In War, Resolution (MT, Semi-Open; TG for Entry)

[Delvian States]

Delvian Civil War (Semi-Open, TG for entry)

OOC:

This is a continuation of the events of the Riots and Strikes thread from Nation States forum.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=256103&p=28178708#p28178708

"In war, resolution. In defeat, defiance. In victory, magnanimity. In peace, goodwill." - Sir Winston Churchill


IC:

RNS Janovcik,
0704 hours local time


“Captain, sir, the ship is badly hammered and there is a hull breach! We’re taking on water, sir! We’re out of torpedoes, the XO is MIA, and our guns are gone! What should we do?” Culo dared to approach Pucic again, now that the enemy had hit them with Harpoons from four fighters sent by their fleet.


“We will NOT surrender this vessel, Lieutenant! Scuttle the ship! Go and surrender yourself and the crew, but I am going down with my ship! I will die a sailor, just as I lived! Now, get me those scuttling charges and get the boys off this ship before they die with me! Go, surrender! You’ve fought bravely enough for one war! I cannot surrender, though. Skippers do not surrender. Skippers scuttle their ships and go down with them!” Pucic, quite irritable now due to the ulcer, felt that he had a chance to die with honor at last, no more pain, no more ulcer, as long as no boys died with him…...he would die alone at the conn.


Sure enough, the scuttling charges were brought to Pucic and he prepared to scuttle the boat, but he waited until the crew were safely in the water, signaling to the Edomites their intention to surrender. Once they were safely gone, Pucic set off the charges, more determined than ever to die with his beloved ship. This was the only honorable way for a skipper to face defeat. Anything else was a disgrace!


About the same time, Culo used every signal that he intended to surrender the men on the lifeboats, face captivity as POWs. What else was there to do? The Janovcik and her skipper were gone. The war was lost. Certainly the battle was lost. It was time to surrender. It was Culo’s duty to save the men and make sure that no more lives were needlessly lost in this battle.


RNS Yegorov
0710 hours local time


Captain Grom Brusich had shot himself, now leaving Commander Spomenko Kolarich in charge, and Kolarich had agreed to accept the Chief of the Boat’s plan to surrender, provided that he was in command up to that point. The Chief also had to agree that Kolarich would remain in charge of the crew once they were in captivity, though he could serve on the leadership council or whatever organization the Edomites permitted among the POWs.


To Orest Raguzh, Chief of the Boat, this was a small price for the chance to see his grandchildren at last. Nothing mattered more to him now than family, and he would see his again, by all the saints! He consented, and they together sent the reply to Button.


“To Admiral Button, this is Commander Spomendo Kolarich, Acting Captain of the Yegorov. I have agreed to surrender due to the suicide of Captain Grom Brusich and the futile nature of this battle, with Chief of the Boat Orest Raguzh now serving under my command. It is indeed our intention to surrender. What are your terms and instructions, so that we may comply with them and save our crew from unnecessary slaughter?”


RNS Boyko,
0711 hours local time


“The Revolution will not yet happen this way it seems, comrades. So be it. We will surrender, since we have no leverage and couldn’t bluff them into negotiations. So, what we have to do is make sure that we do not forget our ideals and principles while in captivity. We must make a pact to stand together,” Yagodich declared, much to the chagrin of his followers.


“So, you lack the courage of your convictions. You’re not willing to fight and die for them, are you?” Gunner’s Mate Tarik Shtulich called Yagodich on what he saw as his lies and bluster.


“I agree. Still, we should surrender. We should have surrendered already, not listened to you! Seize him and send a new message. Yagodich is now under arrest for murder and mutiny, and we will surrender along with him, but we do not trust him at all,” Lieutenant David Aleksich declared, “I am assuming command of the ship, as the most senior surviving officer. Any objections? Good, because it wouldn’t do you any good, anyway.”


“To Admiral Button, this is Lieutenant David Aleksich, Operations Officer of the Boyko, and I have arrested the Bolshevik mutineer Yagodich and taken command of the ship. I hereby offer to surrender the ship to you, and thus we await your conditions for surrender. From now on, you can speak to the crew through me,” Aleksich sent the reply, hoping that it got through and saved lives…...it was about time that Yagodich got what was coming to him.

Personally, Aleksich hoped that the Edomites shot the Communist son of a bitch. It would serve the murderous, mutinous bastard right.

[New Edom]

The New Edomite Fleet

Lieutenant-Commander Pabadakis, leading the two flights of Terrier multi-role fighters, had slowed a bit to get a good view of the enemy ships as he did a patrol of the battle zone. Flames and smoke roiled, and debris littered the sea. Now and then an explosion rippled the air; the frigate RNS Janovcik fortuneless courage would soon in the deep bosom of the ocean lie buried.

"Great shooting, Plover-3," he said, "That was Jacob stuff right there, right on the mark, over."

Follow up patrols would mark areas for picking up survivors. Helicopters were moving out to do just that, with search and rescue and security teams on them to keep the enemy from getting any filthy treacherous ideas. In particular the survivors of ships that had been so resistant to the bitter end were going to be dealt with cautiously.

“To Admiral Button, this is Lieutenant David Aleksich, Operations Officer of the Boyko, and I have arrested the Bolshevik mutineer Yagodich and taken command of the ship. I hereby offer to surrender the ship to you, and thus we await your conditions for surrender. From now on, you can speak to the crew through me,”

"Lieutenant," said the Edomite accented voice, "I require that you and your people all present themselves on the bow and stern decks of your ship. If there are wounded who cannot be moved easily some of your people will escort a boarding party to their location. You or your successor will present yourself to the boarding party officer and officially surrender your ship. Once you have done this you and your crew will be treated in accordance with international law and the principals of a Christian nation as prisoners of war. If you and your people have no further concerns, please carry out my instructions and indicate over radio that you have done so."

"Captain Ephraim," he said to his second in command, "Select an officer to lead the boarding party please."

Lieutenant Jabel-Hazer, a Gunnery officer who had led boarding parties before along with a search and rescue unit, a prize crew (!) and a unit of Marine Infantry boarded two helicopters in preparation.

"Well, good luck Lieutenant,' said Captain Ephraim as he prepared to leave. "I think this is the largest prize that our fleet has taken in action in years! This is really hunting pirates eh?"

"Yes indeed, and thank you for the opportunity!" he said. "Wait til I tell my brothers they'll be quite green!" said Jabel-Hazer proudly.

“To Admiral Button, this is Commander Spomendo Kolarich, Acting Captain of the Yegorov. I have agreed to surrender due to the suicide of Captain Grom Brusich and the futile nature of this battle, with Chief of the Boat Orest Raguzh now serving under my command. It is indeed our intention to surrender. What are your terms and instructions, so that we may comply with them and save our crew from unnecessary slaughter?”

"Commander Kolarich," said Admiral Button. "Your surrender is accepted..." They were given the same terms as the Boyko Lieutenant Ostermann was sent with a prize crew in this case, a burly Anglo-German youth with considerable experience in anti-piracy patrols.

"Now," said Admiral Button, "Let us hunt down those corvettes, patrol ships and any remaining submarines. I want a tight watch out for them as we're moving the landing ships towards their targets. We will leave the Air Force and Tsarists to destroy the enemy shipping for now--unless we receive reports that they are missing too much of it."

Like an ocean going phalanx, other than a destroyer left behind to supervise the taking of the prizes and take on any excess prisoners, the fleet was to advance to the Fortress Island and Radost Naval Port now. They left in their wake the destruction of the enemy First Fleet.

[Delvian States]

Zelislava Island Fortress, Brod
0800 hours local time


“Status report, Odak?” Commander Troian Burian, Commander of the Zelislava Island Fortress naval base, demanded from Lieutenant Bozidar Odak, his XO.


“Sir, the remaining Shiikas are both gone, as are the shore batteries. All radar is gone now. We are quite literally defenseless, aside from the naval infantry and what walls haven’t been smashed by the enemy. The hospital is badly damaged, and this endangers our triage. What are your orders? Shall we hold out against the invaders?” Odak wondered.



“As much as I would like to, it is useless. Open communications with the enemy. Inform them of our intention to…..to surrender the Fortress. Sure, we could fight with these naval infantry, but innocents will die and I can easily see the slaves rising up against us. I don’t trust that lot in a knife fight, and frankly, I do not think that Anic can hold his own. Otherwise, I might still be tempted…..but in a stand-up fight against an enemy amphibious assault, with naval and air support, and absolutely no coastal batteries left? That’s suicide, especially with only an understrength marine company and a green company commander.


“No, we would be throwing our lives away with nothing to show for it. We can’t stop them. We can’t even slow them down. At this point, we’re a non-factor and they can simply bypass us and come back to capture or kill the lot of us later. We would achieve nothing but our deaths. Unlike the ancient Spartans, I see no virtue in futile slaughter. I’m a naval officer of Brod, not a Spartan king,” Burian ordered his XO.


“Very well, then. I will send the message.”


“Do it now, before I get heroically stupid and change my mind.”


“Yes, sir!” Odak then began transmitting.

Zelislava Island Fortress to Enemy Invasion Force


This is Commander Troian Burian of the Royal Navy of Brod, Base Commander of the Zelislava Island Fortress. Your aerial attack on my fortress has been a complete success. I congratulate you on that. To whom am I speaking? If I am to offer my surrender, I would like to know who will accept said surrender. I would like to know who has invaded my country without provocation, justification, or casus belli. I would like to know who has committed aggression against my country and destroyed all of my defenses. I would like to know the terms and conditions of my imminent surrender, as well as your instructions to me and the forces under my command.


Sincerely,
Commander Troian Burian, Royal Navy of Brod

Prince Vasek Air Base, Brod
0810 hours local time


“Mother of God! Our runways! Our hangars! Our Shiika! What remained of our radar! Saints preserve us! We’ve lost how many of our aircraft in the past half hour?” Air Vice-Marshal Vuk Janda insisted that his XO tell him the bald, unvarnished truth, not just the sugarcoated version that some others in the brass might prefer.


“We’ve lost 10, sir. 9 are woefully short of fuel and in danger of crashing, too, due to the loss of the fuel dumps, hangars, and runways. Our AA defenses are gone, as you indicated. We…..we have no real way to land our MiGs. I do not know what to tell you, sir. I think that we just lost the war, sir. At the risk of sound defeatist and all that,” Lieutenant Colonel Izrael Kljakovic hung his head, fighting back tears, and he was normally a rather calm fellow.


