NationStates Jolt Archive

0817h, Kelous, Capital of Svestovia

The first shells came during the peak of rush-hour, plunging into streets full of commuters. No-one is sure how many died when the first volley landed, but when the shelling stopped the streets we littered with rubble, debris and the dead and wounded. Within three minutes the scenic, tree-lined roads of central Kelous had been forever changed, along with a nations future.


0831h, Svestovian Centralised Military Command (SCEMIC), Location Classified, Svestovia

A Army General sat at the head of a table, surrounded by five other high-ranking offices from the various military arms. The emergency meeting had been called quickly, as soon as news of the events in Kelous reached Central Command. The general looked around the room, solemn faces returned his gaze.

"At approximately zero-eight-fifteen hours today forces unknown began shelling the northern city of Kelous. At zero-eight-twenty-one hours a fight of four Mirage jets overflew the area, but at that time the attack had already ceased."

"Casualties?"

"Initial reports from the ground are not good. Civilian casualties are currently in excess of three-hundred, and that is expected to rise as the day goes on. No military casualties have been reported. So far, we've no idea who carried out this attack or why. Even how it was carried out is unclear. It appears the shells were fired by either mortar or howitzer, although no trace of a launch-site has been found as of yet."

The Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Richard Fletcher, shook his head, "And what has our response been so far?"

"Two regiments of light infantry have been deployed to Kelous to provide assistance to local law enforcement in the event of civil unrest, and also to provide high-visibility reassurance that this will not happen again."

"But can it be guaranteed not to happen again?"

The general remained silent.

0945h
Government Building, Orswen

"Kelous, the capital city of Svestovia, has been shelled." The Prime Minister was standing in front of his cabinet. News of the atrocity had only recently reached his desk, and he had been as prompt in calling a meeting as the Svestovian Military. "Whilst normally I would suggest distancing ourselves from the crisis, today I recommend we go to increased readiness. No doubt the finger of blame will come upon us in due course, and if they attack, we have to be ready to respond. To protect our homes, and those of the electorate."

The Minister of Defence nodded "Agreed. I'll ensure the message to go to increased readiness is passed out across the armed forces. That should ensure that every unit is ready should the call come."

Less than three hours later several large formations were prepared for any invasion that may come. And if it did, the flames of war would no doubt spread.

1315h, Svestovian Centralised Military Command (SCEMIC), Location Classified, Svestovia


“Xanastrovia have moved onto a war footing.” The junior officer seemed decidedly worried by the latest reports of increased readiness across the Xanastrovian border. “Do you think they could be behind the attack?”

“We can't rule it out, although they're more likely to have funded it than actually have carried it out.” the air of suspicion filled the room, affecting all within earshot of the conversation, “Either way, if they are responsible, we need to act to prevent any further attacks against our people.”

“A pre-emptive strike?”

“It's an option. Typoli Air Base lies less than twenty-miles across the border, it's the closest target, although it is heavily defended.” The watch commander was pondering the possibilities, not only for his nation, but also his career, “We could strike by land or air, do as much damage as possible, then retreat back across the border before they can fully react.”

“And there retaliation?”

“Will no-doubt be swift. They're gearing up for war, so we should do so to. It is unclear at this point if they are able to launch a full invasion, or will build to that. We do, however, have to be ready for all eventualities.”

“I'll pass the request through to high command.”


1450h

“Then it is agreed. A mechanised force will launch against Typoli Air Base, supported by a preliminary artillery bombardment from within our territory, and cripple the Xanastrovians air-power there. General, make the necessary preparations for deployment at dusk.” The President stood and walked to the door, turning to face the general one last time. “Ensure you do your duty, for you know what happens to those who fail.”

OoC: Since this is all going off on my doorstep I feel inclined to stick my head out the window and tell you both to stop squabbling :P

Prime Ministerial Offices, Shanisfax, South-East Kellun
It was a cool twelve degree Celsius inside the Prime Ministers office, Conan Stidolph didn't have much need for central heating, given his heritage. Sitting directly opposite him, a young man, no more the twenty years old. An advisor from the Ministry of External Affairs.

