NationStates Jolt Archive

New British Shores Broadcasting Corporation

Government sources have confirmed that this morning a Cruise ship from NBS Cruise hit a Sea Mine. The Sea Mine, seemingly left over from some war. Has left the ship in a dire state. To make matters worse reports suggest the Cruise ship may have drifted into another Nations Waters

OOC: Need someone to be the waters the ships drifted into, don't mind how you respond, the sea mine could be yours if you wish as well.

ooc: I don't feel like being the nation, but I will offer assistance later

Ooc: Ok

OCC

The incident can happen in my waters
Listed under the map are what each island has present. As you will see some are sensitive military installations, I think we should assume you would not be allowed to sail too close to those but i will leave it up to you where your ship hit a mine.

Incidentally I have no sea mines, so this must have been left over from earlier wars.
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k411/Game-Images/RechburgTerritory-1.jpg


Islands of the Saarland archipelago
Stanton Is
Population 250,000
Towns - Dianne, Memphis, Shannon.
Economy - based on Tourism
Mons Naval base.
Marine Force 2 Battalions of Marines
Airbase - Mons
Civil airfield - Mons
Radar and Sosus (under water Sonar)line linking Rechburg.

Leo Is
Population - 275,000
Economy - Food (fruit etc)
Civil airfield -Wigram
Towns - karen, Lumsden, Kingston.

Kyle Is
Population - 385,000
Economy - fruit, ore
Civil airbase - Cameroon
Port Digby
towns - Cameroon, Sheffield, Digby
Marine base - 2 battalions of Marines
Airbase - Sheffield
Naval base Digby
Radar and Sosus (under water Sonar)line linking Rechburg, via Stanton Is.

Brent Is
Brent Island is a restricted zone. There is no civilian community.
The island is the base for significant satellite, radar and Intelligence gathering facilities, including SOSUS
It includes large air, naval and army bases. It is very heavily protected by ABM as well as minefields on both land and sea.
1st Destroyer Flotilla
3rd SSN Flotilla
1st Infantry Brigade (1st Inf Div)
4th Maritime Squadron (P7)
2 x AWAC Planes - 1st AWAC Flight, 1st AWAC Squadron.

Sand Is
Population 156,000
Economy - Tourism
Towns - Laignes
Naval & Airbase - Laignes

Graham Is
Population 367,000
Economy - Oil
Towns - Auxerre, Donzy
Civilian airfield at Auxerre.
Port at Donzy
Naval & airbase at Presly

Rochester Is
Rochester is a large naval and air complex, it has no civilian community.
Military base & Port- Rochester
It includes SOSUS

2nd destroyer Flotilla
2nd Infantry Bde (1st Infantry Div)
2nd maritime squadron (P7)
2 AWAC Planes (1st AWAC Flight, 1st AWAC Squadron)

Steven Is
Population 194,000
Towns - Sully, Brienon and Dijon
Economy - Deep sea fishing
Home of Rechburg Deep sea and whaling Fleet.
Port - Dijon
Airbase - Sully
Navalbase Sully.

Black Is
Population 183,000
Economy - Tourism
Towns - Baume, Argent and Vannes
Port and civilian airfield - Vannes.
Naval base Baume
Airbase Argent

Quail Is
Quail island is a restricted zone. No civilian community.
It houses significant satelite, radar and other intelligence gathering systems including SOSUS
It has a major airfield, naval base and army base.
The island is protected by ABM sites, minefields on land and sea.
3rd destroyer Flotilla
4th SSN Flotilla
3rd Infantry Brigade (2nd Div)
3rd maritime Squadron - (P7)
2 AWAC Planes - 2nd AWAC Flight, 1st AWAC Squadron.


Congo Is
Population 700
No economy other than military
Airbase - Noyers
Naval Base Noyers.

Whale Is
Population 410,000
Economy - Tourism, Agriculture
Towns - Vesoul, Yaldhurst, Belfort.
civilian airport - Vesoul
Port - Belfort
Naval base Belfort
Airbase and army base near Yaldhurst.
1 battalion of Marines
Includes SOSUS

Rock Is
No civilian population.
Military base includes Army, Air and naval facilites
Large radar complex.
Includes SOSUS
4th Destroyer Flotilla
4th Infantry Brigade (2nd Inf Div)
1st Maritime Squadron - (P7)
2 AWAC Planes - 2nd AWAC Flight, 1st AWAC Squadron.

You can pick the area where your ship hit the mine and we will take it from there, several of the islands economies are based on tourism ie Stanton and whale islands.
Your ship would have had prior permission to enter the area, but not the zones around the security islands.

Government Circle, Building 001

"Ten-Tion!" The Marine by the door called as John White entered the room. The assembled staff stood to attention as he entered the room. Once he took his seat they to sat.
"Alright, what've we got?" John asked
"We've got a fix on teh ship" Admiral Gary Harside reported, bringing it up on the screen "She's floundering just of Brent Island, thats Rechburg territory"
"Recommendations"
"That's restricted waters, we should send a Rescue ship to the Ship" Harside replied "Under heavy escort, a carrier and a few destroyers"
"Very well, sent the Antidem and her group to the area, the Antidem will head up the operation" John ordered.

Approaching Rechburg Waters
Two Days After the Attack

The RNS Antidem approached Rechburg waters with her task group.

OCC
Im not sure where you want this to go to, but I am leaving several channels open for you to follow if you wish, if however you have some other ideas thats ok as long as I know what the ultimate objective of the story is.
Meanwhile some channels for you to explore.

1) The ship has intelligence gathering equipment on board and you want it back immediately, not when it reaches rechburg where the equipment may be analysed.

2) You could create an incident over the floating mine.

3) You could demand the immediate release of the crew

4) or your own cunning and devious storyline.

IC

Two Days ago

Admiral Jochiam Ney Security Advisor for Duke Blaise was sitting at his desk studying the recent reports from the Foreign Office.

His comm panel lit up with lights and such a flurry of flashing lights could mean only one thing, the shit had hit the fan somewhere.

He hit the activate button and at the opposite end of his office bank of large screens illuminated.
He pressed the comm button to the Operations room buried some 20 floors under the palace.

"What am I looking at Captain" Admiral Ney asked.

The image of a young Naval captain come up on one of the side screens.

