NationStates Jolt Archive

Kattegat

HMS Attack's conning tower glistened a dull black in the misty sunlight, leaving a small wake in its path as it glided through the steel-grey waters of the North Sea. Though the conning tower had room for several sailors to stand amongst the various instruments that protruded from the hull, none were in evidence. The captain and his officers preferred the oppressive, diesel-smelling pressure hull to the northern winter's chill, so the hatches of the Royal Navy's newest fleet submarine remained dogged shut.
Within the hull, the command staff stood hunched over one of the tiny folding tables that served as a gathering point in the wardroom, a facility that would have been home to a full-sized table on a destroyer or a great mahogany platform on an aircraft carrier. This was the submarine service, though, and nobody was uncomfortable with the many-times folded map, the close quarters, or the awkwardly low ceiling that had even not especially tall Englishmen hunching. Five officers, much of the Attack's senior staff, peered at the chart upon which the Captain was busily scribbling marks with a red china marker.
"We've kept to international waters so far, and have made no contact with German naval vessels between Scapa and here. Intel," he pulled a face, "suggests that the Germans won't be out in force during a time of peace, but I'm not prepared to trust that information." He rested the tip of the china marker on Rostock, one of the major northern port cities of the German Republic. "We'll be violating German territorial waters unannounced, in part to test their degree of alert. The Admiralty's been receiving some rather disturbing intelligence from civilian and military agencies, all of which suggest some kind of major German buildup in the North Sea ports. It might be totally innocent as far as the crown is concerned--after all, they're at war with the ISC." The captain stood up here, the front of his tunic catching on the edge of the map and disarranging it somewhat.
"Damn. Anyway, neither the Admiralty nor I am particularly inclined to take the Germans at face value on their preparations, we're to perform a close sweep of their Atlantic ports and return, hopefully undetected. If not, we're not trying to start a war, gentlemen. We're to back off if directly challenged by the German Marine, but otherwise we've got free reign. Questions?"
There were none. The officers and division heads that had assembled for the meeting looked a little tense, but nothing else.
"Good. Now, we don't expect to encounter any German naval patrols, but we'll be submerging and running quiet within the hour. For the most part, the Germans should be moving mostly freight through the Kattegat-- supplies for their forward bases in the Med. We don't anticipate heavy picket activity, but there might be some minesweepers and sub hunters forming a cordon. But it's the Kattegat, people. They'll expect to have caught any Indian warships in the Med or elsewhere, patrols up here should be a little lax if we encounter them." The captain took two steps to the left, bringing him within range of the tea kettle and its companion coffee pot on the heating element. He examined the two in silence, weighing his options, and then went for the tea. He was feeling patriotic.
"Now, unless you've any concerns, I have some dispatches to write. Gentlemen, please inform your respective watches of the mission and acoustic restrictions standard to a Restriction B cruise. We'll be going to A eventually, but there's no need to be draconian while we're in international waters."

London

All Vessels passing through the English Channel, be advised that by the order of His Majesty Godfrey III by the grace of God, King of England, Defender of the Faith, etc., and First Sea Lord Sir Edward Janacek, GCB, the Royal Navy of Great Britain and Empire is empowered to demand a Manifest of Cargoes, which shall be Complete and Truthful, and a possible search of said Cargo, such as is Lawful according to the Declarations and Statutes pertaining thereto, enacted in 1618. Such Delays as are by Necessity imposed are regretted, but are required for the ensurance of Safety for the citizens of the Empire and the Curtailment of Illegal import of such Goods as are considered Contraband by H.M. Home Office.

OOC: How far would be the territorial waters be from Germany? Like 10km? I`m not an European but it seems pretty close to me. Correct me if I`m wrong.

IC: The presence of British military ships in the North and Baltic Seas were not all that uncommon however the presence of British military vessels so close to shore was highly unusual. It was considered another instance of provokation by the British as they tried to provoke Germany to war. Especially considering that much more unabtrusive ways of monitering were possible. The decision to send in military ships instead of passively spying via satelittes was inflammatory and the British military ship was ordered to stay out of German territorial waters. If they breached the zone, the ship would immediately begun to be followed by several frigates but so far only a submarine, powered by diesel and therefore more visible, was following the British craft. The British could readibly see signs of major activity in German hubs, with large numbers of frigates, transport craft being produced. There were also signs of Cassanovan activity although in reduced numbers.

The declaration that ships were to be searched was considered a much more inflammatory matter and was met with more serious actions. All the German ships would of course be filled with munitions and other supplies heading to the Mediterrean or to the USQ and the actions could only be considered as hostile to the war effect. The Germans responded to British claims that if they attempted to stop and detain German ships going to the Mediterrean for any reason a serious German reaction would ensue. Although in a last ditch effort to avoid war, the ships moved out of British waters and skirted along the French coast. However, immediately submarines began to be diverted from German ports toward Britain.

In an officially unrelated matter, a submarine was authorized to test the military effectiveness of new submarine technology and an underseas missile was launched from the submarine to the skies in the middle of the North Sea and a medium size nuclear detonation was observed. This was a continuation of the numerous nuclear tests that had gone on in the North Sea over the last year. After the nuclear test, patrols in Germany increased significantly and constant air patrols around the navy bases were increased in number.

Diplomatic messages were sent to Quinntopia and Cassanos and were asked to allocate more resources to the Atlantic and the North Sea areas in case of a pre-emptive strike from Britain. Calls for the assisination of the British PM by Shultz to Moerike began to grow more persistance. The pre emptive attacks by Britain in previous situations was pointed out by Shultz to Moerike.

OOC: I left some room for you to become involved in Cassanoss. Perhaps you could try to de-escalate the situation.

EDIT: Here is the obligitory quinntonnian quinntonian tag so that Quinntopia can find this thread

Warszaw, Republic of Cassanos

"This is an OUTRAGE! What age do these Brits think we live in, the eighteenth century? What will be next, a gunboat before Gdansk?" Tomasz Jaruszelski pounded his fist on the heavy wooden table again.
The Cassanotian Minister of Defence had been at the top of his voice for most of the time since his intelligence counselor had brought him news of the British declaration. "You come with me", he told the younger man who had stood still since he had ended his short briefing, "we have to call a meeting of the cabinet right away."

