SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the First.

[K. A. Pital]

Palace of the Soviets, CSR

- Fuck! - Stanislav walked around the room. - The PRSF idiots screwed up. They should've attacked something else, not a Tian Xia colony.

- They never declared war on Tian Xia, - reminded Yuri Andropovsky, finishing his cigarette. - They considered Westchester a sovereign nation. It wasn't.

- You mean it fortfeited partly, or entirely, it's sovereignity for it's colonial master's weapons, - Stanislav laughed. - Much like the PRSF did.

- So what do you propose?

- Tell Selin to press the PRSF for negotiations. We could help them with aid, even though I'm reluctant to waste money on incompetent political kamikazes... Also, take our troops away from Livorno... for now, - Stas knocked on the table. - Okay, let me make some calls.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

Major Aneas of the Varangian Guard and his men were slowly heading towards their target within the fortress itself, when the rearguard soldier messaged in, "Sir, something is not right. Seems that the movement sensors behind are showing movement behind us." The corporal had been seeding their way with small movement sensors for security sake; to make sure they weren't spotted and followed, despite all the precautions taken. Raising his hand, the Major and his men went into one of the adjacent rooms and hid.

Not long later, a small group of black armoured soldiers walked silently pass. "In the name of..." the Major swore. "Damn Shadow Empire Black Hand commandos! Change of plans! We are going to go through the vents. Somehow, and somewhere, we are going to beat them to the target."

"Are you sure that is wise?" inquired his second in command.

"They obviously are here to kill the target!"

"Should we consult with high command first?"

The Major thought for a while. "Contact them. In the meantime, we will do our best to complete our mission."

[Siege]

Diplomatic Communique, Priority One

FROM: FTO Central Committee
TO: The People's Republic of South Frequesue

The Central Committee of the Frequesuan Treaty Organization demands the People's Republic of South Frequesue immediately cease all hostilities in Westchester/Tian Jiao, that it immediately begins withdrawing its forces from Tian Jiao territory, and that its military forces return to their prewar positions. Failure to comply will result in a declaration of war upon the People's Republic by all FTO member nations. The PRSF has 36 hours to respond. You have been cordially forewarned.

[DarthShady]

Location: Marek City, Near the Palace

"Shadow Two to Shadow One, we are ready to proceed."

"Move with caution, there is something out there and it's not the locals."

"Shadow Three to Shadow One, we have spotted what looks like the Byzantine Varangian Guard entering the palace."

"Damn. All Shadows, hold your position, do not engage I say again do not engage"

"Get me Nod Command on the line."

"Yes Sir, give me a sec...on-line now Sir."

"It is Kane himself."

"What seems to be the problem, Commander?"

"We have discovered the presence of the Varangian Guard near the objective, what are your orders?"

"Goddamn Byzantines, they should have informed us of this."

"Your orders, Sir?"

"Stand down and let them take the objective, I will deal with this."

"Yes, Sir."

"Move out men, the Byzantines can count their blessings and thank the gods that they didn't have to face The Black Hand today."

[Raj Ahten]

Baernish Ministry of War
Private Communique
FROM: Her Excellency Countess Truman, Minister for War, in consultation with Their Excellencies Counts Adalo and Brumidis, Field and Air Marshals.
TO: Indhopal Command

We request permission to base a wing of MiG 31s and an armored division within Indhopali borders, the better to respond to whatever may occur in the PRSF.

Indhopal Agees to this redeployment post haste. The troops may be needed.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Imperial Chronicles

"We do this by the drill," said the Major, through the mask. "Aye sir." Firing the gas grenades containing a drug that sent everyone in the room asleep, the Guards leaped into the room through the vent and immediately and took out any of the guards around Marek. They grabbed Marek and headed out, firing their shotguns and assault rifles, killing every guard they met, and firing their grenades backwards to ward off any attempt to give chase. They headed to the roof where Hind gunships (Byzantine modified) from Legio XVIII were waiting for them. The anti-air defences on the roof had been neutralised by bombers. The men boarded the helicopters and flew off. After they left, a number of ATACMs were fired by Legio I onto the palace, destroying it, and laying it all to ruin.

[Coyote]

Royal Air Force 001/Z
en Route to PeZookia




"Alright, what do we have on the ground?" the King asked. Around him was some of his aides and advisors, including Jia and Katerin, as well as Colonel Rassnar.

"The Japanistanis have increased their troop prescence on the ground significantly," Miss Jia said as she went through the reports, "They have over 80,000 personnel at al-Akharabat. The Shepistanis considerably less so, they are primarly providing air assets for genocide."

"Alright... I bet they're planning on trying to move while everyone else is watching the Frequesne fuckup. How about the naval side of things?"

"Cascadia is having a hard time with the de-mining," Jia continued, "They don't have enough de-mining assets, and there's always the concern that Shepistan will come back with more bombers." King Arik sat back and sighed. He did not want to send naval assets to the area because he just knew without a shadow of a doubt that a ship would be sunk by either Shep or Skimmer, and then claimed as an "accident" and, at best, Canissia would get a few million Susan B. Anthonies and a stern repriment about bumbling around in a hot zone.

But, then, something had to be done.

"Get 5th Airborne Division uop to full strength," the King said, "Do the same with the 1st Infantry... and let's send the 10th Armored down there as well. Make them part of Task Force Sharran and do 'stability operations' in al-Akharabat proper."
"What about the paratroopers?" asked Colonel Rassnar.

"Pull them out of al-Akharabat... except for Camp Talisman. Leave them as security for Camp Dog, and as trainers for the Katangwa Militia. Speaking of training, how are they coming on the infantry weapons and basic rifle marksmanship portions?"

"Very well, sir," Colonel Rassnar said, indicating a folder before him that had the training logs in them. "They have taken well to weapon cleaning and maintenance, making it a part of their battle rituals and prayers," he said with some bemusement. "They put the same imperative on sighting in and ranges... basically, they see cleaning, sighting in, and range practice as rituals that please the war spirits, and as a result, the spirits bless them with accuracy and reliable weapons."

"Hey, whatever works," Arik said with a smile. "Have them move into the next phase, with heavier weapons and infantry support. Then we'll see about vehicles and the like."

