NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Centralia is not a nationstates country and is not based off of any nationstates country. As I'm sure you will be able to tell, the following events are based of the wars in the Balkans during the 1990's. Note that this is a realistic, present day thread. In other words, if you choose to join, no super weapons or other unrealistic technology. Please use real equiptment and realisted troop numbers. 10 million is not a realistic amount of soldiers. Thank you.

IC:

To: The good and free people of the world
From: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain

As I'm sure you have heard over the course of the past couple of months, the small, once peaceful, nation of Centralia has fallen into chaos. Ever since the end of communist rule in the country, Centralia has been attempting to find an identity for itself. Unfortunately they found an unfavorable identity in their ruthless president, Goron Ackov. Ackov has turned Centralia into a nation in which the wealthy and, as he puts it, "ethnically pure" prosper, while the poor and ethnically diverse are crushed beneath them.

Six months ago, the country's Muslim minority, living in South Centralia declared their independence in protest of Ackov's rule. Ackov responded swiftly and brutally by sending his tanks into South Centralia and beginning a genocide against the South Centralian people. Centralian forces have cut off both the Muslim and Romani minorities from food and other basic living supplies. Thousands have fled their homeland, seeking shelter in my country and many others across Europe.

The people of The Republic have had enough with this reckless hate. All people, no matter their race, gender or creed have a basic right to life. Thus I come humbly before all free nations of the world to ask for your assistance. It is my intention to end Ackov's reign of terror here and now. Ackov has ignored all of our pleas to end the bloodshed. Therefore, we feel we have no other choice but to take military action. We intend to, along with those who choose to join us, accomplish the following objectives:

1. Carry out an air campaign in South Centralia. Primary targets include radar stations, anti-air gun emplacements and military convoys. Once the radar stations and AA assets are neutralized, we will institute a No-fly zone over South Centralia. Any Centralian aircraft in the airspace will be shot down by our fighter patrols.
2. Launch airstrikes against Centralian air bases in Centralia proper. This will severely hamper Ackov's ability to make war in South Centralia.
3. Launch a ground campaign into South Centralia. Throw out, and if possible capture Centralian troops and try them for war crimes.
4. Once the area is deemed secure, send peacekeepers into South Centralia to establish refugee camps and aid stations for any and all people who have been victims of the genocide. Food and medical supply donations from the international community are vital for the success of this objective.
5. Allow the people of South Centralia to hold a referendum on the subject of independence.
6. No matter the outcome of objective #5, coalition forces and peacekeepers will remain in the region until either it is deemed that South Centralia is stable and self sustaining and/or we are asked to leave by the South Centralians.

If we can accomplish these objectives, we will have given these people hope for a better life, aided in the defeat of a war criminal and created a new region of peace where there was one of violence. I ask you all to consider these facts and make the right choice. And remember, the people of Starplain can afford to wait for your reply; the people of South Centralia can not.

P.S. The Republic will be commiting the following forces to this endeavor:

Wasp-class Amphibious Assault Ship (1x)
Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer (2x) (2 more are on standby)
Oliver Hazard Perry-class Frigate (4x) (2 more on standby)
Protecteur-class auxiliary ship (1x)
Visby-class Corvette (2x)
G class landing craft (60x)
(2 Gotland-class submarines on standby)
Army Troops (2,000x)
Peackeepers (700x)
Naval Infantry (Marines) (624x)
Leopard 1A1 Main Battle Tanks (40x) (20 more on standby)
UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters (40x)
SH-60B Seahawk helicopters (16x) (2 more on standby)
MH-60S "Knighthawk" helicopters (12x)
JAS 39C Gripen Fighters (12x)
Harrier II GR9 Attack Fighters (6x)

Sincerely, Supreme Chancellor Olson, Republic of Starplain

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
From: Santherese Diplomatic Corps

Santheres is willing to provide peacekeeping troops for this operation. We cannot sit idly by and allow a genocide to be carried out and hope to aid in the most effective way possible. We have some concerns about one of your objectives, however:

3. Launch a ground campaign into South Centralia. Throw out, and if possible capture Centralian troops and try them for war crimes.

Something that must be understood is that the common soldier is not the perpetrator of war crimes on a grand scale. Those who are in the command structure who sanction such crimes are. After all, most soldiers are merely following orders and they must -- their lives are not their own anymore. There comes a point when this must be realized. Trying a man following orders is an unethical choice; rather try the men who forced him to do it.

Our force will consist mostly of units from the gendarmerie with support from special operations commands within our military, likely between five and seven thousand men. Naval support will, unfortunately, not be a real option. What we can spare for this operation will be providing security for the hospital ship that the Santherese Humanitarian Society will undoubtedly deploy to the area. It is a deep regret that the Ministry of Defense has not deemed this operation to be of the importance necessary to devote the resources that are likely required to complete the objectives in a timely manner, but we are quite positive that others will involve themselves to make up for the shortcomings in our deployment.

If you accept this offer and take our concern into account, we will have our forces meet with yours. Force composition is still undecided at the moment.

Regnant Marco de Rossi
Santherese Diplomatic Corps

(OOC: mind if I make a suggestion that you limit ORBAT size a little less vaguely? 75,000 is still a possibility and if more than one person does that....)

Official Communique from the Government of the United States of Oslea

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
From: President Scott W. Fisher

There is little time to waste in acting upon this heinous act. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Oslean military, I have met with the highest level of military personnel in Oslea to discuss how we, the Osleans, will assist you in your noble endeavor.

We have decided that sending in a carrier group to help provide air support will be the most effective solution we can provide. As I am writing this letter, the OSS Jonathan H. Bradley (CVN-66) and its support fleet is enroute to support your forces in South Centralia. This carrier has a complement of F/A-18s to assist any friendly forces in the area.

Regards,
Scott W. Fisher
President of the United States of Oslea

To: Santherese Diplomatic Corps and President Scott W. Fisher
From: Minister of Defence Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain

On behalf of Supreme Chancellor Olson, The Republic Senate and the people of Starplain, I welcome your support. Our battlegroup has made for the South Centralian Sea and our air forces and ground forces are across the border in nighboring Eastovia. We have sent President Ackov one last plea to withdraw his troops. He has not responded and in fact has bolstered his numbers in the region.

Also I would like to apologize on behalf of Mr. Olson. In objective #3, he meant to state that those who can be proven to have orchestrated the genocide will be prosecuted. Unless it can be proven that they acted on their own and with malicious intent, the common Centralian soldier will NOT be tried for war crimes.

Sincerely, Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain Ministry of Defence

BBC News broadcast: Today the first bombs fell in what coalition forces are calling a war for basic human rights. Fighters from both The Republic and Oslean Navies as well as the Republic Air Force began airstrikes today against President Goron Ackov's Centralian forces in the small near-thirdworld country. This comes as a response to Ackov's genocide against the Muslim and Romani minorities of Centralia's southernmost region. Early reports suggest that the coalition bombs have proven to be impressively accurate. Despite today's successes in the air campaign, Starplain Minister of Defence, Kjell Hansen has stated that the Centralian military machine must not be underestimated.

Casualty reports have been sketchy at best from the Centralian side, who claim that coalition fighters have made little impact on their forces. Reports from the coalition however, claim that allied planes have destroyed numerous Centralian tanks and anti-air assets. Also today, two Centralian MiG-21 fighters were apparently shot down by Starplain JAS-39 Gripens while an Oslean F/A-18 fighter shot down a Centralian J-22 Orao attack plane which was apparently in the process of attacking South Centralian Resistance fighters.

Coalition forces report no casualties of there own, however one Republic Navy Harrier II attack jet was damaged by surface fire and a single Oslean F/A-18 was apperently hit by shrapnel from an exploding SAM. Both fighters made it back to their respective carriers without insident and both countries claim the fighters will be combat ready again in a matter of days.

Meanwhile, Republic and Santherese military and peacekeeping troops have begun massing across the border in neigboring Eastovia. Though Eastovia can not afford to send troops of their own, they have pledged their support for coalition forces and have opened their country for use as a staging area for the ground campaign into South Centralia which expected to begin within the week.

For video of the day's events please visit the following addresses at our website:
Oslean Navy arrives in South Centralian Sea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQJc9HEj8Y0
Republic Gripen fighters destroy a Centralian tank: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IGOZTpbuUY&feature=related

United States of Festejar
President James McDowell/Sec. Defense John Lechter

We have heard news of a genocide occuring in South Centralia. We cannot stand and watch as this terrible violation of Civil Rights proceeds but cannot supply you with military support. We would like to help by sending supply convoys, peace keeping envoys and medical aid to the battle field. I hope you will accept our offer, good day and good luck.

James H. McDowell
President of the United States of Festejar

To The Republic of Starplain: We pledge our services in the form of our military to stop this horrible breach of human rights. Our forces shall be arriving in large numbers soon. We shall send the following forces:

Tabby-class Amphibious Assault Ship (2x)
Persian-class Destroyer (4x) (2 more standing by)
Siamese-class Frigate (4x) (2 more standing by)
Maine Coon-class auxiliary ship (2x)
Abyssinian-class Corvette (4x)
C class landing craft (50x)
(2 Catfish-class submarines standing by)
Army Troops (2,500x)
Peackeepers (750x)
Naval Infantry (Marines) (650x)
Cougar 1A2 Main Battle Tanks (45x) (20 more standing by)
UH-60M Black Cat helicopters (40x)
SH-60M Sea Cat helicopters (20x) (2 more standing by)
MH-60M "Turkish Van" helicopters (16x)
JAS 39M Alley Cat Fighters (16x)
Kitty Cat II GC6 Attack Fighters (8x)

We await your reply

Mew and the Mewsland Government and Military

occ:what was that telegram supposed to mean, mewsland?

To: President James McDowell/Sec. Defense John Lechter
From: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain

Military or no military, we, along with all other coalition nations, welcome any support you can provide with open arms. The humanitarian aid you have promised is vital to our efforts and we are extremely greatfull for your aid to the South Centralian people. Your peecekeepers and supplies will be sent in along with Republic and Santheres forces as soon as we launch the ground campaign.

