NationStates Jolt Archive

Waichen Harbour
Hainac Islands
Tolvanic Far East Colonies

Task Group 37.6, three ships strong in total, slid out of the harbour just after midnight. The task group set a course to the southeast at a leisurely ten knots. The ships' mission was simple, land Tolvanic troops on the uninhabited Spurlock Islands in the South China Sea. To accomplish this relatively simple mission the task group was built around the amphibous assault ship HMS Jacob Harper, a Minister class LPD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austin_class_amphibious_transport_dock), along with the Province class destroyer (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13375076&postcount=59) HMS Westshire and the Town class frigate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_class) HMS Broadcreek. In addition, the Resolute class cruiser (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13274357&postcount=37) HMS Diligent would be linking up with the task group near the Islands. The Harper carried a 600 man Royal Marine Battle Group, built around a battalion (-) of infantry and a company of combat engineers. The Marines would secure the islands and set to work establishing permenant basing facilities ashore.

Ownership of the Spurlock Islands was a complicated issue as some twelve nations, including the Commonwealth, claimed at least some of the nearly 700 reefs, cays, atolls and islands that made up the chain. Most of the islands were rather modest, the chain's total land area was just under 800 square kilometers, and there was little of interest on the islands themselves. However, the islands lay in the midst of extermely fertile fishing grounds and boats from dozens of nations fished the waters of the Spurlocks, a few enterprising souls had even attempted to establishing fishing ports in the islands but due to their remote location these had not proved economically feasible.

Perhaps of even more interest to the various nations with territorial claims in the Spurlocks, many geologists believed that the waters off the islands held petroleum and natural reserves that rivaled that of some Arab emirates.

So far no one had ever went out of there way to actually attempt to enforce their claims on the islands, but that was about to change.

OOC: Feel free to press a conflicting claim on the Spurlocks, but keep in mind that these are rather unimportant islands and that deploying multiple divisions and dozens of warships to take them is rather silly and most likely get you ignored. See the Spratley Islands (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spratley_Islands) for some inspiration for this RP.

HMS Jacob Harper
55 nautical miles northeast of the Spurlock Islands

"Make a hole!" The shouted command echoed throughout the half-empty vehicle bay deep in the Harper's bowels. Due to the Spurlocks' limited land area and rugged terrain the Marines of Landing Team Spurlock had brought along only a company's worth of LAVs, four LVTP-8 amtracks, and a few HMMWVs and trucks. Most of the Marines' mobility would be provided by helos and walking. The knot of Marines and sailors standing ahead of the jogger quickly parted to allow the man to pass through.

Gunnery Sergeant Peter MacGuire moved through the parted gaggle without breaking his brisk pace. Even at the age of 42 MacGuire still ran five kilometers every morning before PT and did it in twenty-five minutes or less every time. MacGuire was Lead Shooter for Landing Team Spurlock's Scout-Sniper Platton and one of the best shots in the Royal Marines.

Ten minutes later MacGuire pulled up as he completed his five click circuit around the cavernous vehicle bay. As he began his cool-down laps he checked his watch.

"What'd you do today Gunny?"

MacGuire turn to face his questioner, 1st Lieutenant Bruce Finch, CO of the Landing Team's Recon Platoon. "24:16 LT. Not too bad for an old fart if I do say so myself."

Finch smiled at MacGuire's self-depreciating humor. "I've seen worse Gunny. How long do you need to be ready to go?"

"Thirty minutes sir."

Finch checked own watch. "No need to rush Gunny, have your snipers kitted up and on the hanger deck by 0745. The Colonel wants to insert on Gryphon Island by 0900. We'll be reconnitering the island a full three hours before the landings proper begin."

"We'll be there LT."

Gryphon Island
Spurlock Islands

The thirty-three man recon team, Finch's Recon Platoon and MacGuire's Scout-Snipers, fanned out from the two NH-90 helos and quickly went to work securing a perimeter. Moments later the two helos were on their way back to the Harper and the Marines were moving off the LZ and heading for the high ground. Gryphon Island was the largest island in the Spurlocks and at 325 kilometers square it represented a sizable percentage of the Spurlocks' total land area. Control of Gryphon effectively gave on control of the Spurlocks. Satellite and aerial reconnaissance had failed to detect any other presence in the Spurlocks, but that didn't mean they're wasn't anyone else here.

Two Four Man SHADOW teams watched as the Helicoptors landed. The Eight men had been sent ahead to ensure the island was still in a position for colonization. Task Group 3 would be on station in Four Hours, on the oppisate side of the islands. The Unknown presence did not bode well for a simple takeover. The Battlehawk Science Institute had recommended the isalnd for a colonization some thirty years ago, but it was only know that forces and civvie personnel were due to arrive.

IPS Takht-e Shahanshah

"Have a look at that, seems this area got a lot more active than we were expecting." Sonar operator Piruz Tarakian said with a bit of humor. Routine patrols of the Parthian sub fleet were not typically something which ended up with a sub getting caught in the middle of a military action.

"Any action capitain?"

The officer in control of the vessel's bearing and steering asked, somewhat concerned at the recent turn of events.

Capitan Shirazi replied simply, "get out of the area and stay damned quiet, we're going to observe this for now, and make contact with command if things are going to get particularly rough."

And with that, the Takht-e Shahanshah made course southwards, moving slowly to avoid detection.

RBS Indesputable

"Sonar contact, Sonar Contact, bearing 230 degrees, recommend alert one!" The Sonar operator aboard the Indesbutable reported.
"Alert one, get get me a classification" The Captain ordered
"Working on it, recommend change heading for better angle"

To: The Nations of the World
From: The office of the Prime Minister, The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

Ladies & Gentlemen,

On one of the islands, West York Island, were several enviremental professors of one of Noordeinde's best universities. They are investigating the beautifull coral seas and tropical forests on and around the island.

This investigation is sponsored by the Noordeinde Government, and their is no population on West York island and therefore, to protect this study the Grand Duchy of Noordeinde officially commisionned a carrier to the West York Island, and we officially claim West York Island as well.

On this moment the Grand Duchy of Noordeinde Navy is on it's way towards West York Island to protect the island from any claim and to safe and protect this enviremental investigation.

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

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

IC: On the same moment that the Prime Minister made his official Statement to the world, the Hr.Ms Scheveningen, a modified by the US Kiev class Aircraftcarrier (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), sailed towards West York Island.

Onboard are multiple Squadrons which will protect the airspace above the island, and multiple planes against illegal submarine warfare.

- 2 Grumman S2 Trackers (http://www.vlaggeschipsmaldeel5.nl/assets/images/1433_vliegen_2__roel_.jpg), Anti-Submarine Warfare
- 3 S3-A Vikings (http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/8/5/1/0734158.jpg), Anti-Submarine Warfare

- 4 F35 Joint Strike Fighters (http://norway.usembassy.gov/uploads/5r/1_/5r1_vV-0hgHZFh5AN0Fjxw/JSF_real_500x400.jpg), protection division
- 4 Harrier Jumpjets (http://wpcontent.answers.com/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/AV-8B_Harrier_II-.jpg/300px-AV-8B_Harrier_II-.jpg), protection division

- 1 Grumman C1 Trader (http://www.warbirdalley.com/images/S-2-1.jpg), personnel carrier.

- 1 NH-90 Helicopter (http://www.worldwide-military.com/Military%20Heli's/Maritime%20plaatjes/groot/NH90%20(Netherlands)_002.jpg)
- 3 Westland Lynx (http://proto5.thinkquest.nl/~lle0555/lynx_22.jpg) Helicopter
- 1 Westland Wasp (http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/9/7/7/1302779.jpg) Helicopter

Captain Jerry Goldberg hoped with such a fleet of planes onboard their wouldn't be any problems around West York island.

Gryphon Island
Spurlock Islands

The recce team had established a series of OPs (Observation Posts) throughout the island. Finch and MacGuire had established their CP (Command Post) on Hill 71, so named beause it had an elevtion of 71 meters above sea level, the highest point on Gryphon Island and by extension the entire Spurlock Islands. While the team had detected traces of human presence, foot prints, discarded trash, remnants of camp fires and other pieces of evidence, it was uncertain if these were left by fishermen or survey team or by something more dangerous. While the Spurlocks had surprisingly little pirate activity due to their remote location and inhospitable enviroment, there had been sightings over the years. In fact the recent upswing in pirate activity had been a driving force behind the Commonwealth's decision to actually enforce its claim by deploying troops.

HMS Diligent
Five nautical miles south west of West York Island

After the the Grand Duchy of Noordeinde's public annoucement that it was deploying a vessel to the island to look after a Noordeindese survey team on West York Island, the Admiralty had redeployed the Diligent to patrol the waters off West York and to screen Task Group 37.6 from inbound carrier.

Waichen Harbour
Hainac Islands
Tolvanic Far East Colonies

The Unicorn class escort carrier HMS Minotaur had only recently returned from piracy suppresion operations in the Java Sea. As the Spurlocks were insufficiently important to warant deploying a fleet carrier the Admiralty had opted instead to deploy the Minotaur and her escorts should Task Group 37.6 need air support. Task Group 37.7, the Minotaur along with the Province class destroyer Weston, the City class frigate San Lupo, and the Town class frigate Burkchester would arrive off Spurlock Islands in three days.

Task Group 37.6
25 nautical miles northeast of Gryphon Island

As the Task Group continued to close on its ultimate destination, the Marines of Landing Team Spurlock preapred to disembark. The plan was to commence landings at dawn in just under two hours.

OOC: These brings my deployment to eight ships and 600 ground troops in all. I'm not gonna set deployment caps unless people go crazy, but I think my deployment is pretty close to the max.

OOC: can I participate? I promise not to be an electronic countermeasure bastard this time :P

OOC: As long as you abide by the caveat of keeping deployments reasonable this RP is completely open.

OOC:

I think it would be supremely ironic if Isapolis, a nation whose military Tolvan once made bids to modernize, should get involved in this...so I will. IC post incoming.

IC:

Message to the Commonwealth

My nation's government is shocked and horrified at this unwarranted action being taken by the Commmonwealth. We also remind the Commonwealth that Isapolis maintains legally valid claims to six of the Spurlock islands, and we do not intend to sit idly by whilst they are illegally siezed by yourselves.

I am authorized by my liege the Count of Isapolis to inform you that a military relief force is being assembled to reinforce the islands my nation claims. While it is our intention to avoid hostilities we will not hesitate to fight if you should move against said islands.

It should also be noted that several fishing vessels and a single university expedition are in the area at this time. These people are civilians. Kindly keep this in mind during your illegal adventure.

