NationStates Jolt Archive

1872, Mers-El-Kébir, The Island of Sétif

Ahmet Şefik Mithat threw a wry smile at his client, a merchant with skin almost as dark as the coffee beans he was selling. His small clipper had traversed some 3000 miles around the island in order to reach The Great Port, Mers-El-Kébir. A ship that would mean a great profit for all involved, excluding his client. However, with a trademark flourish, a friendly smile, and a sure hand resting on a small dagger, Ahmet sensed that a sale was near. One could almost see the river of thought flowing through this dark skinned merchant's head as he contemplated the purse sitting on the table.

And this partly accounted for the reason why, as Ahmet took a sip of his coffee, he was startled so. Instead of the delightfully full taste he had come to expect upon pressing the warm glassware to his lips, he was thoroughly jarred by the thunder of the 270mm guns of the HMS Rebuter.

1872, HMS Rebuter

Contre-amiral Jacques Leroy de Cannes ordered a second shot fired on the offending ship. What in all honesty did these uncivilized sailors under a foreign navy expect to happen, as they approached the flagship of the exploration fleet?

The sky broke with the sound of thunder again as the second gun fired, striking the already sinking boat, in what he could only assume was the aftcastle. A second ship returned fire, using pitifully small cannons which in all likelihood would have been considered cutting edge technology until the commander had ordered the first shot, who's small rounds simply bounced off of the armoured flanks of the great ship.

The HMS Gaultier fired, and the large rounds playfully tossing about the proud ship native to Sétif, leaving gaping holes to smolder in the wind, before the powder room ignited, sending the last warship in flames.

Indeed, it that day that the city of Mers-El-Kébir was annexed. It would not be another year before the dominion of the Second Arkado-Yanitarian Kingdom fully consolidated power on the island, exploiting resources and importing coffee, tea, spices, and many goods that simply could not grow in the fertile, yet cold, Yanitarian soil.

Exactly 136 years later, Mers-El-Kébir, NRAoOB Occupied Zone, The People's Republic of Abigazi, Island of Sétif (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/UNDComrade/Yanitaria/Maps/Stif.png)

The flag of the National Republic of Oubei-Bagaji flew proudly over one of the few intact buildings of the shattered city of Mers-El-Kébir. Premier-maître Louis Isidore Duclerc threw the but of his cigarette off of the roof and towards it, before turning his back on it. His civilian clothes billowed in the wind much like the fascist flag behind him, and one would never guess that he, or anyone in the building belonged le Dixième Régiment Aquatique de Commandos, or as the were colloquially known as, les Bérets Bleus.

He was met at the door by Capitaine Antoine Raymond Allouez, of le Brigade Spéciale de Reconnaissance de Yanitarian, or the Red Berets of the Yanitarian Royal Army. Together, they silently walked down the stairs, and entered an apartment that they shared with other members of their units. The entire building housed the operations for the special operations forces that had been sent to ready the area for the invasion by the Yanitarian Royal Military. Maps adorned the walls, marking destroyed radar stations, major roads, and military installations that have been successfully raided.

One map showed the movements of the Christian Republic of Entebbe Holy Army and the National Republican Army of Oubei-Bagaji as they moved southward into the People's Republic of Abigazi. For years the ethnic Entebbeni, the dark skinned northerners, and the Yanitarian supported Abigazi of the People's Republic and the Kingdom of Sud waged a horrifying war of mutual genocide, focused mainly on the disputed zone that officially belonged to the People's Republic. In the last decade both sides had had to fall back on conscripts of boys and women to pad their ranks, while Yanitaria, seeking to profit most, provided small arms to both, but heavier equipment only to the Abigazi. Indeed, until now, Yanitaria sat on the sidelines, ensuring that the Abigazi could never lose, but never quite enough to allow them to win.

However even as Duclerc looked over the maps, prepared for a briefing, and lit another cigarette, the ships of the 3rd Fleet of the YRN were having a one sided fight against the 50's era warships of the National Republican Navy, and possibly some of the ships of the CRoE Holy Navy. Soon planes would be landing, and members of la Première Division d'Infanterie Aéroportée de Kabavian, the elite of the Yanitarian Foreign Legion. The First Kabavian Airborne Infantry Division of the YFL would not be the first to fight, but certainly the first in the headlines, claiming either glory for the Yanitarian Royal Army as a whole, or the minor loss of a number of anonymous foreigners.

Duclerc took a drag on his cigarette as the captain called the attention of the junior officers and NCOs in the room. "As you know members of the First Kabavian Airborne will be landing tonight. Surprise, surprise, the foreigners need us to light the way. The LZ will be approximately three kilometers away, at the docks. Members of the Premier will be landing on the docks and in the water, where they will secure the docks, and move inland towards our headquarters to set up a forward base, allowing use to withdraw to the relative safety of the docks to join Fader-Bear-Four," he pointed at the map, placing a finger on the dockyards, "which will soon receive more advanced equipment, allowing us to actually run our units."

"Armoured support will be at least three hours away, probably five, as airborne forces supported by LT-108 'Interpols' and IFVs land outside the city and move forward. However we cannot take the city until we get naval support, and YRA regulars land at the docks, allowing us to resupply, and reinforce. It is doubtful that armoured airborne support will be able to link up with us until the regulars have already arrived. Even air support is three hours away, however we have been assured the it will arrive. Heavy bombers will also arrive before the First Kabavian Airborne lands, to hit the enemy airbases. Until we can get air support, however, all we can do is send 'Screws' up their intakes." The room chuckled at the reference to the Yanitarian short range anti air missile.

"Men, tonight will be one of the longest nights of our lives. I hope to see you tonight of our victory dinner. Now, you know what to do. Dismissed." The handful of men dispersed to their duties. Duclerc sat down at the map table, and turned on his radio to the Yanitarian News Wire station, where a cool anchorwoman covered this "new" war.

Open Declaration to the World

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/UNDComrade/Yanitaria/OfficialCommunication-1.png

To all Free Nations of the World

The United Royal Provinces of Yanitaria can no longer stand by and allow the various human rights violations of the ongoing conflict taking placing on the Island of Sétif. This island, long influenced by previous Yanitarian colonization, seems intent on destroying itself, and so, recognizing it's responsibility to the people of our former colonies, King Norheim II has decreed that immediate military actions will be taken against the island, resulting in the re-incorporation of the nations of the Island of Sétif into the United Royal Provinces in order to politically and economically stabilize the region.

OOC: Remember, TG to join. That said, this is an openish, more story based RP, that will eventually result in Yanitaria reestablishing control over it's former colonies. However, I do not want this to be an easy victory, and even at the conclusion of the RP, the region will still be extremely unstable. I might also hand out territory to nations that help, especially territory in the north.

[OOC:ORBAT will come once official permission is given. Also when I work out the details.]
Official Message from the Aissurian Foreign Affairs Department.


Encryption Level:0 Null Encryption.
Regarding the Various Human Rghts Violations occuring on the Island of Sétif.





As a border and longtime friend of Yanitaria, Aissur can not help but be sad at the various atrocities happening on the Island of Sétif thus,

The Provinces of Aissur would like to officialy declare it's support of Yanitaria in bringing stablity to Sétif. As such, Aissur is prepared to deploy Military Forces to the Region, pending Yanitarian permission.

We hope this conflict may end with all haste, and with as little as casulties as possible.


Heavily Encrypted Message.

We would like to ask permission to deploy the First Aissurian Foreign Corps, The Second Aissurian Foreign Corps, and a Naval Taskforce to the Island of Sétif to aid Yanitarian Forces. We can reduce the size, if you wish. Thank you.

Communiqué Officiel de la République Corbournnaise

À: Les Provinces Royales Unies de Yanitaria

Premier Sebastién Lefebvre finds your King's sentiments most noble. Recognizing duty to our allies extends beyond simply mutual defense, the Premier is willing to support your actions with whatever your leadership deems necessary/appropriate. We would like to ask what you require, and where and in what capacity could Corbournnian troops best be utilized.

[OOC:ORBAT will come once official permission is given. Also when I work out the details.]
Official Message from the Aissurian Foreign Affairs Department.


Encryption Level:0 Null Encryption.
Regarding the Various Human Rghts Violations occuring on the Island of Sétif.





As a border and longtime friend of Yanitaria, Aissur can not help but be sad at the various atrocities happening on the Island of Sétif thus,

The Provinces of Aissur would like to officialy declare it's support of Yanitaria in bringing stablity to Sétif. As such, Aissur is prepared to deploy Military Forces to the Region, pending Yanitarian permission.

We hope this conflict may end with all haste, and with as little as casulties as possible.


Heavily Encrypted Message.

We would like to ask permission to deploy the First Aissurian Foreign Corps, The Second Aissurian Foreign Corps, and a Naval Taskforce to the Island of Sétif to aid Yanitarian Forces. We can reduce the size, if you wish. Thank you.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/UNDComrade/Yanitaria/OfficialCommunication-1.png

The United Royal Provinces of Yanitaria would welcome any amount of help that our Aissurian allies could lend. Taking into account the conventional use of any sort of foreign legion, would it be correct to assume that the First Aissurian Foreign Corps will be ready to deploy at a minimal notice? As you undoubtedly you should know that the island of Sétif is only a three days sail from ports in southern Yanitaria. By forecasting the expected timing, we would like to formally request to you launch an amphibious attack on the port of Sidi El Hourari, take the area, and move southward to link up with Yanitarian forces heading north. From there combined forces may move northward into fascist territory.

Should this be agreeable, we invite you to send a liaison officer to meet with Maréchal Renée Fosse aboard the HMS Adams. Her staff will allow you, however, any liaison officers sent should of course be fluent in French.

