Vacancy (OPEN, ATTN GP)

by **Zellatia** » Mon Sep 14, 2015 11:34 pm

RESERVE

Sending their orders to New Hayesalian command would seem to be impossible. For one thing, jammers had been set up accordingly except for signals of Zellatian origination through a complicated selective jammer that the Zellatians had created only a year ago to deal with the FSP intercepting Zellatian orders. Given the shift of Zellatian radio signal patterns since the Insurrection, the only current signals able to get out of the situation were Zellatian as they managed to keep their superiors appraised of the situation. It didn't mean that the jammers were 100% effective, of course, but it was an attempt to stop outward information from being spread.

The Corporal that was equal in rank to Corporal Hardle was not amused in the slightest. "Perhaps you don't know the specifics of the treaty. Section 5, Subsection 14. 'Any and all Natural Reserves set aside as neutral, Greater Prussian territory, shall be administrated solely by the Natural Reserve Administration. The Natural Reserve Administration is defined herein as the park rangers and the necessary administration that goes with running said Reserve'. That is followed by Subsection 15, which reads 'Those in violation of Subsection 14 are to be detained by a force of Greater Prussian Alliance members. Any violation by another member of the Greater Prussian Alliance is to be treated in the same manner, with the perpetrator treated as if not a member of the alliance for the duration of the detainment'. Therefore, Corporal, I am in my rights to detain you and declare you and your forces as not members of New Hayesalia's military and instead mercenaries contracted out by New Hayesalian citizens. Heck, based on the military lawyers who looked over this before we decided to act, we would be within our rights to kill you. However, we're allies. We are not here to harm you. If you would agree to turn around instead, our forces would be happy to escort you back to Rozania"

Once he finished speaking, some of the Zellatian troops aimed odd looking guns and pointed them at the tires of the New Hayesalian Pseudos. As they did so, the Zellatians by the all-terrain vehicles stepped aside, standing at the ready as they awaited orders. Looking to the Zellatian corporal, the man in charge spoke again.

"What we are about to fire at your vehicles wheels are known in Zellatia as Tire-Stoppers. Normally used by policemen in the line of duty to make sure criminals do not make their getaway using motor vehicles, in this case we have no choice but to use the high caliber rounds on yours. Despite my orneriness, sirs, I believe you are under arrest. This belief stems on the illegality of your actions. I have no wish to get in a fight with you. Additionally, we would ask that you to cease making fools of yourselves. I do believe, as well, that it is likely that your Prime Minister will face a No Confidence vote for this debacle, but I suppose as well that I know next to shit about your politics"

"Men... fire!" Corporal Zjenko shouted, the high-velocity "pea-shooters" firing into the Pseudos' tires. Despite the normal use for the weapon, instead of flatting the tires, they were, instead, annihilated. Aimed carefully, the tires were now just about useless.

"Now then. Surrender or not, sir mercenary? We have all day to wait this out. You, you do not" the Corporal spat out, his mood just as fouled as the New Hayesalians. Inwardly, the Corporal felt disgust at the moment. It had nothing to do with any past situation, of course, as the majority of the FSP sympathizing soldiers were gone, and those that weren't were forced into retirement. No, it was because of how much the Corporal in front of him reminded him of the FSP. Just wanting to fight. Fighting wasn't fun. Yet here this...man of equal rank to his wanted to fight. He could feel it roiling off of the man.

"You ain't going anywhere any time soon, Hardle" he said quietly to himself.

by **New Hayesalia** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 1:56 am

The larrikin New Hayesalians, led by the corporal, were really itching for a fight. It took the corporal however to ensure that they knew that the lightly armed New Hayesalians really wouldn't stand a chance, and instead that they needed to follow the orders laid out in the beginning of the operation: "if anyone tries to arrest you, turn around and leave." This order was further detailed in the 9LAND battle management system, with a sub-order noting that if retreat or advance was impossible, arrest should be resisted without using force. The New Hayesalians had, of course, continued with this. Thankfully, all ten members of the squad were aware of the orders, and awaited instructions from the Corporal.

The attempted radio jamming had begun from the New Hayesalian side of things, but the use of scattered jamming could be defeated. Particularly in the case of New Hayesalia, a very advanced digital force, communications jamming was a considerable risk. The New Hayesalian's networking systems including 9LAND and their Harris radios needed to be durable against the challenges of jamming. Thankfully- they were. Frequency hopping and information chunking were highly useful tools, though it did frustrate the New Hayesalians. Indeed, the more jamming meant more intelligence- with more New Hayesalian units around the place, the source of jamming could be found at a higher level.

Inside the vehicle, before the Zellatians made a move on the tyres, the New Hayesalians were establishing comms even through jamming. On the vehicle's 9LAND tacpads they were recording everything for transmit, as well as sending their location; personal tacpads were being used for making orders to personnel in the other cars- stay in the car and do not get violent or emotional- and the attempts to detain the New Hayesalians were being made fuzzily over radio. Command came back with acknowledgement through the varying-quality of communications of 9LAND.

As the Zellatian corporal finished his rant, something the troops had barely been listening to but instead opening up some MRE's for an early lunch in the cars, talking shit about the various troops around them- giving each less-than-friendly nicknames- the tools had come out. To the corporal, really, it was all good fun. A fair reason to piss off a bunch of poor-quality soldiers. What he didn't enjoy was the shredding of his vehicle's tyres with those pea-shooters, but they didn't really have other options. Looks like they were simply bugged-in for now. The popping of the tyres was met with stares from the New Hayesalians, the knowledge they were bogged now.

At the second command came through for them to surrender, Hardle popped open the turret ring above him, poking his head out and, with all the immaturity he could muster, blowing a raspberry to the corporal in full view of his troops. Quickly slamming shut the turret ring, and cackling with the troops in his Pseudonaja, he was aware he would be sitting here for a fair while; even as more New Hayesalian camps were being established to the south and the south-east, and trouble was brewing in Revnami.

by **Zellatia** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 7:13 pm

The Reserve

While the standoff continued, and in some cases were matched elsewhere, it didn't mean that the Zellatians had been completely successful in stopping all of the New Hayesalians from getting set up in places. While at this point the local Zellatian high command was aware of the forces set up inland, it wasn't prepping to make a move against them. It also seemed, given the reaction of the New Hayesalian corporal that they didn't realize the difference in troop quality between normal land military troops and naval marines on shore. Not only were the naval marines of higher quality than the majority of the foot soldiers, but their equipment and firepower were much better than their equals in most other military's. This was partially for obvious reasons dating back to the First Civil War.

The First Civil War shared many symptoms with the Second, and even the Insurrection. While in the latter example the navy broke from their neutrality for the first time, the Zellatian naval Marines had for a very long time been privately funded by the nobles stationed there. It didn't hurt that this practice continued in the form of donations once the totality of the armed forces of Zellatia were centralized and the original manner of organization changed so that Government funds replaced the majority of the private. This was further helped by the fact that there were far fewer marines overall compared to the average troops.

Revnami, Capital of New Hayesalia

In his office, Ambassador Falxen felt the weight of the world on his soul. He hadn't been told about the Zellatian police action until it had been halfway started. Nor had he been told about the various detention actions taking place in the Greater Prussian Natural Reserve either until they had happened. Groaning as he was face down on his desk, he looked up to the nearby window with nearly red eyes. He hadn't been able to sleep since the Zellatian Foreign Ministry had deigned to tell him about this event, on top of the obvious issues currently raking his mind. He was not going to have any peace for this for some time to come. Shaking himself out of it, he got himself out of his seat at his desk, walked over to the couch in his office and promptly passed out. He'd reapply the woad when the eventuality came here for an unfriendly visit. Passing out wasn't a good option, but Ambassador Falxen was not in a good mood now and didn't care.

by **Makaivellia** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 10:38 pm

"Who needs files, we needn't discuss politics quite yet. I haven't been to this part of the world, not many Makaivellians have. That being said, I have no idea where anything is. Perhaps you could take lead?" Vitricia smiled.

(ooc: sorry if this post is short)

by **Zellatia** » Tue Sep 15, 2015 11:06 pm

Yohannes

Raising an eyebrow at the Ambassador's inquest on the matter, he sighed, leading her outside, "Very well then. This is not part of Zellatia, so I can't give you the grand tour, Madame Ambassador, but I can show you as much as I can" he said, a little confused. This was a breach of protocol. It left him offput as he led her through the streets of Bernhardsson.

by **New Hayesalia** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 3:59 am

CROW DOMESTIC AIRPORT

The New Hayesalian push into the Natural Reserve was more than a bunch of cars and soldiers. The Army's aviation elements had been called upon to make the support of the troops in the province possible, even despite the Zellatian interference. Detachments of Army helicopters from the Rozanan-based 25th Legion had been forward deployed along with aeromedical evacuation experts and members of New Hayesalia's military police.

The domestic airport saw civilisation to one side, with the civilian terminal representing the end of the urban sprawl of the city of Crow. The city itself was large for Rozania, but small by most New Hayesalian cities. It also hosted a minimal military presence, the Military's forces generally being based about the extremes of the province. The helicopter squadrons were also reasonably focused in various other areas, and the single squadron of EC-725 Caracals usually based at the Crow Barracks was not large enough for the operation at hand.

They'd been busy, but their duties were only now really kicking off. This particular flight, that of Moustache 6-1 and 6-2, was in response to a Zellatian arrest attempt made in the north-western part of the reserve. Such things could not, obviously, be left in the out-and about for the Zellatians to run.

Twenty-five military police soldiers, the platoon under the command of first lieutenant Ryan Kallope and comprising two rifle sections and 5-man command section, were being deployed to de-escalate the situation across the border. This did, of course, involve the use of force. They wore the heavy, blast-protected assault boots and full body armor and helmet, including the attached shoulder, groin and leg portions protecting more of the body. A second helicopter, 6-2, was carrying beneath it approximately 700 kilograms of tyre, bundled together and ready for use.

As the heavily laden troops loaded into the first Caracal, the second starting up to make it's flight, they knew there was going to be some chaos ahead. Their orders had been extensively given well before the start of the 30 minute flight, headed over the Rozanian province before turning into the reserve at a later time. They were to provide a barrier between the vehicle crew as they repaired their vehicles, and give them an air escort for the last 100 kilometre of the flight.

The two slick aircraft made the 30 minute flight without concern, crew chiefs staring out the window and over the .50 calibre heavy machine guns attached. The two pilots gave signal and the military police made final checks.

THE STANDOFF

The New Hayesalians in the first vehicle were sitting, playing cards as they awaited support from base. The alert of the Zellatian soldiers drew their attention, and the New Hayesalians listened out. They had heard that a helicopter would be there soon, but the quick arrival would be surprising.

And it was indeed. The first helicopter roared over, flaring and coming to a hover over the convoy of three. With the tight enclosure and some trees in the area, the twenty five New Hayesalians would be fastroping out. The clearly identifiable ferris pattern on the helicopters, and the sun central on the roundel, clearly identified the helicopter as that of the NH Army.

The main doors opened, two .50 calibres scanning either side for maneuvers. The New Hayesalian in the cars were quietly clipping on their webbing belts and unattaching their weapons from the wall locks. The Zellatians were shocked at the arrival- their orders were just as equal to avoid fire, it seemed. The rapid descent of the New Hayesalians, their weapons clearly loaded, was met with clear orders as small teams advanced outwards.

"STEP BACK, STEP BACK!" came the orders. "STEP BACK, AND KEEP YOUR WEAPONS LOW." they repeated. They advanced out, coming closer to Zellatians. The Lyran arms shockmaces on their webbing belts stood out very clearly- failure to comply could lead to an arrest, easily. The first lieutenant, on his arrival, made his way to the first car, the previously trapped New Hayesalians now stepping out and joining the pushing out MPs, bringing numbers to 35 New Hayesalians.

The first lieutenant did not, as the corporal did, engage with the Zellatian corporal. He and the New Hayesalian corporal had a discussion as the second helicopter advanced. The cordon of soldiers were clearing the area for that helicopter, Moustache 6-2, to lay down the bundles of tyres. It would take the team some time to replace the tyres- again- with the MPs forming a cordon as they forced back the Zellatians.

In Revnami, this situation and others like it were being watched in near real time at the National Operations Command Centre. In the Prime Minister's office, the situation was rather different.

PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE, REVNAMI [20 minutes prior]

'Call in Falxen at 1pm' read the sticky note on the computer of the Prime Minister's secretary, Melinda Belhaus. The elderly lady, a fierce Conservatives supporter, had made sure to call the Ambassador even before, ensuring his arrival for 1pm sharp. At 12:59, the tired looking Zellatian, his blue dots making his nationality clear, arrived in the relatively plush elevator cab, alongside a guard from the Embassy. The secretary, professional though clearly not a fan of this particular ambassador, directed the Ambassador the now well-known waiting room. This time, however, he'd barely time to sit before the Royal Montmarian Guard manning the door to the PM's office ushered him- and only him- through.

The doors closed behind him with a solid sound, and the Prime Minister was sitting behind the hardwood desk in the long and high-ceilinged office. The silvery light of the city of Revnami, glittering from the skyscrapers, sky and water of Lake Neike kept the room well lit even without additional lighting.

"Sit down." the Prime Minister said, eyeing off the Ambassador.

"This is a top secret briefing. It has been approved by my full Cabinet, and the Military will execute the following plan. The FSP fleet is readying for fleet-wide exercises in New Zellatia. We are going to strike them down. Effective execution here will result in the New Zellatian navy suffering a 77% loss of combat effectiveness. My military's Ready Response Group, being 5,000 soldiers, is being quietly organised, to be proceeded by 3,000 members of the Airborne Legion and their vehicles. They will be accompanied by 3,000 members of the 1st Commando Division, as well as more special forces than we already have there. We will have 12,000 infantry troops in New Zellatia in ten hours, with additional marine forces soon to enter. This will be proceeded by a heavy strike against the area with redeveloped Loki decoys and Blackout anti-electronics missiles."

"My orders to you are to cease operations in Rozania, with immediate effect. Order your troops to withdraw back to the northern staging points, reboard their vessels, and deploy to Fruria. If you comply, the operations in Fruria will be led by Zellatia in a show of force and retaliation against rebellion, with credit given fully to your nation for it's splendid work, New Hayesalia merely playing a..." the Prime Minister brought his hands up, making a quotation signal. "...'supporting' role. If you don't comply, New Hayesalia will be both engaged in Fruria and the natural reserve, however we will state that we have taken the action against New Zellatia as a unilateral action due to the inability of the Zellatian forces to effectively conduct any combat-oriented missions."

"You have two choices. Withdraw and find pride in your nation, and in bringing justice to the FSP fools my predecessor tried to file away; or you can refuse to withdraw, and suffer yet another international humiliation. I'd like to give you some time to think about it. But, alas, that's not possible. You have ninety minutes to get in contact with the Zellatian government and lay out this matter. The first missiles will be released after that time, and the response groups will be activated. When you make a decision, call me directly. If I don't hear from you, I will assume you've picked the latter option, which would be unfortunate."

"Ambassador Falxen, leave my office."

With that, the door opened again and the Guardsman ushered out the stunned and furious Ambassador, closing the door yet again as the PM returned to a conference call with his military commanders. A flight of strike fighters and arsenal aircraft were now in play, weapons to release outside known New Zellatian radar zones in precisely 90 minutes.

by **Zellatia** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 5:58 pm

The Standoff

As the New Hayesalian reinforcements moved forward, the Zellatians new immediately that things had changed and not for the better. The response was escalation, pure and simple, and the fact that they now wielded shock maces and heavy body armor. As the New Hayesalians advanced, so too did the Zellatians move back. How else could the New Hayesalians who were trapped in the circle get their vehicle accessible to the reinforcements without shoving Zellatians out of the way? Still, the men who had seen them approaching knew their orders. They weren't to risk their lives unless one of two things happened. First, the New Hayesalians got reinforcements, but that didn't mean violent force was to be presented towards the New Hayeasalians themselves. The other factor would be if fired upon. In this case, it was thankfully for the former. As the Zellatians with the Tire-Stoppers took aim from behind the barricade of cars, they changed the mode to "Tank-Tread" mode, based on the modified duty it faced during the tail-end of the Insurrection's clean up.

