Branching Out (Open, MT)

[Padullahstan]

It was dark and the ship lay at anchor. It sat in a small natural harbour, waiting, not a sound could be heard. Had it been the diurnal hours, one would have seen the ship was simply a large whaling vessel, but it reasons were for other than for being in that particular part of the ocean were not whaling. In fact, though the island was actually once a whaling breeding ground, those that survived the two week slaughter of the Padullahtani whalers were long gone. Some of the islands beaches were still red with memory from it. The other ships were long gone to elsewhere, but the Hörör Şurgiz remained behind.

Pomencels, as the island had been on the charts, was a small volcanic seamount with a tropical climate. Most of it was covered in think vegetation with some plains on the northern side of the island, on the slopes of the lone extinct volcano that dominated the island. Its inhabitants were uneducated, bellicose, stone-age barbarians. Two weeks of surveillance had shown nothing other than that. They would submit to Padullification or perish. The plan was simple enough, the higher ups had decided it was high time for the creation of a naval base and whaling station. It would be much simpler than returning all the way back to Möçur everytime their stocks had been filled
The Hörör Şurgiz had been equipped with some of the latest military equipment for this particular task along with teams of special forces operatives.

Colonel Tegiz Ghora stood on deck looking towards the shore, there was no moon. If he had beeen a more religious man, he would have said that it was a sign from the Moon God, the guardian of Padullahstan. He could see the small rafts of different teams headed towards Pomencels to capture the village chieftains. Soon more ships and building crew would arrive on scene, simple.

Padullahstan annexes Tropical island

Natives riled up by Uykesht's decision.


Uykesht - The Padullahstani Goverment announced today that it had annexed the small tropical island of Pomencels and renamed it Voröshdenzya. It has been discovered that there are native peoples who inhabit Voröshdenzya, and so far the annexation is not beng looked on as favourable by them. Plans for the islands are to set up a settlement, whaling stations and a naval base later this year. Reactions of the international community are unknown at this time.

[Tolvan]

HMS Johnstown
Off Pomencels

The lone Town class frigate had been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the area when word of the Padullahstani annexation of the Pomencels had reached Brayton. While the tiny island was of interest to the Commonwealth the fact that a foreign power was annexing a small island so close the Commonweath's considerable holdings in the South Pacific was troubling. As a result the Admiralty ordered the Johnstown to the area to monitor the invasion and report on any potential threats to Tolvanic interests.

Hular Naval Base
Tolvanic Togora

Hular was the Royal Navy's largest base in the Pacific home to the bulk of the Pacific Fleet. While the only forces actually deployed off Pomencels was the frigate Johnstown,a small task force, built around the carrier HMS King Robert, was assembling to be used to counter the Padullahstani expansion into the region.

[Noordeinde]

The Office of the President
The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

To: The Padullahstan Government
Subject: Annexation.

Sir, Madam,

Althoug relations between our countries haven't been very good in the past we would like to congratulate Padullahstan with the annexation of this little tropical island. And the discovery of a so far unknown native population. We hope you will treat them right and with honor and dignity although they do not like your precense so far.

Further we only have one problem as you might know. Noordeinde has a stance against whaling. Therefore we strongly urge Padullahstan to only build a Naval Station, which wouldn't be a problem with us, and not a complete whaling industry. This in the best interest of the envirement but also in the best interest of the native inhabitants of Voröshdenzya which culture isn't to whale.

So please do not expand your whaling industry, as has been said before their are many other solutions to solve poverty.

Sincerely Yours,
Jonathan Roosevelt
President
The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

[Padullahstan]

The Office of the President
The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

To: The Padullahstan Government
Subject: Annexation.

Sir, Madam,

Althoug relations between our countries haven't been very good in the past we would like to congratulate Padullahstan with the annexation of this little tropical island. And the discovery of a so far unknown native population. We hope you will treat them right and with honor and dignity although they do not like your precense so far.

Further we only have one problem as you might know. Noordeinde has a stance against whaling. Therefore we strongly urge Padullahstan to only build a Naval Station, which wouldn't be a problem with us, and not a complete whaling industry. This in the best interest of the envirement but also in the best interest of the native inhabitants of Voröshdenzya which culture isn't to whale.

So please do not expand your whaling industry, as has been said before their are many other solutions to solve poverty.

Sincerely Yours,
Jonathan Roosevelt
President
The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde

Official Diplomatic Telegram

To: The Grand Duchy of Noordeinde
From: The Padullahstani Republic

We thank the Grand Duchy for their support, and for the advice. We will not be hunting any more in Voröshdenzya's waters, it would be pointless. Its whale population has already been killed off by our ships, however a whaling station will still be established.

