NationStates Jolt Archive

Claudius Griffincrest had been unaware that a war between his corporation and his homeland and the United States of Allanea was underway. This was not good for him, because he was unable to strike directly at Allanea, due to its position in Haven. He could, however, continue to make the lives of the average Allanean difficult. During the conflict for the island in Arterus, Griffincrest cut satellite television, radio, and communications to the Allanean people, and this was something which he hoped to keep. This was something that could be fixed, however, by people merely not using satellite services anymore. However, this would also make Allanean intelligence gathering difficult, so the operations against any new Allanean vessels in orbit continued.

On the seas, the many many vessels of the Griffincrest Corps of Shipping, all unmarked, began to launch interdiction missions into known Allanean sealanes. The publication of Allanean trade partners made this information gathering all the easier, and soon, dozens of ships, from tiny boghammers all the way up to a pair of converted tankers-turned-carriers, carrying up to thirty rigged up torpedo bombers and another ten F-4 Phantom II's. These vessels were all prepared to do whatever damage they could to the Allanean merchant marine, and were ordered to engage any and all Allanean naval vessels they come upon. The loss of the Allanean Task Force Cloyster, as well as a number of other vessels of their fleet, was surely a blow to the Allanean Navy, and hopefully with some more losses, their offensive ability would be seriously hindered.

Throughout the ocean, tiny islands were being transformed into pirate bases. SAM sites were established, refueling stations built, and coastal defenses were being erected. A number of the islands were also laying out airstrips, so that land based raids upon Allanean shipping could be made as well. The pirates were well prepared for an Allanean attack, and on the islands that allowed it, they followed the example of the campaign in Arterus, digging deep into the island to set up their positions, where they could await the attack. Not only this, but each island was supplied with a minimum of three months provisions, to ensure that an Allanean siege would be a long and costly one.

Hopefully, the Allanean people would feel the effects of the blockade shortly.

OOC: Tagged

Tagged for future intervention

The Revolutionary Empire of The Ryou Black Islands Declares it self Neutral in this war for reasons of The Isthmian Games and The Rebuilding from the Civil war and the rebuilding.

Signed: Empress Isabella.

The Confederate Republic has had little contact with either Allanea or Griffincrest, and therefore will be remaing neutral in this conflict. However ships belonging to our nation, and ships registered here, travel the worlds Oceans, including areas also used by Allanean and Griffincrest ships. However if any of our ships are damaged, either intentionally or un-intentionally, then there will be consequences for the responsible party or parties.

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll43/Vulture_77/CoatofArms2.png
Official Communique from the Volzgradien Government

While the United Republics of Volzgrad will remain neutral in this conflict, we would like to announce that any assault (successful or not) on Volzgradien shipping will result in an immediate declaration of war against the Griffincrest Corporation and any associates.

Signed,
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll43/Vulture_77/Signature.png

A soft breeze blew through the open flap of the Command Tent. Amra and the Regents were enjoying a rare moment of relative calm in this on-going war against Tsaphon, the Unknown One, descendant of the sorceror-kings of ancient Acheron. The Xeraphian Coalition had the last surviving outpost of the Mogs surrounded, Ssyn by name. It would take less then six hours to destroy the city. But Amra, soon to be crowned Emperor of Xeraph, wanted the city captured intact for reasons he was presently keeping to himself.

The commscreen beeped and all eyes turned to see a 'condition yellow' alert, second only to a condition red, the highest alert. Vlad, Prince of The Grey Phoenix, said, "Well, let's see what we have here." He read it quickly and turning to Amra said, "The report says that the Griffincrest Corproation is gearing up to disrupt Allanean shipping. That's an act of war."

Amra thought for a moment. "Griffincrest. That's the Blackhelm government, isn't it?"

"Correct. They've an embassy in Ravennii. Not too far from the palace."

"Great. So we're allied to Blackhelm and a member of CSS as well. Is anything happening with the other nations of CSS?"

"Not as yet. There's a few countries who have already declared neutrality. No one of any appreciable size."

Amra studied a holographic map of the planet, zeroing in on the Allanean continent. "It seems Prince Teii should be called in on this. Vhammpyr is the nearest Imperial nation to Allanea. And they're not involved here, so they can respond if push comes to shove."

Sethanis, King of Black Shadows, grunted. "Technically true, Amra. But as you pointed out, we're allied to Blackhelm."

Amra stood. "Ally or not, piracy is not to be tolerated. Get a message off to the Blackhelm people and find out what precipitated this action. Also, contact Allanea and let them know that the Empire is at their disposal.....and don't forget Vhammpyr. They should go immediately to High Alert. Mobilise all forces."

Sethanis shuddered. The thought of what several hundred thousand Vhammpyrric Warriors could and would do to an enemy was not pretty. "Very well, but we should wait until we hear from Blackhelm."

Amra pointed his battle-knife at the map. "Agreed, but I want a CBG dispatched to a point just outside Allanean waters. As a friendly warning, of course."

Vlad looked at him. "And if a pirate vessel fires on it?"

"What do you think? Hunt it down and destroy it........."

Official Mandalorian Statement

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/maldorians__1.jpg

The Mandalorian Empire, commends the actions of our Corporate ally in their most-righteous cause against blatant imperialism and foolishness. In an effort to defend our brothers in arms, Mandalore Prime will be shipping tons of foodstuffs*ENCRYTPED*, small arms and light vehicles,*ENCRYPTED*, and medical supplies. As of now, an embargo has been launched against the neo-imperialists at Allanea in response to their unprovoked and aggressive act of war.

If the situation becomes dire, Mandalorian forces may be sent to protect and defend the sovereignty of the Griffincrest Corporation.

Allahu Ackbar and Maldorians Zindabad.

~The Mandalore.
-Supreme Ruler of the Tyrannical Mandalorian Empire.

[OOC: Well, there go my plans for GC.]

OOC: Erm...guys uh, this is not publicly known, that's why I said the ships were unmarked. These are privateers, not Griffincrest registered vessels. I don't know how any of you know what is happening, especially since no Allanean vessels have been hit yet.

OOC: Erm...guys uh, this is not publicly known, that's why I said the ships were unmarked. These are privateers, not Griffincrest registered vessels. I don't know how any of you know what is happening, especially since no Allanean vessels have been hit yet.

OOC: I posted based on the idea that you used an Internal Corporate memo. That way, your hide would be still hidden, yet the CA would be informed of such actions....But GC is still at war with Allanea, making my post fine. I never made the connection between the privateers and GC.

BC, AIM?

OOC: I posted based on the idea that you used an Internal Corporate memo. That way, your hide would be still hidden, yet the CA would be informed of such actions....But GC is still at war with Allanea, making my post fine. I never made the connection between the privateers and GC.

BC, AIM?

Mine is busted, use IRC

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg16/grimreaper061/Kingdom%20of%20Imbrinium%20NS/KINGDOMOFIMBRINIUM.png
The kingdom of Imbrinium while is staying neutral at this time in the conflict is sending naval units into the area to prevent any wrong full actions by either side on shipping of goods from other nations. And the RIN has made this proposal to all shipping not in the conflict escorted passage through the area. We would hope that all diplomatic means of ending this conflict are being used. Thank you.

Demi Efthalia
Minister of Defense

OCC post for later interest. In other words when the first attack happens.
If you want the first attack on Allanean shipping to be on a ship heading from Tarlag go for it I will play it out.

OOC: Please do not complain regarding my attack on the island – I asked Blackhelm for permission to do this. If he doesn't mind, neither should you.

IC: Greetings, this ANN news. We are sad to report the loss of the SS Sea Monster V, lost in the East Extra-Havenic oceans with its crew of 25. As of now, Blackhelmian piracy is suspected... the Lloyd Company publishes a Pirate Advisory on the area of the Sea Monster's loss...

Lieutenant Mike Hutchinson flicked the laptop shut and turned his attention to the computer on his desk. Right now, it depicted a majestic picture of clouds, shifting as if under a moving aircraft moving at a supersonic speed – which, in fact, was exactly what was taking place.

The aircraft was one of Allanea's handful of Sariel bomber aircraft. They were long too few or old for repetitive manned flight, and so, the outdated planesd were converted into UCAVs. It was these very same Sariels that the citizens of the Confederacy – or was it subjects? – came to meet in the Battle of New France.

In general terms, Mike Hutchinson did not really experience a fear of the Blackhelmian blockade. His buddy in Naval Aviation had already spoken to him over Jabber audio and explained that the Blackhelmian tactics were faulty – being based so far out of Haven, Lucius' minions were not really going to be able to control any of the SLOCs to it. Allaneans would simply begin adjusting their naval routes, and, to an extent, shipping their stuff through foreign companies.

Haven itself was an arbitrarily-defined rectangle over 73,000 miles wide and 64,000 miles tall. To even try and figure that out in the more familiar furlong made Mike's head swim. But what it meant was that the Blackhelmians would need literally thousands of ships – even if their 'blockade' lay just outside the Havenic borders, and it didn't. It would quite likely be impossible to adequately blockade an area this huge – even if you didn't consider how many Allaneans didn't live in Haven.

And then, of course, there was the matter of the Allanean response.

Actually, Mike was the response.

The screen blinked.

WARNING TARGET APPROACHING
WARNING TARGET APPROACHING
WARNING TARGET APPROACHING

“Yeah, I yeah, I got it” - Mike muttered as he mashed the keyboard. Now, the screen was the standard FireTux screen – a map of some forlorn sea area, on which the elderly stealth plane was a blue dot and the target, a tiny island perhaps not more than 500 meters in circomference, a red dot. It was known to have a Blackhelmian military crew armed with anti-ship missiles and some limited SAM capability – nothing enough to stop or even detect a lone stealth aircraft at this altitude if its own RADAR was off.

The two dots were converging.

Mike typed in a short command. A confirmation screen popped up.

AUTOMATIC FIRING SOLUTION FOR TARGET: Y/N

Mike mashed the Y button. Now, the aircraft would pass over the island and release its weapon – a single free-fall bomb weighing only 650 kilograms – through the cloud cover at the moment where it would hit the island.

It is almost impossible to miss a target 500 meters wide with a free-fall bomb, of course.

Mike jerked the mouse rapidly and clicked several icons to turn on the aircraft's rear camera.

Seconds later, behind the ancient craft, he could see the glow of a thermonuclear explosion, 350 kilotons in power, ripping through the cloud cover like a majestic flower made of pure fire.

And yet this was not the main Allanean response. The main response was still being prepared – in Allanea's naval dockyards in Fort-Steel, Fort-Czapp, and Fort-Jefferson, in the DREAD development bunkers, and, of course, in Allanea's diplomatic offices across the world, busily informing Allanea's allies of the attacks.

Tarlag News Service Update.

The TDF Office today announced that in response to attacks on the shipping route between Reformed Oceania and Haven that a Martine Patrol will be implemented on this important trade route.

High Fleet Admrial Jason Dayron Has ordered Rear Admiral David George Zanatos to take charge of this new patrol. Admiral Dayron stated in A mid morning news conference "These attacks on our foreign trade can not be permitted to continue. Allenea is an important trade partner and any disruption in our trade cannot be permitted."

Fleet command has assigned the following forces to this patrol

Squadron 287 - PB-29 Naval Patrol Bombers

H.D.S. Victory - Minator Class CVL
H.D.S. Viceroy - Minator Class CVL
H.D.S. Rumgar The Terror - Tiger Class BCN
H.D.S. Roger Young - MBT Support ship
Squadron 24 MBT
12 Fletcher Class Fast Corvettes
10 Brennor Class Patrol Boats
Submarine Group 7

To: The leaders of the Griffencrest Corporation and its allies and co-belligerents
From: The Imperial Land of Findan

This is a warning that any attack on Imperial Findanian shipping will result in a declaration of war by Findan on the attacker's nation or employer. We are neutral nation and will not tolerate a single violation of our rights as a Free and neutral nation of the world.

Furthermore the Imperial Land of Findan does not tolerate piracy and the Imperial Navy has been instructed to hunt down pirates if they there is a reported attack on a civilian ship, especially upon ships from neutral nations. All nations and corporations practicing are henceforth warned.

