NationStates Jolt Archive

The land that the Republic Of Madurastan now lies on was orginally another country. It was orginally occupied by a large power, the Republic Of Colstream. Colstream was a prosperous country with a large military and economy base. However events conspired to turn this to dust. A war inside the country tore it apart. A few months past before a side managed to take control and establish a new government.

On December 1st 2008, the first constitution of the Republic Of Madurastan was signed. At Midnight local time on December 4th, Madurastan came into being. Construction had started on building the basic needs of the population as well as a defending military due to compulsory military service. The new President, Jack Browning has asked for help from nations who supported the old Colstream regime and also asked for friendship in the community.

New laws were passed which disbanded the provisional government that held office shortly before the Republic Of Madurastan came into being. All property of the old provisional government was put under the new governments control. All people who held positions in the provisional government were given new jobs in the new government as a thank you for helping the transition.

Corporal Briggs fumbled with his AN-94s safety catch as he led his 4 man squad to their pre attack position outside the village of Jatrea. He watched as 2 rebels walked close to the bushes where he lay hidden. Suddenly the sound of incoming artillery proceeded the landing of shells on the rebel position. The squad broke cover and began to spray the rebels with heavy gunfire and grenades. Within a minute, the position was secure and they moved on to capture Jatrea.

Meanwhile, gains had been made 2 miles west with the village of Stira being captured after heavy fighting and heavy damage to the village. Rebel positions were swiftly overwhelmed and the remnants of the defense was swept away by flanking infantry while T-62 MBTs moved down the main road to secure a strategically important bridge.

Presidential House, Oval Office
Madurastan Capital, Liberty City.

President Jack Browning looked at the video cameras and waited for the cue to start. His advisor touched his earpiece and spoke.

"Camera rolling Mr President."

"Good Evening. I speak to you, the Colstream people as our nation moves forward. Today, the Republic Of Madurastan begins its journey to prosperity. However, the situation in the south of the country is still serious. Rebels still hold key positions including the 2 gas plants that supply 30% of Madurastan's fuel. An offensive has started but international help will be needed before a successful conclusion to the war can happen. I hope that the international community will come to our aid. However things will continue as normal and i promise that the rebels will not destroy what we have achieved. God bless you all and goodnight."

President Browning turned to one of his advisors. "I do hope that they do help, we won't be able to hold out unless help comes. The Compulsory Military Service Act only gives us a maximum strength of 120,000 Soldiers. We will need at least 500,000 to secure a victory." "Yes Mr President." The advisor walked out of the room. President Browning got up and followed him out of the room.

The father of Sharfghotten is interested in your cause and requests information on your governemtal leaning. Right or left wing?

Under certain circumstances we would be happy to assist you in your cause.

The father of Sharfghotten is interested in your cause and requests information on your governemtal leaning. Right or left wing?

Under certain circumstances we would be happy to assist you in your cause.

We are a democratically elected government.

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Diplomatic Directorate - Official Communiqué

From: Dr. Michiko Flax, Director General, Diplomatic Directorate of the Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: President Jack Browning, Republic of Madurastan
Classification: Restricted, eyes only
Subject: Assistance

It was with great sadness that I and my colleagues learnt of the civil war that has torn apart the former Republic of Colstream and so devastated your nation and its people. On behalf of the General Secretariat of the Unitary Technocracy I express the full support of Etoile Arcture towards assisting the Republic of Madurastan during these trying times.

Understanding the currently volatile security situation in your nation as I write to you, my govenment is eager to offer its support to defend a fellow democracy. We are therefore prepared to provide direct military assistance to you if it is requested, utilising combat forces to deter further acts of violence, provide security to the civil population and create the conditions neccessary for post-war reconstruction.

I await your response.

/signed/ Michiko Flax

Encrypted Message

To President Jack Browning,

I wish congratulate you on your rise to power. I also wish to offer support to you, and your government. At this time, I can offer, your nation direct military support. However, I must insist that these troops, report to our government, not yours. I hope that you accept my offer.

Signed,
His Excellency
the Great and Mighty
President Devin Jamison Fogarty
The Paedocracy of the Beatus

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Diplomatic Directorate - Official Communiqué

From: Dr. Michiko Flax, Director General, Diplomatic Directorate of the Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: President Jack Browning, Republic of Madurastan
Classification: Restricted, eyes only
Subject: Assistance

It was with great sadness that I and my colleagues learnt of the civil war that has torn apart the former Republic of Colstream and so devastated your nation and its people. On behalf of the General Secretariat of the Unitary Technocracy I express the full support of Etoile Arcture towards assisting the Republic of Madurastan during these trying times.

Understanding the currently volatile security situation in your nation as I write to you, my govenment is eager to offer its support to defend a fellow democracy. We are therefore prepared to provide direct military assistance to you if it is requested, utilising combat forces to deter further acts of violence, provide security to the civil population and create the conditions neccessary for post-war reconstruction.

I await your response.

/signed/ Michiko Flax



To: Dr. Michiko Flax, Director General, Diplomatic Directorate of the Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
From: President Jack Browning, Republic of Madurastan
Classification: Restricted, eyes only
Subject: Assistance

I gratefully accept your offer. The Republic Of Madurastan has few military resources to fight the rebels and longs to return to the military level seen during the Colstream era. We need all the help we can get.


To:
His Excellency
the Great and Mighty
President Devin Jamison Fogarty
The Paedocracy of the Beatus

I greatefully accept your offer of full military support. I have no argument about them reporting to you as your forces are many times more effective than mine. We await their arrival

Signed
President Jack Browning
Republic Of Madurastan

TO: Republic Of Madurastan
FROM: Vamperial Kingdom of Lynion, Queen Kryxtal

We have heard of your valiant struggle and the rise to a democratic government. Even though the bulk of our forces have returned home, we can only dispatch four wings (60 per wing), two carrier fleets and two Spec Ops platoons. Lynion hopes that your valiant struggle will see you rise to power.


OOC:

Is this MT or PMT?

TO: Vamperial Kingdom of Lynion, Queen Kryxtal
FROM: Republic Of Madurastan

This forces will be vital to our fight against the rebels.

OOC: This is MT, using current technology but obviously cheap Russian equipment like AN-94s and T-62 MBTs in the Madurastan Army.

OOC: Ahhh! You mind if I use aerial warships? I really want to use them.

IC:

TO: Republic Of Madurastan
FROM: Vamperial Kingdom of Lynion, Queen Kryxtal

Forces will be sent within two hours and will arrive at your country within a day at the latest.

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The Holy Empire of Zaheran
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Communication


To: Jack Browning, President of the Republic of Madurastan

The Holy Empire of Zaheran, as an ally of the former Republic of Colstream, congratulates the Republic of Madurastan for ending the violence that has so sorrowfully ravaged your once-great country. Madurastan will hereby formally be recognised as a sovereign state by the Holy Empire, and we would be happy to provide you with whatever aid you require, both military and humanitary. With your permission, we would like to dispatch three divisions to Madurastan to help you secure the parts of your country that are still in rebel hands.

Yours sincerely,

Marius Stee
Minister of Foreign Affairs
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OOC: Would I still retain my base in Thive? Also, what would Madurastan's location in the world be, just approximately?

OOC: Ahhh! You mind if I use aerial warships? I really want to use them.

IC:

TO: Republic Of Madurastan
FROM: Vamperial Kingdom of Lynion, Queen Kryxtal

Forces will be sent within two hours and will arrive at your country within a day at the latest.

OOC; No Problem.

TO: Vamperial Kingdom of Lynion, Queen Kryxtal
FROM: Republic Of Madurastan

Thank You. An Offensive has been planned but will not be executed until your forces and other forces arrive. Logistics will be planned and operational areas discussed.

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Diplomatic Directorate - Official Communiqué

From: Dr. Michiko Flax, Director General, Diplomatic Directorate of the Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: President Jack Browning, Republic of Madurastan
Classification: Restricted, eyes only
Subject: Assistance

My government is honoured to recopricate your request, and authorisation to despatch elements of our Rapid Reaction Forces to Madurastan has been granted during session of the General Secretariat. We also declare that Etoile Arcture fully recognises the Republic of Madurastan as a sovereign state, and invite your government to establish full diplomatic relations with our nation, including the reoccupation of the former Colstream embassy located on Block 35 of the Diplomatic Parc in Concordia.

A liason team will be immediately sent to Liberty City to coordinate with your commanders on the arrival of our forces and to establish a headquarters in advance of conducting operations. We also wish to explore the possibility of providing military aid through transfer of M8 Lariat 1A1L tanks and F-25C Revolution fighter aircraft from our reserve stocks, and increasing production at the Sequioa Weaponworks factory, to modernise your forces.

As to the logistics of our deployment, we ill require one, preferably two or three, ports in the north of your country that are secure to disembark our forces and materiel. We also require at least one major air field or base from which to operate the air component of our force. We also require immediate permission to commence overflights of your nation by our aircraft. Commander here will be grateful for any intelligence you may have, including topographical maps, and known positions and disposition of the rebels.

My commanders inform me that the advanced elements of our Rapid Reaction Forces can arrive by air within six hours, and it will take 6 days for the first of our heavy forces to arrive in your nation. Two full combat divisions and supporting units can be assembled and operational within a fornight to commence counter-rebel operations. In the meantime, we intend to offer Special Forces and air expedionary units that can deploy into the country much sooner to gather intelligence and harras the enemy. I will contact you when more information is available.

/signed/ Michiko Flax

OOC: Please allow for travel time around the world. That said, only in NS can you deploy this amount of men and materiel so quickly and without it being prohibitively costly!

EDIT: Added a request to open diplomatic relations.

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The Holy Empire of Zaheran
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Communication


To: Jack Browning, President of the Republic of Madurastan

The Holy Empire of Zaheran, as an ally of the former Republic of Colstream, congratulates the Republic of Madurastan for ending the violence that has so sorrowfully ravaged your once-great country. Madurastan will hereby formally be recognised as a sovereign state by the Holy Empire, and we would be happy to provide you with whatever aid you require, both military and humanitary. With your permission, we would like to dispatch three divisions to Madurastan to help you secure the parts of your country that are still in rebel hands.

Yours sincerely,

Marius Stee
Minister of Foreign Affairs
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa139/trert/SigNa.jpg


OOC: Would I still retain my base in Thive? Also, what would Madurastan's location in the world be, just approximately?

To: Marius Stee
Minister of Foreign Affairs
From: Jack Browning, President of the Republic of Madurastan

The aid you promise will be accepted gratefully. Thank you for your support. The country has lost many people during the civil war and now the healing will begin. We have an army of 120,000 and conscription will make it larger. When our economy matches the levels the old Colstream Republic had before the war, then our people will prosper.