Communiqué Officiel de la République Corbournnaise

À: Les Provinces Royales Unies de Yanitaria

Premier Sebastién Lefebvre finds your King's sentiments most noble. Recognizing duty to our allies extends beyond simply mutual defense, the Premier is willing to support your actions with whatever your leadership deems necessary/appropriate. We would like to ask what you require, and where and in what capacity could Corbournnian troops best be utilized.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/UNDComrade/Yanitaria/OfficialCommunication-1.png

Speaking for Les Provinces, we are delighted to hear that Corbournne will aid our forces, and we look forward to working closely with the Corbournnian troops. Currently, we mostly need troops to land at Es-Sénia to take the town, and move eastward into the région Plateau Centrale, toward the town of Kouba, dealing with dissident tribes of ethnic Entebbeni, before sweeping through toward Bouzareah, and then north into the territory of the theocracy of Entebbe. We would also highly suggest sending a unit through El-Biar in order to link up with a division of Yanitarian Foreign Legionnaires, who will move north from Al-Djazair in order to sweep through the jungle regions in order to secure the vast coffee and tea plantations owned by Yanitarian companies, as well as to disarm the local militants that may be hiding there.

We also invite you to send a liaison officer to stay aboard the HMS Adams, in order to relay information between theater commander, Maréchal Renée Fosse, and Corbournnian forces. Of course we realize that the tasks that we ask of our allies in Corbournne are great,we will support Corbournnian forces in any way possible, and direct any future allies in this most noble cause to aid your forces on their push eastward, should you agree to help.

[OOC:Any sort of map of any defences on the island? And is the island on the NU Map?]
ORBAT. (Includes logistical support.)

70,000 Ground/Air Personal.
42 Floatillas.

1st Aissurian Foreign Corps. Total:30,000 Men
101st Mechanized Infrantry Division.
82nd Armor Division.
102nd Airborne Division

2nd Aissurian Foreign Corps. Total:40,000 Men.
205th Marine Division
210th Armor Division
1st Air Division Attachment


1st Aissurian Naval Task force.

3 Kiev Class CV/CVS

3 Admiral Kuznetsov class

10 Warhammer-class Frigates FF

10 Acheron-class Guided Missile Destroyers DDG

10 Houston-class Nuclear Powered Guided Missile Cruisers CGN

20 Anasyrma Class Corvettes
--------------------------
Official Message from the Aissurian Foreign Affairs Department





Encryption Level:5 Max Encryption

Our First Corps is currently en-route to the island. The Second is preparing to leave Aissur. What kind of Defences are expected at Sidi El Hourari? An Officer, Auguste Bodine, is en-route to the ship. Since French is the Un-official Language of Aissur, 90% of Aissur knows it as a first language. While another 7% learn it.
(Message end)

[OOC:Any sort of map of any defences on the island? And is the island on the NU Map?]

OOC: Check the OP for a link to the Map of Sétif. And no, it's two or three days south of NU

Encryption Level:5 Max Encryption

Our First Corps is currently en-route to the island. The Second is preparing to leave Aissur. What kind of Defences are expected at Sidi El Hourari? An Officer, Auguste Bodine, is en-route to the ship. Since French is the Un-official Language of Aissur, 90% of Aissur knows it as a first language. While another 7% learn it.
(Message end)

From: Ministry of Intelligence
Subject: Intelligence Briefing

Dear Sirs/Madams,

The following is the entirety of Yanitarian Intelligence regarding the port city of Sidi El Hourari:

History, People

The port town of Sidi El Hourari dates back to approximately 200BCE...



The city was last taken in October of 2006 when the National Republican Army defeated the remnants of the People's Defensive Militia which had created a final defensive perimeter around the downtown post office. Since then there have been reports of the only city park being turned into a military prison and burial ground for large amounts of political prisoners belonging to the Abigazi ethnicity. Reports indicate that upwards of 10,000 bodies may be found buried there, perhaps with more awaiting burial, or in the surrounding area.

Currently, the port city of Sidi El Hourari is made up of 88.3% Ethnic Abigazi, 11.6% Ethnic Entebbeni, and .1% of Yanitarian ancestry. The religious makeup is extremely hard to pinpoint, with the majority belonging to the Islamic faith, while many of the the ethnic Entebbeni, both domestic and from the fascist north, are Roman Catholic, or practice some form of tribal religion which usually involves ancestor and nature worship. It is likely that some will treat allied forces as liberators, however it has been suggested that most will receive foreign military personnel in a lukewarm manner, with the notable exception of when aid packages may be handed out, while a minority of the mostly Entebbeni residents will react violently.

Terrain

The city itself is relatively sprawling, as it supported a population of some 800,000 residents at it's peak, however architecture is notably low level, with few buildings being above 5 stories, while the average building contains only 2 stories and a basement, with easy rooftop access. The city itself is at the mouth of a relatively minor inlet leading to a greater bay, however larger ships should have no problem navigating the waters. The waterfront is fairly extensive, containing many aging civilian boats, with a minor naval station containing a few out dated destroyers, which will be touched upon later.

The city follows a large highway, which snakes around from the southwest heading north east, until it reaches near the center of the city, before turning northward. On the westward end of the highway is an industrial sector, south of which is a sprawling residential quarter, which is cramped, and navigable only on foot, with the exception of a few minor roads which are easily blocked. The industrial sector is much more forgiving towards vehicles, with wide, four lane roads, and large concrete spaces between buildings.

East of the highway, there are approximately four sections. Along either outskirt are sprawling residential areas which are extremely similar to their counterpart on the other side of the highway. The northern edge of the city is notably poorer than most of the rest of the city, and so flimsy shanty towns providing minimal protection and excellent opportunity for ambush are common. Further, conditions are quite horrible, as sanitation takes place in open cess pits. The southern area does contain a relatively wealthy, but small high class neighborhood along the waterfront. It boarders the governmental district, which is the third area.

The governmental district itself contains the largest buildings in the city, which, unfortunately, are extremely unimpressive to the civilized nations of Novus Universitas. The area contains the single city park, which is an important area to capture intact, and thus should be spared of extensive bombing, despite the military vehicles stationed there. North of this section is the commercial district, sandwiched between the previous section and a residential area. The tallest building in the city, the [I]Tour de Hourari, is located here, standing at 6 stories, not including the radio tower situated on top. The tower itself hosts a radio station and a bank. The rest of the commercial district is mainly made up of telemarketing call centers, with a few department stores, hotels, and generally large buildings.

It should be noted that the city is extensively damaged, with large areas nothing more than ruins.

The city is geographically located below sea level for the most part, and therefore there is always the threat of flooding, which is especially dangerous around the center of the city, where the water tends to collect. The terrain outside of the city however is mostly rocky and dry, with intermittent farm land fed by irrigation pipes that are under constant threat of being ruptured.

Military Intelligence:

Our intelligence on the area is limited, however it is believed that a total of 30,000 enemy soldiers, and an unknown amount of armed civilians inhabit the city. For reference, a total of 200,000 civilians still live in the city, leaving many large areas sparsely inhabited, if not destroyed. The threat posed by vehicles is mostly light, with the majority of the enemy soldiers and militia using technicals, if anything. Many of these civilian cars are, however, uparmoured with anything from furniture to slats of tank armour.

Actual military vehicles include a number of M48 Patton tanks, which are reported to be badly maintained, and perhaps a few T-55s captured from the People's Republic. It is known that there are quite a few M41 Walker Bulldog light tanks, which are in better condition but extremely underarmed for a modern tank, and an amount of M59 APCs. Although it should be noted that the vast majority of vehicles will be technicals in "hillbilly armour."

Air support to enemy troops should be extremely light. The only airport in the city is confirmed to house a decrepit, captured Tu-95, along with a small number of (no more than 10) F-100 Super Sabres, and three A-4 Skyhawks, and a captured Su-25.

Local artillery support is notably ancient, a battery of M7 priests located in the city park, as well as two batteries of towed howitzers. Also in the park are the few Anti-Air guns and missile platforms, including five 75mm Skysweeper AAA guns (despite the ineffectiveness of the systems, they are still present, and apparently are in working order), and three Nike Ajax missile sites. It is unknown how many MANPADS systems there are, however Yanitarian special forces have reported that stinger missiles are indeed present.

Three destroyers are present in the military port, of the Charles F. Adams class. However intelligence suggests that one of them is currently out of commission, and used entirely for it's radio-comm equipment.

The average soldier is armed with a variant of the AY-35, or a licensed built copy of the M-14 used in a marksman variant. AY-1Ms are also popular. Anti-Armour is almost exclusively 75mm recoilless rifles, and the ATMY-1M "Nail." Machetes and revolvers are seeing popular usage as side arms, and there have been sightings of Ithica 37 shotguns as a popular militia weapon.

On the reverse side, 100 members of the Bérets Rouges, along with a number of men from the Ministry of Intelligence, have infiltrated the city, and may be able to provide useful intelligence and experience. However they are almost universally under cover, and your troops should be extremely careful when fighting in the area. The locations of the eleven safe houses are a well kept secret, however it should be noted that most will fly a fascist flag, pull it down and fly a Yanitarian flag upon the arrival of Aissurian troops, as soon as all fighting in the area has died down.

The commandos of the Special Recon Brigade are extremely professional, and have been recruiting civilians and training them for the past month. They will be able to rally civilians and aid you in any way possible, including showing your men where they can find Yanitarian and enemy weapons caches.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa56/jackofh3arts/foreignaffairsbanner.jpg

DIPLOMATIC COMMUNIQUE

To whom it may concern-

Recognizing the humanitarian nature of Yanitaria's invasion, the Holy Empire of Anselmus would like to aid our NU friend by committing one carrier battle group with two attached amphibious assault ships, for a total of approximately 5000 combat troops and 60 strike aircraft. The potential for further forces to be deployed is strong.