One hour later.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is a severe situation. We have literally no idea why the British have imposed these controls, but nevertheless, they are not only a clear infringement of the freedom of the seas, but also possibly threatening the buildup of our base on Cyprus, not to mention our civilian trade.", Jaruszelski finished his report.
"Isn't it why we have an intelligence agency, to warn us of such problems?", the Minister of Finances asked heatedly. "What were our agents doing?"
"We have only limited assets", the Prime Minister's secretary answered calmly. "Adamski told me that most of our agents are busy enough with the Tsarists, the Holy League, the Strainists, Soviets and Yugoslavs. We do not lack for problems. Frankly, almost nobody was watching whom we perceived to be friends.", he closed.
Finally, the Prime Minister, who had remainded silent so far, spoke up. "Be that as it may, we have to formulate a position, and quick. What are our options?"
As she had expected, Jaruszelski anwered immediately. "We can NOT let this go just like that. The British have to know that they can't just do what they want. I say we have to move more ships and aircraft to Wilhelmshaven, and we should escort our transports with warships from now on, at the very least. I have no more liking for such actions than all of us, but I fear we don't have a choice. If we don't react or cave in... No, we cannot cave in.
Besides, the Germans have already asked us to increase our presence in the North Sea. They are as surprised as we are, and I don't like this one bit."
"I have already summoned the British ambassador to my office in one hour", the PM said. "Stefan, has our man in London already spoken to King Godfrey or the British PM?", she asked the Minister of the Exterior.
"Last thing I heard, he was on his way. There seems to be a long row of diplomats down Downing Street", the minister answered wryly. "I say we should accompany our military's moves with a diplomatic offensive. I agree, we cannot cave in and we also cannot let our allies' asks for help go unanswered. But we should try to remind the British that we are supposed to be friends, as well."
"Alright", Katarina Edelman said. "Any more suggestions?"
Twenty minutes later, the meeting closed, and frantic activity all over official Cassanos began.


One hour after the cabinet meeting, the Cassanotian government sent urgent notes to the British government, asking for an explanation and expressing fear of a possible escalation.
An official protest was prepared but not released so far, though it would have to be before the morning newscasts. Still, the Cassanotian government hoped for a British reply to their notes.

There was also intensive contact with German civil and military officials, to coordinate the two nations' actions.
Quietly, the Cassanotians expressed displeasure about the German nuclear test in the North Sea, as usual. Only this time, it was not only for environmental reasons.

The Baltic Sea
Two Cassanotian frigates, one Sachsen- and one Bremen-class, prepared to leave their home harbour at Gdansk and set course for the Strait of Denmark, accompanied by three Gepard-class FACs. More silently, four submarines (two 212As and two 206As) left their patrol positions in the western Baltic Sea as well.

Two large freighters and a tanker bound for Cyprus turned around to rendezvous with the surface units

Wilhelmshaven Naval Base, Federal Republic of Germany
Heavy activity commenced in both the German and Cassanotian parts of the large base. Ships were topped up and prepared for sailing, helicopters and patrol aircraft checked, Marines rushed out of their barracks for inspection.
By the light of dawn, a flight of four two-seated Eurofighters arrived from Ramstein air base, two of which were sent back to air almost immediately to patrol, but on strict order not to leave the German twelve miles-zone, as not to push escalation further. [OOC: The internationally agreed coastal waters of twelve nautical miles].
Having been woken from a light sleep, the base commander Vice-Admiral Artur Klose rushed to his command centre, where he confered with his German colleagues and tried to reach his British counterparts.

[OOC]: I hope this first post of mine in acceptable, however, I am grateful for critique.

As for my depositions, there are currently:
In Wilhelmshaven:
2 LHDs MDH-150
3 Sachsen Class FFGs
1 Bremen Class FFG
2 Type U212A Submarines
2 Type U206A Submarines
1 Sacramento Class Supply Ship (outfitted as both supply ship and combination hospital)
3 Osa Class FACs
Several support ships (minehunters etc.)

Adding to those on the ships, 24 helicopters (8xMH-90 CSAR, 10xNH-90 and 6xCH-53)
4 Eurofighters (two-seaters)
Maritime Patrol Aircraft (have to be specified!)

2 battalions of Marines with support units

Some air-defence units (SAMs and AAA).

En route to the North Sea:
1 Sachsen Class FFG
1 Bremen Class FFG
2 Type U212A Submarines
2 Type U206A Submarines
3 Gepard Class FACs
2 freighters
1 tanker

Some unspecified general reinforcements, about 150 men and women flown in, among them intelligence and reconnaissance experts.

On Cyprus:
Some 500 men and women, mostly civilian workers and Marin guards, as well as a couple of helicopters and a flight of 4 Eurofighters.

[OOC]

The Quinntonian government is just flabbergasted. PM Moerike sends a harshly worded communiqué to Schultz explaining that diplomatic relations are hurt between our nations every time he requests something like that. PM Moerike also asks what the German leadership was thinking when it chose right now to test a nuclear device.

On 10 Downing Street, however, Quinntonian diplomats are equally as flustered with the British. They ask for as many appointments as they can get, and even ask the British PM to make a visit to the White House so that this can get settled amicably. They point out that the Channel is 34 kms at its smallest point, off of Dover, and that a seizure or forced searches of any ships which do not enter its territorial waters are completely illegal, and borderline piracy. They demand an explanation at the reasoning behind this provocation. Especially during this tense time, when relations between Germany and Britain are at such a low, they must have realised exactly what the reaction would be, and if they realised that, they must have had a reason for provoking that reaction. Particularly true when this could have been dealt with at a boardroom; and not with warships.

Seeing a how critically important German ships going through this route are for the Quinntonian war effort, the Quinntonians are currently supporting the German decision to not submit to searches, and applauding the Polish decision to support them. That being said, Quinntonia is launching a formal request that any and all nuclear weapons testing by Germany be halted until the global situation warrants it. The USQ also informs the UK that they will be asking every civilian ship to enter UK territorial waters, and only then to submit to a search for the time being, but Quinntonian ships of a military nature will not be submitting to illegal searches in international waters.
Quinntonia very much sees themselves as friends to both the British and the Germans, but canot help but wonder at the erratic behaviour of the Germans, and the more and more radically leftist policy of the English.

WWJD
Amen.

OOC-Just a short response, as this directly affects the Tsarists as well.

Tsar Wingert was licking his wounds from the shellacking that his navy took (and doled out) in the battle off the coast of Africa. He did, however, still command the North Fleet, and it is to this he turned in this time of crisis. Having his British diplomats condemn the actions of the British, he mobilised the North Fleet and commanded them to sail through the Channel in force, with full CAP and battle stations at the ready, should the British try and stop them in international waters.
Tsar Wingert the Great.

