NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC:

Map: http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll43/Vulture_77/Arglenia.png
Map Notes:
- Red Circles are Volzgradien Ground Forces. Red Squares are Volzgradien Naval Fleets
- Blue Circles are Arglenian Defense Forces.
- Brown Circles are the Baran Independence Front troops
- Teal Circles are Islamic Warriors troops
- Black Squares are cities. Importance of city is denoted by the square's size.
- BIF and IW are essentially NPC factions that will be RPed by me and will attack all players involved.
- Orange Squares are New Chalcedon Naval Forces.

For this RP, I will be rping as both Volzgrad and Arglenia, so please newbies, do not get confused over such matters. This RP is open to an extent, meaning that only a certain number of nations may send actual combat units to fight in the conflict. I am currently undecided as to how high this limit will be, though currently it stands at 7. Any other interested nations may RP a governmental response, humanitarian aid, or anything else that would make sense in this context.

For the sake of consistent posts and settings, Arglenia is essentially the equivalent of Bosnia in terrain, climate, ethnic groups, and size. It has only one coastline in the east and all other borders and regions are landlocked and heavily forested and mountainous.

IC:

0730 Hours, Royal Palace, St. Adriansburg

As was usual in Volzgrad's dull mornings, the Royal Palace, home of Grand Duke Alexander Vasilovic Kavinkov II, was still eerily silent. There was a certain, unidentifiable tension in the air. As if an invisible thunderstorm was about to breakout. For the layman, this would simply be described as a "bad feeling", but for the upper echelons of Volzgrad's Military and Political structure; this sensation was strangely prophetic.

By the time Kavinkov had reached the Palace's most innermost chamber, he had already finished the dark coffee and warm toast that his adjutant had handed to him almost 15 minutes earlier. While a trivial fact, it reminded him of just how truly expansive the Palace's construction was. While the building was of only average size above ground, it's underground corridors were monolithic in size. Almost all of Volzgrad's Government was concentrated in the Royal Palace, and it's immense size reflected this in it's full grandeur. Kavinkov coughed suddenly and paced nervously as he waited for the Grand Chamber's massive blast doors to be opened. His retinue stood motionless, their jet black and and rifle green uniforms camouflaging them perfectly in the area's drab decor. The harsh lighting from the overhead lamps made their tanned skin appear pale and unhealthy.

"Dammit, what's taking so long." Kavinkov muttered angrily. He was not an impatient man, but the blast doors' leisurely pace annoyed him immensely. His guards remained silent, and indeed the only noise in the chamber was the throaty rumbling of the doors' motors. After what seemed and eternity, the blast doors finally opened completely; revealing yet another starkly lit but much more luxurious room. A tall, bespectacled man approached the group from one of the room's corners.

"My liege, the General Staff Command awaits your arrival." The man said in the thick, flowing accent of Volzgrad's lowlands. He indicated a massive, circular table near the room's center.

"Get someone to fix these doors. They move way too bloody slow." Kavinkov scolded, almost pushing the man aside as he made his way to his seat. His impatience had subsided slightly, but he was still far from a good mood. Silently, Kavinkov took his place at the table's most finely decorated chair. He sighed quietly and placed his heavy, black suitcase on the table's edge. He pushed it slightly forward before unlocking the case's heavy clamps. A hushed murmuring had begun from the others seated at the table, but Kavinkov took no notice. He removed a stack of papers from the briefcase's inner pocket and placed them in the center of the round table.

"Gentleman, I'm sorry for my lateness but it seems I still have not familiarized myself with the corridors," Kavinkov apologized as he past a copy of a file to everyone seated, "However, now that I am here we should get to business immediately, no? As of now, I would like to announce my 'official' support for Operation Eastern Thunder. Naturally, this must stay out of the press until an opportune time presents itself. However, all in favor may now acknowledge my full support."

Several of the Military Personnel at the table smiled and nodded, others sat silently and pondered. One man in his late 50s, bedecked in a splendidly decorated emerald uniform raised his hand.

"Yes Tornachevsky, you have a question?" Kavinkov inquired.

"Yes sire, it says here the attack begins tomorrow. I thought the invas...liberation was due 2 weeks from now." Tornachevsky replied, somewhat puzzled.

"Indeed, I apologize for the sudden rescheduling. I have already taken the liberty of alerting all Arglenia-bound troops to move up into assault positions." Kavinkov answered. Despite being head of state, Kavinkov was still Volzgrad's greatest military mind and none of the other GSC personnel present questioned his intellect.

"In that case, I believe this meeting is adjourned. All plans of attack have been analyzed and discussed in detail before so I do not wish to bore you. The Operation's details are listed on the files I gave you so please read and re-read them over carefully. Questions? Good." Kavinkov said as he rose from his seat and placed his Kvarka peaked cap on his dark-haired head. Kavinkov turned smartly on his polished black heels and marched toward the door, retinue in tow. The others quickly followed, knowing full well that they had more then enough work to do in the next couple of hours.

The Next Day
0530 Hours, Border Defense Fortification Delta 721, Northeast Tannenberg Province, Volzgrad

Despite the late hour and constant drizzle of rain, Volzgrad's northeastern border was alive with nigh frantic activity. The Volzgradien War Machine was gearing up to its full capacity all across the region. Well drilled and organized Volzgradien Imperial Army troops were already preparing for immediate deployment into southwestern Arglenia. Many shifted uncomfortably under the heavy weight of their packs as they waited for their transports to arrive, be they trains, trucks, APCs, or aircraft. In other areas, militia units were already being called up to take defensive positions across the forested border. Arglenia had a famously porous border and undoubtedly many would try to either flee or attack Volzgrad in this dense area. The roar of sonic booms shattered the already tenuous quiet of the night as Volzgradien aircraft made their way to their assigned targets. While the Volzgradien Imperial Military was not well known for its Air Corp, what better way was their to strike suddenly then from the sky? Within several hours, columns of drab khaki Volzgradien vehicles and legions of greatcoated, grim infantrymen were crossing the Arglenian border. The order had been given. It was time for war.

All Volzgradien National Press Special Report
By: Mikhail Czevski

In the words of the immortal movie "Apocalypse Now" what else is better to smell in the morning then Napalm? That is exactly the problem the most glorious Volzgradien Imperial Military is trying to fix as they make their first incursions into the heathen, anarchic lands of southwestern Arglenia. At approximately 6:45 AM, the first elements of the newly christened "Army Group Alpha" approached and began to lay siege to the major Arglenian port city of Nova Christae. On the spot news reports are sketchy, but it appears the city is now under the Volzgradien Military's full control with only a handful of Arglenian militia troops still fighting in the area's dockyards. The Arglenian Government has officially condemned our attacks, but their constant state of civil war and ethnic genocide has left them with precious few options. So far, the Arglenian "Army" has made no attempts to stop the encroaching Volzgradien forces, though reports of sporadic combat with irregulars and foreign mercenaries has been reported. The Arglenian Navy has been confirmed as destroyed during the Siege of Nova Christae. It appears their flotilla attempted to provide off-shore fire support, however their antiquated cruisers and destroyers lacked the range and proper maintenance to do much harm. The force was quickly destroyed as forward elements of the Volzgradien 22nd Fleet blockaded and bombarded the port city. Until more news is released, this is Mikhail Czevski, live at the Arglenian border.

OOC: When it comes for the International Community in finding out the war, is it ok by satelite or can we RP reporters on the field?

OOC: Does Arglenia have a shoreline? If so, can I RP a "floating hospital" type fleet?

OOC: When it comes for the International Community in finding out the war, is it ok by satelite or can we RP reporters on the field?

OOC:

@ Lynion: Anything you like. There is no serious attempt to hide the war from the public eye. Hence my updated post with the reporter.

@ Reijvajik: Yes, Arglenia has a coastline. As stated in the opening post, you can RP freely as a humanitarian aid force. The Volzgradien Military will not fire on foreign or civilian targets, but I cannot guarantee the same safety from Arglenia's various ethnic factions.

OOC: What about the use of Private Military Contractors?

http://usera.ImageCave.com/BlankCanvasProject/csglag.png.jpg
Department of Defence
The Republic of Reijvajik

To: The World
Re: Crisis in Arglenia
Encryption: 0 [Null]

The Republic of Reijvajik shall hereby send the following ships to the coast of Arglenia:

4 Haven-class Hospital Ships
2 Enterprise-class Aircraft Carriers
18 Adelaide-class Frigates
10 HS-12-class Sloops

We assure all involved that the ships being sent are merely for protective purposes. Should any of our fleet be attacked or raided, the Republic of Reijvajik will regard such actions as extremely provocative, and may take measures to retaliate.

We reiterate that all ships being sent are for peaceful purposes only.

http://usera.ImageCave.com/BlankCanvasProject/AWyjsten.png

Ardon Wyjsten
Defence

OOC-Is it OK if we RP reporters embedded in Volzgrad units? And I second Lynion's question about PMCs...

IC-The war was one of the first reasonably large external conflicts to occur since the Telviran Broadcasting Corporation was formed. Naturally the TBC wanted to make sure it had reporters on the ground. A request was sent to Volzgrad to allow embeds, and meanwhile a reporter-cameraman team was sent to Nova Christae to report on the war.

Telviran News Service
Tonight, conflict in Arglenia. The Grand Duchy of Volzgrad has sent troops into this war-torn nation to help quell ethnic conflict. We'll have more on this story as it develops, as well as reports from one of our teams in the field.

OOC-Is it OK if we RP reporters embedded in Volzgrad units? And I second Lynion's question about PMCs...

IC-The war was one of the first reasonably large external conflicts to occur since the Telviran Broadcasting Corporation was formed. Naturally the TBC wanted to make sure it had reporters on the ground. A request was sent to Volzgrad to allow embeds, and meanwhile a reporter-cameraman team was sent to Nova Christae to report on the war.

Telviran News Service
Tonight, conflict in Arglenia. The Grand Duchy of Volzgrad has sent troops into this war-torn nation to help quell ethnic conflict. We'll have more on this story as it develops, as well as reports from one of our teams in the field.

OOC: Embedded reporters are fine, as are PMCs.

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

From: Grand Duke Alexander Kavinkov II

In light of recent events, I would like to ensure all world leaders and the International Community at large that the Volzgradien liberation of Arglenia is for the best of all parties involved. For the past decade, the former Federation of Arglenia has been in a nigh constant state of civil war and ethnic unrest. Despite what the so called "Arglenian Sovereign Government" says, the nation is still encapsulated in anarchy and violence. Previous Volzgradien attempts at sending humanitarian aid have all failed due to either the Arglenian Government's unwillingness to receive aid or to fierce attacks from the ethnic militias. The current movements of Volzgradien troops into the troubled nation is purely to restore order and to ensure the safety of any Volzgradien-Arglenian citizens who may be present. All measures shall be taken to reduce infrastructural and civilian casualties, though at times such things may be unavoidable. Any interested nation or organization is more then welcome to sent humanitarian aid or military units to aid in the pacification

Official Communique from the Arglenian Sovereigns

From: President Valentin Kariv

As the official Head of State of the Federation of Arglenia, I implore that the International Community take immediate action against the nation of Volzgrad. No matter what their Fascist of a leader says, the Volzgradiens have no intention whatsoever of improving conditions or life for the people of Arglenia. They are Imperialist conquerors, attacking a nation ravaged by civil war that has no chance of defending itself. No matter what the Volzgradiens do, the people of Arglenia will fight to the last man, woman and child! Again, we beg any nation willing to immediately impose diplomatic sanctions, trade embargoes, or even declare war on the aggressors who attack us now in this dark hour.

OOC:

ORBATs

Volzgradien Army Groups Alpha and Beta:
-200,000 Volzgradien Imperial Army Infantrymen
-40,000 Volzgradien Royal Engineers
-9,000 Mk.VIII Siegfried Main Battle Tank
-3,500 Type 76 Siege Tanks
-9,000 Mk.III Ragnarok Heavy Artillery Pieces
-12,000 RS-31 Field Rocket Artillery Systems
-150,000 Logistics Personnel
-20,000 Logisitcs Vehicles and Aircraft
-150 Sukhoi SU-47 Air Superiorty Fighters
-120 "Blackjack" Heavy Bombers

*Arglenian Defense Forces:
-500,000 Irregular Troops
-250,000 Arglenian Army Troops
-2,000 T-80 Main Battle Tanks
-4,000 BTR-70 IFVs
-2,000 2A18 Artillery Pieces
-35 Sukhoi SU-27s
-200 Mi-26 Transport Helicopters

*The Arglenian Defense Forces is a generic term combining all of the various militias and factions present in the nation. These forces are highly untrustworthy to one another so while their numbers may be high, their organization and coordination is poor at best.

**All Volzgradien Equipment is listed in detail in my Military Factbook. Arglenian equipment is essentially 1980s era Soviet weaponry.

Senate Chamber, Imperial House of Laws
Constantinopolis Secundus

It was rare that the Emperor himself was summoned before the Imperial Senate to account for his actions. But with the old Secretary to the Crown, Andras Lasarkis, reported to be dying of pneumonia, there was no-one else to call upon, and that meant that the Emperor was forced to risk his prestige and appear before the Senate. Fortunately, a serious trade issue had distracted most of the more partisan Senators. Unfortunately, the Emperor was ranged squarely - and publicly - against the Senate on that issue, too. And the Senate was determined to exact a price for this activism on the part of the Crown.

"The Honourable Senator Lucius Marcello is recognised. You may begin." The stick-thin old woman looked about as attractive as a dead stick, and her voice was as musical. Appearances were irrelevant, however - Antonina Komnena was the most senior Senator serving, having been appointed by the current Emperor's grandmother to the Senate. She was the most powerful person in the Empire short of the Emperor himself, and she knew it. Senator Marcello stood.

His voice rang across the floor. "Fellow Senators, for too long the Crown has acted in flagrant violation of its intended symbolic role. It is long past time that the Emperor was reminded of his place! He is not a one-man policymaking team in any field, and three times not in a field that may result in committing the Empire to a course of war!" He was interrupted by another Senator standing to demand the Chair's attention.

"Point of Order, Madam Chair. Could Senator Marcello please get to the point?" The Imperial Party Senator sat, having delivered his point. Komnena thought a moment, and nodded. "Senator Marcello, you are instructed to be more succinct - this House has other matters to concern itself with, as does the Crown."

Somewhat deflated, Marcello continued: "I demand that the Emperor cede control of foreign policy to one of the Chambers of the Estates! He has no right to intervene in political matters, and - " He was interrupted again....this time by the Emperor himself.

The tall, spare figure looked to be in his late twenties, thanks to a costly regime of cosmetics which subtracted at least a decade from his age. And he had dressed for the occasion, in a black-and-gold suit with a vaguely military cut to it which emphaised his height, a fact that he used to advantage as he literally stared the dissenting Senator down, then spoke to the whole Senate.

"I would suggest a number of things, if Lucius Marcello were inclined to listen to a word I say. Since he is not, however, I will suggest them to the rest of this chamber, and Senator Marcello can listen or ignore as he pleases."

"First, foreign policy - and direct control of the military - are very much in the purview of the Crown, as stipulated per the Constitution of 1701. I am exercising my Constitutional prerogatives. Just because my late and dearly lamented father refrained from doing so does not remove my ability to exercise my written prerogatives and powers."

"Second, as to the Senate: I have not forgotten, nor have I forgiven, the treason of this body some years ago. Many of those sitting here today" - his eyes sought one Senator after another, all of whom squirmed uncomfortably in their seats - "supported the traitor Melepotas in his attempt to take over the Empire. I have spared you once - I will not do so again. Be very careful in your actions, honoured Senators."

