The Wastes of Glory [Closed, Attn GD]

[Dukopolious]

Forest Base Clark
Duko-New Imperial Forest Border Zone
3:45 AM

Corporal Gunnerson had his orders, keep watch of his 150 metre stretch, report any enemy positions, neutralize any enemy contacts, maintain radio silence. He repeated his orders in his head as he scanned the thin tree line.

Hearing a crunch of leaves in the distance, he snapped his head towards the general direction of the noise. He had to be very careful, for if this enemy killed him, then they'd have a position to attack Dukopolious, perhaps even stage an ambush on the Cockatrices.

Lifting his assault rifle and placing a steady hand on a nearby tree, he made himself less visible and continued to scan the tree line. He was satisfied that it was just an animal once he saw the thin outline of what was probably a deer standing near a fallen tree. He lifted his goggles for a mere second and wiped the sweat from his brow.

He thought back to his home in Order 322, his four brothers would sit and play chess, he would almost always win, he was the one they looked up to. without him, they had no real family in the adult age, for both his parents had died fighting in the civil war. He was a young boy protecting four small infants in his home town. The hatred for the communists and his compassion for Dukopolious, along with his pledge to lay the fist of vengeance upon his every enemy was what got him to his position. He was amongst the best in his platoon for his rank, and was chosen for the mission due to this.

He was snapped out of his thoughts once he saw a squad, no more than five men, walking down a small strip of trees. He knew by simply looking at them that they were hostile contacts. His first impulse was to run and report the position, allow the Cockatrices to light up the entire forest to destroy these five men. Luckily his extensive training had reminded him not to resort to the cowardly methods used by the enemy. He lifted his rifle and sunk further into the tree. As the five men passed, he took out his pistol, which fumbled in his hands as he applied the silencer. He lifted the pistol to eye level, while pulling out a concussion grenade, or "White out" as referred to by the sergeant at arms who had an obsession with using them back in his home company.

Releasing the grenade, which popped into the leaves, he aimed and shot two of the men in the head and necks. The other three were now confused and shooting blindly. He pulled out his assault rifle and shot the two men from the treeline, arching his weapon at an odd angle, causing them to shoot in a nearly opposite direction.

As he walked towards the dying bodies, he pulled out his pistol once more, as he executed 2 of the living men, the last lay spitting blood and gripping his wounds. The man managed to get onto his knees before vomiting into the leaves when he saw the Corporal. The Corporal placed a hand onto the mans shoulder before whispering into his ears "You fought nobily, but for the vermin. Now your honour is besmirched, and your blood is worthless, you lived like vermin, you die like vermin, you are vermin. You are not worthy"

And as he pulled out his radio he simply uttered "Gunsey at Clarke. All contacts neutralized. Let the vermin burn". And with that, he turned his pistol to the mans mouth, which he pulled open with his own finger. He aimed upwards to his skull and shot a single bullet, killing the man painfully, yet instantly.

Ground Base Echo
Duko-New Imperial DT
4:00 AM

The Soldiers stood at attention, on the exact borderline of New Empire. The wastes of this land were feared throughout Dukopolious, for they knew not what was on the other side. But with the Great Reform there came many gifts, one was the gift of courage among the Soldiers of the Stratocratic Monarchy. Their black boots, steel plated, Echoed through the air as they marched forward. The 322nd Order was technically made of just under 40 million men, yet even in it's rich new state the crown couldn't afford to support such a force. So 10 million troops were sent, along the entire distance of the border, including the non-disputed territory, the land that truly was New Empire.

Behind the troops flew a small group of JSTARS, ready to soar forward through the night sky, and report enemy positions. At Ground Base Echo, there was just over three batteries of Cockatrice Multiple Rocket Artillery, fully loaded, ready to launch, being rolled forward at less than practical speeds. In front of the machines were a large line of soldiers, looking as if they were ready to jump into the gates of hell, and purge the evil from it. Even with their masks and goggles on, one could easily tell whom the newer troops were. The youngest of the troops would stand tall, they would fidget at the slightest sound. They were both excited, and nervous, not of death, they knew to embrace it for it meant their duty was complete, but rather of dishonour. Every new soldier's dream was to go off to war, and win, but it's how they won which was important. The older troops were much more seasoned, Dukopolious' brutal training had made sure of that. They would stand still. Not too proud, not too feeble. Just the perfect balance, no emotion was shown, like statues ready to break free of their mould and march into the depths of despair.

Each troop showed his unwavering loyalty by stomping across the ashes that laid below the lands of the Disputed Territory. They would continue their march until met with opposition. Then, they would destroy the anarchists, and continue to walk over their verminous and lifeless bodies.

Even with the defined sound of steel against barren ground, any troop would be able to hear the high pitch screech that came from the radios in the mechanized line. The JSTARS had picked up enemy signals, they were close. The soldiers marched faster, not as if they were scarred of being run over by the Cockatrices behind them, but so they could cover ground faster, and exterminate the menace sooner.

Abruptly, after 10 minutes of what looked like jogging, both the troops and Cockatrice briskly stopped. The enemy was in range, as the sun began to kiss the horizon, the artillery greeted it with a barrage of Hellion Cruise Missiles. As the loud pounding of the barrels met the quick plunks of the massive explosives roaring out of the mechianical beasts, one could visibly hear them cutting the air, and in mere seconds, they would disappear, to meet their foe and quickly dispose of them, with their cutting edge precision, and ability to redirect their course, the Hellion missiles would quickly be able to terminate whole bases and settlements in mere seconds. Once that would be over, they would continue to march, for not the cold winds, the cloudy sky or even the barren wasteland could stop the soldiers of Dukopolious, for they stood, Undaunted.

Rathovian Palace,Weiminton, Dukopolious
5:00 AM

An emergency meeting had been called, with the King in attendance. Nearly all meetings regarding the military took place in the military capital of Dukopia, but this regarded the sovereignty of the nation. This regarded a full scale expansion. Therefore, it regarded the crown.

The Generals and Order Marshals all met in Weimington, in Rathovian palace, each was very nervous, they were far from their home and were in attendance of the head of state. A mistake here could cost them their jobs. And if the rumours of the Praetorian were true, their lives.

The room was buzzing with hushed whispers as the last of the maids filed out of the small discussion room. The 28 men and women inside represented the main orders of Dukopolious, The Crown, executive branches, the foreign ministry and the Protectorate of Lyras.

Everyone seemed nervous but excited. This was the first expansion since Dukopolious became a Stratocracy. They quieted down once Order Marshal Exalte, of the order leading the expansion, has cleared his throat.

"Gentlemen" He started, looking down the table, he received multiple glares from the eight women dispersed throughout the long table. "And ladies, of course. As you all know we are advancing into the anarchy of New Empire. The military Junta has still not responded to our multiple ultimatums."

"And how do we know they wont" Cut in Minister Partigo. He was well known for exhausting any form of diplomacy possible before resorting to war, the Marshals hated him for it. "We still can send a messenger."

"A messenger?" The Marshal repeated as if it left a foul taste in his mouth. "Minister, if we send a messenger, he will die the second he gets out of our Missile range. They are barbarians, they are animals, and they must be put down."

The last words left a shot array of whispers, not particularly between anyone, but as if some officials were surprised by his words, and as if others embraced them.

"It is decided. We will send no messenger to his peril. We will march North into the wastelands and free the people of New Empire, and we will continue our advance to bring law and order to the people of New Empire. That being said, I want no civilian casualties." This time, it was the King whom spoke, and as he did, the room instantly went silent, listening to his words with great concentration. The King rarely made such bold statements in normal meetings, yet this wasn't a normal meeting. For today they were discussing bringing government to a land that had been without it for over a decade. Despite the hour, many Generals seemed to appear alert and ready.

Then, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke, being the Kings Brother he was normally treated as royalty. Yet in this room, he had made it clear that he wasn't a pompous noble that bought his position due to his family, he worked for it and would be respected with such authority. "We know that the vast majority of their active forces are in bunkers currently being blasted to pieces by our HE Hellions, and we know the populous will fight back after we break the lines." He paused, weighing his next words before speaking once again. "We must be prepared to wipe out militia. This is unavoidable. Not to mention there's another major problem-"

"And what is that?" Another Order Marshal interrupted.

"They have Nukes."

"They have what?" This time it was Minister Partigo.

"Nuclear warheads. The good thing is, they have no functioning Silos. We need to take control of the weapons quickly."Another Order Marshal suggested.
The King was confused how only half of the people in attendance seemed to know this. Even he had no idea the enemy had mobilized so quickly. That, or they've been mobilizing slowly for a very long time.


It had been decided, New Empire was at it's knees, Dukopolious would throw it down, and bring it back up. A Communique was sent to the nations of Greater Dienstad.

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From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Dukopolious

Addressed To: Heads of Government residing in Greater Dienstad || Addressed From: Joseph Windburn, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Dukopion Crown|| Subject Matter: Establishment of Government and Purification Within New Empire|| Encryption: High

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Dienstadi Leaders,

It is with great regret that I write to you today. Early this morning, New Empiric Soldiers fired upon a squad of Dukopion border guards in an attempt to take the DMZ and attack one of the nation's industrial hubs. This would normally be regarded as an act of war. Yet today I write to you personally because of the circumstance. There is no government reigning over the anarchical wasteland that is New Empire. It is a slab of decay and filth ruining our mighty region and for decades we have stood by idly while it's people are rampantly oppressed by criminal warlords who fight each other for control over the last remaining strains of the old nation.

The time has come for my people to stop living in fear of the anarchists whom wish to destroy us with their massive nuclear stockpile and wide array of silos. We will not stand for this land that was once glorious to remain a breeding ground for intolerance, injustice and inhumanity. For once the first Dukopion fell at the hands of the New Empiric menace, the rest awoke and turned their guns to the filth that had illegally crossed our border, and murder our soldier. From that very second, not only did they break all agreements that stopped Dukopolious from legally setting up a righteous government and freeing it's people from oppression, but they harmed one from outside their pre-established boundary. Not only have they slaughtered their own people for decades, but now ours. We shall not allow this injustice to spread past our border, we shall march through the borders of New Empire and purify it to a point where it can stand on it's own. We shall bring justice to the criminals who each control what's left of the major cities, we shall help the people whom cannot help themselves. We will bring order and law along with an empiric government to the unoccupied seat meant for the nonexistent Head of Government.

We wish not to annex the filith into our own borders, but rather support a new government and the people of New Empire. Not only for the safety of our soldiers, but for the safety of our children. We have dispatched over thirty percent of the Dukopion Home Fleet to secure the Empiric Coastline while literally millions of Peacekeepers march along the borders with the intent of refreshing the old nation.

We would like to point out, that aside from our Lyran, Lamonian and Imbrish allies, we do not request, require or appreciate any support. This campaign is not for imperialism, we will not tolerate foreign powers attempting to steal land. Any unauthorized aircraft or naval ship that approaches Empiric airspace or waters will be shot down by either anarchist aircraft, or Dukopion Shadowhawks additionally, it shall lose it's national status and be regarded as pro-anarchists and thus be regarded as terrorists. Any monetary donations or supply aid is appreciated and is to be given directly to the Dukopion Government in Dukopolious, for approaching New Empire would be ultimately suicidal.

We thank you for your understanding and hope the situation may stay contained by Dukopion troops.

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.....

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Sincerely,


His Royal Highness, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Joseph II, House of Windburn

[Stevid]

ST (Subterranean) Municipal Hub Alpha [STMHα]– Central New Empire

STMHα was one of twelve subterranean cities that had been constructed in New Empire since before the ‘Great Fire’ that destroyed the majority of the country nearly fifteen years ago. The population of New Empire almost in its entirety resided under the ground in these technological marvels. The fact that a city could be encompassed underground was a tremendous feet, let alone a country’s populace. To compare these ‘hubs’ to other cities in a literal sense would be incorrect; the hubs are like underground nuclear shelter vaults, deep and made up of a vast array of interconnecting corridors and ‘highways’ capable of allowing thousands of people to travel through the monolithic labyrinth. Great meeting halls, that look more like cathedrals with their enormous ceilings and reinforced concrete pillars, marked the centre of different districts. The people themselves look impoverished, shuffling and lifeless simply thankful to be alive and live only to survive; all the while they are a proud people. Proud of what’s left of their nation and proud that elements have survived even though the past generation haven’t seen daylight in fifteen years and the new generation have yet to see it at all.

STMHα is different to the other hubs though, it holds the central government of New Empire, or least the remains of the central government. The nuclear holocaust that destroyed the once mighty nation of New Empire had fractured the government and it now operates as a pathetic shadow of its former self, struggling to unite the other STMH’s and prevent the ‘nation’ splintering and devolving into total anarchy. For nearly two decades the highly totalitarian government of STMHα had managed this… just. The other STMH’s are largely self sufficient and even control large elements of the armed forces of New Empire. Every several months STMHα central government will summon the leaders for the other hubs in a bid to discuss matters relevant to the state of New Empire as it currently exist. Responses are varied and some leaders do not even turn up at all. New Empire stands on the brink of complete collapse and anarchy, but the unity and pride of the country, its bitter resolve against other foreign aggressive states keeps the country together. Recent incursions from Dukopolious and the Protectorate of Lyras as seen the territory of New Empire shrink dramatically- both are nations that were not part of the Imperial Armies region of old back during the War of Golden Succession, the war that crushed the nation itself. Now greedy eyes continued to dart over the wastelands of New Empire and the shadows of its proud history, intent on changing things for better or for worse. But only through force. The world perceived New Empire to be a weak, battered old nation that had fallen afoul of nuclear devastation, a nation with no credible or established government in any literal sense and with a military that had little motivation to fight. The world was wrong and New Empire was strong. The land of this fallen Empire was scorched and dusty, littered with death and ghost cities… but the Empire remained, the nation remained, and with it remained a resilient people that were more than willing to fight and die for the nation sustained them even in an era of ‘post-atomic horror’.

STMHα was once again to host a gathering of the most influential members of each STMH’s societies. This included military heads, politicians and corporate executives of military industries. This time the meeting was different. The government sector of STMHα had structures that were home to the beating heart of bureaucracy. Somewhere deep in this underground a giant meeting hall housed over three hundred individuals from the twelve STMH’s in New Empire, the biggest gathering since the collapse of New Empire society and the beginning of the post atomic-horror. The issue of debate, the issue that had persuaded three hundred politicians and military heads to come to STMHα, was war. More specifically, war and Dukopolious.

Premier Donovan of New Empire was the self-imposed leader of New Empire. Not everyone agreed with this, in fact many leaders in other STMH’s outwards criticised him and vied for political levy over Donovan every day of the week. This was outside of public circles of course, the public had to obey their leader, but they would always have more sympathy and inward support of the leader of which ever STMH they lived in. The fact of the matter was that Donovan was a man of words; he could talk and talk well. A persuasive voice was the political equivalent of a nuclear weapon and it worked for him, he had the most support from other political and military heads and thus, his word was law. Civil dissent would be crushed under the heel of the police and military, political dissent was a threat not easily crushed because of the current form of government and situation of New Empire. There always bound to be rogue elements in politics constantly looking to topple their master, but so long as the populace was in check and the military listened to him, Donovan was happy.