Just in time to be taken up by the Cassanotian morning news, an official note from the Cassanotian government was made public, condemning the British actions and asking for an explanation.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Edelman stated in a press conference, that "Cassanos will not accept this kind of behaviour. All Cassanotian vessels of military importance will not submit to illegal searches. The oceans are free, and will remain so.".
A similar message has been sent to the British government beforehand, along with an offer to "freely submit all requested data on cargo loads to the responsible British agencies, as long as military operational security is not infringed".
The Cassanotian embassy in London still is urgently trying to get appointments with the British PM, King Godfrey and the Bureau of the Royal Navy.

At the same time, Cassanotian military and civilian officials try to calm down the Germans, along with a note from the Prime Minister's Office which supports the Quinntonian request for a halt in nuclear testing for the time being.
While Cassanos stands firmly on the side of Germany and keeps it's forces in Wilhelmshaven on high alert, it is trying to prevent the breakout of hostilities by appealing to reason, openly with the British, a little more quietly with the Germans, using the very good working relations between both countries' representants.

The Tsarists' mobilisation of the North Fleet is criticized as "not helpful in the current situation", and the Cassanotian ambassador in Moscow [OOC: is it?[/OOC] delivers a polite, but firm note appealing to the Tsar not to excercerbate the situation.
A government official who wants to remain unknown is cited "the Tsarists can't be so bloody stupid, can they now?" in the GAZETA WYBORCZA.

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

Meanwhile, the Cassanotian convoy reaches the Kattegat.
Cassanotian naval forces of the Home Fleet in the Baltic Sea are oredered to increase patrolling and kept on alert.

Parliament, not surprisingly, condemns the German nuclear test a decidedly aggressive and inflammatory act, and voices concerns over the potential for fallout from the detonation to reach Scandinavia or Britain. The government in Berlin, says Mumbai in its official statement on the matter, should issue an apology for the nuclear test, and should take responsibility for whatever problems it creates. Unioners strongly call upon Germany to renounce its nuclear arsenal, invoking the death and destruction invariably caused by the use of such weapons and, in Parliament's words, their genocidal purpose. No nation should be in possession of such dangerous arms, and it is said nuclear disarmament would doubtless be taken as a sign of good faith, though a counterexample may be cited in the unilateral nuclear disarmament undertaken by the Soviets quite recently, a gesture that was simply ignored by much of the world.

Otherwise, the INU re-affirms its intention to defend the UK in the event that it comes under attack from a continental power, far from an empty pledge given the presence of a Hindustani fleet on the west coast of Africa, and calls on all sides to do their utmost to de-escalate present tensions.

OOC: 1. Fleur, the submarine was submerged and silent, how did you detect it? Something about a sub hunt is required, you can't just go and say 'I went and found your ridiculously quiet submarine'. 2. It's worth noting that these are seizures of drugs, not military equipment, and Germany's military shipping is safe... although this was intentionally not said. I enjoy stirring up trouble. 3. You get that nuclear weapons tests pollute the atmosphere, and you'll be getting contaminated rain for a while, right? I'm in class right now, but I'll do an IC post soon.

Moerike's communique was puzzling to Shultz and he told her so. Who was the one who was suggested a pre-emptive attack against a certain neighbour? How can one speak about pre-emptive attacks yet at the same time criticize another for wanting to discuss the possibility of elminating a dangerous man? The Quinntopian position was simply inconsistent, Shultz stated. An assissination of one man, he asserted, would be far more just than to plunge an entire nation into war. However, Shultz assured Moerike that no actions on this specific matter would be made independently of Quinntopia.

Germany continued to ask Quinntopia for a temporary increased military presence in the Northern Atlantic and North Seas and a personal message from Chancellor Shultz to Prime Minister Edelman was sent thanking Cassanos for their quick response. Messages from Hindustan were received and a response was sent that until the INU recognized the legitimate Portuguese government further positive discussions were off the table and Germany would continue to turn a deaf ear to their complaints.

A public response, due to the requests by Cassanos and Quinntopia, was issued by the Foreign Affairs Office to various governments and various media outlets. It was stated that German nuclear tests would be temporarily suspended for one month and if needed further extensions would be given. However, it was stated that Germany would defend itself from aggression and use whatever means necessary to protect itself and its allies from illegal and unwarranted aggression.

As personal relations between the Chancellor and the British PM had ceased, despite significant attempts by Shultz to maintain a cordial relationship, a public statement was issued to Britain to immediately terminate attempts to illegally search foreign ships. And a private response was also sent asking for information on why the seizures were announced. Advertisements in Britain also began running to attempt to defuse the situation. The advertisements begged the average British citizens to immediately phone their MP and protest about British recent moves to further destablize the relationship between Germany and Britain.

Strainist reaction to events in the waterways of Europe is likely predictable to those who spend time studying the Party. The testing of nuclear weapons on the surface and in the atmosphere has increased exponentially since French troops began their conquest of West Africa, with a French North Sea test countered by a Mesopotamian demonstration in the Mediterranean, both joined by Moroccan testing over the Western Sahara and now the latest in the German series over the North Sea (and earlier suspected tests underground)... these in addition to the defensive use of nuclear interceptors to wipe out French bombers bound for Tripoli. At a time when global tensions increased daily, such a free hand with atomic might had dangerous consequences for world peace, not to mention its impact on the environment. The Strainists will mention the example set by Progressive states the world over, from Hindustani abstinence to reductions in the Soviet Commonwealth and even the CPRD (as well as their own internal bans on offensive nuclear arms and testing), as one which ought be followed by the rest of the human community.
They will, of course, not mention that their own air defense is centered around use of nuclear-tipped interceptors, nor secretive efforts by the Armandian Combine to both increase its similar defenses and acquire a more potent deterrent... the hypocricy lost to those convinced such efforts are justified in the face of mad feudal-capitalists and their atomic terrorism.

British intentions to inspect shipping in the English Channel are taken at face value by a Party which has adopted similar (sometimes, in the case of the Indonesian archipelago, more far-reaching) policies in administering its own waterways. Strainist military vessels already watch and inspect shipping moving through their portions of the Japan Strait, Revolutionary Sea, and Straits of Malacca, and they comb British statements and policies in search of two factors: the first a potential precedent for inspectors crossing national boundaries within shared waterways, something the Party would very much like to do itself. The second is a concern which in earlier years united Asia and laid a powerful empire low... if the British, or any others, moved to impose tariffs on an international waterway, the ghost of Malacca would take once more to the skies. Thankfully, it seemed London was not headed towards such measures.