"Sir, tensions seem to be rising between Svestovia and Xanastrovia. Both appear to be building forces along their border." The boys voice quivered, and Conan smiled. He'd never seen this advisor before, and knew the pressure he must be under, sitting face to face with the most powerful man in the nation.

The Prime Minister smiled, deciding to give the youngster the opportunity to be himself some. "Could it be related to the artillery strike on Kelous this morning?"

"Perhaps. Svestovia and Xanstrovia aren't the most trusting of neighbours. And they've taken shots at each other before, albeit half a century ago. I'm amazed that they haven't tried to separate their individual border with explosives. That they've co-existed this long is neigh on miraculous."

"Either way, considering the fact that this could be seen as another damn Capitalist against Communist war rather than a border scuffle, they're risking a massive amount."

"You think the world might see it like that?" The boy didn't seem to fully understand the consequences, and the horror on his face was clear as the realisation hit him.

"I think there are enough crackpots out there for it to be a real risk, yes." Conans words told half the story, his thoughts the rest I know there are, and I've seen what they can do

"What can we do?"

His options were truly limited. Did he take a firm stance, and risk igniting the touch-paper for a global conflict he wanted to avoid? Or did he stand back, rebuke the nations and risk watching the conflict escalate before his very eyes? A balanced response was needed.

"Offer peacekeepers, see if we can find out who actually tried sparking this, if anyone, or if it's all just overreaction on their parts."

The advisor asked the question Conan knew was coming but dreaded all the same. "And if they go to war?"

He sighed heavily before answering. "Strategic strikes against their infrastructure. Blockades. Whatever we can do to stop the damn thing." Then we hope there's still a world come the morning

"Is that advisable? Shouldn't we remain detached?"

Ah, the joys of isolationism, although I doubt that would work here. Conan shook his head "Advisable? No, but it is preferable to a multi-national conflict on our doorstep."

Kelloniun Broadcasting Company News At Ten
Our headlines tonight. Conan Stidolph offers to send an specialist team to Svestovia to investigate today's artillery attacks. Ten people are killed in a pile-up on the A463 just outside Shanisfax, and how clean is your house? A fly-on-the-wall look at the germs and bacteria that could be threatening your health.

"And this has all happened so damn fast... what can we even do?"

Although it might have sounded rather rhetorical to most people, his cabinet knew that Friedrich Glogauer, Chancellor of the German Empire, was not in the habit of making rhetorical questions.

"Well, that depends, Mr. Chancellor. My personal recomendation is that we keep our distance, but obviously we have to tread carefully about these people. I recomend we condemn the attack itself and all warlike moves by either side and then look to our own."

"Excuse me, Chancellor, but while I agree with General von Hoyerswerda's sentiment, in practice we are failing to consider some unfortunate implications of this attack. For one thing, no potential culprit has emerged yet, which makes me think that perhaps Svestovia engineered it as a Casus Belli. More research is necessary, naturally, but everybody concerned is acting very trigger happy."

Generally, Friedrich preferred to get a fuller opinion, sometimes even a vote from his cabinet before making such important decisions, but in this case things had unfolded so rapidly that almost no-one knew what was happening, and decisive action was needed before the crisis got out of hand.

"Immediately communicate to both governments our distress at the attack and general belligerance and our desire to mediate any disputes they have. Make clear that we will not hesitate to back up our words with actions. Konrad?"

The foreign minister looked up.

"You handle that. I must phone the Kaiser."

To the governments of Svestovia and Xanastrovia

The German Empire is disgusted by the unprovoked assault on Svestovian citizens and is adamant that whoever is responsible must be brought to justice. However, we are alarmed at the rapid rate of military mobilisation among Svestovia's neighbours, in particular Xanastrovia, and urge agaisnt any violent resolution until the culprit is certain.

