Sri-AMEN war (VAPOR ONLY)

[Pavlostani]

Togia, Khamul, June 15th, 1903

Field Marshal Hong Pan stood at attention solemnly. The Socialist State of Khamul was all quiet that day. For months, hostilities in the Vitus Ocean between Khamul and Sri Tschow had escalated. Now, Pavel VIII was at work with the Khamul Congress. Pan shifted uneasily. Something was going to happen that day. He could feel it.

Pavlostan, Khamul

"No dammit! I will not deploy gas immediately!" Pavel thundered at Congressman Kostya. "My apologies, Pavel." Kostya blustered. "'It's just that if we're going to use military force, we might as well use overwhelming military force. We have plenty of chlorine gas, leftovers from Brandburg." He said. "If war happens and escalates, then yes, I will gas the shit out of their islands." Pavel snarled. "But this is about war. It's time we got to the point, Congress. What shall we do?" He asked. "Let's have a vote. All in favor of war?" Four out of ten Congressmen rose their hands. "Those not in favor?" The other six Congressmen rose their hands. "I say we do it." Pavel said. And like that, the votes of Congress ceased to matter.

June 15th, 1903
I, Pavel VIII hereby declare the Socialist State of Khamul to be in a state of war against the State of Sri Tschow. We today will avenge those who died in the undeclared war that has raged throughout the Vitus. The monsters of Sri Tschow shall not go unpunished for their aggression against our people. We shall teach the Tschowan people that they DO NOT RULE THE SEAS. This declaration is signed by Pavel and the Khamulite Congress.

"Well, that's very nice." Kostya said dryly. "Watch your tongue Kostya, or you go to New Brandburg." Pavel threatened. The Congressman's face paled. "My apologies, Dictator." He bowed his head respectfully. "Now, let's give this speech and send telegrams to AMEN and Sri Tschow." Pavel said.

To nations of AMEN: Today, I, Pavel VIII hereby declare war upon Sri Tschow. I respectfully request your assistance in this war.

The Sri-AMEN war had begun.

[Sri Tschow]

The Royal Palace, Ban Phai
June 16th, 1903

King Amano stared at the telegram. What problems had he inherited from the previous Ming government? If it was war they want, then it will be war they get. Amano rose out of his throne, and walked forward down the velvet draped steps. He turned to the prime minister, who was talking to a military commander, and spoke:

"Prime Minister Kanno, ready the troops. It's war."

[OOC: Sorry for the lousy post quality, on my iPod right now.]

[The Holy Dominion of Inesea]

Nahuatl, Inesea
June 16th, 1903

High Aristocra Formbi had just finished reading the Khamulian/ite/ese telegram to the assembled People's Council. The room was quiet. Than one Councilman, from a border near Khamul shouted, "Serves them right for their death camps!" Then another, a Councilwomen from Northern Nahuatl said," They are our allies and neighbors! Do we want the Sri navy in the Bay of Grozny, do we want the Sri army breathing down are necks?" To which the Councilman replied, "And what of Cyprum Xecuii? They despise Khamul. They will most certainly ally with Sri. The Xecuii can afford to send millions of men to a trivial country in which they had no affair. Imagine what they would do in a dedicated war!" and so on and so forth it went for 20 minutes. Until Formbi spoke.

"Councilmen Councilmen, calm yourselves. We will call an AMEN Council, here in Nuhuatl, to debate how AMEN, not just Inesea, will react.

TO AMEN NATIONS
FROM The Former Aristocratic States of Inesea

We are calling an AMEN Council in our Capital in for June 21st to discuss the declaration of war by Khamul on Sri. Please send Representatives"

[Pavlostani]

Pavlostan, Khamul, June 16th 1903

"Get Helgraf. Send him to Nahuatl." Pavel ordered. "Yes sir." His aide, Gordisimo Milanvanzi said. Pavel turned to reading over a sheet of paper from 1890. "Is that the Brandburg Account?" Milanvanzi asked. "Yes." Pavel said. "For years, I've wanted to make things better. I've discovered fine print which may do so." He left his friend hanging.

