a certain course, I will provide info on the CM-4:
http://z4.invisionfree.com/NSDraftroom/index.php?showtopic=949&hl=

St Fabian

05-02-2008, 23:44

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/jedierrant/Errantemblem.jpg

The Armed Republic of Catawaba
An Open Communication from the Alpha Miraade, Jedith Errant
A Message Intended for Mr. Julio Stillmann of Saint Fabian
Copied to ALL Nations So Involved in the Fabian Situation

Mr. Stillman,

Pardon me if I do not have the correct title to address you, sir, but the situation is one that does not allow time for pleasantries. The ships of the Catawaban Second Fleet have moved to position themselves between opposing forces currently formulating outside your territory. We are a neutral power acting in the interest of your people.

It has come to our rather tardy realization that we have not attempted a diplomatic response. Diplomacy has been sadly lacking in the escalation of this crisis. We apologize for that. As such we are sending two of our most skilled diplomats, our UN delgate Hayden Seigfriend and our ambassador to Cookesland Rea Vipe. They will be accompanied by minimal security personnel. They will be arriving in a day's time by unarmed Catawaban military transport. We request permission to enter and land in Fabian territory.

We hope to acertain the will of the Fabian people in your mandate to rule. We also wish to conduct diplomatic talks that lead to some peaceful resolution of this situation

From the heart,
Jedith Errant
Alpha Miraade

To Jedith Errant,

I do not take titles, as they are the evil of the old system, and have been abolished, I am no better than anyone else, and therefore am addressed as the same. We would welcome your delegation, but must warn you that they come at they're own risk, as foreign forces will soon be bearing down on us, and we have no way of protecting your delegation from them, other than the protection offered by our fortified bunker.

Julio Stillman

Government Bunker, St. Fabian

In the time it had taken Alexander's delegation to be ushered down into the basement levels of the government building by Julio Stillmann - in truth, your typical hardened command and control bunker - his Blackberry had beeped one last ominous message.

++FLASH. URGENT MESSAGE RECEIVED FROM DAMIREN AMBASSADOR TO DIPLOMATIC DIRECTORATE IN CONDORDIA. MESSAGE BEGINS. DO NOT COMMENCE HOSTILITIES AGAINST BRETTON. STOP++

The message was both hopeful and foreboding. On the one hand he hoped the Damirens might be able to exert whatever diplomatic pressure they could to persuade the Brettonians against their chosen course of action. But on the other hand the message betrayed a larger worry that had occurred to him, and must now be worrying his colleagues in Concordia, that a war over a tiny nation called the Kingdom of St. Fabian might flash over into a larger war that might engulf an entire region, or even the whole world.

As their party finally arrived at its destination, Alexander took his seat at a conference table as the Fabians, very civilised and correctly, served tea and biscuits to their guests. After a short period of pleasantries in which each side introduced each other Alexander finally got down to the matter at shand with his opening position.

"To be blunt Mr. Stillman, and assembled members of the Society of the Mind,
many of the nations that have come to your aid harbour grave reservations, the Technocracy included, over the legitimacy, stability and long term viability of your government. For our part, we have concerns and criticisms of many aspects of the Sceptrum of Vita, and we also have our doubts over the speed of transition being proposed by the Society of Mind.

"The ship of state cannot be turned on a dime, and the Society of Mind's social and economic 'revolution' aims to swing the St. Fabian society, culture and economy from the one extreme of totalitarian oppression, to the opposite political spectrum of ultra-rationality. Furthermore, some nations have sought to characterise your new system of government as being socialist or even Bolshevik in nature, and are manufacturing pretences to justify their intervention in your internal affairs.

"The Technocracy can also not ignore the means by which the Society of the Mind came to power. Your methods - the brutal extermination of an entire strata of Fabian society, no matter how horrific and damnable their rule - is repulsive to both the Etoilian people and her government, and to every nation of the world.

"Mr. Stillman - the nascent nation of St. Fabian now stands at a dangerous crossroads in its history which you no doubt recognise and understand. While the Society of the Mind has talked much of rationality, and has asked for and received openly the assistance and protection of the international community, as a rational person you must also recognise that you also have responsibilities and obligations to those whose help and support you have sought out and accepted.

"Many of the nations that have answered your call disagree with your regime. They pledge to defend your nation not out of the desire for glory on the battlefield or to curry favour with you or others - but for the common principle that all nations should be sovereign and all peoples free. It would be very easy for any nation to depose a regime it does not agree with - and some nations clearly prefer to choose the easy option - but it is a far harder task for nations to find a common understanding in order to work together, but one that is infinitely more rewarding.

"The time now comes for St. Fabian to work with the international community and to repay the goodwill it has received by playing its neccessary part in putting an end to this conflict before it even begins. We implored that you do not continue along this path that spells ruin for your people, and the needless loss of lives among the coalition forces that will result if hostilities begin. The Technocracy believes that the time has come for the people of St. Fabian to decide their own fate as a free people. These are our proposals:

"Announce that you will hold free and fair elections, promising to do so within a multi-party pluralist democratic system, and agree to respect whatever decision is made by the people.

"Undertake that if the Society of the Mind wins the elections, it will hold a referendum on incorporating the Sceptrum of Vita into a new constitution, and that whichever party wins the election and writes the new constitution, that that document is equally put to a referendum of the people.

"We await the response of the Society of the Mind."

"It is clearly apparent that the international community has many misunderstandings about our government, although so are from poor writings of the Sceptrum of Vita. First of all we will need to rework that, but it was hurried, and mistakes were made. We have no intention of turning this nation into a communist or socialist state, for that would surely spell ruin for our nation, and its people. Also there is much work to be done before a truly free and fair elections, as most of the nation lack even the most basic learning, they barely know how to read, and write, and some not even that, and therefore would not be suitable to hold any office of government, and those that are, are members of the Society, also it would be very difficult for such people to make an informed decision on who to vote for, or even understand the ballot. It will take years before the nation will be able to attempt such a task, and much longer before it would be fully ready. We will however, once they have been revised and corrected, submit the Sceptrum of Vita to a public vote. That is the best that can be done at this time. I'm sorry but that is just the way it is.

Wandering Argonians

06-02-2008, 00:23

With the Modernization War finally drawing to a close, the Argonian people stood ready to take a more prominent role on the world stage that they had isolated themselves from for so long. While not sporting a massive navy or innumerable armored divisions, the many battle-hardened infantry and special operations divisions of the Argonian National Army had waited for some time to prove themselves to the rest of the planet, and with their Tanaaran, Imitorian, and Tarlachian brothers already preparing for the coming war, they too began to ready theyselves for open conflict outside their own borders, something that had not occoured in hundreds of years.

The following comminque was then sent to all involved nations...

To: All involved nations in the 'St Fabian Action'
From: President Uleena Ulkeen, President of Wandering Argonians and Commander in Chief of the Argonian National Army and Argonian National Navy

While we have waited passively at the sidelines of this escalating engagement, we feel we can no longer sit by while our allies stand ready to defend themsevles from aggression. My people have just ended a long and bloody civil war, and are weary of battle, but all stand behind our stalwart allies as they have stood behind us in the past. Should open conflict ignite, know that any assault on Tanaaran, Tarlachian, or Imitorian assets will be seen as an assault on our own homeland, and will be met with proportionate opposition.

While our numbers are somewhat depleted by the previous conflict within our own borders, we now have the support of numerous native militias who have expressed their desires to aid their homeland in whatever way possible. The combined battlefield expeirence of the militias and the rank-and-file soldiers is daunting to contemplate. They are eager to show the world how an Argonian does battle, and woe betide those who are on the wrong end of their zeal.

I hope it will not come to such drastic measures.

Uleena Ulkeen,
President of Wandering Argonians

OOC: I'm not too good at the diplomatic commo things. You guys know I can never turn down a good fight. I am, however, going to need the help of Tanaara to move my forces, since I don't maintain much of a navy and focus more on land-based option like infantry and special ops.

Romandeos

06-02-2008, 00:35

OOC: I'm not too good at the diplomatic commo things. You guys know I can never turn down a good fight. I am, however, going to need the help of Tanaara to move my forces, since I don't maintain much of a navy and focus more on land-based option like infantry and special ops.

OOC:

I'd also be willing to help you move troops, if, as seems likely, a fight breaks out. I'm always up for a chance to build relations with a potential new ally.

~ Romandeos

St Fabian

06-02-2008, 00:48

The Gorgon Herald

Citizens Say "Keep Your Hands of my Land!" to Foreign Devils

Citizens are preparing to fight back against the Bretton, and Red Tide invaders. They are ready to fight them in the streets, and continue to fight to the last man. Below you can see three teens; Jenna Jamison, 17; Kevin Smith, 17; and Theodor Blankenship, 17; ready and willing to repel these foreign invaders,(Picture Below)

http://a757.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/111/l_3c157de24dda538a276f991c82af0dc4.png

Here's what they had to say on the subject, "We're not just going sit back, and let these foreigners come in and tell us what to do, they're as bad as the King, they just want to enslave us, and use us to reach they're own insane motives, and we're not going to take it." But kids are not the only ones getting involved in the defense of our nation, the older generation is taking action too,

http://a914.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/73/l_3675c53c141c992c9c38680d977529c1.png

We got this statement from Judith, 62, and Rosco, 66, Peterson, (Pictured Above) sit in they're front yard with guns in hand, and plenty of ammo to spare. Rosco fought in the war of 1976, against the Horganian rebels, he had this to say, "I watched many of my best friends die fighting for the King, there was no reason for us to be there, we didn't want to be there, but the King said do this and we did, now we're free for the royal lines insanity, and we aren't going back to that, I'd rather die, and I will before I submit to these foreigners who think they can just come in and take over." Statements like that are prevalent among the older generation, that feels that they've lived a good life, and now it's time for them to fight for they're children, and grandchildren futures. Local gun shop owner Ted Wilson, 35, who is pictured below handing out free guns to the locals in front of his shop,

http://a744.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/l_f38b38c548971ed67f675d39c3c2cf77.png

Said this to our report, "I figure, if they reinstate the old government, I'm out of business anyway, so why shouldn't I give them away, give them away, and hope that when this is all over, I'm not rotting in some dungeon for selling 'em, right." We also found this man, defending his bowling ally, but he declined to comment, and asked us not to use his name,

http://a267.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/85/l_50114cf96b767da5bfb09dbc432a853a.png

People are really taking this situation seriously, they like they're new life, and are not about to give it up. Some have formed local militia and have begun training together,

http://a459.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/127/l_d2b66d32b80a0c4cbab69a182441b6a2.png

These people come from all walks of life, and are of all ages, but share one common bond, they all have a deep sense of national independence, that dates back even further than the old monarchy, and they will not bend to foreign forces. Even law enforcement is getting involved,

http://a296.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/16/l_fdf77c4b84f3baebf59bbf7dae06811f.png

Citizens are also bringing together any and all vehicles that run, in an attempt to mobilize they're civilian forces,

http://a30.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/10/l_339d066221ed6ef73f8882d623ca100d.png

All in all, it's not a matter of if this conflict happens, anymore, but when, and where it will break out, and the citizens of St Fabian know this, and are ready for it, but are these foreign invaders ready? Are they ready to fight to the death, to lose dozens of troops taking on block? Ready to walk down streets with fear in they're hearts, not knowing whether he'll make it to the end of the block without being shot by some guy on the street, or some girl in a window, or some boy in the park? For that is what lies ahead for them.[/FONT]

Tanaara

06-02-2008, 01:03

http://http://www.atddm.com/tanflag2.jpg]
http://www.atddm.com/commo1.gif

From: HM Queen Mercedez Merrideath Hexx

Unto: All sides of the St. Fabien's Incident...

First off, while Tanaara wil not back down from our stance protecting the people of Saint Fabian, we do not want a war just to have a war. Building things is better than breaking them.

However might I state that the state of the people of Saint Fabiens leaves me sitting here grappling with what to do.

...Also there is much work to be done before a truly free and fair elections, as most of the nation lack even the most basic learning, they barely know how to read, and write, and some not even that, and therefore would not be suitable to hold any office of government, and those that are, are members of the Society, also it would be very difficult for such people to make an informed decision on who to vote for, or even understand the ballot...

Ladies and Gentlemen, what do we do?

Yes Mr. Stillman's government came in bloody handed, but if his words are correct, they may be the only group currently capable of running the country.

However I have a suggestion, one that might spare us all conflict, and allow Saint Fabien to mature as a nation.

Might I suggest a Governor and Council. Have the Socitey of the Mind chose among themselves for a Governor and then each of the interested outside nations send a Councilor, with Saint Fabien's sending a number of citizens who are not a members of the Society as well.

Romandeos, Wagdog, Red Tide, Bretton, Catawaba, Tanaara, Etoile Arcture, United Duchies -as we are the ones most closely involved in this.

That would be eight Councill members giving an international voice on the council with say another eight from Saint Fabiens.

With the Governor and counil to serv for five years initially and if the people of Saint Fabiens are ready for elections at that time they would be then held. If not then two years later would be the next target date.

I would send diplomats to meet with those already within Saint Fabien's but I do not wish to irritate the situation further.

Sincerely,

MMX

St Fabian

06-02-2008, 01:09

The republic of Eureka Island wishes to express its extreme dissapointment in the leadership of the country of St Fabian. These laws are an archaic and unecissary infringement on human rights. As such, the ERN (Eurekan Republican Navy) will also be evacuating all those who wish to leave such oppressive laws behind (including Fabian nationals) to Eureka Island, where they may stay or depart to a nation of theyre choice. The Eurekan government will of course carry such transportations out. If any Eurekan forces are subjected to acts of agression in any form, retribution will be swift and may precede a full scale invasion. The government of Eureka Island also wishes to express its support for the Sumerians, and also wishes to state its willingness to work together on our joint endeavers.

From Office Of The Honorable President Of Eureka Island Daniel Smith.

To Daniel Smith,

You have apparently not been keeping up to date with current happenings in this nation, as the Tranderson Codes, have been repealed after they nobles were eliminated, now the laws governing this nation are the Sceptrum of Vita (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=548723).

Julio Stillman

Eureka Island

06-02-2008, 01:09

The republic of Eureka Island wishes to express its extreme dissapointment in the leadership of the country of St Fabian. These laws are an archaic and unecissary infringement on human rights. As such, the ERN (Eurekan Republican Navy) will also be evacuating all those who wish to leave such oppressive laws behind (including Fabian nationals) to Eureka Island, where they may stay or depart to a nation of theyre choice. The Eurekan government will of course carry such transportations out. If any Eurekan forces are subjected to acts of agression in any form, retribution will be swift and may precede a full scale invasion. The government of Eureka Island also wishes to express its support for the Sumerians, and also wishes to state its willingness to work together on our joint endeavers.

From The Office Of The Honorable President Of Eureka Island Daniel Smith.

Imitora

06-02-2008, 01:14

OOC: Tired and not really in the mood to post, but I might as well. Provide you all with an update. I have absolutely no clue where, on my computer, I have listed my shipping guides or naval lay outs, but one could reasonably expect (and therefore consider this partially IC) that I would be sending three fleets of around 30-40 ships a piece. I need to find the exact layouts, though know that all but one were created on here by another nation. I've RPd about 90% of the technology in my years here, the other 10% RPd jointly by myself and others, as well as just others and sold to me. I'll have a decent post up later, after I have dinner.

Eureka Island

06-02-2008, 01:19

St Fabian

06-02-2008, 01:24

Then i must apologize for my previous statement. In fact i now commend you for your removal of those laws. Any threat of agressive action is now rescinded and i now wish to express my willingness for further diplomatic relations between our two great nations. Once again, i apologize.

Yours Sincerely
The Honourable President Of Eureka Island Daniel Smith.

To Daniel Smith,

We would welcome your diplomats to our nation, but must warn you that other nations intend to invade ours, and we cannot ensure the safety of your diplomats in our nation if such an invasion occurs, as we have no real forces to defend ourselves never mind your people. We hope you understand, and if you still wish to send diplomats at this time, they will be welcomed, and we will attempt to protect them.

Julio Stillman

[OOC: Map:]
http://a915.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/25/l_140b08277f8c127c380d46c30f50513a.png

Eureka Island

06-02-2008, 01:31

Alcona and Hubris

06-02-2008, 01:43

The Armed Republic of Catawaba
An Encrypted Communication from the Alpha Miraade, Jedith Errant
For the Eyes of Countess Winton, K.O.A., Royal Consul of the United Duchies, Advisor to the Regent ONLY

Countess Winton,

Milady, I am moved by the honor you pay the Catawaban people with your offer and the bravery of your men and women in uniform that they would freely come to our defense. I gratefully accept and grant a goodwill port visit to Graceland, our capital.

I know that we have overextended ourselves. By doing that, we are vulnerable. I hope you can understand the position we have taken. I like neither the Tranderson remanent or the Society of the Mind, but Catawaba must think of Fabian people who are seemingly left out in all this. Calm political debates and processes must win out. I have confidence that the Fabian people can make their own choices given the chance, suitable protection, and perhaps even guidance or suggestions from friendly diplomats but definitely not occupational forces.

I have already issued orders to our remaining three capital ships that had been rushing to aid of our Second Fleet. They are now returning home to ensure our safety. I am also moving fighter bomber squadrons that had been supporting our naval forces out of the territory of our neighbor, the Holy Salsan Empire, so they will not be targets of any potential retribution.

If prayer is among your people's customs, please put in a few for our men and women in harm's way and indeed all of those in the eye of the storm.

From my heavy heart,
Jedith Errant
Alpha Miraade

Coded Message:
To: The Armed Republic of Catawaba, the Alpha Miraade, Jedith Errant
From: The United Duchies, Royal Consul, Countess Winton

On behalf of his Grace, Lord Vaad, and the Alconian people we gladly accept your invitation. I would like to note that our taskforce may seem overwhelming, but the ambitions of Red Tide are like wise large. I think it would be best for you to make the annoucement. Note that traditionally Taskforce 711 is a commerce type taskforce designed to deal with pirate nations. However we will be adding the 412th Battleship group to augment the power of the taskforce against large naval forces.
Currently slated to visit Catawaba:
ARN Penthurst-Fortress Battle Carrier
ARN Ajax, ARN Mobie, ARN Lenx,-Fortress Class Battleships (PMT design)
ARN Roger, ARN Nicolas - King Class Missle Battlecruisers
ARN Elizabeth, ARN Mary - Queen Class Battlecrusiers
ARN Wipper, ARN Sythe, ARN Drummond, Toomer class cruisers
ARN Wilson, ARN Kilamenjaro Vaughn Class cruisers
ARN DC127, ARN DC232, DC45 DG811 Destroyers of varying types
ARN NERL, ARN Keth Airship Tenders
six fleet tenders not yet assigned

As for your actions in Saint Fabian, the United Duchies understands perfectly. Our own international history, and legal treaties make us disinclined to be likewise involved.

Countess Winton K.O.A
Royal Consul of the United Duchies

OOC1: Er this should proably be continued in a seperate thread
____________________

OOC2; Tanaara I couldn't figure out what was actually said to my Chancellor and what was internal dialog in that note post of yours so I haven't responded...

To: Queen Mercedez
From: The United Duchies, Outer Ministry
Subject: Proposal of International Administration

Such an endevor, or similar, would enable us to detail forces to the protection of Saint Fabian

-----
Nimitz Harbor, Logoth Marches, The United Duchies

There was a huge amount of movement of trucks and materials as men and supplies were loaded onto the vessels of the Alconian Royal Navies Fourth Fleet. Currently 7th had just launched an oversized commerce taskforce from Zithril but now 4th was being ordered to abandon it's post near the Logoth straits to immediatly proceed to waters near Terra Pleana.

Red Tide2

06-02-2008, 01:58

OOC: ALL PURE OOC MESSAGES FROM HERE ON OUT GO IN HERE!: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=548516

Alcona and Hubris

06-02-2008, 02:11

OOC: ALL PURE OOC MESSAGES FROM HERE ON OUT GO IN HERE!: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=548516

OOC: Ah that is this thread Red Tide

St Fabian

06-02-2008, 04:12

I see, i would still like to send my diplomats. If you would kindly supply me with the information on those who are threatening you and for what reason, we may be able to assist you in defending your country. it would be an honour for us to fight side by side with your valiant forces.

Yours Sincerely
Daniel Smith

To Daniel Smith,

We thank you, we are being invaded by the Red Tide and Bretton, and probably more nations. They are coming under the flag of humanitarian aide, as they do not recognize our government, because we overthrew the previous regime, and they call us Bolsheviks. Even though our people vehemently oppose such an invasion they continue it in the name of saving our people, who are as we speak preparing to defend themselves from these invaders. We shall welcome your diplomats, and will attempt to ensure they're safety. They shall be assigned quarters in our bunker for they're protection.

Julio Stillman

Imitora

06-02-2008, 04:20

The Third and Seventh War Fleet were the first to be called out, from the massive super dreadnoughts to the arsenal ships, frigates and cruisers, submarines, and surface fighters. They represented more than battle groups, each War Fleet consisted of enough ships to fight a war with a single fleet. At full sail, it was a sight to be seen indeed.

The water, a force in and of itself, yielded to the powerful Imitoran ships. Each War Fleet consisted of a enough main guns and missile tubes to level a small nation, and bring death en mass to a large one. Two of them represented more than enough fire power to engage any single fleet and survive in what could basically be said to be "unscathed". Technology married to nothing more than brute force. The bright and shining sun of Imitoran fire power.

On board all ships, the mood was serious. Imitorans played little games when it came to war fighting. The only goal was victory, no matter the costs. They had been called war mongers, war criminals, villains, heathens, dogs, and flat out evil. Yet no matter what insult had been leveled against the Imitorans, one had only to ask of the nations long past to fall. Where was the once mighty Daezeman? What had become of Hodgania and Landonia? Who had survived the assault on Fultonia or Aubania? They had all become nothing. Iansisle had once felt the force brought forth of the Imitorans, and it had been mercy that had spared her. The nation of Slave Traders and Markov no longer had any relavence in the world once the Imitoran war machine had been brought down on them.

Those nations threatening her allies would soon feel the same.

Not far ahead of the two War Fleets was a simple and small Surface Combat and Reconnaissance Fleet. Consisting of nothing more than ten Berlin Class Cruisers and five Southampton class attack submarines, the goal was to move forward and get an idea of the forces on hand. The backing came from a single Northampton Super Dreadnought. The massive trimaran design was armed to the inch, with more heavy guns than many fleets had amongst their compliment. They broadcasted no calls, as it was not protocol. The only sign of who they were was the large Gryphon flag flapping from the bridge of each ship.

Whilst others talked and offered word of negotiations and governing bodies and peace keeping forces and exclusion zones, the Imitoran ships sat, bristling with activities.

The Imitorans had been called to war.

St Fabian

06-02-2008, 04:29

Then if you would allow me, id like to aid you. if your government will permit me, then i would like to deploy my 2nd army to your country, aswell as the 5th battlegroup ERN and 10 squadrons of fighters along with 6 squadrons of bombers. Eureka Island cannot sit idly by whilst innocent people are slaughtered.

Yours Sincerely
President Daniel Smith

To Daniel Smith,

We thank you, though I do not think we have reliable airfields that would be capable of receiving your bombers. Hopefully with your assistance, and that of others, we can stop these invaders and turn them back, so that our government can begin the long and arduous task of modernizing our nation, and educating our citizens.

Julio Stillmann

Bretton

06-02-2008, 04:43

Brettonian Relief Force

"General, you might want to take a look at this," the navigational officer said, sizing up his display to one of the large monitors in the Ouroboros' flight deck. The icons indicating the Red Tide State Guard fleet were no longer moving.

"...oh, what is this?" General Hassler growled with a rather perturbed tone, and fumbled for a headset once again. "Hello, Admiral Volkov, are you reading me? This is Hassler. Why have your ships stopped moving? If you aren't experiencing mechanical difficulties then I must ask for you to get back to steam at once! If you continue at previous speed, your fleet will be entering combat range at the same time as we penetrate the exclusion zone from inland - effectively moving in a pincer maneuver." Hassler looked up on one of the large screens again, sizing up range increments.

"If they send the extent of their air power against us, it'll leave their fleet vulnerable to yours. But, if you've chosen to hold off on that until we make contact, it'll allow them to maximize force on both of our deployments, which will not bode well for either of us. Combined arms is essential to facilitate a swift and decisive victory against the belligerents among the foreign fleets, and the restoration of order in St. Fabian. If your fleet lacks the strength to prevail, I'll have additional firepower called up to join you before engagement. Please confirm at once. Over." Hassler carelessly tossed the headset onto the raised chair he'd formally occupied and marched down the stairs of the commander's platform into the main duty area sprawled out in front of the flight deck's large windows.

"Communications chief! Get the Air Service command on the horn, I want more bombers to be loaded up for antishipping configuration and prepared to scramble at any time! This is a top priority order!"

"The bomber force from Mannerheim is requesting orders regarding our new course, sir," the chief reported, firing off the general's command to air bases in Brettonia.

"Tell them to prepare antiradiation missiles and get ready to sweep any air defense and early warning systems still operating in St. Fabian - the Society of the Mind obviously still has a great deal of control of the existing infrastructure, which is unfortunate. Any broadcasting early warning systems are to be considered targets the moment we cross the exclusion zone. Also, I want communications grids from their governmental seat mapped out and tabulated - those will be severed as well to prevent the murderers who've seized power from coordinating their henchmen in the field. I refuse to believe the citizenry of that country would actively prefer to jump from one dictatorship to another - it must be a farce on the part of the central government, and we'll expose that right quickly."

St Fabian

06-02-2008, 04:43

It is i that thanks you, we now have the oppurtunity to defeat the tide of evil and oppression. as for the issue of airfields, i shall send engineers ahead of my main forces, they will construct the necissary structures. Together we shall create a peaceful and prosperous future for both our nations.

Yours In Alliance And Friendship
President Daniel Smith

To Daniel Smith,

We again thank you, as airfields will be most helpful in our efforts to modernize our nation, and will also provide the needed facilities to better facilitate the defense of our nation.

Julio Stillmann

Bretton

06-02-2008, 04:57

EDIT: moved to OOC thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13426000) - Eureka Islands, since you're new to things, you should check that as it concerns you.

Eureka Island

06-02-2008, 04:59

Declaration Of War By The Eurekan President

"My fellow Eurekans, now is a time of grave peril and danger, but it is also a time of hope. Our ally, St Fabian, is under threat of invasion by so called "humanitarians", and as a result we mobilise to defend our allies. This was not an easy decision to come to, but this is a travesty that cannot go unpunished, and so we will meet the enemy forces, and through the combined might of Eurekan- Fabian might, we will annhialate our adversaries. And so, as of today the 6th of february, we are in a state of war with the brettons and red tide, and that list may grow. In he coming months, perhaps years, we will need all the courage, spirit and determination that can be mustered. Finally, in the true Eurekan Spirit i say..."LIVE HARD, AND DIE FREE!!!."
with those last words the whole country exploded into cheer.

The Eurekans were going to war, and theyre enemys would cower.

Romandeos

06-02-2008, 05:23

HRMS Archer, off the St. Fabian Coast:

“Well then, Admiral Fuller, how do you assess the situation now?”

Mario Hoffman’s voice came through Rear Admiral Fuller’s headset clearly, freed of any kind of static. Fuller thanked God for that, but knew it would change once the bullets and missiles started flying around.

“Admiral Hoffman, things don’t look good. We have hostile forces closing in, and we are in no position to handle a protracted conflict.”

“What about the friendly naval fleets?”

“I’ll base my assessment of them on how they do when the shooting starts,” Fuller replied in a dry tone.

“Well, I’ll try and make sure you have some good Romandeosian warships with you soon here, hopefully before it hits the fan.”

“Yes, sir,” Fuller said. “What about land forces?”

“I’m told the Empress has ordered an Imperial Naval Infantry force sent in, backed up by more troops from the Army once they can be mobilized.”

“Who will have command?”

“I’ve heard the name Alistair Vogel mentioned.”

“General Vogel?” asked Fuller. “He’s a madman. How appropriate. Any word on what he is bringing with him when he arrives?”

“I haven’t heard. We just have to hang on until he arrives.”

Romandeos

06-02-2008, 05:31

Im just curious, what side are you on Romandeos?:)

OOC:

Kindly regulate all posts without IC content to the OOC thread.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=548984

I'm supporting the current regime in St. Fabian.

Tanaara

06-02-2008, 06:17

Admiral Foxbridge looked aghast as the news reached him. The Imitorans had sailed? He now felt sorry for their opposition numbers. It wouldn't be fun returning to homelands that weren't really there any longer. If any were left to return home. The mosnter Super DS's that Imitora fielded carried 27 main guns, all 155mm ETC cannons, and over 200 verticle launch tubes. But they were a nearly a kilometer in length. And their air superority fighters were almost as good as his Butterflies. He liked the aggressiveness of their pilots.

The Tarlachinas had sent forth their international fleet as well and he was in constant communication with his old friend, Admiral Countess Miller. She'd had the Tarlachian fleet as full out sprint and would quicly be in position to help him and the Imitoran's perform a perfect pincer movement on the Red Tide fleet.

With Red Tide trapped between ... Tanaara and Romandeos, shoreward/ inside (though that could potetially be a problem) and Imitora and Tarlachia on the outside they might realize that it was time to turn about and go home.

TO: CNS Intrepid, Catawaba Fleet

Admiral Starkey, I am broadcasting this in the clear, as I'm pretty darn sure that every one knows who's coming to dinner by now...My strong suggestion is you might want to get your ships out of the way as I'd really rather not have you all in the killing ground. We won't fire the first shot but by Divine ours will be the last.

Starkey Out...

TO: HRMS Archer Encrypted, secure channels established earlier...

Admiral Fuller, With the Red Tide forces currently place holding might I suggest close coordination between our fleets? No doubt you are aware that the Tanaaran Third Fleet is also very close to interception and that both the Tarlachian International Fleet, and both Imitoran hird And Seventh Fleets have have left the Fatal Terrain Region and are closing quickly. We can put the Red Tide fleet in the uinenviable postion of having to try and resist a pincers attack, or amneuvewr out of one. If it come down to an open exchange of hostilities, I may depend on their air power and turn mine over Saint Fabian proper so as to engage the Bretton forces.
Foxbridge out"

Every ones movemnts had been tracked from space form the beginning of Tanaaran involvement, and all information was being shared openly among all the so called "Pro Fabian" and those forces that had become neutrals. He had no desire to have the neurtals take damage just because they didn't have all the information...

However he had a few tricks up his sleeve for when things got hot, to cool the enemy off with the fog of war...

Tarlachia

06-02-2008, 06:25

International waters offshore St. Fabian, South by Southeast

Communication silence for the Tarlachian fleet had been in effect for the last five hours as the ships sped over the waters with haste. As of this moment, they were bearing down on their planned vice pattern, one that would likely set the entire aggressive conflict on hold due to the very nature of the strategy in itself.