If there are issues complicating matters, Germany will be pleased to offer impartial third-party mediation.

Konrad Freiherr von Schroda, Imperial Foreign Minister


Stadtkreis Danzig, Provinz Westpreußen, Königreich Preußen, Deutsches Kaiserreich

Obergefreiter Krzysztof Kaczmarek walked with great leisurely swings of his legs, chewing heartily at a fat, steaming sausage wrapped in newspaper. He wore his blue Krätzchen service cap and long grey coat, not strictly the appropriate uniform, but it was a cold day on the Baltic shore, he was off duty, and nobody really cared.

He and his comrade Gefreiter Berthold Deifenbacker were instantly recognisable as soldiers, and Berthold, who was still quite new to the 23rd (2nd Upper Silesian) "Von Winterfeldt" infantry, was clearly enjoying being pointed at excitedly by the young children passing by. This was probably why he was wearing his Pickelhaube, a ceremonial leather helmet with a distinctive spike, kept polished to perfection throughout the army for church parades. He was also flicking through his newspaper, having turned down a suasage of his own.

"Another crisis in some countries with funny names."

"So, what's new?"

"This stuff is hot off the press, it seems, because apparently the Chancellor has made an official statement to the pair of Somewheregrovias in question."

"Oh-ho?"

"Knowing the old man, the intended meaning is "play nicely, kids, or we bust some heads!".

Krzysztof chuckled. "Think we'll see any action?"

"Too soon to say, really."

Berthold's mind was clearly drifting elsewhere.

"Worried?"

"Nothing to worry about yet."

"I know I am. But... God, it is kind of an exciting thought."

"Yeah, maybe. You missed Transylvania, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, now here's your chance for one of these."

The grizzled Pole tapped his Order of the Prussian Crown medal with a grin.

"Get's you free beer in any bar with self-respect, and that's worth a little wound, boy. But don't do anything stupid for want of one."

Berthold grinned sheepishly.

"I won't, Krizi. At least, I hope I won't."

"Good thinking there. Never say you won't 'till you know you won't."

"Where do you pick that up?"

"Klausewitz."

"No, really."

"No, really. That's half of his theorires. The other half, is "just don't do anything stupid, full stop". I just simplify a bit."

Berthold laughed as the duo rounded a corner and punched their leave-cards at the barracks gate.

SCEMIC, Location Classified, Svestovia

"Mr Prime Minister, it seems at least one nation has it's TV set constantly tuned to an international news channel." A slender brunette woman handed a sheet of paper to him.

"Oh?"

"Yes, The German Empire has condemned the attack on our capital."

"Excellent! Then they support us against the threat posed by Xanastrovia?"

"Well, not really. They urge against use of force on either countries side."

"So they're playing Hall Monitor then?" The Prime Minister chuckled softly to himself

"Yes, but I wouldn't let them hear you say that, their armed forces have a reputation for, shall we say, efficiency."

"Have they deployed anything yet?"

"They don't say either way, although we've not picked up any activity around our coast."

"Then we continue with the strike as planned."

"Sir?"

"You heard me, I want you to keep the operation on time."

"Yes sir. Shall I respond to the communication?"

"No, let them wonder."


2000h, Svestovia/Xanastrovia border
It was a small strike force, almost surgical. Two Leclerc tanks sat idling along with four VBCI armoured fighting vehicles. In total, thirty-six elite troops were ready for the strike, sound in the knowledge they had support in the form of four AuF1 artillery pieces.

Moments later, the force pressed over the border and into Xanastrovian territory.

"So, do we have an agreement, then? Letzeburgisch will continue to be classified as a German dialect."

There was ascent from the cabinet.

"Good. Next on the agenda, Svestovia. Herr von Schroda?"

"No response yet. Nothing. I still want to give both of them more time, but this is starting to look suspicious. One of them may be planning something. In case that is so, I recomend designating a few units for an expeditionary force and getting them in good locations, but no overt mobilisation yet. For now, we should give it a few more days, then demand a response."