~ David Sörös, Foreign Minister, Fiefdom of Isapolis

Imperial Palace,
Aglorea City,
Capital of Aglorea

The room was cold. Emperor John Press frowned. His office was normally a comfortable 68 degrees, but now that the winter was over, the air conditioning was on. The room was now 62 degrees, too cold for his tastes. As he sat in his large, comfortable chair, the Emperor's Intellegence Advisor walked into the room. Press glanced up from his computer. "What is it, General?"

The advisor, General Arthur Patrick, walked to the Emperor's desk and dropped a series of photographs in front of him. "One of our satellites picked up ship movements in the South China Sea," he began. "Looks like the Tolvans are looking to enforce their claims in the Spurlocks."

"Don't we have claims in that island chain?"

"Yes sir. In fact, we were set to begin development last month, but it was taken out of the budget."

"Right. I seem to remember that you pointed out that there would be no threat to our claims in the region, and that working on development now would be a waste of resources."

"Well, sir, you did agree with me at the time," the General's response sounded guilty.

"It's too late to change things now, General," Press said. "I'm not going to let someone else take my islands. I want a naval group in the region. Make it happen." The general saluted and left the room, leaving the pictures on the Emperor's desk.

Patrick sent the word through the proper channels, and eight minutes later the AIS Nest, an aircraft carrier, and five other ships of the battle group were moving towards the Spurlock Islands.

Palace of the Dear Leader,
Central Highlands of Kim Jong-Ilia,
Capital of Kim Jong-Ilia

An advisor walks into the office of the Dear Leader nervously, the Dear Leader was watching the news report on the situation in the Spurlock Islands when the advisor entered the room.
He swivels his chair around to face his advisor,

"Is this about the situation in the Spurloks?"
"Yes Dear Leader"
"I can't say I'm very happy about all this, (sigh), what exactly have you come to report comrade?"
"We have lost contact with on of our um... 'research teams' on Gryphon Island, we believe the Tolvans were responsible"
"What do you think I should do?"
"Umm excuse me Dear Leader?"
"Your my advisor, advise me on what should I do"
"Oh, um, I believe we should retaliate by sending our own forces into the islands, Dear Leader"
"Okay, get me our KPA commanders"
"Yes Dear Leader."

5 minutes later

"Comrade Field Marshall, I want you do get 2000 of your troops ready for an offensive on the Spurlock Islands, get any amphibious units we have into the fight!"
"Comrade Admiral, I want you to prepare for an amphibious assault on the islands and to spare some vessels to engage the opposing fleets, along with submarine wolfpacks to attack or recon enemy vessels in the islands!"
"Comrade Air Marshall, prepare the squadrons in the region for air and night sorties, air defence and air transport!"
"Do you understand?!"
In unison "Yes Dear Leader!"
The TV screens go blank
"And so it begins."
"Dear Leader, what exactly are our claims on the islands?"
"You startled me comrade, but anyway we claimed the eastern half of the archipelago and it's resources, and if you recall we placed 1 defence team of 12 soldiers on each island we have claimed, Gryphon Island was one of them"
"That also may explain why there have been few piracy reports there for years"
"Yeah, our forces on the archipelago kicked them out"
The Advisor turns to walk out
"Oh and Rob"
"Yes Dear Leader"
"See if you can get any of our contacts in the opposing governments, particularly the Tolvan one, to get us any information on troop deployments and such"
"Yes Dear Leader"
The Advisor leaves the room and closes the door behind him.

and if you recall we placed 1 defence team of 12 soldiers on each island to mark our claim, Gryphon Island was one of them"

Captain Jerry Goldberg of the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg) received this news a couple of hours later by NCIA (Noordeinde Central Intelligence Agency) sources.

He ordered al pilots of the Harriers (http://wpcontent.answers.com/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/AV-8B_Harrier_II-.jpg/300px-AV-8B_Harrier_II-.jpg) and F35 Joint Strike Fighters (http://norway.usembassy.gov/uploads/5r/1_/5r1_vV-0hgHZFh5AN0Fjxw/JSF_real_500x400.jpg) to prepare their planes for combat if troops of Kim Jong Ilia would even try to "touch" West York Island, which has been claimed by The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde.

HMS Diligent
Five nautical miles south west of West York Island

After the the Grand Duchy of Noordeinde's public annoucement that it was deploying a vessel to the island to look after a Noordeindese survey team on West York Island, the Admiralty had redeployed the Diligent to patrol the waters off West York and to screen Task Group 37.6 from inbound carrier.


This news was reported immediatly to Captain Goldberg as well.

One of the S3-A Vikings (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_S-3_Viking_Launch_lg.jpg) which was on patrol for hostile submarines discovered the HMS Diligent immediatly when is set course to the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg).

Captain Goldberg gave order to the pilots to keep the HMS Diligent as far away from the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg) as safety precaution. The pilots understood their orders and made first contact with the HMS Diligent:

"This is the Noordeinde Naval Aviation Service, do not try to get any closer to the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg) or we will be forced to keep you away ourselves, the survey team on West York Island may not be disturbed by a conflict."

The ANS Somerset, a Duke class frigate, sailed through waters near the Spurlock Islands. The Somerset was joined by two other frigates of the same make, Corinth and Spartan, along with a Type 22 Broadsword class frigate joining them as they protected five merchant vessels sailing towards Athanic shores. Athanic MVs were usually guarded well, due to slight governmental paranoia and the fact the Navy had nothing else to do except protect the merchant vessels.

The MVs were mostly carrying grain, required to keep the booming economy of the Federation booming. While there were many farms scattered across Athanes, the nation wasn't particularly famous for green farming land. Thus, supplies of grain were needed by the Federation. Fishing was the big industry in the country, along with oil drilling despite some protests from the enviromentalists. Manufacturing was starting to challenge fishing though it looked likely that fishing would prevail. There was just too many fish in Athanes.

The Somerset had been in service for a year or two, still a young vessel. The Athanic Navy was mostly a modern frigate navy, though there were enough aircraft carriers and other vessels to mean that it could defend Athanic waters well. The military was focused upon the Navy, the Air Force and the Marine Corps, the Army being quite small really, but still well equiped and armed. The Army found itself mostly helping out during natural disasters like hurricanes or tsunmais, while the Marines were favoured for peacekeeping in foreign lands.

Captain David Fitzgerald looked at the reports from the nearby islands. The Spurlocks looked like they were turning into a warzone. He knew he couldn't leave the MVs for the Spurlocks, that would risk having the MVs sunk and having questions being asked about Fitzgerald's career in the Navy.

Fitzgerald stared at his advisor who had handed them the reports before speaking. "There's no sense in leaving the MVs. Let's just stay on course and I'll recommend to Command to send a few peacekeepers if the situation in the Spurlocks becomes any hotter. For now, we continue as normal."

Fitzgerald knew a few foreign vessels were within striking distance of the MVs and the Somerset. He crossed his fingers nothing would happen to the merchants or the frigates...

The SHADOW Team continued to observe the unknown Recon team down below them

*OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE*

TO: David Sörös, Foreign Minister, Fiefdom of Isapolis
FROM: Sir Robert Donovan, Foreign Minister, Commonwealth of Tolvan

RE: Spurlock Islands

Dear Sir,

His Majesty's Government has maintained claims on the Spurlock Islands since the reign of His Majesty King Phillip in 1885. At present we intend to garrison Gryphon Island and to maintain naval patrols in the area. We no interest in your claims and will not interfere should you wish to establish garrisons, however be aware that interence with our operations will be looked upon most unfavourably and might bring about undesired consequences.

HMS Diligent
Five nautical miles southwest of West York Island

"Noordeinde Aircraft, Diligent Actual -I am a Tolvanic warship operating in international waters. You are approaching waters patrolled by the Royal Tolvanic Navy, any interference with our operations will be met as an act of aggression and dealt with accordingly."

Task Group 37.6
20 nautical miles northeast of Gryphon Island

Shortly after dawn the first Marine landing elements began deploying. Four CH-90 "Mule" assault helos lifted off from the Harper and headed for Gryphon Island carrying a reinforced rifle company. Simultaneously, four amtracks and a LCAC emerged from the Harper's well deck and headed for Crown Beach carrying a rifle company (-) and LAV platoon.

Task Group 37.7
80 nautical miles northeast of Gryphon Island

The Minotaur and her escorts continued to approach the islands, while the ships themselves were still about six hours from rendevous with Task Group 37.6, two of Minotaur's F-194A "Pandora" (http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13478529) multirole fighters were alerady overflying the Spurlocks as part of the carrier's expanded CAP.

The SHADOW Teams approached the OP on Hill 71. Keeping to cover getting closer

The SHADOW Teams approached the OP on Hill 71. Keeping to cover getting closer

OOC: I don't know if I specified, but Gryphon Island is a volcanic island, there's much in the way of cover except rocks.

OOC: ROcks is good enough cover if your trained to use it

[B]HMS Diligent
Five nautical miles southwest of West York Island

"Noordeinde Aircraft, Diligent Actual -I am a Tolvanic warship operating in international waters. You are approaching waters patrolled by the Royal Tolvanic Navy, any interference with our operations will be met as an act of aggression and dealt with accordingly."

"Noordeinde Naval Aviation Service for Diligent, just do not interfere with Noordeinde naval operations, and we will not interfere with Tolvanic navy activities."

"And were not approaching any waters wich belong to your country, so far everything here is international waters, so our carrier the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg) will stay on course to protect our survey team and to give strenght to the official claim of Noordeinde on West York Island."

"And any hostile action on West York Island, which is Noordeinde Soil, will be seen as an Act of aggression and dealt with accordingly as well."

OP Whiskey
Gryphon Island

"Gunny, we got movement over here. Somebody trying to slink over this way it looks like."

MacGuire slid down next to Sergeant Torres, the young sniper that reported the contact. "Where're they at Vince?"

Torres shifted slightly to his right. "My three o'clock, about two hundred meters. I saw two maybe three guys, looked like military gear and they're pretty good. No pirate would have gotten anywhere near that close before i saw them."

MacGuire had yet to catch a glimpse of the lurking figures, but as Torres stated they were pretty good. He reached behind him for the bullhorn he'd brought along for just such occasions. "Unidentified personnel to my south, this is a Royal Tolvanic Marine position. Identify yourself and declare your intentions. Do not make any hostile movements or I will defend myself."

MacGuire could already hear the beat of rotors as one of the Landing Team's helos was approaching to deploy additional troops to man the expanded OP, which would soon become the Tolvanic garrison's HQ.

