The Conflict in Hutanjia [Closed]

[Neu Engollon]

NORTH CENTRAL NESSELBERG

A flight of Gripens flew over the front, they were alert, not so much for enemy air, but for friendlies. The sky was pretty crowded over Nesselberg today, with Hutanjian MIGs flying special missions over the Falkasian Carrier, Mcnernian Illusions doing CAPs and all the allied choppers flitting about. More casualties could easily come from a careless midair collision. Their minds were already on the 6 Uli air crew members of the A129 Agustas lost to rebel SAMs earlier. Every man down took an emotional toll, but the price might be steeper before this war was done. They veered off to their second objective. To see the possible damage done to the Falkasian Carrier from the Hutanjian operation. Lt. Colonel Galien had not been privy to much details other than something would be attempted by the Hutanjians. He wanted his own eyes over the scene. Crimson Flight complied.

PARLIAMENT BUILDING, CHASTILLE

Remote gunfire and some car collision noises got the hackles up of Sergeant Daniers and a couple of other Uli troopers standing outside at the Parliament building. Like the other Allied troops there, they finally dismissed it as the typical craziness of banana republic urban life. There had been some protesting and strife in the last few days, even in relatively peaceful Chastille. That is what it had to be.
Sgt. Daniers shrugged as one soldier turned up the stereo up louder. 'Jailbreak' by Thin Lizzy was blaring out of it. One Uli trooper had a BBQ grill going and was cooking up various meats brought to him by many Allied soldiers.

Suddenly, a Eurovan weaved in an out of the concrete barriers set up in front of the Parliament building and a Hutanjian tank. It screeched to a halt near the front south corner in the big circular drive. Daniers froze, his rifle was out of reach and the roof guards weren't opening fire. Was this expected? Two men got out of the van and fumbled with a third? No, an animal. No. A dummy in a bad fitting soldier's uniform. Daniers wasn't alone in thinking this was a clown show someone had hired to prank them.
They bowed and hurled the dummy towards a window. That couldn't be good.

Heat, intense flash, BWAAAAMMM! ...deafening...air sucked from lungs, then hot wind, then muted screaming.

Pain lanced through Sgt. Daniers as he sat up from bushes up against the perimeter wall. He tried to think clearly and take in a hazy picture as his eyes glazed red from the blood pouring down his head from the large gash across his scalp, down to his skull. For whatever reason, he was no longer standing where he'd been in the drive.
Black smoke poured from the corner of the Parliament building. It appeared to lean a bit towards that corner. Bodies lay scattered across the lawn and drive. Some crawled towards him, but most lay prone and unmoving. There was a large gaping hole spewing charcoal smoke. The majestic old building with stone carvings up the side groaned in pain. Or was that him? Sgt. Daniers layed back down in the bushes. He was one of the lucky ones. 43 Uli-Schwyz troopers of the Iota Company, 2nd Batallion would not see tomorrow.

ULI OSPREY EN ROUTE TO VESSELLE

"They did what? Ugh. Okay. I want casualty reports. Get there as soon as you can, Major. Out." Lt. Colonel signed off with Major Van Aardel, the highest in Uli command on Nevorn right now.
He had faith in the Major, but things kept spinning wildly out of control across the whole theater. He hoped his team could keep it together. They were about to lay more lives on the line to bolster the drive into central Nesselberg. Lambda and Zeta Companies would be dropping near the edge of the front in NE Nesselberg to reinforce the 8th Royal Hutanjian Marines and prevent a possible flanking attack there. Lt. Col. Galien decided now was not the time to tell them about Iota Company back at the capital.
The Ospreys, escorted by AH-1Zs and Agustas, started to unload their payload of Uli troopers in clumps behind the 8th Royal Marines. The men fanned out with SG 550s, Stoners and Galils at the ready. The front was a 2 kilometers south, but you never knew what forgotten pockets of rebels would pop up. To the west, Mcnernian commandos were backing up the 34th Royal Army Reg. and they could hear the pounding of Mount Hagen and Mcnernian howitzers slamming rounds into the pocket where the rebels were holed up. To their east, they hoped to link up eventually with remnants of the Royal Army Ranger platoons that had spearheaded probes the eve before Operation Voodoo.

[New Korongo]

“Move those howitzers into position immediately! Once the pocket has been eliminated the Eighth can focus on pushing through the frontline towards victory!” Captain Logan Kawena shouted over the noise of the large Mcnernian siege guns nearby as his own men pushed the M101A1 through the mud. The Captain had was a local man and had been placed in command of the artillery guns deployed in the jungle, Colonel William Caxton believed that the crews would respond better to a commander who was from their own nation. Ten minutes passed and the troops soon reached the location which Major Daniel Cabot had selected for the batteries to be established.

It took another ten minutes for the crews to set up their guns but soon the thirty five howitzers began blasting away at the enemy positions in Qompek located approximately ten kilometres south of their position. It soon became obvious that the ammunition, transported through the jungle in large packs, would not be enough for a sustained bombardment so Colonel Caxton dispatched the remaining UH-1H Iroquois helicopters from Vesselle loaded with more ammunition. The howitzers were not as powerful as the Mcnernian siege guns but any assistance which the Mount Hagen led forces could provide would make the battle an easier victory.

Around thirty kilometres to the north east of the howitzers, Colonel Caxton was his the command tent and had just received word of the attack on the Parliament building. “We need to find out how those UFF bastards managed to pull off the attack, unfortunately we cannot know unless we manage to secure an officer of their little rebellion as a prisoner. Take an Iroquois off resupply duty and get some of our troops on board it, we are going to perform a little raid.” The Colonel said and Major Cabot simply saluted in response before walking away.

Twenty minutes later Major Cabot stood in front of an UH-1H Iroquois helicopter, flanking it were to AH-6C Cayuse light attack helicopters and standing at attention in front of him was a squad of the Mount Hagen Provincial Guard. “The operation is quite simple and I expect nothing less than success. You will find a clearing deep behind enemy lines and the helicopters will land, for most of the operation they will remain there. Once you have landed you will attempt to find a high ranking member of the UFF, capture them and then return to the helicopters to return.” He said to the squad oversimplifying the operation and hiding the true danger, there was little information on their rear echelon forces. The Major then saluted the men and they rushed into the helicopter which soon took off, the two other helicopters also took off and would act as escorts. They would land on the opposite side of Nesselberg.

[Hutanjia]

HNN (Hutanjian News Network):

"Good evening people of Hutanjia, I am Shirley Golaru and this is HNN. The war has finally come to Nevorn and it is ugly. The Parliament building was previously home to ineffectual legislators who had done nothing but sink this country deeper into financial ruin and chaos. After our glorious King disbanded the rabble, the historic old building sat vacant for two years until last month. The inside was cleaned out and fitted out with bunks and training rooms for military barracks purposes. Besides a Company from our own 23rd Royal Hutanjian Army Engineers, soldiers from several allied nations, including the Uli-Schwyz Regiment and some Mcnernian Marines were stationed there. Today, an assault of dozens of foreign saboteurs assaulted it during a vulnerable hour and major damage was done to one wing, and possibly the whole structure itself. Hundreds of Royal Allied soldiers are reported wounded and over a hundred killed from a bomb of unknown strength. The 23rd Royal Engineers report 33 dead and 68 wounded.

A Statement from King Popilu I:

'This is a catastrophic day for Hutanjia. Our sympathies go out to the families of the engineer soldiers and to those of the fallen allied soldiers, especially. Thank you for standing by us and know that we now stand by you as we bring these perpetrators to justice and vanquish all the marxist terrorists from all the Hutanjian islands.'

Stay tuned as we bring further developments at the Parliament Building and the hunt for the terrorists."

Check out the latest update on the Hutanjia map in my signature, showing the new front lines.

[The UFF of Hutanjia]

http://i.imgur.com/gXc7o.png

QOMPLEK - TUPTAK POCKET

Major Dofre sat in a small camouflaged tent set back in the jungle from Qomplek. There were a few huts left standing after the helicopter and artillery barrages, but it wouldn't be safe to be in one. They were easy targets for the enemy. They kept losing men without even engaging the enemy. The Royal artillery was taking its toll. The Royal Marines were now close enough to put their mortars in action as well on to Tuptak. He had orders not to surrender, at least not until the other UFF Regiments were ready to break off and dissolve the front and fade into the jungle. His regiment was going to be the big sacrifice in order for that to happen. It tore him up inside, but the decision was not up to him.

Two medics were left to treat all the wounded. They raced against the clock, but the rebels were dying faster than they could treat them. Not that they had enough clean bandages and meds to treat them. Morphine had run out long ago. Food rations were not enough to sustain the men for a few hours at a time, let alone a whole day. Clean water was also going fast. There would be no airdropping through Royal controlled air space.

He gave some orders as far as where to build the fortifications and allocating a small tactical centrally located reserve force. Overall, what was there to do, but watch them lose ground and troops and then, die. He looked over the maps one last time and left the tent with his aide to do another morale tour of the fortifications. Eventually, he would be taking a rifle on the lines himself.

[New Edom]

Code: Select all

Sent on Scrambled Frequency
To: Commanders, Uli-Schwyz Rgt L-Z Coys; 8th Royal Hut Marines
From: Major-General Jonathan Unwerth, Commander-in-Chief Hutanjia and Commander-in-Chief Edomite Expepeditionary Force
Code: Most Secret

Be advised: The New Edomite 21st Lancers (Aviation Assault Regiment) supported by a flight of Terrier Ground Attack Fighters and by the two frigates and amphibious ship acting as transport and escort will be attacking the enemy on their eastern flank in the southeast of your position. Request confirmation of intelligence as to your whereabouts and that of the enemy in your sector. Also be advised: prepared to use frigates' missiles and guns as fire support where possible within range. Callsign for Edomite Naval Support is WEEKEND PASS. Callsign for Edomite Combat Aviation support is BUSTARD.


While Unwerth had requested this intel he at the same time had the HANNIBAL satellite platform's work in the area analyzed by the intelligence people he had brought and also those at the palace to make sure of the positions. He also requested reports on where the breakthroughs were most effective, and ordered that priority for air support and heavy artillery be given to those areas.

The 21st

Lieutenant-Colonel Elena Weber strode out onto the flight deck accompanied by Major Rubenstein, the Regiment Aviation Commander (his absurd formal title was “Master of Horse” but no one called him that) Sergeant-Major Beor, her adjutant and ADC, her RTO and the senior medic.

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

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

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

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

Hold Tight

As the helicopters took off in disciplined array, by Troop of 5 birds each in V formations, the music played and the ground crews waved goodbye to them. Thhe crews were alert, maintaining contact, with gunners and troopers keeping an eye out for the flash of rocket launch or aerial attack, for anti-aircraft gun positions, snipers or anything else that might attack them. Radiomen kept ears alert to radio chatter, and they were listening for any warnings that might come from the Katzlan's CROMWELL II command system.

If they were to pull back, fair enough, but at the very least they'd be reinforcing their allies. The helicopters swept out over the sea towards the LZ. There were flashes in the sky above them--four Terriers designated as fighter bombers and one designated as electronic warfare skimmed out over the trees, their pilots itching for the command green light for attack and to receive a target. They waited on the Commodore's orders, which would come from Unwerth the moment he had his information...