The two embarked Anselmian formations will be the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force and the 12th Brigade Combat Team (Heavy). Both units have been largely raised from the five French-speaking provinces of Anselmus to aid in coalition integration.

On another note, the Directorate of Foreign Intelligence has a great deal of evidence, consisting of signals, human, and satellite intelligence, that the nations of the island provide weapons support and a safe haven for members of the Marianian Indigenous Liberation Front, a terrorist organization operating in the Western Anselmian province of Mariana. With the permission and cooperation of the coalition, we would like to deploy unconventional forces to seek out and destroy any such dens harboring MILF operatives.

Forces are assembled and ready to depart in the port of Lyon, pending your acceptance of the terms set forth in this letter.

Sincerely,
The Hon. John Haglund
Minister of Foreign Affairs

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/UNDComrade/Yanitaria/OfficialCommunication-1.png

The United Royal Provinces of Yanitaria welcomes Anselmus to aid in the liberation of the peoples of the Island of Sétif. Men and aircraft are badly needed in order to successfully subdue the islands militant forces, and hopefully Anselmian troops will be able to make a world of difference.

Currently, we have asked our counterparts in Corbournne to launch an amphibious invasion of the port city of Es-Sénia, before moving westward and then northward, fighting mostly though the plains of the Central Plateau region. It is expected that many militant tribes of Entebbeni inhabit the areas that Anselmian forces will pass through. This is important to note, as the Entebbeni are almost entirely christian, or practice some form of tribal religion that incorporates christianity, and therefore is the most likely place that MILF terrorists may be hiding.

The route that we have asked Corbournnian troops to take takes them through the cities of Kouba and Bouzareah, before moving into the territory of the Christian Republic of Entebbe. It should also be noted that a unit of Yanitarian Foreign Legionnaires and hopefully of unit of Corbournnian troops will be sweeping through the jungle areas immediately to the west of the plateau, before moving around to link up with Anselmian forces while in the territory of the theocracy of Entebbe.

Regarding the use of unconventional forces, Yanitaria already has units deployed in various areas that will be able to aid Anselmian forces in rooting out terrorists that may reside in the country. Of course Yanitarian Special Forces will be extremely discrete, and no records of their methods will officially exist.

OOC: The next post, I'll go ahead and RP the taking of Mers-El-Kébir, officially starting the war, and accelerating the date of the RP by a bit. By about the time the town is almost taken entirely, it should be about time for foreign troops to arrive. Of course we can allow anyone to "join" the coalition on what would be the same time as everyone else, so that their troops are only a little late, or something.

OOC: Is it just me, or does Setif look alot like Madagascar? :p

Anyway, One Brigade = Two Regiments
One Regiment= Two Battalions
All men are equipped with the CK07 knife and the AYP-57. The primary infantry weapon is the AY-142. There is a battalion of HMGY-147-wielding men per brigade. There is also a battalion of ShY-10 groups among each brigade.

Four Hundred and Twenty-Nine Light Interpol Tanks are assigned to each
Division.

Also, the artillery part of the force is comprised of the following:
Four Thousand AV-40
Two Thousand AV-41
Four Thousand AV-42
Two Thousand AVM-43
Twelve Thousand CV-80 Caissons.

Armored Brigades are transported by IFV-91 "Renard".
Infantry Brigades are transported by HMAV-20 "Sipahi".

Five Thousand Amphibious Transport; Model 200 "Mouette" transport the troops over the sea while the naval force takes the artilley, tanks, etc.

Also, I'll send in fighters/bombers in the next post, but assume they're leaving with the rest.

IC: Forces departing Corbournne toward Es-Senia.

ORBAT de la Force Expéditionnaire Corbournnaise (210,000 including logistics and tank personnel, but not artillery personnel)

1st Division (30,000)
1st Infantry Brigade
2nd Armored Brigade

2nd Division (30,000)
3rd Infantry Brigade
4th Armored Brigade

3rd Division (30,000)
5th Infantry Brigade
6th Armored Brigade

4th Division (30,000)
7th Infantry Brigade
8th Armored Brigade

5th Division (30,000)
9th Infantry Brigade
10th Armored Brigade

6th Division (30,000)
11th Infantry Brigade
12th Armored Brigade

7th Division (30,000)
13th Infantry Brigade
14th Armored Brigade

1 Nietzsche Class Super Dreadnought (La Ville de Corbournne)
10 Type 38 Destroyers
4 Sandakan Class Cruisers
8 Town Class Cruisers

OOC: Is it just me, or does Setif look alot like Madagascar? :p

OOC: Hell no it doesn't... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Madagascar_sat.png)

OOC: Hell no it doesn't... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Madagascar_sat.png)

OOC: Oh, sorry. Terribly mistaken here.

OOC: So where exactly am I suppose to land? Oh, and a full rundown on my AO like you did for Aissur would be awesome. This should be a great RP.

OOC: Map, reposted from OP. (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/UNDComrade/Yanitaria/Maps/Stif.png)

I'll do a rundown like Aissur's for Es-Sénia. Last night I wrote the following post, but jolt was down.

0300h Local Time, Mers-El-Kébir, National Republican Army Occupied Zone.

Premier-maître Duclerc couldn't quite see much of anything past the pale orange glow of his cigarette as he took a drag. Even the smoke that he blew upward, over his on face, might as well have not existed. However, he could see, quite clearly, the group of men currently laughing and telling jokes in the parking lot. And while they were probably just as innocent as any group of armed men could be in this horrible land, they did pose a problem to Louis Duclerc, Sergent Thomas Boulvin of the Spec Recon Brigade, and the group of ethnic Abigazi men who followed them; they stood in between them, and their ultimate goal, the power station.

Although the militia wasn't the most effective fighting force, especially when compared to Yanitarian Royal Army regulars, or the men of the YFL, it was certain that some training was better than none. And it was most fortunate that the fighting men of the island of Sétif were certainly undertrained, at best. Indeed, the men trained by Boulvin and his brigade would definitely fight more effectively than the men with which they would be matching martial ability against.

Armed with AY-35Ms, and AY-20Ms, the group of men certainly had a technological advantage. Thomas Boulvin, one of the best shots in the entire Royal Army, raised his AY-20MB "Para", and flipped the safety. He carefully took aim through the sights, bringing into view one of the three men.

"I have the middle," he whispered to the group. Duclerc put his cigarette out accidentally nudging Boulvin's knee with the lit end in the process. If it hurt, Boulvin didn't react.

"Take a target," said Duclerc to the assembled men. His command was followed by the shuffling of the five non-Yanitarians as they picked up their large, unwieldy AY-35Ms. One, a shop owner from the waterfront market, carried an even larger LSW-35M, which seemed to suit his large frame. He was the only one to lay down, as he deployed his bipod and took aim.

Duclerc carried the smallest weapon, an AY-20MC "Commando", for which he had acquired a holosight. He could clearly see the enemy soldier, perhaps a mere 100m away. He covered the man's neck with the red dot, and prepared himself for what would inevitably come. The shuffling stopped, and he knew it was time, time to put to good use his training, time to end the life of another man. He hesitated, and he knew it. Only the assurance that his orders gave him, that he was indeed doing the right thing allowed him to speak the words everyone waited to hear.

They finally came in a hushed whisper that stood in stark contrast to the bark of the rifles that followed. "Open Fire."

And suddenly, he could see Boulvin in the corner of his eye. He could see the school teacher next to him, as the flash of the rifles illuminated his terror stricken face. He wondered if perhaps the laughing group of men had time to see him, however unlikely. With in seconds of the group opening fire, the three men standing in the well lit parking lot were on the ground, a sticky pool of reddish black liquid quickly starting a pool in a nearby pothole.

The night was again silent, until a voice in the distance sounded a faint alarm. Boulvin answered with a hushed curse, before the group of men broke into a sprint across the parking lot towards a decrepit truck that probably hadn't run since the late seventies. Duclerc was the first to reach it, pressing his back against the rusting steel. He reached towards his belt, and drew a large flare pistol that he had been issued. With out hesitation, he aimed it high into the air, and pulled the trigger. Above the light burned brightly, and a faint engine could be heard in the distance.

The glass of the windshield shattered, as bullets started to impact upon the side of the rusting hulk. The flare had obviously been a dead give away, and for a moment Duclerc almost regretted firing it. Instead, he raised the butt of the gun, and shattered the passenger's side window of the truck. Rising a little, he peaked overseeing the entrance to the old coal plant, from which a number of muzzle flashes erupted. He ducked down, and waited for a little pause in the firing, before screaming at his squad to direct their fire at the door. The large shop owner was the first to answer, suppressing the enemy with his support weapon. Duclerc himself fired in short bursts, attempting to make the most of his ammo. The sound was deafening, and he was almost sure he felt a certain moistness in his ears. He nearly hesitated as he wondered if it was blood, but he kept firing, taking down one man who fell over onto another, causing him to spit rounds into the concrete floor near him.

Thomas, meanwhile, took aim and picked off two men, one standing in the doorway, in an utter lack of protection, while the other crouched behind the door. Both Yanitarians heard a rumble of a large engine behind them, as a technical pulled up next to them, spraying the entrance to the power plant with 14.5mm rounds. As it did, a coal loading bay opened, revealing another two gunmen in a machine gun nest. Immediately, the two opened fire, pockmarking the technical with high caliber rounds, before a blast of smoke, followed by an explosion emitted from the back of the technical. A friend Abigazi militia man carrying an ATMY-1M whooped at the success of his aim. The two other men in the truck bed, the machine gunner and a rifleman, also yelled victoriously.

However, they were cut off as a group of enemy militiamen attempted to flee through the loading bay. Both machine gunners opened up, and Duclerc noticed a sense of urgency in the expression of the shop owner as he led the enemies. As the last fell over in death, his face softened, almost relieved.