Sincerely,

His Most Imperial Majesty Emperor Samuel III

His Grace the Right Honorable Prime Minister Count Sir David Thaxton

Baron Sir Charles Hassahoff, Foreign Minister

Lord Sir Reginald Cooper, Defense Minister

Grand Admiral Duke Sir Andrew Somego

Scramble 282918303 Top Secret/Black Pearl
To: 11th Fleet
From: COMHOMFLT


As of 0001 we are on DEFCON 2. Consider this a war warning. It is unknown at this time how Blackhelm will react to our attack on "pirates". Hostilities with the Confederacy may begin without warning. You formally allowed to engage pirate vessels at of 0002. Repeat as of 0001 we are on DEFCON 2

IFS Barracuda, Havenic Ocean 2200 Zulu glumly

Commander Tyler "Skip" Morganthau read the word from COMHOMFLT (Command, Home Fleet) with trepidation. One minute he was on his way home after fleet exercises and now he was preparing for combat and, the Griffencrest Corporation had a reputation for pirates and tough ones at that. And its navy had a reputation all its own. And he hoped it wouldn't come to a formal shooting war between the Corporation on one hand and Findan on the other.

Unlike Allanea, Findan did not have Haven to hide behind. If a shooting war started his beloved Empire would suffer, unless of course we do our jobs here he thought to himself, taking one last moment to be pensive before his life began to get hectic.

He turned to his Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Tanisha Jackson, "Tanny, I think it's time to announce wartime procedures, dark ship all that. Get the folks mentally prepared before they have to."

"I agree Skip. I just wish COMHOMFLT had given us more notice, so we could be more prepared. At least the crew will be ready for anything. You've run a tight boat here."

"Thanks Tanny. I'll make the announcement. And I know everyone here will do their duty to the Empire."

Provost Bay, Commonwealth of Free United States

After the Bloody Valentine War seven years ago, a large-scale cutback in naval armaments had made much of the Provost Bay Shipyards close. While a few were still operated by the Maritime Forces, most had been sold off to private businesses. One of which was STDI, a conglomerate defense contractor.

"...Blackhelmian piracy is suspected... the Lloyd Company publishes a Pirate Advisory on the area of the Sea Monster's loss..."

Behind a large oak desk, Sergei Marchenko, Director of the Naval Flotilla, switched off the television. He turned to the computer screen in front of him, where Yves Marceau, the CEO, was staring back at him.

"Sir the reason you wanted to show me this was...what?"

"This could be very profitable," Yves said coldly, "And at the same time, give us a humanitarian image."

"Shall I...?"

"Have a flotilla standing by, I'll contact the Allanean's personally" Marceau said as the image cut out.


To: Allanean Government
Fr: Yves Marceau, CEO STDI (Technical Defense Systems International)
>> This is a message to whomever it may concern in the Allanean government: Your current situation has reached our attention, and we propose an agreement for a flotilla of our security ships to protect your Merchant Marine ships as they sail. Our ships are equipped with the latest offensive and defensive technology and can provide a number of tasks aside from escort duty.

Claudius cracked a smile as he reviewed the news of the nuclear strike. Fifty men, a handful of missiles, and some concrete, for that the Allanean spent millions upon millions of dollars on to get rid of.

At sea, ships were constantly on the watch for any vessel bearing the insignia of the Allanean merchant marine. In addition to the vast amount of vessels already at sea, two small carriers, purpose built by the corporation for this very purpose, as well as another two converted tankers, were deployed to the region to assist in the interdiction. Not only that, but a bounty was placed on all Tarlagian vessels, and a stricter blockade would be enforced upon Findan, no longer only attacking Allanean ships, but now ships flying the flag of Findan as well.

The ships of the nation of the Free United States would be dealt with as well. Any vessel, be it civilian or military, was put on the list, and privateers began to prepare for a full out conflict on the seas with FUS forces. Over two hundred Kılıç class fast attack craft and five Slava class cruisers began moving towards the waters of FUS, prepared to shut down the operations of that nation entirely. Crews were preparing to not only crush any ships they might encounter, but also assault positions on the shore and further debilitate the nation.

There was no solid, legitimate proof that the Griffincrest Corporation was behind any of this, and up to this point, the only privateer casualties were the ones on the island. Allanean and now Findanian? and FUS shipping, however, would be a different story.

ooc: Yo BC can I help?

ooc: Yo BC can I help?

of course!!

(Do you want to alert me? Or can I just jump in?)

>>Flash Priority Message<<

To: All Maritime vessels currently around or near Allanea
Fr: Flt Admiral Yuri Padorin, Great Red Banner Fleet, Commanding
>> It has come under the attention of the Maritime Directorate that naval and civilian vessels near Allanean waters may come under direct attack. The Commonwealth has deemed these waters as Restricted and all naval vessels are to avoid confrontation. Provisions should be taken, however, to prepare any ship for an immediate attack.

(Do you want to alert me? Or can I just jump in?)

hop in

Ralkovia knew how to put 2 and 2 together, it was simple to see who was pulling the strings behind the pirate attacks. A simple envoy was sent to the Griffincrest headquarters(I assume you built them already?) in ralkovia. He simply logged in a message to them. It was 4 words that could help win any war when Ralkovia asked,"Do you want help?"

Ralkovia was no fool in secrecy, 508 wars that was the number of wars ralkovia had had since its creation, 469 of those wars were false flag operations, Ralkovia had its own language and army equipped for these secret wars around the world in an attempt to police the globe. This was essential for the grand ralkovian plan for the NWO. Ralkovia was a super power, it had plenty of colonies around the world, it was one of the largest and strongest countries in the world. Even though it could easily get away with going about its business, in truth it owed most of its power to griffincrest oil and it planned on paying it back.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=60608&d=1220905611

From: ASD Command
To: Allanean Government

Re: Nuclear Attack
Message: The ASD does not condone the actions of the so-far unidentified pirates involved in the blockade of your country. Thus far the ASD has lost no ships to these pirates but, that being said, their conduct has not been well received. Despite all this we find your cavalier use of high powered nuclear weaponry disturbing and would suggest that you cease and desist from another such strike.

Signed,
General Issac Puller
Commander of the Forces of the ASD

Ralkovia was a super power, it had plenty of colonies around the world, it was one of the largest and strongest countries in the world.
OOC: ...You sure you aren't confusing yourself with someone else? Either way, thanks for posting, I needed the laugh.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/blaesa/header.png
A joint message from PRA and the Otagian Parliament

It has come to our attention that certain parties have begun an attempt to disrupt Allanean trade lanes. In order to protect Otagian interests abroad, we have ratified the following:

Any attack on Otagian vessels will be viewed as a declaration of war.
Any attack on vessels bound for Otagian ports shall be viewed as a declaration of war.
Any attack on vessels carrying Otagian goods shall be viewed as a declaration of war.

Any breach of this declaration will result in swift and brutal response.Valar Morghulis,
Daniel Quetzal
CEO of Pale Rider Arms

OOC Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13999655#post13999655)

The ships of the nation of the Free United States would be dealt with as well. Any vessel, be it civilian or military, was put on the list, and privateers began to prepare for a full out conflict on the seas with FUS forces. Over two hundred Kılıç class fast attack craft and five Slava class cruisers began moving towards the waters of FUS, prepared to shut down the operations of that nation entirely. Crews were preparing to not only crush any ships they might encounter, but also assault positions on the shore and further debilitate the nation.


>>FLASH<<

This is a National Defense Action Order

Unknown Militant vessels are approaching the Commonwealth sea-perimeter. All Coast Guard units are now under the jurisdiction of the Maritime Defense Command. Air Defense units scramble for emergency orders to follow.

Sayenia Naval Base, CFUS

Admiral Padorin watched as the two-hundred vessels of the Northern Banner Fleet set sail. Seven aircraft carriers, numerous heavy cruisers, missiles cruisers and frigates with their destroyer escorts, and five Concordia-class battleships. He watched solemnly as the ships left the horizon.

FSS Crimean Lion, CVNA-56

The Flagship of the Northern Banner was the 1225 ft. Gibraltar-class carrier Crimean Lion. In command of the Lion, and of the fleet, was Vice Admiral Andelko Volkshev. He stood in the CIC, watching radar and satellite displays of the approaching ships.

"Open communications," he ordered.

"Sir, lines are open," a crewman answered.

"Attention approaching vessels," Admiral Volkshev said into a handset, "Stand-to and change course 180. If you do not comply, your actions will be deemed hostile and we are authorized to use any force necessary to force your cooperation. This is Commonwealth territorial waters. Repeat, we will defend our country from any threats."

Ahead of the Crimean Lion, the battleship Concordia Deus began traversing its four 18 inch bow guns in preparation for an attack.

Commander Haro scanned the horizon once again. No sign of any vessels of any kind as yet, but the radio was buzzing with much info. "Ensign, can you make out anything coming outta the box?"

Flipping toggles and fine-tuning the frequency bands, ensign Naga was feverishly adding to the already large amount of free-hand om his notepad. "Sir, from what I can piece together, an Allanean ship named Monster-Five was sunk by an unmarked ship or ships out in Allanean eastern waters. Apparently a lone Allanean bomber dropped a small nuclear device on a suspected pirate base, alledgedly a BC outpost."

Haro spun around. "A nuke? What're they friggin' nuts? Get me HQ, pronto. Tell OBP-11 above Allanea to zone in on any radioactive fallout within 3,000 miles of our position. Battle stations, gentlemen! All missiles armed and sequenced for launch!"

A claxon sounded throughtout the Xeraphian flagship, the HXMS Last Stand, a Vampire-class Battle Carrier, one of two in the Empire. Simultaneously, the same scenario was occuring on each of the of the thirty-seven ships of the Imperial 17th CBG. In fact, the 17th was a WarHammer Battle Group, larger and better equipped than the standard Imperial CBG.

The Last Stand was currently 213 nautical miles off the coast of Haven, Allanea's region. Haro was well aware of Haven's reputation, and wanted simply to show support for an ally as well as render aid if requested. But this nuke attack changed everything.

Haro was rapidly issuing orders to all vessels in the WHBG. "All units, standard starboard stance, staggered formation, 33 mile arc to port. If any, repeat any, even remotely hostile action ensues against the 17th, fire with full effect. All misiles currently armed with frags to fire in sequential response. Al nuclear heads await my order to fire." He turned to Naga. "Ensign, update on AirWing deployment."

Naga tapped the commscreen, numbers flowing across it rapidly. "Sir, six AWs already scrambled, flagship units awaiting your orders."

The Last Stand carried 163 aircraft, 17 of which were AirWolf HCGSs. King Cobra fighter-bombers, Rattlesnake and Mamba sub-sonic fighters, and Copperhead-SFBs rounded out the super-carrier's complement of aircraft. Two of the WHBG's other BattleCarriers were similarly outfitted, with one standard carrier having 35 Python and Constrictor bombers.

Six BattleShips, six MissileCruisers, and twelve MissileDestroyers along with standard destroyers and two Nauticus subs rounded out the battle-group.

"Ensign, have the Regents answered yet?"

"Er, not exactly sir. Someone by the name of Amra has responded. He says he's ordered three additional CBGs to the area from.........oh, good God..."

The ensign's face went white. "What is it, ensign. Where are they coming from?", demanded Haro.

Naga put his hands over his face, trying very hard not to shudder. He got control of himself and answered. "Sir, seventy-three naval units, armed to the teeth, under full nuclear power are on their way here from Vhammpyr."

He didn't show it, but Haro was just as jolted by that news as ensign Naga
was, and as all who were on the bridge who heard the ensign's message. For a half-minute, no one spoke. Every person in that room immediately brought to mind the stories told about Vhammpyr and their ancient, blood-thirsty ruler, Prince Teii. Only a handful in the entire WHBG had ever actually seen a Vhammpyric Warrior, for the last time they were involved in Imperial matters was over 20 years ago, when Emperor Alaric Tan'it lost his life fighting the rebel vampire general, Azulun.

Haro recovered and barked. " Who the fuck is this Amra to be telling us anything? Where are the Regents?"

Almost on cue, an image filled the wall-sized commscreen. "In answer to your question, Commander, I am Amra Tan'it, son of your deceased Emperor, Alaric. You have a problem with that, Commander?"

He was the spitting image of his father. Wide-eyed but maintaining control of his emotions, Haro went down on one knee and bowed his head. All on the bridge followed suit. Amra laughed. "None of that. I'm no different than you. I'm a soldier in the Imperial forces of Xeraph. Nothing more. If you wanna kiss my ass, I'll arrange for it at a later date. Right now, we got a war to fight!"

All on the bridge smiled hugely. The new Emperor! Haro clapped his hands and shouted, "Just like your old man!"

"Damn straight, Commander. Now quit this shit about Vhammpyr. You probably won't even see them. But I guarantee whoever the hell these pirates are will. Good luck, Commander. Amra out."

They stood looking at the blank screen. Haro shouted, "You heard the man! Seventy-plus ships with fifty-thousand Vampyr Warriors are headed this way! Get your asses in gear!"