[Neu Engollon]

Code: Select all

Sent on Scrambled Frequency
To: Major-General Jonathan Unwerth, Commander-in-Chief Hutanjia and Commander-in-Chief Edomite Expepeditionary Force
From: Lt. Col. Pierre Galien, Commander of 2nd Brigade, Uli-Schwyz Regiment and Col. Price Bogada, Commander of the 8th Royal Hutanjian Marines
Code: Most Secret

We look forward to the introduction of 21st Lancers to the battle. The 5th UFF Regiment seems to be moving up from central eastern section of island to cover to fill in for the 7th UFF. Presently we have the 7th UFF cut off and bottled up around Qomplek/Tuptak. With overwhelming force of arms and many allied forces on the ground, we expect to wipe out the 7th shortly. Attacks to keep the 5th UFF from counterattacking or beat them back from Northern Nesselberg would be most helpful from the 21st Lancers. Zeta Co., Uli Reg. will put pressure on our side of the 5th UFF. Map with present positions will be sent through secret network, shortly.

http://i.imgur.com/gXc7o.png

[New Edom]

Attack Soundtrack
The 21st Air Cavalry had moved swiftly over the bay and in a way if one thought about it their advance was like that of the horse regiment that they had originally been, their troops in neat formation moving fast and hard, flying low to avoid easy detection and avoiding the ordnance of their allies, the Electronic Warfare plane sending out confusion to avoid detection as long as possible, the other Terriers looking for targets and when they found them (if they found them) unleashing a pattern of cluster bombs over the planned LZ area, even as one flight of covering attack helicopters sped up ahead and unleashed smoke tipped rockets from their pods to provide still more cover for the landing.

The three leading TH-300s flew in as low as they dared, not so low that they'd hit power lines or anything but low enough that they seemed to have arrived undetected. However, the pilots in their futuristic looking helmets the planes' crews had the view of Olympian gods upon the chaotic streets beneath them as the three planes came roaring in to their designated LZ.

The first TH-300 with 20 cavalry troopers (A Troop’s CP and the Intelligence and Recon Squad) led by Captain Bartholemew Zeldorinius, a dark haired Baran with dark olive skin; he was chewing gum reflexively; this would be one of many landings for him. He nodded as the pilot signaled “One minute,” and advised those in the compartment of the same. Last minute swift checks—all equipment in place. He noted who seemed scared, who seemed calm, who seemed alert. But you never knew; there were always surprises.

The second had Staff Sergeant Corwin and his platoon; Corwin felt a zen like calm There was nothing further he could do, he was just like a lounging forest cat, ready to suddenly explode into action if need be. What happened would happen; they had done all the preparations they could. Smoke and and rumblings shook the air ahead as the fast movers swept in to do their work, the flight of attack helicopters firing smoke off in turn while the other flight hovered like hungry hornets waiting for sight of prey.

[McNernia]

Vasselle Front
Hutanjia
Mcnernian Frontline HQ

The headquarters were a series of bunkers and tents of sorts, well made and well defended ,there was the possiblity of bringing in an airborne command post and the navy had a E-7 on station to cordinate the aircraft coming in and out to deliver bombs on the UFF. Major Frain was seriously rattled with the news of the attack on the parliament buliding. He was a Marine and it was his duty to defend his country and his King. He was now driven by vengance for his brothers, all Marines were brothers, no matter what unit, they were Marines and that was what mattered.

Frain had brought in two companies of artillery including the feared Maquis 155mm seige guns that had seriously put a crimp in the Al-azkarian Mullahs day now the rained down the fire of heaven on the UFF, the Marines had met an interesting friend, or bunch of friends for that matter, the MHPG of New Krongo, the soliders talked among themselves of what was a bunch of Militia doing in a foriegn land. Were they fighting for New Krongo or what? Their M101s were a welcome break for the gunners who were beginning to tire from the bombardment.

The men tasked with cleaning the pocket tired, a few Marines who had been fighting hard, already they had lost men to the UFF, now it was not much gunfire, more and more mines and IEDs . The Engineers would go in to clear them out and then they would take fire from the UFF who had positioned snipers to kill the Royal Engineers, the Recce Company Snipers were brought in to provide some cover this seemed to help but more marksmen were needed, and a force skilled in the art of flushing ones foe out of the thick jungles that were typical of this place.

Enter the Rangers. The men wore green berets on the parade ground and were masters of the forest, Jungle and other extreme things like what was being faced by the Mcnernian forces. The Rangers set up sniper teams and began to look around the hamlets. The men wore full sniper camoflage and had trained with the Kaisongese hill folk who were good at hiding in the trees and this was like that, a thick pacific jungle where there could be snipers hiding up a tree. They were playing gaurdian angel to the battered Royal Army 34th Regiment , they were not raw troops that was a quality the Rangers could appreciate in these foriegn soliders.

"Patrol 500 meters, pinned down, ya see the source?" "Yeah, 400m from them, fucker in a tree with Drugy." "Can you tap him?" "Uhhh what ?" "Can you kill him man?" "One one the way." The suppress F02LR ,set for semi auto was fire once and the sniper fell down. "Alright the Hutanjians are moving in , anything in Tutpak town?" "One X-ray , on the roof of that hut, you see?" "I see him." The rifle banged again and another man or woman fell dead. "Good shooting mate."

The Mcnernians joined the assault on the final positions in the pocket, there was artillery support aplenty, the MHPG were given the proper radio frequencies to keep the Krongolense cannon from killing friendly forces. The UFF fortified positions would be a tought thing to crack, they were well dug into their positions, Machine guns and mines were everywere, the Marines were elite soliders, like Britians Royal Marines save they operated in a American structure in way. The men were very good at what they did and they did it well. The fireteams advanced slowly and cautiously under the cover of machine guns. The Havenians were stealthy warriors. They attacked under the cover of darkness, Kukrui knives hewed necks and then the carnage began, gunshots and screams of rebels.


Over the Vaselle Battlefield
25 000 feet

The Royal Navy had an E7, call sign Oracle -One over the field to keep an eye on things. The aircraft had all the combat elements marked down on its scopes , the big radar was continually turning around and around looking for anything to vector the Illusions onto, the only thing seemed to be alot of ground targets that were just begging to be shot at. The Illusions were well provisioned with ordinance to conduct ground support runs. The crew of Oracle-1 monitored the battlefiled from on high. A radar operator on Oracle one called the Uli Schwyz flight, "Oracle One of Mcnernian Royal Navy to Uli Schwyz Gripens, I have you on my scopes and I want to talk."

Dobbs was happy to fly, he was a good pilot who was skilled in his trade of dealing out death from on high to the pitiful rebels far below and he enjoyed his task immensesly. He flew with Jones again and again. The pocket was going to be a though thing to crack, and Jones was up for the task, Dobbs and another pilot had been tasked with another mission, the rebels seemed to be slowly dissapearing into the jungle and that was not the desire of the commanders in Chastille. The Mcnernians had brought a flight of UC-3 aircraft, small turbotrops that were bulit for counterinsurgency operations. They could carry such things as rockets and Napalm to seriously burn away the cover and allow for airstrikes by the Illusions and to seriously do some damage.

The small camoflage air craft were three in number , they flew low, about the height of the helicopters, their turboprop engines made a high pitched whine as they moved in on the jungle behind the two hamlet pocket. Dobbs flew top cover with Lt Hugh Tyler. Down below you could see the flashes of artillery fire and the burning jungle from the bombs already delivered on target. "Poor Fuckers eh Tyler?" "Yeah, I dont like flying so low down man, bloody get popped by terrorist rocket launchers." "Easy man we are not flying so low as to get a RPG or MAPSAM so we should take it easy." "What ever you say my friend."

Down below the three UC-3s could see the UFF moving in the jungle, infared was a handy thing in this sort of operation to root out terrorists and to use to find targets for the payloads that each aircraft carried with them. 4 500 pound wide dispersion napalm cluster munitions deposited across the UFF rear. 3 aircraft each carried four of them they dropped the munitions as one over the trees and broke off heading for base. Then it became the turn of the Illusions, More napalm to start an even larger blaze to burn the enemy to cinders and to cut off their retreat.


SBS Alpha 23
F Squadron
Southern Nesselburg

The men were adept at patrol in a jungle sitiuation, the Kaisong Islands were a place that did not forgive any mistakes that a man made, the SBS had trained their recruits their to allow for only the best to join the ranks of the SBS. Now it was six of these men in a foriegn place always vigilant and not very happy that they were there, it was tiring work moving inland, the UFF could be anywhere, Nesselburg primarily had a population on the coast and in the city of Vaselle, the men had seen the UFF fleeing the battle that was raging to the north, the men had dove off the road several times as trucks came in south full of wounded and dying men and women. More then once the team had fired on the trucks and then rigged them to blow when a patrol came by.

Now they stayed off the roads listening to the radio traffic of the UFF, the airstrikes were working it seemed, they did have the advantage of firepower to attack the insurgents who were trying to fight a war against a force that was of a much greater power, the Mcnernian Armed Forces and the Allies. There was a villiage up ahead on the trail, the team was in the jungle in the daylight. Not the best and well they had seen a truck of UFF go into the villiage, it simply drove on through, suspect. The men had expected them to stop and ditch their armaments and other things but the truck just went throught the town. The team leader looked in the town, he saw one man repremand the rest of the people, he was too far away to make out what the man was saying. "He a cadre?" "Looks like it sir."

That night the SBS men who knew where the cadre lived were ready to do the job, this one was a man who had grown corrupt and fat in his remote outpost of the UFF. The headman feared him and that was good for him but then again the villiagers did not like the man, he had two enforcers, goons in every sense of the word and well they would be easy pray for a band of master hunters trained killers to the core.

The two enforcers were posted outside the Cadres residence, he had taken the daughter of the local cheif as a cocubine, this sort of thing could be used to destroy the reputation of the UFF, however the villiage was far from Hesttens and the various places that would be of consequence. The two goons went down without a sound. Gagged with the gloved hands of the entry team that bore knives which took their throats out, Special Forces troops were trained to kill and leave as little mess as possible in their wake. The perimeter was set up around the house, the cadre was pulled off his unfortunate concubine and shot. The woman was too terrified to say much. The body was disposed of and the men were soon gone.


Oracle 1
Over the Vaselle Combat Area

The New Edomite arrival was not unoticed, the sudden white noise on the scopes was a form of something that was a serious problem, the Falkasians were posibly coming from the south. The fate of the Falkasian ship was at this time unknown so the operators were taking no changes. They radioed Dobbs and Tyler, "Aquila team vector south, investigate white noise ,possible bogeys." "Roger." The UC-3s had been seen on their way so the team was sent to investigate, they could arm their weapons at a moments notice they had caught the white noise early on.

Dobbs did not know what to do, he checked his IFF, New Edomites it seemed, that was what his gun camera had come back with, his helmet visior had given him a headsup and well they appeared to be friendly.

[Neu Engollon]

TUPTAK AREA

Lambda Company of the Uli-Schwyz Regiment started to move in support of the 8th Royal Hutanjian Marines. Two hatches opened up in front of the company and out came rebel soldiers. They were quickly gunned down before they had a chance to realize their bad luck in trying to escape in the middle of the mercenary company. Demolition equipped Uli troopers primed charges and threw them down the holes. A small squad was left behind to deal with any rebels that survived the cave ins and dug their way out to the exits.
The rest of the Company kept charging on and held their part of the line in the drive on Tuptak.
Zeta Company drove east into the lines of the 5th UFF Regiment. They would do their best to keep this section of the 5th UFF off balance and unable to rescue the 7th from their fate. Allied helicopters and air cover: RHAF Mi-24s, Uli AH-1Zs, Mcnernian UC-3s, and New Edomite TH-3000s all roved over the battlefield raining death down upon any rebel groups that happened to show themselves away from cover. The light mortar platoon of Zeta Company started to drop their rounds onto pinpointed OPs and bunkers of the 5th UFF. The Uli troopers crept forward, keeping to tree cover, but scooting fast to keep on their timetable and support both the assaults on Tuptak and the expected landings of the New Edomite troops to the east on the 5th's other flank.