He then sought out Senator Marcello once more, and continued. "Senator Marcello, since the time of my ascension to the Imperial throne, you have done nothing but block my every move out of sheer bloody-mindedness. I appreciate a loyal opposition, but that is not the same as an obstructionist opposition." Indicating the cowed chamber, he continued "You lack the numbers, Lucius. I will do as I please as regards foreign affairs."

Recovering some of his courage, Marcello unwisely spoke up again as the Emperor turned to depart: "You can't do that, Majesty! This body has certain prerogatives, and - " He was interrupted as the Emperor spun around to confront him directly. "Can't? Can't?! Begone, Lucius, before I show you just how much I can do, and take your head from your shoulders! Go!!"

After the freshly-terrified Senator hs fled the chamber, the Emperor bowed to the Chair, and left the hall. Not a move was made until after his departure.

***

From: Helena Draskovic, Secretary to the Crown.
To: His Grace, Alexander Kavinkov, Second of his Name, Grand Duke of Volzgrad.
Re: Recent acts of aggression.

Your Grace,

The Emperor has instructed me to communicate the Empire's most severe displeasure regarding Volzgrad's recent violation of international norms and national sovereignty, in what amounts to a naked grab for land and power. The world saw quite enough of that with Japan's attacks on China during the 1930s, and we wish to see no more.

Further, His Imperial Majesty has directed me to issue an ultimatum: Volzgrad is to establish a truce with Arglenia at once, and to begin negotiations with that country's government for a permanent peace treaty. His Imperial Majesty also directs me to bring to your attention the deployment of two heavy carrier taskforces of the Imperial Navy, as well as a sizeable detachment of Imperial Army troops, to the coasts of Arglenia.

Failure to comply with this ultimatum will result in the application of military force by the Empire against Volzgrad, until all Volzgradi forces are withdrawn from Arglenian territory. You have 48 hours to comply.

[signed]

Helena Draskovic,
Secretary to the Crown.

From: Helena Draskovic, Secretary to the Crown.
To: His Excellency, Valentin Kariv, President of Arglenia.
Re: Recent acts of aggression.

Your Excellency,

His Imperial Majesty has directed me to communicate the desire of the Empire to defend the sovereign independance of Arglenia. However, in one last attempt to secure peace, His Majesty has directed the Volzgradi to extend an offer of truce. We strongly suggest that you accept it.

[signed]

Helena Draskovic,
Secretary to the Crown.

***

Imperial Taskforce
Some distance from Arglenia

The Imperial carrier Basil Bulgaroknoctos looked exactly like what she was: a vast engine of war and death, designed to awe and terrify the enemies of the Empire.

She, as well as the sixty-four other military and eighty-nine civilian ships under her command, made a steady sixteen knots toward an Arglenian port, the better to offload their troops, supplies and aid.

***

OOC1: I've been spoiling for a fight of late. And I wanted to pick one that I could win, but could lose as well. So I won't mind losing to a good player, V (and I've heard good things about you) - but I'm not going for total war (whoever wins, I'm not looking for a WWII-style ending, or even a WWI-style ending). And my allies will be unimpressed (to say the least) if you attempt to erase my nation from existance, although I won't call on them unless it comes to that.

OOC2: Rough OOB - I haven't sorted it all out yet:

3*modified Ford-class carriers (the Bulgaroknoctos is one of these and the fleet flagship).
4* modified Queen Elizabeth-class carriers.
8*Wasp-class LHA transports.
8* modified Kirov-class battlecruisers. (The two squadron flaships are two of these.)
14*modified ANZAC-class frigates.
14*Kolkata-class destroyers.
6*Type 210 diesel-powered submarines.
8*Fort Victoria-class AOR

Most of the modifications are in the form of superior electronics - Information Tech is my nation's primary industry, so I figured I'd better make use of it. The battlecruisers and carriers have an interesting little weapons system, however, and the carriers have significant SSM armament, at the expense of aircraft complement. The 89 civilian vessles are mostly container and merchant ships, with a few liners tucked in there too.

OOC: Sounds acceptable.

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

From: Grand Duke Alexander Kavinkov II
To: Helena Draskovic, Secretary to the Crown

While I understand your displeasure at our actions, you must know that you are mistaken in your assumptions of our motivations. Arglenia is the national equivalent of a twitching corpse. It is an anarchic land of warlords and criminals, barely held together by the ever looming threat of a "possible" government. Even Arglenia's Sovereigns are legendary for their corruption, greed, vice, and incompetence. With the government already on the verge of collapse, all the Warlords would have to do is simply push and the whole rotted structure would come crashing down. With their spoils already spent in their native land, the criminals would look elsewhere, and where else is more tempting a target then Volzgrad? Within months our borders would be awash with brigands and murders. Our attack was a preemptive strike, so to speak. If Arglenia falls under our control, then a proper government can be established with no threat of dissenting rebels. Despite what that bastard Kariv has told you, he has no true control over his nation. Even Arglenia's top "military" brass fight only for self-interest and gratification. If you carry through with your threat, then you will fight for a cause that could potentially destabilize the entire region. Our orders still stand and the liberation must go on. Any attempts at stopping our mission through military means will result in a full declaration of war against your nation.

Signed,
Grand Duke Alexander Vasilovic Kavinkov II

The news of the nation of New Chalcedon's intentions was very troubling for the Volzgradien GSC. The liberation of Arglenia was going smoothly so far, with Nova Christae and the entire surrounding area now under full Volzgradien Control. With the nation's only port city under their control, the Volzgradiens already had a definite advantage over any attacking force from the sea. While there were untamed areas of coastline, they were largely treacherous cliffs and the few accessable areas were quite far from any actual fighting. Still, the thought of a foregin amphibious assault was quite jarring. Almost immediately, Volzgrad's DEFCON level was raised to 2 "Heightened Alert". Two more fleets were despatched to the Bay of Holl in order to support the 22nd Fleet and stop a possible enemy landing. Ground troops were told to stop their advances and dig in. By the first day, Nova Christae and the surrounding countryside was covered in trenches, earthworks, and bunkers. The 15th, 17th, and 22nd Assault Fleets had all taken position in either the Bay of Holl or were patrolling Arglenia's short coastline. Despite the technological superiority that the New Chalcedonian Navy maintained, the Volzgradiens had several advantages working towards their favor. The first and most notable was numbers. What the Volzgradien's lacked in technology was made up in sheer numbers and fanaticism. Second, the Volzgradien Fleets were fighting on home territory; not only were they familiar with the waters but they also had air support from land based aircraft and coastal artillery batteries. Third, Arglenia's only coastline was in the Bay of Holl; a semi-circle of sea with only one entrance to the east. Finally, since they were so close to home ports, the Volzgradien fleets had no need for supply and logistical vessels.

Naval ORBAT:
-5 Admiral Kuznetsov Class Heavy Aircraft Carriers
-3 Imperial Class Missile Dreadnoughts (heavily modernized Iowa Battleships)
-10 Kirov Class Battle Cruisers
-18 Sovremmeny Class Destroyers
-16 Udaloy Class Destroyers
-18 Neustrashimy Class Frigates
-2 Akula Class Nuclear Powered Submarines

bump. Map has been added to first post.

1500 Hours, 15km East of New Hoalen, Arglenia

It had only been 5 days since the Volzgradiens first crossed the border and began the liberation, and yet already the feeling of change was sweeping the land. The Volzgradiens were cunning strategists and quickly realized that they would only ever win over Arglenia's population by giving true and proper aid. Almost immediately after the cities of Nova Christae and New Haolen were captured, the Volzgradien General Staff Command immediately authorized the shipment of almost 200 tonnes of food stuffs and essentials to the impoverished citizens still dwelling there. While the bulk of the Volzgradien Imperial Army and Royal Engineer personnel were busy building defenses or holding back a steadily increasing Arglenian counteroffensive, several units were pulled out of the frontline and tasked with delivering the aid goods. While there was an understandable amount of resistance from restless soldiers, all three envisioned humanitarian projects began with little problems. In many, more developed areas, the aid giving went on without a hitch. However, there were several infamous cases of Volzgradien troops coming under fire from some rather unenthusiastic locals.

Despite the Volzgradien Air Force's best efforts, several large units of the Arglenian Military managed to reform and advance rather clumsily toward the Volzgradien line. While the attack did gain some early success due to the element of surprise, a massive Volzgradien artillery bombardment and subsequent counterattack quickly sent the Arglenians fleeing for cover and eventually they had to withdraw to the outskirts of Kroutan. As the end of the week neared, the newly dubbed Seronne Line was almost complete across Volzgradien occupied Arglenia. This massive stretch of heavily fortified ground was littered with countless trench works, bunkers, artillery emplacements, and enough concertina wire and tank traps to stop even the most determined enemy in their tracks. In the Bay of Holl, the Volzgradien fleet was busy taking up optimal defensive positions in case of an attack. The coastal artillery batteries and air corp at Port St. Arthur was put on high alert and several militia units were called up to defend the vital port city.

OOC: Apologies for delay - I was out to dinner.

IC:

From: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
To: His Grace, Alexander Kavinkov II, Grand Duke of Volzgrad.
Re: Military intervention.

So be it. The Empire will not be pushed around - especially with your forces already busy. As this is a dispute between our nations that can be solved short of annihilation, We will not call upon Our many allies unless absolutely necessary, and trust that you will also take this prudent step to avoid escalation - in the interests of the 'regional peace and stability' that you so ardently cherish, of course.

M.


Flag Deck, Imperial Carrier Bulgaroknoctos
Christaen Sea, heading WbyN

"So are your orders clear, Admiral Banton?" The silver-haired man on the vidscreen looked like someone's old uncle - an impression belied by the five six-pointed stars on his collar. This was none other than the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy, Andronikous Doukas.

"Aye, Admiral. My orders are clear. I hope that you will be waiting on our after-action report, especially to send replacements for our lost crew and equipment. Admiral Banton, out."

Isabella Banton looked over her lightmap of the situation, with data thoughtfully provided by satellite imagery. It was not good, but not as bad as she devoutly prayed the Volzgradians thought it was. She was resonably confident she could take the current Volzgradian forces, but with how much losses? The chief danger was not that the Imperial fleet would be destroyed, but that due to either damage or events, it would be rendered irrelevant.

Given the timing, the course is clear. She spoke. "Sparks, fleet orders: go to flank speed."

The fleet went to twenty-two knots, heading directly for Nova Christae, with half a dozen frigates racing ahead - still under the missile umbrella of the force, but the ability to get their helicopters' passive sonar at work ahead of the fleet. The remainder of the frigates spread out in a circle, the better to spot any submarines in time for the carriers' anti-torpedo defences to be applied.

After half an hour, the reports started coming in.

"Joyce, are the frigates sure they've got a lock on that one submarine?"

"Aye, Ma'am. It's definitely a little to the south and east of their main fleet."

"And the other?"

"We're not sure, Ma'am. We know it's out there, and we think is to the northeast of the other, but we can't pin it down."

"I see. Slow the fleet, launch all remaining aircraft, and deploy the pods. And put me on to the Volzgradi in five minutes."

"Aye, Ma'am"

When a light indicated that both audio and video were active, she began:

"Soldiers and sailors of Volzgrad, know that for your leader's crimes of aggression, the Empire of New Chalcedonhas declared war on the Grand Duchy of Volzgrad. Yet we are not thieves, skulking in with knives ready for your backs, nor are we savage barbarians. Any individuals or vessels which surrender will be dealt with per the laws of war, which mandate honourable treatment even of enemies. Admiral Isabella Banton out."

After the signal was complete, she asked her operations officer "Are all pods fully deployed, Maurice?"

"Aye, Ma'am."

"Very well. Fire pattern Baker - open fire!"

Each Ford-class carrier had deployed twelve ungainly pods astern, self-stabilising objects resembling oddly-shaped buoys. Each battlecruiser had deployed eight, and each of the smaller, Queen Elizabeth-class carriers had deployed six, for a total of one hundred and twenty-four. Ten seconds after the order was passed, four hundred and eight Tomahawk-II surface-to-surface missiles roared our from internal launchers, pods and box mounts, joined by sixty-four slower and less capable Harpoon II missiles from the smaller combatants - apparently, the Empire had not opted to have all of its ship classes carry the same missiles, reserving larger missiles for combatants with the room to carry worthwhile numbers of them.

Ten second later, the same salvo was repeated, then twice more (at ten-second intervals), after which the Imperial ships fell silent, obviously waiting to see what those four massive waves of missiles would achieve.

The first wave was targeted at the thirteen Volzgradi battleships and battlecruisers. The second was targeted at the five carriers, the third at the thirty-four smaller combatants, and the fourth at the BBs and BCs once more. It was a clear bid to saturate the somewhat cruder anti-missile defenses of the Volzgradi and force each ship into self-defense mode, thereby shattering the Volzgradi fleet defense net.

That should settle their hash.... was Admiral Banton's thought. As far as she was concerned, the launch should sweep through the enemy formation like a thunderbolt - she'd like to meet the missile defense net capable of taking that launch from that few platforms. But then again, if I had an obol for every logical plan that didn't work.....

****

Across the Empire

Leaves were cancelled, supplies requisitioned, and orders cut. Another great fleet was being prepared in order to attack the coasts of Volzgrad itself - the notion that theVolzgradi may come under direct attack being the most likely thing to persuade their leaders to back down.

Imperial Carrier Alexios Komnenos Magnos
Off the Imperial port of Salonae

Admiral Ray Scott looked around his new flag deck. Nice, he thought. His fleet was trickling in day by day, patrols had been set and were being reinforced, and drills were baing conducted - and this fleet dwarfed Banton's Fourth Fleet.

OOC: This should be interesting. The pods are (it should be obvious by now, mind you) the weapon I hinted at in my last post. And they rock - I lifted the idea from a SF series I read, although it can be applied with MT tech. The only problem is saturating my own fire control capability, which means that although I am sending a vast number of missiles at you, my ships' ability to direct them is a bit hampered by the incredible demand on their computer systems, which means that they'll individually be a little less accurate than they should be. Thank God my ships don't use Windows, or else I couldn't do this - the OS would crash every time I tried to launch!

Also, expect a *lot* of naval offensives - the Empire is a long-time follower of the idea of "rule the seas", and has an immense navy in consequence. Mind you, if you can smash it and land a decent army on the Empire's home islands, things will turn very nasty very quick - the Imperial Army is rotten at ground-holding operations.

Volkstein Naval Yard, North Unkerlantum

The naval base was uncharacteristically busy for so early in the morning as men and equipment poured through the base and were hurriedly rushed onto the awaiting transport ships. Along with hundreds of thousands of tons of ammunition, food, parts, and other equipment necessary to sustain a fighting force.

Many men did not know where they were going, why, or if or when they would be coming home. Regardless the majority quickly set their mind on the upcoming task at hand as it was clear conflict, suffering, and possibly death awaited them.

The Reich would not deploy fresh recruits in such an operation, instead the 4th Field army had been chosen to lead the deployment, having more veterans per unit than any other field army, and complimented by two elite Tartan Guards' brigades.

Assisting the 4th would be the equally decorated and veteran heavy 5th Shock army a armor heavy mechanized force which had earned great prestige in previous wars, particularly for its assault of Mejur.

Where the 5th staved off assaults from three sides for two weeks before launching a counter offensive and wiping out eight enemy divisions on a breakout to the capital of Quntial.

And thus in the early morning hours the ships slipped away into the darkness bound for an unknown land.


Thistle Air force base, Western Unkerlantum

Missile Launch in 3....2.....1...

The launch observation tower shook violently as the back blast from six S3 ASAT missiles rocket off towards Arglenian communication and surveillance satellites whose orbits and had been monitored for weeks prior to the start of operations.

The attack would come unexpectedly and buy time for commanders planning continued operations as forces set to break through Arglenian naval forces in the bay of holl and establish landings south of Kroutan moved into position.

