NationStates Jolt Archive

Message from Moralite Industries:
Hello nations of the world! Some of you may have heard of MI's recent "Nuclear phase" program. Well, we can assure that all of this is true. We have completely phased out oil in favor of natural gas and Nuclear power. We own several Oil fields in CM that we no longer have any use for. The following are up for bidding:

Igneus unda Plains:

Geography: Flat, with very little vegetation. Some Quail in the area, but not much wildlife otherwise.

Estimated barrels of oil: 2 Billion.

Size: One hundred square kilometers.

Price: You make the first offer. We're more interested in getting this off our hands.

Mortuus tumulosus(Dead hills)

Geography: Rolling hills, little vegetation, some grass. No local wildlife.

Estimated barrels of oil: 3.5 Billion

Size: One-hundred and sixty square kilometers.

Price: Same as above.

Extrarius Res Defero
Urbi et orbi


To: Moralite Industries
From: Mr. White, foreign affairs officer, Dominon of Emperor Pudu XLII

The Dominion of our Emperor Pudu XLII offers his greetings to the Moralite Industries company.

Our Emperor Pudu XLII has taken notice recently of your offer regarding a pair of unwanted reserves of untapped oil, and has expressed a desire to possess at least one. Therefore, I am authorized to pursue the purchase of these facilities with his full resources.

In doing, I am immediately prepared to offer your company the sum of twenty-five billion dollars for the Mortuus tumulosus site. This money has been made available for the Emperor's purposes, and upon any confirmation of sale, can be transferred to your company.

We hope this is satisfactory.

Good day,
Mr. White.

To: Moralite Industries
From: Falkasian Government

The People's Republic of Falkasia is interested in purchasing the Igneus unda Plains for a price of 1 Billion dollars. This money will be wired to your public account once we recieve confirmation that our purchase has been confirmed.

Official Foreign Affairs Communiqué
Urbi et orbi


To: Moralite Industries
From: Mr. White, foreign affairs officer, Dominon of Emperor Pudu XLII

The Dominion of our Emperor Pudu XLII offers his greetings to the Moralite Industries company.

Our Emperor Pudu XLII has taken notice recently of your offer regarding a pair of unwanted reserves of untapped oil, and has expressed a desire to possess at least one. Therefore, I am authorized to pursue the purchase of these facilities with his full resources.

In doing, I am immediately prepared to offer your company the sum of twenty-five billion dollars for the Mortuus tumulosus site. This money has been made available for the Emperor's purposes, and upon any confirmation of sale, can be transferred to your company.

We hope this is satisfactory.

Good day,
Mr. White.
Message from Moralite industries:
Thank you for your business. May the oil be easy to extract, and be more then expected.
To: Moralite Industries
From: Falkasian Government

The People's Republic of Falkasia is interested in purchasing the Igneus unda Plains for a price of 1 Billion dollars. This money will be wired to your public account once we recieve confirmation that our purchase has been confirmed.
Message from Moralite Industries:
I'm afraid that is not enough. We would be willing to accept other offers that you may have, but desperate as we are, we will not sell the Oil Fields for so little.

We bid three billion dollars for Igneus unda Plains

We bid three billion dollars for Igneus unda Plains

Message from Moralite Industries:
We will accept that if we do not get a higher bid within the next (OOC:RL) hour.

Volzgrad will bid 15 billion USD on the Igneous unda Plains. However, Greston may have half of the oilfields as a sign of friendship.

Volzgrad will bid 15 billion USD on the Igneous unda Plains. However, Greston may have half of the oilfields as a sign of friendship.

OOC: I am fine with that.

Message from Moralite Industries:
Accepted. While searching through our vast amount of documents for the deed to the Oil fields in question, we have found that we actually own six more Oil fields. As soon as we locate the exact documents and reaffirm the details, we will put them up for bidding too.

OOC: Where exactly is this oil field, specifically, in your nation (or wherever it is).

It turns out we own Six more Oil fields then originally expected. However, three of these are still being investigated, as the documents are decades old. We will now put up the known ones up for bidding

Novus Mores:

Geography: A small, barren island a few miles off the coast of CM. Mostly calm waters around it.

Estimated barrels of oil: 5.3 Billion.

Size: Two-hundred and seventy Kilometers. (Size of the Island and the Oil field)

Price: Why do we keep putting this on the form? Just don't try to cheat us.

Scabrosus unda Offshore drilling platform:

Geography: Water. Mostly calm, some thunderstorms, but nothing major. About Two hundred miles off the coast of CM.

Estimated barrels of Oil: 1.5 Billion

Size: Eighty Kilometers, about 1100 meters deep.

Price: Comes with a Drilling platform in need of repairs, so a little extra will be needed.

Mica tempestas solitudo:

Geography: The field is in the only desert in CM, flat, sandy, little vegetation. Watch for Sandstorms.

Estimated barrels of oil: 5 Billion

Size: Three hundred kilometers.

The Armed Republic of The Cyberverse requests that, if we purchase an oil-field, troops are allowed to travel through CM to the oil field to protect our interests in the region from the likely enterprising actions of other nations.

OOC: Where exactly is this oil field, specifically, in your nation (or wherever it is).

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk294/Tombombadil9/MAHMAP.jpg
OOC: Sorry for the crappy "X"'s.

The Armed Republic of The Cyberverse requests that, if we purchase an oil-field, troops are allowed to travel through CM to the oil field to protect our interests in the region from the likely enterprising actions of other nations.

Message from Moralite Industries:
We will have to contact CM itself for your response.

Official message from Conserative morality:
If any nations attempt to intervene on our territory, we will protect the oil fields. Foreignly owned or not, it's still on CM and thus our responsibility.
President Numerius Arrius, the voice of the people.

After consideration, we have decided to continue with enquires into the purchase of a field.

What facilities are available currently, if any, at Novus Mores?

Message from: President Brown of the Republic of Call to Power
Addressed to: Moralite Industries

The Republic wishes to make available the sum of 7.9 Billion USD for the purchase of the isle of Novus Mores.

Though we have no interest with the islands impressive oil reserves we wish to use the land for communications facilities and with your blessing the creation of an international port to make use of the calm waters.

ooc: typing this super quick before anyone else so I will ham this up a tad later

8 billion for Novus Mores.

8 billion for Novus Mores.

The republic noting the recent bidding places funds for 10.5 Billion

The Imperial Republic raises said offer to 10.6 billion USDs for Novus Mores.

As President of Call to Power I officially authorize the availability of 24 Billion USD for the purchase of Novus Mores

After consideration, we have decided to continue with enquires into the purchase of a field.

What facilities are available currently, if any, at Novus Mores?
Message from Moralite Industries:
Most of the equipment at Novus Mores was retreieved around 1935 according to this document. Evidently, the drilling equipment was removed, but nothing else. After making a check of the island, we found what looked to be drilling sites, intact and whole, but rusted and outdated. However, the sites may provide a good guide to spots to extract the oil from.

Message from: President Brown of the Republic of Call to Power
Addressed to: Moralite Industries

The Republic wishes to make available the sum of 7.9 Billion USD for the purchase of the isle of Novus Mores.

Though we have no interest with the islands impressive oil reserves we wish to use the land for communications facilities and with your blessing the creation of an international port to make use of the calm waters.

ooc: typing this super quick before anyone else so I will ham this up a tad later
Message from Moralite industries:
I'm afraid we cannot authorize that, as that would require a charter from the CM government.

Official message from Conserative morality:
I'm afraid we cannot allow that. Our apologies. No offense meant, but the Senate does not feel comfortable with another country creating a port on our land. If it was up to me, I would allow it, but the senate voted me down, 90-10.
President Numerius Arrius, the voice of the people.

ASoil wishes to bid $26.5 billion for Novus Mores.

ASoil wishes to bid $26.5 billion for Novus Mores.

Message from Moralite industries:
Accepted. Enjoy the island.

In partibus infidelium
The force of the thrust coming from the Coba's VTOL engines impacting the dusty ground was enough to scatter the brush and lighter stones, along with casting a large cloud of dirt into the air. As the nearly solid black plane neared the ground, the rear cargo door opened downward, stopping roughly three feet off the ground, forming a ramp from the hovering transport.

Making quick use of this ramp, the large eight-wheeled form of an Amba armored personnel carrier shot out of the back of the Coba VTOL, shaking the stability of the craft only slightly. The APC hit the ground and did not stop, driving rapidly away from the back of the Coba until it was about one-hundred feet away, before stopping.

Following the Amba out was a slightly smaller, more graceful vehicle; the strange angular shape of an LV-08 light wheeled vehicle. It caused less of a disruption to the hovering Coba when it dropped out the back, and having landed successfully, it's tires spun for a second in the loose dirt, then, throwing up even more dirt into the Coba's cloud, it sped away to meet the APC, whose inhabitants were already disembarking.

As the Coba lifted into the sky and started back to the freighter off the coast, the LV-08 stopped, and a door opened. Climbing out was a distinguished looking man, adorned with a well-fitting grey suit and equally grey, well-groomed hair. Eyeing the ten assembled soldiers, each encased completely in the full body armor of the Imperial Army, the grey-suited man drew himself up, and spoke,

"You men, this is the Emperor's newest possession, and will be treated as such. Go now and patrol the border, anyone caught inside the perimeter is to be treated as an invader and an enemy, and is to be shot on sight. Reinforcements are coming."