Aboard H.D.S. Rumgar The Terror

"Sir, Message in from Fleet Com." Commander Lewis said as he handed the flash drive to Admiral Zanatose. The bearded man in his early fifties plugged the drive into his computer and red the message. "Mr. Lewis, their are some stupid sons of bitches out their."
"Come again Sir." Lewis responded as he looked a bit shocked at his commanders language on the bridge of the battle cruiser.
"Fleet intell. says some stupid son of a bitch has put a bounty on any ship carrying Finden's, Allanean or our flag military or civilian. Intell. also says that they might be going after Xeraph also. The Duke heard this and is throwing a shit fit."
"How so Sir. I thought that this was going to be a measured response to a small pirate problem with Allanian shipping?"
"By the report The Duke heard about the bounty and started chewing the walls he was so pissed. His orders and I read this verbatim is prosecute with EXTREME PREJUDICE. He has ordered the Grand Isle and her escorts to detach from the Grand Fleet and she should be catching up with us in about two days."
"Sir, Someone must have angered him if he detached a fleet carrier to deal with a few raiders. Are you sure Sir that it was an extreme prejudice order."

A voice over the intercom interrupted the Admiral just as he was about to answer. "Sir, Com. here. I have a distress flash from the SS Harry Garner a Container ship out of Dungal massing 25,000 tons Message is as follows. "Have taken missile amid ship and I am taking on water. War book Identified attacker as a Kilic Class attack boat. She is closing in gun range and will open fire soon. Message ends there."
"Position?"
"About 250 miles east north east of our current position."
Zantose looked at his command computer for a moment. "Lewis I have ordered in our closest asset in the area to intercept. The Victory has a pair of A-10Ns and a pair of Sea Gripens flying top cover about fifty miles south of the Freighter. They should ruin that Kilic's day."

As soon as the message was received the A-10s with their escorts turned north to come to the aid of the freighter.

Wolf packs of five Kilic attack boats roamed the seas all over the world now, hunting down and destroying the shipping of several nations. Carriers, as crappy and rundown as they were, were also present, and always at the center of the Kilic operations. This meant that when the Tarlagian aircraft were scrambled, ten F-4 Phantom II's were scrambled to meet them. Flying off of the deck of one of the run down old ex-tankers, the Phantom's were soon taking to the skies to inflict the first military casualties of the conflict. Not only this, but the carrier from which the enemy aircraft took off from was now also about to come under attack. A satellite had picked up the position of the enemy carrier, and relayed it to the nearest five wolf packs. Before long, twenty five Kilic's were moving upon the position of the ship, and prepared their systems for combat.

Meanwhile, off of FUS, the large amount of ships deployed by the enemy brought the privateer offensive to a halt. They stayed, however, just outside of the FUS waters continuing to assaut shipping in the area, and waiting for their opposition to make the first move.

Ralkovia knew how to put 2 and 2 together, it was simple to see who was pulling the strings behind the pirate attacks. A simple envoy was sent to the Griffincrest headquarters(I assume you built them already?) in ralkovia. He simply logged in a message to them. It was 4 words that could help win any war when Ralkovia asked,"Do you want help?"

Ralkovia was no fool in secrecy, 508 wars that was the number of wars ralkovia had had since its creation, 469 of those wars were false flag operations, Ralkovia had its own language and army equipped for these secret wars around the world in an attempt to police the globe. This was essential for the grand ralkovian plan for the NWO. Ralkovia was a super power, it had plenty of colonies around the world, it was one of the largest and strongest countries in the world. Even though it could easily get away with going about its business, in truth it owed most of its power to griffincrest oil and it planned on paying it back.


ooc: Yo BC waiting for recognition

OOC: Sorry, I thought that was your way in.

IC:

A Griffincrest boardmember walked to the center of power in Ralkovia, where he had set a meeting, and asked to speak with the leader of the nation. Once inside, he began talking about the privateering operations. Ralkovia was more than welcome to assist, and their presence would be rewarded greatly.

The council was debating on whether to join in this war or not, a council court had been called and now the council was to debate on whether they would militarize and help their friend. Councilman Izak Newkirk spoke up,"Griffincrest has brought welcome relief during are oil crisis. They saved this regime from toppling I believe that we should mobilize immediately and help are fellow compatriots."


Derreck Yorkman, minister of peace began to speak,"You forget the great cost of war both monetary and in lives. You are telling me that you all would pay them back with ralkovian lives? Give them ralkovian blood in return for the cheap black blood we are recieving. You forget that one is easy to replace and the other will never be able to get taken back."

The griffincrest board member was allowed to speak.
(Just make a short little speech or something, nothing special, just say, we helped you now retunr the favor)

CSF Horizon

The super freighter Horizon had just passed the line demarcating Commonwealth territorial waters. As soon as she had, numerous surface contacts began to approach.

"This is the freighter Horizon," the captain called out a mayday "Numerous unknown vessels approaching."

FSS Crimean Lion CVNA-56

"Sir, we have a mayday from a civilian vessel," reported the Ops officer.

"Your orders, Admiral?" the captain asked.

"We've already sent them a warning...order the closest ships to intercept the attackers. Have the Deus fire for effect."

Four Rafale-M fighters had been standing on combat alert, and launched simultaneously once the order was given. They formed up together and headed towards the Horizon The Concordia Deus responded almost immediately. Its cannons fired in sequence, their 18 inch transuranic rounds cutting through the air. Near the Horizon, the FSS Blessed Regess, a cruise missile frigate, and her sailing partner, the FSS Wrath of Sparta, a destroyer, broke ranks and began heading to the aid of the freighter. Both ships traversed their gun turrets as the casemates of their missile launchers opened. Signal lights flashed even as the first plumes rose from their launchers, the missiles headed for their targets.

"Send a message to the Defense Directorate, we have engaged the enemy."

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

Meridian City, CFUS

The capital, far from the northern coast where the battle was taking place, endued a peace few cities could. Even the Presidential Residence was looking relatively calm. Inside was a different matter.

"Sir, this came in from Admiral Volkshev," Padorin reported via video-phone.

"I'll alert our Protectorate," the Premier said, "This change in events affects us both."

To: Hon. Jonathan Pariah, Governor, Commonwealth Protectorate
Fr: Steven Vincent Galindo III, President of the Supreme Soviet of the Commonwealth
>>Uknown militant vessels have recently begun unprovoked attacks against Commonwealth shipping. This event threatens not only the Commonwealth, but our territories as well. Under Congressional Discretion 38 of the Protectorate Treaty, I am requiring that the Protectorate immediately dispatch a Self-Defense Fleet to assist the Commonwealth.

ooc: the post by my 'protectorate' will be by "freeunitedstates" this is not me, who is "free united states". it's actually a puppet i gave to my brother, hehe.

Fort-Jefferson

Mike Hutchinsson was smiling. The first attack had gone on excellently, and he was now piloting his robotic aircraft yet once more, directing it towards the location of yet another 'Pirate Island' that has been spotted by commercial satellites. Nine other aircraft were being piloted by Mike's friends that were sitting in cubicles identical to his, three kilometers underground in the Fort-Jefferson Permanent Strategic Fort.

Apparently, another Allanean container ship – now, with a crew of 16 people – had gone down, and something had to be done.

The mission of Mike's squadron was of two parts. First, they passed over several of the tiny islands that were now used by these unknown pirates for their attacks.

AUTOMATIC FIRING SOLUTION FOR TARGET: Y/N

Mike knew that, almost simultaneously with him, nine other people were seeing the same query windows as they approached nine similar targets. He grinned as he envision the destruction that ten 350-kiloton thermonuclear weapons would wreak - and he hit the Y button.

Across ten target locations, ten similar mushrooms rose towards the sky as Mike's comrades hit their own Y buttons within minutes of his own attack.

But for them, it was only the preliminary stage. They now turned to a new location, where Allanean picosatelites had noticed one of the enemy light carriers. They converged upon the craft – but daredn't come into the range of its escort. Nor did they need to.

Each of the ten Allanean bombers carried a single Axis Novan Spectre anti-ship missile, a 15-ton monstrosity with a range of 5,000 furlongs. As the missiles were fired from their maximum range, the elderly, automated bombers turned and went home.

As more and more nuclear weapons went off on the skeleton staffed islands, Claudius was growing ever happier, as he knew the cost to Allanea was far outweighing the cost to his own corporation. Still, however, something needed to be done about the new Allanean satellites, and so even more armed Soyuz craft were deployed to hunt anything Allanea had in orbit.

Meanwhile, the carrier was devastated entirely. The massive vessel groaned as it began to slowly dip into the waves, spilling dozens of aircraft, crewmembers, and pieces of equipment into the sea. The ship was seriously lacking in defense, and the handful of anti-missile batteries it had did little to stop the attack. Now, however, each carrier put up its Phantom's, in an attempt to keep another such attack away.

Official Message from the Roanoke-Island Shipping Company

We grieve to mention the loss of the Sea Star vessel going from Otagia to the Hash, and it's crew of 9. We thank the crew for their sacrifice, and their families will be shortly compensated. We apologize to Pale Rider Arms for the loss of their product, and they will be compensated as soon as we resolve the issue with our insurance company.

Official Message from Johnson Satellite Inc.

We apologize to our clients in Allanean North America over the loss of service. It is temporary and will hopefully be restored soon.

The ASoGM seismic sensors detected the nuclear detonations, if only barely. Seismologists read the first tremor as if it was a nation doing nuclear testing, but then they recorded 10 more such tremors. They forwarded the information on to ASoGM Intelligence, which tasked ASoGM spy satellites to scan the direction that the tremors came from. Hopefully soon, ASoGM Intelligence would know what was going on.

Meanwhile, ASoGM Atlantic Command had heard of the loss of the SS Sea Monster V and the Sea Star vessels. They issued an advisory to all ASoGM shipping companies, notifying them of the 2 losses, and warning about the ever present possibility of piracy in the open ocean. Atlantic Command's advisory also included a reminder of ASoGM naval emergency frequencies, as well as a list of survival equipment that each ship was required by law to carry.

When World Cargo Transport, Inc read the advisory, they immediately contacted the Roanoke-Island Shipping Company using a commercially encrypted fax line.

TO: Roanoke-Island Shipping Company
FROM: World Cargo Transport, Inc
RE: Business proposition

We at World Cargo Transport, Inc have heard of the tragic loss of the Sea Star. Our thoughts are with the families of the crew lost, and we hope that an investigation shows how the Sea Star was lost. Since you have one less vessel to transport cargo, WCT would like to offer the SS Zebu for lease until you can replace the Sea Star, for the price of $100,000 per trip. If this is an acceptable offer, please fax your response to the same number that this fax came from.

Space Command, Imperial Military Command Center, Nieburg, Findan 0230

"Sir, it's confirmed," said Tech Sergent Barry Watson, " The Allaneans lost one of their satellites."

"How, so Sergent? How so?" asked Major Issac Myers

"It, uh... disappeared, sir. It appears at 0200 hours Granton Standard Time, some sort of craft launched late last night GST destroyed it."

"I see, Sergent. Where was this craft launched from?"

"The Blackhelm Confederacy. Griffencrest Corporation"

"Why on Earth would the Blackhelm Confederacy and the Griffencrest Corporation want to attack Allanea. I know they have fought wars before. But attack a Haven nation? Madness, I tell you madness. I'm going to call the Intel Officer," Major Myers pressed a red button on his desk, "Captain Wechsler to the OP Room, Captain to the OP Room."

Within a couple of minutes, a tall lanky captain walked into the OP Room and saluted Major Myers. "Sir!"

"At ease, Wechsler," Myers said returning the salute, "We have some interesting new data coming in, take a look." Myers showed the Captain the information on the launch of the Griffencrest craft and the subsequent destruction of the Allanean satellite.

Wechsler began to scratch his chin and pop his as he began to analyze the data in front of him. After several minutes he finally spoke, "Sir, it fits the pattern for Griffencrest and Blackhelm. These "pirates" that have been harassing Allanean shipping seem too well armed and equipped to be mere pirates or mercenaries. I've never heard of pirates who use aircraft carriers before. Neither have any of my NavInt colleagues. And plus these artificial islands have some similarities as far as we can tell from satellite data to the sea wall Blackhelm built a few years ago. So I'd being willing to conjecture that Blackhelm through Griffencrest is responsible for both the attacks on Allanean merchants and the satellite."

It took a full ninety seconds for Major Myers to full digest Captain Wechsler's analysis, "Recommendations, Captain?"

"Sir, I'd recommend that you get General Sforza on the line immediately.

