NationStates Jolt Archive

Scotta's announcement:


I am here to announce to you today, that the 3rd Scottan Royal Guard field Division, 5th Scottan Armoured Division, and 8th and 9th Regular Infantry Divisions have moved south into Leipzig county in Northern Russapovia. This is the county where my ancestors made their fortune and ascended to prominence. This county was thereby named after them and was thence taken away from Scotta upon its joining of the Kingdom. It will be had back! God Save Scotta!

His Royal Highness,
King Viktor Leipzig I

OOC: This means 200,000 men that made up of 150,000 regulars and 50,000 Royal Guard 500 Reichsfuhrer tanks.

Reichskamphen's Reply:

I allowed you to drop out, this is hateful...you had what you wanted...now you have lost it all. You shall not cross Reichskamphen. You shall now be ground into the dirt. Scotta has defied the crown, I accepted that for peace, but now that peace is not an option, Scotta's defiance will not go unpunished! God Save the PEOPLE!

His Royal Highness,
King Marcus Antonius III

*Tellegramme from Reichsburg, Royal Palace to Lignum Crucis Division HQ North East Russapovia*

Scotta is launching an attack about 200 thousand strong with heavy armour support to take Leipzig County. Move your entire division against its Right. (OOC: they would be moving west to get there) Do not fight until the last man, you will be defeated, just slow them down, fall back, fight, fall back, fight, and fall back again. Hit and run. Get patrols in their flanks, harrass them as much as you can. General von Brauchitz's Cavalry should be there soon, we shall see how this new type of division holds up in battle.

-Thompson

*Lignum Crucis Division North Western Russapovia*

"About to make contact very soon, Captain!" radioed the tank driver to the crew Captain of the lead tank of the 1st Brigade's Column moving to contact the Scottan Army. The whir of the tanks gears and motors filled the air all around...it was everywhere...the noise soaked into everything.

It was the dead of winter. Snow was on the ground, two feet high and drifts as high as five or six feet. Little rabbits hopped along in and out of the snow, looking somewhat like dolphins popping out of the ocean and falling back in. The whirring continued.

The tanks had snowplow attachments on the front and were cutting through the powder with relative ease. They were riding on a country road which had not been plowed due to the two armies moving to clash nearby. A few birds flew overhead, some began to circle...buzzards.

"Some poor sap must have froze to death." the Captain said, almost whispered over his comm. The Captain of a tank three tanks behind him in the thin column replied, "Maybe some deer?" The Captain of the 5th tank in line chimed in, "Maybe its us." A deadly silence cut the air. It was almost as cold as the snowfilled wind that whipped around the outside of the tanks, leaving small flakes on the metal, which soon melted into tiny beads of water. The motors whirred.

"Captain!" the driver yelled, "according to this, we should have encountered a patrol of the 8th Scottan Royal Infantry about two miles ago!"

"Radio to the back of the Column, they are about there, see if they have anything." the Captain ordered.

"They say they have nothing!" the driver responded.

"Where the hell are they then?" the Captain yelled out in disgust.

Those were his last word's for after he spoke them his tank exploded in a plume of fire and white hot metal.
T
he giant, 6 foot tall plateau infront of them collapsed, the snow falling to all sides. It wasn't a hill at all. They were tanks. The Scottan's had covered them with snow to hide them and one of them had shot at the lead tank. They now began to move forward and the other guns fired again and again in quick succession...that meant they had to be Reichsfuhrer tanks.

Scottan Soldiers on long lengths of steel cable descended from the trees onto the tops of several tanks. Some of the commanders used their anti personel systems and detonated the shrapnel explosives on the outside of their tanks, knocking off a few of the Scottans. Most of them, though, didn't make it. Usually within two seconds of landing on the top of the tank the hatch had been opened and a gas grenade thrown in. The Scottans needed all the tanks they could get.

The Reichskamphian tanks that hadn't been hit then opened fire each tank loosing 8 shots in 8 seconds. It seemed as if the world was exploding beneath them, friendlies and foes were being hit. Anything beyond the last tank attacked was fair game for shells, they were all goners anyway and if the Scottan's captured them, they would wish they were dead.

The Reichskamphian column turned and ran and the Scottans let them go. They took what they could get and continued their advance to retake Leipzig county.

*A few miles away from the previous location*

The men of the 1st Infantry Regiment of Lignum Crucis, the most elite Royal Guard division in the whole of the Kingdom, listened to the gunfire far off and then looked ahead of them. There were two patches of woods. In one stood the 1st Infantry, in the other, stood some unit of the Scottan Royal Guard, what appeared also to be a regiment. Separating these two patches of woods was 200 yards of open field. The Standard bearer of the Reichskamphian Royal Guard began to march forward slowly, the regiment followed after. The standard and a few men emmerged from the treeline and more came along.

On the Scottan side, the Colonel of the Regiment held up his sabre and yelled "CHARGE!" The Scottans began to run at full speed, their standard now filled with breeze and flapping violently. They released a high pitched yell that sent corkscrews down one's spine. The Reichskamphian Royal Guard never faultered. They had never been beaten. They stood in a firm line at the edge of the woods, almost harkening back to a Civil War battle. Leveling their rifles, they all opened fire. The front Scottan ranks began to fall one after another after another. Many holes were shot in the flag as its bearer, after five shots in him, finally began to fall. Another man quickly grabbed the standard and pressed ahead...then he also fell. The standard never hit the ground, man after man took it when its bearer fell. The Colonel, still at the front of the regiment and miraculously unscathed yelled "THROW GRENADES!" A volley of grenades flew from the charging wave into the motionless wall. They all detonated, men flew into the air in plumes of dirt and blood. The line was thinned by almost a fourth and the Proud Reichskamphians now were forced to hit the ground as the wave came on.

A heavy machinegun was brought up from the rear, lain in the centre of the line, and fired. It sprayed a steady stream of lead into the oncoming horde. Men fell like hay before the scythe...reams and reams of them just droping, hitching as slugs of lead slammed into them, shattering their bones, turning their organs into mush, and flying right back out. The Colonel of the Scottans then grabbed the tattered standard and yelled "FOR SCOTTA!!" 10 metres away from the Reichskamphian line, the Machinegun took him too. The Royal Guard threw grenades into the attackers. They detonated, men died, but they kept coming.

"There's a helluvalot more than a regiment here!" yelled a nervous Captain, now the ranking officer in the depleting regiment. "This looks to be an entire Brigade!"

Men fell, but they kept coming. The Royal Guard kept firing, but the Scottans overcame them like a wave washing over a pebble...they were swallowed up violently and dissintegrated beneath a volley of bullets and the glisten of thousands of bayonets stabbing deeply. The Guard was defeated. Royal Guard against Royal Guard and the Scottan Royal Guard carried the day.

*Reichsburg, Reichskamphen 2 hours later*

"Your Highness!" yelled out Count von Oberhausen as he exploded into the King's anteroom, "The Royal Guard has been defeated!"

"What!?" the King was incredulous. "The WHOLE Guard?"

"No! Just a Regiment, but the entirity of Lignum Crucis is falling back...rather running away. They didn't hold...the Scottan's are too strong."

"Tell them to reform dammit! I don't want a rout! Reinforcements will arrive soon!" the King yelled.

OOC: Heres how it will work. I am going to hand command of Reichskamphian forces over to one of my allies and I am going to RP the Scottans to make it fair. My ally will also commit forces. If you wish to participate, tell me how, Ill tell you if its cool, but I won't turn anyone away unless its ridiculous.

Bump Bump and away!

((Would you mind if we send out a division of Marines to try and stop incoming Scottan forces?))

*Scottan Army of Northern Russapovia HQ, Leipzig County Russapovia*

"Amazing!" exclaimed the overjoyed Count von Magdeburg, commander of all Scottan Armies. "And they should be going even further now! Soon two more counties should fall under our control! Those Reichskamphian b******s won't know what hit em!"

"This calls for a celebration!" yelled out General Erisch, commander of the Scottan III Corps.

"We celebrate when that blasted King Marcus's head is on a pike outside the Reichsburg Palace! Now we fight!" Magdeburg Scolded him. "I want the entire 1st Armour to swing to the Right and fall in on Brandy Station 50 miles south of here and 10 miles from the army's most advanced units. It should only be guarded by perhaps a regiment or two of Royal Guard or Infantry, beyond that it should not prove anything too tough. When we take it, we can use the rails to supply our men and follow the traintracks into New Braunau itself should we need to!"

"It is done sir!" Erisch saluted Magdeburg and scrawled out an order to the commander of the 1st Scottan Armour which was in his Corps.
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*Brandy Station, Russapovia*

Due to the damaged condition of the roads, General Erisch viewed it more expeditious to cross over regular terrain. Therefore, the the five brigades of the 1st armoured had to cross long expanses of open land, occasionally broken by wooded patches, almost a mile apart from eachother. This was 3rd brigade, farthest to the right. One brigade could somewhat see another but not well.

The tanks rode up front with men on the sides and behind and long columns of just soldiers trailing for hundreds of metres behind the last tank. All of a sudden a huge swath was cut through the ranks of the men far behind the tanks and a woosh was heard and then another and another as men riding some strange objects flew from the wooded area a bit away, up straight into the air and down on the heads of the soldiers. Men tried to shoot at them but they were just too fast. It looked like some type of hovering bike, but it was so quiet. "YEEEEEEE HAAAAAAA!" the men on the bikes yelled. One of them pulled out a sabre and flew right through the ranks severing heads and arms, just slashing and hacking his way through. Others took their rifles and opened fire into the men. They also took grenades and tossed them in, flying upwards before they exploded. A group of bikes hovered around a group of infantry. One of the tanks infront turned its guns toward the group and fired. The bikes scattered and the Scottan men they were infront of flew high into the air.

An entire wave of the bikers then jumped out of the woods, 100 feet into the air avoiding the fire of the Scottan column and then falling down on them. In the air, some of the bikes fired anti-tank rockets knocking out several of the scottan tanks. Others dropped napalm charges spreading fire on them and burning the crews alive. The machineguns on the bikes opened up during the dive into the men killing several and when they landed, thats when the real fun began, pistols were drawn and the bikers began killing the men at point blank range by the douzain. The Scottans turned and ran, crews jumped from their tanks and tried to make it away, but the bikers chased after, firing indiscriminately into them and effortlessly catching up to them and hacking the back ranks down with sabres and with guns. No one could get away easily.

The sounds of similar battles could be heard all the way accross the field. Every Bridgade had gotten ambushed. And each brigade was attacked by only a small regiment. This was the Royal Feld Marschall Walter von Brauchitz's famed new Cavalry. Insead of horses, they rode what appeared to super quiet, super fast hover bikes and attacked with a vengance. One brigade of Scottans managed to survive the attack and return nearly unscathed but the rest were in tatters, tank crews had left their tanks or died in them.

Later in the day, Magedburg ordered the entire area bombed to the ground. V-4s slammed into the small station and turned it into a blackened crater, but the cavalry was already gone. The battle of Brandy Station was a Reichskamphian victory. However, they still did not have the initiative, they were outnumbered heavily and their only choice was to fall back yet again. When the Scottan columns finally took the remains of brandy station they saw the blackened bodies of their commerades or what were left of them and marvelled at the ferocity of these riders.

The Scout Troopers hovered and raced over the snow and a breath taking speed. Their white uniforms and white scout bikes blendid easily into the snow. It was a whole regiment of Jedi Stormtroopers, almost an elite among the Jedi Wehrmacht. Behind them, was the vast land of Russapovia; the Triune Kingdom. Jedi soldiers lined their ranks after the Scottan army had passed and were assembling near the Scottan-Russapovia Frontier in an effort to cut off the enemy. A total of 48,000 men from the hidden 1 million man occupation/peacekeeping army was being assembled. Nearly 500 tanks were started up and put on the move quickly, for follow forces and reinforcesments were everywhere; some in reserve and some mopping up individual Triune soldiers. No one took to the roads and the detachment force was to stay clear of towns and cities on the way to the border.

"The men are on the move sir."
"Good, it is a good day to fight and die. Soon, Scotta will fall and be replaced by a puppet government only calling to The Order of the Jedi. However, it will not be with out the loss of blood. Those men will not die in vain. Lt. Orders are from the high command that we are to hold out as long as possible. More units are being assembled else wear, and there is even talk of invasion into our nation by Scottans. Give orders to not take any prisoners, we do not have the resources to do so. Execute any prisoners or survivors. Those who surrender also apply."
"But sir!"
"These are not my orders, but the Jedi's orders. Those damn Jedi took over the government; unified it; brought it to a status to be reckoned with. These are their orders and I will follow as a somewhat of a reciprical of what was given to me."
"I understand. My family used to live in the streets. Begging for food and shelter. I agree with every word you have said. However, shooting prisoners is not right!"
"It is not my choice. Carry on soldier!"

*tag, rootin' for the Jedi, except for the shooting prisoners part! That's a no-no.* 8)

"What now?" demanded King Viktor.

"Well sir...now we go to plan B." replied the rather off put Count von Magdeburg.

"What may that be, Count?" King Viktor prodded him.

"Plan B is try to think of one." the Count sighed. "Either way we go, we will have to mobilize more men. The standing army of 1,000,000 absolutely will not cut it. We have 500,000 in Northern Russapovia and 250,000 in reserve and 250,000 we just put on the border with the Jedi. We should try to negotiate terms with the Jedi. We don't want a two front war."

"To be plain, it is still one front insofar as land is concerned, just differant armies." the King added.

The Count began to pontificate; "Militarily our options are either to send an Army into Jedi itself, concentrated force and root around in there, keep them occupied while we finish off the North in Russapovia. If we don't do that, then we throw more resources to both fronts and hope for a majour victory, a great opportunity. If it comes we win. If it doesn't, we die."

"I don't want to risk an entire field army..." the King began, "just throw them at the Jedi in hopes that they will keep them tied up. We need only to reinforce what we have with new men. 2 million troops are still in Esamopia and that means they only have 1 million left here. They will be defending more area than us so they cannot but as many men on the front as we can. We need to exploit this advantage within the next month or we will face a very long and bloody war. Russapovia first, Jedi, just hold them off and we will deal with them afterwards. I am ordering a Levee en Masse. 7 million men from all of Scotta will be raised up. We also need to raise men in the liberated Russapovian lands Russapovians may be friendlier to thier own kind."

OOC: Will do another battle later...

At first light, along the Jedi-Scottan Frontier, came the sound of artillery shells landing some few miles away on border forces and security being put in place by the Scottans. An army of 3 million men supported by 3,500 tanks, and a Luftwaffe of nearly 10,000 fighters, bombers, support and scout aircraft. The only difference between the Jedi and the Scottans was that the Jedi were already prepared for an offensive. Blitzkrieg was the order of the day. Army Group A was in the Northeast commanded by Field Marshall Dresdan, Army Group C, commanded by Field Marshall Unterscholtz, was near the Russapovian-Jedi Frontier; Army Group B, under the command of Field Marshall Ulrich, was in between the two groups.

"Field Marshall Unterscholtz," Commander in Chief of the Heer Eichman said,"your objective is to cut off the Russa-Scotta frontier from the Scottans. No reinforcements are allowed to come in. You have mobility in your tanks and your Elite Jedi Sturmdivision."
"Yes sir, I understand."
"Good. Achieve your objective by your own instinct."
"Field Marshall Dresdan. Break through. Cut deep into Scotta near Centerville."
"Yes sir."
"And Field Marshall Unterschotz."
"Yes sir?"
"You are in someways supporting both army groups. Break through and head towards Magdeburg. The objective is not to take the city, but to pull enemy towards the capital for a final blow."
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As air raids began and more artillery rained down on the enemy, the sounds of rockets began to be heard. Out of the darkness, a different light filled the sky. The V-4 rocket. Some were on their way to Madgeburg, some towards the enemy lines. Most were heading towards the Russa-Scotta Frontier where a clash of Scottan versus Jedi was to take place. A total of 200 V-4's were launched from the Jedi Border.
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A total of 25 divisions held the border of Russapovia and Scotta. The rest of the hidden and scatter army was still in hiding and acting as rear guard forces. Some of the remaining 1 million man occupation force engaged in guerilla warfare, others placing land mines and traps along known Scottan routes. They put every defensive measure out and placed. Everything down to holes with spikes in them covered by leaves and mud. They opened a supply route to the Jedi Revolutionists. Civilians were armed and or warned of the on coming battle. Some civilians offered food and shelter to the soldiers and even had information to the where abouts of the Scottan army; most of the information coming by telephone or handheld radios. The time had come for the epic duel.