"Sir we have a luxury liner in trouble on the Saarland archipelago"

"Well hell son why are you bothering me with this, get search and rescue onto it immediately"

"Well sir, the ship is very near Brent Island, it is down by the bow and leaning heavily to port, they claim they hit a mine sir".

"Good god, ok son, get all the ships out to that liner that you can, and be damn quick" I want them to pick up the survivors and take them to err Congo island. I want that damn captain questioned as to why he was sailing in restricted waters so damn close to one of our most secret bases."

"I also want the arse of the idiot who let that ship get so close to that island, in my office ASAP, for gods sake Captain didnt anyone see a bloody great cruise ship merrily sailing through restricted waters.
And uhhh captain, where is the ship registered?"

"Its registered as a New British Shores vessel sir"

"OK Captain get the ships out there and pick up those people before some damn nosey NBS creeps come sniffing around that island, also get intel teams on board that ship; I want to know if they were on a spy mission or not."

The Admiral sat back in his chair, watching the scene of the stricken cruise ship, the imagery courtesy of the intel satellites.

Today

Congo Island

The survivors of the ship were being unloaded onto the jetties and from there they were being bused to
the army barracks, the sick and injured being taken to the military hospital.
The crippled ship was being towed to Rechburg by naval tenders
The ships crew were kept separate from the passengers as they were all to be questioned as to why they were in a restricted zone and so far of course.

The Captain was being questioned by commander Matt Rawson, naval intelligence.

" All we need to know at this stage Captain is why was a cruise ship with all the modern navigation equipment aboard so close to a secret base in a restricted zone and so far of course, at this stage I have to say sir, you and your men are close to being arrested for espionage unless you can convince us as to why you were here, and please sir don't plead gross incompetence."



6 PM News Rechburg Television

"Further to the news of a few days ago, Ministry of defence officials said in a press statement today that the crew and passengers of the stricken NBS cruise ship were being well treated on Congo Island, the ship itself was being towed back to the Naval yards in Rechburg.
There have been questions in the Upper House today as to how a foriegn civilian ship managed to get so close to a sensitive naval base, the National Security Advisor simply said no comment to all questions and has to date refused all interviews.

However it has been reported by unofficial sources that there has been significant sackings and reshuffles taking place in naval operations".


Admiral Neys Office

Admiral Ney pressed the comms button to the Operations as its light flickered constantly,
"Yes captain , what is it?"

"Sir we are tracking a NBS Naval task group, they are heading towards the Saarland Archipelago"

"Good f.... God, how many ships"

"A small task force sir, Carrier, cruisers and a few destroyers"

"Who the hell sends a Naval task force to pick up survivors, hell I expected a ship or planes, but a task force".

The Admiral sat watching the satellite screen as it closed on the NBS task force.

"OK Captain, contact the NBS Task force commander and ask him what his intentions are."

Admiral Ney, rose from his chair and wandered out of his office, across the hall and entered the Office of Duke Blaise.

Duke Blaises secretary said

"Good evening Admiral, I will tell his grace you are here".

"No need to Sandra" the Admiral said as he entered the Ducal office.

Duke Blaise was watching the events in the Saarland archipelago on his own digital wall panels.

"Well Jochiam, whats happening now" he asked.

"Well Sire, it seems we have a further complication in that the NBS Government is sending a task force into the Saarland area, sir I don t like this one little bit.
First we have a ship so far of course its either being sailed by idiots or its on a spying mission, and then we have this naval task force turning up on our door steps"

The Duke rose from his chair and walked over to the windows

"What do you recommend Jochiam?" he asked.

"Sir I recommend we tell the task force it can sail here to Rechburg and we will send the passengers to meet them immediately and the crew will follow once we have completed our enquiries. After all Sire the cruise ship is on its way here, so it seems logical that they would want it repaired and then sent home.
What I don't want, is that damn task Force sailing around our bases up there, its just too damn risky."

"I agree Jochiam, notify the NBS commander that he may pick up his passengers here at Malmaison, his task force is welcome to anchor in the bay. Advise him we have his cruise ship en route to Malmaison so they can decide for themselves what they want done with it.
However also advise them that the crew will only be released only when we are satisfied by the explanation of why they were in the area.

And bye the bye Jochiam, what do we know about the mine that this ship hit?"

The Admiral joined the Duke by the windows

"It seems sire it was a old mine that was left after the Saarland campaign, most likely broke its chains in a storm and has been drifting since"

Open Communication to: - New British Shores Task Force
From: Naval Operational Headquarters, Malmaison, Duchy of Rechburg.

Attn Commanding officer - New British Shores Task Force.

Please be advised that you are approaching restricted waters in the Saarland archipelago. We request that you declare your intentions.

Also be advised that the Passengers of the Cruise ship recently damaged in our territorial waters are being transhipped to Malmaison on the mainland, the damaged cruise ship is currently under tow to the same location.

If you intend to pick up passengers and crew of the Cruise ship you are advised to divert to Malmaison immediately where you are welcome to anchor.

If your intention is otherwise, please signify.

Rear Admiral Earl Watson
Naval Operations Director.

Meanwhile the 1st destroyer Flotilla has sailed to take up position on the Rechburg Maritime international bounderies between the NBS task Forces current course and brent island. The NBS task force is being shadowed by awac aircraft.

The 4th Destroyer Flotilla is curently on station at Congo Island waiting to escort the Passenegers to Rechburg mainland.

RNS Vantage

"Sir, Rechburg command is inquiring to our intentions" A Officer reported.
"I guess we'd better tell them the truth" Admiral Del commented
"Aye sir, sending reply #1"

TO: Naval Operational Headquarters, Malmaison, Duchy of Rechburg.
FROM: RBS Vantage

Be advised, Cruise ship was cover for transport of sevearl dangerous prisoners. They are to be considering extremly dangerous. If you check cabins 1111,1112 and 1113, you will see evidence of security. Our ships will divert toMalmaison.

Signed
Admiral Del
CO, Vantage Carrier Group

Congo Island

The captain, who was under orders not to divulge the truth sighed.
"We lost our Navigation systems due to a various, and we got lost in a storm" He replied

Congo island

It had been rather chaotic since the survivors of the cruise ship had arrived, the situation made worse in that a number of people were missing presumed drowned in the panic to get off the ship.

Rather than wait for someone to answer the chirping phone Brigadier Doug Crawford commanding officer Congo Island answered it himself.