War Room, Sub shelter C, Imperial Palace Complex, Granton, Findan 0415

Imperial Air Force Major General Sir Count Antonio Romeo Sforza stomach hurt as he took an Alka-Seltzer. Ever since Major Myers had awoken him at 0230 he had been in constant meetings with significantly higher authorities. Now he was sitting in the prime command center in all of Findan with the Supreme General of the Air Force, The Imperial Navy's Grand Admiral, The High Commandant of the Imperial Marine Corps, The Marshal of the Imperial Army, The High Admiral of the Imperial Coast Guard, the intelligence chiefs from all the branches, The Army Lieutenant General in charge of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), The Defense Minister and his Deputies, The Foreign Minister and his deputies, The Prime Minister and his chief aide and The Emperor himself, not looking the least bit haggered.

"I have to agree with Tony's and whatshisname, Captain, ah..."

"Wechsler, sir" said Sforza

"Ah yes Wechsler's analysis. This appears directly tied to Griffencrest which as you all know means Blackhelm. I believe we should inform Allanea and Xeraph of this, Your Majesty," said OSS Chief Jonathan Stoddard

"I agree with you Jon," the Emperor said, "Gentlemen are we in agreence?"

"I believe we all agree on that, Your Majesty," said Prime Minister Sir David Thaxton

While the talks continued Sforza's eyes stomach continued to pain him. It was stress. He was both a count and a major general, but he just wasn't used to seeing so many of the Empire's most powerful in one room at one time.

"...we should go to DEFCON 1" said Supreme General Dame Sandra Harrington, "and strike while we have surprise"

"With all do respect Your Majesty I disagree with Supreme General Harrington's statement. I believe it is advisable to keep the deception going long enough to deceive Griffencrest into thinking we have been tricked," General Stoddard said.

"I agree with you, Jon," the Emperor said, "I'm sorry Sandra, but it is useful for us to keep the deception going long enough to prepare for full scale warfare. General Sforza, what should we do about the satellites?"

Sforza froze for a split second before replying, with a surprisingly calm and confident sounding voice, "Your Majesty, there is nothing we can do to protect Allanea's satellites without using our kill sats and I'd prefer to use them against Blackhelm's sats. At this point the best we can do is keep our guard up and share infomation with Allanea."

The Emperor nodded, "Very well, we shall do that. Good job Antonio, good job. Ladies and Gentlemen, dismissed"

Commander Haro was in a frenzy, barking orders to a dozen ships in several languages. Many reports pouring in, two in particular causing concern.

Ralkovia had joined Blackhelm in it's quest for control of Allanean shipping lanes. Ostensibly because they thought they would be rewarded by the larger and more powerful BC government. 'Theyr'e gonna get rewarded alright', thought Haro. Ensign Naga, advise Amra of Ralkovian presence and get me any info on them. I'm not particularly concerned about them, and I have half a plan figured out where we could possibly nip this war in the bud."

"Aye sir. Give me a minute."

The other concern was a report that a GriffCorp assault had been launched against a commercial satellite. About a dozen Soyuz units had all but taken out the satellite. Turning to his second-in-command, Haro pointed at a spatial map and said, "Captain Sagai, I'm sure our Orbiting Battle Platforms are not only aware of the strike on the satellite and more than able to defend themselves against just about anything the Griffs could throw against them,but for my peace of mind, contact both of them and confirm their battle-preparedness."

The OBPs were state-of-the-art battle/recon/atmospheric units used as a planetary scanning unit. The OBPs were to satellites as nuke-powered battleships were to canoes. Armed with an arsenal of defensive/offensive weapons, they'd yet to lose a fight. Pulse cannons, red, green, and blue lasers, photon torpedoes and a host of conventional machined response auto-guns made them formidable. In fact, an enemy had never even gotten within twenty miles of one before it was destroyed.

The OBPs were largely manned by AI units programmed to initiate total defensive/offensive procedures. They were very good at it.

A message streamed across Haro's commscreen. The AI "commander" assured him that the OBPs were aware of the situation and at 'alert-attack' status. Anything that came within one hundred miles of either OBP would cease to exist in a rapid manner.

"Sir, we've a report of a Dungalian merchant ship was attacked and rendered adrift by BC Kilic Class attack boats. Tarlag's on it's way, but we're closer. The attack centered on coordinates just beyond the horizon."

"How many Kilics, ensign?"

"Several sir. Perhaps as many as a dozen."

'A wolf-pack', thought Haro. "Ensign, have Nauticus units 23 through 27 head due west and constant-scan the area. Have two of the missile destroyers back 'em up."

"Aye sir. Sir, we also have Tarlagian aircraft headed to the coordinates with BC F-4's in pursuit."

"Very well. I want Mamba Squadron 81 and Rattlesnake Squadron 116 to set an intercept course to the skies over the last Kilic sighting. That's where the dogfight will happen....if Tarlag doesn't make mincemeat outta those bastards first. Back those two squadrons up with two more. Mambas and Rattlesnakes."

"Aye sir.

Haro made a decision. "Captain Sagai. Make ready the Cottonmouths and King Cobras."

"Sir?"

Haro gave Sagai a penetrating look. "We're gonna introduce Ralkovia to our Royal Xeraphian Airforce..........."

ASD Command
"Sir we've registered multiple nuclear detonations in the combat zone as well as a space based assault on Allanean satellites and it looks like its going to become an all out war." Said the intel officer as he turned to Admiral Derk Lance over the linkup.
"Fair enough," Replied lance. "Ill bring all of our Space combat platforms online now as well as launching the Honor, Thor and Odin with max leaches to protect our space assets. "
"Alright," Said admiral Hawk, "on ground lets get all of our ABM sites online now. Bring up all fleet and aerial forces and begin workup on our land based troops as well. Have our spec ops forces ready to go at once and tell our overseas combat forces that they may be coming home very soon."

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=60608&d=1220905611

From: ASD Command
To: Allanean Government

Re: Nuclear Attack
Message: We cannot condone your almost thoughtless use of nuclear weaponry against your enemies. We do not support these "pirates" who we believe may be linked to a major military nation but we cannot accept your tactics in responding. The ASD is closing all trading and diplomatic ties to Allanea at this time.
Signed,
General Issac Puller
Commander of the Forces of the ASD



Ultra High Encryption
To: Ralkovian Millitary Command
From: Admiral Sophia Hawk, Admiral Owen Hawk, Commander Lewis, Commander Cage
Be warned we have received intel that you are supporting griffencrest and blackhelm in their war against Allanea. This Intel is probably available to more than just our country which suggests that you may be a target of Allanea or any of its powerful allies. We will help to defend your nation if it comes to that but against such powerful enemies it would be . . .bad. Allanea alone has around 5x the population and 4x the military spending of both our nations combined. Get out of this war if you can or hunker down and prepare for invasion by others if you can't.

Fort-Jefferson

“Fucking hell, our sattelites are getting fried! We lost like – oh jesus, is this now fifteen sats?”

“More like fifty. Thirty surveillance and twenty radar stations, but that doesn't count damage to the civilian networks. Mind, with the Findanese data, and the attack information from our own networks, we now know it's Griffincrest. Let's hit them.”

“Apparnetly, the Xeraphians are engaging them already.”

“Very well. Put the Gorgons on standby if it doesn't work out.”

* * *

Official Release from the Ginrich Shipping Company

We mourn the loss of the SS Glorious Beginning and its crew of 10, on its way to Cottish ports to deliver a special order of Te Royal to his Majesty the King of Cotland, of twenty million dollars in value. We will do our best to reimburse His Majesty,

* * *

A single UCAV stealth bomber was passing over yet another islet. Behind it, another bomber followed. With their mounted cameras, they filmed, from various angles, the first bomber drop out 6 B-61 350-kiloton nuclear weapons on the small piece of land, and six mushroom clouds rising as the bombers passed high over head.

Then, a video was compiled from the data, posted on Youtube, and the link was sent to the DaWoad foreign ministry.

At the beginning of the video, two sentences appeared:

Your environmentalism. This is what we think of it.

As the image of six nuclear explosions obliterating the island faded to black, one last sentence appeared:

Allanean Subtlety – better than any other subtlety since 2003.

Aboard H.D.S. Rumgar the Terror

Commander Lewis and Admrial Zanatos had transferred down to the Battle cruisers C&C ceter. The Radar screens and intercoms were alive with activity.
"Sir, I have a group of 8+ aircraft on an intercept with our strike package."
The Admiral looked at the holo table for a moment and studied the symbols.
"What fool sends old F-4s after Sea Gripens? Lewis, Order the CAP to intercept those fighters. Have Victory and Viceroy launch all fighters. Please order the strike package to retreat for the moment."

With those orders 6 Sea Gripens left their CAP position and raced at supersonic speed to intercept the fighters.

Sir, Cats-eye 3 reports 25+ Kilic Class attack boats on an intercept with us range 100 miles and closing."
"Why in the hell didn't Sat intell pick this Shit up Lewis?"
"Allanean Sats got fried a little while ago Sir. We are switching over to our own and the Xeraphian battle stations for live feeds now."
"Very well, Order all ships prepare for surface action I want all aircraft off the decks. Some joker in an attack boat is going to get a very nasty surprise. Order Captain Marks to Fire surface to surface when targeting data is obtained."
Commander Lewis had finally gotten the Sat feeds up again. "Sir, I have tracked back those F-4s to their base. It looks like some one has converted a pair of super tankers to carriers. Would be effective against civilian ships but meat to any real fighting ships. I also have confirmation that Xeraph has sent a couple of Squadrons to intercept those Phantoms also"
Zanatos stroked his beard for a moment and said. "Order Sub group 7 to dispatch a pair of stealth subs to take out those tankers. We need them out of the game Mr. Lewis!"
The C&C attack officer got Zanatos's attantion. "I have plots on the incoming attack boats. I am launching Sea Dragon missiles from us and escorts Now!"
With that Order Missiles lept from the launchers on the Battle cruiser and the dozen escorting corvettes. Each sea skimming missile racing to is selected target at supersonic speed.

"Sir, I have a report from Catseye 3. Bandits have splashed the two A-10s Escorts are engaging and intercept will be their in 30 seconds.

Eeobroht, Cotland

"What?"

"Majesty, the ship carrying your tea was sunk with all hands and cargo by pirates." The Allanean ambassador said, appropriately somber.

"Pirates? Who support these pirates?" King Haakon VIII of Cotland asked, the shock starting to be replaced by anger.

"Griffincrest Sire."

"Griffincrest? Haven't you eradicated the bastards yet?"

"It's in the works. I am not at liberty to say anything, you understand."

"These pirate swine have just cost me over twenty million in a very costly tea, and you won't tell me?" The King asked angrily. "Fine. I'll have my navy seek down these swines and destroy them myself since the Allanean government seems unable to do this themselves. Perhaps your navy should sniff a little less cocaine and sink a few more ships. Regardless, I fully expect you to reimburse my lost expense as per the contract."

"Technically, Sire, it's the Stossel Tea Company's job, and I'm sure they will - after all, their reputation hinges on it."

Somewhere outside Haven
100 meters below the water

The Royal Cottish Navy submarine U-1984, a nuclear-powered attack submarine in the Tigerhai class was roaming the sea not too far from Havenic waters when it was suddenly called up to periscope depth. After rising calmly and quietly to just under 30 meters, a depth that allowed the submarine to raise its thin communications mast just enough over the choppy waves above to download the message, and downloading the message, the 8 200 ton submarine quietly slipped back down to 100 meters while the message was decrypted.

A few minutes later, as the submarine settled back to the three-knot patrol pattern just underneath the deflecting water shift that prevented anyone listening at the surface to hear what was going on below the water shift which was at approximately 90 meters, the message was decoded and brought forward to the commander of the submarine.

The message was simple: Commence immediately anti-piracy operations in Sectors EH-64 through EH-69 with concentration on Griffincrest-backed piracy. Unrestricted warfare is permitted. Good hunting.

Ten hours later, U-1984 had made a meticulous plot of all sonar contacts within range of her sensitive sonar array, and begun investigating suspicious targets. Three contacts had already been checked and cleared as one Allanean and two Praetonian merchant ships, and thus cleared. Now, the submarine was quietly stalking a third contact that sounded like an old tanker of some sort but that had a somewhat strange sonar signature that didn't sound quite like a normal merchant ship. It wasn't much that was strange, but it was sufficient to investigate.

The Cottish submarine was just within visual range for its powerful photonics mast, approximately eleven kilometers from the contact when the commander decided it was worth the risk to raise the photonics mast and do a visual investigation. The sub had risen quietly from the safe depth of 200 meters to 19 meters, and was now in the ideal position to raise its photonics mast to investigate.

As the mast penetrated the waterline, the commander immediately zoomed in on the contact just over 11 kilometers away, and was immediately surprised by what looked like a oil tanker with what looked like F-4 Phantom II fighters sitting on what looked like an improvised flight deck, and flying a jolly roger from the mast. After a good five-second look, the photonics mast was withdrawn and the submarine quietly made its way back down to 200 meters and began maneuvering into position behind the lone oiler-turned-carrier while the senior staff aboard the submarine began planning the attack. The senior staff decided to do a classical torpedo attack against the pirate ship's stern.

