Operation Shackles Unchained (CLOSED)

[New Hayesalia]

INTERNATIONAL WATERS, SOUTH OF ESPORTIVA

The NHS Krolmsythhil, a ship with a name as hard as to pronounce as spell, was sailing through these waters on it's own. Escorted until the past couple of hours by the NHS Athless, the Canberra-class light aircraft carrier now awaited it's next escort to commence it's mission. The ship was operating at peak capacity. The Krolmsythhil sailed with a crew of 280 sailors, as well as being the sailing home of 600 Marines, providing the New Hayesalian Government with the ability to deploy an amphibious force anywhere in the world at a moment's notice. Fighting vehicles, helicopters and fighter jets added to the power projecting ability of a single Canberra.

The officer of the watch, Lieutenant Toby Kindankin, was handling the duties of actually running the ship; his Captain, Captain Ram Singh was awaiting contact with their escort, Marine Major Tom Annanlakis also waiting. This ship was transiting to a known hotspot of international slave trading, a place where the white ensign of the New Hayesalian Navy was known as a symbol of freedom: and a certain jail sentence for a slaver. Operation Shackles Unchained was a global mission and, while led by New Hayesalia, involved a number of signatories of the Amistad and Castlegate Declarations. This was going to be a three month cruise, with a three day port stop scheduled in Aberdeen, Grey's Harbor. Well, ideally, anyway.

"Warship Ibberson, this is Warship Krolmsythhil, we have you in visual range on our 9 oclock, over!" the Lieutenant proudly called through the radio to their approaching escort.

Their new ally in the quest against slavery on the high seas was a nation with no more than a few blue water ships. The Vannish Navy had expressed interest in joining the mission, and as such the New Hayesalian Navy had been more than willing to bring them on board. They had deployed a Sea Griffon class destroyer, the IVS Ibberson, which in spite of being a large ship on it's own was diminished next to the 30 metre tall superstructure of the Krolmsythhil.

"Warship Krolmsythhil, this is Warship Ibberson, acknowledged, approaching to rendezvous." came the reply from the Vannish.

Sailors of the New Hayesalian Navy, New Hayesalian Marines and the Vannish Navy both began lining the decks, capturing pictures and memories of the rendezvous of the Krolmsythhil and Ibberson. As the two ships grew closer on the sparkling waves, two New Hayesalian Navy CE-32 Cuervos swooped at 500 feet altitude, between the two ships. This show of force served to embolden the two sides- with fighter jets like that, surely anything could be done!

As the Vannish came onto position on the port side of the Krolmsythhil, Captain Singh, Marine Major Annanlakis and a few other select NCOs and officers reported to one of the ships Zodiac motor launches, just as the two CE-32s landed vertically on the deck of the carrier. Hitting the water, the Petty Officer driving the Zodiac turned starboard, going the long way around the rear of the Krolmsythhil towards the aft portside of the Ibberson. There, they would be winched up and the officers report to the wardroom to brief the Vannish captain. The Marines and Sailors were easily distinguished by their uniforms- Desert-Green and Naval.

A few minutes after departing their own ship, the New Hayesalians were ready to be winched onto the imposing Vannish destroyer.

[Vangaziland]

The Vannish Navy had grown significantly in the past two years. They had expanded their scope of operations and taken on anti-piracy operations world wide.

The atmosphere aboard the little Vannish ship was a bit quiet and ho hum. There was a little excitement about the current mission. But life in the Vannish Navy went on as business as usual. In most corners of the ship, daily cleaning and polish rituals were taking place.

A detail had gathered to welcome the New Hayesalians on board. This included CMDR. Rick Barnsson, the man running the boat. It also included Command Master Chief Tony Berg, the man running things on the enlisted side of things. There were several other officers in their khaki duty uniforms lined up to welcome the visitors.

The IVS Ibberson carried 320 sailors. 43 of which were part of the Special Weapons & Tactics Team, a tier-two modular fighting force. The ship carried one Seahawk helicopter and 2 zodiac boats.

She made her way through the water, gently banking onto a course with the New Hayesalians.

Finally their zodiac approached the side of the ship. Time went to pass as the ship was winched onto the destroyer, the crew was escorted to the bridge.

There was a short ceremony as the foreign commander entered the bridge. But soon it was time for the briefing.

[New Hayesalia]

The New Hayesalian Captain saluted as he boarded the impressive ship. Immaculately maintained, he traded a salute with the Vannish commander, who would be spending much time in consultation with the Captain. With the excahnge of a few words, the Captain was escorted to the wardroom of the Ibberson. The table had been set- lunch was to be had. But before then, the Executive Office of the Krolmsythhil was to present the brief.

On the New Hayesalian side of things, Captain Singh led a highly experienced leadership team. Bringing along his Executive Officer, his Chief Petty Officer, Air Wing Commander and the Krolmsythhil Battalion commander and XO. A similar, although larger, contingent was seen on the Vannish side.

