Semper Victorium [Open, MT, IC]

[Repulaea]

Utorian Line
Operation: Novina

At dawn, it had begun. The largest ground offensive of the war involving nine COSPN divisions composed of some 100,000 ground troops. Operation: Novina, as it was called, opened up with a campaign of vicious air to ground violence against the thousands of East Gavran troops entrenched in their sturdy defenses. EB-4B Tantalus bombers under the 4th TAC initiated a brutal resurgence of strategic bombing that had not been seen since it was suspended. Fighter bombers hunted down everything on the ground, leaving nothing for the enemy to use in an escape effort. Trucks, tanks and even abandoned cars were targeted by fighters and drones to minimize the enemy's chance of escape. Bridges to the enemy's north were left mostly intact to allow COSPN ground forces to advance while all bridges to their rear and flanks were targeted. Roadways were bogged with craters, airfields were torn apart, helipads were demolished, train tracks were annihilated and even the rivers were being mined by support aircraft from C.R.S. Eternity's CVNF-667 squadron. The last was the most dangerous job to carry out. By the time ground combat initiated, two NV-70C Castaways had been lost while trying to mine the rivers adjacent to the enemy's route of escape.

Despite the dangers, the air attack seemed to be the most effective of the war. Air cover in the operational zone was sealed tight as COSPN aircraft pounded the enemy forces for nearly 38 hours before ground contact. Then, at 05:00, IX Corps poured across the line under a blanket of artillery, rockets and cruise missile from from behind them. The air around the combat zone was literally pitch black for miles, presenting a scene of destruction that had not yet been seen in the conflict. East Gavran ground concentrations were targeted for total obliteration, not just disablement. For the first time in the war, other COSPN nations were contributing large numbers of troops in heading a frontline attack. Only four of the nine divisions were Repulaean, the rest belonging to mostly Euneia or Serany. Silvioni troops were mostly committed for auxiliary purposes during the initial attack, hoping to bring their offensive units in later on. However, Silvioni fighter jets clouded the skies over the northeastern sectors, giving Euneian troops a clear line of advance under stringent air cover. Overall, it was an effective multilateral effort that would surely throw the enemy a deadly curve ball. There was little way the enemy could respond effectively and quickly before taking terrible loses.

The goal of Operation: Novina was to "entrap and encircle" East Gavran forces at the Utorian Line. By doing so, the bulk of East Gavran resistance would be crushed and opposition on the route to their capital would be significantly lessened. To accomplish this goal, COSPN forces pincered to the southeast and southwest, squeezing the massive Gavran garrison into a small wedge from which small pieces could be chopped until the enemy was diminished. When the pincers met after just 8 hours of ground combat, the COSPN forces now circled a smoldering, burning heap of destruction in which thousands of Gavran troops still remained, battered, broken but undefeated. Now began the long, bloody process of uprooting what Gavrans were left by saturating the area with airstrikes and artillery. Until the enemy forces were either destroyed or surrendered, COSPN would relentlessly rain bombs, rockets, missiles and shells upon the area. Several times an appeal was made to the chief Gavran commander demanding a surrender of all Gavran forces within the area. Thus far, COSPN Command was still awaiting a response. If this operation were to succeed in full, there would be little hope for a viable conventional resistance by the East Gavran military. Shamefully, however, the civilian cassualty rate had soared far past expected figures, leaving hundreds dead and thousands more homeless. It was the worst number of civilian losses by Repulaean hands in the whole conflict. And there was still much more to come from Operation: Novina.

[East Gavra]

I assume Mallaska has TGed you about our activity.

Utorian Line

The lightning-quick attack by Repulaea had taken a large toll on the East Gavran military forces on the Line. Several times were the standing officers in the area requested to surrender, however refused. The East Gavrans attempted to break the massive assault by unleashing its majority of bombers, which were flown from Keymoa, to bomb the enemy in retaliation. Twenty-four Tu-22Ms and even more escorts lifted off at 5:00 AM the morning of the attack, using all known intel on interceptor tactics to evade detection. The Tu-22s managed to bomb several sections of the Repulaean attack, giving a narrow escape route to the surviving ground forces to retreat and reform a defensive line with help from Keymoan and Central Gavran military units stationed at the location, much better equipped than the East Gavrans.

Mines claimed many lives attempting to escape through the routes that were not broken by bombers. Over 90,000 East Gavrans were killed in the assault, however more poured in to assist. Thanks to allied help, the East Gavrans would hold united. The East Gavran forces, instead of standard fighting techniques, utilized guerilla tactics meant to disrupt the large numbers of enemies. The massive displacement and death of civilians incited resistance, and many citizens were told to shoot enemies themselves. Commanders realized a conventional war would not succeed, and now considered the deployment of chemical agents against the enemy as a retaliation for the loss of so many East Gavrans.

[Mallaska]

Port Utoria/Utorian Line

Mallaskan forces had risen in number greatly since the landing, nearly doubled since boots first touched sand. However, this force was somewhat derelict. It had come time to conduct an operation in support of Operation Novina. The Army 5th Armoured Division, famous for its usage of the state-of-the-art LY9/M22 Dire Wolf MBT and LY224 Sorcha HIFV, was to be the spearhead of the push to stamp out the East Gavrans and their allied protectors. The Mallaskan offensive would now heavily rely on tank-lead Blitzkrieg-style attacks on enemy lines. The Federal Army had a particularly strong force of tanks, mainly thanks to the 5th AAD. The Federal Navy, in support of this, deployed carrier-modified F-3 Falcons and F-2 Tigersharks to comb the skies to prevent further enemy bombings.

The Mallaskan campaign would be focussed on splitting up the strong lines of enemies, surrounding each of the broken up lines individually for elimination. Mallaskan F-111s were given a break from operations, commanders seeing the stress placed on the airframes and crews from long and frequent sorties into enemy territory. In place of heavy bombing, Navy FA-2 Wardogs and cruise missiles would perform quick strikes on enemy formations. The 2nd Marine Artillery Division also supported the lack of bombing, making mobile barrages from LY7/366 Lammasu SPGs. The Mallaskan troops would rely on swift, powerful attacks instead of the usual "Destroy everything" strategy used at the landing, costing the lives of many civilians.

The new LY83 Fox 4x4s, which replaced the Land Rover Defender, allowed the infantry to remain a still powerful force. The Federal Marines used many of them in operations to disrupt enemy logistics and behind-the-wire support operations, much like British SAS Jeeps in WW2, they were heavily armed, most stripped down and mounted with multiple machineguns and then a mounted explosive weapon such as the Mk 19 Grenade Launcher or sometimes a Breda Folgore Recoilless Rifle. The vehicles were dropped in small numbers with a small unit of Marines via C-74XX Super Carly STOL cargo aircraft and extracted by CH-46 Sea Knights always under escort by attack helicopters or fighters. The operations were also dangerous, both for the operators and the pilots of the aircraft deploying or extracting them. Two C-74s and three CH-46s were lost to these operations, but the raids helped disrupt enemy logistics long enough for Mallaskan forces to strike.