The Lieutenant at the end of the rank answered, "Yes sir," and the soldiers fell out, clambering back into the APC, while one man moved forward to man the 30mm cannon mounted on the roof.

A few seconds later, the APC was gone, speeding off into the distance to secure the borders of the Dominion's newest colony.

The grey suited man turned around, where he saw his diver and aide carrying a chair out of the other side of the LV-08. He would wait here, soon, the next airlift would arrive, and after that, another. In a matter of hours a whole battalion of soldiers would be present, alongside another few thousand construction workers and other contractors, beginning work on the facilities to protect and extract the oil from the ground.

The grey man took a seat, and waited.

"Hey men, we've got a unknown transport. Looks military. Prepare to stop and interrogate." A moralite soldier announced while looking at the MPC-V2's mounted camera display. The MPC-V2 quickly moved up alongside the Imperial APC. "PULL OVER, AND DISPLAY LICENSE FOR OPERATING A MILITARY GRADE VEHICLE!" The soldier yelled over to the APC...

Message from Moralite industries:
Accepted. Enjoy the island.

TO: Moralite Industries
FROM: Michael Thames, CEO ASoil
RE: Novus Mores

I would like to take a minute to personally thank you for accepting my offer. We at ASoil do our best to minimize the impact that we have on the environment, while drilling for and extracting oil. We will ensure that once the oil has been extracted, we will clean up the land around the drilling sites.

I have just spoken to my CFO, and he is setting up the payment now, by wire transfer.

Vi et armis
The Amba's brakes brought the APC to a skidding halt as the foreign vehicle moved alongside. However, even for this act of compliance, the hope for peace that the foreign soldiers may have held was very soon, and very forcefully, put to an end.

The heavy cannon mounted on the roof of the Amba turned, with a slight mechanic whine, to face what was to them considered an invader and an enemy, and without hesitation, opened fire on the vehicle. The man inside the Amba manning the controls watched as the massive rounds were scattered across the length and breadth of the enemy vehicle at point-blank range, as he strafed the gun across the target again and again.

Perhaps two miles away, the grey-suited man was sitting calmly in his chair when the oppressive sound was heard from across the plains. Turning to his aide, who was sitting on the seat of the LV-08 with the door open, he spoke, "It seems we have unearthed our first of these rats; hopefully they do not become too common here."

His aide nodded, and listened.

The gunfire would continue until the target, or the cannon, were destroyed.

No message was sent.

As stated previously by Conservative Morality and movement of armed troops on their oil fields will result in the annexing of that oil field. Therefore the land is not yours to hold.

I would like to offer my support to Conservative Morality following this breach of the rules that they evidently applied to my request. This could be in the form of diplomatic or military aid.

If, however, this rule was misunderstood and it only applies to the Cyberverse, we will take further action.

"Ay shite!" The soldiers quickly leaned out of the windows and launched concussion grenade after grenade at the APC. The MPC-V2 rammed into the with what little force it had left as the soldiers tried to protect themselves from the incoming cannon fire. Already, only a few minutes in twelve of the original thirty men were dead, and fifteen were wounded. "Under fire from an unknown foreign vehicle! Please respond!"
Silence.
Then: "This is Zeppelin carrier "Gold" tracking your position now, we will be there in approximately five minutes. Seven of the soldiers quickly ran out of the destroyed MPC-V2 shouting "We surrender! We surrender!"

To: All oil purchasers
From: Metrolia Banking Group

With all this sudden influx of crude oil, surely you will need some of it to be refined? We at Metrolia would be more than happy to refine it for you. All parties pumping Moralite oil will get a 10% discount

Signed,
Chairman Sara Fields

As stated previously by Conservative Morality and movement of armed troops on their oil fields will result in the annexing of that oil field. Therefore the land is not yours to hold.

I would like to offer my support to Conservative Morality following this breach of the rules that they evidently applied to my request.

If, however, this rule was misunderstood and it only applies to the Cyberverse, we will take further action.

OOC: He never told CM, and unless the Zeppelin gets there REALLY Fricken' fast, I don't think we'll be finding out for a bit. :p

Tanta stultitia mortalium est
The moment the rear doors of the enemy vehicle opened, the cannon fell silent, and the Amba followed suit. The door fell open, and as it did, the ten men inside marched slowly out, each armored from head to foot, dark green plates connected with black mesh, topped with the thick helmet, each bearing within the gold-lit eyes of the suit.

As the foreigners shouted to them of surrender and mercy, the ten soldiers stood, motionless. Then, the Lieutenant in command raised his pistol, and fired a round directly into the face of one frightened 'invaders', and within seconds, the rest of the squad had followed suit, bringing their 8.14mm rifles to bear on the soft flesh of the foreigner.

From his chair a few miles away, the grey-suited man heard the gunfire, and smiled, "How long do we have before another Coba touches down?"

The aide checked the map, displayed on a wide computer behind him, in the navigation center of the LV-08, "Sir, perhaps twenty minutes? I cannot make exact guesses, as we do not know where the Coba is."

"Yes, I understand."

He hesitated for a moment, "If these sort of disturbances continue, we may need to radio the ship; to begin sending more than one load at a time..."

Watching what happened to their squadmates through the back door, the eleven men left quickly charged (Or limped) out, firing their GUR-V4s', Armored exoskeletons glistening in the light, pouring streams of lead into the Imperial troops...

Non omnia moriar
The soldiers standing at the rear of the Pudite APC stood their ground, with not even a flinch detectable as the foreign soldiers emerged. The Imperial soldiers simply turned to direct their fire at the back of the enemy vehicle. Even as one man fell, his comrade beside him remained unflinching.

At the same time, while Pudite and foreign troops were engaged in the short-range fight only meters away, the 30mm cannon on the roof of the Amba again opened fire, ripping into the enemy vehicle again, hoping to stem the tide of enemy soldiers, as the infantry at the rear killed those that emerged.

After the first few seconds of fighting, two Imperial Army soldiers lay dead and motionless, and two more bore grievous wounds, but unlike their dead comrades, they still stood and fought, even as foreign bullets tore larger and larger holes in their armor. Only in death would the fight end.

And end it would. Soon.

OOC : I presume this incident is happening in the desert, due to dust and stones

IC : The three VTOL-Falcon stealth helicopters orbited the desert. Their stealth systems prevented radar detection, and their camo armour almost perfectly hid them from any but the most shrewd observer.

Captain Ranna of the 3rd Recon Division viewed the incident from his remote camera.

"Wow. What is Pudu doing?"

"No idea" replied the co-pilot, Private Jackson. "I'll get on the comm to command, see if they (The Pudites) have annexed the territory, or purchased it"

"Wait. Hold all communications. Look at the horizon, bearing 156 degrees"

A zeppelin was rapidly approaching on the horizon.

"Ah. Arm Banefire missiles, but do not lock targets. They may be friendly"

OOC: Yes, I had presumed a desert/savannah-type setting, although this is your country, and could tell me otherwise.

OOC : Unless you are invading the Cyberverse, not my country... my helis are there to monitor, not to retaliate.

Non omnia moriar
The soldiers standing at the rear of the Pudite APC stood their ground, with not even a flinch detectable as the foreign soldiers emerged. The Imperial soldiers simply turned to direct their fire at the back of the enemy vehicle. Even as one man fell, his comrade beside him remained unflinching.

At the same time, while Pudite and foreign troops were engaged in the short-range fight only meters away, the 30mm cannon on the roof of the Amba again opened fire, ripping into the enemy vehicle again, hoping to stem the tide of enemy soldiers, as the infantry at the rear killed those that emerged.

After the first few seconds of fighting, two Imperial Army soldiers lay dead and motionless, and two more bore grievous wounds, but unlike their dead comrades, they still stood and fought, even as foreign bullets tore larger and larger holes in their armor. Only in death would the fight end.

And end it would. Soon.

Bullet after bullet blew into the Moralite armor, some activated the armor surge in time, others (Or perhaps I should say "All") couldn't move as fast as the bullet did. Five loud bursts after each pull of the trigger, these Moralites were not about to give up. One down... Two... Three... Each man unleashed a deadly salvo upon his adversary, but was it enough? Looking around him uickly, he noticed all of his allies were dead. Quickly hitting the self-destruct button on his suit, he spread out his arms, and fell to the ground. Ten seconds later, no trace of the moralites was left other then the MPC-V2, and a large crater near the back of the vehicle...

OOC: I'm assuming your men were further then two yards away? :p.

OOC: Yes, I had presumed a desert/savannah-type setting, although this is your country, and could tell me otherwise.
n doing, I am immediately prepared to offer your company the sum of twenty-five billion dollars for the Mortuus tumulosus site
Geography: Rolling hills, little vegetation, some grass. No local wildlife.
OOC:I guess it COULD pass as Savannah's if Savannah's had hills... :D

OOC : Unless you are invading the Cyberverse, not my country... my helis are there to monitor, not to retaliate.
OOC: Yes, then, like a desert. I must have mistook the poster.

OOC:I guess it COULD pass as Savannah's if Savannah's had hills... :D
OOC: Yes, little vegitation and rolling hills. Like a hilly-savannah.

"Alright then... take them closer, but keep safe sighting distance"

The frontmost Falcon dropped rapidly, and surveyed the situation closer.

"All Moralite troops confirmed destroyed. Not dead... they're just gone!"

Ranna smiled. "High-tech exoskeletons. Only an emergency would detonate the self destruct". Then he frowned. "That means there is a big threat out there. Keep Banefires armed and warm up the armor-piercing cannons".