OOC: Just a quick Q. Do the Jedi have their lightsabers and powers, or just guns and ordinary, metal swords?

*Scottan SDI HQ Main Computer*
SYSTEMS DETECT MISSILE LAUNCH.....TARGETS LOCATED.....LAUNCHING V-3I INTERCEPION MISSILES....PREPARING COUNTER STRIKE....TARGET: JEDI CAPITOL.........TARGET: MASSED JEDI ARMY ON BORDER..........PROCESSING...........PROCESSING...........22 V-4 ROCKETS LAUNCHED AT CAPITOL 55 V-4 ROCKETS LAUNCHED AT MASSED ARMY....

*Reichskamphian SDI HQ*

"Holy S**t!" yelled the Hauptmann of the SDI. "The Jedi launched an attack against..the capitol. All hopes for this being a civilized low civilian casualty war are now over."

"Herr Hauptmann!" the small unter feldwebel at the controls yelled out, "Scottan SDI has fired interception rockets and a counter strike against the Jedi Capitol and their army on the frontier!"

"Intercept the Interceptors and try to take down as many of the Scottan
V-4s as you can too! Don't launch a counter strike!" the Hauptmann ordered.

*Scottan SDI HQ Main Computer*

........PROCESSING.......DETECTING LAUNCH FROM REICHSKAMPHEN AND RUSSAPOVIA.....TYPE V-3I INTERCEPTION ROCKETS......TRAJECTORIES INDICATE ATTEMPTED INTERCEPTION OF LAUNCHED MISSILES......LAUNCHING V-3I INTERCEPTION ROCKETS

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OOC: With all the interceptions and such, I would say that about 20 of your V-4s hit home, we will make them outside of the Capitol because if we don't then everyone is going to be catching hell all during this war. Both crowns had agreed initially to no civillian attacks but if one side starts to lose or one side does that will likely fall apart. Lets lessen it though. Damage done, I would say about 5,000 dead 50 tanks destroyed because there are no formations massed on the Jedi border as there are in Russapovia. If they were massed it would have been triple that.

To be fair, since the Reichskamphian SDI is better than the Scottan one for the time being, I will say that only 5 of the Scottan V-4s made it into your massed formations...but that alone shouldn't be pretty. I will do a ground battle soon when time allows.

Upon hearing the news of small skrimishes and such between Scotta and Reichskamphen, Lord Panzolf reacted by sending some of his best in to watch the Scottian forces so the allied army's may be warned of an attack.
" I want 100 elite snipers to go and hold the Fridgeam forest area, around the capital city of Scotta." yelled Panzolf

" Sir,...master.. it's to risky they will be captured and killed..upon crossing the border. There is no good place to take cover from enemy fire for the first 3 miles inward" Said Major Matward

" That is why i am sending an escort with them, consisting of 500 panzi infanty, and 10 panzer tanks. They should be able to hold back any Scottian assult, while the snipers move inward" said panzolf.

" Sir, but having an escort, would only make them a lager force, which would be more visable," Said Major Matward

" My lord, I promise you that the army under my command will make it to it's destionation. Not only can i assure you that, but also we will stay there for the amount of time decided, and follow through with the orders. The only way i am leaving those lines if the lord takes me," said General Lukia.

" I am honored to have you in my service, General. I wouldn't give this assignment to anyone other than you. Now the mission details are as following:
1)Make way to Fridgeam forest, outside of capital city.
2) Disarm, and interigate any Scottian troops accounted for.
3) Stay covert for a 3 day period, and watch all enemy movement.
4) Come home alive, and wait for further instructions.

"I wish the best of luck to you, Lukia, may luck be with you. For i feel you may need it, this is no average assignment, I shall not be expecting your return," said Lord Panzolf.

" Very well, but i ask of one thing."

"What would that be?" said Panzolf.

" I ask that out of the 100 snipers that only 25 follow me through to the capital. For though it would strongly weaken us, it would be the best for being covert. I also think that the numbers in the escort should be doubled, for they should wait for us until we return after the three days. So the number of men escorting would be like the following:
1,000 panzi infantry
20 panzer tanks
75 elite snipers
"I also would like to add":
5 H-12 panzi helicopters
The 4th and 6th Marine divisons (consisting of 200 men each.)
5 King Panda Protectors
"For a total of 2,495 men and 25 tanks and 5 helicopters." Said Lukia

" Very well, you shall be granted your men. You leave tommrow at 0 500 hours. That is all, DISMISSED." Said Panzolf

While the men prepared Major Matward was seen leaving the base by himself in an armored car. General Lukia watched as he sped down the road turning not right towards friendly territory, but instead he went left towards the border.

" I don't trust that guy at all, there is nothing friendly up there, nothing at all.." Said a man walking up towards Lukia

" Nor do I, he always trys to persuade the Lord into doing somthing that would prove pointless, or harm us. I don't feel that he really believes in the panzi cause.." Said Lukia

" I believe, yes that he isn't a panzi, but i also believe he isn't even an ally. Noticed he arrived only a few weeks before we declared war on Scotta. I'll report this to Panzolf," Said a man who now appeared to be General Zercof.

" No, the Lord already as enough pressure to deal with. Let us keep this to ourselves, and besides your incharge of the escort force, you should be preparing.." Said Lukia
After that both men walked away from eachother, and didn't talk till the next day.
Meanwhile, Lord Panzolf was having an important meeting with Prince Pandu, and Captian Uther.
" I agree, this is much to many men to send out. The Scottian army will obviously be expecting somthing if we send them out, and will max sercurity" stated Uther.

" Then let them think that we are doing somthing. They won't be able to move while our army is using guerilla warfare against them. We will have figure a day ahead of them, that should be enough time to hide all the tanks and men. And when they least expect it have us open fire, it would be the smartest and most effective." Said Pandu

" I have to agree with Pandu on this one. Guerilla warfare would be extremly helpful in this situation, and if we don't send out enough men it won't cause enough damage on the first strike, so they wont have time to recover. Also I could arrange for Pandu's air force to send several t-10 Panzi bombers, to help in the matter.." Said Panzolf

Late in the night they debated, but eventually Uther agreed, and sent his marines out. The next day it was, a light mist was in the air, and a thick layer of clouds cast out the sun. Today was the day.

" Generals, the time is now, move your forces out may luck be with you" Yelled Lord Panzolf.
A great yell came from the forces that could be heard for miles, and with that they departed for the border. 12 hours later they arrived at the border line, they could smell blood, and decaying bodys. There was blown up tanks, crashed planes and dead men, numbering in the thousands. Many of the men at that point knew this wasn't just going to be an easy war, as they look at the dead men, there friends, and allies.

General Zercof yelled " Get the 4th divison in the trees over there. Take 15 tanks and 500 infantry. To the left i want all other men and tanks. And of the helicopters, put 3 to the right and 2 to the left. Spring out of the hiding spot once the Panzi bombers are done raining the bombs. Then I want the 75 snipers at the left, and at the right the 25 who will be going onwards. On my signal i want the snipers to get at it, and once the first round is fired i want the 6th to jump from hiding and run North towards the marsh,and hold postion there. That should draw most of the Scottian army towards you, thats when i want the 25 elites to take off, towards the capital. We will provide fire cover till you get to the mountains, then your on your own. Once the 25 under General Lukia run, i want the 500 panzi infantry on the right side to run out and try and flank the enemy, meanwhile the other snipers will be doing there stuff, and then with 5 tanks, I want the other 500 infantry to go reinforce the 6th. After this i want the 4th to go and provide cover to General Lukia until he reaches the mountains and then fall back. Men Get into postion.

A sudden rumbel is heard and all men scatter towards the designated hiding spot. And around the corner, a whole patrol of Scottian guards goes marching past. The sudden sound of planes flying overhead and a huge explosion, scares everyone, then one after another bomb after bomb, it all of a sudden stops. Then the 5 H-12 helicopters take off and no sooner than one leaves the ground does it get shot down. Then a single shot, rings louder than any other shot. A member of the guard falls dead. They begin to look in the trees, and just fire at nothing. Then the whole Panzi army begins to fire. And the 6th gets up and takes off. All goign well, until a second division of guards, that heard the fire, shows up coming from the south. So now the panzis are caught on both sides. And though they aren't outnumbered they are certainly no match for the guards. And General Lukia signals, that hes leaving and his men follow.
General Zercof runs and tells the 6th to pull back, but when he arrived, he saw that there was only a few men left. And the guards were sweeping the area. But Just before they were about to pass, the infantry men came from behind and killed alot of the guards. But suffered heavy casuiltes themselves. But eventually General Zercof had to round them up and call for a retreat. Of the 2,495 men only 823 returned.


" We will leave you here, for General Zercof is calling a retreat" Said the Private.

" Very well we will be from here on" Said Lukia

Several days had passed and they met no resistance, they saw many, but they were hidden well. And finally they arrived at there destionation.
" We made it this far General, now we have to wait 3 days, we don't have the supplies. We won't last." Said a sniper

" Sshh..be quiet there is somthing over there.." Said Lukia
Just then a few men dressed in common clothes walked past them..and one stopped.

" What is that..do you see that..hey stop."
" Grab him..get him." said General Lukia
He was pulled in and sadly he had to be shot, for he kept screaming. But his friends ran down the road and couldn't be stopped.

" That can't be good..we have to pull back, I'll call in an early pick-up. Sence our escort had to retreat, cause of the unusualy large number of men in that area. Just then, a man walked past, And he caught Lukias eye.

" That's...." whispered Lukia
And the man turned around..and with one look he turned and ran yelling, they are here..there here!

" HURRY..I KNEW IT..Major Matward is a SPY..THAT WAS HIM!!" Screamed Lukia.
And with that he fired his gun, killing the Major in an instant. And right after that a whole army of Scottians came..and began to fire into the forest..running every where and just shooting.

" Retreat..I'll have a heli waiting at the river. GO..GO.." Yelled Lukia
Just then a bullet hit him in the arm..he screamed in pain..but followed his men. To the extraction Point. Only 5 made it back. Heavy losses where there. And General Lukia was hurt, and they didn't obtain any information, for it was only the end of the first day.

" General you have failed me. Also you have caused me heavy casulites, But most of all..you killed a spy. A spy whom wouldn't have been caught. I thank you for all that you did. And would like to award you with this." Said Panzolf
He handed him a silver panda..and with that the fateful mission, was declared a success..even though none of the goals were achieved.

" Lord, Thank you."

" No need, you need rest. But Uther..I need you..I want to orgainze a full scale attack with our allies, send a messenger..asking if they would meet somewhere of there choice.

(ooc was that good first time i ever did one)

Upon hearing the news of small skrimishes and such between Scotta and Reichskamphen, Lord Panzolf reacted by sending some of his best in to watch the Scottian forces so the allied army's may be warned of an attack.
" I want 100 elite snipers to go and hold the Fridgeam forest area, around the capital city of Scotta." yelled Panzolf

" Sir,...master.. it's to risky they will be captured and killed..upon crossing the border. There is no good place to take cover from enemy fire for the first 3 miles inward" Said Major Matward

" That is why i am sending an escort with them, consisting of 500 panzi infanty, and 10 panzer tanks. They should be able to hold back any Scottian assult, while the snipers move inward" said panzolf.

" Sir, but having an escort, would only make them a lager force, which would be more visable," Said Major Matward

" My lord, I promise you that the army under my command will make it to it's destionation. Not only can i assure you that, but also we will stay there for the amount of time decided, and follow through with the orders. The only way i am leaving those lines if the lord takes me," said General Lukia.

" I am honored to have you in my service, General. I wouldn't give this assignment to anyone other than you. Now the mission details are as following:
1)Make way to Fridgeam forest, outside of capital city.
2) Disarm, and interigate any Scottian troops accounted for.
3) Stay covert for a 3 day period, and watch all enemy movement.
4) Come home alive, and wait for further instructions.

"I wish the best of luck to you, Lukia, may luck be with you. For i feel you may need it, this is no average assignment, I shall not be expecting your return," said Lord Panzolf.

" Very well, but i ask of one thing."

"What would that be?" said Panzolf.

" I ask that out of the 100 snipers that only 25 follow me through to the capital. For though it would strongly weaken us, it would be the best for being covert. I also think that the numbers in the escort should be doubled, for they should wait for us until we return after the three days. So the number of men escorting would be like the following:
1,000 panzi infantry
20 panzer tanks
75 elite snipers
"I also would like to add":
5 H-12 panzi helicopters
The 4th and 6th Marine divisons (consisting of 200 men each.)
5 King Panda Protectors
"For a total of 2,495 men and 25 tanks and 5 helicopters." Said Lukia

" Very well, you shall be granted your men. You leave tommrow at 0 500 hours. That is all, DISMISSED." Said Panzolf

While the men prepared Major Matward was seen leaving the base by himself in an armored car. General Lukia watched as he sped down the road turning not right towards friendly territory, but instead he went left towards the border.

" I don't trust that guy at all, there is nothing friendly up there, nothing at all.." Said a man walking up towards Lukia

" Nor do I, he always trys to persuade the Lord into doing somthing that would prove pointless, or harm us. I don't feel that he really believes in the panzi cause.." Said Lukia

" I believe, yes that he isn't a panzi, but i also believe he isn't even an ally. Noticed he arrived only a few weeks before we declared war on Scotta. I'll report this to Panzolf," Said a man who now appeared to be General Zercof.

" No, the Lord already as enough pressure to deal with. Let us keep this to ourselves, and besides your incharge of the escort force, you should be preparing.." Said Lukia
After that both men walked away from eachother, and didn't talk till the next day.
Meanwhile, Lord Panzolf was having an important meeting with Prince Pandu, and Captian Uther.
" I agree, this is much to many men to send out. The Scottian army will obviously be expecting somthing if we send them out, and will max sercurity" stated Uther.

" Then let them think that we are doing somthing. They won't be able to move while our army is using guerilla warfare against them. We will have figure a day ahead of them, that should be enough time to hide all the tanks and men. And when they least expect it have us open fire, it would be the smartest and most effective." Said Pandu

" I have to agree with Pandu on this one. Guerilla warfare would be extremly helpful in this situation, and if we don't send out enough men it won't cause enough damage on the first strike, so they wont have time to recover. Also I could arrange for Pandu's air force to send several t-10 Panzi bombers, to help in the matter.." Said Panzolf

Late in the night they debated, but eventually Uther agreed, and sent his marines out. The next day it was, a light mist was in the air, and a thick layer of clouds cast out the sun. Today was the day.

Upon hearing the news of small skrimishes and such between Scotta and Reichskamphen, Lord Panzolf reacted by sending some of his best in to watch the Scottian forces so the allied army's may be warned of an attack.
" I want 100 elite snipers to go and hold the Fridgeam forest area, around the capital city of Scotta." yelled Panzolf

" Sir,...master.. it's to risky they will be captured and killed..upon crossing the border. There is no good place to take cover from enemy fire for the first 3 miles inward" Said Major Matward

" That is why i am sending an escort with them, consisting of 500 panzi infanty, and 10 panzer tanks. They should be able to hold back any Scottian assult, while the snipers move inward" said panzolf.

" Sir, but having an escort, would only make them a lager force, which would be more visable," Said Major Matward

" My lord, I promise you that the army under my command will make it to it's destionation. Not only can i assure you that, but also we will stay there for the amount of time decided, and follow through with the orders. The only way i am leaving those lines if the lord takes me," said General Lukia.

" I am honored to have you in my service, General. I wouldn't give this assignment to anyone other than you. Now the mission details are as following:
1)Make way to Fridgeam forest, outside of capital city.
2) Disarm, and interigate any Scottian troops accounted for.
3) Stay covert for a 3 day period, and watch all enemy movement.
4) Come home alive, and wait for further instructions.