With the game plan set, all U-1984 had to do was to carry it out. After quietly maneuvering into position, the submarine was ready to carry out its job, and with warshot Mk.70 Improved Swordfish Mk.IIIA torpedoes loaded in five of the six 533 mm torpedo tubes, the submarine was ready to do its job. From a distance of no more than six thousand meters, the U-1984 fired three torpedoes in rapid succession.

The torpedoes were designed to move at a relatively slow pace of 30 knots for the first thousand meters, getting some distance between the mother submarine and the target before the torpedo warheads were armed and increased to their run speed of 75 knots, closing the distance very quickly as their guidance system went active and high-pitched sound waves were emitted from the torpedo guidance systems, guiding the expensive pieces of weaponry right on their target. The torpedoes were designed to detonate underneath the hull of the target vessel, causing a bubble of vaccume that would force the water underneath the keel to rush down to fill the vaccume, and thus create a vaccume strong enough to snap the keel and ship in half.

With three torpedoes that would detonate like this in rapid succession, the pirate oiler-carrier was doomed. While the torpedoes made their run, U-1984 withdrew from the scene, using its sonar to record and observe the sinking. If the oiler refused to sink after being split in half, the submarine would be on scene to deliver the coup-de-grace. Regardless of how well the oiler was built, it would at the very least be incapacitated, or, more likely, sink to the bottom of the sea.

Elsewhere in the vast area of seas outside Haven, other Cottish submarines had received similar orders and began hunting down pirates, especially Griffincrest-sponsored ones. No mercy would be shown. The Royal Cottish Navy was, for all intents and purposes, but there had been no official announcement or even word of the Cottish Navy participating. Nor would there be any, at least not yet.

Imperial Naval Submarine Task Force 11.2 ,IFS Seawolf SSN, Havenic waters, Sector 2-3B, 0600 Granton Standard Time

The smooth, sleek, ultra-silent Virginia class attack submarine, the finest in the Imperial navy, was slowing moving towards the position of the sole remaining pirate aircraft carrier.

"Sir, we are almost in position to begin our attack" said Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Fredrick Compton

"Very well. Right one-third," said Commander Phillip Mancuso,

"Right one-third!"

"Right one-third!"

The sub slowly settled into a position not less than 1600 meters from the last carrier.

"Cox'n bring us up too 150 and hold steady. Prepare to Yankee search the carrier."

"Prepare tubes one and three. I want three salvos, of Mark-48's with a fifteen second delay between each salvo."

"Tubes one and three, three salvos, fifteen second delay!" sir said Weapons Officer Lieutenant, Senior Grade Prince Terence Vandaland, brother to the Emperor.

"Yankee search the bastard!"

"Beginning firing protocol in ten, nine, eight seven six, five, four, three, two, one. First salvo is a go, repeat first salvo is a go," said Lieutenant Vandaland

Mancuso gave a nod, "Very good, Vandaland, very good"

"Second salvo is off, I repeat second salvo is off. Third salvo in seven, six, five, four, three, two one... third salvo is a go"

As the Seawolf fired its salvos six other Virginia class submarines also fired similar salvos at the same range. At this time thirty-six Mark-48 (ADCAP) torpedoes were in the water speeding towards the last Griffencrest Corporation aircraft carrier.

Goshawk Flight, 0607

From the the Findanian aircraft carriers a flight of 200 F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighters each armed with four AIM-132 ASRAAM missles.

"Sir, we have locks on targets" said Lieutenant, Senior Grade Phil "Kamikaze" Nakamura

"Excellent, Kamikaze, prepare to launch missiles," said William "Wild Bill" MacDaniels, "Centurion One, Fox three!"

"Centurion Two, Fox Two!"

"Centurion Twenty-two Fox One!"

Half the strike force launched missiles at the Griffencrest F-4's as the range between the two Naval Air Forces closed quickly.

OOC: Findan and other submarine attackers, you would have been picked up before getting within 1600 meters.
IC:

The massive nuclear strikes were, although bothersome due to the loss of land, continuing to rack up costs to the Allanean, which was all that Claudius could hope for. Still, the weapons were a nuisance, and had to be dealt with. Any island with a runway was ordered to scramble its Su-15's and F-4's, and fly in circles over the island in order to keep the enemy bombers away. Dozens of torpedo bombers, in the mean time, began to take off from their island airbases and search for any ships, military or civilian, of the nations selected as targets. A high priority, as inhumane as it seems, was placed on the sinking of ocean liners. It was decided that these vessels would cause the largest loss of life, and thus would create the largest amount of unrest. Of course, it would likely build anger against the pirates, it would also likely cause people to stay away from that industry, thus further damaging the economies of the targeted nations.

At the conflict with the Tarlagian forces, the ten Phantom II's began to fire upon the Sea Grippen's as soon as they came within range. Having four more planes than the opposition was going to be a big plus for the pirate aircraft, and the well trained pilot's could not hurt their chances of winning. At sea, the twenty five Kilic'c began to target the picket of smaller ships of the Tarlagian fleet, and prepared to loose their Harpoons at a maximum range before getting the hell out of dodge.

Already, many of the Kilic's had been lost, several off of the coast of FUS. This, however, was met with a storm of missiles at any FUS military or civilian ships within range of any weapon on the Kilic's or Slava's. With dozens of pirate vessels sinking around the world, it was about time to inflict some military casualties on the enemy.

OOC: Why would they need to get that close? Modern torpedoes have FAR better range, by multiple orders of magnitude.

IC:

Now, the Allaneans has let loose the entire fleet of their remote-controled, elderly bombers – 90 Sariel, flying in groups of 2, as close to the water as the navigational programs could safely take them. They hunted down groups of Kirics – one 25-Kiric group per 2 Sariels – and released their missile armament at a range of 125 furlongs (or, for non-Allaneans 25 kilometers) away from the target.

Every single Sariel carried 40 Harpoon missiles – which meant, in turn, that every pair of 'Sariels' could distribute 80 Harpoons, unevenly divided, for the entertainment of 25 gunboats. Then, the stealth aircraft would run back.

If there weren't enough gunboat squadrons to around, then it simply meant that some poor squadron would get a double dose of Harpoons. Such was life.

Orbiting Battle Platform 16 continued to monitor all phases of the war. At precisely 1635 hours, nine gravity guided lasers fired nine short, 10-second bursts in a cross-hatch configuration followed by nine level three photon torpedoes. After the lasers fried the Soyuz manuvering panels, rendering them motionless, the torpedoes blew them apart, the noiseless explosions lighting up the deep black eastern skies. That task accomplished, the AI program draped a magnetic curtain around the remaining Allanean satellites, securing them from further attack......

________________________________________________________________


Lt. Commander Jiggs had given his orders and with the coordinated stats provided by the Tarlagians dove out of the sun, weapons systems fully locked on the Phantoms. The outdated....antique actually...F-4s were scrambling for their lives. A few managed to get off a few missiles, largely ineffectual. "Alright gents, let's get this over with. There's a t-bone on the grill with my name on it back on the Vesper. Copy?" Twenty-three responses in the affirmative resulted in Phantoms being blown out of the sky.
In less than 16 minutes it was all over. Mambas, Rattlesnakes, and Tarlag.....perfect together. Jiggs toggled the commscreen. "Commander Haro, if you'd be so kind as to inform HQ that the BC F-4s are no longer a problem, I'd appreciate it. Also, get a message off to Ozgood. Tell him that I'm glad those fighters are on OUR side. Jiggs out."

________________________________________________________________


Back aboard the Last Stand, Fleet Commander Haro cooly surveyed the scene on deck. A half-dozen King Cobra fighter-bombers and the new sub-sonic Cottonmouth fighters were lined up for take-off. "All units ready, sir," Came over the loudspeaker.

"Very well, Lt. Commander. Commence."

One by one, twelve Royal Xeraphian aircraft lifted off the flight-deck, coordinates set for the Ralkovian coast. Seventy-two Black Lion missiles with sarin-tipped warheads would be teaching Ralkovia a lesson they'd not soon forget. The lesson? Here's what happens when you back the wrong horse.....

The Allanean strike devastated the Kilic fleets, but did not end them. Dozens of vessels were sunk around the world, but many were saved thanks to therir proximities to nearby island airbases. (Remember, these ships have a limited range. Where there are ships, an island is not very far.) Over a hundred Su-15 Flagons and F-4 Phantom II's were soon blasting into the sky to catch the Sariels as they approached the wolf packs closer to their home bases. For the ones far away, they were lost.

In an effort to prevent any more attack of this nature, Al Riyadh class frigates, one to each pack, were added to the commerce raiders ranks, and all future carrier deployments were called off.

To: Xeraph
From: Ralkovian High Command
Satellite, Thermal, and Radar scanners show that you have 12 military aircraft heading towards Ralkovian airspace, we erge you to turn around. Do not force us into action, we have done nothing wrong.

(Check the OOC thread Xeraph, if you can't find the post it can be summarized as, how in G-ds name do you even know that I am helping GC? I didn't even announce it yet)

To: Xeraph
From: Ralkovian High Command
Satellite, Thermal, and Radar scanners show that you have 12 military aircraft heading towards Ralkovian airspace, we erge you to turn around. Do not force us into action, we have done nothing wrong.

(Check the OOC thread Xeraph, if you can't find the post it can be summarized as, how in G-ds name do you even know that I am helping GC? I didn't even announce it yet)

ooc: already answered it. Not to worry, I'm willing to take losses in this attack. TTYL

The Allanean Sariels turned and ran. They were elderly planes, that had long lived out their term of usefulness Their stealth coating was wearing off, and their control surfaces were not as good as they used to be. On their way back to Allanea, 5 Sariels were shot down by the enemy, 2 crashed into the sea due to programming errors, and 3 suffered a variety of engine or equipment failures. That was through no fault of their manufacturers in Tyrandis, they were just that really, really old.

In the meanwhile, the cancelling of carrier operations was bound to harm the ability of the Blackhelmian Navy to for commerce raiding – the range of the Harpoon missiles was very low, of course, and by the time such ships got into the necessary 50 km range, they'd long be noticed by sattelites, and the merchant ships could be warned against them.

And soon, the remaining 80 Sariels came out again. This time, each of them carried a single long-range Spectre missile. With these, they would hunt and attack the enemy ships at long range, far longer than the range of even the Al-Ryad's AA cannon, or the radius of CAPs. The still-remaining limited stealth abilities of the Sariels allowed to them to get to 800 kilometers, launch the missile, and run.

Colonel Traybard spoke into the microphone,"Please turn around, you are operating in Ralkovian airspace, we do not want war."

500 PICLSAMS began to take aim at the approaching aircraft. With the ability to fire a kamikaze missile, which was guided by a computer rather than a thermals or radar it was immune from Chafe and other anti-missile weaponry.

"Commander Haro. Message coming in."

The message coming across the commscreen was just a message, but Haro could 'feel' the anger behind it. It read as follows:

'Fleet Commander Haro you are to recall all aircraft from their ordered strike on Ralkovia. YOU know and I know of their potential backing of Griffencrest, but it would be an unprovoked act of war against them without concrete evidence. The Empire has NEVER accosted a nation without a reason, and we're not going to now. I personally will let you and the other commanders know when and if we are to engage them. Amra out."

Haro was livid, but his Emperor had issued a direct order. "Ensign, order recall on all aircraft coordinated on Ralkovian coastline. Return to base. Haro out."

Haro sure hoped that Amra knew what he was doing. Only time would tell.

The Ralkovians were pissed, it had been discussed that helping griffincrest might be an option but now it was the only option. The xeraph had angered the giant and now it would strike back. The Forlorn Squadron, a Ralkovian-backed submarine fleet would be ordered to strike back soon enough, just as soon as an agent arrived and met the captain of the fleet to discuss the plans.

The Allanean air assault was devastating. Only ten missiles were brought down. Sixty Kilic's and ten Al-Riyadh's were blown away by the assault. In response, a larger Su-15 and F-4 patrol was ordered, to cover as much ground as they can and hopefully prevent another such attack. With all of the carriers having now been brought down, the privateers were forced to rely on this air cover from islands, and were now in a position not dissimilar from WWII Japan.

Meanwhile, the hunt for passnger liners was stepped up, and Griffincrest satellites were beginning to relay the positions of ships leaving Allanean and Findanese ports, to make the hunt that much easier for the wolf packs.

As the Allanean air assault has been seen as successful, the Sariels have been sent out once more. The logic was simple – as long as the Allaneans kept hurting the privateeers, the privateers would have problems hurting them – and the long-range guided missiles would enable them to stretch the limits of ability of the enemy aircraft.

