NationStates Jolt Archive

Aios Royal Palace

King Eltich sat silently as he watched the report once more, The Country was about to rift. Plagued by democratic supporters who had been a thorn in his side for a time now, they had finally gained enough support to revolt.For years they claimed responsibility for attacks on known supporters of the royal family and on those who openly showed loyalty. Now he watched as people rioted in the streets and gunfire erupted. The Peoples Democracy of Aios were now officially enemies of the Royal Court. [OOC: Looking for someone to play the PDA and its allied states, along with the Royal Allies, this is my first time RPing a NS so bear with me guys]

[OOC: I can play the PDA if you want. Telegram me if you're interested. If not, I'll play an ally of them.]

Francis Quagel wasn't much too look at. The 28 year old graduate student and convenience store clerk was a mere 5'5" and fairly skinny. His bright red hair was weeks overdue for a cut, extending to his shoulders and occasionally drooping over his forehead and obscuring his vision. His face was almost cherubic. He appeared to be a friendly fellow - the sort of person you wouldn't think twice about letting babysit your kids, somebody you'd never expect to be a mastermind behind a terrorist attack that took 50 innocent lives. Yet that's exactly who he was.

Quagel sat alone outside a cafe on 42nd street in one of Aios' largest cities. An empty, crumb covered plate and a half-empty cup of black coffee lay in front of him. It was a nice day, he thought. There were no clouds in the sky, and the sun shone brightly. A light breeze caressed his pale cheeks. The good weather made him almost bad about what he was about to do. But I have to do it, he thought. Many would call him a monster, but they just didn't understand. The right thing is seldom the most pleasant option, he knew.

The time was 1528. Two minutes to go.

Quagel looked around at his mates. They were scattered about the area. Like him, they were all inconspicuous. They looked normal. They acted normal. He then glanced down at the tote bag that rested against his right foot. An ordinary bag, its contents were far from typical. Instead of gym socks and shorts, it contained an AK-47.

1529. One minute left. Quagel grew tense. He utilized 100% of his minds power for the task of calming his nerves. It was essential that he keep his cool.

In one minute, he thought, men and women in cities across the nation will take arms and revolt against tyranny. This is a historic day. I only hope I'll live to remember it. But if I must die, then so be it. I'm ready... I'm ready to give my life for the greater good.

1530. Time to rock and roll.

Quagel removed his weapon from the bag and jumped to his feet, knocking over the table in the process. He fired into the air. Thirty others did the same.

Directly across the street from the cafe was a federal courthouse... The revolution had begun.

Voltaris-Largest city in Aios and the birthplace of the Revolution

Two police officers scrambled for cover as the militants began firing. Armed with mere pistols they were terribly outnumbered and out gunned. One called for backup as they both looked at the courthouse. They knew what had to be done. Protect the courthouse, keep order, and protect the innocent. but that was the thing, who was innocent anymore?


Aios Royal Palace

Eltich sighed heavily, his short brown hair unkempt The tall 34 year old paced the room, I shouldn't be leading this country. I should have seen a full scale revolution coming. Again he let out a heavy sigh. Minutes had passed and already the country was near total anarchy. Policemen and guard units were doing what they could, for now they would have to hold. He needed time. Time he didn't have.

Judge Uhlrich dropped a stack of papers and froze when the gunfire began. An ex-soldier, he recognized the sound of automatic weapon fire. He was fairly certain he heard an AK-47. Somehow, he just knew that his time on earth was up. He thought of his late wife and his children, both now adults, and his grandson who was born a few months earlier. He remembered good times he had had: the first time he was intimate with a woman, the wild parties he'd had in college, the few years he had spent abroad, the day he was married, the day his first son was born... Memories covering 50 years passed through his mind in a few seconds.

The door at the far end of the hallway was kicked open, even though it was unlocked. Francis Quagel entered, gun pointed straight ahead. He looked at Uhlrich's judge robe and labeled him a target. He aimed at the judge's head and fired.

A perfect shot. The bullet penetrated Ulhrich's skull, spraying the wall with blood and pieces of the dead man's brain. The judge's body fell to the floor. Quagel walked down the hallway with an empty expression.

* * *

While riots erupted all throughout Aios, the man behind it all sat in the comfort of his home. Fifty eight years old, he was in extraordinarily good shape for his age. His close-cropped hair was still the same natural jet black it had always been. He sat in a blue recliner looking at a blank TV screen, waiting...

Somebody knocked. Three seconds passed. They knocked again, a little more forcibly. Two more seconds went by before the visitor knocked again, this time with the same force as the first time.

The man rose from his chair and went to the door. He opened it, and a man in military uniform entered.

"Sure you weren't followed?" the homeowner asked.

"Positive," his guest replied. He felt as if he were in a spy movie. But what I'm doing isn't espionage... It's treason.

The two men went to the living room, where the black-haired man returned to his recliner and the uniformed visitor took a seat on a love seat a few feet away. The latter handed the former a single manila envelope. It bore the words "TOP SECRET" in bold red letters. "I hope this information if sufficient," he said. His host kept silent.

Eltich shook his head as he looked at the many people asking him what are his orders. "Get General Amos on the line. Tell him to deploy a Company to Voltaris, Im sure the main group of terrorists will be there, Another company is to be sent to Aenas." One of men nodded before rushing out. Eltich once again looked around. "Alert the cities to broadcast that all those loyal to King should report to the nearest Military Complex. Advise that lethal force is only to be used on ARMED targets." Another man scurried off as Eltich sat down. Lets see if I can get out of this alive.

Fort Carova

General Amos nodded as he disconnected the secure call, looking around the room was in a flurry of activity as the orders were being carried out. Civil revolt was near and Aios was not ill prepared. The two hundred men rushed into their Armored transports as they prepared to take off to their respective targets. Amos had secretly wished more force could be used, but for now he followed orders. He gave the go ahead and the FV432s moved out, heading on their respective Highways. Voltaris was about an hours drive, while Aenas was more than three hours away. "Be advised, eliminate all armed targets. Understood?" The two majors responded over their radios with a crisp "Yes sir!" and it was silent for a moment. The calm before the storm The general thought. He was about to realize how right he was.

Communique to King Eltich:

///Encrypting......done////

From the Desk of Chancellor Grigorum, Imperial Defence Chancellor;

The Imperial Chancellorship is offering unanimous support for the Monarchy during this uprising by the commoners of your realm. We are willing to deploy forces within days to crush this rebellion in the name of rightful rule by the Monarchy. Imperial High-Chancellor Lafreniere also wishes to meet with you at your convenience to discuss an alliance between our two great nations. We look forward to a prosperous future.

Chancellor Grigorum
Imperial Defence Chancellor, Rilloria City

///End of transmission...////

"We've got incoming tranmissions sir" A technician looked up at the King, he looked tired and weary, not the man in the posters he'd seen, or the man giving the rousing speeches to the nation. "Coming in from the Imperial Defence Chancellor Grigorum." Eltich raised his head from the maps of Aios. News must have spread fast among the nations of the world. His spirits raised a little, he had an ally. "And?" The technician felt nervous as he repeated the message "He said they are prepared to assist us in the uprising sir, that they have forces prepared to aid us." Eltich furrowed his brow. "No, not yet. I don't want foreign troops in-yet. Tell them if they wish to aid us, then to open their borders to anyone Loyal to the Monarchy. Also explain to them that any humanitarian aide is welcome, but an armed presence is not needed at this time" He sighed, knowing full well he could use support, but he needed to show the people he would not bring in foreign troops to suppress them. No. Only if absolutely needed.

***TOP SECRET***
To: The Peoples Democracy of Aios
From: The Republic of Parilisa
The Republic of Parilisa would be happy to aid the PDA financialy, although we cannot commit troops at this time. We will also send any arms recquired if possible. It is important that this transmission remains a secret.
***TOP SECRET***

-=OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION=-
The Genii Nation

To:King Eltich, Monarch, Aios
From: Andrew Kalek, Lord Governor Militant, The genii Nation


The growing crisis in your country has concerned the global community. On behalf of the Genii Nation I would like to personally offer Aid Supplies and military support if required. If possible we would at least hope to send a small Special Marine Commando Unit ( S.M.C.U ) to your country to offer some small measure of support in secret.

OOC: my nations a little to big to be getting involved in this . . .so . . . . (see mercenary force for force details and the hiring page for hiring procedures.

IC:
Broadcasted message to all involved parties
The Varangian Mercenary force offers its services to anyone willing to pay

Unknowingly to King Eltich, General Mark of the Knights of Mark, a nearby country, was preparing the next step of his plan. After have agents implanted in Aios to help aid the PDA for the country's own personal gains, he began his next step. Using Airdrops, he dropped weapons, supplies, and even a few Special Operations commandos to train the PDA.
To make sure he was not discovered though, he used rather primitive stuff, such as dropping of AK-47's and RPG's. Also he supplied them with ammunition and medical supplies as well.
So hopefully, after the Monarchy was weakened, the Knights of Mark would step in and help the PDA to capture the country, so hopefully they could be allies and keep in great trade, which would profit the Knights of Mark's economy.

Unknowingly to King Eltich, General Mark of the Knights of Mark, a nearby country, was preparing the next step of his plan. After have agents implanted in Aios to start a Civil War, he began his next step. Using Airdrops, he dropped weapons, supplies, and even a few Special Operations commandos to train the PDA.
To make sure he was not discovered though, he used rather primitive stuff, such as dropping of AK-47's and RPG's. Also he supplied them with ammunition and medical supplies as well.
So hopefully, after both sides of the country was weakened, the Knights of Mark would step in and capture both remaining sides to tap into the lands Geothermal Energy Deposits

OOC: Wth? So you're trying to act as if you're secretly behind this all? You can't just come in here and do that. :rolleyes:

Igor Straub, chief of communications for the PDA, received the message from Parilisa and quickly brought it to the attention of his boss.

The enigmatic man with jet-black hair, leader of the Aiosian revolution, gave a simple reply: "Tell them their offer is greatly appreciated." He then dismissed his Straub, who had the response sent within a minute.

OOC: Haha I thought it would be a rather good idea, but I guess you didn't like it, I changed the post, I am now just showing support

Voltaris City Limits

"Sir, Incoming small arms fire!" The driver of the lead APC shouted out as the transport was stitched with AK-47 rounds. In response the 7.62 mm L7 GPMG mounted on the top opened up in the direction of the fire. The gunner ducked as more shots hit the top of the transport. The major in charge of the company barked over the radio "I want those thing silenced NOW!" The 9 other APCs also opened fire, sweeping along the buildings near the outskirts. The battle for Voltaris had begun.

By 1600 Voltaris was in a state of total chaos. The armed revolutionaries had killed everyone in the courthouse and now marched through the street, tearing down pictures of the royal family, destroying flags in various ways (some even going so far as to urinate on them), and attacking government buildings. An effigy of King Eltich was burnt outside city hall. All who tried to stop them were quickly gunned down.

Francis Quagel was overwhelmed by an indescribable joy. He had never felt so alive. If he were to die today, he knew, it would be with a smile on his face.

* * *

Ten miles outside of Voltaris, a man lay on the hill with a pair of binoculars, watching the main highway leading into the city. The traffic was unusually light, and he wondered if word had already gotten out that Voltaris was a city to avoid. He thought of his comrades there and in other cities across the country, putting their lives on the line so that future generations might live in freedom, and he envied them. He wanted to be out there with a gun, not sitting here watching cars fly by...

But my work is important, too... he reminded himself.

He looked at his watch. Twelve minutes past four. He sighed and fantasized about killing the king personally and for a moment he stopped paying attention to the road. When he snapped out of it, he was shocked by what he saw.

"Military vehicles!" he screamed, not realizing he was thinking out loud. He threw his binoculars down and grabbed his radio. He quickly radioed the leader of the forces in the city.

"Mr. Quagel!" he said with ostensible urgency. "Troops are on their way! FV432s, sir!"

Back in Voltaris, Francis Quagel's joy suddenly turned to dread. Now's not the time to lose your cool, Franky he told himself. Moments like these are when the true nature of man is revealed. He acknowledged his watchman's warning and hung up. Seconds later, he got another message: PDA forces now engaging Royal Army forces.

Quagel took a deep breath. He needed to think of something fast.

Luckily, and out of nowhere, a major Expeditionary force from the Knights of Mark quickly dropped out of the sky as paratroopers. Outnumbered, but still with better technology, they Knights of Mark quickly rallied with the members of the PDA and caused a front in the downtown area of Voltaris

OOC: You clearly have no clue what you're doing. :/ I'm just going to ignore you.

OOC: try to stay away from that kinda post Knights . . . its called god modding and is discouraged please read the stickies

The assault was slow, and two men had already been killed. The Major was furious as he called in the situation to General Amos "The city is in total anarchy sir! We have two*A man yells in the back round "Man down!" three already lost. They're using the buildings for cover. Were pressing the attack, Ill contact you again if the situation worsens." Major Gesoti put away the radio with a deep sigh as he looked around at the men in his APC. One had just been killed firing the gun, and now another man was up there in harms way. He was furious at these terrorist,killing his boys over a stupid right that made no sense. He had seen other democracy's, they were corrupt. As the firefight dragged on, the militants finally retreated deeper into the city streets, keeping the APCs on there toes. "General, be advised the forces here are larger than expected, We may need reinforcements" The major looked out a view port just in time to see a member of the PDA hit by machine gun fire. "So be it" he mumbled. And the Convoy rumbled on towards the court house.

OOC: anyone wanna hire my mercenaries so I can get involved? lol

OOC: heh i totally would but the King doesnt want foreigners to get involved-yet but the PDA is another story >.>

OOC: heh i totally would but the King doesnt want foreigners to get involved-yet but the PDA is another story >.>

OOC: lol awesome . .. I just figured you guys didn't want a 1.6 billion population country involved

<Nothern Border of Aios- A privately owned estate>

Emma looked out the window into the quiet woods and snow caps of Aios' northern border, she smiles slightly feeling a natural calm wash over her. The 30 yearold 5'3 woman loved to be out here. She casually flicked her shoulder length dark brown hair out of her eyes as she heard a distant clacking sound. She raised an eyebrow, looking out a a distant housing structure belonging to a friend. Someone else had heard it too, one of the guards of the estate stepped outside, shouldering his L85A2 he mumbled to himself before looking at Emma. "Ma'am you need to get inside, now." The soldier's tone worried Emma, and she wondered what could possibly be going on. Surely no one would fire at the Royal estates would they? She saw more of the soldiers gathered around the large living room, they nodded and took her down to the basement of the home before heading back up. Emma glanced around to see Three soldiers sitting around alertly. Her son ran to her, hugging her legs tightly "Mommy I'm scared." Above her she could here more shots ringing out. Closer. They're firing at someone she thought. But who? She held her son closely, wondering is Eltich knew anything about this whole thing- and if something was being done.

Imperial Palace, Rilloria City
Imperial High-Chancellor Lafreniere sat idly in the Imperial Chamber. He took a long drag from his rich, Rillorian tobacco cigar. Smoke circled his head as he picked up the day's foreign report. As he finished reading about the current situation in Aios, the Imperial Chamber doors burst open as Chancellor Girgorum entered, dressed in his full dress uniform. He stopped and snapped to attention and saluted sharply.
"Speak, Chancellor." ordered the High-Chancellor
"Sir, the situation in Aios is spiraling out of control, they have accepted our offer for help, though not military intervention." Chancellor Girgorum replied, still at attention.
"Imbeciles, the monarchy will fall if they do not get military support. We cannot have another democracy emerge. You will send a delegation to Aios to discuss aid, send Vice-Marshal Acker as the delegation head. Dismissed."
Chancellor Grigorum saluted again and left the chambers.

Communique to King Eltich:
The Imperial Chancellorship recognizes your right to national sovereignty. We are more then willing to open our borders to Loyalist forces. We also offer asylum at the Imperial Palace if the worst should happen. A delegation headed by Vice-Marshal Acker has been assembled to visit Aios and survey the situation, we request your permission to send this delegation to represent all of Rilloras in your Kingdom.

Chancellor Girgorum, Imperial Chancellor of Foreign Affairs, Rilloria City

Francis Quagel sat behind a desk that had belonged to one of the judges in the courthouse he and his men seized. On the judge's computer and a laptop of his own, he watched live video feed from various locations throughout the city. Also in the room were two other men, his intelligence chiefs, each of whom also watched live video on laptops. Quagel knew that the Royal Army forces had broken into the city and were now heading down 12th Street to the town center, the heart of the action in Voltaris -- towards me, he thought, feeling as if the troops had a personal vendetta against him alone. He watched as his men fought in vain to stop the troops. They were only delaying the inevitable, he knew; they'd reach the town center soon if he didn't think of something to stop them.

Quagel suddenly thought of something. "Give me the map of the city!" he ordered the nearest intelligence officer. The man obeyed. As his eyes scanned the map, the leader of the revolutionary forces in Voltaris was unaware that the look of youthful innocence had faded from his face, replaced by the look of a battle-hardened general.