Once again, we thank you for your support.

Sincerely, Supreme Chancellor Olson, Republic of Starplain


OOC: Mewsland, this is a realistic thread. A kitty cat attack fighter is not what I had in mind. If it is a joke please refrain from doing so in the future. If you in fact do want to join this thread either fix your post or let me know and I will replace your fictional weapons with real ones.

To:Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
From:Supreme Dictator Mishkola Hiard

Blah Blah, political mumbo jumbo, Blah, genocide, Blah, country's plight. In short, we will pledge aid to your cause in the ways and for the reasons I will outline. Firstly, we pledge to you a small strike force (do not underestimate them, it is the equipment and the training, not their numbers) consisting of 10 members of Unit 7 (our special forces), as we prefer to work behind the scenes; open battle is not our style. We will also airdrop in as many soldiers as needed for occupation of liberated cities. Thirdly, we will send you 500 million Amurian Rubles worth of humanitarian aid and medical supplies, as we believe in taking care of the people.

Thank you,
Supreme Dictator Mishkola Hiard of Tel Amur

OOC: Could you post a map of South Centralia for me?

To: Whomever it may concern in the Starplain Military
From: Capt. Roger Lahey, Commanding Officer of the OSS Jonathan H. Bradley

As you have known by now, our carrier fleet is now in position in theSouth Centralia Sea to help provide support for coalition forces in the region. I want you and your government to know that you have the full support of the aircraft complement on this aircraft carrier, and we seek greater integration between our coalition as we fight for the freedom of South Centralians. As such, we are authorizing any friendly coalition ground forces to the ability to request air strikes when needed, from Oslean fighter jets.

We also request the locations of key Centralian military sites so we may help in neutralizing them.

Regards,
Capt. Roger Lahey
Commanding Officer of the Jonathan H. Bradley
Commanding Officer of Oslean Forces in South Centralia

---

ATTN: Supreme Chancellor Olson, Republic of Starplain
From: Sylvester Aninston, President of the Democratic Republic of Sans Semmes

We, as a nation that honours the right to protest, would like to pledge as much support as we can to help your cause. Unfortunately, our military is for defensive purposes only, however, we will send US$350M in food, water, and medical supplies, and can also offer medical services for any troops injured in battle.
We hope that our support will help in ending this disgusting act of violence in Centralia.

Regards,
Sylvester Aninston, MP
President of the Democratic Republic of Sans Semmes
Overseer of the Sans Semmes Treasury
Member of the House of Legislation for the Seat of Sans Semmes
Commander of the Sans Semmes Defense Force

To: Supreme Dictator Mishkola Hiard and Sylvester Aninston, President of the Democratic Republic of Sans Semmes
From: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain

We welcome any aid you can provide. Mr. Hiard, your special forces are a welcomed asset to our ground force which is lacking in that respect. Your men will move in with ours and Santheres' forces when we start the ground campaign.

And to President Aninston, we are exceedingly greatfull for the supplies you have promised. We know that the aid you send will be instrumental in the saving of hundreds of South Centralian lives.

Once again I thank you both on the behalf of all coalition nations.

Sincerely, Supreme Chancellor Olson, Republic of Starplain

To:Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
From:President James McDowell/Sec. Defense John Lechter, U.S.F

The aid is on its way and we will work with you through this terrible mess non-militarily, but with aid and strategic help. If you need anything else, just let me know and ill see what I can do. I am excited to work with you and the other supportive nations such as Sans Semmes, Tel Amur and Olsea against this unacceptable act. I hope we can be allies after this ordeal also. Good day and good luck, to all of you.

Sincerley,
President James McDowell/Sec. Defense John Lechter
U.S.F

OOC: When will we be moving in?

OOC: We're in the air campaign faze right now. I'll get around to righting in the ground campaign in a day or two.

OOC: No one else offered air strikes? The reason I've been gone is that there's been no reason for me to post my troops doing anything. I may just have them move in prematurely if I have time tonight.

OOC: Lol, yeah, me and and Oslea are the only ones with fighters. But I'm gonna start the ground campaign tomorrow. So please hold off till then. ty.

OOC: I am still awaiting that map

ooc: im moving my aid in immediatley, but once they get there you can do with them as you please

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain

http://www.usflag.org/history/images/guilford.gif
Official Diplomatic Communiqué

It is the policy of New England that we remain non-interventionist in foreign nations’ civil wars, even though the practices used may be detestable. However, there are several practical common grounds that our nations may agree upon. We wish to arrange a meeting with governmental officials of Starplain in order to reach up a consensus and possible solutions.


Signed,
New England Secretary of State
Samantha Kennedy

OOC: I did offer air strikes to anyone who wants them in a post before; basically I'll keep fighters in the air and any allied troops in Centralia are permitted to call in an air strike. I'll make that a bit clearer.

Two Oslean F/A-18s were being prepped for takeoff from the OSS Jonathan H. Bradley. The pilots on them were about to embark on their first real combat mission, as before this they had only been through training exercises, although they were thorough and were with former Oslean aces. Oslean fighter pilot training was extensive and involved simulated dogfights with former combat pilots, as data obtained from the field indicated that pilots who get shot down usually are within their first 10 missions.

"Cipher One, ready for takeoff." The engines let off a fiery, thunderous roar, and the aircraft darted off to the sky.

Cipher Two, ready for takeoff." Cipher Two followed suit, and stuck to the wing of his fellow pilot.

"Clear skies today, huh?" Cipher Two said to Cipher One, examining what was around him. It was a clear, cloudless, sunny day with nothing much to block the pilot's vision.

"Yep" Cipher Leader said, his voice crackling through Cipher Two's headset.

The two planes were each carrying four 2,000 pound bombs, ready to provide air support to any who requested it. As well, they carried a complement of missiles to shoot down any enemy aircraft. This flexibility made them prized within the OSAF and Oslean Navy.

Prepared to provide support to anyone who needed it, they flew over South Centralia, patrolling the skies. They would soon be backed up by two other F/A-18s as soon as they launched from the carrier. Patrols like these were to be made routine as of today; the Captain of the Jonathan H/ Bradley saw to it that the skies would be put under Oslean, and coalition control.

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
From: Secretary of Defense Harry Westmoreland

Forgive my ignorance of Starplain's geography and its place within the world, but we would like to inquire as to how close Starplain is to Centralia, or if there are any friendly airbases close to Centralia. The army wishes to provide helicopter support, and the OSAF wishes to provide Close Air Support (CAS) with A-10s though this is not possible with merely a carrier fleet.

If your country if sufficiently close to Centralia, the Oslean armed forces wishes to station military aircraft at it to further assist the war effort.

Harry Westmoreland
Secretary of Defense
The United States of Oslea

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
From: Sylvester Aninston, President of the Democratic Republic of Sans Semmes

Our aid, as promised, is on it's way. Three medical ships, the SSS Asclepius, SSS Mozart, and SSS Fleming are now fully stocked with supplies (bandages, disinfectant, etc.) and are ready to head for Centralia.

Regards,
Sylvester Aninston, MP
President of the Democratic Republic of Sans Semmes
Overseer of the Sans Semmes Treasury
Member of the House of Legislation for the Seat of Sans Semmes
Commander of the Sans Semmes Defense Force

To: Secretary of Defense Harry Westmoreland
From: Minister of Defence Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain

Starplain is not close to Centralia. We are located in Scandinavia while Centralia is located in the Balkans. However, Centralia's neighbor, Eastovia, has given all Coalition forces permission to use their nation as a staging ground for attacks into South Centralia. Currently, all Coalition ground forces have gathered there. Also, Eastovia is being used by our Air Force as a base for our Gripen fighters and Black Hawk helicopters. There is more than enough room for your Army helicopters and OSAF fighter/bombers. Eastovia has given us the go ahead for you to move those forces in. We need all the aircraft we can get. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely, Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain Ministry of Defence

To: Sylvester Aninston, President of the Democratic Republic of Sans Semmes
From: Minister of Defence Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain

We're glad to hear that your support has arrived. We ask that your ships form up with our fleet and prepare to offload supplies onto our landing craft heading for the coast. Once again, we thank you for the effort your people have put forth in ending this atrocity.

Sincerely, Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain Ministry of Defence

Unable to send our forces... country has been taken by rebel forces under the rogue leader Aelita. Will try to send aid as soon as national stability is restored.

Mew II

Thor Monsen watched in a sort of dazed state as the R.N.S. Fox faded into the distance. The amphibious assault ship which had been his home for the past few weeks seemed like a distant memory now. All that was on his mind was what lay ahead; the coast... and combat. For all his years in the Navy, Thor had never seen combat. Not surprising considering Starplain hadn't gone to war since World War II. Still, the young Lieutenant felt he was as ready as he'd ever be. After all, he was the best. He was the elite. Or atleast that's what they had told him and his fellow recruits when he enlisted. He was a member of the Naval Infantry, also known as the Marines. As such, he and his fellow soldiers bore the title of the Republic's only form of special forces; a distinction they bore with pride.

The G class landing craft that bore his assault team was moving quickly now, in steady formation with the 59 other such boats heading for the South Centralian city of New Syracuse. For a week, Republic and Oslean air power had pummeled the Centralian Army, but there were still more to be dealt with. Thor felt fear, excitement and anticipation all at once, and he couldn't stand it. Whatever was going to happen, he wanted to happen now. He couldn't stand the waiting. He tried to get his mind off it by talking to his old friend Finn Johansen.

"Hey Finn, good weather for airstrikes today huh?"

"Yeah I guess. I just hope its our side doing the striking."

"I wouldn't worry about it. I hear those Centralian MiG's can't even get off the..." Thor was suddenly interupted by the boom of a jet engine as two delta-winged fighters rocketed overhead.