PARLIAMENT BUILDING, CHASTILLE

Major Pieter Van Aardel was overcome by the sheer horror. He knew many of these men of Iota Company, now he would be reporting some bad news to many of their families.
The Hutanjians were quick in rushing aid and rescue teams to help sift through the rubble. There were also several Mcnernians, MHPG and Edomite volunteers from other units helped the Uli troopers and survivors pull wounded from debris piles and heave over heavier foundation bricks. Civilians from across Chastille were also doing their part to help.
They were able to rush many of the recovered wounded to aid stations before shock and blood loss set in. The casualties from the action were mindboggling. Van Aardel pried at another pile using a timber brace as a lever. He wouldn't quit until they found them all.

[McNernia]

PARLIAMENT HALL
CHASTILLE CITY
HUTANJIA

The rubble was strewn about, there were Marines buried in the damn wreckage of the Parliament buliding. Medics from the Fordham had arrived at the city, the citizens of Chastille had shown up to help. This was a welcome thing for the medical officers who worked around the clock rushing wounded in ambulance PMVs to the Harbor. The dead were many, the Schwyzers had lost soliders as well to this blast, the Royal Armed forces had a low opinion of mercenaries and well Hyde was surprised to find that the Mercenaries cared for their own so much.

Hyde was a man who stated what he thought and he did not hide his opinion of the mercinaries. "I find it odd you chaps care so much for each other, I heard a mercinary was man who would shoot his comerade in the back to get more of the money, looks like my mind has been changed for me." His aide looked at him , "Sir I dont think that would be wise." "Clean up this mess lads, I remember Al-Azkar and the contractors there, a bunch of Yanks and South Africans and shit, they were very unprofessional and drunk. Not the EO or Blackwater types that are a bit more professional."

James made his way into what remained of the motor pool area, there was rubble everwhere and it was a nasty mess. He heard a moan and looked over at a hand that was peeking out from a piece of rubble, a large block of stone. James grabbed it from the side and hauled it up, another Marine came over to help and they turned the slab off of their wounded comerade. "Get a medic over here, now." The medic ran over with a large kitbag and was follwed by a stretcher team. Quickly the man was treated and on his way to the Fordhams medical bay in the back of a PMV. And it kept going.

[Hutanjia]

PRESARIUS PLAZA HOTEL
KENEGA CITY, KENEGA

Milton Atave had arrived early to the meeting. There had been a station of KHS agents in place on Kenega for ages. They sprung into action to get the meet ready with the RIA chief, Jeremy Blakeford. As well, more KHS agents were infiltrated in through commercial flights and some by boat on secluded beaches. A full staff was there to protect the two intelligence chiefs and make sure the meet went smoothly.

Atave sat at the Presarius Plaza Hotel patio cafe that overlooked the 250 meter pool, one of the largest in the region. It was a sight to see with rope bridges, water slides, overhanging rock balconies and a tranquil end for those guests that needed less flare and more peace. He was losing patience fast after receiving the last minute memo from Blakeford blaming him for the Parliament bombing. In the back of his mind, he considered scrapping it all and whacking Blakeford and all his RIA agents in the region, but he kept his cool. Like always. The Mongoose waited.

QOMPLEK

The Royals moved rapidly after the joint artillery barrage from their 155 howitzers and the howitzers of the MHPG. Flights of allied gunships supported them from the air and wiped out machine gun nests as they presented themselves.
Corporal Dunhill Ragala, a soldier of Charlie Company, 1st Brigade of the 34th Royal Hutanjian Army Regiment moved ahead with his comrades a few yards to his left and right. They had their bayonets fixed to their Kalashnikov rifles and more than likely, they would need them. They moved from tree to tree, looking for tripwires. Something detonated off to his left. Private Untugka rocked back and dropped to the underbrush without half his head, blown off by a high placed claymore mine on a tripwire.

Rounds started to thunk into the palm trunks around Ragala. He steeled himself to ignore them and continue on. His brothers were counting on them to clear and lead the way. They broke through the trees and doubled their pace as they hit the open ground of Qomplek. Craters were everywhere from the rocket, helicopter and artillery barrages. Easy to snap your ankle if you weren't careful. There was then the hazard of debris left from the shacks that these tribal primitives called homes. Trying to steer a clear path, many of his brothers of Charlie Company were dropping around him from heavy fire. Sergeant Yonte drove a punji steak right through his thigh. His shrill screaming took over all other sound in Dunhill Ragala's ears. Foxtrot Company followed on the heels of Charlie Company and benefited from the martyrdom of the front ranks.
Rebel soldiers appeared and were shot down, clubbed or bayoneted as soon as they showed their evil commie faces. A rebel jumped up to turn and run from his ditch and Ragala fired off a three round burst into his back, following up with a bayonet thrust for good measure. There was a different screaming that was now constant in his ears.

"Aaaagggggaaaahhhh! AAAAAGGGAAAAHHHH!"

It was his own, he realized as he ran. When did he start that? No matter, it helped channel his killing energy,

"AA..aaa...aaaahhhhh!"

The 3 Companies of the 34th Royals drove past Qomplek and into the forest beyond, leaving a trail of bloody bodies in their wake.

TUPTAK

The 8th Royal Hutanjian Marines moved on the smaller of the two villages, also taking some casualties, not as heavy as the 34th Army companies, but a fair amount.
They linked up with the 34th and kept driving on south. The Uli mercenaries were just south of them, driving into the southern flank of the rebel troops holding Tuptak. In 15 minutes it became a rout and the UFF rebels of the 7th Regiment on the eastern end of the pocket surrendered or died quickly as the Marines closed the gap.

HNN:
"Good evening people of Hutanjia, I am Shirley Golaru and this is HNN. The Battle of the Pocket seems to be raging right now and operations against the enemy are in high gear. The 21st Royal Army Regiment is also driving on the 1st rebel regiment on along the western coast and regaining lots of territory.
With the rebels taking such massive casualties and losing so much ground in the north, the Military leadership believes that the rest of Nesselberg may not be far behind in returning to the fold of the Kingdom."

"In other news, a prisoner of war camp has been set up temporarily in Mossview Park in southern Vesselle,":
[Video footage shows hundreds of rebel soldiers in various bits of uniform and bandages under guard and behind concertina wire on the football fields of Mossview Park.]
"Until the traitors are put to trial in Vesselle or brought to Nevorn, this will be their new home."

[Falkasia]

Yuri squinted his eyes slightly, the closest thing to a facial expression any man would get out of him.

"I understand your predicament," he said in a slightly monotone voice. It was uncanny how his voice could be so calm.

He led the two over to the VICE Display, rotating through several context menus of otherwise irrelevant data. If he was shocked or pleased by both Nellis' and his minder's reaction to the equipment, he did not make it apparent. He brought up an overhead display of the battle, updated in real time. He pointed to a location and zoomed in.

"Yes, I see your men are having... issues... I apologize for putting it so plainly. Things will change shortly, be assured of it."

He zoomed out, flicking his fingers to scroll the projection to just off the coast of northwest Nesselberg. A large flight of V-25s were inbound, barreling down on the combat foray to provide some relief. Additionally, several companies of Marines had disembarked from the Schechtmann are were slowly making their way ashore via MLS-1H. Yuri tapped one of the hovercraft, being very specific as he did so. Another context menu popped up, revealing itinerary and inventory details. Onboard were perhaps twenty additional FSIS operators mixed in with the Marines.

"This is our answer to your problem," Yuri stated, glancing back to Nellis. "I hope it is to your liking."

======

Vassili and Dimitri floored the van as fast as they could. Every turn, every bump, something else fell off. By this point, the vehicle wasn't much more than two seats and an engine, with the chassis hanging on only by the sheer force of gravity alone.

The two sped past another street, swerving again to miss a roving patrol and nearly rolling their clown car in the process. Both agents were still covered in all form of debris, but the ash from an exploding building had been added to the mix. In reality, they smelled like a shelled fruit market, and looked something akin to a Van Gogh painting. Dimitri had since turned around to fire covering shots behind them, straddling the chair with his legs and bracing his back against what was left of the dashboard. His Makarov wasn't much, nor were his rounds doing anything, but at least it made them look cooler.

Vassili turned to the side as the van smashed through yet another stack of crates, sending wooden splinters and banana peels every which way. Several got caught on the tires, grinding them against the hot pavement and sending billowing smoke out from underneath.

"I didn't tell you to deploy the smokescreen yet!' Dimitri screamed at his partner.

Vassili just returned the errant comment with a disgusted look, flooring the pedal again as they took another sharp corner on two wheels. Up ahead was the end of the line. Vassili only pushed the pedal harder.

With a massive squeal, he brought the Eurovan to a half as smoke billowed from the rear tires and the engine. The two jumped out and took off, leaving the van in front of a bewildered produce deliveryman. He glanced at the vehicle, glanced at the fading shape of the two men, and back at his vehicle before passing out cold right there on the street.

As Dimitri and Vassili tore their way through alleyways as they trugged to the coast, the both ducked into a small overhang to catch their breath.

"What the fuck was that for," Dimitri questioned aggressively, whipping a bandito mask into his muck covered face.

"I had to return his truck!" Vassili replied, matter-of-factly.

======

Yesterday a bomb was set off at the barracks of the 4th Company 23rd Royal Marines Regiment stationed in the city of Chastille Huntanjia. The Mission of the 23rd and the First Kings Havenian Rifles is to protect the Nevornian population. The Nevornian people of the Kingdom of Huntanjia are under threat from the UFF. The Dyansty that currently rules Hutanjia is of Nevorian stock. The Marines and 1st Havenians have been deployed along with a light carrier the Mcnernian Royal Ship Sparta to effect the security of the ethnic Nevorians against the United Freedom Front that may take represial against them for collaboration with the lawful government. The casualites taken in operations to protect the island of Nevorn from assault by UFF forces currently number some 80 dead and 156 wounded.

The Prime Minster sends his condolcences to those families whose loved ones are lost and the King will be informed of this matter in due course.

Kazyenko glanced over the news release sent by the Mcnerian King. He chuckled to himself, appauled by the thoughts that went through his head. He did some fact checking, pulling up various internet sites and other more primary documentation to ensure the accuracy of his edict.

"Could they really be this stupid?" he said to himself. "They've given me all the evidence I need!"

His finger pressed at the intercom, and quickly an aide came in from EKTV.

"I have a gold mine for you."

======

The headline read "Ethnic Cleansing? Mcneria says Yes!" It was a point in case situation, and it only enraged the situation more by broadcasting it all across the globe. EKTV had numerous affiliates through the world, especially in those of well-developed powerhouses, and thus enjoyed a large amount of media sympathy when it came to stories it ran.

Underneath the headline, an image of darkened guns pointed at schoolchildren heightened the mood as the anchor walked on.

"Good evening everyone. I am Svetlana Michevsky, bringing the news to to you right as it happens."

She paused, changing cameras.

"Breaking news tonight: Is Mcnerian involvement in Hutanjia really a secret mission of ethnic cleansing? Sources within both the Falkasian Government and reporters on the ground say yes! In a recent statement released by the Mcnerian King, the conflict is defined as existing upon solely ethnic lines. It reads,

The Mission of the 23rd and the First Kings Havenian Rifles is to protect the Nevornian population. The Nevornian people of the Kingdom of Huntanjia are under threat from the UFF. The Dynasty that currently rules Hutanjia is of Nevorian stock."

The King goes on to say how it is their duty to exterminate the United Freedom Front, better known as the UFF, and to "effect the security of the ethnic Nevorians." Is this war, supposedly fought for the good of the entire country, just a government ploy to annihiliate the unsupportive minority populations that exist on the outlying islands, or is it simply a less-than-subtle case of political cleansing?"

Kazyenko flipped the TV off, placing the elongated remote onto his hardwood desk with a clatter. He smiled and leaned back, enjoying the victory he had just won over someone who had the audacity to be considered his equal.

======

General Quarters was declared as the incoming flight of MiGs was detected on Early Warning RADAR. Despite being outdated and more or less obselete when compared to Falkasian technology, a large enough force could still do significant damage to the tiny fleet.