[Keymoa]

Utorian Line

The vicious swift campaign made by the enemy was heavily taxing on forces from Central and East Gavra and Keymoa alike. East Gavran forces reported being "Boxed-in" and other forces reported swift attacks by Mallaskan armoured units with strength unseen before, along with a change in aerial strategy. This lightning-fast change in the status quo had shocked the Gavran side, fearing the battle for Port Utoria may be lost. However, with more Keymoan and Central Gavran forces deploying to the battlefield each day via secure airdop and local recruitment, the Gavran Coalition might be capable of a last-ditch effort at repelling the enemy strategy. At exactly 2:00 AM a large swarm of Keymoan fighters, bombers, attack aircraft, and any other aircraft in the Keymoan and Central Gavran fleets launched a major aerial offensive in attempts to knock out advancing ground formations, primarily those surrounding the East Gavrans. At 1:30 AM over 100,000 Keymoan and Central Gavran troops launched a swift blitzkrieg-style offensive in the attempts to break the East Gavrans free. This war had turned to one of mobility, not brute strength.

The attacks had managed to break the East Gavrans an escape route large enough to extract the remaining East Gavran forces into a capable defensive unit once more. Many of the surviving East Gavrans were malnourished, a result of being cut off for some time. The attack also killed about 98,000 East Gavrans, effectively halving the number of allies to defend. The attack also had targetted several enemy mobile units, knocking out a fair number of enemy vehicles and troops.

[Repulaea]

Utorian Line

Operation: Novina had succeeded far beyond the hopes of any military strategist, but the cost to the enemy staggered even the perpetrators at COSPN headquarters. Nearly 400 civilians had been killed with over 90,000 East Gavran casualties. This completely overshadowed the fact that several thousand enemy fighters were able to escape. The death toll was atrociously lopsided. Though two weeks of fighting had left nearly 2,000 Repulaean casualties, it was a soaring military victory. An additional 305 Euneians, 162 Serans, and 18 Silvioni had also died. The majority of the Repulaean deaths were caused by a daring air raid by enemy bombers that targeted a key segment of the northern flank. Still, likely few of those bombers returned to their bases with the strength of COSPN's air shield being so high. It was the costliest period of military combat for Repulaea of the entire war and it had not yet seen its total end.

The Keymoan counterattack was swift but foolish. It was launched much too late. Though they were able to free many Gavrans from the jaws of surrender, coalition forces were now in a position to better handle a ground attack. The combined retaliation was brutal and horrendous. However, the enemy air effort was nothing more than a waste. By now, coalition forces had established a firm air dominance. With the Repulaean quick reaction system in place, fighters could be dispatched at a moment's notice to render the enemy's air arm useless. Though efforts on the ground still hung in a loose balance, the enemy's air power was certain to deteriorate very soon.

The past few weeks of the East Gavran invasion had taken a terrible toll on both sides. Civilian loses were now soaring as the gargantuan land battle could no longer be contained as it was on Mira. As the enemy slowly reeled, the battle lines stretched ever thinner, more and more Gavrans joining the ranks of militia forces. To combat this final surge of enemy resistance, the President, at the request of General Marcer, authorized startegic bombing of Keymoa. At last, the instigators of this bloody conflict would taste wrath of the newly deployed 2nd TAC, comprised of the 18th Air Force and the 23rd Bomber Command, the largest air contingent deployed in the war thus far. Factories, munitions depots, military instillation and vital communications or infrastructure points were all targeted with brutal efficiency all over Keymoa, effectively ending the need for a drone campaign over that country. Thus, all forward deployed drones were dispatched to the north to help in the effort against Central Gavran air bases and supply depots.

The atrocity of the East Gavran invasion had changed the war. It saw a level of death that had not been seen in Repulaean warfare in decades. The enemy had escalated it and Repulaea, therefore, planned to end it. Soon, more support was coming from home in the form of a unwanted but much needed bill.


Ancot, Repulaea
Presidential Estate

"It passed." came a voice. "We had a majority, just barely though. Nine votes, sir. Just nine."

"Mr. Kelvin," began President Tannas, addressing his chief of staff. "We could have won all the votes in Congress and I'd still feel no better about it. It's the first conscription act since 1972 and the fourth in national history. Jesus, I hadn't even..."

"Sir," interjected Defense Minister Cane. "These past few weeks have changed the very fabric of the war. The enemy is using his last giant masses of manpower and hurling it all at us in an attempt to throw us back to the beach. I mean, Christ, our men are fighting children over there! We'll win, but a long term effort in the region calls for men in uniform. No one wants it but everyone needs it."

"I know, Alex." said Tannas, rubbing his neck. "He's right, gentlemen." He turned to his staff. "When we sum up the cost of this, what does it come to? How many more Repulaeans and Mallaskans and Euneians and Serans and Silvioni? Hm? How many more?" He stood up, a fiery look in his eyes conveying a rejuvenation that no one had seen since the war began. The President was back. "When we sum up the cost, do you know what it must amount to? Liberty. That's what it comes down to. I've sent my people to die so that others may yet live. The Gavrans are ignorant of what it means to be free from the thralldom of those damn dictators. We must not let them weather the storm alone. They must know that we have their backs until the end. The Camran States too must live in freedom, so help me God. That's why my boys die." A barely visible tear streaked down his cheek. It was almost non-existent it was so invisible, but it was there. "That's why my boys die over there. And if I can sacrifice one more boy or a hundred more to save that God-forsaken part of the world and secure our freedoms, then I'll do it. That's why there's a draft. That's why we fight. That's why there's hope. That's why we'll win."


Sierra Company, 4th Battalion, 120th RCR

Ron Mattius was an old man. Not only did he feel old, at twenty, but he was old. The fiber of his very being was old. Sierra company sat aloft behind the lines back at Port Utoria, assigned to guarding the docks. Their loses had been high during the fighting on the Line. Thirty-five men had fallen, twenty-one of whom died. Among the most memorable of their dead was Lt. John Pettin, Mattius' platoon commander. His guitar remained untouched as Mattius found it in the same place the Lt. had left it before deploying to the Line. He could not help but weep upon that sight.

Aside from receiving a battlefield commission to second lieutenant, as a replacement for his platoon's vacant commanding officer position, Ron Mattius found out, shortly after returning to Port Utoria, that he had been slated to receive the Catican Legion, Repulaea's highest military decoration. The King himself would confer this great honor upon Mattius who was to return home for a week's liberty. He would be the first recipient of his award of the entire conflict. During the fighting, Mattius eliminated three enemy defensive positions in a small town south of the Line. In the process, he dragged two wounded Repulaeans to safety and recovered a Mallaskan trooper who had lost his leg not far from Mattius' position. He called this action "small time" compared to the heroes with whom he served, but gladly took the liberty his men knew he deserved. Though he was torn apart to leave Sierra, he couldn't hide the joy or the tears. Before leaving, a farewell party was held on the bombed out docks of Port Utoria and a toast to the fallen brought upon a final bout of weeping from all. Mattius took Pettin's old guitar with him, intending to give it to Pettin's mother upon his return to Repulaea.