Togia Harbor, Khamul

The 3rd Home Defense Fleet was mobilized. Sixty-four warships spread across the Khamulite coast. Meanwhile, the 5th Rapid Action Fleet was also mobilized, adding an extra sixty four. "Men, we're expecting a Tschowan attack at any moment. Be ready for anything." Vice Admiral Zhanov addressed his fleet.

[Sri Tschow]

Ban Phai, Sri Tschow
Throne Room, Royal Palace
20 July, 1903

King Amano rose out of his throne, before the Ministry, who were assembled on either flank of the throne room. He paced in the space of middle:

"Gentlemen, this war is not about politics or economy. This war is about lives. Every day, Khamulite soldiers kill innocent people, in the most barbaric ways! We cannot afford to make peace with these uncivilized BRUTES! We must mobilize our navy, air forces, and marines. We must defend the freedom of our people, and the freedom of others. It would be remiss, if not irresponsible, to do otherwise!"

The ministers mumbled among themselves, until Minister of Foreign Affairs Mutsu Fujikawa spoke up.

"But what about A.M.E.N.? Khamul pulled them into this war, and they would do well to honor their agreement? Surely we cannot risk war with Inesea?"

"Minister Fujikawa, Inesea will not be a problem. They dislike the Khamulite as much as we do, and they shouldn't do much to fight alongside the Khamulite. I believe they will provide them with aid, no more."

The Ministry talked again, in hushed tones. Finally, one by one, they fell silent.

"So we are all in agreement? We shall wage war against the people of Khamul?"

The ministers nodded.

Sri Tschow
21 July, 1903

The streets were crowded with people rushing to the recruiting office, and the docks were packed with ships, all headed for the same destination:
Khamul.

[Pavlostani]

KWS Liberty, Khamul-Vitus border.
July 22, 1903

"Admiral, scouts report Tschowan ships inbound!" Lieutenant Stenco told Vice Admiral Zhanov. "Arm the guns!" He roared to the ship. Airships began deploying overhead. "Send word to AMEN. Khamul is about to fall under attack." He ordered. He massaged his forehead. "We've done everything we can to prepare for this attack. Are the mines in position?" He asked Stenco. "We got seventy-five percent of the minefield operational. Sorry." He said. "Don't be, that exceeded our expectations by a good twenty-five percent." He said. "The fleets are stocked on arms." Stenco said. "We have supporting artillery from the coast, but it's not accurate enough to be truly effective." he sighed. "Maybe we'll get lucky." Zhanov said. The two friends stepped outside. "Men! Today is the day of days. A Tschowan Fleet is approaching, with the intent to destroy Khamul. They will run off with your wives and children! Today, you are the saviors of Khamul. Are you with me, Men of the East!?" He cried. The sailors all cried "Hell yeah!" In unison.

Smerxi

"Vigilance, men." General Forun told his troops. "If we're fighting Gratia, then why are we sitting here on the Eastern border?" Complained a soldier. "Cyprumese and Tschowan leaders are best buddies. We're just here to make sure the Xecuiins don't try anything." Forun said.

[Mishmahig]

Tagging here to replace with a detailed post--sorry, feeling under the weather, but didn't want to forget about this thread.

Also, Inesea, could you just RP the beginning of the AMEN conference, so we can skip the usual "diplomat so-and-so arrives"? Or I could just repost my thing from the Cygnar diplomatic opening...

[Cyprum Xecuii]

Disregard this.

[The Holy Dominion of Inesea]

Nahuatl, Inesea
July 20th, 1903
Council Chamber A-2, Provisional AMEN Council Cambers

Besides High Aristocra Formbi himself, Aristocra Hark was the sole living recipient of the Aristocra title. It marked him as a leader of the revolution. The rest of the people whom lead this nation were given the title Councilman/woman. To have that name was an honor, but to be an Aristocra was the greatest honor there was. But that was idle thought, as the representatives from the remaining AMEN nations took their seats. There were only three of them, including himself. Miteria had collapsed, and Rosswood was in civil unrest. Only Inesea, Mishmahig, and Khamul were left.