"I wish the best of luck to you, Lukia, may luck be with you. For i feel you may need it, this is no average assignment, I shall not be expecting your return," said Lord Panzolf.

" Very well, but i ask of one thing."

"What would that be?" said Panzolf.

" I ask that out of the 100 snipers that only 25 follow me through to the capital. For though it would strongly weaken us, it would be the best for being covert. I also think that the numbers in the escort should be doubled, for they should wait for us until we return after the three days. So the number of men escorting would be like the following:
1,000 panzi infantry
20 panzer tanks
75 elite snipers
"I also would like to add":
5 H-12 panzi helicopters
The 4th and 6th Marine divisons (consisting of 200 men each.)
5 King Panda Protectors
"For a total of 2,495 men and 25 tanks and 5 helicopters." Said Lukia

" Very well, you shall be granted your men. You leave tommrow at 0 500 hours. That is all, DISMISSED." Said Panzolf

While the men prepared Major Matward was seen leaving the base by himself in an armored car. General Lukia watched as he sped down the road turning not right towards friendly territory, but instead he went left towards the border.

" I don't trust that guy at all, there is nothing friendly up there, nothing at all.." Said a man walking up towards Lukia

" Nor do I, he always trys to persuade the Lord into doing somthing that would prove pointless, or harm us. I don't feel that he really believes in the panzi cause.." Said Lukia

" I believe, yes that he isn't a panzi, but i also believe he isn't even an ally. Noticed he arrived only a few weeks before we declared war on Scotta. I'll report this to Panzolf," Said a man who now appeared to be General Zercof.

" No, the Lord already as enough pressure to deal with. Let us keep this to ourselves, and besides your incharge of the escort force, you should be preparing.." Said Lukia
After that both men walked away from eachother, and didn't talk till the next day.
Meanwhile, Lord Panzolf was having an important meeting with Prince Pandu, and Captian Uther.
" I agree, this is much to many men to send out. The Scottian army will obviously be expecting somthing if we send them out, and will max sercurity" stated Uther.

" Then let them think that we are doing somthing. They won't be able to move while our army is using guerilla warfare against them. We will have figure a day ahead of them, that should be enough time to hide all the tanks and men. And when they least expect it have us open fire, it would be the smartest and most effective." Said Pandu

" I have to agree with Pandu on this one. Guerilla warfare would be extremly helpful in this situation, and if we don't send out enough men it won't cause enough damage on the first strike, so they wont have time to recover. Also I could arrange for Pandu's air force to send several t-10 Panzi bombers, to help in the matter.." Said Panzolf

Late in the night they debated, but eventually Uther agreed, and sent his marines out. The next day it was, a light mist was in the air, and a thick layer of clouds cast out the sun. Today was the day.


" Generals, the time is now, move your forces out may luck be with you" Yelled Lord Panzolf.
A great yell came from the forces that could be heard for miles, and with that they departed for the border. 12 hours later they arrived at the border line, they could smell blood, and decaying bodys. There was blown up tanks, crashed planes and dead men, numbering in the thousands. Many of the men at that point knew this wasn't just going to be an easy war, as they look at the dead men, there friends, and allies.

General Zercof yelled " Get the 4th divison in the trees over there. Take 15 tanks and 500 infantry. To the left i want all other men and tanks. And of the helicopters, put 3 to the right and 2 to the left. Spring out of the hiding spot once the Panzi bombers are done raining the bombs. Then I want the 75 snipers at the left, and at the right the 25 who will be going onwards. On my signal i want the snipers to get at it, and once the first round is fired i want the 6th to jump from hiding and run North towards the marsh,and hold postion there. That should draw most of the Scottian army towards you, thats when i want the 25 elites to take off, towards the capital. We will provide fire cover till you get to the mountains, then your on your own. Once the 25 under General Lukia run, i want the 500 panzi infantry on the right side to run out and try and flank the enemy, meanwhile the other snipers will be doing there stuff, and then with 5 tanks, I want the other 500 infantry to go reinforce the 6th. After this i want the 4th to go and provide cover to General Lukia until he reaches the mountains and then fall back. Men Get into postion.

A sudden rumbel is heard and all men scatter towards the designated hiding spot. And around the corner, a whole patrol of Scottian guards goes marching past. The sudden sound of planes flying overhead and a huge explosion, scares everyone, then one after another bomb after bomb, it all of a sudden stops. Then the 5 H-12 helicopters take off and no sooner than one leaves the ground does it get shot down. Then a single shot, rings louder than any other shot. A member of the guard falls dead. They begin to look in the trees, and just fire at nothing. Then the whole Panzi army begins to fire. And the 6th gets up and takes off. All goign well, until a second division of guards, that heard the fire, shows up coming from the south. So now the panzis are caught on both sides. And though they aren't outnumbered they are certainly no match for the guards. And General Lukia signals, that hes leaving and his men follow.
General Zercof runs and tells the 6th to pull back, but when he arrived, he saw that there was only a few men left. And the guards were sweeping the area. But Just before they were about to pass, the infantry men came from behind and killed alot of the guards. But suffered heavy casuiltes themselves. But eventually General Zercof had to round them up and call for a retreat. Of the 2,495 men only 823 returned.


" We will leave you here, for General Zercof is calling a retreat" Said the Private.

" Very well we will be from here on" Said Lukia

Several days had passed and they met no resistance, they saw many, but they were hidden well. And finally they arrived at there destionation.
" We made it this far General, now we have to wait 3 days, we don't have the supplies. We won't last." Said a sniper

" Sshh..be quiet there is somthing over there.." Said Lukia
Just then a few men dressed in common clothes walked past them..and one stopped.

" What is that..do you see that..hey stop."
" Grab him..get him." said General Lukia
He was pulled in and sadly he had to be shot, for he kept screaming. But his friends ran down the road and couldn't be stopped.

" That can't be good..we have to pull back, I'll call in an early pick-up. Sence our escort had to retreat, cause of the unusualy large number of men in that area. Just then, a man walked past, And he caught Lukias eye.

" That's...." whispered Lukia
And the man turned around..and with one look he turned and ran yelling, they are here..there here!

" HURRY..I KNEW IT..Major Matward is a SPY..THAT WAS HIM!!" Screamed Lukia.
And with that he fired his gun, killing the Major in an instant. And right after that a whole army of Scottians came..and began to fire into the forest..running every where and just shooting.

" Retreat..I'll have a heli waiting at the river. GO..GO.." Yelled Lukia
Just then a bullet hit him in the arm..he screamed in pain..but followed his men. To the extraction Point. Only 5 made it back. Heavy losses where there. And General Lukia was hurt, and they didn't obtain any information, for it was only the end of the first day.

" General you have failed me. Also you have caused me heavy casulites, But most of all..you killed a spy. A spy whom wouldn't have been caught. I thank you for all that you did. And would like to award you with this." Said Panzolf
He handed him a silver panda..and with that the fateful mission, was declared a success..even though none of the goals were achieved.

" Lord, Thank you."

" No need, you need rest. But Uther..I need you..I want to orgainze a full scale attack with our allies, send a messenger..asking if they would meet somewhere of there choice.

(ooc was that good first time i ever did one)

sorry..i didnt mean to do that..this stupid thing wouldnt send it and then all of a sudden it sends..that many..god forgive me. I wasnt trying

sorry..i didnt mean to do that..this stupid thing wouldnt send it and then all of a sudden it sends..that many..god forgive me. I wasnt trying

OOC: No worries. Pretty good work there. I'll stick with what you wrote this time, but for the next time, unless you have permission for such things, you should let me state the movements of the Scottans and the people under my control.

IC: *Northern Russapovia*

In the north, Lignum Crucis had reformed at about half of its previous strength. They were Reinforced by the newly arrived Reichskamphian Army of Russapovia which had set up headquarters about 20 miles south of the front. Von Brauchitz's cavalry had done great work on a small scale, but now it was to be seen how it would work on a larger scale. The entire 1st Cavalry Division (At this point there is only one Cavalry division in existance) was gathering around the RANR(Reichskamphian Army of Northern Russapovia) Headquarters to move to the front with Lignum Crucis and the 3rd and 4th Royal Infantry Divisions. The 2nd Royal Panzer Division was also to accompany this new force to the front. This meant about 200,000 men, countless armoured and unarmoured vehicles, and 500 tanks were fast approaching Leipzig County, the first county attacked.

The Scottans so far had retreated before the massive force, but it was yet to be seen what would happen when they reached Leipzig County itself. Brauchitz's Cavalry was out in front, surveying ahead and doing recon while one regiment remained behind with the main force to serve as a quick response unit incase there was an attack along the column somewhere. Von Brauchitz himself, C in C of the Army of Northern Russapovia, was riding in an armoured staff car at the centre of the Column. During the Wars of the Protectorate, he was the commander of the entire Scottan Army. A Scottan by birth, it was assumed he would side with King Viktor. However, as Brauchitz dislikes the Reich and Viktor wants to rejoin, Brauchitz believed it in the best interests of Scotta that he command the army to return her to the Kingdom, to safety and stability.

A man on a mech-horse(name for the hover bike the Cavalry used) came speeding up to the command car and knocked on the window. He was wearing a Royal Guard uniform which looked very odd because there were no Royal Guard in the Cavalry. He had also gotten eyes from the other soldiers in the column. Begrudgingly, Brauchitz rolled down his bullet proof window. "General!" the man on the mech horse yelled "Horrible news!"

"What is it??" demanded the disturbed General von Brauchitz.

"Sir, General von Brauchitz was killed!" the man on the horse yelled.

A perplexed look came over the Generals face as he stared down at his lap trying to comprehend what was said "What the hell are you talking about soldier!? I am perfectly fine!" demanded the General looking back up at him. When he did he saw that the soldier had a semi automatic pistol aimed square at his head.

"Not anymore you're not." replied the cavalryman smartly. A gunshot rang out and heads of everyone in the column turned. All was black...the general opened his eyes to see the cavalryman leaning in his window with a bullethole right between his eyes. A man on the tank infront of the command car gave the OK sign to Brauchitz whereupon he shoved the man's dead body out of his window and the mechhorse stopped and fell to the ground.

Then a real cavalryman came up to the command car, "General! Cavalry has made contact with a large Scottan Armoured Division headed this way. There is also a large cloud of dust rising up to the south and to the west of here, we believe each is a division of Scottan Infantry.

"So it begins." the General said pensively.

*RANR Hq, Northern Russapovia*

For 10 hours the staff had been listening to the heavy gunfire 20 miles north. The skyline glowed from the blazing fires and the constant pounding of artillery. An eerie iridescant glow bathed the entire landscape.

"We haven't heard from the General in hours..." the Colonel in charge of the Headquarters commented in a concerned tone. "Something is up. Something far from good."

The head of the monitoring station walked up to the Colonel and began to speak, "Sir, for the last few hours, we have been picking up massive traffic from the Scottan comms and from our own. The Scottans seem to have the army pinned in a pincer movement. From what we understand, they are completely surrounded and the Scottan Royal Guard is preparing to drive in and finish them off. Our men are in a tight spot and the General hasn't been heard from for hours, even on the front. He is suspicioned captured or dead."

The Colonel took a long pause and finally sighed, "Alright...pass it along...evacuate Headquarters. We still have most of the Lignum Crucis Armoured units here. I will take command of them myself and move towards the front. Maybe I can exploit the Scottan lines to get a break just long enough for some of our men to escape."

Men immediately began running around frantically, loading up kubelwagens with whatever they could carry away. Every sensitive document was thrown into the central building of the camp and the building was lit on fire. As the plumes of ash and flame from the burning building rose high into the cold night air, two columns departed, one frantically running towards New Braunau, the other, moving towards the front line to save whatever could be saved.

*Front Lines, Leipzig County*

"1st Cav form on me!" yelled out a desperate Colonel, riding atop a mech horse. Hundreds of other cavaliers came out of the tree lines and from elsewhere on the battlefield and formed around the Colonel. This was only 1/4th of the 1st Cavalry division. No one knew where the rest were. They looked down the hill at the field of battle. Scottan tanks bearing the Scottan Royal Standard were pursueing the tens of thousands of retreating Triune soldiers. The wave of the retreat poured past the hovering cavaliers. It was a struggle to stay in place while the hordes ran frantically by. This was a disgrace. The Colonel pulled forth his sabre and yelled at the top of his lungs, "For the King! Ourrah!" and his Mech horse jumped high into the air. The wind whipped through his hair as he took aim with his mounted weapons and began to open fire on the Scottan pursuers from right above their heads, diving down into them. The rest of the men joined, jumping into the air and diving down. The tanks turned their guns into the air. Machinegun bullets ricocheted off of the mech horses making bright sparks against their sides. Occasionally one of the bullets would hit the rider's exposed leg and the horse would crash into a formation of the enemy exploding violently and killing the rider along with his attackers. The colonel held out his sabre and as he passed, severed the head of one of the Scottan tank commanders who was surverying the attack. His limp body fell back into the tank compartment upon which time a grenade was tossed into the open hatch, dessimating the tank and all inside.

The colonel sent orders over the comm "Fire Tow Rockets...get rid of these tanks!" A whole volley of rockets flew forth from the bikes and slammed into the tanks creating a cloud of smoke and fire rivaled by none. Then, the still moving tanks rolled out of the clouds and kept firing. "Dammit!" yelled the Colonel

Scottans were dieing left and right as the cavalry charge reached its peak. The colonel pulled his mech horse up high and surveyed the situation. He was still for too long. A heat seeking rocket was launched from one of the tanks. The colonel saw it and pulled straight up into a vertical jump. The rocket followed. He turned to the left abruptly to try to throw it off, but it followed behind and slammed into him, consigning him and his mech horse to a ball of flame plummeting from the sky. Not knowing what had happened the rest of the men kept fighting. Soon, though, the cavalry began to fall. One by one, they fell back as well. Luckily though, they had slowed down the Scottan pursuers by a few minutes...just enough time for the arriving elements of Lignum Crucis to make a break in the southern part of the Scottan lines. They held the floodgates open for a paltry 15 minutes before the Scottans clamped down and sent Lignum Crucis running as well. 50,500 men managed to escape. Most of the tanks were obliterated. 100,000 captured, 50,000 killed. There wasn't a substantial force of Triune men between there and New Braunau...all of Russapovia was open for the taking. It was a disaster.

Field Marschall Unterscholtz's move across border begun that early morning after an exchange of artillery barrages. Throughout the night, the sky was filled with fire and light. The armoured push began against the Scottan force under the cover of darkness, artillery, and air. Infantry ran along side or rode in armoured and mechanized units. Thousands of planes over head dove and dropped bombs and strafed targets. The spearhead was lead by the 1st Elite Sturmdivision; the only Sturmdivision of 10 through out the Jedi Army to carry the name of Elite because of distinct action in the field and holding out against Scottan V-4s during the Triune Kingdom Civil War and never losing in battle. The cut across the borders had begun...but unbeknownst the Scottans, the greatest airborne assault had just begun that far surpassed the Esamopian invasion.
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Field Marschall Dresdan's push to Centreville also began under the same conditions. He held more artillery and more men under his command for he had the farthest to travel on his way to Centreville.
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The Jedi Occupation force had faired well against keeping supplies from coming across the border. More men were needed and the Field Marschall Eichman was able to bring the number of men up to 500,000; most were ill equipt and were low on supplies.

*Scottan Army Headquarters*

"Your Highness," Magdeburg began, "we just defeated the entire Triune Army and sent them fleeing to New Braunau. There has never been a defeat of Triune forces so complete in the entire history of the Kingdom. Infact, if we win, this will be their first defeat in history. We are hot on their tails and will be at the gates of the capitol in 2-3 days."

"Excellent." responded the King, "But I am assuming there is also bad news..."

"Yes there is that too." added Magdeburg, "Jedi forces are cutting accross the Russapovia/Scotta border and if they succeed, they will cut our army off entirely. We either have to mobilize the new conscripts without training and send them down, or turn our armies in the south around to take care of the Jedi, possibly giving the Triune Kingdom time to refit their armies and come back at us. The Jedi are also making a push towards Centreville. If they break all the prisoners there, we could have a big revolt on our hands. Also, that would mean even if we did send the conscripts down, they would have to break through the jedi there and then, deeply weakened, driver further south and probably break on the second jedi line."

