Second Cyncian War: Closed, Attn Fegosian Union [Archive]

Madurastan

15-03-2009, 22:11

ORBAT

Madurastan Air Force

Madurastan Republic of Thive Based Aircraft

100 F-25C Revolution Fighters
150 F-39A Fearless Fighters
100 MK1 Cobra Fighter Bombers
100 A-10A Thunderbolt Close Support Aircraft
100 B52H Bombers
40 F/A-22 Raptor Stealth Fighters
40 B-1B Lancer Strategic Bombers
40 B-2A Spirit Stealth Bombers
20 F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Attack Fighters
10 AC-130U Spectre Aerial Gunships
150 C130J Hercules Medium Tactical Transports
180 C-17 Globemaster III Strategic Transport Aircraft
130 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker Air to Air Tanker/Transport
35 Boeing E-767 AWACs (Airborne Warning and Control System) Aircraft
55 Boeing RC-135U Combat Sent Signal Intelligence Aircraft
100 CH-47 Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopters
200 UH-60 Black Hawk Battlefield Helicopters

Madurastan Army:

2nd Army

6th Division

15,000 combat soldiers
5,000 support soldiers

150 M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs
200 M344 Wolverine APCs
100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
80 Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Module
40 105mm Light Gun
5 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun
30 M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Gun
20 M107 175mm Self Propelled Gun
5 M110 203mm Self Propelled Gun

7th Division

15,000 combat soldiers
5,000 support soldiers

150 M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs
200 M344 Wolverine APCs
100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
80 Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Module
40 105mm Light Gun
5 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun
30 M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Gun
20 M107 175mm Self Propelled Gun
5 M110 203mm Self Propelled Gun

8th Division

15,000 combat soldiers
5,000 support soldiers

150 M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs
200 M344 Wolverine APCs
100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
80 Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Module
40 105mm Light Gun
5 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun
30 M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Gun
20 M107 175mm Self Propelled Gun
5 M110 203mm Self Propelled Gun

9th Division

15,000 combat soldiers
5,000 support soldiers

150 M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs
200 M344 Wolverine APCs
100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
80 Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Module
40 105mm Light Gun
5 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun
30 M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Gun
20 M107 175mm Self Propelled Gun
5 M110 203mm Self Propelled Gun

10th Division

15,000 combat soldiers
5,000 support soldiers

150 M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs
200 M344 Wolverine APCs
100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
80 Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Module
40 105mm Light Gun
5 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun
30 M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Gun
20 M107 175mm Self Propelled Gun
5 M110 203mm Self Propelled Gun

Madurastan Navy

Type 42 Destroyers

“Francis Class”

MD Briton
MD Polaris

Aircraft Carriers (Madurastan Fleet Air Arm)

Freedom Class Aircraft Carriers

MAC Salvation
120 F/A-18E Super Hornet Attack Fighters and 2 SH-60 Seahawk Naval Helicopters

MAC Valiant
120 F/A-18E Super Hornet Attack Fighters and 2 SH-60 Seahawk Naval Helicopters

AC-12 Cyprus Medium Carrier

MAC Defender
46 Sea Wasp Fighters, 2 SH-60 Seahawk Naval Helicopters

Ashland Class Attack Submarines

MS Vigilante

80 LS-20 Class Landing Ships
150 LS-21 Class Landing Ships
200 MK 3 Landing Craft
100 M-15 Heavy Landing Craft
160 M-22 Armored Carriers

Madurastan Marine Corp

1st Marine Division

12,000 Soldiers
3,000 Support Soldiers

100 LVTP7 AAAVs
50 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)

250 CH-46 Sea Knight Medium Lift Helicopters
150 V-22 Osprey Utility tilt-rotor Aircraft
150 CH-53E Super Stallion Assault and MCM Helicopter

2nd Marine Division

12,000 Soldiers
3,000 Support Soldiers

100 LVTP7 AAAVs
50 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)

250 CH-46 Sea Knight Medium Lift Helicopters
150 V-22 Osprey Utility tilt-rotor Aircraft
150 CH-53E Super Stallion Assault and MCM Helicopter

To Zaheranian and Alfegos Governments:
From Republic Of Madurastan

Can your governments provide token forces for the operation to liberate Cyncia for a second time? If you can, the operation starts in two days time. Please get back to us as soon as you can.

OOC: This also has a purpose of a training war as well as being a Canon Rp.
Etoile Arcture is taking part too by his request.

Madurastan

16-03-2009, 20:40

In Cyncia City, the Cyncian Leader General Ali Keraya sat at his desk in the Presidential Palace. The 16th March Parade which marked two years of his rule had finished and he had returned to his office to clear up his paperwork before going to an evening dinner.
Suddenly the air filled with a terrible wailing. An aide rushed in. "Its the Madurastan Air Force sir. Aircraft incoming. We must get into the bunker immediately." "Very well. I will take the work i need to do with me." He gathered up his paperwork and left the room.

Several problems to the Cyncian Capital approached. 60 B52H Bombers were approaching from the south, carrying a load of 30,000lbs each. An attack by F-39A Fearless Fighters carrying HARM Missiles had disabled the SAM Missile Launchers around the Capital which were now powerless to stop the second wave made up of F117A Stealth Attack Fighters which had targets inside and around the capital.

15:08 Local Time

Over the industrial heart of Cyncia City, the B52s lined up for their run. 2 minutes later, they released their loads over a Tank Manufacturing Plant and a earlier disabled Radar Site which under an attack by a combined total of 180,000lbs of high explosive created a large cloud of fiery smoke which blocked out the evening sky and plunged the defence grid that proteced the Industrial Area of the capital into chaos.

15:28 Local Time

All over Cyncia City, targets that were mainly SAM and Radar Sites had been destroyed. The wave of B52s and the F117A Stealth Attack Fighters had started their journey away from the area leaving the defence network around Cyncia City around 70% totally destroyed. The 2 airfields near Cyncia City had been untouched, but due to no authorisation given by General Keraya, no aircraft could take off to counter the raid. Round One had gone to the Madurastan Air Force.

Zaheran

17-03-2009, 18:18

OOC: All contents of this posts have been cleared beforehand with Madurastan.

Three weeks earlier
Ahrensburg, Zaheran

The queue outside Club 24's premises in central Ahrensburg was long and winding. Nearly two hundred persons had defied the cold and the piercing wind in hope of being admitted into the city's most popular nightclub. Door-keepers in black suits that stretched over their muscular arms controlled legitimations and kept the way open for the lucky few with VIP cards. Inside, nearly a thousand people were dancing and flirting to the stroboscopic lights and the techno music. Smiling bartenders served drinks over the polished oak counter, laughing politely at the jokes made by guests whop became more and more intoxicated as the night went by. Now and then, fights would break out between rivalising young men over a particulary popular girl, but they were quickly broken up the club's effective security guards. In short, it was a normal night at Club 24. But is would not remain so for much longer. No one noticed a group of young women who were moving determinedly through the building, leaving their handbags behind on the dance floor, under the bar and in other strategic locations. A security guard would later remember in an interview with the police that as the women had made their way to the exit, one of them had produced a mobile from her jeans pockets and said a few words.

Minutes after the women had left the building, hell erupted. A chain of explosions ripped through the building as Semtex charges in the handbags detonated. People walking by outside threw themselves to the ground as Club 24's windows exploded outwards, sending glass splinters raining over the sidewalk. Mass panic immediately broke out inside the crowded night club, and a massive stampede for the doors started. The few security guards who had managed to keep their heads tried to maintain order and organise an evacuation, but it was a doomed effort. They were mercilessy trampled down by the crowds as everyone clawed their way towards the exit. The heavy silk draperies hanging behind the scene had caught on fire, and the fire quickly spread, filling the building with thick, poisonous gas. When the police and the fire brigade arrived, the whole building was in flames, with many people trapped inside. Pictures of the burning night club and shocked survivors were cabled out over the country by the news crews that had arrived at the scene. Early estimates indicated that as many as three hundred people had died, but when the fire was finally extinguished the following morning, the number of dead and missing was over five hundred, and still climbing. It took two days before all bodies had been identified and the shocking news could be released: seven hundred and twenty-three people had perished. It had not been an accident, that much was clear. Witnesses had heard several explosions before the fire started, and three hours after the terrorist attack, a communique had been sent to several large TV stations and major newspapers. It read:

The Workers' Liberation Army takes responsibility for the attack against Club 24 in Ahrensburg three hours ago. We regret that so many had to die, but it was a necessary step in the liberation of the people of Zaheran from their fascist oppressors. We warn the fascist government that unless they immediately resign and hand over the power to a revolutionary council, this will be but the first attack of many. We will sacrifice as many as necessary for the greater good of the people. Resign, or more will die. This is your first and only warning.

A week later
Pohlheim, Zaheran

The Cyncian agent shoved the attaché case over to his WLA contact person, who opened it and looked through its contents. Two and a half million universal standard dollars, half in Zaheranian reichmarks, half in Alfegan Aureus. It was much money, especially for a poor country like Cyncia, but for his government it was a small sum for harming one of its most hated enemies. Zaheran had been one of the nations that had intervened to remove Mishaf Preichner from power. The war that followed had crushed Cyncia's military power in less than a week, and for almost two years his country had not been much more than a vassal state to Colstream. But since Colstream had fallen into chaos, they had got another strong leader, who had rebuilt the country's pathetic defence forces into a fearsome army. It was time to strike back.

The WLA man raised his eyes from the case and met the agents steady gaze. He looked nothing like the idealised revolutionaries from the T-shirts and the communist propaganda. He was overweight, on the verge on being fat, looked like he had not shaved for days and wore a beeer-soaked T-shirt and jeans that looked like they had not been washed for years. On the whole, an unpleasant man, the agent had found out. But the enemy of your enemy was your friend.
"This seems to be what we agreed on. Thank you, comrade, it will help us greatly in our struggle."
"My pleasure", he replied. "It is always a delightful occassion when we can help comrades in their fight against the fascists. After all, the Revolution knows no borders. The struggle for the liberation of the Proletariat is universal."
"We are thankful for all help. These are dark times. The fascists and the Zionists are strengthening their grip on the world. The Golden Era of Communism has never seemed so far away."
"That's why we must work in the dark, comrade", the agent replied. "By striking the fascist nations from inside, we can weaken them enough so that they fall like ripe apples for the revolutionary army once the time is right."
"Yes. You are right, comrade. We mustn't give up. We mus..."

The door of the abandoned warehouse exploded inwards. Before the sentries had time to react, black-clad soldiers stormed in. The WLA men opened fire in panic, but they were no match for the well-trained SWAT team, and soon most of them were lying on the floor, killed or wounded by the soldiers' expert gunfire. The Cyncian agent found himself staring into the muzzle of a very large and very imposing pistol held by a equally imposing soldier. The man looked down at him with a smile, but there was no humour in his eyes. They were as cold as ice.
"A little foreigner, eh? Could have figured that there was something else behind this. Who are you working for?"
"I will you tell you nothing, you fascist pig! Release me immediately, or I will..."
The soldiers fist smashed into his face, breaking his nasal bone with a loud crack. He fell to the floor with blood running down his face.
"You are in no position to make threats", the soldier remarked with icy calm. "I ask you once more, who are you working for?"
"I will fucking kill you, you fucking bastards! You and your fucking family!"
A hard kick from the soldier's steel-toed combat boot landed in his groin. He squealed as wave after wave of pain travelled up his nervous system, overwhelming his senses. When he could see again, the soldier was standing before him, holding his pistol casually in his hand.
"Since you don't want to cooperate, I will have to use some rougher methods. I will ask you again who you work for. If you don't answer or if you lie, I will shoot you in your right knee. Then I will ask you again. If you continue to lie or keep silent, I will shoot you in your left knee. Then I will shoot you in the elbows, then the back. You will never be able to walk again. Now, who do you work for?"
"You can't do, this, you fucking bastard! You can't..."
The soldiers fired. The agent could feel the bullet shatter his knee cap. He screamed out in pain. The soldier raised the gun again.
"Will you tell me this time, or will I have to shoot you again?"
"Cyncia!", the agent screamed. "I work for the Cyncian government!"
"Thank you", the man said. "You see how much easier it is when you cooperate."
He placed the gun against the agent's head. The agent, realising what would happen, screamed out in terror.
"No, wait! I helped you! I gave you what you wanted. You can't shoot me!"
The man looked down at him.
"My daughter was at Club 24."
He fired.

Madurastan

17-03-2009, 20:01

Three Cyncian Air Force MIG-31s were on patrol near Cyncia City when suddenly a loud bang and an explosion erupted amongst them. One MIG dropped out of the sky and hit a power line, before crashing into the main rail freight yard below.

Behind them were a F-39 Fearless Fighter which suddenly opened fire with a second missile which took down a second MIG causing it to go into a wild back spin. After 3 turns, the tail suddenly detached itself from the rest of the airframe and was flung backwards. It collided with the third MIG, shearing off its right wing stabiliser.

The remains of the second MIG plunged into a nearby lake while the now damaged third MIG struggled to keep in the air. Suddenly the stress on the third MIGs airframe became too much and the right wing detached itself from the rest of the aircraft. The Pilot pulled the canopy ejection lever and he bailed out.

The MIG dived towards the ground trailing fiery debris. An unlucky civilian in his car was vapourised by the MIG impacting the ground a 600 miles per hour and its fuel and ordinance exploding in a fireball. Every window for 800 metres was blown out and a nearby car were flipped over by the shockwave.

Madurastan

18-03-2009, 20:21

As the Madurastan Taskforce finally left Liberty City Military Base's Naval Dockyards, the air war over Cyncia intensified. This time Cyncia City was not the target, the Port of Greisha in the Northeast of Cyncia which had fallen to the Colstream Army after a 3 day siege in the first war suddenly came under attack.The forts that had been destoyed during the siege had been rebuilt and the defensive line had been reinforced. However, the trenches connecting the trenches were still being reinforced.

A F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Attack Fighter streaked through the night sky towards a key bunker which housed the Control Bunker for the SAM Missile System. Due to the Radars inability to detect the Stealth Fighter due to it being repaired from the last raid, the defences remained silent.

The Aircraft flew over the target and a 3000lb Bomb dropped from the aircraft. The bomb smashed through an unarmored shaft cover and exploded deep within the bunker. The Crew knew of their success when the shaft cover on the other side of the building was blown off and fire burst out of the shaft. The AA defences were suddenly alerted but because they couldn't see the aircraft, they fired blindly into the air while the F-117A moved back to base.

Etoile Arcture

19-03-2009, 10:59

Many months had passed since the successful conclusion of the Madurastan and Thivean wars, yet Etoile Arcture’s military presence in the region had not shrunk as one might expect but in fact increased. Troop numbers were more than double those at the height of hostilities, but the Etoilian servicemen and women sent to Madurastan and Thive were no longer warriors but engineers, construction workers, medical personnel and military police. Their mission fulfilled the post-war agreements of the victors to rebuild and modernise war-damaged infrastructure and institutions. The progress of this mission their political masters back in Corcordia monitored with a quiet satisfaction.

Another source of quiet satisfaction, but to an entirely different breed of technocraft, was Fort Stahl. Construction of the military base in Thive had begun almost as soon as the ink dried on the accord signed between Madurastan, Zaheran, Alfegos and the Etoile Arcture agreeing to build it. The massive facility had grown in those short months from a lonely rocky outcrop of the Thivean coast, chosen for its defendable position and natural harbour, into a concrete jungle to rival any city. The reconstruction program throughout Madurastan and Thive had quickly become the public side of the joint military and political cooperation of the four nations, but Fort Stahl represented their true strategic prize far beyond its notional purpose as a deterence against a future civil war.

From the outside Fort Stahl was an imposing sight protected by rings of thick concrete blast walls, and from inside was no less impressive or secure. The building phase had progressed quickly encountering few problems, even when carving enormous underground bunkers from the becrock or the massive undertaking to poor concrete on hundreds of hardened aircraft and vehicle shelters. As well as being the permanent home to a number of air, land and sea units, Etoile Arcture alone in one three month period prepositioned sufficient equipment stocks and stores to stand up five divisions and an entire air expeditionary force if need be. For decades to come at least one carrier group, with its attached destroyer and submarine squadrons, would permanently visit the base. And the contrails of the transport aircraft leaving and departing the base criss-crossed the Thivean skies seemingly at all times of day and night.

Contrary to appearances manning levels, at least in the Etoilian sections of the base, had in fact been reduced to a more manageable, and cost effective, ‘janitor force’ of maintainers and logistics troops. But even these few thousand personnel needed to be fed and watered. While the base could be entirely self-sufficient and resupplied from sea and air when required, in a bid to boost local economies lucrative contracts were tendered to Madurastan companies top supply the base. Only sufficently vetted workers would be allowed limited access to the base via a number of hardened entry points guarded by military police units of the various coaltion nations.

Samuel Gardener, one such Madurastan worker, had an exemplery work record and positive vetting on the Madurastan police database, and easily found work as a driver thanks to his Class 2 licenses. The job he was now doing was little different from that before the war as a long-distance lorry driver, except his route and hours were shorter and his pay higher. All witnesses had agreed, including his wife and daughter of twelve, that Gardener had expressed no unhappiness about his job or disgruntlement towards those he delivered his cargoes to on a daily bases. On his last delivery, his family remarked he appeared entirely happy and contented, betraying no sign of inner turmoil or antipathy towards his ultimate employer.

Gate Nine at Fort Stahl in common with all the gates was protected by a concertina formed by concrete blast walls that wound a kilometer to the gate and designed to prevent a terrorist ramming the first of two heavy blast doors, the outer and inner gates that controlled access. Upon providing credentials by inserting suitable ID into a keycard reader at a vehicle checkpoint and talking to the guard post inside by intercom, the gate would be opened to admit access for into an inner courtyard. Traffic bollards would rise front and back to hem the truck in, while the guards methodically scanned the vehucle using a milimetre wave radar and other sensors. This security check had made many Madurastan contractors nervous, partly as the milimetre wave rendered their own clothes transparent to the guards looking at them from their booth, and partly due to concerns of radiation exposure. The tiny rad dose and larger pay packet had mostly caused such concerns to evapourate away. Once through this test, the bollards would be lowered and the truck cleared to enter the base where the driver would be directed to whichever loading bay was to be their final destination.

But on one afternoon something different happened. As the guards inspected the militmetre wave they saw Samuel Gardener take something from his shirt pocket, a cellphone, which while not prohibited to be carried was most certainly not allowed to be used during an inspection. The phone itself was no threat by virtue of electronic jammers that blocked all radio signals, and to what purpose or who he intended to call investigators could only speculate as possibly being his wife or daughter. Whichever the case, the guards were instantly on alert at this action and no less than five of their number entered the courtyard with their G501K assault carbines raised shouting at Garderner to exit his vehicle.

What happened next could only be reconstructed from CCTV at the gate. This showed Garderner looking out of his cab over the hood of his truck at the soldiers. The resolution of the video was such that it was impossible to read his expression. Investigators later determined that the trigger device was most probably a blasting cap used to initiate primercord that run from the cabin to a number of explosive charges wired throughout the rest of the truck. Garderner had no doubt learned how to handle explosives during his time as a corporal in the former Colstream army, and it was likely the explosives used had been looted from military stocks during the civil war.

This simple method, and the willingness of a fanatic to die, had defeated the sophisticated defences and countermeasures at Gate Nine. The resulting explosion produced a 1 kilometre blast zone and left a 50 metre wide crater, totally destroying Gate Nine and several loading docks beyond. The final casualty number, including both military and civilians and foreign nationals reached 139 by the time the last body had been dug out of the rubble. A further 373 had been injured, of which around 60 or so had or would loose limbs.

All said the destruction of Gate Nine failed to compromise the security of Fort Stahl, the base itself being a further drive of ten kilometres beyond any gate. Neither did the attack affect or disrupt operations at the base. It did, however, succeed in sending a stark and clear message to the international forces. Even before the innevitable claim of responsibility was made by the Workers’ Liberation Army all civilian contractors had their accreditation revoked and Etoilian civilians were ordered to evacuate for fear of future attacks. Military police and gendermarie begun more defensive patrols, and all military personnel had leave cancelled.

A high level meeting was held in Liberty City a few days later between Etoilian and Madurastan officials, at which it was agreed should clear and unequivacle evidence emerge proving proving a link between the WLA and Cynician government, specifically if the Cynicians sponsored the WLA, then Etoile Arcture would agree to take joint military action against them with Madurastan.

Over the following three weeks the mix of military personnel in Thive would change from the earlier predominance of engineers, logisticians and police, to combat troops flown in by a constant shuttle service. An amphibious strike force departed from Googlewoop Attol to Fort Stahl, while the core of two full divisions, and a reserve third division was activated. Whole swathes of the Thivean countryside became no-go areas for civilians as they were cordoned off to be used for exercises. Crews ran the kinks out of their vehicles and equipment as they trained for combat operations, and fast jets were seen for the first time since the war rehearsing low level penetration missions. Most telling of all two squadrons of B-90A Condor stealth bombers arrived in-country, their black, tailess, and sleek forms slipping in undetected even by Etoilian radar3.

By D -2 the order of battle of all Etoilian forces earmarked for the operations had taken the following shape:

Etoile Arcture Aerospace Forces

Thive Air Expeditionary Force (home base: Fort Stahl, Thive)

1 x Strategic Bomb Wing: 24 B-90A Condor
5 x Bomb Wing: 40 AQ-38B Clarion
1 x Fighter Wing: 60 F-26A Tempest
1 x Fighter Wing: 72 A-20A Renegade
1 x Tactical Fighter Wing: 72 F/A-38A Sentinel
1 x Strategic Reconnaisance Squadron: 12 RQ-13A Vulture
1 x Rescue Wing: 48 CV-22B Osprey
1 x Airborne Air Control Wing: 24 E-17A Watchtower, 6 EC-99C Mystic
2 x Air Refueling Wing: 100 KC-45A Air Tanker
1 x Strategic Airlift Wing: 100 Airbus A340M
1 x Strategic Airlift Wing: 40 KC-99A/B Majestic
1 x Tactical Airlift Wing: 100 Airbus A400M

Madurastan Air Expeditionary Wing (home base: Liberty City International Airport, Madurastan)

1 x Tactical Fighter Wing: 60 F/A-38A Sentinel
1 x Rescue Squadron: 24 CV-22B Osprey
1 x Air Refueling Squadron: 20 KC-45A Air Tanker
1 x Strategic Airlift Sqaudron: 20 Airbus A340M

Etoile Arcture Ground Forces

Thive and Madurastan Expeditionary Army (home base: Fort Stahl, Thive)

Separate brigades
1 x Theatre Sustainment Brigade: c.1,500 HEMTT A3
1 x Network Signals Brigade
1 x Battlefield Surveillance Brigade
1 x Civil Affairs Brigade
1 x Medical Brigade
1 x Explosive Ordnance Disposal Brigade
1 x Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Brigade
1 x Fires Brigade: 64 MARS-270 Carnivore
1 x Air and Missile Defence Brigade: 192 Patriot PAC-3 MSE
1 x Theatre Aviation Brigade: 60 MV-44A Pegasus
1 x Engineer Brigade: 16 M9 ACE, 32 M23A1E1 ARRV, 32 M23A1E2 AEV, 40 Leguan HAB
1 x Manouevre Enhancement Brigade: 32 M84 Argus (ADA), 32 M349 Predator (ADA), 18 M346 Wolfhound (NBC)

XI CORPS

476 Special Operation Group

brigade has:
4,150 personnel
1 x Special Operations Regiment: 80 M96 LUMPS II
1 x Special Operations Aviation Regiment: 40 CV-22B Osprey, 20 MV-44A Pegasus, 4 AV-44A Griffon

23 Heavy Division
27 Heavy Division

each division has:
15,220 personnel
4 x Heavy Manoeuvre Brigade: 72 M35A2 Cataphract, 120 M65CA7 Talon+, 16 M345 Excalibur, 40 M96 LUMPS II
1 x Fires Brigade: 32 SPH-158/L65A1, 32 LARS-160, 4 RQ-7B Shadow
1 x Combat Aviation Brigade: 48 AH-79D Anaconda, 12 MQ-9B Reaper, 30 MV-22B Osprey
1 x Sustainment Brigade: c.1,100 HEMTT A3

13 Medium Division

division has:
16,950 personnel
4 x Medium Manoeuvre Brigade: 150 M344 Wolverine (Series 2), 48 M348 Werewolf (DSV), 16 M345 Excalibur, 40 M96 LUMPS II
1 x Fires Brigade: 54 M777A2 LW155, 4 RQ-11B Raven
1 x Aviation Brigade: 30 MV-44A Pegasus, 30 MV-22B Osprey
1 x Sustainment Brigade: c.900 HEMTT A3

Etoile Arcture Maritime Forces (home base: Fort Stahl, Thive)

Task Force Galaxy

Carrier Strike Group 4, EAS Galaxy (CVN-21 Class Aircraft Carrier) + 4th Carrier Air Wing: 44 F/A-38A Sentinel, 10 AQ-39B Clarion, 5 EV-22D Osprey, 5 SV-22D Lamprey, 2 MV-22B Osprey, 2 SH-79B Barracuda, 9 MH-60S Seahawk

Destroyer Squadron
2 x CG-21 Missile Defence Cruiser: 1 SH-60B Seahawk, 2 MQ-8B Fire Scout
2 x DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class Multi-Mission Destroyer: 2 SH-79B Barracuda

Submarine Squadron
2 x SSN-774 Virginia Class Attack Sumbmarine
3 x SSN-21 Seawolf Class Attack Submarine

Expeditionary Strike Group 7, EAS Jumeira (JCC(X) Class Joint Command Ship): 4 MV-22B Osprey

1st Amphibious Squadron
1 LH(X) Class Amphibious Assault Ship, assault configuration: 10 F/A-38B Sentinel, 12 MV-22B Osprey, 6 SH-79B Barracuda, 8 MH-60S Seahawk
1 LH(X) Class Amphibious Assault Ship, sea control configuration: 20 F/A-38B Sentinel, 6 SH-79B Barracuda
4 (LH(X) Class Amphibious Assault Ships: 3 LCACs able to deliver 10 M35A2, Cataphract, 30 M65CA7 Talon+, 90 HEMTT A3, 1,100 troops)

2nd Amphibious Squadron
5 (LH(X) Class Amphibious Assault Ships: 3 LCACs, capacity: 10 M35A2, Cataphract, 30 M65CA7 Talon+, 90 HEMTT A3, 1,100 troops)

3rd Amphibious Squadron
1 LH(X) Class Amphibious Assault Ship, sea control configuration: 20 F/A-38B Sentinel, 6 SH-79B Barracuda
4 (LH(X) Class Amphibious Assault Ships: 3 LCACs, capacity: 10 M35A2, Cataphract, 30 M65CA7 Talon+, 90 HEMTT A3, 1,100 troops)

Destroyer Squadron
4 x CG-21 Missile Defence Cruiser: 1 SH-60B Seahawk, 2 MQ-8B Fire Scout
5 x DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class Multi-Mission Destroyer: 2 SH-79B Barracuda

Submarine Squadron
2 x SSN-774 Virginia Class Attack Sumbmarine
3 x SSGN-726 Ohio Class Guided Missile Submarine

Etoile Arcture

19-03-2009, 12:01

Day 1

The first day’s air tasking order ran to over 200 pages long and listed targets throughout Cyncia including primary, secondary and tertiary objectives. The lead elements of the strategic bombing campaign would be a a force of two hundred AQ-39A Clarion uninhabited combat aerial vehicles that would conduct most of the defence supression and difficult target attacks at the beginning of the campaign.

Every Clarion was in effect a very expensive and sophisticated kit plane, and until a few weeks ago they had all been in storage in their dissassembled state at Fort Stahl. Since the bombing of Gate Nine the aircraft had been assembled and throughly test flown. In the early morning of D day several waves of AQ-39Bs now departed from runways at Fort Stahl headed towards Cyncia. While possessing all-aspect low observability, to protect the unmanned bombers air launched decoys were launched by several manned F/A-38A Sentinels, the decoys producing multi-spectral radar signatures that would give the appearance of an incoming attack, and would also help mask the stealthy UCAVs as they penetrated Cyncian airspace.

A number of E-17A Watchtower AWACs aircraft orbiting safely a hundred nautical miles off Cyncia’s coast, along with their fighter escorts, listened for enemy radar to fire up and thereby betray their locations. A proportion of AQ-39Bs could be tasked while already in the air to attack these targets of opportunity. Otherwise the fleet would fly pre-determined routes guided by digitised GPS and inertial navigation systems, where they would drop their warloads, either 1,000 lb JDAMs or 250 lb Small Diameter Bombs on their targets.

These attacks were coordinated with Tomahawk SLCMs launched by Virginia, Seawolf and Ohio class boats stationed off the Cyncian coast. These robot weapons targetted fixed installations ranging from surface-to-air missile radars and firing batteries, over-the-horizon warning radars, communications sites, air bases and army bases, command bunkers, coastal defences including sea forts, road and rail bridges, and railway marshalling yards. The submarines exhausted their full magazines and rotated off the line to return to Fort Stahl to reload, while the UCAVs “threaded the needle” through the enemy radar defences and then picked apart the integrated air defence system.

As the bombs rained down, many thousands of kilometres away in Etoile Arcture, Secretary General Smith appeared before the camera’s in an early morning press conference. She was there to explain to the populace that incontrovertible proof had just been acquired proving a link between the Workers’ Liberation Army and the military junta in Cyncia lead by General Ali Keraya. She accused him by name as a state sponsor of terrorism, and that the bombing of Club 24 and Fort Stahl had both been sanctioned by high level officials in the junta, if not by General Keraya himself. Holding him personally responsible for these crimes, Smith issued an utimatum calling on General Keraya and his junta to resign to make way for the holding of free and fair elections under the ausipices of international monitors. If he didn’t agree, then the Technocracy in aggreement with member states of the Fegosian Union, would take all military action neccessary to remove the Kerayan regime and the threat it posed to both Etoilian and international security.

As she left the podium there were still sixteen hours of bombing left until the end of the day...

Madurastan

19-03-2009, 13:58

All over Cyncia, military installations suddenly came under attack. Military effectiveness was suddenly reduced as blow after blow was inflicted on Cyncian's infrastructure.

Sadly one missile attack ended in tragedy. In Cyncia City, 700 civilians crowded into a shelter thought to to a military bunker. One Tomahawk Missile smashed its way through the roof and detonated inside the shelter. 190 people were killed instantly and 137 severely injured with the rest fleeing with minor wounds or without any at all.

A Madurastan attack came next. One of the Cyncian Navy Battleships designated Number 6 came under attack from 20 MK1 Cobra Fighter Bombers from Fort Stahl Air Base carrying 2 1000lb JDAM Bombs each. The Battleship had been at its moorings at the Port of Greisha at state Yankee when suddenly the aircraft struck.

Diving from 10,000 feet and dropping them at almost point blank range using impact fuses, all MK1 Cobra Fighter Bombers scored direct hits which tore Battleship 6 apart.
Listing heavy to port, it began to tear itself apart. Two minutes after the attack begun, the magazines on the stern exploded as a bom tore a huge hole in the starboard rear quarter killing 140 sailors at their stations. The Ship began to settle into its berth when a second attack of four Exocets fired by two F-39A Fearless Fighters went for the second target.

Battleship 8 was at an adjacent berth when the attack started. Its crew awakened by the first attack was now scanning the skies for any more enemy aircraft. The F-39A Fearless Fighters had come in the opposite direction to the first attackers and the sudden arrival of the Exocets surprised the sailors defending the ship.

Each missile hit home. Seconds after the impacts, fire raged through the ship as many detonations rocked it. Suddenly several larger detonations rocked the ship as it was blown apart with the loss of all hands. A sailor on the top deck were blown off as it exploded and landed 70 metres away in the water slightly injured but alive. The attackers escaped as four Cyncian Air Force F-35 Lightning II Fighters arrived to find both ships burning and settling into their berths. Plumes of smoke began pouring over the port.

A hour later, the Cyncian Navy's single "Kiev Class" Aircraft Carrier "Carrancha" and its complement of 30 Dassaut Mirage 1 Fighters had been sighted off the coast. That target was also high priority due to its Mirages capibility to use Exocets as well. The nearest asset was an Ashland Class Attack Submarine named MS Vigilante. It had spotted the Carrier and it was shadowing it as it headed west. Orders had been recieved that it had to be destroyed.

At 8:30am Local Time, the Submarine fired 4 Mark-29 Torpedoes on its port side at second intervals and waited. 30 seconds later 4 large impacts could be heard on its sonar. On board the carrier there was a loud vibrating noise followed by 4 loud bangs. The first torpedo struck the bow under the edge of the deck punching a hole under the anchor. The second torpedo struck 2 metres in front of amidships and blew up a fuel line slowing the carrier down. As the carrier slowed, the third torpedo smashed into the ship amidships followed a few seconds later by the fourth torpedo hitting near the stern.