Erkan Uzanlar
President of the Padullahstani Republic

----
PRS Üzel Elna
Off Voröshdenzya

The natives had been underestimated. Out of all the tribes located on the island, only a single village had welcomed the Padullahstani soldiers. 2 had died so far in trying to quell the others, and for those two they would pay dearly. A camp had been set up in the island's bay, where the future site of the town and base would be, as soon as the construction supplies arrived from Möçur. There the operations were being planned as well as the site where the native chiefs and other upstarts were being held.

Other news had reached the ship though, a lone frigate was off the coast of the north side of the island. A foreign vessel, obviously but so far no attempt to contact had come from it. The frigate had simply arrived and done nothing. Waiting for something? Was it friendly? The Padullahstani made the first attempt at contact.

In English they radioed the other vessel.

"This is the PNS Üzel Elna, this is an unauthorised area. Please identify yourself."

[Tiesabre]

To: The Padullahstani Republic
From: Miss. Vivian Smith, Foreign Affairs-in-Chief

We the people of Tiesabre understand your annexation and give full-faith and credit behind your claim of the small island. Tiesabre, being a nation of islands ourselves, understand your need to bring the islands together.

We would like to mention, however, that a certain amount of respect should be given to the worries of the native tribes of the land. It is so easy for a large nation to claim an area of land without thinking much about the feelings of the local natives. When Tiesabre built our naval base in the North Islands of Olin, we conferred with the local Eskimo people as to not bring harm to the their way of live. The same went for the people of the numerous other smaller islands that make up our great nation. If you would have us, we would be glad to assist in any negotiations with the native people of the lands. We understand your need to expand your borders, but we felt for these people.

Miss. Vivian Smith
Tiesabre Foreign Affairs-in-Chief

[Padullahstan]

To: The Padullahstani Republic
From: Miss. Vivian Smith, Foreign Affairs-in-Chief

We the people of Tiesabre understand your annexation and give full-faith and credit behind your claim of the small island. Tiesabre, being a nation of islands ourselves, understand your need to bring the islands together.

We would like to mention, however, that a certain amount of respect should be given to the worries of the native tribes of the land. It is so easy for a large nation to claim an area of land without thinking much about the feelings of the local natives. When Tiesabre built our naval base in the North Islands of Olin, we conferred with the local Eskimo people as to not bring harm to the their way of live. The same went for the people of the numerous other smaller islands that make up our great nation. If you would have us, we would be glad to assist in any negotiations with the native people of the lands. We understand your need to expand your borders, but we felt for these people.

Miss. Vivian Smith
Tiesabre Foreign Affairs-in-Chief

Official Diplomatic Telegram

To: Tiesabre Foreign Ministry
From: Padullahstani Foreign Ministry

Thank you for the support of our annexation of Voröshdenzya, however I feel that if what we were doing were left up to the natives, we would never have a base. The acquisition of an island, such as Voröshdenzya, is critical for conducting our marine business. The idea of a reserve area for them is currently under consideration.

Redavi Deshaiy
Foreign Ministry

[Tolvan]

HMS Johnstown
Off Pomencels

"Reckon those blokes are talking to us Skipper?"

Commander Arthur Black, captain of the Johnstown, cracked a thin smile at his XO's question. "More than likely Mr. Childs, our plot shows us as the only ship within 100 miles of the island proper. I guess we should answer the fellow."

Black lifted the mic from its stand and thumbed the power switch. "PNS Üzel Elna, Johnstown Actual - I am a frigate of the Royal Tolvanic Navy on patrol in the area. We do not recoginize your claims in this region and thus will not have our operational posture dictated to us. Any attempt to interfere in the preformance of our duties will be dealt with accordingly. Over."

Hular Naval Base
Tolvanic Togora

The fifteen ships of Task Force 33.2, fifteen ships built around the carrier HMS King Robert and the amphibous assault ship HMS Zephyr, had put to sea shortly after dawn. The force was ordered to make for Pomencels and assume a patrol position fifty nautical miles from the island. With any luck the Padullahstani would get the message that the Commonwealth took a keen interest in their expansion into the South Pacific.

[Padullahstan]

HMS Johnstown
Off Pomencels

"Reckon those blokes are talking to us Skipper?"

Commander Arthur Black, captain of the Johnstown, cracked a thin smile at his XO's question. "More than likely Mr. Childs, our plot shows us as the only ship within 100 miles of the island proper. I guess we should answer the fellow."