The Tarlachian Naval Fleet for International Conflicts was a fleet unlike any other. Two supercarriers, five battleships, eight cruisers, and ten submarines. All of its surface ships employed hovercraft technology, redirecting and dispersing air beneath their hulls and allow not only for fast speed, but also nearly silent aqueous radar presence. Submarines would pick them up, but unless they knew what they were dealing with, it would appear to sound nothing different than a storm brewing upon the surface, wind and all. However, should those submarines choose to obtain visual confirmation, they would also have something else to deal with, the underwater complement that rounded out the naval force. These submarines, unlike its sister surface ships, were powered by nuclear force, the last true remnant of "modern" Tarlachia. In addition to the hovercraft and nuclear technology, the Tarlachian fleet had one more technology few others carried. Arcane power. While this primarily existed for offensive purposes, it was used to some extent for defensive as well. Yet, although a unique technology, it was possible to be overcome with enough brute force. Currently, the only ones truly capable of doing such; at least to Tarlachian knowledge, were the Tanaarans and the Imitorans. Even then, they would've been hard pressed to overcome such technology, but the point remained, the technology was not invincible.

In the Admiral's quarters of the supercarrier Albatross, Admiral Adrianne Miller was woken from her brief nap to be informed of the fleet's arrival in the St. Fabian theater. Within minutes, she was within the bridge, reviewing the situation upon the radar, correlating it with a Tarlachian military satellite stationed in orbit over the area. It was clear that the naval fleet of Red Tide was intent on arriving on St. Fabian. Tanaaran fleet ships were patrolling seas off to the west, buffering Red Tide's fleet from directly approaching St. Fabian. To the east, Tarlachian forces were moving in, some eight hundred miles from the Tanaarans. Imitoran forces were not too far away, although a bit closer according to military intelligence.

"Break communications silence for twenty seconds. I want a secure message sent to the Imitorans. Give them just enough time to respond." Admiral Miller ordered.

"Aye, aye. Break communications silence for message to the Imitorans." came the response, and within seconds, the message was transcribed, scrambled, and sent.

ATTN: Imitoran Fleet
MODE: Secure
SUBJECT: Naval Activity and Strategy
MESSAGE:
Red Tide fleet is congregated ahead of Tarlachian fleet. It is clear that intent to invade the sovereign waters and land of St. Fabian is present. Request for assistance to pressure Red Tide fleet from behind and lock them into place. Tarlachian forces to approach from the south-southeast. Suggest you approach from your current position.
END MESSAGE

Romandeos

06-02-2008, 07:17

HRMS Archer, off the St. Fabiant Coast:

Fuller's reply to Foxbridge's message was short and to the point.

Sir,

Full-scale fleet coordination at this point is an excellent idea. Admiral Hofman is en-route as we speak, so my nation's presence in the area will soon be much enhanced.

When we get a chance, a face-to-face meeting would perhaps be profitable.

Regards,
RADM Chelsea Fuller, QSF 1

Meanwhile, as this message was being sent, Admiral Mario Hoffman's warships had steamed to within a hundred miles of St. Fabian.

Catawaba

06-02-2008, 08:52

((Eureka, please look in the OOC thread.))

(( Brilliant use of Canadian Bacon shots, Fabian, now I really have to defend you. We cannot let a noble and corny sense of humor be crushed under foot! ))

The Empire of Sarpadiia, Chips and Dip Region
Rural Highway 97 miles south of the Sarpadiian capital

Hayden Seigfried frowned, clutching his briefcase to his chest. He hated flying with a pure, unadulterated passion equal to his hatred of Togovians. So it made him feel no better that he was flying in a captured Togovian Kangaroo military transport. The aircraft's four jet engines thrummed along as the bulbous-nosed, ungainly thing blundered through the air. He grit his teeth. The United Nations Floor was looking better and better and less insane by the moment.

A petite hand reached over to pat his knee. Seigfried slowly swivled his head to look at a short, red-headed woman. She was smiling pleasantly. "Oh, come on, Hayden! This isn't as bad as you made out!" She shouted over the engines' din.

The Kangaroo had picked him up from the airport nearest the United Nations Building and spirited him on a turbulent ride towards Cookesland. With barely time to stop and stretch the legs before they fueled, they'd prepared to leave again. Rea Vipe, the auburn-haired ambassador to Cookesland, had arrived with her protection detail in a rush just as the ground crew had finished refueling. The Kangaroo quickly taxied to the departure runaway and lurched into the sky.

All that time, Seigfried had been worried about his own personal doom aboard this rattletrap Togovian coffin to talk to the beautiful woman next to him. "Why are you even here?! Errant asked me to go to Fabian and catch a missile or three!" Hayden yelled very pessimistically.

She smirked. "I volunteered! The Fabian Crisis deserves the sort of serious consideration that one lone diplomat does not convey!"

"You're the Miraade's sister for Pete's sake!"

"Exactly what better message to show the seriousness that Catawaba takes.."

"No, silly girl! How the hell did Errant allow you to come along?! It's about to turn into a boiling crater of molten glass in Saint Fabian!" Seigfried screamed. Rea Vipe was indeed the half-sister of Alpha Miraade Jedith Errant, and one of the very few trained diplomats that Catawaba had produced thus far.

"Why did he allow you to come?! You have a wife and child!" Rea hit a nerve, and Seigfried thought about his wife and little Michael. She went on. "No offense to the Cookeslanders, but that's a cake post! We could send anyone with the directions 'don't do anything stupid' and we'd be fine!"

Seigfried shook his head. "I still think you shouldn't be going! With God as my witness, this plane with you on it should not go to Saint Fabian!"

God was listening, apparently. Well God, or poor Togovian copies of Pratt and Whitney engines, because one of the Kangaroo's four Togoivan "Prat and Witless" engines, as Catawaban Air Force mechanics derisively nickname them, exploded.

The Kangaroo lurched upwards for a moment and then dropped. Seigfried cursed. He was sure his passion for aircraft and Togovia was going to have to find new definition after this.

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

The People's House
One Catawaba Plaza
Graceland, Catawaba

"It did what?!" Miraade Errant was all but restraining himself from vaulting his desk and shaking some news out of his highest officer in the Catawaban Air Force and the Commanding General at the head of the Catawaban War Office.

General Tom Waverly flicked his eyes down at the Miraade's hands trying to judge if his superior was readying himself to pounce over the desk onto him like a crazed mother Vornskrari protecting her pup. He quickly restated what he'd said. "The Kangaroo carrying your sister and Seigfired had a catastrophic engine failure." He raised his hands to ward off any potential leap. "The crew is one of our best, even if the plane wasn't. They set down on a bit of straight highway in the hinterlands of Sarpadiia. Sarpdiian rescue crews have already arrived on scene. No one was killed, but Hayden and Rea were hurt."

Errant's eyes narrowed. "No one else? Not the crew? Not the protection details?"

Waverly shook his head. "It seems that Seigfried's briefcase which wasn't properly stowed..."

The Miraade froze, his eyes widened. "A briefcase...took out my top two diplomats?"

Waverly nodded. "It came loose of Hayden's grasp during the hard landing. It shot up and clocked him in the jaw, knocking him out like an uppercut from Lolimba nephew Uffaloba. After the Kangaroo came to a halt, Rea unbuckled herself and got up to administer first aid to Hayden...when she slipped on the briefcase. It shot out from under her foot on the cargo decking, and she fell and broke her arm."

Errant's jaw dropped. "My God...that's..that's...impossible...no wait...has Matthew had any contact with..."

Tom shook his head. "No, sir. Colonel Quigley has had no contact with this particular Kangaroo, that we know of. We are confidently able to rule out any involvement of Colonel Quigley's unexplained and possible occult forces that affect the events around him."

Errant sighed and slumped down into his high-backed, leather chair. Five of his ships were in the middle of the modern day meeting at Meggido. The isolationists reporters from the Catawaba Fairness Network were circling around caterwauling about 'the hawkish, madman Jedith Errant.' AND now, a close friend and his sister were casualties because of a mutinious piece of leather luggage. Brooding, he wondered if he could have the tanned-hide traitor shot. It has tried to assualt Catawaban personnel and escape with sensitive Catawaban documents as a member of the security details had found the double-crossing, hopped-up duffle bag outside the aircraft.

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

To Jedith Errant,

I do not take titles, as they are the evil of the old system, and have been abolished, I am no better than anyone else, and therefore am addressed as the same. We would welcome your delegation, but must warn you that they come at they're own risk, as foreign forces will soon be bearing down on us, and we have no way of protecting your delegation from them, other than the protection offered by our fortified bunker.

Julio Stillman

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/jedierrant/Errantemblem.jpg

The Armed Republic of Catawaba
An Encrypted Diplomatic Communication from the Alpha Miraade, Jedith Errant
A Message Intended for the Eyes Mr. Julio Stillmann ONLY

Mr. Stillman,

I regret to inform you that a diplomatic mission from the Catawaba will not be arriving in your nation. The Togovian-built Kangaroo transport aircraft suffered a mechanical failure and was forced to set down in the territory of one of our regional partners. Our two ambassadors that volunteered to fly to Saint Fabian and conduct negociations on our behalf were inexplicably injured during the rather rough landing. I apologize for our inability to send another delegation to Saint Fabian as we must investigate the air worthiness of our entire airlift fleet.

This has not changed our determination to stand in the defense of the Fabian people. Our Second Fleet remains vigiliant, sir.

From my heavy heart,
Jedith Errant
Alpha Miraade

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

TO: CNS Intrepid, Catawaba Fleet

Admiral Starkey, I am broadcasting this in the clear, as I'm pretty darn sure that every one knows who's coming to dinner by now...My strong suggestion is you might want to get your ships out of the way as I'd really rather not have you all in the killing ground. We won't fire the first shot but by Divine ours will be the last.

Starkey Out...

Josiah Starkey was mindly amused that Admiral Foxbridge was using his name to close his messages now. Starkey was a good, proud name after all, not that Josiah was biased in any way. Foxbridge was good...after a fashion.

That faint glimmer of mirth was all left to the Catawaba flotilla. Josiah wasn't about to fool himself by continuing to call it a 'fleet.' They'd played chicken with the Brettonian airwing...which promptly deviated around them and left them churning water as they were now most definitely outside surface to air missile range. No point in haranguing after them, crying foul, and burning up fuel. They were not so much Starkey's worry at the moment.

The Red Tide fleet most definitely was. "Sir, they continue to hold position some three hundred miles away." Captain Mountalban reported from the shoulder of her radar tech. She sounded hopeful.

Well, Starkey brooded, can't have that, can we? "They aren't stopping in the interest of international cooperation, Captain. Where did we originally place our ships when we declared neutrality?"

"We positioned ourselves in missile range of both..." She trailed off as she caught the hint Starkey had been dangling.

"You've been thinking in the ranges of our Harpoons, Captain. As we will hopefully be able to write in our 'Lesson's Learned Report,' relying on captured Togovian weaponry or reproductions there of is not viable in conflicts that might occur. We are fighting a modern war with the past war's weapons." Starkey peaked his fingers and looked at them.

Nellie Mountalban stood there for a moment, unsure and waiting on Starkey. Starkey looked up and over to the communications petty officer. "PO Wellenslydale, get me an encrypted channel to the TNS Hawk's Nest. And we best put a lag in communications over our theater-wide commnet. We can decide what if anything gets transmitted back out through our commnet. Best keep a filter between Coalition and Tranderson Alliance forces."

"Aye, aye, Sir." Petty Officer Wellenslydale bent to his task.

"Captain, best put us about. Reverse course and best possible speed for the Tanaarans. Remora Flotilla, are we, but at least remora get a good deal out of the symbiosis."

Starkey picked up his handset.

To TNS Hawk's Nest *Encrypted*

Foxbridge, we see the inlaws have finally arrived to spoil the party. I'm beginning to think you are absolutely correct as things seem to be going pear-shaped in a hurry.

My government has left situational command up to me, and I'm exercising that power. I have hung my people out in the wind long enough. We are returning to our previous position in support of the Tanarran fleet, if you'll have us.

Starkey, out.

Tanaara

06-02-2008, 18:35

There was a reason the Tanaarans were the terror of the Region, information wise at least. There was little that happened in the world that their voracious Intelligence Service - TMI -didn't know about. Even the various 'Great Whites' gave the very little known intelligence organ a hefty dose of respect -and avoidance. The fact tht they had...unusual... sources of information made many a nation uneasy.

"What happened? Injuries but no deaths, well thats better than it could be. But he's only a UN deligate, not like he's a real.."

"Son, put a pipe in it. The UN may be contemptible, but We've got a good enough measure on the Catawabans to well guess that any one they sent might just be better than the UN deserves. I wonder who'll they'll send now. I've persuaded Mercy to send Daveed., instead of going herself." Lord Sinjin Kincannon, the leader of Tanaara's Four Horsemen as they were often called, mused for a moment as he finished his orange juice. He knew that Foxbridge, that canny old soul had taken quite a liking to his Catawaban opposite, Starkey., and wanted closer relations...maybe...

Unto:
Alpha Miraade
JedithErrant
The People's House
One Catawaba Plaza
Graceland, Catawaba

Sir, we have been advised of the injuries to the diplomatic team that you were dispatching to Saint Fabien. We have decided to send one of our foremost personages to speak on the Dominations behalf - our thoughts, suggestions and views. As the conflict draws ever slower we are sending him via Hypersonic courier. If you would care to send another representative or team we would gladly stop and pick them up. We could have the HST to Graceland in an hour and on to Saint Fabien with arrival in another one to two hours.

Sincerely,

Sinjin, Lord Kincannon
On Her Majesty's Authorization
Mont Royale,
Montgaurd, Tanaara

Sinjin looked up as he finished dicatating that missive and raised an eyebrow at his queen as she entered his office from the vast gardens that surrounded the palace Mont Royal. She wore jeans and a teeshirt, and had rose petals in her hair. "You've been putting Wicked over the rose hedges again haven't you and been thrown for your pains."

Mercy laughed and reached up to brush her hair, rolling her eyes at the petals she combed from her long blonde locks. "Actually no, I wasn't thrown, he took me though the south arbor and I think between us we denuded it of blooms." When Wicked decided to bolt, nothing, not even his nose being brought down to his chest, would stop him, but that's why she rode him - a good dose of someone she didn't control, and an excellent reminder just how dangerous that could be.

"And I heard enough of your dictation. Change that. Send an invitation to Romandeos, and include that I am going as well. I have to see this situation first hand, it feels just too off in some ways. I'll let Rob know he holds the throne while I'm gone. Let the Lady of the Keep know the Taarakian Covenant is operational."

Sinjin knew not to argue. He'd served her body and soul for too long not to know that unalterable tone in her voice. She gone into the dark before and come out and being elected Queen hadn't taken that out of her nature.

He began making the changes to the official communiqué to Catawaba, and another one to Romandeos.

Wandering Argonians

06-02-2008, 21:21

OOC:

I'd also be willing to help you move troops, if, as seems likely, a fight breaks out. I'm always up for a chance to build relations with a potential new ally.

~ Romandeos

OOC: Many thanks my friend. I also hate when I neglect to add an 's' to something that needs it. I meant to say 'options'.

IC:

The Black Marsh had once again become a bustling hive of military activity, but this time its efforts were directed outside of its own borders and against an enemy that wasn't a fellow Argonian. The Modernization War had been long and bloody, often pitting father against son and brother against brother. Such emotional wounds would take years to heal, but for now all worked in tandem to prepare for the coming battles. Naturally adept swimmers and masters of the seas, the Argonian people didn't maintain much of a navy since nearly all of their fighting since the Modernization had been internal and land-based. Their most powerful sea-bourne weapon, however, had yet to see true useage. Their enemies would feel their wrath soon enough, but discretion was to be the watchword for now.

The bulk of the Argonian effort, at least for the time being, was to be the battle-hardened 3rd and 15th Infantry Divisions to provide additional security for the land-based efforts, but the level of activity suggested there was more to the Argonian efforts than met the eye. Additional forces were being prepared, but their useage wasn't about to be openly made known...

Red Tide2

06-02-2008, 22:55

Superdreadnought H-54, 500 Kilometers from Saint Fabian and holding

Admiral Volkov was liking the situation less and less. First had come the Brettonians telling them to move closer to the Fabian exclusion zone, then had come the information from the H-54's Over-The-Horizon RADAR AND a Red Tidean RORSAT that enemy ships were moving into position behind him.

Muttering to himself, he turned to the Communications Officer, "Request another Dreadnought Battlegroup, and some submarines, to be sent... I hate having enemies at our back, lets see how they like having our forces at theirs."

"Yes sir..." The communications officer said, moving back to his post.

The Commissarat Colonel frowned, "Even if the mainland dispatches reinforcements, they wont be here for another few days, and it does not solve anything about the Brettonians requesting us to move closer..."

"I know," The Admiral replied, "I don't like this situation, we should have sent more ships."

There as a half-minute silence as Volkov studied his display.

"Bring us to within approximately 400 kilometers of the blockade. Make it appear we are going to charge them." Volkov said, "By the time we reach that distance, the Brettonians will have penetrated the Fabian airspace. If the Coalition forces refuse to divert ANY of their attention on the Brettonians, they have already lost."

He paused.

"In situations like these, whoever fires the first strike has the advantage."

"Excuse me, Admiral?" The Commissar inquired.

"Nothing..." Admiral Volkov said, "Do you approve the order?"

The Commissar nodded, "It is acceptable."

And thus, the Red Tidean fleet began to steam forward again.

Tanaara

06-02-2008, 22:57

The Argonian 3rd and 15th Infantry Divisions, stalwart and experienced troops all under excellent leadership had embarked as part of the Tanaaran Third Fleet, more would be coming later, but for now the Tanaaran Third Fleets normal compliment worked to integrate themselves with the Argonian units. While the Tarlachia International fleet had kept strict silence during their transit, the Third Fleet hadn't as there was little that could break the A.I. frequencies and their quantum encryption. Thanks to this all Tanaaran vessels knew where each other were and any one else that came into their sensor web that rang from the oceans depths to past the atmosphere.

And that meant that Admiral Foxbridge had a very complete God Eye view of the world and beyond should he need it. He couldn't read minds, but he could extrapolate where people might go...

Commanding Officer, Commanding Officer Brettonian Relief Force, Humanitarian League and Anti-Bolshevik Front]

"This is Admiral Foxbridge of the Tanaaran naval Task Force Mercy…I am broadcasting in the clear. Sir or Madam, if you insist in believing that you are immune to interdiction merely by flying around the interdiction zone, please be strongly advised that you are not. In two minutes, your lead plane will experience the strong turbulence created by one second of fire of orbital Laser Defense platform Principe Azul. This is not meant to cause harm to you or others… at this time, but it is a demonstration that we can ‘splash your planes’ when we want to. The thing is, Sir or Madame, we’d rather not. No one wants to kill people who think they are doing the right thing. The problem here is the fact that we both think we are in the right.

IF you will give me your personal word of Honor that your troops will NOT disembark and do anything OTHER than establish a base about your landing site, I will not begin a shooting war. You must further agree to leave said base with minimal troops and attend the ongoing talks that diplomats and national leaders, from Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture and other involved nations, are attending in the capitol of Gorgon. You don’t have to agree, much less like, with what you hear, that is your most individual right, but please try and listen with an open mind.

Would you be willing to this compromise , so that we can build rather than destroy?

Foxbridge out."

Now came the waiting, and the hope that the Brettons would be sane enough to agree to the compromise.

Now on to other important replies…

To: CNS Intrepid, Catawaba Fleet..**Encrypted**

Starkey, you are welcome to sail with us any time, we understand the ‘why’ and can not but admire such resolution. That’s a zulu bravo indeed. If you are next door come 1800 hours why don’t I send a seasprite (http://www.atddm.com/seasprite.jpg) or a Thunderchilde (http://www.atddm.com/tchild.jpg) to pick you up and an aide or two up and come have dinner with me. Admiral Fuller has suggested face to face meetings and I think dinner would be an …admirable…start.

Foxbridge Out"

TO: HRMS Archer, IFSR Fleet** Encrypted**

Admiral Fuller, Your suggestion of face to face meets is an excellent one. Might I invite you to dinner at say 1800ish tonight? I can have one of our dual seater Butterflies pick you up or if you like you can have one of your's bring you over. I have invited Admiralla Starkey of Catawabga and will besending this one to Northern Rangeria as well.

Foxbridge out"

A similar message went out to the Commander of the Northern Rangeria forces. Hopefully all would accept, for if they did it meant that things had not gone south, just yet...

Northern Rangeria

07-02-2008, 01:00

Aboard the battleship HMS Louhi, Commodore Tilhi read the invitation of the Tanaaran admiral, handed to him by his second-in-command.

"Very well... Send word to Admiral Foxbridge that I will be attending", the young commodore said to his second-in-command who nodded and left the deck. Just a moment later one of the radists ran up.

"Sir, this just came in... It's from HQ", the radist said after the exchange of salutes. He gave a piece of paper to the commodore, who read it quietly. His eyes almost jumped out.

"Christ...", Juhann Tilhi muttered under his breath as he read his new orders. "What's their E.T.A.?"

"Day and a half, sir", the radist answered, biting his lip. "Do you think this means we're really going to war?"

Commodore Tilhi frowned. "First rule of warfare, soldier. Never start a rumour, never continue a rumour. Back to your post."

The radist's hand jumped to his forehead in salute and the commodore leaned against the railing, looking at the sun above the sea, the wind making the flags of the Louhi and her escorts flutter in the wind. A moment of beauty before Hell...

***********************************************

+++++ Official Communique of the Ministry of Defence, Principality of Northern Rangeria +++++

To the Military Command of the Domination of Tanaara
Highly Encrypted
Classification: Eyes Only

Gentlemen,

As you may be aware, during the early phase of the St Fabian Crisis the Northern Rangerian Defence Corps dispatched the carrier vessel KATK Orion to serve as a point-of-departure for NRDC planes transporting information leaflets to St Fabian. After the evacuation, the Orion has remained on geosynchronous orbit above St Fabian.

Yesterday we received a message from the Orion: a portion of their comm log and these schematics which are included in the message.

***Communications Log, KATK Orion, KATK, PRPS***

"Calling unidentified ships. This KATK Orion of the Northern Rangerian Defence Corps. You are flying over the St Fabianese exclusion zone. What is your designation and nationality?"

*crackle* "This is Axis Nova Space Force vessel Pequod. Leave the area immediately and cease your approach to our fleet. Your authority to enforce the Red Tide exclusion zone in orbit is not recognized and if you continue your approach, we will be forced to designate you as hostile. Repeat, leave the area immediately..."

"Orion to Pequod. You are not in the exclusion zone, and we are not here to enforce it. This is international airspace"

***End Log***

Along with the message came a scan read-out, marked to have come from the Orion mere seconds before the last entry on the comm log. The scan showed a mass of vessels in ultraviolet colours, the largest group of several hundred vessels marked as "Pods", the line of larger vessels between them and the KATK vessel as "Escort ships" and the furthest line as "Power Armours". Attached to the scan was a tactical analysis: Orion's chances of survival in battle: 12.26% Estimated number of personnel: 10,000-30,000

The Orion and the ANSF vessels have so far remained in orbit. Further information will be provided when available.

- Juhann Mickone, Minister of Defence

Bretton

07-02-2008, 01:19

Brettonian Relief Force
Approaching the Exclusion Zone

"Someone tell me what it is we're seeing here!" General Hassler exclaimed, reflexively ducking and holding his cap. The Ouroboros ahead of them was rapidly decelerating and gaining altitude as to avoid colliding with its mates; the cloudy skies were still pierced even after the ray from above had dissipated.

"We're detecting a spike in atmospheric ionization - it's totally off the charts," the logistical officer reported, scrambling over dozens of automated error messages from his console. "Some kind of directed energy weapon!"

"Why didn't we detect that coming in?!" Hassler demanded, infuriated.

"It's not from an aircraft, General," the logistics officer reported, punching up a display. "The ionization goes right up through the stratosphere. Which would mean..."

"...an orbital weapon. How perfect," Hassler seethed. "That tears it. Communications, give no response to their statement. Firing a shot across the bow is still firing a shot. If they want violence, by God we'll give them enough to last several lifetimes."

"Then, your orders?" the aircraft commander inquired, looking over his shoulder.

"We're going in as planned. Deactivate the transponders and go on alert. Ready countermeasures and spread out the formation. Switch to laser communication between aircraft - I don't want them trying to find the Forward Air Control and shooting us down first. Increase the CAP again," Hassler growled. "Get in touch with Aerospace Defense Command with the telemetry data we have, and tell them to start painting anything that matches whatever shot at us. They have full authority to respond with maximum force to neutralize those weapons platforms, including the AOGs. Send a copy to Peacekeeper Heaven and whatever analogous department Axis Nova uses - we shall NOT be intimidated by expensive toys in orbit."

"Right away, General," the chief replied. "Shall we start the broadcast on the civilian frequencies?"

"Hm... it is about time for that, isn't it..." Hassler stroked his chin.

Tanaara

07-02-2008, 01:28

High over head in orbit unsleeping electronic eyes captured and transmitted the actions within and about Saint Fabian, and those whose job it was to act on such things waited the Go Order. Tadpoles, the odd Tanaaran name for their infamous drop troops, waited in the ready rooms, some playing cards, others tending to the edges of personal knives, still others sleeping or reading. Much the same as troopers every were. The vast differece being that these were all Citizens, not just those doing their Federal Service, but professional soldiers, trained and polished over years by the barked commands of watchful sergeants. They had the best available to them in the way of armor and weapons.

The Drop Unit was fairly standard in it composition -A mixed lot, though mostly human - half a hundred of towering Tanaran Empire expat 'Xa, a near gross of lithe Elves, a triple trio of Therianthopes, and three A.I.'s. Genderwise it was equally mixed, though slightly skewed to females, they could take the drop stresses better over all than men could. About ten percent had trainable psionics and did dual duty - but when a Drop Unit jumped every one not medicalled out went, no free falling weight in these troops. The Colonel in charge commanded just under two Kills - nearly two thousand elite Troopers who were the equal of any MEU.

Colonel Esther Abrams noddd to her aide as she signed off on the last of the paperwork. The Double Kill could bail in no more than the time it took form the troops to reach their capsules. Though they might end up scattered all to hell and ogne if they jumped so precipitately..

Fortuantely the Double Kill was not based on the weapons platform that had fired, that was a purely automated vehicle, but when it began being painted by Bretton Aerospace Command alarms wailed on Troop Platform 11, they were very close by and knew that Principia Azul would probably little more than glowing sparks soone enough though it did have an integral defesne component, and could also maneuver on it's own.

Colonel Abrams ordered her troops to the Capsules on her own authority.

Axis Nova

07-02-2008, 01:41

Peacekeeper Heaven, Axis Nova Military Command, L1 Lagrange Point

In the central section of the massive space station is a large room filled with screens, consoles, and various personnel. Without gravity to worry about, they are attached to floor, wall, and cieling, allowing many more to be fit into there. Situations from around the world are displayed, along with tracking data, statistical information, enemy predictions data, and many other things. On the large main screen against one 'wall', the ongoing situation around St Fabian is displayed, split into two portions: a map showing the status of naval and air forces in the vicinity, and a second map, displaying the status of the assembled four division drop force and it's escorts. A secondary screen to the side shows a zoomed out view of the Earth, with various potential hostile satellites designated in red.

The Tanaaran laser weapon firing draws immediate attention; the signature of such a weapon penetrating the atmosphere could not be mistaken for anything else, nor could it's targets, even if the satellites of the various belligerents in the conflict had not been under direct observation, just in case.

"Weapon discharge detected! It's some kind of laser, fired from a Tanaaran satellite. Output indicates it is likely a chemical laser of some sort. It's been targeted on the Brettonian aircraft formation--"

"We're recieving a datalink from General Hassler's Ouroborous-- it's definitely a laser, it barely missed one of their aircraft. Triangulating the beam-- target is within 600 kilometers of SDI satellite BDJ-79!"

On the main screen, one of the little red dots blinks as a line is drawn up from the atmosphere to it, the view 'zooming' in on the dot and displaying a little stylized icon.

"Perfect. Engage and destroy it immediately. Hit everything else from Tanaara that has line of sight on that region. And order the drop force to highest alert-- we may need to go in at any time now."

---
Earth Orbit

The Axis Novan satellite designated as BDJ-79 is a compact, rectangular shape, about the size of a boxcar. It is made up mostly of ablative materials to protect it from attack, and is festooned with antennas, a number of missile racks, and booms sticking out from each end.

Being completely unmanned, no one aboard acknowledges the orders transmitted to it, but they are heeded nevertheless, as one of the booms swivels slightly, directing itself towards it's target.

Inside the satellite, the massive fusion reactor that takes up most of it's space ramps up it's output, dumping megawatt after megawatt of energy into the massive solid state laser which makes up most of the rest of the satellite's mass.

Originally designed for anti-ICBM purposes, this model of satellite is quite efficient against other satellites as well, something the Tanaarans are about to find out, most likely to their dismay.

As the laser discharges, an invisible lance leaps across space to transfix the Tanaaran satellite, 80 MW of energy slicing across the unfortunate target, attempting to disable or destroy it. A similar scene is played out elsewhere in orbit, as similar satellites fry any Tanaaran satellite they can engage-- not just lasers, but also communications satellites, recon satellites, and television satellites.

Elsewhere, near the armada of dropships and pods of various types, an interesting thing begins to occur: about half of the deployed Minuteman swirl about and begin returning to the Hraesvelgrs they've deployed from, each docking in as fast as it can safely. The craft in question disperse away from the Orion and resume their positions in formation with the drop force.

From one of the Hraesvelgrs, a transmission reaches out to the Orion.

"Orion, this is the Pequod. A state of war now exists between the nation of Axis Nova and the nation of Tanaara, due to their attack against Brettonian aerial assets."

"At this time, Axis Nova is not at war with the nation of Northern Rangeria, nor do we wish to be. As such, we inform you that this sector may become a combat zone, and advise you to leave the area immediately. My superiors have ordered me to communicate to you that Axis Nova did not wish for a fight, but the Tanaarans seem to wish otherwise, to the detriment of an already unstable situation."

"I repeat, please leave the area immediately. We will not engage your vessel provided it does not engage any of ours ours, or seek to paint out any of our vessels with active targeting measures."

Romandeos

07-02-2008, 02:06

HRMS Archer, off the St. Fabian Coast:

“General Quarters! General Quarters! All hands, man battle stations! This is no drill! This is no drill!”

Men and women aboard the Switftsure class ship ran quickly to combat stations, clanging hatches shut behind them while officers and NCOs shouted orders and the ship was made in to a lethal machine.

Fuller strode with confidence on to the flag bridge wearing a Dragonskin vest and helmet, her gas mask sealed up inside a pouch at her waist.

“Report!” she commanded in an uncharacteristically harsh tone.