The Premier bellowed loudly from his lectern to address the crowd seated in front of him.

“Leaders! You have come from afar and travelled distances by dangerous routes across our barren lands to be here. For this I am grateful and wholly humbled, for it fills me with a deep sense of unyielding pride to see that our smashed country remains united, steadfast and solid despite the hardships we endure. Welcome to the three thousand and seventy ninth Assembly of New Empire!”

There was rapturous applause, there were parts of the crowd where none moved or blinked, some even looked disinterested. But all had come to listen to Donovan and the issue of Dukopolious.

“My friends, time is of the essence!” Donovan continued. “ I will not keep you longer than necessary. Time is something we have cherished for many long and hard years, but this nation is now in grave peril. A danger that we have not faced or indeed had to face since the Second War of Golden Succession.”

The crowd shifted horribly at the mention of the war that had brought about their destruction. Murmurs filled the hall and the gravitas of the situation and the reason why they were all gathered there truly sank in.

“People please! In recent years the lands to the south have been victim to the encroaching hordes from Dukopolious and also Lyras. I cannot underestimate the fact that Lyras is the biggest threat this country has face since the war with the mighty Golden Throne. However the threat to New Empire comes not from the Protectorate but from further south in the Stratocratic Monarchy of Dukopolious. Contrary to popular international belief, we are well aware of the outcome of their civil war and their practically uncontested invasion in the south. However they have now reached the part where they are beginning to see the effects of nuclear war. The ground is smashed; the environment hostile… and they are fickle. They do not believe we are capable of surviving these conditions. They believe us to be weak and fragmented, ruled not by one but by many unaffiliated groups. They see New Empire as anarchy. They shall see wrath, blood and an angry vengeance not exhibited since the fall of this once great nation!”

There was applause but it was muted and Donovan new why. The prospect of war was a harsh reality. New Empire could barely afford to provide for its own citizens, let alone fight a war. The self-imposed isolation the country had fallen into had kept the vultures of foreign states at bay for only so long. The military had not been kept completely up to date with the modern times and had fallen behind. The tanks and trucks had been locked away in giant warehouses dotted throughout the land. The remains of the air force were contained in underground, hardened bunkers at several airbases; the once proud navy was in a state of limbo. Only the odd frigate or destroyer squadron remained fully operational to watch over friendly waters. The carriers and fabled Doujin and Hood Class super dreadnoughts remained in mothball but equipment was maintained and kept serviceable.

“I understand that with Dukopolious’ invasion in the south, we have been caught by surprised and are not in a position to fight until fully mobilised. I have already spoken to the military heads of STMHα and I order the heads of other STMH’s to initiate pre-agreed procedures to mobilised for total war. I enact martial law in STMHα and advise the political bodies in the other hubs to do the same. There is no economy anymore. No money, the people will work or die. We are fighting for our own survival now and I do not wish to go down without a fight. We did not choose to start this war, so the people and we will have to bare this hardship too. The state will provide food and commodities for the people if they work, if they work hard then they get more. It will be a simple society, one we have adapted to in the past and will adapt to again. We must fight, and we must win.”

Donovan then took a quick sip of water from a glass on his lectern before holding up a battered looking piece of paper before the crowd.

“This is our ace in the hole. This is our salvation. This piece of paper will give us victory.”

Puzzled faces filled the hall, from what could be seen from those in the front row, the piece of paper had a gothic look to the writing and Latin words could be made out. But once they saw the seal at the bottom of the paper the puzzled looks turned to looks of delight and pride. The seal was that of winged dragon superimposed on a crucifix. A symbol associated with the Holy Empire.

“This is a declaration from an nation we once called ‘friend’, a nation we still would had it not been for the nuclear fire that engulfed this country. The Holy Empire of Stevid has decreed that it will guarantee our independence as a legitimate state and grants them casus beli over Dukopolious. I am certain Stevid will react as they have kept their commitments in the past. While New Empire has not spoken to the outside world in fifteen years, we shall open our doors to the Holy Empire until the time comes where our military can fight on its own.
“Leaders of New Empire! Rejoice! War has come and we shall be victorious!”

The bellowing cheers echoed throughout the government sector of hub. Through the ventilation shafts the screams of joy travelled and could be heard by the thousands of people going about their daily lives. Though they knew not of what was happening or what the future would hold for them in the coming months, they still smiled. To hear people cheering in happiness in an environment as harsh of theirs was a welcome boost to poor spirits.

Dukopolious – New Empire DMZ

The DMZ was unofficial and non-binding, it was a simple sporting gesture that both sides had agreed on in principle. New Empire remained silent on the international stage and this policy continued towards its neighbours. Dukopolious was hungry for more territory and may even be scared of what lay beyond their boarders in New Empire. What intelligence they had on New Empire was gained largely from other nations in Greater Dienstad, but the stories were simply that. Stories. New Empire was a legend; no one knew what really went on in there. The nuclear wastelands were comparable to Death Valley itself or to the dead zones of the Stevidian Wastelands far to the south west of New Empire. Dukopolious new the risks of fighting in such an environment but also believed that because of New Empire’s disastrous military history, any invasion would be a walk over. In a sense they were right, the Imperial Army was the only function branch of the armed forces that could mount a defence. However the military had not been mobilised in over a decade, only infantry battalions and the odd tank guarded the boarder with the Stratocracy in the South; a far cry from the potential military might that could be mustered with full mobilisation.

When Dukopolious invaded from the only fertile area left in New Empire, the retreat was called immediately. Every effort was made to slow the advance of enemy troops and armour. Roadside bombs, mines and lethal IEDs were placed everywhere chokepoints were passed. Bridges were pulverised and railways destroyed. In the abandoned ghost towns of this nuclear wasteland, small infantry detachments set up temporary positions to give the guise that the towns were well defended. New Empire was fighting a guerrilla war until more forces could be brought to bear. Contacts with Duko soldiers were sporadic and short as the Imperial Army resorted to lightening hit and run tactics using things as simple as quad bikes and flatbed trucks. However the lack of airpower took its toll on the retreating battalions. Supply lines were targeted and destroyed within hours and because the military had not been mobilised or lacked any credible fighting coherency, one destroyed supply line was one too many. What armoured units the army had run out of fuel quickly during the retreat. With this came simple innovation. Tank crews continued to man their vehicles as friendly troops helped dig the armour in. Tanks that ran out of fuel would be fortified into makeshift bunkers and pillboxes and would provide defence at important chokepoints or vulnerable operating areas.
Anti-air missiles were ineffective against Duko planes as they attacked early warning radar sites early on; friendly air support was non-existent due to the lack of mobilisation. It was a matter of fact that Dukopolious had caught the country completely by surprise and quickly overran the lightly defended DMZ boarder and crossed into New Empire proper.

Provost Naval Base, NE New Empire

The largest naval base in the country was home to the newly christened ‘Home Fleet’. Named four years ago to be the country’s first way of reacting to a threat from the sea. While the ships were technically in mothball, the fifty ship strong fleet remained active on a rotating basis. In this fleet were the monoliths of the seas, the queens and the workhorses; four Ford-Class and one Queen Elizabeth- Class super carriers, one Doujin-Class super dreadnought, two Iowa Class battleship, twelve Ticonderoga class cruisers, ten Zumwalt class destroyers, five Arleigh Burke class destroyers and ten Type 23 Duke Class frigates. These ships quickly prepped for immediate action and deployment to friendly waters just north of Dukopolious. All ships were on maximum alert for air attacks and considering the size of the fleet, most attacks would be repelled with little or no damage to the carriers. What fuel that did exist in New Empire had been rationed, but the Home Fleet hoarded that which was portioned for the whole navy in order to meet the deployment requirements.

The other five ships had already left the base for they did not need fuel in the conventional sense. Five nuclear powered ballistic missile submarines had already headed for intentional waters and started compiling data on key Duko military installations, possible locations for HQ units and population centres. If any surviving element of New Empire’s military existed then it was the Home Fleet of the Imperial Navy… and it would fight.

[Tarsas]

Civitas Tarsae, Tarsas
Overwatch Castle

On the outskirts of the capital sat a cold stone castle that had once protected the capital with its might garrison. Now it stood as a mansion that could be used by any number of the Three Triumphs when they were on business in the capital. Tonight, a platoon of infantry stood guard on its walls as the Three Triumphs of Tarsas met and discussed the recent communique dispatched by the Dukopion government. A copy of said communique sat on each of the three places at the round oak table in the great room. The castle had a plethora of rooms, but none of them as big. Stuffed heads from various animals adorned the walls, along with several rugs and a suit of medieval armor. A roaring fire burned in the large marble fireplace. Each Triumph sat in a padded oak chair with velvet cloth cushions for comfort. The Primus Triumph tossed the copy of the communique into the fire, since his chair was the closest. "Absolute nonsense. Its quite clear this is a land grab."

The Secundus Triumph nodded his agreement. "If I'm not mistaken, didn't Emperor Titus the Fourth use the pretext of rebellious peasants and failing public order to invade the Germanium Kingdom?"

The Primus stroked his chin with his hand. "He did, didn't he. Notice the language that was used. For the safety of their children, and their soldiers. Its clearly implied that the best interests of New Empire are not expressed here."

The Tetrius Triumph, who had been quiet so far, chimed in. "Knowing the campaign is obviously for Imperialism, what do we do about it? Is it not true Dukopolious has been attempting to expand its influence even this far north? What's to happen if Dukopolious ever declares us "anarchic barbarians" and sends a fleet north?"

The Secundus replied with a look on his face as if he had a bad taste in his mouth. "Notice all the filth references. Do they even plan to keep the people of New Empire alive? You'd think they were modern day supremacists prepared to wipe out large numbers of New Imperial citizens."

The Primus agreed. "Yes. However, there's really nothing we can do about this. I think we could send New Empire a secret letter of support offering asylum for refugees and government officials should things go wrong."

"Can we afford to do that? Should any take our offer, Dukopolious will likely demand their immediate extradition to be tried", commented the Secundus.

"Do we even have to listen? We're really too far away for the Dukopian forces to mount an effective response against us, and I can almost guarantee Canhadast will feel the same way we do about a power halfway across the region attempting to meddle here", chided the Tetrius. He often talked to the other two like a father would a son since he was twenty years their senior. No one minded, since he was one of the most respected leaders in the country and blessed by Jupiter himself.

"I think it is fairly unanimous then", began the Primus,"we will send a communique declaring our stance on Dukopian actions and send a secret offer to the assembly of New Empire to harbor refugees and government officials, though its more likely they'll hide in Stevid, we must support New Empire in the most neutral way possible. Arms donations and other such gifts will come at a later date if the responses of support towards New Empire are favorable. No point in openly irking the ire of Lyras, Dukopolious, and Lamoni just to support a government that will likely fall." The other two men consented with a nod, and the meeting adjourned, but not before two communiques were written.

(Image)

The Enlightened Republic of Tarsas Foreign Ministry

TO: [OPEN COMMUNIQUE]
FROM: The Enlightened Triumvirate of Tarsas
SUBJECT: Regarding the Invasion and Subjugation of New Empire

The Enlightened Triumvirate must speak its opinion on the matter of New Empire. It is quite clear to we the Three Triumphs, rulers of Tarsas, that the nation of Dukopolious is making a blatant move of imperialism under the pretext of removing "anarchy" and "terrorism" in New Empire. The Enlightened Triumvirate's own sources, its intelligence community as well as trade dealings with the New Imperial government, can verify solidly that, while a weakened entity, the government of New Empire is a recognized body within the halls of the Enlightened Triumvirate. Thus, we must bring ourselves to condemn the moves of Dukopolious against New Empire. The Enlightened Triumvirate has noted for sometime that Dukopolious has attempted to expand its influence via military force.

Looking at the past actions of Dukopolious, one has to wonder why the most powerful nations of Greater Dienstad choose to aid and abet the nation of Dukopolious in its actions. The released communique is a clear sign of Dukopolious' true intentions. It is full of implied racist language, including numerous references to the people of New Empire as filth. Dukopolious claims to be liberating the people of New Empire in one statement, and not one sentence later, calls the people it claims to be protecting filth. The communique is worded in such a way that shows Dukopolious is clearly only thinking of its own interests, specifically refering to "its children" and "its soldiers". It has opted to disrupt the trade in formerly peaceful waters by threatening to sink any ship that comes near New Empire. The Enlightened Triumvirate issues a stern warning to Dukopolious that should any trade vessels flying the Tarsan flag be harmed, force may be used to protect our vessels. We also wish to remind Dukopolious that the Enlightened Triumvirate detests genocide and will act against Dukopolious if acts of genocide and unnecessary cruelty towards unarmed civilians becomes a regular occurrence.

We urge the parties involved to bring the conflict to an expedient end.

signed,
Lord Pontus Agrippa
Lord Valeus Scipio
Lord Julius Fetii
The Enlightened Triumvirate of Tarsas

(Image)

The Enlightened Republic of Tarsas Foreign Ministry

TOP SECRET

TO: The New Imperial Assembly
FROM: The Enlightened Triumvirate of Tarsas
SUBJECT: Regarding the Invasion of New Empire
ENCRYPTION: Level Alpha

The Enlightened Triumvirate expresses sympathy towards your current predicament. The nation of Dukopolious has made a clear act of unwarranted aggression. It is not known to us why great powers such as Lamoni and Lyras allow Dukopolious to run around and do as it pleases. This simply shows they have grown stagnant, drinking the cup of their own wealth deeply, becoming deaf to the pleas of the less fortunate, becoming selfish and vile. We believe that turning a deaf ear towards the needy is a vile act is as bad as causing committing the act.

Thus, we wish to offer you two things. We will shelter any refugees and government officials that make their way to the Enlightened Triumvirate. Camps for refugees can be quickly set up. The refugees will be allowed to do as they please, whether it be becoming citizens in Tarsas if their country is taken or returning home at the war's end. We also wish to discreetly pad the New Imperial treasury. We are willing to donate up to one billion harkans in war aid through secret accounts monthly, though no more will be given at this time. Our own highly advanced security will protect the transfers from any Dukopian hack attempts. We will convert the money to New Imperial currency and transfer it to the NI embassy in Civitas Tarsae, where the staff there will be responsible for its safe transfer to New Empire. This will insure the Tarsan government cannot be in any way traced back to the money via computer, since our own tightly secured systems will hold the only record of our involvement.