As he crossed the channel back to Mira, Ron noticed a mass offloading of troops and supplies that he surmised was from the newly deployed V Corps, increasing Repulaea's troops count in the region to just over 200,000 personnel. But that was all behind him as he exchanged transport planes on Mira and headed for home, Pettin's guitar still clenched firmly in his hand the whole way.

[East Gavra]

Utorian Line

Conditions for the East Gavrans were desperate, starting to remind leaders of the desperation during the Battle of Markoh. There was little the East Gavrans could do to secure a foothold. Logistical lines and other strategically important things were often disrupted by frequent swift attacks by Mallaskan "Cheetah Forces", named for which the speed the small units attack and withdraw before they could be dispatched. On the main battle lines things were just as worst, constantly battered by enemy assault and disrupted due to enemy attacks on replenishment units. It was known that the men had little chance of holding the line, thus high command ordered the men to perform a fighting retreat to Kemmonabative, one of the few places with an effective air-defense system in place.

[Keymoa]

Utorian Line

Keymoan commanders saw East Gavra as a lost cause. Little reason left to have thousands of troops fighting a losing battle. After an East Gavran decision to withdraw their remaining forces to their capital, Keymoa withdrew the remaining forces it had in East Gavra. A long ground withdraw to Central Gavra loaded the Keymoans up to return to defend Keymoa. Over 3,000 Keymoans were lost in the useless cause, and commanders vowed that it wouldn't happen again.

Keymoa

Repulaean strategic strikes on Keymoan military assets had annoyed Menla Keev greatly. Thankfully, Keymoa itself had a large contingent of newer LY908As and LY909As to defend the skies, rather than the outdated Mig-29s deployed in the East Gavran campaign. The new fighters were quick and easily a match for what the enemy could throw. Thankfully, Keymoa also maintained high numbers, allowing large 36-ship patrols flying over Keymoa 24/7, as well as a new air-defence system in place called KHAD, using making an effective mesh of SAMs capable of striking enemy aircraft if fighters cannot. Lastly, the powerful Keymoan Navy now defended the waters in mass. Armed with the newest cruise missiles, they were an easy match for an invasion force. As retaliation for the strategic bombings, remaining old Tu-22Ms began precision strikes on enemy naval ships, in particular fleets just arriving. Keymoa would be ready for the assault, no matter what.

[Mallaska]

Utorian Line

The Mallaskan Hit-and-run strategy, now named Operation Static, had proven far more effective at breaking up enemy battle lines and battlefield essentials than any commander had projected. However, with the East Gavrans retreated and Keymoans withdrawn, commanders had to react quickly to swiftly strike Kemmonabative. Reinforcements from the 3rd Marine Division had landed at Utoria on April 2nd in preparation to advance upon the enemy capital. The Federal Air Force was also not derelict during this time, establishing a makeshift FOB from a municipal airport near Port Utoria which had received only minor damage. The F-111 Aardvarks suspended from operations for a short time for crew recovery were now reactivated and operating from the FOB, however were not yet permitted to bomb Kemmonabative until SAM defenses were down.

The Federal Air Force was now committed to dismantling the remaining SAM defenses in the nation before heavy bombing could commence. On the night of April 3rd, the Air Force launched stealth SEAD raids on enemy SAM locations. Utilizing F-1 Warhawk stealth fighters, outfitted with proper SEAD payloads, several SAM locations were destroyed in the process, however at the cost of three F-1s and their pilots, however with SAM defenses temporarily knocked out, FA-2 Wardog attack aircraft were able to perform quick strikes on targets in Kemmonabative, also losing three FA-2s and their pilots. ER-1 Global Eye AEW aircraft in the meantime spent long periods of time collecting information of enemy formations in the city, allowing for SEAD aircraft to carry out more effective raids on enemy air defenses. The Mallaskan Air Force took full advantage of complete air supremacy to soften up East Gavran targets before the ground forces would arrive.

The Federal Navy, however, remained at Port Utoria, never bothering to move even a single ship closer to Kemmonabative. They had a more important task: Keeping supplies and troops flowing. While an armada of logistical vessels slaved supplies to Port Utoria, the combat vessels remained like a stone wall to protect the vital port. Commanders knew what a real threat the Keymoan Navy posed to the Coalition fleets, and would not risk a single vessel in order to keep the vital supply lines secure.

[East Gavra]

Kemmonabative
East Gavra

The Mallaskan SEAD raids upon East Gavra's remaining air defenses were crippling to the sheild of air defence above the tense city. Quick precision strikes left many significant assets in the city damaged or destroyed, and the East Gavrans prepared for the worst. Every citizen of some fighting condition was issued a firearm and ammunition to prepare to resist occupation to the last man, most citizens given a simple Makarov PM or Simonov SKS. A stockpile of munitions were also stored in the city, however were to be used as traps for oncoming enemies.

There were few military vehicles in a usable condition located in the city, troops often took control of rag-tag technicals, bearing a wide array of armaments from LMGs to recoilless rifles. Machinegun emplacements were at every corner of every street, and the city was tense for the almost certain invasion. Reinforcements from Camp Gestow in the west had reinforced the city with fresh troops and equipment, however it was ravaged by massive losses of morale, but were determined tohold the city at all cost to the last life.

Leader's Estate, Kemmonabative
East Gavra

High Leader Lestrav Myres looked out of the window of his estate to the silent tense streets of Kemmonabative. Platoons of ragtag soldiers and citizen militia members worked furiously at making defenses in the city anywhere they could be made. Technicals could be seen rolling down these silent roads, followed by cars ferrying ammunition and food across the city. Myres was in despair, seeing his nation reduced to futile militia-styled defensive tactics. His advisors had requested he leave the city, however he said he wished to stay.

A knock on his door was his advisors and bodyguards, coming to finalize his decision.

"Sir, will you be staying?" One advisor asked as he hastily walked into the Leader's office.

"Of course. If the people of my nation are to fall, I shall to. I will stay as a captain goes with his ship. I am no coward, and I will defend this city like every other great person loyal to this banner. We've come this far, and I will not be the only person to be enough of a coward not to atleast try to defend what I started, and if you have any sense and loyalty you'll stay too." Myres replied, his advisors not saying another word.

One bodyguard removed a Makarov PM from his holster and several magazines from a pocket in his vest and placed them upon the desk of the leader. Another unslung n AKMS from his back and removed several magazines from a pouch on his vest and placed them next to the Makarov across the desk, both guards giving a salute and leaving. A distant air raid siren put the leader on edge and the sound of a passing jet and explosion had him in tears as he saw smoke rising from a building in the city, knowing that some of his citizens had just died.