OOC: Madurastan now occupys all of the former Colstream's large island territory (Free States Of Gaia, where Colstream was originally). All the bases in the country are still occupied but with severely depleted garrisons at the moment due to the Madurastan Army's current small size. You do retain the base in Thive as the former Colstream forces there were unaffected by the war and just declared their allegiance to the new Madurastan Government.

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Diplomatic Directorate - Official Communiqué

From: Dr. Michiko Flax, Director General, Diplomatic Directorate of the Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: President Jack Browning, Republic of Madurastan
Classification: Restricted, eyes only
Subject: Assistance

My government is honoured to recopricate your request, and authorisation to despatch elements of our Rapid Reaction Forces to Madurastan has been granted during session of the General Secretariat. We will immediately despatch a liason team to Liberty City to coordinate with your commanders on the arrival of our forces and to establish a headquarters in advance of conducting operations. We also wish to explore the possibility of providing military aid through transfer of M8 Lariat 1A1L tanks and F-25C Revolution fighter aircraft from our reserve stocks, and increasing production at the Sequioa Weaponworks factory, to modernise your forces.

As to the logistics of our deployment, we ill require one, preferably two or three, ports in the north of your country that are secure to disembark our forces and materiel. We also require at least one major air field or base from which to operate the air component of our force. We also require immediate permission to commence overflights of your nation by our aircraft. Commander here will be grateful for any intelligence you may have, including topographical maps, and known positions and disposition of the rebels.

My commanders inform me that the advanced elements of our Rapid Reaction Forces can arrive by air within six hours, and it will take 6 days for the first of our heavy forces to arrive in your nation. Two full combat divisions and supporting units can be assembled and operational within a fornight to commence counter-rebel operations. In the meantime, we intend to offer Special Forces and air expedionary units that can deploy into the country much sooner to gather intelligence and harras the enemy. I will contact you when more information is available.

/signed/ Michiko Flax

OOC: Please allow for travel time around the world. That said, only in NS can you deploy this amount of men and materiel so quickly and without it being prohibitively costly!

From: Dr. Michiko Flax, Director General, Diplomatic Directorate of the Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture
To: President Jack Browning, Republic of Madurastan
Classification: Restricted, eyes only
Subject: Assistance

We await your rapid reaction forces arrival. The airbase near our capital, Liberty City(Formerly Ashland) is suitable for your needs. It can accomodate fast aircraft and Hercules C130 Transports. We will proudly accept the M8 Lariat 1A1L tanks and F-25C Revolution fighter aircraft from your reserve stocks as these tools will help augment our armored divisions, currently using outdated T-62 MBTs. Increasing production at the Sequioa Weaponworks factory, to modernise our forces is a great idea and will help us build a more modern assualt rifle to replace the AN-94s currently in use. Overflight path suggestions have been sent to you along with current intelligence on rebel positions and strength.

"Kryxtal, are you sure you wish to take this force?" Woff asked her as he found her heading towards the docks.

"There's nothing to do in the Palace, you and Queen Esther have things firmly under control. King Taishi Ci is due back soon and Vamp won't be away much longer," stated Kryxtal firmly as she stopped at the gates. "Before I married Ranakin, I was a fighter pilot and a bloody good one. Now unless there's some rules protesting my right to lead our forces, allow me to take our forces. A woman can do a man's work," finished Kryxtal as they stopped at the docks gate.

"Kryxtal..." started Woff as he stopped her in her tracks. "...I want to know your going to be safe so that the others know your safe,"

Kryxtal suddenly stopped and looked at Woff for a moment. "Woff, you have every right to keep me safe but I need to do work. Vamp, my husband and his brother and their fathers have lead our forces into battle and now, I need to do it,"

"Good luck Kryxtal," finished Woff as he let Kryxtal go into the docks.

"Take care Woff," finished Kryxtal as she vanished into the docks.

An hour later

"Admiral the fleet is ready to go when your ready," reported in Rear Admiral Kennedy as Kryxtal arrived on the bridge. "Tatus, Fleet Admiral Kryxtal has arrived,"

"Kryxtal," started Tatus as the aerial heavy cruiser took off alongside the rest of the fleet. "The entire fleet is at your disposal miss," Informed Tatus as he noticed Kryxtal was wearing the traditional black admiral uniform like himself and Kennedy.

"Excellent," replied Kryxtal as she came to the side of Tatus. "Have the carriers in the centre with the transports around them. Cruisers, destroyers, frigates and gunships form up the outer defence's," ordered Kryxtal as she still remembered her training.

"Will be done miss," replied Tatus as he went to the radio room to inform the other aerial warships about the situation.

4 hours later

"This is Rear Admiral Kennedy of the Vamperial Aerial Fleets Albany and Widow Makers calling friendly Madurastanians," started Kennedy into the radio. "Do you copy over?"

"Rear Admiral Kennedy of the Vamperial Aerial Fleets Albany and Widow Makers this is Outpost 23. We have you sighted at our 11 o' clock. Welcome to Madurastan. Over."

"Excellent to hear," replied Kennedy. "Its good to hear that there's cheerful people. Anyhow, where do you want us? We've got orders to give you aerial support,"

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The Holy Empire of Zaheran
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Communication


To: Jack Browning, President of the Republic of Madurastan

We thank you for accepting our offer of aid. Our divisions will be dispatched shortly. For safely getting our soldiers into the country and for logistical reasons, we will need two four secure ports, as well as two or three major airfields.

Colstream used to be one of our largest trading partners, and we believe that a speedy recovery of the Madurastani economy will be beneficial to both our peoples. Therefore, we have decided to allocate 120,000,000,000 reichmarks for your use, to be used to rebuild infrastructure and help your economy recover. We have also decided to drop all tariffs on goods coming from Madurastan, so that your corporations can export to a larger market. A number of Zaheranian corporations have already expressed their interest in investing in Madurastan, so we hope they will be allowed to do so.

Yours sincerely,

Marius Stee
Minister of Foreign Affairs
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"Excellent to hear," replied Kennedy. "Its good to hear that there's cheerful people. Anyhow, where do you want us? We've got orders to give you aerial support,"

"There's a beach just around that cove. It has a good surface and can take landing craft and helicopters. Be careful. Where that beach is near the front line. It stretches 50 miles along the width of the country and is 20 miles deep."

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The Holy Empire of Zaheran
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Communication


To: Jack Browning, President of the Republic of Madurastan

We thank you for accepting our offer of aid. Our divisions will be dispatched shortly. For safely getting our soldiers into the country and for logistical reasons, we will need two four secure ports, as well as two or three major airfields.

Colstream used to be one of our largest trading partners, and we believe that a speedy recovery of the Madurastani economy will be beneficial to both our peoples. Therefore, we have decided to allocate 120,000,000,000 reichmarks for your use, to be used to rebuild infrastructure and help your economy recover. We have also decided to drop all tariffs on goods coming from Madurastan, so that your corporations can export to a larger market. A number of Zaheranian corporations have already expressed their interest in investing in Madurastan, so we hope they will be allowed to do so.

Yours sincerely,

Marius Stee
Minister of Foreign Affairs
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To: Marius Stee
Minister of Foreign Affairs
From: Jack Browning, President of the Republic of Madurastan

Liberty City our capital, formerly known as Ashland has a large base that contains a large capacity port, a major airbase which accomodates most aircraft and a Army depot which held 60% of the former Colstream's army which now holds the Madurastan Army and Madurastan Air Force's headquarters. Your gift of 120,000,000,000 reichmarks will be helpful in building up our economy and military. Zaheranian corporations can start investing in Madurastan and the trade pact signed with you by the former Colstream government will be restarted along with the Mutual Defense Pact.

"There's a beach just around that cove. It has a good surface and can take landing craft and helicopters. Be careful. Where that beach is near the front line. It stretches 50 miles along the width of the country and is 20 miles deep." replied the voice on the other side of the radio.

"Copy that," replied Kennedy as he took out a map of the area on the hologram on the desk as he drew the front. "This is the main front. Our aerial warships can absorb RPG-7's for the time being unless they get something bigger so we got some space to breath," started Kennedy as Kryxtal and Tatus joined him around the map.

"Send out patrols and scout the area ahead," ordered Kryxtal. "Send two teams of Spec Ops to scout around and recon. We need a secure beach ehad before we can get the Spec Ops on the ground," explained Kryxtal.

As he said that, 5 Madurastan Air Force MIG-23s flew past at the same altitude. "Red Group to Vamperial Aerial Fleets Albany and Widow Makers. We have been tasked as your fighter cover. We will cover your approach to the beaches."

As soon as the Madurastanis had given their permission to a Zaheranian military intervention, the bureaucratic machinery of the Defence Ministry had started to move. Meetings were held, papers signed, orders given. The decision was taken to deploy the 12th Panzer division(Armoured), the 63rd Panzergrenadiers(Mechanised Infantry) and the 65th Panzergrenadiers, all based in Zahmer, a Zaheranian colony south of the mainland. Leaves were cancelled and the soldiers of the three divisions ordered to report in to their units within forty-eight hours. Within seventy-two hours, the force would be on its way to Madurastan. The journey would take about two days, so the force would be in place in one hundred and twenty hours of the order being given. About two thousands troops, mostly military police and logistic personnel, would be flown in ahead of the main force, to ensure that everything went as smoothly as possible when the majority of the soldiers arrived. Air cover and troop transportation would be provided by the 9th Fleet of the Imperial Navy, under command of Admiral Franz Halder.

Eitelkeit, Southern Zahmer

Warships filled the harbour of the sixteen million city, and a strong, unpleasant smell of diesel filled the air. The ships were recieving a quick overhaul by harbour personnel before they left for Madurastan, and loaded with ammunition and supplies. The flagship of the 9th Fleet, the proud Hauptstadt class carrier HMS Terror, dominated the harbour with her impressive size. Most of the personnel had left the ship to say goodbye to friends and family, and only a skeleton crew manned it. Beside her was the Ticonderoga class cruiser HMS Krieger, equally empty, and around them dozens of other ships, in a similar state. As soon as the soldiers arrived, the fleet would begin its journey across the ocean.

News of the deployment to Madurastan was breaking news in Etoile Arcture by evening’s fall, as bases across the country begun to lay the preparatory work for what was now officially called Operation Collegiate. Anticipating hard fighting ahead the General Secretariat had agreed the Joint Headquarters recommendation to send two full combat divisions overseas and what amounted to an entire air army to support them. With a deployment of this size it as clear the build-up of forces would have to be in phases.