ORBAT
4th Field Army
250,000 Imperial Army Troops
15,000 Tartan Guards
2,500 Imperial Marines
1,000-Air Assault troops
2,400-MAD V MBTs
3,400-VAM.V Praetor Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicles
2,000-VAM.AC Perditor Tank Destroyers
4,400-YU.13 Gertantel 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers
2,500-G17 240mm Self Propelled Mortars
3,000-D24A2 KREIG Light Anti-Aircraft Vehicles

5th Shock army-to arrive 2 days after the main forces
45,000 Imperial Army troops
8,000 Tartan Guard torpps
2,000 Air Assailt troops
4,450-MAD V MBTs
4,400-VAM.V Praetor Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicles
3,300-VAM.AC Perditor Tank Destroyers
3,500-G17 240mm Self Propelled Mortars
3,000-D24A2 KREIG Light Anti-Aircraft Vehicles

4-Indestructable Class Carriers
7-Dienstad class Strategic Projection Vessels
17-Kristík class Battleships
15-Illium class Guided Missile Destroyers
15-Tenacious Class Cruisers
19-Paramount class Air Defense Vessels
18-Taníat class Anti-Aircraft Warfare Battle Cruisers
8-Cartagena class SSNs

1730 Hour, Bay of Holl

The sudden attack shocked the Volzgradien troops stationed in the Bay of Holl, but they were not unprepared. Such an attack was expected to come sooner or later, but it was how soon that it had come that had shocked the Volzgradien seamen. Almost immediately, the Volzgradien Fleet activated their most potent defensive countermeasures and systems. While the Volzgradien Imperial Navy's offensive capabilities were somewhat lackluster, it's purpose was to defend Volzgradien waters, hence why almost all of the Navy's funding was directed at defensive doctrine and equipment.

While the New Chalcedon fleet's attack was well planned and organized, its complexity meant that many of their Tomahawks were flying erratically in all directions. Almost immediately, the Volzgradien vessels' countermeasures systems came online. Electronic Jamming devices and chaff were activated and launched in sporadic "waves"; severely damaging the incoming missiles guiding systems and sending many of harmlessly into the sea. Missiles that passed this defense were hit head on by the Volzgradiens massive amounts of CIWS, which promptly bathed the attackers in literal screens of hot lead. However, despite their efforts, several of the Tomahawks made their way through the screens.

Three of the Neustrashimy Class Frigates exploded in brilliant arcs of plasma and fire as several of the enemy's missiles found their mark. Several other Frigates and Destroyers sustained damage ranging from loss of engines to destruction of missile pods to minor hull damage. The Aircraft Carriers and Dreadnoughts, located safely in the middle of the fleet, received no major damage save for some minor hits.

Unlike the very defense oriented Escort vessels and Aircraft Carriers, the Volzgradien Dreadnoughts were designed just like their name. While most believed the thought of massive, well armoured and armed battleships was obsolete, the idea was far from dead. Instead of mounting heavy artillery pieces, the Imperial Class Dreadnought mounted dozens upon dozens of Kh-55 Raduga Heavy Cruise Missiles. This missile was faster, packed a greater payload, had greater range, and could be launched by even a humble aircraft. While they were easier to track and destroy then Tomahawks, this problem was easily solved by the amount of them that the Volzgradiens were about to launch.

The order of fire was hastily given once the last of the enemy missiles had been destroyed. Unlike their foes, the Volzgradiens had opted to equip all their vessels with the Kh-55. In a matter of moments, five hundred and forty-two of the missiles were in the air and flying towards the enemy's fleet in retaliation. Following this wave was a horde of Sukhoi Su-47 Fighters and Su-34 Naval Light Bombers, all of them had either been hastily launched from land based airfields or the aircraft carriers, or they had been lucky enough to be patrolling in the area. Again, numbers and sheer determination was on the Volzgradiens' side as they quickly identified and began their attack vectors on the opposition's capitol ships. The smaller escorts were the main targets of the Kh-55. Such a tactic was designed to quickly destroy the enemy's anti-aircraft and defensive ships in an overwhelming missile assault, leaving the capitol ships vulnerable from attacks by aircraft and submarines.

Not wanting to be left out, the two Akula submarines hastily launched their own compliment of Kh-55s, theirs instead aimed at the capitol ships, before they quickly buggered out and tried to hit the Chalcedonian's flank.

2000 Hours, Volzgrad

Naturally, such an attack on Volzgrad's sovereign forces would not pass by lightly. A scene highly reminiscent of the early hours of the liberation of Arglenia was taking place all across Greater Volzgrad. Militia units all across the country, though mainly focused on the southern coastline, were being called up and placed on full alert. All Volzgradien Imperial Army Groups were placed on full alert and were quickly shipped off to guard the coastal regions or the Arglenian Front, though several remained stationed in the heartlands to act as possible reserves if the situation demanded it. Put simply, Volzgrad was a fortress nation. Almost every square inch of Volzgrad's borders was walled and heavily fortified, save for Northern Helngrad where the massive Kvar Mountain Range played a similar role. In no place however was the concentration as great as Volzgrad's coast. The land borders in the north and west were understandably lightly guarded, since Volzgrad bordered allied nations on both. However, the eastern and southern borders and coastline was essentially Hitler's Atlantic Wall on steroids. Every beach, every cliff, every cove, and every gully was covered in concrete fortifications, missile silos, coastal artillery, trench networks that resembled cities, and a constant guard force numbering in the millions.

OOC: I apologize if my nation's defenses sound a bit cheesy, but that is what my nation essentially is, a massive industrial fortress. No part of Volzgrad's military, even the Navy, is designed to go on the offensive. My nation's philosophy is to essentially be a giant Yugoslavia, which is my nation's vague RL equivalent.

ooc: Do you have MSN volz?

ooc: Do you have MSN volz?

OOC: No, but feel free to TG me.

Official Statement of the Nationalist Federation of Greater Americania

The Nationalist Federation of Greater Americania shall take a stance of total neutrality on this war. We have no significant reason to back either side in this war, and so we will not. We have spoken and will not change our minds on this.

Michael Smith
Head of the GAFRD

OOC:mind if i roleplay a reserve force of mine with a high tech PMC?

OOC:mind if i roleplay a reserve force of mine with a high tech PMC?

OOC: On which side? At the moment, I'm getting rather dogpiled so I'd appreciate if your PMCs could either support my troops or simply act as a neutral "attack all" force.

OOC: I didn't actually intend a dogpile - it looked like being a nice little one-on-one until Unkerlantum butted-in. Given, however, that all I have to show for 1,800 missiles are three dead frigates and a number of damaged ships, I do believe I'm rather glad he did.

IC:

Imperial carrier Bulgaroknoctos
Flag Deck

"You've got to be fucking kidding me!" Isabella Banton was in fine voice, aggavated by the failure of her initial assault plan. "Three kills from that launch? Well, time for Plan B. Joyce, get me the subs. I want those Akulas gone, do you hear me? As to the air attack, standard air defense deployment."

"Aye, Ma'am!"

The three hundred and sixty Imperial air-superiority fighters soon began to prove their worth, operating in close concert with the massive ship-based S-A defense systems.

Imperial defense doctrine, apparently unlike Volzgradian, called for the complete integration of taskforce defenses, without assigning an especially high level of protection to any one ship. Ironically, the standard plan assigned a higher priority to missiles than aircraft, on the (usually correct) basis that aircraft could wait, whilst missiles couldn't.

Dozens upon dozens of surface-to-air missiles launched, precisely targeted and lethally co-ordinated. Any leaking missiles made it only as far as the last-ditch point defenses of the Imperial warships.

The fighters, however, were another story. Dedicated air-superiority fighter or not, the Typhoon was not up to these odds. The thirty squadrons of fighters soon were whittled down to a fraction of their number, although they had mauled the enemy air forces in the doing.

The desperation of the air defense aside, the Imperials could not hope to get off scot-free. And, indeed, they did not.

Of the five hundred and fifty Kh-55 missiles launched by the Volzgradi (OOC: I looked up the Akula-class sub; it has 4 tubes capable of missile fire, so I added 8 to your ship-launched total), three hundred and seventy-nine were destroyed by the counter-missiles launched by the Imperial fleet. A further hundred and twelve were lured off course by chaff, EW and other ghosts, or simply missed their target. Of the remaining seventy-nine, fifty-four were stopped by last-ditch fire. Fifteen, however, hit, distributed widely. The battlecuiser Moesia took three hits - her air defense systems had been focussing on the aircraft, and she paid the price accordingly, although she shrugged off the hits and kept firing. The carrier Empress Elisabeth took and ignored a hit - an orphan originally targeted at one of her escort destroyers. The other eleven hits were scattered between five smaller vessels, and the destroyer Salonae listed in the water, a dead hulk afire in three places. Several other vessels had taken damage, with the Circassian also effectively out of action.

The air strike, however, was significantly more damaging - partly because it came hard on the heels of the missile attack, and partly because a last-minute shift in targeting resulted in several ships concentrating their firepower on the aircraft themselves. However devastating the effect on the enemy aircraft may have been, a torrent of missiles engulfed the heart of the Imperial formation. Supercarriers are built to take immense amounts of damage, but even they can simply be hit one too many times, which proved to be the case as the Leo III blew up with all hands. The remaining Imperial vessels escaped with, at worst, moderate damage, which was a mixed blessing, as only sixty-three Typhoons landed under their own power, with another sixteen landing in various states of damage. The remaining capital ships cut the pods loose, and began reeling out another line of them.

Below the waves, the six Type 212 submarines, assisted by a few helicopters, were busy sending torpedoes at the Akula-class submarines and otherwise playing hide-and-seek in the shallow coastal waters.

OOC: Congratulations, Volzgrad. You picked the correct method of attack against that commander (a staggered attack), and netted a supercarrier for reward, along with a frigate and a destroyer disabled. However, your aircraft will have taken a mauling for the privilege - the Typhoon is a dedicated air-superiority fighter, and its outfit for this mission emphasised that further, in addition to the several battlecruisers that led a concerted surface-to-air assualt on them. You got 280-odd of my fighters, FYI. Also, my capital ships carry only two strings of missiles - after this one, they'll have to reel in the current pods, which takes a lot more time than simply deploying new ones.

ooc: I made a mistake earlier, having drank a little bit etc. Anyways I will now be acting on my own accord and not really against Volzgrad or Pro-Volzgrad. In my operations

OOC: I didn't actually intend a dogpile - it looked like being a nice little one-on-one until Unterlankatum butted-in. Given, however, that all I ahve to show for 1,800 missiles are three dead frigates, I do believe I'm rather glad he did.

IC:

Imperial carrier Bulgaroknoctos
Flag Deck

"You've got to be fucking kidding me! Three kills from that launch? Well, time for Plan B. Joyce, get me the subs. I want those Akulas gone, do you hear me? As to the air attack, standard air defense deployment."

"Aye, Ma'am!"

The three hundred and sixty Imperial air-superiority fighters soon began to prove their worth, operating in close concert with the massive ship-based S-A defense systems.

Imperial defense doctrine, apparently unlike Volzgradian, called for the complete integration of taskforce defenses. Ironically, the standard plan assigned a higher priority to missiles than aircraft, on the (usually correct) basis that aircraft could wait, whilst missiles couldn't.

Dozens upon dozens of surface-to-air missiles launched, precisely targeted and lethally co-ordinated. Any leaking missiles made it only as far as the last-ditch point defenses of the Imperial warships.

The fighters, however, were another story. Dedicated air-superiority fighter or not, the Typhoon was not up to these odds. The thirty squadrons of fighters soon were whittled down to a fraction of their number, although they had mauled the enemy air forces in the doing.

The desperation of the air defense aside, the Imperials could not hope to get off scot-free. And, indeed, they did not.

Of the five hundred and fifty Kh-55 missiles launched by the Volzgradi (OOC: I looked up the Akula-class sub; it has 4 tubes capable of missile fire, so I added 8 to your ship-launched total), three hundred and seventy-nine were destroyed by the counter-missiles launched by the Imperial fleet. A further hundred and twelve were lured off course by chaff, EW and other ghosts, or simply missed their target. Of the remaining seventy-nine, fifty-four were stopped by last-ditch fire. Fifteen, however, hit, distributed widely. The battlecuiser Moesia took three hits - her air defense systems had been focussing on the aircraft, and she paid the price accordingly, although she shrugged off the hits and kept firing. The carrier Empress Elisabeth took a hit - an orphan originally targeted at one of her escort destroyers. The other eleven hits were scattered between five smaller vessels, and the destroyer Salonae listed in the water, a dead hulk. Several other vessels had taken damage, with the Circassian also effectively out of action.

The air strike, however, was significantly more damaging - partly because it came hard on the heels of the missile attack, and partly because a last-minute shift in targeting resulted in several ships concentrating their firepower on the aircraft themselves. However devastating the effect on the enemy aircraft may have been, a torrent of missiles engulfed the heart of the Imperial formation. Supercarriers are built to take immense amounts of damage, but even they can simply be hit one too many times, which proved to be the case as the Leo III blew up with all hands. The remaining Imperial vessels escaped with at best moderate damage, which was a mixed blessing, as only sixty-three Typhoons landed under their own power, with another sixteen landing in various states of damage. The remaining capital ships reeled in their pod launchers.

Below the waves, the six Type 212 submarines, assisted by a few helicopters, were busy sending torpedoes at the Akula-class submarines and otherwise playing hide-and-seek in the shallow coastal waters.

OOC: Congratulations, Volzgrad. You picked the correct method of attack against that commander (a staggered attack), and netted a supercarrier for reward, along with a frigate and a destroyer disabled. However, your aircraft will have taken a mauling for the privilege - the Typhoon is a dedicated air-superiority fighter, and its outfit for this mission emphasised that further. You got 280-odd of my fighters, FYI.

OOC: Thanks, I've never considered myself a Naval expert (I'm army myself) but I guess I know how to handle things. I must compliment your assault too. I may have driven your forces back but at quite a high cost. Man for man, my fleet has taken more casualties, though aircraft are much easier to replace then aircraft carriers. I'm afraid I cannot steadily continue this battle for much longer since it is pretty late, so I'll simply skip to a stalemate if that is okay with you.

Volzgradien Flagship Omnia Vincit
Bay of Holl

The Volzgradien Imperial Navy was victorious, but at what cost? The foe had been driven back and several of their ships, a supercarrier among them, sunk or rendered into little more then hulks; but all at the cost of 389 Volzgradien Aircraft and almost 800 dead personnel. The majority of the losses were pilots, many of whom had died making their attack runs on the enemy's well defended capitol ships. Despite their victory and glory, for many the last thing they saw was the blinding flash of light as their planes were blown to pieces by enemy AA fire. Second in the bodycount were the two Akula submarines that had been assigned to the Bay Fleet. One had been struck several times by enemy torpedoes and detonated with all hands several moments later. The other suffered near irreparable damage and was forced to limp back to port with the majority of its crew dead. The remaining losses were the several hundred crewmen who had died during the initial missile bombardment.

Battered, but satisfied with their victory, the Volzgradien Fleet retreated further into the Bay. The heavily damaged vessels were quickly sent to the ports at either St. Arthur or Nova Christae. The remaining ships of the Fleet took up defensive positions once more in the Bay's lonely, dark waves.

"Ensign Kovalov, see if you can open up a commlink with the enemy fleet." Yelled out Admiral Dudic as the klaxons on board the Omnia Vincit finally began to die down. He was tired and battered, but he at least wanted to congratulate the foe for a good battle.

The Ensign stared at him for a few moments, puzzled, before he followed through with his orders.

"Sorry sir, no luck on the commslink. Is a standard message fine? The Ensign responded after a few more moments of fiddling with dials.

