The Conflict in Hutanjia [Closed]

[New Edom]

CENTRAL EASTERN NESSELBERG

Captain Zeldorinius was shocked once more by the Colonel's foresight, flinching and crouching down blinking at the destruction of the Signals Hut; as screaming men and women (the Signals Unit had apart from the Medical Troop the most women) stumbled out smoking and mutilated by the explosions, and said in a voice distorted by his dry mouth, "RTO, over here--"

"Yes Sir, I've got the Colonel on the line," said the NCO, crawling to him in their slit trench. Amid the explosions he could hear a terrible roaring sound, and heard Weber's clipped tones in his headset. "Sorry Colonel, busy at the moment, tell my XO..." he shoved the headset at the young man's hands and roared, "Get up the line! Get MOVING!" He turned fiercely to his Forward Observer. "Get us some artillery cover, NOW."

"Yes Sir," the young officer said, and started to call in fire coordinates. While this was profoundly unnerving, the dark skinned people rushing in out of the wilderness with such a devastating attack, the regiment were veterans. It was never NOT frightening, but they were experienced enough that they were responding well. The RTO sometimes had nightmares about Dengali--now they were coming to life again. His body was an autopilot. It sounded, horrifyingly, like they were barely more than a hundred meters from the Troop CP...calling in the strike on the grid--not to close to their own lines....and Zeldorinius's XO was advising the Colonel that they were being hit hard, they needed air support in now, call in the night flyers...

Corwin, bless him, had rushed his platoon up to the secondary line even as the first was engaging; all that they could do was hope their covering fire bought the primary line some time. "Shit," he spat, "We're overrun. Come on!" the primary line had wavered badly; to Corwin's eyes it was as though the enemy were just scrambling past them, held up here and there, but not enough. Thank God--Captain Zeldorinius had gotten the rest of the Troop out of their huts and tents and up the line, but they had been taking casualties--people were lying wounded and screaming between the trenches and foxholes. Corwin fired his own grenade launcher in quick succession; that was the way--heavy weapons barrage at the enemy, then AT EM. "ADVANCE!" the platoon sergeant roared as under the covering fire of their own heavy weapons they rushed to retake the forward area.

Even as they did, beyond their own wires 105mm artillery shells were coming down, and mortars had fired illumination flares into the sky beyond the wire to show where the enemy were advancing from. From the Air Base that had been established by the allies on the beachead, two UAVs were being prepared for launch, as were a troop of attack helicopters--and another for medevac. A report made its way, meanwhile, up the line to the war room.

The Palace War Room
Soundproof Communications Room
"Very well then, let's arrange the visit. And remove the Mongoose--you are sure about it being just him to remove? Because if you are fine with that then we should begin plans to do so. What I'd like to recommend is that we do it politically rather than with something extra-legal if possible. Do you know of any weaknesses he has? Anything that we could blame him for? Or does he have enough blackmail material, you suspect, that that would be dangerous?"

In the Main War Room

A communication came through via the Sterry that the 21st Lancers' perimeter had come under an assault by the rebels. According to Colonel Weber it was possibly a probe, and she was putting up UAVs and helicopters to have a sweep of the area. Admiral Galt, acting quickly as Unwerth's third in command, said, "Alright, let's prepare orders for this--this is pretty routine. This is nothing to interrupt the Generals for."

Code: Select all

To: Royal Allied Commanders, Nesselberg
From: Vice-Admiral John Galt, on behalf of General Unwerth
Encryption: Most Secret
Subject: Probe Attack on the 21st Lancers

Commanders are to be advised that the 21st Lancers have come under attack in their current positions in Central Eastern Nesselberg. Unit commanders are advised to commence patrols immediately by air and foot to determine if this is a general attack, and to be on alert until further notice. Neighboring units to be prepared to offer assistance.


[The UFF of Hutanjia]

FOB OF 21ST LANCERS
CENTRAL EASTERN NESSELBERG

The first line of UFF soldiers who had survived their rush through the New Edomite first line of trenches had dropped their rifles or let them go slack on their slings. They brandished Makarov pistols and machetes. They kept running, shooting defenders point blank and hacking at limbs and heads. Most of them were on pure adrenaline surge, their eyes popping wide and mouths in wide grimaces or slack. They didn't expect to live, but they also had half expected to not make it through the initial defenses, either.

One of the men started the war cries again: "AAAAAGGGAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWAAAAAAHHHH!!!"

Following were small knots of riflemen. They moved at a slower, but still brisk pace, rifles bristling out from a semi-circle of 4 to 5 advancing men as they swiveled to movement. The rebels were on such a trigger finger that they popped some of their own men coming back out of the trenches. As some of them dropped from return fire, the knots closed tighter, when one or two men were left, they would join another group.
RPG teams followed, adding rockets into the melee. As they dashed around, they targeted bunkers and knots of the Lancer defenders.
Flares illuminated the advancing rebels. More of them dropped as the New Edomites were able to see to target their fire. They went to cover, dropping into the first line of abandoned trenches.

The Captain looked on incredulously, They had breached the first line!
He had the mortar teams stash their mortars in the underbrush and join the reserve force. They would join the fight. Enemy
shells started to impact in among the trees, blasting holes in the jungle canopy cover. The artillery rounds sent wood
shards and parts of their comrades into the rebel troopers. The Captain verbally prodded them forward. They needed to go
before there wasn't a reserve force left. They moved towards the edge of the tree line as they heard the WHOP WHOP WHOP of
Royalist helicopter blades slicing through the air. They looked up.


CENTRAL NESSELBERG

Another attack group, this one consisting of 4th Regiment soldiers, laid in wait. The Lieutenant was waiting on this Royalist patrol to come in so they could close the trap. On one hand, having one less patrol in the base would make for less defense and return fire. On the other, having one Royal patrol out that could act as a thorn in their flank while they tried to attack the base was just not justifiable. So they waited and as it became clear what direction the patrol would take in, they cleared the way and made sure to leave nothing behind. Every minute of surprise counted.

The Lieutenant waited on the other side of the enemy camp, dozens of yards back from the clearing. He stared at one of the heavy mortar team members and smiled, giving a thumbs up.
Suddenly, he heard firing across the camp, where the patrol should be coming in. He scooted backward and gave the signal to the mortar teams. They weren't ready, but they'd have to be, the suprise was blown. They needed to pull back from disaster.

THOONK! Ka-CHHOOOONK!

The mortar bombs began their trajectories onto the base tents and bunkers.

[Neu Engollon]

RHAF SECURITY BUILDING
VESSELLE AIR BASE

The two men stared through the two-way mirror at their guest. The shorter one was olive skinned with graying at the temples. The taller one was more cocoa complected, Polynesian. The man in the room, was Slavic and at one point, he probably was white before crusted dirt, sunburn and mass bruises. He sat hunched over, unlike a typical police interrogation room, the chair was not designed for discomfort. It was padded and soft.

"Let's go in. You don't need to say anything, just follow my lead and observe."

They opened the door and walked into the room where the Falkasian sat. Pulling up chairs to the table.

"Hello, Illyich. Are you feeling a bit better? You actually don't have to say anything. Save your strength. My name is Captain Shlomo Ari-Galan."

The Falkasian suddenly brought his head up straighter, his eyes squinted through a battered face, studying the man.
Ari-Galan chuckled.

"Yes, I'm Israeli. I used to be Sayeret Mat' Kal before I took over the Uli 6th Platoon. I see you recognize what that is.
Anyway, we are glad to have you. I'm sure you don't believe that, but we are, maybe not in the way you think. I will be blunt, Mr. Voroshnev. You are a bargaining chip. Nothing more.
We want you in good health, if only so that our man would also be in good health, but also because we don't believe in cruelty and senseless torture. There will be no questions.
You've been in captivity for so long that we probably know better than you about the current Falkasian forces and where they are. So what would be the point, my friend?"

The Hutanjian officer in the room nodded as well.

"Angelo here agrees. I will visit you and you will let me know what you need. Unfortunately, the Doctor says we won't be able to get you much food for the time being. In the condition that you are in, there is the very real possibility that you could overeat and your stomach would burst. Ooh. We can't have that. Nasty stuff. So, water, an escorted walk, a doctor supervised snack...you let me know, Illyich, ok? OK, then."
The Uli and Hutanjian officer stood up, pushing their chairs in.
"Oh, and you will have a small little one room pad with a detached bathroom. But you won't be here too long to call it home. You will be seeing all your old comrades soon. The living ones, I mean."

They walked out the door.

CENTRAL NESSELBERG

7th Platoon of Zeta Company of the Uli Regiment wound their way back to their FOB on one of a dozen trails that led to it.
They kept their eyes shifting from the trees to the underbrush, but didn't catch anything amiss. The pointman was focused low and ahead. Several lives depended on his acuity.

One of the most time learned lessons of jungle warfare was to not take the same trail in that you left on, and to vary up your routes as much as possible. All the trails got regular rotation on patrols throughout the week.
Private Rafael Veccio called a halt, something didn't seem right to him. It was a shoe print, more like a sandal or flip-flop, actually. He motioned to Corporal Rochmann. He was going to follow. The Corporal and another Uli trooper moved to cover him as a new point man moved up to crouch and wait. He found another sandal print and moved his line of sight up.
Sure enough, a few yards away, a rebel stared back at him. They fired at the same time. A round took Private Veccio in the shoulder. As he spun, he saw his bullets strike home on the rebel.

All hell broke loose around him. He stared up at the trees, feeling disassociated from his body. A part of his mind knew he might be going into shock, but it felt better than feeling the pain and having to think more of the danger that streaked fire over his body.

The rest of 7th Platoon spread out and moved into the trees, trying to not to get squeezed in what they thought was an ambush. They fired bursts out from their SG 550s at any movement beyond. AK rounds came back at them from all sides, but the rebels seemed to be too far off from the trail to be executing an ambush. Either they hadn't been set yet, or they were crossing a large rebel patrol, or...

They heard the 'shoonk' sound of several mortars going off at once. The Uli Master Sergeant in charge of the patrol yelled out, "Work your way back to base, keep up the fire. We need to get to the tree line to trip up their attack. Grenades when you can."

The orders were relayed through the patrol line, shouted over bursts of fire. Two Uli troopers went down before they could even start to head back to the base. They were dragged with the patrol. The Corporal, a friend of Private Veccio, went back to look for him but in the confusion, he couldn't find where the soldier had gone into the bush. They had to pull back to help defend the base. Swearing to come back and look for his friend later, the Corporal rejoined the fighting retreat of the 7th Platoon.


PALACE WAR ROOM

Lt. Col. Galien had been waiting patiently with the other command officers outside the soundproof room. He'd kept his peace while Admiral Galt, Brigadier General Prince Emmett and Major Yopete debated. They all hushed as word came in of the attack on the 21st Lancers. He'd had a chance a couple weeks back to visit them. They were a great, professional bunch of soldiers. Suddenly, an Uli aid came up to him urgently and whispered in his ear. He nodded back his understanding. "Get some Vipers on station, this sounds like a coordinated front attack. Get a couple flights of Gripens over there, too."

"Admiral Galt...and gentlemen, I think you may have been right. The FOB for Zeta Company is now being hit by a large UFF attack. We may have an issue here. Should we get the Generals?"