The XO opened a powerpoint presentation, the classic military briefing tool. Delivering the overview of Operation Shackles Unchained- to hunt and prosecute slavers and pirates- as well as the navigation for the mission upon the open seas, he appeared professional and knowledgeable. He also mentioned the thinness of forces. Although some nations military ships, and a fair amount of shipping passed through this region, both the New Hayesalian and Vannish navies had mostly their own selves to rely on.

Going into practice and policy, the roles of each ship was outlined. The Krolmsythhil took the majority of responsibilities of tracking shipping. With access to the majority of helicopters and aircraft, she had the greater capability to conduct surveillance. She also had the most space to take on additional personnel. With the ability to take a surge capacity of 200 additional Marines, she had plenty of room for any rescued slaves, who would be transferred post-haste upon the ship's various aircraft to a land airport, where the New Hayesalian Air Force would take over the responsibility of bringing them to a resettlement centre.

The slavers themselves, or suspected slavers, would be stored seperately. The Ibberson's brig would be used as a storage pen for that scum until they could be offloaded at a port for transport to New Hayesalia for prosecution. The Ibberson was also responsible for search and rescue for men gone overboard from the Krolmsythhil during air operations. The nature of the aircraft carrier meant it couldn't easily stop, whereas the Ibberson had that capability. The XO unzipped a pocket on the lower portion of his right leg, pulling out a small sensor from another secured bag. It was a man overboard sensor, as worn by every New Hayesalian serving at sea- and it had reduced man overboard deaths to zero.

Both ships were responsible for the interrogation of suspected slaver ships. The New Hayesalians had a lot of experience in this mission. The plan was that in high-risk situation, it would be the charge of the New Hayesalian Navy and all other cases that of the Vannish. Of course, the Krolmsythhil's boarding teams were keen to teach the Vannish crews a few things.

Of course the IVS Ibberson had one more important role to itself. The Krolmsythhil was armed only with her aircraft, four 25mm defence cannons and other CIWS, and whatever the Marines on board could muster. Against a concerted attack, alone, she would be a soft target. The Ibberson, on the other hand, with a wide selection of missiles, guns and countermeasures was a machine built for destruction. The protection of the Krolmsythhil relied on the Ibberson. This was a lower risk area of the globe- but anything could happen.

Captain Singh stood to speak to the assembled sailors. "Gentlemen, ladies. There are evil people on those seas. We are here to fight the greatest injustices against human freedom and decency. This isn't training, this isn't a PR job. This is a legitimate operation, and New Hayesalian sailors have died fighting it before. I trust our Vannish friends to run a tight ship, and all the reports I've seen have indicated this will be the case. Welcome to our fight. Our crusade, more like."

"We will become close. Over the coming three months, our ships will conduct raids, exercises, maneuvers. The training will be rich and rewarding. The challenges will be great, but overcoming them will bring both of our navies prestige. But most importantly, we will take the lives of the abused, and we will open the doorways to opportunities for them to succeed in their own lives, and very possibly break down the international slave trade. We will see the best in people in the servicemen and women aboard our vessels. I'm not a superb public speaker but for our Vannish friends, one of our great naval figures was. Captain James Rohan was the Captain of a vessel named the Grand Bulwark. It collided with the submarine of a neutral state- neither vessel had seen each other, a freak accident. Half the crew of that submarine died, and so did 70 Hayesalian Union sailors. When we face the hardest challenges... or we witness the murky depths of the most horrid examples of human suffering and exploitation, remember these words. "

"On the open ocean there is darkness and light, regular but never guaranteed. When the light won't shine, that does not mean it doesn't exist. The sky over the ocean is like the human spirit: it can be clouded over but the light will always remain."

"Do not forget that we are a force for good. We are the light that will extinguish the darkness. No matter the weight of what we have seen and what challenge we face, when we call on the goodness within ourselves, we will overcome it. Commander, I'll hand over to you."

[Vangaziland]

The speeches were being broadcast throughout the ship except in the bridge of course. In some places the words echoed, carrying the weight they were spoken with. The crew stood at attention throughout the halls.

"Thank you, Captain." Commander Larsen changed positions, marching up to the microphone the Communications Specialists had set up on the bridge.

"Like I tell you men and women every day. This is not the big navy. This is a fighting ship."

Outside the engineering section, sailors from the SWTT had been training in tactical movement to contact in the close quarters of the engine environment. Now they stood at attention, listening to their CO.

"This is the Ibberson. The work we do here will be seen by people from all over the world. You all are representing the Vannish Empire."

On Aft Helipad 1, the engine of the HH-60 Seahawk helicopter spun up. It was going for a patrol momentarily. The pilot was going over his checklist.