"Yes, that is fine." Dudic responded as he took of his cap and fiddled with the loose lining.

"Okay sir, recording in 3...2...1"

"Greetings New Chalcedon Commander, I am Admiral Wilhelm Dudic, CnC of the Volzgradien Fleet in the Bay of Holl. While this may seem somewhat strange to a foreigner like yourself, I would like to congratulate you on a battle well fought. You're forces fought with honour and bravery, and that I must commend. I pray that the souls of all who died tonight may rest easy and that their deeds may never be forgotten. If we are to meet again on the battlefield, which I sincerely hope will not happen, then it will be an honour to battle once more. Admiral Dudic, out."

RJNHS Alexander Fleming
Bay of Holl

The Alexander Fleming, one of the four hospital ships sent to the Bay of Holl, followed the small formation of frigates and sloops to the warzone. The captain, John Smith, finding hulls of ships bobbing up and down in the water, realised that they had been somewhat late in their arrival. Nevertheless, he straightened his hat, which by then had tilted itself to an angle unacceptable for an esteemed ship captain, took the radio from the small slot on the wall and sent out a message.

"John Smith, head of the Reijian Aid Fleet, stationing at the Bay of Holl, taking the wounded."

With that, he ordered the skipper, who sat twiddling his thumbs and looking idly out the window, to tell the nurses to get ready. The skipper, lost in thought regarding various women in a state of undress, was startled by the loud voice of the captain, and nearly fell off his chair. Whimpering, he looked up, and asked, "Sorry, cap'n, whats that you just saids?"
"I said, tell the nurses to get ready, you buffoon!"
"Tell the nurses to get ready, you saids, cap'n?"
"Look, imbecile, get out of my sight in five seconds or I'll be on you faster than Paris Hilton runs out of credit card credit!"
"Yes, cap'n!"

And with that, the frightened skipper ran off into the main ward, shouting, "Cap'n saids to get ready! Cap'n saids to get ready!"

Imperial carrier Bulgaroknoctos
Bay of Holl, retreating southeast

Isabella Banton paced the flag deck, knowing that she had failed in her objective. Despite losing at least three smaller ships and a sumbarine, the Volzgradi had held the line, as it were - and prevented her civilian fleet from disgorging the fifty thousand troops and critical war supplies that the Arglenian defenders so badly needed.

We need to do better than that next time. I need more ships......

A transmission came in, and was passed to Banton. She decided to reply via satellite transmission, so as not to give the position of her battered fleet away.

"Admiral Dudic, this is Admiral Isabella Banton, CO of the Imperial Fourth Fleet. I must congratulate you on your successful action - you are the first to have defeated the Imperial Navy in a straight-up action for some time. I, too, sincerely hope that we do not cross swords again, and extend my congratulations and condolences also to your gallant crews. Admiral Banton out."

The Imperial fleet continued to retreat to the southeast after scuttling the destroyer Salonae and detonating the used missile pods, and Banton prepared her after-action report, which was soon sent under maximum encryption. In the meanwhile, engineers and repair crews frantically laboured to make good on battle damage suffered. Fortunately, the eight replenishment ships carried plenty of spare parts, and several of the civilian freighters carried replacement missiles.

From CO 4 Flt
To Imperial High Command

Action fought early hours of 12/04/09 between 4 Flt and superior enemy force. Enemy force at least seven-zero warships repeat seven-zero warships, led by five carriers and twelve capital warships. Losses: Carrier Leo III destroyed in action, destroyer Salonae scuttled post-action, frigate Circassian heavily damaged, lighter damage to eleven other vessels including battlecruiser Moesia. Two hundred seventy nine aircraft lost, sixteen damaged. Two hundred twenty four pilots KIA, thirty-one MIA - names appended.

Objective failed to be met - enemy fleet bars passage to target. Casualty and expenditure lists attached.

Constantinopolis Secundus
New Chalcedon

The Imperial High Command was a scene of chaos - the Volzgradi had met the Empire's offensive with a more powerful defensive force than suspected, and whilst Banton's Fourth Fleet had gotten off with relatively light losses, the fact remained: the Empire wasn't gonig to be able to send naval reinforcements to Arglenia any time soon, although Admiral Preston's Seventh Fleet was only a few days' travel away.

The Imperial Air Force started making Banton's aircrew losses good, and also began preparing to send a massive transport effort to Arglenia.

From: Andronikous Notaras, Grand Admiral, Imperial Navy, CO Joint Chiefs of Staff.
To: Valentin Kariv, President of Arglenia.

Your Excellency,

The naval attempt to relieve Arglenia has failed - the Volzgradi fleet still controls the Bay of Holl, albeit having taken a beating, which extended to their land-based air units. Unfortunately, it appears that Volzgradi military tech can take more of a beating than we had susepcted, so Admiral Banton is still outside looking in, as it were, until we can get to her reinforcements.

The Imperial Air Force will be making the next attempt via airlift to the capital Saralon. Please have your advisors co-ordinate with the IAF on this score.

Regards,

Andronikous Notaras
Chief of Imperial Joint Chiefs of Staff
Grand Admiral, Imperial Navy.

OOC: That's fine, Volzgrad. We don't have to do every bit out in detail, but I do love the occasional epic battle scene. A note, as you have stated that naval affairs are outside your area of expertise: the ports of Nova Christae and Haran, being recently captured and of poorer construction anyway, will be of little use in repairing your units. You will have to send them to Port St. Arthur, which leaves Admiral Dudic with an unpleasant choice: does he detach part of his fleet to protect them, does he write them off for now (sending them to port in Nova Christae) or does he expose them to further attack whilst maintaining full strength between Banton and her objective? After all, to get to Port St. Arthur, they have to round that cape near Haran, which will give Banton the opportunity to engage them if she so chooses.

Volzgradien Flagship Omnia Vincit
Bay of Holl

Even with the previous battle only a few hours behind them, Admiral Dudic was already pressed with a rather uncomfortable situation. While the foe had been beaten back, his forces had taken a rather good beating as well. The repair facilities at Port St. Arthur were top-notch, and the defensive emplacements equally excellent; but sending his damaged vessels there would mean less ships guarding the Bay, and would leave open the possibility of the fleet being cut into two if the New Chalcedon Fleet attacked once more. Even he had to admit that the clearing of Nova Christae's ports had been a little too "thorough". While the Arglenians had destroyed most of the repair equipment, Dudic knew that he could of saved some from his own fleet's bombardment. Thankfully, the Volzgradien Ground Forces had ensured that their supply lines were well defended and up to date. Most of his vessels were now fully resupplied with fuel, missiles, and general provisions.

Dudic paced nervously, his every footstep echoing in the bridge's metallic interior. For the most part, his forces were prepared for another battle. Morale was high, and all ships had by now been fully resupplied with ammunition. Another, larger Volzgradien Fleet was only 36 hours away. However, the problem lay in the fact that 2 of his Destroyers were near critically damaged, and 3 frigates had sustained heavy but slightly less of a punishment. The hastily repaired repair stations at Nova Christae managed to keep the vessels afloat, but Dudic knew that they would need professional repairs at Port St. Arthur. It was risky, but he could not afford to lose any more of his vessels.

"Ensign, get me on a commlink with all vessels below "Delta" state of repair." Dudic ordered, having finally made up his mind.

"Of course, sir. You are online...now."

"This is Admiral Dudic speaking to the vessels Gloria Eternus, Brusilov's Wrath, Rapier, Honour of Ferrograd, and Rogue Spear. All named ships are to immediately set course for Port St. Arthur for immediate repair. Full power to engines on all vessels. All requested ships, must hug the coastline as closely as possible, no vessels must go past Marker 31; I repeat do not pass Marker 31. Once repairs are complete, all assigned vessels shall return here alongside High Admiral Petrov's fleet. Admiral Dudic out."

His course of action was simple. So long as the crippled vessels hugged Volzgrad's heavily defended coastline, they would largely be safe from an enemy assault. Speed and stealth would be key factors as well, but even if they were discovered Dudic doubted the enemy's battered fleet would try to engage them while the Volzgradien vessels were under the cover of missile silos, coastal artillery, and land airfields. His main concern was the protection of the Bay of Holl. Following the first battle, the GSC had wisely ordered the construction of several defensive lines and artillery batteries on the peninsula of Haran. These batteries largely consisted of retrofitted rocket artillery units armed with yet more Kh-55s. While they did not maintain the firepower of the leaving vessels, their positions were well defended and difficult to spot. They would follow the age old tactic of "Shoot & Scoot", continually bombarding the enemy then packing up to a different location and repeating the process. At best, they could score some kills. At worst, they would be an annoyance that would at least make the enemy switch their attention.

Greater Americania requests that Volzgrad set up an embassy in Greater Americania.

SIC
Flagship Baron, 12th High Seas Fleet
Off the coast of Southern Volzgrad

After several days of travel the fleet had finally arrived, well south of any action the Imperial army was to land at southern Volzgradian ports and then be shipped to the front by train.

Once there after a few days of reorganizing the Imperial forces would surge forward from the northern flank making a arc coming down on the Anglenian northern flank from the rear, as well as making an assault on Baran.

It took the better part of the day unloading only half of the men and equipment, the following days would be taken up by reloading everything onto trains and then unloading it again once at the front.

Once the troops were unloaded the 12th would move from the south towards the bay of Holl to bolster the defenses of the Volzgradian battle groups already there.

Meanwhile arrangements were being made for an official envoy to meet with the Volzgradian government in order to establish a treaty granting the Reich a piece of the Anglenian conquest. Particularly an establishment of a naval port for refit and resupply.

Whilst awaiting their move to the front commanders practiced tactics in everything from room clearing to mock full divisional assaults and armor spearheads.

The days ahead were sure to be filled with bloodshed and it was vital that every soldier's skills be crisp and execution swift.

1750 Hours, Volzgradien Seronne Line

The arrival of the Reich's forces was most appreciated by the Volzrgradien General Staff Command. While it would understandably take some time for their forces to be shipped to the frontline, their arrival had been an excellent morale boost for all people of Volzgrad. Indeed, their arrival at the front would be the starting signal for the newly dubbed "Drive to the East" that would see the capture of Kroutan, Baran, and possibly even the Arglenian capitol if all went according to plan. The Volzgradien had intentionally not attacked the Arglenian's northern flank, for they wanted to save all the surprise and shock for when the Reich's forces arrived. While the majority of the Volzgradien forces in Arglenia would take part in the Offensive, a large portion would remain to guard Nova Christae and Haran from another possible New Chalcedon attack by sea.

In anticipation of the attack, Volzgradien artillery batteries began to bombard key Arglenian military facilities and noted troop concentrations. Intelligence in these areas was top notch, with accuracy at an all time high for Volzgrad's artillery troops. No major attacks were made, though several smaller unit actions were fought between the two sides. The Arglenians held their ground, though reconnaissance showed that they had paid dearly for their determination. This artillery barrage would continue until the Unkerlantum forces arrived in what was estimated at a week. While this was a predictable tactic that would alert the enemy to the start of the attack, the GSC predicted that the poorly trained and equally poorly led Arglenians would simply lose heart and either desert or retreat to more dependable positions. Any Arglenian forces that remained strong would simply be overrun and crushed by the advancing Volzgradien and Reich soldiers.

Naturally, the Reich's involvement in the war would need some form of repayment. While the details were still not finalized, it appeared the Unkerlantum Reich would recieve the city of Kroutan and it would be granted the right to construct a port in the Bay of Holl. Naturally, the Unkerlantum fleet would be able to use Nova Christae as a refueling and repair point until their own port was completed.

Temporary HQ Southern Volzgrad

Grand Marshall Everest sat quietly in his tent, around him his staff officers and unit commanders. They were looking over the latest satellite imagery and intelligence reports.

While it was evident that the Reich and Volzgrad would be working together, Everest was more than cautious about trusting Volzgradian intelligence, especially in regards to areas where Reich soldiers would be doing most of the fighting.


"Constable Lenord, dispatch a messenger to the Volzgrad commander, I believe it is time we had a talk, and iron out the matters of a treaty before we commence our bloody business."

The constable nodded,

"Right away you're lordship."

and quickly departed to carry out his given orders.

Morale was high throughout the Reich's army, especially that of unit commanders whom, under the new law could take slaves from the enemy captured. For the average soldier the thought of being in battle again was more than enough of a reward.

Drills continued as shipping crates were set up in configurations of small towns and camps found by intelligence. Troops practiced assaulting and clearing the towns repeatedly at almost every hour of the day.

With the troops and equipment now fully unloaded, the fleet sailed north to begin operations in the bay of holl

Field Marshal Stanislav Kurinski was busy scanning intelligence reports and disposition charts when the Reich messenger arrived at his command bunker. The man was escorted in shortly by a pair of Volzgradien Hussar Guardsmen. The Field Marshal looked up from his sheet covered desk and looked the man in the eye.

Kurinski and the Reich soldier, who later identified himself as Constable Lenord, chatted briefly before the new arrival delivered his message. Unlike earlier in his career, Kurinski enjoyed meeting with the commanders of foreign nations. It was much more exciting then the paperwork that had dominated the previous three hours of his life.

Without wasting a moment, the Field Marshal, the Constable, and another pair of Hussar Guardsmen hurried out of the command bunker and made their way toward the Reich's local commander. Kurinski briskly pushed aside the canvas tent's door flap and entered.

"I am Field Marshal Stanislav Kurinski, Volzgradien CnC of this sector. Constable Lenord has informed me that your commander wishes an audience with me."

Waving his hand signaling for the guards to stand down, whom had snapped to abruptly open Kurinski's entrance.

Unlike his fellow staff officers Everest wore his dress uniform, even while in the field very rarely would he be seen wearing full body armor. His medals and curved saber glistened in the sunlight as it peeked into the tent through small openings above.

"Welcome then Marshal Kurinski, I am Grand Marshall Samson Everest, theater commander for the forces of the Reich, and authority of his Majesty, King Harold Wallace III of Unkerlantum.

On behalf of his Majesty I bid you welcome, and look forward to the coming operations.

Further at the request of my king I am asked to formalize a treaty for when our conquest is complete, as well if you wish we may discuss the coming offensive. My spear head troops will be departing tomorrow for the front to prepare for the offensive. "

Waving his hand signaling for the guards to stand down, whom had snapped to abruptly open Kurinski's entrance.

Unlike his fellow staff officers Everest wore his dress uniform, even while in the field very rarely would he be seen wearing full body armor. His medals and curved saber glistened in the sunlight as it peeked into the tent through small openings above.

"Welcome then Marshal Kurinski, I am Grand Marshall Samson Everest, theater commander for the forces of the Reich, and authority of his Majesty, King Harold Wallace III of Unkerlantum.

On behalf of his Majesty I bid you welcome, and look forward to the coming operations.

Further at the request of my king I am asked to formalize a treaty for when our conquest is complete, as well if you wish we may discuss the coming offensive. My spear head troops will be departing tomorrow for the front to prepare for the offensive. "

Kurinski had been impressed at the Reich soldiers discipline and professionalism, and it all spoke in volumes with their commander. His dress uniform was impressive, even for the very magnanimous Volzgradiens. Kurinski was also clad in his best dress uniform; field gray trousers and tunic, polished black boots, and a field gray Kvarka peaked cap with the crimson band of the Volzgradien Imperial Army. Indeed, both of the officers were very similar, even going as far as both carrying sabers.

"A pleasure to meet you Grand Marshall Everest. I was told personally by the Grand Duke to expect you to arrive, though I must admit the speed of your arrival caught me somewhat off guard. I have the official terms of the treaty here." Kurinski replied as he rummaged through a folder full of loose papers. He eventually drew a pristine, fresh white copy and handed it over to the Grand Marshall. Kurinski drew his own copy and began to read aloud.