“We lost this war when it first began. When we invaded Michalek. That’s when we lost the war. We lost the war when the Princess failed to organize and co-ordinate with the other states and Princes. We lost the war when we seceded from the Empire. Do you not understand, Colonel? We lost this war before it even happened! We never could have won. The Princess is and was deluding herself. She committed a host of errors, not least when she chose to actually go to war without securing any allies…..against the Tsarists, it was slow suicide. Against whomever is attacking our forces now? Let’s just say that we’ve punched far above our weight class. That isn’t defeatism, sir. It’s reality. It’s common sense. It’s a fact. It’s over. We’re toast.


“Send orders to our pilots. Land where you can. Stay put. Do NOT return to base. Blend into the background. We don’t wish to be captured alive, not until we’re sure what’s going to happen to the prisoners. They’re coming for us. Sooner or later, they are coming for us, Colonel. We won’t surrender until they do, but when they do, surrender is the only choice that we have left. In the meantime, let’s clean up the mess and leave their air force left. We have nothing left to fight them with, sir. We sight tight and wait. Fancy a good game of dominoes tonight? Might as well. No fighting left to do. Dominoes, cigarettes, brandy, and sausage. That’s all that we have left to do. Maybe a slave girl or two to warm our beds while they still will. Soon enough, they’ll all be free, you know,” Janda scoffed.


“So, it really is over, right? Yes, might as well as clean up a bit here or there, and then sit and wait for the enemy to arrive. If, as you say, he will get here. Think it’s the Ossorians again or the Edomites? Don’t know who else it might be. Do you?”


“Hell if I know. It isn’t the Ghantar, though. They don’t invade countries. Against their religion. Smart religion. Keep military for defense alone. Still, they’re heathens and unless they repent, they’ll burn in everlasting fire and brimstone in eternal Hell. Same with the Ossorians. At least the Edomites are Christians,” Janda scowled as he lit up.


“Sir, I’m a Jew,” the XO reminded him as he smoked and poured them both some brandy.


“Well, I’ll pray for you, too, then. Good man. I want you to spend eternity with your God, not with the other guy,” Janda clapped him on the back as he set up the dominoes.

Clean-up was already happening and would resume in the morning. He had standing orders to that effect. For the night, at least, the doomed officers would sit back, drink, smoke, eat, and play dominoes. What else was there to do?

[New Edom]

The New Edomite Fleet

Admiral Button directed a message to Commander Burian,w ith whom he sympathized.

“Commander Burian: this is Admiral Button of the National New Edomite Navy. I regret the necessities of war and having to kill fellow Christians, but we are at war. We have been in a state of war since your princess refused to negotiate with the Tsar and invaded Michalek and intended to invade Soca. Your conduct sis honourable. According to the international laws of war and Christian practice, you and your people shall be treated as prisoners of war and treated fairly. The 9th Marine Infantry Regiment commanded by Colonel de Haren is on its way and elements of that unit will secure the island, so you will surrender to him.”

He felt tired, and felt in a way an odd sympathy with Burian. Burian had clearly been poorly informed—indeed there had been enough force on the part of the Delvians to have at least put up a ferocious fight. Given the geography of the island, the shore defenses, radar, covering fleet with submarines and small craft he had worried about taking serious casualties. But now it seemed to be over.


On the Iphigenia, Colonel Peter de Haren told stunned and elated Marine Infantry that the enemy on their target had already surrendered, cowed by the missile and air strikes, and that they would go to receive their surrender.

“However do not take this lightly,” he warned. “There are other enemy units that have not surrendered. Remember Damoclea, where we though the nation was pacified an then had months more of fighting to deal with. We are still at war, so go in hot and ready and wait for your officers’ orders. God bless you all. I will go in with D Company to receive the surrender.”


“Don’t grin too much fresh fish,” Corporal Shimei warned his squad with a twisted grin. “no plan survives contact with the enemy.”


NOW HEAR THIS. D COMPANY, 9TH MARINE INFANTRY TO BOARD LCAC 1 IN TEN MINUTES. I SAY AGAIN: D COMPANY 9TH MARINE INFANTRY TO BOARD LCAC 1 IN TEN MINUTSES. EXPECTED ETA TO REACH ZELISLAVA ISLAND FORTRESS HALF AN HOUR: THAT IS 0830. GO WITH GOD AND SERVE THE KING AND QUEEN.

'Get them up Sergeant-Major," said Captain Shadrach Shobal.

"Company--fall in!" bellowed the CSM. "Watch your places and your dressing! Gear inspection ready on command!"

Shobal watched the young Ensign, who was mostly standing supervising while Garbos checked to make sure webbing was on firmly, rifle barrels covered...hard to think he'd been that green once. Joseph's eyes stared past first his platoon sergeant, then his platoon commander, then his captain and company executive officer. "Unsealed ammo pouch," said Garbos under his breath.

"Unsealed ammo pouch," said the Ensign as Solomon fumbled with his pouch.

"For God's sake Solomon,' growled Shimei out of the side of his mouth. "You are one simple son of a bitch."

"Take the man's name," said Shobal. They moved down the line.


NENS Partisan

Lieutenant-Commander Abigail Sheth gnawed on a cold lamb chop while she took a breather. There was a half-time match air in the command and information center; the bigger job of reducing the enemy air and sea capabilities had been done. Now they had to get their escorted amphibs towards their positions. Still alert like a hunting bird or cat, bristling with sensors ready to detect approach by aircraft, missile, submarine or torpedo, the frigate stalked forward covering the approach of the main amphibious fleet towards the port of Radost.

Radost was still a going concern. The amphibs would be in range in a matter of less than half an hour. "Batteries, release," she ordered her weapons officer.

"Aye commander, batteries release," came the cool reply.

The bow deck's gun thundered twice in quick succession. Less need for precision or expensive missiles now; they needed to pin the enemy down, harass them, frighten them into either giving up or being unready and shaken by the time their forces got there. Of course two drones were dispatched to keep an eye on things, detect any enemy movements. Dirty grey brown smoke clouds hung like the vapour breath of a giant on the ship as they began to provide the harassing fire towards Radost, aiming for previously targeted basing areas and staging areas, headquarters, signals and supply areas for the enemy forces there.

[Delvian States]

The Boyko,
0734 hours local time


Lieutenant David Aleksich made double sure to follow his instructions from Admiral Button, including an escort for the wounded, some five members of the crew in various degrees of triage. The last thing that he wanted was for the Edomites to claim that he violated the terms of surrender in any way. That could be rather dangerous for any POW, to say the least. No matter how civilized your enemy was (and as a Jew, Aleksich placed no real confidence in Christianity as a moral force), it remained a fact that you were now at his mercy. If he chose to breach the international protocols of wartime conduct, he could devise excuses, especially against a slave-holding nation and its armed forces. Aleksich held no illusions about that.


At the bow of the Boyko, Lieutenant Aleksich himself awaited the boarding party, with Yagodich handcuffed to keep him from causing trouble. The lieutenant didn’t want or need a radical Marxist in his crew provoking incidents with the rest of the seamen of his own side, let alone what he might do to antagonize the Edomites. Judging from their reputation, while not ultra-capitalists of the laissez-faire stripe, they were hardly Communists or even remotely sympathetic to the ideas of Marx, Engels, and Lenin. Having a militant Marxist mutineer try to incite dissension in their own ranks would do the prisoners no favors with the New Edomite National Navy, that was for certain.


Meeting Lieutenant Jabel Hazer in person, at last one of the enemy face to face, Aleksich introduced himself carefully, “Lieutenant David Aleksich, Lieutenant, presenting myself and my crew to surrender ourselves and the Boyko. It is an honor to meet the famous Edomites, though I wished for better circumstances. My escort is prepared to guide you to sickbay, or whomever you wish to send there to retrieve the wounded.”


The Yegorov,
0733 hours local time


Commander Spomendo Kolarich and Chief of the Boat Orest Raguzh eyed each other carefully as they waited for the Edomites to arrive on the bow of the Yegorov, with their own escort ready to take the enemy to the seven wounded in triage on the destroyer. Neither man fully trusted the other, but they had an easy truce for the present, as they were now quite literally in, or rather on, the same boat. This led to more than a degree of tension, made worse by the clear divide between the enlisted men, who sided with Raguzh, and the officers, who generally backed Kolarich.


Understandable for them to support the “chain of command, Raguzh thought with a sneer. They weren’t all conscripted. They had it much easier and only had to attend the Institute before becoming naval officers, with better pay, rank, quarters, etc. The enlisted men had been taken against their will, impressed by the press gangs into the Royal Navy, and often separated from families, friends, lovers, etc., even preferred vocations. No one in the lower ends of society had been safe from the press gangs, but rich had bodyguards and the middle class had some weapons of their own to deter the “press men” (though firearms were often restricted unevenly by the Princess). The officers tended to stick up for their own kind, too, and the michmanny were almost as bad.


No, let them have their precious “orders,” their chain of command, and their comradeship of the high seas. Raguzh just wanted to go home to his children and grandchildren at last. How many years did he honestly have left? He didn’t want to die and miss the chance to be a grandfather…..family was all that he had left in this world. Sure, he’d be a captive for a short time, but the war was clearly lost and he would be released with the imminent conquest and occupation of Brod…..What did Raguzh care for Princess Nadalya Brod, anyway? After what she had sanctioned, separating him from his family, he would gladly dance on her grave.


For Kolarich, however, it was a serious task to even remain civil to Raguzh. The man was a mutineer and a traitor. He only tolerated him from sheer necessity. In normal circumstances, the man would be hanged for mutiny, as he deserved. At least, however, the war would soon be over, even if the wrong side had won. God had His reasons, Kolarich guessed. Probably that the Princess had rebelled against her sovereign, the Tsar. It was likely that and not opposition to slavery. The Holy Scriptures had never condemned slavery, so that was no reason for divine judgment. It had to have been her sinful rebellion and pride, maybe her lust and ruthlessness, too.


Soon enough, Nadia…..soon we shall be man and wife, as we promised each other. Soon, when this wretched war was over. It looked to be sooner now, rather than later, as the defeat of the Royal Navy brought total defeat that much closer to Brod’s shores.