"Yes, yes, just what I thought," Quagel said. He smiled. "They're just far enough down the street for it to work."

"For what to work, sir?" the intelligence officer who had handed over the map asked. Quagel gave the man a hard stare indicating his annoyance at being addresed as "sir." Of course, the intelligence expert couldn't help it -- he had served for 10 years as an enlisted man in the Royal Army, and this made him a valuable asset, Quagel knew.

Quagel responded: "The road they're on right now leads straight to the courthouse. Now, what do you think would happen if we were to block their path?" He gestured for his intelligence chiefs to come over and look at the map with him. "If we were to create a roadblock right here," he continued when they were near, "they will be forced to make a left onto Eltich Blvd. if they want to get to us in the town center. As you can clearly see, that will force them to go almost to the western edge of the city. They'll be delayed for another good 15 minutes, at least. It'll buy us some valuable time."

Quagel stared at the map with an egotistical smirk. "What do you fellows think?" he asked. Both intelligence officers gave their approval.

"Right, so let's make it so." Quagel grabbed his radio and gave the appropriate orders.

* * *

"Come on, we don't have all day! I thought you said you did this all the time!" an anxious young man carrying an AK-47 yelled to his companion, a slightly older, somewhat chubby man who was trying to hotwire somebody's pick-up truck.

"I'll admit I'm a bit rusty. Hold your horses," the older man said.

"By the time you get done the Royal Army forces will be right in front of us, and we'll be good as dead!"

The older man grunted. "You kids these days, you got no patience at all."

"You're, like, six years older!"

"Well..." Just as the older man started his sentence, the familiar sound of a gas engine starting entered their ears. "Ha, I still got it," the older man boasted. "Come on, let's get moving."

The younger of the two jumped in the passenger seat. They drove to the closest intersection and turned the truck so that it blocked the entire two-lane street. Leaving the truck running, both men jumped out and ran back. Each of them aimed their AK-47s at the hood and fired. Seconds later, the engine having been punctured by the bullets of the automatic weapon, the truck burst into flames.

"Mission accomplished," the older man said.

Major Gesoti and his men pushed farther into the city, now facing less resistance. Word must have gotten out, no one is stupid enough to face us in these bad boys. he chuckled lightly to himself as the gunner looked down and yelled "Sir, we've got a hell of a roadblock up ahead!" The Major halted the convoy or APCs as he looked on the map of the city. "Best bet is Eltich Blvd. From their we can cross through back into the main way. Understood?" The driver nodded, and he repeated the orders over the radio.Not the best time for a scenic route, but it will have to do. He sghed as the APCs lurched forward again, taking off on the preplanned course.

"Confirmation coming in: troops rerouted down Eltich Blvd., si--Frank," one of the intelligence chiefs reported.

Quagel was pleased that his plan worked. And now, he wondered, what to do with the time I've bought? He considered his options, knowing that a decision had to be made fast.

The convoy rumbled down the Blvd at a steady pace, it seemed quiet. Too quiet. The gunners anxiously scanned windows and rooftops, trying to keep view on the ground as well. "Nearing the intersection sir." A driver reported. The major nodded as he looked over his available options once they reached the courthouse. "Contact right! Contact right!" The gunner yelled as a small pocket of stubborn fighters fired pop shots from a small park area. The gunners quickly turned their attention to them, firing sweeping areas of fire into the park. One gunner fell into his APC as an AK round burst into his head. "Erickson is down! Get someone up there!" Gesoti could hear the chatter from the other APCs with a grunt he qued his radio "Get us out of here fast! Mow those bastards down!" In a few minutes they would be clear of the area, and back on track to the courthouse.

OOC: Is it safe to assume my delegation has permission to enter Aios?

Quagel studied the map hard. "Hmm," he said after a minute, "I have the solution."

The intelligence chiefs came to his side. "Yes?" they said, almost in unison.

"Well, we're going to need to act quick if we want to succeed. We've got, what, 70 men here, right?" A simple nod from his aides was his answer. "Okay, we'll leave 20 men here. The rest of us will go down Government Avenue. We'll then circle around back to 12th Street. We'll break into these buildings here." He pointed with his right index finger. "We then pass through a few alleys, break into a few more buildings, until we get to this building here. The Royal Army troops will be entering the government district through this road, 18th Street, yes? And we'll be in a building on 18th Street, see? Well, once the Royal Army reaches the courthouse, where they'll engage the men we left behind, they'll think that those 20 are all there is. But, how wrong they'll be! When I give the word, the remainder of us will storm onto 18th Street and attack those royalists from the rear!" Quagel smiled egotistically once again, feeling like Napoleon Bonaparte reincarnated.

One of the intelligence officers objected. "When exactly will we make our sneak attack on them?"

"When they've almost annihilated the twenty left behind -- when they think they're about to win."

Quagel's aides were stunned. "But, si-Frank," one objected, "you're proposing sacrificing our comrades! As if..." He was cut short.

"Listen, they'll understand--well, they would if we were to tell them exactly what the plan is. Well, probably. We can't take the chance. Anyway, it's the best option available. It's for the Cause, gentlemen! We came here knowing that many of us might die."

"But..."

"No more arguing! My mind is made up! Hand me my radio, so I can give the necessary orders. Now!"

Finally the convoy rumbled off the Blvd, rolling onto 18th street- which would take them straight to the courthouse. Inside the APCs men anxiously checked and rechecked their gear as the orders reached their ears that they were about to reach the courthouse. Gunners kept alert atop the APCs, mostly focused on the courthouse now. A few opened up, some of the defenders were stationed outside around its large marble pillars, but quickly retreated as the guns opened up on them after firing a few shots. Efficiently the APCs created a semi circle perimeter around the entrance to the court house, the ramps facing inwards towards the grand stairs. The ramps opened, troops surged out, L85A2s shouldered. Some men surged into the courthouse two were gunned down the second the doors were kicked open. Orders were barked out by the Major to individual squads. Gunfire was a persistent noise in the back round now, from the large barks of AKs to the softer but more accurate L85A2 clacks. out of the 100 original deployed, 6 were down, a small force of 25 rounded around the courthouse, breaking small emergency exits open and storming in. These entrances were relatively unguarded, giving the Army the idea that the force was a lot smaller than expected. "Get those rooms clear now! The major was yelling orders as he surveyed the now empty main chambers. In all four more men were shot and killed by the militants, nearing the end of the rooms and close to clearing the entire Court the lead squad called in "Sir, nearing the final rooms sir, resistance was stiff but its clearing up, we've got them cornered!"


OOC: if you want to describe how the room clearing went to the PDA you can, or skip right to the main counter attack =]

Quagel knew from the cries he heard on the radio and from the footage he received from the cameras he had placed in the courthouse that the men he had left behind were close to being annihilated.

"This is it," he announced. "Let's go!"

With that order given, seventy armed PDA revolutionaries stormed out of the building and marched onto 18th Street. Quagel stood by the door outside until every man was out. As they headed towards battle, he experienced an adrenaline rush unlike one he had ever had before. Not even the strongest coffee in the world could simulate its effects. It's one thing to attack unarmed civilians, but to take on actual soldiers! he thought.

It wasn't long before the first shots were fired...

One of the four gunners left in the APCs spotted the large force headed for the courthouse "Sir, large mob headed f-" he was cut short as a round caught his throat, he slumped into the APC just ad the three remaining gunners pulled the bolts on the guns, opening fire. Up in the courthouse the Major cursed loudly, he was being flanked. "Get those last rooms cleared ASAP, and move towards the windows. Scotty, Matthews, take your men and head down, anyone left down there is to set up defensive positions around the courthouse. Bring the snipers up from the ground floor, they have work to do. Out of the 100 hundred men brought to the city, 5 were snipers. Luckily none of these men had been killed-yet. The major instructed them to take roof top positions, along with some of the higher offices of the courthouse. They nodded, moving into postion. Not long after the loud crack of a L96A1 sniper rifle could be heard. They were in their prime element.

To:King Eltich, Monarch, Aios
From: Duke Leopold - The Duchy of Rechburg.

My dear cousin

I share your pain at this moment of crisis, though I have been informed you are reluctant to accept military assistance at this time please know that we have assembled a non-military sealift force of Humanitarian aid. The force carries 10,000 tents, Food, medicine and equipment to set up 3 field hospitals. The same fleet will bring back any refugees that seek shelter until this crisis is over.
The fleet is currently heading to your coastline, it will wait at the international sea limits off your coastline until we receive word from you.

Further we are prepared to send military equipment or forces should you require them at anytime in the future.

Please be sure of my personal goodwill as well as that of my country towards you and your people at this time.

Fraternally your

Duke Leopold
Duchy of Rechburg

Eltich sighed as more delegations called in, word was really getting out fast. He called in one of the communications experts. "Listen, all foreign aid request are to be accepted gratefully by the Monarchy, Rilloras can send their delegations into the country. Other than that decline all military help respectfully. I don't want the people to see foreign troops helping to quell this thing. If worse should happen well then we'll rethink our options. Understood?" The man nodded and bowed, quickly leaving the room.

Tom Olsten watched in horror as the bullet from a L96A1 sniper rifle hit a man in front of him through the throat. Blood splurted from his neck, and he made an odd gurgling noise as he fell to his knees. Wanting to fight to the end, the man pulled the trigger on his AK-47, shooting blindly and nearly hitting one of his own comrades.

"We got sniper fire!" somebody yelled.

Olsten had been a soldier in the Royal Army, but he had never actually seen combat until today. He struggled to keep his emotions in check as he dealt with the reality of it. He looked towards the way the sniper fire that had killed the man in front of him had came. He saw the assailant in the window, searching for his next target. Olsten knew what he had to do...

Another man a little far away took a hit from the L96A1 through his left leg. His screams could hardly be heard over the sound of gunfire.

Olsten lifted up his RPG launcher and pointed it at the window. Here's looking at you he thought as he pulled the trigger. The RPG burst from its launched and hit its intended target dead on. A large explosion was seen and a hole now existed where a window once had. Olsten had no doubts that he had succeeded in terminating the sniper.

Unfortunately for him, however, his decision to use his RPG launcher had drawn attention to him from the other snipers in the courthouse. Seconds later a bullet ripped through his abdomen, followed by another which pierced his chest, and a third which grazed his left arm.

Olsten was not the only revolutionary who had been carrying an RPG launcher. Ten other men carried various designs provided to the PDA by various supporters, some of them bought in foreign markets and more than a few stolen from Royal Army bases. One revolutionary carried an AT4 antitank grenade launcher, which he fired at one of the APCs. He watched with pleasure as the vehicle burst into flames. Of course, like Olsten, he quickly caught the eye of a sniper and quickly found himself with a nice-sized hole in the head.

Despite the sniper fire, PDA forces managed to break into the courthouse. There, total chaos reigned, as many small battles raged in the confined space of the building. Bullets whizzed through the air as if they had a will of their own, often not striking their intended target, shattering windows, destroying paintings, putting holes in the walls, and sometimes resulting in friendly fire incidents.

The scene outside wasn't pretty either, as more revolutionaries tried to gain entrance into the courthouse, but were blocked by Royal Army forces.

As the battle in Voltaris reached its deadly climax, and other such battles reaked havoc throughout Aios, the black-haired leader of the PDA continued to sit comfortably at home. His uniformed guest had just departed. He know looked over the file marked TOP SECRET which had been delivered to him.

"This should prove to be very useful," he said as he finished reading. He stood up, placed the file on a coffee table to the right of his chair, and went to his kitchen for a glass of water.

The file had access codes to all of the Royal Army's armories throughout the nation. Also on the table lay a map of one of Aios's largest military installations.

The Rechburg task force remained stationed off the entrance to the main Aios
port, from there a chartered civilian Roll on- Roll off ferry carried the the humanitarian aid into Aios, also carrying out civilians fleeing the erupting civil war within their nation.

The situation at the courthouse was deteriorating fast, Somehow these militants got smart, and flanked them, now they were in a stale firefight with a large group. The Major leaned out his window, firing his rifle at the man in the street shouldering his RPG. The response was a line of AK rounds. The Major cursed as he felt a round enter his leg. Over the radio he was hearing his men coordinate, slowly they were pushing the attack back, but it was coming with its price. The Major radioed the base with grunt "Requesting air support in Voltaris around the courthouse. They're attacking in force, heavy casualties." The Major shut off the line as he heard one of the men in the room with him call for a medic. Slowly he positioned himself near the window, peering up to take pot shots at whoever he spotted.



Fort Carova

The general nodded, approving the air support, out in the helipads, one of the 10 A129 Mangustas prepped for launch, its crew hurrying into it as final preparations were made. After another preflight check the helicopter lifted off the ground, moving off towards Voltaris. In about 15 minutes or so, those militants would have hells fury rained upon them.

The battle seemed to be going in the PDA's favor after the surprise attack. Francis Quagel started to think he might just make it out alive, and as willing as he was to die for the Cause, this overjoyed him -- he preferred to have a little more time to offer what he could to the revolution. But then the distant sound of helicopters made his heart sink...

The Mangusta made its way through the city, expertly weaving past large skyscrapers. On the ground the major yelled as he heard more casualties coming in. He got up on the injured leg, firing bursts at anyone who exposed themselves. As he looked up he saw something that made his spirits rise. The calvary was here. He qued the radio "Men, the Calvary has arrived!" He cheered as the helicopter soared down coming down 18th street. Its 20mm gatling gun opening up on the exposed backs of some of the militants. They moved forward quickly, over the courthouse before turning around down 12th street, unloading a few of the unguided rockets at the militants. Soldiers cheered and yelled as they fired upon the group, their spirits raised at the sigh of its awesome firepower. Above their heads two cracks could be heard, out of the five snipers, two remained.

The fire of the 20mm gating gun of the Mangusta struck fear into the hearts of the PDA. Francis Quagel saw Ed Small, an old college friend of his, gunned down from behind, and he nearly lost control of his bowels as a bullet flew by his ear, missing him by merely a few centimeters. All the confidence he had had faded away; he no longer felt like a great general, but a quivering coward stuck in a hopeless situation. I'm no soldier! he realized. Out of panic, he ordered his men to retreat.

Revolutionaries ran in every direction, seeking escape from Voltaris. Many of them were terminated by the fire of the helicopter's gating gun as they fled. Many sought cover in buildings. A few made a futile attempt to steal one of the Royal Army APCs. Francis Quagel was unfortunate enough to find himself in the first category, a bullet shattering his left kneecap and 10 more striking him from behind.

* * *

News came in that the revolt in Voltaris was suffering the fate of the others throughout Aios. The leader of PDA cursed in anger and threw a full glass of water against a wall.

"Retreating?" he screamed to no one. "Damn that Quagel! I knew I shouldn't have appointed him as head of operations in Voltaris. What was I thinking?" He knew that he would have to find better men to lead his forces into battle. Luckily, he knew of a few sympathetic Royal Army officers who fit the billet perfectly...

Major Gesoti grunted as the medic finished up the patchwork on his leg. Outside he heard the cheers of victory, yet he might as well have lost. Too many had been killed, by a bunch of rag tag rebels. Out of the 100 men sent into that city that day, 63 of them would be going home. He shook his head, looking around the streets, the smell of gunpowder stagnant in the air.He took particular notice of one of the rebel bodies, this man stuck out with his red hair, and somehow Gesoti knew he had some big role in this grand revolt. It doesn't matter anyways, look at the way he died, gunned down as he fled in terror. The Major couldn't help but feel a little pity for him, so young. He must have had parents who instilled these stupid democratic ideals into his head. He shook he head, walking around his men as a medic yelled into an ear that wasn't listening that he needed to sit down. "So begins the war" he mumbled, and he sat. Waiting for the helicopters that would have to take them home.

The following video surfaced on the internet the next day and was quickly aired on every news programme in Aios:

A man stood in front of a light green wall. His face was blurted out, but his jet-black hair was noticeable. His voice had been distorted. He was brief with his message: "Yesterday, the revolution began. While the individual battles throughout the nation may not have been a success, do not think that we are done. We, The People's Democracy of Aios, will continue to take to the streets. We will continue to slaughter all loyalists who dare get in our way. And with time, King Eltich Dartel will find himself kneeling before me, pleading in vain for his life. Mark my words: this is far from over. We have only just begun... Oh, and believe me, we have a nice little surprise for everyone coming real soon. I wish I could tell you, but that'd spoil it. Just wait and see."

With that, the video came to an end.

Admiral David Ney commander of the 2nd Royal Rechburg Task Force, currently stationed of the coast Aios; removed his hat.
Placing it gently on the console beside him, he turned the video link off and he turned in his swivel chair to face the Captain of cruiser Monegro Bay,

"What do you make of that little bit of sabre rattling Ted"
Captain Ted Rawlson, a gruff career naval officer simply stamped his foot on the remains of his cigar that he had carelessly dropped on the deck.
" Its the usual pre-hype one expects of these tin pot revolutionaries Admiral".
Already he was taking out another cigar, without lighting it he placed it between his lips and started chewing on the end of it.