"Tolvans" The Team leader muttered "Smoke grenades, lets back off and go around the bottom of the hill"
The Team popped smoke and once it reached enough cover they retreated down the hill

Two Austin class amphibious transport dock ships, the ANS Fitzgerald and Thebes, were just off the shores of the Gryphon and West York, each of them carrying one Marine battalion and twenty-four AAVs. The ships were here to began Operation Phoenix, a peacekeeping operation conducted by the Athanic Marine Corps and Navy in the Spurlock Islands, with goals to establish 'safe zones' across the islands before total war broke out, if it did.

Command had felt that it would be much better to establish safe zones in the prelude to a possible major war rather than during the major war. It was widely felt that the situation in the Spurlocks would turn from a small conflict into a large international war in the Marines and Navy, giving reason for the rather early arrival of the Marines in the Spurlocks.

Soon, twenty-four AAVs were heading towards Gryphon, with AAVs of the same number heading straight towards West York. Four frigates of Duke class joined them, the ANS Victory and ANS Abraham with the division heading towards Gryphon and the Wilchester and the Harchester with the division heading towards West York.

A message was broadcast on all frequencies from the Fitzgerald; "This is the ANS Fitzgerald here with the ANS Thebes, and we wish to announce that we have deployed two marine battalions into the Spurlocks, one towards Gryphon and the other towards West York. The marines are conducting a peacekeeping mission in the Spurlocks, with the goal of setting up two or more safe zones in the Spurlocks. We request all forces do not attack either division and let Operation Phoenix be conducted. Thank you. Over."

"This is captain Jerry Goldberg of the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), a modified by the US Navy Kiev Class Aircraft carrier of the Noordeinde Navy. First I would like to thank Athanes for it's concern about the situation, but as you might have heard, on West York Island is an enviremental investigation going on by proffesors, students and scientist of Noordeinde Universities, which may not be disturbed!"

"If Athanes militairy will try to even "touch" West York Island this will be seen as a hostile action against The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde. So please stay onboard of your ships, that's no problem with us, but stay of the Island, and for your information, we will keep a close eye on your ships, their will be planes 24/7 around your ships to make sure you cannot harm or reach West York Island and if you won't withdraw those AAV's they will be sunk, Over"

OOC:
Athanes: Please edit your post to reduce the size of your ground forces. One or two battalions are the max. Also, the Austin class is nowhere near big enough to deploy a full division.

Noordeinde: Just for reference do you have stats on the modifications to your carrier?

OOC:
Athanes: Please edit your post to reduce the size of your ground forces. One or two battalions are the max. Also, the Austin class is nowhere near big enough to deploy a full division.

Noordeinde: Just for reference do you have stats on the modifications to your carrier?

((OOC: Done. Got confused between division and battalion. Won't do it again.))

OOC:
Noordeinde: Just for reference do you have stats on the modifications to your carrier?
ooc: yeah I have the stats, but my people can't read russian, so therefore I let the US "modify" the Carrier with the newest US equipment, like board computers, the whole bridge, anti aircraft guns etc... actually all russian stuff is replaced by American technolegy, which is ofcourse in English.

OOC: No problem.

HMS Jacob Harper
20 nautical miles northeast of Gryphon Island

Captain Eric Wu was irate at the moment. The operation was supposed to milk run, get in, drop off the Marines and wait for the permenant garrison to set up. The Foreign Office had assured him that no one else would be willing to contest the annexation. Naturally the pencil-dick idiots at the Foreign Office were wrong and now there was not just one but two other nations deploying naval forces and one of them actually planned to land troops on Gryphon Island. To make things worse the Marines on the island had seen someone skulking about one of their OPs but had not made a positive ID on who they were. Wu would be delighted when Commodore Hathaway arrived with the Minotaur and assumed on site command, for now though it was his mess to deal with.

"ANS Fitzgerald, Harper Actual - Negative, Gryphon Island is a legally annexed Crown Territorial Holding. You are not authorised to land ground forces on Tolvanic soil at this time. Cease your landing operations immediately and withdraw to a range of ten nautical miles. Over."

"We understand the concerns raised by Noordeinde and our AAVs will be diverted to Gryphon quickly. We will begin setting up a safe zone in Gryphon as soon as posssible with two battalions instead of one. We request that no planes circle above our ships as this will be viewed as a hostile action towards the Federation of Athanes."

The Captain of the Fitzgerald knew there was no point getting in a war with Noordeinde.

"We understand the concerns raised by Tolvan and request a Tolvanic suggestion for where to set up a safe zone which is not West York. We are only creating the safe zone for a short time if this conflict does not turn into a major war; if it does turn into a major war, our safe zone will stay under the end of all hostilites."

HMS Jacob Harper
20 nautical miles northeast of Gryphon Island

"ANS Fitzgerald, Harper Actual - Where your forces operates is no concern to me as long as you abide by the ten nautical mile Territorial Exclusion Zone around Gryphon Island. Over."

"We understand the concerns raised by Noordeinde and our AAVs will be diverted to Gryphon quickly. We will begin setting up a safe zone in Gryphon as soon as posssible with two battalions instead of one. We request that no planes circle above our ships as this will be viewed as a hostile action towards the Federation of Athanes."

The Captain of the Fitzgerald knew there was no point getting in a war with Noordeinde.

"We aren't willing to get in war as well, therefore the planes will only be 24/7 above West York Island, which is officially Noordeinde Airspace, to patrol our airspace."

((OOC: I need the name of another island.))

Task Group Three arrived off the Islands. The Amphibious assault ship launched a STOVL F-32 squadron ahead to look at the Island that they had picked to occupy. They would be followed by Blackhawks and landing ships, civvilian occupiers would arrive once secured

((OOC: I need the name of another island.))

OOC: I'm naming islands as I go, so feel free to do as well.

The AAVs started heading towards East York Island, near West York.

After about sixty minutes, the Marines landed in full force on East York, on a sandy beach. It was empty, except for regular animal life and such. The frigates stayed with them just in case an attack happened, but the two Austins had started heading back to Athanes already.

The marines quickly built a large 'tent city' for all of them, along with a makeshift runway on which the expected support aircraft would land soon. The marines began exploring the volcanic island, and discovered no military presence on the isle. East York Island was now the Athanic Safe Zone.

For now, the marines were kept on their guard, and a few were already dipping into their MREs. Thus began the Safe Zone of Operation Phoenix.

(OOC: I'm going to invent an island for my forces to move to, if that's alright.)

AIS Nest Battlesgroup
21 nautical miles east of Gold Island

Admiral James Matlock was standing on the bridge of the AIS Nest. The Nest was an aircraft carrier, nuclear powered, with three elevators for moving the aircraft up to the flight deck. It was a dangerous ship, with several anti-air weapons in the event it came under attack. Along with the Nest, Admiral Matlock was in command of four other ships, two Spear-class destroyers (each armed with Tomahawk missiles, SAM launchers, torpedoes, and three light guns), two Press-class missile cruisers (armed with Harpoon missiles, Tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, and four light guns). Also with the fleet were a number of troop transports, with soldiers numbering to about 2,100 Imperial marines.

Admiral Matlock gave the order, and the soldiers, already in their landing craft, were launched towards Gold Island. Despite the name, the island had no gold reserves. It was called Gold Island simply because the sand was a brilliant gold color. Matlock didn't plan on enjoying the beach, though. His job was to sit here, off the coast, and stop anyone that moved towards the island.

In his landing ship, Major Robert Rogers looked at his soldiers. He was in charge of the landing forces, which had the task of securing Gold Island, and, if necessary, any other islands in the chain.

Occupation Task Force 1
12 Nautical Miles north of Gryphon Island

A small fleet made up of 2 landing ship tank (LSDs) (http://www.sinodefence.com/navy/amphibious/type072iii_yuting2.asp), with 500 troops in each, 2 Soho class frigates (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soho_class_frigate) and 6 Sang-O class attack submarines (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/dprk/s-sango.htm) are making their way towards Gryphon Island at haste to capture the island.

On the Bridge of the KJS Woozee, a troop transport

"Comrade Admiral, there appears to be a large number of Tolvanic forces over at Gryphon Island, nothing which could be too troublesome."
"Well tell it to the Army colonel down there!"
"Comrade Admiral, there is also an amphibious assault vessel, a destroyer and a frigate offshore"
"Well whatever ships there are the subs will handle, now tell the colonel about what our UAV's (http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/uav/images/wz2000_01large.jpg) sight on Gryphon Island"
"Yes Comrade Admiral"

On deck
Colonel Javograd was stearing out at Gryphon Island, around him are many BMP-2s (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMP-2) and their crews in their all dark green uniforms that were standard for all members of the Kim Jong-Ilia People's Military.

"Colonel!"
"Yes"
"We have intel that the Tolvanic forces on Gryphon Island number around 350 and have begun digging in!"
"Anything else?"
"No, except there appeared to have been gunfire at the time our intel was taken"
"Hmm, well thankyou Lieutenant"
The colonel jumps on to the roof of a BMP-2
"ATTENTION COMRADES!!"
All soldiers stand at attention
"I am proud for all of you who have joined our glorious military, and I'll be proud when we land on that island, and show those Tolvans how to fight!"
Cheers from all
"They all believed that we wouldn't defend our territorial claims! They believed that we would just let them take what is ours!"
"And Today, we will show them the might of Kim Jong-Ilia!"
Cheers from all
"All soldiers get in your vehicles or get your weapons ready! Today we go to war!"

On bridge
"All personnel get to battle stations!"
"All submarines prepare to strike any warship that gets too close to us!"

Onboard of the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), 1st Officer Jake Cruise walked to Captain Goldberg, he had an important message for him. Afther 1st Officer Cruise reached the Captain he began.

"Sir I have a verry important message, the Kim Jong Ilia Navy arrived, it seems to be their first target is Gryphon Island, but I advise you to order everyone onboard to stand-by for a possible attack and to have Anti-submarine warfare planes in the air 24/7 around West York Island and the carrier itself."

Captain Goldberg listend carefully and made a decission, he ordererd 1st Officer Cruise to make an schedule so that from now on the ship and West York Island would be protected 24/7 against submarines by the Grumman S2 Trackers (http://www.vlaggeschipsmaldeel5.nl/assets/images/1433_vliegen_2__roel_.jpg) and S3-A Vikings (http://www.usna.edu/Users/cs/needham/Images/s3vikingRocketShoot.jpg), which are specialised in Anti-Submarine Warfare.

*OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE*

TO: David Sörös, Foreign Minister, Fiefdom of Isapolis
FROM: Sir Robert Donovan, Foreign Minister, Commonwealth of Tolvan

RE: Spurlock Islands

Dear Sir,

His Majesty's Government has maintained claims on the Spurlock Islands since the reign of His Majesty King Phillip in 1885. At present we intend to garrison Gryphon Island and to maintain naval patrols in the area. We no interest in your claims and will not interfere should you wish to establish garrisons, however be aware that interence with our operations will be looked upon most unfavourably and might bring about undesired consequences.

Sir,

Isapolis is releived by this reply, but nonetheless, we feel it is now necessary in present circumstances to establish an overseas garrison force on the lands Isapolis claims.

For this reason, I am authorized to inform you that elements of the Count's military forces, including a small Navy task force and elements of the Marine Battalion, will be dispatched to the islands. The exact size of this force, and its specific disposition, is classified, but they are fully trained to fight in such island landscapes, and have the Count's own blessings to resist any efforts made by foreign powers to remove them.

~ David Sörös, Foreign Minister, County of Isapolis

On the bridge of the KJS Woozee, now 7 nautical miles out.

"This is Comrade Admiral OhGum Jansen of the Kim Jong-Ilia People's Navy to the Noordeinde naval force, we will not attack your forces, we have no claim over West York Island and we have nothing against your nation so I wouldn't suggest being aggressive against our ships."
The Admiral gives the long range radio back to the comm. officer
"What is the status of the other islands?"
"The 15 North Easternmost islands have been secured."
"Tell the Dear Leader our progress and that our main attack force will soon land on Gryphon Island"
"Yes Comrade Admiral".
Overhead three Harbin H-5 bombers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbin_H-5) fly towards Gryphon Island intending to carpet bomb it.

((OOC: What, Ilia? For starters, I do not believe ROTB has entered East York and that my peacekeepers are the only ones advancing towards East York. And considering you hadn't given me any time to roleplay the unlikely events of the peacekeepers attacking you...))

Gold Island

Major Rogers smilled as he looked around the beaches of Gold Island. It was a fairly large island, but still smaller that Gryphon. There was enough room to set up an airstrip, but it would take alot of time to clear out the vegetation that ran through the center of the island. For now, a small helipad would have to do. The 2,100 marines each had something they were doing. Some where finishing laying down the base for the helipad, others were setting up sleeping arrangments, and still others were setting up defenses.

Rogers looked up as a helicopter from the Nest flew overhead and lowered over the half completed helipad. Seven men wearing navy uniforms climbed out, carrying parts of an anti-aircraft gun. There were reports of enemy aircraft in the area, and Rogers didn't want to have to rely on the Navy to protect them. Soon the gun was set up, and the helicopter was back in the air. Another helicopter flew in a few moments later, this time transporting sandbags to help the marines dig in.

Once that helicopter departed the island, there was no more air traffic scheduled to go to the island that day. Of course, fighters from the carrier would be patrolling directly around Gold Island, and would engage anything that came within five miles of the island or the taskforce without authorization.

OOC: I'll edit my post then, It's just that somewhere I thought that the Blackhawk had arrived there, but I could've mistaken the name though. Sorry if I got a little carried away there.

The Palace of the Dear Leader,
Over the Phone: "Dear Leader"
"Yes Comrade Admiral"
"I speak for all our military leaders in asking..."
"get to the point"
"Oh um OK are we allowed to send any more forces into the Spurlock Islands if necessary?"
"I'm afraid that's not possible. All forces I have given you I believed were enough, If you can't win with the forces I have sent you, then I'll consider our operation a failure. Do you understand Comrade Admiral?"
"Yes Dear Leader".
Phone hangs up

With the island confirmed safe the first of the transports had been sent out. UH-60 Blackhawks flew above them. Within an hour five Hundred Battlehawk Marines were ashore, with more still on the way. A camp of Tents were set up as each marine arrived and a defensive ditch was dug. The Prefrabricated buildings would begin construction tomorrow

On the bridge of the KJS Woozee, now 7 nautical miles out.
"This is Comrade Admiral OhGum Jansen of the Kim Jong-Ilia People's Navy to the Noordeinde naval force, we will not attack your forces, we have no claim over West York Island and we have nothing against your nation so I wouldn't suggest being aggressive against our ships."

Onboard of the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), Noordeinde Navy.

Captain Goldberg received this transmittion loud and clear, but he still decided to have Anti-Submarine Warfare planes in the air 24/7 around the carrier and West York Island, just as a safety precaution against the 4 submarines which were anounced by the People's Navy.

An hour later the Captain was called to the onboard air control tower, it seemed to be that the 4 F35 Joint Strike Fighters (http://www.ois.com/images/stories/ois/f35_2.jpg) intercepted multiple H5 bombers, and the pilots waited for orders what to do, Captain Goldberg took the microphone;

"This is Captain Goldberg, good job guys, my orders for you are to lead these bombers out of the area, do not give them the chance to harm this beautifull archipel, and if they make one hostile move, well you know your jobs!!"

Gold Island
The island was finally secured. The helipad had been completed, with some vegetation removed to make it large enough for two helicopters to land at once. Major Rogers made a call to the Nest and gave the order for one hundred of the marines to move to the west to Baker Island. He didn't know why it was called Baker, and he didn't care. He just wanted to get soldiers on there and set up more air defense weapons. If all went well, then there would be enough anti-air weaponry set up to hold their own should an attack come.


Bridge of the Nest
Admiral Matlock looked grimly at the radar screen. A number of aircraft were moving towards Gryphon Island, and it looked like they were going on the offensive. He turned to his main radar operator. "Send a message to the Kim Jong-whatevers," he said. "Tell them to turn back or their aircraft will be intercepted."


TELEGRAM
To: Kim Jong-Illia People's Navy
From: Admiral Matlock, Aglorean Imperial Navy

Our radar stations have picked up what appears to be a number of aircraft moving towards Gryphon Island. Your aggression appears to be a threat towards Aglorean claims in the region, and it is humbly demanded that all aircraft turn back. If they do not, proper action will be taken.

Onboard of the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), Noordeinde Navy.

Captain Goldberg was called in for a second time this day, but this time at the Communication Station, it seems to be the Aglorea forces picked up the Kim Jong Ilia planes as well on their radar, but maybe not knowing that Noordeinde F35's already intercepted them. As a safety precaution for the Noordeinde pilots Captain Goldberg decided to make contact with the Aglorea forces.

"This is Captain Jerry Goldberg of the Noordeinde Navy Aircraftcarrier Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), 4 of my F35 Joint Strike Fighters (http://www.ois.com/images/stories/ois/f35_2.jpg) already intercepted these bombers of Kim Jong Ilia and they are guiding them out of the area."

"But if you find it nessecary to shoot these bombers down LOOK OUT for the F35 Joint Strike Fighters (http://www.ois.com/images/stories/ois/f35_2.jpg) of the Noordeinde Naval Aviation Service, which are stationed onboard of my carrier."

TELEGRAM
To: Captain Goldberg
From: Admiral Matlock

Captain, we have no wish to make war with you. So long as your aircraft ensure they leave the area, we will make no action against them.

Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), Noordeinde Navy

To: Admiral Matlock.
From: Captain Goldberg.

Sir Admiral, The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde has no intentsions to go to war with you as well.

Our country is present around the Spurlock Islands because of West York Island, which belongs to The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde.

And to protect the beautifull envirement of this archipel against becomming a warzone.

Therefor the 4 F35's (http://www.ois.com/images/stories/ois/f35_2.jpg) of the Noordeinde Naval Aviation Service intercepted these bombers to redirect them to where they came from and so they cannot harm anyone on these beautifull islands.

The two battalions of marines, following two days of setting up camp and patrolling the camp, started scouting across the volcanic island of East York Island. There appeared to be no civillans on the isle, making East York an unhabited isle. There was, however, several small ghost towns across the isle, with shops and schools. There was an eeire feeling in the air as the marines stumbled through the ruins of the town, one of the most disturbing places being inside the dark, lonely schools.

However, eventually the marines declared that no one was inhabiting the isle. Quickly, the battalions moved to cover all the basic directions on the isle, half a battalion on each direction. Camp was soon set up in all the areas, and the two frigates remained patrolling around the coast, with another two set to join them so that it would become one frigate per direction. An Invincible class aircraft carrier was on its way, expected to arrive tomorrow. Twelve Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons had arrived already, four per direction with more expected to arrive soon.

The safe zone of East York Island had been started.

An hour later the Captain was called to the onboard air control tower, it seemed to be that the 4 F35 Joint Strike Fighters (http://www.ois.com/images/stories/ois/f35_2.jpg) intercepted multiple H5 bombers, and the pilots waited for orders what to do,

KJS Woozee, 3 nautical miles out
"Comrade Admiral! The H-5 bombers that we sent in have been intercepted and being turned back by Noordeinde's F-35s, what is your order?!"
"Hmm, well send the bombers back then, but radio the Noordeinde force that if they come back with even a scratch they too, will be at war with us"
"What about the amphibious assault comrade admiral? Don't we need bombers to weaken Tolvan forces on Gryphon Island?"
"Yes but I think our Hind (http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/5/4/3/1128345.jpg) helicopters will do that job well, don't you think?"
"Yes Comrade Admiral"

OOC: I'll be starting an OOC Thread and editing the link into this post.

CAP Flight Oscar Four
Angels 10, 35 nautical miles soutwest of Gryphon Island

The Minotaur's E-2F Hawkeye AWACS bird had detected the bomber's approach as soon as the rather unstealthy planes entered radar range. The Air Intercept Officer (AIO) aboard the Hawkeye quickly realyed the position and course of the bombers to the two Pandoras patrolling near Gryphon Island, as well as the fact F-35s, believed to be flying off the Noordeindese carrier, appeared to be moving to intercept the bombers as well. The two fighters quickly altered course and would intercept the inbound bombers well short of the island.

As they close the flight leader activated his mic and addressed the bombers. "Unidentified aircraft approahcing the Spurlock Islands, Oscar Five - I am a fighter of the Tolvanic Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. You are on course to approach the Tolvanic Crown Territorial Holding of Gryphon Island. You will alter course 45 degrees and prepare to escorted away from the area. If you resist or refuse to alter course you will be fired upon, I repeat if you resist of refuse to alter course you will be fired upon. Over."

OOC Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14764986#post14764986) is now up.

"Colonel, you are needed on the bridge!"
"Alright, do you know why?"
"No it's just the comrade admiral needs you up there right now!"

1 minute later after running up a flight of stairs
"Yes Admiral you needed me?"
"Yes, our bombers have been turned back so our landings on Gryphon Island will face more resistance than expected."
"Great, but, as you may know our Hind attack helicopters can do the job"
"Yes Colonel, the Hinds are being prepped up as we speak"
"I wouldn't suggest sending them out until the landings have begun"
"Smart move and it makes sense"
"Okay, is that all?"
"Yes Colonel, that was all"

The Colonel runs back down to the deck while the ships move closer to the islands

Onboard of the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), Noordeinde Navy.

