NationStates Jolt Archive

Ministry of War
Alkra City

The sharp sparkling of a broken glass interrupted the rich red carped, and there were raised voices as two low-ranking aides were ejected from the Ministry of War. The head of this ministry, Mr Simon Ronnal, had never been the most balanced of people, with the global situation exacerbating this daily. Few would call for his resignation however, due to his close friendship with the Emperor. He was also exceedingly good at his job, through the application methodical creativity, with a healthy dose of natural paranoia which was often weighed down by the alcohol. It would take an extraordinary situation in which his job would be secure, and Ronnal smiled, as he knew this. 'Exceptional Situation' meant war. Although the invasion of Sulaymaan was part of larger things, it was more the manifestation of regional and personal politics.

Mr Ronnal was already annoyed, as the days of silence from Sulaymaan had forced him to postpone and re-arrange. He had also been forced to endure a visit from the Ministry of Agriculture, delivered by the hands of a tall, wry man called Mr Juan for whom he shared a passionate hatred. To really seal his day, however, two idiots from the Central Ministry had been in to collect a financing report; coming straight to him instead of a capable underling. Mr Ronnal hated the Central Ministry and it's superiority complex, and had both men removed from his building with remarkable calm. He checked his watch, and swore loud enough to make his elderly secretary outside flinch. It wasn't even midday.

---
50 nautical miles from Sulaymaan
International Waters

"Had a call from Ronnie, Sir!" came quite a cheerful call to the Captain of the fleet; who had been the highest ranking officer available for the fast reaction force. 'Ronnie' of course was the nickname across most branches for their friend back in the Ministry of War, who was indeed a friend for almost single handedly turning the military of Agrandov into something respectable.

"Is he still on the line?" asked the Captain.
"'Fraid not, Sir, didn't sound too happy neither."
"Do we have new orders?" asked the Captain expectantly, as the invasion force had been sitting around for over a day now.
"Yeah, he said that the main force has already been sent, 'bout 12 hours to get 'ere. Orders are to begin bombardment, and be ready to land as soon as the Army boys arrive."
"Very good."

The Captain did not need telling twice, as he was in a hurry to get this over with. Another Captain on board another Cubile class carrier had been designated Fleet Bombardier, whose sole duty it was to orchestrate the ordnance onto defensive positions below. Named Cpt. Stone, it was a common consensus that he enjoyed his work a little too much, as he had been walking with a spring in his step since the orders came in. Zealous to the point of being generous with his munitions, Cpt. Stone was freshly demoted from the position of Rear Admiral as Command had decided that the last hospital he targeted was one too many.

The fleet hummed and beeped into life, moving cautiously across the invisible line of Sulaymaan waters. Protective tarpaulins were cast aside, revealing vast arrays of missiles, as elevators on the Carriers jogged up and down to bring the flight deck to capacity. A few planes were already in the air, armed with anti-shipping munitions and expecting resistance, as the deck of every ship became a hive of activity. Marines were briefed once more on potential landing points, although for next day or so they would be waiting for reinforcements. Mr Ronnal had failed to specify just how much force would be reserved, although there was a mutual understanding between all involved that the number would range from considerable to excessive.

Shalqar, The Peoples Republic of Sulaymaan
Port Control and Command Facility

Master Specialist Broin was always on edge. Always. Nervous and jittery, he seemed to live his life in a state of constant fear and confusion. The situation occurring between Agrandov and The Republic did little to ease his nerves, nor did the Agrandov fleet sitting just at the edge of his scope. Always threatening to come closer. Just sitting there. Coming closer. Always.

Coming closer? Closer?! Now?!?

Giving a nervous squeal, the Master Specialist gaped at his commanding officer. Thankfully, he was never far and had grown used to Broin... a task few commanders were suited for.

Staring blankly down the young Specialist throat, the Commissar couldn't help but notice the boys lack of tonsils. He couldn't imagine the amount of sedatives it took to get the lad under the knife, though it was far more likely he had swallowed them in a panicked fit.

Regardless of when or where the tonsils went the Commissar knew full well what had startled the Specialist. His orders had filtered down from the Imperium Assembly days prior, and the Agrandov advance was an eventuality. Not an uncertainty.

Scratching the edge of his dark brown beard, the officer took a look at the scope himself. So the fleet had finally crossed into Sulaymaan's territorial waters. Turning, the man tapped a communications officer on the shoulder. Apparently in a heated debate with a cargo-ship full of fast-food toys, and whether another ship unloading an assortment of flavored underwear and other adult novelties was in its reserved spot, the man lifted his headphones off and looked to his commander.

A stern nod and a gruff head jerk was more than enough orders for Petty Officer Geable. He knew Commissar Echar was a man of few words, and had gotten a peak at the commands himself.

"Ram and sink him then."

Happily turning the dials on his console, Geable quickly cut-off the fast-food Captain and instead went on a universal channel.

"Unidentified vessels, you have entered Sulaymaan waters unscheduled -"

A lie. Everyone and their cousin within the military knew of the Agrandov fleet... and that meant pretty much everyone in Sulaymaan knew. Intelligence had been snapping photos and shooting footage of the vessels with everything they had as well, any identifying markings the ships had were on record.

"- and without leave of Port Central Command. Please divert your course to international waters, or the Sulaymaan fleet will be forced to take defensive action."

Tapping the seconds with his finger, Geable listened to the silent crackle of... well... silence as it so happened. The only other sounds in the command post now were the nervous titterings of Broin. The Commissar had disappeared to report to higher-ups, and all the other radio operators had fallen silent.

Sixty taps.

"Unidentified vessels, you have entered Sulaymaan waters unscheduled and without leave of Port Central Command. Please divert your course to international waters, or the Sulaymaan fleet will be forced to take defensive action."

Tap - tap - tap...

Sixty taps.

"Unidentified vessels, you have entered Sulaymaan waters unscheduled and without leave of Port Central Command. Please divert your course to international waters, or the Sulaymaan fleet will be forced to take defensive action."

Tapping on his name badge now, Petty Officer Geable just loved his part in this plan. All he had to do was repeat his message to the Agrandov fleet every minute until they responded, or until something exploded. Though, silently, Geable resolved that if he had to say the cut-and-dry sentence more than a thousand times - he wouldn't stop even IF something exploded. Lest it was him, then... well, he had little choice in the matter.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Khotan, The Peoples Republic of Sulaymaan
Imperium Assembley, Foreign Affairs Beureu

Steepling his hands, Fleet Admiral of the Republic Matsuda frowned at the message on his screen. Their silence had bought them several days of well used safety, however, Matsuda had hoped for atleast a fortnight to solidify Sulaymaan's position and international image. He hadn't even yet had a chance to visit Embassy Square; the Khal had been able to prepare a television broadcast however.

Letting his hands drop to his lap, Matsuda leaned back in his seat and stared up at the offices flat white ceiling. That couldn't be aired until the Agrandov fleet attacked, and he was yet to hear air-raid sirens and explosions. Perhaps Agrandov was just trying to draw the Sulaymaan fleet into conflict, and if left unmolested, would fall back to international waters. Matsuda could only hope... that would get him closer to his fortnight goal.

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Wotan, The Peoples Republic of Sulaymaan
Random Citizens Home

Scratching his neck, Acel mumbled as he dropped his ample buttocks on the couch cushions. His barcode always itched when something was wrong, or so he said. The doctor told him it was a stress-induced spasm of his muscles and nerves. What did doctors know anyways?

On his TV, the talking heads of one of Sulaymaan's international television news stations bantered back and forth about the Agrandov fleet. Between their reports of how far the fleet had crossed into Sulaymaan waters, they showed the Sulaymaan's own preparedness.

