War of Three Fates (MT, Open)

[Akhurea]

Part One: "Come and take them"

Obligatory theme music

The great Akhurean empire had sat upon its lush regional throne of the Akhurean river valley, which had sprouted a city that would forge this very empire, for thousands of years. Throughout ancient and medieval times, the empire was faced with innumerable threats, and all were either stopped or conquered. However, Akhurea faced decline throughout the 1300s through the gunpowder age. Territories were lost in bloody wars, and the empire barely survived a massive Islamic Jihad. This Jihad had sewn the seeds of one of the largest divisions in the empire. Religiously, there is (barely) a majority of people who follow the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism, and the rest of the nation is largely Islamic. Such tensions have risen that people tended not to look at a secular approach, and rather chose sides and cursed their supposed enemies. Riots, brawls, lynchings, and various incidents have broken out across the empire, and things are reaching a boiling point. Political analysts say there is no possibility of peace in the region, and battle lines are already taking shape.

Based in the central regions of the empire (including the Akhurean river valley) is the imperial regime, which had long presided over the region, and was filled with what they believe to be righteous fury against the Muslims. The imperials have access to the most advanced technology of any of the groups, and have prestigious officer schools. They are also the center of the region's wealth. They rally under the flag of the empire, and seek to re-unite the lands under the Pheron and in the grace of Ahura Mazda. They mainly use Akhurean-designed equipment.

Based in the south-western regions (and to a smaller extent, in the north-east) of the empire is ISIA, the Islamic State in Akhurea. They have rallied a large amount of weapons and fighters for their great Jihad against the 'corrupt and heathen' Zoroastrian government and the 'anti-theist' ANUF. They aren't remarkably organized, equipped, or trained, but have a large amount of fighters and have a knack for stealing government property. They use anything and everything they can.

Based in the east and south-east is ANUF, the Akhurean National Unity Front. They are the most well-equipped, trained, and organized of any 'rebel' group in the empire, and many of them are ex-imperial soldiers and officers. They seek to unite the nation under a secular, socialist government and create a new 'greatness' for the nation. They have soldiers of many religions and affiliations, and do not discriminate against anyone but disloyal foreigners. They mainly use Soviet/Russian equipment, but also use a number of other foreign equipment as well as native Akhurean things.


As the citizens of Akhurea divided themselves, the three factions took control of their respective regions and battle lines began to be drawn...

Map: http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t40 ... g~original

[Akhurea]

A column of Imperial infantry stopped at an ISIA checkpoint, which blocked their path into northern ISIA territory. Fighting hadn't begun quite yet, so nobody started shooting- yet. Two squads got out of their respective transport trucks and walked toward the checkpoint, with the column's commander among their ranks. As they reached the checkpoint, the imperials readied their weapons for a possible engagement. The commander stepped in front of them all as they stood before the checkpoint. He held up a megaphone.

"Militia, lay down your weapons and return to your homes and families. By order of the Pheron, the third army is tasked with the restoration of order in these lands. If you resist, you will be dealt with swiftly and severely." He said.

He stowed the megaphone.

One of the militants stood forth and shouted, "Come and take them!"

The militants opened fire on the Imperial column, mowing down the first line of infantry and the commander.

The APCs in the column advanced out of convoy formation and began firing their chain guns at the checkpoint and offloading troops. It was then that several explosive charges were set off under the APCs, knocking them out of action. The rest of the column was either killed, captured, or missing in the following minutes.

It was then that it was clear: Civil war had begun in Akhurea. Shortly after the incident, several other incidents like it began occurring across the borders of the imperials and ISIA. The Imperial government formally declared war against the rebel group ISIA, with the ANUF following in suit. Officially, there were no major hostilities between the imperials and ANUF at the moment.