The 4 F35 Joint Strike Fighters (http://www.ois.com/images/stories/ois/f35_2.jpg) returned onboard afther they redirected the Kim Jong Ilia H5 bombers back to where they came from.

But Captain Goldberg stayed worried about the whole situation. Therefore he ordered that immediatly afther the F35 Joint Strike Fighters (http://www.ois.com/images/stories/ois/f35_2.jpg) landed the 4 Harrier Jumpjets (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Harrier.av8b.750pix.jpg) would take over their task of patroling.

And so it happened, minutes afther the F35's (http://www.ois.com/images/stories/ois/f35_2.jpg) were back onboard 4 Harriers (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Harrier.av8b.750pix.jpg) were airborn to peform their mission; patrolling the archipel.

Afther the Harriers took off Captain Goldberg walked over to the communication central, he ordered one of the sailers to connect him with the peace force on East York Island.

"This is Captain Goldberg of the Noordeinde Navy Aircraftcarrier Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), we will join the Peace Force, afcourse we will keep protecting West York Island, but we will also protect the whole archipel from now on against all hostilities, such as the Kim Jong Ilia forces, which want to make these beautifull Islands a warzone."

Lieutenant Colonel Jonathen Newton was in the Head Camp at the centre of East York, heavily guarded by well armed Marine troops. Suddenly, as he was drinking a bottle of water and beginning to eat a MRE, the radio burst into sound.

"This is Captain Goldberg of the Noordeinde Navy Aircraftcarrier Hr.Ms Scheveningen, we will join the Peace Force, of course we will keep protecting West York Island, but we will also protect the whole archipel from now on against all hostilities, such as the Kim Jong Ilia forces, which want to make these beautiful Islands a warzone."

He jumped as the sound blasted through the tent, before walking over to it and beginning to speak into it.

"Captain Goldberg, this is Lieutenant Colonel Jonathen Newton of the Athanic Marine Corps, and we are glad that Noordeinde has decided to assist us in our peacekeeping operation, Operation Phoenix. This mission is now a joint operation, and we are pleased to have an ally on our side. We request that your forces do not attack the Kim Jong Ilians without prior aggression from the Ilians, and declare West York a safe zone for refugees in order for as many lives as possible to be saved. Over."

The Battlehawk camp was quickly coming together. Two Platoons had cleared space to Land Four UH-60's and place to park IFV's. The First of the buildings was being built as well.

HMS Minotaur
50 nautical miles northeast of Gryphon Island

Commodore Lord Owen Hathaway (The Sixth Earl of Grey Ridge) joined his staff around the tactical plot in the Minotaur's CIC. His Staff Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Commander Blake, was briefing the assembled officers on the various deployments to the Spurlocks. "Gentlemen, as you can see the Noordeindese have deployed a Kiev class aviation cruiser off West York Island, the Athanesians have deployed to East York Island and the Agloreans have deployed to Gold Island. Both the Athanesians and Agloreans are maintaining a naval presence off their respective islands. More troubling though is this force here, we have them identified as ships of Kim Jong-Ilia, we also believe the bombers the Noordeinese intercepted this morning were Kim Jong-Iliaese as well. The force appears to consist of two amphibs and two firgates, additionally we have indications that they are operating with several submarines as well. Their course suggests they intend to land on Gryphon Island."

Hathaway turned to his Operations Officer, Commander Vasquez, and pointed at the map. "Jorge, what's the status of Colonel Mitchell's Marines?"

"I spoke to the Colonel an hour ago and all personnel are ashore. They're still working on their basing facilities but they have began work on beach defences and have emplaced several SAM batteries. They'll be hard as hell to throw off that rock. Of course they're still chasing some unknown specops types around the island but so far their mystery men don't appear to be hostile, just elusive."

Hathaway thought for a moment, "Get on the horn with PACCOM and see if they shake loose a couple attack subs in the area. Pass the word to step us ASW posture in both Task Groups. Also, call the Colonel and tell him to expedite preparing his defences, his men can sleep in tents but I want them dug in and ready to slaughter any dumb fuck that tries to land on our new island. Pass the word to the Diligent to leave station off West York and move to link up with Task Group 37.6. Finally, message these Kim Jong-Ilia people and warn them off, prep an anti-surface strike package if they don't comply."


*MESSAGE TO KIM JONG-ILIA SHIPS*

You are approaching the Crown Territorial Holding of Gryphon Island. You are to alter course imemdiately. If you cross the ten nautical mile zone it will be considered an act of aggression and the use of lethal force will be authorised. You will not be warned again.

Commodore Lord Owen Hathaway
Commanding Officer, Task Force Spurlocks
Royal Tolvanic Navy

*OFFICIAL MESSAGE*

To: Noordeindese and Athanesian Forces in the Spurlock Islands
From: Commodore Lord Owen Hathaway, Commanding Officer, Task Force Spurlocks, Royal Tolvanic Navy

RE: Kim Jong-Ila

As you are likely aware military forces of Kim Jong-Ilia attempted to violate the airspace of the Tolvanic Crown Territorial Holding of Gryphon Island this morning only to be turned back by Noordeindese aircraft. We are now tracking a Kim Jong-Ilian naval force that appears to be attempting to violate the territorial waters of Gryphon Island. As Kim Jong-Ilia appears to be determined to upset the stability of the region and forcibly laying claim to Tolvanic territory I ask you for your assistance in deterring the Kim Jon-Ilian forces from violence.

Gold Island
Major Rogers looked at the map on his laptop computer screen. It was constantly being updated with information from the Nest and from his own marines over the islands. They had secured both Gold and Baker Islands, and also Grizzly Island. The latter two were fairly small islands, and only had fifty marines garrisoned on each, but anymore soldiers and there wouldn't be enough room. Each island also had a single anti-air missile launcher, but they were fairly slow to fire. Nonetheless, they had a pretty effective air defense system set up, which, when added to the naval battlegroup, would be able to beat back quite a bit.

It looked as if there was an attack underway on Gryphon Island, though. The Tolvans still held the island, but it was always possible that the soldiers from Kim Jong-Illia would prevail should they get past the Tolvan aircraft. It would be an interesting development. In the meantime, Rogers had sent another fifty marines to Knights Island. Most of these islands they were moving to were small, just large enough to garrison and set up defenses. Knights, however, would be larger than Baker and Grizzly, which would allow them to set up not only anti-air defenses, but also an anti-ship one, too.

Sergeant Tony Naros was stood guard on the edge of the Camp. The mission itself was exiciting, his current duty was boring. As he looked out in the waneing sunlight he saw a small bush move, then another. Raising his rifle he aimed it outwards.
"Thunder!" he Challenged.
"Flash!" Came the responce shortly later. Lowering his rifle Tony watched as the SHADOW's stood and walked toward the Camp.
"Welcome back Captain Knight" Tony said saluteing as the Shadows walked into the Camp.

Onboard of the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), Noordeinde Navy.

The Captain immidiatly responded to Lieutenant Colonel Jonathen Newton.

"This is Captain Jerry Goldberg of the Noordeinde Navy again, West York Island is a safe-zone but we can not allow any refugees on the island due the Enviremental Survey which is going on."

"And ofcourse we will not attack the Kim Jong Ilia forces out of ourselves, butt we will prevent them from attacking the whole archipel every time they try."

"For your information onboard of the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg) are;"

- 2 Grumman S2 Trackers (http://www.vlaggeschipsmaldeel5.nl/assets/images/1433_vliegen_2__roel_.jpg), Anti-Submarine Warfare
- 3 S3-A Vikings (http://www.usna.edu/Users/cs/needham/Images/s3vikingRocketShoot.jpg), Anti-Submarine Warfare

- 4 F35 Joint Strike Fighters (http://www.ois.com/images/stories/ois/f35_2.jpg), Combat
- 4 Harrier Jump Jets (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Harrier.av8b.750pix.jpg), Combat

- 1 Grumman C-1 Trader (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Grumman_C-1_aboard_USS_America.jpg), Personnal Carrier

- 3 Westland Lynx Helicopters (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/12/LynxMk25_DDG-72_2007.JPEG)
- 1 NH-90 Helicopter (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/NFH90.JPG)
- 1 Westland Wasp Helicopter (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/02_425_landing_on_HMS_Bacchante_Med_Dec_76.jpg)

OOC:
ORBAT

Three Avenger Class Destroyers
Three Assault Class Ambibious Assalt ships
20 F-32C's
30 UH-60 Blackhawks
10 RAH-66 Commanche's
1,000 Battlehawk Marines
30 IFV's

IC:

The SHADOW team walked into the Command tent.
"What's the situation Captain?" The Major in charge asked.
"Our Island is clear, can't say the same for the others" Knight replied.
"We'll set up our camp before we take a look around" The Major replied "Now, you and your men, get a shower, get some rat packs and have a rest, you've done good work, Dismissed"

Gryphon Island

The Task Group had relocated to keep the island between them and the approaching KJI ships. SH-90s from the Harper's escorts were maintaining round the closk ASW operations in conjunction with the escorts own sonar systems. Overhead, a fresh pair of Pandoras patrolled well away from the reach of any KJI SAMs. Lurking to the read of approaching ships was the cruiser Diligent, her massive AGM-304 AShMs already in range of the small force that seemed determined to invade Gryphon Island.

On the island itself the Marines were dug in near Crown Beach, the only beach suitable for landing operations on the side of the island the KJI forces were approaching. The Marines didn't have time to build bunkers, but they did have an elaborate series of trenches and fox holes backed by pillboxes. The Landing Team's six 120mm and twelve 20mm mortars had been presighted to every square centimeter of the beach. Several machine guns and plenty of AT missiles were sited within easy reach of the beach as well. Further to the rear MacGuire's snipers were dug in on a hill overlokking the beach. A total of four batteries of AIM-132S SAMs, surface launched variants of the potent ASRAAM, were emplaced throughout the island and the marines also had plenty of FIM-92E Super Stinger MANPADS.

If the Kim Jong-Ilians were foolish enough to attempt landing, assuming they got past the Royal Navy, they would walking into the Gates of Hell Itself and the Marines were not interested in showing any mercy.

While the Tolvan Marines were preparing themselves for a possible battle with the Kim Jong Ilia forces the 4 Harriers (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Harrier.av8b.750pix.jpg) of the Noordeinde Naval Air Service, which just took of of the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg) intercepted multiple Hind Helicopters above sea, they were probalbly flying towards Gryphon Island.