"Any questions?"

Hoyerswerda raised his hand.

"What exactly is meant by "expeditionary force"?"

"I was thinking a sea-mobile task-force of medium size with an amphibious capable spearhead. As I said, no real preparations yet. Hopefully we wont even need it."

Southern Xanastrovia
Typoli airbase had been placed on high alert as part of the Ministry of Defence's earlier increases, but were expecting initial attacks by air, not land.

The first sighting of the Svestovian force came just before quarter-past eight as a recon squad found themselves face to face with the armoured incursion.

"Battista, I think we got company. One o'clock." The driver brought the Puma to a halt and prepared to beat a hasty retreat.

"They're not our equipment, I think we might have contact."

"But we've not heard anything. I think we should pull back, update HQ and try to make it out of this alive."

"That sounds like a good idea." Battista grabbed the radio handset and began the report "Romeo Charlie Eight to Romeo Charlie Zero, priority message."

"This is Romeo Charlie Zero, go ahead Eight."

"We have contact, approximately ten miles inside our border. No discernable markings. Sending our grid reference, request air support."

"Copy that, we'll pass the request through to Typoli. Out"

"Right, get this thing going, Typoli is around ten miles from here, the closest friendly base. We have to get there or we're dead."

Before he had even finished speaking, the driver had spun the 4x4 around and was putting distance between them and the Svestovian column.

The recon vehicle hadn't gone unnoticed by the Svestovian force. The commander had already informed the artillery that they had been compromised. Shortly after the message ended, the shelling began. Each artillery piece fired shell after shell, launching almost fifty rounds between them during the two minute barrage, all targeted at Typoli Airbase in the hopes of preventing air support getting airborne, and weakening the defences of the facility.

"Fire mission complete. Standing by for further orders."

OFFICIAL COLSTREAM GOVERNMENT COMMUNIQUE:

The Republic Of Colstream condemns the attack on Svestovias capital and will intervene accordingly.
The Republic Of Colstream also gives Svestovia 2 Million Colstream Pounds in Gold Bullion as a gift to help your military.

Three jets burst into flames almost simultaneously as the first shells rocked the airfield. For two minutes it seemed like the attack would never end. Sirens wailed as the personnel scrambled for whatever cover they could.

"This is Typoli Air Force Base requesting immediate assistance, we are under attack, I repeat, Typoli Air Force Base is under attack!"

The shells continued to fall, heavily damaging the runway and several other aircraft. Three of the bases four Tiger attack helicopters sat burning on their pads, removing almost all anti-armour capabilities at the base. The fourth, having narrowly avoided being caught in the destruction, was now powering towards the advancing enemy armour.

"Typoli, this is Air Force Command, we're sending everything we've got in your sector to assist. Hang in there, help is on the way."

OoC: Sorry if this is sucky, I've had a rough day at the office.

Inside Xanastrovia
"We have an inbound contact, fast and low, looks like a 'copter." The lead vehicle in the column powered forwards, bouncing through open countryside towards their target as the call came from the copula.

"Just the one?"

"Looks like it."

"Then our boys have the target in their cross-hairs." The commander tapped his comms officer on the shoulder, "Order another barrage, same as the last."

"On it, sir."

"And get the anti-air guns warmed up, it shouldn't take too long to swat the fly heading our way."


SCEMIC
"Mr President, the Republic of Colstream has condemned the attacks on our capital."

"Another hollow gesture from the international community." He shook his head. Why didn't the world see the treat posed by these Xanastrovian dogs?

"Not entirely. They have also pledged a substantial amount of gold to help support our military."

The president looked up, a slight smile on his lips. "In that case thank them for their gift and get preparations for the next stage of our advance underway."