Ivanov prodded slowly through the tight confines of the ship as the klaxon blarred. Revolving red lights were the corridors' only illumination, adding to the atmosphere of danger. All hands were at their stations, ready to recieve the incoming attack as best they could. As he walked through the hatchway and into the Bridge, the Admiral was blinded momentarily by the brightness of light filtering in through the oversized windows. The sirens were going off in here too, but the sound did not echo like it did deeper in the ship.

He was instantly offered a flash hood and kevlar helmet as he stepped through the threshold, taking notice of similar attire throughout. Cameras confirmed that the two companies of Marines had already departed with their FSIS counterparts, and would not be in the general vicinity when the attack came. Ivanov took comfort in knowing that these men would at least make it to shore before the fight began.

He quickly donned his combat gear, fastening the helmet securely across his chin. The RADAR operator flagged him over, trying to appraise him of the situation.

"Sir, we have perhaps three dozen enemy MiGs coming in on combat vector. V-25s are being rerouted to intercept... but I don't think we'll be able to knock all of them out in time. They've got speed sir... we don't."

Ivanov studied the display careful, taking mental note of the relative direction of the incoming fighters. If they survived, they could use this data to launch a strike on the point of origin, assuming at least the aircraft flew in a more or less straight line. He calculated the number of aircraft in the air, and their relative locations. The V-25s would be able to get most of them, all things considered, but the sheer number of approaching aircraft ensured some would make it through.

The SONAR operator shot up, sprinting over to the Admiral.

"Sir, I've got numerous contacts on the Conn. Come take a look."

The Admiral was pulled over to the station. The indistinguishable yellow specs of sonar were interrupted by black clearings, each in the shape of tiny cigars.

"Fuck," Ivanoc spat out. "They've got torpedos coming at us too."

He looked up, taking count of his bridge staff. They were all in a flurry of activity.

"Torpedos in the water!!!" he screamed, only causing the men to move faster as they secured themselves to hardpoints.

What Ivanov didn't know however, was that the 'torpedos' were actually the midget submarines themselves moving into position. Their signature was near indistugishable from that of an ordinary torpedo.

"Get depth charges in the water! Have the deck gunners focus on wakes. Tell them to fire on anything displacing water... it is guaranteed hostile."

Ivanov turned towards his Chief of the Watch.

"See if the Marines didn't leave behind any Sonar Decoys. These torpedos must have trackers of some sort on them! No one uses dumb torpedos these days!"

His eyes darted to the Helmsman.

"FULL REVERSE, NOW!"

The Communications Officer quickly appraised the Bartlett of the situation, although a simple look out the window made it obvious they to detected the incoming attack. The hull was being sealed and preparations were being made to dive. Ivanov only hoped they'd make it down before the aircraft came on scene.

======

The incoming MiG flight became the target as a dozen V-25s angled in for the attack. Their target was the Schechtmann. It was obvious by their lack of acknowledgement of the Falkasian aircraft as they came overhead.

Each of the V-25s paired up, and one after anothe rolled in focusing on a small section of the entire assault. They were going to attack from all sides, utilizing their agility to confuse and disorient the considerably faster MiGs.

Krab and Bellow had managed to catch up to the force, due in part to sheer luck over skill. They had paired up with one another, naturally, and targeted the lagging elements of the squadron.

"Easy prey," Krab mumbled as his AMRAAM missile racks spun out from their wing housings.

Bellow was right next to him, slightly back but angling slightly away. He too had activated his fireload, the two separate racksof eight unrolling in a cyclical fashion from their compartment underneath the wing. Most weapons on the V-25s were stowed internally to help with the stability issues of an inherently unstable VTOL aircraft, but it didn't severely limit the amount of munitions that could be carried.

16 missiles between the two of them would do nicely. Each counted on a few kills. Krab veered hard right as he overtook the trailing MiG, glancing over his shoulder at the look of shock on the pilot's face. He angled up, quickly throwing his aircraft into a near stall to transition to semi-VTOL flight. With a grind, the rotors went up and Krab dropped his nose and began skirting laterally at a 30 degree angle to the MiG. He popped off two AMRAAMs as he completed the roll and dropped below the horizon line, pulling up moments later through a debris cloud back into full horizontal flight.

"Good kill," shouted Bellow on the comm.

Small puffs of debris began to transformt he sky as the rest of the V-25s came on scene. Some had resorted to using their main 30mm cannon in death-defying strafing maneuvers, having not been outfitted for air-to-air combat. Although not likely to put a MiG out of comission with more than a critical blow, the cannons did manage to scatter parts of the squadron that did not possess the same nerves of steel as their counterparts. These were easy prey for the other V-25s.

Bellow angled in from above, his rotodynes locked in horizontal facing as he came onto a slightly smoking MiG from above. Hydralic oil squirted from where its fuselage had been pockmarked by cannon fire. Splatters of blood were evident on the inside of the canopy as well. Bellow went in for the dive, shooting off a single AMRAAM as he rolled into a corkscrew that took him barely out of harm's way. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing the MiG explode into a fireball of twisted metal and aviation fuel. The burning fuselage, now separated into two pieces, fell helplessly to the ocean below.

"Yeeeee-HAH!" He screamed as a huge plume of water erupted from below.

A few MiGs broke off, no doubt tired of being easy prey. They assumed an attack formation and charged headlong at the medley of V-25s. Most managed to scatter in time, but as the MiGs got locks and released their missiles, one V-25 was instantly turned into a smoking hulk. There was nothing glorious about it. It existed before, and now it didn't.

Both pilots chose to ignore it, avenging their fallen comrade by dispatching the errant MiGs as they angled back around in an attempt to return to formation. Bellow had overtaken another one, and in a move reiminiscient of his wingman, had somersaulted over top and sheered both wings off with two well-placed missiles. Without wings, the plane lost lift and nose dived towards the ocean below. The canopy sheared off as the pilot escaped, exploding through the glass in his chair before a parachute erupted from below.

Bellow chose to leave it be, granting the pilot his life in exchange for an easy kill.

The fleet was rapidly growing in the distance. Small puffs of smoke began to fill the sky as archaic flak opened up from the carrier, joined shortly there after by white streaks of SAM missiles as they jolted through the sky. Small explosions peppered the flight deck of the carrier as another volley were launched, their long slender frames shooting through protective coverings and into the air.

The V-25s began to break off, not wanting to turn themselves into friendly targets for the weapons operators down below. They still maintained weapons range, picking off stranglers as they could with rapidly dwindling ammunition, but they left thining the remainig bulk to the carrier.

Several more missiles streaked by, slicing more MiGs in half as they impacted. A few more parachutes filled the sky as some pilots managed to escape, but most of them went down with their planes. The sky was thick with autocannon fire as more MiGs exploded into fiery balls and sent shards to the ocean below.

Bellow and Krab continued, forced to stop only when their VICE began alerting them to a lack of missiles to send out. Each had racked up three kills, a satisfactory number forr such a sortie. They watched as the surviving MiGs began to unleash their missiles, fewer and fewer planes visible as more and more of the defenses hit their mark.

[The UFF of Hutanjia]

THE FALKASIAN CAMP, SOUTH CENTRAL NESSELBERG

Dr. Nellis and Leila had followed Yuri to his computer set up. It was apparently some kind of network and radar monitoring device in one, with closed circuit video monitoring at key points and integrating satellite coverage. He was sure it was more complicated than that, but that's what he got out of it. He was not such a dinosaur that he didn't believe in using the latest technology to their advantage, but he would never fully understand it and they never seemed to have enough money to afford it, usually. Leila tugged on his arm before they stood next to Yuri. She showed him the screen of her smart tablet device, as she slowly scrolled the screen down. This was one of the few hi-tech devices they had been able to acquire so far.

Since they'd arrived at the camp, Leila had been getting battlefield and rebel cell updates on her specially modified user-friendly tablet (similar to an iPad, but a cheaper knockoff). The updates had gotten more and more disturbing. He'd found out about Bradley's kidnapping on the car ride in from the coast. The HNN broadcast was, of course, a government propaganda sham. There was no OFC splinter group. He, and everyone with any sense knew that Bradley Nellis was probably in the Mongoose's Den right now, prisoner of the KHS. It broke his heart greatly. It was his sister's only son.
There had since been the Parliament Building bombing, regrettable, but a boon for their side. It was definitely not one of the UFF cells operating in the capital, but he was pretty sure the Falkasian standing before them had full knowledge of what had gone down and who was responsible.

Now the news Leila was showing him about the Battle for the Pocket. The 7th UFF was being overrun as they stood here, and he could do nothing about it. If things escalated further and the Royals kept driving through the lines, he and Leila may need to find a quick way off Nesselberg.

Just after she showed him the data, Yuri said:

"Yes, I see your men are having... issues... I apologize for putting it so plainly. Things will change shortly, be assured of it."

He zoomed out, flicking his fingers to scroll the projection to just off the coast of northwest Nesselberg. A large flight of V-25s were inbound, barreling down on the combat foray to provide some relief. Additionally, several companies of Marines had disembarked from the Schechtmann are were slowly making their way ashore via MLS-1H. Yuri tapped one of the hovercraft, being very specific as he did so. Another context menu popped up, revealing itinerary and inventory details. Onboard were perhaps twenty additional FSIS operators mixed in with the Marines.

"This is our answer to your problem," Yuri stated, glancing back to Nellis. "I hope it is to your liking."

"Yuri, this is encouraging, and now obviously, a full commitment of forces from your nation... but will it be enough to stem the tide against the forces arrayed against us? The royalist allies are pouring more aircraft and troops into the island by the minute. I would hate for your nation to squander your forces on the lost cause that this battle has become."

"I should probably be more optimistic about my own men, but I fear it's too late. I have already had Leila transmit orders to the commanders to fight their last rear guard actions and pull back. We will not be fighting any more standing actions against the overwhelming Royalist forces, at least not on Nesselberg. Cardwith will be a different story, if it comes to that. But it's time to take a step back here. The 1st, 4th and 5th Regiments will pull back to the deeper jungle and go into hiding. That is where we can grind down their forces.
Unfortunately, we've already lost the 7th.
I just don't feel it wise to dangle more precious resources in front of the rampaging royals in order for them to destroy it. Please, tell me where I'm wrong?"

SOUTHEASTERN NESSELBERG

The local UFF Political Commander, that controlled the cadre operations for this sector became worried. Just as they were about to need to rely more on the cadres with things collapsing in the North, they weren't responding to his radio transmissions. Or, of the two that had in the last couple hours, they were using the wrong codes. He would need to get in touch with HQ, who in turn would have to give Dr. Nellis more bad news. Definitely the KHS Special troops were at work. Possibly some Royal commandos and allies as well? The southern villages were some of the last toeholds they had left on Nesselberg and they couldn't afford to lose them now.
Unknowingly, he was right on the mark about those responsible. Mcnernian SBS teams had taken out 3 of the cadres, with KHS special teams taking out the rest of the non-reporting cadres.

SOUTH OF QOMPLEK

Major Dofre watched the last of his regiment get slaughtered around him. They'd left the tents and gear behind and moved further back into the brush. They couldn't fight back with their RPGs, the last of the heavy weapons they controlled, because the trees were too thick to make direct hits. The rockets wouldn't travel far enough without blowing back in their faces.
They also hadn't had time to arm any more mines or booby traps as they fell back. The last of their heavy machine gun teams had been knocked out or captured.
His last action as commander was to turn over command to Captain Shomku. He then picked up a rifle and machete and led the last banzai charge into the enemy. A Uli machine gun tore open his mid-section. The Major, along with 4 of his men, died with their guts spilling out into the dirt and ferns around them.