However, unlike its role during the Insurrection, it was something higher up that the Tire-Stoppers were aimed at. Making sure that the people getting out of the helicopters were as reasonably far away enough from them to not get hit with the shrapnel (Aside from the people inside who would be immune), the two tire-stopper gunners fired at the two helicopter's propeller bases. While the first helicopter was close enough to the ground that if it fell there was no chance of it falling and exploding, it nonetheless was shaken as suddenly its method of flying was gone. The helicopter being used to repair the Pseudos was also near the ground, but given the nervousness of the situation, it only was clipped. Still, as it careened into the ground and crashed, it caused far more damage than intended.

As the Tire-Stoppers were put into action, the other Zellatians near them fired their flash bangs, landing in the midst of the New Hayesalians who were still surprised about the sudden end of their helicopters' flight. Within a millisecond, the barrage of smoke and fluorescent paint slammed into the flanks of the New Hayesalians who were approaching the center of the Zellatian positions before. Within a few moments, rubber bullets and hardened beanbags were slamming into the lit up New Hayesalians as the remainder of the Zellatian troops retreated while they were distracted. Those in cars picked up those who had just finished firing as the vehicles backed away. The nearby riverbank served as a defensible position for them to fall back to, especially as the one helicopter dropped and landed hard. While the first helicopter landed with a crunch (Aside from the plexiglass and the landing treads cracking, little damage happened to those inside), the second one bounced around killing a few people by accident, much to the horror of the survivors.

None of what the Zellatians had just done was designed to kill. Nonetheless, as it had...there would be hell to pay. They knew that.

PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE, REVNAMI [20 minutes prior]

When the Ambassador had been roused to meet with the Prime Minister, he remembered a certain ring he had. It was almost identical to his normal wedding band, but there was a key difference. Combined with actually being a camera, it was paired to a "woad application kit" that was in the lapel of the Ambassador's suit. Of course, everyone would think the camera would be in the larger object, but these days cameras can fit into smaller and odder places. Especially ones with crystalline screens and apparatii, but easier viewing. He had it for one simple reason. When he was a few years younger and stationed in a place far less "civilized", he and his partner had been assaulted. However, due to the nature of the police in the nation, this was left completely and utterly unprosecuted, partially due to a lack of evidence against the young men who had did it. Every since, whenever the Prime Minister felt that his life, or rather, the life of his nation was in any danger in a diplomatic meeting, he shifted to the other ring and woad kit.

Hoping he'd have time to sit down once he arrived to consider what was about to be discussed, he was ruffled up and practically tossed into the Prime Minister's office. Livid already at the very start of the conversation, the normally level-headed Zellatian diplomat listened with a great bit of intent the way that Prime Minister Bolt was discussing bending Zellatia over and making it cry out in surrender. Keeping his hand to his chest to film the totality of what he was hearing, he knew what he was seeing. This was horrible. This was monstrous.

This was an opportunity. Of course, the moment he entered the building that contained the Prime Minister's Office, the device had been recording what he'd seen. He'd half-expected to just get yelled at and have to sift through it later once he was no longer shell-shocked to determine exactly how he could appease the New Hayesalians (As he disagreed with what the military had decided to do), but that was not what was happening. Shuddering as he was pretty much told that the New Hayesalians were planning on invading and conquering New Zellatia, he could hardly believe his ears. After today, he'd unlikely be still in New Hayesalia as the Ambassador. Chances are for the stunt he was about to pull they'd reassign him to some backwater, but it was necessary.

This was necessary.

This was VERY necessary.

After uploading the file to his computer, he had his staff write up the necessary paperwork to send to the Zellatian Foreign Ministry and the Office of the Emperor to let them know what he was about to do after he sent out the email. Given the very secure network that the internet at the Embassy ran on, it wouldn't be difficult to pass it out to who he was about to notify. As he was preparing the generic version of the message, the program on his computer that cleaned up the video and audio to sound professional. It was time.

To: Union 24 Editor, Geoff Garvley
CC: Union 24 Staff
Subject: Vacancy of Freedom and Justice

Hello. My name is Ambassador Ambrose Falxen and I have born witness to a tragedy today. Enclosed in this file is the tragedy in its entirety and I do believe that it will be something that will shed some light on the current situation in Fruria, New Zellatia, and in Greater Prussia. I realize that I might not be the best source, but our interviews in the past have been riveting and I thought I'd give you the scoop shortly before I give it to anyone else. You were, after all, one of the first reporters to report New Hayesalian movements in Rozania and I believe that you have the integrity to give this the reporting it deserves.

Sincerely, your friend,

Ambassador Falxen of Zellatia

PS I sent two versions of the file. I hope the quality is good enough to make out what is happening.

Attached Files: Vacancy.H.264 Vacancy.MP4

After waiting five minutes and knowing that the reply wouldn't be immediate, he sent similar files to the various news stations, reputable blogs, news websites, and newspapers based in New Hayesalia, including ZNN Revnami (Zellatia News Network has a network in New Hayesalian for immigrants).

Getting a barrage of comments from many of these sources, the majority of which were outraged, he made sure that they'd work on it and have it up on air within the hour. Breathing a sigh of relief, he finally contacted his superiors. They were notably pissed, but apparently not as pissed as they were sure that the Prime Minister was about to be when he made the phone call.

"Wait, you want me to make the phone call? After what I did?" he asked the Foreign Minister worriedly, looking back and forth, "Are....you sure?"

"Yes you idiot, I do mean you. How else are we going to find out how screwed he feels he is unless you describe it in perfect detail later?" the Foreign Minister responded, finally sounding calm after everything that had happened today, "Just do it. Report to me when you are done. If he responds appropriately, he'll have messy pants, but if he's gone of the rails, you'll be dead by the end of the night. I hope its the former, because you know we have no base near enough to get your ass out of the fire you are starting"

"Yes Boss" Ambassador Falxen said, shaking a bit as he slammed the phone down. Now...he had to wait.

The Ambassador's Office, Forty Minutes after the Standoff

Picking up the phone, the Ambassador gave the phone call that the Prime Minister was waiting for. The Majority of the Zellatian troops HAD fallen back, but only far enough back that they could redeploy. Not that the New Hayesalians would know that yet. "Yes. Put me through to the Prime Minister" he said, anxiously waiting. As the elderly secretary who hated his guts, for multiple assured reasons, put him through, he coughed and maintained his composure. Ancestors above, he had sweat right through his woad. "Prime Minister, so nice to talk to you. The Zellatian marines have fallen back. However, if you would be so kind as to do me a quick favor, would you mind turning on the news?"

by **Drekka** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 9:20 pm

Several Horizon Class cruisers maneuver around a coral reef

KFS Aerie

The Aerie was the unsung pride of the Expeditionary Forces. Its 4,000 crewmembers endlessly scuttled throughout the interior, making the ship almost seem at peace, which is disrupted by outer crew movement and the occasional sortie . She was a relatively new ship, one that was almost never developed due to the Naval Component's preference towards smaller, more defendable carriers in a doctrine tailored around symmetric warfare. Despite the relative greenness of the ship, its crew was mostly hardened from several deployments since Aerie's inception, providing invaluable support in denying air superiority for its adversaries in several
multilateral confrontations.

by **New Hayesalia** » Thu Sep 17, 2015 11:31 pm

STANDOFF

The Zellatians had gone too far. All New Hayesalians dropped or found cover, as their training demanded at the sound of gunshots or similar. In the case of the Zellatian soldiers who had fired the shots, their fate was sealed. The crew chief and left hand door gunner of Moustache 6-1 orbiting the site, including the location where Moustache 6-2 slowly lowered the twelve new tyres, had recognised it as a threat to his helicopter and as such his safety. The Zellatians might have got their two shots off, but within spilt seconds the two belligerent soliders met the wrong end of a blast of .50 calibre machine gun ammunition from the shaking and damaged helicopter. At 600 rounds per minute, easily ripping through light armoured Zellatian vehicles shielding the two belligerents.

Moustache 6-2 did fall, but the lack of understanding of physics from the Zellatian side had truly proven to be dangerous. Dirt kicked up and smoky dust blasted in all directions as the helicopter shook, landed, before bouncing off the tyres and turning sideways. The quickly rotating blades slammed into the side of one of the Pseudonaja, smashing the rotors apart and throwing shrapnel in all directions, cutting into the second helicopter, all the ground vehicles and some soldiers of all sides. The aircrew within were likely to be seriously injured, if not killed. This was a major incident.

The New Hayesalians were quick on the draw. As the Zellatians began a barrage of non-lethal fire, the New Hayesalians suffered from the highly decreased visibility, though the blasts of the flash bangs were mostly cancelled out by their helmet's noise-cancelling headphones. This was a threat, and in accordance with their rights, the New Hayesalian soldiers unleashed, firing bursts of 7.62mm ammunition into any Zellatians at the near point blank range who tried to take up their arms. As more retrated, the helicopter crew of the struggling Moustache 6-1 followed, making swooping passes over the retreating soldiers and raking them with .50 calibre fire as it came in for a hard landing in a relative clearing nearby. Quickly, the troops dismounted. Both pilots and the crew chiefs were armed with 7.62mm carbines and all the training of a good soldier, and quickly rushed to join the fight despite their minor injuries- the pilots would likely be commended for their skilful landing.

The New Hayesalians were bruised, and battered, but the highly armoured military policemen were able to recover largely- 6 of their original number were out of the fight. 19 military police soldiers quickly regrouped, advancing after the guerilla Zellatians as the singalman called for a quick reaction force. The New Hayesalian MP's had lost some of the Zellatians, who had bugged out in vehicles though some of their number laid bleeding on the dirt road- as did some New Hayesalians.

"GET THE UAV UP!" screamed the lieutenant to his forward observer, who had been hit in the neck with a bean bag and was struggling to catch back his breath. Despite, he doffed his backpack and drew out four items. Three portions of a Micro B tactical UAV and the control pad quickly assembled as the New Hayesalians redirected their attention and saw to the wounded, the signalman reporting the chaos that had gone on and reported KIAs. The forward observer deployed the UAV, loading it into a pneumatic launcher and flinging it into the sky. With a control range of 10 kilometres and an hours flight time, the forward observer needed to keep the convoy in his sights. They would be tracked and, possibly, targeted.

CROW AIRPORT

LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEROOOOOOOOOOOOYYY JEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNKKKKKKKKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Cards dropped, laptops closed, couches were abandoned and people clung to the sides of hallways. Soldiers dashed through the hallways at a crazy rate of speed, headed to the ready room as, on the tarmac outside, a C-27J transport aircraft, two V-30 Phatoms and an AV-30 Reaper scrambled, crews rushing from their own break rooms to the ferris patterned aircraft.

The soldiers rushing through the halls of the room were members of the Army Pararescue, specialised in air insertion methods of all varieties and trained to deliver intensive paramedical care with exceptional combat ability. The team loaded up for parachute insertion, with a full suite of medical equipment and combat gear with them. The tiltrotor helicopters would take longer to arrive than the C-27J, so the troops were going in via cargo plane.

The team was comprised of a number of pilots and pararescuemen, with four-man crews following in the V-30s and AV-30s, ten pararescuemen ordered to drop in to provide support. The loading and departure took only minutes, as the crisis happening in the reserve was crucially dangerous.

Their arrival would be to destroyed helicopters and corpses, as well as wounded New Hayesalian troops. The smouldering wreck of a firefight would do no benefit to any nation.

PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE, CONFERENCE ROOM A

The New Hayesalian Prime Minister did not have to sit in the National Operations Command Centre to be in control. Conference Room A was easily used as an alternative, a low-threat situation room of sorts, not equipped with all the protective features of the bunker site a kilometre and a half away. He sat with his Chief's Cabinet and his military commanders sat on the other end of the video teleconference, providing feeds and updates. The leak of the PM's conversation had, in fact, made him furious. It was a crime, and anyone else would have been shackled by the National Police as the story first released. Falxen's diplomatic immunity was, of course, an inhibiting factor.

"He's been declared persona non grata, staff are advising his Embassy in person now." the enraged Foreign Minister, the portly Lauretta Meinke, said after hanging up a phone. Falxen was the leak- the New Hayesalians knew it. He was untouchable legally, but with that the New Hayesalian government had barred him from any access to the NH Government and he had been ordered to leave the country within 36 hours, after which time his diplomatic immunity would be revoked. Indeed, the NH Government had also recalled it's own Ambassador in Zellatia, John de Sisko, in a display of condemnation.

The story was going red-hot and even Union- though not wanting to expose themselves as the first recipient of the source particularly under this government- was reporting on the Ambassador's leak. The media was continuing to report the progress in the reserve, though news of a firefight had not reached them yet.

The phone call from Falxen- a privilege he would shortly lose- was met by Prime Minister Bolt angrily on the conference phone. The news that the Zellatians were falling back was decent, and the PM informed the traitorous ambassador that the NH Government was always atop the news. The PM spoke in no short terms.

"You listen to me, you slimy fuck. You tell your bosses that if those Zellatian foot soldiers aren't off the reserve in 3 hours, entirely and utterly, I will have them taken as prisoners of war. Your fuckery, your release of absolutely top secret information, has jeopardised the mission over Fruria. That mission is now aborted, and the FSP have caught on. If I could I'd have you arrested, put away for 30 years if not more. You have 36 hours to get out of my country, and if you don't or you ever come back, I will have you in fucking handcuffs."

With that, the PM cancelled the call. He opened the door, and screamed to his secretary not to field any more calls from Falxen.

Slamming it shut again, the Prime Minister ordered his military staff to find alternative plans. The FSP would be defeated, New Hayesalia would end this chaos, and reset the balance of power... whether Zellatia was on board or not.

by **Zellatia** » Fri Sep 18, 2015 12:26 am

The Embassy

So, it was over. At this point, it was obvious that the Prime Minister had snapped long ago and this was another in a long line of anger management problems. The Ambassador considered staying in the country just to taunt the leader of New Hayesalia, but that would only end with him "accidentally killed" or "suffering from a medical attack and dying". The Embassy was closing up. It had been a long time coming, considering how hostile that Prime Minister Bolt had been since the beginning of his administration. The man didn't seem to understand the long term effects of what was going on. Lauretta Meinke, the opposite to Baltus Lindamere, had showed herself as an apparent lackadaisal adviser and a bad foreign minister who had hardly been remotely involved in the majority of the meetings between Zellatia and New Hayesalia. All of Bolt's cabinet had been bad at dealing with local issues when it came to Zellatians who had moved to New Hayesalia over the years, a decent minority, from the Housing Minister or any other office dealing with the Zellatian poverty problem in New Hayesalia. As such, it was no surprise that the Ambassador held so little regard for Bolt and his cronies.

He could've easily countered Bolt's claim of sliminess by pointing out not only the illegal seizure of neutral territory, but also the prepared invasion of Zellatian Fruria, but it didn't matter much any more. In fact, the revelation that Bolt just did had made more problems than he was likely expecting. It had taken a good amount of time for the tensions to boil out, but even moderate and conservative Zellatians were starting to have problems with Bolt's government. Whether he considered it a problem or not, his behavior was causing more Zellatians to consider the FSP an alternative. Although, even still, that number was relatively low. Instead, as Bolt would find out, the Zellatians living in the capital who had been peaceful members of the community uninvolved in much so far (Little to no FSP presence was in Revnami at any point in time, and those that were part of the organization were either dead or jailed by now) were going to do what they did best.

Protest.

Partially egged on by the soundbite of the Prime Minister threatening Zellatian lives, and partially egged on by news coming up through the community as a whole about the Zellatian dead in the Natural Reserve, fifteen thousand Zellatian protesters entered the streets, organized through Facebook, and, joined by some Liberal New Hayesalian groups (numbering about half the total Zellatians), joined them and marched on the Prime Minister's Office. It would likely not end well. On the signs were calls for the Prime Minister to step down and for new elections to be held.

The Ambassador's office was emptied in only a half hour. Ambassador Ambrose Falxen, who had called New Hayesalia a second home for the last three years, was leaving for good. He and his Husband found themselves on a civilian aircraft leaving for neutral territory, somewhere in New Hyannis, and then moving to Zellatia from there.

