NationStates Jolt Archive

Halsanki

The Imperial Marines were advancing, block by block, in a cautious, urban-fighting manner: leaving no buildings unsearched and seizing strategic points en route.

Soon enough, one Captain reported back to his superiors, as follows:

"Captain, we have reached the outskirts of the Ruhtinalyne. We're standing by - there appears to be a disturbance of some kind in the main courtyard."

Cell block
Ruhtinalyne Palace
Halsanki, Northern Rangeria

Doukas addressed the barely-conscious "President".

"Ah, Mr. Aho. How fortunate for you, then, that I am not a vindictive person."

As Aho looked about to protest, he quickly continued: "But these men are, although they won't kill you while I'm witnessing, and they won't kill me - I freed them."

"However, Mr. Aho, my patience has its limits. If you do not agree to braodcast a surrender order in precisely one minute, I will take a nice long walk - somewhere else. And I will take Her Highness with me. In short, I estimate a 95% probability that in the three minutes we'll be away, there is a 95% chance of you becoming KIA."

"What's your decision, Aho?"

Vihte Airfield

"Right you are, Captain Hankane. I'd best get our beasts back in the air, then."

Snapping a salute, Colonel Arl turned and began gathering his pilots, detailing groups of them to see to the somewhat unusual takeoff tasks.

Oulo, Province of Northlands, Northern Rangeria

"Ummm, right." Tastartis was acting somewhat like a cat that had fallen into a bucket of cream: not sure whether to start lapping it up or swim for its life.

"Hoy! Seargent....Sourpuss, wasn't it? Where's the cafeteria?"

Halsanki

The transport ships carrying the highland regiments had finally arrived. Drop ships pulled up to the shore and the landing process began. The elite troops immediately began heading for their appointed rendezvous point, as they had been chosen to replace the grenadiers in assaulting the palace due to the fighting underway in the city. The rest formed up and headed into the city to reinforce other regiments.

On a Halsanki boulevard, a young sergeant surveyed what remained of his command. The tank they were supporting had been destroyed, with many injured from the flying shrapnel. Many of the soldiers, some heavily wounded, turned and began to return fire while scrambling for cover. A lucky group had been far enough behind, and were able to safely reach the building entrance while preparing to storm the building.

Troops had begun to make their way through the holes opened in the rebel lines, hoping to double back and surround the rebels.


HSMS Avon, Halsanki

A report had come through from the team sent to investigate the palace sewers. The way was passable, but was partially blocked. Apparently the palace once had grates to block entry, but they were in bad repair and were possible to get around. The elite soldiers of the highlander regiments were sent to follow the commandos and surprise the rebels from below.

Hearing the burst from the Royalist Colonel over the radio, the Field Marshal began to respond. “Colonel Hertell, this is Field Marshal Malcolm of West Ithilien. The smoke you see from the palace is from burning rebel vehicles in the courtyard, not the palace itself. Secondly, the longer this war goes on, the more people die. I am more than willing, but haven’t yet started, to sacrifice those they hold to end this war and save more lives. You object to this?”


Ruhtinalyne Palace

As the helicopters were approaching the palace, one of the pilots caught a glimpse of soldiers rescuing one of their own from the wreckage in the courtyard, but they managed to find cover before he could bring his guns to bear. He was somewhat frustrated this moment had escaped him, but conceded that these rebels would not survive much longer anyway.

Shortly after they landed, enough of the elite companies had assembled to mount an attack on the palace. The first fifty men had managed to make their way through the sewers. They set the charges to blow open the access door and gain entrance to the palace. Blowing the charges, they found themselves in a mechanical room and quickly set out to “explore” the palace

Cell block
Ruhtinalyne Palace
Halsanki, Northern Rangeria

The sputtering President looked at the New Chalcedonian with a look of pure contempt.

"You dare make such demands to the leader of a sovereign nation?" he hissed, opening his mouth again.

Just then, a deep, grumbling explosion from underground shook the palace. Something was blowing up under their feet, making the whole hilltop palace shiver and quake as tremors rushed up stone and mortar.

"What the hell was that?" Aho demanded to know.