Captain Shomku surrendered the remnants of HQ and Delta Companies to the Uli mercenaries, Royal Marines and soldiers surrounding them. The bubble was popped and the 7th UFF Regiment was done.

CENTRAL WESTERN NESSELBERG
FALKASIAN LANDING BEACHES

The Falkasian Marines came ashore just south of the front lines along the western coast. Members of the 1st UFF logistics companies welcomed them with cheers and even hugs. Reinforcements where they had been promised none. Morale was boosted greatly. The happy news traveled to the front line troops fighting off the 21st Royal Regiment.

[Neu Engollon]

PARLIAMENT BUILDING, CHASTILLE
PALACE WAR ROOM, CHASTILLE

The final toll of dead and wounded was still staggering to Major Van Aardel. The former South African was at his limit. Luckily, he had a good team of officers to help command the Uli troopers in rescue operations and damage assessment. Like all Uli contracts, the officers worked well as a cohesive team, all of them able to fill in on multiple roles as the contract demanded. While many of them had witnessed casualties for the unit like this on a contract, most recently the Covington fiasco came to mind, none had seen it on a level where they incurred so many casualties in one day, from one single bombing action. All the personnel, living and dead, had been recovered from ground zero and rushed to the nearest hospital and aid stations. The building itself was still upright, but obviously leaning and structurally unsound.

Van Aardel returned to the War Room to update Lt. Col. Galien and get an update himself on Uli and Allied operations to the West. He got a cursory overview on his smart phone on the jeep ride over to the Palace.
The rest of the Allied equipment and personnel had been evacuated from the Parliament to other buildings; the armory, Fort Soleil, Jotaku Air Base and scattered other installations. Jotaku was being expanded to run more operations and keep more air traffic over northern Nesselberg and en route to Vesselle.
Almost all of the Uli fighter and rotor wings were airborne, except for a small reserve at Jotaku. The helicopters were supporting operations in the Battle of the Pocket. The rest of the Gripen and Harriers were flying CAPs at higher altitudes to protect the Allied attack choppers from possible retaliation. The only possible threat was from Falkasian fighters off of their carrier, the only possible hostile air power in the area.

The word on the Hutanjian operation on the Falkasian Carrier was still unknown. Shouldn't they have news by now? He got to the Palace and checked on word from the flight of three Gripens that were following the RHAF MIGs onto the Carrier airspace.

OVER THE FNS SHECHTMANN
NEAR EAST CARDWITH ISLAND

Crimson Flight, commanded by Captain Johann 'Eagle Claw' Rudolf, watched helplessly as the Falkasian V-25s tore into the outdated RHAF MIGs. Way outnumbered, the V-25s still way outgunned and outmaneuvered the MIGs. Getting permission from Vesselle central, run at the moment by an Edomite officer at the tower, Capt. Rudolf and the other two Saab JAS 39 Gripens of Crimson flight flipped their missiles to hot and went in. The first volley of Uli fighter missiles streaked to their targets. Too busy swatting down the inferior MIGs, the Falkies didn't see the Gripens swooping down on them.

Meanwhile, below the dogfighting, the first of the detonations in the water signalled the long delayed attack from the subs underway. Many were plumes of water and smoke well away from the Carrier, but some impacted much closer and into the hull.

NORTHWEST NESSELBERG

Purple, Gold, Red, White, Black and Aqua Flights of the Uli Air Wing joined in with the other Allied Mcnernian and Edomite fighters and RHAF MIGs to meet the oncoming Falkasian fighters. The Uli pilots were ready. Most of them were Covington veterans and had been through many fierce evenly matched dogfights and survived. They hoped to do the same now. Still some distance out, the whole front of Allied fighters loosed their first volley of missiles at the incoming V-25s.


TUPTAK, BATTLE OF THE POCKET,
CENTRAL NESSELBERG

Lambda Company leapfrogged their way through the trees, evenly spaced apart. They lost a couple troopers to mines, but they kept moving. They couldn't drop the pace. They were part of the hammer smashing the rebels on the anvil of the 8th Royal Hut. Marines. Off to their west, they heard the Marines engaging the rebels in the village. Some of the rebels running away from the Marines ran right into the mercenaries who blasted them down without mercy.
"Shovels out!" Yelled the Sergeant Major.

Lambda Company, numbering some 675 men, withdrew their Entrenching Tools. Little folding shovels with large wide heads that bore very sharp edges. The entrenching shovels could penetrate unforgiving rocky terrain or soft flesh equally. It was the Uli version of a jungle machete. As they came upon the rebels south of Tuptak, the front ranks of the Uli troopers dropped many of the peeping out heads with well placed shots, the following ranks hurled grenades further on, the final ranks hacked at anything left that moved with the entrenching tools.

Over the rebels they drove like this, the effect like one of Genghis Khan's hordes in a frenzy, figuratively devouring anything living. Some casualties were taken, especially from rebel grenades. They finally went to ground when the resistance stiffened. They lay in and among collapsed rebel tents and tarps, trading shots with the dwindling rebel force from behind small piles of crates and supplies they had left behind. The 8th Marines linked up with them, adding their fire into the last holdout circle of the 7th UFF. Elements of the 34th Royal Army Reg. hammered away at them from behind. More grenades bounced in among the trees.
Bodies piled up. They hosed down two attempted breakout charges. The fire slacked off and then stopped. A white flag went up.

The surrender was taken by Uli and Royal Hutanjian officers at 1623 local time.

[New Edom]

Southeast Flank of the Pocket

Two CFNQ-31D Sea bolt naval UAVs streaked overhead quietly, heading inland to do searches for targets and enemy movements. Corwin’s platoon was laying down some smoke for the landing of the first wave of helicopters. The big TH-300s began thudding their way down, the purple smoke swirling madly, and troopers began to get out of the birds, forming up by squads and moving away from the LZ. Captain Zeldorinius and Lieutenant Dan-Martah got out of the lead helicopter and squinted at the war-roughed sky then alertly at the forested area beyond, and receiving a message from Major Rubinstein, advised, "We're on our way." He ordered his company into skirmish formation and headed them up the road. The first wave was three rifle platoons of 45 each (with Mary Jane GPMGs, grenadier rifles for heavy weapons), a command post, a heavy weapons platoon with Rocket Launchers and light mortars, and a recon platoon that was attached to the battalion but had been seconded to the first company in. The recon platoon led the way up the dust rubble strewn street. Overhead three Cannondale attack helicopters buzzed past them. The air cavalrymen began to advance in a staggered skirmish order.

Castle War Room

General Unwerth sat sipping mint tea with honey, listening to reports, and he raised a finger. "Where is the Falkasian carrier group right now, and do we have confirmation that they have engaged?"

[Neu Engollon]

SOUTHEAST OF TUPTAK

When Lambda Company of the 2nd Brigade, Uli-Schwyz Reg. attacked west into the underbelly of the trapped 7th UFF, Zeta Company pushed east to link up with the 21st Lancers Air Cav of the New Edomite expedition deployed into the 5th UFF's eastern flank. The front as held by the 5th UFF Rebel Regiment formed a sort of small bulge up towards the north coast. The 21st Lancers Air Cav and Zeta Co., Uli Regiment dug wedges into the sides of that hill shape. Allied helicopters, mission accomplished on the collapsing pocket of the 7th, were retasked to start hammering at the top of the small bulge. They were joined by the Cannondale attack choppers from the New Edomite expeditionary force.

Movement was slow going for the Uli troopers of Zeta. The 5th had more time to refortify, with less pressure on them than the 7th. The mercenaries had to be on constant watch for snipers up in the trees and underground pits holding punji stakes and squirreled away rebel fighters. Scattered around were also gun pits and RPG pits that they had to outflank and destroy. Light casualties started to build up, but they kept up the pressure, knowing that the 21st Lancers were probably facing the same.

[McNernia]

Griffindon
Mcnernia

The Prime Minister recived word of the Falkasian jab. "I dont like the Falkasians now, I am loyal to my king. and well this Ill be on the air myself to explain." The press conference was quickly arranged and the Prime Minister appeared before a large group of the Press.
"Ladies and gentlemen. The Prime Minister of Mcnernia."
" Good afternoon everyone, I would like to adress the Empire and the world regarding certian allegations that have been leveled at Mcnernias Armed Forces currently engaged in combat operations overseas. The Falkasian Government has taken a statement by myself entirely out of Context, the reason Mcnernia has sent her sons to fight overseas in Hutanjia is that there is a legitimate threat from the UFF to the Nevorian population. It is often customary in the end of a war to preform represials and purges against the population ,the Armed Forces are in Hutanjia to prevent that. In Mcnernia we have a law known as the Political Militancy Act wich is under consideration for repeal. Mcnernia has leftest parties that are functioning part of the Government, and are permitted to hold seats in Parliament, I will respect the rights of the UFF to exist not as an armed faction but meerly as a political party of Hutanjia."

York avoided the questions that came from all the reporters, they were very much a inquistive bunch and he did not like it and well he had other things on his mind, like what the people would think of this sort of thing. He walked towards his office thinking, "Timmy old boy ,this is your first sort of thing to deal with as PM, you have been in office for a short while and now we have this sort of thing to deal with."

From: Prime Minister Timothy York
To: Falkasian Government

Greetings

Regarding the political cleansing allegations you may have some basis to make those claims but we are not in the business of purgation, Mcnernia has intervened to remove an armed insurection by the United Freedom Front, we will then adress the problems that led to this uprising.


PRESARIUS PLAZA HOTEL
KENGA CITY
KENGA

The most recent reports concerning the SBS had held him up, SATINT had found out that the UFF had gone onto an alert status due to the Cadre hunting. That was a good thing, let them be terrified. Blakefords tastes were that of a gentleman, he wore a light colored suit and traveled light with nesscessities of a business man, he had gotten some of his people onto the island to asses the KHS security. He checked into the hotel on the island.

He was accompanied by his aide and a security man , he signaled them to remain behind and approached the table alone. He carried a black breif case containing various papers about his plans for the war and how the KHS could be improved to a good and modern agency. He settled himself in a chair. "Mr Atave, Blakeford, pleased to meet you. I think you will want an explination for the heated memo regarding the tragedy at the Parliament building. You see I have heard good things about your agency, your effectiveness and well the attack was seriously undermining my confidince."


Royal Navy Aircraft
Over the Vesselle Front

The radar had picked up the movements of the Gripens of the Schwyz force and the Falkasian bogies, the signature had come back as a unit of tiltrotor aircraft. The operators had been a bit confused, Tiltrotors againts fighters? That seemed to be a bit one sided. The RHAF was a pack of fools they soon realized as the MiGs made a suicide run against the Falkasian carrier. The Mc 82s were a bit more stealthy so they would have a bit of an advantage, RAM structure replacing alot of their aluminum.

Dobbs Jones and Tyler had formed up on the Schwyzers. They flicked their weapons to hot when they gained a target lock, the Falkasians were sitting ducks for the Mcnernians, the Edomites and Schwyzer missle fire. Both sides were no doubt professional aviators. Dobbs was sweating from the intese thrill of his first battle. "Alright boys make it count, we have bogies in bound." The Illusions began to ripple fire AAMs and then they broke to discourage a counter attack. The Illusions had a reduced radar signature to allow for their own protection from the fire of the enemy. And their pilots were among the worlds best.


Southern Nesselburg
SBS Alpha 23
F Squadron
Somewhere near Fotomwong

The men had been in the villiage, 3 cadres had been downed, two decent ones, a fat fuck and well now it was time for new prey for the Special Boat Service team, they had recived word over an encrypted link that KHS Special Troopers were in the area. That was a good thing, now they had new orders, find a cadre and make him tell the location of the Political commander for the area, then it was a normal termination protocol. The men were moving by day and then sleeping only sporadically for the UFF was possibly looking for them and they were quite possibly the prey of a bunch of hungry insurgents.