"Unidentified ground and air vehicles, identify yourself in the name of the CM air force Carrier Zeppelin Gold. Identify yourself or be engaged in combat."

"They've spotted us"

Jackson flinched as he spoke.

"Alright" sighed Ranna. "Contact the Zeppelin"

<Zeppelin Gold, this is Falcon Unit 3 from the Cyberverse. We are monitoring the situation pending purchase of an oilfield, which the government has indicated will not be purchased during the event of destabilisation in the area. However, we will withdraw from the area pending further investigation>

OOC : Sorry, got to go now. Be back tomorrow.

"Let's go"

"This is Zeppelin Carrier Gold, you are unauthorized to investigate, and we have read the terms of agreement. Destablization is not in the contract. We request that you leave to the nearest civilian city, and radio that to your ground vehicles the same.

Homo homini lupus
The force of the explosion threw the Pudites from their feet, although caused little physical damage to the soldiers. Recovering their uprightness, they moved closer to inspect the damage done by the apparent self-destruction.

Probing about the crater for a moment yielded no results, and so, quickly, the remaining soldiers returned to their seats in the Amba, leaving behind three dead comrades.

Without thinking again of the incident, the Amba returned to it's patrol of the perimeter of the Pudite purchase. No message was sent to the foreign Zeppelin, and it was not reported.

Meanwhile, a few hundred kilometers to the west, a lone freighter rolled with the few waves disturbing its position off the coast of Conservative Morality. It was itself well beyond Morality's territorial waters, but the VTOL transports running to the oil fields were all disturbing the territorial airspace of the sovereign nation, and as much as this fact did not overly concern the Dominion, they had come prepared none-the-less.

For, this freighter was not all what it appeared to be. Within the bowels of this mighty ship, there rested an even mightier force. A small, VTOL landing pad adorned the central section of the ship, and waiting below, just an elevator ride away, were a dozen of the Imperial Air Force's F-41B light VTOL fighters, along with three more Coba transport/gunships, and even further belowdecks, there waited the remainder of the 756th Mechanized Infantry Division's 8th Battalion.

Deep inside the ship, there was one room from which the resources thusly available were coordinated from, and it was here where one single operator, watching a screen bearing the operating number of every soldier in 8th Battalion, saw three little green lights blink to red, and five more to yellow, which meant that three soldiers had ceased to show detectable life signs, and five more had suffered a breech of the suit. Quickly checking the deployment records of the soldiers, the man discovered that all eight had been with the first squad to be airlifted into the new oilfield.

Calling to a superior, he displayed the armor status and deployment data, to which the Major immediately responded. Speaking on a phone with a direct line to the command deck of the freighter far above, he relayed what he had found, "Sir, the squad recently sent ashore has suffered casualties, and numerous suit breeches, my office suspects enemy contact,"

"That land is by the laws of the foreigners themselves the now-property of the Dominion, this is unacceptable,"

"Sir, although we cannot indeed know the location of the death of our soldiers, we can indeed assume that they were within their rights, what actions should we take?"

"We have to mobilize the remainder of the battalion as soon as possible. Plans have changed, I will have the remaining Cobas made ready, and you will submit the remainder of the deployed squad's company to deployment immediately."

"Yes sir, as soon as you're ready to go."

"Fiat."

So it was that another one-hundred and ninety men were formed up with their APC's for transport, and as soon as the first Coba returned to the ship, the first half of the company would be ferried to the oil reserve.

At the same time, the message received on the command deck was prepared for an even longer journey. The Dominion would be informed of the insolence of the foreigners.

To: All oil purchasers
From: Metrolia Banking Group

With all this sudden influx of crude oil, surely you will need some of it to be refined? We at Metrolia would be more than happy to refine it for you. All parties pumping Moralite oil will get a 10% discount

Signed,
Chairman Sara Fields

TO: Chairman Sara Fields, Metrolia Banking Group
FROM: Michael Thames, CEO ASoil
RE: Refining

We at ASoil appreciate the offer, and if we cannot refine all of this crude ourselves, then we will be sure to make inquiries with you about a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"We repeat, in the name of CM airforce Carrier Zeppelin Gold, stop! This is your last warning before we open fire unidentified ground vehicle!"

As ASoil freighters and tankers headed towards Novus Mores and the oil it contained, the crew on the ships took turns calling loved ones or friends, informing them that they'd be back in a couple of months. Unfortunately, due to the violent nature of the oil market, the crew were rushed out to sea in order to get to the fields quickly.

ASoil CEO Michael Thames placed a secure call to the Ministry of Defense, and asked Minister Smithfield if he could dispatch a carrier battlegroup to the area, in order to help protect the ASoil claim. Minister Smithfield stated that he didn't have a battlegroup to spare, since there were some on patrol, and the rest were patrolling the ASoGM waters. He stated that he would send a battlegroup as soon as one became available, to escort tankers and other vessels owned by ASoGM citizens in the area.

DIPLOMATIC EMERGENCY MESSAGE

TO : Conservative Morality

The Cyberverse apologises for the transgression into your territory and has withdrawn. The unidentified ground vehicles are not allied to us - indeed, we find their incursion a show of hostility.

Please inform us of any way in which we can insure that our potential investment in the oil fields is not compromised. If this will lead to war, then we are prepared to support you against the opposite side. However, we strongly suggest a diplomatic solution rather than warfare.

Regards,

The Cyberverse

ENCRYPTION LEVEL 5 - For Conservative Morality Only




To : Pudu

Would you explain your incursion into what we consider as a potential investment, not to mention the territory belonging to Conservative Morality. While it is your oil field it is still CM's land. Your incursion is, I believe, directly transgressive.

The Cyberverse

ENCRYPTION LEVEL 0

OOC : please correct me if I am wrong about the military claim of territory rule

Extrarius Res Defero
Urbi et orbi

To: The Cyberverse
From: Decius Publicius, Cura epistolarum, Dominion of Emperor Pudu XLII

Extra territorium jus dicenti impune non paretur.

Extra territorium jus dicenti impune non paretur
The armored personnel carrier did not stop at the demands of the zeppelin, and, in fact, prepared to send a message back. However, it was not the sort of message the foreigner was looking to receive. Mounted in the rear of the Amba-class of vehicles, there was a small non-descript metal box. In a moment, however, it's purpose would be quite descript.

The gunner at the head of the vehicle was watching the massive signature on his IRST screen that the zeppelin caused to be displayed. Pressing a button, he knew the pair of surface-to-air guided missiles he had just released would have no problem finding it.

A second after the launch of the two missiles, a smooth-sounding female voice announced to the cabin, "Rear Turret Air-Ground Defense Suite missile launch box is in need of reload", and a few seconds later, the loader had taken a second pair of the missiles out of the storage box, pulled back the heavy metal door that opened the cabin-side of the launch box, and replaced the missiles, leaving two anti-tank guided missiles in the box.

The Amba continued to drive, scanning the perimeter of what was considered, by them, to be their own territory.

Meanwhile, a few miles away, the grey-suited man, having heard the first explosion and passing it off for nothing, was disrupted by the sound of a radio call from the cabin of the LV-08. His aide snapped from a slight daze to answer it.

When he replaced the radio a few seconds later, having said nothing, the grey-suited man spoke, "What was that about?"

"The controllers at the ship have received information regarding our squad, apparently three of them are dead."

"What happened?"

"Nobody knows."

"Well, we know then that the explosion we heard out there was a good thing, and not bad."

"Very possible sir."

"How long until the next drop-off?"

The aide reclined again in the seat of the LV-08, "About fifteen minutes, sir."

"Good..."

The oil workers finally arrived at Novus Mores, and with the help of the ships crews, started to unload the freighters. Heavy construction vehicles, tractor trailer trucks full of supplies, oil drilling and pumping equipment, and personnel vehicles were set on the ground. The oil workers would have to set up some sort of camp before they began work on the oil fields. A spot not too far from the old drilling sites was chosen, and the tents started to go up. They would have the camp set up by the end of the night, and would begin the real work in the morning.

"Incoming missiles sir!"
"Initiate protocol 135!"
"Yes sir!" Dozens of chain-guns rang out, firing bullet after bullet at the missile in a desperate attempt to blow it up before it hit the Zeppelin. Meanwhile, several light artillery pieces rang out, firing at the APC.

Fortitudine vincimus
The two missiles streaking through the sky were, one by one, ripped to pieces by the chain gun fire of the defending foreign zeppelin, who, at the same time, was bombarding the rapidly moving APC with artillery rounds.

The pilot of the Amba did his best to avoid the craters being laid out before him, and present an erratic course to avoid impact, but it was not to be. Less than a minute after the bombardment began, it ended, as a single artillery round impacted the roof of the APC directly, creating a massive depression and sending through the vehicle a great shock. Only seconds later, a second round hit the left-side wheels of the Amba, sending the now-limping beast to the left, dragging it's poor frame for these last few meters of life. As it came to a stop, a third and fourth round were dropped onto the top of the wreck, puncturing the hull, and annihilating all those within. It was destroyed.

As all this happened, only a few miles away, the grey-suited man leaned forward in his chair, "What's that there?" he said quietly, pointing to a spot just above the horizon,

"I cannot tell sir, from here,"

"Bring me my field glasses,"

"Yes sir,"

The aide retrieved a pair of small binoculars, and, handing them over to the grey-suited man, returned to his seat.