" After losing the first round, they have to threaten more and bigger things to come, I mean if the first round was the major hitter, then they are out of the fight before it started.'

The Admiral noticing the grins of the officers and men on the bridge as the Captain fumbled for his lighter.
"Jesus Ted, you have to slow down on those things," he then offered his own lighter.
"But I concur, these revolutionaries are either full of shite, or this was simply the feeler, in which case those damn pussies in Aios need us there and damn quick too."

Just at that moment Colonel Jamieson walked in, as Commander of the marine force aboard the task force he had been watching and listening to the battles in Aios from the Combat Centre.
He nodded to the Capatin and saluted the Admiral

"Admiral I have just ordered several predators launched to have a snoop ashore, as well the covert Special Service teams are in place ashore and will report as events escalate, if they do at all."

The captain, looked from the Colonel to his Admiral
"Goddamn it Sir, I thought we were ordered not to get involved"

The Admiral looked out the windscreen as the roll on roll off Ferry crossed the ships port quarter, he turned back to the Captain.
"Well we were not to get involved in the fighting, all we are doing is observing and tracking.
Ted, the colonel has a Intell team from Research Department 717 aboard and they are monitering all the radio and cell phone traffic in Aios, the encrypted codes are being sent back to Rechburg for decoding, meanwhile we are simply tracking who says what to whom and who is where. If we are ordered to get involved we will know exactly where to hit for maximum effect.
Meanwhile we are also having a good go at breaking codes and that is never a waste of time."

The whine of a predator pilotless spy plane clearly audible as it flew across the ships bow as a seaman walked in through the outer doors.
"The predators are simply adding details to the satelite info, the teams ashore are just being directed to certain localities to watch and observe, they are dressed as civilians and are unarmed except for sidearms and flash satelite radios".

The King frowned as he saw the tape, shaking his head. Idiots. He called in one of his advisers again giving him orders. "Military forces are to be placed in every city, keep the bases alerted. I want these terrorist done with as quickly as possible. All Loyalist are to flee toward any military installation, Rilloras or the Rechburg relief area." The man bowed, leaving quickly.



Fort Carova

The force of transport helicopters landed in the designated area, and the troops fell out quickly, pulling the wounded out with them, rushing them off to the medical buildings. The helicopters were quickly refueled before launching off again. All over Aios national guard units were on high alert, keeping watch on the cities.

Encrypted Message

From:
Admiral Ney
Task Force Aios

To
Defence Headquarters
Duchy of Rechburg
Attn
Duke Leopold

Sire
The situation in Aios seems to have settled at the moment, however intel reports suggest this low level revolt is likely to escalate into a full blown civil war very quickly. In accordance with your instructions we have landed all the humanitarian aid aboard and currently are loading civilian refugees.

We have established a large refugee camp of over 10,000 tents near the main port. We have established 3 field Hospitals and the camps are currently being provided with all sanitation, health and food requirements.
We need permission to either land troops to protect the camp or ask for protection from the Aios army, which seems to have scattered to the defence of the cities.

If permitted I could land the 1st Mechanised Brigade within 5 hours and have a secure area for the refugees, however I am reluctant to do so if our hands are tied to just defending the camp.
I would ask that you seek permission for us to:

a) Provide security for the entire Port area including the refugee camp.
b) Allow us to actively go to the assistance of the Aios authorities.

I have sufficient forces aboard the Task Force for both duties.

Your humble servant
Admiral Ney
Commander TF Aios.

The Royal Duchy of Rechburg.

Malmaison Palace
The Royal City of Ghent.
The Royal Duchy of Rechburg
Dear Cousin

It has been reported to me by my commanders on the Task Force off your coast that the situation within your country could escalate at any moment from a small revolt to open civil war. It would seem to me sire, that the people of your nation now know full well the dire predicament of their nation and their sovereign. Hesitation at this moment only places your realm and your nation at greater risk while aiding your enemy by giving them time to reorganise.
May I be so bold as to suggest rather than denying aid and assistance, show your people that they and their King have friends that will come to their aid in this time of great peril.

I would suggest Sire, that you grant my Task Force commander permission to land troops at the port both to protect the ever increasing refugee camp as well as the city and port.
In this way it frees up your forces from this area so they may aid you to prosecute these barbarous rebels.

Furthermore if you allow me to help you defeat these rebellious vermin, I can have a full mechanised Division with air support in place within a week. My specialist Secret service troops will aid your own troops in ferreting out the leaders of this revolt.

I await your reply in this matter

Fraternally yours

Duke Leopold
Duchy of rechburg.

At a small armory in the middle of Aios, Major Paul Mohnk sat behind an orange metallic desk in a cramped office, bored out of his mind and feeling more resentful of his assignment than normal. "Just great," he said as he signed a form and placed it in a basket. "While rebels are running amok, I'm sitting here doing paperwork!" He grunted and began reviewing a request form from some 2-star general for artillery ammunition.

There was a knock on the door. The major was surprised. It's almost 2300. It's just me and the guards here tonight, and if there were a problem, I'd get a call on the emergency phone, not a visitor to my office. Who would come here so late? Mohnk stood up, cracked his back (he'd been sitting for over two hours straight), and went to his door. Peaking through the tiny hole in the middle, he was pleased by who he saw and immediately unlocked and opened the door.

"Hector!" the major said, smiling. His visitor wore a Royal Army uniform with insignia identifying him as a lieutenant colonel and a name tag which read 'Yates.' "My old academy pal, what brings you here?"

The colonel returned the smile and walked inside. He took a quick look around his friend's small workspace. "Fancy little place they got you in here. I especially like the desk." He laughed and patted the major on the back. Mohnk gestured with his hand for Col. Yates to take a seat.

"Anyway, I was just in the area and thought I'd stop by and see how you were doing."

"Well, it's been hell fighting off all these democracy-loving nutjobs," the major joked.

"Yea, I thought so." Yates pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "Unfortunately, I can't say I've seen any action myself -- yet. I was pulled off my overseas assignment the other day. Tomorrow I'm assuming command of an intelligence squadron. Cigarette?"

"No, thanks. Quit a few months ago."

The colonel grinned and said, "Softening up, are you, Paul? Guess you've been running this warehouse a bit too long." He began to smoke.

"Yea, if you call saving myself from lung cancer softening up," Major Mohnk replied sarcastically, returning the grinned. "So, you really just came here to say hello?"

Suddenly Yates' face became stern. "Eh, not exactly," he announced. "I am actually here on a bit of... official business." He stared at his former roommate at the Royal Army Academy, who stared back with a puzzled look.

"Why didn't you say so in the first place?" Mohnk asked. He was worried, but didn't know why. Something just feels... off. What's going on here?

Yates did not respond. A minuted passed in total silence. The confused major was shocked to find his finger hovering beneath the button on the bottom of his desk that would send for security.

An owl hooted outside. Colonel Yates grinned again. The major's fingertip touched the signal-emergency button. A horrifying thought entered his mind. He tried to resist the urge to verbalize it, but it was too tempting to fight. "You're... one of THEM, aren't you, Hector?"

The colonel's response came not in words, but in the sound of a pistol's safety being clicked off. His old friend froze in fear as he brought it to his chest.

"I'm sorry, Paul," he said. "But it's for Aios."

"You trait--" A bullet to the heart cut the major's sentence short. Mohnk's lifeless body limped forward. Colonel Yates searched the man's pockets and removed his military ID. He then went outside where four men waited, all in army uniform -- one a captain, one a first lieutenant, and two sergeants. "I got it," he told them.

"Good," the captain said. "Now we can raid this place and get the hell out of here before the next security watch reports."

"Don't be in such a hurry," Lt. Col. Yates told his subordinate. "You must learn not to worry so much. We'll be fine." He turned to one of the sergeants. "Okay, Sgt. Gale, get the truck."

The sergeant stood at attention, saluted the colonel, and gave him a loud and emotional "Yes, sir!" With that, he left to follow out his orders. Colonel Yates then looked back at the captain. "You have the code, Captain Brown?" The captain removed a sheet a paper from his pocket. "Good, good. All is going according to plan so far..."

* * *

Meanwhile, with the codes to every armory in Aiois in the possession of the PDA, similar such incidents occurred....

Colonel Jamieson was reading the latest reports to come in from his intel teams.

He had several highly trained specialist teams in position in the city, and all were reporting unusual activity, apparently it seemed the Aios army was emptying all its armouries.
The last team to report was bravo one, they had entered the armoury after the trucks had left only to find it abandoned and all its weapons gone. They also reported they had found a body, which had been shot.

He reported these findings to the Admiral, the Admiral himself read over all the radio reports and all were the same.

The Admiral looked up from the last report and asked

"What do you make of it Aran?"
The Colonerl replied

"Admiral I have two conclusions, 1) the Aios army has gone mad and is raiding its own armouries to sell the guns to the rebels, or 2) the army or elements of the army may be about to launch a coup."

The Admiral let a long slow breath out, he paced away from the Colonel and then turned.

"Right this one I deal with, Colonel I want you to immediately raise Aios defence Headquarters and ask them what the hell is going on, report our findings; and yes tell them your conclusions.
Secondly I want a company of Rangers on deck with helo's ready to launch, with a prepared air support plan.
Their objective will be the palace, and to secure the King and his family, but for gods sake Colonel dont move until I say so. Now go and get it done."

The Admiral left the bridge and made his way down to the warfare suite, he needed to get a feel of what was happening ashore, and he sure as hell needed to tell the Duke that this this little feel good operation of his was about to blow up in everyones face.

As he entered the combat control centre he heard one of the junior officers was excitedly pointing out how well the graphics from the drones were that were over the city.
The Admiral walked over and looked over his shoulder
"What the hell is happening that we are all getting so goddamn excited about here Lieutenant"?
The Lieutenant was first extremely shocked to find the Admiral leaning over his shoulders and secondly he was hugely embarressed to be shouting so excitedly.
"Ahhh sorry sir, I mean Sir, the drones are performing extremely well"
"Well Hell lieutenant for the Godamn money they cost and the godamn money we pay you, I should godamn well think they were performing well".
The Admiral stepped back from the redfaced junior officer
"And what the hell do these well performing over priced flying computers tell you Lieutenant?"
"aah Sir, they are umm"
One of the operators, noticing that his desk controller was making a hash of it, quietly interupted

"Admiral Sir, we are following these army convoys, they have been leaving these large depots and all seem to be heading in every direction, its extremely puzzling"

The Admiral, once again leaned over the screen, on which he could clearly make out a convoy off 3 or 4 trucks, slowly making their way through the city.
The first conclusion that came to the Admiral was that, if this was a Government army operation the weapons in the trucks would at least be heading to the garrison and army barracks, but clearly some may be doing so but others were not.

The Admiral whispered in the operators ear, unaware he was doing so.

"The Godamn thieving bastards are stealing the bloody weapons, it a bloody coup or its the bloody rebels"
He reached for the console above the operators terminal, flicked a switch and throughout the ship the crew heard

"This is the Admiral, this task force is now on Full Combat Alert, all unit commanders are to report to the situation room immdeiately.

He turned to the Lieutenant and said
"Son do you think you could tell the Captain to send the warning through to the ships of the fleet"
"Uhh yes sir, of course sir".
"Thank you, now go on Lieuteneant get it done'
As the young man left the room, the Admiral leaned over the operaters shoulders and again whispered in his ears
"If you ever again interupt or make excuses for you superior officers while they are reporting to me, I personally will ensure that you return home as deck cargo on a submarine, do i make my self clear son".

The operator, leapt up from his chair, almost hitting the admiral in the face on his way up.
"Yes sir, it wont happen again sir" he shouted.
The admiral patted him on the shoulder, and said
"Well done son, now I want you to keep an eye on those trucks and record where they are going, when you know, make sure I get the details".
"Yes Sir" the operator said.

The Admiral left the combat centre making his way to the situation room.

Captain Alex Munro, Commanding Officer of the Battlehawk Republic ship Endeavour stood on the fore of the flight deck. His XO, a woman, command Jessica Standford came up to his left.
"It's confirmed by our agents, there is some sort of uprising in the Nation of Aios" She reported.
"What does command want us to do?" Alex asked.
"As Aios is very close to our borders Command wants it dealt with, we are to report on Station of the Aios coast ASAP" Jessica explained "We are to offer our help to both sides, which ever one replies first we help"
"Get us there quickly Jess" Alex ordered "And lauch Talon flight for a flyover"
"Already en-route" Jessica replied "There is however a Rechburg taskforce nearby as well and we're not sure what they are going to do when we turn up at battlestations and launching birds into the sky"
"Understood, I think I'd better send some messages"

<Bridge>

Alex stepped onto the bridge and began to record and send messages.

-=OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION=-
Republic of the Battlehawk

To:King Eltich, Monarch, Aios/PDA, leader
From: Captain Alex Munro,CO BRS Endeavour

The crisis in your country has worried the Battlehawk greatly and our populus is demanding that we take some sort of action. Thereforwe the Endeavour and a soon to arrive Battlehawk fleet taskforce will be on station to lend militry and humanitarian aid to whichever faction responds to this message. We want this crisis over as much as you do, do not underestimate our resolve.
Signed
Captain Alex Munro

-=OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION=-
Republic of the Battlehawk

To:Commanding Officer, Rechburg taskforce
From: Captain Alex Munro,CO BRS Endeavour

My ship and a soon to arrive taskforce has been tasked with ending this dispute in the interests of both the battlehawk and surronding areas safety. To that end we are prepareing to render aid to a faction in this conflict. Please state your intentions.
Signed
Captain Alex Munro

<Meanwhile>
<Just over the Aios coast>

"Talon Leaders to Talon Squadron, form up for an intel flypast of Aios Captial city"
Talon Leader ordered.
"On your tail Talon Leaders" Talon 2 reported
"Ready Talon leader" Talon 3 responded.
Talon leader looked back and the 7 other planes in his squadron formed up in formation. He nodded happily as they desended to 3000 feet to get a better view of the situation. The Squadron blasted over the city sending sonic booms across the landscape.
"Talon 5 to Talon leader, we got gunfire down there, lots of it"
"Understood Talon 5, Squadron swing around take us over again"

Captain Alex Munro,CO BRS Endeavour
Battlehawk republic

Our intentions are as publically stated, to assist the Legitimate Government and Monarch of Aios.
We are providing humanitarian aid in the capital city and Port, where we have established safe haven camps and hospitals. At this stage at the request of the Aios Government our level of commitment is non military, other than observation.
My task Force is situated in international waters off the main Port.

As we are at full combat readiness, and continuing humanitarian operations while we are in international waters I suggest Sir that we keep a respectable distance between our forces. It would not be to anyones advantage if an accidental incident should occur.

Regards
Admiral Ney
Task Force Commander

Admiral Ney stood on the bridge watching the radar plots as the Battlehawk taskforce approached.

"Outstanding, absolutely outstanding, here we are tip toeing our way through the genteel "feelings" of our host King Eltich, hoping not to offend anyone and here we have some goddamn gunslinging maniac turn up and say we will help the first idiot that can pick up a phone, absolutely bloody marvelous".

He turned to the captain and said
"Well this one lands on the Dukes Desk, send a full incident report immedately and I want a full CAP up now. I sure as hell dont like this, when we need cool heads we end up with a gun toting maniac as a neighbour.
He pointed at the screen, looking at the captain
"For godsake Ted, watch him"

The Captain responded
"I have already Admiral, I have moved another 4 destroyers to the outer screen and 2 of the subs are out there watching as well, but what are our orders Sir".
The Admiral looked out the port screen, quietly looking out to see as if by some sense of Magic he could see the approaching Battlehawk Fleet.

"My first priority is the safety of this Fleet, so until I hear from the Duke we respond like with like. If anyone tries a flyover off any part of our task Force, or any ship moves too close I expect you to do your duty Ted. I have asked that idiot out there to keep his distance, if he refuses then Ted, I guess we get to see if the Duke gets a return on his financial investment he made in all this technology".

"And the camps Admiral" The captain enquired.
"For now the Camps are our territory until told otherwise, we are operating in a fluid situation and those people need to know they are safe. I just wish someone in the Godamn Government would wake up to whats happening there, surely they cant all be asleep".

"They called you an idiot" Jessica commented as they listened to the bug in teh situation room "And a gunslinging maniac"
"Thank you Jessica I do have ears" Alex replied with a slight smile. "Helm, keep a respectful distance between us and their taskforce, and vector the Talons away from them on the way back in"
"Sir, a Battlehawk Sub is requesting permission to get closer" Tactical commented.
"Tell them to push the limites of respectful distance" Alex replied "And prepare to launch all flights in a recon patterent over nortahn Aios"

OCC
Those comments were not sent to you, they were made on the bridge of my ship so you would not have known they were made. Incidently, my Admiral is gruff grumpy career officer, so his manners are somewhat less that dinner table style.