Deteriorating relations between London and Berlin are also watched closely by Party officials, particularly those who had been involved with the British during the heady days of cooperation under John Bull. If Britain draws further away from the continent and the Americans, perhaps it might flirt once again with closer ties to the Progressive states, and join once more the struggle against the feudalists. Or, at the very least, London might be convinced to refrain from poking the wildcat that was the Choson.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2239/strainistsignaturelb6.jpg

OOC: 1. Fleur, the submarine was submerged and silent, how did you detect it? Something about a sub hunt is required, you can't just go and say 'I went and found your ridiculously quiet submarine'. 2. It's worth noting that these are seizures of drugs, not military equipment, and Germany's military shipping is safe... although this was intentionally not said. I enjoy stirring up trouble. 3. You get that nuclear weapons tests pollute the atmosphere, and you'll be getting contaminated rain for a while, right? I'm in class right now, but I'll do an IC post soon.

Yeah that was my bad. As usual I misread important stuff. Although I find it far less important than the seizures of the ambigiously defined "Cargoes". Go ahead and continue with your sub. Ignore the comments that I made suggesting I knew exactly where it was and could destroy it at any time. But I think that I would probably know you had a sub there. I think that subs triangulating and trying to find each other, following each other, constantly losing and finding each other, would be a constant occurance in the North Sea. It would happen every day of every week of every year. But I'll wait for your IC post and until you actually do something.

OOC: Well, probably not... that sort of thing happens in Cold War situations, and I don't think we're quite there yet. On the other hand, I'm not averse to being discovered, it's just that I figure you have to work for it ;)

London

Not that anyone expected the North Sea nations to swallow such a declaration without a fight, but it was high time that Britain asserted her traditional naval dominance over the continent. It might not, as the Polish minister had asserted, be the eighteenth century, but the Admiralty remained confident that it could defeat any likely coalition of nations--if not the next four powers--in a naval war. After all, who had six carriers in service, and two more on the way? It certainly wasn't Berlin.

The Cassanotian response was a little more of a surprise. It had been hoped that Warsaw would be less apt to take the offensive than the ever unstable Berlin, but at least they were making a concerted diplomatic effort rather than a military one. Their ambassador was invited to a meeting at Downing St., and found himself before Prime Minister Strathairn. Ushered into a drawing room and provided with a small mug of black tea, the minister would observe two portraits hanging on the walls. One was of Sir Winston Churchill, still regarded as perhaps the greatest man the British Isles had ever produced. The other was William Pitt of eighteenth century fame, the man under whom Britain rose to be the unchallenged master of the European nations. The two men in the paintings bracketed an era of Imperial glory that, it was hoped, would be reformed under Strathairn.

"Good afternoon, Mr. ambassador," he said, closing the door behind him. "I'm glad that you took the time to stop by." The prime minister's tone implied that this was a chance social call, rather than an emergency meeting of diplomats. "I gather that your nation is experiencing some distress regarding the recent declaration of intent by our Admiralty, and I want to assure you that your shipping is entirely safe. You have to understand, in a body so narrow as the channel, it is difficult to enforce adequate narcotics blockades within our territorial waters, and with the prevailing winds it's all too easy to float a few packages of cocaine into the country." Strathairn sat down on one of the rather comfortably elegant sofas and lit a cigarette, offering one to the Cassanotian ambassador. "Really, your national shipping is under absolutely no threat of seizure, since seizure isn't our goal. All we ask is that a few randomly selected vessels submit to a slight delay while our patrols request their manifests and perform brief inspections. We seize the goods of our enemies at war, but certainly not those of our friends and allies."

***

Meanwhile in another, slightly less grand meeting room, the Quinntonian ambassadors met with Foreign Secretary Lloyd. In her inimitably casual Australian style, Christina was to be found relaxed in an armchair, offering her Quinntonian colleague a beer.
"Boddingtons. It's not the best, but Andrew seems to like it. Anyway, I gather you're here to see me about the Channel business, hmm? Let me explain it this way; we're having some pretty serious drug problems in and around the south coast, and searches of ships in our territorial waters aren't cutting it. I suppose the dealers are floating in the dust from well offshore." She took a sip of beer and then went on. "We're not seizing anything that isn't illegal by any international convention... I mean, I don't care if the ships are carrying automatic weapons, nuclear fuel, whatever. On a related note, our main targets for this operation are civilian transports and small craft, not military shipping. Unless we see cocaine or heroine that seems to be showing up in the UK to a ridiculous extent, we'll be happy to send ships on their way with a tip of the hat to the skipper for his co-operation.
"And about the piracy thing... that was just uncalled for, wasn't it? It isn't piracy unless you take something or shoot someone, and we'll be doing neither."

The North Sea

Beneath the sea, HMS Attack and her crew were entirely unaware of the suddenly tense international situation. Sonar tracked a departure of military vessels from Gdânsk but essentially ignored them, although there was indeed a minor course correction that would take them well clear of the small flotilla. A series of significant echoes from Russia suggested that the Tsar was mobilizing his heavily damaged and exhausted fleet for a sortie, but that was little cause for concern. With the depleted air wings and damaged ships of the North Sea Fleet, not even the lone Attack's crew felt terribly worried. Their course, apart from the slight deviation to avoid large groups of surface ships, took them steadily closer to Lübeck, their first inspection area.

***

It goes without saying that Britain reacts with outrage to Berlin's nuclear test. The Foreign Office issues something of a jeremiad against the development of nuclear weapons, saying amongst other things that "the Republic of Germany has, in our opinion, not shown itself to be a great steward of humankind in its recent history, and is not a nation which the United Kingdom believes has any business preparing for another round of genocides". Insinuations about the Holocaust aside, the letter also contained a statement that "any nuclear tests within 100 km of the British coastline, damaging as they are to wildlife and human health, will be considered an act of war against the United Kingdom, and will be met with all necessary and prudent force."