Within hours, six to be precise, the first of Etoile Arcture’s aircraft begun to arrive at the Liberty City military airbase. Staged by KC-45A tanker from the mainland and escorted by F-26A Tempest air domination fighters, the first air expeditionary wing begun to assemble there. This unit included a squadron of F/A-38A Sentinel multirole aircraft, a detachment of RQ-13A Vulture UAVs, and KC-30B transports carrying their support material and ground crews. Even a detachment of E-17A Watchtower AEW&C aircraft would be sent to control the whole package. A number of box-wing KC-99A/B Majestic transports, each as large as a superjumbo like the Airbus A380, also brought in several Patriot missile batteries, and a company of main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to defend the base.

Not far behind them was the 479th Special Operations Group, or 479 SOG, which arrived at a soft field location provided by the Maduristanian as a totally self-sufficient fighting force including M777 lightweight howitzers, M96 LUMPS light armoured vehicles, AH-79C Anaconda attack helicopters, MQ-9B Reaper UAVs, and a pair of AV-44A Pegasus tiltrotor gunships. As soon as boots were on the ground the special forces had secured a perimeter, defended by SLAMRAMM launchers on some of the M96s they had brought, and were reasembling their helicopters and drones to begin reconnaisiance missions.

The Sequioa Weaponworks factory was secured by the 493 SOG, using the runway the Etoilian company used to fly shipments in and out of the country. More KC-99s were used here, not only to fly in a Patriot battery and armoured fighting vehicles, but also a construction company and its equipment. Working with the Sequioa personnel on site, both Etoilian and local, work begun immediately to upgrade the factory into a more defendable location.

At Liberty City, the Etoilian liason team arrived from the air base in their LUMPS trucks to coordinate with the Madurastan armed forces command and its coalition allies. The first issue at hand was integrating Etoile Arcture’s digitised battlespace technology with the Madurastan command and control systems, followed by where to land Etoile Arcture’s main ground force and organise the conversion of Madurastani ground and air force units to the donated weapon systems that would be arriving in the coming weeks.

In a short eight hours Etoile Arcture already had over 2,000 personnel in the country including at least 400 combat troops. From the SOG base and Liberty City military air base the first sorties were sent out of unarmed Vulture and armed Reaper drones overflying rebel held areas of the country to gather intelligence that would be use to plan the first air strikes.

News of the deployment to Madurastan was breaking news in Etoile Arcture by evening’s fall, as bases across the country begun to lay the preparatory work for what was now officially called Operation Collegiate. Anticipating hard fighting ahead the General Secretariat had agreed the Joint Headquarters recommendation to send two full combat divisions overseas and what amounted to an entire air army to support them. With a deployment of this size it as clear the build-up of forces would have to be in phases.

Within hours, six to be precise, the first of Etoile Arcture’s aircraft begun to arrive at the Liberty City military airbase. Staged by KC-45A tanker from the mainland and escorted by F-26A Tempest air domination fighters, the first air expeditionary wing begun to assemble there. This unit included a squadron of F/A-38A Sentinel multirole aircraft, a detachment of RQ-13A Vulture UAVs, and KC-30B transports carrying their support material and ground crews. Even a detachment of E-17A Watchtower AEW&C aircraft would be sent to control the whole package. A number of box-wing KC-99A/B Majestic transports, each as large as a superjumbo like the Airbus A380, also brought in several Patriot missile batteries, and a company of main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to defend the base.

Not far behind them was the 479th Special Operations Group, or 479 SOG, which arrived at a soft field location provided by the Maduristanian as a totally self-sufficient fighting force including M777 lightweight howitzers, M96 LUMPS light armoured vehicles, AH-79C Anaconda attack helicopters, MQ-9B Reaper UAVs, and a pair of AV-44A Pegasus tiltrotor gunships. As soon as boots were on the ground the special forces had secured a perimeter, defended by SLAMRAMM launchers on some of the M96s they had brought, and were reasembling their helicopters and drones to begin reconnaisiance missions.

The Sequioa Weaponworks factory was secured by the 493 SOG, using the runway the Etoilian company used to fly shipments in and out of the country. More KC-99s were used here, not only to fly in a Patriot battery and armoured fighting vehicles, but also a construction company and its equipment. Working with the Sequioa personnel on site, both Etoilian and local, work begun immediately to upgrade the factory into a more defendable location.

At Liberty City, the Etoilian liason team arrived from the air base in their LUMPS trucks to coordinate with the Madurastan armed forces command and its coalition allies. The first issue at hand was integrating Etoile Arcture’s digitised battlespace technology with the Madurastan command and control systems, followed by where to land Etoile Arcture’s main ground force and organise the conversion of Madurastani ground and air force units to the donated weapon systems that would be arriving in the coming weeks.

In a short eight hours Etoile Arcture already had over 2,000 personnel in the country including at least 400 combat troops. From the SOG base and Liberty City military air base the first sorties were sent out of unarmed Vulture and armed Reaper drones overflying rebel held areas of the country to gather intelligence that would be use to plan the first air strikes.

To Etoile Arcture:

Landing of your forces can be made in the Liberty City Main Military Base where a large port, airbase and army base is situated. Please also can we have the specs for the M8 Lariat 1A1L tanks and F-25C Revolution fighter aircraft?

In the front line Madurastan Army divisions, news of Zaheran and Etoile Arcture intervention had brought hope and renewed optimism. The soldiers were now reported to be singing military songs and popular folk songs to pass the time. The number of drunken soldiers had dropped to almost zero and the Madurastan Police had seen the number of people trying to avoid military service drop to a low number. People were now joining up voluntarily rather than waiting to be called up. The economy was beginning to speed up and the financial district in Liberty City was recording a boom in the buying of Madurastan Products along with recent reports of Zaheranian companies setting up in Madurastan.

In the front line Madurastan Army divisions, news of Zaheran and Etoile Arcture intervention had brought hope and renewed optimism. The soldiers were now reported to be singing military songs and popular folk songs to pass the time. The number of drunken soldiers had dropped to almost zero and the Madurastan Police had seen the number of people trying to avoid military service drop to a low number. People were now joining up voluntarily rather than waiting to be called up. The economy was beginning to speed up and the financial district in Liberty City was recording a boom in the buying of Madurastan Products along with recent reports of Zaheranian and Etolie Arcture companies setting up in Madurastan.

In the front line Madurastan Army divisions, news of Zaheran and Etoile Arcture intervention had brought hope and renewed optimism. The soldiers were now reported to be singing military songs and popular folk songs to pass the time. The number of drunken soldiers had dropped to almost zero and the Madurastan Police had seen the number of people trying to avoid military service drop to a low number. People were now joining up voluntarily rather than waiting to be called up. The economy was beginning to speed up and the financial district in Liberty City was recording a boom in the buying of Madurastan Products along with recent reports of Zaheranian and Etoile Arcture companies setting up in Madurastan.

Landing of your forces can be made in the Liberty City Main Military Base where a large port, airbase and army base is situated. Please also can we have the specs for the M8 Lariat 1A1L tanks and F-25C Revolution fighter aircraft?
At the meeting between the two command staff's the Etoilian officers provided their hosts with information on the M8 Lariat 1A1L (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=556542), that are built as a joint venture between Allis-Chalmers in Coosota and Sequioa Defence Systems in Etoile Arcture. The air force personnel were also shown information regarding the F25C Revolution (http://z11.invisionfree.com/Sequoia_Defence/index.php?showtopic=25) multirole aircraft that was also being offered to Madurastan. as military aid. The hope was expressed that these and other arms would give a qualitive advantage in combat power in their fight with the rebels, as well as the obvious boost in fighting numbers to rebuild the strength of the former Republic of Colstream's armed forces.

At the meeting between the two command staff's the Etoilian officers provided their hosts with information on the M8 Lariat 1A1L (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=556542), that are built as a joint venture between Allis-Chalmers in Coosota and Sequioa Defence Systems in Etoile Arcture. The air force personnel were also shown information regarding the F25C Revolution (http://z11.invisionfree.com/Sequoia_Defence/index.php?showtopic=25) multirole aircraft that was also being offered to Madurastan. as military aid. The hope was expressed that these and other arms would give a qualitive advantage in combat power in their fight with the rebels, as well as the obvious boost in fighting numbers to rebuild the strength of the former Republic of Colstream's armed forces.

Madurastan will from Midnight December 6th officially add these weapon systems to its arsenal.

Note: Details about up coming offensive coming tomorrow.

"Land Otto and his men ASAP," ordered Kryxtal as she looked at the map for a moment. "What's the armour like?"

"We managed to take off with two armoured battalions so they can give the Spec Ops extra support," explained Tatus as he touched another window that had the details of the armour.

"Land the battalions and the Spec Ops," ordered Kryxtal as the order was passed around.

====

"Watch out," shouted the voice of a drop ship as fighter jets soared past them while offering them escort. "Just keep an eye on the ground in case the rebels decide to try something,"

15 drop ships were flying across the open seas as they started to land a brigade of Lynion Assassin's and 30 Panzer X's and Lynx Battle Tanks. The aerial carriers had lunached a wing of Dingo and Hunter Fighter Jets to give extra protection. An aerial cruiser was taking up position as the moblie artillery battery to be used by the Spec Ops. Otto and his men scouted about and quickly establish a foothold on the beach. The first platoons of tanks had arrived and were patrolling the foothold on the beach.

"Keep your eyes open boys," started Otto as Jaxson appeared with his Magum Sniper Rifle. "We got plenty of aerial cover from the fleet and don't be scared to ask for it,"

Fletcher Field, the Beatus

Two C-23B Sherpa transports sat on the runway, fully loaded. On board were 40 troops, bound for the Madurastan Conflict Zone (MCZ). Their vehicles, were coming by ship, and they had been informed, should arrive about a week after they due, if there is no adverse weather. The two small aircraft, took of on separate, parallel runways, and plotted a course for Liberty City.

Operation: Heavy Thunder
Clearance Level: Classified
To all nations participating:

Plan Details:

All times are local time.

Phase 1:
L Hour (04:00)
Madurastan Army launches main attack in the centre with 2 spearheads moving side by side to the central south coast.

Phase 2:
L Hour Plus 2 (05:00)
Etoile Arcture and Zaheran forces jump off from positions in the east of the country and move alongside each other supporting the Madurastan Army's left flank and securing the eastern area of the south coast

Phase 3:
L Hour Plus 3 (06:00)

Lynion and The Beatus forces jump off their beachead and attack the rebels in the western part of the south coast

These times are set for the first day. Commanders have total freedom on how the operation is executed in your areas.

Launch Date is not yet set.

To Nations helping Madurastan:

Can you help us plan Operation: Heavy Thunder and help us modify it to each nations military operational requirements?