"Brigadier Crawford"

"Brigadier Crawford, this is Admiral Ney. We have just received a message from the NBS people that they were escorting some high value prisoners on board that ship".

The Brigadier lowered himself slowly into his chair,

"Well sir that sets us with a considerable problem" he answered. "The more so as several people are missing, we presumed they must have jumped overboard and drowned rather than wait for evacuation".

"Damn", replied Admiral Ney.

The Brigadier thought for a moment,
"Sir if those people are missing, someone or some people on board may have helped them escape, and even worse sir that explosion may have been from on board and not a sea mine."

"I like your thinking Brigadier" answered the Admiral, he was always a suspicious man anyway.
"So Brigadier its likely those missing people maybe the prisoners, and if they are not with you where in the hell are they?"

"Well sir, we were on the spot damn quick, so either they are still in the water, or shit, they could be on Brent island"

The Admiral sat up at the mention of Brent island

"Well if they landed there we would know because a damn crab doesn't make landfall there without us knowing".

There was silence for a moment then the suspicious mind of the Admiral clicked.

"Brigadier, I want all those people locked up, securely, because I'm betting that our people who are searching the ship will find some dead bodies, and those prisoners have assumed their identities".

"Shit Admiral, those people have been walking the base for the last hour or so, I didnt see any problems as long as they stayed on base, after all sir we have nothing here except 2 companies of infantry."

"Goddamn it Brigadier, you know our code, everyone is under suspicion that doesn't have a birth chip, and that includes damned survivors of a goddamn sinking ship or a crashed f.... UFO, they all get the treatment. Now you round up those people and Goddamn it, if there are any missing your arse is on the line".

"yes Sir" replied the slightly panicking Brigadier.

Replacing the phone he hit the intercom

"I want all those survivors rounded up and locked in the spare barracks, and guards placed around them, and I mean now".

On board the Cruise ship.

Following the information from the NBS authorities the search teams went to the cabins and indeed found the cabins had been constructed into cells, even worse once they broke into the locked doors they found a number of bodies; and they certainly didnt look like dangerous prisoners.

The Lieutenant in charge said to the Petty Officer standing beside him,

"Someone on board ship had to open these doors, so the prisoners got out and they placed the bodies here and relocked the doors, get hold of Naval operations and tell them what we have found".

Message to:
RBS Vantage
Attn Admiral Del

We have searched the cabins and indeed found the cells and several bodies, most likely not prisoners. At this stage it seems that the prisoners are either on Congo island with the survivors or have escaped.

In view of the developments your Fleet has permission to anchor at Congo Island, Destroyers have been dispatched to escort you to suitable anchorage.

Under no circumstances must your ships deviate from the course to Congo island.

Sea searches continue.

Rear Admiral Earl Watson
Naval Operations Director.

TO: Naval Operational Headquarters, Malmaison, Duchy of Rechburg.
FROM: RBS Vantage



Understood, we'll await your destroyers before being escorted in. We apologise for appearing overtly agressive, what with our task group and all, but we are concerned about these prisoners.


Signed
Admiral Del
CO, Vantage Carrier Group

Brigadier Crawford stood on the airbases helipad, as the NBS helicopter arrived on Congo Island.

It was turning out to be an especially bad day for the Brigadier, first he had sent most of his command away on leave, secondly there had been an emergency when the NBS Cruise ship supposedly struck a mine while miles of course, then he discovered the ship had dangerous prisoners on board. To make matters worse he could not account for them all, so he would need the NBS to see if they can identify the prisoners and staff as well as explain the nature of danger these prisoners represent.
Finally the other problem is, if they aren't amongst the survivors where in the hell are they.

He was startled from his deep thoughts by the NBS helicopter shrugged to a halt on the pad.

Brigadier Crawford drew a deep breath and made his way to the door of the copter.

In the bay a mile or so from the airbase the NBS task force was just approaching their anchorage.

OCC
Introduction to new developments

Congo Island and all the other islands of the Saarland Archipelago were some 40 years ago called the Saarland Empire. They had been a nation of Pirates that had for over 100 years raided shipping. Several wars were fought between Rechburg and the Saarland Empire; the wars were finally concluded in the Delphia treaty. This treaty remained in effect until 1960, despite the continued sporadic piracy attacks on Rechburg shipping. In August 1960 The Duchy of Rechburg finally had built up sufficient naval strength to take on the formidable Saarland Fleets.
The youngest Rechburg Admiral, Admiral Jochiam Ney, commanded the Rechburg Campaign. In a brilliant island hoping campaign using air and naval landings in quick succession, the war was concluded within 6 months and the Duchy of Rechburg annexed the Saarland Empire.

Over recent years there has been a build up of tensions between Saarland nationals who wish to reclaim their independence, usually this tension has been restricted to civil protests; however over recent months Rechburg intelligence has discovered that there exists in the Saarland Archipelago a secret resistance group that has been growing quietly.
It is suspected that military equipment has been covertly brought into the archipelago and that Saarland nationals have been trained by unknown nations.

IC
Congo Island – Saarland Archipelago
Shawn Johnson was the civilian Governor of Congo Island; the island was one of the less populated islands of the Saarland Group with only 700 civilians, all of who relied on the small military bases for work.
The bases were kept at minimum strength, the nominal garrison was usually a battalion of infantry, and they provided security for the airfields as well as the naval base.
Both the Naval base and the Airfield were usually used in training exercises, the island not being considered strategically important enough for a permanent air and naval presence,

Shawn Johnson however was more than just a Governor of the island on behalf of the Rechburg Government; he was also one of the leaders of the secret Saarland resistance army.
He was however faced with a problem, yesterday the normally quiet island burst into life, word quickly spread amongst the small civilian population that there had been a civilian ship sinking somewhere in the Saarland area, the survivors were being brought to Congo island.
Shawn Johnson cursed his luck when he heard that news, because all of a sudden his quiet island was about to become the focus of several nations, the very thing he didn’t want; because he had this very day received word from Saarland High Command that in two days they were going to launch their bid for freedom. War was about to break out in the Saarland Archipelago and somehow Johnson had to get word back to his fellow commanders that he had several major problems.

The first was within hours of the first group of survivors being landed a small group had made a break away and was hiding in the township of Noyers, a very small community almost all of whom were fighters for the Saarland Army. This break away group had claimed they were political prisoners of the New British Shores Government and they were prepared to pay for assistance in helping them to escape the island.
The second problem Johnson had was that these men had decided to hide in the very house where Johnson and his group of subordinate officers were meeting in finalising their plans for their attacks on the garrison, the escaped prisoners had heard enough to implicate Johnson and his group before they were discovered in their hiding places.