[Mallaska]

Harrell Forward Operating Base
East Gavra

Operation Static was running nearly perfectly, and daily SEAD raids left enemy anti-aircraft systems in Kemmonabative out of commission. This lull in defensive system had prompted the top command in the Department of Defense to authorize a full bombing campaign to soften up the East Gavran capital, however the Mallaskan Air Force would be much more restrained as compared to the strikes on Port Utoria. The day before the beginning of the bombing campaign a contingent of K-Tp-100 cargo aircraft dropped leaflets to inform those who wished not to be involved with the bombings to leave within the day, otherwise face bombing.

However, today was the day things begun. A squadron of F-111s were prepped for their daily rounds, equipped with a plethora of bombs, smart and dumb, explosive and incendiary. The Mallaskan ideal of the campaign, known as Operation Rubble, was to cause just that. The goalwas to simply wipe Kemmonabative off of the Earth, and the oppressive East Gavran government with it. Ground forces also rained daily artillery barrages upon the desperate city, preparing to pounce when the trumpet sounded.

A precision strike was also authorized on possibly one of the most controversial targets, the Leader's Estate, within the capital city of East Gavra. Recce aircraft had confirmed that the East Gavran leader, Lestrav Myres, was still taking shelter there. Twelve FA-2 Wardog Attack aircraft were assigned to delete his estate from the planet, armed with heavy guided bombs they were thirsty for blood, and would continue until the tyrant had fallen.

Mallaskan F-111 Aardvark prepares for a bombing sortie

Aerospace Innovations FA-2 Wardog, made by Asheburton

[East Gavra]

Kemmonabative East Gavra
Sergeant Isman Ramonen, 9th Infantry Division

Sergeant Ramonen, the same man whom had endured the horrors of Mira, the siege of Markoh, the landing at Port Utoria, had now survived to the final stand of his nation. Only five other men of his original unit, the now soon-extinct 9th Infantry Division, were at Kemmonabative. The six men were very tight-knit, never letting one another out of sight. The grizzled aged Sergeant was the highest rank among the beaten men, having seen all the horrors the world can bestow. The six sat around a small barrel fire inside a cramped cellar of a building now in rubble. The ground shook and the soldiers flinched as they heard each explosion and jet pass, the ground shaking with every blast.

Sergeant Ramonen had been injured in the Battle of the Utorian Line, where the remaining men of the 9th Infantry and the 5,000 Militiamen filling in a small part of their unit were ambushed by a Mallaskan armored element. Ramonen had taken a piece of shrapnel to the shoulder from a tankshell that exploded near him, however him and about twenty more militiamen and the other five grizzled infantrymen were the ones lucky enough to escape to Kemmonabative. Their former officer General Fameek was killed during the battle, and technically Sergeant Ramonen was leader of the 9th Infantry Division, being the highest rank among its surviving members, even at a mere Sergeant.

His left shoulder was constantly aching, however he was able to continue his job. His fellow soldiers sacrificed clothe from spare shirts to bandage the wound, as no bandages or medics were to be found, and nobody dared to go onto the streets during "Bombing hours". His scratched Kalashnikov AKMS and Makarov PM had borne all of the hardships with him, and he expected his weapons to keep him alive one final time.

As night rolled around, the soldiers were more intent upon going about the streets. Tracers still, however, dotted the night sky like shooting stars in meager attempts to challenge night bombing runs. However, bad news to morale struck that night as Ramonen was informed of the bombing of the Leader's Estate. Word said that Myres was still alive, however it seemed the Mallaskans would not stop bombing his home until his death.

[Mallaska]

Staff Sergeant Lawrence Timber
1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, 1st Marine Division
Fifteen miles outside Kemmonabative

The past months saw a great rise in Mallaskan morale as a result in the past several victories against theEast Gavran foe. Corporal Timber, now Staff Sergeant Timber, had endured the harsh battles as well as many men in his units. His squad alone suffered only one casualty on the East Gavran mainland, Sergeant Tammis, who had lost his legs as a result of and enemy tripwire in Port Utoria, and Timber was selected to continue leading 1st Squad.

Now victory in East Gavra was near, with several divisions amassed outside of Kemmonabative, whose task would be to finish off the crippled enemy held up in their burning capital. Kemmonabative was just the final stepping stone to returning home, and the men were motivated to take the city so that new forces could relieve them for the campaign against the much more dangerous Keymoa. Timber was eager to return home to his girlfriend, 25-year old Caitlin Wolf, who had told him she was pregnant when Sgt. Timber had seen her on leave. He wanted to surive this final hell and leave the military in order to see through he married his, now pregnant, girlfriend.

The 3rd Regiment had set up a large camp fifteen miles from the capital, eagerly waiting for the order to advance. Meanwhile, Mallaskan officers had kept the troops updated, supplying the unit with new equipment, weapons, and ammunition at a regular pace. The 1st Battalion of the 2nd Marine Division, an artillery element, had also set up at the camp. Daily batteries of Howitzers and rockets roared, striking Kemmonabative with extreme prejudice. The roar of aircraft also became a norm for the troops, and command again waited to amass more forces from Port Utoria to easily squash enemy resistance in Kemmonabative and establish a new Democratic government.

[Repulaea]

Woah there, sorry for another one of the ridiculously long absences guys. Life is busy.

The past few weeks had seen an influx in victories over the enemy. Now, nearly the whole of East Gavra was in the hands of the coalition forces. The decision of President Tannas, with which General Marcer agreed, was to let the Mallaskans take the reins in the liberation of Kemmonabative. It would be fitting and proper for a Camran power to assume the duty of liberating a Gavran capital rather than foreign COSPN forces. For the first time in the war, Repulaea would act only in a supporting role at Kemmonabative. While Mallaska concentrated it's efforts on Operation: Static, COSPN forces would secure the rest of the country and begin massing forces in the southeast in preparation for the eventual incursion into Keymoa, the coalition's ultimate target and end goal. It was only a matter of time.

While the war in the Gavran Islands persisted in good fortune and the Repulaean people got used to the state of conflict, other matters arose that the administration needed to tend to. Firstly, the election in Congress had distracted the President for nearly a month. The new Class of 2013 was, however, now ready and willing to work with the President in all his endeavors, ending the Conservative majority in Congress. This massive step forward for Tannas' administration had changed the very dynamic of his presidency and the country. It conveyed a sense of popular support for the President's administration and the war. In fact, their opposition to the conflict costs several staunch Conservatives their seats. Despite the recent draft, high monetary cost and growing casualties, support for the war had not been so high since the start of the conflict.

Still, about 42% of Congress remained in Conservative hands, tightly clenched for the next couple years. Many feared a double-dip recession with the massive influx in Federal spending and slow job growth. Already, other COSPN nations were showing signs of economic anguish. The Euneian Federal Bank and the Seran Reserve and Depository had both lost control of their growing debt crises. They also hesitated to borrow from Silvion who's reputation as a creditor included, among a myriad of other inefficiencies and ineffectual policies, grossly high interest rates. This left the burden upon the shoulders of Repulaea which now had to manage the alliance's war effort and keep two of it's contributors from falling through the cracks. Repulaea's largest problem, aside from the war itself, was the fact that it was hemorrhaging money at a frightening rate. Despite these economic hardships, however, the war effort pressed on, with millions of marchras and dozens of lives spent every day.