There was nothing more to say.

The Emperor's Palacial Office, Zellton City, Zellatia Proper, The Democratic Empire of Zellatia

Looking over the war report, the Emperor of Zellatia, Zellan III Destroniki stood at his desk. His wife already knew about the situation and was notably upset, but there was nothing that could be done in this situation. Everything had gone to hell in a handbasket quicker than it should've. He had 15 dead Zellatian on his hands, and even though he had not made the order, it was notably his fault regardless. He still had the power to veto military action and he hadn't used his restraint judiciously. Guilt was a thing unique to him out of many in a long line of Zellatian monarchs. Many had been unrepentant douches with no regard for human life. It made decisions much harder when you thought about what you had to tell the families of the dead.

As Baltus Lindamere walked up to the Emperor, he seemed bashful. This whole debacle was partially his fault and he knew that the result of this could mean his job. "Emperor, I-"

"You don't need to apologize, Baltus. And we're in private, for the most part, so call me Zellan. Only other person here is von Leone and he's brooding out in the hallway"

"Why is he brooding, Emperor?" the Foreign Minister asked, ignoring the Emperor's request for informality.

"One of the dead men was Blade Corporal Henrik von Leone. His youngest son. He was second in command of the unit"

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"Is there anything I can do, Zellan?"

"No. We didn't even try to kill them and they opened fire on us with fatal rounds. We disabled their helicopters and their vehicles, that was all. We may have harmed the flight crew, but no one on the New Hayesalia side died, as far as we are aware. That will change soon enough, it seems" the Emperor said bitterly. "I had high hopes for our alliance with New Hayesalia. Damn Bolt and damn the entire Conservative party of New Hayesalia. They've jeopardized so much for so little to gain. Some neutral ground? A nature reserve to grow more food? Are they insane?"

"I would say that based on his actions the Prime Minister and his cabinet seem to be. The fact that they don't seem to disagree on anything with each other makes it all the worse. There's no...restraint. Its all group think and circle jerking"

"I didn't need that image, Baltus"

"Sorry, sir"

"So what are we going to do, Baltus?"

"Keep our men back, for now. If they advance again, we'll use deadly force and they know that. They shouldn't risk it"

"And if they do?"

"Ancestors save us, my gods, may they save us, we and the New Hayesalians both. Neither of us wants a war. We can just hope that this vacuum can be filled"

by **Makaivellia** » Fri Sep 18, 2015 12:35 am

Mars Cove, Makaivellia
Alden found it hard making decisions the Queen would normally make.

How the fuck does she do it?

Yohannes
Vitricia pointed to a small coffee shop across the street. "I like this one, perhaps we could sit here?" she said, sounding delighted to have finally found one to her liking. Her phone would not stop vibrating in her purse, as she suspected Alden was having a slight panic attack while trying to run the Imperium.

by **Zellatia** » Sat Sep 19, 2015 5:35 pm

Yohannes

Ambassador Des-Ambron wasn't sure why she seemed to hardly pay attention to anything around them except for just them. Sitting with her at the coffee shop, the Ambassador of Zellatia in Yohannes hardly had any idea why she was bringing the two of them out to public like this and wasn't really sure why they were going to talk about things out here.

by **New Hayesalia** » Sat Sep 19, 2015 11:49 pm

PARLIAMENT COMPLEX OUTER LAWNS

The quickly mobilised protest had been a stunningly fast development. The far-left New Hayesalian groups had been aligned with some of the Zellatian refugee groups for a while, and text messages quickly drew people to the Parliament. Due to the nature of the Parliament Complex, there was a specific location that demonstrations could be held. For safety and the effectiveness of the Parliament, only authorised demonstrations could be held inside the Complex with snap protests kept in the designated area, in full view of the Parliament and Prime Minister's office. Police quickly mobilised, forming the necessary cordon and overwatch of the slowly growing group.

Over the course of an hour, the protest grew further, with more than 15,000 people- mostly Zellatians- taking public transport or walking the the protest. They backed up into streets, police units establishing themselves at various points for safety. As the afternoon progressed, only small scuffles broke out. The police/RMG presence allowed quick engagement, with a total of 74 arrests made that day. 55 were Zellatian refugees.

Union 24 News Theme

ZELLATIAN AMBASSADOR DEPORTED
Bolt Government in crisis management as details emerge of fatal firefight, aborted mission in Fruria, ambitions in GP Natural Reserve

^{SHARE THIS:}

Mitchell Jace ( @mitchjace1975 )
^{01/09/15 | Union News 24 – New Hayesalia’s Public Broadcaster}

Police in Revnami make an arrest.
Photo courtesy AP.

REVNAMI – The Zellatian Ambassador to New Hayesalia, Melrose Falxen, has been deported from New Hayesalia after being identified as the source of a leak exposing the New Hayesalian government's attempt to attack an FSP navy unit in the Frurian region.

The news comes after the New Hayesalian military revealed that six soldiers were killed and six severely injured during a firefight with Zellatian soldiers after a Zellatian patrol attempted to capture a New Hayesalian vehicle convoy. A Military Police platoon was deployed to assist the New Hayesalian convoy, with two Army helicopters shot down by Zellatian forces, resulting in the deaths of six New Hayesalians. The Zellatian soldiers then fired upon the New Hayesalian forces with less-than-lethal combat equipment, eliciting a response from the New Hayesalians acting in self-defence. A total of fifteen Zellatian soldiers were killed in the ensuing firefight.

At the time of the firefight, local and international media agencies recieved information from Ambassador Melrose Falxen. It stated that the Prime Minister, Edwin Bolt, had ordered a military strike against the Free Shade Party's naval fleet as part of the unrecognised country of New Zellatia's navy, an attack which was aborted shortly thereafter.

The Prime Minister has also been accused of blackmailing Zellatia in the wake of comments made in the video.

He and his husband have left the country, with the former Ambassador unlikely to ever be permitted entry to the nation again.

The GP Natural Reserve has been entered as part of a surveying mission ordered by the NH Government, which has drawn opposition from Zellatia and the Cathedral as an 'invasion' and 'illegal.' The High Court is reviewing the operation to determine the legality of the New Hayesalian mission, a decision now highly anticipated with the death of New Hayesalian soldiers. Their names have not been released at the request of families at this time.

Under New Hayesalian law, the Ambassador would have been charged with espionage. The maximum penalty for espionage is life imprisonment. The Ambassador is, however, diplomatically immune and therefore cannot be charged with this crime.

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NORTH OF THE RESERVE

The Zellatians were fleeing. They'd tickled the bear and they'd been absolutely steamrollered. As checkpoints were abandoned, New Hayesalian soldiers continued in all directions. The Natural Reserve was still being taken, even if their comrades had suffered these losses. The vehicles would be recovered; the bodies already were. The dead Zellatians had already been repatriated with another helicopter- a V-30 adorned in Red Crosses- had taken them to a known Zellatian field hospital.

Another operation was brewing. As the PM had demanded in his phone call, the Zellatians had only a few hours to leave the area. That they would entrench their positions only meant they thirsted for battle. They had been ordered to leave. They had the ability to show it. But that they were taking up positions on the northern coasts, without any signal of retreat,

The New Hayesalian Military maintained legions of all three services in Rozania. The combined power of the fleets, divisions and groups contained over the border should have been proof enough of New Hayesalian military supremacy in this area. Orders, top secret in nature, had already been passed to commanders in Brandkoning. Plans were being developed to capture the Zellatian forces if they did not show that they were taking their leave with immediate effect. They did, indeed have only an hour left as New Hayesalia's Ambassador in the Cathedral attended a meeting in the suave city of New Canterbury.

by **Zellatia** » Sun Sep 20, 2015 12:07 pm

ZNN Headquarters, Media District, Zellton City, Zellatia Proper, The Democratic Empire of Zellatia

It was a dark day for many at the ZNN HQ in the capital city of Zellatia. Before today, a good number of interviews had been set up, but two of the people who were to be interviewed, the Grand Admiral and the Emperor, were either mourning or too busy dealing with the current situation. The reason it was dark, as well, was the deaths in the Natural Preserve.

Also, the lights in the studio were off.

As the lights came on, the two newspeople, Beatrice ZeTreppe and Zeldin Marraji, the anchors for the next four hours, began their reporting for the day. Starting first, ZeTreppe spoke the portion of the introduction as she always did. "Good Afternoon everyone. My name is Beatrice ZeTreppe, and as always I am joined by Zeldin Marraji"

"Indeed, Beatrice" Marraji spoke, his smokey and rasped voice picking up right on cue. "It is 3:00 PM CZT [Central Zellatian Time] here in the capital, and it is time to go over the days news. Starting with local news, the Sub-Mayor of the Media District of the capital today announced an initiative to further dig down into the sewer to free up some space for more subterranean apartments. Funded in part by the government, they are being offered to poor and rich alike, but only if they do not currently have adequate housing"

"This is a part of the Anti-Nerve Gas initiative, the last section of which passed in the Khain and Thelakhan, the lower and upper houses of Parliament for our foreign viewers, is a remnant of the Safety Laws that were passed following the First Civil War. Around 10% of all homes in Zellton City are now toxic gas proof, and by the end of the initiative's length, the last of the Safe-Houses will be built to house those fleeing potential gas attacks in the future" ZeTreppe finished. "Further afield, in the Palacial District, a scandal related to one of the Guard Captains who patrol the east perimeter of the gate has broken out after finding out that he has been taking bribes from organized crime to get contraband introduced into the Palace to unknown buyers. He is expected to be charged with Treason, Espionage, and Smuggling offenses, although the station here believes only the latter will stick"

"In other local news, the leaders of the Farmer's District near the eastern most part of town have taken to protesting the most recent change in water allotment laws. Apparently, this will damage the livelihood of those who grow water intensive crops, such as Almonds, Rice, and Zellatian Blueberries, which are famous for getting as large as one's head in some places. The ZNN statistical staff say that there is a 55% chance that the Sub-Mayor of the Farmer's District - East will work with the protesters and modify the law to exempt those three crops" Marraji said, straightening up the papers in front of him as he began to continue to speak, "In further local news, another ruin has been discovered by an Allanean-Zellatian joint archaeology dig in the outskirts of the North District. Apparently dating back to the Hierophantine Period, around a few centuries after Zell, the ruins show signs of vestigial deific worship of the ancient local god Atune'e. It is the third such site found in the area, which leads some historians to speculate that some of the information from the Hierophantine Period might've been fabricated by historians from the later periods in order to make the worship of the Ancestor-Gods that followed more prevalent prior"

"In Military News, the names of the dead in the Defense of the Natural Preserve on Greater Rügen have finally been made public by the Office of the Interior Minister. They are as follows:
Private First Class Jordan Zeland
Private First Class Pette Hireoph
Private Second Class Gerome Zek
Specialist Matteo Grunespan
Specialist Meenah Giraji
Specialist Jenn Ange
Private First Class Lilam Wafft
Specialist LeRoy Grimes
Specialist Addum Absur
Blade Corporal Henrik von Leone
Lance Corporal James Jamezos
Private First Class Alduine Rozze
Private First Class Mir Adorae
Medic First Class Mira Adorae
Medic First Class Reza Koenig

They will be missed and their sacrifice will not be in vain" ZeTreppe said, both reporters bowing their heads for a few moments before continuing. "Further news in the Zellatian Greater Colonial Sea area, reports that the former colonies that had been missing have now had formal ties with the Zellatian Empire established upon their apparent surrender into sovereignty. Why they have done so has confused many in the diplomatic community and our researchers considering their former stance. Sightings of Zealites in their borders, however, does have some oddness to them, considering the situation there"

"In other military news in Greater Rügen" began Marraji said, cracking his neck a bit as he leaned forward, "The Zellatian commander, Admiral Ackers, has said that if New Hayesalian forces get within fifty miles of the Cathedralite border, where the Zellatian Naval Marines have currently stationed themselves, she will consider the New Hayesalians acting in the region as traitors to Greater Prussia and New Hayesalia and as deserters. While this does not mesh with the greater understanding of the situation, she has reportedly been rebuffed in her warnings to the Cathedral leadership, and said that "If another shot is fired, all bets are off". I think now is time for our Nation Report, right?" Marraji asked, trying to keep chipper about the situation.

"Right" ZeTreppe said, not really feeling it, "It's time for the Recovery Report!" she said as excitedly as she could manage, the transition flashing a map of Zellatia, the continent, and the other regions of Zellatia as the camera zoomed in on New Destronika Province. "The cities of Ekpo and Torrek continue to recover from the nuclear blasts that ravaged them during the Insurrection. While the population of both cities are now much smaller than they used to be, much of the infrastructure has been repaired and new cities are popping up along the highways leading to them. The largest town that has popped up, Fallout, now has around 200,000 people living there, making it the second largest city in the south of the province, after the mostly recovered city of Crassa to the east of it. Moving on to Garrissonia Province, the city of Garrison has finally fixed the parts of the city that are still being used, making the large construction site, as of today, mostly dealt with. There are still some underground places where infrastructure just needs updating, but most of the city has recovered physically, despite many empty homes in the southwest and northeast sections of town. Some still have the bodies of the dead inside and will need demolishing"

Marraji, giving a nervous smile, nodded, "In other news, the FSP's naval forces in New Zellatia have fallen back into neutral waters after it was revealed, apparently by Ambassador Falxen, that they were about to attack. As a result of the aborted attack, however, the New Zellatian Navy is at high alert and will be unlikely to falter to any sort of attack, as it would've been completely unexpected. A spokesperson from the local Admiral-in-Command, J. Lorith Amir, has said the following: "Without the leak, I dare say that the New Hayesalians would've steamrolled us after we defeated the FSP. Thank you Ambassador Falxen". Whether or not he was aware that the New Hayesalians only would've done this if the Zellatians had retreated in Greater Rügen, that was what he said. Moving on to today's Round Table!" he shouted, the transition screen shifting to the two reporters, Empress-Consort Talia, Grand General Marr Anorae, and Prime Minister Mortan Zelandrie.

"Good afternoon your majesty, General, and your excellency" ZeTreppe began, the Grand General annoyed at the lesser greeting, "Thank you for being here today to tell us your thoughts. I think we'll start with you, Grand General. How do you feel about the situation?"

"Thank you for having me here, Beatrice" he said, looking at her, "I thought you'd never invite me onto the program after our last meeting"

"Answer the question, Grand General"

"...Right. I feel that everything went to hell already. If I was in charge of the navy, we would've occupied Cathedral for the duration of the conflict. However, I still feel that the Admiral, Ackers, is doing the best she can with the situation, even if she's being pig-headed about it. She might've done better with an earlier placement of troops, but with the Tigarian Foreign Legion late in arriving, I don't blame her for using the Marines as ground forces"

"Alright, thank you for your honesty. Prime Minister?"

"Thank you Ms. ZeTreppe" the Prime Minister of Zellatia said, "I feel that this situation has indeed showed us that the New Hayesalians aren't to be trusted. Especially ones that are as...conservative...as Bolt. How did an extremist get elected after Prime Minister Hayes did such a good job? I feel we should permanently dissolve the Garrison Agreement until a time when we feel we can trust the leadership of New Hayesalia. However, in this, my party does not have a majority quite yet. I ask that in the upcoming 2015 elections this November that all viewers consider the Loyalist Democratic Party as the party of good governance and moral principles and again elects me Prime Minister so that I can continue to change our living and reforming Constitution."

"...Okay then" Zetreppe said, coughing as Marraji stepped in.

"Empress-Consort Talia Destroniki, we would like your opinion of the situation. What do you feel should be done and what should happen next?" the reporter asked.

"Well..." Talia asked, clearly nervous considering the audience, "I don't know, really. I feel that something here is wrong, but it is up to the New Hayesalian high courts to say if the action by Prime Minister Edwin Bolt is legitimate or illegal. While I do hope things end up amicably...I feel that it won't. I hope that the Admiral and whomever is leading the local New Hayesalian forces can meet and discuss on their own what to do next"

"Very diplomatic answer, Empress-consort" the reporter said, nodding his head, "Where does your allegiance lie in case of war?"