"What about the naval situation there?" one of his Navy advisors asked.
"Yes... let's send in subs and the minesweepers, and concentrate entirely on al-Kalim port. It's closest to Camp Dog. Let's get one of our MEUs in the area as soon as we can..."
"And if the Shepistanis try to do a flyover?" the Navy man asked.
"Let them fly over all they want. We can paint 'em, but don't fire unless fired upon. Also make sure there's active sonar all over."
"Very well."

"Also, sir," Rassnar spoke up, "The Japanistanis insist that we search all bags of humanitaria aid coming into al-Akharabat in anay port that we control."
"Actually, a good idea. I'm all for it-- should be standard operating procedure anyway."
"Sir, we search everything while loading it on the zepps," Rassnar reminded him.
"Then when we search it again, it'll be quick, won't it?" the King said. "For God's sake, we scan the shit and X-ray it before we load it. Just make sure the damn seals aren't broken and ship it off. Some day Japanistani scientists will unlock the secret of the X-ray and barcode inventory scanners and then they, too, can search more than one bag a day. Let's get this done."





Results:
Canissia agrees to search aid shipments.
Naval minesweeping units and subs will patrol the area.
MEU group will go there "soon", but not yet.

The following units will be in al-Akharabat:
Operation Helping Hand: Forces on the ground so far:
AO Dog: Task Force Viers
5th Airborne Division:
1 Airborne Infantry Legacy Brigade "I-Pathfinders"
1 Airborne Infantry Legacy Brigade "II-Pathfinders"
3 Airborne Armored Brigades
2 Heliborne Assault Brigades
2 Tactical Transport Group
1 Combat Engineer/Construction Battalion

4 Tactical Strike Group

al-Akharabat Proper: Task Force Sharran
1st Infantry (Mechanized/Assault) Division:
1 Infantry Mechanized Legacy Brigade "Black Wolves Spearhead Brigade"
2 Infantry Mechanized Brigades
1 Heavy Armored Brigade "Iron Horse Spearhead Brigade"
1 Attack Helicopter Brigade
1 Combat Engineer/Construction Battalion

10th Armored Division:
3 Heavy Armored Brigades
1 Infantry Mechanized Brigade
1 Medium/Cavalry Brigade
1 Attack Helicopter Brigade

Camp Talisman
1 KM East of Khalid
Capt. Rafi Oren, Paratrooper, training officer

[Coyote]

Camp Talisman,
al-Akharabat



The Katangwan Militia was deeply involved in their training. They'de begun to receive new uniforms, from recycled stocks of Canissian Woodland style BDUs no longer issued since beign replaced by the newer "flecktarn" pattern a few years earlier. The Militia was also being equipped with better rifles, a Terranovan version fo the FN-FAL in some units.



Soldiers were getting shipments of Toyota HiLux trucks, as well, to serve as interim convoy vehicles until more conventional military vehicles could be afforded. Each morning, the Katangwans would board their trucks for the short convoy to the training site, where they would be taught the basics of soldiering and weapons-handling.



However, after months of infantry training, battle drills, and basic weapons-handling, they had graduated-- and were ready foir advanced weapons drills and crew-support, heavy weapons, and vehicle training. Ordinarily, this sort of training would be a part of every Canissian soldiers' basic training experience, but for the Katangwan tribal militias, attaining a next phase in warrior skills was a cause for celebration. A ceremony was held, and the Katangwan tribals got to show of their proud new dress uniforms in a parade-- following which, they were all advanced from Private E-1 to Private E-2.



That night, a barbecue feats was held-- Doctor Bashar had carefully explained to the Katangwans that the Canissians could not eat Long Pig due to the customs of the Canissian spirits in their native land. Tha Katangwans were more than happy to oblige, and roasted goat, chicken, and alligator instead.

The next day, phase-II weapons training began.

[DarthShady]

The War is Over

USSR forces move into the Capital City of the Zagor Empire

Reports that Marek the Cruel is dead/missing and that his palace was destroyed have demoralized the Zagor Forces and they have surrendered. The combined forces of the SNC have moved into the city and are in the process of securing the city and disarming Zagor troops.



What the future brings is unclear, but for now Peace has been re-established in the region. Officials believe that a permanent presence of SNC peacekeeping forces will be required to stabilize the area.
---------------------------------------------------------

USSR forces arrest Zagor military officers and politicians

Within hours of taking the Capital City USSR forces have launched a wave of arrests, targeted at Zagor politicians and military commanders. These people were declared war criminals and arrested on charges of mass murder and ethnic cleansing of the Sargonian people. It is believed that they will be transported to holding facilities in the USSR, where they will face trial.

[DarthShady]

Emperor Marek the Cruel is alive

This just in, our glorious comrades from Byzantium conducted a daring attack on the palace of Emperor Marek last night. We now have confirmation that Marek was captured and is currently en route to Sarajevo, where he will face trial for his crimes against the Sargonian people.
---------------------------------------------------------
In other news...

Half a million man army of the USSR in final stages of training

The brave men and women who have joined the glorious army of the USSR are in the final stages of training. It is believed that some of them will be deployed as peacekeepers in the border regions of Sargonia and the Zagor Empire.



"Combat training is hard.", says one female soldier, "...but it's also quite fun."



"I didn't think there were so many ways to kill another human being.", said Selma a newly trained female officer.

[Beowulf]

Task Force 8
South Fresquesque Sea

After joining up, the task force had moved to open water. Under the command of General "30-knot" Mahan, the fleet moved at a rapid pace. There was no safety in staying near shore for carriers, so they patrolled far off shore, keeping a 30 knot speed. Speed was life for a carrier.

"Sir, we have intelligence indicating that the Peep Navy has sortied from harbor," stated the intel officer.

"Very well, increase the BARCAP."

--

Half hour later:

"Eagle 3 reports multiple bogies heading to TF 4."

General Mahan grunted. "Launch the ready fighters. Clear the submarines for action. Cancel EMCOM. And get the SLUFFs ready for an anti-ship mission."

--

Forty-five thousand feet above, and quite a good distance away from the carriers, the BARCAP vectored towards the force heading for the Task Force 4. Two of the F-14s were carrying EW FAST packs. The WSOs in the back seats activated jammers, immediately beginning to make a hash of the PRSF radar sets.

"Tally ho! Read 6 groups of 4 bogies, then another 3 groups of 6, then a single AEW bird."