In the massive lake between the capital and Wotan, the fleet floated. Its guns aiming solemnly into the air. On the coast, the fleet floated. Their guns aiming solemnly into the air. It all seemed the same boring garbage to Acel. It was the army he wanted to see preparing.

Casting a glance to the kitchen, his eyes warily measured up a large black metal box installed on the wall. Non-descript, it hung ominously next to the fridge with no markings other than a slightly-faded Sulaymaan flag and a big ol' electronic lock box. It was the army he really needed to know about.

Although the supplies had been arriving like clockwork for the IV Fleet, there had been no sign of reinforcements since they were promised. The Marines alone would probably be able to establish a beachhead, although an occupation with so few combat personnel would be out of the question. The Ministry of War had promised over one million soldiers, to arrive in 24 hours maximum. That was five days ago. The crew were ill at ease, just waiting for something to happen one way or the other.

Although it was unknown to the population, and even to the majority of the military, Agrandov was mobilising. The force prepared for operations in Sulaymaan was but the tip of the iceberg, as readiness for war was at its absolute peak. Judging from the logistic footprints, it could be estimated that anywhere between 30 and 60 million men had been activated. Such a force would be overkill for Sulaymaan... it was clear that there was a bigger picture in mind.

"We've had more requests for orders from Captain Stahlman of IV Fleet, he wants to know where his Army reinforcements are to stage landings on Sulaymaan."
"Tell him... tell him that they have been postponed. Indefinitely," came the voice of Simon Ronnal, with remarkable calm. This was what he did best. "His new orders are to move within five nautical miles of the shore, and to sink any ship that he encounters. Once that is done, begin bombardment until further notice... make no attempt to land."
"Yes, Sir."
"Oh, and double their munitions supplies. Wouldn't want them to run out of those, would we?"
"Sir, is there any target priority for the bombardment phase?"
"No, not at all. Hit anything and everything," said Ronnal through grinning teeth.

---
20 nautical miles from Sulaymaan
Sulaymaan Waters

Even with such vague, and outright unhelpful orders, the forward component of IV Fleet sprung into life. Standard procedure for combat in open water was in place, as every vessel ran zero active emissions, making the fleet much harder to detect. Their passive RADAR and other scanners would light up anyone looking for them, and when this happened the AWACS would be sent up to electronically illuminate the battlefield.

Gliding just below the surface, the two-dozen Subrepo class attack submarines came into play. Although there primary purpose was to attack enemy shipping and to hunt other submarines, each one held a small but potent ballistics missile bay. Luckily for the inhabitants of Sulaymaan, IV Fleet was not one of the naval groups assigned to nuclear missile detail, although huge stand-off cruise missiles could be launched from many of the ships.

Despite the RADAR silence of the fleet, it was still advertising its presence to the Sulaymaan navy. The fleet had to be dealt with as soon as possible, to open the way for HARM-equipped 'Silent Palm' fighter-bombers to destroy enemy anti-aircraft weapons and scanners. Then the bombardment would begin in earnest, when the Negotiator class heavy bombers from VII Air Command would drop a blanket of fire on the coast.

Captain Stone was grinning gleefully, personally overseeing every last detail of the bombardment planning. The LRSO-2 cruise missiles would be capable of out-ranging nearly any counter, and they would be striking selected locations throughout the coastal cities. Dockyards, ships in port, government buildings and significant man-made landmarks would all be hit alongside any hint of a military position that they could see on the satellite images. Two had just arrived over Sulaymaan, with a third on standby. However, these were purely unarmed intelligence satellites and held only counter-measures to ASAT munitions.

OOC; Wow delayed response. Sorry about that, as I mentioned prior I took to England but got delayed in returning. The library (linked in my sig) now has a preliminary map of the Republic also.

Shalqar, The Peoples Republic of Sulaymaan
Port Control and Command Facility

"Unidentified vessels, you have entered Sulaymaan waters unscheduled and without leave of Port Central Command. Please divert your course to international waters, or the Sulaymaan fleet will be forced to take defensive action."

Sighing, Petty Officer Geable looked to the stop-watch he had procured for his task. He had passed 1,000 warning in earnest nearly 500 warnings ago. Before the second hand could make its round however, Commissar Echar spoke.

"Their time is up, Petty Officer."

Nodding, Geable pushed the stop-watch off a clipboard and carefully read a second statement.

"Unidentified vessels, you have entered Sulaymaan waters unscheduled and without leave of Port Central Command. You have failed to take appropriate action, and as such have forced defensive action. You will receive one warning, and then be allowed five minutes to divert your course before lethal action is taken."

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

Sulaymaan airspace, Khu, bearing south east
Surface Warfare Task Group
Force Declaration;
7x Su-33
▪5x fighter
-6x R-27 each
-6x R-73 each
▪1x bomber
-4x Kh-25MLT each
-4x 60kg depth charge each
▪1x ECM
-2x R-73 each
-4x ECM Pods each
3x Su-24M2
▪8x KAB-500KR each
▪2x R-73 each
2x Tu-22M3
▪3x KSR-5 each

In the head aircraft, 2nd Lt. Gubonz checked his flanks. While to either side of him, six more Su-33 aircraft flew in pairs of two, 2nd Lt. Gubonz flew alone. For this mission, he had no wing-man and his aircraft held its own odd assortment of weaponry. Checking his radar, Gubonz confirmed the other 5 aircraft of the group, and proceeded to adjust his course.

The group had flown 30 miles out to sea directly from the military airfield at Khu, and was now executing a gradual turn towards the reported location of the Agrandov fleet. Most every man in the flight knew their aircraft would be prey to an impressive arsenal of advanced weaponry should battle break out, but that served to steel their resolve. Returning from this mission alive would cement their position in Sulaymaan history books as heroes and ace's.

Closing distance with the Agrandov fleet, the group entered a generous orbit nearly 40 miles from the force. It was time for 2nd Lt. Gubonz to test the steel of his own nerves.

Breaking from formation, his Su-33 aircraft nosed for a point of open water a hundred meters ahead of the Agrandov surface fleet. His altitude dropping while he toyed his throttle foreword, Gubonz released his weapons locks.

The distance closed rapidly, as only two Lyulka AL-31F turbofans could, and the airshow began. Giving a short belch, the aircrafts 30mm cannon sent spouts of water into the air as two of its 60kg depth charges dropped from their wing pylons.

As the explosives disappeared into the waves, Gubonz banked his aircraft hard to port and raised his nose. His flightpath would obviously take him over the edge of the hostile fleet, and though gaining altitude, the aircraft would pass dangerously close to the mast of the outermost ship.

Rumbling through the waves, two flashes marked the detonation of the depth charges as twin plumes of white frothy water exploded into the air.

"Enemy aircraft incoming" said a surveillance operator quietly, a spectacled wraith of a man who would peer into his bank of monitors and readouts like a treasure hunter panning for gold. He could lose his gaze on a RADAR screen forever. Technically it was the computer's job to judge the type of enemy threat, but that didn't stop this enthusiast from giving his best guess. A yellow light came up silently to signify their detection, which was changed to a red light when they came within the fleet's battle space. Slightly alarmed, the operator turned to inform a captain.

Sceptical, the Captain peered out of the window and into the empty skies. It was expected that any fleet of this size would be engaged by hundreds of enemy aircraft simultaneously. Picking up some binoculars he looked again, but he saw nothing.

"Sir! We've just got something from an AWACS bird, small number of enemy aircraft incoming from the coastline at exact bearing... 321 degrees. Distance is 11... 10... kilometres! Altitude... altitude is descending, fast, it's making a run!"

"Calm down there. How many aircraft?" asked the Captain, "it's a fly-by, I've seen this a hundred times. They'll buzz us once to show they mean business, everybody relax."