The carrier suddenly began to list at a 30 degree angle which caused 6 Mirages to fall off the deck and plunge into the sea. MS Vigilante fired 2 more torpedoes which seven seconds later struck the carrier forcing it over another 10 degrees to port. More aircraft began falling off along with unfortunate deck personnel. Fire began raging above deck as flames penetrated the damaged runway causing a huge explosion destroying all the remaining aircraft. Fire Crews began trying the fight the flames. MS Vigilante by this time had moved to the stricken carriers starboard side and fired its remaining four torpedoes. Four large explosions rocked the carrier causing a secondary explosion which engulfed all below deck.

The carrier began to settle in the water spewing large amounts of smoke. At 8:50am, a fourth explosion on board the carrier broke its back and it sank rapidly. 1 minute later, it was gone. The Aircraft Carrier threat had been eliminated.

Mokastana

19-03-2009, 21:55

Admiral Miguel Peron stretched his legs out looking across the massive Longsword-class warship under his command. In this case it was the MNS Salvador, The Savior. Over a mile long and built to serve the mighty Lyran navies, this Mokan ship was considered one of the prides of the Mokan fleet. Serving in numerous would-be and actual conflicts, she managed to still come home unscathed and ready to serve. The crew had just come back from what was considered one of the longest RnR periods known the Mokan military and was ripe and ready to see action once more. For too long had the Mokan military played teacher to the new Aqua Anu forces and sat on the sidelines as chaos broke out across the world yet again. It was time for the People's muscle to be stretched yet again and deploy to defend its allies and freedom from oppression.

"Welcome back Admiral, I see your getting ready for your morning jog."

Behind the Admiral was Captain Carlos Domingo, the only man Admiral Peron trusted with his ship when things went to hell. Both men were wearing navy sweats and stretching out, they were older then most of the crew, but with age came experience.

"It feels good to be getting back to see, I assume you read the reports about what is going on?"

"By the sounds of it a terrorist country decided it would be good to finance an attack on Zaheran, now the FU is pissed."

"Well, that's part of it, but personally I think Primary Admiral Fernando just wants to see some action again."

"We'll I doubt we will see much, from the reports most of the naval threat is gone. So I doubt we will see much."

As the two men jogged around the ships massive hull crew members continued to work to make sure the ship was ready for deployment tomorrow. No one turned to salute the Captain and Admiral on their jog, for the simple reason that getting the ship ready was more important, that and classic Mokan culture did not recognize salutes unless in formal occasions.

Tomorrow the fleet would deploy to the Military Dictatorship Of Cyncia, orders were to enter Cyncian waters, contact Allied Command and offer support as needed. In addition to the hundreds of fighters and missiles that they would have floating off the coast, they were to escort a few marine divisions, in the event landfall becomes needed, which meant that Generalissimo Lean Turner would also be in the command room when the "Police Action" begins. In addition to the initial support the 7th Army, Wolverines, under the command of Generalissimo Minor Roberto Diaz, would be on standby. 960,000 army service personnel on standby with approximately 90,000 marines deployed to the area. Not to mention the air force required to transport the Army Units. It would be the largest deployment since the deployment to train the new units in Aqua Anu. Only this time combat would be a possibility.

ORBAT:

2x Longsword-class superheavy guided missile warship
MNS Salvador
MNS Protectorado

Air Attack Flotilla (2)
1x Nietzsche Class Super Dreadnought
2x Nimitz-class supercarriers
2x Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers
15x Arleigh Burke class destroyer (90) (1200 ESSM)
15xZumwalt-class destroyer (80) (1200 ESSM)
20x Hobart Class Air Destroyer (48)(960 4x ESSM 3840 total)
8x Seawolf Class Attack Subs
40 x RQ-8B Fire Scouts
10x CH-53 Sea Stallions
10 x HM1 Merlins
20 x SH-60 Seahawks
200x F-18 Super Hornets
100x F-35s
40x EA-18G Growler
10x E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

Wolf Pack Flotilla(1)
20x Seawolf class attack submarine
5x Ohio Class Ballistic Missile Submarines

Marine Transport Flotilla(3):
24xWasp class amphibious assault ship
24x Canberra class amphibious ships
20x Battleaxe-class cruiser
12x Medical hatchet Class
10x Missile defense Hatchet class
2x RADAR Hatchet Class
1x Empire Class Battle Carrier
50x Cobra Attack Helicopters
150x F-18 Super Hornets

Marine Division: total 3

20,000 Marines
2,000 Humvees
400 Advance Amphibious Assault Vehicle
400 APC Ironhearts 4,800
400 IFV Ironhearts 3,200
200 Shepard Air Defense Ironhearts
200 LY300 Multiple Rocket System
50 Iron Heart Command post
3,000 Transport trucks

Stand by Forces:

7th ARMY: Wolverines
Generalissimo Minor Roberto Diaz
12 Ironheart Divisions
16 Republic Battle Divisions
4 Shock Divisions

Iron Heart Division:
20,000 Standard Infantry
600 Iron heart APCs
600 Iron Heart IFVs
200 Iron Heart ATMGs
50 Iron Heart Command post
200 Iron Heart Mortars
200 Iron Heart Ambulances
500 Iron Heart SAMs
100 LY7 Rottweiler medium tank
100 LY300 Multiple Rocket System
4500 Battle transport Trucks
200 AH-64D Apache Longbow

Republic Battle Division
20,000 Standard Infantry
1,000 APCs
1,000 IFVs
600 LY4A1 Wolfhound MBT
300 LY6 Werewolf Assault Guns
50 Iron Heart Command post 200 Iron Heart Ambulances
400 SAM
500 AH-64D Apache Longbow
300 205mm Self Propelled Artillery
300 LY300 Multiple Rocket System
9,000 Transport Trucks

Shock Division
20,000 Jaguar Infantry
2,000 IFVs
400 ATMG
400 SAM
200 LY7 Rottweiler medium tank
400 LY6 Werewolf Assault Gun
100 LY6 Werewolf Indirect fire
300 LY300 Multiple Rocket System
50 Iron Heart Command post
200 Iron Heart Ambulances
200 AH-64D Apache Longbow

Transport Units (5):
60xIlyushin Il-76 transports
30xSukhoi Su-35

Joint Strike Units(5)
36x Sukhoi Su-34s
18x Sukhoi Su-35

Bomber Unit(5)
80x Tupolev Tu-95 15,000 km
40xSukhoi Su-37 3,700 km

Madurastan

20-03-2009, 14:44

The Madurastan Task Force had reached Thive, where it began taking on fuel and supplies for the 30 mile journey to the primary landing zone 10 miles from the Port of Greisha, the first target. The Madurastan Military Commander for the expedition, General Taylor Maxwell, a commander that participated in the Liberation Of Moriabia, had made a first draft of objectives for the Cyncian Campaign. The Campaign had been given a name: Operation Retribution

Phase 1:
Land on 5 pre-determined beaches on the East Coast of Cyncia on a morning with at least 40% of total land forces available.

Phase 2:

Invasion Force stablish a 5 mile bridgehead including the vital town of Jikansa 5 miles inland on the East Coast and then reinforce the bridgehead.

Phase 3:

A coordinated push to take the port of Greisha in the Northeast of the island. Siege Warfare likely as seen in First Cyncian War

Phase 4:
To wear down the Cyncian Army while the Port of Greisha is being used as a base to expand the bridgehead to 20 miles.

Phase 5:

Engage the Cyncian Army in several engagements and then draw as many divisions away from the capital and pushing them onto the Northern and Western Coasts.

Phase 6:

Advance on the Cyncian Capital, Cyncia City, while maintaining pressure on flanks and advancing west towards the City of Sertea on the Central West Coast of Cyncia.

Phase 7:

Advance into Cyncia City, capturing Cyncia City International Airport and surrounding remaining defending soldiers.

Phase 8:

Capture Presidential Palace and government buildings eliminating the regime for good.

Etoile Arcture

20-03-2009, 16:48

OOC: Madurastan, please check your TGs.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c197/USCMC/nationstates/eadfpatch.png
Defence Directorate - Coded Military Communication

From: Lieutenant General David S. Urquhart, Commanding Officer, Etoile Arcture Defence Forces in Madurastan and Thive
To: Commanding Generals of Madurastan, Alfegos, Zaheran and Mokastana armed forces in Thive
Classification: Top Secret, Eyes Only
Subject: Operation Retribution planning

The Joint Headquarters in Liberty City has analysed the current Madurastan battle plan for Operation Retribution and reviewed after action reports from the First Cyncian War. I forward the following recommendations of my staff officers, amended by myself.

I. It is our contention that the air campaign continue at least until Monday to provide sufficient time to acheive maximum attrition of Cyncian military capacity and logistics. Primary objectives should be the destruction of the Cyncian navy still constituting a threat to coalition naval forces, and the Cyncian air force in order to achieve air superiority. It is also imperative for the success of the ground campaign that resources be allocated to the the disruption and destruction of Cyncian communications, including bridges, roads and railway lines, in order to deny the Cyncian military the means to rapidly move their forces around the country. As far as possible the coalition should strive to avoid collateral damage to the civilian infrastructure and population, but only where the risk to coalition forces is minimal or acceptable.

II. We favour landings on opposite coasts to force the Cyncian military to divide its forces to meet both threats, and thereby dilute their combat power and allow the coalition to defeat them in detail. The Cyncians are certain to have anticipated a landing on the east coast and we propose to land on the north coast first to achieve tactical surprise and draw forces from the eastern coast attack prior to the second landing there. Once beacheads and supply lines are secured the coalition would then conduct two armoured thrusts along seperate axis in the westwards direction towards Cyncia City, via the towns of Jikansa in the east and Greisha in the north-east, and Sertea in the west.

III. Caolition forces should employ combined arms tactics to enhance the element of speed and surprise that will be essential to success of the mission and achieving low casualties. Armoured units should lead the assault supported by naval gunfire, artillery fires and tactical airpower. The capture of intervening enemy strongpoints is critical to ensure the integrity and security of logistics trains feeding the attacking force. While it is preferably to avoid protracted battles, if neccessary enemy pockets and large troop concentrations should be fixed and destroyed to ensure they cannot threaten supply trains and the rear of the advance. Where follow-on forces are available, the armoured thrust should bypass and allow these and other supporting combat arms (the artillery, airpower) to deal with the threat.

IV. We concure that the desired end state of the campaign should be the capture and or surrender of Cyncian City, and deposition of the current government. To achieve this the two armoured thrusts should link up at Sertea or further inland before assaulting the city with support from the other combat arms. Forces appropiate for fighting in built-up areas including mechanised troops and special forces should be held in reserved or be made available by the time of this phase of the operation.

/signed/ David S. Urquhart, Lieutenant General, Commanding, Etoile Arcture Defence Forces in Madurastan and Thive

Madurastan

20-03-2009, 18:03

To: Lieutenant General David S. Urquhart, Commanding Officer, Etoile Arcture Defence Forces in Madurastan and Thive
From: General Taylor Maxwell of Madurastan Task Force, Classification: Top Secret, Eyes Only
Subject: Operation Retribution planning

I have been through your observations and have decided to revise the timetable to this:

Phase 1:

Air campaign will continue at least until Monday to provide sufficient time to acheive maximum attrition of Cyncian military capacity and logistics. Primary objectives will be the destruction of the Cyncian navy still constituting a threat to coalition naval forces, and the Cyncian air force in order to achieve air superiority. It is also imperative for the success of the ground campaign that resources be allocated to the the disruption and destruction of Cyncian communications, including bridges, roads and railway lines, in order to deny the Cyncian military the means to rapidly move their forces around the country. As far as possible the coalition should strive to avoid collateral damage to the civilian infrastructure and population, but only where the risk to coalition forces is minimal or acceptable.

Phase 2:

-Two landings on opposite coasts to force the Cyncian military to divide its forces to meet both threats, and thereby dilute their combat power and allow the coalition to defeat them in detail. The landing on the East Coast will be first with the landing on the West Coast being attempted 24 hours later. A Beachead of 5 Miles will be secured around the town of Jikansa in the on the East Coast. Once the supply lines are secured the coalition forces will then conduct an armoured thrust along seperate axis in the westwards direction towards Greisha in the north-east. Madurastan, Zaheranian and Etoile Arcture Forces will be in this sector.

Footnote: East Coast sector will be the most defended. Mostly Cities and Towns with fortified positions inside all populated areas.

-The landing on the West Coast will be timetabled similar to the one in the east, but the bridgehead must be secured around Sertea because the town is an important communications center and supply junction. Alfegos and Mokastana Forces will be in this sector.

Footnote: West Coast terrain is mostly countryside with villages and country roads. Good for Tanks and Mechanised Infantry. Will have pre-prepared positions and anti-tank ditches.

Phase 3:

-Coalition forces will push towards the central plains of Cyncia. Armoured units should lead the assault supported by naval gunfire, artillery fires and tactical airpower. The capture of intervening enemy strongpoints is critical to ensure the integrity and security of logistics trains feeding the attacking force. While it is preferably to avoid protracted battles, if neccessary enemy pockets and large troop concentrations should be fixed and destroyed by armor, infantry and aircraft to ensure they cannot threaten supply trains and the rear of the advance. Where follow-on forces are available, the armoured thrust should bypass and allow these and other supporting combat arms to deal with the threat.

Phase 4:

-Advance on the Cyncian Capital, Cyncia City, while maintaining pressure on flanks and advancing west towards the City of Sertea on the Central West Coast of Cyncia. While it is preferably to avoid protracted battles, if neccessary enemy pockets and large troop concentrations should be fixed and destroyed to ensure they cannot threaten supply trains and the rear of the advance. Where follow-on forces are available, the armoured thrust should bypass and allow these and other supporting combat arms (the artillery, airpower) to deal with the threat.

Phase 5:

-Advance into Cyncia City, capturing Cyncia City International Airport and surrounding remaining defending soldiers. Must be captured intact and able to recieve aircraft the moment its captured.

Phase 6:

-Capture Presidential Palace and government buildings eliminating the regime for good. Occupation will be temporary with goal of removing occupying forces within a timeframe of 4 months starting from the date the occupation started.

Also sent to Commanding Generals of Alfegos, Zaheran and Mokastana armed forces commited to Cyncian Campaign

OOC: Sorry if i have taken some of your sentences Etoile Arcture, i couldn't explain it in more detail cause you already have done.

Zaheran

20-03-2009, 18:14

Present day
The Imperial Palace, Zahran

Flags and banners lined Stahlhelm Square, half of them in the blue and red colours of Zaheran, half in purple and gold, the colours of the ruling house of Rosenheim-Holstëin. The gigantic square, which covered over forty hectares, was filled with people. Two and a half million Zaheranians had gathered in front of the Imperial Palace, waiting for a very rare event: a speech by their ruler. It had been two years since Dieter I last appeared in public, and rumours had been spreading that the heavy burden of governing an empire as vast as Zaheran was slowly breaking down his health. A sign of the enormous interest for the event was the hundreds of news vans that had been parked at the far end of the square, broadcasting live from the palace to an audience that counted in the billions. All hotel rooms in the city had been rented out within a few hours of the news of the speech becoming public, and a room in the city centre now costed in excess of ten thousand reichmarks for a night. There was not a free parking space in the whole city.

The crowd had representants from all social and ethnic groups in the Empire. Nobles, dressed in intricate constructions of silk and precious stones in the colours of their houses, soldiers in stiff uniforms, business executives and white-collar workers in dark-coloured suits, industrial workers in their traditional blue or black shirts, Sikhs in their traditional turbans and with curved knives in their belts, Eislanders with their long, braided hair. The list could go on forever. What united these people, from hundreds of ethnic groups and all social classes, was that they had all gathered at Stahlhelm Square to listen to the man they all hailed as their emperor, despite their social, linguistical and cultural differences. Standing side by side, shoulder by shoulder, representatives of all peoples and territories that formed the Holy Empire. A terrible force should their wrath ever be awakened. And it was about to be.

It started with a fanfare. From somewhere inside the palace, a hundred trumphets signalled that something was about to happen. Soon the sound of marching feet could be heard, a rhythmic beat that grew stronger and stronger. The palace gates facing Stahlhelm Square swung opened and a company from the Palace Guard marched out, each soldier perfectly synchronised with his peers. The rising sun reflected from their white mantles and polished cuirass breastplates and pickelhaube helmets as they formed a line in front of the three-metre high marble wall that separated the palace grounds from Stahlhelm Square. The crowd fell silent, murmur and chatter gradually dying out as everyone focused on the palace and the balchony from which the Emperor made his public speeches. For a couple of minutes, the only sound to be heard was the flags flapping in the wind.

And then he appeared, a tall man in a black uniform who strode out onto the balchony with slow, proud steps. He rested his hands on the marble railing and looked down at his people. His left face half was hidden behind a silver mask, masterfully crafted to resemble his facial features. Most people believed that it was ceremonial, an attire worn to remind the people of his powers, just like the crown and the sceptre. Few knew of the mask's real function, that it hid terrible scars inflicted many years earlier by an napalm bomb that had transformed the flesh beneath the mask to something barely recognisable as human. Miraculously, neither of the eyes had been damaged, and they now stared down at the crowd below with icy calm as the Emperor raised his hands to silence the applause that had accompanied his appearance. His voice was calm and clear, the voice of a loving father speaking to his children.

"Sons and daughters of Zaheran, children of the Empire! Three weeks ago, a terrible loss befell our nation. Three weeks ago, seven hundred souls were torn from us in a ruthless attack, carried out by those who wish to harm our nation and our people. Seven hundred sons and daughters, husbands and wives, innocents killed for an ideology that has killed millions more. The Workers' Liberation Army was responsible for their deaths, but they were not alone. No! Through the strenous efforts of hardworking policemen and officers of the National Security Directorate, we have recovered evidence that shows that the WLA recieved support. Another nation, intent on harming Zaheran, supplied them with money and weapons so that they could carry out their cowardly and villainous attack!"

The crowd roared out its hatred and anger. The Emperor raised his hands again and the roar died out.

"Club 24 was not their only target. They had plans to attack military and naval bases, posion water supplies and murder several high officers in our armed forces. These attacks were stopped, thanks to the valiant efforts of our security services. Fifty WLA agents have been captured and will face execution for their treachery, but the man behind the attack, the mastermind of this diabolic plan, still walks free. His name is Ali Keraya, and he is the dictator of Cyncia! He is the one responsible for the deaths of our compatriots!"

Another roar rose from the crowd. This time, the Emperor let it continue for several minutes before continuing.

"This atrocity cannot go unpunished! And trust me, children of Zaheran, it will not! Together with our friends in the Fegosian Union and Etoile Arcture, we will show Keraya how Zaheran punishes the cold-blooded murder of our citizens. On my orders, the Eight, Eleventh and Twelfth fleet will participate in the campaign to liberate Cyncia from its corrupt leadership, together with the brave men and women of the 63rd Guard Division, the 59th Division, the 12th Division and the 79th Airborne Division. Citizens of Zaheran, we will force Ali Keraya to pay for his crimes!"

He bowed and strode back into the palace, followed by thundering applause.

Thive

The glove had been cast, and the massive operation codenamed Vergeltung, Retribution, was starting. The 63rd Guard Division, which had participated in several campaigns in Madurastan and Thive, had begun to arrive from its base in northern Madurastan and pick up its predeployed equipment from the stores at Fort Stahl. The 79th Airborne, with a high readiness status and light equipment, was also in the process of being flown into Thive, while the two remaining divisions, with their heavier equipment, would take longer to arrive, since they had to be transported the old-fashioned way, on slow, vulnerable troop carriers which had to be escorted the whole way to their destination.

While the Zaheranian ground forces would take some time to reach full strength, that was certainly not the case with the massive fleet that had gathered outside the Thivean coast. A dozen aircraft carriers, fifteen guided-missile cruisers and scores upon scores of destroyers, frigates and auxillary ships gave the fleet the greatest firepower that had ever been available to a Zaheranian naval force. It was quite fitting that it had been issued the codename The Emperor's Hammer, for it would indeed be used to hammer Cyncia's defences into dust.

From the decks of a dozen aircraft carriers, F-35 Lightning II and F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters were taking off in a rapid stream. Over two hundred aircraft would participate in Zaheran's first strike against the enemy, one that would target coastal defences, anti-aircraft installations, radar sites and airfields, so that the allied forces could achieve air supremacy once the main invasion started. Once that goal had been reached, the coalition could begin to grind down Cyncia's communications, military infrastructure and industrial capacity. Keeping by the Etolians' plan, special focus would be given to the eastern coast to lead the Cyncian high command to concentrate their forces there, which would leave the way open for the allied forces when they landed on the northern coast.

As the Zaheranian aircraft roared in over the eastern coast of Cyncia, the game begun. Fifty ADM-160 MALD decoy missiles, which carried radar enhancers that allowed them to simulate any aircraft, were fired to cause panic among the enemy command and force them to activate their radars. All active radars were then attacked with AGM-88 HARM missiles carried by the F/A-18's. No reaction from the enemy had yet been noticed, but it was surely to come.

Madurastan

20-03-2009, 18:32

All over Cyncia, the radar screens began to flood with signatures which suggested large scale attacks all over Cyncian territory. A short while afterwards the screens went blank. Pandemonium reigned as nobody in the Cyncian High Command could deduce what was happening.

Under the cover of this, a force of 20 F/A-18E Super Hornets of the Madurastan Fleet Air Arm took off from MAC Salvation and MAC Valiant and moved towards pre-planned targets. One such target was a rail junction south of Jikansa which could allow Cyncian troop movements to hamper the eastern landings. 12 F/A-18 Super Hornets armed with JDAM 500lb Bombs attacked the railway station and freight yards destroying over 2000 pieces of railway stock and damaging the railway station. The attack also severed the tracks leading to the junction isolating the defensive bunkers overlooking the coast. Other targets were local subsidiary airfields, army bases in close proximity to the invasion site and smashing supply yards severely damaging the Cyncian Armys capibilities in the area.

The Cyncian Air Force had lost 49 MIG-29 Fighters, 15 Sukhoi Su-25 Close Air Support Aircraft, 27 F-35 Lightning II Fighters and all 150 Tu-190 Tupolev Bombers. The Cyncian Army had lost 346 supply trucks and had listed 73 killed with many injured.

Alfegos

20-03-2009, 19:58

6th Airfleet Command
Tho'lara (a.k.a Hervia)

For many days preceding T-hour, the airfleet command station in Tho'lara had been a hive of activity as preparations were made for the known oncoming conflict. As the situation in Cynacia had deteriorated, the Airfleet Command Station had been the site of more and more airship flights, transporters and military craft alike arriving and gathering in anticipation of an attack, moored across the entire country as they were systematically fuelled and armed for the conflict. With what had been seen as a potential threat to the colony itself from Cynacia, the regiment of Colonial Guardsmen stationed in the free-trade zone of Hervia City had been called up and prepared to defend the colony, whilst Alfegos gathered for a mass strike upon Cynacia.

The tactics the Alfegan forces were hoping to use were similar to tactics previously used in the theatre - that was, to use the cover of mass allied landings in the target nation to strike deep at the enemy, cutting off all leadership and logistics and bringing the military to its knees. As such, they were expecting to do it again, albeit at a much larger scale and with more money thrown in to bring a resolution as fast as possible. After that, enduring freedom would be given to the people of the troubled nation

______________________

Day One - Start of Operation Hailstorm

Air Captain Zac of the AAS Kal'zi sat at the bridge of his airship, an enormous Consul-class Aerocruiser. It was early morning, and he was up before the rest of his crew as a faint light crept into the gondola. Being inactive, the airship did not need crewing at night-time, meaning that his first job was to start up the airship computers. He started with the airship tactical computer at his position, right at the front of the gondola. The gondola itself had a small recess at the far front, affording the airship pilot and the captain view over all that lay in front of the airship, accessed by a small set of steps that brought him up to the main bridge behind him. At his seat, a series of computer monitors lay quiet, soon displaying strings of text as they booted up, uploading and installing software updates from Airfleet Command and finalised tactical battle plans. Leaving them to run checks, he moved over to the pilots position, where many more instruments sat waiting to be checked. As well as the electronic displays, backup flight instruments sat amongst a sprawl of control levers and buttons, which needed brief checks as he booted up the flight computer.

Moving up back to the bridge, he made his way over to the weapons control system as he was greeted by the first risers of the day crew - his defence systems controller. The man was dressed in neatly ironed blue uniform, a small rank slide on his shoulder showing him to be a 1st Class Airman. As a result of the training the rank entailed, he was able to carry a sidearm on his belt, a small service-issue SaintB-manufactured pistol. The Captain carried his own pistol into battle, an AMP-99 machinepistol that intimidated others more than his size when angry.
"Morning. Sleep alright?"
"Not really, sir. I always get the shivers the night before anything like this, especially when my bunk is nice and cold."
"Fair enough. I didn't get that much sleep, but eh... the ration packs should deal with that somewhat. Anyway, when will the rest of this watch be ready?"
"A couple minutes at most - I think most are already ready."
"Good. Make sure everyone understands that at 0600 hours, we're officially at amber watch. Alright with that?"
"I'm fine with that sir. I'll help get everything ready."

At 0600 hours, the entire crew were assembled, two thirds of them in working uniform, ready to listen to the brief.
"Alright then gentlemen - we will begin. The situation, as I'm sure you're doubtlessly aware, is that the nation of Cynacia has descended into civil war. With allied forces preparing to attack, the Alfegan Airfleet has been ordered to conduct mass air attacks as part of Operation Hailstorm, to pacify the nation for amphibious assault by allied forces. We will be attacking from the south of the island, whilst Taskforce Alpha will be taking the west of the island. Taskforce Charlie are acting as an escort and reserve for Operation Overhaul, in which Taskforce Delta are deploying aeromarines for the takeover of enemy command positions in their capital city.
The mission for us is to follow orders from the Taskforce Commander in order to attack key positions. Our status as an Aerocruiser means we will be right in close to the enemy providing fire against targets pre-planned by the Airfleet command. After this, we are to continue fire against the enemy as close air support for allied ground forces as they move inland. At the end of the operation, we will be providing security until a permanent government is set up.
We will do this via the use of our massive payload of missiles and our crew ingenuity. Weapons controllers, as you are aware High Command has provided us with some nice little toys should we come into contact with any airborne threats. As for ground threats, it's the standard mix of SSMs and cruise missiles. We've been told to conserve autocannon ammunition due to an increased threat of missile fire from the enemy. Rules of engagement are on all preplanned targets once I am sure the area is safe, and against all military targets given permission to fire upon by the Flotilla Commander. Should we come under fire, we are to return equal fire immediately.
In the case of the airship having to perform an emergency landing, we will follow the airship defence protocols until an aeromarine unit is dispatched to relieve us. The airship supply hold has enough armaments and supplies for that eventuality, so no need to worry there.
I think that sums it all up. Any questions, I will answer now."

A half hour later, the airship was moving, massive engines throbbing as it sped up to meet up over Thive with the rest of Taskforce Bravo. From there, it would be providing the support that few could dream of to the allied attacks on Cynacia.

______________________

ORBAT
2 Flotilla, 6th Alfegan Airfleet
>Taskforce Alpha
~AAS Neu'vi (Consul-class Aerocruiser)
~AAS Tho'lara (Consul-class Aerocruiser)
~AAS Neo'vic (Consul-class Aerocruiser)
~3x N-class Aerofrigates
~3x L-class Aerodestroyers
~1x 89-class Sensorcraft

>Taskforce Bravo
~AAS Kal'zi (Consul-class Aerocruiser)
~AAS Neo'vi (Consul-class Aerocruiser)
~AAS Te'loa (Consul-class Aerocruiser)
~4x N-class Aerofrigates
~4x I-class Aeropatrolcraft

>Taskforce Charlie
~AAS Pal'io
~AAS Hyu'lo
~AAS Tu'lov
~3x N-class Aerofrigates
~3x L-class Aerodestroyers
~1x 89-class Sensorcraft

>Taskforce Delta
~ AAS Stormbringer
~ AAS Gungho
~ AAS Braveheart
~4x L-class Aerodestroyers

>Taskforce Lemur
~3x Clipper-class Fleet Aerofreighters
~2x Liberty-400 class Fleet Aerofreighters
~1x Beluga-class Aerofreighter
~8x Lightbird Command & Support Ekranoplans

3 Battalion, 2nd Aeromarine Regiment
>Command Platoon
~28 men
>A company
~80 men
>B company
~80 men
>C company
~80 men
>D company (reserve)
~76 men

Madurastan

20-03-2009, 20:29

A Transmission was sent to the Alfegos Taskforce

To: Alfegos Taskforce
From: Madurastan Taskforce

When you arrive at Thive we will begin our movement to pre-landing positions.

OOC: Alfegos please check TGs

Madurastan

21-03-2009, 18:34

The remains of the Cyncian Navy had escaped west after the air attack on Greisha and loss of Battleships 6 and 8. Battleships 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were berthed just off the Northern Coast near to the Invasion Site. However, they had naturally been spotted by satellites and an attack was immiment.

At just after 7am, 23 B52H Bombers made a high level run over their hiding place. Each B52 dropped 5 5000lb Bombs each which made lucky hits on Battleships 1 and 5 causing major damage to Battleship 5 which sank immediately. Battleship 1 took 1 major hit which penetrated the inadequately armored deck and detonated above an engine distorting a propeller shaft. The undamaged Battleships began preperations to get away.
Before the preperations were complete however, A threat from 3 Exocet Missiles fired from 2 Sea Wasp Fighters attacked the remaing Battleships.

At 7:45, an Exocet struck Battleship 7 first. It hit the lumbering ship on the stern punching a hole which water began pouring through.
Battleship 3 was next with one hitting the bridge killing the Captain and all senior Officers outright and disabling the radar and defence systems. Another hit a minute later on the bow which detonated below the forward magazine. As fire crews struggled to put the fire out, the forward magazine exploded killing 46. More explosions onboard followed ripping the ship apart. It settled in the water before sinking 2 minutes later with the loss of all hands.

5 minutes later, 30 F-39 Fearless Fighters armed with 1000lb JDAM Bombs approached and attacked the undamaged Battleships 2 and 4. Battleship 2 was aimed by no less than 18 F-39 Fearless Fighters whose 1000lb Bombs scored 3 direct hits causing catastrophic damage. Battleship 4 was hit 8 times and exploded with such fury and was close enough to the cliff face that pieces of debris began landing on land nearby.

After 20 minutes of bombing, the 48 F-39 Fearless Fighters headed for home, only Battleship 7 still was above water but burning fiercely. The rest had been sunk or blown apart during the attack. 1 hour later, Battleship 7 was reboarded and an attempt was made to get her to Greisha travelling at only 5 Knots.

At 11:39 am, 5 miles from the port she was attacked by 2 F/A-18E Super Hornets armed with 2 2000lb Bombs. Both bombs were on target. The stricken Battleship listed to starboard before finally sinking just after noon. The Cyncian Navy had been destroyed.

Mokastana

21-03-2009, 19:40

MNS Salvador
Command Bridge

"Admiral, we have confirmed reports that the enemy navy is no longer operational. All confirmed enemy ships have been eliminated."

"Good, I still want the subs keeping an eye out though, we didn't make it this far by trusting every intelligence report we ever got."

A few days ago, the MNS Salvador, and its partner Longsword, the MNS Protectorado had left with perhaps one of the smallest deployments of the Mokan Navy in years, but seeing as there was no enemy navy to fight, Naval Command decided not to waste resources on this event and only send what was needed. Admiral Peron read over his received "battle plans" and was best determining how to deal with the current west coast. He sat at the head of a large meeting table with a 3-D Image of the country in front of him, around the table was numerous communication officers, fire control officers and other much needed personnel to ensure the Bridge's orders were carried out within seconds of being given.

Sitting around the table with the Admiral was a group of Commanders who would be in charge of the aspects of this operation. To his right was Captain Domingo of The Salvador, with would make up most of the fire support for this operation. Continuing around the table was Generalissimo Leon Turner, Commander and creator of the Mokan Marines wearing traditional fatigues and armed with a standard issue JagD .45 caliber pistol. Next to him was a computer screen which showed the face of Generalissimo Minor Roberto Diaz, a man who had achieved both the status of Generalissimo and Jaguar, a rare accomplishment in the army. This meant that he had both fought and killed in live combat, and served long enough to control his own army, however this would be his first operation where his forces would be deployed all together, even though they were expected for mostly police work. On another screen sat Air Marshall Jesus Manuel, if only for appearance since his air force would be running logistics once air bases inland were secure.