[Mizentia]

Islamists Surge in Akhurea
Imperial government struggles as separatist movement accelerates

Separatist paramilitary forces swearing allegiance to the ISIA, the Islamic State in Akhurea, opened fire on a convoy of government troops in the northern reaches of the country, confirming long-held fears of a civil war between the imperial government and rural provinces predominantly inhabited by Muslims. The news was followed by unconfirmed reports of an additional separatist movement based in the south-east of the country which may be comprised of defectors from the imperial military. The central government, an ancient monarchy heavily steeped in Zoroastrian tradition, has struggled to govern over its Muslim-majority holddings since the beginning of the modern era, but only recently has imperial authority waned to the point where the outlying provinces are asserting complete independence. Security analysts anticipate an extended conflict, and many wonder if the aged imperial system will have the energy to recapture territories that, historically, have been retained only by repressive force.

The Ministry of State has officially issued a travel warning for the empire, citing unstable conditions and reports of ethnic violence. A group of students from the University of Stratford was reportedly flown home in the early morning. No formal ban on travel has been imposed, but government officials advise caution in light of what is probably a deteriorating situation.

The office of the President released a short statement on the government website, extending sympathies to affected people and condemning the ISIA for employing violence as a political communication tool. An executive order to assign a special diplomatic representative to the situation was reportedly issued close to press time. Military officials confirmed no known links between the ISIA and the indigenous PLA, but identified it as a matter of "ongoing concern".

This is a free article. We bring these to you as a sample of our reporting here at the Post. To see even more in-depth articles, consider becoming a subscriber

[Western Caracoran]

WCN Ships move to the Isia bay area to
place diplomatic pressure in the region.
Deployed 3rd fleet in the Isia region were
placed on high alert, as Prime Minister Pettri
waits for delegates from the area to speak
on the pending conflict. No word of possible
boots on the ground yet.

[Akhurea]

Pheron Lekar I of Akhurea released a statement today, saying that "any foreign aid is welcomed and encouraged". Experts are currently debating whether or not the Imperial regime can actually hold its own in this crisis. While the government forces have access to more funding and technology than any rebel group in the nation, concerns are present about the loss of manpower to the Akhurean National Unity Front, or ANUF, based in the south-eastern regions of Akhurea. While the government and ANUF aren't technically in an armed conflict at the moment, it is believed that the ANUF strategy may be to wait until government and jihadist forces wear each-other down, then attack when their enemies are weakened. No ANUF officials could be reached for comment.

The Pheron urges Caracora to begin strikes against the "insane radicals" of ISIA in the north.

In other news, the Akhurean third army has reportedly been ordered to begin combat operations against ISIA's northern holdings after the recent attack on a military convoy by ISIA militants. General Vinesh Azani of the Akhurean army had this to say in an interview: "The Islamists have finally crossed the line and thrown away the idea of co-existence. If it is a war they want, it is a war they will get. There is no alternative."

The Akhurean Third Army has reportedly already begun movements into ISIA territory.

[Western Caracoran]

__________

WESTERN CARACORAN PRIME MINISTER PETTRI CHEV LAUNCHES COUNTER
OFFENSIVE

The Prime Minister today gained enough votes to send troops to the Akhurea region.
A division of 8,000 caracoran armed forces were deployed in the now secured Isia bay.
The Prime Minister spoke about training the Akhurea to better defend them selfs against
the extremists.

[The Central Shadow Nation]

SNS Argent Dawn,south of ANUF battlefront


"Soldiers of Shadownia! You have been brought here to fight. We shall tear down the armies stopping our socialist comrades! Be honored that you are fighting here! Nunc pugnare Aut hodie! Prepare to meet with the ANUF soldiers!" The admiral called from the main deck. 160 soldiers stood on the cramped deck of the supercarrier Argent Dawn. Aside the giant,lied two destroyers,both advanced Krawdez class carriers. "Docking begins now. You are the first to set shore. Although for now you are in your low hundreds,allies shall arrive. Bring our regards to the shores. Atease,Shadownia!" Admiral Darrien Galien looked over the sea and to the land about two miles ahead. Their 200 soldiers were members of the Shadownian Marine corps. They had many tactics ranging from Urban Combat to Guerilla Warfare.

The inbound reinforcements totaled of 6,250 soldiers when combined with the current marines. The Shadownians sent from the ships carried thousands of dollars of weaponry fresh from Shadownian manufactures,from firearms to the Asher tanks. These soldiers were to stick with ANUF through peace and through their first conflict.

