The powerful fleet slowly approached the People's Republic of South Fresque coastal waters.
The PRSN vessels went out of the way, paying respect to the armada.
Generally consisting of older Crimson Star or Byzantine vessels, including some built on-contract in Pezookia for export specifically, their small navy would not stand a conflict with a naval power.
However, contr-admiral A.V. Chelpanov, residing on the nuclear command ship "Ural", received special orders from the Center to come and aid the former Crimson client state which currently found itself in dire straits.
And now the strategic balance was less than clear - with Yak-141 Freestyles, MiG-29K and Su-27s, as well as numerous ASW helicopters and an enormous number of missile ships, the Crimson Fleet declared part of the coastal waters it's "maneuver and replenishment zone", and was posed to defend the PRSN from any possible attack.
Last edited by K. A. Pital on 2008-08-31 10:36pm, edited 1 time in total.
Lì ci sono chiese, macerie, moschee e questure, lì frontiere, prezzi inaccessibile e freddure
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
"Fuck!" That was what President Jeffrey said the moment he saw the report of the Crimson Fleet taking up a position to guard the PRSF. Why should the CSR care so much about some petty third-world squabble?
He regained his composure and said "We need to get everything that floats in each of our navies down there. Not to fight them, but just to show our strength."
The ten Tarantul-class corvettes of Coilerburg's own navy were steaming down to join the seven destroyers already in the general area.
"Fuck!" That was what President Jeffrey said the moment he saw the report of the Crimson Fleet taking up a position to guard the PRSF. Why should the CSR care so much about some petty third-world squabble?
He regained his composure and said "We need to get everything that floats in each of our navies down there. Not to fight them, but just to show our strength."
"We of the Vineyards wish to deescalate the situation, as things are getting closer and closer to our borders. A pissing match with the fucking soviets won't do that."
Message to the Crimson Star Republic
The Kingdom of vineyards would like to reassert its neutrality in this conflict, just as a reminder.
- Office of the Sovereign, Kingdom of Vineyards.
This is an empty country and I am it's king, and I should not be allowed to touch anything.
Vigilant CSG
Seas well off the southeast coast of the IRT
"Why are we steaming towards Tian Jiao?"
"Orders"
"Well, yeah, but why?"
"Probably the small matter of a war. Command most likely wants to keep an eye on the action. Fuck if I know."
"And why couldn't they have sent the Vindictive out there? It's already out. It was playing in Whirlwind."
"Fuck if I know."
"You hear that they pulled the Fujian group off training as well? Why would they send out a bunch of Marines to keep an eye on things?"
"Shut up."
"Bu-"
"No, really. Shut your fucking mouth."
"preemptive killing of cops might not be such a bad idea from a personal saftey[sic] standpoint..." --Keevan Colton
"There's a word for bias you can't see: Yours." -- William Saletan
Radiogram to Kingdom of the Vineyards; from - A.V. Chelpanov, contr-admiral, Order of the Crimson Star Eastern Fleet
As the commander of the battlegroup I assure you that no hostile action will be taken by the fleet unless attacked. We are underway with a peaceful mission and currently are using the PRSF central harbor to replenish our supplies.
The air wing is conducting training maneuvers in the area.
Please avoid taking part in any possible provocations against our goodwill mission to the PRSF. It will ensure your safety.
Lì ci sono chiese, macerie, moschee e questure, lì frontiere, prezzi inaccessibile e freddure
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
Defenseweek ODN ends "Mock blockade Cordon", returns to ports ODN and other MESS navies have ended the mock blockade cordon off the major Shepistani ports. The MESS vessels will enter various Dominion coastal cities for R&R prior to returning home. The Bulwark and Lord Fairfax strike groups are expected to return to sea in a few days and head to the South Seas for WINTEX '08, and to induct new Citizen-Sailors into the Order of the Red Nose.
"The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles."
You are hereby ordered to deploy your fleet to Naval Base Arabia.
To Admiral of Task Force Justinian
You are hereby ordered to deploy your fleet to Naval Base Jerusalem.
To Admiral of Task Force Heraclius
You are hereby ordered to deploy your fleet to Naval Base Crete.
STGOD: Byzantine Empire Your spirit, diseased as it is, refuses to allow you to give up, no matter what threats you face... and whatever wreckage you leave behind you.
Kreia
- So, Yuri, any reports on Crimson Tide? - Stanislav smoked his old pipe sitting in a small report room with a single person in there - the PCIA Chief, Yuri Andropovich.
- You know, we're always on-line with Selin. He's currently speaking with our brotherly nation's leaders and all that.
- Let me know the results, - Stanislav stood up from the chair and walked around the room a little. - We need results.
People's Republic of Southern Fresque, People's Representative Council Building, Chambers. Night.
- My name's Selin, and I'm authorized to represent the CSR on these talks. This file will have all the necessary papers in it, - the PCIA agent handed a black file with a small red star to several PRSF officials present in the room.
- In fact, comrades, I feel most of you understand the options which are on the table, - Selin smiled. - So let's get to business. The CSR kindly asks for a naval base in Livorno with replenishment facilities. We would help you with the expansion of the port - after all, you own navy needs it, isn't that so? We could also provide a permanent PVO battalion which would protect the naval facilities and other critical military infrastructure.