OOC Quote: listened to the bug, the joys of espinoage

OCC
I dont accept that as possible.
How did you get a bug on my warship while ship at sea , a bit of god modding I suspect.

OOC: Not at all, the Battlehawk is suspicous due to its history, and has a very effective Spying service, many nations ships and faciltys have battlehawk bugs in them, feel free to find it :-)

OCC
I suspect you are going to run foul of a lot of players with that idea. Mainly because it become unrealistic when all of a sudden i declare I have a bomb on all your ships. It would have been and is virtually impossible to bug every ship in every fleet.

However no matter to me as i RP openly, but just to make it a level playing field.

IC
After a routine security check, one of the security teams located a bugging device on board ship. It was reported to the captain, and the Admiral.
The Captain ordered the ship screened for Bugs, especially in all sensitive areas, the Admiral advised the Fleet as well.
As the Ship had a intel team from research Department 717 (see earlier thread) on board, he had the most modern sophisticated security sweeping equipment possible. Before long reports were coming in off all devices being swept clear.

OOC: My sincere apologies, i will take that idea out of further RP's

"Damn, they found the device(S)" Jessica commented
"Good" Alex commented with a smile "I don't like the intel services, i'd ratehr have it the old fashioned way"
"The task force is 20 minutes awy" The tactical officer reported
"Good tell tehm to form up on us"

//Burst tansmission//

From Duke Leopold
to Admiral Ney

Most Urgent.
You are not under any circumstances too initiate any military action against the Battlehawk fleet. You may defend and attack only if required in self defence.
Your operation is still humanitarian unless otherwise authorised by me.

Imperative you show retraint as we are just opening up diplomatic dialogue with the Battlehawk nation.

Duke Leopold.

From: Security of State Battlehawk
To: Captain Munro

You are not to engage the Rechburg fleet, diplomatic intersts are beginning, you are authorised to prepare to land in Aios

ASW officer Ray Mansfield aboard the cruiser Monegro Bay had been watching and listening to reports coming in from the outer security screen of submarines. the computerised reports coming in from their towed arrays indicated the Battlehawk submarines were approaching the outer screen; further more acoustic reports indicated larger surface vessels approacing from some distance away.

He sent the report via combat link to the Admirals console. the admiral was gathering even more reports from the satelites that indicated the coast of Aios was becoming somewhat crowded.

He sat watching the screens, he thought to himself

"Well here we are all gathering as either angels of mercy or buzzards waiting for the corpse to die".

Maria Bastico, a Aios refugee stood dirty, dishevelled in a long line in a Rechburg refugee camp, as she waited for a food parcel yet another group of low flying Battlehawk fighters screamed low overhead as they made their way out to sea, the refugees dove into the ground, screaming and crying. Once the planes and the perceived threat passed by, Maria rose, shook herself down and looked to the sky

"King Eltich, where are you, we need you now"?

"Hold the Subs where they are Tactical" Alex ordered "And authorise teh Humanitarain carriers to land"
The Carriers that held medics and builders headed out from the Endeavour under escort and landed on the coast

General Amos was fully alert as he watched feed from one of the Mangusta patrols flying over one of the armories. "Negative sir, we can't make contact. The place looks dead." General Amos sighed heavily. "So they gutted our armories...these bastards are serious. They have infiltrated the military." The mangusta continued to circle the complex, searching for stragglers. "Sir...we found the guards that should have been rotating...they never made it into the base." The pilot shook his head grimly, staring at the still burning wreckage of the second shits. "A few bodies around the convoy...looks like they weren't caught totally off guard." Around Aios, pilots and ground commanders confirmed the same story. General Amos was shocked. They had pulled off one of the most daring raids in the history of Aios, and succeeded. "Get the King on a secure line. -now.-"



The King hung up the line with slight growl. "So be it. They want a full fledged war then we shall give it to them." Around him, people mumbled as they heard the news- The weapons of Aios were now gone. Only what was on the secure bases was left. "All military aide is now to be accepted. Begin by reminding them that were are trying to preserve the country- not destroy it. All refugee camps are to be guarded, whatever forces that are not guarding the camps are to occupy the cities.They will be raiding the treasures. he thought. 'but our forces will be on post too.' He looked up at the crowd of people in the room. "The time for peace is over. what happened last night shows us these people are everywhere. War has come Aios."

OOC: I assume that means that the Battlehawk can assist the Aios Govement

Another communications expert burst into the room and bowed before speaking. "Sir, another task force has arrived on the coast. Orders my lord?" The King took the papers from the man's hand, reading them. "Explain the situation here to them." and waved him off.



Encrpyted Communication

To the commanders of the Task force of the Republic of Battlehawk

The situation here in Aios is rising, armed terrorist are taking to the streets in protest, masking their cause as a freedom fighting cell. The Peoples Democracy of Aios or PDA are now a legitimate threat to the Monarchy and all allies are called to assist in the termination of this rebel cell. You have permission to land military aide on the shores of our country, only if you communicate closely with Field Marshal Amos.


End Transmission

"We've got permission" Tactical reported as Alex read the message

To Field marshal Amos
From Captain Alex Munro

We are here to render assistance where do you need us?

The Battlehawk Taskforce came along side the Endeavour

The newly promoted Field Marshall took to the command room, now flooded with Foreign aide orders. "He qued all the Task forces at once on his radio. "To all commanders of the Aios relief forces, Your forces are to garrison the cities of Aios, keep in close radio contact with me at all time, Your forces are to engage ARMED civil-Soldiers of the PDA only. Understood? And be advised...a lot of our equipment was stolen, I hate to ask of this...but think twice before you fire, and make certain you attempt radio communications with a group of uniformed soldiers before firing.

The Taskforce slipped into a harbour city caustiouly, at full battle alert

Martin Stephoff, the black haired leader of the PDA, stood before a crowd of nearly 50 men. They all wore civilian clothes, but many of them were actually officers in the Aiosian military. There were even a few generals and admirals in the crowd. The PDA had penetrated deeper into the military than anybody could have imagined.

"Gentlemen," Stephoff said, "a true war has begun now. Our raid of the armories was a brilliant success. Sure, there were a few failures, some men were lost, but in the end, we did better than even I thought we would. We are now ready to put up a serious fight. It will be a long and arduous struggle, and I wouldn't doubt it if many of us will either be killed or arrested before it is over. But never lose hope, comrades! When it seems as if the revolution is a mere exercise in futility, when you consider laying down your arms, think hard about the Cause -- remember why we started this fight in the first place. Think of the Aios our children, or maybe their children, will live in if we succeed. A free Aios! An Aios in which our leaders are elected, not born into their positions. Is that not something worth giving our lives for? I certainly think so. And I know you all do, too."

The leader paused and looked around at his audience. He could tell his speech was a success so far. "Remember," he continued, "that nothing good ever comes through being idle. The days of complacency are gone. The royalists may call us traitors, but we are the true patriots. Our fight is for Aios, our beloved homeland."

Someone in the middle stood up and yelled with passion, "For Aios!" Soon others took their feet and shouted the message. Eventually the whole room came to life with the chant of "For the Cause! For Aios!"

"Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Gentlemen, please!" Stephoff exclaimed. The chant died, and everybody returned to their seat. "I am very pleased to see such enthusiasm. But now... it's time to get to the serious business." He looked at a man in the front row and nodded. The man got up, turned the lights off, and turned on an overhead projector mounted on the ceiling. On a solid white wall a satellite image of a military installation appeared.

"Our first target. Tomorrow we strike."

5000 Battelhawk Marines marched through the Aios harbour town, and began to set up defenses. Flares where fired into the air illumiinating the area

It was a cold and windy night in the harbor city of Dartelton. Commander Ike Olsten, captain of an Aiosian destroyer, stood on the forecastle of his ship, leaning on the railing and looking through a pair of binoculars. Unbeknown to most of his crew, he was a member of the PDA. He looked out into the dark harbor waiting to spot the Battlehawk task force. He'd learned about them by monitoring radio traffic, but he was unaware of their destination. The Aiosian military was keeping that bit of information strictly compartmentalized, and unfortunately nobody in the PDA happened to be high enough to be in the small circle of those who knew this secret. Cmdr. Olsten could only hope that he'd be lucky enough to see them enter Dartleton.

The destroyer's executive officer, Lt. Commander Frakes, came up behind the captain. "Sir," he said. "It's 0130 hours. You've been here going on four hours. What's up?"

"Nothing," Olsten said, not bothering to turn and face his subordinate, "that I am at liberty to tell you."

The XO was confused. "Somehow you looking out at the dark and empty water for hours is a matter of national security? I really don't understand, captain. I--"

Olsten cut Frakes off. "It's not your business to understand, Mister Frakes." His voice was harsh. The lieutenant commander was shocked -- he'd never heard the captain speak in anything but an emotionless manner, even when disciplining the men. "Now get off the forecastle before I call the master-at-arms and have you dragged to your quarters -- or maybe even the brig!"

Frakes did not dare respond. He left without even an "aye, aye, sir."

Another half hour past and all Cmdr. Olsten saw were a few recreational boats pass. But then, at 0207, he got lucky. He spotted a large mast in the distance, which quickly took the form of what he was certain was a warship, but of what type he was not sure. As it drew closer, he became able to read the name on the hull. "Endeavor," he said out loud.

The taskforce is here.

Olsten knew it was too risky contacting his superiors in the PDA on the ship. Though it was probably safe, paranoia got the best of him and he decided against using his house on the base either. He did not own a cell phone, so his only choice was to use a public telephone. And so, much to the surprise of the officer of the deck, he ran off the ship and to his car, and he drove ten miles to a small truck stop where he informed the PDA of the landing of the Battlehawk taskforce.

The PDA got news of the arrival of the Battlehawk taskforce's landing just in time. Martin Stephoff was upset that he had to mobilize his men sooner than expected, but he knew he could not afford to simply do nothing and gave orders to Lt. Colonel Hector Yates to send his 3,000 men to attack the landing forces. Despite being outnumbered, he hoped that Yates would be able to at least prevent the Battlehawk troops from getting too far into the country.

* * *

0400, 10 miles outside of Dartleton

Colonel Yates rode in one of 100 stolen APCs. He was going over intelligence gathered from PDA members in and just outside of the harbor city where the Battlehawk marines had set up defenses. "Sir, we should be there in a few minutes," his right-hand man, Major Bob Pollack said. Yates just nodded.

Colonol Thomas Senior of the Battlehawk Marine Corps had found an abandoned embassy and set up hsi command post there. The Battelhawk task force had blockaded the harbour so no one could get in or out without permission

Seven miles before Dartleton the main highway leading into the city splits into two and it was there that the PDA troops split, too. Half of them continued down the highway straight into the city. The other half planned to enter through the north of the city.

Meanwhile, Commander Olsten was back aboard his ship. From the bridge he stared at the blockade with bloody thoughts in his mind.

Lt Greg Johnson was the Co of the Marine blokad e on the cities main highway and was stareing into the darkness

<Out at sea>

A small detachment of sumbaries surfaced a mile down the coast and ofloaed 1000 more maries who began moving along the coast

OOC: Yea, you couldn't mention there was a blockade on land routes into the city BEFORE I decided to enter through the main highway?

"We got troops up ahead!" This message was heard on all of the radios of the revolutionaries. The gunner in the lead APC opened fire.

OOC: Fight your way thoruggh it, besides ou never havve full intel in war

"Cololonel, the highway block has been engaged"
"Ok, reroute the reserve to compensate" Thomas ordered

"Outstanding, we have the go ahead, Colonel get your Brigade into the City and the camps, We will set a field command in Aios, meanwhile I will stay here until the command centre is operating".

The 5 large military transport vessels were already slowly swinging around to move into the port, the mechanised units on board were gearing up for the landing.

The Admiral was watching the radar and satelite screens, he turned to his aide Commander Evans

"Jack, I want you to take a helo over to those cowboys in the Battlehawk Fleet and see if we can set up a liason exchange so we all know what the other is doing. Also do the same for the Aios people"

He turned to the Colonel
"I want those camps secure and we should co-operate with the military authorities in the City, so we can begin to clean it out.
First thing first I want immediate airstrikes on those points designated by our drones and specialist service teams. They will be where we traced those convoys yesterday they will be where the weapons are; now go, go.."

The Battelhawk task force had blockaded the harbour so no one could get in or out without permission



I am hoping you are using another port other than the one I have been loading and unloading in since I arrived. I have control of the port and 3 refugee camps on the outskirts of the city.
I have been previously using a civilian roll on - roll off vessel to bring in aide and take out refugees.

A situation report so people know where I am at:

Currently my task force is unloading in the port.

Further out to sea 3 days away I have another group approaching with another mech brigade.

I have 20 destroyers, 5 wasp Class landing ships, several civilian roll on roll off vesselsand 3 CGN renown Class cruisers, on board the transports and civilian vessels I have a mechanised brigade a skyguard Battery and 30 attack helicopters and several transport helicopters.
It will take 2 days to unload all the equipment but it will go out as units are unloaded.

OOC: Battlehawk, it would be helpful if I knew the specifics of the blockades. How many men you have there, what they're armed with, etc.

---

A PDA member armed with only an M9 Pistol hidden behind a long jacket stood in front of the entrance to a large warehouse a few miles south of Voltaris. Normally, one would think this inadequate considering what was inside the building: almost $1 billion worth of weapons stolen from a Royal Army armory. But as far as anybody knew the warehouse was just full of furniture. ... Or at least the PDA thought everybody thought that. They were unaware that the convoy which delivered the stolen goods was watched from above. Insiders in the Aiosian air force assured them of that.

The guard heard the sound of planes in the distance. He thought nothing of it, as an airport was located nearby. But when he saw a group of planes start to pass overheard, he knew that they weren't passenger planes -- they were bombers! The cigarette he'd been smoking fell out of his mouth.

The first bomb missed the warehouse, but landed a few feet in front of the guard, killing him. The second hit towards the center of the building, exploding near a stolen tank. In only three minutes the warehouse was totally in flames and most of its contents rendered useless.

* * *

"Major Ramon, you do not have permission to take off!" the air traffic controller yelled over the radio. "Repeat, you do not have permission to take off!"

Major Ramon, an F-14 pilot in the Aiosian Air Force didn't care whether he had clearance or not. A PDA member, he was determined to get some of those planes which had just bombed the warehouse. And though nobody but a select few others knew it, his CO (who just happened to be on sick leave) didn't care either.

A group of security guards armed with AK-47s ran towards the major's plane to stop him before he took off, but they were quickly assaulted from the right and left flanks by other men who were similarly armed. The former group was terminated before they had the chance to fight back.

The F-14 ran down the runway. The air traffic controller continued to yell over the radio, but knew it to be a wasted effort. It was too late to stop Major Ramon. His fighter jet entered the air and headed southeast to intercept the Rechburgian planes.

The radar operater on the skyguard battery, noticed the blip on his radar, the attack helicopters that were returning from the raid had IFF on, but this one didnt; he wasnt sure whether it was friendly, that being a Aios plane or even a battlefleet plane, or even an enemy.

However he had been trained that when in doubt shoot and apologise later.
He called to the air commander

"Sir we have a incoming flight TRA 92 attack helicopters and this unknown aircraft coming up fast behind."

The air defence commander first radioed the fleet to warn them, and then switched to the helo channel.

"This is skyguard commander, you have incoming behind you, I suggest you drop below 200 metres and scatter so i can engage"

The flight commander responded
"Roger Skyguard, evading now"
With that moments later the helos scattered down to ground level, leaving the anti air battery a sole target to engage, it still wasnt a easy shot however, it was running low and the terrain prevented a complete paint on the target.

Speaking into the radio he said
"Unit one will fire when at 75% resolution, units 2 and 3 wait for complete resolution"

By now all the Rechburg units would be warned for anti air action, however those helo's were still out there in no man land, but being low the enemy plane was going to have trouble spotting them, well that was in theory he thought.

Colonel Jamieson looked up as captain Karl Bucchard entered the tent.

"Are you ready Karl"?
"aye sir, I have 3 companies of 7th Mech Battalion and 1 company of 1st armoured Battalion ready to go sir"

"Right, You are designated Task force Able, your destination is the Kings palace , your orders are to secure the area around the palace grounds. I have designated 131st Air attack Squadron (attack helos), to support you."

He moved over to the map, indicating the Captain should follow him.

"Be advised that we are setting up road bloaks around the port area and over here to the camps. The Special service lads have secured the radio and TV stations. In the next few hours we will be extending the perimeter as units unload. Be warned Karl that the rebs may have air support, but we will have that sorted directly."
As if to reinforce his point the roar of Rechburg fighters deafened all in the tent as they flew out toward the airbase.

"We have inbound, some paras to secure the airbase as well".

