NationStates Jolt Archive

Solderia, Kardekonia
April 13th, 2009

"For seditious acts against the Federation, you have been sentenced to hang by the neck until dead. May God have mercy on your soul. NEXT!" the gavel fell, and the prisoner was lead away in chains.

The trial had barely lasted twenty minutes. Marko Stras, a prominent pro-democracy writer opposed to the Federalist system that had held an iron grip on Kardekonia for the past fourty years, had been sentenced to hang the following dawn in the courtyard of Drutas Military Prison along with six others deemed responsible for the publishing of the illicit material.

While in previous years Stras had been allowed to voice his opinion, in recent years he had become increasingly critical of the Federal Junta and the Grand Marshal as well as the Federalist system in general due to its exclusion from government of those who do not wish to partake in Federal service. Indeed, Stras had been a controversial figure: some saw him as a progressive fighting for the people of Kardekonia, while more Kardekonians saw him as a rabble-rouser and one willing to support the ascension of a government of non-patriots, a man trying to give priveleges earned with blood and sweat to those unwilling to make the sacrifices necessary to earn them.

The offense for which he had been sentenced to death had not been a trivial one, at least by the standards of the Federal justice system: in his most recent pamphlet, Peace for the Kardek People, he had voiced a high degree of support for the PMDK (Peoples' Movement for a Democratic Kardekonia), a movement that had been branded as illegal by the Federation ten years earlier and had since waged an active insurgency against it in various rural regions, occasionaly venturing into urban population centers to carry out acts of terrorism against government and occasionaly civilian targets, though in their propaganda they justified this as necessary in the destruction of the corrupt Federation.

Stras' most recent offense, however, carried with it the ultimate price. He would hang on the morning of April 14th, and, like all executions in Kardekonia, it would be televised.

The United Kingdom of Telvira condemns this stifling of creativity and the abuse of human rights.

Operations Center Delta
Metros
"What options do we have?" Prime Minister Caithana was standing in one of the planning rooms for Ops Center Delta, home of Telviran Black ops. "We know there's an active insurgency in the country. General Taylor, head of Delta, rose from his seat. "We could send 'em some weapons and such. Maybe even do a Guartama." "Oh God, no!" exclaimed Caithana. 'Doing a Guartama' referenced the disastrous attempt to unseat a dictator using an army of exiles. "Let's just send them some weapons and supplies and see what happens. If a Guartama becomes possible without causing a massive bloodbath, we'll see." "Yessir." said Taylor. He saluted and was on his way.

Within the week, a number of Telviran ''tourists'' were on their way to Kardekonia. They had orders to get in touch with the resistance and see if there was a way to set up a rendezvous.

OOC: Nice introductory post. I'm not sure where you'd like to take this... would you be interested in someone offering Stras asylum? Because I'd be willing to do that. Or are you just looking for a round of international comments on the pending execution, then running with it from there.

I'd do an IC except I have an essay and a book to read, both for classes tomorrow.

OOC I'm going for the later, though if you want to offer asylum you can do that...

OOC: Sorry in advance for the crappy IC. Don't want to take the chance that I'm going to forget this thread.

IC:

Official Encrypted Diplomatic Transmission
To: The Nation of Kardekonia
From: Office of the Minister for Foreign Relations, Salzland

To Whom It May Concern,

Having recently heard of your nation's decision to execute a prominent political dissentor, the Armed Republic of Salzland wishes to extend an offer of asylum to one Marko Stras, presently in your nation's custody, as well as any family members willing to depart your country. Should you find such an offer appealing, we will be open to further discussions on the matter, following the issuance of a stay of execution for Mr. Stras.

Signed,

J. Marcus Davis
Minister for Foreign Relations

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE FEDERATION
To: Office of the Minister for Foreign Relations, Salzland
From:Office of the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

Mr. Davis,

Marko Stras is a dangerous criminal guilty of some of the most despicable crimes imaginable to a good, patriotic Kardek. The very idea of seeing a man who says such horrific things is simply appalling; indeed, were he allowed to go free, he would be able to continue his campaign of unabashed support of terrorism against the Federation. And, of course, there is the fact that to allow him to go free on the whims of a foreign government would gravely undermine the Federal justice system.

Thank you for your understanding,

General Stepon Paulinas
Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

OOC-what of my agent's attempts to get in contact with the resistance/terrorists/insurgents?

Abigail stared out her window at the city below; from her chair she had an amazing view of the capital of Grathmoras. The city extended as far as she could see, giant sky scrappers rose from the ground as if they were trying to reach the heavens. It stood at quiet reminder of all the technological achievements that they as a nation had accomplished. Yet despite all its grandeur, Abigail saw it as nothing more as an insignificant spec in the grand scheme of things, everyone below her were nothing more then just ants going about their mundane existence, and one day she would be there queen, but that day was not today.

“So what do think?” asked a voice that snapped her attention back to the real world, and the tasks at hand.

“I fail to see why we are even having a conversation about this matter.” Snapped Abigail as she turned her attention to man sitting across from her. Hasin Grecthnol was her chief advisor. He was rather portly man in his early fifties, with gray balding hair, and a rather annoying disposition. However despite all his apparent physical flaws he had the wonderful ability see hidden opportunities, which is why when he had come to her discuss the pending execution of some political activist in some obscure nation that she had never heard of she had taken the time to listen, but her patients would only go so far, and he knew it.

“We have a wonderful opportunity here.” Answered Hasin quickly. “As you most certainly aware of the nation of Kardekonia is of no importance to us, in any sense. What they can offer us is test ground.”

Suddenly he gain her interest, her mind raced trying to figure out where he was going with this line of thought. “Testing?, are you suggesting that we Kardekonia as a testing ground for the Tethmal?”

“That is exactly what I am saying” a smile came across Hasin face. “The Tethmal may be the best equipped, and best trained, but they have to actual field experience in a live theater. There is little doubt in my mind that this execution will act as a catalyst to a greater conflict, and it is in that conflict that a great opportunity will present itself. It doesn’t even matter which side we take, we could even play both sides, who ultimately wins is of no consequence.”

Allowing her self a moment Abigail sat back in her chair to consider her options. What Hasin had present was intriguing, but it was no with an element of risk. She would have to keep this operation a secret from Jade, which might prove difficult if the situation in Kardekonia spun at control. If either the Tribunal or the government found out what she was doing it would putting all her plans for the last ten years at risk, but she need to know if her so called privet army was up to the task that she would one day ask of them.

“Alright, I want you to contact the Kardekonia government, and tell them we would like to send a representative to the execution to simple observe, and that should the situation escalate that we will provide them will military support should the need arise.” Abigail had made her decision.

The Telviran agents' inquerries into locating the insurgency would have lead them to a number of possibilities: various student organizations existed within the three major cities of Kardekonia that may have had links with the PMDK; indeed, it was the young and idealistic that made the most willing recruits in the PMDK, though this same demographic also made the most willing recruits in the Federal Citizens' Army and Federal Citizens' Police, the military and secret police branches of the Federation respectively.

One would need to tread lightly in the cities lest they gain the attention of the FCP, though tourism was commonplace in Kardekonia, so if the Telvirans remained as subtle as possible they could likely go unnoticed. Solderia, the capital of Kardekonia, was a centuries old city nestled amongst the Labai Mountains. Its breathtaking baroque architecture and charming, industrious citizenry had long attracted tourists from neighboring Juumanistra, the lure of fine Kardek chocolate and watches proving too great to resist, though the fact Kardekonia was also a tax haven made it a popular place to invest in. Indeed, the standard of living in Solderia and her triplet cities, the port of Vartai and the city of Miestas, were quite high.

However, the true base of operations for the insurgency lay in the countryside, amidst the Labai Mountains, where there existed many small shepherd and mining villages. Many were firmly in the hands of the Federation, suffering only occasional attacks from the PMDK, while others were more questionable. It was to these areas that the agents would find no excursions advertised, unlike the more secure villages which enjoyed a strong clientel of foreign backpackers and sightseers.

If the Telvirans wanted to make contact with the insurgency, they would have to via one of the student organizations that existed within the Universities of Solderia, Vartai, and Miestas, or by traveling directly to the hotbed of the insurgency in the region of Isdavika. Either method could attract the unwanted attention of the FCP, however, yet such risks always existed in such operations...

The Telvirans split up. About a third went to Isdavika, while the rest visited the various student organizations. While they were determined to keep a low profile, if it came to a fight they could fend for themselves.

OOC-are their any anti-gun laws in your country? Anything that would forid my agents from carrying handguns? They'd have permits of course...

OOC Yes only Citizens are permitted to own guns, and in that case they can own just about whatever they want but are expected to be called upon to use them in the event of invasion, kind of like Switzerland.

IC:

Those that visited the universities would be welcome and given tours, though when asking students about the various democracy organizations would often recieve suspicious stares. They would eventually find the groups, though whispered rumors of foreigners looking for such people began to circulate about the campuses. Such occurences weren't quite unusualy; indeed, curious, pesky foreigners did this sort of thing every once and awhile, though such things were none the less taken seriously.

For those that made their way out into Isdavika, they would find securing transportation to be quite a hassle. Chartering a bus or car out into that region was not something foreigners normally did; indeed there were many travel advisories against it. However, after showing the right people the proper amount of money, such arrangements could be made, though there was no telling who could have been tipped off about their activities.

They always ran into warnings of foreigners who had traveled out into Isdavika and never returned, namely the story of a reporter who had wanted to document the day to day life of the rebels...

The Telvirans in the universities kept at it. Eventually, they would get in. Then the work could start.

As for Isdavika, the Telvirans were prepared with their own transportation: old Jeeps and Land Rovers. But before they went out, a Telviran group known as the "Universal Health Group" requested permission to allow armed escorts from the Telviran PMC Starkwood while they went into Isdavikia to "help distribute medical aid to those injured by the fighting".

"It is funny," Governor Deleos said, pacing the halls of the Senate. The rest of his colleagues were enthralled by the oratory he had been laying upon them for the last half of an hour. "How we, the Zakuvian Empire, can sit by and watch as the very ideals we espouse, the honor of truth and the purity of pragmatism, sits in a cell awaiting a fate reserved in the Empire for only the lowest of cowards and worst of criminals." The crowd of politicians roared simultaneously in a mix of jeers directed towards the Federation, and jubilant cries for action.

Deleos was pleased, as the Emperor's will was being carried out, perfectly to his machinations. Unbeknownst to everyone else, Deleos had been a private pupil of the Emperor's, having gleaned a measure of his oratory brilliance as part of his pupillage. It was certainly becoming of use to him, as he had the whole of the Senate baying like warhounds at the prospect of aiding Marko Stras. His patrician features took on a more somber measure that managed to quell some of the louder Senators.

"Measures must be taken, my friends and family. If the Federation seeks to snuff out the flickering light of truth, then by our will, they shall see that small flame grow to engulf them in a conflagration never before seen in their lands!" The Senate nearly broke out into a riot, and the Senate Guardians had to beat a few politicians back into their rightful senses. Taking a moment for their emotions to wash over them, Deleos raised his hands, putting the room into silence.

"Members of the Imperial Senate. While justice and righteousness are powerful weapons, stronger than the blade and the bullet, it is not a weapon we as Senators have the right to unsheathe. That dire responsibility now lies in the hands of the Federation. By their own actions shall they either open their hands to the truth, or close their fists and so consign their end. Enim Incolumitas Per Sanitas!" The chant lasted for nearly ten minutes.

"Blowhard," said Arren Hurreg, watching the screen with two other men.

"Can't say you don't agree with him, do ya?" asked Morten Pol, drinking in a draft of Vint.

"I do, Mort, it's just that I don't think anything needs to be said. We just have to do it. The Feds are gonna axe the writer come hell or the Emperor, so why not just be done with it and send in some Gau's with enough payload to end it all?"

"Someone's a bucket of sunshine today," the final occupant of the cramped APC. Hal Irtho laid back in his seat, resting his freshly shaved head in his hands.

"Yeah, well I keep getting it back from the reflection off your dome, frag-for-brains." Hal ignored the barb; in his mind it was always better to have less for your enemies to grab a hold of in a fight. Arren grunted. "Still don't see what we're doing here. The Telv's have this one all wrapped up, from what I heard from intelligence."

"Clearly you haven't been reading so...oh wait, you reading?" Morten jibed, ducking a ball of paper shot towards his fair complected face. "You're losing your aim, think we might want to talk to Sector about getting us a new gunner. Anyway, we're here because if the Telv's do try anything, they're only halfway in the clear." Hal and Arren cocked their eyebrows. Morten sighed disgustedly, realizing he was the only one actually paying attention to the hourly reports.

"Look, our intel has been talking with their intel about this thing since they aired the news. What it is is that the Telv's are breaking the guy out and getting him to a safehouse, or so they say. After that, we're supposed to get him out of country wherever intel asks us to drop him off. The Feds will have trouble enough figuring out who started it, and forget about trying to figure out who ended it. Put enough spooks in the mix, and the Feds won't know what to believe, that way nobodies accountable for all of it." The two other crewman looked at the transmission tech with wide eyes.

"It pays to read up on this stuff, guys."

The Telvirans working the universities did manage to make contact, and they were able to arrange a meeting with the leaders of the group who in turn would be able to get in contact with the PMDK.

Those in Isdavika were met with even more suspicion when they suggested that they bring their own armed escorts: this request was flat out denied, as the operation of foreign PMCs was banned inside of the Federation. In the mean time, they would be opposed at every step by the Federal government, which had now become more aware of their activities, though eventually it was decided to allow them into Isdavika. However, instead of an armed Starkwood escort, they would be under escort from elements of the 13th Mobile Infantry Regiment, who were instructed to keep a close eye on the foreigners.

The refusal to allow the PMC into the country was expected, as were the Federal escorts. Luckily, there actually was a "Universal Health Group" in Telvira, so they got to do some good. Meanwhile, the black ops agents worked out a way to get away from the Federal troops.

The agents in the universities eagerly awaited the meeting with the leaders.

Drutas Military Prison
February 14th, 2009
5:49AM


A company of Federal Citizens' Police Special Guards stood at attention in hollow square around the stage upon which the gallows were errected. The carrion birds already circled high above. It was cold enough to see ones' breath in the brisk mountain air, and Marko Stras was greatful for the long coat that his rather vicious guards had afforded him. He knew he wouldn't be needing it much longer as he stepped out into the frigid outdoors from the warmer interior of the prison's keep.

Drutas Military Prison was originally a medieval castle, though it had been in use as a prison as early as 1860. Today Drutas was the prison that the Federation kept its most hated political enemies and top captured insurgents. Stras found himself able to see eye to eye with the guards mounting the walls on the opposite side of the courtyard, though only for a moment as he was lead down a flight of wooden stairs to ground level.