[OOC: Tagged. Shan't intend to do anything as of yet]

[OOC: Tagged. Shan't intend to do anything as of yet]

OOC: Take your time. :)

IC:

The first M8 Lariat 1A1L “Long Arm” Main Battle Tanks had started to arrive in the Madurastan Army which had started to replace of the obsolete T-62 MBTs in its armored divisions. The Madurastan Air Force (MAF) had also began recieving the first F-25C Revolution fighters replacing the MIG-23 fighters that currently augmented its fighter squadrons.

At the same time, the Madurastan Army had gained a foothold near the captured Gas Plant near the town of Gorspot which lay just behind the front line. Rebel action had been half hearted, which was probally because of the help pouring into the country, determined to flush them out once and for all.

OOC: I'll address the oplan later. Can you do a map showing geography and terrain to help with planning? Can't do a detailed post right now, but be free to RP EA having military advisors training your pilots and tank crews on the new kit.

OOC: I'll address the oplan later. Can you do a map showing geography and terrain to help with planning? Can't do a detailed post right now, but be free to RP EA having military advisors training your pilots and tank crews on the new kit.

OOC: I haven't got any software to do a map. :(

But i can do a brief description:

Madurastan is the same climate as Britain, it is on an island 100 x 50. It also has an island the same shape as New Zealand on its eastern coast and an island the size of Ireland on its west coast. In the southeast, there are mountains like Snowdonia and a valley in the central part of the island. The Capital, Liberty City is on the central part of the east coast.
IC Post coming later.

At the Madurastan Army Military College, recruits that had started their military training were now being trained to use the new equipment that had been sent from Etoile Arcture. Crews being trained on the M8 Lairat LA1L MBT had to master the new systems on board along with crews also training with the Prototype of the remodified Panther MS2 MBT which had been the main battle tank of the old Colstream Army.

Panther MS2 MBT
Designed and constructed by Madurastan Defense Systems

Crew: 4
Armament:
1 x 125mm Gun
1 x 7.62mm Coaxial MG
1 x 7.62mm AA MG
2 x 5 Smoke Dischargers
Ammunition:
50 x 125mm
4,000 x 7.62mm

Length Gun Forwards: 11.55mm
Length Hull: 8.340m
Width: 3.55m
Height: 2.5m (Turret Roof)
Ground Clearance: 0.5m
Weight, Combat: 62,500kg
Power-to-weight ratio: 0.9km/cm2
Engine: Amis Engines Condor V12 12-cylinder diesel developing 1,200bhp at 2,300rpm
Maximum road speed: 56km/h
Range: 450km
Fuel capacity: 1,592 lit
Fording 1.07m
Verticle obstacle: 0.9m
Trench: 2.34m
Gradient: 70%
Side slope 35%
Armor: Classified
Armor type: Chobam/Steel
NBC system: Yes
Night vision equipment: Yes (passive for commander, gunner and driver)

At the Madurastan Air Force College, new pilot recruits were training with the
F-25C Revolution Fighter that had also came from Etoile Arcature. Madurastan also had a the MK1 Cobra Fighter Bomber prototype that had been designed from the MK5 Viper Fighter Bomber which had served in the old Colstream Air Force.

MK1 Cobra Fighter Bomber
Designed and constructed by Madurastan Defense Systems

Crew: 1
Armament:
One internal 30mm MDS cannon
Hardpoints: seven (three wet): one fuselage; six wing
Warhead: 7,257kg (16,000lb)
Weapons: AT-20 Lightning; PGMs; bombs; rockets

Length: 16.3m (53 ft 4in)
Wingspan: 17.5m (57 ft 6 in)
Height: 4.5m (14 ft 8 in)

Off the Coast of Madurastan

The Beatusian C-23B Sherpas were approuching Madurastan airspace, and Liberty City. As they did so, the lead aircraft radioed, "Attention Madurastan Air Traffic Control. This is Beatusian Military Flight 15620, requesting permission to enter Madurastan airspace, and landing clearance for Liberty City Airport, Over"

Off the Coast of Madurastan

The Beatusian C-23B Sherpas were approuching Madurastan airspace, and Liberty City. As they did so, the lead aircraft radioed, "Attention Madurastan Air Traffic Control. This is Beatusian Military Flight 15620, requesting permission to enter Madurastan airspace, and landing clearance for Liberty City Airport, Over"

"Beatusian Military Flight 15620 this is Madurastan Air Traffic Control. You are cleared to enter Madurastan Air Space. We have 4 MIG-23s to escort you towards Liberty City Military Base. Clearance is granted for landing on Runway 1. Please advise, beware commercial aircraft landing at nearby St Francis International Airport."

Artillery Fire broke the evening sky as 300 Soldiers of the 2nd Division of the Madurastan Army launched a raid on the captured Gas Plant near the town of Gorspot intending to take it. Supporting the raid 5 recently aquired M8 Lariat 1A1L “Long Arm” Main Battle Tanks and air support of 3 F-25C Revolution Fighters carrying 4 x AGM-65E/F Maverick missiles. The soldiers began to move faster as they approached the gas plant....

The soldiers cocked their AN-94 assualt rifles as they approached a junction. A rebel spotted them but was cut down by rifle fire. Suddenly the area exploded as 1 F-25C Revolution Fighter fired all 4 AGM-65E/F Maverick Missiles at targets around the gas plant. They hit home killing scattering debris and bodies everywhere. Within minutes, the gas plant had been secured and the 5 M8 Lariat 1A1L “Long Arm” MBTs had passed through and supported by the soldiers, began to approach the town of Gorspot....

OOC: I haven't got any software to do a map. :(


OOC: Not even MS Paint?


IC:


18 Airbus A400's belonging to the Imperial Air Force were approaching Maduristani airspace. In their cargo holds were 2088 military policemen, interpreters, operation officers and logistics personnel, the first soldiers of what was already called 'Strike Force Maduristan' to land on Maduristani soil. Their task was to ensure that everything went as smooth as possible once the majority of the soldiers arrived; ensure that logistics routes had been organised, that cooperation and coordination with foreign forces worked, that the roads could take heavy tanks and IFV's and that the same roads would be clear from civilian traffic once the main offensive began.

As the planes entered Madurastani airspace, the lead aircraft radioed in a message the air traffic control, requesting permission to land at the Liberty City airport.

OOC: I’m assuming several days have passed to allow for all of this to happen.

From the air Liberty City had been transformed into what the untrained eye seemed like one large trailer park, and to the trained eye who knew a little military history, some parts of south east England prior to D-Day.

Every day thousands of tons of supplies and equipment was flooding in from abroad, not least from Etoile Arcture. Dozens of roll-on/roll-off transports and chartered freighters made daily movements up the east coast under the protection of multi-national naval forces, offloading everything an army campaigning abroad might need. The essentials: beans, bullets and bandages. The neccessary: weapon systems and mobility.

The main military air base was no less busy either having been transformed into a permanent airhead. Two entire air expeditionary wings from Etoile Arcture were being assembled, and the air traffic control system was augmented by at least a pair of E-17A Watchtowers on station day and night to guide and control all the friendly aircraft.

As part of Etoile Arcture’s preparations for the counter-offensive a tank training battalion and a operational conversion squadron had also been deployed to Liberty City. They even brought their simulators with them, the aim being to quickly train up a core of experienced pilots and tank crew who would in turn train more personnel to integrated as quickly as possible the new equipment Etoile Arcture had donated. This include over 500 Lariat 1A1L tanks and a sixty-strong wing of F-25C Revolutions, each one in A or A+ condition when it had been removed from reserve stocks.

Some of the officers had positive memories of serving alongside former Colstream troops during the Rynibarian emergency, and at staff meetings to plan future operations they were heartened that their Maduristanian counterparts fully intended to regain the inniative against the rebels. This, they learned, would begin with the retaking of the city of Gorspot and the strategically important gas plant nearby that was critical to the government's energy needs. The commander of the Rapid Reaction Forces offered to place one of his Special Operation Group in reserve. But foremost it was to be a Madurastanian operation whose success was likely to raise morale through the whole army and air force, while deflated that of the rebels further.

As the squadron of Zaheran Airbus A400Ms approached the east coast one of the two Watchtower's operating as airborne early warning and control picked up their transmission and replied. "Speedbird Eee-eh-one-three-six, Zaheran military flight. Welcome to Madurastan. You have clearance to land at Liberty City. Make your height angels three-zero-zero-zero, bearing for-wah nine-er to pick up beacon for final approach."

IC Post Coming.

OOC: Not even MS Paint?


IC:


18 Airbus A400's belonging to the Imperial Air Force were approaching Maduristani airspace. In their cargo holds were 2088 military policemen, interpreters, operation officers and logistics personnel, the first soldiers of what was already called 'Strike Force Maduristan' to land on Maduristani soil. Their task was to ensure that everything went as smooth as possible once the majority of the soldiers arrived; ensure that logistics routes had been organised, that cooperation and coordination with foreign forces worked, that the roads could take heavy tanks and IFV's and that the same roads would be clear from civilian traffic once the main offensive began.

As the planes entered Madurastani airspace, the lead aircraft radioed in a message the air traffic control, requesting permission to land at the Liberty City airport.

OOC: Nope :tongue:

IC:
Welcome to Madurastan. Landing granted. Vector to Liberty City Military Base Runway 1. Note other military and commercial traffic in vicinity.

To: Etoile Arcature

Thank you for the donated equipment and training crews. These will help the Madurastan Military get stronger and more efficent. The offensive is planned for 2 days time. New plan is that all forces attack at once with emphasis on suprise and the capture of Gorsport and the gas plant whose northern perimeter was secured but the main plant still in rebel hands. Then it will be a general advance to the south coast clearing the area of the rebels. Is that a good plan? Help is needed on the details.

The day was quiet and the leaves were quietly dancing with the wind. The Assassin's under the command of Captain Hawkins were quietly stalking their pray. Their eyes glanced and scanned about as they started to hunt down the Rebels. The Dingo Fighter Jets soared above as the careful advance could not be seen due to the dense camoflague gear the Assassin's were wearing. The weapons were covered in rags and fur to avoid the sun light from shining off the metal parts. The aerial warships occassionally ventured out to give radar coverage but they were careful about the Rebels and if they had AA weapons.

In the town of Gorsport. the rebels could see the Lynion aircraft flying over but they flew too high for their SAMs to lock on and fire. Around 500 rebels were in Gosport and around the nearby gas plant. This was a covering force, behind which 3000 manned defensive positions that had been built 2 years ago during the civil war. Morale was low and desertions to the Madurastan government soldiers were high.

Suddenly, 4 F-25C Revolution Fighters flew at low level. Before the SAMs could lock on, anti-radar missiles had been fired and the automatic systems on the SAMs were blinded. A second wave of MK1 Cobra Fighter Bombers came flying in and dropped 1000lb Bombs which destroyed the SAMs totaly destroying the rebels AA ability in the area.

"Ma'am, target is in sight," reported in Captain Finch as he was dismissed by Kennedy.