[Western Caracoran]

__________

WESTERCARACORAN CONDEMNS THE SHADOW NATION FOR THEIR UNREASONABLE ASSAULT!

Prime Minister Chev speaks out against ally Shadow Nation saying their, "D-day wanna be", assault is uncalled for. The Prime Minister continues to say that the Caracorish armed forces are leading the charge and to stand down and wait for coordinated operations to avoid friendly fire. With that being said Western Caracoran fleet fires missiles into ISIA locations at the request of ANUF,

__________

[The Central Shadow Nation]

_____(Image)_____

WESTERCARACORAN CONDEMNS THE SHADOW NATION FOR THEIR UNREASONABLE ASSAULT!

Prime Minister Chev speaks out against ally Shadow Nation saying their, "D-day wanna be", assault is uncalled for. The Prime Minister continues to say that the Caracorish armed forces are leading the charge and to stand down and wait for coordinated operations to avoid friendly fire. With that being said Western Caracoran fleet fires missiles into ISIA locations at the request of ANUF,

_____(Image)_____

Caracoran confused?
"We haven't fired a single round on shore and our troopers our carrying supplies. We do that because combat at this point would break into a conflict. We wish to remain in peace across the front,"The message read. 3,000 soldiers were on standby back in Shadownia if they were going to be sent. The Two destroyers by The Argent Dawn both retransmitted the message as they would take care of minor tasks needed by radio.

[Western Caracoran]

__________

[The Central Shadow Nation]

_____(Image)_____

"Oh,son of a bitch..."The Admiral sighed. He eyed down the radar. Blocking off their fleet with no warning. "Land ships,return to the Dawn,we have a problem. Apparently,Caracoran seeks to blockade the nation from our SUPPORT..."He said. The lead of ground operations,Field Lieutenant Jax Milugelar gave a response through the radio. "Tell them to get a clue..."the transmission ended and the landing ships were driving back to the Dawn. "Blockading the country is an involvement between us and the civil nations. Stand down!" The Dawn commanded.

[Western Caracoran]

"Get the Dawn on line one, the Prime Minister wishes to speak to the Shadow Admiral.", an intern rushes through offices. "Here ma'am" He hands the phone to Chev.

"This is Prime Minister Chev of the Caracoran Republic. What the hell are you doing! I am firing missiles and you are trying to send supplies on the beaches where ISIA forces are being bombarded! Are you out of your minds! I asked for coordination. My generals are asking for coordination! Hold your supplies or deploy in the very south, or the best option STAND DOWN!"

[The Central Shadow Nation]

"Get the Dawn on line one, the Prime Minister wishes to speak to the Shadow Admiral.", an intern rushes through offices. "Here ma'am" He hands the phone to Chev.

"This is Prime Minister Chev of the Caracoran Republic. What the hell are you doing! I am firing missiles and you are trying to send supplies on the beaches where ISIA forces are being bombarded! Are you out of your minds! I asked for coordination. My generals are asking for coordination! Hold your supplies or deploy in the very south, or the best option STAND DOWN!"

"We have our troops in heading back...And on your part,your taking a step in action! Your blockading fleet is an action! Realize that...You don't need to worry about my soldiers either..."The admiral held the device close. "I'm giving the command to my destroyers to stand down aswell..."He hung up and instead called the Bat and the Emydion,ordering them too move closer to the Dawn.

[Western Caracoran]

"Admiral watch those ships, if they start moving fire on them, we are not working with the Shadow Nation. Keep the blockade running until you see their allies or more ships." Prime Minister Chev said to Admiral Brotovik. "Our constitution prevents us from foreign treaty and negotiations, if they fire upon you, fire back with extreme prejudice."

__________

[The Republic Of Esmeralda]

Onboard the ARE Revolución, the flagship of the Esmeraldian Foreign Fleet

"Admiral, we are nearing the combat zone. According to our resources, we believe that there are already two other nations in the area that support the ANUF, shall we send them a message?" A sailor asks Admiral Valencio, who nods, indicating that a message shall be sent. "Tell them that the Esmeraldian forces are nearing their area, and that we will be launching missiles at the ISIA controlled coast-line in order to destroy any defenses before we can make a landing." The sailor nods, and runs back down the deck, to send the message to West Caracoran and Shadow.