“Sir,” began her chief of staff, a captain. “Tanaara seems to have fired a warning shot and mistakenly spooked Bretton. This balloon has gone up now.”

“Do we have orders from Navy Command?” Fuller demanded to know.

“Sir, not at this time, and Admiral Hoffman has said nothing to us as of yet.”

“Damnation,” said the admiral. “Well, send a compressed signal to Naval Command, and make sure to contact Hoffman as well. Apprise them both of the situation, and that we are in position to assist Tanaara and St. Fabian with full force.”

“Aye, aye, sir!”

“And scramble the planes!”

“Aye, aye, sir!”

******************************

HRMS King Glendower, approaching the St. Fabian Coast:

Fuller’s message reached Admiral Mario Hoffman quickly, and he reacted just as quickly in reply, putting his whole force-36 warships-on a war alert. Next, he ordered force speed increased, and broadcasted a message, in the open.

"Attention, forces of Bretton, Red Tide, and Axis Nova. This is Admiral Mario Hoffman of the Imperial Romandeosian Navy. I have come here to assist the military forces of St. Fabian and Tanaara. Know that all strikes against them in the present situation will be regarded by me as an act of war, warranting immediate response in kind. That is all. Hoffman, out."

Tanaara

07-02-2008, 02:28

Admiral Foxbridge cursed under his breath as the A.I. net automatically went to redlight and the TN Hawks Nest and his Task Force went to battle ready in record time. They'd drilled enough, and they were professionals...

Far over head troops scrambled into their capsules,- no one wanted to wait even long enough for the chaplain to say a prayer. The platform, large as it was might get mistaken for a something targetable, but while it'd be much harder to kill there was still a chance, and no one wanted to optimize Mr. Murphy right about now.

The capsules would be targeted for their prior mark, the capitol, and those on the ground already would know of their comming, with word bgeing gotten immediately to the locals. Fortunately they'd had a few days to get to know the locals, though that wasn't much advantage as pannicked as many had been.

Elsewhere, in the 'Tater, as it was often called, a room and a sceen remarkably similar to that within the Space Station, Peacekeeper Heaven, belonging to Axis Nova, was ensueing, with much the same orders being give. If Axis Nova and the Brettons wanted a war over a warning shot, then they would have it.

Wagdog

07-02-2008, 02:40

OOC: Certain liberties taken with Alcona's permission.

IC
Airspace over Southern St. Fabian
Wagdian Revolutionary Marine Corps Captain Benjamin Altraeus didn't like the situation, not at all. Lasers being thrown around now? Pfeh! Just let me get this baby down and then back and I'll be fine if we never see this nutso land ever again! Still, thoughts of the scruffly-redheaded 37-year-old pilot and Flight Leader or no, there was a mission to be completed before national policy even could move on supposedly. Wonderful position, that. Just lovely.

At that moment, his copilot Gunnery Sergeant Jane Vers exclaimed, "Sir! Light at eleven-o'-clock low, roughly two kilometers! It's... yes, it's a signal! I think we've found them!" That strobe pattern could be recognized anywhere, apparently coming from the headlights of a ditched car of all things.

"Allelujah Gunny!" Captain Ben saw a woman in what was clearly undress uniform arguing with some suit down below once he turned the now-hovering Ki-1MA (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12768017&postcount=3)'s searchlight onto the position; a third man looking equally-clearly nonplussed while the fourth apparently was busy getting all this for posterity. The massive multirole naval chopper of Czechalrussian design began to lower itself as Benjamin got on the mic and announced. "Attention, United Duchies' nationals! This is Wagdian Revolutionary Marine Corps chopper Gapon-Three-Five-Alpha-One, acting upon orders to pick you up and escort you to your nation's respective naval assets at all due speed. Our personnel and aircraft will cover your retreat so approach and board!"

Lowering the chopper to the ground, the twelve Marine Scouts debarked and took up firing positions watching the paths from which the Klatchians had fled to this point. Although it was likely that the Fabianese and everyone else had other matters to concern themselves with for now, no chances were being taken. The side door remained open with retrofitted 6.7mm door machine guns sweeping over the trails inland, making sure to remain away from the bearing of the car and its' former passengers.

Come on! Captain Altraeus was praying very hard now. He had every reason to if things were getting as bad out there as he feared. The two Cardinal and Priest fighters each buzzed the rescue zone widely, maintaining watch for any interfering aircraft like the Scout squad did on the ground. Get aboard before they start slinging those lasers and stuff our way for Pete's sake! The waiting could literally kill at this rate, if it hadn't already in fact...

Bretton

07-02-2008, 02:52

TRANSMISSION
Office of Military Intelligence
Attn: Commanding Officer, Imperial Romandeosian Navy

The belligerent Tanaarans have fired the opening shot of a conflict they have obviously been edging for, and using the most uncouth method of a weapon of mass destruction. As a result, we are now responding with appropriate force to this backhanded first strike. Your armed forces have not committed any molestation against us, so we have no quarrel with you at this time. If you wish to needlessly encourage the aggressor parties in this now very real conflict and join their hegemony, that is your prerogative, but keep in mind that kind of solidarity will only net you the same response as the Tanaarans will have to deal with. Make your choice wisely - you may still have peace with dignity and participate in St. Fabian's return to self-determination.

---

Brettonian Relief Force
The Exclusion Zone

"General, we're crossing the threshold as we speak," the navigational officer reported.

"Good. Communications chief, begin broadcast - maximum output on all civil frequencies," Hassler stated flatly. "Inform the loadmaster to execute a final check before drop operations commence, and to be prepared to follow through at any time. The bomber wing is to begin SEAD operations and precision divisive strikes against communications centers to blot out the flow of information from the capital and other seats of power to the outlying areas. Exercise caution and use the minimum amount of force necessary - I expect no tolerance for civilian losses. We ARE here to aid them, no matter how their evil government makes it out to be. That is all."

"Yes sir!" the chief exclaimed. The orders went out and were acted upon with all due haste.

---

The air fleet's behemoth aerials began vomiting forth a veritable broadcast deluge on all open frequencies - anyone listening in (or viewing in...) on broadcast channels would quickly be inundated with the Brettonian transmission.

To the same classical tune (http://malikcarr.googlepages.com/prop.mp3) used in official proclamations, the following announcement was set on repeat with a brief delay.

ATTENTION CITIZENS OF ST. FABIAN! This is the Brettonian Humanitarian League relief force! We have arrived to liberate you long-suffering men, women and children from the nascent oppression of the Marxist collaborators of the so-called "Society of the Mind"! With the fall of the dictatorial Von Tranderson regime, will you so soon allow yourselves to be trodden underfoot once again by collectivism? No! Stand up and fight! We are here to help! Relief forces will be dropping into areas around your communities, ready to help YOU, the oppressed and the enslaved, shake of the shackles of Bolshevik tyranny and form a new nation worthy of joining the world stage!

Are you hungry, cold, tired, or confused? We have hot food and cold drink, medication, necessities and supplies, wares, literature and guns for everyone! Do not believe the lies your murderous oligarchy tells you - together, let us rise up and overthrow the regime! Come to meet us, show your support for your country and your countrymen! History will not write of those who stayed at home in fear and unwarranted cowardice! Only the brave, the strong, and the passionate will be remembered as those who took a stand and fought off the chains of Communist hegemony! Do not delay! Today is your day - make it your finest!

St Fabian

07-02-2008, 03:12

Romandeos

07-02-2008, 03:14

Imperial Diplomatic Communication:

For: Head of the Brettonian OMI
From: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I

Sir or Madam,

If you wish to threaten my nation, you waste your time. You clame a noble intention, but you come here with overwhelming force to mold St. Fabian and her people in to something which suits your own needs. My people can fight, make no mistake, and shall crush all who oppose us. Even if the Society is an irredeemably evil group, there is as yet no evidence, and no cause to charge in like you have chosen to do.

Back down now, and we shall have peace. The shots fired by Tanaara were intended as warning shots, so there is still a chance to avoid bloody conflict.

Further, addressing my uniformed subordinates in the hopes they will defy my Imperial authority is a hopeless cause.

Marginally Respectful,
Her Imperial Majesty Empress Taunja I Lockeheart of the IFSR

******************************

Imperial Third Army HQ, IFSR:

General Alistair Athanasius Vogel rubbed a hand absentmindedly through his short blond haircut and squinted in to the early morning sunlight coming in to his office through three large windows. It was deep winter, and even with the built-in defrosting mechanisms, and highly efficient heating in the building, the paned glass was still fogging. Through the fog he could see the courtyard, usually empty, presently packed with activity. Soldiers moved like ants in a disturbed colony, some loading crates onto trucks, still others were gathered in to platoon and company formations, and marched away by their officers. To somebody ill-versed in the ways of the military, it would have looked like chaos, but to Vogel’s eyes it was a well-timed, oft-rehearsed ballet.

He turned at a quick rap on his door. “Come in,” he commanded.

It was his chief of staff, Colonel James Rhone, a tall, thin man, whose sharp featured face labeled him as a man of quite pure northern ancestry.

“You sent for me, general?” Rhone inquired.

“Yes, colonel, I did. I would like a status report.”

Rhone nodded and relaxed slightly. The general’s voice was uncharacteristically friendly.

“Everything is going precisely to plan, general. Colonel Larry Drake’s 33rd Navy Infantry Expeditionary Brigade is already embarked aboard ships and ready to move. Everything’s in place or it will be soon. General Aida Meekins reports she has her 16th Airborne placed in its designated zone and is ready to board the planes on your command.”

“Excellent,” said Vogel. “All the remaining divisions are proceeding equally well?”

“Yes, general.”

“Good. You may go.” Vogel turned around, but Rhone staid where he was.

“Is there something else, Colonel Rhone?”

“Yes,” Rhone admitted, following a moment’s hesitation. “I was just wondering, what the blazes we’re doing. Is there a training exercise I didn’t know about?”

“No, James, this is the Real Deal,” Vogel confessed. “I’ve spoken to General Carlock and have been assured we will likely see service outside the Federated States.”

“I…I see, general. Might I ask where, then?”

“Saint Fabian, most likely,” said Vogel. “Though perhaps Bretton or Red Tide if the fight heats up enough.”

“Here even, perhaps,” Rhone muttered.

“Possibly,” Vogel confessed. “Though let’s banish such dark thoughts for now, and make haste in discharging the orders we have been given.”

"Yes, general."

Rhone left then, leaving Vogel to stare quietly out the windows once more.

Tanaara

07-02-2008, 03:19

Through the net to the Catawaban,Northern Rangerian, Romandean, Tarlachian, Imitoran forces wen these comments from Admiral Foxbridge

"Calm every one. Hold for the moment, just be calm, no one's dead yet, and if they want to blare a propoganda about weapons of mass destruction when bruises were all that were sustained, let them, it does their side no honor."

Admiral Foxbridge listented intently to the updates coming from topside. Only unmanned satellite from either side were taking Axis Nova fire and they were returing it, perhaps not as giving as good as they got, but respectably enough.

The trooper plactform so far had been untargeted.

Imitora

07-02-2008, 03:33

While the sensors on board the Berlins were going mad, little was done in a way to, as thought, spring in to action. They simply fanned out from their previous circular arrangement, staggering their ranks, and spreading out with appropriate dispersion.

It was on the single Northampton where major actions took place. The single Super Dreadnought was more then enough to engage many small fleets. Just shy of a full kilometer long, it was heavily laden, to say the least, with weapons. Nine full three gun turrets sprouted from her, each holding three massive 25 inch ETC guns. Three were mounted on the fore of the ship, two aft, and two on either boom arm that connected the individual side hulls. Yes, it was a trimaran design, maximizing space to hold weaponry. It couldn't give a proper broadside due to the mounting positions of the side gun, but that in an of itself was an advantage. It could still bring a full total of twenty one guns to bear on a target, and could do so while remaining head on, presenting the thinnest possible profile. The massive turrets began to rotate to life, laying their bore across the distant paths of the Bretton ships. The ETC shells were capable of reaching out several hundred miles if need be, so the distance between the single Northampton class and the Red Tide fleet meant little.

Of course, should the guns not be effective (though one could question and rightfully, how could a 25 inch HE or Phosphorous round not be?), there were two hundred and fifty vertical missile launch bays, capable of firing any sort of range of surface attack missiles. As per the Imitoran standard, each was armed with a single, variable yield, plasma based explosive war head. That was not to say that it was similar to a plasma weapon of any sorts, no. However, the resulting explosion bordered on the low yield nuclear scale, minus the resultant radiation. The fact that their were indeed biological and chemical warheads aboard the ship was one of those dirty little rumors that floated about, and there was most likely the presence of nuclear war heads as well. It wasn't beyond the Imitorans to use such, and then some.

Defense came in the form of ten Phalanx like turrets per side, as well as eight chemical based missile interceptor lasers. To top it off, forty surface to air missile turrets, each holding four of the heat and radar guided weapons, bristled from the ship, capable of filling the air with explosions, shrapnel, and other little nasties that would make hell for combat air craft.

The Berlins on the other hand, splayed about what seemed random at best, began receiving data stream orders, bring their own guns into play, targeting the Red Tide ships.

The small recon fleet was not meant to be an engagement force, but it could well hold its own till the two full War Fleets arrived. They would swing wide, meeting along the path as described by the on site Tarlachians, and come in behind the Red Tide fleet.

Northern Rangeria

07-02-2008, 03:36

The sudden escalation of the crisis was not lost on Northern Rangerians either. Far above the hotbed of turmoil that was St. Fabian, KATK Orion still floated near the Axis Novan fleet.

Captain Junila listened carefully to the transmission from the Pequod and cursed under his breath. Tanaarans, Brettonians, Axis Novans... all looming over this small state like vultures.

"Pequod, this KATK Orion. We cannot obey that directive. Northern Rangeria doesn't seek a war either, but we cannot allow a full-fledged invasion of St Fabian. Relay this message to your superiors: as long as Axis Nova remains outside the sovereign territory of St Fabian, the Principality will not engage you."

The stand-off continued, but the Orion still kept her weapons on cool-down, floating in space within sensor range of the massive fleet. Minutes ticked by, until the comms clicked open again.

"Pequod, this is KATK Orion. We are firing a message buoy. Stand by."

One of the lower missile bays opened, and a single projectile launched with a bright flare, soaring towards the Axis Novan fleet. The small buoy's retro-rockets fired up a moment later, slowing the projectile down to a slow glide as it slid towards the first of Axis Novan ships. The beacon inside the buoy activated, sending a steady Morse code: Pax. Peace. Pace... Pax. Peace. Pace... The Orion's missile bay doors closed again, and in the cockpit captain Junila dared to sigh a little. They had received word from the capital... they were to try diplomacy one last time...

Meanwhile, abord the HMS Louhi, Commodore Tilhi had removed the dress uniform he had put on only moments earlier in preparation of his visit to the Tanaaran flagship. Now, however, the alarm had been raised due to the Tanaaran warning shot and the sudden escalation of the crisis.

"Officer on deck!" came the second's yell as the Commodore took his place. "Sir, we've reports of Brettonian aircraft penetrating the exclusion zone. No news of the Red Tide as of yet."

"And the Axis Novans?" the commodore asked as the Fifth Battle Group began to move into battle formation.

"We've received a message from HQ. They've yet to penetrate the zone. KATK has the Orion monitoring the situation. Also, they've requested we transmit a message to the Red Tideans and Brettonians as soon as we make contact."

"A message?" the commodore asked. "Its content?"

"Classified, sir. Diplomatic plea, I suppose."

The commodore huffed. Of course... the Senate would never allow them to fire at the enemy unless one more effort of diplomacy was made. "Very well. Tell the men to be prepared for anything. We've still got more than a day to go..."

Red Tide2

07-02-2008, 03:46

Wagdog

07-02-2008, 03:54

WRS Georgiy Apollonovich Gapon, Eigth Fleet Flagship; International Waters Off Southern St. Fabian
"No way!" It never failed. While the rescue finally seemed to be going along at last, naturally things just had to go straight to Hell as always. The time to make policy clear had come; Stewardess Friedrich herself had given Admiral Feschina the authority, hence in old nautical speak she was 'an Admiral under God' as far as St. Fabian was concerned. Time to act like it.

Showing fangs to let off steam, Admiral Feschina shouted, "Type up the following and get it to everyone involved here; and get it there YESTERDAY, damn it! We're the only ones acting with any sanity here, hence it's time to start cleaning out some ears now that those Klatchians are soon to be feet wet inbound on this carrier and staterooms therein until such time as we could send them home without risking a laser dance for the effort." She dictated the cable below, dispatched to all nations involved in St. Fabian both combatant and otherwise...
EMERGENCY FLASH DIPLOMATIC MESSAGE--EYES ONLY

FROM: RCW 8TH FLEET, CO ADM. JOSEPHINE FESCHINA
TO: ALL NATIONS INVOLVED IN ST. FABIAN DISPUTE

MESSAGE BEGINS. I MUST EXPRESS MY SHOCK AND DISMAY AT THE HASTE WITH WHICH THE ST. FABIAN COALITION HAS ESCALATED THIS MATTER TO AGGRESSION AGAINST BRETTONIAN INTERESTS, JEOPARDIZING WHAT WE ALL CLAIM IS THE SAME PEACE WE FIGHT FOR. STOP ALTHOUGH STILL COMMITTED TO THE WELFARE OF ST. FABIAN AND ALL FOREIGN CIVILIANS STILL TRAPPED THEREIN, I MUST ALSO MAKE NOTE THAT UNLESS RESTRAINT IS SHOWN MY GOVERNMENT HAS AUTHORIZED ME TO TAKE WHAT STEPS ARE NECESSARY TO RESTORE STABILITY TO THE SITUATION; UP TO AND INCLUDING MILITARY SUPPORT FOR BRETTONIAN OPERATIONS AGAINST THE SOCIETY OF THE MIND REGIME. FULL STOP

SO THAT WE ARE NOT MISUNDERSTOOD, THIS STATEMENT IS NOT A DECLARATION OF HOSTILITIES AGAINST ANY NATION IN THIS THEATER; AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS SUCH. STOP I MYSELF WISH TO ATTEND THE DIPLOMATIC DISCUSSIONS TAKING PLACE IN GORGON BETWEEN FREE WORLD ALLIANCE REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SOCIETY, AND AS A PARTY PARTIAL TO BRETTONIAN CONCERNS I HUMBLY SUGGEST THAT THEY BEHOOVE THEMSELVES TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE AS WELL. STOP TOGETHER WE CAN YET AVERT CATASTROPHE, BUT WE MUST ALL OF US BE WILLING TO PERMIT SOME BRETTONIAN PRESENCE WHILE THE MATTER IS RESOLVED SO THAT WE ARE ALL ON RESPECTABLE BARGAINING GROUND. FULL STOP.

I URGE YOU ALL TO HEED MY PLEA, BOTH PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL; FESCHINA OUT. NONE OF US WANT WHAT HAPPENS IF THAT SHOULD FAIL TO BE THE CASE, TRULY I FEEL WE DON'T. FULL STOP MESSAGE ENDS

Striding out of the CIC, with a twelve-man squad of Marine guards soon following, Admiral Feschina made her way to the waiting Ki-1MA chopper which would hopefully take her to the Gorgon talks. She was taking a huge risk, banking on the sanity of both a wounded party and the ones who'd inflicted said wounds. And knowing cornered, wounded parties as anyone in the field of war and related matters should, that was hardly a risk with good odds knowing the effects of the fight-or-flight reflex on human reasoning.

Still, what other choice do I have? That thought droned home in her head in time to the sound of boots on deck as she marched with the marines to the waiting aircraft. Hopefully, droned in faster time than the march to war playing outside was; otherwise things were going to go from awful to still worse yet...

Alcona and Hubris

07-02-2008, 04:12

Coast of St. Fabian

The group of Alconians appeared out of the tree line as the heilo approached the beach and began to drop and hover over a dune.

The group was led by a man in a tan jacket who looked sort of lost in all of the confusion. He paused at the door in and had to be pushed up by the taller gentleman following him. This one had an aristoratic air, but also kept looking back behind him. Obviously worried and a bit more scared than the man before him, but also in far better control of himself. Both men carried heavy packs which they had to throw down on the deck as the entered the craft.

The cameraman was moving about trying to capture shots of just about everyone. He was covered in bags and seemed to waddle more than anything, due to him being so overloaded. The last Klatchian kept on coralling him with shouts of 'get moving' and 'one more stunt like that and you can watch us take off..'

The blond was obviously the marine, even in vary non-military dress. She was covered by a blanket that blew away from her in the downwash revealing a white bikini. She too was carrying a pack over her back, but one handed, while the other kept the blanket around her neck.

After jumping aboard with far more flair she pushed herself up out of the way, and sat on her pack. "Nice to see you boys, I've seen some of the locals running about with their heads chopped off armed to the teeth."

Kostemetsia

07-02-2008, 05:12

RNS Vindication
Trailing the KATK Orion

The Republic Navy Ship Vindication was soaring quickly and gracefully above St Fabian. Kostemetsia had decided to stick its finger in the pie after noticing the alarming amount of hellfire raining down upon the small country.

Having seen the familiar KATK design floating against the dark, star-speckled background, the Vindication had immediately locked onto it and assumed a follow orbit. All of the singleship bays were open to permit shuttle flight to and from the planet below.

Inside the well-armoured, spherical bridge compartment, the commander of the ship, Rear Admiral Peter Birmingham, was watching the ground hostilities uncomfortably. He could just see a full-on humanitarian disaster coming up.

Tanaara

07-02-2008, 08:32

Depsite the kill and counter kill being traded between Axis Nova and Tanaaran assets, neither had directed their hositilities toward manned platforms.

And while wounded by the losses, the net was not dead by any means. From Tanaara's own aerospace forces antimissile missiles launched, targeting those directed against their manned platforms. And while they may have been fewer in number the were fast and directed by artificial intellegences far in advance from mere state of the art.

Satellite's no matter how costly were of little matter, lives were more important, and the manned platforms had their own defenses which now fired -Lasers and Particle Beam weapons locked on to the missiles as they rose from atmosphere.

Deep in space, beyond Earth's orbit, but closrer than Mars aim was taken, times and trajectories plotted with great care, and every variable that could be plotted in checked, double checked and yet again... and the munitions loaded.

CNS Intrepid

"Starkey, get your people out of here. And don't be stubborn, name a grand kid after me, Foxdbridge out..."

The Tanaaran first line of defense weren't the lesser numbers of missiles that could be thrown at one time by the task force but the deep cruising hunter killer subs. With no human crew aboard they could go faster, deeper and alot more silently than any traditional sub. Hidden until the rose to attack...

Admiral Fox Bridge watched as his task Force salvoed off every counter measure they possesed and the Butterflies and and their firedart wingmen launced as fast as humanly possible, joining those already in the air.

The frigates and light frigates salvoing - 48 Aster 30 VLS missiles as a time- not to engage the enemy missiles, but to deliver blows of their own,- from the frigates alone 2304 misslies reaching out to the Red Tide fleet

now the ILWS, all eight per frigate launching 16 air interceptors at a throw, slashing their way skyward to seek out and destroy the enemy.

Allanea

07-02-2008, 09:00

Catawaba

07-02-2008, 09:29

CNS Intepid
East of the Tanaaran Fleet, Outside of Fabian Waters

Starkey had been pondering whether he really wanted to put on his old Togovian dress uniform. The War Office hadn't gotten around to replacing the dress uniforms. Josiah had been thinking of going in his duty uniform and claiming supply problems with the new Navy. He was looking forward to dinner.

This was, of course then, the best time for things to go all to hell. "Incoming radar contacts!" The radar technician's voice broke as his screen filled with contacts from the east. "My GOD! There's...there's too many of them!" He turned to face his captain, looking helpless.

Mountalban was already sprinting across the deck. If the young petty officer was looking for sympathy, he was dreadfully wrong. Captain Mountalban looked as if she was about to give him a 'fortifying slap.' Nellie, however, managed to restrain herself. "What am I seeing, PO?" She asked as she leaned over his station, trying to interject calm into the air, but there were a lot of blips on his screen.

"Missiles, ma'am! A whole pack of'em! AEGIS can't pick'em all out!" The petty officer cried.

Mountalban straightened and jerked her head around to her XO. "Sound General Quarters!"

The ship's intercom immediately blarred out, "General Quarters! General Quarters! Hands to battle stations! Hands to battle stations! This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!"

Starkey reached down and was pulling on his body armor, also Togovian made which didn't comfort him. He finished strapping it on and was reaching for his kevlar helmet when the commnet buzzed with a message from the Tanaarans.

CNS Intrepid

"Starkey, get your people out of here. And don't be stubborn, name a grand kid after me, Foxdbridge out..."

Get out of here? Since when did thirty knot surface ships out run anti-shipping missiles? Starkey looked around to his crew. "Apparently, Tanaara has a rather lofty overestimation of Togovian engineering."

That brought a weak smile to the bridge crew's faces which was short lived. Starkey glanced to Mountalban and the communications petty officer. "Launch our SAMs, and pray the Togovians got these right."

Mountalban nodded and issued orders to launch her SM-2ERs. The comm PO repeated his orders to the Fleet. The hatches to the VLS launch tubes snapped open. First one plume of smoke and fire raced up from the deck as the long range SAM raced up and out after the Red Tide missiles. A quick glance saw that the four destroyers were beginning to fire their SM-2ERs. Plume after plume leaped from deck to air, obscuring the lines of the vessels as they continued steaming.

As range decreased, the next missile tier came active. Evolved Sea Sparrows were revealed as their hatches snapped open. They too left from their tubes, reaching for sky, and seeking for enemy threats. As range decreased, Starkey felt melted into his seat. He did hear praying as several someones were reciting the Lord's prayer. He glanced back towards the comm PO. "Inform Graceland that we are under fire and defending ourselves."

He lowered his head, and he too prayed. Nothing for him to do now. His Captains were in command of their own point defense, no wide-reaching strategy was needed. All that was needed was to survive. Nothing for him to do but wait for the CWIS's to kick in as the humming harbingers of doom.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. He glanced up from his prayers and saw Nellie, standing there. She wasn't looking at him. Her attention was firmly on her ship and her crew as a good Captain should, but still she squeezed his shoulder tightly.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The People's House
One Catawaba Plaza
Graceland, Catawaba

There was no need for Starkey's message. Professional to the end, the Alpha Miraade thought. Errant was watching a feed courtesy of Tanaaran intelligence assests. He slumped down in his chair and watched his people fighting against the rogue wave of missiles streaking in towards them.

He felt feeble. He should be leading from the front, not an office. That's what he couldn't get use to about this job. He was a soldier. He'd lead from the front all during the Revolution. But now? He could only watch. For a man, who took responsibility for the tough decisions and would not farm out that responsibility to his subordinate, this was truly the worst torture designed by man.

Bretton

07-02-2008, 11:31

Brettonian Relief Force
St. Fabian Airspace

The ponderous Ouroboros flight had begun scattering, breaking off into three groups of six to best cover the lion's share of St. Fabian - the inland region, a healthy distance from the heavily armed foreign fleets holding position offshore. The strategy did mean they would not be able to land directly into Gorgon, giving its coastal proximity, but that would come in due time - hopefully with a resurgent army of Fabians won over to the cause of freedom against Bolshevik tyranny.

The Arbiter wing that had followed the Ouroboros flight in from Numonica had split earlier, beginning its systematic sweep of the inland regions on the hunt for active air defense and early warning radars. The results had been positively confounding - scarcely any returns were picked up, and most of what was discovered was quickly deemed to be of little consequence. Did Von Tranderson's regime really leave the country in such a horribly backwards state as to not have even basic early warning systems? Well, no matter - that too would be corrected once the Society of the Mind was being dragged through the streets of Gorgon by the liberated ex-peasantry.

What was proceeding with utmost precision was the dismemberment of the communications infrastructure. Large-scale radio aerials, microwave transmitters, television relays and even telephone repeaters were quickly being targeted in a domino-like sweep radiating out from the three-pronged entry point of the relief force. A single Arbiter, packing six Middleman single-use UAVs, could handle communications systems in a surprisingly large area. Each bomber launched six drones, and each drone carried six antiradiation missiles that homed in on the broadcasting and transmitting frequencies of wireless communication systems. The warheads were rigged to be of a hardened, penetrating ballistic cap with a low-yield explosive underneath - this would ensure penetration of sturdy relay and repeater towers while minimizing blast damage and shrapnel to anyone who happened to be in the area. This was a liberation mission, after all. The drones themselves were not designed to be recovered, and acted as a seventh missile in their own right after depleting their payloads.

Manned stations should have remained relatively intact, save for their aerials - doubtless a state of confusion would exist from those on-site as a smokeless, high-speed missile would drop out of the air and perforate their transmitters. With local broadcasting capability offline, the capital would not be able to communicate directly to forces in the field. On the other hand, the aerials of the citizens themselves, which were not targeted, would now be completely free to receive the Brettonian Relief Force's looped diplomatic overture. The Arbiters continued their sweep, but did not approach the capital directly. Doubtless there would be foreign air defenses there at the very least, and that beehive would be poked at a more appropriate time. The two remaining Arbiters still packing drones launched their dozen Middlemen towards the capital from the maximum effective engagement range, then quickly retreated back towards the relatively safe inland region to await further orders. The multinational forces hunkered down in the capital would be in for a surprise - hopefully that didn't kill anyone.

---

"General, it's time. We've nearly reached the target," the navigational officer reported, maximizing the tactical map on his duty station.

"About time," General Hassler nodded gruffly. "Okay, make it so! Commence the drop operation at once!"

"Yes sir! Commencing drop!"

---

The egregiously massive rear door of the Ouroboros slowly clamshell-ed open on enormous hydraulic rams, the much larger lower portion forming a ramp right out the back of the boxy, boat-shaped fuselage. A small control gondola sprouted from the ceiling of the sectioned cargo hold, allowing the loadmaster to see to an effective deployment of outbound cargo.

"Yes sir?" he asked into his microphone. "Understood, we're getting started at once," he replied to his superior. The loadmaster switched channels to the hold PA system. "Attention! Drop operation is commencing now! Stand clear of the launching systems!" An alarm klaxon sounded, and yellow caution strobes filled the cavernous hold with eerily dancing shadows over the bizarre, vaguely humanoid figures hunched over on the bottom deck.

"First wave, drop!"

A cacophony of loud "CLANG!" noises announced as dozens of mechanical shackles released. Drogue parachutes sailed out the back of the aircraft as thirty-six bulky black figures were sequentially yanked out of the rear of the massive aircraft, groups of six separated by a moment or two to ensure a mass of parachute cable would not become entangled. The main parachutes quickly opened, and they were soon out of sight, caught below the viewable threshold of the ramp.

"Second wave, drop!"

More of the black entities sailed out the back, joining their comrades in the descent towards the ground. This process continued for several minutes as innumerable mysterious forms were flung out of the Ouroboros' hold. Joining them were a number of large metallic containers, also fitted with parachutes. Most were marked HUMANITARIAN AID in large block text - the Brettonians had not reneged on their promises.