“Lieutenant, I am Commander Spomendo Kolarich, Acting Captain of the Yegorov, and this is Chief of the Boat Orest Raguzh, with whom I have reached agreement to surrender to you for the good of the crew. There is an escort awaiting any of your boarding party that you wish to dispatch to sickbay for evacuation of the wounded. I await your instructions, Lieutenant, odd as that sounds, as I am your superior in rank, but still your prisoner,” Kolarich announced to Ostermann with a tight-lipped smile.

[Delvian States]

Zelislava Island Fortress, Brod
0820 hours local time


Commander Troian Burian awaited the Edomites with an escort composed of an honor guard of naval infantry, along with Lieutenant Bozidar Odak, his XO, as well as Ensign Caba Anic, the acting commander of the naval infantry, who was as green as a young officer seemed to get. Burian had zero confidence in Anic, which was no small part of his decision to surrender the island, as he didn’t believe for a moment that Anic could hold his position against such an amphibious assault. It wouldn’t Anic to face up the realities of life now…..he might see for himself what really came with war, especially to the vanquished…..maybe, it might even toughen up.


How in God’s name had that fool gotten himself past the Institute, let alone a commission on a serving ship in a time of war? It smacked of nepotism, and indeed, Anic’s mother was married to the brother of Livokha’s Lord Mayor, Baron Labud Shikic. Enough said, probably. It was corrupted, unmerited favor, and it was exactly the sort of graft, patronage, and favoritism that would possibly undermine Brod’s already slim chances of victory.


On that basis, Brod really didn’t deserve to win the war, a thought which Burian more than a little uncomfortable. A rare case of meritocracy himself, having come up the ranks from the sorry souls seized by the press gangs, Burian deeply despised the kind of injustices represented by this kind of privilege, and yet Brod was his country, his homeland…..What kind of man didn’t fight for hearth and home if he could help it? Only cowards and traitors, of course….if he had any confidence in Anic or any hope for success, Burian would have fought on….he only surrendered because he had no desire to waste the lives of his men on a futile cause.


Thus Burian waited with an erect, proud, unshaken bearing, despite his fears of the foe….at least they were Christians and presumably men and women of honor. As long as they kept their word, he and his men were fine. If they broke it, God have mercy on them all.


Radost Naval Station
0825 hours local time


The enemy shells had more than done their work. The foe had smashed up the single shore battery, leaving the base virtually defenseless, other than the small company of naval infantry led by Lieutenant Zoran Shkorich, who was in a nasty, pugnacious mood to be sure. Lieutenant Laban Dzurkin looked ready to fix bayonets for something similarly insane.


“Those pricks! They’ve destroyed our last battery. My men are now forced to rely on machine gun nests, mortars, and sandbags to defend the station! You do realize what that means for us, sir?” Shkorich was most emphatic in his rage.


“Yes, that we have lost the war. If we cannot hold the base, the enemy will be able to land his men at will and begin a full-scale invasion of Brod. Our coastal infantry and artillery, not to mention our militia, are less than adequate for the purpose of repulsing such an invasion, as you know. A significant amphibious landing with a sizable military force would be more than enough to seize and occupy large swaths of our territory without meeting effective local resistance even capable of stalling them and buying the principality time to counter the threat before it worsened,” Lieutenant Dzurkin conceded with frustrated resignation.


“Even so, I am not going down without a fight. Futile or not, I want to make them bleed before they take one meter of our sacred soil! Are you with me in this, Lieutenant Shkorich?” Dzurkin turned to the naval infantry commander.


“To the death, sir. To the very bitter end. I will not be a traitor. Right or wrong, this is my city and my state, and I will defend my homeland to the last drop of blood in my veins! Count on my troops, sir! We will fight to the death.”


“That’s all I needed to hear. Now, execute Plan 42,” Dzurkin signaled the plan in place for this among the station’s staff, formulated by Dzurkin himself, in fact. Bartos had proven worse than useless about this sort of thing.

In short order, the men and women of the base found their ambush points, as per the Plan, and began to set up their traps. With machine-guns, snipers, mortars, and other such gear, they might just take a few Edomites to hell with them…...what else was there to do?

[New Edom]

The Boyko,
0734 hours local time


At the bow of the Boyko, Lieutenant Aleksich himself awaited the boarding party, with Yagodich handcuffed to keep him from causing trouble. The lieutenant didn’t want or need a radical Marxist in his crew provoking incidents with the rest of the seamen of his own side, let alone what he might do to antagonize the Edomites. Judging from their reputation, while not ultra-capitalists of the laissez-faire stripe, they were hardly Communists or even remotely sympathetic to the ideas of Marx, Engels, and Lenin. Having a militant Marxist mutineer try to incite dissension in their own ranks would do the prisoners no favors with the New Edomite National Navy, that was for certain.


Meeting Lieutenant Jabel Hazer in person, at last one of the enemy face to face, Aleksich introduced himself carefully, “Lieutenant David Aleksich, Lieutenant, presenting myself and my crew to surrender ourselves and the Boyko. It is an honor to meet the famous Edomites, though I wished for better circumstances. My escort is prepared to guide you to sickbay, or whomever you wish to send there to retrieve the wounded.”

The Lieutenant and his boarding party were in blued helmets, with body armour and battle dress; the enlisted sailors had striped vests under their jackets. They looked around alertly as they came aboard, either disembarking from helicopters hovering over the landing deck or from climbing up the netting that was strung later over the starboard side.

"Lieutenant Jabel Hazer," said the young man, saluting. "In the Name of King Elijah and Queen Mara, I accept your surrender and agree to your care as prisoners and for your wounded according to the international laws of conflict." He turned to a medium height dark haired man with bold eyebrows. "Chief, secure the deck while I inspect the sick bay."

"Aye aye, Your Honour," said the man sturdily. He motioned to three sailors each to cover each of the four main quarters of the ship's deck for the time being, while a Chief Master-at-Arms Mate began to organize the prisoners to be moved onto the helicopters or boats. They were checked for weapons--no radios allowed, no phones either. "You will be given a shower and asked to change into coveralls before we give back your uniforms if they are in suitable shape," he explained, making sure all could hear.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Hazer and four Marine Infantry under a sergeant went down to the sickbay with the commander of the ship.

The Yegorov,
0733 hours local time

“Lieutenant, I am Commander Spomendo Kolarich, Acting Captain of the[i] Yegorov, and this is Chief of the Boat Orest Raguzh, with whom I have reached agreement to surrender to you for the good of the crew. There is an escort awaiting any of your boarding party that you wish to dispatch to sickbay for evacuation of the wounded. I await your instructions, Lieutenant, odd as that sounds, as I am your superior in rank, but still your prisoner,” Kolarich announced to Ostermann with a tight-lipped smile.[/i]

"Lieutenant Ostermann, sir," said the young officer, saluting. "In the Name of King Elijah and Queen Mara, I accept this vessel as a prize of war. You and your men, Commander, will be treated as honourable prisoners in accordance with the articles of war, as will your wounded of course. We have brought a surgeon and pharmacists's mate with us. Please show them to the sick bay. Have your men and officers present themselves for a search and then we will begin moving your personnel to the helicopters and then to the ship we will be holding your personnel on. Midshipman--see to the organizing of the prisoners."

He asked the commander to step aside a moment. "Sir, I'm to ask you what happened with the confusing conflicting communications we had, something about a mutiny? If there are security concerns we had better have them." While he was much younger had an air of brusque confidence about him.

Meanwhile, the Midshipman, Estella Conure, looked over a clipboard she had brought with her. She was a short, sturdy fair haired Cornellian with a friendly pleasant face though currently it was very serious. As the enlisted personnel and officers were being organized for searches, the Chief Gunner's Mate with her murmured in her ear, and she said out loud, "How many here were pressed into serve or brought into the Brod Royal Navy as slaves?"

[New Edom]

Zelislava Island Fortress, Brod
0820 hours local time

The first LCAC moved in with the humming roar of a hovercraft, the other following about five hundred meters behind its stern. There were also two helicopters inbound. The first one moved up onto a landing beach, and the ramp slammed down, and the first squad advanced down the ramp to the beach. Colonel de Haren shielded his eyes under the helmet, and said, "Well, off we go, Captain."

"Sir," said Captain Shobal. "Alright, Sergeant-Major Ashkelon, take 'em off, fan out and secure the area. Remember the ROEs,"

Yes Your Honour," said the grizzled man. The Marine Infantry advanced forward and began to take up their positions in an orderly manner by lines, since it was a forma occasion, though if there was any treachery they would swiftly take cover.

Seeing the group of foreign soldiers and officers, Colonel de Haren, a tall man of strong build walked forward and brought his booted heels together and saluted neatly. "I am Colonel de Haren, 9th Marine Infantry. I have come, in the name of King Elijah and Queen Mara, to take this island for the Tsar. Do you surrender it to me?"

Radost Naval Station
0825 hours local time


Colonel Elena Weber had walked onto the deck of the amphibious ship her regiment was being carried by. The ship was ablaze with activity; four LCACs were loaded up with the Royal Cavalry Guards and support units, while the helicopters were carrying the entire 21st. The coastal base had not surrendered, so the plan was to take the place by force. Swinging around the arc of fire from the supporting escorts, which were still pounding the hell out of their designated attack zones, they would then call in their approach and request a cessation of fire. As they came in close supporting fire would pass to four Terrier VTOL fighters and four Kite drones which would also keep watch for any enemy air surprises, and six RH-77 Attack helicopters. The first squadron would go in first, the second would follow within a few minutes of the first landing, and then the third.

"Remember, staggered advance, watch your timing and overlap," said Colonel Weber to the squadron commanders, with Sergeant-Major Beor and Master of Horse Lt. Colonel Rubinstein. Major Zeldorinius would lead them in. The battle scarred ugly as sin officer, nicknamed "Hesperinus' brother by unkind people, was a hero of several actions, and to him this was utterly routine.

The helicopters flew low over the water, leaving the LCACs behind rapidly, as the destroyer and frigate pounded the shore targets. Three RH-77s flew in front, three in back, in wide Vs. The Lancers piously sang Hymn 63 as they advanced which was their Regimental Psalm.

Meanwhile on the other amphibious ship, the Hellenic forces were also moving onto their helicopters and landing craft; they were very uneasy--even General Aristarchos was nervous as well but didn't show it. His first major amphibious operation. The amount of planning had been enormous. His duty was to bring his regiments on the northern flank of the New Edomite position.

Advised by his operations aide that the first two LCACs were ready, they began to move out of the ship and roared forward.