"We have a good fight. The Emperor has declared that we will combat piracy and in this case, human trafficking. Modern day slavery. Not on our watch. So keep in mind, you will be pushed. There will be a lot of hard work ahead... Long shifts. But things are going to get hot this time. Steel yourselves."

That was all the Commander had to say. He slid a switch on the mic and turned it off.

A young looking lieutenant stood up and spoke loudly, "Distinguished guests, allow me to lead the way to the mess hall."

The group started to move away from the bridge, leaving the XO still on watch. Along the way, sailors stood at attention. There wasn't much side chatter as the group moved with a quick pace.

It wasn't long before they had reached the large bay that was the mess hall. Attention was called when the group stepped inside, as had happened in every other room they moved through.

There were several types of cuisine up for choice. There wasn't anything too exotic being served. It appeared there was even a special, strawberry crème pie for dessert.

They moved down the lane choosing this food item or that, and moving to grab a drink or two from the soda fountain.

Satisfied with their choices, the group started to gather at a large table near the front of the mess hall. Other sailors had been eating as well. The Vannish let the Hayesalians go first and were the last to arrive at the table.

"So, Captain. What advice would you give to me in operating in this area?" asked Cmdr. Larsen.

[New Hayesalia]

"Well Commander, this is bandit land." the Captain said, cleaning his mouth and folding his napkin. The Vannish cooks had gone all-out on preparing a good lunch for the visiting New Hayesalians. "These slavers are armed and they're travelling with people they consider less than human. Slaves have been killed to keep us at bay, but the amount of people we've saved have tipped the scales in our favor. We've never dealt with a threat that's actually endangered a ship but you must make sure your boarding parties are prepared for anything."

Two Vannish cooks stepped out with the pie- table service for the COs was normal.

"Of course other navies have worked in this area, and some PMCs are just getting bigger and bigger. There's not a risk of losing your entire ship, but we need to be vigilant. Other than that, there's training missions we can run on deck. Boarding party exercises, maybe a few of your helmsmen want a go steering an aircraft carrier- we have some ideas."

"But remember, our goal is not to fight slavers. It's to stop their activities. If that means some dead slavers, then in my mind, so what. But we will do our part, and we will both be going home. This is symptom treatment, this mission, but it works, and we can't be the only ones solving this problem. So Commander," the Captain said, bearing down a fork onto the pie. "Tell me about yourself. Life in Vangaziland, what made you join the Navy, and such and such?"

[Vangaziland]

The Vannish Commander had chose to go with Italian food, chicken parmesan. It was done nicely, coming in a little crisp and just a little spicy, in the Vannish tradition. There were greens, a little garlic bread and the pie backing up the chicken.

Cmdr. Larsen leaned back in his chair and poked around at his plate, cutting chicken as he began to speak. "I'm from a little alpine town. I used to want to see the ocean when I was a kid. The thought of sailing stuck with me and I took Navy ROTC in college, thinking I'd do a few years. Then I just didn't see a reason to get out."

He paused to take a quick bite. In his mind he ruminated on his own career. It had been quite a ride.

"The Vannish Navy was a lot different a few years ago. They've been building a lot of ships. There are quite a few destroyer squadrons out there now. We're keeping a lower profile out here. Fact is the Vannish Navy is all over the place. The logistics net is up, I tell you that much."

He looked over at his counterpart quizzically.

"What about you? What's your story?"

[New Hayesalia]

"Went on a sailboat when I was 14, couldn't get enough. I was considering a career in the merchant marine when I was 17, and I remember seeing this huge Hayesalian Union Navy frigate going past me. I saw sailors leaning over, just having a smoke and a wave, and just the power of that ship stuck in my mind. So I joined in '85 as an 18 year old Ensign, went through officer course at HUS Gubernatio, and then when we became New Hayesalia in 2009 and the New Hayesalian Navy was formed I was put in command of Decatur class frigate, the Ech'asa. I was the CO there as a Commander, did a couple of years in Revnami as a program assistant manager and then took command of the Krolmsythhil in 2012. This is my last year aboard, and between you and me, maybe the Navy. Might be that this is my last cruise under the white ensign, but I'm not sure yet."

"But this is an impressive vessel. It's clear that the Vannish are modernising, and it's working-"

The two officers were interrupted, however, by a Vannish junior sailor. The two ships had detected a small boat beyond the horizon, non-responsive to radios. Immediately, the two officers dropped their food and reported to the Ibberson's bridge. This was Larsen's chance to prove his ship's capacity, thought Singh. His senior leadership team were with him on the destroyer. They had taken personal radios, and as the officers got to the bridge the New Hayesalian Captain called his ship's bridge- the Vannish would be in charge of getting eyes on.

Go-time.

