NationStates Jolt Archive

So many…

Gathered in the ports as the megalithic structures of man prepared to trek across the waves, onwards towards a new destination, towards a new mission, the soldiers waited. Transport ships loaded to the brim with soldiers and personnel of the peacekeepers waiting for the last checks before setting sail.

So many…

Ships outside the waters of Gholgoth, just a few hours ago poised to strike at an enemy now redirected, rerouted towards a new goal, a new objective. They too carry equipment and soldiers, fully intended on maintaining peace.

So many…

Behemoths of steel, creatures of titanium lurking beneath the waves, deeper than the eyes of all land dwellers can see. Submarines of the Peacekeeper fleets, hunter and devourers, some far of, some closer, and some already in place, some informed, some still waiting, but all aware that it only takes one order.

So many…

Clouding the light of the sun, planes, cargo, personnel & combat, all heading towards the same destination and with them the birds of prey, fighters, interceptors, attackers, and bombers, many were refuelled in flight as the trek continued. They would reach their destination soon.

All in all as the Second in Command of the army stood and watched over the departing troops it was a sight worth remembering. It was for the first time in perhaps many years that the Peacekeepers were dispatching such a number. It was not for war as many malevolent entities might claim, but for peace, for strengthening the bonds between two nations and for insuring that in this troubled times there was no harm to befall the innocents living their lives in those far off lands.

It was perhaps, as far as things stood peaceful, a much deserved vacation for the soldiers in transit or soon to be on the move as the rumours had it that their intended destination was a pleasant place to be, a vacation resort even by most standards. Tyvreaintyil was considered a jewel amongst the holdings of the allied nation the Peacekeepers were moving to assist and such a jewel was worth defending at all cost.

Perhaps it was foolish to assume that the worst was to come and that the allies of the nation were to come under threat from evil untold some might say, but the Aleosites didn’t survive for so long without preparing for the worst, history, more often than not, teaching them that the only way they could keep what was theirs was to fight, to fight until the last drop of blood left their bodies and until the last one of them fell on the ground.

Four hundred thousand able bodied men and women were deploying to Tyvreaintyil already as the first wave, many more were to follow and reinforce the colony.

Imperial Palace, Miana, Whyatica

"I would like to make an announcement of the gravest severity," the Emperor Alexander V said, speaking solemnly to a throng of reporters and supporters in the courtyard of the Imperial Palace. He wore his formal wear - despite the fact that it was 85 degrees outside, he still showed no signs of discomfort or even caring that it was damn hot outside.,

"I have deployed the First and Fifth Theatre Fleets and the 2nd Army Group to reinforce Gothic holdings in Haven. The alliance known as APOC - Alliance for the Protection of Civilization - has made unacceptable overtures towards war with our forces. We have made no such threats against them - they are threatening the death of millions of civilians in Novan Tyvreaintyil," (a linguist in the crowd applauded wildly - the Emperor actually pronounced it correctly) "as well as threatening Illioran and Aequatian holdings in Haven, colonies which have been long since established and recognized by the Havenic nations."

The reporters furiously wrote this information down on their pads, as well as thinking up questions for him if he allowed question-and-answer.

"This is entirely unacceptable. The colonies have existed for years - no nations complained. Now that APOC has decided to flex it's muscles, it sets it's sights on what, precisely? A Novan tourist resort? This cannot stand - We will fight APOC injustice. We will defend our friends until the very last man, and I will not permit a single civilian to be killed by an APOC barbarian, to use their terms. I fully expect our Gothic allies to follow suit quickly - time is of the essence. I will now take questions."

A reporter with the Whyatican Media Nation yelled out - "Your highness! Is there reliable intelligence that an attack is imminent?"

The Emperor paused. "Thank you for the question - The last incarnation of APOC existed solely as a "counterbalance" against a perceived threat by Gholgoth. It is obvious that with their reformation, they will be seeking a battle against us. They do not wish to fight us on our shores - to do so would be incredible folly, and only result in the deaths of millions of their countrymen for no gain. I have reliable intelligence that APOC will be launching an attack in the near future."