Black lifted the mic from its stand and thumbed the power switch. "PNS Üzel Elna, Johnstown Actual - I am a frigate of the Royal Tolvanic Navy on patrol in the area. We do not recoginize your claims in this region and thus will not have our operational posture dictated to us. Any attempt to interfere in the preformance of our duties will be dealt with accordingly. Over."

PRS Üzel Elna
Off Voröshdenzya

The Padullahstani response was swift. "We will not interfere with your patrol. However, we must insist you remain at a minimum distance of 50km away from Voröshdenzya at all times. Nounauthorised intrusions will be permitted. Over."

[Chazicaria]

To:The Padullahstani Republic
From: Emperor Chaz

My country would love to open its ports to your whaling industry to bring wealth to both of our nations.

[Tolvan]

HMS King Robert
Task Force 33.2
200 nautical miles from Pomencels

"Admiral, you asked to be notified when we were within 200 miles of Pomencels."

Rear Admiral Sir Peter Green looked up at his Flag Lieutenant and nodded. "Thank you Edward, inform Captain Burkes and Commander Howsler we will begin routine patrol operations once we reach the seventy mile mark. I want the CAP reinforced and have the radar pickets pushed out another ten miles. Last thing we need is for some Padullahstani wanker to land a cheap shot and sink one of His Majesty's warships."

The young officer snapped off a crisp salute and exited the room briskly.

[Padullahstan]

To:The Padullahstani Republic
From: Emperor Chaz

My country would love to open its ports to your whaling industry to bring wealth to both of our nations.

Official Diplomatic Telegram

To: Emperor Chaz
From: The Padullahstani Republic

Padullahstan will certainly take you up on the offer of opening ports.

Erkan Uzanlar
President of the Padullahstani Republic

-----

Voröshdenzya Internment Camp

The island's jungle was thick and hot from an earlier rainshower. In the tree tops a strange bird cried out, breaking the calm that had previously covered the forests. A makeshift prison had been established for some of the less threatening of the natives. It would have to suffice until building supplies arrived with some more troops and workers to construct a more permenent place. They were currently en route and still a few days away.

Some of the prisoner's had been made useful by constructing walls for protection or digging ditches for latrines...of course it wasn't easy with the island's rocky soil, but it was either that or dig their own graves.

[Padullahstan]

PRS Üzel Elna
Off Voröshdenzya

The other ships had arrived and were anchored off the island. Crews were shuttling back and forth the supply ship while the two destroyers and frigate oversaw everything. On the beaches a small community was in the works. There was a temple, a prison, the semblance of roads and even western style home were bring constructed. The new town would be called Mamhezol, where the base's families would reside. The commander of the Voröshdenzya Operation, Colonel Rogol, was uneasy. The Tolvanic group off the coast had been on patrol and had not left the area. Highly suspicious of their intentions he would give them another day to clear the area. Hopefully they would, but more likely they would not.

[Tolvan]

HMS King Robert
Task Force 33.2
60 nautical miles from Pomencels

The two F-35C "Kestrels" had launched just over ten minutes earlier, just before dawn, and set out towards Pomencels at a leisurely Mach 0.65. The two single engine strike fighters were under the watchful eyes of the oribiting E-2F "Hawkeye" AWACS plane and a pair of F-22N interceptors were standing by to provide support if needed. The two Kestrels carried a light payload, two ASRAAMs and two AGM-301 anti-ship missiles each, however their mission was not a strike but rather to demonstrate the Padullahstanis that the Commonwealth could strike their forces whenever it chose to do so.

Flying low, just 100 meters above sea level, the stealthy strike fighters would be hard to detect at long range. Once the fighters closed to within twenty nautical miles of the island they would blast the Padullahstani ships with their radars on full power for thirty seconds before rocketing away at high speed.

[Padullahstan]

PNS Üzel Elna
Off Voröshdenzya

These Tolvanian were quickly becoming annoying. They took blatently disrespectful tones in essentially every transmission that was made between the two ships and now felt the need to show off their stealth jets at the borders of the Voröshdenzya Invasion Zone. Some of the other developed nations at least had some courtesy, but they were all still a bunch of barbarians. One could not expect better of them. Still the question of what to do about them plagued Col. Rogol's mind. They would send for two more Üzel Elna-Class Destroyers and issue a final warning.

---

"This is the PNS Üzel Elna such further stunts will not be tolerated. Cease and desist all operations near Voröshdenzya. We will not warn you again. Over."