OOC: Sorry for posting this before news leaks IC, but I'm afraid that I'm off on a trip and almost certainly wont have internet access until this Thursday, so I need to see my guys off, so just imagine this all takes place a bit later. Please don't rush ahead enormously. If things carry on at a reasonable pace, I can just call it travel time for my troops.

IC:Berthold stared blearily at the day's schedule, trying to keep his eyes open. What was so important he had to be woken at this ungdly hour?

Someone else, a lighter sleeper obviously, began to read out the bullet points:

"Shake-up at seven, hill-walk before breakfast, equipment inspection at half-nine..."

"Then what the hell am I doing out of bed!"

Krysztof's bellow was in Polish, which he often slipped into when he was annoyed and not very awake. Being Upper Silesians, everybody in the room was more-or-less bilingual, whatever their home language. There were some mumbles of general agreement, when the speaker system got going.

"Attention, all units on base are to commence immediate unrestricted preparations for overseas military operations, temperate climate. Service uniform is to be worn."

Annoyed but unquestioning, the soldiers staggered back to their beds and began to pull out their service gear: Krätschen (http://www.reenactorline.de/preussen/helme/Kraetzchen%20Infanterie.jpg), greatcoats, and most of their gear.

"Think its Somewheregrovia?"

"Could be, could be, I..."

The door flew open.

"Right then, people! We're to report to trains in battalion, departure is Stettin. Full briefing on the train, jump to it!"

The German Government is appalled with the rapidity with which this situation has degenerated into violence and will not stand idly by while Xanastrovia is subjected to such bare-faced aggresion. We are already despatching peace-keeping forces. Should Svestovia refuse to halt all military operations and agree to participate in an international task force to hunt down the true culprits for the attack upon them, we will enter a full state of war and show no hesitation in employing all our assets.

Prime Ministerial Offices, Shanisfax
The screen before Prime Minister Stidolph changed again. This was getting tiresome. He stood up and walked to the window, looking out across the city, shimmering on the orange glow of streetlights after four hours of rain.

"Kathrine, I need you to get General Solberg here as soon as possible, we have a situation developing that needs careful... attention."

"Right away, sir."

Ninety minutes later
"General Solberg, reporting as ordered."

"Requested, Filip, reporting as requested." Conan turned and strode over to the general. "It is good to see you again, old friend. It's been too long."

"Old friend? Ha! You know full well I hated your guts when we were in the forces together."

"Yes, but I was you commanding officer then, it's to be expected."

"You still are my commanding officer, Mr Prime Minister, sir."

"Oh quiet down and help yourself to a drink. We need to discuss the situation in Xanastrovia."

"Indeed. It appears Svestovia are well and truly on the war path." The general poured himself a glass of brandy as he spoke, before sitting opposite his prime minister.

"They are. And it's fair to say the international community is paying at least some attention. The German Empire has condemned the possibility of armed conflict, offering to mediate between the two parties." Conan smiled grimly as he finished his sentence, "We don't know who else is going to get involved. At this rate, the entire region could reach critical mass within a matter of days as foreign forces pour in. Conflicts have a habit of spreading, and we're going to have to be involved at some point, be it on their shores or ours."

Just as he finished, there came a single knock on the door, which opened not long after "Latest intel about the Svestovia Xanastrovia situation." A small PDA was handed to the Prime Minister by an aide, who promptly shuffled back out of the room.

The PM skimmed over the document on screen. "Small scale border skirmish. This could escalate rapidly. General, you know I wouldn't ask this unless it was completely necessary. Is Cacus ready for active service?" He noticed something in his friends eyes. Something he hadn't seen there for over three decades. Fear.

"Feasibly, yes, although in order to station it in any position we'd need to pick a side, bringing us into the conflict and thus escalating it." He took a sip from his glass, pausing to savour the taste.

Conan nodded, understanding the dynamics of that situation. "Could we not mount the weapon to a ship? That way we can remain neutral." Conan

"Theoretically, yes, although I doubt many would view stationing an eight-hundred millimetre artillery piece capable of lobbing conventional and nuclear shell up to forty miles off the coasts of the nations as 'remaining neutral'. Indeed, it may just inflame the situation further."