A kind-hearted and generally warm-spirited man, Captain Reynolds was one of the last people to be expected in command of a fairly dangerous Contego class light cruiser, that had been been equipped as a ship-hunter and was poorly suited to the anti-aircraft role. Nevertheless, like the vast majority of Agrandan vessels she possessed automated CIWS systems that would lock on to any incoming high speed threats and bring them down with a hail of 20mm kinetic weapons and packs of 60mm light SAMs. Looking from the window, Captain Reynolds could see another Contego that in this instance was geared to fight enemy aircraft, with its somewhat excessive four RAM launchers and two banks of longer range SAMs. It was also fitted with the regular CIWS systems for use against aircraft and missiles, as well as fairly small main gun for firing at smaller ships.

He watched as his ship held its fire, though in stark comparison to the more zealous commander of the other Contego opened a storm of ordnance. The two long range SAM launchers fired one missile each, with each RAM launcher letting two missiles tear from their holdings and into pursuit of the enemy fighters. Although the smaller RAMs were designed to be used in greater numbers, as they were so vulnerable to electronic counter measures, their main purpose was to elicit a jamming signal from the target aircraft that could be locked onto by the much more advanced long range SAMs.

Each ship in the massive formation had responded to the whim of its commander in face of the attack, with a somewhat haphazard mix of return fire and evasive action. In all, ten long range SAMs and a modest forty RAMs were launched airborne towards the enemy formation, which was easily within range.

As the first fighter descended, a volley of RAMs missed spectacularly with around half spiralling into the sea and the rest attempting a second pass or finding a new target. The aiming systems within these missiles were geared towards ease of manufacture, as the RAMs were barely capable of avoiding each other once in the air. Their opposite however were the long range SAMs, distributed liberally among several classes of ship.

Now fully alerted to their enemies' hostile intent, the fleet started to expand and operate at maximum battle capacity. The Subrepo class submarines split into two groups, with half of them seeking out the shallower waters to avoid detection and the rest sticking close to the other ships. At only just two dozen miles from the shore, however, the water was littered with small rises and shallow spots that would make submarine detection difficult. One submarine was almost hit by a depth charge dropped, the blast close enough to disrupt the sensor equipment and send it lurching downwards before recovering. As per standard procedure when taking a hit or near-miss, a cannister of debris was ejected from the submarine in an attempt to fool the enemy. A Deleo class Destroyer was raked by fire from the 30mm cannon, taking light damage to its deck and superstructure.

In response to the unexpected airborne attack, each of eight small Cunae carriers sent five of their fifteen naval fighters into the sky. This process was hardly instantaneous on the small carriers however, as number of elevators and deck space was limited. It was estimated that the enemy aircraft would be destroyed or out of range before all of the Agrandan planes were viable, and they were sent to ward off a second attack.

The response to this attack - which in Agrandov would be blown out of any recognisable proportion - would be absolute. Every vessel in the fleet was given permission to fire at will, and heavy stand-off missiles were armed in preparation for shore bombardment.

Argandan Imperial Navy IV Fleet
Theatre of Operations

Combat:
- 4 x Cubile heavy carriers (100 aircraft each)
- 12 x Cunae light carriers
--- 8 x light carriers (15 aircraft each)
--- 4 x helicopter carriers (20 helicopters each)
- 6 x Curis heavy cruisers (2 helicopters each)
--- 2 x bombardment vessels
--- 2 x anti-shipping vessels
--- 1 x surveillance/anti-air vessel
--- 1 x command vessel
- 20 x Contego light cruisers (1 helicopter each)
--- 8 x anti-shipping vessels
--- 4 x anti-air vessels
--- 4 x anti-submarine vessels
--- 4 x electronic warfare vessels
- 20 x Subrepo submarines
--- 10 x recon/attack vessels
--- 8 x escort vessels
--- 2 x missile vessels
- 40 x Deleo destroyers (1 helicopter each)
--- 10 x surveillance vessels
--- 10 x anti-submarine vessels
--- 10 x anti-air vessels
--- 10 x electronic warfare vessels
- 80 x Falcis frigates (1 helicopter each)
--- 40 x general purpose vessels
--- 20 x anti-air vessels
--- 20 x anti-shipping vessels
- 80 x Cultellus corvettes
--- 60 x escort vessels
--- 10 x surveillance vessels
--- 10 x electronic warfare vessels
Non-combat (Logistics):
- 40 x assorted logistics vessels
- 40 x Libero ground force carriers
- 20 x assorted hospital/rescue vessels
- 20 x armoury/munitions vessels

Supply Line*:
- 2 x Cubile heavy carriers
- 24 x Cunae light carriers
- 6 x Curis heavy cruisers
- 4 x Contego light cruisers
- 4 x Subrepo submarines
- 80 x Deleo destroyers
- 160 x Falcis frigates
- 160 x Cultellus corvettes
- 300 x assorted logistics vessels
- 20 assorted hospital/rescue vessels

*These ships are part of IV Fleet, but are neither near the immediate war zone nor are they tasked with the attack. They will be establishing a dedicated and protected supply line from the nearest secure territory, operating in small carrier groups around the light carriers. Some of these ships will be near enough to the attack to help in an emergency.

International Television Broadcast
As two news anchors finished summarizing the situation, the screen instead faded to a split-screen view from the Shalqar coast and an unknown aerial source. In the hazy distance from the shore, the Angrandov battle fleet could be seen. From the air, the ships seemed almost like small children's toys but the camera still needed to pan to get the entire force in frame. The anchors claimed the events following had happened 'but minutes ago'.

To the images, played the gentle repeating voice of an unseen radio officer. Known to some as Petty Officer Geable, the voice belonged to a man few would recognize and even fewer would know. It seemed a kind voice, that somehow still managed to carry the military authority required of any radio officer.

"Unidentified vessels, you have entered Sulaymaan waters unscheduled and without leave of Port Central Command. Please divert your course to international waters, or the Sulaymaan fleet will be forced to take defensive action."

The message repeated thrice, with the Agrandov fleet on screen unchanging. Sailing ever closer. Finally the message changed and to the trained viewer, a small black object could be seen approaching the fleet. Those who were familiar with the happenings of the world, would know it was some sort of aircraft. Those who were familiar with the club scene in Khu, might even have known it was 2nd Lt. Gubonz inside that black speck.

"Unidentified vessels, you have entered Sulaymaan waters unscheduled and without leave of Port Central Command. You have failed to take appropriate action, and as such have forced defensive action. You will receive one warning, and then be allowed five minutes to divert your course before lethal action is taken."

Following the gentle voices command, the aircraft seemed to be in route to make its warning shots unmolested. Suddenly however, plumes of smoke from seemingly all-over the Agrandov fleet struck out for the craft and in a heartbeat - nothing remained of the black speck some may have known as Gubonz but an orange and black smear across the sky.

The ariel view of the fleet fading, still more plumes of smoke marked missiles streaking from the Agrandov fleet off-screen from the Shalqar shore. In the place of the Agrandov fleet on the screens right, instead came a face familiar to the Sulaymaan people infront of a flag familiar to the Sulaymaan people.

Both queer perhaps to many leaders around the world the face was a kind one, though worried. Not easily betraying the true age of its wearer the face was accented by a well trimmed bearded which connected to a healthy crop of short hair. Both a wisening grey. The digital 'name-tape' that appeared named the man 'Khal Alastair Riothamus'. "Leader of the Peoples Republic of Sulaymaan".

"People of the Republic, and people of the world. On this day The Peoples Republic of Sulaymaan was brazenly attacked by a force identified to us as The Central State of Agrandov. Having no prior relations to this nation, we of the Republic have given this force no cause to seek war with us. No grievances needing settling. Our nation is humble, lacking any significant natural resources, leaving no desirable plunder.

The Central State of Agrandov, then, lashes out against our very soverignty for reasons of greed and bloodlust. Satiable only by the oppression and murder of our free people.