Of course, the tactics would have to be adjusted. Wasting expensive 30 million dollar missiles on such such minor ships would not do – and this tim the Allanean aircraft would launch their missiles only and solely at the Al-Ryadhs. Of course, this time, it was very likely they'd get noticed and attacked by enemy fighters – but because of the stealthy, surface-hugging approach, the Allaneans were assured that it would only happen after they launch.

Besides, this time, the Sariels carried not just Spectre missiles, but also something exra. What precisely, would soon be revealed.

* * *

A single UCAV stealth bomber was passing over yet another islet. Behind it, another bomber followed. With their mounted cameras, they filmed, from various angles, the first bomber drop out 6 B-61 350-kiloton nuclear weapons on the small piece of land, and six mushroom clouds rising as the bombers passed high over head.

Then, a video was compiled from the data, posted on Youtube, and the link was sent to the DaWoad foreign ministry.

At the beginning of the video, two sentences appeared:

Your environmentalism. This is what we think of it.

As the image of six nuclear explosions obliterating the island faded to black, one last sentence appeared:

Allanean Subtlety – better than any other subtlety since 2003.
The response to the video was another video. Also on youtube it showed what, at first, seemed to be the same picture. A single UCAV heading towards a desolate island. Then a pan to a combined AA/ABM site similar to many that surrounded the ASD and its lands. A single silo opened and one missile launched tracking towards the horizon. The shot then flipped back to the UCAV Bomber A single bright spot heading towards it, A large explosion, and the final shot showed thousand of metal fragments tearing through the plane and a massive fireball. a message then appeared on the screen.
If your gonna threaten do it right.

The two small fleets exchanged missile fire. The one major advantage the Tarlagian ships had were advanced anti-missile systems protecting their heavier ships. The Kilic's had shot their missiles but most that targeted the heavier ships were intercepted before they hit.

After the surviving attackers had fled out of missile range Zanatos looked over the damage reports two patrol ships and a Fletcher sunk along with two A-10s and three Gripens. He smiled thinking of the timely arrival of the Xeraphian fighters. According to the reports the F-4 pilots were good better then they should have been but Tarlagian Naval flyer's were some of the best trained in the military. It was plain and simple fact the Sea-Gripens just out maneuvered the obsolete fighters. The Admiral thoughts were interrupted by Commander Lewis.
"Admrial Zanatos, I have a report from SH-409* They are shadowing the remaining Kilics that attacked us and will follow them back to their base."
"Very well Lewis, We will let them lead us back to their home port then we will screw them hard. We can launch an air strike and take them out. While we are waiting I want to contact the other commanders in the area and lets see if we can coordinate our actions. We are stronger if we act together then we are operating now."
Lewis smiled and responded "Very well, I will see to it. I do have a question, are we going to wait for the Grand Isle and her attack group or are we going to continue operations?"
"Mr. Lewis, They are only about 300 miles behind us by now and pushing hard I see little reason to withdraw."

* occ SH-409 is a hydrogen powered sub is based on a real world German built sub. According to reports it is one of the most undetectable subs today

[SIZE="1"]
Already, many of the Kilic's had been lost, several off of the coast of FUS. This, however, was met with a storm of missiles at any FUS military or civilian ships within range of any weapon on the Kilic's or Slava's. With dozens of pirate vessels sinking around the world, it was about time to inflict some military casualties on the enemy.

"Radar picking up multiple inbound contacts," the radar officer reported, "Vampire, vampire!"

"Activating ECM," the Signals Officer said.

"IR signatures confirmed, 35 seconds to impact."

"Automated defense systems activated," the Weapons officer relayed, "Firing SeaRAM."

Aboard the FSS Blessed Regess, the tactical situation was being thoroughly maintained. Even as the crew saw the storm of missiles, they kept their cool. Blossoms of orange flame erupted in the sky as the Regess' and her companion ship Wrath of Sparta's missiles intercepted.

"Multiple trajectories still inbound, heading for the Horizon."

"Activate defensive turrets."

Casemates opened, revealing double-barreled Phalanx guns on an automated mount. Flame spat from the barrels as they tracked the missiles, destroying them before they struck.

"Too many contacts, automated systems can't keep up," the Weapons officer reported.

"Switch to manual targeting," the tactical officer answered.

"Aye sir, switching targeting, turrets are responding."

"Fire Needle-mines," the Tac officer said.

From another rack of casemates, small rockets fired into the air. They burst in quick succession, littering the sky with metal flechettes. Missiles impacted and lost track of the ship as the Needle-mines gave a false radar image.

"Sir, the Horizon's been hit," the radar officer informed them. "Two direct hits; the captain reports the damage is managable."

"Fire Harpoons!" the Tac officer said. The missiles left their racks in quick succession, heading for the next targets.

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

Sabre Flight

"This is a direct fire order," the radio informed the fighter pilots. The Rafale's of the Lions' VFA-99 Light-Sabres had been holding position away from the fight.

"Starbase/Sabre, confirmed," the flight lead, Lt. Cdr. Mavroes answered.

"You are to attack any hostile vessels not immediately engaged with our forward ships," came the order.

"Roger that," he answred. "Let's get low and let's get fast."

The fighter rolled and dove towards the deck. At thirty feet, the fighters leveled out and headed towards their targets. Each carried four Exocet missiles. Once they'd locked onto their targets, they launched two each, the missiles streaking low over the water.

Six more seismic tremors were noted by the ASoGM seismologists, coinciding with the 6 nuclear weapons dropped by Allanea. This new data was forwarded to ASoGM Intelligence, where it was filed with the other seismic data. One of the Intelligence analysts stumbled upon the Allanean video on Youtube, and copied it for the records. Now ASoGM Intelligence knew who was using the nukes, and started to work up a dossier with all the information, to present to both the President and Minister of Defense.

"Heads up, Josh!"

Captain Joshua Drake started awake, feet scraping off his desk as he tried in vain to restore some sense of propriety to his office. The heavy stack of folders that landed in his lap foiled his last chance at dignity, knocking the wind out of him. Wincing, Drake set the stack by his computer, glaring at the Samurai intruding in his office. If dignity was denied him, he might as well go with indignation.

"The hell, Sam," Drake growled, catching his breath. "Can't a man get some sleep around here? And what the hell's with the files? Haven't you heard of a fucking DVD?"

Sam grinned, plopping down in the chair next to Drake, her crimson uniform pristine, befitting a Samurai of her station. If only she would behave as one...

"Sorry, Josh, but duty calls. Reports say a ship carrying a bunch of Rider goodies got hit. Allanean hauler, hit by pirates, probably in the employ of Griffincrest. I've got hackers and forensic accountants going over their financials, but I'd like a bit more confirmation."

Joshua sighed. "So you brought it to me. The file's got coordinates?"

"Yep. Can you backtrack 'em?"

"Should be able to. Anything our satellites missed I can get off of other systems. So many eyes in the sky these days it's impossible to not see something. It's all a matter of knowing where to look."

Opening the file, Joshua's fingers flew across his keyboard. Quickly, a bird's eye view of the sinking Allanean vessel was plastered across one of his monitors.

"There we go. Now just need to zoom out a bit... There we go. And rewind..." The attacking vessels were clearly visible, moving swiftly backwards through the water. "Just gonna speed it up a bit, otherwise we'll be here for weeks. So... why do you need this anyway?"

Samantha grinned, perfect teeth shining in the cold fluorescent light. "Oh, we don't. We can always just blame Griffincrest, say our spy network has reliable intelligence, blah blah blah. Nobody would ever know the difference. It's just that David would prefer to have some sort of hard evidence before committing forces."

Drake cracked a smile, amused by Sam's casual view of the situation. "Well, makes sense I suppose. Can't say I- Whoops, here we go!" Pausing the satellite video streaming by, he froze the image of the vessels docked in port. "Gotcha! I've got a port location, we can figure out the owners of the vessels from there. Probably mercs, but we can check out their background, get their financials, and figure out who hired them that way. Failing that, looks like they backtrack all the way to the Confederacy. Now get out of here, I've got real work to do."

The Samurai grinned, slugging Joshua in the shoulder. "Like hell you do. Thanks for the data, I'll see what my guys can do with this. Oh, and you still on for the softball league?"

"Hell yes! Can't let you keep ribbing me about last season, can I?"

"Josh, I'm never going to stop ribbing you about last season. Ciao!"

Leaning back in his chair, Drake watched the Samurai General leave. Why can't more of those tightasses be like her?

Grand Duke Ozgood sat at the head of the conference table and listened to the reports coming in.

"Ok people, we have supposed pirates equipped with corvettes and makeshift aircraft carriers fighting us. Can someone please tell me who they are?"

"General Gayland Cox looked around the room then responded. "Military intelligence believes it is Griffincrest. They have had some disagreements with the Allanean Government recently and tensions have been high."
Looking over his report he continued "The first attacks only involved Allanean flagged vessels. Only after other nations got involved to protect their trade with Allanea did they start hitting ships from other nations."

"So Gayland, who has been hit?"

"Allanean ships mainly and three under our flag. The container ship Zanatos rescued, the natural gas carrier Kingstown, and the fishing factory ship Sea King IV. Findan has lost ships along with Free United States and Xeraph among others. I also had a report that a Cotish shipment of Tea was lost on a Allanean ship."

"So what, they lost some tea what has that to do with anything?"

"Intelligence did not think much of it at first until we started intercepting satellite traffic between their Fleet Command and one of their U-Boats operating in the area."

Looking over at Fleet Admiral Dayron the Duke said "Tell you people in the area not to get to trigger happy. We don't need any friendly fire incidents. I also want to send a message out to the government involved with the intelligence we have on the attackers. Send a copy of that to Cotland also but not through official channels. They may be trying to keep this quite."

Dayron wrote the instructions down then asked. "Any instructions for Zanatos?"

"Rescue any crewmen off of those ships he sunk and see what they know. Also tell him to keep on the offensive. If those bastards are fighting us they can't be sinking freighters"

For U-1984, the attack had been a complete success. The Suezmax had broken in half and slipped below the waves, the evidences being the sonar recordings and the images taken from the photonics mast after the attack. While there were some survivors in the water, the submarine had done absolutely nothing to try to save them. The Royal Cottish Navy had no interest in rescuing pirates, unless of course it was so that they could be hung from the yardarm. Since the U-1984 didn't have a yardarm, the submarine was satisfied with leaving the pirates to succumb to the elements. Quietly, the U-1984 went deeper again and began making for the next suspicious contact.

A short while later, far from the area where U-1984 and her sister submarines prowled the waves in search for pirate vessels, a Baldrick MRE.1 electronic surveillance aircraft flew at high altitudes, using its powerful sensors to search for pirate targets that it could hand over to the regiment of twenty supersonic Blackadder MSE.2AEP maritime strike bombers that was en-route, laden down with twelve LSM.71B Fenris anti-shipping missiles each. It didn't take too long for the Baldrick to detect its target, a small fleet of surface contacts emitting electronic signatures similar to those of the Kilic class corvette and Al-Riyad class frigate that the Baldrick's eight-man crew knew that the Griffincrest pirates used. Smiling, the craft commander broke the radio silence and transmitted the co-ordinates of the target over the encrypted communications network.

Thirty minutes later, a little less than three hundred kilometers from the pirate fleet, the twenty Blackadders had turned their jammers on maximum and assumed launching positions, opened the bombbay doors and began releasing ordinance. The stealthy Fenris missile had a range just shy of 300 kilometers, and would cruise to the target at Mach 1.5 before entering the terminal phase that would increase speed to Mach 2.1, which along with the penetrator cap would allow the missile to punch through the hulls of the enemy ships on kinetic energy alone, where the 150 kilogram blast-fragmentation warhead would detonate and cause havoc with the enemy ship. In order to ensure mission success, the Blackadders fired three Fenris missiles per Kilic, and five per Al-Riyad. The idea was that the quantity of missiles would overwhealm whatever existed of air defenses the Al-Riyads possessed and guarantee destruction.

With the missiles fired, the Blackadders closed the bombbay doors and turned tail, returning to base while their ordinance streaked towards the pirate ships at Mach 1.5. The destruction of the King's rather expensive tea had to be avenged with such overkill that no one would ever again dare to touch His Majesty's property!

Imperial Naval Submarine Task Force 11.2 ,IFS Seawolf SSN, Havenic waters, Sector 2-3B, 0600 Granton Standard Time

The smooth, sleek, ultra-silent Virginia class attack submarine, the finest in the Imperial navy, was slowing moving towards the position of the sole remaining pirate aircraft carrier.