The men moved along the road, the open was taking a big risk on themselves, more susceptible to spotting by insurgents who were fleeing the fighting in droves and well dissapearing. The villiage of Fotomwong had been the arrival point for the KHS team that was rumored to be in the area, they had killed the cadre in Fotomwong, the SBS were skilled in the art of getting close to the enemy and listening in, they had listened to the talk of people in Fotomwong when they had made passes by the town, mostly it was talk of the ambushes laid for the UFF in the area.

How the SBS laid a trap would seem to many like something out of a story. They felled a jungle tree and waited. Then a UFF bunch would come, they came pretty regularly now that things were changing in favor of the Royalists. The UFF would come and find the road blocked, first the driver of the truck would fall dead. Next a grendage in the back of the pickup would deal serious damage and then LMG fire would eliminate the rest. The last would die by pistols to the head.


Royal Navy SSP
F-88
Near Falkasian Group

The submarine was a leading edge vessel and now she was to put her abilites to the test, a thin mast with a laser sight was extended above the water and painted the Falkasian vessel. The ship was at a distance that was an easy target for her cruise missles to hit.

"Weapons authorized, target cordinates locked in." "good, good." "Conn, sonar. Contacts in the water ,heading for the Falkasian target." "Ahhh, they torpedos?" "yes sir, possible air drop." "Sonar, they are minisubs." "Very well sir." "Alright that is the last distraction, fire."

The ship relased two missles vertically through the water on a burst of air and then the weapons rocket engines ignited and they streaked toward the Falkasian ship skimming the wave tops.

"Sir the Falkasians have a submarine in the vincinity, we should be on the alert." The darkened control room suddenly grew more tense as the men aboard realized the implications of having to fight under water, not that the ship could not handle it but combat should be avoided.

[Falkasia]

Yuri glanced at Nellis and Leila, silently processing what the two said. His face looked almost sad as he returned his glance to the VICE display in front of him, sizing up the developing battle. It was a forlorn cause.

"Yes," Yuri finally said, looking back towards the two. "It will be enough. These marines are the start, but if things go right, thousands more will follow. You have lost the battle Nellis, but the war will be a victory."

He scrolled the map to the Falkasian Carrier, taking in thye unfolding battle as it occured.

"This here is the catalyst, which will propell Falkasia towards war. We were perfectly content on silently helping, but the other powers in the region have desired instead to have us scream support as we beat them to death with it."

Yuri returned the map to Nesselberg before turning away.

"Just watch TV," he said, "and you'll have your answer."

======

The V-25s picked up the oncoming Gripens just in the nick of time, dodging the oncoming missiles with wild maneuvers and completely reckless turns. One of the aircraft, threw itself into an unrecoverable lateral spin. The canopy exploded as the pilot came flying out, shattering the glass as his parachute extended and he drifted down below.

Several missiles found their mark, knocking two V-25s out of the sky. One was severed at the rotodyne, sharply diving towards the ground as hydralic oil spewed from the wound. The severed blade spun off in the direction of the island, splashing down and embedding itself in the shallow sands of the beach. The other took a hit in the rear, buckling the aircraft as it lurched head over heels. Neither hit was pretty, but fortunately both pilots survived at the expense of their aircraft. A crucial loss, considering the carrier was somewhat limited on the amount of aircraft it had.

The surviving V-25s angled back around, taking quick notice of the lagging movements of the Gripens and zeroing in on their attack formation. With all of their missiles expended, it would be a pure dogfight. Close-in, gun-running action.

Krab smiled as he came in from behind one of the Gripens. It was no easy feat pushing his bird to such extremes, but once he was in place, shaking him would be next to impossible. It'd just be a matter of getting rounds on target. He glanced up, taking mental note of the positions of his comrades and their prey, so as to avoid crossing fields of fire. Stray rounds were hell, especially if they hit you.

The Gripen deked left any right, and bobbed up and down. Krab read him easily, copying movements in quick succession and firing off volleys of cannon fire when they leveled out. The tail gave every movement away, not so easy with his own aircraft considering its lack of a rear stabilizer. The bullets streaked wide as Krab let loose another short burst. His VICE began beeping, informing him that his cannon was running low on ammunition.

Concentrating, he took his V-25 through another series of high-G maneuvers. They leveled out, and Krab squeeze the trigger. Several rounds went off before his headset was filled with clicking. It was enough. The rounds knicked the Gripen's tail, shredding much of the top portion into metal confetti.

======

The ship was rocked as severel explosions ruptured the hull of the boat. The Schechtmann was one tough son of a bitch, Ivanov knew, but he was worried about the sailors serving down below inside the ship's tight corridors. Klaxons were buzzing even louder as the initial reports came in. Chaos as well had set in, but Ivanov attempted to keep the situation contained. The bridge was locked down, and evacuations were ordered of the lower boiler room and adjoining reactor corridor. The ship would hold, for now.

Emergency preparations were being made to lighten the ship. The V-20s from below were slowly beign raised to the launch deck in an effort to get them off and into the fight. Despite being transports, each was armed with three crew-mounted miniguns that could lay down serious fire if required. They were also heavy, which would do wonders in rebalancing the ship. Efforts were made to expedite the launch. The faster they were off, the better.

Coffee mugs came flying off crew stations as a huge plume of water shot up to one side of the ship. The boat rocked, lurching back down the otherside. Ivanov was fortunate to have been near a support pylon, lest he would have been thrown across the bridge. Initial reports were coming in, bobmarding the Admiral with information.

Sonar had confirmed at least six distinct signatures in the water, no doubt the offending submarines. Ivanov quickly found his Air Boss amid the throng of personnel.

"Get those V-20s on Maritime Patrol," he shouted into the man's ear. "Find those subs... and make the fuckers surface."

The Air Boss didn't even have time to respond. He was too busy directing the action in the air and on the flight deck. It only took a moment before it was obvious the Admiral's orders had been transmitted. In a last-ditch attempt, the ground crews had dug up depth charges and were tieing them down to the V-20's rear ramp. A simple cut, and they'd be free. Perfect for inaccurate weaponry, but it got the job done.

The ship rocked again, this time as a missile slammed into the bow of the ship. Damage was negligable, resulting in only minor armor penetration and a severe scorch mark on the maritime grey paint scheme. It did however, make them acknowledge that every second could spell disaster.

Ivanov forced himself forward, bracing his hands on consoles as he climbed up to the deck windows. The ship was listing slightly. Barely, but enough to make walking somewhat difficult. He withdrew his binoculars, scanning the horizon.

"No ships in sight," he called, relying the observation to his Watch Officer. He went unacknowledged again, training having taken over the movements of his bridge crew.

He looked down to the deck. Preparations were complete as the first of the V-20s lifted off. All four rotors were powered up, chopping at the air and sending wash out across the deck. It lifted off, all guns blazing. Tracer rounds followed any surviving MiGs, but quickly angled in onto deep shadows underneath the water. Additional turrets on the deck were ablaze with fire, endless streams of red-orange flame spewing from the muzzles of miniguns stopping only sparingly to reload or change out barrels. Ripples in the water traced where the rounds were going. Loud pocks and puffs of smoke spewed forth from the autocannons, taking aim at whatever targets were available. Their casings were blackened by ash and gunpowder. CIWS turrets darted left and right making short work of incoming projectiles, but even they weren't enough to stem the tide.

But what really made Ivanov proud were the few Marines who had stayed onboard, running across the landing deck with assault rifles aimed at the sky. There were maybe six of them who had stayed behind, crowding around each V-20 as it launched. It was a futile effort, but symbolic and essential all the same. They would follow each aircraft to the end of the strip, then turn and sprint back to the next one and repeat. It was remarkable.

The ship lurched again, knocking several of the bridge crew over. Ivanov however remained steadfast, both hands braced against the promenade.

The last V-20 was away, but as it reached the end of the launch and began to gain altitude, a missile struck the rotodyne. The entire left carapace exploded, sending the vehicle into a spiral as the depth charges in the rear joined the fiery tirade. In an instant, the aircraft was severed in half and plummeted to the tropic waters below. An oil slick burned beneath it as it settled. A single survivor, one of the door gunners, crawled on top of the burning wreakage. He was safe, for now. There would be time for rescue later.

The Marines however, had other ideas. Not content with leaving a comrade for dead, they began to repel down the side of the carrier. Using the ship's anchor as a rope, two men made their way slowly down and into the water.

Ivanov was wrested from his daze by the Communications Officer, who began to frantically spatter out what he was recieving.

"Bartlett has been hit! Bartlett has been hit! She's taking water.... HULL BREACH!"

In the next second, there was an eerie calm followed by a massive explosion. Ivanov, along with his crew, jerked their heads to the Bartlett. Half-submerged, only the top half of the boat could be seen. In the same second, the entire ship stopped. Its hull rippled and then buckled, snapping almost in half right down the middle. Dust and gas escaped in the instant.

There was a rush of air, and then the Bartlett was no more. A gigantic fireball consumed the submarine, fracturing it in multiple places. Hull fragments were ejected in every direction, adding to the chaos and destruction which littered the small harbor they were in. Ivanov saw an exposed warhead floating in the water, praying they had deactivated their nuclear missiles.

(More to come. Had to post because my battery is dying, lest I lose everything.)

[Hutanjia]

PRESARIUS PLAZA HOTEL
KENEGA CITY, KENEGA ISLAND

Milton Atave stood up to greet Blakeford, recognizing him from pictures. He wore the type of very stylish Western suit that the Mongoose would've expected. Atave wore an off white nehru jacket and matching suit slacks. He liked the effect and how it contrasted nicely with his fine brown Polynesian skin. He wore wrap around prescription sunglasses. He saw the interplay between Blakeford and his men before he sauntered out to the patio dining area.

"Mr Atave, Blakeford, pleased to meet you. I think you will want an explanation for the heated memo regarding the tragedy at the Parliament building. You see I have heard good things about your agency, your effectiveness and well the attack was seriously undermining my confidence."

"Right to business, Sir Blakeford? I like your style, even if that is very direct and probably misguided."
As Blakeford pulled up a chair to the umbrella shaded table, The Mongoose also retook his seat.
"Hmmm. You have concerns and your nation lost many men, as did mine, in that attack.
The simple answer to your question is that we don't provide security for the military. The military provides security for the military. Our Hutanjian engineers, the mercenaries, your Marines, the Mount Hagenites. All should have had their own guards and patrols on the ball.
So, ultimately, I will cover my rear accordingly." Atave took a sip off an iced tea glass,

"Now, that being said, unofficially, I would take some blame. You and I both know that I most probably and certainly had KHS agents watching the Parliament. Not that they would have been able to react fast enough to such a ludicrously weird episode.
Yes, we tend to keep tabs on all foreigners. And we also are aware of the activity of all known UFF cells in the city. Its easier to let them think they can operate freely, then destroying the cells and have all new ones pop up that you have to track down. Anyway, there was no activity of the UFF cells. None. Not bombing wise, at least. Which means that there are foreigners in our nation that we didn't find out about. Logically, the probability that they are FSIS is high. No proof yet, but we're working on that. So yes, I take responsibility for that on behalf of the KHS.
Now, was there anything else you wanted to pick my brain about? Wait, first, would you like to order some food, a beverage?"

PALACE WAR ROOM, CHASTILLE

General Hespatu hurried in to receive his reports and check on the Falkasian carrier situation and how the Battle for The Pocket was going.
Major Fotona, standing near General Unwerth, gave a wave to Hespatu.
"Sir, I was just about to give a sitrep to General Unwerth about the latest events. Now I can cover two pigeons with one jewel...no, that's not how you Westerners say it, is it?" Hespatu, having attended an American University, winced with the New Edomites.
"Just go on, Major."
"Yes, well, the Falkasian Carrier, the Schechtmann...the attack is going down now. The mini subs are in action and the MIGs are starting their attack runs, as well. We have several hits reported along their hull. They're trying to launch craft before the vessel sinks or is inoperable, we believe. Also, an undiscovered Falkasian submarine seems to have taken the brunt of several of the torpedos meant for the carrier, we annihilated it, but I think it saved the Carrier from a death blow. They got a lot of aircraft off, unfortunately. We are losing contact with the MIG pilots at an alarming rate. They are outdated planes, but still?"

