Rosa Rubicundior: Mallarctaia Lies Dying [Semi-Open][MT]

[New Edom]

Augrim smiled, and replied, "The eagles in their skies above hear the cries of the young in their eyries, is it not so? The Minister speaks sooth, And so let us do as she advises." he bowed to all present, "Unless there is more, let us be about it, for if twere to be done, let it be done quickly." and with bows and smiles to a all, he began to prepare his departure back to the New Edomite carrier, thanking his hostesses for the food, hospitality and company.

Rand paused if it were possible to bow over the hand of the Ali Zebu minister, admiring her. "You are a poet, Ma'am, that is plain. I enjoy music, myself. It would be nice if we could enjoy more peaceful pursuits when time gives us pause...but duty calls..."

[New Edom]

Back on the carrier, Admiral Rand had received a summons to speak with the President and Foreign Minister. Touchstone was stirring a cup of tea and offered one to Rand, who accepted. “You wanted to see me personally?” Rand asked.
“Yeah, I did. There is a crisis back home. Someone shot Crove, and King Mark’s plane went down in flames over Raith Immel.” Touchstone smiled, enjoying Rand’s surprise. “So I need of course to make sure things don’t go out of whack. We’re flying back right now—Augrim will have to carry the can for New Edom here, but he should be fine.”

“This is outrageous,” Rand fumed.

“Not really. I want you to take over from Black as Minister of Defense.” Touchstone said casually.

Rand gaped at him a moment but then managed to close his mouth in time to preserve some dignity. “You actually want that? What for?”
“If you don’t want it, that’s of course fine, but I think you do. You were never really rewarded properly for your support of the Junta. Mark and Philip…well they always were a bit more inclined to think that it was an honor to serve them. But I know how to reward my friends as well as my enemies.” Behind the boyish grin Touchstone stared at Rand with a look that sent a chill up the Admiral’s spine. “And really, when it comes to people with clout, there’s only the two kinds; I see a neutral as a man with his hand behind his back.”

“And we need someone tough in place. Black is too much of an honorable gentleman, and frankly too much of an Anglo-German…Oriental…” Sif put in. “Too foreign. We need someone everyone in the Armed Services will see as a real leader.” She smiled at Rand warmly. Even though she was the good cop clearly, it took a stronger man than Rand to be immune entirely to that smile.

Anyway, Touchstone was right. Who better than he? And with Minister of Defense, other portfolios would have to come his way. He narrowed his eyes. “Very well, but I want a pretty free hand with it. Obviously to follow policy, but I may want to do some hiring and firing.”

Touchstone said coolly, “Within reason, yes. If you’re talking about your staff, I want people who are not just loyal to you but to the Party. Otherwise, you can forget it.”

Rand nodded to him. “Very well, Mr. President. What about Augrim?”

“Augrim will have the honor of commanding our first major expeditionary force in years and this peacekeeping mission, retaining his position of Governor of Haran. We’ll bring him back in a few months full of honors.” Touchstone replied. There was a knock on the door, and Touchstone said, “Come.”

Millie was there, and she said, “Mr. President, Minister, the plane’s ready, we should be on our way.”

“Got it.” Touchstone replied.


To her Excellency Lady Bryce,

I regret that affairs at home require my departure for New Edom immediately. I apologize but I hope you will understand. Governor Augrim will take my place as senior New Edomite representative for the time being assisted by Foreign Ministry staff. Thank you very much for your encouraging our country to be involved with this great venture.

Sincerely,
William Touchstone,
President of the Allied States of New Edom

[Chimaea]

Aboard the AZUS Tashree II, Coastal Staging Area

Brigadier Asfaha raised an eyebrow slightly as Minister Mavar suddenly quoted – or composed – poetry as an answer to the command and control issues. Lieutenant Colonel Kuchawski looked suitably impressed, she noticed, but apart from some vaguely-remembered songs her grandmother had sung to her as a child, the Brigadier was more at home with classic rock and heavy metal than stirring poetry.

She nodded at Admiral Atum’s words. “I agree, Admiral. We’re wasting valuable time delaying at the staging area.” She glanced down at her tablet computer. “We have received a message from President Calabresi’s office that his representatives are awaiting our arrival at the Hermosa Juda port. I suggest we sent a limited party there and negotiate our LZ.”

As the other delegates started to leave, she paused by General Antouin and Commodore Adurashi. “I appreciate your position, especially representing the ASNDC Chair, but this situation... doesn’t sit well with me. I think we need to be very careful. A rapid projection of force may, in the end, save the lives of our men and women.”

* * *

Battle Group Victoria :: Coastal Staging Area, Mallarctaia

As they stepped out of the helicopter, Captain Millington strode up to Brigadier Asfaha and Lieutenant Colonel Kuchawski, looking worried. He gestured towards the island of the CS Itarildë and the three officers made their way to a small, empty conference room.

“What’s wrong, Captain?” Brigadier Asfaha asked immediately.

“We received a message from Minister Kennald’s Office, Brigadier. There’s some trouble brewing in New Edom.” He handed her a folder, which she opened and scanned.

“Bloody hell. Have a look at this, Colonel.” She handed the folder to Kuchawski and shook her head. “This whole mission feels fucking tainted. Have you met General Augrum, Captain? He’s something right out of Arabian Nights! He seems to think this is some sort of exorcism.”

Captain Millington shrugged. “Isn’t it, in a way?”

“Don’t you start. All right, I need a landing party on one of the patrol boats. We’re going in.”

* * *

Dear President Touchstone,

I write to acknowledge the change to ASNOC, as per your previous message. I look forward to working with General Augrim.

I wish you the best, please keep in contact.

Warm Regards,
Lady Tanya Bryce,
Governor, Commonwealth of Chimaea

[New Edom]

Augrim stood on the flight deck of the Draco with the sun at his back, his staff behind him, and drew his saber. It caught the light, it glinted and played along the blade. There was a whisper of superstitious awe in the assembled company, even those who did not really believe. Rand, who would depart on an escorted plane for Helladria and thento New Edom with the President and Foreign Minister, rolled his eyes up in the command tower. “Show off,” he muttered. President Touchstone and Finnhald had their hands over their hearts.

Rand turned to Admiral Hambly. "Josh. Make sure everything goes properly. Don't take any crap from that Haranese madman about naval matters, alright? And I should be Defense Minister in no time, but regardless, contact me if anything goes south. Watch your six, my friend."

"Sir," the two old friends shook hands. Hambly was a bit younger, seemed more modest. Some said he was the better commander but that Rand had more fire and dash. He had always been in Rand's shadow since the academy so it was hard to say. He was a homely fellow in a pleasant hound dog kind of way.

Down below:

The 21st Air Cavalry Regiment, consisting of 15 “Eiko” Light Attack Helicopters and 25 “Vandal” Light Utility Helicopters supported by 10 “Motherbird” transport helicopters was revving up, fueled up, greased up and ready to roll out. Their proper full name was the 21st Royal Lancer Regiment, but they hadn’t borne lances into battle for a hundred years. They only did so now on special full dress parades, and even then only a single company was trained to ride with them to the proper extent. Lieutenant-Colonel Elena Weber did know how, and had a way with horses, always had. She strode out onto the flight deck accompanied by Major Rubenstein, the Regiment Aviation Commander (his absurd formal title was “Master of Horse” but no one called him that) Sergeant-Major Beor, her adjutant and ADC, her RTO and the senior medic.