At that question, the Empress-Consort blanched, but the question was soon found to be crossed over as ZeTreppe, elbowed Marraji for going off-script.

"I mean, sorry, if there's a war, will you stay here in Zellatia?"

"I...yes. I-"

"There is nothing else that needs to be said, your majesty" ZeTreppe said, glaring at Marraji, "We're sorry for the treatment. This is a very stressful time for all of us and Zeldin is acting like this due to the amount stress we're all under, right?" she said, still looking at her on-air partner.

"Wh- Yes, I apologize for my actions, your Majesty" Marraji grudgingly said, moving on, "So, Prime Minister, are you saying that the New Hayesalian government right now is illegitimate?"

"Absolutely, Zeldin. Any government that illegally orders its troops to occupy neutral territory is illegitimate"

"But didn't the Grand General just say that they should've occupied the Anglican Republic of the Cathedral? And he's part of the Emperor's Cabinet?"

"MY CABINET as well, but he is not the head of government. He and I don't necessarily agree on everything, but we do agree that New Hayesalia is untrustworthy"

"Not true, your excellency" the Grand General countered, "I believe that the current GOVERNMENT of New Hayesalia is untrustworthy. I think you are right-baiting and I am not happy to be a part of that, considering the last Grand General's Right-Wing treason"

"Both of you stop arguing already" Talia said, sighing loudly, "We're here to be interviewed, not to fight!" suddenly a little less nervous.

As the scuffle of words continued, Beatrice ZeTreppe looked to the camera, "We'll...take a short commercial break to deal with this. Please, be patient as we resolve this situation" she said, as it cut to commercial break.

by **New Hayesalia** » Wed Sep 23, 2015 11:19 pm

CONFERENCE ROOM A

The Cabinet had been sat quietly for the last five or so minutes. Some were feverishly sipping from coffee cups, others running hands through their hair. The Prime Minister, wallowing in the ether of rage knew time was up. The Zellatians had not only stayed on the island, but they had entrenched their positions, using the defence of the Cathedral as their raison d'être. The New Hayesalians, simply, had no reason to go for the small peninsula of the Anglican Republic. They were a good ally in the fight against slavery, and their international dealings had been reflective of a nation that, while a theocratic state, respected international customs and human freedoms.

The Zellatians had, in their way, created a siege environment, buffered strategically by the Cathedral. That being said, the Admiral in charge of the operations of the Zellatian 'insurgents' had made the Zeallatian Navy's response clear. Troops operating in the area would not be treated as combatant forces. This was, in al technicality, a breach of international law... but that was merely a side issue. It was interesting that the information had been shared over the media, but all signals intelligence was pointing towards that being the case.

The options were clear. Starve out the Zellatians, capture them or destroy them were options. Most would require the Cathedral's response.

Across the telecommunications divide, military chief Field Marshal Eli Knight, his grey and fantastic moustache highlighting him on screen, quoted Sun Tzu after his own brainwave. "In order to capture, one must let loose."

The ministers looked up into the screen. Defence Minister Kunst responded, lifting his head from a fist. "What?" came the simple reply from the silver-haired Minister.

"Cornered prey will often mount a final desperate attack. To prevent this you let the enemy believe he still has a chance for freedom. His will to fight is thus dampened by his desire to escape. When in the end the freedom is proven a falsehood the enemy's morale will be defeated and he will surrender without a fight."

"Bu-" the Minister began, cut off by an engaged and enraged Prime Minister, "How, Marshal?"

"Well sir, it would necessarily be a major assault. I can undertand the political effects could-"

"Eli, I am sick of fucking Zellatians, be they FSP or marines, fucking up our policy objectives. Tell me what you want to do, to capture these marines."

"Right. Well sir this is an operation that requires a level of careful consideration. Their major elements are focused at the southern corners of the Cathedral's borders, comprising a motorised infantry force of about 12,000 soldiers altogether. Combat elements are placed along the border at distances about 50 miles. Compared to the forces we have based in Rozania, they are well and truly out of their depths- frankly we could roll over them in a matter of an hour. Obviously that isn't our intention, Prime Minister, but it speaks to our ability to launch all out assaults."

Bolt took a sip of coffee.

"So what has the Army got for us to consider?"

"The precise plan will be considered separately. From my knowledge of the situation, and the spread nature of the Zellatians, they will have only two options for escape. One is out to sea, on either end, however the central part of their forces will not have the access to this. The second option is to break through our lines, which would be prevented by a solid offensive. The third, and equally most dangerous and likely, is that they will attempt to cross over the Cathedral border. They are only a lightly defended force, but intelligence suggests they're moving more forces south. We've seen a couple of their cruisers on higher alert and there's already been a squadron of F-35s moved."

"What does that mean for us?"

"We have, again, three options in my opinion. One is to be invited to bolster their border protection, and then squeeze the Zellatians out between two colliding waves of troops. The second option is that we covertly and en-masse deploy forces to the border region. This risks engagement from the Cathedral side, however, and we would need to employ the Commandos or a similar special forces unit for the job. Third is we don't do that, and we test the Zellatian's will to not invade the nation they're supposed to protect. As long as we stay south of the border fence, we will be the bigger man in that regard."

"How can we minimise the damage of that?" Bolt asked, becoming eager to hear more.

"If we approach in a solid extended line formation, we will force the Zellatians north. This will inevitably force them directly straight north. However, we may use a wedge formation and penetrate their defences in lesser defended areas- we know of about three, which makes sense as we know of three strongholds. The wedges would act as a fast-moving shock force, with another extended line formation behind as in plan one. The wedge formations would come about as the extended line formation engaged, creating a front on three sides for the east and western enemy elements and one on all sides for the central. This means that the Zellatian elements to the east and west would be forced either into the sea or to surrender, and the central forces only provided with the latter option. We will have broken them off from combat support, command and control and effective combined arms warfare prowess."

"Divide and conquer." chimed in Meinke, the foreign minister.

"What do you need, Field Marshal?"

"Full combined arms pulled from elements of the 25th Legion and equivalents in Rozania. Our access to special forces is limited, but if I can get a force of Commandos brought in in time for the operation it will increase our capacity. Obviously we will need to use the cities of Crow and Wilmi as staging bases, and we will be using fighting vehicles, tanks and attack helicopters as part of the effort. We will, of course, require only a minimum of force. We do not want to destroy the Zellatians."

He continued, an aide behind him taking notes.

"What I would also like is to begin a non-lethal bombing and electronic warfare campaign. Their anti-air abilities are limited, and we have electronic warfare aircraft based all over Rozania. Furthermore, we may be able to start a dual campaign of dropping Loki, CHAMP and Output Hormonal gas, non-lethal of course. If we start now we might affect a few of them with the gas and in any case, fighting in gas masks is a real bastard of a thing. The areas are safe to enter after about 15 minutes, so if we time it right we'll be facing a disorganised, tired, confused and demoralised enemy."

"How much time?" Bolt said, wholly involved.

"Can you give me a force from 1 CDO?" the Field Marshal asked his ADC, who stated they were being alerted now to a possible notice to move. "Four hours until the operation may begin. That should be just after nightfall in Rozania."

Bolt considered this. His Ambassador was awaiting concrete information, for now simply due to tell the President or whomever else the nature of the NH-Zellatian conflict to his nations south, as well as noting New Hayesalia's refusal to disrupt the sovereignty of the Cathedral.

"Field Marshal, make it happen. A minimal of all casualties- particularly our own. But I do not want to see any POWs of our own over this, I just fear what an angry Zellatian would do to a downed pilot."

"We will see to it. We will develop an operational plan for you, wait out for further, sir."

VYCYNI ARMY BARRACKS, 340km NORTH OF CROW, ROZANIA

Vycyni Barracks was one of those postings that a soldier could equally love and hate. It was just about the smallest town soldiers could be based at, being the headquarters of the 100th Mechanised Division, in turn home to three divisions of New Hayesalia's tanks. Indeed, it was the home of the Tank Conversion Course. The unique requirements of operating New Hayesalia's fleet of Panthera Leo main battle tanks and Arctos medium battle tanks meant a large space was needed for maneuver, gunnery and general training. Vycyni Field Training Offered all that, wrapped up into thousands of kilometres of shellshocked ranges, courses and urban training simulators. Without a doubt, the small civilian settlement of Vycyni would not exist without the 6000 or so military personnel based here, alongside the 768 combat ready tanks and the few hundred trainers.

In a battalion of 1,000 soldiers, 800 were tasked to operate New Hayesalia's tanks. With 25 men in a tank platoon in charge of four Leo MBTs and four Arctos medium tanks, a strong formation of NH Army tanks was nothing to sneeze at.

Maintenance played a big part in the lifetime of the tank. As each team of the crew had a duty to keep their assigned beast at peak readiness in what was truly a labour of love, these tanks benefited from a lot of personal attention. For tank gunner Private Brian Melson, the maintenance of the weapons system and armour and associated elements were a clearly important duty. Keeping the barrel of his tank clean was a dirty job after a firing or two, but on days like this it was ok.

As he sat in his seat, a small radio playing atop the open hatch as he washed viewfinder displays, the alert sounded. Like their aviation colleagues, tankers had to be alert for quick callouts. The report of the alarm was calling all men to their briefing rooms. The use of the word 'noduff' was more than enough encouragement for the young man to jump from his tank without too much prior preparation, as it indicated a real life emergency.

The briefing room quickly filled with New Hayesalian tankers in their fire retardant suits, all eager to hear about what may be upcoming. The secret brief they received was the real deal- a fire and maneuver, combined arms operation. The unit's commander, Lieutenant Colonel Markus Varson, provided the brief.

"We have been tasked, in cooperation with other units, to capture the Zellatian forces on the Cathedral's southern border. One extended line formation will follow three wedge formations who will head to the border and hook around to the northern flank of the Zellatians. Our tank forces will provide the base for that wedge along with helicopter and motorised infantry elements. The terrain is mountainous and there are a number of hills, leading to a large number of tight passes. We will be using SQUIRE UGVs and air assets to provide effective scout elements. Our plan..."

The tanks began rolling north, helicopters preparing across the bases through Rozania, troops loading up and finding their way to the armoured Bushmaster and Javelin troop carriers. Forces would be assembling to drive up the northern peninula before speeding east, forming a single and solid line. The air campaign would start soon, even as the Zellatians, exhausted from a day of work, prepared for the chaos.

OOC: Zell can you outline your setup before I start the air campaign?

by **Zellatia** » Thu Sep 24, 2015 10:28 pm

The Defensive Line, Greater Prussian Natural Reserve, Greater Rugen, Greater Prussian Alliance Territory

Admiral Ackers was afraid. Not only had the thirty thousand marines landed and created a defensive perimeter in a short period of time, in a time that would've taken much less experienced troops weeks rather than 24 hours, but so had the fifteen thousand members of the Tigarian Foreign Legion. Unlike the Marines or any other nominally Zellatian military force, the Foreign Legion was still technically unattached to the traditional Zellatian military structure. There was a good reason for that, of course. They were mercenaries, technically. Honorable mercenaries, but mercenaries nonetheless. Numbering around two million in total, the Tigarian Foreign Legion included foreign nationals, Zellatians born outside of Zellatia, as well as the rare Tigarians born outside of Zellatia. While Tigarians and Zellatians were at this point somewhat similar ethnically, culturally there was an ancient divide that harked back to the Gunpowder Era of Zellatian history, where the Zellatian Empire had conquered the Tigarian Coalition and its Empire. What made the relationship awkward between the Zellatian government and the Tigarian Foreign Legion up until now had been their leader.

Hardek Destronikan.

Grand General Destronikan, deceased leader of the FSP's, younger brother.

Hardek had been a General before he'd retired and gone into the private military company, but despite the issues that Hardek had with the Zellatian government at the time of his departure, he had not joined the FSP. Far from it. He'd sent as many of his troops back, those who were not on contract at the time, to help the Zellatian Army, although many only arrived in places that the Zellatian army had held, and with them had joined the defensive lines there. He had and brother had never been close, and despite the possibility of becoming the next Grand General should his brother succeed in his plot, Hardek remained loyal to the Zellatian government. However, for the last few years, it has been public policy to be anti-ANYTHING FSP, including relatives of FSP members being socially discriminated against, despite the illegality of it. However, the central government's approval of bringing in the Tigarian Foreign Legion meant two things.

1. This was serious. The central government had rejected requests by many local commanders, such as in Zellatian Fruria during the Admiral Hydronsus debacle, but this proved that Admiral Ackers was not only 100% trusted to being loyal to the Zellatian government, but also her capacity to actually use the Tigarian Foreign Legion effectively.
2. He had been forgiven of his crime of being directly related to the leader of the Insurrection. Unlike his brother, Hardek was a member of the Thelako-Monarchist Zellatian Party. In fact, he had been a founding member after the 1st Civil War. However, since his departure from the military, he had shifted more politically towards the center. Registered now as a member of the Zellatian Moderation Party, one of the few centrist parties of Zellatia, he was also running for a seat. The same seat in the same Khain (Lower House of Parliament) as the current Prime Minister of Zellatia, Mortan Zelandrie. Given the last year of overall bad feelings between the Prime Minister and the Emperor, there was a high chance that this "forgiveness" was politically motivated.

Despite everything, though, the Admiral knew one thing.

She was going to die here.

It hadn't exactly been an easy revelation to make, considering much of her grandstanding in front of the troops and the confidence she showed to the leaders of the Cathedral and of her own country, but given the belligerence that had been shown by the New Hayesalians, it was very likely that the commander of the overall forces of New Hayesalia, Eli Knight, was on friendly terms with the Emperor, he was going to have to do as the government that he worked for said. The Field Marshall could be counted on for mercy and strategic brilliance and little else. With Bolt still at the wheel and the full consequences of his actions still not yet reverberating powerfully enough to cause him to be internally deposed democratically, it meant that there was little room for mercy by the New Hayesalian military. The incident inland had been unfortunate. While some of the New Hayesalians had been successfully detained, the vast majority of the Zellatian commanders had freed them upon hearing the retreat order. If anything, she hoped that it would goad some of the assaulting troops not to be as violent. Besides, in the sparsely populated rear camp where only fifty New Hayesalians were being held, they were being treated kindly and well.

She was not going to die because of that. She was simply going to die because eventually Bolt would lose patience and order it. Unlike the FSP who were generally untrained radicals beaten into an army, who had outnumbered many Zellatian divisions due to peacetime readiness levels being at their lowest since the Second Civil War, these Zellatians were well-trained and ready for a fight. Enough Zellatian troops were overseas in other engagements or in areas where they couldn't easily return to duty that there simply hadn't been enough people to repel some of the attacks. In other places, too many. Here, however, there were enough soldiers to hold the lines. The Zellatian defense network was built here to make use of the local geography, but there were three weakspots. The largest of which, in the east, were because of the flat nature of the area. A maintenance highway went through there, making it difficult to properly barricade, on top of the local game wardens, fearing it was somehow a Zellatian invasion, had destroyed their defenses and fled further inland. The two western weakpoints were more akin to logistically errors that they didn't have time to fix, such as improper digging patterns and trap-making. However, they were not open enough to let the New Hayesalian superior, for now, firepower have too much of an advantage. Strategically, this was probably the best opportunity for Zellatia to prove it wasn't inferior militarily to New Hayesalia. It was too bad that it would still end with high casualties regardless due to the necessity of success for the New Hayesalians. Given the political consequences of what was already happening, failure for Bolt was not an option.

What would likely also add to this would be Hardek. Commander Hardek Destronikan was in no mood to play soft ball. If the New Hayesalians fired on Zellatian troops anything fatal near any of his troops, they had orders to fire fatal rounds back. The deaths of the group of Zellatians inland had incensed him, especially considering the wider situation. Ignoring the whole "The Zellatian Tire-Stopper Soldiers Ignored Orders" issue, the New Haysalians, in the eyes of the Commander of the Tigarian Foreign Legion, were not going to be allowed to win. Not easily, not without him getting captured along with his men. He'd arrived overnight to personally oversee the mission briefly before heading back to Zellatia, but the circumstances made him want to stay.

The positions of the Zellatians were scattered among the hills and valleys that led north to the Cathedral.