The man peered through the glasses, at what he could now clearly tell was some kind of zeppelin,

"Aide! That spot there; that is a foreign air-ship. We are being attacked by a legitimate power, and judging by the flashes I can see on the deck below the balloon on that thing, it's what's making those cacophonous noises we keep hearing,"

Even as he said that, the hills were rocked with the largest explosion yet, as, unseen by the grey-suited man, yet heard by all, the Amba exploded.

"The guns on the air-ship stopped firing, that last explosion was likely as not our Amba."

At that moment, a radio broadcast cut across the small plain, from the LV-08,

"Attention ground-side forces, reinforcements are en route, the transports have left the ship, I repeat, the transports are clear of the ship, and they have an escort."

Just then, above the field, the grey-suited man heard the sonic boom of one of the Imperial Air Force's F-41Bs catapulting itself into mach speeds, only a few dozen miles away.

In fact, it was a half-dozen F-41Bs, each passing mach one at the moment, each with a tiny light displaying in their control panel, 'target acquired', and an outline of the zeppelin on the screen below.

The fighter pilots split their planes, three veering to the left, and three to the right, to steer far around the zeppelin hovering on the horizon. Because of the very short engagement range, they decided against missiles, and, turning back in to face the zeppelin, each pilot opened fire with their nose-mounted 30mm cannon.

Still perhaps twenty miles back, the four Coba transports were flying ahead at full speed, escorted by a further four fighters, moving significantly slower than their more forward counterparts, but equally as ready for a fight.

This battle was not over yet.

Meanwhile, many thousands of miles away, in a small, cloistered room, walled in brightest white paint and sealed by a gleaming white metal door, a secretary received word of a message, from a single freighter in a far-off sea. News of an oil-recovery mission gone bad.

As the message passed up the chain of command, news of what was seen as an attack on Pudite troops on legally owned soil spread through the Foreign Affairs Office.

Finally, the message came to rest at the desk of the Foreign Affairs Officer himself, Mr. White, who had initially made the purchase of the land in question. A response was quickly formulated.


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

Extrarius Res Defero
Urbi et orbi
To: The Democratic Republic of the Conserative Morality, foreign office
From: Mr. White, foreign affairs officer, Dominion of Emperor Pudu XLII

We greet you now in the light of our recent business transactions, regarding your oil fields. We would prefer this light, because, as of late, we have received some very troubling news regarding that oil field, and we believe it prudent to speak with you regarding news of these events.

We have here received word that ten Pudite soldiers are dead, and that one very expensive armored personnel carrier has been destroyed on land that our Dominion has paid for legally. This is troubling indeed, for such an act constituted by yours, or any country, would require the commencement of war against that nation by our Dominion.

We would prefer that what land we have paid for remains ours, and that what land you inhabit remains yours, but if this news is the truth, and you cannot see reason, we have every intent and the significant ability to make that future so.

The Dominion of Emperor Pudu XLII desires only the land we have paid for, but if these attacks are proved true and those responsible cannot compensate, we shall commence war. Immediately.

Good day,
Mr. White

Fortitudine vincimus
The two missiles streaking through the sky were, one by one, ripped to pieces by the chain gun fire of the defending foreign zeppelin, who, at the same time, was bombarding the rapidly moving APC with artillery rounds.

The pilot of the Amba did his best to avoid the craters being laid out before him, and present an erratic course to avoid impact, but it was not to be. Less than a minute after the bombardment began, it ended, as a single artillery round impacted the roof of the APC directly, creating a massive depression and sending through the vehicle a great shock. Only seconds later, a second round hit the left-side wheels of the Amba, sending the now-limping beast to the left, dragging it's poor frame for these last few meters of life. As it came to a stop, a third and fourth round were dropped onto the top of the wreck, puncturing the hull, and annihilating all those within. It was destroyed.

As all this happened, only a few miles away, the grey-suited man leaned forward in his chair, "What's that there?" he said quietly, pointing to a spot just above the horizon,

"I cannot tell sir, from here,"

"Bring me my field glasses,"

"Yes sir,"

The aide retrieved a pair of small binoculars, and, handing them over to the grey-suited man, returned to his seat.

The man peered through the glasses, at what he could now clearly tell was some kind of zeppelin,

"Aide! That spot there; that is a foreign air-ship. We are being attacked by a legitimate power, and judging by the flashes I can see on the deck below the balloon on that thing, it's what's making those cacophonous noises we keep hearing,"

Even as he said that, the hills were rocked with the largest explosion yet, as, unseen by the grey-suited man, yet heard by all, the Amba exploded.

"The guns on the air-ship stopped firing, that last explosion was likely as not our Amba."

At that moment, a radio broadcast cut across the small plain, from the LV-08,

"Attention ground-side forces, reinforcements are en route, the transports have left the ship, I repeat, the transports are clear of the ship, and they have an escort."

Just then, above the field, the grey-suited man heard the sonic boom of one of the Imperial Air Force's F-41Bs catapulting itself into mach speeds, only a few dozen miles away.

In fact, it was a half-dozen F-41Bs, each passing mach one at the moment, each with a tiny light displaying in their control panel, 'target acquired', and an outline of the zeppelin on the screen below.

The fighter pilots split their planes, three veering to the left, and three to the right, to steer far around the zeppelin hovering on the horizon. Because of the very short engagement range, they decided against missiles, and, turning back in to face the zeppelin, each pilot opened fire with their nose-mounted 30mm cannon.

Still perhaps twenty miles back, the four Coba transports were flying ahead at full speed, escorted by a further four fighters, moving significantly slower than their more forward counterparts, but equally as ready for a fight.

This battle was not over yet.

Meanwhile, many thousands of miles away, in a small, cloistered room, walled in brightest white paint and sealed by a gleaming white metal door, a secretary received word of a message, from a single freighter in a far-off sea. News of an oil-recovery mission gone bad.

As the message passed up the chain of command, news of what was seen as an attack on Pudite troops on legally owned soil spread through the Foreign Affairs Office.

Finally, the message came to rest at the desk of the Foreign Affairs Officer himself, Mr. White, who had initially made the purchase of the land in question. A response was quickly formulated.


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

Extrarius Res Defero
Urbi et orbi
To: The Democratic Republic of the Conserative Morality, foreign office
From: Mr. White, foreign affairs officer, Dominion of Emperor Pudu XLII

We greet you now in the light of our recent business transactions, regarding your oil fields. We would prefer this light, because, as of late, we have received some very troubling news regarding that oil field, and we believe it prudent to speak with you regarding news of these events.

We have here received word that ten Pudite soldiers are dead, and that one very expensive armored personnel carrier has been destroyed on land that our Dominion has paid for legally. This is troubling indeed, for such an act constituted by yours, or any country, would require the commencement of war against that nation by our Dominion.

We would prefer that what land we have paid for remains ours, and that what land you inhabit remains yours, but if this news is the truth, and you cannot see reason, we have every intent and the significant ability to make that future so.

The Dominion of Emperor Pudu XLII desires only the land we have paid for, but if these attacks are proved true and those responsible cannot compensate, we shall commence war. Immediately.

Good day,
Mr. White
Official message from Conserative morality:
You own the land only as much as a civilian does. We have seen rapidly transmitted video footage of you both killing entire squads of troops, and attempting to destroy a carrier Zeppelin. The business transaction was only amount to a corporation, you cannot claim it as part of your domain. You have also been illegally shipping troops and weaponry. We will overlook all of this if you evacuate all equipment. However, if you do not, we will authorize Drone fighters to your position. This is your last warning.
President Numerius Arrius, the voice of the people.

Extrarius Res DeferoUrbi et orbi

To: The Democratic Republic of the Conserative Morality, foreign office
From: Mr. White, foreign affairs officer, Dominion of Emperor Pudu XLII

Cave quid dicis, quando, et cui

Cave quid dicis, quando, et cui
The grey suited man sat in silence now, watching the horizon as the Pudite fighters danced through the sky, cutting great sweeping paths around the enemy's zeppelin, and waiting now only for the remainder of the company of Imperial Army mechanized infantry, that he may enforce better rule over this new domain.

The radio in the LV-08 broke the stillness once again, this time crackling across a one-way message,

"The foreign government is uncooperative, further measures need be taken for Dominion hegemony over these lands. Advance forces are to hold as best they can but all are presumed to be casualties. No more will be sent. Freighter ordered to retreat with submarine escort. Fleet being mobilized, expected arrival time in two weeks. Thank you."

The grey suited man looked over his shoulder at his aide, "Well, I guess this shan't be as easy as we presumed, they resist, and complicate matters."

The aide responded, "All will be put right in the end."

"Indeed, but will we here be present to witness it?"

"We shall see, sir."

Meanwhile, back out at sea, the massive freighter that had been preparing, before the event, to extract the newly purchased oil reserves, was now under orders to flee for it's life, back to Pudite controlled waters; a journey of two weeks time.

It was under guard by the ship's remaining two F-41B fighters, as well as a pair of Forthar-class quiet attack submarines, but these two warships, two fighters, and a minimally armed giant; capable of a maximum of eighteen knots, were hardly a match for even this small nation's naval forces, should they choose to intervene.

The Coba transports were only minutes from their landing zone, and remained under four-plane escort, but were now rendered unable to lend any ground-attack support after the drop-off, with their air-base cruising away even now. And so, as they prepared to land, the officers on board these aircraft knew that they would be the last Pudite boots on this dusty ground for a long, long time.