The troopers were standing at attention in rows in their tropical urban BDUs, arms slung; AY144L Rifles (they were nicknamed ALs by the troopers), LY20 Hilars (Highs), MGJ-21 LMGs (nicknamed Mary Janes), GR-88 grenadier rifles (nicknamed Growlers). They were outfitted with new multispectral camouflage uniforms, with blacktalon combat gloves. They still had old fashioned Makarov pistols and slightly curved combat knives that were wickedly edged on each side. They were veterans of the Civil War, all of them except a handful of new recruits from the last few months. In spite of this they were mostly young, between 17 and 22; in the regiment a man or woman of thirty was and oldster. The commander nodded to the sergeant-major, who thundered, “MOUNT!”

They scrambled for their birds in a disciplined array amidst the chaos, and the rotors started turning.

Lieutenant-Colonel Weber smiled at the RSM. “Let’s Hold Tight.”

“Hold Tight, Colonel.” He nodded to the crewman nearest him in the transport’s compartment, and the stereo went on. It synched up with the others so that it would blare out as they flew over the city.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwfI677mRXo

As the helicopters took off in disciplined array, by platoon of five and by company of fifteen, in V formations, the music played and the ground crews waved goodbye to them. Augrim raised his sword again in salute, as the troopers accompanied by Dave Dee Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich went to secure the airport, flying over the water and towards the city, seeking the quickest route to the established LZ. The crews were alert, maintaining contact, with gunners and troopers keeping an eye out for the flash of rocket launch or aerial attack, for anti-aircraft gun positions, snipers or anything else that might attack them. Radiomen kept ears alert to radio chatter, and they were listening for any warnings that might come from the Cyclops AWACs craft.

One of the helicopters bore Governor Augrim, Colonel Hermengild, Esther Offenbach (Under-Secretary for Humanitarian and Peacekeeping Affairs; she was one of Dr. Elizabeth Salt's protegees, the result of Unionist negotiations, dark short hair, glasses and socialist and feminist seriousness in her determined dark outfit and severity) and a group of Heremengild's 19th Light Troops, grimly armed to the teeth. This bird plus two others escorting it would bring Augrim to the landing sight. He sat serenely, his eyes closed. Death, failure, success, glory, love, disgrace...were these not all in the hands of the very living God? The wind swept over him as it swept over rocks, sands, corpses, lovemaking couples, jewels and garbage, over emptiness and over trees equally.

[Ali-Zebu Union]

Editta Mavar leaned her chair against the wall of the room as the commanders from Chimaea, New Edom, and Helladria all left the destroyer.

“It seems it is time for some the other ladies to come out and play, Admiral. As much as I would like to go and gut that president of their’s, I am afraid I agreed to stay aboard and offer advice from here,” spoke Editta with a twinge annoyance.

“Well, we appreciate your presence Minister Mavar. Just remember that we are here investigate the actions of the government and ensure the safety of its citizens. We are not trying to start a war,” responded Izmet Atum with respect and sternness.

“Of course Admiral. I will behave myself,” answered Mavar nonchalantly.

Editta then let her chair rest on all four legs, stood, and left the room. Admiral Atum then focused her attention on Lieutenant-Colonel Alanor Osef.

“We need to ready ourselves for this meeting with President Calibresi’s representatives. Inform Ostasi and Vakrani that they should be ready to depart within fifteen minutes. Also pick out 21 legionnaires to accompany us. I don’t care which company you draw them from. And finally, make sure every legionnaire is ready to depart at a moments notice.”

Alanor then responded to the admiral, “ I will do that immediately Izmet.” She began to leave but stopped and turned to the admiral once again, “So who exactly is Vakrani?”

“Vakrani seems to be some paper pusher from one government agency or another. I believe Vakrani is here to observe and keep a record of things while we are here,” answered Izmet.”

“I see, well I guess it is another civilian we have to keep an eye on,” commented Alanor as she left the room.

---

Harazad Vakrani was going through a mid-sized black suitcase when she heard a knock on her door. She quickly closed, locked, and scooted it under her bunk before opening the door.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Vakrani, I have been sent to inform you that you will need to leave to meet with President Calbesi’s representatives in fifteen minutes,” said the young sailor who had knocked on her door.

Harazad nodded at the sailor who had mispronounced the president’s name and replied.

“Of course, I will be ready shortly.”

The sailor left and Harazad closed the door and quickly changed her attire.

---

The twenty five passengers loaded into the FA/VH-37 Sea Eagle tiltrotor aircraft. Izmet had sent a message to the other commanders informing them of their departure before she had stepped aboard. Captain Kon Sayuri was the last to board the aircraft and was a little apprehensive. This was her first time on one of these aircraft and the stories she had heard about Mallarctaia unnerved her.

The aircraft lifted of from the flight deck of the Mount Takra. When it had reached sufficient altitude, the rotors rotated forward and the aircraft flew forward the meeting zone. The pilot kept the speed of the aircraft down to allow time for the other nations to arrive. They reached the appointed meeting zone and the rotors of the aircraft rotated for landing.

[Chimaea]

Mallarctaia, off the port of Hermosa Juda

The Racicot-Class patrol boats were sleek, streamlined vessels built with curved armoured surfaces for maximum speed and to deflect rocket-propelled grenade rounds. Since these were blue-water boats, they were bigger than regular patrol boats, with a crew of thirty. They were also heavily armed—there were two sets of large canons on the bow and stern of the boats, and a smaller cannon with a 360 degree arc of fire on the bridge. There were also four machine gun emplacements and a water canon for a non-lethal option as well as to fight fires.

Two of these boats sped towards the port of Hermosa Juda now, through the strange polluted fog. On the observation Deck of the one in front, Brigadier Asfaha and Lieutenant Colonel Kuchawski stared as the port loomed.

The port of Hermosa Juda was of gigantic proportions, with giant, towering cranes and metal structures designed to berth the largest cargo vessels in the world. The port was a dark homage to industrialisation—the poisoned sky cast the giant structures, so big that they were seen looming out of the fog a long distance away, in an evil, sickly red glow.

As the port was a deep-water port, ships were already berthed—loading and unloading cargo and raw materials, a constant hive of activity. More disturbingly, the sea around the port was littered with chemical and biological waste and corpses, so thick that the boats slowed down on the approach in difference to the presence of human remains being pushed aside by their hulls.

The Mallarctaian port authorities had opened two berths for the boats, however only one berthed; the other drew up parallel to the port, it’s weapons systems swivelling to track activity on the shore.

And there was activity—not only the activity of a busy port. The sound of gunfire and explosions could easily be heard above the sound of machinery and engines. Occasionally, the salmon-pink glare of an explosion lit up the port. Brigadier Asfaha put the crew and TUOC squad of thirteen on alert; it was clear they were entering a hot zone. On the small deck of the patrol boat, the gas-masked TUOC soldiers readied and checked their CR65s. The Brigadier had eschewed her assault rifle in favour of a 9mm semi-automatic in a hip-holster, but was wondering if she’d made the right decision. Kuchawski had followed suit but was as impassive as ever, scanning the port with calculating eyes.

They heard the New Edom helicopters fly over as they berthed and Brigadier Asfaha sighed. “Really? Intimidating action music? Remind me to tell General Augrim to get his hand off it.”

Kuchawski grinned. “Ready to talk peace, sir?”

The Brigadier scowled. “Talk peace in a hot zone? This is going to be something to tell the grandkids, if the air doesn’t make us all sterile.”

Kuchawski tapped his palmtop computer and nodded, his smile vanishing. “SIGINT and the scans have revealed considerable military activity between the port and the city. Do we intervene?”