He was lead all about the courtyard, directly past the camera crews that eagerly watched the spectacle, the reporters chattering away, remarking on the importance of the death of this dangerous traitor. His six companions were of mixed composure: at least two of them were hyperventilating while a third was crying, though the other three appeared somber and resigned to their fates, as did Stras. There was no avoiding this, though he hoped his death would at the very least elevate him to the status of a martyr.

The prisoners, hands bound behind their backs, were lead up the steps of the gallows and lined up on top of the trap doors, Stras in the center. The hangman walked down the line, fixing the noose securely to each neck. While thick rope had been afforded to the others, Stras found that his noose was made of piano wire. Compliments of the Grand Marshal, the hangman told him.

It suddenly occured to Stras that he wouldn't be dying a quick death; there probably wasn't much slack in that wire being used to hang him. The least he hoped for was a quick death for his compatriots. He would suffer for his last few miserable minutes on earth.

The chaplain walked down the line of the condemned, hearing their last words. Stras had prepared a rather lengthy statement, though to his dismay the priest seemed to have forgotten he was there. Stras was suddenly very visibly irritated. He would get his last word in!

"Hey you th-" a swift blow to the gut from the butt of a rifle knocked the wind out of him; he would have fallen to his knees were it not for the noose of piano wire that now bit into his neck.

He recovered, standing on his feet just in time to hear the words "May God have mercy on your souls."

A moment later, the lever was pulled and the trap doors were opened, and down fell the condemned. Stras had been right: he fell for just a few feet before he was jerked upwards by the noose, which now tore into his neck, slowly asphyxiating him. His comrades had been afforded enough slack to snap their necks; he recieved no such luxury. He flailed about, just barely in view of the cameras, kicking and gurgling, face turning blue as he slowly choked to death.

It took almost three minutes for him to die.

Staff Sergeant Juozas Karinskas thought there was something odd about some of those aid workers. The manner in which they conducted themselves especially concerned him. They seemed far more aware of their environment than their compatriots in a manner that one would not expect of normal civilians; it was the sort of thing he saw with the better trained PMDK insurgents operating in plain clothes amidst a crowd. While he had his suspicions, however, he did not have further cause to suspect them; thus far the Universal Health Group had done just as they had said they would, helping wounded Kardek civilians and soldiers alike, and for that they had made themselves welcome amongst the villagers they encountered and the various Mobile Infantry units they aided.

However, Karinskas kept his eye on those particular "doctors", and made sure his immediate superiors and subordinates knew who he was looking at. The timing of the arrival of the Telvirans and the execution of Stras was simply too coincidental to be ignored.

Meanwhile, in the University of Solderia a meeting had been arranged with Dominik Vargas, president of the Student Democratic Union, and the Telvirans. Though nobody had said it allowed, those that had arranged the meeting had hinted that Vargas knew how to get in touch with the insurgency proper.

Four Telvirans went to the meeting with Vargas. They were somewhat suspicious, but this was a good opportunity.

Vargas was a college professor and PhD holder of fourty-two years of age. A man of light complexion, slim build, and greying hair, he appeared calm and sincere as he greeted his foreign guests. The meeting had been set up in his office, after hours, behind closed doors. On display in an oaken book case were a number of works, including various Marxist writings and books on New Age philosophy

Accompanying Vargas was a man slightly younger than him, though he appeared more sturdily built and carried the air of a man who had been hardened by past grueling experience. Two of his undergraduate students, the ones who had arranged the meeting, were also present, making for a slightly overcrowded office, though the Telvirans were afforded all of the guest seats.

"I understand you have interest in seeing democracy come to Kardekonia," Vargas said somberly.

To:Government of Kardekonia
From:The Empire of The Elven People

The Empire of The Elven People condemns the death sentience of Marko Stras. We suggest that you find a more humane answer to your domestic problems other wise you risk jeopardizing your relations with our Empire.

Sincerely
Lord Yuelnor Sha'rua
Vice Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"Yes we do," said the Telviran leader. "And we have the capability to help those who are already acting towards it."

"May I assume, then, that you speak for the Telviran government?" asked the larger, unnamed man.

"We speak for several concerned members of the Parliament who have the capability to get their hands on some advanced hardware."

"What sort of hardware are we talking about?"

"The kind that could help you immensely with your cause."

The two senior men turned to each other and whispered rapidly before the bigger man spoke,

"Very well, we accept your offer for help. As the PMDK's senior coordinator in Solderia, I'm the man you'll want to talk to about coordinating deliveries."

He extended his hand, "My name is Tomas Bonslavas, and on behalf of the Peoples' Movement for a Democratic Kardekonia, I would like to welco-"

He paused for a moment.

"Its very quiet outside..." a look of suspicion crossed his face and he began eyeing the foreigners up and down, "You weren't followed, were you?"

One of the younger students drew back the blinds for a moment and glanced down at the street.

"Shit!" he whispered, drawing the others over to the window.

The streets had been blocked off, and at least a dozen white and red police cars were parked out front as well as a pair of grey armored personnel carriers.

"We've been comprimised," muttered Bonslavas bitterly, appearing resigned to his fate as the door behind him was kicked down and the windows shattered, and a flashbang exploded in the room a split second later.

Almost within five seconds of their realizing that they'd been comprimised, a Federal Citizens' Police Special Security Team had breached the room from the main entrance and the window. Flashbangs would be used to disable the suspects and tasers then employed to incapacitate them to make them easy targets for arrest.

The Telvirans would no doubt note the sheer speed and effeciency of the secret police's assault troops: not only had they executed a superb takedown in the room, but they'd also secured the entire building without anyone even knowing they were there. It would later turn out that a man acting as a sentry for the PMDK's meeting was actualy a turncoat, whose family had been siezed by the FCP and threatened with execution if he did not cooperate, thus ensuring the insurgents and their supporters would have no prior warning of the raid.

He'd also slipped a number of bugs into the room in which the meeting took place before anyone had even arrived, giving the assault team an extra edge on their opponents.

The Telvirans knew what they had to do. They jumped up and ran at the SWAT men, while they were still orienting. They threw themselves out of the windows and on the way down bit cyanide capsules they had hidden.

OOC-What story was the meeting on? If I know that I can put in more detail.

OOC Second story, although I dont know how theyd all get out the window with big armored SWAT guys crashing through them at the same time and blocking and tasering them...

OOC-explained in previous post

Simultaneous raids on the hotel rooms of the Telvirans that had gone to the meeting and those others that associated with them would seek to gather any evidence they could on the activities of the now-deceased spies. The PMDK in Solderia had suffered a crippling blow as its senior coordinator, Tomas Bonslavas, was arrested by the Federal Citizens' Police along with almost a dozen other accomplices in simultaneous raids throughout the city.

Indeed, the Student Democratic Union had been all too easy to infiltrate for agents of the FCP given its very nature, though such organizations were often allowed to exist for long periods of time by the FCP for the purpose of uncovering more PMDK assets that were often connected with them. In this case, that was Tomas Bonslavas, who had made the mistake of attending the meeting in person.

He was now imprisoned and, along with his compatriots, undergoing severe interrogation in the basement of Number 7 Budrus Square, the headquarters of the Federal Citizens' Police. They would be undergoing a variety of treatments, the most popular being placement in a sensory deprevation tank, which rarely failed to extract the desired intelligence from the victim, while others, lesser suspects were simply tortured until they produced a confession.

It would take some time to compile all of the intelligence, although the FCP now knew were a fair amount of certainty that the Telviran government was attempting to coordinate with the PMDK in the overthrowing of the Federation, something that technically qualified as an act of war.

Michael Vaughan, Representative of the Foreign Ministry, leafed over his copy of The Wyskonian Age. The past few weeks had been relatively quiet in terms of local affairs, and he had almost vowed to give up on reading the newspaper until there was something to be read about, but today, one article managed to spark his interest: it read, "Libertarian executed in Kardekonia."

It went on: "A libertarian in Kardekonia was executed at the gallows yesterday morning, for sedition against the government. The charges were brought about when the man, Marko Stras, published a pamphlet in which he openly voiced his support for a pro-democracy movement deemed illegal by the Military Junta. His execution yesterday sparked a major outcry from nations."

He lay the newspaper on his desk. His face turned red with anger. Vaughan was probably one of the more extreme people in the Reijian Government; he hated the idea of oppression with a passion. It was unthinkable, he thought, that one might actually think putting duct tape on everyone's mouths actually does any good to a nation at all. His head throbbed. He picked up a snowglobe, examined the small snowflakes falling gracefully to the bottom of the sphere, and threw it at the floor, listening to the glass shatter.
"Goddamit, I've got to stop doing that," he muttered under his breath. Taking his computer, he wired an irate - well, as irate as a diplomatic letter could be - letter to Kardekonia.


http://usera.ImageCave.com/BlankCanvasProject/Flag.png.jpg

The Republic of Reijvajik
La République de Reijvaien
Vacones ç Reij



To: Kardekonia
Re: Execution of Marko Stras
Encryption: 1 [Basic/Standard]

The Republic of Reijvajik greatly condemns the brutal and unjustified execution - no, murder - of a good human being. We, being a nation that greatly values the right to personal freedom and free speech, believe that such an act is criminal. Thus, the Republic of Reijvajik has placed an immediate trading halt with Kardekonia, and guarantees that you shall see no mercy from us unless your oppressive bans on free speech are lifted.

http://usera.imagecave.com/BlankCanvasProject/Untitled-2.png
Michael Vaughan
Foreign Ministry

Isdavika Region, Kardekonia
February 15th, 2009

Colonel Viktor Kolnas watched cooly from a distance as his men carried out their orders to the letter. The village of Garyti had been found to be housing numerous PMDK safehouses and weapons caches; all evidence suggested that the locals had willingly and selflessly aided the Peoples' Movement for a Democratic Kardekonia, and for this they had been labeled as traitors. The interrogations of the insurgents arrested a day earlier in Solderia had indicated that this was a key supply base for rebel forces from which they smuggled weapons into PMDK cells operating in the urban epicenters of the Federation.

Wearing the signature crimson beret of the infamous Federal Military Intelligence special forces unit Virkus and the designer sunglasses that he wore in nearly every photo that existed of them (which were far and few between) and sporting a neatly-trimmed blonde beard, he smoked a Questarian Tiger cigarette, soothing his nerves over the screams of villagers and insurgents alike as the Virkus operators ruthlessly went from house to house, double tapping every inhabitant in the head with terrifying effeciency.

He glanced down at his watch. The raid had begun five minutes and thirty-seven seconds earlier, and he could see elements of the platoon begining to exfiltrate the village that had once held a population of five hundred people and an unknown number of additional PMDK personnel (intelligence suggested that many of the villagers were in fact PDMK rebels themselves), which was now begining to turn into a raging inferno. His commander of the operation, Captain Arturas, was among the last to leave, reporting personaly to Kolnas as the other men emarked the awaiting helicopters.

"Just under six minutes, captain. Nice work."

"Thank you, sir. We were right about the weapons, the bastards had a goddamn stockpile of anti-tank rockets," he replied calmly as the rockets he just mentioned began to cook off back in the village, resulting in a series of violent explosions.

"You've taken care of everyone, then?"

"Yes, colonel. There are no survivors, we made sure of that."

"Good. Let's get going then, Mobile Infantry will be here to take credit for crushing a massive terrorist stronghold within the hour." he couldn't help but allow a slight chuckle.

Such was the nature of their business: always operating in the background, carrying out the Federation's most sensitive missions, ranging from hostage rescue to sabotage and assassinations, or in this case wiping out an insurgent village of over five hundred men, women, and children in less than six minutes using only thirty men without sustaining a single casualty.

Just as suddenly as they had arrived, the Virkus left, leaving only devestation in their wake.

The Federal Military Intelligence unit Virkus was, by far, the best trained and supported unit in the Federal Citizens' Army, having their own intelligence-gathering apparatus in addition to nearly unlimited access to data from the Federal Citizens' Police and Federal Military Intelligence. Colonel Kolnas answered directly to the Grand Marshal and nobody else, for he was the Grand Marshal's personal attack dog. Cold, intelligent, and rather vicious, the man was suspected to have a personal body count exceeding a thousand people in his twenty year military career.

When the Grand Marshal wanted someone or something to die in a quick and effecient manner, he had Kolnas take care of it, and Kolnas never failed to deliver.

It just so happened, however, that the unit being sent to clean up the rather nasty mess left by the Virkus was the 13th Mobile Infantry Regiment, who just so happened to have a number of Universal Health Group doctors in their charge. They would bare witness to the ferocity and effeciency of the Virkus, though nobody would bother to explain to the foreigners just how a village of five hundred people had ended up with large chunks of their heads missing over night.

University of Volga State, The Northern Baltic
Ivan was busy smoking a cigarette on the balcony of his dorm, his forth one today, when he heard a voice.
Hey! Hey Ivan! Come here! Look what happened!
Ivan fixed his glance on the forests belonging to the National Park in the distance. "Not now" he murmured, "I'm busy."
A short, thin man who looked no younger then 17 came out from the sliding glass door and onto the balcony, armed with a newspaper, which he was pointing to furiously.
"Look at this! Murdered! Simply for speaking!"
Ivan continued to look out at the forest, saying, in a disinterested voice, "Not all countries are like ours, Jacob. I would think you would've learned that by now as a Cultural Studies major."
Jacob let out a smile and stepped closer to Ivan, "Some of us at the VSUCP (Volga State University Communist Party) were talking about arranging a sort of transfer over to their universities and bringing over some support... you know? To help the rebel movement.
Ivan turned his head to look at Jacob.
Shit. He's serious.
Taking his cigarette from his mouth and pushing it into the ash tray, Ivan turned his body to face Jacob completely and crossed his arms.
"When do we start?"
"Well... I already submitted the transfer papers over... Natasha already contacted our embassy and they're already working on setting up all the travel things with their government... I guess we just have to wait until they contact us."
Ivan nodded. Grabbing his Homemade Weapons guide, he sat down on his bed and began to study it. He was a little rusty.

Grand Citizens' Council, Solderia, Kardekonia
April 16th, 2009

Grand Marshal Andrius Vaako's upcoming address to the Federation had been heavily advertised; indeed, in nearly every classroom and office in the country, citizens and civilians alike had stopped what they were doing to tune in to the speech. Indeed, rumors and speculation as to what the speech would entail were plentiful. It had been (intentionaly) leaked from sourced inside of the Federal Citizens' Police that they had evidence that foreign spies were working to undermine the Federal Junta and Federation as a whole, though nobody had been able to find details regarding this.