SECRET MEDITERRANEAN BASE
HQ FOR THE ULI-SCHWYZ REGIMENT

New APCs arrived at the docks at Scauri. New ML 12 Chronicles from the Sankji National Defense Industries and hundreds more Piranhas from MOWAG in Central Europe. They would be unloaded, serviced, retro-fitted with heavier guns, AT and AA and loaded back up onto cargo ships bound for Hutanjia. They had a nice contract to re-sell their Saracens to the Royal Hutanjian Military.

Already, their newly refitted RC-135 and E-3 Sentry AWACs planes were on their way to Hutanjia, in convoy with a KC-135 tanker plane.

The Uli Regiment was gearing up for the major campaign.

[New Edom]

FOB OF 21ST LANCERS
CENTRAL EASTERN NESSELBERG
Attack Soundtrack
The two UAVs swept over the battlefield, sending their signals to their handlers, who in turn sent it to the CROMWELL II systems that the New Edomites used for their battlefield grid; Forward Observers, intel officers and Aviation Liaisons were receiving it into their machines.

The advancing UFF ran into the dug in second line of the 21st Lancers, who opened fire on their advancing line with grenadier rifles, assault weapons and machineguns. Captain Zeldorinius and his troopers, at the sharp end, had been fed targeting information by a UAV and so the UFF walked right into it the infantry being fired on with deadly accuracy by the entrenched light infantry. Unfortunately a bunch of them seemed to have gotten into the forward trenches already . Zeldorinius didn't let himself think of the men and women in them; he couldn't. Around him hunts and tents were burned wreckage; the Medical Troop was desperately busy hauling people out, struggling to get people to safety to an area that had been designated for emergency triage.

Sergeant Corwin swept his rifle in quick sharp bursts, now and then firing his grenade launcher when he had a nice fat set of targets, especially the unsettling silhouette of one of the rebel bastards with an RPG or something. his throat raw, eyes burning, aware that he was naked except for his shorts but not caring, all he could think now was kill the enemy, make others with me kill the enemy!

Nestor, his RTO, fed information to the Forward Observer at the CP, shouting, "Walk 'em forward--yeah 1201 on my grid! Over!" grimacing like a monkey as he crouched beside him.

But now the helicopters had come. First came the Cannondales, set for night fighting, and to the eyes of the pilots it was nothing but green-red and white and black, as though they were predatory birds, sweeping in low over the trees. In the days of Zen Archers, the good archer only saw the target. Thus it was with the Cannondale pilots; like alien beings turning their goggled helmets, as one with their machines, and as they did and accepted the targets rockets howled down on the advancing enemy, and machineguns whirled spitting rounds that flew fiery and terrible into the running bodies beneath them.

Colonel Weber felt that cold sense of detachment she had in action--the fact was that the enemy had caught them with their pants down, had struck at their base and left her with dozens of wounded and dead, and they'd have to medevac just to get the wounded out in one piece, with the Medical Troop reduced in strength and their huts destroyed. And this could be another Lakobi--with the darkness of the forest shrouding everything, who knew how many of the enemy were out there? All she could do was send her information to HQ, coordinate her troopers, and trust in the Almighty.

"It's the whole perimeter, Colonel. Not a probe. They want us." said Sergeant-Major Beor grimly.

Colonel Weber nodded, turning to her second in command. "Hold here, keep coordinating supporting fire for the Troops. I'm going to walk the line and get a direct look." She nodded to Beor, her RTO and two runners, and left the command bunker to a world of flares, tracers and explosions.

[New Isotopia]

Norrits AB

Chernercko looked at the UFF support Officer and listened.

"Thank you soldier. As soon as we refuel we'll bug on out of here." He then reached for his radio on his vest and informed his officers of the change in plans. The Revolutionaries and SF soldiers began to exit their vehicles and re board their aircraft.

Chernercko looked back at the rebel officers, who exchanged hugs, shaking of the hands, and slaps on the back. With Chernercko was Field Commander of Echo Force, Brian Scranton and NIIA Black Ops Field Commander Neil Jillette, and various officers from the Revolutionaries and SF.

"Like wise."

"Now we will set up our headquarters in Fort Mason as will as garrison our SF forces. Our Air craft will be stationed at Hesttens Air Field. The Revolutionaries will also be stationed at Fort Mason with the rest in combat it the other isles.". Brian and Neil nodded in agreement.

"Now our Naval Infantry Division is to arrive sometime today. While I can't speak for Joseph, the man incharge of the divison, do any of you have proposals on where they should be stationed?" Brian asked the UFF officers.

[Falkasia]

Norritts AFB

Gavrin nodded, shrinking back unconsciously as he realized his overarching enthusiasm.

"Please excuse me," he mumbled. "I was merely trying to maintain my support."

Chenko smiled at him, in a manner similar to a father.

"It's all right Valery... you're young and inexperienced... you have a right to make mistakes. We both know you're still trying to earn the respect of your men."

Gavrin's demeanor brightened significantly, having been granted forgiveness more or less by his superior.

A loud screaching echoed from outside, filling the building as another flight of aircraft came in for a landing. The two men had been vaguely appraised of the situation, but were apprehensive as to who, what, or why these newcomers were here. It took only a few minutes before their commander came tromping in, his uniform somewhat out of the ordinary. He stood, saluted and introduced himself as a "Colonel Chernercko."

The two Falkasians eyed him carefully, sizing him up with solemn glances. Their faces showed little emotion, a far cry from their conversation with Nellis only minutes before. Perhaps intimidating, but thus was not the desired impact. It was moreso for them, trying to gain an idea of what to expect from the newcomer without compromising themselves. Chenko was the first to step forward, nodding in acknowledgement and extending his hand.

"Yes... well... it is good to meet you," he said flatly, making an effort to maintain an even, unvaried tone. "We should see some fighting soon... perhaps we can put our forces to good use."

Valery nodded in agreement as Chenko turned back towards Nellis.

"Please excuse us Doctor. We're needed back with out flights."

======

FNS Schechtmann

It had taken some time, but the Schechtmann had finally arrived. Its barely buoyant form sped somewhat unsteadily into its future berth, an inlet off to one side of Norritts Air Force Base. Army Engineers were already waiting, standing somewhat unsure of themselves on rickety wood piers set up last minute from leftover materials. It would work, for the time being.

For now, and for the forseeable future, it would be repaired here. Not much could be done at present aside from patchwork. The current facilities didn't allow for much outside of manual work, nor was there a drydock within the relative area to perform more extensive maintenance.

Ivanov stood on his bridge, guiding the boat in himself from the Helm. It was a tight squeeze, but those in upper management had done their homework. He knew he'd be without a boat for a while, but even in port, the Schechtmann would still be advantageous to the war effort. Given the fact that the ship's extensive electronics systems were entirely undamaged, the crew could still operate electronic warfare and ECM defenses as needed for the air base... and to an extent provide support for any invasions.

He smiled as the ship sighed slightly. The crew on deck hustled around, securing lines and making ready to disembark. The recovered prisoners would be first off, escorted in long lines by the Marines and Soldiers into temporarily stockades while they were processed. A portion of the base had been fenced off and converted into a POW Camp, although time would tell how comfortable it would be. At present, it consisted of several small outbuildings and a giant, albeit abandoned aircraft hangar.

Only Ivanov, and most of the senior staff knew that most of the prisoners would not be staying. A deal had been struck, securing the return of an FSIS agent and his cadre of UFF officers in exchange for some of the Hutanjian pilots and the Uli mercenary they had picked up. Ivanov had made a strict rule not to disturb him, allowing him to remain solitary in a private cell below decks in the brig. He was brought food and water as needed, and checked on occassionally, but otherwise undisturbed. It was moreso a courtesy than anything else, knowing well the Uli-Schwyz would not interrogate his own man either.

======

To: Uli-Schwyz
From: Falkasia
We have your pilot in our possession. Once he has been processed, he will be free to return to your regiment. We still require proof that you have retrieved our agent alive. Pending this, we shall determine a meeting place where we will exchange prisoners one-for-one. Intelligence indicates few UFF Officers from the initial attack are still alive, and we're sure you understand that anything aside from this would be to our strategic disadvantage.

Sincerely,
Admiral Mikhael Ivanov

======

The Falkasians were on their backs, rolling in the sand with guns spread-eagle across their chests. Given the circumstances, and the unanticipated looseness of the beach sand, many of their frontline trenches had collapsed somewhat. Instead of horizontal slits, they more resembled ditches and sand dunes. Still better than nothing, but not ideal.

Kuznetsov, from his post at the third line, had ordered the remaining troops to fall back in a staggered fashion. The evacuation had succeeded blissfully well, and the hovercrafts were returning for the final load of UFF rebels soldiers. They hummed slightly, blowing sand in all directions as they came ashore and set down. There was fighting two lines up, but nothing overly considerable. The Marines had taken some casualties, but as long as the bodies were recovered, it was a simple fact of war.

He saw RPG streaks coming from the trees, barking a quick order to take them out. The officer had already beat him to the punch, employing the jury-rigged CIWS cannon to eliminate the threat with bursts of lead. Several of the RPGs exploded mid-air, peppering the ground with shrapnel but harmless otherwise. Others went wide, lurching upward at the last minute or diving and burying themselves deep in the powdery sand. Two large fireballs grew in the distance though, making it painfully obvious that some had still managed to impact.

Kuznetsov's shoulder radio began to buzz with chatter. He listened intently.

"RPGs impacted wide... minimal casualties... shrapnel wounds on two Marines.... counting seven enemy combatants in the wood line...."

It was more intense than the radio led to believe. Marines on the frontline were in their element, or about as close as a Falkasian could be in a jungle. They were careful and accurate, relying on their training to keep the enemy suppressed as the situation was assessed. Three-round bursts only, plenty of lead to put down a soldier given the 7.62 rounds their assault rifles were chambered to fire. Tree limbs were chopped in half by the emplaced machine guns, spitting dirt into the air as they arched left and right. The grenade launcher fired three more rounds before it fell silent, although no one seemed to notice amid the chaos.

Grenades came flying out of the wood work and into the trenches. Several came flying back, either exploding half-way or bouncing off the ground and back into the trees. Others found their mark and sent plumes of dirt and blood into the air. A PK machine gun sputtered to life, concealed behind the tree line but wreacking havoc on the defenders. The sand dunes did their jobs well enough, stopping the rounds, but the Falkasians were all the same forced to keep their heads low.

On the second line, several Marines brought up Hellfire GMs, man-portable short-range guided missiles. They were tipped with incendiary pellets, designed to fragment upon detonation and then ignite as they were propelled away. Although originally designed to be used against large buildings in ubran environments, it would work well enough in the jungle. The only downside however, was that the nature of the system required it to be tripod mounted. It took some time to set the launchers up, but once they were going, things would quite literally heat up fast.

======

Yuri looked on at his V.I.C.E. battlemap. For some reason, he and his men had evaded discovery by the royalist forces. It had been close on numerous occassions, enemy patrols narrowly missing ambushes his men had laid. The electronic alarms surrounding the logging camp were tripped nightly, but he had larger problems to worry about. Given the nature of his hideout, it would not be discovered any time soon.