Brigadier Asfaha shook her head. “As much as I hate to say it, we’re not going to get dragged into some local war. It’s not our mission... we also don’t know what kind of forces there are here. Shit on a stick, Colonel, we don’t know a lot about this place.”

The patrol boat berthed and the rarely-used steps were unfolded onto the concrete berth. Brigadier Asfaha secured her gas mask to her head and they checked each other’s gear. For a moment, they stared at each other through the thick lens of the gas masked, then Kuchawski said, “First boot in...”

“...Last boot out.” Brigadier Asfaha completed. Together they left the observation deck.

* * *

New Sydney, Chimaea

Lady Bryce looked up as her tablet computer beeped with a new update. She tapped on the screen and read the simple message: TUOC in Mallarctaia. Commencing Op. Next to it the square icon had turned from amber to green.

She leaned back in her chair and let out a slow breath. If she was religious, she reflected, this would have been an opportune moment to begin praying.

* * *

Port of Hermosa Juda, Mallarctaia

Brigadier Asfaha’s boot stamped solidly into the rough concrete of the berth and Kuchawski’s followed close behind. The TUOC soldiers fanned out behind them as they walked towards the two incongruous figures sitting on foldout chairs a little back from the berths. One was uniformed, the other dressed in a suit which had been expertly tailored to look expensive while protecting the wearer from the worse elements of the Mallarctaian air.

Around them was a semi-cricle of large machines blowing a stream of clean air in the vicinity of where they sat; as they approached, the air around him smelled vaguely sanitary, like a hospital. Brigadier Asfaha assumed this was a temporary measure to allow them to take off the gas masks. Behind them was a large stretch limousine and a series of military vehicles. Further behind them was... chaos. Temporary metal walls had been partly erected, preventing them from seeing closer, but it was obvious that behind the walls was a raging battle.

On an empty section nearby, Brigadier Asfaha noticed two helicopters landing, one belonging to New Edom and the other to the Ali-Zebu Union. Their security teams were already deploying as the Chimaeans walked towards the Mallarctaian representatives.

As they walked closer, both men got to their feet. The uniformed man’s face was hard, his expression set like stone. She recognised him as General Paul Bahar, the commanding officer of the Mallarctaian military. The man in the suit beside him was Chimaean—extremely handsome in a very nondescript way, with neat hair slightly spiked up and a practiced smile. She recognised him as the Director of Alpha Chem Pharmaceuticals, Levi Coates. She also recognised the superficial, beaming look and the alert concentration of a born liar or a politician.

Levi Coates spread his hands as they arrived, not too far apart to be intimidating and not too close to be an empty gesture. Every move he made was choreographed to be just right. He waited for General Paul to speak first, though.

“On behalf of President Calabresi, I welcome the Assembly of Nations to Mallarctaia,” the General rumbled, “The President regrets that he cannot attend personally, but he extends an invitation for the ASN...OC representatives to attend a ball in your honour tonight.”

Brigadier Asfaha smiled guardedly as she took off her gas mask. “Thank you for your warm welcome, General Bahar,” she lied smoothly, “On behalf of the Chimaean component of the ASN Operation in Mallarctaia, I extend Governor Bryce’s regards. We accept your kind invitation.” She turned to Levi Coates, maintaining her smile. “I am... surprised to see you, Mr. Coates. Is Alpha Chem now part of Mallarctaia’s Government?”

Levi Coates didn’t even blink. “Brigadier Asfaha, I am humbly actiung in the position of liaison between the President’s Government and the ASN, if you accept my services. The President has put great trust in me. As the recent media report has implications for the private sector, I also represent the many corporations which have made Mallarctaia a vital part of today’s global economy.”

[New Edom]

As Augrim's helicopter touched down, he stepped out of it. His hand was casually resting upon the pommel of his sabre, and his red and white kerchief was teased by the wind from the machines. His dark eyes were pools of thoughtfulness, his BDUs were neat but comfortably worn, as were his boots; they gleamed only softly; they clearly had been shined many times. Accompanying him was the lean greying blue eyed Colonel Dorian Hermengild, a Special Forces officer who had become his close friend and advisor during the civil war. Esther Offenbach also stepped down, she was guarded and quiet; her sole roles were to advise Augrim of where he stepped outside of Government Policy and to remind him of Foreign Policy when needed.

"General," he nodded to the one, "Mr. Coates," he said to the other. "O men of Mallarctaia, I greet you with the warm of brotherhood from across the great seas where lies the land of the Allied States of New Edom. I am grieved that I shall not yet see the President Calabresi, but overjoyed to make the acquaintance of each of you at last. These, my companions, are Colonel Hermengild of the 19th Light Troops, and Esther Offenbach of the New Edomite Foreign Ministry."

Augrim looked at those who had greeted them thoughtfully. "How shall we make use of this port when the streets are full of explosions and blood?"

[Mallarctaia]

Port of Hermosa Juda, Mallarctaia

Levi Coates allowed a communicative look of weary apology to flow across his features and he nodded at General Augrim’s words. “Yes, I’m very much afraid that we’ve had some terrorist and criminal elements causing a significant amount of trouble. I believe they’re protesting the arrival of ASN forces, they’ve taken this opportunity to launch a full scale attack on Hermosa Juda.”

General Paul waved a hand dismissively. “It’s nothing to be concerned about,” he told them in heavily accented English. “My boys have cornered them in the market, a very bad place of drugs, prostitution and blasphemy. We will take care of these trouble makers and clean up the market all in one go. It will be...” he smiled humourlessly, revealing three silver teeth. “...A perfect place for all the family once more.”

Levi watched Brigadier Asfaha’s eyes pointedly take in the entirety of the scene—the graffiti and banners, the obviously civilian bodies in the water on the ground nearer to the metal wall and the sounds of heavy fighting intermingled with desperate screams. He nodded again, this time with practiced sadness. “Sadly this is the sort of trouble that the ordinary Mallarctaian man, woman and child encounter all too much. We’ve been working for decades on this law and order problem. President Calabresi has worked wonders in bringing about the rule of law in the land.”

Brigadier Asfaha raised an eyebrow. “’Rape kill ASN’,” she read out musingly, “’Bryce sucks Helladrian co’. I wonder what a ‘co’ is? Sadly there seems to be a significant amount of blood obscuring the rest of that mural. Perhaps we can clean it up for you, Mr. Coates? General?”

General Paul’s expression didn’t change but Levi’s was convincingly sympathetic. “Take no notice of the words of terrorists, Brigadier. Please, have no fear,” he addressed the entire group, “General Paul’s forces will clear this area. I assume this is where the ASNOM will stage? We have barracks ready if you need to stay overnight. I’m afraid the road to Portias Espesaia is closed due to the policing activity here, but General Paul has informed me that it will be opened in a few hours, once this... trouble has died down.”

[Ali-Zebu Union]

The aircraft touched down in the landing zone. The loading ramp came down and four women descended as a soldier stood behind a machine installed on the loading ramp. Admiral Izmet Atum and Lieutenant Alanor Osef were dressed in much the same fashion as before except that Alanor now had her Mušhuššu pistol holstered at her side. Captain Kon was dressed in her BDUs and came fully armed with her R-57 assault rifle, her Agav USP pistol, and the traditional curved combat dagger.

The last woman to exit was Harazad Vakrani. She was neither particularly tall or short and her lean Persian features were covered in a simple but well fitted suit the color of coal. Underneath her gas mask were a pair of small, stylish glasses with thin black frames. Her raven hair was long and carefully braided. She walked with a casual air about her and held a small attache case in one hand.

