[NS::::]Olmedreca
14-07-2008, 19:21
Supreme War Council, Varbola, Olmedreca
Colonel Julius Heinke from the Olmedrecan military intelligence had no idea why he had been invited to the highly secret meeting of the Supreme War Council. He had never been in this room before. Behind the table sat eight members of the council, probably the eight most powerful men in whole Olmedreca. There were also several lower ranked officers and officials behind main participants, probably different aides. Room itselfly was rather dark, but on walls were projected several maps and graphs. Colonel had been given a seat suprisingly close to main table, just behind his direct superior, General Ernst Tormilind, the leader of military intelligence.
Herman Karm, First Citizen of Olmedreca started speaking with calm voice:
“I have called this meeting today due very interesting proposal of Mister Parmasto and Mister Strendman. As you all know, many most important Havenic powers are currently engaged in a major war between the Kingston Pact and the Doomani block. Olmedreca has announced its neutrality, as we have generally tried to keep good relations with both sides. But as it has been pointed out to me, that war creates interesting opportunities. This may be ideal time for executing our long term plan to establish a proper foothold in the Haven.”
Old general Aleksander Vares, the Commander-in-Chief of Army who was easily recognizable due his well known red beard asked:
“Which location you mean? Echronedal?”
“Indeed, unclaimed area near Hallad Strait, bordered by Mini Miehm. Our claim would include only relatively small part of that area in north, so it would have no common border with current border of Spacium Concordia, Doomani protectorate of Azaha, or Relative Liberty.”
“Exactly.” Said foreign minister Lembit Parmasto, actually also former military man, and continued:
“If area would have direct connection with both Spacium Concordia and Azaha, then most likely Kingston Pact would oppose it. Due our relatively good relations with Doomanis, there would be fear, that this colony will became transit route between those areas. So avoiding direct border with Azaha is logical diplomatic choice.
More interestingly, we suspect that Spacium Concordia may want to expand itselfly in that area, although we have no idea about possible timetable. No matter if it is true or not, from Kingston Pact viewpoint we would actually keep Doomanis away from the part of coast which would strengthen their already strong hold over the Hallad Strait.”
General Vares did not seem very happy with this proposal and said sarcastically:
“And what if we are still opposed? We will shoot our way open through Questarian and Praetorian navies?”
“Depends of situation, our bargaining position is not very bad. Although obviously we could not directly challenge Questarian fleets, our strong submarine arm is pretty sharp knife against nations which heavily depend on trade. But as I already explained, I do not expect any confrontations with Questarians, as our move could be actually seen as beneficial to them.” foreign minister replied fast.
Now general Karl Kuusemets from air force voiced his doubts:
“But what about possible Doomani and Spacian opposition? Area is too closely under their air power. Also when would we make official statement?”
Minister Parmasto replied fast like salesman who has answer for every question:
“Our relations with Doomanies have always been rather good, as we have not let those so called “moral issues” to disrupt our business. Also I do not see any serious problems with Spacians. From their point of view, if we do not move in, then there is danger of Questarian block establishing foothold there.
Official declaration of taking that area under Olmedrecan control will be made then our first ship makes landing. Obviously it is practically impossible for our colonization convoy to reach to Echronedal completely without catching any attention. Atleast Praetonia is expected to definitely notice them then passing through Haven strait between Queensland and Cape King George. So there will be four states which will be secretly informed about our intentions and our neutrality then our ships enter Havenic waters, those are Questers, Praetonia, Doomingsland and Spacium Concordia.”
First Citizen Karm smirked:
“Gentlemen, our friend Parmasto has answers prepared for such concerns, as I myselfly found out yesterday. I believe that his calculations are correct, and currently we have good chance to pull this thing off without any serious confrontations. But now I would like to get overview how fast we can send out fleet and what route it would use?”
Short Admiral Hanno Strendman stood up and pointed on a wall with his laser, there a map of Haven was projected:
“Colonial fleet would approach from north, through Haven strait. This area is very quiet compared to most other parts in Haven. There is expected serious battle near Praetonian Cape King George which Kargac... uh, Karguac... shit, Kar-gu-cag-stan, plans to invade. Admirality believes that even if those facists manage to capture the cape, which is currently considered unlikely, then they would not have any serious navy left, and would be blockaded by Praetonia fleet, which can use its Queensland bases. Shansekia has declared neutrality, neither side is likely to break it, so that archipelago should be safe to pass."