"Gentlemen, here is the situation. We are going to land at these pre-determined coastal positions,"

as he spoke he pointed to the map with moved with the presentation, highlighting areas on the west coast, with Red markers symbolizing Mokan forces and Green forces marking known enemy locations.

" We will make up the bulk of the land assault for the west coast. Air cover will be supplied by the Fegosian Airfleet, supported by our navy. Naval forces will maintain air superiority and allow the Fegosians to fly around unchecked.

Landings will occur starting out with aircraft running sweeps, and allowing LY589 Hellions to find targets that may pose a problem for our marines. After aircraft clear the area of the noticed enemy presence. Marine transport flotillas will move up the coast and begin to helicopter in marines into predetermined zones that offer both defense of the landing zones and effective coverage. Up the shorelines AAAVs will move up to provide quick vehicle support for any needed units. Once these docks are secure..."

once again more targets highlighted, this time in bright orange to make them stand out

"We will start unloading the armor and vehicles to allow marines to move inland and begin setting up division commands. Once landings begin all Marine transport Flotillas will be directly under Generalissimo Leon Turner's control, and each marine squad will have access to call in Hellion strikes without previous authorization, except in urban areas. Those will be routed though Company commanders who will attempt to use other means of disposing of targets rather then missile strikes. Generalissimo Turner, you make take over from here to explain your battle plan in further detail."

"Thank you Miguel, now amigos, once we make landfall here and here...."

The Generalissimo continued on talking as the Admiral got up from the table and approached his communication officer.

"Son, the Fegosians are getting this meeting as well, is that correct?"

"Yes sir, we are recording it for them and sending their commanders a live feed, however due to technical difficulties we cannot get their signal just yet. Should I let you all know once we get a response from them?"

"Yes, just let me know and I will introduce any Fegosians who may be watching our battle plans."

At this time another Communications officer came over....

"Admiral, you wanted to know when we are within 1,000km of the coastline."

"Are we?"

"Yes Admiral, and continuing on."

"Perfect, give the order to assume battle positions around Salvador and Protectorado, have the carriers begin air coverage and order AA to be at general quarters. Continue at the same speed, and once we get within 100 km of the coast I will order a general halt. keep me informed if something else comes up."

"Aye Aye"

Etoile Arcture

22-03-2009, 12:34

Day Two

The B-90A Condor was know to its crews as the “Goose”, in common with the practice of many air forces around the world of never referring to one’s aircraft by it’s official name. The monicker had been earned when one day while watching a B-90A gracefully come into to land, swing-wings extended and nose raised, one unnamed but infamous individual remarked that with its butterfly-type tail, blended wing/body fueselage and long neck the aircraft ressembled a goose. The name quickly stuck, and crews begun to refer to their birds as “Geese” and a formation of B-90As as a “Flock”.

The Flock sent to Fort Stahl numbered just twenty-four aircraft, which compared to the other hundreds of aircraft at the base, and perhaps a thousand other allied aircraft might have seemed an insignificant number. The 303rd Strategic Bomb Wing, as the Flock was also known as, would during Operation Retribution be split into three eight-aircraft formations that could maintain a 24/7 tempo of operations divided nominally into one daylight and two nighttime raids every 24 hours. That said, to confuse the enemy the aircraft did not leave the ramp every eight hours like clockwork but varied their attack times and routing as widely as possible. Sometimes this meant a series of intense raids just minutes apart with the whole wing, or pinpoint attacks at various times during a 24 hour period. The aircraft also attacked targets throughout the country, avoiding concentrating on any one area as doing so would undoutably alert the enemy to the importance of any particular area for the coalition and therefore betray to the enemy their ultimate intentions.

The only exception to this rule was Cyncia City itself, but then again it would be hard to disguise the coalitions intentions that it intended to capture the city and decapitate the leadership. Cyncia City was also of special interest as it still maintained the highest concentration of air defences in the country. Madurastan F-117As and Etoilian AQ-38Bs had been flying DEAD missions - destruction of enemy air defences - from almost the first moment of the campaign along with multiple dozens of cruise missiles. Enemy radar was learning not to be lured out by air-launched decoys only to be hit by HARMs and now held their fire. It left the only manned aircraft that could safely penetrate such a high threat environment the stealth bomber, and the B-90A had been designed to combine the best qualities of the B-2A and the B-1B in a single and very expensive package.

A single B-90A could carry up to 40,000 pounds of ordnance held in two multi-purpose rotary launchers. In practice this meant a maximum warload of sixteen 2,000 pound bombs such as the GBU-31 JDAM. A single aircraft could also conduct as many as 192 attacks simultaenously in a single pass, provided there was sufficient tactical information on the targets. This meant sending yet another unmanned aircraft into the battle zone, in this case the RQ-13A Vulture sensor craft. These drones were strange diamond shaped joined wing aircraft, spindly and large but made of composites and effectively radar, thermal and accoustically invisible as they flew at heights above 70,000 feet. UHF radar was embedded in each wing skins, four in all, producing true 360° radar coverage. They were the eyes of the operation (the ears being the E-17A Watchtower AWACs plane), and provided near-realtime thermal and UHF radarimagery of the target area and bomb damage asssemen.

The amount of planning neccessary for a single B-90A attack was staggering. The RQ-13As radar imagery was overlaid with GPS coordinates and fleshed out by satellite imagery. Despite their low observability the aircraft would fly routes threaded in between enemy radar, and would release their weapons at stand-off ranges of 30 to 40 miles from a target. The B-90A would fly as singletons or sometimes in wingman pairs. No electronic jamming or air-launched decoys would be fired to confuse enemy radars, relying on stealth to penetrate hostile airspace and suprise the enemy, a succesful mission being one where the enemy are only aware of an attack as the bombs were exploding.

On approach to the aim point each Goose would take a radar snapshot using its own virtually impossible to detect ultrawideband synthetic aperture radar. This SAR picture was used to to callibrate the GPS coordinates dialed into the weapons over the internal 1760 fibre-optic weapons interface. Only when the release point had been reached would the the sawtooth-endged bomb doors open, thethe aircraft decelerating slightly as the sixteen GPS-guided JDAM bombs left the bay and begun their short flight to the targets. Around Cyncia City the 303rd Strategic Bomb Wing flew repeated missions hitting the two major airfields, cratering runways to trap aircraft on the ground, then attacking them even as they hid in their hardened aircraft shelters. In two eight-ship raids the entire Cyncian Tu-190 bomber force was destroyed on the ground without ever being able to fly a sortie.

The bombers also attacked armanent and vehicle plants around Cyncia City, hit all the road and rail bridges, and cratered multi-lane highways heading out of the city. And the B-90s didn’c confine themself to this. By the end of day two the 303rd Strategic Bomb Wing had dropped 950 tons of ordnance across Cyncia. This included raids near Greisha on the north east coast, where in singles or pairs B-90As hit the fort system with their 2,000 pound JDAMs and made repeated attacks dropping CBU-87 Combined Effects Munition cluster bombs over the defensive trench network dug around the city, each aircraft blanketting an area of 600,000 square feet in submunitions. Jikansa on the east coast and Sertea on the central west coast were no less spared this treatment as the B-90As roamed around the country ignorning the Cuncians own pitiful attempts after every raid to defend themselves. Firing anti-aircraft artillery widely into the air at bombers that had already departed the area, and sometimes even firing surface to air missiles blind hoping to hit one of the flocking geese with a lucky shot.

Madurastan

22-03-2009, 12:55

Madurastan Air Force B-1s and B-2As from Fort Stahl had also contributed with precision guided 500lb Bombs had hit targets around the invasion area but more attacks were needed to cause enough chaos to mask the invasion.

The Madurastan Fleet started to leave Thive. The decision to go early had been taken by the Task Force Commander General Taylor Maxwell after considering the 2 day trip it would take to get there. A message was sent to all commands:

To: The Zaheranian, Alfegan, Mokastana and Etoile Arcture Task Forces
From: Madurastan Task Force Commander General Taylor Maxwell

Phase 2, the Invasion of Cyncia is set for 3 days time. Air attacks will now intensify. Reccomend concentrating air efforts to the invasion sites with the intention of sealing them off from resupply and reinforcement. Artillery positions in bunkers that are aimed on the invasion beaches plus the defensive positions housing machine guns will be targeted immediately prior to the invasion force landing. Can you tell us if this time is suitable to you please.

Madurastan

23-03-2009, 19:18

Bump

Mokastana

23-03-2009, 20:37

MNS Salvador
100 Km off the coast of Cyncia

"Admiral we are in position, air superiority flights are above the fleet, and defensive positions have been taken."

"Thank you Ricardo." The admiral turned to away form the Communication officer towards the open windows on the bridge, staring into the vast sea between them and the coast they were to attack in a few days. A few kilometers out a flight team of F-18s flew across the horizon, scanning for enemy aircraft just in case.

"Captain Domingo, is the ship ready to commence strikes?"

"Of course Admiral."

"Good, contact the generalissimo and let him know. I am sure that he has met with his commanders and determined the best targets for your hellions. Ricardo, contact Captian Perez and see if the Protectorado is ready to commence strike. If he is have him contact the generalissimo as well."

"Aye aye admiral"

"Admiral Carriers are ready for orders."

"Order them to send UAVs or something to keep us armed with up to date information on enemy movements on the coast, oh and have them begin strikes against any targets an ally has condemned to death."

"Aye Aye"

Across the fleet aircraft and UAVs took off from the carriers spread throughout the fleet. E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes patrolled the skies searching for any airborne targets for the F-18s to engage while EA-18G Growlers began take off to commence electronic warfare against enemy radar stations/SAM sites. F-35 Lighting IIs armed with JDAMs and Joint Standoff Weapons took off in the direction of the coastline to begin hitting targets previously marked. MQ-8B fire scouts had already been deployed and were nearing the coast to begin acting as the eyes of the operation, combined with satellite coverage most stationary targets were quickly popping up on the map and quickly assigned a method of attack against them. Bunkers and roads were more likely to get JDAMs while Radar and SAMs still operation were more likely to receive Hellion Cruise missiles.

Generalissimo Leon Turner was plotting how he would control enemy flow and reinforcement towards the landing zones by planning what to hit and what not to hit. A few major highways were marked as to not to be hit by allied strikes and requests not to hit them were sent to the rest of the Allied forces. These Highways mainly lead deep into the country but did not lead near military installations. While roads and routes connecting his beachheads to army bases were quickly targeted. While highways were always an easy target Leon's main worry was side routes and unmarked roads the local military may know off that he would not find until the enemy was using them. Once he could get armor on the shore it would not be as major of an issue, but for the first few days of the operation he did not want a surprise armor rush cause trouble for his boys before they could call in for air support.

This would be the first multi-division landing he would be organizing since the initial landing in Rithian, and he wanted it to be perfect.

TO: Madurastan Task Force Commander General Taylor Maxwell
FROM: Admiral 2nd Class Miguel Peron, Generalissimo de Marina Leon Turner

We will be landing on your order, all of our forces will be ready on that day.

Madurastan

24-03-2009, 12:19

TO: Admiral 2nd Class Miguel Peron, Generalissimo de Marina Leon Turner
FROM: Madurastan Task Force Commander General Taylor Maxwell

Understood. Landings will be obviously be simulataneously so to provide maximum confusion. Good Luck.

Meanwhile, the Madurastan Forces had brought more firepower to the battle:

Revised ORBAT:

Madurastan Air Force

Madurastan Republic of Thive Based Aircraft

100 F-25C Revolution Fighters
150 F-39A Fearless Fighters
100 MK1 Cobra Fighter Bombers
100 A-10A Thunderbolt Close Support Aircraft
100 B52H Bombers
40 F/A-22 Raptor Stealth Fighters
40 B-1B Lancer Strategic Bombers
40 B-2A Spirit Stealth Bombers
20 F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Attack Fighters
10 AC-130U Spectre Aerial Gunships
150 C130J Hercules Medium Tactical Transports
180 C-17 Globemaster III Strategic Transport Aircraft
130 Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker Air to Air Tanker/Transport
35 Boeing E-767 AWACs (Airborne Warning and Control System) Aircraft
55 Boeing RC-135U Combat Sent Signal Intelligence Aircraft
100 CH-47 Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopters
200 UH-60 Black Hawk Battlefield Helicopters

Madurastan Army:

2nd Army

6th Division

15,000 combat soldiers
5,000 support soldiers

150 M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs
200 M344 Wolverine APCs
100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
80 Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Module
40 105mm Light Gun
5 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun
30 M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Gun
20 M107 175mm Self Propelled Gun
5 M110 203mm Self Propelled Gun

7th Division

15,000 combat soldiers
5,000 support soldiers

150 M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs
200 M344 Wolverine APCs
100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
80 Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Module
40 105mm Light Gun
5 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun
30 M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Gun
20 M107 175mm Self Propelled Gun
5 M110 203mm Self Propelled Gun

8th Division

15,000 combat soldiers
5,000 support soldiers

150 M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs
200 M344 Wolverine APCs
100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
80 Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Module
40 105mm Light Gun
5 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun
30 M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Gun
20 M107 175mm Self Propelled Gun
5 M110 203mm Self Propelled Gun

9th Division

15,000 combat soldiers
5,000 support soldiers

150 M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs
200 M344 Wolverine APCs
100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
80 Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Module
40 105mm Light Gun
5 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun
30 M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Gun
20 M107 175mm Self Propelled Gun
5 M110 203mm Self Propelled Gun

10th Division

15,000 combat soldiers
5,000 support soldiers

150 M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs
200 M344 Wolverine APCs
100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
80 Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Module
40 105mm Light Gun
5 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun
30 M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Gun
20 M107 175mm Self Propelled Gun
5 M110 203mm Self Propelled Gun

9th Parachute Army

1st Parachute Division

5,000 Combat Soldiers
1,500 Support Soldiers

100 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
5 105mm Light Gun
2 M- 46 130mm Towed Gun

10th Air Assault Army

81st Air Assault Division

12,500 Combat Soldiers
3,000 Support Soldiers

150 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)
20 105mm Light Gun
2 M - 46 130mm Towed Gun

20 UH-60 Black Hawk Battlefield Helicopters

Madurastan Navy

Type 42 Destroyers

“Francis Class”

MD Briton
MD Polaris

“Windsor Class”

MD Royal
MD Guild

Aircraft Carriers (Madurastan Fleet Air Arm)

Freedom Class Aircraft Carriers

MAC Salvation
120 F/A-18E Super Hornet Attack Fighters and 2 SH-60 Seahawk Naval Helicopters

MAC Valiant
120 F/A-18E Super Hornet Attack Fighters and 2 SH-60 Seahawk Naval Helicopters

AC-12 Cyprus Medium Carrier

MAC Defender
46 Sea Wasp Fighters, 2 SH-60 Seahawk Naval Helicopters

Ashland Class Attack Submarines

MS Vigilante

80 LS-20 Class Landing Ships
150 LS-21 Class Landing Ships
200 MK 3 Landing Craft
100 M-15 Heavy Landing Craft
160 M-22 Armored Carriers

Madurastan Marine Corp

1st Marine Division

12,000 Soldiers
3,000 Support Soldiers

100 LVTP7 AAAVs
50 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)

250 CH-46 Sea Knight Medium Lift Helicopters
150 V-22 Osprey Utility tilt-rotor Aircraft
150 CH-53E Super Stallion Assault and MCM Helicopter

2nd Marine Division

12,000 Soldiers
3,000 Support Soldiers

100 LVTP7 AAAVs
50 O’Gara-Hess M114 Armored Vehicle (Humvee)

250 CH-46 Sea Knight Medium Lift Helicopters
150 V-22 Osprey Utility tilt-rotor Aircraft
150 CH-53E Super Stallion Assault and MCM Helicopter

Etoile Arcture

25-03-2009, 12:49

Day Three

Invasion preparations continued to intensify along with the tempo of the air campaign as D-Day approaches. With the AQ-39Bs still concentrating on the remaining command and control bunkers, radars and SAM batteries around the country and B-90s on area targets, the tactical bombing campaign is left to manned aircraft like the F/A-38A Sentinel and F-26A Tempest.

The overwhelming weapon of choice by air tasking commanders is the Joint Stand Off Weapon, which delivers either a 500 pound advanced unitary penetrator for taking out hard targets like bunkers, or six sensor fuzed munitions able to track and attack even a moving vehicle. With a warload of two JSOWs in their internal weapons bay the fighter-bombers have the firepower to destroy a dozen tanks or APCs, sometimes in a single pass. With targeting coordinates provided by high-flying sensor craft it is possible to hit vehicles even when they hide in forested areas and inside buildings. What is unknown is how many decoys the Cyncians are deploying, as missions must be flown above 15,000 feet to avoid anti-aircraft artillery fire making it impossible to distinguish real from decoy targets.

Late on day two all three amphibious groups sail from Fort Stahl along with Carrier Strike Group Four lead by the supercarrier EAS Galaxy. Two heavy manouevre brigades attached whose HQ is the 27 Heavy Division, the 226 and 279, have been embarked on the group’s numerous LH(X) assault ships. The landings, scheduled for 48 hours requires 140 main battle tanks, nearly 300 infantry fighting vehicles, 150 self propelled artillery and 4,500 combat troops coming ashore in the space of one hour. The maritime and ground forces personnel recieve their final briefings during the cruise sdo as to use the lates reconnaisance imagery from sensor craft and satellites. One major concern felt by commanders is uncertainty over whether the Cyncians may use chemical weapons to oppose the landings. As a consequence the MOPP posture is raised to Level 1.

While the naval threat has been eliminated by the Madurastan air force in the last few hours, this has not lead to a false assumption that the threat to coalition ships has been similarly eliminated. The amphibious groups therefore have an impressive escort of attack subs, destroyers, air domination cruisers and combat air patrols flown from the decks of EAS Galaxy and sea control ships. Aircraft launched from the Cyncian mainland will be detected long before they can get into firing positions with long-range missiles thanks to the EV-22 Lamprey AWACs aicraft. An adaptation of the V-22 Opsrey, a 360 degree EASA radar is mounted between the folding wings that provides constant surviellance of all airspace. F/A-38A Sentinels carrying AMRAAMs and ASRAMMs or SH-79B Baracuda helicopters armed with Sidewinders are flying combat air patrols in the outer, middle and inner zones and ready to react to any threat.

The three Ohio class SBGNs are also back in action, following a rondevous with an underway replenishment group out at sea during day two. On day one the subs had fired their full magazines of 154 Tomahawk land-attack missiles and therefore must rearm to be ready to cover the invasion. The four-cell capsule launch system pods that replace the Trident VLS cells they normally carry are craned out by submarine tenders and replaced with fresh pre-loaded pods. The TLAMs are armed with a 1,000 pound unitary warheads for hard targets and combined effect bomblets for use against armour and infantry. The DDG-1000s have already begun firing some of their TLAMs, degrading shore defences on the west and west coast.

Across Thive and Madurastan hundreds of transport aircraft are also on the move as part of pre-invasion preparations. As many as 500 airlift sorties are already being flown every day, with troops and materiel still arriving from Etoile Arcture. The 476 Special Operations Group and 113 Medium Manouevre Brigade are now at a high readiness level, the two brigades having the unenviable task of insering by air and capturing a number of objectives behind Cyncian lines. These include their own landing zones, and key bridges and transport routes that have been spared by the bombing campaign so they can be used to expedite the breakout from the beaches.

Madurastan

25-03-2009, 14:11

The Madurastan Invasion preperations were nearly complete. The first Madurastan landings would be made on 3 beaches by the 6th Division, 7th Division and the 9th Division. The 8th Division and 10th Division would land 24 hours later.

Before the landings, the 1st Parachute Division will land around the approaches from all 8 beaches and secure them. Meanwhile the 81st Air Assault Division will secure the town of Jikansa and the roads leading towards the town.

Cyncian Army positions will be destroyed by Naval Gunfire from the Madurastan Navy "Francis Class” Type 42 Destroyers MD Briton and MD Polaris, with the “Windsor Class” Type 42 Destroyers MD Royal and MD Guild providing close fire support along with the Madurastan Air Force to the advancing soldiers and armor.
The
The Madurastan Fleet Air Arm's F/A-18E Super Hornet Fighters and Sea Wasp Fighters will provide air support against any Cyncian Air Force attempts against the invasion fleet. Co-ordinating with the Zaheran and Etoile Arcture forces they will help protect the ships and soldiers from air attack.

The Madurastan Marine Corp 1st Marine Division and 2nd Marine Division will land on the flanks of the invasion force and dislodge any heavy guns threatening the Landing Forces.

Madurastan

26-03-2009, 12:44

01:00 Hours Local

The 1st Parachute Division began to land around the approaches from all 8 beaches which they were to secure before the landings. The Cyncian Army patrols suddenly came under fire from all sides as each position was secured one by one. Heavy bombing raids began over the areas where no friendly soldiers were, causing very heavy damage and neutralising some Cyncian positions untouched up to now by air attack.

By 02:00, the approaches were secure and the 1st Parachute Division held most of the vicinity, with some small pockets remaining which could be removed later by the landing forces. Meanwhile the 81st Air Assault Division had landed around the town of Jikansa and the roads leading towards the town. Their job was to remove the garrison inside the town and clear the way for the invasion forces to pass through. Heavy fighting erupted inside the town which left 12 Madurastan Soldiers killed, the first casualties of the invasion phase. However, by 04:30, the town had been secured and the garrison eliminated.

06:00 Hours

Out to sea, the sound of naval gunfire rocked the coast as shells began to land on the 3 beaches where the Madurastan Army would land. At the same time, the Madurastan Marine Corp's 1st Marine Division and 2nd Marine Division began landing on the flanks of the 8 beaches and began attacking the heavy artillery positions that would threaten the forces landing on the beaches.

06:20 Hours

The first landing craft began landing at the 3 beaches allocated to them. On the southern most of the 3 beaches, the 7th Division began to land its soldiers and armor. Only enocuntering light resistance, they managed to secure it within a few minutes and began moving off and began to bring in the rest of the division. The 6th Division began landing on the beach further north and the 9th Division landed on the beach nearest to the northeast coast. By 08:00, all 3 beaches were secure and most of the 7th Division, half of the 6th Division and all of the 9th Division was ashore and advancing.

They know had to wait for the Zaheran landing slightly further south and Etoile Arcture landing on the nearest part of the Northern Coast to reinforce the 1 mile beachead already established.

Zaheran

26-03-2009, 15:49

Three days earlier

Fort Stahl

The Zaheranian headquarters had been established in the oldest parts of the base, the parts built by their countrymen after the First Thivean War. The old command and control center had since then been rebuilt and upgraded with new equipment several times, and it was now a top-modern installation from which the commanding officer of Operation Vergeltung, General Erich Licht, could lead his forces with maximum efficiency. A large screen on one of the walls showed a map of Cyncia and the surrounding region, overlaid with blue and red symbols showing the disposition of allied and enemy forces. As it was fed with new information from satellites, surveillance aircraft and intercepted communications, symbols would appear and disappear. The red symbols did most of the disappearing, the general noted with no small satisfaction.

He focused his attention on a large formation of blue triangles, representing aircraft from the Mokan task force, as they flew in over the coast. Immediately, several red squares representing stationary enemy positions disappeared as hits were confirmed by Mokan missiles and guided bombs. A cruel smile formed on his face as he imagined the carnage caused as the munitions hit home on Cyncian bunkers, roads and SAM and radar installations, killing men and razing buildings. The coalition was striking the Cyncians hard, and had met only minor resistance so far. Now it was time to destroy the remains of the enemy's aerial forces, to ensure the coalition's air supremacy once the landing of the ground forces started.

On his order, a second wave of aircraft took off from the Zaheranian fleet. Seventy F/A-18F Super Hornets, one hundred and thirty F-35's, seven E-2 Hawkeyes and twenty EA-18G Growlers roared in over the Cyncian coast. Coastal defences were promptly ignored, as they would be dealth with later. The AWACS aircraft and their quite sizeable fighter erscorts remained outside the coast, direcing the operations and keeping an eye out for hostile aircraft, while the other planes divided into groups of eight and headed for their targets. Enemy radars and communications were subjected to jamming by the Growlers to keep the Cyncians from detecting the Zaheranian aircraft. Thus keeping the enemy air defences down, the force began to concentrate on its main task: to eliminate remaining operational airbases in Cyncia. Satellite pictures had revealed the locations of the bases to the Zaheranian high command, and with the enemy's communications and air defence systems under attack from the electronic warfare aircraft, they hoped to achieve at least tactical surprise.

Twenty airbases had been chosen to be eliminated in the first strike. From each group of aircraft, ten JSOWs were fired, targeting buildings identified as air traffic control towers, administrative buildings and hangars. Active fire control radars were attacked with HARM missiles to silence the air defence systems. Then, before the enemy pilots would have time to get into the air, the F-35s and F/A-18Fs swept in over the bases, delivering their deadly load of BLU-109 hardened penetration bombs over hangars and runways. The bombs, designed to penetrate nearly two metres of hardened concrete, would hopefully be enough to take out even hardened aircraft shelters and tear up large craters in the runway, making them impossible to use until they had been repaired.

General Licht watched the events unfold with cold satisfaction. His pilots were performing with their usual efficiency. Each raid had only taken a maximum of five minutes, and now they were racing towards the sea, hoping to be gone before the enemy could muster a response. The Cyncian air force would be weakened, robbed of many of its still functional airfields, and the coalition would be one step closer to victory. His eyes continued to wander over the map, studying the massive force the coalition had gathered to crush Cynthia, when he heard footsteps behind his back. He turned around and faced his communications officer, a tall major in the uniform of the 63rd Guards. The man saluted and handed over a envelope.
"Message from the Madurastanis, Herr General."
"Thank you, major." Licht opened the envelope and eyed through the contents. "Three days? Quite a tight schedule, I must say. Are our forces ready?"
"The 63rd is ready, the 79th likewise. The 59th and the 12th are a day away from here, but they are ready for an amphibious operation as soon as they arrive. Our naval and aerial forces are of course ready to do their part."
"Excellent. Very well, have a message dispatched to the Madurastanis so that they know we are ready."
"Yes, sir." The major saluted and walked away. Licht turned his attention back to the screen. The Cyncian government would pay for its crimes.

To: General Taylor Maxwell, Madurastan Task Force Commander
From: General Erich Licht, Commander, Strike Force Cyncia

We will be ready at the set date. The 79th Airborne Division will land behind the landing beaches to prevent enemy reinforcements from reaching the area. Do you know if there are any intact airfields which our troops can use to secure an airhead?

ORBAT:

Army:

63rd Guard Division(Mechanised):
20,000 soldiers

130 x LY4 Wolfhound MBT
490 x LY219 IFV/APC
20 x LY219 Armoured Recovery
5 x LY219 Command Vehicles
25 x LY219/220 Shepherd STMRAD
72 x LY300 Manticore MRS
3000 x HEMT trucks
80 x TRA-92 "Eiko" Light Attack Helicopters
1 x LY471 Skyguard Battery

79th Airborne Division:
15,000 soldiers
150 Wiesel AWC
100 V-22 Osprey
50 CH-47G Chinook transport helicopters
80 EC 655 Tiger attack helicopters

59th Division(Mechanised):
20,000 soldiers
130 x LY4 Wolfhound MBT
490 x LY219 IFV/APC
20 x LY219 Armoured Recovery
5 x LY219 Command Vehicles
25 x LY219/220 Shepherd STMRAD
72 x LY300 Manticore MRS
3000 x HEMT trucks
80 x TRA-92 "Eiko" Light Attack Helicopters
1 x LY471 Skyguard Battery

12th Division(Armoured):
20,000 soldiers
330 x LY4 Wolfhound MBT
290 x LY219 IFV/APC
20 x LY219 Armoured Recovery
5 x LY219 Command Vehicles
25 x LY219/220 Shepherd STMRAD
72 x LY300 Manticore MRS
3000 x HEMT trucks
80 x TRA-92 "Eiko" Light Attack Helicopters
1 x LY471 Skyguard Battery

Navy:

1 Hauptstadt-class carrier
11 Nimitz-class carriers
20 Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers
70 Arleigh Burke class destroyers
80 Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates
60 Supply class support ships
40 Wasp-class amphibious assault ships
60 Albion class amphibious platform docks

Airforce(attached to carriers):

300 F/A-18F Super Hornets
290 F-35 Lightning II
35 E-2 Hawkeye
70 EA-18G Growler
74 MH-60R Seahawk

Mokastana

26-03-2009, 17:44

OOC: is the the go ahead to commence naval landings?

Madurastan

26-03-2009, 19:10

OOC: is the the go ahead to commence naval landings?

OOC: Yep, the invasion has begun. Commence your landings.

Madurastan

26-03-2009, 19:17

From: General Taylor Maxwell, Madurastan Task Force Commander
To: General Erich Licht, Commander, Strike Force Cyncia

There will be airfields in the vicinity which will be intact, as long they are captured before the Cyncian forces blow up the buildings and runways. As a matter of fact there is one just behind the invasion beaches that would be suitable. It can hold many aircraft and has been relatively untouched by air attacks except the control tower which is damaged after a 500lb bomb struck the roof.

Mokastana

26-03-2009, 23:41

"Generalissimo, the orders for the landing have arrived."

"Good, commence landing operations I will stay on the bridge of the Salvador to keep track of the operations."

All across the western coast, Mokan ships moved closer to the shoreline, many within 20-30kilometers of the coastlines preparing to barrage the defenses to hell. Even though enemy resistance was considered laughable at the moment the soldiers knew the majority of the fighting was going to be by guerrilla forces and soldiers who were not worth air strikes to get rid off. They expected street fighting and MANPADS, steel and bullets, and the marines were ready for it. Each division was to take a separate position up the coast, each within traveling distance of an airfield and docks, however Generalissimo Turner's only regret with opening up three different landing zones was that he would not have reserve forces to land if something happened. Not until the army made it in to back them up anyways.

On the first Wasp Class amphibious assault craft CH-46 Sea Knights began warming up and loading up with marines armed with AVIR weapons systems, Dauntless body armor, and standard issue machetes. They were going to be flown in with Cobra Assault Helicopter escort and land in predetermined squares, rooftops, and opened areas to form up fortified positions behind the beachhead lines. Other Amphibious assault craft began preparing Advance Amphibious Assault Vehicles loaded up with more marines for the landing.

Overhead fighter/bombers flew inland and were quickly followed by muted thunder from the coast line. Closer to the assault forces the Battleaxe-class Cruisers opened up on defensive positions with their familiar 205mm guns, raining death and destruction on any threatening enemy forces.

To anyone watching from the coast, the sheer amount of helicopters and incoming AAVs would have seemed overwhelming with the distant music blaring almost as loudly as the whir of the engines, which is what the Mokans wanted. The marines were firm believers in psychological warfare, and what they wanted was to look like was an unstoppable wave racing up beaches and across the skies. Helicopter after helicopter flew over the landing zones, only a few dared to break formation and begin landings around the LZs. Encountering soldiers who did not know what to make of these madmen blaring Metallica, the marines appeared to be having quite the time until the shooting started.

However with the AAVs and cobra support, any major threats not taken out by air strike were quickly quelled and destroyed. Generalissimo Turner watched from the command deck as the landings appeared to go on schedule, any causalities were being picked up by AAAVs and returned to the fleet to the Hospital Hatchet-Class Cruisers.

The middle landing was considered the most important, since it both had a large airfield (mostly) untouched a few miles away from it and what used to be a commercial dock for shipping before the air campaign. Needless to say this was the location of the most resistance, the small unnamed city was turning into chaos as marines flown in began to be surrounded by soldiers determined to prevent further forces from breaking in. Even with AAV support to try and capture the dock rockets and hidden machine gun nests were making progress difficult. Cruise missiles and artillery could be used to neutralize the enemy, but command was resistant to using unrestricted force in an urban environment.

"Move in closer, we need support!"

Madurastan

27-03-2009, 14:49

The 6th Division, 7th Division and the 9th Division had made gains of 3 miles, but with Cyncian Forces holed up in houses, the effort had turned to blasting every house at close range with tank fire that looked to be fortified. On the Madurastan Flanks, the 1st Marine Division and 2nd Marine Division had been redeployed to the Madurastan Army's reserve in preperation for the advance to Greisha later in the campaign.

The 8th Division and 10th Division had been landed ahead of schedule to reinforce the beachead gained and also to act as a mobile reserve in case of a counterattack. The town of Jikansa still lay 2 miles away, protected by a cover force which the 7th Division was to attack once the Etoile Arcture and Zaheran landings occured which would divert Cyncian attentions away from their area. News of the Mokastana landings on the west coast had been recieved with glee from the Madurastan forces and had bolstered morale. The Madurastan Forces had suffered 23 killed and 34 wounded so far in the campaign.