His position, behind the line of battle, confered to him several unanticipated advantages. It was up to him how to proceed however, as any form of communication aside from his V.I.C.E. feed might potentially give him away to careful onlookers from the KHS or Royals. The blue glow cast a ghastly look on his face as he stood braced against the metal cart.

The Marine Raiders to the north were presently holding out well. That was one option, he thought. Abandon his present position and make a dash for the evacuation. With any luck, his men would arrive and be onboard the last hovercraft bound for Norritts. But what would they be leaving behind? A strategically important listening post, not to mention millions of dinars worth of advanced military hardware. He shuddered at the thought of what the Royals might do if they got a hold of any of it.

He knew a helicopter extraction was out of the question. They'd first need an incredibly skilled pilot, and then an appropriate helicopter to make the trip. Stealth was preferably, but a conventional one flown low enough could ge tthe job done to a similar degree. Still, they'd have to do it at night, and given the fact any form of light would give his position away, the pilot would never be able to find them anyway. They were just too deep, and there was no telling what kind of air defenses the Huts had around him. Hell, there was no telling if the Huts had even set up shop right down the jungle road.

Then there was the present option, hang tight and wait. It was the option he probably prefered the most. Another moment alive meant another moment to think, and considering the battlespace was changing at breakneck speed, not even V.I.C.E. was able to predict the location and directionality of all the deployed troops. No, things would need to be slower before he could hatch a new plan.

The door burst open, quickly shut. As Yuri's eyes readjusted to the light, he could see that it was one of his agents. He was out of breath, but the message was clear.

"Lights on the road."

Yuri sighed and nodded. He grabbed for something at his side and pulled it tightly over his face. The rest of his team had assembled around him, without a word. He took count, making a mental note that everybody was present. It was typical for things like this to happen, but like every other time, it was necessary to treat every incursion as a potential threat. Discovery meant guaranteed death, and it was better to simply become a shadow than it was to leave a trail of bodies at your door step.

"Let's go," he said in a low tone, readjustind the ski mask so it fit more snugly.

======

Warehouse

Dimitri crouched, bracing against the wall as all hell broke loose from above him. The tin roof shattered, sending cascades of light into the darkened interior and making it blatantly obvious how truly exposed they would be, should the soldiers get inside. He knew one of the PAST members had been eliminated, although fortunately the sounds of his demise were obscured by the chaos. He popped up again, laying suppressive fire into the cloud of yellow smoke as it began to dissipate.

Several bodies laid lifeless on the ground, streams of gore erupting from them as Dimitri's rounds went wide. His weapon clicked as he pressed the trigger, cursing his luck as he discarded it to his side. Instinctively, he reached for his Makarov and drew it, realizing he only had two rounds left. He'd have to make them count.

He popped up again as the wall around him exploded. He swore he saw a rocket streak by him, narrowly missing his shoulder as it embedded into the front of a combine head. It didn't detonate, a dud, but it did accidentally trigger one of his traps. The gigantic combine head, perhaps a glorified shear, lurched forward from its rest and propelled down. It arced, narrowly missing the floor and one of the PAST operatives before sailing through the front door. From the outside, it was quite like a scene from a movie as a large metal implement tore a hole through the wall as it sailed into the courtyard, clipping the rear of a Saracen and transforming into a spinning death blade.

Dimitri popped up again, leveling his Makarov at a KHS soldier laying prone of the ground. He was reloading his AKM, fumbling wildly either out of fear or excitement.

"Never reload in the open," Dimitri told himself as he fired off a shot. "Consider yourself learned."

The round tore throw the man's head, splattering brain matter across the courtyard. Dimitri say two more soldiers rush up, attempting to retrieve the corpse amid the fire coming from the warehouse. He decided on a target, based solely on what he assumed to be a rank insignia.

"He'll do," Dimitri mumbled, taking a deep breath as he sighted in the moving target. He squeezed the trigger, but not before he was forced down from behind. The bullet had not fired, and instinctively he reached for his utility knife. At the same moment, his senses returned and realized it was Vassili standing on top of him. Behind him was a back drop of slightly clouded blue sky. That's ironic, he thought.

Vassili slapped him hard as Gordon gave covering fire.

"Wake up you mutherfucker! We've got a way out... haven't you heard us calling you?"

Dimitri shook his head, still gripping his Makarov and knife.

"The other PAST members are already at the entrance... hope you don't mind swimming in shit!"

Vassili lifted himself off of Dimitri, pulling him up to his feet. Only then did the older agent realize how close he had come to shooting his friend. The Makarov was pressed squarely against Vassili's solar plexus, a shot that would have killed the man instantly.

Gordon retreated down the stairs, vaulting over the last bit of railing and into a hard cover position. Vassili and Dimitri followed, sprinting as another volley of rockets tore the remaining staircase to shreds.

[New Isotopia]

Norritts AFB

Chernercko felt somewhat, lack of a better term, awkward, as did Neils and Brian along with the rest of his officers towards the Falkasians. While the held a great amount of respect towards them and were ready to fight and die at their side, they were more than ready to bug out of Norritts.

"Well eh... We should be going." Chernercko said to the UFF and Falkasian personel, Neils and Brian nodded in agreement.

"Gentlemen." Chernercko nodded to the men and started walking back towards the transport craft.

When he arrived back at the transports he met with the company commanders and other officers to divide their forces. The bulk of New Isotopian Forces would be setup at Fort Mason and the west Cardwith Island in general. But two tactical transports would fly over nesselburg, where a special forces group and a company of revolutionaries who had previous experience in jumps would parachute in and begin fighting the enemy. Additional units, mostly naval Infantry and additional revolutionaries would land land on the island via the sea in a day or two.

Several minutes later the aircraft took off, heading for their separate destinations. Meanwhile the naval forces began to dock in Hesttens. Anti submarine frigates and destroyers cover the other ships and subs while they docked.

[Hutanjia]

Code: Select all

To: Adm. Mikhael Ivanov, Falkasian forces commander
From: Gen. Hespatu, Gen. Unwerth, Lt. Col. Galien, Brig. Gen Emmet Manarin, Royal Allied Commanders
RE: Prisoner Swap

We agree to the terms so far as we understand it. We are asking for ALL Royal Allied pilots and officers in your custody, be they Hutanjian, Uli-Schwyz, Mcnernian or otherwise, to be remanded back to us, in exchange for the FSIS agent and all UFF officers currently in our custody. Aside from those liberated from Mossview Park, we have recently captured two others. We propose meeting in Ouropeka, Kenega. This location has been volunteered by the neutral Kenegan government and is remote, on the other side of the island from the resort areas around Kenega City, in a National preserve. They agreed to allow 50 security and support personnel from each side enter their territory and waters. If this location is satisfactory, we will just need to establish a date and time.

Sincerely,
Royal Allied Command

PALACE WAR ROOM

Milton Atave, Chief of the KHS, stomped into the War Room, followed by a security detail and aide. His whole body was tensely alert and seeking out 'snakes', in his mind, as a true Mongoose would. Through the hubbub of RHA and Allied staff officers scurrying about, he locked on to the Uli, New Edomite and Mcnernian Commanders standing by a door. That door! The one they wouldn't let his people into or near. Two birds with one stone?

He marched up with his entourage in front of the conferring officers. They seemed suddenly alert, but not because of him.

They frantically made phone calls and talked to aides nearby, totally oblivious to his arrival. Probably because of the UFF attacks on Nesselberg. He'd received the reports on his way over. Not his problem now.

"Gentlemen, I demand to know who authorized an attack on the KHS facility at Mossview Park? Whoever it was, may present themselves for arrest and trial for initiating a treasonous attack on your own ally. Are they in there," He pointed to the door, "I demand to be let in there to arrest them!"

The officers variously looked blankly at, or ignored the KHS chief while he fumed.

RHNS SABUZU
WISHTON SEA OFF NORTH CARDWITH ISLAND

Captain Tzembera sat hunched over the map table in the con area. He just shook his head over and over. How did we miss them? We must've had the wrong intercept path. Since going in for the kill on the New Isotopian fleet, the Sabuzu had never been able to line up shots to send their 'fish' out and punch holes in the transports, or escort ships for that matter. He lightly pounded on the table. He had some control over his anger, otherwise he never would've been picked to lead a bunch of Hutanjians in a can under water for weeks at a time.

The two mini subs sent by the fleet were still with him, having caught up south of Kenega, but he didn't dare contact them at the moment. They were now getting in range of all kinds of sensors and sonar based on shore in the Cardwiths. He had a decision to make, whether he continued pursuit, in a very risky, enemy filled harbor, or turned around back to the fleet or to Nevorn.
The Royal Hutanjian Navy didn't have many submarines to spare. He gave orders to turn the boat around and contact the mini subs.

WESTERN NESSELBERG

The Platoon from the 21st RHA Regiment continued to press the attack against the Falkasian Marine Raiders and their UFF rebel allies. As much as they could, anyway, being decimated by the heavy firepower being thrown into the fight. A reinforcement platoon had just shown up to bolster the ambushed platoon and some Mi-24 Hinds were on the way, as well as a flight each of Uli Gripens and RHAF MIGs scrambled from Vesselle.

With the arrival of the new platoon, the RHA officers ordered them forward and more RPG bearing soldiers into the mix. The RHA soldiers crept ever forward, firing from cover of a palm or a cluster of rocks. They had hurled volleys of grenades at the enemy.
Grenades that had been tossed too soon came sailing back into the lines, the Hutanjians being killed and maimed indirectly by their own hand. A heavy gun, that seemed to almost have the sound of a high powered Gatling, seemed to cut some of their RPGs out in mid-air. Some rockets did connect into targets in the Falkasian/UFF lines. Two more PK machine guns were set up to throw their lead at the Slavic men and their rebel puppets.

Meanwhile, two squads broke through to the beach, where the Falkasian hovercraft were launching back to the sea. They shouted, firing and running towards the surf as their targets were being yanked from them. One squad was cut down as the rear guard opened fire on them. The other retreated back to where the treeline met the beach, sending bursts from their Kalashnikovs at the rebels and Falkasians.

The RHAF helicopters arrived over the battle. Three of them, a Hind and two Gazelles, banked to the shore and started to fire off rockets and guns at the hovercraft.

CHASTILLE WAREHOUSE

More Saracens arrived, dispensing KHS shock troops out into the street and alley. They didn't enter yet, as the RHAF Hind was still working over the roof and upper floor. Two cars pulled up at the mouth of the back alley to unleash their men towards the back of the warehouse. The gas clouds had dissipated, even so, the new arrivals wore gas masks. Warned ahead of time by the first wave, they had raided the supplies in the Saracens for every available mask.

Two more KHS agents were felled by machine pistol bursts and shotgun blasts. Suddenly, some kind of large metal contraption with a blade burst through the wall and ricocheted off a Saracen. One man was decapitated as the blade whisked through to embed into the pelvic bone of his comrade. The gored man screamed shrilly.

They prepared to rush the warehouse and take revenge.