ORBAT
DEFENSIVE LINE EAST
- 35 Crystal-Hider Defense Capable Tanks
- 18 Crystal-Hider Artillery
- 9000x Marine Troops
- 150 ATV Miscellaneous
- 300 Marines w/ Anti-Tank Weaponry
- 1200 Tigarian Foreign Legion w/ Camo'd gear and weaponry
- 2000 Marine Scouts/Forward Defenders
- Numerous Traps (Non-Fatal) and 15 Sound/Air Weaponry

DEFENSIVE LINE WEST
- 35 Crystal-Hider Defense Capable Tanks
- 18 Crystal-Hider Artillery
- 9000x Marine Troops
- 150 ATV Miscellaneous
- 300 Marines w/ Anti-Tank Weaponry
- 1200 Tigarian Foreign Legion w/ Camo'd gear and weaponry
- 2000 Marine Scouts/Forward Defenders
- Numerous Traps (Non-Fatal) and 15 Sound/Air Weaponry

DEFENSIVE (HIGH) LINE CENTER
- 35 Crystal-Hider Defense Capable Tanks
- 18 Crystal-Hider Artillery
- 9000x Marine Troops
- 150 ATV Miscellaneous
- 300 Marines w/ Anti-Tank Weaponry
- 1200 Tigarian Foreign Legion w/ Camo'd gear and weaponry
- 2000 Marine Scouts/Forward Defenders
- Numerous Traps (Non-Fatal) and 15 Sound/Air Weaponry

DEFENSIVE (LOW) LINE CENTER
- 35 Crystal-Hider Defense Capable Tanks
- 18 Crystal-Hider Artillery
- 3000x Marine Troops
- 150 ATV Miscellaneous
- 300 Marines w/ Anti-Tank Weaponry
- 8000 Tigarian Foreign Legion w/ Camo'd gear and weaponry
- 2000 Tigarian Foreign Legion Scouts/Forward Defenders
- Numerous Traps (Non-Fatal) and 15 Sound/Air Weaponry

SUPPORT ELEMENTS
- Several Naval Vessels, as well Naval Artillery, capable of firing far inland
- 2,500 Support Anti-Electronic/Gas/Radar Tigarian Foreign Legion Experts
- Land Ambulance services
- Rear Guard of 2,500 Soldiers to watch Cathedralite Border, matched with 5,000 Support Personnel.

by **The Cathedral** » Fri Sep 25, 2015 5:14 am

THE PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE, NEW CANTERBURY {A few hours before the build-up}
This section produced with approval of NH

The New Hayesalian Ambassador, Leroy Thompsin, had made his way quickly to the office of the President of the Anglican Republic, urgently seeking an audience. The ongoing crisis had the nation fearing for it's survival, for it's sovereignty. The New Hayesalian push, matched with the insertion of thousands of Zellatians at a rapid speed, had now resulted in a siege to the nation's south. Hardly tenable.

The New Hayesalian Government obviously kept their Ambassadors in the loop. It was, clearly, a matter of urgency. as was this meeting. The New Hayesalian Ambassador was put through the metal detectors and allowed to pass into the Congressional building, taken by a Congressional staffer to the President's office on the top floor.

On his arrival, the Ambassador would see the double brown doors, each with the crest of the Cathedral etched into them. He would usually need to wait, though President Englis now urgently awaited the Ambassador. The double doors opened as the Ambassador pushed through, the President quickly rising from his chair and approaching the Ambassador. A large window gave a panoramic view over the inland city, the flag of the Cathedral to the left of the wooden desk and the international Christian flag to the right. An embossed, metal crest was mounted on the centre of the wooden desk, facing the door.

"Ambassador, welcome." the President began.

"Pleasure, sir. Lovely to be back." the New Hayesalian responded, shaking firmly the President's hand. Both were on good relations- a necessity of two geographic neighbours. That being said, the New Hayesalian did not truly carry any pleasure in his voice.

"I'm certain that this is about the ongoing crisis to the south." the President returned, gesturing for the Ambassador to sit with him. "A magnificently terrible one indeed."

"I'm not going to bs you, Mr. President." the New Hayesalian responded firmly, placing down his briefcase. "Your nation is in danger. The Zellatians are near to the most unstable democracy in the developed world. I have made clear on numerous occasions, New Hayesalia has no desire to take control of the Cathedral nor control your policy. You are a Christian nation, and we are not, but we respect that our differences exist. You are our friends, and we would only lose by hurting you."

"I am aware, Ambassador." the President responded, amicably.

"The Natural Reserve is a waste, frankly. Under Greater Prussian control, the area is ignored and unexplored. It is not even exposed to tourists. It's a black hole, one that borders, divides and separates our nations. You know the expense and red tape involved in driving between our nations, and you know also that the British Prussian, Nachmerian and Democratic Colonial economies are made inaccessible because of this."

"You've told me all of this, Leroy." the President responded, as the Ambassador opened his brief case.

"We want to prove our good intention." the Ambassador said, withdrawing a roll of paper. He rose, laying it out on the table and placing paperweights on it's corners. "This is a highly secret document, Mr. President. This outlines the infrastructure developments planned for the region once the claims have been properly laid by New Hayesalia."

He began pointing out lines and elements.

"We have a new highway, here, linking the northern parts of Rozania and the Cathedral, linking into Passiontide, Shoregate and Welby. These are hubs, linking to your own national highways. They also link to the nations to the south of the island. You see also the railways planned. Thanks to our nations both using the standard gauge, we are able to make them a part of your network. Mr. President, work with us, and we will foot the full and utter bill of this infrastructure within five years. Guaranteed."

The President was intrigued. The additional connections to the southern nations, before now limited to a single dual lane highway the powers-that-be had reluctantly committed to build- but not quite gotten around to-- meant that Cathedral exports could go by land just as effectively as air and sea. The lack of land connections to anywhere except northern Rozania had been a nightmare for logistics companies and exporters alike. It also suffered the nation when industrial action hit the airports or the seaports, with no alternatives really available. The New Hayesalians- evidently more pro-business than the regional authorities more focused on spending their donated moneys on weaponry- did have a good point.

"What I am saying is that New Hayesalia to the southern border is an opportunity for development and growth, not a testament to Allanean stubbornness."

"You've already told me this is on the cards." Englis said, underplaying his keenness. "Surely you can offer more than a road and a rail."

"I know you're sceptical of Greater Prussia." the Ambassador cut in, without a hint of resistance. This took the President slightly aback. "You see the Zellatians, your supposed allies, shooting down helicopters no more than a few hundred miles from your borders. Imagine a GP-wide response when a crazed Islamic state launches a mass bombing campaign on Becket or New Nazareth, god forbid. You want, and you need, an ally that is proven in all things. Political stability. Good economics. Strong will to defend it's allies and proof it can and the spirit of cooperation. The simple fact is New Hayesalia offers all of these things, better than anyone else in the region. The Prime Minister has informed me that he is also willing to sign a free trade agreement with the Cathedral."

That really got the President's attention. New Hayesalia was known for it's protectionist streaks.

"All you have to do is support our claim to the Reserve. Nothing more. You don't need to spend money on us. You don't have to build anything. We are offering you tens of billions of dollars in economic growth, growth unachievable with the idiots in GPHQ in command."

There was silence. The New Hayesalian Ambassador was a wining and dining type. Obscure with big details, sharply observing changes in the political landscape. Clearly, the type of person with analytical skills for assignment to New Hayesalian allies that may need a few questions asked.

"I'll discuss with my Cabinet, Ambassador. You're correct in saying that I don't put a lot of stock in the current GP leadership. Maybe this will be the kind of kick they need to prove that it's not just the Allaneans in charge."

"You're a smart man, Mr. Englis..."

THE CABINET ROOM, CONGRESS

The smoke of cigarettes rose from the desk and the Admiral wore his multicam faigues. The people of the Cathedral were stressing, the stores becoming empty from panic buying. The Cathedral's Naval Service had been mobilised, enacting plans developed to defend the small nation when nobody else would. The small force of Marines guarded the southern border, lacking any tanks other than the amphibious LAV-25s, along with the Diocese police forces behind them, who were tasked to ensure public order. A large number of citizens had flown north or driven already, to stay with friends or family or in hotels rather than risk the chaos unfolding to the south. The small force of fighter jets were only assisted by the combat ships of the Cathedral's Naval Service and could provide only limited assistance.

In the mind of the President- and indeed, the citizens once this news leaked- he'd helped cause the problem. in the hope to protect his nation from an unlikely New Hayesalian invasion, he had instead allowed these Zellatians, trigger-happy and nutty, to establish themselves to the south of his great nation. Now, the New Hayesalians would appear to be flushing them out. This was a recipe for war, on the doorstep of the military superpower of New Hayesalia.

The Cathedral needed a stake in the matter. There was one person who could help them.

In the Congress' top floor, the Cabinet had assembled and were bowing their heads, under the cross that surmounted the wall opposite. They'd completed their prayer under the guide of Archbishop Ray Putney, with a solid Amen. The Archbishop addressed the Cabinet, evoking the holy spirit.

"We must choose sides. Jesus said, “He who is not with me is against me.” However, as Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, as Christians, even though we must boldly choose sides, our criteria for choosing sides is to be different than that of “mere men” who see things from “a worldly point of view”"

Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?

"We must pick a side, and do so boldly. Who would we trust to not interfere with the Cathedral?

"My suggestion," began Defense Secretary Kevin Bole "is to invite the Zellatians over the border. Let them man our guardtowers and pillboxes!"

"No chance!" yelled the Education Secretary. "They're just as likely to invade us! Their messing has put us in this situation anyway! We should be telling every single damn country to keep out of us, we have put too much effort into our nation's sovereignty to allow a war to break out right beneath us!"

The President heard the mutterings breaking deeper into conversation, and he knew it was time to exercise his position as the chief of the executive.

"Everyone, please. The New Hayesalians have appealed to us, the Zellatians have not. You all know this!"

The Cabinet murmured.

"They have promised us free access to the road and railways they plan to build in the south, and they've told us that a free trade agreement will be made if we support them. They've promised us protection, infrastructure and regional access. For too long, we have been ignored by GP. It is time to work with a real partner. You will note that all the Zellatians have offered us is a bunch of belligerents to the south. I am putting my foot down, colleagues. New Hayesalia offers us a chance for real progress; the Zellatians offer nothing but tension and the possibility of death on our door step."

A discussion ensued, and raged for a half hour. But the decision was clear.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE ANGLICAN REPUBLIC
Talium Dei Regnum

The Anglican Republic of the Cathedral has struggled, and it's Cabinet has sought the guidance of the LORD our God. With the information supplied to us and intensive discussions in the Cabinet led by President Mark Englis, as well as spiritual guidance from the Archbishop Putney, the Cathedral wishes to note at this time our support for the Greater Island Kingdom of New Hayesalia and their activities within the Greater Prussian Natural Reserve. We believe that the Greater Island Kingdom seeks to use the bounty of the reserve, perpetually mismanaged by the Greater Prussian regional authorities for decades gone by, and to use it for the gain of all nations in this island.

We therefore request that the Zellatian forces withdraw from the Cathedral's southern border making use of nearby Zellatian Navy transport ships. We note that the actions of the Zellatian forces to the south do not represent the Anglican Republic, neither in a governmental or security role.

We sincerely urge restraint on behalf of all parties.

Yours in Christ,
Office of the President of the Anglican Republic

Psalm 136:1: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever."

by **New Hayesalia** » Fri Sep 25, 2015 6:42 am

NATIONAL OPERATIONS COMMAND CENTRE, REVNAMI

"Fuck me, that is a lot."

The words from the horse's mouth, that of Field Marshal Knight, as video and imagery feeds from New Hayesalian satellites and Global Hawk drones over Rozania were beamed direct to a battle management table, massive and sitting at the floor of the Operations Command Centre a kilometre under Revnami. The feeds were showing a huge amount of the indigenously-designed Crystal Hider light tanks and previously unknown troops, as well as some of the short range air defences seen during the Ravini Incident.

"Their centre of force and gravity is focused in the central sector." began Colonel Harris Ratin, one of the Army Intelligence Directorate's top analysts. Pushing his thick glasses up his face and wiping a small few beads of sweat from under his tan beret, he began his report on the Zellatian forces, having relied upon the extremely effective SIGINT, ELINT and IMGINT coming from a wide variety of sources, including the major listening posts in central Rozania.

"They are, roughly, two divisions worth of infantrymen with limited to no air support, enabled by their naval force to the north-west, as addressed by the Chief of Navy. Spread across this large area, they lack major support elements. Unless they decide to proceed north and invade the Cathedral, or attempt to breakthrough the New Hayesalian southern line which is currently being put into play, they have nowhere to turn. Their logistics are likely strained, and we will be able to strike that target to cause further logistical chaos in their lines. Attacking the centre of gravity will be able to disrupt their operations as effectively as current plans to sever comms."

"Their strength lies in numbers. These are savage and committed soldiers too- their threshold for shellshock is pretty considerable. Their key weakness however is their failure to secure air superiority. We will own that space as we already do."

"In line with this, my recommendations are as follows. One, expedite the air campaign and establish an air defence ID zone, including over the southern part of the Cathedral. We must consider the use of high explosives on targets of significance, such as the artillery pieces that have been noted in 33 locations at this time."

"Two, expedite the arrival of the 5th Carrier Action Group and have them patrol further north, at 150 nautical miles from the island's coastline. This will force the Zellatian fleet from the action by sailing north or north-east, where we may intercept them with long range bombers in a show of force."

"Three, we should mobilise the Mountain Legion and the Ready Response Group to reinforce our troops. At the moment we are assigning a force that is about 1:1 with new intelligence. As we all know, a 5:1 ratio is our safe minimum, but a ratio of 10:1 is obviously twice as good."

"Four, we must thin their defences. We should add a leafleting campaign to the current targets list, and we should request the government presents another ultimatum after the first wave, which outlines a plan to use lethal force if a surrender is not made. We must recognise that we don't want to lose any more New Hayesalians. Let us build our line of defence, enact a siege situation, and weaken the Zellatians or use the strategy of shock and awe to flush them out before we have to go in bayonets fixed, as it were."

The assembled senior officers had been taking this into account as they wrote the larger plan for what was now being called Operation SOUND RETORT. Every one of them had seen the confidential video of seven coffins arriving in Brandkoning for preparation. Every one of them knew the value of the Reserve. Every one of them wanted to simply massacre the Zellatians for their opposition, though reigned in by civilian leadership.

Even now as hundreds of tanks, soldiers and armoured vehicles established themselves in the reserve behind mountains and kilometres away from the frontlines, the Zellatians stayed put. This would not be permissible.

A plan of operations, marked as Top Secret and only available to the most senior planners and the New Hayesalian cabinet, had been near-finalised.

OPERATION SOUND RETORT

Phase 1 - T=0 - CURRENT PHASE
~ Establish defensive presence at militarised zone at distance of 90 kilometres from known forward positions.
~ Continue to use intelligence to develop full picture of ENEMY movements and patterns
~ Engage with CATHEDRAL to warn of possible ENEMY reaction
~ Move 5th CAG to higher readiness level and steam full speed to patrol route 90 nautical miles from Rugen coast to eastern sea area
~ Move, under command of NHS Grand Bulwark, the 72nd CAG to patrol western sea area
~ Begin Combat Action Patrols and Maritime Warfare Patrols in both region from 25th Air Legion
~ Ready UAV forces based at Seawatch South and Rivk [south of Brandkoning] AFB
~ Ready B-33 Smotherer fleet at various airbases in Rozania with Loki ADS
~ Place taskforces inside reserve onto high readiness and to remain in place.

Phase 2 - T-00:01:00
~ Conduct first wave air operations under decoy of Loki with use of BAE Mantis to disable or destroy following ENEMY assets in order of importance
o Enemy Air Defences
o Enemy radar and listening stations
o Jamming stations
o Other communications stations

~ Confirm destruction of enemy AD systems - repeat strike if unsuccessful.
~ After destruction of threats to aircraft, conduct second wave of leaflet bombing demanding surrender of Zellatian forces by reporting, unarmed and without load bearing equipment within 40 minutes, to New Hayesalian southern line.
~ Wait for surrender.