The Republic calls out to the leaders of the international community to shun these heedless acts of violence. To let those heads of state in Agrandov know the world does not condone these hostile acts against the peaceful.

Lend us your voices and kind words, so the soldiers of Sulaymaan bravely defending our shores may know they do not stand alone."

Holding a silence for a tense moment, the screen soon faded back to the newsroom where a panel was beginning the discussions as to why Agrandov would attack.

Sulaymaan airspace, Agrandov invasion fleet, aprx. 20 nautical miles from Sulaymaan
Surface Warfare Task Group; 2nd Lt. Gubonz

Looking over his shoulder as he pulled his stick hard, Gubonz could hear the lock-on warnings screaming at him to take further action. The sheer volume of fire being put up from the Agrandov fleet was enough to drain his blood, though it was in truth the G forces he was pulling making him lightheaded.

His weapon locks free, and his Kh-25s now switched to tracking, the 2nd Lt. knew full well now that no matter what course of action he took, his Su-33 would not be making greetings with the familiar Khu tarmac. Instead as he exited his hard turn the pilot angled his aircrafts nose for what appeared to be a large cruiser, though he couldn't say he recognized the class.

It was less than the ideal attack run. His angle exceeded 40 degrees, the laser guidance only had a rudimentary lock on the central superstructure, and Gubonz doubted he would live long enough to see them safe to their target. Never-the-less, the Kh-25 missiles streamed off their rails in rapid succession for the vessel just before one of the several air-borne SAM's took the humble Su-33 in the tail. Obliterating the aircraft into a ball of fire and debris.

Sulaymaan airspace, aprx. 20 nautical miles from Agrandov invasion fleet
Surface Warfare Task Group

With the Agrandov fleet reacting to their warning with untold hostility, the aircraft of the Surface Warfare Task Group reacted swiftly. They had no need to call for target confirmation, as their orders were crystal clear. Instead, the force entered an attack-run for the enemy fleet.

As befit his duty, Lt. Monz was quick at work calibrating his Su-33's ECM pods to deter the enemy barrage of anti-aircraft fire and render his small force of aircraft invisible to the inevitable fighter-strike force. Even so, the forces Tu-22M3 aircraft were not apt to risk any more of their skin than need be. While the other elements raced into engagement range, the Tu-22M3 had been in such range for quite some time. Their KSR-5 anti-ship cruise missiles able to 'reach out and touch' well into the 300 kilometer range.

To their allies brazen charge, the Tu-22M3 added a simple munitions dump. Dropping free, the KSR-5's fired and made for their targets even as the Tu-22M3 aircraft themselves made for safer 'waters'. Distributed amongst the enemies heavy carriers, the KSR-5's would attack in their unique style of diving on the deck. Not apt to sink such a large ship, as the Sulaymaan used traditional warheads (shunning nuclear arms) it would more hopefully render them incapable of launching their staggering fighter compliment.

The distance closed, it was now the three Su-24M2's time to shine. Had one not just erupted in a ball of flame, a SAM taking particular attention to its lack of presence. Ignoring their wingmans demise, the other two Su-24M2's set about peppering the Agrandov fleet with their KAB-500KR bombs. An ample supply of 16 bombs were released on the most numerous of the Agrandov fleet, and the ships where their 500kg warhead would be felt the most, the numerous 'Falcis' frigates.

For their fighter escort, the five Su-33's laden with air-to-air missiles, the enemy had hastily seen to launching 40 of their own aircraft. Taking off in slow succession, the aircraft would be considered easy prey for the Su-33's R-73 and R-27 missiles in their take-off stages; which had been in engagement range since the task group had begun their orbit. Sharing the targets as they presented themselves, the Su-33's took turns loosing R-73 and R-27 missiles as the Agrandov aircraft cleared the deck - the point easiest to individually target the craft separate from its carrier with it remaining nearly as vulnerable as though it were landed.

Sulaymaan 1st Fleet, Ekibastuz waters, Southern Sulaymaan

Aboard his flag the Akilowitz, Admiral Kosing could only surmise what would possess Agrandov to assail a nation which had offended none. Atleast, not beyond its borders. Until recently, the Republic had been run in an isolationist manner. It wasn't until some months ago that the embassy program even began, and it was but two months before that the first international Sulaymaan television station went live.

Beyond assailing, Agrandov had thrown an armada at the peaceful nation. Atleast in the eyes of the fledging Sulaymaan navy. Regardless, battle had befallen them and the Akilowitz would answer with all her might. The Sulaymaan 1st Fleet, whom had been undergoing an exercise near the city of Oapshaghay when the situation began to develop, was now at full combat readiness.

The impressive Ulyanovsk class carrier Nonsk had already deployed a screen of twenty MiG-29 class fighters. Patrolling the fleets outer fringes, they were assisted by a Yak-44 in their patrol duties. Elsewhere in the fleet weapons were armed and on standby, various sensors were on full alert, and every duty station was occupied.

For their part in this conflict, the 1st fleet would hold far from the Agrandov menace. Just at the edge of their engagement radius. They weren't to rush into battle and get themselves sunk in a glorious hail of shellfire and missiles - as the airforce seemed prone to. Instead, they would support the Sulaymaan shore defense batteries.

Dotted along the coast, these simple Word-War II style bunkers consisted of two 16 inch / 50 cannons in pop-up configurations, a Kashtan CIWS to their rear, and raised command and control tower all behind a protecting earthen birm. Crude and simple the defense batteries were none the less lethal to those ships who strayed into their range, and with their 16"/50 cannons letting them reach out to nearly 25 nautical miles, they would prove their worth. Though only the 3 batteries near Shalqar were in range of the Agrandov menace.

Admiral Kosing knew these cannons would already be firing, they were ordered to the ready even as the Surface Warfare Task Group was being launched. All Kosing need do now, is add the Akilowitz voice to the onslaught.

And what a voice it was.

Feeling the vibrations on the command deck, Kosing looked to his ships bow. Already a plume of smoke was rising into the air and curving northward from the ship, as a second burning orange light erupted from Akilowitz deck. Her P-700 anti-ship missiles were intended for the Agrandov light carriers, though with 20 such missiles, the 'spill over' was designated to the fleets heavy and light cruisers.

Sulaymaan 1st Fleet
Defensive fleet, operating out of Shalqar in Sulaymaan waters
1x Ulyanovsk class carrier
-Nonsk
1x Kirov class battlecruiser
-Akilowitz
2x Slava class cruiser
-Yuip
-Polkja
3x Kresta II class cruiser
-Rejnow
-Werk
-Damphir
2x Kashin class destroyer
-Kraken
-Argea
2x Sovremenny class destroyer
-Celura
-Edina
4x Udaloy II class destroyer
-Frunze
-Soobrazitelny
-Otvazhny
-Krasny
4x Krivak class frigate
-Krym
-Gushcgy
-Namotz
-Hewk
6x Neustrashimy class frigate
-Kavkaz
-Ulrainy
-Sposobny
-Odarenny
-Slavny
-Rana
3x Akula II class submarine
-Skory
-Strogiy
-Reshitelny

Sulaymaan coastal fleet(s)
Local city coast guard units, per city
-4x Neustrashimy class frigate
-10x Vosper Type II MTB

Sulaymaan 5th Fleet
Deployable fleet, currently at Agrnola, taking on supplies
1x Ulyanovsk class carrier
-Turnks
2x Kirov class battlecruiser
-Stroyny
-Velikhy
2x Slava class cruiser
-Komso
-Molets
3x Kresta II class cruiser
-Obra
-Aztso
-Tsovy
2x Kashin class destroyer
-Provorny
-Stereg
2x Sovremenny class destroyer
-Smetl
-Etlivy
4x Udaloy II class destroyer
-Ranji
-Ajput
-Ranvi
-Jay
4x Krivak class frigate
-Smys
-Shleny
-Igbevi
-Ognevoy
6x Neustrashimy class frigate
-Sderzhanny
-Smely
-Smyshleny
-Azov
-Tashkent
-Kerch
2x Akula II class submarine
-Ranjit
-Ranvir

Ministry of War
Alkra City

A neat and ordered waiting room, under an eagle-eyed receptionist, was becoming busier in the Ministry of War as General Langley took a seat in the VIP section. Across from him, with the civilians, sat the average-looking man in a dark jacket the General had made small talk with in the busy car park. The civilian was there to see the detailed battle archives from the 1990s, requiring the material for a part-time degree. Also in the waiting room were lesser personnel, and civilians waiting to go through the security procedures before being given very limited access to the building.