- We are also offering economic aid, - Selin paused. - And finally, we offer a blind eye. Make no mistake, all of those are generous offers, not demands, - Selin stressed the word offer as if it had a special, hidden meaning. - Of course, you can decline the offers. But you can't take one offer and reject the other. No PVO divisions unless our military base is right there in Livorno. No economic aid unless our navy and military are free to use Livorno facilities and dedicated territory. No blind eyes to your petty conflicts unless we see gestures of friendship and a generally CSR-friendly policy.
- What you are offering is a double-bladed sword, - spoke one of the generals in the room. - Beware of those who bring gifs, isn't it, Selin. We are in dire straits, but you are offering the same kind of "help" Imperialist Shroomania "offered" to it's colonies. We are a sovereign nation and will not follow orders from Stasograd, you know.
Selin smiled.
- I don't need those diatribes. I need a "yes" or "no". Weigh your options, comrades. The mere fact that you agreed to meet me means you are inclined to a "yes" option, aren't you? I won't mention the fact that our Fleet is paying quite a lot for replenishment in PRSF, even though we have other... contacts.
The room went silent.
- You can always give me a telegram through the Fleet Commander, - Selin smiled. - I won't be pressing you.
Lì ci sono chiese, macerie, moschee e questure, lì frontiere, prezzi inaccessibile e freddure
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
"And has the DoD agreed to streamline the application from Colonel Halley for Captain Ying to be awarded the Medal of Honor?"
"Yes, they have, by my personal instruction."
President Garrett and SecDef Dale were sitting together in the more private office awarded the President for use besides the ceremonial Presidential Office. "What about our tanker fleet? How much longer will it have to stay down?"
"Inspection has shown absolutely no troubles that could have led to the engine failure on Ying's tanker," Dale answered. "It'll be a while before the physical investigation of the crash is completedn by the Serenites, but the black box data, the crew testimony, and the inspections point to a probable material defect present in just that aircraft. A fuel line or valve that wasn't up to specs in fabrication. One of those one-in-a-million kinds of defects that can cause an incident like this."
The President nodded, rubbing his temples and being haunted again by Marina's words to him. That was another life lost because of a decision he had made, personally. He was no longer helpless in these things, he was directly culpable. "At least the Air Force has already approved the Distinguished Flying Cross. It'd be a travesty if Serenity was the only nation honoring Captain Ying for her sacrifice. Anyway, any new developments from al-Akharabat?"
"Shepistan and Japanistan continue to rampage through the Caravo territory, and the Japanistanis continue to deport Caravo prisoners to New Sumatra."
"I've already given a formal condemnation to the press, but you be damned sure it won't mean a whit to them." He put his hands together on the desk. "Are we getting refugees?"
"Some, but the Japanistani and Shepistani units are being quite thorough. They gas the villages with psychotropic substances before attacking, so by the time the locals recover the troops are already there."
"I know the Caravos aren't exactly nice people, but they're not all guilty and frankly Skimmer's deportation of them to New Sumatra proves his intent, all along, has been to induct al-Akaharabat into his Empire. See what we can do for aid, and I intend to make an official pronouncement that the Cascadian zone is accepting refugees from the fighting. Of all ethnic groups, of course."
"As for Astarias, they have behaved themselves lately and are slowly undoing their 'peculiar institution', so I think we may be able to work with them on certain logistics and security issues in the region until the mine-sweeping detachments are finished at el-Karim."
”A Radical is a man with both feet planted firmly in the air.” – Franklin Delano Roosevelt
"No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism." - Sir Winston L. S. Churchill, Princips Britannia
American Conservatism is about the exercise of personal responsibility without state interference in the lives of the citizenry..... unless, of course, it involves using the bludgeon of state power to suppress things Conservatives do not like.
DONALD J. TRUMP IS A SEDITIOUS TRAITOR AND MUST BE IMPEACHED
"How goes the F-15 replacement program?" inquired the Secretary of Air Force.
"Very good. We've entered into a partnership with Tian Xia, which should speed things along. They've also agreed to join the JSF program, in developing the -B model. That just leaves us with the -As as a solo venture."
"Very well. I also want you to look into expanding the AWACs squadrons. Two units simply isn't enough. I know in the past our policy has been that they operate mostly on home soil, and in an overseas role they'd be a detachment to support MESS member's AWACs, but with this Velestria situation we may have to consider being able to deploy our own AWACs contingent to an area where we have no or little allied support."
"Yes sir, Mister Secretary. We'll get right on it."
*********
Results:
- We're replacing F-15Cs with F-22s, of course. Beowulf is gonna handle that for me since he knows more about it than I do. EDIT: And he's joining the F-35 development (he wants the B model) with me and Cascadia (Steve is investing in the C model).
- We're looking to expand our AWACs fleet with more E-3s or a similar aircraft. Odds are we'll build more E-3s ourselves, but if I have any good offers on generally NATO designs... (not Russian designs converted to NATO, FYI; sorry Stas )
"How can I wait unknowing?