The colonel walked out of the tent, the captain following.
As he did so, he could hear the occasional snap of small arms fire backed by the heavier "crump" of bombs or distant shelling.
The captain was about to mount his APc, when a clatter of helicopters roared over head, these were his air escorts and scouts.

Over the radio he heard the helicopters commander reporting in

"Able six, this Able eyes 1, we are moving out now"
The captain saluted the colonel and clicked his helmet mike as he climded aboard the APC
"Able eyes, this is Able six, your last understood and we are moving"

With that brief exchange the lead APC's moved out, the colonel stood watching, he was defeaned by the roar of the main battle tanks as they joined the columns leaving for the city and the Kings palace.

OCC - Players Info
Rechburg Forces.

The Naval Task force consists of :
10 DDG 32 Type 45 Class Destroyers
10 DDG 51 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers
3 CGN-1 Renown Class Cruisers
5 LHD 1 Wasp Class landing ship
6 Civilian Roll on - Roll off ferries.
1 mechanised Brigade

Still aboard ship or currently Unloading at the port

approximately 7,000 Infantry
8 MBT
40 APC
16 MRL
12 Artillery Guns
20 Helicopter Gunships.
20 Transport helicopters.

Defending the camps
400 Infantry
5 MBT
15 APC

Defending city and Port area
1200 Infantry
2 x SkyGuard missile AA Defence Battery
60 Special service Troopers (2nd Squadron)

Task Force Able - Kings palace.
450 mounted Grenadiers (APCs)
12 Main battle tanks
6 x AH-1 Super Cobra Attack helicopters.

Force at the TV Radio station
50 - Elite Special Service troopers

Force at the Airfield
Landed on 4 x CH 53 Sea stalions.
150 Paratroops, backed by 4 AH-1 Super Cobra attack helicopters and 8 Harrier II fighters.

fire support for entire force.
8th Artillery regiment(Howitzers & MRL)
3 x Cruisers off the coast.

A 10-minute video was leaked and aired on the regional TV news network
El-Zeezeree Channel 3 (English).
.
It showed troop manuevres and refugees...
.
24 hours later...recon sats released vids of troop movements near certain points...to El-Zeezeree. According to unconfirmed sources.. this was from foreign interests in the region.

OOC: Player Info

Total Battlehawk Taskforce Strenght

2 Storm Class Aircraft Carriers RBS Endeavour and RBS Venture
10 Snowdonia class Cruisers (Forms the Blocakde around the harboiur with the aircraft carriers inside the blokade
15 Best Class Destroys (Patroloing the nearby coast
Many landing craft
5,000 Battlhawk Marines
20 F28 Talons on each aircraft carrier
1500 Tiger Class APC's

Additional Task Force Bravo, 12 hours out

5,000 Battelhawk Marines
Several Field Atillery brigades, AA Batteries and Engineers

IC:

"Get some soldiers on the main line" Greg called out as one of the APC's exploded under gunfire

The commander of the super cobra unit that had attacked and destroyed the warehouse was wondering where the enemy bogie had gone. His attack copters had all gone down to almost ground level, they were hovering in a village and beside nearby forests, nicely blending in, each gunner waiting with his finger on the button of their aim - 9 missile system. He called up the skyguard missile defence unit.

"This is eyes 2, any sign of that enemy bogie"

The commander of the Skyguard system looked at his radar screen

"Eyes 2, this is skyguard 6, bogie is still inbound, we have lock; so please stay down"

Moments later another voice came over the radio,
"This is flight charlie 2, we are a harrier flight covering the airbase, do you wish us to intercept the bogie"

"This is skyguard 6, negative Charlie 2, we have lock please stay clear"

"Affirmative skyguard, we are here if you need us, Flight charlie 2 out".

As the commander of Flight Charlie 2 circled the airbase, he saw below the Paras unloading from the sea stallions, their mission to secure the airbase, especially for the heavy transports that would later tonight land more reinforcements.

"Get some soldiers on the main line" Greg called out as one of the APC's exploded under gunfire

OOC: Generally it's considered proper to let one choose their own losses.

Totally OCC
Rammsteinburg

Do you have any forces between the port and the palace, if not I can RP the units moving into the palace, if so i will RP them to a point you wish to engage.

Likewise at the airbase, if you have forces there I will engage, if not I can close that part down until I need the base later.

Love ya style of Rping

Thanks

Is this still open...?

yep, as far as I know the more the more confusing but Aios hasnt closed it.

Totally OCC
Rammsteinburg

Do you have any forces between the port and the palace, if not I can RP the units moving into the palace, if so i will RP them to a point you wish to engage.

Likewise at the airbase, if you have forces there I will engage, if not I can close that part down until I need the base later.

Love ya style of Rping

Thanks

So far, the only PDA forces mobilized are those trying to break into the port city of Dartleton.

As for the airbase, it is not yet under PDA control. The pilot who took off from there and the men who attacked the security guards were the only PDA members there. So far...

OCC
Ok thanks Rammsteinburg (aka PDA)

Further orienteering, probably also for Aios.



Now that leaves me a question, is there a Aios map, I dont have a clue where these cities are in relation to where I am, or even where the capital is.

I assume Dartleton is where battlehawk is as he was landing in a port city further up the coast from me and I see you have made contact with him.

The 7.62mm machine gun of the lead FV432 unleashed a hellish storm of gunfire onto the blockade. It was soon joined by two other APCs which took positions to the right and left of the lead one.

Anthony Jones, once a corporal in the Royal Army, was gunner in the left APC. This was his first time seeing combat. It wasn't uncommon for him to wonder if he could handle the stresses of the real deal and if he really had it in him to take the lives of fellow human beings. But now he knew. He fired into the group of Battlehawk marines as if they were cardboard targets. Jones was both pleased and disgusted at this attitude.

A cry of pain came from Jones' right. He glanced in that direction to see Sergeant Edmunds, the gunner in the middle APC, fall to his knees, a large blood stain forming on his shirt. Jones immediately focused his attention back on the his job. He could not afford to grieve yet.

Lt. Colonel Yates's APC was in the middle of the convoy, safe at the moment. Feeling bad about being out of harms way while he had men ahead of him giving their lives, he ordered the driver to move towards the action. Meanwhile, men armed with AK-47s, M-16s, and an assortment of other weapons engaged the Battlehawk marines from the flanks. Two Challenger 2 tanks drove off the roads and headed towards the blockade to flank the marines, as well.

In the north, the other half of the PDA forces, under command of Major Jack Bremmers, was nearing the city limits. Having heard of the blockade the other group faced, Bremmers told his men to be on full alert.

Back in the harbor, Commander Olsten met with his gunnery officer, Lietuenant Roberts, a fellow member of the PDA.

OCC
Ok thanks Rammsteinburg (aka PDA)

Further orienteering, probably also for Aios.



Now that leaves me a question, is there a Aios map, I dont have a clue where these cities are in relation to where I am, or even where the capital is.

I assume Dartleton is where battlehawk is as he was landing in a port city further up the coast from me and I see you have made contact with him.

OOC: There is no map. But I'll ask Aios if he can provide one, or if he's cool with me making one. And yea, Dartleton (a city I just made up using the last name of Aios' king) is where Battlehawk is.

ooc:who's on whos side exactly?

IC: Post will follow

SIC:

Communique to Leader of PDA Forces

The Imperial Republic is in support of ending the totailtarian rule and allowing a democratic government to prosper.

In order to assist you the fourth high seas fleet along with 10,000 Republic marines with upgraded Nakil MBT as well as various other pieces of equipment.

We anxiously await your response.

Rammsteinburg is RPing as a NPC revolutionary group within Aios, he also represents some of the army that has fone over to the rebel. Rammsteinburg itself is not involved.

Rechburg (me) Has landed on the coast, set up Humanitarian camps and now at the request of King Eltich (Aios) am helping to defeat the rebels.

Likewise Battlehawk, who has landed further down the coast to me and has run across some rebels on the outskirts of Dartleton.

In my city & port (name unknown i have seen little or no opposition and am about to secure the Kings palace.
All I have seen is one fighter a/c in the area.

Major Ramon knew the helicopters were out there... but where? He was without his radar intercept officer, but that did not matter, as his radar was currently malfunctioned. Normally, he wouldn't think of flying with only his own two eyes to relay on, but he wasn't willing to sit on his butt while the PDA was being directly targeted; he had to get back at those Rechburgians. He had just passed over the warehouse that was destroyed a few minutes ago. He knew that those responsible couldn't be too far.

Suddenly he saw anti-aircraft fire coming his way. He maneuvered out of the way just in time. "Shit!" he yelled. A stream of bullets flew past the left of him, missing his wing by inches. Ramon spotted one of the AA batteries and opened fire with MK-61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon. He missed. The battery fired at him, but a sharp turn to the right saved him. This time he used his GBU-10.

Fire from another AA battery pierced his F-14 where his radar intercept officer normally would be.

It is too beautiful a morning for the first battle of a civil war, Lieutenant Roberts, gunnery officer aboard Cmdr. Olsten's destroyer thought as he stared in awe at the magnificent sight of the sun's orange glow on the still water. Some seagulls flew overhead. He envied them, for birds never have wars with each other. They never have a need to. The only violence in their lives is that which is absolutely necessary to survive. In the animal kingdom, it's different. There's no fighting for abstract concepts like political ideologies. He dipped his head down and tightened his grip on the rail. If only things could be that simple for humans.

The Harmon Roberts who was in the top 5% of his class at the Royal Aiosian Naval Academy would've been shocked to learn that one day he would be a member of a group determined to overthrow the monarchy, even though doing so would mean killing their fellow countrymen. The lieutenant had been a hardcore royalist back then. But after his father was executed for disagreeing with the government, he understood that it was time for Aios to move into the 21st century and finally embrace democracy.

Roberts could see the silhouette of a warship in the distance. It was one of the Burke-class destroyers that blocked the harbor. He stared at it with contempt. His anger at the sight of it was not due entirely to the fact that those aboard were there to work against the Cause, but largely due to the fact that it was manned by foreigners. This is none of their business, he thought. He looked upon the ship and its crew in the way a parent may when outsiders stick their nose into their family's quarrels. A family quarrel was what he thought of the Aiosian civil war as.

"Mr. Roberts," someone said. The lieutenant turned around to see the captain, who also stared at the destroyer in the distance with pure hatred. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, sir," Roberts replied.

"Good. Then lay below and make sure your topedoman's mate is."

Roberts stood at attention. "Aye, aye, sir!" He then went through the nearest hatch. Commander Olsten stayed behind, continuing to watch the Battlehawk blockade in the distance.

The commander of the air attack helicopters saw the plane fly over, appearently too busy with a distant AA battery to be aware he had just flown over the 4 attack helicopters which had been hovering below.

All four raised themselves above the ground clutter and fired their aim-9 missiles at the fighter.

The Commander of the skyguard missile battery saw the fighter dive in to attack the outer AA gun batteries, but now his 3 AA missile units had lock, he simply said
"engage".
3 large AA missiles burst out of the launchers,. It was then the commander noticed someone else was firing at the jet, their much smaller missiles just tiny specks on his target radar.
He heard a very deep thump, looking up he saw smoke from where the fighter pilot had not only destroyed a AA gun, by sheer fluke he had hit a ammunition truck that was passing through, the following explosion destroyed the entire gun AA battery and killed 12 soldiers.
The first Rechburg soldiers had died in the war for Aios.

By the time Major Ramon saw the missiles coming, it was already too late. He had just witnessed the explosion from the AA battery the GBU-10 had struck when the first one came into sight. A moment later he spotted its source: one of the helicopters he had been searching for! He increased his altitude and made a turn to the right, away from the missile, but it had already hommed onto him. And even if he managed to escape it somehow, there were three others after him that he yet to notice.

When Major Ramon finally discovered that more than one missile was after him, he had no chance to even try to escape. He spotted after turning his head slightly to the left, and it was seconds away from impact.

The F-14 burst into flames as the AIM-9 Sidewinder struck its fuel tank. People in a village below watched the awesome sight of the mighty fighter jet fall from the skies. Major Ramon had ejected just in time and also witnessed his burning plane in its final moments.

The remnants of the plane never made it to the ground, for it was struck by the remaining missiles, completely destroying it. Its former pilot landed in a field outside the village. He tried to get up, but he found himself unable to move. God help me if they find me, he thought. Of course, he knew they would.

A security detachment from the Battery saw the pilot escape from his aircraft, the parachute billowing out as he glided down, they climbed aboard an APC and headed out to where it was likely to land, on their arrival they found a attack helicopter, hovering overhead, as they neared they saw its grinning pilot and gunner, both giving the thumbs up.

The sergeant from the security detachment was snarling and muttering under his breath, something about bloody glory boys.

He however had better things to do, already in his helmet earphones he was being told he was to bring tthe pilot into town for questioning by the research department, which meant; this pilot was going to have a very bad day.
They arrived to find the pilot was injured and unable to move.

He called to his men
"get that prick up and into the wagon, and for godsake becareful, we dont want to scratch him before the research depart dismantle him"

As he bent over the pilot, he said
Son, you are in for a very bad time, but then you killed some good mates of mine and I dont give a shit how bad it gets for you".

Colonel Gott, Major Ramon's CO and fellow PDA member, learned of the incident very fast. He trusted Ramon, but he knew that under extreme circumstances even the toughest of wills can be broken. The information the major had about the PDA, such as many of its members, was too valuable to risk having fall into the enemies hands. Gott had to think of something fast -- he had to find out where they were taking Ramon. He grabbed his phone and made some calls to the airbase. He then contacted a good friend and fellow PDA member, Brigadier General Joll

* * *

An Aiosian Air Force helicopter flew over the Rechburgians transporting the capture Major Ramon. Before taking off, the air base had sent a message to them to avoid any mishaps, so the pilot, unaware of the purpose of his mission but never one to question orders, felt safe as he passed by.

Several miles down the road, an MP unit sent by General Joll had set up a checkpoint. They were told to stop all wanting to pass for identification of all individuals... and to see to the death of Major Ramon.

Once they placed Major Ramon in a stretcher, they had braced his leg and stopped the arterial bleeding. he was bundled into the APC and they made off.

The commander of the attack helicopters went ahead with 1 other helo to scout the route while the other 2 were to return to base to rearm.

As the commander flew ahead he noticed the Aios helicopter, he waved and the Aios pilot waved back and then flew back towards the route the APC was travelling.
A short time later, the helo saw a road block, suspecting a rebel ambush he hovered while he inspected the roadblock.
He was also suspicious of Aios forces, which wasnt unreasonable when one considered they were escorting a Auios pilot who had killed some Rechburg soldiers 30 minutes earlier.

He radioed the APC and warned them that Aios military Police had a roadblock up, and they should halt until they cleared the matter up.

He then switched to the Aios military channel first he asked HQ to advise if they had a road block up and then he hailed the roadblock.

"This is Rechburg gunship to your south, please be advised we have important vehicle coming your way and it will not stop, please clear this road immediately."
He said to his gunner
"Andy i dont like this, this is just to convienent, watch them and if they lift anything other than a radio, blast them; we can sort the damage out later."
The rotary cannon swivelled towards the roadblock.

*****************
Meanwhile the APC pulled up on the side of the road, some distance away, in a wood that the roadway passed through. The sergeant thought the cover of the trees would make it more comfortable for his men rather than sitting in a hot APC, he did however warn them to keep a screen out as they were in indian country.

The other Copter with the Flight commander was sent to cover the APc while this rather strange situation was cleared up.

Staff Sergeant Fjort was in charge of the group of 5 MPs. He figured that the Rechburgians would be suspicious considering the recent incident. I better play this out delicately. He told the men to stay perfectly still and picked up the radio and said, "This is Staff Sergeant Fjort of the Aiosian Royal Army. I'm sorry, but we have strict orders from General Joll not to let anybody through without checking their identification -- repeat, anybody." The sergeant made sure to put special emphasis on the word 'anybody' the second time.

Commander Olsten's destroyer moved through the water at a mere 8 knots, keeping just far enough from the blockading vessels to keep them in range of his torpedoes. He did not sit in the captain's chair, but chose to stand to the right of the helmsman instead. Ensign Voltarik, the officer of the deck, stood silently in a corner, ignorant to his captain's plans.

Meanwhile, in the torpedo room Lieutenant Roberts and Torpedoman's Mate First Class Duman awaited the orders from the captain, which would be delivered in code. The gunnery officer was tense. He knew he was about to die. Only a fool would think that Battlehawk group wouldn't destroy the ship after being torpedoed. His only regret, though, was that many innocent sailors--my shipmates, he realized--would have to die in the process. It seemed wrong to make them die for a cause they did not believe in, even if it were right. But sacrifices must be made in war, Roberts reasoned; sometimes one must put morals aside.

And yet.... The lieutenant cut off that train of thought instantly. He could not afford to think philosophically now. There's no turning back now.