Large projection of Haven map switched to more detailed map of planned Echronedal colony, with numerous different markings at coast.
"We have picked four landing points in which the first wave will establish a foothold. In a week will follow second fleet which helps to reinforce those original landings and speed up construction there. Third fleet will arrive two weeks after first one, and establishes three more landing points. In a month we expect to have set up all landing points which will be needed for getting full control over colony. Advancing deeper inland will start as soon as basic facilities at coast can support it.
Now preparations for sending colonization fleet out have already begun. Thanks to the fact, that the Tisza-Storm military exercises are currently in their ending phase, we have surprisingly good preparations and operation can start in five days, assuming that there are no unexpected delays. To speed up things, fleet will not have any capital ships with it, only frigates and destroyers, mainly those with anti-submarine specialization. This is actually good, as sending large task force with numerous fleet carriers would put our neutrality in current conflict into doubt.
Army would provide mainly engineering units to establish basic infrastructure. Engineering units on Ticza-Heves area have been all notified about potential need to move out very soon. So on...”
“You gave commands to army units!?” interrupted general Vares sharply, not even trying to sound polite. Colonel Heinke could not help thinking, that if looks could cause physical damage, then admiral would had to be carried out of room in basket. Rivalry between army and navy was well known, up to the point then General Vares had called warships “floating coffins” in one scandalous interview. That rivalry had also carried over to the international politics, with army being generally pro-Doomani and navy being pro-Questers.
Suddenly colonel realized why Vares seemed to be critical about colonization. So far the army had always had very strong priority over the navy. Only Olmedrecan overseas territories were Big-Toll and Small-Toll, two islands, or “pieces of ice and shit” as men who had been unlucky enough to be forced to be where, called them. Those isolated islands far from any habituated land had no military, economical, or political value aside from being testing ground for weapons of mass destruction, which for some reason were unsuitable for being tested in Olmedrecan mainland.
Colony in the Haven would change everything. Haven is full of active politics, alliances are formed and split regularly. Current massive war is another example of Havenic politics overheating, definitely this will not be the last one. With Havenic colony, suddenly the need for stronger navy, to defend supply lines, and guarantee proper power projection, would arise. This obviously would weaken current army’s dominance.
“No, I gave the order.” said First Citizen with calm smile, “I wanted to consult you beforehand, but I was told that you are very busy, so I decided that its not importnant enough to disturb you.”
General Vares was clearly surprised by such turn of events but collected himself immediately and said:
“With all due respect Sir, I must insist, that in future you always inform me, before ordering any army units to prepare for being deployed overseas. Anyway, I still believe that we are rushing this whole thing and should slow down a bit.”
“I fully agree,” said Lieutenant-General Julius Munder from the Defence League. Army and Defence League relationship was sometimes described as “love and hate”, as both wanted bigger part in land warfare, but then made temporary alliances against navy from time to time.
General Tormilind from intelligence opened mouth for first time and said:
“No, current political situation is ideal, we must progress immediately. Wasting time is not an option.”
Kuusemets nodded:
“Exactly, situation fits perfectly for our plans.”
Heinke noticed that General Vares face had not changed at all, obviously he, knowing well behind the scenes lines of power, had expected those men choose other side, and had his expectations elsewhere. All eyes turned towards Minister of War, General Harri Rebane. Minister Parmasto seemed openly nervous, all others hided their emotions successfully but it was clear that despite majority already supporting Karm in colonization, a lot still depends about that what Rebane will say. Minister of War took a sip of water and then said slowly:
“I agree with First Citizen, the situation is suitable for colonization. Although there obviously are some risks, possible gains clearly outweigh them.”
Dissatisfaction could be easily seen on General Vares’s face. Karm only nodded and said:
“Good, I would like to rise matter of commander leading colonization. General Vares, can you offer me suitable candidate from army?”
General thought a moment and answered:
“Yes, there are several potential candidates, like Kiisk and Isokoski, although its hard to give best candidate immediately on spot.”