"We can send in the aerial cruisers and give them a beating before..." suggested Kennedy as he pulled a map down over Gorsport.

"Wait," interuppted Kryxtal. "Have the Ambusher prepare for an attack,"

"An Aerial Carrier? I presume you want the belly weapon firing?" replied Kennedy.

"Yes, inform it to hit the gas plant if they refuse to surrender," ordered Kryxtal as a cruiser fired several rounds of leaflets into the town.

'You have one chance and one chance only to surrender. The Vamperial Amrada of Lynion is willing to show mercy if you surrender right now. You will be kept according to our Articles of War. If you refuse to surrender, then prepare for a show of force in one blast.' read the leaflet.

To all forces in Madurastan:

Any energy facilities/plants vital to Madurastan must be kept from damage to prevent any loss to the Madurastan Economy. The rebels will try to destroy them and must be prevented. There are also reports of mass killings in the rebel held areas of people who refuse to commit to the rebels. Any rebel caught must be handed over to the Madurastan authorities.

"Ma'am, target is in sight," reported in Captain Finch as he was dismissed by Kennedy.

"We can send in the aerial cruisers and give them a beating before..." suggested Kennedy as he pulled a map down over Gorsport.

"Wait," interuppted Kryxtal. "Have the Ambusher prepare for an attack,"

"An Aerial Carrier? I presume you want the belly weapon firing?" replied Kennedy.

"Yes, inform it to hit the gas plant if they refuse to surrender," ordered Kryxtal as a cruiser fired several rounds of leaflets into the town.

'You have one chance and one chance only to surrender. The Vamperial Amrada of Lynion is willing to show mercy if you surrender right now. You will be kept according to our Articles of War. If you refuse to surrender, then prepare for a show of force in one blast.' read the leaflet.

The rebels in Gorsport saw the leaflets falling and began firing up at the aircraft. However their fire couldn't go high enough to hit. They were incensed. First Madurastan aircraft blow up their equipment, no Lynion aircraft are dropping leaflets. The day is not going their way and they somehow knew it.

With 48 hours before the start of the offensive plans remained in some flux as intelligence continued to pour into the headquarters. Reapers and Vultures had mapped most of the rebel positions around Gosport, but the enemy were well dug in and would be hard to dislodge even with falling morale.

With the main anti-aircraft batteries taken out of commission by Madurstanian strikes, F/A-38A Sentinels flying from Liberty City begun round the clock missions over the city targeting rebel positions. Small Diamter Bombs were employed to minimise collateral damage to the civilian infrastructure, while Viper Strike bombs were used against enemy tanks and fighting vehicles. Using their speed, stealth and advanced sensors the Sentinels were often on top of the rebels before they could respond with anti-aircraft artillery or shoulder-fired SAMs, though this didn't mitigate the risk to the pilots. At night the Sentinels would be joined by AV-44A Griffon quad tiltrotor guunships, a modern Puff the Magic Dragon that could bring the direct fire of 20mm and 40mm guns and a 105mm low recoil force howitzer down on the rebels from 3,000 feet.

The rebel positions beyond Gosport were not neglected either, coming under tube and rocket artillery fire and drone attack with the aim of attriting the main enemy force. It had been the securing of the northern perimeter of the gas plant by the Madurastan 2nd Division that made it possible to bring artillery forward, but Etoile Arcture had also sent a heavy armoured brigade with four full battalion-sized battlegroups. These units had even more modern M35A2 Cataphract main battle tanks compared to the Lariats now being used by the 2nd Division, but importantly both tanks could exchange information seemlessly between their battlefield management suites for superior situational awareness the rebels in their T-62s and BTRs could only dream of.

Staff officers were also pouring over the Madurastan war plans. The main recommendation was to make a night attack as it would give government and multinational forces an advantage over the rebels in thermal imagers. The Gosport gas plant was identified as a critical objective, and as such it was proposed that a Etoilain Special Operations Group first secure it in an aerial assault and hold it until Madurastanian forces arrived. This, it was felt, was the best option to prevent the rebels destroying the plant to deny it falling back under government control.

A second SOG would also make an air assault the same night, this time into Gosport proper, with the aim of securing key choke points throughout the city, while gunships, jets and helicopters covered them. Elements of the Madurastan 2nd Division with an Etoilian battlegroup and other multinational forces attached would then assault into Gosport. It was emphasised that the main would be to minimise fires inside the city and for dismounted infantry to do most of the work of flushing out the rebels.

At the same time the main armoured thrust from 2nd Division and the Etoilian brigade would be towards the main rebel line. This was to be a more conventional attack, using thermal imagers and the superior range and accuraacy of the electro-thermal chemical main guns on the respective tank fleets to quickly overwhelm rebel armour. Tube and rocket artillery would support the attack also. Once through the rebel lines the main attack towards the south coast could then begin. The plans were circulated among high-ranking Zaheran and Lynion officers in Liberty City as they continued to be worked on.

With 48 hours before the start of the offensive plans remained in some flux as intelligence continued to pour into the headquarters. Reapers and Vultures had mapped most of the rebel positions around Gosport, but the enemy were well dug in and would be hard to dislodge even with falling morale.

With the main anti-aircraft batteries taken out of commission by Madurstanian strikes, F/A-38A Sentinels flying from Liberty City begun round the clock missions over the city targeting rebel positions. Small Diamter Bombs were employed to minimise collateral damage to the civilian infrastructure, while Viper Strike bombs were used against enemy tanks and fighting vehicles. Using their speed, stealth and advanced sensors the Sentinels were often on top of the rebels before they could respond with anti-aircraft artillery or shoulder-fired SAMs, though this didn't mitigate the risk to the pilots. At night the Sentinels would be joined by AV-44A Griffon quad tiltrotor guunships, a modern Puff the Magic Dragon that could bring the direct fire of 20mm and 40mm guns and a 105mm low recoil force howitzer down on the rebels from 3,000 feet.

The rebel positions beyond Gosport were not neglected either, coming under tube and rocket artillery fire and drone attack with the aim of attriting the main enemy force. It had been the securing of the northern perimeter of the gas plant by the Madurastan 2nd Division that made it possible to bring artillery forward, but Etoile Arcture had also sent a heavy armoured brigade with four full battalion-sized battlegroups. These units had even more modern M35A2 Cataphract main battle tanks compared to the Lariats now being used by the 2nd Division, but importantly both tanks could exchange information seemlessly between their battlefield management suites for superior situational awareness the rebels in their T-62s and BTRs could only dream of.

Staff officers were also pouring over the Madurastan war plans. The main recommendation was to make a night attack as it would give government and multinational forces an advantage over the rebels in thermal imagers. The Gosport gas plant was identified as a critical objective, and as such it was proposed that a Etoilain Special Operations Group first secure it in an aerial assault and hold it until Madurastanian forces arrived. This, it was felt, was the best option to prevent the rebels destroying the plant to deny it falling back under government control.

A second SOG would also make an air assault the same night, this time into Gosport proper, with the aim of securing key choke points throughout the city, while gunships, jets and helicopters covered them. Elements of the Madurastan 2nd Division with an Etoilian battlegroup and other multinational forces attached would then assault into Gosport. It was emphasised that the main would be to minimise fires inside the city and for dismounted infantry to do most of the work of flushing out the rebels.

At the same time the main armoured thrust from 2nd Division and the Etoilian brigade would be towards the main rebel line. This was to be a more conventional attack, using thermal imagers and the superior range and accuraacy of the electro-thermal chemical main guns on the respective tank fleets to quickly overwhelm rebel armour. Tube and rocket artillery would support the attack also. Once through the rebel lines the main attack towards the south coast could then begin. The plans were circulated among high-ranking Zaheran and Lynion officers in Liberty City as they continued to be worked on.

This is a really good plan. In fact its excellent. Thank You :)

We have new imaging of 70 T-62 MBTs entering the area. 20 ran into 3rd Battalions' Lariats and 18 totally destroyed with 2 escaping. That looked like to be a probe at our defenses which has now probally scared them. Several F-25C Fighters made a pass over Gosport and has found that the rebels have increased the garrison around the town and have moved some out of the town to defenses just south that are basically in open ground away from buildings which could be perfect for artillery. This will make it easier for us to push through.

With 24 hours to go the time of the operation was set. 03:00 local time. A Madurastan artillery barrage would signal the start of the offensive and its objective was to pin down the rebel defenses around Gosport while the Madurastan and Etoile Arcture forces capture the gas plant. Once the plant is secure, the barrage will stop and the armor will move forward. While Madurastan and Etoile Arcture dismounted infantry flush out any rebels, Madurastan infantry in BMP-3 IFVs will move with the armor's attack southward.

OOC: Seeing as this has progressed quite a bit in my absence, I will assume that my soldiers have already arrived.


IC:

With mere hours left to the start of the offensive, the three Zaheranian division were moving into their positions on the left flank. The transportation of so much men and vehicles was a logistical nightmare, but thanks to the efforts of the military police, it progressed quite smoothly. A battalion of the 63rd Panzergrenadiers would support the attack on Gosport, while the majority of the Zaheranian force, spearheaded by the 12th Panzer, would concentrate on a breakthrough through the main rebel line, using concentrated artillery and air support.

Once the breakthrough was achieved, the two mechanized divisions would move in and widen the gap in the ebemy lines, using their plentiful attack helicopters and the 9th Fleets carrier aircraft to attack enemy armour and communications to make a counterattack all but impossible. The enemy would then have to retreat to avoid being encircled or attacked in the back. With the enemy disorganised and weakened, the three division would, in coordination with the other multinational forces, push forward south towards their objectives.

With most of the offensive planned, the logistics began to take shape. Many fuel and supply trucks along with reinforcements now began to move from Liberty City in a long chain marshalled by Military Police from the nations taking part.

Meanwhile at Liberty City Military Base, MK1 Cobra Fighter Bombers armed with JDAM 500lb bombs began taking off with supporting F-25C Revolution Fighters to destroy rebel supply depots behind the front line. Also at the bases' railway depot departing trains made up of at least 70 flat cars full of supplies, M8 Lariat LA1L Tanks and BTR-3 APCs began moving to other military depots where they would be distributed to the respective rear areas.

5,000 feet, over a rebel supply depot 8 miles south of Gosport.

5 MK1 Cobra Fighter Bombers carrying their payloads flew straight and level. At 6000 feet and above, 8 F-25C Revolution Fighters flew escort. As they flew over, the MK1 Cobras released their 2 JDAM 500lb bombs and peeled off. 30 seconds later the bombs hit the rebel supply depots warehouse. Fire began to rage through the warehouse destroying a large quantity of rifle ammunition and 81mm mortar shells. Within an hour of the raid, the warehouse had completely collapsed and the supply depot completely inopperable.