And because Noordeinde joined the Peace Force, they will prevent these helicopters from attacking the archipel and lead them out of the region, the Harrier (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Harrier.av8b.750pix.jpg) Pilots ordered the Hind helicopters to comply with their orders to retrieve and get out of the area otherwise force would be used.

Message of the Spurlock Islands Taskforce.

To: Commodore Lord Owen Hathaway, Commanding Officer, Task Force Spurlocks, Royal Tolvanic Navy.
From: Lieutenant Colonel Jonathen Newton, Commanding Officer, Spurlock Islands Taskforce, Athanic Marine Corps.

I wish to state that the Spurlock Islands Taskforce will not get involved in any conflict whatsoever with Kim Jong Ilian forces with prior aggression towards our taskforce from Kim Jong Ilia. If the Ilians do show aggression towards us, we will join you in attacking them. The SPURISTA now totals of two marine battalions, four Duke class frigates, one Invincible class aircraft carrier and ten F-16 Flying Falcons, for your information. Numbers of the SPURISTA are public knowledge and are available to all nations, but however this message is not.

The Kim Jong-Ilia Occupation Task Force 1, now holding 1 nautical mile from Gryphon Island
The Bridge of the KJS Woozee

"Comrade Admiral, the situation looks tense out there, the Tolvans have placed their task force between us and the island and...
The Lieutenant was interrupted by the communications officer
"Comrade Admiral, a message from the Tolvans!"


*MESSAGE TO KIM JONG-ILA SHIPS*
You are approaching the Crown Territorial Holding of Gryphon Island. You are to alter course imemdiately. If you cross the ten nautical mile zone it will be considered an act of aggression and the use of lethal force will be authorised. You will not be warned again.

Commodore Lord Owen Hathaway
Commanding Officer, Task Force Spurlocks
Royal Tolvanic Navy


"Okay, send them back this message:

Your forces are trespassing on lands that belong to the Theocracy of Kim Jong-Ilia and we are here to claim it back, please pull out your forces from here so we can avoid any bloodshed in the Spurlocks and avoid war.
We will await your reply.

Comrade Admiral OhGum Jansen
Commander of Occupation Task Force 1
Kim Jong-Ilia People's Navy

"Also bring me the long range radio, I am going to send a message to all other forces in the islands"
Hands the long range radio to the admiral
"This is Comrade Admiral OhGum Jansen of the Kim Jong-Ilia People's Navy, any conflict that may occur in the islands will be between our forces and the Tolvans, do not get involved or your forces will be considered enemies of the state. We do not wish to harm anyone unless absolutely necessary. We have also taken 16 other small islets in the North-Eastern sector of the Spurlocks and we do not expect any conflict to occur on those islands".
Hands the long range radio back to the comm. officer
"Are the Hinds prepped up?"
"Yes"
"Are our submarines shadowing the Tolvan vessels?"
"Yes"
"Are our Hinds ready for takeoff?"
"Yes"
"Anything else from our UAV?"
"Yes, the Tolvans are setting up SAMs and ASMs on the island, they are building a large system of trenches on the island as well"
"If the Tolvans reply in a way we don't agree with, I want our ships to be prepared to shell those positions, our SAMs be prepared to shoot down any aircraft, our submarines to sink any vessel etc. you get the point"
"Yes Comrade Admiral"
"Tell the colonel of all of this and tell him to get his BMP-2s into the water and prepare to attack at any moment"
"Yes Comrade Admiral"

OOC: Noordeinde, I haven't launched the Hinds yet, they are still on my ships.

As conflict looked certain to explode on Gryphon Island, one of the four Duke class frigates which were part of SPURISTA, the ANS Monument, approached the island. They would reach ten nautical miles from the territory and stay there unless attacked. The Monument was there to monitor the situation, nothing else.

The captain of the vessel, Kimberly Norton, a young female captain, quickly sent out a message on all frequencies about twelve nautical miles from Gryphon;

"All forces, all forces, this is Captain Kimberly Norton of the ANS Monument, we are here to monitor the situation on Gryphon Island. We are from SPURISTA, and we are only hear to keep track of the situation. Over and out."

Commodore (Brevet) Deco Ferenci of the County of Isapolis Navy stood silently on the bridge of the F-70 class destroyer, watching the Spurlock Islands grow in the distance. He wasn’t sure which of those he might be looking at specifically, though the pretty blonde ensign on Navigations could probably tell him. It did not matter, really. He had one mission, to escort the transports carrying the 600 Count’s Marines he had been assigned to protect safely to the Spurlock Islands, and watch them as they established a garrison to protect them. There was also something about some university scientists, but he did not care a lot about that. Keeping civilians alive was not typically his work.

His fleet was small, only five hulls. There was his destroyer, a light Invincible-class aircraft carrier, a Type 23 frigate, the Austin-class amphibious transport carrying the Marine forces, and a supply ship. The Navy had also sent a Type 214 diesel-electric submarine out ahead of him, to link up with his forces once they had arrived. Once this whole situation had calmed down, he was told he would take most of the Marines back home, leaving perhaps a strong company and the frigate. That was the plan. It fell to him to make it actually possible.

***

Captain Cara Millino, Lionheart Company, 1st Marine Battalion looked down at the load-bearing harness she wore one more time. Everything was there, from extra clips of ammunition to a utility flashlight, at least as far as she could tell. She just didn’t want to forget anything, especially the ammunition. She would hate to run short on that, even with Command’s assurance that this job would be straightforward just like training, even going so far as to say no shots would be fired. Millino would believe that when she was on her way home. Right now, however, home was quite a long way away, and she was heading for a large chunk of dirt and rocks called George Island, largest of the six islands in the Spurlock formation claimed by Isapolis. It was named for Count George V. According to intelligence reports, George Island had no indigenous population in permanent residence, but a small expedition of university scientists was on scene looking for new petroleum. Ensuring the safety of the eggheads was one of the missions which had been entrusted to the Marine Battalion. It sounded like a straightforward job – land, secure the six islands claimed by the Count and protect the science expedition.

“Captain Millino?” The voice of Company First Sergeant Renato Calabrese broke her concentration and caused her to look up. The company’s leading NCO was decked out in full battle kit like her, and his iron hard, stern featured face was covered in camouflage painting.

“What is it, First Sergeant?” she asked.

“Major Naranjo wants to see you, Ma’am,” he said.

Millino nodded. Major Yago Cisneros Naranjo, the company’s commanding officer, had just been assigned to Lionheart last month.

“Did he say what for?” she asked. Calabrese shook his head.

“No, Ma’am, and I didn’t ask. He just said you were to report to him in the loading area right now.”

Millino nodded. The man probably wanted a last-minute officers meeting before the Marines loaded into the AAVs and hit the beach. Rising to her feet, she began the short trek to the loading area.

***

“Fifteen seconds to the beach! Good luck to you all!”

Captain Millino had to grin as she braced against the turbulent passage to the beach. If there was one thing she did not like about being a Marine, it was being packed into a big sardine can before hitting sand like this. The rear crewman’s well-wishing was appreciable, but probably unnecessary. There had been no sign of a threat on George Island, and the Commodore had not even shelled it before he launched in his Marines. That was a good sign. Lionheart Company had been assigned to take the main island.

Millino looked across the troop bay at the freckle-faced, red-haired second lieutenant commanding Red Platoon, one of Lionheart Company’s rifle elements. The kid was probably sweating, though she wore her full battle kit just like Millino, and so it was hard to be sure from imagery. According to battle drill, Millino should not have been in the same vehicle, instead sharing the AAVC-7A1 command vehicle with Major Naranjo, but in the short meeting before the landing, the Lionheart CO had expressed concern that enemy action, or even perhaps an accident, could knock said vehicle out, and if that should occur he had decided it would be a good idea for his 2iC to be somewhere else, just in case. For that reason, she would hit the beach with the first wave forces. Along with her, CFS Calabrese and her personal RTO had been packed inside the limited space.

“Here we go!” The crewman’s shout was hardly necessary, the sudden trembling and shaking as the AAV transited from sea to sand making it obvious they had made landfall.

"Here we go!" she shouted, as the ramp fell, and the Marines of Lionheart Company surged onto the beach.

OOC: I am going to list the islands I have claimed and captured in the OOC thread. To save space here.

OOC: For the record, I'm naming my Island Hawk Island

http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv241/Vegas_Ireland/NationStates/CoatofArmsofAthanes.png
The Federation of Athanes
The Office of the President

Official Statement: The Spurlock Islands

The situation in the Spurlock Islands is failing fast. Despite the arrival of SPURISTA, our peacekeeping forces for the Spurlocks, arriving, conflict between the nations of Tolvan and Kim Jong Ilia looks likely to start a major war in the Spurlocks. The SPURISTA safe zone of East York Island has been established, and while the current total of SPURISTA forces is satisfying, all our peacekeeping efforts may prove futile of Tolvan and Kim Jong Ilia start a war over these small, peaceful islands.

Athanes encourages all nations involved in the conflict not to let the situation in the Spurlocks develop into a major international war which the Spurlocks, and indeed several nations, may never recover from. Violence is not the answer to these disputes, diplomacy is. War does not decide who is right, only who is left.

While Athanes understands the anger of Kim Jong Ilia after their 'research teams' in the Spurlocks disappeared, but sending military forces and attacking Tolvan is most defiantly not the answer. We would encourage Kim Jong Ilia to end military operations in the Spurlocks which look certain to start a war, compromise, and possinly join the peacekeeping effort.

Athanes would encourage discussions between Tolvan, Kim Jong Ilia and other nations claiming territories in the disputed Spurlocks to decide which state controls which territory. Military action will achieve nothing but death in the Spurlocks, as it usually does.

If the situation in the Spurlocks explodes into a major war, the Athanic Armed Forces will be forced to send the ANS Sparta, an Invincible class aircraft carrier and a platoon of Marine Rangers, the special forces branch of the Marine Corps. If SPURISTA is attacked by the forces of any nation, this will be viewed as an act of war.

East York is a safe zone for all. It is a neutral territory, and we will accept and welcome all refugees from the islands of the Spurlocks. However, military forces are unwelcome unless they support the peacekeeping efforts of the SPURISTA.

Athanes hopes that peaceful diplomacy will prevail over the bloodshed of warfare.

OOC: Noordeinde, I haven't launched the Hinds yet, they are still on my ships.

ooc: okay, but did I understand right that their now airborn? Because well Hinds aren't really stealthy so we still discovered them and intercepted them now on the moment

IC: Althoug the Hind helicopters were actually quite fast, they couldn't escape from the faster Harriers (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_Harrier_GR7A_Afghanistan_Frontal_Flares_lg.jpg) of the Noordeinde Naval Aviation Service.