"Could be that they're planning something drastic", one of the officers spoke up. "The hill's riddled with old passages. His Majesty and his father before him wanted to make sure the Palace was on secure foundation, and began works on providing support for the Palace proper. If the Royalists or our allies have found a weak spot, they could try to break it and make part of the Palace crash down like a house of cards."

This revelation apparently surprised Aho himself. "But... but... They wouldn't! That's horrendous! That's inhumane! That's..."

"That's what they will do if there's no other way. Or if they deem the loss of our lives will be a high enough price for your death", another officer spoke up.

For about ten seconds the captured President looked indecisive, trying to figure out what to do, until another set of explosions rocked the Palace.

"Give me the radio", he squeaked. "Give me the radio! NOW!"

Halsanki

In the city below, the work of Ithilien sappers had so far gone unheard among the noises of urban warfare. Suddenly the rebel fire began to die out, and finally fell silent. Slowly rebel soldiers and officers began to crawl out the buildings, hands and weapons lifted in surrender, more than a few soldiers dragging wounded comrades with them.

"This is Colonel Hertell", the radios cracked on both HMS Avon and in Commodore Banton's Ops room. "We just received word from the Palace. Rebel leader Nils Aho has been captured by a group of escaped Home Guardsmen and a high-ranked foreign delegate. He has surrendered unconditionally."

"Gentlemen... and commodore. We've won."

Oulo, Province of Northlands, Northern Rangeria

Such news, of course, did not travel too fast via walkie-talkies, so in Vihte the Royalists continued to prep Imperial Eurofighters for launch - and in Oulo a frowning MP sergeant turned to look at the released "Moular" and his avec.

"Down the hallway, and on the right. Just past the last set of elevators", the man grumbled after saluting. After all, Moular was apparently his superior if news were correct.

For Kati, such performance was clearly funny, as she hid her smile behind her hand.

Cell block
Ruhtinalyne Palace
Halsanki, Northern Rangeria

After Aho had given the order, the Ambassador looked around at the Royal Guard.

"Congratulations, gentlemen. It appears that this revolution is over."

Then he turned his look on Aho.

"Mr. Aho. You should have taken your chances with the artillery. You see, my cousin the Emperor is a vindictive man. I suggest that your head make its farewells to your body - they won't be associated much longer, unless I miss my guess. He will pay a great many prices to ahve done with you, and I doubt that Prince Michael will be inclined to deny him, after you threatened his mother."

"Shall we take a walk, gentlemen? Madam?" He held his arm to the Dowager Queen whose courage and levelheadedness had inspired the entire crazy escape attempt.

Halsanki

Commodore Banton's voice was jubilant.

"Roger that, Colonel Hertell. I'll have my Marines liaise with the Royal Army to start restoring order, shall I? Wait....high-ranking foreign delegate? He wouldn't.......no. He wouldn't."

Shaking off her thought, the Commodore turned to her comms officer.

"Jen. Tell Colonel Papadapoulos that his Marines are to consider Colonel Hertell their superior officer."

"Aye, Ma'am."

Oulo, Province of Northlands, Northern Rangeria

Tastartis took Kati Renlund's arm in his own, and began walking her toward the cafeteria, treating her for all the world like a Queen....or a woman he wanted to impress.

Vihte Airfield

The EuroFighters were refuelled in record time, and took off as quickly as it could be arranged. Within half an hour, Colonel Arl would be over Halsanki once more. He wondered what had happened in his abscence, when his comms board lit up.

"Sting One-Alpha, come in. Repeat, Sting One-Alpha, come in. This is the Flag."

"Flag, this is Sting One-Alpha. What's up?"

"The rebels have surrendered, and the Bulgaroknoctos has been partially-repaired. Proceed to land aboard her."

"Aye, Flag. How's the Admiral?"

"Not good, Colonel, but he should live. Flag out."

The fighters went to maximum burn, heading straight toward Halsanki.

HSMS Avon

A collective sigh of relief could be felt in the command room as Colonel Hertell’s message came through.

The joyous atmosphere was cut short through as one of the older officers spoke up. “There is something fishy about this. Aho should have been too well guarded for an escaped prisoner to capture. In any case, this campaign isn’t over yet; perhaps the celebrations should wait.”