The Tsarists had also activated the Divine Russian Air Force, which, perhaps understanding the condition of the North Fleet better than Wingert might, decided under the direction of Adrienna, Queen of Nigeria and commander of the militaries of the Tsar, sent a wing of some 15 Tu-95 RTs in order to hunt for possible submarines in preparation for the remainder of the Fleet being prepared to leave. Other Tu-95s with full packages of nuclear and non-nuclear ordinances stepped up their already regular patrols started since the Quinntonian ultimatum. But, even for the largely undamaged portion of the fleet, there would be a couple of days prior to putting out to sea. The list of assets about to be deployed was listed as:
2 Kashin Class Destroyers
3 Krivak Class Frigates
2 Grisha III Class Corvettes
and
8 Kilo Class
3 Victor III Class
7 Alfa Class
2 Sierra Class

Though, the remainder of the North Sea submarine Fleet was also being prepared for moving, with highest priority being given to the Yankee Class’ missile systems as they were being prepared to fire more modern ordinance.
They were:
2 Akula I-Improved Class
1 Akula II Class
24 Yankee Class
1 Yankee II Class
1 Oscar I Class
2 Oscar II Class

The Tsarist diplomats to London did however; deliver a missive saying that no Tsarist shipping of any kind would submit to British tyranny, and that forcible detention of Tsarist shipping in international waters would be met with “appropriate measured responses.” The Divine Russian Navy Command in St. Petersburg was quick to dismiss British conjecture that the North Fleet was easily dealt with by reminding the English of how close to the soft people of Britain Russian missiles were at any given time. Of course, First Minister Armand of the Divine Russian Empire offers to come to London and negotiate an agreement that would be beneficial to both parties.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

With little interest in entertaining the Tsar's lackeys, London cooly observes that the united League fleets were unable to deal a decisive defeat to a navy less than half its size, operating thousands of miles from home. Needless to say, the much better equipped Royal Navy sees little reason to back down from its entirely legal and totally reasonable stance, even in the face of threats.

Portsmouth

Though the entire North Sea Fleet wasn't activated, its 1st Carrier Squadron was. HMS Godfrey-Grâcé-a-Dieu, one of Britain's impressive new carriers, took on supplies for a short term deployment, accompanied by the air defence destroyers Daedalus and Duncan as well as the frigates Northumberland, Richmond and Somerset. In a much less advertised departure, the submarines Ambush, Archer and Farncombe departed for a 'training cruise' with the location suspiciously listed as Heligoland Bight.

The Quinntonian ambassador, whose plum job has become increasingly more and more difficult in recent months, was quite happy for the relaxed atmosphere afforded by the powerful lady in front of him, but did further explain his governments’ position, “Frankly, my government is having a very difficult time understanding why and how our relationship has deteriorated. We would like to invite the Prime Minister to come to the White House and speak with our PM in order to get this conversation off the world stage and back to face-to-face. We understand that you were miffed with our ultimatum to the French, but the response t it seems massively disproportionate. Further, though you will find no one else on Earth more sympathetic to wondering at the behaviour of the German Republic, but again, do you think that you may have pushed this little pissing contest by over-reacting t early stages, just a little? And what about the massive cooperation that seems to be occurring between your government and the leftists? We are not exactly opposed to that, but there seems to be a sudden and radical shift in your foreign policy that begs explaining, especially when twinned with this rhetoric about being able to take on the next four navies in combat, it almost seems as though provoking such a conflict is your goal. It is not the USQ’s goal to speak for, or even defend the actions of Germany; we are here for our own interests. And we are confused. What would it take to get our relationship back on track?”


As for Germany:

<QOTE>Who was the one who was suggested a pre-emptive attack against a certain neighbour? How can one speak about pre-emptive attacks yet at the same time criticize another for wanting to discuss the possibility of elminating a dangerous man? The Quinntopian position was simply inconsistent, Shultz stated. An assissination of one man, he asserted, would be far more just than to plunge an entire nation into war. However, Shultz assured Moerike that no actions on this specific matter would be made independently of Quinntopia.<QUOTE>

Moerike didn’t have any clue what Schultz was talking about. She recollected absolutely no conversations between SCHULTZ and PM MOERIKE about the subject of pre-emptive attacks, and kind of wondered at it. She had thought about it, but i had never made it past the imagination stage. As such, things made up in imaginary phone calls that never took place in this world could not be counted against the USQ in their foreign policy.

Unfortunately, the 2nd Fleet cannot spare any vessels in that region right now, nor would it think to do so in deployment in expectation of action against the UK. Though the current round of boasting by the RN definitely brings a smirk to the faces of some naval officers at the Pentagon, but PM Moerike makes it very clear, “I cannot imagine a scenario where the USQ would take up arms against our friends in the UK.”
Nevertheless, Rammatein is placed on fullest alert and patrols and anti-submarine operations in the waters north of Germany are increased dramatically.

WWJD
Amen.

The Divine Russian Navy announces today that strategic and nuclear weapons will be included in the payloads of the North Sea Fleet elements that are preparing for sea.

First Minister Armand again pleads to speak with the British Foriegn Office or the PMO, or even to allow the resident ambassadorial team to speak on their behalf. It is reminded that as France's closest ally, the Tsarists think that this would bode well for the new friendship that the British has formed with the government on the other side of the Chunnel.

Of course, it is again reiterated that no Tsarist ships will submit to any kind of searches in international waters, as has been the manner in peacetime for centuries. The Straight of Malacca conflict and the destruction and dismantling of the Federal Republic of Bonstock, the erstwhile major power of SE Asia that no longer exists in any meaningful form, is brought again to the mind of the government of the English.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

No. 10, Downing St.

"It's not so much that we seek some kind of conflict with you," Christina said, picking her words with care. "You'd have to ask Andrew, but I can't imagine that the Prime Minister's office would be disinclined to visit Washington soon, and I'm glad that things seem to be getting back on track between Britain and the United States." She paused for a few seconds, again trying to compose her sentences without showing a hint of strain. Britain's diplomatic situation was complex in the extreme, and attempts to strengthen ties with Mumbai had come at the expense of relations with the United States. It could only be hoped that the reverse would not be true.

"Our policy, you have to understand, comes from the fact that Europe as a whole seems to be hitting the fan. What you're seeing in the Channel is an attempt to do two things; first, to crack down on the drug trade that is a legitimate problem in the Isles; and second, to demonstrate British naval superiority. I mean, it is a pissing contest, but with nukes flying around, I think it's pretty understandable that we're looking to remind Europe that we can cut its trade when we need to.