[Vangaziland]

"Status report", Larsen called out before they could even call attention to his presence. This was the Vangazi's first encounter in this sector and they would not take chances. A boat that's not answering radio calls could be up to no good.

"One boat, looks like a fishing trawler... The Haruu. It hasn't been answering calls, as you've heard. We have a team from SWTT on standby."

"Give them the order to depart ASAP."

"Aye sir." A communications officer in the corner completed the Commander's request. The radio beeped and popped back with an acknowledgement from the Team's NCO.

They would take a zodiac out to check out the situation. After a few moments, the radio beeped and crackled again, the small boat was in the water.

There were a tense few quiet moments as the boat made it's way to the trawler. The helicopter had been airborne. Now it had flown close to the trawler, hovering. It's door gunner was trained on it, just in case.

The little ship kept making its way to the fishing vessel. It seemed like the ship was off course based on the registered course that the computers pulled up.

There were 5 SWTT Naval Warfare Specialists on the Zodiac. They weren't as specialized as some Naval Special Operations forces, being more of a tier 2 team that took on VBSS tactics as well.

The zodiac approached the trawler from the port side. The Zodiac called out to the Trawler with their Loudspeaker system asking for a status report.

It turns out the ship had problems with their engine. Or at least that's what they claimed. They gave the Vannish permission to board. The zodiac pulled up to the side of the ship. A rope ladder was let down for the Vannish sailors. Four of them started to make their way up onto the ship.

The team formed up. A greeting team from the trawler's crew welcomed the sailors. It turns out, they wanted to ask for help. The SWTT called up the communications officer who told the Commander. Then he called Engineering and relayed the strange request. It sounds like it was a problem with a pump. It wouldn't be too complicated of a fix.

It turns out nobody was monitoring the radios as everyone was working on the engine problem. The Navy snuck up on them.

The atmosphere on the trawler was still tense as the SWTT waited for the engineering team to arrive. The sailors kept their eyes open and their hands on their weapons, which they held at the low ready.

Back on the Vannish bridge, Commander Larsen turned to his counterpart. "The Vannish Navy. Winning hearts and minds, several engine parts at a time." He watched how the Hayesalians handled the situation.

[New Hayesalia]

Apart from calling his own ship to ensure the Vannish had command of the situation, the Captain had remained silent. He was intently focused on seeing how the Vannish operated and he was quite pleased with the escort's performance. "Professionally handled, Commander. Well done, my compliments to your crew. Make sure your men ask them about any pirate or slavery activity in the area- sometimes the difference between a set of coordinates and nothing at all is a simple WHAM package."

"Winning hearts and minds." the XO said, just behind his captain.

"Yes, jargon." the Captain said, with a small chuckle. "Right now the Krolmsythhil isn't doing any air operations, so we can come alongside the trawler if the fix takes longer than expected. But when we are, there are going to be time limits on how much we can do. The aircraft need a bit of headwind to take off."

"Commander, at any rate, I am quite happy to have you on the team. I'm sure you'll prove yourself and your crew to be excellent ambassadors. Now let's get out there and arrest some slavers."

With little ceremony, the New Hayesalian and Vannish leadership teams shook hands, and the New Hayesalians reported back to their vessel by way of a RHIB, ready to transmit the patrol path of the two vessels through this sea. It was likely to be a good day.

NEXT DAY, 0630

The roar of jet engines was far more energising than a shot of espresso, the NHS Krolmsythhil's helmsman thought to himself. Having been on the steering wheel of this massive ship for the last hour, the first CE-32 taking off from the deck was a real kick in the pants. The IVS Ibberson was maintaining the Krolmsythhil'S 20 knot pace, steaming as the sun rose. 0700 was reveille for the Krolmsythhil's crew, who had a number of tasks to meet today. Today would not be an easy day.

On the fantail of the Krolmsythhil, below the flight deck, Lieutenant John Cornell and Cornet Burt Geffres were carrying a man sized dummy called Oscar, infamous aboard the Krolmsythhil. The two men looked at each other, smirking. Lieutenant Cornell looked to Geffres as the Marine lifted the dummy in a bear hug, and said "Chocks away old chap" as if he was a WWI aviator. With that, Oscar began a multiple-storey descent into the chilly sea. The officers quickly ran to a man overboard alert button, pulling the lever and beginning chaos.

The ship immediately started dumping flares, providing a path to the approximate position of the overboard dummy. Using the man overboard interface, the Lieutenant relayed a single man overboard behind the ship. The screech of the man overboard alert rang through the ship, and the alert was passed to the Vannish ship. As the New Hayesalian carrier couldn't slow down during air operations, the Ibberson was responsible for sending a team to rescue the stricken dummy, now floating on the waves. As New Hayesalian sailors in their minimum dress began looking for the man overboard from their watch positions on the deck and other levels, the Vannish were readying.