Alfegos

27-03-2009, 19:09

Operation Hailstorm - Western Front

The airship taskforce had been hanging back, just out of enemy RADAR range, ready for their surprise attack. Whilst the Mokan forces had gone ahead with preliminary bombardments, the airships had bided their time, spending it gathering final intelligence on the enemy, in anticipation of the final attack.

The head airship of Taskforce, the AAS Neu'vi, sat on standby at the head of the formation, flanked on all sides by escorting Aerofrigates and Aerodestroyers. The purpose of the former was mainly for longer-ranged interception of enemy aircraft, whilst the latter were tasked for the destruction of threats at short range, ranging from unfortunate aircraft to the normally expected volleys of missiles. All now sat using passive sensory equipment, cameras in visual, IR and NIR aboard the Sensorcraft hidden in the middle of the formation tracking both the movement of the Mokan fleet, and the enemy defences.

The final briefing came the morning of the landings, once correspondence with the Mokan landing force had finished. The taskforce commander, seated aboard the AAS Neu'vi, opened the radio channels on high encryption for a final message, whilst false messages were transmitted as a cover for the true information.
"The situation on the ground at the moment is that the enemy is heavily dug in. Whilst they aren't as dug in as on the southern front that Bravo will be taking on, they still will be tricky to flush out. Mokastana currently has units on standby, in the form of attack helicopters and tactical bombing aircraft, which will be able to provide fast air support on such targets.
The mission is for us to bombard the area ahead of the Mokan landing party. We'll be providing anti-infantry and anti-tank support as requested, aiming for at least a 300 metre gap between the Mokan pathfinder units and the area of bombardment so to avoid any blue-on-blue incidents. Most attacks will be mid-range of fifteen kilometres from us, so as to avoid any unnecessary anti-air fire, at an altitude of 3000 metres. Aerocruisers will provide primary support, with Aerofrigates tagging in in the eventuality of missile saturation limits being met or enemy aircraft launches are detected. Sensorcraft, you'll need to keep a channel open to the Mokastana battlefield network, so that you can provide to them the real-time information feed on our taskforce battle network.
Attack starts in 1/2 an hour, alongside the Mokastana landings. Any questions?"

-----

The bombardments started with a ferocity that the Mokan air campaign could've only dreamed of. Focusing at the central landing zone, the urban jungle soon became a death trap for anything out in the open. The first wave of missiles fired were the psychological warfare missiles, known in the trade as 'Screamers'. Each missile held a warhead of approximately 500 phosphorous bomblets, enough to set a city block on fire and raze it to the ground with unquenchable flames. Tens of the missiles, streamed over, separating hundreds of metres above military targets to scatter their loads across the city. Along with the flames came the secondary missile payload - a siren fitted into the missile exhausts producing a screech similar to that of a firework, but much louder and even more blood curdling.

Amongst the inferno that military-held areas of the city had become, columns of white smoke rising from burning buildings, the second volley of fire came. For anyone in the open who hadn't been caught in the phosphorous strike, the occasional area of suspected enemy activity now marked by towering white columns of flame become a sighting marker for anti-tank missiles. Hot metallic shapes caught on the IR and NIR cameras of both the Aerocruisers and the Sensorcraft saw a flicker of LASER marking as anti-tank 'Crossbow' missiles were launched, running in at high altitude to strike at the tops of vehicles.

The airships starting diverting fire along the inland roads, the first strike of missiles waned to the occasional streak of a missile at an enemy armoured column as the Mokan forces started their landings. With the area considered neutralised, the airships took this as their sign to move in, the taskforce hovering over the city as they continued to rain their missile fire down on the enemy. Anyone who looked up would've been able to see the occasional flash from the gathering clouds as a missile streaked away from the launching craft, an eerie presence above the city as the Mokans began to capture it. Further inland, installation after installation started feeling the wrath of the airship taskforce, anti-air installations acting as a magnet for missiles that were fired to ensure the airship superiority, followed by any other identified military installation.

________________________________

On the southern coast, the limitations given to Alpha Taskforce weren't so pressing. As soon as they had confirmation that the attacks were underway, the southern coastal area chosen for their attack saw not one but three airship taskforces piling in for battle. The early morning sky was lit up by marker flares and the flash of munitions, as shoreline installations burnt and bunkers collapsed. The airship taskforce, travelling at near their operating limit of 6000 metres, drifted high out of direct sight of any ground forces, as the three taskforces began to split. Whilst Bravo Taskforce sat raining down fire on the coast, bombarding the regiments moving in to defend the shoreline from what they saw as a possible prelude to a landing, the other two attack taskforces moved off, engines propelling them to 100km/h as they began drifting down for their attack on the capital. Within two hours after the start of the landings, Operation Overhaul would have begun.

----

Aboard the AAS Gungho, Captain Ta'lo sat with the company command section in the disembarkation bay of the airship. The craft was a Stormbringer-class Aerodropcraft, a landing craft of the skies. Its purpose was to smash into the city, deliver its payload of 72 men and supplies into its heart, before hanging back to pummel any resistance on the ground with its mix of autocannons and howitzer cannons. The Captain made a final check on his buddy's parachute, before standing up to give his final orders.
"For everyone who wasn't here the first time around, this is the plan. We'll get dropped over the city centre LALO style, and make our landings towards the central shopping district. Once we're down there, make it your priority to get to your platoon rendezvous points, which your platoon commanders will remind you of. We want to get off the streets and into the sewerage system of the city as quickly as possible. Supplies will be dropped as and when requested, though be aware that supplies will be limited.

Whilst Charlie Taskforce make a good job of flattening anything that vaguely resembles a tank or infantryman in the city, you'll use that cover to move to your key locations. For all of you, you'll be hitting the central government complexes. 1 Company will be taking the airfield and 3 Company will be conducting extended harassment missions against the enemy from the sewer network. We don't know where exactly the government bunkers are, so you'll have to locate them. 1 Platoon will secure buildings surrounding the government complexes to take out any Police or military personnel deployed to the area if we are detected, and they are not intercepted by the airships. 2 Platoon will be conducting a floor-by-floor sweep of all major government buildings, including their equivalent of the War Ministry and Interior Ministry. Since they can't secure hard discs and servers, those will be our primary way of collecting data. I believe 2 Platoon will be equipped with a data uplink device, so that any severs found can be accessed remotely by the Ministry of War, allowing them access to internal files as well as allowing them to control building security systems, command systems, radio networks and monetary systems. With that under control, we will have them paralysed. Platoon 3 will meanwhile be searching all buildings for either safe rooms or bunkers, so that they can be raided later on.

Once bunkers have been identified, we will conduct a night-time raid. Since all bunkers will be operational as a consequence of the extended air raids upon the city, we will have most government officials in one place. Platoon 2 and 3 will launch mass attacks on the most important bunker identified, using blow torches delivered by supply drop to weaken the bulkheads and breeching charges to clear the doors. Once inside, you are restricted to incapacitating fire only - mark all security guards as soon as is possible, before taking as many government officials as possible captive. We will remove them using supersonic transport via the airport, which should be captured by that time, and fly them to a safe airport in Thive.
Let's get it going then. Jump in two minutes."

The entire company rose, checking all their equipment before making their way from their seats to the rear of the airship. In front of them, an alarm sounded as the ramps started to drop, small segments dropping for the sections to jump from. The wind felt was surprisingly strong, even though the airship was travelling slow. Far below, the city stretched, illuminated in the early morning light by the occasional marker flare. Bright red beacons burnt on the ground as the airships began their missile strikes, Aerocruisers firing off volley after volley of Scorpian Anti-structural missiles into military structures below, the occasional smoke missile landing amongst the ruined buildings to mark a landing zone.

A loud siren started inside the airship as jump lights turned green. In one movement, the entire company rushed forwards, jumping in quick succession before moving into formation for landing. Each section formed a small group, flying at the same level as they moved downwards. Wind whistled past each man, bergans strapped to their legs and rifles to their chest with paracord, making movement difficult. As they reached a couple hundred metres above the ground, the parachutes began automatically deploying, slowing their ascent and allowing them to drift down under grey sails into the city below, weapons up and firing. Man after man hit the ground, rolling as they untied their parachute packs and bergans. In the city, they had no care for stealth, parachutes dropping off with quick releases as they sprinted into the cover of buildings. At the low ground level, the din from missiles strikes was all enroaching, coming from all directions along with the occasional whistle of shells from airship autocannons. Under cover, teams of men sprinted into the streets, ripping sewer covers off the ground by blasting the sides with grenades, before slipping down into the sewers. Underground, the proximity of the sewers to the surface meant the GPS compasses still worked, allowing them to rapidly move to their rendezvous points under the city. With proximity mines deployed in their wake, the platoons then began to move in on their targets.

Etoile Arcture

28-03-2009, 11:00

Day Five

Etoile Arcture’s invasion force, seemingly sailing to the west, had suddenly dissapeared from Cyncian observation during the course of day four before swinging around the tip of the island and heading for the north-east corner early in the morning of the fifth day. Taking the ‘scenic route’ had all been part of the dissinformation campaign to decieve the Cyncian’s into focusing most of their attention along the west coast. Now, a small, but powerful, invasion force was massing out of view on their east coast.

The pre-attack bombardment was timed for the last possible moment to preserve the element of surprise, but just a few minutes before 1 AM local time cruise missles launched from submarines and destroyers an hour earlier begun to strike beach defences along the length of the north-eastern coast. Seconds later, 6.2 inch guns on all seven Etoilian DDG-1000 class destroyers opened up, sending cargo shells over the beaches into Cyncian positions to scour them with hard rain. MQ-8B Fire Scouts launched from the taskforce were literally buzzing the coast as they acted as artillery spotters, beaming realtime video back to combat information centre’s on the land attack destroyers, while RQ-13A Vulture sensor craft filled in the bigger picture monitoring hundreds of kilometres of enemy territory.

As far back as 30 to 40 kilometres behind their lines the AQ-39Bs were attacking logistics centers and supply routes and Cyncian reserve forces with a mixture of small diameter bombs and cluster bombs. To further sow confusion some of the combat drones had been armed with CBU-94 Blackout Bombs to attack power stations and transformers. These dispensed long confetti-like strings of carbon filaments that on contact with power distribution systems would instantly short-circuit them. The effect was spectacular and disorientating for the enemy, as large swathes of north-eastern and eastern Cyncia was plunged into darkness.

A hundred clicks behind the invasion force E-99C Mystics were pumping high-powered jamming into Cyncia overwhelming every radar and communication system while air launched decoys flew into Cyncian airspace broadcasting false radar signatures. The deception was neccessary to cover the approach of a massive air armada of MV-44A Pegasus quad tiltrotors that had staged from Fort Stahl. The tiltrotors were carrying the 476 SOG and 113 Medium Brigade for air insertion in a number of pre-designated landing zones in countryside between the beaches and enemy towns and military facilities. The MV-44A was as large as a C-130 Hercules, but could land a heavy cargo anywhere a helicopter could go, and they brought gun trucks, light armoured vehicles, automatic mortars, M777 howitzers and even attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. By 1:30 AM local time the first attack elements of the 476 SOG and 113 Medium Brigade were moving to their objectives at speed capturing bridges and highways and severing enemy lines of communication.

The only remaining variable were troop positions undetectable by the UAVs and reconnaisance satellites, and smaller weapons like MANPADs and lightweight anti-aircraft artillery guns that were easy to conceal and deploy. The aim was to so confuse the Cyncians they could not mount a response, with what remaining command and control systems they had being jammed, their radars blinded, towns and cities blacked out, and a constant bombardment from ships, submarines and aircraft. So far the Pegasus tiltrotors had not encountered signficant ground fire, and the air inserted force had succeeding in capturing nearly all their objectives with minimal casualties.

And the main event was still to come. As soon as the MV-44As had begun landing dozens of LCAC hovercraft transports departed the well decks of the LH(X) assault ships. Skimming over the sea at high speed they travelled from the task group standing safely off the coast outside the range of enemy artillery. More flexible than a landing craft, the LCACs could go into the shallowest of waters, ignore unfavourable tides, skim right over sea mines and underwater obstacles, and deliver their cargoes right over the beach. The LCACs could even be overloaded, burdoned by heavily armoured M35A2 Cataphract main battle tanks.

The LCACs came in fast and swept up the beach past the surf zone and dropped their ramps to let the Cataphract tanks to power out. Any Cyncians still alive after the mother of all bombardments would have been faced by the sight of the slab-sided low slung tanks, their turrets traverseing predatory as if seeking targets but in fact settling into travelling overwatch positions. Any remaining bunkers and positions on the beach were dealt with by direct fire using MPAT obstacle removal rounds or APAM scatterable submunitions to eliminate troops in defilade. As soon as a tank platoon was on the beach and had secured its area the enxt wave of LCACs came in bringing the infantry buttoned up inside M65CA7 Talon+ infantry fighting vehicles. It took only fifteen minutes for combined arms company’s to form up and then break out. From there on the company’s would move to their initial positions to link up with the medium-weight units that had air inserted barely an hour earlier to secure their inland routes. The fact that the Etoilian force was small aided its speed, and the aim of landing the full 226 and 279 heavy brigades was on schedule to be completed by 4 AM local time.

LCACs remained in action as self propelled guns, air defence artillery and mobile mortars were brought ashore from now secure beaches, as well as the HEMTT A3 trucks that would form the brigade’s supply train. At the same time, the inshore landing zones secured a few hours earlier were beginning to become reinforced postitions in themselves with enough security to repulse counter-attacks, as Airbus A400Ms begun flying large quantities of equipment from Fort Stahl. At road junctions secured by the special forces forward arming and refueling points were established cacheing the ‘food’ that would keep the invasion force going. Logisticians, as much as commanders, were now driving the pace of the attack.

The 113 Medium Brigade now become the advance guard and protected the supply train of the 226 and 279 Heavy Brigades as they dog-legged westwards cross country towards their Phase 2 objective the town of Jikansa. Along with the tanks, fighting vehicles, mortars and air defence syste, the brigades now had their artillery batteries of SPH-158 guns and LARS-160 rocket platforms. AH-79D Anaconda attack helicopters now escorted them, and UAVs scouted out ahead along with M96 LUMPS II Scout and Observation vehicles with elevating sensor masts for observing kilometres in every direction. Issolated villages were being bypassed, and small troop concentrations hit by A-20A Renegade ground attack aircraft.

Both brigades would be able to link up with the 8th and 10th Madurastan Division’s surrounding Jikansa in just a few hours. The blackout bombs had fallen there too, and the city and military base there was deprived of all electrical power. Out at sea the amphibious groups were rotating assault ships off the line to return to Fort Stahl to take on the men and equipment of the 238 and 292 Heavy Brigades that would follow up the landings in 24 hours. Meanwhile, the 114 Medium Brigade was getting ready to fly into Cyncia in the next 12 hours. For Etoile Arcture at least, the battle for Cyncia had barely begun.

Madurastan

29-03-2009, 11:03

02:00 Hours Local

The M110 203mm Self Propelled Guns of the 8th Division and 10th Division opened up on Cyncian Positions inside Jikansa. A few minutes later, the M107 175mm Self Propelled Guns of the 10th Division started to fire on positions west of Jikansa to suppress any attempt of attacking the forces surrounding the besieged town.

Meanwhile the artillery of the 6th Division, 7th Division and the 9th Division began firing on Cyncian defensive positions along the main front in preperation for a large scale attack towards the port of Greisha which would get under way once all forces are ashore.

The M110 203mm Self Propelled Guns fired on heavily fortified bunkers and fortified pilboxes, the M107 175mm Self Propelled Guns on fortified trenches and Machine Gun nests, the M109A2 155mm Self Propelled Guns and M - 46 130mm Towed Guns on artillery and Cyncian Infantry in buildings, the Reaver M2061A2 Medium MLRS Modules began hitting nearby supply depots and the 105mm Light Guns started firing on Cyncian foxholes that ran along the front.

The firepower at the Madurastan Forces disposal began to cause severe damage to the Cyncian Forces in the area. After just 30 minutes of continous firing, 526 Cyncian Infantry, 58 T-72 MBTs and 48 BMP-2 IFVs were destroyed. 54 bunkers, 77 pillboxes and hundreds of tonnes of supplies had been destroyed along with 367 supply trucks. The 67th Regiment covering the northern sector of the front had been reduced to 278 soldiers and 12 officers. The whole of the 28th Regiment had been decimated with half of the 45th Regiment and a quarter of the 38th Regiment.

The 3rd Cyncian Division coming up to reinforce the line never got there as it was pinned down by heavy and accurate artillery fire. To make matters worse, A-10A Close Support Fighter Bombers began strafing supply lines and junctions with their 30mm Cannons and AGM-65 Maverick Air to Ground Missiles destroying armor and infantry as much as 45-50 miles away from the battle area. Chaos reigned in the Cyncian Rear Areas and the Cyncian Military and their leader General Ali Keraya could not do a thing about it.

Zaheran

29-03-2009, 17:18

Present day
Fort Stahl
01:00 local time

The soldiers of the 1st Battalion of the 79th Airborne were tense and silent as they cleaned their weapons a last time, tightened the straps of their parachute harnesses and stepped into the helicopters that would take them to Cyncia. They would be the first to land on enemy soil, and it was no secret that the senior officers expected heavy casualties among them, especially as they had no heavy weapons. But their mission was vital to the operation; without a functional airfield, it would take longer time for the rest of 79th to deploy to the warzone and dig in, giving Cyncian reinforcements time to counterattack. It was therefore with heavy hearts, but with pride in their steps, the paratroopers climbed into their V-22 Osprey tiltrotors and strapped into their seats.

The tiltrotors took off and flew in towards the Cyncian coast on a low altitude, trying to avoid being discovered by enemy radar. The designated landing area was about two kilometres away from the small airfield the paratroopers intended to capture. It was a small field, not more than half a hectar in size. But it was close to the target, and probably not mined by the enemy, which made it an ideal landing site. As the tiltrotors flew over the area, the paratroopers began to jump out. The parachutes had been designed to be low-visibility, and for an observer, it would have been hard to detect the camouflage-clad soldiers as they slowly descended to the ground. When they had landed, they hid their parachutes to prevent enemy patrols wandering by from discovering them, then formed up in units and began to move towards the base.

Half an hour later, the base had been found and surrounded. The only human activity that had been observed was a few sentries guarding the base from intruders, but they did not seen overly alert. The airbase remained dark and silent. Its sleeping occupants had no idea that eight hundred Zaheranian soldiers had them surrounded and were waiting for the signal to attack. At 02.10, it started. The paratroopers sneaked through the terrain towards the base. When they were two hundred meters from the base, they opened fire. Silencers had been mounted on their Ares III assault rifles, lest the noise might alert the enemy to the fact that they were being attacked.

Cyncian Coast
03:00 local time

The sun had not yet rised above the horizon when the invasion began. Outside the beaches assigned to the Zaheranian force the great armada waited in silence as crews and soldiers made their final preparations. With twenty cruisers, seventy destroyers and twelve carriers under his command, the fleet commander had a frightening firepower at his disposal, a fact the Cyncians would soon become painfully aware of.

It started with a missile barriage that could only be described as overwhelming. Each of the Ticonderoga class cruisers could load one hundred and twenty-two Tomahawk missiles into their launchers. Ten had been selected for the task to eliminate all remaining defences on the beaches. One thousand, two hundred and twenty missiles flew towards the Cyncian coast at subsonic speed, targeting known bunkers, machine gun nests and artillery positions.

Ten minutes later, the first wave of helicopters swept in over the beaches. It was an impressive and frightening sight. Hundreds of CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and their escorts filled the air with the whir of their engines as they began to touch down around the beaches. Thousands upon thousands of soldiers climbed out of the helicopters. All pockets of resistance that formed were ruthlessy attacked with air-to-ground missiles from attack helicopters and fixed-wing aicraft. Tanks and IFVs were unloaded from gigantic transport helicopters and LCACs and began to support the infantry. Slowly, the Zaheranians began to advance inland, eliminating all resistance with cold efficiency.

Madurastan

30-03-2009, 13:29

05:00 Hours

The Cyncian Forces facing the Zaheran invasion force fell back as their support consisting of A battery of 110mm howitzers opened fire behind them. All the bunkers had been destroyed with 368 Cyncian Soldiers surrendering the airbase to the Zaheran Paratroops.

At the same time, 2 regiments of Infantry supported by 43 T-72 MBTs attacked the beachead on a narrow front while the flanks were masked by a covering force. The Madurastan 7th Division and 9th Division took the brunt of the attack but managed to break the attack with 175mm and 155mm shells. The counterattack began at 7am with M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs attacking on a broad front supported by M344 Wolverine APCs and F-39A Fearless Fighters.

By 10am, they reached the sea west of Greisha on the Northern Coast, cutting off all the Cyncian Forces after an advance of 20 miles. 250,000 Soldiers, 350 T-72 MBTs, 250 BMP-2 IFVs and over 100 artillery pieces were trapped either in Greisha or east of the port facing the Etoile Arcture force. Madurastan Artillery began to shell the ports defences in preperation for the assault by the 1st Marine Division and 2nd Marine Division in 24 hours time.

12:00 Hours

The Madurastan Forces began to besiege Greisha. The only flank left open was the road leading east of Greisha where the Etoile Arcture Forces would eventually reach after clearing the area north of Jikansa. The town was now in Fegosian Union hands after surrendering to the 8th Division which had attacked and secured the town.

Mokastana

30-03-2009, 21:26

"HELL YEAH! SHOW THEM FASCIST BASTARDS!!"

A marine looked up just in time to see a Fegosian airship began its rocket bombardment deeper into the city. So far the attack had meet light resistance, the dock had fallen quickly once the airships moved in. Some of the older commanders, men who had served in the Mejican revolution remembered the power the Fegosian airships had during the battles. Despite the dangers, many commanders requested up the chain for the airships to lower over the city, to psych out any enemy forces that haven't surrendered yet. Higher ups knew that the pilots may not appreciate that, so Mokan commanders made an open request for any airship commanders who considered it feasible, to lower their craft for the psychological benefit to allies, while destroying the morale of the enemy.

In the streets, marines fought squad to squad with local military forces who hadn't had the intelligence to flee before the war broke out. In the square 8th Battalion, Hell's Angels, were having the most trouble. Deployed by helicopter, the battalion was used to flying behind enemy lines and holding off the forces until the reinforcements came in off the beaches. It had been 8 hours since the initial landing, radio traffic confirmed the docks had been taken and were now unloading marine armor, but it would not make it to the front until next morning. So the Angels were were on their own for the night.

The enemy soldiers have began to learn that any large gathering was quickly targeted for air strike. So movement was now in groups through the quickly forming rubble. To counter squads were sent out to find and destroy theirs before they could assault the square.

Sergeant Minor Alexis Cruz lead his five man squad through what was once an old office building, he had three other squads under his control, and he needed his snipers on the rooftop. Right now his sniper team was going up to the roof with second squad leading the way, to make sure they didn't get ambushed. His squad and 4th squad were on the ground floor playing security.

The gunshots caught him off guard as to marines went down. Deavy machine gun fire was hitting his Platoon from across the street. He returned fire and ducked. God only knows how many men they had attacking. He had now, eight men left who were shouting and tossing smoke grenades to cover themselves. Alexis pulled out his radio and called in for support from the upper floors, preferably in the terms of sniper fire. Until the attack came in from behind. Rifles blared until both sides were right on top of each other. Machetes were changed for rifles and weapons hit the floor as fast as bodies. Alexis used his AVIR to block an enemies bayonet and pulled out his pistol and shot him in the gut. Dropping the AVIR he drew his machete and slashed the man.

The battle continued....

Both the southern and Northern fronts were doing well, and were now in defense mode as they unloaded onto the beaches. Small airfields were next to be commandeered, but they were going to wait until armor, vehicles and AA could be brought to the front.

Alfegos

30-03-2009, 23:02

The AAS Neu'vi started dropping from its height over the city, swiftly followed by two escorting airships. As the rest of the taskforce continued to batter the outskirts of the city and any form of enemy armour that dared show itself, the taskforce commander relished the experience as the airship dropped into the fray. At a couple hundred metres above the ground, he could make out marine squads storming through the city as he gave orders, his pilot skilfully manoeuvring low over the buildings with the engines at full power. At the height they were flying, the air blast from the massive 34 000hp 'Superpower' engines that were fitted was enough to create a strong wind on rooftops, blowing up dust alongside the deep, terminal throbbing. As the airship dropped across an open area of the docklands, scattering seagulls in fright as it moved around at near 100km/h, one of the weapons system controllers switched the autocannon to an offensive setting. Instead of guarding the airship from missiles, the autocannon was now unlimbered to track any targets requested by the controller, the camera joystick for the visual side-mounted video unit holding the trigger. A couple of bursts were all that were needed to demolish the front of a building, 23mm 'Firecracker' rounds turning brick and concrete into dust and rubble.

The engines changed tone as the airship began to slow down, massive drag flaps deploying near the tail to slow the three thousand tonne beast to a reasonable speed. The taskforce role had now been ordered to change, the flotilla commander offshore with the supporting ekranoplan group monitoring the battlenetwork feeds and deciding that munitions were better spent in clearing the city. Whilst the rest of the taskforce continued with bombarding other inland landing zones, the Neu'vi and its two accompanying aerofrigates slowed to a halt just above the main Mokastana marine advance, the autocannon accompanying machinegun fire on the ground alongside the occasional barrage of artillery rockets. The engineer commander watched the airship status screen with great intensity, watching for any serious gas leaks as the airship came under the occasional strafing of a machinegun, to little effect. Every so often, the taskforce commander was reminded of the situation by a drumming on the underside of the gondola, the noise made by a burst of bullets deflecting off the armour.

The autocannon came to a halt as it ran out of rounds, a cry to one of the engineers in the gondola springing him to dash to the supply hold, reappearing with another feed drum to place in the airship autocannon, hidden away inside the supply hold. After half a minute of silence, the airship autocannon began firing again, cutting through a building to leave it split in half. Switching radio channels, the Taskforce Commander began speaking into a radio receiver.
"This is Big Bird Alpha One, calling Mokan forward command. We're currently tracking your forces in the city, giving them a bit of close fire support. As I'm sure you're aware, it's quite hot down there, and we're taking a bit of machinegun fire. We'll be giving you another fifteen minutes of fire support, then we're bugging out to lick our wounds. Any specific targets you want us to take in that time?"
Outside on the repair gantry, one of the engineers stood up with an RPG-7, aiming it down at a building below. A couple seconds later, he fired off the missile, a dull roar heard inside the gondola as it streaked off into a building. Following the trail of smoke came a blast as a house imploded, the blast showering pieces of masonry across the street. The engineer came rushing back inside, sealing the exit door as he tossed the launcher back into the supply hold.
"Looks like the Mochas are giving them a bit of a fight. Glad I'm not one of those poor Cynacian bastards. Any ETA on the city being taken?"
The taskforce commander gave him a brief look, before looking at his watch.
"I'd say a good eight hours until all the major trouble spots are sorted, and a good few days before they stamp out resistance. Don't you worry, we'll be out of machinegun range in about fifteen minutes. Then you can give our lady a bit of tender loving care."

_____________________

Captain Ta'lo sat in a maintenance conduit linked to the sewer network, cables and pipes crowding the metal-lined route to provide little headroom. Near to him, the rest of the command section sat making the most of the rest time, chewing on biscuits whilst sorting out kit. The Company Sergeant Major sat next to him, setting up his arm-held radio hub that transferred to the Captain's small headset. From here, he could listen in on the rest of his company, using the twitching of his cheek to change channels rapidly as he checked about the men. He finally came to rest on the co-ordinated command channel, the code held by section and platoon commanders along with his command section.
"This is Charlie Two, calling all Papa and Sierra elements. Status Check."
"Papa 1 calling in. All's fine here."
"Papa 2 calling in. We've managed to get a shit spot, but that can't be helped."
"Papa 3 calling in. Reconnaissance party has arrived back, and we're ready to move out."
"Charlie Two to Papa 3. We're moving in to your position. ETA of ten minutes. Call us after eight to check our status."
"Papa 3 to Charlie Two, I read you."
"Charlie Two over and out."

The Captain stood up, hoisting his bergan onto his back and sling his rifle back over his head. The rest of his section stood up, preparing to move. His small command section mainly consisted of specialists who wouldn't be attached to other squads - alongside him, his 2IC and two riflemen, there were four other specialists in their field attached to aid in specific decision making. An NBC warfare specialist from the Joint NBC Regiment stood amongst an engineering specialist, an overwatch specialist and an IT specialist, all marked with small regimental or division insignia underneath their rank slides. All were there to cover all situations that the Captain could face, especially with the task they had in mind, and all were ready to attach to other squads should the need arise, to aid them specifically in their task.

After seven minutes, the command section had reached the section of the sewers that 3 platoon were residing in. Here, an underground sluice gate control station had been commandeered by the platoon command, the access tunnel covered by a GPMG. Inside, the eight man section who had performed the reconnaissance were being debriefed, a map of the sewer network being drawn on the back of an issued city map. The Captain listened with interest as he saw the map being drawn, before making up his mind.
"It looks then like we have three routes of potential access - the main utility tunnel, which enters the maintenance areas of the government buildings; the manhole cover you say is in the government gardens; and the one in the back street that would give access to the rooftops.
What I reckon is that 1 Platoon scout the area further where the last one I mentioned is, so that they can find at least three points of access there. That way, they can infiltrate the area a section at a time. Once that's done, the best way to get to the rooftops would be via fire escapes. Once up there, they can set up an overwatch position and bring fire down on any military personnel in the area.
The rest of us will have to enter by the maintenance areas of the government buildings. We'll drop you, 3 platoon, off in the lower levels to start your search for the government bunker. 2 platoon can do their shufti up through the buildings after that. I'll stay with the command section to hold the maintenance area, should we need to bug out. Sapper Hu'ki will rig up some charges to blow the tunnels in the area, so we can cut off any attacks. Corporal Uen can join 1 platoon in their exploits on the rooftops, and Junior Corporal Hi'ga can join 2 platoon in cracking their computer systems.
I'll give everyone the call, and go through the meeting here. After that, we move out to our positions. The next phase of movement starts in an hour and a half from now."

__________________________

Madurastan

31-03-2009, 10:25

Over Cyncia City:

The 1st Airborne Division began their drop over Cyncia City International Airport to prevent it from being used for miitary aircraft. Another drop was more adventurous. To land Madurastan Special Forces inside the capital to help the Alfegan Commandos crack the Cyncian Computer Systems. Both drops began at 11pm local time.

The 1st Airborne Divisions drop was met with little resistance. Flying blatantly over the runways and dropping directly on to them, the paratroops began securing the main terminal building room by room. Firing on full automatic, they began clearing the terminal with ruthless intentions. 3 Cyncian Soldiers trying to get Cola from a vending machine were suddenly raked with GPMG and rifle fire. Many Cyncian Soldiers failed to realise what was going on before being cut down by 5.56mm and 7.62mm bullets. By Midnight, the Airport was secure and defensive positions made. 400 Cyncian Soldiers were dead with 36 captured.

A 4 man team of the Madurastan Special Forces had landed just 500 metres from the government gardens. The first squad had landed and had been told by command that an Alfegan infiltration force was below them. "Papa 1 this is Charlie 1. We are above you and we have orders to help you out over."

Zaheran

31-03-2009, 18:42

Airbase

The surrendering Cyncian soldiers were hauled out of their hiding places and put in an empty warehouse. They were given food and water and then left to themselves, but the sight of the four paratroopers standing on guard duty, still with camoflauge painting on their faces and with assault rifles in their hands, would probably discourage anyone with flight plans. Elsewhere on the base, there was hectic activity as the paratroopers prepared to defend the 79th Division's bridge into Cyncia. Sand bag forifications had been thrown up at the entrances to the base, in some places strengthened with machine gun nests and light mortars. Snipers had taken up positions on top of some buildings and were watching the area surrounding the base through their scopes, ready to report in any sightings to their commander.

As soon as the airbase had been reported as captured, the 79th had begun to ferry its troops over to Cyncia. V-22 Osprey tiltrotors and CH-47G Chinook transport helicopters begun to take off from Fort Stahl in a rapid stream, carrying soldiers and equipment to reinforce the small force holding the base. EC 655 Tiger attack helicopters escorted the airborne convoy as it made its way towards Cyncia. Most of the Cyncian airforce and air defence had been crushed in earlier raids, so they did not expect to meet any major problems.

______________________________________

Coast

The beaches had been cleared with few casualties. Fifteen bodies now rested on the moist sand, shrouded in the red and blue flag of their motherland, waiting to be taken away for a proper burial. No one had bothered to take care of the bodies of the Cyncian soldiers who had died in the defence of the beaches. They lay were they had fallen, with their open eyes staring emptily at the blue sky. Surviving Cyncians were busy unloading equipment and supplies for the Zaheranians, supervised by grim soldiers.