Thor couldn't believe it... nor could he deny the now obvious facts; they were screwed and this was quickly going to turn into a very bad day. He knew he would have only minuted to react. He hoped the Osleans were still up in the air.

"Cipher Leader, Cipher Leader come in! This is Lieutenant Monsen, Assault Team Six. We've got two MiG-21's passing overhead. They've got to be heading for the 'Knighthawks'. I repeat: Centralian Mig-21's heading for the choppers. We need you to take 'em out or we're done for! Cipher Leader, please respond!" Thor knew that each of the 12 MH-60S "Knighthawk" helicopters that had been launched from the Fox was filled with Marines. 140 in total, not to mention the air crews. If the the MiG's got to them, it would be a blood bath.

Suddenly all the excitement he had felt was gone. The fear and dreadfull anticipation remained however, only those feelings were stronger now. He waited for a response from the Osleans... and prayed.

Unfazed by the apparent panic of the other coalition members, Unit 7 was nonetheless attempting to find a way to prevent the helicopters from being shot down. Finally their captain made the difficult decision of calling on the military power which had subverted his home, the Pudiite Airforce. He got on the radio and called for Pudiite airsupport, hoping that they could arrive in time to save some helicopters.

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain

OoC: hello?

OOC: Sorry

To: Samantha Kennedy, New England Secretary of State
From: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain

We respect your non-interventionist policies and would be glad to make some sort of an arrangement that would make it possible for you to send aid to the South Centralian people. If there is anything that you see as a possible way to make this happen please let us know. This endeavor needs all the help it can get and we await your reply.

Sincerely, Supreme Chancellor Olson, Republic of Starplain

*snip*

Cipher Leader was watching the skies, and keeping an eye on his radar when he got a panicked request for air support from a Republic Marine. He shouted into his headset, responding to the Marine's cry for help. "This is Cipher Leader, heading to your co-ordinates as fast as we can!" Switching on his afterburners, he head to the location of the Royal Marines as fast as he could. One of the various gauges in his cockpit told him he had went over the speed of sound; he continued as fast as he could to assist the nearly helpless helicopters.

"Shit, come ON!" Cipher Two shouted, frustrated at the fact they haven't seen any trace of the helicopters or MiGs yet. Suddenly, his radar had detected two non-Oslean aircraft far ahead, beyond his visual range. A mild beeping noise entered his headset, indicating his two AIM-120 AAMRAAMs had a lock on the bogeys.

"Fox three! Fox three!" Cipher Two shouted as the two Beyond-Visual-Range missiles flew off their hardpoints towards the craft.

Cipher Leader followed suit, but fired only one missile. They continued to advance towards the bogeys, till they came into visual range.

Keeping an eye on their radars, Cipher team noticed one of the blips disappear.

Cipher Leader congratulated Cipher Two on what was possibly his first combat kill. "Yeah! Nice kill, Cipher Two!"

He couldn't tell for sure as he didn't know whose missile hit, but he was assuming it was Two's as he fired first. However, he had also noticed that one of the blips didn't disappear; the other MiG was still there, and Cipher Leader could now see it.

"Are the helicopters fine?" Cipher Two asked his wingmate.

"I don't know, I can't see from here! Stay concentrated on our job, and they'll do theirs!" Cipher Leader replied. The old, '50s era jet was strafing over what seemed to be landing craft, and it was unusually low and close to the water. Cipher Leader dipped in altitude for a bit and tried to get a lock-on with his Sidewinder missiles.

The MiG-21's pilot noticed the Oslean jets while flying towards them and fired a missile towards Cipher Two, and disengaged to go back to strafing the landing craft. "Evade, Cipher Two!" Cipher Leader told him. Two made a hard turn and dropped some flares to attempt to shake the missile off. It worked; it flew aimlessly into the empty sky.

Cipher Leader responded by lining up his F/A-18 with the MiG and firing a burst of 20mm from his Vulcan cannon. The sudden storm of shells impacted on the MiG's frame, causing it to explode instantly.

"Hell yeah! One kill for Cipher Leader!" Cipher Two shouted enthusiastically as they stayed above the Republic Marines in case any more Centralian jets came.

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
SIC


http://www.usflag.org/history/images/guilford.gif
Official Diplomatic Communiqué

New England proposes to send in several officers of our State Department. Immigration legislation in New England currently allows 20,000 refugees annually to enter New England from designated "foreign conflict zones". We wish to, currently, work with your forces in establishing refugee camps in South Centralia, which, if n agreement can be made, will be managed and operated by New English civilians but guarded by Starplanian forces. What is your plan on Ackov, as genocide is a crime in New England that we have universal jurisdiction over. Talks with our Attorney General can be made if you will permit New England to arrest him. If there is a further escalation in this conflict, then there should be some discussion of further agreements, although President Blackmore and I hope and pray that this never happens.


Signed,
New England Secretary of State
Samantha Kennedy

Watching as the enemy fighters were removed from the sky, Unit 7 turned their attention back to the task at hand: the landing. The plan for the Amurian special forces was to leave the landing craft a short ways from the shore and to gain a more covert access to the coast. Once on the shore, they would secure a safe landing for the other coalition infantry. Radioing the leaders of the other coalition forces, they told them the plan.

To: Samantha Kennedy, New England Secretary of State
From: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain

The Republic Senate has found your proposal more than acceptable. As soon as we secure the situation on the ground, which my Minister of Defence assures me will occur in less than a week, we will begin setting up refugee camps. Your people can move in at that time.

Where Ackov is conserned however, the future is far more clouded. Ackov is orchestrating the war effort from the Centralian capital of Kavlov. Bringing Ackov to justice would require an invasion of Centralia proper. While our Senate has cleared us to send relief to South Centralia, I see it as very unlikely that they will allow our forces to expand the war. For this reason, we may have to accept the possibility that Ackov might go unpunished for his crimes.

Sincerely, Supreme Chancellor Olson, Republic of Starplain


To: Supreme Dictator Mishkola Hiard
From: Minister of Defence Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain

We've recieved words that your Unit 7 has reached South Centralia and we're glad to hear it. We have a job for your men that we think they're perfect for. A Centralian command bunker that has been coordinating Centralian military actions in the region is still standing. Both the Republic and Oslean airstrikes have failed to take it out. It's just too deep. Our ground troops havn't made it that far inland yet and we fear that alot of our men could die in the time it takes them to get there. So here's the deal: we need Unit 7 to infiltrate and destroy the bunker. Our aerial reconnisance shows that the base is well defended and if neccessary, our Air Force can provide your men air support. Once the base is secured, your men must hold until they are relieved by our infantry which may take anywhere from 24 to 36 hours. We hope your men are capable of this task and we await your response.

Sincerely Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain Ministry of Defence

To: Minister of Defence Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain
From: Supreme Dictator Mishkola Hiard

Unit 7 is fully capable and willing to destroy this bunker, we will immediately recon the area and begin the operation, let us hope that all goes as planned. We are also sending a Pudiite aircraft carrier and fighters to help maintain air superiority in the region, ensuring that we do not have any more close calls as we had not long ago.

Supreme Dictator Mishkola Haird, Tel Amur Empire

Off the Centralian Coast
Unit 7 had it's orders, jumping from the landing craft in the dead of the night, they began the swim to shore. They felt no cold because of their state of the art second-skin suit,s and would not tire quickly, thanks to the genetic engineering they had been given as babies. Already they could see cliffs up ahead, which they would inevitably scale; these would assist the element of surprise.

http://www.teachersparadise.com/ency/en/media/e/ec/new_zealand_coa.png
The Republic of Henrland Communication.
To: Leader of Stairplan.
From: Secretary of Defence Paul Jackson.
Subject: South Centralia.

Dear sir,

We are indeed horrified at the news of this mass genocide against the innocents of Centralia by a clearly evil and corrupt government, interested only in death and destruction. We will support a campaign against the Centralian government, I assure you.

Yours Sincerly,
SecDefence Paul Jackson.

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
SIC


http://www.usflag.org/history/images/guilford.gif
Official Diplomatic Communiqué

The New English government wishes to thank the Starplanian government on granting us to permission to operate humanitarian aid operations in South Centralia. We wish that initial clearing of land happens sooner, rather than later. Getting this aid in will be a great boon to the people of this region. There are many young, energetic New Englanders willing to make a difference in South Centralia.

Furthermore, there can be some other means on capturing Ackov. We are leaning towards hiring a private military contractor to do so, preferably a lone agent, in order to reduce damage. If this interests you, then there can be some sort of deal made.

Signed,
New England Secretary of State
Samantha Kennedy

To: The Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
From: President Amir Tsaum, Republic of Chebolaki

We are a small but growing nation of only 9 million people, but due to our mandatory military service have a strong military of around 900,000 soldiers.

I have had an emergency meeting with my Secretary of Defense and the Commander of the Chebolian Forces and we would like to support this endevour for freedom with the following troops, equipment and supplies:

Cheb 5tn Troop Transport vehicles (20x)
M998 HMV w/ upgraded armour (30x)
Cheb Special Forces (2,500x) ( 1,500 on standby)
Cheb Engineers (150x) (For bridge building, demolition, vehicle repairs, etc)
CHEB II Harbour defense guns (4x) will be assembled, for protection of the ports.
(They are a little outdated but deadly accurate)
Cheb MARK XXI Anti-Air guns (10x) also will be assembled, for air protection from bombing raides

Our Airforce, Air Mobility Command, will be working around the clock sending water, food and medical supplies for the troops.

I look forward to working with your great nation!

Sincerly,
Amir Tsuam, President of Chebolaki

To: President Amir Tsaum, Republic of Chebolaki and Secretary of Defence Paul Jackson, Republic of Henrland
From: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain

We are glad to here you lend your support to this noble cause. President Tsaum, we ask that you send your men to Eastovia. Once they have all arrived, we can start to move them into South Centralia in support of Republic and Santherese troops.