General Hespatu didn't comment on that.
"I know about the Nesselberg front, but why don't you go ahead and tell the General."

"Yes, sir.
The Battle for the Pocket is over. The 7th UFF Regiment has been effectively ended as a fighting force. Yet, the battle for Nesselberg continues along the front. The rebels must have lost at least a third of their strength according to our intel. That's 4,000 men killed or wounded from the Operation Voodoo bombing, follow on artillery barrages and helicopter attacks. We've lost several men along the front, not nearly as drastic, but also helicopter losses to SAMs and anti-aircraft fire.
The ground down remnants of the 1st, 4th and 5th UFF are still holding on tenaciously. Facing them we have the 21st Royal Hut Army Regiment opposite their 1st, the 34th Royal Army Regiment and 8th Royal Hut Marines, both units having taken quite a bit of casualties in the Battle for the Pocket. The Mcnernian Marines are inserting somewhere between the 34th and 21st. The MHPG artillery and support units are moving up on the newly taken ground around Qomplek to engage the 4th UFF. The Uli Regiment, Lambda Company is pressuring the 4th UFF as well, the Uli Zeta Company and General Unwerth...your 21st Lancers are slicing into the 5th UFF holed up along the eastern coast. (The 5th UFF having replaced the 7th's positions) We have hundreds in the POW camp near South Vesselle and may have nabbed a FSIS adviser.
Now, Falkasian fighters are entering the fray and engaging Allied Royal air force elements over the front. They are landing troops on the west coast.

Lastly, the Imperial Allied Free States 'aid' choppers and crews were quarantined at Patagana Air Base in central Nevorn and being returned to their fleet, minus the cargo, which is being inspected as we speak. The IAFS fleet seems to be leaving the area. Maybe a dodged bullet?
That's all for now, sirs."

General Hespatu spoke first, "Very thorough. Take a breath or two next time, Major. Cheers to the crippling of the Falkasian fleet and destruction of the Pocket.
Well, I say if we can follow up the drive and break through the UFF front, the Falkasians will have nothing to reinforce. General Unwerth?"

[New Korongo]

Two helicopters, an AH-6C Cayuse gunship and a UH-1H Iroquois transport helicopter, touched down in a clearing somewhere north west of Fomtwong. The journey had not been entirely uneventful, the other gunship had been lost to anti-aircraft fire around twenty minutes ago. As the soldiers began jumping out of the Iroquois, the pilots of both helicopters shut down their engines bringing the rotors slowly to a halt. Now the quiet rumbling of explosions many kilometres to the north could be heard. “I want everyone to form a line and space out, for all we know the enemy forces could have planted a minefield around us and I do not want our entire force being wiped out by an entire explosion. Harrison, take point.” Sergeant Richard Hawkins said as he loaded a magazine of ammunition into his FN FAL 50.63 battle rifle.

“Understood, taking point Sir.” Private Phillip Harrison replied as he shouldered his FN MAG 10.10 general purpose machine gun and walked south into the jungle. Sergeant Hawkins had placed Private Harrison at the head of the column because he believed that, in the event of an ambush, it would be best to have the most firepower immediately available. The squad of soldiers would push southwards towards the coast and then loop round back to the helicopters, passing through or near Fomtwong in the process depending on the situation. Their objective was to capture an officer of the enemy forces and, if it was difficult to return to the helicopters, interrogate the officer in the field.

In the north of Nesselberg, much closer to the frontline, the artillery crews were moving their heavy equipment south to new positions from which they could continue to provide support. “Move those guns faster, we cannot take all day! Once those guns in place victory is assured, until then the enemy will remain resilient!” Captain Logan Kawena shouted to his men as the pushed the guns over the rubble of Qomplek, his continuous talk of victory was earning him a questionable reputation among the men. Unfortunately it would still take several hours until the guns were moved into their new positions, the now abandoned UFF defences at Qomplek still remained obstacles.

Far to the east of the frontline, off the northern coast of Nevorn Island, a squadron of aircraft were approaching Jotaku Airbase. “This is Lytton Bravo Lead to Jotaku Airbase, my squadron along with three transports are approaching from the north we request permission to land.” Squadron Leader Rebecca Mulligan said over the radio of her F-16C Fighting Falcon multirole fighter to the control tower. It did not take long for the response to come in and all twenty Fighting Falcons which formed her squadron, along with thee C-141C Starlifter transports, soon landed at the airbase. Provincial Guard Commander Nicholas had made the decision to deploy the squadron as the Governor’s decision to support the Eleutherians had effectively given him a free hand to strengthen other operations. The transports had been deployed with a payload of munitions fir the Fighting Falcons as their pylons were laden with external fuel tanks.

[Neu Engollon]

SECRET BASE OF THE ULI-SCHWYZ REGIMENT
MEDITERRANEAN SEA, 1300KM FROM NEU ENGOLLON

Preparations were under way for mobilization of the 3rd Batallion of the Regiment, requested and paid in advance by the Hutanjian Government. At the dock facilities at Scauri, all available logistics personnel and two Companies of the 1st Battalion were working overtime to unload cargo containers as they were unloaded off the several ships that were docking. Shipments of new Saab Gripens, Lyran jets, Diamond Star M-75 ARV-Ts, Kvasir trucks, generators and Helang UAVs and support equipment were coming in. Purchased with some of the money from their last successful contract and the current Hutanjian one, as well as some credit. The Regiment was replacing their lost, damaged and aging vehicles. The new equipment would be serviced, rostered, retrofitted when neccessary and much of it would be secured and shipped overseas with the 3rd Battalion in their perma-lease merchant ships.

Globally, Xavier Marchand and his crew of contracting and recruiting agents worked hard to bring in new hires to the Regiment. There really wasn't a shortage of special ops vets out there, but sifting through to find the right ones that would mesh well with the unit was a bit more difficult. They were sent from the recruiting stations, usually cafes near the closest Neu Engollon consulate to training and integration on the island base.

TRAKANU AIR BASE, NEVORN, HUTANJIA

The base felt deserted as a skeleton crew worked to maintain the facilities for the new incoming Uli arrivals they expected in the next few days. Many of the former Uli residents were in action or in transit to Nesselberg, including the bulk of the Uli Regiment Air Wing. Captain Kruetz was left in charge by Major Van Aardel, currently in the capital. Lt. Col. Galien, their commanding officer was in Vesselle, with the rest of the command staff of the 2nd Bat., Uli Regiment.

NW NESSELBERG, HUTANJIA
OVER THE FNS SCHECHTMANN

The Gripens fought hard to shake their pursuers who only seconds ago had been their prey. Captain Rudolf's fighter stalled out when he tried to shake his Falkasian V-25 chaser. He ejected out and prepared for a wet landing. His right wing man had his tail shot to pieces by its V-25 opposite, the canopy malfunctioned, trapping the pilot in to his fate. He went down with the plane as it nosed into the drink around the chaos that enveloped the Falkasian Carrier.
The last Gripen fighter of Crimson Flight banked hard and down and shook his pursuer. He made a beeline for Vesselle and the safety of AA, SAMs and other Allied aircraft.

Alerted and retasked, Black and Aqua Flights broke off from the main dogfight over the central Nesselberg front lines to avenge their fallen comrades. Larger than the recon Crimson Flight, Black Flight consisted of 6 more JAS 39 Gripens, while Aqua was a group of 6 LY908 'Warhawk' Strike Fighter/Interceptors. The 12 Uli fighters hit afterburners to catch up to the Falkasian V-25s that pursued Crimson.

[McNernia]

Presarius Plaza Hotel
Kenga City
Kenga Island

Blakeford asked a waiter to get him a root beer. "I know you would have KHS people watching a place as valuble as the barracks, my man on Nevorn saw a van speeding through the city streets before and then after the bombing of Parliament Barracks. He later spoke to the fruit vendor whose van delivered the charge, mounted on a manniquein in Huntanjian faituges according to the reports of surviving Marines. The FSIS should be something an agency like yours could handle."

Blakeford reached for the case he had brought with him. "The name Charles Nellis is not unknown to me, Atave, he gave several lectures at Griffindon Central Colledge praising Mcnernias system of government. He is a man who the Royal Constabulary placed on their watch list after leading a leftist rally in support of the policies of the late Barbra Malloy the disgraced Prime Minister." he pulled opent the case and removed a file, "here is a copy of the doisser we have, it should help. Id Like to know what resources you might need from me, SAT support, air support, Loans for the military and advisors to train, I can arrange it with Lord Mathers the Defense Minister, Also I have an Special Boat Service team in Nessellburg around Fotomwong, they killed three cadres."


Near Falkasian Carrier
MRS F-88

The downing of the Gripens had not gone unoticed. The Mcnernian submarine had mangaged to evade the Falkasian depth charges. The captian had neglected to synch with the satilite guided systems that would have made the shot much easier, the Laser targeting mast would have to be checked over soon enough but now the ship had another duty to preoform. They waited for the

That night , surface running the ship made its way back to the shoot down zone, she was painted black as many submarines were, two sailors were on the deck to spot the aviators in the water. When the aviators were spotted, the dinghies were launched. A few sailors in life jackets went out and and dragged the men into the RHIBs. They then turned back to the ship and offloaded the pilots and stowed the dinghies.

The two Schwyzers would be treated well, they were not prisioners. They would be examined by the corman on duty and given dry faituges to wear instead of their sopping flight suits. The ship soon dove, the captian came to see them, "How are you feeling?"

Royal Navy Air Operations
Over Vesselle

Hammer flight consisted of Dobbs Jones and Tyler. They were crack pilots and they were confident in their abilites, Oracle one had the tilt rotors on the radar. They were meant for air to air combat it seemed due to the fact that they were heading in towards the Illusions, a tiltrotor would have to be similar to a gunship or something, they would have to be well manned.

The tiltrotors would get a signature compareable to a UAV. The Illusions RAM coating and composite construction accounted for the reduced signature. The targeting systems were slaved the HMDS each pilot was equipped with. The Illusions could launch missles when they were not lined up with the target head on, that would be an asset with these bastards who manuvered like nobodies business.

When the V-25s lit the Illusions HMDS a volley of mid range missles was launched, the jets then broke formation to keep the tilt rotors guessing at the location of their foes. The pilots had been trained to kill things like gunships and well , the tilt rotors would not be much different. They hoped.


Hammer flight was not the only unit in the air that day, Wraith Flight was flying low over the jungle, deck work. They were another illusion group ,tasked with destruction of the Falkasian airstrip. Kill that, put it out of commision and find a way to deal with the fucking tiltrotors tha that tore into the Schwyz group things were expected to be hot. "Radars active and be ready for V-25s" "Roger that." "Aye sir."

The air strip was soon on their radars. "Stand by, arm weapons." The aircraft armed their standoff weapons. Heavy weapons to crater the runway and make the Falkasians think twice about dealing with the Royal Navy in such a manner. The whole of the alliance for that matter, "Fire." The aircraft launced their standoff weapons and broke for home.


Southern Nessellburg
SBS Alpha 23
Somewhere near Fotomwong

The mission would soon have an overwatch, a SAC RF-95 Wraith, based off the Blackbird but a better aircraft, just what the doctor ordered for a team that was deep in enemy territory and moving in on another hit. They had taken an odd enjoyment in this little game of fighting and hiding from the Cadres, the UFF was starting to panic as they got reports. The night soon fell as the men settled in for a time as they watched another villiage. This one also had a cadre, a man who was not your average preacher of the Marxist way, he seemed more of a man who was of perhaps a meerly democratic way.