02:55 Local Time

The runway at Liberty City Military Base was full with combat aircraft taking off for the offensive, just about to begin. The smell of aviation fuel filled the air as a F-25C Revolution Fighter tore down the runway and lifted into the air with its deadly payload. The sound of barked orders in the hangers added to the noise. These noises would scare anyone not used to these sounds and the sight of fast moving combat aircraft would be terrifying. The main air offensive had begun...


03:00
1 Mile outside Gosport.

The batteries of the Madurastan 105mm Light Guns would start the artillery barrage. The Etoile Arcture batteries would start their barrage a little later. A flare shot up into the sky. Immediately, the first 105mm opened fire. A split second later the others joined in. A cresendo of fire split the lightening sky and the sound of distant shells impacting, then each gun crews commander barking out adjustments to change arcs and each shells fuses to perfect timing.
Further back, batteries of 125mm Howitzers opened fire adding heavier high explosive to great effect. These shells were aimed at destroying bunkers, enemy tanks and APCs with the intention of creating a path through the defenses that the armor would push through.

8:00 Local Time.

Behind the lines at designated rear areas, the supplies were arriving along with fresh reinforcements. The advance had started and fighting was raging in Gosport. The Madurastan and Etoile Arcature armor had meanwhile passed west and east of the town and encircled the rebels inside. Fighting was fierce and air support had been called. Madurastan Air Force MK1 Fighter Bombers and F-25C Revolution Fighters kept coming in at low level and dropping bombs on specific buildings destroying rebel machine gun nests and strongholds.
Rebel armor entering the city had run into 2 battalions of the 2nd Division and a fierce tank battle involving 150 tanks, mainly rebel T-64 MBTs and Madurastan M8 1A1L Lariat MBTs left the rebels with 125 of them wrecked by the Lariats electro-thermal chemical 120mm guns and anti-tank platoons of the Madurastan infantry and 20 rebel crews captured.

Gosport gas plant, 03:30 Local

Like buzzing insects almost an entire armada of tiltrotors and helicopters had descended on the sprawling complex of the gas plant. Over the proceeding two nights the rebels might have gotten used to, if that was the right phrase, to the pin-point accurate fires of gunships roaming the skies above them. Now these gunships were using their fires to cover the arrival of a dozen unarmed V-22 Osprey’s, each one disgorging a chalk of 24 troopers every time it landed.

The troops quickly established footholds throughout the plant, hauling ass in full kit, some with Spike-SR and broken down LW50MG machine guns slung to their backs, ignoring the carcophy of battle thanks to the digital noise cancelling earplugs they wore. Any rebel armour with the temerity to try and intervene were quickly dealt with ruthlessly by Anaconda attack helicopters circling above the landing zones, using Hellfires, while CRV7 rockets softened and destroyed enemy battle positions.

Gosport, 04:19 Local

Only a dozen Opsrey’s had been used at the gas plant, but the numbers in Gosport were much larger as special forces dropped at numerous landing zones. To hinder rebel movements there was a constant barrage of fire from M777 lightweight howitzers, SPH-158 self-propelled guns and LARS-160 rocket launchers back in the rear. Half a dozen MQ-9B Reapers were orbiting the various battles acting as artillery spotters for the batteries. Fast movers like Revolutions and Sentinels dropped JDAMs and SDBs inside Gosport as the special forces called in airstrikes to dislogdge defenders as they continued to seized key buildings and chokepoints.

Gosport, 06:43 Local

The 2nd Madurastan Division, with the the Etoile Arcture’s 207th Heavy Brigade attached and Zaheran 67th Panzergrenadiers, had crossed the phase line even before the attack had begun. Pre-assault artillery fires and M23 Hyena engineering vehicles having cleared paths through any mindfields to allow armour and fighting vehicles to quickly encircle the city in a classic pincer action.

Rebel T-64BVs, obsolete but still effective weapons nonethless, put up a line of resistance but found themselves little match for more modern tanks. When the rebels employed the smaller hulls and low profile turrets of their T-64BM "Bulat" tanks to good effect in prepared ambushes they were let down as APFSDS rounds would bounce harmlessly off the thick glacis of the Lariats and Cataphracts. Long-range fires with AT-8 Songster missiles were little more effective. Even worse, they were seriously out-gunned, T-64s being picked off at 4,000 metres or even 4,500 metres by Madurastan and Etoilian armour that could fire accurately on the move, in the dark, and over twice the range of the Soviet-designed 125 mm cannon.

Each time a T-64 was knocked out it was invariably a turret hit that sent it spiralling in the air as a lump of molten metal. The hull would be engulfed instantly by ammunition deflagration and burning fuel tanks that turned a brewing tank into a vertical blowtorch. BTRs faired even worse with their thin armour. Some Cataphract gunners even managed to knock our two or three at a time using scatterable APAM rounds whenever they bunched together.

Rows of burning hulls soon marked the roads into Gosport as two Madurastan battalions and a Etoilian battlegroup and Zaheran units entered the city. The fiercist battle of the night was fought out on the main highway as they face the combined might of a rebel tank regiment and motor rifle regiment. With Talon+ fighting vehicles and BMP-2s supporting the tanks, and the ever present attack helicopters in attendance, the outcome of the battle for Gosport was almost a foregone conclusion.

10:00 Local

Gosport was secure. The morning had gone well so far and Madurastan armor plus Etoile Arcture, and attached Zaheran units were moving forward. The rest of Madurastan 2nd Division had been attached to the advance which was fast approaching the town of Treisan, which the Madurastan armor and dismounted infantry would bypass, with the mobilized infantry in their BMP-3 IFVs supported by Etoile Arcature infantry would clear the streets of rebels.

10:45 Local
Northern outskirts of Triesan

The Madurastan and Etoile Arcature infantry in their IFVs approached. The armor sped on and began to encircle the town, As the IFVs slowed, several Madurastan F-25C Revolutions and Etoile Arcature F/A-38A Sentinels streaked over and dropped their loads over strategic targets over the town. The infantry disemabarked and began moving down pre-planned routes, clearing house by house.
Madurastan Chinook helicopters began to land just north of Triesa dismounting more soldiers and equipment to join the assualt. UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters started to land soldiers onto the flat rooftops of the taller buildings to clear the upper floors of rebel snipers.
In a half mile zone around Triesa, landing zones had been cleared for quick deployment of soldiers to help trap the rebels in the town.

11:00 Local

Triesa was surrounded. The rebels were now trapped inside the town with no chance of escape. 4000 rebels were now at the mercy of the advancing infantry that were now moving aggressively from house to house, street to street, flushing out every rebel they found. The advancing armor had stopped briefly for the dismounted infantry to catch up, before continuing south.

OOC: I'm leaving this one since we need the forces back home. There'll be no IC just take note that the Lynion's have left.

03.00 Local Time

Lieutenant Colonel Heinz vom Sachel-Wittemberg led his squadron of 12 F-35 Lightning II's into rebel airspace. The squadron was skimming over the landscape on a low altitude, to decrease the risk of discovery. Stealth and surprise was essential if the plan was to succeed. Their mission was to attack enemy airfields and radar installations to ensure that the Zaheranians could operate under atleast a few days of airsuperiority during the first, critical phase of the operation. Air superiority was required, as carrier aircraft of the Ninth Fleet would have to give the army very active strategic and tactical air support during the campaign. For that, they needed the majority of the local enemy airforce destroyed or at least kept on the ground.

A blip on the radar turned him back to reality. An enemy radar or SAM site a few kilometers away. That would have to be eliminated.

"Red Leader to Red Team", he said into the mic. "We have a possibly SAM site further ahead. Engaging with HARM. Over."

A series of clicks confirmed that he others had understood. Good, they kept radio discipline. Without taking his eyes from the other instruments, he switched the weapons bar to anti-radiation. He waited for radar lock, then squeezed away the missile. The AGM-88 streaked away and disappeared behind a hill. A quick flash was everything that indicated that it had exploded. Heinz smiled quickly. Target engaged. Hopefully the bastards hadn't managed to get a warning out. He checked his threat indication screen carefully, but couldn't see any red dots coming against him.

Ther group continued against their target, an enemy airfield. So far, no rebel fighters had been encountered, but the risk was growing larger with every passing minute. But the thret indicators remained clean. It was time to initiate the attack. Another pair of HARM's left the squadron. They were followed by five ground attack missiles, targeting control towers, hangars and supply depots. The planes on the ground and the runways were attacked with small diameter bombs and fire from the F35's GAU-12 gatling guns. Some of the submunitions did not explode, instead laying on the ground like small land mines, a danger to both planes and ground crews. Others tore large holes in the runways, which would have to be repaired before any planes would be able to take off. With their job finished, the attacking aircraft turned and headed for the Zaheranian line, hoping to escape the attention of the remaining rebel airforce.


(OOC: More coming)

At a badly constructed rebel airfield just south of the Zaheranian aircraft, 5 MIG-23 fighters scrambled to look for them. The pilots knew that the mission was likely a mission that they wouldn't come back from and would instead try to cause as much disruption as possible. They headed south before swinging north on a interception course at low altitude and accelerated to achieve little warning of their arrival...

December 12th
10:45 Local

The Madurastan and Etoile Arcture spearhead started to approach the village of Jutral, 30 miles from the south coast. Intelligence said that 250 rebel armored vehicles mainly T-64 MBTs, had halted for resupply and had no idea that the advance had reached the village. The plan was that the Etoile Arcture armor would go into the village and confront the rebel armor, while the Madurastan armor would flank round and cut off their escape.

The twelve F-35's continued towards their own lines. Heinz gave the fuel gauge a worried glance, but had more than enough to reach the carrier safely, and besides, there where many airfields behind their own lines where he could land in an emergency. Suddenly a voice came through his earphones. It was the combat information officer aboard Eagle 1, an E-2 Hawkeye AWACS operating behind the Zaheranian lines.

"Eagle 1 to Red Leader. You have five bandits coming for you from behind. Recommend engaging with long-range missiles. Over."

Heinz nodded and checked his own radar. Yes, he could see some faint echoes. Still far away, but closing in fast. With a swift motion he swiitched the weapon bar to MBDA Meteor.

"Red Leader to Red Team. We have five bandits behind us. Lindemann, Scheidt and Slawitz take the left flank. Trekow, Gersdorff and Roge, you take the right flank. Everyone else, follow me. Engage with Meteors. Over."

Without waiting for the replies he did a quick turn and accelerated towards the incoming planes. The Meteor was radar-seeking, so he didn't even have to see the enemy before he fired at them. Just a quick squueze on the trigger, and two missiles roared away towards the MIG's, followed by twelve others. He switched to medium-range missiles to close with the enemy if they survived the first strike. Now he only had to wait.