Duclerc ran up to the back of the technical, setting a foot on the rear fender. Boulvin and the school teacher did the same, and the truck started forward at a slow pace as the remaining four followed behind. The short trip towards the loading bay door took less than forty-five seconds, and the men jumped out. The driver removed the keys, and grabbed his AY-35MC before exiting the vehicle. Together, the eleven men slowly moved into the loading bay, keeping an eye out.

0345h, Docks, Mers-El-Kébir, NRAoOB Occupied Zone

Capitaine Antoine Raymond Allouez smiled as the lights went out. The safe house, known as Fader-Bear-Four, had a faint mustiness about it, and it seemed to only increase as the power in that part of the city failed and flickered.

"Boutella," Allouez called to the Abigazi he had helped to train, "let's go to the roof."

The large, swarthy man nodded in the dark, his face illuminated by a match as he lit his cigarette. After one drag, he followed his captain out of the room, and onto the roof. The sky was dark, and for ten minutes, they stood out there. The mutual silence was broken by the beep of Allouez's watch, as the alarm signaled the time. He nodded to Boutella, who turned to a small metal box at the base of the roof's TV antenna.

It was another ten minutes before the roar of the An-70s flew overhead. Both men could barely make out the shapes of the parachutes as they drifted towards the ground.

OOC: Not feeling good, so this'll be a two part post.

HMS Marauder

Vide-Admiral Kenneth Downey watched from flight control as digital icons moved away from his flagship into the airspace of his battle group. Two Sea Stratus fighters were en route to replace part of the carrier's air patrol holding position in the direction between the carrier and Sétif. Not far from his flagship, two more icons departed from one of his light carriers—Kestrel V/STOL fighters. His Majestic class carrier comprised the bulk of his battle group's sea and air fighting capacity. From the light carriers and amphibious assault ship, however, he could launch his ground component: a Royal Marine expeditionary unit.

Foreign Office
Georgetown, United Kingdom

"Sétif, sir. An island lacking any sense of stability, but largely under the sway of the Yanitarians—in an unofficial capacity." The young, boyish-looking bureaucrat headed the desk responsible for the area inclusive of Sétif. The region was so unimportant to the United Kingdom that the Foreign Secretary, Gavin Astley, had not yet appointed an MP to head the section.

Astley looked closely at the satellite photograph of the island and then folded down the edge. The man had also brought him maps prepared by the Ordnance Survey. "And the Yanitarians intend on doing what exactly?"

The bureaucrat placed another piece of paper atop the desk, this one directly on top of the map. "Stabilisation efforts, sir."

"Stabilisation?" Astley looked up at the man with the slight hint of a grin.

"Yes, sir."

Since the United Kingdom had acceded to the Fedala Accord the UK and Yanitaria had become officially allied—despite a lack of previous relations. The Accord had been made aware of Oceanian efforts at stabilising colonies such as Sarnia and New London. Through their association via the Accord, perhaps the UK could assist Yanitaria in bringing security to Sétif.

Secure Communique

HM Government is committed to the paramount responsibility of government, that is to guarantee the life and liberty of those governed. With your government's recent statement of intent to restore stability and security to Sétif, the United Kingdom will support her new ally in this endeavour.

Currently, the United Kingdom has the ability to deploy a single carrier group and attached Royal Marine expeditionary unit to Sétif. With sufficient time reinforcements can be made available to broaden this endeavour.

Gavin Astley
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Snip

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/UNDComrade/Yanitaria/OfficialCommunication-1.png

We thank our fellow Fedala Accord nation in aiding us in our endeavor to bring stability to the Island of Sétif. First of all, we would like to ask that you send a liaison officer aboard the HMS Adams, where he or she will meet with the staff of Maréchal Renée Fosse, in order to better coordinate coalition forces. Second, we feel that your Royal Marines will be best put to use in the amphibious invasion of the port city of Es-Sénia, in conjunction with Corbournnian and Anselmian forces. We feel that the Oceanian forces are uniquely qualified for this task, as your combined forces will be moving in the the région Plateau Centrale will primarily be fighting in open plains, perhaps at longer than usual ranges. As we understand it, Oceanian forces are armed, equipped, and trained in this sort of combat.

From Es-Sénia, your combined forces should move across the plateau towards Kouba, and then Bouzareah, sweeping through the plateau in order to drive out ethnic Entebbeni tribal militants. However, the cities of Bouzareah and Kouba should be friendly. It would also be advisable to send a unit westward, along with a similar Corbournnian unit, towards El-Biar, where they will link up with a unit of Yanitarian Foreign Legionnaires as they move northward, disarming various militant groups hiding in the jungles, and securing various Yanitarian owned Tea and Coffee plantations, which may become a target due to the high percentage of Yanitarian citizens.

Finally, all forces will eventually head north into the territory of the Christian Republic of Entebbe.

After a solid two weeks' cruise from her home port of Naval Station Lyon, the supercarrier HIMS Princess Anna finally arrived on station 300 nautical miles off the coast of the island of Setif, southeast of the port city of Es-Senia. The flagship of the Anselmian Imperial Navy's Task Force 2, Princess Anna was accompanied by a large collection of additional surface combatants, supply ships, and submarines.

Task Force 2 OOB
-----------------

-HIMS Princess Anna, CVN

-HIMS Monocacy, CG
-HIMS Catoctin, CG

-HIMS Embankment, DDG
-HIMS Knightsbridge, DDG
-HIMS Southwark, DDG
-HIMS Lambeth, DDG
-HIMS Bermondsey, DDG

-HIMS Spotswood, FFG
-HIMS Taliaferro, FFG

-HIMS Bay of Tarentum, AOE

-HIMS Levallois, SSN
-HIMS Chatelet, SSN

For this particular mission, an amphibious landing, TF2 had an attached amphibious squadron.

-HIMS Marianian Sea, AOE

-HIMS Isernum, LHD

-HIMS Haley, LPD
-HIMS Schrader, LSD

HMS Archer

The day's dying sun lit the coarse flight deck with a soft orange glow, the result of thousands of small spears lancing out from behind the high-altitude clouds. From Simon Travers' position, that of a man leaning against the hatch into the assault ship's superstructure with a lit cigarette dangling precariously from his lips, the sun looked an awful lot like a lot of other suns he had seen. Probably the closest though was the sun of Silcaster, New Albion—where he had commanded a Royal Marine regiment during the 'requested' invasion of a Muslimeen colony. There, in largely unpolluted skies, the equatorial sun warmed the ocean all day long so that by sunset large cumulus clouds of water vapour floated through the sky—shattering the sunlight into hundreds of similar beams.

Back in Aveiro, where his unit was based, the sun set differently. Usually behind the New Iberian Range that formed the spine of the island that lay across the strait from the former Portuguese colony. Men with acoustic guitars would play underneath the acetylene lights while women in long, flowing skirts twirled and swayed to the rythmns. For a man from the quiet industrial city of Leighdon, where when the factories shut down so did the town, but used to the bustle of the nightclubs and pubs of Darlington, the relaxed nightlife of Aveiro was peculiar. But after the nights in Silcaster and Dawesport, where similar sunsets reverberated with the muezzin's adhan and then often the rattle of some car bomb or suicide blast, he preferred this. The cool breeze of the ocean washing over the flight deck while the sun set slowly beyond the horizon. Where the only sounds were those of helicopters or aircraft leaving or arriving.

"Nice, ain't it, sir," a taller man interrupted, his face similarly chiseled and sharp—but with several small scars and pockmarks. His English was accented, not the clean, crisp—perhaps even stiff and sterile—pronunciation of Oceanian English. Milos Borovan was a Novikovian who owed his English to university-level classes at Poldi'sk before the war. Most of his peers, few of whom spoke English, remained in the Novikovian Defence Force while English-speakers were slowly being integrated into the Oceanian Army. Borovan had served in the Novikovian Naval Infantry during the war, responsible for a platoon during the siege of St. Bedric.

"It was quiet," Travers replied after a long while—still managing to keep his cigarette in a precarious droop. "I take it the men are anxious?"

Borovan nodded, not that Travers had turned around to look. "Yeah, news is spreading fast below decks about the mission."

"Not that we even officially know what our role shall be," Travers added. He finally stood, removing his back from the cold metal, and then looking over at Borovan, flicked his cigarette into the sea.

"But that's why we're headed over to meet the admiral," the Novikovian replied with a smile. "The captain sent me down here to get you. Downey requested you and your senior officers for a briefing this evening."

"Well it is about bloody time we do something other than rot inside this steel death trap."

"But this Sétif is a shithole, sir. I doubt they'd be able to hole this ship even if they wanted to."

Travers looked Borovan square in the eye. "Well, look at what your little shithole did to us." Travers did not really hate the Novies—it had been war. And war meant death. The death of dozens of Travers' friends. But even still, it had been a war between almost equals. But Dawesport and Silcaster were true shitholes. And the cinnis there had managed to nearly bleed his unit dry.

HMS Marauder

Downey rubbed his bald head, watching the various officers under his command enter the conference room and pick up crackers and small snacks. Two air pots of hot water were ready for the assorted teas Downey had requisitioned from galley while he kept a single pot for coffee. The Novikovians in particular preferred the stuff.

After the men and women had chit-chatted long enough, Downey quietly cleared his throat and made his way to the conference table. The rest of assembled politely did the same. "Please, sit down," he offered, taking his seat last after pouring himself a cup of his own private tea, a blend of black tea and black currants.

"What you have all likely been hearing from various sources in the fleet is official," he let the officers chuckle—despite the attempt at secrecy, the broad details of offensive operations were oft difficult to keep from anyone. "We are to coordinate offensive operations with our new ally, Yanitaria, and her assembled coalition to restore order to an area of Yanitarian interest and influence."