Outside Kemmonabative

The Repulaean II Corps kept armored elements outside the city in case rapid aid was required. An additional 17,000 men were prepared to move in and secure the surrounding region upon Mallaska's directive. Repulaean air power targeted the city with everything it had, knocking out military or infrastructure elements that would even slightly aid the enemy. Their goal was to completely cut the city off and soften it's underbelly for the Mallaskan spear. Other than this, however, Repulaea stood in a support role and would, upon victory's advent, recognize Mallaska as the chief coalition victor in the assault. Hopefully the Mallaskan flag would soon fly over Lestrav Myres' Estate, if it still stood.

[East Gavra]

Kemmonabative East Gavra
Sergeant Isman Ramonen, 9th Infantry Division

The past week saw Kemmonabative bashed even further, however the prolonged bombings gave the men the ability to prepare. Orders came around to prepare for invasion, and Ramonen and his five brethren obliged. Between them was an RPK, four Simonov SKS rifles, one Mosin Nagant, two AKMS assault rifles, and a Makarov PM for each. They divvied up ammunition and set up a well hidden MG nest in the rubble of their assigned building. Private Carone, the designated operator of the RPK, had cut down his Simonov SKS' barrel just in front of the gas block, and the wooden stock cut and rounded like the sawn-off shotguns of the movies. It had no operable sights, as he intended not to use them, because if he needed his SKS then it would be against a target too close to need them.

Ramonen had his AKMS and had taken the Mosin Nagant and the 15 rounds of ammunition it was given with. He would pick off enemy combatants prior to them running into the RPK and the rest of the four squad member's assorted gunfire. Emplacements like this popped up all about the city about the ruins of buildings. The old broadcasting systm, still intact, provided hope to the men, uttering rally calls and new orders. Ramonens squad happened to be on Kemmonabative's Main Street, leading up to Capitol Square, the location of the Dictator's Compound. It was known as the most defended part in the city, nearly every step saw a tripwire or mine, and barbed wire and fresh sandbags obstructed the road, now more a line of craters. The troops were prepared as they'd ever be. Smaller mobile anti-tank guns and other assorted anti-vehicle weapons could be seen by the tip out of the rubble of some buildings, preparing to lay waste to enemy armor.

[Mallaska]

Staff Sergeant Lawrence Timber
1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, 1st Marine Division

On the night of May 3rd, the Marines of the 3rd Regiment had noticed a vast increase in air and artillery strikes. Meanwhile, the 3rd Regiment camp had moved just 1.5 miles from Kemmonabative, within eyesight. The mood had gotten very tense, about 100,000 Mallaskan ground troops alone aimed at closing the noose over East Gavra's capital. By 8:00 PM the order everybody feared was issued. Over the radio silence, came two words: Have Justice, the code to prepare within the hour. Soon after, the sputtering of hundreds of vehicles contested the sounds of artillery and jets. By 8:25 PM helicopters in vast numbers could be heard, mainly the "Big Three", the AHU-1 Shark, AHU-2 Raven, and UH-1 Tiger. All well-armed utility/attack helicoptersby Aerospace Innovations, whom the Mallaskan military bought most aircraft from.

At 8:45 PM Timber and the 3rd Platoon had been breifed and assigned to four LY219 APCs, prepared to advance at the drop of a coin. At the border of camp large assemblies of heavy vehicles were awaiting the order to attack. Attached to the 2nd Battalion's group was twenty-four LY7A1 Rottweiler Medium Tanks, a large armored contingent which to lead the troops. Infantry, meanwhile, were packed into the LY219 APCs like sardines, their Beretta BM59s much space within the already cramped quarters, and with 128 LY219s alone assigned to 2nd Battalion, it was a massive mobilization, which was happening all over the Noose. The 2nd Battalion happened to be attacking the direct eastern side of the city, which the road leading into led to the famed Capitol Square, which 2nd Battalion had the "Lucky" priviledge of taking. The 2nd Battalion had about 1,536, but that number would surely drop.

Finally, the clock hit 9:00 PM, and another order came up on the radio: "On with the Light Brigade", signalling the advance. All around the city, armored columns converged in synch on the city, overhead a large contingent of heavily armed helicopters zoomed overhead, the sound of gunfire heard shortly after their passing. The 2nd Battalion armored column had fanned out, filing into small roads, the LY7A1 tanks leading the pack. The column had not yet entered the city itself, and artillery shells still fell on the inner city, bombs still falling on the center of the city.

Sergeant Timber was very nervous, as with the rest of his squad. He remembered the traps in Markoh, the landing on Utoria, and the fierce gridlock of the Utorian Line. He didn't show his fear, however, as he had to keep his composure for the sake of those he lead. He had gotten to the point where he didn't flinch at the gunfire from the M2HB atop the APC, manned by the vehicle's commander as the column finally entered the city. They were immediately met by light resistance, quickly silenced by the 120mm gun on the LY7A1 tank leading 3rd Platoon's column. The column quickly halted, the guns atop each vehicle spitting out rounds to suppress enemy combatants as 48 Marines dismounted four APCs. They were to slowly move up and clear each building, or atleast what was left of them.

[Repulaea]

Kemmonabative, East Gavra

The night was illuminated in a ghastly array of ordinance deliveries as thousands of Mallaskan troops began their assault. At long last, Lestrav Myres' fiendish regime was facing its final hours. One frightening fact remained foremost in the coalition minds, however. The remaining forces who were willing to fight for the capital were likely the most fanatical. They would see themselves die along with many coalition troops before the city is itself fell.

As Repulaean forces moved into the suburbs, light resistance was met. Their primary goal was to secure the Mallaskan flank, giving them leeway to operate at their desecration. Above, the mighty Repulaean air power conveyed its strength in a terrifying display of firepower. Points of resistance, called "hot points" by coalition forces, were being targeted all over the city in an effort to eliminate Gavran resistance before Mallaskan forces encountered it. The method was swift and efficient, knocking out hundreds of command posts and operating points. Repulaean aircraft were restricted to smart weapons only in an effort to limit civilian losses. In a clustered urban mass such as Kemmonabative, however, no precautionary measure delivered absolute results. Nonetheless, by morning the city would be surrounded on all sides and thousands of its stalwart defenders encircled without hope of escape or victory. General Marcer personally hoped for a mass surrender, but he knew now that this was an unlikely occurrence. The majority of East Gavra's defenders would likely prefer to fight to the death, for what good it would do.