The problem was if Johnson killed the escaped prisoners he would have a problem disposing of the bodies while this alert was on, and if he didn’t then these men were a risk to him; unless he accepted their offer of money from some unnamed benefactor. The problem still remained however how to get them of the island.

The third problem Johnson faced was news just arrived that a Naval task Force was seen approaching the island, whatever Johnson decided, had to be done now and quickly.

The phone rang, everyone jumped in fright, all stood starring at it, Johnson quietly picked the phone up, the voice was that of Pauline Graham, one of the workers on the airbase and also one of the freedom fighters.

"There is a helicopter landing, it has markings from the New British Shores fleet on it, Brigadier Crawford is out there waiting to greet them"

Johnson was annoyed because he had told everyone not to use the phones as they were often monitered by Rechburg intelligence, however he simply said

"OK" and replaced the phone.

He looked to the leader of the prisoners.

"Ok we are going to get you of the island immediately, but it will cost you dearly, or if you prefer you can stay and fight"

OCC NBS if you wish you RP the prisoners actions since they are yours.

Helipad

Captain Mark Reynolds, of the Special Air Service, stepped down from the chopper. He and his team had been sent ahead to liase with the Rechburg's in the search for the criminals. Reynolds read the Bridigers rank insignia and Smartly saluted the Rechburg officer.

Congo Island

"We'd probably be safer staying here" The Leader replied "We'll fight for you"

Congo Is Army Base - Helipad

Brigadier Crawford returned the salute and shook hands with the RBS Captain.

"Welcome to the Congo" Brigadier Crawford said with a wry smile.

He indicated to the RBS men that they should head over to his office, there they could talk through the issues involved.

Pointing to a series of Barracks over on the far side of the Base he said

"We have the survivors over in the yonder barracks, they are being cared for by my medical teams but they are being limited to the Barrack buildings only, at least until we sort this mess out."

Finally reaching the Office Brigadier Crawford indicated that he should pull up a seat, the brigadier himself tossed his cap on the Desk.

Turning to his orderly he said

"Corporal Jenkins, would you make us a spot of coffee or tea for chaps here"

Sitting in his chair he looked over at the Captain.

"Now Captain, could you please enlighten us as to what sort of prisoners we are looking for".

Noyer Township

Shawn Johnson the rebel leader on Congo island was pleased with the prisoners response, it would have been extremely difficult to get them off the island.

He went over to them
"Do any of you people have military experience"?

"They're ex-forces member from when we were under the control of the dictator, whilst most members tried to avoid the atrocities, these people enjoyed them and were some of the higher ranking members" Reynolds commented as he removed his Beret from his hat and placing it on his knee. "They are highly trained and experianced

Noyer Township

"We were in the NBS Special Forces for nearly a decade, so I guess you could say we did" The LEader replied

Noyer Township
Shawn Johnson breathed out a huge sigh of relief,
"In that case your men a certainly most welcome, because we are about to start the war of Liberation for the Saarland Empire. At the moment gentlemen we are awaiting the response from our Headquarters, we were not meant to launch the attack until another two days, however your arrival and those on the base have created a problem. The soldiers are bound to start house to house searching, normally that wouldnt be a problem, but right now with all our people in preparation for the attack we could easily be exposed, so I have asked that the start line be brought forward to today".

OCC

More later on today- RL just reared its ugly head.

Other nations are welcome to intervene but keep numbers down (each player max approx 50-60 k for the entire campaign) and no WMD. In particular we are looking for a nation to either covertly or openly support the Saarland rebels.

Type of game I am thinking is modern Falkland type.

See above thread for campaign area.On the map Rechburg is not to scale, merely representative of where it is located.

Congo Is. Army Base
Brigadier Crawford stood looking out the window of his office, on the far side of the base he could see the barracks that housed the survivors, he also noted the soldiers on guard around them.

Beyond the barracks the NBS fleet was just entering anchorage. Ho thought to himself it was fortunate that there was little shipping in the harbour, just 2 or 3 merchant ships that would likely be clearing port tomorrow.

He turned to the NBS special forces captain, who told him the prisoners on board the stricken cruise ship were Special forces who worked for the previous dictator of the New British Shores.

"Jesus H Christ captain, that's all I need to hear, bloody special forces people possibly on the loose, I guess its unlikely they drowned then. So if they didnt drown they must have had help to get out of their cells and away from the ship".
He walked back to his desk, picking up his cap he banged the desk

"Goddamn special forces, where the hell could they be?"

Noyer Township

The ringing of the phone startled almost everyone in Shawn Johnson's Office, he picked up the phone and listened to the caller who briefed him very quickly.
He gently placed the phone down and smiled, looking around the room he said,

"Its time, they have moved the schedule up and we go now, but there has been a change of plans considering our new friends here and their compatriots out in the harbour".
Johnson again picked up the phone and quickly sent the message and new plans, at this stage he wasnt concerned if Rechburg intelligence picked up the call because by the time they reacted it would be too late.

Congo Island Army base

Brigadier Crawford decided he had to start a house to house search, if necessary he would turn over every rock on this island to find those prisoner, of course assuming they were on the island.

Picking up the phone he went to place a call to sergeant Miller, oddly the phone was dead.
"F......g islanders, they cant keep a damn thing running here"

He yelled
"Corporal miller, get your sorry arse in here."

While he waited for miller to drag himself from the outer office, the Brigadier noticed several army trucks disembarking more soldiers

Excellent, he mused to himself, more troops for the search, then it occurred to him it was odd there was so many of them.

Again he yelled for Corporal Miller

"Miller get your damned lazy backside in here now".
He turned to look out at the new soldiers, the last thing he ever saw was the law rocket that passed through the window and exploded inside the office. It killed the Brigadier immediately.

Even before the smoke cleared soldiers were rushing into the debris to locate the Brigadier, to their amazement they found a badly wounded NBS special forces captain.

As the captain looked up, through his blood covered eyes he saw a face he remembered from his past, it was one of his old commanding officers, who also happened to be one of the supposed prisoners, However now he was heavily armed.