As for you Mr. Jackson, we will await information on the exact numbers of men and/or supplies your country will be sending. Once you can give us that information we will coordinate your support with that of other Coalition nations.

Once again, I thank you both.

Sincerely, Supreme Chancellor Olson, Republic of Starplain

Home had never had the same meaning for Andy as it did for other people. For Lieutenant Anders Fredriksen home wasn't where he was born or where he grew up. Home wasn't a house or a town. Home was in the air. For Anders, home was 35,000 feet up at sunset. Home was in the cockpit of his Saab Gripen as it soared threw the mountains of Scandinavia. Home was where he was now; flying with a full weapons load toward the Centralian capital. It wasn't that Anders was anti-social. It wasn't that he was an adreniline junky or that he had some sort of bloodlust. It was simply a matter of doing what he was good at. Anders was born to be a fighter pilot. He had known it all his life. He had earned his private pilot's licence by the time he was 16. At 18, he had left home to attend the Republic Airforce Academy at Star Lake. 2 years ago, upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Flight Officer and assigned to the 2nd Tactical Fighter Squadron only a few months after that unit made the transition from the old Kfirs to the new Gripens. That had only been two years ago, and already he been promoted to Lieutenant at age 24.

His mission today was simple. Kavlov airport was one of the main staging area's for Centralia's deadly MiG-29's. Both Oslea and Starplain had already shot down 4 MiG-21s with little problem and another 2 had been destroyed on the ground, but if the 29s ever entered the fray, the outcome could be much different. The only reason they hadn't shown up yet was that Ackov was afraid to lose them. Centralia only had 8 all together. If Lieutenant Fredriksen could take out the runway however, 6 of them would be taken out of the equation. Anders knew this, and he was determined.

"Command this is Gold 6. I've reached Way Point 5 and am making my turn North, over?" Anders' JAS-39C Gripen banked left as it swept northerward on his command.

"Copy that Gold 6. Continue towards target at current speed and drop your altitude to 15,000 feet, over? By the way, good weather tonight, huh Andy?

"Roger that, Command; on both. Stars are out tonight. They're beautiful. Gold 6 out." Lieutenant Fredriksen replied.

He had been flying for over an hour and a half by now and it was beginning to wear on him. He wanted something to happen... and unfortunately for him, something did. Suddenly his cockpit started blaring with sirens and flashing multiple warnings on his HUD.

"Shit! SAM launch! SAM launch! I say again command: Have been engaged by multiple SAMs; 7 o'clock low, over?" He didn't wait for a response and threw his fighter into a steep downward bank to the right, launching flares at the same time.

"Gold 6 this is Command. Orders are to evade, over?" Came the reply.

Thanks for the advice guys... Anders thought, not bothering to reply. When he got down to 9,000 feet he jinked back hard to the left and steadily gained altitude, continuing to launch flares. The maneuver coupled with the flares sent two of the missiles overshooting behind him. The third continued to track him however. Realizing this, he inverted his plane and pulled hard on the stick, inducing a directional reversing Split-S. halfway through his dive, he launched more flares followed by chaff. The maneuver worked and the missile careened off into the ground.

As he leveled out Anders checked his radar, hoping to see that the sky had been cleared. Son of a bitch! he thought as is displays informed him of the launch of 3 more SAMs. The missiles were tracking and the young Lieutenant had only moments to react. He yanked hard on the stick, pulling himself into a steep climb. He lost track of one of the missiles as the other two continued to pursue. As he leveled out, the missiles closed in, but Anders still had one more trick up his sleeve. He threw his plane into a violent snap roll and dropped a few feet of altitude, launching chaff at the same time. The missiles tried to pursue, but couldn't compensate for the suddeness of the pilot's maneuver nor the confusion the chaff had caused in their tracking systems. The two rockets slammed into eachother and detonated harmlessly behind the Gripen.

Two down, Anders thought, one more to go... Just as the thought entered his head, the third SAM slammed into his fighter, exploding with terrible ferocity. The SA-6 anti-air missile tore off the entire aft quarter of the plane sending it into a violent barrel role towards the ground. The sirens and warning lights doubled in intensity as the beleaguered pilot tried in vain to regain control. The death spin only intensified.

"Gold 6, this is Command. Bail out! I repeat: bail out! Get yourself out of there!"

God damnit, I'm busy! "I'm sort of busy right now Command!"

Anders hated the fact that he had lost his plane. It was his pride and joy. He knew that Command was right though. He tried to reach for the ejection handle only to be held back by the tremendous G-forces the spinning jet was generating. He knew that he would have only moments before the fire on his tail reached the fuel tanks in the wings. He had to get out before that. He began to count down the seconds to when he thought the fuel would catch. Three... He tried once more to reach for the ejection handles, and failed. Two... He let out a roar as he tried again, and failed. One... He let out a last scream of anger and frustration as he put all his strength into reaching the handles. He fingers grazed the straps just as a second terrible explosion rocked the plane, violently throwing Anders' body forward in the cockpit. One second he was sitting in the burning hulk of a dying fighter with warning sirens blaring, and then everything went silent... and suddenly, the world dissapeared.

***

President Goron Ackov leaned on his desk and rubbed his eyes. He hadn't been getting much sleep lately. He began to doze off when one of his aids came storming in.

"Sir!" He exclaimed

"What did I tell you about knocking..." He glared at his aid with those unrelenting eyes of his.

"Well sir, I have good news." The excitement in the man's voice was gone now.

"Good? What good news could you possibly have?" Ackov thought about the war in South Centralia and the disaster it had become. He wondered what would have happened if he had not started the "ethnic cleansing" in the first place. He wondered what would have happened had his loving parents not died when he was ten. What would his life be like had he not been raised by his synical grandfather who had taught him to distrust all foreigners. To distrust anyone who was different. Would I be a better man? Would I be revered instead of feared... Would I be loved?. He began to feel sorry for himself. And then... he began to feel regret. No! he thought angrily. I regret nothing! I am a great man. I am a great leader and I will be until the day I die!. He was never to feel regret. After all, there was no right or wrong; only success. Or so his grandfather had taught him. He remembered his mother then. He remembered learning of right and wrong from her. She had been beautiful. But she hadn't raised him. She hadn't been there for him. His grandfather had. He finally pushed the thoughts of his dead family from his mind, and returned his attention to his aid.

"Well sir, we've shot down a Republic fighter! Over Centralian proper no less!"

"Excellent. Where is the pilot's body? I want it strung up and on the news by this afternoon."

"Uh... there was no body sir."

"What do you mean no body!" Ackov replied as his infamous stare returned.

"Well, uh... our trrroops reached the reckage and no one was inside. No remains."

"He must've ejected. Find him, NOW! Before he gets rescued!" His aid turned to leave the room. "Wait!"

"Yes sir?"

"If there is any chance that he will get away; if there's is no way to capture him, I want our men to shoot to kill. Don't let him get home..."

"Yes sir."

Cold and efficiant. Ackov thought. Just like grandpa would've wanted...

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
SIC

OoC: Hello...

To: Samantha Kennedy, New England Secretary of State
From: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain

We have reviewed your proposal and, unfortunatelly, we feel that the Senate would never condone an assassination. We have laws prohibiting such actions. We must look to other means of capturing Ackov. If you were to hire a PMC however, the Republic Senate would obviously have no say in the matter. I assure you that Republic forces and coalition forces as a whole would not interfere with any agent in your employ. Let us know what you plan to do before you move forward however.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Supreme Chancellor Olson.

OoC: Got a multi, I see... can you RP your forces clearing land and just telling me that there are available spots for refugee camps?

OSAF 44th, 103rd, and 229th Fighter Squadrons, and 29th Bomber Wing over the skies of Eastovia

The F-15E Eagles escorted the four lumbering B-1B Lancers on a bright, clear sunny day over Eastovia. The sun reflected off the sleek frame of the Lancers, and the glass cockpits of the F-15Es. The aircraft had just refueled with the help of a Stratotanker three hours before, and were making their last leg of their journey to Eastovia. They soared in a tight V-formation, creating an impressive display in the sky for all the Eastovians who could witness it.

"I can see the landing strip," said one of the pilots.

--
To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson
From: Secretary of Defense Harry Westmoreland

I have received word that the 44th, 103rd, and 229th Fighter Squadrons have arrived in Eastovia, as well as the 29th Bomber Wing of the Oslean States Air Force.

The report the Air Force chief of staff given to me regarding the aircraft at Eastovia is below. OSAF C-130s carrying munitions for these aircraft will arrive at the Eastovian air base and leave, and return when replenishment of ordnance is required. As well, these C-130s will carry these aircrafts' respective maintenance crews.


OSAF aircraft to be based at Eastovia

44th Fighter Squadron
8 F-15E

103rd Fighter Squadron
4 A-10

229th Fighter Squadron
8 F-117

29th Bomber Wing
4 B-1b

As well, the Army deployment into Eastovia is below as well.


Oslean Army forces to be based at Eastovia

5th Battalion, 44th Aviation Regiment
16 AH-64 Apache

We hope our additional forces can make a contribution and positive difference in the conflict in Centralia

Regards,
Harry Westmoreland
Secretary of Defense of Oslea

Having scaled the cliffs, Unit 7 was looking upon vast open plains, with nothing but long grass to obscure enemy sight of them. The squad spotter deployed a small remote drone for a more recent and detailed recon. Through the drone's vision, they discovered a number of enemy vehicles as well as sniper teams; they would not survive an attempted attack upon the bunker as it is. After conferring briefly with the captain, the radioman called in a coalition airstrike on the enemy vehicles. Then the squad dropped on their bellies and began to crawl...

(Alright, lame post but I feel I should post something)

The detachment that was sent to Eastovia in preparation for the invasion of Centralia was indeed small in comparison to what Santheres could have afforded. In both manpower and monetary cost, Santheres could have easily provided upward of one hundred thousand soldier without a second thought. Indeed, their expeditionary forces numbered 355 thousand.