The spearhead of the Zaheranian force had advanced into a small town a few kilometres from the beaches. They were meeting fierce resistance from the Cyncian detachement holding the town. The enemy force had been further strengthened by survivors from the beach landings, and the 1st Battalion of the 63rd Guard Division, which was leading the assault, had to slowly chew its way through the city, house by house. Casualties were climbing rapidly, with twenty-three men killed and fifty wounded so far.

With full air superiority in the warzone, the fleet was bringing its full air power to bear. All large concentrations of enemy troops or armour were quickly attacked by helicopters or airplanes. Suspected command centers and supply depots were destroyed to further weaken the Cyncian troops. Fuel depots were mostly left intact, as the coalition forces could make use of them further on. Any tank trying to use them, however, would soon face a pair of Hellfire missiles from an attack helicopter or cluster bombs from a F-35 or Super Hornet.

Madurastan

31-03-2009, 18:43

To the north, many fires were burning in Greisha. After heavy air attacks and continous explosions from impacts of 201mm and 175mm shells, many of the trenches were either blown in or damaged. Cyncian casualties were running into the hundreds and much of the defending artillery had been destroyed or damaged.

The vital areas of the port had been untouched other than a couple stray shells. These had only caused minimal damage and all of the equipment had been left untouched. The Cyncian soldiers had been unable to destroy the machinery due to being suppressed by the artillery barrage that kept them in their fortified bunkers.

Just west of Greisha, the 1st Marine Division had beaten off 2 counterattacks by the 37th Regiment which reduced it to 129 soldiers who surrendered after running out of ammunition. Gains had been made by the regiments of the 6th Division, 7th Division and the 9th Division who held positions south of the port. The remainder of the 6th Division, 7th Division and the 9th Division plus the 8th Division and the 10th Division held the remainder of the line which now stretched 25 miles from the east coast, nearly the whole way from north to south, except a salient anchored on the south coast opposite the Zaheran Forces who were now advancing as well.

Alfegos

31-03-2009, 20:29

1 Platoon

The Lieutenant crouched in the sewerage tunnel underneath the manhole cover, aiming his rifle up to where light crept in down a small ladder. Further along the tunnel, the rest of the platoon were spread out, a section in each crowded around a manhole cover into the street above. At the fore of each, a machinegunner was ready with machinegun cocked and loaded, to provide covering fire should they be contacted in the street. Minutes passed as they waiting, poised to pounce. Then the order came over the radio.
"Papa 1, this is Charlie 2 - be advised of a Madurastani special forces team in your area. Be prepared to assist them into the sewers, so they can travel to 2 and 3 entry point."
A few seconds pause came as the Lieutenant registered this, before the order came.
"Papa 1, this is Charlie 2. Commence attack with stealth, and be prepared for radio blackout once on the surface."
With the sewers blocking radio signals due to the ground between the pipeline and the surface, the platoon would be unable to communicate temporarily, until the relay beacon could be established. A small radio relay set was placed on the underside of the manhole as the first machinegunner poked his head up, before using his head to slowly lever up the heavy slab. With just a couple centimetres of vantage, he looked up and down the street, before signalling down. From now on, intra-platoon communication was to be done by hand signals. The universally recognised symbol of 'OK' was made, before the man surged upwards, sliding the manhole cover away. Springing out of the hole, he sprinted across the small alley to behind a bin. The alleyway was a service route for the large block of apartments in this central part of the city, and thus was the residence only of refuse, empty goods crates and rats. A ball of rubbish spat into a dumpster from a concealed chute as the rest of the first section took position in the alleyway, spaced at five metres from each other and hidden wherever they could find in niches and under stairways. Further down, the other two sections were arriving, soon disappearing into cover. The Colour sergeant was the last to exit, sliding the manhole cover closed save for a tiny gap, allowing radio signals to reach the transmitter hidden on the underside. Trailing an antenna down into the sewer, it allowed radio signals to reach underground and above ground, purely broadcasting the encrypted signals without any decoding.

The Lieutenant whispered into his radio as he looked up onto the rooftops.
"Papa 1 to Charlie 2 - radio check, over."
"Charlie 2 to Papa 1 - we receive you. Transmitter appears to be working."
"Excellent. Be advised we are about to move to the rooftops. ETA of 15 minutes. Call me in 10 minutes to check."
Smiling, the Lieutenant signalled down the alleyway - a thumb pointing upwards. Without hesitation, the men started moving upwards, quietly climbing up fire stairs and ladders. They moved crouching, constantly keeping an eye out for any onlookers. Within a minute, they were on the rooftops, from where they began spreading out.

After twelve minutes, the Lieutenant was lying behind a ventilation unit, looking down over towards the government buildings. His section had an arc of fire over the main street leading up to the buildings, with the other two spread further around on another two of the major streets. With the best view of the surrounding area, the overwatch specialist was atop the elevator housing for the block of apartments they were on, hidden underneath a piece of scrap metal left up there. Protruding out from underneath was a heavy AWSM sniper rifle, a thick black cylinder of a muffler attached to the end. Atop was a 16x zoom scope, which he neglected as he used a more powerful spotting telescope to watch over the area. A whisper came down to the Lieutenant.
"Looks like it's vaguely quiet due to the air raid. There's a single police patrol car going around and checking everyone's in cover, which could be our only problem. I got a glimpse of our Madurastani friends a while ago just crossing over to the government gardens, to where the access point is, but apart from that they seem to be doing it well. Call in to the Captain and see what he wants me to do."

The Lieutenant rolled over, opening a radio channel.
"This is Papa 1 to Charlie 2 - we have eyes on a police patrol car near to main target complex. Apart from that, nobody else appears to be in sight. Recommendations?"
"Charlie 2 to Papa 1 - take them down."

The Lieutenant finished the conversation, before turning to the overwatch specialist. He gave two hand signals. The first was a firm thumbs down - a signal for the enemy. The second he gave was self-explanatory - a slashing motion across his neck. The overwatch specialist looked back down at the targets, six hundred metres away and well within range, before adjusting the scope atop his rifle. With a slow and quiet motion, he pulled the bolt back, cocking the weapon and allowing one of the .338 Lapua Magnum rounds to slide into the chamber. An inaudible click came as the bolt fell into place, as the man took aim at his target. Three policemen, two on foot knocking on doors and one in the patrol car. The one in the car was an easy shot, which he decided not to take in preference to the two others. Changing his aim, he waited for the pair of policemen to move out of the first doorway. A muffled crack came, and the man collapsed with a hole through his head. As the second man ran for cover, a second crack came, and a second person collapsed. The police patrol car started its siren as the third crack came, the driver slumping over the wheel as the windscreen cracked.
"Papa 1 to Charlie 2 - All targets down. Area clear."
"Charlie 2 to Papa 1 - keep your eyes open. Area secure."

___________________________________

Command Section

The Captain sat with a map out in the maintenance access area, a small pen torch lighting up his surroundings. Around him, 2 Platoon were covering the entrance and exitway, whilst 3 Platoon were hanging back at the alternative access route. With the units he had in position roughly mapped, he switched over to radio.
"Charlie 2 to Papa 3, escort the Madurastani SF unit to our position from below ground. Once they've arrived, I'll brief them and then we'll see what needs doing. Hopefully, they'll be of some use."
Turning away, he looked to see that the engineering expert had cut the telephone lines, whilst another man was busy cutting through the security gate in the access hold, taking care to avoid the alarm system.

_____________________________________

3 Platoon

At the manhole to the gardens, where the radio transmission from the Madurastanis had first been picked up, a machinegunner sat watching the surroundings from the cover of an ornamental bush, out of sight of anyone. Hearing a very quiet rustling, he turned to see figures moving in towards his position, very slowly. Slowly identifying them to be Madurastanis, he signalled down to his Lieutenant - four fingers, and a confident thumb up identifying the four friendlies. He then quietly summoned their attention.
"Psst!"
Once the four men had crawled quietly out of sight through the ornamental flower bed to where the manhole was hidden, he began speaking in a very quiet whisper.
"Our commander can't speak directly to you at the moment, since the sewers are a radio deadspot. Get down there, and follow a runner to the Captain's position ASAP."

______________________________________

Main Airport

On the perimeter of the airport, the Alfegos Aeromarine 1st Company fought alongside the Madurastani paratroopers in defending the airport from the military units now swarming in from across the city. The occasional missile from one of the airships above streaked down to hit armoured convoys, sowing confusion and fear amongst the enemy as the aeromarines attacked and counter-attacked from buildings surrounding the airport and from underneath the airport itself. The occasional explosion blew a crater in the road as bombs were detonated underneath enemy soldiers who dared stray into the open, with ambushes awaiting those entering nearby buildings.

Whilst the Madurastani airborne troops sat defending the airport once it had been confirmed as captured, the aeromarines melted away into the surrounding industrial complexes and buildings, moving to launch further ambushes against the troops rushing to re-enforce the city. Chaos reigned supreme amongst the enemy, the aeromarines now in virtual control of the enemy's fate from below the ground.

Mokastana

01-04-2009, 00:48

"This is Big Bird Alpha One, calling Mokan forward command. We're currently tracking your forces in the city, giving them a bit of close fire support. As I'm sure you're aware, it's quite hot down there, and we're taking a bit of machinegun fire. We'll be giving you another fifteen minutes of fire support, then we're bugging out to lick our wounds. Any specific targets you want us to take in that time?"

"Big Bird Alpha One, this is Hell's Angels Foward HQ, Bravo Company need some air cover to the north of the square, reports of armor coming down the main road, that somehow got by the air strikes. Foxtrot Company is experiencing a heavy infantry assault, but without proper targets at the moment you would just me moral support. Take out the incoming armor, and if you got time be an angel to Foxtrot. The marines love seeing you guys over their heads. Hell's Angels out."

In the square it was possible to think that the battle was not even going on, minus the occasional muted boom or firecracker of distant machine fire. The last of the Seahawks were coming in now and unloading what was the last few bits of 8th Battalion. Minus the vehicle support, which was coming up the main roads soon. In total the battalion was in control of 100 Humvees, 60 Ironheart Vehicles and 10 Shepards. After contacting the docks the commander noted that only 20 IFVs were unloaded, and 50 Humvee, for the entire division. Of those 10 IFVs were on guard duty and the Humvees were running supplies back and forth across the city. Most to his outpost where he could deploy them to the fronts as the popped up. He still needed vehicle support, and none was getting there in time.

"1st Battalion Command, This is Hell boy, I need Triple A up here now, send me what you can."

"Hell boy, Sea Urchin here, we can send you a company of AAVs to support, will that work."

"Hell yeah, get em up here asap!"

A few blocks down, Sergeant Minor Alexis Cruz was nursing a gunshot wound in his shoulder. The attack had been repelled but they were forced up the stairs of the office building and set up trip wires behind them.

"God bless Claymores."

In total he had just lost six men, leaving him with 10 men four floors up, getting to the 10th floor for roof access, and 4 guarding the bottom.

"Second Squad, get your boys in windows and keep an eye on the streets, we are getting hit hard judging from what Foxtrot command is telling us, and I want this building alert. Third Squad, do what you do best."

As the responds came in Alexis went over the situation again, 1st squad, rifles, watching the bottem...2nd squad, heavy weapons, providing window fire.....3rd squad, sharpshooters....Company eyes for air strikes and sniper support....4th squad, rifles, reserves for 1st squad. Or what was left of them... His squad was down two men and 4th was down to one guy...

the hand to hand combat had proven victorious to the Mokans, seeing as how the fascists had not expected men expertly trained to fight with blades and blunts, but the machetes made quick work of the conscripts. What got them was a grenade that was tossed in during the commotion, taking out three soldiers and two Cynians at once. The coward who tossed it ran, only to be gunned down by Carlos, the second to last man of 4th squad, he ran out and began beating the body with the machete until machine fire took him out. At that point Alexis ordered the pull back to 2nd floor, set up traps and defensive positions, worry about the bodies later.

On the beach of the same town Generalissimo Leon Turner stood on top of an AAAV parked by the docks watching the sight of his ships unloading APCs and IFVs for his marines in need. Unfortunately the true tank support would not get here until the army did, but the marines were designed to be mobile and not rely on armor. Despite his protests, the marines had not gotten tanks yet, but maybe after this incident, things might change.

Northern Landing, approx 100 miles north, had captured all targets and was now just mopping up prisoners. Southern Landing, about 80 miles south, was capturing the last target, and was experiencing light resistance in the countryside, nothing air strikes couldn't fix. But Central Landing was moving slow, the docks had been captured, the square and main roads secure, but at the moment what was slowing them down was some armor to the north and a last ditch infantry assault stretching from the square to the docks outer perimeter.

He lit a cigarette and jumped down from the craft, he had to keep the docks running smoothly, and let his commanders run the battle.

Madurastan

01-04-2009, 11:13

The Madurastani SF commander nodded. "Ok we will follow you to your commander. You will be thankful to know we have the Madurastan Air Force on standby just in case we need some extra firepower." He pulled out of the top of his bergen a Laser Designator.
--------------------------

Inside Cyncia City International Airport, a silence had decended over the area. Cyncian dead littered the battle area, with casings and remainders of smoke and flashbang grenades lying everywhere. A C-130J Hercules had dropped ammunition and supplies to help guarantee their hold on the area.

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

The Cyncian Forces in the west were now regrouping after being caught out by the Mokastana attack. Now they launched an attack on the central front with a battalion of Infantry and 60 T-72 MBTs.

Alfegos

01-04-2009, 18:35

Mokan Front

The AAS Neu’vi hovered a couple blocks away from the main city square, easily visible to the armoured column that were approaching the marine-held area. With the streets channelling units into straight lines, the attack on the vehicles was easy. Whilst one of the aerofrigates strafed the column, anyone not under armour being racked by the heavy rounds, the Neu’vi began plotting targets. The infra-red cameras worked alongside the laser designator unit in selecting targets, which with a lock on were then ‘painted’ with the designator LASER. Producing a bright light in a tiny part of the infra-red spectrum off the target, this helped to single out targets for the Crossbow SSMs. A flurry of missiles hit the convoy as the firing continued, clouds of smoke and flame rising from the vehicles to the front and rear of the convoy. With wreckage trapping the central vehicles, the airship drifted on with the wind as it continued covering the marine attack on the ground.

The triple-glazed cockpit of OxyNitride glass suddenly crazed as a burst of machinegun fire hit it, one of the panels shattered as it was wracked. The airship shook as a volley of anti-air missiles from hidden positions around the city hit it, detonating near the surface of the gas envelope to leave small, smooth-edged craters.
“Looks like the Cynacians have learnt from the last time we were here – they’re bringing pretty heavy AA bursts on us. That just took out quite a few surface cells. I think we’d better move out of their range soon.”
More explosions followed in retaliation, as structures caught hosting the AA units were hit with a succession of missiles from the rest of the Taskforce above, flattening the buildings they were in. The Airship Pilot flicked on his radio transmission set, smiling as he began speaking.
“Good day Cynacia. This is radio Neu’vi, coming to you live from above a certain city – if you’re in it, you’ll know where I’m coming from. In the news this morning, the combined allied forces present have put up a rather good show of firepower, thrashing the home side to what looks like a victory. However, with another half still to go, and with the potential of extra time, the home side could pull something out the bag!”
There was a massive explosion as a cruise missile took out the remains of the armoured convoy.
“Though expert commentators are guessing it will be an away side victory. As for the weather report – overcast, with occasional showers of cluster munitions and explosives towards Cynacian-held areas. Dusty in some places, mainly deadly. In the travel news, it looks like there’s major congestion in the north, with vehicles blocking most major transport arteries. Due to major works in the city, it looks like most side roads are either impassable or not recommended for travel on.”
A cloud of smoke spread across the area the Mokan soldiers were in, providing a heavy blanket of smoke as cover.
“A final mention to Foxtrot company, who we hear are a bit down in the dumps. So let’s have some music to cheer you up.”
Flicking a switch, the pilot started broadcasting music on the multiple open, unencrypted channels not in direct use by the military, a live stream from the native Mokan radio via a satellite feed. As the song playing came to an end after a few minutes, the airship began rising up, engines winding up as the airship tilted and rose.
“That’s all folks. Thank you, and have a nice day.”

__________________________________________________________

Underneath Cynacia City, the lead section of 3 Platoon began moving out in a stagger file, either side of the sewer. Moving either side of the central channel on the small walkways, the lead four man sat in front of the special forces team, the other four men at the rear covering them. After five minutes of passing through various intersections, lit up by the dim red light of the scout’s rifle-mounted torch, they eventually arrived at the command post, waiting outside whilst the section Corporal took them over to the commander.

Inside the small niche that they had taken up, the Captain was waiting, smiling as he greeted them.
“Greetings, fellow soldiers. We don’t have much time until T-hour, so I’ll cut over the plan briefly.
2 Platoon, secreted in the general area of these tunnels, will be moving out in about ½ an hour, into the government buildings. They’ll be moving to clear the maintenance floors below ground, followed by 3 Platoon. Once 3 Platoon are in place, keeping guard of the entrances into the basement areas, 2 Platoon will move in alongside you. You’ll be attached to 1 Section of 2 Platoon.

In the building, you’ll be moving as sections. Section 3 will be staying on the ground floor, whilst Section 2 move up to the next floor. With our intelligence suggesting that the servers are on the topmost floors of the complex, you and Section 1 be taking the stairwell to the top floor, and working downwards. When you find a server room, radio me, and I’ll get 3 Section to move up and cover your area whilst you hack the server. Your priority target is the server.

Any questions?”

Madurastan

01-04-2009, 19:03

The remaining Infantry were angry beyond belief. 3 soldiers with Stinger AA Missile Launchers aimed and fired at the large airship. Every anti-tank weapon the remaining soldiers had left was aimed and fired. 9 Missiles trailing bored towards the airship. The Cyncians had also called up air support and a MIG-31 Fighter approached firing its cannon at the airship.

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

"No we have no questions. We would like to leave something that you may need later." One of the soldiers placed several charges of C4 on the ground before adding "for when we need to block the manhole covers and create a diversion for our escape.

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

Cyncia City rocked with explosions as air raids caused major damage to the remaining Cyncian AA Positions and defences protecting the city. The allied front was around 70 miles northeast of the Cyncian Capital and posed no threat at the moment, but Cyncian Forces were taking a battering, with only 32 Divisions out of 70 still at or close to full strength. The remainder were either destroyed or skeleton formations.

Madurastan

03-04-2009, 09:29

Bump

Etoile Arcture

03-04-2009, 14:14

Day Six

The troops of the follow on 238 and 292 Heavy Brigades were confronted with a gruesome sight as they came ashore barely 20 hours after the initial landings of their brother 226 and 279 Heavy Brigades. A few hundred metres from the beaches long slit trenches had been dug and armoured earthmovers were depositing the bodies of Cyncian dead into mass graves. The casualty figures of 20 hours earlier were horrendous and it was probable that thousands of Cyncians had died defending the beaches. Exact numbers would likely never be known, the remains far from being called human in their charreed and partial state. Large parts of the beaches and the immediate inland area had also had to be cordoned off while the explosive ordnance disposal teams safed unexploded munitions. This had meant moving the staging areas a kilometer forward from the beach, and these were now protected by Patriot and artillery batteries dug in to revetments.

The 114 Medium Brigade had landed 12 hours ahead of schedule and was now resonsible for protected the beachheads, airheads, staging areas and supply trains, while the 113 Medium Brigade had pushed forward to the outskirts of Greisha during the course of the day. The air around the city was foul from the burning wrecks of vehicles, the smoke from which polluted the sky and had turned day into night. This conversely advantage the Etoilain units whose third-generation sights could see through the smog better than the first and second generation devices used by the Cyncians.

To reach Greisha the heavy brigades had fought a series of running battles with Cyncian armour, possibly a delaying tactic on their part designed to make an attacker bleed for every inch they advanced inshore. But the tactic had been let down by poor equipment, technology, execution, and the refusal of their enemy to play by the rules of the game. Rather than facing large waves of armour along a fixed front, the Etoilian units were spread thin, but interconnected by datalinks and constantly passing information between their sensor craft, airborne command posts, strike fighters, artillery and manouevre units. One unit in contact could call in the support of adjoining units as well as artillery, airstrikes, attack helicopters with a higher level of combined arms coordination than the Cyncians could muster. And small units could move fast and stealthily, supplied from the air by tiltrotors.

Only the 238 and 292 Heavy Brigades and 113 Medium Brigade would be assigned to the assault on Greisha, augmented with aditional artillery and air support. AH-79D attack helicopters and A-20A close air support aircraft operating from forward air strips hurriedly dug during the day were buzzing over the city. The attack helicopters were dropping Viper Strike bombs on enemy armour as the A-20As used 500 lb JDAMs to dislodge enemy positions. All four AV-44A Griffon’s were also in action, using their airborne howitzer and various Gatlings to harrass the enemy on the ground. SPH-158 batteries had joined the Madurastanian 201 mm and 175 mm artillery, but were especially targeting anti-aircraft artillery positions. Most Etolilain tube artillery was now in this sector, the MLRS batteriees having been stripped off to support the advance west beyond the city.

Zaheran

03-04-2009, 18:05

Airbase

The paratroopers had been waiting for six hours at the conquered airbase when they began the faint whirring of rotors in the distance. They waited tensely as the sound grew stronger, nervously wondering if it was enemies or friends who were approaching. A few minutes later they got the answer. Three large V-22 Osprey's came into sight over the treetops, with the flag of Zaheran proudly painted on their tails. The soldiers on the ground laughted in relief and waved to their comrades as the tiltrotors slowly descended to the ground. Soldiers climbed out and begun to unload their equipment with the help of the paratroopers. As soon as they were empty, the Ospreys took off again to fetch more soldiers, and another batch of aircraft landed.

Within two hours, a full battalion of soldiers and their equipment had been unloaded, and more were arriving by the minute. Wiesel AWC's had been lined up on the tarmac. The small armoured fighting vehicles, designed to be air transportable, were the backbone of many of Zaheran's airborne forces and could fill a large number of different roles. Some carried anti-tank missiles, others air defence missiles and others functioned as APC's. The downside was its weak armour, which could only resist small-arms fire, but then it had never been designed for the type of battles where heavy armour would be required. It was light and fast, and speed was what the 79th Airborne Division was most interested in right now. The main Zaheranian advance was coming along slowly, bogged down in city fighting as it was. The 79th would advance inland while remaining resistance was fought down on the southwest coast. Supported by attack helicopters and carrier aircraft based on the airfield it had conquered, it would take and hold the motorways leading inland, leaving the way open for the rest of the Zaheranian forces to advance against the Cyncian capital.

The first force to leave the base consisted of twenty Wiesel AWC's and three thousand soldiers. Many vehicles had remained at the base when the Cyncian soldiers surrendered, mostly trucks and jeep-like vehicles. They were now put to good use as the 79th started to advance. Big flags in red and blue had been painted on the car roofs to distinguish them from Cyncian army vehicles, which would be tempting targets for any coalition aircraft flying overhead.

Coast

The Zaheranian offensive had picked up speed, much thanks to the increasing number of armoured vehicles at their disposal. Without tanks and IFV's of their own, the Cyncians had a hard time defending against the lumbering LY4 Wolfhounds and LY219's of the Zaheranian forces. Now and then, individual vehicles would be taken out by hand-held anti-tank missiles, grenades or Molotov cocktails, but the damage caused was mostly non-fatal, and after three to six hours the tank or IFV was on its way again. The overwhelming air and artillery support available to the coalition forces was put to good use. Often an enemy position would be heavily bombarded by artillery and aircraft before the infantry swept in to clear away remaining resistance, a strategy which had lowered casualties to a minimum. The air superiority had also made it hard for the enemy to gather large number of soldiers in one place. Any large formation of Cyncian troops would inevitably be attacked by a large number of aircraft with heavy casualties as the result.

A tank columns of battalion's strength led the Zaheranian advance towards Greisha. Behind it followed several batteries of self-propelled artillery and two battalions of mechanised inantry in LY219 IFV's. Larger towns and villages were avoided and left to the slower formations which followed the main advance and had the thankless task of clearing the rear area of hostile forces, an often slow and bloody process. Farther behind, in the areas already under Zaheranian control, the military police maintained a strict control, mostly to ensure that the vital supply routes were kept open. Partisans and saboteurs were ruthlessy hunted down and interned in the makeshift prison camps which had begun to form behind the lines. Civilians were mostly left to go about their own business, although a curfew was enacted after seven every evening and private vehicles prevented from using certain roads.

Mokastana

03-04-2009, 18:10

Hell's Angels Front

The Marines cheered as the tanks exploded under fire from the giant airship, laughing maniacally and shooting any survivors as they retreated from the sight of the reinforcements. They were going to make sure that the commanders saw any reinforcements sent into the city were going to be punished heavily. The marines who managed to get around the enemy tank push into certain death began marking points for tank traps and setting up ambush points for anyone else who came into the city.

Three T-72s on the retreat passed a Mokan ambush point and the lead tank felt the full blast of a M3 Anti-tank HEAT shell into its side, blowing the tank treads to pieces and leaving them all as sitting ducks. A Cobra attack chopper on support was called in and finished the job.

AAAVs were rolling to the front as the Marine Division continued to unload even more units onto the ground. Using their heavy machine guns and 30mm cannons they formed up the spearhead for the push into the airport, as well as act as support for Foxtrot Company.

Sergeant Minor Alexis Cruz heard a radio broadcast from the Giant airship overhead playing music in support of Foxtrot Company. He chuckled at the music, appreciating the moral boost to Foxtrot. His unit was playing sniper and calling in air support all over the city now. It was beutiful, the counter attack was being pushed back with the AAAV company bringing up members from 6th Battalion fresh off the beaches and in the battle. Judging by the traffic from command, 50% of the Division was on land now, and 40% of the vehicles. Not a bad start to an invasion.....

Floors up two spotters saw a rooftop with black specs move quickly onto it. The spotter looked through his scope and watched the scene unfold. The enemy team was a group of spotters, three to be exact, and one talking on a radio. They were about to call into have an air strike on the position until they saw a large group of men exit the building onto the rooftops armed with Stingers, it was obvious they were aiming for the airship.Three floors down men were also aiming out windows towards the craft.

"Damnit, we need sniper support on position..."

The spotter called in support as the three snipers took aim and fired within the second trying to distract them long enough to stop the attack. Two AA soldiers and the "Commander" fell quickly as the other ones ducked and hid, or tried to make it back down stairs. One missile was fired, but went way off course, hopefully the Airship noticed this and was ready to deal.

Units from 1st Battalion, (The AAAVs) and 6th Battalion moved past the attacks and assaulted the airport. Luckily enemy units were far to disorganized and it was only a matter of time before a perimeter was established around it. However in the airfield the enemy commanders had set up the best units, but not enough. Fighting was heavy and harsh, but in the end the airfield finally fell.

"This is Generalissimo Leon Turner to the wimpy army units flying in. Airfield is secure, you are clear for landing. Contact Captain Rameriez at the Airport for landing requirements."

"Copy that squid, now that you are all done spashing around its time for us to do the real job."

Generalissimo Minor Roberto Diaz sat on a Ilyushin Il-76 transport with the first wave of soldiers from the Mokan army. Mostly they were going to be police duty, but tanks were going to be needed for the blitz to the Capital. And Generalissimo promised the front, was just that, plenty of that.

Madurastan

03-04-2009, 19:04

02:00 Hours

The 8th Division and the 10th Divisions artillery opened up A preliminary bombardment on the Cyncian Positions opposite their sector before they began operations to widen the beachead. All available artillery to them opened up on every Cyncian position known to them. The noise from the landing shells began shielding the sound of armor and infantry passing around their positions, taking their flanks and rear. The Cyncian Soldiers only knew they were surrounded when Madurastan Soldiers appeared behind them, with weapons pointing at them.

By 05:00, the breach 5 miles wide and 7 miles deep had been cut in the front line. M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs at the head of the advance had reached a sign saying "Cyncia City - 63 Miles" and beyond that, the River Cyn which flowed through Cyncia City. The main road that lead along the river would take them into the city's eastern suburbs. There is where they halted, due to fear of over extension. The road ran from Cyncia City to Greisha which now cut, would hamper Cyncian reinforcements from attacking the siege perimeter around the port.

A salient 10 miles deep and 8 miles wide had extended the beachead with its furthest penetration now only 60 miles from Cyncia City, anchored on the River Cyn.

06:00 Hours
Greisha

White flags began to appear in Greisha. The forces inside had surrendered. Artillery fire had been stopped and forces began to enter the port

07:00 Hours

The Madurastan 6th Division and the 1st Marine Division had entered the port. Cyncian formations had surrendered to them as they approached them. Meanwhile, the 7th Division and the 9th Division set up forward positions southwest of the port, while the 2nd Marine Division had pushed forward slightly west of Greisha to give protection to the shipping area inside the port in preperation for the landing of supplies.

A brief transmission was sent to the Etoile Arcture and Zaheran Taskforces:

To: Etoile Arcture and Zaheran Taskforce Commanders
From: General Taylor Maxwell, Madurastan Taskforce

Greisha has been surrendered. Port is now open for friendly forces.

Alfegos

03-04-2009, 22:09

The commander aboard the AAS Neu'vi braced himself as the airship shook from the missile impacts, blasts on the surface of the gasbag ripping into the uppermost layer of cells, leaving darkened craters on the surface with smooth, melted envelope material surrounding them. The missile launcher impacts were the easiest to deal with, aimed at the gasbag where it was likely to do inconsequential damage. The real threat though was from any true AA missiles, designed to home in on a target. The gondola suddenly rocked as a missile detonated nearby, the 'halistorm' hard kill units mounted on the underside firing and destroying the inbound missile. As the airship was about to retaliate from the barrage, the weapons controller gave a yell.
"Hostile air unit, coming in fast for a strafing run on us."
There came a nearby roar as the SAM pod a couple tens of metres to the rear of the control gondola fired, one of the three dedicated anti-air missile units. From it, a pair of SkySinger MRSAM missiles shot out, dropping before their main rocket engines ignited. Quickly accelerating, the missiles arched around as they began picking up the passive RADAR signal reflected from the fighter from the airship RADAR. Just as the aircraft began opening fire, autocannon shredding the upper layer of airship cells, one of the missiles detonated, a shaped charge igniting and sending a rain of shrapnel in the direction of the fighter.
"Enemy aircraft is down. We've sustained moderate damage to the rear cell regions, and some structural damage."
The taskforce commander nodded towards the pilot, who began slowly taking the airship upwards, taking care not to strain the damaged section of airship structure.
"This is Big Bird Alpha One, calling Mokan forward command - we've taken enough damage to warrant us bugging out of here. We'll continue to provide missile support to a limit, but reckon we might need a big field to put her down for repairs, preferably with a wide, unobstructed route to the sea so we can get the support ekranoplans in."

_______________________________________________________

In the sewer maintenance way, the Captain smiled as he watched the SF team pull out their C4 explosive charges.
"You certainly know the sort of present to give, don't you? Well, if that's settled, we'll be making our move very soon."
He gave a violent gesture to the lead section of 3 platoon, who quickly scooped up the charges and detonators, moving them over to the junctions of the adjoining tunnels. Within minutes, an elaborate network of transmitter aerials and cables joined up small packs of explosives in the four tunnels leading to the place they were now in. There came a whisper from 2 Platoon as their Lieutenant smiled - they'd cut through the gate to bypass the alarm contacts on it, and were ready to enter the government buildings. The Captain peered at his watch, the dial glowing, counting the seconds. In his hand, he held the detonator controls for the explosives, a defence against anyone who might attack them from outside the building. From inside, a machinegunner would make quick work of any fool who tried assaulting them.

The Captain patted the SF Team commander on the back as he counted the last few seconds.
"Good luck in there."
As a synchronised movement, the entirety of 2 platoon rose, 1 section taking a knee in the centre of the passage whilst the other two sections lay either side covering both ways. The lead man hopped through the open gate, very slowly pacing along the corridor as he looked hard for any security devices. He stopped at the corner, peering around, before turning back and giving a hand signal to halt. Over the radio came a whispered message.
"Viper to Sierra One - there's a security camera with an IF light on it at the end of the passage. What do you want me to do to it?"
"Charlie Two to Viper - set off a smoke in the tunnel and get up to it, then cut the unit off the wall."
The man took out the smoke grenade, pulling the pin before rolling it around the corner. A jet of orange smoke filled the passage, rapidly spreading back to where the rest of the section was. After a few seconds, there came another call.
"Viper to Sierra One - move in. Threat neutralised."