"It's the Devils Alternative, Filip. Either we take a firm stance and run the risk of having to back up our words with actions, or we sit back and keep asking them to play nice, which will just end in war anyway."

"I just feel Cacus is a very large threat against what is, in essence, a small problem. Nuclear weapons of any kind are. We need to send a peacekeeping force to enforce the border and prevent further incursions by either party."

"Be that as it may, I want preparations to be made for conversion to a naval weapon. Hopefully this'll all be over before we need to deploy it."

OoC: I'm good to drag things out for a little longer, although I don't have to come up with the reasons for the war not escalating for a week, although I'm sure they can figure something out.

"Hound One to Typoli Centre, have eyeball on the enemy. Two tanks and four AFVs, moving directly towards your position."

"Roger that, Hound One, you are clear to engage all available targets. Typoli Out."

No sooner had the communication ended than two HOT anti-tank missiles left their launchers and sped towards the armoured column, followed promptly by a volley of Hydra 70 rockets.


Typoli Air Field
The men on the base had moved to defensive positions by the time the second salvo of shells plunged to earth, damaging the runway some more and knocking out one of the bases fortified anti-tank guns.

Despite the bombardment, the men and women of Typoli Air Field were ready to defend their base against any armoured vehicle that survived the onslaught of the Tiger.

Two of the VBCI's were crippled under the first volley. Of the twenty-two men in the vehicles, thirteen scrambled from the burning wrecks. The campaign had claimed its first Svestovian casualties.

"Bring that bird down, I don't want it getting another shot off."

Hot lead spat forth from machine guns on the remaining four armoured vehicles, filling the sky whilst a team of two troops launched a Mistral SAM at the helicopter.

(OOC: Sorry for the delay, I've been preoccupied by a few new games I got over the weekend.)

Official Communique of the Confederacy of Kenavt

Dear All Nations Involved in this Conflict:

It has come to the recent attention of this Confederacy that a conflict is starting in between the fine nations of Xanastrovia and Svestovia. Due to the prompt agression of Svestovia toward Xanastrovia concerning an attack of some sort in their captial city, we believe Svestovia has made a grave mistake in starting the bombardment of Typoli Air Field, which we have recently learned about. Unless the nations of Svestovia and Xanastrovia start to cease conflict now and negotiate, Kenavt feels that they will support Xanastrovia due to the possible grave mistake of Svestovia.

Signed,

Kenavt
Premier of Kenavt

Duke Andrew da Vincho
Deputy Premier

The helicopter dove quickly as lights lit up across the cockpit as the missile closed rapidly. A tell-tale smoke trail whipped past the top of the aircraft as the pilot pulled back on the stick to regain height.

Too late.

The Tiger scrapped along the ground, engine whining as the desperate airman tried to get it back in the air. The tail boom struck an outcrop of rock, tearing it from the body and putting paid to any plans of flying the bird had.

Typoli Air Field
By now the enemy could be little more than five miles away. The men and women of Typoli AFB stood ready to weather the storm. They had no idea how many enemy were left, if the artillery had been destroyed or even if the 'copter was still active.

"Ready yourselves, the enemy could strike at any moment."

Communiqué to Kenavt
The Nation of Xanastrovia thanks the Confederacy of Kenavt for any support they may give in the future. Whilst we are willing to cease hostilities and begin discussions with Svestovia, we find it unlikely they will cease attacks until they either win or are defeated.

SIC:

Official Communique of the Confederacy of Kenavt

Dear Xanastrovia;

We wish to inform you that we will wait awhile, maybe until after the conflict at your Typoli Air Field has settled, before making any declarations of war-if they are neccessary. However, we do not hold much hope of peace being acheived before a large conflict, and hense we would like to again inform you that our military is being mobilized in case a military intervention is neccessary.