"Roger that. Designate large groups Alpha 1, 2, and 3. Designate small groups Bravo 1 through 6. Designate AEW Charlie. On my mark, launch on bogeys Bravo and Charlie. Launch." From the 29 fighters in the BARCAP, each launched 2 missiles at the bogeys approaching TF 4. The ability of an AMRAAM to launch silently, and only go active at the last minute improved the Pk, since the fighters being attacked wouldn't know they were being launched on until the last minute, when the AMRAAMs' radar went active. The advanced radars in the F-14E allowed it to track all the bogeys, the locations of the AMRAAMs, and to datalink updates to the AMRAAMs launched, all while maintaining track mode, giving no indication to the bogeys that they were dead. Each plane had been targetted with 3 missiles. There were no survivors.

"On my mark, launch on bogeys Alpha." The same scenario occured, though with only 2 missiles per plane. Thus they died, with the only indication being the beginning of jamming. This was the mission the F-14 was designed for, and it fulfilled it's role perfectly.

--

SSN-500 Indomitable

"Kilo class target detected. It's snorkling."

"Match generated bearings and shoot."

In the torpedo room, 8 Mk48 Mod7 had been preloaded. The tubes flooded, then one of the torpedo doors opened. One of the points of the enlarged torpedo tubes was about to be showcased. The torpedo started it's engine, then swam out of the tube, headed for the Kilo. It never knew what was coming.

Task Force 4
Westchester Bay

"Vampire Vampire Vampire, we have incoming. Count Three-Zero Vampires. Incoming Bogeys, count Four-Three Bogeys." The firecontrol men scrambled to bring their weapons to firing condition. The Mark 13 launchers of the Perry's loaded missiles onto the swing arms, then rotated towards the incoming missiles. Standard Missile-2s launched from the rails, screaming towards the incoming missiles. Then the launchers repeated the cycle. On the two destroyers escorting the marine force, they didn't need to wait for missile launchers to slew to the correct heading. They immediately launched their Standard Missiles. Total missiles engaged with the first missile wave was 11, with a total of 22 missiles. 8 of them were destroyed. The frigates and destroyers launched a second wave of missiles, as the RAM launchers on the destroyers, and the Phalanx systems on the other ships slewed over to engage.

The next salvo resulted in about the same result, with 7 destroyed. The third salvo was of Sea Sparrow Missiles. They did slightly worse, destroying only 6. Of the 24 SS-N-21s launched, only 3 made it through to be brought down by the point defense. Unfortunately for one poor frigate, although the Phalanx destroyed the missile, the sheer speed of it resulted in the debris still impacting it.

The problem with launching from disparate platforms was that unless you practiced combined attacks, you'd likely end up with the missiles coming in more than one wave. This was the case with the underprepared PRSF. The 6 AS-15s came in alone. And they died, alone.

TF 8

The carriers had accelerated to 35 knots. More speed meant more wind across the deck, which meant more payload. The ready fighters launched in rapid succession. Behind them on the decks, fighters were readied for anti-ship strike and air superiority missions.

"Hey Lose! Time to wake up. We've got a mission."

"Eh?" replied Major "Lose" Wynn.

"Yeah, anti-ship strike. Our birds are being readied right now. The Peeps finally decided to sortie, and stop hiding behind the CSR's skirts. BARCAP's engaging their fighters right now."

[ooc]TF8 is under the command of General Mahan because the carriers must be under the command of a naval aviator, even though all fixed wing assets are owned by the TXAF.

BARCAP:
8 F-14E
3 F/A-18F
18 F/A-18C
2 E-2 (1 C, 1 D)

Ready fighters:
same as BARCAP

Strike force:
12 F-14E (4 down for maintaince)
28 A-7F (ditto)
3 F/A-18E (3 down)
26 F/A-18C (10 total down)

TF 8:
1 TX CVN
1 TJ CV
2 TJ CVL
3 DGN-52
2 DG-51
2 FFG-7
2 SSN-500 (Seawolf)

TF 4:
1 LHA
2 LSD
1 LPD
1 T-AOE
2 DG-51
5 FFG-7
4 Type 212

Sorry Czechmate, looks like TF 4 gets the short end of the straw.
[/ooc]

[K. A. Pital]

[this post could be scrapped depending on Tian Xia's actions int he war]

TACSR (Telegraph Agency of the CSR): PeZookian proposals for the end of PRSF conflict are transmitted to PRSF leaders by the Crimson Star Republic diplomatic personnel

Main points:
1) Immediate ceasefire and return to the PRSF-Westchester pre-conflict borders
2) The Slavic National Confederacy guarantees the PRSF independence and economic aid for war recovery
3) Demilitarization of the PRSF contingents in Special Administrative Region East and an overall reduction of arms in the region

Crimson Star Republic. PCIA Headquarters, Lubyanka square

...the red cellphone was the President's hate object for the next 20 seconds.

- Just what the fuck do they mean "they won't stop"? - Stanislav was enraged. - Well, here's what. Fuck them. Plan "B" is in effect.

People's Republic of South Frequesque. Livorno.

- THe fuck is going on? - Sevillo Berlooseconi was looking out of the window and saw BMP-3s and T-90s on the street leading to his palace, with intense fire coming his way. His Guards Chief was running around the room, giving orders via handheld radio.

The Palace was blocked by elite PCIA troops which dislodged in Livorno. Ka-29 helicopters rose above the hills which concealed the palace, and fired repeatedly using the non-guided S-8BM missile:

A mod of the S-8 stock CSR missile easily launched from over 2 km away, it was a modernized concrete-crushing missile. Within minutes after the assault started, Sevillo's Palace was blown-out, and all active resistance was supressed.


PCIA troops stormed the palace, and within one hour, the Palace and PRSF political leader, as well as his numerous aides who came along, were killed in action.

The capital was under martial law since the war started, but little did Sevillo know that General Claudio Graziano, who commanded the PRSF Army, and Admiral Giampaolo Di Paola, on the advice of PCIA Major Selin, the top CSR operative in the People's Republic, conspired against him and the Council.

The newly-formed junta announced that the recklessnes of Berlooseconi led to a war with Tian Xia and possibly the entire FTO - and that they will immediately end it, whilst the Crimson Star Republic will guarantee the safety of People's Republic of Southern Frequesque and help it restore war damage through economic aid.


Of course, the juntists were absolutely loyal to the CSR.