Ancot, Repulaea
Presidential Estate

With the fall of the East Gavran state imminent, President Christoph Tannas and his defense staff began to focus their attention on Keymoa. As soon as the fighting in East Gavra was over, the majority of COSPN's combat air efforts would be devoted to round the clock strategic bombing of Keymoa. General Marcer flew back to meet the President in Ancot for two days to discuss the outline of a revamping of the COSPN strategy. Marcer informed Tannas that more troops were needed as well as a larger combined air effort. Aside from Repulaea, Euneia had the largest strategic air arm in COSPN. They were to contribute an additional two strategic bomb groups for the coming offensive in Keymoa. The Tannas Administration also, after a heated political firefight, convinced Congress to authorize an expansion of the war into Keymoa as unrestrained as it was in Mira or East Gavra. The race was on.

The greatest change was seen in the troops numbers. A joint COSPN operational strategy codenamed Infulx was to bring about just that; an influx of COSPN forces into the war zone like never before. Currently, the COSPN troop count in the Gavran islands piqued at about 235,000 personnel, 150,000 of which were Repulaean. Influx was to initiate a joint troop surge of monumental proportions in record time. It would be the largest and fastest single movement of troops in the whole conflict. Tannas' goal was to raise the Repulaean troop count from 150,000 to half a million while additional COSPN ground strength rose to 150,000. By the end of the surge, Euneia would have 80,000 personnel on the ground, Silvion would have 40,000 and Serany would pique at 30,000, double that of their initial deployment. Overall, a staggering 650,000 COSPN troops would be in country, altering the nature of the war entirely and bringing it into a new scope. Over a fifth of Repulaea's fighting force would be conscripts.

Lastly, a major change was seen at the top. Conservatives in Congress pressuring President Tannas to make structural changes at the command level, General Marcer complied with a compromise. Rear Admiral Jerald Tanson, supreme commander of Repulaean forces, was elevated to an administrative level second only to Marcer. He would be put in command of all COSPN amphibious elements in the theater. Tanson would be replaced by the able Major General Alahn Keer, one of the chief structural organizers of Operation: Blue Siege and a favorite of the Conservative Minority Leader.

The die of a broadened war had been inexorably cast. The freedom of the Gavran and Keymoan peoples now rested on a bloodied hinge. President Tannas knew this after his conference with Marcer concluded. There was no turning back this tide of greater war. Alea iacta est

[Mallaska]

Staff Sergeant Lawrence Timber
1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, 1st Marine Division

Advance into the city, even still being softened by allied airstrikes, was slow. It seemed every ruins of home cleared had living combatants, and this took a toll. Three in 3rd Platoon had been killed by 11:00 PM that night, one by a sniper, other two in clearing a bombed-out home housing four East Gavran soldiers. The advance got even slower as their vehicle overwatches navigated the craters in the roads, sometimes ambushed in transit of a crater. The Beretta BM59 Battle Rifles used by the Federal Marines were too large for suitable CQB, however the 7.62x51mm NATO rounds they fired were more than powerful enough to smash the cover of enemies attempting to ambush them on the streets.

The 3rd Platoon neared Main Street, an AHU-2 helicopter circling the unit, its doorguns raining lead upon those brave enough to ambush the column, however this changed with Main Street. The bombed out ruins of heavy rubble had proven perfect makeshift bunkers, and nearly impossible to see an enemy combatant within. THe LY7A1 Rottweiler leading the pack was suddenly flipped by a massive explosion as the platoon stood ready on each side of the street. As soon as the deafening explosion set off a hail of gunfire erupted from either side of the street. The Marines had been caught in the open in a deadly bottleneck up to the Capitol Square. Sergeant Timber saw one of his men fall instantly as machinegun fire rippled the pavement next to him. He ordered his men to take cover in alarge crater in the road, large enough for the ten of them, two of the squad already down.

The 1st Squad fired their rifles at any place a muzzleflash could be seen, but their efforts were not completely effective. The M2HBs on the four LY219 APCs began lighting up the ruins of each building, .50 BMG rounds slamming through brick, however the operators of these weapons were somewhat exposed, and were a primary target of snipers, and the two gunners in the leading APCs had been killed. As the firefight raged two AHU-2s zoomed overhead, circling once, pickig targets, and then began a strafing run. One helicopter to each side of the street, launching a hail of 70mm rockets and machinegun fire. The helicopters were angels of death, and after their run a considerable reduction in enemy fire was seen, enough to prompt an advance.

The wounded had to be left, as it was too dangerous to ferry them to an ambulance APC or care for them in the rubble of a building. The flash attack left 16 dead, however the 29 remaining men pushed onwards, clearing the ruins of the buildings. A UH-1 Tiger had been shot down just over them, the utility helicopter spinning into a deadly course into the heart of Kemmonabative Capitol Square. No man was safe from the bloody city, as it was apparent due to massive casualties alll around the forces tightening the noose. The 3rd Platoon, however, had the task of getting to, and securing Capitol Square, a task that could land them into the history books, should they survive. The whole of Main Street had yet to be cleared, and it was clear ambushes would be even worst in the Capitol.

[Repulaea]

Kemmonabative

Most of the southern and eastern suburbs had been secured with ease in as little as twenty-four hours. The north and west still proved to be stubborn with the Repulaeans sustaining nearly 100 confirmed combat casualties. However the Mallaskans fared far worse. Their loses were climbing at a frightening rate. In his first executive command action of the war, Major General Alahn Keer, Supreme Commander of Repulaean forces, ordered increased air strikes in enemy controlled zones and three Royal Army attack squadrons of LAH-50A Dactyl and LAH-50B Super Dactyl attack helicopters into the combat area to assist Mallaskan forces directly. Special "coalition combat communications channels", or "4C's", were established to keep in direct contact with Mallaskan ground forces. With nearly twenty-thousand COSPN troops waiting just five miles outside the city, additional reinforcements could also be called in if the Mallaskans required them. Now coalition forces moved ever closer to the capitol itself. Soon, the authoritarian Myres Regime would end. It was a shame many Gavran soldiers uselessly gave their lives to retain what little was left of his oppressive reign.

[East Gavra]

Main Street, Kemmonabative, East Gavra
Sergeant Isman Ramonen, 9th Infantry Division

Much of the men defending ahead of Sergeant Ramonen's squad's rubble bunker were wiped out by a Mallaskan helicopter strike, those who survived in the area had been shot by Mallaskan Marines, often at point-blank in CQB struggles as the ruins of buildings were cleared. Sergeant Ramonen's squad sat in their ruins, awaiting the Mallaskan column to get into range of their weapons. Ramonen and other troops with scoped firearms shot first, aiming for infantrymen exposed on the sidewalks and street. Soon enough, Sgt. Ramonen had depleted his fifteen rounds of 7.62x54mmR for his Mosin Nagant, and drew his AKMS and prepared to fire a hail a bulets upon the advancing troops. One shot with his Mosin had gotten a kill shot on a Mallaskan infantryman, whom looked to be no higher rank than a Private. He found it hard to belive he had killed a man, and a debate within his mind told him to lay down his arms.

"Fuck this. I'm done." He stated, taking his rifle and throwing it on the ground.

"Are you quitting out? After everything you've done?" Private Carone asked angerly, leaving his RPK and getting his sawn-off SKS.