“There is no need for that, I want your answer tomorrow, no delays.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good, now moving on, to the question which units will be sent in first wave...”
Tormilind raised hand:
“Sir, as I mentioned before start, I need like to leave before the end of meeting unless my presence is critically needed.”
“I do not think your presence is needed in matters left to discuss today. So feel free to go. But I expect you back in tomorrow meeting.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Tormilind raised, motioned colonel to follow him, and walked out from room, then walking in corridor he asked from Heinke:
“You understand why I brought you with me to Supreme War Council meeting?”
“I assume that I have some important task related to this colonization?”
“Indeed, you will be heading buildup of military intelligence in that new colony, also you are going to be my personal source of accurate information.”
“I need to leave with first colonization fleet?”
“No, too early, you would not have anything do there yet, you will receive personal transport then time comes so that you do not need to travel in slow transport ship.”
“I see, by the way, don’t you think that by letting Vares to choose colonization commander, it will put whole operation in danger, he is obviously opposing this whole affair?”
“No, although there are some risks, those are minimal, the colonization commander will come in play only then official claim has been made. That is already point of no turning back. Vares thinks that colonization is bad idea and wants to avoid it, but he is still a loyal soldier. Trying to delay establishing colony is fine, but sabotaging buildup of colony after it has been founded would be already betrayal. Also Vares is a good planner, he needs to have alternative then main plan does not work. As with colonization, if it takes place despite his opposition, the army needs to still get as much as possible from it, and for that he needs to have his own man in lead. Finally its also the fastest solution, FC himself does not have time for that job, and candidates put forward by other members of council would be definitely opposed by Vares, so it is easiest to put Vares himself on job.”
“Interesting, also it was suprizing, that general Rebane who is also an army man supported colonization.”
“Well, Karm himself is also former army man, they are not all like Vares there. I and Karm had separate meeting with Rebane two hours before council meeting, minister was hesitant at first, but we managed to convince him.”
“I see, will I have to participate in future council meetings too?”
General smirked:
“I know that in reality we are bunch of assholes there, but was it really that unpleasant?”
“No Sir! I did not mean it that way, I...”
“I know. Of course you will attend in majority, if not all, Echronedal related meetings with me, as long as you are still in Olmedreca. But now I have some important business to attend, so our ways separate here for now, we will have Echronedal related meeting in nine p.m. in my office with few others from intelligence, we will see there.”
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Five days later
It was a warm and sunny day. It was time for the first colonization fleet to move out. Fleet was nothing too impressive, less than hundred ships in total, divided into four separate convoys. Escorts were also light, only some frigates and destroyers, mainly with anti-submarine capabilities. Some transport ships had also limited armament, but that would scare only pirates and aggressive environmentalists. Still, despite its relatively small size, fleet was actually highly important, it was going to be the first step in establishing Olmedrecan foothold in middle of Haven.
Preparations had been made in hurry. Fortunately some positive aspects had helped to speed up whole process. Firstly, decision to colonize that area had not came from nowhere, some plans and preparations for colonizing Echronedal had been made already earlier. Now these were put all into use. Secondly, massive Tisza-Storm military exercise which included both army and navy had just ended, meaning that units and ships were in high readiness compared to normal peacetime conditions. Still short timeframe meant that first wave’s size would be limited. That problem would be fixed with next colonization fleets, already being prepared, which would follow the first one.
Currently the whole plan was still secret, although rumors could not be completely avoided. Officially Tisza-Storm exercises were considerably extended and would increase in size. It was explained as necessity in current stormy times. Obviously truth can be hid only for limited time, especially from foreign governments. Olmedrecan merchant ships would not be anything surprising in Havenic waters, it is a strongly capitalistic state after all, so attention of most governments would be probably avoided. That would probably not apply to Praetonia which had its attention concentrated to the events near Havenic strait. So then first fleet enters Havenic waters, highly secret messages about Olmedrecan intentions and neutrality would be sent to governments of Questers, Praetonia, Doomingsland and Spacium Concordia.
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[OOC: so this post is taking place at same time then war in Haven is going on. On Haven map (http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a220/Willink/Haven.png) colony would be in here (http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1858/havenproposal2pu2.png) as Hryvinia should be waiting deletion.]