The Harriers (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_Harrier_GR7A_Afghanistan_Frontal_Flares_lg.jpg) intercepted the Hinds, the Squadron leader of the Harriers (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/images/AIR_Harrier_GR7A_Afghanistan_Frontal_Flares_lg.jpg) ordered the Kim Jong-Ilia Helicopters to withdraw and alther course back to their vessels otherwise force would be used to get them back to where they came from.

Onboard of the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), Noordeinde Navy.

Captain Goldberg walked into the Air Control Tower, it seemed to be one of the Noordeinde Naval Aviation Service Grumman S-2 Trackers (http://www.vlaggeschipsmaldeel5.nl/assets/images/0334_164_mad-boom__cillekens_.jpg) detected one of the Kim Jong-Ilia Sang-O Class subs, and the pilots waited for further orders. The Captain took the mic.

"Captain Goldberg here, keep following the sub, and if it's going to make any hostile move you take him out."

The pilots understood their orders and kept on following the Sang-O Class sub, if it would make one hostile move against Tolvan ships they would sink the sub by throwing of a depth charge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_charge) right on it.

IC:

Isapolis sees no need to discuss its claims with anybody. They are valid, and have stood for many years. Just as we will not attempt to sieze islands which have been claimed by others, we shall not permit ours to be siezed by foreign interests. Isapolis will maintain military forces in the Spurlock chain for just as long as we believe it is necessary, be that a day, or a thousand years.

~ David Sörös, Foreign Minister, Fiefdom of Isapolis

The ANS Sparta left Port Corinth just as dawn was beginning to break in on Athanes. It was sailing towards the Spurlock Islands, East York specifically, as conflict looked certain in the small little string of islands. It was a good distance from Corinth to East York, about a day or two.

Four F-16 fighters soon went up to patrol the skies as the ship started on its way to the South China Sea, where the Spurlocks were located. Four F-16s would always be up, patrolling the skies, just in case foreign forces would attack them. Of course, it would be different planes and pilots, but four F-16s would always be up until they reached East York.

The Marines were still unsure if they should send the Marine Rangers, which was why another vessel wasn't behind them. A few frigates would have to be spared to defend the vessel which would be transporting the marines to East York, defiantly.

Near West York Island the Noordeinde Navy Submarine Hr.Ms Walrus (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/4_walrusklasse_onderzeeboten.jpg), a Walrus Class Submarine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walrus_class_submarine), finnaly approached it's destination, West York Island and it's partnership Hr.Ms scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg)

The Hr.Ms Walrus (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/4_walrusklasse_onderzeeboten.jpg) would be responable for coastal patrol around West York Island and to tail the Kim Jong-Ilia submarines and prevent them from attacking.

Should the conflict spread south, the Technocratic Union of the Republic of Othere will treat any invasion of the national waters of its colony of L'Alatere as an act of agression.
The TU wishes for no war but must treat its position near the Spurlock Islands with a degree of Weltpolitik in order to protect its interests in the region.

Gold Island
Admiral Matlock stepped out of the helicopter and onto the sand for the first time. His black shoes were polished, but the shine seemed to disappear within a few step as the sand was tossed with each step. He wore the standard white uniform of an Aglorean Navy admiral, with polished gold buttons. He walked briskly to Major Rogers' tent. He entered and nodded, "Major Rogers."

The Major turned to him and saluted. "Admiral Matlock. What can I do for you?"

"Have all of the defenses been set up on Knights Island?"

"Yes sir. If any hostile ships move near the island they'll get hit. Our air defense grid is being set up now, too. I just sent another two hundred marines to secure Saint's Island, Humble Island, and Fox Isle. Seventy-five soldiers on each. More anti-air launchers will be set up on each."

"Good. Things seem to be going rough on Gryphon Island. War is likely to break out there soon. Once it clears up, that will be our best chance to swoop in and take over. I'll be back here in a day or two. Until then, carry on, Major." The Admiral saluted before turning and leaving Gold Island. Now all that remained to be seen was how things unfolded on Gryphon Island.

The Grumman S-2 Tracker (http://www.vlaggeschipsmaldeel5.nl/assets/images/0334_164_mad-boom__cillekens_.jpg) of the Noordeinde Naval Aviation Service was still in the air, following the Kim Jong Ilian submarine, but their was one problem, the plane was running out of fuell and had to return to the Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Kiev-class_Novorossiysk_DD-ST-85-06598_r.jpg), this caused another problem, if the Grumman S-2 Tracker (http://www.vlaggeschipsmaldeel5.nl/assets/images/0334_164_mad-boom__cillekens_.jpg) would return back to the carrier they would lose track of the Kim Jong Ilian submarine.

Both pilots decided to ask for back-up which could take-over the surveillance. Captain Rutherford of the Noordeinde Navy submarine Hr.Ms Walrus (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/4_walrusklasse_onderzeeboten.jpg) decided to take over the surveillance of the Grumman S-2 Tracker (http://www.vlaggeschipsmaldeel5.nl/assets/images/0334_164_mad-boom__cillekens_.jpg). So from now on they would tail the Kim Jong Ilian submarine from safe distance and intervene if it was nessecary.

KJS Woozee
"It seems as though the Tolvans aren't going to reply to our message Comrade Admiral"
"Hmm, well, so be it"
"To all personnel we are about to go to war with the Tolvans, you have all been trained for a time like this, so whatever happens in the next few minutes, I know that every one of you will perform your duty with honour and will be honoured after all this is over"
"Tell the colonel that when my ships open fire on the Tolvan ships he is to make his way to Gryphon Island, it is on"
The Hind helicopters were now patrolling the perimetre around the Kim Jong-Ilia vessels, waiting for the order to attack
"Yes Comrade Admiral"
"All ships OPEN F..."
"Comrade Admiral do not open fire!"
"What!"
"I just got this message, it is straight from the Dear Leader himself!"
"Hand it here!"
Message to Occupation Task Force 1,

To: Admiral OhGum Jansen
From: The Dear Leader

After hearing of the stand-off at Gryphon Island between your forces and ours, I decided to withdraw your forces and put them in for defence of the islands we have already secured. A war with the Tolvans is, not in our best interests.

~ The Dear Leader

"It's genuine Comrade Admiral"
"Yes it is, OK, all Hind helicopters fall back to the ships, all amphibious tanks, fall back to the troop transports, all submarines, fall back to the main fleet, we are retreating to the islands we already claim"
"Give me the long range radio"
The comm. officer hands the admiral the long range radio
"To Tolvan ships, we will not start a war with you but take this as a warning, consider yourselves lucky, as next time, you may not be so lucky"
Hands long range radio back
"It will be 25 minutes before we are ready to fall back Comrade Admiral"
"Fair enough then"

KJS Woozee
"Admiral, all of my forces are back on the transports, why have we fallen back?"
"Colonel, the Dear Leader told us to stand down and retreat to our already secured islands"
"May I have a look at the orders?"
"Yes you may"
After reading the message
"Well then, if this is from the Dear Leader himself, then I understand then"
"Okay, I am going back to the bridge, prepare your forces for fortification and island defence"
After arriving on the bridge
"Comrade Admiral, it appears as though one of our submarines isn't returning to the fleet!"
"Do you know why?"
"No"
"Has it been sunk?"
"No, it is still on our sonar but it is moving away from us and the Tolvans entirely and we haven't been able to contact them"
"hmm, then it is a rogue then"
"Do you want to inform the other forces?"
"Yes, to avoid a mistake and a conflict"
"Here is the radio sir"
Hands the admiral the radio

To all forces in the Spurlocks, one of our submarines have gone rogue and you have permission to sink the sub, but do not retrieve any wreckage from it after it is sunk, wait for one of our vessels to retrieve the wreckage, as you may understand, we do not want our technology going to anyone elses hands, friend, foe or neutral.

Hands radio back

"Okay, we can move back to the North-Eastern Chain, rendezvous with our other forces in the region at Joh Island"
"Yes Comrade Admiral"

OOC: I apologize for not posting, my home Internet has been down, hopefully I'll have it back it up within the week. I'll try to post some more IC stuff later on today.

To all forces in the Spurlocks, one of our submarines have gone rogue and you have permission to sink the sub, but do not retrieve any wreckage from it after it is sunk, wait for one of our vessels to retrieve the wreckage, as you may understand, we do not want our technology going to anyone elses hands, friend, foe or neutral.

Onboard of the Hr.Ms Walrus (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/4_walrusklasse_onderzeeboten.jpg), Noordeinde Navy,

Captain Rutherford received the last transmission of the Kim Jong Ilian Navy vessel KJS Woozee.

It seemed to be one of their submarines had been gone rogue, and the submarine the Hr.Ms Walrus (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/4_walrusklasse_onderzeeboten.jpg) tailed was the rogue Kim Jong Ilian sub.

Their was a dillema for Captain Rutherford, the Noordeinde Navy served here as peacekeeper with the Athanes forces, this meant that he couldn't open fire as long as the Kim Jong Ilian submarine wouldn't make any hostile moves toward others.

Captain Rutherford decided to keep on tailing the rogue Kim Jong Ilian submarine until they had the right to sink the rogue submarine if it would try to harm anyone.

The AIS Nest
Admiral Matlock stepped back onto the bridge of the Nest. He had polished his black shoes on the way back from Gold Island. Immediately as he walked in, his XO moved towards him and saluted. "What is it?"

"Admiral," the XO began. "We got a message from Kim-Jong-Illia regarding a submarine of theirs. It appears it has gone rogue and they want our help to take it out. Oh, and they don't want us to search the wreckage."

Matlock thought for a moment. They could do a couple of things. They could do nothing, which would have no benifit to them at all. They could sink it, but then they'd have to investigate the wreckage, otherwise it would be a waste of resources. That left one option. "Find a way to bring it to the surfce," he said decisively. "Then capture the crew and check the sub. Sink it later."

"Yes sir," the XO responded. Now he had to find a way to make it happen.

OOC: Noordeinde, you had the right to sink it from the moment I said 'permission'.

IC:
On the submarine, KJS Durga
"Comrade Captain, why are we not following the order from the Dear Leader?"
"I do not believe the order came from the Dear Leader, I believe the Admiral chickened out and made the orders up himself!"
"But"
"But nothing Comrade Lieutenant, just do as I order and all will be well"
"Comrade Captain! Where are we going exactly?! Are we not following the fleet!"
"No Comrade, we're not following the fleet, we are going to attack one of the opposing fleets, maybe the Athanean Fleet"
"Comrade Captain, I will not let you do that!"
"And what Comrade Lieutenant, are you going to do about it?"
"I will think of something"
"I'm sure you will"
The captain pulls out his Fort 14 sidearm and shoots the lieutenant
"That is what happens when you go against my authority! You two, take his body away! Comrade, set a course for the Athanean peacekeeping forces!"
"For the Dear Leader and for Kim Jong-Ilia!"