Numerous international condemnations of the execution of Marko Stras had also yet to be addressed by the Grand Marshal, and he would no doubt use this as an oppurtunity to do just that.

The Grand Citizens' Council was a large, imposing structure in the government district of Solderia, featuring neo-Roman style angular columns and vaulted cielings, as well as an enourmous set of steps leading up to the massive entry way, all constructed of cold, impersonal concrete. This in turn lead to a large open courtyard, draped with countless Federal banners leading up to the entrance to the interior of the building itself. The interior contrasted this, featuring extensive wood paneling and red carpeting, numerous well-placed chandeliers and priceless paintings and scultures.

The council hall itself was draped with many banners and featured high wood-panelled walls and typical parliament-esque seating, with the heads of the Federal Junta seated at other end of the room in an ascending manner, facing the rest of the council. Indeed, the Federal Junta was more a totalitarian oligarchy than a proper dictatorship; Citizens had full suffrage in the election of their representative council members, who in turn chose the Grand Marshal. It was, however, a military junta; the only path to citizenship was through Federal service, which was entirely voluntary, and the only way to hold office was of course to have been a citizen who had achieved a high enough rank in the military to warrant qualification to that office.

Mandatory standing applause was given as Adrius Vaako ascended the podium, grinning and waving. He was a very popular man amongst the Citizenry, a superb orator with a magnetic personality. Whenever he spoke in that room, it was said that he owned that room. He was a rather good-natured, down to earth man who had no trouble in engaging in conversation with the average Citizen, though behind his disarming smile and legendary charm he was a man who had absolutely no qualms about ordering the executions of thousands of dissedents.
http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/starshiptroopersmarauder/images/cast_03.jpg
"Citizens of the Federation, I come to you today to discuss events that have taken place over the past four days," he began solemnly, "Earlier this week a number of individuals collaborating with PMDK terrorists were arrested by the Federal Citizens' Police and found guilty of treason, and rightfully so, by the Citizens' Court. Upon the announcement that justice was to be served, a number of nations proceeded to condemn the Federation for the just punishment of terrorists."

He paused for a moment, scanning the room with an intense, piercing stare, "Two days ago, the Federal Citizens' Police raided a number of locations in Solderia, arresting over two dozen PMDK terrorists and in the process killing four people who were confirmed by the FCP to be working as spies for the government of the nation of Telvira."

A sharp murmur siezed the room and the air suddenly became far more tense,

"It has thus come to the attention of the Federation that a number of nations seek to destabalize the Federal Junta, lawfully elected by Federal Citizens, by aiding and abetting the Peoples' Movement for a Democratic Kardekonia, an illegal terrorist organization. My fellow citizens, I shall not see the Federation stand idly by as it is attacked by foreign governments and traitors on its own soil!"

Motioning enthusiastically with his hands,

"I am thus ordering the immediate commencement of Operation Just Fury to destroy the PMDK in their bases of operations once and for all! I vow to you, my fellow Citizens, that the PMDK shall be destroyed, and that those who seek to aid them shall not escape justice!"

The council robotically rose from their seats, commencing thunderous applause. As the address was being given, eight reinforced Mobile Infantry Regiments were issued the go-codes for a simultaneous offensive in Isdavika to neutralize numerous PMDK strongholds and secure the areas for the Federation. This offensive was unprecedented in recet Kardekonian history, with nearly twenty-five thousand troops taking part in it directly and countless thousands more supporting their movement in the area of supplies and logistics. With luck, the offensive would deal a fatal blow to the PMDK in their only refuge, and finally destroy the movement all together.

As Grand Marshal Andrius Vaako's address came to close Adam Sinclair turned his T.V off, that was the nice thing about a general address of this nature, anyone with a T.V could see it.

Sinclair and about six others were part of a covert team that had infiltrated Kardekonia. Their mission was two fold, their primary objective was to observe Kardekonia military actions, while their secondary mission was to identify and eliminate PMDK cells. However, secrecy was their primary concern.

None of them had any identifying markings, all of their weapons were items that could easily be found on the international black market, and they all wore civilian clothing. A fact that annoyed Sinclair, Tappee technology was far superior to that of this small nation, but his hands had been tied by command.

His team had observed military division that had taken up position close to nearby town. Carefully hidden him and team were waiting to see what their next move would be.

Prime Minister Caithana had this to say about the Grand Marshal's message: "If there were indeed Telvirans working to destabilize the government of Kardekonia, they were not connected to this government. But we do applaud their brave attempt to bring democracy and the rule of law to that nation. If these abuses of civil rights continue, Telvira will have no choice but to intervene."

As he said this, the Universal Health Group began packing up and leaving. The head of the group knew that the area would soon become a battleground, and he did not wish to see his organization be destroyed this soon in it's existence. The UHG was gone within the week.

OOC:I would have appreciated it if you actualy RPed your guys infiltrating the country in the first place but w/e...

OOC-it doesn't really matter anyway cause they're all dead now

The NFGA understands the need for Karkedonia's actions.

OOC-it doesn't really matter anyway cause they're all dead now
OOC No I was talking to Tappee

OOC-my bad

Isdavika Region, Kardekonia
April 16th, 2009

The Grand Marshal's speech had been piped through the 7-ton truck's radio, which in turn had been turned out loud enough for its dismounts to listen in to. The road ahead into town as well as the surrounding high ground had been secured by helo-bourne Mobile Infantry of the 13th MI Regiment's 2nd Battalion, Alpha Company, who had already come under heavy small arms and mortar fire from dug-in PMDK forces. F.1 Block V Goblins had made several passes on the town, deploying JDAMs on positively identified enemy strongpoints, while company-level rocket teams continued to respond with thermobaric rounds against buildings and fortifications, and the battalion's 81mm gun-mortars, heavy machineguns, and recoilless rifles added to the unfolding carnage.

The rules of engagement for Operation Just Fury were very liberal: the men didn't even need positive weapons identification. If they suspected a target of harboring enemy troops, they were authorized to engage. Staff Sergeant Karinskas sat beside his platoon commander, 2nd Lieutenant Lukas, near the gate of the truck's bed. The whole of the forty-two man rifle platoon had somehow been crammed into the truck, and so it had been a rather uncomfortable ride indeed. The only warmth they had was their body heat insulated inside of the tarp that covered them, though the lucky few seated near the cab drew some heat from the engine.

It was a brisk -2 degrees Celsius on that mountain summer day, and after nearly six hours crammed into the back of the truck, the men were all too eager to dismount. They were clad in Kardekonian-pattern flectarn BDUs, flak jackets (newly issued ones with SAPI plates and MOLLE strips for ammunition and supply pouches, as much money and preparation had been put into Operation Just Fury), and Kevlar helmets, and their faces had been darkened with camouflage paint altho a few of the men wore balaclavas purchased out of pocket.

"TWO MINUTES!" the voice of the truck driver came from up front, emanating throughout the cab.

"Check weapons!" barked Karinskas, the platoon sergeant, as he removed the polymer magazine from his AS57E2 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/Doomingsland/pewpew-8.png) service rifle, checking to see that it was full before rocking it back into place in the magazine well, then drawing back on the charging handle slightly to see that a 5.8mm round was in the chamber. The little light that peered into the covered bed glinted off of the brass of the round, and he let the charging handle slide forward.

The sounds of the men checking their weapons resounded all about the truck for a good ten seconds, and the air was noticably tenser.

"TEN SECONDS!"

Karinskas braced himself to stand and climb down out through the gate. His young lieutenant, Lukas, had proven himself a competent leader in past engagements, a man willing to lead from the front. He'd be the first one out so that he could immediately gauge the situation and issue orders.

The brakes squealed and the lumbering truck lurched to a halt. Karinskas and Lukas were already out of their seats and scrambling out the back of the truck, peeling off and scanning the area. They were some two hundred meters from 1st Company's firing line. Their orders were to head through their lines and assault the town when Captain Radzak, the commander of Bravo Company, gave the word.

The objective was the scenic resort mountain village of Ragu, a popular tourist destination before the PMDK insurgency, noted for its beautiful location and excellent spas. It was nestled in a scenic mountain valley amidst green pastures and Lake Ezeras, which lay immediately to the east of the village which had numerous docks that would take tourists for sightseeing trips in kinder times. The Labai Mountains, which spanned the entirety of the Federation, lay all about, with snow white peaks as far as the eye could see.

Ragu was a key supply base for PMDK forces operating in the immediate area; siezing it would effectively cut off insurgents in the surrounding mountains from resupply, allowing for the Grand Marshal's grand strategy of going from mountain to mountain and sweeping the entire region of PMDK insurgents a chance of success. It also served as the entryway into a strategic corridor that would allow Federal troops to pour into Isdavika.

The previous night, Charlie Company had assaulted and siezed the heights around Ragu, clearing them of PMDK anti-aircraft installations and personnel, allowing for Alpha Company to stage an immediate landing around the village and to lay down fire into it, tightening the noose and preventing forces from within the village from attempting to counter-attack against Charlie, which would be acting as the operation's security force in preventing the PMDK from sending reinforcements to the area. With the town sealed off from reinforcements and under constant bombardment, Bravo Company was then tasked with assaulting it and taking it for the Federation.

Black smoke now rose from the once pristine village, having weathered multiple air and artillery strikes. Incoming fire had started to die down over the past two hours, becoming more and more sporadic. It was hoped that this was due to heavy casualties inflicted on the PMDK, though it was more likely that they had simply taken cover, hoping to engage the Mobile Infantry at close range where they could inflict the most casualties.

As Bravo Company swarmed out of their trucks, Lt. Lukas ordered the platoon into squad columns, which in turn were rushed over to the firing line before breaking into skirmishers with the squads on line, so that they could direct their fire into the down to supplement the Alpha Company troopers beside them. The men held their fire, preferring to save their ammunition and let Alpha Company do their job. 1st Platoon had ended up with Alpha's 2nd Platoon, taking cover behind a series of burnt out vehicles that had been placed on the road by the PMDK to block the way into town, as well as a number ditches beside the road.

"Just gotta wait for the tanks to get here, Karinskas, make sure the men are ready to go," Lukas yelled to the platoon sergeant, who then went from squad to squad, repeating the message to the squad leaders in person to make sure there was no mistake.

The clanking of steel treads could be heard from behind them, and sure enough four FwA.20 main battle tanks were rolling down the road. The tanks were quite old, the youngest of the tanks being made in Cravan in 1978, but they had all seen extensive upgrades at the hands of the rather resourceful Kardekonian arms industry. Their 105mm rifled guns had been swapped out for a locally designed 120mm low-recoil smoothbore gun, and extensive applique armor covered the tanks like an armadillo‘s shell, with additional slat armor applied over the engine block. Their once pitle-mounted machineguns had been replaced with remote weapons stations, and the loader's machinegun now had a gun shield, not to mention the extensive work that had gone into replacing the vehicles' optics: modern thermal imagers, laser range finders, radios, and global positioning systems with battlefield networking software, and an active protection system were all a part of the upgrade package.

The men of 1st Platoon sat with their backs to their cover, watching as the tanks drew nearer and nearer, eventually splitting up down the line with a tank to each of Bravo Company's platoons. The tank assigned to Karinskas' platoon proceeded to brush the burnt out cars blocking the road out of the way like tonka toys. The squads quickly peeled away from cover, forming up into skirmishers behind and beside the tank, weapons raised towards the village.

Mine clearing munitions had been employed against the open ground before the town, so they weren't terribly concerned about stepping on anything on their way in, although the possibility of IEDs inside of the village was a very real threat. It was hoped that the pre-assault bombardment would neutralize most of the IED threat, although past experience had shown the Mobile Infantry that such hopes were pipedreams at best. The only way to clear them out was to go in and locate them without getting blown up in the process.

Karinskas kept his head on a swivel as the platoon strode towards town, a nearby burning building catching his eye. Sprawled out in one of the windows was a charred and blackened body, scarcely recognizable, though from past experience he could tell it was that of a child. Likely not the first nor the last to die during Operation Just Fury. Looking away, he knew that was another image that would haunt him to the end of his days. It wouldn’t bother him immediately; it never did. He had a job to do. When he had time later to think, however, that was when he had to justify to himself the things he saw in Isdavika on a daily basis. While the Federal Citizens’ Army was no charity organization, the Peoples’ Movement for a Democratic Kardekonia was no better. They had launched many attacks against innocent Kardekonian citizens, committed atrocities against captured troopers who refused to denounce the Federation to save their lives. He certainly had no sympathy for his foe. They had killed too many of his friends, and this war was on his own soil. Until the PMDK was annihilated, there could be no peace.

Without warning, the shrill whistle of incoming mortar rounds broke the silence,

“HIT THE DIRT!” he barked, rolling into a nearby shell crater as an insurgent 60mm mortar round impacted some twenty feet away, peppering him with shrapnel.

He grunted with pain as the white hot metal shards bit into his flesh.

“Goddamnit not again!” he yelled to nobody in particular.

The battalion’s 81mm mortars responded with a barrage of their own, having tracked the rounds back to the mortar pits via counter-battery RADAR, silencing the enemy mortars after they’d gotten about ten rounds off. Karinskas quickly got to his feet, running down the line to check for wounded amongst his men. He wondered why Lukas wasn’t doing the same before he almost tripped over a severed leg. Kneeling down, he ripped the boot off and checked the dog tags. The PMDK had gotten a lucky round off and turned his platoon commander into red mist.

“What the fuck,” he growled, “MEDIC!”

The advance stalled for some thirty seconds before Radzak gave the order to go ahead after confirmed he’d lost a platoon commander with three other troopers wounded out of action. Karinskas hadn’t reported his own wounds; he was still fit to fight. The platoon comms-man, Corporal Brak, now remained at Karinskas’ side at all times just as he had with Lukas. Shots could be heard coming back from their own lines as Mobile Infantry snipers took out insurgents attempting to set up crew served weapons or bring rocket launchers to bear against the advancing Bravo Company, one round coming particularly close to Karinskas’ left ear, causing him to look back in disapproval at Alpha Company.

Finally reaching the outskirts of town, Karinskas directed his squads to take up positions in the ruins of several nearby buildings that had been obliterated by air and artillery strikes. A few shots resounded as his men dispatched a few wounded insurgents hiding amongst the ruins. This was going to be a very long day, though Karinskas knew for certain that the town would be their’s by nightfall. Just how many troopers would fall that day to see that objective accomplished was anyone’s guess, but it was his job to see to it that as few of his men did as possible.