Back on the bridge Commander Olsten picked his first target. It was a Snowdonia class Cruiser in the middle of the group. He sent a message to the torpedo room: "Mr. Roberts, can you meet me in my cabin in a few minutes?" The OOD and the helmsman did not even think about the statement.

"Now!" Roberts yelled to the torpedoman's mate. With that, two torpedoes were launched and headed straight for the Blackhawk warship.

The Aiosian destroyer then came towards another cruiser. Olsten once again sent a message to the torpedo room. "On second thought, meet me in the wardroom," he said. Two more torpedoes were released.

"Hey, we launched a torpedo!" a sailor on the starboard side of the ship yelled. The OOD removed his M9 pistol from its holster and aimed at the captain, who did not bother turning around, knowing what to expect. Mr. Voltarik always was a fanatical royalist...

Lieutenant Megan on the Gunship spoke to the sergeant

"Sergeant I have had a bad day, so far I have had a Aiosian fighter attempt to kill me, I have had men killed by Asions, I am in no mood to piss around, you will mount up on that piece of junk and move to the open field to your right, you will remain in your vehicle while our unit moves past; failure to comply means you have changed sides; consequences will be severe.
This is not negotiable."

Over the radio came a report back from Asio Headquarters answering the enquiry sent earlier.
"We repeat, there is no authorised roadblock on that road"

"Lieuteneant megan simply said

"Kill them"

The 30mm rotary cannon fired.

Back at Rechburg headquarters reports were coming in rapidly, the one that puzzled major Graham commander of the special servicewas why would the rebels have attempted to rescue the pilot, for that was what that roadblock was clearly designed to do. He had to be a high value prisoner.

He picked up the radio, ordering a sea stallion to go and pick up the prisoner, the gunships to remain on cover. It would only take minutes for the helo to get there and get this puzzling prisoner.

An hour later TF able arrived at the palace, the tanks simply knocking the gates down and then swiveling around with guns pointing outwards.

The Infantry began to scatter around the perimeter, others entering the building on the roads outside the palace grounds.
Captain Karl Buchard dismounted from his APC, speaking into his helmet mike, he reported

"Palace grounds secure"

Moments later a helicopter was heard overhead, startling many of the Aios palace and police personal. It lowered with wheels down, a group of officers stepped out; the last one everyone recognised - General Andy Maclaren "the bear".
He was tall and as his nick name suggests he was built like a mountain bear.

He saluted the men around as he and his aides went straight from the helicopter tot he Palace.
Once inside he was advised the King was in a meeting, and would the general like to wait.

The General looked at the aide,
"You go tell his majesty that we need to talk and now", he turned to one of his aides,
"Doug why dont you set up the Dog and Pony show over there" he said pointing to a far wall.
The aide placed down a large laptop type system, lifted the lid to show a screen, the aide switched it on and readjusted the inbuilt camera's. A moment later, the spread wings of the rechburg Golden Eagle came on screen.

He turned to see the palace official was standing there totally amazed or mystified.
"Go tell his majesty, my Duke wishes to speak to him, and believe me my Duke will not be kept waiting".

****************** ************************* ***********************

Meanwhile the downed PDA Pilot Ramon had been picked up by helicoptor and flown out to the hospital ship
"Duchess Royal".
On landing he was met by Dr Damion.
The sailors carried him down to the surgery. The room was white and austere, the pilot was shackled to a bed.

"Major Ramon, my name is Dr Damion, we need to talk"
These were the last words major ramon would remember for many years, moments later he was put to sleep and then over the next few minutes treated with a concoction of several drugs like Sodium Amytal, Desoxyn, and LSD-25, which "disorganized" thought patterns, and in fact the long term results were catastrophic to the mind; however in the short term all sense of resistence was missing and he was answering questions put to him as honestly as he could.
Dr Damion knew he was in a race with time, the longer he asked questions, the more damage was done to Major Ramons mind.
The interrogation went on for 20 minutes, by which time Ramon had told all he knew.
When it was finished ramon was sent to a private room for care, as Dr Damion said to one of the intelligence officers, it will likely take him years to learn to talk or even walk, his mind will be so scrambled one the mixtures used.

The intelligence officer simply shrugged his shoulders and left for the his office and the burst phone. He had a mind field of information.

Within an hour of the major landing on the ship, Special service teams backed by Rangers were arresting many officers in the Army and navy. Often with each arrest more and more evidence was disclosed, linking others. Many of the people caught up in the arrests were loyal PDA operatives and would refuse to talk, they would be sent out to Dr damion, others were simply too afraid, and the mention of the fate awaiting the families of traitors was enough to loosen tongues.
As the more valuable prisoners were brought on board, the busier Dr Damion and his men would be. It became obvious there were people high in the Aios military who were responsible for this revolt, as well as some civilians were being implicated.

Other sources of information were gleaned from recorded Aios radio messages, many indicating possible PDA involvement. Loyal aios officers were themselves maintaining watch on all communications, informing the Rechburg command of suspicions when they occurred.

Satelites were by now positioned to cover all of Aios, these would help track movement of PDA forces, so they could be intercepted before they became effective.

It was this discovery that had caused the call to Duke Leopold and the visit of General Maclaren to see the King, mean while the increasing amounts of information was continuing. Arms caches were discovered and PDA troop locations were being disclosed and operations prepared. this new information was being sent to General Maclaren.

Finally King Eltrich walked into the room.

(Will need Aios involvement here)

<On land>

"Ok lads, pull it back!" Greg yelled as another of HIS APC's was destroyed "Get back to postion theta"
The remaining APC's turned and fled down teh highway until they got to a more defendable postion.
"Alpha 212 to Alpha Prime, we need back up at Theta postion pronto" greg requested.
"We've got a Blackhawk squadron en-route, but we're having trouble out at sea" Cmmand replied

<Out At Sea>

Alex and Jess were standing on the Bridge when to their left a massivve explosion ripped the RBS Venture in two
"What the hell!" Alex yelled
"Torpedoes" Jessica commented
"Where from?"
"Out there on the edge of radar range, should we fire on them?"
Alex paced to the radar screen
"NO, prepare the Seahawks for departure with Gamma Force in them, get a weapon and meet me down there"

Alex caught a Rifle thrwon at him by A Gamma Force soldier. HE climbed into a Seahawk and Jess climbed in after. Thye watched as a Trio of F28 Talons took off and headed to the Destroyed to knock out any AA guns while the Seahawks landed.
The Seahawks followed the Talons waiiting for conframtion that the AA guns where knocked out...

Brigadier General Joll knew that with the capture of Major Ramon, his position as a key member of the PDA was likely revealed. He suspected that the first arrests were already being made.

Joll stood in his living room, wearing only his underwear. His Army uniform lay carelessly on a red leather chair near the fireplace. The general was unhappy at what he had to do, but it was essential. "If only they'd listened to me," he said, "and the consequences of the capture of that one man wouldn't be so large. I told them we needed more compartmentalization of vital information, especially of members. But the idiots said it would never work out. It would've if they had listened to me!" He grabbed a half-empty bottle of whiskey off his coffee table and chugged down what remained.

General Joll picked up his uniform and stared at the five rows of ribbons on the breast. They represented over 30 years of distinguished service in the Royal Army. It saddened him to have to give all that up.

His cell phone rang. He picked it up. It was Martin Stephoff, leader of the PDA, and a former Lt. Colonel serving under the general. Joll was not shocked by the news his former subordinate, now boss had to deliver: senior military officers across Aios were being arrested... and many committed suicide to evade capture.

Despite suspecting that many of his comrades would take that route, Joll was disturbed by the fact that many officers were taking their own lives. He thought that course of action to be pure cowardice. The general had a different plan for himself. He turned his head towards the fire in the fireplace and then looked down at the uniform he held in his hand. With a blank expression on his face, he tossed the uniform into the fire. And though he appeared apathetic, this look was feigned. Nothing he had ever done hurt him more. A part of him died.

General Joll sighed and wished he had another bottle of whiskey. But I don't have time to be getting wasted, he reminded himself. The now unofficially retired general went to his bedroom and picked out a simple navy blue suite with a white shirt and black tie. On the nightstand adjacent to his bed lay a fake driver's license that identified him as Herbert E. Xantier. Next to it lay various other documents that supported this new identity. After dressing, "Xantier" went to his bathroom where he dyed his graying brown hair light blond and attached a matching mustache. In time, he would ditch the fake one for real facial hair and he would grow his hair out to shoulder length. Once done with these tasks, he returned his bedroom, grabbed his forged documents, and then put on a thick pair of black-rimmed glasses. He went back into the living room and put the documents in a suitcase laying on his couch.

"Xantier" left his house half an hour later in a car that he had bought using his assumed identity. Ten minutes later he heard the blaring siren of fire trucks heading towards his former abode.

The first Seahawk hovered over the Destroyyer and the first Gamma force team roped down onto the fore deck. Each of the rest of th Hawks stayed only long enough for the team to get on teh ship. Once the entire boarding party was down it consited of 16 Gamma Force and Alex+Jessica
"Ok, Team one, you're with me, we are taking the bridge, Team 2 with Jess, take this crew quartes, 3 take the Engine room and 4 take the cargo hold, I want them alive as much as possible, lets go"

Lt. Commander Frakes, the ship's XO, had assumed command. The captain's body had been tossed overboard, and the ensign who shot him remained on the bridge. The Master-at-Arms had already taken Lieutenant Roberts and the torpedoman's mate to the brig.

When the group of Battlehawk sailors came into the bridge, Commander Frakes greeted them. "Gentlemen," he said, "I am Lieutenant Commander Phillip Roger Frakes, acting commanding officer aboard. I was executive officer of this vessel until just recently when our treasonous captain--who is now dead, I must add--launched an attack on your vessels without my, or the majority of the crew's, knowledge. I can assure you that those responsible for this horrible incident have already been taken under arrest. You can find them in the brig." He grinned and added, "Do with them as you please."

As the Gamma Force special forces squads kept their weapons trained on the LT Commander, Alex stepped forward
"Captain Alex Munro, of the RBS Endeavour, under the circumstances I must ask you to sail your ship to our blokade and sumbit to a full search, none of your crew will be detained or hurt in anyway" Alex said as he motioned for the Special forces to lower their weapons

Events over the next few days began to unfold rather rapidly, as more and more evidence of the planned coup came to light , the number of people being arrested was increased.

General "Bear" Maclaren and Admiral Ney had just been to visit the King yet again, their purpose was to brief the King on all that transpired.
Essentially there was now little resistance anywhere, occasionally a group of diehards would hold out, but they were or would soon be rooted out.
The Rechburg forces linked up with the Battlehawk forces around Dartleton and then moved inland.

Now the military aspect of the operation was decreasing it was becoming one of internal security and investigation.
Many of the suspected ringleaders such as General Koll had disappeared, others simply took their own lives rather than face the wrath of a nation they plunged into civil war.
The Rechburg interrogation units would continue their work in ferreting out the conspiraters, it would take months and no doubt it would require the work of the special Service teams to do some body snatching around the world, but as Dr Damion would say,
"No one can hide from the truth, and the truth ultimately prevails".

It would take months for Aios to return to a sense of normality, perhaps years if one includes the aspect of neighbourly suspicion. The refugee camps slowly emptied as people returned to their homes.

The whole operation had taken 126 Rechburg lives, but had taken millions of dollars out of the Rechburg treasury, but as General Maclaren would say; thats the price for having noisy neighbours.

As he mounted his helicopter, he looked back at the Palace, and the King standing in the window waving, he muttered to himself

"I wonder if it truly is over, or have they just gone to ground".
No doubt it would all depend on that solitary sad figure in the window. A man who had been handed back his nation, but with it came a huge burdon of guilt.

OCC I have kept the Battlehawk aspect out of this summary as I dont know how you wish to continue your side. However for Rechburg this operation would be at a close.

The battle for Dartleton continued for well over four days. The PDA had been reduced to less than 300 men, who when they were not making quick attacks on Battlehawk marines would hide wherever they could. Some were lucky enough to find sympathizers who gave them a room. It was obvious that the attempt to take the city was a failure. In only a day or two, all remaining PDA members would be killed, arrested, or simply give up. Across the rest of Aios, things were also settling down -- a few bombings and the occasional march of armed men throughout the streets, but that was it. Many thought the PDA was on its death bed and that the civil war would be short lived.

"Oh, but how wrong they are," Martin Stephoff said as he reclined in his living room, smoking a pipe. A man was behind him on the couch. Stephoff had been lucky enough to avoid having his identity revealed. Those who knew of his role as leader of the PDA were mostly dead or had fled the country.

"What do you mean?" Stephoff's visitor asked.

"I mean that I've still got something up my sleeve. A lot, actually. You see, while those pigs did manage to cause some serious damage by uncovering the identities of many of my members, they have not crippled us. Oh no, friend, we are still strong. But I'm luring them into a first sense of security." He laughed.

A Platoon of Battlehawks Marines mached trhough downtown Datleton attempting to root our the last of the PDA in the city. Flights of Talons continued to soar overhead and the faint whur of Blackhawk helicoptors filled teh sky

Lt. Colonel Yates hadn't shaved in days, and he still wore the same clothes he had when the battle started, the only difference being that they were ripped and stained with blood (his and that of others), mud, and various other unsanitary substances. His morale, like that of his men, was low. He was currently hiding out in the cellar of an abandoned building, once a library, and kept himself occupied with some books that had been left behind. When he wasn't reading, he planned a final blow to the Battlehawk marines.

Private Thomas Bryne was manning a .50 Cal machine gun on one of the Blackhawks and looked down at the city as they flew over

ooc: if this is still open I am in

Letter to the leader of the democratic forces

Comrade

We heard of your struggle against the reactionary forces to bring democracy to your country, and we decided it is time to help you. If you authorize us we shall send a detachement of our Internationalist Brigades to help defeating the monarchists and the reaction forces.

General Che is ready to deploy a force of urban and rurual commandos (with large experience in rebellions), aswell as missiles, combat helicopters and destroyers to help in your fight, we shall do whatever we can to help in the deposition of the monarchy and stablishment of democratic regime.

Sincerely yours

Field Marshall Fidel Castro, Vindetta's Internationalist Brigades

OCC

Sadly If this is to re-escalate you will have to assume the Rechburg forces have withdrawn as I am out of town a lot over the next 4 days with work issues and will have little time to do justice to it, until around next Tuesday.

ooc: well, we have other belingerants against the side I will support, so, if the people ehre agree its fine...

OOC: Alright everyone, Im so sorry about the extended leave, I had some unexpected computer issues, and just now got it fixed. Gataway, Vindetta, feel freed to join on the PDA side if you like since they need allies. As it goes I have Battle Hawk, Aios, and Rechburg (when and if he returns) as Monarchy forces, so the PDA could use an ally. Will post IC soon)

OOC: Yea, I could definitely use some allies. Especially since I don't like having to RP five different situations simultaneously in one RP. ;)

King Eltich grinned widely as the cameras and recorders almost blinded him. He looked around, the military might of Aios was showing tonight as columns of men filed past- part props, part real guards. Above Manguasta helicopters roared by, scanning the crowd. Eltich took one last breath before addressing his live audience, and his televised one. "People of Aios" he boomed, "Tonight we gather together to celebrate the end of a hard time for Aios. Terrorists masking themselves as 'freedom fighters' openly revolted against us. Lives were lost, and families were torn apart. but we are a strong people, we prevailed. Our allies shed blood for us willingly, and tonight I also wish to thank them." He gestured to the rows of men in the back, before pointing to the two companies to his left and right. "Our brave soldiers, who laid down their lives for you, to protect you. People of Aios, I come to you tonight, humbled by their bravery." the crowd of about 10,000 people cheered wildly as the king raised his hands into the air. "We are victorious!" The crowds roar was renewed as they felt their hearts swell in their chests. The soldiers yelled out in unison "Hail King Eltich!" before raising their rifles and firing an honorary salute. Tonight marked a new chapter in the history of Aios, a time of great pride of overcoming terror-or so they thought.

OCC
Rechburg will return but cannot RP actively for 4 days as Im away fromn the PC all day and until late at night, so my actions will be very limited. Until early next week, however Aios, a map or at least a list of towns and distances are concerned.
I don't know the name of the town Im in or its Port. I have assumed its near the palace but it need not be an issue as Kings usually had more than one.
I have no idea how far away Dartleton is but I have moved some forces there to assist battlehawk. the remainder of the forces are in "My Town and Port".

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/Dartia/logo1.jpg

PUBLIC STATEMENT

It is the belief of the Free Land of Dartia that no man should claim as a birthright rulership over another. A ruler must lead with the consent of his people.

As staunch advocates of democracy, the Free Land of Dartia wishes to announce its moral support to The People's Democracy. Furthermore, we are prepared to offer The People's Democracy $500 million USD in financial support provided their leadership agrees to the following conditions:

1) To fight in accordance with the Geneva Conventions
2) To offer the royalty of Aois the opportunity to accept exile over war

Should the royal family accept exile, our nation would gladly welcome them in the interest of peace. Furthermore, we are willing to grant them collectively a $10 million USD annual allowance, so they may continue to live the lifestyle they are accustomed to.