"Yeah. We're just goddamn sheep here, expected to die here so our leader dictator lives a few more hours! This battle, and war here, is a loss. To be honest, Myres put us through enough shit. I'm not flying his banner, and if you're smart enough you won't either. I'm surrendering and making myself a life, I hope you guys do too." Sergeant Ramonen replied, drawing his pistol.

"I agree with Sergeant. A whole division of us got killed. In Markoh we were told to go fuck ourselves by our higher-ups, and that got most of us killed. I'm not dying for them. You can if you're stupid enough." Corporal Oujan said, throwing his SKS next to Ramonen's AKMS.

The two troops took a white cleaning rap and wrapped it around a scrap of wood, and holstred their Makarov handguns, as well as removed their helmets. They left the ruins of their building, out into the open street, and advanced to the Mallaskan column in the distance of the road, hands up and waving the flag. As they neared the column, they were surprised a sniper had not killed them for surrendering, nor the Mallaskans for still having their handguns to their hip. They advanced down the sidewalk towards a squad of infantry waving to come to them. As they reached the squad, a grizzled sergeant passed them down the squad to the fourth APC in the line. They were sat in the LY219 with a single guard, who looked very friendly and calm despite the hell around him. They spoke, telling eachother about their experience in the war. The guard was a mere Corporal, however had been in the war ever since Mira.

Meanwhile outside, a hail of bullets began a second storm, East Gavrans and Mallaskans exchanging gunfire. However, the firefight was breif as a Repulaean attack helicopter zoomed overhead as well as two Mallaskan helicopters, unleashing an even deadlier barrage, killing many East Gavrans and leaving the emplacements on Main Street in ruins. Private Carone and the other three of his squad who decided to stay were all killed by a Mallaskan infantry squad clearing the building. A fate well deserved for their feeble minds.

[Mallaska]

Staff Sergeant Lawrence Timber
1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, 1st Marine Division
Main Street, Kemmonabative, East Gavra
May 4, 2013

The Mallaskan had forced its way through Main Steet past many defenders, and to the loss of many troops. However, losses were curailed by allied attack helicopters overhead. Even this though, didn't save anybody from death. During the final push for Capitol Plaza 3rd Plagoon had lost three more men, as well as the lead LY219 Ironheart APC being disabled by a small mprovised landmine. Several prisoners had been taken, including two men Timber and his squadmates from Mira recognized from the East Gavran 9th Infantry, which they had faced a majority of in Markoh, and wiped out most. Timber assigned Lance Corporal Nathan Lee to watch them in the fourth LY219 APC in the 3-vehicle convoy.

The 3rd Platoon had finally reached the Capitol after several hours of tedious fighting leading up to it. All around the city other units met similar losses in the quick push to the Capitol, however 3rd Platoon had won the race to the area containing the home of Lestrav Myres and the building which he lead his dictatorship from. President Rick Hall had promised the highest of honors directly to the first unit to seize the Capitol and Myres.

As the Platoon of now 24 men entered, they were met by surprisingly little retaliation. They feared a repeat of the ambush which had knocked out a majority of the Platoon and the LY7A1 which had helped the unit advance without molestation early in the advance. Orders had been given to create a secure zone within the compound which UH-1 Tigers could land and deposit ammunition and reinforcements. As expected, as the green smoke was flying to mark the zone, a firefight started. Gunmen from within the buildings began raining rounds on the Mallaskans from each window, however the Mallakans had the advantage of the LY219s at their full potentials, also utilizing them as cover. The 7.62x51mm NATO BM59s issued to the Mallaskans also had a range and power advantage over the 7.62x39mm AKMs and SKS rifles used by East Gavran defenders. The large rounds were capable of easily destroying the cover of the defenders, and when the UH-1 Tigers, escorted by an AHU-1 armed with various deadly items, came to the scene the Mallaskans could easily match the East Gavrans shot-for-shot. The Mallaskans advanced first to the Leader's Estate, reinforced with twelve Marine Commandoes, and expected swift resistance.

[East Gavra]

Leader's Estate, Kemmonabative
East Gavra

Lestrav Myres had three guards by his side in his office. News had came that Mallaskan forces had breached the Capitol Square, and they had prepared in the office for the coming enemy forces, stopping at nothing for the head of Myres. Myres had his AKMS and Makarov PM, weapons now at a premium to the military. His guards only had simple SKS rifles, like many troops in the Capitol. Helicopters zooming overhead signalled that more Mallaskans had arrived, and Myres knew that it was the final day of his reign. His only paper now on his desk was his will, lending everything, including his slaves, money, and power, over to his right-hand man Hudred Jemaz hiding in Central Gavra.

[Repulaea]

Kemmonabative

After weeks of grueling urban warfare, coalition forces had succeeded in securing the capitol square. Ultimately, Repulaean Command could no longer allow the Mallaskans to bear the brunt of the responsibility in waging the campaign. In the late stages of the battle, troops from the 6th infantry division broke from their positions in the suburbs and delved deep into the heart of the city where savage fighting was seen. After about a week in the field, they linked up with Mallaskan troops at the square. Together, they pushed forward under heavy air cover to at last end the Myres Regime. After days of intense fighting, the square was secured with only scattered opposition remaining. At present, the fate of the dictator Myres was unknown. Nonetheless, Repulaean troops helped their Mallaskan comrades hoist the green Mallaskan banner atop the devastated capitol building. Thunderous applause broke out from the coalition forces below, for an instant even blotting out the sound of rifle exchanges only a few blocks away.

In the morning, the true scale of the damage was clearly conveyed to all. Craters dotted the surface of the once proud city, making excellent foxholes in which coalition forces sat and drank in celebration, toasting to each other and, in jest, their fallen foe, Lestrav Myres. At this moment, all heavy bombing operations in East Gavra were suspended to make way for "cleanup and mop up" operations. Scattered fighting still remained throughout the country, though the heaviest was still in and around Kemmonabative. In the end, Repulaea's death toll at Kemmonabative was 293 with at least twice as many wounded. Though a serious amount, Mallaska likely suffered far worse in the street to street fighting they endured for weeks on end. They had earned their right to plant their colors proudly on the capitol of the old regime. A mutual respect was now felt between coalition forces as the coalition's bloodiest campaign yet came to an end. In total, an astounding 1,121 Repulaean troops had lost their lives in the East Gavran campaign with an additional 10,000 wounded or missing, nearly doubling the losses suffered at Mira. A total of 400 additional COSPN troops were killed as well. Yet drinks and songs in dirty foxholes seemed to be enough for the men to close out the conventional aspect of this campaign.

As the coalition now began to wrap up operations in East Gavra, building up for the dreaded final invasion of Keymoa, a decisive end to the fighting in the Gavras was sought. General Marcer drafted an official document to be directed to the Gavran forces still engaged in combat with coalition forces.

An Appeal to the Gavran States

This proclamation is directed primarily to the the state of Central Gavra and to the scattered East Gavran forces remaining in a state of combat with the coalition.