"Blood great influence if we need to show up," muttered a Royal Navy commander. Downey simply threw the man a withering glance.

"It is the opinion of the Foreign Office that the United Kingdom support our new allies in the interest of consolidation of political and diplomatic ties." Downey made sure to pronounce that aspect of his orders to clearly distinguish it from those of the Admiralty and his superiors. That his officers smiled meant they received the message.

"Regardless of Georgetown and its interests, ladies and gentlemen, we do have a mission. And that mission is to support the Yanitarians as they reassert sovereignty over the island of Sétif." He turned around and with the press of a button on a remote, woke the sleeping digital projector that was preset to a map of the island. "Colonel Travers," Downey continued, addressing the commander of the Royal Marine expeditionary unit, "the Yanitarians have requested that your force act in concert with," again Downey looked away from the officers and to the paper with the notes on the table, "the Corbournnian and Anselmian forces in an amphibious invasion of Es-Sénia." Downey looked back up at his officers. "Whoever they are," he added.

"Once Es-Sénia is secure, you shall move westwards into the central plateau and then move northwards to Entebbe. This is all, of course, what has been requested and so far we have no specific details or intelligence on the island, its inhabitants, or its military capabilities. Captain Peter Boyer, however, has something for us to consider, Captain," Downey motioned for his staff intelligence officer to take over.

"As the Admiral said, we have very little. The first concerns are securing our approach route. We are unaware of any over-the-horizon detection and surveillance radars operated by any native polity, nor do we have any indications that any of these states operates a network of surveillance satellites. Their ability to threaten us from the sea is also quite limited—but they do retain some missile capacity. As always, operations in the littoral will be dangerous if the warring polities operate diesel-electric submarines. However, we are detaching the HMS Cavalier, one of our escorting attack submarines, to screen the route in advance and engage any native warships in the theatre."

Boyer pressed a button on his own remote and moved from a broad overview of the island to several shots in sequence taken by Royal Intelligence Service (RIS) and Office of Royal Navy Intelligence (ORNI) satellites of the area around Es-Sénia. "Now, we do have what appear to be smaller warships in the harbour—but this is not confirmed. We also have identified what we believe to be several artillery batteries, here," Boyer clicked a button, moving to an image where a small circular area of what appeared to be field guns under camouflage was highlighted, "here," with another area highlighted, "here, and here." Two more steps and two more highlighted circles. "Whether or not these batteries are capable of engaging Oceanian or coalition forces is not known."

"Additionally, we think this may be an airfield used by the natives, evidenced by the presence of several large trucks in these photographs." Boyer cycled through several images where large utility trucks could be seen—though nothing made of any cargo that may or may not have been aboard them.

"So," Travers added, leaning in towards Boyer. "We really have no solid intel on anything that these rebels might throw at us?"

Boyer smiled. And then shook his head. "No."

"Brilliant."

Downey coughed in a rather conspicuous fashion. While he cared not for the discord between the two men—he also did not care for the fact that nobody had brought him any solid intelligence. On account of that he let Travers slide. Having refocused the attention of all present on the mission at hand, Downey nodded towards the air wing commander to speak.

"For the moment," he began, "we are maintaining a standard air patrol over the fleet, keeping a close eye on anything approaching us from the direction of Sétif. ASW patrols are sanitising the approach route and when you are ready, Colonel Travers, I can begin to direct my Kaha'i strike aircraft towards targets on the island."

Travers hated being aboard a different command ship. While the Royal Navy enjoyed close cooperation, his posting meant that the remainder of the senior officers had apparently discussed the mission. This briefing was, essentially, to bring him up to speed. Taking the nod from Downey, it was now his turn.

"We departed Aveiro with a full and standard load, approximately 2,500 personnel along with a platoon of Caracal main battle tanks and our own air component of Kestrel fighters. I would envision that once specific intelligence is provided I can provide a more detailed plan of action."

Downey nodded again. He really did not expect Travers to have a firm plan. They needed to communicate with the Yanitarians first, and then the Corbournnian and Anselmian commanders. "Now, I have asked Lieutenant-Commander Felix Aucoin to join us, he is the executive officer aboard the Hamptonshire. The Yanitarians have asked for an Oceanian to be appointed liaison officer, and given that you speak French and are well-informed about fleet operations, Commander, you are to represent me and this carrier group aboard the Yanitarian flagship."

Aucoin, a small man with black hair and dark brown eyes, nodded. Born and raised outside Louisbourg, one of the largest cities in the former French area of influence in the Home Islands, he spoke both English and French fluently.

"You shall be departing tomorrow morning, Commander, so pack whatever you may need. After settling aboard the HMS Adams, the Yanitarian flagship, I want you to address the issue of securing an airfield for RAF flights to resupply Colonel Travers' marines along with providing a secure point of entry for an army division that will be largely flown into the theatre. To assist you in this capacity, with the consent of the Admiralty, you are to be given the temporary rank of captain."

"Thank you, sir."

"Now, all of you," Downey turned to address all those gathered. "We are likely to see one or two more days of relative calm. After that we shall be in combat. Prepare your sailors and marines."

**OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE**

Dear Sir or Madame,

I recognize that ties between the Commonwealth and Yanitaria are minimal at best. However, it has been decided that the continued instability in an area so near Tolvan's home region is unacceptable. In addition I have been advised that this instability poses a real threat to Tolvanic interests in the area. As a result I have requested, and been granted, authority from Parliament to deploy military forces to ensure the restoration of stability and order to the island of Setif. I have enclosed a message from General Jacob Sawyer, the newly appointed Chairman of the Tolvanic Combined Staff to apprise you of our plans.

Tyler Hutchins
Prime Minister
Commonwealth of Tolvan


Sir,

Forgive my brevity but as you can imagine I have much to attend to at this time.

Our proposed deployment is as follows:

*VI Corps
-1st Airmobile Division (12,500 personnel)
-12th Armoured Division (18,000 personnel)
-6th Field Artillery Brigade (2,800 personnel)
-13th Combat Engineer Brigade (2,700 personnel)
-11th Military Police Brigade (1,800 personnel)
-7th Expeditionary Support Brigade (3,300 personnel)
-19th Civil Affairs Brigade (1,000 personnel)
-23rd Psychological Operations Battalion (350 personnel)
-VI Corps HQ (550 personnel)
Total Personnel: 43,000

*Force S:
3x Type 73 fleet carriers (80 aircraft per)
3x Type 114 Landing Ship, Dock (42 aircraft and two LCACs per)
6x Type 116 Landing Ship, Platform (two LCACs per)
4x Type 52 cruisers
3x Type 32 air defence destroyers
8x Type 38 gneral purpose destroyers
5x Type 46 nuclear powered destroyers
9x Type 62 ASW frigates
3x Type 81 fast support ships
2x Type 94 attack submarines
9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB)

Proposed AO: Northern Setif, the area known as the Christian Republic of Entebbe

Plan of Action:

I. Deploy the 1st Airmobile Division via strategic airlift and 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade via amphibous assault to secure a suitable port from which facilitate the deployment of VI Corps heavy forces into AO.

II. Commence operations to suppress armed resistance in local AO, expanding outward as operations progress.

III. Link up with allied forces in southern CRoE to facilitate multinational operations in support of the overall mission.

Miscellany:

*The Commonwealth requests permission to utilise Yanitarian bases to refuel Tolvanic strategic airlifters deploying the 1st Airmobile into AO. We can provide our own airborne tankers if needed.

*The Tolvanic designation for the mission is Operation Resolute Fury.

General Jacob Sawyer
Chairman of the Combined Staff
Commonwealth of Tolvan

Above Mers-El-Kébir

"Le feu vert, feu vert, allez, allez, allez!"

Légionnaire Jean Perrinot knew little french outside of his year's worth of experience with the legion, however, he did know his commands. Formerly Raul Miralles, Jean entered the legion Anonyme, in order to escape charges for drug smuggling in his home country. As much as he feared being sent to a prison that had a mortality rate of one in three, such fears disappeared instantly upon the realization that he would be entering a war zone as one of the first on the ground.

Unfortunately, Sous-Lieutenant Mitchell, a grizzled Orbathian, did not seem to care nearly as much. Sensing hesitation in the young recruit, he swiftly kicked him in the back of the leg, spitting a dirty word towards him as he fell out of the plane. For the first few minutes, only the whistle of the wind flowing faster and faster across his ears could be heard, and certainly he could barely see anything on the ground. However his training kept him calm, and he reached for the cord, pulling it, and rapidly slowing his descent as he the chute deployed. Being one of the first out, He was certain that he would end up in the ocean. His training included a night time parachute jump into the waters off of southern Yanitaria, and so he would survive.

However, all too suddenly, he found himself in the cold ocean water weighed heavily by his pack and parachute. He quickly pulled the tab on his aquatic parachute, releasing himself, and began swimming towards the shore. All around him, soldiers from the First Kabavian were falling into the water. Farther away, he saw that troops were landing directly on the large, concrete docks, and somewhere someone was opening fire.

The waves rocked over Jean's head, again and again, he would disappear under the waves, only to emerge some distance closer to the shore. Somewhere behind him, a less fortunate soldier screamed as he was dashed upon the walls of the dock, but Jean simply kept swimming. Again he was pulled under water, but this time, before coming up, he was thrown against the sandy bottom. He could, suddenly, stand up and walk forward.

With out thinking, he grabbed his parachutist's bag, unzipping up and breaking the seal, and withdrew the rifle. On the beach, Sous-Lieutenant Mitchell was screaming for men of his section to assemble. Quickly, Jean ran forward, and took a knee, aiming his gun towards the road running parallel to the beach. As the slower legionnaires came ashore, a technical barreled down a side street, out of sight of anyone, before taking the curb, and crashing into the sand. The enemy soldiers wore uniforms of the National Republican Army, and although most of them had been thrown out of the truck, it only took a moment before they brought their guns to bear.