"Sir, we are almost in position to begin our attack" said Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Fredrick Compton

"Very well. Right one-third," said Commander Phillip Mancuso,

"Right one-third!"

"Right one-third!"

The sub slowly settled into a position at approximately 2.6 kilometers from the last carrier.

"Cox'n bring us up too 150 and hold steady. Prepare to Yankee search the carrier."

"Prepare tubes one and three. I want three salvos, of Mark-48's with a fifteen second delay between each salvo."

"Tubes one and three, three salvos, fifteen second delay!" sir said Weapons Officer Lieutenant, Senior Grade Prince Terence Vandaland, brother to the Emperor.

"Yankee search the bastard!"

"Beginning firing protocol in ten, nine, eight seven six, five, four, three, two, one. First salvo is a go, repeat first salvo is a go," said Lieutenant Vandaland

Mancuso gave a nod, "Very good, Vandaland, very good"

"Second salvo is off, I repeat second salvo is off. Third salvo in seven, six, five, four, three, two one... third salvo is a go"

As the Seawolf fired its salvos six other Virginia class submarines also fired similar salvos at the same range. At this time thirty-six Mark-48 (ADCAP) torpedoes were in the water speeding towards the last Griffencrest Corporation aircraft carrier.

Goshawk Flight, 0607

From the the Findanian aircraft carriers a flight of 200 F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighters each armed with four AIM-132 ASRAAM missles.

"Sir, we have locks on targets" said Lieutenant, Senior Grade Phil "Kamikaze" Nakamura

"Excellent, Kamikaze, prepare to launch missiles," said William "Wild Bill" MacDaniels, "Centurion One, Fox three!"

"Centurion Two, Fox Two!"

"Centurion Twenty-two Fox One!"

Half the strike force launched missiles at the Griffencrest F-4's as the range between the two Naval Air Forces closed quickly.

Presidential Residence, Meridian City CFUS

More than a hundred feet below the capital of the Commonwealth, there was a room seldom used. It now contained the bulk of the country's military and intelligence heads. Sitting around a carved oak desk were the Joint Chiefs, both the director's of the GRU and KGB, as well as the SVR director. Towards the back of the table sat the Politburo, all twelve members looking decidedly perturbed at being awoken so early. They all stood as the last two members of the meeting entered.

Premier Galindo and his NSA, Samantha Lexi, took their seats and exchanged a short pleasantry with everyone before getting down to business.

"The latest report from the fleet, Comrade-Premier," Admiral Padorin said as he brought up a window on their personal displays. "The civilian freighter Horizon has been hit and is taking on water. At this time, however, the captain has assured us that the ship can be saved. We have ordered it to return to dock for repairs. Our ships Sparta's Wrath and Blessed Regess have held their own against the missile boats. Our capital ships and carriers have yet to be engaged, though our Naval Air Force has already attacked several of their vessels."

"Inform them that continued aggression will only lead to their destruction," the Premier said. "Any who heave-to and surrender will be treated with charity and kindness."

"Yes sir," Padorin answered.

"Intelligence? Who are these men?" the Premier inquired.

"Our operatives in SOUD and FAPSI have concluded these men are in the employ of the Griffencrest Corporation," the GRU director answered. "SVR agents have confirmed these assessments."

"And how do we know this Intel is accurate?" Lexi asked.

"We've intercepted several transmissions from other countries sharing the same problem. Consensus is that Griffencrest is behind it."

"How should we respond?"

"Scramble a pair of B-92s. Once we have conclusive proof, we'll go on the offensive," the Premier decided.

FSS Crimean Lion CVNA-56

"Understood," the Admiral said as he faced the viewscreen and an image of Admiral Padorin. The screen blanked out and he reached for the external mike. "Comm, get me full broadcast, all channels."

"Sir, you're green," the tech answered after a few seconds.

"Hostile vessels, you are completely surrounded and there is no chance for escape. Heave-to and prepare to be boarded. You will be treated in accordance to international law and will not be harmed."

OOC: Sorry ladies, I like to go out on weekends....and this is nothing like dane cook's monopoly skit...

IC:

All of the carriers were gone, sunk by the various members of the anti-pirate coalition. As a result the raiders were forced to operate even closer to their island based air support to cut down on the effects of the Allanean air strikes, which were costing the raiders dearly. IT was not long before another flight of Sariels were in bound, and two dozen F-4 Phantom II's were scrambled to intercept them.

At the conflict with the Tarlagian fleet, the F-4's were all lost, and the handful of surviving Kilic's took off as fast as they could to break for open ocean, before they would head to a nearby island for repairs.

In the conflict with Findan, the ten F-4's were obliterated, but still Claudius cracked a smile. For ten outdated Phantom II's, the Findanese launched four hundred expensive ASRAAM's, and scrambled two hundred planes. Not only that, but each F-4 managed to loose its compliment of eight AIM-120 AMRAAM's before the enemy munitions were able to get into range.

Off the coast of FUS, the pirates had all been told of what would happen to them if they surrendered, and were shown images of what happened to other pirates. They saw horrible images of crucified people, others hanged, and others flayed or tortured to death in a variety of ways. They decided there was only one thing they could do. All the firepower in the entire fleet was going to be directed at one area of the encirclement, and the privateers would escape through the hole they were about to punch. Within minutes, hundreds, perhaps thousands of missiles were launched.

Abord H.D.S. Rumgar the Terror

Zanatos watched the Holo-tank. He watched the small glowing symbols that represented the fleeing Kilic's heading for deep water. He then started looking over the reports coming in form allied units. He turned towards Commander Lewis and spoke.

"We have the Bastards on the run."

Lewis looked up from the computer screen he had been watching. "Sir, one of our UAVs has spotted men in the water around where we sank their fleet. Should we dispatch some choppers to pick them up?"

"Pick up a few to question and then we will put them on the news to show the world the face of these bastards. I also want you to keep tabs on their remaining ships aether by UAV or by satellite recon I want to know where they live."

"On that subject Sir, One of our PB-29s has reported a suspected pirate base on a small Island about 200 miles South-West of our current position. What do you want to do about it."

"According to the reports I have gotten they have loaded their bases up with flack and some anti-ship missiles . I don't want to take them lightly like they took us. We will continue shadowing their ships out of their detection range. I will order the Grand Isle to launch a strike against the island."


With in minutes of the orders being given three choppers on the Victory took off to pick up some of the men in the water. The three Sea hawks raced low over the water on their mission.

Two hundred miles behind the battle-cruiser the Grand Isle turned into the wind and began launching SU-33Ns into the bright mid day sky.
Within a half hour 36 of the fighter were heading to their target along with one electronics warfare Sea Draken fighter. 12 of the fighters were equipped for ground attack with precision missiles and bombs the rest were ready to meet any aircraft to dared raise to challenge them.

Ralkovian Black-knights, supersonic speed jets, passed over the areas, they would run routine patrols over the area plotting a course for the submarines to follow, of course the submarines were launched from an undisclosed location on some unknown island. Ralkovia had a few of these unclaimed islands to themselves and thats where the submarines had been built. All 40 Diago Submarines would make there way to the area before splitting up into packs and go hunting.

OOC: Sorry ladies, I like to go out on weekends....and this is nothing like dane cook's monopoly skit...
Off the coast of FUS, the pirates had all been told of what would happen to them if they surrendered, and were shown images of what happened to other pirates. They saw horrible images of crucified people, others hanged, and others flayed or tortured to death in a variety of ways. They decided there was only one thing they could do. All the firepower in the entire fleet was going to be directed at one area of the encirclement, and the privateers would escape through the hole they were about to punch. Within minutes, hundreds, perhaps thousands of missiles were launched.

ooc: where do you base this on? My country abides by international laws. and hundreds, or thousands? pick one

ic:

"Vampire, vampire!" the radar officer reported. "TAO, multiple inbounds!"

The missile cruiser Heimdall's Shield was among the first to intercept. Nearby, it's fellow ships, the cruiser Life-blood and Cold Fate, and the destroyers Athena's Justice and Great Aegis brought their air defense systems to life. SeaRAM missiles left their racks one after another. Other ships in the vicinity also launched their interceptor missiles, creating a great sea of blossoming orange spheres in the sky. Those that passed through the defensive shield were engaged by the CIWS Phalanx batteries. Some passed low over the water, and the automatic systems tracked their movements.

"Needle-mines!" the TAO ordered as more were inbound.

The rockets fired, leaving a defensive cloud of their lethal flechettes. However strong and accurate their AEGIS and SPY radar was, there was no way to completely stop the onslaught. Heimdall was rocked by an explosion as a missile struck forward of the fore gun turrets. There was another explosion on the aft deck, where the UH-60s were housed.

"Fire, fire," the Damage Control Officer reported. "Fire teams to decks 3, Section 2, Deck 4 Section 13, Deck 2 Section..."

"Radar resolution down to 60%," the radar officer informed them. "Switching to IR scanner."

Another missile struck the Fate and Life-blood.

FSS Crimean Lion

"Admiral, your orders?"

"Alpha strike," he ordered.

The ship sprang to life as all 100 combat aircraft were prepared for launch. Four fighters launched simultaneously, even as four more were readied. In another 40 seconds, these four were also launched. Under two minutes, an entire squadron had been launched.

Muspelheim ADB, Commonwealth

The scramble siren of the base resounded as the bomber crews rushed to their aircraft. Meant to replace the B-1 and aging Tu-160s, the B-92 Shrike was, like her predecessors, a super-sonic strategic bomber. The four aircraft took off quickly, awaiting their bombing orders which would be given en-route.

As the Tarlagian aircraft began to move into the range of the island's SA-5's, the island sprang to life. All twenty four F-4's in the hangars were being called into the air, and six SA-5 launchers, each holding three missiles, positioned together in a battery began to target the incoming enemy aircraft. With one massive blast, eighteen SAM's were screaming through the air, flying at over twenty five hundred meters per second to make impact with the Grippens. Just behind them, the F-4's were preparing to engage the survivors.

At the FUS scene, the fleet began to open up with their cannons if in range, and those not in range continued to fire their missiles as they sped through whatever openings they could make within the encirclement.

OOC: FUS, its propaganda bro, relax.

ooc: sorry, read it wrong. i thought "they were told..." was something more like, "they learned..." my bad

ic:

Concordia Deus

"They want to show us their cannons?" Captain Markov grinned. "Do we have firing solutions?"

"Yes, comrade-captain," his XO answered. "And we have fire orders from the Admiral," he grinned.

"Fire."

The 18 in. gauss guns fired, launching their transuranic shells far into the distance. With advanced radar systems and fire control computers, there was little chance of a miss.

Athena's Justice

As the cruisers were damaged, the two destroyers had taken the fore-front. Both had 78mm naval cannons, both of which opened up simultaneously, even as they launched ship-to-ship Harpoons. The roar of jet engines overhead meant that naval fighters were inbound.

Dealer 1

Captain Gregory Vitolev, CAG of the Crimean Lion, led the fighter squardons as they reached the battle zone. His squadron, VFA-92 Death-Dealers, were in the fore-front, their F/A-18Fs equipped with ship-to-ship missiles and guided bombs.

"Sir, we've got lock-on," his WSO reported.

"Dealer/Starbase, engaging," he radioed as he thumbed the weapon release, firing a missile at an enemy ship.

As the Allanean UCAV craft entered missile range of their enemy, they launched immediately, yet once more launching a Spectre missile each, distributing 60 missiles aimed at Al-Ryad craft. As their missiles had 1100 kilometers of maximum range, as opposed to the 700-kilometer combat radius of the F-4, the pilots felt certain that the enemy would not be able to confront them – but of course, they could have been wrong, and thus the Allaneans ordered their remote-controlled craft to spin around and go home as soon as all the weapons were away.

Goshawk Flight 0608

"William Bill" MacDaniels spoke into his microphone, "Good job folks, we killed those SOBs." The he looked at his AN/APG-81 display, "Aw, sh*t, we have missiles inbound, they look like AMRAAMs, prepare evasive manuevers and countermeasures!"

The flight immediately began to separate to create as many targets for the missiles as possible. Flares were released from all 200 aircraft as the scrambled back towards their carriers. Many missiles went after the countermeasures, but thirteen struck home taking down twelve Findanian aircraft. The remaining plains returned to their carriers, eager for revenge for their fallen comrades


Imperial Naval Submarine Task Force 11.2 ,IFS Seawolf SSN, Havenic waters, Sector 2-3B, 0609 Granton Standard Time
.
"Hit confirmed sir, we've killed the last of their carriers. It looks like all we have to worry about are their Kilics and our job is just about done" said Ensign Jacob St. Vincent

"Good, good" Commander Mancuso said, he spoke into the intercom system, "Now hear, now hear this we have destroyed the pirate carrier. We will now begin hunting other targets. Good job! You have done the Empire proud!"