Within the day, the PRSF troops begun folding back and rapidly retreating to the pre-war borders, leaving dozens of tanks and APCs destroyed, damaged or just out-of-fuel on the way.

[Coyote]

Kivangali
Office of President for Life
Mahomet Farih Addeed




The President was grinning like a madman. On his desk, some folded up Bwhat notes, stained deep yellow and almost unidentifiable, evidence of his recent ingestion of khat. On the floor, a thin mattress of rolled-up reeds-- a Caravo prayer mat-- provided a bed for a passed-out Caravo girl of no more than 14, her teeth stained yellow and drool coming from her unmoving mouth. In a khat trance, she'd be passed out for another hour or so while President Addeed helped himself as the mood took him.

The Japanistanis and Shepistanis were disgusted by the little man before them, but his cooperation had been childishly easy to buy off. At first he raved like a madman about the Japanistani and Shepistani injustices to his nation, but while the Canissians had grudgingly purchased his drugs for the lowest price possible, the Japanistanis handed over mountains of cash without a peep of complaint-- no lecturing about growing crops, or trying to pass off vegetable seeds as a "fair exchange", or "when are you going to send people to the agricultural programs" crap.

As President Addeed's wealth grew, he outfitted himself and his immediate band of tribal thugs first and foremost. He didn't care about the rest of his people-- except rhetorically.

"You Japanistanis, good businessmen," he said, grinning broadly, "And very generous with the help-- your Sumatran slaves work hard on that railroad. You are much easier to work with than the Canissians. Those White Dogs want to bargain everything, and make my people do all the hard work! But what is this about villages being bombed and clouds of poison? Please explain to me, my friends, why you have to do this?"

"President Addeed," the Japanistani officer said, "I am sure you realize that there are rebellious provinces to be dealt with. Not everyone agrees with your wisdom and leadership, and they want to replace you... to get their hands on what we offer."

"Rest assured, Mr. President, that we only want to deal with you alone," the Shepistani man said, "We have a good, solid working relationship."

"So, where do these rebels get their ideas? Their guns?" Addeed asked.
"We are certain that it is the jealousy of the Canissians, who openly coveted your territory for their own imperialist purposes," the Japanistani officer said. "Their influence has corrupted the youth."

"I figured it was the White Dogs," Addeed said, suddenly frowning, "They are openly siding with S'vimbi's men, you see? I want Japanistani protection," he said, "In case they plot to assassinate me."

"We can provide you with protection," the Japanistani promised, "You provide us with support... and all the drugs you can produce. Don't worry about the farmland-- we can provide more than enough food for you and all your people, if need be..."






Results:
President Addeed openly throws his allegiance with the Japanistanis (and to a lesser extent, Shepistan).

[Coyote]

Katangwan Tribal Village
near Batoshe River,
2 km North of Caravo Territory




The Batoshe River Village was a quiet little village of just a couple hundred Katangwans-- who, despite their proximity to the Caravo territory,. was frequently ignored by them. The Caravos would have to travel a long way on rugged goat trails to reach the Bathoshe settlement, and there was little there worth stealing, making the whole point moot.

But as the Japanistanis tightened their grip on the southern tribal areas, the Caravos in th eoutskirts got hungrier-- especially as the President and his clan soaked up the lion's share of the Japanistani fortune coming in. Now, remote villages once too far to raid becamse worthwhile targets.

The Caravos traveled most of the first day in battered old pickups and jeeps to reach a valley next to the Batoshe village area. They camped out, letting their fires and rock-and-roll raise curiosity in the Batoshe villagers that night. Once the sun went down, the village elders gatrhered to talk, and the bravest hunter in the village was sent to go see what the ruckus was. The hunter returned with tales of three trucks full of stirred-up Caravos, with lots of guns.

Batoshe village had no real weapons to defend themselves-- hunting spears, arrows, and a handful of old, bolt-action guns left over from the days of the colonials. Ammunition was scarce. They needed help from S'vimbi and his powerful White Dog allies.

The village had a motorcycle, which they used for running emergency messages to the nearby village of Gandhwa, a town of about 450 that had a telephone at the police outpost there. The battered old Hondo 250 screeched across the rutted trails to reach the police outpost at Gandhwa near midnight, where the runner bange don the door until the fat, tired, old constable finally answered with a groan.

Once the situation was explained, the old Constable got on the phone and called his sister, who was married to a man that had served with S'vimbi in the old days, before the civil war, when S'vimbi was an officer in the army. An informal chain of people was activated, one by one, with tenuous phone lines and runners on bicycles, until the right person was alerted. Nobody complained about the odd means of sending alerts-- this was the usual way that Katangwan early warning systems worked.

A small band of Katangwan warriors a few kilometers away from Batoshe was eventually alerted, and they garbbed their weapons and ran to help. They commandeered a farm tractor and hitched a flatbed trailer to it, which they used as a troop transport. The tractor pulled them to wiothin a kilomter of the Batoshe village, which by now was just beginning to see the first rays of the sun.

The Katangwans militiamen were not part of the group being trained at Camp Talisman-- this was th ehinterland, where there was little organization, command, or control. The band of militamen answering the call for help were the types that had been in service during much of the civil war years, and had not changed much-- their mis-matched uniforms and old weapons announced that they were low on the priority list.

The militia took up positions and waited. They prepared by eating breakfast, drinking strong coffee, and glancing over at the hill where the Caravo camp was at, and smoked cigarettes, and flirted with the few pretty girls that were in the Batashe village. Some looked up cousins they had in the village to visit them.

Around 9am, the cry went up. The Katangwan militiamen, with a handful of the village hunters armed with old bolt-action rifles, looked up at the three trucks cresting the hill, driving wildly across the plains towards the village. One jeep swerved to chase a herd of goats, sending the animals stampeding in a panic as the men laughed uproariously. The laughing stopped as the trucks rolled up to the edge of the village and the Caravos jumped out, firing into the air and screaming their ululating battle cries.

The Katangwans jumped up, and spray fired their AK-47s from the hip, unleashing a torrent of bullets towards the shocked Caravos. Ironically, it was the village hunters that did far better, having gotten used to using their tired old bolt-actions very carefully, to preserve their dwindling supply of ammunition. The village hunters picked off four Caravos in rapid succession with well-placed shots, while the spray of AK-47 rounds killed two Caravos-- although another six were wounded, but they stood there, looking at the bleeding holes in their abdomens, chests, and legs in disbelief. High on kaht, they shrugged off their wounds as hilarious.