We await for you to send back your answer

signed,
Lord Pontus Agrippa
Lord Valeus Scipio
Lord Julius Fetii
The Enlightened Triumvirate of Tarsas

[Stevid]

Stevid Capita, Holy Empire of Stevid


An emergency cabinet meeting had been declared by Prime Minister Conroy, to be held in the vaults beneath Lowland Road, home of the government, in the Cabinet War Rooms. A total of twenty-five individuals were seated at the oak table headed by the Prime Minister, this included all key members of the Conroy Party cabinet and the tri-service military heads of the Army, Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, and all were to be briefed on the Empire’s official position on Dukopolious’ invasion of New Empire.
The nation itself was calm and collected; New Empire had made the front pages of most of the national news papers and this had already stirred up some sentimental national memories of a time when New Empire and Stevid stood together closer than they do now. However, the media knew next to knowing about New Empire, the invasion by Dukopolious or Stevid’s position other than Conroy’s public address a week ago declaring that the Holy Empire was guaranteeing New Empire’s independence. This had stirred up a hornet’s nest in Dukopolious and ignored any warnings, veiled or obvious, and had invaded. Stevid now had casus beli and had given New Empire its word to guarantee their sovereignty. The Holy Empire was known for sticking with its principles, so the men and women gathered around the table had an inkling that the Prime Minister was going to send the country to war.

“Ladies and gentlemen sat before me,” Conroy started as everyone took his or her seats at the table. “This country now faces a predicament, a predicament that could quite easily turn into a large threat to the Holy Empire. I am of course referring to the Dukopolious’ invasion of New Empire…”

Behind the PM was an elevated plasma screen HD television that flickered to life. On it displayed the borderlands and DMZ of New Empire’s southern boarder, blue arrows showed vague military movement from Dukopolious. It clearly showed and large ground invasion was taking place.

“We have a single satellite in geostationary orbit over New Empire. It’s an older satellite so the photography display is of a poorer quality that we have come to accept. However I’m sure the military heads of this table will be able to give everyone a full brief of the Duke military units that are involved as well as the tactics being employed. But I have come to tell you all, and I won’t dilly-daddle or sugar-coat this, that I am prepared to take this country and its Empire to war in order to protect New Empire.”

There seemed to be a collective murmur of agreement from everyone in the room. All of them had been alive back when Stevid was under the grip of the previous democratic government before the communist take-over; they remembered a strong and friendly ally of the Holy Empire, a friend that had opposed the Golden Throne during the War of Golden Succession. Now, after over a decade of silence in the aftermath of a nuclear disaster, New Empire required Stevid’s help and the government was more than willing to respond.

“However there is a problem with this,” Conroy continued calmly. “You are all well aware of Dukopolious’ unique relationship with Lyras. To declare open warfare with the Dukes is to, by proxy, declare war on Lyras… a strong nation but one that we have good ties with and cultures that share similar values of honour, respect and principles. I understand the implications of this, I understand further more than Lyran expansion in the east has reached a level now where the Holy Empire no long holds a monopoly of control over the waters east of our geographical position. Dukopolious has complicated this by being assimilated into the Protectorate of Lyras. What I am proposing is that we do everything short of declaring war. This includes actually fighting Dukopolious, if they are to declare war then they shall be the true aggressor against us… we are merely protecting our allies in New Empire. Disagreements?”

The room gave vocal agreement.

“My next point is that I want this nation to prepare for total war…” Conroy stated bluntly. One or two people gasped in shock a little. Total war had not been enacted upon the nation as ‘policy’ since the War of Golden Succession. This ‘Total War Policy’ is a political decree. It allows the government to requisition any civilian article or business to be used in the war effort. It also gives the authority for martial law in key areas of the country and in all the fortress cities. Two thirds of the military have to mobilise while a third of that have to prepare for immediate action. Industrial factories have to make provisions for military production or production of services to help the war effort. On a more strategic level, the nation’s nuclear offensive and defensive capabilities go into a high stage of alert; satellites containing nuclear weapons are put on immediate standby; Imperial colonies across the globe also prep for war as the Stevidian military forces there along with local militaries and/or militia become equipped. All in all, military activity is stepped up and is such that the public visibly notices it. In regards to the general public things change dramatically, working hours increase fourfold but this is only in the case of logistics and companies still have overall control of their employees. Television and radio keep the people updated on the war effort as much as possible and much reference is drawn to patriotism, at least on publicly own broadcasting channels. Certain beaches are closed and defended, military vehicle manoeuvres are regularly seen on public motorways, and rural villages become hives of activity as troops practice map reading and other navigation courses. Propaganda also becomes more apparent with much reference drawn to the power of the Empire, the futile attempts of opposing the Empire, military parades, and also regular recruitment videos for all arms of the services. Ex-military personnel that left the forces within five years before the decree is issued are forced back into the military under contract. Conscription, however, is not included.

Total war, means the Empire goes to war.

“I understand the implications of declaring that this nation is to prepare for total war,” Conroy said more solemnly. “However, Dukopolious is technically part of Lyras. With a nation like that involved, this issue with New Empire becomes a completely different ball game. A war with the Protectorate would be colossal and bloody on a biblical scale and has the potential to dwarf the last regional war. This cannot not be allowed to happen via our own doing which is why we shall fight with New Empire on their own turf and push back Dukopolious towards their own legitimate boarder. We shall not counter-invade into the Dukopolious mainland, however I do believe that we should take every measure necessary to prevent the enemy from disrupting our efforts to aid New Empire. And with that I hand over to Field Marshal David Ramsey.”

Veteran of the last regional war, FM David Ramsey was a colonel in the 1st Paratroop Regiment that dropped into Safehaven and was nearly annihilated, promoted through the ranks for various accomplishments, both military and civilian, as well as taking over all command of land forces in the Second Hanover War/War in the South Seas.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, Prime Minister, thank you for attending this meeting at such short notice. I’m not a man of words like PM Conroy here so I will be brief. I war with Lyras should be avoided, but the decree for total war is valid, we must prepare for the worst. However I believe the war against Dukopolious is winnable despite the odds currently stacked against us. The path to New Empire is controlled almost completely by the Dukes; they occupy the northern tip of Cazelia and so by extension have more naval assets to utilise if we decide to use bases from Independent Hitmen. Even if we take the longer route and approach from the north we still face much opposition from the Dukes. We require a massive naval effort in order to provide assistance to New Empire, however we hold that advantage. The Royal Navy is renown in this region for being extremely well equipped, trained and ruthless. We also have more experience in naval warfare than many nations in the region, perhaps even Lyras. Nevertheless, the Dukes many possess Lyran equipment- but they do not possess Stevidian experience. Besides, I hold Stevidian naval designs in higher regard.”

There was a brief chuckle around the room before the Field Marshal continued.

“We need to aid the New Empire navy as soon as possible. Their ground units also require air support from the RAF. I’ve have already spoken to the Chief Air Marshal and he shall coordinate those efforts. I also believe that once a decisive enough victory is won at sea then ground forces can be moved in. The Duke navy cannot be allowed to exert its power. Also, in a more daring plan, I propose and invasion of the Dukopolious territory held in the north of Old Cazelia. I believe taking these two peaks of territory will shift enough focus from New Empire and show Dukopolious what it is really like to dance with a devil.”

“Won’t this action of invasion bring is disfavour in the eyes of our allies and those of Dukes?” Asked Foreign Minister Bartley, sat next to the PM.

“Most likely, however I’m not content with believing that Dukopolious will stop at New Empire. In order to safeguard Stevidian interests on the eastern continent, Old Cazelia must remain completely neutral. That and it will shift attention from a theatre we’d rather they not fully focus on. An invasion against those peaks in North Cazelia can be completed quickly, but not before we have achieved some dominance in the area with naval assets.”

“Agreed!” Said Conroy bluntly. “Dukopolious must be made example of, if not just on New Empire turf but on their own. This Empire will not stand by and watch an old ally, already crushed to dust, crushed further into oblivion. The fact they have invade New Empire territory before now is scandalous, but they now push onwards in a new offensive. This escalation warrants a response suitable from us, and if that means take away territory they took from someone else – then so be it. Anything else?”

“Our satellite imagery, while poor at best, shows massive movement into the ‘dead zone’ of New Empire. Duke forces are leaving the only fertile grounds left in New Empire’s south and heading northwards into the irradiated wastelands. This is not, it seems, a full on armoured offensive. Reports suggest they are focusing on artillery strikes after gaining intelligence from forward observation posts. New Imperial forces maybe retreating quickly and setting up small pocket defences along their lines of retreat, but Duke forces are making painfully slow gains because of their lack of impotence to tackle their enemy head on.”

“That buys us some time.” Conroy nodded.

“Agreed,” said FM Ramsey, also nodding. “However it will benefit New Empire more in their efforts to mobilise what forces they need. But in order to mobilise to a strength capable of putting up a credible defence they need fuel. Petrol, gas and diesel more specifically, for their armoured units. This means clearing the sea lanes is of critical importance.”

“Anything more Field Marshal?” Conroy repeated for a second time.

“Yes… this.” Said the field marshal while pressing a button on a panel in front of him on the oak table. The picture of the frontlines that had been up on the screen behind the prime minister vanished and was replaces by a picture of space showing many dozens of stars, several of which were circled in red.

“This is Damocles.”

“The Lyran military satellite constellation?” Asked the Stevidian Minister of Defence.

“Exactly.” Said the Field Marshal. “Dukopolious’ ace in the whole and an issue that complicates matters massively. This constellation is part of a massive international effort and has hundreds of trillions of dollars invested in it from over twenty separate nations. It is a military network of satellites capable of imagery, communications and, potentially, kinetic strike options – however this is unconfirmed. What has been confirmed from sources interviewed by MI6 is that the constellation is very nearly completion but not yet fully operational. However it is safe to assume that Lyras, and by extension Dukopolious, already have limited use of the system. This presents a major problem, to prevent Dukopolious from fighting effectively we would knock out their satellite network, like we would attempt against any nation. The fact that they will potentially be able to use Damocles against us means that if we shoot it down many nations will be furious that we are attacking their investment.”

“Immaterial.” Said Conroy, much to the look of shocked expressions that appearance from most of those sitting at the table. “We cannot sit back and let them spy on us just because we’ll upset a few nations. No. Regardless of their investment, power or size, we will act in the face of international hostility. If so much as one of those satellites is caught in a geostationary orbit or any other orbit that allows the satellite to pass over Stevid or any part of the Empire; that said satellite of satellites will be destroyed. Clear?”

“Very clear Prime Minister…”

The meeting continued without much further military discussion, the details of the work to be done in Stevid and with the people continued well into the night. Meanwhile, the message filtered quickly through to all field army, air force and navy commanders in the Empire. Orders to mobilise and prepare for deployment were given. Public announcements were made and military personnel received notice that leave was cancelled.

To Dukopolious, a simple message was sent by the Holy Empire.

Code: Select all

Stratocratic Monarchy of Dukopolious, cease your attack on New Empire. Failure to do so will result in the Holy Empire's retribution.

[The Matthew Islands]

To, His Royal Highness, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Joseph II, House of Windburn
Subject, Commencement of hostilities in New Empire.
Encryption, High.

My government and I are extremely concerned at recent events in New Empire as would be only natural when government sanctioned fighting occurs. However, I question the legitimacy of the invasion, as well as the justification behind it. If New Empire is in such a state of anarchy as your nation would have us believe (My government and I are inclined to disagree.) then it is a poor mark on your nations character that you would so quickly jump to war, ignoring all diplomatic options. It also exposes flaws in your nations logic.

If New Empire is in anarchy, then how can it conduct these operations against you under a united banner. How can you accuse ALL of New Empire of being responsible for these actions, then simultaneously claim that New Empire is in anarchy which makes it all the more possible that a small raiding group is responsible. It makes me question the sincerity and truthfulness behind your declarations of not wanting to annex the nation of New Empire.

Imperial soldiers of The Matthew Islands did not fight and die to put your brother on the throne, so that he may begin trampling on other nations sovereignty while insulting the international community with such poor reasoning.

This letter is not expressing an official government position regarding these events. These are my own personal views. I am worried about where this course of action will lead.

Sincerely,

HRH King Gilligan VII.

[Morrdh]

TO; The Dukopian Government
RE; New Empire

To Whom It Concerns,

Your recent actions regarding New Empire have been monitored by the Commonwealth of Morrdh for a while now, though your recent declaration has prompt us to take action. It is to that end that the stance of the Morridane government on the matter should hence be made clear;

*Reject the claim that New Empire is anarchic and lawless, our own Intel suggests otherwise.

*Oppose Dukopian incursions into New Empire and consider them to be nothing less than an Imperialistic driven campaign of annexation.

*Does Not recognize ANY Dukopian claims to the territory of New Empire and views any blockade by Dukopian as the actions of an aggressor.

*Considers Dukopian efforts to shut down the air corridor over New Empire as a DIRECT threat against the Commonwealth.

I hope that you will see sense and back down, though we are giving you a deadline of just one month to withdraw your forces from New Empire before we consider taking direct military action. Further more I have ordered the deployment of a carrier group to international waters just off New Empire to provide fighter escorts for ALL Commonwealth aircraft be they civilian or military, any actions against our ships or aircraft will be considered an act of war against the Commonwealth, her colonies and her allies.

Edmund Vermillion PM
Commonwealth of Morrdh

[Lamoni]

The situation map on the wall of the Lamonian War Room was a display of LIA's estimates of the locations and status of both Dukopian and New Empire military forces, the units symbols shifting across the screen as the Dukopian invasion of New Empire continued.

In order to get into this room, one had to first enter the Lamonian Presidential Palace, then have a special keycard which one would place into a slot in a special bank of elevators therein. The elevators would then take you hundreds of meters underground, where you would emerge into the front hallway of an underground bunker complex which had been constructed to serve as the wartime headquarters of the executive branch of the Lamonian government. In this hallway, Lamonian Marines armed with full combat gear ensured that no one without clearance would go beyond the sealed door at the end of the hallway. All of these Marines were battle-hardened, and were some of the best men under Lamonian command.

The door at the end of the hallway had a slot for the specialized keycard used for the elevators, but with a twist. There was also a facial recognition scanner. In order to get the door to open from the outside, you had to first insert your keycard, and then allow the facial recognition scanner to scan your face. With these checks complete, the door would finally open, allowing the person making the journey to enter the main underground complex, where more Marines patrolled. Only then could you reach the War Room, by following the corridor until you reached the large double doors which could also be sealed in an emergency. Though few knew it, this room had a secret exit which led to a special subway system, which would facilitate a quick exit from the complex, if it were ever needed.

In the room, President Stinson and his cabinet were receiving a briefing from a Lamonian Army briefer. "As you can see Mr. President, the Dukopian military has launched a full-scale invasion of New Empire. We have received responses to this from Tarsas, Stevid, Morrdh, and The Matthew Islands thus far, though it will only be a matter of time before others respond to the situation. Further, at least some of the messages from these nations decry both Lamoni and Lyras for allowing the Dukopian government to... 'run wild.'