Instead, four thousand Rangers and three thousand Gendarmerie had been been deployed. They were a combined arms, mechanized force armed with a variety of personal weapons and most importantly, carried by Dardo IFVs and Iveco LMVs. The Santherese camp was dominated by these vehicles and indeed that was mostly what it was -- the soldiers stayed near and even slept in or on their transports in relative comfort waiting for the call for the coalition to cross into Centralia.

Once that happened, the Rangers would push through with a spearhead of Dardo IFVs and their Puma light tank, a Dardo derivative. Behind them, the Gendarme would set about organizing local communities and policing them, hopefully helping them along the path to prosperity as far as they could. Of course, it would take the Humanitarian Society to truly impact those people, but they would arrive in full force soon enough.

For now, they were content to watch the air strikes from afar.

Having scaled the cliffs, Unit 7 was looking upon vast open plains, with nothing but long grass to obscure enemy sight of them. The squad spotter deployed a small remote drone for a more recent and detailed recon. Through the drone's vision, they discovered a number of enemy vehicles as well as sniper teams; they would not survive an attempted attack upon the bunker as it is. After conferring briefly with the captain, the radioman called in a coalition airstrike on the enemy vehicles. Then the squad dropped on their bellies and began to crawl...

Command, having received a request for an airstrike, relayed this request to F/A-18s already in the air. The aircraft that just arrived in Eastovia still needed to be refueled and the pilots were exhausted, so only the aircraft from the carrier were available as of yet.

Captain Michael Welch, codenamed Batter One, recieved the call.

"Batter One, we've just recieved a request for an airstrike from a Tel Amurian infantry squad. We're relaying you the co-ordinates - You're cleared to bomb 'em to hell," Command said. "Target's a bunch of enemy vehicles and some infantry. Use any means necessary, and if you run out of ordnance let another fighter take care of it."

Batter One received the co-ordinates and headed towards the target. Batter Two trailed closely behind him. like a child holding onto his mother's hand. It was a cloudy day, and the two F/A-18s would have to fly close to the ground, underneath the cloud cover to be able to see the targets.

"Arm the 2,000 pound bombs," Batter One told his wingmate. He armed his five 2 ton bombs as well, and their predicted impact point appeared on his HUD.

Rapidly approaching the targets, the two pilots would have to time their bombings precisely so that the bombs wouldn't land short or overshoot. Waiting patiently till the PIP indicator on their HUD was positioned over the vehicles, Batter One and Two pressed the red button on their joysticks.

"Bombs away!" Batter Two said, while preparing to make a second run just in case. They'd have to wait on the Tel Amurians to see if the bombs hit or not.

OOC: I apologize for accidently posting as my other country (New Vesperia) before. Please let me apologize in advanced if I do it again. By the way, Santheres, please feel free to move your men in. My post about my Marines attacking the coast was supposed to signify the start of the ground campaign. Sorry for the confusion. I'm going to post from the point of view of my infantry soon.

OoC: Can you tell me when you cleared enough ground to make a refugee camp?

The squad, hearing the F/A-18s incoming, got up off of their bellies and began a quick crouched advance. The jets soared overhead, dropping bombs upon the vehicles and surrounding buildings. The enemy emplacement became utter chaos, vehicles exploding everywhere and the men scrambling for safety. Using suppressed rifles, Amurian Sharpshooters began to remove the enemy snipers, while the rest of the squad hurried forward to the bunker, under the cover of the airstrike and ensuing chaos; their leader radioing to the fighters:
"Good work, Batter, you are clear to leave"

Another RPG flew past his head and exploded on the wall a few meter behind him, sending debry raining down on him and his squad. This is ridiculous. thought Lieutenant Thor Monsen as he returned fire in the direction of the Centralian troops. The Centralians had pushed Thor and Sub-Lieutenant Johansen's four man squads into a corner. While the other six hundred plus Naval Infantrymen were accomplishing other opjectives in the South Centralian port city of New Syracuse, Thor Monsen and Finn Johansen had been ordered to capture a food distribution centre on the southeast side of the city before the Centralians destroyed it.

"Finn! Take your squad down that alley and flank 'em!" Thor screamed out over the gunfire.

"Got it Monse!" Depite outranking him, Thor would never make Finn call him sir.

Finn and his four men moved quickly while Thor and his team laid down cover fire with their AG-3 rifles. Finn disappeared down the dark alleyway as fire continued to rain down on Thor's team. Suddenly, a grenade flew into the crowd of Centralian soldiers with whom Thor had been exchanging fire and detonated. Immediately, Finn lept out from where the greande had been thrown and began to fire into the survivors, neutrilizing them in a matter of seconds.

"Nice job Finn." Thor said as he approached the enemy position.

"No problem. We should get moving though."

"Agreed. Let's go. Team 5, Team 6, Move out!"

The eight Marines jogged their way down the street, exchanging fire with Centralian soldiers along the way. Finally, they reached their target. It was a large warehouse, about three stories high, with a sheet metal roof. Next to it was a blown out apartment complex. As they neared the warehouse, Thor noticed the windows begin to open.

"Down!" He screamed. Fortunatelly, his team had great awareness and were on their way to the ground before the words even left his lips. They huddled behind recked cars and debry that was laying in the street. Thor peered over his shoulder to find that every window on the face of the building had a Centralian soldier firing out of it. Worse still, a heavy machine gun was mounted in the front door.

"Finn! We'll never get through that."

"I know, I know! Hold on a sec!" Finn said, as he weighed their options. Finally, after he took some time looking at his surroundings, he got an idea. "Thor! Make for the apartments! We'll give your team cover! When you get their, give us some so we can move to you!"

"But... why?" Not understanding his freind's plans.

Finn smiled. "Don't worry about it!"

"Alright. It's only my life after all right?" Right?

"Ya. Now go! Smoke out... Covering fire!" Finn yelled as he threw a smoke grenade toward the warehouse to cover Team 5. As soon as it went off, with Team 6 opening up on the building with their AG-3 rifles, Thor and his squad made for the rubble of the apartments. When Thor reached a corner, he gave Finn the thumbs up. Over the gunfire, Finn couldn't make out the words, but he saw Thor yell what must have been 'covering fire' as Team 5 opened up on the warehouse. Here goes nothing... Finn thought as he and his team came out from behind their cover and made the mad dash for the apartments. Incredibly, they made it.

"Well?" Thor asked. "Now what?

"Hey Monse, your the one in charge." Finn replied.

"Jesus Christ Finn! You made us run that gauntlet and you didn't have a plan?!"

"I thought it would come to me."

"And?"

"And... I got nothing."

"God damnit! Alright, let's see..." Thor took a moment to observe his surroundings. "Alright, up the stairs guys."

Without a second thought the men of Teams 5 and 6 made their way up the unstable stairway. Once at the top, they ran down the hallway, searching for a vantage point from where they could get a good view of the warehouse. They found one in a suite with a balcony which they made their way to. The balcony overlooked the alleyway between the warehouse and the apartments. They looked around and saw a large chunk of debry from the collapsing apartments that had fallen across to a steel catwalk on the outside of the warehouse. The eight men hopped over the balcony's railing and sidled their way along a ledge that led toward the make-shift bridge. Halfway there, Thor heared a clunking sound, followed by a suppressed scream. He looked back to find that one of his men had taken a round to the shoulder. The clunking sound continued and Thor looked across to find Centralian soldiers, armed with RPGs and AK-47s, clambering out onto the catwalk. Thor realised that his men were out in the open. They would be ripped to shreds.

One second, Thor was staring death in the face, and the next, he was watching as the Centralians were ripped apart by high velocity rounds as a loud humming noise came from above. The Marines looked up to find an MH-60S "Knighthawk" opening up with one of it's GAU-17/A Minigun.

"Damn, Sabre 6! Do you have good timing or what?" Thor said with elation.

"Saw you guys were in a tough spot. Just doin' my job, 5 Lead." came the reply over the radio. "Glad to help. Sabre 6 out." With that the "Knighthawk peeled off to accomplish other objectives. With the Centralian liquidated, the Marines were able to reach the debry bridge and make it to the catwalk.

"Alright guys, let's do this." Sub-Lieutenant Johansen said as they reached the dorrway that would lead them inside.

"There's probably 50 men in their, Finn." Thor said; unsure that a frontal assault was the wisest move.

"Hey, we are special forces aren't we?" Finn replied with a grin. "Let's show 'em why."

"You're gonna' be the death of me, Finn."

"Oh, don't say that... I'd miss you too much."

Thor smiled and ran his hands through his hair. "Well, who wouldn't miss this?" He said, garning a laugh from the two teams. "Let's do it."

With that Thor threw the door open and threw a frag grenade inside, with Finn and three other Marines following suit. They closed the door and waited for the frags to detonate, followed by the screams of dead or dying Centralian soldiers. With that, the eight men let out a tremendous roar, kicked down the door and burst into the warehouse, rifles blazing. They immediately killed five men on the catwalk that the door had led them to and began firing down into the main room of the building. When he emptied a magazine, instead of taking the time to reload, Finn took out his P80 pistol and began picking of Centralian troops from across the room and even some down on the first floor. Impressive. Thor thought as he watched his friend fight like a man possessed. Finally, the Centralians stopped returning fire. Despite still outnumbering the Marines 30 plus to 8, they had had enough. The fearless Marines had basically scared them into surrender. After rounding up their prisoners and escorting them outside, Thor and Finn left them under guard of the other six and went back inside to investigate the crates in the warhouse. After discovering that everything was in order, they went back outside where Thor contacted Command.

"Command, this is Teams 5 and 6. We've have secured objective. All foodstuffs are intact. We have prisoners as well. Request to get them extracted."

"5 Lead, this is Command. Great work. We have Sabre 6, Sabre 4 and Sabre 9 inbound to extract prisoners, over?"

"Copy that. How's it going elsewhere?" Thor inquired.

"We've captured the city centre and our choppers report all remaining Centralian troops are fleeing to the northeast. The city is secure. You won't believe this... Zero friendly casualties."