"So what do we do?" asked the King.

"I say we have no choice but to turn the armies in the south around and beat the Jedi Back. Otherwise we lose Scotta herself." Magdeburg replied.

"I have a better idea..." the King added slyly. "Send orders to General Hertzan to release the Elite Royal Guard. They will know what to do."

Field Marshal Jackson watched the motor cade as hundreds of hover transports lined up on the Reich Highway. He knew the Reich highway would guarantee a quick deployment into Scotta and Russapovia. His orders were simple, ”do not fortify, attack the heart and bring the civil war to an end as fast as possible. He had 1200 Exeo Panzer at his disposal together with one division of Inquisitors and one division of Shocktroops. He knew that he would have full airsupport and his leaders had also told him that he would receive aid from within the nation itself. How they had planned to succeed in this he didn’t know. He only knew that this had to be a BlitzKrieg because the fifth legion would follow in his tracks in three days together with the rest of his provisions and he only had provisions for seventeen days. He was not afraid of the winter climate, his battlehardened veterans had faced the same conditions before and were dressed with the best materials and equipment for this type of weather. His hovercrafts would also prove valuable if they met with minefields or destroyed bridges.

Jackson looked up in the air and watched 4 wings of Jaeger fighter/bombers fly into Scotta on a low altitude, trying to escape radar, hunting for tanks, cannons, artillery and vehicles in their path. Following the the bombers came 60 Heist helicopters also trying to create a path, a secured road for the vehicles. Jackson counted to 50 and then gave the signal for the motorcade to get moving.

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

High above Scotta and Russapovia a number of spy sats checked in to tell the Veganian HQ the whereabouts of large tank groups or heat from larger amounts of Reichpanzer.

In a ship nearby private Suenson sat strapped in a crowded pod, sweating and swearing together with 39 others from the 15:th penal batallion. He had heard the officers discussions earlier this morning:

”So you say that if we shoot the pods in an eleveation instead of straight down we might evade most of the air and orbit defenses?”

”Yes, by not having to fly in a line over the defenses, but instead shooting the pods from a side angle we may be able to not only surprise the defenders but also deploy the troops with less risk of damage to the transports”

”I see... Are the transporters built for this?”

”No sir, but our technicians tells us it is an easy task to reaim the podshooters, to make them able to shoot in an angle”

”The technicians Eh.. and casualties?”

”Normally we expect between 10-20 % casualties when deploying by the pods but this will only increase the casualty rating with about 10-15 %” The young enthusiastic officer checked his calculator and smiled ”That mean we will loose 14,000 in the worst case and 8,000 in best case, that is highly acceptable losses, considering they would be executed anyway.”

”Good job captain, I want the 15:th penal batallion equipped with explosives and anti-tank weapons. Otherwise standard winter equipment, give them provisions for two days afterwards they can find their own food from the locals. Set their penalcollars on 6 days, that’ll get them motivated that our troops will reach them in time. God is Great!”

”God is Great!”

*New Braunau, Russapovia*

Police Cars patrolled the streets along with armoured cars and Royal troops. People were fleeing the city as fast as they could. The Scottan's were at the gates. They could see the the fires of the Scottan camps on the horizon still.

Then, a speaker truck came by announcing, "Attention! Attention! The Scottan Army has turned around! It is falling back!" This was greeted by great sighs of relief from all.

A large column of troops from Panzizm marched through the streets. A regiment had been posted in the city for its protection. Even more Panzi troops had been sent to the front to throw back the Scottans.

*Outside New Braunau*

The Panzi commander surveyed the retreating Scottan troops and then placed his binoculars in their case. "The front line is holding to allow the rest of them to fall back...I say we don't let them! Fall into them men!"

The Panzi tanks revved up slowly and threw mud behind them as they began to roll towards the embattled Scottans. Only 500,000 of the entire 7,000,000 man force had reached the front. It looked to be a moving wall of metal thats was fast approaching the Scottan line. Simultaeneously, the Scottans fell to one knee and leveled their Panzerfausts on the tanks and fired. The volley of Rockets slammed into the oncoming tanks. Many hitched upon the impact and stopped entirely as thick, black smoke belched from their wounded carcasses. The rest of the tanks rolled on leaving the others behind.

The Scottans still did not move. In response to many of their tanks being destroyed, the Panzi commander ordered another wave to follow behind the first in close succession. When the Panzi tanks were within range to attack the soldiers with their machineguns, the soldiers hit the deck and opened fire, their bullets bouncing off the armour plates like spitballs. Just then, the Scottan Armour came back. It had not retreated at all. It had fallen back and circled around in the rear of their formation so that when they came back, they would be striking the attacking Panzis on both flanks. They were caught in the jaws of a pincer. The greatly superior Scottan tanks began to tear great gaps in the Panzi lines as they valliantly attempted to keep moving forward. One Panzi tank, after firing off all of his tank shells, began to attempt to shoot the treads off of the Scottan tank with his machinegun..chip away at the rubber.

The Garrison of New Braunau, Mobilized for just such an occasion, came lumbering out of the city gates and slammed into the flanking maneuver of the Scottans...outflanking the flankers and pinning the left pincer. This meant that the right pincer would keep moving but wouldn't likely reach the left one. Another Panzi unit moved in and then pinned the right pincer, Immobilizing the mighty jaws and allowing the central thrust of the Panzi armour to finally punch through and break the line in two. The Scottans began to retreat at break neck speed.

The Panzi Commander looked on in awe at the victory but then, counted the number of Scottan tanks he saw burning...too few...far too few. This wasn't even close the the whole Scottan army. This was just a Brigade left behind to hold them up. Thats why they had beaten it.

*Axis of Jedi Advance on Centreville*

"Status report Private." demanded the Scottan Elite Royal Guard commander.

"Sir," he began, "All primary secondary and tertiary roads on this side of Scotta have been destroyed so that no large formations can pass over them sir...that is except for the main highway heading into Centreville."

"Good. That is the road we will use to retreat on. I hope those Jedi don't come too fast. We will need some time to settle in." the commander grumbled, "Now Pull out boys!"

*New Braunau, Russapovia*

Police Cars patrolled the streets along with armoured cars and Royal troops. People were fleeing the city as fast as they could. The Scottan's were at the gates. They could see the the fires of the Scottan camps on the horizon still.

Then, a speaker truck came by announcing, "Attention! Attention! The Scottan Army has turned around! It is falling back!" This was greeted by great sighs of relief from all.

A large column of troops from Panzizm marched through the streets. A regiment had been posted in the city for its protection. Even more Panzi troops had been sent to the front to throw back the Scottans.

*Outside New Braunau*

The Panzi commander surveyed the retreating Scottan troops and then placed his binoculars in their case. "The front line is holding to allow the rest of them to fall back...I say we don't let them! Fall into them men!"

The Panzi tanks revved up slowly and threw mud behind them as they began to roll towards the embattled Scottans. Only 500,000 of the entire 7,000,000 man force had reached the front. It looked to be a moving wall of metal thats was fast approaching the Scottan line. Simultaeneously, the Scottans fell to one knee and leveled their Panzerfausts on the tanks and fired. The volley of Rockets slammed into the oncoming tanks. Many hitched upon the impact and stopped entirely as thick, black smoke belched from their wounded carcasses. The rest of the tanks rolled on leaving the others behind.

The Scottans still did not move. In response to many of their tanks being destroyed, the Panzi commander ordered another wave to follow behind the first in close succession. When the Panzi tanks were within range to attack the soldiers with their machineguns, the soldiers hit the deck and opened fire, their bullets bouncing off the armour plates like spitballs. Just then, the Scottan Armour came back. It had not retreated at all. It had fallen back and circled around in the rear of their formation so that when they came back, they would be striking the attacking Panzis on both flanks. They were caught in the jaws of a pincer. The greatly superior Scottan tanks began to tear great gaps in the Panzi lines as they valliantly attempted to keep moving forward. One Panzi tank, after firing off all of his tank shells, began to attempt to shoot the treads off of the Scottan tank with his machinegun..chip away at the rubber.

The Garrison of New Braunau, Mobilized for just such an occasion, came lumbering out of the city gates and slammed into the flanking maneuver of the Scottans...outflanking the flankers and pinning the left pincer. This meant that the right pincer would keep moving but wouldn't likely reach the left one. Another Panzi unit moved in and then pinned the right pincer, Immobilizing the mighty jaws and allowing the central thrust of the Panzi armour to finally punch through and break the line in two. The Scottans began to retreat at break neck speed.

The Panzi Commander looked on in awe at the victory but then, counted the number of Scottan tanks he saw burning...too few...far too few. This wasn't even close the the whole Scottan army. This was just a Brigade left behind to hold them up. Thats why they had beaten it.

*Axis of Jedi Advance on Centreville*

"Status report Private." demanded the Scottan Elite Royal Guard commander.

"Sir," he began, "All primary secondary and tertiary roads on this side of Scotta have been destroyed so that no large formations can pass over them sir...that is except for the main highway heading into Centreville."

"Good. That is the road we will use to retreat on. I hope those Jedi don't come too fast. We will need some time to settle in." the commander grumbled, "Now Pull out boys!"

The streitekräfte had started the bombardment at tank concentration as soon as they had heard that Von Carlsburg had entered Scotta. Thousands of metalrods were shot towards the ground together with missiles and flares to disguise the pods that would be dropped as well as making the Scottan defenses show themselves for orbital bombardment.

The bombardments went mainly towards airfields and airdefenses and the Veganian Star Spears sped towards their designated targets; Power stations and air fields. ten Star Spears left for their mission and the commander looked at them as they went towards the ground. He knew that not all of them would return, the scottan defenses were not bad, not bad at all.

Private Suensson looked at his fellow soldiers, the only thing they had in common was the collar they all wore. The collar that named them dogsoldiers, the collar that would explode if removed or if not checked within a certain timelimit. They never knew what the timelimit would be. Suensson was an experienced veteran of Penal Battallion missions, this was his third, he knew some that had experienced seven or eight, and legends spoke about people surviving more than ten. He looked at the others, there were Marcus, who had killed an officer in a brawl, John, who had been caught running away from his regiment, and Samuel, who was a rumoured serial killer. They had run missions together before even if Suensson felt a bit distrubed by Samuel. He really didn’t like the way he looked at him and then how his hands clenched into strangling fists. He reminded himself of never turning his back to Samuel in any mission. Suensson remembered his own sentence, that bloody bitch! She had dressed herself like a harlot and then asked for it, really asked for it. But the court had not listened to him, he was sentenced to penal battallion duty for rape.

A tremor shook his pod, he looked out through the little window as far as he could stretch while strapped. He saw the big doors open as his pod was moved into position and then he was pushed backwards into his seat. He saw the ground far below them and other pods speeding by. There seemed to be some orbital bombardments at the ground. Suddenly he saw another pod starting to swirl and the jets flamed up and made it spin faster towards the ground. As they came closer he could also see ground defenses beginning to firing at them. He looked around and saw several of his fellow soldiers praying, one of the others started to unstrap himself, ignoring his fellows cries to make him stop. The man clawed at his straps, a pedophiliac to tell by the burnt in mark in his forehead, Suensson recognised him his name was Göransson, this was Göranssons first run. Finally he succeeded to free himself of the straps and instantly flew to the roof of the pod, pressed against the ceiling as hard as if strapped as the pod flew towards the ground at a high velocity. The breakjets made the decelleration abrubt and hard several seconds later foolowed by a crash as the y struck ground. Göransson dropped from the roof and landed with his legs on another dogsoldier and his head struck the floor with a nasty sound. Suensson knew the drill, when the breaking jets started he braced for impact...

On the command bridge of one of a ship Admiral Stojanovic saw the pods speeding towards the ground in a cloud of flares and missiled and metal rods. He saw a rod strike a pod and making it explode in a ball of fire, another pod selfignited and fell burning towards the ground. Stojanovic watch his penal battallion go into war in a blaze of gore and in the face of god. He wondered what God had in mind for the 15:th penal battallion:

Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of hell
Rode the six hundred...

The Scottan defenses remained silent. Someone had put in the manual over-ride so that they would not give away their position.

The Veganian star spears that rushed towards the ground were soon met by their Scottan Counterparts. It was thought Scotta had no such thing, but it appeared as if perhaps they had stolen some from the Kingdom's bases in Scotta before the Triune forces could remove them.

The Scottan ships swooped in on the rear of the veganian craft almost out of nowhere and completely unexpected as no one expected Scotta to field them. Taking careful aim, each ship took a few shots at one of the Veganian ships.

Air force bases all accross the east were sending their birds up. Swarms of jet fighters were waiting for the expected arrival of the Veganian planes and also intercepting the Jedi Bombers and fighters that had moved in.

Moble V-3 trucks were launching against the Jedi planes while the V-4s curiously remained silent. Both King Marcus and Viktor had agreed to keep it a civilized war and it was assumed the Jedi were standing by this as well.

*Jedi Push on the Scottan Border*

The Right Left and Centre portions of the Scottan line were holding well. The massive Jedi force was right infront of them.

The Scottans had dug in well on their positions, all except for certain positions in the centre.

"What did you say, Captain?" the stunned Scottan Sergeant demanded.

"I said pull half the men out of the centre and throw them on the flanks."

"Very well..." the Sergeant responded. "I won't be responsible for the results of this though."

After the victory, if you can even call it that, The panzi soilders began to retreat also. To back inside the city of New Braunau. While trying to count their losses, a loud horn was heard. It was not the horn of an enemy, but the horn of the famed Prince Pandu. Though he arrived late after the battle, it gave the panzi forces another 10,000 men, also it gave fresh supplies and raised morale. But this wasn't gonna be enough for the panzi soilders to hold out another slaughter like that.

"The Prince is here, Hurray the Pricne has come!" Yelled many soilders

"Yes..yes, quiet down now. We haven't yet beat the enemy, Only pushed back a small Brigade of the Scottian soilders! Now is not the time to cheer, all though i have brought men, supplies and such, it is not nearly the size we meant to bring. Many men were forced to hold position South of this, due to weather and sickness." Said Capt Teaadil

After this speech went on for awhile, Prince Pandu now taking command of the both army's, sent 2,000 men to go and watch the Western border to help prevent any Scottian assult in other western city's. He also sent out a small guard, consisting of the 14th Panzi deathsquad, and what was left of the panzi panzer tank division. So a total of about 500 troops, and 30 tanks. The guard was told to patrol Northward towards the Scottian lines, to help prepare the Panzi army for another attack.

*Panzolf's Palace*
" Sir, we have recieved word that our forces have beaten back the enemy, although lost many men due to carelessness. And that The Prince as arrived, though only a fraction of his force could make it. The rest should be arriving by the end of the week."Said a messenger

"Very, well..let us send another 20,000 to watch the border, to wait for the allied army to reinforce us and gain stablity of that area. I also want another 10,000 to go to New Braunau, and resupply the tank numbers. Bring a total of 200 tanks. Also once all tanks are dropped off, and of the 10,000 men i want 5,000 to stay and help out. The other 5,000 to go reinforce the border troops. But the watch out for the retreating Scottian army, they still are a strong force. So i want you to go West, with permission from the Reichskamphen crown, to pass on his land, and then cross back into Russapovia, and then meet up with the troops, making an effort to protect the border. Also the retreating army, im hoping will try to cross back into Scotta, but will not be able to pass cause of the troops there, and mabye having some troops from the South come and flank the enemy. These are only my hopes, I know not which way they will take. Send them out now, for it will take several days to reach the point." Said Lord Panzolf

" Sir, yes, Sir." said the messenger running out the door.

" I hope our allies, will reform. We cannot handle this ourselves, Send out another messenger to the Crown of Reichskamphen, asking when they will be ready to fight again." said Panzolf

" Very well, i suggest you send out the 2nd rover division. For they will move the quickest, and have them just sucure the area, and then turn back, and make camp near the capital," Said Uther.

" Send them out, I'm trusting you," said Panzolf.