OOC: Sorry for the crappy post, but it's just o keep things going till my internet is back up.

HMS Minotaur
20 nautical miles northeast of Gryphon Island

Commodore Hathway watched as Kim Jong-Ilian force moved away from Gryphon Island steadily. He wondered if the crews of the vessles knew just how close to death they'd come as they had faced almost insurmountable odds.

However, Task Force Gryphon now had things in the area mostly under control. The Minotaur and her escorts had linked up with the Harper and her own escorts earlier in the morning. The Diligent still lurked to the south shadowing the Kim Jong-Ilians. The carrier's CAP now covered Gryphon Island entirely, as well as the rest of the Northern Spurlock Islands. Colonel Mitchell's Royal Marines had continued to dig in and now had an operating airstrip on the island that was being used to bring in another Royal Marine rifle company, giving Mitchell a full battalion, as well as additional SAM launchers, two batteries of 105mm howitzers, and a platoon of tanks.

Freshly reinforced, the Marines were moving out to land troops on the Commonweath's other claims in the Spurlocks. Already six other islands housed garrisons and more would come when the follow-on battalion of airmobile troops arrived in the that night.

The Commonwealth's grasp of the Northern Spurlocks was getting stronger and it woul take quite an effort to pry it loose.

AIS Nest
Admiral Matlock studied the map of the Spurlocks carefully. They had secured most of the southern islands they had claim to, and the Tolvans had taken several of the northern islands. Gryphon Island was the only one claimed by both forces that was of any value, but a compromise could possibly be made. That was up to the politicians, though. At the same time, the Kim Jong-Illia submarine was still moving and his XO hadn't managed to come up with an idea to get it to the surface short of simply waiting.

While more islands were being secured, Matlock gave the order for an underwater investigation team to be assembled and ready to search the wreckage of the submarine. Once they were prepared, he ordered two planes to be armed with depth charges to sink the sub. Soon, they were in the air, on their way towards the subs location. Once it was in the most shallow area possible, the charges would be dropped.

KJS Soho, new flagship after the Admiral transferred off the KJS Woozee
"Do we know where the sub is roughly?"
"Yes Comrade Admiral"
"Where is it?"
"Here Comrade Admiral"
"Between West York and Gryphon I see"
"Yes Comrade Admiral"
"Okay, hand me the radio"
Radio is handed to the Admiral
Comrade Captain Hu, get your India to the coordinates I'm sending you now.
Comrade Captain Ulya, I need your Najin class frigate (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/dprk/f-najin.htm) to escort the sub and to mark it's location in the archipelago when it's retrieving the wreckage. I don't trust that other nations won't go through the wreckage themselves. Comrade Admiral out.
Hands the radio back

OOC: Internet is still down, but here's another brief post.

Gryphon Island
Tolvanic Northern Spurlock Islands

Gryphon Island was no longer the desolate rock it once was, it now housed a rather large Tolvanic base. A complete 4,000 meter airstrip dominated the island's east end and several piers were under construction in the large natural harbor to the west. Crown Beach was even more fully fortified and it unlikely than any force smaller than a full brigade would be able to break the lines there. Further inland numerous batteries of ASRAAMS and AIM-54S Phoenix SAMs were emplaced, along with two batteries of AGM-85 "Pelican" light AShMs. In addition to the reinforced Marine battalion that garrisoned the island, a follow on battalion from 15th Airmobile Division's 44th Airmobile Brigade was arriving to bolster the garrison and free up the Marines to secure the Commonwealth's other claims. A new command center was now in operation in the caves beneath Mount Stewart, in the island's center. Finally, the Royal Air Force, to date the only service to not take part in Operation Swift Arrow, was deploying two squadrons of F-35Bs to operate out of the newly named Royal Air Station Gryphon and to augment the Minotaur's air wing.

To all forces in the archipelago.
We are sending out a frigate and a cargo submarine to go and help the search for our rogue submarine, do not attack them, they are only here to help search and to recover the submarine.

Comrade Admiral OhGum Jansen
Commander of Occupation Task Force 1
Kim Jong-Ilia People's Navy

To: Comrade Admiral OhGum Jansen, Kim Jong-Ilia People's Navy
From: Captain Goldberg, Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss250/krijk/NoordeindeNavykievClasscarrier.jpg?t=1242228615), Noordeinde Navy

Comrade Admiral Jansen,

If your ships will "behave" themselves and not start something like an attack or invasion we will let them handle their bussines. But we will keep a close eye on them, and if they will make 1 hostile move towards any country in this archipelo, we will surtenly take them out.

Sincerely Yours,
Captain Goldberg
Hr.Ms Scheveningen (http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss250/krijk/NoordeindeNavykievClasscarrier.jpg?t=1242228615)
Noordeinde Navy.

One minute from the KJS Durga

Three Aglorean aircraft flew towards the location of the rogue Kim Jong-Illia submarine. Two of the aircraft were AG-123 "Devil Blaze" interceptor airplanes, which had the capability to fly at Mach 2, although they were currently moving at a much slower rate as they neared the enemy. The third plane was a slower D-2 "Coughdrop", which held a small boat that would be dropped, complete with the investigation crew, towards the soon-to-be crash site. The Devils dived towards the ocean surface (the pilots could see the approaching Kim Jong-Illia ships closing quickly) and released specially designed depth charges. The charges were fitted with a system that would allow a certain amount of homing capability, and as soon as they hit the water the system was activated.

The charges automatically detected the submarines heat trail, which stood out compared to the cooler water around it, and small jets moved the charges (eight in total) on a more accurate course towards the submerged craft. The design was still in its test stage, and there was very little fuel to make the course adjustments, but the job was done. The charges detonated around the sub. The pilots didn't stick around to check the damage.

Seconds later, the small boat, slowed by parachutes, hit the water. Six men had been sent from the Nest to investigate the inevetable wreckage. As the water erupted from the force of the explosions, five of the men did a final check before diving into the water. The final man was to stay in the boat and monitor the situation from the surface. The men dived, waiting for the bubbles to clear.



OOC: Basically, I'm assuming the sub sinks. Once the men investigate and return to the surface, I figured they'd be captured and interrogated or something. Make it a bit more interesting.

On the KJS Durga's bridge
"Comrade Captain, the Agloreans have destroyed the rogue sub! But it appears they are trying to send divers onto it!"
"The Agloreans are doing what!? Hand me the radio now!
"Yes Comrade Captain"
Hands the radio to the captain
"To the Agloreans, I, Captain Ulya, demands to know what they are doing and to cease and desist until the KJS Delta has recovered the wreckage!"

The AIS Nest
Admiral Matlock frowned as the message played. "Send a response," he ordered his XO. "To Captain Ulya, this is Admiral Matlock of the AIS Nest. It was requested and deemed acceptable that your rogue submarine be destroyed. The task force currently waiting over the wreckage was dropped to ensure that the sub was indeed destroyed, and nothing more."

The message was sent. Matlock knew they weren't likely to believe the story for long, but it would hopefully buy enough time for the search team to send information back. Already they were recieving a live video feed of the wreckage, and any computers that might still be onboard would have all of their files copied and sent back to the Nest.



OOC: I won't RP the dive team until you post what survived the explosions. I don't want to make up what survived and was lost onboard your ship. And again, I think an interrogation type of scene would be entertaining, so I ask you to capture the divers instead of try to kill them.

OOC: I'm only going to describe the wreckage in this post

IC: The Sang-O sub sat on it's side on the muddy bottom, it's conning tower had been disintegrated by the depth charges which had also destroyed the torpedo bay on the bow, tearing it open. The fuel tanks in the stern though were mostly intact and were spilling little to no oil. The crew that weren't killed by the explosions drowned inside the sub when it was aunk, the captain was still convinced that he was right and that their wasn't an official cease fire. He was among those that drowned.

"We have just recieved the Aglorean message, I personally do not believe it Comrade Captain."
"Well then we will continue toward the ship wreck"
"Yes Comrade Captain"
"Tell Comrade Captain Hu to hold beside our vessel and prepare to raise the sub"
"Yes Comrade Captain"
"Also, tell the crew to prepare for a possible conflict, I just hope we don't have one"
"Yes Comrade Captain"

AIS Nest
Admiral Matlock looked at the the video feed coming in from the divers. The water was remarkably clear considering a ship had just been sunk by high explosives. The information here would be valuable to a point, but unfortunately the Kim Jong-Illia recovery ship was quickly nearing the wreckage, and the dive team would have to cut things short. They would not be able to enter the sub and investigate, but one of the divers had time to slip a GPS tracking device into one of the darker damaged sections. It was small, and nearly impossible to see. Hopefully it stayed that way.


Back above the wreckage, the single Aglorean diver sat in the boat, looking at his options. He had just recieved a radio message to surrender, and not risk the lives of everyone involved. As the divers returned to the surface and climbed into the boat, the man waved a white flag over his head while sending a message to the Kim Jong-Illia ships.

"Attention Kim Jong-Illia vessels, we do not seek conflict. We are only here to confirm the sinking of the submarine. We request that you allow us to be returned to Aglorean waters."

"To the Aglorean vessels, you may leave the area, you can return to your waters, we have nothing to dispute against your nation or military."
Radio handed back
"Alright, tell Comrade Admiral Jansen that the sub was destroyed and that we are now recovering it"
"Yes Comrade Captain"
"Also call Captain Hu to have his crew, once the wreckage is onboard his India, to search for anything out of the ordinary, I don't believe that those divers that we saw come out of the water were just seeing if they actually sank the sub"
"Yes Comrade Captain"

OOC: Actually, it's just a single small boat that doesn't have the range to travel that far. It would require a larger operation involving pickup by aircraft.

Gryphon Island
Tolvanic Spurlock Islands

The first of the big C-17s had landed just after nightfall. Soon another of the big transports had arrived and unloaded their cargo. Some 800 members of 3rd Battalion, 44th Airmobile Brigade were now moving to replace the Marines in their fighting postions. Most of the Marines were redploying back aboard the Harper in preperation for further landings to secure other islands in the Spurlocks.

Soon after the paras had arrived the first of the RAF's F-35Bs had begun to arrive to bolster the island's air cover. They were joined by additional ground crews and work was began to expand RAS Gryphon even further.