The four women approached the seated figures and took note of some of the things in the area. They felt pangs of disgust at a display seeming aimed at their nation. Seeing their allies remove their own gas masks, the four women did the same. Izmet, Alanor, and Vakrani approached Levi Coates and General Paul while Sayuri stood back as a sentinel.

Admiral Atum addressed both Coates and the general with a diplomatic tone coating her words.

“ I am pleased that the both you made it out to greet us. I must say it is rather unfortunate that you are having to deal with insurrection on this day. I just hope the fighting will not hinder us from attending the ball later this evening.”

Harazad remained impassive through anything that was said and took notes on an electronic notebook she had with her as she sized up the two Mallarctaians.

[New Edom]

Augrim sighed. "As little as the restless wind, Levi Coates, do I understand your words. In spite of reassurances that this land is stable, we see that a major port is so much embroiled in effusion of blood that the masters of the land cannot assure us of so much as the movement of an armoured column." He looked deeply into the eyes of Levi Coates and General Paul each in turn. "This contradicts what your President said of your nation. And now you tell us that this has been going on for years. This was hardly unknown to us. Yet I, Augrim, do not judge. Is it not written "do not seek to remove the mote in thy brother's eye and disregard the beam in thine own"? It is the suggestion of Augrim that we should secure the airport entirely and then move negotiators on to your capital to meet with your President." He squatted on the ground, drawing in the dust thoughtfully. "And of course General Paul shall do as his duty requires."

[Chimaea]

Port of Hermosa Juda, Mallarctaia

Brigadier Asfaha’s expression didn’t change. She was a seasoned soldier, after all, and knew when not to give anything away. However, if thoughts could burn, General Augrim would have been a gently steaming pile of well-done intestines. She saw the momentary look in General Paul’s eyes and knew the Mallarctaians had assumed they’d use the port as the only entry into the nation.

Kuchawski looked impassive and anyone who hadn’t known him for years would not have picked up his tension. The implications of Augrim’s words – was it an intentional provocation or a slip of the tongue? – had struck him at the same moment. She knew he was itching to order the helicopters in the air, but already one of General Paul’s staffers was walking quickly away, no doubt to forewarn the military.

Brigadier Asfaha, beneath the sudden burst of anger, was getting worried.

[New Edom]

Meanwhile, the rest of the units from the 21st Air Cavalry had moved swiftly over the harbour and were flying high over the city, avoiding coming down near the buildings where the fighting was going on. The idea was to stay out of RPG and standard anti-aircraft gun range, then wheel in over the airport and land at it, sending in a warning message that they were coming. At one of the percussion solos in the song they began their looping wheel--evoking the way that the regiment would have done a flanking maneuver in the 18th or 19th century. Colonel Weber keenly looked at the ground below, and sent a signal at the last moment. "Be advised, this is the New Edomite 21st Air Cavalry, preparing to land."

[Mallarctaia]

Port of Hermosa Juda, Mallarctaia

General Paul felt his heart quicken at what the New Edom commander had revealed. A foreign takeover of the International airport? He ignored Levi Coates’ warning look; this was a matter of military effectiveness and the airport was a major strategic infrastructure. He’d been a soldier long enough to know that losing the airport wasn’t in Mallarctaia’s best interests.

“The ASN is welcome to use the airport,” he growled, “but I forbid any attempt at a military takeover. You are guests in our land, and we are already affording you many privileges! Such a takeover cannot be looked at as anything but the act of an invader and will be treated as such.”

One of his aides had already taken the initiative and was walking away, talking quietly on his radio. He’d double-check later, but he knew that his commanders would be moving on the airport. He hoped President Calabresi was going to approve the decision, although Levi’s carefully guarded look did not bode well.

For his part, Levi felt more irritated than anything else. He found General Augrim amusing and was impressed by his directness; however he had already guessed that the ASN would attempt a takeover of the airport. It was only logical to secure such an important supply and transport infrastructure; however General Paul had escalated things unnecessarily. He would have to see about that man at some point.

He ignored the exchanged and smiled an especially devastatingly charming smile at Admiral Atum, the one he had reserved for picking up young women in clubs in his younger days. He knew had had kept his looks and hoped it was as disarming as it used to be.

“Thank you for your kind words of sympathy, Admiral. I assure you that this little trouble will not affect your invitation tonight. I personally guarantee it.”

[New Edom]

Augrim smiled at Paul. "O General, thou art much embattled, and therefore anxious. Yet it is calm and peace in the midst of battle that give victory over rage--where one is prepared. Has Augrim spoken of conquest? Nay, in peace we have come, in peace we shall remain. Let our forces meet as brothers upon the tarmac, O General. It is merely use of the airport we desire, not one pebble of it, O General shall we claim." He rose, offering his hand. "I, Augrim, General of the Expedition of New Edom, Governor of Haran, do swear it solemnly, thou hast my word upon it. Let they officers greet ours at the airfields in all ceremony, let them exchange salutes and clasp hands. We come as friends!"

[Mallarctaia]

Port of Hermosa Juda, Mallarctaia

General Paul shook his head. “No, General, you mistake my words. If ASN forces occupy the airport without clearing it with us, then it is an act of aggression. I have heard nothing about this mission and I forbid it entirely. You are free to use the airport but you must go through us first. Order your men to stand down.”

Levi Coates held his careful smile. “Come now, gentlemen, I’m sure we can figure this out—” he paused as a particularly large explosion from the market rolled over the port. “I’m sure neither President Calabresi nor the ASN wish for any escalation of this situation.”

Brigadier Asfaha, her expression neutral, spoke up. “There is certainly no desire on the part of the ASN to instigate any clash, however we need exclusive access to this airport to conduct our operations and fly in supplies and VIPs. Chimaean Government representatives are planning to fly in to the airport later today.”

Levi was about to say something but General Paul cut him off. “There is to be no access without prior permission from my Government, Brigadier,” he snapped, his accent thickening with the tension, “ASN forces at the airport must stand down immediately.”

* * *

Calabresi International Airport, 15km from the outskirts of Portias Espesaia

The usual military presence at the airport was light—forty personnel, two APCs and a humvee, usually scattered around the airport on patrol. Mostly the personnel saw the airport posting as cushy, with much of the security work undertaken by the Guardia. The opportunity to collect bribes from various corporate travellers importing anything illegal – or at least, deemed illegal by the soldiers on encountering it – also ensured a military presence at the customs area of the airport as well.

So when the New Edom helicopters were detected, their approach picked up on radar and reported from the city, sirens that hadn’t sounded in years suddenly came to life. The soldiers scrambled into defensive positions and the two APCs were driven onto the runways. Flights were cancelled immediately, rerouted to other regional destinations as the airport went into lockdown.

The Lieutenant in charge of the platoon at the airport was considerably panicked when he called through to HQ, but he was relieved when the call came back that reinforcements were already on their way. Sweating profusely under his gas mask, he hunched down behind hastily-erected sandbag defences encircling the runways, clutching his CR60 Carbine tightly in his gloved hands.

* * *

Portias Espesaia, Army Base #3

Army Base #3 was located on the outskirts of Portias Espesaia, designed partly to base an under-strength mechanised company consisting of three light tanks, two main battle tanks and four heavily armoured infantry fighting vehicles. Added to this company was the 3rd Army Rapid Mobilised Battalion comprising of 160 personnel, trained mainly in urban warfare. They were able to be transported by trucks and lightly armoured APCs; in general, the 3rd ARMB were amongst the best-trained soldiers of the Mallarctaiain Army, used in situations of medium to heavy combat in urban areas. While most of the Army had an eclectic array of weaponry, the 3rd ARMB were all equipped with the more expensive CR60s.