[Western Caracoran]

"Admiral Brotovik, the Republic of Esmerelda is on their way, they are requesting to launch missiles to cover their landing." An officer said onboard WCNS Viktor.
"Tell them to make their way through our blockade. Do not allow SN to make it through. Escort them to the landing area we already secured and tell their fleet to join the blockade to prevent SN forces from making land. Let's hope these guys can coordinate."

[The Republic Of Esmeralda]

Onboard the ARE Revolución, the flagship of the Esmeraldian Foreign Fleet

"Admiral, we have received word from West Caracoran that we may pass through their blockade to the landing area they have secured and to not let any SN ships through. Shall we proceed with this course?" The sailor asks, having returned from sending the message, kneeling on one knee. "Pass the message to the rest of the fleet, we will begin landing, but tell the ARE Onda, Serpiente, Marea, and Dominaçao to join the blockade." The Admiral replies, and the sailor leaves, heading back to send the message across the fleet.

[Western Caracoran]

UPDATED MAP

__________

[Western Caracoran]

__________

DEBATE IN CHEVGRAD ON SN AND WC RELATIONS TURNS INTO HATE FEST

Politicians claim that the endangerment of soldiers and lack of international communication shows Central Shadow Nation as a threat to the security to the operations of the 3rd fleet. Pettri Chev promises military action against SN, if they attempt to further involve themselves in the region.

[The Republic Of Esmeralda]

Esmeraldian Outpost In Akhurean Coast

The Esmeraldian forces were quick to set up a base of operations after landing in Akhurea, and would be their first step into helping unify the country under a ANUF-controlled government. The Esmeraldian generals and admirals stood around a map of Akhurea, deciding on their next move. "Perhaps we can split our forces into two groups: the first group would head east, pushing back the ISIA's soldiers until they are forced to flee into Imperial territory, while the second group heads west. But they would also have to eventually circle around the ISIA's fleeing soldiers so that they are unable to escape into Lokikha, and will be pushed east to where the first group would be, which would gain a significant amount of territory for the ANUF." Admiral Valencio suggested, which was met with various nods from the other men and women. "I agree with Valencio's strategy, and if our allies succeed as well, we can then invade from the east while they invade from the west, which will make for a quick victory for the ANUF if we can capture the Akhurean capital." General Arellano agrees, her long and elegant fingers moving around the map as she describes what the strategy can possibly do. "I think before we do that, we must make sure that the nearby villages and towns are free from ISIA, and if not, we should drive them off before liberating the rest of the region." Admiral Valencio declared, and everyone began to move out of the makeshift meeting area, to prepare for the beginning of the operation.

[The Central Shadow Nation]

"Hypocrites!"The CSN Admiral said. "Officer,forward to Shadownian. We will need the reinforcements via aircraft soon. The nation doesn't know what it's doing,and we're going to pass eventually. For now we're standing down,pinned out from the bay. We're prevented from access through their blockade...End transmission to the CSN." The Admiral looked out to the side of the Dawn.

"They can send 8,000 soldiers and we can't send any...Members of the Dawn and our two sister Destroyers,prepare for combat if needed. The blockade is posing a serious threat. We may lack ships,but the ninety five aircraft on board will be there to take care of it...And destroyers,you have permission to fire your x4 torpedo tubes and upon doing so must jam their radars. Pilots on the Dawn,prepare your fighters. But that will only be used if they fire. Send our three M-2 Pirates to drop of 70 of our men and carry each a tank."

[Glaukos]

In her office, Nadezhda Skylar followed the events closely on international news. The imperialists were on the warpath indeed, while life in Glaukos continued toward the socialist paradise. Everything was on the up, the command economy was able to apply to all even through the recent Oilwell War. Yet if this were to spill over, there would be no doubt that war communism would have to be implemented on the country. A conflict of that size was worrisome. Therefore, Dallon Vincent was called up, he was a paramilitary death machine hand picked by Nadezhda herself.

As he entered he saluted her, and then spoke, "Comrade Skylar."