[New Edom]

Palace War Room

General Unwerth and the Edomite officers were all Barans; they responded with a kind of chilly calm. Galt continued to look at his maps, while Prince Enoch looked at Atave as though trying to remember where they'd met--courteously but distantly. Unwerth glanced up at him with eyes quiet but utterly unyielding. "Chief, you will never barge into the King's war room in this manner again. Nor will you threaten my officers in this manner again. And that door is an area where I am afraid you lack the security clearance to enter save at my invitation." He wasn't surprised at all that the man had forced a confrontation upon him. "Now. Explain your concerns to me and I will deal with them to the best of my ability."

In fact, all the Edomite officers present were intensely wary of the arrival; they were just good at hiding it. They came from a country that had itself been rife with civil war till recently, and had dealt with attempted coups d'etat, assassinations and uprising, and so they were prepared to pull out their sidearms and start shooting their way out of the palace if need be; if need be as well they would quickly send an emergency signal to the Marine Infantry stationed nearby and do a fighting retreat. Not that they were paranoid--it was simply long experience. Death was always around the corner, and none of them had any illusions that this man and his cronies would kill at the slightest whim. This was coming face to face with an angry predator you didn't know was there in the bush--seconds would reveal what had to be done.

[New Isotopia]

Over Nesselburg

Two An-70 tactical transports approached Nessleburg. The two aircraft were carrying little less the 100 men. Most were Echo Force operators to go in and assist the UFF. The Echo force soldiers were men of tremendous endurance and skill. They had worked for years to get to the stage the were finally in. Some had experience in Bulgislavia in assassination high profile BLA (Bulgislavian Liberation Army) and fighting insurgents in the mountains of Crecea.

Sargent David Landinoff was one of those Operators. He had spent a more than fair amount of his time in the mountains of Crecea, Bulgislavia fighting BLA insurgents. So he was not at the least bit nervous about this drop, in fact quite the opposite, he was excited and eager to shot up some enemies. The Operators were dressed in Flora Camouflage Uniforms.

The choice to insert the men via air drop was made on the basis that it would be efficient and safer than by ocean, though some were speculating about men being caught in the trees, it was a risk they were willing to take. The UFF were alerted a hour before of the Isotopian airdrop into the jungle.

The green lights came on in the transports, indicating about their arrival. The men, one by one jumped out of the aircraft into the jungle to face the enemy.

[McNernia]

MRS Primus
SSN 45
Listening to New Isotopian Fleet
Wishton Sea

The crew was listening in. Primus had been on war patrol off of Solokovakia, the USSRS navy had made many of the crew a hardened bunch of veterans. The Sonar officer heard activity in the water, heading for the NI contacts.

"Conn .Sonar, three new contacts"

"Bearing?"

"Heading for the New Istopians."

Commander Laurence let out a breath, the NI anti submarine people probably would not pick him up, there was every likely hood thet they would peg his ship. His revery was soon interrupted.

"Conn sonar, Ka-27 just got airborne."

The action was immediate, "Diving officer take us down."

The man behind the controls nodded and the ship angled down into the depths of the Wishton sea. Laurence and every man in the conn went tense.

"Ka-27 is heading for the new contacts, wait I think she is heading for us, she is heading this way."

"Take us deeper." The Primus angled deeper into the dark depths.

"Sonar. Conn, any sono buoys?"

"Negative."

"Advise Admiral Peterson we are en route to Chastille. We are breaking off."

The pilot guided the submarine away from its course. Everyone was tense still.

_______________________
Palace War Room
Chastille City


The choice was not a choice really, Mcnernian forces had yet to come under attack by the UFF but well Emetts instincts as a solider and his experience in the COIN wars of Rhodana had made his decision for him.

"Advise the Generals that the UFF has attacked and is still attacking the New Edomite 21st Lancers and that the Uli Zeta company has come under attack. Also that steps are being taken to rectify that situation. Colonel Gailen if it would
help I could have Illusions up to help support the helicopters." Emett waved over his aide, "Tell Peterson to prep the Alert aircraft for ground assault."

"Sir they are, the Illusion is multi role."

"Get them up stat".

"Sir" The aide departed without another word.


When Atave entered Macnarin ackowknolwedged his presence, he and his staff kept to themselves. Ignoring the blustering spy.

Another report came in. It was not good.

"Nesselburg is under airborne attack."

___________________-
Air Operations


Dobbs and his wingman James had volunteered for the night alert. James had three cannons painted on his aircraft, three artillery positions taken care off. The Sparta proceeded in concert with her fellow Mcnernian ships. Hold station in the sea. Dobbs had his helmet on the dash in front of him. his mike crackled and then across the deck.

"Launch alert team, launch alert team."

Dobbs donned his helmet and closed his canopy, his wings were folded to allow for his plane to be stored but still his wings were folded as his crew chief helped him fire his engines. His plane was not chained down so he rolled towards the catapult.

"Vulture one taxiing".

His jet was locked into the catapult and he checked his control surfaces and weapons, "Vulture one ready."

"Good luck."

The catapult shot him forward and he felt the dip as he went off the fore deck. The night seemed relatively clear. James formed up on his wing.

"Vulture One, Vulture two forming on your starboard, lead the way."

The two jets raced towards the target area. Night vision was on, they could see the forest below, the New Edomites had Cannondale attack choppers up.

"Oracle 1 here, coordinates uploaded."

Dobbs could see the coordinates in his visor. He flicked on his cluster bombs, "Vulture One commencing attack , Vulture two engage at your discretion."

"Copy that." James had his bombs. He broke and dove, pilots were trained to make attacks at low level with bombs. There were a group of mortars James sighted. He buzzed them releasing his napalm filled munitions. "Vulture two to 21 Lancers, bombs on target have a jolly good evening." He rose up and flew off.

Dobbs was next, there were more UFF moving in on the New Edomites. "Oracle One this is some major foot mobile movement. Commencing attack". he dove on a column of UFF with his bombs. Speed and surprise were what the pilots who flew for Mcnernia learned. Engines howling Dobbs released as he came down, he released cluster munitions scattering groups of them. There were some who fired at him, .
He had fired on groups that were setting up more mortars. And still they came


There was a group of UFF on the move en masse, the most recent pass of an AR-95 over the field had picked up an attack on the encampments of much of the allies. The UFF were moving in en masse, pictures were sent to Daiku and to Prince Emett and Admiral Ryder. And two Illusions were detailed to mount an air strike on forces moving in on the Havenian RIlfes. Lt Henry led that mission

"Nighthawk Hawk team coordinates transmitted."

"Nighthawk one copy Oracle."

"Nighthawk two copy."

"Commence attack"

The two jets dove down and locked up some mortars in their sights, that and several infantry groups had cluster bombs dropped on them.
______________

Battalion Base

1/1 KHR
Nesselburg

The Havenians had set up their own camps. They were vigilant professional soldiers. The base was secure with plenty of artillery and the Havenians were good at this so they never let their guard down for Sun Tzus teachings were with them in the field, Mcnernian officer or Havenian NCO.

The UFF had tangled with them and well the Kings Own Wolves as one prisioner had called them had heard from a friend about their savagery in close combat and well he was surprised to find them not very savage. The perimeter patrols around the encampment were on the alert. The reports had come in about the New Edomites and now the Ulians had come under attack by the enemy, the men were ready if the UFF came knocking.

And come knocking they did ,hit all the bases at once, sound tactic thought Sargent Toku Emilovich as the mortars flew in, he was quickly with his squad as they stumbled out of the barracks rifles raised.

"Man the the trench lines".

"Sir yes sir." came from multiple throats

Men strapped on body armor as they ran for their battle positions. Major Donald Tyronson barked into his radio.

"They got us too, multiple tubes long range. Request air support."

PHUP PHUP PHUP, BOOM BOOM BOOM three of the battalions mortar battery returned the favor. The AT-25 gunships appeared over head much to every ones relief.

"AGGHHHHHHHH" The damned war cry started again as the rebels moved in shooting from the hip. The Havenians had not been phased, it took a lot to phase these little men.

"Dahhhhhh" Their answer to the black men. That and sharp and direct rifle fire.

"Come on mother fuckers"

The men manned the trenches, the Major was in among his men, machete at the ready as the UFF attacked. "Here they come boys, take em out." This was said in Russian.

Gunships swept over head, the HMDs the pilots had allowed for accurate and direct punishment to the enemy. "This is big, where are those jets?"

"On they way major."

The howl of engines raised cheers in the camp and then the Havenians returned to the bloody task at hand.

____________

From: The Government and Crown of Mcnernia
To: Dr Charles Nellis Esq


Greetings

We have a man who you could meet. The terms are simple, disarmament and disbanding of the United Freedom Front Armed Forces. In return Mcnernia will help with brokering a peace agreement to end this war wich is unesscessary. We realize that you cannot send anyone easily so the man we have will be the one to talk to. Mcnernia wants peace, we would like to hear the terms you offered to King Popilu for an end to the war. Also we would like to again extend our invitation and that of the Rt Hon Prime Minister Tyler to come to Griffindon and have an audience with the King and address Parliament. Should anything happen to our man, the deal is off.

____________


The New Isotopian An 70s would not see what was coming, well they may pick up two signatures on the radar the two Illusions attacked with the sun behind them and fired on the An 70s from long range before breaking off. And running for the deep sky and the AAA of the carrier.

[New Isotopia]

Nessleburg

(OOC: To be clear I am flying over the UFF controlled portion of the island.)

On both of the craft the men and women began to jump into the jungle bellow. As this happened the craft began to detect missiles on their tail. The Crew Chief halted the remaining paratroopers in order to allow the deployment of counter measures.

"Two missiles detected on our tail!" The pilots began to say over the radios, their tone was calm and professional.

"Deploy flares."

"Deploying flares." The two craft deployed their flares as the missiles began to close in towards the transports. The flares on the 1st Transport successfully waved off the missile, having it explode not that far behind them with no harm to the aircraft. The 2nd Transports flares however didn't stop the missile, which exploded on it's tail, making shake violently

"Jump! Jump!" Echo Operators began to jump off the craft and into the jungle.

Minutes latter the craft crashed, with the crew and a small numbers of Echo Soldiers still on board. The 1st Transport headed home, back to the safety of the Cardwith's.

[The UFF of Hutanjia]

NORITTS AB,
HESTTENS AND ACROSS THE CARDWITHS

While the UFF crews refueled the Isotopian planes and sent them on their way at Noritts, other crews got ready to receive the planes at the Airport near Hesttens. At the docks, dozens of rebel logistics teams unloaded Isotopian supplies from the ships to trucks that would bring them towards Fort Mason or further inland towards other camps.
Arms and ammo were the most appreciated of the new supplies. Along with earlier Falkasian shipments, they would ensure that the recent upswing for the United Freedom Front would continue and they would have a good chance of holding onto their base of operations.

The 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 9th UFF Regiments and partial battalions and brigades of the 4th and 5th Regiments were given marching orders. Some headed to the coast and some to the several camps and garrisons set up in towns all across North, East and West Cardwith Islands. Trucks, trains and boats brought the new armaments and supplies to depots across the islands.

NORITTS AB

Dr. Nellis wished the Isotopian officers well as they headed off, then he addressed the remaining Falkasian command staff:

"Well, gentlemen, we need to be heading out ourselves. Leila and myself have many matters to attend to. We will draw up plans and be in touch. We must confer again soon, at least with more frequency than we have so far.
There is a prisoner exchange about to happen. I know, I have my sources. This is quite a break through considering the Royal Government would never meet with us before except to put us in chains or shoot us down.
I shall leave Colonel Walingke here as our representative during the exchange. There is also a PAST sleeper cell on Kenega that I would like to activate to ensure that things go...smoothly. That is, if we do agree to the location and terms?"