---

How strange... even falling through the air, it still feels like you're suspended from a climbing harness or something, E-3 Trant Wilcox pondered. The initial fall made him feel like his stomach was falling out from under him, but the parachute's quick deployment had put an end to that. He was falling rather quickly, though he couldn't feel the wind resistance pushing against him - he was quite thankful he wasn't descending unprotected. I wonder if they'll shoot at us.

"Squad, status, over," a voice crackled over his radio. A series of checks were reported in.

"0053, no problems, over," Wilcox reported when his number came up. The check in continued until the entire unit was accounted for. No major fuckups? Outstanding.

"Alright, boys, pay attention. This is a refresher incase any of you took some crazy pills since the briefing," the senior officer and unit leader, O-3 Den Koch, began. "We'll be landing in a rough semicircle around this community here." A holographic map appeared in front of Wilcox's visor, his only view to the outside world. A rather small town - perhaps more accurately a large village - appeared, indicating the position of buildings, infrastructure, roads, and surrounding terrain. Dozens of red squares began appearing around it, indicating their individual projected landing sites. "As designed, the parachutes will cut free when you're 12 meters off the ground - don't bother trying to retrieve the parachute, it'll blow away on its own. They're expendable anyway, and this isn't a covert mission. If any of you are getting pussied out by the idea of falling that far, remember these are the finest pneumatics money can buy - the taxpayers put faith in us to use them properly, so don't bork it! Understood?"

An affirming grunt/expression went up from the other troops falling from the air.

"Right. Once you're on the ground, rendezvous with anyone nearby, then start proceeding towards the town. Do NOT activate your camouflage unless they start shooting at you - remember, we're here to help these backwards people. They might start thinking we're demons or some such religious bullshit. Once you get there, assuming they aren't hostile, start being generous with the swag - hearts and minds are won by handouts, remember that. If they do shoot at you, respond using lethal force only if absolutely necessary. Your underbarrels should be all loaded up with baton rounds anyway, so make good use of them! Are we clear?"

"Crystal!" a group hoot returns.

"Great. Link up with any vehicles that get dropped as well - I don't want those getting rolled if they land funny. Once the place is secure, put up the flag. If you can't find something to hang it from, put something up that'll do, and I'll report in to the FAC. Any questions?" A pause. "No? Okay, be disciplined and use caution - this isn't a ground war, yet, so don't do anything fucking stupid! Out."

What's the big idea, doing sensitive missions all of a sudden? Wilcox pondered. Usual SOP is just to bomb the piss out of them, put up a flag and call it a day. Maybe Donner's going soft... well, whatever. Not my department. Wilcox moved his eye to look at an icon on the holographic display; an invisible and nonirritating laser followed, acting as a virtual pointer on this interface. Block text appeared on the display, accompanied by a tinny, mechanical voice.

BOOT SEQUENCE - OK
SYSTEM STATUS - ACTIVATING
...
ACTIVATION COMPLETE
CONDITION - NORMAL
AS-004J - STAND BY

Suddenly he was surrounded by a panoramic view of everything he could see as the OLED lining sprung to life. Above him was the huge parachute that was slowing his fall, and beyond that the purplish-black sky - a few stars poked out in the areas not obscured by dark clouds. Below and to the sides a green plain rolled out, giving way to wavy hills on one side and a dense forest on the other. Finally, the community of their objection appeared to his lower left some distance ahead. The armor and parachute's dark coloration would obscure their descent at this time of night - it wasn't likely anyone would notice when they landed in the tall grass, unless their hearing was exceptional.

Wilcox held up his arm - an armored gauntlet and vambrace appeared in front of him, and a massive arm off to his left duplicated its movements. Wilcox tested all the knuckle joints, wrist and elbow range of movement - the huge arm followed his motions perfectly. To his right he checked to ensure the 20mm machine cannon was still with him - the power-assisted gauntlet that totally encased his hand offered feedback as well, indicating the large arm on the right side still had the trigger firmly grasped in its massive palm. Wilcox pulled the weapon close to the outer surface of his "body", racking the charging handle to chamber a round. Everything seemed to be in order. The tall grass below was coming towards him rather quickly.

MINIMUM ALTITUDE REACHED
PARACHUTE JETTISON INITIATED

A "bwang" noise as the complicated rig and harness assembly was released from the huge rings forged into its shoulders; the parachute crumpled and began disappearing from view as a breeze carried it to parts unknown. As the ground began hurdling towards him, Wilcox felt his body being slightly crushed as the sheer material of the tracing system rapidly expanded to provide him with maximum impact cushioning. The suit hit the ground, hard, and reacted faster than he could to bend its generous ankles and knees, touching down with a hand to prevent it from falling over. Instead of multiple broken bones, Wilcox felt a minor pain from his teeth clattering together on impact. Ouch... note to self, clench jaws before landing next time... Reassuming control, he stood up - or a fairly close approximation to it. The grass, which he estimated was about four feet tall, quickly disappeared from in front of him as he rose up above it, higher and higher, until he perceived it to be at about waist level.

The Stahlkörper (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=447922) rose to its full eight-plus-foot height, electric motors and pneumatic rods whirring and pitching. Wilcox gripped his machine cannon with both hands - or a close enough approximation with the "master arms" his flesh and blood limbs occupied - and began stalking through the grass towards the settlement. Switching to the infrared spectrum, he could quickly make out other Stahlkörper doing likewise - the electronic heads-up-display quickly indicated their model numbers, the name of the soldier inside them, distance, bearing, and so forth. This would not be a covert mission at all: loud diplomatic messages - the same ones being broadcast from the Ouroboros transports now disseminating dozens on dozens of similar landings throughout the inland region - blared from the external voice amplifiers of each assault suit as they headed towards the village. Whether their message would be heeded or not remained to be seen.

Wilcox was quite confident the redundant protective systems of the Stahlkörper would keep him alive if they chose otherwise - he was more concerned with if he'd have to kill someone or someones today, a prospect he hadn't been much looking forward to. Even isolated from the outside world as he was by the Stahlkörper's tight but comfortable tracing system, and the thick armored body beyond, pulling the trigger would still mean the same thing as if he'd personally shot someone with an ordinary rifle. Well, here's to hoping.

Axis Nova

07-02-2008, 11:45

In orbit above St Fabian

"We have confirmation-- the Brettonians have started their deployment."

"Massive launch from Red Tide naval vessels!"

"Begin the drop operation. Take out that Northern Rangeria vessel, now!"

All across the massive fleet of dropships, suddenly, a multitude of lights appear, almost as if from torches, as large nacelles rotate to point upwards and the craft drop with suprising speed towards the atmosphere, along with many of the pods, though some do remain. A number of the Hraesvelgrs begin to drop downwards as well. Shortly, each vessel is enshrouded in flame as it commences re-entry.

As for the rest, their engines ignite almost simultaneously and they spread out, preparing to envelope the Orion. From one of the vessels, a laser licks out and slices into the beacon launched by the vessel... just in case.

The Minuteman Space Types leap forwards as well, their small size and large engines accelerating them even faster than the agile Hraesvelgrs. Inside each one, the Orion is shown in a zoomed-in window as they close in, ready to undertake evasive maneuvers as neccesary. No betraying pulse of radar springs forth-- the enemy vessel is targeted exclusively via passive infrared, electro-optical magnification, and LIDAR/LADAR.

Though whether that will be neccesary remains to be seen, as the dozen Hraesvelgrs closing on the Orion each vomit forth half a dozen missiles, the linear accelerators thumping as they deposit their payload into space, the small but lethal kinetic kill projectiles streaking outwards like God's needles. In concert, the 110 MW lasers in the noses of each craft lick outwards, targeted upon antennas, thrusters, missile bay doors, airlocks, and windows-- anything that appears to be vunerable.

In a space battle, he who has the most delta-V and strikes first has the advantage, and as the Orion is a larger vessel, it will take time for it to accelerate... time it will not have, if the crews of the Hraesvelgrs and the pilots of the Minuteman swarming towards it have their way...

Kostemetsia

07-02-2008, 12:04

"Battlegroup Foxtrot, move in!"

The starship sensors detected the advancing wave of red, quite likely before the Orion did. Frequencies crackled throughout the starfleet coordination channel.

Strikeshuttle Saito, you are designated strikefleet leader... Groups one to three, you are under the leadership of Saito crew...

Space bulged, then split, near the two cruisers. Eight capital ships shot out of the gap, arming weapons and opening strikecraft bays in preparation to retaliate to the Novan attack. Missiles and modular weapons clicked into place on the hundreds of fighters lining the fleet hangar bays.

The Confederacy was the first to launch an attack, ejecting fighters quickly in an intricate double helix formation. Munitions shot out from the small strikecraft fleet, raining hellfire down upon the Novan group.

Northern Rangeria

07-02-2008, 16:12

"Thrusters online! Ready weapons!"

That was the only command captain Junila managed to yell as he saw the Axis Novan ships turning towards the Orion - before he saw the ships vomiting out an array of missiles.

"Countermeasures!" he yelled with a curse.

"Countermeasures, launch one!" came the answer from one of the consols. Two front hatches of the Orion opened, firing out a cloud of metal and plasteel shrapnels. The Orion was not built for a prolonged fight, but it could defend itself quite well without the help of other vessels. The shrapnel cloud spread out rapidly, forming the first line of defense against the missiles, hopefully pulling their attention.

The lasers, however, were another matter, and Junila cursed under his breath when he felt the ship groan as the lasers cut into the ablative shielding.

"Shields holding!" "Sir, we've lost retros!" "Hull breach in Pod Five. Releasing pod!"

Junila cursed again, listening to the damage reports.

"Prepare the Stunner!" he yelled angrily, and quickly the Axis Novan ships could see the Orion's lights dimming and shutting down... just before three small buoys launched from her port side. One of the buoys exploded when one of the enemy lasers cut it in half, but the other two flew directly towards the Axis Novan ships and missiles... and exploded just a second before making contact with the missiles in a brilliant flash of light.

However, the Borealis Flux Compression Generator Mark I, nicknamed "Stunner", was not intended as a traditional missile. No... Instead it was meant to show that firepower was not the only trick in the book. As the two Stunners exploded, a powerful electromagnetic pulse flashed out, hitting both ship, missile and marine. In an ideal case, if the enemy was unprepared or not expecting this kind of unconventional retaliation, a well-placed Stunner could leave a whole fleet dead in space. Damaging current would run through every piece of hi-tech equipment, voltage surges damaging the silicon chips of the missiles, the engines of ships, cutting power wherever they found a weak spot.

Back aboard the Orion, captain Junila grinned inside his oxygen mask as critical systems were brought online. The Orion was damaged but still operational, and maybe - just maybe - the Stunners had bought her an opportunity to survive.

"Release cargo pods. Bring us about, full power to thrusters! Defensive barrage on missiles!"

Just as the Orion began to turn for retreat, its belly opened and released several large containers. Captain Junila was sacrificing many of the airplanes that he was carrying, and as the pods floated further, missiles were launched at them. The pods exploded in brilliant flowers of fire and debris, denying the enemy any chance of salvage, the darkness of space sliced by the Orion's defensive lasers trying to hold the surviving missiles off.

Still, the Orion was still far from out of harm's way - especially if the Axis Novans had prepared for the possibility of EMP. And frantically the comm systems dispatched messages of the unprovoked attack... in case the carrier would not survive.

St Fabian

07-02-2008, 18:29

Official Message from the United States of Allanea to the Society of the Mind:

As you know, we still have a whole bunch of troops and ships parked near your territorial waters. We are willing to deploy in your nation, to render humanitarian assistance and to help fortify your streets and protect your citizens from the horrors that would doubtlessly be their part should you now be invaded, and to help train them for guerilla warfare. We will soon deliver a vast amount of weapons for the purpose.

Further, please inform us of the program of the Society of the Mind so we could help you stuff.

To the United States of Allanea,

We welcome you to come and aide our nation in its fight. I appologize for the briefness of this message but we are being invaded, and we may lose communications anytime now.

Julio Stillmann

Brettonian Relief Force
St. Fabian Airspace

The ponderous Ouroboros flight had begun scattering, breaking off into three groups of six to best cover the lion's share of St. Fabian - the inland region, a healthy distance from the heavily armed foreign fleets holding position offshore. The strategy did mean they would not be able to land directly into Gorgon, giving its coastal proximity, but that would come in due time - hopefully with a resurgent army of Fabians won over to the cause of freedom against Bolshevik tyranny.

The Arbiter wing that had followed the Ouroboros flight in from Numonica had split earlier, beginning its systematic sweep of the inland regions on the hunt for active air defense and early warning radars. The results had been positively confounding - scarcely any returns were picked up, and most of what was discovered was quickly deemed to be of little consequence. Did Von Tranderson's regime really leave the country in such a horribly backwards state as to not have even basic early warning systems? Well, no matter - that too would be corrected once the Society of the Mind was being dragged through the streets of Gorgon by the liberated ex-peasantry.

What was proceeding with utmost precision was the dismemberment of the communications infrastructure. Large-scale radio aerials, microwave transmitters, television relays and even telephone repeaters were quickly being targeted in a domino-like sweep radiating out from the three-pronged entry point of the relief force. A single Arbiter, packing six Middleman single-use UAVs, could handle communications systems in a surprisingly large area. Each bomber launched six drones, and each drone carried six antiradiation missiles that homed in on the broadcasting and transmitting frequencies of wireless communication systems. The warheads were rigged to be of a hardened, penetrating ballistic cap with a low-yield explosive underneath - this would ensure penetration of sturdy relay and repeater towers while minimizing blast damage and shrapnel to anyone who happened to be in the area. This was a liberation mission, after all. The drones themselves were not designed to be recovered, and acted as a seventh missile in their own right after depleting their payloads.

Manned stations should have remained relatively intact, save for their aerials - doubtless a state of confusion would exist from those on-site as a smokeless, high-speed missile would drop out of the air and perforate their transmitters. With local broadcasting capability offline, the capital would not be able to communicate directly to forces in the field. On the other hand, the aerials of the citizens themselves, which were not targeted, would now be completely free to receive the Brettonian Relief Force's looped diplomatic overture. The Arbiters continued their sweep, but did not approach the capital directly. Doubtless there would be foreign air defenses there at the very least, and that beehive would be poked at a more appropriate time. The two remaining Arbiters still packing drones launched their dozen Middlemen towards the capital from the maximum effective engagement range, then quickly retreated back towards the relatively safe inland region to await further orders. The multinational forces hunkered down in the capital would be in for a surprise - hopefully that didn't kill anyone.

---

"General, it's time. We've nearly reached the target," the navigational officer reported, maximizing the tactical map on his duty station.

"About time," General Hassler nodded gruffly. "Okay, make it so! Commence the drop operation at once!"

"Yes sir! Commencing drop!"

---

The egregiously massive rear door of the Ouroboros slowly clamshell-ed open on enormous hydraulic rams, the much larger lower portion forming a ramp right out the back of the boxy, boat-shaped fuselage. A small control gondola sprouted from the ceiling of the sectioned cargo hold, allowing the loadmaster to see to an effective deployment of outbound cargo.

"Yes sir?" he asked into his microphone. "Understood, we're getting started at once," he replied to his superior. The loadmaster switched channels to the hold PA system. "Attention! Drop operation is commencing now! Stand clear of the launching systems!" An alarm klaxon sounded, and yellow caution strobes filled the cavernous hold with eerily dancing shadows over the bizarre, vaguely humanoid figures hunched over on the bottom deck.

"First wave, drop!"

A cacophony of loud "CLANG!" noises announced as dozens of mechanical shackles released. Drogue parachutes sailed out the back of the aircraft as thirty-six bulky black figures were sequentially yanked out of the rear of the massive aircraft, groups of six separated by a moment or two to ensure a mass of parachute cable would not become entangled. The main parachutes quickly opened, and they were soon out of sight, caught below the viewable threshold of the ramp.

"Second wave, drop!"

More of the black entities sailed out the back, joining their comrades in the descent towards the ground. This process continued for several minutes as innumerable mysterious forms were flung out of the Ouroboros' hold. Joining them were a number of large metallic containers, also fitted with parachutes. Most were marked HUMANITARIAN AID in large block text - the Brettonians had not reneged on their promises.

---

How strange... even falling through the air, it still feels like you're suspended from a climbing harness or something, E-3 Trant Wilcox pondered. The initial fall made him feel like his stomach was falling out from under him, but the parachute's quick deployment had put an end to that. He was falling rather quickly, though he couldn't feel the wind resistance pushing against him - he was quite thankful he wasn't descending unprotected. I wonder if they'll shoot at us.

"Squad, status, over," a voice crackled over his radio. A series of checks were reported in.

"0053, no problems, over," Wilcox reported when his number came up. The check in continued until the entire unit was accounted for. No major fuckups? Outstanding.

"Alright, boys, pay attention. This is a refresher incase any of you took some crazy pills since the briefing," the senior officer and unit leader, O-3 Den Koch, began. "We'll be landing in a rough semicircle around this community here." A holographic map appeared in front of Wilcox's visor, his only view to the outside world. A rather small town - perhaps more accurately a large village - appeared, indicating the position of buildings, infrastructure, roads, and surrounding terrain. Dozens of red squares began appearing around it, indicating their individual projected landing sites. "As designed, the parachutes will cut free when you're 12 meters off the ground - don't bother trying to retrieve the parachute, it'll blow away on its own. They're expendable anyway, and this isn't a covert mission. If any of you are getting pussied out by the idea of falling that far, remember these are the finest pneumatics money can buy - the taxpayers put faith in us to use them properly, so don't bork it! Understood?"

An affirming grunt/expression went up from the other troops falling from the air.

"Right. Once you're on the ground, rendezvous with anyone nearby, then start proceeding towards the town. Do NOT activate your camouflage unless they start shooting at you - remember, we're here to help these backwards people. They might start thinking we're demons or some such religious bullshit. Once you get there, assuming they aren't hostile, start being generous with the swag - hearts and minds are won by handouts, remember that. If they do shoot at you, respond using lethal force only if absolutely necessary. Your underbarrels should be all loaded up with baton rounds anyway, so make good use of them! Are we clear?"

"Crystal!" a group hoot returns.

"Great. Link up with any vehicles that get dropped as well - I don't want those getting rolled if they land funny. Once the place is secure, put up the flag. If you can't find something to hang it from, put something up that'll do, and I'll report in to the FAC. Any questions?" A pause. "No? Okay, be disciplined and use caution - this isn't a ground war, yet, so don't do anything fucking stupid! Out."

What's the big idea, doing sensitive missions all of a sudden? Wilcox pondered. Usual SOP is just to bomb the piss out of them, put up a flag and call it a day. Maybe Donner's going soft... well, whatever. Not my department. Wilcox moved his eye to look at an icon on the holographic display; an invisible and nonirritating laser followed, acting as a virtual pointer on this interface. Block text appeared on the display, accompanied by a tinny, mechanical voice.

BOOT SEQUENCE - OK
SYSTEM STATUS - ACTIVATING
...
ACTIVATION COMPLETE
CONDITION - NORMAL
AS-004J - STAND BY

Suddenly he was surrounded by a panoramic view of everything he could see as the OLED lining sprung to life. Above him was the huge parachute that was slowing his fall, and beyond that the purplish-black sky - a few stars poked out in the areas not obscured by dark clouds. Below and to the sides a green plain rolled out, giving way to wavy hills on one side and a dense forest on the other. Finally, the community of their objection appeared to his lower left some distance ahead. The armor and parachute's dark coloration would obscure their descent at this time of night - it wasn't likely anyone would notice when they landed in the tall grass, unless their hearing was exceptional.

Wilcox held up his arm - an armored gauntlet and vambrace appeared in front of him, and a massive arm off to his left duplicated its movements. Wilcox tested all the knuckle joints, wrist and elbow range of movement - the huge arm followed his motions perfectly. To his right he checked to ensure the 20mm machine cannon was still with him - the power-assisted gauntlet that totally encased his hand offered feedback as well, indicating the large arm on the right side still had the trigger firmly grasped in its massive palm. Wilcox pulled the weapon close to the outer surface of his "body", racking the charging handle to chamber a round. Everything seemed to be in order. The tall grass below was coming towards him rather quickly.

MINIMUM ALTITUDE REACHED
PARACHUTE JETTISON INITIATED

A "bwang" noise as the complicated rig and harness assembly was released from the huge rings forged into its shoulders; the parachute crumpled and began disappearing from view as a breeze carried it to parts unknown. As the ground began hurdling towards him, Wilcox felt his body being slightly crushed as the sheer material of the tracing system rapidly expanded to provide him with maximum impact cushioning. The suit hit the ground, hard, and reacted faster than he could to bend its generous ankles and knees, touching down with a hand to prevent it from falling over. Instead of multiple broken bones, Wilcox felt a minor pain from his teeth clattering together on impact. Ouch... note to self, clench jaws before landing next time... Reassuming control, he stood up - or a fairly close approximation to it. The grass, which he estimated was about four feet tall, quickly disappeared from in front of him as he rose up above it, higher and higher, until he perceived it to be at about waist level.

The Stahlkörper (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=447922) rose to its full eight-plus-foot height, electric motors and pneumatic rods whirring and pitching. Wilcox gripped his machine cannon with both hands - or a close enough approximation with the "master arms" his flesh and blood limbs occupied - and began stalking through the grass towards the settlement. Switching to the infrared spectrum, he could quickly make out other Stahlkörper doing likewise - the electronic heads-up-display quickly indicated their model numbers, the name of the soldier inside them, distance, bearing, and so forth. This would not be a covert mission at all: loud diplomatic messages - the same ones being broadcast from the Ouroboros transports now disseminating dozens on dozens of similar landings throughout the inland region - blared from the external voice amplifiers of each assault suit as they headed towards the village. Whether their message would be heeded or not remained to be seen.

Wilcox was quite confident the redundant protective systems of the Stahlkörper would keep him alive if they chose otherwise - he was more concerned with if he'd have to kill someone or someones today, a prospect he hadn't been much looking forward to. Even isolated from the outside world as he was by the Stahlkörper's tight but comfortable tracing system, and the thick armored body beyond, pulling the trigger would still mean the same thing as if he'd personally shot someone with an ordinary rifle. Well, here's to hoping.

As Wilcox walked through the tall grass, a dog bounding up, barking at him, and seconds later an old man and two boys emerged from the grass before him, each on holding a rifle. "Hey, you," the old man said. "Who are you, and what you doing on my land? Your trespassing on my land!"

Allanea

07-02-2008, 20:15

Capital of St. Fabian

And so, with the kind permission of the government of St. Fabian, the Allaneans began to move in massive amounts of troops. In harbor and at sea, battleships, aircraft carriers, Arsenal ships patrolled – all the forces that were originally sent in to defeat and destroy the leadership of Tranderson and his underlings were now here with the permission of the Fabianite government.

Troops were deployed in a protective perimeter around the capital – six Marine divisions, armed with their full array of various weaponry, and (http://z12.invisionfree.com/Allanea/index.php?showtopic=17&view=findpost&p=6796499) an armored division (http://z12.invisionfree.com/Allanea/index.php?showtopic=17&view=findpost&p=6784651) was also deployed inside the city itself. Fifty Nakil 1A2 tanks were positioned outside the offices of Fabianite government, their cannon aimed to the outside of the circle in protection. A similar guard was put upon the building that housed the Fabianite gold reserve. Machinegunners and countersnipers took positions on the roofs, protecting the leaders of the Society of the Mind from possible assassination attempts.

And there was more. Six hours after the government of St. Fabian agreed to this notion, three Ouroboros-D ultra-heavy nuclear-powered cargo aircraft passed overhead, sowing what appeared at first to be white flower petals – but what was, in fact, the parachutes of three Airborne Divisions. They would patrol the streets and instruct the citizens on how to protect themselves.

Weaponry was distributed, trenches dug to block key streets. Where trenches could not be dug, dragon's teeth and Polish hedgehogs were implanted. Key bridges and tunnels on approach to the city were rigged to blow. Should the Brettonians breach all defenses, the Allaneans and Fabianians could blow up approaches and then call down a veritable hail of artillery file.

And in the meanwhile, the Allanean Foreign office joined the Wagdians in their call to a diplomatic meeting between all interested parties.

Romandeos

07-02-2008, 21:28

Imperial Prcolamation:

Her Imperial Majesty supports the call for peace talks, and asks that violence in and around St. Fabian cease at once, and that a general armistice, binding in all theaters of the conflict, go into effect at once.

Following this, we ask that all factions involved send a small delegation, with intention to mediate this conflict before it elevates beyond reasonable levels.

~ Diplomatic Representative Robin Eames of the Imperial Federated States of Romandeos

Northern Rangeria

07-02-2008, 21:56

St Fabian

08-02-2008, 00:39

Etoile Arcture

08-02-2008, 03:20

Task Force Aurore, off the St. Fabian coast

Aboard the EAS Harmony the linear motors of the electromagnetic catapults powered up for yet another launch, throwing a pair of F/A-38A Sentinel advanced strike fighters down ninety metres of deck like a hand might casually toss a paper aeroplane. By the time each Sentinel had left the deck it was already flying at 200 knots as their pilots lit afterburners to soar their aircraft into the grey skies above.

From the observation windows of the command island of EAS Harmony, so named after the smallest administrative district of Etoile Arcture, Admiral Sandy Serkert watched the spectacle with just a little envy. As a former Navy driver his heart always tugged at the thought of being back in the ejection seat. In his day they had been F/A-18A Hornet's launching off ships half the size of the Harmony. Nowadays the ships and the planes, were twice as large, and so were the problems they had to go solve.

The Harmony was the command center for Task Force Aurore. Sandy's force had set out from the naval base at Googlewoop Atoll only three days earlier. The Defence Directorate's OPLAN had tasked his ships for the final phases of a refugee evacuation. He had five amphibious assault ships for that mission with dozens of tiltrotors to extract the Fabian civvies, but two days ago that all changed when diplomacy all but fell apart. Now it might be up to him to clear up the mess.

"Incoming SATCOM, Admiral."

Sandy turned away from the observation window to the communication technician as he handed him the decoded message. "Thank you, son," Sandy told the officer as he read the message.

CODED TOP SECRET EYES ONLY.
DEFENCE DIRECTORATE OF ETOILE ARCTURE.
MEASSAGE FOLLOWS.
JCS OPLAN 7045-556 IN EFFECT.
CONTINGENCY OPTIONS ACTIVATED.
AGREEMENT REACHED WITH WAGDOG FOR COMMON ACTION TO RESOLVE CRISIS.
ADMIRAL FESCHINA IS DESIGNATED WAGDOG LIASON.
MESSAGE ENDS.
With a eight line message the whole situation had changed. "Get me air ops and Marine command," Sandy barked, feeling like a man finally roused from a deep slumber over the past three days. "I want a Marine company saddled up and ready to go into Gorgon within the hour. Full fighter escort and move a UAV over Gorgon. Comms - I need communication with the Allanean forces informing of them of what we're about to do, and get me Admiral Feshchina in Gorgon on the horn."

Sandy caught Captain Robert Nzeko, the Harmony's commanding officer, curling his lips in a smile. "Mind me asking, Admiral, but are we going hunting?"

"That we are, Rob," Sandy replied with a smirk. "That we are."

Command Bunker, Gorgon, St. Fabian

A three way negotiation had now been going on for hours between Alexander, Julio Stillman of the Society of the Mind and Admiral Feshchina of Wagdog. It almost seemed like ganging up to be going two on one, but the Society was proving stubborn even as reports continued to filter in with the next move and counter-move. The Society seemed to be pinning its hopes on the Coalition forces, but that path only lead to a slaughter.

If there was any succour to be had, then Stillman's initial response from at least appeared to be a sign of genuine movement on the part of the Society. But it still fell far too short of the demands being made on them. The tea was now cold, the biscuits crumbled remnants on their plates. It felt almost surreal for Alexander to be in this command bunker even armies marched on the tiny former-kingdom

"Firstly, I fear you do a great injustice to your own people. For the slaves of the Americas, a people so cruelly enslaved, were denied schooling and opportunity by their so-called masters. And yet many in secret learned to read and right and were as literate - in some cases more literate and articulate - than those who saw themselves as superior to them. Mr. Stillman your people are not sheep but are thinking, intelligence and importantly free people, and only they should choose the future course of their nation.

"Secondly, I fear your nation does not have the time that you ask for. The enemy is at the gate now, and once combat is joined this land will be laid waste by the invaders who will then reshape it in their own image. The Society of the Mind must address this threat now or--"

Cartwright, multitasking as he maintained surveillance between the continual update he received over his earpiece and the negotiation taking place in the room chose that exact moment to place his hand on Alexander's shoulder and lean forward to whisper into his left ear. "Baby has been thrown out with the bathwater."

Alexander barely reacted as he listened to the code phrase, knowing any hint from him of what was about to happen might cost his life, and the lives of the rest of his team. If not for the interruption as he was speaking, his demeanour and behaviour would seem unchanged from before, but the stakes had in those nine words risen considerably. "I suggest that we take a brief adjournment to allow us to refresh and reflect on matters," Alexander lied.

As the two negotiation teams took their break and the Society of the Mind took care of replying to the latest diplomatic messages, Alexander found himself being taken aside by Cartwright. "Allanean has begun deploying across the country, they have forces in the city."

"Do the St. Fabians know?"

"It seems that it was they who invited them to do so," the major told him with a sigh.

Bretton

08-02-2008, 04:20

OOC: St. Fabian, I took a few liberties with things since you haven't gone into much detail about stuff and haven't responded to other things - I apologize if this misrepresents things.

St. Fabian
Rural Area

Well, this is certainly interesting... Trant Wilcox thought. He'd expected to be greeted with open arms, find the village deserted or barricaded, or been shot at on landing. Being cautiously met by locals bearing arms was not something he'd explicitly been considering. Better think fast... After a moment of pondering, he shut off the looping propaganda message from the Stahlkörper's external amplifiers and switched the feed to a microphone inside the heavily armored helmet.

"Lower your weapons; we're here to help," he said, holding the Stahlkörper's left arm in an open hand and pointing the muzzle of his machine cannon towards the ground with the other - hopefully it would look less threatening, as far as eight-foot-tall powered assault suits were concerned. "This property was stolen from you by Von Tranderson, and stolen again by the Society of the Mind. We Brettonians have come to help your people rise up and take it for yourselves." Wilcox queued an active scan of the three people who'd come out to meet up. It identified a number of weapons - the older man was carrying an old falling-block rifle, probably a .45-caliber, and easily no threat to the Stahlkörper's metallic body. However, that gave him an idea. Wilcox ejected one blow-out panel of the canister attached to the Stahlkörper's back, withdrawing an RA-87M assault rifle (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13261452&postcount=151) with the Stahlkörper's massive arm. It was far too small for the giant power-assisted hands to even grip properly, much less utilize, but he could hold it in front of him in an offering. "Take this - we've got a lot more where those came from. If your countrymen join us, we'll march to Gorgon together, expel the Society of the Mind and you'll be free to form your own self-rule. Isn't that great?" That's about all I can offer them... let's see if it works, Wilcox thought. He quickly deactivated the external amplifiers and switched his microphone's feed to the unit frequency.