LIA has known for a long time now that there is a stable form of government in New Empire, which brings low the Dukopian claim that New Empire is an anarchic state. In fact, given the number of times that the word 'filth' is used in the Dukopian message, we do not think that the Dukopians will even treat New Empire citizens or soldiers as fellow human beings, but only as something to shoot at. We are fully anticipating the possibility that the Dukopian military will commit human rights abuses."

President Stinson shook his head at the whole situation. "Has the Dukopian Monarch gone insane!?," Stinson shouted. "I simply cannot believe that the Lyran Warmarshall agreed to this plan. Therefore, we will place any resulting blame squarely on the shoulders of the Dukopian government, where it belongs."

Foreign minister Vardo Greene agreed, her blue blouse contrasting with the creme colored shirt that she had chosen to wear that day. "With the Stevidian threat to use military force against Dukopian forces, we are placed into a mess of a diplomatic situation. Are we going to continue to support a regime which uses force to steal land from those whom it considers weak, or do we stand by our Stevidian allies in helping to defeat this monstrous misadventure on the part of the Dukopian military? Further, the Dukopian government has made clear the intention to close off a vital air route for our Morridane allies. Mr. President, I would advise you to openly display that we are not only taking this situation seriously, but that we are willing to take an active stance against the Dukopian military. For this, we only need to use force if our forces are fired upon, which is why I think that we should restrict ourselves to non-combat roles for the time being."

The other members of the cabinet nodded at the statement from the Foreign Minister, and for good reason, Stinson mused. The proposal made sense, would drive the point home to the Dukopian government that the Free Republic would not tolerate land grabs of this sort, and would also place the Lamonian government in a favorable position with the rest of the region. "Then it is decided," he stated. "I will send an open message to the region at large, as well as private communiques to our Stevidian and Morridane allies showing our non-combat support of their efforts against the Dukopian menace. In the meantime, I would like all of you to keep up to date on the progress of the war, and return here in 24 hours for our next meeting on the subject. This meeting is over."

With that, everyone left the war room, and the President went to the nearest set of communications equipment. He had messages to send.

Office of the President of the Free Republic of Lamoni

To: <Open Communique>

As the Dukopian military forces cross the border into the territory of New Empire, the government of the Free Republic finds itself forced to re-evaluate the diplomatic stance under which the Dukopian nation is regarded. The land grab instituted by the Dukopian government can not and does not fit with their stated goals of removing the threat of terrorist attacks from a land they first claim to be in anarchy, then claim will present a united threat against them. They cannot have it both ways.

The government of Lamoni does not believe that the Lyrans had anything to do with the unwarranted attack upon New Empire, but rather that the Dukopians have turned their hand against their allies, much as a trusted dog can turn against the master which has fed, housed, and cared for it. The Free Republic will not be helping the Dukopians in their attack upon New Empire in any form or fashion, but will instead use the power and influence we possess in order to assist Stevid and New Empire in non-combat roles of our choosing. Our message to the Dukopian monarch is as simple as it is powerful: "You are on your own."

Signed,

Andrew Stinson
President
Free Republic of Lamoni

***

Office of the President of the Free Republic of Lamoni

To: Prime Minister Conroy
Stevid

(SIC)

Greetings Mr. Prime Minister,

As you already know, Dukopian military forces have invaded the territory of New Empire, on little more than an excuse so flimsy that everyone in the region has already seen through it. The Dukopian government is involved in a land grab, plain and simple.

My advisers and I propose to help you in non-combat roles during your fight against New Empire, to include the use of (Lamonian operated) CFQ-31 Greybolt UAVs and CFR-2R Iris High Altitude Reconnaissance Aircraft to help monitor the progression of the Dukopian military forces into the the territory of New Empire. All that these Recon forces need is a place to operate from, and we can begin to provide reconnaissance in order to assist you in repelling the Dukopian military. If we can be of further assistance, please let us know.

Signed,

Andrew Stinson
President
Free Republic of Lamoni

***

Office of the President of the Free Republic of Lamoni

To: Edmund Vermillion PM
Commonwealth of Morrdh

Greetings Mr. Prime Minister,

As you already know, Dukopian military forces have invaded the territory of New Empire, on little more than an excuse so flimsy that everyone in the region has already seen through it. The Dukopian government is involved in a land grab, plain and simple.

My advisers and I propose to help you in non-combat roles during your fight against New Empire, to include the offered use of (Lamonian operated) CFQ-31B AEW UAVs, which will help your efforts to keep the skies over New Empire clear for Morridane air flights. We do not support the Dukopian land grab, but we do remember who our friends are.

Signed,

Andrew Stinson
President
Free Republic of Lamoni

[Stevid]

New Empire South Border

What started off as a hasty retreat now continued as nothing more than a trickle of retreating troops. Duke advances were slower than anticipated with high reliance on artillery to destroy Empire defensive pockets before advancing over the previously held land. It was not a snail pace but slow enough for Empire units to constantly change position and never allowing Dukopolious forces time to use their artillery to maximum effect. Also the Empire’s use of guerrilla tactics were having some successes on Duke supply lines but their slow advances meant that they were not out running their lines; the hit-and-run guerrilla tactics, therefore, were just an inconvenience.
In several cases however fortifying chokepoints and putting up small defences in abandoned villages and small towns had stalled the assault. Duke tanks would advance on chokepoints and be attacked by highly camouflaged Empire tanks that had been entrenched when they ran out of fuel. Attacks would vary in success, surprise favoured the Imperial Army and sometimes the point tank would be taken out and sometimes even the second. However it was more common for these Lyran designed hulks to shrug off the shots from Imperial tanks that were crewed by terrified individuals.

New Empire had yet to have any aircraft operational; reserve fuel stocks were now being rationed across the three branches of the military in preparation for a full, but gradual, mobilisation of ground units. Already 70 armoured units including MBTs, light tanks and IFVs were operational, helicopters were also quickly coming into service and ready to transport confused and frightened conscripts to the frontlines along with their more disciplined and professional brethren in the regular army.

There was a lot to be happy about in New Empire in regards to the war effort. The ‘War Council of New Empire’ – the permanent gathering of the main political and military leaders of the STMHs tasked with controlling the New Empire war effort, had received a communiqué from Tarsas offering mutual aid and support. It was accepted by the war council that the current circumstances warranted a response, contrary to the usual policy of political and diplomatic silence. The offer of funding was worthy of great attention for it would allow masses of food imports into the country and mechanical tools to help munitions production and repairs to equipment. A reply thanking and welcoming Tarsas’ assistance would be sent. Also the anticipated support of Stevid wrought the stirring national pride in New Empire, knowing an old ally was still standing by its commitments that it made decades ago.
While the war on the ground was almost a lost cause, the Home Fleet was flying the New Empire flag at sea in a bid to turn the fortunes of New Empire around.

New Empire Territorial Waters – 30 nautical miles North of Provost Naval Base

The Home Fleet was the largest fleet to be deployed by New Empire since before the War of Golden Succession. The fifty ships, including carriers and an ancient Doujin-Class super dreadnought, were to sail south into hostile waters leaving elements of the Imperial Navy still able to sail to guard against counter attack. The Home Fleet would seek out an engage Duke shipping and fleets whenever it could. Efforts would also be made with submarines to locate Duke ships still in port and attack them with carrier strikes. The overall objective was a long term one, to guarantee the open and protected shipping lanes and seas between Stevid and New Empire to allow Stevidian forces to arrive.

[Dukopolious]

Field Base Advance
Forward Position,Central New Empire
2:00 AM

They were winning. The troops were happy. For the past day they had advanced from the southern border, literally hundreds of kilometres inland. They were exhausted and some had fainted, in fact 12 had died due to health complications but even this did not dampen the high spirits of the troops, or at least the squad commanders.
There was minimal opposition, the majority of defence were blasted by the advancing Cockatrices which now lined the fronts of the many scattered camps blasting the closest enemy installations. Due to the lack of surveillance they would only assume that there were actually enemies in these areas, but they had a massive surplus. For months missiles were the main priority for the commanders whom prepared for the massive advance northward. The Hellions continued to shoot out of the massive machines and hit near the enemy camps with great power. By this time less expensive, less accurate missiles were used due to the fact that they weren't even sure if they were hitting anything. The Empiric were playing guerrilla. The Dukopions would play innocent. A full halt was called, only the artillery was still shooting. Every soldier was ordered to focus on supplying and supporting themselves and each other. They now realized the toll of a movement this size. Advance further into the barren wasteland would not be an option. Enough Dukopions had died due to guerrilla scouts, there would be no more advancements into the lifeless Wastelands that the soldiers feared. They were already kilometres from the last spans of fertile land, supplies were being shipped in rather quickly for a movement this size, for to the Crown money wasn't much of an object if it meant a successful strong happy army would lead them to victory, rather than a starving miserable force killing like mindless machines. The full stop was unexpected with the majority of operations happening behind the front lines in securing the large stretch of land they'd secured.

The Men and women on the front lines took time to write to their families, tend to their wounds, construct bases and prepare for another march. They were spoon-fed propaganda and happily accepted it as such but respected the efforts given by the government. They were more focused on defeating the enemy and liberating New Empire so they could return home, until that point they would wait for Orders and train. The lands of New Empire were harsh and desolate, yet they managed to survive by not only using the land to it's fullest, but also relying on massive c=loads of supplies shipped by the hour. The Home fleet had been moved farther north and allowed the West coastal bases to be easily supplied. Massive C-10 Minotaurs were shipped to the front lines to relay many supplies. The Dukopion government used to be considered cheap by troops, but now they were far from frugality. Albeit many of the supplies were going to villagers who didn't need them, it was still essential to ensure every drop of water be drank and every bread crumb be eaten. Support troops were overwhelmed, but satisfied.

Henderson Airbase
Below Air Corridor, New Empiric Former Border
7:00 AM

The airmen of the Dukopion air force weren't experienced nor particularly skilled. Due to this an odd plan was created. Only the best pilots from every order would be active in this mission, the rest of the active air force was simply on standby in the odd chance of an attack from a foreign power. At Henderson airbase, one of the few Airbases located under a Empiric-Border-Corridor. This was a key position considering the Morrdiane response. Before the Communique was sent, Dukopolious enjoyed good ties with Morrdh, so much so that they even assumed that Morrdh might support them in this conflict. Due to this air patrols were increased twofold while air corridors were opened to allies. The route was quite simply, it would be flown mostly over controlled wasteland, free of soldiers, then dip into Dukopolious' mountain scape and be escorted into international waters. It was rare that Dukopions would make such an accommodation for foreigners but it had to be done simply due to prior respect which was quickly deteriorating.

The highest ranked officer present was Commander James "Thunder" Henderson, whom was the son of the famous civil-war hero Thomas Henderson (the former commander of the base and the reason for it's name). His uniform was brisk and his face emotionless. As he staired onto the runway watching Shadowhawks constantly take off to escort Cargo planes, and others return from patrols he remembered when he was younger and always dreamt of flying as high as possible. He was given his chance at a young age and proved his skill, after quickly rising in rank he took a year of advanced tactics school and become an officer. His job now was to maintain the air corridor and ensure that no diplomatic disasters occur and more importantly no air born attacks take place.

He was snapped back from his thoughts when a lower ranked pilot approached him. One could easily tell that the Commander was younger but to him age was just a number. He looked at his fellow pilot as he spoke. "Sir, scouts reported the Morridane Fleet is in place and the first of the many aircraft approch. Command would like us to escort it."

"No. We'll offer. They'll probably decline, then we'll send them on test route 12. It's far longer but much safer." He paused to look at the Sky. Therising sun was always a beautiful sight, even in the worst circumstances. "Our plans for the corridors haven't been released, we'll inform them that a short route is being calculated for future flights. This will show them Dukopolious isn't full of warmongering beasts." He muttered uncomfortably. He knew what this war would do to Dukopolious' reputation, but what had to be done, had to be done. He continued speaking hastily."It flies low over the field hospital which currently has so many wounded that they are laying on mats outside the medical tent," He twitched lightly remembering the disgusting sight that the Empiric landmines had caused to advancing solders. "It will fly over one of our settlements and finally it will approach the Palace."

"Sir, with all due respect, if the Morridane pilots betray us and attack at any time during the route, we could potentially lose the palace. This plan is simply unrealistic." He countered in his most polite voice. Normally blunt disagreement with a higher ranked officer would result in some sort of minor punishment, luckily he knew of Commander Henderson to be more merciful.

"Think of the international reaction." Henderson replied, significantly louder. "Accommodated Morridane pilots ambush defenceless palace killing thousands it would be a diplomatic disaster for the Morridanes. They wont attack, they'll just have opened eyes. Prep the Shadowhawks to meet them in international airspace. If they accept escort than take them on Route 12 but tell the Shadowhawks to keep this distance. My father flew alongside Morridanes, I don't intend on doing to opposite." He looked down at his medals and quickly recalled how his good decision making got him to where he was.

"Yes, sir" The pilot said reluctantly as he slowly walked back to base pondering his orders.

Nagriston Village
Rural Empiric Village, Occupied South New Empire
11:00 AM

The television crews were in their tents editing all the film they had acquired. They would turn this into one of the greatest propaganda videos in history. They had footage of the King addressing the people, footage of soldiers marching through the grasslands near the border, footage of the aircraft flying high shooting down enemy radio towers, footage of soldiers playing with Children in occupied villages, and best of all, it was all narrated by a Dukopion with an extremely think New Empiric accent. He would be speaking about how New Empire would be at it's best once the Dukopion occupation was finished.

Outside the Propaganda tent, construction crews were already finishing the fortification around the small village as soldiers brought bags and bags of food to the hungry villagers. Surprisingly the villagers didn't seem to mind, the tacticians knew of many villages in the far south and decided attacking from there would result in high civilian casualties. So from the two northernmost points in the east and west, along with minor operations between, the Dukopion front line cut off nearly a third of the nation. In no way was this land controlled, but it made it look like the Dukopion force was far stronger and more organized than in reality.

The villagers were short and lanky, many were very very skinny and appreciated it when a diplomat explained the situation mere minutes prior to plane loads of supplies being shipped to the villagers. They were not monsters, they were not vermin, the people of New Empire were not much different from the people of Dukopolious. Sadly the same could not be said about their soldiers.

Command had ordered that all villages be given supplies and soldiers in the area engage in peacekeeping. Cooperative villagers were asked for information, violent ones were taken prisoner in nearby bases but also treated well. Hopefully they would be able to calm down, otherwise they'd be deported. Luckily this secret was closely guarded. Command felt that the less Foreigners knew about what was really happening, the better for when they were the ones to reveal it. But at this moment, anyone in Dukopolious could've guessed the Crown had bigger worries.