The NBS Captain was dragged out of the ruined and smoldering office, he turned to look at the debris to find that he was the sole survivor.
In the distance he heard gunfire.
What the captain couldn't see, was the troops loyal to the rebels had quickly liquidated the loyal Rechburg troops, the coup was over before anyone knew it had started.

The NBS Captain was dragged over to the helipad, where his helicopter was positioned, the pilot being guarded by Rebel troops.

A man in a civilian Suit walked over to him

"I am Shawn Johnson captain, I am now commander of the Saarland garrison on Congo island. I am sending you back to your Admiral, you will tell him that we have the survivors of the cruise ship in our custody, if he wishes them to remain unharmed he will leave the saarland waters immediately. In due time when this messy business is over, the survivors will be released; but any action by your forces will mean the liquidation of several hundred NBS civilians, and I'm led to believe some a prominent citizens."

He dragged the Captain up from the ground and assisted him onto the helicopter,
"Remember Captain they must clear saarland waters and remain out of this conflict or your people will die".

The last thing the Captain saw before the helicopter flew off, was the smiling faces of the RBS prisoners who were now an integral part of the rebel force.

All over the island, troops loyal to the Rechburg Government were being rounded up and brought to the army base as well as other centres. Not that there were too many as most of the Rechburg garrison had been sent on leave by the Governor, a ploy to ensure the Rechburg military strength was at a minimum at the time of the coup.

All over the Saarland Island group, similar coups were taking place, as troops were being caught unprepared by the rebels.

OCC
NBS - I am not sure if you want to get involved in this conflict, if you do that's great and you just carry on RPing, if not just assume your admiral decided discretion was the better part of valour and departed. You are free to be pro or anti rechburg.

Others are free to join if they wish, just remember limited numbers, no WMD and no Rechurg mainland invasions.
This is a battle of freedom for the islands, nothing else.

There are other forces loyal to the coup that will be activated, and they will be providing significant equipment and aid to the rebels.
My long term intention is that the coup will fail, but I am prepared to look at that if events determine otherwise,

For now word as of yet hasn't got back to rechburg about the coup.

RNS Vantage

Admiral Del stood on the Flight deck watching as the Helicopter returned. It struck him as odd that the Chopper was returning so fast. It Touched down on teh Flight Deck and to Del's shock the Captain was supported by his team mates. Del ran over.
"What the hell Happened?" He asked.
"Some sort of Coup, The Bridiger's dead, the shits really hit the fan over there" The Captain reported "Their leader warns us not to attack otherwise they'll kill our people"
"Jesus chirst" Del muttered "They'll not be stupid enough to kill our people, they won't want to fight The Rechburgians and Us at the same time, ok, heres what were going to do, Commander McGowen, launch a squadron, close air support loadout, Captain, if your up to it, put a larger team together and stand-by to pluck as many of our people out of there, McGowen, take us into the harbour, all ships to General Quarters!"

The Vantage and her group came about and began to head slowly, but surely towards the nearby harbour. From the Flight Deck Eight F-35's launched and flew ahead of the fleet to the Army base. Once on station they targeted any vehciles and Anti-Air emplacements and fired. As this was taking place, Eight Helicoptors launched from the Fleet, all packed with marines.

RNS Vantage

Admiral Del stood on the Flight deck watching as the Helicopter returned. It struck him as odd that the Chopper was returning so fast. It Touched down on teh Flight Deck and to Del's shock the Captain was supported by his team mates. Del ran over.
"What the hell Happened?" He asked.
"Some sort of Coup, The Bridiger's dead, the shits really hit the fan over there" The Captain reported "Their leader warns us not to attack otherwise they'll kill our people"
"Jesus chirst" Del muttered "They'll not be stupid enough to kill our people, they won't want to fight The Rechburgians and Us at the same time, ok, heres what were going to do, Commander McGowen, launch a squadron, close air support loadout, Captain, if your up to it, put a larger team together and stand-by to pluck as many of our people out of there, McGowen, take us into the harbour, all ships to General Quarters!"

The Vantage and her group came about and began to head slowly, but surely towards the nearby harbour. From the Flight Deck Eight F-35's launched and flew ahead of the fleet to the Army base. Once on station they targeted any vehciles and Anti-Air emplacements and fired. As this was taking place, Eight Helicoptors launched from the Fleet, all packed with marines.

Duke Blaise sat at the head of the long table, around, which sat the heads of the Rechburg Government.
The national Security Advisor Admiral Jochiam Ney was just completing a briefing on the situation in the Saarland Archipelago.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, before you on the table, each of you will find a document that is the most recent situation reports from the Saarland rebellion.
Please remember ladies and Gentlemen, the situation is new and fluid, we don’t have specifics of numbers yet.”

Each of them picked up the document placed before them, on the document the read the situation on each island in the region.


Islands of the Saarland archipelagoStanton Is
Population 250,000
Towns - Dianne, Memphis, Shannon.
Economy - based on Tourism
Mons Naval base.
Marine Force 2 Battalions of Marines
Airbase - Mons
Civil airfield - Mons
Radar and Sosus (under water Sonar) line linking Rechburg.
Fighting continues, Marines suffered heavy casualties, airbase and Naval base under rebel control. The Civilian airbase is still being fought over. Have taken mercenary troops prisoner, captured documents indicate there seems to be some connection with the Kunesdorf von Brunswick family.

Leo Is
Population - 275,000
Economy - Food (fruit etc)
Civil airfield -Wigram
Towns - karen, Lumsden, Kingston.
Under rebel Control

Kyle Is
Population - 385,000
Economy - fruit, ore
Civil airbase - Cameroon
Port Digby
towns - Cameroon, Sheffield, Digby
Marine base - 2 battalions of Marines
Airbase - Sheffield
Naval base Digby
Radar and Sosus (under water Sonar)line linking Rechburg, via Stanton Is.
Under Rebel Control, 1 battalion of marines (This battalion consisted of regular Kunesdorf troops) went over to the Rebels.
There appear to be at least 3 Fighter aircraft piloted by Rebels. The Sosus connection has been broken. The Radar and electronics centres are under Rebel control.