"Captain, I've encountered some locals. They're not being outwardly hostile - I offered them a gun, we'll see what happens. Over," he said.

"You want a Medal of Diplomatic Intent or something, Wilcox?" his commanding officer Den Koch replied. "If they take it, great; if they start shooting at you, use the camouflage and head towards the target. That place is supposed to be secured before the armor lands, and this is NOT the time to have a political discourse with the natives!"

"Understood. Let's hope they like the offer," Wilcox replied.

---

Brettonian Relief Force

"Relief units are on the ground with a seven percent margin of error - well within acceptable limits," the logistical officer reported. One of the screens in the Ouroboros' flight deck showed a map of St. Fabian with respect to where the drop operations were occurring. The colors would change to more angry shades in areas where they were engaged in combat, and to softer, darker colors where the operation had occurred peacefully. A projected "area of influence" around the drop sites showed tentative estimations for how much terrain the relief forces would control once they had established relations with the civilians and positioned themselves at strategic points.

"Splendid," General Hassler nodded. "What about communications?"

"There's a marked drop in radio chatter - looks like the comm blackout is working fairly well. We obviously haven't got any intelligence on the outer areas of the peninsula or the islands, of course," the communications chief replied. "Maybe if we tried to contact 'them'..."

"Too soon," Hassler shook his head. "It would let the cat out of the bag if we did that now. We'll just have to wait and see how things pan out." He was really wanting to light that cigar right now... "If we haven't got a direct link with the Axis Nova ground forces, make that happen immediately. Never mind friendly fire incidents, I don't want those trigger-happy space boys to bork our image to the Fabians by shooting people they shouldn't be. Also, inform Admiral Volkov and the Red Tide State Guard that our landing is proceeding successfully, and his fleet is to be congratulated for distracting the multinational flotillas offshore. Also remind him that we have additional bombers on standby if he requires further assistance in scattering the belligerents."

"I'm putting the messages out as we speak, General," the chief nodded.

"General, the first bomber wing is requesting further orders," the logistical officer reported. "They've completely exhausted their drones."

"Hm. Tell them to perform one more sweep just in case they missed anything on the first pass, then they're to withdraw when the third wave arrives," Hassler nodded. "They should still have plenty of fuel to get back home by then."

"And the standby forces?" he inquired. Another flight of twelve Ouroboros were on standby alert in Brettonian airspace, ready to deploy additional relief forces if things become "excessively unpleasant".

"An excellent question..." Hassler stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Put them in the air, but they're not to fly for here until otherwise ordered. There's no need to exacerbate the condition any more unless those foreigners start really making a mess of things."

"Understood, General."

Wagdog

08-02-2008, 05:05

IC
Airspace off Southern St. Fabian, some time earlier
"Nice to see you, ma'am; Captain Altraeus, Wagdian Revolutionary Marine Corps Eighth Marine Air Wing." Indeed it was, even when trying to be proper; that certainly wasn't regulation she was wearing after all even though he wouldn't comment further. As Captain Altraeus saw the loadmaster close the door once the Marine Scouts were aboard, he wasted no time in lifting the whirlybird off the sands and recalling the task force to home. The way back to the Gapon would be treacherous, but that should be relatively easy so far... hopefully.

"If you don't mind, we'll get you back to our carrier first and then either send you to your nation's ship once refuelled, or else let you stick around as guests of the Commonwealth until such time as you can be safely returned. Sorry for any implications, but that's the word I have from the Old Lady." Admiral Feschina wasn't exactly that, but as usual military slang held its' sway. "This alright?"

As the force sped away towards the Wagdian fleet, following a sufficiently roundabout course that direct return to the Klatchian ships could be accomplished even if at greater risk. Captain Altraeus and his crew eagerly awaited the answer, which would either make this day finally easier or else much harder.

SIC
Society of the Mind Command Bunker; Gorgon, St. Fabian
Moving carefully to the exit just behind Alexander and Cartwright, WRMC Sergeant Billings following her as the only one of her guards that had come into the room, Admiral Feschina soon understood what was up. "Baby has been thrown out with the bathwater? Understood." This whisper said once safely outside Stillman's or Society earshot, a grin showing her upper fangs crossed the beautiful vampire's face as she got onto her OBSAT-enabled PDA and wired the proper commands to the WRS Gapon and Eighth Fleet Group more broadly. The time has indeed come, heh... The encrypted message sent was as follows, signalling the start of perhaps Wagdog's boldest foreign intervention since the Strator War just sixteen years prior...

EYES ONLY OBSAT SATCOM FLASH MESSAGE---DELETE UPON RECEIPT
FROM: ADM FESCHINA, CO RCW 8THFLTGRP
TO: RCW 8THFLTGRP, UTEA TF AURORE
RE: JCS OPLAN 7045-556

WORD RECEIVED; PLAN APPROVED. RCW 8TH MARDIV AND MAW-8 TO LAND AT ALLANEAN-SECURED PORTS IN AND AROUND OBJECTIVE "G", AND PROCEED AT SPEED TO OCCUPY/INTERDICT ALL SOM CENTERS OF GRAVITY. MARSCOUTCDOS 80-89 WILL HELICOPTER IN AND MAINTAIN SHOCK EFFECT TO DISRUPT SOM RESISTANCE. EXECUTE PLAN UPON UTEA COMMAND, BY MY AUTHORITY. MESSAGE ENDS.

Moving over to Alexander, Admiral Feschina resumed more-normal demeanor as she asked him. "Code is sent, so we can start moving and then hit speed when your authorization comes in. You want to do the honors?" She handed him the PDA phone, secure number for the joint line already dialed in. "We can start this party, and hopefully without any need for bangs either." While she waited, things already began to set in motion.

IC2
RCW Eighth Fleet Group
The five Tri Svyatitelya class multirole supercarriers soon opened their well decks at the rear to disclose their other secret: massive amphibious capability. Between them (if slightly overloaded at the expense of the full theoretical airwing), the five carriers attached to Eighth Heavy Carrier Division could carry the full twelve-thousand strong combat echelon of Eighth Marine Division and its' equipment; whose support elements were already in Gorgon per the refugee effort. Speed and covertness would be required to prevent unpleasantness befalling such, but the presence of Allanean control in the port and other coastal areas made it probable that this plan could go ahead before coordinated resistance emerged.

To ensure this even as the massive Aleksandrova LCACs began leisurely issuing from the carriers laden with mixed combat loads of Lyran-model tanks and assault vehicles, the ten assault carriers and the Marine Scout Commandos aboard each also revved up to swing into action on an instant's notice from the Etoileans. Escorted by the appropriately codenamed Ki-2A attack helicopters of the Marine Air Hussars, the Commandos aboard their Ki-1TVK assault choppers began circling the fleet awaiting the order to close on St. Fabian. One whole Commando of a thousand aboard two-hundred assault choppers and escorted by thirty attack choppers was slated to occupy the Command Bunker area and depose the Society swiftly in coordination with the Etoilean company, while the other nine commandoes moved to seize other key points in Gorgon to disrupt the ability of the local Army to react to this sudden coup-de-main.

The first hovercraft casually made way as if per the old evacuation routines, and the first helicopters surged ahead at a leisurely pace awaiting only full word to begin the seizure. As had been decided between both Etoile Arcture and Wagdog, the Society of the Mind problem had to be solved; now. Hence, rather than wait passively, they were instead creating the solution themselves; and ideally in such a way that none would really object or at least couldn't effectively do so. The Wagdian fleet went to General Quarters though, just in case some in the coalition might try; daring their bluff accordingly...

North Calaveras

08-02-2008, 05:14

St Fabian

08-02-2008, 05:29

OOC: St. Fabian, I took a few liberties with things since you haven't gone into much detail about stuff and haven't responded to other things - I apologize if this misrepresents things.

St. Fabian
Rural Area

Well, this is certainly interesting... Trant Wilcox thought. He'd expected to be greeted with open arms, find the village deserted or barricaded, or been shot at on landing. Being cautiously met by locals bearing arms was not something he'd explicitly been considering. Better think fast... After a moment of pondering, he shut off the looping propaganda message from the Stahlkörper's external amplifiers and switched the feed to a microphone inside the heavily armored helmet.

"Lower your weapons; we're here to help," he said, holding the Stahlkörper's left arm in an open hand and pointing the muzzle of his machine cannon towards the ground with the other - hopefully it would look less threatening, as far as eight-foot-tall powered assault suits were concerned. "This property was stolen from you by Von Tranderson, and stolen again by the Society of the Mind. We Brettonians have come to help your people rise up and take it for yourselves." Wilcox queued an active scan of the three people who'd come out to meet up. It identified a number of weapons - the older man was carrying an old falling-block rifle, probably a .45-caliber, and easily no threat to the Stahlkörper's metallic body. However, that gave him an idea. Wilcox ejected one blow-out panel of the canister attached to the Stahlkörper's back, withdrawing an RA-87M assault rifle (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13261452&postcount=151) with the Stahlkörper's massive arm. It was far too small for the giant power-assisted hands to even grip properly, much less utilize, but he could hold it in front of him in an offering. "Take this - we've got a lot more where those came from. If your countrymen join us, we'll march to Gorgon together, expel the Society of the Mind and you'll be free to form your own self-rule. Isn't that great?" That's about all I can offer them... let's see if it works, Wilcox thought. He quickly deactivated the external amplifiers and switched his microphone's feed to the unit frequency.

"Captain, I've encountered some locals. They're not being outwardly hostile - I offered them a gun, we'll see what happens. Over," he said.

"You want a Medal of Diplomatic Intent or something, Wilcox?" his commanding officer Den Koch replied. "If they take it, great; if they start shooting at you, use the camouflage and head towards the target. That place is supposed to be secured before the armor lands, and this is NOT the time to have a political discourse with the natives!"

"Understood. Let's hope they like the offer," Wilcox replied.
...

"I don't care what you say, you better take your stinking fancy suit, and fancy gun, and get the hell off my property before I shoot you. I was allotted these lands by the New Government, and ain't no one gonna take 'em from me, yea hear!" the farmer continued pointing his gun at Wilcox, while his boys did the same. "Now I'm gonna set a good example for my grandchildren, and give you 10 minutes to turn around, and go back from where ever you came from, or I'll have to shoot you!"

IC
...
SIC
Society of the Mind Command Bunker; Gorgon, St. Fabian
Moving carefully to the exit just behind Alexander and Cartwright, WRMC Sergeant Billings following her as the only one of her guards that had come into the room, Admiral Feschina soon understood what was up. "Baby has been thrown out with the bathwater? Understood." This whisper said once safely outside Stillman's or Society earshot, a grin showing her upper fangs crossed the beautiful vampire's face as she got onto her OBSAT-enabled PDA and wired the proper commands to the WRS Gapon and Eighth Fleet Group more broadly. The time has indeed come, heh... The encrypted message sent was as follows, signalling the start of perhaps Wagdog's boldest foreign intervention since the Strator War just sixteen years prior...

EYES ONLY OBSAT SATCOM FLASH MESSAGE---DELETE UPON RECEIPT
FROM: ADM FESCHINA, CO RCW 8THFLTGRP
TO: RCW 8THFLTGRP, UTEA TF AURORE
RE: JCS OPLAN 7045-556

WORD RECEIVED; PLAN APPROVED. RCW 8TH MARDIV AND MAW-8 TO LAND AT ALLANEAN-SECURED PORTS IN AND AROUND OBJECTIVE "G", AND PROCEED AT SPEED TO OCCUPY/INTERDICT ALL SOM CENTERS OF GRAVITY. MARSCOUTCDOS 80-89 WILL HELICOPTER IN AND MAINTAIN SHOCK EFFECT TO DISRUPT SOM RESISTANCE. EXECUTE PLAN UPON UTEA COMMAND, BY MY AUTHORITY. MESSAGE ENDS.

Moving over to Alexander, Admiral Feschina resumed more-normal demeanor as she asked him. "Code is sent, so we can start moving and then hit speed when your authorization comes in. You want to do the honors?" She handed him the PDA phone, secure number for the joint line already dialed in. "We can start this party, and hopefully without any need for bangs either." While she waited, things already began to set in motion.

...

Many of the members of the Society of the Mind left the bunker while the guests were speaking. By now there were only a few guards, Mr. Stillmann, and the foreign dignitaries. Alarms began to pierce the air, as blue lights began flashing within the bunker. A loud whirring sound could be heard. It was punctuated by a loud thud, as the titanium blast doors came to a rest in the locked position, effectively sealing the bunker from the inside. "Do not be alarmed, my friends," Julio said. That is simply the blast doors shutting, I am afraid it is not very safe outside, and your protection is our highest goal. Also you may notice that your electronic communications devices no longer work. We are sorry, but the single is unable to penetrate the lead layer that is now completely surrounding us. If there is one thing the old regime did right, it was building a quality nuclear bomb shelter. We had our own communications system, but the enemy has apparently taken out our grid. We can communicate upstairs though, so if you must send a message out, you can through me. Again I must stress that this is for your own protection, for we promised your government, that we would do our best to ensure your safety. "Would you like more tea?"

Catawaba

08-02-2008, 07:18

Super dreadnoughtH-54, 421 kilometers from Saint Fabian

Volkov looked at the coms message... it was quite simple:

Initiate hostilities with Coalition forces

It was time to blow them to hell.

"I want 5,000 CM-4's in the air, NOW!" He said, spinning around.

And sure enough, his order was obliged. Aboard the eight M-Battleships and the H-54, VLS tubes swung open and CM-4 anti-ship missiles rocketed into the sky. At 100,000 feet, the rocket boosters on the missiles fell away and the Ramjets activated. 4,000 missiles were now screaming through the air towards the Coalition fleets at mach 3.6. A single CM-4, with its 560 kilogram armor piercing warhead and mach 4 terminal dives could do incredible amounts of damage to a Super dreadnought. Two could sink one outright.

OOC: Please note that these missiles are aimed at the nations which have actively declared their intentions against me, Bretton, and AN to be hostile. That would be:
Romandoes
Tanaara

(( OOC: My friends, I might ask that y'all take a bit of a break to allow Red Tide sometime to finish posting his part of this. Tanaara and I have responded, Romandeos, if he wants to, needs to respond. He asked for info early, but I suppose thing have come up to slow him down. In the mean time...

Oh, and, Red Tide, could you take a look at the number of missiles you launched? 5k in one spot and a line later 4k, clear that up, please?))

The People's House
One Catawaba Plaza
Graceland, Catawaba

Errant turned away from the Tanaaran feed. He couldn't watch it. He'd just wait for Starkey to contact again or General Waverly to report their loss. He turned to the communiqué the Tanaarans had sent to him. Might as well answer, nothing else he could do.

He read it, and then read it again. He crumpled it up and threw it away from him. “Is that from Tanaara?”

Errant looked up from his desk and saw Lolimba standing there. “Yes, it was. I can’t negotiate, not now.”

“Of course you can. It maybe the best time from what my nephew tells me.” Her aide and nephew guided her over to one of the deep, plush chairs before the Miraade’s desk.

“Have you finally gone senile, Bevu? They fired on us!” Errant shouted at her.

She grimaced as if she’d eaten a bitter piece of fruit. “Calm yourself, boy! Is that any way to treat your elders?” She had the strict sort of tone that Errant was all too used to, growing up in an orphanage as a ward of the state. He felt instantly cowed until he remembered who he was. He straightened up to answer back when Lolimba raised a hand. “They may or may not have fired on us. We are a neutral power with a paper tiger navy. If they are truly as evil as they are made out, perhaps they fired on us for perverse pleasure, the same you might get from kicking an injured dog.”

Errant frowned at his Foreign Affair Secretary. “Injured dog, fits well with our national mascot doesn’t it?”

“Yes, yes, vornskrari, canine and all that…back on subject, boy! If Starkey and our ships are destroyed, cry foul as a neutral power and enter into negotiations as a last ditch effort for peace. If Starkey and our ships survive, then we are tying up loose ends before coming home. Any situation can be turned to an advantage. Now who do we send? Hmm?”

Errant started dumbfounded at Bevu. That was evil, but it might just work. Either way, he could at least scratch by and stay in power. The Miraade realized that his Foreign Secretary could easily be a devil in disguise or sullied angel. “I’ll go.”

Bevu’s calm façade fell. “No, Jedith.” She said forcefully. Again Errant felt cowed deep down.

“Who else do we have? Hayden and Rea are either unconscious or doped up on painkillers. They’re definitely out. I can’t send you because yer just about the last diplomat we’ve got. Tom? No, I need Tom in the War Office? I have great idea. Why don’t we send Placeholder?” Sarcasm drifted into Errant’s voice.

“Definitely not, man’s an utter imbecile, but anyways he’s best employed making sure Seigfried’s office chair doesn’t roll away on its own.”

“Then who do we have left, Lol? Their queen is going. The flippin’ Queen, Lol! Who can send? We could send Matthew, but sending a Quigley into a warzone is just asking to have it turn into a gateway to hell itself.” Errant sighed and looked down at his desk.

Lolimba waited a moment, thinking. A smile slowly grew on her face. “Perhaps…perhaps we can send Colonel Quigley…”