Spotting General Langley as soon as he walked in, an easy task on account of his full formal uniform and chest of polished medals, the receptionist had called for a security team to meet and escort the decorated General. He would be brought to see Mr Ronnal immediately, for his important meeting scheduled for 10:00 am.

The first two floors of the building were in typical Agrandan government style; beige or grey polyester carpets with light coloured walls and simple wooden doors. Fittings and even furniture would be steel, although anything with comfort in mind was usually light pine wood and modest upholstery. The third floor, however, was the workplace of the top military officers in the nation, and was suited to a taste of those accustomed to comfort, if not outright luxury. Bright brass fittings were on mahogany doors and desks, with darker, richer interiors and fine leather seating. A few large and elegant house-plants were dotted around each room, with framed paintings being rather common.

General Langley lowered himself into a particularly comfortable chair, sitting in front of a hand-crafted mahogany desk that belonged to Mr Ronnal, the Minister of War. For Simon Ronnal, the day had started quite badly, with a slanderous article about him in a popular left-wing publication. Holding him personally accountable for a slew of atrocities when he was a Field Marshal in the tail end of the 1980s. It was not these charges that concerned him - as they were probably true - but it was the manner in which they were presented. Mr Ronnal had unwaveringly felt that his actions were not only justifiable, but worthy of commendation - which he in fact received for his crushing of an uprising in the East.

His mood had been improving considerably for some time, however, as the threat of war was looming heavily over Agrandov. Indeed, the entire region was aware of the threat, and the Sulaymaan situation was the traditional Agrandan response. Although attacking a small nation in an unprovoked assault - the magnitude of which would be unimaginable to such an isolated population - was not the obvious choice, it had been selected as the best. With Sulaymaan as the excuse, all measures were justified in bringing the nation of Agrandov to its maximum military readiness, in case of the wider threat that many saw as inevitable.

After exchanging pleasantries, Mr Ronnal pushed a single piece of paper across the desk to General Langley. It was a copy of Damien Dreadfire's ultimatum to prominent APOC members, which - as far as Mr Ronnal was concerned - sealed the deal. One way or another, war was coming.

"In event of a major war," he said to the General, "every available military man must be ready for service. Sulaymaan was not the original target, it wasn't even secondary. It was a bonus objective, maybe even something to be avoided. The last thing we need is an occupational commitment that's going to sap time and manpower from us."
"Agreed, Sir," responded General Langley, "When would you like the fleet to withdraw?"
"Not yet, but soon. Obliterate any target of oppurtunity, destroy any forces that are willing to engage. This will be our message to them, our legacy in the history of Sulaymaan."
"Of course, Sir, but... but what of a worst-case-scenario?"
"Define 'worst-case-scenario' General" growled Mr Ronnal.
"If the enemy manages to sink a carrier, or worse, multiple carriers?"
"Should the enemy achieve something as audacious as sinking a carrier - a feat which should be entirely impossible, or so help the man in charge down there - then the orders for an annihilative nuclear strike would fly through the senate like a lammergeier in our hunting season."

---
19 nautical miles from Sulaymaan.
Sulaymaan Waters

Yet another wave of guided anti-air munitions leapt skywards towards the enemy planes, was the miniguns of the CIWS whirred into life against the incoming missiles. Engagement time would be measured with seconds, although the Agrandan CIWS were up to the task. The volume of incoming ordnance was impressive, however, and although the first wave of missiles was turned to harmless shrapnel, some from the following salvos slipped through the defensive net.

The Tu-22M3s had been designated for destruction as soon as they were identified, as they were by far the most likely candidates to be fielding anti-shipping missiles. Long range SAMs that could cross the distance in a heartbeat were launched, but unfortunately the payloads had been unleashed. Between the two bombers six KSR-5s were launched; four of which were erased by the fleet's impressive defensive systems. The remaining two snaked through however, both of them hitting a single heavy carrier. The first had come down and into the rear end of the deck, biting off a substantial chunk and putting two of eight elevators out of commission without endangering the main flight deck. The second, however, did just that. Despite the sound impact, however, each deck of a Cubile heavy carrier could take three small planes from tip to tip, although only two were ever launched simultaneously. The KSR-5 tore a large enough hole, although effectively this would only half the take-off and landing rates of the carrier.

Ten naval strike fighters had already left the carrier decks, although this was reduced to eight as missiles found their targets. On board the Cubile class heavy carrier that bore the brunt of these lighter attacks, a taxiing plane was destroyed as well as an unoccupied helicopter on the deck. Another missile slammed into the superstructure, causing a small fire that was soon extinguished. On a smaller Cunae light carrier an R-73 swooped in, failing to detonate as it hit the forward landing gear of a taxiing fighter, the missile spinning off into the sea and the plane left immobile on the deck. The carrier would be temporarily disabled until the plane was cleared, as these were much narrower than the heavy carriers.

Although plenty of KAB-500KR bombs were dropped, the weapon's huge constraints conspired to render all sixteen of them harmless. The short range would bring each deploying plane well within the reach of the bulk of anti-air defences and beyond hope of returning home. The bombs themselves, as unpowered gliders, would be slow and easy targets for the masses of CIWS arrayed against them.

(OOC; Though I disagree with your style Agrandov, I must say. It is a nice relief to roleplay with someone with ability. Prior to nationstates, I tended to roleplay on small-scale character driven forums where literacy was optional. I practically scoot to the front of my seat when I see 'Ministry of War' in your posts.
Also, to the world and readers, my last post was in essence Sulaymaans plea for help to the world / invitation for others to post.)

Sulaymaan airspace, Agrandov invasion fleet
Surface Warfare Task Group

'Oh...'

In a flash, Lt. Monz had been demoted from his Su-33's electronic-countermeasures officer to a blood-red and orange streak across the sky. One of the many surface-to-air missiles taking flight from the Agrandov fleet having singled out his aircraft as the most problematic to its mission, and therefor, fit for destruction.

Lt. Monz was not alone however, as no sooner had his Su-33's electronic interference ceased did many other missiles find the targets they had previously been so blindly looking for. Three Su-24M2 and three other Su-33 were quickly reduced to cinders.

The remaining two Su-33's, fiercely engaged in a dogfight with the enemy fighters, plowed ahead heedlessly. It was better to die for the Republic in glorious combat, than run in the face of the enemy. Every second they lived, was a second more for their brothers to prepare, and a second less for reinforcements.

The multi-million dollar Tu-22's however, well aware of their price-tag and own mortality, were flooring their throttles and firing their countermeasures. Their orders had been to return alive, and their crews were loath to disobey. Almost making good on their escape, the lead Tu-22M was well onto its way to safety unscathed while its wingman limped behind. A close detonation had showered the aircraft with shrapnel and riddled its wing and #1 engine with holes.

Another air-wing was indeed preparing and launching inland, and the Su-33 pilots were not wrong that reinforcements were on their way.