Eight Hours Later

Ragu had been overrun by the Mobile Infantry. The remaining insurgents had holed up in the town's fallout shelter, a common feature of every Kardek city and town, and the PMDK claimed to have dozens of civilians down there with them. Their use of civilians as human shields and hostages had become common place in the war, forcing many a Federal commander to make difficult decisions. These were Kardek civilians after all, their fellow countrymen, many of them having no sympathy for the PMDK and finding themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

None the less, the battalion's flamethrower section had been brought up, with teams positioned at the ventilation shafts of the bunker. The battalion commander, Major Kyr, had been in contact with the inhabitants of the bunker for the past hour, attempting to coerece the insurgents to surrender themselves for the sake of the civilians, or at the very least let them go. Unfortunately, they were on a tight schedule, and so waiting any longer could stall the operation as a whole.

1st Platoon was resting near the bunker, the men sitting along a low stone wall, smoking cigarettes and joking amongst themselves to try and lighten the mood. They were all exhausted. Five of their number had been killed in the assault and another ten were in the battalion triage center, meaning that Karinskas' unit was down to well under 75% strength. It was only ten hours into Operation Just Fury.

"Think they're gonna do it?" 2nd squad's leader, Sergeant Graz, asked him as he stared off into the distance, dragging on his cigarette.

"Undoubtedly," replied Karinskas grimly.

He didn't like it, but what other alternative was there?

"Fuck," the other man muttered.

Neither spoke. They'd both seen it happen before time and time again in this hellhole. Karinskas could tell it weighed heavily on the minds of the other men, though they clearly tried to keep themselves occupied with other things. Pornographic magazines, mp3 players, cigarettes, and stories of home.

Radzak and Kyr stood beside the bunker entrance, speaking in a low tone amongst themselves. Both appeared to be in agreement of what had to be done. Radzak finally snapped to attention before the major and made his way over to Karinskas, who stood to greet the captain.

"Get your men up and formed up around that entrance, we don't know how many hostiles are down there, but when they light those torches they're gonna come running out," the captain said in a commanding yet audibly weary tone.

Karinskas nodded.

"1st platoon, on your feet! Give me a perimeter around that entrance!" he barked.

The men all sprung up, the squads fanning out and taking cover, their weapons raised towards the entrance. A pair of crew served machineguns was already covering the bunker.

Karinskas watched as the flamethrower men nearest to them took up their positions, prodding the muzzle of the hose into the ventilation shaft. Their faces were hidden behind gas masks, though he could hear one of them chuckle at a joke his compatriot had made. Something about ovens.

The major took a step back from the entrance, lighting up a cigarette. In his fifties and sporting the black beret of the Mobile Infantry, he too appeared weary. Karinskas wondered how many other decisions like this the man had made in his career. Signalling the flamethrower teams, an audible whoosh resounded as they squirted a jet of fire into the ventilation shafts. The men all heard the inhuman screams coming out of the bunker entrance as its inhabitants were roasted alive.

Sure enough, a few seconds later, half a dozen uniformed PMDK militiamen came sprinting out of the entrance, some of them on fire. Before anyone had the chance to fire, Karinskas found himself bounding over the cover towards the nearest militiaman, smashing the butt of his rifle into the man's gut, causing him to double over. Some gunfire could be heard before Kyr yelled out an order,

"Let the fuckers burn!"

Nobody needed to be told twice. A cadre of armed combat engineers in firefighting gear rushed down into the entrance to attempt to extract any surviving civilians there may have been. As a pair of insurgents writhed on the ground beside him, Karinskas dragged his own man by the collar of his shirt over to a nearby street curb.

"Bite the fucking curb, scumbag!" he ordered the man, digging the muzzle of his rifle into the man's broken ribs.

Screaming, the prisoner obeyed, placing his teeth on the curb.

Karinskas brought his foot up, stomping down on the man's head, sending teeth and gore flying some ten feet away. Everyone heard the vicious crunching noise of PMDK man's jaw and neck breaking. Glaring down at his handiwork, he turned to see the battalion commander strolling over to him, a look of disapproval on his face.

He stopped a few feet away from Karniskas, whose foot was still dug into the back of the dead man's skull.

"Staff sergeant, I think Military Intelligence would have wanted to have a chat with that man," he said in a low, calm voice, staring him directly in the eye. "Remember for next time, alright?" he patted him on the shoulder, turning away.

"Yes, sir," replied Karinskas as Kyr walked away towards a pair of bound insurgents, who seemed to have been beaten pretty badly in the process of being taken.

"Hand these assholes over to Captain Vadek," he heard him say.

Vadek wouldn't give them the mercy of a quick death as Karinskas had. He would make it long and drawn out as he extracted whatever intelligence they may have held, along with confessions and apologies for what they had done. Karinskas didn't particularly want to know what that sick bastard had in store for them.

"The rest of you, be ready to roll out of here in twenty. We have a war to win!"

http://usera.ImageCave.com/BlankCanvasProject/Flag.png.jpg

The Republic of Reijvajik
La République de Reijvaien
Vacones ç Reij



To: Kardekonia; CC World
Re: Open Communique
Encryption: 0 [Null]

The Republic of Reijvajik urges Kardekonia to end the horrifying civil rights violations and the barbaric bloodshed; or we shall be forced to intervene.

http://usera.imagecave.com/BlankCanvasProject/irs.png

Ignatius Riley-Smith
Foreign Ministry

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE FEDERATION
To: Ignatius Riley-Smith, Reijvajik Foreign Ministry
From:Office of the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

Mr. Riley-Smith,

The United Citizens' Federation urges the Republic of Reijvajik to keep their noses where they belong and mind their own business.

General Stepon Paulinas
Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

To: The Government of Kardekonia
From: The Office of the Prime Minister, The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

My nation is stunned by the situation that's going around about the to death-sentenced journalist. I and my whole nation urge Kardekonia to end the horrifying civil rights violations.

As long as the civil rights of the people of Kardekonia aren't respected we will boycot all product from your country.

So I hereby decided to have an official Embargo against your country.

And Congress and I and my full Cabinet decided to send 3 Tripartite class patrol vessels (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Hr._Ms._Makkum.jpg) to international waters, nearby Kardekonian waters to hold an eye on the situation in Kardekonia. And to board and seize all freighters with destination Noordeinde.

Sincerrely Yours,
Jonathn Roosevelt
Prime Minister
The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE FEDERATION
To: The Office of the Prime Minister, The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde
From:Office of the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

Sir,

Your stated intent to sieze Kardek shipping is a barbarous, aggressive move, and any attempts by the Noordeinde Navy to sieze vessels carrying the flag of the Federation shall be considered an act of war upon the United Citizens' Federation of Kardekonia, and be responded to appropriately. Furthermore, the Federal Citizens' Navy shall make itself ready to neutralize Noordeinde naval vessels should they make any hostile motions against Kardek shipping.

General Stepon Paulinas
Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

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

Three of the FCN's five Village (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v387/Praetonia/rglfrigate.png)-class frigates left port in Vartai to commence patroling international waters where it was expected the Noordeindens would be operating. Aboard each vessel were teams of fourteen special operators of the naval commando unit Raivyn, available for transfer to any Kardek freighter that felt as if it were under threat. These would be supported by flights by the Federal Citizens' Aerospace Force, who would aid in the detection and tracking of potential hostile naval vessels.

To:Office of the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal
From:The Office of the Prime Minister, The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

Sir General,

If you would start a war in international waters against my Naval Patrol Vessels while they board freighters with destination Noordeinde, you will surtenly get the whole WA over you, because Noordeinde is a World Assembly Member. So if you would start a war against me your starting a war against the WA.

And because of the situation that is going on in your nation the WA already starts to dislike Kardekonia.

But because my country is a peacefull nation and doesn't want to start another situation where your country would be involved in, the Marines onboard of the Noordeinde Navy vessels will only board the freighters and send them back to where ever they came from!

And especially to protect the Tripartite class patrol vessels (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Hr._Ms._Makkum.jpg) of the Noordeinde Navy we will have an aircraft carrier, the Hr.Ms Thorbecke (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/USS_Gerald_R._Ford.jpg), on stand-by near our Patrol vessels to protect them against any hostile action and to give strenght to the Embargo.

And if I may say, myself and I guess a lot more nations call barbarious what you did to that journalist, and not our Embargo against kardekonia.

Sincerrely Yours,
Jonathn Roosevelt
Prime Minister
The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

OOC:You can go ahead and RP your ships doing their operations after this if you want.

IC:

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE FEDERATION
To: The Office of the Prime Minister, The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde
From:Office of the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

Sir,

Again, your stated intent to board sovereign Kardek shipping in international waters is a violation of freedom of the seas. And need I remind you, Mr. Prime Minister, that the World Assembly is not a military alliance, and would likely not approve of your policy of piracy against Kardek freighters. Our policy of defending our shipping against international tyranny stands.

General Stepon Paulinas
Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

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

The intent by the Noordeinens to deploy an aircraft carrier near Federal waters was indeed worrisome to the Federal Citizens' Navy; such a vessel stood a chance of inflicted severe damage against its frigate task group as well as having the potential to commence the unrestricted sinking of Kardek merchant shipping at will. The policy of shadowing friendly shipping and immediately deploying special operations troops aboard any freighter that appeared threatened continued with the frigate task force, being the only thing they could do to effectively repel boarders without sinking the patrol craft outright.

If it did come to that, the frigates were armed with 5" deck guns and were bristling with eleven heavy and medium crew served machineguns and automatic cannon emplacements. The frigates would be joined by a pair of SSKs, who would remain hidden, to counteract the deployment of the aircraft carrier. The Federal Citizens' Aerospace Force would also begin arming its F.1 Goblin fighters and F.2 Gaudas interceptors with anti-shipping missiles and medium range air-to-air missiles respectively while on patrol against the Noordeine Navy.

To: Office of the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal, Kardekonia
From: Office of the Minister for Foreign Relations, Salzland
CC: Nations of the World

Subject: Due Notice

To Whom It May Concern,

Following recent intelligence relating to ongoing human rights abuses occuring within the Kardekonian Federation, the Armed Republic of Salzland wishes to publicly announce the following:

1.) Effective immediately, any and all Kardekonian assets within the Armed Republic will be seized by federal, regional or local police agencies.

2.) Effective immediately, any and all Kardekonian citizens living within the Armed Republic of Salzland will face deportation hearings and, if sufficient cause for their removal is found, will immediately be transported to their home country or any mutually-agreed upon neutral nation.

3.) Effective immediately, and and all Kardekonian-flagged vessels entering Salzland waters will be seized and/or sunk. Due warning will be provided in order to permit crews to evacuate any vessel targeted for destruction.

4.) Effective immediately, any and all Kardekonian civilian aircraft flying through Salzland airspace will be forced to divert, or be forced to land and then seized. Civilian passengers detained in such instances will be permitted to continue their travels upon alternate, non-Kardekonian flagged airlines.

5.) Effective immediately, any and all Kardekonian military units (including but not limited to military aircraft, naval vessels, submarines, UAVs or drones of any kind), as well as uniformed or non-uniformed personnel serving in any official or unofficial capacity to further the interests of the Kardekonian Federation crossing within 500 miles of the Armed Republic of Salzland will be considered hostile combatants and fired upon. Additionally, such a violation will constitute an Act of War against the Armed Republic, and responded to as such.

Let the preceeding declaration be known to all interested parties, and enforced immediately.

Signed,

J. Marcus Davis
Minister for Foreign Relations

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE FEDERATION
To: Office of the Minister for Foreign Relations, Salzland
From:Office of the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

Mr. Foreign Minister,

The Federation shall match your notice on every point with an identical one.

General Stepon Paulinas
Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

With the recent declaration levied against the Kardekonian Federation, the Salzland Navy and Air Force immediately set to work securing the extended defensive perimeter. Oliver Hazard Perry-class Frigates patrolled the outer edges of the line, RADAR and SONAR constantly active and hunting for any potential Kardekonian infiltrators. A handful of Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers supplemented this first line of defense, using their SH-60 SeaHawk helicopters to supplement those of the Perry-class vessels, both for anti-air and anti-submarine patrols. Pre-existing SOSUS lines, established across what the Salzland Defense Intelligence Agency considered to be 'likely' approach routes for hostile submarines in times of war, were also activated.

Land-based aircraft, including P-3C Orions, E-3 Sentries and stealth fighters such as the Imperial Aerospace Corporation's F/A-84 'Shadow' were also sent up to supplement the air defense portion of the Salzland defenses. A pair of YAL-1 airborne laser platforms were also ordered into the air, to help defend mainland Salzland against any potential incoming cruise missiles. For the first time in years, the continental Salzland defense grid would be brought up to full alert.

In the mean time, a task force was assembled in order to present a display of force to the Kardekonians. One Emperor-Class Battlecruiser acting as the flagship, two Ticonderoga-class Cruisers, four Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers and eight Oliver Hazard Perry-class Frigates were ordered to take up position no closer than 510 nautical miles from the coast of the Federation. They would then activate their search RADARs at full power, so that the Kardekonians would have no doubt as to their positions. The goal of this operation was to be noticed, as well as to track as many aircraft and ships within the Kardekonian defensive perimeter as possible. Fire control radars were ordered to remain offline unless a threat presented itself, so that the Kardekonians would have no cause to claim that the Salzland vessels were preparing to engage in an unprovoked attack.

For the time being, the Armed Republic was content merely to observe how the Federation would respond.

To:Office of the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal
From:The Office of the Prime Minister, The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

Sir General,

As I sad before my country is not willing to start a war.

Another point I like to make, I know the World assembly isn't a millitairy alliance, but is has a Security Council, which can start with a procedure for a resolution against Kardekonia.

And if my Navy would intervene it wouldn't be piracy. My Navy vessels in international waters have the right to investigate a suspicious ship, by boarding a ship.

But because I, and I think your country doesn't want a war. Our patrol Vessels will only block all freighters with destination Noordeinde and let them know that they aren't welcome in Noordeinde due the Embargo. And that they have to re-direct back to Kardekonia.

But, all Kardekonian freighters within Noordeinde waters will be intercepted and boarded for investigation, and they as well will be send back to Kardekonia.

So we will not seize anything to make situations worse.

Sincerrely Yours,
Jonathn Roosevelt
Prime Minister
The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE FEDERATION
To: The Office of the Prime Minister, The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde
From:Office of the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

Sir,

The Federation applauds your wise decision to respect freedom of the seas, as any civilized nation would, and not board Kardek-flagged naval vessels. The Federation understands and recognizes that it is a nation's right to board and investigate vessels within its own waters, and shall reciprocate Noordeine's investigation of any Kardek-flagged ships in their own waters by doing the same in ours. However, we must note that it is highly unlikely that there are any Kardek-flagged merchant vessels in Noordeine waters, as trade between our nations is likely at a very low level at this point in time.