War Room,
Rathovian Palace,Weiminton, Dukopoion Mountains
11:00 AM

Below the Palace lay a long maintenance tunnel leading to a secure meeting room, dug deep into the mountains that were home to the Capital of Weimington. Access was only granted to Dukopion Order Marshal, Member of the Royal Family, High Ranked Diplomats along with any other individual granted access by the King Himself. The room wasn't well fortified or protected, simply because it didn't need to be. It was guarded by two elite soldiers. One was a Royal Guard, another was one of the select few, the Praetorians. The Praetorians were exceptional soldiers trained from young ages and to stand fearless in the face of peril. Whereas the royal Guard were nearly an opposite, rather than being feared nation wide, they were respected. They were exceptional soldiers. Rather than being trained from young ages, they were given two choices: Go the Lyran way, and become high ranked officers, or serve the King as a Royal Guard with the highest honours. Choices usually depended on the Order of origin. "Monarchist" Orders usually sent their best to be Royal Guards, "Intergrationists" Orders usually sent theirs to be officers in other Orders. Usually Lyran ones.

The meeting room itself was quite elaborate with various screens for viewing, three long tables able to seat ten people each and a speaking podium that could be linked to the various loudspeakers in the major cities, and relayed to the Orders in a few minutes for live feed. Although this use of it was restricted to when the room was a back up head quarters in case Dukopia or the Palace fell.

The nation's Chief Diplomat and the King's youngest brother, Henry Windburn stood at the podium and opened his crisp black folder while stairing directly into the eyes of the King. He brought news, this was obvious, but one could tell that from the suspense in the room, no one was exactly sure wiether the news was good or bad.

As the Praetorian Guard locked the door to the outside, the screens came to life. Some displayed troops movement, others displayed foreign leaders addressing the matter, one was displaying a small rebellion in Order 372. A single Order rebellion was to be expected, and hidden from prying eyes.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, your Highness, as you know, we've secured over 99% of the fertile land in New Empire, and currently have just over 30% of their population including 13 villages behind our front lines. We are slowly assimilating them into the main nation but currently troops are focused on calming the plethora of unrest in the area." He paused and sipped his water as he stuided the faces in the room. The Generals looked exhausted from lack of sleep, the King seemed unfazed and simply looked at his brother without emotion. He let out a small sigh while looking at the screens displaying Foreign leaders before continuing. "On the front lines we've met minimal opposition, the Cockatrices have done a good job. After we lost a few hundred troops to enemy landmines the artillery was ordered to shoot any possible enemy position En Masse to ensure all contacts are neutralized with the fewest possible infantry casualties."

There was slight chatter among the diplomats on the far table, they were obviously waiting for the news of foreign involvement. One of the female diplomats raised a finger into the air which indicated she was to speak, the other officials looked at her quizzically. "Your Highness, that's good news but I believe I speak for all my colleges here," she paused to see the slow nods from the men and women near her,"We'd like to know the positions of the other nations here before this meeting is adjourned."

He looked at his with a odd smile before opening his folder once more and pulling out a report. "I'll transferring Communiques from Morrdh, Stevid, Tarsas, The Matthew Islands and Lamoni to all screens.".

After waiting idly for a few minutes, he spoke again. "As you can see, we are in a fix. We can easily trample NE on the ground, but that'll bring greater powers into this war. This is unavoidable if we are to continue fighting. I suggest that we use whatever influecne we have to drag Yohannes and Lyras into this as deterrence. For if we have them on our side we may be able to-"

"No." The king spoke. The entire room went silent as heads shifted. This was the first word that he uttered since the meeting began. He continued. "Lyras and Yohannes are our friends, not our shields and sandbags. We wont be dragging anyone into this war, not when I sit on this throne. If they wish to help us, then they will/ If not, we will stand by ourselves and fight off aggressors. Until then we will completely stop all advances, we will open the air corridor to Morridane and other Pilots with escorts, we will focus on securing the occupied line, and I will be writing a message to our friends abroad. Any objections?"

His last words caused slight hysteria. Many of the men present were literally paralyzed by his words. They had been bracing to simply steamroll NE for nearly two years and all of a sudden they stop? Regardless, it was in this King's best interests, so it would be done. A murmur of "No, Sires" moved across the room as the King nodded and stood to leave to room.

The door was opened from him by the Praetorian and was closed as he slowly walked from his seat across the metal floor through the enforced door. A low ranked secretary stood to leave as the rest of the officials also moved their seats back. The Praetorian looked him in the eyes and uttered a single word that ran chills through the meagre man's spine. "Sit."

It appeared that the meeting was not over, this time it was a general that stood at the podium as the rest of the officials returned to their seats. They would discuss the future of the campaign as the King wrote.

---

From the Desk of His Majesty of Dukopolious

Addressed To: Open Communique || Addressed From: His Royal Majesty, King Duke The Fourth Of Dukopolious, House of Windburn|| Subject Matter: Halt of Advance, RE: Foreign Communiques || Encryption: None

---

In light of recent events, my hand has been forced. People of Greater Dienstad, today I write to you on behalf of the Stratocratic Monarchy.

As you know, Dukopolious has liberated a large poriton of New Empire with little opposition and no detectable civilian casulties. We ahve been branded as imperialists and savages, we have been branded pretentious and unworthy of the land we walk on. We have been branded as fools, yet this means little to the stratocratic Monarchy. 7 years ago, we faced the largest threat a nation can be faced with, a civil war. Through that, we prospered. In the anceint days when Dukopions were hunted like livestock, we prospered. Before the Monarchy was formed, my ancestorrs were killed by the thousands, yet no one reacted. And now in the face of many, we stand Undaunted.

We shall not simply lay down our weapons and allow the anarchists to savagely slaughter the Empiric Civilians that have happily joined us, we will not allow this. Our intelligence suggests that this "government", which has idly been hiding in it's underground rat tunnels for decades while it's people starved, has responded with force. We've met guerrilla fighters who have to sole intention of killing our troops at the cost of their own lives. They force their people to work under them without the slightest recognition of their basic human rights. They allow hundreds of Dukopion diplomats to be slaughtered directly above them in attempts to contact the pseudo government which we had proven to be defunct and barely existent. The simple fact is that they are not able to run or control their nation, yet my fellow Dienstadi leaders let them oppress their population because of old politics? This disgusts me.

For too long has this government sat while it's people died. And when our soldiers march past their villages and help thier people they use whatever control they have to fight us back rather than help their own people as they should have been doing decades ago? The people of the South have voluntarily joined the Stratocratic Monarchy. We will not deny them refuge behind our borders. From this moment forward any Empiric Civilian wishing to join the Stratocratic Monarchy may, our borders are open to their civilians, we will not allow this rampant oppression to last any longer. Premier, open your gates and let your people free, for every second you restrain them is another moment that you risk direct intervention. From this point on we have divided your nation and the occupied parts which would normally be in turmoil are actually flourishing under Dukopion supervision. You fail to see that your people no longer need you, for when they did you ignored them and let them die. Now they need us. We will not make the same mistake.

Leaders of the World. The Stevidians and Morrdianes have shown their positions and have proven themselves to be enemies of the advance. We will not deny, this was expected. We are not mindless aggressors, for we will not simply ignore your pleads and allow our nation to be overrun by your soldiers while the Empirics are oppressed. You have forced me to choose between the freedom of the Empirics, and the Existence of the Dukopions. I have been forced to choose the latter. But I will not allow the deaths of the Empirics due to foreign powers. We have stopped our advance and opened air corridors in Southern New Empire. We will allow foreign support to assist the North in feeding and supplying it's civilians, but we will not allow any military support. For supporting the crippled regime is supporting blatant oppression and fascism in our own region. Since the Second War of Golden Succession, the powers of greater Dienstad haven't tasted the blood of a weaker nation, I do not intend to be the first in this new trend, but if Dukopolious must flinch so New empire can rise under a stronger and humane government, than so be it. But we will not simply allow the people of New Empire to be slaughtered as we are labelled the failures. We shall not stand for this.

All Morridane ships are allowed in Dukopion waters at the end of the Air Corridor, All Tarsan ships shall be allowed to enter Empiric ports so long as they submit to standard weaponry checks to ensure no military support is given. Additionally, we would like to apologize to our Lamoonian and Matthias allies whom have always stood by us. We did not intend for your reputations to be hurt by our act of liberation, and we shall not stop you if you wish to intervene, but we would like to state that this was not simply an act of imperialism, for only those whom wish to are assimilated into the Stratocratic Monarchy, only 8 of the 13 villages have agrees thus far, the others are under occupation until the end of the conflict and will see liberation under a New Government.

Additionally, the Dukopion government would be willing to send diplomats abroad to discuss peace talks during the current cease fire. Should any neutral nation wish to host these talks, we will gladly attend.

---

.....

---

Sincerely,


His Royal Majesty, King Duke The Fourth Of Dukopolious, House of Windburn

[Morrdh]

Morrdun, Commonwealth of Morrdh

There was a hazy atmosphere of smoke in Cabinet Meeting Room A mainly from the Cabinet ministers who were keen pipe smokers, though fortunately for the non-smokers present a couple of the windows had been cracked open to allow fresh air into the room. Despite the relaxed postures of all present the topic certainly wasn't a causal one, namely it was the ongoing matter concerning the Dukopian. As ever it was Prime Minister Edmund Vermillion who led the discussion. "Right gentlemen, whats the latest on the New Empire situation?"

"Well Prime Minister..." Began Nathan Hay, the Morridane Minister of Defence. "The Dukopians have halted their advance, though they're digging in and the best the boys in Intel can figure out is that they've stopped for a breather and sort out their supply lines. Seems they're hell bent on taking New Empire and keeping it."

"Aye, that fits with the latest communique we've received." Nodded the Foreign Secretary Sir Gedney Hill. "They've relented a little, but it doesn't look like they'll accept our demands. Speaking with the Stevidians on the matter they've come to the same conclusion, it may come down to military action but at the same time the Dukopians still have three lefts until our deadline....I'm sure if we applied diplomatic pressure then that deadline will be met."

"I'm tad concerned about the Dukopian's propaganda efforts." Stated Scout General Sir George Whittleton, head of the Royal Reconnaissance Service and the Queen's personal spymaster. "My agents in New Empire report that the Dukopians are using it to the fullest effect in actively trying to undermine the fledging War Council of New Empire, I don't need to tell you how bad it would be if the Dukopians succeed in bringing down the first unified government New Empire has had for quite some time. We need a propaganda coup of our own Prime Minister."

"Thank you gentlemen." Vermillion replied. "Though whats the word on the air corridor? I'm well they've offered us a route, correct?"

"They have." Grumbled Nathan Hay. "But speaking with Air Chief Marshal Dortal all it does is just waste fuel, besides I'm not about to let the Dukopians dictate where we can and cannot fly."

"What do you suggest?"

"For starters tell the Dukopians in no uncertain terms that we fly where we want to fly and any of their aircraft that flies within a mile of any of ours will be considered hostile, we're not about to let some upstarts try to boss us around."

"So we're effectively in a state of cold war with them." Mused Vermillion. "Though any success contacting the New Empiric War Council?"

"Yes, mainly thanks to the Stevidians for arranging that Prime Minister. "Sir Gedney answered. "We're currently in talks to allow use of one of their ports to bring in supplies and deploy some military units to defend it, hoping to have a reply by the end of the week."

"Excellent, see if we can make a big show of it....some propaganda of our own won't hurt." Vermillion smiled. "And see what you can do through diplomatic channels to put pressure on the Dukopian government."

"Yes Prime Minister."

---

Across Mordh

In the following days the Commonwealth slowly but gradually shifted towards a war footing as reservists started being called up, military training ramped up and stores dusted down. The Morridane Broadcast Corporation's news service increasingly featured the ongoing events in New Empire as tensions started to raise with Dukopolious as a tarde embargo was put into place and Dukopian vessels in Commonwealth ports were impounded. Dukopians living in Morrdh were encouraged by the Morridane Home Office to register at their local police stations, this was really just a formality to ensure their safety. All the meanwhile military planners in the bunkers beneath the city of Midfast worked day and night in compiling intelligence reports and drawing up plans.

The Commonwealth was unquestionably gearing up for a fight as the clock ticked ever closer to the deadline of the ultimatum.

---

New Empire, Two Days Later

A single Short Belfast heavy lift aircraft in the livery of Wildcat Airways flew eastwards high in the night sky flanked by a pair of Morridane Hawker Hunters. It was bound for the New Garrack Republic with a cargo of heavy construction vehicles and the flight itself had been scheduled in on the Greater Dienstad flight plans two months earlier, for anyone that bothered checking this was readily available information in the public domain. However what wasn't publicly known was that the aircraft had taken on last minute passengers in form of a squad of the Morridane Special Air Service, who were checking their gear for the umpteenth time as they waited the 'GO!' for a HALO jump. The aircraft's ramp had been lowered ready for use and the cabin's lights dimmed as per instructions to avoid detection of the drop.

Once on the ground the SAS men were to meet up with Royal Reconnaissance Service agents already active in New Empire and conduct a covert war against the Dukopians as the diplomats wangled at one another. Though the squad was the first team that would be dropped with others being inserted in the coming weeks using commercial aircraft to avoid drawing attention, so the first team's job was to lay the groundwork and restrict itself to intelligence gathering before taking a more aggressive stance. But right now their minds were on the jump as the Go was give and one-by-one they stepped off the aircraft's ramp to free-fall in near-complete darkness.

[Stevid]

Almost overnight the situation in New Empire had changed radically, the shifting political battlefield was a major contributor to this. A headlong assault into New Empire by Dukopolious had now ceased and halted only a hundred miles or so into the wasteland. This may have been because of the guerrilla tactics of the Empirics that target Duke supply lines, but may also have been because of the inter-regional reaction to the conflict. Stevid had pledged war, it’s aggressive imperial and general foreign policy was a testament to how things had changed in Stevidian politics since the last great regional war. Stevid was nation on a constant crusade to prove itself to an uncaring world. Already full mobilisation was well under way and had enough military assets at its disposal to wage a war against Dukopolious, but in order to cater to New Empire’s inability to wage a conventional war, more units were yet to mobilise. Morrdh too had pledged to defend the Empirics against the aggressive Dukes and there had already been secret communications between themselves and their Empiric and Stevidian allies. Plans had been made and units were ready to deploy… that was before Dukopolious threw a spanner into the works. It was a veiled ceasefire call from the aggressive nation, probably brought on in response to Lamoni stating its neutrality in the conflict and the unusual silence coming from Dukopolious’ puppet masters in the Confederate of Lyras. The combined might of the Holy Empire and the Commonwealth was enough to challenge any power on any continent in Greater Dienstad, not least the Dukes. Nevertheless, the quiet ceasefire attempt was debated in cabinet and then debated in the Stevidian Parliament…

Parliament - Stevid Capita

The House was packed, ministers from all the home constituencies and those from Adaptus Astrates and Stevidian Guffingford was present, trying to find any space they could to hear what the Prime Minister of the Empire had to say in this emergency Parliamentary discussion. At exactly 1100hrs the discussion began.

“The house recognises the Prime Minister!” Said the speaker of the House.