The rest of 1 Section sprinted along, the Madurastan SF team in tow. They took a knee in the tunnel as they saw the man had reached a ladder leading up to a trapdoor inside the basement of the government buildings. The section commander ran along the line, tapping the two machinegunners on their shoulders and taking them along with him. The first machinegunner climbed the ladder, before lifting the trapdoor slightly. Inside the basement, it was noisy, with the hum of machines and the roar of the boilers for the building complex. Lifting it completely, the machinegunner darted out to a piece of cover behind where a tangle of pipes drove down into the floor, setting the bipod on top of one of the pipes. He was closely followed by the second machinegunner and the lead man, before the rest of the section entered. Leaving 2 section behind, the Section Commander gestured for the section to slowly move across the basement floor, sweeping it from the corner they had arrived in for any signs of an enemy. Twice, further security cameras were found, neutralised in a similar way to the first one. Once a clear path had been confirmed to where a wide stairwell led up to the ground floor, 1 Section took cover underneath the stairs as the rest of the sections followed up into the building.

After five minutes, the whole of 2 and 3 platoon had arrived, all hiding throughout the clear channel established as a route. Over the radio, the platoon commander of 2 Platoon began whispering to the Captain, confirming their location and lack of enemy sightings. With another hand signal given to move, 1 Section moved up the stairs, machinegunner taking position as the lead man slowly opened the door, checking for any traps. Satisfied there were none, 1 Section moved out into the empty main hallway, towering internal architecture dominating them in the way any government building would. Moving over to the main stairwell by the lift shafts, the section began moving up the stairs at a fast walk, all on the lookout for a potential ambush on the stairs as they moved to the top floor.

______________________________

Madurastan

04-04-2009, 10:18

The Madurastan SF Team had found the communications system panel and had rigged up their hacking devices to it. The team leader turned on the small computer he carried with him and watched as information began streaming into its memory. When they got back to base they would analyse what they had found. Job done, a second soldier rigged a small charge on each conduit and followed the rest of the team out.

The team leader looked at the soldier who had the detonator for the charges. "Do it." The soldier nodded and pressed the detonator. Small explosions blew each conduit plunging the communications network offline. Cyncian communications suddenly stopped. "This is Charlie 1. Information has been collected. Time to move."

____________________________________________________________

With the port now in friendly hands, the first supply ships had begun to load supplies and equipment. The 6th Division had been sent to deploy next to the 7th Division and the 9th Division, southwest of Greisha. The 1st Marine Division had redeployed west of Greisha and had with the 2nd Marine Division had widened the beachead. They would leave for home when the Etoile Arcture forces arrived to take over their positions. Their role would be now switched to cover the flanks of the salient whose left flank ran along the River Cyn.

Madurastan

05-04-2009, 10:27

Bump

Alfegos

05-04-2009, 20:44

2 Platoon

The leader of 1 Section pointed out defensive positions as the Madurastani SF team got to work on the communications hub in the server room. Four men used the cover of upturned tables and benches to aim at the two doors to the room, a machinegun covering the main door. The other four were further back, forming a defensive ring around the special forces group. The IT specialist took cover by one of the server units, knocking open the door to reveal hard drive upon hard drive. Finding the access point, he flicked it open and connected up his laptop, before downloading all the contents directly onto a USB mass storage unit that clamped onto the side of the laptop, a backup copy for the Alfegans. Once he had done, he left a programme to run, as the SF team began setting up demolition charges, mapping the entire Cynacian computer network. An image came up on the screen as the computer produced a map, numbers and words clustered around the model.
"Madurastanis, we've got a few things you might be interested in. They've got a backup server and military network hub in the bunker, so they'll still have communication capacity. They've also got some rather interesting things hidden there I think..."
The computer froze as it started grappling with the encryption.
"All the data we got off the servers is meaningless until we can break the encryption code on it, and it seems we've only got the tip of the iceburg. All the stuff we want to legitimise this is down there."
He disconnected the laptop as the communications lines were blown.
"Let's go then. We've got the rest of the building to search for paperwork."

----------

Down in the basement of the building, one of the men began talking over the radio.
"This is Sierra 8 to Charlie 2 - I've found the bunker entrance. Looks like it's going to be fun to get in - the bulkhead would stand up to a nuclear blast on top of the building, and from the look of it is solid."
"Right you are Sierra 8 - we'll get to it once Papa 2 calls in their search."

The Captain sighed in his position as he toyed with the detonator, before making up his mind. He switched to the over-channel, and began to talk.
"Charlie 2 to Charlie Overlord - status update from Charlie 2."
"This is Charlie Overlord - go ahead."
"Charlie 2 has captured the government buildings, and has fire ready for any inbound forces. We have electric copies of important files from all topside servers, and disrupted primary communications channels. However, all important files are bottom-side in the government bunker, along with most of their government."
"Charlie Overlord to Charlie 2 - Excellent job. What is bunker strength?"
"Charlie 2 to Charlie Overlord -Unsure at the moment - we will have our engineering specialist in place ASAP to give you a report."
"Charlie Overlord to Charlie 2 - we will get a combat engineering supply drop to your position soon. We will wait on Papa 1 for precise landing sight."
"Charlie 2 to Charlie Overlord, thanks for the present. We'll wait that with anticipation. Over and out."

He signalled for his engineering specialist, before speaking.
"Go up to meet up with Papa 3, and he'll take you over to the bunker. I want a status report in 30 minutes, and then we'll see what we want from the engineering bundle."
The man stood up, nodding, before sprinting off.

----------

Platoon 1

The overwatch specialist moved his aim as he saw another police car move into the area.
"Aye up -looks like they're checking why their blokes haven't radioed back in. What should be do here?"
The Lieutenant swore quietly under his breath as he watched the police car move past, before ducking back into cover.
"Get them before they find their collegues."

There was a click as he cocked the weapon again, before taking aim at the car as it moved past. With three people in the car, it was a difficult one. He moved down to the rear tyre, shooting it out. The vehicle swerved, before braking hard and coming to a stop on the pavement. The three men got out, moving around to look at the wheel.
"Here we go."
The first shot took out the man leaning over, his head exploding in a shower of blood as the heavy round soared through. The second shot came as one of the men ducked for cover behind the vehicle, cutting through the top of the vehicle to hit the person behind. The third shot came too late - the man had had a chance to out the radio to his lips and scream a message, before he too was hit.
"Call Charlie 2 and say we might have company soon sir - the guy radioed back in."
"Right." He swore under his breath before messaging back.
"Papa 1 to Charlie 2 - we're on the RADAR now - they managed to get a message to whoever is controlling the Police, before they got taken out. I think you'd better speed everything up now."

Madurastan

06-04-2009, 14:21

"Ok, lets go." The Madurastan SF team followed 1 Section out of the main door.

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

The message had indeed got through. The Cyncians had somehow managed to get some military support. A T-72 MBT came rumbling down the street with 26 Soldiers moving close behind it, supporting several police cars as they came towards the disabled car. The police officers inside the cars were lightly armed and had only low grade body armor on, not strong enough to take a 5.56 or 7.62 round. They would be the easy targets, but the T-72 and the soldiers would be harder to deal with.

Alfegos

06-04-2009, 21:11

On the roof, the overwatch specialist saw the military group moving in from a few hundred metres away, slowly searching for any enemy. The Lieutenant ducked into cover, before speaking into the radio.
"This is Papa 1 to Charlie 2 - the shit's about to hit the fan. We've got an armoured group coming in to where our police friends copped it. There's an MBT, looks like a T-72, coming down with a platoon of soldiers and three police vehicles. Estimate of 48 people total. What do you make of it? I can bring down plunging fire on them, but the tank'd be a real problem. The other two sections wouldn't be able to help, since they don't have direct line of sight until they get right outside the government buildings. My thinking is that we get a missile strike from an airship on the tank, then open up with all we've got onto the street. We've got a GPMG up here, and an LMG, as well as the AAT-87. I reckon if we opened up just as the missile struck, we'd have a good three quarters of the soldiers going behind dead before they had a chance to retaliate. Most of the cover is parked cars and buildings, so we'd have to be quick in that. Once we'd got them pinned down or retreating, we'd move out down into the buildings, and use mousehole charges to move through."
"Charlie 2 to Papa 1 - sounds like a plan. I'll call in the big birds, and see if they can give us some support. Just a point though - don't bother with going into the buildings. We own the sky at the moment, so you're safe sprinting across the rooftops. Move to a deeper position, and pick them off from there. I'm counting on you painting that tank for the missile strike."
"Papa 1 to Charlie 2 - I've got you."
Moving down the rooftop, he whispered the battleplan into the section corporal's ear, before patting him on the back as he moved down the line, explaining it to each man in turn.

By now, the military group were a mere hundred metres away, the din of the tank drowning out any whispering he made. The commander took his AF-07P assault rifle, reaching down to the underbarrel attachment - an AFLD-4 short-range designator unit. The device displayed a small indicator showing it was ready, as he set the power level for the range of his target. Flicking up a small plastic pane, he aimed down at the vehicle, before pressing a button. An invisible beam of LASERlight shot down onto the tank, slowly moving as the lieutenant kept a steady aim. Over the radio, he heard the chatter from the airship overhead.
"This is Hotel 1, calling Charlie 2 - be prepared for missile strike."
"Roger that Hotel 1. Fire when ready."
Far above, there was a tiny burst of flame as a missile was launched, streaking off across the sky before arcing down. With the slow-moving puddle of light as its target, the rocket had no trouble getting into range, before the onboard processor took over. Within microseconds, it had worked out the heat source of the tank's engines, and used that to plot where the roof of the tank was, before guiding the missile to plunge downwards. On impact, a 10kg HEAT warhead detonated, blasting through the thin top armour of the tank.

As the deafening blast hit their position, the section opened fire. The GPMG roared as it ate through its feed belt in twenty-round bursts, smacking into any troops on the ground below within the line of fire, the heavy 7.62mm rounds ignoring most body armour at this close range. Alongside it, at a different angle, the LMG fired at a much higher pitch, throwing empty casings and belt connectors out as it cut through rounds. The commander looked through the SUSAT scope on top of his rifle, the needle of the sight jumping as he let off two-round tap bursts at each soldier he saw in turn. At the head of the convoy, one of the Police cars exploded as a missile from the AAT-87 missile launcher hit it, blowing clean through the flimsy structure. Near to him, there came a crack as the overwatch specialist fired, the .338 Lapua Magnum round from his rifle cutting through a soldier's helmet like it were paper.

After eight seconds of fire, the section began to move. The scout at the furthest end sprinted past on the other side of the roof behind ventilation shafts, hitting the deck after he had run four buildings down to lie in cover on the crest of the roof. He did not fire, waiting for the rest of the section to join him, spread out at ten metres spacings.
The Lieutenant pulled the pin from a smoke grenade holding down the hammer as he thought through the colours. He had eight smoke grenades in a small bandoleer, six of them signal smoke grenades. From them, he had three signal colours - one was a supply drop zone marker, in bright red; two were distress smokes, used if the radio went down and he had no zemoolies on him, in a dark purple. The other three, a sickly green, were artillery marker. The latter he held in his hand, before he dropped it down. Once it landed, he sprinted away into cover, followed by the overwatch sniper in a clatter of metal. The GPMG gunner was the last to go, finishing off an entire belt before running. By now, the barrel was radiating heat, the air around it shimmering. He hit the deck before twisting the barrel handle, releasing the unit from the gun. Next to him, one of the riflemen pushed a spare barrel into place, twisting the bayonet-style fitting into place.

The GPMG opened up again, this time at the area the police cars had been in. Windscreens splintered and metal crumpled as the heavy-calibre bullets ripped into them, until the weapon jammed. There was a yell as the gunner popped open the tray cover, yanking back the cocking mechanism. Inside, a round had failed to fire. Whilst the gunner winced back as he tried to remove the red-hot round from inside, the rest began to become painfully aware of the enemy returning fire on their position. The light machinegunner stopped firing as a burst of rounds cut past his head, the others ducking back away.
"This is Papa 1 to Hotel 1 - we need close fire support on smoked area."
"Negative Papa 1 - potential collateral is too high."
"Can you put us in contact with the gungho, so they can do something?"
"I'll see about it."

The lieutenant swore as he opened up again, at a group of troops hidden behind a burning vehicle.

Madurastan

06-04-2009, 21:36

The Cyncian Soldiers taking cover next to the burning vehicle couldn't move. Rounds began bouncing off the wrecked car, one taking off an officers arm. He screamed and looked down at his wound. He was bleeding bad and there was no medical supplies with them. He pulled himself towards the car and pulled out his pistol. He looked at his men, before putting a round into his temple. The remaining soldiers clung on to their cover, as bullets flew past them.
------------------------------------------------------------

On all fronts the Cyncian Army retreated to their last line of defence. They moved to a defensive line that was 20 square miles around the western, northern and eastern outskirts of Cyncia City. Every bridge that was under their control was destroyed, rearguard positions left on the main roads leading into Cyncia City and villages and towns left in ruins. Any civilians who refused to come with the Cyncian Army either hid or was shot on trumped up charges of either treason or sabotage.

To: All Allied Commands
From: Madurastan Task Force Commander General Taylor Maxwell

The final days of the invasion are soon to be played out. Advance towards Cyncia City is the number one priority. All areas of resistance can be bypassed or dealt with aircraft. We must end this war as soon as possible to prevent a serious humanitarian crisis. Heavy bombing of the city has left sanitation and food in short supply. Water supplies have been cut off and power in all areas except the Government Area non-existant. Good Luck in your task. In a few days this war may be over. Then the reconstruction can begin.

Mokastana

07-04-2009, 17:08

"This is Big Bird Alpha One, calling Mokan forward command - we've taken enough damage to warrant us bugging out of here. We'll continue to provide missile support to a limit, but reckon we might need a big field to put her down for repairs, preferably with a wide, unobstructed route to the sea so we can get the support ekranoplans in."

"Big Bird this is Hell's Angels Battalion command. You did us proud and we will get you an LZ ASAP. As for now I have a present for you guys, do your best to get back to the dock area, its friendly and they should be able to guard you. By the way the fighters coming in from the sea should be there by now."

Overhead the command bunker F-35 lighting 2s streaked towards the airship and launched flares and chaff around the craft, creating a temporary shield against incoming missiles from the ground. The second wave arrived seconds later, using the froward spotters to give them targets, they dropped missiles and bombs on all recognized targets creating what appeared to be an earthquake of destruction around the airship. The third wave flew in slower and rather then attacking a target contacted the airship.

"Big Bird Alpha One, this is Zeus squadron Omega, from the MNS Victory, we got orders to clear the way for you to the airport, the ground pounders are clearing an LZ for you and you boys sounds like you need a break."

_________________________________________________________________

Airport

Generalissimo Turner was driving in part of a convoy of Humvees and Ironheart APCs towards the airport. At the moment logistics was being taken care of, and as long as his helmet kept feeding him information into his ear from the command Ironheart two vehicles down, by the sounds of it all units were waiting for further orders. The middle city, aka the one he was in now, was the only front taking its time, mainly due to the larger urban environment unlike the other two LZs. Generalissimo Turner allowed his division commanders at each landing zone control over a fleet to be safe. His mind was on one thing, he had to meet Generalissimo Roberto Diaz on the airfield. Already his local division commander had taken a portion of the airfield to land an airship on, which was going to make the shipping lanes a little slower. He turned the Humvee into the airfield checkpoint who quickly waved passed the Hummers with a command APC. From there the convoy broke up and his vehicle pulled up to a transport plane unloading ammunition.

Pulling it over the five men got out and ran up to help with the supplies unloading. For the first time it became apparent why Mokan's don't salute, or dress to the rank. Generalissimo Leon Turner was dressed in the same marine attire as his men. Actually his gear and equipment was less organized and clean looking then some of his infantry. In the plane Generalissimo Diaz was dressed in combat fatigues and wore the standard battle attire of a Mokan soldier. A backpack with supplies, now on the side of the plane as he helped load up crates in a humvee, FX-05 on his back and machete at his side.

"Mister Turner, how nice of you to come over." he said with a smile as the soldiers acted as if the two men organizing the entire Mokan operation in country were not right next to them.

The two went into the transport plane and saw a few communication devices where they were keeping information up to date.

"So Turner, I will set up road blocks around the city. Can I trust your marines to be ready to move out soon?"

"We need armor backup, lost of it. I can get my best units ready to move out, but the docks will remain under our control. Once we get the highways cleared, you get to have the fun of moving inland."

Zaheran

08-04-2009, 14:47

Greisha

Sergeant Martjin Jordaan leaned out through the hatch of his LY4 Wolfhound and gave the streets of Greisha a curious glance as they rolled past. The city had fallen just hours earlier, and the 1st Battalion of the 63rd Guard Division was one of the first units of the Imperial Army to enter the city. It was still obvious that Greisha still just a few hours earlier had been a city under siege. White flags still hanged from many windows, signalling the surrender, and weapons had been piled up outside these buildings, where the Cyncian soldiers had been instructed to leave them. The soldiers themselves were, under the watchful eyes of grim Zaheranian military policemen, climbing into camoflauge-painted military trucks which would take them to the prison camps in the coalition-controlled zone. The few civilians who moved around on the streets watched them with eyes filled with what seemed to be a blend of relief, anger and fear. Relief because the battle was finally over for their part, anger and fear because they were on the losing side and did not know what to expect of these foreign soldiers who now controlled the city. They looked different from civilians at home, lacked the confidence and pride that he was so used to seeing in the eyes of his countrymen; instead they seemed tired and indifferent, broken by many years of near-constant warfare and defeats.

The sound of approaching vehicles tore him from his thoughts. For a moment he feared that enemy tanks were trying to break out of the city, but his fear died away instantly when the vehicles came in sight. They were LY219's, not the primitive Soviet-era tanks and APC's the Cyncians used. Mechanised infantry returning from clearing out the city centre. Behind them followed dozens of trucks, all filled with captured Cyncian soldiers. He waved to them with a wolfish grin.
"What took you so long?", he shouted to a tall soldier with the light-blond hair and ice-blue eyes that marked him for coming from the area around Heizberg or Immenstadt. "We expected to recieve the clearance signal an hour ago."
The man grinned back. "We had some problems with these bastards", he said, gesturing to the Cyncian soldiers. "Thirty and so of them locked themselves into a government building and refused to come out. They managed to injure three of my men when I stormed the bloody place. Are you moving north?"
Martjin nodded. "We have orders to move towards Cyncia City. The Cyncies are retreating, and the brass thinks it's time to deal the final blow. Can't say I'm looking forward to it. Have never liked city fighting. And you?"
"Moving south. We have some guard duty. Take care, Martj. You still owe me those fifteen reichmarks, you know."
Martjin laughed and waved him off. The tank column continued on its way northwards, towards the final battle in Cyncia City.

79th Airborne

Captain Anton Rader studied the little town through his binoculars. The fires had mostly died out by now, although black smoke still rose from several buildings. Apart from a few bodies lying in the gutter, the town was completely empty. The Cyncians had left nothing alive when they retreated. It seemed like they had blown up the bridge, too. That was not good. It would delay his advance, and high command did not like delays.
"Echo Company, advance!", he ordered via the microphone built into his helmet. "Be careful. There might be some Cyncies hiding in there."
He heard a series of clicks as his orders were confirmed by the platoon commanders. Echo Company began to slowly move into the abandoned town, carefully searching through every house for eventual traps or survivors. They found nothing of either kind. They found a dozen or so more bodies, killed by Cyncian soldiers when they refused to come with them.

The bridge was found to be completely destroyed. A large explosive charge had sent the entire mid section of the bridge crashing into the river, and the remaining parts had collapsed when the shockwave reached them. Fortunately, the Wiesels were light vehicles. Within an hour, they had rolled over the pontoon bridge the engineers had created and secured the other side of the river. The weak bridge would not hold for the heavier vehicles the rest of the Zaheranian force employed, but that was also being attended to. Combat engineering equipment had been shipped in to the conquered port of Greisha and quickly transported to the front to repair infrastructure destroyed by the retreating Cyncians.

The lead elements of the 79th Division now stood a mere forty kilometres from Cyncia city. There had been skirmishes with the rearguard of the retreating Cyncian army, but on the whole, the area had been secured without major difficulties. Larger villages and towns were left alone as the lightly armed airborne troops focused on keeping the roads open for the rest of the Zaheranian force, which was now advancing against the capital as well. The retreating Cyncians were pursued and attacked by attack helicopters and carrier fighters, and the defensive positions around Cyncia had also been subjugated to heavy bombing.

Etoile Arcture

08-04-2009, 18:25

Day 8

As dawn broke reconnaisiance and advance units of the Etoile Arcture expedition forces had advanced to within 60 kilometres of Cynian City. Having pulled out of Greisha following its surrender, they had now raced to the last final obnstacle, the River Cyn. Three armoured battalions with Cataphract tanks had swam the river along some of the deepest points where the Cyncians wouldn’t have expected there to be a crossing, before attacking Cyncian positions from the rear with the support of their own artillery and from attack helicopters.

The aim had been to secure the few remaining bridges and a large number of shallow crossing points that the Cyncians were defending against crossings. Casualties had been low, with only a pair of AH-79Cs and their crews being lost to ground fire, and so far no Cataphract tank having been lost in combat. Nonethless many tanks, and the IFVs and APCs too, now sported mismatched replacement ERA and applique modules from where they had taken battle damage but otherwise kept rolling. In contrast their crews had been rotated three or four times meaning the Etoilians were fresher and of infinitely higher morale than those they faced.

As soon as the river crossings were secured all four heavy brigades, the 226, 238, 279 and 292, begun to cross on to the south bank of the Cyn. Leguan Heavy Assault bridges, launched from modified Lariat tanks, now came into their own allowing the rest of the heavy armour and other freindly units to cross. Meanwhile, the 113 Medium Brigade had some of its units airlifted across the gap by quad tiltrotors. By mid-afternoon two seperate light armoured reconnaisnace battalions of that brigade, and equipped with Talon+ cavalry fighting vehicles, had advanced to within 30 kilometres of the Cyncian city limits. They had then pulled back to more readily defendable positions 40 kilometres back.

The Cyncians appeared to be falling back to an inner defensive ring around the city, sacrificing any advtange they might have had gained by mounting a defence in depth. Even worse, they had begun a scorched earth policy destroying the surrounding countryside and forcibly moving the civilian population. This grim spectacle was monitored using sensor craft and satellites as the extent of the defences around the city were mapped Etoilian commanders were becoming increasingly concerned on whether the Cyncians were taking human shields. Indeed, their ability to employ harrasment and interdiction fire against the retreating Cyncians was being restrained by the mix of civilian and military traffic on every march route.

At dusk, Cyncian positions inside and outside the city were visited again by UCAvs, but this time dropping propagnda calling for the Cyncians to surrender to preserve the city as had happened at Greisha. Even as these messages of peace, as far as they went, fluttered down into curfued streets and trenches scarred by eight days of artillery and air attacks, armoured columns were converging on the city in preparation for an assault that was now only a few hours away...

Madurastan

09-04-2009, 17:47

The Madurastan Army sector lay next to the Etoile Arcture Front and would launch concentric attacks along the entire front to attempt a fast advance to Cyncia City. The bridges nearby had been blown, so engineers were laying pontoon bridges to allow fast exploitation on the southern bank of the River Cyn.

The Invasion forces would enter the City Limits and fight through the city towards the central sector and the Cyncian seat of power. There had been sightings of rearguard positions on the perimeter of the city but they would be dealt with by either armor or air support.

Greisha was now a bustling hive of activity as the last of the Cyncian POWs were rounded up. Material and Men were being rushed to the front for the expected final offensive of the war. Time for the start of the offensive was in 24 hours.

Madurastan

10-04-2009, 20:19

Bump

Alfegos

11-04-2009, 15:10

Cynacia City
1 Platoon

The GPMG fell silent as the second belt of rounds was fired off, the gun pulled back into cover as the section began running across the rooftop towards a rear fire escape. The overwatch specialist remained back, as all gunfire stopped. Down in the street below, the entirety was blocked by the wreckage of the tank, and the destroyed police cars. Fire and black smoke streamed from the burning hulks as a the lack of gunfire dropped on the scene. The trick was to launch a final surprise attack to kill or capture all in the street. Whilst the Madurastani soldiers would now assume that the enemy had run, and moved out of cover, the man on the roof with the AWSM rifle would pick them off, radioing in to the rest of the section moving around the area. They were now planning, under the command of the Lieutenant, to launch an attack from behind the enemy in the street, storming forwards to destroy the enemy position, capturing any prisoners and collecting any information before moving into hiding in another street.

The shot of the rifle came as the section opened fire again. The light machinegun ate through a magazine in a couple seconds, spitting out casings violently. Whilst the GPMG was set up at the corner of where the alleyway met the main street, the rest of the section let rip from the cover offered by cars and building corners, a hail of fire pinning anyone down as orders were yelled across the street. With the GPMG firing again, half of the section advanced, sprinting down to the next vehicle offering cover before opening fire over, around and under the vehicle. The sniper fired another shot, ricocheting off the road after passing through a man's skull. Behind a large van, the Lieutenant sat with his radio online, relaying further orders.
"Papa 1 to All Hotel Assets - hold fire on the following GPS co-ordinates, to prevent blue-on-blue casualties."
Next to him, the section's sergeant tossed a grenade over the vehicle, the explosion seconds later producing a loud rattling as the opposite side of the van was showered with shrapnel. Next to him, the sergeant yelled as the GPMG fired off a burst.
"Delta Fireteam! Move!"

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

The Bunker

Outside the bunker, the engineering specialist was frantically scribbling down calculations as he looked over the bunker entrance - a ramp led down to a slightly inclined bulkhead, a small passage protected from above by a slab of re-enforced concrete acting as cover for the pathway. The structure itself was only accessible at this entrance, not even needing a ventilation system due to the air scrubbing system within. The bulkhead was a solid slab of concrete with a steel plate over the front, that sank into the floor to allow access.
"They've definitely made the place nicer since I was last here."
Setting up a small explosive, he placed a sensor on the door as he set off the device, leaving a tiny char mark on the surface. Using the shockwave, the sensor could send the raw data to his laptop to work out the exact composition and makeup of the door. Within a minute, he had the results.
"A metre of steel-ballast concrete underneath steel impact plates."
Over the radio, he called in his Captain.
"This is wrenchman to Charlie 2 - I've got the door sussed. We're going to need some welding kit, and quite a bit of high explosive."
---------------------

2 Platoon

The Lieutenant in charge of the platoon sat in the entrance hall as he greeted the section arriving with the Madurastani special forces team.
"Right then. Our platoon has been given order to secure a supply drop, in the government gardens, and get it back here ASAP. Special Forces, you'll be with Section 1 in the building, providing overwatch and covering fire should be get contacted. The rest of us will be outside at the drop zone, waiting for it come in.
If we get contacted before the crate is deployed, you'll cover our escape. If the crate is landed or about to land and the enemy decides to show themselves, we'll move out with the crate at high speed. The crate weighs in at about 100kg, so we'll hopefully be relaying the contents back instead of carrying the whole thing.
You got that? Then get to your positions."

___________________________________

Mokan Attack Front

The AAS Neu'vi buffeted as the Mokan aircraft shot past, covering their escape as they moved away from the attack zone.
"Big Bird One to Mokan Air Assets - thanks a bunch for your escort offer. We'll be able to deal with any surface units at the LZ."
The airship was already slowing down as it moved towards the airship, looking for a section of runway where they could land their craft. All about them, smoke and dust drifted up from the areas hit hard on the ground by the Mokan airstrikes and the occasional landing site.
"Big bird to Mokan Forward Command - we're coming in to land now. Clear the southern runway sector and surrounding fields for an ETA of five minutes."

Out off shore, the command ekranoplan group began moving from where the Mokan fleet sat, cruising at high speed across the water surface towards land.

Madurastan

11-04-2009, 20:30

The SF Commnader replied "Don't worry, we will cover you. I have heard chatter on the radio that allied forces could be here soon. We will cover your escape onto your airships while we move on foot towards the advancing allied lines. Once you have the crates contents and everything has been done, we will melt away into the night." He smiled before following the 3 other soldiers in his team and 1 Section into the building.

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

60 miles northeast of Cyncia City

01:00 Hours

Heavy artillery fire began along the Madurastani sector of the front. The heavy fire hit the rear guard positions that were near to the front line on the south bank of the Cyn River.

01:40 Hours

The lead M8 Lariat 1A1L 'Long Arm' MBTs of the 6th Division, 7th Division and 9th Division moved off from their start positions. The 8th Division would be in reserve to exploit any gap made in the Cyncian Lines. The Cyncian Army began falling back as Madurastani Armor began moving on the south bank.

By 02:00 a bridgehead 4 miles wide had been made on the south bank of the River Cyn and many soldiers were streaming across on the pontoon bridges laying across it. Madurastan Air Force F-39 Fearless Fighters had also began attacking the retreating Cyncian Columns targeting their remaining armor and fuel dumps which could help them make a stand before Cyncia City.

The Cyncian Leader General Ali Keraya had ordered the Cyncian Army to leave their remaining defensive positions along the whole southern bank
of the River Cyn. Long columns of retreating Cyncian Soldiers could be seen for miles on end, constantly under attack from artillery and aircraft.

In a speech to the Cynican People, General Keraya said, "Our forces are leaving their positions along the Cyn front as the military siuation becomes hopeless. We must fall back onto more defendable positions to counter the attacking Madurastan forces. We will prevail. Long Live Cyncia!!"

Zaheran

11-04-2009, 22:24

The still smoking shell of a burnt-out Cyncian T-72 tank was the first sign that greated sergeant Martjin Jordaan as he led his tank squad over the pontoon bridge to the other side of the River Cyn, a victim of a Zaheranian attack helicopter. This side of the river had been in Cyncian hands just a few hours ago. When he looked around, he could see the bodies of the fallen defenders, lying where they had fallen. Their retreating comrades had left them to the crows when they fled. The resistance they had met as they advanced over the river had been weak, but nonetheless there had been fatalities on both sides. But the dead Zaheranians had been avenged tenfold. The remains of the Cyncian army was retreating towards Cyncia City, ruthlessy pursued by the quickly advancing Zaheranians. The roads to the capital was lined with destroyed vehicles and dead bodies, a friend from another unit had told him. The man had served in the spearhead but was now being rotated for a rest period. The airborne troops had fought for days without relieving, but they were now being pulled back in favour of the fresh troops who would be needed for the siege of the capital itself, mostly soldiers from the heavier 59th and 12th divisions, but also units from the 63rd Guard, including his battalion.

Attack helicopters, TRA-92 'Eiko' helicopters of Lyran design, flew overhead, in far greater numbers than he had ever seen before. Some flew northwards, to harass the Cyncian forces as they retreated towards the capital and aid the allied forces in their advance, other southward, returning from successful missions. Further up, just under the clouds, he could see numerous airplanes, probably F-35's from one of the carriers, heading towards the Cyncian capital. The defensive positions around the city would take a heavy beating from the heavy bombings, sometimes ten or twelve a day. He hoped that it would be enough to break the enemy's morale and force them to surrender. otherwise the siege of the capital could become a very bloody affair. He had fought in cities earlier, in the civil war, and he did not wish to reacquaint himself with that particular experience.

Mokastana

13-04-2009, 05:49

Mokan Front

Over the last few days the Mokan fronts had quickly blitz across the open fields of the western front and begin to form offensive lines against the enemy defensive perimeters. The enemy retreat to the capital only showed the desperation they were having, rather then forming a layered defense, the defenses were being massed up against a fully mechanized and reinforced army of Mokan soldiers.

The only thing that slowed down the Mokan forces was the need to refuel and rest, marine forces were leading the charge with Army divisions running police work and assuming control of areas controlled by the new Mokan Liberation Command, MLC. Commanders brought in from the Rithian occupation were training men and leaders on how to properly act and treat local civilians, seeing as they were ones who had spent most time shaping the image of Mokastana in indigenous people's minds.

Generalissimo Leon Turner stayed in what had been renamed Anchorage for the sake of the operation. A few days ago the airfield here had taken care of a wounded Fegosian Airship and now was playing a major resupply route for all allied forces. After this one he would have to redesign the entire marine Corps to integrate tanks into it. Twenty Divisions to rebuild from the ground up, they had their work cut out for them, but for now, Secure the Capital and meet up with allied forces in the center of the country.

Overhead naval bombers flew in for CAS and tactical strikes against enemy communications. It would only be a matter of time before he could get the information he needed and the go ahead to launch his attack on the Capital.

Madurastan

13-04-2009, 10:12

25 Miles from Cyncia City:
05:00 Hours

The spearhead of the Madurastan offensive had passed the halfway point between the River Cyn and the Cyncian Capital. They had suffered no casualties from enemy fire, but some vehicles had been lost to wear and tear and breakdowns. The villages and towns along the routes they were taking had greeted them as liberators, with people cheering as the advancing columns passed through.