However, the Federal Citizens' Navy shall remain on patrol to ensure that there is no interference in Kardek shipping. Note that Kardek flagged vessels shall redirect to whereever they wish to should you block their movement if in fact their destination is Noordeine, which, given that the Federation is reciprocating the Noordeine embargo, would be highly unlikely in the first place as it would be a violation of Federal law.

General Stepon Paulinas
Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

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The Republic of Reijvajik
La République de Reijvaien
Vacones ç Reij



To: Kardekonia
Re: Reply to Kardekonia
Encryption: 0 [Null]

Due to Kardekonia's staunch stance, the Republic of Reijvajik has no choice but to do the following:

- Any property belonging to Kardekonia in Reijvajik shall be seized.
- An embargo shall be put into place. All trading with Kardekonia shall be stopped immediately.
- Reijian airspace and waters are now closed to vessels from Kardekonia.
- Any Kardek ships found in Reijian waters may be boarded, seized or destroyed.
- Any Kardek planes detected in Reijian airspace shall be shot down or followed.

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Ignatius Riley-Smith
Foreign Ministry

Somewhere in Isdavika, Kardekonia
April 19th, 2009

"How old is this?" Kolnas asked, setting the photograph down on the table and looking up at Major Lyvek, his senior intelligence officer.

"An hour and twenty minutes, and it doesn't look like he plans on going anywhere. He's holed up down there pretty tight," responded the other man, picking the photo back up. "Unfortunately we have since lost contact with our man on the inside. We have reason to believe he may have been comprimised."

"Well then that would have spooked our friend, no?" replied Kolnas.

"We don't think so, Colonel. Not this time."

Kolnas looked at him with a raised eyebrow,

"Explain, Lyvek."

"Mr. Bavras has run out of places to hide, at least that's what he thinks. The man's grown increasingly paranoid in the past few days, rarely leaving his bunker room. Our boy Tornas thinks he's planning on making his last stand in there, if it comes down to it. Bavras knows we're tightening the noose around him, and there's nowhere really for him to run to, so he's just going to sit tight and hope his cronies can hold us back long enough for foreigners to come to his rescue,"

Lyvek appeared rather pleased with himself.

"And it would appear that there is no rescue coming for him," said Kolnas, thumbing through the file again. "Grand Marshal Vaako has told me to take the initiative and arrest Anders Bavras at the earliest possible oppurtunity, and it would appear that oppurtunity has presented itself."

He looked around the Virkus officers assembled around him, "This bastard has caused the Federation alot of heartache, gentlemen. I don't need to remind you of that. Taking him is not going to be easy, that bunker of his is going to be very heavily defended. They've likely got hundreds of militia down there protecting it. That's why it falls squarely on our shoulders to execute this operation."

He lit up a cigarette, "The Grand Marshal wants him alive, and we shall deliver. I know you and all of your men have your own scores to settle with Bavras, but I have my faith and trust in you all. He must not escape justice again."

And so Viktor Kolnas and the top commanders of Military Intelligence Special Operations Unit Virkus set to work drafting up Operation Impending Justice, the mission to capture Anders Bavras, the commander in chief of the Peoples' Movement for a Democratic Kardekonia. Bavras was holed up in a bunker in the mountain village of Tvirti, one of the PMDK's last strongholds in Isdavika. Bavras had eluded capture by the Federal Citizens' Police, Mobile Infantry, and Military Intelligence on four seperate occasions, as well as at least a dozen assassination attempts. However, this time it appeared he was effectively cornered. There would be nowhere for him to run to, now. The Mobile Infantry had isolated and cut off the PMDK's major strongholds in the initial push and were now tightening the noose around them, which made it even more likely that the target was going to be heavily defended.

He was entrenched in a former Federal Citizens' Army mountain redoubt, dozens of meters inside Mount Kruva. It was a typical stronghold, housing dozens of howitzers in recessed, camouflaged positions, and room for a full battalion of soldiers, and enough supplies to last them for years. Getting inside the fortress would be difficult enough; once inside the narrow corridors would become deadly killzones for the Virkus, who would have little cover. Casualties were likely going to be massive.

The only way for this operation to succeed was speed and surprise, something the Virkus staked their livelihood on. If they became bogged down, they would all be wiped out. Kolnas had confidence that they would succeed; this would be their toughest mission, but they would prevail. They had to.

OOC: lol Did this entire war get started over the execution of one prominent political prisoner? ROFL

OOC: And the wide-scale human rights abuses. And because I did not care for the third Starship Troopers movie ;)

ooc please don't tell me you like the second movie

ooc please don't tell me you like the second movie

OOC: Have not seen it, and I do not intend to. Only saw the third one because I... er, well, let's just say I didn't have to pay to see it, and leave it at that.

OOC: >.>

Erm, so is anyone gonna invade or...?

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Ministry of Defence
The Republic of Reijvajik

The Republic of Reijvajik declares war on Kardekonia.

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Ardon Wyjsten
Ministry of Defence

It was not often that the Reijian Defense ministry started a war, but it saw largely no choice. The human rights abuses in Kardekonia would go unchecked if someone didn't intervene, and that someone would be Reijvajik.
All around the RJAF Base, bombers were being loaded with their payloads, their engines undergoing final checks for any leaks or cracks in the piping. Marines were being packed into the thirty V-22 Ospreys - thankfully, there was seating. The journey to Kardekonia would be a long one.

ORBAT:

2nd Reijian Naval Fleet
2 Nimitz-class Carriers
2 Gerald Ford-class Carriers
4 Wasp-class Amphibious Assault Ships
6 Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers
10 Zumwalt-class Destroyers
12 Ticondegora-class Cruisers
18 Oliver Hazard Perry-class Frigates
10 Virginia-class Submarines
8,500 Soldiers armed with:
1x Lee-Nordenfeldt Rifle No. 7 - 6.5x55mm
2x Allanean Arms Bayonet Knife Mark I

4th Reijian Naval Fleet
2 Nimitz-class Carriers
2 Gerald Ford-class Carriers
4 Wasp-class Amphibious Assault Ships
6 Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers
10 Zumwalt-class Destroyers
12 Ticondegora-class Cruisers
18 Oliver Hazard Perry-class Frigates
10 Virginia-class Submarines
8,500 Soldiers
1x Lee-Nordenfeldt Rifle No. 7 - 6.5x55mm
2x Allanean Arms Bayonet Knife Mark I

Reijian Air Force
50 B-2 Spirit Bombers
80 A-10 Thunderbolt II Attack Craft
30 A-10 Thunderbolt II Attack Craft, modified for Electronic Warfare.
30 V-22 Osprey Craft (720 Marines)

Our nation of Askholme is willing to give Marko Stras political asylum within our country.
We abhor the death sentence in all forms.

OOC: He's dead. >.<

OOC: I came in rather late to this thread.

OOC: I assume the A-10s and V-22s will refuel over the fleet...?

IC:

The intelligence briefing was rather informal, taking place in the Great Study of the Grand Marshal's Palace. A wood fire roared in the enourmous fireplace, tended to by servants, casting an eerie shadow over the half dozen generals that sat in a semicircle around the fire place in high-backed leather chairs. Above the fireplace hung a twelve-foot tall portrait of the first Grand Marshal, Anton Radec, who appeared to glare down at the men as they decided the fate of nations.

"Strange how a country can empower its bloody defense ministry to declare war for it," Grand Marshal Vaako said with a chuckle as he took the shot of brandy off of the servant's tray, reclining in his plush leather seat. "So what do we know of these Reijvajikian fellows?"

General Jonas Kras, his chief military advisor, responded from across the room,

"Well, they outnumber us at sea considerably. That doesn't mean we can't inflict damage of course..."

Vaako nodded, "Indeed, these scenarios tend to play out with our opposing belligerent having naval superiority...what about in the air?"

Kras replied, "We stand a fairly good chance at maintaining air superiority, or, at the very least, air pairity with them, given that geographical distance will most likely leave us with numerical superiority. So long as we maintain that, their chances of defeating us on the ground are virtually zero, as you well know, Grand Marshal.

Vaako's disarming smile shined radiantly amidst the firelight,

"Good, good. Where and when can we expect them?"

"Their likely target for initial landing will be Vartai, as it has the only viable port along our coast, and the rest, as you know, are miles and miles of fjord. Holding the city will be extremely difficult, given the number of ships they are likely to throw at us, but it is possible. If we mine Vartaifjord we can certainly delay their landing and inflict significant casualties, but if they're that adamant on landing they'll do it. Of course, the longer we delay them, the longer the Aerospace Force will have to go to work on them..."

The Grand Marshal looked Kras in the eye, and said in a very serious tone, "I would much prefer that not a single foreign boot step foot on sacred Kardek soil altogether. However, failing that, I will not accept for a moment the loss of Vartai. We will hold that city to the last man."

"Understood, Grand Marshal. In addition, we suspect they may either try to slip support to the PMDK or undermine our defenses from within, and there is a slight chance they may be insane enough to try to land somewhere other than Vartai and strand their forces, so our fjord forts will be on maximum alert to keep an eye out for infiltrators. Air Defense Command is also already on maximum alert so you don't have to worry about waking up to a JDAM coming through the roof," he said, breaking the tense mood of the room as they all had a collective chuckle.

"But in all seriousness, I recommend we begin transitioning to the Marshalbunker for further planning...one cannot be too careful these days..."

OOC: I'll really only be using the 30 modified A-10s at the moment, the rest are for when I have some advantage on land. But yes, generally speaking, they'll be refueling over the carriers.

IC:
The large fleet of ships moved slowly towards the Kardekonian shore. Their first target would be a city by the name of Vartai - it had been decided by the various, unnamed military strategists in Wysken that the city was the only one that could be attacked without too much difficulty; the rest being situated, apparently, in fjords. Taking the city would be crucial: without it, there would be little hope of a successful invasion.

The setup of the fleet was slightly different from Reijvajik's previous excursions into foreign nations. The twenty Zumwalt-class carriers formed four rows of five - it was their job, primarily, to shoot down as many enemy cruise missiles and such as they could, and their design made this much simpler. Behind them were frigates and the Arleigh Burke class destroyers, forming a neat pattern, followed by the cruisers. Finally, there were the huge aircraft carriers and Amphibious Assault Ships.
The Virginia class Submarines had been ordered to creep up to the enemy fleet - as far as they could without too much suspicion - and fire.
Aboard the RJS Wysken, the cry went out when one of the crew members saw the Kardekonian shore line - and there was a bustling of activity as the crew prepared for a long, hard fight.

The entrance to Vartaifjord had been fully mined by the time the Reijvajik fleet arrived with both CAPTOR-type mines and normal magnetic contact detonating mines, which were all used in great numbers to ensure the narrow corridor was thoroughly protected. Hiding amidst the shallows of the coast were two Type A SSKs, sitting perfectly still and not making a sound, their hulls concealed from SONAR amdist the underwater terrain. They would be waiting for the oppurtune moment to strike.

Three Village-class FFGs remained around the mouth of Vartaifjord, their AShMs at the ready, with another two sitting several kilometers down the fjord in Vartai Harbor.

Coastal fortifications were cleverly and meticulously concealed amidst the cliffs running along the coast, and when the enemy fleet came within visual range of the Kardek coast, they ultimately found themselves well inside the range of the Federal Citizens' Army's 16", 8", and 6" coastal guns, which were emplaced in concealed bunkers amidst the cliffs. In addition to these were numerous vertical launch cells built into the fortifications housing dozens upon dozens of anti-shipping missiles and surface-to-air missiles.

Further back, in the mountains, were further fortifications, including air fields which tunneled directly through the bottom of the mountains, with entrances on either side. Dozens of launch bunkers with ZLL rails for the FCAF's Gautas interceptors were also hidden amongst the faces of the mountains, as well as hidden heliports, missile, and artillery emplacements.

The reserves had been activated, and all fortifications were fully manned, and the city had a full garrison, its narrow, winding roads already featuring numerous ad-hoc road blocks complete with mines and IEDs and machineguns and recoilless rifles covering them. The Federal Youth Guard had also been fully armed and put on the defensive lines to supplement their fathers and older brothers in the Federal Citizens' Army. Many women had also preferred to stay and protect their homes, though evacuation of all children save for those serving in the Federal Youth Guard was mandatory.

The first shots fired on the enemy fleet were by the four-dozen or so artillery guns hidden along the coast. The four heavy 16" guns, nicknamed the Four Horsemen by the crews, targetted the enemy aircraft carriers initially with heavy armor piercing high explosive shells. The sheer amount of firepower the guns had would likely be able to completely disable and sink the carriers with one or two hits, as Nimitz carriers were simply not designed to withstand that sort of firepower. The crews were aiming to put shells through the flight decks to completely wipe out flight ops, and to fire into the hangars below. Shots hitting the decks would most likely penetrate through into the hangars, which would in turn set off missile magazines and fuel stores for the aircraft, the explosive forces from the shells likely annihilating the flight decks in the process and causing massive damage inside the ships. After putting a few shots into the Nimitz carriers, they would switch targets to the Gerald Ford carriers.

The twelve 8" guns would be more than adequete for taking out the much smaller amphibious carriers, causing similar damage with their armor piercing HE shells, and so they would target the Wasp-class vessels. The rest of the guns, 6" rapid fire guns, would target the escorts, with priority on the cruisers. Of course, because they were using artillery shells rather than missiles, the placement of enemy escorts to shoot down missiles would do little to stop that attack. Simultaneously, the vertical launch cells would light up, spewing forth dozens of supersonic Yakhont missiles to target the outer defenses of the fleet and slowly work their way inwards. The placement of the enemy Zumwalts in rows in depth would actualy make it more difficult to concentrate firepower against the missiles, though they would serve an effective buffer to the rest of the fleet. The missiles, because they were launched at short range, would give enemy anti-missile systems minimal time to react against the high speed missiles, and with eighty of them fired in the first volley intercepting them would not be easy.

Coastal RADAR would be lighting up the enemy's air compliment like a Christmas tree, allowing for highly accurate SA-10 and SA-12 missiles to tear into the fighters from close range. Shorter ranged Croatale-NG missiles would also join the fray against enemy fighters. The interceptors would remain hidden further back in the mountains, waiting for the oppurtune moment to launch and pounce on the enemy formation.

With luck, the suddenness and ferocity of the attack would overwhelm the attacking enemy fleet's defenses.