This is the price of war,
We rise with noble intentions,
And we risk all that is pure..." - Angela & Jeff van Dyck, Forever (Rome: Total War)
"On and on, through the years,
The war continues on..." - Angela & Jeff van Dyck, We Are All One (Medieval 2: Total War)
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." - Ambrose Redmoon
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." - Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight
Mount August Castle, Chestershire, Tian Jiao (former Westchester)
National Address Room
Within the palatial halls of Mount August Castle's Southwest Wing, there is a room of middling proportions, its' bay windows offering a beautiful view of Emry Bay's vast waters and the Lancashire provincial capital of Fielding on the other side. In it is a set carefully designed to mimic that of the actual Imperial Office some two hundred meters away in a separate wing of the Castle. It contains the latest in telecommunications and recording equipment, and was designed by the previous emperor, Temphong Li Westchester, as a facility to better broadcast anti-Southron propaganda from.
Today it is filled with people. Cameramen, boom operators, sound technicians, makeup artists, and the Emperor himself. Today, he seats himself in an enormous leather chair, behind a redwood table you could land a helicopter on, and waits for the camera. Within moments the red lights come on and he's live.
---
"Dear citizens of Westchester and all nations of the free world. I appear today to inform you of the actions of our treacherous neighbors, the People's Republic of Southern Frequesue. A fortnight ago, in the very early morning, forces of the PRSF began to attack and advance into the Gloucester Valley region of Westchester.
"Men of the Emperor's Own Brigade performed a holding action until units of the Highland Leicestrian and Lancashire Fusilier Brigades could arrive and offer support. Shortly after, they were forced to commence a fighting retreat against vastly superior numbers of Southron armor and motorized infantry.
"Meanwhile, in the south, a corps of Southron armor and infantry have attacked through the Coast Foothills, destroying a battallion of the Southland Rifles Brigade before they were able to extract themselves and perform a fighting retreat into open land. Our troops are overstretched and outnumbered, but there is hope yet.
"The brave pilots of my Army Air Force have succeeded in maintaining air superiority over the retreating men of the Army, and our attack squadrons harry the enemy's supply columns and reinforcements. The Navy has posted pickets throughout the river system of Dorsetshire, and thus far Emry Bay remains unthreatened.
"However, our soldiers will not be able to drive the invaders out without assistance. Because of this, our Tian Xian kin have, at my request, dispatched a large relief force to supplement us. In this dire hour, our motherland has come to our aid, after a century of my family's impudent rebellion. Additionally, the Crimson Star Republic has moved to take advantage of the situation, excacerbating the issue by offering the Southrons economic assistance in exchange for land and basing right. As such, I decree the following;
"Imperial General Directive Four is in effect as of this time. Direct Crown control of the state has been enacted and the House of Lords has been called to emergency session. As of this time, the Westchester Dynasty renounces their rebellion against the legitimate authorities of Tian Xia and restores this land's title to Tian Jiao, "where heaven meets water". Additionally, I have sent a formal request to the Emperor of Tian Xia for Tian Jiao's reintegration into the Empire as a special autonomous region. He has accepted.
"As Governor of the Imperial Colony of Tian Jiao, I hereby formally declare war on the People's Republic of Southern Frequesue, an act our Southron neighbors were too cowardly to commit.
"The Southrons want a fight. The Empire will give them one."
---
Results:
-As agreed with Beowulf in OOC discussion with IC rationalization, Westchester has reverted to the title of Tian Jiao and the status of an autonomous region of the Empire of Tian Xia.
-World informed of what's really going on.
-Operations up to this point outlined.
People's Representative Council Building
People's Republic of Southern Fresque
"The envoy from Tian Xia," the guard announced.
"Gentlemen, I come here with a simple proposal. Leave Tian Jiao territory within two days," the ambassador spoke quietly.
"Or?" demanded the party chairman. "You feel that you can dictate demands to us? We will not follow your orders."
The ambassador said nothing more, and walked out.
---
Nanking Wei
Tian Xia
Across the tarmac, RAH-66s and AH-64s were loaded into the waiting transports. Orders had come down from on high. The 3rd Airborne Assault Division was deploying. Destination: Tian Xia territory
[ooc]the RAH-66s aren't part of the 3rd Airborne, but are rather part of a test and evaluation battalion. They are deploying for combat testing[/ooc]
---
Notice to Mariners
The seas south of Fresquesque have been declared a war zone. Non-belligerents should avoid this area.
Notice to Airmen
The airspace above the People's Republic of South Fresque and about Tian Jiao (aka Westchester) is declared a war zone. Non-belligerents should avoid this area.
---
Summer Palace
Outskirts of Hong Kong
Tian Xia
Inside the palace was a nice looking set for when the Emperor needed to give a televised speech. The windows were fake, and showed a view that didn't actually exist. Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you. Sitting at a very nice looking desk on the set sat the reigning Huang Di: Beowulf.
"Tian Xia, you may have heard recently about a war in the continent of Frequesque. The People's Republic had decided to attack our brethren in Tian Jiao. The Governor of that Colony has requested our help.
"Therefore, I have dispatched the 3rd Airborne Assault Division, along with elements of the Tian Xia Air Force to assist them in repelling the invaders. Additionally, shortly after they invaded, I dispatched a navy taskforce.
"I hereby declare war against the People's Republic of South Frequesque. We will give them a fight they shall remember."
Last edited by Beowulf on 2008-09-01 02:00am, edited 1 time in total.