See me he murmured, touching an idol in his combat webbing. See me, Mars. I have sacrificed to you, and let this battle to come be dedicated to you.

General Felicity Romain stayed on the Iphigenia with her staff, with the exception of General hermengild who was going in with the Guards. She would go in with the third wave of the 21st.

"Tea General?" offered Captain Weber, proferring a cup of mint tea.

"Yes, thank you," she said, taking it.

She touched my hand... thought Weber, her heart racing looking searchingly at the General's beautiful blue eyes.

'Yes?" said Romain sharply.

"Er, um, nothing General, just...' she offered a bow. "Luck in battle."

Romain smiled, and at that moment Weber would have died for her. "And you, Captain."

Wendt and Havoth-Jair were staring with binoculars from the observation deck up above. "Almost there," muttered Havoth-Jair.

Down below them the other two LCACs carrying Marines headed off, not to the fortress island but beyond to Radost to join the other forces.

NOW HEAR THIS, NOW HEAR THIS, ALL ESCORTS CEASE FIRING!

And now in the distance they could see the helicopters laying down smoke to cover their approach to Radost, firing smoke at their designated landing zones, as they began their descent. The land battle had finally begun.

[Ghant]

(Continued from Food Riots)

The Ghantish Expeditionary Force

At Sea
Off the coast of Radost

The Ghantish frigate and destroyer were making sure their anti-submarine warfare systems were functional…they seemed to be working alright. The ships used sonar buoys which were dropped into the water around their area of operations. So far so good, Lord Reynard Voor thought as he observed the Battle of Radost from the deck of his troop ship. Everything seems to be going exceedingly well.

“Sir,” Commander Marko Landabaso said to Reynard with a salute. “Preparations for lading are well underway.”

“Very good, Marko.” Commander Marko was Reynard’s second in command, who was effective at delegation and the direction of administrative tasks. Captain Sanduru Alcat was in charge of military intelligence, Laurentzi Chanchotena dealt with operations, and the grizzled Gartxot Ayeroa oversaw training of personnel. Reynard kept Jokin Ibarragorri, his aide, close at hand, to serve as a personal messenger and secretary.

Reynard took the opportunity to look over his plans and review the details of his force. Of his twenty thousand men, twelve thousand were combat troops. These were divided into three brigades consisting of four thousand men, commanded by Simon Usabiaga, Lete Galarregui and Parmenion Leiceaga, respectively. Tantalo Izcara, Merkurio Mutiloa, and Priapo Maidagan, respectively. The remaining four non-combat brigades were under the command of Eudoxo Yaben, Kleto Sasiain, Elagabalo Goyo and Inaxio Echeverrie, consisting of artillery, engineering, medical, transport, logistics, administration, intelligence and signal regiments.

It would have easily been observed that Reynard lacked any female commanders…this was deliberate on his part. While Reynard didn’t dislike women, he regarded them as ill-suited towards conducting warfare, and mistrusted them. Women always manage to fuck things up, he thought, and while he could admit that there was bias on his part, he wasn’t like to take any chances.

Lord Voor had made sure that two of his brigade commanders had been informed that when they were cleared to disembark in Radost, that they were to advance on the town, with one flanking it to the east and the other to the south in order to control the roads and provide support to each other. They would then be instructed to proceed cautiously, making use of scouts on the ground in light fast vehicles as well as available air cover provided by their allies to avoid any surprises.” I hate fucking surprises.

Captain Umo Elmaro of ‘Lord Graka's Own Loyal Air Mounted Light Infantry’ stepped onto the deck of the ship beside Reynard, and saluted his superior commanding officer. Umo was from the Gaemarian highlands, and like any highlander in a warzone, came equipped for it. On his belt was a zirkulua, which was an unusual weapon that looked like a brass hoop with sharpened edges. Its razor-thin edge was ideal for dismembering opponents.

Umo also carried a karambit, which was a short dagger that was curved to resemble a hooked claw. Originally developed as a farming tool, the blade became longer and more curved as it became a martial weapon. The hole at the end was for the user to loop a finger through to improve grip, letting it act as an iron knuckle, and making it difficult to disarm. In addition there was a traditional hunting horn, which no doubt Umo would blow when they arrived in an action zone.

“Milord,” Umo said with a bow to Reynard. “I have come to inform you that the barber surgeons are available to treat the Delvian wounded if needs be. They seem quite eager to get involved and work their craft.”

I’m sure they are, Reynard though with some degree of reservation. “Tell them to stay ready, and that they will be utilized if requested.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Umo bowed out, but then Jokin, Reynard’s aide, stepped forth with some tidings.

“Milord…some of the Delvian ships have surrendered. Commander Spomendo Kolarich, Acting Captain of the Yegorov has agreed to surrender his ship, after the previous captain shot himself. Also, Lieutenant David Aleksich, Operations Officer of the Boyko, has surrendered that ship as well after mutinying the captain, who is now being held captive,” Jokin explained.

Good, this is going easier than I anticipated. While Reynard expected that the Delvian rebels would wither before the combined strength of the Tsarists, Edomites and Ghantish, he didn’t expect the slavers to turn on themselves so quickly, or so easily. It was a reassuring sign, and hopefully a taste of what was to come in the subsequent land battle. At least the barber surgeons are ready for that…

A message came in on the ship’s loudspeakers. NOW HEAR THIS, NOW HEAR THIS, ALL ESCORTS CEASE FIRING!

“You heard it!” Reynard bellowed to his men. “Cease firing!” Just like that, the men scampered off and relayed these orders, and within less than a minute, all of the Ghantish ships ceased their fire. It would appear as though we are nearly ready to move forward to the port of Radost, Reynard realized, eager to get the ground campaign underway. In the distance, he could see helicopters dispersing smoke to cover the advance of the allied ships towards Radost.

The final approach is upon us. “Advance the ships forward,” Reynard commanded, believing that landing zones were being designated by the helicopters up ahead. "And inform the Edomites that we are prepared to disembark." The city had been hit hard by shells, and he had to wonder how much fight was left among the rebels in the city. Probably not much, he thought. At least not anyone with any sense. Then again they were fighting for slavers, so how much sense could they have?

[Delvian States]

The Boyko,
0734 hours local time


Each of the crew of the Boyko complied with the instructions, though the look that Yagodich gave the Edomites was less than friendly. In fact, it was quite hostile. That wasn’t surprising, given the michmanny’s Marxist sympathies. The rest of the crew were rather fatalistic by now, and while most of them still wished that they had won, for a variety of reasons, they had little difficulty following orders. Most of the enlisted folks were pressed into service originally, so plenty of them had never been more than grudging sailors. They did their jobs, and more than a few had taken to the sea as a way of life, but it was a mixed bag of motivated and reluctant seamen.


“Yes, come with me, Lieutenant,” Aleksich saluted and led the way to the sickbay, knowing full well that he was less than trusted by their captors.


The five wounded included four men and what turned out to actually be a woman under closer examination. Aleksich wasn’t the only one shocked by these events. Women were at least officially permitted to serve aboard warships, though admittedly, the environment there was less than favorable. How and why had the female sailor, Seaman First Class Zagorka Plantak, ended up being pressed without anyone catching on that they had a woman on their hands…..


It wasn’t that women never served, but it was usually bored young noblewomen who had managed to get into the Institute and typically found themselves grateful after the hardships and hazing there to end up mercifully in staff postings (if they weren’t expelled, and the washout rate was 80% with the ladies). Sometimes women were pressed by “accident,” but were usually “discovered” much sooner…..It was usually some lowborn woman who had incurred the wrath of some aristocrat or wealthy merchant or prominent civil servant. Plantak had been injured in her left buttock, which led to her discovery at last.


The other four included two severe burn victims, who weren’t given much chance of survival, as well as a michmann who had been stabbed by Yagodich when he had resisted the mutiny (the knife appeared to have pierced his spleen), and the ship’s chaplain, Father Gal Izevich, who had lost three toes on his left foot. Two of the patients greeted the Edomites with a mixture of fear and shock…..neither had fully imagined how it would feel to see enemy troops board their ship…...yet here they were. The burn victims were too far gone, in such pain and so doped by morphine that they had no clue what was really going on around them. Death would come as a mercy to both of them, and in fact, Father Izevich was, despite his own wounded state, reading them both their last rites to ensure their passage into Heaven.


“We’re just trying badly to keep them from suffering too much at this point. It would be cruel to actively try to save them right now,” Dr. Dasen Tudman, the ship’s physician, explained to the Edomites and his temporary skipper.


“Your orders regarding these?” Aleksich turned to the Edomites now.


The Yegorov,
0733 hours local time



“Thank you for that, Lieutenant. The medical help will be greatly appreciated, I assure you. Raguzh, this is no time to argue. The Edomites are in charge now. Comply with them. That’s an order. Same with you, Lieutenant Garich, regarding the officers. Prepare for search and transfer into Edomite custody. I will take the Lieutenant with me to sickbay, along with the surgeon and pharmacists’ mate. I trust that everything will be done in accordance with international law, as promised,” Kolarich instructed everyone, now guiding the Edomites to sickbay.


“The previous skipper was trapped with several of us and finally killed himself as a result. The Chief of the Boat led a mutiny and pushed for immediate surrender. Seems that he misses home and wants the war to just be over. To think that I thought that he had adjusted enough to life as a sailor. But that’s the trouble with impressment. A volunteer fighting force is much better. That’s just how it is. You’re fighting a navy full of men who don’t want to be there,” Kolarich reacted with disgust at their desire to avoid war, much as he tried to hide it.


Indeed, when they found the wounded, all eight of them, generally from the ship’s battery and radio sections, as well as one from the kitchen, a cook named Marcel Klaich. Three were so badly burned that they weren’t expected to survive the day, while two were more lightly burned (including Klaich), one had a perforated intestine, one had shrapnel in his right arm, and the last had lost his left eye. The priest was reading the last rites to these wounded, especially the dying, but the look on his face was carefully controlled disgust.

As for Conure’s query, most of the enlisted men raised their hands, but one or two had actually volunteered. This included one of the michmanny, Stanko Devcic, who was frankly gay as could be and reveled in living on a ship among so many horny men…..enough said there. The way that he looked as Conure probably gave him away….total disinterest there.