Inside Cyncia City, the faint sound of distant artillery could be heard from General Ali Keraya's bunker. It was the sign that he had never wished to hear. They were getting close and he could do nothing about it. He couldn't escape because Cyncia City International Airport was held by Madurastan Paratroops and the front line would be soon near to the city itself.

He issued an order that would effectively seal their fate. He ordered that "all Cyncian forces will attempt to hold off the advancing enemy at all costs. If any soldier who retreats inside our glorious capital in the face of the enemy will be subject to execution on the spot. This is our most desperate our and we must show we cannot be beaten. Long Live Cyncia!!"

Meanwhile all over Cyncia, heavy air raids had reduced most of the buildings to rubble. Many civilians now lived in emergency air raid shelters, too frightened to venture outside. There was now little food left and the priority for it was going to the soldiers defending the city. Many civilians were starving from lack of food, water and heat.

Madurastan

13-04-2009, 16:26

Bump

Mokastana

13-04-2009, 17:23

Command Center, formerly known as The Swan Hotel, New Anchorage

The Generalissimo's were organizing the first attacks against the city. With only a few divisions on the ground it was apparent that most ground forces would only see occupation duty, nothing more.

"As of now we have ground units from 107th and 109th Ironheart Divisions keeping logistic routes clear of enemy forces, both are at about 70% here with 60% organization. The 116th Battle Division is leading the spearhead with your 2nd Marine Division with the 88th Shock division to the north and 115th Battle to the south. I believe that my shock troopers are going to be annoyed that they are being reduced to police actions."

"Roberto, those men know combat, let someone else do the fighting. So how do we propose to finish off the enemy capital?"

"Civilians are not allowed to leave, therefore I say we play the propaganda card. Tomorrow we request all allied bombing cease, in exchange we get Tupelov's to drop a standard propaganda package on them. Food supplies, Water, leaflets. With a warning to stay in doors the next day, for the liberation begins."

A few hours later Mokan bomber planes in Mokastana begin loading up with food supplies, mostly corn based products and grains. Non perishables and pre-packed food wrapped in crates and ready to parachute into the city. Water was stored in 1 litre being loaded up into crates to drop into the city. Targets were made based on where they believed civilian air raid shelters were, and each crate of food and water was attached to bundles of premade leaflets explaining in three languages how to identify Mokan/FU forces, best ways to avoid combat situations, how to survive with your family if no bunkers are available, and a warning that tomorrow will be a good day to stay indoors.

Alfegos

13-04-2009, 22:09

Cynacia City

In the government gardens, all was quiet, save for the distant rumble of artillery and the firefight going on with 1 Platoon. The allied forces were getting closer, it seemed. The time they had to crack the bunker was limited, before either side did anything rash to the government. 3 Section of 2 Platoon lay deep in the cover of an ornamental bed, looking out at an open area surrounding a fountain - the closest open area that there was to the fountain. The corporal grimaced as he ripped the pin from a signal smoke grenade, before tossing it across the square. The grenade landed next to the fountain, before spewing out smoke at a startling rate. Down the line was passed a flare, which the corporal received before firing off. Over the radio, a couple seconds later, there came a call.
"This is Hotel seven to Charlie 2: box away."

A parachute rippled open a couple seconds later high above, a dark grey merging into the sky above. The crate slowly drifted down, floating on the wind as it moved in. After a minute, the crate landed with a thud, crushing an ornamental bench on the outside of the fountain area. The smoke continued to drift about the area as Section 3 sprinted across out of cover to the wooden crate, half diving down to form an all-round defence of the crate as the rest of the section moved up to it. The corporal gave a nod to a rifleman, who used the crowbar attached to the crate to rip the side off. Inside, neatly packaged, the equipment was held, ten kilogram bricks of C4 plastic explosive mixed with an explosives forming kit, a set of electro-chemical fuses, and a large oxy-acetylene welding system. Section 2 moved over to the crate, leaning in to take the items, before sprinting off back towards the government buildings.

After ten minutes, the engineer sat at work on the bunker door, the welding unit roaring as he cut into the metal plate on the door. Behind him, seventy kilograms of high explosive sat in a pile of 5kg packets, shaped by helpers from a nearby section into concave lenses. The came a clatter as part of the metal plate came down, the edge glowing white hot where it had been cut. Underneath, dull concrete sat with small craters where bolts had been, parts of the re-enforcing lattice just visible in places. What the engineer was now interesting in though was the bottom of the door, where the mechanism for raising and lowering the bulkhead could be found. He continued working with the cutter, slowly melting a gouge into the concrete as he adjusted the flame.
"Five more minutes, then we can get ready to blow the door."

Madurastan

14-04-2009, 20:10

Early Morning
Cyncia City

The sound of crashing shells filled the air as high explosive detonated in the eastern outskirts of the city. The lead formations of the Madurastan Army had reached Cyncia City. The war would now become brutal, unless the Cyncian Leader decided to surrender. The front columns has passed through Cyncia International Airport, allowing fighters to land and take off without having to return to their forward airfields further east.

Inside his bunker, the sound of the artillery filled General Ali Keraya with dread. He knew now that it was only a matter of time until the invasion forces would be in control of Cyncia.

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

The sound of heavy artillery could be heard by the Madurastan SF team in their positions protecting the Alfegos teams doing their work. They knew now they could stay put and wait for the lead units of either taskforce to arrive, without having to tab back to friendly lines through enemy territory.

Madurastan

15-04-2009, 19:23

Shells began landing further in the city destroying buildings and demolishing Cyncian positions. The Madurastan Army had penetrated 1 mile inside the capital and was heading towards the Ministry Of Defence located only 1000 yards from the Presidential House and the Cyncian Parliament. However, they would have to break the 2 lines of resistance covering the Government Sector. The Infantry were going building to building using flamethrowers and LAW 80s to eliminate entrenched positions.

Casualties so far in the battle for the city was 320, but with new recruits at home, the divisions involved in the fighting would be brought back up to strength once they got back home. Cyncian casualties were in the battle was estimated to be near 1000. Civilian casualties were unknown due to most of the civilian population being told to stay in their shelter and display white flags to show they are non combatants.

Mokastana

16-04-2009, 00:45

Cynacia City, Mokan Front

"Today, Comrade, we land the final blow."

Elements from the 116th Battle Division and the 2nd Marine Division had formed a defensive perimeter around the capital waiting on on reinforces from the 88th Shock Troops before the final invasion began. At the moment nearly 600 artillery pieces were aimed at the Capital and protected from enemy attacks by dug in forces and Ironhearts armed with Shepard Anti-Air systems. Seeing as the western assault was going to be mostly Mokan, they planned to launch a similar attack on the Capital to what they did for New Anchorage. Marine Helicopters were going to be flown in loaded with soldiers and supplies, this time escorted not by naval helicopters and jets, but Army Apaches.

They were going to capture key intersections and observation positions, and hopefully make it more difficult for enemy forces to move, and communicate. However the Mokan forces knew that allied commandos were in city assaulting key positions, and all reserve helicopters were notified that a radio call "Tango Tango Tango, location" meant to resupply/reinforce one of those commando teams.

The backbone of the assault would be the 116th, leading the charge with mechanized forces such as LY4A1 Wolfhound MBT and LY6 Werewolf Assault Guns nothing was going to stop them from plowing threw enemy positions. To protect the tanks from ambushes, infantry was going in ahead of most of them with Ironhearts not far behind to pick up wounded or reinforce as needed.

Alfegos

16-04-2009, 08:30

Outside the bunker, all of 3 platoon were standing by ready to storm the building, crouched behind cover as the engineer set the charges on the door. A deep gash had been cut under the door by the engineer, a wound in the concrete that revealed the door's mechanism. Inside, the shaped charges had been lined facing towards the door, ready to blow out the mechanism and let the door drop. As a backup, the rest of the explosive was focused on the top and sides of the door, to take out any locking lugs.

He ran back from the bulkhead, trailing a length of detonator wire. Once behind cover, he took the two cable ends, threading one around the terminal.
"Firing in 3... 2... 1..."
Just tapping the terminal with the loose wire was enough to set off the charges. A massive explosion shook the building, shaking flakes of concrete down from above. Clouds of dust and smoke rolled over them, as the 3 platoon Lieutenant yelled above the roaring.
"Attack!"
The lead section sprinted over to the bunker doorway, looking in. The slab of concrete had dropped down to leave only a few feet of doorway jammed. The section took up a position by it, aiming weaponry down the revealed corridor as 2 Section leapt over them into the corridor. The group sprinted down into the corridor, before taking cover in any doorways. From there, they began to search the bunker room-by-room for any enemy.

_____________________________________

By now, the capital was host to four fleets of airships - the entire flotilla. In the skies above, more than fifty airships were gathered, slowly biding their time for the main attack.
"This is Alpha Hotel One, to Mokastana command. All airships are prepared for both close and long range fire missions. Support is available on demand.
In addition, we have three aeromarine companies in the city. One company is in proximity of the international airport, one is towards the central industrial districts and the final is at the governmental complex. They'll be helping you as you go along."

Madurastan

16-04-2009, 11:50

Madurastan Front
Cyncia City:

The lead units had reached the Cyncia City Prision and had liberated its inmates. Most of them were there because they had spoken out against Geberal Ali Keraya and his regime. Now they were free. The Government Sector was now only 1.5 miles away, but heavy resistance still hampered the advance. The other taskforces would be now heading through Cyncia City and would link up around the Government Sector before combining forces for a last assault on the Parliament and Presidential House. The Madurastan Forces target before getting there was the Cyncian Ministry Of Defence.

To Mokan, Alfegan, Zaheran and Etoile Arcture Commands:
From Madurastan Command:

We think it is best to link up and make a perimeter around the Government Sector so nothing can get escape. Then we can go in as a combined force and eliminate further opposition. Is this suitable to you?

Madurastan

19-04-2009, 09:45

OOC: Bump

Mokastana

19-04-2009, 20:13

"This is Alpha Hotel One, to Mokastana command. All airships are prepared for both close and long range fire missions. Support is available on demand.
In addition, we have three aeromarine companies in the city. One company is in proximity of the international airport, one is towards the central industrial districts and the final is at the governmental complex. They'll be helping you as you go along."

"Copy that Alpha Hotel One this is 116th Command unit, We will connect you with company commanders who will begin to relay requests for bombardment. Marine Units deep in the city will be making requests at the company and possibly the platoon level, so don't be surprised if a Sergeant Minor is barking request for fire support from you guys. Any of your companies need reinforcements? we got plenty"

___________________________________________________________________

To Mokan, Alfegan, Zaheran and Etoile Arcture Commands:
From Madurastan Command:

We think it is best to link up and make a perimeter around the Government Sector so nothing can get escape. Then we can go in as a combined force and eliminate further opposition. Is this suitable to you?

TO: Madurastan Command
FROM: Generalissimo Minor Roberto Diaz

We got forces securing major roads and escape routes all across the city, focusing major efforts on government sector now.

_________________________________________________________________

The inner city fighting was beginning to grow in strength and resistance as the first Army units poured into the city. It seemed the enemy preferred the guerrilla tactics and ease of mobility now, probably because air forces had destroyed most of the modern tech army they had. Luckily guerrilla warfare was what many of the current Generals and Generalissimos had been raised on, so when it came to forging to tactics against them, it was not hard. They knew that the enemy would be attempting striking forces then retreating, or attempting to put up a wall of defense by multiple direction counter attacks, so the mechanized forces were ordered to set up 'base camps' inside enemy territory and then jump from one to the next as they moved further inside to the main targets. The first one was the industrial complex.

No true lines had been established, however Mokan reinforcement points and routes were, giving the enemy forces an upper hand, but with a large attack on communication points and any vehicles capable of long range broadcasts, they would be left to nothing but squad radios to transmit Intel. Once the radio station had come under marine control the Mokan Propaganda specialist began playing information to the people that the day of tyranny had ended, that the leaders of the former government had been captured by allied forces and those who surrendered would get food, rest and honor for fighting for their country.

"It is not a sin to fight for your country, but surrender means you get a chance to be there to forge a new face for Cyncia! Join the allied cause for liberation!"

Alfegos

19-04-2009, 21:11

Platoon 1 - B Company
------------------------

In the street below, the bodies of the enemy Cynacian soldiers lay in a line, jackets over their heads and weapons on their chests. In true Alfegan style, they each had a pair of coins on each eye, a mix of local and Alfegan denominations. The assault rifles were unloaded, the ammunition sitting in a tin next to the Lieutenant as he watched from the top of the building. Popping yet another caffeine tablet into his mouth, he looked from behind the roof-top structure he was sheltering in to the street nearby. With the allied advance coming thick and furious, it had been his decision to move the platoon to the three corners of the government quarter, with hopes of laying sight on allies instead of enemy. He got a nudge from the marksman, prompting him over.
"In the street over there - looks like... wait a moment, I think they're friendly. Yep, one of them has a Mokastana flag on his shoulder. What should we do?"

The lieutenant took out his radio, switching down the frequencies to one he had memorised - the Mokan command channel.
"This is Papa One of Charlie Bravo, Aeromarines, calling the nearest Mokan unit to the government quarter. Thank goodness you're here at last. Come down the street and then down the service alley just before the burning tank, and I'll meet you there. The Captain wants a word with you, so you'll have to get your feet a bit wet."

_________________________________________

Platoon 3 - Company Bravo

Inside the bunker, there came yell after yell of "Room Clear!", followed by a silence. The Lieutenant frowned from the cover of his doorway, before making up his mind. He signalled for the section commanders to come in to him, before talking.
"Right then, it's what I feared - the sneaky devils aren't on this level of the bunker - there are further levels below this floor."
There came a shout from one of the rooms at the end of the corridor.
"We've found the entrance to another level."
The platoon commander rushed over, reaching the door. A solid slab of steel sat in the corner of one room, set into the floor, no sort of control visible. The Lieutenant swore, before taking out a hand grenade.
"Let's see who's in here then."
He cleared the room, before rolling the grenade onto the cover.
"Fire in the hole!"

Mokastana

19-04-2009, 23:07

Sergeant Minor Alexis Cruz of Hell's Angels jumped off his Helicopter and into the government sector, where the main objective was going to be capture and secure of the heads of state of Cyncia. Despite losing about half his men and getting wounded during the vicious fighting of Anchorage he still fought to get deployed to the Capital. The Hell's Angel battalion had took a beating and had it not been for the air support they may have been considered out of combat for the rest of the 'war,' but being one of the few helicopter based battalions in theatre for the Mokan army they were required for air assault into the Capital. There was a reason that only Jaguars could be Marines.

Hell's Angels were down to 60% strength, and therefore one of two units on the government sector. The other being a battalion from the army once they made it threw they reclaimed the roads here.

Alexis had taken care of his arm wound and was now leading squads of 'disorganized' forces, usually restructured companies that reformed survivors into new units, most of these were given a few hours to allow the men to reorganized themselves and determine who's ranks would mean what. Especially when Jaguar Sergeant Majors fought against Standard Infantry Lieutenants. Because Alexis was up for promotion to Sergeant Major he was in charge of another rebuilt Platoon, mostly the survivors of Foxtrot company.

"OK men, The Lieutenant wants this area secured for further supply into the city. That means get these buildings cleared out and make sure nothing is out to stop us. Remember, Fegosians are in the area as well, so be careful."

The soldiers were lead threw allies and building looking for enemy forces but so far the area was quiet, something that unnerved Sergeant Minor Cruz, but he kept it to himself. They were only 20 minutes into inner city deployment. and most of the 'Company D' was safely in area securing ground for more reinforcements.

"This is Papa One of Charlie Bravo, Aeromarines, calling the nearest Mokan unit to the government quarter. Thank goodness you're here at last. Come down the street and then down the service alley just before the burning tank, and I'll meet you there. The Captain wants a word with you, so you'll have to get your feet a bit wet."

Cruz cursed to himself seeing as his unit was spotted and in battle he probably would of lost another man. He turned to his radio man and told him to contact the Lieutenant with their find and then send a response to Papa One.

"Papa One, Omega Company here, See you soon."

Alexis left two of his squads behind watching the area they were assigned to, leaving one as reserves and taking his command squad to meet up with the allied forces. Once past the burning tank he spotted the first Aeromarines and after looking around to make sure the area was 'safe' waved and moved up to them.

"Hello, Sergeant Minor Alexis Cruz, Omega Company. How's life been out here?"

Madurastan

20-04-2009, 11:56

FROM: Madurastan Command
TO: Generalissimo Minor Roberto Diaz

Roger that. Cyncian resistance is expected to increase as we get closer to the Government Sector.

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

The grenade exploded and a large squeal of pain erupted as a Cyncian Soldiers legs were shredded by shrapnel. A scream of "We surrender!!" echoed out of the room, followed by 7 Cyncians with their hands up, 2 of them carrying the wounded soldier.

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

The Madurastan forces approached the Ministry Of Defence building. Heavy fire from both sides cut the air as the Madurastan Soldiers stormed the building. Several were cut down, but superior numbers forced the Cyncians to abandon the positions protecting the doorway. Many Cyncians surrendered, but some were killed in the confusion.

Zaheran

20-04-2009, 16:12

Cyncia City

The fighting was growing more and more intense as the lead elements of the Zaheranian force slowly fought their way towards the city centre. Air and artillery support had been severely limited since they had entered an area full of civilians, so the infantry had to clear the resistance house by house, a slow and bloody process. Armoured units advanced along the main streets to cut off pockets of enemy resistance from each other. Helicopter-borne units had captured certain key points through the city, which they now held waiting for their comrades to arrive. A strong armoured column was fighting its way westwards to make contact with the Mokan forces.

The 1st Battalion of the 63rd Guard Division was once again one of the leading units as the Zaheranians advanced further into the city. Enemy resistance was growing stronger and stronger the closer they got to the governmental district. Sergeant Martjin Jordaan swore and ducked as a bullet ricocheted of the tanks hull, just two decimeters from his head. The sniper position was immediately targeted by machine gun fire, and a squad of infantrymen rushed in through the door to find and eliminate the shooter. The urban environment gave the enemy loads of opportunities for ambushes. One hundred and seventy-five Guardsmen had died in the battle for the city so far, and several hundred had been wounded.

He saw a Zaheranian soldier lean out of a window of the house and give him the 'all clear' sign. The tank column began to move again. Squads of mechanised infantry followed closely behind, ready to give support if the column ran into yet another ambush. Jordaan climbed down into the interior of the tank and closed the hatch behind him. He could not prevent his hands from shaking. The last one had been a bit too close. He had only looked out of the hatch to get a better view of the street, but the sniper had had fast reactions. The Cyncians fought bravely, but they could not last much longer. The government district was less than a kilometre away, and the coalition forces were slowly cutting through the Cyncian defences. He doubted that the government had more than twenty-four hours left.

TO: Madurastan Command
FROM: General Erich Licht, Commander, Strike Force Cyncia

We will do as requested. Resistance has been eliminated in the outer districts. We are securing roads and escape routes to prevent enemy forces from escaping.

Alfegos

21-04-2009, 19:34

In the alleyway, the Lieutenant sat behind a parked van, from where he greeted the Jaguars and their group leader.
“Nice to finally meet up with some friendlies – we’ve been here a couple days now, and I tell you that staying awake for 36 hours on the trot isn’t what I’d call a brilliant time. Anyhow,to business.
The area is, as you know, a hotpot of activity. We’ve not engaged any more forces yet, but we know there are more forces apart from the people you met there in the sector. We have two platoons in control of the central government buildings, and a company moving in under the city to this sector. You probably haven’t seen any other aeromarines yet, since they’re all using the sewers for transit, but you might’ve seen the destroyed streets and vehicles they’ve been prowling near.
Anyhow, we need a secure route to the international airport near here, since we’re currently trying to extract all the key government officials from the bunker they’re hiding in. If you could humour us, we’d like if possible a company-sized force to come with us and help us in the city. I’ll radio ahead if you’ll agree to helping, and we can get underway.”

Inside the bunker, the section piled into the room cleared, slamming into the two surrendered soldiers and bringing them to the floor. Two machinegunners covered them as they began moving through to where the government officials were.
“Everyone drop your weapons or we’ll shoot! Hands on your heads, and kneel on the floor!”
The two soldiers wounded were dragged back from the small entranceway, before the men began cautiously moving towards the hatch. One of the soldiers passed a tear gas grenade down the line, ready in case it kicked off in the room they were entering.

Madurastan

21-04-2009, 20:31

Cyncian Ministry Of Defence Building:

Resistance had ceased as the Madurastan Flag was raised on the roof of the building. Below, hundreds of soldiers moved eastward towards the final objectives of the war. Many Soldiers, both Madurastani and Cyncian were dead, with many injured. The Artillery had been moved forward and were now shelling further inside the city.

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

Inside the bunker, the remaining 7 Cyncians inside surrendered as they realised that they were outnumbered in both skill and equipment.

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

TO: General Erich Licht, Commander, Strike Force Cyncia
FROM: Madurastan Command

Received loud and clear. Ministry Of Defence building captured. Now moving towards the final objectives.

Madurastan

23-04-2009, 17:13

Bump

Madurastan

25-04-2009, 09:49

As the front advanced, engineer teams were assessing the cost of war to the cities of Cyncia and getting ready to repair the damage. Millions of Cyncian civilians were displaced by the fighting and the infrastructure of the nation was wrecked. The Cyncian economy has collapsed and most of the goods producing factories lay in ruins from bombing.

Humanitarian Aid was now on its way from Madurastan and Thive on cargo ships and aircraft which when it arrived would be dispersed among the population. However, this would only be the beginning.

Zaheran

25-04-2009, 16:53

A HEAT round slammed into the wall of the presidental palace and exploded, sending debris and glass splinters raining over the soldiers who advanced towards the building. An answering burst of machine gun fire from the palace cut down two Zaheranians. The remaining Guardsmen could do nothing but watch as the bodies were riddled with bullets, jerking in a grotesque parody of life. The street was full with bodies, both Cyncian and Zaheranian. The Cyncians fought with the determination of doomed men, and many were prepared to sacrifice their life if they could take a few of the invaders with them. Those who remained after the days of fierce fighting in the city was the hard core of the Cyncian forces, and it showed in their stalwart defence of the government sector. At another time Martjin Jordaan might have admired their their courage, but their sacrifice was causing unnecessary suffering on both sides. The war had already been lost for the Cyncians, but the few remaining defenders were either too desperate or too proud to admit. With a grim nod of satisfaction he watched as the gunner put another round in the palace, silencing the machine gun nest. The soldiers began to advance again, running in zigzag from cover to cover.

The tank jerked and came to a stop as a mortar round exploded nearby, and only the seatbelt prevented him from falling to the floor. He had a taste of blood in his mouth, but there was more important things to take care of now.
"Status report!"
"Weapons online, engines running", the driver reported after a moment. "Can't tell if the hull has taken a hit, some sensors are offline, but all vital systems are undamaged."
"Continue the assault."

He felt another jerk as the lumbering machine of war began to move once more. Outside, men were falling in their dozens as they advanced towards the presidental palace, but the men inside the tank were protected from everything but the heaviest weapons of the Cyncians. Another explosion could be heard as an air-to-surface missile, fired from a hovering attack helicopter, impacted the building, causing a portion of the wall to collapse. A group of Zaheranian soldiers ran into the breach. The first men to enter were cut down by the defenders' fire, but the others just climbed over their bodies and continued forward, ignoring the casualties. No one was going to retreat when victory could be mere minutes away.

Alfegos

25-04-2009, 20:10

"Come out quickly, anyone else who's in there!"
All the government officials and soldiers who had been hiding in the bunker were herded out quickly, as the sounds of the attack came closer and closer. Around the bunker entrance, a platoon of men stood awaiting their charges, lined up awaiting the captives. The Lieutenant of 3 Platoon quickly spoke into his headset, watching the captive officials being led out.
"This is Papa 3 to Charlie 2 - get onto command to divert fire away from our position - we have the personnel, and are preparing to extract them. Get an airship over here ASAP - I don't think we can make it to the airfield with the current state of affairs."
"Charlie 2 to Papa 3, read you loud and clear. Out."
The prisoners were moved at gunpoint from the bunker into the middle of 3 platoon, who then began walking, half of the platoon at the front and half at the rear enclosing the captured prisoners. The formation began to move once all were surrounded, moving slowly back into the sewers towards where the Captain and his small group were.

Meanwhile, on the surface, one of the members of Platoon 1 sat watching the former Presidential Palace, separate to the buildings that the Aeromarines were currently in control of, as the Zaheran advance took place. They were under strict orders to only fire on enemy entering the zone. He peered through the scope atop his GPMG, men on either side in his field of view dropping left and right from exchanged fire. The order he heard over the radio was a satisfying one when it finally did arrive.
"All elements of Papa 1 - extraction in the bunker is complete. You are free to engage all enemy targets at will, and aid allied forces. I repeat - extraction from bunker is complete. Further orders will be given as and when necessary."

The man smiled as he cocked the weapon, a loud crack as the mechanism moved to the back. Making sure his fingers were clear from the cocking handle, he moved to aim down the sights, giving a final tap on the belt feed cover. Next to him, an accompanying rifleman moved to a crouch from behind the rooftop wall he was using as cover, flipping up the grenade launcher sights.
"I'll go for the top floor - you go for any Cynacians you see. Let's give the Zaheran lot a bit of firepower."
The roar of the machinegun was deafening, loud enough possibly even for the Zaheran military personnel a couple hundred metres away to hear. The top floor of the palace exploded, masonry crashing down as rounds fired off in ten-round bursts. Through the scope, he watched as windows shattered, before seeing a Cyanacian machinegunner collapse forwards through the window. As he finished firing the belt, he saw heat radiating from the barrel. Taking out a water bottle, he sloshed the water over the barrel, hearing it hiss on contact, before letting out another burst. Yet more of the building was destroyed as he opened up, followed by the man next to him firing the grenade launcher. There came a crack as the round exploded inside the building, splattering anyone inside.
"This is Palm Sierra Bravo One, calling Zaheran units outside presidential palace. Is there anywhere in specific you need fire support? I've got a GPMG and grenade launcher bringing support on your position, with further fire support coming available in a minute."
He was interrupted as an incendiary missile shot from a nearby missile launcher, as the rest of the section started crowding in around him to open fire. The side of a nearby building exploded in fire as the white phosphorous rocket detonated, scattering tiny trails of smoking fragments across the street below. Screams came from within as a pair of Cynacian marksmen hiding inside were incinerated in the gathering inferno.
"Yeah, as I said, before they get onto our position."

Madurastan

25-04-2009, 20:24

The Madurastan advance had reached the opposite side of the Presidential Palace of where the Zaheran forces were making entry. A constant radio message broadcast on all frequencies had been sent warning the Zaheran forces to their presence.

Soldiers began firing LAW-80s in pairs at the nearby wall which made a 8 feet breach for the soldiers to enter. Several were cut down by heavy fire, but an Apache opened up with its 30mm Cannon which halted the Cyncian position and allowing the attacking force to enter the building. One soldier, Sargeant James Patterson, saw a Zaheranian Soldier and ran through the hail of bullets towards him, pulling his G506A1 Assault Rifle tightly towards his chest.

Madurastan

27-04-2009, 17:13

Bump

Mokastana

27-04-2009, 17:26

OOC: post coming soon

Zaheran

29-04-2009, 16:18

Soldiers were still pouring through the breach when the top floor of the building literally exploded. Over the carnage of falling masonry and breaking glass, the distinct sound of a rattling machine gun could be heard. The intensive firefight inside the building stopped completely as the soldiers of both sides got into cover, neither side knowing who was firing on them. The captain in command of the assault company just stared in shock as more and more rounds ripped through the building, soon followed by grenades which caused even more carnage. Through a wonder, none of his soldiers seemed to have been wounded, but it was only a matter of time until someone would take a hit. A incoming call on the radio caught his attention.

"This is Palm Sierra Bravo One, calling Zaheran units outside presidential palace. Is there anywhere in specific you need fire support? I've got a GPMG and grenade launcher bringing support on your position, with further fire support coming available in a minute."

The voice spoke with a distinct Alfegan accent. With a curse he turned on the microphone and tuned in the FU frequency.

"This is Echo Company, calling Palm Sierra Bravo One. Refrain from firing, I repeat, refrain from firing. I have men inside that building. The risk of friendly fire is too high. Echo Company, over and out."

***

On the bottom floor of the presidental palace, Zaheranian and Cyncian were fighting for their lives in a desperate close quarters battle, often with only their combat knives or even bare hands. No quarter was expected or given. The battle raged from room to room, to and fro in the vast building. Centimetre by centimetre, the Cyncian defenders were pressed back, with horrendous casualties on both sides.

Corporal Hans Rauss was crouching behind a worktop in the palace's kitchen. His camoflauge uniform was drenched in blood, most of which was not his. Behind him the five remaining members of his section were crouching behind what cover they had manged to find. In front of him, in the other end of the kitchen, was five to six Cyncians, one of which had put a very neat shot through the forehead another of his section members, who was lying on the floor in the middle of the room, quite dead. No one in the room dared to move. The rattling of assault rifles and the screams of wounded soldiers could be heard from other parts of the building, but in the kitchen there was a eerie silence as everyone waited for the other side to do something.

Eventually, Rauss came to a decision. He turned silently to his comrades and raised three fingers. They nodded, knowing what he meant. Two...one...

"For the fatherland!"

He jumped to his feet and time seemed to slow. He saw a Cyncian soldier smile as his finger moved to the trigger, knew that there was nothing he could do to stop him from firing. Suddenly the wall exploded with a loud bang. The man was thrown off his feet, and the bullet ricocheted of the worktop and into the roof. Soldiers began to stream in through the hole. Rauss saw a man run towards him through the hail of bullets. First his hand moved to the trigger, but then he saw the flags on the newcomers' shoulders. Madurastanis. He lowered the rifle and snapped a salute.

"Welcome to the party, gentlemen! About time we got some assistance!"

Etoile Arcture

29-04-2009, 18:05

OOC: At last, catching up.

The lead battalions of the main assault were moving up by early evening and crossed their start lines in quick order. The main force of M35A2 Cataphract main battle tanks halted a few hundred metres from the enemy earthworks and were in hull down positions as AH-79C Anaconda’s swept out anti-tank positions and enemy tanks and BMPs with 30 mm cannon and Viper Strike bombs. This cleared the way for armoured engineers, mainly M9 ACE dozers and M23 Hyena armoured engineering vehicles, to venture into no-man’s land. The Hyena’s, many equipped with Carpet fuel-air explosives, cleared suspected minefields, then breached berms protecting the trenches with their dozer blades. The M9 ACE dozers continued on to fill in the trenches, sometimes burying alive hapless Cyncians.

Dozer-equipped Cataphract tanks then breached the final obstacles and drove down the mine lanes cleared by the engineers. With the attack helicopters orbiting above and harrassing any defenders the one opportunity the Cyncians had to bottleneck and inflict heavy casualties was lost. By midnight each of the four heavy armoured brigades had broken through the Cyncian lines at dozens of locations. Battles raged between the advancing heavy manouevre units and Cyncian motorised rifle and tank units that fell back to final defensive positions on hills overlooking the city. Rather than finding good cover among trees they found themselves under mercilous attack from A-20s and F/A-38s, even the four AV-44A gunships saw action.

The Cataphracts fought their weay up the hills with the support of the air and artillery services, burning lines of T-72s and BMP-2s marking their progress. At this stage the LAHAT, APAM and MPAT was being preferred over sabot by the tankers dealing with the higher elevations. Data sharing between ground and air units was critical, the number of combat aircraft greatly enhancing the tactical picture beyond what was possible with drones alone. The Cyncians had tried throwing every obstacle from earthworks, tank traps, mines, road-side IEDs to hastily constructed road blocks to try and slow their progress. A number of Cataphracts lost tracks and had to self-recover to field repair stations directly behind the front line as tiltrotors flew in fuel, ammo and repair parts to keep them operation, just as they had throughout the campaign.

The high tempo that the heavy units could maintain thanks to this support pressured the Cyncians and was proving overwhelming with Madurastan Lariat 1A1Ls also pushing forward along parallel axis of advance. Where the Cyncians stood and fight it resulted in what only amounted to one-side duels with the Cataphracts and Lariats. Even so, engagement ranges were falling rapidly as fighting in wide open country gave way to fighting in restricted built up terrain and casualties were inevitably rising. Even so, at 4 AM a platoon of three Cataphract tanks of the 4th/1st Battalion, 238 Heavy Brigade, veterans of both recent Alfegan police actions, reported it had captured a key overpass leading into the city. This had followed a 60 second battle that left thirteen T-72s and five BMP-2s as brewing wrecks by the side of the road. In the following minutes dozens of more victories were reported in or just inside the city limits as the four brigades broke through exactly according to plan in multiple locations.