"Once hostilities between the nations of Volzgrad, Arglenia, and any other involved nations have been fully ended, may these specific lands formerly belonging to the nation of Arglenia be ceded to the Divine Reich of Unkerlantum for their most appreciated involvement in the Liberation. This area shall be composed of the city of Kroutan, approximately 240.58km squared of land composed of both industrial and agricultural sectors. Furthermore, the land designated as the "Yaroslav Corridor"; a strip of land 160km long and 80km wide directly below Kroutan, shall also be given. Once all treaties have been finalized, The Divine Reich may do whatever it wishes with the given land so long as it does not directly threaten the sovereign people of the Grand Duchy of Volzgrad. As a gift of goodwill, the Volzgradien 7th Royal Engineers Regiment shall be assigned to construct a refueling and repair station for the Unkerlantum Naval Forces in the Bay of Holl." Kurinski paused as he handed Everest a map (http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll43/Vulture_77/Arglenia1.png).

"The land you are receiving is marked in orange."

Everest nodded, the terms were agreeable and he was certain King Wallace would find them satisfactory.

"Your terms are acceptable, under authority of the King vested in me I shall sign this treaty binding us to this agreement, I apologize for my abrupt arrival, I will be departing for the front in two days with the bulk of my forces.

Our fleet sails north and should arrive early in the morning at the bay of Holl to relieve your forces there, and to begin air support operations against enemy targets.

Are there any matters of the offensive you wish to personally discuss?"

Imperial carrier Bulgaroknoctos
Southeast of the Bay of Holl

Isabella Banton received the news that at least four smaller vessels were slowly making their way from Nova Christae around the peninsula, no doubt to Port St. Arthur.

So they're doing that, after all. No real surprise, but I was hoping to push Dudic into splitting his fleet. Oh well, time to show them the range of our toys.

"Guns, do we have a lock on the Volzgradi formations?"

"Aye, Ma'am. A large fleet is on its way from the southwest, although it will be at least another day getting near. Admiral Dudic's fleet is staying onstation in the Bay, and there's been some freighter traffic to the fleet from Nova Christae - I'd say they've probably rearmed. And we've updated our data - there are five Volzgradi ships en route to Port St. Arthur."

"I see. ETA on Admiral Preston?"

"Seventh Fleet is thirty-four hours away at cruising speed, bearing 140. Admiral Scott is another fourty hours behind him, at bearing 155."

"Hmm. Ops, pass the order - we can't do this against Dudic's fleet, so we have no chance against his reinforcements. Fleet orders: retreat on bearing 145 on my mark - maximum fleet speed. Keep the civlian vessels ahead of the fleet."

"Aye, Ma'am."

"Guns, Firing Pattern Delta - Tomahawks only. Let's make them regret opposing the Imperial Navy. Ops, give my mark as soon as we've fired the first volley, and get the freighters moving now."

"Aye, Ma'am."

A few moments later, ninety-four Tomahawk II missiles left the Imperial fleet, as they began making way on a roughtly southeast heading. Another ninety-four followed at ten-second intervals, and another ninety-four after that.

Unlike the first battle, in which separare attack waves permitted the Volzgradi to deal with the missiles a fraction at a time, these missiles had been programmed to attack in one wave - the first volley waited until the second and third had caught up to it to go to full power, and the smaller total number of missiles fired permitted vastly-improved fire control (clearly, Admiral Banton had a steep learning curve). Two hundred and eighty-two missiles bore down on the five damaged Volzgradi vessels.

Imperial carrier Marcus Aurelius, flagship Seventh Fleet
Southeast of the Bay of Holl

Vice-Admiral Marius Preston was not a happy man - his brother Jonathan had been the captain of the Leo III, and he wanted revenge.

When he got news that Banton was conducting an orderly retreat, he was apoplectic, but he had to admit that they had almost no chance against the combined Volzgradi fleet. Since he received that word, he had sat in his command chair brooding over the situation, and wishing that he didn't have to wait for Admiral Scott's taskforce to arrive for him to exact revenge.

It took his ops officer two tries to get his attention. "Admiral, I'm seeing something unusual." Preston stirred from his lethargy. "Hmm?"

"Sir, our satellites have spotted this fleet off the south coast of Volzgrad, which we've identified as an Unkerlantun fleet. They appear to be there peacefully, and escorting a large convoy of transports."

"Not good. Inform the capital and Admiral Banton."

"Aye, Sir."

Saralon, capital of Arglenia

The Imperial Air Force had airlifted significant numbers of troops and equipment into Saralon, primarily of the vehicular kind - Merkava IV battle tanks, PzH2000 self-propelled artillery, Puma IFVs and ToS-2 self-propelled rocket artillery, all in accordance with the Imperial Army's tactical doctrine of "pulverise first, charge second". Once the force was assembled, the commander, General Antonia Zharvina, went to see President Valentin Kariv. Her demeanour indicated that she would take no nonsense from bureaucrats in her path.

Fifth Bureau HQ,
Constantinopolis Secundus

Yevlena Parnassia looked at the information in fron of her. Two nations apparently co-operating against Aglenia, but with little love or trust lost between them. Perfect, was the first thought in her mind. The Fifth Bureau could have a field day sowing discord and dissent between them. She thought for a moment, then called in her planning team.

"People, we have a situation. Unkerlantum has entered to war in co-operation with Volzgrad - at least as far as helping them against Aglenia, although we don't know if they want to go to war with us also."

"Clearly, this is unacceptable. So, if I were the Unkerlantun CO, what would I think if I found a Volzgradi battle-plan that showed an intent to go back on their promises and annihilate Unkerlantun forces?"

Smiles spread across the table.

OOC1: Banton was just waiting to see which way Dudic jumped before making her own mind up, and when she saw that his damaged ships were hugging the coast, she decided not to bring her fleet in on top of them, but instead to use long-range missile fire.

OOC2: Tentative Imperial Army ORBAT:

800 Merkava IV MBT;
600 PzH2000 SFA units;
600 ToS-2 SPRA units;
144 CH-47F Chinook, to carry ground forces rapidly (either soldiers or emergency techicians);
144 AH-65 "Longbow" advanced assault helicopter;
1,400 Puma IFV carrying 8,400 Imperial Army assault troops;
7,500 technicians and assorted light vehicles to ferry them.

Tentative Imperial Air Force ORBAT:

40 squadrons Eurofighter Typhoons - 480 aircraft total.
15 squadrons B52-H strategic bombers (not based in Arglenia, but available for missions there - their base is to the east of Arglenia) - 180 aircraft total.
4 squadrons support aircraft - 2 squadrons EB-52H (electronic warfare B52s), 2 squadrons Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft, modified for advanced IFF capability and EW capability - 60 aircraft total. The B737s will be based out of Saralon for now.

OOC3: I'm very limited in what I can send, thanks to your navy's successful (for now, anyway) defence of the Bay of Holl - I'm restricted to what I can bring in by air, which as you can see, isn't all that much compared to your forces. Aglenia's government will have to help make up the shortfall, I guess. On that note, it seems that with UL co-operating with you, I'm in danger of getting dogpiled now.

Everest nodded, the terms were agreeable and he was certain King Wallace would find them satisfactory.

"Your terms are acceptable, under authority of the King vested in me I shall sign this treaty binding us to this agreement, I apologize for my abrupt arrival, I will be departing for the front in two days with the bulk of my forces.

Our fleet sails north and should arrive early in the morning at the bay of Holl to relieve your forces there, and to begin air support operations against enemy targets.

Are there any matters of the offensive you wish to personally discuss?"

"Yes, I believe I can save you some time by discussing the offensive now then later when you reach the Seronne line." Kurinski responded, satisfied with how well the discussion was going. He began to once again rummage in his folder, before he pulled out a larger, more detailed tactical map.

"Your forces are to be sent to an area of the Seronne Line just north of New Haolen. The offensive shall officially begin 24 hours after your forces have arrived in strength. Once everything goes underway, your forces are to proceed toward Baran and attack at full strength. The majority of the city is already under the control of the BIF, allies of ours. For the most part, BIF units have left areas under our line of fire, but beware for friendly fire anyway. Once Baran is under your control, your forces are to split, one group guarding Baran and the other hitting the northern flank of Hrulen. Simultaneously, Volzgradien Army Group Alpha will attack Kroutan and secure the remainder of the coastline. This force will split as well and hit the southern flank of Hrulen while Army Group Beta hits Hrulen from the west."

Seronne Line, Eastern Arglenia

In a more troubling development, recent intelligence reports conducted by Volzgradien operatives in the Arglenian government and recon by satellite showed that the New Chalcedon forces had yet to give up. Reports were sketchy, but it appeared they already had a modest amount of armour, infantry, and aircraft present. It wasn't much in comparison with the Volzgradien or Unkerlantum forces, but it would at least make its presence known when the Siege of Saralon became a reality. For the time being, Volzgradien artillery and aircraft were more then busy pounding Arglenian positions across the country into dust. Of particular interest was the shelling of the Hrulen forest with white phosphorous shells and napalm. This bombardment created a firestorm that turned almost half of the city and surrounding countryside into little more then ash and charred corpses. Volzgradien units were constantly being reinforced, with particular emphasis being placed on AA units and Armour. The Chalcedon forces had a substantial air corp present at Saralon and the GSC wanted to take no chances.

Bay of Holl

The sudden Tomahawk missile wave shocked the crippled Volzgradien vessels into immediate action. They had prepared for the worst, and many of the countermeasures were already online. Immediately, all of the vessels chaff and electronic pulses were launched in massive waves. However, the sheer amount of Tomahawks meant that it was inevitable that some would go through. Overral, 144 of the missiles were guided off target. Another 42 were destroyed by the ships CIWS as they closed the final distance. That however, still left 96 missiles to strike the Volzgradien ships. All of the Frigates detonated in blinding flashes as the missiles turned them into little more then floating slag. One of the destroyers was hit multiple times, but most of the crew managed to abandon the ship before its ammunition detonated from within. The remaining Destroyer sustained heavy damage but continued to power defiantly on. It would be out of action for some time as the repair crews at Port St. Arthur fixed its shattered and blasted hull.

Almost immediately following the assault, the Naval Office at Port St. Arthur asked for permission to launch a retaliatory strike at the fleeing New Chalcedon Fleet. Several minutes later, a resounding "yes" was given and a full scale missile strike was authorized by the Office's High Admiral. Ten Minutes later, 63 RT-2UTTH Topol M Conventional Warhead ICBMs were launched, all aimed at the fleet responsible for the attack. Another 42 missiles were prepared for launch in case the other enemy fleets decided to join the fray. Unlike the smaller Tomahawks and Kh-55s used previously, the gargantuan ICBMs were more then capable of destroying a good sized escort vessel in a single shot. The Volzgradien GSC wanted the enemy fleet dead, and it wanted them to be obliterated as soon as possible. Such an action was incredibly expensive, and it would be several weeks before more missiles were brought up to replace those launched. While the missiles had been launched from silos all over Volzgrad, they had been programmed just like the Chalcedon missile wave to meet up at one designated point then blast forward in one massive attack at the enemy fleet.

OOC: On which side? At the moment, I'm getting rather dogpiled so I'd appreciate if your PMCs could either support my troops or simply act as a neutral "attack all" force.


OOC:Your Side

OOC:Your Side

OOC: Okay, sure. Though since it appears I'm not getting dogpiled any longer you can pick either side.

OOC:nah im good, i'll decide what im deploying later

With the approval of Volzgrad, teams of TBC reporters were sent out to embed with Volzgrad Army and Navy units battling the Arglenians and New Chalcedon. Escorting these reporters were teams from Starkwood PMC.

The PMC escorts traveled in Humvees armed with M240 machine guns, and were armed with M4 carbines and .44 Magnum Desert Eagle pistols. Two Humvees and 10 PMCs accompanied each reporter team, except those who were stationed on Volzgrad ships.

Everest looked over the map nodding in agreement.


"Well it would appear as though everything is in order...I will begin briefing my staff and preparing to move as well as reviewing my troops before they set off to the line our advanced armor spearheads are already formed and awaiting orders to advance..I shall see you at the front in a few days Kurinski."

OOC-Chalcedon, is it OK if I have reporters embedded on your ships?

Everest looked over the map nodding in agreement.


"Well it would appear as though everything is in order...I will begin briefing my staff and preparing to move as well as reviewing my troops before they set off to the line our advanced armor spearheads are already formed and awaiting orders to advance..I shall see you at the front in a few days Kurinski."


Kurinski folded up the tactical map and returned it to the still unorganized folder.

"Likewise, Grand Marshal Everest. Godspeed and good luck."

ooc-shall we wait till tomorrow for my troops to move or no?

ooc-shall we wait till tomorrow for my troops to move or no?

OOC: Yes, tomorrow will be fine. I won't be available to RP past 5:00 PM so I'll post it as early as possible

ooc: that's fine no rush.

OOC-Chalcedon, is it OK if I have reporters embedded on your ships?

Sure, but be warned that it's dangerous.

IC:

Imperial High Command
Constantinopolis Secundus

"Should we respond in kind, Sir?"

Grand Admiral Notaras thought a moment, then shook his head. "Not until we know what warheads they're carrying. And even then, not unless they use nukes. I don't want to escalate this any further if we can avoid it - I'm beginning to doubt if the Aglenians are worth fighting for. General Zharvina has reported no success in convincing President Kariv to help her in any meaningful way. Inform the Mangana that the High Command does not believe that this war can result in a positive outcome for the Empire."

A pause greeted him, followed by a subdued "Yes, Sir."

Imperial carrier Bulgaroknoctos
Southeast of the Bay of Holl

The report came in to Admiral Banton - four of the five Volzgradi ships had been sunk, with the fifth effectively out of action for at least several weeks. The satellites had also noted a missile launch from various parts of Volzgrad, and Banton's stomach sank.

Only fourty-seven of them? That's odd. Banton contacted CIC over the intercom. "CIC, this is the Admiral. Analyse those launches, pronto! I want to know what they are!" Then, over fleet frequency, "This is the Flag. Hostile launches have been detected. I want all air defenses active, including countermeasures! Carriers, get AEW units up asap!"

Over the next six minutes, each carrier launched two airborne early warning aircraft. As soon as each plane was away from its carrier, it started sending up streams of electronic hash to jam the guidance systems of the incoming missiles.

Partway through this, the CIC analysis came back to Banton: the missiles were Topol-M type ICBMs, and possibly armed with nuclear warheads. Good news: big and therefore easy to hit. Bad news: unusually hard to hit for their size, plus one hit won't do the job. Not good. "Fleet orders - break by division at once - repeat, at once! All ships prepare for nuclear strike, and use your main turrets - these babies are too big to stop with autocannon!"

The fleet's courses immediately diverged, as ships broke by twos and threes into separate 'clumps', so that one nuclear strike would not get more than a fraction of the fleet, with intent to reassemble as soon as the strike was done. Of course, they didn't know what kind of warhead was equipped, but they'd find out soon enough.

Six of the sixty-three Topol-M missiles were stopped by satellite-based defenses, and the remainder positively identified - the Imperial High Command didn't want all of the Empire's space defense to be revealed, and so only authorised a third of the available platforms to fire.

The final approach was swift, but not unexpected - by now, the Imperial fleet was well aware of what was coming, and had all its defenses ready. Another twenty-four missiles were sucked off-course by defensive EW, and nine simply missed. The final line of defense stopped another eleven, leaving thirteen to hit. One, oddly enough, fixed on one of the AEW aircraft sending out so much noise, and missed it, reacquiring a target at the last moment and obliterating the frigate Parnassian. Five more hit the luckless Moesia, already damaged and hence an easier target. These missiles were too many, and the Moesia began to list to port as her engines ceased operating. Two hit the Bulgaroknoctos forward, putting her main flight deck out of commission until repairs could be made - which would take several hours. Four more hit frigates, with varying amounts of damage, although all four survived. The final missile hit another battlecruiser, the Peleponnesius, causing moderate damage.