Code: Select all

To: The Government and Crown of Mcnernia
From: Dr. Charles Nellis, Chairman of the UFF
I think your terms are ludicrous and outside of reality. The United Freedom Front will not disband.
We have had much success in Nesselberg. We have garnered more recognition in the international community and been reinforced by our allies. Now more than ever, we have not much reason to parley when we are within sight of total victory over your monarchist brethren. You are not in a position to dictate terms to us.
Yet, the cause of peace must not be totally abandoned. We will meet under our terms, at a time and place to be determined. So, the deal is indeed off, at least as you see it, until you accept the only deal on the table.

CENTRAL EASTERN NESSELBERG

Before the reserve UFF forces could join the attack on the New Edomite base, the Cannondale helicopters and Royal allied fighter/bombers tore into them with anti-personnel bombs, rockets and mounted guns. The Captain himself left a pair of smoking legs to a cauterized waist behind among the palms. The attack faltered, several rebels fading back into the jungle, many lying critically wounded on the cleared ground before the wire.

A couple dozen made it in past the wire to join their comrades fighting it out in the base frontline trenches or running berserk among the tents; before the loop closed around them. No more reinforcements would be joining this battalion of the 5th UFF Regiment.

The highest ranking rebel left was now a Sergeant in the first line of trenches that the New Edomite Lancers had been driven back from. Seeing that the situation had turned and they may be stuck and surrounded, he still chose to have them fight on. Those that had made it through the camp were running on pure adrenaline at this point. Might as well take advantage of that to inflict the most damage. That situation may change as they ran out of rockets and grenades.

CENTRAL NESSELBERG

With the element of surprise all but dead in the water, due to a significant lead time in the attacks on the New Edom and Uli FOBs, the attack on the Mcnernian camp was aborted mid-attack. After a couple volleys of mortars and RPGs fired off at the bunkers and towers, the UFF guerrillas disbanded and broke to their rendezvous point. They took more than a dozen casualties from the Havenians return fire and the Royalist air support, before taking back to the trees in an orderly retreat.

ZETA COMPANY, ULI REGIMENT FOB
CENTRAL NESSELBERG

Meanwhile, the battalion of the 4th UFF group hitting the Uli base continued on. The mortar teams came under attack from Uli Viper helicopters. They were shredded to bits by the attack choppers as they tried to dash from the clearing. It didn't matter, their main task of keeping the Uli defenders at bay and off balance was accomplished.

RPG teams poured rockets in at the hardened points. Teams rushed up to the wire, taking heavy fire. They carried long tubes and shoved them under the concertina wire coils. They dashed back to the treeline, leaving behind many fallen rebels.
The Bangalore blade torpedoes were detonated. Supplied by the Falkasians, they were very specific tools for a specific job. An improvement on their forefather torpedoes of decades past, they took out the wire in a two pronged attack. First the explosives inside ignited, creating a shaped blast outward, like their ancient predecessors. Unlike the older versions, the shrapnel of the Bangalore tubes retained most of their shape in the form of hardened blades of aluminum that scissored through the barbed wire as they blasted outward, leaving disconnected strands on the ground to maximize the gap.

The UFF guerrillas rushed the gaps at full charge, AKs blasting from the hip and grenades flying. The Uli troopers, instead of staying in the kill zone, went to ground and cover. They saw their salvation behind the rebels.

The Vipers came upon the Hutanjian rebels from behind, blasting away with rockets and guns. Their progress forward was stunted as they fell to the ground desperately seeking cover, or lifeless.
Rockets flew up from the treeline. Despite countermeasures, a few connected along the bodies of the sleek attack choppers.

WESTERN NESSELBERG

While several UFF rebels were fighting off the probes of the RHA patrols with the Falkasian Marine Raiders. Another platoon escorted the Commander of the 1st Regiment. They headed south to meet the newly arriving Isotopian paradropped Revolutionary forces. They may need their assistance if the probes turned into a full frontal attack, especially as they were trying to evacuate some of their forces back to the Cardwiths, along with a lot of the Falkasian ground support.

EASTERN CHASTILLE

The three remaining PAST men kept the KHS troopers at bay as they tried to enter the warehouse. They had no desire to swim in waste, but less to stay and die at the hands of their most hated enemies. Miles and Kenneth emptied the last of their current clips at the KHS, keeping their heads down, and followed the two Falkasians and Gordon to the escape they'd found. The building was slowly being torn up from the top down, but they wouldn't stick around to see the job completed.

[New Isotopia]

Nessleburg

Echo Force Operators began to regroup in the jungle. Due to the missile attack on the transports the forces were divided in half, so it took a good chunk of the night to regroup at a central location. Once the men had buried their parachutes, were organized and in a central location the began to move towards the 1st UFF Regiment. Their orders were to stay away from roads are large open areas in order to avoid enemy helicopters and aircraft.

Since Echo Force Operators had their own choice in weaponry, unlike regular Line Infantry there was a wide variety of weapons among the Operators, from AK-105 Rifles to WW2 era KaR-98 Bolt Action Rifles. There was heavy rain, there was even occasional thunder and lightning.

Sargent David Landinoff was trudging his way through the jungle with his G3 Assault Rifle around his neck. The rain didn't bother him, he liked it in fact, in reminded him of home. Landinoff was a native Isotopian who grew up on the coast of New Isotopia in the Alameda Province, a place of very frequent storms and rainy weather.

They were expected to meet with the UFF that morning.

Fort Mason

Isotopian Forces were increadibly busy setting up in Fort Mason. Trucks were still arriving carrying NIIA Black Ops. Operators, Echo Force Operators, and small numbers of Revolutionaries. Revolutionaries were divided into brigades and scattered all around the island at various camps and bases. Naval Infantry Soldiers were being deployed on the southern city of Dernierville the western Cardwith Island.

Mason was fortified as well, mostly in the forms of SAM systems from the newly arrived ships and small numbers of anti ship launchers. At the Hesttens Airport Aircraft were being refueled for future combat missions while transport craft were covered with IR nets and tarps and hidden.

[McNernia]

From: The Crown of Mcnernia
To: The UFF Command


Greetings

I do apologize for the terms being a bit ludicrious. I propose that all UFF forces withdraw from where there are Royalist Allied Forces. Then negotiations can begin for peace, also we will do what we can here in Griffindon to help King Popilu see reason. We would like to hear the greivances that you fight to rectify.

[Estovakiva]

The Skies over CENTRAL EASTERN NESSELBERG - the Night
""The Ballad of Reaper Flight""


The sound of small jet engines could be heard echoing over the rainforests of Hutanija in the night, ruining the eery silence atleast away from the battlefield as two large formations each containing 12 aircraft in total could possibly be seen heading for the base of the 21st Lancers from New Edom, having received coordinates and status-updates as well as the location of friendly units from their Cromwell ll integrated and adaptive battlespace network they were more then ready to provide air to ground support for their New-Edomite allies.

For this mission each plane was equipped with various air to ground ordnances such as the Anemonian Ms.90/5 80mm URS/GRS consisting of two pods each located on a separate wing, consisting of 20 rocket tubes in total forty, however each Ya-28 carried other assorted weaponry such as two KAB-500-OD electro-optical TV-guided fire and forget bomb with a 250 kg thermobaric warhead which would quite useful in taking out the heavy-vegetation which rebels may hide under.

Major Ivan Ragdov knew the following weaponry we`re just a little part of his deadly arsenal as his camouflage painted Ya-28 glided through the airspace over rebel attacked Nasselberg, as he navigated during the night with the help of his YwDRAN-20 ground following radar and YwSRO-58 OLS providing extreme FLIR range making it much easier to target ground targets such as tanks and even infantry formations, his aircraft did not have "normal" radar as that was not necessary as the Ya-28 doe not require a radar to do its work.

Ivan would have nodded to himself as he received yet again updated information from the Cromwell ll integrated and adaptive battlespace network, seemingly the situation we`re indeed worsening lightly, time to take the fight back to the filthy rebels he thought as he spoke into the integrated encrypted radio network which were part of the standard attachment to his Zsh-10 helmet which allowed Ivan to communicate with his flight and allies such as the New-Edomites, however his current frequency allowed him only to communicate with this flight. The 87th Tactical Strike Flight. also called "Reaper flight" a nickname most suiting to their task and purpose within the Estovakivan Federation Air Force.

"This is Reaper one, ETA three minutes until we reach the besieged New-Edomite base, our task is to eliminate any rebel forces attempting to destroy the base of our allies. We are to drop thermobaric bombs on the heavy vegetation around the base to split the enemy forces in two and to prevent their movement into the 21th lancers base second sweep will consist of 80mm unguided rockets as well as our 50x300mm revolver cannons, danger close to friendly lines. Ghoul Squadron will remain in reserve and will take out hostile equipped with MANPADs as well as any possible triple-AAs targeting us during the initial strike" Voices responding to his ordrs would be heard in native Estovakivan confirming his orders. "This is Ghoul One we will adjust our height and fan out to provide overwatch, may Thor`s might be at your side" Ghoul flight would then begin to increase their alitude as several of Ghoul squadron`s Ya-28s broke out of formation to fan out while scanning for threats such as MANPADs, Anti-air emplacements and of course enemy helicopters and air-assets.

Ivan Rogdov would click on several buttons on his Cromwell ll battle network system as he provided necessary information about his strike-plans to the New-Edomites, after doing so he would turn his joystick doing half a barrel roll before going into a dive to attack the rebel positions as he activated his air-powered siren, putting forth a terrible dreading sound as 12 Ya-28s from Reaper flight dived towards rebel positions after breaking formations releasing AB-500-OD laser guided bombs with a 250 kg thermobaric warhead each initially however to cover the surrounding area around the 21th lancers base total 24 thermobaric Bombs would land in the middle of UFF-rebels advancing to cut the advance. And leave the units which has already moved into the base cut of from their reinforcements.

Feeling rather safe inside his flying "bathtub" as called by many Estovakivan-pilots because of its ability to withstand hits from 23mm guns and glancing blows from a 57mm, after the initial strikes reaper flight would have spread out as they started to target the first trenches (We`re there was holes in the defenses now being overrun by rebels) with their Ms.90/5 80mm URS/GRS Rocket pods firing 80mm Airburst fragmentation and rockets into the overrun first trench of the New Edomites some aircrafts of Reaper flight fired 2-3 second bursts from their 50x300mm revolver cannons firing High-explosive incendiary (HEI) providing danger close air support as they started to move the fire outwards away from the Edomites.

OOC: Edit fixed spelling and some grammar mistakes.

[New Edom]

CENTRAL EASTERN NESSELBERG

Captain Zeldorinius had no idea how many UFF fighters were out there; the fact that they'd overwhelmed the trench meant that it could be any number, and of course they had been hitting the interior of the encampment with rockets and mortars; he and the other perimeter Troop Commanders were simply pushing back with all that they had. Corwin's Platoon had begun to advance, crawling, creeping, scuttling like insects trying to avoid the light of a flashlight wielded by a human giant, under withering fire and sudden shocking rushes by the UFF, suddenly you'd realize one of them was rushing up firing from the hip or throwing a grenade as you were moving along the fortified trenches towards the first line. Corwin swore foully as he saw two of his ammunition carriers gunned down by one such before he and his RTO got them. They seemed to be everywhere.