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

Sulaymaan 1st Fleet, Ekibastuz waters, Southern Sulaymaan

Nodding in approval as the last of the Akilowitzs 20 P-700 cruise missiles disappeared into the clouds, Admiral Kosing turned his attention to the Yuip a ways off his starboard bow. Following the lead of their flagship, the Yuip and Polkja had prepared their own anti-ship missiles and come about to point their directionally limited launchers at the Agrandov fleet somewhere over the horizon.

In total, the two cruisers had launched 12 of their combined 32 anti-ship cruise missiles for the Agrandov fleet. Sparingly distributed among the enemies carriers. The Sulaymaan doctrine was centered around obtaining air superiority, making the enemy carriers the obvious target.

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

Sulaymaan Shore Defense Battery, South of Shalqar

Putting his hands over his large yellow ear-muffs, Specialist Martell tensed himself and winced as the large 16 inch cannon fired and rolled back into the pit. He had an inexplicable fear of the large gun, mostly of being crushed by it as it recoiled, but he had no choice but to be on the pad. While most all the functions of the -

Wincing again, Martell cussed as the second 16 inch cannon in the pit fired and recoiled back. The first returning to firing position. It was an automated procedure for the most part, controlled by the gunnery officers in their smug tower. Him and several others like him, had to sit out in harms way incase anything jammed. Or got stuck. Or wouldn't do this. Or that. Or...

'For the love of god!'

His shout muffled by the large 16 inch cannon letting lose another shell, Martell continued his string of curses and obscenities in his head. In his opinion, whatever these guns were shooting at had damn well be worth the shells. Looking about, he could see his other mechanic brethren felt much the same.

Truth be told, the guns were working in reverse logical order. In that, instead of targeting the fleets largest ships first, the 16 inch shells were being heaved at the smallest of the small. The numerous frigates and corvettes making up the guard of the Agrandov fleet.

The general logic being that while ammunition was numerous, hit the hardest to hit and easiest to sink. When ammunition was low, begin working on the larger and easier to hit vessels. Beside, the Sulaymaan Naval and Air command(s) should have been doing their duty sinking the large ships.

[OOC: If there is something that you disagree with, then it's probably something that I'm doing wrong. I'm afraid that your call for help is quite unnecessary, as things in a wider conflict have proceeded much faster than I imagined. I will be withdrawing IV Fleet for use on other fronts, though I can honestly say it's been a pleasure. I've enjoyed my brief stay in Sulaymaan so much, I might even be back...]

Alkra State News Network
Alkra City

"As families were sitting down down for dinner last night in Agrandov, tragedy occurred when the celebrated IV Fleet of the Agrandan Navy were attacked in international waters by a belligerent force operated by a small and backwards nation called Sulaymaan. Sources indicate that that our glorious navy was attacked by enemy aircraft, heavily damaging two carriers with superficial damage to a number of smaller ships.

"The conflict is ongoing, with early reports suggesting that several Sulaymaan aircraft have been destroyed within minimal Agrandan casualties. However, Agrandan personnel [I]have been killed, and the Ministry of War will be releasing a statement later today with further details. The hearts and minds of Alkra State News Network have only sympathy and deep condolences for the families of those lost in this unjustified attack.

"With us in the studio we have a military analyst from the internet, who has recently published..."

---
19 nautical miles from Sulaymaan
Sulaymaan Waters

The message to disengage and withdraw was broadcast over the fleet, with the final order to spare nothing in the destruction of any pursuing ships or aircraft.

Hearing thunder, a young and inexperienced Lieutenant on the deck of a Falcis class frigate looked up into the blue sky. He turned, seeing a brief flash in the vague distance before hearing a second volley of rolling booms.
"Incoming!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, as he realised that the fleet had come under fire from shore batteries. In his mind he saw monstrous shells with contrails of hateful fire plough through the deck he was standing on, tipping the ship in one motion and sending it to the depths. Snapping out of it, he stood tenuously, shivering and finally shouting as he heard the whistling of incoming shells. He ran for cover, hearing only the great splashes as columns of water rose mere metres from the ship.

Looking out of a protective porthole, he saw another Falcis frigate take a hit on the bow, destroying the helicopter landing pad and crippling the ship's engines and steering. It was dead in the water, listing slightly as it took on water slowly from numerous holes. A nearby hospital ship diverted course, only to be hit lightly by another shell which tore a section from the tip. Undeterred, the sailors on-board the Falcis climbed the rope ladders deployed by the hospital ship alongside it. The wounded were given the life-rafts with a few uninjured supervisors, with these rafts being collected by the hospital ship's crane.

It had been a devastating mistake to get within range of on-shore batteries, a mistake that was chalked up to poor air cover and reconnaissance. Terrible losses were taken over the entirety of the bombardment, as eleven Falcis, fifteen Cultellus and even one unlucky Deleo were sunk or sinking and several others damaged to some degree. Luckily the fleet had already begun to withdraw, and they would not stay in range of the shore guns for much longer.

However, the guns firing had brought one upshot to the fleet: retaliation. From the behemoth Curis heavy cruisers, the vertical launch silos erupted as devastating cruise missiles were launched; hanging in the air for a split second, the main propulsion kicked in as they rocketed skywards. 20 of these missiles were flung towards the shore at the location of the guns, with a further 20 outbound to the closest major city. 80 smaller, dedicated anti-shipping missiles were then fired from both types of cruisers and the anti-shipping destroyers and frigates. These would be raining down upon the incoming enemy fleet. These waves of missiles would get progressively larger as range decreased to maximise damage and discourage a chase. As their noise faded into silence however, it was quickly replaced by that of similar munitions, this time incoming. 32 missiles were incoming at high speed, although these were much less of a threat than the incoming shells due to their number and the fleet's effective counter-measures.

The numerous dedicated electronic warfare ships scrambled to jam as many missiles as possible, rendering seven of them incapable of hitting the now moving targets. A single hit from a RAM launcher would destroy or divert a missile, and given the proliferation of these weapons on Agrandan vessels a further fifteen cruise missiles were destroyed. One of these, confused by the jamming but not entirely disabled, missed it's designated carrier and instead found a huge Curis heavy cruiser. The second compartment was hit, causing intense fires only a room or two away from the ship's magazines. If the fire spread, it could spell instant disaster for the ship.

A surviving missile came crashing through the superstructure of a Cunae light carrier, bursting into a fireball that obliterated everything above the first floor. Although casualties and confusion would be tremendous, the ship was in no danger of sinking. Minor hits were scored on two Cubile and another two Cunae, with the seventh - lodged deep in the bowels of a Cunae - luckily failed to detonate. The remaining three however were catastrophic, with one penetrating the deck of a Cubile and wiping out half of the massive fighter compliment below. Another Cubile had been hit hard in the rear, losing most engine power and taking small amounts of water, although desperate repairs along with two nearby Curis heavy cruisers to tow it meant that it would be limping home. The tenth and final missile that had survived the fleet's defences landed dead centre in a Cunae light carrier, causing massive damage and blowing out most of the deck, and one side. Lurching violently in the water as it listed, the helicopters desperately tried to take off. Of the original 20, four had been destroyed in the blast as eleven escaped into the sky and five slid from the tilted deck and into the water. The light carrier, half hidden within a plume of choking smoke, appeared to stabilise itself before falling the other way due to a huge and unseen hole below the waterline. It sank within a few minutes, taking just over a quarter of the crew with it, with the rest left floating on the water, waiting for a raft.

Within a few short minutes of the massive attack, the water became dotted with bright orange life rafts, as they were collected by any ship close enough to row to. Cheers arose from the rafts however when, overhead, there came over a hundred naval strike fighters that had been launched in assistance from the carriers in the supply line. The carriers themselves were still some time away, and would be turning back to follow the rest of IV Fleet back to Agrandov. The mass of fighters, whirling overhead and regrouping, would be assaulting the enemy fleet from maximum range to keep casualties to a minimum. Each held two anti-shipping missiles, with four SRAAMs and two LRAAMs to keep the enemy fighters at bay.