The Katangwan milita, spraying their bullets in wild abandon, ran out of ammo at about the same time. THey fumbled to replace their magazines as the Caravo tribesmen then returned fire in the same manner, spraying bullets all over. A pair of militia men were hit, buy civilian villagers absorbed most of the damage. For a moment, the Caravos stood, their own AK-47s smoking, hot brass at their feet, the militiamen stopping their reloading efforts to assess their own wounds. All was quiet, and then a baby cried somewhere in one of the huts.

The Caravo raiding party was almost halved by the fire of the defenders, but they didn't care-- they tossed down their AK-47s and pulle dout wicked machetes, and charged the defenders, whooping and screaming. The villager hunters broke and ran, while the militiamen tried to block the machete swings with their rifles. The militia sergeant had a pistol in his belt, a big shiny revolver, which he pulled out and fired rapidly at a Caravo, dropping him, but the next Caravo leapt on the sergeant and began hacking with wild abandon.

Villagers screamed and ran, some of the hunters trying to fight back with bolt-action rifles, more machetes, or by picking up dropped AK-47s and fumbling to reload them as well. A few got shots off, but the Caravos fell on them with drugged fury. After 30 minutes of ferocious hand-to-hand fighting in the village square, the four remaining Caravos stood victorious, and began rounding up the village girls for payback.

"Payback" lasted for many hours, during which time the village messenger made his way back on his motorcycle. Upon seeing the carnage, he rounded the bike and took off again, headed back to Gandhwa. The Caravos laughed at the scared boy, riding off, and let him go. Their khat high was fading, and their bodies were giving out as most of them were full of holes somewhere. They had fought and raped themselves to death, and by the time S'vimbi's men got to Batoshe the next morning, all that was leaft was rituals for the dead, and plotting for vengeance.

[Coyote]

TYPHOONS EN ROUTE TO AL-AKHARABAT



The Ministry of Defense announced today that the 4th Air Superiority Wing of the 1st Command was being rotated to al-Akharabat for temporary duty at Camp Dog airbase. They will join the Army Air Corp's 4th Tactical Strike Group already based there, which is equipped with YA-10B all-weather close-air-support aircraft.



"With these combined assets, we should be able to deal with any situation that arises," said Defense Minister Ral Tenn.



WILKONIAN FORCES JOINING AL-AKHARABAT PEACEKEEPING MISSION
IN a surprise but welcome announcement, Wilkonia has announced it's intention to send unspecified forces to al-Akharabat to help with the peacekeeping and stability operations there.

"We are always glad to help our MESS allies, and bring freedom and opportunity to this unfortunate part of the world, which has been tragically victimised by war."

The exact nature and amount of forces being sent is yet unspecified, but it is expected to be bother ground and naval assets.

[RogueIce]

Office of the President, Shinra Republic

President Shinra was looking with some dismay over the various reports on his desk. There was a minor confrontation in Freseque, one that could have led to war between Tian Xia and the CSR. For the moment, it seemed the CSR was brokering peace; he hoped sincerely that Beowulf would accept those terms. He didn't need the distraction, especially not now.

Velestria demanded his attention. The ethnic cleansing carried out by Shepistan on behalf of the Japanistanis, the Japanistanis practically announcing to the world that they were forcibly relocating civilians into what was almost certain slavery, the continued provocations by them...it was getting to be a bit much.

He also noted an appeal from Cascadia for aid. Aid he would send them. The 9th Infantry Division, a rapid-deployment force in the V (Airborne) Corps, was given orders to deploy to support the Cascadians in el-Kalim "and other areas as deemed necessary".

For his part, Battlegroup 4 had been reunited with PHIBRON 4 and the Marines of the MEU were also being deployed ashore. Battlegroup 3 was on its way to "relieve" BG-4, although in truth neither unit was going anywhere else for the forseeable future.

Alongside that, Battlegroup 1 and Battlegroup 2 would be meeting in the middle of the Atlantic soon. In theory, they were conducting joint exercises as part of a routine handover of patrol duties. These exercises, however, would last longer than normal.

For it was that President Shinra was about at the end of his patience for the continued atrocities the Shepistanis and Japanistanis were inflicting upon the so-called "Untamed Continent", and he was finished with the lies and deception behind the "we're all friends" talk. The Sheps and Japs had gone public with their warcrimes. He wasn't about to "cooperate" with those actions happening where his men and women could only watch.

*************

Official Communication to the Government of Indhopal

--NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE--

We commend your government's efforts to document the barbaric and atrocious actions carried out against the native peoples of Velestria by the governments of Japanistan and Shepistan. We respectfully inquire as to whether further evidence of these crimes against humanity could be furnished to our government. We feel, as do you, that the inhumane actions by these so-called "peacekeepers" should be brought to the light, and the governments involved be held accountable for their actions.

It is hoped that with the assistance of your government, we will be able to do so.

*************

In a decidedly less formal way, the Shinra Republic sent an inquiry to the CSR through Byzantium regarding what the SNC thought about the actions of Japanistan and Shepistan in Velestria.

[Czechmate]

Fort Whitecastle, Fielding City, Western Tian Jiao
War Room

Ezekiel was livid. After being forced to put up with the idiocy of the FTO, the interference of the Crimson commies, and desperately trying to salvage the ground war for the better part of a month, the fucking commies had gone and couped the PRSF, forcing them to withdraw before Tian Jiao and Tian Xia could counterattack. At sea, Task Forces Four and Eight had suffered a missile attack, and hundreds of crewmen of a destroyed Tian Jiaoan frigate had been killed. Fortunately, it would take at least two weeks for the People's Army to make it back across the border.

And until they did, they were vulnerable.

---

As Commander-in-Chief of the Tian Jiaoan Armed Forces, he had issued a general order declaring all PRSF air and ground assets in or over his country to be fair game until they reached the border. His Tian Xian liason had agreed. Even now, wings of Flankers, Warthogs, Phantoms, Eagles, Strike Eagles, and Falcons from the TXAF and TJAF were out on sortie. All across western Tian Jiao, Southron tank units, racing for home and unprepared for the sudden ferocity of the attack, were caught unprepared and subjected to repeated precision bomb and missile strikes.