The legionnaires, however, were the first to return fire. Before the men of the NRA could recover, legionnaires had managed to drop no less than five of the ten. Admittedly, the odds were stacked against them. Using AY-35s, the fascist soldiers had at least one incidence of a weapon jamming, while the legionnaires simply hit the ground and with impunity. However, they did not have entirely bad luck. As the dust settled moments later, while all but three of the NRA soldiers lay dead, the remaining heavily wounded, two legionnaires had died, with a third wounded.

Jean was the first to stand up, as Mitchell barked an order that he could not make out.

"Excusez moi, mon lieutenant?"

Enraged at the legionnaire's inability to understand him, Mitchell stood up, grabbed him by the neck, and pushed poor Jean towards the wounded enemies, shouting two words. "Tuez-les."

The young legionnaire was shocked, so much the he lost his balance, and fell into the sand. He quickly clambered to his feet, and walked the few meters towards the bloody forms writhing in the sand. His hand shook as he reached into his holster and drew his side arm. The nearest of the men dully looked up at him, with out even raising a hand in resistance. His faced blurred, and Jean aimed his pistol, and closed his eyes.

Bang!

He opened his eyes, and saw the eyes still staring at him, with a fresh bullet hole in his skull. Mitchell yelled for him to hurry up, and Jean, still shaking, finished the last two men before holstering his pistol

Some time later

The battle to secure the docks seemed a blur. He remember storming a warehouse, firing at a blurry, dark figure holding a gun, and even taking prisoners. He remembered being the first up a stairway, bayoneting an enemy standing in a hallway, and, when a firefight was in full swing, shooting Mitchell from across the room. He remembered clearing buildings, throwing a grenade, and gathering bodies.

And now, he was being led towards the new forward base, as the sun was already rising. While he was unaware, the ships of the Third and Fourth fleets were finally arriving at the docks, bringing with them the not-so-intense air battles that one can expect from such a country. Delayed airborne forces utilizing light tanks had also arrived, and started a push down the center of the city. Units of the First Kabavian secured their objectives easily against the inexperienced Entebbeni natives.

In fact, had the Yanitarians done a better job of searching fleeing citizens, or securing the sewers, they would have realized that an inordinate number of uniforms and weapons were being smuggled out of the city. In many situations large numbers of bullet ridden soldiers, obviously not connected to the genocide, concealed entire crates on the backs of trucks, receiving only a minor search of the driver's cabin before being waved past. The city itself was, because of this, an almost unnerving victory. The enemy troops seemed extremely soft, inflicting only minor casualties, and often routing with in minutes.

Perhaps another military would notice this and grow suspicious. Perhaps another military would heed the interrogations held clandestinely, telling them that the troops left in the city were at best second rate, poorly trained, representing the dregs of the Entebbeni military community. However, the mostly Arkadian officer corps, in what would later prove to be a huge blunder, simply ignored the evidence that perhaps the superiority of the "civilized" north was entirely artificial. Indeed, it seemed that in the one hundred and thirty-six years since Contre-amiral Jacques Leroy de Cannes first established control of the island, colonial attitudes had changed little among the conservative Arkadians. Even as Yanitarii officers warned that something was amiss, nothing was done to investigate. It would seem that one of the first lessons to be learned in this war, just as the Soviets in Afghanistan, the South Vietnamese, and the French in Algeria had learned before them, would be that cities are of little strategic importance in such a war.

Perhaps it may phase the enemy, but this war, as it would eventually be learned, would not take place in the cities and metroplises of the warring nations of Sétif. This war would be fought on the plains, on the farms, and in the jungles.

The enemy soldiers were essentially chased out of the town with in a day and a half of the initial landing of Yanitarian Royal Army Regulars. Fighting was light, with the exception of a large construction site. Only hours later, with information gleaned from local residents, was it discovered to be a mass grave under a clever disguise. It was in this construction yard that the bodies of an estimated 28,000 Abigazi civilians were eventually uncovered, with many corpses having lain there for over three years. Further, the number of bodies found around the city and outlying area would, some weeks later, be placed at 85,000, or more than ten percent of the population of the city of Mers-El-Kébir.

OOC: Intelligence reports to come. In the mean time, just send your liaison officers to the HMS Adams, so that they can receive the reports, and send them to wherever they should go.

Carrier Battle Group Fifteen
109 nautical miles northeast of Setif

CBG 15 was the advance unit for Force S, built around the carrier Shrike and her eight escort it was a formidable force, but less than one third of the total naval commitment to Operation Resolute Fury. The rest of Force S was still en route having been pulled from routine patrols in areas further away. The big RO/RO transports carrying VI Corps heavy forces were still nearly ten days sail away. The airborne assault would be delayed until the ships were closer and the Navy was in position to provide overwhelming support.

A little before dawn a lone SH-90 took off from the Shrike and set a course for the Yanitarian flagship. Aboard was Major (OOC: the Tolvanic Navy's equivalent to a Lt. Commander) Edward Miller. Miller spoke fluent French, he'd attended college intending to teach French but through a various circumstances had wound up in the Navy. He would serve as the Tolvanic liasion to the Multinational Force assembling of Setif. His job was not to be envied as he had just two aides, one of which spoke passable French and the other who spoke just a couple hundred words or so. The Commonwealth wasn't exactly awash in Francophones.

As the helo closed in on its destination the pilot activated his throat mic and spoke. "HMS Adams, India Niner-One - I have Major Miller and his staff aboard and request landing instructions. Over."

HIMS Princess Anna, 300 nautical miles SE of Es-Senia

The midday sun shone brightly overhead of Task Force 2 as the Imperial Navy MH-60S helicopter lifted off the deck of the carrier, turned toward the northwest, and headed away from the fleet. On board, in addition to the four crew members, were Lieutenant Colonel Jean Fournier of the Imperial Marines and two aides, one a Lieutenant in the Imperial Navy and the other a Chief Petty Officer. All three men were born in the Francophone province of Perigord, and were fluent in both French and English. Fournier, a distinguished former commander of a battalion of Marine Commandos, was selected personally by Defense Minister Robert Anscombe to serve as Anselmian liaison to what the military dubbed MUNAFSE, or Multi-National Force for Setif.

The experienced Marine looked out the chopper's window and watched the mighty warship at the center of the fleet become gradually smaller for a few minutes, then closed his eyes and attempted to shut out the engine noise as he drifted off to sleep.
----------------------------------
(encrypted communique)
FROM: HIMS PRINCESS ANNA
TO: HMS ADAMS

LIAISON OFFICER LTC FOURNIER EN ROUTE ON BOARD TYPE MH-60S HELICOPTER CALLSIGN FOXTROT SEVEN-THREE IFF TRANSPONDER CODE 3820 SAFE PASSAGE AND LANDING CLEARANCE REQUESTED ETA TWO HOURS

CS Ville de Corbournne, 150 Nautical Miles SE of Es-Senia

Colonel Joseph Blandin's family had been in the Marines for as long as historical records could show. Like the rest of his family, he was built stocky, with a good deal of muscle. He had come into the prestigous position on board the flagship by way of his family name. He didn't talk much, and even those who knew him best had never seen him smile or cry. However, his position as commander of the marines on board the Nietzsche-class Super dreadnought obligated him to put on his best diplomatic facade and travel to his ship's Yanitarian counterpart, the HMS Nietzsche.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(encrypted communique)
FROM: CS VILLE DE CORBOURNNE
TO: HMS NIETZSCHE

LIASON OFFICER CL BLANDIN EN ROUTE SAFE PASSAGE AND LANDING CLEARANCE REQUESTED ETA ONE HOUR

OOC: OOC Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13834640#post13834640)

HMS Marauder

In one of the several junior officer cabins, the short-statured Felix Aucoin tossed some toiletries into a duffel bag. Placing his hands upon his hips, he stared with smug satisfaction that he had finished packing for his new duty as liaison officer. As the hatch swung open, another lieutenant-commander responsible, Aucoin's eyes drifted upwards and across the small framed photograph of he and his wife. His eyes lingered, and his roommate—all too aware of Aucoin's appointment—did not fail to notice.

"Trying to forget her that quick," he offered.

Aucoin shot his roommate a quick glance in a failed attempt to silence the man.

"I am simply saying, Felix, any man would be all to glad to take that picture along with him." The roommate let his eyes linger on the slim waistline and long legs. "Probably some women, too."

Instead of responding, Aucoin simply grabbed the photo and stuffed it into his duffel. "Satisfied?" he quipped.

"No, actually, I am rather disappointed."

HMS Archer

Travers reviewed the latest photographs obtained by ORNI, clearly showing the military engagement led by the legionnaires. "But we have no idea who is who down there," Travers asked his intelligence officer without looking at the man.

"Correct, sir."

"I just hope this commander is capable," Travers muttered. It was more than likely that, as he shuffled to find the latest photos of his expected area of operations, there were locals sympathetic to the Yanitarians if not outright Yanitarian assets in place. In prior operations, the Royal Navy liberally dispensed its naval artillery munitions upon coastal settlements—to some effect. While perhaps not as effective as a cruise missile or smart bomb, heavy and near-continuous gunfire frightened people. Especially amateurs and untrained rebels.

But, given the political situation, Travers doubted such an option would be available to him. Consequently, this naval commander would need to provide him with solid intelligence if his marines were not to shoot up locals sympathetic to the Yanitarians—or any Yanitarians still present in the city. Travers slowly tapped the photographs—unaware of the annoyed look shared by his officers. "I hope he gets this right."