In a way that was a mercy though; suddenly he heard a roaring that he recognized, and he screamed "Down!" in a voice shrill as a child's, hunching down almost fetal as the Estovakivans began to hammer the forward trench. It was as though God had suddenly groaned his defiance and slapped down a huge hand.

Beyond, the Cannondale pilots swept over the trees, hunting the UFF reinforcements with their IR targeting, their rockets expended but now firing their autocannons, tracers streaming in the night air, branches and dirt flying apart in clouds, huge angry metal wasps seeking and destroying.

Colonel Weber took her canteen and washed her dry bitter tasting mouth, hoping no one saw the trembling in her hand. Supposedly a mechanized company of Marine Infantry were on their way, but they wouldn't arrive for an hour...

[New Isotopia]

Nessleburg

It was a cloudy Saturday morning. The sounds of various exotic animals in the jungle were heard all around the Echo Force Company, until it was interrupted by the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and even jets and helicopters. The Company Commander held up his hand, indicating for them to stop. Over the Operators secure radio channel the company commander said something.

"Any one else here that?" He asked over the radio to 90-100 man strike force. Slowly replies came back.

"I hear it to... Sounds like explosions and gunfire."

"Yeah... I can even hear some helicopters and jets."

"There must be a pretty big battle going on not that for away from hear." Many men said things like this.

"Okay, lets keep moving. Avoid fighting at all costs until we can connect with UFF or Falkasian forces." And once again they began their march.

[Falkasia]

Code: Select all

To: Adm. Mikhael Ivanov, Falkasian forces commander
From: Gen. Hespatu, Gen. Unwerth, Lt. Col. Galien, Brig. Gen Emmet Manarin, Royal Allied Commanders
RE: Prisoner Swap

We agree to the terms so far as we understand it. We are asking for ALL Royal Allied pilots and officers in your custody, be they Hutanjian, Uli-Schwyz, Mcnernian or otherwise, to be remanded back to us, in exchange for the FSIS agent and all UFF officers currently in our custody. Aside from those liberated from Mossview Park, we have recently captured two others. We propose meeting in Ouropeka, Kenega. This location has been volunteered by the neutral Kenegan government and is remote, on the other side of the island from the resort areas around Kenega City, in a National preserve. They agreed to allow 50 security and support personnel from each side enter their territory and waters. If this location is satisfactory, we will just need to establish a date and time.

Sincerely,
Royal Allied Command

To: All Associated Parties
From: Captain Ivanov, Premier Vladimir Kazyenko

As stated previously, we are willing to do a one-for-one swap. We currently have thirty prisoners, the majority of whom are Hutanjian MiG pilots. Kenega works well enough for a prisoner swap, although we require the security of our hovercraft be maintained so that Royalist aircraft do not render it combat ineffective before it reaches the meeting site. Members of the 8th Airborne will join in accompaniment, as well as myself, to insure that the trade occurs smoothly.

Thank you,
Mikhael Ivanov

======

Kuznetsov wiped the sweat off his brow. Even in his shaded command bunker, the heat of the tropic sun was having an adverse effect on his health. He was out of his element, and he knew it. Behind him, the water cooler they had brought flickered a dangerous red as the piles of bottles stacked up beside it.

Aside from that pressing issue however, the battle was going better than expected. His marines were used to hard combat and hard loses, and the pressing assault was not unknown to them. However, most were far more used to the tight confines of ship bulkheads and were uncomfortable in the exposed air. It required on a little adjustment from the common tactics to ensure dominance.

They were hard-pressed, keeping tight to the sand as 12.7 rounds richoceted over their heads or slammed into the dunes in front of them. At this point, the marines were simply trying to stall the Hutanjians while the hovercraft returned from it sdelivery. It was proving difficult, but stalemate was better than losing ground. Several marines, alongside their Hutanjian allies had fallen back to the second defensive line to prepare it for the staggered retreat. Heavy weapons, namely the machine guns and grenade launchers, were quickly brought to bear and sighted in on the first line as troops allowed.

Grenades were throw like baseballs in all directions, many changing hands several times before exploding on one side or another. Where was irrelevant. All that mattered was that the kill zones were slowly devolving into chaos. The sustained fire had turned the sand trenches into simple dune'd ditches, and with the exception of the fortified bunkers, made their positions somewhat nondefendable. The marines were careful to conserve ammo, relying on their training to keep them calm as they layed out carefully aimed three-round bursts. Their Hutanjian allies had, for lack of a better description, gone tribal and peppered anything that remotely resembled one of their royalist brothers. They also, unfortunately, accounted for most of the casualties due in no small part to their bloodlust.

The CIWS cannon glowed redhot as it sent rounds downrange. The air was thick with smoke and exhaust, and in some places the numerous RPG impacts blocked out the sun. It was chaotic, Kuznetsov relying solely on reports from runners and wounded as they were ferried back to the beach. There was more fear about it running out of ammunition than it ceasing to work, despite the fact the operator had had to put it on autopilot and let the computer do all the work. Several orange flashes streaked across the battlefield, detonating prematurely in puffs of black smoke as the cannon dealt with them. It was not easy though, as enemy RPGs were still getting through.

A small breakthrough along the corner of the perimeter had required his attention. Several squads had broken through, but were quickly met by a reinforced squad of Marine Raiders. The open nature of the beach presented a problem for both sides, but the Falkasians had taken the time to sight it out before hand and were thusly better equipped tactically to rectify the situation. One squad was made short work of, levelled and dropped in a single spray of machine gun fire. The other made a swift tactical retreat, taking pains to minimze casualties as they fled for the treeline. The Raiders made no effort to pursue, making haste back to the command post to help lock down the last transport.

The helicopters were heard a long while before they appeared overhead. Even through the chaos of battle, the telltale sound of the rotors could be heard reverberating across the canopy top. No sooner had the engagement squad of marines to base than they were retasked with dropping the three birds from the sky. The CIWS could have easily done it, but given the growing scarcity of its rounds and the incessant proliferation of RPGs, a different solution had to be conjured up. It would focus on the helicopter's expended armaments, trying to eliminate the rockets and missiles from hitting the hovercraft as it sped away. Third line machine guns opened fire on the Gazelles, coupled with the few guided missile launchers the Marines had managed to erect. It was by no means the correct way about things, but given the circumstances, it was the most effective. The Hind however, was relegated to the marines. They were issued Lyran Scorpion MANPAD missiles, and in quick succession fired them off at the large helicopter. Three heat-seeking missiles streaked towards the Mi-24 as the marines dove for cover behind rocks on in the trench work.

======

Norritts AFB

The klaxons began to blare as red lights illuminated the room.

"Attention air forces! Scramble! Scramble! Scramble!"

The loudspeaker spat out those words to a stunned ready room, but before the last word was finished, all the pilots of Romeo and Zvezda flight were out the door and running to their planes. Gavrin and Chenko, in usual fashion, arrived at their planes first and were already making the taxi to the runway. Their wingmen followed suit shortly, neither having to wait to be refueled or to be rearmed. Their jet engines shot out of the hangar as they hauled to the runway, stopping only for a minute to take roll call before making the turn and slamming the thrusters to afterburner.

Romeo flight was up first, rocketing down the runway and forcing Chenko deep into the upholstery of his seat. His wingmen, fanning out behind him in a staggered "Vee," made a similar take-off. They banked hard up and to the right, circling the base and gaining altitutde while they waited for Gavrin and his squad to make it up. From their birds-eye view, the twelve other planes below looked like tiny toys as they careened down the runway, lighting the tarmac with blue-orange fire as their afterburners kicked in.

In another moment, both squadrons were airborne. Another sharp turn, and they were over water on their way to Nesselberg. It was only then did ATC come over comms to deliver the briefing.

"All right guys, good scramble... took you all a total of two minutes from acquisition to launch... proves we can scramble with the best of 'um... BUT... that's not what we're here for today... our boys on Nesselberg are under heavy assault from Royalist regulars... You've got several hundred kilograms of explosives strapped to your wings, so get in their and buy the Raiders some time..."

From his position at the head of the wing, Chenko replied.

"Roger that Tower... We'll leave nothin' standin'..."

He glanced down to his knee, where he kept a map of the operational area strapped down in a clear case. He made some mental measurements before continuing.

"Looks like we're fifteen... maybe twenty mikes out..."

======

"In ya go," Vassili shouted as he pushed Dimitri over the edge. He crouched next to the manhole opening they had found in the building's basement. Well, basement really wasn't the best word to describe it, but it served the purpose it was designed for. It had been a rather quick retreat from above. There was little doubt as to whether any of them had a death wish, and faced with the attack helicopters, staying above ground would mean certain death.

It had been difficult, as the crawl space was filled with discarded trash and water. With it being underground, any rain would have swelled up through the cracks in the brick and concrete. It was waterlogged, naturally, but the original owners had taken great pains to install a dredge pump so as to keep it dry. The two men had fished around, but it was Gordon and his keen eyesight that had finally noticed the odd shape half-exposed in the water. They had forced it open, although doing so was no small feat of strength. Despite the fact it was a sewer, they had accomplished their goal all the same and secured an escape route.

Dimitri fell feet-first into the darkness, the only light coming in the form of daggers from holes in the flooring above. He heard sloshing around him, concluding that the other two agents were already down there. The whole tunnel was at best three feet wide, and offered little in the way of protection should a firefight break out. It stank of sour piss and excrement, and the stagnant muck rose halfway up Dimitri's thigh. It was nasty, but even he knew it was the only way out.

There was a loud rush behind him, followed by two more splashes as both Gordon and Vassili joined him. He could see a shilouette fumbling for something at his belt, blinding everybody as he grasped it. Vassili spun the flashlight around, casting a beam of vision either way in the tunnel. It was dark and damp, but the tunnel extended into the blackness in both directions. Vassili trudged forward, his movement slowed by the backforce of the flowing shit. Dimitri stopped him.

"We need to shut the manhole cover!"

Vassili shook his head in the dark.

"Can't. Those old colonials knew how to make sewer entrances right... can only close it from the outside."

Dimitri sighed, but knew it was no use.

"Never knew being safe could prove so dangerous."

[Hutanjia]

CHASTILLE WAREHOUSE

The KHS shock troops waited, watching as the warehouse upper level crumbled and collapsed into the lower level, shredded into debris from the Hind Attack helicopter. Receiving word from the ground, the Mi-24 chopper peeled off on its attack and headed back to Jotaku Air Base for refueling and rearming.

The KHS troops went in, carefully. debris and sharp farm implements and parts were everywhere. They sent a squad up to check what was left of the upper floor. One man fell through the weakened floor and impaled himself on a combine part below. He moaned as his blood and life drained from him.

His comrades ignored him as they probed the lower level, searching for any remaining holdouts. One thing was for sure, they had taken return fire from more than two agents.
The search took 25 minutes, they were as thorough as they could be. The mystery continued until...