Even as the People's Army managed to shoot down a handful of Warthogs and nearly a dozen Phantoms, they suffered grievous losses. Vague memories of a 'Desert Storm' came to mind as the battered brigades of the Tian Jiaoan Army counterattacked under heavy air cover, their qualitatively superior Challenger 2C tanks and Desert Warrior IFVs allowing them to tear into the enemy's outclassed Type 59s.

Only in the north, in the operating area of First Tank Division, was there any serious resistance; that of the PRSF's elite Type 96 tank brigade. Some thirty Challengers were destroyed or immobilized by their precise fire before the remaining ninety-odd tanks of the Emperor's Own Lancers and Lancashire Dragoons pressed their attack, their long L/55 cannons allowing well-trained Tian Jiaoan gunners to put the nation's first run of depleted-uranium sabot penetrators into Southron turrets and tracks.

The counteroffensive, hastily launched by the former Emperor of Westchester out of little more than frustrated rage, continued for the better part of a week before coming to an end. Southron units, constantly harried by strike aircraft and the superior tanks of their enemies, were chased al the way back to their border, suffering horrific casualties along the way.

In later months, aerial surveys of the many hulks of Southron armor would reveal that nearly seven hundred Type 59s and the entire Southron stock of Type 96 battletanks were crippled or destroyed outright, along with nearly five hundred of their BMP and BTR armored vehicles. The final tally of Tian Jiaoan losses during the war came to some eighty destroyed or irreparably damaged Challengers, two hundred Desert Warriors, ninety HMMWVs, one Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, twenty Phantoms, eleven Warthogs, five Flankers, and one Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate.

---

As the last surviving Southron units scrambled across the border, their foes halting behind them, the war came to an end. Governor Westchester issued a communique to CSR forces in the region and their puppet junta, informing them that it had been foolish of the PRSF to believe they could simply pull out after wreaking such havoc without due punishment. However, he declared no offensive action would be taken by the forces of Tian Jiao into Southron territory. The people of the PRSF had suffered enough under their leadership and would soon recieve a multitude of 'We Regret To Inform You...' letters, a direct result of the actions of their ousted president and of the officers he had appointed.

The war was over. It had gained nothing for either side. Thousands of Tian Jiaoans and tens of thousands of Southrons had been slain or mutilated, and the Leicester Range uranium deposits remained in Tian Jiao's hands.

The Tian Jian elements of Task Forces Four and Eight were recalled toward their port in Fielding, and the TJAF did little more than post a great deal of barrier patrols over the Tian Jiaoan side of the mountains.

The PRSF would be left to its' own devices, little more than a puppet of the Crimson Star Republic.

Results:
-War's over. People's Army shooed out of Tian Jiao with explosives and sabot rounds.
-TJN ships withdraw
-TJAF aircraft maintain BARCAPs over the Leicester Range mountains.
-Scrap metal collection a booming industry in Tian Jiao.

[Coyote]

RECORDED BROADCAST
Presidential Palace, Kivangali
Sent out to ALL news networks




President Mahomet Farih Addeed sat before the TV cameras. His image was broadcast out to the world for all to see.



"Is that thing on? Is that what the red light means? Oh.. we're transmitting? Now?" He straightened up and cleared his throat.

"Greeting to the world, I am President Mahomet Farih Addeed. Today, I am signing an agreement with the good government of Japanistan, which has given so much help to us in our time of need.

"Today, I announce that I want to work with Japanistan to bring peace and prosperity to my people. I am rescinding my original intent to work with the Canissian government. They have not helped us as much as Japanistan has, and it is with Japanaistan that I feel our future and our security lies.

"So I hereby announce that all forces who are not Japanistan and Shepistan to leave the area of South al-Akharabat, which is now known as the Free State of Caravoland. The Caravo people will not tolerate any foreigner government influence in our territory." He paused, his eyes darting back and forth as he leaned closer, straining to read something obviously just above the camera.

"Oh. And Colonel S'vimbi and his imperialist allies are not welcome in the Free State of Caravoland, and any attempt to re-unify the country will be met with great force.

"To the rest of the world, I invite tourists and investment. I welcome all who want to come to Caravoland and see the prosperity in action. Thank you, and Alleht Bless Caravoland!"

The screen went blank, briefly, before a digitized version of the Caravoland flag went up, and the new Caravoland anthem played, a tinny-sounding MIDI file.

[Raj Ahten]

Indhopal News

It now looked like the CSR might withdraw their fleet with no need for the FTO to issue an ultimatum to them. Such a measure had been heatedly discussed in back room channels. The situation was still damn bad from Indhopal's perspective. The President was still calling Tian Jiao Westchester in his speeches and was denouncing the country's re-annexation at every opportunity. There had also been something of a diplomatic meltdown when Indhopal, Tian Xia and Tian Jiao had gotten together to discuss the matter. Meanwhile the revolutionary front in the CFR was retaking most of the mines that had been previously wrested from them. The only good news was that Indhopal was not at war.

For the New Year Indhopal started several new defense projects. First the decision was made to build enough f-22's for two operational squadrons (An additional 22 aircraft.) Production of the super cruise capable Gripen's would also pick up, with three squadrons expected to be delivered this year (36 aircraft). More AWACS planes were also being considered, and the army was getting virtually nothing. For the navy, a new direction was being forged. Working with teams from Coilerburg, Indhopal planned to start work on a wide variety of nuclear subs. Command and control systems were also slated for upgrades and larger stockpiles of munitions were also to be kept.

On the streets of most major cities in Indhopal, the right wing Independence party held demonstrations where they renounced Westchester's return to colonial rule and demanded sanctions and other action by the government, as well as calling for all foreign nations to leave Frequesque. In Fenraven Tian Jiao's embassy was actually besieged by rioters for several hours until the police could break up the protest by the ultra nationalist wing of the Independence party.

Meanwhile under the highest secrecy, Klavostan was brought into Indhopal's nuclear weapons program which was already coming along very well. An executive order was also signed to have Indhopal stockpile a wide variety of chemical and biological agents. The Shepistani's among others were believed to have such agents and due to the great conventional power disparity between Indhopal and likely enemies, such agents might be necessary. More and better preparations against NBC attacks were also to be taken.