[Vangaziland]

With the first fighter in the air, the Vangazi sailors were already wide awake and prepared for such a scenario. The decision, which was made immediately was to send the zodiac.

If it had been a different scenario and a fighter had crashed farther away, SWTT already had a team on standby for operations with the HH-60.

A radio call went down to the SWTT squad on standby.

Critical minutes passed. They had been waiting on 12 hour rotating QRF shifts. When the call came for man overboard, they didn't know if it was a drill or not. They quickly rushed to toss on their vests and helmets before grabbing their rifles, which had already been signed out of the armory for the shift.

The Squad leader's MBITR tactical radio buzzed information, such as the person had fallen from the opposite side of the carrier. The Ibberson had maneuvered into a closer position to the dummy.

When the squad climbed aboard the zodiac, it was ready to be winched over the side. It lifted with a jolt.

The team was quiet, listening to reports on the radio. Then, with a splash, the small boat landed in the water and took off into a slow U-turn.

Spotters directed the small craft and helped the sailors get eyes on over the radio. The destroyer had maneuvered to the other side of the carrier and slowed down for operations.

After several tense minutes the ship had located the body, relieved to find out it was a dummy. The radio calls started up the chain as the little ship made an arching turn towards the Ibberson.

As a precaution, the Seahawk HH-60 was to be brought to standby. The crew made it to their helicopter, just in time to be told to go back to their bunks.

One may ask, why did the team bring their rifles. One never knows what sort of situation may arise. Besides, since they were signed out of the armory, it wasn't like they would just leave them in their bunks. These men were elite. These M4 carbines were a part of them.

The Vangazi would have to hold onto this dummy for awhile. Overall, the Vannish sailors didn't mind the early exercise. It was better than the 'tactical maneuver training' they did around the engineering section yesterday.

[New Hayesalia]

The New Hayesalians weren't quite as ecstatic. Oscar spent far too much time in the water for their liking, but it was good to see that they were in good hands if the Vannish had to rescue them. Oscar would be returned later, much to the New Hayesalians despair. The daily grind continued on the ships. Aircrew used their ISR pods to hunt for ships in six sectors. The occasional pleasure craft and cargo ship drew little attention- most were flown under flags of little suspicion, and were registered with international shipping databases. Clear indications could be seen on some slaver ships; armed security, unregistered ships and old ships all tended to attract a second glance.

Below deck, other New Hayesalians built, painted, maintained and cooked for the ship, providing all the necessary life support for this three month cruise. They knew the Vannish across the divide were doing the same. The Marines too were keeping themselves busy, in their gym; maintaining equipment and conducting a live fire practice shoot in the opposite direction to the Vannish destroyer.

It was still important to check on various ships to ensure they weren't just slavers in disguise, and it also helped to gather intelligence from passing seamen. One of the New Hayesalian CE-32s had located a foreign-flagged cargo vessel, known to be involved in relations with the Empire of the Scandinvan, a known slaver nation. As such, the New Hayesalians would attempt a boarding.

The boarding party would take off from the Krolmsythhil at midday aboard one of the Krolmsythhil's EC-725 Caracal helicopters. It would then make a stop at the IVS Ibberson. As a first boarding, the New Hayesalians were also taking 10 members of the SWTT along with the NH Navy's Clearance Divers to see how the New Hayesalians handled the mission. A message was sent to the SWTT, warning them to get organised. The Caracal was lifted onto the deck via elevator, the Clearance Divers rising with it. Armed with Model 10 sub machine guns, and the minimal setup of body armour and helmet without the commonly-used Head Sock, it was clear they were going for a light approach. They had told the SWTT this, as well.

The distance to target was 30km, and they'd land aboard the ship once they achieved permission over radio- the idea was to give the ship as little time to hide evidence as possible. As the Caracal left the smooth deck of Krolmsythhil and redirected to the fantail of Ibberson, the crew aboard knew it could be noting, but it could also escalate quickly.

[Vangaziland]

The rear section of the IVS Ibberson did in fact have capacity for two helicopters, with two helipads. They carried only one HH-60 just for this reason, ferrying sailors and supplies between ships using other helicopters.

As the Vannish Seahawk sat on one helipad warming up with it's rotors spinning, the Hayesalian helicopter was coming in for a landing. Commands from the tower and an individual on the ground were given.

The Vannish SWTT team was not quite as top tier as some nation's naval teams go as far as funding and exclusivity. But it was more elite than a standard VBSS team. They still had great funding for the mission at hand.

The team of ten sailors, knelt on one knee watching the helicopter. They were dressed in the uniform of the day, green-grey fatigues with a black vest. Eight sailors carried the MP7A1. Two designated marksmen carried M4A1 carbines.

Lt. Donald Johnstone was the blonde lieutenant in charge of the team. As the helicopter touched down, it was he who gave the order for his men to follow him to the helicopter. He led them to the door, but he would be the last to get in and the first to get out.