The Reijian fleet had not expected to be engaged so quickly - and it was to their great surprise when several shells and missiles came flying at them. The Zumwalt-class Cruisers in the front row found themselves with limited time to react. Each of the ships in the front row fired off eight ESSMs, with the sole objective of protecting the fleet from destruction. For one ship, this was too little, too late - and it was sunk. A second had four of its PVLSes blown off, and was left with a gaping hole on its deck and a fire inside.

The artillery shells, however, would prove to be hard to dodge; largely immune to regular anti-missile systems. One Nimitz-class carrier was sunk; another damaged; and the planes aboard the deck had largely no choice but to the stay there. Two Wasp-class AACs began to take on water - the soldiers on board had no choice but to get in the small rigid-hull dinghies on the ship and sail out to sea. Two cruisers were shot down, with a fire on the deck of a third.

The attack of the Kardekonians; however; would be retaliated with tenfold. Each of the Arleigh Burke class destroyers launched a salvo of 90 missiles, making a volley of 1080 WeM-30 "Sunburn" Missiles, aimed at completely annihilating the enemy presence at sea. The Zumwalt-class Destroyers had begun speeding forward when one hit a mine, blowing a large hole in its hull. Seeing this, the ships grinded to a halt. Instead, they now fired missiles conservatively at the areas where the enemy shots had come from - enough to destroy a few bunkers, perhaps, but not to send the entire cliff face crumbling into the ocean. A total of four TLAMs were fired from each destroyer, amounting to 72 in total.
The Aircraft Carriers would wait out in the open ocean; while the rest of the fleet stayed at the mouth of the fjord until the area was largely clear.

Info on Sunburns here: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13717541&postcount=242

The plan appeared to be working perfectly. Already considerable damage had been inflicted on the enemy fleet, with a carrier going to the bottom of the sea and another with its flight compliment out of action, and two amphibious carriers destroyed, with numerous escorts knocked out of action and destroyed.

With the enemy fleet haulted in place at the mouth of the fjord, the Reijvajikans were now even more vulnerable than they were before, clustered together and stationary in a relatively small area. Whats more, they'd left their carriers totally undefended. They would now pay for their mistakes.

The enourmous AShM barrage fired by the enemy fleet completely annihilated the small frigate force sitting in the mouth of the fjord: after all, they'd fired over 1000 missiles at 3 ships, something that baffled just about everyone on the Kardekonian side that witnessed it.

As the enemy fleet moved to the fjord, and split up, another missile barrage was fired, this time at the carriers, who now had no escorts immediately protecting them as they retreated into open sea. A swarm of eighty supersonic missiles was launched at the dwindling carrier force, who would have to rely on their own defenses and not those of their escorts to defend them, a mistake that would likely prove fatal to many if not all of the vessels.

Meanwhile, with the enemy fleet moving into the fjord and the carriers retreating, the guns shifted targets onto the large group of enemy ships, unloading at what may as well have been point blank range for the massive howitzers. Dozens of shells would be poured into the enemy formation, whose retaliation with TLAMs, missiles meant for long range indirect fire targets, was rather unsuitable at such short ranges. However, they did manage to snuff out a few of the bunkers they did manage to make contact with, including three of the 8" and one of the 16" guns, which had taken multiple hits from the TLAMs.

However, the guns continued to put fire into the mouth of the fjord with pinpoint accuracy and at a rather high rate, with the 6" rapid fire guns firing more than 30 rounds per second and having enough firepower to fataly cripple an enemy vessel with just a few hits, with the 16" guns having the unquestioned ability to completely blow whatever they hit out of the water, and the 8" having that ability for most modern ships (which were not as oriented to taking hits from naval guns as older ships, instead relying mainly on things such as CIWS and RAM).

As this was occuring, multiple launch rocket systems on the coast began opening fire, their rockets impacting around the enemy fleet rather than inside of it. Inside of their rockets were more anti-shipping mines. The Kardekonians appeared to be boxing the enemy fleet into a deadly killzone.

Finally, with the enemy fleet trapped in a small area, the two Type A submarines entered the fray, remaining concealed to the side of the fjord as each let loose a barrage of eight wire-guided Mk. 48 ADCAP torpedoes, each one targetting a different ship, and each one capable of annihilating its target. Each torpedo sought after a different target, and because they were wire-guided there would be no jamming them, thus with no maneuvering room the enemy fleet would soon have a very big problem.

(OOC: Oh dear, I though this was dead...sorry for just posting once in the onset then letting it go 5 pages without me.)

"Love of heaven!" Captain Sirus exclaimed. Even from miles away, and at periscope depth, the Four Horsemen were awe-inspiring guns. The beastly tubes of steel and iron were capable of holding off most any fleet, Imperial or otherwise for months, and still manage to quadruple its weight in tonnage as far as losses went. Attacking the guns was a fools errand. That was why the Empire had no intention of touching them.

"Are tubes alpha and gamma secured?"

"Aye Captain, charges primed."

"And tubes beta and delta?"

"They have been consecrated. May heaven help them." The Captain nodded his head in agreement.

"Target the mines. Launch tubes alpha and gamma. Ten seconds after, launch tubes beta and delta." The message was relayed throughout the Benediction, a Type 213 U-Boat. The newly commissioned vessel had entered unnoticed with the Reijvajik fleet, using its massive signatures to camouflage its own. Even when it had left its aegis, the ship was still as silent as a shadow, approaching to optimal range. Men still held their breaths when word of a sonar sweep came, as the last thing the crew wished to deal with at that moment was the Four Horsemen.

Two torpedoes launched out of the slender U-Boat, cutting through the water towards the minefield like knives in the dark. Moments later, and two more sputtered out of the ship, making an outrageous racket compared to the deathly silence of their progenitor. Within seconds, the great cannons and coastal guns adjusted their angles and began to cough out shells towards the approaching weapons. Many blasts came near the four torpedoes, but the ponderous cannons were meant to hit large battleships, not fast-moving projectiles.

Ten seconds later, the first two torpedoes reached the minefield and activated, sending out massive electro-magnetic pulses in the water. Dozens of the closely-packed mines were attracted to the tubes, and, like ants, swarmed them. A moment later, and an explosion rippled out from under the sea as dozens of the mines activated, causing sympathetic explosions to erupt many meters away. Although the amount of mines destroyed was a pittance compared to the total, and the hole made wasn't enough for even a light battleships to pass through, it was more than enough for the final two projectiles. Slipping through the field, the torpedoes sped towards the blockade of ships, which wasted no time in defending themselves from the weapons.

"Captain, all torpedoes down."

"Did the first two put a hole in the field?"

"Aye, Captain, but the other two were shot down halfway before reaching the picket line." The Captain began to pace around the command room. Agonizing minutes were spent waiting, and he began to sweat nervously. Suddenly, a noise issued from the communications alcove. He rushed to the area, where a technician was frantically typing.

"Well?" The technician removed his ear-piece.

"Captain, Squad Hesperax, and Squad Misericord report all members accounted for. ETA to the shore is fifteen minutes. Mission accomplished." A deep sigh ushered from the command room, as a dozen men breathed out in relief. The only person still tense was the Captain. He knew that the mission was not accomplished, and only would be once the Four Horsemen were silenced.

With one of the guns down, the Reijian formation was more than eager to get the rest of them shot down. Not before, however, several missiles came flying overhead; obviously directed at the aircraft carriers out in the ocean. The captain of one of the destroyers, seeing this, radioed back a message to the carriers consisting only of the word "Incoming!", and each of the carriers prepared to fire off twenty SSMs. The majority of the missiles were shot down before they could reach the vessels, however, a few struck, damaging one of the Gerald Ford class carriers, but not so much that it was put out of use.
The fjord would prove to be a great advantage to the enemy; who succeeded in sinking two frigates, one Arleigh Burke and one cruiser. Two Zumwalts were torn apart by the massive 16" guns. The torpedoes from the submarines, too, did significant damage, sinking a further three frigates, one Arleigh Burke class destroyer and one Zumwalt.
The twenty Virginia class submarines, which had still remained relatively untouched due to their position at the back of the fleet, began operations against the enemy. First and foremost was the need to destroy as many mines as possible; and this would be done with ten electromagnetic decoys which the submarines fired in every direction in order to free the fleet of its "death box". Secondly, they would be in charge of destroying any submarines which the ships did not destroy; and as a result, they prepared their torpedo tubes for launch.
Four cruisers fired off a total of 80 ASROC missiles at the enemy submarines. The rest of the fleet would continue their assault on the hidden bunkers, now with a better idea of their precise position. Each of the remaining Arleigh Burke class destroyers now fired off thirty 3M-54 Klub-Ns, fitted with Land Attack warheads, at the areas from which the enemy fire seemed to be coming from. A total of 300 3M-54 Klub-Ns were fired in every direction, it was hoped that the kills from this wave of missiles would be slightly better due to their better suitability for close range attack.

OOC: since my intro thread failed, im gonna re-intro here:

IC:
Gewalt Industries National Headquarters, Enkavia City, Two Years Ago:

Alojz Kazimier sat in a large, opulent office, slowly sipping from a glass of champagne. The room was on the top floor of a one-hundred and fourteen story skyscraper overlooking the capitol city of the Dominion of Enkavia. The once free nation had for nearly a decade now been ruled with an iron fist by the Gewalt Industries Corporation, and had been slowly transformed into a smog-filled corporate machine. Skyscrapers gleamed in the perpetual twilight, reflecting the few rays of sunlight that broke through the smog that filled the city. It was a cutthroat businessman's paradise.

Kazimier was the president of the arms manufacturing branch of Gewalt Industries. Like most of the corporation's executives, he had attained this position through assassinating his competitors and managing to thwart the numerous attempts made on his own life. Still, he was very good at his job, weapons and war being two things that Kazimiers had great fondness for.

In front of him sat the corporation's CEO, John Greyson, surrounded by four guards. An incompetent manager, Greyson had come to his position only through maintaining the best private security force within the corporation, and using it liberally to eliminate any threats within Gewalt Industies. Kazimier was the only man within the corporation that he trusted at all. After all the men had been friends since both were mere low-ranking secretaries, with nothing more than dreams of grandeur and a ruthless will to achieve their ends. The two had been talking for nearly an hour of various matters concerning the nation and the corporation.

"So, I see you've been doing quite well with your department." Greyson said, drinking from a small bottle of brandy in front of him.

"Yes indeed." Kazimier replied, and drained his glass. "Profits are up nearly ten percent this quarter. This is mostly due to our buying out of Enakavian Arms Incorporated, which as you know was our only real domestic competitor in the industry. Now, if anyone wants to overthrow us, they will have to buy our guns first." He chuckled. "This is excellent champagne, by the way. I hear Shafer was killed, fool of a man didn't have his security check for poison in his food." Kazimier continued, still smiling as he poured himself another glass. "I can't understand how an idiot such as him ever got to be vice-president of the steel manufacture branch."

"He was careless." Greyson agreed. "Just didn't take security seriously enough, I'm afraid." He smiled. "Neither of use have made the same mistake, have we, Alojz?"

"Oh, not at all, sir." Kazimier said, chuckling. "On another note, I hear your security forces broke up another gathering. How many protesters were there?"

"Only a few hundred. The body count was relatively low; they were merely students and fled after the first few shots were fired."

"Oh, so your men did not pursue?" Kazimier's eyebrows rose as he swirled the drink in his glass. "You usually aren't one to leave dissenters alive."

"Oh, they haven't escaped." Greyson replied smugly. "I had men follow them, and agents are infiltrating their group as we speak. Soon they will discover what happens to those who dare to oppose the corporation."

"Amen to that." Kazimier said, raising his glass and draining it once again. "Well, I must get back to my duties, there is much work to be done." he stood up, looking around at the guards. "I see you have increased your personal security."

"Yes, I have." Greyson nodded. "I heard tell of a plot upon my life, and felt that a little extra security wouldn't hurt."

"I see." Kazimier said, and walked to the door. As he opened it, he turned back to face the CEO. "I think there is a question you should be asking yourself though: Who is guarding the guards?" He paused, enjoying the moment as Greyson's eyes widened in realization and shock, before continuing out of the office. As he closed the door, several shots rang out.

Alojz Kazamier smiled.


One Month Later, Gewalt Industries National, Headquarters, CEO's Office:

Alojz Kazimier sat in a chair behind a huge desk, reading a stock report and smiling to himself. He was now the CEO of Gewalt Industries, and in his time in this position had already begun moving to ensure the loyalty of the corporation's security force. Each "security officer" was now undergoing extensive brainwashing, and would soon be his unquestioning servants. Until that process was complete, he was forced to make do with his private security, who were far less resistant to bribery. He looked up and smiled as a young secretary entered the room, carrying a tray on which were a mug of coffee and a plate of breakfast. "Thank you my dear, just set it on the desk." Kazimier said, not trying to hide that he was looking her over. She did as he asked, and Kazimier noticed something glint in her jacket as the light caught it. He casually stood up, and in one fluid motion plucked the knife from her jacket, grabbed her by the neck, and drove the knife into her throat. The woman tried to scream, but was unable due to the blood now filling her windpipe. Kazimier pulled the knife out, stabbing her chest several more times, a smile of sadistic pleasure on his face as he watched the young woman die. "Really," He said softly as she began to sink to the floor. "if whoever hired you wanted me dead, they should have sent a professional."

He watched as she shuddered for a few moments on the floor before her body went limp. After she had ceased breathing he walked over to his intercom and pressed a button. "Will the guard who is on duty outside my office please step inside?" He said into it as blood dripped off of the sleeves of his suit. A moment later the guard stepped inside the office, closing the door. Kazimier calmly drew a handgun from his jacket and fired two rounds into the man's stomach. As the guard doubled over Kazimier approached him. "How much were you paid?" He asked, kicking the man over.

"Two..million.." The guard gasped, clutching his abdomen.

"Hmm, that not very much, I expected you to have a higher price." Alojz replied, smiling. "And who was it who paid you?"

"J...Jehnson." The guard gasped, he knew that not co-operating at this point would only make his death more painful.

"That fool? No wonder it was so sloppy." Kazimier flashed a warm smile. "Well, I'm afraid that this sort of thing just can't be encouraged among my guards. You will have to be made an example of."

He grabbed the guard by the neck, and began dragging him towards one of the windows that made up the east wall. Kazimier fired four shots through the glass, and a large portion of it shattered, creating a hole through which several men could walk through. "Quite a lovely view." He said, dragging the bleeding man to the edge. "I do hope you take time to enjoy it on your way down." He smiled viciously and threw the guard out of the window. He then stood, watching happily as the man fell one-hundred and fourteen stories to the street below.

Kazimier walked slowly and calmly to a closet on the other side of the office, he selected an elegant and opulent suit, and stepped into the closet to change. He pressed an intercom button on the wall. "Jackson?"