"We're particularly interested in dealing with Cassanos, as I'm sure you are, but their ties to Berlin are a problem. I think we both had high hopes for Germany, but after Portugal my government has been obliged to curtail relations with them. This goes way beyond an illegitimate government in Lisbon, Portugal is Britain's oldest ally. We've got a duty to Mr. Silva's government to support him in regaining power in Portugal that really trumps everything else. Add the odd nuclear detonation, and it's getting to the point where Germany is becoming a hazard to human life, much less an unstable country."

Foreign and Commonwealth Offices, Whitehall

The Tsar's minister is contacted and informed that the Tsarist resident in London will be received by officers of the Foreign Office at three o'clock the following afternoon, whereupon the Foreign Office will give his message 'due consideration'. However, veiled threats referencing the Republic of Bonstock's claim to tariffs in the Malacca Strait was neither appreciated nor particularly apt, considering that the United Kingdom is acting in the interest of its security while the Federal Republic demanded tribute. Should no illegal narcotics be found aboard Tsarist ships, they will of course be free to continue. However, the decision stands, both in respect to civilian and military vessels of the Tsarist empire, until such time as it is determined that drug smuggling through the Channel has been reduced satisfactorily.

The English Channel, off Dover

"Now Hear This! This is the captain of HMS Tyne to the master of the vessel Katyusha!" The captain's voice, muffled and distorted over the tannoy but still entirely understandable, was followed by a rapid volley of Russian from a member of the crew fluent in that language. "Heave to and prepare to transmit cargo manifests! The Tyne, one of the Royal Navy's several offshore patrol vessels, cut a not-terribly-imposing figure as it easily kept pace with the Russian civilian vessel flagged to Murmansk.

Though a small ship, the Tyne and her sisters were capable of unleashing a surprising amount of destruction. In addition to the 20mm cannon and .50 calibre machine guns mounted on deck, the Tyne carried twenty Royal Marines and a Merlin helicopter, which itself carried a pair of Sting Ray torpedoes. It was a tight fit aboard the small craft, particularly when a pair of inflatable launches were added to the mix. The somewhat irate marines were chivvied about by equally irate seamen who were quickly becoming fed up with their amphibious colleagues.

"Heave to immediately," the captain repeated.

Tsarist Ship Katyusha, off Dover

On the bridge of the fairly aged hulk of a freighter, officially carrying some kind of steel scraps towards St. Petersburg, the captain was sweating. He was eyeing the gunnery of the British vessel that was commanding him to heave to, in ridiculously spoken and badly accented Russian, which the Lithuanian captain of the Russian owned vessel carrying a partially Nigerian crew on a hulk that had been refitted in Sevastopol very badly wanted to obey. However, on a satellite phone speaking harsh Ukrainian to his superiors was an officer of the Tsar’s own Kargat officer, who was requesting orders as to this politically sensitive situation. Unfortunately, the captain, while no totally loyal Tsarist subject, knew the answer that he was about to receive. And once the phone call was over, the officer didn’t even say anything, only placed a piece of paper on the map stand that held only the home address of the captain, where his wife and children were living.

And so, he radioed back his legal intention, following the normal conventions of international seafaring law, to continue his course, and that he would not submit to piracy. He did remind them that he was a civilian vessel that was unarmed and had no military personal on board. He continued on his course, not wavering for anything, but giving the order that the crew should be prepared for disaster. The mood was quite tense.

Foreign Office

The Tsarist ambassadors of The Divine Russian Empire, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Moldova, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Tsarist Lavrageria and Nigeria all show up precisely on time, if not a little early. They each bring some form of gifts from their native lands’, fine vodka, traditional Lavragerian hunting spears, a big cat’s pelt, etc. They each wore their respective ceremonial garbs, for the Slavs consisting of breastplates, bracers and swords, the Nigerians, an animal pelt and short javelin, and the Lavragerian his big knife and spear. Of course, depending on the company, they would be purely ceremonial or actually workable; in this case, they were all unsharpened and blunted weapons, only as dangerous as a club if the British guards were to try something. Though, being ambassadors and not warriors, the fight would probably be quite short. They still did cut some fairly imposing figures, particularly the Ukrainian, who stood at well above six feet and was overly muscled and took the opportunity to glare heavily at everyone in his presence.
Once they were brought in and seated, they demanded an explanation as to the illegal practice that was being threatened against international shipping in international waters (having no knowledge of what was being occurring off Dover) and asked if there was some less confrontational way that their shipping could be dealt with. However, they did maintain the party line in saying that none of their national shipping would submit to searches of any kind. Though, of course, the Moldavians, Kazaks, and the Lavragerians were just here in a show of support for their fellow Tsarists, having no national shipping of their own as land-locked nations.
They even asked if it was true that some nations were being afforded the opportunity to allow their military vessels to pass, whereas it has been stated that the Tsarist shipping in particular will be detained no matter its type. They wonder at the blatant provocation that is implied therein, and ask what it is that the Tsarist nations have ever done to offend the English, who have never been moved against by the Tsarists, unlike the French, who the British are now very friendly with. They are alternately angry and stunned, not having expected this from a Britain that they had considered fairly friendly.

Pacific, Near the Philippines

The commander of the Pacific Fleet has been tossed back and forth as the Tsar has been flexing his naval muscles in the Pacific, and had been watching the happenings in that region between various socialist groups. They were now ordered to abandon their position as son as the latest re-supply was done and make south in the direction of the Australian coastline.

Pacific Fleet-
2 Kiev Class Heavy Aircraft Carrying Cruiser (Aircraft Carrier)
2 Kirov Class Missile Battlecruisers
1 Slava Class Cruiser
5 Kashin Class Destroyers
2 Kara Class Guided Missile Cruisers <Destroyer>
4 Sovremenny Class Destroyers
5 Udaloy I Class Destroyers
10 Krivak Class Frigates
10 Grisha II Class Corvettes
8 Grisha V Class Corvettes
3 Tarantul Class Corvettes

Tsar Wingert the Great.

Amw ?

Amw ?

A Modern World, a closed Rping group that inists on modern tech realism and uses RL geography and population numbers, with minor differences.

WWJD
Amen.