[Takaram]

To: Padullahstan
From: Ministry of Foreign Relations, Takaram

While we do not approve of your whaling industry, we find no fault in your annexing of the island of Voröshdenzya, and completely recognize your hold on that territory.

Cynthia Rose, Minister of Foreign Relations, Takaram

[Padullahstan]

To: Padullahstan
From: Ministry of Foreign Relations, Takaram

While we do not approve of your whaling industry, we find no fault in your annexing of the island of Voröshdenzya, and completely recognize your hold on that territory.

Cynthia Rose, Minister of Foreign Relations, Takaram

Official Diplomatic Telegram

To: Takaram Foreign Relations
From: Padullahstani Foreign Ministry

We give our thanks to Takaram, for recognising our claim.

Redavi Deshaiy
Foreign Ministry

[Tyrrin]

It was early in the morning. Tropical birds called as waves lapped against the shore. In his hut, Jory Daveth awoke. He quickly brushed his long black hair out of his eyes and stepped outside to see what would go on on this idyllic primative island today.

Jory had been a reporter for TNN Magazine for three years on the island of Pomencels. He wrote a collumn on island life, and the unique customs of the village. This was not some barbarian camp, it was made of families and customs that had lasted for hundreds of years.

Today, Jory feared for those traditions. As he walked up the extinct volcano for a morning stroll, he spied warships. Warships heading straight for the island.

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

It happened very quickly. Soldiers came ashore, setting up camp on the seaside. They claimed the island for Padullahstan, and renamed it Voröshdenzya. They used Jory to translate. It pained the 37 year old reporter to have to tell the islanders that their home would shorly be a naval base, and that it was pointless to resist. He could see the pain and fear in the villagers' eyes, and felt the same emotions himself, but he did as he was asked, and then watched as more and more men came ashore, moving the healthiest natives to a compound by the bay that the villagers used to launch their canoes from to fish on the sea.

Two men threw rocks at some of the soldiers, and were shot on the spot. Their bloody corpses were tossed into the sea. Children and women cried, but the soldiers were merciless. They sent more and more to the prison, using any excuse to rip families apart. They planned to build a naval base in the bay.

Jory sat down and wrote on the events of the day...

[Padullahstan]

Conference Room
Presidential Palace
Uykesht

"So as you can see Sir, the Tolvanic group is still on the boundary of the Voröshdenzya Invasion Zone. As you've ordered the two other ships are currently en route. The destroyers are still about 2 days away, as it takes roughly 3 days to reach the island from Möçur."

"Very good. What is the news on this reporter or whoever's been discovered on the island?"

"From what he has told us, he is a reporter from some nation we are not sure of. He has been on Voröshdenzya for around three years now studying the natives. He can speak their language, and knows English."

"This could be a problem.." President Uzanlar thought

"Sir?"

"I want this reporter taken into custody. Find out everything he knows about these people and their language."

"Yes, Sir."

----

Begho Ashka
Voröshdenzya

The call from the capital arrived just as the colours were being posted for the day. The new flag of Padullahstani Colonies was being risen under the Padullahstani Flag


"Yes, immediately."

The word had reached the island quickly. Find the reporter, bring him back to the camp unharmed. Patrols were dispatched immediately.

[Tyrrin]

Jory had just finished a collumn. He was quite good at writing collumns by now, and he had finished this one off in about thirty minutes. He was amazed that he could continue doing such normal things as writing during a crisis like this, but old habits die hard. He put the paper underneath his pillow.

Just then, a group of soldiers opened the door to his hut. They grabbed Jory's arms and dragged him from the hut.

"Come on, the higher ups want to see you," they told him. Jory could only stare in horror as the faces of the natives that he had known flashed by. He vowed that he would do whatever it took to help these people, but for now, he could only contemplate where these soldiers were taking him.

[Padullahstan]

Begho Ashka
Voröshdenzya

Fort Ashka was the temporary seat of government until the base or the pakir's mansion could be constructed. It was here where the journalist was brought, amid the noise of tires, soldiers marching, people hollering. Colonel Rogol waited for him in his office, covered with maps of Voröshdenzya, with movements and troops placements. There was a large Padullahstani flag behind his desk, opposite a flag of Voröshdenzya. The soldiers searched him for any possible weapons before walking him into the room. "Please, sit." was all the Colonel said to Jory.

"I will conduct all conversations with you in English, I have no doubt my English is better than your Aulai. Aurghar bashta yir doulbahk?,

He paused for a moment and chuckled. "I thought not. Do you know why you are here?"