The Emperor was slightly fibbing - the intelligence WAS pointing towards an attack, but it wasn't "in the near future", mostly based on known patterns of APOC nations.

"Thank you for your time, I have a war council meeting to attend." the Emperor said, leaving the stage.

___________________________

The Emperor had called a war council meeting in Miana - the heads of all twenty-five of the Gholgoth nations were asked to attend this urgent meeting. There they would coordinate their efforts - the Havenic holdings could not stand fast without a resolute effort from all Gothic Lords, and the Whyatican Empire was the first to stand tall.

The Empire's efforts were being focused in Novan Tyvreaintyil - a Novan resort colony in the southern continent of Haven. It was the largest of the colonies and the strongest foothold if there was ever to be a counter-offensive. It was also in some of the most peril - it was closest to Doomanum, as well as under immediate threat from other APOC and APOC aligned states. Secondary efforts would be sent to Innovata, which was an Aequatian holding in the southern hemisphere of Haven. Other gothic nations would reinforce the rest of the holdings deemed salvageable, such as Burning Bay.

Two million Whyatican fighting men - a full two army groups were being deployed to Tyvreaintyil, as well as two theatre fleets, approximately three thousand five hundred ships. This war would be devastating - but, as all other wars prior, Gholgoth was not the one to fire the first shot. The Emperor, in a bit of nepotism himself, had placed his son, Prince Leto III, in charge of the entire operation from the flagship of the fleet - the WNS Caladan Island. He was not exactly green to military command - he had commanded the 9th Army during two previous conflicts, and was no stranger to naval warfare as well, although he preferred to defer to Grand Admiral Richard Nixon when it came to his fleet.

___________

"In economic news today, shares of defense contractor Spector Machinery shot up a remarkable thirty points today on news that a massive deployment to Gothic holdings in Haven had begun. However, uncertainty about a possible war caused stock market growth today to tremble slightly, with the Mianan Industrial Average only gaining five points today, a record low for an overall positive day. More news at 11..."

IC:

* * *

The bridge should not have been this quiet. Not that the bridge of a flagship was ever really quiet, but as they went, the bridge of the Apophis was rather...muted. Lord Rahvin and High Admiral Anor still maintained their vigil, as they had for some time now, leaning over the strategic display to see...

"Nothing," Anor growled. "Not a fucking thing. They've gone back into their shell." His grip on the edge of the display tightened until his knuckles turned white. "Seven thousand ships, millions of soldiers, and after a few exchanges they fucking hide." Rahvin appeared to be maintaining a far calmer demeanor than his comrade, but in fact, in the privacy of his own mind rage burned like a dry forest set ablaze. He had come here at the head of the greatest fleet in Kregaian history, to smash the Doomani and humble their proud, heathen race, and in doing so to achieve immortality once and for all. He had been cheated, robbed. Deceived. And yet, he had nothing to do. Nothing in his orders had anticipated that the infidels might simply...stop.

And speaking of orders.

A young lieutenant, his uniform in immaculate order and his face displaying none of the rage of his superiors, cleared his throat politely behind Rahvin. Turning, the aristocrat snatched the message out of the young officer's hand, unfolding and reading it as the young man stated, "This arrived just a moment ago from the War Room. Orders from High Command, my Lord." High Admiral Anor glanced quizzically at Rahvin, whose expression changed to predatory glee as he read. An opportunity for even greater glory...and to Lord Rahvin of Kregaia, glory was more nourishing than the finest of wines.

* * *

OFFICIAL MILITARY COMMUNIQUE

To: Lord Rahvin

The situation has changed. Politically and militarily, we are wasting our time in Doomingsland. They are no longer the most significant threat. The formation of APOC in itself is sufficient evidence to suggest collaboration against Gholgoth by many major powers; their concentration in Haven, in proximity to Gothic territories, locates them in an ideal place to overrun Gothic lands in Haven and score a major propaganda victory. The Intelligence Division is working on confirming this.