Swiveling his chair to face the delegations, he banged his gavel. "On July 20th, in the year 1903, I call this session of the Amen Council to order. Today, we are to discuss the intervention of AMEN into the Khamulese-Sri War. The Delegation from Khamul may start."

[Pavlostani]

Nahuatl, July 20th

"For the past two years, ever since Cygnar came out of isolation, the Socialist Kingdom of Sri Tschow and the Socialist State of Khamul have seen increasing hostility. Skirmishes were daily in the Vitus Ocean, some reaching as far as Hastati Bay. Most recently, a Khamulite transport ship, the Edyre-Tyre was raided and destroyed by a Tschowan patrol ship. The Edyre-Tyre carried unarmed traders, which were en route to the Mishmahigan Dominion. After his travesty, Pavel VIII declared war on Sri Tschow." Minister Helgraf said informed the members of AMEN.

[Mishmahig]

July 20th, 1903
Provisional AMEN Council room
Nahuatl, Aristocratic States of Inesea

Ambassador Johann Marino was no callow youth, despite his age and appearance. Once of the last of Ambassador Baumann's proteges and aides, he had negotiated numerous agreements with the natives of Promethia, pinned Cygnarian diplomats to favorable terms in economic treaties, and had held a seat on the Committee for Consultation, in charge of editing the founding documents of Mishmahig, when necessary. He had not won these honors by pure luck, but nor through his diplomatic acumen alone---instead, he had managed to rise to the top through sheer political cunning, and being in the right place at the right time. Switching from the Mezians to the Progressives, he timed his betrayal just as the winds of fortune swept Barrus into office, ensuring him a position high in the offices of the new administration. Inside sources tipped him as the next Minister of Foreign Relations, and few doubted he would be just as successful at that task.

However, before Marino could take his place in the Temple of Unity, he needed to reinforce his credentials, enough to re-assure the Hawks in the House of Penitants of his dedication to Mishmahig. Enrolling once more in the Evenstead University, this time to receive a theological decree and license, he had also taken a harder line on multiple issues facing Mishmahig; namely the Amplectorian and Zhaoian threats. It was for that last that he was here---the emergency council of AMEN required the presence of an ambassador and a sub-Minister of the Armed Forces, to offer political and military advice to AMEN overall.

Unfortunately, Marino had drawn the short straw in this case, for the powers-that-be had ordered sub-Minister Antonio Schafer to accompany him to the Council. He had perused Schafer's documentation and personnel files on the train, and what he had seen was not impressive. A notorious glutton and drunk, Schafer paid lip service to the tenets of the Mishmahigian Church, confident in his family fortune and prestige to protect him. A slacker, he had only advanced so far in the government because it would an embarrassment to his family were he to be anything lesser. Clearly, the powers-that-be only wanted to be rid of him, to the point of shoving him all the way to Inesea, in the hopes that someone would take him off their hands.

All this and more went through Johann Marino's mind as he listened impassively to the Khamulese representative, but his years of diplomatic training held him in good stead, and not a flicker showed on his face. Leaning forward in his seat, he tapped his gavel, a smaller and lighter version of Representative Hark's, on the desk, signalling his desire to speak. Pausing a few seconds to gather his thoughts, he abruptly launched into speech, his hands gesticulating to emphasize his thoughts.

"We of the Dominion of Mishmahig can verify that a state of hostilities have existed for the past two years, namely in the Vitus Ocean," he said calmly, "and we can also verify that a similar incident involving the Khamulite transport Edyre-Tyre occurred recently. The Edyre-Tyre does indeed have a history of transporting supplies and other goods to and from the Socialist State of Khamul and the Dominion of Mishmahig. Given the past history of the ship in question, and the lack of information regarding alternative possibilities for the cargo, it is most likely that Representative Helgraf is correct, and that the ship was an unarmed trader."