When the alarm sounded, the call was sent to Army Base #3; the military wanted to make a point. The soldiers scrambled into their vehicles and sped off towards the airport, the tanks and infantry fighting vehicles following close behind. Their orders were clear—to encircle the airport and not allow the ASN forces out.

[New Edom]

Esther Offenbach spoke urgently into Augrim's ear. He nodded, and then glanced at Colonel Hermengild. Hermengild felt his pulse quicken but he knew how this would go. Unfortunately New Edom had blundered into yet another clash of cultures. To Barans, to Haranese and frankly to the other nationalities who made up the Allied States and knew of the dominant cultures' ways, Augrim's words were conciliatory enough. He murmured to Augrim as well and Augrim shrugged. "Levi Coates, why do you not contact the Father of Mallarctaia, President Calabresi, thyself? Say thy words and he will hear them. Speak thy wisdom, and is he not a man of great might that will hear thee?"

Meanwhile...

Two Kazatlan Class amphibious ships were moving towards a beachead near the city. One of them had orders to have Royal Marines that were aboard use Motherbird helicopters to keep watch above the armored recon unit that was being dispensed from the bowels of one of the ships. The commanding colonel, Abed-Nego, had just finished berating his orderly sergeant before heading towards his command vehicle. The orderly had brought out the stuffed body of the colonel's Belgian Shepherd and had stood it on the deck to 'air' it. The Colonel walked up and said in a quiet but intense voice, "Have you gone out of your mind sergeant? You forgot his leash."
"Sir, sorry sir," stammered the orderly, who was a bit new.
"Take him below. I don't want him excited by all this ruckus of preparations and getting run over or something."
"Sir!" the man fled in relief.
"Wait!" The Colonel went and ruffled the stuffed dogs ears. "Good boy..."
He then went to his Ironheart Command vehicle. Ben-Hadad liked to be in her Rottweiler Tank, he liked to be in the Ironheart; there was more electronics in it, more radios, more computers, he felt like a wizard in the heart of the beast of metal alloy and plastic. The 15th was a heavier regiment than her sister regiment, the 14th, which used wheeled apcs and scout cars mostly and had only one company of heavies. The 15th had treaded vehicles, APCs, command vehicles, armored recovery vehicles, mortar vehicles, tanks, supply carriers. Their mission was to flank the city and head towards the airport. Some of the vehicles had inflated skirts and 'swam' ashore, while others were broad ashore in hovercraft that roared past the swimmers towards the beachhead to deposit them. The Navy aviation would accompany them, a squadron of twelve Motherbirds, large utility helicopters that would be their eyes in the air.

Major Ben-Hadad was standing tall in the hatch of her Rottweiler command tank as the hovercraft began to bring them in, rushing like a great crocodile past a squadron of turtles. The wake of their passage turned the water around them to foam.

[Mallarctaia]

Port of Hermosa Juda, Mallarctaia

Levi Coates nodded thoughtfully. “This is a good idea. In fact, why don’t we delay any... significant decisions for the moment? I shall confer with the President and General Paul on this situation further.”

Brigadier Asfaha was already opening her mouth to retort when he held up a hand. “I think it will allow tempers to cool. Why don’t you all take this opportunity to disembark your forces here—oh!” he smiled at General Augrim. “Silly me, you’re already in the process of doing so, further along the coast.”

Levi swung around unexpectedly and there was a metallic sound as the ASN soldiers tensed momentarily. He ignored it, gesturing to two buildings—one was a large, empty warehouse for storing shipping containers and the other was a long, low office block, also empty. “Please feel free to use these buildings at your convenience. As I said, it will be a few hours before the road to Portias Espesaia is clear once more. I shall meet with you once more.”

General Paul looked as if he was about to explode. Levi smiled at him. “Shall we, General?”

After a small pause, General Paul nodded, turned and stalked off. Levi offered another smile to the ASN officers. “Till then, ladies and gentlemen.”

* * *

Calabresi International Airport, 15km from the outskirts of Portias Espesaia

Lieutenant Stephan Amechi, the commanding officer of the platoon at Calabresi Internation Airport, was not a particularly brave man. He had joined the Army because it was one of the few jobs a poor, uneducated man could work in to support his family. That was eight years ago, though. His wife was dead, a criminal gang had caught her when she was late returning home from the factory. The Guardia had allowed him to view the body for identification. There was no autopsy done, as the cause of death was clear enough from the fifty-odd cuts on her body. They were so understaffed they hadn’t even made her presentable—naked, covered in blood, bruises and semen, her body mutilated, brutally beaten and partially burnt.

He didn’t have time to grieve or recover, though. His elderly mother looked after his three children now and he had first been deployed to Rhodopova to support the Corporations’ battle against the illegal union terrorist organisations. His company had taken heavy casualties when their barracks had been mistakenly targeted by a missile strike organised by the private security firms; to prevent a backlash against the security firms, the company had been disbanded. He’d been taken back to Portias Espesaia but given the relatively safe role supervising the military presence at the airport. He even had time off occasionally to see his mother and children.

As he crouched next to his Sergeant, he muttered a quick prayer to his ancestors to make a deal with the Baroness Hetilot, the spirit of fate, to let him live through the days to come. The Sergeant, a stocky man armed with an old M16, glanced at him. “Orders, sir?”

Lieutenant Amechi gulped and scanned the sky, spotting the New Edom helicopters as they approached. “Tell the men to keep their weapons on them. Don’t let them leave the fucking runway. But don’t shoot them until you or I give the order!”

The Sergeant nodded. “What about reinforcements?”

“They’re forming a perimeter. I’m afraid we’re it, Sergeant.”

“Fuck. Ok. Do you think we can take them?”

Lieutenant Amechi looked around the runway at the sandbagged positions, and the snipers he’d set up on the upper floors of some buildings. The two APCs were slowly circling the area, trying to stay close to the hangars and covered areas to avoid detection.

“We’re fucked if they start shooting,” he told the Sergeant bluntly. “Even if we outnumber them they have air support. And they’re probably special forces.”

The Sergeant kissed the cross tattooed on his wrist. “Is this a famous last stand, then?” he asked, a bleak attempt at humour.

Lieutenant Amecho shrugged. “We have our orders, they have theirs. This is what we’re payed for. This is war.”

[Chimaea]

Port of Hermosa Juda, Mallarctaia

Brigadier Asfaha nodded to Lieutenant Colonel Kuchawski as General Paul and Levi Coates walked away. He nodded, then began speaking rapidly into his comms unit. While he was doing so, she nodded to one of the TUOC soldiers who took a small device from his webbing and attached it to his pack by an electrical cord. The made a beeping sound, whereupon the soldier unfolded it like a flower and held it up in the air at chest height.

The device was a high-powered, local-range jamming signal and the Brigadier watched with grim satisfaction as a few of the Mallarctaian aides walking with General Paul winced and pulled earbuds out of their ears. She looked at the Ali-Zebu Union and New Edom officers and nodded. “It’s ok to talk, for now.”

Kuchawski finished his orders and walked back within the range of the jamming device. Brigadier Asfaha stared at General Augrim, her eyes like steel. “The next time you put my men at risk, General, will be the last. Your actions have undermined the security of this mission and potentially may cause an escalation. It was rash and ill-considered. I have no choice but to convey this to your Government, and to mine.”

She stopped as a series of explosions ripped the air from the markets and scowled. “The fucking nerve! The sheer fucking audacity of these people! Carrying out illegal military operations against civilians right in front of our noses!”