"My lord. Everything is going to plan," Commander in Chief of the Army Eichman said to the Jedi Master of the Revolutionists
"Good. Deploy Army Groups D and E. Army Groups A, B, C is now Army Groupen Scotta. Army Group D is to deploy to the North East of New Braunau and will push the Scottans back to the border and Army Group E is in reserve. That is an extra 2 million men."
"Yes sir. I have taken the steps to move som 800 V-4 Rocket vehicles into the rear of Army Group B. Our scientists have modified the navigational programs to fly at nearly ground level to make for a harder target."
"Really? Good."
"Carry on."

The Scottan ships swooped in on the rear of the veganian craft almost out of nowhere and completely unexpected as no one expected Scotta to field them. Taking careful aim, each ship took a few shots at one of the Veganian ships.


*static*
This is the eye in the sky to all Spears, We got spaceship signatures from the ground, I repeat, high energy ships coming at you from the ground

Damn sir! They got spaceships of their own, wht haven't our intelligence told us?

Dunno lance Corporal, better do what we can against them now. I hope the orbital bombardment will do something about their landingcapacity. Let's see what their pilots are made of. That said the Star spears took up a serie of evasive maneuvers letting the Saltshakers in orbit fire away at the spacecrafts starting from the ground as the Star Spears pulled the crafts stalking them into a lethal shower of missilies from above.

They got me in sight sir, they got me in *Static*

Lance corporal Reed saw one of his wingmates going down towards the earth, sniped by the agile scottan crafts as he swiftly turned his ship around and his wing caught the enemy crafts in a deadly crossfire together with the saltshakers.

"It is now when we rally! Now is not the time to hide and run, and go on the defensive. Rally behind the armies of Jedi Revolutionists! The armies will never falter under the command the Jedi. It is the duty for all Jedi Nationalists to be devoted to his duty towards his people and government. Every soldier, policeman and government official has sworn an oath to Der Fuhrer of the Jedi Revolutionists and it is with that pride, honour, and courage and the heavy training in which ever soldier goes through, will defeat the enemy in the name of his Country, in the name of his People, in the name of the Greater Jedi Order of this new era in which all the people take the burden in relieving themselves of by leaving them no choice but to defeat the enemy!" Jedi Master Hoth said towards the nations of the conflict in Greater Prussia. His armies where in the position according to the time table of the campaign. The decisive blow was about to occur in which no one has anticipated. The beginning of the end for Scotta had begun and the annexation into the nation of the Jedi Order was about to occur.

*Near Centreville, Scotta*

It was a sad sight. 500,000 new well armed Militia troops raised up from Patriotic areas of Scotta had joined the Scottan Army around the Centreville area . Instead of bolstering their position, it only gave the retreat greater momentum. With the Jedi troops fast on their tails, the Scottan Army retreated past Centreville leaving the city unoccupied. The closest Scottan Army position to the city was 10 miles away increasing. They left tons upon tons of ammunition behind in Centreville sitting in the streets because they could not carry it. Thousands of gallons of gasoline were hastily shoved in the utility buildings and the government buildings. Those provisions, too heavy to take, would likely help the Jedi tremendously. It was a great shame that the grand Scottan Army had run so far.

*Russa-Scottan Border*

The Battlefield was set for a grand engagement. There was a large, long hill on which the Scottan Army had anchored itself. Reinforcements had come up from the rear and further reinforced the flanks. There was a second long hill about 500 metres away where (It is assumed, correct me if Im wrong) the Jedi Forces had set up camp.

Scottan Commanders had diverted all the heavy armour to the flanks and put only light armour in the centre. There was a flurry of activity behind the Scottan lines but nothing too out of place for a pre battle scene.

*Near New Braunau*

The Scottan Armies had finally dug in around a small town called Utrecht about 20 miles north of New Braunau. It was there that they stopped running and waited for their panzi, Jedi, and Reichskamphian enemies to arrive. They established a very strong well dug position on the perimeter of the town and began setting up troops in the town itself. This was to be a grand battle.

*Northern Scotta*

OOC: Here we are HARU

IC: 50,000 men from the elite Leibstandarte Maire Haru (LMH) Mountain Division had just crossed the border into Northern, mountainous Scotta. They thought it a foregone conclusion that the masses of troops in the south would defeat Scotta, but in the North, in the treacherous mountains, that is where the Scottans could hold out. It is the job of LMH along with the other units of HARU soon to be arriving to weed out the Scottan Militia in the mountains. Believed to be about 1,000,000 men over the entirity of the Scottan Mountains, but about 100,000 in the specific area where LMH was attacking, it would certainly be no easy task.

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As it stands, 7 million militiamen and conscripts have been raised around Scotta. Many of the units are un numbered and bear the names of the towns in which they originate. However, they are well trained in fighting, if not army combat, and would be something akin to the early confederate army in the American Civil War. 1,000,000 militia went to the mountains, 1,000,000 to the Jedi's border attack, 3,000,000 to reinforce the Scottan Army of Northern Russapovia near New Braunau, although those troops wont arrive for another 2 weeks if unobstructed and possibly a month or two if held up. 1,000,000 men went to the Jedi attack around Centreville but they turned and ran as well. 1,000,000 men were sent to the Jedi Border to further reinforce that area and to slow further attacks.

*Northern Scotta*

The LMH Division had been in the mountains of Northern Scotta now for about two weeks. In that time, they had met small pockets of resistance, Scottan militia armed with AK-47s and RPGs mostly. However, they had not seen close to the number of Scottans that were rumoured to be there. The whole front was very disorganized. The Scottans had no main army or army headquarters. Basically, the differant militia groups guarded mountain passes and others roamed the mountains within the beck and call of the others should they be needed. Normally it would take about two hours for one patrol to reach another, sometimes longer. But overall, it was a pretty effective system. This was the system that the LMH division had adopted, only slightly differant. Of the 50,000 crack mountain troops, 5,000 were broken off to maintain a small basecamp in a grassy area, almost a plateau on a mountainside. It was about 10 acres wide and the Haru forces fortified it well. This was almost like the american old west with the cavalry's outposts and patrols. However, this time, the indians had the upperhand.

They named their basecamp Grand Rock City and the regiment of 5,000 soldiers who guarded it were called, appropriately enough, the Grand Rock City Guards. Patrols passing through wishing for a night of rest would stop at Grand Rock City and live under the protection it provided until they were able to go out again.

* 1 hour's walk from Grand Rock City*

The 23rd Patrol of the LMH 3rd Regiment 17th Battalion, about 100 men strong was ascending a long rocky slope. The men's uniforms were dusty and torn in places from the long mountain walks they had taken. They had not come upon a stream for a few hours and besides, even if they did, it would be frozen solid by the Harsh Scottan winter. The men were thirsty and had nothing to drink. They were clad in state of the art warming suits for the winter, graciously provided by her highness, Maire Haru. At least they had some luxuries. Food was equally scarce. Every now and then they would come up on a deer or some other manner of creature frozen solid in the snow. Since they had only been there around 2 weeks the men were still supplied with MRE kits and by keeping them in their suit, could have a meal when they wanted. Although they had to eat them quickly otherwise they would freeze solid.

Huddled together closely to supplement the warmth from the warming suits, the men looked like a pack of immigrants from some far off cesspool shuffling onto a dock, although a little better prepared. Their rifles were slung over their back and covered in many layers of cloth and a warming blanket so that the metal didnt freeze or get too cold to handle.

Then a loud cracking sound was heard on a precipice about 100 feet above the men and to their right. They all immediately turned their heads and those who had them drew their pistols to aim them. The others didn't want to draw their rifles until they were sure they had to...such a pain to get out and put back up. They saw a deer struggle out from behind a rock and then fall over dead. The men turned back around, moved in closer to one another, and kept moving up the slope. They wanted to reach Grand Rock City by nightfall.

No sooner had they continued their upward ascent did about twenty men go flying in the air when an explosion errupted right in the centre of their densely packed group. Most of the others fell down with the shock or from the shrapnel created by the Rocket Propelled Grenade put into them from that high cliff. The men turned up to see their attacker, dressed in so many layers of cloth that he looked like the abominable snowman, escape out of their range.

Getting up, the Haru soldiers began to take a list of casualties. Of 100 people in the patrol, 35 were now dead, and 10 others were wounded. They had been packed in far too tightly for one RPG to give off a 45% casualty rate.

"There is no choice" the Captain said, motioning to the motionless dead, "but to leave them behind. If we stay here or call out a rescue squad, the Viks(slang term for Scottan) will be on us like flies on s**t! That one that got us probably is calling his buddies right now. Get the tags off of the dead, take all the wounded that can be moved and lets get the Hell out of here!"

The ascent up the slope began anew, this time with far fewer ascending. Men carried stretchers upon which lay the wounded. The seriously wounded cry out in pain as they write in the snow, their tags taken in anticipation of death. The men don't huddle together this time. They now have to brave the cold without the extra warmth.

Five troops were assigned to do rear guard. They marched about 20 metres behind the main formation of men to ensure that there was no attack from the rear that was unexpected. They walked along, facing the same direction as the main column and talked.

"Why the hell do you think we came here?" said one of the men.

"Because Maire ordered us to thats why idiot!" replied a somewhat plump sergeant.

"Hey have you seen Mervie?" asked a third man, with red hair.

"Mervie? No can't say as I have...wonder where he got off to..." the sergeat mused. "He'll find us." the Sergeant finally said counting only four out of the original five men.

The snow began to fall relatively hard now. Visibility was down to about 10 metres and the wind was fiercely howling through the mountainside.

"So what will you do when we get to Grand Rock City Paul?" the first man asked to another fourth man, this one with glasses and a little weasely smile.

"I can't say that I know." the man replied. "Maybe a shower."

"Good idea!" the Sergeant exclaimed. He continued talking as he walked ahead, moving to the front. "Me, I'm going to eat a nice hot...anything! As long as it doesn't have ice in it I'm set! What about you Frank?" he asked the third man with red hair. "Frank??" He looked about desperately but saw nothing of Frank. "Friederich, where did Franky go?" he asked the first man. "Friederich??" Friederich was now missing as well. "Where the hell are you guys?" Just as he was about to yell their names out he felt a hand, bundled heavily with cloth come over his mouth and block all sound from escaping as a long bowie knife plunged deeply into his gut. He felt warm...for the first time in two weeks he felt warm. He felt as if he had been turned upside down when the knife twisted in his stomache, churning and deepening the already fatal wound. He felt warm. But slowly he felt the warmth go away. As he fell to the ground be began to shiver. Tried to call out, but made no sound. He saw his fingers turn blue as he reached out towards the bundled figure but a few paces away from him, cleaning his Scottan Army Knife. He saw five other bundled figures walk through his field of visibility before the cold finally took him, swallowed him whole.

*Reichsburg, Reichskamphen*

The sun was just rising on the fair city of Reichsburg, the capitol of the late Triune Kingdom, now Capitol of Reichskamphen and what remained of Russapovia.

It had a very old world, almost Roman feel. Most of the buildings in the city were over 300 years old, some much older and all built in the grand style of Old Europe, specifically Prussia and Ancient Rome for the government buildings. In the older quarters of the city, the streets were still paved with cobblestones, such as in the historic squares. There were modern parts of the city where the streets had been widened and paved for car traffic, infact most of the city was like that, all but the historic Royal Quarter.

As darkness fell away from the city, the peddlers were already out in Utrecht square. It was named thus for the great battle that finally defeated the armies of Russapovia and brought it into the fold was fought at Utrecht, the city where the Scottan armies had now entrenched themselves for another grand battle. 150 years ago, Russapovia had fallen under the leadership of King Friederich-Wilhelm II, the Great Great Great Great Grand Father of the Current King Marcus Antonius III. Today it was being fought for again.

Around the monument to the battle, an equestrian statue of Friederich-Wilhelm reaching down to help a man who had fallen, stirred a large flock of pigeons and even at this early hour, a throng of tourists taking pictures of the monument.

Reichsburg sat on three hills named Palatine, Capitoline, and Plebetine. The main road leading into Reichsburg, Via Regorum or Road of the Kings, passed through the Capitoline and Palatine hills. On the Capitoline hill sat the Parliament, the Supreme Court Building, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Internal and External affairs. This was the political engine that ran the Kingdom. In the very centre of this hill once stood a 70 foot tall statue of President Matthew Iesus. Everyday before the separation, men would be fined for spitting on the statue, throwing rocks at it, or spraypainting anti-Reich words on it. However, when King Marcus finally announced the split, there were throngs of people in the streets rejoicing the occasion. The Royal Garrison of Reichsburg then drove one of their tanks up to Capitoline hill, attached a steel cable around the neck of the statue, and pulled it down, where enraged citizens smacked it with hammers and other things.

Once you had followed Via Regorum down Capitoline hill, you began to ascend Palatine hill, the hill on which sat the Royal Palace. Along the Road were three Triumphal Arches. One, almost 600 years old, was to commemorate the victory of the Thompson clan over the Heltzberg clan in competition for rule of the city, when the city itself was a country. The second was to commemorate the victory over Russapovia and was errected around 100 years ago, 50 years after the victory. The third arch was finished just a year ago on the orders of then Arch Chancellor Leipzig. It was not to commemorate a battle, but a life. The life of King William Andrew Thompson II.

After you passed through these arches you reached the gates of the palace. The wall around the palace used to be the walls of the entire city. Very thick and strong, they served well 800 years ago when they were built. As Reichsburg had never been sacked, and the wall was always maintained, it had never fallen into a great state of disrepair and still looked relatively good. Once you crossed through there you crossed into the Royal Palace itself. The highest point in the entire City is the Rotunda above the Royal Palace and the Palatine hill is the highest of all. The Rotunda of the city can be seen for miles and miles on a clear day.

The palace has three wings. The Centre wing is where the work in the palace takes place. It is equipped with state of the art technology despite the fact that the centre wing of the Palace is almost 300 years old. The west wing is where the many nobles that reside with the King live. About 150 in all make a permanent home and 15 others maintain large guest chambers. The east wing is where the Royal Family lives. The overall sqaurefootage of floorspace in the palace is around 10 acres. Above the Centre wing, the oldest wing, is the rotunda and in it are the bodies of every King and Crown Prince of the Kingdom for the last 300 years. The rest are buried in the crypt below the west wing...a crypt constructed before there was a west wing.

Oh what history those walls have seen. What great men have made their dwellings within them. Time had been kind to the sumptuous palace. Still regal after all these years, it was a physical representation of the power of the King. Outside the walls of the main palace were others much smaller palaces errected on the hill. Various nobles and rich families lived within. Most were 150 to 200 years old.

Plebetine Hill was much less regal than the other two. This was the most modern part of the city and also the largest. It expanded far past the hill itself for miles on the flat ground but was still called the hill regardless. It was where most of the business and living areas were. All the living areas were very nice, there were no slums in Reichsburg. At night, the lights from Plebetine hill and the lights on the Palace Rotunda are the only thing visible from a distance.

This morning, something was differant though. Something sinister was afoot for towering above the city was a thick black plume of smoke. It was coming from the Parliament. Late in the night, some heathens had doused certain rooms in gasoline and set it ablaze. As the firefighters battled the intense blaze in the 200 year old parliament building, the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Reichskamphen, both in the same building began to burn brightly. Men rushed to fight that fire as well but no sooner had they arrived than the Ministry of War had begun to burn, along with the Ministry of Foreign affairs. By this time the Royal Garrison had been called in. No further fires were set, but it had been noted that the Ministry for Internal affairs had one of its outer areas doused in gas and ready to ignite. Most of the important buildings on Capitoline Hill had been set ablaze. Definately arson, most likely Scottan. The only good buildings left standing were the Arch Chancellory, where it seemed that what governmental offices could not be set up at the palace would work out of until their offices were rebuilt, and the Ministry for Internal affairs.

The history of many generations was now lost to the fire along with many many people who did not deserve to die. Blood was needed to avenge their deaths and the destruction wrought by the hideos arsonists.

King Marcus sent out a call over Reichsburg for all men of Scottan desent to report to the Palace. It was implied that their services might be employed in covert operations against Scottan troops. When they arrived however, they found it to be a differant situation entirely. Royal Guard troops seized the 300 men women and children and through them into Capitol Prison, just between Capitoline and Palatine hills and about a five minute walk from the palace.