"Normally," he continued, his voice becoming slightly more energetic, "the Dominion of Mishmahig would not countenance calling the entirety of the AMEN Council for such a matter, but these are extenuating circumstances. The Socialist Kingdom of Sri Tschow has, as Representative Helgraf also mentioned, a history of harassing Khamulite shipping in the Vitus Ocean, without justifying their motives, or deigning to explain to us why they feel it is necessary to bully innocent merchantmen for years. As such, the Archpriest feels as if no possible explanation exists, or that if one does, that Sri Tschow will be forthcoming about it. As a result, the Archpriest has authorized me to say that, due to the past history of Sri Tschow's aggressive actions, as well as their inability or unwillingness to explain themselves, the Dominion of Mishmahig stands fully behind the declared intentions of the Socialist State of Khamul."

[Pavlostani]

Nahuatl, July 20th, 1903

"And I have a special agreement if you stand with our people in this fight. Pavel has yearned for reform for years. If you ally with us, we will liberate the Brandburg Camps, make Khamul a democratic state, and we will reject the callous teachings of Khamul the Great, and recreate our nation as the People's Democratic Republic of the Pavlostani Tribes." Helgraf added. "This shall be accomplished at the end of the war. I understand that the nations of AMEN have long disapproved of our genocidal actions. Brandburg shall become a museum, to remind the future of these terrible atrocities against human rights. Everybody who died in this holocaust shall have their names engraved into the walls." He said. "The world deserves to know exactly what happened there. We can change this now. The Khamul Congress is opposed to liberating the camps, but in times of war, Pavel can use anything as leverage." Helgraf sat back down.

[Mishmahig]

Nahuatl, July 20th, 1903

"And I have a special agreement if you stand with our people in this fight. Pavel has yearned for reform for years. If you ally with us, we will liberate the Brandburg Camps, make Khamul a democratic state, and we will reject the callous teachings of Khamul the Great, and recreate our nation as the People's Democratic Republic of the Pavlostani Tribes." Helgraf added. "This shall be accomplished at the end of the war. I understand that the nations of AMEN have long disapproved of our genocidal actions. Brandburg shall become a museum, to remind the future of these terrible atrocities against human rights. Everybody who died in this holocaust shall have their names engraved into the walls." He said. "The world deserves to know exactly what happened there. We can change this now. The Khamul Congress is opposed to liberating the camps, but in times of war, Pavel can use anything as leverage." Helgraf sat back down.

July 20th, 1903
Provisional AMEN Council room
Nahuatl, Aristocratic States of Inesea

Before Helgraf had even sat dawn, Marino had shot out of his seat, nearly spilling the glass of water on the desk. "Representative Helgraf, the Dominion of Mishmahig has no knowledge of these 'camps,' nor the 'genocidal actions' you say we disapprove of. I would like to remind you that, should such an unfortunate thing happen in your noble state, the Dominion of Mishmahig would have no choice but to condemn your actions, and withdraw from any treaties with your state. I trust, of course, that you misspoke, or were stating a hypothetical, Representative?"

"In any case," he said, turning to the Inesean Representative, "the beliefs and actions of the Socialist State of Khamul are not on trial here; instead, we are deliberating whether or not the actions of the Socialist Kingdom of Sri Tschow warrants intervention by AMEN. Mishmahig has given their answer, sir, and so I ask you for your country's decision."

[The Holy Dominion of Inesea]

uly 20th, 1903
Provisional AMEN Council room
Nahuatl, Former Aristocratic States of Inesea

"Now now Marino, your intelligence Agencies surely have made you aware of these camps. I mean, Gratia Infinita and the SSK fought a war over them. And besides, haven't you read the Xian-Huan Report? I am surprised you haven't. it was a legal analysis performed by the IIS(Inesean Intelligence Service) Legal branch. It stated that the, what was the term....? Ah yes, Compulsory Ethnic Labor Camps were indeed legal by Khamulite Law and since the AMEN treaty has no definition of what a Citizen is, if Khamul wished to classify them as sub-citizen, It was in his right. But we are not here to discuss matters of those affairs. I am afraid that Sri Tschow and Inesea have amiable relations as of now, with vacations to Ban Phai becoming increasingly popular. And, Cyprum Xecuii has a strong relation with the Sri as well. Which brings us back around. If we can prove to the world that Sri is the aggressor, than an embargo of the Home Islands should be put in effect. Now, as for the actual fighting, Sri has a minute population. the war wouldn't last long probably." said Hark.