Kuchawski nodded. “Shall we intervene, sir?”

Brigadier Asfaha shook her head. “With our forces? SIGINT indicates thousands, if not tens of thousands of Mallarctaian troops here. They want to draw us in. We stick to the original mission and get to Portias Espesaia.” She looked sourly at General Augrim. “Chimaean special forces are en route to the airport. Let’s hope this isn’t going to end up a bloodied mess.”

[New Edom]

Augrim smiled at Asfaha quietly. "Your plan would have enraged them anyway. Special Forces capture the airport by stealth? How could they possibly see this as an act of good faith? If we had gone with my plan, O General Asfaha, it would have worked. As for your message to your Government and to mine, you must do as you must. And in any case..." he said with sudden hardness, "It is Augrim's followers who are leading the way in. You saw the man Coates. He wishes for this mission to be successful. He yearns for it. This does not disquiet you?" He shook his head. "Nay. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." with this cryptic message the Necromancer went back to his helicopter, nodding politely to the Ali-Zebu officers present.

As their bird began to take off to head up into the air high above the city, "Be advised," said Hermengild into his radio headset, "Be advised that we have potential hostiles advancing on your position, Gloria 6. Be advised and act accordingly."

"I copy that," said the voice of Lieutenant-Colonel Elena Weber over the radio.

Esther Offenbach paused looking at the Brigadier. All she could manage was an apologetic look, but she tried to slip him a note discreetly. She was frankly very disturbed by certain developments and felt she had no choice but to be frank with their allies.

Please if possible meet with me at the earliest opportunity: I need to share certain information with you.

Calabresi International Airport

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM came the percussion rolls of "Hold Tight" as one of the companies suddenly swept down towards the helicopter in descending order in a neat formation, one after the other approaching the tarmac.
Hold tight, count to three
Gotta stay close by me
and hold tight sing and shout
just ride my round about
and hold tight shut your eys girl
you suit me for size
Forget the other guys.
You'll never fall
Each time you call
Hold tight, hold tight, hold tight...

The music stopped. The first Vandal landed, with four cavalry troopers led by Captain Bartholemew Zeldorinius, a dark haired Baran with dark olive skin; he wore neat BDUs and a helmet, and carried his rifle casually, beckoning in a friendly way to any Mallarctaians he saw. "Hello!" he said cheerfully. "Who's in command here, please?" The other four in the formation gently laid their landing gear on the ground behind him. The attack helicopters, the motherbirds, and the other 15 vandals remained in the air for the time being, circling higher overhead.

[Helladria]

General Antouin was still back on the Drymos having waited until the other leaders of the ASNOC had made contact with the Mallarctaians. By now he expected operations were under way and so was talking to General Beullens, the Chief of Staff of the Helladric Peace Corps.

“Monomme, I don’t know what the hell we’re doing out here. Our allies are not here for observation and peacekeeping. I am convinced they are trying to start a war. The original plan was to land and move into Portias Espesaia to begin observations. New Edom was determined to make their first move to take the airport. Their General Augrim, an omme right out of the Middle Ages, I think would have been impossible to convince if ohs were standing against the whole world, but that wasn’t the case. Ali-Zebu also voted for seizure and so did Chimaea. The moment the Mallarctaians find out about the operation, we won’t be able to convince anyone in Mallarctaia or abroad of our peaceful intentions. The Peace Corps needs to be able to do our job without the damn infantry grunts who want to blow up whatever’s at hand. I want to request deployment of the full Helladric contingent and prepare for an independent operation if necessary.”

The chief of staff wasn’t at all interested in hearing the difficulties her General was experiencing. “Kios, you know damn well that we can’t escalate our operations when you haven’t even set your fucking boots on the ground yet. You have been assigned a mission, and you damn well better see it through without running home to iterry the first fucking time things start getting tough. If you want reinforcements, get out there and show me what I need to argue to the Parliament as demanding an escalation.” To her the matter was simple. The Helladric mission had one clear set of orders, and if the new green general couldn’t command one company of soldiers without having to defer to other authorities, ohs could be replaced very easily.

“Yes, monomme. What of the other ASNOC countries?”

“Let them clean up their own messes. You are not presently authorized to engage in unnecessary military operations, so keep our asses out of the fire. I want you to find out what’s happening in that unholy pile of shit and engage in any humanitarian aid required of you. If you want more soldiers, bring me a real reason to deploy them.”

“Yes, monomme.”

When the call was over, General Antouin returned to his ADC with a renewed zeal that came from unambiguous orders.

“Lieutenant, inform the Coloenel Lonomos and Major Petresco that we will disembarking soon with the rest of the ASNOC forces. They need to begin putting on their protective clothing now. They are under Helladric command only, and I will begin my preparations to meet up with the other commanders momentarily. Command of Helladric operations at sea is now exclusively Commodore Adurashi’s. That is all.”

[Ali-Zebu Union]

Admiral Atum was amused by Levi’s show of charm and briefly considered showing him her left wrist which held the proof of her marriage. She decided against it and waited for Coates and the general to leave. She turned her attention to the other commanders of the mission and addressed them.

“Now we will see if this airport operation was a wise move. And perhaps we can better coordinate on things in the future.”

She paused and continued.

“I plan to land our forces according to the original plan, but if I things start to get out of hand, I will deploy according to immediate tactical needs. Do you have anything to add Lieutenant-Colonel?”

Alanor nodded and spoke.

“The first unit we plan to have on the ground is the 2nd Uhlan Company. It is a recon company and is headed by Captain Kon, the woman standing over there.”

She waved her hand in Sayuri’s direction and continued.

“We plan to have them begin their duties as soon as all their equipment is unloaded and prepared. If you wish secure communication lines to better coordinate, we can include you in our comm network.”

Alanor then gave a nod to Brigadier Asfaha and General Augrim.

Harazad Vakrani continued to scrawl in her electronic notebook and was now observing the other commanding officers. “Augrim is odd and closed off while Asfaha is hot-blooded. Both warrant some further attention. Levi Coates and General Paul are obstacles to be cleared ASAP,” is what was going through her mind.

Composition of the Third Foreign Infantry Battalion

2nd Uhlan Company (Reconnaissance)
Command Company (Command and Support)
Maintenance Company (Maintenance)
Infantry Company (Mechanized Infantry)
Infantry Company (Mechanized Infantry)
Engineer Company (Engineer)

[Chimaea]

Port of Hermosa Juda, Mallarctaia

Brigadier Asfaha stared with narrowed eyes at Augrim’s retreating back as he walked back to his helicopter, then looked at surprised as Esther Offenbach discretely handed her a note and walked away. She rapidly read the note and, frowning, slipped it into a pocket. Kuchawski raised an eyebrow at her and she shook her head.

She listened to Admiral Atum’s words and nodded. “I agree, we need to coordinate. Seizing the airport was a good idea if we gave them no warning and no time to respond. Now it might end up in a bloodbath. We should be prepared to react accordingly.” She sighed. “This really isn’t going to be easy, is it?”

* * *

Battle Group Victoria :: Coastal Staging Area, Mallarctaia :: A little earlier

Major Gillian Antonieff’s muscles ached but she ignored it. She looked at the Chimaean Special Forces team standing on the deck of the CS Itarildë, going through a mental checklist in terms of gear and readiness. A hundred meters away the five bulky CF-68 helicopters were powering up, ready to fly at a moment’s notice. Further back, the two smaller, faster CF-70 ‘Hummingbirds’ were also powering up.