[Delvian States]

Zelislava Island Fortress, Brod
0820 hours local time

Saluting back, Commander Burian answered, “Commander Troian Burian, Base Commander of the Fortress for the Royal Navy of Brod. Yes, I am ready to surrender this base to you. We are prepared to comply with your instructions. This is Lieutenant Odak, my XO, and this is Ensign Anic, the acting CO of the naval infantry contingent on Zelislava. What are your intentions and instructions, sir?

Anic was so visibly terrified now that he lost control of his bladder in front of everyone, earning the scorn of the troops. He just wasn’t cut out for soldiering….Odak grimaced and refused to look the ensign in the eye anymore. He looked as ashamed as he was, wanting to be hidden for once. Burian ignored the whole thing and awaited the colonel’s commands. Too much was at stake to risk an incident right then. All had to go just right.


Radost Naval Station, Brod,
0832 hours local time


When the helicopter gunships came close enough for their liking, or rather too close, the designated ambushers began launching their shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles. Those without them began using their RPGs, which added another element of danger to the situation for the invaders. However, the smoke made it more than a little difficult to see the foe, thus interfering greatly with the accuracy of the ambush. Even so, with any luck, some of the Edomites would go down, anyway…..What else was there to do?


“Make damn sure that the next phase of the ambush is carried out to the hilt, do you understand me?” Dzurkin ordered his XO and men, as they waited for the rest of the Edomites to get closer to attack them.


“Certainly, sir,” the new XO assured Dzurkin.


“Then we sight tight and hit them as they land. Is that clear?”


“Absolutely, sir!” Shkorich swore to him now.

“Good, let’s hit them hard! Now!” Dzurkin insisted, eager now to pay the Edomites back….he owed them death in spades.

[New Edom]

The Boyko,
0734 hours local time


The five wounded included four men and what turned out to actually be a woman under closer examination. Aleksich wasn’t the only one shocked by these events. Women were at least officially permitted to serve aboard warships, though admittedly, the environment there was less than favorable. How and why had the female sailor, Seaman First Class Zagorka Plantak, ended up being pressed without anyone catching on that they had a woman on their hands…..
Plantak had been injured in her left buttock, which led to her discovery at last.

The other four included two severe burn victims, who weren’t given much chance of survival, as well as a [i]michmann who had been stabbed by Yagodich when he had resisted the mutiny (the knife appeared to have pierced his spleen), and the ship’s chaplain, Father Gal Izevich, who had lost three toes on his left foot. Two of the patients greeted the Edomites with a mixture of fear and shock…..neither had fully imagined how it would feel to see enemy troops board their ship…...yet here they were. The burn victims were too far gone, in such pain and so doped by morphine that they had no clue what was really going on around them. Death would come as a mercy to both of them, and in fact, Father Izevich was, despite his own wounded state, reading them both their last rites to ensure their passage into Heaven.


“We’re just trying badly to keep them from suffering too much at this point. It would be cruel to actively try to save them right now,” Dr. Dasen Tudman, the ship’s physician, explained to the Edomites and his temporary skipper.


“Your orders regarding these?” Aleksich turned to the Edomites now.[/i]

Lieutenant Jabel Hazer raised an eyebrow. "What's she doing here? I thought women didn't serve in combat roles in the military in Brod. If she's going to be alright here, there are too few wounded to bother moving them, your surgeon can care for them here with our supervision for now."

The plan was to turn the vessel over to their allies of the Imperial Delvian Navy, and let them deal with the pressed crews themselves. "As for the others, yes doctor, make them comfortable." He felt a bit of sympathy--he had never been able to truly get used to seeing seriously injured people, though he could deal with it it turned his stomach to see the burn victims. "If you need anything, medicines, personnel to help, let us know. Poor devils."




The Yegorov,
0733 hours local time


“The previous skipper was trapped with several of us and finally killed himself as a result. The Chief of the Boat led a mutiny and pushed for immediate surrender. Seems that he misses home and wants the war to just be over. To think that I thought that he had adjusted enough to life as a sailor. But that’s the trouble with impressment. A volunteer fighting force is much better. That’s just how it is. You’re fighting a navy full of men who don’t want to be there,” Kolarich reacted with disgust at their desire to avoid war, much as he tried to hide it.

"I see, Commander," said Ostermann, thinking this was a valuable impression to receive for intelligence. "Thank you for your candor." He thought to himself that there was more to it than that. Generally New Edomites were coming to the conclusion that the Delvian warrior was a contradiction in terms.

"Well, thank you for your cooperation. Your war, at least, is over. How do you and your officers feel about being turned over to the Tsar's Navy as prisoners?"

Indeed, when they found the wounded, all eight of them, generally from the ship’s battery and radio sections, as well as one from the kitchen, a cook named Marcel Klaich. Three were so badly burned that they weren’t expected to survive the day, while two were more lightly burned (including Klaich), one had a perforated intestine, one had shrapnel in his right arm, and the last had lost his left eye. The priest was reading the last rites to these wounded, especially the dying, but the look on his face was carefully controlled disgust.

"If you need any assistance we are to let our ship's commander know," said the naval surgeon, looking them over. "But why are you giving them last rites? They could be cared for...the wounds are nasty, yes, but they are treatable..."

As for Conure’s query, most of the enlisted men raised their hands, but one or two had actually volunteered. This included one of the michmanny, Stanko Devcic, who was frankly gay as could be and reveled in living on a ship among so many horny men…..enough said there. The way that he looked as Conure probably gave him away….total disinterest there.

"Any who wish to may apply to join the Tsar's Navy," she said, making notes, "Though whether they accept you or not is another matter. Please disrobe, there are jumpsuits available from our ship which you can put on to cover your modesty. As there are so many of you you will remain here for the time being in a secure manner until we arrange for your transport. Thank you for your cooperation."

[New Edom]

Zelislava Island Fortress, Brod
0820 hours local time

Saluting back, Commander Burian answered, “Commander Troian Burian, Base Commander of the Fortress for the Royal Navy of Brod. Yes, I am ready to surrender this base to you. We are prepared to comply with your instructions. This is Lieutenant Odak, my XO, and this is Ensign Anic, the acting CO of the naval infantry contingent on Zelislava. What are your intentions and instructions, sir?

Anic was so visibly terrified now that he lost control of his bladder in front of everyone, earning the scorn of the troops. He just wasn’t cut out for soldiering….Odak grimaced and refused to look the ensign in the eye anymore. He looked as ashamed as he was, wanting to be hidden for once. Burian ignored the whole thing and awaited the colonel’s commands. Too much was at stake to risk an incident right then. All had to go just right.

"I..." began Colonel de Haren. Then the noise and visible dark stain began on the ensign's trousers. He cleared his throat. "Your base is to be entirely turned over to Captain Shobal and his troops here for inspection. All ordnance, weapons, vehicles, paperwork and supplies to be turned over. Your officers and men are to be placed in a holding area, disarmed, and identified. Any wounded are to be inspected by our medical staff. The local town fathers are to present themselves in a public place and will have the occupation explained to them. You must be advised: any hint of terrorism, insurgency or rebellion against the Tsar will result in the Compulsory Nudity Act being imposed. Do you have any questions?"

Radost Naval Station, Brod,
0832 hours local time


Captain Perna, leading in the first six gunships, got warnings going off in his cockpit, as did other pilots and gunners as the helicopters approached when SAMS and RPGs began firing up at them. The helicopters immediately deployed countermeasures, chaff exploding in dusty clouds around them and taking evasive action. The RH-77 is a tough helicopter not easily damaged by such weapons, and this first attack had given sufficient warning that they could get a general idea of where their attackers were. The RH-77 can also track up to 75 targets and is linked to the CROMWELL II battlenet system via the Balcoth helmets worn by the crews, so that immediately the recon drones were fed the information and began doing counter-battery location to try to give them an idea beyond visual of where their enemies might be.

"Got a possible target for us, Captain," reported gunner-navigator Lieutenant Restorf.

"Fire at will," replied Perna coldly and clear.

The rockets began to streak down in response to the enemy, along with autocannon fire raking down around the prospective LZ. Perna also warned the Regiment that it was a hot LZ (as if they couldn't tell!) and advised a cautious approach. In fact the helicopters swung away and intended to land about five km away. The second flight of RH-77s moved ahead swiftly to scout out that area in company with the drones. Out to sea, the LCACs were till advancing but the pilots and commanders were informed of the situation too, just in case they'd been missed on the line somehow, so that they'd know to either slow their approach or land somewhere else. But Romain and Aristarchos saw no reason to stop yet. Instead, whatever beach head was available to flank the landing of the Lancers would be re-routed to on either side of the base and town.

The Lyscanian battalion, also mounted in helicopters, would over shoot the moment the Lancers controlled an lZ and land near the enemy air base, and capture that if they could. Their machines were already lifting off their amphib's deck and starting to head in that direction.

[Delvian States]

The Boyko

Aleksich gave a surprised look at the Edomite’s remark about women in the Brod armed forces. The reality was neither as simple, nor as straightforward as it sounded. As always, money talked and determined a great deal that it ideally shouldn’t, as did birth. Merit had little to do with what really went down. In Brod, as in much of the Delvian States, the official and unofficial scarcely resembled each other at all. What existed in theory was little more than a facade to cover up and sugarcoat the reality of things. The Brod military was an uneven thing, with quality ranging from the great to the abysmal, with plenty of mediocrity in between to spare.


“Some women get pressed along with the men, though it’s a wonder that she didn’t get caught sooner. If you ask me, we should take anyone who volunteers and scrap the rest. If you ask any officer worth his salt, impressment is nothing but an excuse to build a navy on the cheap. They’re a horrible tradition. Other branches don’t deal with this crap half as much as the navy, and now in its acid test, the system has failed us all.


“Mutinies are proof positive of this. Discipline, professionalism, sense of duty, courage, all are in woefully short supply among the enlisted sailors. Worse, it affects the naval infantry, too, so our chances in a firefight are nil,” Aleksich was uncommonly frank, but he was tired of the lies and the bravado. It was time for home truths to be spoken aloud, especially in front of the men…..they needed to know that they had lost the war because their government had failed them.


“That’s not to say that you won’t meet some resistance, because you will. Anyway, thanks for the medical help. The biggest need is blood transfusions for those who have lost too much blood and morphine for those dying in agony. I imagine that the good doctor has matters in hand. So, we are all to remain on this ship, or are some of us to be moved to yours?”