"Yes sir?" the voice of the man who was his chief secretary responded.

"I feel that we should start looking into any open foreign markets, I think it is time our corporation expanded beyond the confines of this nation."

"I will get on that right away sir." The secretary replied. "A report should be on your desk within a few hours."

"Exellent." Kazimier said, taking off his shirt. "I need also need someone in here to clean up a dead body and some blood, and get a replacement window, one of them has broken."

"Yes sir." The secretary said, entirely unphased by what his employer had said. "A crew will be up momentarily."



Gewalt Industries Headquarters, Enkavia City, Present Day:

Kazimier* frowned as he looked at a paper that ahs just been given to him, as the President of the Gewalt Industries Security forces briefed him on the situation in Kardekonia. "What I don’t see, John, is why this could concern us at all."

"Events such as these have a tendency to become trends, sir." replied John Goodman, a cunning commander who did not at all live up to his surname. "First its smaller nations such as this one, then these crusaders may turn to us and begin telling us how to run our nation."

"We can't have that, to be sure." Kazimier smiled. "So you feel that we should nip this problem in the bud."

"Exactly sir."

"Well, they certainly to seem to be a potentially troublesome lot. Very well, I authorize you to do whatever is necessary to.." the CEO chuckled, "defend the national sovereignty of Kardekonia against these imperialistic hordes."

Goodman grinned. "It shall be done, sir."


____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________





http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l216/Sumutherguy/enkavia-1.gif
Gewalt Industries Official Declaration:

The Gewalt Industries Corporation, speaking on behalf of the Dominion of Enkavia, is appalled and disgusted by the blatant disregard for national sovereignty shown by the governments of Zakuvia and Reijvajik. Kardekonia is an independent and sovereign nation, and it is the right of this nation to govern itself as it so chooses without interference from meddling foreign powers. The Dominion of Enkavia stands by Kardekonia and will defend it's right to independence and sovereignty against any who would impose their own will upon it. A naval taskforce of the Gewalt Industries Security Forces is being dispatched to Kardekonian waters, pending of course permission from the Kardekonian government to do so, for the purpose of defending the Kardekonian people from any foreign imperialists who would attempt to exert their own twisted ideologies upon another state.

Alojz Kazimier, CEO





OOC:
*Alojz Kazamier is the current CEO of Gewalt Industries, a megacorporation that owns all land, sells all products, and is the sole employer within the country of Enkavia. GI is the de facto government of the nation, and the CEO also technically holds the title of Emperor.

ORBAT coming soon

((OOC: Invading a country for executing one of their own civilians is retarded... consider the fact that millions of people will die, billions of dollars will be wasted, all because of one guy getting piano wire'd.))

The submarines were soon wiped out be the sheer number of ASROCs, which once again seemed to be overkill to the extreme. The enemy ships would likely be running out of ammo at this point, however, so Federal forces knew they wouldn't have to hold out much longer before the Reijvajikians were either wiped out or forced to retreat back through the minefield after runing out of ammunition. The Reijvajikian electromagetic torpedoes did nothing to the mines, as setting off an electromagnetic pulse underwater would not, in fact, turn the torpedo into a magnet, as enemy scientists believed, and would instead simply run electricity through the ocean water (which itself, due to the amount of water in question, would also serve to do absolutely nothing). Thus the minefield remained in place around the enemy fleet, trapping it in the mouth of the fjord under the guns of the fortresses.

Fortunately for the Kardekonians, the Klub-N had a smaller warhead than the TLAM, thus they'd have a hard time destroying their targets, which presented an extremely tiny profile to their enemies. The only view the enemy had of the guns were the tiny, hidden slits in the mountain through which the guns fired. The turrets themselves, extremely heavily armored in their own right, were literally buried into the cliffs, so if the enemy managed to hit the turrets it would still take quite a bit of firepower to knock them out. The Four Horsemen were even more heavily armored than the rest, with in excess of a meter of rolled homogenous armor further protected by concrete rebar and dirt, and it would take serious firepower to knock them out. That, and the fact that the Klub-N was also a cruise missile, like the TLAM, and not meant for firing at targets at such close ranges

Still, more of the smaller guns were knocked out by the barrage, though dozens of well-aimed artillery rounds continued to soar into the mouth of the fjord into the trapped enemy fleet. It was begining to turn into a bit of a turkey shoot for the Kardekonian gun crews. Their enemy had nowhere to run or hide unless they wanted to destroy their ships in the minefields, and they were all within very close range of their positions. At that distance it was nearly impossible to miss, and each hit they scored had the potential of crippling or destroying an enemy ship. They doubted the enemy fleet would last much longer under this sort of bombardment...

With the ships largely trapped, the Reijian fleet now had largely no choice but to retreat. The fleet slowly began to back out of the fjord, back through the minefield to join the aircraft carriers in the open ocean. While they were doing so, several mines were set off, blowing holes in two frigates. A Zumwalt destroyer was shot down by the enemy fire.
With the ships unequipped to deal with attacking targets that were largely invisible, the Reijians had no choice but to surrender. They could fly planes through the fjords, but it would be largely impossible to destroy enough guns to be able to ensure a safe passage to the shores of Vartai.
Disappointed, the captain of the RJS Timothy Aberdeen ordered the fleet - or what remained of it - to begin sailing back home. The mission had been a resounding failure.
A message was fired off to the enemy. It read; simply, "Well done."

The enemy fleet wasn't going to be allowed to escape that easily- after all, the Reijvijakians had made an official declaration of war against the Federation, and they were trespassing in Federal waters. That alone was just cause to obliterate the entire enemy fleet as they ran away. The enemy fleet would find it very difficult to escape the minefield, indeed.

The sheer number of mines left behind them and the cramped positioning of the fleet meant that very few of the ships would be able to run the gauntlet without running into mines; running into mines, in turn, would either sink the enemy ship or at least put holes in it, slowing it down by a huge factor and making it rather unseaworthy for the trip through open ocean. To make matters worse for the Reijvijakians, as some of the ships began to approach the edge of the minefield, the Kardekonians fired another salvo of mine-carrying rockets directly in front of the ships, once more cutting off their escape.

The shore-based artillery guns continued to have an easy time with the enemy fleet, who had ceased fire on them, giving them all the time in the world to carefully aim and make their shots count. They would make sure to put at least one shell into each enemy ship, the smaller guns aiming to shoot out their engines, and the bigger guns aiming to obliterate their superstructures entirely and kill as many enemy personnel as possible.

Additionaly, in the enemy's hasty retreat, they seemed to neglect rescue operations of the survivors of the ships that had been sunk or immobilized in the mouth of the fjord. Rescue parties from shore carrying medical personnel and military policemen were dispatched, their boats marked clearly with red crosses, to commence rescue operations and save as many of the survivors as they could and get them to the triage centers located inside of the fjord fortresses, Forts Drasus and Virsun and the worst cases to hospitals in Vartai.

A message was transmitted by Brigadier General Marko Tava, the commander of the Kardekonian defenses, in his bunker in Fort Drasus,

"ATTENTION REIJVIJAKIAN FLEET! POWER DOWN YOUR ENGINES AND SURRENDER IMMEDIATELY OR YOU WILL BE DESTROYED! THE FEDERATION GARUNTEES THAT YOUR SURRENDERS SHALL BE HONORED AND YOUR LIVES SHALL BE SPARED! THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING!"

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

Reijvajik surrenders.

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

Ardon Wyjsten
Ministry of Defence
OOC: Sorry for the shitty IC, really busy today.

Cautiously, the Reijian fleet stopped. It would be a significant risk - trusting in the enemy; but they had no choice but do or risk enemy fire again. The entire fleet slowly grinded to a halt; and several dinghies were sent out to rescue the survivors who were floating in the water. It would be hoped that the enemy would honour their surrender; but it seemed more than likely that their promise of peace would be broken.

Several dozen transport helicopters laden with naval commandos made their way towards the haulted fleet, as well as rubber assault boats with compliments of Kardek sailors and military policemen. They would board the surrendered vessels and assume control of them, herding the crews onto the helicopter decks where they could be kept an eye on. This would allow for the Kardekonians to both have full control over their prisoners and to have them in plain view as hostages in case the aircraft carriers attempted anything. In the meantime, the Kardek sailors would commandeer the vessels and steer them back to Vartai. As they would approach the fjord, the mines would be temporarily deactivated to allow the ships to pass.

"...Skipper, prepare the marines. Just in case - you know."

"Yes, cap'n."

Suspicion was high on the decks of the ships that still remained: it seemed highly unlikely that the Kardekonians would let them go peacefully; and though they were officially no longer at war with them the need to retaliate once more seemed imminent. The marines aboard each of the ships armed themselves with whatever decent weapons they could find, and prepared in case the enemy tried any "funny business" - as one captain called it. Several missiles still remained in the various VLSes; and it was hoped that a possible ambush could be deterred.
If anything; the Wasp AACs would be the hardest to take; being loaded with several thousand armymen which had been supposed to land at Vartai.

Meanwhile, the captain of one of the ships radioed off a message to Kardekonia;

"Are you sure you guys don't want anything? You know... like, us paying for the damages done to your armaments?"

"Terms of your release shall be discussed at a later date, for now you and your ships will all be taken into Federal custody," came the response over the radio. "We suggest you contact your government and have them dispatch a diplomatic team at the greatest possible haste so that negotiations can begin as soon as possible."

A squadron of transport helicopters approached the carriers. Their flight leaders radioed the Reijian ships, "Attention Reijian vessels, power down your fire control RADARs and prepare to be boarded. You will not be harmed."

Aboard the helos were special operators of the naval commando unit Raivyn, whose training focused on board and siezure operations such as these. Clad in dark blue BDUs with black flak jackets, webbed gear, kevlar helmets, and balaclavas, they would fast rope onto the decks, order the marines to drop their weapons, stating that them being armed was a violation of their own surrender, and move as quickly as they could to sieze the bridge, combat information center, and engineering sections of the ship while rounding up the crews in the process and herding them onto the flight decks, where they would all be covered by multiple machineguns in case they tried anything.

"If you do as you say you shall;" the reply came back, "then you shall have nothing to fear."

The Reijian fleet, though all too happy to negotiate, was far from able to disable what remained of its arms. It was because they feared an attack from behind - a surprise, which, if pulled off correctly, could leave the entire fleet in jeopardy. Instead; they would remain at they were - and if the enemy was an honest one, they would most certainly not fire at them. It seemed, however, that the supposed truths were anything but.

The Kardekonians were slightly puzzled by that last statement but continued with what they were doing. They began to deploy onto the decks of the enemy carriers, fanning out to take the crews into custody as they had done with the other ships that had been captured in the mouth of the fjord, which were now being brought into Vartai Harbor and those crews unloaded and sent to hastily established prisoner of war camps. The carriers would be swept from top to bottom, the crews ziptied or handcuffed and placed on the flight decks, and key sections commandeered so that the Raivyn operators could pilot them into Vartai Harbor where the crew would be offloaded and the ships detained.

OOC: How many helicopters are there?
Also:
"...fanning out to take the crews into custody as they had done with the other ships that had been captured in the mouth of the fjord"
When did you do that?

"Fuck. Fuck!"
The captain's voice was equal in sheer volume to that of a lion's.
"I want those fucking things blown out of the sky! Move it!"

It had happened. The thing they had all been anticipating - that they had all been crossing their fingers over - had happened. Perhaps it was unwise for them to have even trusted the enemy - such things would have to be figured out later. For now, there was one chief objective: to destroy every single helicopter that approached the fleet.

"Tell the rest of the fleet to get the fuck out of this godforsaken place!"
"But sir -"
"I don't give a fuck about the mines, dammit, just do it!"

Make that two objectives.

Each of the carriers fired off two rounds of eight ESSMs each, directed at the helicopters within short range of the ships. Those that had already arrived were shot at by the various naval guns the carriers were equipped with.
Hundreds of marines, clutching their rifles, shot at the enemy soldiers as they rained down from the sky.

"Squad Hesperax, we have arrived at the stables. Misericord is standing at overwatch. The hissing comms set, stationed at the front of the Commander's desk, relayed the good news. Using the cover of the chaos and bedlam the Reijvajik's had caused, the two black-ops units inserted via false-torpedoes had made their way to the base of one of the Four Horsemen.

There was a secret gamble that all designer's made when building guns near shores. There was the risk of corrosion, of easy detection, and the like. What Empire hoped to exploit was the almost contradictory instability of building a cannon into a cliff face. The mission was simple: silence the guns. Even if the cannons themselves couldn't be sent to a watery grave, at least rubble created from numerous sympathetic explosions would keep the gunnery crews either dead, or away from their duties.

"I can see a number of Kardekonian vessels approaching the Reiks, Commander. Should we halt the operation?" A grim smile laced itself across the Commander's face.

"Negative, Hesperax. Proceed at will." A hiss of static washed through the speakers.

"As the Empire wills."

Several dozen transport helicopters laden with naval commandos made their way towards the haulted fleet, as well as rubber assault boats with compliments of Kardek sailors and military policemen. They would board the surrendered vessels and assume control of them, herding the crews onto the helicopter decks where they could be kept an eye on. This would allow for the Kardekonians to both have full control over their prisoners and to have them in plain view as hostages in case the aircraft carriers attempted anything. In the meantime, the Kardek sailors would commandeer the vessels and steer them back to Vartai. As they would approach the fjord, the mines would be temporarily deactivated to allow the ships to pass.
OOC:...right here. When one surrenders that generally implies that one gives up and becomes a prisoner of war, it doesn't mean that the war magically ends...

IC post later.

OOC: Reijavik, generally, surrender involves putting down your weapons and, well, surrendering. Acting otherwise with the appearance of surrendering is known as Perfidy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfidy) and isn't likely to go down well with Kardekovian forces.

Bearing in mind that as you have no-where to go, surrendering isn't going to involve Kardekonia letting you sail of peacefully. You've attempted to invade him after all.

OOC: Alrighty, thanks for that clarification.

"We are betrayed!"

The helicopters didn't stand much of a chance against the enemy SAMs and CIWS, and most were shredded apart in a matter of seconds; the few that were already over the enemy ships when they opened fire were destroyed shortly thereafter, although they managed to get their troops offloaded. In total only twenty out of nearly one hundred Raivyn operators found themselves on board their target ships, though a few of these were already wounded from hitting the deck so hard after their transports were shot down. In addition, every one of the twenty helicopters sent out to board the ships had been shot down.