Ruhtinalyne Palace

The Highlanders had managed to secure the palace proper, and were beginning to secure the rest of the palace proper. With the broadcast of the surrender, most of the rebels gave up their arms, but a few insisted on finishing things and were promptly dealt with. The revolutionary flag was replaced by colours more representative of the current state of affairs. An overzealous soldier had seen fit to not just fly the revolutionary flag upside down, but also flew it beneath the Flag of West Ithilien.

A group of fifteen soldiers was advancing towards the cell block while covered by air support and soldiers positioned within the palace. They were showing more caution that usual considering that the war was technically over; well aware that some of the rebels might not respect the surrender, and bullets had not grown any friendlier.


Halsanki

There was still some sporadic fighting going on in the city as some rebels believed the surrender was a trick, although most could be seen giving themselves up. The focus of most of the Ithilienite soldiers had changed to guarding prisoners and cleaning up the wreckage and bodies that lay in the streets.

In some parts of the city, civilians could again be seen, although it was doubtful as to whether they came to see what state the city was left in, or whether they wanted to gawk at the highland troops.

The highland soldiers are the last of His Serene Majesty’s troops to fight in their traditional uniforms, albeit with modern adaptations such as rifles and body armour, creating a bit of an unusual sight.

Ruhtinalyne Palace

Aho had fallen silent after the threat of being handed over to the New Chalcedonians instead of facing trial in Northern Rangeria. As one of the officers had later told Ambassador Doukas, death penalty had been abolished soon after formal declaration of independence, so Aho may have been counting on saving his life while losing his face.

The order to stand down had rang quickly through the city, and already as the released Home Guard began to scout out the palace complex they had encountered Ithilien troops. There were surprisingly few rebel soldiers left in the Palace; many had been taken down in the bombing, including their commanding officer, Colonel Valeo, as one of the Ithilien soldiers crossing the bombarded courtyard could tell. The colonel's dead eyes stared up at the sky, his hand still clutching a service pistol. Lying on his back, he looked almost peaceful, save for the trickle of blood from his mouth - and the fact that everything below his rib cage had been dispersed over a wide area.

In the First Hall of the Palace, the Queen Mother was picking up the pieces of a smashed statue of St Gid with Doukas, when one of the Home Guards ran inside.

"Ma'am... Your Highness... There's Ithilien soldiers coming in", the soldier reported quickly. The old woman straightened her jacket and looked at Doukas.

"Ambassador", she said calmly. "Let us go and meet our saviours", she added with a small laughter.

Halsanki

Further communication with the Ruhtinalyne Palace confirmed the almost astounding news: a detachment of Home Guard, led by the captured Queen Mother and the New Chalcedonian ambassador, had been able to capture and hold Aho in the turmoil of the Palace being bombed. This piece of news was especially humorous to the Northern Rangerian troops now deploying through the city, as Aho had in fact been taken down by his own prisoners.

Slowly the fighting died down, and sullen-faced rebels were being herded into any available areas to wait for further instructions. Surrendered officers were making deals, supplying information on captured political and civilian leaders and prison camps in return for lighter sentences. On Apinakissa Street and other major diplomatic venues the siege of diplomatic buildings was brought to an end.

At the waterfront, Colonel Hertell looked across the Halsanki Bay, painted red by the rays of the setting sun. He drew a deep, relieved sigh...


Ukonnie Garrison

At Ukonnie, a single APC was slowly driving towards the garrison, a white flag tied to its radio antenna. Apparently the rebels were still close by, but someone apparently wished to parlay.

Ruhtinalyne Palace

After the Ithilien forces had been confirmed friendly, Doukas went looking for the leader of the formerly-captive Royalist officers. When he found him, he started at once: "Captain, I cannot thank you enough. But there is still one matter: that of my secretary, Leo. He was taken with me, and I have not been able to find him. I fear that he may have paid a very high price indeed for his silence. Ultimately, I feel obliged to him - it was as a result of my actions that he was taken, and I would appreciate assistance in finding him."

Halsanki

Commodore Banton was hardly able to contain her mirth.

"That's rich! It might be asked, why bother bringing at least two carrier task forces, an army, and the entire Royal Air Force to liberate the city, when two prisoners can stage a jailbreak, and do it themselves in the process!"