The men were searched and interrogated. Eventually two men were found with traces of gasoline on them. They claimed it was from running a snowblower to clear off their walkway. They were not believed and subsequently hung in the middle of the old Iesus square on Capitoline hill. Their corpses hung their for two weeks before they were taken down. Three days later though, the other prisoners were escoreted under armed guard to the palace. There, they were lined up against the palace wall, and mowed down by a Royal Guard Machinegunner. Over 300 people were cut down by the flying lead. Marcus ordered their heads severed and placed on pikes upon the battlements of the palace as a warning to all those who think to cross the King.

Heavy Ortillery had been going on for several days now followed by Star Spears flying for bomb raids on energy stations. Stojanovic looked on the ground being scorched by ortillery strikes as soon as Tank heat signatures were given. He wondered what happened to the soldiers down there?

-----

The pod had come to a stop and the straps around Private Suenson went loose. He almost fell out of his seat and started to climb out of the pod together with his fellows. He looked at the blood and brains of Göransson, took a deep breath and started to climb out of the pod.

On the outside it was winter, he saw another pod maybe a hundred meters away, several people were climbing out of it, looking like small ants. As one of the dogsoldiers jumped down onto the fround a mine went off, sending his body back up on the pod and spreading his blood over the other dogsoldiers.

Suenson swallowed and juped down on the ground. Nothing happened. He gulped and started running away from the other pod, aiming for some smoke trailing the sky a few miles away. SOme of his fellow dogsoldiers followed him, he felt the PanzerFaust weighing heavy on his back.

When Army Group A had occupied Centraville after a 1 1/2 day march, the first thing the soldiers noticed were all the supplies along the streets and highways. Few civilians lined the streets as most stayed inside and retreated from the sight of the enemy. Some looked out the windows over head of the soldiers and others wept. Children smiled at the soldiers and waved, but were quickly scolded by their parents. All was quiet in Centreville.
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"We have done a good job so far. The men have performed better than I ever would have thought. But the job is not done. We have to provide food for these people. We have to distribute the supplies the Scottans left behind," Dresdan, C in C of Army Group A, began saying to his staff.

"Heer HQ is ordering us to halt for a day or two and allow the Luftflotte 1 to weaken the retreating Scottan army while Army Group B, commanded by Field Marschall Ulrich begins the encirclement of Madegburg. Army Group C, commanded by Field Marschall Unterschotz, has succesfully cut off the Scottan army in Russapovia with the help from the Jedi Occupation Army," Dresdan finished.

"How has the J.O.A. held up sir?

"The J.O.A. has taken heavy casualties and most of it has been assembled along the border and is numbered at 800,000 relatively. Soon the J.O.A will be relieved from all major combat areas to mop up Russapovia and possibly Scotta too." Dresdan was proud of the early successes, but the blood was still to be shed.

"What is the deal with the Scottan army trapped in Russapovia?" a commander asked.

"They are being dealt with Army Group D, commanded by Field Marschall Jon von Brauschitz. They have begun their campaign a little over 2 days ago North East of New Braunau and are pushing North East towards the border. The Scottan army for the most part, is trapped between the J.O.A and Army Group D That is all I have heard from HQ."

"And what of the local militia north of Centreville?"

"The Waffen-SS II SS Panzer Armee is coming in along side of us to the East and is far wide of Centreville near the edge of Scotta. Some 500,000 of them I believe commanded by Oberstgruppenfuhrer Karl Schruburg. Some of you may know of him because of his success during the Triune Kingdom Civil War earlier this year."

"Yes."

"The Waffen SS in support of Luftflotte 6. They are currently flanking the enemy in preparation of a pincer movement almost along the border I believe. I am not sure how far out exactly. Also Army Group E is in support of Army Group B near Madgeburg."

"Yes sir."

"As far as orders are for the next couple days, patrols, scouts, and 24 hour artillery strikes. 24 hour bombing of all industrial, strategic, and tactical bombing. Unleash the full potential of Luftflotte 2. Dismissed."

The General Staff departed from the tents and towards their armoured command vehicles. The orders were sent down the chain of command. Soldiers started to dig in. Pilots worked on the planes next to the air crew. Some slept through the night. Some wrote letters home as the snow on the ground became deeper as the snow from above head fell.

In other Army Group HQs, a similar conversation was being spoken. Now that Army Groups A, B, and C had been united under the command of Army Grupen Scotta, they were being coordinated respectively, although free to complete the mission at the Field Marschalls' will

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Oberstgruppenfuhrer Karl Schruburg thought to himself the advantage of the snow. Who knows how many enemy soldiers were not prepared. Better the enemy to die of starvation and freezing temperatures than his. The II Panzer Armee was to use its speed in the light tanks, light armoured vehicles, and scout bikes that were not being used on a widespread area by many and for more purposes than just scouting.

Above in the night sky, the clouds were pink and soft heavy snow lightly floated down. The Armee must head out before the roads get too slippery, and that is just what Schruburg did. All engines were fired up and the 3rd SS Division lead the way.

"Lets make good time Gruppenfuhrer," Schruburg said.
"Yes sir!" Gruppenfuhrer Adolf Weitz, General of the 3rd SS Division replied with a smile. For miles rows of tanks, armoured vehicles and infantry men, some riding on the tanks, in the armoured vehicles or walking could be seen. Moral was high although all was cold.

*Centreville, Scotta*

The Streets were quiet. Jedi Patrols were in the Streets. Army Group A had moved into the City. Some welcomed the Jedis...those that were loyal to the original Kingdom.

One thing that was unique about Centreville was that it was very much an old world kind of city. It was made of wood and stone mostly. The new City Centre was built outside of the old city walls and had some skyscrapers, though not terribly tall. It had gaslines running under every street. The city, at the advent of natural gas, had agreed to fund the gas for the city. It was somewhat of a socialist proposition, but the city board had always been very liberal, and no one was complaining about free gas.

The old city work crew was still there despite the occupation army. Most people had stayed behind. The gas trucks were all around the city as usual ensuring all was in order.

It was around 12 noon when hell broke loose. 8 Trucks, each driven into a differant skyscraper and filled with plastic explosives went off. The very supports of the skyscrapers disintegrated in the blast as the buildings began to topple over on the heads of Army Group A and the civilians alike. Then, the citywide Gasline exploded. Within 5 minutes the entire City of Centreville was engulfed in a ball of fire. The army inside it and the civilians that lived there were all being consumed by the ravenous blaze. The 1,000,000 militia troops and the now 200,000 Scottan regulars with full compliment of armour swept down from the hills and surrounded the city, perfectly aware that Jedi reinforcements were on their way. Napalm rockets were launced into the city, a drop in the bucket compared to the fire already there. The entire Army Group A was trapped in a ball of flame. The screams were hideous, but the Scottans didn't care.

"Yes, and the Army has surrounded the City! Anyone trying to go in or out unauthorized is shot without question. Although I don't quite know why you'd want to go into a fireball. It is still burning brightly. The smoke was even visible from the Kierkegard tower in my city of Magdeburg itself!" the Excited Count von Magdeburg, head of the Scottan Army Reported to his elated King.

"What of the Civilians though, did you evacuate them?" King Viktor asked.

"They were a necessary casualty. If we had evacuated them, someone would have suspected something was up or known something and alerted the Jedi. They fell for Scotta...so she might be free." Magdeburg replied. "Now our greatest worry is the Army trapped in Russapovia...although I think I know just what to do..."

The grey ships cruised silently through the water, as the coast of the Jedi Revolutionaries came into sight.

"Bearing 72i0, helmsman," order a tall, white-haired figure on the flagship's bridge.

"Yes, sir."

"Comms, relay me to the other vessels."

"You're online, sir."

The old man coughed.

"This is Knight-Admiral Harkness. Prepare to land, Once we enter Scotta, we will swing across in front of Magdeburg, attempting to draw the garrison out. If they do not take the bait, we are to continue on to Carpathinstadt, and take that. No civilian casualties. Bombing runs to be restricted to surgival strikes, all Frateris to be grouped behind Knights. Those are my orders."

A chorus of affirmatives came in. Harkness breathed out heavily, then sat in his chair.

***

The Mary and two frigates remained in port as the masses of small transports unloaded their cargo of troops. The Knights Lupus and Ursus, 400 strong infantry forces, for now riding in borrowed IFVs, were the spearhead. 500 fighters and 100 bombers supported the attack. A million Frateris, with attendant artillery, formed the bulk of the army.

OOC: Wait a minute....how did the ENTIRE Army Group A get in Centreville? I only specified occupation not completely putting an entire army group in there. Second, even if that was the way it was percieved, the Army Group would have been on the move because the orders were to halt for 1-2 days only. And third...who's side is Milantos on exactly?

To: King Viktor Leipzig I
From: Jedi Master Hoth

"I am here to make peace with you on behalf of the Jedi Revolutionists government and people. Your conquests in Russapovia are failing and my pre emptive strike on Scotta, although recently had a failing, is still on track to success. I suggest you lay down arms, surrender, and allow the Jedi to take full control of Scotta, not as part of an annexation but as an occupation until the government can be restored. Otherwise we will be foreced to continue on with the campaign against you.

From: FeldMarschall Count Friederich von Magdeburg, Head of the Scottan Army.
To: Jedi Master Hoth.

Good Sir,

My King was so incensed upon the reception of your epistle that he thought himself unable and of course unwilling to write a response himself. Therefore, it falls upon me to respond.

I am in control of the Scottan Army. I know what the situation is. I am not some deluded higher up that cannot see the way things are going and just believe the best news they hear. I am out on the field day in and day out. It is a tough fight, but one we can and will win. Our conquests in Russapovia are far from failing. You have an army that has moved accross the border and cut us off from Scotta. That has done nothing. With the assistance of the sympathetic locals we are able to keep well supplied.

You are also on the brink of war with another nation. You know not what I have planned for the armies of the Jedi. Let us say only that should you continue to aggress against the Scottan Kingdom, you will be defeated.

His Emminence,
Count Friederich von Magdeburg

To: FeldMarschall Count Friederich von Magdeburg, Head of the Scottan Army
From: Jedi Master Hoth

I am begging you for peace. I do not want to fight you anymore. If all else fails then you yourself have failed.

To: Jedi Master Hoth
From: Count Friederich von Magdeburg

Peace will be accepted on these conditions. The departure of all non Scottan troops from the Kingdom of Scotta and her older lands which were now recently returned to her through my conquests.

Scotta is willing to withdraw 100 miles from our furthest advance for we only want to keep what land we rightfully own and we have advanced beyond the pre Triune borders of Scotta But as enemy troops continued to fight, we continued to press on. We will take it all if pressed further.

We are also willing to make a non agression pact with Jedi Revolutionists, the Kingdoms of Reichskamphen and Russapovia and all other nations currently involved in aggression towards the sovreign Kingdom of Scotta and its King, Viktor Leipzig I.

Any troops within Scotta including the Jedi Occupation Army and Special forces will be given ample time to withdraw and will be able to do so unharassed. We demand no surrenders of men or concessions of territory. We only wish to be left alone with what is rightfully ours.

If these rather generous terms are not met, then we shall continue to fight until victory or death I can assure you there will be no surrender as long as anyone is incharge of the Army of Scotta!

God Save King Viktor!

His Emminence,
Count von Magdeburg

To: Count Friederich von Magdeburg
From: Jedi Master Hoth

We will only cease fire if and only if Scotta pulls out of the Triune Kingdom and the borders brought back to their previous position. Only then will the Jedi nation pull out of your nation. The Jedi Occupational Army is not currently in Scotta and will not be removed from the Triune Kingdom for the time being.

Army Group C and Army Group D began the campaign to push the Scottans back over their borders. Army Group D, in the rear of Army Group C was dealing with the intruding Scottan army currently in Russapovia. Army Group C was pushing its way towards Catharpinstadt to the left flank of Army Group B. Army Group C began its push under the cover of darkness as above the the modified V-4s streaked overhead. Hundreds of tanks sped forwards as the gap between the river and the Army group became smaller. Artillery fired from the rear came exploding in front of the tanks at the enemy as part of the surprise.

TO: Viktor Leipzig, traitor, regicide, etc
FROM: Robert, Duke of Estalia, Foreign Secretary of Milantos

Leipzig,

The Pope demands you allow your people an election, monitored by outside inspectors, on the issues of: independence; government type; and so on.

It would be extremely advisable for you to agree to these terms, as, as well as Jedi withdrawing, you will not have the onerous burden of Milantos assaulting your nation.

We do not deny your nation freedom, nor do we deny the people of Scotta your monarchy; we do, however, demand democracy.

Think long, Leipzig, because Milantos has had quite enough of you.

Estalia

To: Estalia
From: HRH Viktor Leipzig I

Mr. Estalia, you can tell your Pope that he has no business meddling in the affairs of my nation! I was elected by the Parliament of Scotta which was elected by the people of Scotta! Representative Government!

Furthermore, as it has been demonstrated time and again, the Pope in Rome and any other Popish figure is the ANTI CHRIST! He sits in the temple of God bringing glory unto himself! With his snakelike tongue he pronounces himself infallible as Christ and claims to hold the keys to heaven and hell! This is the anti Christ that was foretold by John and Paul. That man of sin, that son of perdition has no authority over anything in this world or in heaven alone except for that which is given to him by the DEVIL HIMSELF! He is the ARCH APOSTATE! And Apostacy is the OFFSPRING OF HELL! I furvently pray that his life will reach an end soon that he may be united with Satan his master once again!

Tell PaPa that if he sends any of his Papist heathens into our country, they will be smote by the fiery sword of God! We have taken unto ourselves the whole armour of God and as our sword, the infallible, unerring word of God! Our men will fight all the more valliantly knowing that it is the devils minions they are fighting as well, not just their former bretheren in the Triune Kingdom for whom they have no real malice!

I pray for your souls...

-Leipzig

TO: Vicky Leipzig
FROM: Robert of Estalia

Vicky,

I'm not a Catholic. I don't care for the pope. But you're an idiotic, power-mad traitor. You are responsible for the death of men I have known and been fond of; you have assisted in regicide, one of the most heinous of crimes.

But I do not really wish to continue along this track of conversation. I merely wish to say...I suggest you watch out. You do not want war with Milantos, and, as God is my witness, you do not want war with me.

Estalia

*Scottan Army of Northern Russapovia, 30 Miles Northeast of New Braunau*

"So should we withdraw and join the assault on the Jedis on the border?" the General asked to his assembled command staff.

"No." responded his best lieutenant. "We would be giving up all we worked for and the army on the Border can handle the Jedis. They've got twice as many Militia as they should because our Militia reinforcements couldn't get through the Jedi to reach us. The Jedi are also outnumbered now...and at war with another country. The only advantage they have is the advantage of position. They are making a drive on Catharpinstadt...it will be cut off assuredly and for now, we think Magdeburg is safe."

"All this is true," the General replied, "but we can't just simply sit here like we have for the past month fighting off patrols...they are up to something...we need to move out. I say we try for New Braunau again. We have around 800,000 men here, the Garrison of New Braunau is a scant 250,000. We should have taken them the first time!"

"No, leave New Braunau alone." came a voice from the doorway of their bunker. The figure, cloaked in shadows, emmerged into the buzzing flourescant light. "We run up against a fortification, we'll only bleed ourselves unnecessarily. Let them do the bleeding. We have all the land we want. Our object is to defeat their army, not to take their cities. Cities will come once the army is defeated!" None of the men had seen this fellow before. He was obviously a noble from his attire and from the crown badge he wore on his officer's cap. "Nice to meet you." the man said, holding his hand out to the General, "Count Friederich von Magdeburg...I am the Commander of the Scottan Army."

All were taken aback by this. They began to wonder outloud how he had passed through the Jedi lines at the border.

"I got here my own way. Beyond that. I will say no more, but from whence I came, I shall easily return. Your orders are to move South quickly. Abandon your fortifications here and move as fast as you can. Keep as far away from New Braunau as you can. Head to the west. Let the Jedis retake what they will. But stay away from their armies and away from big cities."