The mans methods were new to the SBS but well that made him more of a target to be handed to the KHS for interrogation and questioning. This one was a bit different he was younger, maybe a replacement. The SBS had watched for a day and a night, about 200 hours on the morning of the second day the men struck. They used the usual tactic for most cadres lived outside the villiage on a trail, well worn leading into the jungle, possibly to recive the arms shipments and wounded personnel. The men surrounded the house to prevent anyone entering. The radio of the team leader crackled. "Reaper team this is Archangel, on station and all is clear from up here."

"Good, if any patrols come by advise immeadiately over?" "Yes, orders are bag the cadre and proceed south to extraction, helicopter will pick up the cadre continue on mission." "Rodger". The SBS had practiced this sort of thing ,now it was a thing that they did every night, now it would be a bit different. The team leader and his second opened the door slowly and drew their pistols. They had night vision goggles down and masks on, the cadre lived alone. No family to worry about covering. The men moved in silently placing a sack over the sleeping mans head and then binding his hands. The man woke up and began to struggle but the men silenced him with a sharp seditive jab to the neck.

The extraction point was farther to the north, back towards the front, it had been hard to move with the prisioner but the men manged to stay off the roads and out of the prying eyes of the UFF, there was a transmission Archangel had picked up it was Russian, that was not good, it meant the Falkasians were out and about and there was word that Falkasian Marines might make their way to the front. "Archangel this is Reaper, we have a package for you" An NH-90 specially modified for the SF Support roll had arrived, it hovered in the clearing as the ramp was lowered, another SBS unit came down the ramp from the helicopter, the men formed a perimeter for the prisioner transfer, as much as Reaper team wanted to go home they had a mission to complete.

The helocopter came down onto the roof of the KHS HQ, the running lights were engaged as soon as the crew had a visual on the city lights. The Red and blue roundels of the Royal Navy would be well lit up. The prisioner would be turned over the KHS for interrogation.


Vasselle Front
Mcnernian Sector

The Mcnernians were well dug in, with de facto air superiority they could rest easy, the AAA and M9 SAMs were still manned over the trenchs the Mcnernians had dug was tarps to keep off the rain, the jungle was like that. The battalion sized force had been set up in support of the 21st Hutanjian regiment, they had artillery wich was the most active part of the unit sent in support, the attached AT-25s were also proving to be an asset, and with the Hutanjian Army being good and professional the artillery, YrC9 155mm were being put to good use, their shells saving the Hutanjians from many an ambush.

The call came in to the big machines ,barrels yawned into the cool morning air as gunners from the Royal Marines manned the war machines. " 50 degrees, Willy peter, delay impact fuse." "Aye sir". "Double powder lads and step on it." The Hutanjian officers voice came back over the raido , he sounded panicked. "Lt one is on the way." "Firing". The gun banged and a shell howled into the air. The impact would be devestating as WP was rained down.

A Marine patrol from the 7th Company was out in the jungle, the men were airmobile but they were forced to move about on foot to hunt the UFF, the patrols were on foot, day gear through the brush. A man with a metal detector went first to detect any IEDs or other devices that the UFF would place in their path. Air superiority was not much of a problem to the men on the ground, when they were now trudging rifles at the ready to their possible deaths at the hands of well armed insurgents. The men all had family of some kind and well they were out here for their country.

[New Korongo]

“Lytton Bravo Lead to Jotaku Airbase, our squadron is about to take off so please keep the northern runway clear for us.” Squadron Leader Rebecca Mulligan announced over the radio as she went through the pre-flight checklist in her head. Two minutes passed before she finally switched on the General Electric turbofan and taxied onto the runway. Once the F-16C Fighting Falcon was lined up with the runway she jammed the throttle to full and the aircraft slowly picked up speed, soon it reached take off speed and rushed into the sky. Following her aircraft was another nineteen fully loaded Fighting Falcons, the rest of Lytton Bravo Squadron.

“Lytton Bravo Lead to Lytton Bravo Squadron. Remember that we are providing close air support to troops fighting in Nesselberg, nothing more. If you see a hostile fighter aircraft in the sky, do not attempt to enter a dogfight with it. High priority targets for this mission include enemy surface to air missile batteries, anti-tank positions and bunkers. Be careful where you drop your bombs, we do not want friendly casualties in the blast zone. If you are in doubt, use your cannon or rockets to attack the target.” Squadron Leader Mulligan spoke over the radio, this time to the other pilots of her squadron, reminding them what to do in the operational area. Once all aircraft had taken off from the runway they accelerated to a speed just short of the speed of sound and flew towards Nesselberg.

The mission assigned to Lytton Bravo Squadron was to provide close air support to allied ground units currently fighting the UFF near the recently captured village of Qomplek. For the mission each of the Fighting Falcons was equipped with four GBU-12 Paveway II laser guided bombs, two AIM-9M Sidewinder short range air to air missiles, two Sargent Fletcher drop tanks, two LAU-61 pods carrying thirty eight Hydra 70 unguided rockets and a single AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod. Napalm and other incendiary weapons had been considered for the mission but deemed to dangerous in the close air support role as the fire could easily spread in the jungle.

[Hutanjia]

PRESARIUS PLAZA HOTEL
KENEGA CITY, KENEGA

The Mongoose sat in silence, a steely look on his face as he listened to Blakeford. He took another sip of his ice tea and watched out of the corner of his eye as a skimpily bikini clad Scandinavian tourist rose slowly out of the pool.

"The FSIS is not an easy situation to handle, for sure. At least, not up until now. Now that there are more direct hostilities, we don't have as much of a hands off policy dictated to us. The chains are now off, I guess you could say. We know about your SBS teams. Really, the KHS Special Teams are working almost in tandem with them at this point. Between them, your SBS and now the MHPG special operators they landed in the South - The Royalists should be making quick work of any cadres in the villages and many of their UFF patrols out in the open. We will have the North and the South end, they can have the rotting center."

Atave stopped and massaged his head. He pulled the RIA dossier on Nellis over to him, but didn't open it. He tapped on the folder.
"I probably know every word in here. Long before this revolution, we've had Doctor Charles Nellis in our sights. I've been almost obsessive about learning about that man."
He leaned back, "Do you know that part of the reason I invited you here, to this island, has to do with Nellis. As you know, he is not a native born Hutanjian. In fact, he's Kenegan."
Atave waved casually to the East, "He was born just 40 kilometers from here, in a village called Marousha. I've walked through that village many times. Forty eight years ago, as a young man, he left a then undeveloped Kenega to find prosperity on our shores.
Ironic, isn't it? He becomes successful thanks to Hutanjia, now he's trying to take away our prosperity. The people that helped make him great. I find that ludicrously funny. Then he did all those speaking tours, like at your College. Wrote books, talked of the poverty of the Hutanjian common people. Tell me, what does he know about being common or living in poverty? Nothing, I tell you. Hrmmm."

He stopped to sip more tea. He wished for something stiffer, but one needed sharp senses in situations such as this.

"The bombing info is instructive. I will follow up on that. We will indeed accept the offer of loans, but that may be up to the King and Vobatu. Satellite access is essential. Continued air support, also. The war is entering an interesting phase. On one hand, the ground war may become sedate, with the UFF scattering and going underground on Nesselberg. This may be the last of the major land battles, at least between Hutanjian forces. Things may be escalating to a different scale when it comes to naval and air engagements, though. There is a major air battle going on right now over Nesselberg. I think this will actually become more commonplace.
We need more arms, more money and info on how to defeat the Falkasians. Can you help us on this?"


THE PALACE
CHASTILLE, NEVORN, HUTANJIA

King Popilu was being pulled apart by his children. It had started with a game he didn't understand and now it had devolved to this. He was being pulled asunder like a wishbone as they screamed with delight.
Horatio Vobatu entered the King's work office and tried hard to fight down the laughter that threatened to come up.
The Queen came to his aid. She gently pulled the children away and shooed them out of the room, following behind them.
"I need a drink, Horatio."
"Yes, your highness."
The King sensing the serious matter and urgency that Vobatu came with, went to his mini bar and fixed himself a scotch on the rocks rather than wait for help.
"What brings you in here now, Horatio?"
"Well, your highness, there's always a multitude of matters to discuss these days..."
"Yes, don't I know it."
"Well, I've been thinking. The New Edomites are increasing their commitment, but maybe we can nudge that a bit farther. Just an official communique, letting them know we sympathize with them and their recent troubles back home. That we stand by them as they stand by us. You know, sir, they had a civil war. The affair with the Cookish States and all."
"Yes, it got to be quite an ugly regional dispute from what I understand."
"Ugly indeed, your highness. They may be losing their taste for conflict after that. War exhaustion setting in. We need to push them back on the war path for our cause. Convince them that some more fighting is worth it for the moral imperative."
Popilu sipped his scotch, "Write up a draft and I will add what I feel I need to, Horatio."
"Yes, your highness."

[The UFF of Hutanjia]

TEMPORARY PRISONER DETENTION
MOSSVIEW PARK, SOUTH END OF VESSELLE
NESSELBERG, HUTANJIA

Hundreds of UFF rebels sat in groups or wandered from one end of the concertina barrier to the other. Some of them had played on these same football fields when they played for Hutanjian club teams in years past. Now it was their prison. There was no energy for playing football or anything else now. Many hadn't eaten in days. Rebel supplies along with food had barely trickled to the front. Now their captors didn't seemed concerned with feeding them either.
Occasional well armed groups of KHS Special troops entered the barbed wire circle with buckets, empty ones for waste, ones filled with some soupy gruel substance. No cups, bowls or utensils were provided. Then the water buckets. Oily, cloudy water. Rather than bring life back to them, the camp rations were killing them further. Men crapped themselves to death with dysentery. Conditions were beyond worse.
Foreign correspondents were shooed away with first warnings. If they didn't learn, they were liable to disappear after their second attempts at photographing or filming.
Apart from the men of the 1st, 4th, and 5th UFF Regiments sat groups of survivors of the 7th. They looked the most truly like walking dead. They all tended to stare glassy eyed. They didn't join the scuffles for control of the buckets once the KHS guards left. They just rolled there, listlessly. Ilyich Voroshnev had tried to put a fire under his former 'students' and comrades in arms, but it was no use. They were a lost cause. Except for his constant companion, Sergeant Lonnie Cogulu, who stood by his FSIS adviser and was his silent guardian angel. Just like during the Battle for the Pocket.
Cogulu had scrounged food for them, not the bucket gruel, but traded rations. He didn't offer as to how he'd acquired them and Voroshnev didn't ask.
It was Lonnie who had helped him to lather up with mud to cover his light Falkasian skin. So far, that ruse had worked, but he didn't know for how much longer. He looked at the ground and tried to mimic the island stature when the KHS interrogators trolled around. They were slowly making their way through everyone who looked important. The officers were disappearing fast. Eventually, they would just start processing the rebel prisoners en masse. Then Ilyich was in trouble. Once the KHS realized who they had, he was doomed. He would live a short number of very torturous days.
He needed a plan bad. Mass breakout was Plan A and that was off the table with these zombies.

FALKASIAN CAMP
CENTRAL NESSELBERG, HUTANJIA

Nellis and his minder and aide, Leila, watched the screen. He pondered what Yuri had said.

I have not lost hope. We were ready to invade Nevorn and now here we are. Can we get Nesselberg back? His life's work and his cause were now in this man, and all the Falkasians' hands. We need these masses of Falkasian troops yesterday. Better late than never. I must remember it's not their fault they had to tiptoe around up until now. We can turn this around if the people keep believing.

On the screen, planes and missiles filled the skies and men, now of all colors, flung death at each other at alarming speeds. They could not turn away.