A cheer, a deafening cheer, swamped the room as Prime Minister Conroy stood up in front of his lectern and addressed the House.

“Thank you Mister Speaker! It is my duty to inform this honourable and most holy of Houses that this government has decided to act in the best possible interests of the fragile state of New Empire. This nation, which which has fallen from the grace of God and into the turmoil of nuclear oblivion, has been harassed and attacked by Dukopolious for several weeks. I remind all those sat before me that this House voted overwhelmingly in favour of military action to be taken to help defend New Empire. However in lieu of our massed military mobilisation, the Stratocratic Monarchy of Dukopolious has delivered to us a message. A message they you all have undoubtedly heard about because of its circulation throughout the media in this country and the Interlink. It is clearly a poorly veiled attempt at calling a ceasefire.”

There were comical jeers in the House mocking the Dukes’ attempt at peace.

“While we are a nation this believes firmly in righteousness and to see the good in others, this Party simply does not believe a word these people say!” The Prime Minister said raising his voice sarcastically to many more cheers. “Their government is a puppet of a colossal military power and I do think they are using this as a shield- but if their shield is not present, I’m speaking of course of Lyran silence on this issue, they try and cut their losses while still trying to save face. Either it’s an extremely cowardly act at preserving pride or it’s a trick to lull us into scaling down our mobilisation. This government was not elected yesterday and has a history of learning from its mistakes. I know, this government knows, this whole country knows that the aggressive expansion of Dukopolious under the watchful eye of their masters in Lyras has to be put in check!
“Dukopolious will not be allowed to continue its military activities in New Empire. This country will not settle for anything less than a full withdrawal of Duke military units from New Empire territory, their fleets to return to they’re own waters and, finally, the full return of all lands previously taken from New Empire earlier in the year!”

The House erupted into cheers. Many stood to their feet to get the Speaker’s attention but the Prime Minister remained standing, he had more to say, more for the government of Dukopolious, that was probably watching this political discussion being broadcast in someway shape or form, to mull over and consider its position more carefully.

“The effects of nuclear weapons in New Empire are text book on what life after a nuclear holocaust will be like. Our own barren and polluted wastelands are fierce but lack the radioactivity seen in New Empire. To the north there are some fertile lands and basic fishing villages that provide less than 2% what is needed to feed their people. This 2% is a direct consequence of the loss of their fertile forest and plains in the south, the only area almost totally untouched by the nuclear fire. These lands are now under the grip of the Stratocratic Monarchy and what aid is sent to New Empire, if any at all, is nothing compared to what they need. Figure provided, in secret, by New Empire suggest that when they controlled the south they could feed 45% of their population that lives in their underground enclaves. This is still inhumanly low, but more than the pathetic 2% now. With this, Dukopolious thinks that have casus beli in invading New Empire because of the poor living conditions… this cannot be allowed to continue.
“The Holy Empire will not listen to the bleating and mewling of Dukopolious any longer. The time for debate and political discuss ended when they reinvaded and decided to invade deeper into the Empiric’s wastelands and now directly threaten civilians. This country will fight until all of New Empire has been reclaimed. I promise to take whatever action necessary to achieve these aims…”

More jeers and cheers flooded the huge but cramped room; the Speaker struggled to call out the opposition leader’s name so that he may speak.

“Ernest Campbell!”

This time the opposition to the government cheered, but they did not expect a political dogfight, of all things they expected to hear support for the Prime Minster albeit it with some challenging questions.

“Thank you Mister Speaker. It is my belief that this House and by extension the Stevidian public and Empire agree and support the Prime Minister in his cause and justification to war. However the enemy has hinted at ceasefire and a peace settlement. In the interests of the lives of those prepared to fight and die for this Empire, can the Prime Minister offer us an explanation as to why we will not even consider the avenues to peace?”

“My Right honourable friend of the opposition,” Conroy started. “Raises that correct point of following a path of peace. I agree with him that peace is the best policy. Minus a few brush fires, this region has been in relative peace since the Second War of Golden Succession. War has been averted with the Macabees and we even now have a lasting peace agreement that may one day allow us to forgive the past and move on from it fully. However the belligerence of Dukopolious has allowed us to talk of peace and this began before their first invasion. We did not intervene in fear of further reprisals from Lyras and also amid our own concerns with our current peacekeeping mission in Greater Santiago. Now it is different what with new evidence emerging that the lands in the south of New Empire that were taken were the only fertile grounds in the nation capable of at least sparsely feeding their people. This renewed invasion is into dead wastelands with the Dukes talking of the Empirics as filth and unclean. They mean to take New Empire and it is up to the Holy Empire and Morrdh to show Dukopolious that they are punching above their weight!”

New Empire – Frontline

The lull was welcome and the time allowed more brigades to be mobilised. At least a hundred tanks were ready to fight albeit with minimal fuel and ammunition; at least seventy planes of which fifteen were A-10 attackers and the rest F-16 fighters. Compared to the technology of Dukopolious/Lyras, this was no match and the A-10s had to be preserved as best they could in case Lyras did attack or Dukopolious renewed its offensive. With forced conscription now in effect and food and money aid arriving from both Stevid and Morrdh, troop numbers swelled to 40,000 conscripted and 10,000 regular. The navy remained the same and its battle fleet continued to prowl in Duke waters looking for a fight and was receiving regular updates from Stevidian submarine surveillance.

On the frontline line however the fact that Dukopolious had stopped did not deter the Empirics. Lightening raids on Duke camps continued and it didn’t take a major tactician to see that the attacks were getting progressively more aggressive as the days ticked by. The slow mobilisation allowed more exotic units to be deployed. Jeeps, light armour, close helicopter support, sometimes even a main battle tank. In areas of frontline, more so towards the western coastline, counter attacks had allowed New Empire to take back territory when up against lightly armed and defended Duke positions. However it was proven that Duke experience and technological prowess would stop all by the most determined attack. New Empire lacked this edge on the battlefield or the means to fight a proper conventional war. But the troops did have something to smile and talk about…

About 20 miles northwest of STMHα was an airfield and one of the first to have become fully operational with the mobilisation. It was huge, three runways, massive hangers and one other massive hanger that was built underground and used an equally massive elevator to transport the planes from the hanger to the surface. Under here, in complete and total secrecy, were five heavy lift bombers armed with nuclear missiles that survived the nuclear destruction decades ago. It was not these bombers that had the soldiers talking; it was their neighbours above ground. Strange aircraft some with inverted swept wing design and rumoured to have technology inside that New Empire could only dream of achieving in its current state of scientific decay. With these fight jets; attack aircraft and strike fighters were more obvious looking aircraft. AWACS aircraft designed to put enemy ground forces on allied mapping computers and their movements, air search mounted radars and naval reconnaissance aircraft, air refuelling tankers and a large assortment of vehicles. The reason these had the troops of New Empire talking was because each of these aircraft bore the red and blue circular symbol of the Stevidian Royal Air Force.

* * *

The first element of the Stevidian military that was mobilising effectively was the Royal Navy. More specifically the 1st Fleet of the Holy Empire was already fully mobilised and at sea split down into seven different task forces. Numbering close to nearly 600 hundred fighting ships minus support vessels, these task forces had predetermined deployments, the 1st Fleet itself would not fight as a combine ‘mega’ fleet. The largest task force was 7771/1 (of /7) and contained many of the super carriers and the super dreadnoughts. They were tasked with heading north towards Morrdh before bearing due east towards New Empire avoiding Duke waters. However task forces 7771/6 and 7771/7 were to steam directly east, collect some units and aircraft stationed in the allied state of Independent Hitmen before following order to aid New Empire from the south. In this fleet had fewer carriers, one dreadnought, a large number of assault ships and destroyers and was to act separately to the other task forces that were sailing towards the war zone from the North.

[Morrdh]

New Empire

Whilst generally not widely known by the rest of the world the scouts of the Commonwealth's Royal Reconnaissance Service had been active in New Empire for years, its primary mission simply was to observe and report back. To those that were aware of its existence the RRS was considered to be a dedicated cartography unit first formed during Morrdh's colonial days to map the Morridane bush, but over the years its scouts had also acquired the role of intelligence gathering to help the Morridane Army well informed. With the Dukopian invasion of New Empire the various RRS scouts had been directed south to locate, observe and report on Dukopian positions so that an accurate intelligence picture could be built. The resultant reports would get passed on to both new Empire and Stevid for their own use so that they could plan their own operations, an extensive communications chain had been setup in order to make this happen.

At all times the Morridane scouts were under strict orders not to engage Dukopian forces since thus far there was no state of hostilities and the Morridane government was keen to keep it that way for the time being. Though the halt of the Dukopian advance the scout's job had been made much much easier, after spending all night crawling into position the scouts could spend all day observing Dukopian lines as the troops dug in without much danger of being spotted. The standard pattern was a 10 ten section spilt into two 5 man half-sections headed by a Corporal and Senior-Scout respectfully, one half-section would move up to a forward OP with the second team standing by as backup. This method meant that a typical RRS platoon of three sections could cover an area of perhaps 3-4 miles, though their only weapons they had was the fabled L1A1 SLR that each man carried.

Having been dropped in the previous night the recently arrived SAS team was a godsend, compared to the RRS they packed more of a punch and had greater freedom to act. Using information provided by the RRS they were to sneak up to Dukopian lines under the cover of darkness and covertly snatch a prisoner for interrogation, initial targets were the lone sentries that could be quietly taken to avoid raising alarm. Gradually they would work up towards capturing NCOs and then officers, working in conjunction with other teams to actively raid Dukopian lines. But that would be months before it happened and so for now their prey was the poor grunt squinting into the darkness as he kept a lone vigil.

~

Elsewhere warships of the Royal Morridane Navy were aggressively patrolling the waters off the coastline of New Empire, they screened Morridane troopships sailing across the ocean and harassed Dukopian shipping a little but nothing that warranted anything more than a strongly written letter of protest. The Morridane soldiers were destined for New Empire and involved a large number of sappers of the Royal Morridane Engineers in their ranks who's job it would be to construct a line of fortifications parallel, but some miles to the north of, the Dukopian lines. Idea being was to create a defensive line for when the Dukopians resumed the offensive and to give a more solid resistance for when that happened. Initially small forts were to be established as patrol bases clearly flying the Morridane flag with larger firebases being sited behind the smaller ones to provide covering artillery fire. Though the Morridane soldiers had strict orders to only engage if fired upon first, it was to be a confrontation with the Morridane aim of stopping the Dukopian takeover of New Empire.

[Dukopolious]

Praetorian Interrogation Chamber
Occupied New Empire, Eastern Pass
1:18 AM

"Quiet Vermin."

"But my family! Please let me go! I'll do anyt-"

The prisoner's squeals were met by the clatter of his chair hitting the cold stone floor. The metal soles of the interrogator's shoes easily snapped the back of the prisoner's seat, bringing the soldier to the ground. The prisoner could not see the faces of the men whom were beating him, so he simply observed his atmosphere. The dimly light room was dark and near lifeless, the three men had been awake for hours, from the moment the Empiric soldier was abducted from his camp. These men, whomever they were, had dragged him from his camp effortlessly, leaving all his brothers behind. He was bleeding from his shoulder and the gash only grew larger every time one of the men struck him.

With another swift kick, the prisoner's back gave out, he yelled in pain. This was the most excruciating experience of his life, firstly being shipped off to the front lines, only to be quickly slaughtered by the massive explosions of enemy hellions, then realizing his family was living off rations and being forced to work hour after hour, yet this was enough, he was at his breaking point. He had told the men he would do anything, yet they still beat him.

"Please.." muttered the prisoner as blood began to drip from his chapped lips. The man was short and lanky, he had scars covering him head to toe, most of them being inflicted through torture. his attention was snapped back to the man now lifting him by the neck. He couldn't see their faces, all he saw was the tall dark broad shouldered figured now bringing him ever so close to his demise, he knew that unless he played his cards perfectly, he'd never return home.

"Enough. He is too weak." Muttered the second man, he was slightly taller and had a deeper more authoritative voice, he seemed like the leader.

"As you wish" mumbled the stockier man. they looked like demons to the prisoner, tall, lifeless, emotionless and merciless.

The Prisoner fell to his knees and clapped his blood soaked hands together, "thank you!" he croaked to the second man.

"Silence profligate. I did not spare you for your own benefit, you are a worthless rodent wasting my time. I spared you because another strike and you would have died leaving me to clean up the mess. Now, you will tell me everything."

The man looked both relieved and horrified yet again, it took him full minutes to comprehend what his aggressor was saying, "About what?" he scoffed innocently.

The question seemed stupid, it was obvious what they wanted, they wanted to know plans, information about the war, yet the prisoner was hanging on to his last strands of hope, for he knew nothing.

"Your Family." Commanded the man. He then stepped into the moonlight being cast through the small metal crate in the roof of the bunker.

"My... my family?" stuttered the prisoner with much hesitation. He was about to ask why when he caught a glimspe of his interrogator. He had a long scar running down his face and neck, his Green eyes struck the man as human, but just. His face was emotionless, and he seemed unwelcoming, like a leech, staring into his eyes slowly drained the prisoner's resolve until he broke into a sobbing mess blurting out information about his children and wife. It was a humiliating experience, he had lost his dignify. A grown man, crying.

"Shh. Be silent, it will all be over soon." Muttered the Praetorian. His uniform glistened in the moonlight, he knelled onto one knee and muttered softly into the man's ears as a short silver blade ripped through his flesh, and into his heart splattering the interrogator's uniform and the walls with thick red blood.

His blood formed a small puddle below his head which rested on the stone floor, his eyes slowly lost focus, the man was dead, the last memory being those green eyes, in in their reflection; his dying family.

From across the room, the small cracked mirror moved, it was a one way glass, on the other side was a high ranked Empiric officer, as he was dragged into the room he muttered slowly while staring at the dead soldier, "I'll talk.", he had been there to view the four hour long torture, watching every second of it.

Forward Command Centre
Occupied New Empire, Central Holding
2:14 PM

With the ceasefire came many benefits, increased leisure time, extra supplies, more reports, and letters home. Yet it also had it's disadvantages. Lieutenant Hargreaves found this out the hard way. He was assigned as a personal assistant to the Field Marshal, meaning he would have to hear all the complaints about loosing ground, growing tensions, weakening resolve, the need for propaganda, it had gotten to the point where the Lieutenant simply tuned out his commanding officer and regularly brought him food to keep his mouth shut. Day in and day out, the longer the cease fire lasted, the better the supplies and the worse the complaints.

Yet today was different, the Field Marshal seemed unnerved, something big was going down, and the Lieutenant didn't want to be here when it happened. He felt after weeks of being with this man, he might as well be polite and ask him what was wrong, not that he cared very much.

As he walked into the Field Marshal's quarters, he found him hunched over a map of the region, with various flags and markers scattered around troops and enemy positions.

"Sir, is everything alright?" questioned the lieutenant placing a cup of steaming tea on the large desk.