Three hours later, The Army of Northern Russapovia began their great westward movement. They moved with unparalleled speed as they were Viktor's best men. Footcavalry almost. Easily outpacing their pursuers, in a week they were 100 miles South West of New Braunau and had encountered very little resistance. Rumours had it that the garrisons of the other cities were preparing to combine to stop them. For now though it was smooth sailing. The Jedis were still atleast a week behind them.

*Oberhausen, Northern Reichskamphen*

The streets were packed full. A joyous throng came out to greet the enormous Scottan Army that had mysteriously shown up in the city. Always being Pro Scottan and Very Conservative, the Oberhausen area.

The army appeared to be about 500,000 strong. They weren't militia either. This was Royal Guard. The best of the best. Intelligence filtering back to Reichsburg indicated that the army had gained passage through Infinate Loving into Reichskamphen...something thought to be impossible and therefore something not prepared for. Still no one knew where the army was raised up from. It was thought that there were only 100,000 Royal Guard troops and through the displacement of Reichskamphian patrols it was evident that they werent just conscripts in Guard uniforms. They were the real maccoy...and armed to the teeth.

Their movements strongly indicated that they were preparing to March on Reichsburg itself. The heart of the Kingdom, the oldest city in all of the Kingdoms...would soon be reduced to rubble. There were no armies within 100 miles to stop them. Armies in Russapovia began back peddling, but who knew if they would make it in time.

*Reichsburg, Reichskamphen*

The streets of the ancient Capitol were awash in panic. papers and other belongings littered the streets where they were dropped by fleeing citizens. The Government buildings on Capitoline Hill, those that had not been destroyed in the apparent terrorist attack some time ago, were being gone over with a finetooth comb by the agents of the Royal Secret Police. Men were shredding documents and destroying hard drives as quickly as they could. The Scottans were at the gates of the city.

The Royal Guard, those of the King's personal guard that could be spared from the defense of the Royal Family, minus the King who was in Russapovia at the Army Headquarters, were deployed to outside of the city to slow the Scottans down so those who wished to escape could. The Royal Garrison of Reichsburg, a 50,000 man army had been sent to man a series of antiquated fortifications outside of the City, had been defeated and the remainder, about 12,000 men, had falled back to the gates of the city itself, taking what cover it could and slowing the Scottan juggernaut as well as it could.

At the Royal Palace, there was a chaotic scene. Royal Servants were taking all the valuables they could and stacking them into cars which were fast driven out of the city. Important papers were burned or shredded as the Royal family attempted to evacuate the Palace. Queen Sarah, the widow of the Late King Will emmerged from her chamber in an elegant blue gown that appeared to be straight out of the 1700's. "If I am to flee like a coward," she said resolutely, "I want to look good doing it." She took with her the large gilt box containing the letters her late husband had written out before his death and asked them to be delivered exactly three years later. This was her only earthly posession she took with her. That and the clothes on her back. "Wait!" Sarah yelled to her head guard, "What about Gerhardt Kirsch! He's the Royal Gouvernor of Russapovia...he needs to flee or he will be killed!"

"But, your highness," he replied, "he is in the Capitol Prison by order of the King!"

"He is not my son!" Sarah shouted bitterly, "He is not MY King! He has brought nothing but misery to this house. Follow my orders...I am your Queen!"

"Right away your highness!" the guard said with a bow.

Count von Reichsburg, the Ruler in Absentia Regem then rushed by. Sarah caught him by his collar and pulled him close to her. With a fire in her eye and malice on her tongue she glared at him and said, "Marcus is deposed. Now I am Queen! I will retain your services if you swear allegiance to me. If not...then I will leave you behind for the Scottans to take. They will certainly be fond of you."

"My leige!" Reichsburg said, deeply bowing.

"Now Let us get out of here!" yelled Sarah at the top of her lungs.

The Royal Motorcade left the Palace, the epicenter of the Kingdom for almost 500 years, for the very last time. The various nobles who had resided in the palace rode on the motorcade.

On Capitoline Hill, the Parliament members who were still in the city began to flee on the last boat leaving the Capitol...heading downriver.

The masses fled if they could, most were not able to make it out of the city, so they merely sat in the streets as the crowd moved on.

The Royal Motorcade was almost out of the city when they heard a gigantic explosion. Turning around, Queen Sarah watching in horror and awe as the Giant Rotunda of the Royal Palace, dominating the city skyline began to implode. The marble cracked into pieces as the sculptures on the outside plunged. It started small, from a shell hole on the right side, but it got larger, more and more of the rock falling down with its support removed. Within a second, the entire dome had fallen in, plumes of smoke and marble dust climbing high into the air. The most familiar sight on the skyline was now gone...levelled by a Scottan shell. The people screamed in the streets and crowded around the motorcade banging on the windows of the car, pleading for help. One mother knocked on the windows of Queen Sarah's limosine and thrust a baby into her view, without thought, she instictively rolled down the window and took the baby from the mother who was yelling, entirely hysterical and in tears "Take care of my baby!! Please!! O Lord Take Care of Him!"

It was only then that the Royal guard was forced to react. Pulling forth pistols they shot into the crowd. But for every face that fell, another arose and the old corpse was trampled. They didn't care. A guard pulled a grenade from his pocket and tossed it into the crowd. They tried to run but it was too late. A geyser of rock and dust immediately appeared from within the crowd and as it began to disperse, the bodies were visible..the victims of the Royal Guard were trampled by the hysterical mob. Thirty to fourty bodies, men, women, children, lied bleeding, dieing, and dead in the streets in random places. But where the grenade went off, there were severed limbs, and up to 20 more bodies. The Queen turned her head, clutched the baby tight and began to cry uncontrollably when she saw among the dead, the face of the boy's mother...flies already gathering around her corpse. The Motorcade began to roll again and within minutes was out of the city.

At almost the same moment, the iron gates of Reichsburg were blown off their hinges and Black Scottan tanks and dark uniformed troops began to flood into the streets. The city police took up arms and shot at the Scottans but with little effect. Random citizens with guns occasionally held up an entire regiment...but they were always killed. By sundown, the Capitol of the Triune Kingdom was in the Hands of the Scottan Army.

*Scottan Controlled Reichsburg, Later That Night*

Count Friederich von Magdeburg, the designer of this plan walked proudly through the streets of his newly captured city. When he arrived at the Royal Palace, it looked like a ghost town. The thing that struck him immediately was that the Rotunda was missing. When he walked inside, his eyes followed the lines of the floor. Pristine...well decorated and appointed...and then, destroyed beyond belief. His eyes met up with the farthest flung bit of destruction wrought by the Collapse of the Rotunda. It had nearly wiped out the Central part of the Palace. A Statue of King Will Thompson II sat atop the pile of rubble infront of him, miraculously undamaged. And around its breast, was draped the torn Trisword flag of the Triune Kingdom...something that was now just a memory. He climbed atop the rubble and stared into the eyes of the marble statue. Suddenly, he thought he saw the head of the statue come to life. Will's voice rang loud, "Traitor...Murderer...You will pay for your crimes!"

"No!!!" Magdeburg yelled loudly, picking up a piece of stone and striking te statue, severing its head from the rest of its body.

"What, sir?" asked a confused Scottan Guard

"Nothing...I have orders for you though...they are to Kill every man woman and Child not in a Scottan Uniform. They are enemies and must be treated thusly. I want you to level this city...make Reichskamphen howl!"

*Kaiserstadt, Reichskamphen*

Queen Sarah stared out her window at the glowing fires and the smoke on the horizon. Her city was burning. A small red circle came up on the horizon. In reality, it was the giant fireball from a V-4. A V-4 was fired onto Palatine Hill. The 800 year old palace...for 500 years the centre of the Kingdom...levelled in an instant by some diabolical madman. Rome was burning...the history...the heritage...the treasures of nearly 1000 years...the humanity...

She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and turned back around to face the men around a conference table.

"You had a message from the King you said?" the head of the Military asked with anticipation.

"No...I hope you will forgive me," Sarah said frankly, "but that was a lie. I needed you all here to hear this. The King has been nothing but failure and trouble ever since he took power. It is his foolishness that resulted in this!" she motioned to the window and the view of the faroff burning city. "I am saying to you here and now that I am deposing King Marcus Antonius III!"

The room fell silent. "By whose authority do you do this?" demanded Count von Oberhausen, whose city was already in Scottan hands.

"I do it by mine, and that of my husband, and that of my son! The true Queen, and the two true Kings of this land!" Sarah hissed. "Now either you swear your allegiance to me, or as I told Count von Reichsburg...you can have a friendly chat with the Scottans...go get some coffee or something. I'm sure they'd love to sit and chat!"

After a long pause, Count von Reichsburg piped up, "Well then, your Highness...what do we do?"

Sarah bent over the map and began to scan it.

To : Scotta
From : The Order of the Jedi Revolutionists

I am pulling out the men out of Scotta. Tribute will be given once a cease fire has occured. Only then will negotiations begin.

From: King Viktor Leipzig I
To: Jedi Master Hoth

I hope you do not mind If I am a trifle suspicious of this. What tribute do you want? What negotiations can there be?

His Royal Highness,
Viktor Leipzig I



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From: Queen Sarah Thompson I

To: Jedi Master Hoth

My friend, why have you chosen to abandon us. Even now, the Royal Armies returned from Esamopia are putting flight to the Scottan intruders. Soon, Reichskamphen will be free of the Scottans and then Russapovia as well. But not if you abandon us. If you drop out, it will take a miracle for us to be victorious. Our Capitol may have burned, but we are not surrendering...nor do we have to. Within a week, the Scottans will be even out of Oberhausen, they do not have sufficient numbers to combat a large well trained army. It saddens me to see this and I hope that you reconsider. I do not like the idea of living under Viktor Leipzig's Iron Fist.

Her Royal Highness,
Sarah Thompson I

*Outside of Magdeburg, Scotta*

Three men crouched low in the wilderness. They were the last of the Elite Reichskamphian Royal Guard left in the area. But they were the best. Only hours ago, they had been given a new mission by Queen Sarah. A slightly dirty one, but a necessary one. Viktor Leipzig either had to come into the hands of the old Kingdom, or he had to die. His living was no longer an option. There was also a price on the head of Count Friederich von Magdeburg, assumed to be the power behind the throne as he commanded the great Scottan armies. The three assasins split up and began their tasks. The mission of the third was secret. Unknown even to the others. It had to be done.

*Magdeburg Times, Most Read Paper in Scotta*

Pre War Polling of Scottans on Marcus Antonius III's approval rating:

67% Marcus is a hideous King and should be overthrown. 23% Marcus is an acceptable leader and must be retained if only to preserve tradition. 10% Uncertain.

Last Poll Collected on Marcus Antonius before his being deposed:

83% Marcus is a hideous King and should be overthrown. 2% Marcus is an acceptable leader and must be retained if only to preserve tradition.
15% Uncertain.

Current Polling on Scottan's disposition towards Queen Sarah:

43% She is a wonderful woman! She can carry on in the tradition of her husband and perhaps even be a successful leader of Scotta.
10% I would much rather have her than Viktor Leipzig!
27% She is a wonderful woman! She can carry on in the tradition of her husband, but Scotta must remain free and under native rule!
20% I don't believe I can give a good opinion until the shooting stops.



Exerpt from News Items

SCOTTAN ARMY OF REICHSBURG ON THE RETREAT!
After Marching through Oberhausen and even the Capitol of Reichsburg unopposed, the Scottan Army of Reichsburg met its match when the refitted Royal Guard Lignum Crucis Division, almost one fourth the size of the Scottan Army, showed up on the battlefield. Such was the determination of this division that it drove our mighty Scottan soldiers back into Oberhausen itself where it has fallen in behind its fortifications. Thousands have been captures, thousands more killed, but the number of wounded are not known. Many were sadly left behind in the mad dash to Oberhausen.

SCOTTAN ARMY OF NORTHERN RUSSAPOVIA ON TRACK!

After leaving its fortifications near New Braunau, the Scottan Army of Northern Russapovia has now entered Southern Russapovia unmolested by any large enemy force. Unfortunately, it is now known that the Royal Armies of Reichskamphen and Russapovia have regrouped and are making a stand right in the path of our brave Scottan Army. There is no possible way to avoid battle.

JEDI TROOPS WITHDRAW!

In the biggest victory yet for Scotta, the troops of Jedi Revolutionists appear to be withdrawing, removing most of the doubt about our upcoming victory in this war. With Jedi out of the picture, even the defeats in Reichskamphen cannot slow us down!

SCOTTAN ARMY OF THE NORTH HOLDS FAST!

Despite heavy losses in combatting the trained mountain troops of Haru and the old Kingdom, the Army based in the Northern Mountains continues to hold fast! There is one last great stronghold of enemy resistance in the mountains. It is called Grand Rock City. It is doubtless to be the target of many assaults in the days to come.

REICHSKAMPHIAN NAVY SEIZES RIVER!

In a sour turn of events, the Royal Navy of Reichskamphen has boldly sailed into our area of the river and seized it. Many river towns were taken and communication is much more difficult now. However, Magdeburg, though it be on the river, is not taken. It has been defended well and it is not forseen as falling to some petty naval attack. The RNV Stonewall Jackson, the flagship of the fleet recently made dock in a scottan river port. The King exhorts all loyal Scottans to resist the invaders!

2 MILLION OLD KINGDOM TROOPS RETURN FROM SERVICE IN ESAMOPIA! EXPECTED TO SEE DUTY ON THE FRONT VERY SOON!

Another bit of bad news is that the Old Kingdom's Cavalry has arrived. It was assumed that with the fall of Reichsburg, they would collapse, but as they have done quite the opposite, it is appearing that our window of opportunity to conquer Reichskamphen itself is fast closing. We still have great hope...infact assurance of victory! Hold Strong!


Exerpt from Kingdoms and Relations, a syndicated opinion Column by Robert Schweiker

....I believe that Viktor Leipzig has done all he can for Scotta. Infact, he has done too much. His burning of Reichsburg has made it so that there may never again be good relations between Scotta and the Old Kingdom...atleast as long as there is Scottan Rule.

With the much hated Marcus deposed, and the well loved Sarah taking his place, I do see a window of hope. Should Viktor Leipzig be thrown out of the picture. This great Kingdom can have a ruler that all can agree upon and it can once again be "The TRIUNE Kingdom." Leipzig deserves no crown. He usurped all he ever had but his title as Count, awarded him by Will Thompson II, who, to this day, has statues of himself standing proudly in Magdeburg itself!

I say, we need unity! Let us find it!....

To: King Viktor Leipzig I
From: Jedi Master Hoth

I was referring to paying you a tribute for the actions brought for by me. Negotians such as a cease fire and allowing all army, airforce, and navy personal to move back with in Jedi borders and signing an anti-aggression pact with you.

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To: Queen Sarah Thompson I
From: Jedi Master Hoth

I am only pulling back with in my borders for a different war. However you will not be abandoned because unknown to the King, there are many Jedi assassins in his court. Do not worry My Lady.

Jedi Master Hoth,

Seeing as you are pulling out of Scotta, I am greatly pleased to sign a non-aggression pact with you. I am even willing to assist you in your war against Lapse should I be victorious in retaining my Kingdom.

God Save the Jedi!

His Royal Highness,
Viktor Leipzig I


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

Jedi Master Hoth,

I am greatly upset that you have abandoned us to defeat. But, I do understand that your Kingdom comes first. All I ask is that if we should be defeated, you grant assylum to my family...or what is left of it...the Royal Guards...the Nobles...and anyone else who wishes to flee.

God Save Us All...

Queen Sarah Thompson

I am sorry Sarah.

TO: Jedi Master Hoth
From: Office of the Queen, Specifically her secretary, Margaret Fletcher.




*List of Close Members of Royal Family still living and their order to inheritance of the throne*


Queen Sarah Isabella Thompson I, Sovreign

(Unable to inherit throne)Prince Lucius Marius Quintus Thompson- 1 year old Peasant child taken into the care of Sarah during the retreat from Reichsburg. After its mother was found dead, it was adopted by Sarah and given a Royal Title.

King(deposed) Marcus Antonius ThompsonIII, prisoner of the State.