Brent Is
Brent Island is a restricted zone. There is no civilian community.
The island is the base for significant satellite, radar and Intelligence gathering facilities, including SOSUS
It includes large air, naval and army bases. ABM as well as minefields on both land and sea very heavily protects the area.
1st Destroyer Flotilla
3rd SSN Flotilla
1st Infantry Brigade (1st Inf Div)
4th Maritime Squadron (P7)
2 x AWAC Planes - 1st AWAC Flight, 1st AWAC Squadron.
Under Rechburg Control


Sand Is
Population 156,000
Economy - Tourism
Towns - Laignes
Naval & Airbase – Laignes
Under rebel Control, significant forces landed over night, numbers and type unknown.

Graham Is
Population 367,000
Economy - Oil
Towns - Auxerre, Donzy
Civilian airfield at Auxerre.
Port at Donzy
Naval & airbase at Presly
Under Rebel Control, reports of regular troops loyal to rebels , nationality unknown but suspect mercenaries.


Rochester Is
Rochester is a large naval and air complex, it has no civilian community.
Military base & Port- Rochester
It includes SOSUS
2nd destroyer Flotilla
2nd Infantry Bde (1st Infantry Div)
2nd maritime squadron (P7)
2 AWAC Planes (1st AWAC Flight, 1st AWAC Squadron)
Large battles under way, fighting proceeding against regular troops

Steven Is
Population 194,000
Towns - Sully, Brienon and Dijon
Economy - Deep sea fishing
Home of Rechburg Deep sea and whaling Fleet.
Port - Dijon
Airbase - Sully
Navalbase Sully.
Under rebel Control, mercenary or foreign air units seen.

Black Is
Population 183,000
Economy - Tourism
Towns - Baume, Argent and Vannes
Port and civilian airfield - Vannes.
Naval base Baume
Airbase Argent
Under rebel control


Quail Is
Quail island is a restricted zone. No civilian community.
It houses significant satelite, radar and other intelligence gathering systems including SOSUS
It has a major airfield, naval base and army base.
ABM sites, minefields on land and sea also protect the island.
3rd destroyer Flotilla
4th SSN Flotilla
3rd Infantry Brigade (2nd Div)
3rd maritime Squadron - (P7)
2 AWAC Planes - 2nd AWAC Flight, 1st AWAC Squadron.
Under Rechburg Control

Congo Is
Population 700
No economy other than military
Airbase - Noyers
Naval Base Noyers.
Under Rebel control, A New British Shores task force is currently engaging Rebels, several hundred RBS civilians (Survivors of stricken cruise ship) have been taken prisoner and used as human shields.

Whale Is
Population 410,000
Economy - Tourism, Agriculture
Towns - Vesoul, Yaldhurst, Belfort.
civilian airport - Vesoul
Port - Belfort
Naval base Belfort
Airbase and army base near Yaldhurst.
1 battalion of Marines
Includes SOSUS
Rebel Control, Battalion of Marines (regular Kunesdorf troops) went over to rebels.

Rock Is
No civilian population.
Military base includes Army, Air and naval facilites
Large radar complex.
Includes SOSUS
4th Destroyer Flotilla
4th Infantry Brigade (2nd Inf Div)
1st Maritime Squadron - (P7)
2 AWAC Planes - 2nd AWAC Flight, 1st AWAC Squadron.
Rechburg Control

Admiral Ney gave the members of the council time to read their documents, then he said.

“It seems this rebellion was well planned and the planning has been in place for sometime. It is still unclear who heads this rebellion but one thing is becoming clear due to the fact that Major Anderson a Marine commander on Stanton Is has captured documents that implicate the late Baron von Brunswick.
Now, as you all know, we believed this man to have been killed in an assassination attempt by one of his own men, however no body was ever found and now we have documents that indicate he at least is funding this rebellion.”

Duke Blaise looked up from his document.

“How certain are you of the Jochiam?”


Everyone knew it was at the orders of the baron that Duke Blaise’s father Duke Leopold I was assassinated in the last rebellion, it was his fathers death that brought the young Duke Blaise to the throne.

“Sire, all we have are documents and the fact that many of the mercenaries are retired or even active Kunesdorf military.
In fact I believe some Kunesdorf jets from the national Guard may be in use by the rebels, we are receiving reports that a squadron of F4 phantoms has just landed at Kyle island.
Furthermore some exocet missiles have been reported missing from the arsenals in Kunesdorf. “


The Duke looked at the Admiral with his steely grey eyes.

“Admiral I ordered and was led to believe that we had instituted controls in Kunesdorf to stop that rathole of treacherous traitors to ever rise again, yet here you are telling me, not only have they risen, they have stolen equipment and units from right under our noses.
Please explain how this has happened?”

The Admiral stood his ground, he knew the pain this news would bring to the Duke, it also brought pain to the Admiral for Duke Leopold I was Neys brother and Duke Blaise his nephew.

“Sire, clearly there has been a significant collapse in national security, and perhaps Dr Stevens as Director of the internal security department would be best to explain, but for now the how should perhaps wait until we decide on what to do.”

Duke Blaise shifted his gaze from his uncle to Dr Evelyn Stevens.

“Yes perhaps you are right Admiral, for now”

OCC Note – Kunesdorf is a rebellious province on the Rechburg mainland; it has been a thorn in the side of Rechburg Dukes for decades. Kunesdorf is not rebelling, but many ex-Kunesdorf servicemen are likely to have joined the rebels. The von Brunswick family (the leading Kunesdorf family) have been opponents of the Ducal system and using their immense wealth have over the years advocated independence for Kunesdorf.
The previous von Brunswick attempted to cause a war between The Duchy of Rechburg and the Republic of Rammsteinburg by stealing a nuclear submarine and attacking Rammsteinburg, he was unsuccessful and was assumed to have died in a assassination attempt by some of his own men. Documents recently captured indicate he may be still alive and is using his wealth and influence with ultra nationalistic elements of the Kunesdorf military to fund and incite this rebellion.

Congo Island

The RBS F35's caused havoc on the air defences and the bases on the island.
The rebels attempted to use the anti air missiles but were mostly inexperienced and the delays in operating them allowed the RBS planes to close and destroy them.

However as they swarmed around the army camp, dozens of stinger missiles were fired at the jets as they flew low strafing and bombing.

As the RBS aircraft carrier entered the harbour, the 3 merchants ships which had for several days lay dormant and quiet and were manned by highly trained reservists from the Kunesdorf national Guard suddenly became a hive of activity, within a minute or two canvas covers were thrown off to reveal Exocet launchers that were on positioned on their decks.
The 9 Exocet's (3 per vessel) were launched, targeted at the aircraft carrier, flying low and fast they flew straight at the task force that was travelling slow as it entered the harbour.