"preemptive killing of cops might not be such a bad idea from a personal saftey[sic] standpoint..." --Keevan Colton
"There's a word for bias you can't see: Yours." -- William Saletan
“And now the CSR is involved, fucking wonderful,” Roger shouted at his aide, who was milling about on the other side of the room.
“Yes, put that with the Tian Xia coming to Westchester’s aid, and we have a bonafide proxy war,” his aid called back.
“Which Leads to CP – 10213 ‘New Colonialism,’ which is not a good thing.”
“Of course it isn’t but, it is better than an invasion.”
“By how much, call the boss, we have work to do.”
“Yes, sir.”
New Sheoth Palace, the Vineyards
“Fuck,” Brandon shouted as he kicked over a trashcan, “Is there any other seemingly delicately stable situation you can go to and cause an intercontinental war?”
“It isn’t that bad, if anything it is a proxy war,” responded Shrubber, on speakerphone from some magical land of fairies where he would get someone bombed.
“The Tian Xia just declared my neighbors airspace a fucking war zone, how is that not a bad thing?”
“We’ll live; you just need to make sure Jeffrey doesn’t do anything rash.”
“What can Coilerburg do, get itself curb stomped by the PRSF and the CSR?”
“Yeah, but he can bring you all down with him if he isn’t careful.”
“Look, I can try, just try, to keep Westchester out of the FTO, which looks very easy considering they don’t want in. I can’t stop Coiler from assisting them.”
“Just so long as you make sure that the world knows Jeffrey isn’t the FTO, I think we’ll live, got any other reasons to be afraid?”
“No, this seems like a pretty big and good reason.”
“Alright, well, I’ll call after I get to my new apartment.”
“Enjoy your next warzone.”
This is an empty country and I am it's king, and I should not be allowed to touch anything.
In the recent month, Legio III Athens Comitatenses and the 2nd and 3rd Air Defence Brigade have arrived and deployed in the Arabia base. In addition, 3rd and 4th air regiments operating F-15Es and Typhoons have arrived, along with 1 B767AEW&C and 4 UAVs from the 1st Reconnaisance Squadron that redeployed from Anatolia air base. The navy has based 12 Tu-142s for naval survelliance.
2nd and 3rd Air Defence Brigades have coordinated with us and we have hardened many of their launch units. 3rd Air Defence in particular operate the newer THAAD while the 2nd operate the older S-300VM. Legio III Athens Comitatenses has assigned one of the air defence brigades operating light and medium air artillery to assist with the defence of the base as well. As I understand it, 2 air defence brigades operating medium and light SAMs are being planned for deployment at each of the major bases, namely Antioch, Jerusalem, Athens/Crete, Thessalonika/Constantinople, Nikea/Sinope. I hope they can be ready by the end of the year.
Deep Bunker construction has begun, along with hardened aircraft hangers. We expect them to be completed by the end of the year.
We are working as fast as we can sire. And we beseech you to give us time.
Signed, General Alenkov.
(OOC: I haven't gotten around to write down my armed forces structure, but I will assume that they have a chain of command here. )
STGOD: Byzantine Empire Your spirit, diseased as it is, refuses to allow you to give up, no matter what threats you face... and whatever wreckage you leave behind you.
Kreia
To ordinary citizens of San Dorado, the gleaming skyscraper of mirrored glass was the headquarters of the San Dorado Armed Forces. The reality of the situation was that the actual headquarters was located deep underneath the Paragon, with only administrative functions located in the actual building itself. This way even a surprise bombing raid would never be able to take out the top echelons of the military hierarchy.
Right now the War Room, a massive bunker room filled with high-tech communications equipment and walls made of telescreens, was abuzz with frenetic activity, all of which rotated like the chamber of a revolver around Sam Ralson, the Director of Corporate Defence.
“Sir,” an aide in the uniform of the SDAF hurried up to Ralson as he watched the latest feeds from the Hawkeye 2000 and Mirage 2000 ELINT aircraft, “the Kingdom of the Vineyards has denied our request to base aircraft on their soil. Seems they’re adamant to stay wallflowers for the duration of this dance.”
“Fucking pansies,” growled Ralson. “Fucking pacifists the lot of them. No balls to speak of – and no brains to recognize that they’re next in line if these PRSF fuckers get their way.”
“Without assistance from the Vineyards-” the aide began, but Ralson cut him off.
“There’s no conceivable way to get our aircraft to assist Westchester, I know,” harrumped Ralson. “Fuck!”
“Sir!” clamoured a woman in the uniform of the Military Intelligence Corps, “You might want to take a look at this!”
“What is it?”
“I’ve just talked to some of our people in Shroomania, and they tell me Tian Xia is sending an airborne division, elements of their air force, and a navy taskforce to aid Westchester.”
“Some good news at last,” sighed Ralson. “Alright, what else?”
“Our own ships are approaching the Westchestrian coast,” added a navy commodore. “But it looks like the RPSFN is waiting for them.”
“Fill me in on what they got and what we got,” said Ralson, “and be quick about it.”