Even as the Dominion's forces were seemingly preparing to lose their foothold on the oil reserves, greater forces than they were gathering. At the Pudite naval compound one-five-zero-two, three small fleets, administered not by the navy, but by the Imperial Air Force, were gathering. These ships would support a fleet of light airborne re-fuelers, which would see to the successful airborne transfer of the third, fourth, and fifth Imperial Air Force Parachute Infantry Divisions. These forces were even now preparing to leave the Dominion, stopping first at the Pudite colony at Barudii, where they would resupply. From there, they would strike out for the small nation of Conserative Morality, where they would reinforce all Pudite claims to the oil field.

Following not quite so fast, the massive Imperial Navy's third battle group was assembling just up the coast, at the naval compound one-four-eight-seven. Here, in just a few days, more than sixteen-hundred warships would be prepared to set course for the coast of the thieving nation, and accompanying them would be the Navy's third amphibious assault group, consisting of a few hundred transports, and another slew of warships, in addition to the most important cargo, a full legion of Imperial Navy Naval Infantry.

Following this mighty force, there would be another pair of fleets, although less inspiring. The first would be a transport fleet, not designed to take a beach, but once one is possessed, it's troops can be unloaded, for these troops are not naval infantry, but regular Imperial Army, two full legions. The second fleet is the Imperial Navy's third combat support fleet, consisting of a force of hundreds of tankers, cargo ships, and submarine tenders, all designed to keep the lead ships fighting fit. Although this second fleet has an escort, it's main protection will be it's proximity to the first fleet, and the force that that fleet can impose upon any would-be raider.

The might of the Dominion was roused, and for those who would now stand against it, there would be no mercy. All the Emperor desired was his oil field, but the minimality of the prize set no upper limit on the resources used to obtain it.

Extrarius Res DeferoUrbi et orbi

To: The Democratic Republic of the Conserative Morality, foreign office
From: Mr. White, foreign affairs officer, Dominion of Emperor Pudu XLII

Cave quid dicis, quando, et cui
OOC: What rock did I live under and when?
Cave quid dicis, quando, et cui
The grey suited man sat in silence now, watching the horizon as the Pudite fighters danced through the sky, cutting great sweeping paths around the enemy's zeppelin, and waiting now only for the remainder of the company of Imperial Army mechanized infantry, that he may enforce better rule over this new domain.

The radio in the LV-08 broke the stillness once again, this time crackling across a one-way message,

"The foreign government is uncooperative, further measures need be taken for Dominion hegemony over these lands. Advance forces are to hold as best they can but all are presumed to be casualties. No more will be sent. Freighter ordered to retreat with submarine escort. Fleet being mobilized, expected arrival time in two weeks. Thank you."

The grey suited man looked over his shoulder at his aide, "Well, I guess this shan't be as easy as we presumed, they resist, and complicate matters."

The aide responded, "All will be put right in the end."

"Indeed, but will we here be present to witness it?"

"We shall see, sir."

Meanwhile, back out at sea, the massive freighter that had been preparing, before the event, to extract the newly purchased oil reserves, was now under orders to flee for it's life, back to Pudite controlled waters; a journey of two weeks time.

It was under guard by the ship's remaining two F-41B fighters, as well as a pair of Forthar-class quiet attack submarines, but these two warships, two fighters, and a minimally armed giant; capable of a maximum of eighteen knots, were hardly a match for even this small nation's naval forces, should they choose to intervene.

The Coba transports were only minutes from their landing zone, and remained under four-plane escort, but were now rendered unable to lend any ground-attack support after the drop-off, with their air-base cruising away even now. And so, as they prepared to land, the officers on board these aircraft knew that they would be the last Pudite boots on this dusty ground for a long, long time.

Even as the Dominion's forces were seemingly preparing to lose their foothold on the oil reserves, greater forces than they were gathering. At the Pudite naval compound one-five-zero-two, three small fleets, administered not by the navy, but by the Imperial Air Force, were gathering. These ships would support a fleet of light airborne re-fuelers, which would see to the successful airborne transfer of the third, fourth, and fifth Imperial Air Force Parachute Infantry Divisions. These forces were even now preparing to leave the Dominion, stopping first at the Pudite colony at Barudii, where they would resupply. From there, they would strike out for the small nation of Conserative Morality, where they would reinforce all Pudite claims to the oil field.

Following not quite so fast, the massive Imperial Navy's third battle group was assembling just up the coast, at the naval compound one-four-eight-seven. Here, in just a few days, more than sixteen-hundred warships would be prepared to set course for the coast of the thieving nation, and accompanying them would be the Navy's third amphibious assault group, consisting of a few hundred transports, and another slew of warships, in addition to the most important cargo, a full legion of Imperial Navy Naval Infantry.

Following this mighty force, there would be another pair of fleets, although less inspiring. The first would be a transport fleet, not designed to take a beach, but once one is possessed, it's troops can be unloaded, for these troops are not naval infantry, but regular Imperial Army, two full legions. The second fleet is the Imperial Navy's third combat support fleet, consisting of a force of hundreds of tankers, cargo ships, and submarine tenders, all designed to keep the lead ships fighting fit. Although this second fleet has an escort, it's main protection will be it's proximity to the first fleet, and the force that that fleet can impose upon any would-be raider.

The might of the Dominion was roused, and for those who would now stand against it, there would be no mercy. All the Emperor desired was his oil field, but the minimality of the prize set no upper limit on the resources used to obtain it.
"This is Carrier Zeppelin Gold, requesting Drone fighters to our position.
Copy that, Drone attack group ten through twenty en route. Mark targets for destruction.
The captain quickly used his command console to mark the encircling fighters. A dull drone could be heard in the distance for a few minutes. Then, several fighters appeared above the trees, heading at Mach three and firing upon the Imperial fighters with barrage after barrage of machine gun fire and small homing rockets...

De minimis non curat praetor
The six Pudite fighters all quickly reacted to the onrushing threats, with computerized systems deploying both flares and chaff, to confuse the missiles, supposing they were using guidance such as would be confused by such things, while the pilots pulled their aircraft up and away from the fight with the zeppelin. Seeking to get above the enemy fighters, the F-41Bs jumped ahead, cutting into near mach-two speeds, and preparing to break that barrier as soon as they leveled out.

As they did so, each pilot released a switch, opening the bay doors below him to release a pair of radar-guided missiles. Each came tumbling out of the bay, end over end, until a target was acquired, and then thusly engaged it's own engines, and sped off towards the enemy fighters, be they behind, ahead, or to the side of the Imperial fighters.

As they rocketed forward, each missile sought not to impact the enemy fighters, but simply to attain proximity, where they might detonate and, unlike common missiles, they would spread not explosives, but a host of millions of tiny ball-bearings, which, when moving as fast as they will be, propelled by a very compact charge, are more than capable of ripping through the armor of a fighter plane.

However, as it was, the Pudite pilots were not the only ones to have fired their missiles as of yet, and even as they began to climb, a pair of the enemy's projectiles found targets, and two F-41s tumbled to the ground below.

This did not deter those who remained, however, and each prepared to utilize the final weapon available to them that day. This was not a cannon, such as those used against the zeppelin earlier, or a missile such as those just now fired, but something different. Located beneath each wing of these fighters was a small metal box; the AFFC/SIRR-12. This system serves as an active radar cancellation device, and, having now time to detect and analyze the enemy's radar signals, proceeded to emit opposite waves, to cancel out that which was sent, and then, aided by the ARCMD systems incorporated, moved on to send back an altered wave. In so doing, it would appear to all now searching aircraft and missile radars attempting to target the Imperial aircraft that they were, in fact, not where they were.

These four remaining fighters were some of the most advanced examples of aerospace engineering available, and although their numbers and resources here were limited, they would not be done away with without difficulty.


OOC: Literal translators give you stupid answers. That means 'beware what you say, and to whom', basically.

De minimis non curat praetor
The six Pudite fighters all quickly reacted to the onrushing threats, with computerized systems deploying both flares and chaff, to confuse the missiles, supposing they were using guidance such as would be confused by such things, while the pilots pulled their aircraft up and away from the fight with the zeppelin. Seeking to get above the enemy fighters, the F-41Bs jumped ahead, cutting into near mach-two speeds, and preparing to break that barrier as soon as they leveled out.

As they did so, each pilot released a switch, opening the bay doors below him to release a pair of radar-guided missiles. Each came tumbling out of the bay, end over end, until a target was acquired, and then thusly engaged it's own engines, and sped off towards the enemy fighters, be they behind, ahead, or to the side of the Imperial fighters.

As they rocketed forward, each missile sought not to impact the enemy fighters, but simply to attain proximity, where they might detonate and, unlike common missiles, they would spread not explosives, but a host of millions of tiny ball-bearings, which, when moving as fast as they will be, propelled by a very compact charge, are more than capable of ripping through the armor of a fighter plane.

However, as it was, the Pudite pilots were not the only ones to have fired their missiles as of yet, and even as they began to climb, a pair of the enemy's projectiles found targets, and two F-41s tumbled to the ground below.

This did not deter those who remained, however, and each prepared to utilize the final weapon available to them that day. This was not a cannon, such as those used against the zeppelin earlier, or a missile such as those just now fired, but something different. Located beneath each wing of these fighters was a small metal box; the AFFC/SIRR-12. This system serves as an active radar cancellation device, and, having now time to detect and analyze the enemy's radar signals, proceeded to emit opposite waves, to cancel out that which was sent, and then, aided by the ARCMD systems incorporated, moved on to send back an altered wave. In so doing, it would appear to all now searching aircraft and missile radars attempting to target the Imperial aircraft that they were, in fact, not where they were.