The USQ government is more than happy to hear some positive news and indications coming out of London for once. They immediately give a formal request that the PM make a state visit to the White House as soon as is possible, with an option to come and inspect the military force being prepared in Florida for eventual movement into Africa. During that time, they can begin to work out what kind of cooperation that the Quinntonian troops and aid workers will have with the British ones already in place, and further what support that the Quinntonians can provide in both resources, workers, military aid, and finances in order to make the burden being borne out by our friends the English lesser. Further, the USQ has requested that Germany do not deploy to Africa in any way, but rather divert their direct military resources to ROK for preparation against what some Quinntonian and Korean analysts an inevitable attacks that is coming from Dra-pol, and perhaps Spyr. Further, the USQ has publicly and privately communicated to Germany that they have no wish for conflict with the UK, and will not brook any aggression from either party. They mention also that there is an aid fund that is being developed for long-term use in Africa that totals more that 50 billion USD currently, and should double in size within the year for use in the upcoming mission for pure aid.

That being said, in order to not set a dangerous precedence, the USQ has come to a decision that it cannot allow even its civilian vessels to be submitted to what it believes to be an illegal search procedure. However, if a formal and public request is made by London to Washington, we will, of our own accord, continue to divert our non-military vessels to within your territorial waters for searches, provided that the independent companies involved, provided that they are not involved in any illegal activity, are compensated in some small way monetarily in the interests of buoying Quinntonian public opinion as to the searches, as well as to not damage the Quinntonian mercantile shipping industry any more than is absolutely necessary. The ambassadorial team believes this to be a quality compromise in the interests of not only peace and continued prosperity, but also furthering the Anglo/Quinntonian relations and points out that Germany has promised to stop the testing of nuclear weapons at the request of the USQ and Poland, which should be seen as a show of good faith from all involved.

The ambassador promises to ask that Cassanos and Germany both ratchet down the rhetoric, but maintain that this phase of the “pissing contest” seems to centre in a move by London, and the USQ asks that the British please examine the idea of achieving their security goals without provoking an entire continent and walking on extremely shaky ground in regards to international law.

The USQ even offers to host a summit meeting including Poland, Germany, and the UK in Washington in order to deal with this situation and send a formal invitation to Germany, Cassanos, and the UK to this effect. Much prayer is given to this idea as the invitations are sent.

WWJD
Amen.

Off St. Petersburg

After having been monitored closely as it drew near to the Russian territorial waters by the “sub net” that was in place to protect the approach to the Tsarist territories, the British sub that was so brazenly occupying such a provocative position would notice Border Guard assets being quickly into place, including sub-hunting choppers, MiGs outfitted to deliver anti-shipping ordinances being moved from their regular CAP directives and in this particular instance, a full three Mirage Class fast patrol boats that were speeding to their position at almost 50 knots almost as soon as they get their flag up.

Tsar Wingert the Great.

OOC: Sub net? Wuzzat?

OOC: Sub net? Wuzzat?

OOC- LOL! Nothing science-fictiony! No, just undersea sensor clusters, listening bouys and unmanned detection vehicles, helicopter patrols, naval and Border Gaurd patrols with towed passive and in otehr cased active sonar and maybe even magnetic detection leads, etc. Much like what the RL USA has done for a long time in its coastal waters, though it is only truly effective around major ports of high concern, and I just figured this would be one of them, seeing as it is pretty much our only major North Sea port. Though, you would have had to contend with detection and passive hunting (seek out but do not engage) if you got very close to the Baltics as well, but I don't think that you would, it would ruin the effect of you coming in close and doing the whole "gunboat diplomacy" thing. It would make almost no strategic change in the situation in this region, as there is such a huge volume of traffic taht we can't control beyond our territorial waters, but the area is small enough that a paranoid Tsar and a concerted effort should be able to keep the immediate shoreline clear from unknown subs. Though, you would still be able to fire from outside that area and we couldn't really stop you, just know you were coming if you came as close as you have RPed.

It would be similar if subs came that close to Virginia or New York, or maybe San Fran and Hawaii, though there are thousands of miles of coastland that would be easily penetrated.

I think it could be a pretty formidable strategic advanatge in the Black Sea area, but here, it i just a means of early warning, essentially. As you can tell, we didn;t have time to really stop you if you had planed on a surprise missile launch, but your sub probably wouldn't have survived.

OOC: Oh, that's fine. I didn't expect to be undetected... and most SSBNs are suicide cruisers in a sense.

The Foreign Office

"Ah, hello... gentlemen." The foreign office secretary's tone was that of surprise, and perhaps a bit of alarm. "If you'll please follow me, although I'll have to ask you to leave your ceremonial weapons with security. I'm sure that you understand, sirs. And... ah, the gifts. Well, let me convey my government's thanks, I'm sure that Mr. Dempsey will appreciate them." The secretary conducted them down a hallway to a large meeting room, possibly used by the officers of King George III. Certainly it had hosted previous leaders of Russia, then the USSR but by no means a dissimilar state. She was a small woman, the secretary-- no more than five foot two. It was, then, something of a comical sight to see her leading a number of rather frightening men down a hallway and into the meeting room booked by Ethan Dempsey, Minister of State for Europe.

Said minister was not a terribly imposing figure either, being only about half a foot taller than his secretary and decidedly rotund in the belly. A waistcoat, back in fashion was stretched unflatteringly over him, and he had the air of a fussy old man. Which, indeed, he was, although it didn't really prevent him from being an effective diplomat. Mr. Dempsey was already seated when the Tsarists arrived, and his look of mild surprise was diminished by the genuinely ingratiating smile.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet, gentlemen," he said, rising. At this point, most diplomats would wave him back to his seat with a polite noise or two, and he was surprised when the Tsarists did not. He rose to his full, and not very impressive, height. "Please, have a seat. If you'd like, I can have someone come to take your... coats?" He made a feeble gesture towards one of the Nigerians, who was wearing what looked suspiciously like an animal pelt. Again faced with a blank look, Dempsey covered his awkwardness by returning to his seat.

"Thank you, Ms. Ralston," he said to the secretary. "That will be all. Now, what can His Majesty's government do for you?" They told him. At length. One of the Estonians pounded the table, producing a rather frightening clank of armour as he did so. The Lavragerian punched the air above his head, a gesture that would have been made more impressive had his hand still gripped the hunting spear which he had brought. As it was, they were a fairly intimidating lot, but Dempsey had seen his share of diplomatic hardball. A dozen savages weren't about to frighten him, although he kept his opinions of his guests hidden behind the carefully constructed façade of harmless eccentricity.

"Well, let me point out that my government hasn't actually guaranteed the sanctity of anyone's shipping, but standing policy is to leave military vessels alone. Tsarist transports and patrol vessels are not really the subject of our inspections, so let me say that your navy is entirely safe from our patrols.