The sailors had knelt in two ranks. One side took off towards the chopper as the other waited on a knee. The others picked up as the last man passed.

Loading was a simple task since only the corpsman carried an extra bag.

They boarded in silence, some nodding to their Hayesalian counterparts.

Soon, the helicopter was raising up off the surface and headed towards the foreign ship.

[New Hayesalia]

MV JEWFISH, 30km EAST OF KROLMSYTHHIL

The Caracal took off quickly, the silhouettes of the two allied ships falling away over the horizon. Aboard the Caracal, the Clearance Diver team leader, sub-lieutenant Chris Pale gave the brief. The two door gunners looked fierce with their Model 50 heavy machine guns

"This is a low risk operation but as you all know damn well, shit can hit the fan. We'll be fast roping onto the Jewfish, after calling for the crew to get on the deck. Weapons on action, get ready to flick your safeties and start firing if we have to."

The ship came into view, the observer in the copilot seat ready to make the call on the megaphone. "Once we get aboard, Clearance Divers will take up position in the wheelhouse and on the stack. Vannish team, you will secure the deck."

As the Jewfish came into clear view, the size of the task also came clear. Hardly a panamax, but still considerably sized, the Caracal would begin fast roping it's troops onto the bow, before orbiting the Jewfish to provide recon and fire support if needed. Approaching, the doors of the helicopter opened as the observer made the megaphone call.

"Attention Merchant Vessel Jewfish, Attention Merchant Vessel Jewfish,, this is New Hayesalian Navy Warship Krolmsythhil, heave to, heave to, I intend to board you in accordance with declared anti-slavery operations!"

The ship did indeed slow down, eventually trundling along at a pace allowing for an easy boarding. The Caracal came overhead, four thick ropes dropping from the sides of the aircraft. The order was given and the first four Clearance divers roped from the helicopter, easily making the 7 metre ride to the deck. The New Hayesalians would stack to the starboard side of the ship, with the Vannish tasked to the port. Their weapons were drawn, but not aimed- there was no desire to terrorise the ships crew.

The two teams quickly made the exit from the helicopter, moving along the midship. The Vannish would maintain positions on the deck to keep security, with the New Hayesalians headed upstairs to the bridge. Their arrival was met with tension- although the teams were clearly military, the local crew knew their flag drew attention. As the New Hayesalians made their way to the bridge, a four team member entered. Meeting the merchant captain, and shaking his hand with a greeting, the NH team leader relayed his intention to check the shipping manifest and do a quick search of the hold. The New Hayesalians were trusted- they'd never been known to pillage or steal from ships.

Along with crew members, two-men teams of sailors from the two squads began opening various shipping containers, scanning them with flashlights- not entering, of course. This would ensure that any slaves would be quickly found, and as the teams- including the Vannish- yelled into the containers "New Hayesalian Navy anti-slavery operation, make yourself known." thereby ensuring any hidden slaves would at least try and make their presence known. It wasn't a 100% search, but to do that would take potentially hours and would not be well supported by shipping authorities.

Other teams checked the galley for evidence of excessive amounts of certain foods- a majority of interviewed slaves report that gruel and rice constituted a dietary majority. Other signs were smells of human occupation in the hold, and malnourished crew members- sometimes they could be disguised as such, especially if only a limited number of slaves were being moved.

To this end, a two-man team of the Clearance Divers were trained in basic HUMINT, and would speak to all members of the crew as to whether they had knowledge of slavery here and overseas. They'd also ask about any issues or supply deficiencies aboard, in the hopes of helping out their fellow mariners- basic winning of hearts and minds. In this instance, the crew were pretty well equipped, but the New Hayesalians still left a care package for them, packed with a few things like movies, a video game console, some fresh linen- not very much but hopefully enough to make up for the three hours the New Hayesalians had spent politely searching them.

The entire process took a few hours, and the Caracal remained on station while it happened. The team were satisfied the Jewfish was having nothing to do with the slave trade, and the team recollected on the bow. There was no landing site aboard the ship, and the team would exfiltrate using a Jacob's ladder, a flexible ladder thrown from the door to the floor.

Reboarding the Caracal and headed back to their ship, the teams were happy with what they'd accomplished.

[Vangaziland]

It was around 0200 hours and the Vannish helicopter was cruising through the black sky. There was a weird contact that had to be checked out. A small vessel was moving on a course from one port to another. They seemed to be in a hurry.

There was a five person crew, 2 pilots, 2 door gunners and a crew chief. A late night QRF team from the SWTT was also on board, five men.

The moon was bright, looming large in the sky over the ocean. A few seabirds passed in the still light. Most were asleep though, just like most of the sailors were. The ocean was a little choppy from strong winds. Not really ideal conditions for pleasure-boating.