HMS Marauder

As the Oceanian battle group approached the island, amid the comings and goings of air wing's fighters and AEW platforms, a small Sea Falcon helicopter's rotors began to rotate. Aucoin emerged from the carrier's island, with his duffel and two junior officers behind him. The two represented the Royal Navy, including the Fleet Air Arm, and the Royal Marines and both reported to Aucoin, who had selected the two.

After boarding and securing their persons and belongings, the helicopter lifted off the flight deck and began a graceful curve towards the HMS Adams. From the main compartment, Aucoin watched the naval aviators establish contact with Yanitarian flight control officers and then arrange the details of their arrival. From his seat, he could gaze off into the horizon into which the Oceanian ships were rapidly disappearing. First the carrier, then the dreadnoughts, then the cruisers and frigates. Somewhere unseen lurked the submarines and smaller pickets.

Turning away from the sea, Aucoin inspected the other two men accompanying him. Lawrence Cole, tall and with a chiseled physique barely masked by the tropical whites of his Royal Navy uniform, had served in the Fleet Air Arm before transferring to the surface fleet as warfare officer—principally air defence. Unlike his Royal Marine counterpart, Anthony Turner, Cole spoke no French. Turner, however, had taken university-level courses before joining the Royal Marines. Doubtless, the skill had rusted. But at least he would not have to bear the language gap alone.

Some time later, the pilot signaled to Aucoin that they were approaching the HMS Adams. The commander again turned his eyes towards the sea, and found another assembly of grey steel in the sea. While the ships differed aesthetically, they performed the same functions and their crews were likely thinking the same thoughts as their Oceanian counterparts. The helicopter turned gently, bringing into full view their destination. No matter the doctrine or theory behind their diminishing utility, Aucoin still was always amazed by super-dreadnoughts. They were massive. They were heavily armed. They simply looked more fearsome than any floating tarmac. And the Adams was no exception.

HMS Adams

The liaison officers were rounded up and given a brief tour of the important parts of the shit, such as the officer's lounge, the bridge, and the well appointed ready room, where they met Vice-amiral Rune Eikeland and Maréchal Renée Fosse.

The Marshal took the time to shake everyone's hand. To those who knew much of Yanitarian History, the two officers represented a major difference in Yanitarian thinking. While colonial attitudes had not changed, and the conservative, francophone Arkadians were still largely the same, the country as a whole had indeed started it's march forward. With the Yanitarii naval officer in an occupation still largely controlled by the ethnic Arkadians, and the female marshal in a service dominated by men, it was apparent that this war was not the same as the first, some one hundred and thirty-six years before.

From the, Fosse took over, striding assuredly through the bridge saluting the sailors, before calling a large elevator to take them to the Strategic Planning Room.

Artificial light flooded the room, competing for attention as gave commands over secure links, while NCOs and sub-lieutenants ran around, couriering physical notes between officers. A large 2D holo-image was displayed on a pane of glass on one wall. It was the island of Sétif, with pins of blue and yellow light, representing confirmed and approximated. Next to it was a map of the city of Mers-El-Kébir, with brighter pins of light, denoting buildings occupied by the YRA, and the sole air strip, areas where insurgents attacked, or bombs went off, and where mass graves had been uncovered. The latter, marked in purple shapes covering the approximate area of the actual grave, had a sobering effect on anyone who cared to look.

The chatter of the officers was almost as grave. One officer, with his hand over his microphone, ordered a major to inform the Human Rights Officer, that is, the one in charge of reporting violations of human rights to Yanitaria City, and more importantly, the press, that another thousand bodies had been uncovered at "the construction site," before tapping something off on his computer.

Another officer, tending an uplink com set ordered his assistant to note that four ambushes outside of the city had been reported that day.

The Marshal and her attending officers and NCOs hurried the foreigners through the room and through a double door. Behind it was a large room, with massive windows along three sides, and a large table in the middle. Speaking very quickly in french, Maréchal Fosse explained that this was the "Commanding Officer's Observation Deck." From here, the massive guns, and stretch of VLS hatches could clearly be seen, as well as an unexploded enemy missile that had lodged itself into one of the hatches. The ship bore only a few battle scars, which was only the be expected when fighting such enemies.

The Marshal continued, explaining that the table had embedded computers, and that one could lift up the screens to access the keyboards. Indeed, black squares lined the table on each side. She also noted that anyone who spilt a drink on any of the computers would be thrown overboard and made to swim back to their country. Before long, she handed the stage over to a Commandant, who detailed the situation for Yanitarian troops. They had absolutely no problem pushing the fascist and theocratic troops out of the town, and had expected to take Sidi El Houari before even Aissuran forces could arrive. However, scouts sent north reported heavy ambushes by troops who were very competent in battle. Therefore the push north had been delayed some time, but it was expected that the main Yanitarian force would reach their destination with in two days.

Discs with intelligence reports were handed out to each group of liaison officers, detailing expected troop numbers, observed weaponry, information on how to contact Yanitarian Special Forces, satellite photos, and important people that should be apprehended should the opportunity arise. Finally, the liaison officers where shown where their workspaces were, and assigned a YRN NCO to guide and assist them.

[OOC: Deleted my other post, decided to go at it a diffrent way. Can I assume the DPR to the WeM includes the diffrent munitions?]
The liaison officer began looking at the diffrent data.

"This might be a little fun. We might not even need the reinforcements Jeoff said he might send." He said to himself.
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Now that the fleet was witihing 400 KM of Sidi El Hourari, the attack was planned out. It would be a Three pronged attack, first, Cruise Missles would be launched at specific targets, namely The destroyers and the Air Field. Then, Fighter-Bombers with Fighter Escort would proceed to attack with AGMS. After that, Aissurian Marines would land and take the city.
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At the fleet, 6 WeM-30 "Sunburn" missles were launched at the Destroyers. Additionally, 20 Cruise Missles were launched. The Air Field would be the hardest hit.

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On the three Admiral Kuznetsov class carriers, SU-33s were taking off for the second attack. 45 Aircraft in total took off. 15 were armed with 5 R-27R1s, and 5 R-73Es. The three 30 with Kh-25s When all of the Air Planes took off, they headed towards their destination.

[OOC:RPing the rebels since Yanis gave the OK for the ones in your region.]

The Sailor was swapping the deck when an alarm sounded. He looked up and then two WeMs buried themselves into the hull, they then exploded. Flames swept up from the lower decks to the higher ones, and the sailor jumped off the ship and into the water. The ship's munitions then exploded, ripping the ship in two. In a minute, she was nearly sunk. 2 of the 3 Destroyers were sunk, including the Radio equipped. The third is still combat effective.

At the Airfield, missles hit Aircraft and the runway. The runway has one crater in it, nearly disabling it. 3 F-100 sabres were destroyed, as well as the SU-25 and 2 A-4 Skyhawks.

Firefighters rushed to put out fires caused by the Missle Strike. 2 Skysweeper guns were hit. As well as 2 SAM sites.

All around the city, Rebels rushed to equip themselves.

At the Air Field, the rest of the planes, excluding the bomber, took off, anticipating an assault.

[OOC:All right, two more posts. Then I will let others.]

"Bogies on radar, pilots, get ready to engage." Said the Alpha Leader.

"Roger Alpha Leader." Responded Bravo Leader.

"Range 70 KM. Fox 1, fire!" Said a a pilot as he launched the 80 km range missle.

6 fighters launched their missles and waited to see what happened.

"Destroyer sighted, launching." Said Charlie leader has 5 planes launched their missles at the destroyer.

"Jeeze. Their using AA guns. Watch out." Said a pilot as he launched a missle at a gun emplacement.
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"Lets hope those Air Force boys get those destroyers. God help us if they don't." Said an officer.

"5 miniutes out! Something happened to those destroyers." Said another Marine.

[OOC:I'll just split my posts for now on.]
Rebels
"He's tracking me!" Said a pilot as an alarm sounded.

"They are coming in from the east! Move to-" The Leader was cut off as a missle smashed into his plane.

"Oh my god!" Shouted the new leader.

"They are using cutting edge technology! We're not even close enough to attack! We're dead! We're dead!" The leader said.

"Shut up and speed up to engage." Said a pilot.

"30 km away. Still AARRGGH!!" Said a pilot as his plane was hit.

"They are using Semi-Active missles right now, so-" He was cut off when he was hit.

3 missles hit, and the rebels were in range.

"Firing!" Said a Pilot as he launched his missle.
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Aissurian Forces
"Got me tracked, gonna- Hit. Can't control it, breaking-" Said a pilot as he was hit and destroyed.

"Tracking target, firing." Said a pilot.

"Come on you fucker. You suck so bad I'mm gonna gun you down." Said another as he laughed.

"DO NOT underestimate your enemies. We already lost one fighter to a plane, another to Ground fire. Guess what? An AA gun!" Said Alpha leader.

"Roger. Tracking target, firing." Said a Pilot.

"Hey! That was mine!" Said the Gunner Pilot.
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Rebels

"Arrrggghhh!" Said a pilot as he was hit.

The other pilot was hit also. The Aissurian forces had Air Control. But they didn't go out with a fight. Many AA guns were already out of ammo. AA Guns had taken out 3 aircraft. With the SAM taking out another 5.

"We have ships coming! Landing vessels! Oh wait, also transport planes! They are comming from everywhere! Parachuters!" Said an officer over a loudspeeker.
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Aissurian Forces

Parachuters began landing in the city, encountering resistance.

"Form up. We will be pushing into the city. We landed a little off course. Lets move." Said an Officer.

"3 Men, 6 O'clock!" Said a machinegunner as he laid down an arc of fire, hitting two of the three.

The riflemen also open fired, hitting the remaing man.