To the former, Central Gavra, we intend to make a generous appeal for peace. The coalition has no intention of expanding the boundaries of the current conflict into Central Gavra. Of all chief Gavran opponents in this war, your nation has been the least involved in combat and the least guilty of heinous war crimes such as those seen in East Gavra. Therefore, along with your offering no immediate strategic priority, we do not intend to continue combative relations with your people. We offer a mutual cessation of hostilities between Central Gavra and the coalition on the following grounds:

1) Central Gavra will not persist in any kind of military or espionage efforts against the coalition war effort.
2) Central Gavra will send no aid of any kind to the Keymoan regime or East Gavran resistance efforts for the remainder of the conflict.
3) Central Gavra will remain a neutral state for the remainder of the conflict.

In turn, Repulaea offers to halt all drone strikes against your nation and remove all long range missile and artillery batteries from your boarder with East Gavra. We must warn you, however, that if the Central Gavran State refuses to comply with peace proceedings or refuses to respond within a week's time, Repulaea may commence strategic bombing of Central Gavran targets within your borders until such compliance can be realized.

To the latter, the East Gavran combatants still in arms, the coalition demands an official military surrender of all forces. We request that a ranking military emissary be dispatched to coalition headquarters in Port Utoria or Mallaskan headquarters in Kemmonabative under a flag of truce to commence with the surrender proceedings. It is the coalition's solemn, honor-bound promise to treat all prisoners of war fairly, humanely and in accordance with internationally held mores on military conventions and justice. All East Gavran personnel charged with war crimes will be granted a fair trial by a military tribunal and will be allowed legal representation. Upon the conflict's ultimate conclusion, all prisoners of war who have not been found guilty of war crimes or who are not awaiting tribunal proceedings shall be permitted to return home.

We earnestly hope such generous terms will be accepted by the parties to which this appeal in directed.

- Lieutenant General Zachary Marcer
Supreme Commander of COSPN Forces
Theater Commander for Strategic Operations

[Central Gavra]

The Autocracy of Central Gavra does not accept the terms by this treaty. We find it's terms invasive on our abilities to help our ally, and shall remain on the side of our ally Keymoa. The Central Gavran Air Force maintains a large fleet of modern fighters and is prepared to combat Coalition bombing efforts.

- President Jektras Helm

[Repulaea]

8th Strike Squadron, Flight Alpha-P1
Over Central Gavra

Already en route to Central Gavra was the 8th strike squadron of the 20th strategic strike command. Central Gavra's vain, stalwart rejection of the coalition's terms had been expected. Within hours of their refusal, bombs would be raining down upon their capital. General Marcer had devoted the whole of the 2nd bomber command from the 3rd TAC's reserve force to meet the need for a strategic air offensive against Central Gavra. The effort was codenamed Operation: Breakneck and would focus an entire bomber command's strategic efforts on crippling the Central Gavran war industry and air power with the objective of forcing the nation to come to the negotiating table. Since the recent troop surge, Repulaean air forces have multiplied five fold. Repulaean command was more than ready to meet the greatest challenge yet posed to coalition air forces. Commander-in-Chief of Repulaean air forces in the theater, Major General Harrius Hahs, also devoted the entirety of the 6th air force to bomber escort while the 4th TAC's 12th air force contributed to tactical strikes, mostly on enemy air bases and military ground positions. Drones would also remain in their current strike capacity over Central Gavra. Ultimately, Central Gavra's refusal would cost the country much more than need be.

Now, over the Central Gavran capital, flight Alpha-P1 carried out the first sorties of Operation: Breakneck. Twenty E-89D Odyssey heavy bombers disposed of their munitions over industrial districts. Fighter escorts remained within close response range, cautiously anticipating a followup attack by the Central Gavran Air Force. However, this was but one of the seven strikes planned for today. Another six flights were either en route to targets in Central Gavra or in the process of dropping their payloads. The skies above the target zones were abuzz with Repulaean and Euneian escort fighters and interceptors. As the Central Gavran skies soon became a battle zone, another similar aerial theater on an even larger scale had opened over a thousand miles away.


Over Keymoa

In tandem with Operation: Breakneck, Major General Hahs initiated the long awaited Operation: Sky Break, a multilateral strategic air effort to cripple Keymoan industry, infrastructure and defenses before the coalition invasion. Repulaea would spearhead the coalition air arm with the Euneian 4th strike command and other various COSPN forces. It would be the largest single air action of the war. Repulaea alone devoted three whole bomber commands to the effort along with a plethora of fighters and other strike aircraft. Though the Operation was unlikely to elicit any sort of surrender from the fanatical Keymoan Regime, it would surely deal its war effort unthinkable damage. However, with such a scale of warfare comes unavoidably high collateral damage rates as was expected. Therefore, targeting restrictions were loosened to lessen the burden on coalition pilots in attempting to avoid the unavoidable. Though civilian targets would not be subject to direct attack, they would surely receive some damage.

Just minutes after flight Alpha-P1 initiated it's attack on the Central Gavran capital, nine flights of Odyssey and Tantalus heavy bombers, along with their fighter escorts, began their assaults on cities and military hard points all across Keymoa. It was the greatest single day of aerial bombing of the war to date. Fighter-bombers struck fast and low at ground targets while special operators were dropped in and around the border regions to provide tactical updates and target data. Drones were usually the forerunners of these fighter-bomber strikes, feeding data to a specific squadron in real time about enemy ground activity. When the drone left the region, one could be sure that Repulaean strike aircraft were not far behind.

Overall, the first day of bombing seemed to be going smoothly. This was, however, due to the fact that the enemy was likely caught off guard. The following offensives may prove to be more difficult. As coalition forces prepared for the ultimate invasion of Keymoa, a difficult war in the skies had now taken flight.

[Keymoa]

Over Keymoa

The Keymoan Air Command had been caught off guard, a rare occurance. As a result, bombs struck installations across Keymoa. To recover, Command had dispatched LY909A Sparrowhawk fighters in huge groups to combat enemy aircraft. The Keymoan Air Force had plenty of fighters to contest the Coalition enemy in the skies, and had developed strategies to combat them. Patrols had been ordered with full flights of ten fighters each and special 20-aircraft Fast Responder Groups, ready to engage to a call at a moment's notice. There were relatively few "Initiators", the 10-plane patrols, as compared to the Responders, as to not be baited by enemy attack. Bombers were obviously priority targets, and the LY909As had finally made their battlefield deboubt against the Coalition, rather than outdated Mig-29s which were of no use.

Keymoan waters

While war waged in the air, another battle was being prepared for at sea. The Keymoan Fleet had a wealth of ships, plenty enough to stand up to a Coalition push. They were armed with new cruise missiles and modern weapon systems to rival those of the enemy forces. Missile Frigates and cruisers together made a line that would be a formidable foe to any ship attempting to break past. Armed to the brim, these ships had the means to combat whatever the enemy could throw at them, from submarines to cruise missiles.