[Mishmahig]

uly 20th, 1903
Provisional AMEN Council room
Nahuatl, Former Aristocratic States of Inesea

"Now now Marino, your intelligence Agencies surely have made you aware of these camps. I mean, Gratia Infinita and the SSK fought a war over them. And besides, haven't you read the Xian-Huan Report? I am surprised you haven't. it was a legal analysis performed by the IIS(Inesean Intelligence Service) Legal branch. It stated that the, what was the term....? Ah yes, Compulsory Ethnic Labor Camps were indeed legal by Khamulite Law and since the AMEN treaty has no definition of what a Citizen is, if Khamul wished to classify them as sub-citizen, It was in his right. But we are not here to discuss matters of those affairs. I am afraid that Sri Tschow and Inesea have amiable relations as of now, with vacations to Ban Phai becoming increasingly popular. And, Cyprum Xecuii has a strong relation with the Sri as well. Which brings us back around. If we can prove to the world that Sri is the aggressor, than an embargo of the Home Islands should be put in effect. Now, as for the actual fighting, Sri has a minute population. the war wouldn't last long probably." said Hark.

July 20th, 1903
Provisional AMEN Council room
Nahuatl, Aristocratic States of Inesea

"We are aware of the Compulsory Ethnic Labor Camps, as detailed in the Xian-Huan Report, Representative Hark," Marino said, nodding at the Inesean. "However, the Labor Camps, while distasteful, are nothing more than labor camps. My reaction was in response to Representative Helgraf's comments about hypothetical genocidal activity taking place within the Socialist State of Khamul, and how the Dominion of Mishmahig would have to react if such unfortunate hypotheticals turned out to be true."

"Still, you are correct," he continued, "we must focus on the matter at hand. It is clear to the Dominion of Mishmahig that the Socialist Kingdom of Sri Tschow is the aggressor in this case, and that their actions have killed innocent people, as well as disrupting the flow of economic goods between the Socialist State of Khamul and the Dominion of Mishmahig. As such, I would like to request an embargo slash blockade at least, with a recommendation for actual military intervention, should Sri Tschow continue their aggressive ways."

[Pavlostani]

Nahuatl, July 20th, 1903

Helgraf's eyes widened when he heard the Mishmahigan speak. He nodded thankfully to Hark. "Thank you. I'm afraid Pavel's secretary is incompetent. I thought we had decided to add it to an AMEN report. Clearly, we must raise our standards. But back to the issue, we are planning to liberate the camps, and have been trying for some time. Already, we have managed to increase the quality of life, and remove most of the forms of execution, but the Congress is adamant. They will face arrest at the end of the war for violation of human rights. Also, in 1900, Pavel VII feigned his death so his son could take rule. He is still alive. He will also face arrest for crimes against humanity. Their ultimate fate shall be decided by the prisoners. I apologize for any action that has occurred in the camps, and would condemn our nation as well if I were you, but Sri Tschow's overaggression has gone unchecked and threatens the safety of AMEN. Shipping in the region has ground to a halt, and economies will start to fail. It is regretful to have a genocidal nation in an alliance, but even more so to have a failed state which was cleaning up its act in an alliance. We will submit to any terms of yours regarding the prisons after the war, PROVIDED that they are liberated and the camps are made museums to remind the world of our terrible mistakes so such a horrible tragedy never happens again." Helgraf said. As he spoke, a tear rolled down his face, as he thought of the camps.