The ISIA was also busy. Their agents were almost in position to get their hands on several sensitive FUN missile designs, including that group's brand new cruise missile design. More locally, and totally without government sanction, agents were sounding out groups in the CFR about possibly attacking Tain Jiao. They planned to fund such operation with diamonds and other precious stones seized in operations in the CFR.

[Coyote]

Joint Forces HQ
"Free State of Caravoland"




The Canissian officers and men seemed pleased-- or rather, relieved. They'd packed their bags and did the "dufflebag drag" to the nearby landing field where a Royal Air Force heavy-lift zeppelin waited, conveniently hovering a few feet above Caravo sovereign territory.

Inside the HQ, the Canissian OIC handed his Japanistani and Shepistani colleagues a printout.

"What's this?" the Japanistani officer asked.
"Status of forces agreement," the Canissian said, "It's not mine, it comes from Parliament."
"What kind of... status of forces agreement?" the Shepistani officer asked.

"al-Akharabat will be divided into to two spheres of influence," the Canissian officer said, "South, the 'Free State of Caravoland', would be Japanistani responsibility. The north will be administered by Canissia. We're pulling out of all southern positions, you pull what you have out of northern positions."

"Preposterous," the Japanistani officer said, "We have much work to do, and much investment in the northern territory. We cannot pull out now."
"Well, not as much effort as you've expended here," the Canissian officer said, "What with the railroad and all. S'vimbi is sticking by his insistence that Canissia helps him out up north. I was told to forward this to you so there won't be any surprises."

The Shepistani and Japanistani officers looked at each other, unsure if this was a gift or not. True, the decision would be made higher up the politicial food chain; the Canissians were just letting commanders on the ground ready themselves for a possible redeployment.

The truth was, the Caravo territories were harder to manage, and a nightmare of chaos as small bands of khat-chewing tribals engaged in reckless guerrilla warfare against Japanistani and Shepistani forces. On the other hand, this would give them a free hand to deal with the tribals-- and it was no secret that most of the mineral wealth of al-Akharabat lay in Caravo territory-- as well as the lucrative drug markets. The Katangwan resources mostly consisted of oil and natural gas deposits in the shallow waters offshore.

"Well, if the order comes, we'll be more than happy to accomodate," the Japanistani man said with a plastic smile, "I suppose you'll want us to de-mine the areas before we leave?" he asked. The Shepistani officer snickered at that. The Japanistanis and Shepistani forces had done a greta job of de-mining... in the south. The efforts in the north had been piecemeal and sporadic, and most of the rugged dirt airstrips remained unusable; the harbors bottled up.

"Nope," the Canissian said, "We've got it under control. But thanks, though."
"Of course."



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


al-Kalim Port City
al-Akharabat
Norhtern Sector




The old government schoolhouse that served as Colonal S'vimbi's capitol was in the process of being refurbished. It was also being mobbed by officers and civilian relief coordinators arguing in the halls.



"Silence!" Colonel S'vimbi called out, his loud, booming voice forcing a calm over the crowd.

"I have heard that bastard's obnoxious declaration," the Colonel announced, "And I reluctantly agree to his call to seperate the two tribal areas in the name of peace. Let it be known, however, that the Katangwa people were not the ones to give up and throw in the towel-- but if this is how President Addeed wants to conduct his business, then that is how it shall be.

"I, then, decree that I wish the Canissian prescence in Katangwa lands to continue; that I invite them and their allies to help us rebuild after years of neglect and war, and that I politely insist that any Japanistan and Shepistan forces and personnel in northern al-Akharabat territory pack their bags and leave, to join their 'good ally' in the south, Mister Addeed.

"To Mister Addeed, I say that the Katangwa people will never make war on your state, but do not mistake our peaceful intent for passivity. Any incursion into Katangwan territory will be met, in your own words, Mister President, with 'great force'!

"Now, let us get back to the business of rebuilding the great jewel of the coast... al-Akharabat!"






Results:
Colonel Johan S'vimbi answers Addeed's call for seperation into North and South enclaves of al-Akharabat; calls for Japanistani and Shepistani 'peacekeepers' to leave.

[Steve]

Personal Communique

FROM: Stephen Garrett, POTRC
TO: Rufus Shinra, POTSR


I have been given confirmation from the Canissian Embassy that Canissia has possibly brokered an arrangement to split al-Akharabat into a north and south segmented region, with the Caravo tribal territories becoming what I suspect will be a Japanistani client state while Katangwa land will be under Canissian protection.

If this agreement proves to stick, I will accept it and order Cascadian units out of el-Kalim. The future of the Cascadian position in al-Akharabat can be negotiated with you and King Arik, though the strain on our resources has me considering it better if Cascadia focuses on expanding our hold in Van Halstoff and using influence to ensure the northern Velerian states are shored up enough to resist Japanistani expansionism. Van Halstoff will, in such a case, continue to provide support as needed for the international efforts in Katangwaland, and I will have Intrepid COG remain off the northern coast of al-Akharabat to assist in any remaining mine-clearing operations required (particularly if the Japanistani try anything cute like leaving errand mines behind). Defiant COG will, however, need to begin steaming home. They are already overdue for R&R cycle.

I would have preferred a more permanent and acceptable solution than simply splitting that country up, but it is the best that can be achieved at this moment, clearly. I only fear that the Japanistani will be emboldened if they believe the rest of us folded easily.


On a lighter note, I am considering taking up your offer for a visit to Midgar soon. At the very least, a state visit will give me some experience for when I finally let the State Department talk me into further state visits on other continents.


Signed,
Stephen T. Garrett Jr.
President of the Republic of Cascadia




Van Halstoff Land

In the months since the establishment of the base, the careful use of defoilants and controlled burns had been accompanied lately by more deliberate forest clearing, especially in a way that permitted the harvesting of tropical wood that the government could sell to help offset the costs of expanding the base. Where once a slightly-restored 1940s-era airfield was standing was now a full military airbase with plenty of prefab barracks, hangers, and facilities. A handful of Cascadian restaurant chains had even arranged to set up shop there to provide to the engineers, the airfield personnel, and the garrison.

To the southeast of the base, in the cleared foothills just before the local mountain range, a team of geologists commissioned by Adams University were checking the local area when one smacked open a rock. What he found inside made his eyes widen. He lifted it high in the air for all to see, sparkling in the Velerian sun.
"There are diamonds here! Look, honest to God...."

It would not take long for the agreement to be made: a full earthen node of diamonds had been found, waiting to be excavated.