She turned as Captain Hartnell approached her with—

But it wasn’t Captain Hartnell. Captain Hartnell was dead. She had attended the funeral, kept her compsure as his elderly mother had glared with open hatred at her. She was his commanding officer—the deaths of those under her was her responsibility.

Why didn’t you take care of my son?

She blinked to clear her thoughts. The officer standing beside her was Captain Myra Howard—tall, athletic, feminine in a way that wasn’t quite obscured by the combat gear. The complete opposite, in fact, of Major Gillian Antonieff, and she felt it every time she looked at the other woman. Captain Howard was an excellent Special Forces soldier, though, and a nice enough person to deal with.

She took a final look over the squadron and nodded. “Right. Genocidal corporate corrupt motherfuckers check in—”

“—They don’t check out!” chorused the team in unison.

She felt the familiar bolt of adrenaline hit her and grinned wildly. “That’s my boys. Let’s roll.”

* * *

Approaching Calabresi International Airport, Mallarctaia

Gillian gripped her CR48 tightly in her gloved hand as the Hummingbird banked steeply in case of any enemy fire. As it banked, one of the pilots indicated to the other side with his hand, but she had already seen what he had detected; AWACS was correct after all. She activated the comms unit on her gasp mask.

“Be advised, be advised, multiple armoured units and native forces detected to the South-West. Forces are taking positions around Calabresi Airport.” She stared at the sky over the airport, noting the New Edom helicopters hovering above. “Friendlies above and in the central LZ.”

The team heard it and took note; the reply from Battle Group Victoria came after a small delay. “Roger that, received and understood. Do not engage native forces, repeat do not engage unless fires upon.”

Gillian bit her lip inside her face mask. “Roger that, Victoria, proceeding as planned.”

As they neared the airport, the five CR-68s veered off into multiple directions; only the two Hummingbirds would land for now.

[New Edom]

Fineberg, New Edom

"What the hell is going on?" President Touchstone said coldly. "First we're told that this is under ASN auspices. However there is no commander-in-chief appointed, no chain of command, no actual PLAN except an ad hoc one formed at the last minute--but all this was fair enough because apparently the Mallarctaians were cooperating. And now they're not?"

"Unfortunately, Mr. President, that's too many assumptions." said Sif Finnhald. "And we were all preoccupied with avoiding having another civil war here, which at the time had priority, and there's that ridiculous matter involving TurtleShroom which could result in a real war. So yes, when things were being worked out we made assumptions, and we were wrong."

"And Augrim has gone off acting like he's a hero in a legend as usual," sneered Admiral Rand. "We should relieve him of his command."

"Admiral, is that going to be Department of Defense policy every time a commander does something you disagree with?" asked Sarah Carmel, the diminutive attorney-general in a mild tone.

Rand frowned. "Hardly. But you all know my thoughts on Augrim--"

"So we don't need to hear them again," said the President. He preferred to keep Augrim where he was--a potential threat to Rand, but not a present one. If he came back a hero, Touchstone planned to let him be, but in Haran, not in Bara and the rest of New Edom. "With all respect. What we need is a solution."

"Put pressure on Calabresi." said Sif immediately. "He promised to cooperate, now his military commander isn't cooperating. We went in good faith. Are our people supposed to ask for permission to use public washrooms too? Obviously we'd send aircraft, Obviously we'd make use of facilities necessary for them. I think we need to play hardball. Either he cooperates as promised or we'll pry him out of his capital like a nut from a shell."

This was very tough talk from Sif, and it took everyone's breath away but Touchstone's, as he knew her best. He asked sharply, "Why do you say that?"

"Because they're playing games with us. And they're frankly from what all our intel and rumors say a pack of creepy monsters there, but nothing we can overtly prove. It's an obvious sign he and his government regard our efforts with contempt." Sif shook her head. "This mission for the reasons you elucidated from the start was probably doomed to some kind of mess up, but that's no reason to not start fixing it."

"What if shooting starts?" asked Benjamin Kent, who had been quietly sitting there as the King's representative.

"Then we try to work it out anyway." said Sif insistently. "People get so hysterical about the possibility of war, and then fail to do the things that would prevent it. And I have to admit, I don't trust the other players either. Except for the Alis I find both the Helladrians and Chimaeans are being awfully coy about this."

"Damn foreigners," muttered Sarah Carmel.

"Send a message across my desk I'll approve to have sent to the President of Mallarctaia, and get it done quickly." said Touchstone, standing up. "And in the meantime we back Augrim fully, whatever our allies say."

General Jonathan Abiathar spoke for the first time. The Chief of the General Staff was a big brisk man, with a hard face and hard eyes. "We can have the carrier groups that are already prepared for TurtleShroom divert, if need be, by the way. If we absolutely have to we can send in enough force to blow them to the stone age."

Touchstone inwardly rolled his eyes. "Thank you, General, I'll take that under advisement." It amazed him how people never learned. How could Abiathar forget their own city of Glasstower pulverized to rubble and yet stubbornly refusing to surrender, the fighting the Monarchists were subjected to as awful as sticking an arm into a rats' nest?

URGENT--Eyes Only to Recipient
To his Excellency President Calabresi

I regret to inform you, sir, that there has been a grave misunderstanding regarding the arrival of security forces accompanying the inspection teams going to your country. It was our understanding that proper facilities would await our people and that we were coming in peace. It seems however that your senior general disagrees with this. I am sure that this is a misunderstanding as it is inconceivable that a military commander would disagree publicly with your Excellency's policies. If there are any unfortunate incidents however I would like to assure your Excellency of our country's absolute respect for your national sovereignty. I would be very grateful if you, President Calabresi, could personally guarantee our air units access to your Interntional Airport and our naval units access to your port.

Sincerely,
President William Touchstone

[Mallarctaia]

Calabresi International Airport, 15km from the outskirts of Portias Espesaia

Lieutenant Amechi watched cautiously as the helicopters landed in formation and the troops inside climbed out. He prayed that one of his men didn’t get an attack of nerves and start shooting—he had a feeling they’d be dead in minutes and the whole country would be at war. Still, he felt a jolt of anger as a result of the years of conditioning he had received in the Army, though most of the soldiers didn’t take the lectures seriously—foreign troops on Mallarctaian soil! He tried to dismiss the thought.

When the foreigner – obviously an officer – demanded to speak to the officer in charge, he knew from a latent sense of decency that he had to go and meet with the man. Lieutenant Amechi was a decent man at heart, who had done some horrible things under orders, so he took a deep breath and asked his ancestors to watch over him. Then he looked at Sergeant Tewelde beside him and nodded. “Let’s go, Sergeant.”

Sergeant Tewelde signalled for a couple of the riflemen to cover them, and they stepped out from behind the sandbags and cautiously advanced across the runway to meet the New Edom soldiers. Lieutenant Amechi slung his CR60 Carbine over his shoulder as a sign of not wanting to die painfully, while Sergeant Tewelde held his M16 pointing to the ground, at the ready but his finger well away from the trigger.

As he reached the foreign soldiers, Lieutenant Amechi cleared his throat nervously. “I am Lieutenant Stephan Amechi, 32nd Rifles. I am in command here.” He licked his dry lips. “I have been informed you are here without the permission of my Government, and I must ask you to leave immediately.”

* * *

3rd ARMB, Outside Calabresi International Airport

Colonel Adam Neftalem Brhane was a killer. That’s why he had been chosen for the command of the 3rd ARMB by President Calabresi himself, the only man he looked up to. He was mean-spirited, cruel and vulgar in his private life—he was also an effective, ruthless and coldblooded soldier who trained men into other effective, ruthless and coldblooded soldiers.