The Yegorov


“I would have no trouble with it myself. I am no criminal, have nothing to fear. I am a naval officer. I followed orders. I daresay that while some might feel differently, plenty of us will have no issues with that. They’re fellow countrymen, after all. So, where do we stay while waiting for that transfer? Here or on your ships?” Kolarich inquired, “Not sure what they will do with the Chief of the Boat. Mutiny is a serious crime, after all.”


He was more than a little confused by the Edomites, but that was a given, considering their reputation for ferocity. He had half-expected to be stripped and beaten with canes or something. They were remarkably polite for naked savages. Hell, most of them weren’t naked after all...or from what he could tell.


“Last rites? That’s pro forma in any dangerous situation, just in case. Even if the risk is minimal, all must have extreme unction and final confession, be shriven to cleanse their souls of sins, particularly mortal ones. Don’t wish to go from hell on Earth to Hell itself, do we?” Father Odris Zhivkovic, the chaplain, explained.


“I wish to volunteer for the Tsar’s Navy, and I definitely do not mind taking off my clothes. Not surprised that the Edomites want that. I hear that your country is one vast nudist colony, how splendid!” Devcic in particular snickered.


“Well, I will do it, but I do not have to like it, especially not with the resident queer sailor here,” Petty Officer Ferdinand Blazhich coughed as he complied, “This isn’t part of that Compulsory Nudity law that you have, is it?”


Blazhich detested homosexuals and constantly feared that Devcic would try to seduce him or something. He also despised nudists. While he didn’t have a problem with the Tsar, not as such, he didn’t trust any nation that would undermine its own morality laws with such a contradictory mandate as compulsory nudity. If there was one thing that Blazhich hated most of all, it was sex or sexuality in any form. If he had his way, everyone would be chaste. He was still a virgin and unashamed to admit it, despite being from a country that shunned male celibates.


He was also the hardest working, most dedicated seaman of the whole lot. Blazhich always got high marks from the officers for the quality of his work. Granted, he had been a volunteer, unlike most, so that might be part of it, too.


“You might want to ship that one to one of your gay gulags, friends. He’s about as big of a sodomite as some say Colonel Kodec was,” Seaman Second Class Zarko Pupich grimaced as he undressed as well.


“Yes, I am a homosexual. Happy that I have confessed? I’d rather go to one of their gay gulags than spend another night in your company, you imbecile!” Devcic made an obscene gesture.


“Quiet, you both!” Orest Raguzh told them both, “I will probably hang soon enough for mutiny, if my present bad luck holds, and I have no wish to spend my last days in your miserable company.”

“Time will tell,” Kolarich smirked, thinking, I hope that you do hang, you traitor….if it weren’t for you, the Captain would still be alive and he might have scuttled or escaped.

The rest of the men chuckled, but disrobed without further incident, not wishing to cause a scene or anger their captors....

[Delvian States]

Zelislava Island Fortress

“Does the Compulsory Nudity Act have any legal standing in Brod? I wasn’t aware that the Tsar had given his consent to it. In any case, we have surrendered and we have no choice but to comply with all of your instructions. I will be honest, though. If I had just one shore battery left, just one…..I would have fought on. You won this battle when you took out all of my batteries and my Shiikas, reduced my defenses to a single rifle company of naval infantry under temporary command a cowardly ensign. I congratulate you on that, though I do not like that you invaded Brod. I know your reasons now, though. You are working with the Tsar to quash the Separate States, starting with Brod.


“As for the city of Lubena, for that, I can put you in communication with the town fathers, if that is what you wish. I am not sure how they will reply, realistically, but I can appeal to them to surrender as well, if you wish, too. You will see that I am a man of honor and my word. I will not lead any kind of revolt. I am your prisoner, sir, as are all of my men,” Burian continued.


“I must warn you, the town fathers of Lubena are more or less in the pirates’ pay. Piracy and this fortress are the main sources of income, followed by fishing, of course. Not sure how they will behave,” Odak cautioned the Edomites in his own words.


“Lead trumps money, my friend. Always does. They’ll act to save their hides first, pirates be damned. Just you watch,” Ensign Anic surprised everyone with his clear insight, adding, “I’m a coward, okay, but I’m no fool.”


“Pass the word down, Chief. Two things. Ensign Anic’s name is not to be mentioned again in my presence. He is a disgrace to his uniform and has brought dishonor upon this nation and its navy. The Edomites can do whatever they want with him. I wash my hands of him. Also, we should take his advice, though, and appeal to their fear to overwhelm their greed. Just my take on things. Comply with their orders, Odak…..all of them,” Burian instructed his XO.

“Anything else?” Burian asked the Edomites now.


Radost Naval Station


The enemy hellfire that poured down certainly took out a majority of the teams assigned to strike the gunshi ps with SA-18 shoulder-launched SAMs, though one or two here or there made it. Clearly, that strategy wasn’t working, so Dzurkin opted to lie in wait for the ground troops to actually arrive. His forces would attack as soon as they caught the Edomites and their allies in the open, exposed. That was the idea, a trap set for the foe, though whether or not he would fall into it was a different story.


The troops were to keep total radio silence for now, rather than risk the Edomites intercepting their communications. They were to sit quietly and pounce whenever the invaders came close to the scene to hit them. They all sat very tensely and nervously indeed, the total silence oppressive, but necessary. The Edomites were not to know that there was still a contingent of sailors and marines ready to resist them.


Lieutenant Shkorich led one part of the operation, while Dzurkin himself took command of the other. Their orders were to avoid any contact with the enemy until it was time to attack them with both wings or flanks. More than a few, such as Seaman Lampad Vinkovic, shivered more than a little, as he had heard some awful things about these Edomites, and now they had destroyed the Royal Navy, it seemed. Yes, they had good cause to fear, but Dzurkin had made himself abundantly clear. No surrenders while there was at least a chance of victory in any way. They would fight on, despite Zelislava's fall.

No one spoke a word. No one did a thing but listen and watch….this was no time to spoil the surprise, after all…...there would be plenty of time for talk when the battle ended, one way or the other. In the meantime, they all had their duty…..and that they would do.

[New Edom]

The Boyko

The Boyko sailors and officers were to be taken prisoner aboard one of the amphibious ships. They would be moved in groups of 25 until the ship was empty but for a prize crew,w hich would steam her into Tsarist waters when the time was right. After being stripped, cleaned and searched, given fresh jumpsuits, they would also then be transported to Tsarist territory. The pressed sailors could register as volunteers. The rest would have the Tsar's justice to deal with, but after all they had been fulfilling their oaths and had surrendered readily enough, and that would go onto the record of the report. For them, the war was over.

I report that the officer commanding the ship behaved as a gentleman, and recommend that he be treated as a prisoner of wwar and be repatriated at a time deemed appropriate by the Tsar's imperial Navy... wrote Jabel Hazer in his report.

The Yegorov


“I would have no trouble with it myself. I am no criminal, have nothing to fear. I am a naval officer. I followed orders. I daresay that while some might feel differently, plenty of us will have no issues with that. They’re fellow countrymen, after all. So, where do we stay while waiting for that transfer? Here or on your ships?” Kolarich inquired, “Not sure what they will do with the Chief of the Boat. Mutiny is a serious crime, after all.”

"You will be moved to the large brig and holding areas on one of our amphibious ships afer your processing," explained Lieutenant Ostermann.



“Last rites? That’s pro forma in any dangerous situation, just in case. Even if the risk is minimal, all must have extreme unction and final confession, be shriven to cleanse their souls of sins, particularly mortal ones. Don’t wish to go from hell on Earth to Hell itself, do we?” Father Odris Zhivkovic, the chaplain, explained.

"Yes we usually do that before battle. Then a sailor or soldier is without fear, for they know that to do their duty is to be granted eternal bliss, shriven as they are since it is no sin to do your duty in battle fulfilling your oath of service," said the medical officer.


“I wish to volunteer for the Tsar’s Navy, and I definitely do not mind taking off my clothes. Not surprised that the Edomites want that. I hear that your country is one vast nudist colony, how splendid!” Devcic in particular snickered.


“Well, I will do it, but I do not have to like it, especially not with the resident queer sailor here,” Petty Officer Ferdinand Blazhich coughed as he complied, “This isn’t part of that Compulsory Nudity law that you have, is it?”


Blazhich detested homosexuals and constantly feared that Devcic would try to seduce him or something. He also despised nudists. While he didn’t have a problem with the Tsar, not as such, he didn’t trust any nation that would undermine its own morality laws with such a contradictory mandate as compulsory nudity. If there was one thing that Blazhich hated most of all, it was sex or sexuality in any form. If he had his way, everyone would be chaste. He was still a virgin and unashamed to admit it, despite being from a country that shunned male celibates.


He was also the hardest working, most dedicated seaman of the whole lot. Blazhich always got high marks from the officers for the quality of his work. Granted, he had been a volunteer, unlike most, so that might be part of it, too.


“You might want to ship that one to one of your gay gulags, friends. He’s about as big of a sodomite as some say Colonel Kodec was,” Seaman Second Class Zarko Pupich grimaced as he undressed as well.


“Yes, I am a homosexual. Happy that I have confessed? I’d rather go to one of their gay gulags than spend another night in your company, you imbecile!” Devcic made an obscene gesture.


“Quiet, you both!” Orest Raguzh told them both, “I will probably hang soon enough for mutiny, if my present bad luck holds, and I have no wish to spend my last days in your miserable company.”

“Time will tell,” Kolarich smirked, thinking, I hope that you do hang, you traitor….if it weren’t for you, the Captain would still be alive and he might have scuttled or escaped.

The rest of the men chuckled, but disrobed without further incident, not wishing to cause a scene or anger their captors....

Conure stared. "A homosexual, really? Well, I'm afraid you'll have to be investigated. Especially if we have to lock you all up for a bit till the Tsar's people get to you, we don't want you sticking your thing in other mens' butts or mouths, do we?" Conure shook her head. "Homosexuality is a sin, sailor. And while we all have sinful thoughts, sinful actions are worse. It is against the law." she looked coldly at the petty officer who seemed resentful. "And yet nudity is God's image. Now you will be inspected and then clothed in clean jumpsuits, such as we given civilians to wear when refugees. Don't worry about that though, you'll get your own sort of uniforms back when you are on the amphib. Alright, silence in the ranks! Chief get them ready!"

"Listen up you prisoners!" thundered the Chief in a voice that could be heard on the main deck easily. "Prisoners--attention! Prisoners--will form ranks of twenty five by the numbers at my command!"