OCC: These are Su-33s not Gripens (only my CVLs use the new Sea-Gripens


The EO on the Sea Draken spotted the missile launch and fighters riseing to meet the incoming strike group. "SAMs incomming, all aircraft launch counter measures"

With that order all of the fighters started dispensing chaff and launching flares to distract the incoming missiles. They also started to take violent evasive action to shake the missiles.

The Draken flying about 10,000 feet above the other aircraft launched its 6 radar seeking missiles at the island to destroy their air defense capability. the Draken also activated its radar jamming pod to further confusion the SAMs.

Jet contrails and flares filled the shy as the Fighters took evasive action. A half dozen of the SU-33s were hit buy the incoming missiles. The remaining missiles were either distracted by the chaff or evaded by the super maneuverable fighters.

"Flight Leader to all interceptors engage, in gage, in gage."

The Allanean aircraft were able to release their munitions at a very long range, which had its positives and negatives for the privateers. The negative was that since it was launched outside of the range of the protective area of the F-4's, the enemy was able to launch unopposed. The positive, however, was that they would have ample time to maneuver and fire upon the incoming missiles. Still, however, ten Al-Riyadh's were lost.

Cheers went up in the Griffincrest Boardroom as news of the dozen downed Findanese fighters came through. This was, for Griffincrest, not a military conflict, but an economic one, and in this sense, against Findan at least, Griffincrest was winning.

Off the FUS coast, the privateers had the upper hand in the cannon exchange, as the Slava's each packed two 130mm guns, and the Al-Riyadh's a 100mm. Not only that, but the Kilic's all were armed with their own rapid firing 76mm guns. Every gun in the flight was blazing with full ferocity as the ships sped towards the gaps they had made in the encirclement.

In the Tarlag combat zone, the F-4's prepared their loadout of eight AMRAAM's each, and closed in to fire upon the Tarlagian Sukoi's. The anti-aircraft battery was completely shut down by the missile launch, but the island was not dead. Men hurried about, preparing to defend the beach if need be, and the Al-Riyadh in the harbor came online to assist in the anti-air defense.

Imperial Naval Submarine Task Force 11.2 ,IFS Narwhal SSBN, Havenic waters, Sector 6-4T, 0906 Granton Standard Time

The Narwhal gradually rose to the surface of the sea. Commander William Jefferson Peterson McLeod turned his key at the same time as his XO, Lt. Commander Powell Donahue, "Initiate firing sequence," he said,

"Yes, sir initiate firing sequence," Lt.Cmdr. Donahue repeated.

"Initiating firing sequence, sir!" said tactical officer Lieutenant, Senior Grade Chelsea Brigham, "Firing sequence begun"

"Ten, nine eight seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, the missile is a go, repeat the missile is a go."

One Trident II SLBM carrying 8 W76 warheads was launched from the Narwhal towards the last pirate holdout, where according to the latest satellite data (or at least the latest since the satellite was destroyed by a Griffencrest Soyuz , though the men and women of the Nawhal did not know that)

Very soon the last pirate base would be destroyed.

Now, the Allaneans in command was becoming annoyed by the tactics of the Blackhelmians. And thus, Operation Firestorm.

At the first stage of Operation Firestorm, from the shores of Allanea, 100 Khan missiles were launched, targeting the Al-Riyad warships. Yes, the missiles were expensive, but given they were at the end of their lifespan, the Allaneans decided it better to spend 19 billion dollars in taxpayer money than to tolerate the continuation of piracy against their cargo.

Even as the Khans had gone out to their targets, the elderly automated Sariels had taken off once again. They were followed by 35 elderly Velkyan-made stealth aircraft, also converted into UCAV flight, and 250 Kestril Stealth Precision bombers. All of these carried the same Spectre missiles – one per each aircraft, except for the Kestril bombers, that carried two of them each. Again, the tactic would be to launch these from outside the range of the Blackhelmian fighters' defense envelope.

Yes, this would cost an additional 18 billion dollars. Yet the Allaneans were persuaded that it had to be done.

11th Fleet, IFS Broadsword SD, Liberty-Harbour, United States of Allanea, 0900 Granton Standard Time (GST)

Vice Admiral Paul Sierpinski, in his fall blacks, stood up and saluted as his friend and brother-in-law, Admiral Viscount Sir Henry Luis Guzman returned his friend's salute.

"Good to see you Henry, I am awfully sorry about Manuel, he was a damned good man, one of 11th Fleet's best pilots."

Admiral Guzman's nephew had been among the casualties in the earlier air battle against the pirates.

"I thank you, Paul, and he was, he would have sat in the Grand Admiral's chair one day."

"That he would've and I have already written Lorraine. It's already on its way back to Findan along with the other next of kin letters. Not to change the subject or anything but how are you liking Home Fleet?"

"It's nice, you can't beat the Admiral's Country on Ironhammer, and the onshore quarters are great, and Connie loves the capitol. But I best think we get down to business. I have a meeting with Marshal Al-Ghazi of Allanea, and General Stoddard."

Sierpinski's eyebrows rose with the mention of that last name, "The OSS is involved? My guess it has something to do why I've lost three recon sats in the last three days."

"You're right. And this is Top Secret, the OSS believes that the Griffencrest Corporation is behind these pirates..."

"Griffencrest, that means the Blackhelm Confederacy and Blackhelm means the CA"

"Well we have no information about the rest of the CA, but Blackhelm we can confirm for sure. They think they can hide their launches, but our spaced based observations are better than they think."

Guzman gave his friend time to digest this information

"So that's why Home Fleet is here along with the Air Force deployments. We are preparing for war."

"Give the man a cigar"

"Well I think we can win it. I've never been impressed with the Griffencrest and Blackhelm fleets."

"Me neither"

The two old friends, classmates, and brothers-in-law kept talking for many more hours about the past, the present, and the world's future.

Cheers went up in the Griffincrest Boardroom as news of the dozen downed Findanese fighters came through. This was, for Griffincrest, not a military conflict, but an economic one, and in this sense, against Findan at least, Griffincrest was winning.

Off the FUS coast, the privateers had the upper hand in the cannon exchange, as the Slava's each packed two 130mm guns, and the Al-Riyadh's a 100mm. Not only that, but the Kilic's all were armed with their own rapid firing 76mm guns. Every gun in the flight was blazing with full ferocity as the ships sped towards the gaps they had made in the encirclement.


"Continue barrage," the Admiral ordered as more cruisers and destroyers moved in to engage the ships.

Meanwhile, the naval air forces continued to attack, loosing anti-ship missiles as well as guided bombs. Harpoons and Tomahawks from the rest of the fleet continued the barrage.

ooc: i remember some ppl posting this, but is it knowledge now that griffencrest is behind this?

2 Heil Class Varain Stealth Submarines approached on the (Blockade or massive combined fleet?) of the pirate islands, each of them had a Cody Spinster atom torpedo. A nuclear bomb on a long range torpedo that could be remotely detonated, it was genius, it was also not part of the ralkovian military or any country, in fact the port it was built and left from didn't even belong to a country.

The subs silently made there way, their mission was simple, launch the torpedoes and destroy the attacking targets and get the hell out of there before the enemies of griffincrest could take their eyes off the blossoming mushroom cloud.

ooc: i remember some ppl posting this, but is it knowledge now that griffencrest is behind this?
I haven't yet publicly released the intel I gathered, but it's not precisely hard to get in the first place... Anyway, I should have a post up later tonight (probably around 11:00 Central Time if all things go as expected), handing out the findings to anyone who doesn't know it already.

OOC: Findan, this is not the "last pirate base". They are scattered throughout the ocean. Have you lost any cargo vessels?

IC:

The Allanean attack had effectively destroyed the privateers ability to function. Out of roughly three hundred Kilic's and sixty Al-Riyadh's, only sixty five Kilic's and an incredibly lucky Al-Riyadh had survived, and they started to get the hell out of dodge, making a break for the islands, and then off towards open ocean.

The focus of the commerce raiding woas now shifting to the air, as groups of F-4's spread out in search of prey.

The Allanean ships were firing a veritable hail of missiles, but the elderly Sariels were not functioning as they should have. Two of the aircraft had issues with their control chips and, instead of turning around and going home, flew right over the enemy ships and were torn apart by their AA cannon fire. Three more suffered failure of the altitude control surfaces and crashed into the sea. Five were intercepted and shot down by Blackhelmian aircraft because their pilots plotted a course too close to the Blackhelmian air envelope.

But the most spectacular of all was the failure of Lieutenant Mike Hutchinson's own aircraft. No engine, control surface, or chip had failed upon his automated Sariel. Rather, the failure was of a more vital unit (to an Allanean): The missile release controls.

Again and again Mike sent out the order to fire the Spectre missile, but to no avail. The release doors were jammed. Only one choice remained.

Mike shut down the autopilot and grabbed the joystick, taking over the piloting of the unmanned jet. He took it as close to the sea surface as he could, hoping to avoid Blackhelmian RADAR. And indeed, very soon he saw the enemy's ship approach on the observation screens. He saw the enemy sailors, running frantic on the deck, swiveling AA guns in his direction. It took an effort for him to remember he was not actually in the cockpit as the 1.5-billion dollar aircraft smashed through one side of the tiny missile boat, and several hundred tons of aircraft fuel and parts came screaming out of the other.

OOC: Findan, this is not the "last pirate base". They are scattered throughout the ocean. Have you lost any cargo vessels?


OOC: Ok. Sorry I didn't know that. But can you respond to my attack? And no I haven't rped the loss of any vessels. I'll do that later

(Anyone have a massive fleet I can attack?)

Once again an enemy had used a nuclear missile to clear out an island containing less than a hundred soldiers. Not only that, but it was an SLBM carrying eight warheads. The cost of the launch, as well as that missile were surely equal, if not many times more, than what was on that island. Once more, members of the board room let out a cheer as they calculated the massive costs to their enemy.

(Anyone have a massive fleet I can attack?)
You could take out a destroyer task force. That would be like 10 ships.
But most of my fleet is in an Allanean harbor and is on their way, but the fleet is screened by SSN's and LAMPS helicopters .

(Its all good, 1 Cody Torpedo cost $40 million, a destroyer costs about the same right?)

Read. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Crossroads).

Now can we get back to IC?

The entire naval force of the privateers was gone. Hundreds of Kilic's and Al-Riyadhs now lay on the bottom of the sea. The only ships left were the ones now doing battle off of FUS. Hope was not lost for the privateers, however, as there was always another way to damage an economy....

A message from Hampton Merchant Lines

Yesterday our ship, Pride of Croon was lost at sea in Havanic waters with all 65 hands aboard killed. Presumably to piracy. It was carrying a shipment of electronic for sale in Allanean markets. We regret the loss of life to these pirates. The families of the crew will be compensated for their losses.

From Somego University

We regret to inform our faculty and students that our oceanic research vessel the, Sea Serpent was sunk two days ago off Haven by pirates. All 15 crew members, 11 scientists, and 4 graduate students were killed.

"Send them off to Davy Jones!" the Admiral gleamed as he reviewed the latest reports. The neighboring carrier Righteous Fury had launched its own fighters as the Lion's returned for re-arming.

OOC: AT BLACKHELM'S REQUEST, THIS CONCLUDES THIS THREAD

IC:

Attention, all personnel. This is Marshal Abdullah Hassan Al-Ghazi speaking.
The enemy naval attack on our nation has failed, and over six hundred enemy ships are at the bottom of the sea – and the Allanean Navy has not left harbor yet. Soon enough, this will change. We are asking for all decent nations of the world to come and assist us in our counter assault on the Blackhelmians. Even as we speak, a navy is being assembled to defeat the enemy vermin.

We have fought the Blackhelmians before. I wish I could say we won, but it's not really true – they surrendered before we could get a real fight going. If I were a Blackhelmian or a Griffincrest mercenary, I'd do the same now.

As of now, I will command a joint multi-branch effort to attack the enemy on land and on sea, coordinated with allied forces.

There's little else to say, my friends. See you in Paradise City.

And my God Continue to Bless Allanea.

* * *

From Allanea's six Permanent Strategic Forts, from Liberty Harbor, from Port-Allanea, hundreds upon hundreds of ships emerged, spread across a space of 7,000 miles. Other battlegroups were steaming towards rendezvous points in the ocean from far-off New Kentucky, the Hash, and other Allanean colonies.

On the outer edges of the fleet, submarines, anti-submarine cruisers and AA vessels patrolled, while at the very middle, carriers did their work, keeping up CAP patrols. In the middle of the giant fleet would move the two Longsword warships.

The fleet was on its way. Soon, Allanea would fight.

THE END (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14019067)