Colonel Julius Heinke from the Olmedrecan military intelligence had no idea why he had been invited to the highly secret meeting of the Supreme War Council. He had never been in this room before. Behind the table sat eight members of the council, probably the eight most powerful men in whole Olmedreca. There were also several lower ranked officers and officials behind main participants, probably different aides. Room itselfly was rather dark, but on walls were projected several maps and graphs. Colonel had been given a seat suprisingly close to main table, just behind his direct superior, General Ernst Tormilind, the leader of military intelligence.
Herman Karm, First Citizen of Olmedreca started speaking with calm voice:
“I have called this meeting today due very interesting proposal of Mister Parmasto and Mister Strendman. As you all know, many most important Havenic powers are currently engaged in a major war between the Kingston Pact and the Doomani block. Olmedreca has announced its neutrality, as we have generally tried to keep good relations with both sides. But as it has been pointed out to me, that war creates interesting opportunities. This may be ideal time for executing our long term plan to establish a proper foothold in the Haven.”
Old general Aleksander Vares, the Commander-in-Chief of Army who was easily recognizable due his well known red beard asked:
“Which location you mean? Echronedal?”
“Indeed, unclaimed area near Hallad Strait, bordered by Mini Miehm. Our claim would include only relatively small part of that area in north, so it would have no common border with current border of Spacium Concordia, Doomani protectorate of Azaha, or Relative Liberty.”
“Exactly.” Said foreign minister Lembit Parmasto, actually also former military man, and continued:
“If area would have direct connection with both Spacium Concordia and Azaha, then most likely Kingston Pact would oppose it. Due our relatively good relations with Doomanis, there would be fear, that this colony will became transit route between those areas. So avoiding direct border with Azaha is logical diplomatic choice.
More interestingly, we suspect that Spacium Concordia may want to expand itselfly in that area, although we have no idea about possible timetable. No matter if it is true or not, from Kingston Pact viewpoint we would actually keep Doomanis away from the part of coast which would strengthen their already strong hold over the Hallad Strait.”
General Vares did not seem very happy with this proposal and said sarcastically:
“And what if we are still opposed? We will shoot our way open through Questarian and Praetorian navies?”
“Depends of situation, our bargaining position is not very bad. Although obviously we could not directly challenge Questarian fleets, our strong submarine arm is pretty sharp knife against nations which heavily depend on trade. But as I already explained, I do not expect any confrontations with Questarians, as our move could be actually seen as beneficial to them.” foreign minister replied fast.
Now general Karl Kuusemets from air force voiced his doubts:
“But what about possible Doomani and Spacian opposition? Area is too closely under their air power. Also when would we make official statement?”
Minister Parmasto replied fast like salesman who has answer for every question:
“Our relations with Doomanies have always been rather good, as we have not let those so called “moral issues” to disrupt our business. Also I do not see any serious problems with Spacians. From their point of view, if we do not move in, then there is danger of Questarian block establishing foothold there.
Official declaration of taking that area under Olmedrecan control will be made then our first ship makes landing. Obviously it is practically impossible for our colonization convoy to reach to Echronedal completely without catching any attention. Atleast Praetonia is expected to definitely notice them then passing through Haven strait between Queensland and Cape King George. So there will be four states which will be secretly informed about our intentions and our neutrality then our ships enter Havenic waters, those are Questers, Praetonia, Doomingsland and Spacium Concordia.”
First Citizen Karm smirked:
“Gentlemen, our friend Parmasto has answers prepared for such concerns, as I myselfly found out yesterday. I believe that his calculations are correct, and currently we have good chance to pull this thing off without any serious confrontations. But now I would like to get overview how fast we can send out fleet and what route it would use?”
Short Admiral Hanno Strendman stood up and pointed on a wall with his laser, there a map of Haven was projected:
“Colonial fleet would approach from north, through Haven strait. This area is very quiet compared to most other parts in Haven. There is expected serious battle near Praetonian Cape King George which Kargac... uh, Karguac... shit, Kar-gu-cag-stan, plans to invade. Admirality believes that even if those facists manage to capture the cape, which is currently considered unlikely, then they would not have any serious navy left, and would be blockaded by Praetonia fleet, which can use its Queensland bases. Shansekia has declared neutrality, neither side is likely to break it, so that archipelago should be safe to pass."