Errant’s head shot up. “My God! I’m out my last diplomat to senility!”
~~~~~

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v35/jedierrant/Errantemblem.jpg

The Armed Republic of Catawaba
An Encrypted Diplomatic Communication from the Alpha Miraade, Jedith Errant
A Message for the Eyes of Sinjin, Lord Kincannon ONLY

Milord,

It is a grave situation that befalls both of our countries. My prayers and the prayers of all of Catawaba are with your fleet as I hope yours are with our fleet. I have come to the realization that no matter the outcome, diplomacy must win out. It will be even more necessary should things turn out for the worst.

Please send your aircraft. I apologize for not having anyone to equal the stature of your queen, but Colonel Matthew Quigley will be the lead delegate in any talks in Saint Fabian. He is a man of many talents. Fairness, wisdom, and good instincts are chief among them. With our sad lack of trained diplomats, he is the best we can spare.

From my heavy heart,
Jedith Errant
Alpha Miraade

Bretton

08-02-2008, 08:46

Tanaara

08-02-2008, 11:28

Aound and about Gorgon Airport St Fabian.

When the Axis Novans had reacted to the warning shot, Drop Platform 11 began spittingout capsules from all of it's launch bays, long silver ovios loaded for bear with jammers, spoofers, projectors of false images, every technological manner of weirdness to fool, eye, ears and every sort of sensor the development teams could image, and among this all evedr trooper of the Double Kill, and once they had left safely, every member of the platforms operational force. Then the automoted capsules filled with supplies.

They had landed scattered to hell and gone around the Gorgon airpoet, the one the Evacuation Team had used to begin their efforts before this had become a clusterfuck of unimaginable preportions. There had been losses both in and out of atmosphere, the platform techs had far less ecxpereince in making a drop and over half of them had died, but Colonel Abrams had lost five cap troopers as well, and had thirty with injuries that would prevent them from being considered combat effective. And it had taken her hours to begin rounding up supplies and making contact with the three hospital ships at the port.

Well, she had tried to make contact, only to find that they had sailed, and while they were returning it would be the next day before they'd be back.

Colonel Abrams sent a runner to find the Wagdian or Allanean commander, since their forces were to be investing the city and surrounding country side heavily.

But she had gotten her people dug in around the airport before the Allaneans had arrived...

Etoile Arcture

08-02-2008, 17:39

Gorgon, St. Fabian

Noble Flight and Coronet Flight had appeared to all intents and purposes like just another pair of sorties from the Etoilian task force bringing supplies in and evacuees out. The airspace over Gorgon was getting crowded with all the Coalition airpower overhead and the two nine-ship formations of CV-22B Osprey transport tiltrotors hardly looked dangerous without escorts and nothing heavier on board than a door gunner with a .50 calibre machine gun.

Broadcasting the normal identification and friendship messages demanded by protocol the two flight groups were able to approach their target innocuously. Aboard the lead bird of Noble Flight, the Marine colonel in command of the operation issued final orders before the tiltrotors banked gently away from the hospitals where the Etoilians normally visited first, and veered directly towards the government bunker.

The Fabians barely had time to react as the tiltrotors sprung their trap like the bird of prey that was their namesake. The lead ships of each formation manouevered in hover, using the downwash from their two 38 foot diameter rotors to literally sweep away any opposition. Those on the ground who managed to stay on their fee and keeo their wits about them too opened fire, but to little effect. The downwash had produced a dust storm that now shrouded the Ospreys from view, but each pilot had since switched to thermal vision systems. Five ships had kissed the ground with their landing gear, twenty Marines in respirators disgorging from the ramp of each and immediately advancing through the malestrom towards the Fabian guards. What followed could only be described as a brief exchange of fire. It barely took forty seconds for the Marines to take eliminate all threats and report successful take down of their objective.

On the opposite side of the government building Coronet Flight had repeated the feat in less than thirty seconds. Black garbed Marines advanced out of the artificial dust storm even as a motorcade containing many members of the Society of the Mind tried to make its own escape from the bunker. As the main gates swung open, Fabian security firing at random it seemed at their attackers, the Marine colonel aboard Noble Flight Lead heard the code phrase, "The rats are fleeing the ship!" over his headset.

"Execute," he intoned calmly, even as listened to the pings of small arms fire as his bird sweated bullets as it took Fabian ground fire.

The Fabian motorcade had meanwhile swept pass the gates even as the bunker guards and Etoilian assault teams exchanged fire inside the compound. Those of the Society of the Mind believing they would still make their escape had those hopes cruelly dashed as their convoy screeched to a halt asan Opsrey appeared out of nowhere blocking their path. As the Fabian vehicles begun to back up, the passengers in each limosine was flung into their seats again by more sudden breaking as a second Opsrey appeared at the rear of the convoy, and then one on each flank.

On the roof of the government building located above the bunker a few members of the Society of the Mind would find they had had a ring side seat as they saw their fellow rationalists been rounded up like common criminals. Rotor blades were thrashing the air angrily as helicopters waited to evacuate them, but this escape route was about to be closed down too. Three Opsrey's cleared the roof, rising into the sky, side doors slidding back on two to reveal a door gunner and his .50 calibre machine gun.

"Shut down your engines," an electronically amplified voice was blaring, informing them, "You are now in the custody of Etoilian and Wagdogian forces."

Upper Levels, Government Bunker, Gorgon, St. Fabian

Staff Sergeant Martinez had found infiltration of the bunker relatively straightforward. The facility may have been state-of-the-art once - perhaps back in the 1980s - but the number of CCTV and sensor blind spots had almost left the special forces operator embarrased for the Fabians.

Martinez was of a peculiar breed of Etoilian warrior, one who could only have existed since the latter days of the twentieth century and would be increasingly critical to the success of wars in the twenty-first. As an Intrusions and Countermeasures Operator of the Special Forces it was his task to penetrate enemy computer systems, seize control or perform difficult data retreival under combat conditions. A soldier who packed a aluminium Toughbook along with his submachine gun as part of his kit.

The two man team Martinez lead had been prepositioned the moment the Etoile Arcture's envoy had entered the bunker, one of many contingencies set in action as part of JCS OPLAN 7045-556. Martinez's part in that had been to monitor Fabian command and control and, if necessary, decieve or disable them.

To achieve this, he had penetrated the bunker security and found himself a good spider hole to hide in, right next to an unsecured communications trunk that ran through the complex. Hacking into the Fabian's network had been childsplay after that. He had been able to extract the unshadowed badkup password file from root, cracked the server encryption, created his own shell account and had been waiting ever since for the go command. When a pre-arranged apparently randon radio broadcast was received by the Fabian communications net he was monitor Martinez immediately begun removing all Fabian control from their own network. It took only a few seconds, but in that time one command had been received as the lower level blast doors sealed.

"Damn," Martinez hissed as he realised his mistake. The Fabians had been a little more canny than he had given them credit for, but now it was a matter of pride for the hacker. Gaining control of the blast doors would take him a few minutes, but he would succeed.

Lower Levels, Government Bunker, Gorgon, St. Fabian

Alexander had become worried when he saw several members of the Mind leave the briefing room, looking to Major Cartwright for any reassurance. If he had given the game away with that look it mattered little as the emergency klaxons sounded and blue strobes filled the room. Stillman, who had stayed behind, was unnaturally calm in the situation as he asked them if they would want any more tea. "It's over," Alexander told him, the man looking at him as if he didn't understand. "You simply ran out of time," Alexander explained, almost feeling sorry for him, but only almost.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/USCMC/nationstates/seal.gif

Official Diplomatic Communiqué
From: Diplomatic Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: Foreign ministries of all nations involved in St. Fabian crisis

As of the time of receiving this message the military forces of Etoile Arcture and Wagdog have conducted special operations to remove the Society of the Mind from command and control of St. Fabian and have placed all members of the Interim Government under arrest.

This action has not been taken lightly, but is felt necessary by the governments of Etoile Arcture and Wagdog to preserve peace and security in St. Fabian. It is recognised by us that the Society of the Mind stands accused under international law of committing crimes against humanity in the indiscriminate murder of all royalty in the former Kingdom of St. Fabian. As such, it was incumbent upon Etoile Arcture and Wagdog to see that justice is done and that the Society of the Mind shall be brought to account before their peers for these crimes.

We now appeal to all nations conducting military operations in St. Fabian to agree to an immediate cease-fire. Both Etoile Arcture and Wagdog are willing and eager to work with any nation with an interest in justice and freedom for the Fabian people to find a final and last negotiated solution to this crisis. Foremost, we will work with our Allanean allies in the Free World Alliance to ensure the stability and security of St. Fabian, and invite other nations to talks in Gorgon on how best to administrate Fabian affairs until such time as St. Fabia can hold free and open elections to choose a new government.

Diplomatic Directorate, Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture

St Fabian

08-02-2008, 23:28

St. Fabian
Rural Area

Fuck! Guess they're not buying it... Wilcox frowned.

"Well. I'm sorry to hear that," Wilcox said over the external amplifiers. A quick glance of the eye activated his contingency plan. Two panels in the Stahlkörper's head slid open, and a pair of grenades popped out of the interior. Both exploded as they fell, bursting into a massive cloud of smoke that quickly obscured a substantial radius. Ordinarily these grenades would be loaded with a highly corrosive (and highly deadly) phosphorous compound, but today were instead filled with a riot control sedative gas. Wilcox hoped the dosage wouldn't cause any permanent damage, and took off at a high speed towards the settlement.

"Captain, they didn't take it very well. If those guys were any indication, the townspeople won't be too friendly either," he reported.

"Wonderful," Koch muttered. "All units, be ready to switch to Plan B at any moment." Positive replies returned over the channel. "Get on your approach vectors and secure that village, now!"

The other Stahlkörper cut through the tall grass, leaving a flattened trail behind them as they converged on their objective.

The town had heard the broadcasts, and had by now reached they're positions. All lights in the village had been turned off, or put out, and all citizens were at they're posts. The main roads in were blocked with crates, and were covered by machine gun positions. Trip wires, and other traps had been set up through out the city. The woman, and small children were hold up in what was the local lords manor, and were well guarded. Those who had some ability to shoot were given the best, most accurate weapons, and had taken up positions in high windows, and bell towers.

Gorgon, St. Fabian

Noble Flight and Coronet Flight had appeared to all intents and purposes like just another pair of sorties from the Etoilian task force bringing supplies in and evacuees out. The airspace over Gorgon was getting crowded with all the Coalition airpower overhead and the two nine-ship formations of CV-22B Osprey transport tiltrotors hardly looked dangerous without escorts and nothing heavier on board than a door gunner with a .50 calibre machine gun.

Broadcasting the normal identification and friendship messages demanded by protocol the two flight groups were able to approach their target innocuously. Aboard the lead bird of Noble Flight, the Marine colonel in command of the operation issued final orders before the tiltrotors banked gently away from the hospitals where the Etoilians normally visited first, and veered directly towards the government bunker.

The Fabians barely had time to react as the tiltrotors sprung their trap like the bird of prey that was their namesake. The lead ships of each formation manouevered in hover, using the downwash from their two 38 foot diameter rotors to literally sweep away any opposition. Those on the ground who managed to stay on their fee and keeo their wits about them too opened fire, but to little effect. The downwash had produced a dust storm that now shrouded the Ospreys from view, but each pilot had since switched to thermal vision systems. Five ships had kissed the ground with their landing gear, twenty Marines in respirators disgorging from the ramp of each and immediately advancing through the malestrom towards the Fabian guards. What followed could only be described as a brief exchange of fire. It barely took forty seconds for the Marines to take eliminate all threats and report successful take down of their objective.

On the opposite side of the government building Coronet Flight had repeated the feat in less than thirty seconds. Black garbed Marines advanced out of the artificial dust storm even as a motorcade containing many members of the Society of the Mind tried to make its own escape from the bunker. As the main gates swung open, Fabian security firing at random it seemed at their attackers, the Marine colonel aboard Noble Flight Lead heard the code phrase, "The rats are fleeing the ship!" over his headset.

"Execute," he intoned calmly, even as listened to the pings of small arms fire as his bird sweated bullets as it took Fabian ground fire.

The Fabian motorcade had meanwhile swept pass the gates even as the bunker guards and Etoilian assault teams exchanged fire inside the compound. Those of the Society of the Mind believing they would still make their escape had those hopes cruelly dashed as their convoy screeched to a halt asan Opsrey appeared out of nowhere blocking their path. As the Fabian vehicles begun to back up, the passengers in each limosine was flung into their seats again by more sudden breaking as a second Opsrey appeared at the rear of the convoy, and then one on each flank.

On the roof of the government building located above the bunker a few members of the Society of the Mind would find they had had a ring side seat as they saw their fellow rationalists been rounded up like common criminals. Rotor blades were thrashing the air angrily as helicopters waited to evacuate them, but this escape route was about to be closed down too. Three Opsrey's cleared the roof, rising into the sky, side doors slidding back on two to reveal a door gunner and his .50 calibre machine gun.

"Shut down your engines," an electronically amplified voice was blaring, informing them, "You are now in the custody of Etoilian and Wagdogian forces."

Upper Levels, Government Bunker, Gorgon, St. Fabian

Staff Sergeant Martinez had found infiltration of the bunker relatively straightforward. The facility may have been state-of-the-art once - perhaps back in the 1980s - but the number of CCTV and sensor blind spots had almost left the special forces operator embarrased for the Fabians.

Martinez was of a peculiar breed of Etoilian warrior, one who could only have existed since the latter days of the twentieth century and would be increasingly critical to the success of wars in the twenty-first. As an Intrusions and Countermeasures Operator of the Special Forces it was his task to penetrate enemy computer systems, seize control or perform difficult data retreival under combat conditions. A soldier who packed a aluminium Toughbook along with his submachine gun as part of his kit.

The two man team Martinez lead had been prepositioned the moment the Etoile Arcture's envoy had entered the bunker, one of many contingencies set in action as part of JCS OPLAN 7045-556. Martinez's part in that had been to monitor Fabian command and control and, if necessary, decieve or disable them.

To achieve this, he had penetrated the bunker security and found himself a good spider hole to hide in, right next to an unsecured communications trunk that ran through the complex. Hacking into the Fabian's network had been childsplay after that. He had been able to extract the unshadowed badkup password file from root, cracked the server encryption, created his own shell account and had been waiting ever since for the go command. When a pre-arranged apparently randon radio broadcast was received by the Fabian communications net he was monitor Martinez immediately begun removing all Fabian control from their own network. It took only a few seconds, but in that time one command had been received as the lower level blast doors sealed.

"Damn," Martinez hissed as he realised his mistake. The Fabians had been a little more canny than he had given them credit for, but now it was a matter of pride for the hacker. Gaining control of the blast doors would take him a few minutes, but he would succeed.

Lower Levels, Government Bunker, Gorgon, St. Fabian

Alexander had become worried when he saw several members of the Mind leave the briefing room, looking to Major Cartwright for any reassurance. If he had given the game away with that look it mattered little as the emergency klaxons sounded and blue strobes filled the room. Stillman, who had stayed behind, was unnaturally calm in the situation as he asked them if they would want any more tea. "It's over," Alexander told him, the man looking at him as if he didn't understand. "You simply ran out of time," Alexander explained, almost feeling sorry for him, but only almost.

Tunnels Beneath Gorgon

While the Etoilian forces were attacking the motorcade, and heliport on the roof of the government building, the true leaders of the Society of the Mind had already entered the tunnel system under the city, and split up, soon they would be out of the city, and in hiding with the general population. They wore the cloths of country peasants, and had nothing that could identify them as anything else. They're plan had worked perfectly. They know the enemy would assume that they would be stupid and greedy, that they would have to have the best for they're escape. They felt sorry for the poor soles that were now being killed, and captured for the cause, but they would play they're part, they would claim to be the leadership, and all would go off with out a hitch.

Society of the Mind High Command Bunker

"Kill them, they have betrayed us," said Julio, as the guards shot the Etoilian delegates, two rounds in each of they're heads, as more guards came in with tea. "You should have accepted the tea," Julio continued as he used his knife to cut all computer connections with the rest of the building, effectively cutting control of the bunker off from the outside world. If anyone wanted to open the doors electronically, they would have to do it manually, from this consul now. "I bet those idiots up stairs think they're so smart, they've probably hacked into the computers by now, if they know how to use MS-Dos, it might by before they're time. It will do them no good, as I have just cut them off from this bunker, and therefore, the servers with all of our nations most sensitive documents."

Bretton

09-02-2008, 21:05

St. Fabian
Rural Area

What're these idiots doing? Wilcox pondered. A bullet from a rifle had just panged off the Stahlkörper's shoulder and ricocheted off into the air - he guestimated it had came from one of the tallish structures in the hamlet. The familiar sound of a machine gun quickly reached his external audio pickups, though he couldn't tell from where or whom was being shot at.

"Captain, it's confirmed, the civilians are not rolling out the carpet, over," Wilcox reported. Another shot skidded off the top of the armored suit's head, prompting him to switch to an infrared spectrum view to attempt to locate the attacker.

"Morons," Koch grumbled. "Maybe they're too primitive to understand radio broadcasts... or have radios, for that matter. In any case the problem is academic in nature. All units, change to Plan B! Over."

"Roger," Wilcox joined the rest of the unit in confirming. Amid the cold buildings and sky, a warm, human-shaped form peered out from a window in a masonry tower - a rifle followed. I could end that little shit any number of ways, and yet here we are still playing the hero. Aggravating... he mentally muttered. Wilcox worked the pump of the Stahlkörper's grenade launcher, chambering a shell. It issued a "whump" noise as the caseless grenade's fuel detonated, sending it sailing out of the muzzle. It bounced off the roof of the tower and fell towards the ground below, emitting a cloud of smoke as it descended. Wilcox could quickly make out several additional grenades flying in on a ballistic trajectory from other Stahlkörper that were still approaching the village. The pump racked backwards and forwards again, chambering a new grenade, then it too was sent flying. This one broke through a window of one of the larger buildings - smoke began emerging shortly thereafter. The very same smoke laced with the sedative riot control agent was quickly blanketing the small enclave. Wicox chambered a third grenade, then began cautiously advancing once again.

Guess the cat's out of the bag now... he thought, flipping on the suit's active camouflage system. The Stahlkörper flickered a few times and was rendered partially invisible - the cameras studded throughout its armored shell directed their feeds to an OLED laminate on the external surfaces, projecting an equivalent image of open space for the viewer to see. It could easily fool the eye if the Stahlkörper wasn't moving, but while on the go it only really served to break up the profile of the large assault suit and make it more difficult to target accurately. The tall grass being beaten down as he advanced didn't help much either, but there wasn't much he could immediately do about that.

The sedative cloud began rolling outwards, into the fields surrounding the village. His external feed, coming through in the infrared spectrum, cut through the obscuring cloud just fine. Wilcox broke though the edge of the fields and began rendezvousing with other Stahlkörper that had dropped in nearby. As they strode towards the village's main thoroughfare, Wilcox began to consider more positively that he might get away without killing anyone after all.

St Fabian

09-02-2008, 21:13

St. Fabian Village

The men from the village were not unfamiliar with war, and when they saw the smoke, they knew what it meant. Many of them had gas masks from the time they had served in the military, and were quickly putting them on, while others were dropping as the smoke rolled over them. The woman watched from the manor on the hill, as the village came under assault. They were horrified when they saw the village being gassed. They had known such horrors before, when the king ordered they're village gassed for they're insolence. Many had died from the toxic gas the king directed at them, and this they again feared. They ransacked the manor, and were able to find enough gas masks for the children, even though they were designed for bigger people, and were ill-fitting, they would work. The sharpshooters in the towers continued to fire at the enemy soldiers, probing from some kind of weakness in they're external armor.

Alcona and Hubris

10-02-2008, 00:55

ARN Pentaci

Captain Reynolds stood on the bridge as the Pentaci pushed north at 22 knots. Like her kin she was built on the lines of a fleet transport vessel. However, where a transport vessel was for cargo, the Pentaci carried VLS cells bellow her rear cargo hatch, four quad fire 88mm anti-shipping guns hidden in collapsible containers, and a launcher for six anti-ship missiles under her forward cargo bay.

Because she was still ARN, she actually didn't have to have her two dual CIWS retracted into the aft-castle and forecastle as she had when hunting pirates in to the south.

"Captain, I've go so much static ahead from that launch that I'm not sure what the status currently is of anyone out there."

"Damn, with all the crap going down, there are going to be a lot of people out there dying for nothing. Alright, Meyers contact the Wagdog forces and ask them if they have our people." He moved in his chair to a call box. "Kerry, you keeping an eye on this..."

Major Kerry was below deck with his Marines. They didn't look like marines, dressed in ragtag civilian gear. They were all watching a large screen TV which was displaying the radar return for the Q ship. Kerry leaned over from his chair next to the coffee pot and pushed down the send button, "Aye Captain...looks like a blasted gang bang out there."

Agreed...glad Apethorpe kept its head and our tails out of it, but we best prepare for some SAR on those poor sobs who just got caught in that massive cross fire.

"Aye Aye captain..." He let his finger off the button and said in a cheery voice. "Alright you heard the Cap'n get out of the dungies and into SAR gear...pronto..." The room cleared as men and women went to their bunks and lockers to pull out armored wetsuits and breathing gear for the wet work ahead.

Wagdog

10-02-2008, 01:52

OOC: To keep the show on the road a bit before I know more of what I can do in Gorgon. Might not be on much more tonight but I can get this in at least.

IC
Approaching the ARN Pentaci
The Wagdian Cardinals and Priests were now at full alert, knowing that their nation's side had been theoretically declared and thus that this was very risky. Nonetheless, Captain Benjamin Altraeus figured that if there was to be a way to salvage this mess with somebody at least it was what had to be done. The mission is still valid, thus it still has to be completed. After the refuelling aboard the Gapon, no time had been wasted once the United Duchies had signalled after their people; soon it would be mission complete.

Approaching the Klatchian vessel, Altraeus climbed and slowed as the two flights took up (relatively) discreet but still close racetrack orbits covering the ship; Priests outward as pickets to give maximum advantage to the inward-patrolling Cardinal two-seaters and their comparatively superior beyond-visual-range surveillance and combat abilities. He signalled to the vessel, "ARN Pentaci this is Whiskey-Romeo-Mike-Charlie Helicopter Gapon-Three-Five-Alpha-One, Over? We've recovered your citizens from St. Fabian safely and are prepared to return them with your permission to land; and if you require we can perhaps assist with the SAR efforts you seem to be launching? Regardless, until such permission to land is given we'll remain at the proper distance; Captain Altraeus commanding Gapon-3-5-A-1 out."

Now the waiting began, and worse; waiting in the middle of busy airspace soon to be teeming with all of neutral and mutually-hostile aircraft both from several nations. The hazard pay hardly seems worth it, aside from the people you meet. Altraeus turned his eye to the woman, politely tipping a small salute as he returned to monitoring his instruments; trying for now just to get through this flight and then take it from there.

St Fabian

10-02-2008, 02:18

Wagdog

10-02-2008, 03:39

Society of the Mind High Command Bunker

Julio quickly noticed he forgot something. "Would you like some tea, Admiral?" he asked. "I hope you can be trusted not to be as stupid as these others, using a diplomatic visit as an attempt to overthrow our government and all. We should also probably get back to our diplomatic talks, now that the assassins have been dealt with."
Society of the Mind High Command Bunker; Gorgon, St. Fabian
This was a unique situation for Admiral Josephine Feschina; vampire, accomplished woman even apart from her race which was normally scorned and hunted across the world, and Admiral of the Wagdian Eighth Fleet. Not the most absolutely powerful of naval forces out there, even among those with like numbers and names after their nationalities, but still respectable in its' own right. A force of steel and fuel and firepower ready to defend its' nation's interests wherever commanded, to be reckoned with by all but the most haughty and mighty both; and yet now it was of no more than circumstantial use to her, if even that now. Any force that could pierce so easily through those blast doors as she'd like, would near to certainly either cause or occasion her death; and more thereafter besides.

"Very well, Mr. Stillman." She resignedly brushed away an errant lock of her hair and then sat down where directed after directing her guards to holster their weapons. They would relinquish them when commanded, but not a moment earlier. Some sort of parity had to be maintained here after all; her voice not half so calm as it really needed to be to do so, seeing as she'd not anticipated things would fail anywhere near this badly so far. "Indeed we shall get back to the diplomacy; which in fact was the initial aim, before word of rash action on the part of one of our allies led me to make a... 'judgment call'... as could be said. And a poor one, at that; yes most definitely poor." She could admit what needed admitting, for the sake of moving forward. The Etoilean bodies around hardly gave her any other options but to.

Sipping her tea first while shaking slightly from the sight of what she'd nearly dodged, since though harder to kill than her human guards she remained in principle vulnerable to surprisingly-conventional means compared to the pop-mythological take on such matters, Admiral Feschina nonetheless gradually contained herself and went on, "However, if indeed we are to proceed diplomatically then just as I must understand my position here, so must you understand yours. We are both hostages ultimately; me to you, which status I accept for the simple lack of alternatives, and you to the Brettonians and Allaneans just outside." Allowing the cup to rest in her cupped hands, she then looked calmly and levelly at Stillman with her black eyes and got to her first point. "Communication with the outside world will be critical if you are to establish yourselves a reputation as anything but terrorists; and indeed, since we both have reputation to reestablish here, your taking the step of reopening channels to the outside would aid your part in matters greatly. Those still inclined could come, and I could bear their censure as I likely must, but right now the less heard from me and mine the more hostile all outside forces in general will become towards you." There was more of course, but one step at a time; Adm. Feschina had learned what waiting too long and trying to solve the problem at once had caused now.

This was part of what, prior to the chain of events that had triggered her overreaction, had truly been her plan. Get everyone in on the discussion, and then drop the hammer only after the Society had truly alienated everyone, not before. If by some rare feat of diplomacy they'd agreed to an open and fair political process for all, then indeed no hammer would've needed dropping at all. For now though, that hammer continued to fall given the lack of anything else to do or any commands to do else...

Greater Gorgon Area, St. Fabian
"Gapon-One-One-Alpha-Lead to all aircraft, contact lost with the Admiral and Etoilean delegations in Gorgon. Per protocol, activate ECM and keep your heads on a swivel. We're here to take control and suppress what resistance emerges to the air landing, just like the Marines want this clean too; so let's do just that. Lead out." Colonel Vazquez banked her Cardinal up and kept a weather eye on her radar datalink from the carrier's patrolling Helix-E AEW helos. Per air-defense-suppression and general common snese, she didn't want to radiate too much unless required; relying instead on passive sensors. And even in this situation, orders were strict: do not fire until fired upon.

While the Cardinals and Priests roared over the countryside by the hundreds now, challenging the local defenses to either fight back or stand down as preferred, the Marines aboard their Ki-1TVK choppers proceeded to the communications nodes in St. Fabian as noted by the Etoileans during planning before contact had been lost. No boots were on ground yet, nor would be for some minutes still; but the pace was quickening since contact with the bunker had been lost and wasn't going to slow until and unless said contact were regained. Behind, the first hovercraft would soon be unloading their initial wave of armor and Marines to assist the Allaneans in fortifying control of the Society capitol. Resistance was expected now, for sure; but for the time being trust was being placed in mass and speed to deter such for as long as possible.

This made Colonel Vincent Migogna, heading the Eighth Marine Cavalry-Mechanized Regiment with its' LY4 Wolfhound and LY-219MGS Ironheart light tanks, nervous of course as he led his column of twenty vehicles from the dock area along the secured routes for now. Restrictive rules of engagement were the bane of soldiers in modern times, and in a place going more hostile by the minute this was doubly true; but for now there was really nothing for it. Pity the Old Lady had to disappear in what was supposed to be a milk run; what a pity. Thought aside though, for now training kept him steady and alert enough to carry on, rumbling into the unknown ahead.

Alcona and Hubris

10-02-2008, 04:12

OOC: To keep the show on the road a bit before I know more of what I can do in Gorgon. Might not be on much more tonight but I can get this in at least.

IC
Approaching the ARN Pentaci
The Wagdian Cardinals and Priests were now at full alert, knowing that their nation's side had been theoretically declared and thus that this was very risky. Nonetheless, Captain Benjamin Altraeus figured that if there was to be a way to salvage this mess with somebody at least it was what had to be done. The mission is still valid, thus it still has to be completed. After the refuelling aboard the Gapon, no time had been wasted once the United Duchies had signalled after their people; soon it would be mission complete.

Approaching the Q-Ship, Altraeus climbed and slowed as the two flights took up (relatively) discreet but still close racetrack orbits covering the ship; Priests outward as pickets to give maximum advantage to the inward-patrolling Cardinal two-seaters and their comparatively superior beyond-visual-range surveillance and combat abilities. He signalled to the vessel, "ARN Pentaci this is Whiskey-Romeo-Mike-Charlie Helicopter Gapon-Three-Five-Alpha-One, Over? We've recovered your citizens from St. Fabian safely and are prepared to return them with your permission to land; and if you require we can perhaps assist with the SAR effort? Regardless, until such permission to land is given we'll remain at the proper distance; Captain Altraeus commanding Gapon-3-5-A-1 out."

Now the waiting began, and worse; waiting in the middle of busy airspace soon to be teeming with all of neutral and mutually-hostile aircraft both from several nations. The hazard pay hardly seems worth it, aside from the people you meet. Altraeus turned his eye to the woman, politely tipping a small salute as he returned to monitoring his instruments; trying for now just to get through this flight and then take it from there.

There really was no waiting. Copy Gapon-3-5-A-1 this is ARN Pentaci, we have your IFF codes and your green lighted to approach. Whiskey-Romeo-Mike-Charlie, I hope you boys scored well on small deck landings because your tail rotor is going to have to be hanging out in the wind when you land. Give us ten to clear the forward hatch area of any FOBs and get someone with an emergency landing kit out there so you boys can see what your doing. Pentaci out

At the rear of the craft, a launch was being swung out over the side of the ship.

At the forward cargo hatch crew were securing anything that a rotor might throw about or pull up into itself. One secured a few portable lamps to the coming of the hatch to form a lighted 'cross' for the pilot to use as a target.

Bretton

10-02-2008, 04:14

OOC: St. Fabian, check the OOC thread - stuff concerning you that needs addressing.

Wagdog

10-02-2008, 05:05

There really was no waiting. Copy Gapon-3-5-A-1 this is ARN Pentaci, we have your IFF codes and your green lighted to approach. Whiskey-Romeo-Mike-Charlie, I hope you boys scored well on small deck landings because your tail rotor is going to have to be hanging out in the wind when you land. Give us ten to clear the forward hatch area of any FOBs and get someone with an emergency landing kit out there so you boys can see what your doing. Pentaci out

At the rear of the craft, a launch was being swung out over the side of the ship.

At the forward cargo hatch crew were securing anything that a rotor might throw about or pull up into itself. One secured a few portable lamps to the coming of the hatch to form a lighted 'cross' for the pilot to use as a target.
"Copy all, will wait." As he hacked the time for the ten minutes to pass, Captain Altraeus decided now was the time if any. "Apologies for the circuitous route at first everyone." He beamed back into the cabin, perhaps with special attention for the officer but not unprofessionally so. "The Fabianese kept several flights out beyond when they hit bingo fuel before my shift got the green light to go in. "Too much longer and we were worried we'd have to be picking up more than just you. Seems that had to happen anyway but, well..." Trailing off, he waited for the time to pass down. Hopefully in what might come to be good company should any of them meet again once this was all over.

At the end of that time and what conversation could be made in it, the chopper would make its' way to the makeshift pad, and manage to land safely as the crew had indicated although there could be no more than a touch-and-go under these circumstances. With the tail boom dangling in the wind while the body was set upon the deck on a ship hardly designed for helicopter use (as this vessel clearly wasn't), there was nothing else that could be done and the port loadmaster readied himself to swiftly open the door so the passengers could dash out as safely as possible and Gapon 3-5-A-1 lift off as soon as they were safely clear and aboard. Still, the worst of it was over; only a few minutes and the first of Wagdog's two objectives in this theater would be complete. After that, there would only be the second and far harder to do; though at the moment that was no consolation at all really. Much indeed remained to be done, and the time was steadily running down to do it in it seemed.

St Fabian

10-02-2008, 05:12

Society of the Mind High Command Bunker; Gorgon, St. Fabian
This was a unique situation for Admiral Josephine Feschina; vampire, accomplished woman even apart from her race which was normally scorned and hunted across the world, and Admiral of the Wagdian Eighth Fleet. Not the most absolutely powerful of naval forces out there, even among those with like numbers and names after their nationalities, but still respectable in its' own right. A force of steel and fuel and firepower ready to defend its' nation's interests wherever commanded, to be reckoned with by all but the most haughty and mighty both; and yet now it was of no more than circumstantial use to her, if even that now. Any force that could pierce so easily through those blast doors as she'd like, would near to certainly either cause or occasion her death; and more thereafter besides.

"Very well, Mr. Stillman." She resignedly brushed away an errant lock of her hair and then sat down where directed after directing her guards to holster their weapons. They would relinquish them when commanded, but not a moment earlier. Some sort of parity had to be maintained here after all; her voice not half so calm as it really needed to be to do so, seeing as she'd not anticipated things would fail anywhere near this badly so far. "Indeed we shall get back to the diplomacy; which in fact was the initial aim, before word of rash action on the part of one of our allies led me to make a... 'judgment call'... as could be said. And a poor one, at that; yes most definitely poor." She could admit what needed admitting, for the sake of moving forward. The Etoilean bodies around hardly gave her any other options but to.

Sipping her tea first while shaking slightly from the sight of what she'd nearly dodged, since though harder to kill than her human guards she remained in principle vulnerable to surprisingly-conventional means compared to the pop-mythological take on such matters, Admiral Feschina nonetheless gradually contained herself and went on, "However, if indeed we are to proceed diplomatically then just as I must understand my position here, so must you understand yours. We are both hostages ultimately; me to you, which status I accept for the simple lack of alternatives, and you to the Brettonians and Allaneans just outside." Allowing the cup to rest in her cupped hands, she then looked calmly and levelly at Stillman with her black eyes and got to her first point. "Communication with the outside world will be critical if you are to establish yourselves a reputation as anything but terrorists; and indeed, since we both have reputation to reestablish here, your taking the step of reopening channels to the outside would aid your part in matters greatly. Those still inclined could come, and I could bear their censure as I likely must, but right now the less heard from me and mine the more hostile all outside forces in general will become towards you." There was more of course, but one step at a time; Adm. Feschina had learned what waiting too long and trying to solve the problem at once had caused now.

This was part of what, prior to the chain of events that had triggered her overreaction, had truly been her plan. Get everyone in on the discussion, and then drop the hammer only after the Society had truly alienated everyone, not before. If by some rare feat of diplomacy they'd agreed to an open and fair political process for all, then indeed no hammer would've needed dropping at all. For now though, that hammer continued to fall given the lack of anything else to do or any commands to do else...

Society of the Mind High Command Bunker