The commodore quickly checked his factsheets. “According to Westchester they detect 2 Sovremeniy class and 3 Neustrashimy class destroyers off their coast. Our own naval taskforce is picking up faint acoustics that suggest at least one but probably two or more of their SSKs are screening our own ships. We on the other hand have the missile cruiser Lady Profit in the area, escorted by the destroyers Adventure, Farbanti's Fortune and Steadfast, the frigate Black Pearl and the Kraken.” The commodore frowned. “We’ve got the edge in training, tech and perhaps firepower, but I doubt we can take them without taking some painful losses. And then there’s the Crimson Star taskforce to take into account – we definitely shouldn't risk getting into scraps with them.”
“This just keeps getting better and better,” scowled Ralson. “Alright, here’s what I want you to do. Keep a distance from those RPSFN ships for now. Tell both the Crimson Star Republic and Tian Xia we’re in the area and that for now we’re there to stay, then see if we can coordinate our movements with the Tian Xia fleet and any possible FTO assets in the area, from Coilerburg and Indhopal in particular. If we’re going to start kicking arse down there, we stand a better chance of making it out unscathed if we’re part of a bigger stick.”
Fingolfin_Noldor wrote:
"Hopefully things don't turn for the worse.
That aside, there are issues of ISCA. We should really initiate an invite to all nations who are interested to join. Understandably, our shipyards stand to benefit, and we get money to spread around."
"I agree. However, I was wondering if a rethinking of the ISCA is in order or not: last time, it acted as a management office co-ordinating ship orders. What if it became more a design bureau slash development manager? It could spearhead attempts to exploit resources trapped on the ocean floors."
This morning, elements of the 1st Hussars Division (Armored) and the 121st Armored Cavalry Division (Mechanized) have crossed the border with Sargonia and linked up with advancing USSR and Byzantine forces.
Due to a communications mix-up, however, a "friendly fire" incident occured between USSR T-72 tanks and PeZookian Leopards. Twenty USSR tanksmen died during a brief exchange of long-range fire between two tank companies.
PeZookian High Command has issued a formal apology to the USSR, and restricted rules of engagement, forbidding PeZookian tanks from opening fire on enemy armored units untill fired upon.
PeZookian forces are expected to aid the SNC in securing the capital city of Sargonia. It is unclear if they will advance further into the Zagor Empire.
A busload of summer workers disappears near the eastern border
Fabowice Voyvodship police have reported that a bus carrying temporary summer workers has disappeared near the eastern PeZookian border. It was scheduled to carry 35 farm hands, mostly university students, from a strawberry farm back to Fabowice, where they would board trains back to their hometowns.
The bus never arrived at its destination, and so far search for the vehicle has proven futile.
"Nothing like this has ever happened before", said comissar Sebatian Watroba of the Fabowice Voyvodship Police, "While kidnappings for ransom are what we have to deal here from time to time, a large-scale kidnapping like this is very hard to pull off. At the moment, we are investigating several leads, but have no concrete information."
Sjenska massing troops on northern border of Zagor Empire?
Unconfirmed reports of militia forces massing on the norhern border of the Zagor Empire have sparked controversy concerning Sjenska intentions.
President Karic, widely regarded in PeZookia as a war criminal and arch-terrorist has been quoted recently as supportive of the armed intervention of FUN and SNC nations in Sargonia. However, it is unclear if Sjenska troops want to join in peacekeeping operations in Sargonia, or simply seize land for annexation into the Independent Republic.
JULY 20TH 1969 - The day the entire world was looking up
It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small. - NEIL ARMSTRONG, MISSION COMMANDER, APOLLO 11
Signature dedicated to the greatest achievement of mankind.
MILDLY DERANGED PHYSICIST does not mind BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER, because it is INSURED. - Simon_Jester considering the problems of hypersonic flight for Team L.A.M.E.
Independent Republic Of Sjenska, port of "Karic's Pride"
"Karic's Pride" was once named Hambourgh, a prosperous city, a naval base of Shadow Empire warships and a major trade hub. It dealt in many important items, including raw materials, textiles, food and machine parts, which made its inhabitants rich and the city itself - important.
After the Shadow Empire broke down, the city fell with it. Now dilapidated and dirty, it nevertheless was still a trading center - except the goods it dealt with changed.
Now, you came to Karic's Pride if you wanted to buy drugs, weapons, explosives or...slaves.
The slave trade was unofficial, of course, and president Karic loudly protested that his governmnet would engage in such amoral practices. Fact of the matter was, however, that slave-running was good business, and Karic needed money. So it flourished, with government officials looking the other way in exchange for a cut of the profits.
This particular shipment would net a nice sum, thought Boguslav Miksevich, as he looked at the tattered, miserable group of young men and women, standing next a battered old truck. According to his "business associates", they were all university students from PeZookia: so they were well-educated, smart and knew English, which made them very valuable to Astarians.
How his "associates" managed to smuggle thirty five people out of PeZookia, Miksevich didn't care. He had to pay them handsomely for this delivery, but he would easily make more than twice that after all was said and done.
"You!", he waved at one of his guards, "Get them inside! I want them ready for presentation as soon as possible."
The guard nodded and hit the nearest slave with his baton.
"Move it! Inside, you scum!", he screamed, and his mates quickly herded the entire group into Miksevich's compound. The crowds in the street didn't care for the spectacle - it was business like usual in Karic's Pride.