"Good to hear, Command." Now the New Englander peacekeepers could move in, and using the food they had secured, good begin rebuilding the lives of the South Centralians. Thor felt a rush of overwhelming pride and sense of accomplishment at what he had just done. But unfortunatelly, it wasn't over...

Out of the corner of his eye, Finn saw a gun barrel peer out from a window across the street. It was a sniper... and it was getting a bead on Thor.

"Thor! Sniper! Get down!" Finn darted accross the street and slammed into Thor, knocking him to the ground as the shot rang out. The other six Marines immediately returned fire on the sniper's position, and took him out.

Thor gathered himself up off the ground a turned toward Finn. "Man, Finn I owe you... Finn!"

Finn was trying to catch his breath as he fell to his knees, the blood pouring from his chest. He began to fall back and Thor dove to catch his friend in his arms. Finn looked up at Thor and whispered, "I am gonna' miss you Monse..." and with that he closed his eyes, let out one last breath... and stopped moving.

"Finn, no... No!" Thor screamed. I never would've gotten this far without you... I need you buddy. He thought. He knew it was too late. His best friend had become the only casualty in a war for human life...

Thor continued to sit and hold his friend as the "Knighthawks" arrived overhead to pick up the prisonsers. As the choppers started to kick up dust and unleash deafening noise on the street, Thor began to cry.

OOC: New England, you may now move you peacekeepers into New Syracuse on the southwestern coast of South Centralia

The remaining three squad members who were not playing target practice with enemy snipers began the assault, using various burning wrecks as cover; they reached the bunker unmolested, covered by a very conveniently placed burning wreck. Without speaking a word, Unit 7 sprung into the next part of the plan; stealthily they went to the trap door and went in. Walking along a small dimly lit hallway, they all shifted to the use of combat knives for close range manueverabilty; they continued and finally came to a darker spot. The shadows shifted a bit to their right, and without a sound Lt. Harris's hand shot out that way, withdrawing with a bloody knife as a gurgling and a thud was heard. Continuing, they came to the end of the hallway, and noticed that the light which had been shining from under the door was now absent. Silently their demo-man came forward, attatched charges to the concrete door, and went back to the end of the line. As the explosion rocked the bunker and the dust flew, Unit 7 rushed in. The pointman was immediately met with a rifle aimed at his head, which he promptly struck off aim and knifed the wielder. Meanwhile Harris, having seen another person in the bunker, threw his knife into the man's throat. Stunned by the surprise attack, the remaining two men surrendered and Unit 7 disarmed them, binding their hands and feet. The demo-man placed his plastic explosives in the bunker and armed them; then as the prisoners' eyes grew wide, Unit 7 left the bunker.

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
SIC


http://www.usflag.org/history/images/guilford.gif
Official Diplomatic Communiqué

The New English government wishes to meet with Starplanian representatives, in the Centralian war zone, to discuss future refugee camp construction. The location should be secret, but the meetings must be where the first camp will be.

Signed,
New England Secretary of State
Samantha Kennedy

(OOC: I might suggest that you contact all of the coalition leaders for that; Santheres, for example, would be a good idea as all we're planning on doing is clearing a large safe zone for Centralians and then protecting that)

The Santherese Rangers, led by an advance force of a dozen Dardos and all the men they could carry, cut through Centralian territory in search of, well, nothing in particular. They were trailblazers more than anything, making sure the rest of the convoy could pass through and make its way to New Syracuse to link up with allied troops there. There was little to the countryside that anyone in the group was impressed by -- Major Fiorini had seen it all before in the Hannaitian rural districts during his tour there.

Of course, there were some things that hadn’t been witnessed before. When a roadside bomb went off, forcing the lead Dardo off the road and bringing the advance to a halt, everyone was quite surprised. That effect disappeared when gunfire erupted from a hillside just ahead of them. As the other Dardos passed in front of their injured companion, they stopped to let the Rangers they carried out.

“Alright, Two, Three, follow One to the west; Four, Five and Six take east.”

The flanking groups broke away from the main formation, Fiorini leading the eastern trio. The other let loose with smoke grenades, covering their advance; Fiorini followed suit. Of course, whoever was on that hill likely knew what they were doing, which was a concern, but they didn’t know how fast these vehicles could go. With any luck, they could surprise their ambushers by jumping on top of them earlier than expected. Right now, he just hoped that the men they left behind were handling themselves well. Though he didn’t have a perfect record for casualties, it was low and he wanted to keep it that way. Half the troops with him were faceless, nameless … he couldn’t remember almost anything about some of them, but that didn’t mean he didn’t care. At the very least, he needed them to watch each other’s backs. He looked back through the episcope sights and could see them covered by the Dardos, all of which were still functioning, but that’s all he could see. To his right he could see the cloud of smoke obstructing his view of the other group.

His group burst from the cloud on the hill slope, practically on top of a machine gun emplacement. The coaxial machine guns on their vehicles made short work of the five men manning the guns but that was, unfortunately, the least of their worries. It was then that Fiorini spotted the duo of T-64s cresting the ridge just a kilometer or so beyond the hill.

“Shit. Alright, take ‘em out, boys, two Spikes each! Get our infantry up here,” he yelled into his headset.

Without wasting a moment, the six Dardos split up and made their way toward the tanks at oblique angles, hoping to avoid getting shot -- one shell and they were likely done for. One and Four each fired one of their Spike anti tank missiles. Four’s struck one of the tracks on their target, destroying its mobility; One’s crashed into the tank just below the gun, penetrating the base armor. It was out of commission but not before getting a shot off that slammed into the front of the Dardo following Fiorini. It was stopped dead in it tracks, flaming. The crew survived, though, and leapt from their downed vehicle to take cover in the grass. They headed back up the hill, staying low in hope of not attracting the attention of the Centralian gunners. It quickly was not a concern, however, as the moment their reinforcing IFVs topped the hill, two more Spikes were fired, destroying the remains of each of the two armored threats.

The crew from the dead vehicle continued up to hill to loot the machine gun nest. They had, after all, lost their equipment inside the Dardo; it was too dangerous to try to go back for it. They linked up with the infantry and marched slowly toward the ridge, spread out with their flanks guarded by the mechanized force. Fiorini and his groups scouted ahead, keeping an eye out for any more potential hostiles. It was surprise enough that they had been ambushed -- it was worse that the Centralians knew where they were and had deployed at least two tanks to deal with them. At least they hadn’t been ready to deal with the heavy armaments of the vehicles; Spikes were, after all, optional, not standard.

Fiorini called back to the main group, “This is Actual requesting status.”

After a moment, there was a response. “Actual, this is Ricci; we got one limp, one bucket.” The one hit by the bomb was wounded but still operational; the second one was gone. Maybe they could have fixed it, but they had a time sensitive job and it was better just to leave it. The Rangers behind them, perhaps the Gendarme, could handle clean up. “Down six Spikes, including the bucket’s.”

For only having started with twenty-four, that was a big loss for them. Hopefully they wouldn’t have to contend with much more in the way of armor.

Ricci continued, “Imps on the ground at one hundred percent.”

That was better news. No human casualties yet. They all made their way toward New Syracuse and prayed for a clear road ahead. Fiorini popped the hatch on the cupola and took in the fresh air, looking out over the ridge. New Syracuse was barely in sight -- at least, he thought it was New Syracue; it could have been another town, or something else entirely. At least he could see everything between his position and that one. There was not a Centralian in sight and only so many points where an ambush could be. They could be cautious or even avoid those entirely.

Of course, then there was the question of why they expected two tanks and a machine gun post to be able to stop a dozen or more IFVs. If they didn’t, why did they even bother having them to begin with? Such questions were always troubling to a commander, but he did have a job to do and not enough reason to change the plan.

Somewhere northeast of the South Centralian border, Centralia:

Air Force Lieutenant Anders Fredriksen awoke as the sun began to stream in through the windows at dawn. The bed in which he was laying was warm and comforatable. I'm dead. He thought. I must be dead. It took him a few moments to realize that he wasn't. He thought of the events of the previous night. He thought back to the explosion of his fighter's fuel tanks and how the blast had knocked him unconscious. He remembered how he came to only meters off the ground; just in time to eject. He vaguely recalled landing and then... nothing. He didn't know where he was. He didn't know why his head was bandaged.

Suddenly, a thickly accented voice spoke up from the corner of the quaint little room. "You... you are now awake?" The voice said with great difficulty; trying to form the foreign words.

Anders turned to find a beautiful young woman, about his age, sitting on a stool next to his bed. "Where am I?" He asked.

She looked confused; obviously not knowing exactly how to respond. "You are from... from..." She pointed at his flight suit and then at the ceiling.

"Yes." Anders anwsered.

"You are from Starplain?"

"Yes. You can speak Norwegian." He stated.

"A little. My brother taught me. He is dead." The statement was abrupt and it quickly reminded Anders of where he was.

"Ackov?" He asked.

"Yes... Ackov." She responded; a sad look coming over her. "His men look for you."

"I'm sure. I need to know where I am. How far to the Eastovian border?"

"Too far. Many men look for you."

"How about South Centralia? Can anyone lead me there?"

"Not far. But we must stay."

"Why?"

"My people die there." She said.

"My country's trying to stop that. So are alot of countries. You'll be safe from Ackov there."

"No." She responded flatly. "The Muslims will kill us too. They think we help Ackov. Ackov think we help Muslims. We are Romani. We are hated." Anders took a minute to think that over. This country's more screwed up than I thought.

"I have to go." He said finally.

"They will kill you." She said.

"They'll kill me if I stay." He said as he stood. He found that he was dizzy and he nearly fell over. The girl stood and helped him get his balance.

"You shouldn't leave."

"I have to. My friends will be looking for me. Thank you and your family for caring for me."

"My family does not know you are here. I found you in the morning and brought you here."

"Well thanks just the same." He said as he made his way for the door. As he opened it and began to step outside, he turned back and looked back at the beautiful young woman who had saved his life and asked, "What is your name?"