"Oh, the government is no longer here, and they will continue to communicate with the out side world, and we do have an emergency system through which we can make contact, or be contacted through," Julio said, indicating a phone in the corner. "Now if you truly mean no harm, you have nothing to fear, I can tell you are uneasy. You are not my hostage, if I could, I would let you leave, but as you pointed out the Brettonians and Allaneans are just outside, and letting you out would let them in. So in a way, we are both they're hostages, but, we are safe from them, and they cannot hurt us, yet, and in the mean time, we have plenty of tea, and food, and much to discuss. Now, you have been quite quiet since you arrived, I assume you came here to talk about your nations opinions or feelings, or worries, so what is it you wish to discuss?"

The Gorgon Herald

A Message from the Government, Shows Foreigners that They Can't Win that Easily

We have received a message from the Society of the Mind. We shall not reveal our source, as it would endanger the safety of the government, and would be the same as treason, which this paper will neither support nor condone. The message is as follows,

To the Nations of the World,

We beg your assistance, as foreign forces are pulling our nation apart. They have attempted to murder the entire ligament government, and used chemical agents on civilian villages. They will not stop until our people bend to they're will. We beg for your help in saving our people from these foreigners. Now to those who have invaded the Commonwealth of St. Fabian, you will pay for your crimes, you will be held accountable. Action will be taken. You will not get away with this. Again, please assist us.

There you have it, a plea for help from the Society of the Mind. A plea to save the Commonwealth of St. Fabian, from utter destruction by foreigners.

Alcona and Hubris

10-02-2008, 21:28

OOC: This can only occur in nations, such as the FKC who happen to have one of these damn things running around

Klatchian Coast Network, Headquarters, Port Olympus

The room was not dusty or moldy, or even badly lit. It was in the basement, and there was only one person ever in the space. Eddie Peaks hadn't seen a janitor on the level in twenty or more years, so he cleaned the room himself. Replaced the flourecenant lights himself. The fact was that Eddie Peaks had been downsized twenty years ago. But accounting just kept on paying him and he kept on coming to work. The only reason the room existed was because KCN's charter stated it had to be a 'wire service' to keep a rather low tax on itself. So the telex machines existed along with the leased copper lines off to the rest of the known world.
The only people who used teletype anymore was a Dyellian weather station in the South Klatchian sea. Who sent the message because they always had sent it.

When someone else, in a distant land, actually sent a teletype report out...well Eddie looked up from his game of solitare (using actual cards) he put on his glasses and shuffled over to the machine.

"Egads...better get this upstairs...." Eddie pulled the sheet from the printer and strode as fast as his old body could carry him to the elevators. A few minutes later Eddie was wandering about looking for the international desk. Which was now a floor above. A young, feisty news intern strode up to the man.
"Sir, visitors with the tour are not..."
"I'm not a blasted tourist, I've got a wire report."
The intern blinked, "Alright..." She snatched the page and carried it towards the news show assistant producer
"Wire report..." the intern intoned. The producer looked down at the paper, it was dot matrix printer for gods sake. What was the International Desk sending her now? Villagers in St. Fabian Gased...my god what a story

"Take it to Amanda now..."

Amanda Stern was infront of the camera, looking attractive and sexy. She smiled brightly as she noted the recent decrease in Zemsky Stock on the Russian market had caused mumbling in Wall Street's financial district who had been putting together some long term loans for the Russian firm.

Then it happened, just like it always did in the movies. Someone handed her a typed sheet...well it looked typed. Not a breaking news story via the small unit in her ear, or the teleprompter before her eyes. A real live, this is so big we're putting it in your hands to release the story it on the air now kind of story.

KCN NEWS
"Ladies and Gentlemen we have a breaking news report out of Saint Fabian. Wire reports indicate that invading forces have begun gassing civilians in an attempt to subdue the population. I repeat we have wire reports of Saint Fabian being invaded and the invaders using chemical agents against the civilian population."

---------
The producer in the control room looked up from his paperwork and blinked. Somehow his news show had just gotten away from him.

Bretton

11-02-2008, 01:19

St. Fabian
Rural Area

*whirrr* *thud* *whirrr* thud* *whirrr* *thud*

The heavy segmented feet of Wilcox's Stahlkörper rose and fell across the dirt road leading through the village, planting large steps in his wake. The gas was beginning to disperse, though it wasn't much of a hindrance to the Stahlkörper's multi-spectrum imaging system in the first place. Villagers were sprawled out in the streets, some of them clutching weapons. Others were lazing about in a delirious, dream-like state - for safety purposes, the riot control agent was not powerful enough to put the hardiest of people to sleep, but it did do a magnificent job of putting them in a mostly harmless state of confusion and lethargy. Wilcox would have liked to have disembarked his machine to check some of the civilians lying on the ground, just to be safe - however, while the Stahlkörper did provide full NBC protection, his thin, form-fitting pilot's suit most assuredly would not.

Another Stahlkörper appeared around a corner - Wilcox's HUD quickly indicated it was a friendly unit and displayed the armor's unit classification and operator name.

"Captain," Wilcox began. "Looks like the gas worked." His eyes wandered to a middle-aged fellow in overalls, who was sitting on a bench and utterly mystified by operating the mechanism of an old bolt-action rifle.

"About as well as could be expected," Captain Koch mumbled. "We need a recovery crew in full chemical gear," he dispatched over radio. "Also assets for short-term detainment of hostile citizenry. Over."

"Copy that, unit leader," a tinny voice replied. "We'll be dropping another container nearby."

"Understood," Koch signed off. "All units, prepare to receive another drop to assist in cleaning up the area. Maintain surveillance of your designated area and continue to use a minimum of force to subdue anyone who's still active."

Wilcox spotted a body particularly close to him. The Stahlkörper knelt down to the ground, allowing him to roll the civilian onto her back with the smaller "master arms" his own limbs occupied. She was still breathing, to his relief.

"I wonder why they're doing this..." he asked aloud of nobody in particular.

"Because they're backwards primitives who've been taught to trust and obey everything their mundane lords tell them," Koch replied in a rather derisive tone. "If you offered them candy, and the oligarchy said 'They're here to kill you,' I can imagine what they'd believe."

"How unfortunate," Wilcox frowned.

---

Brettonian Relief Force

Un-fucking-believable, General Hassler thought, rhythmically tapping his fingers impatiently on the armrest of the Ouroboros' commander's chair. The huge monitor displaying a tactical map of St. Fabian was showing angry red circles indicating hostile combatants quite literally everywhere the relief forces were landing. The earliest drop points had been replaced with blue circles to indicate hostilities had ended; a bevy of reports of the usage of sedative riot control agents accompanied them, followed by requests for "clean up" crews to tend to the incapacitated persons. How could these people be so impossibly stupid? Even this level of brainwashing is practically unthinkable, he continued. It doesn't make any sense. The General's thoughts began drifting to old science-fiction and thriller novels, published when his father was a boy, containing all kinds of mysterious mind-control devices that transmitted commands to the helpless victims' brains. No, that's stupid, he quickly told himself. Even if they had that technology, there's no functioning wireless in the entire country to transmit it with... Hassler continued shooing the thoughts out of his mind, but they were proving difficult to dislodge.

"General, the rest of the air wing is reporting that they're beginning the second drop operation onto targets requesting cleaners," the logistics officer reported. "Perhaps I'm overstepping myself, but in my opinion it would be wise to expect all land forces to be putting in these requests, sir."

"You are overstepping yourself, but you're probably right anyway," Hassler grumbled. "Have the transports make preparations for additional passes over the drop sites that haven't reported in requests yet. They'll probably be coming shortly. Additionally, chief, send a message to headquarters to dispatch the standby forces. This is going to require more manpower than I had previously estimated."

"Understood, General," the communications chief nodded. While he went about his business, a window appeared in the GUI of his duty station that he did not seem too pleased about. "Ah, sir, you may want to take a look at this."

"What could possibly be so important as to mandate I come over there?" Hassler glared, walking over to the station.

"Military Intelligence has been regularly reporting on news broadcasts and publications coming from other countries taking part in the conflict," the chief reported. "This one was particularly notable." The headline reading about the conflict mentioned the use of gas.

Impossible! We wiped out all wireless service in the entire country! How did... the General's inner monologue trailed off.

"Chief, get me a direct line to the unit leader of ground forces in a secured village," he ordered. "I don't care who or where, just do it!" The chief hurriedly went about his task, offering the General his headset, which the latter quickly grabbed.

"Captain, this is HQ," Hassler quickly identified. "Are there cables that aren't suited for electrical grids coming to or from the village you're at?" A few moments of silence passed while the unit leader assessed his situation. An affirmative response came back. "Cut them, at once, and render inoperative any central hardware they're attached to in the village! There's been a breach of security and it needs to be clamped off IMMEDIATELY. Over and out." Hassler angrily returned the headset to the chief. "Replicate those orders to all ground force commanders and regional operatives. I want them carried out at the first god damned opportunity available." Hassler headed back towards his chair, fuming. Telephones! Damned archaic system would still be used here, wouldn't it?!

Wagdog

11-02-2008, 17:42

Society of the Mind High Command Bunker

"Oh, the government is no longer here, and they will continue to communicate with the out side world, and we do have an emergency system through which we can make contact, or be contacted through," Julio said, indicating a phone in the corner. "Now if you truly mean no harm, you have nothing to fear, I can tell you are uneasy. You are not my hostage, if I could, I would let you leave, but as you pointed out the Brettonians and Allaneans are just outside, and letting you out would let them in. So in a way, we are both they're hostages, but, we are safe from them, and they cannot hurt us, yet, and in the mean time, we have plenty of tea, and food, and much to discuss. Now, you have been quite quiet since you arrived, I assume you came here to talk about your nations opinions or feelings, or worries, so what is it you wish to discuss?"

The Gorgon Herald

A Message from the Government, Shows Foreigners that They Can't Win that Easily

We have received a message from the Society of the Mind. We shall not reveal our source, as it would endanger the safety of the government, and would be the same as treason, which this paper will neither support nor condone. The message is as follows,

To the Nations of the World,

We beg your assistance, as foreign forces are pulling our nation apart. They have attempted to murder the entire ligament government, and used chemical agents on civilian villages. They will not stop until our people bend to they're will. We beg for your help in saving our people from these foreigners. Now to those who have invaded the Commonwealth of St. Fabian, you will pay for your crimes, you will be held accountable. Action will be taken. You will not get away with this. Again, please assist us.

There you have it, a plea for help from the Society of the Mind. A plea to save the Commonwealth of St. Fabian, from utter destruction by foreigners.
SIC
Society of the Mind Command Bunker; Gorgon, St. Fabian
"Well Mr. Stillman..." Admiral Feschina felt that this man didn't quite get the point, not that she blamed him for his rationalist worldview nor that she made it a habit to disclose her true nature to all and sundry; she knew how most of the world would react and thus kept discreet per common sense. Food and drink for you, maybe, but not for me aside from perhaps the very rarest of your meat portions available... Per this private thought she'd endure as long as she could, but that would be a few days at most; and should the inner predator take over even for a moment then things would turn ugly and do it fast. "Well, I came here to discuss all of these things yes, but also policy you see. Before going in too deeply I'll say that for myself the tea and whatever rare meat, and I mean rare, would do; though food can wait for a while on my part still." She began to calm herself with this attempt after her basic needs secured, hoping it wouldn't give away too much or be impossible.

"For starters, our policy is not different in goal from the Allanean or Brettonian, only different in means; or it was at least until my unfortunate error in judgment which I freely admit." Best to start where one had to. "You see, your government is generally seen as merely a case of 'replacing one Tyranny with another'; a Tyranny of Tradition with a Tyranny of Reason as it were. And although my government purely on its' own might not have minded as much as others, nonetheless we are sensitive to the thoughts and needs of our allies all the same." Taking a sip of the tea offered, Admiral Feschina collected herself and then moved on.

"Now, what my government remains interested in is creating a process whereby the Society of the Mind proves its' good faith to the world by agreeing to free and fair elections contested with whatever opponents remain who were not part of the old aristocracy. We're certain there must at least be some such individuals, since full implementation of the Sceptrum of Vita has only just begun we must agree; and it would take generations from now for your people to slowly begin losing memories from the old order as those alive at the time gradually died off. The biggest problem is that though there is blood on both our hands, yours were the first bloodied when the entire aristocratic class was destroyed; and that has created the fundamental suspicion that drives the Brettonian and Allanean and Etoilean actions thus far, and my own government's along with them." She paused for another sip and some breaths, then continued, making sure never to raise her voice or so on so as to appear as 'normal' as possible in mannerism. "Naturally I'm in no position to 'demand' such political actions from your society, but then again you're no more in a position to 'demand' anything from me since my death would only sever your last chance at dealing with your foes in a remotely agreeable fashion. Thus both our positions are relatively-weak here compared to those outside this facility whether allied or opposed to either of us; hence the best way to start is for us to see how we might help each other correct the mistakes lying at the root of this shared weakness, and whom among your own countrymen to enlist for such."

There was more to it than that of course; not all could be forgiven quite so easily and especially not so when there was blood involved, as there surely was now. But one had to start all the same; and although neither in a position to stop what her forces were doing so long as she was held incommunicado, nor inclined to stop them either lest she weaken her own bargaining power too early, nonetheless Admiral Feschina knew that she'd made a serious misjudgment of the Society's strength and popularity. A misjudgment that had to be corrected if anything was to be achieved here at all...

St Fabian

11-02-2008, 23:44

SIC
Society of the Mind Command Bunker; Gorgon, St. Fabian
"Well Mr. Stillman..." Admiral Feschina felt that this man didn't quite get the point, not that she blamed him for his rationalist worldview nor that she made it a habit to disclose her true nature to all and sundry; she knew how most of the world would react and thus kept discreet per common sense. Food and drink for you, maybe, but not for me aside from perhaps the very rarest of your meat portions available... Per this private thought she'd endure as long as she could, but that would be a few days at most; and should the inner predator take over even for a moment then things would turn ugly and do it fast. "Well, I came here to discuss all of these things yes, but also policy you see. Before going in too deeply I'll say that for myself the tea and whatever rare meat, and I mean rare, would do; though food can wait for a while on my part still." She began to calm herself with this attempt after her basic needs secured, hoping it wouldn't give away too much or be impossible.

"For starters, our policy is not different in goal from the Allanean or Brettonian, only different in means; or it was at least until my unfortunate error in judgment which I freely admit." Best to start where one had to. "You see, your government is generally seen as merely a case of 'replacing one Tyranny with another'; a Tyranny of Tradition with a Tyranny of Reason as it were. And although my government purely on its' own might not have minded as much as others, nonetheless we are sensitive to the thoughts and needs of our allies all the same." Taking a sip of the tea offered, Admiral Feschina collected herself and then moved on.

"Now, what my government remains interested in is creating a process whereby the Society of the Mind proves its' good faith to the world by agreeing to free and fair elections contested with whatever opponents remain who were not part of the old aristocracy. We're certain there must at least be some such individuals, since full implementation of the Sceptrum of Vita has only just begun we must agree; and it would take generations from now for your people to slowly begin losing memories from the old order as those alive at the time gradually died off. The biggest problem is that though there is blood on both our hands, yours were the first bloodied when the entire aristocratic class was destroyed; and that has created the fundamental suspicion that drives the Brettonian and Allanean and Etoilean actions thus far, and my own government's along with them." She paused for another sip and some breaths, then continued, making sure never to raise her voice or so on so as to appear as 'normal' as possible in mannerism. "Naturally I'm in no position to 'demand' such political actions from your society, but then again you're no more in a position to 'demand' anything from me since my death would only sever your last chance at dealing with your foes in a remotely agreeable fashion. Thus both our positions are relatively-weak here compared to those outside this facility whether allied or opposed to either of us; hence the best way to start is for us to see how we might help each other correct the mistakes lying at the root of this shared weakness, and whom among your own countrymen to enlist for such."

There was more to it than that of course; not all could be forgiven quite so easily and especially not so when there was blood involved, as there surely was now. But one had to start all the same; and although neither in a position to stop what her forces were doing so long as she was held incommunicado, nor inclined to stop them either lest she weaken her own bargaining power too early, nonetheless Admiral Feschina knew that she'd made a serious misjudgment of the Society's strength and popularity. A misjudgment that had to be corrected if anything was to be achieved here at all...

Society of the Mind Command Bunker

"Yes, yes," said Julio. "That is difficult. As we attempted to explain before, we do not believe our people are ready for such elections. But after seeing what is going on, we might consider that option. If we can have assurances, that it will not be the same as this meeting, an attempt for us to let our guard down, then once we do, you attempt to assassinate us, and that you will accept the results of such elections what ever they may be, and leave our nation to rebuild. No "humanitarian aide," no "assistance," but leave, and never come back. If such assurances can be made, we will go forth with free elections that are as fair as are possible with the current level of education of our people. I will allow you to contact your superiors, we have a telegraph machine right over there, with a secure line, that is, an underground line that connects to a main line in a foreign nation," he said pointing to a machine in the corner.

St. Fabian
Rural Area

*whirrr* *thud* *whirrr* thud* *whirrr* *thud*

The heavy segmented feet of Wilcox's Stahlkörper rose and fell across the dirt road leading through the village, planting large steps in his wake. The gas was beginning to disperse, though it wasn't much of a hindrance to the Stahlkörper's multi-spectrum imaging system in the first place. Villagers were sprawled out in the streets, some of them clutching weapons. Others were lazing about in a delirious, dream-like state - for safety purposes, the riot control agent was not powerful enough to put the hardiest of people to sleep, but it did do a magnificent job of putting them in a mostly harmless state of confusion and lethargy. Wilcox would have liked to have disembarked his machine to check some of the civilians lying on the ground, just to be safe - however, while the Stahlkörper did provide full NBC protection, his thin, form-fitting pilot's suit most assuredly would not.

Another Stahlkörper appeared around a corner - Wilcox's HUD quickly indicated it was a friendly unit and displayed the armor's unit classification and operator name.

"Captain," Wilcox began. "Looks like the gas worked." His eyes wandered to a middle-aged fellow in overalls, who was sitting on a bench and utterly mystified by operating the mechanism of an old bolt-action rifle.

"About as well as could be expected," Captain Koch mumbled. "We need a recovery crew in full chemical gear," he dispatched over radio. "Also assets for short-term detainment of hostile citizenry. Over."

"Copy that, unit leader," a tinny voice replied. "We'll be dropping another container nearby."

"Understood," Koch signed off. "All units, prepare to receive another drop to assist in cleaning up the area. Maintain surveillance of your designated area and continue to use a minimum of force to subdue anyone who's still active."

Wilcox spotted a body particularly close to him. The Stahlkörper knelt down to the ground, allowing him to roll the civilian onto her back with the smaller "master arms" his own limbs occupied. She was still breathing, to his relief.

"I wonder why they're doing this..." he asked aloud of nobody in particular.

"Because they're backwards primitives who've been taught to trust and obey everything their mundane lords tell them," Koch replied in a rather derisive tone. "If you offered them candy, and the oligarchy said 'They're here to kill you,' I can imagine what they'd believe."

"How unfortunate," Wilcox frowned.

Steve, Jimmy, and Joey had been out patrolling the fields in they're pick-up truck. They were brothers. Steve, 17, was driving, Jimmy 16, was in the passengers seat with a rifle, and Joey, 15, was standing in the back, with a M72 LAW. They saw smoke in the town from a distance, and Steve sped up, as they approached the village, they knew something was wrong, as people were just laying on the ground. The truck stopped no the main road, and the Joey saw Wilcox's Stahlkörper. It's back turned toward him. He aimed M72 at him, and fired. He was begining to feel the gas taking effect, but his aim was straight and true. Moments later, all three were knocked out.

Bretton

12-02-2008, 01:48

St. Fabian
Rural Area

A deep bass rumble slowly began building to a crescendo over the village - keen eyes would spot the distant running lights of a massive Ouroboros as it slowly dragged across the sky. A few more objects emerged from its rear, deploying parachutes to slow their descent.

"Oh good, the cleaners are here," Wilcox mentioned.

"It would have been quicker if they didn't insist on coming down in an armored personnel carrier," Captain Koch noted. "Not like anyone's still on their feet at this-" A voice broke into his radio.

"Captain, just took a sniper hit from a 3-story tenement on the edge of town," a trooper reported. "Obviously someone's still awake."

"Oh," Koch said with a slight hint of surprise. "Well, take care of the necessary measures."

"Roger," the soldier replied. The low "whump" of a grenade launcher firing was barely audible over the thunderous rumble of the Ouroboros passing overhead, even though it was well past the village in terms of relative distance. It also conveniently obscured the noise of an approaching 6-cylinder diesel engine.

"HQ, this is Koch," the captain began. "I'm confirming the arrival of the cleaners. Thanks for the quick response." A bang announced itself over the rumble of the disappearing Ouroboros.

"What the hell was-" Wilcox was cut off as the canisters on the back of his Stahlkörper exploded, spraying flaming parts of guns and ammunition in every direction. The blast toppled the armored suit onto its face, revealing the beat-up pickup truck at the end of the street.

"Fuck!" Koch exclaimed. The pump racked and a grenade tore out of his machine cannon, slamming into the side of the truck's bed and spewing gas. "All units, activate your camouflage and electric defenses immediately! The civilians have vehicles and antitank weapons!" The truck had stopped moving and Koch couldn't detect any movement from its three occupants on his thermal imaging display. "Disable any approaching vehicles that don't heed an order to stop - these dumbasses obviously mean business." He switched back to short-range intercom. "Wilcox, you alive?" A groan issued from the suit.

"What a beautiful field of flowers..." Wilcox said in a confused, dazed tone.

"What?" Koch quickly asked.

"And they smell so wonderful..." he continued on, unaware of Koch's question. The Stahlkörper remained face-down in the dirt.

"Great..." Koch muttered. "We need medical over here, possible casualty with exposure to gas." He changed frequencies again to cover the rest of his unit. "All units, you are to remain on guard while the cleaners do their work. Establish a perimeter from defensible positions and do not let any more combatants in the field breach it." Koch signed off and began muttering incoherently about the "idiot peasants" his men were still trying not to harm. A ping on his display indicated the arrival of the "cleaners", showing green blips with biohazard symbols on them beginning to spread out through the village. One of them was approaching his position - it emerged to be an eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier, which came to a halt nearby and began disgorging figures clad in full chemical isolation gear. Two began attempting to assist Wilcox, while the remainder fanned out in pairs to locate and detain unconscious and incapacitated civilians. This type of operation would be ongoing throughout the village until it was secured.

---

Brettonian Relief Force

General Hassler stroked his chin thoughtfully as he continued to gaze on one of the large monitors in his vessel's flight deck. The red circles indicating hostile regions were dropping like dominoes - in their places were icons requesting for cleaners. Did nobody see things our way? At all? Utterly ridiculous... the General thought to himself.

"Are the Axis forces encountering this same kind of madness?" Hassler abruptly inquired, still looking nonplussed but currently waging a mental battle of sorts.

"No information on that, General. I'll try to find out," the communications chief nodded.

"Hm," Hassler said. "At the current rate of things, to take the capital we may need to call in 'It'..." The chief and aircraft commander glanced at him for a moment, then returned to their duties. It was universally understood what that singular pronoun meant in that context - what was surprising was that the commanding officer of this "relief effort" which should have been a total wash was considering such a course of action.

St Fabian

13-02-2008, 23:44

Greater Gorgon Area, St. Fabian
"Gapon-One-One-Alpha-Lead to all aircraft, contact lost with the Admiral and Etoilean delegations in Gorgon. Per protocol, activate ECM and keep your heads on a swivel. We're here to take control and suppress what resistance emerges to the air landing, just like the Marines want this clean too; so let's do just that. Lead out." Colonel Vazquez banked her Cardinal up and kept a weather eye on her radar datalink from the carrier's patrolling Helix-E AEW helos. Per air-defense-suppression and general common snese, she didn't want to radiate too much unless required; relying instead on passive sensors. And even in this situation, orders were strict: do not fire until fired upon.

While the Cardinals and Priests roared over the countryside by the hundreds now, challenging the local defenses to either fight back or stand down as preferred, the Marines aboard their Ki-1TVK choppers proceeded to the communications nodes in St. Fabian as noted by the Etoileans during planning before contact had been lost. No boots were on ground yet, nor would be for some minutes still; but the pace was quickening since contact with the bunker had been lost and wasn't going to slow until and unless said contact were regained. Behind, the first hovercraft would soon be unloading their initial wave of armor and Marines to assist the Allaneans in fortifying control of the Society capitol. Resistance was expected now, for sure; but for the time being trust was being placed in mass and speed to deter such for as long as possible.

This made Colonel Vincent Migogna, heading the Eighth Marine Cavalry-Mechanized Regiment with its' LY4 Wolfhound and LY-219MGS Ironheart light tanks, nervous of course as he led his column of twenty vehicles from the dock area along the secured routes for now. Restrictive rules of engagement were the bane of soldiers in modern times, and in a place going more hostile by the minute this was doubly true; but for now there was really nothing for it. Pity the Old Lady had to disappear in what was supposed to be a milk run; what a pity. Thought aside though, for now training kept him steady and alert enough to carry on, rumbling into the unknown ahead.

The citizens in the city sat tight by they're windows, guns in hand, ready to shoot anything on the streets. They heard rotors in the air, and knew that soon there would be troops on the ground. Until then they just sat, and watched.

Wagdog

14-02-2008, 17:13

Society of the Mind Command Bunker

"Yes, yes," said Julio. "That is difficult. As we attempted to explain before, we do not believe our people are ready for such elections. But after seeing what is going on, we might consider that option. If we can have assurances, that it will not be the same as this meeting, an attempt for us to let our guard down, then once we do, you attempt to assassinate us, and that you will accept the results of such elections what ever they may be, and leave our nation to rebuild. No "humanitarian aide," no "assistance," but leave, and never come back. If such assurances can be made, we will go forth with free elections that are as fair as are possible with the current level of education of our people. I will allow you to contact your superiors, we have a telegraph machine right over there, with a secure line, that is, an underground line that connects to a main line in a foreign nation," he said pointing to a machine in the corner.
SIC
"Very well then." Admiral Feschina knew that the basics of this would still be tough to arrange, but for now best to emphasize the positives. "Isolationism isn't the policy I or my government would recommend, but if that's your choice then so be it; in any case we'll argue what we can." No sense in not trying at least, considering how things were going.

She sat down at the telegraph and began tapping out the message, knowing this would take a while. Still, had to be done; and eventually it would get back to her government.

EMERGENCY WIRE
FROM: SOCIETY OF THE MIND, ST. FABIAN; ADM. JOSEPHINE FESCHINA, RCW 8THFLT CO
TO: RCW GOVERNMENT, ALLANEAN GOVERNMENT, BRETTONIAN GOVERNMENT, COURTESY OF WHOSOEVER RECEIVES THIS WIRE.

SOCIETY OF THE MIND SCATTERED AND RESISTING, THOUGH SUPPRESSION OPS CONTINUE. SOCIETY IS WILLING HOWEVER, TO ENTERTAIN PEACE AND ELECTIONS AS FAIR AS POSSIBLE FOR CURRENT FABIANESE EDUCATIONAL STATE, GIVEN OBSERVANCE OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ON THE PART OF ANTI-SOCIETY FORCES...

1. NO FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO SUBVERT THE SOCIETY OCCUR AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THIS MESSAGE AND BEFORE THE ELECTION RESULTS COME IN, NOR ATTEMPTS BE MADE IN THE EVENT THE SOCIETY WINS.

2. ONCE ELECTIONS ARE CONCLUDED, ALL FOREIGN PRESENCE TO LEAVE ST. FABIAN AND NOT INTERFERE FURTHER; NO EXCEPTIONS.

URGENT DISPATCH OF THIS MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNMENTS INDICATED IS REQUESTED. SITUATION IS UNSTABLE, AND GROWING WORSE WITH TIME. SOS. FESCHINA OUT.

The citizens in the city sat tight by they're windows, guns in hand, ready to shoot anything on the streets. They heard rotors in the air, and knew that soon there would be troops on the ground. Until then they just sat, and watched.

IC
Skies Over Gorgon, St. Fabian
Scout Colonel Gerald "Right Path" Fawkins sighed at the sight below. Whole Commandos of Scouts being expended on a few targets, aiming to smother Fabianese local resistance by sheer shock and mass from above. It works, of course. He knew their odds were by all theoretical measures decent. But why do I feel this is the worst of all ways this could've happened? He wasn't aware of all that had occasioned this, but as part of the elite Marine Scouts he knew more than most would; and what he knew disturbed him.

In any case, the helicopters dropped their six-man teams in rapid sequence onto and around the various Fire and Police Departments of Gorgon, for now avoiding the airport and leaving the harbor district to the Allaneans; Fawkins' 1,200-strong No.89 Commando taking the police station farthest south of the Society command bunker and its' entire surrounding block. Once his team was set up with numerous others on the station's roof, and still more on the ground and taking up what cover they could, Fawkins' signaled the entry to begin. Tensing, the Scouts prepared for their assault to come, fixing Allanean-pattern bayonets where their carbines weren't otherwise encumbered with grenade-launchers or suchlike higher-priority accoutrements.

Sergeant-Major Birgitte "Virgin Talon" Meyers blasted one of the upper utility staircase doors open with her KS-23 shotgun, only for one of the team grenadiers to lob a flash-bang into the open staircase as everyone took cover. Once the grenade detonated and died off, Fawkins led the way with his team; his S-25 submachine gun and their E-19 carbines leveled as they all stormed into the building. And thus, into the unknowns inherent in any such mission however practiced.

By speed and shock, at this site and others throughout Gorgon as the seizure continued while the world still waited for Feschina's message to get out, the objectives were simple: overmatch, overawe, and overwhelm any resistance from Society loyalists with as much speed and as little bloodshed as possible. Maximum apparent violence for minimum actual death, though whether that equation would hold for long was anyone's guess. Fawkins felt somewhat secure in his Aerospace Logistics Advanced Light Infantry suit, a fully-enclosed set of modern ballistic armor with a ventilated and commlinked armored helmet; but then again at ranges this close and with good aim, nearly anything more powerful than a weak pistol round or errant shrapnel fragment could still be lethal. Hence, all caution was due and would be shown; hopefully to good effect though that nagging feeling in Fawkins' gut remained whenever he considered that...

Bretton

19-02-2008, 22:20

St. Fabian
Rural Area

The second drop operation had filled in the remaining necessities of the relief force, giving the citizenry's stubborn determination that the Brettonians were on their territory for nefarious purposes. Of course, how they'd react once the sedative riot control gas wore off in a few hours would be an interesting spectacle to say the least...

Captain Koch's Stahlkörper stalked towards one of the operatives clad in a chemical suit as he observed the going-ons just outside the village.

"Is it done yet?" Koch's voice was amplified by the suit's external speakers. He glanced in one of the screen partitions showing the area behind him - the village's center square was littered with incapacitated Fabian citizens. Most of them had been bound by cable ties by the men in chemical suits who had gone into the houses and buildings after the gas attack.

"Just about, Captain," the anonymous figure responded; his gas mask obscured all features, and no name or rank tags were visible on the suit. "Your men performed admirably - I expected there would be more casualties."

"You Ministry of Health types should give us in the Army a little more credit," Koch chuckled. "You're not the only people with a monopoly on saving lives." As he spoke, more "cleaners" began loading up the citizenry on stretchers and carefully moving them out of the square, inevitably passing Koch's Stahlkörper and the cleaners' leader on their way down the hill towards the encampment at the edge of town.

"Ministry of Health? Oh, you misunderstand," the cleaner replied.

"How so?" Koch cocked an eyebrow.

"The Ministry of Health was kind enough to provide us with troops and equipment, but this operation is being conducted under the authority of the Office of Military Intelligence," the cleaner flatly remarked.

OMI? Koch thought. What have they got to do with this? A slightly unpleasant feeling was forming in his stomach at the mention of that shadowy organization.

"Something wrong?" the cleaner asked, in a rather nonchalant tone.

"Ah," Koch quickly reasserted himself. "No, nothing." His gaze wandered to the prefabricated camp being assembled just outside of the village, where the citizenry were being transported by the cleaners. Several of his Stahlkörper units were helping assemble standardized wall and gate assemblies that had been dropped en masse during the last Ouroboros flyover, creating a roughly octagonal shape with a good deal of space inside. Spot welders quickly assembled the different segments together, and the tops of collapsible quonset huts began appearing over the edge of the walls. An unsettling air crossed Koch's mind - the camp looked exactly the same as it had a moment ago, but now armed with the knowledge that Military Intelligence was in charge of the operation in interning the Fabian civilians, Koch couldn't help but find it taking on a more sinister appearance.

---

Brettonian Relief Force

"Dismiss the first bomber wing and start tightening up the CAP," General Hassler ordered, eying a deployment map displayed on one of the big screens. The second bomber force was about to arrive, freeing up the first wing to return to their bases in Numonica - their fuel supplies would be reaching "bingo" levels soon, and Hassler wanted to conserve the onboard fuel capacities of his Ouroboros detachments for the fighter escorts providing combat air patrol.

"Logistics, bring up the tactical map again." Hassler stroked his chin as the map of St. Fabian appeared once more. A pleasing blue color now occupied most of the mainland - the peninsula and capital of Gorgon, colored red, stuck out angrily, defiant. The offshore islands also remained in red, but they were not currently objects of interest to Hassler - though a majority of the foreign flotillas had sailed, he was not convinced that it was yet safe to begin drop operations there while naval assets might still be operating in the region, especially since any ground forces dropped might end up cut off from the mainland. It would have to wait until the situation on the ground was resolved.

"Sir, we have a call from General Bergmann in Military Intelligence," the communications chief announced. "He says it's important."

"Well, let's have it, then," Hassler said. OMI... what're they up to now? Hassler grabbed a headset and held it to his ear. "Hassler speaking."

"Yuri, it's been a while," a gravelly voice stated. "How are you?"

"Fine," Hassler quickly noted. "What is it you wanted?" Much like many career Army officers, Hassler had a pointed disdain for the secretive and shady office that ostensibly coordinated the efforts of the armed forces.

"Just thought I'd give you and your men a 'head's up', good buddy," the unpleasant voice continued. "The cleaners you requested have been fully empowered to facilitate the 'Nonpersons' order as an extension of their humanitarian duties. It shouldn't hinder their operations noticeably."

"I see," Hassler said.

"As long as we're picking the egg crate out of the fire, we may as well discard the broken ones, no?" the voice replied. "That's all. We should get together some time again - it's been ages."

"I'll try and schedule something. Out," Hassler curtly replied, removing the headset. Do those guys ever take a holiday? Hassler frowned. According to the reports, St. Fabian was not home to any significant mutant ("Nonperson") populations or refugees. Typical OMI thoroughness, I guess...

Alcona and Hubris

21-02-2008, 01:09

OOC: placed in two threads to deal with cross-over issues
ARN Pentaci

Captain Reynolds was watching the last of the SAR operation wind down from the bridge. “Well the Waggians seem nice enough” He began to say before being interrupted by a seamen first class from the radio room.
“CSELM from NM, Priority Delta sir” She said as she handed him a small folder. The Captain turned, signed the release sheet and opened it.

Code: XLZ-724-9972
Security Level: Secret
Vrakian freighter Vrakian Hope located in Gordon Harbor with engine problems. Class I FKC Secure Mat on manifest.
Order: Secure Vessel/Cargo immediately
Futher Data: Report from shipping firm indicates loss of EC-131 board in motor control. Local electronic techs unable to repair. Unknown status of replacement.

“Damn it all to hell…coxswain, assemble the Major, the XO, the master chief and Lt. Davies in my wardroom ASAP”
“Aye,Aye Captain”