Phase 3- T-00:03:30
~ Begin third wave, using Hormonal Modifier and CHAMP assets.
~ Finalise build up of land forces

Phase 4- T-00:06:00
~ Conduct fourth wave bombing strikes using kinetic impact weapons
~ Advance to surround and capture remaining ENEMY forces

The stage was set, as specialist troops in New Hayesalia and the high-alert Ready Response Groups reported to barracks and their aircraft, respectively.

OSENTHEST, PILTOMANA, NEW HAYESALIA

Though the sun was not yet set in the Rozanian province, it had in New Hayesalia. In the city of Osenthest, the site of an FSP terror attack in the last year, Zellatian refugees had found somewhat of a home. A city that had needed the economic boost, it had welcomed the refugees. With the actions in Rozania, however, a vocal minority of New Hayesalians had been protesting their inclusion in New Hayesalian society.

Small drones flew intermittently over residential streets, carrying post and parcels around the sprawling city. In the northern suburbs lived the majority of Zellatian migrants, in houses once occupied by hopeful miners and steelworkers but outnumbered by new builds of somewhat cookie-cutter housing, finding a new life in a new country. It was safe here.

Along a street in the far north, the hills and rainforests visible in the daytime from here, new streetlights only lit up parts of the entire new road. The houses were a quarter-built, the workers having gone home for the night. It was very much the outskirts of the city, and only the odd car traversed this long double lane road. This night, a green and white-topped Land Rover Defender, famous for military service in many countries.

Three young men crossed the road a few hundred metres ahead. Each were young Zellatians, aged around 14 to 17. One had a cigarette, and each was putting on more of a 'gangsta' vibe as they all hung out on the streets of Osenthest. Nothing wrong, of course. But for the men inside the Defender, they'd already caused enough trouble.

"Ready boys?"

Grunts and nods preceeded the chaos. The Land Rover came to a quick stop and the six men in the back quickly jumped from the car. Armed with crowbars, bats and a baton, the six in the back plus the front passenger yelled racial slurs as they pushed the three Zellatian refugee youths into the fence and onto the ground, before setting upon them with their weapons.

The vicious attack lasted only seconds, and the men got back into the car as quickly as they'd left. The three youths were left on the ground, seriously injured if not beyond. One of the youths had the frame of mind to call for an ambulance, before passing out. This was only a series of random attacks, with five Zellatians and a New Hayesalian attacked tonight. Of the attacks, three would die of their wounds, including one of the youths. The vast remainder would be disabled or disfigured.

The hunt was on for the NHNP. But this would surely make the news, and it would be a national shame for a great nation.

by **Zellatia** » Sat Sep 26, 2015 11:39 am

Space

Since the end of the Insurrection, the Zellatian Space Weaponry program had been in stasis. This was partially due to the fact it had been thoroughly utilized and taken away from the loyalist factions by rogue members of the Military Exosphere Faction of the Space Command that had joined the FSP. They had hacked the majority of the space-bound weaponry and tracking satellites, something that had weakened the Zellatian loyalists to the point where it became necessary to ask for help from the New Hayesalians, among other reasons, in the first place. However, it was now considered time to bring it back. Despite the issues in the past, the Space Command bureau of the military, which was the fourth branch of it, was now back to being fully operational, traitors purged from its midst. As a result, it was now back to full capacity and that meant that the Zellatians had a better view of the ground they were fighting in now better than before, especially as the satellites got into position. Unlike the New Hayesalians, who were largely relying on air and somewhat inaccurate (comparingly) satellite imagery, the Zellatian satellite technology in the area was better enough that they had a much better understanding of the situation on the ground.

They had an accurate understanding of what was being relayed against them. That, and the Zellatian military satellites were back to being able to be used. Aligning itself somewhat near the New Hayesalian satellite, the Zellatian Satellite The Eye of Arche found itself near the closest surveillance satellite and launched a small capsule at it. It took an hour to arrive, due to the fact it was pretending to be space junk, but once it landed and attached itself to the satellite, it injected a virus into the satellite, rendering it temporarily unable to be used. Similar actions look place over the next few hours of the buildup, although given the nature of space, some of the Destabilization Capsules failed to hit their targets, but the New Hayesalian military was effectively losing one of its eyes in the viewing of the Zellatian positions.

the Destronia

Aboard the Destronia, planning was afoot. The question was how quickly the New Hayesalian navy would get into position. Not that Admiral Ackers knew that the Drekkan navy was in the area as well, but she did know that eventually the New Hayesalian navy would get involved. However, the Zellatian 12th Navy had far more assets in the region compared to the New Hayesalians, that much was clear to her. While the New Hayesalians nonetheless had the technology advantage in every way except for Tank Technology (The Crystal-Hiders were not only stronger shelled compared to New Hayesalian ones, but had better firing variability) and Space, but those were only support factors at this point. The Zellatians had superior numbers, while the New Hayesalians had superior firepower. While the New Hayesalians might as well control the sky, it was not because the Zellatians did not have aircraft. Despite the scouting reports the New Hayesalians might've gotten, the Navy was holding back on using their air capabilities because they didn't want to use them until necessary.

The Zellatians on the ground were resolute. Hardek Destronikan was a good field commander and had managed to make sure that the troops were disciplined, far more so than they might've been otherwise, his speeches on civil justice, equity, and defense of pure lands causing quite the number of cheers. Was it possible that the Commander was only here for political reasons? It was very likely. However, it was just as likely he wanted to be here to defend his fellow Zellatians from the potential threats, including the New Hayesalians. However, she was here purely for the defense of what was right. For a very long time, Zellatia had been a nation defined by its willingness to die. The Admiral didn't want anyone to die today, but chances were that a 10% casualty rate would be conservative. For both sides, too.

As she stood in her office aboard the ship, thinking about the upcoming battle, one of the analysts for the region, the same one that had spoken up at the beginning of the conflict, entered her office. "Speak, please" the Admiral strained, training her eyes on newcomer to her office.

"Of course. The report is in, the New Hayesalian Satellite presence in the space above Greater Prussia is crippled"

"Give me a percent, Leor"

"About 80% of it. We failed to cripple a few ancillary satellites that relay messages back to the New Hayesalian command on the ground, but we have otherwise succeeded in our goal of crippling their offensive scouting capabilities, madame Admiral"

"Excellent. Anything else to report?"

"Well...you might want to watch this" the analyst spoke, turning on the television that had a variety of reports from the Zellatian New Network in New Hayesalia

BREAKING NEWS

"Following the protests by Zellatian Refugees and New Hayesalian liberal groups, ultranationalists in the capital of Revnami assaulted several Zellatians, as well as a few New Hayesalians who tried to fend them off. There have been three fatalities among the Zellatians, including a poverty activist named Bernadine Ackzen, a student named Herzin Noridomu, and one of the youths was beaten to death to the point of being unable to be identified. DNA testing will say who the dead kid is" said the anchor, looking very pale, especially without his woad.

"In further news, the New Hayesalian invasion of neutral territory in Greater Prussia continues to run mostly unabated. According to reports on the ground near the Cathedralite border, our correspondent on the ground, near the border city of Passiontide, the Cathedral's diplomatic corps has been in contact with the New Hayesalians. If this is true, there is a capability of a pincer movement, or so says our source in Passiontide. Here's to hoping for a peaceful resolution. And a moment of silence for those who have died in the conflict so far" he said, the whole studio silent for a full minute.

The Destronia

"Ah. I see" the Admiral said with a good amount of grief in her voice.

"Ackzen is a distant relative of yours, right?" Leor asked carefully.

"Yes. Before he gave up his title back in '87 before the 1st Civil War, his full name was Zelandine von Ackzen, Comte of Ackzenal. When he converted to some Protestant sect of Christianity and left the country, he gave up his titles so to avoid a conflict of interest. I inherited his title as a result, but its a minor title compared to mine. Not that those matter anymore" she said, looking to the sea.

"Were you close?"

"Not quite. We corresponded for years, but he has, had, been too busy in New Hayesalia making sure Zellatian immigrants to there were well-fed and housed appropriately. He didn't deserve his fate"

"Of...of course, madame Admiral"

"Get me Vice-Admiral Chevey. We need to talk while we still have time"

"Yes madame Admiral" Leor said, leaving the room shortly after and going to get the Vice-Admiral

by **New Hayesalia** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 8:38 am

NHAF ARGUS, 120km NORTH-EAST of HOLCAM, QUEPASA, NEW HAYESALIA

NHAF Argus is a building that few could see. One of a number of highly restricted satellite control stations in New Hayesalia and some abroad, it awas also distinguished for it's role as the primary C2 station for the Air Force's 1st Space Legion. Air Force Military Police, fully armed and manning watch towers, ensured only the Air Force's highly vetted space operations teams were allowed entry to this base in the chaparral of south-west Quepasa.

The airmen and officers of the 1st Space Squadron were distinguished by their unit patches. An image of the globe defaced the Hayesalian Sun, and a border of letters framed the image. They were "s m a i s m r m i l m e p o e t a l e u m i b u n e n u g t t a u i r a s" originally a mysterious communication to Johnathan Swift from Galileo. This code eventually led to the discovery of Mars's moons, as the New Hayesalian space forces discovered a wide variety of objects from the heavens.

The sun had already set and the night shift had been intensively monitoring the operation unfolding in the Natural Reserve. The team controlled an ultra-modern constellation of hundreds of OS-13 Mirage Photographic Intelligence Platform satellites. The Mirages used electronic CCD- Charged Coupling Device- electro optical imaging electronics cameras provide real-time transmission of images to ground stations via military communications relay satellites, that being New Hayesalia's constellation of OS-78 Fortitude Military Communications Satellites. The Mirage sensors operate in visible and near infrared light, as well as thermal infrared to detect heat sources. These sensors incorporate low-light-level image intensifiers to provide night-time images. The Mirage has an infrared capability superior to that of the previous generations, with the advantage in infrared primarily for camouflage detection, for looking at buried structures, for looking at differential thermal inertia in the target area, for trying to determine which factories are operating and which factories are not. In addition, it carries the Improved Crystal Metric System (ICMS) to provide imagery with reseau crosses to aid in terrain mapping.

The Mirage's sophisticated electronics provides sharper images than earlier satellites, comparable in quality to the best of the film return satellites, with a resolution approaching ten centimetres. The primary mirror on the Mirage is about 124 inches in diameter. The orbital axis positioning of the spacecraft with the rear BUS-1 pointed approximately 15-30 degrees from the vertical enabling the Mirage to take pictures at very high slant angles of obliquity, imaging objects hundreds of kilometers away from its flight path. New Hayesalia had reassigned one to move slightly to take up a geosynchronous orbit over the Rozanian area, with a set of four in nearby strategic locations assigned to observe other parts of the world primarily. This gave the New Hayesalian Military a not-inconsiderable strategic advantage.

They also carried an On-Board Attack Warning System (SOARS), with sensors to detect attack by microwaves, lasers and projectiles, warning ground control to enact countermeasures. The Zellatian attack, however, had used advanced decoy measures to spoof the satellites up until the last moments. With little time to react to the assault from a Zellatian satellite- one that was being tracked from Rozania's NHAF Gordonvale station- a station equipped with LM-80 Dagger ICBMs equipped with New Hayesalia's highly advanced Fist exoatmospheric kill vehicles.

At Argus, the alert was sounded by the GP Station Desk. Mirage-77 was experiencing some issues, all the more worrisome after an alert a few minutes ago noting a possible SOARS threat.

The feed started crinkling. It had already hit, slapping into the satellite at a relative speed of 30 km/h, enough to activate it's powerful electronic transmitter. Another satellite, showing a feed from a westerly perspective, would fall victim to the same fate a couple of hours later.

The shift commander, Flight Lieutenant Indigo Noble, stepped up to the plate. "What's happening?" he asked, calm and collectedly, over his headphones.

"We got a SOAR warning followed by electronic interference. It happened extremely fast, we couldn't be sure exactly it was." a leading aircraftsman responded, with a corporal now headed over to supervise the recovery and response.

"Play back the video!" the FLTLT responded, to which the corporal took a place on the second computer and brought up the feed.

"Sir" came word from another desk. "Electronic defence station showing we have an attempted hijacking!"

The Flight Lieutenant had two issues now- figuring out what was happening, and saving Mirage-77 from losing control.

"Right, station. Quarantine it and begin the restoration process."

"Roger."

The measures were put into place. Mirage-77 was linked direct to the Gordonvale ground station. In a pinch, radio equipment at New Hayesalian embassies across the world could be used to take this safe mode of control, preventing the virus from spreading through the entire space command system. The fortuitous position of the station meant it could only affect a single receiver at NHAF Gordonvale if anything.

It would take time to get the sats back online, and even longer to confirm they were still secured from foreign state surveillance. It was up to Revnami to make the next calls.

CONFERENCE ROOM A, REVNAMI

"They killed a satellite!" Bolt yelled, ever more infuriated by the petulant blue-faced bastards. That he had already needed to front the media to respond to the killings in Osenthest was bad enough- now the Zellatians were trying to fuck with his satellites.

"Not killed, sir." came the response of Air Chief Marshal Jordan Scotts, the veteran Air Force commander. "They've hacked it using a physical assault. It's not something that's usually a major threat, and the Space Command are already working to recover from the damage-"

"Not good enough, Scotts!" Bolt interrupted, with retaliation on his mind.

"I apologise, sir, but we are attending to the issue-"

"Where'd it come from?"

"We have been tracking a Zellatian satellite in the area, we believe that might be it however we aren't sure that this is technology they have access to. We thought it was at least a couple of years off."

"Then kill it!" Bolt yelled back, slamming a fist on the table. "Knock it out of the damned sky! They couldn't have done this without the Prime Minister there at least giving them the go ahead!"

"Sir we can do that, but think of the consequences that could follow-"

"Scotts, you do your damn job!" he said, most probably losing a vote for the Conservative party in the process. "Knock that thing out of the sky and then knock out any other Zellatians that try to break in! I'll be calling our allies in, so that we can replace this damn broken satellite."

Scotts paused, her jaw stiff. "Yes, sir." she said, holding back anger. This was an escalating crisis. Someone, somewhere, would need to step in to stop this. But god damn, if the Zellatians just let go, then it would truly be all over.

As Scotts signed off, the Prime Minister turned back to his tired Cabinet.

NHAF GORDONVALE, CENTRAL ROZANIA

Similar to the station at NHAF Argus in all things except added modernity and fittings, NHAF Gordonvale was home also to a secondary control station. The incidents happening above the Reserve had grabbed their attention, and they were now working with their colleagues in Quepasa to resolve the issues of the struggling sat, soon to be joined by a second.

The 25th Space Squadron here in the province had a seperate role entirely from the 5th, seeing to the aforementioned issue. As members of the Satellite Threat Response Wing, it was their duty to conquer all threats to the safety of New Hayesalia's expensive satellite network.

Their main tool was in the form of Fist, the indigenously-designed satellite killer. Under the command of the Space Command though hosted by the G-SAMS missile defence network, Fist is tasked with knocking out satellites offering this exact kind of threat. It was well-known that not many nations were less accepting of satellite threats than New Hayesalia. Zellatia was not exempt.

The Fist Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) is an intercept component of the Ground Sea Air Missile System (GSAMS), the weapon element of GSAMS. Its mission in the defence of the nation-state is to engage high-speed ballistic missile warheads or satellites in the midcourse phase of flight and to destroy them using only the force of impact, or hit-to-kill.

The EKV is designed to be launched from a platform based upon the LM-80 Dagger platform, from a concrete silo or open launch area. It is designed to separate from the Dagger platform in flight, punch through the Earth’s atmosphere, and smash into an incoming ballistic missile in its midcourse phase, i.e. while the missile is at its highest trajectory. It reaches space in a few minutes and has been proven to successfully track down and intercepts test dummy silos to a 98% success rate over 50 EKVs.

Fist includes a range of sophisticated devices: infrared sensors, an internal navigational system, antennas, thruster engines, a cryogenic cooling system, and a small computer. Even with all its components, the entire device can fit comfortably on a kitchen table.