Aboard the Bulgaroknoctos, Admiral Banton requested a link with the Moesia. "Captain Gates, how bad is it?"

"We can't fight any more, Ma'am, but give us a couple of minutes, and we can get her back underway. Engineering says that we can give you twelve knots." After a pause and a look at Banton's face, he went on "That's not going to be enough, is it, Ma'am?"

"I'm afraid not, Harrison. You'll have to scuttle her. We'll pick your crews up."

"Aye, Ma'am. Moesia out."

Three minutes later, a swarm of boats left the Moesia, their jobs made easier by the fact that a third of her crew had been KIA. As soon as they gained clearance radius from the explosion, the Moesia detonated spectacularly, sending debris in all directions. The battered remnant of the fleet pulled back together, and started up at eighteen knots once more, hoping to reach Seventh Fleet before they could be intercepted. Banton spared a moment to consider what was happening to those pilots and seamen she had been forced to leave behind in her retreat - hopefully, the Volzgradi were all as honourable as their Admirals.

OOC: You're out of luck with those ICBMs - the destroyers are stealth-capable, meaning that almost all of your missiles will lock on the less-stealthy frigates - and the ANZAC-class frigate is compartmentalised. With those, one conventional missile hit is very unlikely to sink it, although all four are badly inconvenienced.

Tally from this exchange: 1 Battlecruiser and one frigate in exchange for three frigates and a destroyer. I think Banton's just going to quietly RV with Seventh Fleet and Twelfth Fleet now if given the chance, and unless someone has a fleet I haven't heard about, it's not likely that anyone can intercept her.

Overall tally - My losses: 1 supercarrier (Leo III), one BC (Moesia), one destroyer (Salonae) and one frigate (Parnassian) destroyed, along with 279 aircraft. Another two carriers (Empress Elisabeth and Bulgaroknoctos) took hits, as did four other BCs, virtually every frigate and sixteen more aircraft. The destroyers mostly got off undamaged (minor hits here and there, except of course for the Salonae), and all six submarines survived.

Your losses: Three frigates in the first action plus one submarine destroyed and another crippled, plus various damage to other units, three more frigates in the second action destroyed plus one destroyer, for a total of six frigates, one destroyer and one submarine destroyed (also 379 aircraft of various types), one destroyer and one submarine crippled beyond easy repair and relatively light to moderate damage otherwise. And ICBMs aren't playing fair. :p

Overall, a definite (although not decisive) victory for Volzgrad :hail:. But what else to expect - my forces were outnumbered (I discounted the sheer number of your smaller combatants), as well as facing land-based aircraft in huge numbers, and finally ICBMs. C'est la vie.

Sure, but be warned that it's dangerous. Just as dangerous as being on Volzgrad ships I suppose...

OOC: Volzgrad do you still need support? You know I am always willing to give you a hand?

OOC: Volzgrad do you still need support? You know I am always willing to give you a hand?

OOC: Thanks for the offer, but anymore people on my side and this will get incredibly lopsided. If anyone decides to help out New Chalcedon, then feel free to join.

OOC2: Indeed I apologize for the rather unfair ICBM strike, but I guess that was the only equalizer for the losses my ships were taken. As you said, I would call this a minor victory for my forces. I did push your fleet back, which was a definite victory, but at much higher losses compared to yours. Well, that's what happens when you have a navy that uses numbers to win.

Volzgradien Flagship Omnia Vincit
Bay of Holl

"And thus it comes to a close." Admiral Dudic whispered half to himself as he gazed at the ghostly, green screen that was his command computer. He could see the orange squares that represented the New Chalcedon Navy pulling out. Both sides had been viciously battered over the previous week, but the Volzgradien had come out victorious none the less. The New Chalcedon forces had fought well, Dudic would give them that. They had given him and his crews more then a fair fight. He also reminded himself that the New Chalcedon Military was still very much alive in mainland Arglenia, with their forces still massing at the Arglenian capitol of Saralon. Still, Dudic knew that his victory at sea would cause great consequences to the morale of the New Chalcedon people. If they had been defeated at sea, which was their military forte, then what could they possibly do completely outnumbered in a foreign land that was looking less friendly and worthwhile everyday?

News from the Arglenian front had been good, news was already filtering back to him that the already severely weakened Arglenian Defense Force was on the verge of collapse. Mostly in part by the massive, never ending Volzgradien bombardment but also due to the sheer morale strain of fighting a massive and for what it seemed, an unstoppable pair of world powers. Not only that, but rumors were spreading that Arglenian President Kariv had been killed along with the rest of his "Sovereigns" by a Volzgradien air strike. Finally, the arrival of Unkerlantum troops would signal the beginning of the largest offensive of the war, even larger then the initial phases that saw the quick capture of Nova Christae and New Haolen.

Baran in the north was already on the verge of collapse, with Arglenian forces still locked in an epic urban war with BIF guerrillas. Kroutan had been severely hard hit by the Volzgradien bombardment, with the long abandoned residential and agricultural sectors reduced to little more then ash and rubble. Volzgradien intelligence already showed that the ADF forces stationed at Kroutan were beginning to pull out for Hrulen, with only a handful of suicidal rearguard units left to defend the husk of a city.

Hrulen, however was a completely different matter. It was the vital rivet that kept the entire Arglenian defense together, literally and figuratively. It was the second largest city in Arglenia, following close after Saralon. It's industry was vital to Arglenian survival, and it's many hills and thick outskirt forests made excellent defensive positions. While many of these obstacles had been methodically burned and driven into the ground by the Volzgradien artillery batteries, there were still more then enough to make Hrulen a hard nut to crack. However, if Baran and Kroutan fell, Hrulen would have both of its much more vulnerable flanks exposed. Attacked from three sides, the city would fall in less then a week, and if the enemy was particularly determined, two weeks.

A quick, blinking light on his command console quickly snapped Dudic out of his thoughts. He groped for the glowing button for a few moments before finally pressing the glowing dial in.

"What is it Helmsman Krakov?" Dudic asked impatiently.

"Sir, it appears several lifeboats and rafts have been left over by the retreating New Chalcedon Navy? Should we go save them or open fire?"

Dudic pondered for a moment, before giving his signals officer a hard nudge.

"Tatalyov, record this message for the New Chalcedon Fleet."

"Of course, sir. Recording...go."

"This is once again Admiral Dudic of the Volzgradien Imperial Navy Taskforce assigned to Holl Bay. I am sending two of my escort Frigates to rescue several stranded lifeboats that were apparently left behind by your forces. I assure you that our intentions are to rescue your sea and airmen, we are not going to take them as prisoners or kill them. Once all have been safely extricated, they will be returned to Port St. Arthur where they shall board an airplane bound for New Chalcedon. They will not be ransomed off nor hurt, that I again promise you. I simply request that all New Chalcedon vessels and aircraft do not open fire on the Frigates I have sent."

"Okay, message sent sir."

"Excellent, tell the bigwigs at St. Arthur to ready transportation."

"Yes sir."

ooc-Since my troops aren't moving anytime soon, what about my naval forces finally arriving at the holl bay ?

ooc-Since my troops aren't moving anytime soon, what about my naval forces finally arriving at the holl bay ?

OOC: More of the same I'm afraid. The enemy has largely been driven back so the only thing you can really do is take defensive positions and wait.

ooc-No I was saying, my troops aren't moving at all until tomorrow but my fleet has been since yesterday, I simply wanted to get them up there already but i guess they can wait till tomorrow too.

OOC:i finally get aroudn to posting my troops lol

IC

2nd fleet

3 Nimitz Class Carriers
1 Iowa Class BBGM
17 Hunter Class CGMs
33 Arleigh Burke DDGs
45 FFGs
30 Ghost SSNs

3rd Airforce(including Carrier Aircraft)
300 F-35s
150 F/A-15Gs
50 B-52s
100 B-1Bs
25 B-2s


V Corps
120,000 men
5,000 tanks
7,500 APCs and IFVs
2000 Cannons and MLRS Systems
1,200 Helos

OOC: To be perfectly honest, you don't need that many troops. The New Chalcedon Navy has been driven off for the most part and they only have a handful of troops on the mainland. The Arglenians are about to collapse anyway. The best way to RP in your situation would be to act as say, a squad of PMCs fighting for money in the ethnic civil war that is still active in Arglenia.

OOC: damnnit, didnt read that part, scrap all that than, just put 5,000 Mercs up for hire than lol

OOC: Whatever gave you the idea that the Navy wasn't coming back? We may - Banton was just running for the other two fleets on their way. Then they'll decide what to do.

IC:

Mangana Palace
Constantinopolis Secundus

The Emperor was adamant. "No, Andronikous, we are not fighting for gain here. We are fighting for right, and for honour. You, of all people, should understand that!"

The Grand Admiral was unimpressed. "I remember honour, Majesty. And I remember its price, too. As the Grand Admiral, I am not prepared to sacrifice thousands upon thousands of our troops and sailors to defend a nation that barely exists as such, which we have made no pledge to defend. Only your stubborn pride forces us to be there, Michael. Don't be an idiot!"

"You don't understand, Andronikous! The Senate is - "

"You're doing this for politics?! I had thought better of you, boy! Recall the fleet and troops, now! At once!"

The Emperor was incensed, and it showed in the dangerously quiet tone of voice he used. "Do not presume to give youe Emperor commands, Admiral, or else I'll have you tried for treason."

Gritting his teeth, Notaras tried one last tack. "If you don't recall the troops, I'm going to have to submit my resignation, Majesty."

"Submit away, Admiral. I don't have to accept it - we're at war, remember?"

The Admiral rose, bowed frigidly, and left the room in silence.

Imperial carrier Bulgaroknoctos
Christaen Sea

After hearing the transmission, Banton was touched. Not only rescuing the Imperial personnel, but sending them back at once - she realised how truly honourable the Volzgradian Admiral was, and resolved then and there that despite her losses at his hands, she truly did not want to fight him again, not even for revenge's sake.

"Admiral Dudic, this is Admiral Banton. I am truly touched by your generous offer, and will personally guarantee - upon my honour as an Imperial officer - that no Imperial military units will fire upon your vessels. Further, I would have the names of those who are prepared to risk their lives to save enemy sailors, so that they may be known to their enemies with the honour they deserve. Admiral Banton out."

"Sparks, inform the Fleet - the Volzgradi are going to send out ships to rescue our survivors. They are *not* to be harmed in any way, is that clear?"

"Aye, Ma'am!"

The Imperial fleet continued southeast. Admiral Preston's Seventh Fleet was now almost in range to interlock their missile defences, putting paid to the idea of a sudden attack destroying Fourth Fleet. And Admiral Scott was only thirty-six hours behind him - he had made up some speed by leaving his AORs behind.

"Sparks, get me Command."

"Aye, Ma'am."

Imperial High Command
Constantinopolis Secundus

Barely had Notaras gotten back to his office when hewas informed that Banton wanted to speak with him. What now?

***

"So you see, Admiral, I don't think we should be fighting the Volzgradi. They're treating us better than the Arglenians are, and the Arglenians are our allies."

"I know, Isabella. I know. But short of Michael coming to his senses, we have to."

"In that case, Sir, I wish to submit my resignation, effective immediately."

Notaras was floored. She wasn't the Grand Admiral, so she didn't require the Emperor's permission to resign. And since she was a flag officer, under the Constitution, he was required to go before the Senate and inform them of her decision. Perfect.

"As you will, Banton. Can you please wait until the Volzgradi rescue efforts are finished before effecting your resignation?"

"Aye, Sir. But why -"

"Just trust me, Isabella. High Command, out." Notaras settled down to some serious thinking - he had to make a decision.

Michael is right to fear the Senate - it has the power to remove him from office. But he goes too far because a rebel Senator murdered his father - he's at the point where not only does he rule, but he won't hear advice. And he's smart, no denying it. But he's also pigheaded, and he won't back down from anyone. And that's a bad thing in an Emperor, bad for the whole nation.

Notaras decided to take the plunge. He punched up a call on his vidscreen.

"Senator Marcello? This is the Grand Admiral. It is my duty to inform the Senate that Admiral Isabella Banton has submitted her resignation. When can the Senate next sit to receive my report?"

House of Laws
Senate Chamber

Lucius Marcello was poker-faced, although his glee was evident to anyone who knew him.

"Admiral Notaras, I wish to get this clear for the record. Does Admiral Isabella Banton wish to resign from the Imperial Navy in time of war?"

Notaras was stone-faced. He knew that from here, it was success or death - the Emperor would never forgive his betrayal. "Yes, Senator Marcello. Admiral Banton was touched by the Volzgradi Admiral Dudic's decision to rescure her lost crew and return them diretly to the Empire, and asked me to appeal to the Emperor for peace. The Emperor refused, and Admiral Banton submitted her resignation."

The chamber erupted, as the news sank in: Not only had the Emperor committed the Empire against the Senate's will to a war it was losing, but had refused to follow the military's advice to attempt peace. After a few minutes, Marcello got peace and quiet again.

"Thank you for your candor, Admiral Notaras. Madam Chairwoman, I hereby submit that the Emperor has failed to lead the Empire."

"Senator Marcello, state the grounds of your discontent."

"Madam Chairwoman, my grounds are these. Firstly, the Emperor committed the Empire to a war for no gain or principle against an enemy easily as powerful as us. Second, the reason the Emperor did this was simple - he wished to cow the Senate into abandoning its Constitutionally-mandated oversight role. Thirdly, having received word that the Empire's enemies were acting in all ways honourably, the Emperor refused to consider this, and pigheadedly asserted a right to refuse to even offer peace."

"Added together, Madam Chairwoman, I submit that these form a classic case of malfeasance of office, combined with a disturbing tendency toward dictatorialism, and submit that the Emperor should thereby be removed from office."

The chamber erupted.

***

Twelve hours later

The Emperor had been summoned to answer the charges leveled by Senator Marcello. The arguments had been made and counter-arguments had been advanced. Now only one thing was left - the vote. Of the five hundred Senators, an impeachment required three hundred and seventy-five 'Aye' votes. Ordinarily, the Emperor could count himself safe - the Imperial Party counted two hundred and thirty members on its own, and was founded on the principle of strengthening the Crown's role.

But even some of the Imperial Party Senators had looked profoundly uneasy, or worse, condemning, as the debate wore on.

Chairwoman Komnena rose from her seat, and the increasingly rancorous debate came to a ragged stop.

"The matter has been debated sufficiently. As Chairwoman of the Imperial Senate, I order that a vote be cast on Senator Marcello's motion. As an impeachment motion, this vote is - per the standing Senate procedures - to be cast in secret, by electronic ballot."

Michael kept a brave front, although he knew that without party discipline, he was in trouble. The vote was taken, and the results reported to the Chairwoman. She stood, and spoke:

"This Chamber votes Aye, by vote of three hundred and eighty-seven to one hundred and ten, with three abstentions. Michael Doukas-Palaiologos, you are no longer the Emperor. Surrender the Great Seal." With reluctance scribed in every line of his body, he complied.

"Leave this place."

He did so, not looking back. The doors to the chamber boomed closed behind him, as the Senate began debating what to do next.

***

From: The Imperial Senate of New Chalcedon.
To: All Imperial units in or near Volzgrad or Arglenia .
Re: Current situation.

To all commanders;

The Emperor has been impeached by vote of the Senate. All commanders in the Volzgrad theater are to withdraw and evacuate all personnel and equipment they can.