An hour later
The slaves were paraded on the stage before a pontential buyer - a middle-man, operating a prosperous trade business in Astaria. The women wore nothing but underwear, while the men were dressed neatly. Miksevich knew what worked with his customers: university students did not possess a stunning physique, but nearly-naked young women always made people interested in the goods.
Some bore bruises and other marks of brutal subjugation, but they were masked as well as they could be. Music played in the background, and servants made sure Miksevich's guest had access to whatever drink or food he desired.
"I like that bunch, Boguslav. There is large demand for cheap educated slaves these days, they are a mark of status and are more dependable than the damned Velarians.", Miksevich's client said, after the presentation was done. He usually dealth with legal slaves, but educated ones were in short supply, and were becoming prohibitively expensive. Until a few months ago, it simply wasn't profitable to actually risk smuggling such people to Astaria, which always meant great risk - right now, however, the potential earnings were starting to offset the risks.
"I aim to please, my dear friend.", Miksevich smiled, "And I noticed how much you liked that last one. How about I give her to you, as a present, in the name of our continued friendship?"
"That...I would very much appreciate.", the Astarian responded
"Don't worry...we'll break her in quite properly before handing her off. Now, let us talk money."
"Of course!", the Astarian laughed. The business part of the meeting could now start.
The bus wasn't particulalry well-hidden: the burned-out hulk just stood there, by the side of a side road somewhere in the more rural areas of the voyvodship. The fire was very intense, and destroyed most of the forensic evidence.
"They used kerosene", the chief forensic technician was explaining the situation to comissar Watroba, "And it pretty much destroyed most of the evidence. We know the students weren't on board, of course. All their luggage was removed, too...there was an empty kerosene can under one of the back seats, and that's pretty much it."
The comissar sighed and thanked the tech. He went back to his car.
"Well, we're not getting anything out of this wreck.", he said to his partner, Amanda Kulinska, "We'll have to depend on old-fashioned police work."
Amanda nodded, going over her notes.
"I don't think they took the bus very far from where they unloaded the hostages ; A patrol would've spotted it, or even just a motorist. The media have been repeating the description constantly for two days now."
"So..what do you think? We interview every farmer in the area?"
"Yeah, exactly. I already made a list of places we should visit."
"Well, let's get to it."
Last edited by PeZook on 2008-09-01 07:56am, edited 4 times in total.
JULY 20TH 1969 - The day the entire world was looking up
It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small. - NEIL ARMSTRONG, MISSION COMMANDER, APOLLO 11
Signature dedicated to the greatest achievement of mankind.
MILDLY DERANGED PHYSICIST does not mind BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER, because it is INSURED. - Simon_Jester considering the problems of hypersonic flight for Team L.A.M.E.
PeZook wrote:"I agree. However, I was wondering if a rethinking of the ISCA is in order or not: last time, it acted as a management office co-ordinating ship orders. What if it became more a design bureau slash development manager? It could spearhead attempts to exploit resources trapped on the ocean floors."
"Those sound like valid ideas, particularly when the ocean floor is possibly full of mineral riches. Though I might like to add that we won't see much progress for a decade or so, and the issue of funds is there. Some might not be able to commit to two major projects at the same time."
==============================================
In Sargonia, Byzantine bombers continued to bomb enemy positions, and the airbourne units continued to make lightning strikes into enemy positions, and probing for weaknesses, before Legio I goes in for the jugular. Legio I pressed on into the Sargonian capital and infantry were scouring the apartment blocks, and artillery shelling parts of the city suspected to have a heavy enemy presence. Urban warfare will be nasty, and every attempt to prevent an enemy ambush was made, with UAVs flying around looking for the enemy.
However, troops began to realise the city was almost deserted except for whimpering refugees. UAVs and scout planes searching the city and outside showed that much of the Zagorian military had simply been routed, or melted away. The Strategos of Legio I was worried. What happened to the civilians?
STGOD: Byzantine Empire Your spirit, diseased as it is, refuses to allow you to give up, no matter what threats you face... and whatever wreckage you leave behind you.
Kreia
"Sir!" the air force liaison suddenly spoke up. "We're receiving a secure transmission from Pride One, top priority -- seems like we've just gotten permission to base aircraft from Robinson AFB in the Vineyards!"
"We did? How the hell did that happen?" Sam Ralson sounded genuinely surprised.
"I dunno sir, perhaps the president leaned on their king or something - what should we do, sir?"
"Double-check this with the embassy, see if they thought the consequences through just to be sure... But don't wait for them to get back to us; tell the 501st, the 102nd and the 201st to make ready for departure. And get me a Hawkeye down there stat!"
People's Commisariat for International-Internal Affairs
The PCIA of the CSR informs that the government of the Crimson Star Republic is extremely shocked by the reckless statements of Tian Xia's leader Beowulf.
Knowing that the CSR Navy groups, currently on a peaceful mission around the world, are stationed in Livorno harbor, PRSF, he nonetheless declared an entire ocean south of Frequesque a war zone and declared war on the PRSF, also claiming airspace over Westchester and the PRSF.
We must say that the CSR Navy, residing in a friendly port and sailing in international waters, will not follow any demands or orders by some imperialist ruler. There are no laws which allow Tian Xia to close off entire seas or disallow access to a nation.