OOC: All willing to assist to PDA contact me A.S.A.P. and see this thread: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14081197#post14081197

As news arrived at his headquarters of the rebels receiving international assistance, General MaClaren sent signals to King Eltrich and the battlehawk Commander to set up a Unifed Command structure.

The news of a possible escalation came as a surprise to both MaClaren and his sovereign Duke Leopold.
They had anticipating winding down the Rechburg Military Program and increasing an aid program.

The aid to the people within Rechburgs area of influence was considerable, not only had they feed and protected all who came to their camps, but now they were assisting in reestablishing them in their homes and businesses within the Rechburg area of influence, which consisted of the city, Port and airbase, plus numerous villages around these areas.
The Hearts and Minds program was of great value, as these people came to see the Rechburg-Aios troops in this area as their friends and protectors.
Many of them choosing to become informers and "Unofficial spies", all of which added to the stability of the Rechburg area of influence, as well as a source of intelligence to the Allied command structure.

An encrypted message was sent to a PDA operative in Dartia, who then personally delivered the following to the leader of the nation:

"While the People's Democracy of Aios appreciates your offer, we cannot agree to the conditions you have stated. We refuse to abide by any international standards until we are given the rights we deserve. Until then, we will use whatever means necessary to achieve our goal."

The small flight of Tornado GR1s roared past the celebration parade at the Royal Palace, below them fireworks burst in the air like colorful flak fire, it was dangerous to fly through it, but then again it would last mere seconds. Captain Yeros looked down at the large crowd of people, looking like ants. He looked up once more, the Lights fading away as he and the other two moved off towards Dartelon. Tonight they would end this for good. "Anton, I want you to cover the left side of the port, Gerard take right, I'll cover the center. Remember, this is the last area the terrorists hold, wipe it out." The jets roared on, arming their JP233 bombs. Captain Yeros was, however mistaken about his target, for his Operator was one of the few PDA members that evaded arrest. He was not told about the Battlehawk marines in the city, and even if a few holdout were killed, he thought, even more Battlehawk marines would be killed. The Three Tornadoes were approaching the port city, even from the air he could see the damage, fires still burned, craters in the streets...Yeros let out a sigh...this was his home...and now he would destroy it. He contacted his wingmen "On my mark." the Tornadoes flew into their indicated vectors of the city, sweeping through before up out into the ocean and turning back to the city. "Now." Each Tornado dropped four JP233s, enough to spread thousands of the small bomblets into the city below, it looked amazing from the air, a curtain of fire and explosions covering most if not all of the city. Anything not in a decent amount of cover would have been torn apart the the cluster bombs, shrapnel flying everywhere, into buildings,home, vehicles...even low flying aircraft would have suffered in the torrent of explosions, each JP233 also released 30 small crater making bombs, making the streets useless. The one city in Aios that suffered the greatest...civilian casualties would or should be none...the city had been locked down for the Battlehawk marines. Captain Yeros heard the radio, but he really wasn't paying attention, he looked back at his home now silently smoking in the darkness.

OOC: Battlehawk, Ill let you decide your casualties, but take in mind they curtained the city in anti personnel bombs. Thought the story could use and interesting twist. ;)

OCC
I fail to see how to see how you can realistically expect to have little or no civilian casualties when you also claim they cutained the city in anti personal bombs, even with most people in doors.
Consider the bombs hitting houses, hospitals, schools, Gas stations, cars with fuel, buses with fuel etc. An anti personal bomb hitting a house could very easily severe gas lines or set fire to infammable material, as they would to hospitals etc.
A city with gas stations and vehicles moving or stopped could go up in flames so my estimation would be the civilian casualties would be considerable.
Also the civilian ppoulation would be hostile to the Aios government because they were just bombed by their own Government.

Considering that the Aios ships torpedoed a battlehawk warship, and Aios planes just bombed their marines I would say our alliance is somewhat in tatters.

OOC: Dartelon was the last PDA "Stronghold" so to speak, as I stated in the post people were not allowed back into the city after the fighting "Ceased" soreally no one should be there from after the invasion, but I also said should which leaves me open for casualties too.

OCC

ahhh ok

ooc: Aios, would you be willing to TG me a quick and dirty overall recap of your civil war to date? kind of a sumary of what has happened, and any major events that have taken place up to today? I'd love to include this in my next "Into the Unknown" broadcast. Thanks

Explosions ripped through teh city and many mariesn where killed. The Battlehawk ships immediatly fired AA shots and many planes took of from the FSS Endeavour after the attackers.

Official Commuication
To: Aios Govermant
From: Captain Munro

That was outragous, we come here to help you country and you kiill nearly two thousand marines! You will pay for this, with the power given to me by the Battlehawk GOvermant, I offialy declare war on your nation.

END MESSAGE.

The Battlehawk ships set out along the coast where they landed the reaminin gofrces bringing the total BH forcest to nearly 10,000 soldiers with all their nessarsy backup diviisions.
The Battlahwk Talons sped after the Tornadoes

The Royal Duchy of Rechburg.

Malmaison Palace
The Royal City of Ghent.
The Royal Duchy of Rechburg
Dear Cousin

In few of the declaration of war by Battlehawk on Aios, I have no other choice than to order the withdrawl of my forces from your Realm. Nor would it be my desire to join Battlehawk in a war against you and your people.
My original mandate was one of Humanitarian aid, then secondly to assist you in the defence of your Kingdom.

It is not however not my intention for Rechburg to go to war against Battlehawk with whom we maintain friendly relationships.
To that end I have hereby ordered that all Royal Rechburg forces are to be withdrawn from Aios immediately, and from this time to assume a neutral posture in relations with you.

In some future time should you require a peace keeping force I will consider your request with some sympathy.

In highest Regard

Duke Leopold
Royal Duchy of Rechburg

Martin Stephoff smiled when he learned of the Battlehawk's declaration of war on Aios and the subsequent removal of Rechburgian forces from the country. He knew that he must take advantage of this magnificent opportunity while he had the chance.

A secret message was sent to the Battlehawk commander:

Our enemy is now the same, for you too have now suffered at the hands of the corrupt government of Aios. As the old saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and so we, the People's Democracy of Aios, extend a hand of friendship to the Battlehawk. We propose we join forces and work together to overthrow the tyrannical regime of King Eltich Dartel. Yes, we are responsible for the deaths of many of your men, but do not forget that you too are responsible for the death of many of ours -- but we are willing to put this behind us.

With the civil war reduced to the occasional small scale attack by tiny groups of revolutionaries, mostly armed with handguns, life began to return to normal in Aios. People fell back into the comfort of their daily routines. The fear of the PDA storming into their city with tanks and machine guns was gone. Government officials no longer worried about their workplaces being assaulted. At the Aiosian treasury, in particular, employees quickly adjusted to the calm that had settled over the nation and went about the mundane workings of the treasury in peace.

Gottfried Smith was sort of disappointed that those intense days had come to an end. He missed the insanity. He missed not knowing what he would face each day, not knowing if he would see its end. Now the lowly accountant knew what to expect every day: eight or more hours of mind numbingly boring paperwork. Smith had just arrived at work and settle in at his desk. He looked in horror at the tall stack of papers in his IN box. The digital clock next to the picture of his now deceased wife told him that is was only 8:26 a.m, which hardly helped his mood.

A call came as Smith started examining the first document in his pile, a memorandum from one of his various supervisors. The name on the caller ID brought a smile to the despondent civil servant's face. It was his girlfriend, Anna Rossler, a tall and red-haired woman 20 years his junior and baring a remarkable resemblance to his wife at that age. "You, my dear, are a lifesaver" was his hello.

"I figured you would be just starting," the young lady said.

"You figured right. So, how is everything?"

"Just well, hun, just well. I called to let you know I'm on the way to your work. I miss you and want to see you and..."

"Wait! Anna, you know this isn't possible. We're still at an elevated alert level. Only visitors here on official business are allowed."

"Oh, come on now, what's wrong with a little rule breaking here and there? I'm sure you can think of something -- you're a smart guy. There must be some place you know of where we can go and be alone for a bit."

"Well, yes," Smith replied, "but I really don't see why we can't just meet for lunch or something later."

"I want to see you now, not at lunch!" Rossler said, irritated. "And I am not in the mood for going out in public either. I want to be with you. Alone." Suddenly she switched to a seductive tone. "I've thought of some fun new activities for us, if you know what I mean..."

Smith's heartbeat increased. "Well, uh... Okay, okay, I've got an idea."

"Oh?" The young woman was pleased.

"Meet me at the alley in between the treasury and the department store. There's a seldom used storage room we can use."

"Sounds just fine, hun. I'll see you in a bit."

"Bye..." Smith wasn't sure about what he was about to do. Such a breach--actually, any breach--of protocol was uncharacteristic of him; he had always been a strictly by-the-book man, following every little rule and regulation no matter how trivial. 'Women make you do crazy things,' he thought.

* * *

After hanging up with Gottfried Smith, Anna Rossler made another call.
“Okay, I’ve got access to the building,” she said. “I should be there in about ten minutes. Be ready.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the man on the other end said.

“Good.” Rossler hung up.

The man who she was talking to was in a van parked five blocks from the treasury building. He looked at the person in the passenger seat and simply nodded.

To: PDA
From: Captain Munro

I also agree with your assessment of the situation and in light of the current situation we accept your hand of freindship. I propose a joint move to retake the port city we had fought over for so long, our intel shows us taht all the bombs dropped where detonated during the bombing therefore it should be safe, From there we can set up a command structure and you may have access to our weapons and supplies. As well as our hospitatly.

End Message

To: Captain Munro
From: PDA

Thank you for accepting our offer of friendship. Together, we can finally liberate Aios from the hands of the royalist pigs. I suggest we take Dartelton city hall and use it as our temporary command center. There is a bomb shelter there that will protect us in the event of a second air strike. From there, we can begin our planning.

Alex aknowlged the PDA's responce and ordered for the Marines to reenter thecity. Half by land, half by sea

Captain Yeros snapped back into the present as he heard warning lights blare in the cockpit. "Shit!" He yelled as he looked behind him, an AA missle streaking steadily toward his plane. "Pull up! Pull up!" his operator yelled, he looked to his right, seeing Gerard's plane burst into a fireball of burning metal and fuel. He pulled up sharply, releasing a burst of chaff from his underbelly, illuminating the plane in the darkness. To the left Anton's plane rolled off to the right, firing off his own chaff.



--------------------
Royal Airforce Base Victoria

Sean looked over at the flight operator guiding Tornado Flight 7. He narrowed his eyes as he quickly pulled his M9. The man was grinning to himself as he heard the report- Thousands of Battlehawk marines had been killed in a mistaken bombing. The man was quickly going for his own M9, probably to take his own life. He shouted out "TRAITOR!!" before firing three rounds into the mans chest. The rounds tore into the mans chest as he let out yelp, the last thing he heard was the mummerings of the control room-he had done it. The alliance would surely be in tatters.

-----

Field Marshall Amos let out a grumble Its never over with these people, is it? he thought. He too had just gotten reports of the bombings, and now The republic was declaring war upon Aios. He looked out upon his map- The Australian looking country laid out before him. Around him officers looked on, awaiting his orders. "Surely they'll be taking Dartelon first. From their I'm guessing they'll move down to Arris, where the old Rechburg forces were. Get General Durn on the phone, his forces will be moving to secure Arris. I want the 16 air assault brigade to retake Dartelon...But I need to speak with the Generals first." with that Amos dismissed the group, looking down at the map. It never ends....

"Eagle Control, this is eagle 1, My Squadron is enroute to Aiosian air force base closest to our postion, is Falcon squadron on station?"
"Eagle one, Falcon Squadron is in postion"
"Take, take, take" Eagle one yelled.
Two large squadrons of F28 Talons, around 20 planes in total dived down at a Aios air force base, ripping the AA defenses up with missle and cannon fire, Falcon Squadron cleared the wat for the Eagles to engage the fighters before they left the ground.

<RBS Endeavour>

"Where is commadore Valorums task group?" Alex asked
"They're on the other coastline prepering to land more marines" Jessica replied

OOC Alright..for one you do realize there would be radar coming in reporting a large force, if your planes are stealth then that does not make them completely invisible, not to mention the bases alert level would be raised after the declaration of war. Also its usually polite or accepted to let the other player take their own losses...Rammsteinburg stated this earlier, but just a reminder...

OOC: They were flying under the Radar level, good pilots can do that, did i not say that in the post... Looks back...whoops, My bad

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i280/pcfreek/Aios.jpg

OOC: This is a rough sketch of how Aios looks. NOTE The north ans west are NOT linked to the ocean, but a continent of sorts. Only the East and south are coastal. The northern parts are coated in forests and snowcapped mountains, this is some of the most beautiful land in Aios. To the west lie arid plains and an area of desert (The area where Cuyan and the other cities are clustered) the central part for the most part is temeperate grasslands with some forests and hills. To the east along the coast is relatively the same, but some steep cliffs jut out into the ocean at different elevations. This is not the final product but is to give everyone currently in the story a basic understanding of how it looks.

"God, I missed you!" Gottfried Smith said as he let Anna Rossler in. He wrapped his arms around the tall, beautiful young woman and kissed her passionately. His hand clenched her buttocks. The heat of her body warmed his body and soul.

"I missed you, too," Anna said when the kiss came to an end. "Thank you so much for letting me in."

"Dear," Smith said, "you'll make a madman out of me yet." The two exchanged a laugh. Smith continued to talk. "I don't get why you were so desperate to see me, though. Why couldn't we wait?"

"Well," Anna responded, "I've got a bit of a surprise for you, hun." She put her arms around the man's waist and flashed her stunningly white teeth.

"Oh? I like surprises. What is it?"

Anna giggled. "Something you'd never expect, I can assure you that." Smith seemed amused.

"I hope you don't plan on keeping me waiting."

"Don't worry, hun, I wouldn't torture you like that. You'll get it right now."

Anna removed a syringe from her coat pocket and injected a light blue substance into his back. Smith twitched and tried to let out a scream of pain, but all that came was a weak moan. He let go of Anna, lost his balance, and fell to the floor. Every muscle in his body locked up, and seconds later his heart stopped. His murderer, the woman he thought loved him, seemed unaffected by his death. He might as well have been a dead squirrel on the side of the road.

Anna kneeled down and searched Smith's pockets. She pulled out a key card and placed it in her coat pocket. She then removed her cell phone and called the same man she had called earlier. "Phase one complete," she said.

Thee white vans drove into the alley.

Lieutenant Colonel Yates had just showered and shaved for the first time in over a week. During the confusion and chaos of the bombing of Dartelton, and after narrowly escaping death, he had broken into a house and killed its occupants.

The colonel rubbed his face as he looked at in the mirror and felt relieved. It was wonderful to seem like a respectable human being again. He smiled. Things are finally looking up, he thought. He had recently learned of the Battlehawk's declaration of war on Aios and the new alliance between them and the PDA. Yates anxiously awaited the arrival of the marines who would retake the port city; and once it was captured, he and his comrades could come out of hiding and truly stand a chance against the royalist scum.

* * *

A heavy downpour assaulted the city of Arris, much to the despair of its citizens. But for one small group of Aiosians, the devilish deluge which confined most people to their homes was a blessing: it provided perfect cover for their treasonous tasks.

One of the major highways leading into the port city south of Dartelton had been blocked off by the police to make way for Royal Army troops being deployed to defend it against an anticipated invasion by the Battlehawk. There were two blocks: one just outside of Arris, preventing anybody from leaving on their route; the other five miles away, where the highway last intersects with another before entering the city. In the unguarded area in between there is a small bridge passing over a creek. Two men worked underneath the bridge, attaching explosives. Just beyond the bridge on both sides, thirty other men dug holes in the ground and filled them anti-tank and anti-personnel mines.

Newly promoted Major William Forge led his large group of marines through the coutnryside towards the PDA's postion. Thy saw tehm about half a mile away. As they approched Will threw a salute up to his head.

OOC: So, the Battlehawk marines are in the countryside between Dartelton and Arris?

OOC: Half attacked again from teh sea, and half from the land, its in one of my posts

Thirty men--ten from each van--entered the treasury building through the door that the deceived accountant Gottfried Smith had opened for Anna Rossler. Each man wore bullet proof vests, carried a backpack full of various items they would need, and were armed with AK-47s, M9 Pistols, and ka-bar knives. Some even had concussion and fragmentation grenades, and a few carried smoke grenades and flash bangs. Once they were all inside, they left the storage room and entered a tiny hallway at the end of which was a door that could only be unlocked with an access card. Rossler used the one she had stolen from her dead boyfriend. The door took them to a stairwell, and they climbed to the very top, where they were again met with a locked door that was opened using Smith's key card.