Wardroom, Twenty Minutes Later“Alright people, you’ve heard the problem. We have a Vrakian freighter in port that is wounded with a cargo that we can not let fall into any of the hands of the locals or any of the invaders.”

Captain Reynolds turned from looking at the picture of the large freighter on the screen to his ‘team’

“Well, the engine isn’t a problem. That EC-131 board can be replaced by a AZ-978 which is what most people have done. And I have a few of them in stock…” Lieutenant Davies spoke first. She was the chief engineer aboard the Q ship and knew enough about merchies to make her a valuable asset to Fifth Fleet.”

“Good, now then assuming we transfer the Lieutenant here, how many Marines can we get onboard?”

“Nine…” The master sergeant stated dryly. We only have five Rosco’s…”

The engineer shook her head, “We need twenty bodies to get that thing out of that port with the antiquated support equipment.”

“Damn, normally we could just sail in right as rain and sail her out, but try that now and someone is likely going to fire on us. We could hold our own against most of the ships here but not entire taskforces and not with this much airborne hardware.”

“None of the crew is available?” The major asked.

“We can’t get hold of them, most of them were a mix from all over and likely bolted out on one of the hospital ships during the evacuation.”

The Executive Officer pushed forward, “Sir, you just reminded me. We caught some traffic between those hospital ships and a group of marines they abandoned at the airport.”

“Alright…” Reynolds stated not following where the XO was going.

“We can only get ten souls to the ship. But the Tanaarians have over a hundred that really want to leave it appears.”

“So we make a deal, get the Tanaarians off aboard the Vrakian Hope if they help us get her launched?”

“Aye sir…”

“But what about the Tanarians getting their hands on the cargo…” The Major asked.

“We get the Hope back out of the conflict zone and then load the Tanaarians onto flying boats to send them home.”

“We don’t need more than ten souls to sail her, just launch her from that backwards port.”

“Alright, XO put together a list of who’s getting to spend time underwater and play pirate…I guess I need to make a call to a Tanaarian and then Naval Manor.

To: Tanaarian Detatchment, Gordon Airport, Saint Fabian
From: United Duchies, Auxilary Cruiser ARN Pentaci.
Greetings, normally the United Duchies is not known for contacting forces in the field out of the blue, but perhaps we can assist each other. Am I correct in our intel reports that you have been ordered to evac Saint Fabian but do not have the transportation…over

To: Tanaara Government
From: Outer Ministry, United Duchies
Subject: Tanaara military forces in Saint Fabian.
Greeting and salutations,

The Government of the United Duchies has noted that you have a Marine contingent still occupying Saint Fabian territory as the invasion by Bretton forces occurs. It has also been suggested that you wish to remove these forces, but they lack transportation from the field.

The United Duchies, by request of her fellow Klatchian State of Vrak, will soon be removing a disabled Vrakian merchant vessel from the Port of Gordon. Our commander in the field has suggested that you might be willing to provided needed manpower to assist us for evacuation of your forces and personnel from Saint Fabian.
-Sir Brent Keole, Undersecretary for Maritime, Outer Ministry of the United Duchies.

Allanea

21-02-2008, 12:32

Official Allanean Message To the Tanaarans

If you wih, we can evacuate your men by use of our Ouroboros supercargolifters.

Bretton

26-02-2008, 02:41

Brettonian Relief Force

Ever since the communique from General Bergmann, General Hassler had been sitting rather impatiently, the fine leather sole of his glossy boot tapping rhythmically on the footrest of the aircraft commander's chair.

Damned OMI goons, waiting until now to try this business... he thought to himself. The longer this takes to conclude, the more likely it is that those sneaky bastards will have undermined my authority on the ground.

"Chief, is there still no response from the Fabian government or armed forces?" he asked.

"Negative, sir," the communications chief replied. "We haven't heard so much as a peep from them."

"Of course," Hassler grumbled. Damnation... this is going to get ugly if those creeps have the cover of combat operations to hide whatever it is they're planning. Got to end this as quickly as possible... Hassler pulled the visor of his cap down, obscuring his eyes and slouching into a typical posture of deep pondering. Then there's the foreign assets still operating in the area of the capital... the instigators have been marginalized, but what're those Allaneans planning? Then there was the question of whatever remained of the fleets offshore that had started this terrible business in the first place.

This entire boondoggle is a security breach. We've got to clamp down on the entire country before more agitators get in - or out, for that matter - so we can get around to setting things right. Hassler removed his still-unlit cigar and tucked it back into its metal canister, which retreated back into his coat.

"Very well. I'm making the executive conclusion that the Society of the Mind cannot and will not talk to us, and that whatever remains of the armed forces are either in collusion with them, or they've been eradicated entirely," Hassler announced. "Therefore, I am issuing an order to commence Operation Tannenberg, effective at once." Glances from the bridge crew were flashed in his direction - some of bafflement, others of pleasant surprise, and a few of knowing "I-thought-so"s. The pilot was the first to break the silence of the moment and begin facilitating the orders.

"Roger that, General," the pilot nodded, putting the aircraft into a gentle bank.

"Understood," the communications chief quickly followed suit. "Attention, all units, this is Forward Air Control. Operation Tannenberg has been committed. Assume your stations and posts, and begin carrying out your respective orders at once. Maintain periodic reports as outlined in the operation briefing, and inform FAC of any pressing situational developments immediately! All units are to check in and confirm the receipt of these orders. Over."

A laundry list of unit designations began rattling off as various voices chimed in their units, location, and confirmation of orders. A few asked for clarification giving their circumstances, but the vast majority had received the command and began acting upon it accordingly. The chief looked over his shoulder at Hassler in a visual confirmation that the deed was done; the General's face and head were almost totally obscured by his up-turned collar and slouching posture.

So that's that - I've played my hand. Time to see if it's going to be the winner or not... Hassler thought. The large tactical map that dominated one wall of the flight deck emitted a long beeping noise as it cleared the previous data of the ground control areas, replacing it with a detailed topographical chart showing the capital with respect to the rest of the Brettonian air units. Virtually all of the behemoth Ouroboros carriers were beginning to execute gradual turns, and soon became apparent that they were all closing in on the same destination - Gorgon. The fresh bombers from Brettonia waved off their CAPs near the borders and began following suit, lining up to follow the path of the coast of the peninsula. In a rare moment of self-indulgence, Hassler briefly chuckled to himself as he took in the full scope of things: the blips representing various aircraft headed towards the capital soon began forming the rudimentary shape of a noose.

Alcona and Hubris

27-02-2008, 02:42

Bretton

27-02-2008, 06:09

Brettonian Relief Force

General Hassler read over a printout of the announcement, looking utterly bewildered. He got to the end, flipped it over and read through it once more.

This is impossibly convenient, he thought. Just as our forces are prepared to seize the capital peninsula, NOW the Society agrees to hold elections? A playwright couldn't have asked for better timing. The communications chief looked on anxiously, hoping for some kind of reassurance or directive.

There's obviously something afoot, and we're not in on it... but what could it possibly be? Hassler's eyes drifted to the huge tactical map, observing the blips representing his air assets closing in on the peninsula of Gorgon's locale. A digital countdown to the opening stages of the operation itself was flying through the milliseconds at a lightning speed - the big digits put forth that operations were to start in just a few hours. The endgame of the campaign was just a stone's throw away, and for this revelation to come forth at this critical juncture... What could they be planning now, after we've already landed so many forces on the continent? It doesn't make sense. Hassler sat the document down on the armrest of his chair. What should I do now...? Hassler pulled down the brim of his hat once more and crossed his arms, slouching slightly. Awkward minutes passed - the digital countdown continued to advance.

"Um... sir," the chief nervously interjected some time later. "Will there be any change of orders?" Hassler's frown grew more pronounced.

"Send this report to the Chancellery, immediately," Hassler growled, not flinching from his brooding posture. "Request an executive clarification of our mission purpose, in light of new information. That is all."

"Understood, sir," the chief nodded, taking the document. "Then, no course corrections?"

"I said, that is all," Hassler gritted his teeth.

"Ah, yes, of course," the chief quickly replied. "My apologies, sir."

---

Brettonian Chancellery
Mountainous region

An adjutant carrying a sealed manila envelope huffed through the long corridors of Baroque architecture, festooned with tapestries, paintings, busts of famous figures, and other matters of historical knicknacks. The adjutant stopped at a T-junction and swiftly looked down both hallways, trying to figure out which would carry him to his destination. He took a moment to catch his breath, then opted to follow the right passage. The man was soon greeted with a wide staircase, spiraling up around what he assumed to be a drum tower on the outside. At the top, another hallway ended less than a hundred feet from the stairs with a pair of double doors. As he neared the door, a massive Stahlkörper (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=447922) combat suit thrust itself from the shadows behind the end of the colonnade, obscuring his path. He was promptly looking down the barrel of a 20mm machine cannon.

"What're you doing here?!" an amplified, distorted voice projected from the behemoth's external speakers.

"Hold it! I'm..." he doubled his free hand onto his knee and breathed heavily for a few seconds, "I'm bringing this file to the Chancellor."

"Let me see your identification," the suit demanded.

"It's.... important....!" he wheezed. The suit deactivated the safety on its rifle, which prompted the adjutant to quickly hand over his soldbuch. The suit carefully plucked the book from his hand, going to great extent not to crush it with its powerful fist. Transferring it over to one of its 'master' arms, the suit held the book up in front of its visor, flipping through the first few pages of the plain leatherbound pay book. It then flipped it shut and handed it back.

"You may proceed," it said. "Pardon the high security right now; we're not about to take any chances." The suit saluted, then returned to its previous position. The adjutant adjusted the collar of his uniform, recomposed himself, then opened the double doors.

"You're getting old, father!" A clang of steel striking steel announced itself from around a corner in the room.

"And you're getting cocky," a second voice came with another clang. The adjutant peered around the corner, catching sight of Chancellor Donner and his son, Albert, striking at each other with a pair of basket-hilted sabers. The Chancellor thrust at his son's chest, which the younger man deflected and quickly followed up with a riposte of his own. Donner was about to respond with a counter-riposte when the adjutant announced himself.

"Chancellor, I have an urgent docu-"

"WHAT?! Can't you see-" Donner was in turn interrupted as Albert took advantage of the sudden distraction to make another thrust, which caught the edge of the Chancellor's left hand and tore his glove. The white fabric quickly began staining with blood, prompting a noted grunt of pain. "Why, you..." Donner whapped his son over the head with the flat side of his saber; Albert dropped his sword and fell to his knees, clutching his head. "Do you have any idea how much I hate unannounced interruptions?!" Donner demanded.

"Please forgive my intrusion!" the adjutant quickly said, providing the file. "We just received a report from the St. Fabian Relief Force, and it was marked as urgent. I was told to bring it to you as quickly as possible." Donner set his saber aside and sat down on a plush chair nearby, signaling for a female aide waiting nearby to tend to his injury.

"Well, what is it?" Donner asked. The aide, who couldn't have been more than twenty, removed his shredded glove and began applying gauze from a first aid box to his wound.

"I don't know, it was marked as being request for strategic review..." the adjutant stated, handing over the envelope.

"Open this for me, will you?" Donner asked, giving it to his son.

"You didn't have to nearly collapse my cranium, father," Albert muttered, rubbing his bruised skull.

"And you didn't have to stab me in the hand," Donner replied, cringing from his aide's application of antiseptic.

"Well, you said a man should always be prepared to exploit a weakness of his enemy, or something to that effect," Albert stated, opening the envelope and removing a freshly-printed document on Ministry of Information letterhead.

"...a news broadcast?" Donner stated, somewhat at a loss. "How is this of any significance?" His aide put a fresh patch of gauze on the injury, applying a few long strips of medical tape to hold it in place. "Thank you, dear." Donner flipped over to the second, then third photograph.

"I don't get it," Albert added, also in confusion. The Chancellor flipped through the pages, quizzically looking for some kind of "punch-line". As his aide returned with a new glove, the Chancellor quirked an eyebrow at the conclusion of the final page of the transcript.

"I see," Donner said in a decidedly different tone, reviewing the document again.

"See what?" Albert inquired.

"A dilemma."

Wagdog

27-02-2008, 19:17

Port Olympus
The editor of KCN looked down at the teletype and shook his head. Alright, someone get me a phone and a listing for each of these nations.

TO: Governments of RCW and Bretton
From: Mic Stake, International Desk Cheif Editor Klatchian Coast News, formally the Klatchian Wire Service.

The Society of the Mind has surrendered to Admiral Josephine Feschina RCW 8th fleet with the following conditions:
1) The Society surrenders to the Admiral and the RCW for complete control of elections.
2) The Society Members will be allowed to stand for election and present a platform to the people of St. Fabian.
3) All forces must immediatly stop action against St. Fabian and the Society of the Mind forces.
4) The Admiral has agreed that the elected government of St. Fabian will be considered ligitimate by all agressors against the nation of St. Fabian.

However as this message was flying through the air of modern communications a broadcast was made across the world
The Saint Fabian Crisis
PEACE!

Ladies and gentlemen KCN is here to bring you a breaking news update. The crisis in Saint Fabian is...or should be...over. Today Admiral Josephine Feschina of the Wagdoggian forces in Saint Fabian made a historic agreement to end the fighting in Saint Fabian. She has worked a conditional surrender and cease fire with the Saint Fabian's Society of the Mind, which includes the fair and free elections of a new government of Saint Fabian.

I repeat, under heavy conditions and with her own life in danger, Admiral Josephine Feschina of Wagdog has secured a conditional surrender of Society of the Mind Forces in Saint Fabian.

I am now joined by Foreign Analyst Parcer Mandrake.
"Doctor Mandrake, does this new cease fire agreement mean democracy in Saint Fabian."

"Actually, Hugh it only means democracy if Bretton desires democracy. If Saint Bretton and her allies continue the invasion of Saint Fabian then it means nothing to the poor people of Saint Fabian."

"How so..."

"Quite simpily, if Bretton continues its naked agression, now that fair and free elections have been agreed to by the acting government of Saint Fabian, there can be one reason."

"What?"

"Bretton desires complete copitualtion of the Saint Fabian to form a colony. This is not an invasion against socialism, communism, or even for democracy. What it is, is the naked land grab of the Bretton Empire for colonial conquests."

"So do you think that Bretton is really out to effectively conquer Saint Fabian?"

"Only there actions after this announcement will inform us of that. All I have to say is the world waits with anticipation if Bretton is a supporter of democracy and self-determination. Or is it just another globe stomping colonial empire wanta-be. A future member of GODDAD if it is ever resurected."
Official RCW Response to KCN, CC: Armed Fortress State of Bretton, United States of Allanea
I'm indeed pleased to hear of these developments, and my Admiral's securing them at great risk to her own life and limb. I am fully prepared to honor these terms, and I ask that all belligerent parties in the St. Fabian area honor them as well; for I am not one to throw away a chance at peace if honorably given. To wit, I also ask that any evacuations of neutral parties underway be respected; as I say they shall be by my forces present per my authority as Commander-in-Chief thereof.

In the spirit of reconciliation they have shown me, the Society of the Mind has acted with the best interests of its' people in mind and I congratulate Mr. Stillman on his sense in avoiding what could have been a long and painful internal war. Although I will have our forces remain where they are so long as to ensure these terms are at least accepted by all sides, and ideally carried out as well, we will not remain an inch farther or a second longer than we are welcome. This chain of events has been most unfortunate, and the sooner it can be brought to an honorable end that satisfies all concerned interests the better.

To hasten the spread of this call for peace, I hereby give the Klatchian Coast News permission to publish this statement in full. You've earned much credit this day Mr. Stake, for acting as you have to bring this to the world's attention. You've done us all a great service, and for that you and your nation have my undying gratitude even if my own political course may have put us at odds yet still. With luck, all wounds can heal in time; and to that end let us start in St. Fabian.

In Hope,
Christine Friedrich
Stewardess of the Revolution, Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog
Secretary-President, RCW Supreme Directory

OOC: May edit in some minor SIC character stuff behind the statement's composition later, need to be going soon; but the statement will remain.

Bretton

01-03-2008, 09:16

Brettonian Relief Force

General Hassler was growing progressively more impatient. The great digital countdown to the planned start of the operation was now just approaching the fourteen minute mark. It had been hours since he'd requested clarification of mission directive, and the response he'd hoped for had not yet arrived. The boot-tapping continued at a progressively more irate frequency, by this point easily audible in the sprawling flight deck. Headquarters had never taken this long for a simple objective clarification - it was always extremely punctual. Hassler's mind began to wander to conspiratorial thoughts. Had there been an assassination? A coup? Were he and his men about to become scapegoats for something beyond their reckoning?

Regulations be damned, he thought, reaching for his cigar tin with no intent to leave it unlit.

"General, we've just received a response from headquarters!" the communications chief announced, looking partially shocked and partially elated. The past two hours had been tense ones.

"Well, let's have it," Hassler said in his usual laconic prose. This time, however, it was a facade. Finally! What could have taken them so long? he thought to himself. The communications chief scuttled over, offering the General printout. Bold letterhead announced this was for his eyes only, and to retain the orders personally after digesting their contents, to be destroyed at a convenient point.

CLARIFICATION OF MISSION OBJECTIVES IS AS FOLLOWS:

* OPERATIONS ARE TO BE CONTINUED AS PLANNED
* CHANGES OF DIRECTIVE: IDENTIFY ALL FOREIGN ASSETS STILL OPERATING WITHIN THE OPERATIONAL ZONE TO DETERMINE ORIGIN AND DIPLOMATIC STANDING WITH BRETTONIA
* <CONT'D> NO FOREIGN ASSETS BELONGING TO STATES THAT MAY REACT NEGATIVELY TO THE CONTINUATION OF OPERATIONS ARE TO BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE THEATER
* STEP UP DISRUPTION OF COMMUNICATIONS; NO DATA/INFORMATION IS TO FLOW INTO OR OUT OF ST. FABIAN WITHOUT BRETTONIAN APPROVAL AND SCREENING
* MILITARY INTELLIGENCE NON-HUMAN CONTROL PROTOCOLS ARE IN EFFECT; SUPPORT O.M.I. OPERATIONS ACCORDINGLY
* AT OPERATION START, ESTABLISH A PERIMETER AROUND THE THEATER AND INTERDICT ALL TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE OUTSIDE

THAT IS ALL. TACTICAL DECISIONS WILL BE LEFT TO YOUR JUDGMENT. CARRY ON.

Hassler reviewed the orders carefully to ensure the full breadth of the directive contained within was absorbed, then pocketed it into his coat.

"Chief," he began. "We are proceeding according to schedule. Inform all crews that they are to interdict anything attempting to leave the operational zone, and to establish a total communications blackout of anything not originating from a friendly party. Spread out the CAP and establish a perimeter- we are going in."

"Right away, sir!" the chief saluted sharply, and began disseminating the orders.

---

A flight leader's perusal of a men's magazine was interrupted by the orders coming down through his helmet's integrated radio.

"Look sharp, we just got the go-ahead to proceed," he said to his second, whose seat was positioned just ahead and slightly below his own. "Deck crew, pull the hoses and safeties, it's time." The red warning ribbons, attached to pins that kept the warheads of missiles and rockets from being accidentally detonated, were quickly yanked and discarded by efficient hangar staff, and hoses supplying fresh fuel to the tanks were sealed off and pulled aside.

Initially packed close together to make room for the troops previously dropped in other parts of the country, the Ouroboros' mostly-automated deck assembly system had begun shuffling the dark gray vehicles into areas now open enough to begin unfolding their more protruding parts. Four titanium rotor blades, previously folded back and stacked atop one another, snapped into place in the main shaft, and wings folded flat along the fuselage and boom were rotated into place below the engines, securely fastening to their appropriate mounts.

The behemoth rear doors yawned open once again, preparing to expel the last of their cargo. This time, however, no forces were being air-dropped. That might have worked in the countryside, but would be wholly impractical in a built-up enclave like the capital. A cacophony of rotors at evenly spaced, checkered intervals erupted out the back of the Ouroboros' cavernous holds - the opening of the doors as just as much a matter of practicality as it was of courtesy, because waves of hot exhaust would quickly raise even the huge cargo hold's temperature to insufferable levels. Green lamps the size of Volkswagens lit up, indicating the first wave was to launch.

Four Gamow (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=478398) gunships roared out the back of the massive transport, quickly banking and dropping altitude to avoid being caught in the enormous tail vortex created by the mothership. Four more quickly followed, with a third wave shortly thereafter. More gunships were being launched by the other Ouroboros units closing in on Gorgon, which would be approached from all four sides (those launched the furthest from the front would head for the coast and follow it until nearing Gorgon's locality, thus putting themselves into a position to interdict anything trying to escape). Elections or not, the Society's days were numbered with a decimal point.

---

NOTICE
Brettonia, Office of Military Intelligence
Attn: Chief of staff, Allanean Department of Defense
Regarding the St. Fabian Issue

Advisory: Endgame operations have begun in St. Fabian. In the interest of preventing mutual destruction of property and loss of life, it is advised that deployed Allanean assets (including those of allied forces) identify themselves to the Relief Force at once. Operations are expected to be terminated within 48 hours. Further developments will be sent as pertinent. Be in touch.

Allanea

01-03-2008, 16:29

Official Allanean response:

You will receive GPS and IFF data on the up-to-date location of our infantry and other troops.

Wagdog

04-03-2008, 04:45

Society of the Mind Command Bunker; Gorgon, St. Fabian
The wait had been long and arduous, but it was done. Whatever else was the case, Admiral Feschina's message had been received; that much she'd learned. Not that anything was necessarily easier now, oh no; quite far from it.

"Mr. Stillman, you have my thanks for the use of your telegraph. However, now things must be done to ensure that my people's position is such where we can act upon the trust you've placed in us." She remained as steady as she could, but all the time without... well, no need to be too obvious there. Best you remain appearing as normal as possible, girl. "We need to get in touch with your forces and take them into our protective custody, and I need to get topside and back to my carrier so I can remain in touch with my forces; if we don't, we can only work with those points in this city we control."

Naturally, something had to be given for this trust. "My fleet's accompanying Marine Division will assume responsibility for this city, and ideally the nation as well although I do ask your clearance to bring additional forces in so the validity of the polling is guaranteed. Its' commander General Darnens may take my place, though I advise that he be permitted some degree of communications greater than that telegraph," Feschina pointed to the machine in the corner, "so his ability to work under shared watch both of and by the Society is not compromised. Acceptable?" Now the waiting began...

Gorgon, St. Fabian
The harbor district still locked down by the Allaneans, the Wagdian 8th Marine Division proceeded to move throughout the town. Mechanized and armored columns moved to each of the public buildings being seized by Scout forces, though with word of Christine's announcement of some sort of surrender deal now it wasn't known precisely what to expect from the local populace and Society forces. They might abide by their own conditions, as would be logical... but then again, turnabout was fair play and especially so when in return for turnabout itself.

Still, that aside, Captain Brighton Hayes of Alpha Battery, 9th Battalion/8th Marine Air Defense Regiment knew priorities when he saw them. "You read the Brettonians; whatever HQ is having us do now," which was making progressively less and less sense to him by the minute as the number of Gamows he was able to track on the various radars (and of those he wasn't as well) grew more and more in turn, "Mark our battery's IFF and GPS beacons blue so they know who's at least in the same football field as them; field's getting crowded-enough as-is." Nodding, the battery's main command-and-control vehicle for the Lyran-designed Skyguard layered SAM net began to make the appropriate coded transmissions and protocol changes to mark the battery as 'friendly' to all Brettonian IFF receivers; as presumably were all other subunits within the Regiment and indeed all Wagdian forces in theater in general. Unnerved, and still either on or moving to combat footing as per protocol until further orders; but 'friendly' insofar as the little transponders were concerned at least.

Stewardess' Offices, Palace of the Revolution; Tailville DR, Wagdog
Nonetheless though, despite things proceeding at a more normal pace than they had in the frenetic early hours of this operation, it wasn't fully resolved yet. Receiving regular updates from the 8th Fleet Executive Officer Vice Admiral Brittany Lingsley, or as regular as possible under the Brettonian comms conditions, back in Wagdog Stewardess Christine Friedrich was growing progressively more uneasy with the apparent actions of her 'allies' the Brettonians. I think I need to run up another set of flags to make clear to them just what's going on and just who's in charge here.

Not too bluntly, of course; for there were certain respects to be maintained. Nontheless and however, there were responsibilities to be upheld. Hence, Christine dictated a short statement into her own recording which in addition to a copy and printout sent to the Brettonians directly courtesy of Allanea, one was also sent to Klatchian Coast News. This way, depending on whom it was Chancellor Donner was listening to since her prior communiques to him had gone disturbingly unanswered so far, Christine could be certain he would hear of it directly and be able to answer her as simple respect between sovereign leaders commanded. It read as follows...
Official Advisory and Request of the Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog
To the Honorable Chancellor Donner of the Armed Fortress State of Bretton, courtesy of the United States of Allanea and/or Klatchian Coast News,

Although I am pleased we have been able to achieve our objectives so far with relatively little loss on either side so far as I am aware, and have received word of our forces complying with your request for IFF signatures pursuant to this, nonetheless I do believe we must make clear to each other what has changed if indeed anything. My forces have observed moves on the Relief Force's part to establish so tight a quarantine of St. Fabian that effective discharge of my people's newfound responsibility for the surrendered Society of the Mind might be impaired if we aren't careful to coordinate. I applaud your men's dedication to task, but there is such a thing indeed as trying too hard; agreed, Chancellor? I would say so myself, and especially when such puts allies potentially at cross-purposes which could be easily avoided with effort.

So we aren't in such a position, allow me to reiterate. My forces in theater have successfully secured the surrender of the Society of the Mind; and, presumably, all forces thereof. To carry out this surrender, we will not object to Brettonian assistance; but we must be sure of gaining the proper logistical access, including to airfields starting with that of the capital Gorgon, so that we can secure Society and country alike and thereafter maintain civil order pursuant to the sensible diplomatic conditions under which this victory was achieved. These conditions work in all our favor, and I direct you to the Klatchian Coast News reports earlier detailing the conditions involved. They're fair, they allow for the people of St. Fabian to be given the choice both Lord Von Tranderson and the Society of the Mind denied them at first, and after that they leave this land to its' sovereignty and rebuilding; in loneliness perhaps, but given the mistakes made that is an understandable request and I myself see no point in violating it further or questioning it once my forces have done their duty and left after the vote is complete.

So no misunderstandings occur, our developing command in this situation is not intended as a threat to Brettonian sovereignty or operational capability; merely an assertion of our having achieved allied objectives and thus the evaporation of need for further hostilities against Fabianese assets, or indeed those of anyone else moreover. If your Relief Force wishes to remain, we would be pleased to work with them in honoring the conditions under under which the Society of the Mind has entrusted itself into our custody. And if your forces wish to depart, mission completed, we will deploy behind them as you leave so you may leave in confidence of your own security. Either way I give news of my nation's apparent success in resolving the problems the Society posed us both, and of my nation's forces duly assuming responsibility for the Society's compliance and welfare both until the required fair elections for whom shall lead St. Fabian in sovereignty are completed. May we allow the Fabianese-requested vote to be held promptly, with they being duly freed in turn whomever among them emerges the victor; and both our nations' involvements in this unpleasant affair terminated honorably as a result.

Sincerely,
Christine Lind Friedrich
Stewardess of the Revolution for the Revolutionary Commonwealth of Wagdog and its' Dominions
Secretary-President, RCW Supreme Directory

Bretton

13-03-2008, 03:02

OOC: I think we might have scared St. Fabian off. What a shame... ah well, that said, I figure there's no point in waiting days between posts anymore.

---

Gorgon, St. Fabian

"Lien, your unit is spreading too far apart; tighten it up!" Major Fugemann noted disapprovingly.

"Can do. Pull it together, boys," the unit leader's response came back.

"Katzen, this isn't a race; don't deviate from the profile," the Major said, switching frequencies.

"Uh... right. Decreasing airspeed..." the humbled reply stated.

Putting this many birds into the air is irresponsible, Fugemann thought. Bunch of PsyOps bullshit. A third of this number would have been fine... his visor's OLED laminate was glossed over, displaying a visual IFF map of the Gorgon capture operation: much of it was indecipherable thanks to dozens of icons indicating other Gamows closing in on the capital overlapping one another and cluttering up the screen. The "point of no return" had just been passed: any air defense radars and gun platforms still operable in the capital would be painting them by now.

"Okay, gentlemen, it's time to make some noise. Split off and make good on your objectives," Fugemann stated on open frequency. "And mind your peripherals and situations! I don't want any fuck-ups here, especially flying into one another! Got it?" A chorus of various affirmatives sounded off. Fugemann directed the cursor of the GUI with his eye and closed the top-down tactical overlay - immediately, he was back in the cockpit of his own gunship once again. "You get all that, William?"

"Smooth as ice, Major," the pilot responded, giving a thumbs up from his elevated position.

"Good. Verify the position of the rest of our unit," Fugemann nodded, returning to his own instruments. The Major was a firm believer in the perhaps-outmoded tradition of commanding from the front: in this case, both literally and metaphorically. Not only had he flown in along with the main force, he was occupying the gunner's position on a gunship just the same.

"Confirming our wingmen are in position," William reported.

"Excellent," Fugemann stated, making a final check of the gunship's weapon systems. "Bring us up to attack speed, and," the cursor followed his eye's movement to bring up a three-dimensional wire-frame rendering of Gorgon, showing the various targets of the helicopter force, "prepare to descend!"

---

The cloud of gunships began making deep dives down to a combat altitude - just above, and in some cases, below, the tops of the city's taller buildings. The force divided itself into individual groups of three, which split off towards their own objectives.

The first and second units would remain close together, with the trailing Gamow slightly higher in altitude than the first to avoid unnecessary turbulence from the lead helicopter. On approach to the target, the first and second would spread out laterally to a small degree, allowing the second to follow-up on anything the first did not effectively deal with. The third and last unit in each group held significantly further back and offset to the right. Its purpose would not be to neutralize the objective, as the case of the first two, but to be in an ideal position to quickly attack and disable antiaircraft systems or other hostile elements that attempted to paint the offensive Gamows.

Giving the rather primitive nature of the St. Fabian armed forces seen this far, and the strikes by the Arbiters some hours earlier, such a tactic was probably unnecessary, but still enacted out of an abundance of caution. To the Brettonian Army, "excess" as a virtual unknown, and "better safe than sorry" a maxim to live by.

---

Two groups quickly dove on the airport in the northeastern portion of the city - it would be the first recourse to the Society of the Mind attempting to flee the country. The gunner of the lead chopper focused intently on the rapidly approaching control tower: the helmet-mounted sight tracked the underbelly rotary cannon to that of his eyesight. "GUN 25 MM - 2950 HE/I" appeared in the bottom of his visor's HUD. Barely 150 feet off the ground, the gunner depressed the trigger of his control stick, and was rewarded by a relaxing vibration and muted growl as the gas-powered cannon barrels spun about - the digits of the ammunition supply began rapidly decreasing. The tower was almost immediately lit up by a cascade of flashes of light and puffs of smoke as a steady stream of ordnance slammed into it; shattered glass and disintegrating concrete rained down to the ground below.

"Break," the pilot said, indicating he was about to veer off while there was still a comfortable distance between the chopper and the tower. The vibration and report died off as the gunner released the trigger - shortly thereafter the tower was lit up once more as the second unit in their flight began its run, further reducing the control structure into a perforated mess spewing smoke from its former windows.

Resuming level flight after completing a sharp 90-degree turn, the gunner found himself staring at a number of hangars running the length of the tarmac - his next objective. The corrugated sheet metal offered little resistance to the fusillade of explosive shells sent towards it, paving the way for the contents to be similarly riddled. The gunship made a snap turn to the left, holding altitude a likely-unsafe distance from the tarmac and running parallel to the hangars. Looking to his right, the gunner continued unloading the cannon on the doors and front structure of the hangars until they cleared the last one and began ascending again. The second gunship followed suit, leaving two distinct "tears" down the front of the hangar complex from the steady stream of projectiles.

The third unit in the flight began climbing before the other two made their pass, quickly bleeding off forward momentum. Taking advantage of the servo-mounted FLIR suite on the gunship's nose, the gunner of that Gamow focused his attention on the roofs of the hangars. Cruising fairly slowly, the helicopter flew sideways - or "juked" in the crew jargon - over the roofs of the strip of hangars, tearing holes in their ceilings and rapidly facilitating clouds of smoke from burning aviation fuel and other combustibles escaping from their new "chimneys".

The second group of Gamows aligned themselves directly with the airport's main runway. Giving the absence of any appreciable air defense hostilities, the third "guard" chopper diverted towards the taxiways. With the flip of a low-travel switch, the text on the gunners' HUDs became "ROCKET 8 CM - 80 HEAP", and a swarm of delayed-blast rockets saturated the runway, lightly penetrating the surface before exploding to cause maximum collateral damage. Chunks of concrete and tarmac flew into the air as the pair scoured the runway, dumping something around a hundred and ten rockets into the ground between the two of them. Depleted rocket pods clattered to the cratered surface as they began gaining altitude again. The third chopper likewise scoured the taxiways, spacing out its barrage to create a wholly unsafe route for any fixed-wing aircraft attempting to navigate them. Expended of rockets, it utilized its cannon to ignite the fueling stations in a last spiteful attack before buzzing off to join its comrades.

---

"There's another one," the pilot of another Gamow flight's leader indicated.

"Heh, not for long," the gunner chuckled, establishing a trajectory with the target. A metallic tower, sporting a number of antennas and dishes, angrily thrust up from the roof of a tall building. It had survived the missile attack by the Arbiters, perhaps through luck, a defective missile, or being shut off during the targeting phase - however, it would not be so lucky again.

"MISSILE 14 CM - 8 HE/I"

A single ATGM flew off its rack, sailing towards the tower in a pattern that looked "jittery" for lack of a better term from the pilot's perspective and leaving a corkscrewing smoke trail behind it. The base of the tower disappeared in a wide-radius blast, and began toppling over into a smoldering heap on the building's roof. The gunner noted the presence of an Allanean IFF signal coming from street level below - hopefully the flying debris would not land in their area.

Nearby, an offending microwave relay tower had evaded destruction on the virtue of being between a larger building and the Arbiter force hours earlier. A missile-depleted Gamow made three full orbits around the circular structure, administering each and every repeater and dish with an equal helping of shells. Shattered pieces of hardware and signal-dampening wood paneling fell to the streets below in great cascades.

---

Approaching from the coast, a Gamow flight sent up "rooster tails" of water vapor and mist as they buzzed by perilously close to the surface of the bay. The Fabian government building loomed in the distance, conveniently placed right on the water. Overlays revealed that an transoceanic cable line exited from the governmental building - per the stated policy objectives, that would have to be dealt with in short order.

"Ready on your mark," the leading gunner stated.

"Right. Deployment commencing..." another gunner said, fingering his trigger. "...now." Two pods dropped off the rear gunship's wings; the lead followed suit, and all four hit the water at once. The Gamows banked off in opposite directions, putting some distance between them and their payloads. After breaching the surface, pumpjets at the rear of each pseudo-torpedo flared to life, catapulting the weapons towards the shore. Being loud and short-ranged, these specialized ordnances were of questionable utility to the Navy, but were just right for the task at hand. Plumes of water erupting near the government building announced the destruction of the cable conduit into the sea - with the neutralization of virtually every high-powered transmitter and the jamming by the Ouroboros motherships, St. Fabian was now effectively isolated from the rest of the world.

"Hey, El-Tee, what about that ship over there?" the Gamow's gunner posited, indicating towards a rather mundane-looking foreign ship in port.

"What indeed..." the pilot replied, pulling the chopper around for a closer investigation.

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