04.00

The ground trembled under the tanks of the 12th Panzer division as they rolled towards the rebel lines. In the leader tank of the 37th Battalion, lieutenant colonel Helene Wolfenhalle heard explosions as the artillery gave the rebel lines a heavy pounding.

As one of the first women to take command of an armoured battalion of the Imperial Army, she had fought long and hard to reach her current position. 'Madame Terror', her subordinates called her, with equal fear and admiration. She had won her Iron Cross first class as a lieutenant in the Battle of Rhensbrück, after leading her platoon in an attack against two enemy companies, destroying eleven tanks by herself and routing the enemy. Now she had been granted the honour of leading the first attack against the rebels.

Attack helicopters flew overhead as the enemy came into sight. Shells and rockets were still falling over the unfortunate rebels, and now the LY4 Wolfhound's of the 12th Panzer were coming to mop up the remaining resistance, followed by thousands of infanterists in their LY219's.

The rebel MIGs saw the missiles coming but 1 failed to react quick enough and were hit by 5 missiles. Wreckage fell from the sky sending a shower of flame through the sky. An other MIG banked up but was clipped by 2 missiles which tore its wings off. The pilot ejected and slowly fell to earth over friendly territory. The remaining two MIGs swung left to dodge the remaining missiles and accelerated towards the direction of where the missiles came from, determined to avenge their dead comrades.

Rebel armor moving to counter the Zaheran attack suddenly spotted them. 50T-64 MBTs, 32 BMP-1 APCs and 25 BTR APCs approached. Without realising they were outgunned, the 50 T-64 MBTs moved out from their cover and began to open fire at the incoming Zaheran armor.

The allied armor had penetrated 37 miles in 3 days. They were now only 13 miles from the south coast and the rebels were now in danger of being split into 2 pockets pinned on the western and eastern coasts. Around 60% of the rebel armor had been eliminated and the rebels air force reduced to around 20% of its original strength. Rebel casualties were estimated to be around 1 Million dead, captured or missing. Around 600,000 tonnes of supplies and weapons had been captured.
It was now only a matter of time.

Southern plain, outside Gosport, D+1, 07:43 Local

The results of a ferocious tank duel had been fought out on the plains surrounding Gosport as the 2nd Division, with Zaheran and Etolian armour of the 207th Heavy Brigade became an unstoppable battering ram. By day break hundreds of charred tank and APC hulls littered the battleground, few of them of government or multinational origin. Aside from a brief pause to do some running battle repairs in the field the tankers and mechanised infantry continued to push on in pursuit of the rapidly retreating rebels.

Gosport gas plant, D+1, 08:57 Local

The 479th SOG had fought the kind of battle here that would enter its regimental history. At times the fighting had descended into close quarters, with more than one bayonet charge repulsed with grenades and cold steel. The 1st battalion of the 479th had suffered its highest casualty rate at the plant, larger even than the combined losses of its 2nd and 3rd battalions at Gosport itself. A dozen troopers dead, twice as many again mdevaced evacuated to Liberty City. As they handed over to Madurstanian forces the troopers loaded aboard their MV-22A Osprey’s a grim determination on all their faces.

Gosport, D+1, 11:13 Local

The 154th Medium Brigade, largely equipped with lightly armed M344 Wolverine APCs and ICVs sporting newly installed slat armour came in behind the armoured thrust providing rear security and protecting lines of communication. Nearly every major junction, or so it seemed to the inhabitants of the town, soon sported at least a pair of the vehicles on overwatch. The Multicam uniforms of Etoilian soldiers on patrol was also fast becaming a familiar sight.

Triesa, D+1, 14:37 Local

With the 207th in the van the advance of the 2nd Madurastan division had become a race to the south coast. A large rebel pocket was trapped in the strategic town of Triesa bu the 2nd division, coming under a relentless storm of air strikes that whittled down rebel armour until it was non combat effective. Meanwhile, the 207th bypassed as the tankers and soldiers continued their drive for the south coast.

Jutral, D+1 18:01 Local

Superior speed and cross country performance had brought the Etoilian task force this far south in a matter of a few hours. the 209th Heavy Brigade and 145th Medium Brigade was also moving along a parallel axis of advance intending to cut the rebel army in two and defeat them in detail. Anaconda attack helicopters were striking far forward to ambush rebel columns, and tiltrotors had established forward arming and refueling points along the route of the two armoured thrusts.

A battle group of the 207th had halted outside the village of Jutral, in which UAVs had earlier in the day found a substantial rebel tank formation garrisoned inside. Fresh soldiers were flown in by tiltrotor to relieve exhausted crews while the tanks and IFVs were rearmed and refueled. As night fell Cataphracts and Talon+’s were manouevring into hull down positions overlooking a road junction to cut off an escape. In the rear SPH-158 batteries that had kept pace with the armour were currently docked to transloader vehicles to take on fresh ammunition. The commander’s in this case had selected SADARMs and DPICMs. These submunitions had accounted for more kills than from tank guns, but the artillery grunts still understood the shock power of the tanks. One company of Cataphracts would spearhead the attack, following air strikes from F/A-38A Sentinels and an intense artillery barrage.

In Liberty City, the military situation had eased the threat to the capital and now the only things worrying the inhabitants was the constant roar of multinational aircraft flying overhead. The airspace above, save for a few corridors, had returned to normal as the front was pushed south and the reinforcements being put into forward bases.
On the streets however, Madurastan Police guarded many major areas such as railway stations, major junctions, government buildings and areas where power utilities were based.
At one time, a section of the motorway leading out of Liberty City had been turned into a temporary landing zone were Madurastan MDS Eagle 1 troop carrying helicopters dropped off the wounded and collected supplies.

Liberty City Military Base
D+1, 14:35 Local

The 3rd Division had been ordered to move west for a independent attack along the west coast. Half of its strength was already on the move, with the rest now leaving. This attack would see the first deployment of the recently purchased M344 Wolverine APCs and the first co-ordination between them and the Lariat MBTs which had the same computer systems. Also the first deployment of the MS2 Panther MBTs since the collapse of the Republic Of Colstream.


Front Line near the village of Artiat.
D+2, 01:20 Local

The sky erupted in flame as the artillery started to suppress the rebels positions north of the village. After a 20 minutes bombardment, 90 MS2 Panther MBTs and 60 M8 Lariat L1A1 MBTs started moving forward. 70 M344 Wolverine APCs and the slower moving military trucks carrying more soldiers and supplies followed. Unmechanised infantry walked behind at a steady pace, the ones who had the task of cleaning up any stragglers.
Madurastan Air Force MK1 Cobra Fighter Bombers and F-25C Revolution Fighters roamed the skys ahead looking for targets.

Artiat
02:00 Local

As the armor entered Artiat, the scene was utter carnage. The rebels had escaped, but before they left, they had destroyed every building in the village. Luckily the inhabitants had been gone for 30 years, so no civilians had been living there.
After detaching a company of infantry to garrison the village, the advance continued south.

With a contemptous smile the lieutenant-colonel waited for the enemy airplanes to come in range. He was down to his four last missiles, with two medium-range and two short-range left. That should be more than enough to take out two old Mig-23's, especially considering that the rest of the squadron had lots of missiles left. He switched on the mic.

"Red Leader to Red Team. Two bandits closing. Engage witn AMRAAM's."

In five of the F-35's,inclucing his own, pilots switched weapon bars to AMRAAM and fired. Ten heat-seeking missiles flew toward the rebel aircraft, locking onto their targets.

__________________________

The first shot almost hit Helene Wolfenhalle's tank, exploding a mere two meters from the vehicle and rocking the crew inside. A quick check revealed that nothing had been damaged. The tank yawed to the right to avoid being a sitting duck for the enemy armour. The gunner took a quick aim and fired a HEAT round against the attacking tanks. It was followed by more as the other tanks joined the fight. Sabot and Heat rounds slammed into the enemy tanks with astounding precision. Each tank could fire 15 shots per minute, and with the multitude of targets they were facing, aiming was not an issue. Soon five TRA-92 "Eiko" attack helicopters joined in as well, firing guided anti-tank missiles. With their superiority in numbers and technology, this was one fight the Zaheranians were sure to win.

The remaining 2 rebel MIGs exploded. The pilots didn't eject in time. Wreckage fell from the sky in a vivid orange cloud.

The rebel armor was doomed as soon as they saw the Zaheran armor. Every shell that the Zaheranian tanks fired hit their targets. A futile attempt to escape was met by hail of missile fire from the incoming Zaheran attack helicopters. Within 5 minutes, 38 T-64 MBTs, all 32 BMP-1 APCs and 25 BTR APCs was completely destroyed. The remaining 22 T-64 MBTs at the rear of the column managed to somehow escape the attack by using their own burning armor as a shield from the Zaheran forces.

With the remaining enemy aircraft eliminated, the squadron began to fly back towards their own lines. They had destroyed five enemy aircraft in the air, with no casualties of their own. Together with the destruction of the airfield and an unknown number of airplanes on the ground, it was a sizeable victory for the Imperial Air Force. The journey back progressed without problems. Half an hour after the airfight, the F-35's began to land on their respective carriers, the crews looking forward to a half day's rest before they were assigned another mission. Other strike groups also returned, reporting similar success. It seemed the skies would remain clear from enemy aircraft during the first days of the campaign.

____________________________

Burning vehicles covered the battlefield, all of them the enemy's. A sole Zaheranian tank had been hit, it's tracks damaged by a enemy grenade. It was pulled off the field by an armoured recovery vehicle to be repaired by the engineers. Hopefully it would be back in action at the end of the day.

The rest of the battalion continued forwards, pursuing the fleeing enemy. IFV's followed behind the tanks as the Zaheranians threw their forces into the gap in the enemy line. Remaining enemy armoured units were ruthlessy hunted down and attacked by attack helicopters, while the mechanised infantry that followed behind the armoured spearhead systematically eradicated remaining pockets of resistance.

The 3rd Divisions advance along the west coast had ran into no opposition. By the evening of the 3rd day, the spearhead reached the south coast. It immediately turned east and began to attack rebel forces trying to escape from the south coast. The Etoile Arcture forces and the Madurastan 2nd Division was now only 48 hours from linking up with the 3rd Division coming from the west.

Behind the advancing front, engineers began to reconstruct villages ready for re-inhabitation. Some villages had been empty of a civilian population for 30 years. Now the reconstruction could begin. Basic utilities such as power and water needed to be restored and also the extending of the Madurastan Rail Network and the relaying of the roads which had been in badly disrepair.