[Cyprum Xecuii]

Sri Tschow, undisclosed coastal location.
July 27th, 1903

Two Xecuiian infantrymen watch as freight carriers and barges arrive from their homeland. One particular ship docks itself to the left of the boardwalk that the two soldiers happened to be standing on. They look at the vessel with a sort of stoic indifference so common in soldiers who have seen repetitive scenery. Spying a slightly oversized door behind the catwalk on the exterior of the ship, one soldier motions to his comrade to take a glance at it. Their train of thought in staring at the door is suddenly ended as they turn their heads left to see another Xecuiian push a wheeled ramp to the point where the top of the ramp meets the catwalk gate. The soldier then walks up the ramp, opens the catwalk gate with a key and pushes it back where it won't block the door. He then knocks on the door twice and proceeds to descend the ramp. As he reaches the bottom of the ramp, the door opens from the ship and out comes even more soldiers. Like the person that brought the ramp, the soldiers that came from inside the ship also descend the ramp; however, they do so while carrying large crates and boxes. The two soldiers that stood on the boardwalk from the start could clearly see that the crates and boxes were marked 'Xecuiian Aid', an obvious sign of the directive to supply the Tschowians in their presumed defense against the AMEN alliance.

[Sri Tschow]

Vitus Ocean,
Observation Deck: RAN Forebearer of Progress
28 July, 1903

High Admiral Mochitsura Hashimoto paced along the glass paneled bridge of the airship RAN Forbearer of Progress. He was anything but at ease, as the Khamulite forces were strong compared to the Royal Liberation Army. Even with Xecuiian supply, there was but a small chance that they would ever make it out of Khamul alive. Still, Hashimoto did not let that discourage him. He would do his best for people and country, for service in the military, especially to die for one's country, was one of the highest honors a family could have. He heard a creak as the door opened behind him, and he turned around to see Captain Mitisuhirato behind him, in a stiff salute.
"At ease, Captain. What is there to report?"
"We're approaching Khamulite airspace. The HMS Yokohama was experiancing engine problems, but that's all cleared up now."
"Excellent. Prepare the Marines for a landing, and ready all weapons. Khamul is a country at war, and and so there is no such thing as civilian. If you see anything at all, you may open fire."
"Excellent, Sir."
"Will that be all, Captain?"
"Yes, Sir."
And with that Captain Mitisuhirato left the room, closing the door behind him. The High Admiral walked closer to the windows, where he could see the Khamulite airfleet in the distance, a gray monolith of turmoil in the calmness of the clouds.

[Pavlostani]

Khamulite Operation Command Center, July 28t, 1903

Field Marshal Pan's eyes widened. "Bogeys are confirmed." A soldier told him. "Welcome them." He ordered.

To Forebearer of Progress:
Turn back now. Death and sorrow awaits you in Khamul. If a civilian is harmed in our territory, we shall raze your towns and sow the ground with the salt from your blood and tears. Your airfleet shall fall to our flak cruisers and aeroflot. If you wish to see the true wrath of Khamul, then come on in.

"And, send a message to Admiral Zhanov. Flyswatter." He said.

KWS Liberty

Zhanov read the message over with a sly smile. "Ready the Flyswatters." He said, referring to the Flyswatter Class Flak Cruiser. "It's time to give the Tschowan military a bad day."

[Sri Tschow]

Vitus Ocean
Bridge: PAN Forbearer of Progress
28 July 1903


The bridge was abuzz with the shouts of the crew, as the High Admiral walked in.

"Enemy fleet sighted!"

"They're preparing to fire!"

"Incoming!!!!"

The air shook as bursts of flak opened up around the fleet, exploding into white hot balls of fire. An air-cruiser near the RAN Forbearer of Progress was hit, sending shock-waves that knocked High Admiral Mochitsura Hashimoto to the floor. The air-cruiser, christened the RAN Fujikawa, burst into flame, the membrane splitting in two and exploding in an enormous hydrogen-induced bang, sending what crew that survived the explosion plummeting into the sea below. Hashimoto got up, and spun around to face the front of the bridge.