By order of Antonina Komnena, Chairwoman of the Imperial Senate.

***

Upon receipt of the orders, Imperial troops started withdrawing at once. The Army troops began airlifting out of Saralon in an orderly and disciplined fashion, leaving none of their equipment behind. The combined Fourth, Seventh and Twelfth Fleets - a formation substantially outnumbering Dudic's reinforced fleet - resumed their course to the southeast, away from Volzgrad.

***

From: Antonina Komnena, Chairwoman of the Imperial Senate and Imperial Regent.
To: His Grace, Alexander Kavinkov II, Grand Duke of Volzgrad and Arglenia.
Re: War issues.

Your Grace,

The Empire of New Chalcedon has withdrawn all forces from Arglenia, and is willing to acknowledge Volzgradi ownership of those territories in exchange for peace. Please respond soonest.

[signed]

Antonina Komnena,
Imperial Regent and Chairwoman of the Senate.

OOC: Michael had been annoying the Senate for some time. Not only did he assert every right the Constitution granted him, he constantly tried to extend them. And you may remember the way he bullied Senators when he could get away with it.......

Royal Palace, St. Adriansburg

The news of the New Chalcedon withdrawal from the Arglenian theater had electrified Volzgrad mere moments after the news had been released to the public. The New Chalcedon forces had been the largest threat the Volzgradien Imperial Military had faced so far in the Liberation, and they had the body count to prove it. The fleet guarding the Bay of Holl had been decimated, though it was now replaced by the 7th Fleet under the command of High Admiral Petrov. Grand Duke Kavinkov himself had been ecstatic when he received the message informing him of the New Chalcedon withdrawal.

"Excellent, truly excellent! The New Chalcedon were fine warriors, and honorable ones too, but with them withdrawing and their Emperor impeached, we can now have all but free reign in Arglenia." Yelled out Field Marshal Grudenko as he rose from his seat in the Council Chamber.

"I am inclined to agree Grudenko, the worst of the times are behind us I believe." Agreed Grand Duke Kavinkov, nodding his head for added emphasis. He had called a meeting with the remaining GSC in St. Adriansburg as soon as he had gotten the news, "Without foreign support, the Arglenian military will collapse under itself in a matter of days. Now is the time for Operation Iron Thunder."

"Indeed sire, the Unkerlantum troops have already arrived at the Seronne Line. Once they have prepared themselves adequately, our forces shall advance. The bombardment shall continue until our troops have advanced to way marker 72." Abruptly cut in General Hargunten.

"Yes thank you for the update General Hargunten. However, there is one more thing I would like to do before this meeting is adjourned. Admiral Dudic, would you care to come down here?" Kavinkov said, indicating the very topmost row of the circular, raised Council Chamber.

Still clad in the same uniform in which he had fought against the New Chalcedon Navy, a very tired and disheveled looking Dudic rose from his seat and began to steadily walk down the granite steps. He quickly reached the pedestal at the center of the Chamber and saluted briskly as he faced the Grand Duke.

"On behalf of the Glorious Fatherland, and with God as my witness, I present to you, Admiral Vladimir Dudic, this Order of the Wolf, First Class." The Grand Duke announced, his voice full of the aristocratic pomp that he usually wore to disguise his Tannenberg accent. Admiral Dudic stayed motionless as Kavinkov pinned the gleaming, golden decoration to his lapel.

Dudic saluted, which Kavinkov returned. He was still speechless, he had expected recognition, but not this.

"Also, for your excellent service in the Volzgradien Imperial Navy and the stellar defense of Holl Bay; I would like to immediately promote Admiral Dudic to the rank of High Admiral."

Dudic shook Kavinkov's hand and bowed deeply before he clambered off the pedestal and returned to his seat.

"With that, I would like to announce this meeting as adjourned."

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

To: Antonina Komnena, Chairwoman of the Imperial Senate and Imperial Regent.
From: Grand Duke Alexander Kavinkov II

The peace that you seek has been granted milady, no more blood shall be spilled between Volzgrad and New Chalcedon. Your troops fought with honour and ferocity that I have rarely seen in my career in the Volzgradien Imperial Army. The stranded sea and airmen that my Navy has rescued have now boarded a Volzgradien aircraft and they shall be airborne for New Chalcedon in a matter of minutes. Also, under personal orders from now High Admiral Dudic, a Volzgradien naval saber shall be presented with full honors to one Admiral Isabella Banton of the New Chalcedon Navy.

Signed,
Grand Duke Alexander Vasilovic Kavinkov II

OOC: Post coming up in a few hours - I have class to attend.

OOC: Hmm... Out of curiosity, what is going to happen to the Emperor now? Trial? Exile? I am sure you have mentioned this in one of your well-formed posts, NC, but I just want to make sure...

OOC: Not sure as yet. Truthfully, it was an impulse that led to his deposition. But I will almost certainly start a thread about ti, and both you and Volzgrad are invited to participate.

OOC: Count me in, ol' boy.

With the bulk of the troops now prepared, the second phase of massing the troops at the front would begin.

Advance units already at the front took up the task of joining in with the constant shelling. Using air burst cluster munitions the Unkerlantian artillery would target almost exclusively enemy personnel. With alternating salvos of high explosive rounds to force combatants back out from their positions only to be met by another barrage of air burst shells.

Meanwhile tank and mechanized divisions prepared for their assaults, commanders continued drilling over any scenario that may arise in the coming operation.

No scenario was left unchecked without a contingency plan, perhaps their Volzgradi forces were underestimating the determination of the defenders but this would be a mistake the Reich would not make.


Another day or two and the forces would be well in position to begin the offensive, on the word of the Volzgradi forces.

Meanwhile from just south of the bay of holl air sorties now commenced from the 12th fleet, with precision bomb strikes on enemy power plants, communication centers and military targets.

Other more broad strikes were carried out by large cluster munition drops all along the front, with more precision strikes carried out on known enemy troop locations within the areas where the offensive was to begin.

ooc: If you can't tell, the whole sitting waiting reorganizing thing is not my cup of tea.

OOC to New Chalcedon: If you want, you can RP as Arglenian soldiers defending Hrulen or Baran. Or maybe an Arglenian allied PMC.

Seronne Line, Occupied Arglenia

With the Reich forces now in position and ready to attack, the beginning of the end for Arglenia was just on the horizon. The recently arriving Field Marshal Kurinski personally sent out the order for a general advance on enemy positions, and for the bombardment to increase in tempo. While for the past week the Arglenian positions had been destroyed with High Explosive and Incendiary shells, now it was time for Volzgrad's specialty in chemical warfare to come to the fore. Green tabbed shells filled with chemical agents were passed down to artillery crews who were now feverishly launching salvos as never before.

However, unlike conventional gas that was designed to kill or maim the opponent, the chemical the Volzgradiens were utilizing was slightly more humane. It was a much more concentrated version of standard tear and irritant gas, designed to incapacitate rather then kill. Immediately after inhalation or skin absorption, the target would feel light headed and very drowsy. Several seconds later, the victim would be unable to open their eyes due to inflamed tear ducts. Long term exposure in the range of 15 seconds would cause temporary paralysis as the chemical agent is absorbed by the body's muscles. The agent was only lethal in a massive dosage, so the Volzgradien Imperial Military had effectively bypassed international outrage. The chemical, dubbed"Mist", also was pigmented white to act as a smoke screen and to increase the psychological impact of the weapon.

As the artillery bombardment came to a crescendo, tens of thousands of Volzgradien Imperial infantrymen went over the top of their trenches and advanced at a combat canter through the ashen, pock marked surface of no mans land.

--------
Seronne Line, Sector 58/A

Trooper Pavel Shenko bowed his head and kissed his gleaming silver rosary as he waited impatiently in the Seronne Line's front firing trench. Even though the bombardment of gas shells had only just begun, the morass of no mans land was already cloaked in a milky white mist. He, along with all others in his platoon, were standing on the trench's concrete firing step. No sniper could draw a bead through such thick gas, so it was pointless trying to hide in the deeper areas of the fortifications. Shenko had never been an impatient man, but the only thing he wanted to do now was go over the top and get this assault over with. Officially, the offensive had begun with the gas shelling, but still only a handful of Stormtrooper and Pioneer units had been sent forward to clear wire or particularly important enemy positions. He could hear the occasional rumble of explosions, not from artillery, to his north and south; so he knew they were doing a good job.

At first, Shenko's mind had not registered it clearly, but he was now sure that something heavy, or many heavy things, were closing in on his position. The gas had not reached his positions due to the strong easterly wind, but the dust cloud masked the approaching Volzgradien armour column well enough. Hundreds upon hundreds of tanks, mostly Mk.VIII Siegfried MBTs with a few T-76A Siege tanks thrown in to bust heavy bunkers. Shenko and many others cheered as the heavy AFVs crossed the reinforced concrete bridge that linked the Seronne Line to no mans land. The vehicles soon began to disperse themselves, until they formed a solid line in front of the firing trenches.

A whistle blew, then another, and finally one only a few feet away from him.

"Over the top, over the top! Close and engage!" Screamed his platoon commander as Shenko and thousands upon thousands of others clambered over the concrete revetments of their trenches and charged into no mans land. The tanks had already started moving, their heavy gauge tracks throwing up mud in their wake. In the distance, Shenko could still hear Volzgradien artillery pounding the enemy's positions to dust.

At first, the Arglenian answering barrage seemed minor, only the occasion explosion here and there. But it was increasing in intensity every moment. A tank only a few dozen meters down the line detonated in a flurry of shrapnel and plasma, cutting down the squad sheltering themselves behind its armoured body. Another trio of shells struck the Volzgradien rearguard, sending up shattered bodies like ragdolls.

Shenko couldn't tell what else was going on as he and his squadmates entered the first vestiges of the gas cloud. Like all Volzgradien soldiers, Shenko had spent hours studying the landscape before the gas attack, so he could find his way even in the disorienting mist. The tank in front of him fired, only its blinding muzzle flash appeared in the thick gas. Shenko couldn't even tell what the tank was, though by the power of the cannon he was guessing a T-76A.

He heard a scream to his right and then a dead weight falling on the ground. One of his friends had died, so the Arglenians were clearly close enough for small arms fire. The Volzgradien infantry and tanks began to pour fire onto the cloaked enemy positions as they advanced, it was none to accurate, but it would at least keep their heads down. The tank fired again, this time its shot hit something vital as Shenko could see a very large explosion form in the milky distance. As soon as the vehicle had fired, it peeled away to the right and narrowly missed a well camouflaged steel tank trap. The steel behemoth blundered right into the side wall of an Arglenian bunker, turning the entire structure to rubble in a matter of moments and sending the terrified occupants running in all directions.

Shenko sprinted forward, matching the pace of his advancing comrades. He could see the muzzle flashes of Arglenian weapons from the opposing trench line and Shenko could even hear the whisper of rounds passing centimeters from his head. He dove to the ground and unhooked a grenade from his webbing. Shenko pulled the pin out and threw the grenade expertly right into the enemy firing line. The cooked grenade blew immediately and sent a blue uniformed Arglenian body tumbling end over end into the mud of no mans land. No sooner had the corpse landed did Shenko rise and hurl himself into the enemy trench.

He ducked again, narrowly missing an enemy's entrenching tool. He scythed his razor sharp bayonet forward, tearing a hunk of flesh from the Arglenian's torso. The soldier squealed in pain before tumbling over into a hole in the trench's wall. Shenko's thick gas mask made the entire world seem enclosed on his head, though he personally liked the safety that the mask provided him. Like all Volzgradiens, one of the first things taught was gas mask drill, and after serving 6 years in the Imperial Army Shenko considered the mask almost one with his face.

Several more Arglenians appeared around the corner, only to be gunned down by a fusillade of Volzgradien rifle fire. From the corner of his eye, Shenko could see a Volzgradien flamethrower turn an Arglenian bunker into a flaming death trap. More and more Volzgradien troops were jumping into the trench. Some were killed by Arglenian fire, but there were always many more landing safely or replacing them. Even through the small, circular plastic lenses of his gas mask, Shenko could see the Arglenians were breaking. Only their well equipped troops had remained to guard the trenches, the remaining gas mask-less militia had fled or lay paralyzed on the ground.

Shenko charged forward, his DSR-95 assault rifle chattering as he sent rounds flying into Arglenian bodies. His comrades ever by his side, Shenko's 2nd Platoon managed to clear out almost 3km of trench line single handily, an impressive achievement. Within hours, the entire Arglenian trench system across Kroutan had collapsed, the few remaining rearguard units retreating to the eastern outskirts of the city. Kroutan, while not fully secured, was essentially in Volzgradien hands.

Unsurprisingly, the most difficult battle was the attack upon the Hrulen defensive works. Volzgradien troops suffered heavy losses, with almost 500 dead, and 1500 wounded by the first day compared to only 42 dead and 91 wounded at Kroutan. The defenses at Hrulen were not only better constructed and planned, but they had been almost exclusively manned by the Arglenian elite "Sovereigns" troops. While the first two defensive rings of Hrulen were eventually captured, the beginning momentum had been lost and the city itself would have to be taken at a later date.

In the north, the Volzgradien allied BIF had similarly started a large offensive on the encroaching Arglenian troops. Casualties were massive on both sides, with the BIF effectively stopped and the Arglenians still holding positions in Southern Baran. Naturally, Arglenian forces had been rushed to defend these areas in anticipation of the coming Unkerlantum attack.

OOC: Tyvm, Volzgrad. I think I will, albeit only as the defenders of Baran. Also, the Imperial Civil War thread is here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=590114) - you may get involved as you please.

Baran, Arlgenia

Colonel Niklos Stavros was the most senior officer of the Aglerian Army in Baran, after the enormous Volzgradi artillery barrage had riddled the already-chaotic Tables of Organisation with gaps.

Which was probably a good thing. Stavros knew that Arglenia was probably not worth fighting for, but he took his oath seriously, and was one of the few non-corrupt officers in the Army's senior ranks.

He looked at the situation map. To put it mildly, things were not good. The Volzgradi were advancing on all fronts, and their Imperial allies had deserted them - unsurprisingly, given the contempt with which the late and unlamented President had treated them.

He knew that he couldn't hold the Volzgradi off forever, or even for very long. But if he could inflict some losses on them, perhaps he could get some decent surrender terms.......he began making plans.

Aglorean positions,
approaches to Baran.

The Volzgradi scouts got the shocks of their lives when they scouted the roads leading to Baran from the southwest. Not only had the roads been properly damaged to hinder armoured advances, they spotted several not-quite-perfectly concealed tanks in the forest, as well as some signs of hastily dug fortifications.

If one of them was especially observant (OOC: Your call on whether he spots this, Volzgrad), he may even have spotted the carefully-concealed muzzles of a few AA guns.

Telviran Broadcasting Corporation Broadcast
"And, now we go live to our own Lynne Key, reporting from the frontlines in Arglenia." The small screen in the top right expanded until it filled the whole screen. On it was a 29 year old woman, wearing a body armor vest and a helmet, both labeled PRESS in white tape. "Thanks, Karen. Here outside Hrulen, Volzgradi forces have begun their assault on the city, in the aftermath of the withdrawal of the New Chalcedon naval group." Behind the reporter, a battery of artillery started firing a salvo, and explosions could be seen in the background. "Volzgradi officers have expressed their opinion that the city will be in their hands within the week." The screen cut back to the studio. "Thanks Lynne. Stay safe! And now onto national news..."

OOC: Tyvm, Volzgrad. I think I will, albeit only as the defenders of Baran. Also, the Imperial Civil War thread is here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=590114) - you may get involved as you please.

Baran, Arlgenia

Colonel Niklos Stavros was the most senior officer of the Aglerian Army in Baran, after the enormous Volzgradi artillery barrage had riddled the already-chaotic Tables of Organisation with gaps.