"My... my name is Jaelle. And your name is... Fred-drik-sen? You clothes say so."

"My name's Anders. Thank you again." He said. "And I promise, someday the killing will stop." She looked at him a gave a sad smile. With that Anders walked out the door and made for a nearby grove of trees. Fortunatley nobody in the small village was out on this cold morning, and he slipped away without being noticed. When he was deep enough into the woods he hunkered down and pulled the small emergency radio from his flight suit. He switched to the emergency frequency and prayed that someone was listening.

"Command? This is Gold 6. I am down in Centralian territory. Please respond. I repeat: This is Gold 6, in need of assistance." He whispered into the radio. I'm alive guys. Please hear this...

***

Coalition Air Force Headquarters, înger Forţele Aeriene Bază (Angel Air Force Base), Eastovia:

The radio operator couldn't believe what he was hearing. Faint at first, and growing louder each time the operator focussed the signal. He nearly jumped out of his seat when he heard the words 'Gold 6' from the voice on the other end.

"General Archer! General! I found him! He's alive!" The operator shouted; silencing the room.

"What are you talking about, Staff Sergeant?" The General who had more grey hairs then he would have liked asked as he walked over to the radio operators consol.

"Lieutenant Fredriksen, sir. Listen." He said as he turned up the volume, allowing the whole room to hear the downed pilots voice which caused everyone to turn their heads and cheer.

"Can I talk to him?" General Archer asked as him, as he gestured for another Airmen to hand him a map.

"Yes, sir. I'll put you on... Ok, go ahead."

"Lieutenant, this is General Archer. Can you hear me?"

After a few tense moments of static, the reply came. "Boy, General, am I glad to hear you."

"Right back at you kid. You alright?"

"A few scrapes. I was rescued by a local who took me from the crash site and hid me in her home."

"Good to hear. Listen, Lieutenant. We're going to get you out of there."

"But how sir? Didn't the Senate say that no Republic troops are to entre Centralia?" The realization hit General Archer like a ton of bricks. Outside the air campaign, no Coalition troops, including rescue forces, were allowed to move into Centralia.

Finally he gathered himself and said, "Don't you worry about that, kid. Make for uh..." He referred to his map. "You got a map?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, make for Way-Point Zulu. It's ten klicks northwest of your crash site. We'll organize a rescue and get you in a day or two."

"Yes, sir. But be advized, according to my rescuer, I have Centralian troops in pursuit."

"Be careful, son. Lay low. Try to avoid civilian contact from now on. Got it?"

"Got it."

"Good." The Republic Air Force General responded. "Stay safe, son. We're coming for you."

***

Somewhere northeast of the South Centralian border, Centralia:

Anders looked once more at his map before tucking it away in his pack. The night before, as he fell from the sky, he thought he was done for. Now, he thought, I have a chance.

He gained his bearings and after taking a sip from his cantine, took off into the Centralian hills. Unbeknownst to Lieutenant Fredriksen, the Centralians were not far behind.

OoC: Hello?

To: Samantha Kennedy, New England Secretary of State
From: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain

We have representitives ready to meet your people in the New Syracuse city hall. We intend to set up your refugee camp in the main city park as it is the largest open space in the city. If this is acceptable, whenever you are ready, you may begin moving your people into the city. Our Naval Infantry will be providing security and rest assured, they will do their jobs well.

Sincerely, Supreme Chancellor Olson, Republic of Starplain


To: Secretary of Defense Harry Westmoreland, United States of Oslea
From: General Sam Archer, Republic of Starplain Air Force

Mr. Secretary, our ground forces are approaching the South Centralian capital city of Cremea. The Centralian infantry is retreating into the city, however, our fighters have spotted a column of enemy T-72 tanks bearing down on our ground troops. Our fighters have taken out a few, and what's left could be delt with by our ground force, but it would cost the lives of a lot of our tank crews and infantry. We request that you send your Apaches and A-10s to deal with tanks and send your F-15s to form up with my Gripens and assault the Centralian positions in the city before we move our men in. Like I said, your assistance could save a lot of lives. I await your reply.

Sincerely, General Archer, Republic of Starplain Air Force

(Alright, though this is technically radio, I'll write it as a written message anyway for tradition's sake. Also, did I miss the map somewhere?)

TO: Starplain Republican Forces (local)
FROM: Major Fiorini, Ranger Scout Battalion

We are proceeding toward New Syracuse. Gendarme convoy will enter and police city. Ranger Scouts and main force request list of potential targets. We'll make our way toward the border otherwise and engage rural Centralian outposts.

Troy Carter recently graduated from New York University with an MA in International Affairs. Given a job at the State Department immediately after graduating. Six figures starting pay, health benefits (to enhance the national policy, that is), and an opportunity to change the world.

Troy Carter exemplified the New English foreign service officers. He was young and smart. Troy just graduated from NYU near the top of his class a couple of years ago. He's 27 right now. His attire was rather modern, too. Troy has his nappy hair set into miniature spirals. The man was wearing a black suit, but it was a nice suit, a suit that would be seen in the likes of Men's Health and GQ. He didn't hide his hipster-ness. Troy wore a thin dark red tie and his glasses had bold black frames. Troy did not hide his fashion when he went to work, he made it blend in. Of course, the obligatory flak jack that he had to wear in this war zone didn't really help, but who cared. He was optimistic. Being youthful of course brought a sense of optimism to one, however he was very optimistic about the future. New England was going to present itself to the world with a president who has been untainted by the scandals of yore. Troy was cosmopolitan. He was born and raised in Georgetown, and got his BA at Georgetown University, a moderately sized city, and an MA at New York University. Troy was diverse. He was part of a growing number of New English blacks who voted for Blackmore in 2000, and even more in 2006. Mostly, he was conservative. The “Conservative coalition” that propelled President Landon Blackmore to the presidency in 2000 and to reelection in 2006 consisted of everyone; poor western farmers, coal miner families, urban poor, Latino immigrants, Asian middle class, Muslims of all ethnicities or socioeconomic classes, gays, senior citizens, Evangelical Christians, and, reflecting Troy, blacks. Landon Blackmore brought them all together in a “rainbow coalition” through explaining “tolerant, compassionate Conservatism” to everyone in a respectful, thoughtful way. It was the common man preaching to the common man.

This was the new image of New England, the nation that wants to help the world. When he stepped out of that helicopter and walked onto the city park at new Syracuse one message was conveyed, New England will raise you up.

The black man walked over to the soldiers patrolling the area, walking towards the helicopter, and asked for an escort to the New Syracuse city hall.

To: Supreme Chancellor Steiner Olson, Republic of Starplain
From: <Anonymous> Democratic Republic of Lancov

The following message is classified TOP SECRET by the Democratic Intelligence Service.

For the past three years, the DIS has had an agent deployed in the city of Kopoc. We believe that your forces are advancing on the area. We would appreciate it if you would allow us to extract our operative under cover of your assault.

I am authorized by President Mikhael Egarov to inform you that the Defence Ministry of Lancov is prepared to fulfill any requests for military forces or hardware that you may need, for combat or noncombat duties. This includes, the Democratic Army, Democratic Air Force, and National Gendarmerie.

In the name of Democracy.

OOC: It's pretty crappy but it's a map nonetheless. Please refer to it from now on for basic geography and city locations of South Centralia. Blue denotes Republic forces, green = Santheres, Red = Oslea, Tan = Tel Amur and grey = Centralians. I realize it's missing alot, but i did it in about 5 minutes. http://tarvin.deviantart.com/art/South-Centralian-War-104036556

A dull thud filled the air, sending a shock throughout the ground, and the bunker collapsed in on itself. The squad stealthily all took cover so as to avoid detection and awaited the inevitable investigation by enemy forces, and subsequent attempted retaliation. Off the coast, reinforcements began to come in, cleared to land because of the actions of the small strike force.

To: Secretary of Defense Harry Westmoreland, United States of Oslea
From: General Sam Archer, Republic of Starplain Air Force

Mr. Secretary, our ground forces are approaching the South Centralian capital city of Cremea. The Centralian infantry is retreating into the city, however, our fighters have spotted a column of enemy T-72 tanks bearing down on our ground troops. Our fighters have taken out a few, and what's left could be delt with by our ground force, but it would cost the lives of a lot of our tank crews and infantry. We request that you send your Apaches and A-10s to deal with tanks and send your F-15s to form up with my Gripens and assault the Centralian positions in the city before we move our men in. Like I said, your assistance could save a lot of lives. I await your reply.

Sincerely, General Archer, Republic of Starplain Air Force
To: Gen. Sam Archer, Republic of Starplain Air Force
From: Secretary of Defense Harry Westmoreland

Our forces are more than happy to coply with your request. I shall pass this on to the respective leadership in Eastovia, where they will head off on sorties to assist your forces.

Regards,
Harry Westmoreland
Secretary of Defense of Oslea

---
Angel AFB, Eastovia
The ground crews were frantically finishing up their last checks before the eight fixed-wing aircraft took off from the runway. Oslean Command had just prepared a sortie for four of the F-15E pilots and all four of the A-10 pilots. Each pilot had already been strapped into their seat; one of the ground crewmen patted the cockpit of an F-15E signaling that it was good to go.

The aircraft taxied onto the long airstrip, and glided into the sky on the way to Cremea.

Four attack helicopters had left over thirty minutes ago to compensate for their slower speed. Command wanted to time the sortie just right so that all elements would attack at the same time, to 'put on a show for the enemy', so to speak.

--

The fighters had finally made their way to Cremea; from what the fighter pilots could see it was not a pleasant place. If it was, it lost all of it's former glory in the smoke and the flames produced by this war. The jets had linked up with the Apaches that had left earlier, and were prepared to give a concerted effort.