"Helmsman, put us on full speed. We're going to blow right past these bastards!"

"Commandant, ready the Yaro, and prepare the paratroopers for assault!"

The Yaro is a radio controlled airship designed to carry Marine Assault Paratroopers. The craft flies above the enemy, releases its load of paratroopers, and then returns to safety to load another group of paratroopers. The battle group under the command of High Admiral Hashimoto carried four Yaro, and he used them sparingly under normal conditions, as they were prototypes, but this was an emergency. The four Yaro, which were sitting behind the rest of the fleet, in safety, flew up and over the airships until it reached the RAN Forbearer of Progress, and matched her speed. Two squads of twenty-four Marine Assault Paratroopers, forty-eight in total, boarded one of the Yaro, and the other six squadrons followed suit, boarding the craft in pairs of two squads. The Yaro departed from the fleet, and flew over the enemy ships. An explosion pulsated through the air, destroying one Yaro and its cargo of soldiers. An alarm sounded, and the remaining Yaro dropped their cargo, before turning around and heading back to the safety of the fleet. Flak burst in the air around the paratroopers, and one shot collided with a paratrooper's parachute, flames licking down the strings, and lighting the poor soul on fire. Unable to do anything, the paratrooper screamed in agony before being burned to death, his dead, roasted corpse falling to the ground with great speed, flames on the parachute put out by the wind. Many paratroopers would lose their lives as they attempted to board the enemy fleet.

[Pavlostani]

Vitus Ocean, Sri Tschow-Khamul Battlezone, July 28th, KWS Defiant

"Shit, we're being boarded!" Lieutenant Vasarov pointed at paratroopers. Captain Advenov's blood went cold. "This ship isn't designed to handle boarders." He whispered. "Does it have the auto-destruct sequence?" Lieutenant Tekov asked. "Yes... but I'd prefer not to use it, especially this close to allied ships." Advenov said. "Look, the flaks are doing a number on the paratroopers." Vasarov said. "They can't hit all of them." Advenov sighed. He grabbed a KBR-02. "Lieutenant Tekov, please manuever us away from allied vessels. And send a distress call." He said.

North Vitus Aerial Patrol

Captain Koshkov was lounging on the bridge, smoking an illegal Inesean cigar. Suddenly, a telegram came through.

Alert Alert This is KWS Defiant Tschowan troops are boarding repeat Tschowan troops are boarding requesting immediate assistance cannot hold them off major Tschowan task force attacking our fleet near Togia

The message looked like gibberish, but Koshkov immediately forwarded it to the Inesean commander of the task force.

Sri Tschow/Khamul Battlezone

"They're pushing past!" Lieutenant Ustinov yelled, as Tschowan airships began to move over the fleet. "Alert the ground forces to ready their anti-air weapons." Admiral Zhanov ordered. "Send a general alert to the fleet to focus fire on enemy carriers. And try to intercept enemy messages, I would like to know which one is the enemy flagship." He said. The ship rocked as weapon fire struck it. "Dammit!" Zhanov yelled. "Evasive pattern Sorros Epsilon." he ordered. "Sir, that hit knocked out our engines!" Lieutenant Lanov replied. "Would somebody actually try to win this fight?!" Zhanov growled frustratedly.

Undisclosed location

"Sergeant!" Commander Sobakov roared. Sergeant Alexandrov turned sheepishly. "Sorry sir." He stashed his bottle of vodka. "I was told you have a recent innovation." Sobakov said. "It's nothing certain sir, but I've been researching heavy airborne acceleration." He said. "Heavy what? Speak Khamulese, Sergeant." Sobakov snapped. "I've been trying to figure out how to shoot big things into the air really fast." Alexandrov simplified. "Don't we already know how to do that?" Sobakov asked. "Yes, but the terms big and fast are relative. I'm looking for a weapon that can knock an airship out of the sky." Alexandrov explained. "And do you have it?" Sobakov asked. "No, but I've made a breakthrough. I have almost doubled the mass of our regular flak shells. The acceleration has gone down slightly, but I'm looking for a way to fix that, and increase mass at the same time." Alexandrov said. Sobakov wasn't impressed.