We must once again note that any provocations against the CSR Navy groups will be met with a swift and decisive response.
South Frequesque, Livorno Harbor
Two large amphibious landing ships: "Ivan Rogov" and "Alexander Nikolaev", disloged the cargo and naval infrantry from it's bay.
Two motorized battalions - over 800 men with around 200 BMPs, tanks, artillery, several mobile air-defense 'Pantsir-S1' complexes, an S-400 squad and support automobiles - left the massive ships.
A wing of Ka-29 assault helicopters left the ships and moved to the adjacent airfield.
The PRSF aviation was a poor sight. Most Slavic-built planes were in disrepair, although a couple of modern, recently bought machines seemed to function well. The PRSF pilots were preparing for sorties into enemy territory.
OGONEK: Where is our Navy?
Apparently the CSR Navy is now undergoing replenishment in a naval base in the People' Republic of South Frequesue, which was recently declared war on by Tian Xia.
From what we gathered, our Navy does not take part in any hostilities run by foreign parties. It's current strength is overwhelming towards the probable opponents present in the theatre.
We managed to put together a graph of the naval group which has been re-named an "expeditionary force" yesterday.
Palace of the Soviets, Crimson Star Republic
- Selin thought persuading them would be hard, but after Tian Xia openly declared war on them, they were more than eager to allow our military the rights to base in PRSF, - Andropovich laughed.
- I see, - Stanislav nodded. - We shouldn't be giving them money, you know... but our older stock-weapons - of course. That is economic aid to a nation at war. Kind of a lend-lease, but we're even more generous - we're giving the old stuff for free.
Lì ci sono chiese, macerie, moschee e questure, lì frontiere, prezzi inaccessibile e freddure
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
Constantinople Times Brought to you by Veritas News
12 new Air Defence Regiments under training
12 new Air Defence Regiments, consisting of 3 brigades, operating Pantsir-S1 systems, Patriot PAC 3 and THAAD systems are currently under training since the beginning of the year. The regiments, along with their equipment, are expected to be ready by the end of the year. Existing S-300 regiments, will be reformed along similar lines, but their S-300VM systems may be replaced S-400 systems. Existing regiments (about 3) operating the S-400 system will be reformed and keep their S-400 systems. The existing regiments operating THAAD will keep their existing weapons, but have 2 additional brigades operating Pantsir-S1 and PAC3 systems added. The revamp will be ready come the middle of next year.
Mass graves found in Sargonia
Strategos Herakles reported that his troops found mass graves in the middle of Sargonia. "It would seem that the Zargorian scum decided to cut their losses and kill everyone they could find. What next is uncertain, as leaders of PeZookia, USSR, CSR and Byzantium debate what to do next.
STGOD: Byzantine Empire Your spirit, diseased as it is, refuses to allow you to give up, no matter what threats you face... and whatever wreckage you leave behind you.
Kreia
"Oh, yes, I saw a bus rumble past my windows last night. They come and go all the time, really: farmers around the place hire a lot of people to aid in the summer harvests.", said the wrinkly old man, talking with both comissars over tea.
"Was it going towards the city or the other way around?", asked Amanda Kulinska. She and her partner have been interviewing the inhabitants of every home in the area where the burned bus was found for the last four hours, and most of them saw busses moving about during the night. After all, the harvest season was drawing to a close now, so it wasn't all that uncommon of a sight.
"No, I don't think it was headed for the city. I think I saw it turn off the road, too...there were lights, you know - headlights, or something like them - on an access road not far from here. At least I think so.", the old man was obviously doing his best to help the comissars.
"I see. Was the bus full or empty? Did you see?"
"Not really...but I think it had the windows curtains closed, if it helps."
"You mentioned you saw the bus at night. What time?", Amanda's partner interjected
"Oh...sometime around midnight, maybe? No, it was a little earlier, closer to ten o'clock."
Amanda checked something quickly on her PDA, which was displaying a map of the area. "That would be about right...", she mumbled to herself.
"Thank you for your help, sir.", her partner said, taking over, "Here is our card ; If you remember something more, please contact us as soon as possible."
"Oh, it was no problem at all.", the old man said, and led them to the door.
Inside the car, Sebastian gulped down his cold coffee from a styrofoam cup and reported in via his radio, waiting for Amanda to finish working with her portable computer.
"So...you mentioned this sounded about right?", he finally said to her
"Yeah, if they hijacked the bus somewhere on its scheduled route, they would be here around ten o'clock, if they drove at 60 kilometers per hour. We should check that access road anyway, but I think we may have our bus."
Sebastian smiled and fired up the engine.
"Patience pays, huh? Twelve houses, and finally we hit the jackpot."
"Yeah.", she said, Not quite. We're not looking for the bus, after all.
Twenty minutes later, wood clearing, 10 kilometers from the wreck
The small clearing was cordonned off, and portable lights were established around the scene where forensics technicians were working, carefully securing bits and pieces of evidence left in the soft white sand by tires and human feet.
The clearing was deep inside a man-planted forest, and once upon a time was used as a hiker's stopover point. A heavy log table was still there, providing a place for hikers to rest, and covered by a sturdy roof in case somebody needed to hide from the rain. The foliage didn't manage to take the site over yet, though, and much of the ground was covered in sand, mud and - in places - red clay.Thanks to this, it was obvious that a large number of people and vehicles were here not long ago.