"I think I got a visual on a tank here," the pilot of Wolf 5-2 reported from the relative safety of his Apache cockpit. His co-pilot responded by shooting a rapid, fiery arrow of a Hellfire missile towards the tank, which impacted its hull. The tank burst into a ball of fire, with its turret forced off its base, heading skyward. "Yeah! That's it!" the pilot replied with a whoop of joy.

The diamond formation of the four A-10s soared overhead, with two F-15Es flanking the aircraft in case any Centralian bogeys came to try to shoot them down. A-10s were bulky and in no way agile; they were too vulnerable to enemy jets. The other two went to go join the Republic Gripens to assist with their assault of the city.

"The rest of the tank column, there!" A Warthog pilot exclaimed anxiously, as the squadron swooped down like hungry eagles hunting their prey. They did quick fly-bys showering the tank column with 30mm cannon fire and rockets, hoping that they threw enough ordnance to vaporize all the tank crews and any enemy infantry nearby.

To: Major Fiorini, Ranger Scout Battalion
From: Admiral Ingálvur Lassen, Commander of Republic Naval Operations in South Centralia

I am glad to here that your men have made it without major incident. New Syracuse has been secured by our Naval Infantry and New England Peacekeepers are moving in to relieve the people of the city. I request that you and your men flank to the north and capture the other side of the bay where many of the remaining Centralian troops have fled. Once the Centralians are taken care of, you may set up your country's refugee camps there. If your men require any form of air support or MEDEVAC during the operation, my Harriers and "Knighthawks" will be more than willing to oblige. I hope to hear from you soon and good luck.

Sincerely, Admiral Lassen, Republic of Starplain Navy

To: Whomever it may concern in the Democratic Republic of Lancov
From: Minister of Defence Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain

Supreme Chancellor Olson has given the go ahead on your extraction operation. You are clear to get your man out of there. If, for whatever reason, you need Republic Military support, let us know and we will be glad to help. Supreme Chancellor Olson does request however that if it is at all possible, you hand over any information your agent uncovered that may be helpful to our cause. We would greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely, Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain Ministry of Defence

To: Secretary of Defense Harry Westmoreland, United States of Oslea
From: General Sam Archer, Republic of Starplain Air Force

Thanks for the support. Your fighter pilots flew brilliantly. Thanks to your men, the Centralian threat was swiftly eliminated and our ground forces made it to Cremea unmolested. As I said, our men are moving into the city and our Army tells me that they expect the area to be secured within a matter of hours. Thanks again.

P.S. Of course I don't have the authority to make this an official offer but, perhaps your Air Force would like to participate in the Republic Air Force's ARCTIC FLAG training exercise next year.

Sincerely, General Sam Archer, Republic of Starplain Air Force

To: Minister of Defence Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain
From: Defense Secretary Koji Bandon, Democratic Republic of Lancov

The Democratic Intelligence Service forwarded your reply to me.

The military of Lancov is prepared to offer you the following combat personnel and equipment:

2x Frigates
1x Amphibious Assault Ship
(2,700x) infantry
(37x) T-90 Main Battle Tanks
(54x) BMP-3 IFVs
(13x) Mi-26 "Halo" Transport helicopter
(16x) MiG-35 "Fulcrum-F" Multirole Fighters
(10x) Mi-28 "Havoc" Attack helicopters
(1x) Tu-160 "Blackjack" Heavy Bomber

These forces will arrive at New Syracuse soon. I would appreciate it if you could forward a request to Eastovia asking permission for the fixed-wing aircraft to utilize bases in Eastovia.

We hope that this conflict will be resolved soon.

In the name of Democracy

Defense Secretary Koji Bandon, Democratic Republic of Lancov

To: Defense Secretary Koji Bandon, Democratic Republic of Lancov
From: Minister of Defence Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain

On behalf of the Republic and all coalition nations, I thank you for your support. Your fleet may form up with those of the Republic and Oslea in the South Centralian Sea. Also, Eastovia has informed me that you are free to land your Air Forces at Angel Air Force Base, which that nation has commited to our noble endeavor. I ask that once your men land, they begin a push to the northeast and secure the rural Central region of South Centralia. Thanks to our Tel Amurian allies, the resistence you face should be minimal.

Once again, I thank you.

Sincerely, Kjell Hansen, Republic of Starplain Ministry of Defence

OoC: Starplain, a response to my post?

ooc: Sorry, just got back from thanksgiving vacation. I'll do a post later tonight.

OOC: ah, that explains it. I was hoping you could actually have the Centralians I'm going for spot my troops in the distance -- simply traveling some distance isn't good for a post from me and I'd rather not magically run into them.

BBC News Broadcast: Fighting continues in South Centralia today as Coalition forces drive deeper into the small rebellious region in an ongoing effort to end the genocide against the South Centralian people. Centralian President Goron Ackov has kept good on his word not to back down, stating, "This is our nation, and our people will defend it. The west has no right to institute it's policies, it's laws and it's culture on us. This invasion is a blatant violation of Centralia's national sovreignty and can not be supported by any WA resolutions. It is simply illigal. I call on all nations to see this move by the so called 'Coalition' for what it is; an imperialistic move designed to eliminate anyone who does not share their ideals." Despite his seeming conviction, there was far less confidence in Ackov's voice during this statement than in previous ones. This is most likely due to the fact that Centralian forces are quickly being wiped out by the technologically, and now numerically superior Coalition forces. Supreme Chancellor of the Republic Steiner Olson was quick to dismiss Ackov's claims, stating, "We are not in this for land or wealth. We have not invaded in the interest of global domination. The Republic and her allies have undertaken this great endeavor in the interest of basic human rights; in the interest of everyone's right to life."

Despite impressively low casualties on the Coalition side, the South Centralian civilian population has not fared nearly as well. Many have fallen victim to disease and malnutrition while others have simply been caught in the crossfire. We are also recieving sketchy and unconfirmed reports that retreating Centralian forces have stepped up there killing of the Muslim and Romani minorities of South Centralia in what appears to be a sort of grusome scorched earth policy. Most of the killing appears to centred around the small city of Roma, which is one of the few cities remaining in Centralian control.

On a more positive note however, the Coalition has begun setting up the first of what is to be a large number of refugee camps. This first camp is being located, we're told, in the coastal city of New Syracuse and will be administered by New England relief workers. The Republic has stated that for now the city's security will be provided by their Naval Infantry, but, when the region is secured, the Marines will be pulled out and replaced by a permanent detatchment of Republic peacekeepers. Coalition leaders have expressed hope that more nations will follow New England's good example and aid the people of war-torn South Centralia.

Northwestern South Centralia

Captain Branislav Ćorović of the Centralian Army was angry; infuriated even. He was angry because he was running, and running from an enemy he knew he could beat. When the Republic Naval Infantry had stormed ashore in New Syracuse, the Centralian battalion to which Captain Ćorović belonged had been caught off guard. Many of his superior officers had been killed by Republic Harriers and the bombardment from the fleet. The defenders were thrown into disarray and in order to save what was left of his battalion, Ćorović ordered a retreat. They fled north of the city and began to reqroup. Ćorović was young, and only a Captain, but he was bold; and he, above all else, longed to serve his country. Now, with his commanders dead, he was thrust into a leadership role, and he was determined not to fail his men. The young Captain now had 8 T-72 tanks, 12 BMP-1s and over a thousand men. Now that they had reqrouped, Captain Ćorović knew that they could dislodge the 600 or so Republic Naval Infantrymen in New Syracuse. But he wouldn't let him. President Ackov wouldn't let him. The young Captain had been given the order to continue to the northeast. He had been given the order to run... and he hated it.

Ackov's scared! He screamed in his head. He's so worried about saving his army, that he won't let us stand and fight! Branislav didn't exactly see eye to eye with his president. 18 years ago, when Ackov came to power, Branislav couldn't have been happier. The young twelve year old saw a man who could rebuild Centralia after the Soviets left. Branislav had even voted for his re-election 6 years later. However, when Ackov stopped running for re-election, Captain Ćorović began to lose faith in his leader. Ackov was a dictator, and Branislav knew it. Still, he was his president, and as any good soldier would, Ćorović faithfully left home to fight in South Centralia in the "Cleansing War" as Ackov had put it.

Ćorović was no racist. He had silently resisted the genocide. The patrols he commanded spared countless South Centralian civilians. He had even given some of his rations to starving South Centralian children. He grew to hate Ackov and his policies. He knew Ackov would destroy his beloved country. And now, his fears had been realized. Still, Centralia's problems were for Centralia to deal with, not this "Coalition". There were thousands of ethnic Centralians living in South Centralia who didn't want to secede. Who was looking out for their rights? Not the Coalition that's for sure. He thought. They've been the victims of hate crimes from the South Centralians. Has the Coalition ever once given that a second thought?

Suddenly his thoughts were interupted by the voice of one of his lieutenants. "Sir, we have enemy troops ahead moving in our direction!"

"Have they detected us?"

"No sir, but-"

"Who? And how many?"

"Santheres sir. They have more than twice our number sir. We must surrender."

"... No... We stand and fight. No more running." Never again. He thought.

"But sir, we-"

"I said we stand and fight! Prepare the men for an ambush."

"Uh... Yes Captain."

Finally, thought Captain Ćorović, I can stand and face my enemy. Finally I can defend my country's land and my people. Ackov can't stop me anymore. He looked around at his surroundings. He looked at the treeline where his armour units would be easily hidden. He looked at the steep slopes on either side of the valley in which he was positioned, which had trees and brush at their tops, making perfect cover for his men. Making perfect cover for an ambush.

Captain Branislav Ćorović thought then of the fighting in New Syracuse. He thought of the Republic Harriers coming in on their bombing runs. He thought of the Marines' bullets tearing through his fellow soldiers. He thought of the friends he lost. The Coalition says that they are fighting to end the loss of life... Now, they're going to learn what loss of life really means.

About time this thread woke up. Haven't seen it in a while.

IC: Mew II watched a real-time tactical map of both Centralia and S Centralia, and was pleased to see the the Centralian government was fighting a losing battle.