One KHS enforcer shouted. He had found a subterranean exit. They gathered up and the teams prepared to go in.

PALACE WAR ROOM

Milton Atave stood silently, glaring. First at General Unwerth, then at the other officers in turn. He sniffed as his eyes travelled over the Mcnernians.

His longer gaze was reserved for Hespatu.
"Enjoy your short term as Commander in Chief, Roderique." He shifted his steely, weasely stare to Lieutenant Colonel Galien,

"And you, mercenary...You are here at the King's behest. That can change very easily. I'll make sure he knows in detail of your treacherous actions. All of you...This is not over!"

He didn't wait for a reply. With a wave, he turned the KHS entourage around and they paraded back out of the War Room.
General Hespatu didn't care anymore. There were certainly still KHS undercover agents lingering in the War Room. He stood up straighter and walked a step, flipping the bird at the door.
"I will settle you before you settle me. Until later, you evil dickhead."

Code: Select all

To: All Royal Allied Base Commanders on Nesselberg
From: Royal Allied Command

We are with you in your fight against the rebel aggressors. Keep holding up and standing strong as we marshall air forces to repel the enemy campaign. Without causing extra risk of harm to your troops, try to capture all rebel and foreign officers possible. This is given priority Alpha Gold. Do not hand these prisoners over to KHS forces, rather contact the Royal Command directly and remand them only to RHA MPs. Stay strong!

Your officers in the Royal Allied Command.

WESTERN NESSELBERG

Not used to avoiding anything other than the typical rebel RPGs, the two lightly armored Gazelle attack helicopters, jinked and dove, but were unable to avoid the incoming missiles. They practically blew into large pieces, spraying large shards and parts, as well as RHAF pilot parts, across the beach, the fleeing hovercraft, and the Falkasian Marine Raider defenders.

The Hind, while less maneuverable, was much more heavily armored. It took a glancing blow from one of the MANPAD missiles, the other two going wide. Hovering for a second, it spewed black smoke. The RHAF helicopter banked and headed back towards Vesselle, attempting to make it before systems and wounded crewmen failed.

During the helicopter attack, the RHA soldiers moved towards the UFF guerrillas and Falkasian Marines. They leapfrogged up through the trees, covering each other with fusillades of AKM fire. They closed within a dozen yards of the Falkasian/UFF lines.

A sergeant gave another tribal war yell: "AAAAAGGGAAAAWWWAAAAHHHH!!!"

It was echoed by several other Royal soldiers and they charged, some brandishing machetes.

A UFF trooper gave a reply: "AAABBAAAGGGAAAWWAAAAAAAAANNNNAAAAHHH!!!"

The trees echoed with the deep bass ancient warcries as grenades bounced off trees and exploded. Rockets, mortars, missiles and helicopter debris tore into the lines on both sides. Hell was indeed visiting the earth at this moment.
The Uli Gripens and RHAF Migs arrived to strafe and bomb the enemy lines. The flights took turns dive bombing at the dug in positions.

Code: Select all

To:  Captain Ivanov, Premier Vladimir Kazyenko
From: Royal Allied Command

We will be sure to not fire on your hovercraft and ask the same of your forces towards our craft. Radio code recognition will be: Orangutan. We shall meet in two days time, 0500 local time at Ouropeka, Kenega, with the minimal forces stated previously. We shall contact you further with exchange numbers.

The Royal Allied Command

[Falsea]

Central Military Committee Meeting, Belgrade, Falsea

Inside the discussion room of the 10-man Central Military Committee, a particularly rushed meeting was being held by the Committee's members. At the top of the table sat the leader of the party himself, Secretary-General Anderson. To his left sat the head of government, Premier Everett while the military commander-in-chief, Thompson, sat to his right. A television showing a satellite image of Hutanjia was in front of the table, while stacks of papers lied in one side of the table.

"Has the best course of action been decided yet? I believe our involvement in this revolution has already been sealed a few days ago?", started the Secretary-General, turning off the television.

"Yes sir, we have already held a vote on Saturday, however, the National Assembly is up in arms regarding our decision, what more if the public is informed?", exclaimed the Premier nervously.

"I must agree sir.", said one of the members of the Committee, Field Marshall George Rivers

"We have already drained up the party budget in our rebuilding efforts after the failed invasion of Adwest, and initiating yet another deployment would be very, very costly.", he said.

The room fell silent. Everyone was at a lost to how to continue with this until General Thompson suddenly had an epiphany of sorts, coming up with an alternative solution.

"What if....we don't deploy an army group as previously stated. Why don't we just send a small taskforce? about 4000 men, including pilots, engineers, soldiers, and other required staff as our contribution. Perhaps a few fighters and helicopters, and a small flotilla of defensive ships?", he said to the President.

The suggestion was followed by a few nods and support, and it was eventually decided that it was the best course to take.

"Very well..if this is the way we can help this revolution and keep expenses down to a minimum, then let's go for it. I'll contact the UFF at once. General, prepare our small force for the journey."

Northernmost Island of the Cardwith Islands, a few hours later

The small fleet, which composed of a Command Ship, a few Amphibious Warfare Ships containing exactly 4000 personnel, supplies, and a few artillery guns and SAMs, and two Amphibious Warfare Ships, finally arrived on the northern part of the Cardwith Isles.

The troops began disembarking immediately, while logistics were being set up by the others. The leader of the mission, Colonel Henry Black stepped down from the FMV Alexander I, his flagship which was ironically named after one of the nation's most hated Tsar during the days of the Monarchy.

He inspected the troops, and as they set up shop here and there, he imagined the sight of the battle. Involvement of him and his forces will take place soon, and they were sure as hell ready for it.

[The Cardwith Islands]

SOUTH OF HESTTENS, CARDWITH ISLANDS

Dr. Nellis had returned to his headquarters on West Cardwith Island, jumping a flight from Noritts, East Cardwith to Hesttens. They had driven past masses of New Isotopian troops that were setting up encampments all over the eastern part of the island.
Isotopian military trucks were enroute on all the major roads into and out of Hesttens. They were glad to be beyond the traffic jam ups and finally head south on Route 4. Nellis and Leila sat in the back of a modest, but roomy BMW sedan. They were on the phone and furiously typing into a handful of smart tablets. A monumental, game-changing event was about to take place and Nellis needed as much information as possible before he went through with his major announcement.

Everything seemed to be set. He walked into the makeshift studio that was attached to the UFF headquarters and sat down in front of a desk that faced a TV camera. A makeup artist set about putting on light touches to show off Dr. Nellis' better features. He was a distinguished looking, balding and graying Polynesian with sincere, almost sad looking hazel eyes. The director held up fingers then waved a cue at the Chairman of the United Freedom Front.
He read from his script which was also released as a communique to the international community...

The Democratic Socialist Republic of the Cardwith Islands

---

To the People of the Cardwith Islands and the International Community,

For so long now we have struggled under the rule of an oppressive, foreign monarch. King Popilu does not care one ounce for the greater good of the Cardwithian and Hutanjian peoples. Only the Nevornian elite benefit from his archaic practices and brutal regime. From this day forward, we declare the independence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of the Cardwith Islands. We are dedicated to the freedom of our people and liberating other Hutanjian peoples that still slave under the tyranny of an evil King.

We welcome the recognition of the free, democratic people around the world. I will continue to serve as the Chairman of the United Freedom Front, while also serving as the first President of our new fledgling nation. The United Freedom Front will continue to struggle for the liberation of the Nesselbergian and Nevornian people with it's military wing, as well as serve as the main political party of the Cardwithian Republic.

At this time, we do not seek military aid beyond that which our allies already provide, but only proper international recognition and possible monetary aid towards the defense of our small but proud island nation. Thank you all.

President Charles Nellis, The Democratic Socialist Republic of the Cardwith Islands

This was also posted as its own separate thread to garner international recognition for the newly declared Cardwithian Republic.

[Falkasia]

The two agents, alongside their PAST allies, slowly made their way through the sewers. It was tough going, made all the worse by the oppressive odor and suffocating atmosphere. The five of them continual ran face first into walls, cursing and turning back. The whole system was maze, but the Hutanjians had assured them they would eventually spill out near the sea.

Vassili's flashlight had given them a bit of light, but in the dark and cramped confines it wasn't nearly enough. The beam was minimal, illuminating the darkness only up to a range of several feet. It really made little difference, as one section of the tunnel was much the same as the others. It was evident their pursues had made it down into the tunnel as well, although the shouting the heard seemed to come from around every corner.

It was disorienting. Dimitri could have sworn they were going around in circles. They saw light every once in a while, trickling in from a crack in the ceiling or from a clogged drain grate to one of their sides. The system was, for all intents and purposes, an archaic reminder of the colonials. It was dangerously and disgustingly unkept, almost forgotten it seemed. They hoped the Royals hadn't bothered charting out the sewers, lest their would was about to get far more precarious.

Gordon was the first to notice the tunnel taking a rather serious decline. Only problem was, the sewage level didn't. It kept going at the same level until it hit the roof of the tunnel. Vassili shined his light, the brightness being absorbed into the yellow-brown sludge and reflecting back off the dull grey concrete.

"Fuck," Dimitri moaned.

======

Several Marines gave chase, hauling as fast as their legs could carry them up the beach. Even though the HIND was attempting to break engagement, they weren't about to allow it that luxury. Kuznetsov stopped them, waving rapidly with his hands as he ran down the sandy beach to catch them.

"Save it Marines!" he screamed, "we need to focus on getting off this rock!"

The soldiers responded automatically, snapping their acknowledgement as they withdrew to the water and began clearing the beach of helicopter debris. The hovercraft slowly disappeared into the distance, but not before another one rounded the breakwater and began its approach. It hummed loudly, sending sprays of mist behind it as the three large fans blew it towards the landing site.

Kuznetsov meanwhile, grabbed an AK-113 from the makeshift armory and began calling for a tactical retreat.

"Time to get our asses outta here!" he yelled into his radio, hoping the fighting wouldn't drown out his calls.

We've been here long enough, he thought to himself. This mission was accomplished hours ago. With rifle in hand, he assumed position behind a rocky outcropping, squeezing the trigger rapidly as he laided down covering fire.

Meanwhile, the Marines were hard-pressed. Although nowhere near breaking point, the yielded ground to the Hutanjians in exchange for more easily defendable positions. The remaining rebels had long since fled to the third defensive line, sprinting and crawling and ducking their way helter-skelter between incoming and outgoing fire. In true Raider fashion, the Falkasians slowly staggered back. Their emplaced weapons were still going loud, chopping to pieces many of the stupider Royalist soldiers as they came out of cover.

As the Gazelles came over scene, and promptly exploded, the orderly retreat transformed into chaos. Even the Marines broke rank and charged head over heels into the third-line ditched. There was enough smoke and dust in the area to act mas a form of smokescreen, protecting most of them but adding to the surreal experience as grizzled soldiers dissolved out from behind a wall of soot. Bits of helicopter fell everywhere, with the Falkasians dodging in between. Large chunks sent plumes of sand into the air, cancelling out the noise of gunfire momentarily as a tail section slammed into the facade of a concrete bunker.