"So, just as we thought. They brought the bus here, offloaded the people into smaller cars and shipped them off.", Amanda was there, leaning against the comissars' car and looking at the techs at work.
Sebastian nodded, "Let's hope we can actually find something here."
His cell phone rang then, and he picked it up. After a couple of minutes, he finished the conversation and hung up.
"Well, we have some good news. Paul was interviewing the farmer who hired the victims, and managed to make a list of all the characteristic items they brought with them there.", he said to his colleague.
"Anything particularly interesting?"
"Well, they had a lot of electronics, laptops, music players and the like...there was an electric guitar, one digital photo frame...Tomek said his team will keep a look out if any of those items resurfaced. I'll see about issuing patrol officers with a list, too, maybe they'll stumble onto something on a bazaar in the city."
The chief technician walked up to them suddendly, seeming agitated. He held a gel reproduction of a footprint.
"Hey...check this out. We've found it in clay, a little bit in the forest. It's a partial print of a Canissian army boot. You can see the size here, even. We also found this...", he lifted up a zip-bag with an olive button, still attached to some string.
"A button?", Sebastian took the bag and examined it closely
"Ah, not just any ordinary button. It's from a military-issue uniform blouse...the thread can give us a producer and date of manufacture, and maybe even the particular surplus store it landed in. We also have a lot of partial tire prints, a cigarette butt, a sample of motor oil and some candy wrapping."
"Excellent. How much time will it take to analyze all the material?"
"Two or three days. We'll report the results to you as soon as they come in."
JULY 20TH 1969 - The day the entire world was looking up
It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small. - NEIL ARMSTRONG, MISSION COMMANDER, APOLLO 11
Signature dedicated to the greatest achievement of mankind.
MILDLY DERANGED PHYSICIST does not mind BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER, because it is INSURED. - Simon_Jester considering the problems of hypersonic flight for Team L.A.M.E.
Baernish Ministry of War
Internal Records
Subject 1: Her Excellency Countess Truman, Minister for War
Subject 2: His Grace Duke James of Baerne
1: "Your Grace, the involvement of the CSR and Tian Xia complicates things a great deal."
2: "Indeed. I'd figured that out, Countess. What do you recommend we do about it?"
1: "Several of the other FTO nations have dispatched naval units to the area anyway. The Kingdom of the Vineyards, on the other hand, has reasserted it's neutrality in this conflict/ I'd suggest we do the same, as the CSR would have no difficulty blasting us back to the stone age if we annoy them"
2: "Very well then, Countess. Would you be so kind as to rescind our offer of naval aid?."
1: "Yes, Your Grace. I'll speak with Countess Domizia about it."
--------------------------------
Conversion Table:
2000 Mockingbirds = 2 Kilomockingbirds
Basic Unit of Laryngitis = 1 Hoarsepower
453.6 Graham Crackers = 1 Pound Cake
1 Kilogram of Falling Figs - 1 Fig Newton
Time Between Slipping on a Banana Peel and Smacking the Pavement = 1 Bananosecond
Half of a Large Intestine = 1 Semicolon
The situation in Sargonia was developing rapidly. The combined forces of the SNC spearheaded by the USSR have managed to retake the Capital City of Sargon. Forces of the Zagor Empire are broken and in full retreat, pursued by SNC forces and bombarded by SNC aircraft. President E.Valjevcic of Sargonia has been rescued by USSR forces and taken to Sarajevo for medical treatment due to his injuries.
Combat operations continue within Sargonia as the remaining Zagor forces are routed.
PeZookian High Command has issued a formal apology to the USSR, and restricted rules of engagement, forbidding PeZookian tanks from opening fire on enemy armored units untill fired upon.
The USSR has accepted the PeZookian apology and wishes that steps be undertaken that such incidents do not occur again.
Richard "big Smoke" Watkins was making a lazy circle over Annapolis in his F-22. It burned his butt that this fine piece of machinery was reduced to a reecee role, but he saw the logic in it. So far he'd gone on 2 such missions, post War of Cities. It was important that damaged was assessed so new targets could be drawn up.
He suddenly heard a proximity alarm on his radar. Two Shepistani Delta Darts were entering the area, apparently looking form him. Must have got a lucky hit on the AD system Watkins thought. Orders were specific, turn around and head back after detection.
He looped back and started heading towards Shepistani lines. There were two loud explosions as both Delta Darts just barely missed him, screeching by at supersonic speeds. His radar suddenly picked up 4 more lifting off from airfields and heading in his direction.
"Time to light the fire." He muttered, and began to accelerated away, the Delta Darts giving chase. He was pleased to see that they were unable to get a missile lock on him, but 20mms could still do a lot of damage. He just needed to get across the border...damn radio silence!
20mm shells went flying by. He wish he could see what...
...Suddenly there was a flash and a loud explosion to the rear. He glanced back and saw a Delta Dart going down in flame while 3 others were breaking off. He soon entered Dominion airspace.
Results: Old Dominion PAC-3 battery shoots down "aggressive Shepistani warplane".
"The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally, it may be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles."
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