Almost immediately after its launch, the EKV will begin its cryogenic cooling process. Krypton gas will surround its infrared sensors, allowing ice cubes to form that will cool the sensors to hundreds of degrees below zero. Even though a midcourse-phase ballistic missile will not have heat-producing rocket plumes, its warhead will remain relatively warm against the ice-cold background of space. The EKV’s cooled infrared sensors will be capable of detecting even the smallest amounts of heat radiation.

Three minutes into its flight (approximately 1,400 miles from its target), the EKV will separate from the Dagger platform. Dozens of cables will be blown off and four springs will propel the kill vehicle forward. The EKV will immediately bank sharply to either the right or the left to avoid being hit from behind by the booster. From this point forward, the EKV will proceed to the target on its own momentum. As the EKV closes in on its target, the combined velocity of the kill vehicle and the incoming missile will approach 15,000 miles per hour (four miles per second, or five times the speed of a bullet), leaving little room for last minute manoeuvres.

Approximately 100 seconds before impact, the EKV’s infrared sensors will switch on and begin tracking the incoming ballistic missile. To achieve complete threat neutralization, the EKV will collide with the warhead’s “sweet spot,” an area just a few centimeters wide where the missile’s payload is located. In the event of a precise hit, the kinetic energy of the EKV and the missile will pulverize the warhead and destroy any nuclear, chemical, or biological agents it might be carrying.

EKV extends itself even further. Mere seconds before impact, the EKV deploys a Kevlar net with a diameter of 100 feet, which “catches” the enemy missile if it does not directly hit the EKV’s hardened steel top. Satellites, at a lower speed, were even easier targets.

The order was given, the commands made.

Miles away, a single LM-80 missile carrying four Fists rose from the sky, lining up to make the high speed intercept and blow apart the Archon satellite. There wasn't much room to move, that was for sure.

CONFERENCE ROOM A

"Ambassador Thompson for the conference call." came the call into the conference room, met with a scrabble for the green pickup button. From the New Hayesalian Embassy in New Canterbury, the white wall and curtains of the Ambassadors office hiding the night beyond and the war a few hundred miles away.

"Sir, I've word from the Cathedralites." the Ambassador began, quickly. He was met with gestures to go on from the Cabinet, and he did.

"They called me a few hours ago. They've stated they don't want New Hayesalian boots in the Cathedral, but more so, they don't want the Zellatians there. They've said that if the Zellatians try anything they'll begin responding, and considering they have a few cruisers within firing range I wouldn't say they're messing around."

"So what does this mean for us?" the Prime Minister asked, plainly.

"They want the Zellatians out, and soon. They want the infrastructure we promised them, so lets not fuck it up. Excuse my French."

SOUTH-EAST OF THE CATHEDRAL SEA BORDER

The New Hayesalians were in full battle rattle. Barracuda soft armour and body-armoured sailors manning heavy weapons were the clearest indication that this was the case, as were the white Head Sock anti-flashes. The Zellatian fleet, which was still under monitor thanks to Global Hawk, were not inconsiderable. But the 5th CAG to the east and 72nd to the west were coming in to, in a way, sandwich the Zellatians. The 5th CAG were opposed by the Zellatian 12th. Led by an Achilles supercarrier, a battlespace cruiser, three cruisers, eight destroyers, fifteen frigates and a hodgepodge of submarines and combat support ships. The lesser-armed ships were hanging back, and bombers based in the New Hayesalian provinces of Animaliston and Rozania were whirring up to participate in the strikes if necessary.

Aircraft aboard the lead ship, NHS Eukar Plains, were on a fast alert. Combat air patrols of F-22Ns and F-15NHs were being regular sent out, adding more defence to the taskforce. The carrier group commander, Commodore Alan Weltre, was as prepared as the myriad of sailors he commanded. This was his time, the greatest chaos possible to know. They were coming in close to the border, literally placing themselves between the shore and the 12th. They'd monitor the Zellatians, and target them throughout. It would be clear that the first instance of an attack would be met with multiple prongs- submarine, surface, air and electronic warfare assaults. The Zellatians would be annihilated if they made any dumb move.

NHAF RIVK, SOUTH OF BRANDKONING

The buzzing grew louder, louder and louder. At this base and few others around the province, an elephant walk was taking place. Designed to fly a mass of aircraft at once, the New Hayesalian Air Force were hardly being secretive in this operation. Each squadron of 100 airmen flew four BAE Mantis MALE drones, and with ten squadrons based out of Rivk, a total of 40 Mantis drones had been readied at this base. At four other bases the same happened, bringing a total of 160 drones.

Each were armed with 6 missiles, making a total of 960. Of that, 320 were CHAMP electronic denial weapons, the remainder being Brimstone-based missiles modified with the CO-HA (Continuous Output, Hormonal Amplifier) gas warheads, designed to give uncontrollable sexual desire to all personnel who inhaled it. This would have obvious effects on combat effectiveness and likely, morale.

At another base near Wilmi, five B-33 Smotherer aircraft, based on the 747-8 beared a total of 350 Loki air decoy systems. The drones, flying at a variety of altitudes, would be mixed in with the Lokis, offputting an extremely accurate radar return matching that of even more . The total darkness was no concern for the pilots- their battle management system showed them a false colour picture of the location of all drones and Lokis in the sky around them. On the ground, visual confirmation would be difficult in the low light of the crescent moon and the grey ferris pattern of the drone.

At their launch point, the B-33s in formation opened their nose cones. From their fore flew hundreds of Lokis, taking predetermined routes alongside the drones.

Crossing the Gulf of Rozania, nearly 1000 aircraft flew into the region. Most radars would find it impossible to track so many returns- the Zellatians and New Hayesalians included. The New Hayesalians were, of course, able to distinguish, and as such make their own aircraft low priority and watch for other threats. Such capability was not available to any other nation.

The first wave would hit the eastern core, using the CHAMP missiles to disable communication and jamming stations, as well as the VSHORAD air defence stations with a maximum range of a tiny one and a half miles- nowhere near the altitude of the attacking craft. The CHAMP - Counter-electronics High Power Microwave Advanced Missile Project - superior to other electronic warfare weapons because it destroys electronics, rather than jamming which temporarily affects systems that come back online when it stops being applied. This affected not only the immediate strikes, but Zellatian personal electronics such as radios would be shattered by the high power microwave, while avoiding injury to individuals unless you were unlucky enough to fragments land in your eye after it self-destructed at the end of it's range.

The stage was set. A wave would go directly and hit the eastern section before the central and western. The remaining two thirds of the wave would track south from the New Hayesalian positions, before each turning north and attacking the core and western Zellatian forces one after the other. Then, the drones would return to base as the CHAMPs and Lokis self destructed. It would be, simply, a shock to the Zellatians one after the other.

by **Zellatia** » Tue Sep 29, 2015 12:05 am

The Foreign Ministiry, Zellton City, Zellatia Proper, The Democratic Emprie of Zellatia

If the whole situation hadn't already given Baltus Lindamere a migraine before, it was certainly doing so now. Despite the assurances from the Zellatians that they were only there to defend the Cathedral from a land grab, it seemed that the leadership of the small Anglican Republic had been effectively bribed by promises from the New Hayesalia. Their announcement spoke to that at the very least. In fact, considering the situation, the fleet that had brought the Tigarian Foreign Legion here was going to have to be repurposed quickly. There was no telling when the Cathedralites would decide that they didn't enjoy Zellatians entrenched within spitting distance of their border. Given the now announced Cathedralite support for the illegal action in Greater Rügen, the Foreign Ministry of Zellatia had little choice on the matter. If they did not chastise the Cathedralites for their action after condemning the New Hayesalians, they'd be seen as hypocrites at best, and bloody stupid at worst. It would be time to make an announcement. As he spoke, two more naval squadrons were on the way to Greater Rügen, laden with troops, in order to deal with the rapidly escalating situation, and New Hayesalian bases on Zellatian territory, as few as there were, were effectively on lock down, no one in or out.

At this point, the Foreign Minister was on the brink of declaring a "Conubium Tolli Potestatem" in the Latin language. An Annulment of Authority. In cases like this, it was the last resort, but if the Cathedral failed to act according to international treaties it had signed and supported an illegal action, the response was going to be simple. The Government of Cathedral would be declared incompetent and the Zellatian military would enter and occupy the country until competence could be reached. Thankfully, unlike the original version of the decree, there was a time table. A few years at most. By then they would want freedom and they would have it. However, the current leaders of the Cathedral would be held for war-crimes and sent to the World Assembly for trial. They wouldn't be allowed back to the Cathedral again, but at this point he knew that they didn't deserve to live in their home country if they were willing to be selfish like this.

Arriving into the room shortly after his thought process began, Ambassador Falxen walked up to the desk. "You...seriously are considering this?" the Ambassador asked incredulously at the papers on the desk of the Foreign Minister. "This would be tantamount to declaring that we have the right to invade and occupy any regime we disagree with! Just because they are against us now doesn't mean that they will be our enemies later on. Are you still stuck on this idea after all these years past our school days, Baltus?"

"I...yes. I am considering it. As the Foreign Minister of Zellatia, I must work for the interests of the nations and I-"

"How does this count as working for OUR interests? Are we to create a vassal state that we "allow" to be annexed into us after a rigged vote?"

"What!? No, I meant that them being- I mean" Baltus said, increasingly nervous in his logic.

"Since when did you allow yourself to be unchallenged as the decision maker of Foreign Policy. Look what happened here! Instead of getting the Emperor to open up a dialogue with the New Hayesalians, you bloody practically declared war on them and sent back our relations to the damned First Civil War! I have to lose years of connections to preserve our interests in the region, do you understand what you've directed? We both hated Bolt, but we didn't want him at war with us like he's always wanted an excuse to be. And whose idea was it to give Admiral Ackers Diplomatic Autonomy?"

"A-ambassador, I-"

"No calling me "Ambassador" anymore, Baltus. You've seen to it that I am no longer welcome in the country I am supposed to be speaking with on our nation's behalf. You will not consider the damned Annulment of Authority, nor will you be doing anything violent towards the Cathedralites. They are SCARED and they are looking for a way out. Instead of, I don't know, appointing a damned temporary consul to the area and having a level-headed person at the helm, you had "Screaming Bloody Murder" Ackers! She entered the Admiralty before there even WAS a required diplomacy course, and you thought she could work without a diplomatic second aboard her vessel effectively?"

Baltus was silent for a moment, grabbing the Annulment paperwork and feeding it into the shredder. "I'm retiring after this, Ambrose. I can't fill my father's shoes. He was a coward and I have failed this nation more than he ever had. I don't think I am effective in my position any longer if I thought that..."

The pause hung in the air for a moment before Ambrose Falxen reached across the desk and pulled his friend into a hug, "There there, you always were a little pansy like your father when confronted. You aren't a good fit to lead the Foreign Ministry. You always whined about how you wish your father hadn't talked the Emperor into giving you the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs position. You were always better as a Domestic Field sort. I'm sure the Emperor will approve of you temporarily retiring. AFTER this crisis. Okay?" he said.

"Right" Baltus grunted, pulling out of the hug and collapsing. "Your husband is a lucky man, by the way"

"Oh shut up Baltus" Ambassador Falxen said, laughing a little as he left the room, "We aren't going to have that discussion again now of all time. Make sure that things work out, okay? I need my sleep before I pass out on the waiting couch out here" he said, leaving the room.

Sitting in silence alone for a few excruciatingly quiet minutes, he began to write up a response to the Official Communique of the Anglican Republic.

Official Communication with the Anglican Republic of the Cathedral

The Democratic Empire of Zellatia appreciates the time that the Anglican Republic took to decide where they sit. However, it is the Emperor's feeling that this is a stupid, selfish, and short-term decision, and asks that the government rethink its decision. Given that it is sitting in the lap of illegality, condemning itself to self-professing its sins, the Democratic Empire of Zellatia will respect its request to withdraw from the Cathedral's southern borders for resupply. However, note that in doing so, the Cathedral is hereforth blockaded and shall not be receiving any shipments excepting those necessary for food, water, and necessary consumables, such as medicine. Should the government of the Cathedral decide to recant its sins and get back into its God's mercy, we ask that it send an official diplomatic overture to Admiral Ackers, pleading full support for the removal of the illegal occupation of the Greater Prussian Natural Reserve. Should instead the government of Cathedral deign to order its military to fire on any Zellatians or support New Hayesalia militarily, the Zellatian military will react accordingly.

We ask the leadership of the Anglican Republic of The Cathedral to think on its sins: Gluttony for more land, Lust for influence, Pride in its institutions of failed forethought, Sloth in its inaction against injustice, Envy of what they should not have, and Greed towards monetary benefits offered by usurers outside its borders and not succumb to Wroth as well.

Your nation has urged restraint. We wish you had practiced what you preached before asking us to follow your example.

Yours in all things Holy.
The Office of the Foreign Ministry of Zellatia and the Palacial Office of Zellatia

Thelakans 439 CE - Great Ancestor Zell once said that to align onceself with an evil act is to become what you ally with. Take this to heart and remember that evil actions do not change its colors just because it aligns with your interests at the time.

Walking out as soon as he sent it to the Emperor for review, the Foreign Minister walked out into the waiting room, to see that Ambassador Falxen had passed out indeed just outside and was slumped over two chairs. Chuckling a little, he remembered college for a moment before turning around and heading into his office. He certainly hoped that he hadn't gone too far, but noting his past ideas...well, this wasn't as bad as what he'd originally thought he'd do.

SPACE

Despite what the New Hayesaliand were attempting to do, it was going to be very difficult to shoot the Eye of Arche out of the sky, so to speak. The person piloting it on the ground had real time imagery from other satellites, as well as access to knowledge of any launches over suspected areas where the satellite might be shot down from. While the Eye was by no means fast, it was able to move more gracefully than most of the satellites it's size. As such, at the knowledge of the launch a full two minutes after hearing about it, the team on the ground scrambled to figure out how to avoid the fate that seemed to be asked of it. Based on the understanding of New Hayesalian missile capacities, it didn't seem that it was remotely likely that they would risk what they were risking, yet here it was. Sighting what was nearby, it took twenty seconds for the pilot of the Eye to realize what it could do. Circling around a few pieces of space junk, the Eye hid from the Fist the only place it could.

One of New Hayesalia's satellites. It was close enough after its deactivation to make it in time.

If the Fists hit the Eye then it would also destroy the New Hayesalian satellite and potentially kill far more than the few satellites that were temporarily disabled. What the people on the ground seemed to fail to realize, as well, was that the program that had disconnected the satellites from the New Hayesalin feeds was a temporary virus. It would stay for a few days at most and then self-terminate, giving the system back over to where it was supposed to be. Either way, however, as the four missiles streaked into the area where they were aimed, it became clear that the New Hayesalians had...also forgotten about one of the issues of space.

Space junk was everywhere. Two of the Fists hit substantive pockets of space junk and but kept going, before it could get to the area where the Eye had been before. They were slowed significantly and their forward thrust weakened, but they kept going. While it had tracked tracked the Zellatian satellite to its approximate position, it had barely made it out of the way before the Fists had landed. However, given the accuracy of the Fists, they eventually did find the Eye. Well, one of them did. The Fists caught the Zellatia and the New Hayesalian satellite in its punch, although despite rendering the Zellatian satellite completely non-functional and destroyed, the Fists managed to as well...

"Did the New Hayesalians just blow up their own satellite?!"

The Front Lines, Greater Prussian Military Reserve

Admiral Ackers blanched as she saw the radar showing off a whole mess of air units. So this is how the New Hayesalians were going to do it. They were going to overwhelm the Zellatians with everything that they had and make it so that they surrendered quietly. Well...that wasn't about to happen. As the Transports/Military Fleet of the Tigarian Foreign Legion began to operate as ordered, blockading the eastern side of the Cathedral, on top of any sorts of places that they could stop things from coming in and out, the Zellatians on the ground hunkered down. Grabbing a telescope from her makeshift desk, she looked into the glass and nearly gasped. "No...NO! They're going to bomb us?" she yelled tossing down the telescope. "Keep the Anti-Air tech online, it'll be useless once they started bombing us with gas, but I think we can manage this anyhow" she yelled, as the whole Zellatian electronics went into manual mode, so to speak.