---

[New Edom]

Zelislava Island Fortress

“Does the Compulsory Nudity Act have any legal standing in Brod? I wasn’t aware that the Tsar had given his consent to it. In any case, we have surrendered and we have no choice but to comply with all of your instructions. I will be honest, though. If I had just one shore battery left, just one…..I would have fought on. You won this battle when you took out all of my batteries and my Shiikas, reduced my defenses to a single rifle company of naval infantry under temporary command a cowardly ensign. I congratulate you on that, though I do not like that you invaded Brod. I know your reasons now, though. You are working with the Tsar to quash the Separate States, starting with Brod.

"Right now this is conquered territory," said Colonel de Haren. "And frankly, Commander, I don't care what you like or do not like." He contained himself. Island fortress? More like Island Nursery School. No Edomite officer would have surrendered so quickly with this rock at his back. "Your Princess, your state government, practice slavery. You openly do it. Your merchant marine raids other ships for profit and sells the cargo--including human cargo--here. And your Navy, Army and Air Force have abetted that. I am aware that a soldier or sailor may not always choose who he fights for, but do not pretend to me that there is anything noble going on here. Your state trades in human misery and will go down in flames for it."

“As for the city of Lubena, for that, I can put you in communication with the town fathers, if that is what you wish. I am not sure how they will reply, realistically, but I can appeal to them to surrender as well, if you wish, too. You will see that I am a man of honor and my word. I will not lead any kind of revolt. I am your prisoner, sir, as are all of my men,” Burian continued.


“I must warn you, the town fathers of Lubena are more or less in the pirates’ pay. Piracy and this fortress are the main sources of income, followed by fishing, of course. Not sure how they will behave,” Odak cautioned the Edomites in his own words.

Colonel de Haren looked at the Commander with a long cold stare. "I thank you for your courtesy. As I said: a slaver state. Your so called town fathers will do as they are told or asses will sting. If you cannot ell them, we will do so. Captain shobal!"

"Sir!"

"You will take your company with two of these officers and assemble the townsfolk in every large square. I want everyone out on the streets, now! They will hear the proclamation of the alliance which is bringing down this...filthy operation."

"Yes sir," replied Captain Shobal. "D Comappny, on me! Commander, I'll take your Ensign as one interpreter."

"Fall in, mount!" roared CSM Askelon.

"Inform the town fathers," said de Haren to Burian. "Tell them the city and the island are ours, in the name of Tsar Constantine III and King Elijah IV."


Radost Naval Station

From the distant decks of the Ghantish ships it would look like a group of insects moving in scurrying weaving lines at a piece of fallen bread.

"Watch out, they're using SA-18s," warned Havoth-Jair.

"See to it, Colonel!' said Romain coolly to Wendt.

""Aristarchos advancing in on the east flank, 6 KM out as well. ETA fifteen minutes," reported Lt. Colonel Benajah.

Since the 21st Lancers and the Cavalry Guards were not going to the destined landing zones, but to a position five klicks away on a beach head, it was doubtful that any enemy SAMs would find targets. Instead it would look like after the initial SAM attack, the attack helicopters had fired back, fired smoke to cover their withdrawal, and spun off out to sea covering the retreat of the utility helicopters. However the SA-18 has excellent range, and it was possible that they might be deteced or even fall into other ambushes.

Sarah Wendt coordinated withdrawing a klick farther still, to keep them out of the range of the SAMs, and began to order her helicopters carrying the lancers to begin their descent. Still covered by the attack helicopters of course, which hovered menacingly in the air. If the enemy had not moved and fast, they should be out of range of the SA-18s. Captain Zeldorinius and the other troop commanders were ready to lead their men and women out and then take up positions to cover the advance inland.


Meanwhile, at the nearest landing zone on the coast, the 1st squadron of the Lancers began to roll in on their hovercraft, the gunners watching keenly for any enemy attack, the other flight of attack helicopters covering them. The big hovercraft rumbled toward the beaches each carrying a tank troop. One was led by Major Zadek, the other by Lieutenant Malachi Unwerth.

"Alright boys, let's be ready," he shouted to his Guardsmen. "Forward the Guards!"

"Forward the Guards!" they roared, sealing the hatches of their vehicles. Only the commanders stuck their heads out of the top hatches a little as the hovercrft made the last of their approach. (6KM west of Radost)

[Delvian States]

Zelislava Island Fortress, Brod,
Good Friday, 25 March, 2016

Burian could scarcely hide his shock that the man could treat him with such scorn for making what he considered measured protests for the record. It wasn’t as if he would not comply. It was more that he had to formally object, for the sake of history. The Commander also got the impression that the man thought that he had yielded too quickly….well, easy enough for ground soldiers to think that, he concluded. Burian was a naval officer, and in his assessment, a fortress was only as good as the men guarding it. He had less than adequate material for that in his estimation, at least from the perspective of a sailor rather than a soldier. He had never wanted this assignment, but he was stuck with it….why couldn’t he have had a ship? There he would have excelled, he was sure of it.


“So be it, Colonel. You have my official protests for the record and your own dismissal of them. I will comply, as I have already stated that I would. I know next to nothing about ground combat, anyway. I’m a sailor, not a soldier, and would rather have commanded a frigate or destroyer than this barren rock. Lieutenant Odak, put me on the wire to the Lord Mayor of Lubena and the Municipal Council. I wish to speak to them,” Burian instructed his XO.


“Of course, sir,” Odak gulped.


“This is Lord Mayor Milomir Salopek, and with me are the ladies and gentlemen of the Municipal Council: Cedomir Vranyesh, Hristijan Stoykovich, Mistral Pleshe, Mojsije Granich, Kristofor Mesich, Crljen Raich, Apolonija Rakich, and Agata Mlinarich. To whom am I speaking?” the Lord Mayor of Lubena announced.


“You are addressing Commander Troian Burian, former Commander of Zelislava Island Fortress. I have surrendered to the New Edomite National Navy, though only due to the lack of any prepared defenses, all of which were destroyed. I have been instructed to insist that you assemble as instructed by the Edomites. The city is indefensible and has fallen to the Edomites. It is to be under their military occupation indefinitely, in the name of the Tsar, Constantin III, and of their King, Elijah IV. You must comply with all of their regulations or else they will impose the Compulsory Nudity Act on you, regardless of state sovereignty. Do you understand me, my Lord? Comply or else you will have to answer for the consequences,” Burian took out his anger at the Edomites on the town fathers, especially the Lord Mayor….it was their pirate friends that got Brod into this mess, after all.


“I do not see that we have any other choice. If you cannot defend us, we have no defense. The privateers are not military. They cannot fight off an invasion by a professional military force. Agata, do not even think of it! This is not up to a vote by the Council! This is an emergency, and in such cases, I can and will overrule you! Chief Constable, if one of these esteemed councilors so much as murmurs under their breath, arrest them at once for sedition! We will comply immediately with all standing orders from our occupiers, so our citizens do not feel the brunt of their wrath!” the Lord Mayor proved to be a survivor, though the mutinous looks that he got from three councilors did not bode well for them.


“That is all, Commander?” the Lord Mayor asked Burian.


“It is all, yes, my Lord,” Burian signed off, “Satisfactory?” he asked the Edomites.


Meanwhile, Ensign Anic shivered as he followed Captain Shobal, “I can do that well. I’m just a rotten soldier, I fear. I will do as you say.”

If I ever get out of here alive, Anic thought, as God is my witness, I will never wear a uniform again! I am not cut out for war and the military life! I only did it to please my father and grandfather, both naval infantry officers.

[Delvian States]

Radost Naval Station, Brod,
Good Friday, 25 March, 2016

"Okay, they've moved out of sight. We're out of range for our MANPADs. We will not move until they come closer. They must be up close before we strike. We stay put. We put on our chemical suits while waiting. When they get close, we release the mustard gas. See how they like that," Dzurkin instructed his troops.

He was no soldier, just a sailor, but Lieutenant Dzurkin wasn't the sort to yield. He had his sacred duty, and in his perspective, you fought on or scuttled.....you didn't surrender. Ever. If fighting meant that he had to use chemical weapons, so be it. He didn't have any qualms about that at all. None. God would understand. The heretics had to be stopped. Until then, there was nothing to do but sit tight and wait, with the chemical suits on and the canisters ready.

[Delvian States]

The Yegorov


Devcic gulped as he heard that, wondering if he had just signed his own death warrant, “So, that’s it, eh? I’m to be shot or hanged. If needs must, so be it. In the meantime, I hope that I can set my affairs in order, as best as I can.”


“I can see to it that the priest hears your confession, Devcic, if the Edomites permit it. I despise what you are, but I have no desire to see you burn in everlasting fire. I do not wish that to weigh on my conscience. Even heretics such as these nudists are presumably Christian enough to wish eternal peace for your immortal soul, as much as their own,” Blazhich expressed open contempt for Edenism, not really caring what it cost him….if they shot him, so be it. What could they do to him that they hadn’t already planned for his country?


Devcic ignored the rest of it, nodding, “I know that I am a sinner, okay? I am aware of this. I do not know how I came to be like this, but I know that it is sinful. I just have trouble understanding why God made me like this when He hates what it makes me want to do. So, yes, if I can get shriven, that would be nice. I have a strong desire to meet Almighty God and ask Him some questions, and I cannot do that from Hell.”


“This is what comes of strange and novel sects of Christian heresy. Edenism, abolitionism, none of it Scriptural or canonical. Stick to the sacraments and the one true Church,” Blazhich, a Roman Catholic, reassured him.


“Then you’re a heretic, too. Eastern Orthodox, the only way to go,” Pupich coughed.


“We have no time for doctrinal disputes! Come on, let’s finish getting ready to transfer!” Raguzh prodded them now.


“For once, Chief, I agree with you,” Kolarich frowned as the last of the men changed into the jumpsuits and they began to assemble as directed by their captors.


“We are ready now, ma’am, whatever your rank is,” the first officer added, pointing to the now cooperative officers and crew.


The Boyko


The transfer went cleanly enough, even Yagodich, despite his constant and annoying recitations of the entirety of Das Kapital and the Communist Manifesto. He even quoted Lenin more than once, much to Lieutenant Aleksich’s aggravation. For Aleksich himself, he wasn’t happy about being a captive, of course. Still, he handled it with relative calm, knowing that he was in the hands of a relatively civilized nation, which would not mistreat him, or more importantly, his men.