(OOC; No, no. Its nothing done wrong story wise. I just tend to disagree with the use of nuclear ordnance, or any other ordnance that leaves tracts of lands uninhabitable for extended periods of time. I think massive nerve-gas strikes would be cleaner, or some sort of flesh eating bacteria. On the matter of your next visit, maybe Agrandov could return not swinging the olive branch of peace. Perhaps maybe extending it? Also, I am curious as to your opinion of the time frame of the conflict (from Agrandov's issue of the ultimatum, to the tactical withdrawal). I need it for the entry into my nations factbook (library). Mainly, a start and an end date. I would also appreciate seeing how our friend Mr Simon Ronnal or a fitting underling handles Captain Stahlman (or fitting scapegoat) on the incident.)

Sulaymaan airspace, Agrandov invasion fleet
Surface Warfare Task Group

A frivolous struggle, the final two Su-33's from the Task Groups original seven plummeted into the water as two orange fireballs. Simply out-numbered in the air, the pilots were quickly worn down and gunned down. A pair of black smoke trails leading to the waters surface the only memory of their existence.

Of the original twelve aircraft of the Task Group, only two and their crew had survived. No parachutes had been seen from any of the other aircraft downed. Their reinforcements had been mustered, however, at the last second Air Command had ordered the 40 aircraft sortied to return and land. Word had come up the chain the Agrandov fleet was reversing course, and heading for international waters. Out of Air Command's jurisdiction, so to speak.

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

Ekibastuz waters, Southern Sulaymaan
Sulaymaan 1st Fleet

As a nearby bridge officer happily read aloud a list of confirmed hits, even with a growing number of sinking's, from both the fleet and shore batteries Admiral Kosing smiled his most wicked grin. His Akilowitz had roared, and the enemy had withered before her might. He had known no enemy fleet, no matter its size, could stand against his tactical brilliance. He was sure to get a medal for his courageous actions! Maybe even five or six.

He seemed oblivious to the fact he had done nothing more than empty his silos, and even more oblivious to the sudden and frantic report of a near-by radar and communications officer. One was singing the dangers of his radar screen, while the other sounded the alarm from a communique received from the fighter screen. Both reported missiles, lots of missiles.

Regardless of Kosing's mental state, the fleets mixture of CADS-N-1 and AK-630 CIWS were active. Their Captains and operators intelligent enough to know missiles never came back when you fired them, and rarely did anything other than explode. Quickly, nearly all of the fleets 98 various CIWS came to life filling the air around the fleet and in the path of the offending missiles with lead.

Black and orange plumes marked the destruction of many of the missiles in flight, even as a fire erupted along the port-side superstructure of the Kresta II class cruiser Rejnow. All damage told, of the 80 missiles launched at the 1st Fleet only 24 had penetrated. A 70% success rate for the fleets on-board CIWS, and an impressive ratio for a system never before tested in actual combat by the Sulaymaan fleet.

The Rejnow had been hit only once, and her crew was working quickly to control the fires spreading along her superstructure. Nonsk had received two such hits to her nose, and launching aircraft was now impossible for the ship as her bow dug into the water. This close to Ekibastuz however, her wounds were not lethal should her damage control crews be able to control the flooding.

The Sposobny seemed to be missing nearly her entire hind quarter, the helicopter deck mangled and hanging over water. Beginning to dip to her rear, the Krym and Gushcqy quickly raced to her aid. Both ships trying to balance evacuating crew, and lashing the sinking frigate to their sides. A desperate attempt to keep it above water.

Smoke billowed heavily from the locations of Yuip's bridge and #1 turret. The Polkja would be forced to tow the vessel as Yuip's crew desperately fought to keep the fire from the foreword ammunition magazine; the entire bridge crew annihilated.

Counter-balancing had already begun on the Frunze and Krasny as their crews fought to control the water flooding in through a matching pair of wounds just below their foreword gun deck, while near-by the Damphir looked awkwardly humorous with its entire top sensor deck missing. She had apparently taken a missile meant for the Nonsk, simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Werk was no laughing matter however, as nothing could be seen above the lip of her hull. The entire superstructure of the ship hidden behind a suffocating blanket of smoke billowing from multiple locations. She would be abandoned for lost, before later being recovered once the fires had burned their course. Still afloat, most of her decks had been gutted by fire and missile, but those surviving crewmembers had fought flame and flood to keep the hull afloat. The entire crew would be awarded several commendations for bravery.

Ahead of Werk, the Akilowitz had suffered her own hits. Her prow looked an awkward mangle of orange and grey steel as a significant portion of ship was missing just above the waterline. The deck above had buckled and collapsed onto the quarters below, giving the appearance the front of the ship had been stomped on by some giant.

Wounded and desperately trying to combine the tasks of keeping their wounded ships afloat, and retreating to Ekibastuz' safe ports, the 1st Fleet had lost its appetite to pursue the Agrandov fleet. Admiral Kosing still seemingly lost in some dream world aboard the Akilowitz

The 5th Fleet however, had finished taking on supplies in Agrnola and was quickly working their way down for the coast. Though NAVCOM had issued no order to pursue the Agrandov fleet, both the 5th Fleet and Shalqar defense fleet were abuzz. Afraid the enemy would reverse direction once more and make another spiteful lunge for the nations coast.

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

Shalqar, South Central Sulaymaan
Port Control and Command Facility

Petty Officer Geable had left his communications array to stare out one of the many windows comprising the command facility. Gawking, he was awestruck by the sheer enormity of what was going on in view of the coast. Rhythmically the building rumbled as the near-by 16 inch cannons loosed shell after shell.

Breaking his gaze, Geable took a survey of the command deck. Echar was nowhere to be seen, for true, and Master Specialist Broin was cowering under his desk whimpering. Various other personnel were gawking as well, though most were still at their desks. Turning his attention back to the ocean, Geable's eyes swelled with water. He could see the missiles incoming. Maybe his half-stood comrades had been frozen in fear. Not lost in amazement.

In hindsight, Broin and Echar had been the only ones of the command crew to do it right. Echar had moved to a fortified command bunker in the facility, and truthfully never felt the missile that had struck the floor above the main command center. Broin had somehow managed to survive the explosion and partial collapse of the building, and escaped with only a dozen broken bones.

Geable had been launched through the window by the blast, and hurtled into the nearby port. Ironically, his body was found by a cargo-ship exiting port. Having just dropped off an order of fast-food toys.

All told, Port Control and Command had only been hit by a single missile. The major facilities of the PMCOM and NAVCOM bases in the city had their own defensive CIWS, and had downed nearly 17 of the 20 missiles headed for the city. Excluding the one that had breached PMCOM's field, and hit the command facility, the other two missiles had gone through a small gap in the two bases areas of influence.

The result was two collapsed 40 story buildings, and one 20 story building, near the coast. The missiles has struck in the two taller buildings 'sweet spots', and had forced an awkward collapse of them both onto an unfortunate 20 story apartment complex between them.
---------------------------------------------------------------

South of Shalqar, South Central Sulaymaan
Sulaymaan Shore Defense Battery

Specialist Martell had gotten in the habbit of simply saying 'fuck' in his mind every time one of the pair of cannons fired. It made a nice constant string of words in his head, and helped distract him from the threat of the massive spinning mechanical behemoth crushing him.

And then it stopped.

Almost startled by the silence, Martell looked around him. Both of the cannons were in their withdrawn position, and his first thought was to check the status panel for a malfunction. Running for the closest cannon, he was hardly half way there when he heard it. The raid siren had sounded on the observation tower, but even that was drowned out as the Kashtan CIWS in his battery whirled its guns to speed and loosed a withering hail of bullets into the air.