In the meantime, your orders are to proceed immediately to the Aequatian territory of Innovata. An air armada will be sent there via Recedentia to rendezvous with you, and reinforcements will also be on the way at maximum speed. Your final fleet will consist of an estimated ten thousand vessels. This fleet is deemed sufficient for you and High Admiral Anor to repel any APOC attacks upon Innovata. You do not have the authority to fire the first shot unless provoked, but once war breaks out, save for the authority of the Emperor, you will have free rein. The orders of the High Command are to be taken into account, but the Emperor feels that if you deem it necessary you may contradict them. War will be upon us soon. Be ready. Blood and Honor.

Signed,
Imperator Anton Malustar

* * *

It was a matter of minutes before the fleet began turning around. The planes returned to their carriers (most of them), and the huge fleet sailed at top speed out of Doomani waters and towards the North Pacific Ocean, where Innovata lay. Behind them, the sun was setting over Doomanum, turning its cliffs into shadowy walls; particularly apt, as Doomanum was still the fortress that could not be conquered. Like the Freeks before them, the Kregaians had found more important prey, and departed in search of it. Onward they pressed, through dawn and day and dusk, through storm and balm. Rahvin drove them relentlessly, pushing every engine to its limit, as carrier groups and supply ships encountered his armada and were absorbed by it, because he knew that war lay in Haven...and in the war lay eternity. Onward he drove them, as the days stumbled slowly by, until at last his pickets reached Innovata, bristling with weaponry and bustling with activity as they prepared for the Havenites to descend upon them like piranhas, trusting to their numbers to make up for weakness. The suns rose and the suns fell over Rahvin and his fleet, swollen now to its greatest size, as he awaited his chance.

* * *

OOC: My deployment to Haven.

GROUND FORCES

Commander: Lord Rahvin

5,906,820 Legionaries (Second-Sixth Army Groups)
133,920 Immortals
120,000 M146 Despoiler MBTs
164,000 Viper APCs
24,000 M73D Hydra tanks
4,600 light guns
9,240 howitzers
1,400 siege guns
8,400 Baal SAM platforms
300 mobile command stations
2,428,000 associated personnel
Associated transport trucks
Construction materials and equipment

AIR FORCES

(Sent independently to Haven via Recedentia)

16,200 F/A-104 Balefires
5,400 A-16 Overlords
1,080 B-66 Behemoth heavy bombers
36 B-6 Paladin stealth bombers
5,400 AH-166 Twilight gunships
5,400 V-88 Lawgiver transports
2,700 C-7 Generia transport planes
540 Thunderbird AWACS planes

NAVAL FORCES

Commander: High Admiral Ludo Anor

7 Apophis-class flagships
16 Vengeance-class escort dreadnaughts
24 Invictus-class supercarriers
92 Scythe-class carriers
71 Astaroth-class battleships
603 Valhalla-class SSBNs
617 Stalker-class SSNs
760 Attila-class cruisers
910 Metatron-class missile cruisers
1,106 Babylon-class light cruisers
947 Piranha-class frigates
820 Scimitar-class littoral assault ships
1,420 Atlantis-class transports
240 Caduceus-class hospital ships
920 Arsenal-class supply ships
441 Vulcan-class repair ships
666 Formica-class minesweepers

Total: 9,660 vessels; 4,753 surface combat vessels, 1,220 submarines, 3,687 support ships

Lord Anthony Tudor glanced up from reading the slightly crumpled message in his hands. A FLASH priority message, it had interrupted another meeting that he was in at the time in order for him to read.

"I'm sorry general, but I don't see how the possibility of a conflict between APOC and Gholgoth merits a FLASH War Warning. We're not involved with either of them, we'd scarcely be taking a side in this. About the only people who ought to be concerned are the armaments manufactorers, this should be good for their business," spoke the governor of Rosdivan's Haven colony.

"Sir, with all respect, this does have the potential to blow up into a general Havenic war. One of the major sea approaches to Novacom, and likely the one to be used due to the constricted nature of the bay that is the other, for the APOC members is near us and may result in major fighting off of our coasts. Additionally, our merchants may be attacked, especially if they are carrying armaments to the belligerants," replied General Howard Grey, commander of the Commonwealth Army forces in Havenite Rosdivan.