Civilian shipping is another question altogether, I'm afraid. Britain asserts the legal right to restrict shipping in and around the British Isles, citing the common practise of the United States, the Anarchan territories and the Democratic Fascist Union of South America that deems national waters extend two-hundred nautical miles from the shoreline. Obviously this is not satisfactory, since it would include much of the North Sea and a goodly portion of mainland Europe's northern bodies of water, so my government has suggested the following: That Britain's territorial waters extend to include the English Channel and the mouth of the Río Plata, but will observe the 12 nm stricture for the Australian territories, Gibraltar, Cyprus and all other relevant territories.

"You see, gentlemen, mine is a maritime nation and we British are a maritime people. Our wealth is entirely based upon our trade, which must travel over the sea both internationally and domestically. We are not able to abide by Hugo Grotius' 3nm limit, nor by the 12nm limit observed by some nations. We simply cannot, it would destroy our economy and deeply threaten our security. Navigation is not greatly impeded, the North Sea remains international territory. Your shipping is free to pass therein, and will not fall under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom.

"It is that, or we revert to the standard model popularised by Grotius in Mare Liberum, namely that the national waters of a nation should extend to their ability to defend them from land. In antiquity, maximum cannon shot was three nautical miles. In the more recent past, battleship guns could fire twelve miles-- thus the new limit. With the advent of guided missiles, this policy would dictate that the United Kingdom would possess not only the English channel, but large sections of the North Sea and the Atlantic. National waters would overlap each other. Clearly, this is not a satisfactory solution. And so, gentlemen, you see my nation's predicament."

OOC2: Not enough time to do the Dover bit right now... later!

The United Kingdom

Hindustani diplomats in Britain advocate the de-escalation of present tensions with Germany, citing concerns that, besides the other problems that such a rivalry is bound to create, Berlin may prove less amenable to returning Portugal's political independence. They also point to the precedents set by the Malacca War, though there is some disagreement as to what exactly those precedents are, and the importance of keeping international shipping routes open to civilian shipping. Privately, Unioners are not exactly upset that Britain is making trouble with the Tsarists, and few believe that Russia has a chance of beating the British anywhere besides Russia itself, but at the same time Mumbai's diplomats are not in the habit of encouraging states to go to war with one another, nor are they eager to upset one of Hindustan's major trading partners and sources of military equipment.

Indeed, as the UK, Russia, and Germany flex their military muscles in the waters of Northern Europe, arrangements are finalized for the Union's purchase of two British Swiftsure Class submarines, and a group of UDF officers is flown in to begin training on the boats' systems.

Dover Straits

"I say again, heave to and prepare to submit cargo manifests for inspection." The Tyne's captain wasn't terribly thrilled with the prospect of firing on an unarmed merchantman, and he was glad that regardless of the Tsarists' response his own options were rather more diverse. As the minutes passed, Commander Gerry Davies listened with mounting dismay at the Katyusha's response. He stood up from his command chair and crossed the few feet to the bridge's starboard rail, from which he could easily see aboard the other ship's deck. Civilians scurried here and there, doing their level best not to appear panicked in the face of what was, after all, a warship of an unfriendly power.

"Major Hollihead," Davies said, addressing the marine commander who occupied a guest's position on the small command deck. "Have one of the boats swung out and deploy an inspection team." Davies glanced at one of the rubber dinghies, a swift little craft designed to carry fifteen or so marines from a mothership to a target with a minimum of delay. There was nothing particularly impressive about the dinghy, but it was fast and hardy. That was all that the Royal Marines needed, really. "Have Lieutenant Rush lead the team, she's a fairly level-headed one. Weapons-restricted, of course. We can't have any civilians getting shot, now can we?"

***

Second Lieutenant Elinore Rush bit her lip and rather failed to hide her anxiety from the rest of the boarding party. She was twenty-six years old, recently out of Sandhurst and considered one of the more promising of the Royal Marines' numerous and generally unimpressive batch of second lieutenants. In a small but growing service, ambitious officers could get far ahead rather quickly, and Major Pierce Hollihead had selected Lt. Rush when forming his commando for the ambition that he saw very clearly.

For her part, Ellie Rush didn't feel terribly ambitious, or terribly promising. She felt a bit damp and entirely too queasy for comfort, but neither of these qualities were those of an officer on the make, so she did her best to hide them. Rifle slung over one shoulder in what she hoped was a jaunty manner, Rush crouched in the rubber hull of the dinghy as it drew nearer the Tsarist ship. Despite calls for it to halt, the Katyusha continued on at its standard cruise, a stately twelve knots. It was a simple matter for the dinghy to cross the intervening distance between HMS Tyne and the merchant ship, and by now Lieutenant Rush felt as though she could reach out and touch its hull.

When she actually did so, it was with some surprise. Funny how those tense moments pass quicker than you'd expect them to, she speculated as the marines of her commando grabbed ahold of whatever ropes, lines or other attachment points were available to them. Sergeant Kerr was waving his arm and shouting something about going over the top, which Rush found to be entirely too Battle-of-Passchendale for her tastes. On the other hand, Kerr had ribbons for a good seven years' service to her two and a half, so she wasn't about to contradict him. Rush had learned early on, second lieutenants existed largely to stand around and fill a place on the officers' ladder, and it was best if they left their sergeants to do most of the actual commanding.

"You too, ma'am." Kerr was grinning and pointing at a rather slimy looking chain that had served as the marines' point of ingress to the Katyusha. Rush, used enough to the nasty sides of military life, grabbed hold without hesitation and hauled herself up and aboard the merchantman, followed by the still-grinning Kerr. Rush, wobbly on a deck that was far and away more stable than that of the Tyne, unshouldered her rifle and made a series of motions that suggested to her squad of fifteen that now would be an excellent time to start covering the surprised looking Tsarist sailors. Not that they looked likely to put up too much of a fight, but you could never be sure.

"Now, if one of you would be so kind as to fetch your captain?" They were the first words that Lieutenant Rush had said since her somewhat lacklustre commands to the dinghy's pilot, and she had to repeat them to get her voice past the somewhat sticky bit in her lower throat that showed itself whenever she was in a stressful situation. "Oh, complements of His Majesty and such," she said. "And I suppose that it's a little late to ask for permission to come aboard. Well now." Kerr elbowed her gently so that the others wouldn't see, effectively telling her to shut up while she wasn't too far behind.