The 9th Panzer was working its way down the left flank, along with the other two Zaheranian divisions. They kept a high pace, stopping only to refuel their vehicles. In one day since the breakthrough, the three divisions had advanced approximately 150 km into enemy territory. Wherever any kind of organised resistance appeared, it was attacked ruthlessly by armoured units, artillery and aircraft. The Zaheranians had never held any illusions of the honour in fighting fair. Where resistance was encountered, it was subdued with brutal force. Enemy prisoners were treated fairly well in accordance with the laws of war. Medical personnel saw to their wounds before they were escorted to the rear area, to be handed over to the Madurastani authorities. As the number of casualties the Zaheranians had suffered had been quite low, the soldiers held no animosity towards the captured rebels, so the military policemen that guarded them treated them quite kindly. It remained to be seen if their compatriots would do the same.

Several humanitarian aid shipments from the Zaheranian Red Cross had already arrived to Liberty City, and several more ships were expected to arrive soon. Volunteers and military personnel were moving behind the advancing front, distributing aid packages containing water, food, blankets and similar utilities. Several charity campaigns had started across the Empire, trying to raise funds for the Madurastani populace. Money was pouring in at a growing rate. The total amount had already reached more than twenty billion, and it was quickly growing.

The collapse of the rebel forces was so dramatic and total that rear echelon planners at Liberty City were now more worried about over extending supply lines and being flooded with prisoners than of suffering combat losses. A series of temporary forward operating bases were established deep into Madurastan territory to feed supplies to the four brigades, that had been deployed as pairs supporting the Madurastan 2nd and 3rd divisions respectively.

The quad tiltrotor transport, Pegasus, was becoming as key a war fighting tool as artillery, air strikes and tank guns. Each as large as a C-130, these aircract could deliver cargo vertically, without needing runways or airfields anywhere you could land a helicopter, but were as fast as a fixed wing aircraft when avoiding hostile ground fire. Without them the FOBs would not be possible, or the fast tempo of operations sustainable.

By D+2 the hardest fighting, and heaviest casualties of Operation Heavy Thunder remained the bloody battles at Gosport on the first night. Cataphract tanks and Talon+ IFVs were largely living up to expectations, with the normal rate of mechanical and electronic gremlins as to be expected. At 24 hours barely 1% of machines had suffered such problems, and this had only touched 2.5% at 48 hours. In nearly all cases issues were fixable in the field. Battle damage usually meant replacing armour modules, ERA blocks, the occasional damaged track, or sensors. Only one Talon+ had needed to be airlifted back to Liberty City for a depot level repair, and this had been for a non-battle related engine failure.

Probing deeper into the Madurastan countryside it was also becoming apparent what heavy price the former Colstream state had paid for victory in its civil war, as deserted village after deserted village was uncovered. Conversely, this provided a free fire zone to conduction operations without concern for collateral damage as had been the case on the first night. After all, the various directorates in Concordia fully intended to play their part in the post-war reconstruction effort. Already, construction units and non-governmental organisations had arrived from Etoile Arcture to being this process. As it transpired, the first recepients of most of the aid meant for the Madurstand people would in fact ironically be rebel prisoners.

3 large POW camps had been set up where all rebel prisioners were being housed. Around 1 Million prisoners were housed in these camps but some rebel soldiers who had been found to have commited war crimes were set to a special detention camp to be put on trial. 125 rebels had already been executed as the death penalty had recently came to Madurastan. Murder and extreme violence exacted the death penalty along with people who had rape and torture charges.
Some rebel soldiers had raped and tortured women who refused to come with them when they attacked villages to try to recruit men to join their ranks. Any male who refused to join would be executed or tortured until he died or he agreed. Now these people now ended up in unmarked graves or even dumped into the Gulf of Madurastan which lay in the Agrian Ocean which surrounded the 150 x 100 mile island that the Republic Of Madurastan occupied.
The 2 relatively uninabited 20 x 15 islands 12 miles off the east coast had been turned into new housing developments which would ease the burden of a fast growing population. Madurastan utility companies had begun tunneling to put in water and gas pipes, along with electricity wiring and even a new power plant was being constructed.

Encripted report from frontline
Status Urgent
To all units:

The Etoile Ercture armor along with the 2nd Division have made contact with the 3rd Division. A general advance will now take place towards the southeast coast to eliminate remaining rebel opposition. Estimated time of Operation Rolling Rhunder completion is 24 hours. 1,120,000 rebel prisioners have been taken so far. End message

Madurastan News Network:

Rebels in Madurastan surrender

Early this morning, the Madurastan government received a signal from the rebel leadership saying that they were surrendering to the Madurastan, Etoile Arcture and Zaheran Armies. They laid down no terms, which ends the years of fighting in the south of the country and the start of the recovery process.
Celebrations have begun in the capital, Liberty City and all around the populated areas of Madurastan.

The Madurastan Army has today captured an unknown device made by the rebels for use against the allied forces. The bomb weighs around 1.8kgs and was secured on a flat bed truck and was guarded by a regiment of rebel soldiers. The device is now on its way to a scientific lab in Liberty City to be dismantled and tested.

With the rebels surrendering on all fronts, the only remaining problem was transporting the hundreds of thousands of prisoners to the POW camps. The Zaheranian commanders found themselves somewhat lacking in transport capacity, even though lorries and other vehicles were running shuttle trafic to and fro the camps with their human cargo. There was also an increasing concern that the existing camps would become overcrowded, with diseases and possible riots as the consequence. The decision was taken to begin construction of four more prison camps in the Zaheranian-controlled territory, each with a capacity of about fifty thousand prisoners. The contracts for material and construction was deliberately given to local Madurastani corporations, so that the economy in the region could begin to recover.

____________________________________

Ten large freighters carrying humanitarian aid were rolling in the waves in the harbour of Liberty City, waiting to be unloaded. Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers were waiting to be transported south to the areas worst affected by the war. With the rebels' surrender they had gained access to areas that had been cut off for years, and they were eager to start the help efforts. But for now they could only wait, as all transport links were used for transporting war prisoners. Soon, when the situation had stabilised, they could begin to help the people that had suffered so much.

(OOC: I have worked out a preliminary map of Madurastan based on your description. It can be found here (http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa139/trert/Madurastanpreliminary.jpg). Please review it and tell me what you think of it. I can add more detail later if you want.)

OOC: Thats a perfect replica. The Madurastan Capital, Liberty City is in the large bulge left of the southwest part of the island closest to the east coast. I don't know what else to put.

IC:

We would like to establish a war crimes tribunal to try the rebel leaders for genocide and war crimes. A military court (based on the UN Tribunal for Genocide and War Crimes) made up of Madurastan, Zaheran and if possible, Etoile Arcture judges will try them and then pass sentence. The charges are, Genocide, War Crimes and plotting to overthrow the Madurastan government.

The Military Tribunal will start as soon as the military court is set. Then the charges against them will be read out.

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/1717/sealxr7.gif
The Holy Empire of Zaheran
Ministry of Defence
Official Communication


To: Defence Ministry or equivalent, the Republic of Madurastan

Dear Sir/Madam,

We will, of course, accept your invitation to provide judges for your war crimes tribunal. We suggest that three delegates are sent from each country contributing to the war effort, thus making the total number of judges nine. Our delegates will be Colonel Friedrich Stürmbach from the Imperial Army, Colonel Jacob Zimmerman from the Imperial Navy and Colonel Zacharias vom Goerlitz-Schweppenburg from the Imperial Air Force.

Yours sincerely,

Lucien Teufel,
Minister of Defence

Madurastan Ministry Of Defence
Republic Of Madurastan
Offical Communication

To Mr Lucien Teufel,

Thank you for your decision to participate in the war crimes tribunal. The 3 judges representing Madurastan are General Paul White and Major Alan Davidson of the Madurastan Army and Admiral Carl Maine of the Madurastan Navy.

Yours Sincerely,

David Long,
Minister Of Defence

Rumbling along the asphalt of Madurastan’s surviving highways from the civil war was a constant flow of men and material. Moving south in long convoys many miles long in some cases were thousands of HEMTTs of the logistics trains supporting units still in the field. Flowing north in the oppposite direction were the same HEMTTs making the retuyrn journey, this time with their flatbeds packed with rebel soldiers instead of stores. And when there were not enough trucks making the return joruney the rebel soldiers pounded the asphalt as they marched in orderly lines, still proud in their defeat.

M96 gun trucks cruised at intervals in these convoys with grenade launcher and machine guns warily trained on the prisoners. The two lines of traffic would pass each other silently with the kind of organisation that could only be dreamt at in peacetime. AEW&C aircraft orbiting far above had been pressed into traffic control centers using their disk radar to track the transponders of every truck.

The south coast had indeed been Etoile Arcture’s limit of advance. Just 24 hours after the rebel surrender some units were pulling out back to Liberty City by the abovementioned convoys, but other units remained behind to perform what was awkwardly called ‘peace support operations’. These units might deal with isolated pockets of resistance or provide force protection to reconstruction teams.

Any transition from war fighting to operations other than war were fraught with difficulty. The sheer number of prisoners was one problem. Forward operating bases were already being converted into makeshift camps. Gendemarie Force personnel were being flown in country in increasing numbers to replace ground troops, bringing with them soft covered vehicles that would gradually replace hard covered vehicles. Gendemarie’s had even begun going on patrol in some of the southern towns even before hostilities had officially ended.

At Liberty City the other pressing issues for the military commanders was ensuring aid went where it was most needed. The docksides were now unloading food, medicines and other humanitarian supplies, and reconnaisance teams were operating throughout the country assessing needs. Another headache was truth and reconciliation after such a protracted and bitter conflict. The Diplomatic Directorate had in this case agreed to contribute three judges to the war trial panel that had been proposed by the Madurastan and Zaheran governments. On all fronts, the reconstruction of Madurastan was going to be the hardest task of all.

Madurastan Ministry Of Defence
Republic Of Madurastan
Official Communication


To Etoile Arcture;

Thank you for agreeing to particpate in the War Crimes Tribunal.

Yours Faithfully,

David Long,
Minister Of Defence


The Military War Crimes Tribunal will be conducted in the Liberty City Military Prison which is located inside the Liberty City Military Base.

The charges against the 3 rebel leaders are:

1. Conducting a protracted campaign against the Former Republic Of Colstream and the current Republic Of Madurastan government and people
2. Ordering the murder of 14,00O women and children in and around the village of Lareta
3.The detonation of a chemical device over the town of Wareat which killed 980 men, women and children and maimed 735
4. Killing of hundreds of captured government soldiers and the torture of soldiers to obtain information
5. 10,000 other War Crimes against the state
6. Theft of 250 Million Madurats (500 Million NS$)
7. Use of intimadation of the civilian population in order to gain recruits
8. Destruction of over 1 Billion Madurats in property

If found guilty of all charges, they will be sentenced to death by firing squad.