There were four main objectives of the assault: the city centre, the government complex, the industrial district and the international airport. To reach any of them they had pass through the suburbs, and Cataphracts and Talon+ IFVs with slat armour were soon shrugging off RPG attacks in the streets as dismounted infantry begun clearing Cyncian tenement blocks. Snipers and mortars were a growing problem for the infantry, the former dealt with by SPIKE-MR rockets fired into windows, and the latter by counter-fire from armoured mortar carriers taking part in the assault. Files of troops would shelter behind tanks, IFVs or wheeled APCs, or if not available have to bound from tenement to tenement at street level to the safety of the next house, and then dynamically breach and clear it bottom-up. Many Cyncians had heeded government warnings to take to underground bomb shelters in their blocks, and this was where the troopers usually found them, frightened and huddled together.

In most cases the occupants were so stunned, already traumatised by the nine days of continious air attacks, and not hearing the approach of the electric-powered vehicles over the constant sounds of air raids and fighting of over a week that they offered no resistance. In other cases, civilians that had been fed a constant diet of anti-western propaganda about rapists and baby-killers attacking their nation lashed out at these unwelcome visitors. Poorly maintained AK-47s were the order of the day, firefights errupting in stairwells and passages and ended by the tossing of a flash-bang or CS grenade to subdue the shooter. The result of this would be the zip-tying of the shooter and his unceremonious dumping in the basement shelter, while a designated marksman or a two-man sniper team would go onto the roof to survey the city. But on one occasion a man, his wife and sun huddled around him, drew an aged RGO grenade and tried to toss it at a fireteam as they burst into the living room of their flat, the resulting explosion killing the family instantly and leaving five troopers seriously injured.

Clearing the street this way denied the Cyncians any opportunity to flank and counter-attack, and by day break long columns of M344 Wolverines and M96 LUMPS gun trucks were forming up in the streets cleared during the night. The heavy manoeuvre brigades had made good progress, even though individual units had weathered thousands of RPG and IED attacks. In virtually every incident the attack had failed to penetrate composite armour or had been defeated by the simple aluminium slat armour bolted to most vehicles. Instead the city streets were littered with thousands of burned-out Cyncian army vehicles. The T-72s were specially pitifull sights, for when hit their ammunition and fuel would explode, the tracks and road wheels melting into the tarmac under the intense heat of the conflagration until the whole tank had sagged into the ground. Even worse were the corpses, charred and with limbs contorted, the smell of burnt flesh permeating throughout the city.

Armour columns had broken through the suburbs and were inside the large thoroughfares leading to the city centre. A column lead by a battalion of the 292 Heavy Brigade and two battalions of the 113 Medium Division had detached and taken the main highway to the international airport. By 11 AM a route had been secured into the airport after hours of intense fighting, 40 mm cased telescoped cannons prooving their worth even against the T-72 main battle tank. They linked up with Mokan and Madurstani airborne forces that had been fighting there the past week. An hour later the first A400Ms flying from Fort Stahl begun arriving.

The 226, 279 and two battalions of the 292 Heavy Brigade had meanwhile linked up with Madurastani armour clearing the city centre. The tanks had to fight junction by junction with the attack helicopters and ground attack planes in action again elimated eenemy positions on overpasses. A column of three battalions was detached and performed a ‘thunder run’ reconnaisiance by fire into the industrial district before pulling back to link back up with their parent units. It was decided to wait until for more Madurastani reinforcements and the city was secured before proceeding.

At the same time the veteran 238 Heavy Brigade had bypassed the city centre and was attacking towards the government district where Zaheran, Madurastani and Fegosian units were already engaged in heavy fighting with the hard core holdouts of the regime. Armoured engineers were again in the vanguard, breaching a hasty minefield laid over the main highway and then sneakily through a high wall that separated the government district from the rest of the city. This breech surpises the Cyncians, allowing them to be flanked and raked with enfliade fire from tanks and IFVs as they breached their lines. By mid-afternoon the tankers, under armour in their air conditioned crew compartments, could see the presidential palace on their long range surviellance system. Few eyes were
saw the explosion that blew off the top roof of the presidential palace, but Cataphract tanks were less than a hundred metres as it occured and minutes away from linking up with the other attackers...

Madurastan

30-04-2009, 12:52

Sargeant Patterson smiled at the soldier. "We are glad we made it. Its been hell getting here. This is the worst firefight i have ever been in and i have fought in 3 wars. Whats the situation?"

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

Around the Presidential Palace, Heavy fire from assaulting infantry zipped past in either direction. Inside the building, attacking soldiers slowly pushed the Cyncian defenders up the staircases who were fighting as if they were animals. Tank shells had destroyed the perimeter walls completely to allow freedom of movement for the attacking soldiers.

A precision 500lb Bomb released from a F-25D Revolution Fighter suddenly crashed through the roof crushing several soldiers by the collapsing masonry. The Cyncian Flags adorning the once magnificent halls were either ripped or on fire. Bullet holes peppered the marble pillars and gaping holes revealed dead soldiers and abandoned rifles. The final scenario of a once powerful nation was to be played out among the carnage and slaughter of a final last stand.

Madurastan

02-05-2009, 18:05

Bump

Mokastana

02-05-2009, 18:27

In the alley where the Sergeant Alexis Cruz talked met up the Fegosians the radio man was calling in to battalion command trying to get further support for the Company in the area.

"Danger Command, First squad here, we have made contact with the Aeromarines, they are in need of a company size reinforcement."

"Copy that First squad. Reinforcements are inbound, Charlie Company is coming in after us to lead the assault on the government quarter. Let the Aeromarines know that an armored company from the 116th is on route. Escort any wounded or fatigued aeromarines to reinforcement Point Delta for extraction and medical attention.Over."

"Copy that Danger." Then to Alexis, "Cruz, command says we are to find escort any wounded out of here if we can. Reinforcements are inbound, vague on the details though."

"First Squadron, this is Danger commander, Your position will be replaced by 5th squadron, move in to reinforce and assist aeromarines. Current orders still stand, but there is there are Army Infantry Units spearheading two blocks south of your position. A few Ironhearts and infantry, if you can make contact then I am sure they will give you a ride. Over"

At this point Alexis took the radio, "Do our best to show up the army sir. Over and out."

To the radio man: "Get the rest of my platoon up here."

Back at the Fegosians: "We got orders to escort your wounded out of here, and meet up with a few Ironhearts to the south. Which is easier for you?"

Zaheran

02-05-2009, 19:47

The firefight in the kitchen had died out. The few remaining Cyncians had retreated to adjacent rooms, leaving four dead behind them. The small victory had not come without a price, however. Another member of Rauss' small section had been killed, his body shredded almost unrecognisable by the enemy's bullets. One of the remaining men held a filthy rag to his head, where a Cyncian bullet had grazed his body. Rauss bent down to salvage the dead man's spare magasines before answering the Madurastani sergeant.

"Tell me about it. We lost over fifty men just getting to this building and god knows how many we have lost inside. The Cyncians fight like madmen. I think we have mostly won control over this floor, but they still control the upper floors. It's going to be a bloody affair to clear them out."

***

With the aid of the newly-arrived Madurastanis, the ground floor was quickly cleared from enemy resistance. Heavy fighting still raged around and on the stairways, but the Cyncians were slowly pushed back towards the second floor. In the left wing of the palace, a stairway was destroyed after being hit by a grenade. Dozens of soldiers died or were wounded as the stairs collapsed under them. The others continued, using ropes to climb up to the second floor and continue the fighting.

It looked like the clearing of the presidental palace would become a veritable bloodbath. The Cyncians still held the upper floors and could easily shoot down the attackers as they climbed the stairs. For the moment, it looked like the assault had reached a staus quo, where no side could win without overwhelming losses. But the Zaheranians still had a few aces up their sleeves. As the battle raged on, the sound of whirring rotors could be heard, coming closer and closer . Seconds later, three CH-47 Chinook helicopters, carrying three platoons of airborne infantry, appeared over the rooftops. They were escorted by four TRA-92 Eiko attack helicopters which swept in over the presidental palace and began to lay down suppressing fire on the floors held by the Cyncians, using their autocannons. Meanwhile, the transport helicopters hovered over the palace while the soldiers lowered hemselves down using ropes. The first men took up defensive positions to prevent a Cyncian counterattack. When everyone was down, they began to move into the building itself. The constant airstrikes and grenade attacks had left plenty of holes through which they could enter.

Madurastan

04-05-2009, 10:24

Outside the Presidential House, reinforcements had arrived in the form of the 1st Marine Division. As they approached, they came under heavy fire, but managed to enter the Presidential House's gardens and started to methodically began to clear them one by one. After this task was done, a landing zone would be prepared to transport wounded out and bring more soldiers in.

Meanwhile at Cyncia City International Airport, the landing of humanitarian aid had begun. Aircraft were landing every 2 minutes carrying supplies for the Cyncian civilian population. Around 700,000 tonnes of supplies had landed so far, with more to come.

Mokastana

07-05-2009, 02:58

The lead LY4A1 Wolfhound fired its cannon at the machine gun nest blocking infantry from crossing an open street. The explosion shook the building and the guns went quiet. An anti-tank rocket fired out from another window towards the Wolfhound, but the WATCHKEEPER System quickly tracked the incoming missile and fired a shotgun blast to counter the missile. Blowing up the rocket and leaving the AT units exposed to enemy fire. The Apache above had saw the rocket leave the window and began coating the window and surrounding area with 30mm cannon fire, followed by two more rockets, to be safe. Mokan Infantry stormed the bottom floor and began fighting their way up.

The Mokan army was moving steadily forward towards the government quarter, already half of the city was under Mokan occupation. While the areas were by no means quiet, it still meant that the Red Star was quickly overtaking highways and the main roads of the cities. Military forces were taking priority, but humanitarian aide was given a lot of importance as well.

Etoile Arcture

08-05-2009, 01:12

The two remaining brigades of the 13 Medium Division, numbered the 118 and 129, begun arriving in Cyncia City taking off the pressure on the 113 brigade that ahd been engaged in combat for a week, and boosting troop numbers by an extra 20,000 personnel. The mission of the medium weight follow on forces was also expanded beyond force protection and combat support to include emergency relief and in particular providing medical aid and distributing food and water to the population.

Cyncian civilians had stockpiled whatever supplies they cound find as best they could before and even during the war, but were now clearly close to breaking point. The delivery of food and water was critical to avoid further suffering among the population, and at least most civilians were easily accessible from the warren of bomb shelters found beneath the city streets, tenement blocks and governmment buildings. Medics also went in along with the troops distributing the aid, finding illness and injuries ranging from minor to the most serious cases.

The worst cases were airlifted out for treatment in hospitals elsewhere in Cyncia, or as afar as Thive. Using a makeshift landing zone like a park or wasteground where the ground troops had secured all possible ambush positions and overlooking buildings, a Pegasus quad tiltrotors outfitted with aeromedical evacuation suite could evacuate up to 70 casulaties at a time. Twice as many could be flown out by an A400 tactical airlifter from the main airport. Convoys of LUMPS II ambulances escorted by APCs and gun trucks would take the casualties to the waiting aircraft, while in the opposite direction the aid was flowing, or more accurately, flying in.

This belied the fact that the battle for Cyncian City was not yet over. Etoilian forces had secured a quarter of the city including a third of residential housing and half the downtown commercial district. The city had become fragmented between these areas and the hold-out districts and suburbs, inbetween which lied a no-man's land where tank, RPG and mortar fire was exchanged.Sometimes sporadically, and other times with great intensity. But none was more intense than the presdential palace which resembled a scene from helll - or a spectacular war movie, depending on your point of view.

Most worrying for staff officers was reports of very few if any prisoners being taken. Intelligence supported the idea that Cynican military personnel had simply ditched their uniforms and melted into the general population undetected. The short time frame of the operation and the requirements that a small, agile force would achieve maximum tactical surprise meant there were now insufficient forces wioth which to chase down the Cyncian soldiers. The best that could be done at present was to maintain a curfew iand continue to hammer identifiable military targets as hard as possible.

At the presidential palace the problem was more one of avoiding friendly fire, for main battle tanks were of little use in floor to floor fighting. The tanks therefore halted, sometimes occupying former Cyncian positions by pushing still-burning tank chassis aside with attached dozer blades. Already, the attacker was beginning its transformation into the occupyer, as the war played out to its inevitable and bloody final act.

Madurastan

08-05-2009, 10:25

After hours of heavy fighting, a breakthrough. 6 squads of the 7th Division and 1st Marine Division gained a hold on the top floor and began attacking the entrance to the roof. The remaining Cyncian soldiers were suddenly overwhelmed by the attacking soldiers that they were either cut down or surrendered.

1 squad of the 1st Marine Division had a Fegosian Union Flag which they had carried from the "Battle of the Eastern Bridgehead" to the Cyncia City where they would now try to place on the flagpole on top of the roof of the Presidential Palace. A firefight that lasted 40 minutes ensued on the roof as the last fanatical Cyncian soldiers fought to prevent the Madurastani soldiers from reaching their goal. More soldiers piled into the firefight which cost 37 Madurastani soldiers their lives before finally the last Cyncian soldier surrendered.

The soldier carrying the Fegosian Union Flag approached the flagpole and removed the Cyncian Flag from it. He then with the help of 2 more soldiers, attached the Fegosian Union Flag to the flagpole and raised it. Cheers began erupting in and round the Presidential Palace. They had finally taken it after days of heavy fighting. They had yet to count the cost of the battle, but for now they would celebrate. At the same time, grief and loss was also being felt for the soldiers that had not lived to see Cyncia being liberated.

News was also coming in that General Ali Keraya had commited suicide hours beforehand and had denied the chance for him to be tried for terrorism and war crimes. The rest of his cabinet however, were either in hiding or trying to flee the country.

Madurastan

11-05-2009, 18:05

Bump

Madurastan

12-05-2009, 16:38

Now the fighting was over, humanitarian aid that had been stored at Cyncia City International Airport was now being distributed into the city. Thousands of civilians were homeless and hungry. The fighting had claimed hundreds of civilian's lives and destruction was on a massive scale.

The Madurastan Army's divisions that had been fighting in Cyncia City had taken heavy losses and were soon to be relieved by fresh divisions from the Madurastan Mainland and its colonies.

Mokastana

13-05-2009, 04:36

Sergeant Cruz stood outside what was once the presidential palace when word came in that the battle was over, minus a few last minute skirmishes the war was finally over. A few weeks and the country had been changed. Cruz thought it over to himself, a mere decade ago he had been a young boy in a village in Mokastana watching his brother fight for their liberty, and in those few years Mokastana had turned from a backwards island of a country to a world power spanning three continents.

"Mi Dios, the war is over. Let's make sure the civilians are alright."

Across the Mokan occupied territories Ironheart APCs rolled threw neighborhoods delivering food, water and tents to the populace. In addition Mokan occupied airstrips were flying in tons of humanitarian aide from around the Federation. Fish from Aqua Anu, grains from Mejico, Fruit from the South regions and industrial supplies from the Islands.

Etoile Arcture

13-05-2009, 18:08

There seemed to be little to celebrate. Etoilian commanders considered the battle for the palace a needless and costly exercise, but then again, public opinion in Etoile Arcture had already begun to turn against the war once embeds with the military begun beaming back images of the destruction. The near destruction of the palace also caused other problems, namely that of determining whom among the former leadership had died there and therefore those still at large. The stated aim of the operation had been to bring to justice those reponsibility for the Zaheran nightclub and Fort Stahl terrorist attacks, and it would take forensic teams months of combing through the rubble to make a final tally, notwithstanding General Keraya’s suicide.

Other palace’s inside the city had thankfully fallen far easier. The prime minister’s palace in the downtown was already occupied by a battalion of the 238th brigade who had needed only to roll a tank through the main gate to capture it. The finance ministry and another of General Keraya’s palace’s in the downtown were similarly captured without a single shot being fired. They would now all become bases for the Etoilian military for the security phase of the operation. Military intelligence teams would also go in to make sense of records

Resistance was higher, but not by much, at the main prison. Two company’s of the 479 SOG weere inserted on the roof by CV-22B Opsrey and begun a top-down assault through the prison. The guards, probably expecting a frontal assault, were caught by suprise as the special forces troops poored in using CS gas and flash bangs to disorientate them. It took only an hour to secure the entire site, the warder having blown his brains out before the special forces could reach his office. Prisoners were then given the pleasure of watching their former guards bound with zip-ties and being frog-marched out. Military intelligence were soon on the scene there too, sorting out the common criminals from political prisoners so they could be released. Torture chambers, to put it midly, had also been found and senior officers were keen to remind the Etoilian public why and who it was they had been fighting all this time by getting those pictures out too.

Madurastan

13-05-2009, 20:15

Back in the Republic Of Madurastan, the majority of public opinion had been for the war in Cyncia. However certain sections of the public, had turned against the war when pictures of the fighting in Cyncia City reached the media.

President Jack Browning, now with the war over, gave a speech in Liberty City.

"Today, the flags of democracy are flying in Cyncia. The oppressors have been struck down with the sword of liberty and freedom. We must now prevent history from repeating itself a second time. I ask you the Madurastan people, to give whatever you can spare in the way of clothes, food and money to help towards humanitarian aid and the rebuilding of their shattered homeland.

I also ask that we put aside our political differences. Whether you believe we should be there or not, we will not let the Cyncian people down. I ask you not as a liberal, but as a caring human being, to help these people out of poverty and into a prosperous future."

Zaheran

13-05-2009, 21:43

The war was finally over, but at a heavy price. Over eight hundred Zaheranians had died, four hundred of them in the desperate battle for the capital. Over two thousand had been wounded. Entire districts of Cyncia City lay in ruins. Public support for the war had remained through the entire conflict, even as images of the carnage began to reach the populace, but then that was to be expected, as Zaheran had suffered the greatest losses from the terrorist attacks. Ali Keraya, the man ultimately responsible for the attacks, had killed himself before he could be brought to justice, but the hunt for the rest of his government had just began. The military police had constructed roadblocks at every roads leading out from the city, and all passing in or out had theír identities checked against a register of suspected war criminals and high government officials. Those caught were detained in a special holding camp outside the city to await prosecution. A bounty of three million reichmarks had been promised to whoever handed over a member of Keraya's cabinet to the authorities.

The Cyncian Defense Ministry building had been captured via an helicopter assault at an early stage of the battle. After a brief struggle the Cyncian defenders had surrendered, leaving most of the building intact. It had now been converted to serve as the headquarters of the Zaheranian forces in the city. The red and blue flag of Zaheran now proudly flow over the building, alongside the Emperor's personal banner with the golden eagle. Inside, military intelligence specialists were going through the vast archives in search of evidence that could be used in the upcoming trials, while officers attached to General Erich Licht's staff were coordinating the efforts to find wanted individuals. Several high officers of the Cyncian army had been captured along with the building, and they were now awaiting their trials in the the hastily erected barracks in what had been named 'Camp 21', a few miles ouside the city.

Another building, which had used to belong to one of Keraya's ministers, was now the coordination centre for the humanitarian aid which had begun to arrive to the Zaheranian zone. As soon as news of Cyncia City's fall had reached Zahran, the government had dispatched two ships filled with foodstuffs to prevent a humanitarian crisis in the newly captured city. They had now reached Greisha, and from there the supplies was transported in large convoys to the capital. Military engineers had constructed barracks to house those who had lost their homes in the battles, and medical teams had been flown in from the Empire to provide healthcare to those who had been injured. The city's electricity supply had been damaged during the battle, but luckily no water purification plants had been destroyed, so there was little risk of cholera or other diseases spreading.

Madurastan

15-05-2009, 15:10

Madurastan Headquarters in Cyncia City was inside the Presidential Palace. Its ruined halls now full with moving military personnel going to their respective areas to now help maintain a newly liberated Cyncia.

20 of the 100 B52Hs in theater had been sent on a temporary basis to Cyncia International Airport while the rest had been flown back to Thive. This was for technical reasons as these were on their 500 hour repair schedules. In Greisha, the Madurastan Navy were still anchored outside the dock area. The 3 Aircraft Carriers had seen no action since the 2nd week of the war and had moved back to Thive until they were recalled back to Madurastan.

Construction crews had nearly finished rebuilding the cities in the eastern part of Cyncia as the fighting had been only light compared with the fighting near Cyncia City.

Mokastana

16-05-2009, 07:01

Cyncia City National Police Headquarters
Current Mokan Regional/liason Headquarters

"Ready, aim, fire!"

In the very same firing ranges where police forces had executed numerous dissenters and civilians, upper level Officers were now suffering the same fate. Most of the higher/national level officers had been turned over to Madurastan command, except for the chief of police of Cyncia City, he had been turned over to an angry mob outside of the headquarters when family members were freed from the jailhouse. Most of the prisoners in the headquarters had to be interviewed and records examined to determine who deserved freedom and who was jailed for a reason. Once they were separated the free men and more protesters screamed for the head of the Chief of Police, and the soldiers were more then willing to give it to them.

Needless to say the soldiers merely got a "Don't do that(without permission)" warning.

His underlings were now being tried for crimes against the people and executed in groups of five, every hour so precise you could set a watch to it. In charge here was Generalissimo Minor Roberto Diaz, his primary duty was making sure that the roads and railways were still operational in Western Cyncia, along with that he had a convoy bringing in a few rebel leaders who showed promise to bring a new government to the Cyncian people. If they seemed effective and like they knew what they were doing, he would organize a better meeting with the rest of the Fegosian Union.

At the moment Generalissimo Leon Turner was constructing a naval station outside Anchorage for a permanent Fegosian Union Military presence. Mostly Mokan at the moment, however facilities were being planned to handle all FU airships. The station would be called Fort Anchorage once completed, allowing both a far easier supply of aide and operations.

Madurastan

16-05-2009, 10:55

Cyncia City
Cyncia City Market
11am

A car pulled up alongside the entrance to the market which was packed with people in queues for their daily food allowance given to them by the Madurastan Red Cross. The driver fingered a detonator, rigged to several barrels filled with C4 explosive. He watched as a Madurastan foot patrol consisting of 4 soldiers passed behind him, then he pressed the detonator.

A huge explosion rocked the air as 50lbs of C4 explosive detonated. The 4 soldiers of the Madurastan patrol were killed instantly, along with 76 civilians. 174 were wounded and part of the market destroyed. The car carrying the bomb was vapourised and a car in front of it hurled forward. Fortunately the Madurastan Red Cross members were on the other side of the market along the civilians in the front of the queues and were only showered with debris.

The response was immediate. Several Madurastan vehicle patrols sealed the area off and began dispersing the panicked crowd of people. Black Hawk Helicopters were dispatched to hover above the area to protect the foot patrols that were being deployed from M344 Wolverine APCs.

The 4 soldiers killed were from the 44th National Guard Division which had arrived from Madurastan just 2 days ago. National Guard Divisions were being deployed in Cyncia on 3 month deployments to give the part time soldiers experience. Many were from regular jobs back home and some had families.

The Madurastan death toll of the war had now reached 264.

Madurastan

17-05-2009, 10:01

Bump

Mokastana

17-05-2009, 17:44

"So, my brothers in Arms, I hear you have a proposal for a new Cyncian Government."

Inside the police station Generalissimo Diaz listened to the leftist guerrillas and sometimes even appreciated their ideas, however of the group only a few actually seemed capable of remotely running a country. In the end Diaz thanks the groups for its efforts in the war, assisting and leading rebellion against such an oppressive regime. He even told stories about his days in the jungle with the Villa brothers, fighting politicians and enemies alike. What it came down to was, in the political area, you cannot kill your enemies, things are very much more subtle, and very few can handle that.

"Seeing as you are the leader of this army of rebels, and have some political skill, I would like to fly you to Mokastana to meet President Villa. He is a man who, like you, fought against oppression, then was forced into the political area because of a series of unfortunate events."

The man standing before him was named Jacob Debbing. He had started a rebellion which lead to a full scale guerrilla movement across the country, and by full scale...they meant slight annoyance to the regional leaders. Jacon was found in a torture room when the marines raided the HQ, when they found out who he was, news was spread around the country to his release.

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

TO: Allied forces
FROM: Generalissimo Roberto Diaz, liaison to Fegosian Union Allied effort

In the name of the future of Cyncia, we believe that a civilian government should be started soon to give long term planning goals to the new nation. At the moment we are interviewing a few possible leaders for the new government and they are being flown to Mokastana to meet with President Villa for further discussion.

While we believe that elections are still best way to start the new government we also know that we need candidates. Therefore we have picked a man named Jacob Debbing to train in the art of politics for his country.

Feel free to respond,

Madurastan

17-05-2009, 18:38

The Imperial Guard had been formed 2 days ago and 5 divisions had been formed. The Imperial Guard Madurastan Division, the Imperial Guard Liberty Division, the Imperial Guard Thive Division, the Imperial Guard Hervia Division and the Imperial Guard Moriabia Division. These units were made up of civilians who had volunteered from the Madurastan Colonies. The Imperial Guard Liberty Division was made up of all the Madurastan Colonies nationalities while the other 4 had their own single nationality. The volunteers had been given specialist infantry training and placed in each units designated going by their nationality. Now the first units were to be deployed in Cyncia on peacekeeping duty to gain battlezone experience.

Cyncia City International Airport
14:00 Hours

The afternoon sun poured into the holds of many C130J Hercules as the first half of the Imperial Guard Madurastan Division arrived to begin their 6 month tour of Greisha. The other half would do their tour when the others got back.

They were expected to hold the badlands of Cyncia, the notorious Cyn River Estuary where it was thought guerilla fighters were using the river to enter Cyncia. They would hold positions in the military base on the banks of the river and patrol Zaref Bridge that spans the Cyn on the Greisha-Cyncia City highway.

Zaref Military Base
15:00 Hours

The soldiers and equipment of the Imperial Guard Madurastan Division had reached Zaref Military Base on the west bank of the River Cyn. The units of the 7th Division manning the Zaref Bridge had been relieved. The locals seemed to be intrigued by the Imperial Guard Flag, an eagle carrying a shield and within the shield would be the Divisions Title. The Imperial Guard had arrived in combat.

Imperial Guard Madurastan Divisions Flag:

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/6091/imperialguardemblemk.png

TO: Generalissimo Roberto Diaz, liaison to Fegosian Union Allied effort
FROM: General Taylor Maxwell, Madurastan Task Force Commander

We have found 2 people who wish to stand for election, 2 former political dissidents called Ali Hussain and Abu Akbraiz who spoke out against the old regime and was imprisoned.

I agree that elections should be held, but a temporary government should should be in Cyncia, until the security is more stable. Nobody will vote if there is still bombings and ambushes.

What we should do is send our candidates into the very safe Green Zone in the Government Sector of Cyncia City where they can be looked after while we sort out the security problem. What do you think of that proposal?

Madurastan

17-05-2009, 19:35

21:00 Hours
Zaref Military Base

Private James Price looked across the Cyn River through Nightvision Goggles towards the eastern bank. He had just arrived and he was already feeling the effects of the hot night. He had up to now only been in the temperate climate of Madurastan but he had been bored there. Nothing to do, he joined the Madurastan Army and into the Imperial Guard. He had been given 12 weeks basic training, then 28 weeks of advanced infantry training which included driving and basic survival. He was at the peek of his fitness.

Suddenly a flare exploded to his right, followed by a burst of rifle fire. The General Purpose Machine Gun on Private Prices right retaliated which woke up the whole garrison. Private Price looked around and spotted 6 figures in the distance. He screamed "i see them! They are 30 degrees to our right and it looks like 16 people." The fire was adjusted to that bearing and the 16 terrorists found themselves under fire from Rifles, Machine Guns, 81mm Mortars and everything else the garrison had.

The firing lasted 20 minutes which repelled the attack. 10 terrorists were killed by small arms fire while the other 6 were killed by a precision airstrike of 2 1000lb bombs from a F-25D Revolution Fighter.

Madurastan

18-05-2009, 16:51

09:00 Hours
Cyncia City

A loud explosion rocked the air as the second car bomb in 3 days ripped through a crowded street. The panicked civilians nearby scattered causing problems for the military medics attending to the casualties. 35 were killed inlcluding several local coalition employees who happened to be passing on their way to work at the Cynician Ministry Of Welfare where humanitarian aid was being dispensed.

The target a Madurastan Army Vehicle Checkpoint (VCP), somehow managed to avoid being caught in the explosion due to a parked lorry. It took the force of the suicide bombers car exploding and absorbed all the debris that was flung towards them. The 4 Soldiers of the 6th Division manning the VCP were unharmed. Cyncia City had become very dangerous and the security forces were up a determined enemy who was to stop at nothing to cause as many casualties to the Fegosian Union forces inside Cyncia.

Madurastan

20-05-2009, 19:08

Bump

Mokastana

20-05-2009, 21:45

OOC: my laptop is going in for repairs this week and I doubt I will be able to post much over the next few weeks, but just say that my forces are under Fegosian Union Central Command

We are building a permanent Military base outside the city we Re-named Anchorage, called Anchorage Naval Station. It will be under Mokan control but accessible by FU members. I will add the details of the base later to show what we have put there.

Etoile Arcture

21-05-2009, 18:06

The Etoile Arcture sector of Cyncia City quickly became focused around its main base and headquarters at the Prime Minister’s palace inside the Green Zone that also included the main city prison, and the various palaces taken over by various coalition nations. The base was supplied mainly via the airport, the route kept free and open by constant armoured patrols between the airport and the palace. Cyncians found themselves barred from entering the Green Zone, but from tall tenements they could see hundreds of armoured vehicles and their supply vehicles, and in the air tiltrotors delivering or moving men and materiel.

For Cyncians they now face a continuation of the misery they had endured through the war. The city water treatment and pumping plants, along with sewers, pipes and mains had suffered signficant damage. Sometimes the only water that could be found was whatever cascaded and flooded streets from burst mains. City electrical power was similarly compromised by gaps in the coverage of the grid, with rolling blackouts occuring even after the main generating plants and switching centres were brought back online.

With no city personnel going to work, least of all the repair and maintenance crews, military engineers struggled with antiquated and damaged systems. Within months both sanitation and electricity grids could be rebuilt as if new, but to stave off an immediate crisis the decision was made to begin dispersing water tanker and generator trailers into the city suburbs. This increased the burden on already stretched troops and MPs that now had to provide force protection to stationary assets. As far as possible checkpoints were combined with the trailers, but a caculated risk was being taken as it exposed the equipment, and personnel guarding them, to attack.

This fear would come to fruition quickly, as tanker and generator crews soon attracted sniper and RPG attacks during movement and even at their checkpoints at city junctions and block corners. An even larged threat came from roadside bombs, but the proliferation of electronic countermeasures across the Etoilian vehicle fleet negated the threat as they jammed command detonation signals - and all wireless communication including cell phones and Bluetooth. The insurgents were forced to resort to simple command wires, an unwelcome reminder of the terrorist attack that had precipiated Etoile Arcture’s entry into the war in the first place.

A number of HEMTT A3 prime movers and LUMPS II gun trucks found themselves succumbing to such attacks with scores of fatalities. With a post-war casualty number below 100 quickly rising to 150 in the space of just a few days, M346 Wolfhound armoured sercurity vehicles begun joining the patrols, while patrols were beefed up by M344 Wolverines carrying full infantry sections that could react quickly to incidents. At checkpoints gun trucks begun to give way to IFVs and even tanks, as the defensive posture increased. Concrete chicanes were emplaced around key installations in the green zone and even at checkpoints to deter vehicle-borne bombs.

The curfew was only lifted between 10 AM and 3 PM to allow citizens to shop at markets or reach the dozens of distribution centres aid agencies were allowed to establish throughout the city. Most could reach the markets - and black marketeers - without passing through cehckpoints by the free food, water and medicines at the distribution centres would be behind maybe half a dozen checkpoints where a citizen would have to be endured being scanned by everything from milimetre wave radar to electronic chemical sniffers. Five hours was barely enough time for a two-way journey, and there was the increased threat of snipers and bombings on either side of the checkpoints.

Outside the city limits the military had more freedom of movement and exploited this. A second base, Camp Deloite, was hurriedly constructed on the River Cyn’s flood plane to provide security for traffic moving over a single repaired bridge over the River Cyn. Armoured patrols, supported by helicopters and UAVs, rolled down the Greisha-Cyncia City highway and deep into the surrounding countryside hunting insurgents. The bridge was the only aid conduit for the whole city, without which the population inside would starve. It was clear the insurgents hoped to sever it to spark a revolt against coalition forces. At Camp Deloite every technological tool was pressed into finding the insurgents. The countryside was sowed from the air by unattended ground sensors, artillery direction finding radar and point-defence guns installed on the base, while
UAVs maintained a constant vigilance from the air.

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Second Cyncian War: Closed, Attn Fegosian Union