These four remaining fighters were some of the most advanced examples of aerospace engineering available, and although their numbers and resources here were limited, they would not be done away with without difficulty.


OOC: Literal translators give you stupid answers. That means 'beware what you say, and to whom', basically.
OOC: Ah.

Flying through the chaff, the Drones were completely unaffected, although the same cannot be said for their missiles, flying in a straight line, disregarding the enemy fighters. Four of the drones shattered in a mass of sparks and metal, hit by a imperial missile. The others, however, did not stop or even slow their pursuit, all six roaring towards the Imperial fighters, four minguns on each one blazing with AP bullets...

Contra mundum
The four remaining Imperial fighters continued to climb upwards, and even as one among them was ripped to pieces by incoming machine-gun fire, the other three continued up, for there was yet one thing remaining to attempt.

As the drones behind kept pace with the Imperial fighters, each of the three remaining pilots now prepared to engage their final countermeasure. Where projectiles and electronic obfuscation had failed, here, this was to succeed. Each pilot activated a small dome on the underside of his aircraft, which, when so activated, was given a single target by the aircraft's targeting computer, and then advanced to fire a concentrated series of microwaves into the target.

This system, usually used to counter missiles in cases of much larger engagements, was not being used to melt the wires not of a missile, but a drone.

Meanwhile, miles behind where now the airborne battle was raging, eight more aircraft were making their appearance. For here, the four Coba VTOL transports were setting down on the dusty surface of this foreign and hostile land, and, now with their ramps down, proceeded to unload the platoon of soldiers that would make up the Imperial Army's presence here on this spot for the next few weeks.

All told, six more Amba armored personnel carriers were unloaded, followed by a further pair of LV-08 light infantry vehicles. Together, this amounted to roughly seventy soldiers.

Commanding the forces here was Captain Otomash Malakhovskii. The Captain arrived by LV-08, skidding to a halt only a few meters from where the grey-suited man was sitting comfortable, watching the spectacle of the platoon's landing.

Climbing from the small vehicle, Captain Malakhovskii approached the grey-suited man, but the man spoke first, "Captain, I presume?"

"Yes sir, Captain Otomash Malak-"

"Names are not important," the man interrupted, "What matters is your rank, and how many men you brought with it,"

There was silence for a second, "So," continued the suited man, "How many men?"

"Sir, I've brought with me a full platoon, and then some, we have seventy boots on the ground right now, sir,"

"Specifically, what are we working with?"

"Sir, I've six full infantry squads, as well as a heavy mortar team, and a trio of speculatores, all ready sir."

The grey suited man turned to his aide, "You catch that?"

"Yes sir, all down here, exactly as it should be, sir,"

"Excellent." The grey-suited man continued, "Well then, now that everything has arrived, I propose, as first order of business, that we find a more suitable location to hold camp,"

As he said this, the explosion of the third Pudite fighter was heard over the plains, as it crashed into the ground a few miles off,

The Captain spoke, "Yes, it seems a slight bit exposed here, sir."

"Indeed, well, we did not expect combat in coming. Order your men to mount up, and get those speculatores out front, we need to find some cover."

"Yes sir."

With that, the seventy-two men of the Imperial Army on the ground here in this foreign land each climbed back into his own vehicle, be it Amba or LV-08, and, through the dust-cloud of the departing Coba transports, sped off into the hills, away from the air-battle ahead.

At the head of the column was a lone LV-08, and inside, the three elite pathfinders that were the platoons speculatores. Following were six Amba armored personnel carriers in a line, flanked by the two remaining LV-08 trucks.

The force was looking now for less of a place to fight, and more of a place to hide, perhaps a forested valley in this hilly country, or a ravine, or some other natural formation which could facilitate the camouflage of nine armored vehicles and seventy men.

They had a long stay ahead of them, if any survived that long...

The two closest Drones zoomed forward with a final burst after detecting the mircrowaves, and exploded as close to the fighters as they could. The four other Drones quickly fell back to the Zeppelin.

"Sir! This is Heavy Destroyer 'Railsplitter'. We've detected foreign aircraft entering CM! Orders?
"Copy that 'Railsplitter', we'll get right on it. Carrier Zeppelins Iron and Steel are on their way." The dull roar of two carrier Zeppelins soon joined the Gold near the attack site...

Quod incepimus conficiemus
As the signature of two of the pursuing drones disappeared, and the remaining four veered off to return to their carrier, the Pudite pilots left room for a small smile to crack their stony face.

With the immediate battle at an end, and the Coba transports having done their duty, the remaining three Imperial fighters turned and set course for the freighter back out at sea, and for home. Quickly catching up to the transports and their escort, the three fighters returning from the battle, two of which sustained noticeable damage throughout, joined them for the short journey back.

They were leaving this country, not to return, their duty done. They, however, left behind a whole host of devoted soldiers who, even if killed, would let the enemy know that the Emperor's determination with regards to this land went beyond simple threats and skirmishes. For soon, armies would come to the shores of this nation, and fleets, and thousands of aircraft to take the place of those three that had fallen.

The Dominion would return to take back what was theirs, and no words nor actions of the foreigners could deter them from that course.

OOC: You started this whole thing with intent for a war, didn't you?

The Carrier Zeppelin quickly started towards the Puddites "Oil Field", racing there at speeds excess of 35 MPH(:p). Soon, they would reach their destination and release their deadly cargo of men of the first battalion...

OOC: Just to clear things up, the first battalion is one group you DON'T want to mess with. It's CM's best troops, tactical and on the field.

OOC: You started this whole thing with intent for a war, didn't you?
OOC: Yes, I believe a war would be very fun. I've not been online in a month or seven, and I missed it. As it is, I am considerably larger than you, and although I've sent significant forces, they are not as significant as they could be. I hope only for the little oil field, unless this get really dragged out... Either way, this should be interesting.

Also, can I get some heads-up on the likelihood of my forces finding any kind of cover such as that I outlined in my post where they zoomed off into the distance looking for it? Like I said, any kind of forested valley or ravine would be cool, I just don't want to go around making up valleys in your own country.

OOC: There are plenty of valleys around in your area, but it's mostly barren. Camoflauge could be used?

OOC: There are plenty of valleys around in your area, but it's mostly barren. Camoflauge could be used?
OOC: That shall have to do. I will make a post concerning my flight in a short while.

Gutta cavat lapidem, non vi sed saepe cadendo
The Pudite armored column continued it's dusty advance over the foreign hills, following the lead of a far advanced scout. The grey-suited man rode in the left-flank LV-08, along with Captain Malakhovskii, and so both were present when the radio in the vehicle went from a light static to a legible voice, "Captain, Sir, we may have found the area you are looking for. There are no signs of heavy vegetation in the area, but a valley punctuated by a series of small rocky outcroppings has made itself available. What do you think?"

The captain reached for the radio, but the grey suited man grabbed it first, "Soldiers, that ravine; where is it?"

"It's about two kilometers ahead, we can drop a GPS marker there for you, if you'd like, sir."

"Yes, do that. But do not stay once it is done. There is yet more work for you."

"Yes sir," There was a short pause, "Sir, we've deployed the beacon, what do you want of us?"

"You are to leave the vehicle; hide it however you see fit, and then break up. Head back this way, but independently. The platoon will fall into the ravine, and you are to be our picket line, understand?"

"Yes sir. How far do you want us to move?"

"As far as you can before you are stopped. I expect they'll be chasing us, and the way we moved, our trail will not be subtle. We need time for the wind to do it's work. Pin down those that you can, draw the rest away."

"Yes sir."

Only a few minutes after that conversation ended, the eight vehicles of the column arrived in the valley described to them. It was lined with jagged rocks, revealed by wind and erosion. At the far northern edge was where the speculatores left the beacon.

The platoon dismounted, and immediately, they set to the task of camouflaging the larger vehicles as best they could. The light scrub and grass of the area was used along with larger rocks to hide the Amba's in the shadow of the outcroppings, while the LV-08s were hidden betwixt a series of spires in the center of the valley.

With limited time, the work had to move fast, and all hands joined into the effort. It would be of the utmost importance that they have a safe place to lay low for these first few nights, until they could leave, for safer grounds.

Meanwhile, the three speculatores, having left their LV-08 behind, began the long trek back across the hills and vales of this foreign country. The first bore the largest weapon amongst them, a heavy, 23mm anti-material sniper rifle. The other two men each bore smaller rifles, 8.12mm scoped weapons with built-in suppressors and semiautomatic capability. These three men, each acting independently, would take up strategic positions along the road their platoon had just traveled, and would do their best to ensure that those that would give chase, would have a harder journey than those that went before.

It would be a long time before these soldiers were relieved, they couldn't afford to be discovered the first day...

"Sir, I think... Yeah, I can see where they've went."
"Inform Iron and steel. We set off immediately."
"Yes sir."
The three Zeppelins made their way along the rather obvious Imperial trail, guided by a camera on the bottom of each Zeppelin...

As the drilling rigs burrowed into the ground near the old drill sites, the oil workers let out a cheer. Hopefully soon, they would hit the oil that was there, because the faster they hit oil, the sooner they could go home to their families. The oil workers didn't fear what was happening on the Mortuus tumulosus site, although that was because they didn't know the conflict was happening. The biggest fear these oil workers had was getting injured and missing out on hitting oil, which would hamper their paycheck.