Signed,

Kenavt
Premier

Duke Andrew da Vincho
Deputy Premier

German Imperial Airbase, Provinz Bergenland, Königreich Österreich, Deutsches Reich

"So, that's the situation. We'll deploy in Xanastrovia by air, with the knowledge of their government. Currently this border clash is extremely small scale, and we hope to be able to make whatever contribution we can to victory. All good?"

"All good, Oberst-Leutnant. And we begin preparation immediately?"

"Right. As soon as the Xanastrovians show the green light, you're off."

It was a small room, with big glass windows looking out over the high forested slopes of eastern Austria . Away in the distance there was a glow from the lights of Pressburg, known to its strong Slovene minority as Bratislava. Inside, sipping at their wine, or grapefruit juice, as the case might be, sat the officers of A Company, First Royal Tirolean Jägers. Hauptmann Gustav Adolf Krombacher, known to all as das Kapitan because it alliterated that way, was well known in army circles. It seemed he had been everywhere and done everything with his eccentric band of Austrians.

Then there was Ober-Leutnant Jakob Schmalkalder, a real Tirolian with a thick accent and sun-fried neck from long hours outdoors, risen to officer rank in Austria, where the military aristocracy was not nearly as entrenched as in the Altreich.

And to speak of the Altreich, there was Unter-Leutnant Sarohildi "Sali" von Wandrinnstadt, who was a Prussian Protestant Piefke from a West Prussian military family and about as Altreich as you could possibly get without actually being the Kaiser. She had ended up in the Austrian outfit because the Tiroleans were the best in the army, which meant that they took in the best soldiers. Most of whom were Tirolean, but many of whom, especially officers, were not.

Like Unter-Leutnant Michael Warner, a Hessian, although, being from south of the "White Sausage Equator", far less of a foreigner to the Hochdeutsch-speaking Austrians, but still an outsider, probably because he didn't talk much and, although he never let it get in the way of his excellent leadership, had a love of exchanging insults with his fellow officers.

Giving them their briefing was their CO, Oberst-Leutnant Sigmer von Zweigendorf, an aging soldier who had last seen action in Transylvania during the 1990 war, and had been a young officer in Indochina and Tanganyika before that, distinguishing himself as the leader of several heliborne units during the Lao Offensive, and bore on his chest a gaudy decoration from the Sultan of Zanzibar.

The company officers filed out, Krombacher spouting orders, and Zweigendorf reached for the phone.

"Yes, yes, I know it's you, Sigmer. We have sent your message, you'll be glad to know."

To Xanastrovia

We are currently deploying peacekeeping forces to your country to enforce borders, however they will not arrive for several more days at least. If Svestovia continues their current aggression they begin full hostilities. In the mean time, we have chosen several companies of our special forces, all very distinguished, for immediate airborne deployment to your country to co-operate with your forces to counteract Svestovian raids. They will move as soon as you give permission.

The armoured column moved away from the wreckage of the helicopter and their stricken vehicles. The Xanastrovian pilot could have survived the impact, but taking prisoners was not on their agenda, and one man with a PDW wasn't going to do any damage to the armoured vehicles on the return leg.

The men and women who survived the destruction of their APC's now sat or stood on the remaining armoured vehicles, ready to dismount at a moments notice as Typoli Air Base appeared on the horizon.

"Battery One-Delta, commence final bombardment. Give them everything you have left!"

Over the course of three minutes a total of seventy-two shells were fired, emptying the artillery pieces which began the journey back to the Svestovian side of the border. As the shells crashed into the already pummelled base, the ground forces closed the distance to just a few hundred yards.

With two words, the commander of the lead tank started the first real ground battle of the conflict.

"Open fire!"

Even as the dust kicked up by the third artillery strike still hung thick in the air, the weapons teams sprang into action. MILAN missiles and .50 cal rounds shot towards the approaching convoy.