The 3rd ARMB recruited from the criminal gangs and the rest of the Army—those who showed an aptitude for survival and slaughter. There were worse units in the Army and the more clandestine paramilitaries the President had created, but the 3rd ARMB was the visible element of that—the unit which struck terror into the hearts of the union terrorists, the protestors and the innocent alike.

Now the 3rd ARMB had set up a perimeter around the airport, the two main battle tanks to the North and South, within targeting area of the airport itself. The three light tanks were constantly on the move around the perimeter, using the points of extreme radiation in and around the neighbouring fields where toxic material had been dumped to hide from any electronic sensors. The infantry fighting vehicles did the same, ensuring that the 160 soldiers of the 3rd ARMB were in sufficiently dispersed positions.

Colonel Brhane didn’t like the situation though. He guessed that the soldiers in the helicopters were special forces and while he was confident of the ability of his men, the foreigners were also backed up by heavily armed helicopters. He’d attempted to call in air support from the Army, but the Government had refused on the grounds they simply couldn’t win an air war against the ASN.

General Paul had been more accommodating with his request for equipment and reinforcements, though. While the General had insisted reinforcements wait within the city limits of Portias Espesaia, they were still only 15 kilometres from the Colonel’s position outside the airport—an extra 450 soldiers, but they would be enough.

The equipment – courtesy of one of the corporations in return for disappearing some militant unionists – had been driven up by truck, though, and it had arrived quickly. In the back of the truck was a fixed surface to air missile system, four slender missiles fixed to a revolving, man-operated launcher. The truck had also come with three man-portable air-defence systems; he had distributed these to widely dispersed soldiers. They weren’t enough to pose a real threat to the military helicopters above the airport, but they were enough to bring at least one or two down and harry the rest.

Colonel Brhane was coordinating his forces via localised radio when he got the report of more helicopters flying towards the airport. He looked up as the Chimaean Hummingbirds appeared on the pollution-hazed horizon first, then the bulkier forms of the CF-68s emerging out of the simmering red sky. Even as he sized them up and calculated how many foreign soldiers they could contain, his anger was boiling over.

Snatching up his radio, he spoke quickly in his gravelly voice, “MPAD teams in position! Target those motherfuckers in the sky! Two on the new ones, two on the ones above the airport. Don’t fire until I tell you to or I’ll fucking gut you.”

The pairs of soldiers with the MPAD systems and the soldier in the mounted SAM position switched on the electronic tracking and locked onto the CF-68s and the New Edom helicopters in the incarnadine sky above the airport.

* * *

Portias Espesaia, Presidential Palace

Levi Coates wondered for a moment whether President Calabresi was going to have a heart attack of some sort. His eyes were so full of rage that they seemed to glow in the light streaming through the arched windows of one of his offices in the Presidential Palace.

After a long moment the President managed to growl, “General Paul did no wrong here. These... sodomite... people... think they can take over my cities and my airport? I own this country, Mr. Coates, it is mine to do with as I please! It is best you remember that!”

Levi nodded soothingly. “I understand, Mr. President, however the airport is not worth this fight. Let them come into Portias Espesaia, sir. Let them walk the streets. They won’t see where the bullets come from. If there has to be a war it must be within the city, Mr. President. Their technology has an advantage over the open, but we have blended our technology to operate specifically within Portias Espesaia. Besides, they won’t have the stomach for the civilian casualties—they can’t use bombs here. They will not stay for long.”

President Calabresi’s hand opened and closed spamodically but the rest of him was perfectly still. “No,” he said after a short while, “This is a moral victory. If they insist on invading what is mine, let them be blooded here.”

“Mr. President—”

“Mr. Coates, I know you have what is best for me in your heart. However, they will come on my terms, and mine alone.”

As Levi left the room, his face was neutral but his mind was racing.

* * *

Dear President Touchstone,

My General has, perhaps enthusiastically, defended what he perceived to be a slight to our sovereignty. It was expected that the ASN will use the port and the airport, however I must insist on total Mallarctaian control. The ASN are guests in this good nation, and while we are a small nation we are a proud one. The airport already possesses the facilities to process ASN representatives; if you wish to use this infrastructure, the proper procedure must be followed. I must ask you to remove any offensive troops and clear the airspace above the airport.

With warmest regards,
Cino Garcia Calabresi
President of the Democratic Republic of Mallarctaia.

[New Edom]

Mallarctaia Airport

Captain Zeldorinius gave Lieutenant Amechi a polite salute like a man boarding a ship, and nodded. "It's an honour to meet you, Lieutenant. I hope you know we're not invaders. Could I ask you please to check with your high command? There may be new developments. I give you my word that no further actions will be taken." He turned, slowly, towards the helicopter he had come from and made a cutting gesture. The New Edomite helicopters remained in the sky.

Up in the air, the 'Master of Horse' spoke tersely through the AWACs to General Augrim. Augrim gave a command. "Relay my advising to the Chimaean high Command--my man on the ground negotiates--if you ask of me a fish, shall I give you a scorpion?"

Colonel Hermengild translated, "Advise Chimaean special ops that they are not to land as our people are negotiating a safe landing."

Mallarctaian Coast

Swimming ashore with water pouring down their sides, 15 Rottweiler tanks, 28 Ironheart APCs, 4 Ironheart Command vehicles rumbled out onto the filthy beach. The Colonel had a face like a mask, staring out at nothing. Major Ben-Hadad ordered 1 platoon to watch the flanks towards the city and another towards the countryside while the battalion began its advance towards the airport. Because of the hostile situation, the Colonel had strong contact maintained with the Motherbirds above them, in case of unexpected surprises.

Fineberg, New Edom

Touchstone drummed his fingers against his desk. It never rained but it poured. Sif sipped her mint tea and looked across the desk at him. "Billy, I'm not even sure of what he's talking about."

"Neither am I. Let's find out. And Sif, I want messages sent to the other ASN leaders too. I'm starting to smell a big fat ASN rat here." Touchstone growled. "I thought everything was taken care of."

"No good pointing fingers," suggested Sif. "What good will that do? Apparently, according to Augrim, this Chimaean Brigadier what's-his-name said that he'd hold him personally responsible for loss of life. That's very dramatic, but the fact is that everyone screwed up, in my opinion. I'm not even a soldier but even I know that if you go to a meeting you make sure of where you're supposed to be and what you do when you get there. No staff work done? This is pretty shoddy. On everyone's part. Admiral Rand and Augrim should have done that long before, but we assumed that the ASN would know what they were doing. That was a mistake. Obviously they do things...differently."

"Alright. Let's concentrate on what we are doing. Let Augrim handle it for now, I trust him." Touchstone said a little glumly. He did, but the man he thought of as one of his top three generals was eccentric.

Dear President Calabresi,

I am afraid that I'm not properly understanding you. What procedures are you referring to? We were not informed as to the necessity of any.

My understanding is that the airport and port are available for our use, which is to say to land our security units and occupy space there. We don't intend to take over the control tower. We don't intend to control your commerce or your own air or sea units; we have no intention of attacking your country. We are simply aware that you are dealing with an insidious rebellion and are forced to concentrate upon your own matters and thus cannot guarantee the protection of our inspection teams. We entirely respect this. Please bear in mind that New Edom had a recent civil war and had foreign troops in it, and would not tolerate any infringement upon our sovereignty. The same applies to our views on Mallarctaia. I formally request that you permit our air and naval units to land as promised.

sincerely,
William Touchstone, President of the Allied States.