The plan was to roll up with the spotlight and get a good look.

"Inbound, 45 seconds", Lt.(j.g) Jessica Cavorsen said over the radio net to her crew.

Sitting at the starboard side door gun was Petty Officer Morbul. On the side of his helmet was the peace sign, stenciled in paint marker. "Let's light the tires and kick the fires", he said over the net. A little chatter over the radio happened from time to time. Usually they talked about sports or movies on their internal radio.

The Vannish helicopter approached the small fishing vessel by banking into a long slow turn that ended up looping just in time for the Vannish helicopter to be side by side. Just as soon as the side spotlight went on, a burst of 9mm rounds from a tec-9 shot up towards Petty Officer Morbul. Several of the rounds impacted inside the helicopter. One bounced off the back wall to strike him in the thigh. It took his concentration away for sure.

He hit transmit on his radio, "I'm hit, I'm hit."

Cavorsen heard the shooting and rushed to gain altitude, the huge helicopter raising up and off to the side. Meanwhile, some of the SWTT guys were pulling at Morbul, getting him out of the door then out of his harness when the helicopter leveled off a bit. It was risky doing this in mid flight. But they have drilled on doing that and he was far from the open door.

As one of the medics reached in Morbul's IFAK pouch for the tourniquet, one of the SWTT guys had put on the harness and was walking through the dark helicopter towards the open door. He sat behind the gun and oriented himself with the thermal sight.

Apparently, the shooter thought the helicopter was definitely coming for him, when it was just taking a look.

"We're going to have to take these guys out", the other door gunner, Petty Officer Winters, transmitted over the radio.

The helicopter had maneuvered so that it was approaching head-on but offset to the side so that they were 400m away. Too far for a SMG, but surely the guys with the AKs would wake up soon.

"I have an angle. Firing." Winters let go of the transmit button and took a hold of the weapon mounted in front of him.

The M240B fire was accurate thanks to its secure mount and an attached laser range finder which adjusted the gun's accuracy. The helicopter slowed almost to a hover as it helped keep the shots straight.

Petty Officer Winters let loose with the weapon, firing in six round bursts. He could see a few bright white dots moving around through the thermal. The rounds tore through the air at them.

There were at least 3 people from what he could see through the thermal.

Suddenly, the boat went up in a big fireball. For a second, the night sky was bright until the flame died down to a smoking hulk. The ship had been carrying ammo, explosives and weapons. The shooter must have been scared of capture. Getting caught with that much illegal ammo would have led to a pretty severe punishment.

The helicopter sped away from the scene and back towards the Ibberson so they could get their crewman cared for.

[New Hayesalia]

During night flights, it was not necessary to run the fighter aircraft. In fact, in normal night operations there were no normal flight patrols. However the Krolmsythhil and Ibberson had detected a small ship in the distance, speeding at rapid pace and not using their navigational lights in accordance with maritime etiquette. On the FLIR camera of the Krolmsythhil's ETOP platform, it's flag was also uncertain.

The Vannish had sent their helicopter and a five man SWTT team to further look to the target, using the spotlight to see the flag and acquire quality imagery. Aboard the Krolmsythhil's combat information centre, live picture was being streamed to both ships, with both the ships able to share orders and instructions.

"Shots fired."

Tonight had escalated beyond normal operations, was the immediate thought of having to awake the Captain. An Able Seaman was sent, making the speedy ascent up the stairs of the Krolmsythhil's interior to awake his Captain. When a bleary-eyed and sourpuss Captain opened the door to his stately quarters, and after slipping his feet into the standard-issue zip up Mamba boots of the Navy, donning his coat and white beret found himself being guided to the Combat Information Centre.

Inside, things were kicking off. The Captain had previously advised that in a situation like this not to come to attention, and so the crew's reluctance to tear themselves away was naturally indicative of action. "Sir," the duty warfare officer advised, "a Vannish helicopter team was sent to observe a vessel. They've been fired upon, they're reporting a low-level injury, helicopter crewman has been shot. They're treating him aboard and moving back to Ibberson-"

The screens focusing on the ship now lit up on the infrared, streaks of fire coming from the Seahawk. People aboard began running, but their lives were snuffed as the small boat exploded. There was a stunned silence aboard the Krolmsythhil, watching as the Vannish Seahawk returned to it's ship. Captain Singh was the first to talk- making an order with a shallowed voice and having obviously been stunned by what he had witnessed. "Send our rescue helicopter immediately, recover any evidence or injured... or remains. Send the quick response RHIB, get some clearance divers out there to make sure it's not a threat to mariners, for UXO and such."

"Right away." said the Lieutenant Duty Officer, his own hand shaking.

"Lieutenant, I'm going to the bridge. Report regularly.