"Typoli Air Base to any friendly forces nearby, we are now fully engaged with a small enemy force consisting of infantry supported by heavy armour. Requesting immediate support!" The communications officer tried desperately to raise any unit in the area that could provide support in this most desperate of times.

The base was almost unrecognisable as more shells, this time from the advancing tanks and APC's, blew chunks of concrete from the fortified bunkers and shattered the corrugated iron huts that served as barracks, stores and offices. The total casualties had yet to be ascertained, but continued to grow as men and women fell victim to direct fire and shrapnel, the defensive strength dropping with every volley of fire from the enemies.

"Dammit, we need that support now!"

Communiqué To Kenavt
We thank you again for your support, and unfortuantely share your lack of confidence in a peaceful resolution to this prior to all out conflict. Should the need arise, Xanastrovia will welcome any and all aid Kenavt is willing to supply.


Communiqué To The Imperial General Staff
We appreciate the offer of peacekeepers, and moreso the immediate availability of a smaller task-force. We welcome your troops to our country, and look forwards to working with them to defend our rights as a sovriegn state.


(OoC: Svestovia, could you TG me a list of targets near your border, be they military, industrial or even civilian. I'm looking to strike back at you before the big boys get here and we're forced to play nice(r) *grin*.)

Official Communique of the... (OOC: You all know the drill!)

Dear All Nations involved in this Conflict:

After Svestovia has not ended their hostilities on Typoli Air Base, the Confederacy is compelled to act. We are sending troops to the aid of Xanastrovia as soon as possible. They are expected to arrive within the next week.

Signed,

Duke Andrew da Vincho
Premier

OOC:

I can muster up 500,000 troops, plus about probably half of what the US has military-wise. Does that seem good?

Communiqué To The Imperial General Staff
We appreciate the offer of peacekeepers, and moreso the immediate availability of a smaller task-force. We welcome your troops to our country, and look forwards to working with them to defend our rights as a sovriegn state.

Excellent. Our men are on the way as I write. Landing will be by aeroplane, parachute drop is an option if absoluetely necessary, but we would prefer the use of some type of airstrip to ensure the safety of our equipment.

General-Feldmarschall von Schroda, Chief of the Imperial General Staff


"Let's go! I want full departure, ten minutes!"

With a whoop, Krombacher's men swung their heavy packs to their shoulders, grabbed their weapons, and dashed for their aeroplane, a solid cargo-carrier with plenty of room for all. Almost all their company's gear was already loaded (they were small for a company, at about 80 men), and they were rearing to go.

"Escort ready?"

"Escort ready."

"Then take us up!"

Krombacher leaned back in his hard seat and clicked the belt. He kept up his bravado, but he didn't like planes at all, or ships. He always wanted a sense of terra firma and independant movement, which made him ideal for light infantry work, except that light infantry had to take a lot of long trips.

But he cheered with his men as they were thumped back in their seats. It was certainly good to be off.


Naval Transport, seas between Germany and Xanastrovia

"God... I never really realised how big it was..."

Berthold was looking in awe at the great gray expanse of the sea, reaching unbroken to every horizon. Krysztof was less impressed.

"At least it's pretty warm."

Berthold gave him an incredulous look.

"Define warm for me?"

"Ever been to the Baltic? That's what warm isn't."

"Very helpful. And have you ever been on the Baltic, besides Danzig winter?"

"Lots of times. My old dad, when he came out of Poland after the war, he went to work on a farm for some Junker with more ladn than he knew what to do with. One day it came to him to teach his kids Polish, and my did, he had a degree, and he didn't ask for much..."

"What was he doing on a farm with his degree?"

"Working for solid pay. Fresh out of Poland, no references at all, kids to look after... what are you gonna do? So, he became a tutor for all things Lechitic, and we'd get invited to come on cruises between..."

At this point the veteran made a show out of his clearing his throat and standing up straight.

"The Cities of the Imperial Baltic Littoral. Lübeck out to Reval. Lovely places."

"Wow."

The duo returned to looking out, over the sea.