Attack on Air Field Repelled, Sunrisian Carrier Attacked
Imperial News
Dana Hawthorne
Tensions in the Isles of Soril ignite into a full blow conflict today. Yesterday, the Strategic Military Intelligence Agency (SMI) intercepted an eerie transmission. The Sunrisian military had ordered one of its carriers and its escort group to sail within striking distance of Bechett Airfield to eliminate Princess Christina Everen and her air wing. Destroying the airfield was the "secondary objective", since killing the princess and her unit would prove more beneficial in the long run. As the transmission said, the Winged Lilies would not be so easily replaced as a mere building. The added benefit would be to eliminate the pilots being trained by the Winged Lilies as well, slowing the replacement process even more. The Sunrisians were ordered to send an attack drone to do the attack, having the fleet's missiles and anti-air capabilities as firepower if needed.
In response to this threat, Princess Christina ordered all aircraft to be placed on high alert an hour before the strike would occur. Four Rezuan patrol ships and three destroyers left port to engage the Sunrisians with orders to target and if possible sink their carrier once the drone was destroyed. They sailed in a simple patrol pattern, slowly sailing their way into striking range of the Sunrisians. Princess Christina split her unit, sending the majority of her pilots to engage the Sunrisian carrier and its aircraft. At this time, the exact number of planes remains classified. Then, the princess led the new pilots into the skies, flying over the strike altitude of an attack drone. Once spotted, the princess and her students dove down on the drone, attacking it from above. The drone was reportedly shot down by one of the new pilots with a short-range missile.
Meanwhile, the Rezuan assault fleet got into position, opening fire with anti-ship missiles, targeting the Sunrisian carrier. At the same time, the Winged Lilies swooped down on the fleet, attacking the carrier as well. Reports say that four Sunrisian pilots were killed before they could get airborne to assist the Sunrisans already in the air. Within a two minute window, the Rezuan fleet disengaged. The Winged Lilies also pulled away. At this time, the exact damaged to the carrier is unknown but it is reported to be "severely crippled". Additionally, a Sunrisian destroyer was struck, possibly removing it from active service. In this exchange, a patrol ship was damaged and two members of the Winged Lilies were killed. Air wings that assisted in the attack also took loses, with a total of seven Rezuan planes destroyed. Thankfully, four of the pilots were able to escape their destroyed craft. One Kestrel was struck by an enemy but was able to fly home damaged.
Sorry Buddy, Ventismar is Closed Today
Eastern Breeze
Alec Goshling
In response to Sunrisia's launch of warships towards Baggnagia, a Rezaun fleet has been sent to turn them away. Parliament has stated that since Sunrisia is in direct armed conflict with the Rezuan Empire, there will be no tolerance of Sunrisian power projection. The fleet has orders to not allow the Sunrisians to pass and has been given orders to defend itself if fired upon without appealing to higher-ups for permission to fire. Ship captains are being trusted to use discretion. Reporters are also present on the ships, ready to capture proof of Sunrisian aggression should they open fire.
Parliament has addressed this show of force as a necessary precaution for protecting the lives of Rezuans and other Ventismarians. Allowing a hostile power to get comfy next to the mainland would be foolish to do. Parliament is worried that even if Sunrisia were to focus only on Baggnagia, it would still put warships within striking distance of major cities, even the capital. Rezua's allies in the region have been called to stand with the Rezuan fleet, not allowing a hostile nation to have the power to harass a member of the Union of the Ventismarian Nations with impunity.
Io Gets Snappy
Sword and Stars News
Brenda Miller
In a move surprising no one, President Io of Ophioneus has condemned the conflict between Sunrisia and Rezua, blaming both sides. This condemn nation comes as Ophioneus parades twenty thousand troops along the Rezuan-Ophioneus border, preparing to protect against "invaders". The irony of the situation might be lost on some, but not upon Rezuan government and military leaders. For those unaware, President Io is more well known as General Io in Rezua. Nearly five years ago, Io played a critical role in leading a beach invasion of Rezua in the Summer War. Io is speculated to also be the man who gave the order to attack Rezua once troops had been pulled from the border in a gesture of good faith towards Ophioneus' predecessor state: the United Soviet Jason Republic.
Senator Arthur Million of the Sword and Stars party stated, "Of course Io is upset. Whenever we fight back against an attacker he's anger. And why wouldn't he? Afterall, he is an enemy of our people, he attacked us only five years ago. Io is a want-to-be conqueror and is merely looking to make us weaker because he feels threatened by how quickly our nation snapped back from such a cowardly invasion. To him I say: we will defend ourselves from all attacks to ensure the safety of our people. Maybe he should stop trying to antagonize us and have a conversion with us."
This morning, a detachment of Rezuan troops has been sent to the Ophioneus border while Ophioneus plays its wargames. Rezuan allies are invited to attend as observers or participants in a series of drills to prepare for "invaders". Parliament has strongly recommended that Ophioneus removes the presence of so many troops as quickly as possible after the wargames are over.
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