As the 8 helicopters approached the island they were met will a hail of stinger missiles from teams that were in position on board the ships. Each helicopter
having just taken off had several stingers targeted on it.

The F-35's popped coutnermeasures and pulled high-G turns to evade the missiles. Five pilots were unlucky enough to be hit by the Stingers. Nine aircraft flew through the mayhem, they were armed with olely AGM missiles, they targeted the Stinger carriers and fired a hail off missiles

The Task group had been expecting this, so as the merchent ships became hostile the Destroyers that had lef the way in opened fire with both their main guns and their missiles. All ships had their CIWS at ready status and the combined CIWS of the fleet was able to take care of the incoming ships. The Carrier also launched countermeasures from her system for good measure.

As soon as the Chopper pilots saw the Merchents go hostile they dove to the sea deck and began to plot weave courses, when they were fired on they all launched countermeasures and evaded courses. Two Helicoptors were shot down whilst others were damaged

The Duchy of Rechburg

The Saarland revolt was only a few hours old and already the rebels had taken some of the islands with small or no garrisons.
The response by the Duchy of Rechburg had been quick, the Rechburg troops in the Province of Kunesdorf went on full alert, especially when it had been determined that some of the National Guard units had gone over to the rebels had been from Kunesdorf.. These renegade Kunesdorf units were all National Guard units on garrison duties in the Saarland Region; those Kunesdorf units back on the Rechburg mainland were so far remaining loyal to the Government.
Duke Blaise had ordered full mobilisation, and within hours of the rebellion starting the airborne divisions were almost ready for deployment. The Expeditionary fleet was loading, but it would take 2 days before it was fully loaded.

Strike units from the Rechburg Air Force were already attacking Rebel positions on the occupied islands, the losses in aircraft were moderate, so far 3 x F35’s and 2xF18’s had been shot down. However for the most part they had neutralised the rebel air defences, which meant the enemy held islands were vulnerable to counter attack.

Congo Island

The Battle for Congo Island was turning into a torrid affair. The RBS F35’s successfully eliminated the surface to air missiles however some may have been damaged by stinger missiles’ Following the stinger attacks the F35’s continued their attacks on suspected rebel defences.
The Rebels on the island numbered 300, not including the crews on the merchant ships. The losses amongst the Rebel soldiers had been light, and now they waited for the helicopters to approach.
Two of the helicopters hit by stingers crashed into the sea, the remaining continued on over the land.
The rebel leader Shawn Johnson always knew it would be virtually impossible to win once the RBS task force arrived, but his men were fanatical and they would not die easy.
He ordered the barracks where the survivors were sheltered to be blown up, thus a few minutes later the barracks and the survivors were destroyed in a series of massive explosions.

He thought to himself as he looked over the harbour, where his 3 merchant ships were on fire, one was keeling over, the other two settling on the bottom of the harbour.

“Well that RBS commander called my bluff and the civilians had lost, I wonder how history will judge him”.

He knew now it was time to fight and die, for he and his men there could be no surrender.

As the remaining helicopters came over the shore they were laced by 50 calibre machine gun fire as the battle for Congo island began in earnest.

RNS Vantage

"Damn" Admiral Del muttered as reports came in off the killing of the Hostages "Get me President White, pull the choppers back, All ships launch Ground attack missile at the enemy postions"

The Helicoptors received the order to pull back as they came under fire and were able to retreat with no losses and minimle dmage. The enemy machines guns were met by a barrage of Missiles from the fleet. The F-35's came back around and engaged anything that had been designated by sattelites as hostile.

Aboard the Vantage the Marine Detachment got ready for combat, the marine detachments from across the fleet had been airlifted to the Carrier. Nearly Eight hundred Marines were preparing to go ashore. The Destroyers moved ahead as they began to secure the dock so the Carrier could get as close as possible.

OFFICIAL MESSAGE
Republic Of The New British Shores
Office Of the President
John White

As President Of the Republic, I officially pledge you our full support in elimiating the rebels that are plaugeing your nation. I can have a second fleet on station withint 48 hours, this fleet will consist of Amphibious assualt units rather than a carrier.

Signed
John White
President of the Republic

DUCHY OF RECHBURG

Malmaison Palace
Malmaison
Duchy of Rechburg

Attn President White

We of the Duchy of Rechurg offer you and your nation the deepest sympathies for those lives of the hostages so callously taken by the Rebels on Congo island.

We also wish to thank you for your support in this Rebellion and your offer of support is much appreciated.

It would appear that our combined attacks have neutralised the air defences and we are not aware of any rebel naval forces so it is hoped the rebels can be destroyed island by island.
Intelligence did warn us of a possible third nation assisting the rebels, however this apparently didnt eventuate.

Our Expeditionary Fleet is now loaded and is sailing to Whale Island where it will commence landing operations within 26 hours.

Other Rechburg Task forces will be in the Saarland region, the ist Battle Fleet will be available in the Congo Is area should you require support.
My military leaders have recommended to me that we leave Congo Island to your military to clean up, since your forces are involved there..

Be aware that though Kyle Island is out of your immediate operational area it may have a rebel air presence as well as mobile exocet missiles which do have the range to reach Congo Island. We had a Kunesdorf national guard squadron of F4 Phantoms (12) that was stationed there. This would mean they are within striking range of Rechburg as well as your task Force. (Originally I was informed there were only 3 planes as the rest had returned to Rechburg, however they failed to arrive here so we must assume that they never left or landed elsewhere).


We will be sending air strike forces against Kyle Island within 24 hours.


Duke Blaise
Duchy of Rechburg

OFFICIAL MESSAGE
Republic Of The New British Shores
Office Of the President
John White

NBS Forces will focus on our current Island, we'll pacify the Island, then we'll move onto the next island you designate

Signed
John White
President of the Republic

The Carrier pulled alongside the docks and Marines jumped down onto the island. Sweeping through the dock town and quickly occupying defendable buildings. The small number of Humvees that were on the carrier were going to be airdropped in soon.

The first NBS troops were met with a withering fire, the rebels being dug in in fortified positions as well as in many of the buildings.

The Rebel leader was gathering a reserve force, to be used where the critical point arose, this force included the ex NBS special forces people that had joined the rebels.
The artillery that had been hidden amongst the town buildings, were quickly wheeled out, they fired several salvos at the landing ships and were then pushed back under cover.