From his position, Kuznetsov could see most of the action occuring in front of him well enough. It became evident even his Raiders were exhausted, some going so far as to cowering behind large rocks while others fired aimlessly into the thick black murk. His hand felt at his belt, grasping an electronic plunger he had secured tightly around his belt. He glanced down, flipping the safety check up with his thumb and nimbly slamming the button underneath. It was his failsafe, one he did not desire to use but knew given the present circumstances it would buy him and his men enough time to get off the rock.

The first two defensive lines, during original preparations, had been rigged with explosives. Although not entirely foresight, Kuznetsov knew it was of th eutmost importance to have a fallback plan should things go south. The concrete bunkers were rigged with C4, while the remained emplaced weapons and supply caches were juryrigged with a variety of fragmentation, thermobaric, and even flashbang grenades. As the chain reaction started, he secretly hoped all of his men had managed to vacate in time.

Behind him, the hovercraft rolled up onto shore. Its front hatch fell, slamming into the wet sand with a thud. The machine guns onboard opened up while the smokepot countermeasures were deployed at various intervals along the waterline, attempting to provide what cover they could as the first few Marines made a mad dash across the final stretch of beach towards salvation.

======

The pilots of Zvezda and Romeo flight arrived right on time, banking in hard left and dropping altitude to a few hundred feet. Their internal RADARs picked up enemy air contacts almost immediately, lighting up the screens with dozens of red zig-zagging dots.

"Zvezda..." Chenko ordered," focus on giving the guys some cover down there... I'm going after those Huts!"

He gave a primal screech as Romeo flight angled hard up, breaking off from the formation. The air combat was thick, with little advantage to either side. Chenko quickly ascertained that the only way they'd be able to scramble the opposing force was to confuse them, perhaps simulating their force as a larger one.

"Ok guys... we gotta do this right... Angle up as hard and as fast as you can... try to come out of the sun every time you make a pass. They won't care what their RADAR says... they can't see us anyways!"

It took only several seconds before his wingmen fell in line, each acknowledging one after the other.

"Romeo Five, Romeo Seven, Romeo Eight, and Romeo Twelve... I want you to break off and engage at range... try to target stragglers and provide support where needed."

No reply was given, except for the rapidness upon which both aircraft rolled out of formation and up into the sky.

In the same second, Chenko's flight splintered as each of his remaining eight aircraft broke off to track their own target. They were well-versed in such a maneuver, seemingly appearing out of nowhere behind an enemy jet and shocking them with a tirade of close-range missiles.

The first two jets, Romeo Six and Romeo Two, found themselves above a Gripen. If the model alone wasn't enough, the prominent roundels gave it away alomst immediately as Uli. It didn't take much long after that before the two jets swooped down on the aircraft, pulling behind it and firing off several missiles as it attempted to dodge and shake them. Falkasian doctrine always called for a two-plane flights, guaranteeing superior firepower but also providing significant protection to both pilots in the event of a lock-on or pursuit.

Meanwhile, Gavrin's Shadowhawks screamed low over the battlefield. Knowing the rebels most likely lacked man-portable surface-to-air missiles, they were giving permission to show off to the boys below. RPGs would be too slow to hit them, they determined, but not fast enough to avoid their bombs. Despite the fact that the Shadowhawk was built as an air superiority fighter, it was capable of operating at least on par with ground attack aircraft. The bombs it carried, while simple high explosives, were not designed to cause any real damage but to add to the precieved defense of the escaping Marines.

They would make two passes, one lateral across the lip of the forest, and another thrust right up the middile of the killzone. From outside his cockpit Gavrin could see the tiny shapes of men scrambling across the beach, many holding their helmets firmly atop their head with one hand and grasping the barrel of their rifles with the other.

[The Cardwith Islands]

NEAR MARKSVILLE, NORTH CARDWITH ISLAND

The Cardwithian officer hopped out of the jeep and approached the disembarking Falsean troops. His subordinates directed porters and soldiers to help the Falseans load up their equipment and supplies onto both Falsean and Cardwithian-lent trucks. The Captain liked thinking like that. He was no longer a rebelling officer of a cruel regime, but a commissioned officer in a new democratic nation's military.
He walked up to the cluster of Falsean officers, recognizing the Colonel's rank.

"Hello, Colonel Black? I am Captain Desmond Rutangu of the Army of the Democratic Socialist Republic of the Cardwith Islands. Welcome and on behalf of President Nellis and the DSR government, we thank you for coming to our aid."

He pointed behind him.
"Just up the road ten klicks there is Marksville, the biggest town on North Cardwith Island and the seat of provincial power.
Some of your men will have quarters in temporary barracks just outside of town. Unfortunately, we haven't had time to build more housing. So, if you have tents you could set them up, or you can use some of our issue tents..."
Captain Rutangu made a face, "I, um...suggest you use your own if you brought some. I don't know how long the old Hutanjian issue tents have been sitting around mildewing.
Anyway, I'm your liasion officer, so please let me know if there's anything else I can get for you and your men. Between us, we should be able to get a proper base up and running. There is a small municipal air strip outside Marksville, which we are in the process of expanding with bulldozers to accommodate your air force."


SOUTH OF HESTTENS
WEST CARDWITH ISLAND

"Well, sir, I think that went well," Leila said as she brushed a bit of lint off his suit jacket. "You are now President Nellis."

Nellis chuckled, "Well, not quite. I still have to be voted in during the election in a couple weeks to make it official. I'm only acting President. Lucky for us, there's no time for an opposition candidate to have time to mount a campaign. Other than our sham puppet candidate, of course."

"The people love you. Elections are barely necessary."

He waved off her praise,

"We need to get back to the main building. There's a lot of paperwork and reports I have to sign off on for the new government."

"Yes, Doctor, I mean President, I mean..."

He reached up and held her chin, smiling a tender fatherly smirk.

"You have done so much to get us here, Leila. I wish you could have known your father. He would be so proud of you."
He sighed. "One of the many martyrs for the cause...Well, let's head over."

They walked through the studio to the adjoining hallway. Nellis felt so buoyant, he barely leaned on his cane.

Code: Select all

To: The Crown of Mcnernia, Mcnernian Forces
From: Pres. Nellis, DSR of the Cardwith Islands

I think we may be coming to an impasse. You keep making demands before we meet. These demands seem to walk a line of clouds that is beyond our reality.
Negotiations won't be able to happen until Royalist forces stop their occupation of our Nesselbergian brethren. Our forces will not stop protecting Nesselberg from the wrath of the monarchy and the evil of the KHS secret police. It seems that we both agree on the criminal activity of Atave's bunch.
Let's try to find more common ground in our pursuit of peace.

Nellis

NORITTS AB
EAST CARDWITH ISLAND

The first flight of the new Cardiwthian Air Force lifted off into the air, using the strip relegated to them by the Falkasian Tower Controller. Three MIGs in a row banked and followed each other, forming up in the air over the channel as they streaked towards Nesselberg. Their job would be to take on MIGs of the RHAF as their Falkasian comrades tackled the more advanced craft of the Uli mercs and any other Royalist allies that joined them. Sword Flight would see action within minutes.

[The UFF of Hutanjia]

CENTRAL EASTERN NESSELBERG

The UFF guerrillas fought on crazily, even though the hope of survival was fast slipping away. Even if word of their new status as irregular forces of the Democratic Socialist Republic of the Cardwiths had reached them, it would give them little joy or comfort at the moment. Groups of rebels were being gunned down and vaporized by Royalist fighters that swooped in. Never-ending passes of Royalist attack helicopters, New Edomite by the markings, chewed up those in the trees as they tried to retreat from the bloodbath.
Soon there weren't any rebels left near the treeline of the Lancers' base. Scattered by ones and twos, they headed south or they had become destroyed flesh in the undergrowth.

New jets hit the forward trenches they had so recently captured from the New Edomite cavalry soldiers. The couple of surviving rebels that happened to look up as they rocketed past were unable to discern what nation had such markings. They moved so fast that the blur could be anything, but the shape mystified them just as much. They were being murdered as they traded shots with the base defenders.

Help was just a few dozen klicks to the west, but the Falkasian fighters were busy helping their own who were also under fire from the Royalists. None of that was known or mattered to the UFF troops. They had to move was all that was certain.
Closing with the enemy gave them a chance of survival, at least for a few more minutes.

The NCOs that could still give commands did, rousing their men out of the trenches and forward. Others gave covering fire with what PK MGs and RPGs were left. Many of them hopped out, just beating streams of flames that rushed through the trenches from the bombers' munitions. Wounded comrades roasted alive. The howls of terror were dreadful to both sides.

Firing from the hip or brandishing their machetes, the last couple dozen UFF fighters suicidally charged towards the New Edomite positions.

SEWERS UNDER CHASTILLE

Kenneth and Gordon followed behind Vassili and Dimitri. Slogging through the fetid muck, they kept their mouths shut, but their faces did the complaining.
Every so often, Miles, the PAST leader, stopped to check his special coded smart phone.
They stopped finnally and stared at the dipping tunnel filled to the brim with fecal broth.

"Fuck," Dimitri moaned.

Miles wandered back to where a side tunnel split off. They hadn't taken it because it led back to the city, away from their goal.

He checked his phone again as he glided to a stop at the fork.

"Hey, a signal...I have a signal!"

Kenneth and Gordon waded back. Miles typed some more.
"Ok...OK. Listen, PAST #5 knows where we are, well, roughly. We should work our way past the South suburbs and back west."
He looked back to the dead end filled with shit.
"Open tunnels allowing, of course. They can track us from this. Eventually, they will have a green glo-stick dangling from a rope down a grate. That is the path to our salvation."

Dimitri had walked up as he was talking. He looked at the FSIS man, "They can get us to the coast."

A faint light bounced around on the wall a couple yards back, then they heard distant splashing and echoes.

"Fuck," Miles uttered.

CENTRAL NESSELBERG
ULI REGIMENT BASE

The UFF rebels attacking the Uli Forward Operating Base were fairing better than their comrades a few kilometers to the east, but not by much.
The Royalist Viper attack helicopters had torn through their attacking lines before peeling off to avoid the RPGs and MANPADs. Some headed back to their base trailing smoke, while others circled at a safe distance, sending an occaisional well aimed rocket towards the rebel lines. The rebel mortar teams were either decimated or no longer lugging the heavier artillery, hopping through the palms to join the attack with AK47s. On the other side of the camp, the UFF flank was hit by a Uli counterattack coming out of the jungle. Those that had survived the first run of the Vipers now turned to face the new threat, taking fire from both sides.

CENTRAL WESTERN NESSELBERG

They worked their way over the rise, and the point man waved the group of motley dressed men down. He'd seen movement. They crept closer to the ridge. The lieutenant crawled up and called out:

"Lenin's..."

"Tomb" The reply came back.

The men smiled. They'd found their New Isotopian allies. They crouch walked over the crest of the ridge more out of habit than for safety's sake. The UFF patrol met up with the Isotopian irregulars near the trail. Off in the distance, smoke rose and crackling explosions could be heard where the Falkasians and Royalists were still trading blows. There was the danger a stray Royalist chopper from the battle could find them, but they'd be ready with their MANPAD launchers.
"Hello, I'm Lieutenant Jeremiah Jorgazu of the United Freedom Front, Tango Company of the 1st Regiment. And who might you be?"