"House dead ahead. Lets check it out. Has a flag of the local government.

[size=1][OOC:Hint hint, nudge nudge.]

Francois Clemenceau watched as the Aissuran Paratroopers approached, gunning down three rebels in the process. He saw one point at his house and approach. "Good," he thought, "they know who to look for."

He shouted in arabic for the men to round up, and ready their weapons. This would be another long night. He personally went down stairs to the door, and opened it for the Aissurians.

"Hold up. Open door." Said the Officer.

"You there! Friend or foe!" He shouted in French, he then repeated it in English.

Most of the squad had their weapons trained on the house, they did know of the Special Forces, but it could be a trap.

[OOC:Incompleate post, have to get to bed.]
Rebels:

In the outskirts of the city, the Rebels were retreating from the joint Marine and Parachuter attack. The Rebels in the center were cut off from retreat, and were losing fast. The artillery support had been wiped out early on and only one remained usable, and it was already outside the city. There was still pockets of resistance, and the Rebels planned to still attack from whereever they were hiding.

Casualties:
Unknown.

All Air Assets destroyed.
All but one artillery piece destroyed.
Most AA guns operational, but out of Ammo.
All SAM sites destroyed.
2 T-55s destroyed, 3 retreating.
Pattons destroyed.

Official Message from the Aissurian Foreign Affairs Department.


To: Yanitaria
Full Encryption.





We wish to request permission to deploy an additional 1,250,000 men and several Naval Task Forces to Setif, in order to continue the mission.

We are rushing to repair all docks at Sidi El Hourari, we estimate they will be ready to offload in 2-3 weeks. We are still securing Sidi El Hourari. The soldiers outside Sidi El Hourari are encoutering fierce resistance, and must pull back into the city.

The main part of the enemy forces are pulling back. There are still many rebels cut off from retreat in the city.

We are also repairing the local Runway, and it will be operational in 2-5 days.





(Message end.)

this isn't quite the level of where I want it to be, but I think it important to at least put something down at this point. many apologies for such a late response.

270 km East of Es-Sénia

It was not quite a challenge, but it was action nonetheless. Several thousand metres over the warm ocean waters, the light-grey fighter of Lieutenant-Commander Charles Hughes flew silently towards the Sétif coastline, near the port city of Es-Sénia. For several minutes, the airborne command and control aircraft, a Royal Navy Sentinel AEW.1, had been tracking a flight of two F-100 Super Sabres after their departure from the Es-Sénia airport. Additionally, since the start of Yanitarian operations, two patrol boats and a destroyer had set to sea—and they were well-reperented on Hughes' in-flight display panel. Fortunately, his Sea Stratus fighter sported a reduced RCS design and through the passive monitoring of potential threats, Hughes and his flight were taking a delicate path that had them edging ever closer to the city.

Some time before they had reached their current position, Hughes had taken his flight closer to the sea-level. With refueling options and a relatively short range of operation, increased fuel consumption was not a major concern. It also helped shield his flight from the shipboard radars of the Entebbi ships offshore.

Flying behind Hughes' flight, and at a higher altitude, two Sea Stratus EW.1 aircraft were tasked with blanketing the Entebbi radars and radio-interception equipment with noise. Unintelligible, useless noise. The bulk of the Royal Navy assets off the coast of Sétif were hundreds of kilometres distant—the Admiralty unwilling to edge closer until known missile batteries were eliminated. And so Hughes was in the air.

And he was about to be joined by several dozen cruise missiles. Although largely dispensed with throughout the rest of the world, the Royal Navy's dreadnoughts and super-dreadnoughts were still expected to serve out their designed life spans. Vice-Admiral Downey found their deployment with his battle group fortuitous in the sense they provided immense firepower. On the forward sections of the HMS Lion, hatches opened and exhaust smoke billowed skywards. Then small streaks of smoke lifted up, pushing the cruise missiles towards Es-Sénia.

Downey watched it all unfold from Operations. Since the Yanitarians had engaged the Entebbi to the north, they had been watching armoured vehicles and mobile assets attempt to hide or simply withdraw to the inner plateau. He would have preferred the surprise the Yanitarians had enjoyed—but what he would make do with what he had. The Lion, finished launching her cruise missiles targeting points ashore and after a momentary pause, began to engage those unfortunate Entebbi manning the patrol boats and destroyer off the coast of Es-Sénia.

The Ranseur was a long-ranged, sub-sonic cruise missile. Designed more for range and low-observability, it sacrificed high speeds. Once more, the dreadnought Lion bathed the oceans in smoke as four Ranseurs raced out of their launchers, two destined for the Charles F. Adams class and the others split between the patrol boats. The missiles flew for several minutes, guided by the information provided by the Lion and aided by the Sea Stratus EW.1s that upped their interference against the ships.

Despite the electronic interference, the commander of the destroyer managed to finally acquire the active-seeking signals of the Oceanian missiles. His aft twin-arm launcher fired his first Tartar missile salvo against the two missiles directed against his command as the Ranseurs raced in, flying just over the sea. The two patrol boats were further out, and thus closer to the Lion. Armed with nothing other than a crew-operated 25 millimetre gun and four Exocets, they attempted to evade the missiles targeting them. The Entebbi captain of the destroyer cursed God as he heard reports of two large fireballs rising up in the distance. His five inch gun was throwing up some rounds, but at that moment he knew all was for nought. The ship then shuddered violently, the captain forced into the back of his seat. A deep rumble from somewhere aft sent tremors throughout the ship as steam pipes burst and the lights went dark.

The two Ranseurs had ripped apart amidships, sea water flooding the engine rooms and adjacent compartments. Emergency diesel generators kicked on and the Entebbi captain began to see the wreck that was his command. He received damage reports from the various departments, but watched more intently his cup of coffee slide off his desk onto the deck. Very quickly the ship was listing to port and he ordered the crew to abandon the destroyer. Most of them would never make it, a fire that had started aft of the impact reached the rear magazine and doomed most of the crew to a fiery death. Those that had been fortunate enough to escape to the ocean found themselves surrounded by sharks. It would be nearly two hours before one of Downey's picket ships would arrive. 62 men would be pulled from the water, the highest ranking, a lieutenant.

Ashore, the Oceanian cruise missiles landed with a high-degree of precision. Electronic interference continued, and allowed many of the missiles to strike their designated targets. Identified command centres, radio towers, ammunition and/or fuel depots, barracks, and even the moored Entebbis ships were all struck. Careful attention was directed against the anti-aircraft artillery guns and surface-to-air missile batteries. For, in the wake of the devestation, Hughes and his flight arrived.

Rising from the sea, one of his fighter escorts loosed a pair of medium-range air-to-air missiles well outside the engagement range of the F-100's Sidewinders. The Super Sabres, sufficiently spooked, ditched their patrol of Es-Sénia and raced back towards their base at their highest possible speed. Both released chaff. One of the Oceanian missiles was fooled as the pilot broke sharply. The other, however, was not as fortunate. The surviving pilot quickly realised his low odds and made a sharp turn to the northeast. The Sentinel observing the whole engagement provided Hughes and his flight with the information that the survivor was indeed fleeing to Entebbi-controlled lands.

Hughes and his flight of Kaha'i interdiction aircraft made a similar turn to the northeast, there own route, however would take them near the massed sites of Entebbi armour and suspected infantry positions. At supersonic speeds, they raced towards their targets, eventually dropping their guided munitions, most loaded with armour-piercing cluster sub-munitions or thermobaric warheads, on pre-specified targets. Within the span of a few minutes, much of the Entebbi defences of Es-Sénia disintegrated.

Their mission largely completed, Hughes directed his flight to return to the Archer. As they prepared to exit the small and sheltered U-shaped depression where Es-Sénia was sited, his wingman radioed a report of two distinct smoke-trails rapidly approaching the Kaha'i. Dropping flares and chaff, the Oceanian aircraft dropped so low as to rip the leaves off the treetops and lit their afterburners to hit near Mach 2. Nevertheless, one of the two missiles detonated near enough one of Hughes' flight to pepper the tail.

Downey watched nervously as the Kaha'i flight made its way back over open ocean. There was finally a breach of the order of radio silence as the pilot of the damaged Kaha'i reported the worsening condition, leading to his eventual loss of control. A Sea Falcon had already launched to recover some of the Entebbi sailors, but was diverted to provide support to Hughes' flight. As Downey turned to a rating to ask for a cup of tea, he overheard the pilot saying he was ditching. Fortunately, Hughes reported seeing two parachutes and several minutes later the crew of the Sea Falcon added that the pilot and weapons system officer were both safe. Shaken up, but safe.

HMS Adams

Aboard the Yanitarian flagship, Aucoin had taken care to unpack the bare essentials and grab a quick bite from the Yanitarian mess before returning to his workspace. He had informed the Yanitarians of Downey's intent to eliminate known sites of likely rebel resistance before landing any Royal Marines in or near Es-Sénia. He was nibbling on a cold sandwich and sipping some coffee, reviewing the latest satellite photographs when he received word that the raid had been completed with near total success.

Aucoin took a moment to prepare a brief for Fosse, who would be informed that the Royal Navy had engaged three Entebbi naval assets and carried out significant and wide-ranging aerial strikes against Entebbi command-and-control and ground-force assets. His task, mainly, was to translate Vice-Admiral Downey's information into French for the consumption of the Yanitarians. Full control of Es-Sénia was not expected for another 72–96 hours, assuming complete cooperation with the other forces expected to operate in the area near Es-Sénia.

Satisfied that he had paid enough attention to the differences between Oceanian French and Yanitarian French, he sent the electronic document to the specified address and returned to his lunch. He downed the rest of his coffee rather quickly, washing down the bread and cold cuts so he could return to the mess and enjoy the usual Oceanian afternoon tea.