[Tezdrian]

Tezdrian congratulates you on your recent takeover.

[The Four Heatons]

A Single Xero Class Cruiser Sat in international Waters, not far from the Island. Much of the Allied States from POTAS down was concerned about this Annexiation. For starters it's proximitry to Allied States Shipping Lanes was a concern. As such the DOD had been instructed to report on Station and observe the situation. This was the first operational deployment of the new Xero class and everyone was looking forward to seeing how the new cruiser coped.

[Tyrrin]

Jory was still somewhat frightened at this point, but his career in journalism took over, and he approached the conversation as if it were a normal interview, and he paid attention to every detail.

"Sir, I believe I am here because I am not an islander, which makes me a potential threat. I am a member of the international media as well, which is also a reason for you to detain me. However, I am not entirely sure why you are here. That doesn't really matter though. As soon as the Emperor hears about this, I will be back home in a flash. People do read my columns, you know, and TNN will notice when they stop coming in."

He sat back in his chair, hoping that this didn't set the wrong tone for the rest of the conversation.

[Padullahstan]

Jory was still somewhat frightened at this point, but his career in journalism took over, and he approached the conversation as if it were a normal interview, and he paid attention to every detail.

"Sir, I believe I am here because I am not an islander, which makes me a potential threat. I am a member of the international media as well, which is also a reason for you to detain me. However, I am not entirely sure why you are here. That doesn't really matter though. As soon as the Emperor hears about this, I will be back home in a flash. People do read my columns, you know, and TNN will notice when they stop coming in."

He sat back in his chair, hoping that this didn't set the wrong tone for the rest of the conversation.

Colonel Rogol stared at him for a moment, and chuckled again. The candor and impetuousness of him were suprising, but not unexpected. He was a journalist after all. "A threat? You think highly of yourself Mr...what did you say your name was? You are right and wrong. We will have to confiscate your electronics and monitor your writing, but you will still retain a level of freedom to do as you please. We have summoned you here to convey to us what you know about these people. What are they called, what are their customs, about their culture, and their language. Why this is of importance is classified."

A Single Xero Class Cruiser Sat in international Waters, not far from the Island. Much of the Allied States from POTAS down was concerned about this Annexiation. For starters it's proximitry to Allied States Shipping Lanes was a concern. As such the DOD had been instructed to report on Station and observe the situation. This was the first operational deployment of the new Xero class and everyone was looking forward to seeing how the new cruiser coped.

Right then another officer entered the room. "Sir there is another unknown ship that has appeared on our radar. It is unknown origin, but most likely not Tolvanic."

"Very well. Issue them the same warning."

----
PNS Üzel Elna
Off Voröshdenzya

Attention foreign vessel identify yourself immediately or face the consequences! Over."

[Tyrrin]

Jory was somewhat suprised. He thought that the Colonel would order to have him imprisoned, or even killed. In truth, he realized that he had no idea what was going to happen to him, but he did not expect these invaders to want to understand who they were invading. Obviously, they had alterior motive, which the Colonel had hinted at. Jory saw no reason to hide anything from him, as he could probably find anything he wanted to know another way.

"The Pomezcli, as they call themselves, are a peaceful people, as you most likely predicted. They live mostly off of fish from the sea, and they herd goats on the slopes of the volcano, which they call Onuhadru. They make magnificently carved canoes, and they are experts at making tools from obsidian. Suprisingly, they are atheistic, and never had a concept of a god or gods. They accept things they way they are, and they don't question what happens to them, though this does not mean that they don't care.

The island is organized into clans, which include all of a Pomezcli's family members. In the past, two clans have been the most powerful. The Tratooks control the northern plains, where the best grass for the goats is found. They Wahapulls own most of the harbor in the south, including the area where you set up your prison compound. I have been going in between both of these clans, and I was staying with the Wahapulls this week. Currently, the clans are at peace, but occaisionally they will argue over resources like wood and obsidian, which they use for tools, though serious fighting almost never breaks out.

The only violence that takes place is on midsummer's night, when each clan leader allows any other clan member to challenge him for clan leadership. This involves fighting with a sharpened obsidian knife. The object is to subdue your opponent, not to kill, though this does happen. Usually the clan leader will win, as they are the most experienced fighters. You can always pick out the leader, he is the one with the most scars on his body.

Their language is similar to most islander dialects, and I picked it up easily enough with a translator from the Wahapull tribe. I could go into detail now, but I think others could teach the language better than I.

That is about all of importance, I think. Is there anything else?"