"The Emperor's going to love this. Jen, get me the capital."

"Aye, Ma'am."

Lasarkis Manor, Constantinopolis Secundus

Secretary Lasarkis looked at the two Rangerians who had been waiting tensely for news.

"Gentlemen, it appears that I have good news - some of which will lighten your day."

"Halsanki has fallen, with minimal damage inflicted upon the Ruhtinalyne - the report was saying something about vandalised artwork. However, Aho has not disappeared, as it was feared that he would. Instead, he was captured - by Ambassador Doukas and the Queen Mother, who had freed the Home Guard from their cell and overpowered Aho."

"Now, of course, only one question remains: what is to be done with Aho and his subordinates? I hear that Northern Rangeria has abolished the death penalty - perhaps your Prince would look favourably upon an extradition request? We do have the death penalty here, and Aho has earned it several times over, under our laws."

Ruhtinalyne Palace

The captain nodded gravely. "I understand your concern, sir. We've not found any New Chalcedonians so far. It is possible he is somewhere in the city, or taken to a detainment center. We will find him."

For a moment, he fell silent. "We've put some P.O.W.'s on grave duty. They are carrying the casualties to vacant facilities until they can be moved from Ruhtinalyne."

He said nothing more, not suggestin anything about Leo's condition. He had only let the New Chalcedonian ambassador know a place where he could search for his lost assistant. "If I hear anything, I will let you know."

Halsanki

The sun was setting slowly when the fighting and sporadic fire in the capital city finally came to an end. Civilians and Royalist soldiers - backed up with work details of surrendered Rebels - were still busy putting out fires and seeking for survivors in the rubble. The waterfront was practically in ruins, bulldozers bringing down last of the crumbling facades while some soldiers looked mournfully as the Empire style facilities came down with a rumble and a rising dust cloud. The inner city was less damaged, but urban fighting had taken its toll on both buildings and people.

One of the few unspoiled monuments was the Knights' House, an 18th century palace in the Old Town, near the Cathedral of St Gid. It was in here that Colonel Hertell had invited the C.O.'s of foreign task forces and representatives of the city's civilian authorities to discuss upon reorganizing the city. There were even rumours that a member of House Halsar was also on their way, to establish the presence of the Royal Family as well. The Queen Mother was in the city, of course, but she had insisted on remaining at Ruhtinalyne to handle affairs there until the evacuation of former prisoners, surrendered rebels and the wounded was complete.

Lasarkis Manor, Constantinopolis Secundus

The Northern Rangerian ambassador clearly frowned at Lasarkis's suggestion, but it was the member of the Royal Family that spoke first, clearly taking the reins on behalf of the ambassador.

"What you are suggesting, Mister Secretary... is certainly tempting", Lord Pieter Halsar, the Prince's cousin, spoke calmly, his eyes revealing very little of his own intentions. "But I hope you will not take offence if we do not right away agree to such a request. Aho's actions have been deplorable, admittedly, but it would cast a negative light upon my cousin if his actions could be construed as circumventing the laws of the land."

"However, your proposition has its merits. Keeping Aho in Northern Rangeria - even as a prisoner sentenced for life, as I am sure he will be - could be harmful to the nation, especially if he still has some influence outside the prison. I am sure that my cousin would be willing to, at the very least, hand Aho to your custody, if you so asked. I understand that New Chalcedonian prison system has nothing to shame in comparison to your other government functions."

Ruhtinalyne Palace

Entering the hall, the soldiers were greeted by the Queen Mother and Ambassador Doukas, and were brought up to date on the details of the prisoners escape. The information was relayed to Ithilien Command, who sent a reply.

“Your Highness, and Ambassador... Or should that be Your Highnesses... The Crown of Ithilien sends its greetings. Ambassador, your family was rescued at the beginning of the conflict and is now in New Chalcedon.”


HSMS Avon

The bridge crew could clearly tell that their commander was not expecting to hear that Doukas was still alive. The atmosphere began to lighten as they realized that the war was now over, or perhaps just in lull, but some form of peace had finally come. The fleet also began to relax and transition from combat readiness to a peacekeeping role and the line of battle began to dissolve into a convoy.