Communications would become much more difficult now, especially on the west end where she was, but at least it would be easier to deal with what was about to happen. DThey still had the flag system that could be used, temporarily, in case of EMP attack. Chances are, even with what the New Hayesalians were planning, there would be high casualties. The incident in the interior had been an accident. It did not seem like the Air Force of New Hayesalians gave a sh!t. Nervously fiddling with her Ancestral medallion, she waited for the inevitable. While due to the outage of the satellites the New Hayesalians had no real idea of the Zellatian positions, they would figure out, more or less, where to drop their sex bombs or whatever they were using. It didn't matter. They would not get the Zellatians to move.

They would not let the New Hayesalians pass.

Not this time.

by **Lamoni** » Tue Sep 29, 2015 2:45 am

Lamonian Embassy, Revnami, New Hayesalia

Having received an emergency request for satellite coverage of the Greater Prussian Natural Preserve from the New Hayesalian Government, the embassy had passed it up the chain to the Lamonian Government itself. Though located outside of Greater Prussia in the region of Greater Dienstad, the Free Republic did maintain diplomatic relations and interests with a small number of nations in Greater Prussia, and thus kept a finger on that region's pulse. Who knew but that it might pay off one day, after all?

Space Command, Nephi, Lamoni

Though the Kessler Syndrome caused by the Kingdom of Imbrinium's massive ASAT attack which had indiscriminately targeted any type of satellite that it could reach that belonged to anyone in the region of Greater Dienstad, there were still Lamonian satellites functioning outside of the region, and even a single Lamonian communications satellite in geosynchronous orbit above the region which had only survived the massed ASAT attack and subsequent Kessler by sheer, dumb luck.

The Imbrinium created Kessler Syndrome had been in place for at least two years now, but with clean-up efforts including laser brooms, unmanned space vehicles with nets, and other creative solutions, the effect of the Kessler was not nearly as great as it once was. Indeed, as bad as the Kessler itself was, the attitude of the government which started it was worse. Even though they had struck down both civilian and military satellite networks, the Kingdom of Imbrinium had still not paid one single banknote of the damages that their deranged paranoia had caused every nation in the region. The only reason why the Kingdom of Imbrinium was not a glassed, smoking, radioactive ruin now was that the Protectorate of Lyras had decided that enough was enough, and put a muzzle on the rabid dog which the Kingdom had become of late.

With the approved request to provide New Hayesalia photographic satellite coverage of the Greater Prussian Natural Preserve in hand, Space Command directed three of their OS-13 Mirage Photo-recon satellites toward the area. The powerful Charge-Coupled Device cameras carried onboard the satellites gave them an image resolution approaching ten centimeters, while infra-red devices allowed the satellites to work even at night. Once the photo-recon satellites had taken their pictures, the images were transmitted via OS-78 Fortitude communications satellites to Space Command, who then sent one set of the images to the New Hayesalian Government, while interpreting the originals themselves. If something was going on involving New Hayesalia, then it would be best for the Free Republic to keep an eye on the situation, in case further measures were required.

by **New Hayesalia** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 4:44 am

NHAF ARGUS

"Splash." came the call from their colleagues at NHAF Gordonvale.

"Good effect on target." came the corresponding call from the crew manning the crisis desks at Argus. A few seconds later, satellite Mirage-77 went offline. Evidently, space debris from the effective destruction of the Zellatian sat had managed to rip into the Mirage satellite, one that would need to be replaced in coming months.

The Lamonians had been quickly called, and they had provided immediate support to their allies in the Greater Island Kingdom. Real time information was being provided again to all of the New Hayesalian commanders, a benefit of New Hayesalia's engagement with global partners.

The mission continued.

EAST OF A.O.

The Zellatian fleet had been caught on tape, readying to blockade either the are of operations or the Cathedral. That, as a simple matter of fact, was unacceptable. As such, the New Hayesalians were readying, sailing in between the Zellatian forces and the coast.

"All hands to battle stations." came the call over the ships of the 72nd CAG, calling all sailors to ready themselves at the highest position of readiness. The 72nd had gained approval to conduct a salvo of warning shots, cruise missiles to fly over the horizon to the Zellatian positions , exploding in the air approximately 5 kilometres to the 10-o'clock position of the Zellatian lead ship. This would be close enough to see, but far enough away as to prevent any form of damage. A total of 75 missiles- AGM-158 JASSM-ER models with a range of about 900 kilometres- would be fired into the warning shot area, as a message was sent to the Zellatian fleet informing them of the warning shots and ordering them to sail, full steam, out of the area at a bearing of 35 degrees.

Commodore Weltre waited for the message from the National Operations Command Centre to be sent to him, which he sent onwards to the belligerent ships to the north as missiles began flying from his set of three cruisers, lighting the sky in red and yellow.

Code: Select all: [SEC=RESTRICTED] >72 CAG >TO ZD DESTRONIA >ATTN: MINDEF-NH >> REPORT NEW HAYESALIAN NAVY 72ND CARRIER ACTION GROUP HAS ORDERED ZELLATIAN TF TO EXIT AREA OF OPERATIONS PRIOR AT 1935 HOURS. >> REPORT THAT DESTRONIA-LED TF HAS NOT EXITED AREA >> A WARNING SALVO HAS BEEN FIRED >> YOU ARE ORDERED TO IMMEDIATELY SAIL ON A BEARING OF 35 DEGREES AND EXIT AREA OF OPERATIONS >> FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN ESCALATION OF FORCE >> OUT this message remains the property of the new hayesalian government. inform the sender if you have received this message inadvertently. failure to comply is an offence under the Defence Act 2009.

THE BATTLEFRONT

As the gas began leaking out into the positions of Zellatian troops, the goal being to overwhelm their hormones and pherenome receptors to cause extreme levels of sexual arousal in the troops on the ground, the New Hayesalians continued to ready themselves. The Zellatian communication ability had been crippled, reduced to using semaphores to communicate, a technology about as good as morse code, particularly failing at night. With the heavy usage of runners needed for such a system and the inevitability of a number of Zellatian vehicles being broken down due to damage to batteries, the Zellatians in their sub-units would largely be on their own.

Global Hawk drones made their patrols at altitudes of over 50,000 feet, satellites of Lamoni and New Hayesalian origin supporting and a New Hayesalian AWACS battlespace management aircraft now operating to the south of the battlefield.

The second phase now began. The majority of Zellatian communications and defence equipment had been electronically ruined- literally destroyed via microwave overload. However, there was no specific way of knowing that Zellatian anti-air systems had been completely destroyed at this point, and they were truly a major threat. As such, the New Hayesalian Air Force had made the decision to eliminate all known position, with support from the Army.

In the rear line of the New Hayesalian defences sat New Hayesalian artillery forces, Bushmaster PMVs modified with M269 launcher modules and ATACMS were being readied. A total of 43 anti-air stations had been noted using ELINT, IMGINT and other forms of intelligence.

The boxes raised, the soldiers took shelter in the trucks and support vehicles. A barrage of 43 rockets spewed from the missile boxes in four locations, each individual rocket assigned to destroy each of the known anti-air stations. The 500 pound warheads would be more than enough to destroy the AA positions, and unfortunately, result in the deaths of their crews.

They had made the choice to stay, thought the soldiers.

by **Zellatia** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 8:35 am

EAST OF A.O.

The Vice-Admiral, Konrad Chevey, had been given a set of orders here. First was to not attack first. Especially considering what had already been put into the water as part of the blockade procedure. At this point, it was becoming clear that the New Hayesalians wanted blood more than anything. It had been the first time that the New Hayesalians had ever been ordered, at least their military, to kill allies, although given Bolt, it was unlikely that they were being considered such at this point. Licking his lips, he hoped he could appeal to them and avoid the bloodshed. At the very least, avoid the evil that was to come. If he did not, then it would be a problem. Mostly due to the fact of where they were sailing. They must've not looked very hard at the water, if they were driving their boats into the space between the Zellatians and the coast. Typical blockading procedure involved Microwave Mines, similar in use to the New Hayesalian weapon, but far more basic. Less accurate, to be sure, but no less harmful to the electronics aboard the typical vessel. It might be lightly effective, but not enough to hurt anyone. The response to the warning shots was shift on the Zellatian side: Pretty much nothing other than someone on deck shooting out a confetti flare in response, mostly to annoy the naval men on the New Hayesalian ships.

Code: Select all: [SEC=RESTRICTED] >TO 72 CAG >FROM ZD DESTRONIA >ATTN: NAVAL LEADERSHIP OF THE 72 CG >> REPORT NEW HAYESALIAN NAVY 72ND CARRIER ACTION GROUP HAS NOT LEFT POLICE ACTION AREA >> REPORT THAT NEW HAYESALIA HAS BROKEN SEVERAL ACCORDS THAT IT HAS WITH BOTH ZELLATIA AND GREATER PRUSSIA >> A WARNING SALVO HAS BEEN FIRED AT US >> YOU ARE ORDERED TO IMMEDIATELY SAIL ON A BEARING OF 35 DEGREES AND EXIT AREA OF OPERATIONS >> FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN ESCALATION OF FORCE AS WELL. >> PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE DO NOT WANT TO ESCALATE FORCE, BUT WILL HAVE LITTLE CHOICE IF YOU FIRE UPON OUR FLEET >> IF YOU ATTACK US, THERE WILL BE NO FEWER THAN 5,000 CASUALTIES AS A RESULT >> WE ALSO WARN YOU THAT THESE WATERS THAT YOU ARE USING ARE UNSAFE >> WE ASK THAT YOU SEEK OUT YOUR HUMANITY AND DESIST FROM THIS ACTION >> WE ASK THAT YOU LEAVE THE AREA AND PURSUE TACTICS OF NON-VIOLENCE >> SHOULD YOU FAIL TO HEED OUR ADVICE, MAY THE ANCESTORS FORGIVE US BOTH >> REMEMBER FRURIA AND THE INSURRECTION >> REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE BETTER THAN THE FSP >> PLEASE >> OUT this message remains the property of the Democratic Empire of Zellatia. Inform the sender if you have received this message inadvertently. Failure to comply means you are kind of a jerk and we'll find you.

As a few of the smaller New Hayesalian support boats continued to act to flank the Zellatians,they neared the hidden mines. The color of the water and the local plant life, they looked more akin to floating kelp clumps than anything. Helped by the classified nature of the weaponry, it was unlikely any of them would be seen until it was too late. The Zellatians hadn't warned the New Hayesalians about them specifically for obvious reasons and they weren't about to fire on their allies easily, but their weapons were nonetheless as trained on the New Hayesalians as the New Hayesalians were on them.

Additionally, the Zellatian submarines had been "resting" on the bottom of the sea in the area for a while. Given how neatly they had laid themselves in the kelp forest below it was going to be difficult to get them on any sort of radar due to interference.

THE BATTLEFRONT

"Oh god, they are actually using the gas, aren't they?" laughed out of the soldiers, pulling on his gas mask as he approached the gas, a pneumatic circular tuba-looking weapon raised in front of him.

"Yeah, like we'd falter due to this...Seriously, this is their go to for everything" said another, chuckling as she approached without her mask.

"Why are you not wearing your mask, soldier?" demanded the captain of the unit, wearing his mask as it muffled his speech.

"I'm asexual sir, this stuff will have a limited effect on me to begin with" she added, sighing as she put on her mask, "but if you want, yeesh."

Frowning, although you couldn't really see it, the two male soldiers, as well as the rest of their company, turned on their motorized devices, without a single bit of electronics in them, as they sucked up all of the gas into these vacuumesque devices, holding position until all of the gas was as good as gone. This process repeated throughout the Zellatian lines, with little deviation due to the personnel on the ground. If they were going to attempt to bomb the Zellatians into non-existence, things were going to be much harder for them than they thought. After all, they knew the tactics that the New Hayesalians were bound to take. They couldn't be allowed to win here, nor could the Zellatians be allowed to lose. That was what they were telling themselves. Still, that didn't mean that it worked. The few who thought themselves immune to the gas soon found themselves under a good deal of pressure. Those who got their masks on knew what to do. Beating the ever living crud out of those affected, they were transported, unconscious, to the infirmary where they could get help. They were useless for now. In total, around 200 soldiers had to be remanded, and some areas of the rear defenses abandoned due to the fried devices. After the areas that had been cleaned up had been cleared, the decontaminants were added to the earth around the site of the attack.

As the 500 pound warheads hit each and every Anti-Air silo on the surface of the Reserve that they could find in the maps, men who had been selected to man them were readying themselves. Some hadn't realized that they were under attack yet due to the communications blackout. The warheads hit their targets. At the end of the barrage, 576 men were dead or horrifically wounded. Those that survived limped across the mountain range with other nearby survivors and found medical attention, but most would die due to the horrific burns or shrapnel wounds. The first fatal barrage had been fired.

by **New Hayesalia** » Sat Oct 03, 2015 3:21 am

NAVAL AO

"Fucking Zellatians," commented Commodore Weltre, reading the Zellatian message. "They're telling us to exit by going through them at 35 degrees. Do they think we're that fucking stupid? They're about three minutes away from a $100 million fireworks show. Fuck, they've even told us that they'll lose 5,000 sailors. They know that they won't survive."

"Sir," piped in a young officer on the Admiral's bridge. "Air Force command is confirming that 254 and 252 Squadron is scrambling for this mission out of NHAF Eukar Plains. They have 18 F-111E's and four CE-32 on the way for BDA and strike package. ETA 13 minutes."

In the dark bridge, the Commodore noted the officer's announcement. The Zellatians had threatened retaliation. All he could do is get approval from the highest ranks of the New Hayesalian Government for what was about to happen. With readings from the action group's Vortex minesweeper lead ships confirming the existence of Zellatian-placed mines, despite the murky depths of the water in the night obscuring their direct sight, as had been shown by the persistent monitoring from space and air. Although the New Hayesalians had not yet detected them, knowledge about Zellatian naval organisation provided the 72nd with the knowledge that there could be submarines lurking, and the Vortexes were heavily using active sonar, in case the subs made a move.

"Full steam bearing 0-8-0 helm." the Commodore said to his staff, making the order for the 72nd to conduct a movement to the east. This took them away from the coast, though maintaining stand-off distance, while going around the known mined area. The results of the warning salvo were awaited. The results of the New Hayesalian show of force had not been sorted yet, with recon assets waiting for the explosions.

AO

"NOCC is confirming destruction of targets." reported the taskforce artillery commander, Lt. Colonel Nathan Boleisg, to the operational commander. "Global Hawk shows good effect on target."

This brought the operation into the next phase. At this point, the New Hayesalian operation was focused on weakening the Zellatian lines. The communications had been blasted, the anti-air annihilated. The next phase of the operation was a repeat of a prior, with the second wave of Mantis drones and B-33 launched Lokis in the final stages of preparation to the west. They would be equipped with two more Hormonal Modifier missiles, as well as four canisters filled each with thousands of leaflets, to be dropped over all known Zellatian positions.

The message was simple.

[OCC: Based on Iraq war message but change to Zellatian references and native language of foreign legion. Replace instructions on the card with dot points below it.]

The leflets were in the form of a three page brochure, with the third page containing full instructions for capitulation.

The back of the leaflet featured eight actions necessary to capitulate:
• Park vehicles in squares, no larger than battalion size.
• Stow artillery and air defense systems in travel configuration.
• Display white flags on vehicles.
• Do not carry portable missile launchers.
• Gather in groups, a minimum of one kilometer away from vehicles. The leaflets carried an illustration emphasizing this point.
• Lay down arms, except for officers, who may retain their sidearms.
• Do not approach New Hayesalian forces.
• Wait for and comply with further instructions.

The Mantises climbed again from Rozanian land, making their way to repeat the bombing run from before. More gas for the fighting positions along with thousands of leaflets. It was nearing 11 pm, and the outgunned Zellatians had not yet budged. As drones took off from Rozania, transports landed, members of the Ready Response Group and Commandos, their vehicles coming too. Special forces were beginning to arrive also, with a number of BASTION soldiers beginning to arrive near the battlefront. The Zellatians were being suffocated as the New Hayesalians grew stronger.

Vacancy (OPEN, ATTN GP)

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