The armed men stormed into the top floor and announced themselves by the firing of a pistol in the air. People in the hallway froze, many of them dropping papers first, and naturally a few screamed. Anna Rossler stood in the front of the group and said, "We are People's Democracy of Aios! We are here to show the royalist pigs for whom you work that we are still strong and more serious than ever. Now, as long as you do what I say, you will live... for now. Whether you will leave today alive all depends on the decision of King Eltich. I want everybody to line up by this stairwell here, single file. Those who resist will be shot." She turned to the men behind her. "Okay, go through this floor and gather everyone up. Be sure to look under desks and anywhere else where somebody might be hiding. Ask them nicely to come with you first, and if they refuse, shoot to KILL. Understood?" A man directly behind her nodded in confirmation. "Good, then move out!" The armed PDA revolutionaries began their search of the top floor as those who had already heard Rossler's speech lined up as ordered.

Anna pulled out her cell phone and dialed a number.

"Ready?" a woman said.

"Yes. Proceed."

"Okay, cutting communications now."

A women who remained in one of the vans had a laptop with her. An ex-government electronic security analyst, she had hacked into the treasury buildings network and shut down the phone lines and connection to the internet. She then activated a programme she had installed into the computers at the nearest cell phone tower that would block any attempts by hostages to call for help by that method.

It was essential that the Aiosian government not learn of the hostage situation until the PDA informed them.

While Major Forge made contact on the ground the Multiple Talon Squadrons had sped down the coast to the City of Arris and began to fire missles at the militery units in and around the city as well as buildings such as Police HQ's and the like

OOC: Half attacked again from teh sea, and half from the land, its in one of my posts

OOC: How'd you get so far already without meeting resistance?

Btw, try not to have your marines step in the minefield the PDA just created. ;)

OOC: We met a bit, they're special forces so they moved fast and hard. And I won't as long as you tell me IC :-)

As the revolutionaries were finishing up their task, somebody noticed troops heading their way. The leader of the men grabbed his night vision binoculars to get an ID on the approaching group.

"Looks like Battlehawk marines!" he yelled. Using his flash light he tried to signal a warning about the minefield.

"Aww shit" Will said as he got the message "Everyone stop right now!"
The squads stopped "HOW DID THIS HAPPEN!?"

The leader of the PDA group signaled for Major Forge to meet him. As he did so, he thought If this alliance is going to work out, there really needs to be communication between each side.

The Battlehawk Special Forces made their way outof the minefield over to the PDA group

Stanton Ayok, leader of the group of revolutionaries, put his hand up in greeting to the approaching marines. When they were within hearing distance, he said, "Which one of you is the commanding officer?"

"Major Will Forge" Said Will as they approached

"Greetings, Major," Ayok said as the Battlehawk marine came towards him. "I'm Stanton Ayok, a lieutenant in the PDA*. Sorry that you didn't get word of our activities here, mate. You're just lucky you showed up before we left." The two leaders were directly in front of each other now. Ayok extended his hand.

*OOC: I'm actually giving the PDA a rank structure now:
Private
Private First Class
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
Master Sergeant
Warrant Officer
Lieutenant
Captain
Major
Lieutenant Colonel
Colonel
General
Field Marshal (Held by Martin Stephoff only.)

Will shook the offered hand
"Me and my Platoon of Gamma Force have been sent ahead to set up communication links" Will commented

"Ah, I see," Lt. Ayok replied. "Well, my men and I were just about to blow up the bridge and then leave." He looked up at the sky. The rain was dying down. "Preferably before the cover of the rain becomes unavailable. Now that you marines are here, though, I'm thinking of a new plan. Do you have any intelligence on the whereabouts of the approaching Royal Army force?"

"Limited" Will admitted "50% of our Talons are bombarding Arris as we speak and the other are performing CAP duties, Captain Munro wants the landing forces to capture a air base as soon as we can so we can bring Nimrods and other fighters and bombers in as well as having a militery command centre"

"Oh... well, my plan was for my men and your marines to assault the Royal Army force from the left and right flanks after they wander into this minefield we set up. The combination of the minefield and the sudden attack should throw them into a state of disarray. But... there's always the chance their intelligence will get them the heads up. It doesn't look like this rain will keep up, so we need to find a good place to hide."

Something clicked in Lt. Ayok's head, and he turned his attention to the creek. "Or... if we use the creek, we can attack them from the rear." The lieutenant turned back to Major Forge. "What do you think, sir?"

"I can probably get my spec fors round the back of them if you want to take the flank?" Will asked as one of his men began unloading radios for all the PDA soldiers

At the treasury building, everything was working in the PDA's favor. Everybody had been rounded up and moved to the lobby on the ground floor. Little resistance was met; only about a dozen men and women were shot, most of them cocky security guards.

"All right," Anna Rossler announced. "Let's move on to phase three. Everybody move to their assigned locations." She then removed her cell phone, the only one in the building that was not blocked by the programme installed into the cell tower's computer, and made a final call to the woman in the van outside. "Cut the power to floors two through four and set up the programme." The order was obeyed, leaving only the ground floor illuminated. Men with night vision goggles then went to the others and began placing motion detectors throughout. These motion detectors, when activated, would send a signal that would turn the lights back on. Once in place, three men on each floor went to preassigned locations and used a remote control to activate the motion detectors. They then removed their night vision goggles and waited patiently, AK-47s pressed to their chests.

Back on the ground floor, the remaining revolutionaries moved to their designated positions. The hostages, approximately sixty people, were crowded together in the middle of the lobby. Meanwhile, more vans parked outside the building and reinforcements quickly entered the building, bringing the PDA total to 80 men.

A video camera was set up in front of Anna Rossler. It was prepared to transmit to all local news stations.

OOC: Map of the building coming soon...

Lt. Ayok agreed with the major's plan. While the Battlehawk marines hid in the creek, the PDA men would wait to attack from the flanks. The bridge was blown up, and once everybody was in place, the lieutenant experienced a huge adrenaline rush. Now for those royalist pigs to get here...

"Battlehawk One to PDA one, Target are two minutes out, you ready?"

Field Marshall Amos hung up the phone. Looking behind he told the crowd. "Commence the airdrop, we have the go ahead." The Marshall sighed heavily, knowing this would be a rough operation.

------

After the attack the night before some of the planes planeed for the attack had been destroyed, but luckily they would be able to complete the operation anyway. The Parachute Regiments boared the planes soberly, One man in particular stood out among the thousands filing into the planes. He looked up somberly at the morning sun. This may be the last time I see this... Eric looked back to his men who continued to file into the C-17s. He looked up as another sortie of Tornadoes and Typhoons roared past, looking for any trouble what so ever, dotted aroudn the base early warning spotters were reporting in at all times, radar was at maximum strength and missiles were already armed and ready.

--------

"INCOMING!" Major Gesoti shouted as a missile plowed into a building in Northern Arris. "Its the shit Talon fighters again!!" He swore, as he ran for cover behind a Challenger 2 MBT. "Matthews! Get that baster with the Starstreak!" he screamed. One of the hundreds of men in the area bent a knee, tracing the Talon lagging behind in the formation. The launcher gave over a steady beep- it had locked on. The soldier fired the missile, a loud swoosh being heard as it ripped out of its tube. It quickly accelerated, and after reaching 400 meters from Matthews, it burst with speed to Mach 3.5 speeding closer and closer to the Talon, as it neared the target the three sub munitions burst from the chassis...Three tungsten darts were now headed with speed for the jet.

"As ready as we'll ever be," Lt. Ayok replied.

OOC- Major Gesoti and his forces are just a small garrison force left after the war it is not the main force going to defend the city.

400 Royal Army soldiers
8 Challenger 2 MBTs
20 APCs
2 Mangusta helicopters on support duty tucked away at the city airport. \

A larger ground force is on their way to the city and that is the force going to hit the minefield

<Above Arris>

"Talon 5 to Talon 1, i've go a missle tracking me, Can't hake it, going down!" Talon 5 yelled as they missle hit "Ejecting!

<Other place>

"Ok, prepare to go hot"

OOC: Got to eat my tea peoples, don't go ending the war without me, or Nuking my fleet or whatever

OOC: I'm back

The revolutionaries, fifteen on each side, just far enough away from the minefield to see the Royal Army troops as they entered, waited patiently in the mud... Lt. Ayok was in the left group. He controlled his breathing as he tried to calm himself.

Any minute now, he thought.

OOC: The PDA members are armed with AK-47s (as usual) and RPG-7s.

The Battlehawk Special Force took up postion on the hill behind teh Royal Army

OOC: How many Battlehawk Special Forces soldiers are there?

OOC:About 16, four squads of fou

OOC: We're gonna be seriously outnumbered, you know.

OOC: MO of Special Forces isn't it, let the Spec fors fire first with snipers

OOC: True, true...

OOC: Ok, opening fire

The Gamma force soldiers crawled to the ridge of the hill and opened fire as the Royal Armt entered the target area

The convoy rumbled slowly down the main highway into Arris from Fort Kerav, situated between Arris and Dartelon near Airforce Base Victoria. The lead challenger scanned the road ahead, looking behind him he saw the second tank. A tight convoy had been opted for since the PDA had been thought to been wiped out, and Battlehawk ground forces were still not out of Dartelon. Captain Richards looked out in the heavy downpour from the commanders hatch. Nothing. Humvees modified to carry SAM launchers checked the skies once more, everyone was on high alert. The miles long convoy rumbled steadily on...about to hit the minefield. Captain Richards shook his head, about to close the hatch when an explosion ripped through the tank. A shape charge mine tore through the soft underbelly of the tank, fire and shrapnel tearing into the main crew area-killing everyone almost instantly. In the second tank the driver realized a second too late what had happened- probably from the non stop driving for hours upon end- and kept on moving, hitting another mine. The third vehicle- an APC slammed the breaks, there had been no gunner- it was raining and it had been a quiet trip. One of Soldiers yelled out, and one pushed the hatch open, gunshots were heard as he pulled the tarp off the gun, a muffled scream was heard inside and the soldier slumped back into the APC, four rounds in his chest. Behind them the convoy stopped APCs pondered opening hatches and men shouted orders.


==========


Above Dartelon, small shapes could be seen in the distance, a faint humming sound in the air. The C-17s slowly rumbled toward the port city, their cargoholds filled with the men of the 16th Royal Air Assault Battalion. In between the massive formation of the 20 jets, 8 fighters escorted them, four Tornadoes and four Typhoon fighter jets. Inside the lead C-17 Captain Erickson looked over his men once more. How many would he see again? How many would be killed? he wondered to himself as they lined up. The jump masters shouted and the back ramp opened up with a roar. Eric instinctively reached for the metal ring for support. He looked out at the city below- he was to be the first one out. He looked back at his men, they anxiously looked at him, holding their L85A2s tightly. "He mustered a smile, raising a fist high in the air. "For Aios!" "For the King!" he yelled out, feeling his heart swell, he walked down the ramp steadily "Onward!" and he jumped. 101 men followed suit from that one C-17. Across the city, more and more parachutes opened up soon the sky was filled with men, slowly dropping down into the hell below.

"Oh not good" Captain Munro said as he saw the paratroppers as he stood on the fore deck of the Endeavour as it approched Dartelon. He signled to the Flyswater to fire and ordered the miniguns to fire on the paracutes to try and thin their numbers

<The Ambush>

Will fired into the cehst of one of the soldiers and didn't wait to see if he was completely dead before moving onto the next

Once the first explosion was heard and seen, the PDA men opened fire with their AK-47s and RPG-7s.

On the rainy highway, the Aiosian army was slowly fighting off the insurgents that seemed to be coming from everywhere. Dismounted soldiers cracked disciplined bursts in the direction of the initial gunfire. APCs could be heard letting loose with their mounted machine guns. The ambush had initially been successful, taking out two tanks and already 12 soldiers were dead.


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

"Phase one is complete sir." Major General Harris looked at Field Marshal Amos, a deep respect for the man. The choices he has to make...it must be tearing him up. "Very well." The Marshal replied, "Begin phase two of the operation in Dartelon, and get me a sitrep on the convoy headed for Arris." Harris nodded, saluted and left the room with a crisp "Yes sir!"

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


Another force crept steadily towards the port city or Dartelon, this one a bit larger but instead consisted of helicopters. The mix of Merlin HC3s and Chinook HC2s flew steadily along, flying low they had avoided any major attention as the roared into the city. In all about 300 troops from the 16 Air assault Regiment were soaring in. Along with 30 highly trained Royal Special Forces troops. "Landing in 30" the co pilot yelled out as slinked down atop the roof tops. Over the radio he heard another pilot yell out "Shit! I got Sam launch! Sam launch!"

Will signled to his men, and they quicckly repostioned along the ridgeline while the Royal tropps continued to fire where they had just left

Bump

OOC: Seems this thread isn't too active lately. :o

I'll have a new post tonight.

OOC: Ok

OOC: Yeesh! sorry guys been -totally- swamped with homework and RL issues :/ unexpected but now im back. Once again I apologize. In my absence howeveri found a video that shows the Aiosian civil war pretty well. This is NOT my work. I found it and was thinking of the war. I know its a recruitment video but it shows the events pretty well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txkIQlPJUBg&feature=related Scenes include: Random shots of the war [the mall etc] the paradrop into Dartelon, the Helicopter raid into Dartelon, the saving of the hostages in the Treasury [not rped but to come, and man others! some minor differences in equipment is all i can really think off, enjoy]

IC: Right! Contac- the RPG slammed into the third APC in the convoy, instantly killing most of the soldiers left inside. Luckily most were already on the ground, taking cover in the narrow ditches on the side of the highway usually for water runoff. Somewhere in the back a loud Boom was heard, a tank round had been fired-most likely a canister round to clear a group of exposed troops. Rifles barked out in the foggy, rainy morning...this was the perfect ambush- and the Royal Army had sleepily walked into it.

Lt. Ayok was pleased at the devastation caused to the vastly superior force of the Aiosian Royal Army. And with hardly any casualties to his men at all! One of his Sergeants had taken a bullet to the leg, but that was it.

"Mission accomplished," he thought as his weapon spit bullets into the group of soldiers in disarray. Now Arris was practically free for the taking.

- - -

Back at the Treasury building Anna Rossler stood in front of a camera and spoke. Her message was being broadcast on all major stations in the city.

"People of Aios!" she exclaimed with passion. "My brothers and sisters! The time for the end of the era of oppression by the hands of the royalist pigs is nearing an end. We, the People's Democracy of Aios, are still strong. You thought we were done with, but we were just resting -- we just waiting to let you put your guard down. And now, we really mean business. This a period of no mercy. We are prepared to do whatever is necessary. If that means a few innocent Aiosians have to die, so be it. Let it be known that all who are not with us will be viewed as enemies."

"We have taken the Treasury department. And if King Eltich does not agree to step down from the throne, blood shall be shed here. We'll give the king five hours to make a decision. If he does not meet our demands, somebody will die. And then somebody else will die every half hour from that point on. And if we run out of people to kill... Well, we'll just blow this building up. And I imagine the destruction of the Treasury will not do much good for this nation's economy.

So, Your Majesty, what's it going to be? Abdicate your throne, or let the innocent die? It's all up to you."

OOC: I'll be posting a map of the building soon.

To: PDA officers holding treasury building
From: Cpt Munro

Do you require a Gamma force drop?

<Ambush>

Wils team suddenly popped up again and continued firing into the Royaliist forces

OOC ((How hard would it be to get in on this now?))

OOC: Not hard, really.

To: PDA officers holding treasury building
From: Cpt Munro

Do you require a Gamma force drop?

<Ambush>

Wils team suddenly popped up again and continued firing into the Royaliist forces

OOC: There is no way for you to contact the PDA men in the Treasury.

OOC: I'll edit it to the PDA command then?

OOC: ((I think I'm gonna join, after I read the whole thing through. I hate going in half-cocked.))

The Gamma force teams advanced to cover nearer to the Convoy, just outside teh minefield

A small squadron of Blackhawk helicoptors were flying over the countryside

OOC: Guys im sorry once again to inform you of my leave. My grandfather passed away yesterday and I'm really in no mood to do anything. Ill try and post something when I can think again until then im sorry.

OOC: Alright, im sorry I was gone for so long, but things needed to be done. Im going to try and reactivate this. If no one is interested, just send me a telegram saying so.


IC:


"Roger, Adder reporting in. Hostiles in sight." The 3 Mangusta helicopters swooped down to their right, several RPGs trailing off to their left. "Whoa, someone doesn't want us here." Captain Jennele Oro let out a chuckle, looking though her HUD she traced targets with her eyes, the gun following her movements. She caught wind of a man with an RPG, quickly pulling the trigger the 20mm gatling gun roared to life. The ambush was soon to be over now.

The Gamma force solders slowly advanced on the slient convvoy, checking that all were dead

OOC: Sorry, mate, but I'm too involved in other RPs right now to continue.