Which was probably a good thing. Stavros knew that Arglenia was probably not worth fighting for, but he took his oath seriously, and was one of the few non-corrupt officers in the Army's senior ranks.

He looked at the situation map. To put it mildly, things were not good. The Volzgradi were advancing on all fronts, and their Imperial allies had deserted them - unsurprisingly, given the contempt with which the late and unlamented President had treated them.

He knew that he couldn't hold the Volzgradi off forever, or even for very long. But if he could inflict some losses on them, perhaps he could get some decent surrender terms.......he began making plans.

Aglorean positions,
approaches to Baran.

The Volzgradi scouts got the shocks of their lives when they scouted the roads leading to Baran from the southwest. Not only had the roads been properly damaged to hinder armoured advances, they spotted several not-quite-perfectly concealed tanks in the forest, as well as some signs of hastily dug fortifications.

If one of them was especially observant (OOC: Your call on whether he spots this, Volzgrad), he may even have spotted the carefully-concealed muzzles of a few AA guns.

OOC: I'll probably get involved in your civil war thread as well, since we seem to have really gotten things going with this thread which I shall also obviously keep going. I'm going to class so I'll post something up after I'm done in a few hours.

Unkerlantian Sector
As was tradition before any assault the massive batteries fell silent, in preparation to act as counter batteries once the enemy artillery opened up.

One last salvo of rocket artillery fired, the unique roar from the thrust of the rockets echoed out across the battlefield placing a thick fog like veil across the line.

Followed shortly by silence, then in a growing intensity the sound of pipes, in a pre battle tradition dating back to times of castles and knights the thousands of Unkerlantian men joined in the signing of the national anthem as the sound of drums and pipes drifted through the choking smoke filled air to the Arglenian line.

Along the line platoons and companies awaited to mount their vehicles, receiving their last rights and joining in prayers with various clergymen.

Finally as the last preparations were made and the men found peace with their deity and resolved within themselves that only victory or death awaited them in the coming battle. The low grumble of engines firing up could be heard up and down the line.

Unlike their Volzgradi counterparts their would be almost no dismounted infantry in the initial wave, instead the Reich forces would depend on their superior imaging and target acquisition equipment and utilize their heavy praetor's fifty seven millimeter chain gun. And would only dismount once the advance reached the enemy lines, from there they would surge forward using the vehicles to take our hardened emplacements and strong points while the troops set about the bloody task of clearing trenches foot by bloody foot.

In order to combat enemy fortifications the typical round for the CETA.57 was replaced with a special air burst round which would allow rounds to penetrate through reinforced concrete walls and other fortifications before exploding within the room with great lethality.
The Unkerlantian offensive roared forward, with mortars and tank fire from MAD IV battle tanks pounding enemy positions mercilessly. Followed shortly by the whistle of the fifty seven millimeter fire.

In the back of one such Praetor sat Corporal Rubert Halloway...his heart beat quickly as sweat rolled down his forehead anxiously he like the others waited for the vehicle to stop as they listened to the pings and clangs of enemy small arms bouncing off the sides of the vehicle followed by the low buzz of the fifty seven millimeter gun in response. Around him Halloway saw little fear, only determination and resolve in the faces of his fellow soldiers, still the stomach turning and heart pound effects of fear crept into every soldier as the coming battle commenced.

For many this was to be their fourth or fifth time in a combat zone very few in the first waves had fewer than four combat engagements, those that were greenhorns would stay close to their sergeants and officers and follow their orders without question, those that were smart would anyways, realizing to do otherways only increased their chances of death.

"exit to the flank I'm sitting on, suppress till the rest of the squad is out, get up move fire communicate, keep the rest of the men moving."

The training steps repeated through Halloway's head as the advance continued, outside large explosions from enemy artillery shook the hull of the Halloway's vehicle, the screams of agony from those hit rang out over the radio, no time to think about that though.

"exit to the flank I'm sitting on, suppress till the rest of the squad is out, get up move fire communicate."

Finally Halloways vehicle stopped having met the first lines of trenches, the rear door slamming down as the sound of small arms fire and explosions intensified.

"Move move move!"

Shouted the Master Sergeant, as the troops began pouring out of the vehicle taking up positions on the flanks and returning fire, two men slumped over, one still on the exit ramp as enemy fire found their mark.

The fifty seven, as the soldiers' so affectionately called it et loose its deadly tone joining in the symphony of death and destruction as groups laid down suppressing fire.

Halloway ran at full sprint, jumping into a trench he found two enemy wounded slumped up against the wall, shortly after their gurgling cries rang out as Halloway's knife sliced effortlessly through their throats he then turned back waving his arm forward and yelling for the hesitant greenhorn soldiers to press forward with the advance.

Another combatant rushed him only to collapse mid sprint as a burst of fire spewed from just right of Halloway, another friendly quickly jumped into the trench laying down accurate fire and downing sevral combatants. The ground shook as the Imperator's heavy 125mm main guns pounded enemy positions. Without a moment to regroup, a roar of battle cries erupted from above Halloway's trench as several enemy combatants jumped down, in an attempt to push the advancing forces out, Halloway utilized his hand to hand training quickly snapping the arm of one combatant and kicking the kneecap in of another, both combatants fell to the floor raising their hands and signaling their desire to surrender, Halloway mercilessly fired his pistol at one causing a mist of blood and brains to spew forth from his skull covering his comrade and Halloway himself in droplets of the gory mist. The other he decide would be left for the P.O.W teams only after subduing him with a butt stroke to the forehead leaving him unconscious in a pool of his comrades blood.

A third enemy tackled Halloway from above, striking Halloway across the ribs with an entrenching tool sending him onto his back, as the enemy solider pounced on him Halloway at the last second raised his knife, which deep into the combatants chest, using his knees Halloway pushed the enemy over and withdrew his knife watching the fallen enemy writhe in pain blood oozing out in waves from his chest. Halloway wiped his face and sheathed his knife, returning to scanning his sector as the enemy soldier slowly suffocated on his own body fluids behind him.

Standing back up Halloway took a position downing several enemy troops in their attempts to either flee or counter attack. Moments later the row rumble of treads shook the earth as the second wave surged forward and past Halloway's position to the next trench line.

Before regrouping with his squad's vehicle Halloway took a moment, gathering up some ammunition from a fallen comrade and taking a quick drink from his hydration system, looking out over the battlefield as several Praetors burst into burning heaps of metal from enemy artillery impacts, the ground around them littered with men crying out in agony for medical assistance,

The smell of burning flesh and the choking smoke filled air burned his lungs as Halloway scaled the trench wall and began rushing towards the next enemy position, eliminating the combatants there with ruthless aggression, his rifle jammed Halloway was forced to club one enemy soldier relentlessly with his butt stock until all life poured out of his body, collecting in a dark red pool along one of the many small impact craters that dotted the battlefield.

From his position Halloway watched as a group of enemy combatants exiting a bunker, arms raised in surrender seemingly disintegrated into tiny droplets of water following a short burst from a heavy machine gun, their limbs flew in wild directions landing amongst their comrades, who moments later were nothing more than charred remains as a massive 240mm mortar shell exploded directly on their position.

Gritting his teeth Halloway again bore down his weapon sights, waiting for the all to familiar silhouette of a human to come into his sight picture, a gentle squeeze of the trigger a few impact bursts and another enemy combatant slumped to the ground before him.

In the distance the low rumbling of the Reich's counter batteries could still be heard, following with the all to familiar whisper of rounds flying overhead and closing with the earthshaking explosions of impacts.

The advance was going well, and it was expected that within days the Arglenian forces would surrender seeing their was no hope for them to continue resistance, especially with the knowledge that additional troops would be arriving to the front in the coming days as the forces continued their surge towards Baran, seperate armored spearheads prepared to strike the flanks surrounding the city with an additional surge aimed at encircling the city itself.

OOC: Sorry for not responding in such a long time. RL issues kept me from posting.

Seronne Line

With the first phases of the offensive now completed, Volzgradien forces were now preparing themselves for the second and hopefully final assault. Despite initial estimates, almost all objectives had been successfully completed.

Kroutan had fallen in a matter of hours as crack Volzgradien Grenadier units cleared the city block by block. While Arglenian resistance was still holding in the northern outskirts, the city was for all intents and purposes in Volzgradien and Unkerlantum hands. Reserves from the Peinforq and Seronne Lines were rushed forward to the Kroutan breach and prepared themselves for the inevitable attack on southern Hrulen. While the Arglenians were holding grimly on, the Volzgradien bombardment and storm assault had shattered not only their defensive lines but their morale. The desertion rate of Arglenian soldiers had skyrocketed by almost 45% percent within days of the offensive's beginning. Only a quickly enacted policy of "hold or die" held the shaken Arglenians together. For despite the death of their President and the occupation of their nation, the Arglenians; most notably the "Sovereigns", still remained fanatically loyal.

In the north, the assault on Baran was largely going smoothly. Unkerlantum troops along with Volzgradien Grenadiers were pushing south toward Hrulen while simultaneously surrounding and cutting off the majority of Baran's sectors. The Unkerlantum assault had got the Arglenians completely off guard and only the iron fisted and excellent command of one Colonel Niklos Stavros managed to keep their entire line from collapsing. Stavros, while a relatively new commander, had already gained infamy for his devastating ambushes and defensive tactics in both the sieges of Baran and Hrulen. Despite the Volzgradien's best efforts, 14 aircraft were lost over the skies of Baran as well hidden Arglenian SAM and AA emplacements turned the sky into a death trap.

5km West of Hrulen

Newly minted Lance Corporal Pavel Shenko strained his eyes to see over the perpetual smoke of the recent battlegrounds. He and his platoon had fought for over 7 hours as Volzgradien troops cleared the Arglenian trenches section by section. It was bloody business, and the Volzgradien forces to Hrulen's west had taken much heavier casualties then any other sectors currently being assaulted. Now with the assault on Hrulen's downtown imminent, Shenko was just as anxious as before.

Shenko coughed quietly and looked down. Unlike the concrete trenches and dugouts that the Volzgradiens had constructed, the Arglenian trenches were mud filled ditches barely held together by rotting duckboards. The whole area stank of decay and misery as Arglenian bodies lay exposed and rotting in the midday sun. Shenko himself was standing only a few feet beside the decapitated corpse of an Arglenian Sovereign trooper. He had fought many men like this, and he had grown to loathe and hate any Arglenian clad in the unit's trademark navy blue uniform.

Suddenly, like thunder in a clear sky, the Volzgradien bombardment began anew. Thousands of guns all across the Seronne Line and beyond opened up in a massive orchestra of steel and fury. It had taken almost 3 whole days to resupply the spent and exhausted batteries, but once again their unnerving accuracy and devastating barrages proved more then a challenge to the Arglenian defenders. Like most Arglenain cities, Hrulen had been leveled long ago during the civil war and only the bare skeletons of once glorious skyscrapers and buildings lay amongst the sea of rubble and corpses that composed the area. While this meant the defenders had plenty of available cover, it also meant that they were shockingly vulnerable to attacks from above; like the incoming Volzgradien artillery fire.

Even with his naked eye Shenko could see plumes of fire and smoke shoot into the sky as Volzgradien artillery found its fateful mark.

"On the step! On the step and prepare!" A voice called to Shenko's right. Hundreds if not thousands of booted Volzgradien feet clambered onto the trenches' concrete firestep as they prepared for yet another assault against the enemy. Once again, the Volzgradien armoured forces were deploying in a wall in front of the Volzgradien fire trenches to act as mobile cover points and battering rams. Shenko's muscles tensed, time seemed to slow down as the Volzgradien officers all down the line grabbed their whistles and radios and gave the grim order to advance at all speed. The cry of thousands roared through the morning air as the Volzgradien infantry scrambled out of their trenches and came running at full sprint. The T-76As and MK.VIIIs roared forward and began to fire their powerful main guns almost immediately.

To Shenko, the attack felt eerily like deja vu. He scrambled forward along with his squad and took cover beside the steel and composite armoured hull of a Volzgradien Mk.VIII. Unlike the massive T-76As, the Mk.VIII Siegfried was an MBT and designed for tank on tank warfare in mind. Despite this, the vehicle's large mass and excellent armour proved to be an excellent asset in a full on trench attack.

Just like before, Arglenian fire began to pound the advancing Volzgradiens. Everything ranging from small arms, to RPGs, to tank rounds roared into the Volzgradien forces as they advanced rapidly onward. Tank exploded like grounded stars while infantrymen were cut down like chaff as the full force of the Arglenian bombardment found its mark. Despite this, the Volzgradiens' sheer momentum kept them coming forward. Volzgradien chemical agents were now spreading like stains across the landscape and turned everything int a white haze. Shenko bounded forward as the first traces of an enemy fortification loomed into view.

He dove forward just in time to avoid a spray of heavy machine gun fire that turned several of his comrades to pink spray. Cursing freely, Shenko groped for the ignition switch on his newly assigned flamethrower and let loose a torrent of flame. Instantaneously, the enemy held bunker became little more then a concrete oven as the Arglenians within were roasted alive by the searing wall of jellied fuel. Howling like enraged wolves, heavily armoured and armed Volzgradien Grenadiers surged forward and gunned down the fleeing torches that were the Arglenian defenders. Shenko wasted no time celebrating his victory and he soon found himself once again in the sweaty, damp confines of an enemy trench. He heard an incredibly loud gunshot bang from his right. This time, Shenko was not fast enough and he felt the bone jarring impact of the enemy's rounds.

He gasped and fell to the ground. Despite the shock, Shenko remained calm and checked for any bleeding. To his great relief he found no trace of blood, though his chest hurt like hell. He calmly raised his flamethrower and bathed the area where the attack came from in fire. The blazing firestorm engulfed the trenches' traverse and turned yet more Arglenians into human torches. Shenko's flamethrower gave one last cough as it cut off. Apparently, several of the enemy's bullets had punctured the napalm storage tank on his back and caused a great deal to look out onto the muddy ground. Shenko swiftly removed the cumbersome weapon and grabbed a nearby DSR-95 and several magazines of ammunition from one of his dead comrades. He crossed himself and said a silent prayer so that the man he was looting could rest easy.

The Arglenian defense was strong, but once again it was breaking under the pressure of the assault. He could see panicking Arglenian troops flee in their hundreds from their trenches, only to be cut down as Volzgradien artillery hastily re calibrated their aim to engulf the retreating wave. Shenko was furious, not only for the death of his fellows but also his own personal injury. He unleashed a torrent of fire from his DSR-95 at a nearby group of 7 retreating Arglenians. Five of them fell instantly, the weapon's heavy ammunition turning them to little more then lumps of meat. The remaining two dropped screaming to the ground only to die from a Volzgradien thrown grenade.

Even through the roar of battle, Shenko could hear heavy explosions come from the southeast. Clearly the Volzgradien assault from Kroutan was making headway into the poorly defended southern areas of Hrulen.

Over the next 3 hours, Volzgradien forces would fight a furious battle against Arglenian forces heavily entrenched in the cities center. Casualties were massive for both sides as the city was cleared block by block. However, the surrounded and demoralized Arglenian defenders finally broke and fled. The majority fled north, hoping to regroup with the remaining Arglenians at Baran. Others fled to the volatile north east, where many were killed by vengeful Muslims. Resistance was still moderate in Hrulen's norther sectors, but at 1700 Hours; the Volzgradien flag was raised on the remains of Hrulen's tallest remaining structure; the city hall.

OOC: I thought that Volzgrad was attacking Baran. Meh. At any rate, I have fingers in far too many pies atm, so I will confine my future involvement in this thread to any actions my nation may take. Volzgrad, I re-extend my invitation to take part my civil war thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=590114) - it's heating up nicely.