As the drilling rigs burrowed into the ground near the old drill sites, the oil workers let out a cheer. Hopefully soon, they would hit the oil that was there, because the faster they hit oil, the sooner they could go home to their families. The oil workers didn't fear what was happening on the Mortuus tumulosus site, although that was because they didn't know the conflict was happening. The biggest fear these oil workers had was getting injured and missing out on hitting oil, which would hamper their paycheck.
Message from Moralite Industries:
It would seem that there are more barrels of Oil underneath your drilling area then previously estimated! We have found out that the approximate amount of undrilled Oil there (According to the last records on that area) is actually around 12 billion barrels! We will not charge you any extra, but felt it was our duty to tell you so. Enjoy!

Honor virutis preamium
The Pudite vehicles were now well and truly obfuscated, covered as they were with the brush and derbies of the valley, and by the rocks of the land itself. Now, as the activity of the Pudite soldiers slowed, each sought for himself a bit of shade and concealment to blanket himself in, that they may wait. For wait now they must. That is all that remained.

Captain Malakhovskii was at that time embedded, along with his aide, with the grey-suited man in a small alcove beneath an outcropping, overlooking much of the remainder of the platoon. However, the captain was not comfortable, and wasted little time in making this known,

"Sir, why do we hide like this, it is foolish!"

The grey-suited man turned to look at the captain, "Why is it so, Captain?"

"Sir, you cannot possibly expect them to miss our trail, this is doing no good for us, we should have kept moving!"

The grey-suited man spoke now with a sharp, accusatory tone, "Why? So we could be prey for their missiles and guns, or so we could flee the field of battle and bring shame to our Dominion with our cowardice, which is it, Captain?"

The captain was now visibly angry, "You speak of cowardice, even whilst we lurk in the shadow of some valley, like a little field mouse!"

"You fool, what must be done for you to understand." The grey-suited man hesitated, while the captain stared angrily, alternating between the man and the valley beyond,

The man continued in a calmer voice, although admittedly with some effort, "Captain, we hide here not out of cowardice, or a desire to avoid a fight, but precisely the opposite."

The captain looked back at the man, although now with less anger, "An ambush, then?"

"Indeed," continued the man, "It is simple. They know we're here, and they know where we went. They can follow the trail well enough; and indeed they have to."

"Have to, sir?"

"We are in their country, Captain, and by their minds, illegally so. Even if they wanted to, they couldn't let us be. They have to give chase; and when they do, we will be waiting..."

And so they waited.

"Sir! The trails ends down at about a thousand yards north from here! They've either hidden the rest of the rail, or they've been airlifted sir!"
"Continue down the trail, we may be able to pick their trail back up!"
"Yes sir!"

For a week straight, the oil workers toiled to extract the oil buried in the ground. Long hours were starting to affect the moral of the workers, so the project manager decided to make today a half day. After 12 P.M., the workers were free to do what they wanted, from writing home, to hanging out with their co-workers and drinking beer, etc. In the collection of shipping crates, a couple of trap machines, a couple hundred clay targets, and a few Remington 11-87s were found. A friendly competition was organized, and was soon under way. Some of the workers had made their way to the beach, and were swimming to help cool themselves off. Everything was going fine until in the late evening, one of the swimmers got attacked by an 8 1/2' Bull Shark. The victim was quickly brought to shore with multiple lacerations to his right leg, while one of the corporate helicopters from the civilian freighter group was called in. The victim was picked up and brought to the civilian "flagship", where the expedition's doctors patched him up. He would survive, but he wouldn't be able to work the oil rigs for between a few weeks and a few months. He was put on administrative duties, which would negatively impact his paycheck, but at least he was alive.

To:Moralite Industries

Encrypted Message: Our government has become aware that your nation has decided to auction off some oil fields and our nation is interested in purchasing all of the oil fields. We are aware that some fields have already been sold, but I'm sure we can make it in your and those nations best interest to turn all those fields over to us. In addition, we understand you have become involved in a war with the nation of The Dominion of Emporer Pudu and I'm sure our nation could arrange the transfer of funds and weaponry at little to no cost to your nation if you agree to our request.

Our bid for ALL the fields starts at $34.6 trillion USD. If, this price does not meet with your approval, then name your price.

We eagerly await your reply,
Sincerely, Chancellor Wolfgang Muller

OOC: Conservative Morality, how far apart are the Mortuus tumulosus and Novus Mores sites from each other? It's hard to tell by looking at the map, as there's no scale. Is it close enough that my civilian ships may pick up some of that radio chatter going on between you and Pudu?

OOC: Conservative Morality, how far apart are the Mortuus tumulosus and Novus Mores sites from each other? It's hard to tell by looking at the map, as there's no scale. Is it close enough that my civilian ships may pick up some of that radio chatter going on between you and Pudu?
OOC: You might pick up a Heavy destroyer moving out from the Shore responding to the call for help, but not the chatter between the actual air ship and Imperials.

OOC: You might pick up a Heavy destroyer moving out from the Shore responding to the call for help, but not the chatter between the actual air ship and Imperials.

OOC: I'm guessing the heavy destroyer you're referring to is the Railsplitter?

IC: The project manager was on the civilian freighter "flagship", and was notified of a surface radar contact moving out from the shore. It appeared out of nowhere, and was a large contact. The project manager, well aware of the violent nature of the oil trade, was concerned. He placed a call to the ASoil headquarters, notifying Michael Thames of the progress, and of the radar contact. Michael Thames became concerned with the safety of his men, and again placed a call to Minister of defense Smithfield, requesting naval support. Minister Smithfield dispatched the four battlegroups originally scheduled to patrol between the ASoGM and The Ryou Black Islands, to the area. The battlegroups were given orders to stay in international waters, and to only break Conservative Morality's territorial waters to protect ASoil employees and ASoGM citizens.

OOC: Yep. Named the Railsplitter for it's extra rail-gun :D

Oil workers at the Novus Mores site struck oil, and a loud cheer went out. Quickly, a wellhead was applied and cemented onto the casing, and pumping equipment was set up. Crude oil tankers were organized to start taking product on board, while workers worked on building a pipeline to transport the crude from the pump to the tankers.

Meanwhile, the 4 battlegroups dispatched were closing in on their assignment. Admiral Block, the commander of the 4 battlegroups, ordered all the ships to spread out, keeping a minimum of 7.5 miles between each ship. He also reminded them that they are not allowed to approach closer than 50 miles from Conservative Morality's territorial waters. The 4 Nimitz class carriers were in the center of the formation, the 4 Iowa class battleships in the next layer, a mix of the 24 Ticonderoga class cruisers and 24 Arleigh Burke class destroyers made up another layer, with the 24 Perry class frigates being used as an outer picket. Two of the twelve Virginia class subs were used for "delousing" of the inner circle around the carriers and battleships. The other 10 were on the outer picket with the frigates, using passive sonar to detect and prevent any subs from attacking the ships of the inner circles. The Supply class Fast Combat Support ships were between the carriers and battleships.

"Sir! Sir! Unidentified vessels off our coast!"
The captain looked up. "I've already checked it. They're out of our waters."
"Sir, don't you think it's strange?"
"I do, but it's not in our water! For all we know they could be using our island as a rendevous point."

As the ASoGM fleet settled into its assignments, Captain Crimper, who was in charge of the battleship Avenger, got on the radio and asked, "Admiral, should we contact Conservative Morality and say hi?". Admiral Block came back and said, "I was just about to send them an encrypted message".

*enable encryption*
*begin message*

TO: Conservative Morality
FROM: Admiral Block, Fleet commander ASoGM Navy
RE: Naval Presence near Conservative Morality

My name is Admiral Block, and I command the fleet approximately 50 miles outside your territorial waters. I am sending this message to you to alleviate any tension that may have been stirred up by our presence. We are here only to protect ASoil employees and ASoGM citizens while they work in your nation, as well as shipments of crude oil purchased by ASoil, that are being extracted on sites paid for by them. The reason the ASoGM feels this is necessary is due to the violent nature of the oil industry, and not anything to do with your fine nation. We will stay at this distance, and respect your sovereignty and territorial waters, unless our citizens and their merchandise come under fire by another nation intent on doing them harm.

*end message*
*end encryption*

As the ASoGM fleet settled into its assignments, Captain Crimper, who was in charge of the battleship Avenger, got on the radio and asked, "Admiral, should we contact Conservative Morality and say hi?". Admiral Block came back and said, "I was just about to send them an encrypted message".

*enable encryption*
*begin message*

TO: Conservative Morality
FROM: Admiral Block, Fleet commander ASoGM Navy
RE: Naval Presence near Conservative Morality

My name is Admiral Block, and I command the fleet approximately 50 miles outside your territorial waters. I am sending this message to you to alleviate any tension that may have been stirred up by our presence. We are here only to protect ASoil employees and ASoGM citizens while they work in your nation, as well as shipments of crude oil purchased by ASoil, that are being extracted on sites paid for by them. The reason the ASoGM feels this is necessary is due to the violent nature of the oil industry, and not anything to do with your fine nation. We will stay at this distance, and respect your sovereignty and territorial waters, unless our citizens and their merchandise come under fire by another nation intent on doing them harm.

*end message*
*end encryption*
Message from Conserative morality:
This is fine, but before entering, contact the nearest ship to prevent any sort of misunderstanding. Thank you.
Admiral Flavius.

OOC: There are still two more sites up for bidding. This is open.