"It's nothing, lieutenant. I'm just preparing, command had got info out of some villager, or at least that's what the Praetorian are saying, damn savages..." muttered the Field marshal .He sipped his tea, slightly burning his tongue before setting it back down to coax his mouth. "Those damn Praetorians are probably torturing half the soldiers in the DMZ, friendly and hostile! And the Crown is oblivious to it. Not to mention that the enemy is landing troops and we will meet opposition soon, the ceasefire is barely holding, I doubt the enemy even cares, our Cockatrices have nothing left to fire at and demands for us to completely withdraw are growing. I have a lot on my plate. Take this away and get me a real drink."

The lieutenant was becoming genuinely concerned. His commanding officer was never this exhausted, judging by the thick bags under his eyes, the lieutenant assumed he had been up all night. "Tea is better for you sir, please just drink it."

The field marshal was too exhausted to notice that his Lieutenant just gave him an order, which was considered a very disrespectful offence, but he frankly didn't care about all the rules imposed on soldiers. "Hmm. Another concern of mine is the enemy mobilization, they will be at our doorstep soon and I know we're ready, the main tank battalions came in a few days ago, there are more than enough, the Azuran Oil has been coming in a steady flow, we have more than enough, and the Crown has already pulled out nearly every asset they have abroad, they're ready for sanctions from Stevid and Morrdh, hell they're ready for a war. I just don't know if I am."

"It's alright sir," muttered the Lieutenant under his breath, "The Praetorians will be here soon after they hear what you've said."

National Media and Propoganda Hub
Dukopia, Central Dukopolious
9:51 AM

As the Propaganda films were finished, they were broadcasted on state TV for the entire populous to see, unlike most Propaganda, this not only showed the victories of the Dukopion troops, it also showed their hardships. Dukopion training included resisting propaganda, and due to this regular propaganda wouldn't work on the general populous, so instead this was meant to show public support for the armies and the villagers, but loathing and hatred to the enemy. This was meant to get the populous to work harder and get the military to be stronger.

But the most important propaganda wasn't for the Dukopions, it was for the Empirics. With the information the Praetorians acquired, they managed to learn of the brutalities the people of New Empire were burdened with by their government. The propaganda included leaflets that would be spread across civilian centres and near settlements, it including hacking into Radio channels to broadcast into the STMHs with information of the sheer amount of supplies and food welcome to any Empiric that wishes to join their southern brethren. The Propaganda told of greedy Morrdiane invaders whom try to push them further into the ground, and Stevidian backstabbers who attempt to cut them off from the outside world. They stated that Dukopolious was accepting refugees and has enough food to feed the Empire, but is stooped by Stevidiane warlords. That empiric villages are flourishing under Dukopion surveillance and that the people are living like kings while the Empirics are forced to live like rats.

In the large building, a massive radio was under construction, in the heart of the nation it was safe, for this has the ability to broadcast all the way from Imbrinium to the Matthew Islands, from The Golden Throne to Belmotin, and From Dukopolious to the Empirics. Defended by various anti-air platforms, this would be the key to winning with propaganda, for not only was this the only surefire way of communicating with the Empirics without interruption, it was also the host of Dukopolious' direct up link to Damocles.

War Room
Rathovian Palace,Weiminton, Dukopion Mountain
9:51 AM

The room was a mess, full of papers and crazy officials running around in the small confined space. The Praetorian Guard simply stood at attention ignoring the haste around him. There was much frustration, not at the progress of the war, that may have been the only thing to rejoice about, but about the diplomatic situation.

It was no secret in Windburnia that the government was stuck between a rock and a hard place, but they were far from giving up, it would only be a matter of days until the Radio was ready and once it was all of GD would know of the terrors hidden within New Empire.

"Quiet! Everyone!" Yelled one of the chief diplomats, she paused and waited for everyone to stop their side conversations and collect their bearings. Once she was satisfied, the diplomat continued. "As you know, currently we are being branded as aggressors in this war. With the loss of Lamonian Support and the silence of both our Yohannesische and Lyran allies we are on our own, for the most part. Yet not for long. Lyran silence has obviously been due to the lack of a Casus Belli, now that Greater Dienstad will know of the atrocities of New Empire, Lyras will be inclined to support us. With the broadcasting of valuable information over regional radio stations, we are able to rally support behind us. The world will realize there's more than meets the eye in this war. Stevid and Morrdh aren't quite so innocent, and the time has come to remove their silver curtain and expose the truth behind their intentions. Enough with the politics of the old, this dish will save us possibly years of fighting."

"And what if the Radio dish is destroyed?" Cut in an Order Marshal. "Then billions of Marrets will be wasted!"

"It wont, it's in the heart of the nation surrounded by worthless structures, they could bomb the whole city to the ground, it wouldn't make much of a difference, that's why there is such little defence, but now that the dish is there we have added extra protection, not to mention this will allow us to uplink to Damocles and possibly directly view enemy troop positions and know the locations of enemy units at all times. We will know the hostile navy's every move!"

"And what if they bring a bomber?" Interjected the Order Marshal once again.

The diplomat chuckled softly. "That's suicide without direct guidance, the only way a bomber could possibly navigate to it through the radio jamming is if it were directly guided by a satellite, and it's not like the enemy has any satellites they could simply put above Dukopia. We're fighting Stevid for godsakes, not a Gothic nation, we can hold our own against the Stevids."

There was a collective laugher around the room, the thought of Stevid posing a threat to the mainland was literally laughable, it was known around the region that Dukopolious was nearly impossible to invade, the beaches alone are suicide. With the front line being secure Dukopolious was dug in far enough to quickly withdraw if needed, yet easily able to hold off massive enemy offensives and hold, even advance, the front lines. The embargo on New Empire was not only starving it's people, it was also draining what little oil the poor nation had left, whereas with Azuran support, Oil quickly reached Dukoplious and was directed to the front lines.

"There's one more issue you have forgotten to address." This time Colonel David Fandical spoke, he was a brilliant tactician and was the highest ranked man under the age of 30, when eh spoke most in the room went quiet." The nuclear weaponry. They are holding it all North of their main STMH and therefore it will be hell for ground units to get to it. Infact we can't send in bombers because of the ceasefire, yet we need to be prepared to take it out in a moments notice.

"How exactly do you know it's stored there, Colonel?" This time it was a higher ranked General speaking. The Colonel simply looked at the Praetorian Guard before turning his attention back to the general and firmly sating, "We all have intel, do we not? You'll have to trust my word, Sir " he muttered.

And with that the order was given, across all of Dukopolious full defensive mobilization took effect. Education was based on combat moving less important courses such as mathematics and literature behind to make room for physiology and weapons handling, beachheads were turned into large defensive positions capable of holding off massive invasions, Cazellia was turned into a naval stronghold, with long-range ASMs being places on it's coasts, and the air force regularly flying all over Dukopion waters, ensuring no enemy lie within the jurisdiction of the Stratocratic Monarchy. They would respect the ceasefire, but they didn't expect their enemies to, they were prepared, they were ready, they were, undaunted.

[Morrdh]

"This is the MBC World Service, here is the news at midday.

With just under two weeks left until the deadline tensions are running high as Dukopian troops make no move to leave New Empire, as a result the Commonwealth is stepping up diplomatic pressure on the Dukopian government as it looks to impose a round of sanctions. Prime Minister Edmund Vermillion stated that he was considering the options and that a blockade wasn't out of the question in order to achieve a Dukopian withdrawal from New Empire. The Prime Minister also stated that he hoped diplomacy would win out, but he called upon the rest of Greater Dienstad to condemn the Dukopian invasion of a few weeks ago. It is understood that the Holy Empire of Stevid has continued to mount pressure on the Dukopians and it remains to be seen whether this will be the spark of a larger conflict.

The Commonwealth's humanitarian relief efforts in bringing aid and food supplies to northern New Empire have stepped up the pace as foreign news reporters from Greal, Imbinium, Lamoni and many other nations were invited to view the efforts and the conditions within New Empire. Commanders on the ground say that they are being swamped by refugees fleeing Dukopian occupied territory in the south and that extra medics had to be drafted in as the Royal Morridane Engineers begin constructing accommodation in the form of Nissen huts to house the displaced people. Additional helicopters have been deployed by both the RMAF and its New Garrack counterpart to help ferry refugees needing medical attention straight to the field hospitals that have been setup. A photograph showing the human cost of the New Empire conflict, a heavily bandaged woman injured during the initial phase of the Dukopian invasion being unloaded by medics from a RMAF helicopter, has since been widely circulated amongst the news agencies of Greater Dienstad and appeared on a number of newspapers further condemning Dukopian actions."

---

Low Earth Orbit

A small craft bearing the markings of the Commonwealth's Royal Space Force drifted slowly high above the Earth, beyond the reach of most radars and SAMs. Onboard was only a two man crew, namely the pilot and an observer who manned the radio and various other equipment. Strapped securely into his seat the observer made some final adjustments to the cameras mounted in the belly of the craft as the pilot called out. "Get ready Bill, we're coming up on the target."

"Acknowledged." Replied the observer as made the cameras ready and then pressed a button when the pilot called out, "Now!"

A series of Whirr-Click-Click-Clicks sounded as the cameras photographed the ground far beneath them, taking multiple overlapping copies. Satisfied the observer called up to the pilot. "Twice more and then we bring the old gal home, we'll have plenty to keep the spooks in Intel busy."

~

It was a day after the photo-recce flight that the construction of a large building in Central Dukopolious was noted, a number of alarm bells started ringing in the heads of a number of important people as they try to figure out what the structure's purpose was. Further recce flights were ordered to gain as much information as possible on the new structure as more conventional channels of information gathering were pursued as the Commonwealth Intelligence Service shifted its focus. The Stevidians were also informed of the discovery and the Commonwealth passed on as much information about the structure it could get.

It was clear that the Dukopians were up to something.

---

"C'mon! Put yer backs inta it!" Bellowed the Platoon Sergeant. "By the time the shellin' starts ye'll wished yer dug 'alf way ta Gholgoth!"

The unfortunate victims of the wannabe slave-driver was some Morridane infantrymen digging trenches to take cover in during an artillery strike, they were a mixed bag of veterans with years of experience behind them and National Service conscripts barely out of their teens. Despite all their grumbling they were fully aware that it was for their own benefit to dig the trenches as much as it was to anyone else, even the junior officers were helping out to ensure the small fort's defences were ready in case the Dukopians decided to attack. Being a forward position it meant they didn't have much weapons with them save for some mortars, machine guns and their own rifles. Artillery was located further back where it was safer but still able to provide covering fire for the soldiers, they enjoyed the overlapping fields of fire from two firebases either side of their position.

Much of the fort had been built by the sappers of the Royal Morridane Engineers, mostly just earthworks with a liberal amount of sandbag covering dugouts reinforced by corrugated iron. A high bank surrounded the fort that made a steep slope for attacking infantry and tanks to climb up, at regular intervals there were small bunkers fitted with machine guns and firing slits for anti-tank weapons. Barb-wire surrounded much of the small fort, save for a small section on the north side that allowed access but was covered by firing positions on either side. The resupply of the fort was to be by helicopter using a small landing pad to quickly drop off rations and ammunitions along with mail for the troops.

[Stevid]

RAF North Bannerton – South East Cadia – Stevid


Deep in the rural backdrop the rolling hills and plains of the province of Cadia, western Stevid, is a lone road that travels almost the breadth of Cadia. It winds from the coastal city Taro for hundreds of miles and past the breath taking Cadian mountain peaks before turning into a small dual carriageway into Stevidia. This road was the B1001 and was just a simple but very long road with some quite breath taking sights. But along this road came one of the more unusual sights of Stevid. A track of concrete that led up to a guard room about 100 metres up the track. The guardroom was connected to a chain-linked fence line with barbed wire at the top, RAF and MOD police manned the guardroom itself and there was a small concrete tower, about two stories high, with mounted light machine gun. But beyond the fence line and guardroom checkpoint was nothing, absolutely nothing at all, just a barren moor of grass and damp earth for miles in every direction. The only thing to prevent the odd curious person from investing further were various signs dotted along the fence line warning of patrol dogs and under the Armed Forces Act, guards were authorised to shoot to kill trespassers. Every half mile or so a CCTV pole could be seen behind the fence line keeping a watchful eye on the fence.

Nearly 3 miles beyond and inside the fence perimeter was the actual RAF base that was being hidden from the public, RAF North Bannerton. The name and the station’s activities were in the public domain, but there were no images, satellite photography in the public domain had been deliberately censored out and international efforts to keep it that way had succeeded. The public believed that it was one of the primary information processing centres for transmitting and receiving military communications and intelligence gathering communiqués. This was true and not something the government had actually made any effort to cover up. In fact the government made it policy to tell the public some truths so as to prevent too much interest gathering around sensitive areas. However this was certainly not the full story. RAF North Bannerton was just one of three sites in the Holy Empire Stevid used to control its own satellites and also utilise its allied ones in the form of the Stevid-Damirez-Independent Hitmen alliance that involved a satellite network geared towards surveillance and ballistic missile defence. This had been set up in the aftermath of the Golden War of Succession and come to full fruition during the years when piracy in Greater Dienstad and swallowed the south of the region. The satellites then were used to monitor pirate bases as well as the Guffingford buffer zone. Recently, New Empire was on the agenda and RAF North Bannerton was host to some important figures, no less than the joint military chiefs, their staff and the Prime Minister himself with members of the Cabinet’s defence committee.

After a brief tour of the base, where the Prime Minister and company were explained what the dozen or so radomes (or golf balls) actually did and what other features the base had, the party of people were in an operations room that had a truly massive table with a high-definition screen built into the surface of the table. It was a large tactical board that displayed ‘real time’ data (2 to 10 minute delays depending on solar activity) straight from satellite imaging. The base was also one of sites for Stevid solid-state phased array early warning systems (PAVE PAWS) from anything from aircraft to ballistic missiles.
The table at the moment showed a colourful political map of the intended warzones including New Empire, Dukopolious and its colony in Old Cazelia. Stevid and Morrdh were not included because of the scale of the map. However allied units and their respective positions were shown on the map along with known enemy brigades and fleets. Geographic features were not shown in detail but cities were and each little dot had an approximate population figure next to it. Group Captain Tony Scott, the Commandant of RAF North Bannerton, was currently briefing the party of individuals.

“What you see on the table in front of you ladies and gentlemen is of course a false colour picture on the combat zone were in engaged in at the moment. Despite the fact we have fired no shots yet, a war now seems certain. This base has move three of our satellites over the possible combat zones with two over New Empire/Dukopolious respectively. What we have gathered from our images along the New Empire/Duke border is an influx of Duke troops, probably from abroad and a scaling up of military activity. Reports from agents caught in the invasion of South New Empire have reported back of the mobilisation in Dukopolious and we now believe our intelligence to be credible and trustworthy. Dukopolious is gearing for war.”