As he noted in his log, they seem reasonable, sensible folk, which was more than I could say for Yagodich. The only negative that might be said about them is this bizarre religious practice of nudism, which paradoxically is tied to the most puritanical sexual ethics. Well, they’re goyim. They don’t know any better.

[New Edom]

Zelislava Island Fortress, Brod,
Good Friday, 25 March, 2016

The 9th Marine Infantry Regiment had taken on occupied territory before--in Damoclea and in rebel held territory, so they had a general;y god idea of what hey ought to do, and it was also in the training manual and training exercises and school classes. However this was a tricky situation.

Captain Shobal halted his column. He called his officers and senior NCOs to a brief meeting. He ordered the Delvian junior officer to stand elsewhere under guard.

"Look boy," said Shobal to him sternly, "You need to grow a spine a little bit for now. Your people's lives depend on it, understand? I know you are scared. I'm sure you did not want to serve the tyrant, Nadalya Brod, eh, and rebel against the Tsar? You'd like to go back home, right, and live a long healthy life? So just do as you're told and there won't be any fighting here, but if you mess it up, lots of people will die and it will be on your head if your failing is responsible. So all you need to do is guide us and interpret as needs be and it will be fine. Do you have a sweetheart you yearn for? You'll be in her arms soon if you play ball."

After dismissing him to be guarded by two of the Marines, Shobal turned to his officers. "This could be a trick, or it could be someone messing with us, or someone might get funny ideas. So while the other companies form up and ready to advance, we'll proceed to the city hall or whatever it is. I want dismounted troops covering the advance, it will slow us down but I dont' trust this. Better slow than getting suddenly boxed. Let's keep a good spread so we don't get trapped and can maneuver the vehicles. Remember one red smoke for action in case we're suddenly in a hot spot. Clear?"

"Where do you want heavy weapons sir?" asked Lieutenant kiron.

"I want your people towards the rear--if need be, if we need you, get clear, use your covering troops and pull back to available cover, don't wait for us." Shobal said decisively. "Alright, let's move. I want officers standing tall though, not acting like a bunch of Delvians."

"Sir," they all said, and moved back to their vehicles.

Standing tall meant that they would stick their heads out of the hatches and look proud. It made them all targets, but they would not enter the city skulking; after all it had surrendered. "Have the Ensign walk with the Sergeant-Major," said Shobal.

The battle scarred tough company sergeant major growled, "You keep your hands to yourself and do what you're told liek a good gentleman, alright? Lead us to the Lord Mayor and the council."

---

Colonel de Haren turned to his adjutant. "Get the rest of the companies up, move them in to begin to occupy the city and the fortress. Commander, you will show us to what is left of your base. And adj, leave one company here on the landing site to control the beach." While his officers were getting busy, vehicles rumbling around them, a helicopter hovering overhead and then moving to recon the base area, still smoldering no doubt, he said to the Commander, "My response to you, commander, it two fold. First: slavery and piracy are crimes, terrible ones, and your service has supported them. But even worse--you are not a devoted supporter, and you have committed a sin in the eyes of the service--you blamed your men for your failing. It would be one thing if they had mutinied, but it was your duty to find out how to best defend this place, train and prepare them. I would have treated you with more respect had you done at least this--taken responsibility. For that is what an officer does. all our privilege and rank owe the men and women we lead that much at least. It is a maxim of our Regiment--there are no bad teams only bad leaders. Now: how many of your people are left, and what materiel is left?"

[New Edom]

The Yegorov


Conure listened incredulously to the debate going on for a moment, but then reflected that they were probably nervous.

"Listen, you homo, all sins tempt us, all of us, and they're hard to deal with," she said, young as she was, "And we're to confess them and then try to repent, right? And as for you," she said to Blazhich, "You're obviously going to be given clothes, so shut up. Any more anti-Edenist talk and you can swing your balls in the air for the length of your captivity for all I care. Would you like that, eh, having to bare it all in front of the fags your Navy seems to be riddled with? No? Then zip up your jumpsuit and shut the fuck up. Chief, get these prisoners moving."

'yes Your Honour! Prisoners--prisoners..." he began to roar out orders to them, moving them by twenty fives to get them off the ship and into custody on the amphib,

Privately, she fantasized about 'converting' a gay male, and it was the subject of an occasional guilt ridden self pleasuring late at night in stealth in her bunk. Especially an enlisted sailor. She covered this secret sinful desire with her anger and tight faced waited till they were all off before joining Ostermann on the bridge to report that all prisoners were away.

[Delvian States]

Zelislava Island Fortress,
Good Friday, 25 March, 2016


Burian’s mouth visibly tightened and his eyes blazed white-hot anger right then, but all he said was, “By last estimates, we are down to 246 officers and men, not counting 77 officers and men of the naval infantry garrison. This island functions dually as a naval base and as the garrison of Lubena. The city is now preparing to surrender, per your instructions, Colonel, sir! We have a couple of squad machine guns, a few seaplanes and utility helicopters, and enough AK-74s and Makarov 9mms for each man, with sufficient ammunition. We also have a small airfield, a field hospital, and a brig. Our radar towers, shore batteries, and anti-aircraft artillery are gone, sir!”


“If you want to see the rest, follow me, sir!” Burian was formally respectful, but there was enough icy hatred in his gaze and his voice to slice like knives into any man….


Odak in particular visibly shivered. He knew what Burian was like when he got like this…..only when he was truly enraged would he behave like that. He didn’t know what Burian would, or even could do about it, but he knew that it was bad news on some level….just what, he didn’t know. He didn’t even know what to expect….except trouble. Yet, he wasn’t going to say a thing. He owed the Edomites no loyalty, after all. They were just captors. He would cooperate as required by the terms of surrender, nothing more. Let them find out what he already knew….Burian was no soldier, for sure, but he was a vindictive son of a bitch.


For Ensign Anic, he sighed as he listened to Shobal and then the Sergeant Major, “I….will do as you ask. I failed at my duty to my family and my country, but I want a chance to help the troops and town survive this whole thing. If I can do that by collaborating, so be it, even if it makes me a traitor to Brod. The war is just a tragedy. Defeat is inevitable. The sooner it’s over, the fewer people will needlessly die. I won’t touch anything without permission, I swear it.”

Anic then leaned over and threw up before wiping his mouth and standing at attention. He was pretty sure that he had lost his breakfast, but what did he care by now? The war was lost, and that was far worse.

[New Edom]

Zelislava Island Fortress,
Good Friday, 25 March, 2016

Colonel de Haren noticed the obvious anger, and he wondered if the man was about to lose his temper again. There was an old saying "a yellow dog may snap', and he was not surprised by the possibility The man was a fool and a coward, but didn't see himself that way.

They moved up towards the base, on foot, with the HQ Company covering them. The vehicles followed more slowly. "Are there any dependents?" de Haren asked the commander. "Or do they live in the town, or on the mainland?"

The New Edomites were keen to watch out for treachery. After all no one could forget the city that was now Perringrad, where there had been a dozen different militias fighting like carrion birds over what was left, Muslim against Christian, Kodec against the Admiral, drunk and mad militiamen and partisans hunting for drink, plunder and women or men to rape.

Rifles carried at port, at the ready, the soldiers moved in parallel lines around the vehicles as they headed up towards the base, the officers leading the way with a squad of riflemen and grenadiers in the lead with Odak.

"Show us where your main signals area is too," advised the captain walking with Odak. "Show us everything."

---

There were a few snickers and groans as Anic vomited.

"Good and empty now?" said one of the Marines.

"Shut your stupid mouth," said the sergeant-major. "Alright, Ensign, wipe your mouth and please lead us on."

From the point of view of the city folk, four companies of Marine Infantry in their vehicles were converging on the four cardinal points of the city--by helicopter in one case at the point farthest from the landing, the soldiers jumping out and then moving to cover the streets, the others approached by vehicles rumbling along the roads. The soldiers looked grim and efficient, most of them olive tanned men (with a few fairer lighter eyed ones among them or darker skinned ones with short woolly hair like dengalis or Ahameyans) with hard eyes and wary attitudes, hard faced, rifles readily aimed at anything that might be a threat, though they waited for officers' orders before firing at anything. Six wheeled armoured vehicles growled along with them, officers poking heads and shoulders out.

[Delvian States]

The Scekic,


Lieutenant Commander Oblak Kapetanovich, captain of the submarine Scekic, read the status report last sent to him by Lieutenant Dorijan Sabo, captain of the corvette Camila, and nodded. The navy was in more than a little trouble, but he would do his worst. He had sent the reports about Radost and the First and Second Fleets to High Command, only to be told of a major shake-up. Admiral Czcibor Slivkin had been executed for treason, Admiral Kostya Bohacz was relieved of command and held in the brig facing a court-martial, and Admiral Blagojce Ivanov, the new Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Navy, was reportedly drinking like a fish, all due to a report sent by Pucic to the Princess herself right before scuttling the Janovcik.


The Navy was in serious disarray. Reports were ignored, contrary orders were passed and often failed to leave the headquarters of the High Command. The purge of several key staff officers mean that transmission of orders and messages frequently failed to come through. Kapetanovich didn’t learn that Burian had surrendered until just now, and he was livid.


“That traitorous coward! To not even try to hold the Island! The fucking ISLAND! He had one job, just one job, to hold the Island! By God, I’ll see to it that he’s shot!” the skipper roared before turning to Lieutenant Junior Grade Odeon Milas and telling him, “Periscope depth. I want to see the fuckers. They’re hunting us? Let’s hunt them right back! They ping us? We ping them right back!”


“Are we using the corvettes as bait?” Lieutenant Emanuela Bagarich, the XO, demanded to know.


“Hell, yes, we are! We need them distracted if we can get them so. Otherwise, with as much sonar as they have, they'll catch even a diesel like us. When they’re busy enough chasing corvettes, we’ll hide out among the corvettes, distorting our sonar signals, and lie in wait for the chasers. Now, let’s find ourselves an Eddie that’s going after our corvettes and sink him!” the skipper demanded, “We’re not stopping until we’ve done some real damage.”


“Well, I am with you there! Anyone who attacks Brod deserves to roast in Hell!” Bagarich insisted.


“Time for some retribution!” Milas agreed, shaking hands with Chief of the Boat Crtomir Katushic, who was also eager to take some revenge…...in national defense, revenge was a very useful cause. The more kills, the better, and if the corvettes could take some out with them, that was even better.

It was time for vengeance, and they would have it at any cost.