Unable to see anything beyond the earthen and concrete barrier protecting the cannons, Martell just couldn't move. He was frozen mid stride, his body trembling.

A dull thump rumbled through the ground, softer than the 16 inch cannons, and Martell knew it was an intercepted missile. His heart gaining a beat and air rushing back into his lungs, Specialist Martell turned hard on his heel and ran for the safety of the bunker underneath the observation tower.

Thump Thu-Thump Thump

They were growing closer, Martell knew. Each thump making his adrenaline leap and adding a second wind to his stride.

Thump

Shuddering from the vibrations the ground raced up to meet Martell. Crying out as the rough concrete bit into his elbows, he struggled to get up.

"It's not f-"

THUMP

Metal and fire engulfed the pad as the cruise missile detonated on contact with the observation tower. The force of the explosion knocking one of the 16 inch cannons off its reinforced mountings, before a second missile drove itself into the concrete between the pair; erasing them from existence.

A similar scene was unfolding at all three batteries south of Shalqar. The lone three CIWS not enough to stop the onslaught of cruise missiles aimed for the batteries.

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

Wotan, Central Sulaymaan
Home of Acel Tinterhaul

Giving a sigh of relief, Acel's pudgy cheeks were spread by a broad smile. The news station had been airing 24/7 live footage of the altercation between the Sulaymaan and Agrandov fleet, and just now had officially announced the enemy was withdrawing.

Leaning back in his seat the mans relief was palpable. He had even almost broken out into a sweat when the running bar at the bottom had announced the Imperium Assembly was considering announcing a general state of emergency. Almost. He had known better, he certainly had.

The last few minutes had been tense however. The firing from both sides had intensified, and from Acel's command post on his couch, it seemed like the fight could go either way. Why, he had even forgotten about the ice cold beer his wife had left on the table next to him before going to pick up his son from practice.

Grabbing the drink, Acel tipped the can to the screen before taking a nice long drink. It was not long before his smile curdled and died however.

It was warm.

---------------------------------------------------------------
(The Peoples Republic of Sulaymaan Historical Entry)

The Agrandov Conflict (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=552129) (Date - Date)
An unsettled diplomatic dispute, the Agrandov Conflict was The Peoples Republic of Sulaymaan's first military action against an established foreign power. Also standing as the first incident in which The Republic was forced to defend itself against a potential invading force.

With actual combat only lasting less than an hour, The Peoples Republic of Sulaymaan defenders were successful in repelling the technologically superior Agrandov force. The engagement served to fuel public support for The Republic's growing military, bolstering the populaces nationalism, and ending several heated political debates that Sulaymaan's military was growing disproportionately to its size and need.

Sulaymaan casualties were light, and a war memorial to those fallen was erected in Khotan in a park near the Imperium Assembly chambers. The memorial itself is bronze and concrete depicting the likeness of a fighter pilot, naval crewmen, and soldier working together to lunge a lightning bolt into a large aircraft carrier like ship bearing the Agrandov flag. The face of the fighter pilot, his mask half undone, is made to resemble a 2nd Lt. Gubonz. The first casualty of the conflict.

The naval crewmen is done in the likeness of a Sgt. Pickwall, a naval spotter aboard the SSM Rejnow whom was killed by an Agrandov cruise missile and is considered the first combat casualty of the 1st Fleet in history. His binoculars hanging at the ready from his neck. The soldier was done in the likeness of a Spc. Martell, complete with ear-muffs, who was reported to be the maintenance lead of a shore defense battery and was killed by an Agrandov cruise missile. His battery was credited with the complete destruction of six Agrandov vessels.

The monument bears the conflicts title, dates, and a list of all brave Sulaymaan citizens and military personnel who perished in the conflict. The number of names on the base of the monument totals 2,997.

The Peoples Republic of Sulaymaan never made an official investigation or announcement regarding enemy casualties. It has become 'common knowledge' that a newspaper article claiming "...The Central State of Agrandov blindly threw away the lives of nearly ten thousand of their finest against the honed spears of Sulaymaan..." is the most accurate count. Though no official statement has ever been made, many officers of the Imperium Assembly have alluded to supporting this count. Most citizens boast of a number between eight and fifteen thousand.

An enemy Cunae class light carrier, sunk in the conflict, was exhumed several months after the engagement alongside several other Agrandov vessels. Following a complete military investigation of the vessels' remains, the mangled ship was preserved and put on display at the National Maritime Museum in Oapshaghay along with a Falcis class frigate. All other exhumed vessels were recycled for materials and technology.

Agrandov corpses discovered in the vessels' remains were prepared and casketed, then returned to Agrandov through neutral proxy, on the urging of the Curiate Assembly. Some debate still circulates among liberal circles, to this day, that the vessels' should have been left unmolested where they sank.

Sulaymaan casualties, civilian and military, were buried in an honorary heroes cemetery in Zaysan.

[OOC: I think you might have overlooked approximately 200 anti-shipping and around 600 air-to-air missiles borne by naval strike fighters, and if so your casualties should be revised considerably. I'm not sure about the date, I don't have any sort of time-line so you choose and I'll go with that.]

SITUATION SUMMARY: Sulaymaan Conflict
Classified: Level 6
Reference Code: 019172341

Initial enemy intercept was successfully destroyed, and then IV Fleet came under fire from unknown shore batteries and what was believed to be the Sulaymaan 1st Fleet. Air superiority was maintained throughout the engagement, although there were inadequate munitions for aircraft to engage shore batteries. Poor command decisions limited the fleet's strike capacity, and both naval and air doctrines were consistently violated. 2,711 Agrandan military personnel were killed in action, with 6,218 reported as wounded. Early estimates put enemy casualties at between 4 and 7 thousand, although civilian casualties from the bombardment of a city will most likely remain unknown.

This conflict has shown the FG-91 Multi-Purpose Fighter to be in dire need of total replacement, as well as logistical and command reforms in the Central State Naval Service. There is an ongoing enquiry into the delays suffered by potential reinforcements.

IV Fleet Commander Captain [ENTRY MISSING] failed to impose competent management on his fleet, and should be faced with disciplinary action. It is suggested that a permanent promotion ban and a two-rank demotion takes place immediately.

The overall marginal success of this campaign comes in simply taking fewer casualties than the Sulaymaan belligerents, and it is doubtless that the operation would have been entirely successful if not for the Havenic war being declared and the commencement of 'Operation: Devoured Elysium'.

Invasion of Sulaymaan status: Aborted.

Mr Ronnal finished reading the report with a look of blank indifference, putting aside the generic analysis. If he was genuinely interested in Sulaymaan, he didn't show it. A new preoccupation filled his days now, as a huge map of Haven was pinned haphazardly to one wall. Hundreds of arrows, showing actual and even probably force movements meant that very little of the map was still visible, although several areas had been heavily marked with a thick black pen.

"It's a shame there was no ground war, eh?" came a voice of his left shoulder, as Mr Ronnal turned indignantly to face the office underling.
"What?" he spat.
"Sulaymaan," said the office aide innocently, "No ground war. Wouldn't have lasted two weeks, I bet."
"Ten days would be pushing it, but two weeks?" said another, "I was with Army in '88, back when the Stally's were taking pot shots at patrols in the orange zone. Have to say, the Marines soon sorted them out, and any honest Stally will tell you the same."
"An honest Stally? I'll believe that when I see it, mercenary scum..."

Minister of War Simon Ronnal sat back at his desk, making a mental note to apply for some new office assistants. He had thought long and hard about the lesson that had been the Sulaymaan conflict, and now, he decided, the learning could begin. His efforts and abilities as an organiser and strategist were consistently undermined by incompetent field commanders. It was time for a zero-tolerance policy on failure.

Ministry of War Personnel Profile:
Name: Stalhman, James Christopher

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