Large projection of Haven map switched to more detailed map of planned Echronedal colony, with numerous different markings at coast.
"We have picked four landing points in which the first wave will establish a foothold. In a week will follow second fleet which helps to reinforce those original landings and speed up construction there. Third fleet will arrive two weeks after first one, and establishes three more landing points. In a month we expect to have set up all landing points which will be needed for getting full control over colony. Advancing deeper inland will start as soon as basic facilities at coast can support it.
Now preparations for sending colonization fleet out have already begun. Thanks to the fact, that the Tisza-Storm military exercises are currently in their ending phase, we have surprisingly good preparations and operation can start in five days, assuming that there are no unexpected delays. To speed up things, fleet will not have any capital ships with it, only frigates and destroyers, mainly those with anti-submarine specialization. This is actually good, as sending large task force with numerous fleet carriers would put our neutrality in current conflict into doubt.
Army would provide mainly engineering units to establish basic infrastructure. Engineering units on Ticza-Heves area have been all notified about potential need to move out very soon. So on...”
“You gave commands to army units!?” interrupted general Vares sharply, not even trying to sound polite. Colonel Heinke could not help thinking, that if looks could cause physical damage, then admiral would had to be carried out of room in basket. Rivalry between army and navy was well known, up to the point then General Vares had called warships “floating coffins” in one scandalous interview. That rivalry had also carried over to the international politics, with army being generally pro-Doomani and navy being pro-Questers.
Suddenly colonel realized why Vares seemed to be critical about colonization. So far the army had always had very strong priority over the navy. Only Olmedrecan overseas territories were Big-Toll and Small-Toll, two islands, or “pieces of ice and shit” as men who had been unlucky enough to be forced to be where, called them. Those isolated islands far from any habituated land had no military, economical, or political value aside from being testing ground for weapons of mass destruction, which for some reason were unsuitable for being tested in Olmedrecan mainland.
Colony in the Haven would change everything. Haven is full of active politics, alliances are formed and split regularly. Current massive war is another example of Havenic politics overheating, definitely this will not be the last one. With Havenic colony, suddenly the need for stronger navy, to defend supply lines, and guarantee proper power projection, would arise. This obviously would weaken current army’s dominance.
“No, I gave the order.” said First Citizen with calm smile, “I wanted to consult you beforehand, but I was told that you are very busy, so I decided that its not importnant enough to disturb you.”
General Vares was clearly surprised by such turn of events but collected himself immediately and said:
“With all due respect Sir, I must insist, that in future you always inform me, before ordering any army units to prepare for being deployed overseas. Anyway, I still believe that we are rushing this whole thing and should slow down a bit.”
“I fully agree,” said Lieutenant-General Julius Munder from the Defence League. Army and Defence League relationship was sometimes described as “love and hate”, as both wanted bigger part in land warfare, but then made temporary alliances against navy from time to time.
General Tormilind from intelligence opened mouth for first time and said:
“No, current political situation is ideal, we must progress immediately. Wasting time is not an option.”
Kuusemets nodded:
“Exactly, situation fits perfectly for our plans.”
Heinke noticed that General Vares face had not changed at all, obviously he, knowing well behind the scenes lines of power, had expected those men choose other side, and had his expectations elsewhere. All eyes turned towards Minister of War, General Harri Rebane. Minister Parmasto seemed openly nervous, all others hided their emotions successfully but it was clear that despite majority already supporting Karm in colonization, a lot still depends about that what Rebane will say. Minister of War took a sip of water and then said slowly:
“I agree with First Citizen, the situation is suitable for colonization. Although there obviously are some risks, possible gains clearly outweigh them.”
Dissatisfaction could be easily seen on General Vares’s face. Karm only nodded and said:
“Good, I would like to rise matter of commander leading colonization. General Vares, can you offer me suitable candidate from army?”
General thought a moment and answered:
“Yes, there are several potential candidates, like Kiisk and Isokoski, although its hard to give best candidate immediately on spot.”