"Very well, have the Air Force increase its readiness level and shift the Army into anti-landing deployments. We'll wait on mobilizing reserves until after a war has been declared or we have reliable indications that we may be targeted."
----

Shares of Devalt Industries and Zivka Aerospace both jumped today over worries of a war between Gholgoth and APOC in the Haven continent cluster...

“What brings you up here Srihacul Vaiotilies, usually you and your men are on maneuver in the depth, or appraising up some relic” crooned Artuziouna Gykuzaei idly twisting a curious ornament, much like a carved flute as he appraised his old, but rarely seen friend.

“To deliver this report in person, Gykuzaei,” returned Martenex with a sly smirk, reaching over the desk, casting a longing glance, if only for a brief moment, out upon to the balcony, where glorious sunshine bathed the scene, as if from some distant paradise, palm tree’s swayed gently as a few individuals could be seen padding past in brightly colored garments, as Tunics hung not over shoulders, but swayed round the waist, let down and tied at the waist, here and there others could be seen, Gothic Tourists appraising a market stall, it was almost enough to make him forget why he was here.

“Martenex, this is almost worrying, 10 million troops and nigh on 3 million vessels, what are you people in the military thinking of?” exclaimed the Artuziouna incredulous at the revelation, and his jaw fell noticeably.

“Pragmatism,” returned Martenex, half focusing on the sunshine and the paradise outside than on the proceedings within, he ill appreciated disturbing his friend in such a manner, but duty to the state must come first, “APOC has been posturing increasingly more these days, and there are plans in motion, Tyvreaintyil, is about to become so much more, it’s just a precaution,”

And I’m assuming this is you following procedure to inform me.” His vice hollow, as to him the world seemed to shine, a shade darker.

Ayep, this would be,” grimly replying

Thanks Martenex,” turning to face the sun, a data pad in hand, “if you would excuse me, but I have things to set in order now,”

The Srihacul slinked out of the office, not once breaking stride, as he mentally centered himself, cleansing away the unhappiness, before stalking off in the direction of his own office within the governmental compound.

“Shadowfeed Transmission from the Itzerican, in regards to the last progress update, he approves and is sending assistance,” came the call, no sooner had he descended to the command center deep beneath the surface, his home for over 15 years, that he shared with several teams of Mechnicians among other things, the center shone a shade of blue, banks of encircling consoles, and in the center a large area, with four blue pillars suffused with a gentle blue energy.

“Excellent Toninsz, reply that we shall stand in preparedness, and that we shall be finished, on schedule, encode it and transmit, immediately,” returned the Srihacul to the young Vistakal, Senvar Toninsz, a protégé of his, he’d been sent here nearly 5 years ago, and thus far he had been an admirable student, learning well the ways of command, he smirked as he stalked over to the pillared area, the Vistakal in tow.

“Pardon my pertinence, but do we need to encode this, we’re the only ones who can physically access the Shadowfeed, never mind translate Novan,” he would have continued further, but Martenex frowned severely down at his young protégé, evidently not impressed with this suggestion.

Toninsz, enough, diligence, they may not even know how to search for it, even if they could even access it, but we will follow procedure, and intensify the patrols, particularly of the seas south of here, and send a few to the north, but not at the expense of the south, the cliff’s safeguard us anyway,” purred the Srihacul, smirking underneath the brim of his cap, leaning, ever so gently against one of the four glowing pillars at the heart of the chamber, personnel stalked around the edges carrying out orders, as wire frames dances across the surface of terminals and IXION could be seen looming within others.

Indeed Srihacul, it shall be done,” saluted the young Vistakal before pin wheeling upon his heel to see to the orders.

“Oh and Toninsz, move us to Alert Status Kiven, all this attention is putting me on edge, call it a hunch,” the Wiley Srihacul called to the retreating figure, as he himself turned to attend a monitor with an image of the globe shimmering upon it.