However, the highly trained Raivyn operators that made it to the ships soon went to work inflicting as much damage as they could, which wouldn't be difficult in the slightest in an environment as volitile as an aircraft carrier. They immediately set to cooking off and tossing fragmentation grenades at parked aircraft and munitions and fuel stores as well as putting a bullet or two into anyone and everyone they encountered. It would only take one grenade or stray bullet setting off a fuel tank or missile to cause a massive chain reaction that would result a tragedy for the crew of the ship and the destruction of billions in military hardware, not to mention making it impossible to launch aircraft.

The few surviving Raivyn troopers were resigned to their fates; they knew they were all dead as soon as the Reijians betrayed them by opening fire under the false guise of surrender, which in itself was a serious war crime, and so in their last moments on Earth they were fully intent in causing as much pain and turmoil aboard the traitorous ships as they possibly could.

Meanwhile, as the captured enemy ships were being sailed down the fjord into Vartai Harbor, Federal officers found themselves having to keep their men from executing all of the prisoners on the spot after witnessing the cold-blooded betrayal and murder of their comrades and the utter lack of honor held by the Reijians. Machinegun and autocannon crews defending the shore line were not nearly as merciful, and immediately opened fire on the various Reijian dinghies that had been gathering survivors, peppering them with armor piercing .50 caliber rounds and 25mm high explosive incindiery rounds, aiming to butcher everyone aboard the dinghies and send them to the bottom of the sea. The Kardekonians as a whole were shocked by the barbaric conduct of their foe, and General Tava vowed that he would see whomever ordered the perfidous act would hang for murder, or at the very least be consumed in a rather large fireball after the Four Horsemen got through with his ship.

Kardekonian news networks were already broadcasting the blatant Reijian war crime to the world and further riling up and uniting the Kardek population against their foreign enemy. After all, the actions of the Reijian Navy that day fit rather consistently with Federal propaganda, which often hinted that foreign armies lacked the honor and courage of the Federal Citizens' Army and resorted to murder and treachery more often than not, and as such were worthy only of contempt.

Immediately after the enemy carriers opened fire, the land batteries commenced fire, their targets already trained upon. The gun crews themselves were quite shocked that the Reijians had actualy gone so far as to betray them in such a manner, and were all the more motivated to take revenge for the murder of the men on the helicopters. The three 16" guns commenced fire, each targetting a different Gerald Ford carrier, aiming to blow them out of the water. The rest of the guns opened fire on the other carriers; the sheer amount of firepower being poured into so few ships meant that each enemy ship would have multiple shore batteries targetting it, with several shells hitting it every few seconds, turning their flight decks and hangars into raging infernos so that no fighters could take off. The extreme heat from munitions and fuel cook-offs would be enough to melt through the very steel the ships were made of, rendering the most important parts of the carriers inoperable.

The Kardekonians would simply continue to fire on the carriers until they were all sunk; they would see their brothers avenged.

Approaching the Kardekonian Mainland:

The Gewalt Industries naval task force sailed steadily towards the site of the recent engagement between Kardeconian and Reijvajikian forces, the black and red colors of the ships standing out against the blue of the ocean. On board the flagship, the GIS Alexander a Gewalt Industries Quality Control Manager by the name of Jacob Woodson, stood on the deck in a business suit, looking at the horizon. His job in the fleet was to "liquidate any unproductive human resources", a task he thoroughly enjoyed carrying out. He was almost giddy with the prospect of battle, the bloodthirsty nature that was present in all successful GI executives making him long to witness the carnage that this new fleet could unleash against the corporation's foes. technically the fleet's admiral was in command, but it was Woodson, as the chief QCM in the fleet, that everyone answered to, for it was he who could end the life of any among them on a whim.

As he was standing on the deck a breathless ensign approached from behind. "Sir," the young officer began, "satellite footage is showing that the Reijvajik naval forces who surrendered earlier have begun firing on Kardekonian helicopters."

"Perfidy, eh?" Woodson grinned. "Sneaky. Continue our course, and speed up a bit. Perhaps it is time we see what these ships can do."

________________________________________________________________________________________


ORBAT:

Gewalt Industries Naval Taskforce:

26 Streitwagen Class Light Carriers
5 Streitwagen Class Helicopter Landing Docks
8 Houston Class Cruisers
14 Bellerophon Class Cruisers
9 Sovereign Class Battlecruisers
60 Falken Class Destroyers
30 Guardian Class Destroyers
25 Jäeger Class Destroyers
7 Acheron Class Destroyers
35 Spitze Class Frigates
30 Dallas Class Submarines

Air wing:
169 FA-18s
338 F-35s
169 B-103 Buccaneers

[OOC: I hope you don't mind if I use this as a chance to provide a reason for kicking out half of my Defense Ministry (i.e., huge military fiasco.)]

"Jesus, what the fuck are you doing?"

The voice came through the radio in the form of a harsh bark.

"Taking defensive measures, sir."
"Defensive measures? We fucking surrendered, in case you hadn't realised!"
"But sir..."
"Don't you fucking but sir me, captain - ex-captain Rogers! Goddamn, I just hope your shit doesn't get us blown to shit!"
"They've started firing at us again, sir."
"Goddamn. Have fun fucking dying, then."
"Sir - um...orders?"
"Take evasive measures - and godsakes, don't shoot at them."

So it would be. The Reijian fleets were doomed. It would have been best to not believe in the worst - at least, his military training said so - but it seemed inevitable. There would be no way the world would trust the Navy - or the Military - or perhaps, even the Government - now, all thanks to one man who appeared to have forgotten altogether that there was supposed to be a white flag above the ship. There would be the need; too; to inform the enemy - with thousands of Reijian lives at stake on the captured ships.
Ardon Wyjsten - now 67 and with sweat dribbling down his bald head - fired off an urgent telegram to the Kardekonians.

From the desk of Ardon Wyjsten
Reijian Ministry of Defense

The Reijian Ministry of Defense is quite shocked; as I'm sure you are; as to the brutal acts ordered and carried out by one of our captains. The Ministry desires to inform you that it, and the government, condones this act. We in no way authorised the action, and we promise that the captain in question - if he survives - will be punished to the extent that the law will allow upon his return.

We would like to offer our condolences to your peoples.
If you wish, Reijian diplomats can be arranged to negotiate terms of surrender.

OOC: Of course, stuff like that makes RPs more interesting.

IC:

It took an entire five minutes for General Tava to pass down the order to cease fire after he was given it by the Grand Marshal himself, who took his sweet time passing it down to General Tava. In that five minutes the guns continued to rain hellfire down upon the surviving carriers; when the order was finally recieved, there was much grumbling amongst the gun crews. The entire reasoning behind this, of course, was that the Grand Marshal wanted those aircraft carriers intact, damaged as they may be.

An even larger boarding party was dispatched, this time escorted by the two frigates that had sat in Vartai Harbor for the entirety of the battle. Fighters were also launched, and they continued to buzz the decks to discourage the ships from trying anything else. The assault teams' primary objectives were to place the captains and senior officers of the ships under arrest, as they were to be tried for war crimes. They would then go about commandeering the ships and rounding the crews up.

The carriers, which Federal flags raised in place of Reijian flags, would then be sailed triumphantly into Vartai Harbor to signal a decisive victory over the Reijian invaders.

Vaako Stadium in Vartai had been hastily converted into a prisoner of war processing and holding center. Enlisted would be in-processed and then herded onto the massive soccer field, where they'd be left to fend for themselves until more permenant arrangements could be made. Officers were taken to the local jail where they could be kept a keen eye on, and though they'd be housed alongside common criminals, they at least had individual holding cells (certainly the Kardekonian standards for prison cell sizes meant that the officers would be cramped and fairly uncomfortable to say the very least, not to mention light deprived, but at least they wouldn't have to worry about being stabbed by one of the criminals). The higher ranking officers would be taken by the FCP for some rather intense interrogation sessions...

OOC: Alright then. :)
Sorry for the late/short reply, I have my half-yearly exams soon so...

IC:

"Thank fucking God."

Ardon Wyjsten breathed a sigh of restrained relief upon hearing that the fire upon the ships had ceased. While it was more than obvious that those aboard would now be taken as Prisoners or War and held in - put it lightly - "uncomfortable" holding, it was overall better than dying in a fiery hell-storm of missiles and shells. Too, it was likely that the captains of the aircraft carriers would be trialed and perhaps executed - and perhaps, in an earlier year, Ardon might have cared - his head, now, however, was too preoccupied with processing angry thoughts regarding the stupidity of the officers.

"Shit. Dammit, when the next Ministry gets elected, John, make sure they make the captains take fucking IQ tests. I might as well have had a donkey captain those ships."

Quickly, he sent another message to the Kardekonians, and then decided to walk off, half a cup of soothing tea, and get some sleep.

To: Kardekonia

Please inform us as to whether or not you wish for us to send diplomats to your nation for negotiations.

Ardon Wyjsten
Representative for Defense

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE FEDERATION
To: Ardon Wyjsten, Reijvajik Representative for Defense
From:Office of the Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

Mr. Wyjsten,

Please dispatch diplomats to Solderia at the earliest possible oppurtunity.

General Stepon Paulinas
Advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Grand Marshal

OOC: Ret-conned my participation due to finals. I can't devote sufficient time to this to get any enjoyment from being involved. Sorry, all

Response to Kardekonia:

Mr. Paulinas;

Diplomats have been dispatched. Their carrier will be a private aircraft identified as "RJD-006AN". Thank you.

- Ardon Wyjsten
Ministry of Defense

The crack team of four headed towards the runway entrance, unknowing as to what exactly would happen on their journey. If all went well, they should be able to reach Kardekonia in a matter of hours - and once they landed, it would just have to be seen as to whether or not they were ambushed and arrested - or something of the sort. The team was lead by a smart looking man, not past forty, who went by the name of Jacques Moiserin. Though he had a reputation for generally being a calm, collected man, even he carried a look of worry on his face, and shivered ever so slightly every couple of minutes.
Diplomats inside, the plane's engine began to hum in a gentle purr, before bursting into an intense drone, as the small passenger jet took off into the setting Reijian sky.

Preparations for the arrival of the Reijian delegation were made in the swift and effecient manner characteristic of the Kardek people. Not even the smallest detail was overlooked; five-star hotels had been booked, drivers secured, security details amassed, activities planned for the delegations when the conferences were in recess. Despite being enemies of the Federation, they would recieve the gratious hospitality of their hosts as they came to Kardekonia under the white flag of truce.

An honor guard of Paldovas, the Grand Marshal's personal guard battalion, would be present to greet the delegation at Vaako International Airport in full dress uniform, as well a the battalion's band and a number of diplomatic personnel. The talks would be held in the highly ornate Grand Marshal's Palace.

In the meantime, Federal prosecutors didn't have a difficult time building a case against the Reijian officers who had been identified as being responsible for giving the order to fire on Federal forces after they had surrendered. The trial was to begin the next day in short order, and it was expected to be a short one.

The plane was just about to reach Kardekonian airspace; and identified itself with a quick message. In the plane, the diplomats shifted uncomfortably in their seats. The Reijians had managed to get themselves into a rather large mess, and by no means would getting out of that mess be easy. Nevertheless, it had to be done.

Meanwhile, one of the captured officers sat idly in his cell. His trial was tomorrow - along with the rest of the captains and seniors - and he knew all too well that defending his actions was like trying to protect a snowflake from melting in Hell. He just hoped that the Reijian delegation could work something out - it was more than likely he would receive death for the measures he took.
Heaving a sigh, he returned to counting the hairs on his arm.

OOC:Sorry about the delay.

IC:

The diplomats were greeted with no small amount of pomp and fanfare, as the Kardekonians were quite pleased with themselves at their heroic victory over the invaders, who now came to their capital to negotiate a treaty that would no doubt favor the Federation. They were taken to armored limos which then brought them to the Grand Marshal's Palace, the drivers intentionaly taking routes to show off Solderia's baroque-era architecture that dominated much of the city.

They finally arrived at the Grand Marshal's Palace, a sprawling yet elegant structure built in the early days of the Federation to commemorate the new system. The negotiations were to take place in the Grand Study, a high wood-paneled room with a large polished oaken table at the front, and portraits of Kardek heroes of old as well as past Grand Marshals and a massive, roaring fire place. General Paulinas and his own negotiation team were waiting for the Reijians in the room, and he beckoned them to take their seats so that they could commence negotiations.

OOC: No problem.

IC:

"Look at this place!"

Jacques looked out the window of the armed limousine. He had been told to keep his calm, but it was hard to. Partly because the sprawling palace, with its grandeur, was extremely intimidating, but mostly because Ardon Wyjsten, the Defense Representative, had a reputation for being hard to please so far as negotiations were concerned. It had been a long time, he recalled, since Ardon greeted anyone at the airport returning from diplomatic missions with a smile.

Jacques greeted the general with a nervous smile.
"Jacques Moiserin, Sir."
He introduced himself, along with the rest of his team, casually, before acknowledging the gesture to sit by - well, sitting.

"I suppose we'd better get to it," he started. "Reijvajik would like to offer payment for all damages done."

"A fine start," replied Paulinas cordially, clearly pleased that the Reijians were so willing to negotiate as he motioned for an aid to hand the Reijian delegation a thick manifest of items lost as a result of the invasion and their cost.

In addition to the lost naval ships and damaged shore batteries, it included every artillery shell and missile expended by the defenders, as well as reparation payments to the families of those killed in the attack.''

"His Excellency the Grand Marshal also strongly desires that a statement of apology be made by your government to the Federal Government and the Kardek people, as well as an oath by your government never again to engage in hostile acts against the Federation," he said it with a smile, yet his tone suggested it was more of a demand than a request.

Jacques took the large pile of papers and looked over them. He turned to one of his team and whispered, "Ardon's not going to like this," before returning to his position and composing himself.

"That, we can certainly do."

"Excellent," replied Paulinas, grinning ear to ear. "Now I believe there is the issue of quite a number of Reijian prisoners of war being held by the Federation. Now, assuming we get our current agreements on paper in a timely manner, I would like to see to it that they go home at the earliest possible oppurtunity," he paused for a moment, letting his words sink in.

"However, there is the issue of a number of senior officers who have been indicted for war crimes in Federal court. I am afraid under Federal law they must stand trial here and there is no chance of extradition."

"Wonderful," Jacques replied, returning a nervous smile. "I can guarantee that you shall receive the current agreements within a short time."
Getting the Prisoners of War back home had proved to be less onerous a task than expected, and there was now the task of somehow preventing the few officers left from being executed in some horrible manner.

"We understand," Jacques began to make his reply, before pausing for a moment and starting again. "We understand that they must be trialed here, and we can agree to that. We ask that they serve their punishment in Reijvajik."