“What other information you have?” Prime Minister Conroy said with some concern.

“Morrdh has lent us the images they have taken of the Dukes, the cross referencing of both their data and our own makes me confident that the enemy are beefing up their military might in preparation for a war with us and Morrdh, but we have also garnered information regarding their intentions against us.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, it seems that Morrdh have sent us images of three of their beaches in the west that had been labelled early on has potential flashpoints in this war should we decide to invade the Duke homeland directly. Images show of a massive effort a fortification and reinforcement.”

“They expect an attack from the sea?” The PM said raising an eyebrow.

“I believe they are preparing for that. They know that our Navy is a match for anyone in the region and then some. Our amphibious abilities, training and experience from the last regional war are undisputed, they are right to fear us. In fact our presence in the New Empire theatre alone seems to have galvanised the Duke leadership into taking a more defensive approach. Our agents believe that the war in New Empire has now actually ground to a complete and utter halt and their concern now is securing their own borders.”

“I see. What news of New Empire’s mobilisation?” The PM asked to which his Foreign Minister answered for him.

“Aid from Morrdh has had an incredible effect on their preparations. The steady influx of food and medical aid has been so colossal that it is believed that STMHα and STMHζ have enough food to feed their populations for ten months; the other cities have enough for several weeks. The situation is improving and several cities have actually ceased their ration policies. Financially the country is still desperate but the influx of raw materials such a fuel and gas is contributing massively to their war effort. The lack of communication from New Empire is troublesome but when contact is made it is highly informative. They believe, and we concur, that they are 30% complete into full mobilisation. Up 18% from the initial projection thanks to international aid.”

“Good.” Said Conroy, the concerned look had now changed to a brighter one with a small smile. “This base, like its sister ones, came at great cost to the public. It was expensive and difficult to build. But the work I see being put in here fills me with pride and comfort. The enemy under estimate us; they do this to their own disadvantage. This country, this Empire, has fought against all odds in the past and prevailed. We have fought against implacable enemies that have sought the destruction of our entire culture and ideology. And yet, we succeed. Here we have Dukopolious believing they hold the upper hand. Their belligerence is tantamount to this… yet now we see a massive defensive mobilisation. They talk of peace but play war and hide behind their ally Lyras. An ally that has rightly decided to watch and wait before deciding on its true course in this war.
“Ladies and gentlemen we are in a war. I intend to prove to this region and to the Dukes, just what it means to across this Holy Empire!”


2nd Fleet - Task Force Alpha – Splinter Fleet 19 – 1st Squadron – 8th Echelon
North of Dukopolious

An ‘Echelon’ in the Royal Navy comprises of between two and four ships. This particular echelon was made up of three vessels and was one of the Royal Navy’s standard multirole formations of small combat vessels designed to cause maximum combat impact an all manner of threats to the fleet or the echelon.
HMS Ascendant, a Lemartes Class guided missile destroyer and one of the most advanced ships on the planet, HMS Tempest, a Centaur-X Class missile destroyer, and HMS Affinity, an older Type-23 Duke Class frigate. The two missile destroyers were geared to anti ship and anti air duties while the HMS Affinity provided ASW protection.

The echelon was tasked with searching out and destroying small element of the Duke navy and fleeing if larger contingents were spotted but report positions back to the fleet carriers. There had yet been not contact with any enemy forces but all three ships were constantly launching their helicopters out on ASW missions. The main fleet was probably under some sort of surveillance from Duke subs and so any making their way back with information would return to safer waters. This was why the 8th Echelon of the 1st Squadron was in Dukopolious waters, shy over the line by only a few miles or so, but nonetheless in foreign waters. No ships had been detected, but the echelon was not mindlessly patrolling hoping to bump into something, they were hunting.
The faintest of sonar contacts had been made a little over and hour ago and they had steamed towards the location of the contact and broadened their formation further to try and catch the submarine.

There was no chance of it being Stevidian, despite it being common knowledge in the region and to Stevid’s allies that the Holy Empire was deeply secretive about its submarine deployments. Even the commanders of these three escort ships had no idea of locations or exact numbers of Stevidian submarines in theatre. They had sent a confirmation request for friendly forces in the area, including submarines. The sensitivity of the transmission, even though encoded, meant that the echelon received a one-word answer:

“Negative.”

The commanding vessel in this echelon was the Lemartes Class HMS Ascendant, her superior communications and command and control systems made her a perfect flagship. It was here where all the decisions for the echelon were made.

“Sonar buoy from KA ASW in the water Captain.” Said the Chief Underwater and Sonar Operator (USO) “Broadcast pinging commence in three, two, one… broadcasting. Pings at ten second intervals; now building picture.”

“Good. Helm, reduce speed to 13knts, comms instruct the Affinity and the Tempest to do the same.” Said Captain Backler. From somewhere on the bridge came one or two ‘Aye sirs’ as the formation of ships reduced their speed. The ships were already quite far apart but within visual range of one another. Captain Backler looked to starboard as he watched the King Arthur (KA) of the HMS Tempest start her rotor blades in preparation for take off.

Captain Backler was a true veteran and was probably more deserving of a command of a larger ship or naval base than a destroyer. He had been present as a First Officer aboard the old Faye Class light carrier HMS Odyssey at First and Second Battle of Otium Aqua before being reassigned to be First Officer of the HMS Terror, an old Germanic Class Command Battleship and fought in the Second Hanover War before finally being given command of the HMS Ascendant. With this ship had had never left Greater Dienstad but had fought around Holy Panooly on anti-piracy raids, and Liberated America. There were many who had been under his command who thought that Captain was almost an insult and he deserved a higher rank than that… such was life. The New Empire campaign was just another war to him. Another war just like the last he had fought in, despite this one having potential implications for the entire region.

“Captain, sonar contact, Green 1-5-2, sonar contact Green 1-5-2.” Came a call from the USO. The call itself sent the command room into a hive of activity and the message was quickly relayed to the other two ships, which already knew through the navy’s FORCEnet data sharing system. But a verbal confirmation to the other two vessels was also reassuring and professional.

“Can you confirm contact? Not a whale or shoal?” The captain asked leaning behind the USO and his terminal.

“No whale song and not a shoal, target his steady and slow. Still faint however but I definitely saw it.”

“Acoustics?”

“Minimal, I can not tell.”

“Comms get in contact with ‘Mother’, I want assurances this thing isn’t friendly.”


HMS Courageous – Task Force Alpha – International Waters


HMS Courageous was a Sanctus Mare Class super carrier of the Royal Navy and was the task force’s flagship while sailing north of Dukopolious towards New Empire. They were also working close with naval and air elements of Morrdh, it was now that the extent of their relationship would be tested.

“Admiral, priority one message from the Ascendant.” A baby officer said, barely out of naval academy addressing a man who commanded the upmost respect, with a rushed and almost disrespectful manner. “Admiral Gregory….”

The man stood tall on the bridge of his carrier and turned with a disapproving look on his face at the ill disciplined officer. He was advancing well into his sixties and he used this to further command respect. He was strict and kept his ship in a fine and disciplined state, he would not allow chaos to reign in any way shape or form.

“Control yourself Second Lieutenant. You are an officer in His Majesty’s Navy, if you come across as panicked to this ship’s crew you will cause rippled in a still pond of perfect that is my ship’s company. The last I want is you making waves and disrupting the harmony of this ship; the men and women of this ship will look to you for guidance and orders. The last thing they want to see is a panicking officer… what is it you want?”

“Forgive me sir. HMS Ascendant require immediate data on the locations of submarines either belonging to us or Morrdh.”

The Admiral laughed loud and heartily, something he did not do very often at all. The people on the bridge smiled too, noting the apparent good mood Admiral Gregory was in and relaxed a little in aftermath of the telling off the young officer had earned.

“Has Captain Backler forgotten our submarine secrecy policy? Heck I know more about the positions of our enemy’s submarines than I do my own. The Stevidian Submarine Force works alone pretty much… ah… no. No reports from Morrdh about allied submarine activity in that area.” Admiral Gregory spieled off from memory. “Why?”

“Captain Backler is seeking to engage possible enemy submarine.”

“Granted, so long as he can perceive it to be a threat to us.”


HMS Ascendant

The command room on board the guided missile destroyer waited in much tension for the call to come through from the flagship of the fleet confirming that there were no friendlies in the these waters. It was silent, other than the occasional beep from a console or the constant hum from the ship’s engines.
Five tense minutes passed before the confirmation came that they were free to engage.

“Mother confirms no friendlies. We are clear to engage. ‘Dukopolious has given no word of retreat from New Empire. No friendlies in your zone. Free engagement authorised.’ Exact words sir.”

The Captain smiled after mulling to himself to situation and its parameters. The Affinity and Tempest had launched their ASW King Arthur helicopters in response to the radar signal. “Report on contact?”

“Still very faint, however it is in shallower waters and is near stationary, it may have come about or changed course. But picture is far from clear. I still can not confirm that it is even a hostile submarine… but I know it’s not marine life.” The USO said, tension clear in his voice.

“I’m not one to chase ghosts, if we bomb it and it goes then it matters not what it was… only that it’s gone afterwards.”

“If it is hostile then she is at torpedo depth sure and would be in visual range if on the surface.” The First Officer advised the Captain. Every bit of tactical could prove crucial in any decision. But the Captain had already made up his mind.

“If we can see them, they can see us… and shoot at us.” Captain Backler said now straightening up. “Inform the KAs to engage. The Tempest’s and Affinity’s set their Sting Ray torpedoes to proximity and our own helo’s to contact.”

The bridge became the hive it was only ten minutes ago as all prepared for combat and the inevitable call to Action Stations.

“Condition Red, all hands to action stations. Take evasive action.” Captain Backler said calmly.

“Coming to new heading 231, sir.” Said the helmsman in an equally cold and monotone voice.

The command room became bathed in blood red lighting and the futuristic klaxon sounded with equally modern flashing red lights. On the radar screens showed three blips that were identified as the Stevidian helicopters, a green circle showed the area of probability of the sonar contact to be placed.

The three helicopters circled like vultures over the combat zone, one was pumping out ECM jamming waves to prevent any submarine launched anti-air or ship missiles while the other two prepared to drop sonar buoys into the sea for a final time. The third helo dropped its last sonar buoy minutes later and the whole region of water became a noisy place of turbulent sound waves. The underwater picture became clearer but the acoustic tiles on the submarine absorbed most of the noise, but even the most technologically advanced tiling would not shield the submarine from the onslaught of sonar pulses. It was then the helicopters dropped their payload of torpedoes and headed back to their respective mother ships. Then minutes later, four massive plumes of water erupted from under the surface, included in this was a mix of flames and debris and the contact was indeed a submarine, and was obliterated by the torpedoes.

* * *

There were contacts like these all over the sea for the first two or three days. Dukopolious was standing by a cease-fire call, a call only Morrdh had recognised. Already the Royal Navy had started to seize the advantage and take the fight to Dukopolious. Several echelons had engaged lone frigates and cruisers of Dukopolious and reported no damage or just slight. It wouldn’t take long however before the Dukes started retaliating with force against the Royal Navy. However it was not just military assets that the navy was targeting.

Being a protectorate of Lyras meant that Dukopolious was essentially one in the same with Lyras. This would include oil and supplies being transported to and from the countries. However, the Dukes had relied on their own natural resources before joining Lyras as a protectorate, and it was these resources that Stevid now started to target. Carrier strikes on oilrigs occurred over night at several locations and the rules of engagement did not recognise the oilrigs as civilians, because Duke didn’t have civilians, just soldiers, so it claimed. The Holy Empire used this to its advantage and launched a massive surprise carrier assault on Duke’s oilrigs and off/on shore oil and gas processing facilities. Even though it was a military nation, oilrigs were still an industrial piece of kit and couldn’t be over cluttered with military weaponry. Few losses were sustained on the attacks against the rigs, and those rigs that were overly defended just made bigger bangs when the long-range heavy missiles struck the rigs.

The oil facilities were more protected however and provided a more difficult challenge. In total eight facilities were targeted, four on the north coast and four on the south from the two respective task forces of the Royal Navy. The AA flak was formidable but inaccurate, however the missile emplacements took its toll after the second wave of attacks once surprise had been lost. While not enough aircraft were lost to make the raids untenable, enough were being lost per hour in order for a more direct naval approach to be made. Two attack submarines had spent three days at a snails pace encroaching on the Duke coastline and oil facilities in order to launch their cruise missiles on to the oil storage facilities further inland but also against military AA missile and cannon batteries to relieve the pressure on the Fleet Air Arm.

As dusk passed and night enveloped the eastern continent of Greater Dienstad, Dukopolious burned. The refineries and oilrigs at specific locations would act as literal homing beacons for days as the fires would burn themselves out. Of course not all of Duke’s oil facilities at been targeted, not even 20%. But the biggest ones had been selected, though this had meant tougher defences; and where the oilrigs were lightly defended, the coastal oil facilities were more beefed up. Stevidian air losses were barely totallerable at 20-30 aircraft, just shy of half a carrier wing. This was down in no small part to the surprise attack being made at dusk and into the night. But another raid would have higher casualties. So as dawn approached, the raid was called off. Duke air reinforcements had arrived in the night but dog fighting was difficult and perilous over the firestorms of the oil facilities. The Duke navy had arrived as well to protect the oil fields at sea and forced the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm to retreat towards the friendly screens of destroyers, frigates and submarines many miles away.

It was an opening, and a grand one. An opening that would make headlines across Greater Dienstad, but especially in Dukopolious that now knew the price it would pay for ignoring the single sentence ultimatum the Holy Empire had issued all those weeks ago…

Code: Select all

Stratocratic Monarchy of Dukopolious, cease your attack on New Empire. Failure to do so will result in the Holy Empire's retribution.

The threat had stood for weeks and it still did so. Now it was being followed through.

[Morrdh]

Tobruk Line, New Empire

As the Morridane line of defences took shape and started becoming more permanent features in the landscape and the deadline for the withdrawal of Dukopina crept closer the Morridane troops found creative means to amuse and make a nuisance of themselves. Under strict orders not to engage Dukopian troops the Morridane very quickly came up with a number of ideas to be as disruptive as possible to their Dukopian opposites. The first involved firing mortar smoke bombs towards Dukopian positions, whilst completely harmless and not inflicting any damage it would certainly cause fright. There was some pre-warning in the shape of a shouted cry from the Morridane lines. "Oi Duckie! Smoke's up!"

Next was the playing of bagpipe music starting soon as the sun went down and lasting all night until dawn finally came. It involved speakers directed at Dukopian lines with the volume cranked up high as well as flooding as many radio channels as possible with the noise, going on and on night after night. During the day there was some relief as the Morridane soldiers bizarrely went out into No Man's Land to play cricket, mostly using improvised equipment for the stumps and bat with a deactivated hand grenade standing in for a ball.

The impression it gave the Dukopians must've been that the Morridanes were completely and utterly mad.