[Master_Baerne]

Fortress Baerne
Sovereign Duchy of Baerne
Ministry of Finance, Economics, and Industry

Count Spinello was not a happy man. Firstly because the situation in South Frequesque had so very nearly erupted into intercontinental war, and secondly because of the cost the Duchy's efforts to avert it had engendered. True, no missiles had been fired, no ships destroyed (and, a small part of him noted, no one had been killed), but the expense of moving two cruiser squadrons, half a hundred MiGs, and an armored division across the continent was not insignificant. Neither was it great, for a country of Baerne's size and prosperity, but it still detracted from the funds available to the Duke's ongoing modernization programs.

The latest of which, Spinello reminded himself, ought to be through the drafting process already. Curse the distractions almost-war brought to His Grace's Tribune for Finance, Economics, and Industry. He glanced again towards the file on his desk, marked with the Minister's personal seal.

Plans For Wilderness Settlement 001; "Mileen"

Priority 1: Complete industrial complex.
-To consist of domestic industries (resource processing, automotive plant, etc.)

Priority 2: Complete housing district (to provide shelter, water, power, and food to ~500,000 people, to become occupied in 1,000 person increments starting May 1 at the earliest)

Priority 3: Complete regional food production.
-Until such time as this is accomplished, food will be shipped across the Central Lake from Fortress Baerne, along with the colonists themselves.


OOC: Shortly, plans proceed apace for a Baernish city in what was formerly the Untamed Wilderness. Anyone wishing to submit a design for the city should apply at: Ministry for Finance, Economics, and Industry, Fortress Baerne, Fortress Baerne, Minister Sabrino's office.

[Sea Skimmer]

Port Al-Sukin in northern al-Akharabat
1st Expeditionary Peacekeeping Army Headquarters

“We will issue a statement,” said General Sado Tōkairin “in response to the separation proposal, it will be Japanistans position that the future of al-Akharabat cannot be decided by paper signed by what amounts to only two of many tribal leaders. Certain northern tribes such in boarder lands have requested protection from specifically Japanistani forces, and these agreements will be honored. The Zunpuntra in particular have been marginalized by the dominate Katangwa and this will not be allowed to continue. Japanistan seeks permanent stability in al-Akharabat, not convenient shortcuts. .

Furthermore owing to the continued threat of piracy Japanistan cannot completely evacuate its northern forces without an unacceptable reduction in coastal patrols. The memory of Soyu has not been forgotten. However we will offer to hold negotiations for an alternative solution. Also, send word to the Caravo that we are honoring out side of the deal, and the first 2000 prisoners will begin flying in within the day. This will help cement their commitment to the Japanstani way.”

“Is that all,” asked the 1st Expeditionary Peacekeeping Army Chief of Staff.
“Of course not,” replied Tōkairin “we will also kill this troublesome Colonel Johan S'vimbi. He should have allied himself with us when he had the chance and never invited the white barbarians right onto the flank of the Japanistani empire in the first place.”

The General sighed… he was tried of the jungle already, and the coastal base program was now badly delayed amid the al-Akharabat buildup… but the barbarians had forced Japanistans hand with the threat of encirclement, the doom of the Empire in the last war. It would not be allowed to happen again.

“How long until the second stage convoys arrive?” he asked.
“Ichi-Fu 1 convoy will dock at Al-Sukin late tonight, Ichi-Fu 2 will land to establish Velaria 2 Coast Guard Operating Base in 96 hours.

“Good then,” said Tōkairin “arrange for the Zunpuntra to strike by then.”

[Vohu Manah]

OOC: The finalized map does have me in the Black Sea, so let us try this again.

Official Communique from The Most Serene Republic of Ninhursag to the Crimson Star Republic and the Byzantium Empire

The Most Serene Republic of Ninhursag believes that any conflict over the inland sea would be a waste of resources for all involved and even if that weren't the case such conflict should be avoided at all costs. Thus we propose the Organization for Black Sea Economic Cooperation. This organization will provide a permanent forum for the discussion between all three countries with direct territorial interests (namely the Crimson Star Republic, the Byzantium Empire and The Most Serene Republic of Ninhursag). The three states will serve as permanent members of the organization and will rotate the leadership role yearly.

Through the organization resource extraction limits and controls will be set, thus all powers with a direct interest in the Black Sea will have equal access and not destroy this natural resource through overuse. For the purpose of maritime territorial claims within the inland sea we propose a 12 nautical mile territorial limit (controlled directly by the relevant power and may be closed to any traffic) and a contiguous limit at the 24 nautical mile mark (controlled by the relevant power but must remain open) within the inland sea. In situations where the distances between territorial land masses is less than required 48 nautical miles the difference is split evenly with marker adjustments made accordingly. All three nations within the inland sea will have joint exclusive economic control of the inland sea via this organization. Also for the purposes of this agreement the strategic strait leading to the greater ocean shall remain open for all and any tolls or fees charged for access to any of the relevant waters must go to this organization and not to any of the nation's directly.

A headquarters for the organization should be built at a location to be specified later.

[Coyote]

Camp Dog HQ




"Think they'll go for it?" General Viers's aide asked him. Viers snorted a laugh.
"The Japanistanis? As paranoid as they are? You never heard about what they were like in the last Great War," he said, "My father fought them-- fanatics, convinced of their sense of superiority, all across the board-- moral, racial, you name it. They won't accept this."

"So we should be ready for some sort of response?"
"Absolutely. Be ready for anything from a manufactured tribal argument involving auxiliaries, up to an air strike by Shepistan and a Japanistan ground force rolling in to 'provide stabilization'. Make sure our allies are alerted, and make sure Colonel S'vimbi is in a secure site and ready to move at a moment's notice."

"They'd go for a decap strike?" the aide asked.
"Decap and install a puppet-- that's practically a chapter right from their book. Have everyone on full alert, include air defense net, and make sure there's a CAP overhead. Challenge and password, night-vision, and full NBC equipment. Those bastards will use gas if they're being slowed down."

"What about authorization to fire?" the aide asked as he got ready to send out all the alerts.
"Fire if fired upon, only. But everyone we have will have their armor, helmet, kit and combat load at all times. Chow in shifts, crap in teams. Implement."

"Yes, sir."


Canissian forces go on full alert, ready for Japanistani and Shepistani aggression.