Meanwhile the mortars started to drop down on the dock area adding to the confusion.
The Rebel leader had decided this battle would be a defensive one, he simply didnt have the assets to attack the NBS, the best he hoped for was to make it a costly victory.

He had asked for the air strike against the NBS, but it didnt happen and this worried him greatly.
By now the rebels should have been reinforced by a third country that was supposed to be supporting them; it seemed the revolution had been betrayed.
However if he could kill the damned Rechburgians, he would kill as many of their friends as possible.

Unknown to the rebels on Congo island the air strike had been launched to attack the NBS fleet, however it was intercepted and half the force was destroyed.

Elsewhere the Rechburgian fleets were attacking the rebel islands, ensuring they were kept isolated as the expeditionary fleet would travel from island to island, capturing each in their turn.
It was a tactic that worked in the last Saarland war and Admiral Ney could not see why it would not work now.

As the Marines took cover high above F-35's systimaticly attacked enemy mortors and postions. The Marines would wait for break in the fireing before moving to another building and beginning to clear them.

Enemy Controlled Building

Sergeant Tony Knight, and his eight man team stacked up on the door to the building. They'ed checked the inside with an optiwand, and sure that there wasn't a bomb on the other side, a private attached a breaching charge. The Door swung inwards, and a flashbang and a smoke grenade were thrown in. THe Marines activateed their heat vision to see through the smoke. Once the Flashbang detonateed the entered the building.

The 3 rebels who had just come down the stairs to get into a ambush position were quickly alerted as the front door opened.

Steve Benson a young apprentice mechanic and now rebel, raised his AK47 and fired a burst at the door.
The other two then rushed to the door to attempt to quickly close it, despite the fact it was hanging on one hinge. One of the trio Linda Brown, noticed just as she leant on the door a small object sail past her.

"Grenade" she heard someone yell, there was a flash and then another bang, as she lay on the floor all she could see was white light, and then the pain as she was shot.

Benson, using his quick reaction after firing the initial burst threw a grenade through the gap in the doorway, then he too was blinded by the flash and then smoke.
He attempted to blindly stagger upstairs, but was stunned by the suddem impact of bullets hitting him in the back.

The third Rebel Brian Sowman was on the ground floor, had dived into a adjacent spare room. He avoided being blinded, but was still confused by the white light and smoke. He heard the exposion of a grenade and some groans and swearing, through the gap in the door he saw through the billowing smoke the shadowy image of his friend Steve fall backwards as he was shot in the back.
Then another figure passed the gap in his door, Brian fired a burst through the thin ply of the door, then he heard a thud and a groan.

From upstairs, someone rolled down two grenades.

The Mortors and their crew layed destroyed and dying, the NBS F35's once again laying down a deveastating attack on anything that moves.
The rebel leader, watching from above in his fortified position noted the fighting going on in the dock area, he was pleased his young soldiers were fighting to the last.

"Grenade!" One of the Privates yelled as he leant down and scooped the greande up, throwing it back up the stairs, the other one detonated, killing on of the soldiers. The Marines spread through the building, any heat signitures that didn't have a IR strobe that marked them as NBS Marines, were shot at, if they had the heat signutire of a weapon.

On the first floor, the sole survivor Karl Wright one of the rebel section in the house that was being assaulted by the NBS lay wounded on the floor. His three comrades had rushed down stairs, just as the NBS marines were entering the door, after a brief fight; all his friends were dead.
One of the NBS marines had thrown one of the grenades he had tossed down back up.
Though it landed in the stair well, the explosion still stunned him and a piece of shrapnel had landed in his leg.
He had with great difficulty just fitted on a explosive jacket, looking at the stairs he realised there was no way he would get down them, so he simply rolled over what was the remains of the banister and as he did so he pressed the button on his jacket. His body landed on the ground floor amongst the NBS marines and his dead and dying comrades, the resulting explosion blew the house apart.

Now the 50 calibre Machine guns were firing down into the port village from the ridge above the town. The crews were angry and seeking revenge, all to aware that the great explosion from within the last house of the village signified the village had been taken by the NBS marines.
The gun crews were protected by stinger missile crews that were dotted around behind the ridge.

Out on the harbour the last merchant ship slowly sank to the bottom, its masts and funnels still poking up through the surface.

With the F-35's forced into retreat the Admiral Del changed tactics. He nodded to his XO who passed commands to all the ships. Seconds later, with targeting from Satellites, and the odd laser designation from the marines. The ships in harbour opened fire with Tomahawk Cruise Missiles.

Town

Sergeant Knight was lucky enough to survive, his injured body was found by Leiutenant Daniel Thompson, he was then taken to the temporary CASEVAC area.

Having been forced out of the port town the rebels were now retreating onto higher ground as well as the airfield.

The cruise missiles struck out of no where, several of the rebels saw them approaching but it was too late.
The NBS missiles when they reached the targets, opened up and hundreds of bomblets were dropped which killed many of the defenders.
The rebels were so demoralised to the point that many simply gave up and started walking down to the Nb's lines, others knowing the fate that awaited them took their own lives.

The rebel leader was devastated, his young soldiers had fought well, but they were not seasoned soldiers and could not compete with the modern arsenal available to the NBS and the Rechburgian forces.
His last message from HQ was that Rechburg was now counter attacking and in most cases was reoccupying the islands of his beloved Saarland.
How different it could have been if they hadn't been betrayed, but one thing he was sure of, Rechburg had not heard the last of the Saarland freedom fighters.

As he looked out the window of his office, he could see the smoke rising from the ridge 4 miles to the west, the smoke and dust the after effects of the devastating cruise missile attack that had broken the back of his small force.

Taking the pistol he calmly put it to his head, his last thought was

"Who the hell betrayed us and why"?

With the death of the rebel commander on Congo island, the resistance would slowly cease, just as it was now all over the archipelago.

The NBS Marines moved through the town, and the countryside, detaining any of the rebels who were surrendering. They were moved to a area and kept under guard. At the same time, Marine Engineers were setting up a Stockade and camp.

With a marine detachment left and a squadron of helicoptors left, the Vantage and her group slowly left the harbour.

TO: Rechburg Command
FROM: CO Vantage

NBS forces have secured Congo island, Marines are ensuring the island is clear. NBS Taskgroup is ready to move on.