As the oil pipeline was finished, the ASoil workers turned on the pumps. Crude oil started flowing through the pipeline, and into the holds of the crude oil tankers. One battlegroup would be sent from the ASoGM, and would meet the tankers approximately halfway between Conservative Morality and the ASoGM. There, the battlegroup would escort the tankers back to ASoil's private docks.

OOC: There are still two more sites up for bidding. This is open.

OCC: Well, I'm still waiting for a reply from your nation. So as it seems you missed my post here it is again.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13820295&postcount=75

OCC: Well, I'm still waiting for a reply from your nation. So as it seems you missed my post here it is again.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13820295&postcount=75
Apparently I did... Sorry.
To:Moralite Industries

Encrypted Message: Our government has become aware that your nation has decided to auction off some oil fields and our nation is interested in purchasing all of the oil fields. We are aware that some fields have already been sold, but I'm sure we can make it in your and those nations best interest to turn all those fields over to us. In addition, we understand you have become involved in a war with the nation of The Dominion of Emporer Pudu and I'm sure our nation could arrange the transfer of funds and weaponry at little to no cost to your nation if you agree to our request.

Our bid for ALL the fields starts at $34.6 trillion USD. If, this price does not meet with your approval, then name your price.

We eagerly await your reply,
Sincerely, Chancellor Wolfgang Muller
I'm sorry, but several of the oil fields have already been purchased. Sorry for any inconviences this might have caused you.

OOC: Post, what post?

Potius mori quam foedari
Stepanov Rodivicha lay prone, his head resting on the stock of his rifle and his eyes trained down the length of the weapon. Before him stretched the long road left behind as his company passed by, only hours before. Now, this road had new inhabitants. The foreigners were making quick progress in bearing down on his countrymen.

From his lofty perch, Rodivicha carried the sight of his rifle across the bodies of the soldiers below, and the vehicles that followed. he watched, but did not fire, knowing that responsibility fell to one greater than him. For, he was not alone in his observance. His two companions were sequestered off in various crevasses and shrubbery, watching as he was, and soon, a shot would come.

This first one would be the loudest, the sound of a twenty-three millimeter round being projected, carried by that explosion into the side or top of one of the lighter armored vehicles parading below. A round of that caliber, Rodivicha knew, impacting the engine, could immobilize a vehicle; and then it would begin.

Two more shots would ring out, these ones, more subtly so, with their suppressed nature, but again, they would be followed by the roar of the monster. For as long as it was prudent, this would continue, and then, the three men would melt away. Retreat into the hills and grasslands, and hide, until their prey grew again unwary. However, here, that job would be more difficult than most other times; the pathfinders did not have extensive knowledge of the terrain, and were unaware entirely of the quality or the equipment of the troops, in whatever quantity or quality they happened to be.

This was a first encounter, a chance for the Pudites to gather information, and hopefully, at the same time, sow a small amount of chaos, for each minute spent fighting the pathfinders, was another minute away from their platoon, and each minute more those in the valley survived was one less minute they would have to wait.

As it was, they still had nearly fourteen days of waiting to do. But for now, they would fight.

The first shot rang out...

OOC: They're all still in the three Zeppelins, led by the bottom mounted camera.

OOC: They're all still in the three Zeppelins, led by the bottom mounted camera.

OOC: You said you dropped off that 1st battalion thingey, I'll shoot them.

OOC: You said you dropped off that 1st battalion thingey, I'll shoot them.

OOC: I don't remember saying that...

As the oil was flowing freely, the oil workers were busy drilling more wells, and building more pipelines. This was being done to speed up the process of extracting that oil. Meanwhile, the first tanker was filled, and detached from the filling station. It headed out to sea with its cargo, while another tanker was busy maneuvering into its recently vacated spot.

OOC: I don't remember saying that...

OOC: For true. I read back, and you did no such thing, but you said you were bringing them over, and at the pace this has been going I forgot you never got around to dropping them off.

So, in fact, I will shoot nothing. I'll save that for later. For now, it's your turn to do something.

The first oil tanker was approaching the battlegroup placed in between Conservative Morality and the ASoGM. Once they joined up, the battlegroup would send ships to escort it back to the ASoGM. Meanwhile, the second tanker was almost full, and a second pipeline was completed. A third tanker moved into position to receive crude oil from this second pipeline, while the rest of the civilian fleet got more organized. The civilian project manager was pleased that the venture was going so smoothly, and that the workers were staying safe. The shark attack victim was well enough to again work in the oil fields, and was happy that his paycheck would reflect that.

OOC: For true. I read back, and you did no such thing, but you said you were bringing them over, and at the pace this has been going I forgot you never got around to dropping them off.

So, in fact, I will shoot nothing. I'll save that for later. For now, it's your turn to do something.

"SIR! Thermal images suggest a few vehicles up ahead!"
The pilot snapped up. "What kind of vehicles?" he asked warily.
"We're not sure sir. Attempted camoflauge we think."
The pilot rubbed his chin. "Any chance it's just an escaped circus animal? Or one of our own vehicles?"
"No sir, we've already checked."
"Inform the Iron and Steel. We're going to bomb the area until we get answers."
"Sir, we have a few squads of the first battalion-"
"Excellent idea. Drop them down for recon." A few men in yellow raincoats rappeled down from the Zeppelin, armor underneath the heavy raincoats, and rifles in hand...

Apparently I did... Sorry.

I'm sorry, but several of the oil fields have already been purchased. Sorry for any inconviences this might have caused you.

No inconvenience at all, though out of curiosity what Oil Fields are still available for purchase if any at this point in time?

No inconvenience at all, though out of curiosity what Oil Fields are still available for purchase if any at this point in time?

Scabrosus unda Offshore drilling platform:

Geography: Water. Mostly calm, some thunderstorms, but nothing major. About Two hundred miles off the coast of CM.

Estimated barrels of Oil: 1.5 Billion

Size: Eighty Kilometers, about 1100 meters deep.

Price: Comes with a Drilling platform in need of repairs, so a little extra will be needed.

AND

Mica tempestas solitudo:

Geography: The field is in the only desert in CM, flat, sandy, little vegetation. Watch for Sandstorms.

Estimated barrels of oil: 5 Billion

Size: Three hundred kilometers.
__________________

Our nation would like to place a bid on the two remaining oil fields of Scabrosus unda and Mica tempestas solitudo. Our opening bid is $805 billion USD.

If approved, our nation would like permission to build a pipeline through your territory to your port city of New Linron. We await your reply.

The workers at the Novus Mores site had been working 18 hour days for 3 weeks straight. The project manager had begun to notice signs of burnout on the mens faces, so he ordered a full day off for all the workers, with the understanding that swimming in the ocean wouldn't be allowed due to fear of a repeat shark attack incident. Some men wrote home, while others slept in for much of the day. Still, some found recreational diversions to occupy their day off.

Meanwhile, the 3 previously filled tankers were heading to the ASoil refineries located in the ASoGM, and were being followed by their escorts from the battlegroup.

Potius mori quam foedari
Stepanov Rodivicha watched from his perch on the crest of a hill as the foreign airships moved over the valley; the valley he knew contained the rest of his platoon. Watching silently, he adjusted his position behind the tall dry shrub that made up the majority of his cover; he brought his rifle around to face the airships, which were in fact behind the route he was expected to interdict upon.

None-the-less, he turned and watch, and as he did, a few ropes tumbled out of the lower reaches of the large floating craft, and, as expected, they were followed. The three Pudite pathfinders in the hills around the valley all saw as the yellow-coated men slid down the long rope; "Let the first one hit the ground on his feet, the rest, not so gracefully,"

Therefore, the three men watched, the first man began to slide down, and he was passed over. Now, a second man was coming down a separate rope, and other men, other ropes.

A shot rang out. Following it, two more.

From his hiding place in the valley, the grey-suited man listened. With him were his aide, and two lieutenants; in Pudite hierarchy, squad leaders. With a nod and a glance at the rear of the Amba personnel carriers, he dismissed the officers. When the time came, a few different shots would sound in this valley, but not now.

Now, they waited, and the pathfinders worked.

Over the course of the next few weeks, the ASoil project manager calculated that they would have the necessary logistics set up to begin filling a steady stream of tankers, and use the already stationed escort battlegroup and its air wing to protect them from pirates and criminal organizations. Meanwhile, the previously filled tankers had arrived at the ASoil crude storage tanks and offloaded their crude oil. They would take a few days to gather food and supplies for themselves, and for the other ships still around the Novus Mores site. Then they would head back for another load of oil.

The previously filled tankers were arriving back in the Novus Mores area, just in time to see more crude oil tankers leaving. The newly arrived tankers offloaded their supplies to the necessary sites, and re-entered the queue to fill up and return to the ASoil storage site. Unfortunately, mechanical problems forced one of them to pull away, as one of the massive flukes on the starboard prop broke off. Since they wouldn't be able to run that shaft with an unbalanced prop, they were ordered to head back to the ASoil docks for repairs. The ship turned as best it could and left, going less than half its normal maximum speed.

As the oil flowed from the Novus Mores drill sites into the tankers, the project manager made regular progress reports to the ASoil upper management. The progress reports showed that the ASoil crew at the Novus Mores site was working efficiently. The only incidents so far were a man being injured by a shark and a tanker becoming damaged to the point it needed to return to the ASoGM for repairs.

OOC: Am I the only one still here?

OOC: Am I the only one still here?

OOC: The only one not waiting for a response.