The communications officer chimed in, “Sir, Colonel Hertell is inviting you to meet in town at a place called the Knights’ House. It’s an old palace near the cathedral.”

“Tell the Colonel I’m on my way, and make sure to keep me apprised of any developments.” The Prince headed off the bridge.


Ukonnie Garrison

Work was progressing to clear the traps left by the Royalists when they abandoned the base. Most of them had been cleared but there was still work to be done. Fortifications had been built around the base perimeter, accomplishing one goal in that there was now a fortified base to fall back upon in case the rebels received aid, or another country decided to take advantage of the present situation. However, the tanks needed to complete the fortifications were in Halsanki, as the company of Dragoons which had been scheduled for Ukonnie had been diverted on account of the quarantine.

On the perimeter, a single soldier climbed out of the fortifications and walked out to meet the carrier. Although he was alone, a selection of weapons could be seen peeking out from the fortifications. Invisible behind the fortifications, an armed troop transport, currently one of a handful on the perimeter, was on its way to provide armoured support.


Halsanki

Ithilienite troops had already begun to hand over control of the city to Rangerian troops, although checkpoints and emergency response units were still stationed throughout the city. The water supply had also been restored to the palace and the water treatment plant was returned to civilian control.

It was not long before the Field Marshal arrived at the palace to begin the negotiations.

Ruhtinalyne Palace

The Ambassador gave a polite, if short, greeting to the incoming Ithilien troops, before heading to the area that the Captain had indicated, hoping against hope that some Rebel sergeant hadn't spitefully killed a helpless victim when his cause was lost....

Halsanki

Commodore Banton was not slow to head towards the Knights' House - this entire episode would be a tremendous boost to her career. As well as the accolades, she could look forward to a promotion in the next quarterly review, and was eager to secure good terms for all involved, and felt that subordinating her Marines to the Roylalists for the sake of order maintenance was a good first step - it established friendly intentions.

Lasarkis Manor, Constantinopolis Secundus

"Absolutely nothing, Your Highness. While we would prefer Mr. Aho's death, if Prince Michael entrusts his well-being to us, we will treat him with all due care." The Secretary's face was sour - clearly, he had expected at least a degree of enthusiasm for his suggestion.

Ruhtinalyne Palace

The cellars of the Palace were relatively cool, the heavy bedrock on which the ancestral home of House Halsar had been built making these caverns an ideal place for storing goods in times long past.

Now, these cellars held a more morbid form of "goods": dead soldiers and their goods, P.O.W.s under armed guard going through the equipment of those who had been carried inside and labeling them for later use. Some of the corpses looked as if they were merely sleeping, while others - especially those caught in the bombing raid - were tattered and burnt beyond recognition.

One of the soldiers on guard duty looked up at the ambassador, nodding to him dourly before turning back to watch over the dead and those who handled them. There would be a time for celebration, but in places like this the tally of the war was clear: in death, both rebels and royalists laid still, side by side.

Ukonnie Garrison

The APC ground to a halt with about fifty meters between it and the perimeter. The vehicle silenced its engines, and the backhatch opened. From there, a single soldier in combat fatigues stepped out. He was unarmed, as he showed by extending his arms to the side.

"Lieutenant Kajander, 2nd Halsanki Republican Guard", he called out in English. "I have a message for your commanding officer."

Knights' House,
Halsanki

At the Knights' House, the darkening night was cut with the arrival of a combat helicopter, descending on the grass lawn of the garden. While the Ithilien and New Chalcedonian taskforce commanders were greeted by the civilian representatives of Halsanki - most notably the Mayor and three Members of the Parliament who had managed to stay underground during the arrests - colonel Hertell himself was heading to greet the member of the Royal House appearing. All this could of course be seen from the Great Hall to which the delegates were escorted, past walls covered with banners and coats-of-arms, memorabilia of a long history of warring nobility.

Lasarkis Manor, Constantinopolis Secundus

Lord Halsar nodded calmly. "I thank you for your understanding, Master Lasarkis", he said, falling silent for a moment.

"Of course... If you later on decide to accuse Aho of war crimes under New Chalcedonian jurisdiction...", he began to muse, looking up from his wine glass. "Well, my cousin the Prince might lodge a formal protest, but our hands would be otherwise tied diplomatically", he continued, a slight grin rising on his lips.