“There is no need for that, I want your answer tomorrow, no delays.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good, now moving on, to the question which units will be sent in first wave...”
Tormilind raised hand:
“Sir, as I mentioned before start, I need like to leave before the end of meeting unless my presence is critically needed.”
“I do not think your presence is needed in matters left to discuss today. So feel free to go. But I expect you back in tomorrow meeting.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Tormilind raised, motioned colonel to follow him, and walked out from room, then walking in corridor he asked from Heinke:
“You understand why I brought you with me to Supreme War Council meeting?”
“I assume that I have some important task related to this colonization?”
“Indeed, you will be heading buildup of military intelligence in that new colony, also you are going to be my personal source of accurate information.”
“I need to leave with first colonization fleet?”
“No, too early, you would not have anything do there yet, you will receive personal transport then time comes so that you do not need to travel in slow transport ship.”
“I see, by the way, don’t you think that by letting Vares to choose colonization commander, it will put whole operation in danger, he is obviously opposing this whole affair?”
“No, although there are some risks, those are minimal, the colonization commander will come in play only then official claim has been made. That is already point of no turning back. Vares thinks that colonization is bad idea and wants to avoid it, but he is still a loyal soldier. Trying to delay establishing colony is fine, but sabotaging buildup of colony after it has been founded would be already betrayal. Also Vares is a good planner, he needs to have alternative then main plan does not work. As with colonization, if it takes place despite his opposition, the army needs to still get as much as possible from it, and for that he needs to have his own man in lead. Finally its also the fastest solution, FC himself does not have time for that job, and candidates put forward by other members of council would be definitely opposed by Vares, so it is easiest to put Vares himself on job.”
“Interesting, also it was suprizing, that general Rebane who is also an army man supported colonization.”
“Well, Karm himself is also former army man, they are not all like Vares there. I and Karm had separate meeting with Rebane two hours before council meeting, minister was hesitant at first, but we managed to convince him.”
“I see, will I have to participate in future council meetings too?”
General smirked:
“I know that in reality we are bunch of assholes there, but was it really that unpleasant?”
“No Sir! I did not mean it that way, I...”
“I know. Of course you will attend in majority, if not all, Echronedal related meetings with me, as long as you are still in Olmedreca. But now I have some important business to attend, so our ways separate here for now, we will have Echronedal related meeting in nine p.m. in my office with few others from intelligence, we will see there.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Five days later
It was a warm and sunny day. It was time for the first colonization fleet to move out. Fleet was nothing too impressive, less than hundred ships in total, divided into four separate convoys. Escorts were also light, only some frigates and destroyers, mainly with anti-submarine capabilities. Some transport ships had also limited armament, but that would scare only pirates and aggressive environmentalists. Still, despite its relatively small size, fleet was actually highly important, it was going to be the first step in establishing Olmedrecan foothold in middle of Haven.
Preparations had been made in hurry. Fortunately some positive aspects had helped to speed up whole process. Firstly, decision to colonize that area had not came from nowhere, some plans and preparations for colonizing Echronedal had been made already earlier. Now these were put all into use. Secondly, massive Tisza-Storm military exercise which included both army and navy had just ended, meaning that units and ships were in high readiness compared to normal peacetime conditions. Still short timeframe meant that first wave’s size would be limited. That problem would be fixed with next colonization fleets, already being prepared, which would follow the first one.
Currently the whole plan was still secret, although rumors could not be completely avoided. Officially Tisza-Storm exercises were considerably extended and would increase in size. It was explained as necessity in current stormy times. Obviously truth can be hid only for limited time, especially from foreign governments. Olmedrecan merchant ships would not be anything surprising in Havenic waters, it is a strongly capitalistic state after all, so attention of most governments would be probably avoided. That would probably not apply to Praetonia which had its attention concentrated to the events near Havenic strait. So then first fleet enters Havenic waters, highly secret messages about Olmedrecan intentions and neutrality would be sent to governments of Questers, Praetonia, Doomingsland and Spacium Concordia.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[OOC: so this post is taking place at same time then war in Haven is going on. On Haven map (http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a220/Willink/Haven.png) colony would be in here (http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1858/havenproposal2pu2.png) as Hryvinia should be waiting deletion.]