Immediately leaving the CIC, the Captain's emotion came about. For the first time in his career on the waves, he slammed shut a hatch. Storming up to the bridge, his first intention was to awake the Vannish commander, and prepare to give the officer an earful down the radio. Watching his own EC-725 take off from the carrier deck, a clearance diver sitting astride it's door, the Captain stood the bridge easy as they called to attention.

"Leader, get me on the phone with Ibberson. Immediately"

[Vangaziland]

By now, the Vannish Commander was being briefed by the sailor who went to wake him. He knew one of his men was on his way back wounded on the helicopter. He knew that a SWTT sailor returned fire. And the boat was destroyed by a rapid explosion.

A message came to the bridge while the Commander was making his way through the dimly lit corridors. The ship was rocking a little with the seas, moving the ship around in a rocking motion.

Finally the call went out, "Commander on deck".

A report from the communications officer informed the Commander that the Hayesalian Catpain called and told him off. He left a message. The Captain went to his station. There was a high tech system for communiques of several different encryption levels and types. He opened it and saw a critical message from the Hayesalian Captain.

He figured he wouldn't make a radio call, so that he could say what he needed to say without everyone on the bridge hearing it. Then he thought wait, his crew needed to see.

"Dial them up, right now." The man turned a bit red from the anger that was flushing through his body.

A few moments later and the connection was made. Then the Hayesalian Captain called in acknowledgement.

"Listen here, let's get one thing straight. We are not under your jurisdiction. The helicopter was fired upon. The crew replaced and treated a wounded sailor. The only option was to put down the shooter or let him get away. I don't know what kind of ROE you are working with, but if someone shoots at the Vangazi, they are getting shot at."

He paused. His voice was calm but with a tinge of bitter meanness about it. After a second, he hit transmit on the radio again and spoke.

"Secondary explosions must have set the ship off. They were carrying ammo, Captain. I suggest you and your crew go over your Rules of Engagement. Know that if anyone fires on my men at any time, fire will be returned. And they will not be considered thugs for doing so. Acknowledge, over?"

It was a little too much emotion, but some Captain from another country criticizing the actions taken by his countrymen while under fire was not something that was going to come down without the attitude coming right back.

Besides, the ship was too small to really be used as a human smuggling ship. The mistake made was when the helicopter went right up to it, assuming the flag of the Navy would intimidate. There was a crew of probably 3 or 4 to help with the unloading of ammo. The ship was a small fishing vessel, not even a big trawler.

[New Hayesalia]

The crew on the bridge strained to listen without seeming to as the Captain yelled into the radio phone. "Commander, can you explain to me why a vessel was just destroyed in our area of operations by your helicopter?"

"Self defence that may be but we don't know who was on that vessel! Your sailors lack of control may have just meant the deaths of dozens of people under deck if some prior boardings are any indication!"

"I'll tell you right damn now, if that was done by my sailors, I'd have my chief petty officer setting my wardroom up for a court martial this very instant. Until further notice, your ship and your crew are only to act in accordance with your carrier escort and support until we perform an investigation on what just happened here- no boardings, no recon missions. I will call again when I have further orders. Get your crew in order, have them restrained in action, Commander. Out."

The Captain slammed the radio down. Certainly, the Vannish had followed the rules of engagement. They'd been fired upon, and as such had returned fire. "Midshipman, fetch the ship's lawyer." By this time, she ship's XO had attended the bridge. "X, who the fuck fires a machine gun back at a guy with a pistol? I think the Vannish don't understand this is a police action."

The ship's legal officer arrived on the bridge, a Lieutenant Commander, bringing a few documents with him. having just awoken, the videos the Captain was to show him would shock him too.

---

0900h, CAPTAIN'S CABIN, Krolmsythhil

Plaques, shields and photographs adorned the walls of the Captain's Cabin, celebrating the career of the NHS Krolmsythhil from construction to today's service. Models of her aircraft sat on the shelves, and portraits of the NH Military and civilian leadership, including the Queen, adorned the wall above the Captain's desk. On the largest wall, a canvas print of the city Krolmsythhil in Itica showed the city namesake, with other memorabilia such as a city licence plate reading CVL 26 making the rest of the room homely.

Behind the oak desk sat the Captain, and in one of the chairs sat the ship's Legal Officer, Lieutenant Commander Kyle Rurbin. The pair were awaiting the arrival of the Vannish commander, in order to discuss the actions of the Seahawk crew as of the last night. It would be a captain-to-captain discussion, the Lt Commander to be dismissed after providing his short brief.

A knock on the door, and a Leading Seaman cook opened the door to inform the Captain that Commander Larsen had come aboard from his RHIB. He would also serve the Commander a choice of tea or coffee upon arrival, made as he was known to like it. The two ships's galleys had also shared intelligence, to say the least.

The two awaited the Commander, to discuss the events of last night.