Knight’s House
Halsanki

While waiting for all the delegates to arrive, the Field Marshal noted that history displayed the corridors so profoundly presented the current situation of events; a story of a nation in conflict. After meeting the civilian representatives, the young Prince found Commodore Banton and introduced himself. “Commodore Banton, Field Marshal Hereditary Prince Malcolm of West Ithilien. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”


Ukonnie Garrison

The soldier spent a moment talking into his radio before motioning the lieutenant to approach. “The Brigadier wants to see you in person. I’ll escort you to meet him.” Quickly checking for any concealed weapons the lieutenant might be carrying, he was escorted through the fortifications. Moments later a military jeep arrived and drove both of them to the base headquarters where the lieutenant was ushered into a meeting room. A few minutes passed before the brigadier arrived accompanied by another soldier who appeared to be some sort of aide. The soldier who first met the lieutenant then left the meeting room.

Brigadier Carmichael, while not the most senior officer at the garrison, was the highest ranking officer available to meet with the lieutenant. “I hear you wished to speak with me...” the Brigadier began.

OOC: Apologies for the long delay - my RL has been highly complicated of late. Preparing for an international exchange will do that to you. If you have given up on this thread, I will understand.

IC:

Lasarkis Manor, Constantinopolis Secundus

The old Secretary's answering smile would have impressed a shark in its bloodlust. "Certainly, Lord Halsar. I understand perfectly, and you may rest assured that the Emperor does as well." As he came around the desk to escort the Rangerian personally from his office, "It is good that we never met this day, my Lord."

Knight’s House
Halsanki

Commodore Banton, after having been escorted through the impressive hall, was unusually polite. "Well met, your Highness. Tell me, which of your titles are hereditary? What is your relationship to your Head of State?"

Ruhtinalyne Palace

The Ambassador was almost beside himself by this stage. "Where are the foreigners' bodies kept around here? And where are wounded foreign civilians being treated?"

OOC: NR, during the interrogation sequence, I decided that one thing would induce the Ambassador to talk - threatening his family at the Embassy. I'm actually surprised that Aho didn't think of it.

Knight’s House
Halsanki

“The Head of State is my father. As I come from a principality, we use the title Hereditary Prince instead of the more common Crown Prince as the title Crown Prince is more appropriate for my father, the Ruling Prince. Our nation also has some other peculiarities, one being that the Ruling Prince is called by his title instead of his name. However once a ruler is dead, they are titled with their title and name similar to other nations. Other members of the royal family, such as me, are titled with both their name and title.

It is also a longstanding tradition that the members of the royal family who are close to the succession or likely to succeed to the throne, command a military or diplomatic mission. It gives us practical experience while giving the House of Lords a chance to evaluate members of the royal family who may succeed to the throne.”


HSMS Avon

The fleet had been left in the command of Admiral MacDonald, one of the Field Marshal’s Staff Officers, while the Field Marshal was away at the conference in Halsanki.

The usual business of the command deck was broken by a shout from the satellite surveillance officer. “Sir, Hostile ground and air inbound. An outnumbering ground force is advancing from the north-east, while the aircraft are crossing the Greater Rangerian Border. Estimating speed now.”

“Feed the images to my station. Radar, do you have confirmation?” the Admiral replied.

“No sir. No contacts with target.”

“Have the battleships and battlecruisers reform the line. Launch three fighter squads to intercept the aircraft. Have one do a flypast of the ground forces on their way in. Fire only if fired upon.” Alarms began to ring across the fleet as ships reformed the battle line, and aircraft was scrambled to deal with the incoming threats.

Turning to the already busy communications officer, the Admiral continued, “Advise the Field Marshal’s security detail of the situation. Have them ready to evacuate at any moment.” The Admiral had an intuition that something wasn’t as it appeared. If there really were hostile aircraft inbound, the satellite officer shouldn’t only have shouted a warning. There should have been an automatic alarm, which was curiously silent. Looking at the satellite officer with suspicion, the Admiral sent a request back to the Admiralty for a double check of the intelligence. After what happened at Ukonnie, he wasn’t willing to trust his satellite officer’s word anymore.