Duke Friederich Wilhelm Thompson II-Scottan Branch-Loyal to Old Kingdom(Son of Grand Duke Michael)

Duke Antonin de Legager Thompson- Nephew of Will Thompson II(Deceased) by third brother, Prince Isaac Thompson(Deceased)

Princess Katerina Renee deRevere Thompson- Wife of Prince Will Thompson III (deceased)

Grand Duke Gerhardt Kirsch (Royal Gouvernor of Russapovia: Considered for crown because of title but closeness to the family makes him almost related)

Count Gerhardt von Reichsburg (Royal Protector of the City and Province of Reichsburg)

Count Helmut von Oberhausen (Royal Protector of the City and Province of Oberhausen)

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

253 Other nobles of various names and appelations are considered to be linked to the Royal Family but these are the highest up.

Ensure that these people are taken out of the Country alive should any problems occur. If Jedi Knights could be spared for the task, that would be even better.


Thankyou ever so much!

Margaret Fletcher

OOC: This may sound like a stupid question, but do the Jedi (in the Revolutionists) have their lightsabers and powers (like we do), or just guns and ordinary, metal swords? Just wondering.

OOC: LOL yes and no. The nation of Jedi Revolutionis is based on modern tech. When I say the Jedi people, I am talking about the people of the Jedi race, and when I say Jedi Knights, then there are lightsabers, but there are a select few and who are mostly used for security.

We cannot transport all of them at once. However we will take the quen first. All transportation will be handled by the Sicherheitsdienst (SD) of the SS.
Queen Sarah Isabella Thompson--Codename : JENNIFER

JENNIFER IS TO ARRIVE AT THE PARK PLACE HOTEL AT EXACTLY 9 P.M. WITH HER CHILD. JENNIFER IS TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE VALET LINE UNDER THE NAME OF MARIA LAMBOUSIS. A CAR WILL COME TO PICK HER UP AND THE DRIVER'S CONFIRMATION SAYING WILL BE ... "NEED A RIDE?" THE DRIVER IS AN SD MAN. THE DRIVER WILL TAKE JENNIFER TO A PRIVATE AIRPORT OUTSIDE OF REICHSBURG. THE SECURITY GUARD IS ALSO sd AND WILL LET THE CAR IN AFTER IDENTIFICATION HAS BEEN SHOWN. A JEDI MILITARY HELICOPTER WILL BE WAITING AND WILL TAKE JENNIFER TO THE JEDI AIRCRAFT CARRIER WHERE SHE WILL THEN BE TRANSFERED TO AN AIRCRAFT THAT WILL BE HEADING TOWARDS THE JEDI MAINLAND AFTER 2 DAYS SAILING.

OOC: Ah, that clears it up. There is the Jedi people, but only the Jedi Knights carry lightsabers. Thanks!

*Response to Jedi from Office of the Queen*

I am sorry to report that the Queen is being extracted by forces of another nation that shall remain nameless at this point due to previous agreement. However, it is imperative that Marcus must be extracted. He will follow the guideline you set down for Sarah.

-Margaret Fletcher

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

*Hotel, in Kaiserstadt*

Marcus walked in. He had grown a beard and dyed his hair a brown colour instead of the usual blond. He was dressed in unusually nice clothes for a regular citizen. His 17th Centry attire caught the eyes of many. Not a smart idea.

He spoke to the clerck and then waited outside for the car...

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

Queen Sarah stood on the deck of the Stonewall Jackson in the port of Kamphstadt.

With the withdrawal of the Jedi's the army was forced to abandon Russapovia with the intention of making another stand on the Reichskamphian border. However, an unusually strong push from the Scottans in the north and the relentless pursuit of the Royal Army by Magdeburg's hordes meant that they were unable to make a stand and were pushed back. Reichsburg fell again to a united push from the Scottans in the east and the North and Kaiserstadt fell two days later when Royal troops simply abandoned the unfortified city.

Now, the Triune Kingdom, which once encompassed some nearly 4 billion people and 1000s of square miles of land was reduced to but one province, one city, Kamphstadt. This fortified port city was the wealthiest in all the Kingdom and was the site of the last Reichskamphian stand. The Scottan Armies, outnumbering the forces of the Traditional Kingdom by nearly 5 to 1 were ramming the gates of the city. They would not completely bomb it for they wanted the wealth and they would not sink the navy because they wanted that as well.

Sarah was staying on the Stonewall Jackson, her husband's commandship, because it was something they wouldn't bomb.
She coddled young Lucius in her arms as her secretary, Margaret Fletcher, approached her. "Your Highness, we are ready to send out the signal." she said calmly, looking out over the horizon at the city. It was like two differant worlds. Inside the city, all was calm and pristine, but outside it burned a noose of fire and smoke that was closing in tightly. It was desolation.

She kissed the baby on its forehead and said softly, "Send the signal."

The turrets of the Stonewall Jackson then turned about and aimed their guns at the RNV Napoleon Bonaparte, it's sister ship and opened fire. The shells tore through the hull with great force. The world looked red now as the fires of the sinking ship reflected off of the glassy waves. The turrets moved around again and tore through the RNV John Bell Hood, the most famous Sub in the fleet, the J.S. Moseby, the Aircraft Carrier, RNV Jefferson Davis and most of the other ships in the harbour. The plumes of smoke from these destroyed ships rose high into the sky, visible for miles upon miles.

"Siri will see that I suppose." Sarah Sighed as she looked out over her fiery domain one last time. "I love my home...and will miss it so. One day I will return to you!"

*Response to Jedi from Office of the Queen*

I am sorry to report that the Queen is being extracted by forces of another nation that shall remain nameless at this point due to previous agreement. However, it is imperative that Marcus must be extracted. He will follow the guideline you set down for Sarah.

-Margaret Fletcher

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

*Hotel, in Kaiserstadt*

Marcus walked in. He had grown a beard and dyed his hair a brown colour instead of the usual blond. He was dressed in unusually nice clothes for a regular citizen. His 17th Centry attire caught the eyes of many. Not a smart idea.

He spoke to the clerck and then waited outside for the car...

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

Queen Sarah stood on the deck of the Stonewall Jackson in the port of Kamphstadt.

With the withdrawal of the Jedi's the army was forced to abandon Russapovia with the intention of making another stand on the Reichskamphian border. However, an unusually strong push from the Scottans in the north and the relentless pursuit of the Royal Army by Magdeburg's hordes meant that they were unable to make a stand and were pushed back. Reichsburg fell again to a united push from the Scottans in the east and the North and Kaiserstadt fell two days later when Royal troops simply abandoned the unfortified city.

Now, the Triune Kingdom, which once encompassed some nearly 4 billion people and 1000s of square miles of land was reduced to but one province, one city, Kamphstadt. This fortified port city was the wealthiest in all the Kingdom and was the site of the last Reichskamphian stand. The Scottan Armies, outnumbering the forces of the Traditional Kingdom by nearly 5 to 1 were ramming the gates of the city. They would not completely bomb it for they wanted the wealth and they would not sink the navy because they wanted that as well.

Sarah was staying on the Stonewall Jackson, her husband's commandship, because it was something they wouldn't bomb.
She coddled young Lucius in her arms as her secretary, Margaret Fletcher, approached her. "Your Highness, we are ready to send out the signal." she said calmly, looking out over the horizon at the city. It was like two differant worlds. Inside the city, all was calm and pristine, but outside it burned a noose of fire and smoke that was closing in tightly. It was desolation.

She kissed the baby on its forehead and said softly, "Send the signal."

The turrets of the Stonewall Jackson then turned about and aimed their guns at the RNV Napoleon Bonaparte, it's sister ship and opened fire. The shells tore through the hull with great force. The world looked red now as the fires of the sinking ship reflected off of the glassy waves. The turrets moved around again and tore through the RNV John Bell Hood, the most famous Sub in the fleet, the J.S. Moseby, the Aircraft Carrier, RNV Jefferson Davis and most of the other ships in the harbour. The plumes of smoke from these destroyed ships rose high into the sky, visible for miles upon miles.

"Siri will see that I suppose." Sarah Sighed as she looked out over her fiery domain one last time. "I love my home...and will miss it so. One day I will return to you!"

Marcus walked up to the clerk and asked for the car under a Maria Lambousis. The clerk looked at him funny and asked for some ID. Marcus shook his head. The clerk (SD) telephoned what sounded like the front desk when in fact he called the field radio some 100 meters away where a second car was watching the entire operation.
"Yes sir."
That is Marcus. Bring up the car and give him the clothes.
"Yes sir. Understood sir."

The clerk turned to Marcus.
"You're car will be up in no time. However, please open this package inside the car. You will need it." He nodded towards the suitcase in his hand and hands it to Marcus. Then a black Mercedes drove up next to the two and Marcus got in as the SD man open the door. The car zoomed off and headed straight for a marina just south of Reichsburg. The boat was a military grade patrol boat modified to hide the weapons and painted to look move civilian like. Marcus, in his changed clothing moved quickly through the night toward the boat. It was now 10:30 and the Scottan army was always patrolling the waters along the river but never on the river.

It was a 3 hour ride to a place what really seemed to be in the middle of no where. There were no sounds of an army or the roar of the jet engine, just the natural sounds. Then he saw it. A helicopter sat warmed up and ready. Not a moment was lost getting in and the helicopter took off before he was even in completely. At this point, the operation was out of the SD's hands. The Kriegsmarine was now in charge. The helicopter flew low among the trees above the river to not be an easy target. It was not 3:30In front of them, they could see the city of Kamphstadt under artillery barrage and in flames.....

Marcus walked up to the clerk and asked for the car under a Maria Lambousis. The clerk looked at him funny and asked for some ID. Marcus shook his head. The clerk (SD) telephoned what sounded like the front desk when in fact he called the field radio some 100 meters away where a second car was watching the entire operation.
"Yes sir."
That is Marcus. Bring up the car and give him the clothes.
"Yes sir. Understood sir."

The clerk turned to Marcus.
"You're car will be up in no time. However, please open this package inside the car. You will need it." He nodded towards the suitcase in his hand and hands it to Marcus. Then a black Mercedes drove up next to the two and Marcus got in as the SD man open the door. The car zoomed off and headed straight for a marina just south of Reichsburg. The boat was a military grade patrol boat modified to hide the weapons and painted to look move civilian like. Marcus, in his changed clothing moved quickly through the night toward the boat. It was now 10:30 and the Scottan army was always patrolling the waters along the river but never on the river.

It was a 3 hour ride to a place what really seemed to be in the middle of no where. There were no sounds of an army or the roar of the jet engine, just the natural sounds. Then he saw it. A helicopter sat warmed up and ready. Not a moment was lost getting in and the helicopter took off before he was even in completely. At this point, the operation was out of the SD's hands. The Kriegsmarine was now in charge. The helicopter flew low among the trees above the river to not be an easy target. It was not 3:30In front of them, they could see the city of Kamphstadt under artillery barrage and in flames.....

*Kamphstadt*

On the ground, radar units had picked up the helicopter, but more was known from reports of Scottan units on the ground.

Orders were sent from regional command to the now captured, and still armed, rings of air defense around Kamphstadt. Three Sam sites acquired the target and each loosed one heat seaking missile. They closed in fast on the helicopter...

The Triune fleet was torn apart in hellish plumes of flame and smoke... and the Elenpalantíri of Menelmacar watched it all.

"What the hell is going on over there?" Lady Serendis was staring at the holo.

"Not sure, milady..." Agent-Commander Ataralassë of MISSION peered closely at the image. "It looks like the Scottans have started bombing the navy... but none of their artillery have yet fired, and there are no aircraft in the air. Odd."

"The Stonewall Jackson... at least, I think that's the Jackson... has yet to take damage. Any damage. And the other vessels are sinking already," Serendis noted, pointing at the tiny image of a battleship floating by a pier, serene and peaceful while all hell broke loose around her. "Wait... her guns are in a broadside firing position... all three turrets. What was that flash?"

"That was a turret firing, milady."

"Why would the Jackson sink her own fleet?"

"Scorched earth?"

"Possible... doesn't seem right, though. Some of the ships they're sinking have some incredible history, and the people of the Triune Kingdom are very proud of their history. They don't throw that away easily."

Ataralassë looked thoughtful for a moment. "What if it's a signal?"

"A signal? By the gods, why?"

"I think it might be a mayday. A truly desperate mayday. Before there were aircraft and gravships, if someone got trapped on an island, what was the best way to call for help?"

"I don't follow," Serendis replied dryly.

"A smoke signal. You set a large fire, and let a plume of smoke go into the sky, to call for help, in hopes that a passing ship will see it. This could be a modern-day smoke signal... it is well known our Elenpalantíri watch the entire globe. And there's only one person left in the Reichskamphen command structure with the authority to order the creation of a signal quite like that..."

"Queen Sarah," Serendis replied softly. "Who we know is in Kamphstadt, and who is a personal friend of the Elentári."

"Indeed. My recommendation is that we send a cruiser, and we get them out, or if the Queen prefers, to escort Jackson from the harbor."

Serendis nodded. "Very well... MIS Din-sûl is attached to the Fourth Fleet, which is on capital defense duty right now. Detach Din-sûl from her patrol on my direct authority, and send them to Kamphstadt, immediately. If it is not the Queen sending a smoke signal... at the very least we will have answers."

-----------

Eight hours or so later, the gravitic cruiser MIS Din-sûl (Silent Wind) hove out of the smoky gloom over Kamphstadt Harbor, six hundred fifty meters of galvorn-clad salvation. "Din-sûl to Stonewall Jackson. Come in, Stonewall Jackson. Do you require assistance?"

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

"This is the Stonewall Jackson!" a frantic voice cried out. "The Scottans are near to breaking through the walls to the inner city! The Queen is in danger! Please assist! I'm so glad you picked up our signal!" the voice paused for a moment, "This is Captain Rainier Augenblich, Captain of the Stonewall Jackson. We need some way to get this ship out of here so the Scottans can't use it...if we can't we need to get off of here and sink it!"

Queen Sarah looked on at the outside of town with her spyglass. The Royal Guard was hemming in a tidalwave with a small sandbank. It was only a matter of time until the Scottans broke and the banners of the guard fell back or were overcome. And once they began to fall back...they would be driven into the ocean...there would be no stopping.

She looked overhead as she heard the V-3i Interceptors being fired at a helicopter overhead. "May those inside live on..." she prayed. The missiles then mysteriously turned downwards away from the helicopter...a larger heat signiture had been picked up...the Gravship...the two missiles detontated harmlessly against the shields of the ship and the copter kept moving away.

"Siri..." Sarah whispered.

"It seems the Prefect's theory was correct, Jackson. We weren't entirely sure whether it was a signal or simply scorched earth. We will send a shuttle down to extract the Queen; meanwhile, you make ready to get your vessel under way and make for safer harbors. We'll cover your withdrawal."

Ciryatári (Captain) Elwen watched the helicopter move away from the city... the missiles arced up, and then turned... towards Silent Wind. In the missiles came... there was a flash, twin explosions, and a wave of crimson light as the shields absorbed the blasts.

"We were hit... two SAMs that happened to re-acquire. Shields holding," came the tactical officer's report. "Are you going down to the Jackson, milady?"

"Yes. Call down to the hangar, have them prepare a Vilyulairë, and assign our best dropship pilot."

"Yes, milady."

Elwen had hardly received the officer's confirmation when she turned, and stalked off the bridge.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"We have known freedom's price. We have shown freedom's power. We will see freedom's victory."
~US President George W. Bush
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

Sarah grabbed her one bag of luggage, all left to her in the world, and scurried to the front of the ship. Firing a flare off, she signaled the shuttle to her position.

The Stonewall Jackson then launched its single V-4 into the air. The swarms of Scottan fighters mulling around the dock area attempted to avoid it but it detonated, the abnormally large explosion due to two V-4 warheads on one missile which was HUGE to begin with, created an enormous fireball and vacuum which sucked in 15 fighters and threw them to the earth in flames or in smoke or in pieces.

Then the Jackson began to steam out of the harbour. Now, Smaller V-3i's were launched against the docks in hopes of stopping the Jackson. If one hit, it would be stopped...if two, it would be gone.

"Din-sûl! This is the Stonewall Jackson! Incoming....they look to be...V-3i's they are smaller than the regular V-3 meant for intercepting planes and missiles...please do what you can...we will be destroyed!"