[The Holy Dominion of Inesea]

Northern Vitus
July 28th, 1903
Bridge of I.A.W.S. United unto Dawn
NVAP Combat Exercise Red Storm Rising, Task Force Showboat

"Alright, that closes this exercise, All vessels return to Togia Airbase for refuel and rearm. We have a scheduled Combat Simulation with I.P.A.F. in 3 days. Good job and good luck. Command Out" said N.V.A./I.P.A.F. Skyy Marshall Wei over Task Force Command Channel. He yawned and stared out of the viewport at the assembled TF. There was a collection of Inesean and Khamulite airships. I.A.W.S. United unto Dawn herself was a D-29 Pyongyang Aerial Supremacy Zeppelin and probably part of the last line of Combat airship produced. In December, the I.P.A.F. was conscripting the first aircraft, heavier then air one that is. But, he knew that airships would play an integral part in combat for years to come.

Skyy Marshall Wei had been appointed command over the NVAP Task Force Showboat all the ay back to it;s inception in 1890. He had been the first Aerial Commander for the North Vitus Aerial Patrol, but was now one of the three Aerial Commanders. Still, he had seniority.

*Click* *Teletype clacking*

Alert Alert This is KWS Defiant Tschowan troops are boarding repeat Tschowan troops are boarding requesting immediate assistance cannot hold them off major Tschowan task force attacking our fleet near Togia

Wei got up and went over to the teletype, and read the message. My God, an attack he thought. Dashing out of his office, he sent out a all TF recall.

Task Force Showboat, a Mandatory Recall has been issued. Regroup at Rally Point Alpha-Delta-Charlie and prepare for Sri aggression.

[Novairia]

War Room,
Deep Haven Central Command Bunker,
Novairia,
July 28th, 1903.

"Sir, report from the Sri-Tschow Consulate; a decleration of war between the AMEN Alliance and Sri-Tschow has come into effect, open hostilities have been obsevred and confirmed. And the Xecuii have begun shipping military aid to Tschow"

Lord Chairman El'ad looked at the massive table top map of the world, as intelligence assistants moved flagged unit markers about with poles, and absorbed the information.

He knew that without Sri-Tschow holding the centre of the Vitus ocean open for them, Novairian sea trade with many nations would be strangled, or at least harrased, by the AMEN navies.

He turned to Mr.Toffster, the Minister of War, and the High Command staff.. "Prepare our forces, ready a naval task group to help defend the Tschow islands.." and as he turned back to the map, ".. send word to all the nations concerned, that the Novairian Empire will not stand idly by as a friend is threatened".

[Sri Tschow]

Vitus Ocean
Bridge: RAN Forebearer of Progress

High Admiral Hashimoto smiled. He had just read the telegram from the Khamulite forces, and was quite humored.

"How amusing. It would appear they do not want us here. Well, if they sent us a message, it would certainly be impolite to ignore them! Lieutenant, patch me through to the radio channel. We're sending them a message."

Khamulite scum. I have received your... welcome telegram. You are terribly foolish if you believe that my forces will turn back now, and know that your message has done only to boost the morale of myself and my troops. Behind that guise of ignorance, I smell fear, and it smells good. So, know this! Lay down your arms, surrender while you still can, because I am your doom.

[The Holy Dominion of Inesea]

Northern Vitus
July 28th, 1903
Bridge of I.A.W.S. United unto Dawn
Task Force Showboat

The Task Force had killed it's running lights and was fast approaching the reported combat zone. So far they had spotted nothing, when an eagle eyes aide spotted the Sri vessels. The TF went into General Quarters and prepared for battle. But before hostilities commenced, Skyy Marshall Wei sent the Sri a Radio Burst.

This is the I.A.W.S. United unto Dawn of the N.V.A.P. Task Force Showboat. You have infringed upon Khamulian Territory, turn back or die.