"Comrade Dallon, the situation abroad has spiraled out of control and I want you to put together a squad to monitor the situation from the ground. We'll be under the flag of neutrality yet if you receive fire do not hesitate to return it. I fear it is a matter of time before this chaos reaches our own borders, it is what the imperialist reactionaries want."

"Understood Nadezhda, I'll be in contact in the coming days."

"Good."

Dallon left, and scraped a team together consisting of veterans from the Oilwell war. He wanted troops still hardened from the vicious street fighting with the nationalists just in case things got hectic. One in his ten person squad was Nicole Ferrel, a commissar sent by Nadezhda to monitor the progress of the team.

[Akhurea]

This morning, ISIA jihadists launched an offensive against the Akhurean government's holdings in the southern-central regions of Akhurea, the historic Akhurean River Valley. So far, it has been reported that ISIA forces have reached the Feruz River, the westernmost river in the valley. ISIA forces have reportedly stalled at the river, under heavy shelling from government forces.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Marshal Nevihrek Fahadi stood in his command tent, a few kilometers behind the south-western frontline, along the Feruz River. He stood at a table, which was covered with a map of the area. ISIA troops were marked with red blocks, and Imperial troops were marked with blue blocks. Each block had a symbol inscribed on it, designating it was whatever kind of unit it was.

Fahadi's comm officer approached him. "Marshal Fahadi," the comm officer said, "We can confirm that we have stalled Jihadist forces along the river."

"What of the northern pass?" the marshal replied.

"Jihadist forces haven't reached it yet. I've been told that the 8th is entrenching themselves in the area."

"Good. Tell the reserves to send us the BTRs. We are going to need to cross this river to push the Islamist forces back."

"Yes, sir."

"Oh, and don't forget to request some bridging units. We'll need to get our armor across to have any real success."

"Of course, sir."

With that, the comm officer went back to the radio station and began relaying the marshal's orders. Fahadi looked back at the map afterward. "I pray we have not under-estimated them..." he muttered to himself.

[The Central Shadow Nation]

SHADOWNIA SENDS TRANSMISSION TO WC

"We may lack in our ships but I'll take pride in blowing one of your ships out of the water. You are allowing the other nation to pass and assault the bay and you have ordered 8,000 soldiers into the bay! We are ready for conflict. We do not stand alone,we are a nation. We have nearly a hundred aircraft ready to take off and two of our most specialized destroyers aiming firearms at us. If you shoot at us,we will shoot at you. Allow us access,or risk your death. Deal?"

[Vaetoria]

THE SOVEREIGN IMPERIAL NATION OF VAETORIA
OFFICE OF IMPERIAL COHESION
"For the eternity of the Empire."

NEWS HEADLINE

The sovereign Emperor, Marcus Cassius Lucullus the III, graces the Vaetorian people with his words on the conflict in the Akhurean Empire.

Brothers and sisters of Vaetoria. As of today, you are the hands that bludgeon. The teeth that bite and tear. You are the beating heart of this nation, the vital organ that keeps Vaetoria alive! With your blood, you nourish us all! My father once said that the greatest weapon Vaetoria possesses is it's people. I never truly understood what he meant until today, but seeing you stand here before me, ready to fulfill the promise of our forefathers-- I finally understand. My brothers and sisters, you ARE Vaetoria!

An immediate pulse of cheer is emitted from the huge crowd of patriotic Vaetorian civilians, chanting "Long live Vaetoria!" after the Emperor pauses. The crowd quiets down so he may continue..

Change is inevitable. No one understands this better than the Vaetorians. We not only embrace change, we bent it to our will, mastered it, and now we must be ready to do it again! Our time has come at last!

Another boom of cheer is emitted from the large crowd of civilians, almost all whom which carry a large Vaetorian flag, waving it above their heads, the Emperor continues..

Blood was spilt, lives were lost, and for what? Peace? There is no peace without dialogue, and it seems that these heathens and belligerents do not understand the meaning of dialogue! We, the noble, the brave, the Vaetorian, will march on this nation; and settle this impotent waste of purpose to the clause of peace and prosperity!

The crowd explodes into a wave of cheers and patriotic cries, as Vaetorian soldiers march across the parade grounds in perfect unison as the anthem is orchestrated.